The Last of Red Hair

Book One – Chapter 2: Kyoshi Island

"Discussion people"

'Thoughts people'

"Technique or Justu"

"Discussion demon or gods"

'Thoughts demon or gods'

"Naruto Uzumaki…" blue eyes focused intently on his own. "My family owes you a debt and I intend to repay it in full. I have a proposal for you. Become the guardian for my granddaughter Azula. Protector her, guide her, never leave her side. And in turn you will be treated as a member of my family. A roof over your head, a soft bed and food fit for the royal family will be yours."

Naruto was smart and he knew what a guardian did but could he do it. 'I don't even know how to fight.' Speaking his mind was the common reaction when stumped. "I don't know how to fight though. Aren't Guardians supposed to be able to fight or something?"

Azulon's wither hand rubbed his chin in thought. Stumped by the boy's question. That was when his eldest son Iroh spoke up. "I will teach him how to fight father. He seems like an interesting child and if it keeps my niece safe it would be my honor." Azulon nodded agreeing with his son's actions, before his head turned back towards the boy expecting an answer.

His offer stunned the boy beyond words. He turned to judge the reaction of the rest of the royal family. The two females gave him a smile despite the intentions behind them being different. The youngest boy of the family looked confused nothing else showed on his face. But, the fire prince was giving him a glare that he could have sworn sparks jumped from his fingertips. Smirking he already knew his answer. Grinning much like a fox would he spoke up. "It would be my honor." Giving a nod of the head instead of a bow.

Azula walked along the silent corridors of her home, annoyed with what was going on around her. She had no idea why her father had become so focused and fixated over the Avatars reappearance. 'All reports say the Avatar is but a child. Not to mention only has one of the four elements under his control.' Azula thought to herself as she continued down the hall. It was getting unbearable with the sightings of the Avatar being the only thing discussed during all the general meetings. It's to the point where she had begun to tune out all the avatar talk all together.

Reaching for the handle of her room door, she made her way inside closing and locking it behind her. Removing her decorative armor along with her day clothes. Grabbing a red robe embroidered with golden flames she then sat before an ornate vanity dresser. Looking down on the counter she could see two pictures.

The first was a picture consisting of four people. Her father Ozai, mother Ursa, her older brother Zuko, and the small girl standing in the front was a five-year-old version of herself. Much has changed since this picture was painted. Her father has inherited the position of Fire Lord, despite Uncle Iroh being the first born son of the previous Fire Lord.

Almost immediately after her father's succession her mother disappeared. According to her father she was banished because of her possible contribution to the death of Fire Lord Azulon. But a certain redhead told her to ignore the words that come from just anyone and, find her own truth. Despite the improvements the mother and daughter made in their relationship it was still a touchy subject to the Fire Nation princess. However, deep down she loved her mother and wanted to know if she felt the same way about her.

The most recent was her brother's banishment. If she was honest with herself, she could care less. Sitting the picture face down, Azula sighed at the memories picking it up has brought back. Reaching for the second picture a slight smile grew on her face. This picture also had four people the only one from the previous picture was Azula herself however she is nine in this one.

On the far left of the picture was Mai, said girl who look around the age of nine maybe ten. Much like the other two girls she was wearing a Fire Nation Academy girls uniform. Her hair was done up into two buns on the top portion of her head, covered by a red bun cover on each. Her bangs cutting a straight path over her forehead. She had slanted orange brown eyes that seemed to jump between boredom to annoyance. If it wasn't for the slight dusting of pink on her cheeks betraying her true feelings. She was one of the only three people who call Azula "friend".

On the far right was Azula. Wearing a similar Fire Nation Academy outfit, her hair having not changed over years. Arms crossed over her chest while, her golden amber eyes glaring heatedly towards the two people to her right mainly the girl. The anger focused at her current position.

In-between both Mai and Azula was two people, they were striking the weirdest poses. The first was a brown haired girl the same age as Azula. Her hair was longer ending at the middle of her back pull together in a single braid, while a few of her bangs covered her forehead. The girl had big brown eyes that were wide and full of glee. Her name was Ty Lee.

Ty Lee was currently sitting on the fourth member of the groups shoulders, both hands situated firmly in red spikey hair. The final member was Naruto Uzumaki, his signature crimson mane of hair reached to his shoulders. His bright blue eyes weren't visible due to the wideness of his grin forcing his eyes closed. He was wearing a lightly altered Fire Nation soldier outfit, forgoing shoulder pads and the normal footwear, and having orange embroidering instead of the usual gold or red. His arms were wrapped around Azula's and Mai's shoulders pulling them close.

A delicate finger rubbed over the boy within the picture slowly and longingly. Her scowl returned with her thoughts of him. 'Where did he go?' the pressure applied to the glass begun to increase. 'Why didn't you listen?' cracks made themselves known on the surface. Finally, the glass gave way to the pressure from Azula's hand. 'You promised to not to leave my side.' Placing the picture down mentally noting the need for a new frame. Walking to the window she looked at the sun's position observing the hour or two before sunset. While allowing its rays to empower her. Taking a deep breath, the sun's light reflecting off the amber of her eyes as they narrowed following one final exhale "I will hunt the avatar down capture him. then you are next Naruto… I will show you just how much stronger I have become." The glint in her eyes were murderous, yet held an emotion not seen in some years. However deep within three words were whispered.

'I am sorry.'

"AACHOO!"

Instead of receiving a "Gesundheit" or a slight pause he had to dodge a battle fan aimed for his head. Said dodge was followed by another as a similar golden fan flew at towards its target. Ocean blue eyes stared into a grayish blue pair, one holding determination the other amusement.

"Oh woe is me I sneeze and I didn't get anything but a fan to the face…And I thought you cared." His grin showed sharpened canine teeth while scrunching up the whisker marks that were laid out on his cheeks. "Suki."

Suki was a beautiful young woman, she is wearing a green and black battle robe with armor placed over her chest going down to mid-thigh it was held in place by side straps and should guards. The armor was black and segmented for movability. Her neck length brown hair gentle framed her rounded face. Her lightly tanned skinned was covered by pure white make up except for the ruby shade of red that covered her lips and eyes. The make-up round her eyes went up to disappear at a decorative hair piece signifying her position as leader of the Kyoshi warriors.

Suki normally kept a stoic facade during fights or spars as taught to all Kyoshi warriors. But in the past three weeks that façade would crack and a playful smirk showed itself. A sweeping kick was followed by a jab, that nearly caught the still airborne warrior. But also missed as the boy turned completely sideways maneuvering to give himself some room from the relentless brunette. The space allowed Suki to return to her main battle stance. "Aww poor Naruto. I'm sorry I didn't hurt the big strong man's feelings did I?" Suki spoke in a fake caring tone.

Naruto had grown over the years into a young strong man with a warrior's body. His spikey hair was much wilder then it was in his youth but, it also had an air of elegance that only he could manage. His sixteen-year-old body had matured greatly his rounded face became slightly narrowed with the loss of his baby fat. His whisker marks have darkened over the years. However; three things have stayed the same his blood red hair, the ocean blue eyes, and his love for orange. Currently he was wearing a gray karate top with a dark red stripe running up the left chest. the sleeves and opening were lined with a lighter gray color. He had light armor on his forearms that reach his wrist. A bright orange sash held the front closed, while the rest of the sash hanged to the side. Beneath was white medical bandages that wrapped around his torso and lower back. Hanging around his neck was a simple green crystal with two metal beads at its sides. His feet were bare but both shins were cover in similar light armor to his forearms, that his burnt orange nearly brown pants disappeared into.

Giggles erupted from the watching kyoshi warriors, the grin on his face faltered slightly following her comment. He motioned for her to come here as he began to speak. "No you didn't… Besides everyone here knows you actually do love me." The giggles gained new force along with a new target.

Suki ran forward to strike the boy who has become a close friend, maybe more over the few weeks he has been here. However, in her tunnel vision she was unable to see the slight movement of his foot or the slight raising of the training floor. Naruto's grin was the only warning she got. It allowed her to barely keep her footing when she begun to fall over the floors changing surface, she managed to stumble forward.

Naruto having planned for her to fall on her face was unprepared for her to stumble all the way to him then crashing full on. Her speed plus his unbalance cause a mess of arms and legs to roll back onto the floor.

When the rest of the Kyoshi warrior finally made sense out of what has happened. They were greeted with was Suki laid flat on her back. While Naruto was on top of her, his hands at either side of her head keeping her in place. While hers managed to slide their way into his parted shirt. Their lower bodies were still entangled both of their hips connected. While the circle of female warriors whispered and giggled to themselves they were unaware of the wordless conversation the two were having.

Two sets of blue eyes were locked into each other's gaze. Delicate feminine fingers danced over harden muscles and bandaged skin. While two toned arms began to lower the weight they held. Blood rushed to both Suki's and Naruto's face, as both felt what each other was doing. Neither gave signs of pulling away or stopping both sets of eyes fluttered closed. Mouths slightly parted as they drew even closer to each other.

The jealousy and anticipation had become thick as the watching females see their leader about receive what they all believe was her first kiss. But the more important part was that it was with the hunk that had been training with them for these past couple of days.

Everything was brought to a halt when they heard a childish voice speak. "Let me see, it's my turn." All heads snapped towards the far wall seeing a child hanging in the window looking below her speaking. Not much was heard then she fell disappearing from view. Now snapped out of their moment Naruto quickly got up before lifting Suki off the floor to her feet at his side.

A clearing of his throat brought everyone's attention to him. "I believe that is enough for today. I still need to pack before tomorrow morning but, before that have some last minute advice for your future fights." Naruto's words brought the female warriors some apprehension. Not use to critiques they waited patiently for his words.

The silence bothered Suki and being the leader she spoke to break the silence. "So what did you see that needs improvement," her words dripped with concealed agitation. But seeing the grin he was giving them brought her some relief.

"You all are great fighters and have the instincts that would allow you to hold your own against many if not all normal Fire Nation soldiers."

He was cut off by a warrior closer to the back that caught exactly what he said. "Normal Fire Nation soldiers, what about the benders?" her questions brought attention to Naruto's exact wording.

Continuing where he left off Naruto spoke once again, "The fire benders are another matter altogether. Currently your way of attack is too straight forward and paths that are easily predicted, that makes you vulnerable."

He was stopped again this time however Suki spoke up. "Are you saying we would lose to any fire bender? I thought you knew us better than that. Was I wrong to assume that?" her body language was that of betrayal and hurt but, he could also see the desire to prove him wrong right here and now.

Placing his hands up in a placating manner he spoke up. "Calm down Suki." But he was interrupted once again.

"Calm down?" she stormed up to him finger poking harshly into his chest while trying ignore how it feels. "We have been training to protect this village for years and for you to say we would lose to some fire bending soldiers. Is more than insulting-"

A finger pressed against her lips causing her to flush even further her anger dissipated only a little. "Are you ready to listen now?" a nod from everyone allowed him to continue. "It's not just fire bender, most benders would have an easier time fighting you now. That's because you all mainly take straight forward attack patterns. Making you easy targets." He sat down seeing there still aggravated motioning them to join him he pulled out a scroll from his pack then unrolled it. Then he pulled out some ink and a brush. "Each nation follows a basic fighting style when it comes to bending. Experience fighters adapt the style to suit their particular way of combat. However, each bending has its own way interacting with their element. Knowing this makes it easier to fight that particular type of bender." Drawing a fire bender and an Earth Kingdom soldier he continued to explain his thinking. "Fire and earth have one major weakness not many take the time to notice. Most benders can only take straight paths of attack. The more advance fighters might be able to change their attacks course, but it is rare to meet any fire benders who can. If you do I would recommend some type of defense that is unaffected by fire. Maybe a shield perhaps." The pictures showed this and Naruto continued to explain what he meant.

It was dark when Naruto finally finished explaining how certain benders fought and some of their flaws. Most of the warriors had left a little bit ago leaving Suki and Naruto alone in front of the training building. "Good night Suki."

"good night Naruto, see you in the morning." She turned to leave but he spoke up once again.

"Actually I will be leaving first thing in the morning. More than likely you won't even be up." He had his head turned away from her one hand scratching his cheek as he spoke.

Suki was facing him now wanting to move closer but not know if it was a good idea. "you mean this is good bye." His laugh did not comfort her.

"No it's see you later." He removed the head dress that signified her role then brought her into a hug, her head resting in the crook of his neck while his arms were wrapped around her shoulders. Finally coming to terms with their position she wrapped her arms around his waist bringing them closer together.

Releasing the hug but not each other. they stared once again into one another's eyes drawing closer as time passed. Until their lips barely touched. Then before it could have happened again he moved it to her forehead. Releasing her from his grasps Naruto turned to leave so did Suki, she didn't see him stop to look at her again. But she swayed her hips a little more just in case. Not long after she disappeared into a wooden building.

Turning back to the path he heads for his lodging for the night. Minutes have passed and Naruto was making his way to the peak of a nearby mountain. Preferring the cool mountain air then one that blows from the sea. The blonde found himself standing before a structure more specifically what could be and oversized tent. Made entirely out of earth.

Walking up to it then, putting his hand on one of the non-slanted sides he pushed. With slight force an opening became visible. Enter the shelter Naruto quickly begun to disrobe. Leaving the clothes on the compacted rock floor. Now only in his bandages and pants he dropped back on to a raised earth platform covered in pelts and a single pillow.

A single hand pressed firmly against the slanted wall before sliding down. This motion caused the side to give way slightly allowing the full moon to be visible. Absently his hand begun to fiddle with the green crystal around his neck. His confusion clearly written on his face. 'Suki… our kiss…' his hand left the necklace to massage his bottom lip. 'Why did I stop it?' despite the question he already knew the answer. It fell out his mouth in a whisper.

The sun just broke over the horizon slowly bathing the highs and lows of the small island in its light. The rays slowly heating the freshly fallen snow weakening the bonds holding it together. Seconds later a clump of snow fell landing on the face of a sleeping Naruto. Waking up with a start eyes flying open before shutting quickly not adjusted to the brightness from the still open roof. Rolling off the bed his feet met with something he had not expected.

'Snow?' looking back to the opening he could see the layers of snow that covered the part`ial open roof. "must have snowed during the night." Naruto said before moving around his tent packing up his pelts and the wrapped item in the corner by the door. Smiling at the familiar weight that settled in his hand. Exiting the tent taking a few steps out, flattening out his palm then lowering it to the ground. The earthen tent following this action. He continued down the path his feet carrying him to the other side of the island.

Not much time has passed since Naruto had left the village. His thoughts swirled around the brown haired beauty that leads the Kyoshi warriors. He didn't want to leave her but until the war is over he had to do his part, meaning he needed to further his training. He made his way into the only port town on the island. He could see the great number of fishermen along with the market place full of different fruits and vegetables. "Time to find a ship." With that said Naruto headed for the docks to pay his way further north.

A single day had gone by since they had arrived on Kyoshi Island and the village was already being attack. A beautiful young woman of about 15 years of age was currently motioning both children and woman into a shelter that was as far away from the fighting as possible. Stepping back into the sun allowed a clear view of said female.

Her darker skin tone gave her an exotic look not seen in the earth kingdom. Her body is lithe but you could still make out its developing curves. Her form was covered by heavy traditional water tribe clothing. She had her long brown hair pulled into a single braid while her heart shaped face was framed by two hair loops that begin at her hair line and finish behind her ear. Two blue eyes stared into the sky at the slowly descending form.

"Katara, look what I brought to this place." The figure finally touched down addressing the southern water tribe girl. The speaker was a teen a year or two younger than Katara. He was wearing and orange and yellow air nomad outfit, signifying his heritage. He was bald with very noticeable arrow tattoos covering his body with one covering the entirety of his head. His grey eyes were closed due to the regret.

"It's not your fault Aang." Katara comforting tone did little to help the situation.

Not agreeing with the statement Aang spoke against it. "Yes, it is. I got their town destroyed trying to protect me." He dramatically pointed to the wreckage that lay around the village.

"Let's get out of here. Zuko will leave Kyoshi to follow us. I know it feels wrong to run but, I think it is the only way."

Looking into Katara's eyes and seeing that there were no more options. "I'll call Appa." Pulling a whistle from under his shirt followed by a swift blow. He could then hear the unique call only Appa could create. Him and Katara quickly made their way onto Appa's back who took off in search for Sokka.

Sokka was hiding behind a building with Suki, catching their breath from their first encounter with Zuko and the other fire benders. "There is no time to say good bye." Said the Kyoshi warrior's leader talking to the southern water tribe boy who was now dressed as a Kyoshi warrior.

"What about I'm sorry?"

Her head cocked to the side in question. "For what?"

"I treated you like a girl. When I should have treated you like a warrior."

Suki smiled at how much he had changed in the two days they had known each other. "I am a warrior." She grabbed him in a hug, her first thoughts were to give him a kiss but thoughts of a redhead changed her mind. "But, I am a girl too." She released him moving away to enter the battle once again. Just before she disappeared into the conflict she spoke again. "Now get out of here. We will hold them off."

Before the blush could even leave his face he was climbing up the air bison's tail. They were in the air before they knew it. Believing Zuko would follow they speed forward not looking back. If they had they would have seen the streams of fire stop but no one leaving the village. In his rage the now seventeen-year-old Zuko began throwing red and orange balls of flames at the still standing buildings. "Burn the village to the ground, it will force the Avatar to return and help. And if it doesn't it will prove that he is a coward that hid for a hundred years."

With the command given the few men under his command began to ransack the village. The Kyoshi warriors were holding their own, taking care of soldiers while suki and two others were trying to hold off Zuko but it wasn't as successful as they wished. Unknown to the fighting Kyoshi warriors two of the Fire Nation soldiers had broken off to find the villagers. As they walked further into the village they stumbled onto a mother child in hand stumbling out of a burning house.

Coughing the woman and child managed to get fresh air into their lungs. Looking up first was the mother. Her eyes then fill with horror seeing the sight of two fire Nation soldiers looming over her and her child's form. "Please leave us alone." Her pleas were ignored as they continued to close in on them. Not saying anything their hands reaching down for her and the small boy.

Curling around her son protectively she closed her eyes hoping to at least keep her son safe. But she felt something odd. A rumbling that was quickly growing stronger as time passed. It had gotten strong enough for that both the soldiers turned to look at the source followed by the woman.

Coming down the trail leading to the other side of the island was a wave. A wave made of what looked like earth. The wave was quickly closing into the village with its proximity clarity was given. Now a few hundred yards from the group they could clearly see a person situated on top of the wave. the figures arms were making windmill motions. Before the figure could get any closer he leaped into the air two small boulders attached to his feet. Spinning slightly both rocks were flung at high speeds impacting with the still stunned soldiers.

The only sound they made before the air was knocked out of them was an "Umpf." Then momentum took hold shooting them back to the other fighters. Gravity finally catching up with the airborne figure he landed softly beside the woman. Bending down he begun to look her over for any wound.

"Are you alright?"

A shake of the head was his answer followed by a tentative hand moving to her ankle. Seeing both the angry red flesh along with slight bruising he sighed thankfully there were no major wounds. "Hold still I am going to heal your ankle." His hands moved to hover over the area a whitish blue glow encompassed his hands. The woman face began to show signs of comfort that equated to the wounds slowly diminishing size. When the glow stopped he removed his hands and the ankle was covered with unmarred pale skin. "Find other villagers and lead them out the village towards the mountain path."

One nod was given before she moved quickly to an alley with her son. Standing up he could see that the two soldiers he hit brought the other fighting to a stop. Fire Nation soldier and Zuko on one side while across from them was Suki and the rest of the Kyoshi warriors. His steps could be heard even from the distance between him and them. Suki was the first to recognize him.

"Naruto?" her voice was low but the rest of the warriors heard her. The chatter was hushed as Naruto finally made it the center of the two groups back turned to the invaders. He spoke softly.

"Go make sure the villagers are safe. I will handle this." He turned to face the Fire Nation prince and his entourage.

"We can help. Na-." her rebuke was cut short by the sternness of his voice.

"SUKI!" she jumped from how loud his voice was. "I will handle this. Go make sure the villagers are safe." His head turned to her his blue eyes the only thing visible of his face from under his conical straw hat. "Go Suki, I will be fine." His eyes locked onto the smoky blue that was her own and an understanding was reached.

"Ok but once everyone is safe we will be back to back you up. Let's go girls." Here command was given and the Kyoshi warriors moved out. She however moved closer to him. Naruto could feel her getting closer but chose not to acknowledge it at the moment. He soon felt her place her hands on his back leaning up then place a soft kiss on his cheek. The action cause both to blush. "Be safe." Was all she said.

She begun to move when a fire ball was launched at the duo. The flames bounced harmlessly off an earthen wall. "Who the heck are you?!" Naruto lowered his hand and the wall followed it until smooth earth gave no sign of it having been disturbed.

Suki took the time to disappear. Naruto grin wickedly seeing the irritation on Zuko's face. "I would like for you all to leave this village…" his body was still if not for the breathing those looking would think he was a statue.

"You would like for us to leave? I the Prince of the Fire Nation, don't listen to the demands of a commoner." His anger gave his arrogance a medium to make its self-known.

"I would like you to leave… NOW!" with his shout his foot left the ground only to make contact a second later. The shaking that ensued could be felt by everyone in the village. But those at its epicenter were brought to their knees in their attempt to stay upright.

"What are you waiting for get him!"

There charge was nothing spectacular but the six soldiers that managed to get their footing had quickly made moves to surround him. A sigh fell from his lips seeing the obvious tactic. That's when he moved. Shooting to the right he engaged the three two his right. A palm strike made contact with the white skull face mask of one of the soldiers. The daze was enough for Naruto to spin delivering his heel to the core of the man.

The now propelled man connected with one of the soldiers still in motion throwing them both into a still standing building pillar knocking them both out. The third managed to launch a fireball at the blonde quickly followed by another. Sliding on the ground momentum caring him in between the man legs pushing himself up Naruto secured a hold on his shoulders pulling the fire bender off his feet onto his back. Naruto's hands touched the ground on both sides of the downed fighter. Clapping them together the earth covered the benders torso. Once done a fist promptly met his temple sending the man into unconsciousness. Slowly the Naruto stood turning to fully face the remaining four invaders.

The smell of burning wood was starting to become overpowering for the red headed bender. Glancing to his sides he could see how much of the village was burning and knowing he needed to put it out before nothing was salvageable. When Naruto dropped into a low solid stance Zuko seemed to snap out of his shock. Before the banished prince could do anything a fist shot out launching three columns of earth into the chest of the soldiers knocking the wind from their lungs leaving them temporarily downed at the princes' sides.

"You should leave prince Zuko. You have caused these people enough pain."

'Who is he? He was able to beat all my men by himself with ease… wait… How did he know my name?' wanting answers Zuko made to step forward but the shaking of the ground told him to not approach. "How do you know my name? I never said it." Zuko noticed the tensing of his only opponent's shoulders.

Naruto cursed his slip up but quickly replied. "But, you did say you were the prince. And the last time I heard that Fire Nation prince was banished and was consider a failure. Learning your name wasn't hard." His flippant tone caused fire to spew from Zuko's nostrils. "it's time for you to go. Your target has left your, men are beaten and your ship is leaving."

The first two statements only managed to increase Zuko's rage. But the third gave him pause. Amber eyes looked to the beach and he could see the sand slowly pushing his ship out to sea. In the time it took Zuko to turn towards the ship, his crew was launched to the beach landing meters from each other and the ship. They locked eyes Zuko preparing for another attack but what he got was more words. "Tell Iroh I said hello." The shock from his words was all the time Naruto need to launch Zuko. He flew further than his crew landing in the sea beside his way of transportation.

Angry amber eyes locked on the slowly shrinking figure that had beaten him so thoroughly. 'Who are you? And how do you know uncle?'

The plumes of smoke were slowly disappearing over the horizon. With the threat leaving Naruto released a sigh. Before he could even turn around he could hear the villagers coming to see him. untying the cloth that kept his conical hat secure Naruto turned to face the incoming crowd. Only to come face to face with the leader Kyoshi warrior.

"You never told us you were an earth bender." With the adrenaline of the battle leaving her system the realization of what Naruto was quickly set in. "Why?"

"you never asked." Was his answered. He soon regretted that when she slapped him upside the head with her battle fan. "Ahhh, what you do that for?"

"Idiot" the village laughed the scene allowing a short reprieve from the reality of their homes condition.

With the scene over they all turned to the still smoking village small embers still dotted the area. "It's still burning." The whisper changed the mood of the crowd completely heads dropped and tears began to fall. That's when the sound of swirling sand filled the air. Those able to see him stared in wonder. Naruto stood some feet away from the crowd and was making small circles with his hands. The circles became bigger the addition of his arms until the circles were using the full length of his arms. The twister moved towards the village the sands constant bombardment smothered the flames putting them out. Releasing the technique, he wiped an imaginary sweat from his forehead. Giving the people his foxy grin, he spoke with a charisma of a great leader. "What you crying for these are just buildings and stuff. The people are what make a village like this a home. Buildings can be rebuilt the statue can be fixed so no more tears. Let's get to work."

"UNCLE!"

A slightly overweight elderly man jumped from the loud shout. Running down the hall Iroh made his way to his nephew Zuko's room. Pushing the door open a tea pot in hand Iroh looking around for his obviously agitated nephew. "Yes, Zuko. I was in the middle of my evening tea so whatever it is has to be important."

"enough about your stupid tea uncle. The avatar escaped."

"then the search continues. At least now we know he is alive instead of searching blindly for someone who hadn't been seen for over a 100 years."

"that's not the point uncle." Zuko's exhausted tone was not un noticed by Iroh though he remained silent. "The Avatar so far has only been capable of running and hiding. But today there was someone else." An aged eyebrow rose in question. Zuko didn't bother to stop for the question. "He was an earth bender. But, unlike any I have seen before. He was fast and skilled. He fought as if he has seen war and fought in one."

"He probably has we have been in war for the past hundred years Zuko. It's not uncommon for warriors to be born, grow up, and die in that time." Counter the elder who had moved to a seat and was sipping his tea in thought.

"he was my age Uncle… well at least if not just a year or two younger." Taking a deep breath to calm himself down. "Then he said to tell you hello."

Tea covered Zuko due to Iroh spitting most of it out. Realization shown on his face only one person came to mind.

'Naruto…'

That's number two. More are on their way just be patient. And, if you can't do that count to a million the next chapter will be up when you're done.

Read and review that's all I ask.