AVATAR: Hunt for the Courier

by Dearing

Sequel to Last of the Black Core. As Summer's End approches, Alistair and co. must warn the USAC before the Führer fires the COMET System again. But with a new face hunting Avatar's Courier...will they make it in time? Gundam inspired alt. history fic. Now cancelled, but a summery of the ending has been uploaded.

2. Angels Over The Atlantic

You know...when I said the first chapter would be up by the end of the month...the last day wasn't exactly the date I was aiming for.

Nevertheless, here it is, the first real chapter of this fic. Not a prologue, not a note, a actual it was worth the wait.

A few things to note here:
The first is there is at least one geographic phenomenon that couldn't scientificlly exist in the real world. I've just written it in for entertainment purposes.
The second is...at least for this chapter...the part of Artirius Meridiano will be played in your heads by Johnny Yong Bosch (AKA Lelouch Lamperouge or Claus Valca to name a few of his roles) Just keep that in mind while your reading this ;)
And speaking of keeping things in mind, here is a note to Grey DeLisle that I found on on Azula quote: "A 14-year-old should not permanently sound like she wants to chain you to a wall and do... interesting things to you. Especially when she's talking to her older brother," Unquote. Well, a fourteen year old might not, but in this fic, Azura is a few years older then that. As I've said before, Azura is a bit more...crazy...then she is in the original. I just thought I'd remind you before we move on.

Anyway, enjoy! Once again I hope this was worth the wait!

---

001

ANGELS OVER THE ATLANTIC

There was screaming. Flames stained the pitch black skies as the wreckage of Land Battleships and Rangers threw strange shadows across the land.

G.U.N. and Union soldiers alike fled in fear as he moved across the battlefield in great lumbering steps, arcs of pure white lighting striking out from his fingers, machines of war and destruction erupting into balls of flame as he turned his attention to Moscow.

"Wait…Moscow?"

It was then that he realised he had no control over his crystalline limbs. He was like a pilot trapped in an automated Exo-Suit, completely helpless to stop it's attacks as buildings crumbled and exploded to his body's endless might.

"Artirius!" he couldn't even speak, only his mind screamed out for the only man who seemed to understand the Crystalline Avatar, "Artirius, help me!!"

As if approaching on his request, the Eternal seemed to slice through the darkness that enshrouded the land, the city finding a moment's peace as the Ranger's entry hatch opened to reveal the Major lounging lazily in it's cockpit chair, the sash usually covering his eyes nowhere to be seen.

"Artirius! Something's wrong!" He stared desperately into Meridiano's closed eyes, "I can't control it! I…"

"You should not have resisted Mr. Aang," the Major sighed pityingly as he lent his head against two fingers and a thumb, "If you had just relaxed, maybe none of this would have happened. That said…" he smiled slightly, "Perhaps this is for the best, after all, does not destruction always come before creation? Does not even the very universe itself teach us that very thing?"

"What are you saying?!" He could do nothing to stop his arms reaching out once more, their fingers glowing and pulsing with energy as innocent civilians fled from his upcoming attack, "Artirius, help me! I…can't…stop it!!! And what the hell's wrong with your speech!?

"Oh I should not worry Mr. Aang," the Major finally opened his eyes, a feeling of fear developing in the pit of his stomach as he noticed the intricate crystal patterns that were laced across his right hand emerald orb, "This is a good thing, trust me. You trust me do you not? After all, are we not…friends?"

He closed his eyes again as he tried to quell a dark chuckle, his shoulders sharking as he held his head in his hand.

As the lighting laced out form his fingers however, the Major could do nothing but laugh, his voice high and maniacal, his eyes and mouth wide and insane.

As Eternal's hatch closed and the Ranger soared away, he felt the world suddenly drop out from underneath him, the sound of Meridiano's laughter mixing with that of exploding mortar and metal as he fell into a bottomless abyss.

Faster and faster he fell, no body nor limbs to flail, just endless falling.

Then as though out of the blue, the crimson head of Koh suddenly leapt out of the shadows, his massive jaws opened wide to…

---

Alistair Aang awoke with a startled gasp, his grey eyes wide and fearful in the semi-dark, cold sweat completely coating his naked torso.

He couldn't stop shaking as he blearily looked around the small hotel room, his grey orbs darting to Katara's slim form in the bed across from him to Sokka's splayed limbs hanging over the side of a couch at the end of the room.

Had he woken anybody up? Would they suddenly jump up as they realised he had violently awoken?

"That's my chicken!" Sokka growled in his sleep as his head slumped onto the wooden floor with a thump, "Look out! The Devil's wearing Prada!"

The officer chuckled slightly as he carefully pulled back his sweat soaked sheets and made his way to the bathroom, his arms and legs still visibly shaking as he pushed his way into the small room and turned on the sink.

Cold water poured from the tap into his quivering hands as he splashed his face, droplets of liquid dripping off his face as he stared grimly into the mirror.

"Another nightmare?"

The officer spun around at the sound of her voice, his fists clenching around the side of the sink as Katara stared at him, a mixture of irritation and concern playing across her face.

"You don't think I notice, tossing and turning in the middle of the night?" she folded her arms across the oversized shirt she used as a nightdress as she scowled, clearly unaffected by the fact he was standing before her in nothing but briefs, "You're starting to look like you've just risen from the dead, you're not getting enough sleep. Something's wrong Alistair, and you're not telling us,"

"It's nothing," the officer turned back to the mirror, a small smile gracing his lips as her eyebrows arched with disbelief, "Really. Just bad dreams," he glanced at her unimpressed reflection before turning his gaze to the basin, "I just keep going over the battle at Moscow, and how things might've gone wrong. I took a big risk trusting Artirius, and I can't help but wonder what might've happened if I'd been wrong to put faith in him. What if I hadn't been in control? What if I destroyed everything because an enemy told me to do something so reckless? What if…"

"The point is, you didn't," Aang blinked in surprise as Katara came up beside him, her hand warm as she gently placed it over his, "You saved Moscow, possibly the world from darkness…at least temporarily," she smiled reassuringly, "You did good Alistair, and you're going to keep doing good, right? Now that you know the Avatar's true power, you know what you can be capable of,"

"Yeah, but the real questions now are," the officer smiled grimly, "Will I be able to control it next time…and will it spit me out when it's all over?"

---

Saint Petersburg.

Locked in ice for almost eighty years, the once prosperous city had been a wintry harsh place, the metallic bio-dome overhead doing nothing but lessening the bitter cold that shrouded the country of Russia, the once prosperous bay a frozen block of ice.

But in the dying days of 2045, all that snow and ice just…disappeared, pleasant warmth like no other enveloping the city and allowing the citizens within to walk freely beyond the dome without the use of Rangers or thick coats.

And on January 25th 2046, the United States Hospital Ship known as the USHS Eva N. Gelion, commonly known simply as the Gelion by those that sailed her, became the first ship to sail into port for almost fifty years.

Beginning life as an oil tanker, the massive nine hundred foot long vessel was quickly converted to a medical ship following the introduction of the ion generator.

Now it's white hull was adorned with the blood red crosses of it's class, once cavernous cargo bays now segmented and divided to form operating theatres and recuperation rooms.

In addition, eight four inch guns lay mounted on her deck, four on each side, a decision created from the growing fear of foul play as more blood was spilled each year.

Now Saint Petersburg's docks were a bustle with life as US crew is dark green uniforms assisted the azure clothed soldiers of the New Soviet Union with the exchange of supplies between the Gelion and the deprived city, General Walter Pakku, Alistair, Katara and Sokka standing amidst the chaos as the four gazed out towards the massive vessel.

"With the losses they've suffered to it's army from the Battle for Moscow, G.U.N. has since stepped up it's naval and air force strikes across the Front liens and across the oceans until their battle strength has returned to a more favourable level," The General sighed as he surveyed the commotion that surrounded them, "As such, we believe it would be dangerous for the Avat to be seen out amidst the sea and the skies, which is why Captain Ibram has allowed for you to return with him to New York,"

"You mean we're getting there by sea? Ugh!" Sokka made a face, "We'll be stuck adrift for weeks! No land around for miles…OW!"

"What my brother means to say is we're honoured Captain Ibram is willing to give us room on his ship," Katara shot her sibling a dirty look as she smacked him round the back of the head, "We'll try to keep out of his way,"

"It's no trouble on his part," Pakku smiled good naturedly, "The Gelion has no patients aboard in terminal condition, and with the supplies they've graciously donated to St. Petersburg, they have more than enough space for the Avat. Once they've finished loading supplies, you will depart immediately," he turned to the three comrades, a genuine smile of his aged face, "Once again, on behalf of the Chancellor and the New Soviet Union, we cannot thank you enough for what you have done for us. I only wish there was something more we could for you, besides assurance our assistance in future battles once we have insured the safety of our civilians, and the upgrades to Miss Katara's Fortitude…"

"It isn't us you should be thanking," all eyes turned to Alistair as he gazed out to sea, "Yue saved us all…we just held down the fort,"

"You know…he kinda has a point," Sokka smiled sadly, "Without Yue's…sacrifice…We'd probably be long dead by now

"I suppose so," Pakku frowned thoughtfully as he turned his eyes to the blue skies above, "But with the way the War is heading…I cannot help but wonder if all she has done…is buy us time,"

---

"You know, maybe it's the fact I've been cooped up in a Ranger for a month, or maybe it's because I've haven't had a good night's sleep for the same amount of time," Iroh sighed dreamily as he stretched out on the large bed, "But I swear I will never complain about a good bed for as long as live! Zuko?" the old man looked up, "Are you alright?"

The Captain…former Captain…didn't reply. Situated in a small hotel near the Russian-Chinese boarder, the owner hadn't been too impressed when the pilot and his aged companion of a G.U.N. Ranger demanded a room as well as fresh clothes and no disturbances. Due to political standing however, he had been forced to comply.

Now Zachariah "Zuko" Sozin stared outside where his Ranger stood, rain bouncing lightly off it's metallic grey armour.

Somehow…the weather suited his mood.

"Oh…I see," His Uncle sighed, "I didn't realise February was so close…It's the anniversary today isn't it?"

"January twenty-fifth….Two years to the day," Zuko stared out unemotionally at the turbulent ocean beyond the cliffs not so far away, "Two years ago, my father banished me from my homeland," he looked back towards where Iroh lay, "I want it back Uncle. I want the Avatar, I want my honour, I want my right as a son of Sozin…I want my father to look at me with pride…"

"Well…I must admit," Iroh smiled slightly as he joined his relative at the window, "You certainty have your father's determination if nothing else. Don't worry my dear nephew," he patted him gingerly on the shoulder, "Some day, you will regain you're honour, one way or another. I know it,"

"I don't it to be one day," Zuko scowled darkly as he turned his gaze back to the stormy view, "I want it to be today,"

---

The Havoc.

Standing at just under eighteen metres tall, G.U.N.'s latest Mecha Suit could easily be mistaken for one of it's Ranger brethren. Clad in armour of onyx with highlights of gold along it's arms, legs and chest, every line was smooth and curved, it's chest coming to a rounded point like the prow some mighty sailing ship, situated between the orbs of it's shoulder joints.

Like most advanced prototype machines, it's head was humanoid; a rounded cranium with bullion coloured plates rising up on either side of it's head to form a wing tipped 'helmet', blood red eyes watching carefully from within it's flat golden faceplate.

On first glance you would also consider the Havoc to be lightly armed, six spindly arms, three on each side, stretched out on either side of the machine's thruster assembly, a pair of long triangular shaped swords clenched in it's long clawed fingers.

But then, first glances were very rarely completely forthcoming.

Then there was the Neurological Device that piloted the mecha; a Perfect Neurological Device, the only one in the world and even then, Havoc's pilot had to undergo minor yet painful surgery to fully access it's capabilities.

But then again, the pilot was Azura Sozin, A woman who strived for perfection, no matter the cost.

Sovereignty's modifications made that clear.

Once a triple hulled Supercarrier, one of only five, in the two months she had been in dry dock, the vessel had undergone massive changes to the point it was near unrecognisable from it's sisters.

The Island had been moved from the side of the vessel to a larger block at the rear of the ship, the new command centre now a smooth incline that began a quarter of the way along main hull, a small lump near it's peak revealing it's newly enhanced Bridge, it's extra size incorporating most of the living quarters that had been moved from the secondary hulls. The spaces between hulls had also been removed, new lethal rectangular positron cannons, currently sunken into their berths, hidden in the shadows, their power sources stored where soldiers of G.U.N. had once eaten, slept and lived.

Where once triple barrelled 50 cm navel guns had rested, now twin barrelled energy cannons lay glinting in the sun, where corkscrew turbines had once pushed the mighty ship through the waters, now a U-shaped bank of Neo-Ion thrusters pushed the vessel to so much more.

Then there was the…other…attachments.

Yes, as Artirius had previously thought, Azura strived for perfection with every mech she piloted and every ship she sailed. Everything she owned had to be either one off, or better then everything else in it's class.

And now, the Captain faced off against her, his own Eternal against her brand new Havoc.

They stared it other without really looking across the Launch deck of the massive warship; his eyes covered by a sash of crimson fabric, her eyes plugged into her machine's cameras via a series of cables attached to her spine via her Neurological device.

Even then, Artirius knew her smile was deadly.

Then, the Havoc moved.

Leaping through the air from a still start, the Captain barely had time to pull his sword from his Ranger's back before twin blades struck against it's metal surface, sparks flying as the Mecha Suit seemed to try and force his machine into the deck.

Jumping back off Eternal's chest before he had a chance to retaliate, Havoc proceeded to dart in, it's swords smashing blow after blow against it's foe, some missing, others slicing against the sword.

Gritting his teeth as he placed a strengthening hand against the blade, Artirius knew he was in a precarious position. Keep defending, and eventually Azura would break through, go on the offensive, and he could wind up dead for a number of reasons, ranging from a well timed shot on her part to death by firing squad if his attack met it's mark.

But having served the Heiress of G.U.N. for several years, The Captain was well aware of her goading nature. She was trying to get him to fight back, knowing that if she got so much as a splinter her father would have his head.

But he would hold his ground.

He always held his ground.

Until she tired and went for something more drastic.

Pushing away from it's target, Havoc somersaulted back across the deck, it's limbs a blur as the triangular blades rotated to a horizontal plane and split down the middle.

Even if he couldn't see, the whine of electron emitters charging piercing his cockpit's speakers was enough for the Captain to move for his Ranger's energy rifle.

With a mighty push off the deck, the Havoc flew feet first into the air, the entire machine expertly spinning mid-flight to face it's foe, it's swords now glowing with electric blue energy.

As the mecha landed with the barest of thuds against the nearby turret, a wave of cobalt power surged across the deck, the light blinding Eternal's cameras as it's pilot brought his weapon to bear, a charge of burning green energy erupting from it's barrel to meet his attacker head on.

As the two blasts hit, Sovereignty rocked under the resulting explosion, only Lt. Mathew Ysara, the current Bridge watch officer, refused to look away from the bright light as his fellows privately swore and cursed against their Captain and his sparring partner.

"Damn her," The blond scowled darkly as the light quickly faded, his dark eyes blinking against the spots that stained his vision, "She'll be the death of us all if she's not careful,"

In Eternal's cockpit, Artirius sighed as he lent back in his chair, one hand whipping away the sweat that had seeped under his scarf, "Another…Another draw Lady Azura," She was trying to kill him, that much was obvious, "An…an excellent duel,"

"You have a funny way of looking at a draw Artie," Her mocking voice on his belt mounted personal radio caused him to wince slightly under his sash as he lowered Eternal down onto one knee, bright sunlight pouring into his cockpit as he opened the hatch, "Excellent would indicate success, victory, dominance over your enemy. A draw is none of these things,"

"I will admit, a draw is not a victory, but it can still be excellent," the Captain frowned as he pulled a debarkation cable out from the roof of the hatch, letting it ease him down to the deck before making his way to the stationary Havoc, "You're attacks are becoming more presence with every match, the electron emitters are producing good results and even you're fighting style is…"

"Artie?"

"Yes Lady Azura?"

"You talk too much,"

With a blast of steam, the Mecha Suit's chest cracked open directly down the middle, a watery orange liquid gushing out of the opening like blood from a wound; leaking over the Havoc's pristine armour and pooling across the Sovereignty's Launch Deck.

As the hatch parted fully, Artirius was glad his eyes were blinded from normal sight.

Suspended within a large metal sphere by a dozen cables, Azura Sozin stood within a full body Neurological Device, her arms splayed wide while her feet stayed close together.

Designed specifically for her body, the armoured suit tight and accenting every curve, save for her head, encased in a matching dark steel grey helmet with solid black visor, and the joints around the hands and arms where the small movements were still necessary.

With a wet pop, twelve cables burst free from their fastenings along her spine and spiralled up into ports along the edge of the sphere, the suit cracking along the arms, legs and down the centre of her body, various parts pulling away to release the pilot within.

Her long hair seemed to flow out behind her as Havoc removed her helmet, her amber eyes flashing with a malice that matched her smile as her onyx locks fell across the crimson body suit she had to wear when operating her machine.

"Talk is cheap Artie," he winced as she stepped off her machine, landing perfectly despite the height of the fall, the liquid that stained the deck barely splashing form the impact, "You're compliments are touching, but a draw is still a draw. It doesn't matter how hard you fight, it may as well be considered a loss,"

"But still…" he cut himself short when she lashed out at him, grabbing his throat between her perfectly manicured nails.

"Tell me Artie…" her voice was calm and silky, "Do you think we will accomplish our objectives if we constantly draw with our enemy? Do you think stalemates will allow us to capture our prey and return it to Berlin?," she increased the pressure against his neck, a thrill running up her enhanced spine as she watched him start to struggle to breath, his pulse beating against her skin, "Do you think my Father will be happy that our progress will be hampered by constant deadlocks? What do you think Artirius?"

"I think…" despite his apparent lack of oxygen, her Captain remained calm, "I think…you smell of blood…Lady Azura,"

His answer was a distraction, she knew; an attempt to stop her attack by turning her attention to vanity. For a moment, she considered squeezing hard until that pulse in her hand completely stopped…

But then again…she would probably never find an…experience…like his again.

So she let go.

"It's the bio-neural fluid," she frowned in mild annoyance when Meridiano didn't double over, a few stabilising breaths the only indication of her 'lesson', "It helps the connection between man and machine when within the atmosphere. Hard to create. Perhaps I shouldn't let it leak all over the ship. Worthless in outer space though. I suppose it's lucky we're the only nation with Mass Drivers," she smiled cruelly at her Captain as she headed back towards the island with a sway in her hips,

"He would have been so much harder to capture if he had access to the stars,"

---

When Alistair had turned ten years old, his father had taken him hiking up Mt. Snowdon in Wales as a birthday treat. In the several hours it had taken to reach the summit, the two of them deciding to take the train back down, there had been a fair share of laughs, tears and a couple of close calls.

When they reached the top however, the view he had seen; the mountains and lakes, the paths winding their ways across the countryside, with the sun casting great shadows across the landscape, had taken his breath away.

It had been that view that helped him in his decision to join the RAF, for if the views from the top of Snowdon had been breathtaking, the views from a plane must be even greater.

It had been that view that had taken him to the Black Core, to Everest Base, to his commission as Courier of the Avatar, the world's first Ranger.

But now…that view was lost forever.

For as January turned into February, the Flight Lieutenant sighed as the prow of the Gelion sailed smoothly over the place where the summit of Snowdon had been a hundred years before.

The Sea of Burning Souls. That's what he'd heard several sailors call the place where the British Isles had once sat.

So deep had the COMET System cut into the Earth's crust, it had cracked open down to the upper mantle. As a result, magma now constantly seeped out into the Atlantic Ocean like a bleeding wound. Scientists predicted in would take several decades for the immense crater to be filled in, and several more before a landmass would resurface, if it ever would.

The steam that would occasionally rise from the water, the molten rock that burned so hot even the darkest depths of the ocean couldn't douse the reds and oranges that glowed hundreds of miles below, these were the traits that gave the British Channel and it's surrounding waters it's new name, the dim glow of magma hundreds of miles below combining with the storms that now frequented the area creating a hellish scene for most of the year.

Now however, it was peaceful, a clam before a storm the sensor officer had said. A good time to get some fresh air before the next front hit.

So here Alistair stood, alone on the front deck of the massive vessel, his eyes watching the dim burning glow of the Earth lighting the ocean around him in the dawn's early light.

"Incredible, isn't it?"

The officer looked around in surprise at the unfamiliar voice, his grey eyes widened slightly as he set them on Captain Fredrick Ibram.

Tall and well built, the middle aged man smiled down at Aang from beneath a large brown beard that seemed to merge somewhere with his neat greying hair, dark blue eyes glinting in the early morning light.

As with all soldiers of the U.S.A.C., his uniform seemed remarkably dated; a blue tailcoat that came down to his knees, buttoned down the front with neck hugging collar, black cuffs and gold tassels adorning his shoulders, a simple black belt with metal buckle around his waist keeping the ensemble together. Khaki trousers and knee length leather boots adorned his lower body, a cloak fitted around his right shoulder indicating his status aboard ship.

Likewise, the regular soldiers wore a similar uniform, only with a simple tunic that came down to their waist, their rank stitched into their sleeves and collars, with a black garrison cap atop their heads. Each armed force wore a different coloured tunic to distinguish themselves from each other: The navy wore blue, The Army wore green, and the Air Force wore red.

According to Sokka, the U.S.A.C. was going through something of a 'chivalry phase, a yearning to go back to the times before the wars and the Great Depression, back to a time when men were men and would lay down their cloaks in puddles for women to walk over them,' while on the face of it, this hadn't seemed to of changed the day to day lives of the citizens, this was shown in their country's uniforms, save for the combat slacks of soldiers on the battlefield.

Suffice to say, Alistair was glad his uniform wasn't the most outdated in this war ridden future.

"The ocean," the Captain joined Aang at the railing, "You would have thought it would have dropped a bit with this giant crater in the middle of the Atlantic, and probably dried up with that never cooling rock down there. Yet here it is, unchanged, admittedly more stormy then it was a hundred years ago, and no one knows why,"
"Maybe the 'burning souls' are keeping the waters away from the mantle," Alistair smiled sadly, watching as the Captain chuckled to himself.

"Yes, perhaps your right. They say only non-G.U.N. ships can travel these waters you know. The Nationalists say the area is cursed, that now G.U.N. vessel has ever returned from battle if they crossed the Sea of Burning Souls," he glanced down into the burning orange ocean below, "They tend to give this area a wide berth as a result. They fear this place," he turned his gaze to his companion, "Just like they fear you?"

Alistair rolled his eyes, "Can't imagine why,"

"It's only been a month, but already stories of your victory at Moscow have spread across the world. An entire battle fleet, wiped out within the span of a few minutes," the Captain sighed as he shook his head, "I can't imagine what it must be like to have that kind of responsibility,"
"Yeah well," the officer sighed as he turned his gaze out to sea, "I try not to think about it too much. Right now, all I can think about is getting to Washington. We have to unite our forces into one unit and take out Berlin as quickly as possible. Otherwise when Summer's End comes…most of this planet will probably be covered in a Sea of Burning Souls,"

"Perhaps," Ibram stroked his long beard, "But I wonder Lt. Aang…have you ever considered…you might be ready to face the Führer now?"

"Now?" Aang blinked in surprise at the Captain, "Like…right now?"

"Think about it," the comforting smile that graced the bearded man's lips was anything but, "The power of the Crystalline Avatar…raw energy capable of incinerating entire warships with a single blast. A mammoth structure that has the potential to level entire cities with one rampage. We could divert to France right now, sneak through the Nationalist defences and reach Berlin within a week! Once we've taken Berlin, the rest of G.U.N. will fall!"

"But there's a flaw to that plan," Alistair gritted his teeth angrily, "I only have control over the Crystalline Avatar for an undetermined amount of time, and that's if I touch it directly. I might be five hours, it might only be a few minutes. And even then, there's not a good chance it'll spit me back out again afterwards! It's just not worth the risk. And if you just overfeed the Avatarium Crystal…there's a chance it'll kill everybody, not just the G.U.N. soldiers…and even then I can't control when it activates…"

"Then we must find a way to activate and control the Crystalline Avatar without direct contact," The Captain smiled, "It will work,"

"It'll be a massacre!" Aang slammed his fist against the metal handrail angrily, "Unless direct contact is applied, I'm not sure the Avatarium Crystal even knows the difference between friend of foe. There is no way to control it. I'm sorry, but we have to get to Washington and come up with a better plan of attack,"

"I see. I understand," he didn't appear to be angry, which unnerved Aang somewhat, "Yes…I suppose your plan is best. Wouldn't want to rush into anything…that said," the Captain's face suddenly became dangerous, "Lieutenant…have you visited the infirmary wards since we left St. Petersburg?"

"A couple of times. Katara said it might lift the moral of the troops there if they saw the Courier of the Avatar in their midst,"

"Indeed," Ibram turned his gaze to the burning ocean below, "As Captain of the Gelion, I see this kind of thing everyday. Today is what I would call a slow day though. Just a few broken legs, a mangled hand or two…nothing terminal," he turned back to the officer grimly, "But most of the time, I see much worse my friend. I've seen good men and women with their arms and legs completely blown off. I've seen bodies that are merely mangled piles of bloody flesh strewn on a bed. And have you ever heard the screams of the dying? We had to soundproof the wards it got so dreadful, not a day goes by when blood is usually splattered across the deck. That's why we take tours like this, when we go around the neutral countries, giving out supplies, helping their wounded as they try to get by with outdated technology and medicine. But once we get back to New York, it'll be back to the status quo. Back to the dead and the dying as the U.S.A.C. continues to send it's boys out to die by the thousands. And while you head off to Washington to gather your forces and make your plans, more soldiers are heading off to their deaths, and not all of them will have the sweet short release of an exploding Ranger or Mecha Suit. But let me help you," he set a hand on the younger man's shoulder, "Let me help you find a way to control the Crystalline Avatar without affecting you, and we can stop this war within the week. What do you say? Will you help me stop the Führer?"

Alistair gazed at the Captain for several minutes, before turning his gaze to the dim glow below him.

Finally, he sighed.

"Fine, I'll do it,"

---

"No, you can't!"

Aang sighed as he squirmed slightly under Katara's glare, fully aware of the bemused glances from several patients and nurses that stood around the ward.

With nothing better to do on the long voyage, Katara and Sokka had volunteered (Sokka had been volunteered by Katara) to give what little help they could around the Gelion's various wards; distributing medicine, generally keeping the place clean to name a few chores on their lists.

Right now, all that was forgotten at the news Aang brought from the upper decks.

"I don't see what the problem is," Alistair shrugged indifferently, "Captain Ibram has a point. The sooner we take Berlin, the faster G.U.N. will fall, and the quicker the war will end. If we can figure out a way to overfeed Avatarium and control it without direct contact, I don't see what the problem is,"

"The problem is this isn't the right way to go about this!" Katara scowled darkly, "The ship's still over the Sea of Burning Souls, do you know how far we are from the G.U.N. boarder? They're gonna start wondering why a Hospital ship's stopped in the middle of the ocean you know! If you want to study Avatarium, great, but wait until we get to the mainland please!"

"Honestly…I gotta agree with Al on this one," Sokka smirked as he brushed down the plastic floor nearby, "I mean, it's gonna take us another two weeks to get to New York, why not see what we can do here and get it over with? I mean did you see what he did to the G.U.N. battle fleet at Moscow? It was incredible! Sure it's not gonna be as amazing if he keeps the crystal inside it's armour, but still…"

"Do I have to remind you that Avatarium is still alien to any of us!?" His sister gazed at her brother exasperatedly, "Sure, Artirius and his General friend gave as a bit of info, but that's not enough to start experimenting with the Avatar State like this! And what if you get hurt?" She turned her eyes pleadingly back to Aang, "A theoretical quick victory isn't worth the risk of loosing you Alistair. Please…reconsider?"

"I…Can't," the officer sighed as he turned his gaze away from her, "I already gave the Captain my word. I'm sorry Katara, but I have to do this,"

"Sure you do," her voice was sullen as she turned away from him, "Fine. You want to do this, I won't stop you," Alistair glanced back as she strode purposefully away, "But that doesn't say I'll help you either,"

---

"Okay…so remind me again…" Alistair cast a uneasy glance at the flexible cable that was currently tied around the Avatar's neck as it stood on the Gelion's Deck between it's cannons, Sokka within Katara's Lumber holding the other end, "Why do I feel like a dog on a leash?"

"This is an electron cable. It was supposed to be used as a core implement for the construction of Orbital Elevators, but seeing as we have never constructed such strutures, it was never used," Ibram's voice came over the speakers from his position on the Gelion's Bridge, "It was designed to catch lightening that may hit the elevator and feed it harmlessly into a battery deposited. Using that basic principle, we've rigged this Lumber's power supply to send a jolt of energy through your Ranger should you get out of hand while in the Avatar State. We don't think you'll be hurt…but we'll just have to play it by ear,"

"Play it…by ear?"

"In order to activate the Avatar State without direct contact, you told me you were required to be angry or scared. Mr. Agura has volunteered to attempt to anger you until the State has been activated,"

"Sokka's gonna do what-now?"

"Yo! Al!" the officer winced as the Lumber seemed to wave up at him, Sokka's voice quickly replacing the Captain's over the speaker, "Yo Momma So dumb, she sat on the TV and watched the sofa!"

"My mother did what?"

"Yo momma is so fat, she got her own zip code!" Aang gave the Lumber a strange look, "Yo Momma so stupid, she sold her car for gas money!"

"But my mother didn't own a car…"

"Yo mama so ugly she looks out the window and got arrested for mooning!"

"Now wait just a minute here…!"

"Oh! We got a live one! Yo Momma's so ugly, that people dress up as her for Halloween!"

"Sokka, I really think…"

"Yo mama so ugly, she made an onion cry!"

"Yeah?" Aang gripped the control sticks tight in his hands, "Well You're mother…"

"Lemmie tell ya something! Yo mama…She so ugly…I say she so ugly…they push her face into dough to make gorilla cookies! The pound wouldn't take her away! That when she walks into a bank, they turn off the surveillance cameras! That…hey, what are you doing with your sword…?"

A distinct clang echoed across the open sea as the flat side of the Avatar's inactivated energy sword slammed into the top of the Lumber, the entire Ranger collapsing in a broken heap before the onyx mecha with a pathetic groan.

"My mother was the kindest, sweetest, most attractive woman in London," Alistair smirked as he hoisted the sword onto Avatar's shoulder, "And I dare you to tell me otherwise. Understood?"

"Yes…Sir…Ugh,"

"Hm…" Ibram was clearly unimpressed, "It appears we need another plan. We have to find a way,"

---

"More seashells?"

"Why not?" Iroh grinned eagerly at the collection of various shells of different shapes and sizes spread out across his bed, his nephew shaking his head in disbelief, "Collecting souvenirs is an important part of any vacation," he picked up a pretty pink disk with a sigh, "I'll enjoy these keepsakes for years to come…"

"We don't have the Bismarck anymore Uncle!" Zuko scowled darkly, "And this isn't a vacation! We only have a limited amount of space on the Fortitude and we can't…" his cut himself short as someone rapped efficiently on the door, "Now who could that be?" he angrily strode across the white wooden door, throwing it open with all the rage he could muster, "I thought I told you we didn't want any room service! I…"

Zuko's voice died in his throat as he laid us on the young woman behind the slab of wood, her escort saluting him just behind her without a wisp of a grin on his masked face. Both were clad in uniforms of the G.U.N. Naval Forces, a cloak of onyx with red inner lining and collar with silver shoulder pads adorning the girl's thin frame, a ceremonial sword clipped to her belt to show all who saw her of her position in life

"Now now Zuzu," Azura smirked as she pushed the young man before her back into the room with the tip of her finger, removing her peaked cap as she did so, "Is that any way to great your sister after so long apart?"

"Azura…Major Meridiano…" Iroh blinked in mild surprise as he rose from his bed, slowly dusting his loose shirt off as he gazed curiously at their surprised guest, his nephew staring at them with a picture of disgust on his face, "What are you doing here?"

"Oh, didn't you hear? Artie's been promoted and transferred to the Navy," Azura smiled as she leaned back against Artirius' chest, one hand moving up to his face, scraping it's nails across his cheek, "When he heard I needed transport, he did what any other gentleman would do and offered his ship and…" she grinned as she drew her thump across his neck, "Services?"

"My Lady was in need of a ship and a crew," despite the slight red marks that now stained the side of his face, Artirius made no other move save for a small wince, his voice completely passive, "I had no choice but to…escort her,"

"And what about you Zuzu?" Azura turned her attention to her older sibling, pushing off Meridiano's chest, "You've been awfully quiet. What's the matter? No hello? How have you been? Not even a bit of…" she leaned forward slightly, closing the gap between herself and her brother to the point her nose was a hair's breadth away from his, "brotherly love?"

"Get away from me!" Zuko balked in disgust as her pushed his amused sister away, "And don't call me that! What are you doing here Azura? What do you want?"

"Hm, I guess you've been away from home for too long," Azura looked almost hurt, "In Berlin we still tend to at least say hello before demanding answers,"

"Please forgive your brother's outburst. You're visit here was…unexpected," Iroh's voice was a bare murmur, but still came clear across the room, "Perhaps it would be best if you just answered his questions,"

"Perhaps," the younger sibling sighed as she reached down to pluck a horn like shell from the bed spread, her amber eyes glinting with mild amusement as she twirled it between her fingers, much to her Uncle's annoyance, "Always trying to get to the point. Must be a family thing. Speaking of which, I've come with a message from Berlin; Father's changed his mind. Family is suddenly very important to him. He's heard rumours of plans to remove him from office…destroy everything we've built over the past hundred years. Family are the only ones you can really trust," to Zuko's amazement, Azura's features and voice softened, "Father regrets your banishment. He wants you home,"

Her brother blinked several times, his eyes widened in amazement as he slowly digested her words.

"What's the matter? Cat got your tongue?" Azura smirked slightly, "Isn't this what you wanted? You're coming home. Back to Berlin. Back to where you belong. Don't I even get a thank you? I could of just sent Artie here all by his lonesome. I didn't have to waste a month of sailing round Eurasia and Africa for stony silence,"

Zuko frowned slightly, his throat surprisingly dry.

"Father regrets…sending me away? He wants me back?"

"I see. Clearly you need time to digest this," his sister smiled almost sympathetically, "We don't have to leave right away. The Sovereignty is down in the port, come by tomorrow around nine with your answer. Come on Artie," she pulled her Captain back through the door by the strap across his chest, "Let's leave my dear brother to come to terms with Father's request,"

Zuko didn't stop them from leaving. He just watched in silence as the door closed behind his departing guests, his amber eyes staring in amazement and disbelief at the painted slab of wood for several minutes after their footsteps had faded away.

"Well…" Iroh frowned slightly, "That was certainty…out of character. And she took one of my shells!"

"Forget about your shells Uncle!" Zuko turned to face the old man, a daring glint of hope in his eyes, "Don't you see? We're going home! Two long years away from Berlin…I can't believe it…"

"Yes, it certainly is unbelievable," The former General frowned as he turned to the nearby window, watching as his niece half dragged Meridiano down the stony path towards the sea, "I have never known my brother to regret anything…"

"Didn't you hear Azura?" Sozin's eyes narrowed slightly as he turned to face his Uncle, "Father's realised the importance of family. He cares about me!"

"I'm not saying that he doesn't," Iroh turned round uneasily, "But I care for you too, and if Julius wants you back…it might not be for the reasons you imagine…"

"You don't know how my father feels about me!" the venom in the scarred man's voice was undeniable, "You don't know anything!"

"I know more then you realise," Iroh's voice was soft and careful, "Do not let your elation to this turn of events cloud your judgement Zuko. You know very well that things are not always what they appear to be at face value when it comes to the line of Sozin,"

"Not all the time. I can see now you are exactly what you appear to be at face value:" Zuko scowled darkly, "A lazy, mistrustful, shallow old man who has always been jealous of his brother. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to get ready for bed,"

Iroh didn't say a word. He merely winced as his nephew slammed the bathroom door on his way in, before sighing sadly as he turned to face the ocean once more.

---

Alistair watched silently as the storm front rumbled quietly on the horizon, his hands clenching the metal railing as lightning flashed across the evening sky.

They had tried everything they could think of to bring around the Avatar State; provocation, amateur hypnosis (Sokka put himself to sleep), actual fighting between him and Sokka (Alistair kept winning) even more drastic measures such as electrocution. Nothing had worked, and all it had done was cause the officer's joints to ache.

"Hey. Do you have a moment?"

Aang blinked in mild surprise as he turned around to see an apprehensive Katara standing behind him, her hands flexing uneasily by her sides, her eyes watching him uneasily.

"Of course," he smiled easily as she joined him at the railing, "I was just watching the storm over there. Captain Ibram says it'll be over us soon, so we thought we'd better call it a day so we can prepare for it,"

"I see," the tanned girl frowned as she watched the black clouds, before sighing and turning to her companion, "Alistair…do you remember what happened the last time you activated the Avatar State without touching a Avatarium Crystal?"

"No, but I got a pretty detailed description of it from you," Aang smiled slightly, "I'd just lost Forge. I was so angry…I destroyed Atlantic Base…the Titanic…"

"You fell into a coma," Katara's voice was soft and quiet, "And not before you destroyed everything. Even as you slept, you kept mumbling painfully for Forge. You must have been so angry, so upset…You became a completely different person," she turned her gaze back to the stormy skies, "I'm not saying the Crystalline Avatar in any form isn't a helpful, even incredible, ally to have. But you have to understand…for people that care about you…you have no idea how much it scares me to see you that way,"

Aang watched her carefully for a full minute before turning to stare at the orange water below as it glowed in the growing darkness.

"Say you're right. That what we did here today is wrong. The best course of action is to just pack up and head for New York once the storm's past. What about all the soldiers that die between now and then. Would it be worth it to their families? They're friends and lovers? Do you think they'd understand if I said I'd had a risky opportunity to vanquish G.U.N. within the week and decided take a far safer option at the cost of soldiers' lives?"

"Alistair…even if you defeated the Führer today…there's a chance it wouldn't make much difference,"

"What do you mean?"

"Say you killed Sozin. You glowed up and obliterated his palace and ended his reign. What makes you think that will be the end of it? What makes you say that just because the Führer is dead, a General or Senator or even one of his children will just take up the reigns? Even then, at best, it will be another few months before word of Sozin's death reaches the front lines. There's little to no fighting within Eurasia Alistair, This whole war is being fought in U.S.A.C. territory, and it's been going on for a hundred years. Even if G.U.N.'s government surrendered, I doubt their Generals overseas would go down as quickly. No matter which way you go about it Alistair, people are going to die. And if those angry Nationalists still continue to fight if you manage a surrender from Berlin, you can bet there's gonna be a whole lot more bloodshed as they fight to the last man,"

Aang frowned as he continued to stare into the small waves of the ocean, not even tensing as she gently reached out to touch his shoulder.

"Alistair…please…give up this crazy scheme. You're only hurting yourself. Let's go to Washington, get those troops and fight a proper battle. Please?"

The officer didn't reply. He just stared out to sea, his face troubled.

Neither one of the pair noticed a certain Captain watching them from the Bridge balcony above their heads, stroking his beard thoughtfully.

---

He was here.

Lying on his side in the semi-darkness, Iroh opened his eyes quietly as he felt a stillness overcome the room, shafts of bone white moonlight piercing the darkness, casting strange shadows over the old man and his sleeping nephew in the next bed.

Had this been their first encounter, he knew he would have probably shouted in surprise, called for help and brought the pistol he kept by his bedside to bear.

But he did none of these things.

All the former General did was sit up slowly, his dark orbs focusing a corner of the room as a slight shiver travelled up his spine.

"You know, your theatrics don't surprise me anymore," he smiled slightly as the shadows seemed to shift before his eyes, "If you want to talk, why don't you just come out and chat…like a normal person,"

"You of all people should know I am far from normal," Iroh smiled at the sound of his voice, low and shallow with a distinct metallic tone, as a paper white face emerged from the shadows, robes of onyx solidifying around his thin frame as he stepped before the bed, "I've been alive for so long…I don't think I could ever be normal again,"

"You don't give yourself enough credit my friend," the old man turned his gaze to his nephew, "Are you sure you should be here? Zuko might not take too kindly to a visit from you,"

"I have caught us in a moment in time," The Immortal Wanderer smiled slightly, "He will not wake while we are here, nor shall we be disturbed. Though I will be brief, this action tends to knock your body clock out of sync,"

Iroh shook his head slightly, "The wonders of the Crystal-Hearts," he ignored the slight grimace of his companion as his face became solemn, "Why are you here?"

"You know why I am here,"

"Azura," the General frowned sadly, "It's a trap…isn't it?"

"That much is obvious," the Wanderer growled darkly, "You cannot allow Zuko to return to Berlin. The flow of time must not be allowed to run it's current path,"

"What would you have me do?" the old man chuckled slightly, "Lock him in this room and tell Azura her brother wants to stay in exile? Somehow I doubt he will thank me,"

"If Zuko returns home…you know the consequence of such actions,"

"I believe you've told me on many occasions," out of curiosity, the General leaned over and placed his fingers on his Nephew's neck. Despite the warmth, he could not feel a pulse, "And I am aware of the risk. Zuko has faced death before and survived…"

"Are you quite sure about that?"

Iroh chose to ignore the query, "You've also told me that the flow of time can be altered. So there is a chance he may return to Berlin and escape death…"

"You do not understand," there was a clear note of urgency in the Wanderer's voice, "Zuko must steer clear of this destiny. He must follow a different path. If he does not, it will only end in his death. You must stop him from returning to Berlin…at least until Summer's End,"

"And if I can't?" Iroh cocked an eyebrow, "What if I can't stop Zuko from returning home? If not today, what about tomorrow? What if he captures the Avatar as his father wants? What if he realises his mistake when he returns home?"

"Then it will not matter if he finds redemption or not," The Wanderer seemed to scowl sombrely, "If the matter gets out of hand, I will do everything in my power to help him. Despite this, at this point in time, if Zuko's path leads him to Berlin…it will end with his death, and with it…a future clouded beyond even Lady Fina's vision,"

"Then I appreciate any help you can give my friend," Iroh smiled slightly, "Zuko's mind is clouded right now. He sees only what his father wants him to see. I hope…with time and perhaps a proper taste of life beyond G.U.N.…this will change,"

"I hope so too," The Wanderer nodded soberly, "I must take my leave now. There is much to do, and little time to do it in,"

"One last thing my friend," the robed figure paused mid turn as the old man spoke up, "I must know, if you know…although to be fair, I'm actually afraid of your answer. Do you know the truth about him?"

The Wanderer didn't reply for a moment, his form slowly dissolving into the shadows as he considered his reply.

As he finally disappeared and the sounds of the night returned, a shiver ran down Iroh's spine at his answer.

"Not completely. But with time…I will,"

---

Morning came over the inn, but for Zuko, decked out in his Shadow Exo-Suit (The only 'uniform' he had left) with the faceplate removed, he had already been up and ready to head to the port before the sun had even peaked over the horizon, the sky now dying itself a magnificent orange as he strode purposefully down the path, leaving the Fortitude behind to be picked up later.

As he came to the cliff that overlooked the docks, the former Captain couldn't help but smile as he set his amber eyes on the Sovereignty at sea, the massive vessel for the first time in a long while actually looking almost welcoming…if not slightly different from when he last seen the carrier.

"Wait!"

Zuko blinked in surprise as he took in his Uncle's large form almost lumbering across the dusty path, the large pack on his back swaying precariously as the old man came to a halt beside his nephew, panting heavily as he clutched his uniformed chest.

"You know, I'm getting too old for this," Iroh smiled weakly as he bent over, a steadying hand on his nephew's shoulder, "You…You really shouldn't have taken off like that…especially without saying goodbye!"

"You mean…you've changed you're mind?" Zuko sounded almost hopeful.

"Family sticks together right?" the old man smiled as stood upright, "I promised to stand by you until the end Zuko. I intend to keep that promise,"

"Thank you Uncle," the former Captain smiled genially, before turning his gaze back to the immense vessel that lay in port, "I never thought the Sovereignty would look so…welcoming. We're finally…going home,"

Iroh tried to smile reassuringly, only for his face to fall as his nephew continued down the path towards the docks, his gaze turning to the Sovereignty once more as a certain conversation entered his mind:

"It's a trap…isn't it?"

"That much is obvious,"

---

At first, Alistair had thought it had been the thunderous storm above combined with the giant waves that pounded against the Gelion's hull that had roused him from his turbulent dreams. It was only when his drowsy mind took note of the screaming alarms above his head did he realise the true reason for his apart awakening, before rousing Sokka from bed and pulling on his uniform as he tore out of the makeshift bedroom towards the Bridge.

"What's going on!?" the officer's voice was barely heard over the thunder and alarms as he stumbled up the stairwell to the command centre, Sokka screaming in panic as a particularly large wave smashed against the hull, sending the poor man into a crumbled heap at the bottom of the staircase.

"G.U.N. patrol ships, three of them," Ibram cast a solemn glance over his shoulder from his position beside the helmsman, "And they couldn't have come at a worse time,"

Alistair didn't have to ask. Lightning forked across the turbulent skies as waves crashed over the mid-deck where they had been experimenting mere hours before. Below them, the ocean glowed an angry orange from the open gash in the Earth's crust, creating a somewhat demonic atmosphere.

Framed against the flashes, Aang scowled darkly as he watched the three silhouettes of the patrol boats fan out and surround the prow, the single double barrelled turrets mounted on their front deck's glinting under the flashes of light from above, the large bay windows of their Bridges sitting atop the steep slope that made up most of the small vessel's hull.

"I thought you said G.U.N. never came to the Sea of Burning Souls…"

"I did, but we're not that far off from France. Perhaps they saw us and came to investigate why we've stopped….Damn! They're right in our blind spot, we have no guns at the bow," The Captain clenched his fists angrily, and we can't turn to face them or the Gelion will capsize," he turned to face the officer desperately as Sokka slowly staggered up the stairwell again, "We have no other Rangers save for the Avatar, but the good news is that patrol boats have no Rangers at all, just one turret on their forward deck. If you can activate the Avatar State, then they won't stand a chance,"

"I'll do my best," Aang frowned as he turned back to the stairs, "But I can't promise anything, especially with this storm messing up the battlefield. We should evacuate any injured to the Avat and have the lifeboats prepared for launch…just in case,"

"Are you so sure of defeat?" Ibram raised an indignant eyebrow, "Even after you're victory at Moscow, you still doubt your abilities?"

"My victory at Moscow was on a windless day with a crystal giant as my machine," Aang scowled as he descended down the stairs, "These are completely different circumstances. I can barely see a foot in front of me, and we haven't exactly been able to just jump in and out of the Avatar State lately. I'll do my best, but I can't promise victory here. I'm sorry, but all I can do is the best of my abilities,"

Ibram didn't have the chance to reply, the officer having strode purposefully down to the stairs and out of sight.

"You know, he has a point," Sokka smiled wryly as he braced himself against the rail, "You want me to go wake up Katara and start evacuating?"

"No…no," Ibram smiled slightly as another wave crashed against the side of the Gelion, "You go on ahead…begin the evacuation…

I'm sure you're sister…will come and help…in time,"

---

As he climbed up the ladder the long ladder from the lifeboat to the Launch deck, Zuko couldn't help but sigh gratefully as he took in the sight before him, the image that had played over a thousand times in his mind now a reality.

Flanking the massive deck up to the island that now sat at the end of the vessel, twenty soldiers decked in form fitting Exo-Suit's of deepest crimson with extravagant gold trimmings along the shoulders cuffs and boots, Thick barrelled Euphoria Assault Rifles held in their hands as they stood to attention. Each the standard nine metres of most G.U.N. Exo-Suits, Zuko was too preoccupied with the moment to notice his Uncle's suspicious glances as he carefully took in the helmet that seemed to seamlessly meld into the shoulders of the suit, the three horns that made up the faceplate curving down to meld into one at the centre of the face, three glowing diamonds showing the placement of the Elite Guard's advanced camera system.

And there, standing at the end of these two lines with Artirius at her side, stood Azura, a triumphant smile upon her face, one hand resting easily on the hilt of her sword.

As they approached, the old man couldn't help but tense uneasily as the Captain bowed his head slightly to whisper something in his niece's ear, the younger woman frowning slightly, before brushing him off, letting the hand he had braced on her shoulder to fall back to his side.

Something was very wrong here.

"Brother, Uncle," Azura held her hands wide as her relations approached the island, "Welcome to the Sovereignty. I'm so glad you decided to take my offer,"

"How could we refuse?" Iroh smiled grimly, "It all seems…too good to be true,"

"Indeed," the smile that graced his niece's lips didn't seem to quite reach her eyes, "Artie, set course for Paris, once there, we'll head for Berlin…home,"

"Home…" Zuko sighed almost wistfully as he began to move towards the entrance to superstructure, "Berlin…the Palace…Maia,"

It was only as he moved directly past his sister, did Artirius chose to speak to his commander, just loud enough for the scarred man to hear.

"Where should I put our guests Lady Azura?"

"Where you put all prisoners," Azura gave the captain an indifferent look, "In the Brig of cour…"

Her voice died as Zuko froze, his amber eyes turning in disbelief as her features contorted into rage.

"Damn. All hands!" she glared at the Elite Guard, "Plan Delta Four! Kill all traitors,"

The forces reacted too late.

Before a hail of bullets spread across the deck, Zuko grabbed his uncle and leapt clear out of the way, Artirius likewise pulling Azura clear of fire as chaos spread across the Sovereignty's Launch Deck.

"Dammit!" the former Captain landed swiftly behind one of the support pylons, his eyes squeezed shut in frustration, "She lied to us! She lied! Azura always lies! I should have remembered that…"

"You mustn't blame yourself my nephew," Iroh tried to smile reassuringly as bullets pinged off the support, "The allure of going home was the perfect bait, and Azura knew that. But right now, we must focus on getting away from here…"

"Right…" Zuko scowled as he turned to the battlefield before him, his eyes narrowing to slits as he noticed Azura standing clear of the carnage, Artirius quickly making his way to the island, "Uncle, try and find us a way of the ship without behind blown to bits," he attached the Shadow's faceplate to his Exo-suit, it's eyes glowing blue as he powered the suit up fully, "I'll distract Azura,"

---

Alistair made sure the patrol ship's fire first before he jumped into the fray.

With howling wind and lashing rain, the pilot winced heavily as the Avatar was buffeted about by the raging storm, alarms screaming in his ears that he should turn back and power down as he was forced to remain grounded to the Gelion's deck.

"This is no good," Aang groaned as he tried to disable the oncoming ship's from the front deck, the energy beams swallowed up by the waves, "I can't a good shot at this angle, but if I take off, I might loose sight of the Gelion…and the Avatar can only fly for so long," he winced slightly as a pair of shells arced overhead, "At least the G.U.N. forces aren't much better off,"

"Lt. Aang, what's your status?"

The officer frowned at his radio as Captain Ibram's voice sounded as though he was bellowing over the storm.

"I'm doing the best I can sir…"

"No, you're not. You're best is the Crystalline Avatar. You're not trying hard enough!"

"Look, we spent all day trying to figure out a way to glow it up on a whim, and it just didn't work!" Another attack flew clear over the Avatar's head as a crushing wave threatened to wash the Ranger clear overboard, "Face facts Captain! We can't activate the Avatar State just because you want it. Once we've fought off the patrol ships and this storm has cleared, we're heading for New York, understand?"

"It's not over Mr. Aang, not yet," The officer frowned at the dark tone Ibram's voice suddenly took, "I've found the solution to our problem, and all it takes, is one…little…girl!"

Alistair's blood ran cold as he homed in on the Captain's signal, his eyes widening in horror as he took in the scene behind him.

Chained to the hook of a cargo crane, Katara swayed precariously over the ocean in the stinging rain and howling winds, her form limp and clearly unconscious. Standing at the controls, Ibram smirked triumphantly up at the onyx machine, the radio to his soaked lips.

"What the hell are you doing!?"

"Getting results Lieutenant. Either activate the Avatar State now, or I drop your friend in the sea!"

"You crazy fool!" the piloted bared his teeth angrily as he turned away from his targets, "I can't just activate it on a whim! If you drown Katara…you'd be spilling innocent blood for no reason!"

"Ah, but I have a very good reason," Ibram looked almost gleeful, "Thus far, we have been unable to activate the Avatar State because we have been focusing on you. I now believe the key to success is not through you, but you're friends! I will not ask again. Activate the Avatar State! Focus all your energy on obtaining that goal…or your friend goes for a dive she'll never forget!"

As though to prove his point, the Captain allowed the cable to drop several metres, the jolt shaking Katara out of her drug induced state, her eyes blearily opening to see the turbulent ocean below.

"Wh…What? What's happening!?" Aang felt something clench in his heart as Katara's voice quickly grew to panicked level, her fear clear even over the thunder that rumbled through the night, "What's going on!? Why am I tied…?"

"Let her go!" Alistair raised his rifle to point at the undisturbed Captain, "You're insane! This will never work! Let her go, now or so help me, I'll…"

His voice died as his friend's scream echoed over the raging storm, the cable dropping her to the point the waves began to smash against her body.

"You'll do what?" Ibram's voice was almost taunting, "Blow me to bits? If you fire a single shot, the resulting blast would blow the crane clear away, leaving your friend to the wrath of the Sea of Burning Souls. I wonder what will get her first? The lack of oxygen, or the mangled wreckage falling on top of her? If nothing else, the pressure will probably get to her eventually…"

"You…are…INSANE!!!"

"You could save her if you activated the Avatar State!"

"I'M TRYING YOU SICK BASTARD!!!" All dignity was forgotten, Alistair's hands gripping the control sticks so tightly a part of him was sure they would come off in his hands, "I CAN'T JUST BRING IT INTO EXISTENCE!!! YOU DON'T HAVE TO DO THIS!!!"

Ibram seemed to shrug indifferently as he pressed the emergency release switch on the controls before him.

"Apparently…I do,"

Alistair could only watch as Katara violently dropped the remaining feet into the stormy ocean below, her terrified screams abruptly cut off as she disappeared under the turbulent waves.

The world seemed to go silent in the officer's ears as he stared at the place where Katara fell. All he could do was stare with horror as the cable went taunt, slapping against the side of the Gelion's hull in the fierce winds.

As his vision began to cloud, the last thing Alistair remembered was a cold feeling as silvery lines of energy began to surge across his body as seep from every nook and cranny of the cockpit, before he screamed loud and long as the darkness consumed him.

---

"AZURA!!!"

The young woman smirked at the sound of her brother's electronically muffled voice as she pulled her sword clear of it's sheath in time to block the wrist mounted blades of Zuko's Shadow Exo-Suit.

"Tsk…attacking a superior officer Zuzu?" she smiled maliciously into the tiny blue cameras of the Exo-suit as Artirius and her personal guards moved away warily, "No wonder Father considers you such a failure if you can't even follow the chain of command!"

"You lied to me!" Zuko pushed off his sister's sword as the Elite Guard quickly surrounded the duelling pair, "Everything you told me was a lie!"

"Why do you sound so surprised?" the sibling's circled each other warily, "It's not like you would have come quietly," She lashed out abruptly, sparks flying as her sword was deflected against the Shadow's hardened armour, "You know Father blames Uncle for Zhao's miserable defeat at Moscow. And he considers you a miserable failure for not returning the Avatar in hand. Why would he want you back home, except to lock you up where you can no longer embarrass him?"

She didn't give Zuko time to retort.

Blow after blow was deflected and exchanged as the warring siblings tried to get the better of each other, the former captain often thrown on the defensive as his sister landed one aggressive blow after another.

"Getting tired Zuzu?" Azura grinned devilishly, her dark locks clinging to her sweaty face, "You never could beat me at combat you know,"

"There's a first time for everything,"

"Maybe, but not for you," Zuko drew a defensive stance with a wince as his sister poised herself for a final attack, "Not now, NOT EVER!!!"

"Zuko!"

The sound of his Uncle's voice came over loud and clear over the Shadow's speakers as a large shadow dropped over the ring, Elite Guards and Azura scattering everywhere as a Fortitude was thrown onto the Sovereignty's deck, it's limbs splayed like a rag doll as it missed Zuko my inches,"

"Look to the cliffs Zuko! The Cliffs!"

Still shaken by his near miss, the former Captain slowly turned to the rocky wall above as shouts of panic and fear melded with the sounds of gunfire, his eyes widening as memories of Moscow entered his thoughts.

It seemed to hover just above the ground above the port, the ethereal glow that seeped through every gap of it's armour putting even the morning sun to shame.

And it's wings…tendrils of energy pouring out of an X-shaped array on it's back, spreading clear across the sky.

"A…Ranger?" Zuko felt his heart clench as he squinted through the blinding light, "No…Could it be…another Avatar?"

"Zuko!" the scarred man was ripped from his thoughts as his uncle ran up to him, a captured Elite's Euphoria assault rifle clenched in his hands, "We have to get out of here now! This Fortitude's nuclear reactor might have been removed, but it's still going to make one big bang when it goes off!"

Zuko blinked as Iroh's words sunk in, a quick look to the downed Fortitude, his captured fortitude, revealing a large gouged hole in it's lower torso, the sides appearing to have almost melted.

"We have to jump," Zuko turned his eyes back up to the Ranger on the cliff as Iroh tugged at his arm, his amber orbs widening as the shining mech deployed a pair of cannons from it's shoulder, "Forget Azura," a spray of bullets erupted from his Uncle's assault rifle, a Elite that got to close falling to a comrade's stolen weapon as the Ranger's barrel began to glow, "We have to get out of here now!"

Zuko didn't reply. Forcing the motors in his legs into motion, he swiftly grabbed his uncle's hand and sped off down the deck, his sister's strangled cries of fury as the scream of powerful energy fire shattered the chaos that enveloped the Sovereignty.

As the former soldier leapt from the edge of vessel, the massive warship lurched from the magnitude of the explosion that seemed to tear out of the Fortitude and across the launch deck, his arms coming protectively around his uncle's head as the pair fell several stories into the deep water below.

By the time Azura had staggered clear from the safety of her hiding spot behind one of the energy cannons, the glowing Ranger had disappeared, as had her brother and uncle, all three far from her grasp, the last two safe from her wrath…for now.

---

"Such…raw power!"

Ibram grinned as a single blinding attack from the winged Avatar tore through the first of the three patrol ships, the beam of blinding blue light slicing through the helpless vessel's hull as though it were made of paper.

This was the power he had been searching for, the strength needed to storm Berlin and reclaim the world from this accursed war.

"Can you see it Miss Katara?" he grinned madly as he pulled the drenched girl out of the churning sea, the Australian coughing and spluttering as the crane slowly hauled her up to the Captain's level, "This is what we needed all along! The sheer power! Why should we even try to control it? And you…you are the key! As long as I have you, the Avatar State can be activated at any time, in any place!"

"You're insane!" Katara coughed up a mouthful of seawater into the stormy ocean she still dangled above, "You can't possibly think this is the right way to go! You're just using Alistair as a tool, a machine of war like a…like a Ranger!"

"I don't care," she yelped as Ibram grabbed her by her chains and pulled her in close, another patrol ship exploding in a fantastic display of reds and yellows as it's last shells vaporised harmlessly against the Avatar's angel wings, "People can spit on my grave and call me mud for all I care. In the end, none of it will matter, no one will care. In the end, the war will be won, and peace can finally be achieved. If I must sacrifice my name and a few mere children to achieve this…so be it,"

Then, a shell from the final enemy made it's mark against the Gelion's hull.

---

It was surprisingly warm, considering where he stood.

From the summit, he sat and admired the steep slopes that seemed to drop away from him, the lakes near the foot of the mountain still, like glass as small paths wound their ways round the edges and up the nearby hills.

"Why am I here?"

"Because you want to be here,"

Alistair looked up in surprise as a familiar face smiled down at him, her deep blue eyes framed by her waist length blond hair, her milky pale body clothed in robes that looked to be made of light.

"Miss…Fina,"

She smiled again as she carefully sat down on the rock beside him, tucking her long smooth legs underneath her.

"You're looking well Alistair," Fina graced his cheek with the tips of her fingers, the slight touch of her cool skin sending shivers down the officer's spine, "A little pale maybe, but no more then I would expect from a man who spends most of his life within the cockpit of a Ranger,"

"I thought you were dead,"

"No, just resting," the alien woman sighed as she let the hand drop to her side, "I did not expect the attack from Sparks in the control centre of Atlantic Base. It took…time to recuperate. But I am fine now," she smiled again, "I'm sorry to have worried you. Do not fret, I will not leave you until my task here is complete,"

The officer smiled slightly, finding his companion's gesture to be catching, before turning his gaze back to the view before him.

"Why am I here?"

"Don't you recognise this place? The mountain you climbed with your father on your tenth birthday?" Fina cocked her head to one side slightly, "Your ship still hovers over where it once sat, it doesn't surprise me a memory such as this would be on your mind,"

"But why am I here?"

"Because the Avatar State has activated," she turned her gaze to the skies above, "As you have been told, when Avatarium overfeeds on negative Emotional Radiation, it creates a Crystalline Avatar in order to protect itself and the being that feeds it. While you are in this state, that is if you didn't directly touch the crystal, you are not in control of anything, not even your own body. As such, your mind tends to wander," she turned to him with another small smile, "That's why you're here,"

"So…" he turned back to his companion, "Why are you here? Not that I'm unhappy to see you or anything but…"

"I am here to teach you what I know,"

"About the Avatar State? I think Artirius has told me most of it,"
she laughed slightly, "There are something's the one you know as Artirius doesn't know my young friend. It's true, The Crystalline Avatar is a defence mechanise, created from the power of the remnants of the universe before this one. No one knows why this defence is always a winged humanoid, not even those within the House of Silvairian. What is none that each of the Avatar's attack has the same focused force as a star the size of your sun, and in this form, you are a near unstoppable force…"

"Near…?"

"The Crystalline Avatar isn't invincible, not even one created by direct contact. That's why the Rangers were originally designed to be bipeds; to contain and protect the Avatar within. Only the wings are unaffected by this weakness. They can in fact be used as shields,"

"So…why is the Crystalline Avatar so venerable?"

"Think about it. All that power condensed even into the size of the Avatar you created in Moscow is still incredibly small when you consider the size of the celestial objects that that power comes from, let alone the size of a contained Avatar, or even an Avatarium Crystal itself. Granted, it will take some time for a Crystalline Avatar to be defeated, but if that happens, the Crystal within will shatter, taking you along with it,"

"So…if the Crystalline Avatar dies…so do I?"

"Don't look so frightened Alistair," Fina smiled gently again, "You have to understand…Avatarium Crystals are for the most part beyond the understanding of everyone, even the House of Silvairian and the Dark Ones. They are pieces of a universe we know nothing about, just because the body disappears doesn't mean to say the essence…or indeed the soul…still exists. Even this universe is still…a funny place,"

"So you're saying…even if my body is gone…" Aang frowned in bemusement, "I might still…be alive somehow?"

Fina sighed pityingly, "I'm sorry, I'm not being very clear am I? There are still so many mysteries that surround this universe Alistair, so my questions that not even the House of Silvairian answered. We were powerful yes, but still afraid of what lay beyond this life. If Avatarium shatters while a Crystalline Avatar is formed, the body disappears. We don't know what happens after that. We probably never will,"

"So…what should I do?"

He shivered against as she laid a hand on his shoulder.

"Be careful. Don't use the Avatar State if you can help it. There are too many unknowns Alistair. Don't think of it as a back door or easy way out. After all…" she smiled slightly as Snowdon slowly dissolved into white around them, "The easiest way…isn't always the best way,"

---

Sokka winced against the light as the wings of the Avatar dissipated against the storm sky, the final patrol boat slowly capsizing amid the massive waves as Aang piloted his Ranger to the mid-deck where the Avat sat waiting.

"Alright, I've got good news and bad news," the Australian grinned as the Avatar slowly descended into it's launch slot, the various injured and nurses that tended to them cowering against the storm within the maintenance bays, "Which do you want to hear first?"

"Right now, Any good news would be…great," Aang grimaced against the stinging rain as he pulled himself out of the cockpit, his hat quickly blowing off back into the Avatar as he hopped down to the deck, "Let's start with that,"
"Well, the good news is we've managed to get all the injured to the Avat, as well as a few nurses to tend to the more serious ones. We've got no one in terminal condition though, so we should be good for a while at least. Also, most of the crew and remaining doctors have evacuated to the lifeboats. We're not going to go the way of Titanic if that's what you were thinking. The U.S.A.C. employs a special kind of lifeboat that comes with sealable cover. Even if this ship was below the surface, the automatic ejection systems would send the boats clear like a torpedo. We've even got a few boats to spare because of all the people we've got in the Avat,"
"What's the bad news,"

"Yeah…the bad news," Sokka rubbed his soaked neck sheepishly, "The bad news is while you were off glowing it up, one of the patrol ship's managed to hole us between the first two emergency bulkheads. Usually this wouldn't be a problem; the first officer told me the Gelion was designed to stay afloat with a maximum of seven of the twelve compartments flooded. The problem is the first two compartments are already flooded, and their bringing the bow deeper into the water. And with these waves reaching so high…"

"The waters getting in over the top of the emergency bulkheads and flooding the other compartments," Alistair ran a hand over his soaked hair, "My God…We're sinking,"

"Pretty much. Eva N. Gelion is going down by the prow," Sokka shifted slightly as the deck rocked beneath their feet, "It doesn't help that the turrets aren't waterproof either, water's getting in everywhere. The only reason no one's felt the tilt yet is because the waves keep rocking the ship back and fourth. The First Officer gives it another ten minutes before the ship is deep enough for the tilt to be permanent. After that, we've got half an hour before the goes completely under, maybe an hour if we're lucky. Everyone's been evacuated though…I haven't seen Katara though…"

"Katara's been abducted by Ibram," Alistair scowled as Sokka's face turned to horror, "He's gone completely insane,"

"What!? Where is he? Is she safe?" Sokka clenched his fists angrily, "When I get my hands on him…"

"No, You've got to get these people out of here," Aang laid a comforting hand, "Have the crew launch the filled lifeboats and get the Avat out of here. I'll go after Ibram and get Katara out on one of the spares,"

"You're kidding right?" Sokka stared at his friend in disbelief, "Al, you're the pilot of the Avatar! What if you don't make it to the lifeboats in time, or…"
"I'm just a pilot Sokka," the officer smiled reassuringly as he picked up a pistol from the nearby rack, "Avatar can be piloted by anyone if they train for long enough. If I don't survive, find another pilot. Go find Suki, or Haru, of hell even Artirius if you're desperate. Avatar is a symbol Sokka…I'm expendable…it's not,"

The Australian didn't manage to reply. Taking advantage of his stunned silence, Alistair ducked out into the storm, and was quickly lost amid the pouring rain and stinging waves.

---

"IBRAM!!!"

By the time Alistair had made his way the cargo crane across the ship towards it's rear, the Gelion had begun to tilt directly into the waves, the deck now beginning to list as the officer braced himself against the handrail.

Ibram himself scowled darkly as he held Katara close, his soaked cloak clinging to his thick form as he held the pistol to his prisoner's head.

"The Gelion's sinking Ibram!" Aang's voice was almost lost to the howling winds as he pulled his own pistol from his belt, "There's nothing we can do! We have to get out of here now!"

"Not unless our heading is Berlin!"
"Are you crazy!? Is this damn crusade really worth your own life!?"

"You fool, it was this ship that inspired me to seek you out in the first place!" Ibram laughed in disbelief, "Eva Gelion: A Black Core Scientist, the highest authority on Avatarium! What bigger inspiration could I have for diverting my course all the way out to St. Petersburg when I heard the news! You have no idea how many sleepless nights I've spent finding everything I could about this wonderful power source, the protocols I overruled and laws I broke to get my hands on her classified records! And when you unlocked it's potential, I knew I would have to have that power! I will not be denied! You will return to your machine and we will head for Berlin to finish this accursed war once and for all!!!"

A piercing groan cut off Aang's retort as it echoed across the stormy seas, all eyes turning in horror as a large black mass careened through the waves towards the sinking vessel.

Lit up by strikes of lightning, the stern of the last patrol ship seemed to tower over the Gelion on it's massive wave, it's metallic grey hull shining with water as it's shadow fell across the deck.

"I should have told you one important detail about me Captain!" taking advantage of Ibram's horror, Aang quickly made a grab for Katara by the chains that still bound her body, his comrade coming clear away from the frozen captain as the pair tore back down the hull of the ship, "I don't make deals with those that hurt my friends!"

Ibram's only reply was a terrified scream that was quickly silenced as the patrol ship smashed into the Gelion's side crushing it's captain as it tore through the hull like tin foil.

Pulling desperately at the chains while running across the slippery floor, Alistair and Katara stumbled and skidded as the deck violently tilted as it was almost split in two. Water poured through the gaping wound in the Gelion's side as her stern arced high above the fleeing pair, the weight in the bow now pulling the remains of the ship down to the burning crater below.

As the chains finally came, loose, the remains of the massive vessel began to sink faster and faster, massive waves crashing over the deck threatening to push them into the ocean below as they continued to run hand in hand.

"At this rate, we're gonna run out of boat!" Katara's voice was barely heard over the howling wind, "What are we looking for!?"

"A Lifeboat, I saw a sign back there and Sokka said there would be some spare," it was getting harder and harder to run across the slippery deck, Aang's hand clenching tight around Katara's as they were buffeted by the storm, "All we have to do is…"

"ALISTAIR!!!"

Aang never had time to see the object of Katara's fear.

With a mighty crash, one last massive wave smashed across the Gelion's hull, the wall of water completely swamping the deck and pulling the two comrades clear off their feet and into the turbulent sea as the massive vessel sunk below the waves.

For a moment, Alistair's mind was filled with confusion and fear as his body was twisted and turned by the drag of the sinking Gelion. Flashes of lightning and the burning orange of the lava below flashed before his eyes as his mind became fogged and dizzy, his hand trying desperately to keep it's grip as the suction of the falling vessel threatened to pull them down.

Darkness and stars started to cloud his vision as his lungs screamed for oxygen, his mind only vaguely aware that Katara had gone completely limp and was drifting away.

As consciousness finally slipped form his mind however, the last thing he felt was a powerful current suddenly tug violently on his prone body, the warmth of his comrade's hand leaving his as the darkness completely engulfed him.

Meanwhile, high above Aang's head, Sokka could only stare in horror as the last of the USHS Eva N. Gelion sunk beneath the turbulent waves, with no sign of his sister of his friend in sight.

---

He was tired and aching, the ion thrusters of the Shadow Exo-Suit on the verge of breaking down as he pulled his uncle up onto the pebbled shore.

But they had escaped.

Letting the faceplate fall to the ground, Zuko collapsed with a moan face first into the beach as Iroh sat up slowly, his clothes completely soaked.

"I think we'll be safe here for a while," the old man sighed, "We should get moving soon though,"

"Moving where?" Zuko grunted into the pebbled stone, "We're fugitives Uncle. Nowhere within G.U.N. territory is safe. Where do you suggest we go?"

"Where do you think My Nephew?" Iroh chuckled slightly as he heaved the armoured man to his feet, "Where do all fugitives on the run from G.U.N. go…but to the territories of the U.S.A.C.?"

---

Good? Bad? I think it was alright for the most part. Ending was a little weak though.

I will admit, originally the Eva N. Gelion was going to be a converted Passenger Liner (Ala HMHS Britannic), but then I thought that after a hundred year war, the chances of anyone taking luxuary cruises was unlikely. As such, the Gelion was inspired by the USNS Mercy and USNS Comfort, which are hospital ships that started life as oil tankers, which I think is a bit more believable. That said, considering I put in a giant crater that cut through the earth's crust and didn't even affect the level of the sea or even dry it up, I think I don't really have much room to talk about believability.

The Havoc was inspired by the Gawain from Code Geass, although that might have been obvious. :D

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. With any luck, the next chapter will be out late February or early March, depending on what's going on in my life. An episode list has also been uploaded to the first page. If anyone want's to have a crack at a episode that isn't on the list, or if you have ideas for the chapters lsited, I need all the help I can get.

Thanks for reading!

Dearing.