Chapter 4: Twins of Hell

Iroh smiled as the four teenagers dismounted from the flying bison. He had been here since his escape, and enjoyed the time away from the war. But, now he had work to do. He remained seated in the shade sipping his tea.

"I thought you said we'd find a fire bender here?" Sokka grumbled.

"Snoozles, we just landed. Do you think they'd be sitting here waiting?" Toph said as she created an earth angel. "Oh, sweet earth. How I missed you."

"We weren't in the air that long." Sokka snipped.

"Yea, but having to sit next to you wasn't exactly delightful." Toph shot.

Ty Lee and Aang were unloading their things, ignoring the two as much as possible. It had been not stop arguing since they left the fire nation in order to reach the temple. Ty Lee froze as she noticed a man sitting under a cherry tree.

"Aang, there's your new master." she beamed as she cartwheeled over to Iroh. "Hello General. It's nice to see you out of that cage."

Iroh stood showing his new form. "It's good to be free. Please, call me uncle. I've known you since you were a baby."

She hugged him. "You've lost weight uncle." she smiled and waved the others over. "Aang, this is Uncle Iroh. He's going to teach you firebending."

Aang bowed his head. "It would be an honor to learn from the Dragon of the West."

"What happened to you?" Toph said shoving Aang out of the way. "You lost weight."

Ty Lee stared at the blind girl. "How do you know that?"

Sokka snickered. "She might be blind, but she knows how to work around it. Isn't that right?"

She stomped her foot rocketing him into the sky. "He's right. So, do you have any tea?" she smiled towards Iroh.

"Of course I have tea, Miss Toph." he chuckled. "Where is Miss Katara?"

Aang rubbed his neck. "We've parted ways." he sighed. "She needed time to herself. But she said she'd be here later."

Iroh nodded and turned to Ty Lee. "Did you manage to talk sense into my nephew?"

Ty Lee smiled. "Yep. He's out running around somewhere. I gave him a month to meet us."

"Good. Now, there are many rooms for you all to stay in." he said noticing Aang put out look. "What's wrong Young Avatar?"

"I was kinda hoping the fire nation didn't find this temple." he sighed.

Toph turned her head towards him. "What, just because it's abandoned doesn't mean they were found. Did you ever think they are hiding?"

Aang stared at her. "You know, I never thought of that. Come on, let's go look at rooms. Where's Sokka?"

"Up here." came a strangled voice.

They turned to see Sokka stuck in a tree. Ty Lee took pity on him and helped him down. Iroh lead them all back to the temple, leaving Appa to graze. He told them he'd start dinner while they settled in. Sokka surprised Aang and Toph when he didn't throw a fit about Iroh being the fire bending master.

"Snoozles, are you sick?" Toph questioned.

"No, why." he glanced in a room and screwed up his nose.

"You normally throw a fit around fire benders." Aang commented. "But with Iroh..."

"Iroh isn't a normal fire bender. Iroh is a decent man with a shitty family." Sokka added.

"How so?" Ty Lee asked.

"Look at his brother. Or Azula and Zuko." Sokka opened a new door. "Ah, this is my room."

"Zuko's not bad." Ty Lee assured. "He was just having a difficult time."

"Sure. I'm tired." he mumbled.

The next day, they found Iroh sipping tea by a large fountain and reading a letter. When he spotted them, he hid the letter.

"Good morning." he beamed.

Aang and Ty Lee yawned as they sat down. Toph just dropped down and fell back to sleep. Sokka was no where to be seen.

"Good morning Sifu Iroh." Aang chirruped. "What's that you're reading?"

"Oh, just news on my nephew." he smiled pouring tea for the other three. "Apparently, he's having a bit of trouble with a young lady."

Ty Lee to started to giggle. "Anything else?"

Iroh handed her the letter. "You should read it out loud." he smirked.

She nodded and cleared her throat. "Grandmaster Iroh," she smiled. "Ahem.'The Fallen has been spotted in Cinder city, tailing a noblewoman of the South. It has come to our attention that the Fallen and the Southern Noblewoman parted ways shortly after the Pink Lady met the Arrow.' Wait, they split up?" she glanced to Iroh.

"Keep reading."

"A tournament was started two days ago and the Blue Spirit tied with another called the Crimson Flare. We are still looking into it. But since then, they've been called the Twins of Hell. They've been spotted in several cities causing riots. The Southern Noblewoman has headed in the opposite direction. More information on the Crimson will be forwarded. Fallen has joined up with the Southern Noblewoman on occasion." Ty Lee finished.

Toph sat up. "So..."

"Is that in code?" Aang scratched his head. "Because I was never good at codes."

"If you wouldn't have cut me off Twinkle Toes." Toph said punching him in the shoulder.

"Sorry."

"So, you have an idea of what's being said then?" Iroh said with a sly smile.

"I'm blind, not deaf." Toph scoffed. "Obviously, hothead is the Fallen. The Southern Noblewoman is Sugar Queen. The Pink Lady is Twisty over there. And Arrow is you Twinkle Toes. The Blue Spirit, I don't know."

"It's Zuko." Aang added. "Katara's not a noble woman. Why do they call her that?"

Iroh chuckled as Sokka stumbled out. "Good morning Sokka. We've just got word that your sister is well. She's hiding under the pretense of a Noble."

Sokka froze mid step. "How? She's not noble. She's just... Katara. Bossy, overbearing, selfish Katara." He turned and stomped off.

Iroh raised his eyebrows. "Is he well? I always thought him and Miss Katara were close."

Aang bowed his head. "They were. He's just taking it hard that she left."

"He's not the only one." Toph snapped. "Honestly, you two don't understand that she's not your mother. You both expect her to give up everything for you. She cooks your meals, sews your clothes, and comforts you when you have bad dreams. Not to mention keeps us from killing each other. She's lucky if you ask me." she stood up.

"What do you mean she's lucky?" Aang said jumping up and facing Toph. Iroh and Ty Lee watched in amusement.

"She was smart enough to get away from you two babies! I only wish I would have gone with her. But then, you and Snoozles would be lost in your own self pity. 'Oh, whoa is me. Katara doesn't love me the same way I love her!' Or 'My live in mother left me. I have to fend for myself.' You two are pathetic." She stormed off.

Aang was about to go after her when felt a hand on his arm. "I suggest you allow young Ty Lee to follow her. You and I will start your training."

Aang nodded. "Of course."

Ty Lee bowed and started off towards the irate earth bender. She knew this would be one of her most challenging trials yet. An earth bender with a temper that can bend metal. She knew she'd have to step cautiously.

They agreed to split up during the day and meet at night in a designated city. He was surprised she kept her word. Since the night they won the twenty thousand gold pieces, they've been going to rumbles and winning every time.

The third village they met up in was a mix of earth benders and fire benders. They were both surprised to find the two coexisting in harmony. When they asked a local, she merely said this wasn't the only town like that. So, now they had a new goal. They were playing Robin Hood and giving their winnings to those in need.

He glanced around the town of Xou Ling. He spotted Katara in her noblewoman attire not far from him. She raised her hand to her hair to signal him over. He smiled and dropped down from the tree he was hiding in. As he made his way toward her, he noticed a young man harassing her.

"Come on Lady Rivlyn." he whined. "Surely, one date won't hurt."

"Shin Le, I've told you twice now. I can't." she said in annoyance.

"Lady Rivlyn," Zuko bowed to her. "Is this young man causing you discomfort?"

Katara smiled. "Ah, good. I need you to carry these to my room." she winked enough to Zuko.

"Of course m'lady." he held his arm out for her. "Allow me to escort you."

Shin Le glared at Zuko's retreating back. "I'll stop by your room later Lady Rivlyn." He cooed. "After you send your servant away."

Katara dug her nails into Zuko's arm to keep him calm. "That sounds fine, Shin Le."

She and Zuko turned towards the inn and she made small talk as a Noble would to a servant. Once they got to the inn, she requested a larger room. When the inn keeper said they had servant quarters for Zuko to stay in, it took everything she had to keep him calm.

"No, sir. My father appointed him as my body guard. Not my servant." she snapped. "He doesn't take kindly to being called a servant. And my father would not appreciate you allowing his daughter to sleep unprotected."

"I apologize miss." the clerk blushed. "Your father is right in sending such a strong man to be your guard. I will give you our best room. Do I know your father?"

She looked down her nose at him. "Not unless you once lived in the capitol city."

"My sister lives there." The old man cooed. "Perhaps you know her. Lady Mai Ling. She has a daughter, Lady Mai."

Katara hid her surprise well. Zuko watched as she casually brought her finger up to her chin in thought. "I know Lady Mai. She was friends with my cousin, Lady Ty Lee."

The innkeeper dropped his glasses he'd been cleaning. "You... how didn't I see it before!" he smiled. "You're Nobleman Lan's daughter. How is your cousin, last I heard she'd run off to the circus."

"Oh, she did. Then Princess Azula called on her. I haven't seen her since." she sighed. "But, I heard the Princess and Prince returned after the fall of Ba Sing Se, so I'm headed home after I travel a bit."

"If you live in the capitol, what are you doing out here?" he questioned suspiciously.

Katara narrowed her eyes. "I assure you sir, what I am doing out here in this peasant city is not your concern. I am doing what I was told. Now, Li, I believe it's time for my afternoon tea."

They walked up to her new room and as soon as the door was closed, she started ripping the dress off. Zuko leaned against the door looking at the ceiling and shaking his head.

"That's what they make changing screens for my lady." he snickered.

"Bite me princess." she growled trying to unhook the corset. "Get this damn thing off of me!"

He laughed and walked over and spun her around. Making quick work of the laces on the corset, he turned around to allow her to change.

"Thanks." she called as she glanced over her shoulder. "You do know I have clothes on under this stupid dress don't you?"

He shook his head. "I don't see how. It's at least a hundred degrees here."

"South Pole." she sighed as she tossed the dress into the corner. "I'm used to wearing several layers of fur. This is easy." She dropped down to the bed. "Thanks for playing along, Zuko. That boy was annoying. I don't know why he was bothering me."

Zuko shook his head and sat on the edge of her bed. "Are you kidding? You are a beautiful girl in a foreign town." he blushed as he realized what he said.

Katara yawned. "That's ni- Did you just compliment a peasant?" she sat up facing him.

"You're hardly a peasant." he frowned. "I went to that salon where you got your noble get up. She told me you aren't a peasant, but a princess. So, when were you going to tell me Princess Katara of the Southern Water Tribe?"

She punched him in the arm. "I am no princess. You want a princess look at the moon. I am a warrior."

Zuko shook his head. "A princess doesn't mean you need to be prissy. Look at my sister. She was raised as the perfect son. And, I was sure that your earthbender was a princess as well. If you think about it, the Bei Fong family is royalty. She just refuses to tell you she's a princess."

Katara shoved him off the bed and rolled over. "Wake me up at dusk." she said rolling over. "This town is crawling with dishonest noblemen."

He stared at her from the floor. "Fine. I'm going out to look around. Possibly get some dinner." He got up and left the room.

The girl was impossible. They were fine as long as the moon was out and they were looting the rich. But during the day, he tended to keep his mouth shut as much as possible. But he made sure to keep as close to the inn as possible today. That boy would be watching for him to leave.

"So, how did a scrub like you manage to work for such a lovely lady?" Shin Le scowled from around the corner.

"What makes you think I'm a scrub, peasant?" Zuko sneered. He knew he should keep his temper, but this boy rubbed him the wrong way. "I could be royalty in disguise."

Shin Le laughed. "Yea, you're Prince Zuko running around with Nobleman's daughter. What would you be doing that for?"

"To survey the cities. To find which ones are in honest need of my father's help." Zuko smirked as he pulled he hair out of his face.

Shin Le paled and dropped into a bow. "Forgive me M'lord. I did not know it to be you."

Zuko crossed his arms. "Stand up fool. If they see you bowing it won't be a secret. Lady Rivlyn is my guard."

"You have a woman for your guard?" Shin Le mused.

"Think about it. No one would suspect me to cater to a noble woman, and no one would expect a noble woman to be an assassin." Zuko said eying his nails. "This gets out to no one. Tell me about this town. We've come across several towns now that are a combination of water benders, fire benders, and earth benders. It's quite shocking to find that so many non fire nation members to coexist together."

Shin Le swallowed. "M-many of the towns around here are against the war." he stuttered.

Zuko rubbed his hands together. "I suggest you stop by my room after dinner tonight. I'm out getting Lady Rivlyn food right now." he noticed the unease in the boy's eyes. "That is an order, not a request. If you do not show, I will send the lady after you."

He walked off leaving the boy to ponder on his thoughts. He felt good as he picked up dinner and a flower for Katara. The flower was a peace offering. He made his way back to the inn an hour before dusk. She was curled up under the blankets when he returned to the room.

Setting the tray down he walked over and shook her. "Katara, dinner."

She sat up and rubbed her eyes. "Is it dusk?" she yawned.

"No." he averted his eyes as he realized she was in her under clothes. "Do you always sleep like that?"

She looked down. "It's just under clothes. You sleep without a shirt." she smirked. "What did you wake me so early?"

"Dinner." he said handing her a tray. "And we have a guest coming."

She glanced up from her food. "Oh, and am I to be Rivlyn or your brother?" she smirked.

"Not my brother. He knows who I am." Zuko said finishing his dinner quickly. "But, I suggest you put clothes on. He might think you're my concubine."

She finished her dinner and stood up to stretch. "Well, what does he know of me?"

"He thinks you're my guard." Zuko said turning to hide the blush on his face. A knock on the door had him freezing. "That would be him."

She scowled and grabbed her black pants and shirt. "Fine, your highness. Allow him in while I change."

Zuko bit down to keep from snapping at her. He knew she was quick when she changed. She had to be since she traveled with boys.

"Shin Le, I'm glad to see you've made it." he smiled. "Please come in. Rivlyn will be with us shortly."

Shin Le sat in the chair Zuko pointed to. "Thank you for having me your highness."

"So, are you one of the many that are against the war?" Zuko asked standing in front of the door.

"I..."

"The truth would be nice." Zuko warned.

"Yes. I think the war is pointless. This entire town believes it's pointless. We've been hiding air benders here for the past hundred years." Shin Le sighed. "The best place to hide refugees is right under the Fire Lord's nose. Or so my mother always said. No soldiers come to this island assuming we are loyal citizens of the fire nation. Please, don't hurt my family."

"Why would he hurt your family?" Katara said leaning on the door frame to the bathroom.

Shin Le looked up at her. "You're... the avatar's girlfriend! I heard many stories about you."

"I assure you I'm not the avatar's girlfriend." Katara sneered. "Now, answer my question."

"Well, we've been harboring air benders, water benders, and earth benders for the past hundred years. The Fire Lord will surely destroy us."

Katara glanced at Zuko. "Move away from the door, Zuko. You're making the poor child uneasy."

Shin Lae was surprised the Fire Prince followed orders from the woman. She strode forward and held her hand out to him.

"I'm pleased to meet you Shin Le. I assure you no one in this room will tell the Fire Lord of this town." she smiled but it didn't reach her eyes. "But if you cross me or my companion, I will not hesitate to destroy you. As far as you know, I am Lady Rivlyn. He is my body guard, Li."

Shin Lae was in shock. "I guess I was wrong. I thought you were the water bender that traveled with the avatar. I apologize."

Zuko stepped forward. "You are speaking with Princess Katara of the Southern Water Tribe. Master Water bender and teacher of the Avatar."

"Zuko, stop calling me Princess!" She warned.

"I'm only stating the truth." Zuko smirked.

Shin Le raised an eyebrow. "So you are the avatar's girlfriend?"

He felt his body lift out of the chair on its own accord and force him into a low bow. He heard Zuko attempting to calm the irate water bender. After a few minutes, he felt his body release whatever hold it was being forced into.

"Katara, calm down." Zuko said holding her arms at her side. "He didn't know. A lot of people think you and the avatar are a couple. It's not his fault."

She took deep breaths. "I apologize Shin Le. I got out of hand. If you'll excuse me." She walked to the bathroom and locked herself in.

"She's... very powerful." Shin Le shook as he sat up.

"It's my fault. I shouldn't have gotten her riled up." Zuko soothed.

"She would make an excellent Fire Lady if Ozai was gone." Shin Le said sadly. "Was she serious when she said you wouldn't report us?"

Zuko nodded. "We are working to end this pointless war. Katara and I have been slowly disabling the nobles in surrounding cities that are corrupt. If you know of any from this town..."

"Your the Twins?"

"Pardon?"

"The Twins of Hell. Rob from the rich and give to the poor."

"Well, yea. But we didn't know we were named." Zuko blushed. "Are there nobles here that are..."

"Nobleman Han and Nobleman Yun." Shin Le cut him off. "Han has several young girls from the earth kingdom as his... concubines. Yun is a thief. He owns the tavern and waits until people are too drunk to pay attention to what he's stealing."

"The earth kingdom girls... how old are they and how did he acquire them?" Zuko asked dangerously.

"His sons take them from the earth kingdom. They wait until the fire nation destroys a town and sweep it. The oldest they have is the wife of his oldest son. She's maybe fifteen." Shin Lae said carefully. "The son is twenty five."

Zuko walked to the bathroom and pounded on the door. "Brother, are you in there? We have a noble to take care of."

Shin Le cocked his eyebrow. "Brother?"

The door burst open, and a boy that resembled Zuko stepped out. "What?" Katara's voice was deeper. Shin Le felt his mouth drop open as Zuko explained to her what was going on. "The tavern owner can wait. Shin Le will have to keep an eye on him for us. If he agrees."

Shin Le stood and brought his fist to his chest. "It would be an honor, Lady Katara and Prince Zuko."

Katara tilted her head back. "I am not Lady Katara dressed like this Shin Le." she assured him. "We need to know where this Noble lives in order to bring him into justice."

Shin Le scribbled directions down. "How will I contact you once you return?"

"We will find you." Zuko replied. "We'll need to find a different place to stay until this is settled. We can't stay in an Inn."

Shin Le stood up. "I would be honored to have you stay at my home. I live on the out skirts. No one bothers me and my mother."

Katara tapped her fingers on her chin. "That would be easier to hide." she mused. "We'll see you tomorrow. Once we return here we'll show up at your home tomorrow morning."

Shin nodded. "Until then." He slipped out the Inn without notice leaving the two others to go over their plans.

Katara pulled out the new swords Zuko had gotten her. They were exactly like Jet's, and as much as she disliked the boy she loved these swords. She wondered briefly if the boy survived, but didn't dwell on it.

"Are you ready brother?" Zuko smirked.

"Let's go." she nodded.

Azula looked at the letter from her father. He was asking about her brother. She would be in trouble if he found out she with held information. She would have to lie. Mai and her were having fun on their own. Her father told them to take another week of vacation, and she intended to.

"Mai, it looks like Zuko's disappearance hasn't gone unnoticed like I had hoped." she said calmly.

"Does that mean we are heading back to the capitol?" Mai said in her usual monotone.

"Of course not." Azula smirked. "I'll just write daddy and tell him Zuko mentioned visiting an old friend or something."

"Won't he be upset when he finds out the truth?" Mai countered.

"I know daddy will be angered to find out Zuzu lied to me." she said with a sly smile. "After all he told me he was visiting a friend and I believed him."

Mai smiled back sadly. She loved Zuko, but he'd left her. He didn't feel the same for her. Who knows what he was going after. Or if he would come back to her. She pushed the thought aside as she saw Kan walk into the room. He was better than Zuko, and came from a noble family. He would work.

The estate was large. It had several guards patrolling the perimeter. Katara pulled her mask over her face and nodded to Zuko.

"I'm guessing the girls are in that building." he whispered. "Do you want to free them first?"

She nodded. "We'll go to the main house once we have them out safely. Here." he took the rags from her in confusion. "Don't inhale them. It's for the guards. Hold it over their mouth and nose."

He nodded and jumped down after her. He watched as she took the first guard down with the rag. As soon as he slumped she gagged him and used metal wire to tie him up. Zuko was amazed at how calm she was, but went to work quickly. As he was tying the last guard another managed to creep up behind him. He was surprised to find the man standing there waiting for him.

Zuko eyed him cautiously, and saw Katara holding her hands out the same way she did when she forced Shin Le to bow. He went to hold the rag to his face but stopped.

"You seem awfully calm seeing as we just took out the rest of your men. Not to mention being used as a puppet." he cooed.

"I don't believe in what's going on in this estate." the man said shakily. "I can help. I know where the others are being held."

Katara walked up behind him. "How many of them have been defiled?"

The man attempted to turn his head, but she kept him locked in position facing Zuko's blue masked face. "Only three. Nobleman Han gets them as young as five and raises them to be call girls. The only thing he's noble in is the fact that he doesn't allow them to work until they're thirteen or bleed."

"Disgusting." Zuko snarled. "How many girls are there?"

"There's twenty two girls in the lodging area. And the other three... are in the main house. The oldest son keeps his 'wife' chained to the bed. The other two girls float between the other three sons and Han himself." the man sighed.

"What of his wife?" Katara growled.

"Wife? His wife was a call girl. He has her train them. She lives with the younger ones." he replied.

"Fine." Katara mused. "If you wish to help, I want you to make sure the girls get somewhere safe after we release them." She let her hold on him go. "But, I warn you, don't cross me. I've already used you as a puppet once. I won't hesitate to walk you into Han's room with a knife in hand."

The man wasn't the only one to shiver. Zuko found this side of her both scary and attractive. But he wouldn't say it. Shin Le was right, she'd make an excellent Fire Lady.

They followed the guard over to the lodgings for the girls. He handed them the keys and hid just outside the door keeping watch. As they crept inside, it took everything Katara had not to scream murder. The girls were all cramped into one room. They were all younger than Toph, and scarcely clothed. One little girl woke up to the sound of the door opening and cowered back.

Katara raised her hand to her masked lips and the girl calmed. They were all chained together at the ankles. She let out a low growl as Zuko set about unlocking their ankles. Katara picked as many locks as she could until she heard a shuffling in the other room.

"What are you doing?" A woman growled holding a candle. "These are Master Han's children. You will leave."

Katara grabbed the little girl that was closest to her and passed her to Zuko. "If you were smart you'd keep your mouth shut." Katara warned and handed Zuko another five year old. "I know you were a call girl. Do you really want these children to suffer the way you did?"

The woman bowed her head in shame. "I'll help." she whispered. "I love my sons, but they're monsters like their father."

She scooped up two girls and rushed out the door. She almost screamed when she saw the guard outside, but noticed it was the guard who had helped her before. Once Katara and Zuko had them all out of the house they hid behind it.

Zuko had two five year old on each hip, a seven year old on his back and a six year old clinging to his neck. Katara was in the same predicament. Some of the older girls were piggy backing the younger girls. The guard was carrying two girls with one clinging to his back. The woman only carried a set of twins.

"Is there a place you can all hide until we finish this. He told us there was three girls still inside." Zuko panted.

The woman nodded. " There's a cave not to far from here. No one knows about it but us." She waved her hands around the group. "But, what about the other guards?"

"They're taken care of." Katara insisted as the woman lead them towards the cave outside the estate. "We can only stay to drop you off. We'll come back for you."

They reached the cave in less time then should be possible with so many children half awake. But it seemed that they wanted their freedom. They found the cave and it took a lot of coaxing to get the girls to let go of Katara and Zuko. They promised to return after they were finished in order to extract themselves from the crying girls.

Outside the cave, Zuko grabbed Katara's arm. "You know we can't allow that noble to live."

She turned her head. "I know." was all she said as she started forward. He took note of the set of her shoulders and the grip on her swords as she pulled them out.

They crept in through the servants entrance. Several of the servants froze as the two masked people entered. One woman started crying in joy as she called out the "Twins of Hell" leaving Katara amused.

"Gather the rest of the servants and leave." She called in her huskiest voice. "This place will burn tonight."

There was a rush of cloth and two of the woman offered tea while they waited. Katara glanced at Zuko. "Might as well." she whispered taking off her mask.

Zuko followed the suit as the two women stared before setting tea and pastries out for them. The one was bold enough to touch Katara's shoulder.

"Thank you." she sobbed. "I don't know how that man got away with it for so long."

Katara nodded her head keeping her eyes on Zuko the entire time. "There will be a new fire lord soon. If there are any more men like this one, make sure to get word to Prince Zuko. We are his messengers."

Zuko was in shock, but hid it well. This girl, Katara, was already placing him on the throne. He knew he was next in line, but after leaving he thought it impossible. His people would never want him, why was she saying it.

"Prince Zuko is an honorable man. It took strength to do what he did." the woman sobbed. "Everyone knows he lied about the Avatar. And it's been rumored he left in order to help him."

"Your rumors are quite accurate." Zuko responded. "You must have someone inside the palace."

"M-my sister is Prince Zuko's personal servant." she stuttered.

"Kyla?" Zuko started.

Katara closed her eyes in annoyance. "Thank you for the tea madam. We should be getting to work. Are all the sons home as well?"

The woman eyed Zuko. "Yes, but the youngest Lu isn't like the rest. When the girls are sent to him he cleans them up and feeds them. He's only fifteen. The others are monsters." she replied. "Lord Zuko, it is an honor to be in your presence and to know that my sister was right about you."

Katara sighed as Zuko blushed. "He will make a great Fire Lord. Now, make sure the rest of the servants are off the property in ten minutes. We'll send Lu out to you. No one is to know who we are."

The woman looked closely at Katara and gasped. "The water bender. Lord Zuko, you have picked a strong companion." She bowed to the both of them as she rushed out.

"Way to blow it princess. She wouldn't have looked at you so closely if you hadn't have said her sister's name." Katara scoffed as she put her mask in her bag. She pulled out several odd contraptions and placed them around the kitchen.

"What's that?" he said handing her his mask.

She handed him a few of the devices. "Set them up in the main hallways and their bedrooms. Make sure you put them at structure points. Then, when you light the house we'll have five minutes to get out before they all catch and explode."

"You made bombs?" he gawked at her. "What are you going to do?"

"I'm finding Lu and the girls." she smirked. "Once you run out meet me outside the nobleman's room. I'll take care of the son's."

"Why do you get to have all the fun?" Zuko mock pouted.

"Don't worry. We've got plenty to do." she smiled evilly. "We don't burn the house until we loot it."

"Of course, Brother." Zuko smirked. "Ten minutes and I'll meet you."

They split up catching a few servants still leaving. One grabbed Katara and took her to Lu's room, before turning and leaving quickly. She only hoped they'd all be out of the house before they set it off. Slowly, she opened the door to find a young man asleep in a chair by the window. He had two young girls in his bed sleeping silently.

She closed the door quietly and shook the girls awake. They looked at her with blurry eyes. She placed a finger to her lips. "The others are in the cave. Go to them quickly." she whispered.

One of the girls sat up. "What about Lu? He's..."

Katara shushed her and ushered them out. "He'll be fine." The girls ran down the hall after a servant who was waiting for them. She smiled when she realized the people in the house hated seeing these girls ruined. She walked over to Lu and drew her swords, laying them across his throat.

"Just do it." Lu sighed. "I'm ashamed of my family and how they treat these children."

Katara lowered the swords. "I was asked to spare you." she said simply. "You can help me in the punishment of your family. We're taking the royalties and giving it to those girls. We're burning the house with your father and brothers in it."

Lu opened his eyes sadly to look at her. "I know you." he smiled weakly. "You might look like a boy, but I know you're the Southern Princess. I will help you gather everything of value. And I would like to be with you when you punish my father."

She nodded. "Get dressed. Where's the other girl?"

"She's chained to Tin's bed. Two doors down on the right." he sighed. "Did you get the other girls out?"

She nodded. "I'll give you fifteen minutes to gather everything of value in this room and anywhere else in the house, except the rooms of your family. My companion and I will do that."

He nodded and grabbed several packs and started filling them with everything he could grab. She left him to his work and was surprised to find several servants outside Lu's room looking at her expectantly.

"I thought we told you to leave?" she hissed.

One woman stepped forward. "We are here to help."

Katara sighed. "Help Lu. Gather everything that is worth something. Fifteen minutes isn't a lot of time. You have to hurry. So help him." The five women and two men went into Lu's room where she heard him sigh in relief that they came to help. She shook her head and caught sight of Zuko sneaking up the hall, empty handed.

"Done then?" she mused.

He nodded. "Of course. Did you find the youngest?" he whispered.

"Him and two of the girls." she replied. "The last girl is two doors down on the right chained to the bed." They casually walked to the door and listened.

Katara's heart broke a little when she heard a sobbing coming from inside. And a pleading voice begging someone to stop. Zuko was angry, she could sense it by the heat coming off him. She placed a hand on his arm as she knocked loudly. They leaned on the door frame casually.

"What?" Tin's voice snarled from inside. Katara knocked again. "I said not to disturb me." She knocked again. They heard someone stomping over to the door. It was retched open. "Wha- who are you?"

Katara lifted her hooked sword up to eye level causing the man to stumble back. "Li, take care of him. Gag him so he can't scream." She pushed past him.

Zuko was more than happy to play with him. He pulled out a little strip of leather and gagged him. "Your family is disgusting. The new fire lord sent us to punish you for your disgusting ways. So," he sat on the man's chest. "How do you want to be punished? Castration? Poison? Beheading?"

Katara smirked as she listened to Zuko. "I know brother. Burning alive." she froze the chains around the girls ankle and hit them with her swords. "Or, before we do that, we let this beautiful young woman decide."

The girl pulled her clothes back on, and Zuko made sure to keep his eyes on Tin the entire time. Zuko nodded. "That sounds fair." He glanced at the girl. "What's your name, sweetheart?"

The girl blushed. "Min."

"Well, Lady Min." Zuko smiled. "Do you have a punishment for him?"

She sniffed. "Chain him to the bed and let him burn." she smiled weakly. "I hate you Tin! I hope you rot in hell along with your brothers and father!" Katara wrapped a cloak around the girl's shoulders as she ushered her out the door. "Lu's not bad." the girl sobbed.

Katara smiled. "He's helping." She waved a servant over. "Get her out to the other girls. I'll look at her when we get out of here."

"Yes, of course." The male servant picked the girl up. "Should I return?"

"No. Have some other servants gather food to take to them. And warmer clothes. They were barely dressed." She turned back into the room. Zuko was tying Tin down to the bed. "Hold on. I want him naked when he burns." she sneered.

Zuko looked at her. "Why? I don't want to see him naked."

"Then leave." she growled. "I want the spirits to know what kind of man he was when he gets to the after life."

Zuko stared at the fire in her blue eyes. He quickly helped her strip him down and chain him to the bed. "Let's go. We still have two more brothers."

Katara went out in the hall and caught Lu running up. "Strip his room. We don't have time." she ordered. "Send two servants to strip your other brothers' rooms once we've finished."

Lu nodded as he ran back to grab a few servants before going into his brother's room. "We've been placing everything in the lodge." He added. "Just until we get a chance to get a wagon. Jin Li is hooking up the carriages to put everything in."

She nodded. "Good. I'm glad you can think ahead." she smiled as she took off after Zuko. The second oldest brother was in a drunken slumber. And they decided to do the same to him as Tin.

A servant came in to clean out the room as the were leaving. He caught Zuko's arm. "The last brother, Tokk, sleeps with a knife under his pillow." Zuko nodded.

Katara was hunched over in the last son's room holding her stomach. Zuko saw the bleeding form of Tokk gasping for breath on the floor. He ran to Katara to find the knife sticking out of her stomach.

"Get some water." she said through clenched teeth. "Lots of water. I'm not letting him die like this."

Zuko ran out to find a servant. "We need water. Lot's of it." Two men came in as Zuko was tying Tokk down and stripping him. "Brother, he's barely alive. How do you expect him to... What are you doing?"

He watched as she yanked the knife out with a grunt. The blood started gushing out. One of the servants nearly spilt the bucket of water. She waved her hand and the water collected around it forming a blue glove, which she held to her wound. As soon as the glowing stopped she stood up and held a water glove to Tokk's wound.

The man stared at her, well to Tokk she looked like a he, and frowned. "You're a demon." he choked.

"The only demon I see is you." She snarled. "You'll die like the rest of your family. Strapped down naked to your bed as the house burns around you."

"I'm a fire bender. I won't die by fire!" he scowled.

"A fire bender with no honor." Zuko said pulling his hair out of his face.

"Prince Zuko!" Tokk gasped.

"And believe me," Zuko sneered. "My friend has burned several fire benders alive. Quite the little inventor."

Tokk turned to her. "I'll do anything! The vault is in the cellar, if you burn the house and kill us..."

"I already cleaned the vault Tokk." Lu said stepping into the room with another empty bag followed by another servant. "Gather everything, and don't forget what he keeps hidden behind the portrait."

"You worthless little traitor!" Tokk snarled.

"You are the traitor." Katara snapped gagging him. "To your family name and your nation."

She and Zuko rushed out of the room. Zuko stuck his head back in. "Be ready to clean out Han's room in ten minutes." He ordered.

They reached Han's room and stopped. "Ready?" he asked her.

She nodded and they opened the door. What they found made them disgusted. A girl lay beaten at the foot of the bed in chains. She was barely twelve. Han lay in a drunken slumber like his son. Katara motioned Zuko to take care of Han while she helped the girl.

The girl opened swollen eyes as Katara froze the shackles and broke them. She glanced up at the sad eyes to find them to be large silver pools.

"You're an air bender." she whispered.

The girl sniffed. "Y-yes."

"Did... did he..."

"N-no. He only beats me." she whimpered. "Said he'd beat the air out of me."

Katara gave a sigh of relief. "I'll heal you once we get out of here. What's your name? How old are you?"

"I'm nine. My name's An Gi." she smiled weakly.

Katara scooped the girl up and ran out into the hall. Several people froze at the sight of the little girl. "Get her to the others. I'll heal her when I get there." She handed her to a woman. "You two." she pointed to two young men. "Help clean out the room."

Once the room was looted and only Katara and Zuko were left, she pulled out a bottle. Zuko watched as she dumped it on Han. The cold wet liquid woke the man. In his drunken state he just stared at them. As they walked out of the room, he noticed she made a trail of the liquid to each room.

"Oh, go shove this under Han's bed." she said handing him another bomb. He nodded and ran back to the room. They made sure everyone was out before doing anything. She turned to Lu. "We're going to burn the lodge as well. Is everything out?"

Lu nodded. "I had everything moved to my vacation house." he said sadly. "My grandfather left it to me in his will. My brothers hated me for it. It has many rooms. We can move the girls there until everything is settled. The servants are unloading everything and returning with the carriages to the cave."

Katara nodded. "Alright. Li, when I signal, I want you... Lu are you a fire bender?" At his nod she continued. "When I give the signal, light it up. Any other fire benders that wish to help, ask Lu."

She ran off into the shadows. Tokk could be heard screaming through his gag as she climbed up on the roof. She uncorked the bottles and tied them to roof so they'd drain across it. She dropped a bomb down each smoke stack. As she tied a rope to the end of her hooked sword, she threw a water whip into the air before swing off the roof.

Zuko saw the water whip and called 'fire' to the swarm of fire benders readying to burn the Han house to the ground. He only hoped she managed to get away before the fire hit the house. It went up in flames faster than anyone expected. They watched as the flames turned a shade of red surrounding a blue center. Zuko glanced around for Katara, and spotted her next to him.

"Light the lodge!" She called. Everyone jumped at the sight of her. "And then we have to move!" The lodge was lit up fast, but it didn't burn the way the house did.

As they were running for the cave, several explosions went of. If you looked it could be seen through the thick trees. No one turned to watch, they had a goal. They had to save the children and get them to Lu's house. They made it to the cave and Katara set to work on the battered girls. She never noticed when the carriages started to usher the girls away. She was so consumed with healing the four battered girls.

She had just finished healing An Gi when she realized everyone was gone. The other three girls she'd already healed were moved, and Zuko was sitting waiting for her to finish up on An Gi. When she noticed the little girl was asleep she sighed.

"There's a carriage waiting for her." he whispered so as to not wake the child. Katara nodded and went to pick her up. "I'll get her. You've done more than enough."

She smiled tiredly. "Thanks. We'll head back to the inn as soon as she's gone. Do you know where this house is?"

He nodded. "I went with one of the first carriages. Some of the girls latched on and I had no choice."

She smiled at him. "Tell Lu we'll be dropping by sometime in the near future." He nodded and left carrying An Gi. She slumped against the cave wall tiredly. "One little nap." she whispered to herself.

Iroh woke to a messenger hawk tapping on his window. He crawled out of his warm bed and retrieved the message, lighting a candle before rubbing his tired eyes.

The home of Nobleman Han was burned to the ground tonight by the Twins of Hell. All the hens retrieved and safe with Lu son of Han. Only remaining member of the Han Clan. We are grateful to the Twins for exterminating this blemish on society. Rumor has it, they are going for the thief Yun. We'll keep you updated.

Iroh sat down in shock. He had heard about Han and his little collection. He planned on having it taken care of once Ozai was dethroned. But it seemed as though his nephew was taking care of more than his share. He would have to ask the kids if they knew anyone with hooked swords. He heard someone in the hallway outside his room.

He opened the door to find Toph leaning against his door. "Is something the matter?"

She tilted her head up. "I know you got a message." she said plainly.

"Come in." he smiled. "Are you well Miss Toph? You have been quiet these last few days."

She sighed. "It's nothing."

"Would you like to hear my message?" he said trying to change the subject. She nodded her head.