Leaving the air temple was hard for all of them, but Aang most of all. Watching the building spires fade into the distance as everything he once knew and loved was left behind broke him in ways he didn't know possible.

His people were murdered. His home was destroyed. His culture was erased. Worst of all he was left behind. The only survivor. Left to hold the weight of the world on his shoulders. Left to carry the weight of his people around forever.

A wise man once said that the only thing worse than dying a tragic death was living a tragic life alone. Survivor's guilt at its finest. To be the last of an era. Death held no mercy for the Avatar.

Katara held him close in her arms. She alone joined him in watching his former life vanish behind them.

Sokka stared straight ahead. Manning the reigns and steering them away. He leads them to the future. A new world filled with war. He would protect his family with vigor. In the face of endless chaos he would not waver, never look back, only push forward.

Nobody spoke a word, the air was silent as the grave. Though graves would be more accurate considering... the death of the air nomads hung in the air.

Despite the unbroken silence, the blue spirit stood apart from the rest. So quiet it was eerie. Where the wind tore through hair and clothing alike breaking apart the stillness, and the rise and fall of the other's breath could be heard still. The Blue Spirit remained utterly Mute.

The atmosphere changed considerably when the gAang landed. Blue donned his mask once again and everyone allowed themselves to relax. The time for reverence had passed and the time for work was back.

Sokka belted out orders that were either obeyed or ignored depending on whether Katara vetoed them.

Blue left to gather firewood just beyond the tree line. Aang began to unload necessary supplies and find a spot for Appa to eat. Sokka took to gathering crab oysters and mushrooms down by the shore while Katara prepared a vegetable broth.

Katara added the oyster meat after Aang had filled his bowl. They would be less cooked but he had made it perfectly clear he was okay with it to avoid eating any animals.

The camp was quickly set up just before nightfall. Dinner was cooking over a rushed fire and the team readied their sleeping bags.

"Where do you sleep Blue," Aang asked.

Sokka groaned and stirred the fire.

"We had this conversation before kid. He doesn't have a bedroll."

Katara rolled her eyes at her brother.

"Yeah I know but we never actually saw what he did, we all went to bed and he woke up before us."

Blue sat down across from the fire and stared into the flames while the trio talked. He had already grown accustomed to being the topic of many conversations.

Unable to speak for himself the others took to trying to work things out themselves. Making assumptions and plans the same way they did for Appa or Momo. Which is exactly how he felt.

Cut off, not quite part of the group. Unable to communicate his thoughts or concerns. Just another mouth to feed.

Maybe the others weren't aware of how draining it was to be talked about without being able to provide sufficient input. He was useful sure, but not a part of the group.

Sokka had lots of thoughts about Blue. He made no noise, even when he accidentally spilled some of the hot soup and burned him. He had jerked back and glared, then walked away and kept his distance for the rest of the night.

Aang had brought up a good question about what Blue did when they went to bed and with some quick investigation, they learned he liked to sleep in the tree with the best view of the camp. That's right... a tree. Sokka was having a hard time getting over that one. Blue reminded him of the large cats that hunt at night. Though Katara laughed at him when he said so.

All Blue's weirdness could be ignored. The scar seared into his face however could not. The burn looked painful. Red and angry even after years, like it had never received proper treatment.

Sokka lay awake thinking about it. How young blue must have been when he got it. How he reacted to being burned earlier.

Sokka also had to take into account his appearance, pale skin, and raven black hair. Sokka could think of a certain group of people who shared said attributes. What sold it though was his eyes, like molten gold. So gold Sokka could only compare it to the higher ranking Firebenders. Even that was a stretch. Blues eyes made every fire nation citizen Sokka had ever seen seem muddy in comparison.

The Blue spirit was Firenation in appearance. It was undeniable, but that didn't stop Sokka from trying though. How could the man he'd accepted so readily into his group have any relation to Firenation?

Was he from the Colonies?

The bastard child of a soldier and an earth kingdom woman?

It was not unheard of for Firenation to reap the rewards of the towns they overthrew. Be it money or alcohol or women.

The very thought of it made Sokka furious. The idea that Blue could be the result of such an atrocity stung.

At the end of the day Sokka decided on one thing alone, Blue was part of their family now, and it didn't matter where he was from.

Blue stretched out in the saddle. It was quickly becoming his favorite part of traveling with the gang. Being so high up in the air meant just about nothing could attack them and since starting to trust the others it became his nap time.

He could stay up late keeping watch over the camp and spend the traveling day resting. Having friends to divide the work amongst wasn't terrible at all.

"You have no idea where we're going do you," Sokka said.

"I know it's near water," Aang chirped back.

"Oh, well we must be close then."

Zuko smirked at Sokka's sarcasm. Not that the others could see with his head burrowed under their bags where it was nice and dark. The trio rarely saw any emotion from their mysterious new member.

"Momo, marbles, please. Hey Katara, check out this airbending trick!"

"That's great, Aang," Katara said nonchalantly.

"You didn't even look..."

"That's great!"

"...But I'm not doing it now," He said dismayed.

"Stop bugging her, airhead. You need to give girls space when they do their sewing."

Zuko rolled his eyes and tried to drown out the argument sure to follow.

"What does me being a girl have to do with sewing?"

"Simple. Girls are better at fixing pants than guys and guys are better at hunting and fighting and stuff like that. It's just the natural order of things."

"All done with your pants!" Katara spat sarcastically, "And look what a great job I did!"

Blue heard the sound of angry rustling as katara threw the pants back at him.

"Wait! I was just kidding. I can't wear these! Katara, please!"

"Relax, Sokka. Where we're going, you won't need any pants."

"You don't even know where we're going," Sokka shouted irritated.

"Be quiet," Katara hissed, "you'll wake up Blue."

The blue spirit did not attempt to inform them he was awake.

"He's been sleeping since we took off. It's about time he woke up anyway."

"Oh be quiet Sokka. Who knows when the last time he got a good night's sleep was? He's been alone for so long that he's probably always on alert."

Katara patted blue's leg in what was supposed to be a kind gesture. Unfortunately for her three years of instinct kicked in and blue shot up like he'd been shocked and scrambled to the back of the saddle. nearly knocking Sokka out in doing so.

"Woah! Easy!"

"Yeah and I'd wake him up! Good work Katara! You scared the living daylights out of him!"

Aang peeked into the saddle concerned.

"Are you okay Blue?"

The blue spirit forced himself to calm. He shouldn't have reacted so violently. The physical touch spooked him. He was glad he didn't lash out at katara.

The trio tried to placid him by speaking softly and soothingly. Zuko might have been humiliated at being treated like a wild animal if he wasn't so dazed.

After a few minutes to breathe, he sat back down mutely. Katara looked very guilty.

"I'm sorry Blue..."

The former prince sucked in a breath and patted her leg. It's okay Katara.

"We're here!"

Aang yanked Appas reigns, sticking his tongue out the side of his mouth, and steered them down towards an island. Land at last.

After Appa had landed on the beach Blue stood up and stretched. Jumped out of the saddle and made his way towards to tree line.

"Hey blue where are you going," Sokka shouted after him.

The blue spirit fought the urge not to roll his eyes at the question when the answer was obvious.

Blue pointed to the trees and readjusted his mask.

"Bring back food!"

With a nod, he disappeared from the group.

The second he was alone the blue spirit scaled the nearest tree and silently made his way through the dry leaving fewer branches.

Damn children stopping every day to play games, he thought. At this rate, they wouldn't reach the North Pole till the icecaps melted.

The Blue Spirit searched around for adequate prey to feed his new pack. Aang not eating meat was a problem he was going to have to return to. Maybe it was a cultural thing. Still, his Uncle had always said that a growing boy needs lots of protein... and lots of tea. But making tea was hard, meat was much easier to acquire.

The former prince tried not to think too long about the Dragon of the West. He would have to betray his family and his country.

They betrayed you first, he reminded himself.

Helping the avatar wouldn't be easy. Sooner or later he would have to tell them he's a fire bender. Then there's the matter of him mastering all the elements, which at this rate seemed nigh impossible.

One step at a time.

Zuko scouted out for a good place to set up camp. Trying to recall what he knew about Kyoshi island. He was fairly certain there was a town on the island.

Backtracking blue made his way back towards the others. You're getting reckless. He should have secured a proper perimeter before leaving the others alone unprotected.

Returning to the spot where he left the others Blue found only a sign of struggle

Mentally cursing himself the blue spirit once again took to the trees and traced the trail back to the village of Kyoshi. The blue spirit pulled himself up onto the roof and snuck closer to the center of the village.

The trio was tied to a post arguing with who the blue spirit singled out as the leader and the village's warriors. The rest of the town stood nearby watching from a safe distance.

"Enough! Throw the imposter to the Unagi!"

Blue took that as his moment to act and flung himself off the building. Flipping in midair and gaining enough time to pull his dao the blue spirit landed protectively in front of the trio.

"Yeah blue," Sokka shouted from behind him. "Show these girls how a real man fights!"

The former prince had no interest in feeding into the water tribe boy's delusions but his main concern at the moment was with protecting the children he'd somehow adopted.

The Kyoshi warriors charged forward with their fans. He wasted no time in hacking those that got too close to pieces. Fighting like he always did, like a demon.

"No! Blue stop!"

Aang shot himself upward with his air bending and allowed himself to descend slowly.

The entirety of the village stepped back in shock including the women warriors he was currently fighting. Aang landed just in front of him.

"Stop fighting," he demanded, and against his much better judgment Blue obeyed.

"You are the Avatar!"

"Yup! That's me. Now watch this."

Aang whipped out his marbles and did his silly Airbender trick. The crowd went crazy.

Zuko rolled his eyes beneath his mask. So much for keeping the avatar's location secret... He moved away from the group and cut Sokka and Katara free. Sheathing his blades just after.

The lead Warrior stepped forward.

"Sorry about that. We didn't know you were with the Avatar."

Blue nodded in acknowledgment. Sokka however pushed past him to stand in front of the women.

"It's alright, I mean normally I'd hold a grudge but seeing as you're just a bunch of girls I'll make an exception."

Blue wanted to facepalm.

"I should hope so. A big strong man like you, we wouldn't stand a chance."

"That's True, right Blue?"

The Blue spirit shook his head no and folded his arms. The girls eyed the masked man curiously.

"He's just joking," Sokka said quickly. His voice cracked slightly. "After all, I'm the best Warrior in our whole village."

"The best Warrior, in your whole village," the Leader said enunciating every word.

Katara came up next to them and snorted.

"He's the only warrior in our village, and that's only because all the men left years ago to fight in the war."

"Katara!"

The girls giggled. Time on Kyoshi island was bound to be interesting

Miles away Admiral Zhao stood at the bow of his ship. The Avatar's escape from the Pohai Stronghold was an embarrassment to the entire Fire Nation.

Messenger Hawks from all over had been flying in since the incident. Zhao had only one option left, secure the Avatar or face execution for his failure.

All of it was the Blue spirit's fault. When he captured the avatar he would find that Demonic mortal and see him unmasked. And then its head would be mounted on his wall as a warning for the rest of the world, do not to cross Admiral Zhao.

"Sir we have news, The avatar is on Kyoshi island."

"Set course immediately."

I'm coming for you.

Katara would say their time on Kyoshi island was great. The food was delicious. Sokka managed to swallow his pride and was training with the Kyoshi warriors. Blue was stretched out on the rooftops with Momo and for once seemed to be enjoying himself.

Appa was getting plenty of rest and she was offered lots of supplies for their trip. The only problem seemed to be with Aang. He was letting all the attention go to his head.

Riding the unagi was the final straw. Katara dragged herself down to the beach just in time to see all the girls leaving. A very depressed Aang sat in the water. He jumped up happily when he saw her.

"Katara! You showed up!"

"I wanted to make sure you were safe. You had me worried."

"Back there you acted like you didn't care."

"I'm sorry," she said regretfully.

"Me too. I did let all that attention go to my head. I was being a jerk."

"Well, get out of the water before you catch a cold, you big jerk!"

Aang grinned and started swimming towards shore when suddenly a giant dorsal fin appeared from out of the water behind him. Kataras eyes widened and she drew a sharp breath in horror. Aang, oblivious to the danger behind him, swam toward her with a smile on his face. Without warning, he became swept away by a wave and lifted out of the water screaming.

Aang managed to pull himself up onto the back of Unagi just as the monstrous eel raised itself before him, and shot a powerful jet of water. Aang barely withstood the force of the water by clinging to one of the smaller dorsal fins of the creature.

The animal charged at Aang and tried to eat him, but he narrowly missed. Aang took his chance and latched onto one of Unagi's whiskers. Screaming his lungs out, he dangled from side to side in front of the big green eye of the Unagi.

The monstrous creature fought to dislodge him by swinging its head around. Unable to hold on any longer the Airbender surrendered to being flung through the air like a rag doll.

Katara rushed forward as he landed just offshore and dragged him onto the beach.

"Aang!"

Panicked katara hovered her hand above his chest and felt for the water in his lung. Carefully she drew it up out of his mouth.

Aang coughed as the last of the water left him.

The water bender cradled him a bit before getting up to check over the rocks for the monster. The sight of three fast-approaching ships causes her to stumble back in fear.

"Katara?"

"Fire nation."

She helped Aang to his feet and steadied him with both arms. Together they stumbled back to the village to warn everyone.

The blue spirit shot up from his resting place the second he saw them. Jumping down from the roof he ran over.

"We're okay blue," Aang said. Zuko didn't listen, he looked them both over for scrapes and bruises.

"It's the fire nation! They're coming."

Smoke from the firenation ships was already beginning to fill the sky.

The Kyoshi warriors ran out to the center of the village.

"Everyone get to a safe place," suki shouted.

The blue spirit drew his dao blades and took to the rooftops. If hunting with the Pygmy-Pumas had taught him anything it was always to fight from the high ground.

The crisp winter air quickly filled with ash from the engines. The children of the village cried and ran to their mothers who hastily carried them out of town. Their fathers gathered all they could save. By the time the ships anchored down in the harbor all that remained of the village were the Kyoshi warriors and a ghost of the former town.

The ground shook as the largest of the fleet lowered its ramp to the ground.

Katara stared in horror from her hiding place as the Fire Nation foot soldier stormed into the city, followed quickly after by no less than ten Komodo Rhinos and their riders.

At the back stood Admiral Zhao in full regalia. Protected behind his men.

Beside her, suki crouched surveying the attackers. She signaled to her girls on the other side of the street and all at once, they attacked.

Katara watched as suki jumped onto the nearest Komodo Rhino and kicked off the rider, mirrored on all sides by the other Kyoshi warriors.

The air filled with the sound of war. Soldiers yelled as they were trampled by their mounts.

Fire erupted from all angles killing friend and foe alike as Zhao failed to command his troops properly.

Sokka joined suki from the ground. Narrowly avoiding streams of fire and killing blows.

The village became thick with smoke and heat, which Aang tried his best to help by bending the smog away while avoiding heavy fire.

Katara did what she was born to do. Dragging water into the village she flooded the streets. Mud covered any soldiers who had fallen, the nearby houses suffered the worst. Burning at the highest points and crumbling into the flooded streets below.

Katara saw blue only for a moment. Running along the rooftops as they crumbled beneath his feet. Glowing in the light of the fire but never burning. He made no attempt to join the fray below any longer than necessary to help some of the Kyoshi warriors. Instead, he ran straight towards the back of the fight, straight towards Zhao.

"Aang!"

He looked at her with desperation in his eyes and katara knew she looked just as worn down.

This was it, she thought, the first real fight Aang has ever seen. The first real taste of war.

"The avatar state!"

Aang just shook his head.

"I can't," she could barely hear him over the screaming. "I can't do it!"

Whatever hope katara had left faded. The last chance they had. Aang had entered the avatar state at the air temple, confronting the loss of his people. Now he was stuck, unable to draw on the previous avatars for help.

Across the village, The blue spirit struggles his way through rows of soldiers. Staying high and swinging low. He couldn't afford to waste time-fighting them. The only way to end this battle was to take out Zhao.

He reached the edge and landed next to him with his dao drawn. Fighting back the first wave who ran to meet him with brutal efficiency.

Zhao zeroed in on the mask of the blue spirit. The man who stole the Avatar from him.

"You!"

He lunged forward with his hands on fire. Zuko met him head-on with his blades. Dancing around any fire Zhao shot at him while closing the gap. And those who tried to help were either cut down by the blue spirit or forced back by Zhao's flame.

Katara fought her way to Aangs side. Using her water as a shield to hold off flames and occasionally whipped soldiers back. It was exhausting and she was inexperienced. The fact remains that katara had no master, only what she had taught herself or adapted from the other benders she saw.

"Aang we need to leave! I know it feels wrong to run but it's the only way! Zhao will follow us and leave Kyoshi behind!"

Aang met her eyes and nodded.

The wind died down leaving the ash and steam to encompass the battlefield, once village. Those too close to the steam burned or gagged on smoke. Katara grabbed Sokka and suki. The Kyoshi warriors that remained scrambled after them to escape the heat.

Suki grabbed Sokka by the arm.

"Go, we'll be okay."

The makeup of the girl's war was either all wiped away melted and dripping off from the sweat and heat of the battle.

"Not without an apology, I've been treating you like a girl when I should have treated you like a warrior."

Suki kisses his cheek.

"I am a warrior, but I'm a girl too."

Sokka pulls her into a tight hug.

"You should come with us..."

"My people need me. We have to rebuild."

"We never should have come. We endangered you all."

"Look at me Sokka," she cups his jaw in his hands. "We could never stay out of the war forever. This is no one's fault but the fire nation, and we will never regret taking you in."

Katara yelled across the street for him.

"Now go. I'll see you again one day."

Sokka reluctantly let go and ran to join the others on Appa.

"What's the plan."

"We lead the Zhao away," Katara said.

"Uhh guys, where's Blue?"

They all lunged across the saddle to look over the edge.

The air was beginning to clear and the troops regrouping. Right in the middle stood Blue, locked in a heated battle with Admiral Zhao.

The Blue Spirit had recognized the shift in the battle immediately. His fight with Zhao began with the nearby soldiers charging to try and help. After a while, they just stood back letting Zhao fight him alone. Circling them.

It reminded him of Agni kai only he had only his dao swords. The blue spirit took great care in hiding his bending from the world. Using it with utmost care and restraint.

Soon the crowd thickened and the air grew heavier. Most of the yelling stopped and blue feared for his friend's life.

Still, he fought with vigor. Zhao slowed and circle him. In an effort to mirror him Blue did the same.

He never felt more exposed. No matter what way he turned his back was to someone.

"Well, what do we have here? The Blue Spirit."

Zhao sneers at him.

"We both know you're no spirit. So how about you stop being a coward and take off that mask."

Zuko of course said nothing.

"Fine. I'll take it off myself."

Zhao hurled a stream of fire in his direction. As Blue moved to avoid it he caught sight of Appa in the air. The fight picked up regaining speed. Visible even from the air. Zhao fought with harsh jerky movements in comparison to the blue spirit almost dancing.

The more time passed without getting a hit the angrier Zhao became and the more restless the soldiers surrounding him became as well.

Zuko kicked Zhao to the ground in one swift move. The fight was over, The blue spirit had won, and the soldiers attacked.

Converging on him all at once from every angle. Zuko went the only direction he could, up.

Bending fire through his body to give him strength Zuko jumped higher than humanly possible.

Aang wasted no time in circling in his glider and flying toward his friend. Using air bending to keep him in the sky.

Blue latched on to Aangs leg greatly throwing him off balance in the process.

"I've got you!"

Every fire bender Zhao had shot up at them but luckily none came close to hitting. Luck is In everyone's opinion but Zuko's that is.

Zuko dropped down into Appas saddle and Aang landed next to him.

"You're okay," katara hugged them.

"Better than okay," Sokka cut in, "you held your own against Zhao and won. I'd call that a win for all non-benders."

Blue of course said nothing.

Appa flew away from Kyoshi. The team watched from above as Zhao and his crew destroyed every structure left standing.

"What are they doing?"

Sokka's face darkened.

"They're leaving a message. This is what happens when you harbor the Avatar."

This chapter is much darker than I originally intended. Coming back from the air temple after seeing what they did. I figured the fight with Zhao and his much larger crew would be far more brutal than what Zuko did.

I was thinking about how to pull off Aang dealing with the loss of his people and just boils down to out of sight out of mind. He pushed it off in the show and continued to have fun. More like denial than an actual coping mechanism.

That's Why I'm moving the problem with the avatar state forward. It just feels like more of a reaction.

Also, I'm trying to show how Zuko reacts to physical touch, especially when he doesn't see it coming. Being alone for so long gave him some weird habits and the last time someone he trusted touched him he got burned...

Please comment, I need all the advice I can get.