I normally do not make Authors Notes in the beginning of a chapter, but this is rather important for readers who have kept up with the story. I have made a drastic change in Chapter 3: The Tree of Time, specifically in the portions where Aang and his Mom conversed with each other. I apologize for such a change, but I suggest you reread that portion specifically to understand more of this story when I get down to "Aangs" origins on a later chapter. Thank you all for the support, enjoy the chapter

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Chapter 11: The Secrets Shall Reveal

The Avatar. An individual chosen by an unknown power granting them the opportunity to master the four elements, all while maintaining its unwavering destiny to bring balance and harmony between life and death. Being chosen to bear such a title doesn't come at random - no, it's supposedly to migrate in a cycle. Fire, Air, Water, Earth. That's how its chosen individuals are selected. But what else could bring about its role? What other sources could help dwindle its selection of who will eventually claim the title of Avatar? But more importantly, why hasn't the cycle continued as it was always taught? The Avatar, Master of the Four Elements... Avatar - Chosen One... no, Chosen One's.

Tenzin laid on his bed, hours into the following night after the revelations of his supposed destiny. "The Avatar." He mumbled. "Master of the Four Elements."

It was truly laughable at first, but the more he thought - the likelier the possibility became. His natural connection between Earth and Air proved that. No one else in the world was able to bend two elements. No one - but Kya. She was the other two, Water and Fire - polar opposites of each other. While one of them was hot and wild, the other was cool and collected. As for himself - Earth and Air. The Earth being solid and sturdy, while its opposite was gaseous and swift. Masters of the Four Elements.

However, what questioned him greatly was the fact that their were two instead of one. Why not one? Just as it always was. Why were he and Kya chosen when it most certainly should've been one? What reasons could there have been to alter the course of the Avatar's Cycle to the point where two souls bound through blood would be the destined carriers of such responsibility, such power, such a gift? And what were those visions that he briefly saw? What did it mean? And why did it feel like their was a connection intertwined between he, Kya, and that haunting vision? To think that after every discovery, every answer, and every birth right he uncovered would only lead towards an even deeper collection of questions and curiosity of who he really is? Because at the rate he was currently uncovering them, there didn't seem to be an end.

"Why didn't he tell us." Tenzin thought.

He sat up from his bed, the call for sleep had since then faded from his eyes as his thoughts ran rabid through the numerous possibilities that may never be answered. Kicking his feet over the edge of his mattress, he rose on his two legs as the the softness of the rug dug between his toes. He felt disheveled inside - the lack of mastery over his elements was surely because of it. His eye's glanced towards the idle staff that stood motionless in the corner of his chambers, and feeling an overwhelming desire to better himself, he dress himself in a loose and comfortable attire before snatching the staff and making his way towards the large courtyard. The coolness of the air hugged against his skin the moment he stepped outside, and the night was yet again a welcoming one.

His first step outside sent tingles up his bones. The lack of footwear left his skin vulnerable to the coolness of the concrete below as the following steps adjusted to the temperature given. But even with the uncomfortable chilly feeling of his feet, he pressed on with concentrated adrenaline to begin his training. The wind began to slowly quicken around him, seeming to react to the energies burrowed within. Every step he made, every breath he took, every rising sensation that filled his bones reacted to the wind around him like a chemical. He stopped in the center of the clearing where the wind was at its highest. He shifted the staff off the ground slightly before letting the end tap against the ground creating an audible thump to vibrate across the floor. The wind dispersed, scattering in all directions as if he held some type of plague.

"Failure is the oldest, and greatest teacher of all."

His Grand Fathers words echoed in his ears as the silent night once again embraced him. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath as to calm the adrenaline that remained at its peak within his core - only reopening them as soon as the sensation of power left his bones. He glanced at the staff he firmly yet gently held in his grasp. Its wooden craftsmanship remained carved into his mind as well as its touch.

"You may not have a master who can mentor you, but always remember that failure will always be."

Lifting it off from its idle position, he twirled the staff with such proficiency that he had it dance around his body like an extension of his core. Grasping it firmly once more, he immediately sprung high into the air, the staff held just above his head ready to descend to the earth below. The momentum kicked in, and just as he was about to land on solid ground, he brought his staff forward releasing a large wave of air cutting into the concrete below him just as it had gone flailing ahead with immense speed. He lifted his head, his body still in an attack stance after releasing the air. His eyes were wild - yet stern as determination filled his bones beyond anything he's ever had to endure or face.

Let the training begin...

The Following Morning

"I don't want things to change"

"But you can't stop the change..."

"...I have been waiting for you."

"It is time to face your guilt, and know the truth!"

"Let them go! I will not play your games!"

"It's powers is too strong, even for you!..."

"Weak, you are still too weak."

"I guess in the end, you aren't able to save either..."

"NOOOO-"

.

.

.

"Will I ever see you again?"

Kya shot up from her bed sweating profusely. The brightness of the sun had overwhelmed the capability of her curtains and had begun to dimly shine in the darkened room. Kicking her feet over the edge, she rose to her legs which slightly wobbled more than she was used to. Steadying herself on the counter top next to her mattress, she eased her rapidly beating heart by taking deep and calming breaths.

"Another nightmare." She thought dejectedly.

Stepping out onto the balcony attached to her room, she inhaled a good amount of the morning air enjoying that morning sensation that filled her nostrils. Doing this had always calmed her thoughts and emotions from the troubles her continuous nightmares have given. Leaning against the railing, she took a quick few seconds to admire the view. She was truly blessed and grateful for the lifestyle given, and she did her best every day to live up to the expectations of forming something greater than what she had. However, such haunting visions only made such a commitment a little overwhelming from time due to the face that it would never end. Hearing the sound of heavy breathing and quickened steps below, she glanced downwards to see Tenzin who seemed to be in a daze.

Her twin was on a continuous repetition of an in progress Air Bending counter-attack that has yet to be fully completed. He was determined - his breathing heavy and exhausted, yet his stance wide and stern. Two firm hands grasped onto his staff as it pointed ahead of him; And without another moments noticed he initiated his attack by shooting forth two blasts of wind seconds apart from both ends of the staff. Just after he hopped lightly off the floor and swiped the air gently below him with his feet allowing him to stand on a condensed amount of wind that acted as a surfing board. He then sailed forward, acting as though he were dodging oncoming attacks before suddenly losing concentration on the wind below him which caused him to topple on the floor a few times before skidding to a stop. He was tired, and most certainly down for the count this time around. He made an effort to rise, but his muscles has since reached beyond their capabilities long ago. His arms shook as he lifted himself for but a moment before collapsing once more on the cool concrete floor.

Kya sighed at her twins brashness and overexertion on his self-training - but smiled nonetheless as she admired his unwillingness to give in despite knowing nothing but a phrase to the word - Air Bending. "You idiot." She mumbled. "You're gonna get yourself killed if you keep this up." Pushing herself off, she headed back inside and out of her personal quarters to assist her struggling brother to rejuvenate his body and soul after his overly committed training that left him immobile.


Through the large desert marched the fallen Avatar along with three of his henchmen, Azula, Ozai, and Hama. Accompanying them were less then a dozen Dai Li Agents who swore their up most loyalty to Aang in both respect and fear of his power. Aang ordered Long Feng to stay put in Ba Sing Se to begin his operation in weakening the great cities defenses - not with violence or chaos; but through manipulation and deception. High ranking nobles or royal figures in the great city will fall prey to this act, as they hold the majority of the influence in the city. With time they would scrounge up what corrupted minds lingered in the great city. They would bait them with the promises of power and riches beyond what Ba Sing Se would ever give them. At first, it would seem laughable to them - but after being exposed to the slowly rising downfall of the Earth King along with the Council of Five, it would surely have a great influence into taking their side.

Aang is no fool, for even he knows that their will be individuals who would never accept such raw corruption, they would surely try to expose them. So in order to prevent such a plan to fall into ruins he allowed the execution of those who would not follow only if absolutely necessary. As odd as it seemed, he'd much prefer them to have their minds wiped of their encounter as to not promote suspicion, but even some tricks aren't always effective.

So now, here he walked under the scorching sun as miles and miles of sand consumed his vision. There was nothing to see here. Nothing but the ever ticking clock of death. Ozai, Azula, Hama, and the rest of the agents had cloaks much similar to Aangs as to protect their skins from the sun; And under the fabric they sweated profusely as they weren't used to being exposed to this weather for a long period of time.

"I don't like it." Hama's old and croaky vocals voiced. "There's no moisture around here, I'm basically powerless."

"The Sun has left your rationality all but idiotic." Aang responded. "If you were truly a master in your sacred art, you'd know that our bodies excess the very element your talents thrive off of."

Hama opened her mouth to respond, but held her tongue as she knew he was correct. This sun had her feeling woozy, and despite feeling younger than she looked, she surely felt as if she was reaching her limits once again. The silence continued as they walked, and due to the overwhelming heat - their journey felt like hours as they continued further into the unknown.

"My lord." Ozai hissed. "I don't mean to intrude, but - where are we headed?"

Aang didn't respond to his question, the silence irked the old Fire Lord as he was not used to being ignored. Regardless, he said nothing. Ozai glanced at Azula, curious as to how she was holding up. He was barely able to outline her eyes under the hood that shaded the top portion of her face. Her pupils was - strange to him, for they did not express any discomfort nor annoyance, but rather with affection and obediency. It was concerning to Ozai, as he has never seen anything reflect through them other than dominance and arrogance. His thoughts on his daughter came to a pause once he noticed Aang came to a sudden halt, and not a moment later they all followed his example - curious to his idleness.

"We're here." He finally spoke.

All glanced around and noticed the unchanging scenery that hasn't altered since the moment they set off into the desert days ago. They were confused, and for a moment they all believed that the Avatar has lost what was left of his sanity to the radiating heat above. Aang shuffled his feet apart lightly before tapping into the Avatar State, and with all but a motion of his wrist he manipulated the sand to dig itself out from beneath in a continuous motion. It shuffled itself back and fourth extracting more and more sand that continue to pile itself on the outer edges of where it was being dug into. This went on for quite some time to which all laid who accompanied him watched curiously as to what could be under. A spire was the first to emerge, its tip continuously rising as it began to reveal what was underneath. A soft but noticeable rumbling below their feet was felt, and as the spire continued to rise the rumbling began to grow stronger as if an earthquake was being unleashed. At last, what was underneath the spire began to emerge; and after a few moments longer, Wan Shi Tong's Library had now once again reemerged into the mortal realm.

All gazed upon the small - yet huge palace looking library. Not many had come to visit this place, but those who had, had not left a good impression on the spirit who guards this place. The rumbling stopped, and a small wave of dust kicked in the air as the Library halted its rise.

"Remarkable..." Hama complimented. "Never in my nearly 100 years of life had I ever thought of seeing this place. I'd heard of the tales - but never bothered seeking it."

Ozai hummed, curious as to what this place could possibly bestow on someone such as himself. Zhao had gained valuable information on the Water Tribe concerning their power, and how killing either of the spirits Tui or La would deplete the water benders of their bending. As they approached the Library, it once again began to sink into the sand. Aang ordered half of the Dai Li Agents to position themselves around the Library and stabilize it where it stood as to prevent it from sinking back into the Spirit Realm. As they all simultaneously held the Library from different angles, it came to an abrupt stop signaling the attempt to pause its intent on sinking was a complete success.

"This place clearly does not want to be here." Ozai commented as he fell in step behind the Avatar.

"It does not." Aang answered. "Wan Shi Tong hid its Library somewhere in the Spirit Realm where even I was unable to locate its whereabouts. So instead of wasting my time searching, I decided it would be best to forcefully extract it from where it once stood."

Everyone including what was left of the Dai Li who had yet to be tasked out approached the front doors of the Library with questionable enthusiasm. They entered the building without so much of a knock and were now walking down the vacant halls of the library. Aang scanned his surroundings, his pupils shifted from corner to corner as if looking for something - peculiar. A shadow abruptly soared over their heads causing all to glance up as they suddenly grew alert.

"It knows we're here." Aang answered with seemingly no concern or wariness of the Spirit that guards this place. "Stay alert, Wan Shi Tong normally takes the appearance of a large barn owl, however when angered it can morph into other more terrifying forms depending on how enraged he may be."

Azula glanced around, her eyes narrowed slightly as she listened to the stillness in the air. "Have you ever encountered it?"

"Yes." He responded. "Only once when my sole purpose was to put an end to the war the Fire Nation had committed itself into. However, I haven't seen him in any other form besides a barn owl."

"I'm hoping that's a good thing." Ozai muttered just before hearing something swiftly move between the rows of books behind them. "He seems to enjoy playing with the caution we're emitting."

Aang chuckled. "Pay him no mind. His methods at first would be to scare you off through paranormal activities that could leave you running with your tail between your legs. That's only if you don't fall victim to his tricks, are you Ozai?"

Ozai chose not to respond, and Aang couldn't help but inwardly smirk at the taunting behavior he exhibited. They continued their walk for nearly another few minutes before Wan Shi Tong finally made itself known and landed before them.

"Why have you come here?!" His wings flapped momentarily as the air picked up around them, once he settled onto the floor below he stopped and glared down at them. "Humans are no longer permitted to my vast collection of knowledge. So I will have to ask you all to leave at once; and once you have, command your men to let my Library go so I may sink back into the spirit realm and be rid of you parasites."

"I'm afraid I can not do that." Aang responded. "You have something I need, and I will have it before leaving this place."

Wan Shi Tong glared down at the man who stood in front of them all. He was young, yet their was a hardened aura he leaked off of his presence. It left the spirit all but comfortable of who was within its library.

"What a surprise." It spoke once realizing the mans identity. "I did not realize the Avatar would return to me once more after deceiving my trust by using my infinite amount of wisdom for destruction and war." He inched his head down a bit to gaze at Aang at a more leveled angle, however it pulled its head back once smelling an intoxicating aroma he's never thought he'd smell again. "You - You reek of Vaatu." It narrowed its eyes as he began to feel threatened.

"I'm quite offended." Aang narrowed his eyes. "To compare me to a spirit that can do nothing but pose as some celebrity behind a cell is - not my cup of tea."

"Don't take me for a fool!" The Spirit widened his wings in a threatening manner. "You think I don't know what you're intentions are! I am Wan Shi Tong, he who knows ten thousand things! So listen to me well, Avatar. I know a lap dog when I see one. Your belief that you serve no one makes you an even greater fool than when we last encountered decades ago; and what makes it even more hilarious is the fact that you now serve the very thing you swore to destroy. Now, leave at once! And never return!"

Aang clenched his jaw as he felt a boiling anger rise within him. To be compared to a pawn that is only being used for a bigger purpose irked him, and as surprising at it may seem - he kept his bearing. "You are mistaken. I serve no one but my own interests. Vaatu is but a mere obstacle in my path, and when the time comes I will harness his power like the countless other spirits that runs through my veins! Now, tell me - Where is that book?"

Wan Shi Tong sighed. Its wings once more compressed into its body as it closed its eyes. "I see, such a pity then." Opening them slowly, its obsidian black pupils glared into the Avatars own. "If that's how it's meant to be, then you all shall die."

It extended its neck and smashed its beak on the spot where Aang once stood. All had now fell on the defensive as they scattered from the spot Wan Shi Tong crashed upon. The spirit rose his head and glanced around, searching for the Avatar who had tested and depleted his patience and generosity. Spotting the man standing atop one of his shelves that held numerous books, he went for another attack - only to be halted by an Earth wall that he smashed face first into. Taking a few steps back, his eyes narrowed into that of annoyance as he saw the remaining forces of the Dai Li surround him.

"Keep it occupied." Aang ordered them all. "Make sure Wan Shi Tong will be unable to disturb me in my search to retrieve that book; And if you must, do not hesitate to kill it." He turned away, his cloak flapping as he leaped off the book shelf he was on and ventured further into the Library.

"Don't think you'll be getting away that easy." The Spirit split itself into five other smaller versions of itself. Two of the Dai Li Agents broke off to stop the excess spirits from giving chase, and the other three were met with the flames of both Ozai and Azula. The flame rose like a wall before them, stopping them in their tracks from pursuing.

"Now, now." Ozai cracked his neck. "I can't have you killing him just yet. After all, that opportunity is for me to fulfill on a later date." He smirked and removed his cloak. Taking a battle ready stance next to his daughter, they both simultaneously initiated an attack at the same time causing the three spirits to dodge.

Hama kept her distance away from the fighting. Finding a relatively comfortable spot to rest on, she took this time to observe how the Fire Benders and Dai Li Agents battled in case their were a time where growing conflict would come between them. Her hate for the Fire Benders were clear, but she dared not challenge them due to the fact that these were no ordinary Benders - But rather the Ex-Fire Lord and Fire Princess of the Nation she swore vengeance upon. Despite having fought countless of Fire Benders before, she knew that no ordinary person could be able to claim such a title without some sort of power to back it up.

"Interesting." A smirk grew as she observed the Benders dance around the cloned versions of Wan Shi Tong. She witnessed the three spirits that battled against the Fire Benders morph into a new form consisting of velociraptors that let out an angry hiss at the two. "Quite interesting indeed." She chuckled.

Deeper in the Library

Aang pulled out various of books of a particular section of the Library as his unending search had his patience dwindle rather swiftly. Each book he pulled trifled to what he searched for. so after nearly ten minutes of searching he began tossing books aside with no care of its history.

"Where is it?" He hissed as he continued to rummage through the countless of books that filled with section of the Library.

All books here contained some sort of knowledge regarding the topic of Life. Life of the earth, of the water, of the fire, and of the sky. This one large sector of the Library held every little aspect, every little detail, every little atom about what Life had to offer. So then why wasn't the specific topic he was searching for here? Unless... unless it knew of what he was coming for.

"You sneaky Owl." Aang growled as he tossed another book to the side. "Where the hell did you hide it." His frustration grew clearer by the second.

Having enough of searching, he practically blasted the entire section apart with an exertion of built up wind he compressed around himself. He settled unto the floor with his feet below him once again, a small pant escaped his lips as he struggled to control his built annoyance. If he hadn't calmed himself when he did, he wouldn't have noticed the creeping movements of something stalking him nearby. He continued about his business searching as if he suspected nothing, waiting for this stalker to pounce on him so he can make his move. He heard three quick steps behind him followed by a leap to which Aang responded by stomping his right foot behind him, causing a pillar to rise and smash against the gut of his attacker. The pillar spiked towards the ceiling above, crushing his opponent against the ceiling before retracting it to the floor once more. Aang glared at the morphed Velociraptor of Wan Shi Tong as it fell from the ceiling and land just before him. The spirit shifted back into his original form while its separate forms that battled against the other benders all came merging back into the primary host.

"I admit, I was not expecting you to be rid of them so easily." Aang complimented. "But you overestimated yourself believing that I would be naive to your stalking."

Azula, Ozai, Hama, and only two Dai Li Agents appeared just meters away from the two. The Dai Li immediately went to work and secured the spirit within the Earths grasp, ceasing it from attempting to flee or commence another attack.

"It wasn't so hard." Wan Shi Tong chuckled. "After I killed three of those Earth Benders, I slipped away as the others were too preoccupied with my clones."

Aang narrowed his eyes. "The Book, where is it?" He demanded.

The Spirit chuckled. "You'll never find it. Besides, why would I give it to someone who would only use its forbidden techniques to bring chaos and destruction unto the world!"

Aang wanted to bring an immense amount of pain unto this spirit that continued to refuse his demands. Even after making it clear of how much control he was in, it still refused to cooperate. Nearly acting upon his anger, he once again breathed to calm himself down. This time however, he felt something unusually - off. More or less, it was unstable, the ground below him felt loose. Concentrating on the vibrations of the floor, he felt an opening large enough to be considered a room just below his feet. His eyes traveled down to his feet, and Wan Shi Tong found its taunting behavior to soon leave its face as it was then replaced by fear. Aang pressed unto the ground roughly, causing a crack to spread across the floor.

"N-No, wait! Don't-"

The floor caved in, and Aang along with the spirit fell through the hole that he created. Dust picked up around them, and Aang looked up to see the concerning gaze of Azula who worried for his safety.

"A-Are you alright down there?" She questioned.

Aang only nodded in response before gazing around once more. His eyes having settled upon a particular book that laid isolated in the end of the room, he approached with intrigued eyes as he felt his search was now complete.

"N-No!"

Or perhaps... not so quite.

Wan Shi Tong continued to struggle against the binds that restricted him. "You don't know what you're doing! There's a reason why I prohibit the use of knowledge in that book! By using it, you're defying the nature of life and death itself!"

Aang gazed at the pitiful form of the spirit. He approached its downed form, and despite showing no emotion towards the wise entity - an aroma of annoyance was clearly surrounding him.

"I've had enough of you." He extended his hand and placed two of his fingers along with his thumb in the center of the spirits forehead. There was a glow at first, and Wan Shi Tong soon found it being forcefully sucked into the man that had taken the one thing it dedicated its life work to. The light ceased after a few seconds, and nothing but the wind was left where the spirit was once laying upon. Turning back towards the book, he approached it with a new found purpose in life. This was it. One simple answer to one of the troubles that has been constantly tormenting him the day he realized of the irreversible act he's committed. He opened it, and his eyes began to brighten in joy for the first time in years. It was then that realization had finally settled upon him that - perhaps bringing life to those who had perished isn't so impossible after all.

"Katara, I promise I'll bring you back." He muttered.


The Fire Nation

In the dining halls of the royal palace, Zuko is seen quietly eating a meal with his two children. The meal he shared with the two brought a small sense of joy as he reminisced of when times were more simpler and... relaxed. He thought of when Kya and Tenzin both played with their food from time to time, to which at some points he'd scold the two for not taking their nutrition seriously. Some of the days where scolding them was being conducted, he'd at one point end up with a glop of food smashed against his face as the two children giggled due to the silliness he expressed. Those days had usually erupted in a food fight, where they left nothing on the dining table to be eaten as they had all but thrown any edible they could grab to splatter either on someones clothes, or on the walls that surrounded the table. It was never a good night for the maids and butlers who cleaned up after them in the end, and Zuko couldn't help but wonder where those days had gone.

Now with struggling words as to how to reveal the death of their Aunt Suki, it just made it worse that Tenzin and Kya had a disdainful aroma when around him. More of it leaking off Tenzin rather than his sister. The tension in the air was clear to all who had passed through the dining halls, and Zuko found the silence to build awkwardly between them all. He had to say something, but what? Their foul moods didn't quite help him either.

"Uh, wonderful weather we're having." He blurted out at random.

Kya and Tenzin stopped munching for a moment and looked out the window. It was pouring outside - rather roughly too. The twins raised their eyebrows at the sight before returning their attention back at their father as if he were crazy. They then focused their attention back on their plates as they continued to chow down on the meal the chef had prepared for them.

"So it seems." Tenzin replied.

Zuko chuckled lightly, his embarrassment for saying something so - out of place was quite a back fire to his progression. "So what did you two do throughout the extra week I was away." He began once more. "I hear from the guards that they've seen you two training quite a bit." He looked at Tenzin and smiled. "Oh, and Tenzin. When I spoke with my Uncle Iroh, I hear that he's helped you progress greatly in your ability to Air Bend. Amazing, I'd never thought you'd pull it off." He praised.

Tenzin set his fork aside and glared at him. "What's that suppose to mean?"

Zuko gave him a questioning look. "I don't understand, what's what suppose to mean?"

"That you never thought I'd pull it off!" He responded. "Do you think I'm not capable of expanding myself in such an element."

"Tenzin, that's not what I meant. I just thought-"

"You thought what?" He interrupted. "You thought that I wasn't gifted, that I'd need special attention to learn the basic fundamentals of what I had yet to fully master. Is that what you think of me? A burden?"

"I have never thought of you as such a way; And I never will. You are my son in all but blood. I know you are capable of great things, for I have witnessed it myself of the achievements you had managed to reach. I just wish you can trust me more as your Father."

He scoffed. "Just as you trusted us by not even mentioning of the possibility of Kya and I being the heir to the Avatar."

Kya set her fork down and glared at her twin. "Tenzin!"

"What?!" He replied, feeling a little betrayed that her sister seemed to take Zuko's side. "Come on, Kya! He lied to you too! Just like he always has!" He stood from his chair and proceeded to leave the dining table. Before he exited the door, he gave one final glare at Zuko. "Just like he always will."

Kya slumped in her chair after Tenzin exited the room. She sighed in slight annoyance that their was no control from her twins sudden outburst. Lately, he had been rejecting their Step Father more and more through every passing day. It was a wonder how he hadn't permanently left yet. And she couldn't help but feel that she was perhaps the reason as to why - but who knows really. She glanced at her father, curious as to how he was taking the news. His idle position had him looking dumbfounded by this revelation.

"You... you know?" He finally said after thinking of the words Tenzin said. "H-How long?"

"It hasn't been long." Kya answered. "We barely just found out earlier this week. It was Grandpa Iroh who broke the news to us."

"Uncle?" Zuko wondered aloud as he suddenly found himself reacting by clutching the silverware in his hand tightly.

It felt like a betrayal of some sorts - how his Uncle had went ahead and revealed something he should've done himself. Kya saw the building rage within Zuko, and she did her best to calm him.

"Father, it's not entirely Grandpa's fault." She began to elaborate. "You see, once he completed explaining to Tenzin that Bending an element was more than just having a master to guide him, there was something abrupt - yet strange that happened. It was like an awakening of some sorts, like it was triggered by a source that Tenzin and I reacted to. We saw visions of Fire Nation soldiers being restrained by metal bindings as two beasts that looked like Ran and Shaw burned them to not even a pile of ash."

This gained Zuko's attention. "Fire Nation Soldiers? Visions?" He questioned. "I don't understand."

"I don't either." Kya admitted.

"Was Uncle there when this happened?" He continued his interrogation.

"Yes, he was." She confirmed. "He explained to us that Tenzin and I had somehow managed to tap into this - Avatar State - for but a moment, but even then he said it looked incomplete. As a fully realized Avatar is usually a master of all Four Elements, Tenzin and I are only masters of two. He said that only one of our eyes glowed brightly, while the other remained unaffected."

"Interesting." He rubbed his chin.

This was all but a thought at first realization of their unusual ability to bend two elements, but now after being informed that his two children had indeed tapped into the Avatar State - his suspicions were now confirmed that Tenzin and Kya is indeed the Avatar... well, Avatars. Looking at his daughter once more, he noticed some sort of hesitancy in her eyes. It was like she wanted to say something else, but she didn't know how to explain it.

"Kya?" His voice was full of concern. "Are you alright?"

"I-I..." She hesitated to speak.

Her thoughts had gone back to when she had her first vision, back when she was only ten years old. That was the first time she's ever had a vision that was so haunting to her, and it still was. Ever since that day, she had been having this same affect in her sleep continuously throughout the years. Surely it wasn't every night, but for the nights she did have them it certainly did leave an impact. She shook her head lightly before smiling back at her father.

"It's nothing." She finally said. Her smile seemed reassuring enough, and Zuko paid no mind to what she tried to say earlier. "Father." She began once more after a few moments of silence. "Can I ask you something..."

Zuko stood to his feet and slowly approached Kya. "What is it my child?"

"When you came back earlier today, I don't know how to say it - but you seemed saddened and in disbelief." She looked up into her father eyes. "What happened?" She all but demanded.

Zuko sighed and rested against the table next to her. He thought back to what he wanted to break to them earlier, of how their Aunt Suki who they hadn't met for nearly a year had been murdered. He didn't want to break it like this, as he had wanted both Tenzin and Kya here as he said it, but there was no avoiding it now. Not unless he'd say another lie that he was sure Kya would not wholeheartedly be convinced of.

"Kya, I left in such a hurry earlier this week because Kyoshi Island was being attacked. When we got there, it was a blood bath beyond anything I'd ever think of. I don't want to go into the details of what I saw, because there really is no easy way of saying it." He looked back at Kya once more. "Your Aunt Suki is dead, Kya. She was murdered that night along nearly half of the population Kyoshi held."

"A-Aunt Suki?" She said in disbelief. "N-No! You're wrong! She promised that she'd teach me how to dress like a Kyoshi Warrior next time she came to visit. It can't be true!"

She continued to reject such a thought, hoping that her father was playing some sick and twisted game to make her feel disheveled. She felt her Father wrap her in a hug before pulling her tightly to his chest, and only then did she begin to accept the fact that her Aunt Suki had since been killed. She sobbed quietly as she sought the comfort of the man before her. She could only wonder how her Uncle Sokka was currently taking this news - praying that he wouldn't follow after Suki any time soon.

"It can't be..."


Ba Sing Se

Azula walked down the halls of a more wealthy and rich section of the city. The sun was setting, and it gave about an ominous golden glow upon her skin as well as the exquisite yet battle ready garments she wore. It was natural for her to dress in such a way, for being looked at as a fine lady was not her style. She found herself pacing randomly this late in the evening, unsure as to what she was looking for. Coming across and open door, she peaked momentarily as she walked across - only to back step a few paces once she noticed the Avatar had since been reading the book he claimed when venturing into the desert in the Earth Kingdom. They had returned to Ba Sing Se just one moon ago, and Aang had been spending the majority of his time studying this book of all its knowledge it had to offer. Questions arised in her, and she couldn't help but think of the words Wan Shi Tong spoke of when he addressed Aang. Vaatu? Lap Dog? What did this mean exactly? Was there someone else in the midst of this, but who?

Coming out of her thoughts, she quietly observed him for a few seconds admiring his mature and handsome face she took notice of. She found herself feeling oddly flustered at the sight - to which she did her best in ridding the emotion that somewhat tormented her confidence. She was Azula for crying out loud. She was the Fire Princess, and a well known prodigy along side that. She straightened herself along with the garments she wore as if she was attempting to look as presentable as possible. Soon, she found herself looking down ar her choice of clothing, and for the first time ever she cursed her poor choice of garments that hadn't presented her in a very ladylike manner. Oh well, she just had to deal with it. Approaching the Avatar with confidence, her steps came to a halt inches away from him. She opened her mouth to address him, but for some unknown reason she found herself unable to speak once more as a squeak had all but escaped her lips.

Aang set his book down gently as he turned his head. Having felt Azula's presence long ago, he chose not to confront her unless she had confronted him first. But it seemed like that wasn't going to be an option anytime soon.

"What is it?" He asked.

By some miracle she was able to regain the voice she momentarily lost. "U-Uh, Aang... right?" She covered her mouth quickly when realizing she hadn't addressed him as he desired for.

Aang raised an eyebrow at her antics. "I don't know if you're quite daring, or you just have a death wish."

Azula inwardly sighed. "Oh well" She thought. "Might as well continue instead of retracting my steps like some cowardly fool." Regaining her composure, she continued with speaking. "Um, you see. I couldn't help feel curious as to what you were reading ever since we returned from Wan Shi Tong's Library; And I was wondering if you'd like some - I don't know - company?"

Silence fell upon the two as Aang tried to comprehend what she just said. No one had ever done such a thing with him for quite some time now - such an idea was almost unheard of to him. "You wish to - stay with me?" He clarified.

"Yes."

"In my presence?"

"Yeah."

"By my side?"

"Mhm."

Aang closed his eyes and sighed. "Sure." He agreed. "I see no harm to come of it, just do not interrupt me when I'm in the midst of thought."

Azula smiled and nodded having agreed to his terms. She pulled up a chair and sat, not close - but next to him. Another silence loomed over them, and Azula found herself observing more - unnatural portions of his body. Her eyes trailed up and down his metal limbs, curious as to how they functioned or even how he got them. She may have been looking a little to hard, for Aang had noticed her stare from the corner of his eyes.

"You want to feel it?" He extended his right hand to her as his eyes remained glued to the book.

Azula backed away slightly when he extended his arm to her, but she leaned in once she saw it was safe. Giving a small nod to what he asked earlier, she grasped his arm in her hands as she trailed her finger along the metal bindings that connected through the nerves in his flesh.

"What..." She found herself asking. "What happened to you?"

Aang pulled his arm away again having felt as if she had enough. "I do not live in the past Azula." He somewhat snarled. "These limbs I have is nothing but a haunting memory of trust that I once held; And it most certainly does not concern you."

Azula rested her palms against her lap. "I see." She looked out into the city. "I - was betrayed at some point as well."

Aang chuckled. "Oh I've heard. Ty Lee and Mai certainly back-stabbed you in order to allow Zuko and a few other prisoners escape from boiling rock, am I right?"

Azula stayed silent for but a moment. "Not quite." She finally said.

Aang turned to face her once more, puzzled as to what she meant.

"You see, back when I was younger - when my mother Ursa was still around, and Zuko had yet to be banished from the Fire Nation. I felt - alone." She began. "I had always been praised for my genius and expertise in Fire Bending by my father, and don't get me wrong I loved the attention I received because of it - but, it wasn't what I really wanted. Zuko had been loved by mother unconditionally, and looking back at it - it felt as if he had the one thing I craved for. Love." She entwined her fingers together as she reminisced about her younger days. "Admittedly, I was jealous; and so I took every opportunity to make him feel horrible. All because I felt as if he had something I did not have access to. Sure I was being praised and worshiped by many, my father included... but of love? It was like there was none. I was only there to be one thing, and it was to be brandished as some sort of mascot that held the, oh so glorious Fire Nations pride." She scoffed. "I never felt so alone in my entire life. The only escape I had was the continuous praise my father continued to give, but even then it wasn't enough; and every single time I saw Zukos face it just made my blood boil inside. When I was supposed to be crowned Fire Lord, I thought that people would begin to love me; But I was repeatedly reminded of the failure to obtain what I desired when I was but a child to the point where paranoia started to settle in. I hated it, I hated that feeling. I was left with a responsibility where, now looking back at it - I was not ready for. I was not ready to spread my wings and take on a greater role. I still needed guidance, I needed someone who could watch over me - To tell me what I should be doing, or what I should not be doing. My failure to stop my brother from taking my right to the throne was all the confirmation I needed that I was never truly loved. Because if I was, then someone would've aided me like that Water Tribe girl had done with him, but they hadn't."

"...Azula?" He muttered softly.

Looking at her face that glowed against the sun, he was taken aback to see tears flowing down her cheek. She looked beautiful under the reflection, regardless of how she currently felt. He began to see her in a new light - accepting the fact that perhaps they aren't so different after all; and that Azula was just someone who had lost her path much like he had. He clasped the book shut and set it gently aside. Standing somewhat abruptly, he made his way towards the railing as he too stared down into the city. Long Feng had done his job well by recruiting the corrupted into his regime, but even then he does not need an Army to overrun a nation. Not with the secrets he had, he wouldn't.

"I have decided." He proclaimed.

Azula wiped her tears away and stared at the back of Aang's head with clear interest. Aang glanced back at her, his eyes were narrowed as they were once again filled with such inhumanity.

"The beginning of next month, when the sun is at its highest - we will invade the Fire Nation." He declared.

"And we shall not leave until it has fallen."

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End of Chapter 11!

I'm getting quite excited as to where this story is headed to be quite honest. It feels like I'm reading it myself instead of writing it - but I'm doing both! I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter as I have put a lot of effort into this one specifically. As for the pairings, I have decided but I am not saying anything as to who will have the final say. Please let me know what you think so far. What am I doing right, or what am I doing wrong? I would love the feedback, and as always - I'll see you all in Chapter 12: The Fire Nation Has Fallen.

Ciao!

~TheLivingMyth