OCMixMaster27's What If?, a Marvel + Avatar: Last Airbender Crossover fanfic

A.N. Hey everyone! Welcome to my poorly disguised plot bunny farm!

So, I'm making this to offload some story ideas I've had stewing in my mind for a long while. I've already got plenty of "stories" to manage as it is, so I hope these ones will be able to find new homes. Those of you who do adopt any of my stories, please let me know through DMs or reviews so I can read them!

So, without further ado…

Let'sgetiton!

Disclaimer: OCMixmaster27 does not own any of the franchises represented in this story. This work is made for nonprofit entertainment purposes only.

"Hello there!": Speech.

'This is gonna be fun': Thoughts.

{I studied in Oxford.}: Foreign Language

[Standby for launch!]: Mechanical/TV/Phone Speech

"How Dare You!": Monster/Demon/Higher Being Speech, Technique

Location: Team Avatar's temporary home, Former Colony of Yu Dao

Time: Early Evening

A young boy with a blue arrow on his bald head wearing orange and yellow monk robes sighs tiredly as he sits cross-legged in his temporary room while watching the sun set over the city. This is Avatar Aang, the Last Airbender, and the past couple of weeks have been…hectic to say the least.

It's been a year since Fire Lord Ozai was dethroned and the Hundred Year War ended. Since then, Aang and his companions – including enemy-turned-friend Fire Lord Zuko – have been hard at work ushering in a new era of peace and love. Part of this was the Harmony Restoration Movement, which aimed to return the colonies conquered by the Fire Nation to the Earth Kingdom. However, after learning just how intermingled the residents of Yu Dao from both nations became – resulting in numerous bi-racial families and a blending of cultural practices – Zuko pulled his support of the movement.

This led to Zuko coming into conflict with Aang and his other friends (who supported the full separation of nations), along with the Earth King Kuei. The conflict nearly reignited the Hundred Year War, but Aang – after seeing people from all nations interacting and growing positively with each other – had a change of heart and stopped the conflict, while convincing Kuei that Zuko was right. Since that near-catastrophe a week ago, Aang and Zuko have been hard at work guiding the former colony of Yu Dao – and other such colonies – into a new future as a fifth independent nation where peoples from the other four nations can live together in harmony.

Now, though, Aang is trying to find his own harmony. Between the almost battle, becoming a mentor to the new Air Acolyte movement, and severing his connection to Avatar Roku, Aang is ready to realign his chakras and re-establish his inner peace.

So, with the setting sun in his face, Aang takes a deep breath and begins the process.

Almost immediately, Aang grimaces. Once again, opening his Root Chakra is difficult due to some new fears for the future. Nonetheless, he pushes on.

Through the Sacral Chakra…

Then the Solar Plexus Chakra…

Then the Heart Chakra (with a smile on his face)…

Then the Throat Chakra…

Then the Third Eye Chakra…

Until finally, with Aang reluctantly letting go of his physical connections to his loved ones – though keeping his spiritual connections – Aang unlocks his Crown Chakra and ascends into a higher plane.

Once again, Aang finds himself high above his home planet standing on a violet translucent bridge, with the massive violet version of himself in the Avatar State waiting for him at the end. He gracefully walks across the bridge, the arrows on his body glowing with the cumulative energies and knowledge of past Avatars. Reaching the end, Aang allows himself to float between his giant version's hands, to be consumed by the swirling sphere of pure cosmic energy–

"–And to allow his mind to absorb the knowledge provided to him by the Akashic Record, the universal library of information that transcends time and space."

Aang suddenly opens his eyes in surprise. 'Who was that?'

"In this enlightened state, Aang is able to detect the presence of another."

Aang looks around in confusion. "Hello?"

"One who exists beyond this reality."

Aang looks up behind him, seeing a massive figure with glowing eyes that appears to be obscured by the cosmos. 'Is that…'

"Following the source of the voice, Aang leaves his world far behind and transports his consciousness through the cosmos. Stars and planets zoom past his vision with little intrigue as he approaches his destination."

Aang does what the voice narrates, eventually reaching a wall made of an assortment of shapes that spans as far and wide as his eyes can see. Behind the wall, he can see the mysterious figure looking down at him.

"Fearful of what could lie beyond, Aang musters his courage and reaches for the wall."

Aang gulps before doing as the voice says.

"He crosses the barrier of his known universe…"

Aang's hand passes through the wall.

"…and arrives…"

The rest of Aang passes through.

"…into my home."

Location: The Nexus of All Realities

Aang looks around and finds himself floating between two walls in a brightly lit space. The walls appear to consist of fractals and shards of glass, each of them containing images that aren't quite distinguishable from where he is.

Or maybe it's because he's too focused on the tall imposing figure looking down at him.

Said figure is a bald male humanoid figure ten times Aang's size with dark skin and glowing solid white eyes. He wears blue robes with a golden chest plate and a tall blue spiky collar. Despite his intimidating size, the figure gives Aang a friendly smile.

Sensing no hostility from the figure, Aang takes a deep breath, touches his fists together, and bows.

"Pleased to meet you, sir," Aang says politely. "I'm–"

"Avatar Aang, Last and First of the Airbenders," the figure interjects. "The boy trapped in an iceberg that emerged to defeat Fire Lord Ozai and end a hundred years of warfare."

Aang is startled by the beings knowledge. "Y-Yeah, that's me," he confirms, only to blink as something the figure said catches up to him. He looks up hopefully. "Wait. Last and First?"

The figure smirks knowingly. "Spoilers."

Aang looks confused. "You know an awful lot about me."

"I've seen your story, Aang. It's one of my favorites," the figure states happily before bowing. "My name is Uatu. I am The Watcher."

"What do you watch?" Aang asks.

The Watcher gestures to the wall behind Aang. "See for yourself."

Aang floats over to the wall with the Watcher following close behind. Uatu observes as Aang gets closer to one of the fractals only to flinch away in shock and horror.

The reason Aang did so is because he just witnessed Ozai standing over his corpse in a scorched wasteland before incinerating him with a breath of fire.

"That…that never happened," Aang mutters in disbelief.

"Not in your universe," The Watcher says before pointing to another fractal. "Neither did that."

Aang looks towards where The Watcher is pointing and sees Jet and his Freedom Fighters laying waste to a Fire Nation town…with a gruffer, wilder-looking Katara by Jet's side wearing a sinister smile.

"No! Katara would never have joined Jet! Not after what he tried to do!" Aang exclaims.

Aang's eyes then spot another fractal, one that shows Aang participating in a wedding ceremony…kissing Sokka.

Aang leans back with a "WTF" look. "…I like Sokka a lot…but not like that."

The boy's eyes then spot another shard, this one showing Aang, Katara, and Sokka exploring Ba Sing Se…only instead of a short blind girl, they're accompanied by a tall, muscular teenage guy with a topknot and a goatee.

"Hey! Who's that guy?! And what happened to Toph?!" Aang shouts.

Aang then looks down at another fractal and quickly goes deathly pale as he sees several people he knows – including Toph, Katara, and Zuko – standing at the palace of the Earth King and fighting off a hoard of…

"Are…are those…," Aang asks in trepidation.

"Zombies," The watcher confirms. "They pop up quite a bit in the Multiverse."

Aang looks up at The Watcher in confusion. "The Multiverse?"

"You didn't think your timeline was the only one in existence, did you? Your universe is one of many," The Watcher explains, gesturing to both walls. "In fact, yours is but one of an infinite number of universes that could ever exist."

Aang looks at his surroundings with eyes of astonishment, his mind processing what The Watcher is telling him. The walls around him appear to stretch for miles on end, tower far above and far below his sight. The walls contain countless fractals, and each one…is an entire universe.

"Woah," Aang mutters in disbelief. "How is this possible?"

"It all revolves around a single question; What if?" The Watcher answers.

"What if?" Aang repeats.

"What if you were never frozen in the iceberg? What if you didn't survive the freezing? What if you were thawed out a year too soon, or a year too late? What if it was Azula – not Zuko – who was forced to leave their home? What if it was Ursa who was the Fire Lord and not Ozai? What if Iroh's son, Lu Ten, never died? What if Katara and Sokka swapped roles with Azula and Zuko in a world where the Water Tribe – not the Fire Nation – declared war on the world?" The Watcher describes. "What if? Two simple words create infinite possibilities."

"And you watch all of them? Here?" Aang asks.

The Watcher nods. "That is my purpose. I exist to observe and monitor the countless realities that exist. However, as part of my Watcher's Vow, I cannot, will not, and do not interfere with any of them."

Aang glances at the zombie-infested version of his world. "Even the bad ones?"

The Watcher looks somber. "Even the ones that end in total destruction. Even the ones that…break my heart."

Aang looks at Uatu with sympathy. To be forced to see countless innocent beings die and not be able to help them…

"There are exceptions to this, however," The Watcher continues. "One time, a being known as Ultron was able to gain enough power to travel the Multiverse in order to extinguish all life in existence."

The Watcher waves his hand at the nearby wall, making some of the fractals scatter and revealing a flat surface. Aang looks at the surface and sees the image of what appears to be a red-faced metal man wearing metal armor and a cape, with several crystals imbedded into his armor and one in his forehead.

"Even with my power, I couldn't stop him by myself," The Watcher recounts, "so I assembled a group of champions to assist me."

The surface shifts to show a group of individuals standing in a circle, ready for a fight. Aang sees a tall muscular woman carrying a colorful round shield, a helmeted man wearing a purple coat and carrying two strange weapons, a haggard-looking man wearing maroon and blue robes and a sinister cloak, a man wearing a black and gold full body suit that resembles a cat, a man with long blonde hair and armor carrying a hammer, a green-skinned woman wearing golden armor and carrying a double-edged sword, and a redheaded woman in a tight black outfit.

Aang then looks confused. "Wait a minute. Doesn't me being here count as interference?" he asks as the surface collapses into the sea of fractals.

"Not quite. In fact, arriving here in the Nexus of All Realities is a rite of passage for those Avatars who unlock their seven chakras. They come here to gain higher knowledge and newfound perspectives," The Watcher explains. "On that note…"

Aang observes as The Watcher hovers over to the wall and appears to search through fractals.

"Hmm…not much difference there…or here…that's too graphic…definitely too much…," The Watcher mutters before his eyes light up. "Ah, this should be good."

The Watcher creates a new flat surface before looking at the young Avatar and offering his hand.

"Well, Aang? Care to take a peak?" The Watcher asks.

Aang smiles excitedly. "Let's do this!" he answers as he grasps Uatu's hand.

With that, The Watcher pulls Aang through the wall, allowing the both of them to enter the universe.

"Now then, my young friend," The Watcher says as he guides Ang past countless stars and planets towards their destination, "let us gaze into the infinite, ponder the impossible, and dare to ask…"

What If…?

Chapter 1: What if…Zuko saved Ba Sing Se?

Location: Crystal Caverns below Ba Sing Se

A slightly younger Aang wearing his original Airbender robes runs with Katara through the cavernous crystal-laden undercity, passing by a nearby canal. Katara and Zuko had both been captured by Azula, and the two had a heart-to-heart while imprisoned. They had just been reunited with Aang and Iroh, and Aang and Katara left to find the rest of their friends and save the Earth Kingdom, while Iroh had a discussion with his nephew.

"We've got to find Sokka and Toph!" Katara calls out.

Suddenly, a lightning bolt is shot at them from behind. Aang quickly builds up a wall of earth that blocks the attack, though the blast knocks him and Katara back a bit. He looks beyond the wall…

And sees Azula with her smoking fingers pointed right at him, ready for a battle.

Katara wastes no time in bending the water from the canal and charging at Azula. The Waterbender launches a wave at Azula, who creates a wall of blue fire to block the wave, creating a billow of steam to envelop her.

Aang and Katara look around and brace themselves for a counterattack.

Azula does so by jumping high into the air and punching two fire blasts at her opponents. Aang and Katara gracefully bend a large stream of water above them that blocks the blasts. Seeing Azula land on a nearby rock pillar, Aang punches both fists forward before pulling back, creating two fissures that travel across the ground and carve through the pillar. Azula gasps as she feels her support collapsing. She jumps off the falling rocks and lands between Aang and Katara, her fingers extended at each opponent.

The three benders size each other up, tensions high in this standoff.

FSHOOM! Boom!

Only for a blast of orange fire to crash in the middle of them.

Aang, Katara, and Azula look towards the cavern entrance and see Zuko in a stance, ready for another blast.

But at whom?

Zuko approaches the three of them, scanning their faces. Aang has a look of trepidation, Azula has a look of expectancy, and Katara…a look of hope.

Taking a deep breath, Zuko makes his decision.

Azula gasps in shock before using her Firebending to block the blast from her older brother, which sends her skidding backwards. She regains her footing and glares at Zuko, who stands protectively in front of a shocked Aang and elated Katara.

"Traitor!" Azula exclaims in rage.

"Like I've never been called that before," Zuko counters.

Aang and Katara nod to each other before charging forward with Zuko, who continues firing upon his sister.

Meanwhile, the original Aang and The Watcher observes the fight from above, completely unnoticed.

"I get it! This is a world where Zuko chose us instead of Azula that day!" OG Aang deduces excitedly.

"Spot on," The Watcher confirms. "In your story, Zuko held on hope that by defeating you and claiming Ba Sing Se for the Fire Nation, he would regain his honor and the love of his Father. His choice, however, would tear his spirit apart, especially when it comes to the uncle he betrayed. Eventually, on the Day of Black Sun, he would confront his father before running away to join Team Avatar, and through hard work and many adventures, he would earn his place as your friend. Here, however, Zuko's journey of redemption would begin much sooner, with many ramifications. Observe."

Down below, Zuko continues punching fireballs at Azula, who leaps away from the blasts. So distracted by her brother attacking her, however, she's unprepared for Aang Airbending a silhouette of himself that knocks her on her back. Azula then rolls away to avoid Aang, who lands next to her and attempts an air blast. Azula punches some fire at Aang, making him leap away and giving her a chance to get back on her feet.

Zuko doesn't give Azula a chance to rest, however, as he generates some fire whips and lashes at her. Azula leaps away from the whips, though pales as she sees the crystal behind her get destroyed in her place. Azula dodges two more lashes before launching a blue fireball at her brother, who uses his whips to block the blast.

Azula lands and takes a moment to catch her breath. Unfortunately for her, she's failed to account for all of water around her feet. Katara exploits this by bending up a pillar of water and pushing it towards Azula. The fire princess narrowly avoids the pillar, though she's shocked at seeing one of her bangs get cut by the passing water. Because of her shock, she's unprepared by the burst of water that knocks her on the ground.

As Azula gets back on her feet, Katara envelopes her own body in a cloak of water and creates a water tentacle for each of her arms. Katara bends one of the tentacles towards Azula, who tries to stop it with a burst of fire. The water easily quenches the fire, though, and swallows up Azula's arm. Katara launches the other tentacle towards Azula's opposite leg, which – despite a fire kick – quickly gets wrapped up in water. Katara lifts up Azula with the tentacles and throws her into a cluster of crystals.

Aang and Zuko regroup with Katara as Azula hits the crystals with a grunt before slumping to the ground.

Aang gives Zuko a wary look. "So, you're with us now?"

"I suppose so," Zuko responds unsurely. "Honestly, this is a new experience for me."

Katara smiles at the scarred teenager. "Well, I think you're doing wonderfully."

Azula glares at the three as she shakily gets back on her feet. Something then catches her eye, making her smirk.

Katara notices the shift. "What's she smirking about?"

Aang suddenly feels his instincts go off. "Move!" he yells as he tackles Zuko and Katara a distance away.

Right before a cluster of crystals would have impaled them from below.

Aang, Katara, and Zuko quickly get back on their feet and watch as thirty Dai Li agents descend from the ceiling above and form protective barriers around Azula.

Zuko and Katara quickly get back into their battle stances, ready for a fight. Aang, however, takes a moment to survey the situation.

'It's too risky for the three of us, especially with Azula,' Aang thinks. 'I could…but that would mean…but…'

Given the circumstances, the young Airbender has little choice.

"I have an idea. Keep them busy for a minute," Aang commands before enclosing himself in a crystal dome.

Zuko recreates his fire whips while Katara mimics him with water.

"Fifteen for you and fifteen for me?" Katara asks.

"Works for me," Zuko responds.

The Dai Li begin launching earth fists at the two young benders, who repel and destroy the projectiles with their whips. The Dai Li continue their barrage of Earthbending while Zuko and Katara continue defending themselves and their comrade.

Nobody notices Azula hiding herself in the background.

Katara looks to her right and sees Zuko swinging his fire whips similarly to her water ones. She notes that with the fluidity and serenity of his motions, it's almost like…

"Those look like Waterbending moves," Katara notes in surprise.

"Uncle taught me some Waterbending motions a while ago. He said I should gain knowledge from other nations to make myself whole," Zuko explains. "Am I doing them wrong?"

"Not at all. You'd make a decent Waterbender," Katara comments, surprising the boy.

The crystal dome suddenly starts glowing, getting everyone's attention. The Dai Li pause their assault and hesitantly wait for something to happen, while Zuko and Katara have a sense of what's coming.

Up above, OG Aang definitely knows what's coming. "I don't think I can watch," he says while turning away.

"I encourage you to do so," The Watcher says with a knowing tone, prompting OG Aang to keep looking.

Kaboom!

Sure enough, bursting out of the dome comes Aang in a pillar of light, his glowing arrows and eyes indicating his ascent into the Avatar State.

While the Dai Li agents tremble at the powerful being, Katara smiles in delight at seeing her closest friend coming to the rescue.

Zuko would be delighted as well…if he didn't spot arcs of lightning a distance away behind Aang.

"LOOK OUT!" Zuko calls out before propelling himself in the air with his fire and knocking Aang away.

Because of this, the shot of lightning from Azula hits Zuko instead of Aang.

"ZUKO!" Katara cries out in horror as she uses a water pillar to reach up and catch Zuko before he can hit the ground.

Meanwhile, even in the Avatar State, Aang expresses shock at the former Fire Prince – and his former nemesis – sacrificing himself for the Airbender. Aang then glares daggers down at Azula, who stares at the Avatar with terror.

Before Azula can make any action, Aang bends a ton of water out of the canal and straight at the princess. Azula only has a moment to brace herself before the water impacts her and washes her into the rock wall behind her. Eventually, the water subsides, but before the soaked and battered princess can fall to the ground, her entire body up to her neck gets swallowed up into the wall itself.

In the meantime, Katara is attempting to heal Zuko's wound, which is dangerously close to his heart. She's using the water she gathered from the Spirit Oasis to perform this miracle.

"Please, Zuko. Please wake up," Katara pleads to the teenage boy who's suddenly become her new friend.

After a few moments, Zuko stirs as his wound heals, leaving a nasty scar on his chest.

Zuko opens his eyes and looks at Katara. "Aang…is he alright?" he asks with pain in his voice.

Katara smiles at the boy. "He's just fine."

"That's good," Zuko says. "I'm just gonna take it easy for a bit, okay?'

Katara chuckles. "Sounds great."

Meanwhile, Aang turns his glowing gaze around towards the Dai Li, who are unsure of how to proceed.

Azula struggles in vain to escape her prison before shouting, "Don't just stand there, you idiots! Kill him!"

Suddenly, Aang's form is enveloped in light. When the light dies down, the Dai Li are shocked to see Avatar Kyoshi glaring down at them.

The founder of the Dai Li.

"I created the Dai Li to protect the cultural heritage of Ba Sing Se and defend the Earth King from harm. Instead, you have corrupted yourselves to the point that you side with a Fire Nation princess to conquer the Earth Kingdom for our enemies!" Kyoshi says furiously. "I can and should crush each of you and wipe out the order once and for all, but I'm giving you a choice; surrender yourselves and strive to regain your purpose, or resist and face your destruction. Choose wisely."

It doesn't take long for the Dai Li to make their choice, as all thirty agents quickly drop to their knees and prostrate themselves to their founder.

"Remember, my Dai Li; there will be no third chances," Kyoshi warns before light flashes from her once again, replacing her with Aang.

Aang slowly lands onto the ground as the glowing dims from his eyes and arrows. He blinks back to alertness and sees Zuko being supported by a smiling Katara, which…is fine.

Totally fine.

"Looks like I missed quite a bit."

Everyone that's standing turns and sees Iroh approaching Zuko with a proud smile.

"Hey, Uncle," Zuko greets with a pained tone.

Iroh looks at the fresh scar on Zuko's body. "Are you alright, Prince Zuko?"

"I'll be okay. I've met a great healer," Zuko replies, making Katara's smile grow. "Also, I think it's just 'Zuko' now."

"So, you've made your choice. Do you feel it's the right one?" Iroh asks.

"I believe so. I honestly can't say right now," Zuko answers frankly.

"Give it some time," Iroh says knowingly.

A humorless chuckle from the far wall makes Zuko, Katara, Iroh, and Aang glare at the trapped princess.

"Well, I'm so glad you've made our fuddy-duddy uncle so proud, Zuko, considering you've betrayed the rest of our family!" Azula yells indignantly. "You had one chance to become the prince that Father wanted you to be! The one that the Fire Nation needed! Instead, you traded it away to join our enemies! Now, you truly are a failure! Father will kill you the moment he sees you! You're dead to–"

Bonk!

Azula's rant is stopped by the boomerang that strikes her head and knocks her out. The boomerang returns to the hand of Sokka, who enters the cave with Toph, Earth King Kuei, and the king's pet bear Bosco.

"Thanks, Sokka! I thought she'd never shut up!" Toph exclaims with a smirk.

"Always happy to make everyone's lives better, especially when Boomerang is involved," Sokka quips while proudly holding up his prized weapon.

Team Avatar reunites, with Sokka noticing how close Zuko and Katara have become considering their past.

"Does this mean what I think it means?" Sokka asks.

Zuko and Katara simply smile at one another.

Up above, OG Aang watches the scene with a happy smile.

"So, because Zuko chose our side, I never got struck by Azula's lightning and Ba Sing Se never fell to the Fire Nation," OG Aang deduces.

"That's correct," The Watcher confirms, "and now, Team Avatar has a much larger pool of allies to draw upon for the Day of Black Sun. Speaking of allies…"

Location: Throne Room, Earth King's Palace

The Watcher waves his hand, and the scene now shifts to the throne room of the Earth King, with Kuei sitting on his throne, Bosco lounging beside the chair, and the members of Team Avatar – including Zuko and Iroh – standing before the king.

"Avatar Aang, I've just gotten word that all of my generals that were captured during the coup have been released safe and sound," Kuei reports. "On behalf of this city, as well as the entire Earth Kingdom, I thank you for saving us."

Aang bows to the Earth King. "I appreciate the thanks, Your Majesty, but I can't take all of the credit. I wouldn't have been nearly as successful if it weren't for all the help from my friends, especially my two newest ones," he says while gesturing to Iroh and Zuko.

Kuei gives the two a once over. "I recognize you two. You're Mushi Hong, and you're his nephew, Lee. You two run the Jasmine Dragon Tea Shop in the Upper Ring," he says excitedly. "My informants have reported that you two make the finest tea in the city! I've wanted to try some of your creations for a while now!"

Iroh smiles and bows to the king. "We would be honored to serve you, Your Majesty, though without certain illusions," he replies while looking at his nephew knowingly.

"Illusions?" Kuei asks in confusion.

Zuko takes a deep breath, steps forward, and bows. "Earth King Kuei, my uncle and I had to assume false identities because we are considered both enemies of the Earth Kingdom and fugitives of the Fire Nation. My name isn't Lee. It's Zuko, former Crown Prince of the Fire Nation."

Kuei gasps in shock. "The Banished Prince. The one who traveled the world in search of The Avatar. I thought I recognized your scar."

"Zuko has a scar?" Toph asks.

Zuko looks at Toph incredulously. "It's right here on my face! Didn't you see…," Zuko trails off as he realizes who he's talking to.

"See what?" Toph asks with a smile, making Zuko scowl and the rest of Team Avatar laugh.

"She gets us with that all the time," Sokka states.

"Wait a minute," Kuei says as his astonished gaze shifts to the older Firebender. "If Prince Zuko is your nephew, then that makes you…"

"Former General Iroh, and like my nephew, a former Crown Prince of the Fire Nation," Iroh confirms as he once again bows. "An honor to truly meet you, Earth King Kuei."

"My father told me stories about you, General Iroh," Kuei explains. "He said that you held Ba Sing Se under siege for 600 days, and you were the only general in history to fully breach the Outer Wall, but then you retreated. Why?"

"Let's just say a certain tragedy extinguished the flames of war within me," Iroh answers somberly, getting looks of sympathy from Zuko and Team Avatar.

"My condolences, then," Kuei says respectfully before turning to Zuko. "Prince Zuko, you could have sided with your sister and aimed to conquer this city and the Earth Kingdom. Instead, you helped to capture her, and in so doing, betrayed your home and your father – the Fire Lord. Why did you choose to do this?"

"For as long as I could remember, I wanted to be the kind of Prince that would make my father proud," Zuko explains. "Even after he burned me in front of the entire nation and banished me from my home on a fool's quest, I still wanted to regain my honor and make him proud. But then, I was forced to discard the title of Prince Zuko and travel through the country of my enemy. I was forced to see the damage and heartache my people caused. I realized that by becoming the Prince that would make my father proud, I would have to sacrifice my dignity and become a monster."

Zuko looks at Team Avatar with shame and anger in his eyes.

"Growing up, I was taught that the Fire Nation was the greatest civilization in history, and that somehow, the war was our way of sharing our greatness with the rest of the world," Zuko continues. "What an amazing lie that was. The people of the world are terrified by the Fire Nation. They don't see our greatness. They hate us! And we deserve it! We've created an era of fear in the world, and if we don't want the world to destroy itself, we need to replace it with an era of peace and kindness."

Zuko surprises Kuei and Team Avatar by dropping to his knees and bowing to both the king and Aang.

"Earth King Kuei. Avatar Aang. Please grant me the opportunity to redeem myself and my home. Let me help you defeat my father and restore the Fire Nation's honor," Zuko pleads.

Katara is teary-eyed at hearing Zuko's heartfelt plea. Sokka looks questioningly at Toph, who gives a nod. Aang smiles at the prospect of having his old enemy becoming a new friend and ally.

Kuei turns to Iroh. "Do you request the same, General Iroh?"

"Exactly the same," Iroh says strongly as he too prostrates himself. "I have done terrible things in my career as a general. I too seek redemption for myself and the Fire Nation."

Kuei smiles. "In that case, I hereby formally welcome you to the Earth Kingdom," he declares before turning to Aang. "Do I have your support for this decision, Avatar Aang?"

"Definitely!" Aang confirms excitedly.

Zuko and Iroh get back on their feet as Team Avatar approaches the two of them.

"Welcome to the team, Zuko and Iroh," Sokka says with a smile. "Can't believe I'd ever say that."

"I won't let you down. I promise," Zuko affirms.

"You're doing a great job so far," Katara states happily.

"This mean we're getting more of that tea?" Toph asks Iroh.

"Of course! Anything for my new friends!" Iroh answers delightfully.

"Well, now that that's settled…" Kuei says as some motion is heard from a nearby corridor.

The newly expanded Team Avatar looks towards the sound and sees Azula, Ty Lee, and Mai led into the throne room by Dai Li agents. All three of them are bound tightly with earth shackles that restrict their arms and legs. The agents bring them between Team Avatar and Earth King Kuei before being forced to drop to their knees.

Azula has a glare filled with so much hatred that it's as if she's trying to scorch everyone around her with her gaze, Zuko and Iroh especially. Ty Lee, on the other hand, is a bundle of nerves as she looks around with no small amount of trepidation.

As for Mai, the look she gives Zuko is one of anger, betrayal…and heartbreak. The last emotion makes Zuko flinch.

"Princess Azula of the Fire Nation," Kuei addresses the captured princess, "I've just sent messenger hawks to Fire Lord Ozai regarding your failed coup and your subsequent imprisonment."

"Did you happen to tell him about my failure of a brother and uncle becoming full-blown traitors?" Azula interjects indignantly. "I'm sure he'd love to hear about that."

An angered Katara moves to silence Azula, but Zuko stops her.

Kuei continues, "As I was saying, I have already made an offer to release you back to your home in exchange for the return of multiple Earth Kingdom territories forcibly taken by the Fire Nation, including the Earth Kingdom City of Omashu."

"A waste of ink," Azula interrupts again. "Once word reaches father of my imprisonment, he'll send every agent possible to rescue his one true heir."

Kuei sighs in annoyance. "Agent."

The Dail Li agent restraining Azula nods before raising an earth-gloved hand and smacking Azula right on her rear, getting a startled yelp from the girl. Azula then glares in outrage at the agent who once worked for her.

"Haha!" Toph laughs unrestrained, forcing everyone who were holding in their giggles – including Kuei, Zuko, and Ty Lee – to laugh as well.

"Long time coming, huh?" Sokka mirthfully asks Iroh.

"You haven't the slightest idea," Iroh answers with satisfaction.

Azula goes beet-red with shame before glaring at the Earth King. "Is this why you brought me here?! To embarrass me in front of my enemies?! Did you bring my friends here to see me shamed?!"

"Actually, your friends are here because I heard they wanted to request something of me directly," Kuei answers before pointing to Mai. "Let's start with you."

Mai sighs tiredly before saying bluntly, "Earth King, I hereby request to defect from the Fire Nation to the Earth Kingdom."

Everyone suddenly looks at the gloomy girl with surprise.

Azula is especially shocked. "Mai?! What are you saying?!"

Mai gives Azula a deadpan look. "Azula, just face it; we failed. It's only a matter of time before The Avatar ousts your father and ends the war. We're on the losing side now. I need to protect my family. That's my priority, Azula. Not our friendship."

"Interesting request, young lady," Kuei states. "What do you have to offer?"

"My dad was appointed the new governor of Omashu, or New Ozai as Azula called it," Mai explains. "I can try convincing him to support Omashu's return to the Earth Kingdom. If that doesn't work, I've learned enough about the Fire Nation's forces there to assist in recovering the city. I can also provide knowledge on the Fire Lord's Palace. All I want in return is protection for my parents and my little brother."

"What about yourself?" Kuei asks.

"I don't need protection," Mai answers firmly.

"Believe me; she doesn't," Zuko says with a proud smile, only to get glared at by Mai.

Kuei hums to himself before saying, "Very well then. I accept your offer. Agent."

The Dai Li agent behind Mai releases the earth shackles on her, though he stays close.

Zuko approaches the girl he liked when he was younger. "Mai, I'm–"

"I did this for my family," Mai insists quickly and heatedly. "Not for you."

Zuko looks down in sadness.

Kuei coughs to clear up the downcast atmosphere before turning to Ty Lee. "Now then, what about you, young lady?"

"Yeah, so, Mai kinda beat me to it," Ty Lee says awkwardly, making Azula give her a betrayed look, "but…well, I learned about a whole bunch of secret passageways in the palace from Azula, and I can teach people about chi-blocking, so I was hoping–"

"TY LEE!" Azula screams indignantly, making the other girl flinch. "I expected this kind of backstabbing from Mai, but you?! I gave you the honor of having my friendship and all of the privileges it offered, and this is how you repay me?!"

Ty Lee surprises Azula by giving her an uncharacteristic glare. "Yeah, it's a terrible thing to do to a friend. It's kinda like setting a safety net on fire and releasing a bunch of wild animals during your best friend's tight-rope performance in order to threaten her to join you on a mission."

"Oooooh! ~You messed up big time!~" Toph hollers as everyone else gives a shaking Azula disgusted looks.

Kuei nods. "I think I've heard enough. Agent."

Ty Lee is released from her bonds and walks over to Team Avatar, away from Azula, who's now breathing heavily in rage.

It's due to her instincts and years of acrobatic training that she's able to quickly drop to the ground just in time to avoid a torrent of blue fire.

The sight of a furious Azula breathing out her flames catches everyone by surprise.

"Seize her!" Kuei commands.

The Dai Li agents waste no time in reshaping their rock gloves into a makeshift gag that covers Azula's mouth and cuts off any more flames.

"Take her away!" Kuei orders.

While the three Dai Li agents work together to drag a kicking and screaming Azula back to her cell, Mai and Team Avatar rush over to Ty Lee.

"Are you alright?" Katara asks while bending some water. "Do you need any healing?"

"I'm okay," Ty Lee replies with an easygoing smile. "I've been around Firebenders long enough to keep my wits about me."

The young acrobat then looks over at Aang and suddenly goes wide-eyed in astonishment.

Aang looks awkward from the sudden attention. "Is there something wrong?"

Ty Lee blinks and smiles sheepishly. "Sorry, but I've never really seen your aura up close before. It's like this little blue sun inside you. Really warm and comforting to be around."

Aang is surprised by the analysis. "Really? Thanks."

On his throne, Kuei clears his throat. "Well, now that that little debacle is settled, we have a lot of work to do. We need to coordinate with the generals and prepare for the upcoming invasion."

Sokka slaps Aang on the back. "We also need to get you back on your Firebending training."

Iroh notices the hesitation on Aang's face. "I take it your last attempt at Firebending didn't end well."

Aang gives a small nod.

"Fire is a difficult element to master when one is ignorant of its true nature," Iroh says sagely.

Aang smiles hopefully. "Well, maybe you can help me figure it out."

Iroh smiles back and bows. "It would be my honor to teach The Avatar Firebending."

Aang bows back. "Thank you, Sifu–"

"However," Iroh interrupts, "I believe that someone else would be better suited for the job." Iroh looks over to his nephew. "Someone far younger. Someone who can use the experience of being a teacher."

Zuko blinks in surprise at the insinuation. "Me? But Uncle, I'm not a master."

"Part of becoming a master is taking on a student," Iroh explains. "When you can successfully pass on your skills to another and watch them match or even exceed your expectations, that is true mastery of an art."

"He's right," Katara says. "Toph and I weren't really considered masters until we had Aang as our student."

"Yeah, it was fun tossing Twinkle Toes around," Toph adds with an impish grin.

Aang smiles at Zuko and bows to him. "In that case, Sifu Zuko, when do we start?"

Zuko's surprise morphs into joy at the thought of being Aang's Firebending teacher before he suddenly remembers something.

"It'll have to wait until tomorrow," Zuko answers. "I have something to take care of first."

Location: Pao Family Tea House, Lower Ring

Zuko stands in front of the tea house where he and his uncle once worked when they first arrived in Ba Sing Se.

'Part of me hopes she's still here, but part of me doesn't,' Zuko thinks as he reaches for the door.

"Hey, Lee."

Zuko flinches before slowly looking to his left.

Sure enough, there stands Jin, the young Earth Kingdom peasant girl, a refugee somewhat like Zuko, and the girl he took on a lovely date not too long ago.

"Of course, it's not really Lee, is it?" Jin states with a knowing smirk.

Zuko takes a deep breath. "…No, it's not."

"And you didn't grow up in the circus, did you?" Jin continues.

"No, but I had a couple of friends who knew some great circus tricks," Zuko offers with a weak smile.

Jin makes a show of picking her nails. "Well, I can certainly see now why your situation would be…complicated."

Zuko flinches again before quickly bowing his head. "I am so sorry, Jin! I was afraid that if you knew the real me, you'd hate me and have my Uncle and I arrested. Plus, I didn't know if I really deserved to date you. I've seen how people of the Earth Kingdom react to Firebenders, which they're absolutely right to do so, all things considered. I really did have a great time with you, Jin. You're an amazing girl, and–"

Jin halts Zuko's apology by lifting his head and looking into his eyes warmly.

"Zuko, right?" Jin asks.

"Y-Yeah?" the former prince answers.

"Stop talking for a minute," Jin requests before kissing Zuko right on his lips.

After his initial surprise, Zuko closes his eyes and reciprocates the kiss, allowing himself and the girl in front of him to just bask in the moment.

The two teens eventually separate, and Zuko gives Jin a hopeful look.

"You're not angry with me?" Zuko asks.

"Zuko, I already figured out you were a Firebender during our date," Jin reveals, surprising Zuko further. "I mean, c'mon. You really expect me to believe those lanterns lit themselves up by magic?"

Zuko's confusion grows "But…then why?"

"Because I'm smart enough to know that not all Firebenders are monsters. If you and your uncle came all the way to Ba Sing Se, it must have been for a good reason," Jin says before smirking. "Of course, I didn't expect to end up on a date with a prince of all people. How many girls like me can say that?"

Zuko's hope grows. "So, you wouldn't mind going on a few more?"

Jin wraps her arms over Zuko's shoulders. "Your Majesty, it'll be your honor."

Zuko smiles before wrapping his arms around Jin's waist and kissing her again.

OG Aang and The Watcher observe the romance from above.

"It's seeing moments like this that helps make my duty worth doing," The Watcher says with a fond smile.

"Yeah. It's kinda weird not seeing him with Mai, but I'm really happy for Zuko," OG Aang comments, inwardly relieved for…certain reasons.

The Watcher sees OG Aang's relief and frowns knowingly.

"So, with his romantic life secured, Zuko gets right to work teaching you the ways of Firebending," The Watcher narrates, "which – much like in your timeline…has a rocky start."

"Which is why Zuko and I travelled to the Lost Kingdom of the Sun Warriors to learn the true source of Firebending," Aang recalls.

"And by performing the Dancing Dragon in front of the masters, Ran and Shaw, you two earned their secret knowledge," The Watcher adds.

Location: Courtyard, Earth King's Palace

The scene shifts to Zuko and Aang performing their new techniques in front of Team Avatar, which now includes Iroh, Ty Lee, and Jin. Mai also watches, but separate from the group.

"With this new technique we learned, we'll be able to master our Firebending in no time!" Aang declares as he and Zuko finish the routine, getting applause from the audience.

"This is great. If all else fails, you too can just dance at the Fire Lord," Sokka quips.

Zuko looks offended. "Hey! This is an ancient and honorable technique developed by the first ever Firebenders!"

"And what, pray tell, is the technique called?" Katara asks in amusement.

Zuko groans. "…The Dancing Dragon," he answers, getting laughter from everyone.

"No need to feel shame, Zuko," Iroh says happily. "We all can use a little dance in our lives."

"I certainly wouldn't mind dancing with you, Zuko," Jin says as she takes Zuko's hands, getting "ooohs" from Sokka, Toph, and Ty Lee.

Out of the corner of her eye, Jin spots Mai looking away from the scene with regret, making the Earth Kingdom girl think to herself for a moment.

"And so, a period of peace goes on in Ba Sing Se," The Watcher narrates. "While you and Sokka coordinate with the Earth Kingdom generals on the upcoming invasion on the Day of Black Sun…"

Location: Council Room, Earth Kingdom's Military Headquarters

The scene shifts to show Sokka pointing at certain spots on a map of the Fire Nation Capital City, while explaining his ideas for maneuvering past the defenses. The generals look intrigued by Sokka's ideas, while Aang tries to follow along.

"…Zuko adjusts well to his new life as a member of Team Avatar," The Watcher continues, "along with his status as Jin's boyfriend."

Location: Firelight Fountain, Lower Ring

The scene changes again, this time showing a festival going on at the Firelight Fountain. The fountain is surrounded by an assortment of food carts and trinket stands, while a band performs at the fountain itself.

In front of the band, Zuko and Jin cheerfully dance with one another. The former prince has a bright smile on his face, showing the lack of burdens in his heart as he dances with the girl he's come to love.

Nearby, Toph happily pigs out on some food, while Iroh watches his nephew celebrate with a proud look.

Katara watches Zuko as well, noting how good a happy and friendly Zuko looks in the lantern light.

Up above, OG Aang hears The Watcher sigh sadly.

"Unfortunately, even these happy times don't last for long," Uatu says somberly as he waves his hand again.

Location: Dungeons, Earth King's Palace

The scene below changes once again, this time showing the dungeons of the Earth King's Palace, where a disheveled Azula sits in her cell, secured in her earthen shackles, while two Dai Li agents stand guard in front of her cell.

'Damn them! Damn them all!' Azula thinks the same thoughts she's had for weeks. 'Damn that weak traitorous Zuko! Damn that pudgy useless Uncle! Damn that manipulative little bitch, Ty Lee! Damn that backstabbing Mai! They'll all burn for this treachery! BURN!'

A small ball suddenly drops in between the two agents, who only have a moment to look down before they're suddenly enveloped in smoke.

Azula quickly looks up at the sudden commotion, but the smoke obscures her sight past the bars of her cell. Her ears, however, pick up the sound of a knife sinking into flesh and then a body hitting the ground. She then hears the crack of a whip, a choking sound, and then the snapping of a neck. After that snap, Azula feels her rock shackles fall around her.

When the smoke clears, the two Dai Li agents are dead on the ground…and a beautiful woman with long black hair and wearing black clothing stands above them.

OG Aang instantly recognizes the newcomer. "June."

The infamous bounty hunter holds up a set of keys. "Today's your lucky day, princess," she says before unlocking the door.

Azula stands up and stretches her stiff body. "I take it my father hired you to rescue me?"

"A member of royalty with some brains. Ain't that a sight?" June quips, irritating Azula, before opening the cell door.

The two women sneak their way out of the dungeons and into the rest of the palace.

June starts heading down a hallway. "C'mon. Exit's this way."

Azula stops walking. "We're not leaving."

June turns around at the declaration. "What?"

"I said we're not leaving. I have unfinished business to attend to," Azula says before heading the opposite way.

"Look, princess, I was hired to take you directly to your Fire Daddy. We don't have time for any detours," June explains, greatly wishing her precious Nyla was with her.

"I'm not leaving this building until all of my enemies here have been burned to ash. If you want to collect your payment, you will follow my lead," Azula commands as she continues walking.

A whip suddenly lashes around Azula's arm, making her stop.

"Listen, you crazy bitch, I don't take orders from you," June says in frustration. "I'm not risking my hide and fighting an entire palace of soldiers just to help you fulfill your little revenge fantasy. You want to hunt down your enemies? Do it after I take you home and get paid, not before."

Azula's arm goes slack in June's whip, and the bounty hunter hopes she's made the princess see sense.

"…You're right about one thing; you don't take orders from me or my father," Azula says calmly. "In fact, you hold no allegiance to any nation. You work for the highest bidder."

June tenses up at the sudden shift in the room.

"Which means that you're more than willing to give me up to the Earth King to save your own hide. That's assuming, of course, that you don't just hold me prisoner in order to siphon off more gold from my father," Azula continues while glaring suspiciously at the bounty hunter. "In any case, I believe this is as far as our 'partnership' goes."

The whip suddenly catches fire, and June has to quickly let go before the flames reach her.

June growls in frustration. "Fine! Have it your way! No amount of gold is worth dealing with your crazy ass!"

With that, June rushes for her exit, while Azula walks further into the palace with a sinister smile.

Location: Zuko's Room, Earth King's Palace

Zuko and Jin both enjoy the view of the city underneath the star-filled night sky, taking some time for themselves this peaceful evening. Neither of them notice the giant glowing eyed silhouette gazing down at them from behind the stars, nor the much smaller one right next to it.

"I can't believe you get such an amazing view every night, Zuko," Jin says in astonishment.

"It's part of the deal that Uncle and I made with the Earth King. We live here under the watch of the Dai Li until the war ends," Zuko explains. "I understand why. We're still earning everyone's trust. Still, I kinda miss our apartment in the Upper Ring."

On the outside wall above the teens, a Dai Li agent literally hangs out while observing the conversation.

Jin gives her boyfriend an inquisitive look. "You know, that's something I've been thinking about. What's gonna happen after the war ends?"

"Well, once Aang and I defeat my father, the throne will be up for grabs," Zuko answers. "Uncle already said he doesn't want anything to do with it, and since my crazy little sister will likely be jailed for war crimes, I'm the only one left that has a claim to become Fire Lord."

Jin looks down sadly. "So, you'll be going back to the Fire Nation? You won't be living here anymore? What does that mean for us?"

"Actually, I wanted to talk to you about that," Zuko says in a hopeful tone as he grabs Jin's wrist and turns her to face him. "I was hoping that…you know…you could come with me?"

Jin's eyes light up at what Zuko's suggesting. "You…you want me to live with you? You want me to be your queen?"

Zuko looks nervous. "I know there's a proper procedure for this kind of thing. I still need to talk to your parents and buy you a ring. I just figured, since you were asking right now, I didn't want to worry you about our rela–"

Jin cuts off her boyfriend by grabbing his face and kissing him, pouring out her feelings for him. Zuko quickly gets the message and kisses back, reciprocating with his own feelings. After a heated moment, the two part the kiss.

Both teens take a moment to catch their breath before Zuko asks, "So, does that mean…"

"Yes! Yes! Absolutely yes!" Jin answers with joy.

Zuko grins happily at her response.

Jin suddenly feels overwhelmed by her new future. "Bleeding hog-monkeys! I-I'm gonna marry the Fire Lord! I never ever thought I'd have anything like this." A thought suddenly occurs to Jin. "Wait a minute! I'm from the Earth Kingdom, and a commoner. Can this even work?"

Zuko answers, "I mean, this particular thing hasn't happened before in Fire Nation history, as far as I know. Still, even if the other nobles argue against it, I'll still be the new Fire Lord, so I'll have the final say. Besides, I'm aiming for the Four Nations to interact with each other more peacefully and learning from each other. In fact, Aang and I have been talking about what to do with the colonies–"

KABOOM!

Both teens take cover as the door to Zuko's room suddenly gets blown open. Zuko and Jin watch with trepidation as the smoke from the blast clears…revealing Azula.

"So sorry, Zuzu. Did I step on the moment?" Azula asks mockingly.

All three of them hear a loud whistle from outside before the Dai Li agent flips into the room.

"Surrender, prisoner!" the agent commands. "Reinforcements are already on their way!"

Azula responds by punching a fire blast at the agent, who responds by bending up an earth wall from the ground to block the blast. The agent grits his teeth as the resulting explosion on the wall shakes the room. His eyes widen as he hears Azula rapidly approaching. Hearing a rustle on the left side of the wall, the Dai Li agent quickly shoots out a rock glove at the source.

Only for the glove to grab a flapping sheet.

The Dai Li agent only has half a second to register the deception before a blade of fire pierces him between his ribs from the right side.

Jin gasps in horror while Zuko grits his teeth in anger.

Azula, meanwhile, grins up at the fatally wounded agent.

"I warned you all about betraying me," Azula reminds the agent as she watches the light leave his eyes.

"ENOUGH!" Zuko shouts as he steps up towards his sister. "I'm the one you want! FACE ME!"

Azula tosses the corpse of the Dai Li agent aside. "Foolish brother. I don't want to face you," she says as she spins her arms, generating arcs of lightning. "I want to make you hurt."

Watching Azula prepare her technique, Zuko spots how her gaze shifts from him to his future wife, who trembles off to the side.

"NO!" Zuko shouts as he leaps in front of Jin protectively, just in time to intercept the shot of lightning.

Azula smirks at seeing her hated brother take the hit, though she's soon startled by seeing him stand his ground.

Zuko feels the electric energy enter his body and, using the lessons his uncle taught him, allows the energy to flow into his core. He looks with determination at his sister, knowing exactly where to guide the electricity. In a single moment, Zuko points his fingers at Azula and lets the lightning fly right at his target.

Still caught up in surprise, Azula's unable to dodge the attack…which impacts her right at her heart.

"Ugh!" Azula grunts as she feels the electric energy pierce right through her heart.

Zuko and Jin both watch in shock as Azula staggers backwards while clutching her chest, her willpower being the only thing keeping her on her feet. The Fire Princess looks wide-eyed with disbelief at her brother while blood dribbles down from her trembling lips.

"…I'm…not…supposed…to…die."

Those are the last words of Princess Azula of the Fire Nation before she falls on her back and finally allows her spirit to leave her body, her glassy eyes permanently locked in dread.

Zuko's breathing is haggard as his mind catches up with his actions. 'I…I killed her. I killed my sister.'

Jin quickly approaches her lover. "Zuko! Are you okay?!" she asks fearfully, only to notice Zuko standing frozen while staring at his dead sister…or is he? "Zuko?!"

"Prince Zuko!"

Iroh suddenly rushes into the room, with Team Avatar and several more Dai Li agents right behind him. All of the newcomers are shocked at seeing Zuko standing over the dead body of his sister while the corpse of an agent lies nearby.

Jin explains, "She-she just burst into the room! She killed that agent! She tried to kill us!"

The Dai Li agents quickly go to their fallen comrade, and Katara approaches Azula's body while bending some water between her hands.

Toph hangs her head, not hearing any kind of heartbeat from either of the bodies.

Iroh, meanwhile, walks over to his dear nephew and quickly notices how Zuko's eyes appear to be looking through Azula's body instead of at it. Iroh knows the look well, having seen it on many of his soldiers' faces.

"Zuko. Can you hear me?" Iroh asks softly yet strongly.

"Uncle…I didn't mean to…" Zuko says quietly.

One of the Dai Li agents checks for a pulse on his murdered comrade, only to curse, "Dammit! Jun Hie's gone!"

Katara finishes her scan of Azula's body. "So is she."

"I was trying to protect Jin. I…I…" Zuko mutters before collapsing to the ground.

"ZUKO!" Iroh and Jin cry out in terror as Zuko curls up into himself while clutching his head.

"I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry," Zuko repeats frantically while hyperventilating.

"He's going into shock!" Katara shouts as she rushes over to Zuko. "Jin! Lie him down on his back! Iroh! Raise his feet!"

Jin and Iroh follow her instructions as Katara bends some water around Zuko's head.

"Zuko. Listen to my voice. Slow your breathing," Katara calmly guides Zuko. "That's it. Listen to my voice. Slow your breath. Easy."

At the entrance to Zuko's room, Mai holds on to Ty Lee, who's crying into the other girl's shoulder while mourning the loss of the one who was once her friend. Mai, meanwhile, has her gaze firmly on the teenage boy lying on the ground.

The boy who Mai hates to admit still holds a special place in her heart.

In the center of the room, Aang watches the scene around him somberly. His eyes flick between the lifeless bodies and the caring look Katara is giving to the teenager below her.

In the skies unseen, The Watcher notices the helplessness on OG Aang's face.

"I understand how much you wanted to stop what just happened, Aang," The Watcher states. "Believe me, no one knows that feeling more than me, but all stories must progress the way they're supposed to."

"Did it really have to go that way, though?" OG Aang asks sadly. "Did anyone have to die tonight?"

"This could have ended worse, Aang. A lot worse," The Watcher says. "Still, the particular events that just occurred will have consequences."

Location: Throne Room, Fire Lord's Palace

The Watcher waves his hand, and the scene shifts to a large ornate throne room decorated with black, red, and gold. OG Aang immediately recognizes this as the throne room of Fire Lord Ozai.

The man himself sits on his throne while surrounded by fire, giving the man a menacing appearance. Behind him is a large golden design of a dragon breathing fire. In front of him, his top generals and advisors sit around a table with a map of the Earth Kingdom on it, planning their next move after the failed infiltration of Ba Sing Se and the capture of newly Crown Princess Azula.

OG Aang and Uatu both watch as a messenger suddenly enters the room and hands a scroll to a nearby soldier. The soldier opens the scroll and reads its contents, only for his face to appear as if he's just keeping from soiling himself.

"Well?" Fire Lord Ozai demands in irritation, while his generals and advisors all look at the soldier with curiosity.

The soldier mentally prays to the spirits. "My Lord–" he squeaks out before clearing his throat. "My Lord, I greatly regret to inform you that the traitorous former prince Zuko…has murdered Crown Princess Azula."

The non-royal occupants of the room only have a moment to register the news before the flames around Ozai suddenly grow to nearly touch the ceiling. This obscures the form of the Fire Lord, which makes everyone unprepared for the literal Roar of Fire that erupts out of Ozai's mouth and impacts the poor soldier. Even the most hardened generals flinch as the soldier is quickly incinerated.

"Oof," The Watcher comments next to a horrified Avatar.

The flames eventually die down, revealing a growling seething Fire Lord that's now on his feet. Ozai glares at the burning body before shifting his gaze to his trembling advisors.

"Assemble the armies," Ozai commands. "All of them."

"We'll get back to this later," The Watcher says as he waves the scene away.

Location: Gardens, Earth King's Palace

OG Aang now sees Zuko sitting on a bench in the gardens of the Earth Kingdom Palace. Night has fallen, yet the young Firebender doesn't feel sleepy in the slightest.

"Hey, Zuko."

The scarred teenager turns and sees Katara approaching him.

"Jin told me where you'd likely be," Katara says.

"Did she tell you I don't want to see anybody right now?" Zuko asks shortly, before flinching. "Sorry."

"It's alright, and she did say that," Katara replies as she sits beside Zuko. "I wanted to help you."

Zuko seems to shrink into himself. "Why do you want to help me, Katara? I thought you'd hate me."

"Why would I hate you?" Katara asks in confusion.

"I remember what you told me in the crystal caverns. About how your mother was killed by Firebenders," Zuko recalls, making Katara reflexively clutch her mother's necklace. "I'm supposed to lead the Fire Nation into a future of peace and understanding, and not be the violent murderers that came before me, but I failed! I killed my own sister! I'm no better than the ones that killed your mother!"

"Stop!" Katara demands, halting Zuko's loud lamenting. "Don't you dare compare yourself to that man, Zuko! Your maniac of a sister was trying to kill you and the woman you love! You were just defending yourself! Azula may have died because of it, but you're not to blame for it!" Katara's expression morphs into a caring smile. "You're a good person Zuko. I've seen your kindness and compassion firsthand. You're not a monster, Zuko, so don't you dare convince yourself otherwise."

Zuko looks astonished by Katara's passionate speech. "You really think that about me?"

"Absolutely," Katara answers without hesitation. "You're someone I think of fondly, Zuko. I'm more than happy that you're my friend."

Zuko smiles for the first time in a long while.

Katara takes Zuko's hands. "Come on. I want to show you something," she says before pulling Zuko onto his feet and leading him out of the gardens.

OG Aang watches from above as Katara takes Zuko to a nearby lake. The two of them end up a small rocky beach, where the waves crash gently on the earth.

"What are we doing here?" Zuko asks.

"This is where I practice my Waterbending. It's also a good place to get away from everything and relax," Katara explains while stretching. "I was thinking that you and I can practice some bending forms here."

Zuko deadpans, "Katara, I can't Waterbend."

"True, but I find that just going through the motions tends to clear my head and ease my troubles," Katara says. "Maybe it can be the same for you."

Zuko thinks for a moment before nodding. "I'll give it a try," he says before doing some stretching of his own.

For the next half-hour, Katara guides Zuko through some basic Waterbending motions, with the former taking the time to teach the latter about each of the necessary stances. It takes a little bit for Zuko to get his footing coordinated correctly, but after some practice, the young man has a decent grasp on the basics.

After a while, Katara asks, "Feeling better?"

"I think so," Zuko answers. "I do feel a little calmer."

Katara smiles proudly. "You know, I meant what I said before; you'd make a decent Waterbender."

Zuko smiles. "Thanks. I was trying to learn how to redirect lightning back when I learned those motions the first time around."

Katara looks surprised. "You can Lightningbend?"

Zuko's smile drops in irritation. "No. I can only redirect lightning. I can't generate it myself. There was too much turmoil inside of me when I first tried it. Uncle said I needed to let go of my shame in order to have the peace necessary, and the only way to do that was through true humility."

"Well, you've been pretty humble lately," Katara comments before thinking to herself. "Peace, huh?"

"What are you thinking?" Zuko asks.

"Zuko, how did your uncle describe Lightningbending?" Katara asks.

"He said it was like cold Firebending, which doesn't rely on passion like regular Firebending. First, you have to separate the Yin and Yang energies inside of you. Then, when the energies collide back with each other, you guide and release the energy out of your body, creating lightning," Zuko describes. "Why do you ask?"

"Well, maybe you're thinking too much like a Firebender, when you should be thinking more like a Waterbender," Katara suggests.

Zuko looks confused.

"Let's try something. Close your eyes," Katara commands.

Zuko does as he's told.

"Now, take a deep breath and just listen," Katara instructs calmly. "Listen to the waves from the lake crashing gently on the shore."

Zuko allows the sounds of the beach to fill his mind. Surprisingly, he finds the sound of crashing waves to be rather soothing.

"Waterbending is similar to Lightningbending in that it requires a peaceful mindset in order to be effective," Katara explains. "Now, go through the motions for generating lightning, only imagine the energies colliding as two different waves crashing into each other. Don't think of it as any kind of fire or energy. Think of it as water flowing throughout your body."

Zuko takes a deep breath while separating the Yin and Yang inside of him. He moves his arms in circular motions as the Yin and Yang recombine, though he pictures it in his mind as two waves hitting each other, creating an eruption of water inside of him.

"Good. No need to force anything. No sudden motions. Just let the water stirring inside of you flow through and out your arms," Katara guides.

Zuko follows the instructions, being careful not to let any kind of passion take hold as he calmly goes through the motions. He ends by casually flicking his arm up towards the sky.

His eyes quickly open as he hears electricity crackle above him.

Zuko and Katara both look up in surprise and see lightning shoot up into the sky. Lightning that came from Zuko's fingertips.

Zuko pulls his hand down and looks at his smoking fingertips in amazement. "…That was me. I made that." He then makes a megawatt smile. "I did that! I'm a Lightningbender!"

Katara matches his smile with her own as the two cheer and embrace each other. They both spin each other in the hug, allowing themselves to revel in Zuko's victory.

The Watcher and OG Aang are the only witnesses to this moment. The former smiles proudly, while the latter…frowns apprehensively.

After a few moments, Zuko and Katara both pause as they realize their positions. They quickly separate with embarrassed looks.

"I, uh, can't wait to show Uncle," Zuko says awkwardly.

"Yeah, let's go do that," Katara agrees with a nervous smile.

With that, the two begin heading back to the palace.

Zuko goes, "I'll find a way to repay you for this. I promise."

"Just keep being a good friend, Zuko. And never forget; you'll always be one of the good ones," Katara answers.

Zuko sees Katara tracing her fingers across her mother's necklace.

"At this moment, Zuko realizes the perfect way to repay Katara; helping her avenge her mother," The Watcher narrates.

"I'm guessing that this is when Zuko and Katara go on their life changing field trip together," OG Aang presumes.

The Watcher nods. "Which goes very similarly to how it went in your timeline, minus the one instance of Blood bending since she hasn't learned it by this time."

"Does she ever?" OG Aang asks.

"Eventually, though it goes a bit differently considering her relationship with Zuko," The Watcher answers before quickly covering his mouth.

OG Aang quickly looks over at The Watcher. "Relationship?"

The Watcher sighs apprehensively. "I suppose it's time to rip the Band-Aid off," he says before waving his hand again.

Location: Courtyard, Earth King's Palace

OG Aang shelves his confusion on what a Band-Aid could be as he sees his variant and Sokka greet Katara, Zuko, and Appa upon their return to the Earth King's palace.

Aang calls out, "Katara! Are you alright?!"

"I'm okay, Aang," Katara answers as she and Zuko exit Appa's saddle.

"So, what happened?" Aang asks tentatively.

"I confronted him, but I didn't kill him," Katara explains, easing Aang and Sokka's worries. "I wanted to do it. I wanted to take out all my anger at him, but I couldn't. I don't know if it's because I'm too weak to do it or if it's because I'm strong enough not to."

"You did the right thing. Forgiveness is the first step you have to take to begin healing," Aang says sagely.

Katara's face hardens. "But I didn't forgive him. I'll never forgive him." Katara's face then softens as she smiles. "But I'm ready to move on from him."

The Waterbending master then hugs Zuko, who easily returns it. The scene makes Aang clench his hands, something that Sokka notices.

Katara breaks the hug and says, "Thank you for everything you've done, Zuko."

Zuko smiles. "You're the one who gave me a second chance. I'm the one who should be thanking you."

With that, Katara heads back to the palace with Aang and Appa following close behind.

Zuko watches Katara leave before noticing Sokka's smirk. "What?"

"You are so oblivious to the coming storm, it's actually pretty amusing," Sokka states in a knowing tone.

"What are you talking about?" Zuko asks in confusion. "I've been training for weeks to confront my father."

"Not the storm I'm talking about," Sokka says before walking away.

Back at the palace, Mai watches from a window as Zuko follows Sokka while demanding an explanation. She looks down somberly, having witnessed Zuko hugging Katara. Between that and watching him develop his relationship with Jin, her previous wrath towards Zuko has dampened into envy.

"…It should have been me," Mai mutters quietly.

Unknown to her, Jin has been hiding around a corner, discreetly eavesdropping on the Fire Nation girl. Having heard Mai's mutterings, Jin takes a moment to think to herself before a candle lights up in her mind.

Location: Zuko and Jin's Room, Earth King's Palace

Mai and Katara sit around the table while Jin pours some tea into three cups. Jin takes her seat as the other two girls sip their drinks.

Katara makes a yummy sound. "This is delicious, Jin. Thank you."

"I've been spending a lot of time with Iroh," Jin says. "I'm glad I picked up a thing or two."

Mai sighs in annoyance. "So, what's this 'Girl Talk' you wanted to have?"

Jin picks up her cup. "I'd like to have a discussion…about both of your feelings for Zuko," Jin states before sipping her own drink.

The other two girls blink in surprise as they register Jin's words. Katara looks down at her lap with a blush while Mai glares off to the side.

Mai growls, "I don't have any feelings for Zuko. I cared for him. He betrayed me. End of story."

"Last I checked, he betrayed the Fire Nation, not you," Jin points out. "In any case, I couldn't help but notice your glares have turned into looks of longing lately."

Mai doesn't bother defending herself, instead finding her teacup more interesting.

Jin looks over to the Waterbender. "As for you, Katara, I've seen the fondness you've shown my boyfriend all the times you've been training and hanging out together."

Katara gulps. "Please, Jin. I don't want to make any trouble. I know full well how much you and Zuko love each other. If you don't want me to be around him anymore, I understand."

"Actually, I have something else in mind," Jin says with a smile as she gets off her seat and approaches Katara. "Look at me for a second."

Katara hesitantly looks up only to find a pair of lips covering her own.

Mai chokes on her tea as she watches the two girls kiss right in front of her.

Surprised at her current situation, Katara nonetheless begins reciprocating the kiss, finding the taste of Jin oddly pleasant.

After a moment, Jin breaks off the kiss, licking her lips and watching Katara's hazy look with satisfaction. Her focus then shifts to a still-stunned Mai.

"Your turn," Jin says as she moves towards the other girl.

Mai glares. "You know I'm carrying 52 knives on my body, right?"

Jin smirks as she kneels beside Mai. "Come on. You're telling me you never 'experimented' with Ty Lee?"

Mai continues glaring for a few seconds before sighing. "Ah, what the hell."

Katara snaps out of her stupor as her brain registers what just happened to her, only to cover her mouth upon witnessing Jin and Mai making out with each other. Unlike Katara, Mai is a much more responsive kisser, even adding some tongue into the mix.

Jin eventually pulls away from Mai and licks her lips once again. "Well?"

Mai looks away with a blush of her own. "Definitely not unpleasant."

Jin smiles in victory as she returns to her seat and picks up her teacup. "Girls, I have a proposition for you."

Timeskip: Early Evening

Zuko enters the chambers where he and Jin have been spending their nights lately, a crumpled note in his hand.

"Jin? Are you in here?" Zuko asks into the room. "I got your note. It said it was urgent. I had to cut Firebending training with Aang short. Jin?"

"Over here, lover boy."

Zuko turns to the sound of the voice, only to go beet-red seeing his girlfriend giving him a seductive look while standing near their bed wearing only green nightrobes.

Zuko gulps. "I, uh, love what I'm seeing, Jin, but you mentioned a discussion. I don't think there's going to be much talking going on."

"Oh, we'll be having a discussion, alright," Jin says elusively, "and we would very much like you to have an open mind tonight."

Zuko blinks in confusion. "We?"

The teenage boy suddenly hear the door close (not all the way) behind him. He turns and goes wide-eyed at seeing Mai standing behind him wearing red nightrobes, while Katara is right next to her wearing blue ones. Both girls have confident smirks on their faces while regarding the stunned boy.

Zuko's brain desperately tries to process what's happening. "Mai…Katara…Jin…what?"

Jin approaches her boyfriend. "So, it turns out that my fellow ladies have romantic feelings for you," she reveals, surprising Zuko further, "and being the good-natured peace-loving girl that I am, I decided that the best thing to do would be to include them in our…evening activities."

"You suggested this?" Zuko asks incredulously.

Jin shrugs. "What can I say? I'm kinda a crazy girl."

Zuko looks over to Mai. "But Mai, I thought you hated me."

"I was upset because it looked like you chose the Earth Kingdom over the Fire Nation…and me," Mai explains, "but I realized a while back that you want to save all of us from your asshole of a father. I never hated you, Zuko. The fact that you found a gloomy girl like me attractive…well, it made you the least annoying person around."

Zuko feels his heart warm a bit at Mai's words before he shifts his gaze to the Waterbender. "Katara, I thought you and Aang…"

"Aang is my best friend in the entire world, and I'll always treasure the adventures we've had together," Katara says with a smile. "As far as romance goes, however, I've had someone else in mind. Someone understanding who's become precious to me in such a short time."

"You two know I'm making Jin my queen, right?" Zuko points out. "I don't know if I'm able to have more than one."

Jin hugs Zuko from behind, making Zuko jolt upon feeling her impressive bust on his back.

"I thought you're going to be the next Fire Lord," Jin retorts. "You're gonna have the final say, remember?"

Mai approaches the boy and grips his chin. "You're not escaping me this time, Zuko. I know what I want, and I'm getting it tonight."

Katara joins in, cupping Zuko's cheek. "You went out of your way to help me get closure. To help me heal from what happened to my mother. I'm more than happy to spend the rest of my life thanking you."

Jin giggles before tossing Zuko onto the bed. The Fire Prince rolls onto his back and watches as all three girls drop their robes, showing off their naked bodies to the flustered boy.

"So, Zuko, what do you say?" Jin asks as she cups her boobs with a suggestive smile. "Think you can handle our love for you?"

Feeling pride and lust stir within him, Zuko takes a deep breath. "If this is what you three really want," he says, gaining a determined look, "then I'm ready for everything you've got."

All three girls have confident smiles as they crawl on top of Zuko, with Jin hovering over him while Mai and Katara flank her.

"In that case, Your Majesty, allow your queens to service you all night," Jin says before diving down to kiss her future husband.

Outside of the building, OG Aang watches the four-way love-making session get underway, his eyes agog and his jaw dropping past human proportions.

Uatu nervously watches OG Aang's reaction. "So…yeah, this happens."

"But…how…why…WHAT?!" OG Aang shouts.

The Watcher explains, "Since Zuko didn't betray Katara during Azula's coup, Katara didn't spend two months despising Zuko before he redeemed himself. This allowed for something beyond friendship to grow inside Katara. Between that, Mai's lingering affections for Zuko, and Jin's polyamory…well, you get this."

"Zuko already has Jin! Mai I can kinda understand, but Katara too?! I do not accept this!" OG Aang declares.

"It seem you're not the only one," The Watcher states as he points into the room past the bed.

OG Aang looks and sees that the door to Zuko and Jin's room isn't completely shut…revealing this world's Aang listening in to the activities going down on the bed. OG Aang sees his variant shed some tears before rushing away from the door.

"Oh spirits! He must be so devastated!" OG Aang says in sympathy.

"Such is the pain of a broken heart," The Watcher speaks. "It is a wound that sometimes never heals. However, with the right person by your side…"

The two of them watch as this world's Aang zooms out of the palace with his Airbender speed, desperate to get as far away from the palace as possible. Teary-eyed and unfocused as he runs through the palace gardens, he doesn't see himself heading right for Ty Lee, who's finishing her evening exercises.

Ty Lee notices though. "Aang?!"

Startled by the call of his name, Aang trips on his own foot and starts rolling across the ground, still heading right for the acrobat.

Wham!

That's the sound of Aang crashing into Ty Lee, making both of them tumble together through the garden before stopping on top of one another.

"Owie," Ty Lee mutters as she and Aang pick themselves up off the ground.

"I-I'm sorry, Ty Lee," Aang apologizes as Ty Lee looks his way. "I wasn't–"

Ty Lee suddenly gasps before quickly holding Aang's face between her hands, appearing to look deep inside the Airbender's mind.

"You've been crying, and your aura's dimmed significantly!" Ty Lee reports. "What happened?!"

Aang looks down somberly. "I don't really want to talk about it. I just want to be alone right now."

"No! I will not let one of my newest friends lose their light! Not on my watch!" Ty Lee declares before grabbing his hands and leading him to a nearby bench. "You're going to tell me what happened, and I'll help you in any way I can!"

Seeing that Ty Lee won't budge on the matter, Aang reveals to her what he just witnessed minutes ago.

"Wait a minute! Zuko and Jin with Mai and Katara?!" Ty Lee exclaims. "My mind is blown!"

"You and me both," Aang says sadly.

"I know Mai still had feelings for Zuko, but I never thought she'd be willing to do this! I mean, she and I had a lot of fun together, but still!" Ty Lee rants. "And Katara…well, I knew she was a rebel in her own way, but to think she'd agree to this…"

The acrobat stops ranting as she sees Aang looking down while tightly clenching the bench he's sitting on.

Tentatively, Ty Lee asks, "Aang…do you hate Katara now?"

Aang gives her an outrageous look. "What?! No! I'd never hate Katara! She was the first friend I ever made in this world! She helped me grieve over my people! We've had so many adventures together! I just…" Aang groans and throws his hands up in frustration. He then lets his arms and head fall limply. "…Why couldn't she love me like I love her?"

Ty Lee gets weepy as she swiftly hugs Aang, startling the Airbender.

"I have no idea what to say, but I hope this helps," Ty Lee says.

Accepting the hug, Aang begins sobbing into Ty Lee's shoulder, releasing all of his frustration and pain.

OG Aang watches sadly as the acrobat comforts his variant.

"So, she's the one who helps me get over Katara?" OG Aang deduces.

"Indeed," The Watcher confirms. "During a rather tense discussion with Katara the evening after, you two agree to maintain your friendship despite the new relationships that have developed. The same goes for your friendship with Zuko, though with the threat of you using the Avatar State against him should he break Katara's heart. Over the week and a half, the support of your many companions allows you to properly return to your usual chipper optimistic self. One person in particular is especially helpful."

Location: Banquet Hall, Earth King's Palace

The Watcher waves his hand, and the scene shifts to show the entirety of Team Avatar eating dinner with Earth King Kuei and his pet bear Boscoe. A merry time is had by all, with Iroh sharing some jokes with Toph and Kuei, while Aang and Ty Lee laugh at Sokka shoveling some meat down his gullet.

Aang's eyes wander over to Katara, who's happily chatting away with Zuko, Jin, and Mai. Jin makes a remark, causing Katara to give a faux-scandalized look while Zuko looks away in embarrassment and Mai smirks.

Katara notices Aang looking her way and gives the boy a friendly smile, which he returns.

Momo suddenly lands in Aang's soup bowl, startling everyone as soup splashes on Aang's robes. Everyone – including Aang – laughs at the lemur as Ty Lee starts wiping soup off of Aang's chest. Aang waves the girl off before Airbending a gust of wind off his body, dispersing the soup off his body…and undoing Ty Lee's braids in the process.

Aang looks apologetically to Ty Lee, only for the acrobat to smile and gush over her new hairstyle.

Location: Roof, Earth King's Palace

After a cheerfully eventful dinner, Aang and Ty Lee are lying next to each other on top of the palace roof, staring up into the starry night sky.

"You think it's true? That the stars are our ancestors looking out for us?" Ty Lee asks curiously.

"I like to think so," Aang responds. "It certainly gives me some peace of mind knowing that my people are watching over me."

"I wish I could have met them. Your fellow Airbenders, I mean," Ty Lee says.

"You would have loved them. I can see you being an Airbender yourself," Aang compliments before sighing. "I miss them often. I had a lot of fun with my friends at the Air Temple. I mean, before it was announced I was the Avatar."

Ty Lee chuckles. "You know, it's kinda funny; I spent my childhood trying to stick out from the crowd, and you spent yours trying to be part of it."

Aang laughs as well. "Well, you succeeded in your end. You're amazing."

Ty Lee blushes. "Thank you, Aang."

Aang sighs contently. "You know, after everything that happened recently, I'm happy for this little moment of peace. I could stare at the stars all night."

Ty Lee smiles. "I couldn't," she says as she rolls towards Aang and kisses him on the lips.

Aang is startled for a moment before closing his eyes and enjoying the kiss from the girl he's gotten especially close to of late.

Up above, OG Aang and The Watcher observe the impromptu make-out session.

Uatu smiles at scene. "It looks like your counterpart was able to find his true love after all."

"Yeah. That's…great. Good for him," OG Aang says non-committedly.

The Watcher notices his new friend's downcast mood. "Aang, I didn't mean–"

"You didn't bring me here to see Zuko start his redemption early," OG Aang states in an upset tone. "You brought me here to see Katara and I end up with other people."

The Watcher sighs. "I'm sorry, Aang. I tried to find a timeline that would be different enough for you to recognize the changes, but also not be too traumatizing for you to watch."

"Well, this was pretty traumatizing," OG Aang says. "Was this really the only option available?"

"In the amount of time I had to search through realities, yes," The Watcher answers. "The only other one in that grouping was a world where everyone's genders were swapped."

OG Aang recoils. "…That honestly doesn't sound much better."

"Look, if it's any comfort, you and Katara have gotten together in 94% of universes I've observed," The Watcher reveals.

OG Aang blinks in surprise. "Really? That much?"

"Indeed. Your bond is so strong that reality itself is secretly rooting for you two," The Watcher says with a smile.

OG Aang smiles back before looking curious. "So, what about the other 6%?"

"It varies," The Watcher answers with a shrug. "Sometimes, it's Katara and Zuko. Sometimes, it's you and Toph. Sometimes, it's Katara and Toph. Sometimes, it's you, Katara, and Toph. Sokka's sometimes thrown into the mix, as well as Suki, Ty Lee, Mai, June…even Azula is an option."

OG Aang shudders at the last part before giving a nervous smile. "Well, at least there aren't any universes where me and Katara end up with Fire Lord Ozai, right?"

"…" The Watcher's face reveals nothing.

OG Aang gulps. "Th-There's not, right?"

"…" The Watcher suddenly looks down. "Oh, look! It's your bison!"

Deciding to accept The Watcher's change in topics, OG Aang looks down and sees his variant's make-out with Ty Lee get interrupted by the arrival of the rest of Team Avatar on Appa.

Sokka watches with amusement as Aang and Ty Lee quickly separate themselves. "Sorry if we're interrupting anything."

"J-Just some stargazing. That's all," Aang replies quickly.

"Of course, you were," Katara says with a knowing smile.

"About time, if you ask me," Mai mutters.

"Aang, the Earth King needs all of us," Zuko reports in a no-nonsense tone. "Something's happening."

Aang and Ty Lee look at each other in concern.

Location: Council Room, Earth Kingdom Military Headquarters

The entirety of Team Avatar stands around a table with a map of the world on top of it. Standing with them is the Earth King and his top generals, the Council of Five.

General Yiwen explains, "Our scouts have reported a massive army has traveled from the Fire Nation and landed on the shores of the Earth Kingdom. It's heading straight for Ba Sing Se."

"How massive?" Aang asks.

General Yiwen looks apprehensive as he answers, "According to the scouts…10,000 strong, at least."

Everyone else blanches in shock.

"10,000?! That's essentially the entire Fire Nation's army!" General Duanmu exclaims.

Earth King Kuei turns to Iroh. "It seems like your brother wants to finish what you started all those years ago."

Zuko interjects, "This isn't about Uncle. This is about me killing Azula. This is my father's revenge."

"There's more," General Yiwen continues. "Not only do they have tanks and siege machines in their ranks, but our scouts have reported seeing what they described as three flying ships hovering above the army."

Aang, Katara, and Sokka all gasp at this particular information.

"The Mechanist's balloon! The Fire Nation must have redesigned it for war!" Sokka exclaims in realization.

"With those balloons, they could just fly over the walls of the city and drop whatever attacks they have from above," Aang deduces.

General Sung throughs his hands up in despair. "We're doomed! Doomed!"

Sokka walks up to the general and slaps some sense into him. "Snap out of it! I thought we were past this!"

General How quickly regains his composure and asks, "How long until they reach the city?"

"Moving that many people on foot through the many terrains of the Earth Kingdom, I'd say a month's time, give or take," General Khièu guesses.

"But that's around the Day of Black Sun," Katara recalls. "What about the invasion?"

General How looks remorseful. "I'm sorry, but we can't divert the majority of our forces away from the city's defenses. You'll have to go on with the invasion without us."

Sokka rubs his chin in thought. "Actually, maybe we can work with this. If the Fire Lord did just send essentially his entire army towards the city, then there'll be practically no one defending the Fire Nation Capital."

"We've been messaging some friends from around the world to join us in the invasion," Katara points out. "You think they'll be enough to get past whoever's left guarding the capital?"

"We don't have much of a choice," Zuko states.

Location: Courtyard, Earth King's Palace

The Watcher and OG Aang look on from above as Team Avatar loads all of their travel gear on Appa's saddle. Earth King Kuei, Boscoe, and Jin watch the team prepare for the journey, the three of them staying behind.

"We look forward to hearing of your success, Avatar Aang," Kuei says in a hopeful tone.

"You too, Your Majesty," Aang replies.

"Hope those inventions I gave the generals work against those airships," Sokka says.

Kuei smiles. "The cannons are a little unorthodox, but I'm sure they'll work brilliantly."

OG Aang looks at The Watcher in confusion. "Cannons?"

"Weapons that shoot large spherical projectiles out of huge and long tubes at great velocity," The Watcher explains. "Very noisy, very destructive, and very useful as an anti-air defense."

Toph takes a moment to pet Boscoe. "Good luck holding the fort down, buddy."

Boscoe gives a happy growl in response.

Jin approaches Zuko, Mai, and Katara. "I wish I could come with you. I feel so upset at not being able to fight by your side."

"Don't worry, Jin," Katara assures her girlfriend. "We'll look after each other out there."

Mai smirks. "Yeah, I'll try and keep these two out of trouble."

All four of them chuckle at this.

Zuko smiles and looks at his future wives. "Whatever happens, I want you to know that meeting all three of you was the best thing to ever happen to me."

All three girls smile back at the boy and bring him into a group hug.

Aang watches from atop Appa's head with a sad smile before he's suddenly embraced by Ty Lee.

"For the record, I share that sentiment about you, Aang," Ty Lee states cheerfully before kissing Aang's cheek, making the Airbender blush.

After some more warm and fuzzies, Team Avatar and all of their gear are loaded on the saddle and ready for takeoff.

With Ty Lee sitting on his lap, Aang flicks the reins and goes, "Appa, yip yip!"

"And so, Team Avatar leaves the safety of Ba Sing Se and embarks on the final leg of their quest to end the Hundred Year War," The Watcher narrates while waving his hand several times, making the scene blur through various instances in history. "There are several stops on their journey; the village of the Painted Lady, Piandao's school, Roku's Island, the village where Hama lives, and a surprise encounter with a lion turtle. Eventually, they reach the point where they meet with the rest of their ragtag invasion force, and after an explanation of the plan from Sokka's father, Hakoda, the Invasion on the day of Black Sun is executed. We join in during the middle of the eclipse itself, where–"

"Wait!" OG Aang interrupts. "In my timeline, Katara and I had a moment right before we went our separate ways for the invasion. Can we see if it happens in this timeline?"

The Watcher shrugs. "Why not?" he answers as he waves his hand in the opposite direction.

Location: Inner Sea, Fire Nation

The scene shifts to show Katara and Aang standing on top of one of the submarines while looking at each other. The mood is a bit awkward as the two of them try to find the right words to say to each other before the final battle.

"Aang, I–/Katara, I–," They both start to speak, before pausing.

"You go first," Aang offers.

Katara smiles fondly. "We've been through so many things together, and I've seen you grow up so much. You're not that little goofy kid I found in the iceberg anymore," she compliments, getting a blush from Aang. "I guess what I'm trying to say is…I'm really proud of you."

Aang looks down in thought. "Everything's gonna change after today, isn't it?"

"Yes, it is," Katara confirms.

Aang suddenly looks nervous. "What if…what if I don't come back?"

Katara looks startled by the question. "Aang, don't say that. Of course, you'll–"

The girl gets cut off as Aang suddenly embraces her in a heartfelt hug. A second later, Katara smiles again and returns the hug.

"…Whatever happens, I want you to know how important you are to me," Aang says firmly. "You helped me grow up. You made my adventure around the world special. I can't thank you enough, Katara."

"I should be thanking you, Aang," Katara retorts, "for bringing my brother and I along on your adventure."

The two separate before touching their foreheads together.

"No matter what, we'll be by each other's sides, right?" Aang asks.

"Definitely," Katara confirms as she steps away from the boy. "Now, go save the world."

Aang nods with determination before opening up his new glider staff and flying off towards Appa, leaving Katara on the ship to watch her best friend leave.

Up above, OG Aang breaths a sigh of relief. "At least we're still friends."

"The best of friends," The Watcher confirms. "Your bond is strong and timeless, no matter what form it takes."

OG Aang looks at his newest friend with resolve. "Okay. I'm ready for the invasion."

"And so is your counterpart," The Watcher says as he waves his hand. "While the majority of the invasion force storms the capital – which is less defended than in your timeline, you are joined by Sokka, Toph, and Zuko as you fly directly to the secret bunker, the location of which was provided by Zuko himself. After an extremely quick encounter with War Minister Qin, your quartet finds themselves at the entrance to the Fire Lord's chamber just as the eclipse begins."

Location: Fire Lord's Secret Bunker, Fire Nation Capital

The scene changes once again to show Aang, Zuko, Sokka, and Toph standing at the door leading to their target.

"Here it is," Zuko says. "The Fire Lord's behind this door."

"The eclipse should be starting right now," Sokka points out to Zuko. "You won't have your Firebending for ten minutes."

"I know. I can feel my inner fire being snuffed out," Zuko replies as he pulls out his dual broadswords. "I'm prepared."

Aang takes a deep breath. "Alright. We're ready to face the Fire Lord."

Toph's eyes suddenly widen in alarm. "He's making a break for it!" she announces as she busts the door down.

The four of them quickly enter the room just in time to see Fire Lord Ozai duck into a hallway at the back of the chamber.

"STOP!" Aang commands as he air-sprints after the Fire Lord, with his companions following behind him.

Aang quickly enters the hallway and gives chase while using his Earth Sense to track his target. As Aang approaches an intersection, one of his steps alerts him to Ozai hiding behind a corner with a knife ready to stab the incoming Avatar. Thinking quickly, Aang uses Earthbending to make an earth spike jut out of the wall next to Ozai and forcefully knock the knife out of the older man's hand. As Ozai nurses his broken wrist, Aang moves around the corner and uses his staff to bend a wave of wind and knock the Fire Lord away. While Ozai tumbles backwards, Aang closes off the hallway with an earth wall, which Ozai crashes into.

Zuko, Sokka, and Toph rejoin Aang as Ozai groans while getting back on his feet.

Aang glares at the trapped man. "So, this is the great Fire Lord Ozai? A man who runs and hides while his people are attacked? A man who uses trickery to beat his opponents?"

Ozai sneers at The Avatar. "That's rich coming from the child who couldn't face me in person without my Firebending disabled. Exploiting the weakness of your enemy? I'm almost impressed."

"Your praise will never be a compliment, Father," Zuko declares.

Ozai suddenly becomes enraged. "Do not call me Father! You lost that right when you betrayed and murdered my daughter!"

Sokka speaks up with a smirk, "Technically, it was self defense against a crazed sociopath with a superiority complex. Guess the peach doesn't fall far from this family tree." He then glances at Zuko. "No offense."

"None taken," Zuko answers.

"If we're talking about my family tree, then you, Zuko, are the diseased rotten limb," Ozai insults. "I always knew you'd be a blight on my family. On my reign."

"You're the blight, Father," Zuko counters, making Ozai's rage grow. "You've brought destruction and sorrow to the entire world, like Sozin and Azulon did before you. We're putting a stop to it right now."

The Aang and his companions approach Ozai, who fearfully backs up to the wall behind him.

"Wait! Zuko! Before you defeat me, don't you want to know what happened to your mother?!" Ozai offers desperately.

Zuko stops and looks surprised by his father's words. "My mother?"

"Woah! Stop right there, Zuko!" Sokka interjects while facing his Firebender friend. "This is just a distraction. Focus. We're on borrowed time, remember?"

Zuko takes a moment to register Sokka's words before glaring at Ozai. "You'll tell me about my mother after the invasion."

"You won't get anything from me if The Avatar kills me!" Ozai points out, only to find his arms suddenly restrained by earthen pillars.

"I'm not going to kill you, Fire Lord Ozai," Aang declares as he Earthbends the Fire Lord to his knees. "You'll be imprisoned for the rest of your life for your crimes."

Ozai laughs incredulously. "You think you can contain me forever?! As soon as the eclipse ends, I'll burn you all into nothing!"

Aang stops right in front of Ozai. "I don't need to contain you forever. I just need a few minutes," he says ominously before reaching forward and touching Ozai's forehead and chest with his thumbs.

Zuko, Sokka, and Toph all watch in amazement as a blue light suddenly erupts out of Aang's eyes and open mouth. Ozai appears stunned as orange light is emitted from his eyes and open mouth. After a moment, Aang and Ozai's forms are enveloped by blue and orange light respectively. Then, the orange light starts traveling up Aang's arms and across his body, snuffing out the blue light underneath. Aang's friends look concerned as the Airbender slowly gets swallowed up by orange light, with just a little flicker of blue coming from Aang's eye.

Suddenly, Aang lurches forward, and his blue light returns with a vengeance. The blue light wastes no time in covering Aang's body again before swiftly enveloping Ozai's form completely.

Outside, the remainder of the invading force and their Fire Nation prisoners see a pillar of blue light shoot out from the earth itself and into the sky. Getting an idea of the source of the familiar blue light, the invaders – Team Avatar especially – feel elated and victorious.

After several intense moments, the light dies down. Aang steps away from Ozai with a tired sway, while the earth securing the Fire Lord falls away, allowing the older male to collapse in a heap. Toph and Sokka help Aang stay on his feet while Zuko keeps a sword pointed at his father.

Ozai struggles and fails to stand back up. "I…I feel so weak. What did you do to me?"

"I took away your Firebending," Aang answers, shocking everyone else. "You won't be able to hurt anyone ever again."

"Seriously?! Where did you learn that?!" Sokka asks incredulously.

"From that lion turtle we met on the way over here," Aang answers simply.

"Awesome!" Toph exclaims.

Sokka looks at his time-keeping device. "Just in time. The eclipse is ending."

Zuko takes a deep breath and spits out a small flame, confirming that Firebending has returned. Seeing this, Ozai throws a punch towards his son to try and burn him…only for nothing to happen. His options depleted, Ozai collapses again and glares at the boy.

"Are you happy now, my traitorous offspring?" Ozai asks indignantly.

Zuko just glances down at the man who failed to be his father…and smiles.

"And thus, the Invasion on the Day of Black Sun is a rousing success," The Watcher narrates. "With the powerless Fire Lord captured, the Fire Capital's defenders surrender quickly. Back at Ba Sing Se, Sokka's revolutionary cannons are able to bring down the Fire Nation's airships, leaving the ground forces to falter at the city's outer wall. Then, the invading army gets word that their Fire Lord has been taken prisoner, making their morale and will to fight plummet enough for them to commence a full retreat. Between that and King Bumi's liberation of Omashu during the eclipse, the entire Fire Nation realizes that the Hundred Year War has ended…in favor of the other nations."

OG Aang smiles at this information before a thought occurs to him. "Wait. What about Sozin's Comet? Does the Fire Nation ever use that to try and make a comeback?"

"You don't give them the chance," The Watcher explains. "Knowing the danger that the meteor's existence would bring, you used your bending prowess and the Avatar State to destroy Sozin's Comet just as it arrived, turning the massive fireball into smaller meteorites that fell to the earth harmlessly. You prevented a potential disaster that day…and introduced Vibranium to the world at the same time."

OG Aang looks confused at that last part. "What's Vibranium?"

"Eh, don't worry about it," The Watcher waves Aang's question off. "What's important is that the destruction of Sozin's Comet marks the beginning of the New Era of peace, love, and understanding, led by Avatar Aang and his friend Fire Lord Zuko."

Location: Throne Room, Fire Lord's Palace

OG Aang looks down and sees his variant walking through the Fire Lord's Palace side by side with Zuko, who's know dressed and crowned as Fire Lord. The two of them stop at the throne room, which is currently in the midst of redecorations.

"Finally getting rid of that fire pit around your seat?" Aang asks.

"It's been a long time coming," Zuko answers. "Intimidation isn't going to be my weapon of choice. I'm doing everything I can to not become like my father, or any of the Fire Lords before me during the war."

Aang gives Zuko a look. "You're not still thinking about what you asked me the other day, are you?"

Zuko nods solemnly. "If I do ever cross the line, you taking away my bending is the best course of action. There's always a chance of me turning evil. I am my father's son, after all."

"You're also Ursa's son, just so you know," Aang points out. "There's plenty enough good in you to cancel out the bad." He then smiles impishly. "Don't forget, I was there when Jin gave birth to your son, Taiyang. I saw the tears."

Zuko looks away with an embarrassed smile.

Aang pats Zuko's shoulder. "Never forget, you've got friends that are willing to help you, even with yourself."

Zuko nods firmly. "I'll never forget."

"Good. Now, enough with the sad stuff," Aang insists. "You said you had an idea for the colonies?"

"Yeah. I was thinking of having them be independent of both the Fire Nation and the Earth Kingdom," Zuko explains excitedly to an intrigued Aang. "Hear me out. It's essentially a fifth nation."

OG Aang looks down at the scene with a smile.

"The friendship of Fire Lord Zuko and Avatar Aang – and the peace it creates – occurs much like it did in your timeline, though with some noticeable differences. What those differences would bring, only time will tell," The Watcher narrates before turning to his companion. "I think this is a good place to stop, don't you?"

OG Aang nods in confirmation.

Location: The Nexus of All Realities

The Watcher and Aang pass through the wall of fractals, once again finding themselves surrounded by countless universes.

"So, what did you think of that glimpse into The Multiverse, Aang?" The Watcher asks in a cheerful tone, only to see Aang have a thoughtful look on his face. "Aang?"

Aang snaps out of his thoughts for a moment and smiles disarmingly. "Sorry. It's just…a lot to process, y'know? I mean, that's just one of an infinite amount of timelines, meaning there are an infinite amount of ways my adventure could have gone, y'know? Plus, my adventure's not over yet, so anything can happen in the future, y'know?" Aang's smile becomes strained and panicky. "Like, what if I want to have children with Katara but she doesn't? What if Katara gets invited to Zuko's palace one night and falls in love with him? What if Zuko invites the both of us together and we both fall in love with him?! What if I get crushed by a giant rock and Zuko goes to comfort Katara and–"

A hand grasping Aang's shoulder stops his rambling. He looks over and sees Uatu, who's now shrunken to his height, giving him a comforting look.

"Aang, listen to me very carefully. Only one person here needs to be concerned with 'What Ifs', and you're looking at him," The Watcher says with a cheeky smirk. "Just because there are infinite realities doesn't make your reality – or your relationship with Katara – any less special. Your story is one of my favorites for a reason. Yours is one of growth, perseverance, sacrifice, and love. Countless choices were made during your life, good and bad, which resulted in you becoming an Avatar who mastered all four elements the fastest in history, who ended a hundred years of bitter warfare, and who would go on to restore his home nation with his loving wife by his side."

Aang's face lights up in astonishment. "You mean…"

The Watcher puts a finger up to his own lips. "Spoilers."

Aang smiles with tears in his eyes.

"Now then, you have your own story to finish," The Watcher informs as he waves his hand at the wall of fractals, generating a smooth surface that shows Aang's body still meditating in the evening sun's light.

Aang floats over to the wall, heading for the surface leading to his home universe. He stops just short of it, however, and turns to The Watcher.

"You've been a great teacher, Uatu. Thank you," Aang says with a respectful bow.

Uatu smiles and bows in return.

With that friendly parting, Aang once more travels through the wall of fractals and into his reality.

Location: Team Avatar's temporary home, Former Colony of Yu Dao

The evening sun is finishing its disappearance over the horizon as the spirit of Avatar Aang reenters his body, making his tattoos light up for a moment. Aang opens his eyes and stretches his limbs, which have gone stiff during the extended meditation session.

The sound of a door opening makes Aang turn and see his girlfriend, Katara, enter the room.

"Hey, Aang," Katara greets with a smile. "It's been a while since you started your meditation. How did it-MMPH?!"

Katara gets cut off by the lips that have captured her own. She quickly gets over the surprise and kisses her boyfriend back. She takes note of how this kiss is more passionate than usual and how closely Aang is hugging her.

After several moments, the two separate and pant breathlessly.

"A-Aang, that was…wow," Katara mutters in astonishment. "What brought this on?"

Aang smiles knowingly. "Let's just say I have a newfound appreciation for the life I've lived…and the people I have by my side."

"That's wonderful to hear," Katara says with a smile of her own. "I take it your session went well?"

"Definitely. One could say 'eye-opening'!" Aang says with a cheeky grin, making Katara giggle.

"Well, maybe you can tell everyone about it over dinner," Katara offers. "Sokka found a nice noodle restaurant downtown."

Aang rubs his head sheepishly. "Um, yeah, sure," he replies, mentally deciding to omit certain details.

Katara heads through the doorway with Aang following close behind. Just before he walks through, however, he looks back and sees a large silhouette with glowing eyes looking down at him from behind the darkening sky.

Aang smiles and nods at the figure before walking through the doorway after his future wife.

Location: The Nexus of All Realities

Uatu happily watches the scene unfold from his home. The interdimensional being sighs in content at seeing his newest friend live out their story before he waves his hand, allowing that universe to be immersed back into the sea of realities.

"You know, I enjoy these little moments when I take a break from my usual narration and be a teacher for inquisitive heroic souls," The Watcher says to himself before sensing a disturbance in the wall right behind him. "Ah. And here comes my next student."

Out of the wall of fractals pops a slightly older version of Katara with her hair in a loose ponytail and her traditional loops. She wears a darker version of her Water Tribe dress and two necklaces around her neck.

The Katara variant looks nervously at the giant being gazing down at her before giving the being a nervous smile. "Um, hi there. I'm–"

"Avatar Katara, Princess of the Southern Water Tribe, Lover of Ty Lee the Last Airbender, and defeater of Fire Lord Ursa," Uatu interjects before bowing in greeting. "Welcome to The Nexus of All Realities. I am Uatu. I am The Watcher."

Chapter End

AN: So, this was less of a plot bunny in need of a good home, and more of an introduction to the series itself. Uatu isn't going to be taking any more Avatars on any more Multiversal tours (unless something pops up in my head, of course). The series itself will mainly follow Marvel's What If? Format.

By the way, those of you that didn't like the harem pairing for Zuko, my apologies. I wanted the option with the least amount of heartbreak or killing off characters. Those of you who adopt this story can make whatever pairing changes you feel is necessary. I'll still enjoy reading them (hopefully).

Next time, The Watcher asks:

"What if…Rin Survived the Third Shinobi War?"

Thanks for reading!

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