The Oath

Tear droplets floated in the air before Soren as he stared out past his outstretched hand at the point of light in the distance, a little white spec that was lost in the sea of stars. He panted, praying that he could make it back to the portal, but it was all in vain. Soren squeezed his eyes shut in pain. He held himself tightly as he tried to think of something he could do, but nothing came. The boy let out a long, sorrowful cry of anguish that was swallowed up by the void.

"Azula…" Soren whispered through his sobs. The knight had yet to enter Katolis. He did not care if he made it back home anymore though. He did not care if he was stuck between worlds for all eternity. He had lost his princess, and nothing else mattered.

Soren was surrounded by nothingness. Not a sound, save for his ragged breathing. No surface for him to stand on, and all he could see were the points of light. He did not know how much time had passed. Minutes, seconds, decades, or hours. Time seemed to be absent in this place between worlds. He felt himself becoming numb, his mind slowly losing all thought. Losing all his will to keep fighting. Losing hope. All he had left was his memory of Azula, of her smile, and her kiss…

"Well, that was quite the twist."

Soren opened his eyes. He found himself sitting in a high backed, cushioned chair at a round marbled table, with a steaming cup of tea placed in front of him. In the middle was a teapot, and across the table was a shriveled, old, little person. They had golden skin and long, sky-blue hair that seemed to sparkle, and out of their head were antlers made of shining platinum, going well with the metal jewelry on their long, droopy, pointed ears. They were dressed in a loose robe that looked like a sun about to disappear beneath the horizon, with white trim and a star shaped brooch. They gave Soren a small, friendly smile.

"Wha- where am I?" Soren asked in confusion. This was not Katolis. He squinted at the person in front of him. "Are you… an elf?"

"Mmm, I think so," The elf said, feeling unsure. "It's been a very long time since I've been called an elf. My name is Lumin if I remember correctly. To answer your first question though, welcome to Hyperspace!" They gestured to the stars that surrounded them. "The space between worlds, though you've already been here a couple times. Each light you see is a doorway to a different world."

"All of these?" Soren asked in bewilderment. He had never considered that there could be more than just Xadia and the world of the Avatar.

"That's right. There are worlds of giant combining machines, worlds with talking, humanoid cats, and even ones with games played on flying brooms." They pointed to one star behind them with their thumb. "That one there is your home, in case you were wondering."

"I don't want to go home," Soren said indignantly as he stood to his feet. "I need to go back to the world I just came from! I have to!"

"Ah, right, for Azula," Lumin said wistfully as they reclined in their chair. Soren blinked in confusion. "Yes, Soren, I've been watching you and the princess. What you did there, that was… touching." Lumin steepled their fingers and let out a sigh. "I wish I could help you, but my hands are tied."

"What do you mean?" Soren asked, his irritation growing. He was tired of these vague words. "What do you know about this? I want some answers."

"I suppose you deserve at least that much," The elf said. They sipped some tea, let out a brief sigh, and began their explanation.

"When I was still a relatively young mage, I found a way to cut a rift into time and space. That's how I ended up here, and what wonders I discovered," They raised their hand, and a light began to flicker above the table. An image came into focus, of an old man standing atop a mountain, commanding the four elements. "So many other worlds, so different from ours," He waved his hand again, and the image was replaced with a massive steel giant flying through the stars on wings of light. "I never wanted to leave, but I was not content to just watch."

"What… what does that have to do with me?" Soren asked, still bewildered by everything he was seeing.

"The mirrors," Lumin continued. "I can pass into these worlds myself just fine, but after a few thousand years, I thought to myself… what if…?" They grinned and chuckled softly. "What if these worlds did not need to be separate? So, I created the mirrors, portals that could link worlds."

Soren slammed his fist down on the table, causing the teacup to bounce and topple over. "Is this all some kind of game to you?!"

Lumin gave Soren a bemused expression. They turned his wrist, and the spilled tea slid back into the cup before it bounced and landed back on its saucer. "Please don't do that, I worked very hard on this tea. Thought I'd borrow one of Iroh's blends."

Soren gawked in perplexity at Lumin's power. It was as though he had turned back time itself. The boy sat back down, deciding it best not to interrupt further, for now.

"As I was saying," Lumin continued. "Your worlds were linked, but I was not expecting the first people to discover the portal to be children. And you found it much earlier than anticipated." The elf twirled a long lock of blue hair around their knobby, golden finger. "I had to hide the mirrors far in the past to avoid suspicion… in any case, the experiment did provide me with some very interesting results, when the worlds are linked and then severed."

"All of us lost our memory when the mirrors were broken," Soren said quietly. "Is that what you're talking about?"

Lumin chuckled once more. "Oh, sweet child, it is much more than just a memory wipe." The elf leaned forward. "Listen carefully because this might be a little complicated for you. You and I, every single piece of matter in this or any universe has a world line." They waved their hand, and to the side of the table two thin beams of light appeared, shining up and down towards infinity, parallel to each other.

"World line?" Soren asked, his confusion only growing.

"Yes, and world lines create a path," Lumin explained. "A path across the past, present, and future, all existing at the same time. Your past affects your future, but sometimes, your future can change your past. World lines aren't permanent either, they can change, and the past you remember has to change to fit in with your current present."

"I… I still don't understand," Soren said, rubbing his head to ease the growing headache. "My past changed?"

"Yes, it did," Lumin replied. He waved his hand again, and a thin, red string of light emerged from the pillar on the right. "This is Azula coming to your world." The red string entered the adjacent pillar on the left and traveled upward. "Her entering Katolis changed the timeline of your world, BUT…" The red string exited further up stream and returned to the right pillar. Shortly after, the red string's original path was severed betwixt both pillars. "The link between your worlds was broken, creating an imbalance. A continuity error in the time flow, if you will."

"Time was imbalanced?" Soren asked and Lumin nodded.

"Yes, so to speak. Time and space are one in the same, a fundamental force of nature, but nature always seeks to balance itself." The elf waved their hand, and the two separate pieces of the red string within the pillar on the right, Azula's past and present, grew and reconnected, while a piece of it remained in the left pillar, isolated. "Time is not a river, but a vast ocean that can flow in any direction. When one's world line becomes broken, it naturally wants to heal itself. That means having to fill in the gaps left over, and that means a new timeline and memories taking over."

"So, what you're saying is we didn't remember anything because we were, like, disconnected from our memories?" Soren asked, trying to sort it all out. Lumin clapped their hands. "They got replaced?"

"Bingo!" The elf shouted. "You got it. Your memories were left behind in the other world because your world line was cut. Time and space filled in the gaps, created a new past for you, and with that came new memories. Those games you played with Azula as a kid? That ended up being Claudia, or Callum, or some other noble's child coming to visit."

"But what about our old memories?" Soren asked desperately. "They came back only after Azula told us what she remembered… how did she remember?"

"Please, drink the tea, it'll calm you down, or would you rather have hot brown morning potion?" Lumin asked.

"Hot brown what?" Soren asked in confusion.

"Oops, you're not supposed to know about that yet. Don't worry about it." Lumin responded. Soren carefully sipped the tea, and he had to admit, the drink was quite soothing and warmed him inside. "The part of your world line you left behind didn't disappear, it was just nudged to the side a little. You needed time to reconnect to it. Azula remembered before you did because that's her world and she had a stronger connection to the world lines there." Lumin rubbed their chin. "Yes, she remembered you when you made a strong connection…"

"So, can I get back or not?" Soren asked. Lumin frowned and thought a moment.

"Soren, you and Azula were never meant to meet," The old elf said. "There are many universes which mirror each other, parallel each other, with only minor differences. Several are already linked to one another by their own doing." Lumin brought up a new image, of men in capes and armor flying through the air, battling one another. "These universes are the offspring of cosmic, creative forces which I am still studying, sharing large pockets of time space. They were destined to collide eventually."

Lumin looked Soren in the eye, all amusement from their expression gone. "I was only able to link your world and Azula's world because they do share same creative forces… only such little few strands, but just strong enough. Otherwise, your worlds were not meant to touch. That was why the experiment intrigued me so much, but I see that I should have been more careful. You both met at the wrong time, but there's no undoing it now."

"What do you mean the wrong time?" Soren asked, his blood running cold again despite the hot tea. He was concerned for what this elf might have planned for him.

"Well, it's like this," Lumin said as they leaned back. "Your worlds linked a little too soon. Azula, and especially you, Soren, still have things you need to take care of in the future. Destinies, if you will, and I'm afraid that having either of you even knowing each other complicates that, messes with the timeline too much. I'm sorry Soren, but Azula must stay in the Fire Nation, for now."

Lumin created a new image before them, one which immediately filled Soren with dread and despair. There was Azula, bound in a straitjacket, sitting alone in a dark, padded cell, crying to herself.

"Azula!" Soren shouted. "Please, I have to get back to her!"

"No," Lumin replied sternly. "This is her destiny," The image changed to Azula running into a jungle while a building burned behind her in the distance. "She has her own path to follow," It changed once more to a figure wearing a tattered black and purple robe with a ghostly white mask. The figure removed the mask to reveal Azula's face, a wicked grin on her face. "She has her own destiny to confront."

"Then…" Soren grit his teeth in anger and frustration. "Then what was the point!?" He shouted and stood once more, thrashing his arms to his sides. "I fought so hard to save her, and it was all for NOTHING!" The boy turned away from the elf, trying to hide the tears that flowed down his cheeks once again. He felt a hand on his back, patting it gently, and turned.

Lumin stood by his side, so much shorter, just barely reaching the boy's waist. The elf smiled warmly. "Soren, it wasn't pointless." Lumin pointed to the middle of Soren's chest, and a red light began to glow from it. "What you did, the feelings you shared, the bond you formed, was real, and can never be erased." The red light shined outward, focusing into a thin beam that traveled towards a point in the distance. Soren stared at it with wonder, his heart pounding in his chest as hope came back into his heart.

"What is this?" The boy asked.

"You and Azula may have never been fated to meet," Lumin told him. "But you still forged our own paths. Whether destiny wants it or not, you and Azula are connected. Your world lines, your threads of fate, are now and forever intertwined." The old elf gave a heartfelt sigh. "It's a beautiful thing, when two people fall in love all on their own."

"Will… will we forget each other?" Soren asked, his voice a mix of cautious hope and dread for the answer. "Please, I don't want her to forget me… I don't want to forget her…"

Lumin gave Soren a thoughtful gaze. "Your head will forget, for now," They answered. "But your heart will always remember. Now, I think it's time I got you home." Lumin held out their hand and a light radiated from their palm. It enveloped Soren, and the next thing the boy knew, his clothes and armor had been repaired. All the dents in the metal were gone, and it glistened like it had just been polished. Every stitch on his tabard was in place, and his cape was in perfect condition.

Soren marveled at the handiwork. "It's like it's brand new…"

"Gotta look good for your knighting ceremony, right?" Lumin asked with a chuckle before holding their hand up again, palm facing out. "You're going to play a very important role in the future, Soren." The elf's hand began to shine with light again. "It's not going to be pleasant, but you're gonna come out of it better than you've ever been. Then, you'll get to see your princess again."

"Huh?" Soren blinked.

"Later kid." Lumin smirked and slapped Soren's chest, blasting him backward. Soren let out a scream as he went hurtling through space. Before his eyes, flashed all the memories he had of the past few months, all blurring together into a blinding white light and a high-pitched ringing in his ears…

…Soren stared at the broken mirror before him, cracked into a hundred pieces. He heard a thud, then looked down to see an apple core bounce and roll towards his feet. The boy's mind was blank for a moment before he realized his eyes were wet.

"Oh well, back to the drawing board I guess." His sister drawled.

Soren turned to look at Claudia, who began to reorganize her notes. She had been trying to repair the mirror, the one they had broken as children almost eight years ago.

"Soren, please don't litter," Viren said as he came up beside his son. He and Soren looked each other in the eyes, and the father could not help but notice the dampness around them. Viren raised an eyebrow and glanced at the mirror. "Oh, that." The archmage let out a long sigh. "That as a long time ago, and you were just kids. Don't dwell on it too long, you don't want to be late for the ceremony, do you?"

"Uh, oh, right!" Soren perked up. "I'm gonna be a Crownguard!" He reached into a pocket and pulled out his handkerchief to wipe his eyes. He glanced at the embroidered S at the corner and the sight stirred something within him, but he did not know what. The boy shrugged before pocketing it. He stooped down to pick up the apple core and quickly rushed from the room down the hall.

Soren stood at the entrance of the throne room. The tall, oaken doors were closed before him. He took a deep breath and waited. This was it, the moment he had been waiting for. He thought back to the time he decided he wanted to join the Crownguard, how he had told his father in a spur of the moment almost seven years ago.

Viren had been somewhat reluctant in his support, but Soren was determined. The boy had dedicated himself to his athletic abilities, and by the time he began formal training as a warrior, he had shown incredible talent and natural strength, like he was born to be a fighter.

What motivated Soren was unclear. Why a Crownguard, and not another position in the military? Was it for the prestige? Was it that the boy was naturally protective, like he was with his little sister? Or was it something more…?

Soren lifted his head when he heard the heavy doors creak and part open. Inside, two rows of Crownguards lined the throne-room, creating a pathway to the throne where King Harrow stood, with Callum and Ezran at one side, and Viren and Claudia at the other. Claudia waved to her brother with a big grin.

"Enter." Harrow commanded with an inviting smile. Soren walked down the carpet to the king, sparing a glance at his father Viren before taking a knee at the bottom of the steps.

"Your majesty, it's an honor." Soren said reverently as he looked up at the king.

"You should be honored," Harrow replied. "Soren, you have distinguished yourself by becoming the youngest appointed Crownguard in our time. You've shown remarkable skill as both a warrior and a tactician."

"Thank you, your majesty." Soren said humbly. He wondered what his father thought of that. If Soren had no talent as a mage, at least he had this. Was that what really motivated him?

Harrow pulled his own sword from his scabbard and held it aloft, staring at the blade and his own reflection.

"But strength alone isn't all there is to being a Crownguard," Harrow continued. "It takes a pure heart, one willing to sacrifice for others, to act as a shield to protect against the innocent, and to have the wisdom to recognize those who need defending the most." Harrow looked down at Soren, staring eye to eye with the boy. "Soren, will you swear to these sacred oaths?"

"I will." Soren answered, his gaze unwavering.

"Do you swear to always conduct yourself with honor, truth, and mercy, without cruelty, malice, or deceit?"

"I swear."

"Do you swear to fight with all your courage?"

"I swear."

"Do you swear to put the needs of others before your own?"

"I swear."

"Do you swear loyalty to the royal family, to defend them with your life?"

"I swear."

"Do you swear to defend your friends, family, and loved ones?"

"I swear."

"Do you swear to defend the people, not just of Katolis, but of all the lands when they are in need, and cannot defend themselves, with your life?"

"I swear… with all that I am."

"Then rise, Soren," King Harrow said as he laid the flat of his sword on each of Soren's shoulders. "Knight and Crownguard of Katolis."

Soren lifted his head and rose to his feet. The Crownguard all raised their swords and saluted their newest brother of their order. Claudia, Callum, and Ezran all cheered excitedly for him, and Soren could not help but grin proudly, his heart swelling with pride. The knight looked to his father, and even Viren gave his son a smile and a quiet nod of approval.

Soren would defend the people… all the people of this world… and others…

He would defend the ones he loved. That he swore…

No matter how far they may be… no matter how long it took…

Soren would be there. That was his oath to keep.

Azula sat in her cell, huddled in the corner, her arms bound, knees to her chest. After the Agni Kai, after her defeat, the princess had tried to make one last, desperate escape… but she had nowhere to run, and nowhere to hide. Azula had fled to the palace, sprinted through the halls with Zuko and Katara after her. They found the princess in the treasure room, crying in front of a mysterious, broken mirror. She had just given up…

Azula stared vacantly out of the high, barred window above her, the moonlight shining through and illuminating her small prison. Yes, she had lost. She would not be Fire Lord, maybe not ever… but whatever path lay before her now, be it vengeance or redemption, she would see it through to the end.

Azula would keep fighting… for what she deserved.

She would not languish and rot in the shadows…

No matter how long it took… or how far she had to travel…

Azula would forge her own destiny. That she swore.

This is not the end…

We'll set off on a journey

Sometime, somewhere

Towards each other again…

And our new adventure will begin

Author's Note:

And so concludes the first volume of my story, with this little epilogue of sorts. I hope Lumin's explanation of how time and space works wasn't too confusing. It might be easier to draw a picture. The put it more simply, when the link between worlds is broken, new pieces of time form to fill in the gaps and fix continuity. This doesn't destroy the old timeline, it just becomes isolated. When the worlds are reconnected, those lost pieces of time link back up, but it takes some time for the memories of those events to come back.

I had to do things this way for what I have planned next. I don't want the events of this fic to cause interference with the canon of either TDP or ATLA, and it ended up working out for what I wanted to do with the story itself. As for why so little time passed in the TDP world, and a few other discrepancies, this was caused by the mirror not being fully repaired and thus the two worlds being out of sync. When working properly, the mirrors let you walk right through them and without any time dilation, rather than the traveler getting flung through hyperspace.

To make things more clear, TDP book 1 starts about 2 years after the knighting ceremony. The Promise, the first Avatar comic, starts shortly after this, and I've tried to line things up so that the end of Book 3 of TDP coincides with the point in time that ATLA is at now in the comics. About two years have passed in the Avatar world since the end of the war, putting it in line with the events of TDP books 1-3.

I knew that scene was going to be very meta and VERY different from everything else, which is why I saved it until now. The "creative forces" Lumin speaks of is specifically referring to Aaron Ehasz, Giancarlo Volpe, Jack De Sena, and Erik Todd Dellums, and anyone else who worked on both Avatar and The Dragon Prince. My idea was that different worlds can be closely linked by these creative forces, and this leads to them crossing over. The stronger the connection, the more often they happen. Sometimes the links are so strong, the worlds end up merging and you end up with things like the Marvel and DC canons being created.

My idea since the beginning was that a fanfic author exerting their own creative force could connect these worlds, thus creating a crossover. I had imagined ATLA and TDP crossing over because both shows share some of the same talent, and in the process I ended up thinking about Azula and Soren ending up together. It was fun to think about, and I didn't take it very seriously at first, but the more I dwelt on it, the more it seemed to work, and it felt like the 'ship just sort of became real on it's own This story is just the manifestation of a new, fictional reality that formed in my mind.

Where does this story go from here? Well, I'm working on that, but it depends on what happens on TDP book 4. I have a plot outlined, but I want to wait and see what happens first. I might decide to just do things my own way. Regardless, this story is going to take a little hiatus until then.

I'd like to thank everyone who's followed the story this far. It's been a labor of love that I really put my heart into. Now I think I'll relax and work on a different story in the meantime. Don't worry, this is not the end. Azula and Soren will earn their happy ending, whether destiny wants it or not.