Happy new Year! My first chapter of 2020! Hope it's a good year for everyone reading!

"Princess Azula! Welcome to our humble village! We are so grateful to have you here!"

"I'm sure you are. Who wouldn't be? Of course, it's not every day I take time off from my monumentally busy schedule to address you personally. So, I trust it's for a good cause?"

"Of course, your majesty! The full moon is upon us again! And that means the monster will return!"

"Monster? Well that's something isn't it? What kind of monster?"

"Well, truth be told your highness, we haven't seen it. People just disappear every month around this time. They wander off into the woods or step out at night and are never seen again!"

"And you presume it's a monster? Are people of the Fire Nation so superstitious?"

"I… Please your highness! Monster or not, we have no way to stop the disappearances! We are at wit's end!"

"That suggests you had wit to begin with. How do you know no one Is simply abandoning the village for better prospects?"

"I… We all knew those people princess! They had family here! Friends! Lives! They would never abandon this place! Never!"

"I get dragged out here for this? Oh, father do you think so little of me?"

"I beg your pardon your highness?"

"Oh, very well. I'll find your monster for you. But call the hotel off to everyone else. Me and my crew need the beds."

"Of course, princess. Of course. Oh, and um… May I ask a question?"

Azula sighed.

"Why not? We've got 16 hours left of day to kill."

"Is the Avatar truly back?"

Azula's jaw clenched. Her eyes lit like fire.

"Yes. But don't worry. He's far too late to stop our grand conquest. Hey, I just had a thought. Maybe your monster is the Avatar! And maybe your little village might be remembered for something after all!"

"We can only hope princess."

Yeah. Hope not, thought Aang. He adjusted his bandana.

….

"He told me it was no problem. He had to make the journey then or he wouldn't make it. But I warned him it was too dangerous! He didn't listen. Didn't listen…"

"As he shouldn't have. His one and only role was to deliver the goods. If he wasn't willing to do that, then what use was he to our glorious nation?"

"Uh, Azula. Don't you think you're being a little mean?"

"No. I'm not being mean enough."

"Figures she'd say that." Aang merely stood by the hotel, trying to keep out of sight.

Good call.

"What do you mean Frisk? Oh."

"Are you really Princess Azula? I've never met you in person!"

"But surely, you've seen my face, have you not? In pictures and books?"

"Oh well certainly in pictures but not books! We don't have you in any books we read!"

"What!?"

"Uh, apologies princess! Onji is one of our more uh… troubled students! She says nonsensical things from time to time."

"And whose fault is that? The girl born with an inferior mind, or the teacher whose job is to help them overcompensate that loss?"

"I… well…"

Aang couldn't stop himself from smirking at the headmaster's distress. That bastard had sent him to the coal mines.

"Clearly I am needed here to teach all you children proper training!"

"Rightly so, princess! We'll do whatever you say!"

Azula looked towards Hide with a fake smile.

"I suspect you'll try at least."

Aang and Frisk had to try hard not to laugh at that. Eventually they failed and had to wear their masks before the headmaster could send a nasty look their way.

….

"Your room princess Azula. I hope it lives up to your large standards."

"I suppose it will do for now. The rest of the inn is off limits until we're done here, you understand? It's the least you could do for letting us clean up your mess."

"Of course, princess. Of course. Anything for the kind and merciful royal family. You show us such kindness every day. Only fair we return the favor."

"Aw, so polite! That's why we're here! To make the world one of flowers and happiness!"

"Ty lee… Just…. Innkeeper take the guards to their room. Treat them with dignity. They've earned it."

"Of course! Anything for the merciful and just guards of the Fire Nation!"

Even Aang could make out the hostile sarcasm in the old woman's voice. Frankly, it was kind of amazing Azula didn't punish her right then.

But she didn't and they followed the old woman to their quarters. Perhaps the princess chalked it up to old age.

"Welcome to your quarters! I hope it's to your liking! Is there anything I can get you?"

Tea said Frisk.

"I'm sorry. I don't follow those finger motions."

"She asked for tea."

"Ah yes! Of course! In fact, why don't you come with me? I've been meaning to talk to you two ever since you arrived!"

Frisk shot him a warning look, but Aang said yes regardless.

"I've tended to many guards, but I must say that you two are something else. So much younger than the average age and one of you mute!"

She placed the tea before them and sat across from Aang. Her smile appeared comforting and trusting. As if she hadn't said such obviously hostile things to the princess and her guards. She remained silent, and Aang decided she was waiting for them to speak.

"It's true. We just love our nation that much."

"I see. And what does that love make you do?"

"Uh… well. whatever the Fire Lord needs."

"What he needs? Or what he wants?"

"I… Isn't that the same thing?"

"The same thing? Oh, so a country changes based on what its leader desires? Not its cultural heritage?"

"Well… That's what the Fire lord does doesn't it? Protects the country and all that it represents?"

"In that case, what does the country represent? What does a country that does what this one does represent?"

"Well…" Careful. Need to repeat propaganda.

"It's all for the greater good."

Frisk gave a look that said, really? That's your best?

"The greater good? What is that if not dependent on the one who says it? With logic like that anyone could decide what is good for the world."

"But the Fire Lord decides because he knows best. How else could he lead the nation to glory the way he is right now?"

"You mean the way he says he is. But is that truly the way to glory?"

"Innkeeper, I'd be careful about what you say. That sounds very close to treason."

"Treason? So, it's treason to speak our mind now, is it? How can a nation be one of glory if it suppresses our opinions?"

"I… Well…" This was getting dangerous. This woman could get herself sent to prison or worse.

"You can't defend our actions? Well perhaps you're not so brainwashed as the rest of them."

"Innkeeper, do you want to be sent to prison?"

"Oh, of course not. But that's not going to be a problem with you is it?"

Aang and Frisk stared at each other. What was going on?

"Your next question is probably something along the lines of, why that is? I say it is, because you're not true guards, are you?"

"And what makes you say that?"

"Besides your lower than average age? And one of you being mute? The fact that you haven't arrested me yet. And clearly, you're trying to tell me off to save my skin. Not the work of a common guard, would you agree?"

He bit his tongue. That got him. Frisk made some motions with her hands but Aang couldn't notice them. Too focused was he on this smiling old woman.

"Fear not dearies, I won't raise this to your princess. Unless she already knows? Sharp girl she is after all. Well, I won't tell her you let me go without a warning. Ok?"

"I… well…"

"Now drink up your tea! It's getting cold!" With that, she sipped as if nothing had happened.

"Hama, if you don't mind, I'd like some new sheets."

"Ah, anything for you dear guest! Still down for tonight?"

"Of course, but is it wise to discuss that in front of these guards?" The woman gestured to the two children. Hama just smiled.

"Not at all. In fact, I think we might have two more additions to the resistance!"

….

"That's good Azula! Almost perfect!"

"Almost isn't good enough! Why won't this work?"

"More practice I suppose."

"I've had all the practice in the world! All those years before and during the academy! If I haven't mastered it by now, there's no chance of ever getting it!"

"Surely no Firebending master ever got it easy right?"

They both turned to Kuzon walking their way. Azula did not appreciate his words.

"Forgive me but tell that to my father! He most certainly had an easy time mastering the lightning! He said so himself!"

"Maybe he was being dishonest?"

Big mistake. She did not like that.

"Dishonest? To me? How dare you even suggest that?"

"I… My apologies princess. Please forgive me."

"Azula, please…"

She sighed at Ty lee's insistence.

"Oh, very well. I guess I need to consider where you're coming from. Not like you've got a positive father figure, right?"

Bitch. Aang had to clench his fists. She stared close to judge his reaction and seemed impressed when he didn't retaliate.

"You know if that were my brother, he would have lost it. Guess you're made of tougher stuff."

Ok. So far so good. Time to change the subject.

"As per your orders princess, we've asked around. No one has actually seen the spirit behind these disappearances."

"Spirit? So, they think it's a spirit huh?"

"Well, not exactly. I just assumed given the nature of this case-"

"So, your first assumption was a spirit? Curious first thought. Are you naturally this superstitious?"

"Not usually. I guess since we haven't seen it though- "

"That it must be inhuman? Love your imagination friend!"

"Me too! Maybe you should host a play! You know the Ember Island Players?"

"Err… No. Should I?"

"Enough. I doubt it's a spirit. Most likely some bandits out in the forest."

"But then why only during the full moon?"

"We'll find out soon enough. The full moon is two nights away. We'll see how well this thief handles me."

"Is that why you're trying to master lightning?"

"Trying? You… Leave me be."

Aang was once again reminded of the beast within.

….

"Ah welcome children! How are you?"

"Conflicted. On one hand you're giving us tea and food that… does not appear to be from the Fire Nation. On the other, I feel like you're blackmailing us behind that smile."

"That may be true dearie. But it's for a good cause I assure you. And you're right about that food. It lacks the spice of Fire Nation cuisine doesn't it?"

Aang took a sip. It was difficult to describe the flavor.

"Five flavor soup. A regular dish of my home."

Frisk looked confused but Aang recalled the taste from long ago.

"Is this supposed to make me happier?"

"It might. It might help you understand that there's more to life."

"Oh, please you think this… Actually, it's not bad."

"It's not is it? That's Five flavor soup from a place to the south. And there's much more like it out there, believe me."

"Why are you telling me this?"

"Because it might help you know that there's more to life than suffering and despair. There's a whole world down there. And it's full of good."

"Hmph. It's going to take a lot more than soup to make me believe that. Still good soup though."

"Thank you. I tried my best for you."

"You're from the Southern Water Tribe!"

"Bingo! Smart kid I see! So, I guess now is when we decide if you're a true "hero" of the Fire Nation or not. Are you going to tell your princess?"

Frisk nodded no. Aang stared at her for some time.

Aang, we can't keep up this charade. The world needs us.

He continued to stare, before finally nodding himself.

"That's the spirit. Hey, friend come meet our new recruits!"

The woman who had talked to Hama while she gave them tea walked into view. She had red hair turned into a ponytail, dark skin and an eyepatch. Her remaining eye stared the children down hard.

"And what makes these children notable recruits?"

Frisk made some motions with her hand. Undyne stared.

"You're tougher than nails?"

"Wait, you can understand her? That's a rarity!"

"Hang on. You're mute, aren't you? What's your name?"

The children stared at each other. Aang nodded and turned to the woman.

"Her name is Frisk."

The woman's eye widened in shock. She continued to stare at the children before kneeling.

"Then Sans' letter spoke true. I wouldn't have believed it." She looked up at them. A tear in her eye.

"I am Undyne. Captain of the royal guard of the underground. The last sanctuary of the airbenders. I… I've been waiting for this day all my life, Avatar. Welcome back."

"I… Wait, what?"

"We learned of your return several months back, when the temple of the underground lit up. We figured you had awakened in another temple."

Frisk stared at him. No need for words. The Avatar State in the temple. The day he had returned home.

"We didn't know what to do in response to that for about another month and a half. We had no word or information from you. But the underground stirred. The people felt hope. For the first time since we entered the underground, we could look to the future!"

Because of me, thought the Avatar. Who would have guessed?

"But it wasn't until we received Sans' letter that we knew for sure how to act. I was tempted to throw it aside. Papyrus sends enough, all saying the same thing. Sans writing though? That's not something he does often, believe me."

He doesn't do much of anything frisk noted.

"But I see only you two here. Where are the brothers?"

"Taken prisoner, last we checked. But Sans said they'd get out. He seemed awfully confident. If they have, I reckon they've made their way back to the capital."

"The Capital? Why would they go there, the fools!? That's suicide!"

"It's where we were headed beforehand. The Fire Nation kidnapped my air bison and we set out to get him back."

"From under the nose of the Fire Lord?" She shook her head. "Too dangerous. The king wishes to see you. As do the people. Sans and Papyrus will have to fend for themselves. We need to get you to the underground."

"But what about Appa, my bison?"

"Perhaps they can free him if they're there. But we can't let you stay in harm's way anymore."

"No! I won't leave without Appa! I don't care how long you've been waiting! He's the only piece of my life left, and I won't' abandon him!"

"Nor will you abandon me! I've got work to do here! This town must be cleansed!"

"This is bigger than this town, Hama. Look at the bigger picture! We have a chance to bring down the entire Fire Nation!"

"Oh, I am looking at the bigger picture! And I see a very good chance to bring down the Fire Nation! Not only do we have the Avatar, but the princess of the Fire Nation in our village! Think of the good we could do!"

"Wait, hang on. What are you talking about? What's this about cleansing?"

Hama smiled. There wasn't anything gentle or warming about it this time.

"The full moon cleansing."

The children blinked mouths agape.

"You… You're behind the disappearances! You're who we came here for!"

"I understand the surprise. But why do I sense anger? You should be happy! I'm avenging us all! They threw me in prison to rot with my brothers and sisters! They killed your people and made you orphans! They are villains! All of them! They deserve to suffer!"

"Wait, hold on. It's one thing to go after soldiers in war, but this is a harmless village! They never hurt anyone!"

"Don't they? They shelter those same soldiers! Give birth to those same soldiers! Send them off to kill children! Families! Butchers and murderers, them all!"

"Undyne, was it? Is this the kind of person you expect me to fight alongside?"

"We need allies wherever we can find them Avatar. Hama has been kind enough to give me room. She also says she has a special technique that can cause real harm to the Fire Nation. We'll need all the help we can. I believe you've already made such allies, right?"

"Some. A fire sage and a convict."

"You mean Firebenders? You can't trust them! Kids these days!"

"They helped me escape! Well, the Fire Sage anyway. And he had nothing to gain!"

"He got on the Avatar's good side! He had a chance to manipulate you! That's something to gain! And now we've got something to gain! The Fire Princess! The Fire Lord's greatest servant!

Undyne seemed nervous but eventually nodded and turned to Aang.

"She's got a point. A chance to capture a member of the Fire Nation Royal family is not one we can easily pass up."

"Hold on. This is… This is…"

A good idea?

"I'm sorry. What did you say Frisk?"

Sounds like a good idea to me. A chance for payback. That's what Toriel would want, wouldn't you agree?

He turned from his friend's angry face to Hama's gleeful smile to Undyne's content expression. He was alone.

"Please don't."

"Please don't what? Please don't fight the good fight? Please don't fight for our people?" Undyne generally sounded confused.

"I know right? Are you really the Avatar?"

He looked to Frisk for help one more time. Nothing. Her mind was made up.

So, it was official. They were going to take the princess.

….

"Uh princess Azula? May I ask how you get your fire blue?"

"Perfection."

"That's it? Perfection? Oh. Ok. I suppose I expected some special technique."

"It does. A special technique only achievable through perfection. Don't set your sights too high young lady. You'll only burn yourself."

"Oh of course princess! I would never dream of-"

"Kuzon! What are you doing over there? Return to your post!"

"Uh… Yes, princess!"

"Wait, Kuzon? Thank you, princess. I will leave you be."

"A wise decision."

She followed the short guard around the corner. He turned toward her. When she wouldn't leave, he sighed and pulled the helmet off.

"It is you! But how? I thought you were sent to the coal mines!"

"I was. But no need to let her know that."

"Hiding out as a guard. That takes guts. Not that I ever doubted you had those! Not after…"

"I questioned the concept of LOVE and beat up your boyfriend?"

"Yeah. It was… really something. I've never seen a student so… passionate. About anything!"

"Load of good it did me. Coal mines are no fun, I tell you."

"It think it did lots of good. After you left, a lot of the students got talking. About what you'd said. About LOVE. And frankly a lot of what they taught us in school. Suddenly, we weren't sure about what we stood for. Our nation. What we were fighting for."

"Really? You thought what I said was that good?"

"It was amazing. We started to think if you were right. What if were a disgrace?"

Aang couldn't help himself. He placed his hand on her shoulder.

"Oh Onji. I didn't mean you. I just meant the system in general."

"I know. But we're part of that system. So, it's up to us. To change it. Tell me what to do."

"I'm sorry, what? You stay out of trouble and on your little field trip."

"But Kuzon, that's part of the problem isn't it? Just sticking to what they want us to do? Isn't that the source of all this misery?"

"That might be true. But it's still too dangerous for you to get involved. I want you to stay safe and above all out of the woods. The full moon's coming again and that means danger."

"But then, why you? Who do I have to stay in safety while your risk your life?"

"Because… Because it's my responsibility. I don't have a choice. But you do. And right now, I need you to choose to save yourself. I've… I've gotta go."

"Wait, Kuzon! You can't leave me! Not now! I don't know what to do anymore! Please, tell me!"

Aang would love to. But he didn't know what to do himself.

….

"Hey Frisk, how's it going? You enjoy your time around town?"

Marginally, replied Frisk.

"Only, marginally? Aw that's a bummer! You should be enjoying it substantially! It's not every day you get to find yourself in such a beautiful calming place!"

Beautiful and calming. Only one of those words applied to the acrobat talking her ear off.

"You know, I wish both you and Azula could learn to enjoy yourselves a little more! Trips like this help remind you what we're fighting for! A nation where everyone is happy and content!"

Frisk raised her eyebrow.

"Oh sure, the disappearing people put a damper on it all. But that's just part of life! One night of fear! That's a much safer deal than most of the world must deal with, right?"

Because of you, thought Frisk.

"I guess what I'm saying is that… well… People like you make this possible. So, don't ever think your sacrifices don't matter!"

And with that, she hugged the mute girl and wandered off like she hadn't two days earlier told her she knew she was a phony and all but threatened her.

"Frisk? Can we talk? Do you intend to go through with this?"

She turned to the worried Avatar. She finally allowed her frustration to show.

How can you not? This is our duty. To the world!

"I don't think so. I think it's about revenge."

So, what if it is? They deserve it!

"For Toriel?"

For Toriel! For the air nation! For the Water Tribe! For the Earth Kingdom! For the frigging world! For my family! How can you not understand that!?

"The monks used to say-"

I don't give a damn what the monks said! They're dead! And we will be to if we don't act!

"Frisk, wait! Please!"

I'm done waiting Aang. Done waiting for you to get over yourself. Waiting for you to stop pretending there's good in everyone. You had your chance. If you won't kill this bitch, I will.

"Frisk! Frisk! Stop!"

It's not like he didn't understand her. He understood her better than anyone.

But Gyatso understood him too. He understood what was right for him. And this wasn't it.

….

"Kuzon. Join me, won't you? Tell me what you think of this tea."

"Is it bad, princess?"

"Why don't you decide?"

He put it to his mouth. He recognized it. A taste from long ago. Gyatso had given it in hopes of cheering him up. It had worked. Briefly.

"I think…. Not bad. Could use a little more heat. But overall decent."

She stared at him for a time then nodded and sipped again.

"What is your opinion, princess?"

"Oh, I didn't have one. That's why I asked you. If I'm going to be consorting with normal people and drinking their drinks, I might as well get the opinion of a normal person."

Aang couldn't help snorting to himself. Him normal? She noticed that and stared.

"Forgive me princess. I just never thought of myself as normal."

She continued to stare, tilting her head in contemplation.

"No. I suppose you're not. You are… an enigma. To be sure."

"With all due respect princess, I think you described yourself quite perfectly."

Her turn to snort. Her eyes seemed sad though.

"I am. Aren't I? Here I am. Next in line for the throne. Someday ruler of the world. Seen as a god by my people. Second only to my father in power and influence. So why aren't I more like Ty lee? All bubbly and cheerful?"

Aang felt as if someone had described him perfectly. He was the Avatar. The most powerful person on Earth. Or at least he could be with practice and patience. His title made him the most envied person on the planet. So why wasn't he happy? He knew why.

"She's happy because she doesn't understand you. Doesn't understand the responsibility that's been laid on your shoulders. She only sees you through a lens. She doesn't know what it's like to walk in your shoes."

She stared at him. He didn't see any condescension this time.

"You speak as if you understand."

"My… father wanted that for me. He wanted me to have responsibility. I don't think he got what he wanted."

She tilted her head in contemplation.

"And what about what you want? Did you get what you want?"

Aang's turn for silence.

"I don't know what I want. No wait. I know what I want. I want to not be a failure. I want my life to be worth something. I want to make people happy when they see me."

She kept staring. Her features softened though.

"I don't know about that last bit. But I think I can help you with those first two parts. If you help me with what I want."

"And you want the same right? The same thing I want?"

"How do you- Am I that obvious?"

"In this case, yes. It is that obvious."

She laughed a little. A genuine laugh. No sign of deception or sarcasm.

"I don't understand you. But I'm glad I met you."

"I… Thank you princess. I appreciate that."

"You should. I don't say that lightly. Or often believe me." Her eyes narrowed.

"Don't make me regret it."

Aang nodded. And he truly meant it. He didn't want to make her regret it. He wanted to earn this woman's trust. He felt a swarm of determination through him.

Until he looked to the entrance to the inn. To see Hama staring at him with malice in her eyes.

He knew in that moment that he would need to make a horrible decision. And soon.

….

"Hey Onji…"

"Hide! Don't sneak up on me like that!"

"Hey, I'm sorry babe. You know I only do that because I care about you right?"

"I know that, but still! You sometimes have a funny way of showing it! I mean it's not like you ever asked me if I enjoyed it!"

Hide stared at his girlfriend. Her passion and anger was something new to her. He didn't like it. Not at all.

"What happened to you Onji? Why are you always so angry these days? Always questioning everything I do? I miss the old you."

"Maybe I never really liked it. Did you ever consider that? Maybe I never enjoyed it at all, and it took me to now to get the nerve to say it!"

"To now? Not to now! You've been like this for months! Ever since… That kid with the headband!"

"You mean Kuzon? Don't be ridiculous! He has nothing-"

"He has everything to do with this! You wouldn't be this way if he hadn't shown up. If he hadn't… Hey wait a minute! You liked that didn't you? You liked that he beat me up!"

"He beat you up because you were being an ass! You deserved it that time!"

"You've got some nerve to talk to me that way! Come here!"

"No! You don't get to touch me that way! Get off!"

"I get to touch you whatever way I want! You're my girlfriend!"

"I'm sorry Hide. But no. You don't."

"Headmaster! This isn't what it looks like!"

"No? Looks like you're abusing a fellow student. I can't allow that."

"Thank you, headmaster. And you, Hide! How could you? You should be ashamed!"

"Now, if you were doing this to a criminal who withheld important information that might be something different. Something I believe you've done?"

"Headmaster, what are you talking about?"

"I'm talking about some interesting stuff I overhead you mutter. Something about someone named Kuzon in this town? As opposed to the coal mines where I understand a major breakout happened about 2 months ago?"

The two men stared at the suddenly very frightened young woman. She wished Kuzon were here…

….

"Here we are. In the woods. The full moon above us. So, where's the spirit?"

"Princess, please. It's not safe."

"And I'm telling you that I don't care! This is how you make progress! With risks! Someone wants to kidnap me! I say let them try!"

"I don't think that's a good idea. We still don't know how people disappear. It's too dangerous without more information!"

"And where would we get that information, hmm? No one in town knows anything. How are we supposed to find anything based on that? We aren't. That's how!"

"Better than running into the lion's den! We're just begging to be taken! Please, for your safety, we must go!"

She turned to him. Eyebrows raised. He did not like the look of suspicion in her eyes.

"What are you hiding?"

"What? Nothing! I just think-"

"Lies. Don't lie to me. I'm the queen of lies. What do you know?"

"I… What do you mean? Know about what?"

"About this. You know something. I know that tone. I've seen it before. Secret keepers who knew something terrible. Only for whatever reason they couldn't tell it. So, they could only hint at such."

"That's… that's crazy!"

"Oh, so I'm crazy, now am I?" Her hands lit up with fire.

"Kuzon, I took a big chance trusting you. I've told you things I've never told anyone else. Don't make me regret that trust."

Aang felt like he was making the decision of his life right now. Stay true to his duty? Or stay true to the dangerous princess he'd unintentionally grown quite close to?

"Listen. You're in terrible danger. We can't talk here. Let's head back to town."

"We'll talk now. You tell me now. What are you hiding?"

"Azula…"

"Oh, it's Azula? Not princess?" She took a step closer and, in that moment, he heard both anger and pleading in her voice.

"Please don't be like the rest Kuzon. Please don't betray me."

His mind was made up.

"Ok. There's a- Augh!"

Both he and Azula fell to the ground in pain. Their limbs extended behind them. Their heads turned of their own accord to the moon. Against their own will.

"Well, well. About to spill the beans, are we? Not a nice thing to do, no sir. Not good for the fate of the world I say."

"Hama! Let us go!"

"The innkeeper? I'll have you locked up like an animal!"

The old woman laughed. "Too late for that dearie. No cage can hold me anymore. But let's see how pretty you look in your own cell! I've got a perfect one all picked out for you!"

"No Hama. This one belongs to the underground. She'll get her punishment however, I assure you."

"Huh? Who the hell are you?"

"No need to know that. Princess Azula. On behalf of the free people of the world, you are under arrest. You and your family will know the pain you have inflicted on us for over 100 years."

"Like hell I will! You'll burn for this! All of you! Frisk! About time! Get me out of this!"

Frisk had been standing in the shadows out of sight until now. She merely stepped forward and glared at the princess with absolute hate in her eyes.

"Did you hear me? Take her down!"

Continuing to stare, the mute girl simply flipped the bird.

"Oh, a damn turncoat, are you? Should have known! You'll die in agony as a traitor deserves!"

"Frisk. Please."

The mute girl turned her attention to Aang. Her glare did not change.

"Oh, she's done with you kiddo! You couldn't give her the justice she deserves! So, she's siding with those who will!"

"This is wrong!"

"No! What they did to me is wrong! To all of us! To you! Did you not see the temples? Did you not see your people? The temples?"

"The temples?"

Aang couldn't look at Azula. This was too much. But while everyone was staring at him, someone took advantage of the situation.

"Jab! Jab! Jab!"

"Augh! My arms! Why can't I bend?"

"It's called chi blocking you old crone! And for the record, your tea sucked!"

"Took you long enough Ty lee!" The princess rose to her feet and launched a fireball at Undyne. She dispelled it however with a sword and a gust of wind.

"What? What did you just do?"

Frisk answered for her by launching a gust of wind herself. Both Azula and Ty lee were too shocked to dodge and were knocked off their feet.

"Bitch did something to my bending! Why can't I bend?"

"I've seen that technique before. It'll wear off in time. Now to deal with the savages."

Undyne walked towards the two girls sword drawn. Until Kuzon stood between her.

"Time out. Let's talk this out."

"That time is past. Step aside. Don't let your sympathies cloud your judgement."

"They're people too! They deserve sympathy!"

"We deserve justice! Which is more important?"

Aang turned to Frisk. But he saw no help there. Only anger.

He opened his mouth to answer but was knocked off his feet.

"Long time no see bastard! It's payback- Huh?"

Hide had pulled of the headband as he rolled over his enemy. And with the headband came the wig, revealing the mark underneath.

"That's… That's an air tattoo!"

Aang responded by smashing his fist into the boy's jaw. He rose to his feet and turned to the shocked princess.

"I can explain."

"Nothing to explain chap! They already know!"

'Hama, shut up!" Hama did not listen and continued to gloat.

"That's right little princess! Your friend is the Avatar!"

"I said shut up!" Aang let his anger overwhelm him again and knocked Hama against a tree.

"Was she right? The avatar? Get him!"

Aang turned still enraged. A host of guards led by the headmaster was rushing towards them.

"I knew you were a troubled student but a traitor to our nation!? I'll lock you back in the coal mines for good!"

"Shut up! All of you shut up! Leave me alone!"

His eyes glowed white. He opened his mouth and a roar of fire came out scorching the trees. The headmaster and the other guards screamed as the fire blocked them off.

"Watch it avatar! You nearly got us! Control yourself!"

While Undyne was angry, Frisk stood there smiling. Glad to see justice being delivered. That smile faded as a fireball hit Aang in the back.

"Avatar!" Undyne rushed to aid but was caught off by another wall of fire. This time blue.

"Traitors. All of you. Do you know the fate of traitors?" Azula waved her hand and the other wall of flames separating the guards from them dropped.

"Death."

In that split second, Undyne made a major decision. She couldn't get to Aang in time. She therefore went for those she could. Frisk and Hama.

"Hang on!"

Frisk reached back for Aang but Undyne stopped her.

"No time! Move!"

"Get them! Kill them!"

They rushed off into the forest. It was a futile effort and they knew it. They could hear the guards behind them the entire time until they heard whispers from under a nearby tree and ducked under it.

"Frisk, right? It's me Onji! Remember me from school?"

"School? When did you- Never mind. Where does this tunnel go?"

"Back to town. Follow me!"

And so, they did with Undyne carrying Hama over her shoulders.

"Why are you helping us?"

"You're friends of Kuzon right? Or if I heard right, the avatar?"

Frisk simply nodded.

"Well, let's just say he inspired me. Made me think about the Fire Nation and all we've done over the last century. I don't want to be a puppet anymore. I want to do what's right."

"Well you can start by hiding this woman until she's better. Frisk and I need to follow them and save the Avatar. He's the only hope for the world."

"Yeah. I believe that. He's… really something isn't he? A good friend of yours right Frisk?"

Frisk didn't respond. She was seriously questioning that right now.

"Hama here is working to make the world better. If you want to do that, I'd stick with her. We meanwhile have to leave once we return to town."

"But I want to come with you! Help Kuzon! I owe him!"

"It's too dangerous. And we're going somewhere after we can't take you."

"But I can help!"

"Even so, the avatar must see something you cannot. I can't trust you with that right now. If you want to do good, do it here. On the inside. Change the people's minds. Help them see the truth."

Onji pursed her lips but eventually nodded.

"Ok. I'll do what I can. Just save Kuzon, please?"

"We intend to."

When they reached the village, Undyne talked with Hama and Onji chatted with Frisk. Or tried to.

"You don't seem too concerned with Kuzon."

Frisk shrugged her shoulders.

"Look, I don't know exactly what he did to make you this way. But he seems like a good guy. I'm sure he cares about you."

She continued to not respond.

"Whatever's making you upset, try not to hold it against him too much. He deserves a chance."

She sighed and nodded. True. Aang was still her friend. Even if he couldn't work up the nerve to incinerate the fire bitch.

"We're all set. Come Frisk."

"Please take care of Kuzon!"

"We will. Goodbye young girl. May we meet again."

"Unlikely, I reckon."

She turned to Hama who had just spoken. The old woman looked at the young girl with a frightening smile.

"Innkeeper Hama, my name is Onji. On behalf of the avatar, I offer you my full services! I'm willing to do whatever it takes to change the Fire Nation for the better! Is there any way I can assist maam?"

Hama continued to smile.

"Oh, don't worry sweetie. I'll find some use for you."

….

"We can't find them princess. We've looked all over the forest."

"Never mind them. They'll turn up sooner or later. Prepare the ship for departure. Our work here is done."

"Done? Forgive me princess, but that old woman is still on the loose!"

"True. Leave a unit to dispatch her. Wait until the night is done though so she can't use that fancy trick. Bring me her head when you find her."

"Yes princess. At once."

"Shame about Frisk. She wasn't the nicest girl. But I liked her anyway!"

"Forget her Ty lee. Forget it all. All our misery and pain is over."

She kicked the unconscious Avatar over. He made a little groan as he turned to face the sky. She leaned down and placed her hand on his cheek.

"It's over the war is over. The Avatar is mine."