Prologue- Deal with the Devil

"My lord!" One of the Fire Lord's many nameless guards cried while bowing multiple times in apology for suddenly bursting into the throne room. "A stranger is here to see you !"

The Fire Lord was angered by this sudden disturbance. "How dare you interrupt my meditation! Who is so important that you barge in here and ask me to grant them audience!" he bellowed, raising the flames that burned in front of the royal throne.

"I am truly sorry my lord, but they would not leave." The sentry pleaded. One of them even drew a blade on me and threatened to kill me if I did not grant them entrance! They say that they are willing to help with the avatar situation!"

"That is correct." A silver-tongued voice said. Two men had entered the throne room during the guard's plea. One was a mysterious figure clothed in layers of black robes, his face concealed by the shadow cast from the large hood he was wearing. The only parts of him that were visible were his bony white hands. The other man had look and demeanor of sophistication and elegance about him. He wore clothing of a dark brown color, black leathers shoes, and a brown hooded cape that was parted to reveal his attire. His face was that of an old sage with pale blue eyes. His hair, along with his beard and moustache, was white in color.

The sophisticated stranger said "I am Arnay, and this is my master." He pointed towards his mysterious companion. "We are here to do you a great service, oh great and powerful Fire Lord Ozai. We are here to-" He cut off, noticing his master had touched his arm, signifying that it was his turn to speak. Arnay bowed to his master and took two steps backwards.

"We are here to capture the avatar for you my lord." The cloaked figure said in a powerful demeanor.

The Fire Lord scoffed at the stranger's offer. "I have someone on that mission already. If that is your only purpose here, then your quest has not been successful. Perhaps some time in the dungeons will clear your head." Ozai was about to call for his guards, but was stopped by the hooded figure next speech.

"You will do no such thing. I offer to not only capture the avatar, but to make him a loyal servant. I know your attempts to capture him have not been fruitful. Admiral Zhao was killed in the process of trying to do so, and your daughter, princess Azula has also met with failure. But, my methods are more unorthodox. My power is greater. I will turn the avatar into your weapon." The figure said with a silver-tongued tone that easily matched his apprentice's.

The Fire Lord considered this proposal. "What is it that you want in return?" He queried the stranger. The hooded man replied "Only a seat of power once your rule throughout the world has been established."

The Fire Lord thought it over. He had nothing to lose from this. And if this man should succeed, he could then be disposed of easily. It would be a win-win situation. "Very well. Bring the avatar to me and prove that he is loyal to me, and you will have your seat of power."

Underneath his hood, the old man was smiling at the Fire Lord's decision. "But of course your majesty. I assure you he will be loyal to the rightful ruler of the world."

Both strangers bowed, and left the throne room, silently rejoicing the success of the first phase of their plan.