"We're now arriving at Capital City. Please remained seated, Ambassador Katara, General Sokka, Captain Suki, and Chieftain Hakoda, as we make our descent in front of the Fire Nation Palace," says the pilot of the airship from the intercom.

"Man, hearing 'General Sokka' never gets old," Sokka comments with a big smile.

Katara rolled her eyes at her older brother. She then turned and gazed out through the window and saw the multiple building structures that were in the crater that made up the Capital City.

"It'll be great to see the others again," said Katara, "I wonder what they've been up to this past week?"

"Well, knowing Zuko, he's doing Fire Lord stuff, Toph would be teaching earth-benders how to metal-bend, and Aang is probably looking for those air-benders that he'd heard could still be around," Sokka answered for her.

Katara frowned at the last part. "Yeah...I hope Aang does find some."

"Yeah, me too." Suki agreed with a sympathetic nod, "I really hope what he heard was true."

Sokka and Hakoda both looked solemn, the former saying, "Yeah..."

"Well, there was an old Water Tribe proverb; 'When you are finding something your heart truly desires, you will soon find it.'" Hakoda recited.

Suki smiled, "Sounds kind of similar to one of our ancient Earth Kingdom proverb; 'If one looks inside one's own heart for an answer, you will soon find it.'"

Hakoda smiled back. "Hmm, that's very interesting."

"Oh yeah, our teachings are basically the same!" said Sokka with a chipper tone and an affectionate arm around Suki. "Basically, Diqiu and Tui and La are part of the same family with the High Spirit, so it makes sense all that 'truth' and 'spiritual' stuff is like ours and hers, because it came from the original source! Different cultures, but same principles!"

Katara smiled, "That's a nice way of looking at it. Sounds like perfect harmony to me."

"It certainly does." Hakoda commented, "And I'm certain Aang will find what he's looking for."

"Yeah. In the meantime, I can't wait to see everyone else either! I want to catch up with Toph for some girl time!" Suki says.

"Me too," Katara said, and soon brightened up. "We should totally try to hook her up with someone!"

"Oh, that's a great idea!" Suki said with an excited grin. "Toph definitely needs to find someone, especially since after that Kanto guy broke up with her for no reason at all."

"I know! Why did he do that? They were so great for each other!"

"Eh, I'm not worried about Toph's love life," said Sokka dismissively. "I'm certain she'll attract a lot of guys since she's..." he got awkward all of a sudden, "W-Well...y-you know."

Suki turned her head to him and raised a brow, until she looked at him in suspicion, "Um, no, Sokka, I think we don't. What will attract a lot of guys with Toph?"

"...Well...y-you know, she's basically a young woman now, and she, uuuh..." Sokka winced, but recovered as he stood his ground with his girlfriend, "You know what, I'm not even gonna say it. But I will say Toph has matured in her looks from when she was once her tomboy self. You, my dear Suki, on the other hand, are and will always be my gorgeous warrior gal goddess that every woman pales in comparison to." He said with confidence as he held her hand.

Suki blinked, but she then began smiling and tried to stifle back a giggle. "Sokka, you can just say she's well-endowed, I'm not gonna maim you for it. I'm just teasing you is all!" she patted his hand that was on hers and leaned into him to kiss him on the cheek, "But you do say the sweetest and nicest things."

Sokka just blinked at her for a moment, until then gave her a goofy smile, "And Sweetie-kins, they are all true."

Now Suki full-on giggled.

Katara looked at them with a smile and an eye roll, more-so to Sokka, "Real smooth there, Bro."

"Thanks!" Sokka said with a smile, not caring that she meant it or not. "And speaking of getting Toph a boyfriend, we should probably help out ol' Zuko getting a girlfriend as well! You know, cause he and Mai didn't work out too well?"

"Oh...yeah," Katara murmured, a sad frown on her face. "I sure hope he's doing okay."

"Hey, I'm pretty sure he's doing fine," Sokka commented. "To be perfectly honest, I think Zuko made the right call. No offense to Mai, but I think Zuko is looking for someone who'll support him during his time as Fire Lord. She seemed...bored all the time."

"Well, maybe you and Aang can help Zuko, while Katara and I will help Toph!" Suki stated happily. She then thought of an idea, "Oh! Maybe we can hook up Toph and Zuko together!"

"Say wha?" Sokka looked at his girlfriend weirdly.

"What!?" Katara exclaimed with surprise, eyes widened in shock.

Hakoda jumped at his daughter's outburst next to him and blinked at her.

Suki and Sokka looked at Katara a little oddly for a second, but the former continued on what she was saying, "Well, they're both single, and their age is not so far apart. Plus, they're of high status. And Toph has matured like Sokka said." she gave him a teasing smile.

"Well, yeah, but...I don't know, that sounds kind of...I mean, I could SEE it, but-" Sokka reasoned.

"I don't think that's a good idea." Katara firmly interjected, causing Sokka and Suki to look at her. "No offense to Toph, but she's still blossoming into womanhood, so she's still kind of too young. She's not even in marrying age! Besides, she has a metal-bending school, so she has to focus on that, plus Zuko is trying to get his country back on track! They're both busy, and the long-distance relationship wouldn't last anyway. Finally, Toph and Zuko have different preferences when it comes to their partners. Zuko would like to have a girl emotionally supporting him during his rule, and I don't think Toph can give him that. With Toph, she wouldn't like being cooped up in the Palace all day like she did back in Gaoling. Sure, they get along great, but I just don't see it happening or even working."

Sokka and Suki both blinked at her, while Hakoda looked thoughtful at what Katara said.

It was then Sokka spoke, "Um, about Toph being too young to date Zuko, didn't you started dating Aang when he was fourteen?"

Katara's eyes widened and her posture froze. "Um...well, yes, but that's...differ-I mean, w-well-"

"Yeah, and I'm not saying they'll get married or anything. Just maybe they could probably date for a bit and-"

"I still don't think that's a good idea!" Katara objected a little loudly.

Suki raised her hands in defense, while Sokka just looked at his sister oddly.

"Um, kids, we're about to reach ground, and I think I see Zuko out there waiting for us." Hakoda told them as he put a little emphasis on 'Zuko', looking at his daughter briefly when saying it.

"Zuko?" Katara said in surprise as she looked at the window.

Sure enough, she saw Zuko, and not only him, but Iroh, Kiyi, Noren, Ursa, and Toph.

"Hey, they came to see us!" Katara said with a grin.

Suki looked out the window as well and smiled. "Yeah!" She frowned, however. "But, where's Aang?"

"We have landed at the Fire Nation Palace. You may exit the airship. It was an honor to fly you all, Ambassador Katara, General Sokka, Captain Suki, and Chieftain Hakoda."

"I like this guy. We should give him a tip." Sokka said with a grin.

'Okay...the door hasn't opened yet, so-oh, oh, wait, it...it opened. They're about to come out...just, don't make a fool of yourself. Es-Especially Katara...and her father...Sokka I don't have to worry about, but her father is very protective I heard, so-oh! They're coming out!' Zuko took a deep breathas he prepared himself.

Out first came Suki, and then Sokka, which then came...

Zuko let out the breath he was holding, mouth slightly agape as he stared at Katara coming out of the airship.

'Spirits, she looks so beautiful...'

And lastly came out Katara and Sokka's father, Hakoda. They all reached ground and came up to the welcoming party.

"Zuko!" Katara called out to him, snapping out of his daze. She came up to him and gave him a big hug, giving Zuko a blush.

"Oh, it's so good to see you!" Katara said happily.

"Uh...yeah, it's...good to see you too." Zuko wished he could hug her like she did, but it would look awkward. So instead, he put his hands on her back and patted her.

"Hello, Lady Katara!" said Iroh jovially.

Katara let go of Zuko and gave a big smile for Iroh, "Iroh!" she gave him a big hug as well.

Iroh emitted a hearty laugh, "Why it's so good to see you too, Miss Ambassador Katara!"

"Katara Dear! It's so good to see you again!" Ursa said warmly with a smile as she and her husband Noren came up to her.

"Hey Katara!" Kiyi called out excitedly running up to her as Katara let go of Iroh, which the little girl slammed into her.

The water-bender laughed, "Hey Kiyi! Hello Lady Ursa! Hey Noren! It's good to see you all as well! Have you both been keeping Zuko in line?"

"Hey..." Zuko pouted.

Kiyi giggled, "Sure have!"

"As best as I can!" Noren said with a smile.

Ursa laughed, "Yes, we do keep him away from the office to have fun at times."

Katara giggled, while Zuko continued to pout, but the corner of his lips curved into a smile.

"Zuko, buddy!" Sokka said next as he came up to the Fire Lord with a grin, slapping a hand on his shoulder. "How are ya?"

Zuko smiled back at Sokka, "Doing well, Sokka."

"Hey Zuko!" Suki said as well with a smile.

"Hey Suki. Glad you can all make it!" Zuko said and turned his attention to Hakoda, who simply smiled as well. "Good afternoon, Chieftain Hakoda. I'm glad you made it here safely as well." Zuko said formally.

Hakoda chuckled, "No need for formalities, Zuko. Just call me Hakoda. You and my son saved me and Suki in the Boiling Rock Prison, so I think we can all be a little informal once in a while?"

"Oh, um, okay then...Sir. I-uh-no-I-I mean, Hakoda." Zuko smiled awkwardly, feeling a little embarrassed as he rubbed the back of his head.

The Chieftain chuckled again. "So how's ruling the Fire Nation recently?"

"Yeah, how is that? Do you ever, like...sleep or anything?" Sokka asked him in a joking tone.

"Hey! You all better not be forgetting about me!" Toph hollered out.

Suki grinned, "Toph! Hey girl!" she dashed over to the petite earth-bender girl passing Sokka, Zuko, and Hakoda.

Katara looked over at her earth-bending friend with a grin on her own. "Toph!" She went over to where she was, and both older young women simultaneously gave the even younger woman a group hug.

"Ack! Okay, come on, one at a time!" Toph protested, but was laughing with them as she gave each girl one-armed hugs around their torsos.

As soon as they let go, Suki said to Toph, "How are ya, Tophie? Still teaching earth-benders how to metal-bend?"

Toph chuckled, "Doing great, Fan Girl! And yep, still teaching the boys, and sometimes girls, how to shred metal! So how have you two been holding up? Done anything political, Sugar Queen?"

Katara giggled, "No, just the normal rebuilding of my home lately."

"Awesome! And how about you, Fan Girl? Keeping Snoozles in check?"

"As always," Suki smirked.

Toph laughed. "You go, girl!"

Katara looked around for someone, "Hey, where's Aang?

"Oh yeah! Where is he? Wasn't he with you?" Suki asked.

"Oh, well, Twinkletoes had some Avatar-like business he needed to attend to in the Palace," Toph explained.

"What? Really? He's doing business rather than meeting up with all of us?" Katara asked in hurt confusion.

Toph cringed, "Uh...okay, that did sound kind of harsh when I said it like that, but it's really important! Like Spirit World important stuff."

"Spirit World stuff?" Katara asked curiously.

"Yeah. I can't tell you what it is though." Toph told her.

"Why not?" Suki asked.

Before Toph could answer them, Sokka came up to them. "Hey, Toph! How's my other little sister hangin'?"

"Heh, doing mighty fine, Snoozles!" She said as she gave him a punch to his arm.

"Oof! Yep, still the same little slugger we always know." Sokka said in good nature

"Who you callin' little, Meathead?" Toph said with a smirk.

"Last time I checked back at Aang's birthday party, you're probably still the same height you were at thirteen, so apparently, I'm talking about you, short stuff." Sokka teased.

"Hey, I'm a woman now, Sokka! You better treat me like one, or else you'll get a rock to your butt!" Toph jested.

Sokka raised his hands up in defense in a teasing way. "Hey, I can see that you're a woman now, no worries on that."

Toph rolled her sightless eyes, "Yeah, now that I got a pair, you notice."

Sokka snickered, "Come here!" he then gave her a big bear hug as he lifts her up.

The earth-bender laughed, "Hey, put me down, you Meathead!"

Sokka and even Suki and Katara laughed at her expense. Once he let her go, and as soon as Toph gave him another punch on the arm, Sokka said, "Heh, ow. Hey, where's Aang?"

"That's what we're wondering." Katara said, turning to Toph, "Why can't you tell us what he's doing?"

"Well..." Toph began to say, until Zuko intervened.

"It's something really important, I'll tell you that much. He really did want to see you guys, though."

"Indeed," Iroh said coming up next to Zuko, "But an Avatar's work is, of course, never done."

"Well, either way, you all must be famished," Ursa said to them all as he came up to the group. "I'm certain the chefs will cook you all something. Have you all had lunch?"

"Why, no ma'am, we have not," Sokka said with a grin at the mention of food.

Katara shook her head at her brother, "We haven't, Lady Ursa."

Ursa chuckled, "Well, why not we head on inside then?"

"Oh!" Iroh suddenly said as he looked out in the distance. "Actually, I see another airship coming this way!"

Zuko glanced up in the sky. "Oh...yeah. That could be Mai and Ty Lee's airship."

"Wait, you invited your ex-girlfriend to the festival?" Sokka asked him in incredulity.

"Uh...Zuko, is that really a good idea?" Katara asked, sounding a little bit hesitant.

"Oh, don't worry," Zuko reassured them, "Mai and I reached an understanding. Besides, she has a new boyfriend now. We're gonna meet him as well as Ty Lee's boyfriend soon when they reach down here."

"Oh," Sokka blinked, "Wait, Mai has a new boyfriend now?"

"Oh well, that's nice...is it?" Suki asked anyone to make sure if it was or not.

"Pfft! Whoever the lucky guy that's dating Mai is, I wish him all the best of luck." Toph muttered sardonically as she shook her head.

"Um, won't that be kind of...awkward for you if Mai brings in her new boyfriend?" Katara asked him as she winced, feeling a little uneasy thinking about it.

"Oh no, believe me, I'm perfectly fine with it...I just hope he's good to her at least...or she's good to him." Zuko looked thoughtful about it, and then said, "And we're still talking again, so I wouldn't think she's that sore at me anymore."

"Well, either way, we're gonna meet up with them in a little bit. With all that said, along with Mai, I wonder who's the lucky guy that's dating Ty Lee?"

Suki blinked and looked at Sokka with jealous eyes. "And what's that supposed to mean?"

"Huh?" Sokka said puzzled, but then flinched as he realized what he said, "Oh, um, come on Suki, I mean, you got to admit, she's...uh..."

"She's what?" Suki challenged him with a raised brow.

"Smooth, Snoozles." Toph rolled her sightless eyes.

"Hey now, I'm not implying anything here, you know you're the sugar to my tea, Suki!" Sokka defended himself.

"Sugared tea?" Iroh said questionably and thought about it for a moment, "Hmm...that's actually a genius way of drinking it, Sokka."

"I know, right!?" Sokka said, glad for a distraction right now, "It actually tastes great!"

"I, um, tried it before too. It really does have a great taste to it. It almost made me want to drink tea more often." Zuko said, trying to help out as much as he can for Sokka, who turned and gave him an appreciative smile.

"Oh, really? Well, I need to try this 'sweet tea' for myself!" Iroh said jovially.

Suki pursed her lips at Sokka, who in turn just smiled in a goofy but uneasy way.

"...Okay. You're off the hook." Suki said with a smirk.

"Heh..." Sokka gave out a sigh of relief.

"Real smooth, Bro," Katara said with a raised brow and a smirk as well. Toph snickered.

"Well, it looks like they're about to land," Zuko announced.

As soon as the airship landed in the front of the Palace, the door opens and out came Mai first, followed by...

Sokka and Katara's eyes widened as their mouth dropped. "HARU!?"

"Haru?" Toph and Suki echoed, their brows raised with a tilt of their head.

"Who?" Zuko said in confusion.

Indeed it was Haru, and he looked quite well built. He still had his long hair, as well as his facial hair, except that it's now a goatee instead of a full-on long mustache.

"Sokka? Katara? Toph? Hey! How's it going?" Haru said in a happy tone and a wave.

"Hey," Mai said in a dull but ordinary tone as she waved plainly.

Zuko blinked, "Wait...Haru...is he that guy with the really long mustache?" he asked Katara.

"Um...yeah," Katara said, a little bewildered as she dumbly waved back at Haru.

"Hey, guys! Coming through!"

Mai and Haru stepped out of the way, and out of the door came...

"Teo!?" Katara and Sokka exclaimed in surprise.

The wheel-chaired boy came strolling out with his goggles on, and while he did roll on through there was someone on his lap riding with him.

"Wooohooo!" called and laughed out Ty Lee as she held onto Teo while sitting on his lap. They came to a brief stop as soon as they were in front of the group, Ty Lee giggling all the way. "Heeheehee! Oh Teo, that never gets old!" she brushed her face against his.

Teo laughed as he blushed, "Well, I'm glad to keep you entertained, Honey!" he looked onto the other younger adults, "Hey guys! What's happenin'?"

The Water Tribe siblings looked on at the couple and then gazed at Mai and Haru, who were coming this way, holding hands nonetheless.

Sokka was oddly quiet for a moment, until he then said, "This is...interesting."

Katara shook her head to clear away the shock as she smiled at the four, "Uh, hey guys! Wow! What are the odds of meeting you all here as well! And Haru, you're dating Mai? And you're both dating, Teo and Ty Lee?"

"Yeah." Mai said nonchalantly, "We've been dating for a week now. We met at Aang's birthday party."

"Yeah! " Ty Lee said as she got off of Teo's lap and stood next to him, "We actually met at Aang's birthday party too!" she looked at him and gave him a sweet smile, "I was attracted at how sweet, cute, and smart Teo was! And I just love his sense of humor! Plus, he makes really cool stuff!" she wrapped her arms him and gave him a big hug.

Teo chuckled as he blushed, "And Ty Lee's a funny and talented gal...plus, she's pretty too."

"Hm..." Toph put a hand on her chin as she directed her head to Mai, "So what attracted you to Haru here?"

Mai shrugged, "Hey, he's sweet and charming. He's also handsome and has a nice goatee." she looked at Haru with a small smile on her face.

Sokka blinked, "Is Mai...smiling?"

Mai then looked at Sokka with a scowl, "Um, yeah? Is there something wrong with that?"

Sokka raised his hands in submission, "No, no. Just...never thought I see the day."

The dark-haired young woman rolled her eyes, while Haru rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "Heh, well, we wanted to keep both of our relationships a surprise..."

"Well...I am certainly surprised." Sokka said, while Suki lightly nudged him in the ribs. "Ow! Suki, I didn't mean it in a bad way!"

Katara looked at Zuko to see what his reaction would be, hoping it's not out of jealousy.

But what she saw was an actual genuine smile on the Fire Lord's face. He looked...happy for Mai.

Katara, curious, pulled his sleeve to get his attention. Zuko broke his gaze off the couple and stared at the water-bender, which he blinked and almost looked to be blushing upon staring at her. She looked at him for a second until she found the right words to say, "You're...not jealous, are you?"

Zuko blinked again, but then he smiled. "No. I'm actually really glad Mai has someone that makes her smile."

Katara looked back at the couple, which Mai was scratching Haru's bottom lip hair, making him chuckle at the affectionate gesture. The water-bender then looked at Teo and Ty Lee, which the latter was above the former from behind his wheelchair, locking her arms under Teo's chin as Ty Lee looks down at him in a tender way, while Teo looks up at Ty Lee with a smile as he rubs her arm affectionately.

Seeing their interactions, Katara smiled herself...but then her smile dropped as she remembered her relationship with Aang and wished she had something like that as well.

Zuko saw her expression, frowned and said quietly, "You okay?"

Katara snapped out of her thoughts and turned her head to Zuko, "Oh, yeah! I-"

"Well, this is quite a gathering!" Iroh came up to them with his arms spread out in welcoming. "It's so good to see happy couples emerging this time of year!"

Ty Lee smiled, "Hey Iroh!"

Mai nodded with a small smile, "Hey Iroh."

"Indeed." Ursa came up to the group with a smile, as Hakoda, Noren, and Kiyi walked up to the group as well. "It's such a joy that we can all be together here in time for the Festival!"

"It certainly is! Why don't we go inside if you all haven't eaten and catch up?" Noren offered.

"Yeah! Come on everyone! Let's go inside" Kiyi exclaimed happily.

Agreeing to that, they all headed to the Fire Nation Palace. As they walked there, Katara, who was walking side-by-side with Zuko at the back of the crowd, asked him, "So, what is Aang doing? It doesn't seem like him to miss out on meeting up with all of us."

Zuko looked down in thought as he walked, debating whether or not he should tell her. Deciding that he should, but keeping himself quiet while telling her, he said, "He's gone to the Spirit World to find information from a spirit called Koh. It's about my father."

Katara's eyes widened in shock, but thankfully didn't say anything.

"I or Aang will tell you the details when we get to the Palace. It's...kind of complicated." Zuko told her.

"...Okay." Katara said a little uneasily.

Zuko, seeing that Katara looked worried, reassured her, "Hey, don't worry. Aang will come back soon and tell us what's going on. It's...nothing to worry about."

The water-bender looked at Zuko with a curious and skeptic brow raised at him.

"...We'll...tell you later, okay?" Zuko said as he almost looked unsure.

Not saying anything to that, Katara just kept silent and walked next to Zuko as they all entered the Palace.

Aang blinked in confusion, "Uh...King of the Pirates?"

The man known as Roger chuckled, "Yep! I know it's not a common name in your world, but hear me out! My crew and I back then - when I was living, mind you - only adventure, drink, and be merry! And maybe face a couple of bastards who do people wrong! Ha-ha!"

"Really?" Aang looked at him peculiarly, "Wait, so...you mean...pirates are good in your world?"

"Hah, Oh no, some or maybe even most of them are all mangy dogs!" Roger laughed, "And that's what made the World Government so paranoid!"

"...Wait...what?"

"Ah! That's right! You don't have a World Government in your world!" Roger then muttered to him, "I'll tell you one thing, kid, I'm glad you don't."

Aang blinked again in stupefaction.

"Ha-ha! But anyway!" continued Roger, "You're probably wanting to know how I got here, right?"

"Oh, uh...yeah, something about a...ship?" Aang asked in wonder.

"Indeed!" Roger said with a grin, "The spirit of my old ship, the Oro Jackson!"

Now Aang looked bewildered, "Spirit of your old ship?"

Chuckling, Roger said, "Sounds kind of weird, I know, but our Klabautermann, the spiritual manifestation of the Oro Jackson, was waiting for me when I was executed, as well as sweet Rouge when she passed away giving birth to my son! So with my ship, and with Rouge as well as my son now, we sailed across the Great Beyond to find your Spirit World!"

"...Wha? W-Wait, hold on a minute..." Aang put his fingers at the side of his head and took a deep breath. "...Okay, two things. One: ships have spirits?"

Roger laughed, "Well, if you take good care of a ship, it manifests into a spirit! It takes good care of your crew and gets you out in certain jams!"

Aang blinked, "...Okay. And, uh, the second thing I was gonna ask is...you were executed? What happened? What did you...what did you do?" he asked the supposed King of the Pirates a little warily.

"Ha! Nothing really! Maybe it was just because I was getting really famous, or...infamous, or..." Roger gazed at the ground and scratched the side of his head as he thought, "...something."

Now Aang just looked at him like he grew a second head.

"Hmm..." Roger then looked up at Aang and saw his expression. Instantly, he perked up, "Oh! Sorry about that! Heh, my mind's a little hazy when it comes to remembering things!" he looked around where they were, and said, "Say, do you have a place where we can talk? To tell you the truth, I really don't want that Koh guy to wake up from my Conqueror's Haki and interrupt us. I mean, granted, I think he's scared shitless, and it takes a long while for when people get knocked out by my Haki, but I just don't think this area is good for thinking."

Aang blinked once more as he registered what he said, "Oh, um..." he looked around the area for a moment and thought for a second. "Hmm...oh! I have the perfect place!"

Roger smiled, "Do ya, lad?"

Aang nodded and said, "Yeah! But I need for you to hold onto me, I think."

"Oh? Well, alright then."

Roger put his hand on Aang's shoulder. "Like this?"

"Yeah! I think that's good." Aang assured. He then closed his eyes and concentrated on the crater where he entered the Spirit World from...

"WHOA!"

Aang opened his eyes in shock and alarm. "Wh-What!? What!?"

"THAT WAS AWESOME!" Roger exclaimed with stars in his eyes as he stared at Aang. "We just teleported like a wizard! Is that part of your Avatar power!? WOW!"

Aang doesn't know how many times he blinked, but he did, and he looked at Roger in an astonished daze.

It was then Roger glanced around the crater they were in. "Hmm...yeah, this will do!" he grinned back at Aang, "I have to say, that was really something! Think you can teach me how to do that!?"

Aang shook his head to clear his stunned state, "Um...I think anyone can do that in...this Spirit World? Uh, t-teleporting isn't really a power that the Avatar can do."

Roger's grin deflated, "Really? Oh...so it's only in this world's afterlife, huh?" he looked thoughtful, "Hmm...okay, got it." he then perked up, "Oh! Does that mean I can teleport in this Spirit World as well!?"

"Uh...yeah, I-I think."

"REALLY!?" Roger exclaimed excitedly.

Aang jumped back in surprise, "Gah! I mean, yeah, but you have to think of a place you've been to around here, both physical and spiritually! Only in this world, I...think?"

Roger frowned, "Oh...huh. I see...and I haven't explored these places yet either. Hm...well, blast." he planted his fist into his hand. "In that case I have to explore this world some more."

"Wha...um, e-excuse, Roger, is it?" Aang asked, feeling all the more baffled, "Uh...weren't you telling me something back at Koh's Lair about why you were here? You said you communicated with the Avatars, so...uh, were you giving me a message?"

"Hm?" Roger blinked. "...Oh! That's right! Ha-ha! Well then, I guess I need to tell you some information that could help you."

Aang grinned, now finally getting somewhere. "Great! So, just to review: You're Roger, and you're...King of the Pirates, and...you came to warn me about Ozai?"

"Ozai?" Roger thought about it, "Uuuh...hm. Ozai. I think he used to be in that bastard Teach's crew."

Aang raised an eyebrow. "He was in a pirate crew? And...Teach?"

"Oh yeah! He disbanded the Blackbeard Pirates saying something about going back to his world and whatnot. He probably meant this world...well, not this world right here, the Spirit World. I meant your living world, you know? That's, uh...what I meant."

Aang blinked, "Wait, so let me get this straight; Ozai was in a pirate crew?"

"Oh, actually, Teach's crew aren't exactly pirates anymore. They reached to Pirate Emperor status, or also known as one of the Yonko."

"Wha...wait, what?"

"Oh yeah, being a Pirate Emperor is certainly a big deal. They're crazy strong! Of course, not as strong as me, heh! But anyway, the Yonko basically rule parts of the sea to do their businesses. And I think Ozai was part of that crew, which Teach was his captain, or as he's known as Admiral Teach now, I should say. He even commanded one of his Fleets, giving him the Eleventh Titanic Captain title."

"...Titanic Captain?"

"Yep! I have to tell ya though, my world is kind of in a bad way right now. What with Teach, also known as Blackbeard, and his 'new age' or whatever he's spewing."

"...Uuuuh..."

"But anyway! He called it quits with Blackbeard, so he can go back to your world! Two years of training and he's gotten pretty strong from what I've seen!"

"Wha...wait, do you mean..." Aang grasped what Roger was saying and remembered what Koh said, "Are...are you saying that Ozai could come back around...tomorrow, figuratively speaking? And that he's stronger now?"

"Hm? Well, from where he was, he was flying almost a day trip from where-"

"Wait, he's FLYING!?" Aang exclaimed in shock. "Uh-I-I mean, on an airship or...?"

"Huh? Airship? You mean a ship that flies in the air? Uh...no, I don't think so. I don't even know if that's possible...well, except for one, I think, but that's in Skypeia. But no, he grew wings and flew is what I'm saying."

Aang just looked...dumbstruck.

"Anyways, from what I've seen, he could be reaching to that island he first appeared on in my world. And as for him being stronger, yep, I would think he's pretty strong. Of course, not as strong as me! Ha-ha!"

Aang shook his head to clear away the image of Ozai growing wings, and said, "Uh...s-so...he-he's coming back to my world regardless?"

"Mm-hmm!" Roger nodded, "I got to say, I hope you and whatever allies you have can take him down. He's pretty hellbent on taking back what's his in your world. He even burned his whole ship down with his crew on it!" he frowned disapprovingly, "And that angers me that he doesn't care enough for his crew and his ship...he truly is a bastard."

"...This is serious." Aang said grimly looking at the ground. "If Ozai is truly that strong...then we definitely need all the help we can get..." Upon remembering something that he needed to ask Roger, he looked up at the King of Pirates. "Have you heard of Zugaochi?"

Roger tilted his head, "Huh? Zu-gao-chi?" he put a hand on his chin to think, "Hmm...is it like Haki?"

"Um...I-I guess?"

The King nodded, "Okay then...well, I haven't heard that word used, but if it's like Haki, then you can use that to probably defeat Ozai."

"Yeah...but, it takes a long while to awaken it from what Roku said. And from what Koh said and from what you said, Ozai could be coming tomorrow in my world...I don't know if we, or maybe even I, have that much time." Aang said feeling quite distraught. "I mean...I feel like the Avatar State is the only way that I can probably defeat him...but, I just..." he sighed dejectedly, "...I don't know what to do."

Roger looked at the sixteen-year-old young man with pity in his eyes. He sighed, "Look, Aang, I wish I was alive right now to take care of this Ozai bastard for you, and even though I don't know what this Avatar State does, I'll tell you this...one thing is for certain, if you fight for what you believe in, you'll surely achieve it. And if you die in the process, well then, you tried."

Aang frowned at that. "Um...that's, uh...well, although that's true, that's not really the advice I'm looking for right now. I have to win this, to save our world from being taken over by a mad dictator! I can't fail at this."

"Yeah, I know that. I wasn't finished, though." Roger said with a smile, "Do you have really good friends, Aang?"

"Huh? Well, yeah, I...I have really great and substantial friends."

Roger chuckled, "Well, in that case, that's the other thing; you can't do things on your own all the time. You have to have a little help every once in a while. If you have your friends with you, then you're bound to succeed!" Roger smiled again, but this time fondly, "Your friends are a treasure in itself. And not only you have to trust yourself to achieve, but you need to have trust in your friends as well."

Aang looked at Roger for a moment and lowered his head to ponder what he said.

"Don't worry, kid." Roger said as he placed a hand on Aang's shoulder, breaking him out of his thought to look at him again, "I know you'll find a way. And I'm certain you'll have your friends with you through thick and thin."

Aang stared at the man for while, until he gave him a small, but appreciative smile. He backed away from Roger to give himself space as he bowed in front of him. "Thank you, Roger. I appreciate your words and your advice. Thank you for coming all this way to warn us all. I am forever grateful."

Roger chuckled as he rubbed the back of his head, "Hey, no need to be formal! You said so yourself!" he gave him another smile. "But you're welcome, Aang. Good luck out there."

Aang straightened as he finished his formal bow. "Thank you. I...we will certainly succeed on winning this fight." he said with a smile back at Roger, who in turn nodded with a big grin.

As soon as everyone entered the Palace, they walked into a large hallway to make their way to the royal dining room. Everyone was chatting away, except for Zuko and Katara. Zuko, who was still walking next to Katara at the back of the crowd, glanced at her to see her slightly worried expression.

'I probably should've waited until I tell everyone about my father coming back...I don't know how mom will take it...in fact, I don't know how Azula will take it...' Zuko stared back at the path they were taking as he pursed his lips. 'I need to let Katara not worry. Maybe I should...ask about her and Aang?' he winced a little, '...Well, that could be something to ask her about.' he took a deep breath and sighed, which cause Katara to turn her head to him.

"You okay?" Katara asked him curiously.

Standing straight, he cursed to himself for sighing so audibly, and said, "Oh, yeah, just...you know, thinking about signing more long scrolls, trying to work with the Council, and..." he paused for a moment and whispered to her. "My father."

"Oh...well, you really should relax for now, Zuko. The Festival is coming up and you shouldn't worry yourself with...those certain things." Katara paused, "...But...with all that said, where-" she stopped in mid-sentence and whispered back to Zuko, "where was your father? Did Aang found him?"

"Uh..." Zuko faltered there, "...I'll let Aang tell you that."

She blinked, "Um...okay..."

"Yeah..."

They walked a bit in silence.

"...By the way, how are you and Aang?" Zuko decided to ask the dreaded question.

Katara winced and remained silent.

Zuko didn't like how quiet it was. "...Oh...well...maybe you could-"

"I'm thinking I should break up with him, Zuko." Katara said quietly.

Zuko almost stopped in shock, and when he did, he kept going with Katara's pace. "W-What?"

The water-bender looked at the ground while they walked and she looked straight ahead. "It's just...Aang goes away all the time. And after all the times he goes off to do what he does, it makes me think and realize...that...I'm just with him because I want to make him happy...and I can't do that to Aang. I think he's mature enough to know how relationships work now and I think he's aware that he's leaving all the time, so...I can only hope he understands why I have to break it off."

"Are...are you sure?" Zuko asked her, feeling like he should at least let her have the chance to reconsider.

"...I think this is for real." Katara said, "Aang is growing up so much that I think he's starting to realize his responsibilities, as we all are, and it doesn't mean I'm mad at him. Honestly, I've really been thinking about this for a while...I do love Aang, it's just...not in that way, you know?" she closed her eyes for a second before opening them after taking a deep breath, "...I think this is best for both of us."

Zuko was silent as they neared the royal dining room, "...So what will you do? How will you tell him?"

Katara looked unsure, "...That part I haven't figured out yet." she sighed, "I don't think I should tell him now or during the Festival...I don't know...I just hope he still views me as a friend after all of this."

The Fire Lord frowned sympathetically for her. "Hey, I'm sure Aang will understand. He really has matured during the years." he paused, "...I'm...really sorry things didn't work out well with you and Aang though."

Katara looked at him with a sweet smile. "It's okay. Thank you for listening either way, Zuko. You're..." she blushed a bit as she glanced down, "...a really good friend."

Zuko smiled back with a little blush on his cheeks. "Thanks...you too."

They walked on in content silence, until...

"Guys!" called out a familiar voice.

"There he is," Toph announced as she looked to her right with a smirk. Everyone looked to their right as well as they almost were about to enter the dining room.

"Aang?" Katara said in surprise.

"Buddy, hey! Where were ya?" Sokka said with a wave of his hand.

Aang was dashing towards the crowd, his running powered by air-bending. As soon as he was close to them, he stopped, letting the air from behind him whoosh past him, blowing everyone a little bit off balance.

"Ack!" Toph yelped, "Twinkletoes, turn down the air, will ya?"

"Yeah. You almost messed up my hair." Mai droned irritably.

"Oh! Uh, sorry! But seriously, I really have to tell you all this!"

"What's going on, Aang?" Zuko asked, "What happened in the Spirit World?"

"Wait, he was in the Spirit World?" asked Sokka, "What for?"

"For Avatar business, from what Toph told us," Suki said.

"Wait, you know too?" Sokka asked the blind earth-bender.

"Well, yeah." Toph said matter-of-factly, "I traveled with Twinkles on the way here and he told me what has happened."

"And Iroh and I know about it too," Zuko commented.

"Know about what, Zuko?" Ursa asked her son.

"About...about father." Zuko decided to go ahead and say it.

Ursa's eyes widened, while Kiyi and Noren looked shocked as well. Ty Lee gasped, while Teo, Haru, Mai, Hakoda, Sokka, and Suki all expressed surprised expressions.

"What have you learned, Avatar Aang?" Iroh asked him in a serious tone.

Aang looked uneasy to even announce it, but he went straight to the point. "Ozai is coming back tomorrow."

Everyone's eyes widened in shock.

"What!?" Sokka exclaimed in disbelief.

"How?" Suki.

"Are you serious?" Toph.

"W-Where was he?" Katara.

"Do you...do you know what time of the day he's coming tomorrow?" Zuko asked, almost dreading the answer.

Aang looked crestfallen and answered Zuko's question first. "No...I don't." he looked at everyone, "And I'm absolutely serious. And as for where he was..." he took a deep breath, "...in another world."

They were all silent...

"...Wait, for real?" Sokka asked bewildered.

"Uh...so, Ozai is coming back tomorrow from...another world?" Katara asked, trying to wrap her head around that.

"Believe it or not, Aang's telling the truth." Toph told them.

"Um...okay." Suki said a little puzzled, "But...how did he enter another world if that's the case?"

Aang pondered about that for a moment, "I...don't really know. But I also spoke to someone that came from that world."

"You did?" Zuko asked in interest.

"Wait a minute." Haru said, "This is all getting too out there for me."

"Yeah, I mean...other worlds? Beings from other worlds? That sounds...kind of bizarre." Teo said, throwing his two cents in.

"Yeah." Ty Lee said, nodding her head, "That's like...super deep."

"Well, either way, what did this person from another world say to you? What is this person's name?" Iroh asked.

"Well, to answer the second question, his name is, or...well, was I guess I can say...anyway, his name is Roger. Gol D. Roger." Aang answered

"Goldee Roger?" Sokka asked, scratching his head at the peculiar name.

"No, Gol D. Like the letter 'D'. D is his middle initials for..." Aang blinked, "Huh...actually, I don't know what the 'D' stands for." he shook his head, "Anyways, Koh told me that Ozai was coming back to this world tomorrow, and this Roger guy confirmed it. He also said that Ozai was stronger than he once was, and that he was training himself under some guy named Teach."

"Teach?" Sokka asked with his eyebrow raised. "Man, so far these names are really weird."

"Well, what does that mean? How strong is he?" Katara asked.

Aang shook his head, "I don't know. But I tell you one thing, Roger also told me that...he could fly now."

"WHAT!?" Sokka exclaimed, the others blinked in surprise at this information. "Okay, now you're pulling our legs here at this point, Aang! That, or you might have been misinformed."

"No, I don't think I was. And I'm not joking. From what Roger told me, he said that Ozai can fly now." Aang told him.

"Whoa..." Toph said, a little stunned. "Well...dang."

Katara looked worried about all of this, while Sokka and Suki looked stunned as well. Hakoda and Noren had grim expressions on their faces, while Kiyi huddled to Ursa, looking slightly scared, as Ursa also looked uneasy about all of this. Mai, Ty Lee, Haru, and Teo all looked unsure and uncertain on this chain of events, while Toph lowered her head with a concerning look. Zuko and Iroh glanced at each other, sharing looks that told each other what they were thinking.

Zuko spoke out first. "Do you happen to know where he'll appear?"

Aang thought about it. "Hmm...I think so...Zuko, did you say that Ozai disappeared in a cave?"

Knowing what he exactly means, Zuko nodded. "Yeah, I did. You think he might appear there?"

"Possibly." Aang said, "I don't know for certain, but it could be our best bet."

"That's all we can count on right now." Iroh stated. He turned to his nephew, "Zuko, do you think you can prepare a good amount of your soldiers at this cave where your father vanished by tomorrow?"

"I can try." Zuko said to his uncle and turned to Aang, "Don't worry Aang, we'll get everything ready for when my father comes."

"So...no festivities then?" Sokka asked in disappointment.

Aang smiled forlornly, "Sorry Sokka. It looks like we're not at this point."

"Man," Toph said, actually feeling a little disappointed herself. "Well, this sucks."

"Tell me about it." Mai said in drone, "One time I get to have fun with my earth-bending boyfriend at the Summer Solstice Festival, and Azula's dad comes and ruins it."

"Yeah," Ty Lee said with a pout as she stood above Teo, "I was going to show Teo the Ember Island Players coming over here to the Festival. They have great special effects."

Aang then noticed that Haru and Teo were there with Mai and Ty Lee. He looked at the four in confusion and said, "Wait a minute...are you two dating Mai and Ty Lee?"

Haru and Teo both smiled.

"Yep. Surprise." Haru said meekly.

"Oh..." Aang blinked a bit. "Wow...uh...alright." he then went to back to the topic at hand. "Um, well, anyway, we all do have to prepare ourselves for when Ozai comes back."

Sokka sighed dejectedly, "Well, a warrior's work is never done I suppose, right Suki?"

Suki smiled sweetly at her boyfriend, "Don't worry, I'll back you up whenever you need me."

"Thanks," Sokka said with a smile back at her as well.

Iroh put a hand on his beard and stroke it in thought. "Hmm..."

"What is it, Uncle?" Zuko asked Iroh, noticing the contemplated look on his face.

"Well...do you think Azula would be able to help us?" Iroh suggested.

Aang, Zuko, Katara, Toph, and everyone's eyes widened at the notion.

"Azula helping us?" Katara asked in interest, thinking about the idea.

Zuko considered that option, "...You know, we can let her be released early."

"Uh, no offense, Zuko, but is that really a good idea?" Sokka asked hesitantly.

"Don't worry, Sokka, she's getting really better. From all the times mother and I visited her, she seemed genuinely happy to see us, and her sanity has already come back to her." Zuko reassured. "I'm certain she'll be able to help us with my father coming back."

Katara looked at Zuko as she smiled warmly with a nod. "If you believe that, Zuko, then I believe it too."

Zuko looked at Katara, a grateful smile on his face.

"Well...okay," Sokka said with shrug, his expression still looking wary.

Iroh smiled, "I'll get to talking to the warden on releasing her."

"Then it's settled," Aang said in a serious tone and look. "We're going to prepare ourselves for Ozai's return."

Aang's stomach growled, causing him to blink and everyone to look at the Avatar. Blushing, Aang patted his belly. "After...we get lunch."

Some chuckled, while some joked in agreement. Everyone dispersed, whether they have things to do before the big fight, or they were ready to eat their late lunch in the dining room.

However, Aang called out to Katara, "Hey, uh, Katara? I need to talk to you for a second."

Katara turned to Aang with a nonplus look. "Oh, um, okay Aang."

Zuko heard that Katara was being called by Aang and didn't say or do anything to interfere. He can only glance at them and keep on walking. Even Hakoda looked back at the two, wondering what they were going to talk about, but decided to leave his daughter alone to handle it. Toph also paused once she heard Aang call out Katara's name, but continued to walk away until she rounded a corner, keeping her ears open.

As soon as everyone left and they were all alone, Aang began saying, "Katara...I know I haven't really been a good boyfriend lately."

Katara's expression turned hesitant. "Oh...Aang, um-"

"And I hope you can forgive me for that. I know...this isn't exactly the right time since I dropped this huge bombshell to you all about Ozai, but...if we ever get through this, I just want to let you to know...that I do love you, Katara, and I will make sure that after this, I will be there for you. Always."

Katara, a little bit in shock, stood there speechless.

"I want to show that I love you, and...I'm going to make it up to you. Can you forgive me for not being there for you?" Aang said as he grabbed her hands and held them.

Snapping out of her shock, Katara looked down at her hands in Aang's. Her brain was registering what he said, but the only thing she can say to him was, "Uh...o-of course I forgive you-"

"You do?" Aang said with a smile. He then gave Katara a hug, not letting her finish her statement, "Oh thank you, Katara!" he let go of the hug, "Believe me, you won't be disappointed! I will support you every step of the way!" he let out a sigh of relief, "Well...heh, I'm kind of hungry right now. You want to catch something to eat, Katara?"

Katara stood there dumbly, the only thing she could say was, "Uh...yeah."

"Okay then! After you!" Aang made the gentleman gesture to let her go first.

The water-bender looked at his gesture, and she can only smile...but it looked somehow forced. "Thank you...Aang."

Aang smiled as well back at her, and they all went to the Palace dining room together...

And soon, the Gaang, plus Iroh, Mai, Haru, Ty Lee, Teo, and everyone else were starting preparations for when Ozai will come back. Sokka, Suki, Hakoda, Mai, were training their close-range combat skills, while Katara, Toph, Aang, Zuko, and even Haru practiced their bending with each other as well, sometimes sparring against each other. Zuko also ordered a good portion of his army of fire-benders to prepare themselves at their designated location that they are assigned to meet tomorrow. Iroh also went to try to get Azula released from the asylum early, which after much negotiation and mentioning Ozai's return, they decided to let her go.

Azula's first reaction when she was finally released, was to give her uncle a big hug. And apologize profusely to him, especially when she fired lightning at him. Iroh just returned the hug, saying that 'the past was in the past' and that he loved her either way. In fact, when Azula came back to the Palace, she thoroughly apologized to everyone that she was mean and harsh to, which they replied with their own forgiveness towards her. But the most heartwarming moment was her reunion with Zuko and their mother, Ursa. She, Zuko, and their mother cried tears of happiness that they've finally reunited once again, being a family once more.

Iroh filled in Azula on the Ozai situation, which in turn surprised her. He also reassured her that she was freed for real and that she wouldn't go back to the asylum, but that the matter was really serious at the moment. Azula understood the lengths that everyone is taking and is honored that they trust her to fight against her father.

Speaking of family, she met Kiyi and Noren, which the much younger girl gave Azula a big hug, as well as Noren giving her an appropriate hug also. She even reunited with her old friends Mai and Ty Lee, which they both gave her hugs(yes, even Mai), telling her that they missed her. Lastly, Azula made amends with the Gaang, which they forgave her almost immediately(Sokka was in shock with Azula's change).

With all of it said and done, Azula looked...truly happy. Granted, they have to face her and Zuko's father, as well as everyone, but at the moment, she was happy to be around people that she now deeply cared about. She was cured of her trauma and upbringing, and this time, she was going to stay that way.

The Gaang saw that change in Azula as soon as they were training their bending during the night...

It was almost late at night, and Aang and the benders all gradually increased their training toward each other, while Mai, Ty Lee, Sokka, Suki, and Teo, all looked on at their intense bending practices on the sidelines. They've been practicing their bending outside and in front of the Fire Nation Palace, which they trained vehemently to the point that they looked to be like they're really fighting each other.

Aang was sparring with Toph and Haru, while Zuko, Katara, and Azula were doing the same with each other. As soon Aang air-sliced a boulder of earth in half that Haru shot at him, and deflected another larger boulder that was thrown by Toph by earth-bending a punch to it thus shattering it, he gave out an exhausted breath.

"You okay, Twinkles?" Toph asked him as she was getting ready to throw another boulder at him.

"Yeah...I just think we need to save our energy for tomorrow. It's already getting late." Aang stated as he dropped his bending stance.

Haru dropped his earth-bending stance as well. "I think that would be wise. We don't want to overexert ourselves."

Toph hummed and nodded, "Yeah, that's true." she put the piece of earth back into its place and paved it with a single stroke, making it look like it wasn't even bent to begin with. She still had her hair in a bun, while Haru had his hair down.

Aang took a deep breath and turned to the other three benders. "Hey guys! I think we need to save our strength for when we fight Ozai tomorrow!"

Katara and Azula both turned their heads to Aang as they blocked a fire wave from Zuko, who in turn, averted his attention to the Avatar.

"Yeah, I think that's the best bet," Azula said as she shook her hands. "We need to reserve our energy for tomorrow." She had her long hair down, making her look almost just like the spitting image of her mother. Zuko had his topknot crown off as he had his short hair down, while Katara's hair was already down.

"I agree. We should all be ready for tomorrow." Zuko said with a nod.

"I am getting kind of tired," Katara said as she rubbed her eyes.

Sokka gave out a large yawn. "I'm with that," he said as he scratched his chest.

"I think we all need the rest for tomorrow," Suki confirmed, patting her boyfriend's shoulder.

"Yeah, and no offense, but it is kind of getting boring watching you guys do bending." Mai deadpanned.

"I like how you all bend, honestly." Ty Lee complimented. "It gives you all a great aura around yourselves."

"Yeah. Almost made me wish I had working legs so I can bend as well." Teo commented.

Ty Lee gave her boyfriend a big smile, "I bet you make a great earth-bender. Your aura is so determined."

Teo chuckled, "Aww, thanks, Hon."

The non-benders got up and went back into the Palace, while the benders made their way to the Palace also. Aang was walking next to Toph, who in turn punched him in the arm.

"You were really good with your earth-bending out there, Twinkletoes! I guess I taught you pretty well, didn't I?" Toph said with a smirk.

Aang chuckled, rubbing his arm that Toph hit out of complimentary. "Hey, I have the best earth-bending sifu."

Toph grinned. "You know it!" As they continued walking, she then asked, "You up to facing Ozai tomorrow?"

Frowning, Aang looked unsure. "...I guess."

"You guess? What kind of attitude is that?" Toph asked him incredulously.

"It's just that..." Aang pursed his lips as he stopped in his walking. Toph stopped in her walking as well. "...Toph, if we really are actually out of our league here, you'll..."

"I'll what?" she asked, her tone sounding a little worried for a second.

"...Look, as you already know, I haven't mastered the Avatar State...yet. But...when it comes to the point when we're in a tight spot...you'll earth-bend a piece of rock to my back to activate it, will you?" Aang looked at her hopefully.

Surprised at the suggestion, Toph was silent for a moment, until she smirked, "Hey, as long as you don't have back pain from it, I'll chuck a boulder at your back to let you go to Avatar State."

Aang smiled. "Thanks, Toph..." he rubbed his head, "I'm...gonna admit, I'm kind of scared."

"Hey, we beat him before, this won't be any different," Toph assured.

"Well...I just don't want to fail you guys."

Toph rolled her sightless eyes. "Twinkles, you're not gonna fail. We're not gonna fail. So what if Ozai apparently has his bending back, or if he achieved some fancy spiritual energy? Or if he can even fly now? All in all, he's just one guy. We'll all make him cry like a baby and send him to some other world if that's the case! So no worries!"

Aang gazed at Toph in astonishment. He remembered what Roger said about his friends being a treasure in itself, and that to always trust them. It made him smiled genuinely. "Yeah...you're right. He'll have to fight all of us...and I believe in you guys. Thanks, Sifu Toph."

"No problem, Twinkles! Glad to lift your spirits per-se." Toph smiled.

The Avatar chuckled, "You did. I really needed that."

Before he turned to walk away, Toph grabbed his arm to stop him.

"Huh?" Aang looked at Toph questionably. "Uh...is something wrong, Toph?"

"...Okay, look, I'm gonna do something out of character, so..." she then positioned Aang in front of her and wrapped her arms around him and his arms, giving him a bear hug as she placed the side of her face next to his chest.

Aang stood straight as he blinked in shock. "Uh..."

Then he realized...Toph's hugging him…

...and her breasts are squished against his torso.

Eyes widened as the soft sensation was pressed onto him, Aang blushed.

Now his heart was beating fast...and the side of Toph's face can hear it.

'Uuuuh...okay...just...stay calm...don't let Toph read your heartbeat and let her get the wrong idea...I mean, is she just...w-what is she doing!? There has to be a reason for this!' Aang thought anxiously.

Once Toph let go, she snickered. "Damn, Twinkles, I'm just giving you a reassuring hug. Get your mind out of the gutter."

"I'm sorry! I-I mean, I-uh, right! Right, uh...right...you were reassuring me, heh." Aang said awkwardly.

Toph smirked as she chuckled. "Wow. I'm guessing it worked then. In that case, maybe I should do that more often whenever you're feeling down or when you're unsure of yourself."

"Wha-what?" Aang asked, blinking.

"Yeah. You also have a nice heartbeat." Toph patted him on the shoulder. "But yeah, don't worry about it, Twinkletoes. We'll win, no problem." she walked off ahead of Aang, which the young man looked on at the female earth-bender's retreating figure. The Avatar eyes seem to have a mind of his own as he couldn't help but look down a little bit to see her cute and nicely sized butt...which her budding hips made her figure well known to Aang.

'Whoa, stop right there!' Aang shook his head and controlled his heartbeat. 'Man, that was...kind of...odd? ...Yeah, I'll go with that.'

And with that, Aang followed Toph as well as his friends back to the Palace.

Toph, on the other hand, while she enjoyed getting Aang all riled up, gave out a small frown.

Zuko and Katara didn't know it, but she heard everything that they said about Katara's decision to break up with Aang. She didn't even need to listen hard, as they were a little bit behind her while they were walking in the hallway. She even heard Aang and Katara's conversation when she was out of their sight. She couldn't have told him what she heard straight out of Katara's mouth.

Also...there was something about of their tone of voices, their postures, and their heartbeats when Katara and Zuko are around each other.

Could they...?

'...I hope I'm just being paranoid...my intuitions are always correct though...' Toph shook her head and just decided to get some well-deserved rest.

As everyone went their separate ways in the Palace, Zuko walked behind Katara as they head off to their rooms. He feels like he should catch up to her and ask her what she decided on with her relationship with Aang. He didn't think she could tell him now thanks to the news that he brought to everyone...which made him think she could be having second thoughts on breaking up with Aang.

He frowned at that. 'Just my luck...' he shook his head, 'No, don't be shallow...it's whoever Katara chooses. You have to support her either way...'

"Psst! Hey, Bro, you okay?" whispered his sister Azula who walked up next to him.

Zuko turned his head to her, "Huh? Um, yeah, why?"

Azula raised a brow and said quietly. "If I didn't know any better, I think you're staring at Katara's butt."

The Fire Lord stopped in his walk and looked at Azula with wide eyes, "W-What?"

Azula smirked. "So, yes or no?"

"Azula!" Zuko whispered harshly.

Unbeknownst to Zuko, Katara glanced behind her to see Zuko whispering something to Azula. Curious, she stopped and looked at the exchange.

Snickering, the princess quietly told him, "Come on, Zuzu, just talk to her."

"About what?" Zuko whispered.

"Well, anything really." Azula shrugged as she replied.

Zuko sighed, "Azula-"

"Oh, save it. Just talk to her a little bit. We're gonna face Dad tomorrow, so you better take this opportunity to have some time with her." Azula quietly advised. "By the way, she's staring at us."

Eyes widened, he almost looked back, but stopped himself as he didn't want to look weird while doing so. Pouting at his younger sister and the order she apparently made, Zuko sighed once more and whispered, "You know what? ...I will. But I won't tell her how I feel, not just yet, okay? I'm thinking she's still confused."

The princess rolled her eyes. "Okay, whatever." she said quietly, but she smirked one last time and gave her brother a peck on the cheek, "Love ya, Bro," Azula said in a normal tone.

Surprised by the action, Zuko blushed a tiny bit, but then chuckled. "I'm gonna have to get used to that, am I?" he asked in his normal tone as well.

Azula giggled. "Yep! Night, Zuzu!" she dashed past him and said to Katara, "Night, Kat!"

Katara blinked and watched her run past her, apparently going to her room. She turned around to face Zuko, who in turn just smiled sheepishly.

"Sisters." he simply said.

The water-bender just smiled. "You know, it's really nice seeing you and Azula being just...well, siblings for a change."

Zuko's smile turned warm. "Yeah. It's like when we were kids...I'm glad Azula and I have that kind of relationship again."

Katara smiled warmly as well. "Me too." she giggled, "Now be prepared to constantly be worried over by your sibling over the simplest things."

Laughing at that, Zuko said, "I have my own share of Azula worrying over me when she was in the asylum. She basically told me to find someone to be Fire Lady soon or the people will start to question if I'm into...the 'alternative'." he murmured, a little embarrassed to say it.

Now Katara laughed, which Zuko joined in on her contagious laughter. After their laughter died down, they looked at each other for a couple of seconds...

It was then Zuko said, "Do you want me to walk you to your room?"

Not expecting that, Katara looked a little surprised.

Zuko's eyes widened. "Uh, I mean, you know...it's the nice thing to do for a lady..." he froze, realizing how that sounds, "I-I mean, I'm-I'm just trying to be polite, you know?"

Katara blinked at the Fire Lord.

Feeling extremely embarrassed and flustered, Zuko gulped silently, "Uh..."

...The water-bender then started to snicker as she covered her mouth, letting it erupt into giggles. "Uh, okay Zuko, you can walk me to my room." she said in mirth.

Looking stunned, but happy to hear that either way, Zuko smiled back. "Um...okay."

They both walked alongside each other as they made their way to Katara's room...

Zuko glanced at Katara while they trekked. 'Okay...just go ahead and ask her.' "So...Aang apparently dropped that bombshell of information in the afternoon."

Katara hummed. "Yeah..."

"...Are you..." Zuko winced, 'I got to say this as sensitive as I can.' "...Are you really thinking of breaking up with him?"

The water-bender stopped as they neared her room and turned to Zuko, who also stopped, a look of surprise on her face.

"I mean, he just dropped the news, and I don't know if telling him now would be...well, I mean, if you're having second thoughts, then..." Zuko sighed, "Look, I just want to make sure if you really want to break up with him. Cause if you are, I don't know if now is a good time to do so. I mean, he needs support, and..." he looked to the side and rubbed the back of his neck, "...a-are you really certain you want to go through with doing that to him? It just...doesn't seem right."

Katara stood there, having a peculiar expression on her face that looks a bit like distress. She sighed sorrowfully as she placed her face into her hands.

Zuko was on full alert when seeing her so distraught. "Katara?"

"Oh Zuko..." Katara groaned, and let go of her face to look at him pitifully, "I know I can't tell him now since he told us all of that, but...Aang just...told me he wanted to make it up to me after all of this."

"He did?" Zuko asked, a little in shock and feeling heartbroken inside.

"Yeah..." Katara looked down at the floor, completely crestfallen. "I should've just...told him the truth sooner when we had Aang's birthday party..." Katara cringed, "No, that wouldn't have been better." she groaned and began to pace, "Uuugh! Zuko, what am I gonna do? I do love him, but...just in a familial way, you know?"

Zuko watched her as she paced, kind of confused and at a loss at how she's acting. "Katara...do you...really don't want to be with Aang?"

"Of course I want to be with Aang!" said Katara, "Just...not romantically."

Zuko was still confused. "Well...from what he sounds like, it seems like he's really trying. Maybe...you should just give him one more chance?"

Katara shook her head. "No, Zuko, you don't get it, I..." she paused in her pacing, and just stood there.

Feeling concern for her, Zuko asked, "Katara, what's wrong?"

"...I like someone else, Zuko."

Now that was another bombshell to Zuko. "What?"

"...I like someone else."

Blinking, Zuko found his voice, "Wh-...Who?"

Katara frowned, her face almost blushing. "...Someone who's too far away from me...someone who's hard for me to reach...someone..." she winced and looked up at Zuko, "Look, Zuko, just...please don't tell Aang, okay? That I...like someone else..."

Zuko stood there in astonished silence, not sure how to feel about Katara's confession. "...When did you start liking this person?"

"...Sometime after my fifteenth birthday," she admitted.

'That long?' Zuko thought in surprise. "...Well...does he know that you like him?"

"...I don't think so. Maybe..." Katara muttered, unsure of herself. "...I'm sorry, Zuko, I just...might need some sleep right now. We have to face your father and..."

Zuko nodded, agreeing to that, even though he wanted to know who this (lucky) guy was that Katara liked. "Okay...but..." he frowned, "...You got to tell Aang either way about this guy, as well as how you feel about your relationship with him."

"I know..." Katara closed her eyes, feeling sorrow. Then, unexpectedly, she went and hugged Zuko.

The Fire Lord blinked again, as his face began to redden.

"Thank you, Zuko...for listening," Katara said appreciatively.

"Uh...it's no problem, Katara," Zuko said as he hesitantly returned the hug.

They stood there for a while hugging...until Katara let's go of the hug. She looks at him with a tender smile. "Really. Thank you."

Zuko smiled back in warmth as well. "Anytime, Katara."

She nodded gratefully and turned to go inside her room.

Zuko stands there in front of Katara's temporary room...

"..." Zuko sighs and decides to turn in for the night as well.

They all have to soon face his father, whenever that may be...

And they'll be ready.

Meanwhile...in the Spirit World...

Roger sits there in the spiritual crater where Capital City stands in the living world.

Arms crossed, he has his eyes closed and head low. Some would say he's sleeping...but in reality, he's just waiting.

. . . . . .

Silence can only be heard as he patiently waits for someone...or someones, he should probably say.

"...You must be the one that contacted us."

Roger's eyes opened as he grinned.

"That I am."

He stood up, turned around, and faced the previous Avatar.

"So, you must be Roku, huh?" Roger asked, his grin still in place.

Roku smiled and nodded. "I am."

The King of Pirates chuckled. "Well, hey there! Name's Roger. Gol D. Roger."

"Pleasure to meet you, Roger." Roku bowed to him respectively. "You seem to still be in our Spirit World. Are you waiting for your vessel?"

"Heh, well, actually, I need to talk to you, or...to all of you, if that's possible. And I think you all might know what that could be." Roger's tone turned a little serious.

"Hmm...is it about the battle?" Roku asked, his tone also growing serious.

"Yeah, and I'm thinking you already know this, but uh, I'm...going to have to be honest with you here, but Aang and his friends...aren't gonna win this," Roger said a little sheepishly.

Not being affected by this news, Roku nodded. "Yes, sadly, we do know of this. Which I'm guessing you have some sort of plan then?"

"Hah! Straight to the point! I like you, Roku! ...Or...you guys..." scratching his head on that one, Roger looked a little confused.

Roku smiled. "Maybe this will make things easier in communications." Roku stood there as more of the Avatars appeared in front of him, such as Kyoshi, Kuruk, Yang Chen, and even more coming into existence, all of them standing in a crowd inside of the crater.

"It is nice to meet you, Roger," Kyoshi said with a welcoming smile.

"Greetings, Roger." Yang Chen said with a welcoming bow.

"Hmm. So you're from another world, eh? By the way, love what you did to Koh back there." Kuruk said with a smirk.

"Ha-ha! Thanks! Pleasure meeting all of ya!" Roger said with a grin.

Roku smiled once more, but then his expression turned somber. "Now, what is it that you suggest we should do, Roger?"

"Well, it's gonna be a risky chance, but..." Roger smiled. "Have Aang and his friends ever went to a different world?"

"Hmm...you're suggesting that they awaken their Zugaochi in your world?" Roku asked in wonder.

"Well, hey, it's like Haki, isn't it?" Roger shrugged. "I'm thinking maybe since releasing and awakening your Zugaochi is kind of like how it goes in my world, which could take a while for it to make itself known, that when they get to my world, they'll awaken it a lot sooner!"

Kuruk put a hand on his chin. "Hmm...that could work. But it's definitely a long shot."

"And we have to perform quite a lot of effort to create the portal to your world on our side when it comes to that." Yang Chen advised.

"And even if they do enter your world, what then?" Kyoshi asked.

Roger's grin went broader. "The island that the portal is located in is actually in an area called the New World where I'm from. And I know some people who can help them associate with their Zugaochi."

"You do?" Roku asked, interested. "Then who might they be?"

"Oh, just a pirate crew." Roger grin turned into a smile. "And they happened to be coming down that route where this island is located. Although they'll pass it along the way, I'm certain Aang and his friends will get their attention one way or another!"

"A pirate crew?" Kyoshi said in slight disbelief.

"Hmm...you know them?" Yang Chen asked curiously.

"Heh, uh, actually...no, not really," Roger said a little sheepishly. "But I know their captain's heart is pure, as well as his crew-mates. They watch out for each other and they have a lot of fight in them! Also, I like to think they're a bunch of fun characters! Ha-ha! I'm absolutely certain they can help and train Aang and them to perfect their Zugaochi!"

"Hm...what is this pirate crew's name, if we may ask?" asked Kuruk.

"And how will Avatar Aang and his friends be able to contact them?" Yang Chen asked.

"Also, what should they be looking for?" Kyoshi wondered.

"Ha-ha! Well to answer the second question, I'm certain one of Aang's friends will find a way!" Roger said with a knowing grin,

"One of Avatar Aang's friends?" Roku asked intrigued.

"Yep! You might even know who, Roku! Ha-ha-ha!" Roger hinted with a laugh.

Roku raised a brow, but soon caught on what he meant. He gave the King of Pirates a smile. "I see."

Roger chuckled, "As for who they should be looking for, tell them a young man with a straw hat...and as for the name of the crew..." he grinned big. "They're called the Straw Hat Pirates."

WHEW! Okay, that's the chapter! :D I'm sorry that I didn't keep my word of the Gaang going to the OP world, but honestly, my story is gonna have some plot details. And you can't rush perfection! (Oh, lol, like my story is ever such a word.) XP

NEXT chapter, I PROMISE YOU that they will enter the OP world. I'm not gonna promise that they'll meet the Straw Hats, but they'll enter it! Think of chapter 10 as an arc finisher, and chapter 11 is where a new arc begins. ;) And let me tell you, I REALLY want the Gaang to meet the Straw Hats, but again, I can't rush these things. :O

Speaking of rushing things, I hope the 'Azula getting released from the asylum' part wasn't rushed. This chapter would've been a lot longer if I went into the whole 'Azula adjusting to everyone and reuniting with her family' bit. And I know you guys want to see the Gaang appear in the OP world really soon, so...yeah, I had to fast-forward that part. ^^;

But yeah! The next chapter will surely end with them going to the OP world! I am 100% certain on that! Count on it! :)

Anyways, do you like this chapter? What are your thoughts? Please give me a review or a fave and a follow! I love them all! ;D

Until next time, keep on rocking, everybody! ^_^

-TSP