Disclaimer: I own no part of Avatar: The Last Airbender, nor make any money from it. This is merely a fanfiction.

Author's Note: Hello everyone! Here is part 1 of my two-part, mid-season finale, which sets the stage for the rest of the story. I hope everyone enjoys! Brace yourselves!

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Book Four:

Air

Chapter Ten:

The Team Returns – Part One: Revolution

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The world is at peace. The world is at balance. The war is finally over. All nations now cooperate for peace and the common good. The optimists among us see a time of peace and prosperity. Good times are ahead. The pessimists cannot see how things can return to normal. The realists know that it will be tough but are confident that the good times can return.

But peace does not come fully intact.

There will always be those in the shadows, looking to break the balance.

Those whose ideologies, though promising a future utopia, requires bloodshed to bring it about. Peace, through death.

And so, as the sun rises on the beginning of the end of the world, those waking up on this fateful day have no idea that things are about to change.

Forever.

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A caravan of Fire Nation soldiers, wheeling carts, marched in procession towards the Fire Nation's Royal Palace. The sun hung low as its morning rays creeped over the caldera. A slight chill caused many of them to wear slightly thicker armor. The Fire Nation was always warm, but even the crisp Autumn wind could bring temperatures below what the Fire Nation people typically enjoyed.

In the distance, an airship hovered in place. A soldier, dressed in Fire Nation armor, watched through a telescope.

"Are they moving into position?" came the impatient voice.

"They're reaching the destination now, sir."

The Dragon Golem sat on a throne aboard the airship, fingers impatiently drumming the arms of his chair. He stared at the soldier, hunger deep in his voice.

"Then it finally begins …"

The Dragon Golem stood and positioned himself in front of the window from the bridge of the airship, his cape flowing behind him.

The soldier gulped. "What are your orders, sir?"

"Standby. Let the blasting jelly and Qin do their work."

"And then, sir?"

"Then, I reveal myself to my people. My 'coming out party' as they say …"

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Fire Nation Palace – Early Morning

Qin moved stealthily through the Fire Nation's Prison Tower. His brow furrowed and a bead of sweat rolled down his face. He had to move quickly. His new master's soldiers would be in place soon.

The guards in the tower recognized him immediately. Offering bows of respect, they didn't stop him. After all, why would they? Qin was a high-ranking member within Fire Lord Zuko's Cabinet.

And so Qin briskly walked through the torch-lit dungeons, the glowing flames casting his shadow along the walls. There … finally. The cell he was looking for.

Turning a key provided oh-so-kindly by one of the guards after he told him that he needed to interrogate a specific prisoner, he felt the familiar click as the door unlocked. With a low creak, the door was pushed open.

And two pairs of eyes were staring at him in the darkness.

"A little early for feeding time, isn't it? Very well, I suppose I can force down the slop my brother so graciously offers me in the morning."

Qin bowed. "Princess Azula."

Azula was chained to the wall, a mask covering her face and mouth, special vents allowing for her to breathe. Her hair was disheveled and flowed down behind her back, and her face was covered in sweat and grime.

Yet she still managed to maintain her composure, her calm, regal demeanor as though she owned the Prison Tower and everyone in it.

The Princess stared Qin down. "War Minister. How nice of you to visit me in my fine accommodations. I suppose little Zuzu sent you here to check up on me? How nice of my big brother to think of me, as I rot here in my chains."

Qin shook his head. "I am not here on his behalf …"

"Oh? Because last I heard, you've been dangling from his arm like a basket of cherries. Taking his orders like a beast at the feet of its master. Ironic, since my Father made you War Minister. It's so good to see his loyalty rewarded …"

"Enough," Qin spat. "He is here."

The Princess rolled her eyes. "There are many 'he's' in the Fire Nation, you'll have to be more specific."

"Don't be obtuse. You know of whom I speak…"

"So the revolution has begun at last?"

"Yes. At last."

"I played my part already," Azula replied, sighing. "The little Airbender was only too happy to remove my bending. My Father's plan is working swimmingly. I've kept up my end of the plot. I sacrificed my bending for him already … what more does my Father require?"

Qin reached up and grabbed Azula's wrists, freeing her shackles. The Princess hastily gripped the back of her mask, ripping it off and tossing it aside. Her jaw clicked and her fingers twitched.

"You don't need your bending. You remember the role you played during the so-called invasion? During the Day of Black Sun." He led the Princess out the door. "We need you to do it again …"

"And what, pray tell, will you be doing, War Minister?"

"I will be attending to your brother …"

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Ba Sing Se Dungeons – Morning

Iroh sat in his cell with the Cabbage Man and Mr. Beifong. The Cabbage Man was getting cabin fever and was beginning to rock back and forth in a fetal position. "How long have we been here? Days? Weeks? Years? What about my cabbage fields? My babies need me!" Mr. Beifong smacked him across the face. "Thanks for that," the Cabbage Man said, rubbing his cheek.

Iroh, meanwhile, was sitting there, cross-legged, a confident smile on his face. "Do not worry my friends. We will be free soon."

"Have you got a plan?" Mr. Beifong asked. "Tell us."

"Just sit here," Iroh shrugged.

His companions stared at him deadpan.

"Patience," the old general smiled. "With patience, any wall can come down."

There was the click of a door … and Loi stood there, a grim look on his face. The Cabbage Man started yelling. "That's the guy that turned us in! I oughta … I oughta …" He curled his fingers. "I'll claw your eyes out!" Mr. Beifong had to hold him back.

Iroh stood up and stared Loi down. And then, to the other two's utter consternation, Iroh began laughing and hugged Loi.

Seeing the looks on his companion's faces, Iroh laughed harder, clapping Loi on the shoulder.

"Ya' wanna fill us in there, buddy?" the Cabbage Man asked.

"Loi worked for me the whole time," Iroh replied, his grin spreading. "I always heard the rumors … a higher power, inside of the Order of the White Lotus. Loi has confirmed the existence of the Court. I learned much from its leader while I played Pai Sho with her. And Loi is in their confidence. He knows their plans."

"That's why I'm releasing you now," Loi replied. His face became very grim. "Iroh … it's happening today. The Revolution is happening today!"

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Brother Truth sighed contentedly as he sat in an armchair in the Earth King's palace, a thick philosophical tome in his lap, and a cup of steaming tea in his fingers. He turned the page of his book, eyes scanning its contents behind his glasses. He took a sip of tea. The tea was a special blend. It was greatly relaxing and it was the same blend he used when making his predictions. It cleared his mind, allowing him to channel the cosmic mysteries of the universe. Setting the cup aside on an end table, Brother Truth felt a nice warmth overcoming him. He sighed, and before he knew it, he had closed his eyes …

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Explosions.

Fire.

War and bloodshed on a global scale …

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Brother Truth woke with a start. Sweat beaded down his face. This wasn't a just a dream.

It was a vision.

"Oh no …"

Tossing his book aside, Brother Truth jumped up from his seat and raced out the door.

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Fire Nation Capitol – Late Morning

"Why are there so many soldiers carrying carts into the capitol?"

Fire Lord Zuko watched from a window in the Royal Palace, confusion etched across his face. Behind him, Qin stood there, hands folded.

"Fireworks," Qin replied. He sighed. "It was supposed to be a surprise, but there is going to be a victory celebration here in the capitol. I planned it. Please don't tell anyone I told you!"

Zuko turned and looked out the window below. "A celebration? I could do with some relaxation …"

"Fire Lord Zuko!"

Zuko and Qin whirled around as Commander Jee appeared in the doorway, panting. "Sir – there's been an escape! Your father and sister have escaped!"

"What?! How?"

"Someone let them out, sir!"

Zuko's eyes were furrowed. "They can't bend … there's not much they can do. Are the checkpoints still in place?"

Jee nodded. "But sir, that's not even the biggest problem."

"What can possibly be a bigger problem than this?"

"Word has gotten out on the streets … before we even heard of it. Your father's supporters are massing crowds! There's a mob forming outside the Royal Palace … and the man leading them is demanding an audience with you! He's demanding you step down as Fire Lord, sir!"

His stomach sunk. He had a suspicious feeling who the leader was. "Gather my men," Zuko replied. "I'll meet with this … leader."

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Commander Jee was right. There was indeed a mob forming outside of the Royal Palace. Zuko, in armor and a cape, marched with Commander Jee, General Shinu and Qin, flanked by Imperial Firebenders.

The mob was made up of various people. Peasants, nobility, Fire Nation soldiers. They held up signs as they chanted, demanding Zuko abdicate the throne.

"The true Fire Lord must rise!" people were shouting. "Down with the usurper!"

Zuko listened to the chants and, hearing the people's words, wondered if somehow, someway, they knew about the true heir.

Did they know about Seizon? Did he reveal himself to them?

The leader of the mob was standing on a wooden stage that had been set up in the square. He wore rust-colored Fire Nation armor with a spiked mask covering his face, a cape billowing in the wind.

"The current Fire Lord is a usurper!" he yelled at the crowd, to thunderous applause. "He must step down and give the true Fire Lord his throne back!"

"All hail Fire Lord Ozai!" one protestor shouted.

The Dragon Golem held up a hand. "No! Ozai is no longer fit to rule this nation. Will you trust the defense of our people to a non-bender? To a man who gambled the entire war effort on a single battle with the Avatar? Ozai lost us the war!"

"Then who is the rightful Fire Lord, if not Zuko?" someone from the front of the crowd asked.

The Dragon Golem stood tall. "I am!"

Everyone muttered and whispered, clearly confused.

"There is a living heir," the Dragon Golem continued. "One that yet lives, whose existence has been hidden from you! Zuko is not the rightful heir to the Fire Nation throne!"

"Enough!"

Zuko, flanked by Qin and Jee, ascended the steps of the stage. He was met with boos and hisses from the crowd.

The Dragon Golem was pleased. "Ah, so the illustrious 'Fire Lord' has decided to grace us with his presence after all …"

Zuko pointed a finger at the armored man. "You will clear the streets. You will round up your gang of thugs and you will leave the capitol!"

The Dragon Golem turned to the crowd. "Do you hear that? Your leader wants your voices silenced! He doesn't want to allow you to protest his anti-Fire Nation policies! His mind has been warped by his alliance with the Avatar. He doesn't speak for any of you! He doesn't fight for the Fire Nation! And now he wants to stifle your voices!"

"That's a lie!" Zuko replied. "Unlike my father, I allow peaceful protests." He pointed his finger at the Dragon Golem. "But this man is a terrorist!"

The Dragon Golem snickered. "So those that question the current Fire Lord are now terrorists?"

"Don't twist my words," Zuko hissed. "I received a letter from the Avatar! You're planning to attack the Fire Nation!"

"Why would I attack my own people?"

Zuko got up close to him. "I know who you are," he whispered. "I heard the truth from Father's own lips. If you would have come here peacefully, perhaps I would have given you your throne … but your actions at the Western Air Temple in attacking the Avatar have proven you're not worthy." Zuko turned and began walking off the stage.

"You have one hour to leave," he called over his shoulder. "The Avatar is on his way here now. If you are not gone, he will remove you!"

The Dragon Golem snickered. "The Fire Lord leaves with a threat of force, like a true coward! Hiding behind the Avatar! A man with no honor!"

Zuko stopped, his back to his antagonist. He slowly turned. "A parlay. You will meet me in the War Room in one hour. My men will escort you. Then we can discuss everything – in private."

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"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Jee asked as they marched towards the War Room as the hour neared its end. Zuko placed his hand on his shoulder.

"Jee, you learned to trust me during that storm, when we were chasing the Avatar. I'm asking you – have that same faith." Zuko turned and began to enter the War Room. "I am not to be disturbed."

"But sir – he's dangerous!"

"In case you've forgotten, Jee – so am I."

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Zuko entered the War Room alone. He called out. "Seizon! Are you here!"

Silence.

I should've known he wouldn't show his face, Zuko thought. He turned to leave.

"Oh, I'm here brother. Not the person you were expecting, but I'm here …"

Zuko whirled around to find Azula, dressed in her typical Fire Nation armor, sitting in the Fire Lord's seat. Her face had been washed, her makeup redone, and her hair pulled back up into her signature bun with two bangs.

"Azula!"

"Hello, Zuzu. How I've missed our family chats."

"Enough of this! I know you and Father are working with Seizon! I don't know how or why, but I'm putting a stop to this right now!"

Azula leaped off the Fire Lord's platform and leaned casually against a pillar. "You're speaking in riddles brother. Who is Seizon and why should I know who he is?"

"Stop playing games, Azula! Father must've told you all about him!"

"No … I don't know anything about a Seizon." She looked up at him. "All I know is, Father has a plan and new allies … your reign will be short-lived!"

"I will stop you! The Avatar and I – together! We did it before, we'll do it again!"

"Oh, Zuzu – don't you know? It doesn't really matter who sits on the throne. No matter who reigns, Father will be the one pulling the strings. No matter who the Fire Lord is, the Fire Nation has won the war …"

"You keep saying that! What are you talking about?"

Azula laughed. "You'll see soon enough," she replied in a sing-song voice.

"Enough. I'm taking you in."

"If you can."

"You don't have your bending anymore," Zuko replied. "It's over."

"As if I ever needed my bending to take you down, Zuzu …" She sighed, before flinging her arm at Zuko. A blade flew at his head. Twisting his body, the blade sailed right past his face, centimeters from skewering his eyes.

Cursing, he turned to see his sister, laughing, taking off through the War Room to a secret passage. He gave chase.

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"What is the meaning of this?" The Earth King struggled to keep his hat in place as he was dragged down a hall by Brother Truth. Bosco the bear pranced behind them.

"Sir, your very life is in danger! We have to get you out of here!"

Keui shook his head. "I don't get -."

"I have had a vision," Brother Truth answered. "This morning. There will be a simultaneous attack on your grace … and on the Fire Nation. I have to get you out of here."

"Shouldn't you inform the guards?"

Brother Truth shook his head sadly. "No. They cannot be trusted. In my vision, I saw them. Their ranks have been infiltrated. Just like during the coup during the spring."

Keui wrenched his wrist out of Brother Truth's grip. "With all due respect, I need more substantial proof than a dream!"

Brother Truth turned and looked at the Earth King. "You appointed me as your Secretariat. You selected me because of the accuracy of my visions. I have never been wrong. Do you no longer have faith in me?"

Keui lowered his head apologetically. "Of course I do."

Brother Truth placed his hand on Keui's shoulder. "Then have faith in me now. Please. For the sake of your nation … of all nations! Please. If I am wrong, you can fire me. But for now, please trust in me."

The Earth King sighed. "Very well. Lead on."

They raced down the hallway …

… their path was blocked. Dozens of Earth Kingdom soldiers stood there, blocking them. Keui was suspicious. "Where are the generals?"

The guards parted the way, and a familiar face appeared. "Hello, Your Highness." Long Feng grinned. "How I've missed you."

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"Come and get me, Zuzu!"

The chase had led them to the underground tunnels … the same ones Azula had led Team Avatar down during the invasion back in the summer.

"Give it up Azula! You can't possibly win!" He punched a jet of fire at his sister.

Azula darted out of its way. She leaped towards a wall, kicked off it, and landed on the rafters above. "Your aim is abysmal as ever, Zuzu!" She flung her wrist and another blade spun towards Zuko. The Fire Lord ducked, punching more fire at the ceiling.

Azula laughed as she ducked under his blast. "You're getting reckless, Brother! Perhaps you should step down as Fire Lord! Your emotions certainly haven't become clearer. Perhaps that's why you still can't generate lightning!" A blast from Zuko brought a pile of rubble down, missing her by inches.

She laughed. "You haven't learned a thing from being Fire Lord," she mocked as he advanced. "You still always fall for my tricks!"

"No more," Zuko replied. "I was a fool to think you could ever be rehabilitated. You think Mom thought of you as a 'monster?' Perhaps she was right!"

There was a subtle twinge in Azula's jaw, before she regained her composure. Zuko was now inches from her, yet she didn't back down. "That may be true, Big Brother. But I wasn't the only one she walked out on. She abandoned you as well! Face it, Zuzu – neither one of our parents wanted you. At least I had Father's love. You didn't get either!"

Zuko reached out and grabbed her by the front of her armor. "I'm ending this now!"

Azula's eyes gleamed. "Then do it! End me and prove that you're worthy of the title 'Fire Lord.'"

Zuko raised a hand, and Azula's manic grin grew wider.

And then there was nothing.

Zuko lowered his arm. "No. Not like this."

"I knew you didn't have it in you," Azula mocked. "That's why I let you capture me just now. Because I knew you wouldn't have the strength to do what needs to be done! You'll just let me live and I'll go on to break out again, hurt someone else. Let's face it Zuko, we both know that you don't have the strength to be a leader …"

Zuko stared deep into her cruel, gold eyes. "No. True strength is showing mercy to one who doesn't deserve it. Just like Aang did with Father." He released Azula, and she staggered back. "Aang showed true strength by sparing Father. I choose to follow his example. I'm taking you in alive."

"I knew you would say that." With a sudden flick, a blade appeared in Azula's wrist and she slashed Zuko across his chest. Wincing in pain, he looked up to see Azula already sprinting down the underground corridor.

She's heading for the bunker, Zuko realized. She thinks she can barricade herself in there.

At the end of the corridor was the bunker – the very same one Ozai hid himself in during the Day of Black Sun. This was where Zuko's ultimate decision – to help the Avatar – was solidified.

Azula tore into the bunker, Zuko on her heels. He released a jet of fire, which she gracefully ducked under.

The two circled each other in the bunker. Zuko noticed various weapons, barrels and crates had been stored here. Various wiring and ropes were attached to the barrels. Has she been planning this all along, he thought. Stockpiling weapons?

Azula reached behind her, grabbing a spear. With a snarl, she thrust it at Zuko. The Fire Lord sidestepped her attack and punched upward, snapping the spear neatly in half with Firebending.

Desperation growing, Azula grabbing several throwing knives. "I'll skewer you alive," she snarled, throwing one after another at her brother. Zuko dodged one, then another, then another. The final one was only a centimeter from his face, barely missing skewering his cheek. If anything, he thought, her aim has improved.

They continued to circle, Zuko pressing his advantage. "Azula – this has gone far enough! Stand down!"

"Never!"

Zuko punched forward. More flames issued out. Azula dove out of the way and they continued to circle.

And Azula was grinning.

"What could you possibly be smiling about?" an incredulous Zuko asked.

"At how utterly foolish you are," she gloated. "It is as I thought – you still haven't learned anything in your time as Fire Lord. Once again, you've done everything I've wanted you to."

"Stop with this crazy talk! You're finished! You can't bend! You can't even stand up to me anymore!"

Azula raised a knowing finger. "You're right. I can no longer bend. But you can!" She gestured around them with her hand. "Take a look, numnuts."

Zuko warily eyed his surroundings. The crates … the barrels. The ropes and wires – fuses he realized – were lit. He had inadvertently lit them in an attempt to bring his sister down.

Azula continued to gloat. "What do you think are in those crates and barrels, Zuzu? Fireflakes? I'll give you a hint – they make a nice boom sound."

Zuko's eyes widened. "Blasting jelly!"

"Wow, I'm shocked you worked it out!" A sinister sneer played on her lips. "And the bunker isn't the only place rigged to blow. Our men have placed tons of barrels and crates full of blasting jelly throughout the entire palace. And soon, the entire palace will be blown into thousands of little bits. But sadly, I won't be around to see the fireworks! I've got places to be!" She bowed low. "It's been nice knowing you, Brother."

And before Zuko could react, a figure in black with a red mask appeared behind him.

THUNK!

The Red Oni delivered a swift blow to the back of Zuko's head with the butt of his sword. Zuko's eyes rolled back into his head, and he collapsed to the floor in a heap.

Azula admired the Red Oni's handiwork. "Good work! If I had my way, I'd kill him now. But I suppose Father preferred it this way. Come!"

She turned and walked out, the Red Oni following in her wake. The door to the bunker slid shut behind them.

And Zuko lay there on his stomach, surrounded by crates and barrels full of blasting jelly, their fuses lit by he himself.

Only a few minutes away from blow-time.

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Ba Sing Se – Palace Dungeons

"Here's a cushy prison cell for you, Your High Holiness!"

Brother Truth remained silent as he was aggressively shoved into a prison cell.

And not just any prison cell. One that was overlaid with wood. No Earthbender could break free.

Inside, lamenting their failures, were the Earth Kingdom Generals. The Council of Five. They sat there silently, heads bowed.

Brother Truth looked around him. General How had returned from his trip to the Southern Water Tribe after visiting with Chief Arnook. He had feasted in extravagance with the Water Tribes. Now, in his home, he was put in a cage like a dog. He grunted as the High Prophet was tossed into the cell. "The Earth King's new Secretariat. I knew it was a matter of time 'till they got you."

General Sung looked up. "I thought you were supposed to be able to foretell the future?"

"I did receive the gift of foresight," Brother Truth replied, sitting down cross-legged. "But by the time the visions reached me, it was already too late."

General How stood up and was pacing. "We were ambushed. Just like the Fire Nation's coup." He clenched his fist. "How stupid could we have been?! We trained new Dai Li – and they turned on us, capturing us again!"

Brother Truth nodded. "The former Secretariat is behind this."

"He couldn't have done this alone," General How remarked. "He had to have had somebody on the inside!"

"Indeed he did," came a voice. The group looked past their bars to see Lieutenant Sen emerge from the shadows, outside their cell.

"You!" General How was furious. He tried to tear his way through the wooden bars, his hand grabbing at the Lieutenant. Sen stood a foot out of the General's reach.

Brother Truth smiled under his beard. "I was right to not trust you …"

"Yet for all your claims of foresight, you couldn't tell the time or date of the attack, could you?"

Brother Truth continued smiling. "Sometimes the gift is not as clear as at other times. But perhaps I have seen more than even you realize?"

"Oh?" Sen mocked. "Do tell."

Brother Truth hummed quietly to himself.

Sen laughed. "You've got nothing. And so the coup moves forward."

"Why?" How demanded. "You had a cushy job in the military, right in the Earth King's Inner Circle! Why betray everything?"

Sen turned around. "Do you honestly think I ever served the Earth King? I have other masters. Ones that have deemed your so-called 'World Peace Coalition' a threat to true peace and justice in the world. The Coalition is tipping the balance of the world. We are going to reset it."

"How? Why?"

"The Court's motives are too lofty for you. But rest assured – we have seen to it that by the end of the day, your precious Coalition will be in ruins."

As he strutted away humming to himself, General How turned to Brother Truth who merely shrugged. "I knew I never liked him."

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Fire Nation Capitol – Outside the Royal Palace – Afternoon

"The mob is starting to get out of control!" Commander Jee watched as the crowds were becoming more aggressive, hurling fruit and vegetables at the Fire Nation soldiers. Qin stood there, watching sadly.

Jee was losing his mind. "Where is the Fire Lord?"

The crowd was beginning to get violent. "Down with the usurper! Down with the usurper! All hail the Fire Nation! Down with the usurper!"

"If they get too much more out of control, the soldiers may have to intervene," Qin warned.

Jee rounded on him. "Have our soldiers turn on civilians?"

"What choice do we have? Should we let them storm the Palace?"

Jee turned and watched the crowd frothing and foaming. Their soldiers were getting nervous, getting pushed back by the increasingly aggressive crowd. "Where is the Fire Lord?"

The Fire Nation guards stood there, spears out, bows and arrows aimed at the increasingly violent crowd. They were looking at each other, nervous.

A tomato came out of nowhere, striking one of the soldiers in the face. Stunned, he lost his grip on his arrow, which sailed into the crowd.

For a moment there was silence.

Then …

"THEY ATTACKED US! THEY ATTACKED US! THE FIRE LORD HAS FIRED ON CIVILIANS!"

The crowd went nuts, grabbing staves, knives from food vendors, anything they could get their hands on. And more people were joining them.

"DOWN WITH ZUKO!"

And to the utter amazement of Jee and Qin, several of their soldiers turned and joined with the crowd, chanting in unison with them. "DOWN WITH ZUKO!"

The crowds rushed the soldiers, and there was sheer pandemonium.

"Pull back!" Jee commanded. "All men, pull back to palace! Secure the entrance gates! PULL BACK!"

Through the chaos strode Azula, followed by the Red Oni. She smirked as she made her way through the crowd, enjoying the pandemonium. Gloating.

As she passed by the crowd, she saw someone standing on the battlements surrounding the palace.

The Dragon Golem stood above, enjoying the chaos he created.

His eyes met Azula's.

She looked at him, questioningly. She turned to the Red Oni. "Who is that man?" The Red Oni did not respond. "Very well, my Father gave me my orders. I no longer have need for you. You are dismissed." The Red Oni bowed and vanished into the crowd.

The Dragon Golem watched as Azula ventured past the crowds, towards an airship docked at the capitol.

That girl was a wild card. He would have to keep an eye on her in the future.

But for the moment, she mattered not. The less she knew, the better, until he could deal with her permanently. He turned and stared down at the chaos he had created, watching the crowds push the soldiers back towards the Royal Palace.

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Pandemonium reigned below as the crowds pushed the Fire Nation soldiers back towards the palace. A lone figure, hood covering its head, made its way through the edges of the fighting, towards the Royal Palace. It quickly darted past General Shinu as he barked orders to his men and slipped into the palace's side entrance.

In a lonely hall, the figure pulled back its hood.

Mai.

A grim look was on her face.

Several guards ran past her, eager to help their comrades outside.

"The Fire Lord?" she called after them. "Has anyone seen -."

They paid her no mind.

Rolling her eyes, she figured he must be in the War Room. Making her way through the long, golden corridors of the palace, she was surprised to see the doors to the War Room ajar. She entered in.

"Zuko?"

No response.

She grabbed a torch from a wall and held it aloft. "Zuko? It's me."

She was met with only silence.

He must not be here, she thought. She turned to leave. From the corner of her eye, she saw a figure dart through a side door. It was a blur of blue and black, but she made out a figure nonetheless.

She blinked.

The figure was no longer there.

She turned and prepared to exit the door.

That's where she saw it …

Scorch marks. All over the walls and ceiling as though some rogue Firebender had been firing wildly. Zuko. Narrowing her eyes, she followed the trail of scorch marks. They led her to the back door that she had seen the blue and black figure dart through …

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The scorch marks led Mai deep underground, through the cavernous hallways of the Fire Lord's bunker. She followed the trail of burn marks (and various knives that appeared to have been thrown) through the corridors.

She came to the bunker at last. The trail ended there. The door was closed and locked. Mai put the torch aside and rapped on the door. "Zuko! It's Mai!"

Nothing.

She knocked harder. "Zuko, I saw the fighting outside and I was worried about you."

No response.

This isn't like him … he'd be out there giving orders to his men. Did something go wrong?

She sighed. As she inhaled, she smelled something odd. A smoky residue. She recognized it from her times working under Azula with Ty Lee. "Explosives." She began pounding on the door. "Zuko!"

Fumbling, she pulled out a knife and jammed it into the locking mechanism. Sweat beaded down her forehead as she tried to unlatch the door.

That's when she felt somebody tap her on the shoulder. Whirling around, she saw a demonic, grinning blue face. She had seen this before, posters of the hideous mask.

The Blue Spirit. Enemy of the Fire Nation.

Mai prepared to stick her knife deep into the Blue Spirit's throat, but instead, the Blue Spirit kneeled down before her, arms crossed in front of his chest, tapping his shoulders, showing her that he was no threat. He motioned for her to stand back as he rose to his feet.

Mai eyed him curiously as the Blue Spirit investigated the door. Reaching into a pouch, the Blue Spirit pulled out a small explosive device and planted it at the door. Striking a match on the floor, the Blue Spirit lit the fuse before standing back with Mai.

KABOOM!

The device blew the door inward, opening up the bunker. Mai rushed in to find Zuko unconscious. Her eyes widened as she saw several lit fuses – nearly burnt to the nub. Fuses that led to barrels filled with blasting jelly.

Snip! Snip! Snip!

The Blue Spirit moved deftly with his twin broadswords, snipping the fuses before they could blow the blasting jelly. Crisis averted.

For now.

Zuko groaned. "W-what happened?"

"You were taking a nap while your nation descended into chaos," Mai replied dryly, helping Zuko to his feet.

Holding his head and wincing, Zuko looked at her. "Mai? What are you doing here?"

"Saving your life from Azula, like usual."

Zuko grinned and the two kissed. "How'd you find me?"

"You weren't exactly subtle about not leaving a trail, Fire Lord."

The Fire Lord's eyes widened. "It's Azula. She's on the loose. And these bombs in here weren't the only ones." He looked at Mai very seriously. "The entire palace is rigged with bombs. If we don't get everyone to safety …" His eyes fell on the Blue Spirit, and his brow furrowed questioningly. "Okay, when this is over, I've got some serious questions for you about who you are and where you got that costume!"

The Blue Spirit shrugged in an understanding way.

Taking charge, Zuko briskly stormed out of the bunker. "Follow me."

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"Get in! Hurry!" Commander Jee and General Shinu were barking orders.

The Fire Nation guards held open the palace doors as the last of their comrades entered in. By now the mob's numbers had swelled beyond what the Imperial Firebenders could handle, and many of their own, harboring disloyalty to Zuko, had joined the mob which was now marching on the palace with torches and weapons.

The last guard darted in and the soldiers slammed the doors shut.

"Will that hold them?" one guard asked.

The palace doors nearly buckled.

The other guard looked at him. "They've got a battering ram!"

And indeed they did. The mob was pummeling the doors.

"Commander! General!"

The two officers looked up to see Fire Lord Zuko, along with Mai and a man in a black and blue costume rushing up to them.

"There you are!" Jee berated. "Where have you been? I had to assume control –"

Zuko silenced him. "There's no time for that, Commander. Azula is in league with these guys. They've rigged bombs throughout the palace! It's going to blow!"

"What? Are you serious?"

Mai pointed at her boyfriend. "Does that look like the face of someone who's joking, Commander?"

"What are your orders?"

"We need to get our men to safety. Get all guards to the bunkers below."

"What about the mob?" asked Jee. "They'll get caught in the explosion."

Zuko nodded grimly. "Let me appeal to them."

"Sir, I -."

"They are still Fire Nation citizens, Commander. I care about my citizens and I will not allow them to be blown to pieces without warning!"

Jee nodded. "Very good, sir. I'll come out with you." He turned to General Shinu. "Get everyone in the palace to a bunker. Now!"

The General nodded and began rounding up the soldiers. "To the bunkers!"

Mai grasped his fingers. "Go with them," Zuko said.

She shook her head. "I'm right where I should be. I'm not leaving my Fire Lord's side."

"No. General Shinu – escort Mai to the bunkers."

The General came up behind her and picked her up, hauling her over his shoulder. "Zuko! Put me down, General!"

Zuko looked at her with imploring eyes. "I won't be able to concentrate on what I'm doing unless you're safe, Mai. Please …"

Her eyes never left Zuko's as the General carried her off. "You'll pay for this later," she threatened.

Turning to the door, which was now buckling, Zuko sighed. "Are you ready, Commander?"

"I stood with you during your hunt for the Avatar, sir. I will stand with you now."

Nodding, Zuko flung open the palace doors.

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.

The crowd stood there, battering ram in hand, weapons and torches raised. "It's the usurper!"

Zuko stood there, frowning. "Listen, we don't have much time! We can peacefully discuss your grievances … but your allies – the ones who have you out here storming the palace – have rigged the palace with bombs."

"Liar!" There were boos and hisses from the crowd.

Zuko's eyes were nearly in tears. "Please listen to me! You're all in danger! I can protect you! Please, come with me to the bunkers!"

"Don't listen to him," someone shouted. "It's a trap! Down with the usurper!"

"I'm trying to save your lives! Why won't you listen to me?!"

The mob pulled back the battering ram as though they were going to hit Zuko with it. Jee grabbed the Fire Lord, pulling him back. "Sir, it's time to go."

Zuko writhed in Jee's grip. "No! Commander, let me go!"

"You tried! Do you want to die?"

"Please!" Zuko implored the crowd as he struggled. "See reason!"

An older man in the crowd lowered his weapon. "… I believe you." He turned to the rest of the crowd. "He may be a usurper … but he has proven himself to be a usurper that does care about his people. I'll go down to the bunkers with him."

Another woman joined him. "I will too."

"Me three."

A handful of people departed from the crowd and joined Zuko in the palace.

The rest of the mob would not be persuaded. "No! It's a trap! Death to the usurper!"

They began preparing to storm the palace. Jee and Zuko slammed the doors shut and barricaded it.

Zuko stood there sadly. Jee motioned for him and the few who chose safety to follow him.

"Only a few believed me," Zuko replied, eyes hot with tears. "After all I've done for this nation … only a few believed me."

"Sir, we have to go – NOW!"

He didn't move.

Jee grabbed him by the shoulders and looked deep into his eyes. "You did everything you could. It's on them. I served in the army for many years. Saw many losses. It's a fact of life – you can't save everyone, Zuko."

Those words rang in his ears.

"I refuse to believe that …"

"It's the truth whether you believe it or not! People have to want to be saved before they can be! Now with or without you, I'm leading these few people to safety!"

Jee began walking down the corridor, the few people from the crowd who believed Zuko following in his wake.

Zuko gave one final sad glance to the door, which was nearly broken down, before following after Jee.

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.

The front doors to the palace finally splintered open. The angry mob flooded into the palace corridors, taking off into different directions. Destroying any royal artifact that depicted Zuko.

As the last of the crowd filed into the palace, the Dragon Golem lingered outside with the Red Oni. The Dragon Golem addressed his crony. "They're all in, and I'm sure the usurper has reached safety by now. Only a few of the bombs are actually rigged … after all, why would I completely destroy my royal palace? But enough of the bombs will go off to destroy some of it … after all, if I am going to be moving in, I might as well do some … remodeling."

The Red Oni saluted before darting back into the palace.

With a flick of his cape, the Dragon Golem turned and began walking the other way, enjoying his handiwork.

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"Is everyone in?! Okay, good!"

General Shinu stood in the entrance of the bunker. He and several men lifted the door, affixing it back in place. "Hopefully this'll hold!"

"What about your Fire Lord?" Mai pointed out.

Shinu peered down the underground caverns.

Commander Jee appeared with several people. As well as the Blue Spirit.

But where was Zuko?

"Wait!"

Behind them, the Fire Lord came up running.

Mai smiled.

Until a figure dropped down in front of Jee and Zuko, blocking their paths.

The Red Oni.

Zuko raised a fist. "I'll handle this!"

A gloved hand clasped his shoulder. He looked up to see the Blue Spirit, shaking his head. The Blue Spirit pointed at the bunker, urging Zuko, Jee and the others to go.

"What about you?" Zuko demanded.

The Blue Spirit shrugged like he just didn't care. Grumbling, Zuko, Jee and their followers rushed past, entering into the bunker. Zuko spared one last glance behind him, into the underground corridor.

The Blue Spirit and the Red Oni were circling each other, staring each other down.

And then General Shinu closed the bunker doors.

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The Red Oni cocked his head, looking at the Blue Spirit as though he were a mere curiosity. With a clang of metal, the Red Oni unsheathed his twin broadswords from over his shoulder, twirling them in a battle stance.

The Blue Spirit calmly drew his own blades.

There was a moment of silence as the two circled each other.

The Red Oni was the first to crack. Twirling his swords madly, he leaped into the air, bringing his blades down. The Blue Spirit raised his weapons and was forced to one knee as he blocked the blow. The Red Oni landed and swept the Blue Spirit's legs out from under him with a sweeping kick. The Blue Spirit recovered, backflipping out of the way, the Red Oni's blade barely missing its mark.

The Red Oni pressed the advantage, tearing into the Blue Spirit. Their blades spun and clanged, crossing again and again.

It was like they were two halves of the same whole taking part in a deadly dance. Their moves, their stances mirrored each other. With a deft kick, the Red Oni sent the Blue Spirit flying further down the hallway.

Recovering, the Blue Spirit deflected a blow, parried another and leaped up to the rafters above with the skill of a true acrobat.

The Red Oni mirrored his movements, following him up to the rafters above.

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Inside the bunker, Zuko held Mai close. The soldiers and palace staff stood shoulder-to-shoulder in the tightly-enclosed bunker, dreading the worst.

Zuko wondered who it was under the Blue Spirit mask. He was convinced that it was, in fact, his own Blue Spirit costume. But he had left it to sink in Lake Laogai in Ba Sing Se … so who was under the mask now?

Whoever it was, Zuko hoped that they would soon make it to safety.

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The rampaging mob, under the instigation of the Dragon Golem, had now taken full control of the palace. It was easy, now that the guards had left the place vacant and had gone underground.

They enjoyed the spoils, unaware of the danger that they were in.

.

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FOOSH!

The Blue Spirit was kicked through a wall, the fight taking them back up above the underground catacombs and into the hallways of the Royal Palace itself.

The Blue Spirit staggered to his feet and was met with a jump-kick which threw him through more sheetrock, into another hallway. As he recovered, the Red Oni was on him in an instant. Their swords locked, and the two combatants stared at each other through crossed swords.

The Red Oni pressed his strength, pushing the Blue Spirit back. The Blue Spirit could feel his back arching through their crossed swords as the Red Oni forced him to his knees.

With a deft movement, the Blue Spirit headbutted the Red Oni. His opponent staggered back as the Blue Spirit rose to his feet and backed into a room which appeared to be a library. Spinning his swords, the Red Oni followed, launching himself into an offensive, their swords clanging again and again.

The Blue Spirit began grabbing tables, chairs, knocking over bookshelves, anything to put some distance between him and his opponent. With acrobatic agility, the Red Oni jumped over, dodged and zipped past every obstacle thrown at him. He was not to be stopped.

They exited the library, swords ringing, back into another hallway … and out onto a balcony. The Red Oni headbutted the Blue Spirit, paying him back for earlier. Dazed, the Blue Spirit staggered backwards to the balcony, and the Red Oni slashed at him with both weapons.

Their swords crossed in an X-formation. They stared at each other through their crossed weapons.

Then, with unimaginable strength, the Red Oni began pushing the Blue Spirit back … back towards the edge of the balcony …

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KABOOM!

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BOOM!

BOOM!

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

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A series of explosions rocked the Royal Palace, and flames blew up through the roof, glass windows shattering outward, raining broken glass down upon the streets.

If one were watching from a distance, they would see a towering red inferno with a giant, black plume of smoke.

In the bunker, everyone held each other tight as they heard the bombs go off and the ground begin to shake under them.

Zuko gripped Mai tightly as they prepared for the worst …

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Ba Sing Se – Palace – Afternoon/Evening

The Earth Kingdom was facing its darkest hour since Ba Sing Se's first fall.

And now, the city would fall again.

Lieutenant Sen, flanked by Dai Li agents, unlocked the prison doors, slapping wooden cuffs on Brother Truth and the Council of Five. Sen waxed triumphant. "It is time. Time for you to understand the depths of your failure. World Peace has been tried and found wanting. Peace has failed."

Brother Truth shook his head. "As long as there are those willing to fight for it, peace will never die."

"A beautiful sentiment from such a holy man. By now the Fire Nation capitol is burning. And in a few moments, the Earth King's magnificent palace will join it." He sneered. "The world will burn, gentleman. And as a wise man once said, 'It is time for this world to end in fire, and for a new world to be reborn from the ashes!'"

He and his Dai Li roughly shoved them, forcing them to walk. Sen grinned. "Be sure they have the best seats in the house gentleman. It's time to light the blasting jelly…"

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Outside the Royal Palace of the Earth Kingdom, the Dai Li marched the Earth Kingdom military in procession. The generals, along with Brother Truth and his Prophets From the Sky, were lined up at a distance with a perfect view of the palace.

Earth King Keui was led out by the Dai Li, his hair and glasses askew, his fine robes crumpled and wrinkled. His wrists were bound with wood and metal. Bosco was chained on a leash, whining pitifully.

From inside the palace, the front door opened, and Long Feng strode out in his former Secretariat clothes, his hair neatly braided and his moustache neatly trimmed. He nodded to Sen, before turning to the Earth King.

"Your Highness … nothing gives me greater pleasure than seeing you bound and chained … as I once was. But now, you are the one in chains! Your kingdom is mine again!"

Sen grinned as joined Long Feng in taunting the Earth King. "We have won. Our men have infiltrated your ranks, as well as the ranks of the Fire Nation and Water Tribes. Even now, chaos has engulfed the Water people. Chief Arnook is poisoned, and questions have arisen over his successor's capabilities. The Fire Nation burns tonight! As will the Earth Kingdom! As will the world!"

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Across the world, members of the Court had infiltrated the ranks of Earth Kingdom. Bombs filled with blasting jelly were placed in just the right places, in all the capitol buildings of all major cities.

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Omashu was rocked as its palace burst into flames!

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Screaming woke the sleeping Chief Arnook. He woke in a cold sweat, groaning. Barely able to move, still reeling from the effects of the poisoning, he staggered to his feet out of bed, his head swimming. Using a walking stick, he nearly fell out of his icy home, watching as icy buildings blew up … melting around him.

Someone was screaming.

"The Spirit Sanctuary! Secure the koi fish! We cannot afford -."

The poisoning took hold again, and Arnook fell back into unconsciousness.

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And Sen walked up behind Earth King Keui. He fixed the Earth King's glasses, and then tightly held the Earth King's head in place, forcing him to watch the spectacle.

KABOOM!

To Keui's utter horror, his Royal Palace burst into flames.

BOOM!

BOOM!

BOOM!

It happened all over the city. Major buildings, government offices, the transit authority, the main shopping districts … all burst into flames across the city. There was screaming and alarms, and general panic.

It had happened. Every major stronghold of the Four Nations had been struck at once.

All of the major cities, symbols of each nation's power and greatness, was burning.

The World Peace Coalition would never recover. A mortal blow had been struck to it. The Coalition had failed in uniting the world. It had failed to bring peace.

And now, all of the world political structures that backed the Coalition were burning to the ground.

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And Ba Sing Se burned.

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And the Northern Water Tribe burned.

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And the Fire Nation burned.

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And the whole world burned. Peace was melting away before the eyes of all Four Nations.

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And Lieutenant Sen laughed in the Earth King's face. He laughed, because it had been all too easy. Peace was easy to break.

His laughing rose along with the billowing black smoke that now ascended from the Earth Kingdom's capitol …

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The Fire Nation – Royal Palace – Afternoon/Evening

CLANG! SWISH! CLANG!

The duel between the Blue Spirit and the Red Oni continued. It had moved off of the balcony, and on the rooftops of the burning Royal Palace.

Below their feet, bits of the roof melted and crumbled away, revealing burning flames and screams below.

That did not distract them from their duel.

Their swords spun, and clanged as they leaped, kicked, slashed and punched.

Their swords locked again, and they stared at each other through the X-cross of their locked swords.

Flames blew up next to them.

The Blue Spirit pushed his foe away and leaped to some exposed rafters several feet away.

The Red Oni gave chase.

More flames blew up around them.

The Red Oni kicked up fire and soot, throwing it at the Blue Spirit. The blue warrior grunted as the sleeve of his costume ignited in flame. Patting the flames out, he barely had time to evade as the Red Oni brought his swords down.

Another explosion. This time, a wall of flames blew up, separating them. The Blue Spirit stood there, ready.

For a moment there was nothing but the sounds of screaming and burning.

Then, the Red Oni materialized through the flames as though they didn't affect him. His grinning red mask glowed in the embers, giving it a hellish glow.

The Blue Spirit sighed, breathing deeply, channeling his inner focus.

The Red Oni slashed, and he parried. They were both exhausted, slowing down, pushed to their limits.

Another jet of fire blew a new hole in the roof, burning away the structure, leaving a gaping hole.

The roof was softening, melting away. The flames were surrounding them … the Blue Spirit looked around for an avenue of escape.

The Red Oni was not going to give him one.

The red warrior charged, swords swinging.

He made one misstep onto a melting piece of roof … and the entire section of roofing caved in, and the Red Oni vanished.

The Blue Spirit carefully darted over to where his foe once stood. Now, there was a giant burning hole, with a towering inferno of flame below them. And the Red Oni was dangling above it, holding on the roof's rapidly melting supports with just his fingers.

The Blue Spirit kneeled down, offering the Red Oni his hand.

The Red Oni looked up at the blue warrior, then back down at the flames below. He glanced one final look up at the Blue Spirit, who urgently held his hand out, silently pleading for his foe to take it.

The Red Oni turned away and let go of the rafters. The Blue Spirit lowered his hand and watched helplessly as his enemy plummeted away into the glowing flames below …

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Fire Nation Mountain Range – Evening

Aang stood on a mountain range overlooking the Fire Nation's capitol with Appa and Momo. He watched in horror as the black plumes of smoke rose into the sky, creating a towering inferno that blocked out the rising sun.

Aang had only seen this once before, when Fire Lord Ozai had attempted to burn down the Earth Kingdom.

He doubted it was Ozai who was the mastermind. Perhaps an accomplice, maybe. But in his gut, he knew that the man he called the Dragon Golem was behind this.

He sighed, scratching Momo's ears. "Looks like I'm all alone in this, buddy." Memories of the visions he saw of Avatar Roku, battling a volcano by himself, swam through his mind.

"Alone?" came a sing-song voice. "I don't think so!"

"Huh?"

Aang looked around, and suddenly his vision was blocked by an airship. He watched from the outer platform as Sokka and Katara waved at him. Sokka grinned broadly. "The cavalry has arrived – with friends!"

Aang watched as Sokka and Katara were joined by the Kyoshi Warriors. Suki and Ty Lee waved merrily at him.

"We got your letters!" Sokka yelled. "We came to the Fire Nation as fast as we could!" A mischievous grin was on his face. "And look what we found crawling around in the Western Earth Kingdom!" Sokka stood aside and Aang could barely contain his excitement.

"Toph!"

"In the flesh, Twinkletoes!" She punched her fist into the palm of her hand. "I never got to face Azula and Ozai during the Comet! It's only fair that I collect that late rent check!"

Katara couldn't contain herself. She leaped over the railing, onto the peak of the mountain, into Aang's arms. They looked deep into each other's eyes. "You'll never be alone, Aang! We're here for you – always and forever!"

"That's right, Twinkletoes! We're stuck tighter to you than Sokka in a Kyoshi Warrior dress!"

Katara held Aang tightly. "Team Avatar – forever!"

And Aang couldn't contain himself. He didn't care who was watching, whether Sokka knew or not.

He leaned forward and kissed Katara passionately. Her eyes widened, and she settled into the kiss.

Sokka's mouth had reached the floor. Speechless, he looked over at Toph, then Suki, pointing and gesticulating wildly at his sister and best friend. He rounded on Toph, his voice squeaking in anger. "… And you knew the whole time?!"

Toph responded by silently pulling out a Sokka action figure and pulling the string. "Oh my gosh, I totally mistook bleach for fabric softener. I am like, such a ditz!"

Sokka's eyes narrowed. "I really despise that thing!"

Aang looked on each one of his friends, tears in his eyes. "I'm thankful for each and every one you! You have no idea how much this all means to me." His voice became serious, resolved. "Now … let's go and rescue Zuko!"

Sokka drew a sword and held it high in the air. "Team Avatar Forever!"

"Team Avatar!" the rest shouted. Aang grinned as he and Katara hopped onto Appa.

"Yip-yip!" The bison moaned and took off, Momo following them. The airship turned and lumbered.

Before them, the Fire Nation capitol burned.

But they weren't afraid.

They were unified and together they could defeat whatever the forces of chaos threw at them.

Team Avatar rides again!

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.

A pile of burning rubble was tossed aside. Ascending like a night demon from the flaming wreckage, the Red Oni, his mask blackened and clothing charred, emerged. He stepped out from the lower level of the burning palace and into the darkness of night.

He had no idea who was under the Blue Spirit mask.

But he was confident that they would cross swords again soon enough.

And this time, he would be more than ready …