Chapter 13: Come As You Are

Well, checking back up on Team Avatar this chapter, in case you've been wondering. Oh and Mai and Ty Lee didn't disappear, they'll be coming back a little later. Once again, telling you to read my friend's story, pen name is sonadorica; story is "Iroh's Lost Love." Would I steer you wrong? It's a hilarious fic. Anyway, back to Chapter 13, enjoy!

Sokka, Crin, and Tomo were treated with interested glances when they landed in Konashi. News had reached them that the flagship had been sunk during a storm, thus scattering the Fire Nation invasion. Konashi was safe.

Haru met them at the meeting hall. He smiled, happy with his first great success as Konashi's protector.

Hellos and introductions were exchanged and then the sat down to talk.

"What's been happening since we left?"

"Well, we rebuilt quite nicely and Konashi has been prosperous. But then the Fire Nation showed up. Three girls and the commander that was here before. Fulazon. One of the girls was the Princess. We didn't have a large enough army to stand a chance, so we got help from some rebels in the woods. The Freedom Fighters."

"Jet helped you?" Sokka interrupted.

"No, he wouldn't come. You know him?"

"Yeah."

"Well, a girl, Smellerbee, took over as temporary leader. But Jet's gone missing. Some of his men say he tried to get on the ship we sank."

Sokka already had suspicions creeping in. Jet was missing. Azula was missing. Both at the same time. Azula was stuck with a rebel leader. Jet was the leader of a rebel force called the Freedom Fighters… They were going to kill each other.

"What's happened to you guys?"

Crin laughed a little. "It's a long story."

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"It was nice to catch up with you Chong, but we're looking for someone and we should go," Aang called from up on Appa.

"Sure thing. Oh wait, I almost forgot." Chong fished out a small scroll from his pocket. "Here's the song I wrote about Sokka. Make sure he gets it."

"Of course. I'll see you."

"Good luck on your journey."

They waved at the jovial group and took off.

"They were a nice bunch of people," Ursa commented.

"Yeah," Aang said.

"Just a little loopy," Toph added.

They all laughed. They couldn't truly deny it.

"I wonder what Chong could have possibly written about Sokka."

"I'm a little afraid to find out."

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"Why are you being so nice?" Azula asked Jet. They were back by the fire now and the sunlight was fading into starlight.

"To be honest, I don't know," Jet answered. "I'm supposed to hate you. The Fire Nation killed my parents when I was eight. I've done some things I'm not proud of. I say that I'll start fresh, but I don't because I can't control the anger sometimes."

"So why am I different?"

"It started out to just stay alive. So you wouldn't kill me first. Now… I don't know what it is. I could never kill you because… I don't want to."

"Do you think we can change?"

"Someone I met in Ba Sing Se, who I thought was a firebender, told me that he believed that people could change, that people can have second chances. He was a good man. I should have been kinder."

"Maybe that man is right."

"I hope he is."

The shadows played across their faces in the moonlight. It made Azula more beautiful. Jet more handsome. They listened to the ocean waves and drifted off to sleep.

Well, hmmm. I can't think of anything to say, so just insert long-winded yet slightly witty commentary here. Yes, I am definitely witty. Why not? Well, constructive criticism, come on, I can take it. Please? Am I review begging? I'm trying not to. Gentle persuasion, let's go with that. Opinions, bring 'em.