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Warning: the following chapter contains Mothra, a bug kaiju. Those with a phobia of bugs be advised.

Infant Island

Mothra's Temple

The fading sunlight of the day cascaded through a large opening from above down on the great egg resting within the chamber. To say it was enormous would've been an understatement. Azula felt puny against its scale.

And yet, it wasn't an oppressive presence either. The egg was cream-colored, with soft bands of blue enwrapping the shell. Spots of white speckled across the shell, creating a pleasant mixture that resembled the dawn of a new day. All around it, the moths that guided them to this place fluttered and rested on the shell.

It looks so peaceful, Azula thought, feeling drawn to the egg. Her armored boots echoed in the chamber. Yet somehow, she felt welcomed here. As if the being within that painted shell didn't mind a fearsome warrior such as her being here.

Maina certainly didn't seem too bothered. In fact, the priestess walked right alongside the Princess, all while saying a prayer under her breath. The third member of their party hung back a little, her hand wandering to the bow on her back. Yet the tranquil aura spoke to Kori as well, beckoning her further.

There they stood right up to the great form of the egg, gazing up at its majesty. Eventually, the Princess had to break the silence to ask, "Who laid this?"

"The previous Mothra," Maina explained. "Before she died, she laid this egg so the cycle would not be broken. That way in times of hardship, she would come back to us. Even in death, the Goddess would never abandon us."

"To think something this big and powerful would ever stick its neck out for people like us," Kori muttered. The rebel fell to her knees, just taking it all in. Maina also knelt, bowing her head in reverence.

Azula? She outstretched her hand, feeling something within calling to her. Gently, she grazed the shell, and all the voices in her head and all the pounding simply ceased to be.

"She's…calling to me," the Princess muttered.

"Get away from the egg, Azula."

The harsh voice caused all three girls to turn around, bearing witness to a whole company of people coming in through the gate. Azula glowered at their leader.

Her brother. Zuko.

"I see you didn't exactly listen to my instructions about 'coming alone'," she almost growled. Of course he'd try to pull a fast one on her. When had he ever played things straight? This time it wasn't just the waterbender either. Her "friends". Uncle Fatso. The Avatar and his sycophants. If they weren't blocking the only way out, she would've made a break for it right then and there. Only one other way led out of the chamber, which went down further into the temple. And even with Maina's help, she didn't want to risk getting lost.

The waterbender rolled her eyes. "Right. Like you played fair before in the past," she spat out.

Azula shrugged. "Doesn't change the fact I asked you to come alone. And last I checked, that's twice you decided to stack the odds in your favor Zuzu. Or did dear old Uncle tell you that taking me in was a lot more important than your so-called 'honor'?"

Her brother's fist clenched. Sure she could see him taking deep breaths in to relax himself, but she could see the fire in his eyes all the same. "We beat you before Azula, and that was just Katara and I. So either come with us now, or-"

"MAINA!"

"MIANA!"

The threat fell on two pairs of deaf ears, as Maina rushed forward on a gust of wind, grabbing and hugging an identical girl from Zuko's party. Azula blinked. Right. The priestess said she had a twin sister. And indeed, they looked almost exactly alike. The core difference was "Miana"'s hairstyle which mirrored Maina, and the colored tattoos around her eyes. They were warmer colors of blue, orange, and white. Quite a far cry from Maina's red, yellow, and black.

"By the Goddess, I've missed you! You know how difficult it was dealing with these two for how long?! I almost got to thinking Mothra had sent me some test of character!"

"You're telling me! Listen, Maina. You're not going to believe this! I was at Cranefish Town, and-"

Azula cleared her throat, causing both twins to swivel around and stare at her. "Oh. Forgive me. This is Miana, my sister! She's the other priestess of Infant Island."

"You could just call me Imana though. Makes it easier for everyone."

"...Imana. Right." The Princess wisely decided to just roll with it. "Very well. I'm guessing you all know why I called you here?"

"Yeah. You said you had this 'Lord Jozain' guy in custody, and you wanted to give him to us," the blind earthbender summed up. "Toph" was her name if Azula remembered correctly.

"Precisely. Like I said, he's part of the reason Rodan woke up and nearly threatened the entirety of Aso Island. Now I don't know about you, but I could imagine you'd have more than a few questions for a noble such as him. I'd be willing to part with him, some of his allies, along with any war criminals the Fiery Raptors and I have come across. Actual war criminals. Not those grunts you tried to put on trial. You know, the people who actually burned down villages like dear old Uncle over there accused me of doing."

Iroh bristled at her barb, which brought a smile to her face. With her proposal set, she confidently held out her arms. "So what do you say, brother? You said you wanted to restore the Fire Nation's honor. I'm giving you the means to do so. All I ask is for some space to do my work."

She held her gaze on Zuko, making sure he saw her. Nobody else, just her. Azula had no idea what lies Iroh had been feeding him, but this had to be his decision. Deep down, he had to realize she was right. Why wouldn't he? This was what he wanted after all.

And for a moment, she swore she saw the light in his eye soften before it blazed again. "Not this time Azula. You're not going to trick me like you did in Ba Sing Se. And what's this 'work' you're up to?"

"Zuzu, last I checked, you made that decision yourself-"

"Raise up a rebellion so you can take my throne? Don't think I'm stupid! You're a warlord now! Even if I wanted to let you go, how am I going to ignore you commanding an entire rogue army group?"

Before Azula could bite back, Kori stepped up. "That's not fair! Didn't you listen to your sister? We got rid of the war criminals in the Raptors! AND she gave an order to not engage with any loyalist forces!"

"You don't take command of an entire army group and not use them!" Sokka pointed out. "Like what's she going to do? Just wait and gather even more of Ozai's psychos to her cause?"

"I think you mean loyal subjects who don't want a hundred years' worth of sacrifices to be for nothing. Or did Lu Ten's death mean nothing to any of you?!" Azula couldn't believe it. All that death. All that misery. Everything she had gone through for Father, just so some savage can call her a psycho?

"ENOUGH!" Iroh roared, causing everyone to go quiet. "You go too far this time, Azula. I remember you used to love Lu Ten like a brother. But using his death just to make a point?! Do you know how many Lu Tens you'll create if you keep going like this?"

His eyes bored into Azula's, the fire in his stomach churning. Azula just glared back. Granted, even she was a bit taken aback by her admittedly crass comment, but that wasn't the point now. She remembered how this old man had no compunctions with sending countless to their deaths. "Oh! So suddenly now you give a damn about life?! You lose Lu Ten and suddenly you have the gall to call all of us criminals?"

"When did YOU start caring about who you hurt?! Last I checked, the whole burning the Earth Kingdom plan was your idea!" Zuko shouted back. "I'm trying to stop a civil war here, and you're just playing games like you always do!"

"Fat load coming from the one who sent thousands to their deaths."

All at once, their arguing ground to a halt. Azula didn't care though. The fire in her heart was growing stronger. Already she could remember it all. Charred bodies. Ruined villages. A terrified woman reaching for her hand. Too much she remembered. All it served was to bring fire to her mouth.

"You accuse me of not caring about people. Yet you did the same thing I stand accused of. What's more, you actually got your own people killed. For what? Just to make a point against me? Proving that you're better? Cause all you're doing is proving why you don't deserve to wear that crown."

"That's enough-!"

"And don't think I forgot you're the one who helped him with that battle plan of his. Oh yeah. I know it was you, Sokka. Who else could do it? Certainly not my idiot brother, but most assuredly the one who seems to be the brains of your little band. Did you even think what was going to happen when you told the Fire Nation that you had a plan to deal with Godzilla?"

Sokka fell silent, but Katara stepped in and brought her sealskin to her hand. "Enough! I'll put you in your place, Azula. Just like I did before. And then I'm going to tie you in chains, and drag you back to that asylum-"

The Princess just yanked one of her vambraces off her arm and yanked down the sleeve.

Letting them all get a good look at the scars.

"This is what you did to me," Azula snarled, pointing to each and every one. "Here's the bruises where they bound me in a straitjacket and chains. Here's where they stuck needles into my arm day in and out, drugging me up, and leaving me alone with the voices in my head. And here's where they came close to breaking my arms when they slammed me against the wall whenever I lost control. You accuse me of being some monster for killing? Then what kind of mercy is this?!"

Tears welled up in her eyes, but she just continued to glare at them all. Everyone was silent. Zuko. The Avatar. Mai and Ty Lee. Even Iroh. All just had wide eyes and pale faces.

It was Zuko that spoke up. "Azula…I…I'm so sorry-"

"SAVE IT!" Azula roared, her breath bringing flames of blue fire with each one. "You just want to make me your drugged-up pet, don't you? Well, guess what? Hate me all you want, but I won't forget that Father threatened to kill me if you stepped out of line. Nearly did so when I failed to recapture you. The only reason he didn't was because he had more important things to do."

She started laughing at the absurdity of it all. "I bring you home, you ruin everything. You put me in chains, dangled me over a cliff, threatened to burn my face off, forced me to work with traitors, and I'm the bad sibling?! And before you say you didn't know, did you even bother to check up on me to make sure I was okay?!"

Iroh stepped in, his hands reaching out. "Azula, we're trying to help you. This blue fire, it's not healthy-"

"You have no idea what blue fire is, don't you?"

To the old man's surprise, Imana got between him and Azula. "Blue fire is a gift. One of the most sacred gifts. To rob one of such a gift is an affront to nature."

"Imana, blue fire is chaos and destruction."

"And sometimes you need to tear something down for something better to be built up again," the priestess snapped back, her soft demeanor hardening.

Azula just snorted with laughter. "Oh, that's rich! If that's the case, why doesn't the Avatar just strip everyone in the Fire Nation of firebending right now? They did the same thing I did, especially since the person he's supposed to be stopping is standing right there!"

She glared at Zuko with such a degree of intensity she didn't think possible. And she felt her fire surging through her veins. "You want to know why I'm doing this? You're putting your nation in danger. You keep putting petty issues like your pathetic grudge or this civil war of yours in front of the REAL issue. Godzilla. Rodan. Anguirus. And who knows what else is out there! They're the real threat. They're the ones killing people. If you refuse to wake up and see these monsters for what they are, then stay out of my way. Maybe you can go die on your throne if it means so much to you. With how you're handling things, there won't be a Fire Nation when the decade is out."

With that, Azula went silent. Waiting for his response.

She wasn't disappointed. Zuko's eyes teared up, but he turned to his cronies and said, "Take her down."

Crack

"Gladly. It's about time!" Mai said, getting her knives out.

"You're right, Zuko, it is enough! We've tried to put up with her, but she's too dangerous!" Ty Lee declared. Azula felt the floor drop out beneath her. Her muscles seized up.

Crack

To her shock though, several people lept to her aid. "Wait a minute! Let's calm down!" shouted the Avatar (of all people). "We don't have to do this!"

"Look at her Aang! She's crazy and she needs to go down!" Iroh shouted back.

CRACK

"You'll have to go through us if you want to get to her!" Maina declared as she, Kori, and Imana rushed to her side with air and bow at the ready. Across the chamber, the Avatar, the waterbender (oddly enough) and the Kyoshi Warrior were trying to argue against their friends. But Sokka, Zuko, Iroh, Mai, and Ty Lee wouldn't hear any of it. The blind earthbender just stood to the side watching it all and unsure of what to do.

CRACK

Azula snorted, bringing fire to her palms. "Alright then. You want me? COME AND GET ME!"

CRACK!

The cracking noise overpowered their fighting. All eyes turned to the egg.

Cracks were forming at the top.

And they were getting larger.

Hurriedly, both Maina and Miana ran to the foot of the egg and knelt down in reverence. Azula and Kori stepped back, watching as they bowed their heads before raising their arms to the heavens above.

Then they began to sing.

"Mosuraya Mosura,

Dungan kasakuyan

Indumū,

Rusuto wirādwa

Hanba hanbamuyan

Randa banunradan

Tunjukanrā,

Kasakuyānmu!"

As they sang, a massive brown form broke through, with yolk and eggshell sliding down its lumpy body. It arched back, wiggling back and forth to free itself from its confinement. Until a great head burst through the front of the egg.

Azula gasped. A great worm shook its body free, before rearing back to gaze at them all with small, baby-blue eyes. Dark-colored tusks and mandibles formed its mouth, and a spiked tail came crashing from its other end.

And yet, as it slowly wiggled from its nest and looked at them all, the Princess didn't feel any malice or intimidation. Just a sense of awe and…peace.

Gently, Mothra chirped at her priestess, resting her mandibles in front of them. Shocked at seeing their Goddess reborn, Maina and Miana had tears in their eyes and a great smile on their lips. They stroked the kaiju, before giving her a great bow. Mothra bowed in return.

The worm turned towards Zuko and the Avatar, staring at them. After a moment of comprehension, Aang bowed in respect. The Fire Lord and the rest of the entourage did so in turn, if a bit more stiffly than the airbender. Again, Mothra bowed.

At last, she turned towards Kori and Azula. Overcome by the kaiju's presence, the girl from Yu Dao bowed as well.

After a moment, Azula followed suit. Incredibly, the kaiju bowed before them both, before inching right in front of the Princess. She softly chittered, those gentle eyes gazing down at the tiny human before inching a little closer.

Azula…reached out her hand and petted Mothra's beak. The tears in her eyes couldn't be held back before her legs collapsed. Instead of hard rock, she fell on the beak, which was moved to support her.

There she lay for a moment or two. Didn't matter if people were watching. She smiled regardless as she rubbed Mothra's mandible down. In return, the kaiju's tusks stroked her back. And for that briefest of instances, Azula felt something she had never felt in years.

Safe.

Then the moment passed. Mothra gently backed away and pointed her head towards the gate at the back of the chamber. Despite not saying a single word, Azula understood the larva completely. Her legs took her across the stony floor, each footstep echoing in the space. Alongside, Mothra slipped into a large body of water. Everybody must've missed that between all the fighting and the egg.

The kaiju slipped beneath the cool waters, and Azula followed a group of moths guiding her through the dark. Nobody stopped her, though some footfalls seemed to follow after her before being stopped. She could faintly hear the Avatar's voice saying, "Don't. I think she needs this time to herself."

It seemed so foreign. Was the enemy sticking up for her of all people? How could somebody so capable of destruction could show such kindness? Such a notion was something Azula couldn't wrap her head around. Everyone knew power and might means an inherent need to dominate.

So why show mercy to her? Why did Mothra or Godzilla? She had to know.

She didn't know how far the tunnel went. It could've been either a few minutes or a few hours. What little she saw illuminated by the flame in her hand didn't tell her much either. Only old brick, stone, and roots stared back at her. The Princess didn't even know where she was going. Certainly, the moths up ahead did as they expertly navigated the corridor, their wings shining from the light of her fire.

Azula had to fight down the nervousness in her heart. Kept telling herself that Mothra didn't mean her any harm. It was one of the few things she could cling to in the heart of this alien world. Even still, alarm bells kept ringing, telling her to turn back. To take her chances against her brother and the Avatar. That whatever they had intended couldn't be much worse than what this "deity" had in mind.

After all, who was she to be here? The prodigy of the Fire Nation in a place dedicated to peace? Her very soul must've corrupted the purity built into the very walls surrounding her. Especially after almost lashing out against her own flesh and blood. Yet again.

Yet she fought to remain calm. To turn back down would mean risking a bloodbath. She couldn't drag Maina and Kori into that. No. She had to press on

And press on she did, until she could see a light up ahead. Her heart picked up as well as her feet, eager to get out of this darkness. Out she burst into another large chamber. Not nearly as huge as the nest, but sizeable enough to give her pause. Once more, a gentle light filtered from above, though a bit dimmer. It seemed the sun was beginning its descent from the night sky.

It was still light enough for Azula to see the great wall before her, carved from top to bottom with intricate images. Her breath was snatched from her, seeing the great work of art. Whoever built this place must've been skilled craftsmen. Certainly a lot more than what she reckoned what the current inhabitants were capable of. She assumed at least.

The Princess walked up to one image on the wall. Each carving seemed to tell some kind of story. This one drew her attention due to the moths fluttering around it. Coming closer, she saw once more the great moth she saw at the temple's entrance. Painted in delicate light and warm colors, she had a group of worshippers praying beneath her.

But across from her was a different moth. One painted in black, dark colors. And carved with jagged edges. Beneath it were skulls and ruined buildings. None of the kindness of the first was present. In fact, the two seemed to be opposed to one another, locked in combat.

Azula tilted her head. She had seen the colors of the dark moth before. Black. Red. Golden. Those were the colors of Maina's tattoos. Why would such a menacing creature be honored here? Especially if it opposed what she assumed to be a rendition of Mothra?

Just as the question entered her mind, the moths gathered before another image. Azula followed them and beheld a greater depiction. Upon it was a battle of titanic proportions. Great beasts were locked in combat with one another, as people ran for cover amidst their fighting. All above, there seemed to be a comet flying through the sky. The Princess felt a throbbing when she looked upon it.

Somehow it felt familiar. Sozin's Comet? No, that couldn't be right. This felt older and…wrong…

Her musings were interrupted when she saw several of the kaiju depicted fighting. One she first thought was a lion turtle, but the long tail and crocodilian snout were not that of those legendary creatures. It resembled Maina's description of Anguirus. Another was a great bird in the sky, aloft on leathery wings of fire. Rodan. Alongside him was Mothra, fending off some attacker she didn't recognize.

And below them, right aside by Anguirus, was the unmistakable jagged dorsal spines of Godzilla, spewing his blue fire at another unfamiliar kaiju. All four seemed to be grouped with one another, almost as if they were allies. That would explain why Godzilla seemed so hesitant on killing Rodan back at Aso Island.

Once more, the moths gathered around a third image. This one was not as grand, but just as impactful. There were several of the titans being worshipped by humans. And the titans in turn were bowing towards one in the middle. One that the Princess was all too familiar with.

Azula grazed the image of Godzilla with her fingers, unable to understand why. What was he to them? Some kind of ruler? She did know that in all ecosystems there was a top predator that maintained order. It was one of Father's chief lessons. Yet those alphas were meant to be feared. All of these kaiju seemed to be showing respect for the mighty dragon. Was it out of fear or admiration though? The ones who carved this place certainly thought Godzilla was important enough to give him some kind of respect.

Yet he was a monster. Why was a monster revered? Azula didn't understand, and she had a feeling that she wouldn't get any answers by just looking at carvings such as these alone.

Again, the moths fluttered away, this time down a passageway leading further still into the temple. A cool, crisp wind came through it, refreshing the Princess. She still had more questions than answers. But this was a riddle she was determined to unravel.

So once again, Azula set forth further into the depths. Hungrier than ever for why she was brought here.

The birthing chamber was silent following Azula's departure, for nobody wanted to say a word. Too much had just transpired in too little time, and everyone was just soaking it all in. And even when one was close to comprehending it, they didn't want to be the first one to speak out lest they say the wrong thing. There seemed to be a lot of that going around these days.

Aang least of all especially. He sat a little away from everyone, trying to make sense of his turmoil. What he saw before him was simply too much for him to handle. The boy wasn't even sure if he could look either Zuko or Iroh in the eye. Indeed, everyone outside of Mai was giving them a bit of distance.

Those scars on Azula's wrist was on everyone's mind. Even more so than the fact she even got her old armor back (granted Zuko did ask something about how that happened, but he quickly shut up when it was clear nobody else was in the mood). Deep down, Aang wanted to believe she was lying. That she created those scars herself. Bumi's letter, on the other hand, THAT dispelled any doubt that she was telling the truth.

No wonder she got worked up so badly, Aang thought. What bothered him more was that he wasn't even sure anything could be DONE at this point. Enemy or not, that was abominable. At least they made sure Ozai was safely inside of a cell.

It made his head hurt, and so he turned to something he could talk about. The temple itself. "Imana. Who built this place?"

Both priestesses walked up to him, gazing at the architecture surrounding them. "Our ancestors. We think," Maina explained. "Some of us believe it was from a far older culture than either our people OR the Air Nomads. Maybe they were the people we used to be before they split up."

"I can see that. It definitely looks a lot like Air Nomad work, but different." Aang remembered what the Lion Turtle said about energy bending. Of how once, all were a single people before they diversified and spread out across the globe. Maybe this was the same here. He did mention how many of the various airbending cultures around the world came from the same tribe long ago. They even said those who chose to split off from the Nomad way of life were worthy of the same dignity and respect as a proper monk.

Back then, it didn't make much sense to Aang. It did so now. All it did was make him feel so…alone.

Something Imana picked up on. "Listen, I know you're disappointed that we're not the people you expected. But if it helps, a lot of us are hoping that some of the others-"

"They're all gone," Aang admitted glumly. "It wasn't just the Nomads. The Fire Nation came after everyone who bent air. Your people had Mothra on your side. Mine? …they didn't have any of that." He couldn't help but feel bitter. Why? Why was it that they got lucky? They couldn't even bend air all that well. Why didn't Mothra save the Nomads too? He knew she was apparently old and weakened when Sozin's Comet hit the first time, but if she just held out a bit longer…

He fell to his knees. Between the acolytes and here, he never felt more alone since the days of the war. It was like the universe was telling him that the Nomads were gone. Forever. And he should just get used to it.

A warm hand was placed on his shoulders. He looked up into the blue eyes of Katara, and the two embraced. "It's okay," she reassured. "I…I sometimes ask why the Northern Water Tribe wasn't hit as badly. Or even the Foggy Swamp Tribe. Why us?" Aang just hugged her tighter, feeling that this was something she had to get out too. Painful as it was, it did bind them together.

So did two pairs of arms that joined the hug fest. "You know you're just as much a part of our family as our parents are. Right, Aang?" Sokka asked.

"...yeah," the airbender mumbled.

The second pair of arms just hugged him tighter. "You're honestly the best brother I could ask for, Twinkletoes. You saw me for me. Not just some charity case." Aang smiled, feeling the rare softness in Toph's otherwise gruff tone.

"We'll get through this together. Alright?"

"...alright," he said to Katara, hugging them all. What he would've done without him, he didn't dare to ask. They weren't Air Nomads, but they were exactly what he needed right now in these days. And he felt that empty hole in the pit of his soul fill just a little bit more.

Imana, Maina, Ty Lee, Suki, and Mai watched their little group hug, feeling it wasn't their place to get involved. Suki especially. She loved Sokka and his friends, but she hadn't known them all for as long as he had. No, this was their moment.

As for Zuko and Iroh, they just stood apart from them all, looking sadly at the display of affection. Aang wanted the teen to join them, yet he still stood apart. Looking as troubled as ever.

The Avatar knew it was a conversation that had to come sooner than later. He just wasn't sure how to express the gravity of what Azula accused them of. And if she told the truth about her treatment in the asylum, what else was she true about? Did Zuko really dangle her over a cliff and threaten her?

That couldn't be right. Zuko had changed for the better.

Had he?, Aang wondered.

Further Azula trekked into the temple's depths. Again, only her blue flame illuminated the tunnel around her. That being said, her eyes were beginning to get used to the dark. It wasn't like she hadn't spent most of her childhood sneaking through the palace's hidden passageways to get to places she wasn't allowed to be. Mother called her prying. Father called her clever.

Prying or clever, it did feel good getting some distance away from Zuzu. She remembered her brother used to be scared of the dark growing up. Now she was half-convinced he'd throw himself onto a pyre just to get at her. Did Amimoto just not tell him that a kaiju enforced their law of peace? Or was he that eager to get even with her?

Funny. Azula swore he "proved his point" during that sham of an Agni Kai and shoving her into a cell to rot. Guess he still had a sore ego over being proven wrong with the mess that was Yu Dao. Why take it out on her though? If he was so much better now, wouldn't he recognize that she wasn't the one who wiped out his army?

The thought made her fidget with one of her bangs as she pressed herself onward. Wherever those moths up ahead were leading her had to have been better than what Zuko had intended.

Through the dark, they brought her to another opening. The archway of the tunnel gave way to a massive cavern ahead. Yet moonlight filtered in from an expansive opening high above, meaning it was bright enough for Azula to extinguish her flame. Judging from the black rocks that made up the cavern wall, she bet that this used to have been the heart of some extinct volcano. When one lives on an island chain formed by volcanos, one had to learn quite a bit about them.

The lava had receded a long time ago, however. At the cavern's heart where there would've been a molten lake during its active years was a sizeable, pristine lake. Most likely groundwater that had seeped up from below ground. There has to have be some massive underground system to connect all of these bodies of water, Azula reasoned. She remembered that much from her geology lessons.

This much water could've explained how the grasses and trees around her must've taken root. Along with the opening from above to provide sunlight during the day, there was a great deal of vegetation in a place that used to have been the heart of a destructive engine. Mosses climbed up walls scorched by lava, adding to the almost surreal atmosphere.

Vegetation wasn't the only thing the Princess found here. All around her, she could hear the calls of birds amidst the trees. Along her path, more of those parrot lizards like the ones back at the village scurried about, feeding on the nuts and berries of the low-lying plants. Yet none of them seemed to be frightened of her. Just staring at her with those large eyes of theirs.

She moved on, feeling called beyond the trees and foliage. Even still, she took note of the animals she came across. What any of the biologists her Father used to entertain by showing off the Royal Family's collection of dragon bones would give to see this place. A young part of her actually hoped that around the corner, one of the original firebenders would be there waiting. The older part bitterly told her that her uncle and nephew killed the last of them. How else would they have mastered the bending of dragons otherwise?

Azula was so wrapped up, that she almost didn't see the boulder with a bloody gash in its shell, laying alongside the trail.

…she backed up to get another look.

It wasn't a boulder, but rather a huge tortoise resting amidst the grasses. The shell was far spikier than any turtleduck shell she was familiar with. And it certainly looked more menacing as it raised its head and examined her. That beak was serrated, with fangs at the back.

Yet it only spared a glance before going back to its slumber. Around the bloody gash in its shell were a number of those strange birds that resembled the ones on Aso Island. They hopped here and there, licking up the blood of the shell. It seemed gruesome, but the tortoise didn't seem to mind. Maybe the birds' feeding helped clean the wound?

The Princess shook her head, continuing on. It seemed odd that such a peaceful place would have such a scene. Still, maybe that was why it came here. Perhaps it was some kind of refuge? This cave obviously would make a good refuge for whoever was passing through.

Refuge. That was an apt word. All here was as tranquil as the surface of the lake she arrived at. Before it was a stone altar, overgrown with mosses and flowers. Here the moths fluttered as if telling her to come here. Drawn further to the lake, Azula went up the steps of the altar and took a seat in the center. Here, a soft bed of flowers and moss served as a cushion, further easing her nerves.

It was odd. Zuko. Father. The whole world seemed so far away. As if here, all her troubles melted away.

Here, she was safe.

Safe. A word so odd. Father always told her that feeling safe was an invitation for disaster. That she should always be on her guard, no matter what. Seeing the cutthroat politics of the Fire Nation court firsthand, she knew what he was talking about.

Still, that seemed so distant.

Gingerly, she began to breathe in and out. In and out.

And from the lake, the brown form of Mothra swam towards her. Water was gently pushed from the kaiju's path as she came close. When she arrived right at the altar, the worm rose her head and looked down at Azula with those baby blue eyes.

Azula stared back and saw no malice. Only a wisdom that belied the kaiju's almost infantile appearance.

Mothra chittered, and deep down in Azula's heart, a soothing voice offered her to meditate.

In and out. Azula felt the blue fire that was her soul rise and fall in a steady motion. And willingly, she obliged.

Aang took a deep breath as he saw the wall in front of him.

There were more of those things he could imagine.

They had followed the tunnel Azula went down, feeling drawn further into the temple's depths. Not right away of course. Nobody wanted to be hot on the heels of a firebender that almost went berserk not too long ago. Particularly Katara or Zuko who knew the last time they had to face an enraged Azula. Whatever was down there, it almost had to have been better than that.

As it turned out, "almost" was the appropriate word. They came across a great wall displaying a menagerie of kaiju. The priestesses said that this was where each and every kaiju they knew of was marked down.

Some of them were familiar of course. The images of Godzilla and Anguirus were recognizable. He could see what was supposed to be the great firebird they saw. "Rodan" if Imana told them correctly. And that brightly colored moth had to have been Mothra.

Yet there were so many others. Monsters that straddled the line between what was natural and what wasn't. Oversized insects. Fearsome sea monsters. And horrors he couldn't even begin to describe.

"We can't fight against these many."

Aang nodded as Zuko voiced his thoughts. Ozai and politics were one thing. This just made him feel small. Avatar or not, if all these monsters decided to awaken and go berserk all at the same time…

"Azula must've gone down this passage! If we can move now, we'll be able to catch her!"

Abruptly, the young monarch made his way towards a dark tunnel. He didn't get far before Aang quickly leaped into the air and landed in front of him. To the astonishment of everyone, the Avatar got into an airbending position.

"Aang. Get out of the way." The boy stood firm though, feeling the firm earth beneath his toes. He didn't make a move to attack, but he made it clear that he wasn't going to step aside either.

Iroh stepped alongside Zuko, holding out his hands in a reassuring manner. "Avatar, as Grand Lotus, I must tell you that we need to apprehend Azula-"

Aang just shook his head. "And as Zuko's friend, I'm telling both of you this is a big mistake. Azula's not a threat right now! If I can talk with her, maybe I can convince her to come with us peacefully."

"I hate to point this out, but Azula was literally breathing fire not too long ago. Do you honestly believe you can talk down somebody like that?" Ty Lee asked.

Kori, who was watching from the sidelines, sighed. "Okay, then let me rephrase the Avatar's question: what's your problem with her? I mean I get not liking her due to your childhood and all, and I don't think she was the best of friends. Hell, I know firsthand. But are you telling me that's grounds to put her into that asylum?"

Mai groaned with exasperation. "Not my fault her father got her claws into her. And she is Ozai's number one fan."

Before Aang could say another word, the two other airbenders (he still had to get used to that) came up behind him. "Last I checked, she's not the one who's putting literally thousands in people of danger right now. Or did we just forget the wall put up detailing an entire army of monsters right now?" Maina asked.

"So answer the Avatar's question: why is it that Azula is such a huge priority that you're willing to overlook Godzilla?" Imana reiterated.

"How can you be so sure Azula is telling the truth? She could've mutilated herself to give her those scars," Iroh pointed out.

When he uttered those words, Toph, Sokka, Suki, Kori, and Katara joined Aang's side. This is what the Avatar hinted at concerning his letter from Bumi. He didn't say what it was exactly, but it was something to put him on edge around Iroh of all people. Now that everyone realized what that was, their hearts were set. "I understand your concerns Grand Lotus, but I have a feeling Azula's telling the truth this time."

Katara joined her boyfriend's side. "He's got a point. I don't like her, but I don't think she's crazy enough to scar herself just to prove a lie. And even if she was lying, it still doesn't make any of you look good if you keep backing her into a corner like this."

A wave of shock was painted on Iroh's face. Truth be told, even Aang was a little surprised about how he coldly referred to the firebending master as "the Grand Lotus". He knew that Iroh didn't like people being that formal around him if it wasn't for a good reason.

Yet the biggest change came over Azula's former friends. Mai and Ty Lee suddenly stepped back a moment and looked aghast both at Iroh and, oddly enough, themselves. It was as if the two were brought out of some kind of spell. Something that Toph didn't miss. "You two knew about that place? Then why would you even think of throwing Azula in there if you knew it was so bad?!"

"I…I don't know. Something just came over me and…" Mai walked away, hugging herself for support. Just the sight of the usually stoic noble was enough to chill anyone's blood.

Zuko on the other hand was fired up enough already. "Okay? Sokka also wanted to take her down and nobody's yelling at him!"

More than one pair of eyes turned towards the warrior, who chuckled nervously. "In my defense…she was breathing fire, everything moved really fast, and did I mention she was breathing fire and looked scary?"

"Fair point," Aang admitted.

"So this is your last warning, Avatar. Stand aside, or I'm going to fight my way through." To emphasize his threat, Zuko got into his own bending stance, further causing everyone to have their blood drain from their faces.

Aang remained calm though. "Zuko, I'm saying this as your friend: don't do this. I'm not just talking about going after Azula either. I don't want to hurt you, but I will stop you from doing this."

Everyone beside Aang held firm. Kori in particular glared at the young Fire Lord with an intensity that surprised even the Avatar. "Same here. Azula's my friend, and I'm not going to turn my back on her now."

Ty Lee glared at her fellow noble girl. "You wouldn't say that if you knew her."

"I do. I also know that you don't try to throw somebody you've known all your childhood in an asylum either without having a hang-up," Kori shot back. Ty Lee opened her mouth to say something, but it died on her lips. For the fight was leaving her too.

The two sides were divided on both sides of the chamber. Team Avatar and friends on one side, Zuko and Iroh on the other. Everyone anticipated someone throwing the first blow any minute. Law or not, things could get ugly quickly.

All at once though, Zuko groaned and stalked towards the back wall. Iroh, with a look of concern, went after him.

With the situation having been defused, everyone else split off in groups. Aang in particular met up with Sokka, Suki, and the twins. "Alright, before anyone else tries to kill anyone else, do we have any ideas about how to handle these kaiju?"

Smack.

Sokka threw up his hands. "I honestly don't know. Best I can guess is maybe figure out which ones are more like Anguirus and Mothra, and which ones aren't. Aside from that…your guess is as good as mine."

"We can help you out with that. With the ones we know at least," Imana admitted.

Smack

"Well, we know who keeps waking them up," Suki mused. "Zuko's prison ships. The Rough Rhinos. These Fiery Raptors. Rogue army or not, they're all Fire Nation. And I don't think it's a coincidence they're all emerging near the colonies. Didn't Zuko say they were effectively under siege?"

"He did say that." Aang gulped. This just got a lot more complicated even more than it already was.

Smack

"C'mon! Work dammit!"

"Zuko, what are you-? ZUKO!"

Iroh and Sokka had to restrain Zuko from punching his fists more into the stony wall. Already his knuckles were getting red, and it's likely a few more punches would've drawn blood.

Not that Zuko seemed to care all that much, struggling as hard as he could against both Sokka's and his Uncle's arms. He got so violent that Suki had to step in and grab his torso. But even with all three, it was all they could do to hold him back.

"Get away from me!" he screamed. "I'm going to regain my firebending again and nobody's going to stop me!"

"Zuko! Please listen! We're not here to hurt you!" Iroh desperately pleaded.

"Well maybe you should've thought of that before leaving me alone in the palace! Retire to the Jasmine Dragon?! Who else was I going to turn to with you gone?!"

Aang's blood went cold. That didn't seem like the monarch was talking about his advisors.

"Zuko…who were you talking with?" he asked cautiously.

"MY FATHER! ALRIGHT?!" Zuko bellowed, tears streaming down his face as he went slack. He could barely get a word in between his sobs. "He was right all along. I am a failure. I try to give Yu Dao and everyone hates me. I try to save Yu Dao and get my whole army killed. I try to make peace with the Earth King and all my advisors hate my guts. I can't even get my baby sister or my firebending back. I keep trying to do the right thing, but nothing's working! WHAT GOOD AM I?!"

His rant dissolved into uncontrollable crying, sometimes broken by a scream as he tried in vain to breath fire from his mouth. It didn't work. And everyone just watched their friend break down.

Katara held back a sob of her own. The image was just too familiar.

As for Aang…there was so many things he wanted to say. So many to ask. Why didn't he tell anybody that his firebending was gone again? Why was he talking with Ozai, a man he knew was abusive? Even just a word in to say things were going to be alright.

Nothing. He just hugged Zuko as the teen tired himself out, letting his holders release him. Even still, his tears ran down the monk's shoulder, unable to control himself.

While all of this was happening, Imana whispered to Maina. "I think I might know someone who can help."

Maina nodded, understanding what her sister was saying, before she whispered back, "I'm not sure. She might not be who he remembered her to be."

When Azula opened her eyes, she was…well she didn't know where she was.

It was dark, she knew that much. But it wasn't the stifling choking dark of the asylum or the prison ship. She likened it more to a soothing caress than chains trying to drag her down. Neither was it even pitch black either. There was a soft azure glow all around her. Looking around, she saw numerous blue flowers swaying in the abyss, each one giving a warm glow.

Yet in each one, she felt something familiar. Stroking one of the petals of the flowers, she found a warm sensation not unlike when she conjures a ball of flame. Curiously, Azula held out her hand and did just that; willing to life a small but glimmering blue light. Not only did the flowers seem to glow in response, the embers that fell at her feet when she snuffed it out turned into yet more dazzling lotuses. Yes, they did look like lotuses, didn't they?

Blue fire is a gift. It's a shame you could not see it before now, a soft voice murmured.

The Princess sneered for a brief moment, her sanguinity lost. "Like you'd know, Mother. Only thing you ever saw was-"

She was going to say "something monstrous" when she turned around to face the spectre of Ursa. Only she wasn't there. Oh, the holder of the voice looked like mother. And they certainly sounded like her.

Everything else though was off. Azula never recalled Mother having a thick collar of fur on her robes. Or glowing blue eyes. Or two colorful wings at rest behind her.

The being chuckled. Forgive me if I startled you. It's been forever since I have conversed with a mortal such as yourself.

Azula took a few steps back, noticing how this thing seemed to be a fusion of what was familiar and what wasn't. "Mothra?" she managed to croak out.

I appear in whatever way the beholder deems to be most comfortable. Sometimes it's a loved one. Other times, it's more of an abstract object, Mothra explained. It certainly didn't make anything easier for the Princess however, as she tried to wrap her head around the kaiju's sudden humanoid appearance. A fact that brought another warm chuckle from the moth person. This is my place of worship. My power runs through strongly here. I've had millennia to figure out how to make the most of my capabilities.

"I…guess that makes sense?" Azula wondered. But then she realized she had meditated before a giant worm on an island full of people that should not have existed. Clearly reality itself decided to go mad at the same time she did. Huffing, the Princess crossed her arms. "Alright. You got me here. Let's get it over with."

Mothra tilted her head. What was it you had in mind? she asked in a most aggravatedly honest way. Azula knew better though. Innocence was just a mask. Ty Lee taught her that. The Avatar taught the Fire Nation that. Let your guard down, and they'll make sure they won't get up again.

They wanted to play dumb? Fine. "Don't take me for an idiot. I don't know what spell you had over me before, but I'm not falling for it a second time."

I don't understand-

"Don't. Just don't. You're a goddess of peace and love and all that garbage. I'm somebody that killed the Avatar, almost put the Earth Kingdom to the torch, and almost killed everybody's favorite Fire Lord. Don't pretend like you care."

All at once, the serenity of the scene had been burnt away. Literally. The flowers combusted in a cascade of azure flame, leaving behind a burnt out field of ashes. And there Mothra stood, resplendent despite the ashes. That…is true. I can't ignore what you've done.

"Then say it. Say I'm a monster. Say that everything is my fault. I've heard it all before." Azula turned away, feeling the words of her so called "therapist" in her mind. "And while we're at it, just say I turned myself into one. Yeah. Say nobody else called me a monster and it's all in my head. My broken, confused head. Why else do you believe I kept throwing myself into danger instead of meeting you? Cause I know the truth."

Mothra said nothing, letting Azula to continue her rant. "Go ahead. Say it. Offer redemption. I'm not going to take it. Redemption's for the weak, and there's nothing worth saving. How can I be so certain you didn't bring me here just to trap me? You're just like one of those dark spirits I've always read about. In fact, why don't you cut the crap and kill me right now-"

Enough.

One word snuffed out the dying embers of the field and brought her to her knees. Looking up, Azula saw Mothra appear once again before her. Hands clasped together within those voluminous sleeves, wings spread out glowing and in full magnificence.

There she saw it. Her death. The Princess bowed her head, waiting for the stroke to fall.

Instead, a tender hand clasped her cheek as Mothra knelt down to her level, staring at her with those beautiful eyes. I didn't bring you here just so you can tear yourself apart, she sternly said. Yet beneath the strength of her words, there was a tinge of honesty. A softness that spoke to Azula more volume than any scolding her mother could come up with. It was enough to break her out of her mania.

That hand stroked her face, and she let it. You have done wrong. Yes. You have hurt people. You have hurt the world. Yet so have many others. Your own Nation legacy's was drenched in blood long before you came. And many have done their crimes without your input. Is it fair to say you are guilty of everything your people have done? That you alone must pay for their sins?

"...I…"

Many others would've done the same as you. Maybe even worse. This war…too many hearts have been hardened. They would've done the same as you without a tinge of regret. And you have shown regret. Otherwise, why would tears flow from your eyes?

Azula did feel a stream of hot tears rolling down her cheeks right now. She let Mothra wipe them away. "But…why me? Why take pity on me?"

Mothra smiled. Because you are not the first to feel this.

With that, those great wings enclosed Azula and her vision went white. Then, out of the serenity and peace came a darkness on wings. Jagged wings of crimson painted with bolts of lightning. A black carapace lined its body, while a crown of golden horns lined a malevolent face with blood red eyes.

My brother, Battra, felt the same as you, Mothra explained. A creature of darkness and chaos, Battra was overcome by what he saw in mankind. A great fury infected his heart and drove him to madness. For he also vowed to wipe out the scourge of humanity to save the Earth from their destructive ways.

Scenes played out. Ancient people running and screaming amidst ancient burning cities. All above them was the cackling roars of the Black Mothra, raining down fire and brimstone, with purple lightning tearing even the mightiest buildings asunder.

I had to act. If he succeeded, the world would've lost so many of its children. This was something I could not allow. Out of the chaos, Mothra appeared, blowing back the smoke with wings of light. Despite her softer more benign appearance, she was no less regal and magnificent as her dark counterpart.

So it was that we went to war, the Goddess's voice lamented. The two moths did battle. Slashing. Clawing. Biting. Exchanging bolts of lightning from their wings and attenae. Both wrecked tremendous damage on both themselves and the battlefield. Shrieks of hatred and pleading were exchanged.

Azula couldn't look away. It was too familiar. And she felt too much of herself in the dark moth.

They continued their battle, until at last both titans plummeted to the sky, exhausted beneath the shadow of a burning tower. Both moths, too wounded to fight any longer, just stared at each other.

Yet I didn't fight to kill him.

Mothra crawled forward, nuzzling her dark counterpart. Much to Azula's astonishment, an energy emanated from the light moth's antenna, healing Battra's wounds.

It was the darkness of the world and evil men that corrupted him. I fought to free him from his bondage.

Battra took to the air just as the burning tower crumbled, threatening to crush Mothra utterly.

The rubble never came. Instead, Battra swooped down and clutched the tower in his claws, before throwing it aside. Tenderly, the dark moth checked on his sister, his rage having passed.

In the coming days, Battra saw reason. He saw good people helping others in the midst of all the darkness. A woman caring for her children in the rubble. Enemy soldiers working together to survive. Strangers becoming fast friends. All bound together despite the pain both tyrant and monster had placed on them.

Azula saw them as well. All the images of people…regular people just doing good for one another. No threats, no coercion, nothing to gain. Just decency amongst humans no matter their race or status.

And she was not the only one. Color and life came back to the land overseeing by Mothra and Battra. She still felt fear and hatred coming from the people that the dark moth had hurt. But the kaiju did nothing.

He shouldered their hatred, for it was his burden to bear. For that was his purpose. Sometimes one must bear the brunt of evil for others to escape their sting. Yet I never let him forget what lie deep within his heart.

The image faded as Battra flew off somewhere into the Earth Kingdom to rest while Mothra flew back to Infant Island. And all the images came rushing to an end.

Azula knelt within a renewed field of blue flowers, their glow brighter than ever. And above, the dark void had been lit up with a canvas of stars. Mothra continued to embrace her. Those robed arms and great wings made Azula feel small in that tight hug. Yet the girl just nuzzled her face in that thick fur collar. The tears came forward once more.

It's okay. Let it out. Sometimes good can come from ill, Mothra consoled. Nothing about you has told me you are unworthy of redemption. You just need to be brave and reach out. And I'll be right alongside you if you need me. Use your power for good, and I'll be your ally.

"I'll…I'll try," Azula choked out. She didn't understand how she was worthy of such kindness and she didn't even know what she was talking about. The Princess just didn't realize how much she needed this so much.

A small, childish smile appeared on her lips. One that hadn't appeared for too long.

Azula gasped when she opened her eyes.

She was back at the altar overlooking the lake. Above her, the blue eyes of Mothra looked at her. The two stared for a moment before Azula bowed in reverence. A gesture the worm returned, before sinking its brown lumpy body back into the depths of the lake.

The Princess watched the kaiju disappear, wondering how much of it was real. Had she imagined Mothra talking to her? The story with Battra certainly felt real. Yet there was no way of knowing.

All she knew was that she felt safe. And at peace. Something that was so alien to the Princess. Even the voices were quiet. She didn't even feel the presence of Father or the three.

Breathing in and out, Azula looked down to see a stone pendant with that cross symbol etched onto it. And beside it was a simple dagger, also engraved with the image of a worm on one side, and a moth on the other. She took both of them in her hands reverently, knowing that she wouldn't be alone without them.

One of those fluffy moths landed on her bang. This time, she didn't blow it off.

Northeast of Yu Dao

Sergeant Zo and his adjutant rode in silence. Already they sent their fastest rider back to the rest of their squad they had found what they were looking for. They'd be ready to head out as soon as they got back.

What their messenger had also been told was to leave anything regarding their meeting with the Iron Maws out. The less people knew about the deal, the better. Besides, it was a guarantee in case there were any sympathizers of the crown within Zo's ranks.

Didn't make their rider back any less tense. It was a dark night. Even the moon being out couldn't steady their nerves. It was as if the Moon Spirit herself had seen what they had done and was judging them accordingly.

Still, Zo rode on. His eyes and ears were on high alert, He had a feeling they were being watched by something else. A tail that darted between the trees. The soldier in him debated if he should turn around and-

The earth shook underneath their feet. Their mounts hissed in surprise and fear as the whole woods came alive with a chorus of panicking animals. Not too far away, the earth heaved as something broke through the ground.

Zo and his companion watched in horror as a back covered in ebony chitin rose up from the earth, with red spikes running down its back. The head of a great worm shook mounds of earth off of the golden crown of horns on its head. One horn in particular jutted up into the sky, a spear that the very sight of drove the hardened men into a panic.

An awful cry came from the insect's mouth, spurning them yet on further. They both hoped beyond hope that their forces were already mustered.

Battra watched with interest as the two insects rode off. If he had allowed his rage to rule his heart, he would've smote these men off the face of the earth. For they wore the red and black of the Fire Nation, and the fact they were still here made his blood boil.

Reason and old memories won out though. Besides, the humans needed to know he was coming. They were lucky it was him that emerged instead of the Storm King to the south. Not that the Black Mothra had any doubt that old serpent had not been idle with all that had transpired.

Still, he would give the Fire Nation a few days to prepare. If they show discipline in the coming days, they had nothing to fear. If not…they'd be lucky they hadn't caught him in his darkest mood.

Satisfied, Battra's eyes turned away. Not before taking notice of two small figures running through the woods. The dark worm let them go as well. They seemed young and did not seem to have anything to do with what was going on. In fact, they'd be helpful in their own way.

People needed to know he was coming. And if they had any chance of stopping him, they'd need to prepare. A fact he held dear when he descended back into the earth.

Better he than some other monster. He already knew that darker forces were on the move. All needed to be ready.

A/N: This was a chapter long time coming.

Part of my motivation for writing this fic was dealing with…well the best word I can describe it as is "trauma" I got from the Last Agni Kai and how Azula was handled in the comics. When you grow up autistic, you grow up surrounded with ableist portrayals of mental illness like that. I thought maybe by crossing this over with something that was near and dear to me from my childhood would be a good way of dealing with it and expressing things. While telling a good story of course.

Which came to a head in this chapter. I tried not to let the characters become basically just sock puppets for my own views. Sure, some of the stuff I wrote down is what I believe in. Obviously. But I didn't want Azula to come out and say "You traumatized me with the Last Agni Kai" or something. Have it fit the bill of the character.

So, anyways, Mothra. Mothra has basically always been among the more "humanized" of the kaiju. Mainly that she's the one who has been almost universally good or benevolent in every appearance (unless you kidnap her fairies or mind control her). So I think it would be a bit fair to give her some more character and human interactions than say Rodan. Plus I do believe that kaiju always have this sort of "character" to them. Like we compare them to forces of nature (which they are), but they're also living creatures as well with all the baggage that comes with them. Hell, we saw that as early as the first 1954 Godzilla movie (anybody who hasn't watched it, watch it now) where he goes out of his way to do as much damage as possible rather than just being some rampaging animal.

As for her portrayal, I went with a few depictions. Her larva form highlighted I based on the Heisei version. Though her larva design hasn't really changed all that much between the Heisei and Millenium versions. Her acting as a mediator between Teams Avatar and Azula is also a call back to Ghidorah the Three-Headed Monster where she stopped a fight between Godzilla and Rodan (high recommendation). Her association with water also comes from GMK where she's portrayed as a water deity of a lake. As for her human form, I sort of made that one up. Again, it's a bit easier to imagine Mothra doing it than Godzilla since she's said to be psychic.

The fauna in the crater I drew on from a few sources. The parrot-beaked lizards are primitive ornithopods like Dryosaurus, while the various birds are again based on Archeopteryx. The ones drinking blood are actually based on a real species of finch in the Galapagos. As for the turtle, he's a composite of two characters. The first is a reference to a bizarre skeletal turtle we see in Mothra vs Godzilla on Infant Island when they first arrive. The second is Kameobas, a more obscure kaiju that debuted in Space Amoeba and reappeared in Godzilla Tokyo S.O.S where he got nommed off-screen by the Big G himself.

Then there's Battra. Not as famous as Mothra, having only appeared in Godzilla and Mothra: Battle for Earth. He's basically Mothra's dark counterpart, and the story is actually a combination of the backstory given in the film and the events of the film itself. Mainly where Mothra does heal Battra, the latter does pull a heel-face turn, and the duo team up to deal with Godzilla. I kind of wanted a more older and mellowed-out Battra for this fic. Mainly he doesn't automatically hate all of mankind when he wakes up. Doesn't make him any less dangerous though.

As for Team Avatar, not much to say. I apologize for giving Zuko his own Azula-style meltdown, but considering all the crap he's gone through as of late, are you surprised he snapped? Besides, you can't exactly say Azula's certifiably insane since Zuko's gone through basically the same thing right now.

Anyways, thank you all for reading. I apologize if the updates aren't as frequent in the future due to school coming up. Make sure to leave a favorite and follow to show your support. Leave your thoughts down in a comment. And I'll see you all next time. Have a great day and take care for now!