Akemi:

The ship rocked slightly as Rizem stepped off it and onto the dock. He tossed a small bag of coins behind him, which the captain of the ship picked up with a dirty look directed at his passenger. He'd been both polite yet rude at the same time; the disdain he'd showed for the entire crew of the ship suggested an inflated ego.

Rizem looked around, waiting to be received. Sure enough, an elderly gentleman approached cautiously, clothed in a large Fire Nation robe with a wide hood. His short beard, trimmed neatly, shifted as the man smiled. "Ah, it's good to see you again. I've made all the necessary arrangements. Are you eating well?" he asked, frowning as he pointed at Rizem's shrinking waistline.

"I'm fine Uncle. You should be more concerned with your own health. Are you well?" Rizem asked, bowing slightly.

The older man chuckled. "As well as expected. You're here for business then. After that business with my little brother, I expected to hear from you before long."

Rizem frowned. "Yes, though I'd rather not talk about my father. I know you two haven't spoken in years but I'm still sad about his passing."

"You're not the only one. Come on, let's get inside before people start gossiping. Fire Nation folks love nothing better than gossiping," Rizem's uncle muttered, rolling his eyes.

Rizem nodded. "A wise approach. How are things here?" he asked as they walked down the docks.

"Do you mean the Fire Nation in general or this place?" his uncle replied, gesturing at the town around them. It was becoming gradually busier and more built-up as they walked into town. "When I was a kid, they called this place Fire Fountain City after a dreadful statue of Firelord Ozai. I prefer it now it's gone back to North Chung-Ling City, though we still don't have a South Chung-Ling City so I don't really think the 'north' is necessary…"

"Uncle, you're rambling."

"Ah," the elderly man said, snapping back to the present. "It's not too bad. We're still pumping out new technology like it's going out of fashion and we seem to have avoided most of the spirit attacks. They're mostly after the Capital, the slimy animals."

Rizem nodded. "The Fire Nation is perfectly situated. The Tribes are too close to the portals, as is the Earth Kingdom due to the Republic City portal. The Air Temples are too spiritual not to invade…"

"And we're just here, existing," his uncle finished with a small laugh.

RIzem shrugged. "Essentially. If there was anywhere we'd be situated, here is safest. My father found that out the hard way. After I visited him, I realised that sitting around in the Northern Water Tribe would just result in disaster."

"Yes well, my brother always did like home. That's probably why we fell out; he was always Water Tribe and my heart belonged to the Fire Nation. Our family has always had a curious history with all the bending arts," the old man said, looking sideways at Rizem slyly. "Even you went for an Earth Kingdom wench. Your son's, what, part Fire Nation, part Water Tribe and part Earth Kingdom? No wonder he turned out to be the Avatar."

"Thanks for reminding me. I hope to purge him of that particular burden. The problem is, that light spirit has clouded his mind and made him senseless," Rizem said through gritted teeth. "Jahn and the Avatar are two different people; I intend to get my son back. Just my son."

"Is that why you need…the girl?" his uncle asked in a hushed tone as they passed a group of giggling schoolgirls, laughing at a scroll one of them held.

Rizem nodded. "Not here," he warned. "So how is my cousin? Have you even seen much of her?"

"My daughter is with her family on Ember Island. They're not far away but with all the spirit attacks, she hasn't dared visit. She sends the occasional messenger hawk."

"At least she's safe. Where are we going?" Rizem asked, looking around. They were far from the centre of town, where a huge statue of Firelord Izumi had replaced the old statue of Ozai.

"You didn't think I'd keep her at home, did you? I've got a babysitter looking after her," his uncle replied, pointing to an alleyway somewhere down the street ahead.

"You've let someone else meet her? What were you thinking?" Rizem snapped angrily.

The old man looked sideways at his nephew with a stern expression. "Watch your tongue boy," he said in a far less friendly tone. "She can keep her silence. You trusted that Kairna idiot to kidnap the girl and she didn't blab. If she could stay quiet, we'll be fine."

They entered the alleyway, shuffling between trash and bins until they reached hallway. A small door, nondescript and worn, caught Rizem's attention. Red paint was carefully applied round the doorframe to ward off bad spirits. His uncle knocked five times and the door opened slightly, catching on a chain.

"Just open the bloody door already," his uncle complained. The door shut as the chain was removed. It suddenly flung open and they stepped inside quickly, closing it behind them.

Rizem was pleased to see the inside of the building was nothing like the outside. It was well furnished, clean and tidy, with lots of colour and a warmth that could only be brought by a loving homeowner. In the room opposite, Rizem could spot various toys strewn around, indicating the presence of a child.

He also noticed the woman, who stood nearby with her hands clasped together in front of her. She bowed low, not speaking and keeping her eyes respectfully on the floor. Rizem nodded her way slightly, barely giving her any attention whatsoever. He was here to collect the girl, not exchange pleasantries.

"She's through there," his uncle pointed out, pulling his robe over his head and placing it on a coatrack nearby.

Rizem moved carefully into the other room, looking around slowly for any dangers. Despite his uncle's loyalty, it was always best to be one step ahead.

"Hi!" a bright voice said from his right.

Rizem turned, looking down on the girl who walked over carefully. She'd grown considerably since the last time he'd seen her. It had been two years, he supposed. He crouched down, smiling slightly as she approached. "Hi there. You've grown up so much," he said in a kind voice. "You were still so little when I saw you last."

The little girl frowned. "I'm still little!" she said with a huffed expression. "I'd be bigger if I was let outside though!" she cried, throwing an annoyed look towards his uncle in the other room. Her black hair swished, her serious face frowning.

Rizem smiled again. "I don't think you need to grow much bigger. That being said, I think it's time we took you home. I think your family is very worried about you."

"My…family? You mean it? They want me back?" the little girl asked, her bottom lip shaking as her eyes grew wide.

"Yes. Although it's quite a long trip, especially for a little five year old girl. Do you think you can be brave and sail across the sea with me?" Rizem asked, holding out a small teddy bear in one hand.

The little girl grinned and grabbed the toy, squealing happily. "Yes! I'll be a big girl!"

Rizem nodded, standing up at last. "Yes you will. Come along Akemi, we'll have to pack all your things."

The group looked terrible. Beifong didn't really feel much better, though Jahn and his friends carried a weariness with them that she was only just beginning to understand. They all looked thoroughly beaten up, though they'd trudged into camp with a determination that made her raise an eyebrow, somewhat impressed.

The animal that Jahn rode had led the way, trotting slowly between the tents, looking around continuously with those strange, reptilian eyes. The Avatar had sat with his back bent slightly, his eyes locked on the way ahead. Behind him, three sky bison had plodded towards them, horns low to the ground. They had clearly enjoyed walking considerably less than flying.

Lin bent the earth back slightly, so that her makeshift chair reclined. She put her feet up on a small earth stool, sighing as she felt her muscles relax. The medics around were ensuring she put her feet up and in truth, she didn't mind this one particular order.

The group all sat around, drinking clean water and shaking the dust from their clothes. Anik occasionally looked up, as if to say something to her, but would then freeze and put his head down again. The silence was both awkward and welcoming.

"So, did you find what you were looking for?" she asked Jahn without looking his way.

There was a pause before he answered. "I did."

"Did it work out how you expected?"

Another pause. "Not really."

"Huh," she muttered, sinking back into silence. After a while, she jerked a thumb at Kuan, who sat at the far end of the tent with Anik. "Who's this?"

Kuan stood quickly, bowing low. "Chief Beifong, it's an absolute honour. I've heard stories of your incredible Metalbending and your work here in Republic City."

Lin scoffed audibly. "I bet you'd give my mother more praise than that."

"Erm…not to be rude but who exactly is your mother, Chief Beifong?" Kuan responded uncertainly.

Lin finally looked to her side, slightly incredulous. "You don't know who she is?"

Kuan shook his head. "I don't, I'm afraid."

Beifong nodded. "I can tell you're not lying. Huh. I like this one. Keep him, Anik."

The Waterbender looked incredibly confused. "I…uh…will?"

"Chief, are we under arrest or are you here just to confuse Anik?" Tilia asked, uncharacteristically boldly.

Lin closed her eyes. "A bit of both. Asa-President Sato is currently busy with a rather unfortunate incident so she asked me to keep you here until she was free."

"What incident?" Jahn asked curiously. "Something to do with the Fire Nation, correct?" he asked. There were quite a number of elite Firebenders lurking around.

Beifong sighed and sat up in her rocky chair. "I guess you were going to find out sooner or later. Before I explain, answer me something. When you asked Mako to secure the portal, did you tell him to go through it?"

Jahn frowned and shook his head. "I didn't say anything like that. I asked him to make sure the place was safe and keep an eye out for anyone getting too close to the portal. I also asked him to gather as many of my friends here as he could. Did he go through alone? That's ridiculously dangerous," he said heatedly, climbing to his feet.

"Sit down," Lin snapped quickly. "You're going to want to be sat down for this," she said in a less sharpish tone. If Jahn didn't know better, she was actually trying to be delicate. "Mako went through the portal with a number of Firebenders to try and secure it. They were attacked by the spirits and most of them managed to get back after I went through and warned them."

"What!? Who?" Jahn asked incredulously.

Lin sighed. "Mako was accompanied by Prince Kazon, Prince Zukoh, Princess Akirai and Sho-tahn. He remains in a coma after the attack," she said, referring to the latter.

"Kazon's here? With Zukoh and Akirai? That explains the Fire Nation…are they alright?" Jinora asked, standing also. Kai looked between them quickly, concerned.

"Kazon was the only one to make it back alive," Lin said slowly.

Silence fell over the group like a wave. She could see various emotions in their faces; Anik and Jinora seemed saddened but also glad for Kazon's safety. Jahn's emotions were far more wild. His heart had begun to beat faster, his pulse racing. Instead of raging, however, he sat down on the floor and put his head in his hands.

"This is my fault…" he said quietly.

"No it isn't!" Tilia said kindly, crouching low beside him. "You didn't ask them to do what they did. They're adults, they knew the risks. They wouldn't want you to wallow in self-pity. I think maybe Kazon needs you to be stronger. I can't imagine he's holding up well."

Jahn looked up, lips pursed as he considered her words. "You're right. He's lost his brother and his aunt. I can't believe they're gone though. They taught me Firebending and everything we did to save Zukoh from Scarlett…"

Tilia looked confused, glancing round for some explanation. When Jinora shook her head slightly, the other girl nodded once. The past was best left buried.

"Where is Kazon now?" Anik asked, also sounding concerned.

Lin rolled her neck and nodded at the tent exit. "With his father. If you're going, don't stay long. Asami doesn't want to spend much time with the Firelord. Think she feels guilty," she said quickly.

"I'll stay here, in case Asami arrives while you're gone," Kai said. "Hopefully she'll be glad to see at least one friendly face."

Auri threw a small coin down that she'd been inspecting. "I'll stay too. I'll come get you guys if Asami's here."

When the rest got up to leave, Kuan pulled Anik aside. They whispered a little and Anik nodded, leaving his partner behind. "Everything alright?" Tilia asked.

Anik rolled his eyes. "He doesn't feel comfortable around royalty. The Avatar, sure, but someone wearing a crown? Noooo," he said sarcastically.

"I'm nothing to be concerned about," Jahn said modestly, ducking out of the tent.

"He's a little naïve, isn't he?" Tilia said to Jinora, who grinned despite herself.

The URFE was considerable in size, yet it was clear that many of Republic City's citizens hadn't escaped the first wave of attacks. Still, the feeling around the huge encampment was one of hope; people gawped as they passed. Some even bowed and stranger still, two grown men burst into tears as they watched Jahn pass.

"You have quite the following," Anik pointed out. "Wonder what the perks of being famous are…" he grinned.

"Well I know what the downsides are…" Jahn muttered as one woman swooned and fainted right in their way. He stepped over her with a look of distaste, the others following suit. Anik gave her a nudge with his foot as he passed and she snorted in the dirt.

"Still alive…" he muttered, slightly relieved.

As they walked, they spotted a pair of Fire Nation soldiers off-duty, helmets in their hands as they talked lowly. Jahn waved at them, marching up before they could skulk away.

"Hi there. My name's Jahn and I'm a friend of Prince Kazon. I know he's in mourning but could you tell me where he is?" he asked politely. "Or better yet, could you show me?"

"Erm, we're off-duty," one soldier said, frowning.

"Zarra, that's the Avatar!" the other soldier said in a hushed tone. "Of course we'll take you to him," he said, bowing slightly.

"Looks like not everyone's a fan," Anik smirking, nodding at the first soldier.

They made their way through the camp until they reached a grand tent draped in Fire Nation banners. Various guards in Fire Nation armour stood outside with imposing pikes all stood vertically. As they approached, a man exited the tent, which seemed to be constructed over a small earthen structure inside. When the man straightened up, the guards all saluted as one, still as statues.

"Firelord Iroh," Jinora said by way of greeting, bowing. All the others followed suit, including Jahn.

"Jinora. It is good to see you again. Please, Avatar, you don't need to bow," the Firelord said. "We have met before, although you looked quite different last time. Korra was a good friend to myself, my mother and my grand-father. I wouldn't want to tarnish our friendship now with such formalities."

Jahn smiled slightly as he straightened. "Thank you. Please accept my condolences for your loss, Firelord Iroh. I knew Zukoh and Akirai quite well; they taught me Firebending. I'm sorry I wasn't here to save them," he said sincerely.

The Firelord looked extremely upset but kept his emotions well controlled. "Your words are kind, Avatar. Although nothing will bring them back to me. Akirai was my stubborn sister and I loved her dearly. And Zukoh…my firstborn…you met him once before, though I doubt he'd have mentioned it to you after your reincarnation."

Jahn frowned. "Really? When?"

Iroh smiled, his eyes glinting with emotion. "Back when you were Avatar Korra. You and Asami visited us once you returned from the spirit world. Zukoh was still just a boy and Kazon was only, what, six years old? It is those memories I treasure most. Now, if you will all excuse me, I need to be alone right now."

"Of course," Jahn said instantly. "Although we'd really like to see Kazon, if he's around. We're all friends, so maybe we should be there for him."

The Firelord nodded. "Then he should consider himself lucky to have such loyal friends. He is inside. Please excuse me. Avatar, esteemed guests," the Firelord said, bowing slightly. They all returned the gesture and watched him move away, a small platoon of guards following him closely.

Jahn pushed past the fabric of the tent and stepped inside. It was dark inside, though small lanterns were placed all around the inside in a circular row of earth, bent into a fence waist-high. It surrounded the small rocky building, where light shone more brightly.

"Wait here," Jahn said quietly. He stepped forward, closer to the building, realising it was just one room. As he peered inside the doorway, he could see two tables made from earthbending, with two bodies covered in Fire Nation blankets from head to toe. Kazon sat with his back to Jahn in a small chair, his head in his hands.

"Kazon."

The Fire Prince looked up as if shocked. He jumped to his feet and turned, his face showing a multitude of emotions. He finally settled on sadness, his eyes welling up as he looked from Jahn to the bodies. The Avatar nodded, his face set. He knew. Kazon nodded in response, the conversation clear despite their silence. Kazon nodded twice more and bit his lip to stop himself crying. He suddenly stepped forward and grabbed Jahn in a tight bear-hug, clasping him tight as his tears started to roll down his face. Jahn patted him on the back, feeling just as sad for his friend.

After a short while, Kazon gasped in a ragged breath, regaining control. He released Jahn and wiped his eyes with one hand, keeping the other on Jahn's shoulder. Finally, he inhaled once again and looked at Jahn. "Hey," he said, trying to smile.

Jahn returned the smile. "Hey. We heard you were having a tough time. We're all here," he said, nodding at the doorway. As Kazon stepped through, he was greeted with cautious waves and smiles. They'd all heard his anger and sadness so they tried to meet him with sincere happiness.

"Hi everyone. It's good to see you again. Truly," Kazon said in a raspy voice.

"You too. We're here for you buddy, whatever you need," Anik said, holding two thumbs-up.

Kazon nodded, wiping his eyes once again. "There's…actually something you could do for me. I'm sorry to ask this now but I can't wait, not after this," he said, looking to Jinora. "Could you find someone, wherever they are in the world?"

Jinora shrugged. "I honestly don't know Kazon. Usually, I'd be able to hone in on their spiritual energy but it's chaos out there. I couldn't even find Jahn when we left the…well, I couldn't find him."

"What if you had something of theirs, something which meant a lot to them?" he asked, almost pleading.

Jahn stood silent behind him, fully aware of what Kazon was asking. "Are you sure this is the time?" he asked delicately. "I know you're upset, Kazon, but if Jinora fails, you're just setting yourself up for another fall."

Kazon sighed. "I know. I know. But Jahn, I need to know if she's still out there. I've just lost two of my family; I can't sit by and wonder if I've lost another."

The Avatar considered this for a second and Jinora watched him closely. When Jahn nodded, she relaxed slightly, holding out her hand. Kazon reached up and pulled a small necklace from around his neck, unclasping it and placing it in Jinora's hand. The pendant was tiny, though inside it held a small picture of Kazon and a woman with black hair and a brilliant smile.

"Her mother," Kazon said by way of explanation. "We're not together anymore but she was a big part of my life when I was a bit younger. This was my daughter's. Please try," he begged.

Jinora nodded, clasping it tight in her hand as she sat down. "I'll need silence for this please."

They stood around her, all watching intently as the Airbender tuned into the spiritual energy in the world. The necklace in her hands rose steadily into the air, apparently rising slowly on an invisible wind. She was sat still for a full five minutes, barely breathing as she focused. Just as Jahn was about to say something, concerned about her silence, Jinora suddenly leant forward, her eyes flashed open as she gasped.

"What did you see? Did you find her?" Kazon asked intently.

Jinora sighed as the necklace landed on the ground in front of her. She picked it up gently, standing up slowly. She looked at Kazon, a slightly disappointed expression on her face. "I'm sorry Kazon. I only got a few flashes of imagery; a small girl with black hair, a middle aged man, the inside of a house. I couldn't tell where it was, the spiritual energy round here interferes with my abilities."

The Firebender frowned and looked down at the floor. After a moment, he looked up and smiled weakly. "At least she's still out there. Thank you for trying Jinora," he said sincerely.

"Kazon, I hate to ask you but Asami needs to talk to us," Tilia said delicately. "Will you come along? It might help to talk your mind off things."

Jahn inhaled, ready to object, though Kazon had already nodded. "They wouldn't want me to totally lock myself away. I should know what's going on, at least. They're…gone…because of what we did. I'm to blame as well as the others; I need to regain my honour."

"Well now you really do sound like Lord Zuko," Jinora said with a soft smile.

Kazon returned the gesture. As the others all carefully exited the tent, Kazon stayed behind with Jinora. "Was she safe? Happy?"

The Airbender nodded. "She seemed fine, from what I could tell. Kazon, I can only assume that I saw your daughter but with such a weak connection…"

"That's fine. Zukoh always said that hoping is better than being realistic," Kazon said in a sad voice.

"They both loved you Kazon. Trust me, everything I've done in the last few years was for my family. Your family is very much the same," Jinora replied kindly. "They did everything they could to protect you, just like you're clearly doing to find your daughter. I'll try again once we're out of the city, if you'd like."

"That'd be great. Are you leaving so soon? I need to go back to the Fire Nation with my father to bury…well…" the Fire Prince replied.

"Knowing Asami, she'll have a plan and knowing Jahn, it'll be somewhere else, probably far away. Please come with us though. We can try and find your daughter together," Jinora said.

The Firebender shook his head. "I can't. Not now. I'm sorry. If you do find my daughter though…"

"How will I know? I've never met the girl. She has black hair but that's all we have to go off…" Jinora said somewhat disheartened.

Kazon looked at her, his face serious and his jet black hair ominous in the low light. "She has a special name that her mother picked out for her. If you ever find anyone that responds to it, it'll be her."

"What's her name?"

"Her name is Akemi."

((Surprise! All loose plots will start wrapping up now, only a few chapters left!))