Author Note: Hi All!

I'm taking a creative writing class and we were challenged by the teacher to WRITE FANFIC! (I love that the stigma is going away). The prompt was to take a well loved story and do the following:

1. Change three major plot points and see how that affects the world (2 had to be changing the history and foundation of the world). 2. Write the world either darker or lighter than the source material (this story will be DARK).
3. Fill in the world more (A bit nebulous, but here we go).

Needless to say, my brain took this prompt and ran with it.

I do encourage everyone to read the tags before continuing. This story will explore some dark things, and I will put some CW's along the way - but want you to be prepared.

Lastly, I plan on updating this story every other week.

Without further ado... Tell Me the Pretty Lie About Home

Part I

Tell Me the Pretty Lie About Home

Chapter 1

The magic blue light of a winter's evening settled on the forest. And for a moment, the silence of freshly fallen snow breathed peace into a world suffocated by fire. Frigid air and cutting wind signaled it was time to slumber, to find warmth. All villagers, but one, retreated to their stony hearths.

Wrapped in soft sealskin boots, Katara's feet quietly crunched the virgin snow. They left a light, oval footprint - barely a whisper on the ground. The path amongst the evergreens rapidly grew dark. Yet, as her cheeks stung with the cold, she didn't become afraid. The young woman knew the way to the clearing well. Slivers of silver moonlight began to snake through the branches dripping with icicles. The winter jewels glimmered in Katara's bright blue eyes as she made it to her special spot - a nearly perfect circle protected by dark, tall pines.

She dropped her thick blue coat lined in white fur on the ground as she crossed the threshold into the empty space. Goosebumps erupted on her bare arms and shoulders, but she didn't care. She craved the touch of the full moon and tilted her head up to greet her goddess. A plume of hot air escaped her lips as the soft glow graced her skin. Adrenaline surged through her limbs under the gaze of the night sky. This is a holy time. In the middle of the clearing, Katara began moving through her forbidden forms. The muscles of her legs tensed and released as she crouched. Her arms moved around her - fluid like water. Dark tresses of hair swung as she danced for her goddess. The snow melted under her feet and she called to the water. It answered. A hum from her element vibrated through her bound chest. The liquid arched and twisted for her in graceful circles around her body. A most dangerous present from the moon.

This gift of water was almost as forgotten as her beloved goddess. Each only a whisper passed down from mother to daughter when mending or cooking. Katara had been enraptured by the tales, but her mother said they were just stories. However, Gran Gran told her of a time when women stood in the moonlight and honored their goddess. Her wrinkled lined eyes would twinkle when she spoke of the strong women bending water - swearing she had seen them with her two eyes when she was a little girl. Welding the element to protect and to defend. Katara's mother would shush the old woman, telling her the stories would be their death. However, Katara knew her grandmother was right. Every time she fell asleep, her white haired goddess would plead with her to come into the night. The deity reached out to her in glowing azure robes and shackles clasped on her wrist. Regal even in bondage as she begged Katara to accept the gift. At sixteen, she finally found the courage to answer the goddess's call. And for two years, on every full moon, Katara went out amongst the stars and defied the law of the Church of Fire. Bending the element that scared them the most. The one that could smother their oppression, turning it into steam.

There was no teacher left or none that she knew; so instead, Katara listened to the murmurs of her goddess and grew strong. This evening, as she cut through the harsh air, the moon said ~You're almost ready. You're almost preparedA satisfied smile shone on her face, as she finished her last form with a flourish. The heat of euphoria spread throughout her body. The moon glowed brightly as Katara lifted her hands heavenward. Thank you goddess for your strength.

"What … are you doing?" questioned an alarmed tenor voice somewhere in the trees.

The moment broke. Katara's hands flew up to her rudimentary bindings in an attempt to cover her almost naked torso. A spear of fear pieced her stomach as she scanned the dark tree line. There was no face she could make out, but the cracking of branches echoed around her. Her heart pounded and her calves tensed - ready to run.

"Katara!" Yelled her brother as his face broke through the wall of trees. "What was that?"

Her nostrils flared as she looked at her brother's scratched up face - no doubt from the pine needles. Angry puffs of breath rose in front of her. "Why are you here Sokka?" She asked, her voice rising in pitch. The world appeared dimmer as she stomped towards her discarded coat. Light blue fabric now darkened by snow. Why does he always do this!

"Why…. Why am I here? Why are you out of the house so late? And what was this…?" He said indignantly waving his arms in the air mimicking her movements from before. His hair escaped his foxtail and fell into his furrowed brow.

"I'm grown. I don't have to explain myself." Katara challenged as she shrugged on her coat. The white fur tickled her throat as she violently buttoned the front. She began to storm away.

"Katara, come on… hold on… " Sokka whined behind her. Snow crackled with each of his ungainly footsteps. Katara stared straight ahead, aggressively pushing through the tree line to the trail. The icicles didn't sparkle like jewels now. Nor did the glow of moonlight dance amongst the branches. The once clear night sky, was now shrouded in clouds. The forest looked dull and gray in the dimmed light. Her older brother grasped her forearm and swung her around. "Listen... I heard you leave. I just wanted to protect you…" Sokka's expression pinched with worry.

Katara twisted out of his grip and accidentally fell back into a tree with a thud. Snow from the branches plopped to the ground. Pain radiated up her shoulder from the impact. "I don't need you to protect me." She said tightly. Although significantly less mature than her, Sokka felt the need to follow her around when he was between hunting trips. It had only grown worse over the last four years, as their father had been called North for long stretches of time. Their father, Hakoda, had offhandedly told her brother 'he was the man of the house' before he left - and of course, it had gone to the hunter's head. Sokka often cited the need to 'protect her virtue' or some other bullshit she didn't care for - infringing on her autonomy.

"Obviously you do! Since you're… you're… waterbending!" Sokka countered, wildly gesticulating his arms above his head. "You know it's not allowed!"

"I'm not having this discussion with you!"

"How long have you been doing this?"

"I told you, I'm not going to talk about this with you." She said curtly brushing the rough bark from her coat.

A shadow ran across her periphery and the patter of footsteps sounded to her right. It's probably a harmless foxdeer.

"Katara… you can't keep… waterbending." Sokka hissed out the word as if it would burn him. "You have to stop."

She glared at her brother and called out to the water surrounding her. A familiar vibration echoed in her chest. "You mean this?" She said angrily as she whipped a small arc of water at her brother. It stopped short of hitting him. His eyes widened nonetheless.

"That! You can't do that!"

Another louder, rustle sounded close as she whipped another bow of water in retaliation. ~Find the source~ Whispered her goddess.

"Stop! I don't… I don't…" Sokka started. The breeze carried what sounded like crying to Katara.

"Wait, stop." She said, her eyes searching the dark shadow of the forest. Her arms tensing into a defensive stance.

"Don't tell me…"

"No really. Stop." Katara commanded and Sokka fell silent as she crept forward. The crying grew clearer - it was a pitifully small sound, punctuated by small gasps. Katara's sharp eyes swept the foliage.

~There~ It was as if she had been possessed. Her head was forced to look slightly to her left. She blinked, her eyes began to focus in the night - and there, poking out behind a thick tree - was a small, red shoe. It was so little it had to be a child's foot. Her arms dropped to her sides as her mouth went dry.

"Are you okay?" She asked in a soft voice.

"Katara… what are you doing?" Sokka whispered, grabbing her shoulder. The sobbing stopped and the red shoes slid from view. Only tiny gasps could still be heard.

Katara shook off her brother's hand and cautiously inched forward. A shaking shoulder clothed in orange came into sight. Why are they out here alone?

Katara did a double take as she rounded the large trunk. A young child cowered against the tree. Knees drawn up and their face buried in their arms. They were dressed in a thin, yellow tunic and short, orange pants - obviously not protecting the kid against the cutting cold - evident through their violent shivering. The moonlight gently shone through the trees causing the blue arrow tattooed on the child's bald head to glow. An Air Nomad, this far South?

Air Nomads had been rounded up decades ago and forced into camps by the Temple of Fire and the Earth King. Quarantined from the rest of the world because their way of life defied 'civilization.' It was rare that a nomad was permitted to leave their authorized areas. Even rarer for a nomad to be in Water Tribe territory.

Her lips pressed together as she shrugged off her coat. The air prickled at her exposed skin "Hey," she said softly as she crouched down. The boy's head slowly lifted and Katara was met with big gray eyes - wide with fear. She gently touched the child's knee then wrapped his shoulders in her coat. "I'm Katara."

The boy sniffed hard and rubbed his teary, redden face on the back of his sleeve. "I… I'm Aang." He squeaked outl.

"Nice to meet you Aang." Katara said with a comforting smile. Her knees popped as she stood and extended a hand to the boy. Hesitantly, he took it - his own hand still trembling slightly. The coat drowned his petite frame, and he was so short he barely made it to her chest. "This is my brother Sokka." She gestured to the hunter still frozen a meter away - his mouth gaping. "We can help you."

Aang nodded, still clutching her hand. So many questions swam through her head, but she remained silent as they found their way back on the path. Clouds in the night sky cleared and starlight sparkled once again through the woods - as the trio quietly made it back to the village. Plumes of smoke ascending from chimneys, came into view and the smell of burning firewood wafted on the breeze.

As they exited the forest, Katara glanced at the child beside her. Then the goddess - in the clearest voice she had ever heard - stated ~Protect this child and you free me~

—-

Zuko's inner thighs and ass ached. Four straight hours of riding a defiant leopard-caribou on a poorly fitted saddle was anything but pleasant. He missed the sleek, well trained eel hound they had been forced to leave in the last Earth Kingdom village before crossing into the untamed land of the Southern Water Tribes. Even though the King and the Temple brought civilization to the tribes about a century ago - by relocating the Water People out of the actual South Pole and into the more accessible northern lands - their villages remained tucked deep into the forest and only reachable by poorly kept roads. Only the stocky leopard-caribous and specially designed carriages could traverse the icy paths in the winter.

The convoy snaked down the narrow, tree lined path. Biting wind pushed against the caravan, causing for slow progress and Zuko's scar to uncomfortably ache. It was an unfamiliar sensation - then again, he had never been sent to an area so cold. I doubt the kid survived a day in this weather. The Fire Sage, who was also his Uncle, was situated in front of him on a much better behaved creature. The older man's large torso swayed as his gravelly voice rang through the snowy trees. The lyrics of some ridiculous song about pretty Water Tribe girls distorted into a slurry as some soldiers and clergy joined in down the line. A hot prickle of irritation rose through Zuko's neck and cheeks. The volume of voices grated his nerves. Loud noises of all kinds had irrationally irritated him since he was a child. However, he breathed through it - just like Uncle Iroh taught him.

Zuko looked up through the towering trees. Thick, low clouds covered the sky, yet the sun was still there. An orb of gray behind the winter shroud. He nudged the leopard-caribou with his boot to go faster. The beast reared up at the kick, but Zuko wrangled it into submission, until it obeyed. There was barely enough room on the path for two people to ride side by side, but the animal let out an indignant huff and ran beside Iroh anyways.

"If you hum to Bohu, he'll listen to you." His uncle said reaching over to stroke the grumpy leopard-caribou's fur. Zuko rolled his eyes. He was not going to hum to an animal nor did he want to contemplate why his uncle had already named the creature.

"We need to stop. It is time to pray."

"You know nephew, you can relax a bit when we're on the road."

Tension shot through Zuko's jaw. He had been accepted into the Temple of Fire at ten years old, and everyday for the past decade he had stopped and prayed when the sun was highest in the sky. At first, it had been out of true devotion to his God. Gratitude flowed through him for the gift of fire. But after the incident, the prayer came from a place of fear. Temple Father Ozai lorded over him - telling him that his fire would be taken if he didn't fall in line. Zuko couldn't imagine a life more empty, so he did everything he was asked, even allowing himself to be scarred.

"It is our duty. We will stop."

Iroh's face remained neutral, looking down the trail. "If my memory serves me, I believe there is a clearing further up the path."

The entire way Zuko's skin crawled from the slight deviation in schedule, as it took the better part of an hour to reach the spot Iroh remembered. There was no indication in the trail of the clearing, but Uncle assured them they were near as he dismounted. Burbling water could be heard nearby. The older man handed the reins of both his and Zuko's leopard-caribou to a soldier and asked him to take them to the nearby river to drink.

Iroh plunged into the forest, Zuko followed along with two other junior clergy members. The trees twinkled for them. Alive in ice and crisp in silence. The older man's head was bowed as he led the way, mouthing words his nephew couldn't decipher. Sunlight could be seen through the trees. Strong rays, no longer hindered by a blanket of clouds, illuminated Zuko's face. Intimate warmth spread through his torso and irritation of travel evaporated. Although in new territory, the way towards the light felt familiar. The young man's limbs moved forward with confidence through thick trunks and bare shrubs. Sunshine burst forth as Zuko broke through the trees. He stood in a snowy clearing that was almost a perfect circle. Brilliant daylight danced across the frozen ground. There was an intensity about this place that made him look to his uncle for answers. Yet, the Fire Sage was already kneeling in the snow - eyes closed and completing the movements for midday prayers.

He got on his knees. Usually, he would be annoyed at the melting snow seeping through his pants, but an overwhelming yearning pulled at his chest instead. He wanted to shed his robes and feel the sunlight on his skin. That was preposterous, of course - so instead he pulled back his hood, allowing the light on his cleanly shaven scalp. He tipped his face towards the sun and well rehearsed words tumbled from his mouth. Burning Yih, bringer of day, I cower before you. Lower than low. His voice, which was normally soft for prayers, grew bold. He lost himself to the words. Yih, I beg you, grant me one more day of mercy. The words poured out now. Uncontrollable. You are great and I am weak. I am not worthy of your gift. He feverishly said the obligatory three recitations, and on the final, So Be It, a strong breeze whipped around him carrying a voice.

Zuko, it has been many years His eyes shot open and his heart raced. The snow that had looked beautiful in the sun now blinded him. It had been seven years since he last heard that deep, resonant voice. Even at thirteen, he was never sure it wasn't a figment of his imagination.

Zuko…

He steeled himself. The voice halted mid sentence as his carefully constructed mental walls went back up. The junior clergy respectfully averted their eyes, as he staggered to his feet. Blood rushed through his veins and he tramped towards the tree line. Eager to escape this place. He straightened the thick red and black robes and fixed the hood to cover his face. Why now? Why here? His mind raced as he marched back through the forest towards the path. Why did you leave me? When I needed you most, why did you go silent? With the last question the fear of his former self bubbled up. It was the dread of a thirteen year old boy about to face the wrath of his father.

Murmurs of conversation grew closer as Zuko crashed through the trees and onto the path. The soldiers were back in formation. A young private holding the reins for his leopard-caribou looked at him wide eyed. Zuko snatched the leather from the soldier without a thank you, then mounted quickly. Get a grip. You shit. Iroh emerged from the forest looking refreshed. Without a worry, the Fire Sage gilded towards his leopard-caribou.

"Truly a holy place." Iroh said, deeply inhaling. His amber eyes glassy as he looked at the trees as if they were the most beautiful thing in the world. "Is it not nephew?"

It was blasphemy to call a sight outside of a temple 'holy.' It implied someone or something could create something greater than the Temple Father himself. Zuko grunted and whipped the reins, ignoring the old man. The sharp crack signaled for the furry beast to move forward. The rest of the soldiers and clergy fell in line, leaving Iroh on the side of the path to 'commune' with nature for a little while longer. The path was growing slightly wider with each passing minute and footprints could be seen in the snow. The Water Tribe village had to be close, and so, Zuko guessed, was the Air Nomad...if he survived the temperatures.

The smell of roasting meat began to waft through the air and the outline of houses could be seen in the distance. Zuko's stomach betrayed him with a growl. He hadn't eaten all day and wouldn't until the evening. He quickened the pace of the convoy. The rough outlines became clearer. Let's get this done, so I can go home. Home… The path dumped the men out into a crude village square. An abandoned spit of meat stood in the center. The fire under the charred carcass still burned. Besides the crackling of the fire, the village was unnervingly quiet. People had retreated into their barbaric houses and peered at the caravan through their crude windows. Zuko took a deep inhale and quelled the fluttering in his stomach, as he stopped the group. He yanked down his hood to let his horrifying scar show. Even this far South, they had to know who he was.

"I am here in search of an Air Nomad. Step forward with information and I will not harm you." Dozens of blue eyes stared at him separated by the supposed safety of their homes. Each made of wood. Each flammable. Zuko scowled as the residents stayed silent. He jumped off his leopard-caribou with a thud. Heat flared through his body screaming for a release. He granted it in one swift motion. Fire erupted on the thatch roof of the nearest home. Screams sounded from the inside as flames quickly engulfed half the roof. Two small girls and a mother ran out.

"Nephew, this isn't necessary." Iroh said softly from behind him. Zuko paid no attention. The thought of home, home, home chimed through his head.

"I will only say it once more - if you step forward with information I will not harm you." His voice strained louder. Silence. An arch of fire was about to burst from his hand, when an elderly woman came into the street. Her blue coat faded almost gray and her hands raised in submission.

"I can assure you, Prince Zuko, there is no Air Nomad here." Her voice creaked with age, but remained steady. The wrinkles around her eyes created the sense he could trust her. Maybe the kid really did die in the cold.

A warm hand landed on his shoulder, the weight ground him. "Zuko, let us leave. The Air Nomad is not here." Stated his uncle in a gentle tone. He almost turned to leave until he saw a blur of yellow and orange in his periphery. Adrenaline roared through his body.

"Round up the village!" He ordered as he pulled himself back up on his leopard-caribou. They will pay for their crimes against the Crown and Temple. For standing in my way. Muscle aches and fatigue vanished as he yanked the reins hard and rushed towards the woods. He could make out streaks of blue, white, and yellow. Branches cut at his face but he barely registered the sting of pain, as he forced his beast to run as fast as possible through the tight trees. It's roars of displeasure echoed around him. Chunks of fur ripped on the bark and branch. He had no time to care as the blurs before him became figures. The Air Nomad was clutching to a woman on the back of an agile polar bear dog. A contraband animal in the tribes. A man, sporting the ridiculous hair style of tribe warriors, rode alongside her on an elderly, leopard-caribou - which struggled to keep pace with the faster creature.

The woman's long brown hair blew widely in the wind as she looked back at Zuko gaining distance. Her cobalt eyes narrowed on him, as her right arm drew up sharply and with it a spray of water. The liquid did little but obscure his vision for a second. Zuko's lips parted slightly in surprise. Waterbenders had been violently snuffed out in the Southern Tribe. The ones that remained in the north now worked for the Temple under the watchful eyes of the Sages. Another mist of water obscured his vision and the woman yelled, "Now!"

A boomerang appeared from the light gauze of water. He easily dodged it and vaulted shearing hot fire at the man. It missed the target, but hit the haunches of the elderly leopard-caribou. Shrieks of pain reverberated around the trees. The wild thing bucked and threw the water tribe man to the ground. The polar bear dog slowed as the woman and kid looked back.

"Katara go! I'm fine!" The warrior shouted staggering to his feet clutching his arm.

Bold assumption that he will be fine. Zuko rushed past the man. His beast panting loudly as they zig zagged through the forest. Katara mushed the polar bear dog forward and broke through the trees ahead. They landed in the clearing where he prayed earlier.

Time grew sluggish.

Katara… Yue…

His head began to spin. A trembling ran through his chest and all his being yearned to be with the woman in front of him. What the fuck is this? His hands shook. The woman...Katara... glanced back at him - brow furrowed in confusion. Both of them had arms raised for attack.

Stop this The voice commanded harshly and Zuko physically couldn't attack, nor did a wall of water come from the woman. A force halted him in place - in the center of the circle. His blood grew icy yet his heart fluttered as he watched the two escape through the trees.

Why are you doing this?

Balance, this is the only way to bring ba…

The firebender fortified his mind before the voice? The deity? Could finish their sentence.