More of a transition chapter here than anything.

"Psst. Hey Katara. You still there?"

"Of course, I'm still here! Where else would I be?"

"Oh, I don't know. I figured you might have used your water magic hocus pocus and left me tied up here."

"Oh, come on, I would never do that! What kind of sister do you take me for?"

"The kind that complained about washing my manly socks, apparently."

"Oh right." She paused for a moment. "Maybe I should leave."

"Gee thanks a lot little sister! Remind me not to save you some seal jerky when we escape!"

"I see our trespassers have awakened. How about we give them a proper greeting, hmm?"

The siblings covered their eyes as the folds were ripped off and bright sunlight shone upon them again. They were curious to see who had gotten the better of them so easily. They didn't expect it to be a group of girls in armor and face paint. Well, Sokka couldn't anyway.

"Where are the men who captured us?"

The girls looked about at each other then at the boy with grins.

The girl in front with the…. Thing on her head (probably the leader) took a step forward and leaned in close to Sokka.

"There are no men who captured you. Just us. Us. Girls."

He laughed. Katara looked at him annoyed then at the girls apologetically.

"You? A bunch of girls? Oh, come on! Get real! Who really captured us? Was it that weirdo with the scar and the ponytail? Where is he hmm?"

"Please forgive my brother. He's kind of an idiot. Please believe me when I say it doesn't run in the family."

He blushed red with anger as the girls again laughed.

"I am not an idiot! I am a warrior of the Southern Water Tribe! And I demand you release me right now!"

"Why should we? You snuck up on our campsite. With a fire nation ship on the horizon. Who's to say you weren't sent ahead as scouts?"

"Uh, hello? Water tribe? Now I know you didn't capture us. You're stupid!"

She was not amused.

"Fine you want to leave? Prove yourself warrior." She cut the rope and let him loose before beckoning with her hands. "Go ahead. First hit's yours."

More like first swing, seeing as how he didn't actually connect. She grabbed his wrist and twisted it causing him to shout out in shock.

"That- That was just a warm up. A practice swing! You know. Giving you a little heads up."

"Of course." Her grin did not make Katara hopeful. And the rest of the battle only confirmed her worries.

"So, a Southern water tribe warrior huh?" The girl looked at Sokka sprawled down on the ground. "No wonder it's in such disarray."

That was too far. Katara raised her hands and in her rage pulled a wave of water from the nearby river which she then splashed upon the girls, completely taking them by surprise.

"Yeah! That's what I'm talking about! Thank you for your magic! Water tribe style!"

"Oh, so now my bending's cool? And it's not magic!"

The two quit bickering when the leader rises to her feet and stares in shock at the waterbender.

"Well, guess that proves you're not fire nation. No way they'd keep you around with powers like that." She then bowed, followed by the rest.

"Our deepest apologies. We should not have jumped to conclusions. Nor should we have said something so disrespectful about your home. Please forgive us."

The siblings actually paused as they weren't entirely sure they wanted to forgive. Sokka was still angry about getting beat up. By a bunch of girls, no less! Katara while amused at Sokka's pummeling was less happy about that dirty comment and unsure whether to trust these girls. This did not go unnoticed.

"Look, I understand you have no reason to trust us. So please ask us how we can make it up to you. I'm Suki. And these are the Kyoshi warriors. Anything within our ability to provide is yours. Just name." She looked on expectantly.

Well, what Katara really wanted was a way back home. But at the same time, she also had other dreams. Find dad. See the world. Heck maybe even learn waterbending!

"How about food," her brother blurted out.

She looked at him annoyed.

"What? I'm hungry!"

…

"Prince Zuko? Might I offer a word of advice?"

"Only if it helps me find the water tribe peasants. Otherwise, go back to your roast duck, please."

Iroh sighed. His nephew's determination would be the end of him.

"Sleep helps nephew. Take a break now and again."

"A break? Really? You think they're taking a break? Hmm? You think anyone who has the strength to swim as far and fast as they could in the middle of the night is taking a nap?"

"Well…. Yes. I presume they would have to be pretty exhausted. But we both know there is no way a human could have done that. Without at least some kind of bending."

"Bending?" Zuko's face lit up even more. "So, one or both of them are waterbenders? I thought they were all killed off." His face took on an even more intense look. Iroh got even more worried.

"I know that look. I hope you aren't planning to do what I think you are."

"What!? What am I planning uncle!? What!?"

Iroh paused. He didn't know how to deal with his nephew anymore. His temper grew every day and he didn't know how to fix it.

"General Iroh! A messenger hawk just arrived for you!"

He turned away from the angry young man to read the letter that had been sent. His eyes widened in surprise.

"Well this is unexpected. Admiral Zhao is running patrol of the Earth Kingdom from Pohuai Stronghold! And he has requested a meeting with us!"

Zuko shut his eyes and breathed. He really did not want to speak with Zhao of all people right now. He wanted the waterbenders. Or… anything.

"Prince Zuko! This is good news! I think." He quickly corrected himself. "I mean, of course it's good news! It means the Fire Nation still recognizes your importance! You still have a chance! Prince Zuko? Are you listening?"

He ignored his uncle and instead looked out over the ocean in the direction he knew the Fire Nation lay. He wished he were heading there more than anything else right now.

…

Right now, Azula wished she were heading anywhere else other than home right now. She looked out over the ocean in the direction she knew the capitol lay. Where father lay, waiting.

"Hey Azula! You're finally heading home! Isn't that great? Aren't you excited?"

The look Azula flashed her way made Ty lee bite her tongue for a moment. Of course, her being Ty lee, she didn't shut up for long.

"Hey, come on, look at me. Look at me. What's wrong Azula? Your aura is all over the place. You should be happy right? You passed school with flying colors!"

"And what do I have to show for it? All that time, all that training. And I couldn't catch a little boy!"

"Now, now. Don't be too hard on yourself. The Fire Nation hasn't been able to catch that little boy for a century! So, don't be too hard on yourself!"

"But I was supposed to be different! Better! I was raised with that purpose in mind. To be the best this nation has ever seen!" She clenched her fists. "Instead, I'm just another typical princess whose eyes are bigger than her stomach. Father will be furious."

"Azula…." Ty lee moved to hug her friend but was rejected as Azula walked away from the edge of the boat.

"I'm going to bed. No disturbances."

Her other "friend" Mai stood to the side, watching as the princess strut by, avoiding her eyes. She caught Ty lee's eye, taking note of the sadness in them. She couldn't replicate it. No matter Azula's situation, she couldn't sympathize with her. Not after all her petty cruelty.

She was however bothered, surprisingly by Azula's sudden distress. In all her years, she had never seen the princess so…. Defeated.

…

"That's your plan? Theft?"

The short bald man looked at the Avatar with a raised eye.

"don't think of it as theft kid. think of it more as survival. you want something you got to take it from somewhere. we never really make anything for ourselves. it always comes from somewhere else."

"Wow, Sans. Like…. Wow. I didn't know you were a poet! I mean really! You're pretty damn good! You're like…. Wow, really! Wow!"

Frisk placed her hands over her ears. Please make him stop. Please make him stop.

Before them lay lines of clothes being hung out to dry. They couldn't see anyone coming out from the nearby house. They were ripe for the taking.

"I don't know. Somehow I don't think my people would approve-"

"ha! listen to this kid! someone who's never been to the underground. trust me kid, they'd approve. they'd approve of anything that kept them alive. it's just one outfit. not a big deal."

"I know right! I mean, think about it! If we all had a shirt every time someone…. No wait let me start again. If we had a shirt whenever…. No damn! Let me try once more. Once more! I've got it. If we all had a shirt every time-"

"papyrus, i don't think we need to hear this."

"Aw come on, just give me a chance! I was going somewhere with this!"

Not fast enough, thought Frisk.

"So why just me then?" Aang looked back to the clothes. "Why don't the rest of you need a disguise?"

"we've been wearing them for years kiddo! no one will tell what we are in these getups! but you with that outfit? you'll stick out like that blue-flamed babe! especially with that silly arrow! so suck up and take one for the team, ok?"

Aang blushed. Why did Sans have to keep bringing up that crazy girl? He took such delight in it.

"Well, if it's for a good cause….. But which one could keep all my tattoos covered? Hey, Frisk wait!"

His mute companion bounded forward and grabbed a black outfit with patches of red littered throughout. The suit fit well on Aang surprisingly. But still didn't cover his head or the blue line running across it.

"hmm, well not a bad fit. not at all. you'd fit right in…. without that silly head tattoo."

"Hey! This is the symbol of a master! Show it some respect!"

"That's right! He clearly worked hard for that and has every right to wear it! It's only fitting that the servant of the Avatar herself be chosen to bear a mark of mastery!"

"papyrus, you know he's the Avatar right?"

"Come again?"

"the bald kid… he's the avatar. not the girl. i thought we talked about this."

"The things you say Sans. How you've survived this long is beyond me."

"So…. You said you had a way to the capitol? Lay it on us."

"well, we came here by boat at a town not too far from here. with these outfits, i doubt most fire heads will notice."

Frisk frowned and grasped her shoulders, shaking. Aang noticed.

"Hey, hey you ok? What's wrong?"

Hate boats, she said with her fingers.

"Uh…. You like jasmine?" She smirked.

"here you go." Aang jumped. He hadn't heard Sans move at all. How could he move like that?

"try this hat on. i think it looks good on you."

The hat was long and conical. It looked totally absurd. Frisk laughed silently while Aang just looked at Sans peeved.

The airbenders made their way to the town Sans mentioned. A busy port town with plenty of bustling business and vendor stalls.

"Bleh." Aang made a choking sound at the sight of all the meat on sale.

"what gives kid? don't tell me the sight of flesh makes you all queasy? knew you were wussy, but still."

"I don't eat meat. It's not what the monks taught."

"well we don't get that luxury these days kid. you take what you can when you can. the old ways. old traditions and all that. they're gone. you do what you gotta do to survive."

Frisk seemed to have the idea and was already browsing the tempting options on display. Much to Aang's displeasure.

"hang out here. i'll go see about passage. keep an eye on my brother please? he likes to…. well you'll see."

"What does that mean? How hard could it be to…. Wait where'd he go?"

The excitable airbender had just disappeared from sight. He rushed over to Frisk

"Hey, have you seen Papaya? Sorry. Paprika? Whatever his name is? Where is he?"

She shook her shoulders and turned back, focused more on the Komodo chicken.

"This is serious! We need him! Where is he?"

We do? She looked at him confused, until he simply sighed and walked off in search.

"Let's see? If I were an overly talkative airbender trying to disguise myself as a Firebender, where would I go?"

"No, no, no! This is wrong! All wrong! The noodles are too thin!"

He instantly recognized that voice and found his hunt arguing with a woman at a vendor serving noodles.

"Sir, please calm yourself. No one is forcing you to buy anything."

"This isn't about me! This is about integrity! This is about upholding the traditions passed down by our ancestors and honoring their memory! And this!" He held up a bowl of noodles. "This is not spaghetti!"

"Of course not, sir. These are noodles not…. Whatever you just said."

"Uh oh." The guards took notice and were making their way over.

"Is there a problem here maam?"

"Yes! Thank you! This hooligan here is harassing me about my product!"

"Yes! Yes, I am! And do you know why? Look at this!" He held the bowl up to the guard. "What is this? What?"

"Uh…. Noodles?"

"Exactly! Noodles! That's it! Nothing more! No flavor! No heart! No soul! Undyne would be ashamed of this horrendous display of the culinary arts!"

"Ok….. sir…. I think you'd better come with us!"

"Hey! Hold on just a darn minute here! You're going to let this travesty continue? And you call yourselves protectors!"

Aang sighed and walked forward with no clue how to fix this. Sadly, Papyrus acted first and dodged out of the guard's grip before running over towards Aang.

"Oh hey! It's you! Might want to run! No offense!"

"Hey, could you not tell them we're together?"

"That kid's with him! Arrest them both!"

"Oh boy!" Aang really wished he could fly right now. But no. Need to maintain cover.

What the heck! Frisk looked back in surprise at the two running.

"No time! Need to hide! Help!"

She groaned but quickly saw an abandoned alley and led them inside before anyone saw. This wasn't her first time running from city guards.

Stay put, Frisk said with her fingers.

"Wait, what? What did you say?" Aang still didn't understand enough sign language.

"I tell you, the food quality here is abhorrent! All the more reason we need to save this country eh?"

Aang groaned. Stay calm. Stay calm. No need for violence. That's not you anymore.

A little later, Sans showed up following Frisk. He smiled amusedly.

"now avatar, the whole reason for that outfit was to avoid drawing attention to yourself. not such a fine job so far, hmm?"

"Don't blame me! He's the one freaking out over spaghetti!"

"I told you, it wasn't spaghetti! It was just… noodles! That's it! Nothing more! Can you imagine if I made that for Undyne? She'd be outraged!"

Sans kept smiling as always. Though Aang thought he could detect a hint of embarrassment in it.

"Well I got the tickets. Boat leaves in a few hours, so until then just keep out of sight."

"Wait, can we find somewhere else? I don't think this is the best spot."

Frisk shook her head. Wait until dark, then we move you.

"Seriously, Frisk. I still can't understand you."

…

"So, have you had time to think?"

Katara looked to see Suki sitting down next to her. The rest of the girls were crowded around the nearby campfire listening to Sokka tell a story. No doubt about his "bravery."

"I've been thinking about a lot of things. Can you be more specific?"

"I meant about our offer. How we can help you?"

"Oh, that." She paused. "I haven't forgotten. It's just… I'm not sure what it is I want."

"Really? I would think you'd want the opportunity to go home. To see your family again."

"I do want to see them again. And yet….. I'm not so sure it's what I should do."

Suki opened her mouth to respond, but closed it, unsure what to say.

"I mean, I've spent my entire life locked away from the world. Forced to hide who I am. And what good has it done? My mother is dead. My father is gone. And what have I done? Nothing. I've done nothing. Nothing to help anyone. I can't do anything back home. I can't help people."

Suki's face suddenly became much more sympathetic as she leaned in and placed a hand on her shoulder.

"I'm sorry. That sounds… that sounds a lot like me actually."

"Like you? What do you mean?"

"Me and my girls…" We're all that's left of Kyoshi Island. The Fire Nation left nothing. And we couldn't do anything to help. Nothing at all."

"Oh, I'm so sorry." Katara grasped Suki's hand and squeezed it. "You mustn't blame yourself. There's nothing you could have done."

"Yes, I could have. I could have used…." She paused, her painted face suddenly seeming wary.

"You could have used what? Suki?"

"I don't know. Just… anything. I should have used anything I could. That's what we're doing now. Scouring the land. Trying to find any way to fight back. To take back what's ours."

Katara sensed Suki had just tried to hide something from her. But she put it aside for now.

"That's…. that's so noble. Instead of giving in to your sorrow, you try to do what's right. I… I wish I could do that."

"But you can't. Not from home. That's what's bothering you isn't it?"

Katara paused again, her mind racing. She had to think hard. What she decided now would determine the rest of her life. She knew what she had to do. What she wanted to do.

"Sokka! I've made my decision. I don't want to go home. I want to go to the North pole!"

Sokka spat out the food he was eating onto a girl's face. She smiled apologetically before turning to Katara shocked.

"The North pole? But why? What about Gran Gran and everyone?"

"They can take care of themselves. They don't need us. But the world…. it does. These girls are giving it their all to help however they can. We have to do the same."

"But why the North pole? What's there that can help us?"

"Our people, Sokka! That's what! We can reform contact, reunify the tribes! Figure out the future of our nation! It's what a warrior would do! What a man would do!"

Suki smirked at Katara's subtle manipulation on Sokka's ego. He seemed to ponder it.

"Is that really why you want to go? Or do you just want to learn waterbending?"

Katara flushed. "Well, what if I do? You can't say that wouldn't be helpful, right? You could learn some stuff too you know! Like how to actually fight!"

All the girls giggled. Sokka looked around. He thought on his latest fights. How easily that scare-faced jerk had caught him. And then these girls….

"All right! All right! We can go. But how do you plan to get there? It's on the other side of the world! Surely you don't plan to walk!"

"Girls," Suki rose to her feet. "I think it's time to put those thieving skills to the test."

…

"General Iroh! Prince… Zuko. So glad you could make it."

"Thank you for the invitation, Admiral Zhao. And may I congratulate you on your promotion?"

"You may. I'd say I've earned it."

Iroh bowed despite the arrogance in the man's voice. He nudged his nephew to get him to do the same. After some hesitation, Zuko did.

"So, how goes your search for the Avatar? It's been over a year now, hasn't it? Since your banishment? Surely you've had some fortune?" He smirked at Zuko's attempts to remain stoic.

"Less than…. We'd hoped." Iroh quickly intervened. "But you know what they say. The journey is the destination."

"I….. see. In other words, it doesn't matter if you find your prize or not. As long as you enjoy the journey?"

"Well, why not? While we're out there anyway. We can at least be grateful for the crew and their musical appreciation!" He grinned as Zuko groaned.

"I'm sure. Well, since you're enjoying the journey so much, how about I add another chapter to it? Another little distraction?"

"Why of course! We are willing to serve, if it is for the Fire Nation's best interests."

"I assure you. It most certainly is. The Fire Nation is slowly making its way across the Earth Kingdom. But we still have stubborn fools giving it their all to resist. The Fire Lord himself would like these ruffians taught a lesson. And since you apparently have nothing better to do, I thought you might enjoy this chance to flex those muscles."

"We would be honored to aid. Wouldn't we prince Zuko?"

Noting the boy's reluctance, Zhao pulled out his winning card.

"The Fire Lord will be expecting regular updates on our progress… And the performance of our soldiers. I'm sure he would be very interested in your performance especially. If you do good, who knows? He might even forgive your banishment."

Well, that caught his attention as Zhao knew it would. Zuko immediately bowed.

"In that case, we are honored to assist….. Admiral."

"Good. Glad to hear it. We have rooms for your crew in the quarters. But for royalty, we have special rooms set aside. My men here will help you unload and show you around."

"Thank you for your hospitality again, admiral. We look forward to working with you."

"Likewise." Zhao continued smiling until he turned his back and hurried back to his war room. When they were out of earshot of the royals, his right hand whispered a question his way.

"Admiral, if I may? Is it wise to bring Prince Zuko on this important mission? He's not exactly his sister, or uncle, or even father!"

"I know that. But we have no choice. It's the order of the Fire Lord himself that we keep an eye on Prince Zuko and not let him go running off."

"For what purpose admiral? Does the Fire Lord fear his son may jeopardize his plans?"

"Oh, does he ever." Zhao angrily pulled out a letter with the Fire Lord's own signature on it. The soldier looked it over.

"The Avatar…. The Avatar has returned?"

"That's right. And Fire Lord Ozai doesn't want his failure of a son to screw things up. So, until the Avatar is caught, we're on baby-sitting!" He marched off again angrily.

"All I can say Avatar, is you'd better be tough as nails. You'd better stay alive long enough for me to catch you."

…

Sans strode back to the building he and Frisk had managed to stack the troublemakers in. It was time roll out.

"all right kiddos, the boat's coming up! it only waits an hour, so let's get you on where you needn't hide anymore."

"I'm not a kid! Just because I'm a year or two younger!"

"well maybe you shouldn't act like one then, hmm? like for instance, freaking out over noodles!"

"I had no choice! Such injustices cannot be tolerated!"

"yeah yeah whatever. just- hey where's baldie?"

"Oh, you mean the avatar's servant? He uh. Well he had to give something back."

"whaddaya mean? give what back?"

An extra shirt of course.

Aang couldn't ignore the fact that he'd stolen someone's rightful clothes. Even if it had been from a Fire Nation family and he needed it to survive. He was an Air nomad damn it!

So, he snuck out, bought an extra suit that matched his and hung it back on the line. Surprisingly, the clothes were still on the line. This was great, they wouldn't even notice it was gone!

"Well time to get back. Can't wait to hear from Sans."

"you went to bring them back a replacement? really? you couldn't live with that?"

"Hey, you can take the nomad out of the temple. But you can't take the temple out of the nomad. Am I right?"

Sans and Frisk laughed at that, while Papyrus continued looking at the town fading in the distance.

"I swear justice will be done for those noodles."

"kid, i'm telling ya. if you let little stuff like that slow you down, you'll never get around to the important things. like finding your bison?"

"I see no reason we can't do both. Remember, we're going to have to deal with this nation and its people after the war. We might as well stay on their good side."

Sans stared at him with astonishment,

"the way you're talking…. sounds like you actually believe we might pull this off."

"Well, we could. Couldn't we? It's not over yet, right?"

Sans sighed.

"i remember being like you. young and full of hope. thinking i was going to change the world. you'll learn kid. you'll learn."

Aang's heart sank as he watched the bald man wander off. There was more to him behind that smile it seemed. There was… fatigue.

Frisk placed her hand on his shoulder and gave it a gentle rub while smiling sympathetically.

"I don't understand. I did something good for someone. Why would that be a bad thing?"

She couldn't offer an answer she thought would explain.

…

On the other side of the Fire Nation, Princess Azula had a similar problem. How was she supposed to explain herself? She stood before the entrance to the throne room, wondering if she would come back out.

Oh well. Can't change fate. She took a deep breath and wandered in.

On the far side of the room, sat her father Fire Lord Ozai. In the glow of his flames, she saw his expression. The usual stoic look. One she inherited all too well.

She quickly kneeled. Always make sure to show the proper respect. Above all else.

"Rise. Let me get a good look at you."

She obeyed and came face to face. Her father may not have looked threatening. But that was part of his skill. No one had thought much of him in his youth. And look at him now. Ruler of the world.

"I see your training has changed you. You have a weight upon you I did not notice before."

It was always there. You just never saw it.

"I'm sure you're already aware, but some interesting developments have taken place over the last few weeks. The Avatar is back."

She took a deep breath. "I know."

"In fact, spies say not only do you know, but you encountered….. and let him escape."

Azula remained silent. She couldn't argue with father like this. She would just make things worse.

"I confess myself…. Disappointed. I had thought you would learn more from your training. Both at school. And under me. It seems I was wrong. Perhaps you are more like your brother than I thought."

That. Stung. She actually felt herself shaking. Deep breaths. Deep breaths. No weakness.

"I underestimated him. I assure you, it will not happen again."

"Indeed, it will not. IF you get the chance again." The Fire Lord turned around and marched back to his throne.

"I think you've overworked yourself. Take some time off. You've earned it. Also….. practice. Practice. Practice. Practice. So, when you see the Avatar again, you can prove yourself worthy of the throne."

Azula was confused. Take some time off, but also practice? Which was it? What did he want from her damn it! She dared not speak her mind, though. Not to him.

Azula nodded and rose to her feet to leave. She walked out, trying her hardest not to shake.

"Azula? I'm proud of you."

Azula knew a lie when she heard it.