Disclaimer: So I was talking on this forum I frequent, and I posted a link to my story. Not sure if any of them have actually read it yet though. I told them I do not own Avatar: the Last Airbender, but I was writing a fan fiction for it. Maybe they will get to it eventually.

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Rated M: Mature Content. Blood. Guts. Sex. Drugs. All the good stuff.

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Scenery Notes: I decided that small anti rooms used for fast or necessary interrogational purposes would make sense to the Fire Lord, and as such I make use of one. I am open to suggestions. I also use the grand dining hall here just as I had in the past. Don't recall it? Reread the story.

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WARNING: There is some minor adult content in this chapter. Read on at your own risk.

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Author: Okay, so as I am writing this I only have a single review. I wonder if we are losing the love.

Sokka: I bet it's because of the mushy stuff. I can't believe my dad can do that.

Katara: I can't believe we had to witness it. Gross.

Aang: I thought it was kind of nice… I mean, making love is a beautiful thing.

Toph: Not to mention it's supposed to be a LOT of fun.

Bato: I just hope I can find love like that. I haven't met the woman of my dreams yet.

Hakoda: Don't worry Bato; it will happen for you eventually.

Author: Maybe sooner than you think.

Bato: Really?

Author: Maybe… but then, you're not my only pet project.

Bato: Did you just call me a pet?

Kita: Who cares? Bato, the guy just made me happier than I have ever been. Let the man work!

Bato: Fair enough.

Sokka: Can I have a cookie?

Author: Again?! Last time Sokka; I am getting sick of baking your snacks…

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Chapter 23: Ballroom Blitz

That evening, a fare well feast had been prepared on scale or even greater than the one when they arrived. The entire Northern Tribe was present, minus the skeleton crew manning the walls. That even had begun with much excitement. Zuko had packed some fireworks with him on the ship and had brought them out to provide a show for the people in thanks for their hospitality. Katara and Kenji were going to perform some master level waterbending for the crowds. Aang was going to provide an airbending demonstration.

Bato arrived at the palace a little before the banquet was to start. He had not met the Chief's niece yet but he had promised to be her escort and he was a man of his word. There had been a few offers to accompany him by various water tribe women, but he had been forced by his promise and his big mouth to decline. Arriving where Arnook had told him to meet her, he waited on the bench that was the edge of the fountain. A few ladies passed by with their dates or families and looked at him admiringly; Bato nodded and smiled to most.

The banquet had already started twenty minutes before now and he was getting tired of waiting. When would this girl show up? A set of quiet footsteps approached him from behind and he turned to see a very pretty dress. It was an icy blue white color and was simple in its elegance. Looking up at the owner of the dress, Bato's breath suddenly caught.

It was the woman from the welcoming feast! Her Long black braid was tied with lavender ribbon and her lavender eyes looked into his with mirth. Her beautiful face continued to show that she was laughing at him as he caught his breath. "Hello." He managed.

"Hello, Bato." She said in her musical voice. "My name is Nami. My Uncle told me that you would be my date to the ball this evening?" she offered, fully aware that he was stunned. She had had that affect on men before, but never one she was actually interested in.

"Um… yes; yes I am. So you're Nami?" Bato asked clumsily. Nami nodded and smiled at him. Bato stood up, took her hand and kissed it. "Never before have I seen a vision of such loveliness that it took my breath away. Thank you for doing it to me again." Bato admitted suavely.

"Again?" She asked prettily.

"I saw you during the welcoming feast a few days ago and you took my breath away then too. I didn't have the opportunity to speak to you then; you disappeared before I could speak to you, so I am glad to have the chance now." Bato said, holding his arm out to her. Mina took it and they began walking to the feast.

"I am sorry I was late. I couldn't figure out what to wear. It's so hard to make a good first impression." Nami admitted apologetically.

"Second impression." Bato corrected her. "Your first impression was days ago, and it did wonders."

Nami blushed prettily and arm in arm they entered the palace and headed for the dining hall. This was going to be a great night.

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Rose entered the dining hall and all heads turned to look at her. She wore a blood red velvet gown of classical cut and design, emphasizing her attributes accordingly and giving the impression that she owned the room. Her gown had a lace trim in black around the middle that emphasized her chest and also provided support. She wore jewelry in the form of rubies and her lips were painted ruby red.

The room was ornately decorated for the nobleman's ball in celebration of Ozai's triumphant return to the throne. All the Fire Nation nobility was to attend. Of course, Rose had waited until the last second to make her entrance so everyone present would have to watch as she entered. Even the Fire Lord was ogling her from his throne above the rest of the tables. She flashed him a smile and took her seat at a nearby table.

A toast was made by a few notables, none of whom Rose cared about in the least. Azula kept staring at her with malice in her gaze, but was being social as a princess should. The feast began and everyone began to eat. Rose leaned up in her chair a bit and with a quick flick sent out a small noise maker to distract the ugly man next to her. She then swapped plates with him. The feast continued on for a few minutes and then suddenly the man beside her stood up clutching his throat. It appeared he was choking. Rose watched as the man's face turned blue and he fell over, dead.

Outrage appeared on Ozai's face. "Who dares to poison one of my guests?!" he demanded. Rose smirked over at Azula as she provided a look of chagrin when she realized she'd failed. Quickly composing herself, Azula came up with a backup plan.

"I believe you should ask the ones sitting next to him, father. They may know who slipped him something. Everyone was already seated when the feast began, and no one else seems to be suffering from any ill effects." Azula told her father.

"Very good Azula; the poisoner must be very close." Ozai replied. He leaped down to the main floor and strode across the floor to the dead man. A few guards were already around the dead man and had weapons poised on the guests. Rose didn't seem at all concerned. Azula's smirk faded as she followed her father. Something was wrong here.

"Sire, I can assure you, it wasn't me! He was my husband!" the countess claimed in a sniveling tone, begging mercy. Ozai didn't give her a second look. The woman was obviously too pitiful to manage such a thing. The other most likely candidate was…

"I poisoned him, Fire Lord. I apologize for the commotion." Rose said simply. She looked totally at ease, cool and collected.

"Explain yourself!" Ozai barked. His face was enraged and though he seemed to have lost control, he was obviously very much in it.

"It's simple, sire. Your daughter poisoned my plate so that I would die if I ate off of it. I had a suspicion of it, so I swapped plates with the count. I had done some digging prior to the meal, and I found that he had been withholding taxes from you for years. I decided to kill two birds with one stone and remove a traitor to your throne while foiling a plot to end my life." Rose explained.

Azula's jaw dropped. How was Rose always one step ahead of her!? "Father, she is obviously lying. The count was a loyal citizen…" she said before Ozai cut her off.

"Azula shut your mouth." Ozai commanded. Azula was speechless. Hen to a guard, "Go get all the counts financial records and bring them to my collectors. I want the truth of this. Remove the body; we have a feast to continue." He added.

The guests nervously continued eating. No one else shows signs of anything. "Rose, come with me." Ozai commanded her.

"Of course, Firelord." She said easily, and slipped into place behind him.

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Bato and Nami took their seats at the table provided for Hakoda and his guests. Bato introduced Nami to everyone and apologized for being late. Nami told him to stop taking the blame and admitted it was her fault they were late.

"So, Bato… is this lady the mystery woman you were telling me about?" Hakoda asked him jovially. He had his arm around Kita's shoulders and she was leaning into him. Katara was happy to see them both together and happy again.

"Yeah Bato, dad told us all about how it was love at first sight." Katara teased.

Bato sputtered but Nami answered smoothly, "It was. I fell for this big lug the moment I laid eyes on him. That's why I asked my Uncle to set us up for tonight." Nami said with no trace of guilt or embarrassment. Bato continued to sputter.

"Well, I am happy for you. Bato talked about you a lot the last few days. I think he fell for you when he saw you as well." Bato laughed. "Not that I am one to talk; I did the same thing." He added, kissing Kita on the head.

"You know, I am really happy for both of you." Sokka said, albeit a bit sarcastically. He had not gotten to talk to Yue and he still didn't know what to do about Suki. It was obviously driving him nuts. Suki sat next to him and was staring around the room at the crowds, inwardly holding a very important discussion. They had agreed to tell Aang about Yue but no one else. They had not told him yet, but they were going to… once they had their fun with Sokka. Just in case their fun went awry, Katara was ready to step in.

"Bato, let's dance!" Nami said, grabbing his arms and dragging him onto the dance floor. Bato went without much say in the matter, but he hardly looked like he was suffering. He grin on his face was a dead giveaway. The two of them couldn't keep their eyes off each other. Kita turned to Hakoda and winked. Hakoda laughed.

"What's so funny?" Sokka asked sourly.

"Nothing son; nothing at all." Hakoda replied grandly.

He and Kita went out on the dance floor too, as did Zuko and Mai. Ty-Lee had tried to get Jet on the dance floor, but he told her no and walked off. Ty-Lee had followed him. Chief Arnook was out making his rounds and Kenji was tearing it up with Mina. The only ones left at the tale were Aang, Katara, Toph, Sokka and Suki. Katara kicked Toph under the table. She had already come up with a way to get Aang and Toph away from the conversation.

"Twinkle Toes, want to show me some steps?" Toph asked Aang. Aang agreed and led her onto the floor. Toph didn't need to see to dance, and was probably grateful for it. Aang was really doing a number around the room. Katara smiled as she watched him. She was not right next to her brother or Suki, so was pretending not to pay attention, giving the illusion of privacy.

Sokka sat at the table, one hand picking up and bringing the food to his mouth; the other supporting his head. "Sokka…" Suki began, but Sokka didn't seem to be listening. His gaze was drifting over the crowd of eaters and dancers. Suki poked him in the ribs. "Hey, you, I am talking to you." Suki told him as he jump out of his chair.

"Oh, hey Suki; what's up? Sokka asked her without much emotion. He was really getting on her nerves. First he insists on seeing his dead ex girlfriend, and no he's ignoring her completely! Throwing the plan out the window, Suki decided to take matters into her own hands. If he wanted Yue, fine. If he wanted her, fine. If not, she would return home and be with her warriors.

"Sokka, we need to talk." Suki told him, grabbing his shoulder and forcing him to face her.

"Suki? Sure, what about?" Sokka asked, starting to wake up to reality.

"Sokka, do you like me?" Suki asked him point blank. Right now it was just the two of them; the world faded to black and the volume was totally quiet.

"Um… of course I do. Why would you ask such a thing?" Sokka asked her jokingly, trying to brush it off like it was obvious.

"You haven't once told me. You haven't kissed me or spent any time with me since we won the war. You don't even sit next to me all the time anymore. What's this all about? Did you find someone you like more?" she asked. This was back on track.

"Of course not!" Sokka scoffed. "No one could replace you, Suki." He told her sincerely. Suki almost believed him… almost.

"So what's this about you trying to speak to your ex girlfriend while we were here? I was told all about her, remember?" Suki said. She was going to hold Yue over him and see if he'd crack.

"Yue… Yue is gone, Suki. I just wanted to say my goodbyes and let her know that I am alright. I wanted to tell her about you and make sure she was okay with me moving on." Sokka tried to explain.

"And have you moved on? If you could see Yue right now, would you pick her or me?" Suki demanded.

"I… um… I don't know. Suki, it's an impossible question. Yue is gone. I am with you now and that's all that matters." Sokka said, trying to avoid answering the question.

"I want a simple answer, Sokka; me, or her." Suki repeated again.

Sokka turned to look this way and that, searching for an answer to such an impossible question. Finally, he sighed. "Suki, I honestly can't answer that. I fell in love with each of you in turn and now I love you both. If I had to choose, I don't think I could. You're both so incredible and any guy would be lucky to have either of you. If I had to choose right now if Yue were here, I would pick neither. You are both better than I deserve and since I couldn't make the choice, I would leave you to make better ones." He told her, taking her hand and hanging his head.

Suki's eyes filled with tears and she leapt up and threw her arms around his neck in a strangling hug. Sokka was caught off guard and fell backwards off his chair. Suki landed on top of him and planted her lips to his in a fierce kiss. Sokka returned the kiss. When it was done, Suki sat up and Sokka rubbed the back of his head. "I am so confused right now…" he told her.

"Don't worry about it. I just owed you that, that's all." Suki told him casually.

'You know, I wonder what he will do when w are both back." Yue observed out loud.

'Probably what he said. I know he loves you, and I know he loves me. I don't think he could choose even if he had to.' Suki told her.

'So then neither of us get the man we love? That sounds kind of silly if you ask me.' Yue commented.

'I agree.' Suki added.

'Maybe we should try and find a way around this impasse.' Yue suggested.

'I am all ears.' Suki replied.

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Ozai led her from the banquet hall and to a private side room. The drapes all had the Fire Nation emblem on them and were mostly red in décor. The room only had 2 chairs and a table. The chairs were facing each other. There was no other furniture. "A questioning room?" Rose inquired curiously.

"Yes. I figured it would be suitable. Sit down." Ozai commanded her. Rose sad down and placed her hands in her lap demurely. "I want to know just what you think you're doing here. Why does Azula want you dead?" Ozai demanded of her.

"So you believed me then? Good." Rose replied. "It's a long story, sire. Are you sure you wouldn't like more comfortable accommodations?" she asked.

"Just talk." Ozai commanded as he took a seat in the other chair.

"It's really quite simple Fire Lord. I was top in my class at the academy and as such have always had high aspirations. Our family is noble but not well off, and so I have had to struggle and claw my way to power. When I was a teacher, one of my students happened to be your daughter. I noticed who she was immediately and thought what better way to power than through the throne?" Rose told him honestly.

Ozai had a smirk on his face as she continued. "I needed a way to ingratiate me with the princess, and noted one of my own younger sisters was in her class. I managed to put them together and through her I kept tabs on Azula. I used Ty-Lee to that end, and eventually found out that Azula craved power as well. She was totally loyal to you at first, but I managed to change that tone until I had her convinced that she should be the next Fire Lady. She was thrilled at the thought and sought to depose you. Her friends were too scared of her to refuse, and obviously with her on the throne as my puppet, I would be quite well off. The plan failed when Azula found out you had banished her brother. She saw that you were truly a Fire Lord and did not wish to continue the plan. Originally, you were to be murdered by her. She is totally loyal to you once more." Rose said simply.

"If all of this is true, she is lucky to still have her head." Ozai growled. "All of this was done by you to attain power? And what now, you plan on taking my throne from me?" Ozai's smirk had turned to a fierce gaze.

"Of course not, Firelord. All of this was planned before I had even seen you before. I am here now for only a few reasons. The first is to torture Azula for abandoning me and to put her in her place. The second is to serve you and to prove to you that I am worthy to have the power I seek. Lastly, I wish to return my sister to the fold of our nation and get her away from the traitors she surrounds herself with. My parents are most upset by it." Rose told him.

"You were serious then when you asked for my favor?" Ozai asked her.

"Of course. It would be an honor to serve you, Fire Lord, in any way possible." She returned. Rose then reached up to her clasp and began to undo her dress. Ozai watched appreciatively as Rose stripped for him. She put on a slight show, not doing anything vulgar, but did a short tease for him. Soon she was standing before him in her full naked glory, and what a glory it was. Her body was perfectly proportioned and the skin was flawless. Her creamy white skin contrasted greatly with the décor and the walls color. She was like a basin of cream, sitting in the center of the bowl and waiting to be licked up.

Ozai smiled his cruel smile at her. "So your goal is to become my wife, is it?" Ozai inquired smoothly. He wasn't stupid and it was fairly obvious what Rose intended.

"Or to bare you an heir, sire." She admitted. "I would prefer to be your Fire Lady of course, but power is power and I take what I can get. You are quite the handsome man and I admit I am quite smitten with you. I had originally come intending to challenge and kill you, but ruling by your side would be far more to my liking." Rose told him, eyeing him up and down and making no move to cover herself. Instead, she walked over beside him, grabbed his hand and placed it on her right breast. "I would like it very much."

Ozai began to kneed her flesh and feel the perfect round orbs beneath his palms. Rose tossed her head back and moaned loudly. His palms were rubbing her nipples and the friction felt wonderful. Ozai stood and slammed her back and into the wall, kissing her mouth roughly. His tongue forced entry into hers and began to explore. Rose used her free hands to begin undressing him as he ravaged her. He stopped the kiss, pulled her forward and slammed her into the wall again. Rose let out a grunt of pain but did not resist. She continued to remove his clothing as best she could.

Ozai stood there and let her finish undressing him. He was standing at full attention before her as naked as she was. Rose admired his form and finally locked her gaze on the object of her desire. Taking it into her hands, she began to caress and fondle him expertly, using just the right grip and pressure. She leaned down and fell to her knees, taking his rod into her mouth and servicing him like a pro. Her red lipstick left small traces along his shaft as she continued her work of milking him. Her jewelry dangled against her bare skin and rattled as she worked. Soon she felt the pressure building and knew that her Fire Lord was about to reward her with his favor. He came in her mouth and as he did so she shoved him all the way down her throat. His seed filled her belly and he nearly collapsed when it was done.

Taking stock of himself, Ozai got dressed as Rose continued to kneel on the ground before him submissively. "I will consider your offer. In the mean time, make sure Azula doesn't kill you." Ozai told her dismissively and left the room.

Rose couldn't help but smile. She had foiled Azula, made her look a fool, and set herself on the path to get her man and her power. She licked her lips at the thought and tasted Ozai; it had been a very good night.

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Katara knew those two wouldn't be able to go through with it. They were going to reveal Yue to Sokka in word in order to mess with him, but they didn't do it. Suki must have been so happy to hear Sokka's answer. Not being able to choose means that he loves her as much as he loves Yue. It meant that she has a fighting chance of winning him. Her brother was such an idiot, but she loved him. Either girl would make him happy. The problem was that losing either one would make him miserable. What a mess.

She changed her focus back to the dance floor where her friends and family were having a blast. Katara would love to go out there and dance, but she didn't want to steal Toph's dance partner. Aang was obviously enjoying himself immensely. Suddenly Toph came sliding over to the table.

"Toph, what are you doing?" Katara asked her curiously. Toph was lying on her back and had slid across the icy floor.

"Twinkle toes just threw me for a loop. Save me!" Toph pleaded as she struggled to her feet.

"Don't worry Toph. I got your back." Katara said in all seriousness.

She jumped out to the dance floor with a huge smile on her face. For some reason, she really wanted to dance with Aang. Even though he was still boyish and immature, something about him drew Katara like a magnet. Maybe it was the fact that he was having so much fun. Katara joined him on the dance floor and immediately started to follow his lead in the dance he was doing. She had done it with him once before in their travels, a sort of kata that was very reminiscent of a dance. Aang had noticed her approaching and had switched just for her.

The two circled each other and went about their art with grace. Everyone cleared a space for them and watched the intricate dance. When they hit the finale, Aang did not stop, instead launching her in the air and starting another. They danced that way for over 15 minutes. When they faced each other, they smiled happily; they were having the time of their lives. Nothing could ever tear them apart.

When they finally finished, the crowd applauded and cheered. They returned to their table to find Toph resting in her chair. "Is it almost time for bed yet? I can't wait to get back on the ships!" she told them. Aang and Katara laughed. They stayed with Toph for a while longer and then said their good nights. The next day they would be leaving the Northern Water Tribe. Where they were going was still a mystery.

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The Advisor sat on his throne watching in his basin what was going on with his plans. Lu-Ten had restored the Fire Lord's power and had become his puppet. Everything there was going according to plan. The biggest problem was Jet. That traitorous little punk had managed to free himself of the Advisor's control and had sided with the enemy. It could not be tolerated.

He snapped his fingers and a guard appeared. "Get me all the information from the library relating to the medallions of the Spirit King. Do not tolerate Wa Shi Tong's interference. Force him to give you the location of the information. If he refuses… make sure he regrets it greatly."

The guard saluted and vanished. Yes… he needed to put a stop to this business. He refused to let anything stop him from conquering both worlds.

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Jet left the banquet and began walking around the city lost in his own thoughts. He still didn't know what was going to happen. His whole life, the enemy had been the Fire Nation. Now, the enemy was the afterlife? Why had they sent him here to kill the Avatar? What would that truly accomplish? Jet found himself on one of the many bridges crossing the streams that acted as roadways in this strange city of ice. As he looked up at the moon and the reflection it cast over the city, he felt calm; at peace with himself.

He contemplated the Fire Nation girl, Ty-Lee. The thought of her brought a smile to his face; she really was cute. If he had been alive… who was he kidding, he would have attacked her on site as Fire Nation. He needed to stop thinking of her as Fire Nation and more as her own person. That wasn't a good idea either. He couldn't get to close to her. He would be returning to the spirit world when this was all over; he had no right to even think about being with someone.

Unknown to Jet, Ty-Lee had been following him. She was skilled at remaining silent while stalking someone. She spied on Jet as he looked out over the water and admired the view. She wasn't sure why she kept following him; he was no different than all the other boys she had met. Sure he was cute; but so were all the other boys that courted her. He was smart, but so were some of the others. She couldn't figure out what drew her to him so much.

Ty-Lee decided enough is enough and stepped out of her hiding place and made for the bridge. As she approached, Jet looked over and noticed her approach with resignation. He sighed and turned back to his view. Ty-Lee came up beside him and leaned on the railing with her arms folded.

"Why do you keep following me?" Jet asked her bluntly without facing her.

"I don't really know." Ty-Lee replied honestly. "I just like you I guess." She added.

"Well, you shouldn't. Do yourself a favor and forget you ever met me." Jet told her.

"What is your problem?" Ty-Lee suddenly snapped and turned to face him, her face mirroring her emotion. "You sulk about and stay quiet, but your alive again and should be thankful. You've already tried to attack your friends twice, and we forgave you. What do you have to be so depressed about?" she asked insistently.

Jet liked her fiery way of talking and how every emotion she felt crossed her face. He almost smiled at her… almost. "You wouldn't understand. No one does." Jet dismissed her with his tone.

Ty-Lee reached out and grabbed his arm and jerked him to face her. Jet nearly lost his balance and had to grab the rail to catch himself. "Try me." She said forcefully. "Everyone thinks I am air headed cute one and that I can't see or understand anything. Well it's not true. I bet I could read you like an open book." She declared.

"You're wrong, you know. No one has a clue about what I am going through." Jet told her.

Why don't u talk to me and see if I can understand?" she asked him. "Of course no one will understand if you don't talk to them about it. Give me a chance to get to know and understand you." Ty-Lee pleaded quietly, putting her hand to his cheek. The gesture brought tears to Jet's eyes and he knew he couldn't keep his emotions bottled up anymore.

"Let's go someplace private and talk." He told her.

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Aang: So when does all the cool Avatar stuff happen?

Author: It's coming Aang. Once the North Pole is done with, lots of cool stuff can happen.

Aang: Alright, let's get going!

Sokka: But… I never got to speak to Yue!

Suki: Are you still going on about that?

Sokka: Um… no….

Katara: Good answer, brother dear.

Bato: So I finally got trapped, did I?

Author: I wouldn't call it trapped, Bato; more like… happily imprisoned. Nami was destined for you and you for her. Get over yourself and deal with it man!

Nami: Don't I make you happy Bato?

Bato: Of course you do, Nami! It's just that…

Nami: Perhaps you need more happiness than you have ever experienced?

Bato: …

Hakoda: That is one determined young lady there, Bato; you better pray for help.

Author: I just think Bato needs to come to grips with just how lucky he is. Give it time.

Mai: Lucky indeed. Time worked wonders for us, didn't it Zuko.

Zuko: Yes dear.

Author: Ah, sweet and innocent love… how romantic.

Kita: Innocent for a time, perhaps. Some of us outgrow that when we are with the one we love.

Author: Touché.

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Author's Corner:

Alright we are leaving the North Pole already. Give me a break here! I have to finish up all the loose ends before I move on, or you'll be rereading my stuff looking for all the stuff I add to make it work out later. Trust me; I am doing the best I can.

Rose is such a little… yeah. She's going to make such a great antagonist, don't you think?

Poor Sokka; I guess Yue and Suki have some planning to do if they don't kill each other first or something. Maybe one can find a better man. Who knows?

Kita and Hakoda had their fun for a bit. They may have more, but at the moment they will be taking a less active role in the story. So will Bato and Nami, as well as Kenji, Mina and Chief Arnook. They will have their time travelling and at the South Pole, but much has yet to happen. Ozai, Lu-Ten, Iroh, Azula and Rose have much to do, as does the Avatar's gang. So, let's get to it shall we?

Thank you to the reviewers; you guys rock as always. Hurray for long and detailed reviews! Keep them coming.