ATTENTION! THERE ARE NOW 37 CHAPTERS, NOT 24! I HAD TO REDO THE LENGTHS OF EACH, STRETCHING IT OUT MORE! THE NEWEST CHAPTER IS CHAPTER 37 (STRATEGY)! START FROM THERE IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN READING THE NEWEST CHAPTER! IT WILL TAKE PROBABLY A FEW HOURS, POSSIBLY DAYS FOR ALL THE NEW CHAPTERS TO BE UPLOADED! PLEASE GO TO CHAPTER 37 AND READ THE NOTICE AT THE BEGINNING FOR EXPLANATION! MY APOLOGIES FOR THE CONFUSION!

Thanks for the reviews! I really appreciate hearing the feedback from you guys!

Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar the Last Airbender

XxXxXxXxXxX

He didn't know why he was so surprised, but his relief was too powerful to contain, finally able to relax. He feared that he unintentionally severed an ally in the Sun Warriors by waiting so long to message them—and there was the thought that Agni might have gotten to them first, provoking their loyalty to the Fire Spirit and father of the dragons.

But there was no reason to worry, as the Sun Warriors replied to him with goodwill.

"That's great news, Fire Lord," King Bumi observed, inclining his head and smiling crookedly. "When I see these dragons, it will be better than seeing Azar."

Zuko finished reading the letter and shook his head. "No, you won't see them. They say they will not come to Ba Sing Se—at least right now."

"Why?" Aang asked.

Thankfully, Aang had elected against cutting his hair, keeping his hair over his arrowhead, concealing the 'third-eye' that had arisen after mastering combustion-bending. Aang showed them all briefly when he returned, and it was a strange change in appearance, even if it was most minimal. Azula was delighted by it, but Zuko had been shocked, speechless, unable to grasp it—and how painful it must have been.

He cleared his throat. "They ask me to meet them there, not the other way around—but not only me." He held up the message for emphasis. "They claim they require The Avatar's assistance but refuse to say why."

Aang inhaled and stood to his feet, ignoring Zuko and King Bumi as he moved to the window, gazing up, face distant—and sad. "Would this have something to do with Agni's dim light?"

The air left Zuko's lungs in a rush as he considered the question—because it was more than worth asking and/or suspecting. He had noticed—how could he not?—that Agni's light was fading and that his firebending, while as strong as ever, had fluctuated during dawn and dusk like that of a child's. It had started three weeks ago, but when Aang returned from his training, it seemed to become more apparent—like with each day that passed, the dimmer the light became. He was fearful of all of the possible conclusions he reached as reasons for Agni's waning light.

"A possibility," he confessed. "I hope so, frankly—I hope they have answers. I have never heard of something like this happening. Perhaps the dragons have answers. They know firebending better than we do, after all."

"The dragons don't know," Aang responded instantly with a rasp in his voice, still staring into the distance; it was like he saw the whole world before him and understood how everything worked and connected. But it was only a lie, as he knew better than anyone how little Aang knew. Aang knew more than anyone, but his knowledge was still limited as he lived across the ages in the various stages of infancy, maturation, and degeneration—always all three, never one. It was unlike Vaatu, who possessed the advantage from what Aang told him. "Dragons are as confused and worried as we are. Agni is fading—for some reason."

Before he could respond to such an ominous, foreboding observation, the doors burst open suddenly, forcing him to jerk back in surprise, falling into a fighting stance—only to relax when everyone else, all the Gaang plus Mother, Bor, Ty Lee, and Mai, entered. Samir immediately ran to Aang, who had stayed in position at the window, and demanded to be picked up, to which Aang obliged with a small chuckle as she scrambled upward, hoisting herself up. Azula stood next to Aang at the window, clearly looking to see what had captured his attention while Katara sat down next to Zuko with a small, only-for-him smile.

It was pleasant.

"Stop making eyes at my sister, Jerkbender!" Sokka hollered and smacked a parchment onto the table before him. "You got a letter from your uncle."

Zuko grabbed the letter, surprised he had received a reply from Uncle on the same day he received one from the Sun Warriors—things really were looking up. "I was not 'making eyes' at her," he muttered.

"I know what my eyes saw!"

"You saw shit—because your head is up your ass."

Azula cleared her throat, glancing at him with narrowed golden eyes. "What was that, Zuzu?"

Zuko sighed as he saw Samir thankfully distracted by Aang twirling a tiny tornado in his hand. "An observation."

Toph barked out a laugh, sitting, surprisingly, next to Prince Bor—things, whatever they were, had been repaired between them. "I could have said that one years ago!"

Sokka scowled and plopped down in the seat across from Zuko, directly next to Suki. "You already have. And it's not an observation—it's a lie."

"Is it from Iroh?" Katara interrupted wisely, watching him.

Fire's royal emblem was molded into the scroll, and he nodded absentmindedly, wondering how Uncle was doing. He missed him quite a lot, but he was used to missing Uncle, unfortunately. "It is…" He trailed off as he noticed that the stamp had been applied hastily to the letter and he frowned, almost crooked in its placement. Uncle was usually annoyingly vain about pointless chivalries such as making certain that every letter he ever constructed was a sight of perfection. What would make him forget to be 'himself'?

"What is it?" Katara's hand gripped his own, and he realized that she must have sensed or seen his unease, his trepidation. "What's wrong?"

"Read it, Zuko," Mother suggested, smiling in encouragement. "Iroh always expresses wit and spirit in person—I am sure it will seep from his written words."

Now he didn't want to read it.

Toph reclined back in her seat, feet resting on the table. "Come on, Sparky. I'm blind here—I need something to keep me entertained."

"I thought that's what Sokka is for," he pointed out, trying to stave off the rising dread he felt—but it kept rising.

Something was wrong—he felt it.

Toph snickered in agreement while Sokka rolled his eyes. "Just read the letter. Maybe Iroh has news about your nobles or something."

"What news?" Aang pressured, finally staring at him with Samir hugging his neck, looking to be on the verge of boredom.

Zuko slowly unfurled the scroll, and the words sucked him in:

My dearest nephew whom I love,

I write to you with a burdened heart and troubled mind; my soul bleeds, and I fear yours bleeds, too—or it will once you read my message. I fear that your confidence in me to act as your regent was misplaced and overvalued. I bring you terrible news, a blood-soaked truth that I wish nothing more than to dismiss as a trick, but I cannot—I have seen it with my own eyes, witnessed the pandemonium spread like the fires that no longer burn. I failed you, Nephew. Forgive your short-sighed uncle; forgive my failure. And if you cannot forgive my disservice, I accept whatever punishment my Fire Lord judges necessary. You entrusted me to rule in your stead as you journeyed with Avatar Aang and your friends, but upholding that powerful trust was too great a task for my shoulders alone to bear. I was unprepared; I was caught off-guard; I was flat-footed and stagger back to reorient my position, power, and authority, but I stumbled—I stumbled and fell, for which Fire paid the price. Nephew, I am so sorry—and sorry more to be the one to tell you this. May you not hate me forever.

A great plague is upon us—upon our race, dwindling our numbers and reducing our presence. I never imagined such a thing, but it is here—it is real. It forces Fire to extinction, lost to legend like Air. But I fear there will be no Avatar Aang-like survivor to save us. It appears to touch everyone, and history will claim us, wiping us from the world—and the minds of men. I may die—I am unsure. I pray you remain away from the Fire Nation until I can determine what is going on and if it is safe. I cannot let my nephew, least of all my Fire Lord, to die for my mistakes, the mistakes of an old, complacent fool. So many have died—too many to name. It has only been one week since it started, but our population has suffered catastrophically. I do not know how many remain; there is too much chaos, horror, and confusion. Several islands have been wiped out, and villages and towns on the other islands fare little better. It came out of nowhere, unexpected and unforeseen—but the evidence must have been there, if only I was diligent. Forgive me, Zuko, though I will never forgive myself. I have not left the Caldera, but I have seen the damage—there is no one left. There is only me and some servants—all non-benders—in the palace. All else is vacant, not a single soul in sight. Disappearances are being reported hourly, and my intelligence cannot comprehend this—my wisdom only grieves, useless to me. Our military is ravished, impossible to find; I fear all our soldiers have been compromised and consumed by the plague—and those who were not, fled in terror as they should have. The scarce nobles who stayed loyal to you are gone now—killed and/or lost to the plague. There is no one now.

I understand what Avatar Aang endures daily with every breath he breathes. Our race is no more—or if we live, it is in such scarcity that we are under threat of extinction for a generation if not more. We are being slaughtered off, targeted specifically. I know who unleashed this plague, but his motivations elude me. His name is Lee, a palace scribe who works for Vaatu, another great player in Vaatu's arsenal for this depraved game—I cannot bear the thought of him having another. I encountered Lee the night he unleashed it, and based on his deranged proclamations, it is my fault for some inexplicable reason. He wants vengeance for our race's sins—for our lineage's sins originating in Sozin—but his motivation ran deeper, though impossible to discern. And I have no idea how he unleashed this plague—I have no idea what dark power he mastered or to which he enslaved himself to be capable of something like this, something unimaginable to describe. You can only see it, Zuko—see its impact and horror, leaving you hollow like all the corpses fallen to this plague. And once you see it, you will never forget; you will remember forever. I must confess that my heart is raped emotionally—and my mind is not far behind. I fear I understand Azula's mental state during the final days of the Great War. Simply writing this message to you taxes me of my exhausted, fragile reserves of energy.

The plague is unlike anything I have studied or heard. Not even during the Great War as the Dragon of the West were my eyes tormented by such dreadful sights. This is not a plague like you are thinking—it is a different plague with different effects. I watched its effects happen that first night. It was chaos, and nothing made sense, but I watched as a Firebender was smothered forever—not in his death but in becoming, seemingly, a non-bender. That is what the plague is, Nephew—it targets Fire itself, snuffing it out. Our race has crumbled under its pressures. So many are being hunted, losing their fires, their very inner flames. As Ozai's firebending was smothered by Avatar Aang, the plague's victim loses his firebending, smothered forever, even under threat of death, unable to muster a single spark—not even smoke. I witnessed minds shatter in horror and confusion—and lust—as the plague consumes them. The plague has grown and grown beyond anything I could imagine—it is unholy. It must be Vaatu somehow. The Fire Nation has become a nation of terror and oppression from these firebending-stealing fiends in only a single week. I myself have felt the terror in my own heart, the feeling of being watched, and peaceful rest has eluded me ever since that night when it happened and I witnessed disintegration—and it has only grown in the many reports brought to my attention.The victims, from what I have witnessed and read, are near death after they are infected, but after only several minutes, they are consumed by something else. Where their inner flames once burned burns something else—something darker and grotesque, despicable and horrifying to its core. They burn with an unholy, salivating desire to attack Firebenders—to hunt them down and infect them with the same poison with which they were infected. That is all I know as I killed those who attacked me, having no other choice—and it was the same in the reports. There is no cure that I can discern, but I am on the lookout for one. An apocalypse is spreading across the Fire Nation, and I pray it never reaches you, Azula, and Ursa—and any of your friends, if they can be infected. You must stay away! You must leave me here to discern the solution to this problem! I believe this is a trap somehow, meant to lure you to return to the Fire Nation in haste—only for you to be attacked, destroying Fire forever. You must be preserved, Zuko; you have been our race's hope since your birth—and still you are. Our Fire Lord, beloved in spirit, cannot die, not now; you must remain, providing hope for our race in these dismal, traumatizing times. I know you think you let this happen, but it was me who let it happen—it is my fault, not yours.

Lee, the herald of this malignant plague, confirmed it when he broke into the catacombs. He has my grandfather's legendary fire-blade Embers in his possession now—because I am a pitiful fool. I had the chance to apprehend him, but I chose to save our kinsmen instead, not knowing I would be unable to—I made the wrong choice, for which I am withered under regret and distress. If I had captured Lee, I would have answers for you instead of only problems; I would know what this damned plague is and how it started, how it works, and what its long-term effects are. I underestimated Lee. Because of it, Fire is being strangled and mangled into disarray—and possible extinction. I trusted Lee when I should not have if I was not a sentimental fool. Lee revealed he works for Piandao, my friend and your and Master Sokka's old sword master. He was not lying. I would have sensed the change in his body temperature if he lied, but he was not lying. Piandao is alive; he miraculously survived the Order's destruction. I was overjoyed at the news and surrendered my guard to Lee's sinister manipulations. Piandao is corrupted by Vaatu like the Ladies Mai and Ty Lee were, as you explained to me in your letter—that is clear to me, according to Lee's admission. Piandao ordered Lee to obtain Embers for, likely, Ozai. Lee fled with Embers, and Ozai will obtain it, holding in his hands Sozin's dragon-hide-skinning blade. I fear that if Ozai somehow discovers the dragons' continued existence, he will finish what our grandfather started and destroy them.

Perhaps this is the price we must pay for our sins—for the crimes we inflicted on the world; perhaps this is our penance; perhaps this is our atonement; perhaps we are meant to die after murdering Air, a race for a race—an eye for an eye. I do not know anymore. I am sure you have noticed Agni's dullness—it appeared the first day after that night Lee unleashed the plague. I fear this plague is weakening him, and he cannot fight back because of it—he weakens, and he may weaken to mortality. What are we without Agni? We are being targeted on all sides at all angles on all levels. I know that Agni has been inveigled by Vaatu's seductive, poisonous words, a stalwart agent at his service, but I believe that even if Agni somehow came to his senses and realized his errors, he would be unable to strip himself of the darkness—his dimness is too permanent now. Only more darkness will come, Zuko—it is unavoidable.Without Agni's great light, which grows murkier with each passing day, chaos will spread across the world, strengthening Vaatu even further as terror envelops the minds of benders and non-benders alike. It is magnificent in its simplicity and wholly horrifying in its grand genius. I pray for the sake of preserving the balance that he fought so hard to create that Avatar Aang will know what to do—he is our only hope in defeating Vaatu and saving the Races from endless slavery. Keep near him, Nephew—please. Stay with your friends near him. Only he can spare this unholy plague from claiming you—and anyone else it can. Please be careful and remain ever vigilant in searching for potential threats. I lost one son once—I cannot lose another. Please respond.

Your uncle, Iroh

Zuko felt faint and his hands shook greatly, so great that he feared that he would rip the message apart. He had to ward off the horror of the words, ward of the images that had begun to assault his mind—there was too much grief, confusion, fury, and dismay!

"Cover Samir's ears!" he hissed, barely able to control his temper.

Aang did a strange motion with his hands, to which Samir's eyes bulged as she looked around everywhere, panicked. "Say what you have to say."

Zuko didn't question it. "Fuck!" he roared, flames spilling out of his mouth—almost destroying the letter before he jerked it away at the last moment. "Fuck! I knew this would fucking happen! I knew it! I should have never left! Son of a fucking cunt!"

"What is it?" Toph asked.

"What's wrong?" Katara demanded, looking at him anxiously. "What did he say?"

Feeling everyone's eyes on him with worry and reminded bitterly of its contents, he wordlessly handed the letter to Katara, unable to speak, rage swallowed by his despair. The Fire Nation—his nation!—was under siege by a terrible plague by a sinister enemy, a player in Vaatu's circle, while he was gone! His race was dying, but he had no idea! What kind of Fire Lord was he? How could he abandon his race like he did?

He was terrible.

Katara gasped, and her face paled greatly, blood draining from her features. "No, no," she breathed out, tears welling in her beautiful ocean-colored eyes.

"Tell us what it said!" Sokka shouted, pale. "It's bad, isn't it? I knew things were starting to look too good!"

Zuko gathered his strength and stared at Aang, who stared back, clearly resigned to hear something horrifying. "You need to read it," he said, voice hoarse, almost cracking. "Please."

At his words, Katara, whose breath shuddered in horror, held out the letter to Aang, who inhaled slowly and stepped forward, ignoring Samir's protests at the movement. He grabbed the letter, gray eyes stormy, face grim, and his fingers crinkled around the parchment. He took a step back while Azula looked on as he unfurled it to read, head resting on Aang's shoulder for a better vantage, while Samir tried clearly to read the message, peering down at it, but huffed and looked away, frustrated.

Apparently, Samir did not know how to read, and Zuko was reminded dimly that Samir had been a servant in Ba Sing Se before she snuck onto Appa to escape Ba Sing Se's destruction—thus, never taught how to read, only to serve. And judging by the pinched expression on Azula's face when she looked to see Samir's frustration, she only now realized Samir did not know how to read.

That was something Azula—and Aang—would certainly fix, but not now. The only thing that mattered now was saving Fire from extinction! It was all-important! He had to go back to the Fire Nation, regardless of what Uncle said—he had to! How could he sit idly while his race crumbled into the ashes, never to be reborn—forgotten forever, like Air? He couldn't put the pressure of reviving not only one but two—two!—Races on Aang and Azula!

And he himself didn't want that kind of responsibility and burden!

He had to go back to the Fire Nation!

Aang looked up from the scroll after he was finished reading and Zuko was struck in horror by the lack of panic shining in his gray eyes. Rather, his friend seemed pensive and almost stoic, not saying a word—it was like he wasn't even surprised! How could he be so resigned rather than enraged and horrified, stricken by panic so severe it felt hard to breathe, like he himself did? Was it because he knew of one Race's extinction—Air's extinction—and was, thus, prepared for another? Was that it?

It was chilling.

"I will read it for everyone," Azula said and plucked the message from Aang's hands. Quickly, her calm voice—how was she so calm?—echoed Uncle's words, portraying the situation's direness, reminding Zuko of that damned truth of himself that he had always known.

He was a fucking failure—but the only to rectify his failure was by returning to his homeland! When he went to stand up to gather his things and return as swiftly as possible, Katara grabbed his arm, having clearly been watching him and putting his thoughts together and kept him anchored in his seat. Her face was shadowed in sadness, and her blue eyes were misty, but she shook her head, saying nothing while Azula recited Uncle's damned, evil message.

Zuko sagged in his chair, knowing she was right—that he couldn't impulsively go to the Fire Nation when there was a Fire-destroying plague going on—but by Agni did he want to do it! He felt impotent and castrated, like how Kuei always made him feel with his political maneuverings and subtle schemes in which he always came out the loser with Kuei the winner. It was happening again, but this time, there wasn't a Ba Sing Se-like event to wipe the plague from the world. Kuei had been a plague in his life, but he was never a real plague like the one Uncle described.

How could it be destroyed? Would it burn out? Would it die down? Would it run its course? Would there be anything left of his homeland and race? Was there anything that he could actually, actively do?

Once Azula concluded the message, Mother put a hand over her mouth, a reaction that Prince Bor mimicked. "I never imagined," she breathed, and Zuko was little better, even after hearing the situation for a second time. The fear was too much; the anguish was too much; and the guilt was too much.

"Piandao is alive?" Sokka gasped, leaning forward and staring at the letter with something akin to hope, mirrored by King Bumi, who looked shocked by the revelation that his friend was alive.

Zuko was surprised, as well, that his old sword master was alive, but it was nothing compared to the horror he felt about the plague; he felt burned out, like his own inner flame had been snuffed out like those infected by the plague, as described by Uncle.

"That is my uncle's claim," Azula established with a hum, looking at Samir, possibly in wonder of whether or not she could become infected by the plague.

"What do we do, Aang?" King Bumi asked with an eagerness that appalled Zuko, but King Bumi had lived such a long life that it was clear news of such a plague did not distress or impact him. It was simply another event; it was simply something else to do and deal with. It was also possible that, on some level, King Bumi welcomed the plague after hating Fire for so long—for many, many decades if not a century. "If Piandao's corrupted by Vaatu, we have to save him."

Sokka snorted, irked. "There's no 'if,' Bumi. Piandao would never join willingly. He was corrupted like Mai and Ty Lee were."

Ty Lee winced at the memory while Mai nodded. "Makes sense."

King Bumi nodded. "I know. I'm saying that we need to save Piandao. He could give us so many answers, too, having been in Ozai's camp since, clearly, a year ago—at the least."

"But what about the plague?" Mother asked, voice a whisper. "How did this plague start?"

"A scribe named Lee," Suki answered instantly. "That was Iroh's description."

"Mother means, what is the method by which this plague has spread?" Azula clarified, seemingly on the same thought outline as Mother.

When all eyes swung to Aang, he handed Samir to Azula, bringing his fingers to gently brush Samir's hair. He didn't say a word, staring down at his daughter as she blinked back up at him before her face spasmed in horror.

"Daddy, it's not time to meditate," she begged in something close to panic. "Please say we don't have to meditate—please-please? I just did training with Mommy!"

Aang smiled slightly and shook his head in answer, to which Samir beamed with relief, while Azula peered up at Aang. "Anything?" she asked.

"I need to think," Aang responded quietly before going to the window in thought, staring into the distance, where the darkness was darker because Agni's light was dimmer. He appeared away from the rest of them, unable to return to conversation, lost in his mind.

"The shame of my birth will save my life, it appears," Mai intoned when Aang remained silent.

Ty Lee nodded sadly. "I've never been more relieved to be a non-bender."

Toph slammed a hand on the table. "Wait. How do we know it's only Firebenders? It could be all benders and just started in the Fire Nation. This may be the end of bending itself!"

Zuko paled at the possibility—he wasn't the only one!—but when he looked to Aang for guidance, Aang remained silent with his back to everyone, deep in thought.

"It may target non-benders, as well, but Uncle Iroh did not see it or hear about it," Azula pointed out in consideration. "He only had a week to gather as much information as he could, and a week is not enough time."

"If it spread this quickly where the entire Caldera is like a desert now, I think a week is plenty of time," Sokka argued. "It must target only benders."

Prince Bor's eyebrows furrowed. "Are you only saying that because you want to be safe from the plague or because you actually think there is evidence for it?"

Toph smirked, looking like she swallowed a laugh, while Sokka's eyes narrowed. "Of course, I'm glad I won't be targeted, but I may lose my baby sister to this stupid thing! We don't know if it just targets Firebenders or not. But we know—or can safely assume—that it just targets benders, not non-benders, because Iroh said that the only ones left with him in the palace who weren't killed in the chaos are non-benders. Iroh's the only Firebender left there in the entire Caldera—and possibly on several of the other islands. With this thing's lethality rate, it must only benders."

"He did say that," Azula confirmed, and Zuko hated such confirmation—because it couldn't be true!

But it was true.

Katara swallowed. "But we can't rule out other benders being infected." She glanced hopefully at Aang for clarification, who was now staring out the window once again, staring directly upward into Agni's dim light. "It started in Fire's islands, but it may spread to Earth's continent—and then to Water's poles."

Sokka snorted, looking tired and disgusted simultaneously. "I guess this is the first time you're thankful that Air's temples are empty, huh, Aang?"

Aang finally reacted, glancing back at Sokka. "This is not a plague; plague is a misnomer. It is an attack. It's certainly an attack on firebending and Firebenders, since Lee the Scribe said it was about vengeance, likely for the Great War, but it may also be an attack on bending itself, seeking to make it extinct. And yes, if it is something that targets all benders, my race, if still here, would be wiped away worse than any other."

"All Air Nomads were Airbenders," Azula added, seemingly in recall, staring at Aang in a way that told Zuko there was more the story.

"Is it a virus, if it's not a plague?" Suki asked, looking grave. "And are we sure about non-benders?"

Aang shook his head before Sokka could defend his claim. "No, as it could act in different ways with non-benders, but I don't think it targets non-benders from what it sounds like."

Sokka rolled his eyes. "So, I'm right- "

"I make that judgment on the knowledge I have now, like you do," Aang interrupted. "We don't know everything. Maybe this is all there is to it; maybe there's more. But we don't know."

"Stop keeping us in the dark, Twinkletoes," Toph barked. "Seriously, how did Lee the Asshole do this?"

"Right," Zuko commended, blood rushing through his body. "Why didn't we already know about this happening? Shouldn't we have heard the terror? The horror stories? How have we never heard of these victims from this plague? Uncle said it was what you did to Father, but Father was clearly never infected- "

"Only by madness," Sokka muttered.

Aang held up a hand, halting Zuko from saying more. "Iroh never said it's what I did to Ozai but like what I did to Ozai, which he's right about. It's energybending, nothing more. This Lee is who attacked the North and murdered Karluk and many of Sokka's supporters—it must be him."

Sokka paled. "This plague is in the North?"

"No, and it's not a 'plague.' This is something new; this isn't what he did in the North. Karluk said nothing about this, and he would have if Lee unleashed this type of attack back then. This is him branching out, extending his capabilities. It's energybending."

Azula looked intrigued as she finally reclined down in one of the vacant chairs, Samir resting against her shoulder; she looked tired, having been 'training' earlier. "Why was Father not infected like this- "

"Because I didn't wish him to be."

Katara looked as confused as Zuko felt. "What do you mean, Aang?"

"Iroh seems to have already figured it out but lacks the terminology to explain it," Aang pointed out.

"It seems like you lack it, too," Sokka muttered.

Aang groaned and was quiet, clearly searching for the words on how to explain the connection he already made. "It's energybending. When I smothered Ozai's firebending, I went into his chi—I targeted the energy therein, which was a bender's energy. I smothered it—smothered the connection, that is. From what Iroh describes, Lee appears to have done the same thing, except for one crucial difference—he added something in its place, pulling one connection away, the firebending connection, to make a new connection in its place."

King Bumi leaned forward, eyes sparkling with understanding. "This prick replaced their connections with firebending with connections to this plague?"

"Yes, because I could have done the same to Ozai if I wanted to. The lion turtle was clear. But you don't call it a plague—it's not a plague. Don't think of it as such. It's an attack."

Toph's face scrunched. "What else is a plague but an attack?"

Zuko had been wondering the same while Aang sighed, shaking his head. "A plague is something natural, but this is unnatural; this is something made. Lee made this attack. He weaponized energybending to destroy firebending and Firebenders or all bending itself and all benders."

"Is it permanent?" Katara asked, face hopeful. "Ozai's wasn't permanent- "

"That's what I don't know," Aang said with a frustrated wince. "Ozai was able to awaken his firebending because it's in his lineage, passed down; it's innate; it's fundamental to who he is. His body was primed for it, primed to awaken it, already attuned to it. But I never replaced that connection with something else—I didn't think to. Think about a cup. For a Firebender, his cup is full of firebending. What I did to Ozai was empty his cup of firebending, but I just left it empty—and the cup was still there, waiting to be filled or refilled. All benders have a cup—have a well. What Lee did was fill the empty cup—fill the empty well, polluting it—with something else. I don't know if it's permanent or not. I would need to actually touch one of the 'infected' Firebenders to figure that out."

Zuko pinched his nose, more frustrated. "But none of this helps all those who have already died and been infected!"

Aang looked grim. "I know. It may be too late for all of them."

He almost smashed the table in half. "This is a nightmare!"

"Designed by Vaatu," Azula pointed out quietly. "As everything has been since before the Great War."

"And what is this about Agni's light?" Toph asked. "I know I'm blind, so I don't know- "

"His light has faded," Aang answered. "I know the reason now because I heard about the attack. Before, I didn't."

Zuko glanced at him, surprised. "You know the reason why Agni is dim?"

Aang closed his eyes, hollow. "Because so many of his Children have died. It's the same thing that happened to Indra during the Attack."

He was terrified that Agni was impacted so severely, which revealed the depths of the slaughter carried out by Lee's plague, while Sokka rubbed his forehead. "I'm having trouble understanding this. Why do these former Firebenders have this crazy desire to hunt other Firebenders and 'infect' them, too?"

"It would be whatever Lee filled in that cup," Aang explained, finally sitting down next to Azula. "The well has been poisoned—if that metaphor helps you. He filled it with something; he put something there. I don't know what it is, and I don't even know how he learned to do it, except for Vaatu teaching him and/or showing him—that's the only explanation I can think of. Nobody knows energybending anymore except for me, the lion turtles, and those old enough to remember, which includes Koh. It includes all the Great Spirits—all the Elementals."

Katara's eyes widened. "The Face Stealer? Is he helping Vaatu- "

Aang shook his head. "He knows I would destroy him immediately if he was, but even more than that, he disagrees with Vaatu. He's after something more. He wants Balance as much as I do. Vaatu gifted Lee energybending and knowledge of how to use it, and Lee used his imagination to make this attack as a weapon against Fire—or against all bending. Vaatu did this in return so that Lee would obtain Embers from Ozai but also evoke more chaos and darkness—literally."

Zuko would have cursed vehemently and violently if Samir was not present—he wanted to set a good example, after all, which he failed to do previously. He refused to do so again; instead, he elected for exhaling a jet of flames from his mouth in frustration. "And with Agni's diminished light, there is literally more darkness, which brings more chaos—because everyone is confused and traumatized. It's a win-win for him, making him even stronger."

While the others staggered at the realization, Aang only nodded, resigned. "But it also means that Ozai knows energybending, too—he must. Vaatu wants his chosen vessel to rival me as much as possible, teaching him everything there is to teach."

He imagined with pessimism that, if Father won, that he would smother his firebending forever—a father's revenge against his son who betrayed him—since Father now had the ability to smother someone's bending, which was a horrifying notion. "We need to find this Lee and stop him from doing more damage."

Azula laughed, though it was scornful—not at him but the situation. At least he hoped it was at the situation. "Vaatu would simply find another. Lee's motivations are many people's motivations. Much contempt is held for Fire, more than we likely fathom. The crimes of a century of warfare, which humiliated and scarred everyone, are held to our flesh, however wrongly and unfairly. We are blamed for everything and expected to offer penance—offer a sacrifice—as repayment for our 'evildoings.' What Lee has decided is that this attack is sacrifice enough, diminishing Fire's population vastly, slaughtering millions. What better way for a vengeance-seeker to rid the world of Fire than to unleash a plague that only targets Firebenders, if it targets only Firebenders?"

"I'm betting it's only Firebenders," Sokka said. "I know it sounds terrible, but I hope it is—because the possibility of it being all benders is too much; it's too wrong and horrifying."

Zuko understood it but resented it all the same. "We need to stop it."

Aang finally looked as frustrated and powerless as Zuko felt. "Regardless, it doesn't change how the energybending works. The key component that we're missing is what Lee polluted the wells with. Even if it targets all benders, no matter their nation of birth, we know that its energybending. But what we don't know—what I don't know—is if it can be stopped. I don't think it can be stopped, not now. Until I can get my hands one of these 'infected' Firebenders, I won't know what to do. But I have a feeling—I know—that this is a trap meant to envelop me, force me to go to the Fire Nation, all so Vaatu and Ozai can do something else without my influence and presence being able to stop them. We have to stay on the continent."

Mother wiped her eyes. "That is our only solution, sit idly while our race is depleted?"

Agony flashed over Aang's face—an ancient agony that told Zuko it was so much deeper than he could discern—before it was gone. "I ask nothing of you that I wouldn't—and haven't—done myself," he intoned.

Zuko was considering demanding an Agni Kai—he was too furious!—before Azula looked at him and Mother and shook her head. "Aang is right," she judged. "We must trust Uncle Iroh to handle it. There are many different games being played within this broader game. If we become consumed by one of the smaller games, we lose sight of the big game, and we must win the big game. If we win the big game, we win all the smaller games."

"I think we can focus on the big game by looking at the smaller games," King Bumi pointed out. "We already talked about splitting up, but now is the time to do it. No more waiting around in Ba Sing Se like a bunch of whor- " He glanced at Samir and clearly thought better of saying 'whores waiting to be fucked.' "Like a bunch of wusses. We need to split up. The Fire Lord got a letter from the Sun Warriors, who desire that he and Aang meet them. And this is just before we receive Iroh's letter about Piandao and this attack. This isn't a coincidence. I think we have the opportunity to achieve a subtle victory over Vaatu and Ozai. We know now where we can branch out and help while keeping Ba Sing Se our center of operations."

Aang stared at King Bumi for several moments. "What do you suggest, as the most eminent battle strategist amongst us?"

Surprisingly, Azula didn't take offense to such a slight while King Bumi's green eyes gleamed. "We need the dragons as allies. Since firebending is likely becoming extinct, we need the dragons as allies; they are more valuable than ever. And we also need to rescue Piandao from Vaatu's clutches, not only because he's a friend but because he's an insider. We've had a spy in the enemy camp without ever realizing it! And now we can act on it, and it all it requires is taking a risk, which we have to take. The only way to win this is by taking risks when we can."

Zuko nodded in agreement, understanding King Bumi's logic. "Aang and I will go to the Sun Warriors, as they asked for us both. Katara's coming, too, and I assume that where Aang goes, Azula and Samir go."

"You are smarter with age," Azula commended—and confirmed.

"I need to go, as well," Mother added. "I can help care for Samir, and I wish to see the dragons. I have heard the legend, but I must see with my own eyes."

Aang sighed, glancing at Samir, who may or may not have fallen asleep against Azula's shoulder—she was remarkably still, especially for an energetic child. "That's probably a good idea. Who's going to rescue Piandao- "

"We're going," Sokka interrupted with adamance. "There's no way I'm letting Piandao stay under Dark's thumb any longer. We'll find him. Toph will be a big help in tracking him down."

Toph hesitated before shaking her head in resolution. "No, I have to stay here, Snoozles."

Zuko was surprised as he thought Toph would jump at the opportunity to leave Ba Sing Se to get away from Prince Bor, but it appeared that, since she sat right next to Prince Bor with a seemingly remembered ease, the rift was gone.

Prince Bor looked delighted while Sokka looked crestfallen. "Come on, Toph. It's Piandao. I need your help. Why do you have to stay here?"

Something uncomfortable flashed across Toph's face. "I can't, Snoozles. I need to stay here. We can't spread ourselves too thin. And I have promises to keep here." She pointed at Suki. "You're up—I hope you don't make me say it."

Sokka blinked and turned to Suki, who closed her eyes, features scrunching with something close to a curious mixture of sorrow and panic. "What's she talking about?"

"I want to join, Sokka, but I can't," Suki answered in a whisper, and when her hands rested on her stomach, Zuko understood the implication a second after Katara gasped in wondered amazement.

But Sokka missed the signal. "What? What's wrong? I know we can do it—we can rescue Piandao while getting a survey on what's going on around the continent and learning Ozai's patterns. And we can destroy whatever we can when we rescue Piandao!"

Suki smiled tightly at Sokka. "Nothing's wrong, I promise. I just can't risk it—not with this. Being pregnant during all of this is worrisome. I need to stay here- "

"You're pregnant?" Sokka echoed, stunned, face dazed.

"She is," Toph confirmed.

Immediately, seemingly no longer able to contain herself, Katara jumped to her feet and rushed at Suki as various commendations echoed through the air. Samir awoke against Azula's shoulder, and Zuko saw Azula quietly explain what was going on when Samir asked, but he paid more attention to Katara, who stared at Suki with joy. "I'm going to be an aunt?"

"You already are one," Suki confirmed and let Katara place a hand against her stomach. Based on the look on Katara's face, the subtle but deep yearning, Zuko felt his pulse accelerate; perhaps he would lay with Katara sooner than he thought.

Samir pouted. "But you already have me, Aunt Katara! I'm your niece 'cause I'm Uncle Zuzu's niece."

Before Zuko could correct Samir as he and Katara were not married yet, Katara blinked before she smiled as she turned to Samir. "Of course, you are. I'm happy I'm your aunt, but I was just surprised. Aren't you surprised, too?"

"Uh-huh!" Samir confirmed, voice rising in vitality as she pointed at Suki. "She's gonna have a baby!"

Azula inclined her head at Suki. "Congratulations."

"I'm so happy for you!" Ty Lee gushed, clasping her hands together, holding them to her chest, looking teary.

"I wish your child health and happiness," Mai said and raised her glass.

Suki responded graciously but turned to Sokka, who was quiet, staring at her. "I'm sorry I kept it a secret, but I didn't want you to worry. I've done that enough for the both of us."

"She has," Toph confirmed, almost needlessly.

Sokka finally seemed to awaken from his dazed stupor as he swallowed, though there was a permanent shock etched into his face. "I'm going to be a father."

Suki smiled and nodded. "You are. You're going to be a great one."

A laugh echoed as Sokka pulled Suki to him and placed his hands on her stomach, seeming to marvel. "This is better than winning the Great War!"

"It will be even better when this new war is over before that little one is here," King Bumi added, staring at Sokka. "A potential future Chief of Water, your heir. Until you hold your child in your own hands, you have more motivation to defeat Vaatu and Ozai, Sokka. We must beat them. A word of advice—as a father who lost his own children to the Great War, cherish your own and swear to finish what you've already started. We must finish this now so your child doesn't have this burden."

Sokka's face burned with determination. "I will." He kissed Suki, holding her close. "Thank you for this. And nothing's going to happen—I swear it."

Suki smiled and a tear spilled down her cheek. "I know."

"And if you stop knowing, I'll know enough both of us."

"Deal."

Mai raised a hand. "You will not be alone in your quest. I will help you."

Before Zuko could comprehend it, Ty Lee nodded. "Me too."

"Piandao is in the same situation we were in before Avatar Aang helped us," Mai said with real emotion in her voice. "It would be cruel if we refused to help someone who is where Ty Lee and I once were."

"And we're already familiar with the Earth Kingdom," Ty Lee added, referencing her banishment with Mai with no sign of bitterness or resentment. "We can help a lot because we know the areas and how to get food."

Sokka glanced at them, grateful. "Thank you, both of you."

"The Kyoshi Warriors will join you, too," Suki notified and placed a hand on her stomach. "I'll message them, and they'll meet you wherever you want. I'll stay in Ba Sing Se with King Bumi and Toph, who keeps me updated every day on the baby's condition."

A realization registered in Sokka's eyes as he looked at Toph. "That's why you keep spending time with her."

Toph blew her bangs out of her eyes. "Yep."

"Thank you, Toph. I just thought you were trying to team up to pull pranks on me or something."

"That's a good idea."

Sokka sagged. "Great."

"I will make certain that no harm comes to Suki, Sokka," King Bumi vowed, eyes shining intently with promise. "Complete your mission with a worry-less mind. You don't need to worry about her."

"Thanks, Bumi."

Aang smiled in pride at Sokka, happy to hear of Suki's pregnancy, though judging by the look on his face, it seemed that he might have already known, before looking at Prince Bor. "You're staying here, too?"

Prince Bor nodded in confirmation. "Yes, Avatar Aang- "

"Just Aang."

Toph elbowed Prince Bor. "Told you."

Prince Bor hesitated before nodding again. "Yes, Aang. I'm staying by Grandfather's side—and Suki's, too, apparently. I'm the future King of Ba Sing Se, and I can't, in good conscience, leave."

"And I'm staying here, too," Toph reminded, though Zuko was beginning to think that Toph's reason for staying was not quite unrelated to Prince Bor staying. "I would go, but I have this gut feeling I need to stay here. And we can't spread ourselves too thin. But I think you can do it—this might be perfect, actually. You could draw attention to yourselves with benders. You're all, including the Kyoshi Warriors, very dangerous, and pulling off a rescue mission for Piandao under the Loser Lord's very fire-breathing nose is within your combined capabilities. I know that you don't need me or any bender to do this."

Sokka blinked in shock. "I think that's the nicest thing you've ever said to me."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah," Toph dismissed in a huff. "It's the last time you'll hear it."

"Some go to the Sun Warriors, some rescue Piandao and get knowledge of what's going on the ground level, and some stay here," Katara summarized. "It's as good a plan as any."

Prince Bor's face spasmed in realization. "Do you think it's a good idea to go to the Sun Warriors now? They could be 'infected' like- "

"All the more reason to go now and not later," Zuko interrupted, already having had a similar thought.

"And while we're there, I will decipher how to solve Agni's diminished light and the attack that Lee has unleashed," Aang added. "I might even be able to fix it, nullifying whatever Lee did."

"And as soon as we convince the dragons to ally with us, we will return to Ba Sing Se."

"And I'm not sure it will take too long to find Piandao," Ty Lee pointed out. "It will be hard, but it should go quickly. Recruits are coming from somewhere. If we follow the trail, we find the source. Since Mai and I were under Dark's control, we might actually have an idea where Ozai is located."

"Just to be safe, in case that isn't true, we should still prepare for a long journey," Sokka concluded, and Zuko agreed with him.

"A smart decision," Mother commented. "Be careful. Piandao will be near Ozai, and have no misjudgments, Ozai will take great amounts of pleasure in killing you if he receives word of your agenda."

Aang frowned, seeming to realize how dangerous the quest would be. "Are you certain that you wish to do this while we're gone?"

Sokka nodded adamantly. "Yes, I'm not letting Piandao rot in Dark's clutches any longer. And I think only we could do this, anyway, and have success. We can blend in more. All you guys are too obvious, unless you're dressed as the Blue Spirit or something. But you can't do that because you're needed elsewhere—and the Blue Spirit does things solo. Only we can do this, and we have to do this. My kid isn't going to grow up in this war—I want to stop it now. And if we get word of Ozai or Dark being there, we'll leave and come at it another angle. We know to avoid either at all costs, no matter what. We would just need to wait until Piandao is separated from him, and we can get him away—and get a priceless source of information by doing so. This will be our advantage!"

"He is correct," Azula said, placing a hand on Aang's shoulder. "I know all their capabilities. Mai and Ty Lee will be valuable allies—the best allies considering their experience and skillsets."

While Mai and Ty Lee looked surprised that Azula had complimented them, Zuko couldn't help but wonder if it was because Azula wanted Mai and Ty Lee away from her and saw complimenting them as ensuring it.

"Lighten up, Twinkletoes," Toph cut in. "Snoozles and the crew will be good to go; they're not dumb enough to even think of trying to face Vaatu or Ozai without you there. We can win this war. We were looking for momentum, right? We got it—and we'll add Bipin into the fold once he responds to Bumi's letter to add to Bumi's own forces here in Ba Sing Se. Many of the strongest benders in the world besides Ozai are right here in this room. We can do this, even if Agni and Devi are with Vaatu and Ozai. And we have the winning card, too, in Twinkletoes here."

Aang sighed. "Don't underestimate him."

"I'm not. I know what he is, but I also know what you are. You're a god compared to him. I was there when you went all 'Avatar' on him and Vaatu. You have them beat if they come to fight. You're on the hunt while they are on the run—that's the nature of this game. You're the hunter."

Azula smirked with an insinuating, flattering light in her golden eyes. "And he is quite the man."

Sokka gagged while Zuko closed his eyes with a groan. "I don't want to hear anything about you and Aang trying to make more Airbenders!"

"But I'm an Airbender!" Samir protested, looking hurt. "Daddy's teaching me. I even meditate. Don't you wanna know how it's going?"

"Of course, I do," Sokka said, standing to his feet. "But I want to be even more surprised when I get back from rescuing Piandao. So, don't show me now; show me, then, okay?"

Samir beamed. "Okay!"

"I'm going to start packing. Suki, I could use your help."

Zuko watched as Suki gracefully stood as well, following Sokka out of the room.

Katara stared at the retreating forms and turned to Aang. "What can you tell us of the child?"

"What?" Aang raised his eyebrows, glancing at the now-empty chairs where Sokka and Suki had sat. "I'm just as surprised at the development as you."

"You're a great liar, Twinkletoes, but Bor didn't even buy that," Toph chortled.

Prince Bor shrugged in nervous admittance. "I didn't."

"I know that you can glimpse the future, Aang," Katara chided, but there was a desperation on her face. "Please. Will the child be touched by the war?"

Aang frowned. "A prophet looks to the past when he prophesies the future, but the past is ending now—because we're going to stop Vaatu, keeping the past from happening. I know the child will live, but I don't if the child will be touched by this war. I hope not, but I can't say."

Zuko felt too exhausted about learning about his race's fate imposed by Lee—a fucking common criminal!—to have more hope than worry.

His worry won out.

XxXxXxXxXxX

She silently followed Sokka, stepping into their shared room as he closed the door softly, and she waited patiently, knowing that she must wait if Sokka was to confess what was wrong—because she knew something was wrong. And unsurprisingly, she was right as he turned towards her after several more moments, eyes confused.

"Why didn't you tell me?" He stepped closer and held up a hand. "I get that you thought we wouldn't have this- "

"I thought I was barren," Suki stressed, emotions surging through her. "I was convinced of it—I was. We've tried for years, and I know we weren't really trying, but at least I was—I wanted this. I wanted your position secure when it's already so tenuous, especially with the North."

Sokka sighed. "I was thinking it was me; I thought I was sterile—that my seed wasn't fruitful."

"It's not," she confirmed, feeling her stomach with her hands. "The best of us will live again—already living again."

"It's amazing."

Suki kept a straight face but knew that it would be futile for her not to be honest completely, but she knew the result, which she feared. "But this is happening, and it's important. I know it's not as important as everything else, but you were- "

Sokka's face flashed with outrage. "Fuck anyone who says otherwise!"

She felt a fond laugh escape her. "I say otherwise, Sokka. We both know this isn't as important, even though it's really important." Dread overtook whatever amusement she felt. "But you're right—there's another reason I held off from telling you, other than being afraid I'd miscarry."

"I'm so happy," he confessed, and his eyes revealed the depths of his joy—but therein was confusion still. "You know I'm happy, but I can't be as happy as I could be because the more I think about it, the less it makes sense. It's not like you to keep something like this to yourself. I know there's more to it. What is it?"

Suki inhaled slowly and prepared for his inevitable reaction; she had thought about it too much not to know his reaction, and such knowledge made a mist appear in her eyes. "You need to promise me something."

Sokka looked eager. "Of course—anything."

"It's about the baby- "

A sudden laugh echoed as he relaxed; he looked assured and confident. "That's what it is?" He gripped her hands and cradled them, staring down at her. "Suki, you have to know that I'll never be disappointed over something so trivial as our kid being a non-bender. I'm going to love our kid no matter what. We're both non-benders. It's likely that we'll have non-benders—it's okay. I'm not disappointed- "

"But it's not about you," she interrupted quietly but firmly. "You are Water's heir, Sokka—the only viable one. You need a successful dynastic succession after you die. The only way the North will be appeased is if you have a waterbending son. I know how the North works. You've talked about the North enough for me to know, and I met Arnook, remember? I met Hahn- "

His nostrils flared. "I should have never introduced that polardog shit to you."

Suki waved away the unpleasant memory. "This baby isn't going to have 'mud' for blood. But I'm serious, and you need to listen to me. It's already enough that you're from the South and a non-bender, and it's already enough that I'm your wife. I'm not naïve enough to think that the North will change, and I know that you're not, either. I know you're going to love our baby whether a bender or not, but not everyone's going to love a non-bender, especially a daughter."

Sokka's jaw clenched hard; he shook his head even harder. "No. Stop it."

She swallowed and took his hand, saying what she needed to—it was the only way. "You need to consider a new wife if- "

"I don't want to hear this! I'm never going to do it!"

"You have to," she urged. "If, spirits forbid, I miscarry, or this baby is a non-bender, you need to consider a new wife in the North, one who is an actual Waterbender. If our second baby is a non-bender, or if we never have a second baby, you need to marry that woman, whoever she is. Okay? Promise me, please."

Sokka's eyes were incredulous and hurt. "No. I won't do it. The North can fuck itself- "

Suki smiled slightly because she felt great love that he refused to do such a thing, but the painful fact remained that he needed to do it for stability if she couldn't give him a rightful heir, especially during such a chaotic reign. "That's not a Chief talking."

"After everything we've been through, why would I possibly do something so fucking stupid?"

She put a finger over his lips, a pleading request for his silence. "Let me finish. It's because of all that we've been through that I know it must be if that's the case. We both know that your standing in the North, even if you didn't have a rival in Hahn, isn't strong. You're only the strongest heir because there really are no heirs; all the heirs are weak candidates. This would never happen in any other generation. But I'm your wife, your chosen Chiefess- "

His face was stoic with denial. "And it's the best choice I made."

His powerful stubbornness made it harder to say what she needed to say, but she summoned her own stubbornness. "Me being of Earth doesn't help you at all. What you should have done is marry a noblewoman there to strengthen your position—you know it like I do. But you didn't do that. You chose me, which lowers your position. And if I can't give you what you need, you need to find a woman in the North who can. I don't want to see you fail—that's something I refuse to see happen, especially because of me."

Sokka appeared speechless, one of the only times in her memory it had ever happened.

Suki wiped a tear from her eye. "My mind is made up, Sokka. Please accept it—I need you to accept it. I'm being pragmatic—realistic. The odds of us having waterbending children, specifically a son, are slim—if not none. I love you too much to be the cause of the North rejecting your rightful position and ruining your stability because you don't a rightful heir. You need a waterbending son to appease the North, and we both know that the South prefers that a Waterbender lead them, too, after two generations of non-benders with you and your father."

He inhaled roughly. "I'm not swearing to this- "

"But you have to!" she protested. "Don't you see? I know you do—you have to. Water will soon be on the brink of disaster if something doesn't change; we both know that the North already has ambitions to conquer the South, so a strong leader is needed who can unite both Tribes without bloodshed. That leader is you, Sokka! I've come to love the Water Tribes as if they were my own home, and I don't want to see a civil war over who will become Chief waged where the North and South destroy each other- "

"I don't care!" he exclaimed. "I love you! I'm not doing this! I'd rather castrate myself than do something as stupid as this!" Sokka abruptly turned around and stomped towards the door, features crinkling into a mass of fury, looking angrier than she had ever seen him. "You're my wife, and our children are our children—that's it! Anyone who says otherwise is getting a sword up the ass! Water's newest line of Chiefs is vested in the succession of the children we have, not me and some cunt in the North!"

She was astonished by his vehemence, even though she was prepared for his stubborn denial, but it was worse than she thought. She wondered how he failed to see the truth in her words as he was one of the smartest men she'd ever met. How could he not understand what she was saying?

But before she could argue, Sokka shot her one last look full of betrayal and stomped out of their room, cold seeping in her heart as the door slammed shut.

Suki sat on the bed, placing a hand on her stomach, over the life that she knew resided within. "I hope I'm wrong, my baby, but I think of the worst—it's ingrained in me."

As she closed her eyes, trying to expunge the memory of Sokka's anger and figure out a line of thought he would agree with, a light voice echoed behind her: "You worry needlessly."

Her eyes snapped open in alarm. Nobody snuck up on her, not since she was a young girl before she had become a Kyoshi Warrior. Whirling around, she froze as a beautiful woman floated in the light of the window, directly from the moon. The woman was ethereal, beyond her understanding, but she instinctively knew who the woman was, who the spirit was.

Placing her hand over her stomach protectively, she nodded her head in respect. "It is an honor to draw the attention of the Moon herself."

"You need not to fear me, Suki. I will not harm you or the life growing within you." The Moon Spirit's eyes were orbs of moonlight, glowing brightly. "I understand your trepidation, but it is unnecessary. If I wished you harm, you would have died long ago. I am happy that Sokka has found someone else."

She had heard enough stories of the Face Stealer not to trust flattering words. "Why are you here, merciful Moon Spirit?"

"Your actions since the discovery of your pregnancy have been understandable—but no longer. Your fears are legitimate but foolish. In your worry, you forgot something crucial."

She dared to narrow her eyes. "Which is?"

The Moon Spirit's laughter was strangely harmonious. "You are friends with The Avatar. Water is not so reckless as to risk The Avatar's wrath—and my wrath. I have a unique interest in Sokka's life, especially when it pertains to his future and those of his children."

"You will bless Sokka, then?" Suki asked. "You will ensure that no harm comes to my baby?"

"Water will be united under your children with Sokka, Suki, and none of the problems that you believe will curse their lives, and your own, will exist. I have made it a certainty."

Suki blinked and wet her lips, grateful. "If you say what I think you are, thank you, most generous Moon Spirit. I will forever be in your debt."

"No, no, Suki, I have been in your debt. You make Sokka happy, which is all I ever wanted. Thank you for doing what I was unable to."

Before a stunned, breathless Suki, the Moon Spirit's eyes closed as she shimmered out of existence.

XxXxXxXxXxX

"I understand why Piandao is drawn to you," a voice she was familiar with echoed—but a voice that had never spoken directly to her.

Hama turned from the lake, where she saw Zhao part through the trees; waterbending training with Piandao had concluded earlier for a dinner break before it would resume later in the night, but she had elected to stay at the lake, predominantly to think—about her situation and Piandao.

It was an excellent situation to be allied with Vaatu—as she could avenge herself on Katara and, to a lesser extent, The Avatar, who endorsed Katara's evil—but she never imagined when she joined Vaatu with the vow of healing his vessel that she would fall in love with Vaatu's vessel, despite him being Fire. Was it really love? She had loved before in her life, but it was different with Piandao. There was an enduring sense of danger with him, but it didn't concern her because she knew he wouldn't direct his great power, which would only grow greater as she trained him, at her.

She trusted him—it was a strange thing. She never once trusted Fire in her life, rather desiring to murder Fire, but it was not Fire who destroyed her spirit, as Katara did it. When Fire imprisoned her, she retained her spirit, vowing to escape and avenge herself, which she managed by discovering bloodbending. But Katara destroyed her spirit after defeating her, scorning her, and obliterating her conceptions about Family—and turning away without any effort to extend understanding and goodwill, only condemnation and judgment.

Katara did more evil to her than Fire did, while Piandao commended her spirit and wanted to help her—and while he took no joy in her being a Water Tribeswoman, he accepted her and still wanted to help, and even more, he wanted to lay with her and share in 'rejuvenation.' He wasn't perfect—she was well aware of his darkness, arrogance, ambition, and chilling willpower—but he was the only one who embraced her, commending the dark parts of herself—the truest parts of herself—and seemed to actually enjoy her presence, trusting her like few ever had.

Maybe she did love him.

Hama stared at Zhao. "Should I take that as a compliment?"

"Take it as whatever you want," Zhao replied, stepping closer. "But what I don't understand is why you are drawn to him."

A surprised laugh escaped her. "It's confusing to me, too."

"You lay with him—why? Is his charm enough to erase the clash between our races?"

Her eyes narrowed. "Why do you ask?"

Zhao's face twisted in memory. "There was another Water woman—girl, in this case—I encountered, and you remind me of her, not only in your appearance but attitude. My duty is to Piandao and Vaatu. If you harm- "

Hama shook her head, admiring his show of loyalty to Piandao but resenting it all the same. Her loyalty to—her devotion to and, dare she admit, love for—Piandao shouldn't be challenged by anyone, even by Piandao's trusted friend. "I'm not going to harm him. I'd never train him in waterbending, teaching him everything I know with the goal of making him a master beyond me so he has a chance against The Avatar, if I ever had the thought to harm him. I don't want to see him harmed; I want to see him flourish. I don't want to see him fail; I want to see him succeed. I don't want to see him dead; I want to see him live in triumph, achieving all our goals. I'm going to do everything in my power to see it happen."

"Would you die for him?"

She hesitated as she recalled her vendetta against Katara, which was foremost. "No."

Zhao's golden eyes were fierce. "That isn't good enough. Our loyalty to him must be absolute. I will die for him if I must."

"I will die for him after my vengeance against my grandniece is realized," she decided, meaning the vow. "I hold no reservations that it will happen, and Piandao's going to help me get it. After that, I will do whatever I must, even if it means dying." She laughed slightly, brushing her fingers against her smooth flesh, which was not once smooth—before Vaatu replenished her body to what it should have been. "I already got a second chance, denied my death—I won't get it again. I know it, and if my death comes defending Piandao or helping him reach his goal, it's a good death—my life will be spent as well as it could be."

"I understand why he was drawn to you even more," he commended, seemingly impressed—and accepting of her loyalty to Piandao. He must have sensed that she was a kindred spirit who wanted Piandao to succeed. "At least you are unlike Chin V, who sought Piandao's position. Piandao chose well with you."

"What was he like before all this?" she asked, curious.

Zhao's thick, notable sideburns seemed to bristle in amusement. "Why?"

Hama shrugged, letting the lake's small ripples from the wind soothe her. "I have a sense that he was different before this—before everything happened to him."

"Before The Avatar happened, you mean," he corrected with a seething disgust, clearly hating The Avatar as much as Chin V, though less than Piandao and Vaatu.

No one compared to Piandao and Vaatu—except The Avatar.

"Right," she agreed. "He said he knew you before. What was he like?"

"Powerful," Zhao answered instantly, seeming to stare across years, recalling and living again. "He understood power and ambition; he understood what's necessary for victory, which is better than defeat, which is slavery; and he understood that sacrifices are necessary. I admired him in every way, and I admire him more knowing he dares challenge the ultimate enemy in The Avatar, who is an untouchable, indomitable tyrant."

Hama nodded, recalling The Avatar, who she encountered as 'Kuzon,' who Katara mothered. "It makes you wonder how The Avatar can be anything but a tyrant. With all that power, how can he be good? I don't think he ever was."

The fact he let the Great War happen and didn't take things seriously was more than enough proof.

"He doesn't know goodness," Zhao judged. "He is nothing more than a pretender; he lives amongst the Races in each of his lives, but he isn't truly amongst them as he isn't one of them, even if he appears he is—even if he dresses appropriately, has the same type of name, and has the proper physical appearance. He has no home, for he changes it in every lifetime, making him untrustworthy. He is at home nowhere and everywhere, as he goes from place to place exercising his tyranny, conducting his façade, and deceiving everyone he meets, pretending to be one of us—when he is nothing like us. There is no one more evil than him."

Zhao had clearly thought about The Avatar's tyranny more than she ever had, but she didn't hear anything that she disagreed with. "Can you imagine the world without The Avatar? I can't. He's too ingrained; he's done too much and changed too much. Everything that's ever happened has the stench of his influence and presence, whether he lets something happen or stops something from happening. Nothing happens without being touched by him in some way, changing things ever so slightly—until everything is borne of him and no one else, all having his signature."

"My knowledge stretches farther than your comprehension, yet you surprise me."

Hama jumped in surprise at hearing Vaatu's voice; she whirled around to see that Vaatu floated in the shadows of the grove, possibly having been there the entire time. She forced her heart to slow its beat. "What do you mean, Vaatu?"

Vaatu floated closer. "Leave us, Zhao."

Zhao obeyed instantly and bowed before departing, leaving her alone with Vaatu; she felt no fear, only curiosity, as she trusted Vaatu more than anyone with the possible exception of Piandao.

"You possess an excellent understanding of The Avatar's primacy, which I will replace with my primacy with Piandao as my vessel. However, this does not surprise me as you possess keen intelligence and awareness, perceiving past boundaries to see the truth and necessity. However, my surprise lies in your presence, not intelligence."

"I don't understand," she said slowly, trying to put together what he was saying.

"When I freed you, I did not anticipate your impact on Piandao; I did not anticipate your value as much as I should have."

She was quiet for several moments, debating how to respond, before she nodded. "I understand."

A thundering laugh boomed, but she did not flinch—she was used to Vaatu's terrifying, powerful presence. "No, you do not understand, Hama. You surprise me, and I did not think anyone but The Avatar, Piandao, and my children could surprise me."

Hama frowned. "You weren't surprised by Chin V's assassination attempt against Piandao?"

She was deeply relieved that Chin V and his sister—and all the Earthbenders, possibly a million in number—had left to Chyung, as Chin V was to be King Bipin's new advisor, taking his murdered cousin's place, before beginning his part of the invasion. Upon Chin V's departure, Piandao was in charge of all the remaining Children of Chin—millions in number, all non-benders—and the Fire nobles, creating another invasion force.

It was the perfect strategy that ensured victory.

"I know mortal nature, having observed it for eons. Chin V was always going to betray my trust, in possession of an arrogance and short-sightedness that are as recognizable as his apparent ugly appearance."

Her fists clenched. "Then why did you leave Piandao with him if you knew- "

"Piandao proved his worth in defeating a powerful enemy to him without aid from anyone, including me. He manifests strength, as he must—lest he be destroyed." Vaatu's shadows, which pooled everywhere in wisps, seemed to buzz. "This why I come to you now. How is his waterbending progressing?"

"He's a quick learner," she answered, frowning, wondering why Vaatu came to her about waterbending. Did he not trust her capability in training Piandao? "He's very powerful, but his control will come with time. I'm doing a better job with him than anyone- "

"I have confidence in your ability, Hama."

"Then why come to me about his waterbending- "

"You misunderstand. The timeline nears completion."

Hama stiffened, feeling an ominous sense come over her. "Timeline?"

Vaatu drifted closer in a haze of darkness, seeming to suffocate her—but she breathed deeply and freely, like she always did. "The Ascension—Piandao's ascension—nears. Once you heal him with Tui and La's help in the North, he will be whole. All that will remain is Air."

She recalled what Piandao told her. "But you don't know where the Air Spirit is- "

"I will find her," Vaatu assured with a powerful confidence that convinced her of his success—and its imminence. "Agni and Devi do nothing now but search for Indra—it is all that matters. Piandao is close, and I see now that you will play a part in his ascension."

Hama's body jerked in surprise. "Me? Besides teaching him healing, waterbending, and bloodbending, you mean?"

"Yes."

"How?" she asked, shocked, after several moments. "What do you mean by 'ascension'- "

"Him becoming a new Avatar—my permanent, undying vessel for all-time. It is clear to me that you will be critical to its success."

Hama stiffened in dread as the foreboding sense pierced her. "How will Piandao ascend?"

Vaatu was quiet for several moments before answering: "By bonding with me permanently, which requires everything he is. He has been in constant exposure to my power, strengthening his spirit, forcing his mortal body to adapt, and he has mastered his dark chakras, but it is not enough. We must mimic the Harmonic Convergence's power, but the Harmonic Convergence will not occur for centuries. Thus, we must make our own, which is a difficult endeavor, though I have begun to implement our success. I have persuaded many spirits to my power and will persuade more, to strengthen me, and it will be through these spirits that our own Harmonic Convergence will appear."

She tried to keep up with the onslaught of information, unprepared for it. "How?"

"Once Piandao masters all the Elements, I will take him to the center of the Immortal Realm to the Tree of Time, in which he will sit as all of the spirits and myself will channel our combined power into the Tree, mimicking the raw power of Harmonic Convergence. Then I will merge with him, and he will drink the Tree's sap before descending the Tree's endless roots into the Void of Eternity."

"The Void of Eternity," she echoed, voice a whisper as she began to understand the depths of what he was sharing with her.

"The Beginning," Vaatu revealed. "Out of Light and Darkness came the Void; out of the Void came the Tree; out of the Tree came the Immortal Realm and Raava and myself, whom the Tree shaped out of the Light and Darkness of the Void; out of Raava and myself came the Mortal Realm, the Great Spirits, and the lion turtles, the first creatures to live in the Mortal Realm; out of the Great Spirits came other spirits while out of the lion turtles came humans, whom Koh gave faces."

Hama realized that she had fallen to her knees at some point, devoting all her energy to comprehend Vaatu's knowledge instead of using part of her energy to remain standing. "And Piandao will go into the Void?" she asked, gasping. "He has to go into that place?"

It was a terrifying thing to know.

"Yes."

Her heart raced with dread—it was too horrible! It was too ominous and powerful! It was too ancient and divine! "Why do you tell me this?" she demanded.

"I have observed your species longer than you can comprehend. A woman can reach a man's motivation when he is hesitant to do something."

Hama understood his allusion but frowned. "Why would he hesitate to do this? He's your vessel. This is what he wants—it's what I want for him. Doesn't he already know this?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because it will destroy him. He will no longer be him; he will be more. I will be with him when he goes into the Void, and it will be as agonizing for him as it will be for me. He will absorb the Void's cosmic energy, ripping him apart and changing him forever, merging us together permanently, which is the Ascension. He must undergo it if we are to succeed. It is the only way."

She shuddered, realizing there was so much more to existence—so much more to Piandao's challenge to The Avatar—than she imagined. "And you expect me to convince him to go through with that? That's horrible! He'll never survive it!"

A low rumble echoed out of Vaatu's shadows. "He will survive. The Avatar survived it."

"I can't tell him to do it- "

She didn't imagine how the darkness thickened. "You will. You must. I trust you, Hama. You want Piandao to succeed. This is the only way success is possible."

Hama flinched. "Will I even recognize him afterwards? You said he's not going to be himself."

"The Ascension will rip away all that he is, elevating him to a new Avatar. His nature will be new, but his form will retain his appearance as you know him. He must sacrifice himself and be reborn—as Wan did when he became The Avatar."

She dimly registered that Vaatu had just shared with her The Avatar's first name and life he lived, but it wasn't as crucial as the fact that Piandao would be destroyed by the Ascension. "How can I tell him to do this, knowing what it will do to him?"

Vaatu floated closer until he circled her, and she followed him. "It is what he wants most. He will do whatever it takes, but he will hesitate at first, which is why I tell you. He trusts you—he is fond of you. How can you deny to him what he wants most when he endeavors to give you what you want most?"

Hama's exhale was rough, sudden, and jarring—because Vaatu was right. Piandao vowed to help her avenge herself on Katara, which was her greatest, deepest want, and he did it without hesitation, wanting to see her succeed. But she dared deny to Piandao his greatest, deepest want in becoming the new Avatar? It was wrong of her to deny it.

She swallowed, firm in her sudden conviction. "I'll convince him if he hesitates."

Vaatu seemed to purr. "Thank you, Hama. Your worth is priceless. Whatever is in my power to give you after the Ascension, I will give you."

"Piandao's already promised me that."

"Yet if there is anything else, all you must do is ask."

Hama bowed her head, thinking of Piandao's offer to make her Water's Chiefess after everything was over and smiled slightly. "I will."

XxXxXxXxXxX

"How do you bear it?" Zuko asked painfully, staring at Aang, taking in his appearance and garb—and finally understanding the colossal loss and void from which he suffered daily, hourly, minute-ly, and second-ly.

Aang tied down supplies to Appa's saddle, which was disconnected from Appa; their departure would be the next day, but they had decided to begin packing beforehand, leaving the only task in the early, early morning as putting the outfitted saddle on Appa.

Zuko agreed to help for the sole reason of a necessary distraction from his monumental failure as Fire Lord—a bigger failure than Father, Kohaku, Kazuki, Zyrn, and Houka! But the distraction was not as powerful as the knowledge he knew deep in his bones and gnawed at his reason.

He kept imagining what it was like for his race, from the people in the Caldera to the people on other islands, as they were attacked for no apparent reason, unable to grasp the motivations of their attackers, which was possibly a more painful way to die—in ignorance. He wondered what they experienced as their firebending was smothered and replaced by the 'plague,' forced to attack others until killed by those they attacked. What was it like? How did it feel watching your loved ones tortured and turned from their nature into something else? How did it feel to die, possibly killed by your loved ones? How did it feel to watch the world around you with your final breaths crumble, falling apart into disarray, confusion, and pandemonium?

How did so many of his race die so quickly? Was it painless and swift, or was it agonizing and slow? Were they killed by people they knew or people they didn't know? Did they try to fight back against the unthinkable attackers, whether their families, friends, and loved ones or not? Were their final moments ones of pleading and supplication for mercy, begging to know why they were being attacked and who was attacking them? Did they demand answers to their final breaths, or did they whimper in the knowledge that they were going to die anyway—or be turned into one of the attackers, changed from the inside out, made insane and lustful? Was it painful having one's firebending smothered, ripped out of the chi, and replaced by something foul and unnatural, never meant to be borne? Did some of them sacrifice themselves to the attackers, fighting them to give their friends and family time and opportunity to escape from the attackers? Did they think that Agni would come down and repel the attackers?

Did they think their Fire Lord was going to rescue them from an abominable death?

What about the children? Were any of them spared, or were they attacked like all the others? Did they die screaming? Did they die weeping, terrified out of their minds? Did they look to their parents for comfort, protection, and answers, only to receive none as their parents were already dead or turned to attackers, discarding their progeny? Did they run over bodies to get away from the attackers, pumping their delicate arms and legs as fast as they could? Did they stare at their attackers and recognize them? Did they see the attackers and see their own parents, killed by their father or mother's hand? Did they have their firebending smothered and replaced? Did they attack other children, the only prey they could catch and capture? Did they die when they tried to attack others, like so many others?

Were there fires everywhere, unable to be tamed as there were no more Firebenders? When those fleeing fled, were they all non-benders? Did their eyes cloud with tears from the haze of smoke and soot in the air, burning the back of their throats? Did they look to others for solace but found them in the same position as themselves, fleeing for their lives, unable to fight back against a growing, increasing terror? Was the newfound lust of the attackers so severe that they raped those they attacked, seeking to change them from the inside in a different, insidious way? Could all of them run, or were some stuck in place, horrified, dying in their minds from all the chaos before their bodies died from one of the attackers?

How could those attacking attack their own race, even if it was peoples on the other islands? How could they look at them and want to ruin them as they were ruined? How could they keep the cycle going in which Fire's extinction was the only possibility? Why did none of them possess the honor to kill themselves rather than spreading the 'plague' across their race?

How could it happen? How could he keep letting it happen? How could he be a worthy, honorable Fire Lord and uphold his vows to Fire if he kept away while so many were dying, robbed of their inheritances they received from Agni himself? How could he not think about anything else but the horrifying knowledge of extinction and its imminent threat against Fire?

It almost brought frustrated but impotent tears to his good eye.

"Are you talking about Lee's attack?"

"You know I am," he breathed, heart unable to stop its warm spread of horror and grief through him. "You know what it's like—you're the only one. I could be there now to help."

"You know why you can't."

He hated that he knew why—because the Fire Lord could not afford to be caught by the 'plague' without a feasible heir to replace him. "I should have never left. I should have—could have—been there and stopped it- "

Aang finished tying the last sack and stood to his feet, turning to face him; his gray eyes were old and his face was resigned grimly. "This is more complicated than you think. Even if you were there, the result would be the same at its core."

"No, I would- "

"The result would be the same," Aang repeated. "Believe me, I know. This was always going to happen—I've realized that. Air's murder was always going to happen one way or another, and Fire was going to be attacked like this in one way or another. All of this was always going to happen, Zuko. Vaatu was always going to rise no matter what I did, and out of Vaatu's rising, all of this happens as a result. There's no changing it, not really. You could only change the surface, not the roots."

Zuko knew rationally that Aang was correct, but the feeling of ravishing failure remained. "How do you deal with it? How do you bear it?"

Aang stared past him, and Zuko felt the urge to turn around, but he knew no one was there. "By bearing it. It's all you can do. There's no trick to master or strategy to wield. Fighting it doesn't do anything, not for something like this. Not even I could fight it, and if I can't, you can't. You accept it, learn from it, and ensure it doesn't happen again."

He scoffed in disgust. "That's a hollow rationalization."

"That's what all rationalizations are—hollow."

"I don't know how many of us are left," he whispered, fists clenching in dismayed horror—and anger. "Fire is being annihilated by this attack. Uncle could be dead for all I know. The population is as dim as Agni's light now. What if me, Mother, Father, Azula, Mai, and Ty Lee are all that are left of Fire?"

Unlike anyone else, Aang didn't stagger or seem outraged or panicked by a possibility; he looked like he seriously considered the possibility, which terrified Zuko. "It changes things, doesn't it? It makes everything simultaneously meaningless and meaningful."

"Yes."

"You could be the last ones, but I don't think it's likely."

"How?" he demanded, almost on the verge of begging. "How do you know?"

Aang placed a hand on his shoulder, firm; it was reassuring and steadying. "Because Fire always burns. Fire will survive. If all these attackers are repelled with firebending, which Fire will do, Fire will survive. Fire will fight this Fire-destroying attack with Fire, which can't be smothered—not all of it. Even if it is, there's always going to be sparks. Maybe you can smother Fire, but you can't smother sparks, which are immune to destruction. Many will die and be lost to this attack, but many will survive. Fire is going to survive and keep burning. It's heat will keeping warming the world forever."

Zuko felt comforted by Aang's calm confidence but felt a deep regret that it was only Fire who had such a capability. "I'm sorry that Air did not get something like this—that allows for a big chance of survival, even if the attack and its impact is devastating."

For some reason, Aang's lips quirked in a strange smile; there was a brightness in his gray eyes. "Me too, but this is the way things should be."

He hoped he could come to believe that one day.

XxXxXxXxXxX

Silence echoed as she wandered the hall until she paused in front of the door she knew was the ingress to the betrayers—but they were no longer betrayers, and she did not consider them as such anymore. If she did, she would have never trusted Samir to be watched over by them the first time—and the second time. But it had multiple times now, and Samir's obvious joy in 'playing' with Ty Lee—and even Mai, who had delighted Samir with throwing shurikens, making outlines on walls with the knives—revealed that things were different.

They were not friends, but they were no longer enemies; they were, it appeared, allies, but 'allies' was insufficient to her, especially since she would never allow an 'ally' to simply watch Samir without he supervision, and she had let Mai and Ty Lee watch over Samir an appalling number of times without her, Mother, or Aang's supervision. Toph's feet had supervised the first couple 'watching overs,' but Toph had not overseen the many 'watching overs' since.

It appeared that she trusted Mai and Ty Lee again as she trusted them with her daughter's safety and wellbeing.

Azula knocked.

A few moments passed before the door swung open, revealing Ty Lee, who immediately looked around and past Azula for Samir, but upon realizing that there was no Samir, she hesitated, holding more of a pallor on her face. "Azula!" Ty Lee greeted with a nervous laugh. "Did you come to the wrong room? This is me and Mai's room- "

"I know," she interrupted. "It is no accident I am here."

Ty Lee swallowed. "Does anyone know you are here?"

Azula admired and regretted simultaneously that her fearsome reputation remained as Ty Lee clearly wondered if she was going to be killed secretly. "Aang knows."

There was little reassurance shown on Ty Lee's face, which Azula took as a sign that her marriage was notably strong and healthy, since Ty Lee clearly thought that Aang would protect her if she killed Ty Lee—literally looking the other way. "Do you want us to watch Samir again?"

"I want to talk to you."

A hidden shock widened Ty Lee's gray eyes—identical to Samir's gray eyes. "Really?"

Azula refrained from rolling her eyes. "Yes, Ty Lee. May I come in?"

A small smile split Ty Lee's face and she gestured her inside. "Of course, of course, you can, Azula! Please, come in."

She entered and noted with minimal amusement that Mai sat, erect, in a chair, features pinched with a façade of emptiness. "Azula," Mai intoned, nodding her head in respect.

"What do you want to talk about?" Ty Lee asked, bouncing from one foot to the other as Azula sat gracefully in one of the comfortable chairs. "Is it about Samir?"

Azula hummed. "Perhaps it is. I trust you with her; I trust you with her safety and wellbeing."

Something bold came over Ty Lee's face, setting in her gray eyes. "So do I. I trust you with her, my cousin. She is my family, and she's special because of it—more than you know."

"If I was who you thought, I would have harmed Samir and not loved her—would not have adopted her as my own, embracing her as my daughter."

"You're a good mother, Azula," Ty Lee commended quietly. "Samir adores you. She always talks about you."

Azula felt a strange burst of pride at such knowledge. "She is a delightful child. I suppose I must thank you."

"It wasn't easy to trust you with her, but I see that- "

"Not that," she dismissed. "I suppose I must thank you for betraying me. Without your betrayal, none of this would be possible."

Mai's brows rose. "How do you figure?"

"It gave me the best outcome—for it first gave me the worst outcome. Only by being ruined by madness was my restoration possible. If you remained loyal, I would not have broken then, delaying or destroying many things. It was meant to happen—I understand it now. I only stopped being my father's daughter because you betrayed me. Without your betrayal, the Great War would have endured after Sozin's Comet as I likely would have killed Zuko and Katara, which would enrage Aang, whose wrath would consume me, and I would assuredly be dead. Your betrayal saved my life, preserving me. Thank you."

"You're welcome," Ty Lee said, looking overwhelmed.

"I never regretted betraying you but the result of the betrayal," Mai responded, blinking. "I guess I never needed to regret the result."

Azula waved a hand. "Only if you wanted years of agony to ravish me in madness."

"It was no less than we received after Zuko banished us."

Her eyes narrowed. "In those years, I would have rather been in your position."

Ty Lee swallowed. "But all the more glory to see how far you've risen since. You're married to The Avatar, Azula."

She wondered what Insane Azula would have thought if she knew she would marry The Avatar and embrace being Mother of Air—probably that she never recovered from insanity. "Indeed. I wondered often why I did not kill you after your betrayal as I could have—as I should have. The only conclusion is that I valued you enough not to kill you, but I did not value you enough to prevent your betrayals. Whatever wickedness I inflicted on you, I apologize for it."

Shock was carved into Ty Lee's face as she gaped before nodding. "I forgive you, Azula. I'm sorry for betraying you."

Mai was quiet until she sighed. "I forgive you, but I will not apologize."

Azula realized she did not want Mai to apologize, as it was unnecessary. "I thank you for watching Samir as you have. I am not here in friendship but thanks and clarification."

However, before she could stand to her feet to depart, Ty Lee swallowed. "Um, Azula?"

The tentative desperation in Ty Lee's voice captured her attention. "Yes?"

Ty Lee fiddled with her fingers, looking nervous. "What do you think Avatar Aang would do if he discovered that some of his race survived- "

Azula closed her eyes, recalling Aang's trip to the past. "No one survived. Why would you say such a thing? It is cruel."

"But if he knew- "

"He already knows," she snapped in disbelief, feeling her own grief at Gyatso, who she had only known for moments that were some of the best of her life—and her death—flare in warning. "He was there—he lived it. He scoured the world countless times over and found none of his race, and he was there at the temples; he knows his race, and he knows where they are now. There are no more Air Nomads, Ty Lee."

Ty Lee shuddered, looking despairing, and she glanced at Mai, who shook her head, but Ty Lee shook it back, gray eyes wide with a hidden plea. "There are no more Airbenders, but maybe if he found out there are half-spawns- "

Azula tried to grasp Ty Lee's nasty agenda and could only conclude that she was trying to ruin Samir's standing in Aang's eyes so she could lay claim to Samir as part of her family—it was despicable! "Airbenders are all that matter- "

"Samir is a half-spawn- "

"She is so much more than that!" Azula hissed, fire sparking at her fingertips.

Ty Lee nodded, gray eyes seemingly in a permanent wide state. "Yes, and he loves her- "

"He loves Samir because she is an Airbender and learned to accept her," Azula said, wondering why she entertained such absurdity. Ty Lee clearly had a bigger hold on her than she ever thought, which meant it was paramount to depart. They were not friends—not now. Maybe later, but not now. They could not discuss things like they were friends, and only friends discussed absurdities like the ones Ty Lee clearly wanted to entertain. "And Samir is a child, easily moldable into embracing everything about Air. Samir is a real Air Nomad. I cannot discern the source of your mockery over this tragedy- "

"I know it's a tragedy!" Ty Lee protested. "Azula, I know! I saw it every day!"

Azula scoffed, wondering how Ty Lee could dare say that seeing Aang during the Great War, sometimes 'every day,' was comparable and almost regretted all her strides previously in reaching a peace with her. Mai was another subject, but Ty Lee was ruining all the possible goodwill that had been built previously! "I feel generous, Ty Lee. Motherhood has made me graceful, and I have learned to keep up with Airbenders. I know that of which I speak. I will consider your disrespect and contempt as a symptom of your ecstasy in receiving my forgiveness. You are so happy that you are, thus, in chaos and everything in your mind is scrambled temporarily. I can say this because I know madness, and what you have just demonstrated to me is madness of the utmost severity."

"But, Azula- "

"Must my generosity end?" Azula demanded, voice rising, almost letting lightning crackle across her fingers, but she feared if she did, she would fulfill the urge to shoot it at Ty Lee.

Ty Lee shuddered, looking near tears before she shook her head. "Thank you for your generosity, Azula. I understand."

Azula nodded, satisfied, and marched to the door—but not before turning back. "I wish you luck in rescuing Piandao. Perhaps when you return, we can see what can be salvaged between us—despite this most recent display of madness."

Ty Lee smiled, though her face was teary. "I'd like that, Azula."

"Me too," Mai said softly.

Azula inclined her head and left, shutting the door behind her, exhaling slowly, a fissure that had always been in her heart smoothing out.

She did not know if there would be regrowth, but she knew that there could be, despite whatever madness had overtaken Ty Lee.

It was enough.

XxXxXxXxXxX

It was a quiet task to which he had devoted himself, consolidating his power, ensuring his allies were his allies, while preparing the North for an invasion—sabotaging whatever minimal defenses were employed. Unfortunately, most of the defense was Waterbenders themselves who controlled the terrain, which prevented him from clearing obstructions to Vaatu—and himself—winning control. He also focused subtly on preparing the North for Arnook's death and ensuring that there were no pretenders or rivals who would stop him from sitting on the icy throne.

But there were none—his succession was secure.

It was coming together, his grand future where he would be hailed as Chief, and where the Usurper would kneel at his feet—before execution claimed his damned life. He had done as Vaatu requested and more, and he wondered if his reward would be more than the Chiefdom. Would Vaatu force Yue to forfeit her form as the Moon and return to the Mortal Realm, return to her place at his side as his wife? Would he even want her as his wife after she failed so terribly and put him in a horrible position? He would consider it, the only other thing that he would want after Vaatu placed him on the throne when the invasion arrived.

"You walk a path that can and will only lead to your demise," a gentle but powerful voice echoed behind him—it was a voice he had not heard in over ten years. How could he not? He was once betrothed to its owner. Although the voice now contained subtle hints of power, he knew the voice to be Yue's. "You manipulate events that you know nothing of to satisfy your own selfish desires. You ally with Vaatu, who does not care about you."

Hahn's eyes narrowed, and he turned around, memory confirmed when he gazed at the outline of his former betrothed. "And you care about me? You never cared about me in your life and confirm it now by appearing to me only on the verge of my triumph, of securing what you denied me, and telling me I'm going to die."

"I do this out of Yue's memory to protect you- "

He laughed at the mockery she forced on him. "Stop your lies. You never liked me—you hated our betrothal. No matter what I did to try to please you, no matter what I said to you, no matter anything I did, you never gave me a chance."

"It was not what you did but who you are. Yue could never love you."

"You act like I could have loved you," he sneered, disgusted by her pathetic, weak judgment. "I would have never loved you, either, but unlike you, I knew my duty; I knew how to make it pleasant, even if it wasn't loving. You never could do that, possessed by frailty and weakness! And who you are now is who you always were—a cold, unfeeling bitch too stupid to do what was necessary to save her tribe. All this is happening because of your failure. What did you expect? Were you never paying attention? Didn't you know the politics? Didn't you know what was really happening? Didn't you know that our marriage was the only possibility of a peaceful change from one Chief to the next? Don't pretend to understand what and why I'm doing what I'm doing because you never understood anything I did when you were living, and you prove it now by appearing only when I'm on the cusp of winning."

Unfortunately, Yue's face was beautiful. "You have a chance to change your choice, which is the wrong choice. What you do now has only one conclusion, unless you change your choice. Turn from this path, forsake Chaos and Darkness, and you can live a happy life."

Hahn scoffed. "You never cared about me having a happy life before, never giving me the time of day, never giving me an actual chance, just wallowing in your unhappiness—but I was unhappy, too! And you never cared! Stop pretending you care- "

"I care about the North- "

"If you cared at all about the North you would have never sacrificed yourself and given us a chance to recover, giving Avatar Aang time, but you were rash."

"Yue did what she needed to. She did it for the world."

He shook his head, almost applauding at her fake morality. "Everything that will happen is on your head, Yue. I've done what I had to, to fulfill my destiny, but you, you shunned yours—and never deserved it in the first place. I'm going to ask Vaatu to pull you down from there, and when you are, I'm going to kill you—you deserve nothing less. You never deserved to live in the first place. The Moon Spirit was too generous with you and should have you let you die like all the other babies who have died across the centuries, despite their parents pleading for survival."

A flash of anger appeared on Yue's ethereal face, but Hahn was unmoved. "This is why Yue never wanted to marry you."

"I don't care," he dismissed. "You are redundant now, no longer necessary. You think you hold importance now as the Moon Spirit, but you don't; you're a dimming memory that no one will talk about once your father dies. You are nothing, Yue—you aren't even the real Moon Spirit. But what I am is the North's prince who will rise to the Chiefdom. There is nothing the Usurper can do to stop it. It is my rightful place- "

"Your rightful place?" Yue's gentle eyes suddenly became furious, disdain wrinkling through her lovely features. "Only through Yue would you have achieved your so-called rightful place. You do not hail from a line of Chiefs, and not even from The Avatar, save for Kuruk, but that is meaningless since everyone of Water is descended from Kuruk."

"Are you not listening?" he demanded, infuriated by her stupidity. "I no longer need you. I am the heir now, even without you. You are nothing. I was always going to be the heir."

"Sokka is the true heir. I have made it so."

Hahn's eyes widened in outrage. "What did you do?"

"Sokka's line will be the source of Water's new royal lines in the North and South."

"No!" Hahn shouted, irate. "I'll kill him and his wife! You want mud blood to be in our Chiefs? You're insane!"

Yue's eyes narrowed, and the temperature dropped. "You will not touch him or his wife. I forbid it!"

"You forbid nothing as you are nothing, Fake Moon Spirit; you're just a fraction of the real Moon Spirit, just a child playing with immortal powers who hides behind the Ocean Spirit."

"And you are a fool who has begun his own downfall! I cannot help you anymore, and even if I could, I would not want to."

Hahn's face twisted. "I would refuse your help, if you were capable of help! Get away from me—you rape not only my mind but my eyes."

Yue shimmered out of existence, and it felt like a great victory.

It would be the first of many.

XxXxXxXxXxX

"I commend your work," Ozai praised, standing next to Zhao as he watched the vessels appear on the coast. "You have done well with the nobles."

He had tasked the invasion preparations for the North to Zhao, who had already done it once over a decade ago and could give more precise details to what was needed by the nobles, many of whom were former generals and admirals, who would provide the ships, gathering them from Fire's islands, which were now in chaos, according to Agni's dimmer light—something Vaatu had prepared him for. He would have been more involved in the planning, but his focus, endorsed by Vaatu, was in mastering waterbending, learning as swiftly as possible. Unfortunately, it was clear to him that waterbending would not go as quickly as earthbending, but he endeavored to make it as short as possible.

He was well aware that if The Avatar found him again before he was ready, he would have no chance, even with Vaatu, not now, not yet—not until he was a master of everything.

He had to be ready!

Zhao stood taller at the compliment. "Thank you, Piandao."

"It's tremendous progress," Hama added, impressed. "I don't see how this won't work."

"It will," Zhao confirmed. "The same strategy as previously with Firebenders positioned on the edges to defend against any Waterbenders who surface from the water and ice."

Ozai smirked. "But now you have two Waterbenders on your side this time, a crucial difference. Hama and I will also defend—Waterbenders against Waterbenders."

Zhao glanced at Hama. "Do you think it will work?"

Hama nodded instantly. "It will throw them off; they'll be confused."

"Why do you seek to attack your own homeland?"

"They don't have leadership—they never have," Hama responded with disgust on her face; memories were held in her blue eyes. "The North has never done anything in its existence except sit there. I hate the North and hold no love for it. I'm not sad to see it conquered."

Ozai recalled his promise to make her Water's Chiefess after he destroyed The Avatar—if she wanted it. "You also have the opportunity to contribute to the void in power. Authority will be needed to rule."

Hama glanced at him with a look of amusement. "I'm still thinking about it."

"I promised to make Hama Water's Chiefess," he divulged, looking at Zhao. "She must think about it, she says. I am unsure what there is to think about."

Zhao's golden eyes flashed in mockery. "The cold, I'm guessing. Maybe the primitive statures."

"I could rip your heart out of your body," Hama said, unimpressed and annoyed.

"That would be foolish," Vaatu responded. "We still need his help; he is of great benefit to us."

A broad, pleased smirk crossed Zhao's face. "Thank you, Vaatu. You'll be pleased to know that we can leave in the coming days as soon as possible. The journey to the North will take approximately a week."

Ozai tensed at the memory of The Avatar's power. "We must wait to move until Chin V begins to move. We cannot risk The Avatar discovering us."

"I almost wish that fucking brat would come here," Zhao muttered, fists sparking at his clenched fists; ire reddened his face. "I want him to face our vengeance and be terrified of it."

"Temper your fury, Zhao," Vaatu said coolly, dark voice on the edge of chiding. "Piandao is right to be cautious—he is my vessel because of it. He understands. The Avatar would smite you—smite all of us—dead from across the world if he knew our location. Only when Piandao undergoes the Ascension will The Avatar be defeated."

Ozai caught Hama staring up at him with a pinched look on her face, but he had no idea what it meant; he did not particularly care since he was close—so close!—to being healed of his maiming. It was almost all that he thought about; the anticipation was painful to feel but nourishing in its effects as it made his mind sharper, cleared of distractions.

"We will know when Chin V begins his trek to invade," Vaatu continued. "The moment he begins to move, we move for the North."

"We want all the ships loaded with supplies and equipment to prepare to leave as swiftly as possible," Ozai added. "Even if we do not leave for a month, I want everything loaded that can be loaded yesterday."

Zhao inclined his head, understanding his reasoning. "Yes, Piandao."

A man—he dimly recognized him as one of the noble's servants—suddenly entered the tent, bowing before him and Vaatu. "My liege, a boy named Lee is here to see you, bringing most important tidings."

"Send him in," Vaatu ordered instantly, to which the servant scurried out.

"We already know his attack was successful," Ozai pointed out, curious. "We have not only a pincer attack but a three-pronged attack. No matter what The Avatar does, he loses more than he wins while we win more than we lose."

Vaatu's shadows shuddered in pleasure. "He is the Destroyer of the Races. I suspect that, upon hearing of Fire's plight, he will dash to help, stranding some of his allies as vassals to preserve his authority—but it will not be enough. While The Avatar is in the Fire Nation, stopping Lee's attack, we will hit the North while Chin V hits Ba Sing Se, demoralizing The Avatar on all levels in every way."

Ozai looked to the tent's opening as the flash of movement and recognized Lee, who had helped him slaughter the Order of the White Lotus, absorbing the chi energies of all the non-masters. It had been a bountiful, beneficial partnership, allowing him to rebuild his firebending prowess, retraining himself in his natural inheritance that The Avatar had stolen from him.

"Lee," he greeted.

Lee held his hands behind his back, clearly holding something beyond his obvious hatred for Firebenders as he glared at him but knew better and inclined his head. "Piandao." Lee turned to Vaatu and offered a much more heartfelt bow, but Ozai was only amused by the boy's childishness. "Mighty Vaatu, my mission was a success."

"Well done, Lee," Vaatu commended. "It was never a mistake to give you this second chance—your revival."

Ozai glimpsed the outline of a beautiful sword in Lee's hands. "I never took you for a swordsman."

"It's not for me," Lee responded and revealed the sword, pulling it from around his back—and Ozai recognized it instantly.

He stalked forward and ripped the blade—Embers!—from Lee's hands. "You took Embers?" he breathed, running his finger along the blade's edge. "You went into the catacombs?"

"I watched as the Dragon of the West himself plucked it from the fingers of Sozin's sarcophagus and his flames spiraled around the blade until it became pure fire—a fire-blade. It's my gift to you, Piandao."

He felt Hama watching him in intrigue but he was more absorbed by the feeling of the smooth and cool metal, along which he ran his fingers—until he noticed the inscription, something he never realized was there. He raised the blade closer to his face, staring at the inscription, which was in such a neat, precise, and tiny script that it took him several moments to piece it together.

If you have no enemy within, no enemy outside will prosper. Conquer the treasures you seek and destroy them if you must, lest you never be a slave. Look inward and be honest about what you see. Accept the glorious burden you find there. Take what is rightfully yours, and no one can ever stop you.

Feeling the words empower him, he whirled to Vaatu. "Connect me to my firebending," he ordered.

Surprisingly, Vaatu said nothing and dashed into him and changed his energy; the flowing, soothing power of waterbending altered to the fiery, invigorating power of firebending. When Vaatu exited, Ozai summoned his fire, and flames swirled around Embers beautifully, growing and enlarging until the metal was engulfed, until all that was visible was fire.

He felt a smirk cross his face. "This is a gift, you say, Lee?"

Lee nodded, face devoid of anything—a mask. "Yes."

"For which I will give you many gifts in return," he promised. "Anything you want is yours."

Those familiarly insane eyes peered up at him. "All I want is to watch the Dragon of the West and Fire Lord Zuko die agonizing deaths. I want to piss out their flames forever. They killed me, and I want reparation."

"You have already been to the North," Vaatu recalled. "You helped Nobleman Hahn. We can use another familiar with that place leading us. Our invasion to the North is imminent. You will be part of it. You have proved your diligence and fidelity."

Zhao laughed a cruel sound. "You should take pride—you accomplished what no one but The Avatar ever did in striking a deadly blow against Fire."

Lee ignored Zhao and inclined his head at Vaatu. "It will be my honor, Vaatu. You gave me a second life. I'm your loyal servant until I die again."

Ozai smiled, snuffing out the flames on Embers, placing the sword to his side. "There will be many roles you can play. I think executioner fits you best."

An anticipatory glow shone in Lee's eyes. "I do, too."

XxXxXxXxXxX

Even though she couldn't literally tell, she knew that it was dark out as everyone congregated near Appa to say goodbye—the wind was too cold. She didn't feel like asking Aang to stop the wind or direct it elsewhere, which would be the beginning of a bad reputation, and she'd never hear the end of it from Sokka, so she kept very close to Bor, whose body heat kept her warm.

That was the only reason she stayed close to him.

The only reason.

Nothing more.

Absolutely nothing.

Any other reason would be ridiculous.

Just ridiculous.

Ridiculous.

From what she pieced together, Aang would take Sokka, Mai, and Ty Lee on Appa until dropping them off someplace suitable that wouldn't attract any attention, where their groups would diverge to achieve their objectives, as previously decided.

Everyone was saying goodbye, and she already had the chance to punch Sokka's arm and promise to look after Suki while Bor left to speak with Sokka alone before Aang approached with Samir hanging off him—before she chose a new target.

"Bye, Toph!" Samir gushed and hugged her leg tightly. "I don't want it to be as long as last time! Bye!"

She patted Samir's head, understanding the allusion. "Don't worry, Hitchhiker—you won't be gone too long. I bet you're going to keep smelling me even though you're so far away."

As expected, Samir shuddered as her heartbeat throbbed with horror. "Toph!" she gasped in a whine. "I don't wanna smell you at all!"

"Then why are you hugging me?"

"Because I'm saying goodbye," Samir answered in a know-it-all, patronizing manner that sounded very much like Azula. "I don't wanna be mean."

Toph grinned. "Trust me, it can be fun being mean."

"But that's mean! You don't wanna be mean! Mean's mean!"

She waved off Samir's confused horror. "Don't worry about it. I'll show you when you're older."

Aang's glare was ineffective, particularly since she couldn't see it; she felt it directed at her, but that was all. "Toph…"

"Relax, Twinkletoes," she assured and punched his arm. "Don't you want her to be tough like me?"

"I want her to have better manners," Aang replied, sounding amused. "She needs good manners. Air Nomads have good manners."

Samir nodded eagerly. "I have good manners, Daddy."

Toph imagined that Aang smiled down at Samir with a sappy expression on his face. "I guess what's said is true—Airbenders are killjoys."

"Nuh-uh!" Samir protested, even stomping her foot in vehemence. "We have fun! We jump off the temple and Appa! You're boring, Toph! We're fun."

"She's right," Aang confirmed sagely, sounding like the master of the subject, using his mantle as The Avatar to assume responsibility for judgment. "Airbenders are the best."

"Uh-huh!"

Fucking Airbenders—she'd be glad to be away from them!

But she proved herself wrong by smiling and high-fiving Samir. "Airbenders are pretty great," she agreed. "Just keep being great, alright? You make all of us want to be better to match you."

Based on Samir's racing, excited heartbeat, she beamed with pleasure. "Okay!"

"We won't be gone too long," Aang promised, motioning Samir to Appa, and paused as Samir dashed up Appa's tail into the saddle, seemingly proud that she was the first one in the saddle. "Let's hope Bipin is a lot more amenable than Lonin."

"If he's not, he's not," Toph dismissed with a shrug. "We'll figure it out. You getting the Sun Warriors and dragons will be a great help."

"I'm concerned why they want me there."

Toph snorted. "It's about Agni, isn't it? There's nothing else. Or maybe they want you to fuck one of the dragons."

"What?" he asked, sounding strangled.

"The dragons have to come back one way, right?" she pointed out, thinking her logic was logical. "You're The Avatar; you're more than a man, you know. I'm guessing your seed has a wide range, and you said—or Sparky said—that the last two dragons are female dragons- "

"Agni will make more dragons," he said slowly. "And before you ask, Indra will make more sky bison."

Toph shrugged. "Sounds good."

Aang shook his head. "I hope to never know how your mind works."

"Same with you," she admitted with more seriousness than she wanted—before she punched his shoulder. "Just come back with good news. That shouldn't be too hard, right?"

"I don't see how it could be."

"That's the spirit."

Aang pulled her into a surprising hug, to which she responded. "I'm proud of you," he whispered. "You made peace with Bumi and Bor."

Toph sighed. "Yeah, yeah, I know—forgiveness is everything."

"It's everything only when you can do it. I know how hard it is to forgive, especially friends."

"We're good, right?" she asked quietly, thinking to their previous struggles. But since Aang let Vaatu and Ozai go to save her life after Azula died, things were different.

Aang laughed and released her. "Yes, we're good." He punched her arm gently. "These are strange times, but we're good. I'll see you in a few weeks or month, friend."

Toph grunted to control her emotions and stood straighter. "I prefer Blind Bandit."

"I'll see you when I get back, Blind Bandit."

"I'll feel you when you get back, Twinkletoes."

Aang stepped away, only to be replaced quickly by Katara, who was clearly waiting for her chance as she hugged her tightly. "Don't hurt yourself doing anything."

Toph rolled her eyes but hugged her back. "I'd only hurt myself going bored out of my mind. That may happen."

"If it does, don't."

"Yes, Mom."

"You're ridiculous," Katara replied with fondness.

"It's part of my charm," she assured. "Being blind makes me focus on other parts of myself."

Katara pulled back. "I'm serious."

She sighed but felt fondness, too, because it was so Katara. "I know. Nothing's going to happen. When you get back, I expect to hear a good description of those dragons."

"But Zuko and Aang are more familiar- "

Toph scoffed, recalling her conversations—and spurned curiosity—when she spoke with those idiots. "Sparky said they're big and that I'd never understand. Twinkletoes only said they're not as beautiful as sky bison."

Katara shook her head, clearly unsurprised. "Okay, I'll describe them to you."

"Thanks. And it will be good practice for you, miss future Fire Lady."

Her heart accelerated big time. "I don't even think Zuko will tell them that."

"Why not?" she challenged. "Just tell them yourself—unless you don't want to."

Katara groaned. "That's not it. I'm not doing this—being Fire Lady—just to be Fire Lady; I'm doing it because I love Zuko and want to help people, help heal the world, and help make sure there's peace."

Toph grinned. "Good answer, Fire Lady—sounds like a Fire Lady to me."

"I think my judgment is more significant," Azula said, approaching.

Surprisingly, Katara just shrugged. "Fire Lady is higher than Fire Princess. I think my judgment is more significant—and I judge that Toph's judgment is right."

There was no hostility, bitterness, aggression, or false sweetness in Katara's tone, which was clearly the reason why Azula hummed in amusement. "Indeed. I would cite The Avatar's wife, but such nonsense as this is unbecoming for The Avatar's wife."

"Not if you make it Aang's nonsense," Toph pointed out. "That would fix it."

"He'd just say that Azula's judgment is better than mine," Katara responded with no hint of resentment or disapproval.

These certainly were strange times.

"What man disagrees with his wife?" Azula added in explanation.

Katara's heart thrummed with her amusement, but she didn't laugh as she turned and hugged Toph briefly one more time. "Bye, Toph. Try to keep the palace from breaking."

She gripped Katara with a smile. "You think I won't break it?"

"I hope you don't," Katara corrected with a long-suffering sigh before letting go.

"Bye, Katara," Toph said.

The heartbeat's agitation soothed out as Katara nodded with, presumably, a smile as she left, leaving her and Azula, who approached and punched her shoulder, to Toph's surprise. "That is a fun showcase of affection."

Toph grinned and punched her arm. "I know. Punch Twinkletoes for me a lot. He said that I'm boring."

"That does not sound like him."

She rolled her eyes. "Samir said it, but he just agreed with it."

Azula's smirk was audible. "Samir certainly knows everything, yes?"

"Yeah, yeah, the joys of being a kid," she grumbled. "No wonder you get along so well with her."

"There is a quality I possess that never ages—or as I have been told."

Toph laughed. "Have fun hanging out with the dragons."

"Be on guard while we are gone," Azula warned. "We will not be gone long, but Lee's attack on Fire reveals that Vaatu acts currently, even when we are together. Be prepared."

She punched her closed fist into her palm. "I am. I almost want something to happen. I'm seriously bored."

"That must be why Samir said you are boring," Azula drawled.

"But I can put it away to kick ass."

"Be sure you do."

Toph sensed everyone climbing onto Appa and gestured in that direction with her head. "You should get going, Lightning Psycho."

Azula waved a hand and backed away. "Leave like the wind, yes?"

"Something like that," she agreed in amusement as she felt Azula join the others on Appa. Quickly, Bor returned to her side, and she was grateful for his warmth. Various final exclamations of departure echoed through the air as Appa rose in ascension—and, presumably, took off as the exclamations faded into nothing.

Bumi stood beside Suki, saying something in a low tone, but Toph couldn't hear—and she didn't care to. She was content to remain in silence's embrace until it was pierced.

"You're staying," Bor said softly.

Toph nodded. "I'm staying."

"That surprised me."

"I like to surprise."

"Why are you staying?"

She cracked her knuckles. "You know why."

"I want to know if there's another reason."

Toph was quiet, debating, before she sighed. "And if there is?"

Bor cleared his throat. "I think it's a good reason."

She found herself clearing her throat, too. "Yeah. We'll see if it becomes even better."

"See?"

She grinned and punched his arm. "I'll feel, you'll see."

Toph heard the returning grin in his voice. "Better."

XxXxXxXxXxX

"He said that?"

"He did."

Chin V had arrived with his army, who integrated into the city—many of whom used to live in the city before they lose faith after The Avatar murdered Ba Sing Se and Lonin did nothing about it—and met with Bipin for the first time as his new advisor, only to be told that Bipin had received a letter from King Bumi—that blood-deceiving traitor!—that same morning.

"May I read it, my king?" he asked, bowing his head in respect—it grated on him to bow to a boy, but the results would be worth it.

Bipin was young with a fat face; there were little signs of maturity on his face except for the thin, delicate hairs sprouting around his mouth. "Of course, Chin." He held out the message. "Please give me your thoughts on it."

Chin V grasped the message and overlooked its content, eyes drawn to the words outlined in a somewhat erratic script:

King Bipin of Chyung,

I offer you my condolences for the murder of your father. Please accept them as I feel devastated by his murder. I can't imagine how you feel but know that I will do everything in my power to help you; I will do anything you need me to do. Your father was a great man, enviable to many, from my dealings with him, and I pray that his murderer is brought to the swiftest and most violent justice. It's disgraceful that anyone would murder one of Devi's chosen kings—it's a crime that can never be forgotten. Whenever we spoke, your father talked about you and said he was proud to have an heir he was glad to leave his throne to. No matter what happens, I believe you will be a king worthy—even worthier—of his legacy and memory.

I knew your grandfather; he was my friend. It grieves my broken heart to know that his son died long before his time, and I'm sorry that I wasn't there to protect him. I wish things went differently—I wish so many things, and amongst them is you. I wish to be there for you like I couldn't be for your father, whose early death was undeserved and monstrously despicable. Your grandfather's line is strong, and my memory of him says that he would be proud of you, glad to have a strong grandson from what I know of you. And because I recognize your strength, I reach out to you now, hoping I can do right by you where I failed to do right by your father.

I need your help against powerful enemies who seek to destabilize the whole world. I want an alliance with you. I've heard that you want to make a difference and be unlike all the others before you; you want to make a legacy and build a reputation that all men after you will wonder at in awe and marvel; you want your name to be remembered and talked about long after you're gone—I understand this. I can help you get there, and you can help me against this darkness poisoning the world. This is a very grave threat—it's like a whore with a reeking snatch. Only fucking idiots go for it, and there are a lot of fucking idiots out there now. I don't want you to be one of them; I want you to join me and be on the winning side—because we will win.

I know you have concerns about Avatar Aang after what happened to Ba Sing Se and Kuei, but I've had many conversations with Avatar Aang, and he feels worse than we can imagine; he said he feels worse about it than his race's murder and being the last of his race. He is distraught by what he did, but it was never what he wanted—because it was forced on him, and he was blamed for it. This enemy, whose name I won't write because it's so powerful, targeted him and made the entire thing happen. It wasn't Avatar Aang's fault—he was the victim as much as Kuei and all the innocents in Ba Sing Se. I stand with Avatar Aang against the enemy not only because of our enduring friendship but for Ba Sing Se, standing united with him over that terrible tragedy. That tragedy has impacted him worse than anyone else, and he lives with the guilt and horror daily.

Avatar Aang is the foremost player part of this alliance I'm extending to you, that I want you to be part of. But there are other powerful players besides him and myself and my heirs. We have Fire's royal family except for old Fire Lord Ozai; we have the mighty Chief Hakoda in the South and his heirs; and we have the first Metalbender Toph, one of the heroes of the Great War in its last year. The Fire Nation will follow its Fire Lord, and the South will follow its Chief. We want more of Earth to follow, too—because Earth needs a happy ending, and only Avatar Aang can give Earth a happy ending because he's the only one who understands how much we've been fucked over because he was fucked over just as badly. We've all lost something and been wronged by this enemy, and you have, too, even if you're unaware of it. I suspect that this enemy murdered your father, but I don't have the evidence to support it—only the feeling in my gut, and I've learned to trust my gut feelings. How do you think I survived the Great War?

I want you to be part of this, King Bipin. I think you can add a lot to our alliance, and we're going to be on the winning side. Please respond with your thoughts on the subject and, if possible, come to Ba Sing Se for further negotiation and clarification. I'd like to see you.

King Bumi, the Fucker of Fire

He almost read it again in astonishment, but he knew his eyes did not lie—he had the perfect ingress to attack King Bumi!

Chin V cleared his throat and adopted an earnest, urgent expression on his face; it was not difficult. In fact, it was a challenge to conceal his eagerness and anticipation—it was a perfect opening! "My king, this is a rare occurrence. King Bumi is renowned across the continent—has been for over seventy years. This is an opportunity to ally with him."

"He has a legendary reputation," Bipin mused in interest. "I can learn a lot from him. It's like he read my heart and knew exactly what I want."

"It can be the beginning of many great things. Depending on how King Tornor acts, depending on which side he picks, you could end up the recipient of Zaofu itself."

A youthful greed shone in Bipin's eyes. "Really? I can't think of a single reason to refuse King Bumi."

Chin V allowed his grin to stretch. "Neither can I. Should I send messages to prepare for a trip to Ba Sing Se?"

Bipin nodded. "Yes, yes—do it. He wants an army, doesn't he? Let's impress him with ours."

"If your highness permits, I can bolster this army with my kinsmen- "

"Perfect, perfect," Bipin agreed. "I want everyone we can afford to bring. I have to send a message. He has a high opinion of me now, and I must keep it that way. I must impress him with my forces and earn his respect."

Chin V nodded. "Of course, King Bipin. I will ensure it is done. We will leave as soon as possible."

His invasion was closer than he had imagined!

XxXxXxXxXxX

The wind whipped through her hair, and it brought back memories from what felt like a lifetime ago. Katara opened her eyes, feeling the remnants of sleep disperse as color assaulted her vision and words her ears. Sokka, Mai, and Ty Lee were already dropped off on the outskirts of an Earth Kingdom town, where she hugged Sokka fiercely and said goodbye, before she continued with everyone else to the Sun Warrior Tribe, which was estimated at a week-long trip, according to Zuko and Aang.

"How big are the dragons, Daddy?" She saw Samir lean closer towards where Aang sat on Appa's head, Azula's hand on her back, steadying her so she wouldn't fall off, though it looked unnecessary. "Uncle Zuzu just said they were 'big'—that's it!"

The incomprehensible, shocked expression on Samir's face notified Katara how unacceptable such an answer was, but she remembered quickly how Samir had said that she was her niece, which would make her Aunt Katara by extension of being married to Zuko—but she wasn't married to Zuko, which Samir didn't understand. But the more she thought about it, the more she liked the thought. It was still strange to adjust to the reality where Aang and Azula—Azula!—had a child together and were married, but it she was getting used to it. But it also meant it was a reality in which Zuko was an uncle, and when she and Zuko married, she would be an aunt twice-over.

Suki was pregnant!

Katara had wondered in guilty previously if Suki was barren or Sokka was sterile due to the long extent of their childlessness since their marriage, but she was never happier to be wrong because Suki and Sokka would make wonderful parents and raise their children with Family's ethic. There was a small feeling of envy that Suki and Sokka were able to share something so wonderful, but her happiness overwhelmed it—and because she knew it was ridiculous because she and Zuko would have children, too, when it was time.

Zuko's son had to sit on the Dragon's Throne, after all, to prevent a second Splintering—and she intended to give him that son after all this chaos with Vaatu and Ozai was over and they were married. She had always wanted children, yearned to bear them, and raise them with a fierce ache in her heart, and she knew she would make a good mother.

And Zuko would be an excellent father, even if he could be a little grumpy at the best of times.

"The dragons are majestic creatures," Aang answered, hopping into the saddle, landing between Ursa and Azula; Samir crawled into his lap immediately. "Their ferocity is legendary, and they are very beautiful, second only to sky bison." A sneaky grin crossed his face as he elbowed Azula in jest. "The dragons are the most beautiful of all of Agni's Children."

Azula rolled her eyes, and Katara was beginning to understand Aang and Azula's relationship more; Azula clearly liked—and respected—that Aang teased her when no one else but possibly Zuko and Toph would while Azula kept Aang from getting lost—and she dared tease him, too. "I will be the judge when we arrive. I think I am more beautiful than a dragon."

"I don't know," Zuko pointed out, amused. "I always used to call you ugly when we were kids- "

Samir gasped in horror, and Katara held a hand over her mouth to keep a laugh from escaping. "Mommy's not ugly, Uncle Zuzu! How can you say that? She's pretty!"

"I thought you said that I'm pretty- "

"Not as pretty as Mommy!" Samir explained like it all made sense. "Mommy and Daddy are the best!"

Azula smirked in triumph. "See, Zuzu? My daughter confirms it. I can think of no better judge."

Zuko rolled his eyes, looking almost like Azula for a single moment. "We'll let Ran and Shaw decide when we get there."

"I'm sure they'll be unbiased," Katara commented, incapable of even summoning a mild dislike about the subject. So much had certainly changed. "The dragons know Fire better than anyone."

Ursa frowned and looked at Aang. "Avatar Aang, what- "

"Just Aang," he requested with a grin. "I'm married to your daughter. We're past formalities."

"Very well, Aang. How will the dragons return?"

Aang blinked, confused. "I've already said—Agni will create more dragons."

Ursa gestured to Agni's dim light, and Katara inhaled sharply in understanding; she didn't miss the grim looks shared by Zuko and Azula. "And if Agni is too weak to do so?"

"That may be what the Sun Warriors want to see you about," Zuko pointed out quietly.

"The extinction of the dragons," Aang breathed and seemed to look through the saddle to peer into Appa's body. "Just like the sky bison. Ran and Shaw are unrelated female dragons."

Zuko's head hung, and Katara rubbed his shoulder, trying to support him in whatever way she could. "Two creatures borne of the Elements are going extinct—because of the same man."

"Is there a solution if Agni is too weak to create more dragons?" Ursa repeated gently, tilting her head. "I cannot help but look at Henjul's situation. Is it true?"

Aang stared at Ursa sharply. "What situation? Is what true?"

"Henjul's the one who ended the Splintering," Katara recalled, and felt proud when Zuko glanced at her with a swift but pleased nod.

"He is. His firebending, during his era, was so powerful that rumors of his birth circulated rapidly," Zuko said with raw slivers of hope. "It was said he was dragon-born with a dragon's blood in his veins. No one ever knew who his father was; his claim to the Dragon's Throne came through his mother, actually, and as a result, many rumors—legends—of his father's identity arose. Some said Agni himself was his father, sending him to his Children to lift them out of the devastation of the Splintering; others said a dragon. His mother was so beautiful that even a dragon noticed and claimed her, taking her to mating grounds—some even say the dragon took her into a volcano and mated with her. Henjul was the result of the union, and Henjul saved us all."

"That's crazy," Katara said, unable to help herself, trying not to laugh at the ridiculousness.

"I know it is," Ursa agreed, "but it might be our only hope—if such a thing is possible. The dragon and sky bison species could sustain themselves if breeding with humans—if possible- "

"It's not possible," Aang interrupted with finality and a serene distance and authority on his face; his gray eyes stared at nobody, and Katara wondered if he could see the fabric of reality, of the divide between the two Realms. "Dragons, and every other creature borne of the Elements, can't breed outside of their species. Fire Lord Henjul was a full-blooded man. It's physically and spiritually impossible for an animal and human to breed. It's a myth, made famous by an aspiring poet."

"Henjul himself might have made the legend," Azula added after a moment. "What better way to legitimize his reign by spreading the legends of his dragon-father? Even spreading the legend about Agni siring him was a clear reference to tie him to Kai, who was descended from Agni. He was certainly powerful and gifted enough to make such a legend for himself."

"But the dragons will become extinct if Agni is too weak to create more, which he may be," Zuko concluded, putting his head in his hands. "That's what it is for Air, isn't it?"

Aang looked ancient. "Yes. I don't know if Agni and Indra will be healed in time to create more creatures for Ran, Shaw, and Appa to breed with."

"We will see what the Sun Warriors say," Azula assured, to which Aang pulled her into his chest, holding her near Samir, who was either listening attentively or daydreaming, lost in her mind. The sight was jarring to Katara's eyes, and although she and Azula had come to a tentative understanding, a peace, it was still somewhat difficult to see the truth so flagrantly displayed. "They may have ancient wisdom that ties to this."

Katara tried to smile with hope and felt that she was reasonably successful. "Maybe we'll find more. There could be other survivors out there, lost in the wilds."

"There hasn't been a sky bison besides Appa seen in 110 years," Aang replied softly. "Iroh was sent to kill the last two dragons but spared them. But that was decades ago. If there were more dragons and sky bison, they'd have been sighted by now."

"This will be something to consider deeply when this war is over," Azula pointed out. "I hold no doubts that The Avatar will succeed in his discernment."

She really didn't like that she agreed with Azula of all people, but it seemed to be happening more and more, which was a terrifying thing. "She's right, Aang. You can do it—you will do it."

Aang nodded but said nothing while Zuko inhaled with a trembling hope. "Maybe that means the dragons and Fire's royalty can become family once again, repairing the blood-filled chasm that Sozin and Azar created."

Katara dared lay her head against Zuko's shoulder and enjoyed the contact. "That goes with repairing all the blood-filled chasms."

"The work has now begun," Ursa observed. "Light is only reached by coming through the dark."

XxXxXxXxXxX

"Been a while, it appears," Mai's dry tone echoed in his ears, and Sokka huffed, looking up from the pit of what was supposed to be a roaring fire to glare at her.

"Yeah, you could say that," he grumbled and continued to rub the sticks together rapidly. "I haven't done this in almost a decade with no Firebender or explosive powder to create a spark that we use back home to help me."

Mai twirled her knife between her fingers effortlessly. "Create a spark, you say? I think I could help with that."

Before he could react, she kneeled next to him and scraped her two knives together, sparks exploding from the contact. Quickly enough, the sticks became alight with small, flickering flames, and Sokka readily fanned the flames, coaxing them to grow larger as he added more wood to the small pit that he dug.

Within minutes, a nice fire blazed in the darkening day, and Sokka nodded in Mai's direction. "Thanks, I appreciate it," he muttered, feeling slightly discouraged that he hadn't been able to do it by himself.

"I thought eating meat raw would unsettle all of us."

Ty Lee rolled her large, expressive eyes in amusement. "Mai, it was still nice of you to help Sokka," she chided before she turned those unnerving eyes at him. "So, how does it feel to know that you're going to have a child soon? Are you excited?"

A wave of manic hysteria threatened to burst out of him, but he kept it contained. "I feel grander than I've ever felt."

Mai rolled her eyes. "Your wife is back in Ba Sing Se. Speak freely—it might be the only interesting thing to happen."

"At least until the other Kyoshi Warriors meet us," Ty Lee agreed.

Sokka swallowed, and the words barely passed his lips. "I'm terrified; I've hardly slept since."

"Did you talk to Suki about it?"

"No."

Ty Lee leaned forward in concern. "Why not?"

He wasn't sure how to really explain it. "Because she has enough to deal with. She has a baby to take care of; I can take care of myself."

Mai waved a hand. "Might as well let us take care of you. We have nothing better to do—literally."

Sokka saw her point and tried to find the words. "It's always been me and Suki. I'm the only heir—the only real heir who can make a difference—of the North and South. A son is expected of me, preferably a Waterbender, but since Suki's never been pregnant once since we married, I thought I'd have more time to be ready, you know? But now I realize the real stakes of my marriage, especially if I'm going to be the Chief that I want to be—that I need to be. If I don't have a waterbending son, my rule will be fucked with rebellions and insurrections in the North, and I know the South would prefer a Waterbender, too. My grandfather was a Waterbender, and he was so powerful that Azulon had to kill him—same with his father before him."

Ty Lee smiled. "Your son has a chance of being a Waterbender. Look at your sister—Katara's a Waterbender."

He winced, recalling some of the darker rumors he had heard and been challenged by. "But my wife is Suki, not a Waterbender or something. She's of Earth, and I'm of Water. According to some, my kids will have mud in their veins. Before we left, Suki even demanded that I marry some waterbending girl from the North if we don't have waterbending sons because it would secure my rule!" His face slipped into his hands. "I'm so stressed because I know that she's right—I know. I know it. It's the smart decision to make because this is bigger than small things like love because this has to do with Water's future, but I refuse to invalidate my marriage to the love of my life just so that the North is happy. Fuck the North!"

"Then there is Dark and Ozai," Mai added not unkindly. "A pregnant woman, a non-bender, usually dies during a war, in any war, if she is without protection."

"Don't you think that I fucking know that?" he snapped, scowling at her. "I'm fucking terrified that Suki will be killed with our kid, I'm terrified that I'll be a terrible father, and I'm terrified that Dark won't leave a world left for my kid to be part of!"

Ty Lee shook her head. "You're exaggerating the situation, Sokka- "

"Am I?" he demanded wildly, heart throbbing in his chest; he could feel its erratic pulse. "I don't think I'm exaggerating! Darkis one of the spirits who created the world! He's darkness beyond anything that I've heard of! He's like Aang!"

"Avatar Aang could destroy Darkand Ozai before they become a Dark Avatar, and there will be a world for your child to be a part of." Her gray eyes softened, and Sokka prepared himself. "I'm certain that all good fathers—and mothers, too—fear they will be terrible parents. It's normal, Sokka, and I think it shows that you'll probably be a good father because of it."

"And nothing will happen to you while we hunt for Ozai's base where Piandao and possibly others have been corrupted by Dark." Mai stopped twirling her knife, locking eyes with him. "We will be by your side to help you, and so will the Kyoshi Warriors once they meet up with us. Your wife and unborn child will have someone to greet when we return.

Sokka felt himself relax—finally. "Thank you—I needed to hear that. You're right. I never wanted my kid to be raised during this fucking nightmare, and I still don't. I want to finish this up by the time Suki gives birth, and I know that it won't work out that way, but it's what I want—it's what I fight for now."

"And we fight for it with you," Ty Lee claimed. "I'll chi-block anyone who stops us."

He stared at her, grateful, but before he could say anything, he was struck by her gray eyes, which were more vibrant and noticeable because of the fire. Her eyes reminded him of Samir—and Aang. Why did her gray eyes remind him of two Airbenders? Why were the only other two people with gray eyes he'd ever seen Airbenders?

"Um… Sokka?" she asked, uncertain. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

Sokka blinked. "Sorry. I was… thinking about something."

Mai scoffed. "You have a wife."

"That's not what I meant!"

"What did you mean? What were you thinking about?"

Sokka sighed. "I was thinking about Ty Lee's gray eyes. I really just noticed them because of the fire. Gray eyes are really rare. I never imagined someone of Fire having them, but here you are, and Samir has to get them from somewhere, and I'm guessing she got them from her Fire blood- "

"No, she got them from her Air blood," Ty Lee said softly. "Samir is my cousin."

He opened his mouth and closed it, stunned. Out of all the things he expected, he didn't expect for there to be an actual link between Ty Lee and Samir, even though it was likely the only explanation. "Really?"

Ty Lee nodded. "Her father is one of my cousins—I don't know which one."

"And she got the gray eyes from him?" he asked, looking closer at Ty Lee's eyes, uncaring if he looked like a creep at the moment—he was too curious!

Those gray eyes staring back at him appeared to be identical to Samir's gray eyes—because they certainly weren't Aang's gray eyes, which were different.

"Yes. My family's renowned for our gray eyes, which has a single source in Jylzhol of Ishaner, son of the Half-spawn Fire Lord, Fire Lord, whose mother was one of Air's nuns."

Sokka absorbed that knowledge and wondered at Aang and Azula's connection. He thought that such a connection had never happened before, but it clearly had happened before—he had heard something like it before. "And those gray eyes have been in your family ever since."

"We kept them in the family by marrying cousins for many generations," Ty Lee explained, shrugging. "That's the story anyway. The gray eyes made us distinct amongst all the other nobility. Legend says that Zyrn and Jylzhol's eyes were gray like my own, showcasing their Air Nomad ancestry, and that they were actual Airbenders, even Zyrn, who sat on the Dragon's Throne, and that's why I have gray eyes—because my Noble House is descended from them."

Sokka blinked, recognizing Zyrn's name, but there was something about the way that Ty Lee was talking that let him know that what she was telling was a big deal. "Wasn't Zyrn the baby Fire Lord?" he recalled, scrunching his face and nodding. "Yeah, yeah—Zuko was going on about Zyrn some time. He said that being Fire Lord was so easy that even a baby did it once. This has to do with Houka, right? The one Ursa referenced in that song about Sozin?"

Mai snorted. "Right, but I doubt Zuko meant such a statement."

He shook his head. "No, he just said it to piss me off. Him and I were pretty aggressive to each other for a while there."

"I think you mean passive aggressive- "

"No, I mean actual aggressive. He almost killed me."

Ty Lee's eyes widened. "Really? What did you do?"

Sokka tried to forget the shame of the incident. "I said that he never deserved his dad's love because he was such an asshole."

Mai whistled while Ty Lee gaped at him. "I never knew Water Tribesmen had such courage."

He marveled at himself—at what he did, especially after having figured out, and having confirmed, how Zuko got his scar. "Yeah. But I learned my lesson, which is something that Houka guy didn't, right? He's the Fire Lord who was killed by Fire, right?"

"Right," Ty Lee said. "But the people didn't intend to kill him; they wanted to kill Zyrn, who was a disgrace to be their heir not only as an obvious half-spawn but as an Airbender, but they killed Houka in a mob, crushing him under their feet, not realizing it was him because he dressed up as a guard and tried to escape out of the palace. The people were so horrified, and though they hated him for what he did, they gave up their plan to kill Zyrn and accepted him as Fire Lord, despite the fact he was an Airbender, which made me and my family's gray eyes possible. Zyrn was the only heir possible because Houka had no children, and Houka killed his brothers to ensure he received the Dragon's Throne."

Mai nodded. "The Splintering should have been over by that point. If Houka had not betrayed Fire, the Splintering would have been over, but by siring Zyrn, he produced so much chaos and mired us in more war for centuries because Houka was the only acceptable—I mean, really acceptable—heir to that point. Zyrn was never acceptable—he simply had powerful advisors and an even more powerful wife that took advantage to preserve their power, passed through Zyrn, at all costs, which culminated in more hatred, rivalry, and conflict. Houka's decision led directly to more centuries of war when we could have had peace."

"Not to mention his betrayal that Sozin supposedly liberated us from," Ty Lee reminded.

"A betrayal that no one can truly remember or explain."

"Why the fuck does Fire have such a rich history?" Sokka demanded, disgruntled. "Earth's ethic is History, but Fire seems to have so much more to offer and share. Water has hardly anything. Why is that?"

Ty Lee shrugged. "Our race learned quickly that wars are destructive, and since we are war-like often and chaos can quickly erupt with fires, we write everything down—in case people die with their knowledge or mayhem breaks loose and fires or volcanoes make disasters across the islands, burning everything down. We learned quickly how to preserve our knowledge and write down our histories. But we are also noble. Our education is different from your wife's education. And you've spent time with the Fire Lord and Fire Princess, the most learned people of our race besides maybe the Fire Sages."

Mai snorted. "The Fire Sages learned only treachery the past century and a half, not history. But if you think that is rich, listen to the recent legend about Ty Lee's noble family." When Ty Lee looked panicked—even scared—Sokka felt swift concern, but Mai only stared at Ty Lee with what seemed like urgency. "Share that one with him, Ty Lee—you have to tell someone."

"What other legend?" he asked, curious, unable to help himself. "Tell me."

Ty Lee licked her lips and hunched over. "This legend doesn't qualify as a legend because it's too recent, but it does seem legendary. After Air's murder, everyone knows that Fire Lord Sozin was obsessed with the Air Nomads."

"No shit," Sokka said with a scoff. "He was looking for The Avatar."

"Yes, and rumors eventually spread that he actually found airbending children," Ty Lee said, and Sokka's heart sputtered in his chest in horror, thinking about such an unthinkable possibility. He couldn't even imagine what Aang would think about such a thing. "Instead of slaying any of them, after he determined that they couldn't be The Avatar, Fire Lord Sozin raised them up into a deadly sect of silent and vicious killers that answered only to the Fire Lords—only to him, followed by Fire Lord Azulon. Fire Lord Sozin placed these hidden Airbenders only in my Noble House to create more Fire Nation Airbenders because he knew he could hide them in my noble house because we are of Fire Lord Zyrn's half-spawned, bastardized line, mixing more Air Nomad blood with the already-existing Air Nomad blood in my line. Then those who integrated into our family learned chi-blocking—my family did—to hide our Airbender heritage and to better fit in with the others." Ty Lee shrugged with a tight smile on her face that suggested she wasn't as certain in dismissal as she wanted to be. "But I don't know—it's just a legend."

Sokka nodded, thinking it sounded a little asinine but knowing it wasn't beneath Sozin at all to pull something like it. And then there was Ty Lee's reaction and attitude to consider—because there was clearly something that she wasn't saying, something that she might possibly know. Could such a legend really be true, or was it something else, a point about what Sozin was really like and how she could say more of his cruelty but didn't?

That was probably it.

Right?

"You would make a good Airbender," he commented. "It's somehow in your blood, shown by Samir, and you're very agile. Every legend has a bit of truth. It may not be enough to make you an Airbender, but the heritage is there and shows in your eyes—like Samir."

Ty Lee looked uncomfortable and almost miserable but smiled. "Thanks, Sokka."

XxXxXxXxXxX

There was a strange feeling in the air with so few people after becoming used to so many; it wasn't quite a feeling of loss but more like a recognition of the inevitable. But that wasn't going to stop a real spar, which she hadn't had in a long time.

Toph pulled at her eyes to exaggerate their roll. "I can't believe you still suck at it!"

Bor huffed, still struggling to bend the metal between his hands. "I don't get it. Maybe my teacher is more special than anyone and is the only one who can do it."

She refused to let him be charming—because it might very well work. "Maybe you're right—but Bumi knows it."

Bumi cackled from where he reclined on an elevated pillar, chewing on a piece of, from what she could smell, lettuce, the vibrations erratic. "Wasn't hard! You just gotta feel it!"

"It is hard!" Bor protested.

Toph conceded his point. "It is—you're right. I walked across the entire continent before I came to Omashu, telling everyone I met that I discovered metalbending—and then I showed them all! I rubbed it in their faces that I could do it and they couldn't! I showed them exactly how to do it, but none of them could!"

Suki laughed. "Your legend spread far, certainly. The Earthbenders on Kyoshi Island have all been trying to become Metalbenders because of your deeds during the Great War; your boasting did nothing to keep the art of metalbending a secret."

Something occurred to Toph, born of dread. "Wait, do you think Ozai knows it? Is it possible?"

Bor grunted as he twisted his hands, trying to force the metal to yield to his will with no success. "Maybe."

"Did the Dai Li know it?" she demanded, pointing at Bumi for emphasis. "Do you know?"

Bumi's heart was calm, but his voice was confused. "Of course, I know—you taught me- "

"No, do you know if the Dai Li knew because the Dai Li were teaching Ozai for a while before Aang, Azula, and me did our attack."

"I doubt they knew it, but it wouldn't surprise me if Ozai's newest master did."

Toph felt her face drop. "Ozai could know it?"

She didn't want the art she discovered to be used by that asshole! Metalbending was a rare bending art that she discovered, and she wanted it to be known only to those whom she trusted. Anyone else, especially Ozai—Ozai!—wasn't worthy of the skill that she had discovered and mastered as far as she was concerned.

Ozai wasn't even worthy to be an Earthbender, let alone a Metalbender!

"Absolutely," Bumi confirmed, holding a finger in the air, waving it; he didn't seem that concerned—probably because Aang knew metalbending, nullifying Ozai's possible advantage. "There are many talented Earthbenders in the world. Any of them could have mastered metalbending just as we and Aang have."

"I'm almost there," Bor revealed as he puffed out his chest and gestured to the metal in his hands, which vibrated most gently—almost imperceptibly but it happened all the same. "I can make the metal shake, but that's it."

Bumi hollered in pride. "That's all you can do for now. Soon enough, you'll be as good as me!"

"No one's as good as you, Grandfather."

Toph felt distant to them, wondering if there were others out there who knew metalbending. She had created the art, but because of her numerous occasions of gloating during her travels after the Great War, literally explaining how she had discovered it and how to do it, someone could have easily mastered it without her knowing; the memory of sitting down and bragging to many Earthbenders at many of the taverns that she had visited echoed her mind where she answered each question with a grand flourish of her talent, wanting to hear praises and compliments—that her parents never gave her.

Any one of those Earthbenders could have figured it out after she left, holding a powerful advantage that could possibly have reached Ozai himself, making him even more dangerous!

What had she done?

"The Dai Li weren't Metalbenders," she suddenly said. "Otherwise, they would have used it during our encounters with them, but others could know it."

Suki seemed to be the only one who felt a similar concern to her as Bor and Bumi were almost flippant about it. "But would Ozai know it?" Suki asked, holding a hand over her stomach; she hated the thought of Ozai while she was pregnant, clearly. "I don't know. I doubt it because, from what I've seen, metalbending can only be accessed by the highest tier of Earthbenders like Aang, which would then include The Avatar, Toph, King Bumi, and soon-to-be Bor."

"But Ozai would qualify as the highest tier—he has to be if he hopes to match Aang, which is single ambition," Bumi pointed out, seeming to finally think about it. "It all depends who Ozai's earthbending master is. If his master knows, Ozai knows it—I'm certain of that."

Toph's horror grew as something else occurred to her. "But what if it was always known? I didn't invent anything! I just discovered it, but what if I actually rediscovered it instead? Ozai's on the path of becoming his own Avatar, the Dark Avatar. He was of the highest tier for Firebenders, the literal highest—and probably still the highest, second only to Aang. I know Zuko and Azula are amazing, but they're not at their dad's level, not yet. They will be when they're older, and I'm sure they'll be even greater than him, but it's not happening now. It makes sense that Ozai will be of the highest tier of Earthbenders if not the highest, second to Aang. He may even be better than you, Bumi."

When Bumi didn't immediately dismiss such 'badgermole shit,' she knew she was reaching him, making him consider it.

"Ozai has Vaatu as his biggest fucking ally, and Vaatu knows things no one knows, things that not even Aang knows—Aang's said it! What if metalbending had been discovered before the Great War? What if I hadn't discovered anything? What if it was just me rediscovering an art that had been forgotten? And what if Vaatu always knew about metalbending and ensured that Ozai mastered it and made any Earthbender allied with him to master it?"

Bumi shook his head after a long moment of thought. "That's a hypothetical. You were the first Metalbender—I believe it. Remember, I'm the Sage of Earth in the Order, and before that, for a long time, I was the Grandmaster of Earth; the Order's knowledge is vast, and there's never been a record of a Metalbender before you—because I looked it up after I heard about you and what you did. You discovered it and mastered it first, Toph—no one else can claim that. But what I also believe is that there are some Earthbenders out there who probably know metalbending because they learned it was possible after hearing of your exploits, and they either figured it out on their own or because you said it during your boasts."

Toph swallowed. "I don't want him to know it."

"I didn't want to sit on the sidelines to end the Great War," Bumi replied, voice distant and sad. "I don't want Ozai to know it, either, but he very well may, and there's nothing any of us can do to change it. We just need to focus on kicking his ass and feeding him his testicles."

She wasn't sure if she actually wanted to know if Ozai knew metalbending and was capable of it; she wasn't prepared for it yet.

But when did it matter that she was prepared for something?

Instead, she grinned and elbowed Bor. "I'll feed him his right testicle if you feed him his left."

Suki shook her head. "So much makes sense to me now."

Toph suspected Suki was referring to her and Bor and whatever thoughts she had about a connection and relationship, but she was saved from direct inquiry as Bor spoke first.

"How about you stuff his right one down his mouth while I stuff his left one up his ass?" Bor suggested.

Yep—she loved him.

XxXxXxXxXxX

Well, that's all for this one, everyone. I hope that you all enjoyed it, and if you did, I'd really appreciate if you left a review to share what you thought about the chapter.

**Zuko receives a letter from both, the last Sun Warrior Tribe, whom he had sent a letter to in one of the previous chapters, and from Iroh. The Sun Warriors want Zuko and Aang to meet them, but it isn't known why, though there are suspicions. Iroh's letter is much more daunting and sobering as he reveals what has happened to the Fire Nation since Lee unleashed the plague of chi-stealers. Aang eventually figures out how it happened, but he has no idea how to fix it. They all decide to split up: one-third of the group will go to meet the Sun Warriors with Aang and Zuko, another third of the group will go rescue Piandao, and the last third will remain in Ba Sing Se with King Bumi and a pregnant Suki. (Yes, I know that the groups aren't exactly even, but they couldn't be)

**Suki is pregnant, and I know that it might seem strange how she handled it, especially in regard to her requests to Sokka, but this is strictly about politics. In the Water Tribes, Sokka has been the only viable heir to both the North and South for a decade, but he has no children to show for it, in spite of being married for almost the entire time. The North will never accept two non-bending Chiefs in direct succession, meaning it's imperative that Sokka has a waterbending son as his heir since he's a non-bender. Suki knows this and recognizes how shaky Sokka's position is because of his lack of sons—and Waterbenders, at that. And then there's the whole messy issue of her being of Earth rather than of Water and talks of royal lineages being "pure." There is something deeply problematic about a Chiefess of Water really being a Chiefess of Earth—that's why it's never happened before and, likely, will never happen again. Suki is selfless enough to realize that if she wants Sokka, who is the love her life, to have a good tenure as Chief, she must bear him at least one waterbending son, but since she's never become pregnant before this one, she is terrified of what it means and is making reasonable back-up plans in case nothing works out like she wants it to. Unsurprisingly, Sokka is completely unreceptive to the idea, and after he storms out, the Moon Spirit appears before Suki to reassure her. I always thought that the Moon Spirit would look after Sokka because of Yue's affection for Sokka before she sacrificed herself to save the Moon Spirit; it seems like her character as she was portrayed in the show.

**Hama and Zhao have a conversation about Ozai—or, rather, Piandao—before Vaatu reveals the Ascension to Hama and trusts her to convince Ozai to go through with it when he hesitates—because he will hesitate. But Vaatu's show of trust reveals how much Hama and Ozai have connected and how much influence she has on/over him

**Zuko discusses Fire's possible extinction with Aang and how to deal with it, citing Aang's direct experience with Air's murder.

**Azula confronts Mai and Ty Lee and offers to clear the air, which she manages before Ty Lee tries to tell her something, wondering at what Azula can only comprehend as madness—because she is most familiar with madness, and Ty Lee's talk about Airbenders and half-spawns is madness.

**The Moon Spirit visits Hahn, likely out of memory of Yue, and Hahn refuses to heed her wisdom and advice, keeping his alliance with Vaatu—all while denigrating the Moon Spirit, who he thinks is Yue.

**Ozai and company are preparing the invasion of the North while Lee returns and brings Ozai Embers and is rewarded by getting to go to the North again.

**The Gaang splits up and goes their separate ways, saying goodbye to each other.

**Chin V meets up with King Bipin of Chyung to be his advisor and reads Bumi's official offer of alliance that was sent, and after reading it, he sees it as the perfect opportunity for his own invasion and convinces King Bipin to begin for Ba Sing Se as soon as possible.

**Aang, Azula, Samir, Zuko, Ursa, and Katara are all on their way to meet with the Sun Warriors and the last of their kind plot is discussed. I created the legend about Fire Lord Henjul having Dragon blood because rulers often concoct myths about themselves, adding to their allure in an effort to legitimize their rules. For example, in real history, Alexander the Great declared himself as the son of the Greek god, Zeus. In fact, Ptolemy I of Egypt created links between himself and Alexander the Great after the conqueror's death, proclaiming that they were half-brothers among other declarations, which may have actually been the truth, but he still declared it to anyone who would listen so he could legitimize his rule over Egypt after Alexander's sudden and unexpected death. Thus, why not a Fire Lord, particularly after an event as destructive as the Splintering?

**Sokka, Mai, and Ty Lee have left Ba Sing Se and have set up camp somewhere in the Earth Kingdom. Sokka asks a question about Ty Lee, and I'm surprised that it was never brought up, to my knowledge, in Canon. Ty Lee is extremely agile and acrobatic, somewhat like a certain Airbender. Only an Airbender could do what she does, being impossibly light on her feet, agile, leaping immensely high, and, of course, the insane acrobatics. So, was Ty Lee related to Airbenders if she wasn't an Airbender herself? We've already confirmed that she is—descended from the ancient Air Nomad nun who gave birth to Fire Lord Houka's heir, the Half-spawn Fire Lord Zyrn, whose son married into Ty Lee's noble family and had children. But there is a legend that Ty Lee talks about, a much more "recent" legend in which several Airbenders survived Air's murder against all odds and married into Ty Lee's family—because ordered by Sozin. Ty Lee has gray eyes like Aang and Samir. In fact, Ty Lee and Samir's gray eyes come from the same source. The only problem is—from which source are the gray eyes inherited? Are they inherited from a single Air Nomad nun closer to a thousand years ago than five hundred years, or are they inherited from a possible Airbender since the time the Great War started? Who knows?

**Toph, Suki, Bumi, and Bor are still in Ba Sing Se, and an important question is brought up—how far has the tale of metalbending reached? Remember, Toph was—and still is in some ways—arrogant and boastful, proclaiming herself the strongest Earthbender in the world when she had just been a child. Because she tended to gloat, she wouldn't care one bit if she revealed the secrets of metalbending as long as it made her look good. Remember, she ran away from her parents, in this story, for the second time and had been on the "road" by herself. She had no one to suggest to her that bragging about her accomplishments with metalbending might not be the best idea. She begins to see that, just maybe, her actions hadn't been that well thought-out, and because of it, it's very possible that there are some Earthbenders figured it out and are, thus, Metalbenders, too. (*cough, *cough, Chin V, *cough, *cough).

All right, I think that's everything, so please leave a review if you enjoyed it—or even if you didn't. I'd love to hear your thoughts on the chapter.

Stay Safe
ButtonPusher