The wind brushed against the faces of the four teenagers as they shot through the sky. Aang was uncharacteristically in the saddle with Zuko and Ty Lee. Despite being the most experienced flyer, he clung to the saddle with his compatriots. Appa was moving at twice his normal speed. His heavy breathes were telling of his exhaustion. Azula was in the driver seat.

The story of how she got into the driver seat wasn't much to tell. Aang tried to go for the driver seat as usual. Azula simply pulled him down by his mantle and told him to get in back. She was driving.

"Can't we slow down," Aang pleaded, "Appa is going to be tired for a week if we keep going like this."

"No, Aang," Azula shot back, "we have to be in Shu Jing Village. That's on the other side of the Fire Islands! How we got twisted around and ended up on Ember Island, I have no idea!"

"It was probably the smoke," Zuko sad between nervous breaths, "The volcanic ash must have twisted us around."

"Great observation, Zuzu," Azula laughed, "If you had said that days ago, Aang would have mastered his first element by now."

Ty Lee was terrified in the back seat. "Azula," she cried, " Can we slow down? Please? Pretty please?"

With a sudden lurk, Appa could finally take a bit of a break. Ty Lee was lucky. She was prone. Holding onto the saddle by crossing an arm through a hole in the guard. The other two boys were just grabbing the guards. They were thrown forward onto the floor with a strong thud.

Appa himself was panting. This slowdown being the first break the beast had gotten all day.

"I suppose we can move a little slower," Azula mused as if she was still making the decision, "if all of you are going to be crybabies about it."

Ty Lee and Aang recovered pretty quickly. The acrobats were used to a rough ride. Zuko stayed on the floor. He was muttering about Azula. Azula couldn't hear his insults over the sound of the wind. Probably for the best, Aang thought, or else she might just speed up again.


Deep in the catacombs of Ishigaki, Sokka sat in a tiny cell. The dripping of water caused Sokka to assume the prison was built underwater. Perhaps it was intentional, Sokka has mused. The endless dripping had been an endless source of annoyance. The teen prince couldn't sleep the first night he was down here.

The walls were etched with markings counting the passing of the days. Sokka had begun to enter a daze. The bowl of rice he received a day was not enough to keep him full, just alive. However, the thick metal doors did not block all sound. Sokka kept his mind sharp by listening to the conversations outside. Something in particular got his attention today.

"We received a reply from Long Feng," a Dai Li agent spoke, "he's rejected our proposal to process the prince."

"Should we just continue to hold him then?", another agent spoke back.

"No, Long Feng worries Ishigaki isn't secure enough. The prince's vessel escaped. Long Feng feels they will send people after him. We are to send the prince to Omashu."

Sokka felt dread rise. It was fought with conflicting hope. Omasu was deep in-land for the Earth Kingdom. Ishigaki was an island. They would have to bring him far from the prison to get there. There was a chance to escape. However, if he couldn't get away, no one would know where he was. There would be no hope of rescue.

Sokka needed to be ready. His eyes darted around the room for something to use. The rocks were smooth all along the cell. Earthbending ensured each stone was perfect. A feat no non-bender could perform with simple tools. The water, however, gave Sokka hope. If it ate away at the rock long enough, it would give him something to use.

Hours of searching later, Sokka found a section of rock loose enough to pull out. It wasn't much, but he had a shard of rock. Water Confederation always made their weapons out of bones to protect themselves from Earthbenders. They weren't alone.

The Fire Islands used flames to melt iron ore to make weapons. No Earthbender could bend metal. Air Nomads relied on the simplicity of wood. Brittle but an effective complement to their bending. Air Nomad's spiritual purity ensures there were no non-benders in their ranks. Each one had the wind on their side in battle.

Sokka was in an Earth Kingdom prison. No one could claim Ishigaki belonged to the Fire Islands anymore. He was to be transported on an Earth Kingdom ship to the Earth Kingdom mainland. His only chance for escape was to get overboard in the middle of the sea. He wasn't a waterbender so he couldn't ski on the surface. All he had was a rock.

Sokka fell back against the wall. What was even the point? He couldn't see any way out. Why did he even bother getting this weapon? It wasn't a threat to the Dai Li.

A voice in Sokka's mind drew him back to a time long ago.

"Sis, you're going to regret dropping out of the healer courses," Sokka readied his club to punctuate his taunt, "I'm gonna knock you on the ice!" Sokka swung his club like a baseball bat at Katara's legs.

"You sexist pig!", Katara screamed out. She swung her arms in an upward motion. A torrent of water swept Sokka off his feet. He landed face first in the snow. From the edge of the ring, Hakoda and Bato looked on and laughed.

"That's what you get for underestimating your sister," Hakoda's laugh was slightly mocking. There was pride in there as well. It was not a cruel laugh nor a truly scolding one. It was the laugh of a father who loved his children, but also one who felt one had gotten their comeuppance.

Bato's laugh was perhaps a tad crueler, however. "Are you sure this is your boy, Hakoda?"

"Now, Bato, don't be hard on Sokka." Hakoda tried to calm Bato down. "Sokka had good instinct. Waterbending is a fluid style and requires constant movement. The legs are a good place to strike. Catch them in mid-movement and," Hakoda made a whacking motion, "you can get them on the ground. Hit hard enough and you can even take them out of the fight all together."

Watching Sokka wipe snow off his face, Hakoda continued. "The problem is that his execution wasn't subtle. Telling your opponent what you're going to do beforehand is a poor choice." Sokka sighed at his father's words.

"Not the best idea to imply women have no place on a battlefield, either. Could get some female opponents off-guard, but it might just make them go all out. Bad idea when fighting a stronger opponent"

Sokka groaned, "stronger?"

Katara stuck her tongue out at her brother's comment.

Hakoda chuckled. "Besides, you remember you still got to live with your sister, right?"

"Hey, I could have won if you didn't use your water magic," Sokka seemed to not hear his father's last words.

"It's not magic, it's bending!"

"Could of, should of, would've of," Bato got stern, "your life will be built on those if you only ever make excuses. When you're in a fight, you have to win. Your opponent may not always let you walk away afterwards."

Bato bent down and picked up a clump of snow. "Water isn't just about being fluid." Bato shook the snow off the clump to reveal a chunk of ice. "When put in extreme conditions, water becomes hard. It might break if it's small." Bato broke the clump in his hand.

"But when it stands tall," Bato gestured to a nearby glacier, "it's unbreakable."

Bato pointed to Sokka, "Be like a glacier, your highness, or you'll get sloshed around and shattered."

Sokka came back to the moment. He was alone in an Earth Kingdom prison. If he acted like a little brat, he was going to be shattered. He had to be a big boy now. He had to be ready. All he had was his clothes and a sharp rock.

Closing his eyes, he began to formulate a plan.


Gone to Jang Hui Village on a fishing trip.

Be back in four days.

-General Jeong Jeong

Azula nearly burnt the note on the door. Zuko had to hold her back when the orange light flared up. After a bit of struggle, she gave in and extinguished her flame.

"Will you stop it!?", Zuko let out, "You could burn the place down!"

Azula pushed Zuko off. Without a word, she pulls out a map from their camping supplies. "Jang Hui is a day's trip from here. App could get us there in a couple hours."

Aang whines, "but we just got here."

"And there is no firebending teacher here." Azula spoke coldly. Jumping back onto Appa's head.

With a buck, Azula found herself back on the ground, facefirst in the dirt. As Azula rose in angier, Appa plopped down on the ground. The creature taunted Azula. It was going to rest here whether she liked it or not.

Azula stared the beast down to no avail. "Fine!," she shouted, "we will move on foot. If we leave now, we'll make it by morning."

Zuko pleaded, "this is crazy. We can wait for Appa to rest."

"The Great Comet still comes on the same day, Zuzu." Azula spoke with fire in her voice. "Need I remind you what happens a month before?"

Zuko leaned back in resignation. Aang was confused: he had no idea what they were talking about. Before he could ask, Zuko started, "At least let me stay behind. Master Piandou might still be in the area."

Azula seemed to like the idea. "Good, you could use the training. And someone needs to watch that lazy beast."

Aang cried out in protest, defending Appa. Appa bellowed out an angry growl. The torrent blasted Azula's hair, making it look like it was licked back.

Azula growled, but let it go. "Aang, Ty Lee, we're moving out."

"Actually, I was thinking of staying with Zuko." Ty Lee spoke like a nervous child talking to a parent.

Azula was surprised and demanded to know why.

"Flying was a little scary. I think I just need some time to breathe and relax in town." Ty Lee stretched her limbs. "A big hike would destroy me right now."

Azula looked disappointed but her voice was as cold and disinterested as ever. "Fine, rest here if you must. Just try not to let my brother sulk you to death."

Azula grabbed her supplies. Heading towards the road to Jang Hui, she grabbed Aang by the collar. "Come along, airhead."

"Don't I get a say in this?," Aang pleaded.

"No," was Azula's flat reply.

After a short while, the pair were out of sight. Once Azula was out of earshot, Ty Lee exhaled and slouched.

"Tired?" Zuko asked.

"I don't mean to be rude," Ty Lee stated, " but Azula has been making my aura grey all week." Ty Lee began to stretch. "The circus never had us travel so rough."

Zuko shrugged. "She hasn't been the same since you showed up."

"Was it something I said?" Ty Lee looked nervous. "Oh no, I must have done something to tick her off."

"This isn't Azula angry," Zuko joked, "Azula angry is her trying to burn down General Jeong Jeong's house."

Zuko grabbed his chin. "You? I don't know." Zuko took a moment. "If anything, she just seems worried."

Ty Lee did a cartwheel forward. "Maybe I am just overthinking it. She is traveling with the Avatar after all. That could be making her aura all red."

"Maybe," Zuko entered a deep thought, "but why did she give you her crown? I never wear mine, but she loves her's."

"It's like she said: she thinks I'm a great friend," Ty Lee rubbed her chin, "though I don't know if I really get it. The thing barely wants to stay in my hair." She adjusted her crown after the cartwheel set it out of place. "Makes it a little hard to practice."

Zuko decided to drop the matter. He had more important things to attend to. "Master Piandao," Zuko mumbled.


Aang was keeping his distance after Azula. The angry firebender was tearing a path down the road. The first few minutes of their journey was spent with her fixing her hair. Muttering angry comments about "beasts" and "layabouts." The next few were spent in silence.

Until Aang spoke, "You know, we could just wait in town. We don't have to camp out in the forest tonight."

"We're behind schedule," Azula sighed, "We just went over this."

"About the schedule," Aang looked around nervously, "you said something to Zuko. About something happening before the Great Comet."

"Aang," Azula wasn't her normal cold, she was stern and guarded, "I can't trust you with that information. Only the royal family is allowed to know the darkest secret of the Fire Nation."

"Darkest secret?," Aang was curious.

"I told you it was a dark secret so you would know not to pester me about it," Azula shot back, "I have no reading on your ability to hold secrets. You could blab about it to the first person we meet."

Aang began to plead like a child, "Please let me know! The suspense is killing me."

Azula didn't respond.

"How can I know why we need to get things done 'on schedule' if I don't know this 'darkest secret?'"

Azula cut down some bramble.

"If you think about it, not telling me the darkest secret is really putting us all at a disadvantage."

"Aang!," Azula snapped.

Aang flinched.

"This knowledge has been entrusted to every one of the royal line. Our people's secrets are our greatest advantage in this fight. And our greatest weakness," Azula was spitting fire, "When the Water Confederation learned of the Great Comet, they built their war around it. And the 'Great Comet' was public knowledge. Can you imagine how dangerous our secrets are?"

Azula let her words hang in the air. Satisfied she made her impact she turned back to the path.

However, it only took a moment before Aang started again. "If I'm really your grandfather's reincarnation, then technically I am in the royal line. So, telling me royal secrets would just make sense then." He punctuated his words with a big smile.

It took all of Azula's restraint not to hit the young monk.


Zuko and Ty Lee found themselves in front of a large manor. The townsfolk had directed them to the building as the home of Master Piandao. However, Zuko couldn't help but notice the derision with which they gave those directions.

"It's like they've seen this a million times before," Ty Lee had observed.

It didn't matter. Zuko was here now. He was going to see the master. He just needed to knock on the door.

But did he deserve to? No one had ever trained him to use his swords before. His father refused to help Zuko with Zuko's "little rebellion." Zuko's uncle was not a swordsman and could only give Zuko moral support. The men his uncle encouraged to help would all quit due to Ozai's fury.

That reminded him of his scar. He was bokkei. Would Master Piandao reject him on sight?

The sullen prince's thoughts were shaken at the loud knocking sound. Ty Lee seemed to have completely ignored Zuko's dilemma and started knocking at the door.

Zuko was shocked, but Ty Lee wrote off his surprise with her own confusion. "But you were going to knock anyway, right?"

Before Zuko could burst out how that isn't the point, the door opened. An older gentleman answered. Judging from his attire, Zuko reasoned the man must be the Master's butler.

The man took a quick look at the two. "Master Piandao sent in his donation to the school yesterday. If they sent you two to ask him to send even more, I'll have to warn you that Master Piandao is quite skilled at withstanding sob stories."

Ty Lee spoke first out of habit, "School? My parents had me home schooled. They always said school was for commoners."

Zuko interjected, "Ty Lee!" Catching himself, he calmed his voice as best he could. "I am Zuko. I have come to seek the master's teachings."

The butler was unamused. "Even worse," he muttered, "I have no trouble showing you to the Master but I must warn you he turns away all students."

"Not much of a master if he doesn't have any students," Ty Lee mused.

The butler eyed the girl. "As a bit of free advice, I suggest your friend take a stop in town for your meeting. It will help your chances, low as they are."

"That's a good idea." Zuko turned to Ty Lee, "we could use some more supplies. Can you take my wallet and get us some more food? Focus on foods with long lives like miso paste, rice, honey and beans."

Ty Lee mumbled about how none of those foods were sweet enough but headed off for town without further fuss.

"Now then," the butler started, "what did you bring to prove your worth?"

Zuko hadn't anticipated this requirement. Almost everything he owned was lost with Umbie. They only took the essentials.

That's when Zuko remembered his crown. It had been saved from Roku's remains. Zuko's mother was not going to let the same volcano try to claim it twice. He had it in his bag.

When Zuko went for the crown, however, his scar flared. The crown came from his father. It wasn't of use to him.

"I brought nothing," Zuko declared sternly.

The butler rolled his eyes. "No offerings and a criminal."

Zuko tried his best not to wince at the butler's last word.

Led to a chamber, Zuko found the venerable master. The master faced his back at Zuko. The swordsman seemed preoccupied with a painting he was working on.

Zuko could tell he was to speak. "I am Zuko and I wish to be trained in the art of the sword." Zuko took seiza on the floor.

"Zuko, that's a familiar name," the master started.

"There are many Zukos," the young Fire Islander covered, "there were two other 'Zuko's in Umbie."

"Umbie? Small village. Let me guess, you were the best 'Zuko' in your village and you think that entitles you to train under me?" Master Piandao spoke as if this visit was a frustrating interruption.

"Actually, I was not that good at sword fighting. No one would teach me," Zuko looked at the floor.

"Not doing a very good job selling yourself.," the master swordsman seemed to joke, "I am the best in the Fire Alliance. Why would I teach someone untrained?"

"I need to prove my father wrong," Zuko's words were like gravel.

Master Piandao put down his brush. "Filial piety is a virtue on these islands."

"The five relationships rely on mutual respect." Zuko was calm but his words were burning.

"An outdated philosophy from a foreign land. Only royals still discuss those beliefs," Master Piandao mused. Before Zuko could speak, the master cut him off. "You haven't spoke about why you're trying to prove your father wrong? Or even how?"

Zuko balled his fists into his legs. "My father," he paused, "he's hurt everyone in my family. My mother, my sister...me. We're vagabonds because of him." The young swordsman paused again. "My scar is because of him."

"Your bokkei?"

"There wasn't a trial. We weren't even in Ryujin at the time. My father simply wanted me marked as a traitor." Zuko spat the words out.

The master made a disapproving sigh. "What was your crime?"

At those words, Zuko found his mind racing back to a long time ago.


It was three years ago. Zuko and Azula had just begun to grow into adults. Their Uncle had left on a political voyage to the Northern Earth Kingdom to curry favor from King Bumi.

Iroh was considered the perfect diplomat for tough negotiators. Ozai was the reason the royal family had been kicked out of so many nations in the Alliance. The Shobo-shi asked that he stay home. Ozai didn't take kindly to this news.

Ozai was always worse when his brother wasn't around. Zuko didn't know if it was some sibling bond or if Ozai feared his brother's power. Ozai's anger was cooled when Uncle Iroh was home. When Ozai was alone, however...

"What is this slop?," Ozai poked at his stew.

"It's nikujaga," Ursa nervously replied.

Ozai tossed the soup aside. "I am a royal and you feed me commoner cuisine!?," Ozai screamed at his wife.

"It's what I could afford today," Ursa was withdrawn.

Ozai huffed. "Are you calling me poor?"

Zuko interjected, "Dad, you're taking this too far! It's just dinner!"

Ozai turned to the boy in disgust. "Shut up, you ingrate!," Ozai shot back, "You're my first born. Be lucky that I haven't revoked your right to the throne, you weakling. "

Zuko wanted to fight. Ursa's calming look and Azula's stern warning held him back.

"Good," Ozai proudly spoke, "now, clean this mess and get me another bowl of that slop."

Zuko did as he was told.

"There may be hope for you yet," Ozai mocked. Beginning his meal, his demeanor changed. "You and Azula are behind on your training. Both of you are to follow me to the training grounds tonight."

"Yes, father," Azula announced proudly. Zuko simply nodded.

After dinner, the pair were led near Mount. Hi. With a respectful bow, they began to go through their katas. Ozai barked his observations.

"Your leg is too low, Zuko."

"Your breath is too weak, Zuko."

"Your punch is too slow, Zuko."

"Good kick, Azula"

"Exemplary power, Azula."

"Fast punch, Azula."

Zuko was at his wit's end. "Can you say one nice thing about me? All you ever do is yell and complain!" Zuko was like a raging inferno. "You always act like you're so perfect. You treat me like dirt.

Zuko let it all out. His voice rose with every word. "Our family is not the royal line it used to be! Grandfather ran us broke! You destroyed every ally Uncle made! Stop clinging to the past! Stop acting like I have to be ready to inherit some throne our people lost a hundred years ago.

Azula was dumbfounded. There was fear in her eyes. She turned in terror to await her father's next move.

Ozai said nothing at first. Then, he sternly spoke a command. "Zuko, if you are so interested in my respect, defeat your sister in an Agni Kai."

"My sister?"

"Do you accept!?," he barked.

Zuko looked to Azula. She gave a weak nod.

"I do."

"Azula!?"

"Yes, father."

Ozai created a ring of fire around the pair. He ordered them into position. Taking a stance on opposite sides, Ozai gave a quick countdown. On 3, he screamed for the pair to fight.

Zuko started with a swift motion. He summoned a small stream of flame. Azula moved her hands in a circle and dispersed the flame. In the same movement, she stepped back. As she did, she brought up her foot and slammed it down like an axe.

A torrent of flame shot out and came for Zuko's head. Zuko was forced to dodge the blast, incapable of dispersing such a thick column.

He was given no rest. As Zuko readied to fire another punch, he was pushed onto the defensive by twin flame strikes. He deflected the first one but the second singed his shoulder. The wound would heal fine, but the pain caused the young firebender to cradle his arm.

"Weak," Ozai screamed.

Azula seized the advantage. She focused her strikes on Zuko's bad arm. Zuko didn't have a chance to strike. He was too busy guarding his wounded side with his free arm. Walking backwards, he tripped and fell prone. Azula appeared over him, hands ready to strike.

"Looks like I won, Zuzu," Azula was playful, trying to lessen the tension of the scene.

"What are you waiting for? Strike!" Ozai commanded.

The pair were shocked. "He lost, father. We can end this sparring match here."

"Did I say this was a sparring match?", Ozai foamed at the mouth, "this is an Agni Kai: burn his face! He will wear a mark for his shame."

Azula continued to plead. "That tradition died even before great grandfather Sozin. People will think it's a Ryujin bokkei. They'll think he's a traitor to our people."

"Did he not insult the crown prince of our fair nation? Did he not insult our divine right to rule?" Ozai was relentless. "He spoke treason. The punishment fits."

"Father," Azula whimpered. She looked down at her scared brother.

"Azula, do you want to be the next Ursa? The next Zuko? I have treated you with privilege because you were strong." Ozai had no love in his voice. "Prove you're weak and I will show no mercy."

Azula's face was pained. Zuko looked up at her and mouthed "It's okay." She let loose. Zuko howled in agony.


Master Piandao had listened intently. While Zuko had kept details that would reveal his lineage hidden, the vast majority of his tale was related to the swordsman.

"Tragic," the Master spoke matter-of-factly, "but you still haven't told me where swords factor in."

"I never want to firebend again." Zuko blurted out.

The master turned to Zuko, "firebending is a gift. I was cast out of my family for lacking that natural ability. And you plan to forsake it?"

"Firebending was his gift," Zuko words were laced with poison, "I never wish to use it. My mother was a non-bender. She was kind and fair to me. To Azula. Even to Ozai. I plan to live like her."

"Denying your firebending is like denying you have arms. You deny yourself a great asset, one that has been a part of you since you were born," Master Piandao tested the child.

Zuko rose, "I will learn to live without that destructive power, with or without you."

As Zuko turned to leave, he was stopped by the swordsman's words. "Who said I wasn't going to train you?"

Zuko spun around. A smile breaking his scowl. "We start immediately," the Master rose in excitement.


Zuko stood in a courtyard. He felt lighter than usual. Like a weight was taken off his shoulders. On his back, he wore his dual dao swords. On his face, he wore an eager expression.

Master Piandao stood across from him. "The first thing you need to learn about a sword is that it's an extension of yourself." The swordsman drew his sword. He performed a few simple exercises with the blade. "Think of it like another arm." After his demonstration, he gestured for Zuko to follow suit.

Zuko drew his blades. He held them in each hand. The young teen tried to mimic the movements, but he had trouble with the dual blades. As he tried to mimic the movements, he found the other blade fighting him. He growled when he almost nicked himself. As he failed, he tried harder to correct himself. He overreached, overcommitted, and overworked himself in this sorry display.

Master Piandao was observing carefully, "you're acting like you're holding two separate blades."

"Isn't that what I'm doing?," Zuko let some of his frustration slip out of his voice.

"No," the master was stern, "you are holding one blade." The swordsman put down his jian, "please, let me borrow those dao swords."

Zuko complied. Swiftly, the swordsman moved gracefully with the blades. The two swords seemed to flow like water. Piandao seemed to have no issues tracking each blade. They kept pace with each other. Returning to rest, the master spoke as if he was delivering the most simple truth.

"People assume that since I am the greatest swordsman in the isles, that my knowledge comes only from the Fire Alliance," Master Piandao chuckled, "but the art of the sword belongs to no nation. Take this as your second lesson: to truly master these swords, you must stop trying to brute force them like a firebender. Instead, you must be fluid like a waterbender."

Zuko examined these swords, "if that's the case, why did my Uncle give me swords that only a waterbender could master?"

"Not only a waterbender," the old swordsman chided, "just someone who can learn from them."

"As for your uncle, he either was trying to teach you something," the master shrugged, "or he just knew nothing about swords."

The master presented the blades for Zuko. "I could get you a jian. They work better with your more aggressive style."

"No," Zuko took back the blades, "if Uncle chose these for me, he must have had a reason."

The master nodded his approval. With a gesture of the hand, he asked his pupil to try the kata again.


The pair of master and student found themselves traveling along a mountain pass. The greenery was a surprise to Zuko. On Roku Island, Mount Hi was the most barren place on the island. The beauty of this pass seemed almost alien.

The master stopped at an outcropping. Across a chasm, a waterfall could be observed. It was a serene and tranquil scene.

"Why are we out here, Master Piandao," Zuko inquired.

The swordsman placed an easel on the ground. To its side, he laid a series of paints and brushes.

"Take a moment and absorb the scene," the master spoke softly.

Zuko was unsure as to the wisdom of this teaching, but he wasn't ready to question the master just yet. The young swordsman turned to the chasm and observed the waterfall's beauty. Zuko understood that it was beautiful, but he didn't know how this related to sword fighting.

Zuko felt Master Piandao grab him and sit him in front of the easel. The shift was so quick and effortless, Zuko was left dizzy from the ordeal.

"Now, paint what you saw."

"What?," Zuko complained, "but I barely saw it."

"A warrior only has seconds to memorize a battlefield."

Zuko turned to look at his master, but stopped as he felt his master grab his head and turn it back.

"No peeking."

Zuko tried to focus on the painting. He just didn't get a good look, however. Try as he might, he couldn't remember how the place looked exactly. He got frustrated. The waterfall was off. He knew it. He began to furiously cross out the drawing and start over.

But, there was no other easel. He just ruined everything. Zuko just felt himself getting angrier. In a fit, he pushed the easel over, spilling the paint on the grass.

"Are you a child," the master scolded, "clean it up."

"What does a painting have to do with swordsmanship?" Zuko turned to look at his teacher.

His master sighed and rolled his eyes. Without a word, his master began to walk away.

"Where are you going?," Zuko was worried. He tried to follow his master.

Without turning, Piandao flicked a rock up with the back of his shoe. It hit Zuko at the base of his foot. The sudden jolt of pain caused the islander to step back, leaning the base of his heel into a divot. Falling backwards, Zuko landed into his paint supplies. The sullen teen looked like a post modernist piece.

The master snickered as Zuko tried to rub the paint off.


Zuko was in training gear. He stood across from Paindao's butler, who was dressed similarly. The islander was given two wooden dao blades while his opponent wielded a wooden jian. The two were engaged in light sparring. Zuko was aggressive and focused. However, his hits were being easily blocked and evaded by the butler. No matter how hard Zuko struck, the butler nimbly dodged or countered. It was perplexing for the teen: how could such a large man be so nimble?

"Zuko!" Master Piandao blasted.

Zuko turned to his Master. The butler took the moment to strike Zuko's chest and knock him down.

"Don't let yourself get distracted," the master sent a cheeky smile to his pupil. Zuko punched the ground and flailed.


Master Paindao led Zuko to a small grotto. The area was well manicured. The butler must have done a careful job of maintaining this area.

"Fat has gotten ill," Master Piandao sounded unconcerned, "I think it was a bad bit of fish from lunch. I want you to help him out and tend to his garden while he recovers."

"Gardening? What about my training?"

"We can continue when you're done with this." Master Piandao turned to leave, "it's important you take time to smell the roses."

"But we've hardly trained at all," Zuko flared up. But the old master ignored the tantrum.

Zuko turned to get to work. He wasn't a gardener. Their homes rarely had gardens. When they did, their hosts would have servants for these tasks. He was at a loss. The area was mostly barren sans the small garden in the corner.

The islander picked up a nearby broom and started sweeping. The process was taking too long. He tried to move the rocks into place, but they kept rolling away. He tried to cut the grass, but he cut it too close. Everything he did, he failed. He could feel his blood boiling.

That's when he heard Fat scream out in shock. The butler was not pleased by Zuko's sad attempt at gardening. He wasn't sick either. Master had lied. Zuko couldn't help but wonder why.


Zuko stood in the arena across from Fat. They were in their training garb again. Master had kept his promise of further training after Zuko's gardening work.

Fat seemed a bit angier than before. It seems he hadn't taken kindly to Zuko's lack of a green thumb. The butler was on the offense. Zuko felt himself pushed back. The strikes were less graceful. There was force and power behind each strike. The man was using his superior weight to push into the teen.

Zuko found himself pushed back. At first, he fought as usual. Strong blocks to counter the strong strikes. However, Zuko could feel his arm tire. The teen was using too much of his energy in every block. He'd run out of energy before he ever got the opening to attack back. He could feel angier rise up in him. His chi was starting to grow. He felt like he was going to burst.

But, even that felt like too much effort. His angier subsided to the tiredness of his body. He weakened his muscles. His tired mind fell back as if into a pool of water. His body started to move on its own. Zuko's swords began to move rhythmically as if they were waves in the ocean.

Less and less energy was needed for every strike. Slowly, Zuko could feel himself speed up. Giving into the motion of his body, the swordsman moved into a daze. He could tell he was pushing back against Fat. The butler was on the defensive.

Seeing the man walk back, Zuko remembered a tile in the floor that jutted upwards. Zuko shifted his weight with an easy pivot. Fat didn't even notice he was being moved in a different direction. The butler was too focused on defense. Stepping back, the butler's back foot smacked against the uneven stone, causing him to fall backwards.

Left defenseless on the ground, Zuko pointed his sword down at his foe in triumph. Only then did Zuko's mind uncloud. He had won?

A small applause had started from above. "I'm impressed. I was worried I wouldn't reach you for a moment." The Master smiled.

"Reach me?," Zuko was incredulous, "all you've done is a single lecture and two sparring sessions. And your butler did the sparring."

Master Piandao rose. He took the steps down to Zuko as he talked. "Normally, I would be more forward with the goal of my exercises," the old swordsman started, "but I felt I needed to be more subtle with you."

Zuko started to think back on all the chores Piandao had asked him to do.

"When I saw how aggressive you were with the sword, I wanted to teach you to relax and take in the environment," the Master started, "but I needed to gauge your temper as well."

"The painting," Zuko mused.

"Judging from Fat's trip, you learned to keep your environment in mind during battle," the Master smiled, "that will save your life one day."

The master began to pace. "After your temper exploded, I needed to remind you of how much you had to learn. Fat has studied under me to keep himself healthy. I asked him to adopt a waterbending style. Perfect to counter your aggression, your natural opposite."

"I could tell, however, you were still stuck in your old way of fighting. I suspect your father still has a hold on you: a voice pushing you to fight like he taught you. You couldn't just be talked out of it," the swordsman mused, "I needed to tire you out first.

"The gardening," it all started coming together for Zuko.

"With you sufficiently exhausted, I asked Fat to adopt your firebending style: aggressive. Aggression versus aggression is won by the most violent. Fat had been resting before your match. Even with youth on your side, you couldn't match him in such a tired state."

"So that I would adopt a waterbending style to counter it," Zuko exclaimed. It finally all came together.

"Precisely," Master Piandao spoke with pride, "When you finally stopped trying to fight like you've always done and just let the flow of battle take you, you began to use those dao swords properly. You even managed to internalize some of my other teachings."

"Like when you tripped me on the mountain," Zuko felt like he just solved a puzzle.

"No, actually," Master Piandao cut back, "I was just annoyed you knocked over my painting supplies."

Zuko shot a look at his teacher.

"Paint's expensive," the swordsman jokes.


The master and pupil sat across from each other in the chamber where they first met. The Master looked fondly at his pupil.

"For your first day, you've come very far," the master started, "you still have much to learn, but I'm confident that you will grow in the coming days."

"Thank you, Master," Zuko bowed. Guilt took over his features. Looking back to his master, he started with a weak voice. "There is something I should tell you. Something I lied about."

The Master seemed curious.

"I'm not just any 'Zuko,'" Zuko sighed, "I am Prince Zuko. Son of crown prince Ozai."

The master looked serious for a moment.

"Please don't treat me differently," Zuko started up, "I wanted to do this on my own. Not because of my family name, but my own merit."

"Zuko, I knew from the second you walked in here," the master seemed to think it was never a secret.

"Then you only trained me because of my blood," Zuko's voice rang with defeat.

The master laughed, "I would have trained you even if you were a street urchin begging for scraps."

Zuko looked up in surprise.

"I know what it's like to have a bad upbringing. I wasn't exaggerating about my parents abandoning me for being a non-bender." The old master put his hand to his chin.

"I was barely a boy when they left me at an orphanage." The swordsman was cheerful despite the weight of his story. "That was why I wanted to make you my student: I could see myself in you."

Zuko felt a tear escape his eye. He bowed again to his master, thanking him for taking him in.

Master Piandao bowed back.


Water rocked the boat carrying the boy prince. The water in his cell sloshed with the rolling waves. Drips coming from a tiny hole in his wall, mostly plugged with a cork. His knees were pruned from the water that lined the floor.

The prince waited for the guards to chatter. Under the cover of their idle conversation, he drew the rock from his sleeve. Ripping off a small cloth, he pricked his scabbed thumb and drenched the rag.

He turned to the hole he dug out earlier and unplugged it. Quickly, he stuffed the rag through. The prince resealed the breach with the cork from his luncheon meal.

As quickly as he acted, the prince returned to rest. As if on cue, the guards looked through the peep-hole again to examine the sudden sounds of water.

Sokka could overhear the Dai Li mock him from outside his door. "Should we move him to a different cell? He might get sick with that leak."

"Move him? He's a water savage. I'm sure he feels at home in that sludge," the other Dai Li officer laughed.

Sokka ignored their jokes. His plan was already in motion. He needed to just wait for the signal.

"Did you hear about that fog?"

Sokka perked up.

"No, what about a fog?," the other agent half-heartedly answered.

"Captain was complaining about it. They're worried the fog may slow down our trip. It's been following us for the last few hours."

Sokka knew it was time. He eyed the rock in his hand and steeled himself for what he had to do next.


Guard duty was boring. Always has been. When King Kuei announced that the military was to modernize and organize under the leadership of the Dai Li, everyone thought it meant work would be more exciting. Less boring posts, more covert action and espionage.

The rigorous training led many to expect an exciting future. New techniques, new fighting styles, new tactics: soldiers were drooling at the mouth to get into the field.

Now, these two were in the field. It wasn't much different from when the army was under King Bumi. King Kuei may have been stable, but Long Feng was unhinged in a different way from King Bumi. Not that it even mattered: his orders still led you to the same boring jobs at the same boring outposts.

You'd think guarding a captured prince would be fun. These guards would rather be anywhere else right now. Shooting dice, having a meal in the mess hall, or even something as boring as a game of Pai Sho. Literally, anything else.

Their boredom was shattered when a painful groan echoed from the prince's cell.

The older guard opened the peep hole on the door. Inside, he saw the prince still sitting in the knee high water as he was before. The guard had noticed the leak some hours ago, but refused to do anything about it. However, what was once clear ocean water was now stained red with blood.

"He took his life!," the guard exclaimed. He gestured madly for the other guard to give him the key.

The guard's hand shook as they opened the door. What would Long Feng do if he found out they let the prince kill himself? Would they process them? Execute them?

"Come on," the younger guard exclaimed, "maybe he's still alive!"

The pair rushed to the body. As the older one inched towards it, the boy suddenly sprung to life. Within moments, both guards felt a sharp rock pierce their respective legs. Surprised by the sudden pain, they were easily pushed back. The boy rushed past them. Quickly locking the cell door with his stolen key.


Sokka tried to catch his breath. His plan had gone off without a hitch so far, but the worst was still to come. He shrugged his left arm. The stab wound he made was sore. The prince would need to be sure to have a healer look at it.

He turned his attention to the door across from his home. Taking his key, he quickly opened the cell. The prince already heard the guards getting back on their feet. Inside the other cell was the guard Bato had sent to protect the prince. The man was badly wounded. The Dai Li didn't seem kind to their prisoners: his wounds were still untreated.

"Come on," Sokka lifted the man into a fireman's carry, "we're getting out of here."

The man tried to plead to be left behind, but Sokka didn't even humour him. The boy was to be the Southern Nukilik. He wasn't going to leave a man behind.

The prince's movement was slowed by the weight of the other man, but it didn't matter. He just had to get overboard. As he rushed towards the stairs, he saw some of his belongings in a heap on the floor. The Dai Li must have given them out as gifts to their ranks. Sokka was quick to pick-up his boomerang. It would serve him better than the club with only one hand.

Moving as fast as he could, the prince rounded the corner just as the Dai Li broke out of the cell.

"Sound the alarm," they cried. Sokka got a glance of them as he got to the stairs. Their limps meant they couldn't follow him. The alarm, however, was going to be a problem.

A claxon came over the ship just as Sokka reached the deck. In an instant, Dai Li agents surrounded the pair.

Sokka knew he had just one chance. He reached for his boomerang with his other hand. The Dai Li were posed to strike. He had to make this count.

With a simple thrust, he threw the boomerang into the air. The Dai Li didn't flinch. Some of the less disciplined men even laughed at the prince's believed blunder.

Just as the men moved to apprehend the unarmed escapees, the ship rocked violently. Sokka and his soldier were thrown overboard in the resulting chaos. As Sokka helped the man stay afloat, they caught a glimpse of their savior: a ballista bolt fired into the side of the Dai Li ship.

On their other side, the fog dispersed. Sokka's ship emerged from its absence. The waterbenders on the deck were manipulating the water in the air. With a forward thrust, the fog moved forward and hid Sokka and the other man.

"Get to the prince," Sokka could hear Bato cry, "We need to get out quick!"

Sokka moved towards the ship. Overhead, he could hear the ballista fire again on the Dai Li ship. The Earth Kingdom were boulders on the sea. Sokka knew they stood no chance.


Sokka and the other man lay in a heap on the ship's deck. Their bodies soaked through from the ocean's current.

Bato was directing a woman towards them. Hovering over the pair, she laid her hands upon them. The water on Sokka glowed. He could feel the pain slip away.

"Focus on him," Sokka gestured to his wounded compatriot, "he's more badly hurt."

"I was asked to focus on you, your highness," the woman was focused on her work.

"And I'm giving you an order as your prince to focus on him," Sokka shot back, "I'll be fine."

The healer was reluctant, but she did as her prince commanded.

Sokka used this opportunity to rise. With a limp, he walked towards Bato. The commander turned as he heard of his prince's arrival.

"Sokka, you're okay," Bato sounded genuinely warm. He lifted a torn cloth, "Not sure how you got these overboard, but the eelshark's packs were grouped too close together to not be suspicious. Clever trick."

"Why did you leave!?," Sokka snapped without acknowledging the commander's words, "You left me and him behind!"

Bato sighed. Guilt was in his eyes. "We tried to wait, but the Dai Li boarded our ship. I thought we'd have the advantage in port." Bato gestured to the battered deck. "My theory on them dropping the ceiling on us was correct."

"Then why did you send me in!?" Sokka fingered Bato's chest, "why did you send him in?"

"Because I made a mistake!," Bato yelled.

Sokka was taken back, but regained his aggressive stance.

Bato lowered his voice, "I made a mistake."

With a gesture, he asked Sokka to follow him into the cabin. Sokka, despite his weariness, obliged.

"Hakoda has been trying to take Ishigaki for months," Bato started as soon as they got in, "The North has been making fun of him for failing."

Sokka took his seat, unamused.

"I just thought you could pull it off," Bato sat across from the prince, "After Umbie, I started to let things get to my head. I thought we could pull it off: take Ishigaki."

"Why does this matter to you so much," Sokka's aggression was slipping away.

"Because it matters so much to Hakoda," Bato sighed, "I thought it would make him so proud to know his son finally took Ishigaki."

Sokka still didn't fully believe the commander, "I know you're friends, but I'm not buying it. You were trying to pull something."

Bato leaned back. "Hakoda and I are more than just friends. We've been together for years." Bato looked away, "When Kya passed, Hakoda asked me to help out when I could."

Sokka stared through the commander's words.

"I'm not going to pretend I never doubted him or you, for that matter, but I've always wanted to see Hakoda succeed," Bato's words felt like they hurt to say, as if he was holding back on something deeper.

The prince sighed, "for now, I can accept it. Besides, we have bigger things to worry about."

Bato was surprised by the prince's words. What had he uncovered in Ishigaki?

"What's going on in Ishigaki," Sokka shook his heads, "it's awful. The Southern Earth Kingdom wants to destroy the Fire Island."

"But they're allies," Bato didn't understand the prince's words.

"On paper, yeah, but the Southern Earth Kingdom has been doing everything under the sun to take over that town. I heard them banning the teaching of fire nation history in their own schools," Sokka voice was firing with passion, "I don't think the North has similar plans. It sounds like a Long Feng person is behind it."

"Long Feng," Bato thought hard on the name, "our informants know him as a powerful advisor in the kingdom but nothing more."

"He's more than an advisor," Sokka almost laughed, "the warlord's daughter was afraid of him listening in on our conversation. He's got some game planned, whether the king knows it or not."

"We can't assault Ishigaki," Bato was preemptively trying to stop the Prince. Their vessel would need some time to repair.

"No," Sokka waved off the thought, "that's down the line. Right now, I need to get my claim to the throne secured."

Bato raised his eyebrow.

"If I become nukilik, I can lead the south and set it on the right path," Sokka confidence rose with every word, "I'll conquer the islands and the two kingdoms. I'll set everything right."

Sokka rose, "but first, I have to capture the Avatar!"