Zaheer found the great man he never knew well enough to call "Father" under the shroud of night. The stars were all that illuminated him, though the avatar seemed as clear and bright as the morning sun sitting there amongst the tall grass in meditation.

Zaheer made sure he was alone before approaching him. Years of bitterness led to this very moment when he would meet the man again. A smart man should not allow his emotions to take center when there is a task to be done. And this task was imperative to the restoration of the natural order of the world.

Kings, queens and lords be damned. It was this being that was the top prize. Zaheer had to keep in mind of the crimes this man had created, not the abandonment that he had suffered.

"Yorru?" Asked the man though Zaheer had not met his face. "Your footsteps are as light as an airbender. That was always an odd thing about you".

"The gift of bending was not granted to me, unfortunately," Zaheer reminded him. "Perhaps my mother's curse is the cause".

The avatar was silent for a moment. "Come, sit with me," he finally said, at which Zaheer did so.

Assuming the same position, legs crossed, he held the small blade in the sleeve of his arm and waited for an opportunity. He knew better than to attack carelessly. There were things needed to be said before the task was handled.

"Years ago, my son and I would sit here and look at the stars. He was always fascinated with the patterns and constellations".

Zaheer remembered those times vaguely. Before his father left him for political correctness, that is.

"I wonder if he still does this?"

Zaheer was unsure how to answer the question.

"Papa, will you ever become a star?" Asked the five year old next to his father from the balcony of the fire temple.

The night was beautiful with a brilliant looming , starfilled sky above them.

"A constellation, you mean, Son?"

Zaheer nodded. Aang shrugged.

"I'm not sure if I am worthy enough to do that". Answered the avatar.

"Mother says the world calls you a hero".

"The world does not own the stars, My boy. And though I bend all of the elements, even I do not own them".

Zaheer felt his heart warm at the memory before shaking it away with his head.

"You do not know first hand? All of yours and Master Katara's children reside in this temple, right?" Asked Zaheer.

"Yes, but I had another. He was a small boy when...well...he should be fully grown by now. I've waited for him to return. His mother never did".

"Outside children?" Zaheer asked, feigning ignorance. "I am sure the world would be disgusted with their avatar doing such a thing".

Surprisingly, Aang smirked at the comment. "I'm human, aren't I?" Zaheer nodded and the man sighed. "But yes, you're right. As avatar I am expected to uphold certain traditional views. Though, we... I am not a perfect man. I'm sure you know this better than anyone, right, My Son?"

Zaheer choked down a gasp. "You knew?" He asked, knowing the answer.

"From the moment you returned, I knew, Zaheer," the avatar confessed.

Zaheer felt like a fool. He should have known the avatar would recognize him, even after so many years.

"Then why? Why train me? After you abandoned Mother, you never once tried to contact me. I am your son". Fury shook him as he spoke. Not good.

"You are right. And you have every reason to be angry".

Standing, Zaheer pointed an accusing finger. "Mother was forced to do away with me. You and the fire lord plotted against her like idiots!"

Avatar Aang did not move a muscle, which only infuriated him more. "Why? I was your son too!"

"You were too young to understand..."

Zaheer brandished the knife he was holding, waiting for the right words to drive him, but they never came.

"I knew you would return for vengence. Perhaps, you deserve it".

Before Zaheer could think, several male voices came from all directions. He recognized the waterbender's brother and his own stepbrother's immediately.

"Stop right there, Zaheer!" Called the bold councilman.

Zaheer smirked. This was all a trap all along. Fine. He had his own team stationed as well, unbeknowst to his attackers.

"Put the weapon down, Son," spoke the avatar calmly. "Please".

Zaheer knew what he had to do. Turning to the councilman, he lodged the weapon deep in his heart. His father, the avatar, would regret his decision to leave him... forever.