War of Nations

by Eduard Kassel

Constants and variables. A war, loss, a boy in an iceberg who brings hope, lost mothers, and a scarred hunter who seeks to regain something precious. Constants. A comet that comes by summer's end, the death of a son, the prince, and the ruler consumed wholly by inherited ambition. Variables. The same board made different by the nature of the pieces being changed. Grayer AU

3. The Avatar Legacy

Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar the Last Airbender.

Betaed by: Trackula

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War of Nations

Chapter 3

The Avatar Legacy

The royal meeting chamber was not nearly as impressive as much of the New Palace. Fire Lord Sozin had made good use of the need to rebuild the Fire Nation primary royal palace, in addition to new secret passages he had wanted it to hold the grandeur and power worthy of the seat of power of the empire he aspired to build.

This room was not meant to intimidate or impress, it was almost minimalist by Sozin's standards, dominated a by a simple ovular table. Five people sat at it now, contrary to Sozin's ambition the table was much too large. The war took its toll on the House of Agni as it did on the Fire Nation.

Fire Lord Ozai sat at the head on the table, slightly elevated by the pedestal his cushion sat on. To his left sat his wife, seeming regal as if she had truly been born to royalty as she sipped her tea.

Azula sat second to his right, Kazuko's empty spot between them, a saucer turned over marking the occupant as absent. His daughter was beautiful and regal in her armor of gold and black over red cloth. She had her mother's hair but styled so differently he doubted anyone noticed. Azula was a mix of her parents, more than her siblings. But her face and posture held none of Ursa's softness, her steel was displayed even as she sat ignoring her tea.

Then there was Lu Ten, seated furthest from the Fire Lord beyond Iroh's vacant spot. He looked as if he had only recently woken and been washed hurriedly before being brought her in the wheeled chair the servants had taken back to the corridor. Despite the servants' best efforts, the sour stench of excessive drink still wafted from him, and the fine clothes hung to loose on his skinny arms and too tight on the drunkard's paunch.

With bagged eyes and greasy hair pulled into a top knot the fallen prince looked over the true royal family. Ozai tolerated this shadow of his dead nephew for the sake of appearances, but he once again resolved to find some high and powerless rank he could sweep the failure off too.

Next to his wife sat his only son, at age twelve Urzon was a pretty boy, resembling his mother the most. Even sharing almost, the same lips with Azula. Despite their golden color his eyes held an icy quality with thick lashes failing to soften them entirely. The eyebrows were naturally thin and arched, on a face that seemed blank even as he smiled cordially. Dark hair was pulled back in a conservative tail that allowed no bangs. Rather than armor like Azula he wore a long red runic that reached his knees with a golden vest and pants of fine black silk.

Ozai could appreciate that the frame under the gaudiness was far more dangerous that anyone would expect.

"My family, I welcome you here, to discuss the latest event to shape the destiny of our most ancient and glorious dynasty," Ozai announced.

"As you have all heard the Avatar has returned. The time has come to form an official proclamation on the matter. And to make clear how this effects the war," Ozai said.

"So the Avatar has returned. I thought that bit of news was a wine dream. Well I have nothing to suggest, can I leave now, Uncle?" Lu Ten asked suppressing a yawn.

"The Fire Lord summoned you, do not dismiss this honor," Azula threatened her cousin. The scruffy young man shrugged her words off and drank his tea. He flinched at the taste.

"I think it's rather humble of our cousin to admit his shortcomings sister. And I would dispute his claim. After all he is the most experienced soldier here. Such experience should not be devalued," Urzon spoke up.

He had a good voice for court Ozai had long realized. And an easy polite manner the Fire Lord was sure Azula would never have. Intensity was excellent for decrees and inspiring masses and armies alike, but court politics often required steady banked forge flames; rather than infernos.

Looking between his two possible heirs Ozai spoke.

"I have not called you here to seek counsel. The Privy Council and the High Command have already offered their advice," Ozai informed the gathered royals.

"And they have counseled you well," Miyo spoke for the first time. She would know as she had an unofficial seat in the Privy Council these days with so many Councilors allied with her. He did not spare her a glance.

"The Avatar has returned but as of yet we know little. He has apparently cheated time of its due, still a child in all ways. Our alchemists ponder that the Avatar may have preserved himself in the ice of the South.

"A good hiding place it would seem, as it has thwarted our efforts for generations.

"For the moment Kazuko will remain the designated Hunter of the Avatar, to remove her swiftly from that position now would disgrace the royal family. She will be granted requisitional authority over forces abroad in her pursuit, providing they do not interfere with the ongoing campaigns.

"Commander Zhao is currently leading a squadron in Kazuko's wake, should she mange to flush the Avatar from hiding again.

"All forces are to be placed on alert for the Avatar and his skybison, and word will be sent to informants and collaborators offering rewards for information of his whereabouts.

"Kazuko believes the avatar has mastered only a single element, air. If he holds to the cycle he will need to head to the North Pole, which should afford us numerous opportunities to apprehend him.

"Victory is at hand in the War, in a mere four years Sozin's Comet will return and we will destroy whatever opposition remains unless they bend their knees. The Avatar shall not deny our nation its destiny or the House of Agni it rightful place."

Azula was the first to speak unsurprisingly

"I agree that Kazuko should not be removed quickly father. But Zhao makes a poor shadow, the man can be sneaky but he has the subtly of a man who punches with his left hand rather than the right.

"Perhaps the hunt would be better served by an elite unit being placed under Kazuko's command?" the Second Princess suggested.

"Pardon me sister, I do not believe our honorable elder sister is qualified to lead such an elite unit. Especially as they are where they are, for sound strategic purposes," Urzon calmly cut in.

"Enough. The matter is not yours to determine. Kazuko will almost certainly fail, and when her failures allow her to honorably retire from the Hunt she will be replaced with more capable hunters.

"Accounts agree that it takes years for fledgling Avatars to grow to their potential. Kazuko will gather intelligence, and if she accords herself well in defeat she may be restored to a post in the colonies.

"I will make the declaration this sunset. You will each publicly pray for good fortune in the renewed hunt for our family's old foe.

"That is all," Ozai concluded. They bowed their heads in respect, an illusion of unity.

X X X

When the well-oiled door swung in, Iroh was not surprised to find his eldest niece poring over a scroll intently. Her desk was piled high but organized with scrolls and books.

Sadly, she reminded him of a young Ozai, neither of them prodigies they instead threw themselves utterly into whatever task they were trying to complete. An effective strategy, but Ozai stood as a testament to the perils to one's self in drawing too deep from that well.

"Princess Kazuko, you should have some tea," he said. She did not answer as he crossed the room. The lack of objection was good, but he started to wonder if she had not heard him.

"Kyoshi Island," she said as he reached her side. He stood there realizing the obvious problem of having nowhere to sit the tray.

Well, the Dragon of the West had never been one to fail to improvise when lacking the expected route. Setting down on cup in front of her he filled it from the pot while holding the tray with his remaining arm.

"We proceed towards that destination as you ordered. These waters are lightly patrolled by either side since the South Poles military forces departed for the main fronts. The men are keeping a keen eye out for pirates, though I do not think-"

"Avatar Kyoshi was a giant in history, single-handily preserving the Earth King's decaying realm. She actually broke a peninsula and made an island. Her birthplace and gravesite should be a matter of concern for both sides.

"Yet even the updated reports we received from Zhao on the region, hold virtually nothing on this island," Kazuko seethed.

"... Princess you do know how the Fire Nation has fought this war? We have never been able to match the Earth King's armies in sheer numbers. Well recently we may have been able to match them, but even now we have had to be strategically discerning.

"My army conquered a swathe of territory reaching the walls of Ba Sing Se. To this day our string of bases lets us exercise control within mere leagues of the walls on the northern side of the Serpent's Pass. That same army could have subjugated much of the Southern Earth Kingdom that remains free today.

"That is because Ba Sing Se alone is more valuable than all the Southern Earth Kingdom territory we could have so easily captured.

"The Fire Nation picks its targets with care. In the early war it was all about securing position on the Continent and naval supremacy to ensure our armies did not get cut off. In my father's day the concern was avoiding overstretch and excessive casualties.

"My defeat at Ba Sing Se despite all of its prior success was a true strategic defeat for the Fire Nation. We not only lost so many troops but had to occupy and greatly fortify those conquests to keep the Earth Kingdom from retaking them. Which they tried most earnestly too with Ba Sing Se as a natural staging ground for those counterattacks.

"The new campaign to take Omashu and seriously extend our control over the remaining Earth kingdom territory is happening now; because we once again have the elite troops and sheer numbers to expand in major conquest without undermining our current holdings.

"Kyoshi Island may have a rich history, but holding it would gain the Fire Nation nothing but tying troops down to hold it. We know little because it has not been necessary to know beyond affirming the island's lack of value compared to the cost.

He picked up one of the scrolls and skimmed it.

"As you can see the island's economy was mainly fishing and farming. Supplemented by light timber exports and a local woodcarving industry of charms centered around Avatar Kyoshi. So even a raid would be impractical as the island has no riches and damaging it would hardly disrupt the region," Iroh explained.

"The reports mention some honor guard existing, the Kyoshi Warriors, a hundred years ago," Kazuko pointed out.

"Likely a ceremonial unit, an honor to bestow on boys to instill some discipline and direction before they marry and settle down. Assuming it still exists even," Iroh continued. He was pleased to see Kazuko take a sip of her tea.

Though she was still frowning.

"The island may be irrelevant to the War, but not to the Avatar. He disappeared into the Lost Air Territory, likely to visit the Southern Temple. I do not know why he went there, but Kyoshi Island is the next logical stop.

"Unless he feels like going to Crescent Isle it is the best place to connect with his past lives. And where Roku was a failure Kyoshi was a success, for him to visit the Warrior Avatar's temple could be a major propaganda move by our enemies.

"That is the spot where Avatar Kyoshi turned the tide of a war, Avatar Aang may see it as the place where he will begin to do the same. More importantly, others may think that.

"The most effective way to stop a fire is to grind out the first flame before it spreads," Kazuko said.

X X X

It had been a long day, Azula thought as the servants took their leave from her room. She was already dressed in her evening robe, feeling only slightly refreshed by bathing. Still it was the cap of a day, once mote finding solitude in the ornateness of private quarters.

Going to her mirror the princess let her hair down, she always had it restyled after bathing, she disliked people seeing it down in the palace. The Fire Lady might comment on it again.

Brushing her hair, she breathed out trying to relax. She had performed three kata perfectly and had a promising conversation with an esteemed general. Over all a good day.

No, it was not.

She smacked the brush into the vanity counter and stomped over to her bed. She leapt onto it, almost bouncing off the ridiculously expensive mattress as she grabbed a pillow.

Screaming into the cushion made her feel a bit better. Holding the position, she felt Sneak climb onto the bed and scamper over to perch on her back. The fire ferret started to sniff her neck, which tickled as much as it always did.

Azula rolled over slowly the ferret easily climbing with the roll to take a seat on his hind legs atop her chest. Tossing the pillow aside Azula gave out a weary sigh and stroked the red furred mammal.

"There is nothing I can do. I hate it," she told her pet.

She could so clearly remember her first meeting with the ferret. Her last time really spent with Kazuko. The final times did not really count bound up by ceremony and the courtiers and commoners in attendance.

Even the idea of a parting gift had made her angry then. She had still been young in so many ways it had seemed like any mention or reference would make the parting come that much quicker. And the very idea of a basket's contents making it easier, just the sort of kind stupid thing her sister would say.

Azula had looked at the, creature warily, holding it at arm's length her head tilted to the side warily. The tiny fuzzy ferret kit had looked at her strangely; she was gripping it beneath its forelegs letting the rest dangle.

"Azula, that is not how you hold them," Kazuko had sighed. Azula had frowned glancing to her scarred sister. But not for long, she dared not take her eyes off this creature.

"It is ... fuzzy," Azula said. The little thing sneezed, Azula dropped it, but Kazuko caught it before it hit the ground.

"It's sick, you should return it for a refund," Azula declared. She had wiped her hands briskly on her dress.

"Zula," Kazuko sighed. She held the ferret close to her armored chest, supporting the tiny thing with both arms. Azula felt a moment of irrational but clear envy.

"Fire ferrets are not only very intelligent they are intensely loyal. Especially if you raise them.

"I am not going to be around, and your friends are being called away by their families. I would feel better knowing you have at least this one with you," Kazuko said.

Kazuko had held the fuzzy ferret-thing out putting him in Azula's hands and guiding the hands to hold the creature to her chest. Azula narrowed her eyes watching it sniff her hands.

Then it licked one of her fingers. With a cry of surprise, not of fear of course, she dropped it only for the ferret to latch to her dress screeching in alarm.

Kazuko had put a hand to her scar giving another sigh and a small shake of the head.

Azula sat up on her bed, Sneak settled into her lap cleaning off her left hand. Apparently it was quite dirty.

"This is only a setback, you won't beat me Miyo," Azula whispered.

X X X

Sokka had long dreamed of going forth into the world. The reasons were many. Some of it he believed was just a natural desire to see something more than the lands and seas he had been born too. Another was the thought of joining his father in the great struggle against the Fire Nation.

The second choice was he might sometimes admit bound up with validation of his own manhood.

But another reason, which even he was not so tasteless as to admit save under stress, was to get out of babysitting. Normally watching the children, he knew was a woman's task, sure men would do it when needed but they had their own work in the South Pole. But with all the young men off fighting the war Sokka had as an older child been assigned that task; with the grown women taking on what manly tasks they could.

When he was old enough to hunt on his own he had thought minding the children behind him. That as a young man with his wolf tail, and being the chief's son, he would get respect. But no, he had still been a child in the tribe's eyes, possibly even ranking below Katara. And still often had to make the best of watching children too young to able to do anything productive despite his best efforts.

Old enough to be given responsibility, but too young to get respect as a man.

For all the regret he had in leaving his tribe short two more young people, he had felt no small vindication that at last babysitting was behind him. Watching Aang shamelessly whoop while surfing on giant fish, he was once again reminded, he was mostly still a babysitter.

It was uncanny. Even down to Aang's insistence of Katara watching his efforts. So like when the tykes had demanded attention for the smallest feats. That had been annoying, the same behavior in the savior of the free nations?

Well there was a word for that. Rather than dwell on that word, Sokka set his fishing pole aside and rose from his spot on an outcrop. With Aang stirring up the waters any catchable sized fish were likely gone.

He knew better than to ask Aang to beach one of those giant fish for a good grilling. Aang was not being a jerk about them eating meat, but he flatly refused to assist in hunting. To be fair he really had foraged diligently for non-meat food. Perhaps he felt some shame in not helping in other tasks?

Aang had talked about a sea serpent guarding this place, the reason there was no port despite a natural harbor. Aang had said though that last time there had been a road and few boathouses built in the shore sidewoods for traders.

Sokka wondered if the island was deserted now. He had watched his own tribe dwindle, and he had years ago realized they might die out entirely if things did not change.

His sister was relaxing, or trying too. He saw that like him she looked periodically to the horizon.

Even as they had enjoyed the warm up, Katara had been a bit shaken when Sokka pointed out a simple fact. There was no snow fall here, which meant no black snow to warn if the Fire Nation was approaching.

Right now she was doing something Aang claimed girls did on beaches in warmer lands, sunbathing. It sounded suspiciously Fire Nation to Sokka, but Katara was down to nearly her underwear and relaxing near Appa and Momo seemed to enjoy it enough she would not appreciate his commentary.

"No fish?" she asked as he walked up.

"With him stirring the surf and screaming? You're kidding right?" Sokka griped.

"Listen maybe we should move on?" Sokka asked.

"This place has really cheered Aang up after the temple, I don't think we should rush him," Katara said watching Aang ride his koi.

"Need I remind you our enemy travels by boat and we are on a beach?" Sokka deadpanned.

"And there are lots of beaches and we have flying bison if Kazuko picks the right one. Besides you always complain about not enough meat, so take the time to hunt some up, mighty hunter," Katara sad lying back down.

As if on cue Aang called on her too watch him.

Sokka wanted to point out he did not know how to hunt greenland game. But his pride would not allow such an admission. He 'was' a cunning and mighty hunter, and he would wrest sumptuous game from the trees!

A short time later Sokka was kicking a tree realizing he was lost. Forests, were a new navigational experience he admitted.

X X X

Someone calling her name woke Katara. A lifetime under the threat of enemy raids had instilled certain instincts, so she bolted upright, almost knocking heads with Aang. She blinked at the Airbender who was surprised at her abrupt movement.

She had fallen asleep in the sun, Katara felt like kicking herself. And Sokka's reminder of the lack of black snow had left her tightly wound in the bargain.

It was odd but liberating to be able to dress down. Even in the summer it was a change of coats, and now here she was by the water dressed like she was getting ready to sleep.

"What is it Aang?" she asked.

"Uhh, where is Sokka?" Aang asked. She was almost certain that had not been his intended question.

"He left before I, fell asleep."

"So no one saw the Unagi!? But that was awesome, I survived and it shot water like a geyser and everything!" Aang exclaimed.

"I slept through that?" Katara asked befuddled. This sunbathing stuff might be dangerous after all. They were fugitives from the Fire Nation, the royal family itself.

"Katara?" Aang said. She missed his troubled tone looking past her as she tried to brush sand off of herself.

"I think Sokka made some friends," Aang said. That got her attention.

A group of armored people were standing in front of the beach treeline, Sokka in front of them. Sokka being in a rope net with what looked like a thick slice of meat pressed against his head.

"Sokka?" Katara said confused by the sight. Yes, Sokka got into some situations, the fish hook incident coming to mind, but this just seemed bizarre. And then there were the boys holding him, green and black armor with white war paint.

"Do. Not. Ask," her brother said scowling deeper than usual.

"The Kyoshi Warriors!" Aang exclaimed. Katara glanced to him and relaxed a bit. Aang was the more knowledgeable if not worldly member of their group, so if he was smiling that was a good sign this was not a threat.

Besides, those were not Fire Nation colors they were wearing. Always a plus.

"So you know of us? Then you should surrender while you have the chance, pirate scum!" one of them spoke. The voice made Katara realize something.

"You're girls!" Katara exclaimed in surprise. This was unexpected.

"As are you. Now surrender before we subdue you as easily as your idiot here," the apparent leader said.

"I told you we are Water Tribe, not pirates!" Sokka shouted.

"And being Water Tribe does not mean you are not pirates. There are no Water Tribe vessels operating in these waters. So that leaves deserters, and their children, who are also pirate."

"Wait I'm a waterbender not a pirate!"

"... Everyone knows the South has no waterbenders anymore," the leader said.

"Wait a second now!" Aang said stepping between the two women.

"What are you supposed to be?" the warrior girl demanded.

"I'm Aang an Air Nomad, and proud partner with that sky bison over there! And these are not pirates. They are my friends Katara, who is the last bender of the South, and you have Sokka in the net there.

"I know what you are thinking, no more Airbenders right? Welllll ..." Aang grinned and floated into the air, his air scooter forming beneath him as visible wind current. Katara could not help but smirk as the steely faced girls' jaws' dropped.

Katara threw her two shells in as Aang touched back down.

"He is also the Avatar," Katara told them. Aang winced and that seemed to snap their leader out of awe.

"Ridiculous," she snapped. Aang sighed and turning back toward the surf bent an incoming wave to carry far deeper inland than it should the foam almost touching the accusing warrior's boots.

"Avatar," the murmur ran through the squad of warriors.

"Yeah, I know where you are coming from ladies. Can someone get me out of this now!?" Sokka demanded still in the net.

X X X

Suki lead the trio back her warriors falling into step around the outsiders. Along with the two Water Tribe youths. And the Avatar.

The Avatar.

They had reached the village path. While there were three worn trails through the brush around the bay the hard packed dirt of the trail proper was set further back. It had not always been so, but making the island out to be less than it was had helped keep them from the war and the attention of most pirates.

She allowed herself to glance back at the three. The girl seemed awed at the Kyoshi Warriors, as she should be. Suki was well aware women warriors were uncommon even so long after Avatar Kyoshi had shown the world the might a woman could possess.

The boy, Sokka, the girl's brother seemed subdued. Not as outraged as other men who had been bested by her girls, much less trussed up in a net. Likely he was merely hiding his wounded pride well.

He was no warrior, she wondered if he was some kind of servant of the Avatar?

Which brought her back to the boy trying to chat up her girls. She could almost sense their desire to oblige, but she would not have them disgracing the uniform; like they had with their doe eyed cheering earlier. They could wait until they had clean faces and blue cloth on to embarrass themselves.

'Shouldn't I feel something like that?' she wondered though.

The day did feel different now. She had gotten up, painted and armored herself for a day of patrol, and her other duties, like any other day. The most urgent matter on her mind was whether Ayana should be politely asked to resign her post as the girl had been so negligent in her training these last months.

A boy was the problem, as usual. To too many of the girls Warrior duty was just another step in life followed by courtship and then marriage.

But now worries about confronting her old friend were swept aside, the Avatar was not only alive, but here in the flesh. She should be as excited as her warriors. Not since Avatar Roku's last visit to their island in the vanished days of peace had their order been honored to escort the reincarnation of their founder.

That was it, Suki realized. She had always hoped the day would come when the Avatar would come to where his most distinguished incarnation had been born and laid to rest. Suki had dreamed it, and it had never been ... this.

She had not been expecting Kyoshi reborn, hoped yes but not expected. And even accepted that the Avatar might be a man this time. But Avatar Roku had been a man and was recalled as a strong and wise Avatar. He had singlehandedly delayed the war by more than a decade after all.

But Avatar Aang...

A stir among the warriors drew her attention. She watched in admitted interest as he whizzed around them on that air ball from earlier. It was very impressive, she was already thinking how useful such swift and sharp movements would be in a fight.

But here he was, a child. He was like any number of eager little brothers they had in the village. What kind of monk? What kind of Avatar?

Realizing they had reached the village she set aside her thoughts, this was going to be interesting.

X X X

Katara delicately selected another item from the banquet for her plate with the chopsticks. The diversity of food for the small island surprised her, but considering how their own village struggled by she realized this is probably what things were supposed to be like.

The village was celebrating with an impromptu banquet. Celebration had practically broken out immediately when Aang proved himself to be the avatar. One man had even foamed at mouth and fallen to the ground, she had been quite concerned he might be dead but Suki had offhandedly told her to ignore the collapsed man.

Katara could see why. As Aang air juggled an assortment of non-meat foods while air scooting through the festival grounds; the same guy foamed up again. Strange.

Aang had been quick to flee his place of honor when they served him Avatar Kyoshi's favorite meal, which had conspicuously included grilled fish on skewers.

"Sokka, must you?" Katara asked as her brother filled up a plate only to devour it where he stood. He scowled at her with overstuffed cheeks before somehow swallowing the whole load at once.

"Hey I already secured supplies, so now I can enjoy myself. Who knows when the next time will be that we can get a big free meal?" Sokka said.

"Considering we are traveling with the savior of the Free Nations it may happen more than you think," Katara pointed out.

"... No, not happening, the universe is never that kind. You only get anything good after the universe clops you one. And sometimes it will take the hit and not leave anything," Sokka declared filling up his plate again while looking around suspiciously.

"That's just you, seal brain," Katara answered.

"Enjoying yourselves?" A familiar vice called. Suki stepped around a decorated pole, she was out of uniform wearing a blue dress that Katara guessed was finery on the island. It did not seem to suit her. The lack of makeup made her look less sharp, but she was too ready for a fight to look right dressed for a party.

"You're not I see," Sokka pointed out. Katara realized that it was true, even the two honor guard Kyoshi Warriors on duty and now chasing after Aang were less tense.

"You're right, this banquet is foolish. It depletes our stores and will mean more rationing later and less available for the actual festivals. Most of this fresh food should be getting dried or pickled, the Army may show up and demand food as they do some years and if we have less they will not care."

That made Sokka pause in his feeding, and put much of the food back. Not all, but much.

"Feeling guilty?" Suki asked him.

"No, just responsible." Sokka answered.

"Oh, I would never guess with the company you keep," Suki said looking back to where Aang was entertaining children and adults alike with airbending tricks.

"What is your problem?" Katara demanded. The girl was reminding her of the Fire Princess with that glaring.

"Only that no one else seems to see they are making fools of themselves, for a fool.

"You see that statue? We honor Lady Kyoshi on this island. A great woman who singlehandedly changed the fate of this kingdom. We should not be celebrating an unworthy successor to her greatness," Suki said glaring at the two siblings.

Katara grit her teeth, and was about to say something she knew she would regret not caring. Sokka beat her to it.

"Hey, you just met Aang, you can't talk about him like that. He's dumb, but he's a dumb 'kid'. And he has been through a lot," Sokka spoke up. Katara stopped and stared at the defense.

"Really? What do you plan to do about it? Trap tripper," Suki asked.

"That was a fluke! I set traps I would not have fallen for it if forests weren't so new to me," Sokka retorted

"Alright then boy, you and me in the morning, the Training Hall, I'll send a girl to make sure you are not late," Suki declared.

"You think you can beat me in a fair fight?" Sokka demanded setting his plate on the table.

"Enough to wager for it," Suki told him with a half-smile.

'Oh no,' Katara thought. Before she could think of any way to stop it the stakes were laid and both parties left her behind.

Was there going to be needless drama everywhere she went on this trip?

X X X

Needless drama. It was why she had woken and decided just to sleep a little longer. Between a savior that needed a gentle touch, and her brother, she felt it was just a small reward for services rendered and yet to be done.

It had also occurred to her there was no trip to save he daylight for, nor village duties to attend today. Though a part of her worried, that along with the sunbathing, that the warm weather might be making her lazy.

Katara resolved would worry about that when she got up. Then, the door opened.

"Katara, are you sleeping?" Aang asked rousing her from drifting back to sleep.

"... Yes, Aang I am asleep," she said.

"Oh, really? I was talking with some of the kids and they wanted to show me this waterfall in the forest also, some of the men are going to repaint the statue of Kyoshi, well clean it first..." Aang went on before finally leaving.

Katara let out a sigh when she was sure he was gone, and realized he had left the door open.

Turned out, she could not ignore the open door. Reluctantly getting up she walked over to the door and nodded to her former roommate/brother walking by in the corridor before closing it.

"What?" Katara said. Opening the door, she did indeed see her snoozles of a brother making his way down the corridor. She had 'not' dragged him out of bed today.

"Sokka, what time is it?" she demanded. The heat, it was turning her into her brother!

"Just past sunrise," he said looking puzzled.

"Not sunset?" Katara demanded.

"No," Sokka deadpanned.

"Why are you up?" Katara asked.

"I have an appointment to reaffirm my masculinity," he answered matter-of-factly.

"... Oh right. Don't end up in a dress, GranGran would blame me," she said closing the door.

Soon enough she was back on the soft sweet smelling straw mattress. And realized she could not sleep.

It was Sokka's fault. She was not sure how but was certain it was.

X X X

Suki lead the girls through morning exercises, concealing her dislike that only ten girls had shown up, not counting the traditional sentry and Anaya. When the girl had actually shown up Suki had sent her to fetch the Water Tribe boy.

She was looking forward to this spar.

"Suki, I brought him!" Anaya called as she slid the training room's door open. Suki shoot her an irritated look.

"I mean, commander, I brought him," the other girl amended. Probably blushing under warpaint the girl stepped aside letting the Water Tribe boy walk in. He looked around, while scratching his back.

"Nice place you've got here," he commented.

"Yes, the New Warriors' Hall is nearly a century and a half old. Maintaining it is one of our orders duties Suki said. She pointed out Wae, who was in civvies scrubbing the far end with a sudsy brush looking sullen.

"Huh. So, we take this outside or...?" He asked pulling his ornate club from his belt.

"No need. Warriors, spar set up!" Suki barked. The Warriors cleared the floor save for four who took the mats leaning against one of the walls and laid them down.

Each of them laid one mat down and pushed it across the floor. Bringing them together in a large square in the halls center. The four then bowed and withdrew to stand by the walls with their comrades.

"The rules are simple. The mats are the arena. If forced out you lose, one foot or hand touching the floor. If pinned or knocked down for the count of five, you lose. Knock out, you lose," Suki explained. She stepped onto the mat and unfurled one of her fans.

Sokka looked from her to the mats.

"Okay simple. But don't you need a weapon?" he asked.

"This is all the weapon I need against you," Suki grinned.

"Well let's do this," he said stepping onto the mat.

"Begin!" Anaya yelled hitting the gong. Which sounded far less impressive than it looked sitting all shining in its Unagi shaped stand.

Shortly:

*BONG!*

"Match Two end! Winner Suki. Set ended, winner Suki!" the ringer called out. Before hitting the gong again.

Sokka looked up from the mats, not moving from where he had been knocked down too. Watching as Suki collected his club and casually walked over and held it over him.

"Here you go, but first..." she said. Oh right the bet.

"Sure. Never let it be said Sokka of the Southern Water Tribe backed out on a bet.

"You a girl, are a better warrior than me," he said. Suki smiled but the expression slipped and she offered him a hand up. Which he took and when he was on his feet she handed his club back.

Turning her back to him, she clapped her hands which saw all the girls in attendance gather back in the Halls center.

"Right then, now that that's over we will resume the daily training routine," Suki announced. As usual it was mixture of general enthusiasm and resignation on crowds faces. No matter, it was nothing she didn't normally deal with.

"Say, can I get some of that?" Sokka asked.

Suki blinked and then like all the other girls turned her attention to the Water Tribe Boy.

"What? Do I have something on my face?" he asked.

X X X

Aang walked through the shrine, feeling both awed and a bit confused. It was a shrine unlike any shrine he had seen before.

He has been to the Island before, back when he had been blissfully ignorant of his destiny. But he had not visited the shrine to the old avatar, preferring more outdoor activities. There had been no urgency, Monk Gyatso believed in experiencing the world in many facets and that it was proper that the youth not be be unduly interested in the formal; and only be guided to it when it served a legitimate purpose.

Yet again he wished his dearest sifu could offer him guidance, as Aang once again had to admit for all his travels there was much he did not quite grasp of the people of the world.

To his mind a shrine was a place of honoring a person or event, sometimes two. It might hold a relic or two but mostly a place of reflection, holiness.

This place, was thick with Avatar Kyoshi. The building was easily the most impressive in the village, he would have assumed it a meeting hall or the local ruler's residence had he not been shown it a hundred years ago and told its purpose.

And its contents. The mural depicting her creation of the island, another depicting the Fall of Chin (that one sent a chill up his spine). He was certain that accidental death must have weighed heavily on his past life, conqueror or not how could it not have?

But even more it was everything from her boots and clothes, to exhibits of her life. Even poems, displayed on hanging scrolls, written about her by both locals and the late Avatar's contemporaries.

This shrine was not a place of reflection it was a place of history. Trying to keep the presence of Kyoshi alive even after she had departed.

It did not strike him as proper for it to be so. But even more than the sincere love the keepers held for it, Aang felt a deep dread that he should not speak such criticism here.

His feet carried him back to the stand that held Kyoshi's battle dress, according to the plaque Kyoshi had been this height, which would explain the feet.

Sokka had a point, it was weird to think he had not only been a woman, but someone, so... big.

Reaching out he fingered the old green linen, and felt the warmth flush out of the air.

Light burst before him and the world seemed to be swallowed by shadow.

The glow receded to the cloth which was not hanging loose anymore.

Gulping Aang looked up into the frowning, white and red painted, face of Avatar Kyoshi. She raised an eyebrow, Aang glanced to his hand, and quickly let go of her skirt. He took four steps back and bowed his head in respect.

"Avatar Kyoshi! I am-"

"Leave," she told him. Her voice was deep as expected, but still feminine. Aang's head snapped up at that, and almost agreed without thinking. Yes, it was the kind of voice he would not tend to argue with. Much less with a such a tall woman owning it.

"The shrine?" he asked. Had he offended the spirit by touching...

"You are still a child. Ignoring the truth; leave or you will learn," Kyoshi told him shaking her head. She was reminding him of when Kuzon's mother had forced them to pull weeds after the dinner party incident.

And then in the blink of an eye she was gone.

X X X

Kazuko at under an umbrella on the beach, her field desk set up with the charts laid out before her.

"It will have to be night," she muttered tapping the outline of the island.

Then her shade vanished.

Squinting she slapped a hand over her eyes. As expected, Uncle. Less expected, though not as surprising she wished, he was wearing only his undermost pants.

"Niece since you have given everyone else a beach holiday you should take some time to enjoy it too," He insisted. She didn't try to stop him as he rolled up the charts and put them in their case.

Stashing the ship in a cove on one of these deserted islands was only sensible until they struck. And giving the men a chance to stretch their legs and scout the isle in one was only sensible as a commander.

But add in her uncle and soon it became hunting some fresh meat up. And also foraging for fresh herbs. And why not build a bonfire to cook it with, and try for some fish?

She and Lt. Jee seemed to be the only ones aside from the sentries that had not been caught up in Uncle's beach party scheme.

"Uncle put on your clothes. The sun may be bright but this is not homey weather."

"Ahh, but after the deadly frigidness of the south these waters and winds are simply balmy!

"Seeing as you took a swim in the South Pole with only light to clothe you these waters should be very liberating," Uncle Iroh said.

"We agreed never to speak of that." She ran a hand through her hair. She was blushing too, she had to kill that Water Tribe boy sometime. No one ogled a Fire Nation princess while they were naked!

Or if they were, clothed. Unless they were engaged or something, probably?

This was Uncles' fault, somehow.

He had withdrawn and started to sing while two likewise scantily clad men struck up a tune on instruments. The quality of the music matched his singing.

"I really need to capture the Avatar," Kazuko groaned.

Though admittedly the boar-dolphin was smelling delicious.

X X X

"Sokka when you left this morning what did I say?" Katara demanded calmly.

"Don't end up in a dress?" he asked. He looked embarrassed. At least she thought he did, he was wearing a lot of makeup. And a dress.

It brought out his eyes in the fading light of evening. Oh spirits, GranGran had warned her foolish young men needed minding. She was going to be blamed for this. The mockery of the village women would know no end, for both of them. But especially her!

The girl whose brother dresses like a girl. There was her legacy to be passed down the generations, 'that' Katara.

"... Why?" she asked. Though it hadn't been quite directed at him he answered.

"It's a condition for training with them. A real man doesn't pass up a chance to get stronger Katara. Even if it means dressing like a girl!" he declared as they stepped inside the guest house.

"Whatever lets you sleep I suppose," Katara groaned.

"You know the face paint is not so different from our war paint. Well okay its land plant based, but still from a styling perspective..." Sokka said as she stopped listening.

Then Aang let himself in

"Guys! Don't freak out, earlier today I think I- AHHHH! Kyoshi!" Aang cried spotting Sokka,

"I am not a woman!" Sokka objected. Katara took a deep breath and tugged on one of her hair loops as she let it out.

Going to bed early sounded appealing, but she needed to be the sane one it seemed.

X X X

Suki was going to scold her girls for the wrong war paint being worn. Would she have accepted the post as Captain of the Warriors had she known it would mean being even more strict?

Probably. The fact she found preserving the honor and tradition of the Kyoshi Warriors well worth fleeting grudges from the other girls; well worth it said something about her.

"Its legitimate war paint. Sokka said it's what warriors in the South wear," Anaya defended. The sad thing was that it did not look half bad.

"We are the Kyoshi Warriors, our uniform and war paint is meant to invoke her legacy and call on her spirit. You are all out of uniform, and until you get in it you are not permitted to train in the Hall," Suki declared panting her hands on her hips.

There were the usual grumbles and eye rolls. Naturally the girls who wanted to experiment like this were pretty much the ones who wondered if they had to be so 'serious'. And judging by that irritated glare, Anaya might resign before Suki had to dismiss her.

When they turned out of sight down the corridor Suki closed the sliding door.

"I didn't mean to cause trouble," Sokka said. Of course there was someone behind her. Turning she noted with a certain amusement the boy was in perfect uniform. Hmm, at first glance one probably wouldn't be able to tell, Kyoshi's style had never been excessively feminine after all

"Oh, and what did you intend?" Suki asked.

"I guess it came up that we have our own War paint in the Southern Water Tribe, and they were curious. it's meant for camouflage aid as well as intimidation. But I guess Kyoshi being an Avatar had little reason to hide," Sokka admitted.

"Hmm, she wasn't always powerful," Suki commented turning her attention to the warriors who were training. But he wasn't done talking.

"But I really wanted to give you girls something back. Even if it's just some war paint," Sokka said.

"Give something back?" she raised an eyebrow.

"Yes. Fact is I learned how to fight by recalling watching my tribe's warriors train; and a few very basic lessons from my dad. Training with you, it's the first time in a long time I've felt like I've made real progress to being a warrior like my father.

"And traveling with Aang, well that is likely to be less a desire and more a requirement. So, it's a small thanks that I'm sorry backfired a bit," Sokka admitted.

She had forced him to cross-dress as a price for training hoping to shame the boy out of a place where women were supposed to be free to grow strong without male interference. She expected he was staying regardless for pride, as if to say he was man enough this wouldn't get in his way.

But she realized now the only pissing contest going on now was hers.

"Alright Sokka, I expect Avatar Aang will be moving on soon, so let's see what I can beat into that thick skull of yours," she said with a somewhat suppressed smile.

X X X

Didn't they have a quest for the world to get back to, Katara thought walking silently along the beach, alone and upset at having been pushed aside by her companions. Aang, the savior of the world, was running in circles trying to impress as many of the impressionable island girls as he could, using that as some sort of shield against his responsibilities.

And her own brother was crossdressing for some nebulous reason Katara thought was best not to explore.

While they were goofing off like this, the Fire Nation was no doubt spreading their poison across the world, overwhelming every innocent town in their path. Far more focused than her own group had been lately. That psychotic two-faced princess was no doubt only getting closer and closer to them as she just stood here, practically inviting her to join them.

Speaking of Aang here he came by on his air scooter. She smiled and waved as he did. Group of kids chasing after him.

Yeah.

With him gone she went back to staring out at the ocean.

"Thinking of your home?" an old voice asked. An old man, bald with a long white beard and simple blue clothes walked up to her. A fisherman she concluded picking up the smell and feel of him.

"No, the future really," Katara said. It was still hard to believe at times, that she was really here, so far from home. Seeing how big the world really was. The old man spoke up joining her looking over the trees at the ocean.

"For years, decades even, I would look out over the ocean and dream about going forth to see the world," he said with a smile.

"Did you?" she asked.

"No. I have been to Chin three times, and would not recommend it. A bigger town, nicer to look at maybe, but those people nurse grudges like you wouldn't believe.

"Other than that I visited the three closest islands a number of times. Met my wife on one and brought her home. And once I went to a small fishing village clinging to the coast to the north, storms swept me up there and they helped get me set for the journey home.

"The wider world never happened for me. A good life, despite its tears. But even if it's pointless you have to wonder a bit about what might have been.

"Still, staying put has let me see the Avatar return. That boy, he's like a dancing light isn't he? Not what anyone was expecting, but maybe an age of war doesn't need another warrior. But what do I know, just an old fisherman whose mouth runs.

"I expect you won't be staying much longer. So I hope you don't mind me wishing you good luck. You seem to be caught up in quite the tale miss," he smiled before turning walking back toward the village.

X X X

The Ascending Dragon Salutes. A less than practical Fire Bending maneuver, sending one high into the air with a kick to send fire up at a sharp angle in a very controlled burst. There were combat applications, Fire did not tolerate being used as a toy. Fire was a tool, a weapon, and it demanded respect; or it would not serve.

The Ascending Dragon was primarily a demonstration of possessing the skill to do it. Kazuko stood on the deck alone under the night sky save for the watch and the wind tugging at her training attire. Uncle was not here either, she had no desire for company or counsel here and now.

She was going to face the Avatar, and even if his goal was distant she knew what it was to search in vain. If she was wrong or he slipped away, there was no guarantee there would be another chance for her.

She had failed at many things, and of her two great failures the first fall was the hardest. It was when she had fully realized what it meant to be the least among the dragons.

Grandfather had commanded the demonstration out of anger at father's presumption. She had heard along with Azula the Fire Lord's rage at his second son's naked desire to usurp the elder linage while Uncle and Lu Ten yet lived.

But there had been none of that before the court. He was as Kazuko mostly remembered him, implacable and unreadable beyond an expression of mild irritation. He could have been carved out of iron.

She had never shared a meal with him or seen him demonstrate such mortal follies as thirst or a need to visit the chamberpot. Her mother once had to tell her he wasn't a more literal god, this ancient and frightening figure all bowed before.

But even if his blood bled mortal as he commanded, so did they obey. His descendants were no exception.

All three of them, from youngest to oldest were called to demonstrate their skills before the court. At first there had not even been firebending, and Kazuko had dared to be proud of her flexibility and agility; thinking she might impress the distant patriarch. Then the fire came, and increasing difficulty.

Then, the Ascending Dragon Salutes. A move she had only seen demonstrated because her father and instructors had agreed she was not ready to do it. Yet they both did it, her siblings. Even Urzon, so much younger than her performed flawlessly to her eyes.

There had been no help, even father did not meet her gaze as every eye that mattered fell on her.

She knew as she reached the apex it was wrong. And failure to firebend properly would mean a bad landing. She tried anyway, sacrificing any dignity to try and perform it.

Failure, and then her ankle on landing moving the wrong direction. And it continued, the next kata demanded even as she bit her cheek to keep from crying out. Until she could do nothing but kowtow and confess her ineptitude, hoping the man called her grandfather would have pity on her as his own blood was humiliated.

A naive hope. Soon answered by words, and fire. Kazuko actually could not recall his words beyond the first few. What he said certainly but the detailed words, no.

She was a disgrace, and had proven it beyond doubt. And to be born to greatness and be a failure regardless, was a crime. And the Fire Lord had punished her for it.

Crimes could not be washed away, but you could eclipse them with deeds of greatness.

The Avatar was not just the path home; he would make her more than the least of three. The Dragon ascended, saluted and landed cleanly.

The princess dared to smile, just a little.

X X X

Appa was a hit with the locals, Momo too. But then skybisons and lemurs tended to have that effect on people.

He was particularly pleased to see Appa enjoying the attention of the children he was carrying around. Sky Bison were herd animals, and the loss of so much Aang had felt was weighing on his best friend. There had been no sky bison at the temple, and no sign of them either.

Aang could no more believe that the Sky Bison were extinct than his own people. There was no way those who rode the winds could be eradicated to such an extent.

They were in hiding somewhere, few and frightened. He was not blind to the horror, Gyatso had opened his eyes to what had happened.

He had been worried what that might have done to his people. Katra and Sokka could not see it, but he saw how much more cynical the Southern Tribe was, so much more guarded and way.

And Kazuko too. He had not been joking when he said how surprised he was too see a high ranking Fire Nation woman fighting in a war. One of the things he had liked about the Fire Nation was how they let their women do so much more than most nations. But even then skilled female fire benders mostly expressed their mastery in the dancing and elaborate rituals of the Fire Nation.

It had been one of his favorite things about the Fire Nation, the Air Nomads could also dance well, but their society after reaching a point of mastery turned more toward inward discipline. But the Fire Nation had no qualms about women and some men dedicating their lives to the art of moving body and moving flame.

Fire was the element of passion, and to see a woman who would probably have been creating beauty a century ago treating battle as her expected role was chilling. Where had their passion for art and beauty gone? Surely no Fire Lord could have changed his nation so much that they no longer cared at all about their heritage?

But here on Kyoshi Island he could see that not just people but communities still held to the true ways despite the hard shell of war. If one could get past the suspicion of strangers that had grown so strong, there was still the kindness to travelers and the curiosity of a wider world and the wonders within it.

He was smiling watching the Bison take a leap inspiring delighted screams and laughter from the riders and watchers alike.

"Aang," Katara said. Aang stiffened a bit in surprise. He really needed to pay more attention.

"Hey Katara, isn't it great? People always love a sky bison. Even more these days I think," Aang said. Katara smiled but it wasn't one of her 'good' smiles. Uh oh.

"Yeah the Fire Nation supposedly wiping a species out sure makes it more interesting. And I bet people will love Appa anywhere.

"When exactly are we leaving? You said a few days. It's been a few days, Aang," Katara told him.

Could he have one conversation with his friends without the Fire Nation coming up? Yes, which was why it was hard to not get irritated when they insisted on bringing it up. She could ask him the question without remind him of the first girl he saw naked.

And who was hunting him too. Yeah focus on that, he thought blushing.

"Well I didn't expect Sokka to make so many friends, and he seems to really enjoy training with the warriors. I don't want to be the one to take that away from him," Aang said.

And it was true, who would have thought Sokka would enjoy cross-dressing so much? He had considered telling them about the theater troupes that were all male, including 'actresses'. But seeing as that was a Fire Nation thing he had decided that would not be appreciated.

"So you are saying, I should ask Sokka when we should leave?" Katara asked.

"Yes," Aang said. Avoid and evade, was there a finer way to face conflict?

"I already talked to him and he said it should be the Avatar who knows when he's done communing with his dead woman self," Katara remarked rolling her eyes.

And waterbenders were masters of redirecting, right. She was giving him a look. Okay Aang do not panic think carefully about what you are going to say.

"We'll leave tomorrow. Gather supplies tonight and leave tomorrow night so, there's less chance of people seeing we were here?" he said.

X X X

"You're sure?"

The spy kneeled on the sand, he was smiling.

"Oh yes your grace. An Airbender boy with a flying bison, a pet lemur, and two water tribe youths traveling with him.

"My source says the girl is training with the warriors and the boy has been interested in the restoration of Kyoshi's statue," the spy reported.

Hmm, could that statue be more than just a symbol? Airbenders were paradoxical on monuments. They claimed earthly legacies were fickle and fading, but were quite pleased to craft statues to their leaders and venerated their temples immensely.

And a water bender training with these warriors. Curious. She didn't like it.

"Can you say where in the village they are?" Kazuko asked.

"... No," he admitted. She had him paid and taken out of sight. He would be held until afterwards just to be safe. Turning to the men on the beach she addressed them.

"We leave immediately and attack with the dawn."

When they were gone her uncle approached.

"Niece the Avatar could evade this attack. You will be plunging a peaceful village into the war for nothing," he pointed out.

"We are at war; the peace I shatter is an illusion. And I don't think he will. Airbenders aspired to detachment, but he cared enough about those villagers to be captured.

"If we cause a ruckus I think he will come running. The men will be assigned to carnage, burn buildings, that statue, drive the people out. We need not be brutal only destructive and he might be drawn like a moth to a flame," she said.

"This is your first true raid. You will learn, my niece," Iroh admitted. Kazuko smiled, but as he walked away it vanished as she felt that was not encouragement or praise just now.

X X X

Anaya, cursed the uniform and the routine. Of all things the uniform had been designed for it seemed relieving yourself in the woods was not one of them. At least she had learned not to do it near pine trees. Pulling out her hand shovel from the tool pouch she got on with the unpleasant chore.

This, she would not miss. Staring at the ocean all night never seeing anything. She really had to tell Suki she was done with all this.

After the Avatar left. Patting the turned over dirt down she nodded to herself. Aang's visit would likely give Suki a fresh gaggle of young girls to deal with and her resignation would hardly be noticed.

The Warriors, she would miss them, but it was time to on Anaya decided.

"A new day," she said to herself. Her head snapped up as something shifted behind her. A hand clamped down over her mouth and something cold cut across her throat.

The Fire Nation scout held the idle sentry as her struggles weakened. The familiar scent of blood mixing with nature calming his nerves, ever worn before a battle. He had dared hope his assignment with the First Princess had removed him from it. But no.

The way was clear, there would be no warning. As in missions past he found himself hating the locals before him and his nation for not being better prepared.

The sun was rising, and Fire was ascendant.

X X X

The whistle cut through the air, and Aang's eyes snapped open. For a moment he thought he had slept in at the Western Air Temple. Those ladies could be strict on their schedules!

But of course he was in a room adorned in blue without the water tribe styles. Then the door was flung open revealing Katara in her night clothes.

"Aang! She's here!" Katara shouted.

He was awake, there was only one 'her' she could mean, and people were screaming.

"Oh no."

Thankful he was exhausted enough last night to have slept in his clothes he pulled on his shoes as he ran and jumped through a window. He had to something.

He emerged to a nightmare. Buildings were burning. And so was Kyoshi in the rising predawn light. He took a step back as it looked like her head had turned to glare at him.

Blinking and shaking his head the statue returned to normal. Not that it mattered now.

"Aang, where is Sokka?!" Katara shouted coming around the building.

Other people were calling too; he could hear it on the wind.

For the Avatar. He had already failed them, but still.

"Katara get Appa ready. I need to fix this."

X X X

Fire and blood she had expected. She had seen it in skirmishes with pirates, and the training grounds of the Caldera.

The screams were new though. She was still despite herself at the edge of cover as events were unfolding.

Uncle had told her something, she willed herself to remember it.

"Stillness is death, keep moving. Your mind will follow. Keep moving and thinking," he had said.

Breathing in war the First Princess moved into the fray.

X X X

No Black Snow. He had already realized how dangerous it could be, but now here it was.

Sokka looked down at the Fire nation soldier he had struck over the back of the neck. He had been out early, extra practice time in the full uniform.

It's probably only luck, he had spotted this guy.

But now that he had stalked his prey and brought it down, he was taking in all that was going on. Another raid.

Just like...

No! This was not his village and this time he was a warrior. Before his eyes he saw the statue of Kyoshi go up in flames.

Okay, this was Kazuko probably. So he had some idea what kind of forces she had with that one ship. He doubted a fleet would sneak up. He needed to tell others, the shrine was the rally point or the Hall.

Try the Hall first he thought sticking to the trees of the outskirts trying to spot any more Firebender movements in the chaos.

X X X

She hoped Aang would never know her first thought was to blame him. Not for the attack and all that followed, but when the alarm bell rang with no scheduled drill, she had assumed the kid avatar was making a very tasteless prank in those first moments of waking from her last peaceful sleep.

But such thoughts were banished under a pall of ash, lit by focused blasts of angry flame devouring the home of her people. Some doors of immolating homes burst, and familiar faces ran out, running from the fire burning through their backs. Pain and fear kept them from remembering the basic methods of putting out such flames, dooming themselves to slow lingering death or mutilation.

But they were civilians, she couldn't fault them for their fear. It was that of her warriors that was unforgivable. The first of them she came upon was face down on the main path, smoke rising lazily from the still-burning embers that made up most of her left side. Her face, frozen in a terrified rictus was hardly recognizable as Yeong-seok. One of her more dedicated warriors. Other, less focused on her order were frozen in panic or fleeing at the sight of their friend's gruesome death.

Thinking quickly, Suki realized to her horror that really, only half their number were reliable for actual life or death battle.

The Hall, or the Shrine that was where they would rally those who remembered. The Hall the armory there, to arm themselves.

She slowed as a Fire Soldier emerged from behind a building, Old Man Chien's House, though it wasn't his anymore as a chill took him three years ago.

A Spearman, he hadn't noticed her yet. She had the element of surprise. Rushing forward she did not waste it.

X X X

"Suki!" a familiar voice called out. Suki turned fans drawn, ready for an attack before realizing no attacker would know her name.

How many invaders had she taken down? At least one Firebender, her fans had deflected perfectly, but she thought even through her gloves the heat might have burned her hands. Had it?

The other warrior grabbed her shoulder and dragged her into an alley.

"I have been trying to get to you. You've been kicking fire Nation butt, but you're needed at the Hall, the girls think you're dead."

Girls?

"Sokka?" she asked. He blinked and and looked at her oddly. Well why not, she had seen him in uniform before. Great Kyoshi she was not supposed to be like this in a crisis.

"Listen the warriors are rallying at the Hall and the shrine, I think most of the people have escapee into the forest. The Fire Nation is raiding here. my people know this, there aren't as many of them as you think they're setting things on fire and moving around a lot to keep you confused and and think there are more.

"But it can work, your troops need their leader," he insisted.

"Yes, and you need to find Aang!" Suki said pulling herself straight.

"Huh?"

"If I know anything about that boy he's probably doing the stupid thing and running around trying to find you. When you're practically in disguise. You're his Warrior right? So protect him by getting out of here."

"But your village..."

"Our problem, if the people are safe we can rebuild. Get that airhead far away from here," Suki ordered.

Sokka looked like he was about to protest, bit instead he stood at attention.

"Yes ma'am. And thank you, for showing me more about being a warrior. I needed that-"

"Surrender women! We want the avatar not your village!" a man called shrilly voice distorted be the mask.

Suki turned and saw they had been spotted. A Firebender was glaring at them from the street, eyes turned into black holes in the mask.

X X X

Kazuko had been upset that the the statue had been set ablaze, was it still a statue if it was wood? It seemed more vandalous than anything.

But more importantly where was the avatar? He defended people didn't he? Like at the South Pole?

Surely he had not left yet? No!

Kazuko was quickly realizing that keeping one's bearings in the midst of battle was not nearly as simple as her lessons had imparted. The movement, the running, the screams, bodies running back and forth, the flickering of fire spreading all along the periphery. It was all terribly distracting, a distraction that got deep in your head and pierced your senses. She ground her teeth together to force past the din, charging forward with purpose, her fists tight at her side.

It was too hot and she could barely see through this mask. Not pausing she quickly yanked the skull mask off. After a moment trying to put it in her belt pouch one handed she simply tossed the thing aside.

Two figures stepped out of the fire behind one of the huts, intentionally moving into the Princess' path. Her eyes narrowed through the haze of smoke taking a cautious step back at the recognition of those ridiculous local warrior uniforms. Though they'd clearly been made of material treated to be fire resistant, the sheer bulk of them offset any benefits in her mind.

"I am here for the Boy Avatar," she announced. "Deliver him to me now, and my people will leave this island with no further damage. But continue to harbor this fugitive..."

"I am Suki, Captain of the Kyoshi warriors," one of the two said stepping forward.

"And I'm the First Princess of the Royal Family," Kazuko answered already irritated with the brunette.

"No, I am in command here," Suki snapped.

"Unless you're surrendering, why should I care? Are all of the warriors here women? The reports never mentioned that. Zhao," Kazuko grumbled glancing a bit to the side.

"I swore to uphold the honor and memory of Avatar Kyoshi. I will die before letting the likes of you touch her heir!"

"As you wish!" Kazuko said. They dodged the fireblast, the leader being far more agile. Impressive speed, but the charge left Suki open to the follow up fire blast.

Until she deflected it with a war fan.

'Since when can someone outside the Fire Nation pull that off?!' Kazuko as she deflected a blow from one of the fan with her left greave. It actually bit through the armor.

Rather than throw it off the princess went down sending a narrow blast of fire at the warrior's feet.

That forced her back, and of course Kazuko was on her feet before the warrior recovered fully. But the other one was now trying to flank her.

This was better than before. This she could do! Her next blast came quick Suki had to step even further back taking the blow. She had skill though, and that left-

"Sokka get out of here!" Suki said. Kazuko smiled as te other warrior barely deflected the blast. Reflex and luck, amateur.

"Princess Kazuko!" A familiar voice called out to her from behind.

X X X

"Life is often a spiral. While we move forward into new days and with it new experience, often we find ourselves in familiar circumstances. This is why one must reflect on one's past. For as the spiral turns we can use lessons past to avoid repeating the errors of our past." Gyatso's words had come to him as he saw Sokka being threatened by Kazuko.

Though this time he had arrived too late to divert her from the innocents. The way she looked at him, anger, and something else. What he wasn't sure, but it was intense. Passion fueled Firebending as serenity did Airbending. Kazuko was not lacking for that fuel.

"I'm the one you want," he told her.

"Yes, surrender."

"Not this time. I am the Avatar I have a duty to the world," he told her. Something passed through her eyes, again he was not sure what. He really wasn't good at reading girls. But then Monk Gyatso said the only men who could understand girls were liars. The other elder monks had laughed at that one.

Nothing to laugh at here, he thought as he dodged the fireblast. She was fast. And Looking arounds as much as he dared while the Princess chased him around the street he was reminded just because he dodged fire didn't make it vanish. A hedge had just been set ablaze.

Maybe he could exhaust her by evading. But in addition to the town what if someone else got set on fire.

This called for evading of a more extreme type.

"PRINCESS KAZUKO! YOU COULD NEVER CATCH ME! THE AVATAR!" Aang yelled cupping his hands over his mouth as he evaded with an air scooter.

Okay hopefully that would make any Fore Nation forces who heard him come here and stop attacking. And now she was blowing a whistle? Oh, it cut through the sound of battle! Summoning reinforcements to a leader? That was a good idea, whoever thought of it.

"Oh," Aang said as three firebenders jogged around a corner onto the street and a komodo rhino burst through an alleyway spearmen following it.

"Surround him! Get the staff. Break it!" Kazuko ordered panting.

"Huh that worked too well?" Aang gulped a bit glancing around. Then the Firebenders were under attack. Apparently they had drawn the battle not just the Fire Nation as the Warriors nearly knocked the rider off his mount and the beast rearing up and stomping backwards forced the spearmen to disperse.

Kazuko fended off one warrior but then missed a step in her evasion. Suki had grabbed the princess' ankle from her pot on on the round. The attacking warrior struck Kazuko's helmet on on the side loud enough for it to ring.

As Kazuko retreated Suki got up and fixed Aang with look, she nodded.

Overhead Appa gave a deep howl.

Unfolding is staff he leapt into the air evading the two other Firebenders throwing up dire at him. The hot air helped give him a boost.

"Kazuko! Aren't you forgetting something?!" he called out.

"After him! Everyone, don't let him escape!" the princess yelled knocking aside one warrior with a sharp kick.

X X X

Katara watched the town burn people running or fighting. Seeing it like this above and removed made it worse. Appa grumbled as they flew higher. Sokka had stripped off the armor, saying he was leaving it with the Warriors. He still had the face paint though.

It didn't conceal his pained look.

"Kazuko! Aren't you forgetting something!?" Aang called out.

"Aang we're here!" Katara shouted as he came into sight gliding up away from the battle.

He ignored them heading for the bay.

What is he doing?" Sokka asked as Appa shifted course following after Aang. Katara looked over and caught a glimpse of a komodo Rhino leaving the village, then another. Aang was drawing the Fire Nation away.

"Katara, was Aang diving into the bay part of a plan? Was there a plan or just generally running away. Flying away?" Sokka asked.

"He what?" Katara said looking back to the front.

Looking around she couldn't see Aang anywhere. Was he trying some kind of waterbending? That glowing avatar eyes thing?

Water exploded from the bay revealing a massive serpent rearing up and roaring. It looked bigger than Kazuko's ship. And its mouth was-

"HOLY FISH PASTE!" Sokka screamed.

It was looking toward them, and Appa was flying toward it. Before either of them could lunge for the reins it had dropped its head dipped as it roared again. Letting them see a figure in orange standing on its head holding its whiskers like reins.

"He's..." Sokka said.

"That avatar," Katara finished.

Then Appa nearly tossed them over board as he pulled left to dodge a stream of water shooting from the monster's mouth.

X X X

They rode in silence AAang directing Appa from his spot at the front of the saddle. Katara looked to Sokka still wearing the uniform of the Kyoshi Warriors, and glancing back the way they had come when he thought she wasn't looking.

Aang wasn't talking much. Never good. Why did she have to be right, Katara wondered.

"Aang, where are we going now?" she asked. He looked back, Appa gave a rumbling growl and Aang seemed to understand it leaving the reims to take his usual seat before them.

"Remind me. Omashu is free right? Like Free Free, not with the Fire Nation attacking it or something?" Aang asked.

"Yeah, Omashu is one of the Two Invincible Fortresses of the Earth Kingdom. The Fire Nation has never even been able to reach its walls," Katara said

"The King used to be some war hero, called the mad King for his bold and risky maneuvers. Though that was back when Fire Lord Azulon was still alive. Is that king still alive even?" Sokka asked.

"I thought it was when 'Sozin' was still alive. That one is probably dead," Katara corrected. Besides those were Tall Tales, good for children to tell them there was a good guy who could scare away Firebenders.

"Uh dead kings are interesting. But Omashu is safe right? I'd like to pay my respects to a friend, from the old days," Aang said.

"Yeah, I don't see us having any trouble in Omashu," Katara assured him. And maybe the current King could give them some help?

"Katara!" Sokka shouted.

"What?"

"You said nothing could go wrong?! You've doomed us and maybe Omashu!" Sokka accused pointing a finger.

As Aang got confused and amused Sokka ranted and Katara relaxed. That was a bad brush with Kazuko, but at least everything was back to normal it looked like.

X X X

"Another failure, Uncle," Kazuko admitted.

"If I had been able to catch that boy maybe..." she trailed off staring at the map. If the Avatar had kept to his heading, he might be heading finally deep into Earth territory.

"But you didn't. The mission was an effective failure," he agreed from his place behind her. They were in her quarters. She had withdrawn as soon as they had received the reports. They had lost no komodo-rhinos but two Firebenders were dead and one injured. Five other men dead, possibly another too injured to resume duty.

The men were, displeased. With few exceptions the damage done to the village and locals was hardly seen worth it for the loss of members of a team that had been closely knit for three years.

And the village...

Slumping at her desk she watched as Iroh set a tray down for her. Not tea to her surprise. A warm bottle of Sake and two saucers.

"People sing sings of battles fought I think to drown out the noise they bring back with them," Iroh remarked pouring some of the steaming liquid into one of the saucers.

"... To the fallen?" she said picking up the saucer. Nodding Iroh filled his own.

"And to lessons learned," the old general added. With a frown she knocked back the liquid. It was bitter and hot passing over her tongue down her throat.

This would not be for nothing. She would catch the avatar, and not just for the sake of her face.

X X X

It had ended so abruptly Suki had found herself feeling more on edge following hour. After Aang's display with the Unagi the Fire Nation had scrambled to withdraw. She wasn't sure if his intent had been to douse the fire alone, or he had realized the battle would not end until all the soldiers realized that fact.

And the rain had confused enough of them that they seemed to have fallen back enough to get the word.

And when the last Fire Nation boat took to the waves, the fighting was over.

Battles had been compared to storms by Avatar Kyoshi swift and often without warning or building anticipation. And the swift fury leaving long lingering desolation in ts wake. Suki had never doubted Kyoshi's words, but hat trust was now replaced by experience. Exhausting experience.

The buildings were not total losses for the most part. Aang's rain had done well. Even lost buildings mostly had trunks or the odd cabinet or cellars weathering the fire. That was good, the act of retrieving something was helping people.

Because there were so many people lost.

Thirteen people, seven warriors. Possibly more in the coming days from burns and... other wounds. That made it sound so trivial.

"Suki?" the chief elder pressed.

Oyaji looked at her with clear concern, she schooled her features she needed to focus the elder, the surviving elders were meeting and her presence was for once not a formality. They sat in the shrine, the meeting hall while not totally destroyed would likely have to be torn down.

She tried not to look at all the reminders of the legacy she had failed to uphold.

"Send her home Oyaji," the elderly herbalist said. The squinting elder had opened one of her eyes fully to watch her.

"That is hardly necessary elder," Suki answered succinctly.

"Nonsense, I know people and you are not just on brink of collapsing, you need too. And probably full of nonsense guilt. This is our fault, consolidating the villages let us move further inland with more crops, but it's left us vulnerable. Our generation wrote this, it's just taken this long for the Fire Nation to read the scroll," the eccentric medicine woman muttered.

"Suki, perhaps she is right. You have done your part leading the Warriors. Rest now, we could do little during the chaos, bit organizing the village now is something we can do," Oyaji said.

She wanted to protest. But she knew these people, the village was not so large to make leaders strangers. They were looking at her like that again, like the girl who snuck into the training hall to steal fans for training. Not the Captain of the Warriors.

"I will rest," she acquiesced making the gesture of respect and bowing. They returned it, ad before she left the room were discussing the state of supplies and the need to send boats for more medicinal herbs. The other islands also needed to be informed.

The sun was not even at noon yet. The world was kicked and left slanted, and it didn't even take a full day. She almost made her way to the Warriors Hall. Now serving as a makeshift hospital. Two of her girls were in there. More were, dead.

She managed to get behind a ruined house before emptying last night's dinner. Never had breakfast. Then she recognized this as Mero the Fisherman's house. His wife she had seen her running her piled braids burning. She always got up early to have her hair ready for the day. Her clothes had been burning too, but those distinct braids, Suki had watched the grey appear and grow in them.

Was she dead?

"Kyoshi, I'm sorry," Suki cried panting and breathing in the steaming fumes of her own vomit. Someone pulled her hair back with one hand and rubbed her back with the other. A woman she knew somehow.

No, she needed to be strong now more than ever.

"You did as well as you could. We are not just defined by what we do with the power of victory, but how we grow in defeat."

Taking a few deep breath Suki straightened her back the big hand coming off her back. But glancing over her shoulder she found herself alone the wind cooling her and drying tears on her cheek.

---

Author's Note:

Long delayed and snagged more than a few times. I will not be doing an episode by episode recounting. Some will get attention, others only mention or partial. And others like the Great Divide will not happen.

I enjoy writing Azula, I look forward to when she gets more involved. And in case there is doubt, Ozai is still a harsh autocrat, but he's less clear cut villain and like Kazuko benefits a bit from a healthy relationship. For visuals on Fire Lady Miyo and Prince Urzon check out Festum's account on Deviantart.

And yes, Azula is the middle child in this AU.