I never really understood why so many people are terrified of their anointed sovereign. I mean sure he has a ruthless streak that surpasses most of his predecessors, though I suspect that his daughter will soon overcome in that regard, like his grandfather before him he has no issues ordering the genocide of an entire people on a whim, and has some extreme methods when it comes to child rearing, but he has several redeeming traits.

His prowess in the bending arts is matched by his cunning intelligence.

He rewards those who are loyal, and more importantly, competent.

And unlike his bumbling fool of a brother, he allows those who serve him to find proper outlets for their more...aggressive feelings.

I shudder to think of what my life would've been like if Ozai hadn't usurped his brother's birthright, but thankfully thanks to his wife's willingness to do anything for their late blooming son, such a scenario remains speculative in nature. And thus I retain the position that is mine by virtue of the blood that flows through my veins. And thanks to the failure of the northern campaign, I may at last get to chance to finish the mission that my own great grandfather had been unable to complete.

Kneeling before the curtain of flames that stood between me and the Fire Lord, I waited to be acknowledged.

Thankfully I didn't have to wait long.

"I have been considering the request you made of me the last time you were in my presence. But tell me why should I entrust you with something that many have failed to accomplish the past"?

Raising my head to stare directly at the shadowy silhouette of the Fire Lord, I allowed a small smirk to cross my face as I explained my reasons.

"Their are a number of reasons for that my lord. The first one being that unlike the much lamented admiral, or your more emotional offspring, I have been trained since birth to combat our elusive adversary, and thus am the only one who possesses the skills and knowledge to end this irritating hindrance to your nation's goal. Secondly, as you know, I have never failed you before, something which I respectfully point out is something that even the Princess can no longer claim, though I expect that in the end she will accomplish her goal. And finally, I intend to go to the Earth Kingdom whether you give me permission or not, though I admit that my task would go much easier if I didn't have to slaughter all the soldiers you would undoubtedly send after me".

Keeping my amused expression firmly in place as I heard Ozai's acknoledge my last point with a non commitial hum, I fought the urge to grin manically as I heard the Fire Lord give his verdict.

"Very well. You have my permission to go. However if you cross paths with my son and brother, I expect you to ensure that they will never again prove to be a threat to my nation".

Nodding my head at this request, I rose from my kneeling position and made my way out of the throne room intent on catching the next available ship to the Earth Kingdom.

Such a shame that I hadn't been in the capital when the princess made her departure, but I suppose this is for the best.

Cause after all, knowing her, Azula would probably try and get the glory for killing the Avatar herself, and I'm afraid I can't allow that.

And since I am the last living member of my kind, it's only fitting that I be the one to wipeout the last living member of the people who drove mine to extinction. And since my family has waited 100 years for this moment, it would be most disrespectful if allowed someone else the honor of killing the last air bender.

...

Hey everyone. This is an idea I have been playing around with for years after I watched Last Airbender.

Not going to reveal to much about the OC's abilities/origins at this point in time, but I can say that he would be the type of guy that Azula would be interested in.

Story starts during The Chase Episode. So look forward to combat scene in next chapter :)

Reviews always nice, no flames..etc lol