A/N: Okay, don't own Avatar: Last Air bender or Nickelodeon for that matter.

I've drawn and redrawn Naomi. The link is in my profile!

Without A Nation

Part one: Weakness

Chapter Two: Recovery

Humming, he heard humming. It was distant, echoing, and unclear. He tried to open his eyes, but if he had he only saw a fuzzy darkness. A ceiling, maybe? Possibly, but then how had he gotten there? The last thing he had remembered was rain, a futile attempt at maintaining control, and then a crash. A tree limb… it had hit his head, and his chest. That would explain the pain across his sternum… had he broken something? He ached, all over. He wanted to cry, but then he didn't. it seemed pointless. Sokka, where was Sokka? And Momo and Appa, and Katara… where were they? Had they survived? Was he alone? He had so many questions and his brain could not come up with answers.

The humming was gentle and soft, becoming clearer the more Aang focused on it. Soon, the sense of someone touching him registered, and he weakly opened one eye. A girl was tending to the scratches he'd received from the crash. She was the source of the humming, and he didn't mind. IT was soothing, and brought some form of peace within the Avatar. Perhaps it was a chant, or a charmed lullaby?

"Where…" Aang began, but his throat was sore and words seemed too grand a hassle.

"Shh, you're safe, Avatar," the girl said, smiling at him; "I'm Naomi. You crashed in the forests, and the men of my village brought you here. The two others you were traveling with are safe. You've been unconscious for a time…" the explanation was hushed and gentle.She began humming again, and dipped her finger in a dark concoction before drawing a quick pattern over Aang's aching sternum.

Instantly he felt that area grow numb, and the pain was gone. Aang's eyes grew wide and his hand went to it, but before he could touch anything, Naomi's hand shot out and grabbed his wrist; a gentle grasp, but firm. Wordlessly he looked up at her sudden silence. She was serious, her eyes anxious but steady with something Aang could not recognize.

"Don't touch it until it dries," she said calmly, beginning to put away her things in a chest; "It's a symbol… to ward off the pain. But when it begins to disappear, and you begin to ache, come to me and I will replace it."

"O...K?" Aang replied, beginning to sit; "Where… where am I?" he asked, looking around.

"In a hut, out of the rain," she replied; "Where else would you be?"

Aang lay back down; "Where… where are…"

"They're safe and well, Avatar," the girl said; "Rest."

She seemed so considerate, so kind. Aang nodded and smiled lightly, his eyelids fluttering. The girl began to hum again, and he felt calm. It seemed so familiar, yet so distant. Desperately he clung to the feeling he was experiencing, mentally grappling with his will. But sleep overcame him, and, with a sigh, the Avatar fell deep into the darkness of slumber.

Once more Atobai found himself by the fire, sipping his tea. And though it had grown cold in his absence he continued to drink it. His brow furrowed and obviously deep in thought, he was troubled by a sudden onslaught of thought. Suddenly he had too many people in his village. There was Prince Zuko, his Uncle, Iroh, and then there was the Avatar… Atobai sighed at the thought of the child.

How was he able to handle such a burden, such a title? At times Atobai had difficulty aiding in the leadership of the village, and managing his granddaughter; he could not imagine being anything remotely close to the Avatar… Atobai was not one for too much pressure. After living a life of stress and running and battle, he had "retired". Though War and killing was his business, now he chose to rescue and help. But the Avatar, though a blessing to the world, was a potential curse to those he was with. The two young Water Tribesmen, they must have evaded death countless times. Naomi risked death just as much as they did, though, he thought absently, randomly.

"I suppose you are thinking of your sudden burdens, Atobai?"

Atobai looked up and saw Iroh looking at him knowingly, one eyebrow raised. Atobai sighed; "Now you mind read as well as Fire bend, old friend?"

Iroh delighted himself with a small chuckle; "You are an easy man to read," he replied; "You are a good soul though, for taking in so many."

"Where else would they go?" Atobai asked; "I would rather they be here than anywhere, in such conditions."

"Yes, well, I fear that with Zuko's injuries, we may be here for a time," Iroh said, looking down.

"Fret not, Iroh," Atobai said; "Company is quite the countenance for absence. But since you are here I would like to ask a word of advice."

"Advice, eh?" Iroh said, smiling; "I'm all ears."

Atobai laughed half-heartedly; "What am I to do? I have little experience in handling such situations; I'm not good with such things like I once was."

Iroh sipped on his tea; "You managed fairly well from what I can remember."

"War has ruined my mind, Iroh," Atobai said quietly, looking at his cup of tea; "Now, my thoughts mingle together, I have trouble with deciding. Things take time now, I am not so quick since…" his voice faded with brief recollection, hand drifting to the side of his head. Then his hand fell and Atobai coughed; "Simply stated, sometimes my granddaughter makes decisions when I cannot."

Iroh remembered his last time seeing Atobai. They were both in the grips of battle, no surprise back then. It was the 467th day of siege the great Earth Kingdom city of Ba Sing Se. The evening was cold and unforgiving, and Iroh had decided to retreat to a quiet place to compose his thoughts. It was there that he had found Atobai arguing with one of the lesser commanders. Atobai had been expressing his simple request to see an old friend, Iroh, but the fire nation commander would have none of it. He hit Atobai once in the face, a swift punch, but Atobai refused to strike back for he found it an unnecessary waste of energy and expense. He did not want to hurt the young man, he said. Taking it to offense that Atobai was pitying him, the commander attacked again, with a club. He hit Atobai in the back of the head, but before Atobai could hit the ground Iroh had used his firebending to kill the commander for the deed. He had then gathered Atobai and carried him to the nearest medical tent. The news had not been so good. The attack had cracked Atobai's skull, and damaged his brain. He would live, but with consequences.

Apparently Iroh was seeing those consequences.

"You have improved, though," Iroh said, but he sighed; "What decision are you having trouble with?"

Atobai sighed; "I'm not so sure… anymore…" he said desperately, sipping his tea again; "There are so many things. The festival, the Avatar, your nephew…"

"What's Zuko done?" Iroh asked, suddenly protective of his nephew.

"It is not what he has done, but what he has yet to do," Atobai said; "I fear he may once again be blinded by his desperation once he sees the Avatar…"

"Come again?"

"He wants to please his father, obviously that is his motivation," Atobai explained; "Why else would he pursue a twelve-year-old?"

"One hundred and twelve year old, "Iroh corrected, and Atobai rolled his eyes.

"He's a child, Iroh, not even an adolescent!" he said; "Why would such a thing be burdened with so much? I doubt the other Avatars faced such tribulations at such a tender age."

"I doubt the same, but it is happening now," Iroh said; "Perhaps he should stay, gather his nerves? Perhaps you could teach him a thing or two…"

"I have nothing to offer the boy," Atobai said; "What I am capable of doing is of no real use..."

"What you are capable of is something extraordinary," Iroh said. He was about to add to the conversation, when Naomi exited one side room and closed the door. She set her things own, then straightening up, realized how quiet the room actually was. She looked at her grandfather and instantly knew he was going through one of his spells.

"Grandpa?" she asked quietly, briefly reverting to childhood worry.

Atobai looked at his daughter and smiled; "No need for worry, Naomi," he said kindly as he patted the pillow beside him, offering her a seat. "I am fine."

Naomi sat down, a worried hand on his shoulder for but a moment. "Perhaps you would like to entertain our guest with a story?" Atobai asked, he himself looking forward to one of his granddaughter's tales.

Naomi blushed; "I really think I should turn in, Grandpa," she said, rising; "Perhaps another time?" she said.

"Check on Zuko though, if you would," Atobai said, and Naomi nodded.

Naomi rolled her eyes in dismay though, before opening the door and stepping in. She saw Zuko sitting up, staring into the fire. Wordlessly, Naomi went and sat down beside him, for a time wondering what he could possibly be thinking about. Well, she could come up with several things. She was not deaf and stupid; she knew his past and his fate.

And she sympathized. What would be gained, by her anger towards Zuko? Nothing but more anger. There was a useless quality to her nature.

"Tomorrow, if you are able… you will walk with me."

Her whisper was quiet, a breath of air. Zuko closed his eyes and sighed. He knew he would be strong and well again when the sun rose, it was just his nature to take strength from such a star. Perhaps he would sleep in? But even that seemed unlikely. He was too connected to the Sun. now what he bragged about he was ashamed of.

"I will show you something and make you realize just how pointless this is."

At this, Zuko looked at the insolent girl. She spoke with such reverence, such peace, and her voice was steady and quiet. What did she mean by "this"? This war, this life, this purpose? What?

"What do you mean by that?" he asked slowly, his eye narrowing.

Naomi looked at him; "Tomorrow you will know," she said as she got up, and his eyes followed her; "Sleep well, Hell Fire."

And he watched her go in silence, glaring at her retreating for mall the while thinking; What the hell is with that name?

In fact the Prince did wake up to the sunrise, much to his "delight". HE rolled over and attempted to doze off again, but could not. With a sigh he sat up, and saw a stack of clothing neatly placed at the edge of his mat. Reaching over, he realized that they were like the ancient warriors wore; baggy, soft fabrics and wide sleeves, composed also with a belt good for tucking things in.

And they were black.

What was it with this color? Zuko thought as he stood and began to get dressed. It was difficult, getting his arm through the sleeve, but he gritted his teeth. When he had finished he took stock of his surroundings to see if anything else was different, and to his surprise, there was. A sling hung from a wall on a nail. Grateful for its presence, Zuko used it. Finally with a sigh, he walked to the door. Walking seemed a tad difficult, but once more he gritted his teeth and bore the annoyance.

Opening the door, he poked his head out to find the main room empty. The fire still crackled in the pit, but there was no steaming pot to obscure the smoke. Following the thin grey trails, Zuko saw them exit through a vent in the roof. He stepped out, and tripped over something. Catching himself and straightening up, Zuko turned to see it was a pair of sandals. On them was a note. Bending down, Zuko sat to put on the sandals, and read the note:

I left at dawn, and I hope you found everything I had left for you. Iroh and Grandfather have gone to tour the village. I should be back soon. Please be quite for there are other guests. Stay near the house. Wouldn't want you getting lost…

And the girl had signed it at the bottom, hurried like her script. Zuko rolled his eyes and stood up, wadding the note and then incinerating it. He let the ashes fall and then walked outside. The smell of rain and earth hit his senses and overwhelmed him for a moment. Why did it smell so pure? He breathed in deeply, looking around. The hut was nestled on the side of a hill, built into it, and he realized that there were others of the same nature. The hut was larger compared to some, equal to others. There were sloping paths that were visible but weren't; merely flattened grass and stone markers. The forest surrounded them; the village was simply nestled in a clearing.

Zuko saw a stuffed mat off to the side, and with a heavy sigh he sat down and folded his arms together to wait. What else could he do? He occupied himself with watching the activities of the Village. Not many people were out, it was still early. An old man climbed down the hill with a net full of fish between his hands, a younger man following him with two nets of the same variety. A woman a little way down was humming as she picked vegetables from her garden. There was even a young boy tottering after his pet cat, but he returned to the garden when his mother called him.

It was all too peaceful. Had the war not even reached here?Of course it had to of, The Fire Nation was everywhere nowadays, Zuko figured. But this place seemed remote. Looking up he saw that the great trees surrounding the village also offered a canopy. There was protection everywhere. Zuko vaguely wondered how deep his uncle had taken him into the Earth Nation… probably very, knowing good ole Uncle Iroh.

A low growl brought Zuko from his thoughts. Looking to his immediate right, he saw that a hound-like fox had stepped onto the porch, and with ivory teeth barred, it was making its way towards him. Black with white eyes, it was menacing. Its tail split in two at the beginning, the pair swishing back and forth, the only sound the creature made when it moved.

"Gimorri! Gimorri! Where? Oh…"

Naomi walked onto the porch, her staff in one hand and a satchel in the other; "Gimorri, leave our guest alone," she said as she walked over and picked the beast up. It nuzzled her, and seemed to emit a purr.

Zuko just sat there, trying to figure out what the hell the thing was. Naomi caught him staring; "She's a Nyo'Ei, Zuko," she replied, setting the satchel inside the house and closing the door. She sat Gimorri down, and the beast darted over to the stoop of the hut. She looked at Naomi with wide eyes, as if wanting to go.

Zuko got up slowly; "Thank-you… for the clothing," he said, readjusting his sling.

Naomi nodded once, slow recognition; "Will you walk with me?" she asked, motioning to the world beyond the porch.

Before Zuko could reply Naomi began walking, and he followed her. Gimorri trailed behind them, darting off soon after due to short attention span. Zuko whipped around when she did, and caught up with Naomi to walk with her side by side.

"So…" Zuko said; "What is this village called? What tribe does it belong to?"

"It has no name and no tribe," Naomi said, looking at Zuko; "We are neutral. Completely."

"Is there another village like this?" Zuko asked, and Naomi shook her head; "Well… what about politics? What do you do about that?"

"Democracy is our way," Naomi said; "Well, I suppose you could call it that. See, accordingly, the villagers choose who they think is fit to lead them. There are three positions of leadership here."

"Choose? How?" Zuko asked.

"Voting, a show of hands," She shrugged; "There hasn't been one for quite a while. The same three men have led the village for years now…" she looked off for a moment, then looked at Zuko; "What is your government like? I know it is a monarchy, but perhaps there's more?"

"Not really," Zuko said; "There's a little deception in the army, but other than that… Wait, why would you want to know that?"

Naomi shrugged; "Conversation's sake," she said; "Here, follow me."

And suddenly she had jumped into the forest, and with a groan Zuko followed her. Though she didn't travel fast it was hard to follow her in the dense underbrush proved difficult. Eventually he simply started burning things out of his way, but she rounded on his in an instant.

"You can't do that!" she said fiercely; "Even if it is to clear your way, this forest cannot be destroyed. The village could lose its cover."

Zuko clenched his hand into a fist, glaring as she turned. Without any other choice, he made his way through the forest.

But for all his inner grumbling, they came across a path. Zuko heaved a sigh, then asked indignantly; "Where are you taking me?"

"Not taking, leading," Naomi corrected; "It is a place where we can talk, and a place where you can see."

Her speech was together yet broken; as if she was speaking in riddles. At least this is how Zuko saw it, and it infuriated him. She was becoming more and more like his uncle, though more fierce and hardened. Why was she so nice to him now when the night before she had been seething with anger towards him? Perhaps she was just being loyal to the old man. Or maybe she was a mess, Zuko could tell. He did not know how stable she was, if she was stable at all. But she seemed intelligent, but emotionally driven. Two things that did not always go well hand in hand.

After a time of silent walking he began to see a parting in the trees. The sun light poured out of the cut, and as they stepped out into it, Zuko never felt more alive. After a moment of bathing in the glorious light, he realized that they were at the top of a rolling, grassy and steep hill. Beyond, land. Endless land, rolling mountains, hills, valleys and streams. Everything seemed untouched, pure. But then he saw a large city not too far off on the horizon. Dark, towering, and looming… it was threatening to this peaceful oasis.

Zuko turned when Naomi sat down, Gimorri coming out of the woodwork to dark down the hill, chasing bugs and small mammals. Naomi looked at him expectantly as she leaned back into the grass. Zuko, taking the hint, joined her.

"What are we doing here?" he asked impatiently.

Naomi looked out, towards the horizon, merely gazing; "Would you want this ruined?" she asked quietly.

Zuko looked out as well; "Not really," he replied. "It's beautiful."

Naomi emitted a small laugh that could have been mistaken for a gleeful sigh; "Of course it is," she said; "It's natural. It's how its supposed to be. Why shouldn't it be beautiful?"

"What are you getting at, Girl?" he asked, glancing at her with a dark impatience.

Naomi shot him a glare to rival his own, and that meant danger for the Prince. But she quickly clamed and looked out at the great expanse in reverie; "The Fire Nation occupies that place," she said, implying the city; "And they're edging ever closer."

"So? Why is that a problem?" Zuko asked.

"It means we're being closer to being found out," she said; "Think about how happy that would make that damn Admiral Zhao, to find a village of renegades and rebels…"

"Oh really?" Zuko asked; "It seemed like an everyday village to me… nothing to worry about," he paused; "Can we talk of other things? This bores me…"

He lay down and stretched out, while otherwise Naomi sat up and stared down at him; "How is war boring to you?"

"Because I have been raised in it," Zuko said; "I have become numb to it," he looked at her; "I'm the fucking Fire Prince for gods' sakes…"

"True," she said, lying back down.

Zuko was stunned. That answer had satisfied her. He sat up and looked at her, and realized that her eyes were locked on the sky. "So…" Zuko said; "What's with the bandages? Got something to hide?" he smirked when she looked at him.

"In a way," she said; "Why?"

Zuko shrugged; "Well it's not something I come across often, at least to this degree," he paused; "You take care of the fabric, so it must be important."

Naomi looked away; "It's identity," she replied simply; "Besides, these come off only in battle…"

"Oh, so you're a 'warrior', are you?" Zuko asked, snickering as he looked away; "You should meet this one buffoon who calls himself a 'warrior'…"

"Well this staff is not for harvesting," Naomi said, picking the afore mentioned object up; "This blade was from the Northern Water tribe, the wood, from your nation…" her eyes glazed over in reverie; "and the wax and rosin that holds it all together, from this very forest…"

"What, no air bender to polish it?" Zuko asked sarcastically; "Sorry, it slipped;" He said when he saw her hurt glare. He was one for gall, but did not delight in hurting others with his words, unless they deserved it. And Naomi had not deserved it.

"No, it's fine," she said, looking away.

Naomi lay down, and Zuko followed her; "So… have you always lived here?" he asked.

"No," Naomi replied; "I traveled with my parents for a while…"

"And who were they?" Zuko asked.

Naomi looked at him; "Why would you care?" she asked plainly.

Zuko shrugged; "I'm curious as to why you are the way you are," he replied; "Besides, everyone has a Nation, and I can't identify yours."

"Well that's probably because I'm four in the same," Naomi said; "My mother was of the Water and Air Tribe. My father, Earth and Fire."

"But… the last of the Air Tribe were… were killed," Zuko said, voice going from uncertainty to shamed realization; "How could…"

"My Grandfather was just a child when his temple was attacked. He and his mother escaped some seventy years ago and she raised him here."

"Can he air bend?" Zuko asked with child-like interest, briefly letting down his harsh prince persona.

Naomi shook her head; "If he could he hasn't in ages. I've only seen him do it a few times…"

"Oh…" Zuko said; "So are your parents here, in the village?"

Naomi looked away; "No, they're not," she said.

Zuko could imagine what had happened, and more than likely his Nation's army had something to do with it; "The Fire Nation had something to do with it, didn't they?"

"The Fire Nation has its hand in everything, Hell Fire," Naomi said; "Your question is rhetorical."

"I see," Zuko said; "You want to know why I need to capture the Avatar, and bring him to my father?"

"So you can be accepted back into your kingdom for your Right to Heir?" Naomi replied.

"Yes," Zuko said; "So that I can stop things like what happened to you from happening to others. I don't' agree with my father, and I don't like it that My Nation is getting a bad reputation over one man's greed."

"Such is the way of kings, Zuko," Naomi said wisely; "But I hope you break the mold."

Zuko blinked. That had probably been the most sincerely honest thing she had said, on her own. "I hope so too," he said.

He was not sure if the objective of this walk had been reached, but the peaceful feild was a spot he was not upset about being at.

There was a ringing in his ears. A distant, but loud ringing none the less echoed in his ears. As he opened his eyes his world spun, his head ached, and his vision blurred. With a groan he sat up, and looked around. A room, simple, yet somehow homey. The door was open partly. The smell of soup filtered through the cut. Should he go and see? He could hear humming, and that was just as inviting. It was mellow, calm, and innocent. Getting onto his feet, he exited the room.

Atobai looked up from the soup he was cooking; "Ah, so you're awake, Young Avatar. Come, sit."

Aang looked around slowly; "Where am I?" he asked, rubbing his eyes.

"In my home, of course," Atobai replied; "I am Atobai. Several of us found you and your friends out in the storm. You are lucky to be awake. Are you hungry? I am making fresh vegetable soup. I was going to make trout soup, but you're more than likely a vegetarian…"

Aang smiled, thankful for the man's consideration. He sat down and Atobai gave him a bowl of soup. Aang sipped on it, studying his surroundings. Finally, after a time, he asked; "How did you know who I was?"

Atobai smiled; "I recognize one of the last living Air Benders. You can call it instinct," he replied.

"Really?" Aang said; "Wait… how would you know?"

Atobai tapped Aang's wrist, the tip of the arrow, and then tapped his own bandaged arm; "I know," he said.

Aang's eyes widened; "You're an Air Bender too?" he asked.

"Of sorts, yes," Atobai replied; "But first tell me this. What were you and your friends doing out in such weather? It was dangerous."

Aang lowered his head; "I thought I could handle it," he said, looking up; "Katara and Sokka are okay, aren't they?"

"Well of course, sleeping soundly, last time I checked," Atobai said; "They're in the same room as you. We just set up curtains for added privacy. Are they of the water tribe?"

"Yeah, and Katara can bend," Aang said; "what about Momo? And Appa?"

"Your pets? In the stables," Atobai said; "the lemur needed extra attention, so I left him with a reliable friend."

"Oh… okay," Aang sipped his soup; "This is really good!" he said with a smile.

"Well, I'm glad to hear it!" Atobai said; "Sometimes my granddaughter would disagree with that!" he laughed good-naturedly, but it was heartfelt. He could not look at the boy and not think that he was just that: a boy. Not the avatar, not an air bender; just a child.

"Atobai, may I see your tattoos?" Aang suddenly asked; "Just to be sure…"

Atobai smiled and set his bowl down; "Of course," he said, pulling back the billowing sleeve of his shirt. He pulled the bandage loose, and began to unwrap his arm. Aang's eyes widened as he saw the faint, tale-tale point of the arrow, and then the bar. Atobai was an actual member of the Air tribe.

"I don't believe it," Aang said; "I thought… I thought I was the last one!"

Atobai smiled as he began to rewrap his arm; "Well, my mother was very cunning," he said; "She protected me."

Suddenly a thought popped into Aang's head; "How old are you?"

"Right now? Hmm… good question," Atobai said, suddenly deep in thought. He really hadn't been counting the years. " I suppose I'm about ninety-five or so," he said, smiling; "But I sure don't look it!"

He really didn't. Aang wondered if it was luck, or good genetics, but Atobai looked no more than fifty-five, or sixty tops. "No, you don't," Aang said.

Awkward silence followed. Aang was not sure what to say; Atobai wasn't willing to say anything. What could he say? Perhaps if he discussed something light; "So… can you perform any tricks with your gift?"

Aang's face glowed and he smiled. Someone wanted to see he tricks! Setting his bowl down, he excitedly said; "Yeah! Watch this!" he pulled out three marbles from his pockets, and holding them in between his palms, he then manipulated the air into making them spin about madly. Atobai found it to be entertaining and laughed as they zoomed about the room. Aang laughed too, happy not to be annoying anyone.

"Hey," Aang suddenly said; "Atobai…"

Atobai looked up, "Yes?" he asked.

Aang sat down his bowl, and looked up; "Are there any… of us left?"

Atobai knew that by "us" the child was talking about other members of the Air Tribe. Sadly, he could offer the Avatar no hope; "Not that I know of, Aang," he replied quietly; "But, I am always searching, listening, and waiting for one to come about."

Aang nodded, looking down; "I just thought that, since you were still alive, then maybe others would be too."

"There may very well be, Aang, we may never know," Atobai said; "You can never be too certain."

Just then Iroh came in, his arms full with various little trinkets he had collected on his outing, and he was very happy with what he had found; "Atobai, I met the most lovely woman…!" he began, but his attitude faltered when he saw Aang staring up at him with wide eyes.

"Oh, good, you're here!" Atobai said; "Aang, this is Iroh, he's—"

"I know who he is," Aang said lowly; "Does this mean Zuko's here too?" he asked, looking at Atobai.

"Well, yes, recovering," Atobai replied, "I know you have you're history with him, Aang, but this place is a place of peace. I will not tolerate anything between you two, no matter how hard it may be to resist the urge to fight."

"He's been chasing me around the world!" Aang said, jumping up; "If he sees me, then he'll burn this place to the ground to try and catch me!"

"You would be surprised, Young one," Iroh said as he sat his things down; "My Nephew has matured a great deal since you two last had your encounter."

"Yeah, he had tied me op and was going to take me off to the Fire Nation!"

"Ah, yes, but you escaped, and saved him from the elements," Iroh commented; "I trust your maturity will not falter either."

He had a point. And Aang knew it. Pouting he sat back down to finish his soup, mumbling nonsense about Princes, maturity and Fire balls. Atobai chuckled at this, then handed Iroh a bowl as the old General sat down.

"So, what woman did you meet?"

TBC

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