Sorry this chapter is a bit late (extremely so) was supposed to be out like maybe three days ago.. but aye that Spiderman ps4 game is pretty lit.

Anyways I hope you guys enjoy this chapter. the next one should be up soon :).

Disclaimer: I don't own A:TLA.

Hey I made some few grammatical changes. Nothing to serious just things I noticed that didn't flow well.(12/30)

Chapter 12

Impasse

Zuko didn't know how long he laid on the ground as he thought of what had occurred.

He felt horrible.

Not only mentally from his fallout with Katara but he had to admit, her training bore fruit.

His whole body felt numb and sore. She messed him up pretty good. Maybe he should of avoided some of her attacks?

He tried to finally get up from his spot but immediately laid back down as pain shook throughout his body.

He heard the sound of a ship landing nearby and tried to hide himself the best he could.

He saw as the ship landed and the doors opened and out walked Ara guards and his Uncle bounded in chains.

Zuko cursed in his head. This was all his fault. Now because of him his Uncle and him were to face execution. He ignored the pain he felt and got off the ground and readied himself for the fight.

"Nephew, stand down. They are not here to harm you." said his Uncle not even looking in his direction.

"Then why are you in chains uncle?" Zuko said as he kept his guard.

The Ara guards looked around but couldn't see where the voice was coming from. They noticed the huge enemy ship but saw it was vacant and many bodies dead on the floor.

" This is a mere precaution nephew. I talked to the High Chief. He agreed to spare our lives for saving him and his family. He wishes to speak to us on important matters. However, we must allow them to place inhibitors on our bodies to prevent our escape." his Uncle said.

Zuko sighed as he saw this was their only way out of this terrible situation. He trusted his uncle so he came out of his hiding spot and raised his hands in front of him.

The guards came up to him and placed an inhibitor collar around his neck and chained his hands behind his back. The guards led them back into the ship and they were on their way back to the capital city.

Iroh assessed his nephew's appearance as they sat in the waiting room of the grand capital. He frowned at the many bruises on his face.

"What happened to you nephew?" asked Iroh.

His nephew didn't answer for awhile before he raised his head.

"She found out." he said before lowering his head back down.

"All of your injuries are from her?" Iroh asked in surprise.

He nodded " They would have been worse..or she probably wouldn't have stopped if it wasn't for her brother."

"You let her, didn't you." Iroh stated.

" I wronged her uncle. She responded as I thought. I also don't blame her. With everything that's been going on recently it's only natural she'd end up hating my race even more. I only added to the fire." his nephew said.

Iroh had never seen him look so depressed before. The only time he could remember was when he found out about his mother.

He didn't think Lady Katara could get this deep in his nephew. He didn't think anyone could affect him so other than him and his mother.

" You truly cared for her nephew." Iroh said.

" Yes uncle. Even though I was just training her. I felt like she and I could have been friends. Maybe we were.. but now, that possibility could never be." his nephew said.

" Nothing is ever impossible nephew." Iroh said in a whisper.

Their conversation came to a stop as the High Chief of the Aras came towards them followed by two guards.

" Follow me" said the High Chief.

Iroh and his nephew were both led into the war room and stood in the middle of semi circle. The High Chief walked to his seat and next to his advisors and they began discussion.

"Why are these Drogons still alive?" snarled an old advisor.

A few others shook their heads in agreement.

"They are alive because the High Chief ordered it and because they are the ones who stopped all of us from being killed." said the Ara on the right side of the High Chief.

A few inclined their heads in agreement, albeit reluctantly. They were awake when they were saved by the enemy and they all had the same question pop up in their heads.

"Enough questions. These two Drogons are not our enemy. Not only have they saved the lives of us all, but went against their monarch as well." the High Chief said.

"But why did they? This could all be a ruse just to get to us! You can never trust any who hail from the fourth quadrant!" said the same old advisor.

"Their reasons were given to me when I had talked with the Drogon Iroh. What I know will not be spoken even to my advisors. It is of utmost importance." the High Chief said in a hard tone.

He dared any of them to rebut him. He looked at his advisors and softened his features when no one refused.

"General Bato I want you to inform the servants to prepare two rooms for our guest. I also want you to make sure that all this is not known to the public."

"Yes High Chief" the man named Bato that was on his right said.

"Now I must speak to our guest in private."the High Chief said.

Zuko noticed that even though the High Chief referred to them as 'guest' he made sure they were still confined. He watched as all the men filed out of the room and all that were left was him and his uncle and the High Chief himself.

"Before we truly begin I want to thank you both for saving not only the lives of my people but also the lives of my family." the High Chief said sincerely even though he looked like he had swallowed some spicy fire flakes.

" It was only the right thing to do. We thank you for allowing us to be spared High Chief Hakoda." his uncle said with a bow. Zuko followed suit so as to not disrespect.

"What do you and the Insurgency know about The Great One?" High Chief Hakoda asked his Uncle.

Zuko's eyes widened at the man words. How did he know, he wondered.

" What we know of The Great One is that it is an ancient beast dating back Eons ago. We have found old ruins in different quadrants stating that The Great One had ravaged the entire galaxy. It took all four quadrants working together to defeat it. Everything that lived in the galaxy was in piece, even the four galactic nations. However that all ended around 400 years as you may know. But what you don't truly know is why. Fire Dragon King Sozin claimed to have had a vision from The Great One. He said he was told that Agnimitra was superior out of all the other quadrant and they were meant to guide them all. He said The Great One promised him ultimate power and godly hood if we set him free from the seal that was placed on him long ago." his uncle said.

"Then why start the war? Why destroy thousands of planets from other quadrants if the goal was to release The Great One?" the High Chief said with barely concealed calm.

" Because the seal requires an enormous sacrifice. A sacrifice that is so great that it created the Insurgency." his uncle said while folding his arms.

"What is required for the sacrifice?" the High Chief said.

" The eradication of The Galactic Nations. The sacrifice requires a certain number of people of all races to be killed in the name of The Great One." said Zuko darkly.

Iroh could smell the anger rolling off his nephew and decided to continue telling the story himself.

"Then why hasn't Agnimitra faced any losses." High Chief Hakoda said before Iroh could speak.

"We may be the ones attacking, but do not think that our people are not being affected by this. There is a civil war going on within Agnimitra. We are separated into different factions. The ones who support the Galactic Insurgency and the ones who are loyal to The Great One. Unfortunately, many of our people are for The Great One and we who are against are severely outnumbered. Me and my nephew had to flee with a crew of men who joined the Insurgency. Our betrayal is unknown to Agnimitra, but who knows for how long." Iroh said.

Hakoda thought over what the two men told him. Did he trust them? Hell no. But he couldn't blatantly disregarded their words. Especially after what they risked today. He owed them a debt and he was not an ungrateful king. Even if they belonged to his enemy.

" So why have you come to Anahita capital's planet?" he questioned instead.

" We had intercepted a message meant for the Princess of Agnimitra. Apparently she had spies outside your fortress and they had sent her news of an rift opening up and an unnatural bright light being seen outside your walls. They suspected it may have been one of the Rings of the Seven. That's why you were invaded recently. That was their goal."

The High Chief narrowed his eyes in a thoughtful manner as he raised a hand to his chin.

" I had caught two spies weeks earlier before the invasion actually. They told me of something similar," he said before locking his eyes with Iroh " Why has the Insurgency sent you two? What is their goal?"

" We weren't sent specifically to this planet. We had just finished up a mission in the fourth quadrant when we received the message. There are many agents across the galaxy apart of the Insurgency that are on the same mission but we were the closest to intercept. Our goal is to collect the Rings of the Seven and protect them and their chosen bearers from The Great Ones followers." Iroh said.

"I see. Do you know who bears the Rings?" the High Chief asked.

" I do not but-" Iroh was interrupted by his nephew choosing to enter the conversation .

" I do. As I went to save the hostages from the Princess. One of the hostages lives was put in danger and the other hostage had a ring that started to glow brightly and enveloped his whole body in white. He brought upon strong winds and nearly destroyed everything. I believe he was the ring bearer."

The high Chief nodded his head at his nephew explanation.

" Yes, the young Ahmet boy Aang..as well as my young daughter Katara both bear Rings of the Seven."

Zuko's eyes widened at the mention of Katara. She was a ring bearer? He couldn't remember seeing one on her during their training sessions.

Hakoda noticed the younger man's change of expression but decided he was merely surprised.

'So Noelani still exist' thought Iroh as he smiled.

"If what you say is true. Then you will need a way to off this planet and protect the Rings and their bearers." Hakoda asked.

They both nodded.

"Then I must consult with my council tomorrow and we will decide further then. You may sleep in the guest wing but be mindful there are guards everywhere and if your story doesn't check out then execution will be the least of your worries." Hakoda threatened before nodding towards his guards.

Soon the two Drogons were ushered out of the room and Hakoda was left to himself.

He allowed his cold walls to drop as he thought over the events of today. Not only did Anahita capital's planet get invaded but he had sent his son and his daughter off world to the first quadrant. He felt absolutely terrible and he hated himself even more as he heard the pain and fear in his son's voice. He had so many things he wanted to tell them. He just hoped that Tu and La reunited them one day.

Sokka had flown the ship for a couple days now towards the first quadrant nearest checkpoint. He turned on the gps tracking and auto navigation system and then made his way towards the ships sick bay. He walked through the sliding doors and couldn't help the frown that appeared on his face.

He walked towards his sleeping sister on the med bed and raised a hand to her cheek.

"Wake up sis. I need you. I can't do this by myself ." Sokka said sadly.

Sokka almost sighed again but he saw his sister start to stir.

"Katara?" he said as her eyes slowing fluttered open.

"Sokka? Why is it so bright?" she groaned .

Sokka grabbed her and gave her one of his famous bear hugs. He was so happy that she woke up. He was extremely bored talking to himself for the past few days and he hated grieving alone.

"Sokka..can't breath.." Katara said as she tried to release herself from her brothers hold.

"Oh sorry Katara" Sokka said as he let her go and went to dim the lights in the med bay.

Katara took in her new surroundings. She noticed a lot of medical equipment and figured she was in a med bay. She looked to her left and saw the unconscious body of her friend Aang. She widened her eyes as she suddenly remembered all that occurred.

"Sokka what happened!? All I remember after Aang started glowing and then you and...Li" she finished sadly.

Katara's face contorted in anger. "How dare he! I thought he was my friend! I thought I could trust him! He just used me!"

"Katara, how did you know him?" Sokka asked as he narrowed his eyes at her.

Katara stopped her angry rant and kept her eyes to the floor.

" I don't want to talk about that Sokka." she said.

" What do you mean you don't want go talk about it? How come you knew of the Drogon before now?" Sokka asked as he narrowed his eyes even more at her.

"Look Sokka just drop it. I don't want to talk about it. Besides I'll never see him again, and if I do he better pray to all his cursed gods." Katara said seethingly.

Sokka never saw his sister so angry over something. Not even when she was denied to train in the simulators like the men. He wanted to continue to press her on what she knew but he didn't want her wrath to switch to him.

"Where are we anyways? Looks like a med bay, but not the ones in the capital. Has dad come by?" Katara asked once she calmed down.

She noticed that Sokka stiffened and seemed to look anywhere but at her.

"Well um.. how should I say this.."Sokka started hesitantly.

"Is dad okay? Is he alive? Is everyone okay Sokka?" she asked fearfully.

"Everyone is okay Katara. Dad is fine..but we aren't heading back to the capital." Sokka said.

" What? Then where are we heading? She asked confused. Where could they possibly go other than home?

Sokka let out a loud huff and then looked her squarely in the eyes.

"We are heading to the first quadrant Eden. Dad says it's unsafe to stay in the second quadrant. He's right and we are almost to the nearest junction checkpoint." Sokka said in a voice that betrayed no emotion.

Katara looked at her brother like he was crazy. She half expected him to spread a smile across his face and say 'just kidding' but his face was complete and utterly serious.

"Sokka what the hell! How could we leave our home! How could we leave dad! This is crazy we have to go back."

" We can't Katara. We are already to far away from home to turn back now. Dad entrusted me with you and Aang's safety. The rings you guys both wear have bonded with you and can't be taken off of you by any physical means. Believe me I've tried. We can't let them be taken by the Drogons that's why dad has sent us away. He believes we will be better hidden in Eden." Sokka said.

Katara wanted to argue with her brother. She wanted to go back and help their dad. She wanted to be together with her family as a whole. However , she saw the hurt in her brothers eyes and knew that he was hurting just like her. He had made some tough decisions recently and he needed someone to keep him sane and going.

"Ok Sokka. I understand." Katara said with a sigh.

Sokka smiled and hugged his sister and left the room to check on the ships navigation.

Katara felt something warm and wet go down her cheek and raised a hand to wipe her face.

First Quadrant-Eden

Planet Cronos

An old man walked down a long marble corridor as he made his way to the large grand chamber doors. He knocked on it twice and waited a long moment before he just opened the doors.

He scanned the room for his charge and saw her laying sprawled about among her sheets. He let out a sigh and made his way over to her and gently shook her.

"five more minutes...scratch that. Leave me alone" she mumbled while turning over and rolling in cover.

"Lady Beifong it is time to wake up. What if your parents were to catch you in such a state." he said with a smile.

"Like they'll dare come near my room. I bet they even forgot the way to my room." she grumbled.

"Not true Lady Beifong your parents care for you very much. Now breakfast is almost ready and I would like for you to get dressed." he said.

"Alright." she said while raising up. Then a mischievous smile appeared on her face before he felt a tremor throughout the room. He merely bent his knees and raised the ground below him into a high pillar. He watched as the ground transformed into a sea of mud before it went back to its former state.

"Wow your getting better at this Rupert." she said.

"Thank you Lady Beifong. Your morning surprises do continue to surprise though. Now I must go and make sure breakfast is ready. Your chambermaids are here now. Please be nice" said Rupert with a smile before he left the room.

As Rupert left the room the chambermaids entered and immediately went to dress her. Though she couldn't 'see' them. Let alone anyone for that matter. She knew exactly where each one were. She had to admit that her father had hired right this time. Before anyone her father assigned to her didn't take her seriously and even dared to steal priceless items when they thought she wouldn't notice.

How wrong were they.

She couldn't see them as normal people could. But she could see through anything she touched by her earth magic. None of her servants knew of it except for Rupert. Even before she could see through her magic the old geezer never looked down on her like everyone else. He always pushed her to operate through her other senses although it never truly helped her until she got lost that one day.

Her servants were finished with dressing her and gave her some honest and some fake compliments. She was helped all the way to the door, not like she needed it, and was soon surrounded by her guards. They walked her in silence all the way to the dining room and she could 'see' her father and her mother seated at the head of the table while Rupert stood next to all the servers. She was soon ushered to her seat and was given a plate with food on it.

"Toph my daughter. I hope you slept well." her father spoke.

"Yes dear. You did not fall out of bed I hope. If so we could install railings for you." her mother said worriedly.

" I slept well father, mother. Thank you for asking. May I inquire something?" asked Toph.

"Yes you may Toph. What is it you wonder my daughter." her father asked.

" Please excuse my rudeness but normally you do not eat with me for breakfast. Why have you now?"

"Well my daughter you are now 12 going on to 13 in a few more months. Normally this is done around the time you are 16 years of age, but in your case which is special we have decided for you to have more time to get to know your betrothed."

Toph eyes nearly popped right out of her head at her father's words. She checked her father's heart beat with her magic to see if he was lying but knew her father wouldn't lie about something like this.

Her father must have taken her shocked expression as one of happiness because his heart beat heated happily.

"I'm glad you are happy about this Toph because nobleman from all over the quadrant are going to arrive here in a few months before your birthday. You will be trained on each of their names and where they hail from. On the day of your birthday you will pick the young man you are to marry." her father said.

Toph only nodded her head and gave a ' I understand' because she was too "happy" to speak or truly think.

Marriage? Were her parents crazy? They must be for putting this on her. Not only did they keep her hidden from society but they now planned to marry her off. What had changed?

"We also have more great news darling." her mother spoke up happily.

Toph raised her head from her plate and turned her head in the direction her mother was in.

"More great news mother?" Toph asked in a detached voice.

" We are with child."

A/N: Toph enters the fray. Apparently she has family problems though.

I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter!

ooJollyZuZuoo