The Earth Kingdom City of Shiren, thirty miles from Republic City

110 A.G- two years after the founding of the United Republic of Nations

The night had fallen, and rain poured steadily downwards, drenching everything. The City of Shiren was silent in the rumbling night, and only the dim lights given by the strained City Electrical Generators gave the people light.

The man was dressed in a long, black coat that obscured his face in a deep hood. The man was cautious; he knew that the Police kept a watchful eye on the streets, so he stayed in the shadows. He couldn't risk uncovering the entire network. He arrived at the plate metal door and knocked twice softly. The metal slit slid open and an eye glared out at the man.

"Where do you go on vacation?" asked the voice.

"I personally enjoy Lake Laogai. And you, brother?"

The slit shut closed, and the slightly rusted hinges whined as the door opened slightly to admit the man. The Gatekeeper bowed, recognizing the man.

"Forgive me, sir. I did not recognize you."

"There is no need to apologize. You did your duty. Now, open the passage gate."

The man settled into a bending position, and, grimacing, pulled back a sheet of rock, revealing a passageway. The man bowed, and walked down the corridor, taking comfort in the clatter of rocks that signaled the sealing of the passageway behind him.

How long I have awaited this day, the man thought to himself. My father's work shall be done at long last. The legacy of my family name will be spoken with reverence through the annals of history.

After walking for many minutes, he embarked on a small train system which took him even deeper into the earth.

Entering a cavernous space, he was greeted by the sight of thousands of black-robed cultists, looking at him attentively. Then, he removed his hood, and the hall erupted into cheers as the cultists welcomed their leader. The noise, he knew, would be masked by miles of rock. No one would ever find them here. The man held up his hand, silencing the crowd.

"Brothers, sisters, be at peace. The day of our Deliverance is nigh. For too long has the false King and the evil Fire Nation held dominance over our people. Avatar Aang may have saved the world from the Fire Nation, but his alliance with the Firelord Zuko proves that he has been helping the Fire Nation all along."

There were boos and catcalls among the audience.

"Today, however, that all changes; for today is Deliverance Day! Today, the destiny of the world has changed forever."

Cheers resounded through the hall.

"Earthbenders and nonbenders alike have joined our crusade for freedom. First, we shall free the Earth Kingdom. Then, we shall free the world from the tyranny of the Fire Nation once and for all. The hated Avatar will be vanquished, and true balance will be restored to the world," he shouted, holding his fist in the air victoriously.

"Years ago, my father, Long Feng, was cast from his position in the Earth King's government. The Earth King cast him out on orders from the Avatar, and look what happened; Ba Sing Se fell to the Fire Nation soon after. This, my comrades, was not coincidence. This proves, beyond a doubt, that the Avatar has been working with the Fire Nation all along. Well, in the coming weeks, this will be stopped once and for all!"

Resounding cheers echoed as thousands of his soldiers celebrated their deliverance. For years, they had waited, meeting in places like this, in eternal fear of discovery. But tomorrow, they would not be hiding anymore.

"For months, we have planted rumors that the Fire Nation was planning to attack the Earth Kingdom, which was quickly dismissed by the government. Well, they will see their mistake when 'The Fire Nation' attacks them tomorrow! Do not worry my brethren. The seeds of doubt have been cast, and when the Beginnning occurs tomorrow, the world will be changed."

He paused, allowing the applause to build, then silenced it with an upheld hand.

"I, Yang Feng, son of Long Feng, shall bring honor to the name of my people, and the Dai Lee will once again rule the Earth Kingdom!"

Smiling, he basked in the wild cheers and applause that bathed him in brilliance. It was glorious, he reflected. The plan, he knew, would go perfectly. Whether Zuko and Kuei wanted it or not, their nations were going to be thrust in a war that would affect the world forever.

Snapping awake, Zuko sat up quickly, breathing heavily. He didn't remember what he had just dreamed, but he knew it had been terrifying. Swinging his legs out of the covers, he sat on his bed, panting. Beside him, Mai sat up, looking at him with concern.

"Zuko, what's wrong?" she asked, kissing him on the cheek.

"I… I don't know. Something… something feels wrong. It's like something is about to happen, but I don't know what. Whatever it is, it can't be good," he said, taking deep breaths.

Mai embraced him from behind, listening to the slowing pace of his heart. The, pulling him gently, she pulled him back into bed.

"Come on. You'd better get some sleep, Fire Lord."

Forgetting his nightmare, Zuko smiled appreciatively, closing his eyes.

Many miles away, a collection of men exited from a hidden entrance, bringing large boxes with them. Then, breaking them open with crowbars, they opened the boxes, revealing Fire Nation military uniforms tightly packed inside. The leader of the group stood, holding the skull-faced helmet that the Fire Nation had kept from the Hundred Years' war that signified the Firebending Corps. Smiling, he thought back to his mother, who had been killed in the War. He knew he would likely die the next day, but he was ecstatic.

Finally, mother. You will be avenged.

And... we're back. This is going to be the first entry in a more lengthy look into the interim period between ATLA and LOK. As "Old Friends" technically ended, this will not be in the context of a conversation, and more of a direct interpretation. It's about to get epic up in here...

I've elected to keep this story on the original story because it'll be taking place in the same universe as "Old Friends." While there aren't any major canon-breaks, there will be some minor tweaking. If this isn't your cup of tea, stay tuned. The feels one-shots will make an appearance at some point.

Kudos if you caught the "Rap God" lyrics in Zuko's dialogue.

As Always, thanks for reading and please review!

Thanks,

IGdude117

P.S. At some point, I'll publish the timeline I'm using that I compiled myself with help from a calculator and the Avatar Wiki.