Sorry for the delay. Life's been hard all around. Hope everyone reading this is staying safe out there!

If you think there's anyway I can improve, please leave a review saying so.

On the off chance that I don't release another chapter before the end of the month, happy new year! Hopefully, it's better than this one!

"How many children have you killed?"

Iroh looked through the bars at the king. He smiled back friendly.

"You know anger doesn't suit you, good king."

"Oh it does. It does suit me. Anger is an old friend in fact. No emotion am I more familiar with than anger. Now again. How many children have you killed?"

"None. I swear. Of all the things I have done, I have never once killed any children."

"So indirectly. Is that what you're saying?"

"No! Not- "

"Oh, so that's what you tell yourself to sleep at night? That any child killed by your soldiers under your command is not on your hands?"

Iroh paused. This was a difficult situation he found himself in. He couldn't help feeling that the king was deliberately looking for an excuse to have him killed.

"I specifically ordered my solders to not execute children. Not one."

"And you claim that the Fire Nation has never killed children? In this entire century of atrocities?"

"It was for a good cause!"

Iroh paled and turned to his angry nephew. The king did as well.

"Children were killed for a good cause? You dare try to justify it?"

"No. He doesn't mean it."

"I can take care of myself uncle!"

"That you can. It certainly explains why you're in here," snarked the king.

Zuko rose up while Iroh tried to calm him down. It seemed like a confrontation was about to erupt.

"Excuse me, your highness?"

The king turned around to the woman who walked in. His eyes immediately softened.

"I apologize my dear. Let me guess. It's that time again isn't it?"

He turned back to the prisoners. His eyes flashed in anger again before he turned to leave.

The woman remained for a moment looking at the prince and his uncle. She didn't speak. Just trembled. Eventually Zuko interjected.

"What? What do you want?"

The woman turned and ran out of the room.

Iroh placed his hand on his forehead.

"Nephew, I swear. You want someone to kill you."

….

"You've had quite an adventure kiddo."

Sokka nodded as his father rubbed his head.

"Yes. Yes we have. If I'd known we were going to have one when we went out to fish- "He trailed off.

"It doesn't matter. You did it. And it worked out somewhat, right? I mean, you found me. You helped the earthbenders find themselves again. And you found some cute girls."

Sokka blushed.

"Hey, nothing to be ashamed of kid. She's quite something. And an airbender!" He lowered his voice.

"You sure she's not the Avatar?"

"No. She's checked. Apparently the Avatar is a boy in the Fire Nation."

"Was in the Fire Nation."

Sokka looked at his father with confusion.

"Heard the guards mentioning it. Apparently he escaped. Survived the Fire Lord himself! He's out there somewhere, fighting the good fight just like us."

Sokka snorted.

"Took him long enough."

"Hey. He's a kid. No kid should be forced to endure this. That includes you."

"What? You're saying I shouldn't be here?"

"You shouldn't have to. But the world choose for you. Your mother would be proud."

They both paused. They weren't sure what to say.

Hakoda eventually turned and saw his daughter staring his way. Her eyes met his, filled with anger. She eventually turned away.

"Your sister uh…. Is something bothering her?"

"Knowing her, probably a lot."

….

"I wish you would smile more."

Frisk looked at Toriel confused.

"I'm serious. You used to smile a lot more."

Frisk amused her here and smiled a little bit.

"That's not a smile. Not really. Your eyes used to match your smile. They don't anymore. You're not truly happy."

Frisk turned away from her and looked out through the window to the ocean beyond. She didn't feel like dealing with her foster mother's odd tendencies right now.

"My child. Please look at me."

Frisk sighed and turned. Toriel placed her hands on either side of her foster child's head and leaned in.

"Oh my dear. You've been through so much. Even before we parted ways. And now here you are. Surrounded by people from your past. Me. The circus girl. And the wild boy."

Frisk did show some emotion at that. Anger.

"Oh, did I touch a sore spot? You know you never did tell me how you know him. Every time I asked about your past before you came to my little hideaway, you changed the subject. I understand if you're a little embarrassed to be associated with someone like that, but-"

You never told me your past, Frisk said with her hands.

Toriel raised an eyebrow.

"I don't really like talking about that."

And I don't like talking about my past, she responded. So why can't we leave it there?

"Do you really want to leave it there? You truly don't want to know about me?"

Frisk looked confused again.

I thought you wanted me to be happy. Isn't this going to make me sad?

"It might. But it might also do you a favor to learn some things. And to get some things off your chest."

Frisk pursed her lips and nodded.

"Excellent! Now I want a promise my child. Once I've told you my story, you tell me yours. Promise?"

Frisk gave a silent sigh and nodded.

"Wonderful! Now then, I was born far north. In the Northern Air Temple."

….

In said temple, King Asgore stood upon the plateau overlooking the mountain range. He felt the breeze in his face. It gave him life.

"Your highness. I've received a hawk from Sans and Papyrus. They're in route to the city with General Fong. We've also received a hawk from Alphys. They're making their way north to Ba Sing Se."

Asgore let out a sigh of relief.

"So they escaped Omashu. That's good. A shame about the city though. From what the Avatar told us; King Bumi might have proven a mighty ally."

"And with Omashu down, Ba Sing Se is the last major stronghold of the Earth Kingdom."

Both looked out over the valley. The weight of the situation weighing on them.

"Tell me Undyne. You saw the Avatar fight. Do you think he can prove any sort of challenge to the Fire Nation?"

Undyne thought for a moment.

"He has the potential. Whether he lives long enough to realize it is another story."

"Oh. Well. That doesn't really look good for us. Maybe I shouldn't have given that great inspirational speech."

Undyne chuckled silently at that, hoping the king didn't hear it.

He did.

"What? You don't think it was good?"

"Oh. I, well…."

"Be honest! You didn't like it?"

Undyne sighed.

"Let's just say, it wasn't the best idea to call the revolution the rise of the gummy tummies."

"Why not? I thought it would give people something to smile about."

"Well, they did smile. Probably not in the way you'd hoped though."

"They smiled with contempt? Embarrassment?"

Undyne's face turned white.

"Contempt? Not at all your highness!"

"Not at all? All these years and how has life improved? How have our fortunes changed?"

"Have you not been awake the last few months? Hope has been restored! We finally have a fighting chance!"

"Thanks to the Avatar. Not me. Before him, what were our people? Desperate souls clinging to life each and every day. No other purpose to go on. No chance for a better life. The avatar gave them that purpose. Not I."

Undyne stepped forward to stand next to the king. She kneeled down causing Asgore to raise his eyes.

"The Avatar showed up less than a year ago, after hiding within a block of ice for over a century. You've been here the whole time. Protecting us. Ensuring our survival. We wouldn't be here if not for you. We may not always show it, but we appreciate all you've done for us more than we can ever show."

Asgore's face turned red at that. He couldn't help the cheeky grin on his face. He got giddy like a school girl over such praises.

"You give me too much credit. I couldn't have done it without such determination from you and everyone else."

Undyne likewise smiled herself. She might be the toughest creature in the underground, but even she was all for the occasional praise.

"Your highness, what about the prisoners? The Fire Lord's son and brother in one cell! Surely that's dangerous isn't it? If you'd like, I can- "

"No, leave them to Noriko. She seems to enjoy their company. Besides, maybe we can find a way to use them."

Asgore shuddered at that admittance. He knew it was for the greater good, but it still ashamed him.

What would Asriel think if he could see him now?

….

"Why are you staring at me? You got some kind of problem with me?"

"Zuko. Be polite," admonished Iroh. He looked apologetically at the woman who had brought them the food. "I apologize for my nephew. He's been through a great deal of stress."

The woman didn't respond. She just continued to look at the banished prince.

"How did you get that scar?"

Zuko placed his hand on the scar. His hand trembled slightly.

"I forgot my honor."

The woman raised her eyebrows.

"Honor? What do you mean?"

Zuko wouldn't respond, Leaving Iroh to respond.

"Disagreements between Firebenders."

Both Zuko and the woman stared. But Zuko looked appreciative at the result.

"A matter of honor, you understand. Not something your kind would probably understand."

The woman looked puzzled.

"My kind? You mean airbenders? I'm not a nomad."

"What? But you're here aren't you? Living with these savages?"

The woman became angry at this.

"They are not savages. They are the kindest people I've ever seen! Better than any in the Fire Nation, I'll have you know!"

The woman paused for a moment in thought while the prisoners stared in shock at her.

"Well, ok. Not all in the Fire Nation. But certainly better than the royalty!"

"You… You're from the Fire Nation?"

The woman paused again for a brief moment. She looked frightened for a moment. As if she'd just revealed some terrible secret. But she eventually spoke again.

"Yes. My family and I lived in the Fire Nation. We came from an isolated village your royalty wouldn't have heard of. We lived there, contributed in our own way to the fire cause, contributed what little food we could, read your propaganda." She took a deep breath.

"And one day, we couldn't do it anymore. Couldn't stand the violence. The lies. The grins of the masses as they ate up this nonsense of Fire Nation greatness while the world burned. We didn't want to be a part of that. So one day, we just-"

"Joined our enemies!?"

The woman actually smiled at that.

"That's what I thought at first. Our enemies! And here we are! Living amongst them! Part of the culture! Like I'd always been here! They treated us with such kindness! Such warmth! Well, not at first. But eventually. The more I learned the more I realized- "She took another deep breath.

"How wrong we are. About everything. About the war. The world. The people outside the Fire Nation. We were wrong about it all. They're not savages."

"Not savages? Look what they've done to us! They've locked us up in here like animals!"

"What have we done to them? How have we treated them? You came here with soldiers and planned to do… What exactly? Give them hugs?"

"I came here for the Avatar! To save the world!"

"Save the world? How does capturing and killing the avatar save the world?"

"It gives the Fire Nation the chance to bring honor and society to the world! You wouldn't have to live in this dump anymore! You could- "

"Live in cages? As prisoners? As slaves?" The woman shook her head and stood up.

"I've heard enough. It's clear you're just another brainwashed warmonger. Noren must have gotten it wrong, there's no way you and I are- "

She stopped.

"You and I are what? Speak! You're addressing the prince of the Fire Nation!"

"Nothing. Forget it." She turned to leave while Zuko shook his head.

"These people are insane. Father was right. This world really does need us."

Iroh didn't respond but rather rubbed his chin in contemplation.

….

"Katara, have you got a minute?"

"Sure, Haru. Nothing else to do really."

"Nothing else? Looks to me like you're practicing waterbending."

"Oh. Well, ok. There is that. But it's not like I'm making much progress, so…."

"You aren't? Could've fooled me. Those waves were amazing!"

"Not according to master Pakku. He just scoffs and says my skills would be better served in the kitchen."

" Master Pakku? Oh yeah. That northern water tribe bending master. Well, he's old and stuck in his ways. It's best to ignore him."

"I can't ignore him! He's a major leader in our… Whatever this is. He has huge sway in what we do! And he's…. Well…"

"A waterbending teacher?"

Katara sighed.

"You deserve to have a teacher. You really do! If you asked your dad to talk to him- "

"No."

Haru stared at her confused.

"Why? He's the perfect candidate. He's the chief of the Southern Water Tribe!"

"And my father."

Haru's confusion grew.

"Right. And that's a problem? I thought that would be an added benefit."

"Not to me. He…" She took a deep breath.

"You know, I think I heard Sokka mentioning something like this to Suki. He left when you were young, right?"

She didn't respond so he sat next to her on the bench looking out at sea. Off in the distance, they saw fish jumping out of the water.

"I lost my father too. For many years."

"That's different. Your father was taken against his will. Mine left voluntarily. Left us alone for years. No one else to take care of the tribe. Just me and my brother. He left us there in the snow for years!"

"Didn't he leave to fight?"

"Yes, and he left us to fight alone! Children! Alone to fend for ourselves! Sure, we had Gran Gran. But… We were so alone without him! I mean… If he'd been there, would we have been captured? Would we live in fear every day?"

"I'm sure he had his reasons- "

"That doesn't change what he did! How much it hurt to be left to fend for ourselves every day amidst the ice!"

Haru bit his lip in contemplation.

"I was angry myself when I found my father again. I was angry at him too. It was his own rebellion that got him into prison. He could have stayed with us. Kept his head down. He didn't need to fight."

The fish disappeared under the surface again and didn't resurface. With nothing else to focus on, he turned to Katara.

"When he chose to rebel and got captured, I was at first sad. And then angry, like you. How could he abandon us like that? Choose the world over his blood? It was stupid and selfish. He only did it for the pride I told myself."

"That's sort of how I felt," replied Katara. "He wanted to prove himself a man. Prove his strength. Run off to play soldier and leave the women to play boring house work."

"Yeah, and I was ready to tell my dad off when I got arrested and finally saw him again. But when I finally did see him again and realized all he'd suffered to give me a better future…." He shook his head.

"Well, I just felt terrible. That I hadn't considered his point of view. That I hadn't considered he might have actually done all he did for me. Not out of pride. But out of love."

Katara didn't respond, so Haru continued.

"I don't know your father. But he doesn't seem like the type to run off and fight solely out of pride either."

"What are you saying?"

"I'm saying that I think you should talk to him. Hear him out. I think it'll be good for you both."

Katara looked away from him out to sea again. It seemed so calm. So peaceful. Not at all like the turmoil within her.

….

"General Jeong Jeong?"

"I am no longer a general. I have left that life behind."

"Well, you are leading this voyage. So that does give you more authority than me."

The old man sighed. And nodded.

Toriel's eyes widened in shock, but she stayed focused on the matter at hand.

"I thank you for sharing this with me General. But I'd like to know where we're going."

"We are sailing to meet the rest of the resistance. From there, we will set this formerly great nation free from this burning curse."

Toriel raised her eyes at his unusual word choice.

"Resistance? And will this resistance involve violence?"

The general sighed.

"It is inevitable. The motherland will resist change. Resist salvation. We must show them the error of their ways. Through any way possible."

"And the children? Will they be expected to fight too?"

Jeong Jeong paused.

"I have no desire to put the youngest of us in harm's way. But we will need every open mind to- "

"No. That confirms it. I wish to leave. Me and Frisk. She's suffered enough. And she's only 13. I can't let her come to any more harm."

Jeong Jeong stared. Eyes unblinking.

"I'm sorry. I know how important this is. But Frisk is the closest I have to a child. And how can I live with myself if I can't protect that child? I…. I lost one child. I can't lose another."

The general thought it over.

"If you and the child both desire it, I cannot keep you. We are all free to choose our battles."

Toriel breathed a sigh of relief. She'd expected this man to be a stubborn old coot like far too many she'd encountered in her travels. But it seems he wasn't entirely gone with the violence.

"So. An actual airbender. I was not terribly surprised. Surely some of your people survived. It was such a relief to finally confirm it with that girl in the forest."

"Girl in the forest? Who could airbend?"

"Yes. A girl in the garb of Avatar Kyoshi. She claimed to be from Kyoshi island in fact. Naïve girl. But kind."

"Wait. An airbender from Kyoshi Island?"

"Yes. She wore the honorary garb and fought with the power of air. I admit. It's such a beautiful element. Devoid of destruction and death."

Toriel rose from her seating and bowed in respect.

"Thank you general Jeong Jeong. I pray that you will bring honor back to the Fire Nation."

….

Noriko watched the snails racing at an underwhelming speed. At least in comparison to herself.

Her own mind was working at breakneck speed with a tsunami of thoughts and concerns. She felt conflict within herself. Something she hadn't felt in many a year.

"Something troubling you my love?"

She leaned into her husband Noren's embrace. She sighed as he nuzzled his head against the back of hers.

"What's troubling you? You usually like the snails. Gets you all excited for some reason."

"Usually. In normal times. But these aren't normal. Not with those two here."

"So you've met with the Fire prince. Didn't go well?"

She shook her head.

"I just… I can't believe it. Are you… Are you sure?"

"Yes. I'm sure."

The woman stared at the snails. They weren't even to the halfway point.

"I sort of wish you hadn't told me."

"Truly? You'd rather I have kept it a secret?"

"I know! I know! I shouldn't say that! But it's true. I wish I didn't know. It's just… I don't see how it's possible. How can that boy….?" She trailed off.

"Well, it has been several years. He's probably changed from the boy you knew."

"I don't know the boy I knew! I don't know anything! I don't remember anything! I don't even know if what you're telling me is true!"

Noren actually seemed surprised at this.

"You think I would lie to you?"

"Well, didn't you? I mean for years you claimed we grew up together for our entire lives in the same town and then out of the blue you say that actually- "

"We did grow up in the same town! Not our whole life admittedly, but most of it!"

"Sure. Just 8 or so years spent with another man in an abusive household."

Noren took a deep breath.

"We discussed this. You- "

"Yes. Yes. Asked a spirit to remove my memory. I'm still finding that somewhat hard to believe."

Noren grinned.

"You and me both. And I was there. But you did it with full consent. I promise you that."

"I just… Are you sur. That prince Zuko is…."

"Yes. I assure you. It's true."

The thunder snails had finally completed their race. It was close, but the snail she had bet on had won. Hence, a greater portion of fruit pies for her this week.

"I just don't know what to do. I know it's only been a few talks with him, but… I just can't fathom any resemblance."

"But it's there. And you deserve to know. So the question is what do you intend to do about it?"

If only she had an answer.

….

Suki continued with her stances, infusing her fighting poses with the power of air. It felt a bit odd to do so. From what she'd read, air was an element of peace. Used by a peaceful people. And here she was, using it for violent purposes.

The fans the warriors used helped her to manage it. From what little she'd gathered of the air nomads; they regularly used such items to amplify and help control the direction of her air. However, she herself had significant trouble controlling the element. She didn't know if it was the poses she used or what. But she couldn't get it down.

She'd seen Katara use some interesting movements for waterbending. Perhaps she could ask her for some guidance.

Speak of the devil.

Katara came walking up behind her father who was currently engaged with master Pakku. An elderly sexist old coot from the Northern Water Tribe who had less than progressive views on women's rights. He'd scoffed at the sight of the Kyoshi warriors in their garb and suggested they spend more time in the kitchen. He showed the same disregard as he turned to Katara.

"Chief Hakoda. Your daughter is here."

Hakoda turned and smiled at his daughter's company.

"Katara! So good to see you! How can I help?"

Katara stood staring at him for some time. She looked like she wanted to say something but when she opened her mouth nothing came out. She closed it again. Eventually she turned around.

"Katara? Katara, wait!"

"Women," Master Pakku shook his head. "It's not worth the trouble to give them freedom. I can have her sent to the kitchen. Have them teach her how- "

"Shut up. Don't you dare talk about my daughter that way."

Suki smiled at Pakku's dumbfounded expression.

Out of the corner of her eye she noticed Sokka standing there, apparently having watched the whole thing. Sadness over his face.

….

Toriel found to her concern, Frisk talking with Jet.

"My child. We can leave now."

Her child stared at her. Her expression as usual hard to read. Jet spoke first.

"She's not going. I've talked things out with her and we- "

"No."

"Listen. She doesn't want to go."

"I would like to hear Frisk's opinion on this matter. Frisk, is he correct?"

The girl looked away from a time as if ashamed. But eventually she turned her head and nodded.

"You want to stay? And fight? After all you've endured? Why?"

"For justice."

"I didn't ask you boy."

"But it's what she wants. She wants justice against the Fire Nation for all they've done. I want that too. So she's sticking with me, her old friend."

Frisk glared at him.

"Oh come on! We're friends, aren't we? Aren't we?"

"My child," Toriel interjected. "Is this because of what happened to me? I'm alive! You don't need to- "

"This is bigger than that! This is about the whole world! What the Fire Nation has done to all- "

"Boy. Be quiet. My child. This will only lead to more pain. Maybe even death."

Frisk didn't look away. Her expression was filled with determination. The same determination Toriel had seen on many a soon to be dead man.

"Don't you understand? This is war! People die! You're a child! Both of you! You can't do this!"

She then noticed Frisk had been moving her hands.

"I'm sorry my child. What? You're saying that… I'm not a…. a coward. A coward? My child! I never implied that! I just…."

She grabbed Frisk's shoulders.

"I lost a child once. Long ago. I told you that I'd lost all reason to live after his death. Until I met you. You gave me that purpose again. If I cost another child their life…"

Frisk placed her hand on Toriel's arm and stared at her with sadness in her eyes.

You won't lose me. I've grown strong over these many months traveling with Aang. But if I don't fight back to take what's been stolen from us, I'll spend the rest of my life regretting it.

"But you can live! Enjoy life! Enjoy peace! Let adults handle this! It's what they know! They are the generation of battle! You shouldn't have to endure that! Your generation can be the generation of peace! You can- "

"Too late for that," interrupted Jet. "We know battle. And we can't go back. Can't ignore it while the world burns. If we do that, we're no better than the bastards destroying everything."

Toriel looked over her adopted daughter's face for some sign that she could be persuaded out of this. She saw none.

"If that is your decision, then I shall accompany you. I won't leave you alone." She pulled her in for a hug.

"Please don't make me regret this. Again."

Jet inside was grinning.

….

"You don't look evil. Well, you do. Not you!"

"Why thank you child," grinned Iroh. "I assure you though that my nephew is hardly evil."

"Not what they're saying out there," replied the girl. "They say you attacked and tried to kill us all."

Iroh smiled sadly.

"I can't speak for the other soldiers, but we only came here for the Avatar."

"Oh, really," the girl asked leaning in closer. "and you were just going to let us go after you got him?"

"Uh, well…"

"Of course not," Zuko interjected. "We would take you to a proper home where you would learn honor and help build the world of the future!"

The girl stared wide eyed at the burnt boy for a moment. And then she laughed.

"You're so funny! Hilarious! I like you! Let's be friends!"

"Wait. What? I am heir to the Fire Nation! Son of the Fire Lord! Future capturer of the Avatar! I- "

"Tee hee! Just like I said! So funny!"

Iroh smiled.

"He can be quite humorous when he tries. Or perhaps when he doesn't try."

Zuko's face lit up red. This was humiliating. Going from the heir to the greatest nation in the world to a prisoner and source of amusement for a girl!

Weren't you already that Zuzu, his inner voice asked.

"Kiyi. Can you give us the room?"

"Ah, come on papa! I'm having fun with this boy! Can't I have a little more?"

"Boy? Boy!?"

"No. Kiyi. Go help your mother. I need to talk with them."

Kiyi pouted but nodded and walked out, leaving her father alone with the prisoners.

"My name is Noren. I see you've met my daughter Kiyi. And my wife Noriko."

"Your family is incredibly disrespectful! And unappreciative of- "

"Zuko. Please stop."

Noren stared at the prince.

"I'm already starting to see what she meant about you. Not a good first start."

"I apologize for my nephew. He's been through quite the ordeal. But that's still no excuse to treat a fellow citizen of the Fire Nation."

"Former citizen. We left that life behind. And seeing what it did to you, I don't regret that choice."

"So you chose to live with savages? Live a cowardly life in the mountains?"

"We're getting off track. There's something you need to know. General Iroh, correct? Can you please keep your nephew from losing his marbles?"

"I will do my best. But my ability is somewhat limited."

"What are you talking about? Lose my marbles over what?"

"Noriko is your mother, Ursa. There I said it."

In retrospect, coming out and simply putting it out there may have been a bad idea. Zuko leaped to his feet and rushed at the bars.

"How dare you! My mother's dead! She's dead! How dare you say that! You bastard! I'll kill you! I'll burn you alive!"

"Zuko! Calm down!" The general looked at Noren frowning.

"Though I must say, that's a rather cruel thing to say to an abandoned child."

"It's no joke. She may have changed her face and lost her memory. But she's still Ursa. Former husband of Fire Lord Ozai and your mother. She left the night your grandfather died. The night Ozai asked the former fire lord for your birthright general Iroh."

Zuko and Iroh both stopped and stared.

"Ozai did that? He asked father for the throne over me? But… That would have been around the time Lu Ten…" He trailed off.

"How do you know that" Zuko asked astonished.

"She told me. Your grandfather, the former fire lord was so angry at Ozai asking for his brother's birthright after…" He paused and looked at Iroh. "His son's death, that he said Ozai needed to understand the pain of losing a firstborn. He told him to kill you."

Zuko continued to stare. His mind flashed back to that night. To Azula's words.

"Dad's going to kill you! He is."

He shook his head to get her smile out of his head.

"Ursa gave him a poison to rid him of his father and give him the throne. Ozai feared her using the poison against him and so had her banished and kept you as a hostage."

Zuko sat back down, taking this all in. It sounded insane. Iroh broke the silence.

"But she doesn't look like her at all. And she doesn't speak like she knows us. How does that make sense?"

Noren paused.

"Have you heard of the mother of all faces?"