After what happened at Ba Sing Se, we had to get you to safety." Sokka explained. "We flew back to Chameleon Bay where we found my father and the other Water Tribe men. The Earth King decided he wanted to travel the world in disguise, so he set off alone. Well, not completely alone. Soon, the bay was overrun by Fire Nation ships. Rather than fight them all, we captured a single ship and made it our disguise. Since then we've been traveling west. We crossed through the Serpent's Pass a few days ago. We've seen a few Fire Nation ships, but none have bothered us."

"So what now?" Aang asked.

"We've been working on a modified version of the invasion plan." Hakoda said.

"It's Sokka's invasion plan." Katara said.

"It's a good plan." Kurai said.

"Yes, Sokka's plan. We won't be able to mount a massive invasion without the Earth King's armies, but the solar eclipse will still leave the Fire Nation vulnerable." Hakoda said.

"So we're planning a smaller invasion. Just a ragtag

team of our friends and allies from around the Earth Kingdom. We already ran into Pipsqueak and The Duke." Sokka said.

Pipsqueak was Eating noodles with The Duke on his shoulder. "Good to see you again, Aang!"

"And the best part is, the eclipse isn't even our biggest advantage!" Sokka Whispered. "We have a secret ... you!"

"Me?" Aang asked.

"Yep, the whole world thinks you're dead! Isn't that great?" Sokka said.

Aang was shocked. Aang looked out to the water from a side of the boat. "The world thinks I'm dead? How is that good news? That's terrible!"

Sokka Approached Aang. "No, it's great! It means the Fire Nation won't be hunting us anymore! And even better, they won't be expecting you on the Day of Black Sun!"

"No, no, no, no, no. You have no idea. This is so messed up!" Aang said.

Another Fire Nation ship approached.

"I'll handle this. The Avatar is back." Aang Opened his glider and grunted in pain.

Katara Approached Aang. "Aang, wait! Remember, they don't know we're not Fire Nation!"

Sweating, Aang put his glider away.

"Everyone just stay calm." Hakoda and Bato put their helmets on. "Bato and I will take care of this."

Pipsqueak and The Duke covered Appa and Momo, while Aang, Reiko, Kurai, Sokka and Katara hide in a square hole.

"I hate not being able to do anything." Aang said.

"Hopefully, you won't need to." Reiko said.

Crew from the other ship boarded Team Avatar's ship.

"Commander, why are you off course? All Western Fleet ships are supposed to be moving toward Ba Sing Se to support the occupation!" Fire Navy Officer said.

"Actually, we're from the Eastern Fleet. We have orders to deliver some cargo." Hakoda said.

"Ahhh ... Eastern Fleet. Well, nice of Admiral Chan to let us know he was sending one of his ships our way." Fire Nation Officer said.

"I'm sure Admiral Chan meant no disrespect, sir." Bato said.

I mean, how hard is it to write a quick note and send a hawk our way?" Fire Navy Officer said.

"Next time, we'll send" Bato and Hakoda glanced at each other. "two hawks to make sure you get the message."

The two bowed to each other, and Hakoda and Bato exited.

"Sir ... Admiral Chan has been on leave for two months at Ember Island." Guard said.

"What? Why doesn't anyone ever tell me anything? Something's not right; they should have known that. I think this is a captured ship." Fire Navy Officer Whispered. "Just stay quiet until we're safely across the ramp. Then we'll sink this ship."

Reiko, hearing this, emerged. "They know!"

She metalbends the bridge between the ships off. The captain and his guards fall into the water. Katara created a large wave which separates the other ship from theirs. Team Avatar's ship departed quickly. The captain and his guards from the other ship climbed back on board theirs by rope ladder.

xxx

Meanwhile, back at the Fire Nation Capital, Zuko fed turtle ducks in a lake with some bread. He was watching the water and staring at Kurai's image. Azula joined him.

"You seem so downcast."" Azula said.

"I haven't seen Dad yet. I haven't seen him in three years, since I was banished." Zuko said.

"So what?" Azula said.

"So, I didn't capture the Avatar." Zuko said.

"Who cares? The Avatar is dead ..." Azula said and Zuko looked away. "unless you think he somehow miraculously survived."

Zuko gazed into the water and Kurai's image shook her head and put her finger to her lips. Zuko sighed. More secrets. But he wouldn't betray Kurai again.

He couldn't.

"No. There's no way he could have survived." Zuko said. They glared at each other.

"Well, then I'm sure you have nothing to worry about." Azula said.