After their arrival earlier that morning, the Dobrish 2nd Division had passed through Buzorovsk and were riding toward the location specified in the telegram from the Stavka. "What do you think, Sir?" asked one of the Colonel's to Haller.

The man turned to his subordinate with a cocked brow. "Pardon?"

"All this, Sir," he began, gesturing at the farmland and grassy flats around them. "We should be back in Dobrin pushing the Kordish from our nation. Not on some "grand adventure" for the sake of the Ruskians!" he said, with some of the other commanders nodding in agreement.

Haller sighed. "Colonel Kupchezk, while I may agree with your sentiment, it is too late to change our minds now," he explained as they continued. "Besides, we need all the heavy weapons they can give us. Let us not forget that when we started our revolt, we only had muzzle-loading brass cannons commandeered from the Prince's armouries."

Kupchezk looked down in resignation. "Yes, Sir," he replied as they caught sight of the portal.

When Katara and Toph returned from their "Girls Day" at the spa, they found Sokka and Aang playing a game of pai-sho as Momo, their pet flying lemur, sat eating barries in the corner. "Dang it, how did you get so good at this Sokka!" Aang shouted in astonishment as Sokka won.

In response, Sokka smirked. "What? Are you jealous?" he asked with a chuckle.

Katara proceeded to sigh. "Sokka."

Sokka turned to his sister while gesturing to the boy facing him. "What? I beat the Avatar! That's more than the Fire Nation can say!"

Toph blew a bang out of her face and stomped her foot, shifting the table so Aang's pieces aligned. "Hey, I won!" the boy shouted as Sokka stared at the table wide-eyed.

Before anyone could say anything more, there was a knock at the door. Curious, the teens turned toward the door as Katara walked over and opened it. When she did, everyone in the room stared in shock as a Dai-Li agent entered the room, followed by Ju Dee. "Avatar, Long Feng has requested the presence of yourself and your companions. You will come with me," he said in a monotone as Momo dropped his bag of barries, stood up, and flew over to Aang before protectively bearing his teeth.

Sokka and Aang stood as Toph turned to "look" at him. "What does he want?" Aang asked.

The agent remained stoic. "He wishes to discuss the current situation with you," he said.

"Why should we trust you? I mean, you guys did kidnap us, and we're not exactly on good terms with your boss," Toph said while folding her arms. "While I know you're telling the truth, I know there's gotta be more to it."

The agent smirked as he lifted his head, giving them a look at his face. "Clever girl. You are certainly your father's daughter," he said before regarding Aang. "But what if I told you the Grand Secretariat has information on your bison?"

While Toph was about to ask what he meant by that, Aang tensed up and gave him a suspicious look. "What do you mean? What do you know about Appa?"

The man put out his hand. "You'll know if you come," he said before stepping aside and gesturing to the ostrich-horse carriage behind him.

The others looked to Aang, even though everyone knew the choice he would make. "Okay, we'll go," Aang said with a sigh as he began limping over to the exit on his crutches, with the others following behind him, with the agent closing the door as they entered the carriage.

"You know, he was telling the truth," Toph whispered in surprise as Katara and Sokka helped Aang onto the carriage.

"Really?" he asked as he and Katara joined. Toph merely nodded as the agent sat across from them, and the door closed once everyone was on board.

The group remained quiet during the ride to the palace. When they stopped, the driver let them out, and team Avatar, escorted by the agent, soon arrived at a side entrance, which he opened and gestured for them to follow. Winding through various halls and corridors, they soon arrived at a set of doors. "Long Feng is waiting for you. All I ask is you keep an open mind," he said as he opened the door and let them in.

"Uh, thanks," Aang replied before he took a deep breath and walked inside.

As soon as the gang was inside, the door shut behind them, causing momentary panic before they turned to see Long Feng sitting behind a desk. "Ah, I see you came," he said as he gestured for them to sit across from him. "Please, let's get this over with. I'm sure you all have questions, and I am low on patience at the moment," as they drew closer, they could see he seemed to lean on his desk rather than sit up, with the bags under his eyes indicating a lack of sleep.

"Why did you want us here, and what do you know about Appa?" Aang asked as Katara helped him sit down.

The older man sighed as he sat back. "Don't worry. If you do as I ask, I promise you will have your bison returned."

"What did you do to Appa!" Aang shouted in accusation.

Long Feng raised his hand. "Don't worry, I've merely been holding it. I always intended to return it, but only at the proper time," he explained as the Avatar and his allies continued to glare at him. "Now, if you wish to keep it that way, you will accept my demands. Does that sound fair?" he asked as they lowered their heads. "I'll take that as a yes," he continued before opening his desk and drawing several scrolls. "I had hoped to keep you here for longer. But, as things stand, I cannot allow for any internal conflict," he said as he passed the first. "Katara and Sokka of the Watertribe, this is for you."

Carefully, the siblings took the scroll, and Katara began to read. "...A force of ships guarding Cameleon Bay..."

"That sounds like Dad," Sokka said as Katara's eyes lit up.

"...From the Southern Watertribe, LED BY HAKODA! It IS Dad!" she shouted as she and Sokka embraced.

With a slight smile, Long Feng handed over the next one. "This is for you, Miss Beifong. However, my sources have yet to confirm its authenticity."

Toph took the letter and handed it to Katara. "...It's from your Mom. She's here in the city and wants to meet with you," she read aloud.

Long Feng sighed. "Yes, but as I said. I have yet to confirm this, and the information contradicts the bounty her parents placed on her."

As the words left his mouth, everyone went silent. "W-What do you mean?" Toph asked, her voice uncharacteristically meek.

Long Feng sighed. "I suppose I can excuse your ignorance, considering your parents privately hired two bounty hunters to return you to them without preparing wanted posters."

Toph suddenly jumped out of her chair and pointed an unsteady finger at the man. "Y-You're lying! There's no way my parents would do that!" she shouted.

Long Feng seemed taken aback by her accusation, but he appeared to calm himself down. "Regardless, I would take this letter with a grain of salt, Miss Beifong," he began before drawing a scroll. "Now, Avatar Aang. I think it is time I got to the meat of the issue," he said, passing it over the table.

The boy carefully unravelled it and began to read silently, his eyes widening as he continued. "It's from a Guru at the Eastern Air Temple! He says he can teach me how to master the Avatar State!" he shouted in surprise before turning to him. "How did you-"

"It was attached to your bison when we found it," the Dai Li leader stated. "However, now that I have given you all this information, there is something I must ask in return."

The teens turned to him with concerned looks. "What do you want?" Sokka asked his jubilation at receiving news about his father, soured by his fear of what Long Feng would ask.

In response, the man steepled his fingers. "Your plan, explain it to me, would you?"

Team Avatar looked dumbfounded. "What?" Aang asked, confused.

"You wished to meet with the King to discuss this "invasion" plan of yours, didn't you?" he asked with a cocked brow.

"Uh, yeah. But you said you didn't want us to meet the King," Sokka countered as the older man nodded.

"Correct," Long Feng began before smirking. "But, what if I delivered the plan to the Council of Generals?"

Sokka put a hand to his chin. "Well, I think that would work. But what's in it for you?"

Long Feng sat back, a slight grin on his features. "That would depend on you, Avatar," he said, turning to the boy. "You have yet to master the Avatar State. However, if you can succeed in this before your invasion is due to take place, then would I consider it."

"Okay..." Aang began. "But, why now? I mean, you had this whole time to ask us. So why didn't you?" he asked, curious.

The older man sighed. "Originally, I planned to keep you here until the comet arrived. However, it seems things are moving faster than I predicted."

"So you were blackmailing us?" Toph asked as she crossed her arms.

Long Feng groaned. "Yes, I was. But now I need your help. I dismissed you last we met, but the situation is critical. It seems the Fire Nation has gained some new allies, and they've grown bolder. Yesterday morning, they captured the Bulwark, severing our connection with Fullmoon Bay. But that is not all, as it seems this new faction is also responsible for your injury, Avatar. Since the force that captured the Bulwark carried the same flag you saw on that flying machine."

Aang's eyes widened. "So you're saying they aren't Fire Nation?"

Long Feng shook his head. "As far as we know, yes, they are not. However, considering the Fire Nation's positions remain untouched, it can only mean they are aligned."

"Okay, so when are we getting Appa back?" Aang asked with a glare.

Long Feng chortled. "Fear not, Avatar, your bison should be back at your house, so long as everything goes well," he began before his gaze turned serious. "Now, let's hear your plan. Hm?"

In response, the others turned to Sokka, who sighed. "Fine," he began before clearing his throat. "Okay, so you know how Firebenders lose their ability to bend during a solar eclipse, right?" Long Feng nodded. "Well, get this: In about two months, there will be an eclipse just before the comet!" he shouted. "So, we planned to invade the Fire Nation capital on that day with the aid of the Earth King's armies and some of our allies we've met on our journey."

The older man seemed to ponder the teen's words while the others looked at him expectantly. "Do you know the exact date?"

Sokka nodded and pointed to his head. "Yep, it's all right here. Though I have my notes back at home."

Long Feng stroked his beard in thought. "Hm, perhaps..." he whispered before nodding. "Very well. I shall begin the preparations," he said before his gaze morphed into a glare. "But remember, this is a military operation. I won't have you all running around making demands. If you want our help, you will play by our rules. Understand?" he asked sternly.

The teens sighed. "We understand," they replied dejectedly.

"Excellent," the man smirked. "Now that is all sorted, you may go."

As soon as he finished speaking, the agent from earlier opened the door and gestured for them to leave, to which they complied. After leaving the palace and another silent carriage ride, the teens arrived at the house, still trying to understand their strange encounter. But all thoughts swept aside when they heard a familiar groan in the sky, and they looked up to see a white blur flying over the city. "Appa!" Nearly forgetting his injury, Aang rushed inside and grabbed a white whistle before blowing into it as hard as he could.

In time at all, the great, six-legged beast swiftly whirled around and swooped down onto the lawn, nearly crashing into the GAang when he landed, with Sokka being unfortunate enough to be underneath his mouth as his man-height tongue began licking him in excitement. "Buddy- I Know- You're Happy- To See Us- Please- STOP!" the boy shouted before the beast turned, rolling his slobber-covered form to the side as Aang stepped out of the house.

"APPA!" Aang cried as the beast rushed up the stairs and nearly crushed him with his mass as he nuzzled the boy, all the while licking his injured leg and groaning. "Ow, please stop- I know you wanna help, but it's okay," he said, causing the bison to stop licking him as the Avatar petted his friend. It had felt like ages since the desert, but now, they were back together. "I'm never going to let us be apart again," Aang whispered as he continued petting his massive head, all the while ignoring the concerned eyes of his companion.

As Sokka attempted to clean himself off, Toph and Katara watched Aang and Appa embrace as Momo flew outside to join them. "It's nice to see him happy again," said Katara as Toph nodded.

"Yeah. At least now we won't have to search the entire city," the young Earthbender replied as she crossed her arms.

"Yeah," Katara added before turning to her. "Hey, are you okay?"

Toph scoffed. "Duh, why wouldn't I be?" she asked as she turned away.

Katara inwardly sighed at her stubbornness but decided not to press the issue. The meeting with Long Feng had taken a toll on them, and she believed it was best to wait until the next day at the earliest. "Okay, if you say so. If you need someone to talk to, I'm here for you, okay?" Toph didn't reply, as Katara turned and walked over to her brother to help him wash off.

While Ivan had disappeared with Azula yet again, Nikolai took the time to draw up new positions based on what territory they currently held. Or at least, he was, until he heard foreign trumpet calls slowly getting closer. Suddenly, Major Shostakovich burst into his tent with a salute. "Grand Duke, I report that our Dobrish allies have come to aid us!"

Nikolai nodded as he stood up and took his hat. "Then let us greet them. Come, Major," he said as he bypassed him on his way out.

"At once, Sir," the man replied as he followed behind his commander.

Soon enough, Nikolai found himself standing on the edge of the camp as he watched the Dobrish forces draw closer, their grey and blue uniforms and banners contrasting with the barren wastes surrounding them. After waiting for several minutes, the staff arrived, led by a tall young man with a thick pair of sideburns. "Ah, Grand Duke Nikolai," the man announced in Vusonian as he dismounted from his brown steed and saluted him in the typical Dobrish manner, with Nikolai returning it.

"General Haller," the older man greeted. "Come, let us lunch. I am sure you're tired from your long journey," he said as he gestured for the Dobrish staff to follow him before turning to the Major. "Have the Dobrish make for the Bulwark. I don't need another international incident."

"Yes, Grand Duke," Shostakovich replied before turning toward the stables.

"What was that about?" the Dobrish General asked as Nikolai led them toward the headquarters.

"Oh, I wanted to ensure your men knew where to set up camp," the Grand Duke replied as Haller nodded.

Azula felt queasy as she, Ivan, Mai, and Ty Lee left the hospital. Sure, she'd seen many things in her life, but to see someone she knew die right before her eyes- It was unnerving. The smell was bad enough, but his pained grunts and groans would never escape her memory. She had never feared death before, but to see it so close had shocked that fear into her. "I'm sorry you had to see that," Ivan said, breaking the silence that had carried since they left.

Azula, shaken from her thoughts, was unable to come up with a coherent response and merely decided to nod. "Yeah... That was gross. It reminded me of that pentapox fiasco back in Omashu only..."

"Real?" Ty Lee finished as she placed a hand on her friend's shoulder.

"Yeah," Mai replied, her eyes downcast as the teens continued walking with no destination in mind.

"I'm just glad no one else was affected, at least for the moment," Ivan said as he stroked his chin. "But I only hope it was old age."

"As do I," Azula whispered as the group passed her tent. "Well, Ivan, what do you suggest we do?" she asked as she stopped.

"Pardon?" Ivan asked as he and the others turned to her, his confusion evident while the girls appeared stunned. "I don't understand."

In response, she placed her hands on her hips. "What do you think we should do? It's boring here, and I want to think about something else."

Ivan's brow furrowed in thought. "Hm... Well, I suppose we could head back to our camp. After all, I don't believe I ever introduced you to my friends."

"Well, that certainly sounds better than sticking around here and dealing with General Xang," she said with a smirk. "Besides, this could be interesting."

"And I could get to see Petr!" Ty Lee shouted as the others cocked a brow, causing her confusion. "What?"

Azula rolled her eyes and turned to Ivan, who was shaking his head. "Alright, let's go," he said, chuckling at Ty Lee's expense as the teens headed for the stables to gather their mounts.

"So, gentlemen, how are you enjoying the food?" Nikolai asked during a pause in the meal.

"It is nice to have something familiar," Haller replied, receiving nods of agreement from his staff. Unlike Ruskian Divisions, the Dobrish had five regiments instead of four, with the fifth being a regiment of Ulans or lancers. Likewise, there were six Dobrish at the table, including Haller, another man dressed in obvious blue cavalry attire, and the others wearing grey infantry uniforms.

Once the man in the Ulan uniform finished his bite, he scooped another pelmeni dumpling onto his fork. "Yes, it is nice. However, your Ruskian pelmeni will always feel like a cheap imitation of our pierogis to me," he said as he ate it.

Nikolai frowned at this but ignored his comment and continued eating. He could feel the tension rise as some of the other Dobrish officers glanced at the Grand Duke and the other man, seemingly curious to see how things would go. But, the Ruskian had no intention of giving them the satisfaction. He knew they didn't want to be here. The looks on the officers' faces spoke more loudly than the platitudes of Haller. But, if all went according to plan, they would be back in Dobrin before the end of next week. Suddenly, one of the other Colonel's placed down his fork. "Grand Duke, pardon me for asking, but why are we here exactly? I've seen the condition of your army, and you all appear to be in good order unless I am mistaken?"

Nikolai inwardly sighed as he followed suit. "Because I don't have enough troops to accomplish the task before me with the men I had on hand," he began, his brow furrowed in silent frustration. "Now, before you decide this operation isn't relevant to you, remember that we supply your armies."

Haller stopped eating as the Ulan Colonel crossed his arms. "Oh, I'm sorry, but what could require more men than our whole army combined?" he asked sarcastically.

Nikolai stood up. "Why don't I show you?" he asked as he grabbed his cocked hat and gestured for the Dobrish officers to follow him.

As Ivan, Azula, Mai, and Ty Lee rode back to the Ruskian camp, they spotted a contingent of Ruskian Hussars escorting his father and a cadre of Dobrish officers toward a hill North of their encampment. "Hey, isn't that your father?" Mai asked as she rode up beside him.

"Yes, it is. It would seem we got some help," Ivan replied.

"What do you mean "help"?" Azula asked as she cocked a brow.

"See those men in grey? They are men of the Free Dobrish army," he said as he pointed forward.

"So, they're from another Kingdom?" Ty Lee asked, confused, to which Ivan nodded.

"That they are. Though they have no King at the moment, as their Prince swore allegiance to the Kordish," he explained before sighing as he felt himself beginning to sweat. "Anyway, I think it best to find shelter before it gets hotter. Eh?"

Ty Lee smirked coyly in response. "I'm sure you would like-" she began to say, only to stop when Azula turned to her with one of the most heated glares she'd ever received. "I mean, yeah, let's go!" she began, quickly spurring her mount onward to get as far away from Azula as she could.

"What was that about?" Ivan asked as he turned toward Azula.

"Oh, I was just making sure she didn't say anything inappropriate," she responded innocently. "Now, come on. I refuse to let her get to the encampment first," she said as she pushed her lizard to move faster, with Ivan and Mai behind her. All while his horse wished it could be anywhere other than near these predators.

Hey everyone, I know it's been a little while, but I'm back! Also, I wanted to thank you guys for all the support and love you give this story. I am astonished that things have moved so quickly that now we're over 80 favs and 100 follows! After all, it's thanks to you guys that I feel encouraged to keep this story going, whether it be your PMs, reviews, or even just the sheer amount of people who've read and enjoyed, I cannot thank you enough.

As for the story, things are really going to start ramping up from this point forward now that Long Feng's getting desperate and the Ruskians will start receiving their reinforcements. But, stay tuned for the next chapter, as Azula meets the other officers of the Zlachny Guards, Mai may or may not find a new boyfriend, and a certain Priest returns to lay the foundation for the greatest upset in this world's history.