Hello fanfic readers now that we have gotten past what everyone is up to its time to begin where we left off with a two part series.

Thanks WARLOCK2552 and Winterdevils for your both opposite and insightful reviews.

Previously on Avatar…Zuko tried to get his family together in order to mend fences. Instead it all ended in a disaster. Iroh was resistant to welcoming Azula into his heart; Azula didn't want to have anything to do with her mother, which in turn made Zuko angry and caused the siblings to fight. Unable to sleep, Firelord Zuko snuck out of the palace, wearing the blue spirit costume to practice his kata's when suddenly, he came upon what he thought was the dead soaked body of Azula by the fountain. The princess awoke defending herself, when Zuko revealed himself. That was the mistake he had made, for he had left himself exposed to the now alive and waterbending Zhao.

How did Azula become soaked to the bone by the water fountain? How is Zhao alive and bending water? What does the former disgraced Admiral want? Are his intentions for a pure evil or a greater good?

Sit back, relax and take a read of this chapter to find out.
I do not own ATLA but I do own my vivid dreams

Book 4: Air: Water and Fire is Air
From the Depths Part 1

A scarred eyed filled with pity and an outstretched hand; how could it have come to this? How could the very one he would have easily killed just days before; be the one literally separating him from death. For a fraction of a second; he reached for his hand, accepting of his mercy; however, he was to supercilious and refused this offering. Regrets and failure were the words that came to mind as he was taken into the ocean by the aquatic quickly, he was engulfed into the abyss. As the water rushed toward into his lungs; he thought of all the things he had done wrong. He was a man who didn't like to lose especially when it came to war. He would immerse himself into different strategies to claim victory. That's when the advantage became ever present; he would capture the moon and weaken waterbenders. Against Iroh's warnings; he was messing with forces that he was clearly outmatched by. Suddenly, his flawless plan cost him his entire fleet and his life.

He mulled over his existence as brief as it was. His father told him stories of one day capturing the world by means of the military and being the pride of his country. The day he met a then teenage prince Ozai; he was enamored and inspired by him; as a young noble boy. He entered the navy proudly and excelled above all others. The man he promised to serve in the Fire Nation Army became his Firelord; who along with Captain Chan, were his top soldiers, who he entrusted. Many years later, he watched as a young focused girl bent blue flames in the courtyard oversaw by two old women Lo and Li; she was the prodigy, her name, Azula. He fought the same scarred banished face who tried to save him and would have relished in the victory had not Iroh been there. His life was coming to an end from his haughty nature. He closed his eyes and accepted what was to come. He saw a white light and breathed one last breath.

Zhao awoke drenched to the bone, coughing up ice cold water. He arched his back; retching the contents from his body unknown. He opened his eyes and saw before him a swap of sorts; none like he had ever seen. The land before him was colorless as if it were absent of any discerning light. The trees were weak and swaying in a silent breeze. The water of the marsh land itself was not ordinary in the least; as it resembled more of a mirror that been smudged with dirt. He weakly lifted himself off the ground and unfastened the armored chest plate from his body. He knew he was leaving himself vulnerable; but he knew underneath he was injured and needed to be treated immediately. As he removed the metal from his body, he winced in agony. He looked at his reflection in the water. He saw red marks from a giant handprint. Instantly, he felt a throbbing in his head, at the recollection of his memory; bringing him to his knees and expelled from his lungs a pool of water. He examined his person further he felt fine save for the pain; but something was off completely and he would search this land to get to the bottom of it.

He quaked as a wintry frigidity took over his bones. What was happening to him? He tried to balance his steps but fell quickly. With his limited strength he looked up to see if there were a nearby place he could rest. There was a cave almost too inviting in front of him. He had two choices either die out in the open, or get mauled by whatever might be inside. The Admiral in him knew the only option the cave, it would be better not to be found exposed. He clawed his way to the opening of the hollow. With all of what he could muster he sprung himself with his legs onto the rocky floor. He panted audibly for a little while and noticed immediately that his breath of fire was absent. This was really it wasn't it, he said to himself. He would live honorable, just to die shamefully.

Suddenly, he heard around him a skittering of what sounded like insects rushing toward him. He was brave readying himself and hoping he would die swiftly and painlessly. He felt hot air on the back of his neck; within, fear had almost clutched his heart. The thing was closer and from the shadow he could tell this wasn't an ordinary creature. "Do you know who I am?" spoke a low elegant male voice.

"How would I?" Zhao scrunched up his nose perplexed.

"You have done research; you are a man of great intellect who has wasted his talents. Ask yourself why I wouldn't be in front of you."

This creature was speaking in riddles. How in Agni would he know about a talking centipede and what research was it referring to? Perhaps he was speaking of his visit to the Wan Shi Tong library; there, he found his most important discovery; the location of Yin and Yang or as they are called Tui and La. Who would pose such an inquiry with him? It had to be someone as old as Tui and La; that narrows it down. Why wouldn't he look him in the face? There is only one who legend tells that you should never show the slightest emotions to. Zhao had to choose his words carefully, "Because you are Koh the face stealer."

"Then you know not to react."

He straightened his features turning passive and turned to Koh; the creature had taken on the face of the blue spirit. Zhao was not amused which made keeping stone faced easier.

"So I'm going to collect that I'm not dead."

"What gave you that impression former Admiral?"

"I have committed the ultimate sin and I was supposed to be punished with the death of no return. Instead of that I have been brought to this realm so obviously I must be in a stasis or a form of inertia."
"Very wise and astute there is hope for you after all human."

"Why am I here?

"You are an important piece to the puzzle. You are the Pai Sho tile that will win the game. You have been foolish by cutting your life short and I am here to emancipate you."

"How is it possible for you to vouch for me?"

Koh circled him slowly and with each rotation he was closer to his face, "there are sins greater than what you have done. Tui and La left themselves in a weak state just to be easily discovered. All it took was someone like you. There was an upheaval but the moon could not be unguarded so Yue was the only alternative. As you know the rest is history."

"I see what will happen to me?"

"Count yourself fortunate Zhao for your element will be changed to your opposite."

"And will I be allowed time to harvest my new ability."

"Yes it will be in a place that no one will disturb. Take heart for your master will be someone you know."

"And I suppose I will discover these in time as well."

Koh turned away; Zhao didn't know how much longer he could hold out. He allowed himself to relax if only for a moment. Koh turned toward him with a familiar face one of his former lieutenants who sunk with the rest of his fleet from his failed invasion. Zhao was undeterred by this new visage. Had he been smug; he would have smiled, on the air of caution; he kept his features tacit. Koh shook his head pleased, "Choosing you was not a mistake."

"Now listen carefully, in order to practice your craft there are two things you must participate in. The first is a mission at upon succession of it will allow you to live once more. In six earth years the order of the White Lotus will rediscover the location of the temple Qigong. They will send the Avatar and his friends there to restore the airbenders. You must give them a message."

"And what would that be."

"You will know once you reach earth."

"Understood."

"The other, Zhao is far more personal it is about your former betrothed."

That was good he almost got him, "Azula? What do you want with her?"

"In this world you will be allowed to observe you must be Azula's guide and guardian. Make sure she doesn't destroy herself; she is needed for the future. We will meet again soon."

If it weren't for the fact that he was injured; he would not have believed what had just happened. He grabbed the wooden cane that was left behind and went further into the cave. Within, there was tree with a white globe centered in it. He placed his hand on it feeling its warmth. As the glass unclouded itself, he saw before him a girl on a ship. Her hair was flawlessly fashioned in a top knot. Her immaculate military uniform suited her well. She pointed her fingers in the air and released a streak of lightning, she was perfect, "Ozai, you monster!"

Through the years he watched as that young girl become cold and calculated. Azula, as prodigious as she was lacked the emotional maturity to realize the dangerous trap being set before her. Ozai, the coward was letting his children fight his battles. Sure enough as things got worse she began to unravel incapable of grasping the consequences of her actions. What a sad ending for the girl; a hallucinating, crazed, emotional cripple. A collection of guards took her away; her eyes glazed over, numb to the world.

The archaic system of the Fire Nation didn't fare well with mental illness especially if that person were of noble standing. They had a way locking people up and forgetting their humanity. It was imperfect one he hadn't a problem with until now. It was apparent through her daily terrors; all were given up hope even her brother; who was the very epitome of the word. He needed to infuse her with the will to live. So while she slept he appeared in her dreams through symbolism's, vivid and meaningful. In time she came alive and lived the life of the survivor. She found her strength. He was proud to be involved in her redemption. His work was done. She crawled out of the muck of her past. All he had to do was watch over her.

Zhao felt fairly comfortable that he hadn't to guard Azula daily; so, it was time to harvest his new element. As a young lad; the teaching in school was that water was the most inferior out all the bending abilities. Water required focus, fluidity and calmness; it was life itself at your fingertips and if for just a moment you lose any of those qualities; right before you the water would splash in a heap. It would take great patience and humility to begin anew. With this in mind; he preceded to the one place he could bend, which, ironically was the reflecting pool of the oasis on the reverse side of the Northern Water Tribe. Yue looked in the pond as shadows of Tui and La circled her in perfect balance. He hadn't known what to say to her; the only thing he could do was stare in uncomfortable silence. She introduced him to Avatar Kuruk someone more advanced than she. As soon the Northern Water tribesman laid his eyes on the formal Admiral his nose crinkled up in distaste; this was obviously something he was forced to do. Through his lessons Yue observed from a distance, hands clasped and formal. He adapted very quickly overtime mastering the water whip in just a few short days. From Yue he learned how to use waterbending for medical purposes, which came in handy for healing his wounds. Within six years he felt he had become proficient enough not quite a master but at minimum an intermediate. The true test of his abilities would come much later when he's on earth.

He checked the year it was 106 ASC the end of summer. Soon his time would come but there was one bit of business he had to settle first. Just as he was told Azula was in the Fire Nation palace. She sat by the fountain; staring into the water. She looked tense and upset, holding herself and exhaling. He knew disturbing her would be a terrible idea; she would be so unreasonable and resistant; but there was no stopping the role of destiny. With his mind he summoned the waters to swirl and formed a hand that grabbed her by her waist and brought her to the reflecting water.

Here she was before him soaked, confused and feisty. To see her close...he had to keep himself on track. She turned slowly to him, her wet wavy strands and amber eyes examining his form. He smiled at her, offering his hand. "Hello Azula."

"Zhao," she exclaimed. She placed her hand into his; half disbelieving and half relieved to see him.

"Y...you're real," immediately looking around she inquired, "Where am I?"

My was she a sight to look at, all those years watching her from afar; what regrets it stirred within him. "Had I known you would be this beautiful; I would have married you as arranged and never invaded the Northern Water Tribe."

At the hearing of his fawning, she pushed him aside, searching for a way out, "You will take me back to the Fire Nation at once!"

Of course she couldn't be bothered with him; she had a family now, what a shame. He gently pulled her close to him, "Not so fast. You and I have some business to settle."

Azula looked upon him with scrutiny, "What are you referring to?"

"Do you believe in fate or destiny Azula?"

She folded her arms, scowling, "No, I believe that only through facing truths and action, can you alter the course of your life."

"I thought that once; I was just like you, accept the only thing I believed was that my intellect was god and the sound of my arrogance was gospel. That all changed when through the looking glass I saw a little girl crushed and forgotten with no hope. I was told my punishment would be to have my opposite element; but that wasn't it at all. You see that little girl blossomed into such a fine strong woman and I was forced to watch her fall in love with someone else. Had I not been so imprudent I would have been with the woman I was destined to be with."

"You and I?"

"That's right, Azula my love, we have a connection to each other. Did you ever ask yourself what gave you the power to pull through? Do you know how you found out about your fathers lies?"

"It was you then who gave me those powers that almost killed him."

"No Azula, that was you; which is why you are here. Today is the day I crossover to deliver my message to the Avatar and then my life is my own."

"What does that have to do with me?"

"Before you reach the Qigong temple you have a decision to make. In order for the process to come to fruition someone must live and another must die."

She raised a skeptical brow, "Your joking, the very person that no one trusts is entrusted with such a lofty task."

"That is correct; but you must be careful with your thoughts and words it can cost people dearly."

"Why me, why not the Avatar?"

"Despite your transformation, you will not be deterred by emotions you know what needs to be done and won't hesitate to act."

"I see well I've made my decision for the life portion."

"Care to share."

"You're plenty capable of reading my mind."

"That would be an invasion of your privacy."

"Then you understand my discretion."

"I see expressing yourself in a positive manner is still a work in progress. I will appease you this time."

He looked her straight into the eyes and he smirked at her knowingly, "An interesting choice it seems I was wrong."

"It won't make up for who will die."

"I won't assume anything so who are you choosing."

She took a deep sigh, "myself"

"I'm sorry Azula but that choice is invalid. What you're asking is impossible."

She put her nose into the air unsatisfied, "Then I suppose no one will be restored."

Zhao looked at her shaking his head, "My how you have changed, yet you are still determined. I suppose I have to wipe that part of your memory away. Whoever you think of with great unforgivable detestation will be the one to die."
At hearing this she shut her eyes trying to block him, "No, you c—"

She collapsed in his arms. She blinked her eyes open and held her head. She looked around at her surroundings as if seeing them for the first time and then laid her eyes on him. "Zhao...you're real."

"Yes I am my love and soon you and I will come alive once more."

"Where...am-"

He put his fingers to her lips and kissed her cheek lovingly. "It will all be over s—"

In the waters of the oasis he could see someone dressed in black with a mask on. Zhao grinned widely, "This is too good an opportunity to pass."

Azula watched by his side to see her foolish brother; their argument must have really upset him. Normally she wouldn't care at all; but she felt a sudden distrust in Zhao. The former Admiral created swirls in the pond and the disguised Firelord walked more swiftly to the fountain. "What are you doing?"

"Setting the stage Azula, it's time. I must bid you farewell for now."

"ZHAO!" she yelled in vain.

He felt awful having to send her back so soon, however, he wanted to make an entrance and put fear into the brat, it was a long time coming. He stepped into the waters and they surrounded him in a luminous glow. He stretched his arms preparing himself for all that is to come; the moment he has waited for. Instantly, he was transported to the Fire Nation gardens. From the depths of his failure; he arises. The kraken summons tendrils of water at his command, seizing a confused and frightened Zuko; bloodbending him into submission. He could hear Zuko's pleas; it meant nothing. Zhao wouldn't be swaged or implored by his actions. Within minutes, he had amassed a small crowd; he smirked, still holding Zuko by his neck. Good, everyone was here each one ranging in reactions from dumbfounded, floored and curiosity. "Now it begins."