A/N: Much thanks to tumblr user 0fficermako for giving me the name of Mako's dragon. Her personality came largely from her name so thank you

Chapter 1

Mako stood before the solemn Fire Sages and several members of the White Lotus. He had undoubtedly passed his firebending test. He put three masters on the floor using the 'traditional' firebending he was taught by the Sages. They had practically beaten what they called his 'primitive' form of firebending out of him and drilled him on a more formalize style.

The Fire Sages had stared him down for the past minute. Mako could hear the groans of the masters he had knocked out coming from behind him. But he couldn't turn around to check on them. He was playing chicken with the Fire Sages and the White Lotus, whoever blinked first lost. He planned on wining if it meant standing there all night.

Some of the Fire Sages looked down on him because he wasn't born in the Fire Nation. The hundred year war had ended 80 years ago and yet tension still ran hot between the nations. He wasn't sure if that was an issue he would have to address as the Avatar or whether it would naturally work itself out over time. Things had certainly gotten better in the past 80 years but that was largely due to Avatar Aang and Fire Lord Zuko. He hoped he could live up to their legacy.

It was that same legacy that gave him guts to stare down his masters for the past minute and sixteen seconds.

Finally High Sage Ozello spoke, "You only barely managed to complete your firebending test,"

The three Fire Sages I managed to put on the floor might disagree with you. Mako thought derisively.

Fire Sage Eiroko stepped forward interrupting whatever High Sage Ozello was about to say, "After careful consideration we have decided that it is time for you to travel to the Southern Water Tribe, there you will receive instruction on both healing arts and fighting style of waterbending,"

Mako felt triumphant, he wanted to pump his fist in the air or singe off High Sage Ozello's ridiculous mustache with a fireball. But he remained stoic, he felt that any display of emotion might add fuel to the 'how can the avatar be a common street-urchin' gossip that was spreading among some of the members of the Fire Sages. However, he did hold his head just a little higher.

His eyes trailed over to the members of the White Lotus, "When do we leave?"

"Monday, and as before I'd like to remind you that you will not be in need of any worldly possessions," Master Kazuo responded with kindness but Mako knew the subtext of his words, don't bring your brother. He wasn't sure if the Fire Sages looked down on him because of his mix race or because he had been homeless but he knew why he pissed off the White Lotus. He wouldn't leave his brother behind. It partially had to do with security. Protecting two people was more difficult than protecting one, but it also had to do with the idea that the Avatar must be untied from all earthly restraints blah blah blah. It was antiquated crap is what it was. Aang traveled the world with his girlfriend, her brother, and a blind runaway.

He was the Avatar now and he didn't plan on being some omnipotent God-like figure he was a human being, and human beings had family.

Mako nodded, "I'll tell my brother to pack." He turned away before any of the members of the White Lotus could object. He had decided he would not engage them. Fighting with them was pointless he would never leave Bolin behind, he didn't want them to get the idea that there had ever been any alternative.

He stepped over the groaning bodies of his trainers and walked inside the temple where he was jumped by Bolin and Baozi.

Baozi was a white dragon that he had found living among a herd of sky bison that the fire sages took care of. She had been less than a week old when he had found her and she had imprinted on him immediately. She had a tendency to curl into a ball. When he had spotted her he thought she had been an oversized steamed pork bun. When he picked her up she had curled around his neck underneath his scarf and he hadn't been able to get rid of her ever since.

She was more like house pet than a dragon. The fire sages had told him she would never stop growing, that if he live as old as Kioshi then Baozi would be the size of a house. He found that difficult to imagine considering that last week she got scared, hid behind the couch and got stuck there.

Bolin punched him in the shoulder, "So when we heading to the water tribe eh?"

Mako rubbed his arm, "You don't even know if I passed my firebending test yet."

"Of course you passed! You're a firebender what kind of firebender doesn't pass his firebending test?"

"I'm the Avatar that makes me an everything bender and the other day you spun rocks around my head and all I could do was heat them up."

"So earthbending isn't your strong point? You don't have to worry about that till after we head to the Water Tribe, and I can't wait till we get to the water tribe we've been on this island for 10 months I gotta get back in the game."

"What game is that?"

"You know," Bolin licked his fingers and then slicked his eyebrows, "the romance game."

Mako shook his head disapprovingly, "We leave Monday."

Bolin grabbed Mako by the arms and shook him, "I knew you passed your firebending test!"

Bolin hugged him tightly squishing both Pabu and Baozi in the process. They both squeaked, ran down the length of their bodies, and scurried away.

Mako patted Bolin on the back, "Alright it's no big deal, still got 3 more elements to go."

Bolin pulled back and grinned at him, "I know but Mako… I think the Water Tribe is gonna be big for us.'

Mako nodded and swung his arm around his brother's shoulders, "Hey who knows maybe you'll catch the eye of the princess, hear she's pretty hot."

"We shall marry and I shall take my rightful place on the throne as King."

Mako gave a sharp slice of his head, "Water Tribe doesn't have a king."

"I shall take my rightful place as Water Lord."

"Nope."

"I shall take my rightful place as emperor supreme."

"You know maybe we should get a quick lesson on Water Tribe history before we go."

"Whatever, as long as we get off this island. I not gonna say being around aging fire sages hasn't been fun because… it's true and I'm deeply fearful of what they would do to me if they heard me."

Mako and Bolin heard someone clear their throat, they turned and saw Fire Sage Eiroko standing behind Bolin with a stern expression on his face.

"Uuuuuuuh," Bolin stuttered pointing in a different direction, "Hey Mako do you hear that it sounds like I should… be over there." Bolin turned and walked in the opposite direction. When Mako turned back to Fire Sage Eiroko he looked amused.

Mako bowed, "Master Eiroko it has been an honor to be taught by you."

Fire Sage Eiroko returned the bow, "It has been an honor to instruct you young Avatar."

They both stood from their bows and smiled at each other, "I'm going to miss you when I head to the water tribe."

Eiroko started walking and motioned for Mako to walk besides him, "Avatar Mako I have full faith that you will become a great Avatar one day. You embody this brave new world we are facing. Some of the old Sages might hesitate to face the idea that the world is changing, but your experiences, your background will help guide you. Never forget them."

Mako nodded, "Yes Master Eiroko."

They stopped and Eiroko turned Mako to face him, "Young Avatar remember to be ever alert. That was Roku's great mistake. He let his guard down and those around him took advantage of this.

"There are unknown forces at work, remember this."

Mako nodded, "Yes Master Eiroko."

Eiroko smiled and patted him on the back, "And try to have some fun at the Water Tribe. You are sixteen after all. I hear the spirits festival is coming up soon, ask a pretty girl to go penguin sledding with you. After all it worked for Avatar Aang."

Mako nodded his head once again, he looked southward out into the ocean. He inhaled deeply, whatever was waiting for him in the Water Tribe he knew Bolin was right. It was time to get off this island.