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

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Book Four:

Air

Chapter Thirteen:

Frozen Deep

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One week ago …

Sokka lay facedown on the ground in front of an unfurled piece of parchment, a frilly quill between his teeth and his ankles in the air, crossed behind him. The Team was leaving that morning for the South Pole to begin their rescue of Aang. Part of their plan was to coordinate with Hakoda and set up a clandestine meeting with their father. That's where Hawky came in.

"Good thing you came back after Katara and Toph stole you," he said, patting the little red bird on the head. The little bird squawked.

Sokka looked up thoughtfully. "How should I begin this?" He dipped the tip of his quill in some ink, letting a few drops splash onto the edges of the parchment.

Dear Mr. Dad,

Sokka wrinkled his nose. "That doesn't sound right …"

He crossed it out.

Dear Dad,

"Hmmm, doesn't sound respectful enough …"

Dear Ultra-Mega-Water-Chief-Super-Kami-Guru-Dad,

He grinned. "That's better!"

Hawky squawked. Sokka was offended. "Over the top? How would you know, you can't even read!" Hawky's eyes narrowed and the bird began clawing at Sokka's eyes with its talons. "No! Stop it Hawky! Bad Hawky!"

"Sokka!" It was Katara's voice in the distance. "We're leaving!"

"Okay, I'll be there in a sec!"

Rubbing his throbbing forehead, Sokka dipped his quill in ink and hastily scribbled his letter. He rolled it up and slipped it into the pouch slung over Hawky's shoulder. "Now Hawky, bring this to my Dad."

Hawky looked up at him, cocking his little head.

"Take it to Ha – Ha – Hachooo … koda!" Sokka sneezed, nearly blowing the poor bird over. "Got that?"

In Hawky's mind, he heard the following from Sokka: "Blah, blah, blah, meat, blah, blah, blah, take it to Ha- Ha- Hahn – choo. Southern Water Tribe. Got it?" Hawky cocked his head before spreading his elegant wings and taking to the skies.

Sokka stood there wiping his nose, watching the little bird fly away. You're a genius, Sokka, he thought.

"Sokka!" Katara's voice was getting more insistent.

"Coming!" he called.

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Present Day.

Team Avatar sat in Appa's saddle, Sokka holding the reigns, as the clouds swirled around them.

"Yup. Flying through the Southern Skies on Appa. This sure takes me back," Sokka declared.

Katara held her knees. "Except Aang's not here …"

"Hey, not to worry, sis. We got this. Team Avatar always wins the day. Between you, me, Toph and Zuko, we'll snatch Aang back no problem."

Jet folded his arms. "Aren't you forgetting somebody?"

"Yup, Katara, Sokka, Zuko and Toph. Team Avatar."

Katara smacked him with a small flick of water. "Jet's a very important part of this mission, Sokka! Without him, we wouldn't have even made it this far!"

"Way to defend your boyfriend," Toph teased.

Katara blushed. "He is not my boyfriend! Aang is my boyfriend!"

Zuko was confused. "Did I miss something …?"

Sokka pretended to ignore all of them. "In any event, between all of us, this whole operation should go just as smoooooth as my pick-up techniques with the ladies."

"So it's gonna crash and burn then," Toph replied.

Sokka whirled around. "Hey! In case you couldn't tell by my awesome animal magnetism, the ladies can't keep their hands off me! I mean come on – who could say no to this handsome mug?" He grinned cheesily.

"Wow Sokka," Toph said. "You're right. In this light, with the way the sun is striking you, I can't believe I missed it all these months … you look absolutely dashing! You're the most handsome man I've ever seen! Please marry me, Sokka!"

Sokka grinned. "Why thank you, little lady. I'm flattered but I -." A dark look crossed his face as he remembered Toph was blind. "Aaand you're making fun of me … why must you constantly kick my ego?"

"Honestly, you just always set yourself up. In fact, sometimes I wish for more of a challenge …"

"Uh-huh. Well in any event we'll be reaching the Southern Water Tribe within the hour."

"You think Dad got our message?" Katara asked.

"Without a doubt. When we stopped off at that Fire Nation village a few days ago, I also picked up another hawk and sent a message to the Mechanist and the Foggy Swamp Tribe." He whirled around absolutely beaming. "It'll be a grand ol' reunion! Just like the Invasion!"

"Let's hope things work out more smoothly than the Invasion," Katara lamented.

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Southern Water Tribe – Morning

In the deep seas of the Southern Water Tribe, an entire Fire Navy fleet floated in the seas. Admiral Chan stood on the bridge of his flagship, looking out over his vast navy.

And below …

In the deep ocean, the Boy In the Iceberg was dormant. Suspended in ice.

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Hakoda and Bato sat in a canoe in the waters just off the Southern Water Tribe's shore. The two of them hummed as they spread their nets. There would be a big catch of fish today.

Hakoda looked up as a red blur caught his vision. A red messenger hawk?

He shrugged as Hawky flew over their heads and towards the Southern Water Tribe.

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The fiasco with the failed marriage to Katara had done little to temper Hahn's malicious nature. Hakoda had asserted his authority as Chieftain of the Southern Water Tribe and scaled back many of Hahn's decrees. When Hahn protested, Hakoda simply reminded him that he operated in place of Chief Arnook and was not the Chieftain himself. A fact that Hahn was made painfully aware of every day, even by his own men.

But Hahn was still as crafty as ever and still found ways to manipulate his own men to do his bidding, though he was ever so careful not to step on Hakoda's toes.

But things were changing. The World Peace Coalition had seen that Hahn's role was respected by the Southerners. With the backing of Coalition forces, he had reasserted his authority.

And now he was scheduled for a meeting with another Coalition Member. Hahn parted the flap to his icehouse to find Fire Nation Admiral Chan seated at his table with a steaming drink, along with several Imperial Firebenders.

"Good morning, Chieftain," Chan smiled.

"Admiral. I wasn't expecting company today. To what do I owe this pleasure?"

"Straight to the point. That's what I like about you Waterbenders. I will make this quick … have you had time to think over the Fire Lord's request?"

Hahn lowered his gaze. "I just don't see the point … there's more than enough ore for the Fire Nation's refineries in the western seas … why do you need to mine in the North and South Poles?"

"The Poles have the richest deposits of ore and raw materials. The Fire Nation is in need of these elements in order to rebuild in the wake of the war. Not to mention Fire Lord Zuko's attack on the capitol."

Hahn shook his head. "And what of my people?"

Chan stood up and placed his hand on Hahn's shoulder. "Chieftain … there's a change in world. You must stop seeing the Nations as separate. We are all one. The Coalition has made us one. We are brothers."

Hahn gazed up at the Admiral and quickly wiped his sneer from his face. "Yes …" he replied through grit teeth. "Brothers."

"Good." Chan was pacing now, arms behind his back. "We already have the oil rigs and other equipment set up and will begin in earnest."

"What?" Hahn was outraged. "You already set up the riggings? Without my consent?!"

"I thought you'd feel this way." Chan stood tall and with a single hand unfurled a piece of parchment. "We no longer really need your permission … permission was granted from someone above you."

Hahn read the parchment and his eyes widened when he saw the signature. "Lord Minister Kohta."

"Precisely." Chan folded up the scroll. "So you see, we never really needed your assent … I merely asked for it out of courtesy."

"How can the Lord Minister authorize -."

Chan cut him off. "As I said … a new world is rising. It would be best to assent peacefully, Chieftain. You can't threaten your standing with the Coalition … not unless you're prepared to go to war with all the governments of the world …"

Hahn's eyes were downcast.

Chan started to exit the house. He stopped in the doorway. "Oh, one final thing. The Fire Nation is already stretched to capacity with our men guarding the Southern Seas for you …"

"You mean guarding the Avatar," Hahn scoffed.

"Two goals which are not mutually exclusive. Since we are guarding your seas, it is only fair that the Water Tribes provide men to the Fire Nation for the refineries …"

"What?! That's outrageous!"

"We will require at least a hundred full grown men by the day's end."

There was a moment's silence. In his outrage, Hahn started for the Admiral. He was met with spears and staves. Chan turned around, arms behind his back, confident that he was holding all the cards now. "Unless of course, Chieftain, you would like to take it up with the Lord Minister himself? I am certain that the Coalition would be sad to see the Water Tribes leave our alliance …" He strode up to Hahn, towering over him. "Yes, I am sure the Earth King and Fire Lord would be pleased to hear you've dissolved our treaty. And then gone will be all the resources of the Coalition. Gone will be all the open trade routes. Gone will be all the food and prosperity we are bringing to your people. You can be left alone, isolated from the world, reduced back to scavenging for fish in … ahem, little wooden boats."

"We had a fine culture before we joined this Coalition!" Hahn retorted. "Or have you never seen the canals of the Northern Water Tribe? The Spirit Oasis?"

"Yes, I'm sure you savages had a great empire." He rolled his eyes. "Or perhaps you would prefer to challenge the Lord Minister? If you truly cannot muster even a hundred men to assist the Fire Nation, dare you challenge the Coalition for supremacy?"

Hahn remained silent.

Chan turned. "One hundred men. By the end of the day." And he and his Firebenders vanished through the house's portcullis.

Hahn slammed his fist down on a table.

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Hahn was outside, overseeing the construction of a new ice building, cursing Admiral Chan when something dropped at his feet.

Something red and frozen.

"Ka … kaaawww …" Hawky squawked through his shivering. Hahn looked down to see a bit of parchment strapped to the bird. He unfurled it, and his eyes went wide with pure maliciousness.

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Appa landed on the frozen tundra, far outside of the scope of the Southern Water Tribe. Sokka and Katara were back in their warm fur coats. They had also made a stop in the southern Earth Kingdom to buy some blue furs for Zuko, Jet and Toph. Toph was not used to the snow and was forced to wear shoes for once.

"But how am I supposed to see?" she complained.

Sokka grinned. "I already thought of that!" He took Toph's boots and filled them with a layer of earth. "There, now you've got some dirt under your feet. You should be able to feel the vibrations of the ice through the dirt though it won't come in as clear as if you had normal contact with the ground."

"Sweet," she said, putting on the special boots. She pulled her hood up around her head. "How do I look?"

Sokka wanted to tell the truth and say she looked like an overstuffed penguin in the furs, but he instead replied with, "Nice. Blue is a good color on you."

Katara was beginning to worry. "Where's Dad? He should be here by now." She rounded on her brother. "Are you sure you told Hawky the right place?"

Her answer came in the form of several soldiers from the Northern Water Tribe. "Hello Katara," Hahn sneered. "You look lovely today …"

"Hahn!" Sokka and Katara were indignant at the site of him.

"Who's this clown?" Toph asked.

Zuko and Jet looked at each other, unsure of who this newcomer was.

Sokka, meanwhile, was not having any of this. He drew his sword and pointed the tip at Hahn's throat. "Where is our Dad? What have you done with him?"

Hahn held up his hands. "I haven't done anything, Sunta … he's safe back at the Tribe."

"Don't mess with me, Hahn!" Sokka was waving the sword around dangerously. "Unless you want to get Sokka-Sliced."

Hahn slowly raised a finger and moved the tip of the blade from his face. "Would you relax?" He nodded to one of his men who proffered the letter Sokka had written.

"You intercepted our mail?" Sokka yelled.

"No, you idiot! You sent the messenger hawk to me!"

"I didn't -."

Hah silenced him. "Enough. I read your letter. So you think the Coalition is nothing more than a front for the Fire Nation?"

"Of course it is," Sokka replied. "But why would you care? You're all cushy with them … Weren't you the one threatening to remove the Water Tribes from the Coalition if you didn't get your way?"

Hahn was mulling things over. Admiral Chan's words were bouncing around his skull. A new world is rising. It would be best to assent peacefully, Chieftain. You can't threaten your standing with the Coalition … not unless you're prepared to go to war with all the governments of the world … He remembered the Admiral's threat of force if he didn't allow the Fire Nation to mine the Water Tribes or provide men for the job. So far the entrance into the Coalition hadn't benefited the Water Tribes at all … but it did benefit the Fire Nation. Handsomely.

Hahn finally found his voice. "Let's say I believe you …"

Sokka waved him off. "See guys, Hahn won't believe us … wait, did you say just say you might believe us?"

Hahn was staring hard at Sokka. "The Coalition may have tipped its hand too far … they're demanding more and more from our people. And I have a feeling they're going to ask for a lot more. They'll bleed the Water Tribes dry … say what you want about me, but at least I look after my people. Our people." He looked over at Katara. "Say you save the Avatar … do you think he can stop the Fire Nation again?"

"I know he can," Katara spat.

Hahn nodded. He seemed deep in thought. And finally he said, "Then let's get him back."

"Hold on a sec, there, Hahn." Sokka held out a gloved hand. "How do we know this isn't some kind of a trick?"

Toph shook her head. "I can't sense things as well in these stupid shoes … so I could be completely wrong. But I don't sense any deception from him."

Sokka rounded on her. "We are not accepting help from that no-good, arrogant, chauvinistic -."

Jet rolled his eyes. "Look who's talking."

Sokka continued his protest. "Katara … after all Hahn put us through … you can't really be considering accepting his help?"

Katara looked at Hahn with all the hatred in the world. "I did accept an enemy's help once …" Her eyes fell on Zuko.

Zuko stood there awkwardly, rubbing the back of his head.

Katara turned back to her brother. "And as loathsome as he is, Hahn could be a huge asset here."

Sokka was looking around. "Zuko? Back me up."

"I never met him so why would I have something against him?" Zuko shrugged.

"We need all the help we can get," Jet added.

Sokka was sputtering. "No one asked you, Jet!"

Hahn shrugged. "Face it, Santa. You're all alone in this …"

Toph nudged Zuko. "Is it me Sparkey, or can this guy just not get Sokka's name right?" Zuko shrugged.

Sokka threw his hands up in the air. "Fine. Whatever. The more the merrier."

"I knew you'd see reason," Hahn smirked. He turned, but he was grabbed by the collar. Katara whirled him around.

"You tried to kill the Nanuk. You tried to hurt me and Sokka out in the tundra. You tried to incite a civil war between both tribes. And you used Hama to try to force me to marry you." The disgust on Katara's face was unmistakable. "But the for the time being, we'll accept your help. It doesn't mean we have to like it. And if you do anything … anything … to betray us, the Fire Nation will be the least of your worries." She shoved him and stormed past.

Zuko put his hand on Hahn's shoulder. "Don't worry … she threatened me like that too in the beginning … she does it to a lot of people." He stood there awkwardly. "She's actually very intimidating …"

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The team sat around a small fire far from the Water Tribes … and from the gaze of the Fire Nation. The waters lapped around the shores as they ate on the frozen shores.

It was an awkward lunch.

Sokka tore ravenously into his meat. Zuko, Jet and Hahn ate in silence. Hahn tried to catch Katara's eye; their gaze met, and she shook her head angrily before running her index finger along her neck in a slicing motion. Understanding the threat, Hahn turned and tried to make eye contact with the girl sitting across from him … only to realize she was blind.

As they ate in silence, Toph suddenly perked up. "Hey guys … it's coming in fuzzy with these lame shoes Sokka made me … but I'm sensing vibrations from the water."

Sokka's eyes lit up. "Good! That means they're here!"

Katara pointed. "Look!"

Bubbles began rippling at the water's surface, and a black shadow appeared beneath the water. And it was getting bigger. And bigger. Finally, it crested, breaking the water's surface … it was one of the submarines they had used during the Invasion.

Sokka's eyes were absolutely glowing.

POP! BLOOM!

Something popped up from a hatch and went sailing up into the sky, followed by sparks and black smoke. Whatever it was, it was screaming. And then it landed at their feet.

The Mechanist was lying on the ground, smiling, waving his wooden fingers. "Sokka, m'boy! So good to see you." Sokka grasped his arm and pulled him to his feet. There was a crack as the Mechanist readjusted his spine. "I knew that break needed more grease … but I was eager to get here …"

"I can't believe it!" Sokka exclaimed. "You got my message!"

"Sure did, m'boy. And Teo and I came with old friends!"

A hatch on the submarine opened and a ramp slid out. "Aang!" Teo wheeled himself down and was happily greeted by the rest of the gang. Behind them, the two members of the Foggy Swamp Tribe, Tho and Due, emerged, looking around. Of course, their lack of clothes instantly caused them to start shivering the instant they emerged out from the submarine.

"L-looky th-there Th-Tho." Due was pointing a shivering hand. "Is'n the M-Mother-l-land!"

Tho nodded, looking down at Katara and Sokka. "A-and if it ain't C-Cousin K-Katara 'n C-Cousin S-S-Sokka."

They walked down the ramp still shivering.

At the top of the ramp, Huu appeared in all his glory. Katara eyed his bare chest in the freezing cold and her eyes widened in revulsion at the site of … erm, well, you get the picture. "You know, you guys can put on some clothes," she muttered.

Huu refused. "Clothes are only an illusion."

Katara's eyes were slits. "Can you though? Please? For all our sakes?"

After much fussing and fighting, Sokka finally got the trio stuffed into some spare furs that he had packed. Huu's great belly hung out from beneath an all too tight blue fur jacket which, in all probability, had been sewn for a little girl. The man stood there though, proudly displaying the colors of the Motherland.

Sokka, meanwhile, drew everyone into a circle. "Okay, here's the plan." He pointed a stick at the Mechanist. "Do you have those explosives I wrote to you about?"

The Mechanist smiled. "Onboard the submarine. And plenty of stink bombs too! Made from rotten hard-boiled eggs!" He winked.

Sokka nodded. "Okay good." His face took on a devious expression. "If the Fire Nation can launch fake attacks on every major city, we can launch fake attacks on one of their refineries!" He began drawing patterns in the snow. "Firstly … that old Fire Navy ship that ran aground here – you remember Katara?"

"The one Aang and I got stuck in when we first freed him from the iceberg? How could I forget?"

"Good. From what I could see, it's still salvageable … not much, but we can disguise some of the damage and get it seaworthy. That's where Toph, the Mechanist and Teo come in."

The Mechanist saluted. "I will get that ship seaworthy, rest assured m'boy!"

Toph fist-pumped. "And I get to stand on something that's not snow? That's a win for me!"

"With Toph's Metalbending and between the Mechanist and myself, we can get that ship afloat. It's taken quite a beating, but if we can cover up most of the damage, we can float right into their fleet unnoticed. But the ship isn't the major part of the plan … it's only there in case we need to quickly give them the slip."

He drew again into the snow. "Those Fire Nation oil rigs and refineries … the Mechanist and I will place some explosives. We'll blow some of their refineries right out of the water! That'll serve as a distraction." He looked up. "I don't think it'll get their full attention, but it will divide their forces. The Fire Navy will think their refineries are under attack and they'll be sure to send some of their ships to check it out."

"This is getting overly complicated," Jet remarked.

"Is it?" Sokka asked, standing eyeball to eyeball with Jet, eyes wide. "Or is it so simple, that it blew your mind?"

Jet gently pushed Sokka away. "Whatever, just get out of my face."

Whirling around, Sokka now began ranting about Phase Three of his plan. "Hahn … I hate to say it, but you have a very important role."

Hahn puffed his chest out. "My warriors and I will do what's needed."

"That's great. I just need you guys to keep Admiral Chan distracted. Just visit him after he sends some of his fleet to check out the explosions. Tell him that you agree to his demands and you want to hash out the details. While his attention is divided between you and the 'attacks' on the refineries, the Foggy Swamp Tribe will use Waterbending to pilot the submarine right under their noses … straight to that iceberg! Katara – that's where you come in!"

Katara nodded firmly. "What do you need?"

"The waters will be freezing … but I imagine if Zuko can swim underwater in the North Pole, so can you."

"I could also heat up my body temperature, Sokka …" Zuko pointed out.

Sokka nodded. "Right. Katara, you won't have much time before you contract hypothermia …"

Katara's mouth was open. "So you're sending me on a suicide mission?"

"Not if you act quickly! You can swim and bend the water around you … you can bend the iceberg, melt a hole in it. Don't melt the entire thing because that'll give us away! But if you melt a small hole … big enough for a body … straight into the heart of that iceberg you can pull Aang right out! Then you swim him back into the submarine and we make our getaway before the Fire Nation even realizes we were there."

"This is crazy," Toph remarked. "Eh, but what the heck, I'm up for some crazy!" She punched her fist into her palm. "Let's do it, Snoozles!"

Sokka punched a fist into the air. "For Aang!"

No one else responded.

He stood there, embarrassed, as Katara patted him on the shoulder. "It's okay, Sokka."

He lowered his head.

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It was mid-day and Admiral Chan was sitting on the deck of his flagship enjoying a nice simmering cup of tea when the seas were rocked by a series of explosions.

KABOOM!

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

Spilling the contents of his tea into his lap, he yelped as his legs were scalded. His men were running to and fro across the deck. His eyes narrowed as he saw a cloud of smoke ascending into the sky, blocking out the sun.

He couldn't believe it …

The refineries! They were under attack!

"Those blasted Water Savages!" He began barking orders. "Send the southern and eastern flanks down to the refineries! Those savages won't get far! Box them in! And corporal - I'm not interested in prisoners."

His men flocked to carry out his orders. He marched himself onto the bridge, leaned over a railing and watched as several of his warships broke off from the main fleet and began heading south in the direction of the explosions.

"Admiral!"

Chan whirled around as one of his officers saluted. "Hahn from the Northern Water Tribe is here with several men … he would like a meeting, sir."

"Hahn is here?" What odd timing. "Has he come to confess attacking our refineries?"

"He arrived just before the explosions, sir."

The Admiral punched a wall in irritation. "I'll wring a confession out of his neck yet! But for now, I'll play along. Send him to the private conference room, I'll be there in a moment."

His eyes were on the smoke billowing in the distance.

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The southern and eastern flanks moved in formation towards the source of the explosions.

As the ships moved past an ice gorge, a smaller Fire Navy vessel bobbed out of the gorge and into the open seas, towards the main fleet guarding Aang. The ship was old, and beaten up, but the Mechanist, Sokka, Teo and Toph had spent the entire afternoon getting her seaworthy.

Well, she was only barely seaworthy.

Sokka stood on the bridge, a pirate captain's hat on his head, a fake pirate beard plastered to his chin and a fake, stuffed bird sitting on his shoulder. He held out a periscope, eyeing the Fire Nation fleet ahead.

Toph was enjoying finally being on a metal surface. She had kicked off her shoes and was passionately rubbing the metal railings. "Ah metal … sweet, cold metal, how I've missed you."

Zuko and Jet stood on the deck by the front railings, both dressed in Fire Nation armor. "This takes me back …" Zuko said. "On a Fire Navy vessel, in full Fire Nation armor."

Jet frowned. "The sooner we get off this bucket of rust, the better."

Sokka, meanwhile, pointed ahead as something splashed into the water. "Whale-ho!"

"No, not a whale splashing," Toph yelled back. "I forgot I get seasick! That was me puking into the ocean!"

"Did anyone remember to bring Appa just in case?" Sokka inquired.

Below the deck, Appa whined about being in enclosed spaces. Momo gently patted the giant bison on the head.

"He fought tooth and nail, but the hairy lug is below deck," Toph yelled back.

Sokka nodded. "And what about Hahn's regiment of soldiers?"

"They protested too, but they were less cranky. They're below deck, waiting."

And so they were. Below deck, with Appa, were a team of Water Tribe Warriors, wearing ceremonial warrior furs with wolf-head helmets. Machetes and clubs were slung over their shoulders.

"Hopefully we won't need them," Sokka grimaced.

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Hahn and two Water Tribe soldiers sat at a table in a private meeting room aboard the Fire Navy's flagship. Hahn was drumming his fingers impatiently when the door opened and Admiral Chan appeared.

Hahn stood up and offered a respectful Fire Nation bow. "Admiral … something terrible has happened …"

"Save you sob story, Chieftain. I know it was you who blew those refineries."

Hahn's face was a mask. "Admiral, I'm deeply sorry to have given you the wrong impression this morning. I came for two reasons – first, I wanted to apologize and agree to your request. You may have one hundred of my finest men. Second, when the Tribe heard I was going to acquiesce to your request, several rogue Waterbenders blew the riggings! My men tried to stop them, but we were too late …"

"Convincing," Chan said. "Please, keep going. Your acting skills are so marvelous, I'm surprised you haven't been asked to join the Ember Island Players yet." He clearly was not buying it.

"Admiral, why would I turn on you knowing the impact it would have on the Coalition? The impact it would have on my people?"

"And let's say I believe you, Chieftain. What are you doing about it?"

"Admiral, I have my finest men down there at the refineries. They will catch the traitors. I've already given the order that they are to kill on site. In less than an hour, the traitors' scalps will be on your desk."

Chan smiled. "Perhaps I misjudged you, Chieftain. Yes, perhaps there may be a future to our alliance after all. Is there anything else?"

A Fire Nation aide appeared and tapped Admiral Chan on the shoulder, whispering something in his ear. The Admiral's face fell into a frown. "If you'll excuse me, Chieftain. I must attend to something else that has drawn my attention. Please, stay here and I will be back momentarily to continue our meeting."

Hahn bowed respectfully. "Certainly, Admiral."

Chan turned and closed the door, locking Hahn and his guards in the room. He then turned and stormed down the hall in a brisk pace, his frown growing. "Where is he?" the Admiral whispered.

"Right in here, sir." The aide opened a door to a private room. There was somebody standing there, arms behind their back.

"What is the meaning of this interruption? I am in the middle of a meeting!"

The figure turned, and the torches on the wall cast an orange gleam on the grinning mask of the Red Oni.

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Outside, Sokka and co. sailed their coopted Fire Navy ship into position without incident. They were above the iceberg, which was shimmering in the waters below. Sokka looked up nervously … their ship was alongside the Admiral's flagship, which towered over theirs.

Sokka gulped. "Come on, Katara …"

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The green submarine floated underneath the water, the Fire Navy ships up above. Onboard, The Mechanist and Teo observed the mechanical workings of the submarine, while Katara, Tho, Due and Huu used Waterbending in conjunction with the submarine's propellors to glide silently underwater.

"We're almost there," Teo said, pointing at a viewport. The Mechanist peered through the view-hole and saw a big-mouthed fish peering back in. The Mechanist smiled and waved his wooden fingers.

Katara pulled furs up around her body and drew the hood around her head. "Guess I'm up …"

"You won't have long 'til the cold gets to you …" the Mechanist advised.

Katara nodded. "I won't take long." And with that, she opened up a hatch in the floor and dropped outside into the oceans. The hatch instantly sealed shut behind her.

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Under the water, Katara sighed and closed her eyes, concentrating. She swirled her gloved hands in the water, and an air bubble enclosed itself around her. She opened her mouth, able to breathe in the bubble. But the amount of air available was limited itself. She would have to hurry.

There, up ahead, was the iceberg. Moving her arms, she propelled the bubble surrounding her towards it. She reached the bottom of the iceberg, and with several motions, began using Waterbending to slowly and carefully unfreeze a man-sized hole into the iceberg. A hole big enough to fit her and her air bubble. She glided up, slowly using Waterbending to drill into the huge chunk of ice.

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Hahn was beginning to think that Admiral Chan had forgotten all about him when the door suddenly opened. He stood up. "Admiral."

Chan stood in the doorway, a devious smile flitting across his face. "Forgive my rude departure, Chieftain. I had another, unforeseen guest …"

He stepped aside to reveal the Red Oni.

Hahn was stupefied.

Chan turned back to the younger man. "Now … you were saying you had nothing to do with the attack on our refineries?"

The Red Oni unsheathed his swords.

They knew!

Hahn reached into his belt and whipped out a small smoke bomb – courtesy of the Mechanist. He tossed it onto the floor and the cabin began instantly filling with smoke. Admiral Chan held his forearm up to his mouth, coughing.

Hahn dove through the port window, landing on the deck. He was followed by his two guards. "Thank you weird Mechanical Guy," he said, before darting to the deck's railing.

Back in the cabin, Chan was choking on the smoke. "Find him," he ordered his men and the Red Oni. "I'm not taking prisoners this day!"

.

Sokka was standing on his ship getting antsier and antsier. He glanced up at the Fire Navy's flagship and his jaw dropped when he saw smoke issuing from one of its cabins. Did we blow something up, he thought.

The answer came in Hahn's voice. "Shayna!"

Sokka looked up at the deck above him. Hahn was waving his arms. "They know! They know!"

And Sokka watched in horror as Fire Navy troops mobilized, menacing on Hahn. With a sneer, Hahn drew his machete and threw himself into battle along with his two guards.

.

Admiral Chan marched himself onto the bridge, wiping his mouth with handkerchief. He looked down at the deck and saw Hahn and his two warriors actually holding their own against a team of hardened Fire Nation soldiers. Chan slammed his fist onto the port. "Round up the battalion. The Chieftain has made his choice. The Water Tribes are now at war with the Coalition." He turned to his younger officer. "As I said, take no prisoners."

"Yes, sir!"

He glanced down towards Team Avatar's coopted ship.

"And blast that darn imposter ship right out of the waters!"

.

Sokka watched in horror as the Fire Navy flagship began arming its ballistae armaments, turning them to face their little boat. The Firebenders lit the armaments.

And in a moment, their ship was rocked with a barrage of flaming rock.

They wouldn't be able to remain seaworthy for much longer.

.

But that was not the end of the Fire Nation's attacks.

As the Mechanist and Teo were observing several readouts, they jumped up in horror at the sound of a large thud!

A large chained harpoon with a pointed tip, had burst into the side of their ship, digging a hole.

Then another harpoon burst through the hull.

And another.

Water poured through the gaping holes, and the chains were keeping the submarine in place.

Already the water was up to their ankles.

Tho, Due and Huu grimaced, bending the water, trying to keep the submarine from flooding.

THUNK!

Another chain burst in, narrowly missing taking Tho's head off.

They were running out of time!

.

.

.

Katara struggled in the small ice path she was creating upwards into the iceberg. She fit in it perfectly, but she began gasping. She was running out of air … but she couldn't stop now.

She could hear muffled screams and fireballs from above. Her friends were in trouble.

But she was so close!

Her fingers touched the ice just under Aang's frozen feet.

"Just … just a bit more …" she was already feeling lightheaded.

And in less than a second, oxygen deprivation took hold, and Katara fell into unconsciousness.

Stuck in the iceberg with Aang.

So close … yet so far …

.

.

.

Sokka's ship rocked as it was hit again, and again. Toph felt the ship's layout through her feet. "We can't take another hit like that! The hull will flood!"

Sokka looked up at the ballistae. "We have to take down those armaments!" He reached into his pocket and pulled out the trusty bison-whistle. He blew hard into it.

In a moment, Appa had burst out from the hull, Momo riding on his head, holding the reigns as though he were flying the bison. Appa flew into Sokka's face and the warrior jumped onto his back. Appa flew towards the lower deck. Zuko, Jet and Toph leaped aboard the bison. Sokka opened up his satchel … several homemade explosives were inside, courtesy of the Mechanist. He hoped it would be enough.

"Alright, let's go! Yip-yip!"

Below, the Water Tribe Warriors aboard their ship jumped into the frigid waters. With warrior-agility, they knifed through the seas and began scaling the Fire Navy flagship.

Admiral Chan watched as his ship was boarded with more Water Tribe Warriors, joining Hahn and his two bodyguards in the melee. He grabbed his corporal. "Put all ships on alert. I want every able-bodied man in the fleet here now!" He shoved his corporal out the door and turned his attention to the ongoing battle on his deck.

.

.

.

From Appa's saddle, Sokka began dropping several of his bombs.

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

One after another, the flagship's ballistae went down. He gleefully reached into his satchel … only to find he had run out of bombs!

"Sokka!"

Jet was pointing from behind him on Appa's saddle.

The entire Fire Nation fleet was turning. Each ship was moving into attack position, their armaments ready.

Sokka gulped.

Jet had an idea. He pointed to the one remaining armament. "If we can commandeer one, maybe we can turn the flagship's armaments against the rest of the fleet. It won't do much, but it'll buy Katara the time she needs!"

Sokka nodded. He flicked the reins and Appa swooped in low. Jet drew his two hooked swords and dove into the battle, followed by Zuko. Toph cracked her knuckles. "It's been a while since I've cracked some Fire Nation skulls! I've been wishing for the old-days and boy-howdy did you guys ever deliver!" And with that, she leaped off Appa's back, joining Zuko and Jet in the battle on the deck.

Landing in the thick of things, Toph used Metalbending to rip a strip of metal from the ship's hull and smack a bunch of Fire Nation troops overboard.

Zuko met fire with fire, dueling several Firebenders at once.

Jet caught one Firebender around the ankle with his hooked sword and flipped him onto his back. He turned, fighting side by side with Hahn.

"I hope you guys have a plan," Hahn smirked, ducking under a blast of flame, before striking his foe across the head with his club.

"That last ballistae armament," Jet replied, pointing with his sword. "If we can get to it, we can turn some of their weaponry against them."

Jet knocked another soldier out … and then the Red Oni was there, both swords drawn. Jet smirked. "A rematch is it? Fine by me!" And he launched himself into the air, spinning, bringing his blades down … only to be met with equal force by the Red Oni.

Hahn kicked a soldier away from him. "Guess it's up to me." Parrying another blow, he raced towards the last ballistae armament on the flagship. He jump-kicked the masked soldier from his perch, commandeering it. He aimed the catapult at the nearest Fire Navy vessel. This vessel had several harpoons that had been blasted into the sea … into the heart of the Mechanist's submarine … Hahn looked around for something to light it with. "Blast it, no fuse!"

Thinking quickly, he grabbed a small stone from his pouch and struck a spark into the rubble in the catapult. It lit on fire. "Yes!" And with a boom, it blasted off into the air. Nearby, Toph sensed the air currents. She reached out with her hands, bending the burning pile of rubble, adding more force to the attack.

"Here!" she yelled. "Let's play catch!" There was an explosion, and the men on the nearest vessel began abandoning ship as it began sinking.

"One down," Hahn said, sliding from his seat and placing more ammo into the catapult. "Only a thousand or so more to go …"

Toph grinned and gave him a thumb's up.

.

.

.

"Mommy … can't we go home? I'm so tired …"

Kya gently caressed her young daughter's cheek. "But we've come so far … we're almost at the frozen peaks and there's something I want to show you …" The stars were still high in the early morning sky, shrouding mother and daughter in darkness.

"But Mooommm!"

"We're almost there, honey. Just a few more feet."

"You said that ten minutes ago!"

"Yes. And with each step, that's one less step. Besides, this time I really mean it."

Katara was grumbling, when she almost took a step too far … over the edge of a frozen gorge.

They had done it! They had reached the summit! Katara smiled, looking out over the vast southern seas.

Kya sat down in the snow with her daughter snuggling up in her lap. "Keep your eye on the horizon, Katara. And watch."

And after a moment, the sun crested over the horizon, bathing the entire South Pole in bright orange light. The light shimmered over the seas, casting a crystalline glow over them.

Katara's mouth was wide open, her eyes shone with excitement. "Wow!"

And Kya took Katara in her arms and held her up, holding her close. "And what did you think of that, my daughter?"

"That was the mostest amazing thing I have ever seen!" She was exuberant.

Kya turned her daughter in her arms to see her face to face. "And what would have happened if you hadn't listened to me? If we had just turned back?"

"I guess I wouldn't have seen it!"

Kya smiled. "Yes, my daughter. Always remember, just one more step. Just one more, and you'll see the world alight."

Just one more step.

Just one more …

.

Katara's eyes flitted open. Her mother's words were burning in her ears. Struggling for air, she raised her hands to the ice.

Just one more step, Mom. Just one more.

Filled with a new determination, Katara began melting the ice just beneath Aang.

Just one more step.

Don't give up.

Her lungs were on fire.

Just a bit more.

And the ice under the young monk gave way.

And Aang's body fell limply into Katara's arms.

.

.

.

BOOM!

BOOM!

Toph and Hahn were laughing.

Hahn would blast the ballistae, and Toph would use Earthbending to strengthen the force.

One after another, their shots hit Fire Navy ship after ship. The Fire Nation fleet was falling into disarray. And on the deck of the flagship, Zuko and the Water Tribe warriors fought off the Fire Nation troops, keeping them from getting to Hahn and the last standing armament. Jet continued dueling the Red Oni – just like their last meeting, it was a stalemate.

"I think we got all the ships shooting the harpoons!" Hahn yelled.

And indeed, the four ships which had struck the submarine with harpoons were smoldering, their bridges on fire.

.

Below, in the submarine, Tho and Due cheered as the harpoons were withdrawn. They, along with Huu, began bending the water back, keeping it at bay. They had removed most of the flooding with their bending and were now focused on keeping the water from pouring through the holes caused by the harpoons.

Below their feet, a hatch opened.

Katara surfaced, carrying a limp body. She deposited the body onto the floor of the submarine, before joining them.

"I did it," she said.

She was exhausted. The Mechanist and Teo rushed over to her, but she held up her hand. "I'll be fine," she breathed. She crawled over to Aang's limp form … his body was bluish and cold. She held his limp head in her lap, caressing his cheek.

"We're going to get you back, Aang," she lamented. She gripped his fingers with her own. "One way or another, I am getting you back." Her face was determined. "Body and soul."

.

.

.

Sokka was still flying Appa around, circling the melee. Hahn had successfully sunk several of the Fire Navy's ships … but the rest of the navy was closing in, moving into battle formation around the flagship.

They couldn't fight off an entire fleet.

In a matter of minutes, they would be overrun.

Nearby, the submarine crested. The Mechanist appeared in a hatch in the roof. "We got Aang, m'boy!" Sokka watched, eyes widened, as Katara appeared in the hatch too.

Sokka circled with Appa and landed at the top of the submarine. Katara climbed on the top of the vessel, Aang's body limp in her arms. Sokka, Momo and Appa watched sadly. Katara climbed aboard the bison's saddle, and gently laid Aang's body there. Momo, lip trembling, caressed his master's face.

Katara looked grimly at Sokka. "We've gotta go."

The Mechanist looked down sadly. "The submarine has too many holes from those harpoons, I'm afraid. We won't be able to escape on it …"

Sokka glanced over at the Fire Navy ship they commandeered. It was burning, having taken blast after blast from the flagship's armaments. It was already beginning to sink.

He looked over at Katara. She had a grim look of understanding on her face. "We won't be able to fit everyone on Appa …" Her eyes were brimmed.

"No," Sokka lamented. This was the Day of Black Sun all over again.

The Mechanist smiled, concealing his own fear. "Not to worry, m'boy! We were captured before during the Invasion! We will bear imprisonment until Aang saves the world again."

Sokka looked behind him. The Fire Navy was closing in. They had less than a few minutes. He shook his head. "You don't understand … they're not taking prisoners this time!"

The Mechanist opened his mouth, but no words came out. He watched the Navy box them in, their armaments all lit. He looked down through the hatch at Teo and the Swampbenders.

"We heard everything," Teo replied from below. "For Aang! For the Avatar!"

The Mechanist nodded, turning back to Sokka. "For the Avatar!"

"No!" Sokka protested. "Not this time! I'm not leaving anyone behind again!"

Katara watched as several navy ships blasted their armaments. Flaming balls flew over their heads, hitting their commandeered Fire Nation ship. Smoke issued from it and they watched as it finally disappeared beneath the water's surface.

The Mechanist grasped Sokka's shoulder with his wooden fingers, his fleshly hand caressing Appa's soft head. "You must, m'boy. The world is counting on you …"

"I won't! I won't leave anybody behind! Not again!"

The Mechanist grasped Sokka's forearm. "Thank you for everything, Sokka. Thank you for forgiving me for building weapons for the Fire Nation. Thank you for recruiting me for the Invasion. And for this rescue mission. Thank you for giving Teo and me a cause to fight for!"

Sokka and Katara's eyes were watering.

The Fire Nation was nearly on top of them.

"Now go! Don't let our sacrifices be in vain!"

Teo's head appeared out of the hatch. "It's okay, Sokka. We're at peace with it."

More fireballs appeared.

The Mechanist roughly shoved Sokka's arm. "Go! By not saving us, you'll have saved the whole world!"

Teo nodded. "It's a fact of life, Sokka. You can't save everyone. Please … let our deaths mean something."

Below, Tho, Due and Huu nodded their agreement. "Death is only an illusion," Huu told his brethren. "Our flesh may decay, but our spirits never die."

Sokka wiped his eyes. "I'll never forget any of you," he said. "Or your sacrifices. Thank you!"

He flicked Appa's reigns, and with Katara and Aang's body in the saddle, the bison took off into the skies.

The Mechanist placed his arms around his son. "It will be okay, Teo. It will be over quickly."

"Dad … I'm glad I'm here with you at the end."

"I love you, m'boy." He planted a kiss on his son's head. "I love you …"

.

.

.

FOOSH!

A whirling tornado of water snaked up out of the ocean next to the submarine. Followed by another one.

Pakku landed on the top of the submarine, Hama descending after him.

The Mechanist was utterly perplexed. "Men? Living beneath the ocean?"

Pakku turned to Sokka, who was circling above. "Get the Avatar. Get your friends. We'll save these people!"

Sokka was perplexed. "Master Pakku? Where did you come from?"

"Your dad saw a messenger hawk heading for the tribe. Your messenger hawk. It headed for Hahn, but your dad assumed it was for him. And then when we saw those explosions, we knew something was up. Me … I was already heading back from liberating Ba Sing Se … again."

Pakku turned to the Mechanist. "You might want to go back below deck."

Grabbing his son, the Mechanist slid down back into the submarine, closing the hatch behind him.

Pakku and Hama took positions, spinning their hands. The water around the submarine began churning, and then like a cork out of a bottle, the submarine flew off through the waters, far away from the battle.

To safety.

.

.

.

Sokka flew Appa over the deck of the flagship, watching the battle below. The rest of the Fire Navy had swarmed tightly around the flagship, and hordes of Fire Nation soldiers were jumping aboard, joining the battle.

"Guys!"

Zuko, Toph, Jet and Hahn looked up to see Appa.

Hahn nodded. "Go! I'll be along in a minute!" He turned the ballistae armament towards the deck of the flagship. He struck a rock, igniting a spark.

KABOOM!

The ballistae hit the deck of its own ship, rocking it. Jet, who was dueling the Red Oni, disengaged as everyone was thrown off their feet.

Katara jumped off of Appa's back and landed on the deck. With a look of utter ferociousness, she blasted several Firebenders back. "Come on!"

"Don't have to tell me twice," Toph snickered, staggering to her feet. Katara helped her on to Appa's back.

Jet scrabbled to his feet … the Red Oni was lying limply on his back. He sneered down at his nemesis, before running and jumping onto Appa's back.

"Zuko!" Katara called.

The Fire Lord nodded, blasting more foes back with Firebending. He leaped over an enemy and landed on Appa.

Above, from the bridge, Admiral Chan had regained his footing and was shouting orders. "Don't let that blasted bison escape!"

"Do we have everyone?" Katara called as she swung herself onto Appa's saddle.

"Wait," Sokka yelled from Appa. "Hahn!"

The young Chieftain was racing towards them. Almost there, within reach of Sokka's hand …

THUNK!

Hahn's eyes widened and he collapsed to his knees, his fingers just out of Sokka's reach.

"HAHN!" Sokka's voice crackled with a mixture of sadness and horror.

An arrow was lodged in Hahn's back, between his shoulder blades. Sokka looked across the deck to see the Red Oni, a bow in hand, having just fired his shot.

Hahn staggered to his feet, the arrow embedded into his back. He looked up at Sokka and uttered one word.

"Go."

Sokka protested furiously. "No! I told the Mechanist and I'm telling you – no one left behind!" He reached out for Hahn's hand.

Hahn looked at Sokka's outstretched hand. He shook his head and drew his machete, backing away. "Go! I'll hold them off as long as I can! Go! Hurry Sokka!"

Sokka was struck. "You got my name right …"

"GO!"

The Red Oni plucked another arrow and drew it back into his bow.

THUNK!

Hahn's body jerked forward again. A second arrow was now embedded in his back. The Fire Nation soldiers were recovering from the shock of the blast to the ship's deck and were advancing on the bison.

Mustering his strength, Hahn slashed with his machete, dueling several Firebenders at once.

Ropes were tossed by the Firebenders, wrapping themselves around Appa's legs. The bison roared as the Fire Nation began pulling him down towards the deck. Zuko tried lighting them on fire, only to be faced with more ropes being hurled.

Gritting his teeth through the pain, Hahn turned his back on his enemies and began chopping the ropes with his machete, freeing the bison.

THUNK!

A third arrow jutted out from his back. He cried out from the pain, dropping his machete, collapsing to his knees. His vision was swimming. He looked up at Sokka and Katara with genuine regret in his voice.

"Sokka. Katara. My Brother and Sister." He lifted a weakened finger. "Go!"

Fighting back his tears, Sokka watched as the entire fleet aimed their thousands of ballistae armaments at Appa. They had to go. Now or never.

The Fire Nation lit their fuses.

If they didn't leave, they were toast.

Hahn smiled. "I die as a true warrior," he said. There was an air of triumph in his voice. "I'm sorry for all of the rotten things I've done. I hope this makes amends …"

Katara and Sokka and everyone aboard Appa stared down at him sadly.

"You are my Brother, Hahn," Sokka replied sadly. "Today, you've become family."

"Then go! Now! Save the Avatar! Grant me this dying redemption!" Gritting through the pain, Hahn's fingers found his weapon. "I will die as a true Chieftain – fighting for my people! Let this be my redemption!"

He staggered to his feet, turning, and threw himself into battle against the advancing Firebenders.

Sokka watched him. This is how he would always remember Hahn from now on. Not as the conniving schemer. But as a true Warrior Brother, valiantly facing impossible odds.

Katara tapped her brother's shoulder. "Sokka! We're out of time!"

Sokka spared one last glance at the valiantly fighting Hahn. "Goodbye … my Brother."

He flicked Appa's reigns and bison took off as the thousands of ballistae armaments fired at once.

There were a series of explosions in the sky.

Admiral Chan watched with glee as a giant smoke cloud ascended up.

And Appa blasted out of the cloud, free and far out of the Fire Nation's clutches.

And Aang was finally free from the iceberg.

.

.

.

Hahn was on his knees, several arrows embedded in his back. He was finally beaten and broken. Surrounded by hundreds of Fire Nation soldiers.

Admiral Chan shoved his soldiers aside, the Red Oni behind him.

He spared one glance at the Water Chieftain. "The Coalition had such hopes for you, Hahn."

Hahn spat at his feet. "Guess I'm not as 'controllable' as you all thought!"

"Indeed. You made your choice. Now die like a dog." He nodded at the Red Oni.

Hahn smiled. "I did make a choice … a choice to die as a free man!"

The Red Oni drew his broadswords and with a simple stroke of the blade, the killing blow was delivered.

Admiral Chan turned to his corporal. "The Avatar has escaped. But still, his soul remains trapped. The Fire Lord will want a full report." He looked down at Hahn's body. "And someone clean up this mess!"

.

.

.

Appa flew into the night. They were heading north, away from the Southern Water Tribe.

Everyone was silent.

Katara held Aang's unconscious form in her lap, stroking his cheek. She finally broke the silence. "Do you think Pakku and Hama got the Mechanist and the others to safety?"

"I think so," Sokka replied solemnly.

"What about Dad? And the rest of the tribe? Hahn's actions, along with Pakku's, will be taken as a declaration of war."

"Yes," Sokka replied looking ahead. "Yes it will."

"Can we win it, Sokka?" Toph asked.

"We did it before," he replied. "We'll do it again."

And Katara looked down at Aang's unmoving form. A tear rolled down her cheek and landed on Aang's forehead.

Appa flew full-steam ahead into the waning moon …

.

.

.

Fire Nation – Throne Room – Night

A figure strode into the throne room of the Fire Nation's Royal Palace. White flames flickered around the throne as Fire Lord Lu Ten sat there, his hair done in a top-knot.

The figure kneeled down. "You summoned me, Fire Lord?"

Lu Ten examined his nails. "The Avatar has escaped … Admiral Chan has failed."

The man sneered. "Forgive me, my lord, but it was unwise to trust him."

"Indeed. His failure will be dealt with. I should have known I could only have trusted you to oversee the Avatar. After all, you and I have such a bond … having both been brought back from the brink of death from the Master. His essence, his lifeforce sustaining us both …"

The man bowed low. "How may I serve my Fire Lord?"

"The Water Savages have tipped their hand. They have betrayed the Coalition. Their actions were nothing but a contemptible act of war."

"Shall I gather the full might of our fleet and crush them, sire?"

"No," Lu Ten sighed. "I have no desire to go to war with the Water Savages, nor does the Master wish them to leave the Coalition."

"But … after today, how will they stay?"

Lu Ten leaned forward, his face shrouded in shadow. "We just need the proper leverage."

The man looked up. "Are you implying -."

"The North Pole. I take it you remember. After you died there and the Master took pity on you, gave you some of his life in exchange for eternal servitude."

"I have not forgotten."

"I see you are eager for revenge. But you must curb it. No slaying of the Ocean and Moon Spirits this time … we just need to occupy their Spirit Oasis. The mere threat of the Ocean and Moon Spirits' destruction will be enough to keep the Water Savages in line. It will suffice to ensure they stay in the Coalition …"

"Then I have your permission to station a garrison at the North Pole?"

"Yes. And please do not fail me like Admiral Chan. The Master gave you life back … but he can just as easily take it away."

"I will not fail again." And Zhao, resurrected by the Beast's Energybending, stood up and walked towards the doors. The lifeforce of the Beast in him, sustaining him.

Nourishing his desire for revenge …