Author's Note: Wow okay so officially this is the longest chapter. It was honestly supposed to be longer than this because initially it was going to be one long epilogue chapter. But, because I am literally about to go to the airport for Florida, I decided to split up the next few updates instead of remaining inactive forever! Yay that means there's more to come, so stay tuned! Again, I apologize for the long gaps in between updates and I hope you all are having a wonderful summer. I also apologize for grammatical errors (because I typed this out from my notebook at the speed of light over the last two days) Enjoy, and of course read and review (but only if you want to!)
~th3rdhal3~

The sun shone beautifully from the peak of the temple that wonderful fall morn. I had been up before sunrise, meditating and feeling the wind. While the many stalks of bamboo remained green, the other trees varied in dark warm colors all over the forest. This sight was pleasing to me and it made the early experience all the more enjoyable. The day reminded me of one in the past; a special day for my dear, childhood friend.

I rose to stand atop the old stone structure and gazed out over the vast wood. The sounds of nature were the only ones to reach my eardrums and I smiled at the waves which traveled into the canals. I felt calm and at peace, much like the last ceremony I had attended. When Zuko ascended to the throne. There was such a large crowd gathered to witness the coronation. Our friends and allies all came together with the Fire Nation citizens to celebrate the dawning of a new and peaceful era. The sun glowed radiantly that day, as if it too wanted to praise the new leader of the Fire Nation...

Though many buildings and rooftops had been destroyed in the chaos, the Capital City seemed vibrant and resilient that morning. The air was warm, not a cloud in the sky; the perfect day to take someone to visit the Fire Nation for the first time. When I paced down the halls I had grown so accustomed to as a child, I felt at ease. There were no more ill feelings within the walls and the shades of red no longer bothered or tugged at the pit of my stomach. I had to remember, that this too was my home.

Zuko was up and about as usual after the accident. Katara and I had bandaged him up after the final duel. However, the soon to be Fire Lord insisted on carrying on as if he were just peachy. We had Mai to thank for keeping him at bay. I couldn't help but chuckle at their comical reunion. The melodramatic boy and the gloomy girl were made for each other.

All the allies were gathered outside in the coronation courtyard along with Fire Nation citizens. It warmed my heart to see an acquaintanceship form between many of the members of the audience. The people of the world really could move forward.

It was good to reunite with my friends without the nagging reminder of doom in the back of my mind. Zaida, came back with Aram, Corrine and Roje! For a moment it seemed I was dreaming as I watched them approach me. Too long had it been since I had been in their presence. Many of the other Freedom Fighters accompanied them. Toph and the Duke were sharing a moment, it seemed, and I didn't want to interrupt that. Haru, his father and their earth-benders were also present. And I couldn't forget about the Southern Water Tribe warriors! I shook hands with several and had many slap me on the back in good sport. Thank the spirits these men had made it through with us.

Hakoda's voice boomed over the sounds of all the others' once he found me. "I heard what you kids did." Both Katara and Sokka were at his side. "And Katara told me how you did everything to protect her and Zuko." I nodded my head modestly. They were my friends. I'd give life and limb for them. "It seems I owe you yet again." The seasoned warrior chuckled. A grin found its way onto my lips as well and I suddenly felt playful.

"Let me be Chief for a day and we'll call it even." Hakoda's roaring laughter was contagious, and others around us joined in though I was sure most hadn't gotten the joke in the first place.

"You don't even know how to kayak!" Sokka nudged me with his elbow.

"You're not even from the Water Tribes!" The water-bender shook her head, giggling at my request. Sokka poked her gut with his club.

"Hey now, we don't discriminate based on region. But seeing as how she has no boomerang, the likelihood of consideration is low."

Eventually, I found Raiden in the midst of the crowd. He had been facing the other way, perhaps conversing with someone, when I approached. His height is what made him stand out and the white headband tails were draped from the back of his head down his neck. The closer I drew, I saw he was speaking with Jin. The expressions on their faces were firm and serious, yet no extreme emotion was there. It was hard to tell the context of the situation. Her dark green eyes looked up into his of grey and she never once blinked. I still couldn't make out words between them, but I could read Jin's lips when she said 'your sister's looking for you.'

My brother turned around, caught off guard, and smiled at me. Now that he had been released from prison, his usual clean-cut look was back. Jin offered a crooked grin of her own and waved before disappearing to chat with others around us. Raiden made a goofy face down at me. "Those Water Tribe robes?"

"No!" I protested, a little too loudly. "They're the colors of the White Lotus."

"The what now?"

"Just forget it." I playfully punched him in the shoulder. Raiden pretended to be seriously injured from my jest. "How are you?"

"Dandy as a turtle-duck." The older boy sprung back up after acting as though he were wounded badly merely seconds before. "But you know, I gotta tell you something." The bounty hunter raised to his full height. I tilted my head up to keep his gaze. "I go through all the trouble in Ba Sing Se, helping find your friend's giant Sky Lander-"

"Sky Bison." I corrected.

"Big-ass-bison." Raiden rolled his eyes along with his head. I let him continue. "Get beat up by Long-Scheming-Asshole and his goons," I chortled. My brother sure had a way with words. "Then I get sent to hell and forced to wear my least favorite color." The Boiling Rock certainly felt like the Under Land. "Then I get the shit slapped out of me all over again," Suddenly, I began to wonder if Raiden wasn't joking anymore. His tone was lacking in warmth and humor. "And then, I have to make my great escape with an assassin whose facial variations are non existent and an overly happy, hyperactive contortionist for two hours. Two hours. On that speeder."

I brushed a strand of hair behind my ear. "Look, Raiden. I'm sorry, I dragged you into a lot of stuff." I glanced down at the stone, avoiding his gaze. I felt self conscious knowing most of those struggles had to do with either myself or my friends. "We've gone through some shit." I put it bluntly.

"Yeah," The older boy laughed dryly. "And all for your childhood boyfriend's honor back." A folded my arms and narrowed my eyebrows. Zuko had never and would never be my significant other. Raiden's features softened and he appeared more like his old self. "But you know what the greatest honor is?" The question was asked genuinely and there was no sarcasm attached to his words. I dared to look up at him again. The spiky haired boy sighed and smiled placidly. "Having you as a sister."

I blinked, not quite knowing what to say. All I could do was continue to stare up at him, with a dumbfounded expression. He wasn't angry or upset at all. As usual, Raiden was pulling my leg. I wanted to kick myself for falling for this trick once more. Instead, I launched myself at his mid-section and wrapped my arms around him. Raiden leaned down and reciprocate the hug, arms squeezing tightly around my back. "I'm proud of you." That was all it took for the water works to happen. I shut my eyes tightly to stop the tears begging to flow down the sides of my face. It was so amazing to have him in my life again. I hadn't even realized how much I wanted and needed a blood sibling.

Not long after, the ceremony commenced. Zuko emerged from the grand curtain with the Fire Nation symbol proudly embroidered on. How regal the young man looked. It had been years since I had seen him wear his hair pulled back with the royal hairpin. Indeed, he looked like his father. But I could also see Ursa in him and even a little of Iroh.

The Fire Sages rang the ceremonially gong and the new Fire Lord's subjects erupted in loud cheers and hollers. The same people all around me cheered equally for Avatar Aang when he followed after Zuko. The young monk wore a new set of traditional air-bending robes and around his neck was a spiritual necklace which each element carved into the wood. Aang beamed while still keeping a modest persona while all his friends and allies rooted for him and Zuko. Our simple, little monk had done it. One could see how proud Aang was of himself by only looking into his large, boyish eyes. The kid was growing up. He was maturing into a responsible young man and an incredible avatar.

Never before had I heard Zuko speak so confidently and with such purpose. His promise to change the ways of the Fire Nation reached even the most reserved Earth Kingdom citizens and Water Tribesmen. The scarred man looked almost stern and very full of authority. But when Zuko's eyes found mine while standing in the crowd, he allowed his features to soften. This smile, I believe, is what won him the hearts of his subjects. Love and peace. This was an era the entire world should strive to achieve.

"All hail Fire Lord Zuko." I quietly recited as one of the Sages crowned the young man.

That time had passed now. The world was constantly changing, and now that the hundred-year war was over, people could be hopeful about their future. No longer would it matter what nation a person belonged to;the opportunities would be available to all. I had met many a traveler, living in the mountains and heard many wondrous tales and stories. It warmed my heart to know one could find counsel and friendship with total strangers. It showed that the world didn't have to be a hostile and evil place. And if anyone could stand atop my temple with me and gaze across the landscape, they'd believe the world was anything but horrid.

How had I become so blessed? Many had asked me the same question in my journey. I had embarked on missions with the avatar and legendary accomplices. I had lived in opposing nations at war and was able to carry on after all the conflict. Perhaps I owed my outcomes to some superior being. Perhaps it was all luck. Or, maybe I was better at surviving than I had thought.

"Master Karuna." I was pulled from my thoughts by my newest disciple. Imani had coarse, spiraled hair, the color of tree bark, which shook every time she laughed. Her skin was dark which helped protect her from the sun during all the days she farmed in the Southern Earth Kingdom. As usual, she was always chipper and pleasant, even when the sun would barely have risen from the horizon. My student offered a bowl of congee she held in her hand. I gladly accepted the meal.

"Thank you, dear." My followers often took it upon themselves to make sure I had taken in sustenance and kept hydrated. Many times I would grow so distracted by daily practices and meditation that I would forget my own needs. All of them were so caring and worldly- no matter what their age; this meant I was an effective teacher after all.

If someone had asked me about disciples the moment I discovered our sacred place, I would have dismissed the idea entirely. Followers? I was no leader. Not anymore, anyway. However, I had often talked with many strangers and wanderers in those parts of the world and word soon spread of a kind and wise nomad living in the north. To them I felt "real" and "connected." I was later sought out for advice and friendly visits from various individuals. It seemed people enjoyed my company. After I had talked my first disciple out of something I, myself, had almost done, more came to me. And now, they had asked to join me in my search for enlightenment.

"You seem somewhere else..?" I nodded my head and slowly turned to face the young girl once more. All of my students were quite perceptive, and not just the women. The men had learned to enhance their abilities to see beyond the veil and feel the most obscure sensations. I believed the lifestyle we lived helped us acquire these skills.

"Yes. I suppose I am." I sighed at the feeling of the warm and gentle wind against my back. My robes were made of a light material so that I could fully experience the air around me. "More often, I've found myself dwelling on the past." I explained to her. The caramel eyed student dipped her head subtly as a sign that she was listening. I debated continuing the anecdote prepared in my mind. But before I could relay the account, I stopped myself. My memories were my own to bear and no one else's. Once again, I tilted my head to gaze out into the lively wood. Anyone else would have believed I was simply enjoying the morning. But in reality, I was reflecting on the moment I had decided to isolate myself from the rest of the world.

The meeting was supposed to help keep the two nations at peace. The gathering was set up by none other than the avatar, who was determined to do whatever he could to aid both the Earth Kingdom and the Fire Nation. The boy's round face had begun to take shape as he grew and now he was taller than me. Light grey eyes traveled back and forth to other sides of the table as he observed. The Air Nomad and I had assumed the same role at this time; moderators.

The discussion was installed to diffuse the tension regarding territory, but it only fueled the fire. The Earth Kingdom desired the end of Fire Nation colonization, and the arguments for it were solid and justifiable. However, the new Fire Lord was hesitant to withdraw, and this created an invisible barrier of sorts. While the dialogue exchanged was eloquent enough and genteel, I could still pick up on the passive aggressive undertones from both leaders. Something had to give, and like Aang, I passively waited until it seemed right to contribute to the conversation.

I sat beside Zuko, as he had asked me, and listened to the dilemma. We had come to Kuei's palace in order to form a treaty and perhaps form new policies. The former prince agreed it was best to meet the Earth King on his grounds to show the Fire Nation was willing to compromise. While I felt comfortable surrounded in shades of Harlequin and lime, I knew the Fire Nation ruler was out of his element.

" Fire Lord Zuko, you initially agreed on the Harmony Restoration Movement. I distinctly remember your promise to see this through to the end. If you do not remove your troops and your people from my kingdom, I will have to step in to settle the matter." Kuei declared firmly. It was hard to believe that this ruler was the same who had been used as a figure head. "My kingdom has been broken far too long. This change must be made if I am to strengthen my region and raise the morale of my citizens."

Zuko's golden eyes never left his opponent. "I understand your wishes and concerns, your highness." The young man began once Kuei had spoken. "And I very much want peace between our nations. But you must understand my reasons as well. As you know, there are large numbers of Fire Nation people living peacefully in the colonies. I simply cannot ask my citizens to uproot their lives and leave all they have behind." So far, no one had raised a voice and we could all thank the spirits the discussion was still calm and collected. The problem was, both sides of this argument were right and both sides were wrong. How was one decision supposed to solve anything?

"I am sure this news will not be welcomed by many of the Fire Nation citizens, but often times leaders are the bearers of disappointing circumstances..." I held my breath and wondered how long these little jabs would go on back and forth. Zuko cleared his throat.

"I was hoping we could come to an agreement," The scarred man proposed. "One involving the coexistence of Fire Nation and Earth Kingdom citizens. There is the potential for our people to come together and-"

"While I admire your ideals, Fire Lord Zuko," Kuei interrupted. "I believe the feelings our people have towards one another are still quite strong. This sort of compromise cannot happen so soon after events of such a long war. At the time I believe what I think is best for both nations is for them to be separate as is tradition."

"Your majesty, on the contrary, I believe that now is the perfect time to impose this sort of compromise." Zuko countered. "What good is endless separation?" My friend did have a valid point. Pushing for this kind of movement now would work better in the long-run than waiting it out. It would be better to get the hard feelings out of the way and quickly work towards tranquility. However, the Earth King still disagreed.

"I'm sorry, but I do not believe the time is now." He did seem somewhat apologetic but his voice was growing more firm each time he spoke. "Your armies and policies have oppressed my people for the last hundred years. We need to uphold balance by restoring our nations."

Zuko had learned to curb his temper over time, but it would still find ways to sneak back now and again. His hands were no longer folded in his lap. The royal sighed heavily and I could almost see the smoke dispersing from his nostrils. "I would appreciate if you wouldn't lump me into the same category as my father and predecessors." His voice was level, but there was a glint of anger in his gold eyes. "Your highness..."

Kuei's eyes narrowed behind his spectacles at the Fire Lord's subtle bitterness. "Then perhaps you took my words too harshly. I am placing no blame on you, Zuko," The ruler explained. "However, the diplomatic procedures of the Fire Nation in the last era has left a sour taste in the mouths of not only myself, but the Earth Kingdom citizens." The Earth King made a good argument as well. Perhaps it would be simpler and less chaotic to split the two nations once more. What was the point of winning the war and independence from the Fire Nation if the colonies would not be disbanded? Besides, there were four elements, so naturally four nations.

"My mind is made." The King relaxed his shoulders and sat up straight in his chair. "If you do nothing in the wake of this situation, Fire Lord Zuko, I will have no choice but to send in troops of my own to handle this dispute." Clasped hands were placed on top of Mahogany surface. It was silent then as everyone processed the terms laid out. For someone so mild-mannered and genuine, it surprised me how adamant Kuei was about this decision. Zuko's lips were pressed in a firm line and I could only imagine what was zipping through his mind. This arrangement put him in the biggest of predicaments because if he forced his people to migrate, more would turn away from his reign and long for the days of Ozai. If he refused to go along with the Earth Kingdom, the Earth citizens would not take kindly to Zuko and he'd lose support from our allies.

The new ruler finally glanced up across the table and in even voice, asked, "Are you threatening my people?" Golden eyes bore holes into the opposing man and not once did he blink. There was no venom in the words per say, but both Aang and I knew there were clear emotions behind this inquiry. I closed my eyes for a moment as I inhaled as calmly and quietly as possible. There were many moments in this council where I wished to step in, but I held back, allowing the leaders to have their discussion. Hardly anything had changed since the war. The only thing that had stopped was military action. Acts of violence still occurred here and there and the hateful feelings were still strong. An agreement had to be met; one that would transcend this difficult and territorial era.

"Why don't we take a look at the treaty again?..." Aang began shuffling through some documents in his hands, but the leaders were not listening to him.

"It would be a cruel irony, indeed." Kuei responded without blinking.

The avatar persisted. "I think the problem here is that the terms are one sided. If we-" Finally, I broke the edgy tension.

"No." I rose to my feet, sending each side of the table a hard gaze. "The problem is both of you are two stubborn, to see past your own desires." Zuko and Kuei were equally surprised at my tone and sudden intervention. The leaders looked as though they did not understand what they had done to receive such a reaction. The expressions were like those of guilty children. "If you as rulers cannot come to a compromise, then how do you expect your people to do the same? And while your antagonistic attacks are only words, they still show neither of you are willing to cooperate and work together as civilized leaders." At first, the Earth King narrowed his eyes at me, as if he were about to challenge my observations. Then, the man with the spectacles lowered his stature and raised a hand to his chin in thought. "If this is the direction the great regions of the world are headed, then count me out." My fuse was unusually short that morning and I quickly excused myself from the table and followed the path out of the room.

Behind me, Zuko rose, startled by my sudden course of action. "Sankari!" The young ruler called out to me. It took a lot of self control to ignore him the first time. My hope was that he would give up and return to his designated seat. Return to the counsel and put my advice to work. But the Fire Lord was persistent. "If we resort to war, I can't do this alone. Sankari please, I need-" I whirled my head around.

"Do not use that name again." My voice was considerably louder and my tone much more harsh than I had intended. The sound practically echoed off green walls and he flinched when the sound bounced back at us. I didn't think Zuko had ever heard me snap; at least not at him. The former princes' eyes looked hurt and confused. He took a half a step back, appearing very put out and caught off guard. I had not wanted to lash out at him, but Agni I was angry!

"Just because we took out a tyrant, does not mean everything is over." I still couldn't believe it had been a year since Zuko had assumed the throne. "What you and the Earth King decide will impact the rest of our nations more than you can imagine." Zuko refrained from speech and quietly listened. His pupils were nearly slits. "So for the sake of us all, you better decide well." My childhood friend looked so different and foreign to me in his grandiose robes of power. "I know you are nothing like Ozai." The scarred man's lip twitched ever so slightly at the mention of his father. "But the rest of the world doesn't know you the way I do. You need to show it, even if that means taking a different stance in diplomatic affairs."

Zuko closed his eyes and took a calming breath. Iroh's teachings had finally begun to manifest in his adulthood. "What about you?" Was what the former prince asked next. I hadn't been truly prepared for this question. We remained silent for several moments, while I searched my soul for something to say in return.

"I'm not my father." The words which rolled off my tongue took with them the heavy burden which clung to me for eons it seemed. It had taken me years to come to this epiphany.

"What was that you said?" I soon realized my voice had barely been audible.

"I am not my father." I repeated. It felt equally pleasing the second time around. "I have my own life to live and my own goals to achieve." I had always thought of myself as the only one to listen to Uncle Iroh, but it seemed I had missed a very important lesson all that time ago. "I'll always be on your side, Zuko. But as your friend, not your warlord." The Fire Nation leader's eyes glanced down at the floor before looking up at me. He seemed to understand why his request could not be carried out. "We both know the pains of war." Neither one of us should have gone through the adult concept, yet there we were. "Which is why you can't allow those destructive patterns to come back."

The silence between us made me anxious and caused a buzzing in between my ears. Then, Zuko's voice filled the nothing as if it were a container. "I won't disappoint you."

After saying my peace, I left the Earth Palace and had not returned since. I had also taken a leave of absence from the Fire Nation. I missed both capitals and their rich culture. But perhaps there would be another time for visits. "I believe there's nothing wrong with reflecting on the past, so long as it doesn't hinder your future." Imani's friendly voice brought me back to the present.

I smiled warmly at her. "You've learned well." I was proud at how the young woman picked up on practices and principles.

"You're a great teacher, Master Karuna." Imani was always so sweet.

Restoring the temple took many moons and dedication. We removed the moss and vines from the interior, but left the growth on the outer walls; we were one with nature after all. The halls were lined with carpets and tapestries in shades of brown and green. Every so many feet were various works of art from different places in the world- my followers felt at home this way. After the cleanup, the chiseled images in the stone appeared all the more grand. If one believed our sanctuary looked beautiful then they would need to stick around till after dusk. Then, they would see the warm, orange glow pf the hundreds of candles lining the main hall of meditation.

The once desolate and haunting corridors were now filled with life and practice. It seemed nearly everyday there were new faces to gaze upon. There were so many dwelling here that I had to pass on teaching and other responsibilities to my senior and most enlightened students. Why, as Imani and I descended the marble steps into the interior, we overheard Yin instructing others in the dining hall. From the piter-patter against the stone, I guessed she was working with the young children we had taken in; orphans. My heart went out to each and every one of them. It crushed me to know others shared my misfortunes.

"Oof! Sorry Master!" An impulsive, young teen bumped into my shoulder. He apologized and bowed his head respectfully. I couldn't help but offer the boy a smile. After all, he reminded me of Sameer.

"Keeping yourself occupied, Tinley?" I asked.

Kashmir material creased as Tinley shrugged his shoulders. "I've been trying. Mostly working on my concentration. But it's so hard!" He explained, looking down at his hands. The young man had been living with us in the temple for the past few months, but due to the way he behaved, one would have guessed he was brand new. I always made it a point to remind myself that all my students progressed in different ways and at different times.

"Learn from Akira." I suggested. "There is none with better focus." This particular pupil had greater drive and a sense of purpose than the majority which journeyed with us on our quest for enlightenment. Tinley only sighed.

"I can't help but get the feeling sh-" All it took was a reminding glare from Imani and the young disciple corrected his sentence. "they think I'm annoying." The young woman beside me scoffed, her hands now on her hips.

"Everything annoys Akira!" It was both a truth and a hyperbole. My gifted student was quick to frustrate, and while it remained contained within them most times, there were others when it was plain to see. In those moments I visualized the standard scowl and almond-shaped brown eyes the color of chestnut-narrowed as usual. Perhaps a peer with more patience could better aid Tinley in his studies.

""Yuda struggled in the beginning." I reminded the other two. This disciple was once very hot headed and brash. With enough practice and exercise, and amazing improvement could be seen. The changed man could help the restless one.

"But he's still in Koma, right?" The energetic boy looked doubtful. As a reward for Yuda's progress, I intrusted him with a reconstruction project. I had made a promise to myself and the people I had hurt that after the hundred-year war, I would do all in my power to heal the villages I had ruined. Of course, along the way we reached out to others in need as well. In small waves, I sent out my followers to do good in the world; I usually appointed a seasoned disciple to lead the groups. There was a time where I fronted the healing process, but now that the temples was constantly bustling with new and old followers, I was required to stay grounded and offer my teachings. This season was Yuda's mission and I knew he and the others would do well.

"Not forever." I reminded Tinley. Once again, the youth shrugged his shoulders and tilted forward onto the balls of his feet. He was very fidgety, but this trait was part of what made the boy unique and memorable. And while he'd frustrate all of us time and time again, I could never be angered by him; not for long anyway. For as long as Tinley drew breath, so would the reincarnation of my childhood friend.

Soon, our dialogue was interrupted by two of the older temple dwellers. Their heads were both shaved close to their skulls, but each had distinct facial features to tell them apart. Anwar was the one who spoke.

"Master. Yuda and the others have returned." Speak of Koh! They must have been nearing the sanctuary. What perfect timing. "But we've observed a stranger in this territory." This wasn't uncommon, but this part of the mountain generally received less traffic than other routes. The information would have meant very little if there wasn't concern in the disciple's voice. The other student slouched his shoulders for a moment and looked up at Anwar.

"But surely the colors reveal that they are some sort of Earth Kingdom warrior. It's safe to assume they are simply passing through." Earth Kingdom warrior? Was it one of the Dai Li? How could that be? I thought the secret police had been abolished. Perhaps this would explain it. Were the old members now rogues? Like the swordsmen in kingdoms who defied their feudal lords? I needed more knowledge on this situation and I would need to see for myself.

Anwar turned his torso to look Raima in the eyes as he shook his head. "It is never safe to assume." The older middle-aged man declared. "Especially when the foreigner wears war paint." To most, this fact would raise even more concern and suspicion. But with this new information, I knew exactly who we were dealing with. With a nod, I signaled my party to accompany me outside. Besides welcoming Yuda's team, we would also have to greet our new visitor. "Akira has gone out to investigate already." I smirked. Of course they had.

The sun was drawing higher into the sky to prepare for midday. The rays emphasized the warm glow the tree leaves gave off in the forest. My bare feet felt the gentle crinkle against skin and toes. The pleasant smell of nature wafted underneath my nose. I had grown to love this scent ever since I came to the mountains.

My acolytes followed me down the slanted path. Sure enough, Yuda and the others had emerged from one opening in the forest and had gathered near the bottom of the path. As we continued to descend, the features of our visitor became clearer to me. The familiar dark, green robes complimented by effective chest and shoulder padding. The gold accents on the regal katana radiated light. Perhaps to some, the war paint would evoke fear, but to me it brought a feeling of relief and comfort; a notion that help was on the way. As always, the vermilion eye-shadow looked fierce above such focused, blue eyes.

To my right, Akira turned their head to face me. Dark hair nearly blocked their vision. Deep maroon sleeves uncrossed and their arms dropped to their sides. "I told them it was no hostile matter, master." They nodded towards the group, clustered a few feet away. "Some of us are still quite skittish it would seem.." This was whispered, but that did not stop Anwar from overhearing. His lips tightened and turned downward, but he did not take the last word.

"Thank you, Akira." I voiced my gratitude. I approached the warrior and could nearly see my complete reflection in her headdress. This time, I was the one looking down at her. A surge of emotion began to flood through me and I had to regulate my breathing to keep them under control. "It's been a while." The cliché line was all I could piece together. I had not expected the nostalgic sensations to be so strong, but the more I thought on it, it made sense. This woman before me was a sister-in-arms. It felt odd thinking about it this way, but I might have never have met her had I not joined the avatar to end the war. Suki's response was matter-of-fact.

"It has." She dipped her head slightly. Her expression remained earnest and it appeared as though she were studying me. In those moments it seemed like we didn't know each other and there was a certain coldness in the air. But then, a wry smile reshaped her lips. "It's good to see you." I smiled as well and hugged my dear friend close. Indeed I had missed her as well, and more than I had realized.

"Come inside." I nodded my head towards our sanctuary. The Kyoshi Warrior would always be welcomed within our walls.

We gathered in the foyer for it was quiet and peaceful. Suki marveled at the stonework and architecture in the interior. Akira passed around cups of oolong to the handful of us. Yuda entered after with some parchment rolled up. He knelt down to where I sat, lotus-style, and put the item in my possession.

"We found another one," He whispered in a low voice. "tied to the branch at the entrance. This is, what, the third one?" My lips were in a thin line and my breath heavy within my lungs. I apologized to my company about the distraction and unraveled the scroll. Just like the last few, the words were etched in cursive, centered. The text read:

You are a dragon, yet you bare no fangs

The theme of the message matched the others received. I allowed my eyes to study the scribbled font, searching for reasons and answers. After several silent minutes, I rolled up the scroll and with a sigh, handed it up to Yuda. This was a puzzle for another time and perhaps a new day.

"We can put this away for now." I reached forward, picked up my cup and took a long sip. Suki held her glass a few inches away from her mouth. Blue eyes gazed at me, unblinking. I cleared my throat and set my cup down. "It's nothing to worry about. Someone jesting, I'm sure." For the past few months, my acolytes and I had found these puzzling excerpts around the sanctuary. I knew the messages had not come from the temple; if any of my disciples were responsible, I had them know they could come to me at any time with their questions or quarrels. These scrolls appeared to have mild antagonistic undertones. I had a hunch, but lately the guess seemed wrong.

"I thought Toph might have been up to her usual tricks." I shared this hypothesis. Of course, if it was, one of her students would have been the one to write it out; my cousin was still learning to write. "She has a bizarre sense of humor after all." Toph loved to prank and rile people up, but could she keep a joke running this long?

"I wouldn't be surprised if it was her." Suki stated her opinion. "She could be upset that you haven't seen her since she first started the academy." The warrior woman tilted her head at me. Her gaze looked slightly judgmental. I did my best to ignore the expression and consumed some more tea.

"It's been some time, yes." I agreed. Both my relative and I had been busy with our goals and aspirations. However, neither of us expected so much time, so many seasons to slip through our fingers.

Suki held her cup in both hands, blue eyes never leaving mine. "It's been five years, Karuna." Her voice was sharp enough to cut glass. The tone lacked all warmth and friendliness. The words acted like a slap to the face which brought me back to reality. Almost six years ago I ran away from the Fire Nation. Nearly six years ago I fought during Sozin's Comet alongside some of the bravest benders and warriors for the fate of our nations. "It's been five years and not once did you come and see us." The room had turned silent. In the background, some of my acolytes exchanged nervous glances and began occupying themselves with various tasks.

After pondering on her statement, I finally responded. "I've been playing the game of life as we all have." I extended my arms. "There's much to do in the world and I have found my niche. Forgive me if I've become distracted or consumed with my work. All I wanted was to make a difference of my own. And with Aang and the others restoring the South, I decided to care for the North. I figured all was well with everyone...considering I received nothing as well..." Suki's expression soon became flustered and she set her cup down with a loud clink!

"We looked for you, Karuna. We searched all over- even places we thought you'd never go. You made it very clear you didn't want to be found." I closed my eyes as I listened to her. I had made the mistake of distancing myself. It was a brash decision years ago and I never thought it through. I let myself fall into destructive patterns and in order to keep all those I loved and cared for safe, I had to push myself away from them. Too late did I realize that was just as toxic as the reason I had left Ba Sing Se in the first place.

A weak smile graced my lips. "Why have you come?" It was a gentle question meant not to interrogate, but to simply understand. Suki looked perplexed and now perhaps even speechless. Her gaze seemed to say, 'Are friends forbidden from reuniting?' But I knew it was more complicated than that. Why, after five years of no contact would she decide to seek me out? Suki was kind-hearted and thoughtful, but I was still suspicious.

I dipped my head at our visitor in order to show I wasn't angered. The Kyoshi Warrior took a deep breath and looked me in the eye. "I'd like to have a word with you. Just the two of us if that's alright." I nodded and slowly rose to stand. Anwar and Yuda retrieved the dishware on cue and I gave them my thanks.

"Thank you." I also said to Akira as they took the liberty of dismissing themselves and the others. If the discussion grew heated, there was no telling what kind of scene play out. It was best if we were given our space.

Suki and I had been pacing silently in the upper sanctuary for minutes now. There was dim light in the corridors because the sun was no longer directly shining through the windows. I walked with my arms folded inside my robe sleeves. What is she here for? I began to wonder. Was Zuko desperate for an adviser? Was Toph in trouble? Perhaps someone was receiving a surprise birthday party? I hadn't the faintest idea.

"We found out about a coup not too long ago," Suki finally broke the silence, voice steady. A plot? Of what kind? "To take Zuko off the throne." I didn't know what I had been expecting but now I knew the situation was more serious than I had predicted.

My follow up question was, "Have you located those responsible?" This could be dangerous; very dangerous if not handles in the correct and delicate manner. If those opposing were Ozai sympathizers, they would permanently remove Zuko.

"Not everyone. And here's where it gets freaky: the spark of rebellion seemed to come from...spirits." I quirked an eyebrow and did a double take. I must have heard the warrior woman wrong. Spirits? Why would they get involved in mortal affairs like this? What did they have to gain from such a scheme?

"Are you sure?"

"We think."

I rubbed my eyes with my hands. That wasn't a lot to go off of. It was never a good sign when beings from the other world mingled with situations on Earth. The two realms had been separate for so long that ties between the two were never anything but toxic. Maybe my friends lacked answers. Perhaps conclusions were being jumped to too fast. "Alright," I sighed, bringing us to a halt. "So these conspirators may or may not be human. Regardless the next thing to do is figure out their motive, find the leader and bring them all to justice." I explained.

"We might be able to go after some," Suki hypothesized. "But if there are spirits involved, we can't just try them and arrest them. Reports say they've been appearing in various towns in the Fire Nation and some claim they've spotted activity in parts of the Earth Kingdom." Reports? Just how long had the fiasco been going on for?

The two of us now stood next to an alter. One of my newer disciples had constructed the shrine. I took a moment to relight the candles which had blown out from the breeze blowing in from the windows. "Have you encountered anyone in this resistance?" I asked the warrior. Suki frowned slightly and clasped her hands in front of her.

"No...not up close." Both she and I released a sigh of relief. The Kyoshi Warriors had become the royal body guards for Zuko shortly after he assumed the throne. And if they were lucky enough to avoid the opposition, so had the current Fire Lord. "But...we did catch wind of a name." My ears perked up. Any leads would help to improve the situation. Blue eyes stared into mine of grey. "Ukano."

If I had still been holding my teacup, it would have surely shattered on the stone floor. The air I had sucked in was trapped within my lungs for a few extra seconds upon learning this new information. "That's Mai's-"

"Father," Suki finished my statement. "We know." She might have known the news for days but she appeared just as shaken as I felt at the moment. The "we" must have implied our other friends, which meant Zuko must have been informed immediately. The news must have been awful to hear.

"How is he?" I couldn't imagine what it must have been like to have your significant other's father plot against you. The governor had always done everything he could to please the prior Fire Lord and it suddenly made sense that he would play a role in this secret uprising. "And Mai, how is she taking it?" My childhood friend had never been extremely close with her parents. Sure ,they gave her plenty of material and superficial possessions but on the condition that she would behave exactly as instructed, refraining from expression and other emotion. And now, her own father was threatening her love's birthright. What a terrible position to be stuck in.

It was Suki's turn to sigh. She stared down at her feet before picking her head back up. "You really did miss a lot." The woman murmured mainly to herself. "They broke up." The words seemed artificial. "I can't remember the last time I saw them together." How could this be? The couple...Mai and Zuko were a definite match for each other. They had their arguments and bumps in the road every now and then, but they always managed to work our their differences. Just what else had I missed in five years? I would admit I was scared to find out.

"Wow..." Was the only response that seemed appropriate. I tried to picture a universe where the gloomy, young adults were not joined at the hip. To me, it seemed impossible. Even when they were kids, you could see a spark there. Just like every fire, it must have eventually died out. "Where is Zuko now?" He had to be safe. The young ruler was often distracted by his many duties that it was difficult for him to look outside of the situation. Perhaps now, he had finally begun to feel relaxed in his position. Suki took a few strides and raised a hand to rest against her face.

"He's in Yu Dao." Her lips were in a thin line. "The girls and I are going to escort him back to the palace in a weeks' time." I let the information float around in the air a bit. He was in the Earth Kingdom. This could be equally dangerous if the relationship between the Fire Nation and the Earth Kingdom remained the same after the last war meeting I attended. I rearranged the folds of my robes.

"For now, the safest thing might be keeping him in the Earth Kingdom." I thought about the situation with a strategic mindset. "If Mai's dad is indeed part of the coup then we can guess other members are citizens of the Fire Nation. They'll have to leave the homeland if they want to put the plan into action. You and the other Kyoshi Warriors can move him around so he doesn't become a sitting duck." My friends could catch the culprits before real damage could occur if they followed this idea.

"Zuko can't remain here forever." Suki raised a valid point. The young man didn't rule the kingdom of Earth. He needed to return home.

"The first place the rebellion will target is the throne," I predicted. "Literally. If you take him back too soon-before the problem is weeded out, you run the risk of walking right into a massacre." From gazing at her expression I could tell Suki shared my concerns. She was aware of the hazards in both continents, yet undecided on what actions to carry out. "Buy some time for him before going back." I urged. Between the avatar and our other friends, the hostile resistance could definitely be crushed. I had all the faith in them in the world. The ended a one-hundred year war once, a rag-tag rebellion would be a piece of cake.

"To be honest," Suki breathed, hand still resting against the side of her face. "I don't know how many places left are safe enough for a tactic like that."

"Then keep him in Yu Dao." The list of options was slowly decreasing. The Kyoshi Warrior glanced down at the floor, avoiding eye-contact. "What's wrong? I thought of all the places in the world, Zuko had made the most progress there." I remembered all the initial struggles and frustrations which came with the developing city.

"He did-they did." Suki agreed quickly. "There are more concerns on the horizon. Not as much regional conflict as it is social, but these new problems are redividing the citizens. Zuko's been looking into it and re-evaluating codes and economic laws, but he doesn't have the sole right of those kinds of legislature. The Earth Kingdom rules have to be involved." All the political nonsense was beginning to cloud my mind. It was no wonder the young Fire Lord often found himself backed in a corner.

Suki continued. " The issues of his citizens is something he takes to heart. And if distracted it'll leave him vulnerable. Every day more and more radical groups spring up. People still don't trust the Fire Nation and these extremists are ready to fight to the end. Any number of those groups could also be linked to the coup." I began to understand the degree of the other woman's worry. "The Si Wong Viper's have already made their-"

"The sand people pose no threat." I interrupted, sure of this fact. Years ago, my friends and I encountered the desert people. They were nomads and tribes people who mostly kept to themselves. Even the more aggressive ones were all bark and no bite. "Nothing that can't be handled."

The Kyoshi Warrior's arms were crossed again, and she narrowed her eyes at me. So far, we had agreed on very little. "Then I'm sure you'd be willing to respond to the very real threats and acts of violence on our behalf?" The sand people had actually made a move? I lowered my head in defeat. It was not in my good interest to speak about subjects I was not fully immersed in. Suki had remained in the loop as the Fire Lord's body guard and therefore had authority on the matter.

"Karuna, all these factors have to be addressed no matter how small or harmless they appear." From a warrior's perspective she was absolutely right. Any ounce of a threat should not be taken lightly.

I continued down the hall, folding my arms back underneath cloth. "Then all of you need to be alert and ready for whatever storm lies ahead." The only footsteps which echoed off the walls belonged to me.

"You're kidding me." Suki's harsh statement sounded a few paces behind me. I turned on my heels to face her once more. Frustration and astonishment were evident in her expression. "Your lifelong friend is in trouble and you just-" She struggled to find the right words. "-bat your eyelashes!"

With a deep sigh, I closed my eyes. This was not the case in the slightest. While onlookers would surely side with the warrior woman, my decision of isolationism was warranted. Suki went on. "You said yourself Zuko was like a brother to you, how could-"

I had to cut her off there. "It's not my fight." I loved the scarred boy dearly and I worried about him constantly, but enough was enough. It was time to stop beating around the bush and spewing out neutral answers. This was the truth of the dilemma and I found no fault in embracing it. Yes, Zuko was family and he meant the world to me, but that didn't mean I was obligated to lay down my life every time something bared its fangs. Zuko was a capable, young man and Fire Lord. All I could do was hope for him and sent prayers his way.

"Oh, so the hundred-year war was more your conflict?" The condescending tone was not appreciated but it wasn't what bothered me. "And Sozin's comet was your fight too?"

"You know that's not a fair assessment." Arguing with the non-bender wouldn't do much good. If anything, it would put more distance between us. However, I felt the need to stand my ground; it must have been the earth-bender in me.

The auburn haired woman pursed her lips. No doubt she realized the illegitimacy of her fallacy. I didn't hold it against her. If the roles were reversed it would only be natural for me to do the same. The warrior woman resumed her stroll, eventually matching my pace. "What I meant to say was, we don't always get to choose the battles we're meant to fight." I only offered her a wry smile.

"I disagree. We always have a choice."

When Suki and I exited the temple, we both held a new level of understanding. But after our discussion, new, invisible walls were constructed. I had worked so hard to build more bridges and connections that over the last half decade, I failed to realize old ones were fading.

As a good host and friend, I offered hospitality. Surely the warrior would want to rest; it appears as though she had been traveling on foot. Suki politely declined because she was anxious to return to the Southwest part of the Earth Kingdom. Her footwear crunched atop the golden leaves which layered the ground. Blue eyes looked up to take in the present and faded detail the architects had put into their stone creation. And though I had lived there for years, I still found myself staring in awe.

Two of my acolytes were to accompany Suki a little ways so she could locate the road back to usual civilization. The warrior woman turned to me one final time with a somber expression. "I thought..." A sigh came next. "It's not significant anymore I suppose, but...do you remember that bet we made a while back?" I saw a peninsula with tall, flowing grass. The ocean came into view with its rolling waves. I felt heat and sweat and bandages. This memory came from a period of rehabilitation in my early teenage days. How could I have forgotten? We were in the midst of war then.

My nod was a sufficient enough answer. "I thought maybe you would still hold to that." My eyes narrowed for a moment. "It's a childish notion." Suki allowed herself to believe and she shrugged. Had she been banking on a five year old wager? Somehow it seemed not childish at all but hopeful; strategic even. She knew a promise from me would never dream of breaking, yet so much time had passed since the deal had been made. The question was, could I be persuaded?

My honor wished to comply, but a a lump formed in my throat. My mouth felt heavy and stuck as though tar was keeping my jaw clamped down. Suki took my silence as response. "Goodbye, Karuna." There was a small smile attached to the end of her farewell. My tongue was no longer heavy nor stuck, but I couldn't find any parting words as the dark, green robes of the Kyoshi Warrior eventually disappeared between the trees.

"You disapprove my decision." The statement held no bitterness or authority. Instead, it was based merely on observation. Akira folded their mat into smaller squares and avoided my gaze at first.

My senior student had volunteered to lead the nightly meditation routine for the orphans. I watched as the little ones rolled up their mats and gathered up remaining sticks of incense. Chyou showed them where to return the items before sending them off to bed. They shuffled behind her in single-file form. The visual was quite charming and it warmed my heart. One of the little girls made eye-contact with me, and her pupils dilated in a nervous manner. While I never intended to become a traditional figurehead, there were seldom times I could navigate throughout my sanctuary without being recognized. I gave the child a soft smile and a matching one lit up her features soon after. Her eyes turned into the shape of down turned crescents and she giggled down the hallway to her living quarters.

"Not at all, master." Akira's head lifted an their face was no visible. Lips were drawn in a line, but not in an ill manner. Brown eyes seemed to swim with ideas. The acolyte let dark bangs dip as they turned their head downward again and resumed brushing up the ashes leftover from the incense.

I chewed on my lip for a moment, wondering what my pupil was not vocalizing. Akira had worked hard to maintain a somewhat mysterious and aloof persona. Regulating one's emotions was key to understanding truth and the universe, but these feelings were what made us human and could never entirely vanish. "You know," I drew my arms out form inside my robes. "My earth-bending doesn't just allow me to 'see' physical things. It can also sense sarcasm." A smirk formed on Akira's lips and soon after laughter followed. The student was not all seriousness and business around the clock. One only needed to understand Akira and grow to truly befriend them.

"Maybe your cousin could increase enrollment if she capitalized on that finer detail." I waited for Akira to elaborate. "Beifong Academy!" My disciple raised their arms as if unveiling an invisible banner. "Punch smart-mouthed punks with steel!" I snorted. Knowing Toph, that description was most likely plastered on her dojo somewhere. My mind began to linger on thoughts of my family. Was Toph happy teaching metal-bending? Were her students progressing? When I had last visited, the three seemed timid and very unsure. I was certain now, that Toph had broken them out of their shells.

Next, I began to wonder about Raiden. Was he well? Did he resume his bounty hunting? The last I had heard from him was in a letter received half a year ago. In his message, he wrote he had gone around traveling places he'd always dreamed of as a kid: Whale Tale Island. The Great Divide, and he expressed interest in seeing the Northern Air Temple. The air-bender sanctuary was only a short journey North from my current location. I had written my brother back, inviting him to my temple whenever he decided to venture my way. I still waited for his response.

"To answer your question, I do not." Akira went to work, extinguishing the tiny flames which danced atop the wicks. "I trust you, Karuna." The acolyte had earned my respect over the years and it did not bother me when they addressed me so personally. "You must have your reasons for declining the Kyoshi Warrior's request. "Akira placed their hands over the tops of the candles and allowed the fire to evaporate into their fingertips. Though my follower was sincere, I had the feeling Akira still wasn't sharing everything.

"What would you have done?" I asked, and with fell swoop of my arm, the little flames stretched long and narrow before disappearing. The question wasn't to challenge the latter or to interrogate. I wanted to see the response from another perspective.

Akira filled their cheeks with air before dramatically puffing out. "Maybe I'd follow up. Pay them a visit and check in." Honey eyes stared at the floor and eventually elevated to my level.

"Hmm." I nodded my head. "Even if there was risk of a conflict?" Akira ran a hand through dark locks, causing hair to stick out whichever direction their hand brushed.

"Well...yeah." The answer seemed to come easily to them. "What are friends for if you're not taking risks for each other?" Something stirred inside me and my eyes must have held and intense gaze because Akira averted their glance a moment. Perhaps they thought they had overstepped their boundaries and offended me. It was quite the contrary.

"Yeah," I whispered back, post epiphany. "What are friends for?"

Several days had come and gone since Suki's visit to the Skypeak Mountains. In those days which had passed, I planned my trip to the Southwest Earth Kingdom. Who would I leave in charge? Would I bring any of my followers along? If so, who would I take? And finally, how long would I be away? These important questions nagged at the back of my mind even as I walked the trail on the way to the meditation circle I was to be leading that night. I chose to focus on the Earth and nature all around us in the forest. Observing the wildlife caused me to reflect on my own existence and to be thankful I was alive and well. These simple truths would have to suffice for now.

The canteens of water and tea were passed around as the sun had just begun to set. We had gathered in a ring in a part of the woods with a clear patch of forest floor. There were still plenty of trees surrounding us, which gave one the feeling of protection. We discussion life and truth, energy and flow. In this session, I had the opportunity to connect with some of my newest followers. I introduced them to the concepts of acceptance and harmony. I reassured them the process of letting go was not synonymous with ignorance or apathy. Many appeared relieved by this fact. After all, it was one of the most common misconceptions about this practice and lifestyle. Then came the final step in the ritual; the self reflective meditation. It could last however long the leader chose, and it would surely reach nightfall before the session was disbanded.

The caws of the birds and chirps of the insects soon began to sink up in my ear drums, creating a giant ball of noise sounding all at once. The buzzing grew to a gradual humming. Behind closed eyes, my vision altered from a dark blur to an endless white. The humming started to echo off invisible walls until the volume morphed and increased. Now the sound surrounding me crackled and roared. A sudden warmth filled the air and instantly I recognized the familiar heat.

It wasn't long until orange flames came into view. They danced against the sides of bronze columns which reached up and disappeared into the blackened ceiling. The fire illuminated an elaborate seat in the regal room. Then, in the orange glow, the contrasting shadows began to loom in a contradicting manner. The vision showed the light from the flames struggling while the darkness encroached upon them. The shadows stretched farther and farther until they suddenly began to recede and fade. The throne room was still dimly lit, but it was easier to see most of the corners that even the light didn't dare to touch.

The gentle crackling of the flames was no sound out of the ordinary. The sight was so clear to me that I might have been fooled into believing I was actually present in the Fire Lord's palace. The throne room had always been ominous and intimidating when Ozai occupied the room. And while Zuko, of course, had power, he never used it to make others fear the same way his father did. When one would seek council with Fire Lord Zuko, they needn't be afraid of banishment, imprisonment or any other horrors. The last time I had paid a visit to the royal throne room, I did not fear that one wrong step, one wrong word might cost me my head. Instead, I respected the owner of the proud, orange fire enveloping the pedestal. For the first time in years, it did not feel like a death sentence to be summoned by the ruler of the Fire Nation. But now in this vision, the feeling had vanished.

There was a tingling which started in my fingers and toes. Something told me that the scene was too quiet and docile. What was I meant to take from this? Surely this particular environment was shown to me for a reason. Using the "dream walking" technique I had learned in my studies, I moved forward, searching for a purpose within the vacant room. It started off low and soft; a voice hissing. It felt as though the hairs on the back of my neck were standing on end. Eventually, the voice doubled, then tripled until the they filled all the air around me. My eyes drifted to the directions which I believed they originated but to no avail.

I peered at the corners but saw only darkness. It was then that I noticed the darkness creeping back slowly. It started from the ceiling and the shadows pooled onto the floor. Then from the ground, the darkness started to rise and smoke which also seemed to come from nowhere settled over the floorboards. The shadows took shape into tall, dark figures-almost like reapers, with jagged ends of darkness that looked like torn cloak ends. I felt my pulse begin to race. What were these devils? Could something so terrifying truly exist? What did they want? What were they after?

The silent vigil they took was almost more horrifying than their appearance. I could see no faces for the top of the figures were shrouded in hood-like shadow. Perhaps they possessed none at all!

"What are you?" I projected from my mind. Th words seemed to echo in a strange manner because they were not actually spoken. "Why have you come?" The throne room remained silent as I stared down the three intruders. The continued silence caused my uncertainty to rise. "You are not welcome here." I inhaled and narrowed my eyes at the apparitions. Soon, the dark silhouettes started to shrink in stature, letting the shadows spill onto the floor. The hissing picked up again, only now there was a gargling noise mixed in.

"Ke...Kemur..."

The voices seemed to be attempting to form coherent dialogue whereas before it was just noise and gibberish. The fog began to roll out while the shadows continued to disperse. The darkness flowing across the floor reminded me of running water. When I set my foot in the midst of it,the shadows turned to mist and shied away.

"Kemuri..."

The warm light from the flames shone brighter, and the low, golden-orange tint returned to the royal room. As quickly as the shadows had trickled down, they had retreated. Though my body was not truly present, it felt as though my skin crawled. I shifted my stance and gazed behind me at the majestic, decorative tapestry behind the bronze throne. It depicted a gold celestial dragon. What had I just witnessed? There had to be an answer somewhere. I turned my head back to view the throne room as it usually appeared.

"KAGE!"

The voices burst through the air, crackling, garbling and screeching. The shrieks rivaled the cry of a banshee and soon it was apparent these foes were unearthly. The entire space around me was launched into total darkness in seconds. The flames were snuffed out and the rows of elaborate, bronze columns disappeared all around. My limbs felt around in the darkness, but were now heavy and weighed down by some unseen force. Everything was sucked into the void.

When my eyes opened, a new sort of darkness greeted them. There were faint traces of navy in the sky where I could see through some branch openings. Candle and torch light illuminated the circle as well as my pupils who were still holding their form well and meditation. I noticed my breathing pattern and perspiration sliding down my forehead. It wasn't everyday something could break my concentration in such a way, but the vision was intense and draining. While the sight left me with more questions than answers, I knew one thing for certain: Suki was right to fear for Zuko's safety.

The sounds of the forest nightlife pulled me out of my trance. This moment, this situation, was very real and I needed to make my decision and act soon. I reached to my left and grasped a small instrument beside me. I tapped the gong, signaling the end of the session. If any students were to questions the wrap-up, the explanation would have to wait for another time.

I must have looked quite pale and solemn, for Raima brought this to my attention. "Is something the matter, master?" He asked softly after catching up with me. "You do not look so well." I was so focused on guiding everyone back that I found myself zoning out, staring into the white flame within my hand. Akira noticed the slack in my steps and took the lead, followed by Gunter.

I worried that if I answered, I'd end up spilling everything out, including the premonition. So I lied. "No, though perhaps I will be undergoing mild seasonal sickness." I mustered a smile. I hated to fake my emotions, but unfortunately, the situation called for it. This was not light subject material for a casual walk in the woods. And my students needn't worry themselves over concerns which were out of their control. "Just now I was lost in my thoughts."

Raima nodded. "I understand. Many a time I find myself lingering on to mantras and images shown to me."

"It is always good to reflect." I agreed with him. "Perhaps what you witness will lead you closer to enlightenment." The older acolyte bowed his head, appreciating my insight and council. Secretly in my head, I thought over my next few moves carefully. I would send a message to Zuko immediately-no! That wouldn't do; the hawks could be intercepted. I would have to go myself to meet with the Fire Lord right away. To hell with letters, the time called for action.

"Who is having a barbecue at this hour?" Tinley's voice came from the rear. Other students stared at him blankly while others rolled their eyes. Not all were fans or tolerant of his constant commentary. "What? You don't smell that?" He looked offended by his peers' lack of perception. A soft chuckle sounded in the back of my throat. The boy's expressive nature never allowed a dull moment to have its reign.

"You're smelling their fire." One perturbed voice insisted.

"Fire-benders' flames don't make that kind of scent." Tinley argued. He let go of his lantern with one hand and rubbed his nose. "Well...whatever was cooking is charred now."

The next time I took in a deep breath, I noticed something in the air. Tinley was correct, only it smelled more like a bonfire. It wasn't uncommon for travelers to set up overnight in the forest. But the amount of smoke in the atmosphere made me wonder how many had made camp in these woods. There had been a steady decline in friendly strangers in the last few months.

"Hold on a sec-"

"Wow. He's actually right!"

"I do smell something." One by one, my disciples began to take in the scent. Now that we were drawing closer, the less sensitive noses were finally catching up. All of a sudden, the company halted. I made my way to the front to see what the issue might be. Another wild animal in the path? They weren't too hard to deter and scare off. We didn't believe in hunting for such minute reasons.

Both Akira and Gunter had stopped fast in their tracks. Akira's flame was raised in their hand and their eyes stared at the trees surrounding us in the grove we had reached. Light, brown eyes never once blinked. Gunter ran a trembling hand through his colt-like mane. I quickly picked up my stride to approach them. I placed a hand on Gunter's shoulder to shake the young man from his trance.

"What ails you?" No words would escape his lips. I felt my own fingers twitch against his robe. What had the two seen that would leave them in this state?

"Master..." Akira had not left their post. They continued to hold the orange flame in the palm of their hand to light up the grove. Several paces later, I was at their side. I lifted my head to match up their gaze, and I too saw it. Deep cuts which appeared more like gashes were imprinted on the trees. The eerie markings were letters, on closer inspection, and I soon realized they spelled out a sort of a message. One had to be in the right spot to view the text in its entirety, so Akira pivoted so I could take in the sight. The carvings looked all the more menacing in the flame light and a prickling sensation sprouted all along my neck and down my spine. Slowly, I turned my head to the left to decipher the words etched on various trees:

You have shamed the name of Dragon

All will fall to ash in your wake

And the world will seek to destroy you

Now face the fire

My blood started to audacity of the note left me speechless. This was a definite threat, and I believed it was done by the same individual or individuals who had been sending me those antagonizing letters for the past half year. The theme of dragons was apparent in this inscription as well as the others. How dare they make such allegations, and how dare they deface nature in such a way? I was so riled up by the way the message was made that I bypassed the content for a brief moment. Was this a challenge? Were the ones responsible perhaps lurking somewhere deeper in the trees?

I tore my eyes away from the carvings to check for myself. The woods ahead were not hiding any figures. Soon, heavy smog began to fill my lungs. The scent of the bonfire grew stronger each moment we gaped at the treacherous inscription. Suddenly, it occurred to me that it might not have been a peaceful campfire. Leaning down, I placed a flat palm to the forest floor. I felt trembling and shaking within the Earth. From my angle on the ground, I glanced up through the trees and my grey eyes met a blood red glow with smoke surrounding it in the distance. When I strained my ears to hear beyond the night's breeze, the screams were just loud enough to reach my eardrums. They were soon replaced by my beating heart-pounding loudly in my head.

I took off without so much as a word into the night. Behind me, my students called out, but there was no time to stand idly by. I kicked up twigs on the ground and crashed through all sorts of growth on my way to the danger. The view my eyes took in seemed to tilt at an odd angle, and if I hadn't been so persistent on pressing forward, I would have surely fallen ill to vertigo. My movements seemed to drag on forever as I scurried up the forest trail, crashing through the leaves and branches in my way. Footsteps behind me alerted me that the others were catching up. The crunching was soon drowned out by a loud din which grew in volume the closer we came to our destination.

When we broke through to the other side, a horrendous sight met our eyes. The beautiful temple in which we all called home was now trapped inside a blazing inferno which dared to stretch higher up into the blackened sky. The fire was so bright, everything within a fifty-foot radius shone clear as day. For moments I was paralyzed as I stared up at the hellfire. How could I let this happen? My acolytes were meant to be protected in this place. They were supposed to be safe in my presence; I had promised them this. They leaned on me for hope and security. Now I had failed them.

Fortunately, figures along the edges of the damage began to make themselves seen. They stirred on the ground after having taken cover. To my relief, many bodies were moving and alive in the dirt. No doubt there were many injuries and burns. But if burns were the worst we'd receive, it would be a miracle. The few water-benders who had joined us were already working on a plan to extinguish the fire. From where I stood, I could see Tikaani and Sighna use their bending water to clear the pathway leading into our sanctuary. Then they focused on putting out the flames that threatened to run astray down the slope. They were strong benders from the North, but the two alone couldn't save the day.

"M-master!" A raspy voice cried out from the ground several feet away. The woman was covered in soot and holding several smaller bodies close to her. I soon realized they were the children who had only recently begun living with us. Off to the side, the rest of the orphans huddles together out of fear. They must have been so frightened.

I knelt down to Yin's level. "There are still some inside!" She grasped the collar of my robes to highlight the urgency. My eyes lifted up to gaze at Akira not too far away who nodded their head in response.

"Anyone who can get up, help the others!" I forced my voice over the sound of crumbling stone falling in various spots. "We need to evacuate as soon as possible!" Shortly after, three of my students made their way to Yin and the children suffering from mild burns and ash in their lungs. Yuda ripped off some cloth from his robe to wrap around one child's bleeding legs.

I quickly rose to my feet and started for the source of the destruction and heat. I stripped off the top layers of my robes so my clothing would not be as prone to catching fire. Akira did the same and we exchanged a quick look before bolting into the chaos. "Wait! Master!" One of the water-benders called out for me, but Akira and I had already begun our charge up the stone steps.

The two of us ducked under the archway which was aflame and proceeded to the interior. Dust clouded the air inside, mixing in with the smoke and creating a sepia tint all around. Upon entering, our lungs could instantly tell the difference. Our path was limited due to the wild orange and yellow surrounding us. With swift movements, each of us zipped our arms around the flame, using a fire-bender technique to vanquish the unwanted intruder. We used the same move a few more times to ensure the raging flames wouldn't creep any further out of the entrance.

"Check above!" My student nodded and turned on their heels towards the staircase. I prayed there was still time otherwise the marble would crumble like the outer walls in only a matter of minutes. Akira was light on their feet, and ricocheted off the steps, for some of the steps already showed signs of wear and cracks. I continued on my own on the first floor, bending the wild flames to my will and snuffing them out of my way. So far, the only things lost were artwork, scripture and furniture; material things that could replaced down the line. While it did sadden me to see our belongings and work burn to a crisp but, I was overjoyed the objects ruined were simply that and not people. The weight in my heart lessened the further along I searched only to find the halls vacant. It was a great shame our home was being destroyed, but the fact that everyone would be spared, despite the damage would make the disaster seem all that more miniscule.

The heat was just beginning to get to me when I heard the sounds of wood dragging along stone. A coughing fit could be heard coming from the great meditation hall. I changed direction mid-step and jumped over the littered floor. Mats and candles lay scattered about from the initial tumult. There was fire lining the edges of this room-as if to ward off anyone from entering. Wax from overturned candles coated parts of the stone and the few busts which were placed for decoration had been smashed by the falling ceiling. Underneath a board a few feet in front of me, I saw a hand move against a scorched carpet. Their palm was up, almost in defeat. In a flash, I was lifting the wood off of the trapped person below and casting it aside. Underneath, Imani lay, hair sprawled with flakes of ash everywhere. Her chest rose and fell slightly. There were patches of darker spots already on her melanin rich skin.

"Imani!" I knelt down to aid her. How long had she been a prisoner in this hell? The young girl opened one eye and raised a weak arm.

"S-sensei..." It pained her to speak because I could hear it in her voice.

"What happened?" I wondered if she could relay the events back to me. "Who did this?" Had she seen the attackers? Her caramel eyes were losing focus and her pupils switched off between dilating and receding. I helped prop her up so she was half sitting.

"I..I don't-" More coughing ensued. "I don't know. I don't know who." Tears had begun to leak from the corners of her eyes. "I'm sorry I didn't see!"

My heart broke, watching my young disciple suffer. "No, no. It's alright." I reassured Imani. "We will find out. But not now. We have to go now, understand?" I slipped my arm under her back for support. She nodded her head slowly and tried her hardest to stop the tears from trickling. I reached my other arm underneath her knees and lifted the small girl into my arms. As soon as I had a hold on her, the heat seemed to rise and the atmosphere became harder to breathe in. The gases from the fire were already working their toxins and if we remained inside for too long, we'd become victims. My respiratory system was working hard to keep my body from becoming poisoned.

"Karuna!" My head snapped up to see Akira accompanied by another acolyte, Girik, at the threshold. There was sweat and blood stained on his pea-green tunic. There was a figure slumped over the dark haired student's back. I hoped the person was only unconscious. When the two drew closer, I recognized the face despite the closed eyes; it was Kwan. "We need to go, the whole temple is going to collapse." Akira was out of breath. I took in the sight around me. Sure enough, the support pillars had started to vibrate some time ago and the base of one was already cracked. If the ceiling had already begun to drop in various places, the stone walls couldn't keep standing tall. The roar grew louder and for seconds I was brought back years ago to when the Earth Kingdom was nearly enveloped in malicious fire.

"The fire won't stop once the structure goes under." I pointed out. The flames would spread, forming a downward spiral into the forest and eventually the villages way down past the mountain range would be victims of its wrath. "We have to put it out!"

Akira frowned. "We're doing what we can, but we have to leave." They gestured towards the other students. "They can't breathe." Of course, my acolytes' safety came first. That was the whole point of this rescue mission. With a heavy sigh, I passed Imani off into Girik's open arms.

"Take her and go. I'll do it." In my mind, I was expendable. Whatever happened to me was of no great concern, but I could never forgive myself if I allowed a follower to fall because of my actions. Both my conscious pupils stared at me open mouthed, but there was no time to stand around. The fire was only growing hotter, and falling chunks of temple were coming down at a rapid pace. If nothing was done immediately, we would all perish. "Don't make me ask you a second time." The white glow of my irises reflected off of Akira's. Girik gulped in fear and nodded fervently.

"Y-yes master!" He looked at Akira for confirmation. My stubborn student was one of the few who remained calm around me even in my most destructive form. But now, in the midst of this hectic environment, they too showed signs of worry. Akira dipped their head at me and adjusted Kwan's position on their back before leading the escape route. Even when carrying a companion, their fire-bending was just as strong and formidable as it was in normal circumstances. After knowing that the four were on their way to safety, I turned my back to the exit path Akira had created. I might not have been able to save our temple, but I was sure in Agni not going to let this wildfire consume anything else.

I started out with more clearing techniques to extinguish large portions of the flames. The more controlled the fire was, the easier it was for me to work and stamp it out. I whipped my arms in circular patterns like I had seen Aang and Zaida do with their air-bending. For me, it acted as a reverse effect, causing the fire to evaporate into my outstretched arms. The stone creaked and more projectiles dropped from up above. My fire-bending alone wouldn't put an end to this. I spread my feet apart and grasped the floor underneath with my soles. After firmly rooting myself, I slowed my racing thoughts and cleared my troubled mind. Inhale. Exhale. Once the raw energy took over, I raised my arms up in fists above my head only to pull them down past my chest. This resulted in the floor above collapsing. The broken pieces of stone came crashing down, smothering a number of the flames that had previously challenged me. The temple itself was the key to stopping the disaster.

Once again, I spun my arms around in tight circles as if performing an air-bending technique, only the result formed a reverse-type fire tornado. I watched as the yellow and orange either died or stretched out and spiraled into my hands. It was difficult to command fire that did not belong to you, and an idea came to mind at the last second. But first, I had to make sure the remaining flames were not too out of hand. Slowly, I allowed my internal temperature to rise to where smoke lines rose from my forehead. Until the heat skyrocketed out of my very being. Cones of white shot out in all directions of the interior, enveloping the crackling orange as it went. I let my fire grow from billows to enormous clouds surely rivaling the ones in the sky. The entire scene seemed to be engulfed in blinding white, and at that moment I knew it was time for the critical move which would follow.

The stone exploded outward, sending parts of the interior up into the air. The staircase was split in two and sent flying in different directions. Columns were pierced and obliterated by the sheer force. The walls were punctured and fell, divided. I sensed the massive rocks falling back toward us and pulled them down at an angle as if they were all magnetic. There were many loud crashes and marks in the dirt from where the stone had landed. From the sides I pulled my arms together in front of me, causing the debris to culminate into a giant pile on top of the tainted foundation. Once I had forced all pieces of the structure outward and back in, I took a look at what was left. Less than a third of the interior was left standing- the part that was reinforced by the mountainside. All else was lost in smoke and shadow.

Many yards behind me, my followers looked on in wonder, most had never seen me use the White Dragon. But most of the looks were of despair and agony. So many acolytes had rebuilt their lives in our sanctuary and to see it destroyed in such a way was heartbreaking. Where would we live now that the temple was naught but broken stone and ash? There were no answers for us here, only more questions. And anger. Lots of anger. I stood in the midst of the rubble while the airborne ash and soot eventually drifted down like rain. I closed my eyes and tried to imagine the structure standing proudly as it had just this morning. I felt a burning begin in the corners of my eyes, but I held in my sorrow. If I fell apart, like our home, my followers would have no one to turn to for guidance.

Tikaani tended to the wounded because she was also a healer who had learned from Yugoda when she resided in the Northern Tribe. Some of my other students had learned from her, but their medical skills were not nearly on par with hers. The healer had finished addressing various burns on several acolytes when Kwan was brought to her. "Bring me light!" She called out in the darkness. Now that the fire had been smothered, it was hard to see distinct detail. The moonlight only offered so much after all. Akira stood over the limp boy and conjured up a sizable flame within their palm. Both my senior student and the healer knelt down to where his body lay. The light showed his eyes still closed and the rest of his features displayed a neutral expression. Tikaani moved his bangs to reveal a deep gash starting at the top of his head down to his left ear. She quickly used the water to cleanse the blood coating his skin and inspected the wound itself. The blue-eyed bender picked up his head slightly to get a better angle at the injury, but then she stopped. The young woman noticed something off about the way his skull moved. Tikaani paused her activity and placed her ear against Kwan's chest. For extra measure, she searched for the right vein on his wrist. She waited. Three seconds. Six. Then ten. The acolyte lifted her head up slowly to face those surrounding her.

"He's...gone." Her voice was dry and hardly more than a whisper. The look in her eyes shared her disbelief for his passing. The young man had always been in excellent health and rarely caught bugs or viruses that passed around during the sick seasons. It seemed no one was ready to accept the fact he was no longer with us. Not this way. It was too early.

"Kwan...?" Imani inquired in a small voice which was soon followed by rasping breathes. Though she was struggling to take in air properly, the sweet girl still had the same amount of concern for her peers. With weak arms she tried to reach out from her spot on the grass. "Where is he?" The worried cries nearby must have alerted her that something was wrong.

"Shhh." I let her head rest on my folded outer robe that I had discarded earlier. "Breathe." I urged the young follower. "You need rest." Her throat must have been on fire. The poor girl coughed and hacked and dry-heaved. All I could do was sit beside her and keep her stable. "We're all together. We'll find somewhere to stay. I'll keep you safe." I told Imani as I ran gentle fingers through her coarse hair.

"K-Karuna..." The name barely came out. "Karuna," This time it was stronger, more forced. I tilted my head to give her my full attention. "I don't...feel." Her fingers stopped shaking against the Earth. "Burning...only burning!" She exclaimed hoarsely.

I propped her torso up more, thinking elevation would regulate her breathing better. "What is? What's burning?" I searched her body for any sign of exterior injury. If she had bad burns, only Tikaani's bending water could help soothe them.

Imani's eyes started to go in and out of focus like they had inside the blazing temple. "It hurts...it hurts so much..." I held the small girl close because I couldn't do anything to stop her pain. Her shoulders squeezed inward as she struggled to receive air. From looking at the way her chest rose, I could see she was only able to take in shallow breathes.

"No no no, stay with me. " I gripped the young acolyte's hand and hoped the gesture would aid her strength and recovery. "Tikaani!" I whipped my head around and called out to the healer. "Anyone! I need help!" Scurrying feet sounded shortly after; answers to my cry of distress. Imani's mouth remained open and she gasped for more air.

"It hurts...please...it hurts." She repeated over and over. Imani held onto my grip but it slowly loosened. The young girl wheezed one final time before her eyelids dropped, partially covering beautiful, brown eyes which stared into nothingness. Her hand loosened completely and I literally felt her slip from me. My pupils dilated and my heart pounded against my chest plate.

"No!" I shouted, letting out a sudden burst of emotion. Not Imani. Not her too. This wasn't suppose to happen. My disciples were to live their lives to the fullest and grow as old as legends. This guerrilla tactic was not part of the plan. It was so unfair

My reinforcements came only seconds too late. The water-bender dropped to our level only to find the lifeless body in my arms. Anwar, who held bandage wraps in his arms, covered his mouth with one hand. Soon after, muffled sobs were heard. Imani, he had said, had always reminded him of his late daughter. The healer confirmed Imani's passing after pressing two fingers to the side of the young girl's neck. Her head hung low and she sighed heavily. The water-bender closed her eyes tight and shook her head. I couldn't imagine having the burden of announcing one's peers deceased.

With Yuda's help, Tikaani carried Imani's body to rest beside Kwan's. The sight made me sick to my stomach. Neither of them were ready to pass on to the next life. Was it all my fault that these young students reached their untimely demise? I knew I shouldn't have blamed myself, but what else was I supposed to do? It sickened me that there were people in this world so cruel that they had to attack others simply to get to me. Of course, this was the nature of war and in five years time the concept had forgotten the ruthlessness and squalor.

My followers and I decided to provide a burial right away. Once Tikaani had indeed confirmed our brethren dead, the least we could do was send them off to the spirit world properly. It was I who set the pyres, burning white, for I believed the color was a symbol of their innocence. It was a terrible irony that we had rescued them from the fire only to set them aflame once more. The Skypeak Mountains were filled with much sorrow and dismay that fateful night. No longer did it matter what sort of farce I put on as leader. Tears flowed from the corners of my eyes down my cheeks and onto the dirt below. Nothing would ever stop me from mourning the ones I cared for. No matter what title I upheld, I would still experience loss as anyone else.

Akira then approached me with burning, red eyes. They were blurred and watery but the amber irises held hidden rage. "Master," They began, trying to hold back a swarm of emotions. "I know you have taught us the ways of peace and acceptance," They shook their head violently as if at any moment they would explode. "But I cannot stand by and allow this injustice-"

"No." I interrupted, my mind clear and made up. My eyes were glued to the destruction at the cliff side. To what was left of our home; broken, burned and scorched. That security had been taken from us in a blink of an eye. We were cast out to wander as though there was no place for us in this world. Two members of our family had been ripped from us. And for what?

I rose from the ground, tears dried and heart rate at ease. Lifting my head up to the nights sky, I said a silent prayer to the gods and spirits that ruled this world and the next. "We will find those who brought this suffering upon us," The heat began to escalate from my body, allowing a new form of smoke to fill the air around us. I once believed pacifism was the wise choice; turning the other cheek I believed it could end all wars and cease all conflict. But there are no rules when one's opponent does not fight fair. This incident sparked a blood-lust of sorts within me. A low growl formed in the back of my throat. "We will find them and make them pay."