Chapter I:

The Southern Water Tribe

It wasn't a place the Demitar had ever been before, but she recollected the times that Katara and Sokka had told her tails of their home land. The place they had described was filled to the brim with harsh, desolate landscape as well as snow and ice as far as the eye could see in any direction. So when she and Rai Jin flew into the tribe limits, they Demitar was justifiably shocked.

Instead of the sparse collection of igloos and huts that she expected, she was met instead with an entire city. As far as her eyes could see, there were large water tribe themed structures. Fortunately, it didn't take her long to figure out her landing location in the myriad buildings.

At the focal point of the city's center sat a large palace like structure. She directed Rai Jin to fly towards it, and it wasn't long before she spotted the large flying bison that was indicative of the Avatar's presence. Appa was laying contently amongst a few bales of hay as the white dragon made his landing. Snow and ice crunched beneath his weight, and Appa groaned a greeting to the two familiar beings.

The great bison stirred to his feet, all six of them, and gave even more familiar groans and growls. Raya dismounted the leather saddle of her dragons back, and as she hit the ground, crystalline snow crunched beneath her feet. She watched as her breath became visible puffs of vapor in the air. Never before had she experienced such an immensely cold atmosphere.

She had experienced cold, of course. After the defeat of Ozai, the Avatar and Demitar had made a brief trip to the Northern Tribe to meet with the chief there. The weather was cold, and intense, but much more tolerable than that of the Southern Pole. The cold in this region of the world was so much greater than that of the North. The Demitar let a small puff of emerald flame escape from her lips as she employed the use of her breath of fire to keep warm since she had no heavy parkas like the people of the tribe did.

While she was able to remain comfortable with a combination of her breath of fire, and ability to bend the currents of wind around her, she wondered how anyone willingly submitted themselves to life in this world of frozen white. She imagined it had a lot to do with being born here; they were simply made for the conditions. Not only that, but the amenities that now seemed to surround them probably contributed to making the situation much more bearable.

The Demitar stretched as she pulled herself from her train of thought. Her muscles and limbs were stiff from going months at a time without flying Rai Jin. Years of sitting in stuffy Earth Kingdom offices had made her a bit weaker than she remembered being in her younger years, and this caused a disappointment to stir in her. She never expected to let the years without trial and combat make her soft. She reveled in this opportunity to feel the wind above and below her; tossing her white locks wildly behind her. Freedom.

"Hello, old friend," Raya said as she patted the great bison's muzzle affectionately. He gave her a great lick of remembrance before nudging her hard enough to rock her on her heels. Rai Jin moved closer to Appa as well, bumping the great flying bison with his rough snout.

"Raya!" An enthusiastic and familiar voice carried down the great steps.

I asked Katara to meet you at the steps. Aang's voice rang through her head as plainly as if he were standing directly before her.

Too busy for the Demitar? Raya replied with mock hurt.

Unfortunately, you're not wrong.

I forgive you.

Gracious as always. I'll meet up with you soon.

"Talking to Aang?"

"Huh?" Raya blinked and realized that not only had the water bender made it to where she stood at the bottom of the stairs, but that she'd left her standing in utter silence for much longer than common courtesy allowed. "Oh. Yeah, sorry," Raya smiled in embarrassment as she rubbed the back of her neck. Katara gave a dismissive smile and embraced the Demitar.

"It's so good to see you," she said as she stepped back and took in the full appearance of the Demitar. "Did you get taller?"

It was true, the Demitar had grown at least three or four inches in the last few years, but she was hopeful that was over. She stood just a few inches taller than the water tribe girl now, and prayed that she wouldn't exceed the height of her male companions. She was still the same Raya she had always been, though her oval face had narrowed more with adulthood and her Fire Nation robes now accentuated the curves that came with womanhood. Within the Demitars top bun rested the same ornament the Fire Lord had given her all those years ago; when he was still just the Fire Prince.

"Yeah. Finally had to have new robes tailored last year." Raya absently pulled at the fabric of her travel robes. She fell in step beside Katara as they began to ascend the steps leading into the Southern Palace.

"Aang's suffered quite the growth spurt, too. I feel like he's gained another inch every time he comes back," Katara said with a small laugh. When Raya stepped into the foyer and the doors shut behind her, she realized just what Katara meant.

The sixteen year old air nomad stepped down onto the stair case as they entered. He was at least 5'10" now, and the once overflowing fabric of his air Avatar outfit now fit him perfectly as it should. He even had the beginnings of a beard, however slight, starting around his chin. She smiled happily at the familiar blue arrows and watched as Aang returned it.

Skipping the last several steps with a little help from his airbending, the Avatar leapt down to the ground floor to stand directly before Raya; the air currents sending the girls' hair whipping about lightly and robes flowing about. With a laugh, Raya reached out and embraced the air nomad. Aang stepped back after a moment, and after placing his hands on her shoulders, took a good look at her.

"It's so good to see you," he finally said with a grin.

"It's only been about six months this time, right?" Raya asked, making an exaggerated tally on her fingers.

"Oh, come on," he scowled playfully.

"Well, if it isn't one of my favorite jerk benders," a familiar voice came now from somewhere behind the tall young Avatar. Katara was right, he had grown; even since she had last seen him.

"Sokka," Raya said warmly as she peered around Aang to find the water tribesman walking towards them. He clapped her on the back while embracing her in a bear hug, in typical water tribe fashion.

"I'd say you haven't changed a bit, but . . ." he trailed off then, stepping back to get a proper view of the young Demitar. He was still much taller than her, but the height difference was now by only a few inches.

"I think it's fair to say we've all changed." Raya looked around at her companions, and realized that time left none of them behind. They were all fuller, taller, and more defined than they had once been. Katara, now eighteen, boasted the figure of a grown woman with a soft oval face. Sokka, now twenty, had left his boyish features far behind, and traded them in for a sharp jaw line and a thick musculature. Aang was still in the throes of his adolescence, but even he looked much more masculine than he ever had. The Demitar herself had hit the age of nineteen only a few months prior and, somewhere in the Fire Nation, Zuko was now twenty.

At the thought of change, and Zuko, she wondered how much time had changed him. What did he look like now? Was he much taller now, like Aang? Had his sinewy teenage body become one thick with muscle, like Sokka? Had his hair grown to a fitting length for a Fire Lord? Had his face changed any? Had he?

"Raya! Welcome," another familiar voice came to join their group, and interrupted her train of thought. She turned her head to acknowledge the new comer, and came face to face with Chief Hakoda.

"Thank you, Chief Hakoda," Raya said with a formal bow; fist pressed into her open palm. She was suddenly swept up into another bear hug, much like Sokka's, and coughed as the air rushed from her lungs.

"Ah, just Hakoda, to you," he offered. She nodded in agreement.

"Sokka, I thought you were living in Republic City now?" Raya observed as she realized that her exchanges with the Avatar lead her to believe he no longer resided in the South Pole. For the past year, as far as she knew, the water tribesman had taken up residence in the city, and a place on the counsel of Five; serving as the water tribe representative, and head of the counsel. Sokka had jumped at the offer when Aang extended it.

"I'm actually headed back when you leave. Also, can I hitch a ride with you to Republic City?" Sokka gave a large, pleading grin. She knew how much he loved riding Rai Jin. The last time he had taken flight on the dragon's back, she wondered how she was ever going to pry him off. He said that flying on Appa was one thing, but flying with a dragon was absolutely exhilarating.

"Of course," Raya said, and Sokka gave a subtle fist pump in triumph.

"Before that, however, there is a reason we asked you to come here before you make your journey to the Fire Nation," Hakoda said as he began to walk away down a long corridor. Everyone took that as a sign to follow. As they walked down the well decorated hallway, the Demitar found herself staring at several different paintings and pieces that were representative of the Southern Water Tribe's values and cultural expectations.

"What do you think?" Katara asked from her side.

"It's amazing," Raya said as she eyed a large polar bear dog sculpture. "I knew you were rebuilding, but I had no idea," Raya said, trailing off.

"There were a lot of Northern influences," Katara offered, gesturing to the grandeur of the palace they now resided in, her voice turning a bit bitter at the mention of the North.

"It's beautiful."

"Even with all of the Northern influence, we've made sure to maintain the values and culture of the South. There are no arranged marriages, and women are free to master waterbending."

"Gran Gran wouldn't have it any other way," Sokka interjected. "She ran away from the Northern tribe for a reason."

Raya nodded as the large double doors they had reached at the end of the hall opened, leading them all into a medium sized, round room. At the very center of the room was a large, crystal clear pool of water. Around the pool, a circular table was arranged, and at the head of the table was a chair and place that sat noticeably higher than the rest. Hakoda took the higher place, and the rest of the group filled in.

The Demitar found herself seated between Aang and Sokka as the double doors behind them slid closed, a decisive click sounding as they latched shut. Raya couldn't help but admire the splendor of the room. The water tribes usual blue hues were swathed across the room, mingled with white, and the water tribe symbol rested at the bottom of the crystalline pool of water. It was definitely a proud and impressive display.

"Okay, first order of business," Hakoda said as he brought everyone's attention to him. "The reason we brought you here, Raya, is for the opening of the new town hall, which is interconnected with the 'Four Nations Museum'. The opening of the building is scheduled for later today, followed by the opening party. Just the founders, donors, and some political guests. Nothing too over the top." Hakoda said as he laid out their plans for the evening.

"I wish I'd brought better clothes," Raya thought aloud. There was a bit of laughter from everyone at the table.

"Typical girl," Sokka teased. Raya shot him a sideways glance.

"It's important for you and Aang to make an appearance there, together. We would really like to embody the spirit of unity and peace in the opening of this new building. Tensions have been a bit high since the migration of Northerners into the South. It was a great help during the rebuilding efforts, but now that people have come to settle, we have noticed a bit of division amongst the people. We are all brothers and sisters in the water tribe; whether Northern or Southern," Hakoda said with finality. Raya could hear in his tone that this was something that had been a growing problem for a while.

"You'll be expected to make a small speech at the ceremony, but it's already been taken care of. Makora," Hakoda said, waving a young woman over to the table. Raya hadn't even noticed her joining them. She carried in her arms a few pieces of parchment, one of which she handed to Raya.

"So . . . We just read what's on here?" Raya asked, gesturing to the parchment.

"That's the plan," Hakoda confirmed. Raya nodded in agreement as she looked through the words written in fine script along the page. The words 'unity', 'bond', and 'one' were most notably written several times through the course of the speech. She didn't even need to read it aloud to know that it sounded dry and too formally composed. How were people supposed to be inspired by this? Did Aang's sound any different?

She kept her concerns to herself, and blocked her stream of thought from the Avatar. The last thing she wanted to do was question the authority of the Southern Water Chief. Even as she folded the words against herself, sliding them into the pocket of her robes, she wondered how she would deliver this speech.

"Our people respect the Avatar and Demitar's words and work. I'm counting on you two," the chief said, giving the two of them a meaningful look.

"We'll be there," Aang assured him.

X

The opening of the town hall, and Four Nations Museum went off without a hitch. A massive crowd gathered outside the building to witness the cutting of the ribbon that symbolized the significance of the moment. Many of them had seen the Avatar before, as he made frequent rounds to the Southern Pole, but none of them had ever seen the Demitar in person. There was a great deal of curiosity about the white haired, blue tattooed fire bender.

She waved stiffly at the top of the steps beside Aang. He nudged her a few times and she heard the words 'loosen up' echo through their connection. She tried, genuinely, but being a public figure came harder to her than anything she'd ever had to master in her lifetime. Aang seemed almost a natural at it, as she watched him smile out over the crowd, deliver his speech, and wave when appropriate. Raya gave the most convincing delivery of her speech that she could, but the words tumbled out just about as stiffly as she was standing.

"Today, we come together for the opening of this town hall, and the Four Nations Museum - a symbol of unity – just as you came together as Sister tribes to rebuild . . ." Raya trailed off as she looked out at the sea of faces below her. The town square was packed, and every pair of eyes looked toward her expectantly.

Raya . . . Aang prodded in her mind. She let her arms fall to her sides, the parchment going with them. She looked up at the crowd and took a deep breath. The people of this village didn't need to hear another prepared speech; another cut and dry show to momentarily convince them to see beyond their problems with one another. The speech felt entirely wrong, in that moment. Clearing her throat a little, she ignored the stares of her companions at her back.

"Someone spent a lot of time writing this, I think, but the thing is; I have my own words of unity for you all today . . . Not long ago, I was a prisoner; locked away by my very own people. People that I was supposed to be able to call brother and sister. People I was supposed to be protecting; trusting. But, I was also saved by one of them. What I'm trying to say here is – we must have faith in each other. The world will always change and challenge us, and if we can't look to each other for support . . . then we can look nowhere. Brothers and Sisters of both tribes, I give you your new town hall, and the Four Nations Museum!"

A roar of applause rang out from the people below, and the Demitar felt people step up beside her. Hakoda stepped forward and cut the ribbon with a decisive slice, using one of his traditional blades.

Nice speech. I had no idea you were going to go lone ranger with it.

I got a little caught up in the moment.

No-no, I liked it. I think people responded better to the genuineness of it. You connected with them.

All in a day's work for the Demitar.

Hey, that's my line!

X

The speech making was only half the battle of being a public figure, as the Demitar soon learned. She had been subjected to ceremonies and public appearances in the Earth Kingdom for years, but they knew her well enough by now that she could go about her business as a regular individual. Here, that was not the case. As someone they had never encountered before, she received vastly more attention than she was prepared for. It didn't help that she was preoccupied by her nearing journey into the Fire Nation. There were more than a few things swirling around in her mind because of it.

The table that the Gaang was seated at included only one extra individual that was not a part of their group. It didn't take long to discover that her name was Kama, and that her father was one of the donors that contributed to the building project. Raya wondered if the seating arrangement was a request or by total serendipity. Either way, the girl had a lot of questions, and Raya tried faithfully to answer all of them, along with Aang. The Demitar was no stranger to formal conversation, but was by no means a master of it. Her status as the Demitar saw her in a lot of political situations, but she preferred the company of her old friends; the only company she had expected to keep for the evening.

Katara seemed to pick up her slack easily, though, and for that she was grateful. Katara had always been a kind, and interested individual. She had this motherly affection about her that enabled her to speak with anyone easily without a moment's hesitation. As Raya listened sporadically to their conversation, she realized that perhaps the two knew each other. It wasn't that farfetched, since Katara and Sokka were now center stage to the political rings of the Southern Tribe.

"Care to dance?" A voice came from above and beside the Demitar. She had been so wrapped up in her thoughts that the strangers sudden materialization beside her caused her to jump. She glanced over, scolding herself. What kind of Demitar jumped at the sudden appearance of a person? She sighed internally; life in the Earth Kingdom palace had definitely made her soft.

She looked up finally to inspect the owner of the voice, and to realize that the room was full of dancing people. Had dinner really passed so quickly? The gentleman standing beside her was definitely from the water tribe; his hair was bound in a warrior's wolf tail, and a lock of hair on the left side of his head was bound in a few blue beads. He looked to be in his early twenties, with the signature russet skin of those from the water tribe pulled taught over a sharp jaw line.

"I don't really . . ." Raya began to admit that she wasn't much of a dancer. The only dances she really knew were Fire Nation movements, and those were over 100 years old now. She doubted they'd be even remotely useful at a Water Tribe soirée.

"She'd love to," Aang said as he pushed her chair out slightly from the table with an inconspicuous burst of air. She shot him a fiery glance and placed a searing hot hand on the air nomads shoulder with a forced smile. Avatar or not he was a typical air nomad; fun loving prankster. Aang yelped at the hot hand, but she knew it didn't hurt him.

"Thank you Aang. You always know just what I'm trying to say," she seethed. He gave her one of his signature playful grins.

"It's like I'm in your head," Aang tried to say seriously.

"Wonderful!" The gentleman exclaimed as he extended a hand to the Demitar. "I'm Norak, by the way."

"It's nice to meet you, Norak. I'm-"

"Demitar Raya, of course. I can't imagine a soul who doesn't already know who you are," Norak interjected eagerly. She nodded politely before turning her head over her shoulder to stick a disgruntled tongue out at Aang and the others at the table, all of whom were stifling laughs – poorly.

Raya didn't recognize the song that was playing over the crowd, but she decided she liked it. There were a lot of string instruments, and a couple flutes that synchronized so harmoniously that Raya could feel the music deep within her soul. It even raised goose bumps along her arms as certain notes were struck. She took the water tribesman's hand, and placed the other on his shoulder. He placed a steady hand on her waist, and she took a slow breath.

"Don't worry, just follow my lead," he said as they began to slowly sway along the open space in the center of the room. She moved with him, and surprisingly dancing wasn't as difficult as she thought it would be.

"This isn't as bad as I thought it would be," Raya thought out loud, then looked up into the face of her partner. "That came out wrong – I meant the dancing in general, not-"

"Don't worry about it," he shook his head dismissively with a small grin. "I am honored to be dancing with the Demitar at all." Raya smiled, unsure of what to say. "You know, I spent most of my life being taught to fear people from the Fire Nation, but you are nothing like the people stories described."

"You can't let one perspective dictate your perception of an entire people," the Demitar said.

"Such wisdom! I mean, I knew you would be - wise, that is," he said, his eager nature causing the Demitar's brow to furrow. "Sorry, I know I'm being overbearing . . ."

"Its fine, really," Raya said, trying not to seem as put off as she really was.

"I've just heard so many stories about you, and Aang; and your whole journey. It's just a true honor to be able to speak with you." The music ended as he spoke, and Raya stepped back from him; bowing slightly.

"Thank you for the dance," she said with a smile.

"No, thank you," he insisted as he returned her bow. She moved away from him then, and returned to her place at the table.

"That was fun," Aang said, and Raya knew he had been listening through their connection.

"I sense that you are trying to put me in an early grave," Raya said.

"What? Absolutely not!" Aang said playfully as he pushed her shoulder.

"I never thought I would say this, but can I please go to the Fire Nation now?" A chorus of laughs echoed from the people around the table that understood how ironic her request was.

Raya stuck around for a few more hours before she decided that she had made enough of an appearance for one day. Rai Jin would be waiting patiently for her to either rustle something up for him, or take him out to rustle up his own something. Not only that, but she felt socially exhausted. She'd spent the better part of her evening making small talk with almost every person in the room at least once.

"The coach will be here soon, are you sure you don't want to wait for a ride back with us?" Katara asked.

"I could use the fresh air," Raya insisted as she stepped out the large double doors, and into the harsh cold of the night. She immediately began bending the currents subtly around body to make a more bearable bubble around herself.

"I think I'll join you," Aang said as he gave Katara a small kiss goodbye. "We'll see you guys back at the palace." The word palace still felt strange on his tongue.

"Ugh . . . That still gives me the oogies . . ." Sokka said as he averted his eyes from their affection.

"Give it a rest Sokka . . . It's been three years," Katara snapped, though she didn't seem to mean it in a bitter way. The water tribesman raised his hands and took a step away from his sister. Raya agreed to let Aang join her as she began down the steps with him in tow; both suppressing laughs at the pair still within the doors.

The streets they found themselves in were well lit, and even at night the snow and ice shimmered like glass. Raya found herself appreciating the South Pole's beauty a bit more than she initially had when she first arrived. There was something about the night that made the environment seem a bit less harsh.

"I'm sorry you never got the chance to visit the South sooner," Aang said aloud.

"I go where duty calls," Raya shrugged.

"Speaking of duty calling, how are you feeling about seeing Zuko again?"

"We haven't spoken much in the last few years, so I'm not really sure what to expect . . ."

"I'm worried about him," Aang paused a bit in the street, and Raya stopped with him. His brow was furrowed and his eyes were a storm of thought.

"You would know better than I would to be worried."

"He kept in touch really well at first, but now . . . It's become few and far between. When he does respond to my letters, it's next to nothing."

"He's the Fire Lord. I imagine the job title comes with a lot of responsibility," Raya offered, though she knew she was being too generous with the benefit of the doubt.

"I'll just feel better when you're there. I feel like there's something he's not telling us," Aang said, and he began walking again.

"Palace dwellers are masters of secret keeping," Raya said thoughtfully. A lengthy pause took up the air between them for a while, then.

"You're leaving tomorrow, right?"

"That's the plan. I have to get Sokka to Republic City by tomorrow night."

"Let me know when you get there," Aang said, though it was a request, not a demand.

"Of course," she said, and as she spoke, realized that they had finally come upon the palace.

X

"It's been really good seeing you," Aang said as he embraced the Demitar outside the palace steps. Sokka stood behind her, next to the great white dragon that would soon be carrying them to Republic City. He wore his parka and a strange looking pair of goggles that he had invented to keep the wind from stinging his eyes while in flight. Raya had to hand it to him, the man was inventive. She had never considered the fact that the wind burned and stung, because she had always bent it around herself unconsciously while in the air.

"Maybe someday we can stop saying goodbye so often and for so long. But you know where to find me," she said with a wink and a light tap on her forehead. He smiled genuinely as Katara approached for her hug. The Demitar gave her a light squeeze. "Thank you for your hospitality. I look forward to returning."

"You always have a home here," Katara said with a smile as Aang wrapped a caring arm around the water benders waist. Raya was taken aback a bit by her words, as she had heard them once before. A volley of poignant memory struck her like a tidal wave, and she tried to brush it off quickly.

"Thank you," she said, bowing slightly; fist against open palm.

"Are we going or what?" She heard from behind her. Everyone turned to see that Sokka had already clambered up into the dragon's saddle and was sitting comically poised for flight; reigns filling each hand.

"Be safe," Aang said, waving gently as he watched her pull herself up behind Sokka who was hell bent on being reign master.

"Republic City, here we come."