White and blinding. Ozai was not sure if it was the lightning or his rage. He forced himself to remain conscious. The fire lord stood up, steadying himself against the prison wall. His gaze moved to the cell which had just held his prisoner. It still should have. There was that blinding white light again. It was definitely rage. Ozai turned sharply to return to the main part of the palace. Fire was on his fists as he stormed through the halls. Seeing him, servants quickly lowered their heads in fear of retaliation for whatever had upset him so much.

"Make wanted posters of the traitor's face," he ordered.

Although the servants did not completely understand, they did not dare question him. They simply nodded and bowed again before tending to this command. Ozai glared at them as they left. Servants. What good were they if they were not loyal to him? Those he had instructed to escort Iroh out probably led him right to the prison. The man had half a mind to burn them all for this. Even if they did not knowingly lead Iroh to Zuko, they allowed him to get out of their sight. They had opposed a direct order. That was practically treason. Ozai had no way of knowing how many of them were involved. They very well all could have been. They liked Iroh too much. Maybe some of them were even harboring that traitor. He could have been hidden away in some secret compartment of the palace at that very moment just waiting to strike. Suddenly, Ozai felt a pit in his stomach.

He had almost died. The man did not know that lightning could be redirected. None of his instructors had taught him that as a boy. He could not think of a single time when his father mentioned it either. It made no sense how Iroh had learned to do this. Fortunately, his aim was not good enough to have hit the younger man's heart. If it had been…Ozai shuddered to think of that result. He also hated to think of the shuddering. Angrily, the fire lord went to find his daughter. It was infuriating to give her the news that there would be no execution that day, but it had to be done. Azula was already out of her room and heading outside to wait for everything to take place, but she saw her father before she made it out. It was simple for her to tell that he was furious.

"Iroh was here and escaped with Zuko," he said, glaring.

"They probably aren't too far," Azula mentioned. "Maybe we could send someone out to bring them back."

Ozai had considered that, but he shook his head. "Iroh won't make it easy to find them and we've got more pressing matters. We haven't had many victories in a while. If that continues, people will begin to think that the Fire Nation is weak. There are several places in the Earth Kingdom and among their islands that we'll target."

"Destroying Omashu could show our strength," the princess suggested.

The man's eyes twinkled at the thought. "Yes, killing that lunatic king in front of his own subjects would demonstrate what we can do."

"It could also lead to more possibilities. I think an idea of ours from before could work perfectly now."

Ozai saw the certainty in Azula's eyes. It intrigued him and the duo finished fleshing out their strategy. It was time for obstacles in the way of the Fire Nation's victory to be removed completely. It was time for the world to be reminded of its power. While the duo discussed their plan, the team continued to travel through the air. They had just picked their next destination. It was important to be near a coast on the same side as the Fire Nation. That would help them have plenty of water for Aang and Katara to bend and also make it a shorter travel time when they would return for the battle. Still, they could not be too close. They were not sure of Ozai's next moves. This stayed in Zuko's mind as they traveled.

"Father is going to be looking for us," he thought nervously. "He might send bounty hunters after us. Uncle and I can't be recognized anywhere. It'll just put everyone in even more danger."

Zuko felt someone nudge his shoulder, bringing him out of these thoughts. Sokka was pointing to an island they were approaching.

"That's it," he said. "Kyoshi Island."

Aang directed Appa down so that they could land. Before they reached the shore, there was a loud splash. The group turned behind them and saw an enormous, serpent-like creature with two long whiskers and green eyes. Toph tensed up, grabbing Sokka's arm.

"What was that noise?"

"A-a…"

The boy could not finish talking before a blast of water was shot out of the monster's mouth. Aang and Katara moved in front to bend the stream off to the right. Another blast followed it, but there was enough time in between for Appa to move. He quickly began flying towards the land. The monster sank back down into the water, speeding up. It got right underneath the bison, then leapt out of the ocean. With open jaws, it prepared to devour the group whole. Iroh and Zuko sent a powerful shot of fire towards the monster. This made it hiss and retreat into the water. When the team made it to the island, Toph was still clinging onto Sokka.

"The only thing worse than flying is getting attacked while flying," she said, looking pale. "What were we even fighting?"

"It was some sort of sea monster," Zuko told her. "I've never heard of one looking like that before."

Sokka frowned. "Leave it to that crazy General Fong to not have a monster in his scrolls. I found out about this island from the maps his troops had."

"Well, if it's for Avatar Kyoshi, maybe the rest of the island isn't so dangerous," Aang offered.

"We should still be cautious," Iroh advised. "Kyoshi Island has stayed separate from the war for all this time. Those who live here might not welcome visitors."

The airbender remained hopeful. "They might be a little shy, but when they find out I'm the Avatar, I bet they'll be happy to have us. This island was named after one of my past lives."

Despite the boy's words, the former general continued to feel uncertain. Alert, he accompanied the others as they moved. After a few moments, Toph stopped walking and pointed off to the left.

"A few people are over there. They're really light on their feet, but they're heading this way. I think they've been in the trees."

The group turned to face that direction and Katara noticed as some bushes rustled. Toph felt someone exchange an item with another person.

"We know you're here," she said. "If you think you're about to tie us up, you've got another thing coming."

This caused the people to hesitate, but they still moved forward. The other members of the group saw that they were women dressed in green and black with makeup on their faces.

"Who are you?" one of them asked. "We don't allow strangers onto our island."

Aang stepped forward. "I'm the Avatar. These are my friends and we're hoping to stay here for a little bit to regroup."

"You're the Avatar? The Avatar hasn't been seen in almost one hundred years."

"I was frozen in ice during that time," the boy explained. He grinned brightly. "I can prove who I am!"

Aang balanced on a sphere of air, then made pillars of the earth to bounce off of. The unfamiliar group watched with wide eyes. When he was done, the strangers bowed their heads respectfully.

"We apologize for doubting who you were, Avatar. This island was created by Kyoshi who protected our people from a cruel dictator. We are the Kyoshi Warriors and forever indebted to you. If you need to remain here, it would be our honor."

The airbender smiled happily. "Thanks! We don't really have anywhere else to go, so this is a huge relief."

They began following the warriors. As they did, Sokka's eyebrows lifted more and more.

"Stop staring," Katara chastised.

He just frowned at her, then addressed the group. "Are you earthbenders?"

"No, we're nonbenders, but we learned the ways of hand-to-hand combat to defend our home."

"Are you…the only ones who do that?"

"We are. The other villagers can rest easily, knowing we are protecting them."

Sokka still looked confused, this time getting nudged by Zuko. He already knew what his friend was thinking.

"Don't forget about who we've fought against and with."

"I know, but they have bending," the Water Tribe boy whispered. "These are just regular girls."

"We are far from 'regular,'" one of the warriors said, turning to him with a frown on her face. "Without us, Kyoshi Island would not have been able to stay out of the war and there would be no one to uphold our laws."

Sokka got quiet and nodded, even if he was not entirely sure if he agreed. Girls who had bending were different. Azula and Toph had definitely proven that (maybe Katara too if he could stop seeing her as his little sister long enough), but those who were nonbenders needed to be protected. He found it odd that life was so different on this island. The Kyoshi Warriors led the group to a building.

"You may stay here," their leader said. "We will have some food prepared for you."

This caused both Iroh's and Sokka's eyes to light up. The women left and Toph cracked her knuckles.

"Alright, Twinkle Toes. While they're doing that, let's get to work on some more earthbending. Then maybe you can start on firebending."

Aang followed her out of the building, starting to practice. Before long, he noticed that they were not alone. A small crowd had formed to watch. He sent them a friendly smile, causing one young girl to blush. Sokka chuckled at Katara's frown. His chuckling stopped a little when he spotted someone watching him. There was a girl around their age with red hair and a suspicious expression on her face.

"Is it just me or does she look like she's about to kill me?" he asked.

Zuko glanced towards her and offered an awkward wave. "A little," he admitted.

The stranger approached the boys, still appearing unsure about them. "Are you staying long?"

"Probably not too long," Sokka said. "Once Aang knows how to earthbend more and firebend, we should be ready to go."

The girl's eyes trailed over the team. "It looks like you've got a mixed group. How did people from so many nations find each other?"

Sokka chuckled. "It's a long story, but I'm glad it worked out the way it did."

The girl still seemed doubtful as she looked at Zuko, then Iroh who was beginning to accept the food which was brought in.

"Since when do people from the Fire Nation not want to attack everyone else?"

"Everyone isn't like that," the bender said.

"The fire lord is."

"Which is why we want to stop him," Sokka said, surprising the girl.

"You want to stop him? You might have the Avatar on your side, but your group's way too small to deal with threats like that. It's why the warriors just stay on the island. You have to know who you can realistically protect."

"That makes sense, but wouldn't you want to protect more people if you could?"

"Yeah, but we can't."

"Who said you couldn't? Maybe you just need to figure out a different way."

"I guess it's possible that we could come up with some possibilities."

Sokka grinned. "See? You probably could be known all over the world."

The girl lifted an eyebrow at him. "You're either really weird or brave."

"He's both," Zuko told her.

"You forgot brilliant," Sokka added dramatically. "I'm also that."

The girl chuckled and caught herself. "Well, I'm Suki. If you're going to be here, I guess we can exchange names."

The boys grinned and told her theirs.

"What was that thing that attacked us on the way?" Sokka asked.

"It's the Unagi. In a way, it helps keep the island safe from visitors. Anyone who gets past it has to deal with the warriors."

"Are you going to become one of them when you're older?" Zuko asked.

Suki nodded. "I've already started my training. I'll join them in a couple of years. It'll be a really big honor to work with some of the best warriors in the world."

Sokka puffed up proudly. "Back in the Southern Water Tribe, our warriors are great too. You've probably heard about the revolt."

"No, I didn't know there was one."

This deflated the boy slightly. "Well, what about the Northern Tribe battle?"

"I haven't heard of anything going on there either."

Zuko lifted an eyebrow. "How much do you know about the war?"

"We know that the Fire Nation started it, but we haven't heard anything recently. No one leaves the island."

An understanding look was in Sokka's eyes. "It was a bit like that back home too. I guess for a lot of places actually." He gestured towards the others. "It's nice to learn about the world, though. It sorta makes that whole 'balance' thing the Avatar tries to create not sound like such a bad idea." A joking sparkle shone in his eyes. "Plus, come on, your island is named after one of the Avatars. Kyoshi had to at least deal with the other nations long enough to figure out how to bend the other elements. Seems weird for her to want her own island to stay so unbalanced."

Suki appeared thoughtful, tapping her chin. "I haven't thought about it like that before." An idea lit up her face, then her expression changed to one that was more serious. "Are you both benders?"

"I am," Zuko said.

"I'm not, but I know how to use a sword."

Suki brought out two fans and got into a low stance. "Let's see what you can do."

"Wha–"

The boy yelped as he dodged a punch and almost had his feet swept from underneath him. Quickly, he had to get into the mindset of a spar. He imagined that the strikes were fire blasts. Several got close, but they managed to not make contact. Sokka began to feel confident–victorious even. That was when he lost focus. Suki caught the blade with her fan, flipping it out of his grip. Sokka looked at the weapon which was now laying in the grass.

"How'd you win with fans?" he asked, shocked. "I had an actual weapon."

"That's your first mistake. Anything can be a weapon. You just need to know what to do with it. Besides, I told you. I've been training with the Kyoshi Warriors. You never really stood a chance, but you held your own pretty well."

Sokka frowned at the sword. It was good, but maybe it would not be enough for what was to come.

"Then will you give me some pointers?"

Suki glanced at him with a curious expression. "You want to learn my 'girly' fighting style? I saw how you were looking at the warriors earlier. It didn't seem like you thought they could protect the island."

"I'm not really used to nonbender girls fighting, so it was weird. It's still a bit weird, but what you said about anything becoming a weapon was neat. Maybe that's a good way for people like us to fight, so we can still be a match for benders."

A slightly teasing look was on Suki's face. "If I did decide to give you some help while you were here, what would I get in return?"

"I could tell you about the places we've gone around the world. I get to learn new fighting techniques and you get to learn new facts about the world."

After a moment, Suki nodded. "Fair. Meet me outside the dining area when my training's done and I'll show you what we did."

The girl started to walk away and Sokka called after her.

"Why do I have the feeling this is what you wanted to happen?"

"You just might be a little brilliant after all," she called back.

Sokka smiled as Suki left. When she was gone, he noticed Zuko smiling too.

"What?"

The firebender shrugged. "Nothing."

He began to walk off as well and Sokka frowned, chasing after him.

"That was definitely because of something," he argued.

As Sokka kept trying to figure out what Zuko was grinning about, information was spreading through the Fire Nation. The noble families had learned of the planned execution. It took longer for the news of its delay to arrive. Mai felt like her heart had been broken. She sat in her room, eyes burning. No tears could fall if she would be around others soon. Puffy eyes would just embarrass her parents. Still, the girl was not really sure whether she would go or not. She was expected to attend, but she could not see her friend be killed. At the same time, Mai wondered if she should go just to say a final goodbye. When she heard a knock on the door, she assumed it was her parents telling her to hurry up and join them. Turning, Mai was surprised when she saw Ty Lee enter instead. The girl ran over and gave her a hug.

"It's not happening," she said.

Mai pulled back, eyes wide. "I-it's not?"

Ty Lee shook her head. "I think I heard someone say that they're making wanted posters for Zuko."

"So, he…escaped," Mai commented quietly.

Her friend smiled and nodded. "I don't know how, but I guess so. A messenger just finished leaving my place. I couldn't wait for them to tell you, so I came here first."

Mai gave her another hug, feeling relief wash over her. As soon as it did, dread arrived.

"He'll be branded as a traitor now. He'll probably never be able to come back."

Ty Lee offered a hopeful smile. "Who knows what'll happen? You shouldn't worry. I bet if we stay positive, it'll work out. Zuko's always had a strong aura. I think he'll be just fine. General Iroh is probably with him. They might be playing pai sho as we speak."

The thought made Mai feel a little better. "I hope so."

Relief and stress wrestled with one another over control of the girl's emotions. She wanted Zuko to be far from the fire lord, but she did not want him far from the nation. Maybe one day, their paths would meet again. With the way that the Fire Nation was spreading, it was almost more likely that she would see him again soon. The empire was spreading like the element after which it was named. How quickly and wildly flames could grow and consume. On a small island near the Earth Kingdom, people were learning this. A ship had arrived suddenly, immediately releasing a swarm of soldiers who led with fire. Vision blurred from heat, lungs filled with smoke, and skin blistered. No survivors were left. This was not a capture mission or even one to claim land. It was a message and in some ways, a mercy. These people had died quickly. The next might not be so fortunate.