Disclaimer: Avatar the Last Airbender copyright Dante Dimartino, Brian Konietzko and Nickelodeon Studios.


Eyes closed she envisioned a Pai Sho board. Instead of the traditional tiles, her board carried images of allies and enemies. Taking a breath, she moved the first tile.

"Nothing much, face nonsense." She shot him a side glance, mentally moving tiles across the board in her mind as her gamble played out. "She did mention killing you though."

"How unfortunate."

"Yes," Katara agreed, choosing her words carefully. "As doing so would only kill Zuko - body and spirit - permanently, not prevent you from slipping into a new host." She held Koh's predatory gaze.

"Clever girl."

Katara advanced her Lotus tile.


Author's Note: The Pai Sho "game" will last several chapters and is only taking place in Katara's mind. Wikipedia has an interesting article on how to play Pai Sho for those that are interested. A little info about the main tiles which will appear in the next few chapters and their effects on the game and/or board:

Lotus Tile: Place at any open point; turns harmonies into dis harmonies & vice versa

Dragon Tile: Removes active tiles from the board if it lands directly on them

Rock Tile: Cancels harmonies; cannot be moved or captured once placed