Disclaimer: I don't own any ideas from Avatar: The Last Airbender, nor Watchmen. They belong to their respective creators. But any original characters and ideas belong to me.

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The badger-mole figured out that making its way deeper underground wasn't going to get the man off of it. No matter how much thrashing and bucking it did, he still clung on like a flea. So, with a low growl, it headed towards the surface and busted through the street above it. When that didn't seem to faze him at all, it rammed its back on the nearest building and dove back into the hole that it created a second before.

Rorschach couldn't hold on when being slammed against a stone wall and slumped to the ground in a heap when he let go of the creature. It wasn't needed anymore anyway. He was out of prison and free to… well… That breakout did free a lot of criminals. They were infesting the streets again. So he'll have to take care of them, just like he was back home. Except the god-like figure here actually minded his way of cleaning the city. And he was going to be a problem. Along with the Dai Li. Hopefully they'll be too busy fighting each other to notice the new vigilante.

First things first. He needed to blend in. His mask and trenchcoat made him stick out too much. It was practically an invitation for the guards to arrest him again. Luckily, they never took off his mask in fear of getting their spleen punched out. So no one knows what he looks like without it.

That was one easily solved problem. Even though he didn't look exactly like other people, with his red hair and non-Asian structure.

But new clothes. That was the bigger challenge. He didn't have any money to buy any, and no one would want to hire a wanted man. So he'd have to steal some. As much as the thought made him squirm, the prospect of going back to jail was far less appealing. And once he had a job, he could pay the person back. Whoever the victim was going to be.

Folding his mask and hat and shoving them into a pocket, he was glad that it was near midnight and few people, if any, were roaming around. Less witnesses to the crime he was going to commit. And less eyes to see his true face. Walter Kovacs. God, he hated that man. He was weak, a nobody.

The neighborhood he was in was vastly different than the one he first arrived in. It was definitely cleaner, the houses larger and more luxurious. He figured that this was the place where the rich, higher class people lived. Such a distinction didn't surprise him, but he was still appalled. It looks like there are some things about a big city that had to be the same.

He was also uncomfortable about wearing lavish clothing, since that's the only thing that going to be found around here. The most fashionable piece of attire he had was his inkblot mask after all. But beggars can't be choosers. Unless he felt like taking a stroll out of this place, he'll have to settle with whatever he got.

It didn't take long before he found something. Some robes were flapping in the small breeze that blew through the backyard they hung in. They looked just about his size, if a bit larger around the waist. Glancing about to make sure no one was watching, he darted in and snatched one or two before he could reconsider.

"Hey! What are you doing?!"

Crap. It was just his luck that an old chubby man looked out his window for a second and saw someone stealing his clothes. He faltered for a moment before jumping over a hedge and fleeing with the garments.

The man was impossibly fast for someone his age. And he knew the place better than him. Rorschach tried to get him off his trail by making sudden turns and knocking over vases and whatever else was lying around, but his pursuer almost seemed to be expecting those sorts of tricks. It only took one decision to end the chase. When he veered left, he was surrounded by tall buildings and the man blocked the only way out.

"Now are we done with this game? My body isn't like what it used to be you know."

To his surprise, he didn't seem angry at all. And he was smiling a bit. For the hundredth time today, he wondered what the hell was wrong with these people.

"I guess we are." He sighed and took a step closer. "You know, if you wanted clothes, you could've just asked. I have plenty that I don't wear anymore. And I completely understand why you'd want new ones. That coat you're wearing… is smelly and ugly. No offense."

He didn't take any. He was more bewildered with the fact that the old man was giving away the clothes to a complete stranger. And he didn't recognize him as someone that escaped from prison, however that might be done.

"Though, you can't take those. They're my favorite robes. If you want, you can come back to the Jasmine Dragon and I'll give you some clothes there. It's my tea shop, if you don't know yet."

Was this a trap set up by someone so he could get caught again? It was a strange one. And pathetic. It was like there was no effort in covering up the meaning of the invitation.

"Are you coming or not? My bones are aching from standing out here in the cold."

Yet, no one knew he was Rorschach without the mask. This wasn't an attempt to catch him, because no one knew who he was. And besides, he could take on an old, weary person, even if he might have qualms against it.

"Yeah. I'm coming."

---

He never knew that such a large building was devoted solely to tea. The idea seemed ridiculous at first, but when Iroh, the old man, told him that he also lived here and that his tea was the finest in the land, it was a bit more plausible.

"I'm surprised that you haven't heard of the Jasmine Dragon, even if you're a newcomer here." He told him. "I don't mean to boast, but my tea attracts people from all over the world. I don't suppose you like tea, don't you?"

Rorschach shrugged. He didn't really have an opinion on it. It was pretty scarce in New York.

"Well I can give you a free cup, if you like. Tea can give you energy to a tired soul like yours."

He was tired. But he didn't know if he could trust anything that the man gave him so eagerly. Like the clothes that were laid out in front of him. He had to shake them thoroughly and check for anything dangerous woven in the fabric before he agreed to put them on.

"They fit you! Marvelous!" Iroh clapped out of delight when he saw him in his new clothes. The old man was carrying a tray with two steaming cups of tea, and offered one of them to him. He accepted it, but didn't drink it right away, preferring to swish the liquid around at first. Satisfied that there weren't any signs of poisoning, he gulped it down and nearly spat it out the instant it touched his tongue. He forgot how hot the tea was!

"I'm guessing you don't like it then?" He asked, drinking the tea in small sips. "It's alright. Tea is one of those things that grow on you. My nephew didn't like it that much at first. He used to work here though, so he had to get used to tea. And now he can appreciate it, though he isn't as much as a fanatic as me."

The old man laughed a bit, annoying Rorschach even more. It seemed wrong that he was this friendly and trusting to a stranger he found on the streets. A stranger that tried to steal his clothes a while ago.

"Need to get going now." He mumbled and set the empty cup on the tray. Except, he didn't know where he was going to go, but he'll figure it out eventually. At least he didn't stand out too much, even if he also needed to take care of his trenchcoat and mask. If only he had a bag of some sort…

"Are you sure? I wouldn't mind if you stayed a while. It's a bit lonely, after my nephew moved out. And though I have my employees, they don't stay with me all the time and are rather dull. I think you would've liked him, actually. My nephew. You both are loners at heart and are always rushing off somewhere."

… Was he asking him to stay here? He stared at him for a long while, trying to decide if he was that naïve or just crazy like everyone else here.

It didn't feel right anyway, living with a person he just met, even temporarily. This might all be some sort of elaborate trap after all. He could never be too careful.

"You've done enough for me." Rorschach replied back and turned to leave. He thought that it'll be the end of that conversation, but Iroh didn't give up yet.

"I know that you don't have any place to go. You just came here, out of the blue. Quite literally." He chuckled. "And I also know that your pride won't let you go so easily. You want some way to repay me for the clothes and that cup of tea. So you could work for me, just a little while, until you find another place to live in."

Startled at how much of that was accurate, he stopped himself from stepping out of the door and whirled around to face him.

"How did you know that I'm not from here? I came here out of the blue?"

"Well… I have my ways." His grin broadened more. "It's an interesting story. I can tell you sometime if you stay."

Goddamnit. He just wanted to punch that smile off his face. It felt like he was keeping something important from him. Something that could help him return home.

Fine. If staying here was the only option he had to learn more about this mysterious man, then he'd take it.

"Oh, and I don't think I got your name. Did I…?"

"No. You didn't. It's Ro-"

He was almost going to tell him that his name was Rorschach, but he remembered that he was a wanted man. And he didn't know many Chinese names, so he'll have to wing it and hope for the best.

"It's Roko."

"That's a good name." Iroh nodded. He relaxed a bit, even though he hated the name he just came up with now. "That's a good name…" He continued to mutter before leaving him alone in his new bedroom.

---

"I can't believe that some jerk in a mask just kicked your asses! And I missed all of it cause I had to deal with the stupid badger-moles!"

"Language, Toph. And it wasn't that fun. Really."

Aang was still sore from the prison riot that they finally managed to quell after a while. Both from the numerous bruises all over from his body and the fact that the Dai Li was back. And most of the prisoners escaped as an unintended side effect. It was a rough day, and the future didn't look any brighter.

"I think I could've taken him. You just think he's tough cause he stabbed someone in the eye and threw her at you. Speaking of which, what happened to her?"

"Well…" He rubbed the bump on his head that came from that collision. "Some Dai Li agents helped her back into one of the holes while I was distracted by some that pounced on me. So she's gone."

The blind girl scoffed and started walking around. "Again, if I didn't have to help calm the badger-moles, they might have not gotten away!"

"You are the badger-mole expert, since you hung out with them for a long time and all. So you were the best and probably only person there that could take care of them. If you hadn't helped stop their rampaging, everything would've been destroyed."

That didn't smooth over her frustrations as much as he'd hoped. Toph did stop pacing around and sat down on the nearest cushion though.

"It still sucks though. Now instead of a relaxing vacation like we wanted, we'll have to chase down the escapees and find out where the Dai Li are so we can stop whatever they're up to again. It's just like old times, but I do wish we can get a break once in a while."

"Tell me about it." Aang sighed just as the door to another room opened. Sokka stepped out, looking very dismal, along with an old man that scurried away after whispering something into his ear.

"The doctor's doing all he can to help Katara. Her arms won't be completely healed until a couple months though."

He had to restrain himself from swearing or punching something in frustration. What pissed him off more about Rorschach was that he broke both of her arms without thinking. Without any remorse. And he got away. So much for thinking that he still had some good in him.

"I don't… she can't be down for that long." Aang said through his teeth. "Are there any waterbending healers here we can get in touch with?"

"Not as far as I know. Do you want to take her up to the North Pole and see about getting her healed there…?"

It seemed like a good idea, except he didn't like the thought of her leaving without anyone but Sokka. He was a capable warrior, but the two of them could be easily overwhelmed and… he pushed the thought out of his mind.

"Keeping Katara here won't do her much good. She can't do anything to help round up everyone again, and she'll just be a target for people that want revenge on us." Toph spoke up suddenly.

"No she won't! She's still part of the team, and just because she can't bend doesn't mean that she's helpless!"

"Toph's sort of right though." Sokka said reluctantly. "The Dai Li might come after us, seeing as we broke them up originally. And if they find out about Katara's… condition, she'll be the one they go after first. If we slip away to the Northern Water Tribe now, without telling anyone, she'll be safer."

"But…" Aang didn't want to sound like a spoiled brat, but he still didn't want her without him. Travelling in secret was just as dangerous as her staying here. Because lots of things could happen and he won't be able to protect them.

"Well, you don't have to think about it now. But the option's out there." He said, sensing the Avatar's unwillingness. "You should decide really soon though, because word's going to get out and- Hey! It's Hawky!"

Sokka dashed to the window, where a Fire Nation messanger hawk stood with a scroll on its back. He quickly took the parchment off its back, read the message that it contained, and started turning pale.

"What is it Sokka? Who's it from?" Aang leaped up from his sulking position and tried to peer over his shoulder.

"It's from Zuko. You all better listen cause this is really important…"

Dear Aang, Katara, Sokka, Toph, and others that this may concern,

I hope that this letter reaches you before it's too late. Because recently, there has been a breakout in one of our most heavily guarded prisons. The Boiling Rock. We have reason to believe that it's been organized and carried through by the Dai Li, because there were many Earthbenders at the scene, and I do not think that this was the Earth Kingdom's doing.

Some of our most dangerous and insane criminals have escaped, and though we are working on capturing all of them, most of them have most likely fled with the Dai Li to the Earth Kingdom. Among them is, unfortunately, Azula-

"WHAT?! She escaped?! I knew Fire Nation security couldn't be trusted-"

Sokka shushed Toph and began reading again.

We think that the Dai Li targeted this prison specifically for her, and to add some firebenders to their ranks. Before she left, however, she seared a message into one of the guard's body. It told the exact date and time of a second prison breakout, in Ba Sing Se. That's why I'm sending this letter, to warn you…"

"… Except it was too late. The breakout he wrote of was the one that happened earlier today." He showed the date on the letter to everyone. "And there's more."

… The Earth Kingdom will still need help in dealing with the Dai Li and its growing army. That's why I'm heading over, at this minute, with a reasonable portion of the Fire Nation army. After all, it is still in the process of rebuilding itself after the war, and it'll be for the best interest for all of us if the threat was put down as quickly as possible."

"Are you serious?!" Toph stomped on the ground, causing a mini earthquake. "Just as soon as the Fire Nation left, it returns again to help us with this?! I don't believe it. It sounds like a massive conspiracy to conquer the Earth Nation without declaring war!"

"Zuko wouldn't do that. And he's right, in a way. We do need all the help we can get, especially with Azula on the loose." Sokka glared at Toph, upset that she keeps on interrupting. "And it's not like the final lines are important but…"

We have trusted resources that said that the Dai Li may have infiltrated the Earth Nation army as well, so it's even more imperative that our troops are in position and ready to deal with the threat as soon as possible. Once the Dai Li is finished, we will withdraw our soldiers immediately, as this is not part of a plan to take over the Earth Kingdom in any way.

A copy of this letter was also sent to the Earth King and Iroh, so they should already know. Give my regards to Appa and Momo.

Sincerely,

Firelord Zuko."

There was a deafening silence as everyone took in what was just read. Even Toph was quiet, partially because she already voiced her complaints but mostly because Sokka was right. Zuko wouldn't try to take over the Earth Nation again, and yet…

"How long ago was this sent?"

"Mmm. A day or two ago." Sokka handed Aang the letter. He glanced it over one more time and then set it on the table beside them.

"So he'll be arriving tomorrow, or sometime around then."

"What… why aren't you freaking out over this? This is ZUKO, who is the FIRELORD, coming HERE with a HUGE FREAKIN ARMY. Not to mention that AZULA is FREE and she's the one that ALMOST KILLED YOU!"

"Hey! Keep it down! Some people are trying to sleep!"

To everyone's surprise, Katara's voice rang out from the room she was suppose to be resting in. It was somewhat of a relief that she was awake and back to her usual, sometimes cranky self.

"Sorry sis. You heard what was going on though?" Sokka opened the door a tad so he could see her. The fifteen year old girl was in a pitiful state. Both of her arms were wrapped in stiff bandages, like a cast, and she barely had the strength to lift herself into a sitting position.

"Yes. I heard. About Zuko and Azula. And also about me."

More silence. No one knew how to reply to her.

"It'd be nice if there's a discussion about me, that I'd be included. But now that I got your attention, I'm just going to say now, that it's alright if I have to go the North Pole to get healed. Sokka and Toph are right. I can't do anything like this, and I'll be a sitting duck for anyone that figures out that I can't bend. And, while we're up there, we can warn the Northern Water Tribe about the Dai Li, and Azula. They could maybe lend us a hand to. Maybe."

She was looking primarily at Aang while she said that. He opened his mouth to say something, then closed it, then opened it again.

"I… If you feel like it's the best choice. I can't stop you. But…. Just be safe. Ok? And make it back as soon as you can, when your arms are better."

"Hey, I'm not leaving yet. It's really late at night, and I need some sleep." Katara stifled a yawn. "And you all should get to bed too, if you want to catch some baddies tomorrow."

"Yes mother." Toph drawled before heading off to her own bedroom. Sokka was about to leave as well, but Aang stopped him before he could.

"Are you going to go with her, to make sure she's alright during the journey?"

"Of course. And I'm thinking about leaving first thing tomorrow, before anyone else gets the jist of it. If that's ok, o master Avatar."

Aang tried not to scowl and nodded instead. "That's what I was going to ask of you."

"Mmmhmm. Don't worry yourself so much. It's not like us two haven't been alone before."

He nodded again, and watched as Sokka slipped into his room and closed the door behind him. It felt like he was suppose to be more anxious about Zuko, Azula, and the Dai Li. But all he could think about was Katara…

Well, maybe his thoughts will be straightened out once he got some sleep. Sleep was good. He yawned and after murmuring a goodnight to his already sleeping friends, fell into a deep slumber.

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I didn't expect this chapter to be so long. But things might be a bit slow for a while. Both plot-wise and update-wise, since there's less time for me to type chapters. I hope to get a chapter out at least once a week though.