A/N: This chapter has been reworked alongside Chapter 1's release. Not a lot has changed, but it takes a little bit more in-depth on what happened on the Avatar Universe that basically changed the course of the world.

Still. Oh. My. Goodness Spirits. Never have I thought that I will be able to write something like this. Literally the very first fanfic I have ever taken seriously. And published, too.

I have tried my best to keep it consistent to AtLA and tLOK's universe, but expect divergence from here.

We're starting with a prologue as we establish the universe. The war never happened (or it did, just not as long as it was).

Please enjoy, and let's get this show started!

Water. Earth. Fire. Air.

My grandmother used to tell me stories about the Avatar. He is the master of the four elements, and the keeper of peace and balance of the world. But, everything changed when the Fire Nation attempted to attack.

Avatar Chesa of the Western Air Temple, regarded as one of the greatest airbenders of all time, had revolutionized the Avatar's responsibilities to the world. Instead of bringing peace through power and war, she instead brought peace through diplomacy and spirituality. She ended the "25 Year War" at a very young age, and the world has never been the same since.

[Quick A/N: Chesa means "greatness" or "spiritual greatness" in Tibetan.]

Her revolution started a rippling effect across the four nations. Influence and politics are now the greatest power the four nations have to invade others. They don't necessarily need to go to war anymore, negotiations and monopolies are shaping the society to what it is today. Gone are the wars for power and territory, gone are the days of claiming supremacy against other elements. Today is the era of influence.

Also gone were the discrimination against benders and non-benders. Avatar Atka of the Northern Water Tribe has built Cranefish Town to what it is today, Republic City, and founded the United Republic of Nations; a place where all people from four nations have come together to live in peace and harmony.

[More A/N: Atka is Inuit for "guardian spirit", honestly pretty fitting for an Avatar.]

But the threat of those who have come to harm the world's balance didn't stop. Avatar Dawa, a former Chief of Police of Republic City, has formed the United Forces, bringing together the diplomatic and military efforts of the four nations in order to maintain the world's balance. My father has been a part of it for two years, and hasn't been able to come home to us.

[Moar A/N: Dawa is Mongolian for "mountain pass", reflecting his steadfast commitment to the world as the Avatar]

Almost three centuries have passed and the Avatar has become more of a political figure of peace, and a celebrity as well. He continues to be the symbol of hope, but his responsibilities to the world has grown beyond the realms of simply mastering the four elements.

Mediating has been one of the most important skills the current and future Avatars must learn in order to maintain balance. Knowledge in the arts, history, and politics has never been more important.

This is why cities around the world have started building educational institutions that aim to educate the future generation on the state of the world. Schooling has become the norm; and while the Air Nation was reluctant at first, they were able to make a compromise. They send their best airbenders to study outside the temples, which makes air nomads extremely rare to see across the Republic.

Furthermore, unprecedented developments in technology over the course of two centuries has enabled nations to communicate with each other closer than ever before. It started with the Fire Nation's airships, which made travelling between nations easier. It was followed by a conglomerate formed by the Fire Nation and the Earth Kingdom, Future Industries. Very recently, they have developed some kind of a "smart-phone". It is small as a cubed telegraph but can do so much more.

Centuries have passed since peace and harmony was achieved. Despite the challenges and threats looming on the horizon, the Avatar and the world have continuously worked together to keep the spirit of peace alive.

I just never expected that I got to know who the next Avatar is before everyone else.

13 YEARS AGO

3RD PERSON

"Breaking news from the Republic City Wire, the family, as well as friends of Avatar Chen have gathered at the Ba Sing Se Hospital to mourn the death of the Avatar just four hours ago..." News have spread around the world about Avatar Chen's death.

"Avatar Chen will always be remembered as one of the foremothers of the Republic City High, one of the most esteemed educational institutions throughout Republic City and the four nations..." Her legacy continues to emanate through her efforts to make education at the Republic more accessible and open to everyone. She was vocal at how educational institutions on other nations only favor their kind, or only the rich; which is the reason why she founded the school at Republic City.

Through the formation of the Republic City High, all students from all four nations can come and study, aspire to be the best they can be, and be the hope for the next generation.

"It was rumored that she received favors from the Fire Nation to establish the school. But the Royal Family has denied claims and the Avatar never gave a statement..." Her life as the Avatar has always been full of gossips.

As a firebender, she had always been the target of rumors ever since Ozai held the throne 20 years ago. While the Royal Family has been less concerned over the Fire Nation thanks to the formation of its parliamentary government, they continue to involve themselves through their company, Fire Holdings. They own a multitude of businesses from all areas of the world, including a massive 40 percent share on the world's biggest conglomerate, Future Industries.

Gossips of the Fire Lord's influence over the Avatar has been looming for many years now. It was rumored that she had received monetary bribes and even a position in the Fire Nation government. Avatar Chen chose to take none.

In addition, she has been the face of rumors regarding her personal life. It was reported that she formerly 'dated' an aspiring air nomad, now a monk, before settling with her husband.

"Avatar Chen died peacefully at the age of 76, according to her family..." her family has been at her side since her health declined a few months ago. It was heart-wrenching, seeing the most powerful being the world has ever seen, start anew.

The mayor of the city gave a statement over the radio:

"The next Avatar, according to the cycle, would be one from the Air Nation. It would take about 16 years before we get to meet the new symbol of hope and peace.

But until then, Republic City and the United Republic of Nations will stand on its feet and never surrender. This land has been given to us by the Avatar and its descendants. It is our responsibility to take care of it, and maintain harmony.

Avatar Chen was a friend of mine. Her name, as she told me, meant 'dawn'. She became the dawn of the new Republic City and has never faltered to shape it for the better.

May her death be the dawn of a new tomorrow and hope, as we mold Republic City for the next generation."

Somewhere in the Eastern Air Temple, a new child is born. Plump, healthy, and full of life.

"He looks strong, and I feel he would be a very powerful airbender in the future", said one of the midwives.

His mother simply smiled.

"What would you name him?"

The two new parents thought for a moment, seeing the sun rising from a distance. It had been hours since the mother has started giving birth to this young boy, and the dawn of tomorrow has finally come.

The two smiled at each other. They have found the newborn child's name.

"Aang."

A/N: AAAAAAAAAAA

We'll stop there for the meantime as we fully establish all of our main characters. We'll go straight to our heroes starting Chapter 1.

Characters would be slightly aged up from where the series started, but age differences would remain (i.e. if Aang is 13, Katara is 14-15 and so on).

This story will also be updated at least once to twice a month, depending on how busy I am with college. Hoping for the best.

This has been going in circles on my mind, and I'm very excited to write about this. I really hope that you are too, are excited to read the story.

But for now, tips hat, good night!