The Mysterious Traveler

I decided to write this subplot because I didn't like the original version of it. I'll explain what the original version was supposed to be by the end of this. But for now, just know that this is going to be different than from the original. Plus, the previous chapter (Chapter 33: The Investigation) has been rewritten to fit alongside this one.

Enjoy!

Chapter Thirty-Four:

The Truth

It didn't take long for Princess Yue to grant them access to Taruaka's cell. The dungeons beneath the tribe were cold, though not very dark as some might image, being kept lit by lanterns. And since there was pure ice all around, the light was reflected down every room and hallway.

Despite the small number of crimes committed, there was still a fair number of people imprisoned down there.

A guard led Sokka, Renee, Katara, Aang and Yue to Taruaka's cell, along with two of Yue's guards while the handmaidens remained on the surface on the Princess' order. It took a little convincing of her guards to let her go, only compromising that they go with her if she did. To which, she begrudgingly agreed.

They arrived at the cell, which had lanterns lighting up the inside and some books on a small table, along with a comfortable looking bed than any of the other cells had.

The group, minus Yue, were impressed with the system and structure of the dungeons. Like everything else, it was made from ice, even right down to the bars and manholes. Along with the light of the lanterns, it almost felt peaceful.

"You have visitors!" the guard called out.

Taruaka turned from where he was sitting on the bed, putting his book down as he quickly got up and bowed to the Princess.

"We would like to ask you some question!" Yue spoke with a firm voice, some anger hidden within.

The man nodded, "Of course."

Sokka stepped forward, "Let's get this out of the way. Did you kill Kenna?"

The man looked at him and said with a straight face, "No."

"Then why lie about where you were yesterday?"

He turned away, trying to hide his shame.

Renee spoke next, "We only want the truth. If you talk, it'll make things easier."

"I didn't kill her!" he turned around, his face serious.

"The way how you're acting seems to suggest otherwise!" Katara spat out, earning a nod from Yue.

"Did you know she was going to break off her engagement to you?" Sokka asked.

Taruaka nodded, "Yes."

This surprised them, mostly.

"What about Yao? Are you aware of him?"

"Yes."

"How do you know any of this?"

He swallowed, "Because she told me."

Their eyes widened.

"Wait… she told you?" Renee asked.

He nodded, "She came to me a week ago and told me that I would never see her again."

"Why would she want to do that?"

"I don't know."

"On the night o… before the murder, where were you?" Sokka asked.

He closed his eyes, cupping his face with his hands before facing them again, "If I tell you, I need you to promise not to breath a word."

They all looked at each other before turning back to him and nodding.

He swallowed, sweat covering his face, "My friends and I… we often like to sneak away from our parents and go to… our hideout."

Some frowned at his tone of the last word.

"Being a noble has its perks, but it has its stresses too. So… from time to time… we like to sneak away and go to our hideout… to have some… fun."

"Fun?" Renee frowned.

He nodded, "Drinking, partying, playing games, dancing. Even…"

He stopped.

"Even… what?" Sokka pressed.

Taruaka shook his head, struggling to continue, "Well… we like to bring servant girls and other lowborn women to our hideout. And…"

They didn't need to hear the rest, even a child could figure it out.

"We originally didn't want to bring anyone else who could expose us, but Hahn convinced us to allow certain girls in who could keep our secrets."

Yue gasped, making everyone turn to her. The shock she had faded into anger.

"Where is this hideout?" she demanded.

"I can't say."

"Why?!" she pressed forward, almost reaching the bars.

"Princess!" one of the guards catch her by the arm, but she stared at him.

"She was your betrothed!" she hissed. "And you were out sleeping with… Spirits know how many girls while she wasn't allowed to be with the one she wanted?!"

He remained silent, "I wouldn't have cared if she had… been with Yao. That's just how things we are. We don't marry out of love, it's all about politics and power. We get our love through somewhere else."

"That's not how that works!" Katara nearly shouted. "My mother and father loved each other! Our tribe may not be as impressive as yours but at least we could marry who we wanted! Not who some stranger that some old men want us to!"

Taruaka stared at her, "And what good has it done for your tribe? Once, you were a prosperous nation, just like us. Now… you're nothing!"

Katara shouted and ran forward, only to be stopped by Sokka.

"Away from the bars!" the guard ordered.

Katara glared at Taruaka, staring deep into his eyes.

Yue did the same, removing her arm from her guard's reach, "You're going to pay for Kenna's death! I know you killed her! My father has many flaws but ordering your arrest was the best decision he's ever made!"

She turned away and began to walk very quickly to the stairs, with her guards in tow. The others slowly followed the last to leave being Sokka, who stared at Taruaka for as long as he could, trying to get something from him.

Before leaving, he looked down at his feet and his eyes widened.

"Move it!" the guard ordered.

He turned to walk away, his mind focused on Taruaka's feet.

"So, we're done, right?" Aang asked.

Renee and Sokka were working on their strategy defense plans for the coming invasion.

Sokka shook his head, trying to focus, "I don't know. It… it just doesn't feel right."

Katara groaned, leaning upon her sleeping mat, "Okay, Mr. Investigator, tell us why this doesn't feel right! Because, from where I am sitting, it looks like Taruaka did it."

Sokka narrowed his eyes at her, "You're a lot more biased."

She glared at him, "Maybe, for once, this society needs to see its hierarchy for what it truly is."

"Um, not trying to upset anyone here, but what is the hierarchy? Not the definition, I just mean what do you see it as?" Aang asked.

"It's filled with sexist men who tell women what to do, how to live, and who they should marry. Kenna deserved to be with Yao! She wanted to marry him and she was killed for it."

"Assuming that Taruaka is the killer."

"He is!" her voice rose as she stood up. "His alibi was a lie and Yue says that Kenna was going to leave him. Plus, we all heard about his little secret hideout and all of the fun times his friends have on the side."

"Doesn't prove that he did it."

"It proves that he is a hypocrite and a liar! What more do you need?!"

Renee shook her head, "Katara… I know where you are coming from, I've dealt with sexism too, but you can't allow that anger to cloud your judgment. You're not looking at this from the perspective it needs to be looked at."

"Oh, so you take his side because the two of you have been getting along so well?!"

"Katara!" Sokka's face was getting red. "If you're going to be mad at someone, then be mad at Pakku or Taruaka! Not her!"

She glared at him before looking away, "He did it, Sokka. I know it."

"Why? Because you want to believe it is him or because of the evidence."

"Both!"

"Well, here's my evidence of why I don't think he did it," he put one of the papers he had down on the table. "The footprints outside don't match his size."

"How do you know that?"

"Because I saw his feet. His size is between an eight and a nine. The ones we saw are ten to eleven.

She was a loss.

"Do you think that Yao is our guy?" Aang asked.

"I… I don't know. The only thing I have on him is that we haven't spoken to him and Kenna's father says that she was going to break things off with him. But we also Maya and Yue claiming that she was going to leave Taruaka for him. So there's nothing concrete there."

"But we can't trust Taruaka to even say where he was," Katara hissed.

"Regardless!" Renee raised her voice. "We should go pay Yao a visit tonight and see what we can get from him."

"We can use the visit as a distraction," Sokka's eyes widened with an idea.

"Why?" Aang asked.

"Because if we can get a measure of his feet, we'll know for sure if his matches or not."

"Good idea, Sokka!" praised Renee.

"I don't know guys," Aang rubbed his head. "I don't think Yao is the one who did it."

"Did what?"

Their attention was drawn to the door, where Kiri was standing, listening to their conversation, while Severus walked right past her to his sleeping mat, changing his upper robes.

"Oh, um…" Sokka smiled, sheepishly. "Stole… something… from… someone…?"

Everyone frowned at him.

"Oh," she replied. "Did you figure out who murdered the girl?"

The four looked at each other before turning back to her.

"Uhhh, hey, didn't you already finish training for the day?"

She nodded, "We did but master wanted to try out swimming lessons for me. I've been making some progress."

Severus scoffed, though it was small enough for them not to hear. Sokka turned to him and tapped his fingers, deep in thought before walking over to him.

"Hey, Alex, I know you said you don't want any part of this, but… I could use your help."

Severus turned to him, thinking for a moment, "With what?"

"Well, I need evidence to prove a man's innocence or guilt. It would mean a lot if I had backup."

"Isn't that what they are for?" he nodded towards Aang, Katara, and Renee.

"Katara won't help, she's made up her mind."

"And I'm not changing it!"

"And Aang has to resume training with Pakku."

Aang's eyes widened, "Oh no! I forgot!" He immediately ran out of the room, dashing through the door at great speed, making Kiri's hair fly around and become a mess.

"Renee will be going. But since you're done training Kiri, I was hoping to have you along for the ride."

Severus looked back at him, taking a moment to decide, "Fine, give me a few minutes."

"Can I come, master?" Kiri asked.

Severus shook his head, "No, I want you to meditate until I get back. Consider this extra training to master your patience and senses."

"Yeah, because you're so good at that," Katara teased, earning a chuckle from Renee, Kiri and Sokka, and a glare from Severus.

A few minutes later, Sokka, Severus, and Renee set out to Yao's home, walking on the pathway among the people, the sun having set a few moments ago.

"It's so weird," Sokka stared at the buildings and the crowds. "Back at home, we have none of this. I know we've been here a couple of days now but it just dawned on me how much the Fire Nation took from us… you know."

Severus didn't respond.

"What about your home? Is it like this?"

He pressed down his irritation, refusing to respond.

Renee raised an eyebrow, "Very touchy about your past, aren't you?"

Sokka turned to him, "Thank you for helping us out. It means a lot."

"If I'm going to be involved, tell me everything."

He nodded and explained everything they had learned and discovered, trying his best to not leave out any details. By the end of it, they had reached Yao's home.

"What are we looking for?" Severus asked.

"We need his foot size and whatever else we may find."

He nodded, satisfied as they made their way to the door of Yao's home.

Sokka knocked but no one answered.

"Hm, its already dark out, he should be home by now."

Suddenly, they heard something fall inside.

"Yao!" Sokka cried out. "We were hoping to speak with you. Apologizes if we awoke you."

A long moment of silence passed, making them frown.

Suddenly, they heard something on the other side, followed by a woman screaming.

Immediately they pushed through the door, rushed inside. They saw a huge hole in the wall of ice, having been turned to water. A cloaked figure was running out of the other side, having startled a woman who lived in the other house.

Severus immediately gave chase, fueled by adrenaline and energy, as he chased after the cloaked figure, jumping through the hole and running out of the room, making it to the pathway where he turned in the direction of the figure, nearly bumping into people.

Sokka and Renee almost followed, until he saw a body on the bed, blood covering the sheets and a note on the small table next to it.

"Great Spirits!" Renee covered her mouth, unable to comprehend what she was seeing.

Sokka was speechless, his mouth hung open at the horrific sight before him.

Managing to get herself together, Renee walked around the blood and slowly picked up the note, reading it to herself. She gasped and it was enough to shake Sokka out of his state, moving around the bed to her and taking the note once she was done. He read it and his eyes widened, the two turning to the dead body of Yao.

Meanwhile, Severus gave chase after the mysterious person, so high on adrenaline that he didn't notice how fast he was going, quickly managing to catch up to the person just as they entered an alleyway.

However, the person bended some water and created a wall of ice, forcing Severus to act quickly and cast a spell to shatter the wall, granting him an exit as he turned the corner and saw the person climbing a ladder that led to a rooftop. He sprinted to the ladder and began climbing, catching the attention of several bystanders.

The cloaked person bended ice sickles and water at him, which he managed to dodge. He began to climb the ladder and made it halfway up until the person began to push it to fall the other way. He jumped to the side and grabbed ahold of a window, making a young girl in the room scream and those down below gasp. He ignored them and climbed up, finding whatever leverage he could to pull himself up. Once over the top, he got back up, not taking a single moment to catch his breath as he resumed chasing after his target.

He hopped over ledges and dodged attacks, remembering his training with Jet. He kept up with the person despite their attempts to slow him down. He managed to cast a stunning spell, but the person dodged.

Eventually, they reached the end and the cloaked person was corned, with only a long fall down as his way of escape.

Severus kept his distance, watching this person's every move.

"Why did you kill him?!" he demanded.

The cloaked figure slightly turned its head to him, analyzing the situation, moving slightly to the left, catching Severus' attention as he looked to the figure's shoes and his eyes widened.

Seeing an opportunity, the figure bended some water at him, making him dodge. As he did a roll, the figure jumped off the edge and disappeared. Once on his feet again, he ran to the edge and saw that the figure had made a slide of ice that led to the pathway below, where a crowd had gathered.

He cursed himself, knowing that the figure had gotten away and most likely had ditched the cloak.

Jumping down onto the slide before it could melt away, he hit the ground and forced the crowd to back away, immediately beginning to walk back to Yao's home.

The moment he entered the room, he got a good look at what he only got a glimpse of. He had only a second to see the horrific sight before he was forced to chase after person. But now, he was forced to look at the body of Yao, a knife in his hand and cuts on his wrists, bleeding out onto the sheets of the bed. He felt like he was going to vomit but forced himself to remain firm and neutral.

Sokka turned to him, holding a piece of paper in his hand, "I take it you didn't get 'em."

"Obviously."

Sokka handed over the paper he held.

Accepting it, he read what it said:

To all of my friends, I'm so sorry that it had to be this way. I never intended for this to happen. I don't even remember it happening.

Please understand that I never intended to harm Kenna. I loved her. I wanted to marry her and make her happy. Even when she broke off our plans to marry, I was willing to let her go.

But then I had to go get drunk and steal some of Yagada's medicine, as a way to numb the pain, but it only made it worse. I went after her and when she rejected me, my dark side of me came out through my vulnerable state and… I can't even remember what I did. Only waking up to find her dead and me standing next to her.

I killed her. I can't even remember but I know I did. And I am so sorry for that.

I thought that maybe it could blow over, that I could live with my lie, that we could be reunited in the next life. But upon learning of another man being framed for what I did. I couldn't live with it. But I can't live with the shame of being hated and cursed at. So I decided to make it easier for all of us and just end it myself.

I only hope that Kenna can forgive me.

Sincerely, Yao

Severus looked up from the note, meeting Sokka's eyes. The two exchanged a knowing look, just as patrol guards began to surround the area and enter the small apartment.

By the end of it, Severus felt tired from all of the running, especially after the training he endured with Kiri, but compared to the last few months he felt more stronger than he did before.

The next day was filled with chaos as everyone debated what should be done with the new evidence and information on Kenna's murder.

Taruaka's father demanded his son's release, as did those loyal to him. While others voiced their opinion that the cloaked man murdered Yao and framed him for Kenna's murder to cover up Taruaka's crime. It was close to becoming a civil war between those in the council and others involved in the case.

"SILENCE!" Arnook rose from his seat, his voice echoing across the great hall.

Everyone immediately turned to him, easing their hostility.

"I am angered by this as much as anyone!" he continued. "But let us look at the facts and not be clouded by emotions! We cannot risk fighting each other when an invasion is threatening our way of life! Our people!"

Many began to nod.

"Kenna's death is a great sadness to us all. As it is to my daughter. I spent a great some time to reflect on the evidence and what we have learned, thanks in part to the Avatar and his group getting involved."

He motioned to the small group to the side, who was seated just below the high table. Some clapped in praise of their effort.

"However, a young girl has been murdered and someone is responsible. As much, the only known suspect is Taruaka, who has lied to us about his whereabout of the time of the murder. Add on top of young Yao being killed by an unknown assassin, it gives me reason to believe that someone was out to make him appear innocent and have him released.

"With all of this in mind, it is disturbing to think that one of our young nobles is responsible for such a crime. So, I have decided to wait until after the invasion is over to hold a trial, with selected judges to decide Taruaka's innocence or guilt.

"Until then, the case is ongoing. Meeting adjourned!"

As everyone began to leave, the gang returned to their room, heavily conflicted.

"He did it!" Katara announced out loud. "We all know he did!"

Sokka shook his head, "His foot size doesn't match, Katara."

"Maybe he wore a different size to cover up his tracks. Or maybe he hired someone to do it."

Severus nodded, "The man I chased last night wore a size ten or eleven, same as the size you found at the crime scene. It's possible that Taruaka hired him to kill Kenna and set up Yao for it."

"But if that were the case, Taruaka would have been smart enough to provide a legit alibi. We talked to the dude, he's no criminal mastermind. He's just a young noble who loves to party and sleep with servant girls. Nothing about him screams murderer."

"Of course, you would defend him!" Katara hissed.

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"How about the fact that four months ago you were a sexist pig who always complained about me and even Suki! Aang and Alex all remember that!"

Sokka glared at her, "Oh, so you get to bring up me being a sexist before I changed but nothing about the fact that you had a crush on Jet, just before he was going to flood a village and ended up changing his mind!"

"Guys!" Aang got between them. "None of this is helping. We did the best we could and that's that. The princess has pretty much told us that our help is no longer required. Despite the shoe size and other problems, all of the evidence points towards Taruaka. Leave it to the judges to decide!"

Katara turned away and walked right out the door, while Sokka walked to the table.

A moment later, a woman walked knocked and Aang answered.

"Yes?"

"Oh, I was told to deliver this to you."

"Thank you," Aang accepted a piece of paper from the woman and closed the door.

"What is it?" Sokka asked.

Once reading it, Aang replied, "It's a message from Maya. She wishes to speak with us at once."

"Well, might as well go see her," said Renee.

"She does make rather good snacks," added Sokka, making her roll her eyes.

"You going, Alex?" Aang asked.

Severus shook his head, "Kiri and I have training to get to."

"Oh, come on, Master! Can't we take a break!" the young girl cried.

"It's not a skip day," he tossed her a towel. "Plus, we need to work on your swimming skills. Work on your body and your magic will flow better. Let's go!"

The two walked out of the room.

"Man, he's strick!" stated Sokka.

"Like how a master is supposed to be," countered Renee. "Come on, let's go see Maya."

"Sorry, I can't," Aang sighed. "I got lessons with Pakku again."

"Alright, see you later."

The three exited the room and went their separate ways.

Katara rather enjoyed training under Yagoda, learning new healing technics under her was what she needed to get away from all the politics, murder and negative emotions. Once her training was done for the day, she went to go speak with her.

"Thank you for taking me for the day," she bowed. "I needed some time away from… well, everything."

"I know what you mean," the old healer smiled. "I was sad to hear about Kenna. Such a good girl."

Katara nodded, "How well did you know her?"

"Oh, I knew her a great deal. I was the midwife who helped Kiy give birth, along with help from an old friend named Maya."

"You knew Maya?"

"Of course! We made a good team back in the day."

"Oh, how is Kiy getting along?"

Yagoda's frowned, "What do you mean?"

Katara was taken back, "Um… I was told she had an illness and that you were making visits."

"Oh, dear, has she gotten it again?"

"Again? I was told she was sick the other day."

"She was, about a month ago, but we managed to help make herself better not long after. I hope she didn't get sick again. Otherwise, I may have made a mistake in believing what she may have had."

"What did she have?"

"Well, her symptoms were just that of the flu, so I treated it as such."

Katara nodded.

"Yadoga, can you tell me more about Kenna? I know it's a touchy subject, but I wish to know the real her, not the victim her."

Yagoda smiled, "Of course, it is respectful to remember the dead for how they lived, not how they died." She sighed. "I remember the day she born into this world. So full of life and always crying. Then again, what baby doesn't?"

Katara giggled.

"Kenna wasn't afraid to speak her mind, which always landed her in trouble with her father. She had this beauty within, something that shined bright. I think it was why her and Yao fell so in love. They shared that brightness. Same as her mother and-"

Katara frowned at her sudden pause, "Yagoda?"

The elderly healer closed her eyes and shook her head, "Sorry, I didn't to startle you. Looking to the past is almost too easy when you're older. Not much to look forward to anymore. What was I saying?"

Katara narrowed her brows at her, "Um, you were speaking of how similar Kenna was to her mother and father."

"Oh, yes, Kenna definitely got her mother's gentleness and love, but that fierceness and fearless courage came from her father."

She frowned, "Funny, Jin never came off that way. Especially with how Maya described him."

Yagoda's eyes widened, unsure how to respond, "Katara… if I were to tell you something… personal… would you be able to keep it to yourself? I wish not to lie to you."

She nodded without hesitation.

Yagoda nodded back and smiled, "When Kiy was a young woman, she fell in love with a young sailor named Uruaki. I remember seeing them together, more than they probably should have, but it was beautiful to see her so happy with him. So full of life. They were two halves that were meant to be together."

Katara listened, despite her urge to ask questions.

"However, Uruaki died when his crew were lost at sea due to a storm. It broke Kiy's heart, knowing that the man she loved was gone. But she ended up having something to remember him by, something to keep his legacy going."

Right away, she knew where this was going.

"After his death, she discovered that she was pregnant and immediately married Jin the day she turned sixteen to hide this. And on the day Kenna was born, I found myself confused about how the baby was so healthy when it wasn't truly time yet. When I voiced my confusion, she begged me to lie about the baby being premature, and… so I did."

Katara's eyes were wide, "Jin… is not Kenna's father."

Yagoda shook her head, "No, he isn't."

"Does he know?"

She shook her head again, "And it is best he doesn't know now. A man who believes that his daughter was taken from him, his own flesh and blood… it would be better for him to believe that she was his than to cause him more pain. There will come a time when he will need to be told, but not today."

Katara nodded.

"Yagoda!" a man appeared. "We have another one for you!"

The healer nodded to him, "Bring it in! I deeply apologize, Katara, but it seems my duties are needed."

"No, I understand. What exactly did he mean by another one?"

"Oh, I handle dead bodies."

Katara's eyes lit up, "You take care of dead bodies?!"

"Oh, yes! That's part of my job as a healer. We take the bodies of the deceased and do studies on them, take out the organs and drain the blood as we prepare for them to be laid to rest at sea."

"At… sea?"

"Yes. Is the custom different in the South Pole?"

"We bury our dead in the snow and ice."

"I guess our tribes are different in a lot of ways."

Two men brought in a stretcher that had a body that was covered up by a sheet and set it down. One took the sheet and pulled it off the body, revealing it to the two women.

Yagoda turned to it and her eyes widened, struggling to stand, "Great Spirits!"

"What?!" Katara caght her, being helped by the two men. "What's wrong?"

Yagoda stared at the body before her, her eyes full of tears.

Sokka and Renee knocked on the door of Maya's home but received no response.

"Hmm," Sokka knocked again. "Weird that she would send a message and not be home."

"Maybe she had something to do real quick."

Suddenly, they heard a noise inside and froze. Remembering what had happened the night before made them scared. They dared not to call out, afraid of what was inside.

Afraid for Maya's safety, Sokka turned the knob of the door and slowly opened it, managing to do so without making a noise.

As Severus and Kiri swam in the public pool of the palace, once doing one of their many laps, they were met with a surprise as Katara came running towards them.

"We'll a little busy, K-"

"Where are Sokka and Renee?!" she demanded.

He frowned at her, seeing how serious and frightened she was.

"They went to see a woman named Maya."

"Where does she live?!"

He studied her, realizing how truly serious she was, "She lives right next door to where the Kenna used to live. Why?"

"We need to go!"

Sokka and Renee entered the house of Maya, slowly making their way across the first floor and towards the living room. They heard noise from upstairs, someone throwing and breaking things. As they made it to the living room, they saw something on the floor and freezing where they were.

On the floor and bleeding out was Maya, her eyes staring lifelessly at them.

Renee gasped, covering her mouth.

Suddenly, the movement upstairs stopped, and silence followed. Until they heard footsteps coming down the stairs.

Acting on instinct and adrenaline, Katara, Severus and Kiri were running as fast as they could, nearly bumping into people along the way as they hauled themselves to Maya's home. Along the way, they saw Aang practicing with Pakku, who immediately dropped what he was doing and ran after them, knowing something was wrong.

"Get back here!" Pakku cried out.

"What's wrong?" he asked, running alongside them, though Kiri was falling behind.

"No time to explain!" Katara cried out.

Before they had time to react, a cloaked figure appeared on the stairs and made its way down onto the first floor.

Renee and Sokka prepared to run but found themselves unable to breathe, realizing that their throat muscles were acting against them. They fell to the floor, completely at the mercy of the cloaked figure before them.

"It was never supposed to be like this," the figure said, beginning to take off the cloak. "It's funny. If only you kids hadn't gotten involved, Taruaka would be free and Maya would be alive."

The cloak came free, exposing the person behind it.

Sokka and Renee's eyes widened, shocked by the person they were seeing.

Jin stared down at them, angry and sad.

"But I guess I'll have make due with Taruaka taking the blame and you two as just more casualties."

The four of them ran past large crowds, trying their best to make it in time.

Kiri fell behind, lost in the crowds as they continued forward.

Jin approached them and knelt, watching as they struggled to breathe.

"It isn't easy… finding out that the girl you raised since birth… was another man's spawn."

Their eyes widened, shocked by the reveal but confused by the unknown details.

"I loved them! I truly did! I only wanted what was best for them!" he began to tear up. "It feels good to confess when the circumstances are right. But it's true, I did love them. But I couldn't handle hearing the truth from my wife's own mouth as she told Kenna the truth that day. It soon dawned on me about the premature nature of her birth, another lie.

"Then, I had to hear Kenna reveal her plan to Kiy, talking about how Maya had promised to help fake her and Yao's deaths, to help them start anew somewhere else. How Yagoda would provide the bodies to match theirs. It dawned on me that I was going to lose her. My own daughter."

His eyes flared up, anger deep within.

"Only I couldn't even mourn her betrayal as my daughter! No, it wasn't enough she was going to leave me, I had to hear that my own wife betrayed me as well! So I confronted them and I yelled at them in a way that I never had before. Maya yelled back, daring to defy me again, so I… I can't even remember. It's all black. I can't recall a thing."

The two stared at him in fear.

"All I remember was that I was on top of her and my hands were around her throat. It took a moment to realize what I had just done. Then I heard crying and looked over to see Kenna on her knees, paralyzed by my actions."

He paused, tears filling his eyes.

"And I knew that I had to silence her. She would turn me in, another betrayal I couldn't let happen. She must have known what I was going to do, so she ran for the door and I reached out my hand, and she… just stopped… like as if she was responding to my command.

"I got up and approached her, watching as she was literally choking to death. I could have saved her, helped her breathe again, maybe keep her prisoner. But I let it happen and watched as her eyes went lifeless. When I lowered my hand, she fell to the floor and I knew I had killed her. It took me a little while to realize that I had used the water in her body to close the muscles in her throat. I could literally make her stop breathing and control her muscles."

He began to laugh, making their hearts beat like drums.

"Disposing of the bodies was easy enough. All I had to do was carry Kenna to the palace at night, where it would be believed she was attacked while on her way to be the Princess' handmaiden. I made sure to cause damage to her throat with my ability, make it appear that she had been killed there.

"Then I planned to make Yao take the fall and it nearly failed, thanks to the Traveler and you two. But I managed to get away, as well as create doubt over Taruaka's innocence."

He turned to Maya.

"Only for this one to see me carrying my wife's body out of the house last night. I didn't realize it until I saw her today. The way she looked at me… she had the same look as my daughter. And I knew she had to be killed."

He turned back to them.

"As do the two of you."

They tried to struggle, to get free, to do anything.

As Jin rose, he prepared to tighten his grip and finish it, until someone cried out, "Incarcerous!"

Suddenly, rope appeared out of nowhere and wrapped themselves around Jin, causing him to fall to the ground and release his hold on Renee and Sokka. Severus approached the man, putting his foot against his chest. Katara and Aang ran to the now freed Renee and Sokka, who were gasping for and touching their throats.

"Don't move!" Severus threatened him, putting pressure on his chest with his foot. He immediately felt weak from the amount of engery and focus he was putting into his magic, getting tired with each passing second. But he held on, using inner engery to keep him going.

Kiri appeared and stood beside him, getting into a stance.

Katara hugged her brother, sighing with relief, "Thank the Spirits!"

Severus turned to Aang, "Get the guards, tell them we have their murderer! Kiri, go with him!"

Kiri nodded and ran out the door with the monk, a crowd beginning to form around the home, curious to what was happening.

The hours following the capture of Jin, as well as his confession that he killed not only his daughter but his wife, Maya and Yao, shocked almost all of the Northern Water Tribe. It didn't take much to get him to confess the moment the royal guard brought him before Chief Arnook. He accepted his fate and told the truth.

Taruaka was immediately released and sent back to his family, while Yao's name was officially cleared. As for Kenna, she was laid to rest at sea, with nearly the entire tribe there as they tossed her body into the ocean, watching as it sank to the bottom of the ocean. Next was Yao, who went to join his love. As did Kiy and Maya. It was an emotional experience for Yue, who cried throughout it.

As for Jin, he was sentenced to death by Arnook, who declared that he would be thrown out to sea, alive and bound. They did so away from where they tossed their dead, making sure he would not be able to reunite with his family, nor escape from his bounds. Everyone watched as he sank to the depths below, never once begging for his life or showing any remorse.

It came as a shock to almost everyone as the truth about Kenna's parentage was revealed. It created controversy and debate. If anything, it began to start a need for change.

Katara was taken back by the news, believing it still justified her belief in the corrupt society, but ultimately felt conflicted about her beliefs on Taruaka, realizing that she had condemned the wrong man.

One day following the funerals, as well as Jin's execution, Severus was met with a surprise after finishing up Kiri's training, though he shouldn't be, all things considered.

"Do you think I'm getting better?" Kiri asked.

Severus shrugged, "Too early to tell. But I have noticed more productivity since we started."

"I do feel a lot better."

"Hmph."

They turned to see Princess Yue, along with her handmaidens and bodyguards.

"Go on ahead."

Kiri nodded and ran off.

"With all of these meetings we have, one might start spreading rumors."

Yue smiled, "I wanted to thank you for helping catch Kenna's killer."

Severus scoffed, "I barely did anything. The others did all of the hard work."

"I disagree. If it wasn't for you, Jin would have framed Yao for Kenna's murder and gotten away with it."

"There were others there besides me."

"Still, he did save Renee and Sokka's lives."

"I mean no offense, princess… but you are giving me too much credit."

"Either way, thank you," she approached and embraced him in a hug, making him become stiffen. "You have no idea how much you and your friend helped me."

He awkwardly put his hands on her shoulders and carefully forced her away. In doing so, he felt something. He felt pain, sadness, and anger, but also peace and joy. In a way, it felt as if it were all being poured into him.

Yue frowned, but not at him.

Back away from her, he nodded, "There's no reason to thank me, your majesty."

"Please, just Yue will do."

He nodded again.

Suddenly, a memory of his childhood flowed back into his mind, one that he was surprised he had forgotten about.

"Have… have you ever heard of a story called… 'Romeo and Juliet'?"

She shook her head, "I'm afraid not."

"It's a ridiculously loved story where I come from. I just realized how similar it is to what is happening now."

"Well," she playfully punched his shoulder, making him flinch. "… don't leave me in suspense, what is it about?"

He looked into her eyes and found himself unable to look away, "It's about two lovers who must hide their relationship from their rival families. In it, they plan to fake their own deaths and escape to a new beginning. But… by the end, they ended up dead for real."

"That's terrible!" she gasped.

"However, their love and commitment to each other brought about change in more ways than they ever thought possible. Their deaths changed so much, more-so than the living ever did. To the point that it ended their opposing families' rivalry."

"That's… weirdly romantic… and inspiring."

"Like I said, ridiculously loved where I come from."

"I would love to read it!"

Severus paused, wondering if it would be possible for him to travel between worlds if he ever found a way back home.

He laughed.

"What?" she asked, curious.

"Oh… I… just thought of something funny."

"Tell me!"

"Ah… you wouldn't understand."

"Try me."

He paused, caught off guard by persistent she was.

He struggled to find the right words, "Have… have you… ever felt like that the home you were given… wasn't truly…"

"Home?" she finished.

He awkwardly nodded.

Yue nodded, "There are times when I think so. I love it here. I really do. But this life as a princess… forced into a relationship that isn't my own… it isn't truly me. I feel like my environment wants me to be one thing while the true me…"

"Is still waiting to be discovered."

She nodded, smiling, "Looks like we both understand more than we realize."

"Seems so."

She turned to the horizon, to the icy walls that protect her. Kept her prisoner.

"I wonder if this is how Kenna felt. Trapped within this haven from the war, away from her true self," she pushed back the tears. "I hope that wherever she is… I hope she's found peace. That she has Yao and her mother by her side. Free to find her true self."

Severus bit his lip, "What if I was to tell you that there is life after death?"

She turned to him with a curious look, "And how would you know?"

"Because in my world… ghosts are real. Proof of an afterlife exists, though we have no idea what's on the other side."

"Your world sounds very interesting," she paused, staring at the ground. "I hope its true. I want to see her again. I want to meet my mother for the first time and get to know her. I don't want this life to be all there is."

Severus slightly smiled, "I guess we'll all eventually find out… in the end."

"Indeed."

She turned to look at him, unable to look away as she said, "Well, until next time."

He watched as she left, being followed by her handmaidens and bodyguards. Even long after she was gone, he continued to stare off into the distance, deep in thought as he began to ask the bigger questions in life again. He only hoped that somehow, someway, he would eventually find some sort of answer in the end.

They had arrived at the outskirts of the North Pole the previous night, finding an area to dock and remain hidden from any scouting ships.

About a week later, after much scouting and navigating the frozen wasteland, Zuko finally found the location to the Northern Water Tribe and made his decision to sneak into the city the following day, a decision that his uncle disagreed with.

"Prince Zuko!" Iroh approached his nephew from behind as he prepared his weapons and Blue Spirit mask. "I highly recommend waiting until Zhao's invasion begins. It would serve as a perfect distraction for you to sneak in and capture the Avatar."

"I can't wait," he sheathed his broad sword and tightened his black uniform. "With Zhao now Admiral, things will be more complicated. If I capture the Avatar and the Traveler now, I can make sail for home while he is distracted by his invasion plans."

"All the more reason to wait until the invasion force to get here."

"I can't guarantee that it would last as long as it needs to. I've decided."

Iroh sighed, "Very well. But at least allow me to accompany you. I can't leave you without some backup like last time."

Zuko shook his head, "This is better as a one-man mission. Anyone else will increase its jeopardy." He turned around. "You said you know ways into the tribe?"

Iroh handed him a map he had drawn.

"The caves under the tribe are used by seals, it'll get you close enough, but your firebending is the final key in getting you on the inside. Remember to use your breath, not your muscle."

"Thank you, uncle," he put on his mask and walked to the door of his room. "I'll be back tomorrow night, with the Avatar and Traveler in hand. Be prepared."

"And if you don't return?"

Zuko stopped, daring not to look back, "I will."

Okay, so now that you have read this new version, here was my original version:

Originally, Kenna and Yao (named Glen in the original) were supposed to be alive, having faked their deaths in order to frame Taruaka for having raped Kenna, as revealed by Yue by the end. Taruaka hired three men to kill Yao (aka Glen) to get him off the hook but he was already dead, so they just left a suicide note instead. This gets Taruaka free and Severus finds out that Yue was part of Kenna's plan, deciding to help them by kidnapping Taruaka and hand him over to Kenna and Yao (aka Glen), who kill him and leave his body out at seas as they sail away for their new lives. I even planned a moment in the next chapter where Iroh discovers the couple and helps escort them to the Northern parts of the Earth Kingdom, leaving more evidence of what happened and their fate.

I wasn't going to reveal that they were alive, that was meant to be something for you guys to realize on your own. However, when I re-read my work, I realized that it couldn't work and any other way I tried to rewrite it was either too subtle or too obvious, so I ultimately forced to rework the whole subplot and go with something different, so it was changed.

I apologize for the confusion that those of you who read the original version. I hope you guys read the new one and liked it for what it was.

I'll see you guys in Chapter 35!