"Fire!" General Bujing roared as he gave the order to launch the first fireball. The sounds of screeching metal filled the air as the enormous arm swung the flaming rock to the city in the distance.

Her heart pounding, Elyrie stood in the back row of the waiting soldiers. She saw the towers and walls of the Northern Tribe in the distance, surrounded by the large icebergs. Despite the sun, it was so cold that her breath crystallized when she exhaled.

It was freezing on deck, but the entire division needed to be present for the attack. The cold wind cut through the holes of the face masks all soldiers wore. Elyrie mentally thanked the nameless soldier for being much broader than she was, so her thick coat would fit underneath the armour. She had tucked her long hair underneath the helmet as well, both to be warm and so nobody would suspect anything.

Last night, she had noticed that most of the soldiers were young men. Some were even younger than she was. She understood that they were the bait. If the Water Tribe returned the attack, the men on this ship would become war prisoners. Or worse, she thought as she felt a shiver go down her spine.

Every minute, she prayed that her courage would not desert her. She had come so far and there was no time to turn back now.

She winced when she saw the fireball hit the wall of ice. It crashed into the water symbol on the centre of the wall and blew a massive hole into the ice. Even from afar, she saw the smoke from the explosion.

"Another!" the General ordered when the soldiers ignited the second fireball.

Elyrie gritted her teeth while she looked at the General. The leader of this expedition was the viperlike General. The one who had sneered at her, the one who was responsible for Zuko's outburst all those years ago. She learned that his name was Shu, as she heard Zhao say when the smaller ship had departed.

"Fire!" the viperlike General Bujing roared again. The trebuchet fired a second time and Elyrie followed the flaming stone. It looked like a comet that was about to strike the frozen city again. But then, she saw that an invisible force blew the stone out of his course and hit an iceberg instead.

"They prepare to attack!" she heard a soldier yell, "Everyone in position!"

Elyrie focused her eyes on the large figure that was flying through the air in the direction of the ship. It must be Aang! she thought as she tried to make out the shape of the skybison. But in the hurry, she was pushed in line with the other soldiers.

"I'll take it from here, boy!" Aang yelled to Appa as he jumped off the saddle into a free fall. Just above the ship, he opened his glider and soared above it. He noticed the two enormous trebuchet, which were shooting the fireballs into the city. He needed to disarm the weapons first.

As he avoided the fireballs which were hurled in his direction, he landed on the deck. He blasted the first row of soldier away with ease. A soldier whirled around large chains, trying to capture him with it. Aang raised his staff to blast the man away, but he was too slow.

A small soldier aimed a precise attack at the man with the chains, heating up the metal. This led the man to release them in a reflex when his hand couldn't take the heath. Then, the soldier shot a fireblast with such force that he fell over the railing.

'What the..?" Aang murmured as he looked at the soldier. When the soldier blocked another fire attack, he flipped backwards to avoid the second attack. When he did this, the facemask fell down.

"You!" Aang heard the old General roar as the face mask fell. The 'he' was a 'she', as was evident by the full lips and long eyelashes.

The small soldier took the helmet off. Aang saw a waterfall of auburn curls fall down out of the helmet. Then, he recognized her.

"Elyrie!" he exclaimed, but he was interrupted when a large man aimed his war hammers in his direction. Evading the attack, he made his way to the trebuchet to disarm the weapon.

Swinging the helmet away, Elyrie shook out her curls. As she took her stance, she was unable to hide her smirk. This is a match I have been wating for, she grinned as the General prepared to attack her. She quickly evaded his attack and returned the favour.

The General was an experienced firebender, she had to admit it. But he was at a disadvantage. Elyrie was far younger and too fast to be hit, while the Generals older style was more based on anger and brute strength.

And the second disadvantage was the cold weather. Firebenders were at a natural disadvantage in the cold climate. Elyrie compensated for this by using Uncle's fire breathing technique. The General, however, had work with whatever little energy the sun gave him now.

And most of all, she had a reason to fight. Her inner fire was set ablaze by her desire to make this old man pay for the hardships Zuko had endured. Her anger fuelled the fire even more, which made her feel undefeatable.

"The Admiral shall hear about this!" the General yelled at her, "My order will not be disrespected by a mere girl!"

With pointed fingers, she created the firewhips and slammed them in front of his feet.

"And I won't be intimidated by a dishonourable man!" she retorted as he stumbled backwards, brought out of balance by her attack.

She turned around to finish it with a firekick, like Kun had taught her. The General was blasted backwards over the railing and right into the icy waters of the North Pole.

How's that for holding a tongue? She thought with a small smirk.

Distracted, she failed to notice that the man with the war hammers aimed his attack at her. She ducked in a reflex, but was startled when a soldier stepped between them. He caught the chains and swung them over the railing, with its owner flying behind it.

With wide eyes, she stared at the soldier. But when he removed his helmet, she recognized him.

"Kun!" she exclaimed as a wide smile spread across her face. She wrapped her arms around his waist, since he was a lot taller than she was.

The young man was surprised at her fervent reaction and awkwardly patted her on the back.

"You are alright! Oh, I am so happy!" she continued as she let go of him. Kun smiled at her. "I'll explain later." he simply said.

They both turned around to see that Aang was trapped on the last catapult. Before either of them could move, something huge landed on the ship.

The enormous skybison landed on the deck and simply dropped the man who attack Aang into the water. Elyrie gaped at the enormous furry creature, who came to the aid of his friend. Then, she saw that a soldier wanted to blast a fireball at the animal. Elyrie quickly grabbed the arm of the man and spun him around, so he was knocked over.

The furry bison looked at her. Elyrie stared with large eyes at the famous creature and did not dare to move. Then, he nudged her with his enormous head, supposably to say thank you. It was meant to be soft, but it knocked her over nonetheless.

"Oof." she groaned as she fell on the metal deck, but smiled when Kun extended his hand to help her back on her feet. "Aang!" she said happy when the Avatar landed in front of her.

Aang quickly embraced the girl, thankful for her help. "This is Kun." Elyrie said as she motioned toward the young firebender.

He bowed his head in respect at the young airbender. "It is a great honour, Avatar" Kun said in a calm voice. Aang smiled brightly at him and turned back at Elyrie.

"What are you doing here?" he asked, before they felt the ship rumble. Elyrie looked over the railing and saw at least twenty waterbenders freezing the water around the ship.

"Aang, the Water Tribe is in danger! Zhao is planning something horrible!" Elyrie cried out as she saw all the waterbenders, remembering why she had come here in the first place.

"Worse than this?" Aang answered with a frown. What could be possible worse than an entire Armada?

"Far worse." Elyrie said with wide eyes and a slight tremble in her voice, "Please, I need to warn them."

"I understand." Aang said as he turned back to Appa. Appa seemed to like her and he trusted her. He had to hear what she had to say.

"Listen everyone!" Aang yelled to the waterbenders that entered the ship, "This girl needs to be brought to the Chief!"

"But she is-," a waterbender began as he pointed at Elyrie's Fire Nation armour.

"Yes, I know what she is!" Aang interrupted impatiently, "But she has valuable information."

"Can Kun come as well? He helped me." she pleaded. Aang nodded and gave the orders to the waterbenders before he flew off to the second ship.

The waterbenders, all men she noticed, looked at her and Kun with caution.

"If you feel safer, you may handcuff me." Elyrie said as she extended her wrists to the nearest waterbender. The man blinked his eyes at her, unsure of what to do. Her blue eyes focused on his. Her openness was disarming and the man grinned.

"I don't think that would be necessary." He said as he motioned for her to enter the canoe. Kun followed closely. She smiled inwardly. Still my loyal guard, she thought as she gave him a warm smile.

He helped her in the canoe and when they were both seated, the canoe started to move. Intrigued, Elyrie watched as the two waterbenders started to move in unison, bending the boat forward with an impressive speed.

She shivered, suddenly aware of the fact she was in the middle of the icy northern sea. Underneath the armour, which she was still wearing, Elyrie had put on her warmest cloak. It was made of red velvety material and trimmed with white fur. Hopefully, it would be enough to keep her warm for the time being.

Kun, who had remained silent next to her, turned his head. "Are you cold, Miss?" he asked politely. "I think we can leave the 'miss' now." Elyrie said with a smile, "But I am fine, thank you."

"I am glad." Kun answered and returned his gaze to the approaching North Pole. Elyrie remained silent for a moment, but she was unable to temper her curiosity, "What happened to you after the attack on the village?"

Kun told about how he was kept below deck and used as part of the decoy as a punishment. He told her his story in a few words, like she was used to.

"But I am glad to see you are in good health." he answered, just in time halting himself when he wanted to call her 'Miss' again. He had heard the rumours about Zhao's abuse and her stay in the cells after they were separated.

Elyrie smiled as she looked at her sapphire ring, which had taken the place of the horrendous engagement ring Zhao had given her. "I feel wonderful." she said as she placed her hands over his.

After they arrived in the Royal Palace, Kun was requested to help with a secret mission to infiltrate the Navy. His knowledge was valuable to the warriors and he was more than willing to fight against Zhao at this point. Elyrie was instead escorted her to the private chambers of the Royal Chief.

As she walked through the Palace, she was amazed by the grandeur of the Northern Tribe. In her Fire Nation lessons, they described this place as primitive or backwards. But the city was beautiful, loaded with streams, waterfalls and fountains. Everything was made of ice, in a elegant and firm manner. She had gaped at everything as they passed through the canals on their way to the Royal Palace.

When she entered the room, she saw six people sitting cross-legged on blankets made of white fur. She recognized Aang, sitting on the far left, next to a young woman who was around her own age. She was beautiful with hair as white as the snow that covered the North Pole and clear blue eyes, like the icy ocean.

In the middle sat a man, whom she presumed to be the Chief. He nodded at her, not unfriendly but cautious. Next to him sat a younger man, presumably his brother due to the resemblance. At last, an older man sat at the far right. The man was around seventy years old, but looked surprisingly agile for his age.

She approached them slowly with her head down as sign of respect. When she took off her hood, she saw them all looking at her with curiosity.

"Chief Arnook, this is Elyrie." Aang said. Elyrie gave a small nod as she bowed before the Chief.

"Welcome," Chief Arnook said as he rose from his seat to welcome her, "I am Chief Arnook." He spook in the Common Tongue, so they could understand each other.

"Thank you," Elyrie answered in her musical voice, "I am very grateful that you are willing to receive me."

Chief Arnook looked at the young woman before him. She had something vaguely familiar. He studied her face, which looked even paler in the blue light which lit up the room. She had fine features, with delicate cheekbones, a small nose and full lips. In the azure light, her eyes almost seemed the same blue as the Water Tribe citizens possessed. If this girl was Fire Nation, she certainly did not look like it.

"You have already met the Avatar," he continued, but he introduced the other attendees to her, "My daughter, Princess Yue."

Elyrie bowed again to the white-haired woman, who look at her with friendly blue eyes.

"My brother, Panuk." the Chief continued as he motioned to the younger man sitting next to him, "And Master Pakku." The older man did not gave her a nod, but kept looking stoically at her.

"Please, Elyrie," the Chief said as he motioned for her to sit down, "tell us why you have come here." His sources told him that she was the fiancée of Admiral Zhao, who was leading the attack on the Northern Water Tribe. So why the girl was here, was a mystery to him.

"I have come here to warn you, sir," The girl said in a polite tone.

"About what, if I may ask?" he replied as he frowned his eyebrows. "According to my sources, you are about the be married to the admiral of the navy." he added as he saw the stone in her ring reflect the light.

"I think I burned that bridge after coming here." Elyrie answered in a firm tone, "But I have come because I need to inform you of the graveness of his intentions."

"You are very brave then." the younger man - Panuk she remembered - said as he looked at the girl.

"Or very stupid." the older man said under his breath in the Water Tribe Tongue. Elyrie looked at him and saw that he looked at her with a look of condescension. But that wasn't what had shocked her. It was the fact that she had understood what he had said. Don't be silly, she reprimanded herself, you just heard something and you thought you understood it. Why on earth would you be able to understand the Water Tribe Language?

"Master Pakku." Panuk said in a reprimanding tone. The girl couldn't have possibly understood what he had said, but it was unnecessary to offend her. Panuk tapped his chin as he studied the girl again, unable to shake the feeling that he had seen her before. Why does she look so familiar? he thought as he searched his brain of possibilities where they could have met.

"Worse than an attack on our culture?" Arnook asked with raised eyebrows.

Elyrie straightened her back as she turned back to the Chief, who listened carefully. In a clear voice, she continued: "Zhao plans to remove the Moon as a factor in this battle, since he knows the Water Tribe draws its power from it. I don't know how he will do this, but he spoke of the mortal forms of the Moon and Ocean Spirits. According to his sources, they reside here at the Northern Water Tribe." Her words did not miss their intended effect when she saw all eyes widen in shock.

"That is impossible." the Chief mumbled as he let her words sink in.

"I assure you, sir, that it is not" Elyrie answered, "I heard him say that he had stumbled upon this ancient secret "

"We know that there were rumours, but we don't even know what forms the Moon and Ocean Spirit took when they descended to our world." The Chief said as he looked at Master Pakku.

"Can we trust this girl?" the older man said, switching to the Water Tribe language again, "What if she is here as a decoy?"

As Master Pakku switched languages, Elyrie felt a shock go throughout her entire body. This time there was not doubt about it: she knew this language, the Water Tribe language. It had been at least ten years since she last heard it, but it was unmistakable. It was the language her Mother had spoken to her throughout her entire childhood.

Inhaling deeply, she calmed her racing heart. "You don't have to trust me, sir." Elyrie smoothly replied in the Water Tribe language as well, "I just ask you to believe me."

The men turned their heads in shock when she replied without hesitation.

"Sir, I have absolutely nothing to gain by coming here on my own." Elyrie said, effortlessly speaking the language of her childhood, "I urge you to believe me, for your culture, your city and your lives depend on it."

After she had spoken, she bit her lip and remained quiet. She felt her heart pounding as she turned to look at Aang with a pleading look. They had to believe her, so they could take measures to protect themselves.

Aang nodded to her with a reassuring look in his grey eyes. He trusted her and he knew she spoke the truth. He had not forgotten how selflessly she had helped him in the Stronghold. He smiled inwardly when he thought of Appa, who had lovingly nudged the girl. Even if he had his reservations about her, they disappeared when his loyal bison gave her his approval.

The silence had lasted a while now, he noticed. Master Pakku found himself at a loss for words when she had replied fluently to his suspicious comment. The Chief was amazed as well, especially because she spoke almost without an accent. He realised she could not have learned this from books, she must have had a teacher. A native from the Northern Water Tribe, he mused when he stroked his chin. The girl looked so familiar, but he couldn't place her. Why did she look so familiar?

"You speak our language?" the Chief finally said as he looked at the young woman with renewed interest.

Elyrie nodded. "My mother spoke it to me."

"Where was your mother from?" the Chief asked, trying to connect the dots. He had a gut feeling, but he needed to be sure.

"The Fire Nation colonies, but she always insisted on me learning as much languages as I possibly could." Elyrie answered proudly.

Then, Panuk's eyes widened in surprise when he looked her in the eyes.

"Thyra!" he exclaimed.

Elyrie looked at the man, confused at his reaction. "No sir, my name is Elyrie." she said apprehensively. "But if I may, how do you know my mothers name?"

Panuk did not speak, but exchanged looks with his older brother. Uneasy, Elyrie looked at the Chief for help. He did nothing except stare at her.

Then, the Chief rose from his seat and approached her. She rose as well, following the proper etiquette. When he stood in front of her, his eyes searched her face. She was shorter than he was, yet seemed to be completely taken with her. Elyrie looked at him with a confused look. What was happening here?

"You look so much like her." the man finally spoke, his voice trembling.

Elyrie understood that the man had known her mother, but it was still a mystery why he was so emotional. "How did you know my mother?" Elyrie asked again.

The Chief let out a shaky breath. "She was our sister. She was born here, at the Northern Water Tribe."

That was something she had not foreseen. Of all the possible ways they could have known her mother, this wasn't one of them. Not even one she had considered. Mama was from the Water Tribe? How? Why? But the Fire Nation.. My father..?

Her hands started to shake as she mumbled "A-are you sure?"

"Positive," the Chief said while examining her face. Her pale skin and reddish brown curls were a stark contrast with the chocolate waves and caramel-coloured skin his sister was known for. But despite her colouring, he now realized she looked exactly like his younger sister. The same heart-shaped face, the same small nose and full lips. Even her hands were the same: small and delicate, but with long fingers.

"Why? How? What happened?" Elyrie asked all at once after she had found her voice again.

"She was to be married to a young man from this Tribe, yet she resisted. She wanted to be married for love, not out of duty." Panuk said. He had approached her as well and looked at the young woman, "She always had a will of iron."

Elyrie's cheeks heated up at the attention. "So she left?" she asked while looking at the two men. My family? she thought pensively. This could not be happening, but at the same time could it not be a coincidence.

"Yes," the younger man answered, "But she kept contact by sending letters, sporadically. It was enough for us to know she was safe and happy."

"She never told me." Elyrie mumbled as the memories resurfaced, "All I knew was that she told me she was from the colonies, to explain her dark skin and blue eyes. She met my father there." As she started to twist her little finger, she searched her memories for clues, "He must have known about her heritage, but kept it from others. Even from me."

She needed to be a hundred precent sure, so she took the golden necklace and placed it in the palm of her hand. With trembling fingers did she open the locket and showed the picture to the two men.

"Is this your sister?" she asked in a small voice. The Chief looked at the picture and she saw tears welling up in his eyes. "Yes, that is our darling Thyra." he said in a stifled tone.

"Are you a waterbender?" the white-haired princess asked with a small smile. She had observed the conversation with amazement and could no longer contain her curiosity.

"No, Your Highness. I am a firebender." Elyrie said proudly. To strengthen her words, she lit up a small flame in the palm of her hand. The princess stared in awe, while her father looked uncomfortable at her. "I think my parents were relieved I did not inherent my mother's genes on that part, since it would have been harder to hide that. "

"Thyra was not a bender, but she often watched us practice" Panuk said. Elyrie remembered the moves her mother had taught her. Now she knew why they differed so much from the basic firebending forms: they were waterbending techniques.

"Did you not suspect anything?" Panuk asked as he took the locket from his older brother.

"No sir," Elyrie said as she frowned, "But it does explain a lot things now I think of it."

Her memories brought her back to everything her mother had taught her. And only now did she realise how it differed from the way other Fire Nation children were raised. She felt tears welling up.

It was Master Pakku who ended the moment. He coughed to gain the attention of the Chief, his brother and Elyrie. "I hate to interrupt this beautiful reunion, but what are we going to do about the attack?"

"I know the importance of balance, even more now I know I am connected to it as well." Elyrie pleaded as she felt her fear resurface, "I could not let Zhao allow this treacherous plan to continue. Please, you have to believe me!"

Arnook looked at her and finally smiled. "We believe you."

Barely a kilometre away, a young man was preparing an escape plan as well. The kayak, which was made of the lightest material, was hanging in front of him above the water. The man was dressed in grey, fur lined clothing to keep him warm from the freezing temperatures.

"If you are fishing for an octopus, my nephew," he heard a voice behind him say, "You need a tightly woven net or he will squeeze through the tiniest hole and escape."

Without turning around, Zuko sighed. "I don't need your wisdom right now, Uncle." he said tersely. His nerves were already getting the better of him, because his plan was fairly desperate.

"I'm sorry" Iroh said as he watched his nephew fumble with the ropes, "I just nag you, because, well-"

Zuko heard the voice of his Uncle breaking slightly. He felt his chest constrict.

"Ever since I lost my son,-" his Uncle continued, holding back the tears which constricted his throat.

"Uncle," Zuko said softly, "You don't have to say it."

"… I think of you as my own."

Zuko turned around to look at his Uncle with a soft expression on his face. He felt the warmth spread through his body at the words of his Uncle, but he quickly shook off his feelings.

"I know, Uncle. We'll meet again." he said as he bowed for his Uncle, but Iroh wrapped his arms around him. Zuko answered the hug briefly, before he turned away and got on the boat. "After I have the Avatar."

"Remember your breath of fire! It could save your life out there." Iroh said as he saw Zuko lower his boat in the icy waters.

"I will." Zuko answered.

"And put your hood up! Keep your ears warm!" Iroh added.

"I'll be fine!" Zuko answered again, slightly annoyed.

Despite everything, Iroh smiled at his tone. He sounded like an impatient child, too stubborn to listen. What he still is, actually, Iroh thought. He watched as his nephew peddle away until he disappeared behind the icecaps. I have two stubborn children to worry about now, he said to himself when Zuko had vanished. Because what he failed to tell Zuko, was that no one had seen Elyrie for over a day.

He prayed everything would turn out all right in the end.

Elyrie was glad - not for the first time in her life - that she had an adaptable and flexible nature. Because what had happened to her in less than a day, was more than anyone could possible start to comprehend. That same day, the entire Royal Family was gathered to be introduced to their newest member. Her grandmother, an lively woman of seventy years, had wept when she saw her granddaughter. The entire time, she had hold onto Elyrie's hand to make sure she was really there. She also met her baby cousin, the son of Panuk, who had happily lifted his little fists when she held him. Despite the unfortunate timing, it had been a joyous occasion.

Princess Yue was eager to get to know her long lost cousin better. When twilight approached, the attacks on the city ceased and were they free to explore the city. With their arms locked, the two women walked the streets of the icy North Pole. She told Eyrie all about their culture and how the city came to be. Elyrie was eager to hear about a culture, which was part of her now as well. In return, she told Yue all about her life in the Fire Nation. The princess had led a sheltered life and was glad for a cousin her own age at last.

Aang had introduced Elyrie to Katara and Sokka as well. They were the Water Tribe siblings Elyrie had seen in the Temple, months ago. Katara was cautious, but trusted Aang's instinct and made Elyrie feel welcome. Sokka was more hesitant, but he was civil to her. It was more than she could have hoped for.

When the night had fallen, Yue took her to the balcony of the palace along with Katara and Aang for the most beautiful view. The night sky was a dark blue colour with a million lights in it. The moon bathed everything in a mysterious blue light.

Elyrie inhaled deeply. Despite the unexpected revelations, they still had a problem. They had no idea how to stop Zhao's plan. The Chief had ordered an emergency meeting to gather information about the Moon and Ocean Spirits, but no one seemed to know more about it. The force of the Armada made everyone worried, but the most looming threat was Zhao's plan. For centuries, nobody knew that there were physical forms of the Moon and Ocean Spirit.

"The legends say the Moon was the first waterbender," Yue said to Elyrie, bringing her out of her thoughts, "Our ancestors saw how it pushed and pulled the tides and learned how to do it themselves."

"I've always noticed my waterbending is stronger at night." Katara said while gazing at the full moon in the sky.

"You are a waterbender?" Elyrie asked curiously. Katara nodded to her before she added "I am still training, but I have gotten much better at it."

"Interesting," Elyrie said while twirling a curl around her finger, "My bending is stronger during the day because firebenders draw their energy from the sun." Then, she chuckled and said "But it does explain why I'm not a morning person; that must be the Water Tribe gene."

The three girls chuckled, but Aang remained quiet. He seemed to be lost in his own thoughts. Like Sokka, he had grown increasingly anxious as the night passed. Sokka had stayed behind to search in the library for information on the Fire Nation, but as far as anyone knew there was no additional information to be found.

"You could be right about that," Yue said to Elyrie, "Our strength comes from the Spirit of the Moon, our life comes from the Spirit of the Ocean. They work together to keep the balance."

"The spirits!" Aang suddenly exclaimed as he lifted his head, "Maybe I can find them and get their help!"

"How can you do that?" Yue asked with a puzzled look. Elyrie turned around as well to look at the young Avatar, whose face had lit up.

"The Avatar is the bridge between our world and the Spirit World," Katara explained, "Aang can talk to them."

"Maybe they'll give you the wisdom to win this battle!" Yue said with hope in her eyes.

"Or maybe they'll unleash a crazy amazing spirit attack on the Fire Nation!" Aang exclaimed as he waved his arms in his excitement.

There fell an uncomfortable silence. Elyrie blinked her eyes at him, while Yue and Katara gave him odd looks.

"Or wisdom," Aang said as he straghtend up, "That's good, too."

"The only problem is," Katara said pensively, "Last time you got to the Spirit World by accident. How are you going to get there this time?"

"I have an idea!" Yue suddenly said as she motioned for Aang to follow her, "Follow me!"

Then, Yue turned to Elyrie with a small frown. Not everyone was allowed into the Spirit Oasis, so she was unsure whether Elyrie could accompany them.

Elyrie saw her hesitation and shook her head with a smile. "Don't worry," she said in a calm voice, "I understand that is a private thing. Good luck!"

Then, she walked back inside the Palace. She would be unable to sleep anyway, so she decided to join Sokka in the library.

She found him bent over maps of the Earth Kingdom. He was sitting near the fire, with maps and books scattered all over the table. A steaming pot of tea was standing amidst the chaos.

"The back-up forces are here." Elyrie said as she pointed over his shoulder to the Pohuai Stronghold. She recognized the part of the Earth Kingdom where she had spent months inside the walls of the fortress.

Sokka was startled. He had not hear her come in.

"I did not mean to startle you." she said as she took a step back.

"You did not!" the warrior answered, almost indignantly. Elyrie repressed a smile at his tone. "May I?" she asked as she pointed to the pot of tea. He nodded and she poured two cups of tea, for herself and him.

"Have you found anything useful?" she asked as she sat down in the large chair next to him and picked up a book on Water Tribe history from the table.

"I haven't." he said as he slumped his shoulders. When he placed his fingers around the cup she had offered to him, he let the warmth spread through his body. Sipping his tea, he studied the girl as she opened the book and let her fingers glide over the pages.

He was still apprehensive about her presence here. She had been proven to be a valuable asset and willingly shared the information. But still, she was Fire Nation. He sighed as he rubbed his neck. He had learned his entire life that people from the Fire Nation are fundamentally evil. They took his mother, they were the reason he had not seen his father for many years. Zuko and Zhao had tried to capture them multiple times in less than three months.

Elyrie turned a page, oblivious to his conflicting thoughts. Her eyes flew over the pages which described the build and history of the Northern Tribe.

They sat in silence for quite some time.

"Do you hate the Fire Nation?" Sokka suddenly blurted out. Elyrie looked up with frowned eyebrows. "I am sorry?" she asked as she placed the book in her lap.

"Do you hate the Fire Nation? Is that why you decided to help us?" He asked as he straightened his back and let his hand go over his ponytail.

Elyrie sighed and closed her book. "No, I don't hate the Fire Nation." she answered as she twisted the sapphire ring around her finger.

"But you know Zhao, you saw the Armada." Sokka retorted, still trying to figure out her loyalties, "You choose willingly to abandon them."

"I did." She answered, choosing her words carefully, "I hate the war and I hate Zhao. He is a vile man and the war brings only misery to the world."

"But," she continued after Sokka opened his mouth again, "I do love my country. You have to understand that we learn from a young age that the war is not meant to bring destruction to the world. We are taught that the war is a way of sharing our greatness with the world."

She saw the surprise in Sokka's eyes, but he listened attentively. "The Fire Nation is a beautiful country, with a rich culture. It is filled with generous people who love their country so much they are willing to help expand its greatness so others can profit from it as well." She continued, "They are loyal people, but often misinformed about the ways of the war."

"So they believe that the Fire Nation is actually helping others?" Sokka asked with his eyebrows raised.

"They do," Elyrie nodded, "We have no war on our grounds, so we have to rely on the information that the Royal Palace is giving us." She felt a sting in her heart as she thought of the Royal Family. Zuko, she mused as she turned her ring around her finger.

"But why don't you believe this?" Sokka asked as he put his maps away.

"I was educated by my father, and he taught me the importance of balance and that there are meant to be four separate nations, like the elements." Elyrie said as she placed her book on the table as well, "Now that I think of it, it must be because my mother was from the Water Tribe."

"This gave me an advantage, but when I was engaged to Zhao," she continued as she shuddered, "I saw what war truly does to people. The innocent are the victims and that is why I refused to cooperate any longer." In her mind's eye, she saw the burning village and she heard the screaming citizens.

Elyrie sighed and looked out of the window, where she saw the first rays of sunshine reflecting on the ice. She felt the warmth spread through her body, her natural reaction to the source of firebending. "But I know that the world is not divided into Fire Nation and good people, it does not work like that. You have good people in every nation."

Sokka nodded slowly as he let her words sink in. He had never thought of it like this, but he thought of Jet and how he was willing to drown the innocent in his blind rage. He was from the Earth Kingdom, but he was a bad person. She could be right, he mused as he stroked his chin.

"Sokka! Help!" they heard a feminine voice yell. Elyrie and Sokka looked up in alarm.

Princess Yue appeared, her cheeks flushed and panting from the running. Sokka immediately stood up and walked over to her, guiding her to a nearby chair.

"Yue, what happened?" he asked as he studied her face and tried to calm her.

She seemed too out of breath to speak, so Elyrie quicky started to pour tea from the tray that was standing on the table. A bracing cup of tea always helps, she thought as she remembered Uncle's words.

"Katara was attacked by a firebender with a scar!" Yue cried, "He wants to capture-,"

The sounds of shattering ceramic stopped her in the middle of the sentence. Startled, Sokka and Yue turned to Elyrie. She had knocked over the tray and the teapot on the polarbear dog rug. The tea soaked the white fur, but she did not seem to notice.

Her blue eyes were impossibly large and her lower lip slightly trembled. "Scar? A scar across his left eye?" Elyrie stammered as she tried to connect the dots. It cannot be possible. She felt the colour draining from her face.

"Yes! A firebender, Katara seemed to know him." Yue said again.

Elyrie searched support against the massive bookcase. Her pounding heart actually hurt, that is how wildly it slammed against her ribs.

'You know Zuko?" Sokka asked with wide eyes. Elyrie looked up and nodded, her throat still constricted.

"Elyrie, are you alright?" Yue asked as she saw her cousin lower herself on her knees. All the colour had drained from her face and her hands were shaking.

"I thought he was d-d-de-," she stammered again as she failed to form the last word.

She refused to believe it. This could not be possible. He could not be alive. Uncle had told her himself. Why would he lie? Her mind raced, jumping from one conclusion to another.

"Elyrie?" Sokka said as he extended his hand to her to help her back on her feet, "We need to go to the Spirit Oasis."

She took his hand and exhaled. She had not realised she had been holding her breath. What is one more surprise today? She thought dryly as she followed the pair.

"I can't believe that I lost him." Katara sat down on her knees in the grass, her arms wrapped around herself. Her eyes were filled with tears.

Elyrie was torn between happiness about the news that Zuko apparently had survived the attack and was here on the North Pole. On the other hand, she was incredibly sad that he kidnapped Aang and took him. She felt the sting of guilt as she remembered she had once helped him trying to capture Aang.

She shook off the feeling, knowing it would not help her now. She looked around and studied the Oasis. She felt the warmth of the spiritual energy through her thick layers of fur. The waterfall softly clattered behind them as Elyrie knelt down in the grass next to Katara. Placing her hand on her shoulders, she tried to reassure her.

"You did everything you could," Elyrie said softly, "And now we have to do everything to get him back." As she rubbed Katara's shoulders in a soothing way, she watched the two koi fish in the pond before her. They were swimming in a circular pattern, the white and black colours of their scales contrasting.

"Zuko can't have gotten far. We'll find him," Sokka said in a firm tone, "Aang's gonna be fine."

"Is the small door the only way out of here?" Elyrie asked as she watched the massive walls of ice that surrounded the Oasis. They were at least 30 feet high, she estimated.

"Yes." Yue answered and she looked back at the sobbing Katara, kneeling next to her as well.

"What is up there?" Elyrie asked while pointing upwards, as her eyes following a narrow path leading up the sides of the iceberg. The sky looked grey, which probably meant it was snowing at the top.

"The heart of the North Pole, but it is freezing cold and dangerous due to the instable ice and snow." Yue answered as she followed her gaze.

Elyrie looked back at Katara and Sokka, the look in her eyes unmistakable.

"He wouldn't..?" Katara asked hesitantly as she looked at the snowstorm.

Elyrie sighed as her eyes went back at the top of the iceberg.

"Yes, he would."

Dun, dun, dun!

I have been working on this chapter for a long time, because I wanted to do the thrill of the episode justice! Fitting in Elyrie was a bit of a challenge, but I hope you like this chapter!

The second part will follow soon :)