Update: 02/24/2022: Decided to add the second part!

Book Two: Earth

Chapter I: The Arrival of the Airbenders

Part II: The Breakout

Somewhere near the prison, about a day later.

Kuzon, Katara and Sokka managed to sneak their way into the prison without the guards watching. Kuzon glanced from around the cart. Two guards passed him. "Okay. Katara...I'm going to need a distraction."

Katara smirked at him. "You got it sweetie. One distraction coming up." She then ran out and formed a huge wave from under her and rode it over the wall guarding the prison.

This immediately got the attention of the men guarding the base. "Enemy attack!"

They raised their weapons to defend themselves but only managed to get washed over into the nearby river.

Katara managed to land back on her feet.

Sokka then ran in and threw his boomerang with great precision. It knocked out two soldiers out cold.

Kuzon just fireleaped over the wall and knocked out the other firebender with a fire kick. He glanced at Katara and nodded. "Nice job sweetie. You washed them clear into the river."

The waterbender smirked at him and then kissed him on the cheek. "Aww why thank you! They don't call me the Mistress of the Waves for nothing."

Sokka rolled his eyes. "Wow how egotistical."

Katara glanced back on him and scoffed. "You're one to talk Mr. Boomerang Man."

Kuzon let out a groan. "Would you two focus? We need to get Aang out of here."

Katara laughed nervously. "Right."

Commandant Tiezen then faced the three of them. "So the Flame of Redemption finally graces us with his presence."

Kuzon darkly chuckled. "You know..I kind of like that name."

Commandant Tiezen then glared at him. "Do you have any idea how many lives were sacrificed in the Battle of Agna Qel'a. Some of those men and women had sons. Some of them had daughters living at home in the palace city."

Kuzon's expression didn't change. "I'm supposed to care why? They eagerly joined the battle and swore themselves to battle for the sake of a dying empire. They drew their line in the sand."

Tiezen shot back. "You are of the Fire Nation! You have a duty to your people!"

Kuzon narrowed his eyes at the man. "My people? No. I have a duty to my family. The ones the Fire Lord's great-grandfather put in the grave. My duty is to burn your entire empire down to the ground and rebuild anew. I intend to do that. My name is Kuzon Lin Sho and I am the Flame of Redemption!" He then turned to Katara and Sokka. "You guys get Aang. I'll take care of this guy."

The siblings gave the firebender an eager nod.

Sokka grinned at him. "Kick his ass for me." They then ran towards the prison entrance.

Commandant Tiezen called out after them. "Come back here!" He then glared at Kuzon. "You will pay for your treachery boy." He then sent a fire kick Kuzon's way. Kuzon easily dodged it.

Kuzon then performed a fire trip and tripped the man.

Tiezen managed to regain his balance. He then spun around and sent a fire jet Kuzon's way.

Kuzon set up a firewall to counteract it.

The two then battled using fire fists. Neither wanted to give into their opponent.

The battle continued until Kuzon felt he was on the losing end. He sent off a fire kick that burned with so much intensity it burned off part of Tiezen's cloth outfit and some of the skin on his arms. The man had to defend himself by shielding himself with his arms. The skin on his arms was singled and smoking. "Damn that burns! You'll pay with your life." He then charged madly at Kuzon with fire daggers out.

Kuzon looked around frantically. There's got to be something I can do to beat him. He then noticed the water in a nearby pond. Perfect! That pond will do just fine. He then bended the water from the pond. "I think you need to cool off." He bended the water around the man's body and breathed out. This froze the water into solid ice.

Tienzen tried desperately to struggle out of the confines. "I..I'm so cold. I can't move."

Kuzon just glared at him. "That's because you are in an ice prison. You won't burn out of that for a while. In fact..you won't live to see another day." Fueled by his rage, the firebender was about to burn the man alive but was then stopped when he saw a small letter poking out of one of the man's pockets. Kuzon glanced at it curiously. "What is that?" He then took the letter out of the man's pocket and unfolded it. The boy's eyes gasped in shock. This is a letter addressed to a girl that he loved. Possibly one from a long time ago. It says..he did not want to fight this war at all. He was...forcefully drafted into the Fire Army at the age of 16 and forced to leave his own family. This man is just..a cog in the Fire Nation's machine. Killing him wouldn't solve a damn thing. Kuzon then stared down at his hands. I can't kill his man. I won't.

Commandant Tiezen then turned up to glare at the Avatar. "What are you waiting for? Finish the job! You know our motto! Honor or death!"

Kuzon then turned to him with a glare with equal menace. He then grit his teeth. "As..despicable as you are…I cannot kill you. Your death wouldn't solve a damn thing. I'd just be adding to the circle of chaos and war. I may be Fire Nation but I am..also a child of the air. I learned from the Nomads that violence wasn't always the only option to bring peace to the world. I will not dishonor my family name with your blood on my hands."

Commandant Tiezen was outraged by the boy's words. The cold was setting in. "C..Coward! T..Traitor! You..you will pay for your mercy! I swear on it! You will..

The man's words were stuck in his mouth as Katara had basically froze his mouth shut. She then scowled at the older man. "Hey. Be grateful that my boyfriend found it in his heart to spare your life. I wouldn't grant you such mercy."

The commandant then glared at the young waterbender and tried again to wriggle out of his ice prison. Kuzon, overcome by emotion, couldn't take anymore. He kicked the man hard in the side of the head. The man then fell silent.

Aang was floored. He, along with Katara and Sokka, had been watching the Avatar from afar. The airbender had expected his old friend to give into his inner rage. Instead, Kuzon spared the man's life.

Aang's heart swelled with pride. "You did it! I knew you had it in you! Gyatso did too! I'm proud of you brother! You have finally found the balance you needed to save the world! Where there is darkness..there is light. Where there is anger and rage…there is peace and serenity."

Kuzon just shook his head, wiped the tears from his eyes and waved his friend off. "Please..Aang. Let's just go." The boy was troubled by this new revelation. How many more of these men were corralled or threatened into serving Ozai and his family? What the hell am I doing? What is my purpose?

Katara glanced at him with a worried look in her eyes. Oh sweetie.

Camp 42, Earth Kingdom

A few hours later

After the gang of rebels raided the airbender prison and freed Aang and the rest of the captives, the survivors took the gang to the hidden cave they had been taking refuge in. The cave was part of an entire system of small caves connected with one another.

Katara and Sokka had been busy healing the injured airbenders. A lot of them had gruesome injuries and were badly burned.

Aang took a look around. The place was pretty barren. It was a sparsely decorated home. To think the Fire Nation has reduced us to all this. I mean I should be happier that I'm not the last airbender but all this is just a sobering reminder of what Sozin did to my people. The airbender himself was pretty banged up. The commandant had taken great pleasure in using him as a punching bag while he was imprisoned. He was currently limping on some crutches that the band of surviving airbenders managed to keep on them. Katara felt the guilt wash over her as she looked at him. Look at him. That bastard of an ashmaker probably tortured the hell out of him while we were busy sneaking into the prison. I have to try and help. He is like a little brother to me. My feelings for him aren't as strong as those I reserve for Kuzon but Aang is still important to me. She approached him cautiously. "Here. Have a seat. I'll deal with your injuries." Aang let out a sigh. "Yeah sure."

Katara activated her healing hands and placed one on his cracked rib cage and the other on the massive burn on his face. She could feel both anger and sorrow building within her. "Oh Aang. Look at you. I wish we could've arrived quicker."

Aang turned to her and smiled. "Hey don't worry. I knew what I was getting into. I told you I had to save these airbenders. We're the last ones left. No one else was going to save them." He let out a yelp as Katara's right hand made contact with the massive burn on his cheek. It immediately started closing up and healing. Katara just nodded. "As much as I hate to say it..you're right." She then took out some bandages and wrapped them around Aang's waist. "You're going to have to take it easy for a while. These ribs will take time to mend." Aang nodded. "Yeah. Thanks Katara. I don't know what we would all do without you."

Katara smirked at him. "I think I do. You and the firebender I adore so much would be frozen popsicles. I never would have found the firebender I adore so much or the airbender I see as a little brother. As crazy as this sounds...I'm glad Sokka and I happened across you two in that iceberg. You two really have changed my life."

Aang glanced at her confused. "You have a...interesting way of looking at things Katara."

Katara giggled and pinched his cheek. "And you are strangely cheerful and optimistic for a boy who thought he was the last of his kind."

Aang shrugged. "Well someone has to be the optimist in this group. Otherwise..you would all be a bunch of rain clouds."

Katara burst into laughter. After she calmed down, she grinned at him. "You..are probably right."

Aang then got up on his crutch. "I'm going to go check with the other airbenders and see if they need anything."

Katara nodded. "You do that. I'm going to check on Kuzon. I…can't seem to find him."

Aang nodded. "He's probably in conflict with himself. The Nomad and Fire Nation sides of his personality are at an impasse. He needs you. Now more than ever."

Somewhere near the Hidden Air Temple overlooking the cliffs.

Kuzon was tossing pebbles into the little pond below. He watched as they skipped and fell into the water. I'm so confused. What the hell does it all mean. The boy then rested his face in his hands. He then felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned and saw it was Katara.

The girl then smirked at him and let out a small giggle. "There you are. I was looking all over for you." She then caressed his face in her hands and leaned in for a kiss.

Kuzon turned his head away however.

Katara just nodded. Yeah. Just as I thought. He is struggling. She then sat herself next to him, smiled warmly. and took his hand. "You know I'm here for you sweetie. You can tell me anything."

Kuzon just said nothing and handed her the letter he had stashed from the lieutenant. "Just..read this. I pulled it off that commander before we left."

Katara eyed him worriedly and was about to ask why but decided to read it first anyway. Whatever is on this letter..has him a bit shaken. What is it? The young waterbender then unfurled the letter and began reading it. My dearest Kaion. Not a day goes by when I do not think of you. The days at this outpost grow long. The nights are even longer. I think back to the last time we fully embraced one another. We were only seventeen then. I hope you are still waiting for me at Haishan. I need you to still be there. I need you with me. I hate this damned war. I hate what it has done to us. I hate what it has done to our love. I never wanted to be a soldier. You know this but I wasn't given a damn choice. That damn megalomaniac threatened you. He said if I didn't take up arms and fight…he would kill you. I had to do whatever it took to keep you safe. I beg of you. Don't give up on me. My body begs for your touch. My heart aches for yours. Until we meet again. Yours. Tiezen. Her eyes widened. "This is a love letter. A long lost love letter. Whoever that man was..this letter must have been for his wife or lover. He..was drafted against his will at the age of seventeen to fight for the Fire Nation. Forced to fight in this war. Just..like us."

Kuzon turned over to glance at her with a conflicted look in his eyes. "Now you know why I am like this. I..don't know what to do anymore. I thought I was doing the right thing by taking the fight to them. Back at the Northern Water Tribe, I laid waste to an entire armada of ships full of people. How many of them were drafted or corralled into serving that maniac? How many innocent lives did I take?" The boy then burst into tears." Katara shook her head emphatically. He can't be serious. I saw Aang's injuries. That man...tortured him and took enjoyment from that. There was nothing noble about all that torture. Kuzu..should have killed that bastard where he stood. I respect his compassion and his heart. I love that about him. But there isn't a damn thing he should feel guilty about. He deserves revenge. So do I. The girl then calmed herself down. She then kissed him on the cheek "None."

Kuzon turned to her shocked. "What do you mean none?" Katara then rested her arms on his shoulders and kissed him. She was hoping that the extra gesture of love would reassure him at least a little bit. "I mean what I mean sweetie. None. I get why you feel the way you do. Really I do but you are not a monster like them."

Kuzon glanced at her in shock. "How...are you so sure?"

Katara sighed and caressed his face with a hand, and smiled. She then wiped a tear from his eye."When Zuko attacked my home village..you were given a choice. A choice to either align yourself with your people for the sake of loyalty or choose to fight your own countrymen for the sake of the life of a little Water Tribe girl."

The waterbender glanced at him with a serious look in her eyes. "I want to ask you this. Why did you choose to save my village? Why did you save my people?" Kuzon blushed a bit. Like I need time to answer that. "I..did it because it was the right thing to do. You and Sokka had practically saved my life out there. I had to watch as the Fire Nation took everything from me. I may not have known either of you that well but I didn't want the same to happen to that little girl."

Katara smirked at him. "Then you have just answered your own moral dilemma my sweet flame. You saved the lives of my people because it was your duty and it was the right thing to do." She then wrapped herself around her boyfriend, eager to comfort him even more. "You made a choice to fight the Fire Nation despite the risks. That man back at the prison..could have made that choice as well. I can understand his reasons not to and even sympathize with them. Love is a powerful emotion. However…as touched as I am by a vow of true love…I saw what he did to Aang and the other airbenders. He made a choice. A choice to brutalize and almost kill the last descendants of the Air Nomads. You didn't see what I saw in that hellhole. Aang had several broken ribs and bruises. He was hanging on by a thread. The torture was unneccessary. If he had any measure of a good heart left…he would have chained Aang up and left it at that."

Kuzon glanced at her confused. "How are you so sure?"

Katara just bit her lip, caressed his face with a hand and smiled. "Because it is what I would have done if I were in his place. There is honor amongst warring peoples even in a world war. That man made his choice expecting no mercy from you. He told you this. None of this is your fault sweetie."

Kuzon glanced at her confused. "So..are you saying I should have killed him anyway?"

Katara looked him dead in the eyes and shook her head sadly. "I don't know. Maybe or maybe not. What I am trying to say is that you don't need to feel guilty for anything you have done. That man fought to defend an imperialistic empire and its goals. You...you fight to free the world from the harsh yoke of oppression your people have chained it under." She then too his hands in hers. "It is because of you, my people still have a home to go back to once this war is over. Hundreds of children across the Water Tribes are safe and they owe that safety to you." She then leaned in so close that he could feel her hot breath on his. "You will always be my hero." She then wrapped both arms around his neck and kissed him as passionately as she could.

Kuzon just allowed himself to melt in her arms. He took in every sensation he could. The feeling of her mouth on his. The saltwater aroma of her hair as it flowed in the wind. The waterbender's words hadn't answered the firebender's moral dilemma but he at least felt at ease. After a long while, the two broke apart.

Katara smiled up at him with hope brimming in her eyes. I know it won't be easy but I hope I helped at least. "Did that help?"

Kuzon was struggling to find the words. The depth of the waterbender's love and affection for him had touched him on a whole different level. "Yes..it did..somewhat. I don't know how to thank you."

Katara giggled while blushing and spoke with an earnest tone in her voice. "Well…you can start by getting me a ring. I know we aren't exactly made of money and all..but a girl has to have her priorities you know."

Kuzon stuttered. "O..Ok then. Sounds like a plan."

Katara then leaned in and smirked at him. "Good. Oh Kuzu. You are so cute when you stutter."

The two then kissed as sunrise began going down.

Hidden Air Temple

Aang was meeting up with the other surviving airbenders to discuss what to do now that they were free from the Fire Nation's captivity.

Taong then spoke. "So what will we do now?" Lhasang sighed and rested her face in her hands. "We should take the fight to the Fire Nation and all their ilk. They attacked us again. When are we going to take the fight to them? I'm tired of all this hiding."

Rigsang shook his head and glared at her. "With what army Lhasang? We are starved and beaten. We weren't even taught how to fight with our airbending."

The two then started bickering with one another.

Aang then separated them. "Guys please."

The two then stared at him confused.

Lhawang eyed him curiously. "Who are you?"

Aang spoke. "My name is Aang. It's a long story but I am one of the few Nomads who managed to escape the Fire Nation's coordinated attack on our Temples.

Rigsang gasped. "You mean you lived with our ancestors?"

Aang nodded.

Lhasang nodded with surprise in her eyes. "That's amazing. How...did you manage to survive?"

Aang cockily grinned at her. "I was traveling with the Avatar."

Rigsang felt his jaw drop. "That's not possible. The Avatar died in a Fire Nation ambush many years ago. We all heard the story. He is dead."

Kuzon then walked up to them with Katara not following too far behind. There was a hint of sarcasm in the man's voice. "I hate to disappoint you but I'm still breathing."

Lhasang gasped when she met his eyes. "It's you. The outsider. You are supposed to be dead."

Kuzon just shrugged. "Fire Navy ships have terrible aim."

Katara snorted and giggled at him. Oh Kuzu. I do love your sense of humor. Some may call it an acquired taste but I find it strangely endearing."

Lhsang and Rigsang then both glared at the firebender. "You..you are the reason our ancestors became refugees. You are the reason they had to go into hiding.

Kuzon huffed and glared back at them. "I lost people too you know. I watched as my father and grandfather were burned alive. I held my own mother as she froze to death in the southern ice. You all weren't the only ones who lost everything that day."

Lhasang then glared right back at the Avatar. "I fail to see what that has to do with us. We lost some of our ancestors! They wouldn't have died if you and your family of ashmakers hadn't been near them in the first place!"

Kuzon just threw his hands up. "Wow. I save you people from execution and this is all I get! I don't even get a thank you?"

The boy then stormed off. "Fine. I'm done then. Good luck trying to make it out of this place alive." The anger and edge in the firebender's voice sent silent shockwaves through everyone. He then just walked off.

Katara gasped in shock. Oh Kuzu. I'm so sorry. You don't deserve that. Not after everything you have done. Not after everything you have sacrificed. I won't let them treat you like this. She then glared at the two airbenders with the fury of a tsunami in her eyes. She let out a low growl and directed her anger at the two airbenders. "You two are real pieces of work you know that. If it wasn't for my boyfriend's vision..you would all be dead or close to it. I understand you are angry about your ancestors but that is no excuse to just pile in on the boy that saved your life. I watched as his mother died in his arms in the frostbite cold. He has lost everything that has mattered to him and given every ounce of his energy in trying to set things right. You have no right to judge him. He never asked for any of it." She then walked off desperate to find her boyfriend. Don't worry sweetie. I'm coming.

Lhasang was now speechless. "But..the Fire Nation..would never attack…"

Aang then butted in with an equally angry look on his face. "They did. They burned both his father and grandfather alive at the temple…just like they did to us. Kuzon has been nothing but an ally to our people. I understand you are both grieving and angry..but I implore you to direct that energy at our enemy…The Fire Nation."

Lhasang and Rigsang glanced at the boy with humbled looks on their faces. "We understand Master Aang. We will give the Avatar our apologies at once." Aang sighed. "Please do. That would be most beneficial to our people. We won't be able to survive without the Avatar's help."

A moment later

Katara finally found her boyfriend sitting and sobbing on the grass. There he is. She then took a seat beside him, took his hand in hers. and sighed. "Oh Kuzu! I should have known you'd be like this. You try to be strong. You don't want anyone knowing you are in pain but even you aren't invincible. No person is." She then rested the firebender's head on her shoulder and wrapped an arm around him.

"It's all my fault. I...brought them there. I made the Air Nation a target."

Katara shook her head. "No. This isn't your fault."

"How is this not my fault?"

Katara just smiled. "I want you to imagine something. Imagine if your roles were switched and Aang had been chosen as the Avatar. Is it not true that Fire Lord Sozin would have still attacked the Southern Temple?"

Kuzon's eyes widened. "I...suppose so. What are you saying?"

Katara turned his face towards hers. "What I am saying is that Sozin probably would have attacked any of the four nations depending on where the Avatar would have been reincarnated. If you had turned out to be a Water Tribesman…he would have attacked the Tribes. The same goes for if you had been born an earthbender. The attack on the Southern Temple was no more your fault as much as it would have been mine or Aang's if we were in your position. You were chosen by fate. It did not choose you."

Kuzon nodded. "I..see your point. Still though..It is my duty to put an end to the suffering people have endured because of my people's machinations for power. I have to make it right." The firebender then looked away from her with apprehension in his eyes.

Katara sighed and turned his face to meet hers. "And you will make it my right my sweet flameheart. I believe in you with all that I am." She then kissed him on the cheek. "But that doesn't mean you have to do it all alone. The world can't be single handedly saved by one person. Even the Avatar needs friends and loved ones he or she can count on." Katara then glanced at the Avatar with the most loving look she could muster. "You aren't alone in all this. You have me. You have Sokka. You have Aang. We are ready to help you however we can. You just have to let us in." Kuzon nodded. He then gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. "Thank you."

Katara smiled warmly at him and intermingled her left hand with his. "Always." She then giggled. "Now we…should get going. The others are probably looking for us."

Center, Hidden Air Temple

Lhasang and Rigsang approached the young couple as they approached.

Lhasang's eyes were focused on the firebender and full of remorse. She then bowed in a traditional Air Nation manner. "Avatar Kuzon. Please accept our deepest apologies for the harsh reception. Our time on the run has..unsettled us."

Rigsang added. "We hope that you will not hold it against us. We have no quarrel with you and your friends. Our people are just not fond of..outsiders. Especially Fire Nationals."

Kuzon shook his head. "Don't worry about it you two. I'm used to the harsh reception by now. I'm more interested in learning about what happened to the Nomads after Sozin destroyed the Temples."

Aang nodded as well. "So am I. I really thought I was the last airbender."

Rigsang sighed. "I'm afraid there isn't much I can say. Our elders said a great many of us managed to find it here. We've managed to hide out for a while and survive on the land. We've also been training in secret and keeping the old traditions alive. It..hasn't been an easy life but we've been making it work."

Aang nodded. His fists tightened for a moment. "I see. It saddens me to see our people like this. Without a home..but I am glad to see the Air Nation still lives. There is still hope in this world as long as we are around."

Lhasang nodded and bowed before the airbending master. She then glanced at the airbender curiously. "Indeed. You..wear the old tattoos. Does that mean you were alive before we had to go into exile from the Temples?"

Aang nodded. "You are correct Lhasang. I was born before the Genocide. I..saw the destruction of the Southern Temple firsthand."

Rigsang let out a gasp. "How did you survive?"

Aang then gestured to Kuzon. "I.. managed to escape with Kuzon just in time." He then stared at the ground with a downcast look in his eyes. "It…was a terrible tragedy to witness."

Rigsang nodded. "We understand. How did you find us in that prison? We had been taken captive for a while."

Kuzon nodded. "That was my doing. My ancestor Yangchen informed me of your capture. Once I knew..I told Aang and we all hatched up a plan to rescue you from captivity. Aang was the one who took the reins on that. The rest of us just helped."

Lhasang glanced at Aang with a blush clear on her face. "You have our sincerest thanks...Master Aang."

Aang bowed his head dutifully. "I appreciate the thought Lhasang but thanks aren't necessary. It was my duty."

Four days later

Kuzon and the gang decided to stay with the airbenders for a few days in order to help the last remnants of the Nomads find their footing. This included tending to their wounds, helping them find safe places to stay, and generally helping then cope with their losses. Kuzon was looking around the outskirts of the settlement. He and Katara were performing their watch duty over the small settlement. He was riding on one of the kimono rhinos that the gang had stolen in their attack on the Camp 42 prison.

"Hey Kuzu…you find anything?"

Kuzon glanced over at Katara. She was riding on the other kimono rhino, following closely behind him. The girl had decided to wear some saddiki war makeup. The design was similar to that of hejjiki except the background color was more of forest green color. The girl also had a brown hood to obscure her Water Tribe appearance.

Kuzon shook his head. "No...things have been strangely quiet ever since we broke out the airbenders. I don't like it. You would think the commandant would have sent reinforcements to hunt us down."

Katara tapped her chin in thought. "Well maybe he couldn't reach his allies. I didn't see any Fire outposts while we were following the caravan to the prison."

Kuzon gave her a nod. "True. Still seems too easy. You would think if their mission was to attack and kill the remnants of the Air Nation..the Fire Nation would have a backup plan up their sleeve. We should be on our guard."

Katara nodded. "I agree."

The two then began riding back to the settlement.

Katara then looked back. "I thought you should know. Rigsang and Lhasang are discussing joining your fight against the Fire Nation."

Kuzon glanced at her confused. "You..can't be serious. The Nomads are non-violent and spiritual. They would never engage in war. That was why the Temples were razed."

Katara shrugged. "I'm telling you the truth sweetie. They were discussing it this morning with Aang."

Kuzon raised an eyebrow. "And what is he saying?"

Katara sighed and rubbed the bridge of her nose. "He..is hesitant. I think he is trying to keep the old ways of his people alive. I can't say that I agree with him though. We need all the support we can get in this war. I understand and even admire Aang's dedication to the old ways of the Nomads but war is everywhere now. If you don't fight..you die. You know that as well as I do. All the nations have to do their part."

Kuzon merely grunted. "Well..if they want to fight…I won't say no to more help but I'm not sure how skilled in combat they are. From what little I know of airbending..it is based more on evasion and defensive fighting. You don't take the fight to the enemy. You merely distract them long enough to get away. There was only one time I saw an airbender actually use his bending to hurt people."

Katara was now curious. The idea of an airbender actively killing people was quite a scary yet interesting concept. "Where did you see that?"

Kuzon sighed. "One of the master airbenders at the Southern Temple decided to take a stand during the razing.. It was Gyatso."

Katara's eyes widened. "Aang's mentor? He attacked the Fire Nation?"

Kuzon nodded gravely. "He did. He called it the Jinguro technique. I don't think Aang saw but I did. I saw Master Gyatso surrounded by a large group of firebenders as we were riding away. I'll never forget. There was a look of pure anger in that man's eyes. It chilled me to my core. I had never seen Gyatso like that.. Next thing I know, he raised up his arms and all of the firebenders..just collapsed."

Katara gasped. "Wow. I didn't think an airbender would be able to take down so many Fire soldiers at once."

Kuzon just nodded. "Fire needs oxygen to both get bigger and smaller. No air. No flame. If the Nomads hadn't dedicated themselves to non-violence, I don't think the Fire Nation would have had a chance. Water can extinguish flame. Air kills it."

Katara just nodded. "That..makes sense. It is crazy to think of the Nomads as violent. Sokka and I grew up seeing them as the progenitors of peace and tranquility."

Kuzon just nodded. "I..suppose everyone has their breaking point." Katara nodded. "Maybe so."

Hidden Temples

Moments later….

Sokka approached the firebender and waterbender as they approached. There was an uneasy grin on her face. "Ah...good. You both are here. You might want to talk to Aang and the rest of the airbenders. They are having a bit of a.. ." The warrior was then interrupted when the air whipped around them.

Aang was damn near shouting at the two airbenders. "You can't be serious! You two are really considering going to war against the Fire Nation! Have you not forgotten? The Elders taught us.."

Lhasang glared at him. "The Elders are dead Aang." She then gestured to everyone behind her. "Look around us brother. We committed to a life of separation and non-attachment and it got us all killed. The temple razings. The fact that we were all imprisoned at the hands that that ashmaker! We need to fight back! We need to fight back for both the sake of the Nomads and for the sake of the world!" She then turned to Kuzon with an apologetic look in her eyes. "I apologize for the slur. I mean no offense Avatar Kuzon."

Kuzon shrugged nonchalantly. "None taken." Aang growled and held his face in his hands. "It is clear to me that your time in exile and in prison has caused both to go against the very vows we take as airbenders. Violence is a tool of the weak."

Rigsang then got in his face with anger in his eyes. "You mean to tell me that in the time you woke up from that iceberg..you have never had to use your airbending to defend your friends?"

Aang suddenly went white as a sheet. "I..did that for my friends. I..didn't kill anyone."

Sokka then chimed in. "They do have a point Aang. You did attack a group of Fire soldiers in order to save me and my father from being overrun."

Aang then glared at Sokka. "That..was one time." He then refocused his attention on Rigsang and Lhasang. "We are talking about our people joining a war. How in the world can we help Kuzon anyway? We weren't taught to kill with our bending…only to defend and evade."

Kuzon cleared his throat and sighed. "That..isn't entirely true Aang." Aang glanced at his old friend confuse. "What do you mean Kuzon? Do you know something I don't?''

Kuzon bit his lip but continued. He knew that Aang deserved to know the truth. "When we were fleeing the Southern Temple…I was watching as my father and grandfather were desperately trying to fend off the Fire Lord's forces. Just when it all seemed hopeless…Monk Gyatso jumped in between them. The next thing I knew..he was raising his arms. Suddenly hundreds of the firebenders that had once surrounded the three of them…just collapsed. Some even fell to their deaths. I saw Gyatso kill them by drawing out all the air outside in their body. It was...shocking to witness."

Aang stood back and gasped in horror. The fear in his eyes suddenly turned to rage.

Kuzon immediately felt the guilt come rushing into his heart. Aang. I'm sorry. For the first time ever, the airbender raised his tone at the firebender he considered like a brother. "Why? Why tell me this now? How come you didn't tell me this sooner?"

Kuzon, barely able to meet his longtime friend in the eyes, just sighed. "Because I knew you would react like this Aang. You looked up to Gyatso as the true model of what an airbender..what a Nomad was meant to be. He was like a father to you. I..didn't want to soil that image for you. I couldn't."

Aang clenched a fist in frustration. Gyatso. My mentor. The man I looked up to as a father…killed people.

Kuzon, who was usually able to keeping his cool no matter the situation, was absolutely crestfallen. "I'm..sorry Aang. I know this comes as a shock."

Aang then sighed and managed to control his emotions. This isn't Kuzon's fault. He isn't the reason I'm confused. I need to consult with Gyatso's spirit somehow. I need to ask him why he killed those firebenders. He then put a hand on the Avatar's shoulder. "For the record..you aren't the one I'm angry at. I understand why you kept this from me. I probably wouldn't have reacted well under earlier circumstances. I..just need a minute alone."

Kuzon nodded. "I expected as much. Take as much time as you need. We'll be here.

Aang nodded and walked off. Kuzon then turned to the two other airbenders. "Katara..explained everything to me on the way back from our patrol. Are you people really ready for this? War is costly..and dangerous." Lhasang shook her head angrilly. "The war is as much our fight as it is yours Avatar Kuzon. We're not just going to sit here and wait for them to attack us again."

Kuzon nodded. "Okay then but I will only accept your help if Aang agrees to it. I'm not just going to leave him out of the loop. He has saved my life on more than one occasion."

Lhasang let out a long sigh and shook her head disappointingly. "I don't think we'll ever get through to him but we will try. We have to. For the sake of all airbenders out there."

The two then walked off.

Sokka crossed his arms. "Well it seems we're in a bit of an airbender civil war. This ought to be interesting."

Kuzon turned to him and nodded. "Indeed. Everyone get some rest. We'll need it."

Chapter II: The Nomads Join the War

The Hidden Temples

Two days later

Aang was musing near his quarters over the question on his mind. He was conflicted. On one end, he understood the reasons that Lhasang and Rigsang wanted to go to war with the Fire Nation. The other part of him, however, was deep in mourning. He had initially been graciously relieved when he had found his people again. There had been a fear ebbing in his heart that because of the attempted Genocide, he was the last of his people. Aang was happy to be amongst his people again. However, it seemed that the refugees' life on the run and constant fear of imprisonment had caused them to abandon their vows of non-violence. Aang understood why. Rigsang and Lhasang may not believe that he understood their pain but the master airbender did. He had been there to witness the destruction of the Southern Temple and the Fire Nation's actions at both Taqqaq Village and Agna Qel'a. He had raised his staff in defense of his friends at the Northern city. However, it was more the guilt of that attack that had him in pause. He was hurt and confused. The airbender then felt a hand on his shoulder.

It was Kuzon. The firebender had a sorrowful smile on his face. "Hey how are you feeling brother?"

Aang faked a smile and waved him off. "Ah. I'm fine. Really."

Katara had her arm around the firebender's waist. "Are you sure Aang? Kuzon and I are here for you if you need to talk to us."

Sokka then took his spot beside the young couple and started picking his teeth with his boomerang. "Yeah airhead. Lay it on us. We are all alejjiki after all."

Kuzon turned to the wolf-tail warrior with a confused look. "Sorry for my ignorance but what does alejjiki mean?"

Sokka then put a hand on the firebender's left shoulder. "Alejjiki means family in our peoples' native tongue, Aleuhian. There is both a Northern and Southern dialect."

Kuzon nodded and bowed. "Ah..I see. My apologies brother. I didn't know."

Katara giggled and shook her head with a small smile on her face. "Kuzu. Seriously. Why do you always do that?"

Kuzon, who had managed to regain his composure, glanced at his girlfriend confused. "Do..what exactly?"

Katara was struggling to hold the rest of her laugh in. "The whole bowing thing. Every time you misspeak or make a mistake…you nod and bow."

Aang, grateful for the icebreaker, then glanced at Kuzon with a questioning look. "Yeah..you have never really explained that to me. You would even do that when we were living at the Southern Temple. I never understood it."

Sokka shrugged. "Yeah. What gives with that? It's kind of weird man."

Kuzon cleared his throat and spoke. "As you all know…I am Fire Nation by birth and culture. Honor is everything to us. In our culture..it is customary to nod and bow to another when we embarrass ourselves in front of them. Doing so signifies the desire to apologize for one's actions and also to restore any honor that was lost by said action. I was ingrained to bow and nod by birth."

Sokka just nodded and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Yeah…still weird. You do realize you look dorky as hell doing that right?"

Kuzon just shrugged and let out a quip of his own. "I mean you always look like a dork with that wolf-tail on your head but you don't see me saying anything."

Katara burst into laughter. Fire National humor was an..acquired taste. It was subdued yet brutal in its response. It was one of the things that Katara loved about her boyfriend. He didn't need anyone to protect him. He was strong when he needed to be while also willing to accept help when he really needed it. "He's got you there Sokka!"

Sokka glared at her. "Hey! Last time I checked. We were siblings. You are supposed to be on my side!" Katara feigned a smile of innocence and shrugged. "I mean I can't help it if you don't know how to keep your mouth shut sometimes. I always tell you that you need to control it more."

Sokka just huffed, crossed his arms, and blushed from embarrassment. "Well whatever. Aren't we trying to help Aang?"

Aang chuckled and shook his head. "Well if you guys were planning to try to cheer me up…I would say mission accomplished."

Katara put a hand on his shoulder and smiled. "Glad to hear it Aang."

Aang gave her a nod. He then let out a beleaguered sigh and said what was on his mind. "So what do you guys think? Should my people join the war?"

Katara bit her lip a little bit. She was a bit unsure of what to tell him. She knew what she wanted to say but she cared about Aang. Unlike the rest of them, it seemed that the brutality and extreme realism of the Hundred Years War hadn't worn down the young airbender's optimism. "Aang..I love you like a little brother. I didn't want to say anything before now because I knew it would anger you." She then ran a hand against her face and sighed. "But if you want the full truth…I don't think you have much of a choice here. You have to fight. If not for the sake of the world, then for the sake of your people." " Aang growled and glared at her. "You don't get it. None of you do. I am a Nomad. I was taught that all life was sacred and that violence was never the answer to earn peace. Compromises and kindness do."

Sokka then sighed and shook his head. "I hate to tell you this kid but making the Fire Lord a cup of tea is not going to end this war."

Aang then glared at Sokka. "So what? We just kill everyone we see?"

Kuzon shook his head. "No brother. We only kill if we absolutely have to. We're not becoming murderers Aang. We are all taking a stand to defend all our peoples from the Fire Lord's madness."

Aang nodded. "So you aren't just all about killing everyone you see.?"

Kuzon shook his head irritatingly/ "No Aang. I'm not Sozin. I live by a code of honor. I only kill if it is absolutely necessary. If I went around just burning every lieutenant to a crisp. I would be no better than the Fire Lord himself. Let me ask you a question. If the Fire Nation charged in here and started killing your people…would you defend them?"

Aang growled. "Of course I would! The Fire Nation took my people from me once. I'm not letting it happen again."

Kuzon crossed his arms. "Well there you go…You would do anything to keep your people safe. I would do the same. So would Katara. So would Sokka. We are all doing the same thing. Nobody said the plan was to go around killing every soldier we see. We are just trying to protect the people that matter to us the most. Nobody is killing anyone..unless they aren't given a choice."

Aang's eyes widened. "I..see. I'm sorry. It just scares me. All of this..scares me. The world has changed."

Kuzon just nodded sadly. "It truly has brother. Believe me. I'm not doing any of this by choice. I hate this war just as much as you do."

Katara nodded. "He is right Aang. Neither am I. I don't want to hurt anyone." The waterbender then rested her head on Kuzon's left shoulder. "But the Fire Lord won't stop until all of us are under his thumb. He won't stop until everything I care about is taken away from me. I can't just stand by and watch him do that. I won't." The girl then clutched at her mother's necklace and felt a tear run down her eye. I miss you Mom. I..always miss you.

Kuzon let out a sigh and put a hand on Aang's shoulder. "Look Aang. Nothing has been decided yet. Lhasang and Rigsang both wanted to go ahead with joining the war but I told them that I wouldn't accept their help unless you agreed to it. You are my best friend Aang. You've been there with me since the beginning. I refuse to do any of this without you."

Aang felt his emotions choke him for a minute. The fact that Kuzon cared enough to include me means the world to me. It was taking all the strength he could muster to speak. "I'll..do it but I want to make one thing clear."

Kuzon crossed his arms and nodded. "Name it."

Aang sighed. "I know we can't reason with everyone but I want to try."

Kuzon just shrugged. "Consider it done." The airbender and firebender then bro-fisted. Sokka let out a feigned sigh of relief. "Well I am glad we could patch that up. The more people we have on our side the better."

The Redeemer

Somewhere near the Hidden Temples

Lhasang, Rigsang and Aang finally met up the next morning to discuss the future of the Nomads.

Lhasang eyed the master airbender curiously and crossed her arms. "So what's it going to be?"

Aang just sighed. "I'll agree to allow our people to join the war. As much as I hate to say it...we need to learn how to fight if only to protect ourselves. Something like the Genocide can never happen again."

Lhasang put a hand on the airbender's shoulder and smiled gratefully. She then felt herself blush. He is kind of cute. Maybe..perhaps...we could be something. "I promise you it won't. You have my word in that. We're not looking to hurt anyone but we aren't just going to stand by while they threaten our peace. Not again."

Aang just bowed. "I understand." He then turned to Kuzon and bowed. "The Air Nomads will fight alongside you. You have our word in honor."

Kuzon just bowed back. "Thank you." Something in the airbender's tone of voice rang alarm bells in Kuzon's head. He sounded almost defeated.

The firebender let out a sigh of regret. Aang..I don't know what to say.

Sometime later

Kuzon was busy stargazing. He was trying to find some measure of peace and quiet. The little home that the airbending refugees had made for themselves was quite quaint and peaceful..at least compared to the last place they had been. Agna Qel'a was nice if you wanted to go somewhere with the glitz and glamour but it was not exactly the quietest of places. At least it wasn't Kuzon's idea of a vacation. Of course..he knew people were naturally going to gravitate to him just based on his status as the Avatar alone. That was a no brainer. The firebender didn't really enjoy all the attention though. The title of Avatar didn't really fill him with a sense of pride. It was more a sense of just long mourning and irritation. He didn't tell anyone though. He knew that a morose Avatar would affect morale amongst his allies. It was no big deal for him to hide it.

Katara walked up to him and took her seat beside him. She then rested her head against his shoulder. "Gazing at the stars again I see."

Kuzon turned to her and nodded. "Just needed some quiet."

Katara just nodded knowingly. "You okay?" Kuzon just shrugged. "I'm fine. I'm more worried about Aang. This can't be easy for him. He has to set aside his people's beliefs in order to help me end this war. I..never wanted to see him like that. He sounded like it was taking everything inside of him to say those words to me." The boy then rested his face in his hands. "This..all of this..is my fault." Katara took his hand. "Hey come on sweetie. We talked about this. None of this is your fault." She then let out a sigh. "This is just how this war is going to be. We all have to make sacrifices. Aang and his people are included in that. You know we can't win this war without the support of all the four nations."

Kuzon nodded. "I know but you know Aang. He's..a gentle and kindred soul. He hates the very idea of violence. I mean when I had that man's life in my hands..back at the prison…He applauded me for sparing that man's life. He is my best friend. Seeing him like this just..hurts."

Katara put a hand on his shoulder. "I can imagine it does sweetie. You two have been through a lot together." Katara then pondered her thoughts for a moment.

Kuzon felt his hands start to shake. "What exactly am I supposed to do now?"

Katara then took his hands in hers. "Give him time. Trust me. He just needs time to process all this." Kuzon nodded with a knowing look in his eyes. "Yeah. You are probably right. Thanks." The waterbender then kissed him on the cheek. "No problem. That is what I'm here for. To keep you leveled when you need it." That is what Taira's spirit then appeared before him and smirked. "Hello my flameheart."

Kuzon just gasped in shock. "Taira..what..how? How did you find me?"

The airbender chuckled. "Word was going around the Spirit World that a certain Avatar was causing trouble for the Fire Nation and their imperialistic ambitions. I was curious to figure out who it was." She then floated over to her long lost lover and hugged him. "It is so good to see you after all these years.."

Kuzon hugged her back albeit rather nervously. "Yeah..you too."

She chuckled. "You really haven't changed at all have you? How did you survive the attack on the Southern Temple?"

Kuzon tried to speak but found himself struggling. "I..that's a lot to explain." The spirit woman then shrugged and sat on a trunk. "No worries. I've got plenty of time. I'm not exactly busy these days."

Kuzon bit his lip and took a deep breath. The sudden appearance of his first love had sent a shockwave down his spine. "Aang and I were shot down by a Fire Navy ship. We would have died if I hadn't encased us in an iceberg." He then sent Katara a nervous look. "Katara and her brother saved us about a month later when the iceberg cracked open. They took us in and saved us from dying of frostbite. Prince Zuko attacked the village not so long after that and we've kind of been on the run since."

Katara glanced over at her boyfriend with a concerned look in her eyes. I can't imagine how awkward this is for him. He probably is worried she might be cross at him for moving on. Perhaps there is something I could do or say to lighten the mood. She then glanced at the airbending spirit with a curious look in her eyes and half-grinned at her. "Well well you must be the girl lost to time."

Taira burst into a fit of laughter. "And you must be the charming waterbender who stole the Avatar's heart right from under me. I must say I'm quite jealous."

Katara let out an inward sigh of relief. She then crossed her arms and smirked at Taira. I'm glad she picked up on my intent to lighten the mood. The opposite would have been…awkward. "What can I say? I'm more attracted to the quiet types." She glanced at Kuzon with a flirty smile on her face and blushed. "I hope you aren't asking me to give him back. I need him to keep me warm."

Taira just shrugged and smirked at her. "Well it has been a century and I don't think I'm getting out of this place anytime soon." The airbender then waved the girl off in a mock-dismissive manner. "Go ahead and keep him. Just don't let him die. He is the only one who can defeat the Fire Lord after all."

Katara giggled. "Oh don't you worry. I won't let the Fire Lord lay a hand on him. As attractive as battle scars are, I need him alive."

Kuzon went from in shock to confused in a matter of seconds. He sighed and shook his head. "Okay. You know. I had an idea in my head about how things would go if you two ever met each other. This..wasn't it."

Taira then chuckled. "Ah your natural bluntness hasn't lost its charm at all my sweet flame." She then leaned in and kissed him one last time. "Find happiness with her." Kuzon just stood there stunned, unsure of how to respond. His eyes glanced over at Katara. She was sending a glare but not at him. Her glare was directed at Taira. The airbender glanced over at Katara and smiled apologetically. "Sorry. Just needed a moment with him. I hope you don't mind."

Katara just shrugged with crossed arms. A hint of jealousy was indebbed in her tone. "Don't worry. I'll let it go this time."

Taira nodded. "Noted." She then patted Kuzon's cheek. "Take care of yourself my sweet flame. I will always remember you. I will always be with you."

Kuzon finally managed to form words. "Goodbye…Taira." Taira then started to float away. Kuzon then took a deep breath. He felt his hands shake. "Well..that was really..something." He then ran his hands through his hair. "This..is going to take some time to process."

Katara just nodded knowingly and kissed him on the cheek. She then rested her head on his shoulder. "You know where to find me if you need me sweetie. Just come by my tent."

Kuzon kissed her back and nodded. "Thanks." He then walked off.

Somewhere near the Earth Kingdom

A small shack about five miles away

Azula and her uncle were arguing back and forth. The retired general was trying to convince both his nephew and his niece to abandon their shared quest for the Avatar and his friends. However, the two royal siblings were currently far from being convinced.

Azula growled. "No way Uncle! This is Zuko's destiny! This is our destiny! This is the only way Zuzu and I can prove ourselves to Father." I

roh just facepalmed and shook his head. "Azula please. If you continue to serve my insane brother's machinations for power, you will only serve to blitz on to your own destruction. You fight and battle for so long for both power and glory. One can only find the emotions of loneliness and bitterness on that particular path of life."

Azula glowered at the old man. "How would you know of such things Uncle?" Iroh sighed. "Because I did." He then rested a hand on his niece's shoulder. "When I was a young admiral…I wanted nothing more than to extend the Fire Nation's influence and power over the world. I wanted the glory of victory. I..led the armies that tried to breach the walls of Ba Sing Se."

Azula pushed a finger into the old man's chest and scowled. "I remember. I remember you sent us parting gifts that one time. You had the Earth Kingdom at your mercy and..just..just…abandoned the siege."

Iroh sighed and put a hand on her shoulder. Emotion caught in his voice. "I...abandoned the siege because I saw Lu Ten die in front of my own eyes. That loss..broke me."

Azula just shook her head and looked up at her uncle with a hint of sympathy in her eyes. "I sympathize with you Uncle but you still ran away from the battle. The true Fire Nation way would have been to take ten heads for Lu Ten's loss. We take revenge on those who have wronged us. We don't beg them for peace."

Iroh looked into his niece's eyes and shook his head. "Azula..please. Enough blood has been shed on both sides. Help me put an end to your father's madness."

Azula just shook her head and glowered at him. "Your words speak of cowardice Uncle. I will have no part in that. I am heading back to the ship and departing as soon as possible." She then turned to Zuko with an eager smile on her face. "Are you coming with me Zuzu?

Zuko, however, was greatly troubled by the current predicament. He had always held great respect and love for his uncle. After his mother's disappearance, the elder general had practically become like a father to Zuko. Ozai was always too busy with the affairs of running a country to ever pay the young boy even a modicum of attention. Even when Ozai did have time, he often dotted more on Azula. In Ozai's mind, Azula was the one offspring he had that had not dishonored the name of the royal family. She was a firebending prodigy. She had all of Ozai's fearsome qualities as a Fire Lord and no weaknesses whatsoever. It was quite ironic that the Fire Lord was…unaware of the true goal of both his offspring. It wasn't that Azula and Zuko disagreed with their uncle that their dear Father needed to be relieved of the throne. They just disagreed with the methods Iroh was suggesting. They would depose the Fire Lord but they would be doing it on their own terms. They would especially not align themselves with a traitorous Avatar who was responsible for the massacre of many of their countrymen and women at Agna Qel'a. Zuko took in a long sigh and eyed his uncle with a sad look in his eyes.

Iroh looked back at him with an equally solemn look. "Zuko..please..your mother wouldn't want this for you. She wanted you to be happy. She wanted to be content. Don't kill yourself for the sake of my brother's approval. Don't dishonor her memory."

Zuko scrunched his eyebrows for a moment and grit his teeth. He began to sweat. The memory of his mother's last words flashed in his mind. I love you Zuko. Remember to stay true to your heart always. He glanced at Iroh with a pained look in his eyes. "Uncle…I..don't."

Zuko then felt Azula's hand on his shoulder. The girl turned her brother's face to meet her own. There was a pleading smile on her face. In her life, Azula had been cold and unfeeling to all but four people in her life. The first was her mother. Azula, like Zuko, loved her mother very much. As a little girl, Azula had always tried to get her mother's attention. Ursa had always given such attention to her. When she disappeared, Azula was both heartbroken and betrayed by the loss. In her eyes, her mother had betrayed both her and Zuko by just leaving. The other two were Zuko and Iroh. Zuko was her brother. He was the first one who had comforted her when the siblings learned of Ursa's disappearance. The two had made an unspoken promise to watch each other's back for the rest of their natural lives. That was why Azula stuck her neck out for her older brother when he was due to be exiled. She was the one who had managed to convince their dear father to give the disgraced prince his chance for redemption. The other one was Iroh. Azula respected her uncle even though she disagreed vehemently with both his decisions to end the siege of Ba Sing Se and practically balked when he retired from the Fire Army and rescinded his right to the Fire Nation throne. He had served his country and family. That was why she was so angry with him over his attempts to convince Zuko to abandon his quest for the Avatar. The Avatar was the last chance the two of them had to restore Zuko honor to his father. Azula had made this her personal mission. She would get her brother on the throne even if it killed her in the process. Azula caressed her brother's face with a hand. "Zuzu please. This is your chance..our chance to exact our revenge on Father. He burned you. The two of us both agree that he needs to be taken down but we must do it our own way." She then took her brother's hands into her own. "Come. Let us fulfill our destiny."

Zuko stared down at his hands.

Iroh then sighed sadly and spoke pleadingly. "Zuko..please…Revenge is like a poison. It will only kill you on the inside."

Zuko took a look into his heart. He felt the anger and rage overcome him. The memory of the Agni Ki flashed in his mind. His eyes then flared with anger. I must find the Avatar. Only then will my revenge on Father be sated. Father. You will pay for what you have done. He looked straight into Azula's eyes and nodded. "You're right. Let's go. The Avatar will be ours."

Azula smirked wryly at him. "There's the Zuko I know and love."

As the two siblings walked to the Redeemer, they heard Iroh call out after them. "I won't let you do this nephew! You are being led down the wrong path!" Azula glowered at the old general with a bit of sadness in her eyes. "I was hoping I could get you to see reason Uncle. There was a part of me that was afraid you wouldn't let this go. That is why I came prepared with a back up plan."

In a flash, Mai and Ty Lee then jumped down in front of Iroh.

Mai then drew her knives and Ty Lee got into a fighting pose.

Zuko gasped. His eyes were focused on Mai. Mai? What is she doing here? "Mai? What are you doing here?"

Mai turned to her longtime crush and blushed. Oh Zuko. Still as handsome and as dense as ever. Never change. She then chuckled sarcastically. "Good to see you too Zuko. I'm glad to see exile hasn't changed your look. That scar of yours still looks as sexy as ever."

Ty Lee then saw Zuko. She smiled brightly and began waving her hand in an excited matter. "Oh hi Zuko! It is so good to see you!" Zuko was still taken aback by everything. "Hi…Ty Lee."

Azula chuckled. Zuzu's confused face is so adorable. She then turned to Ty Lee and Mai. "Okay you two..your mission is to subdue my uncle. Don't kill him…just render him unconscious."

Zuko then turned to her flabbergasted. "What are you doing?"

Ty Lee suddenly glanced nervously from Azula to Iroh. "Azula..are you sure about this? He's part of your family."

Azula wanted to rescind the order. She didn't want to hurt her uncle but she also couldn't have him interfering with her plan. She bit her lip and forced the words out. "I'm..sure."

Mai glanced between them and just shrugged nonchalantly. "You're the boss Azula." The girl then threw out four knives. Each one of them didn't harm Iroh. They just merely pinned him to a nearby wall.

Zuko gasped in horror. "No!"

Iroh hissed at the brunette girl. He then tried to break out of the hold the knives had on him to no avail. "You foolish girl! Do you have any idea what you are doing? My brother only seeks to use Zuko as a tool! Can't you understand?"

Mai just turned to him and shrugged. "Don't know. Don't care." She then glared at Iroh with daggers in her eyes. "Besides…if the Fire Lord ever tries to kill Zuko…I'll send a knife into his heart even before he breathes in his first bit of fire." The girl said that will all the menace she could muster. She then turned to Ty Lee. "Alright. Your turn."

Ty Lee then sighed. She stepped in front of Iroh with a conflicted look on her face. "I'm..sorry about this Iroh." Before Iroh could respond, Ty Lee used her nimbleness with her hands to attack all his pressure points at once. The man instantly fell unconscious.

Azula sighed regretfully. She was about to break down but managed to maintain her usual poise and control. "A regrettable endeavor but a necessary one. Good..work girls. I'll bring some men and they can load him onto the ship."

Mai and Ty Lee gave the princess a nod. She then felt Zuko grasp her shoulders tightly. He was now furiously angry with her in a way the firebender had never seen him before. "Azula! What have you done? He was like a father to me! He was family!"

Azula, however, kept her poise and calm. She made sure Zuko could see the conviction and warmth in her eyes. She caressed his face with a hand. "Zuzu..please. You and I both know he wouldn't have let you go without a fight. This was the only way to subdue him without killing him. I still love Uncle with all my heart. That is why I…merely rendered him unconscious. He will be under heavy house arrest but well taken care of. I promise you."

Zuko just nodded with a numb look on his face.

Azula sighed. That will have to do for now. Oh Zuzu. I hope you understand that I did this for you. I knew you wouldn't have the stomach to remove Uncle from the equation. So I did what was called for.

Zuko rubbed the tears from his eyes and steeled his emotions. As much as he hated to admit it…Azula was right. Iroh wouldn't have let him go. The old man would have begged and pleaded with Zuko to choose a different path. One Zuko wouldn't have wanted. The boy held in his emotions and put a hand on Azula's shoulder. "Fine. I understand. So what's next."

Azula smiled at him with a brightened look in her eyes. She caressed her brother's face with a hand. "We find the Avatar and his friends…and then we bring you home as the prodigal son."