Summary: What if the Crown Prince of the Fire Nation wasn't the only one searching for the Avatar? What if the Dragon of the West had more than one child?

So, this story has been rolling around in my head for years. Like, years. Only, they were only ideas and nothing I was ready to actually write about. But, I watched the series again recently, both refreshing my memory and adding some new ideas. And thus, this story will actually be written.

Hopefully I can write other stuff than Transformers :P

Hope you all enjoy!

Chapter One - Escape

Lightning split the dark night, illuminating the palace grounds as if it was daytime. A loud roll of thunder followed, accompanied by torrents of rain.

From her bedroom window, the twelve-year-old watched the storm grimly.

"I hope Father and Zuko are far enough away that they're not in this storm," she thought.

A pang of sadness hit her as she thought of the pair. Several weeks ago, they'd set sail from the harbour on a quest.

A stupid, impossible quest, some called it.

The girl cringed as memories of the event leading to her cousin's banishment resurfaced. It gave her nightmares, and she hadn't even watched it happen.

Jaylee couldn't imagine the nightmares Zuko must have.

Azula told her she was a coward for not watching the final blow of the Agni Kai. For turning and burying her face in her father's robes.

But she couldn't bear to watch what she'd known was coming. Even though she hadn't seen, she'd heard her wicked uncle's words.

"And suffering shall be your teacher."

"How could he do something like that to his own son," she wondered.

But she knew. Ozai didn't care for anyone but himself. And maybe Azula a small bit. Deep down somewhere. Or at least that's what she hoped for her younger cousin's sake.

Ozai, now Fire Lord, was no loving father to his children. Her Aunt Ursa had loved them, but she'd disappeared several years ago.

A tear threatened to run down her face, but she wiped it away. She'd cried her tears for the result of the Agni Kai. And for her cousin's banishment. And for when he and her father left.

But now, there was no time for tears.

Hopping off of the window seat, the twelve-year-old ran over to her bed. Kneeling, she yanked out a bag from underneath, already packed.

During the last week, she'd snuck things from the kitchen. If the staff had noticed that supplies had gone missing, none had said anything. They were likely used to sneaky children snitching things while they weren't looking.

Moving to her closet, Jaylee reached in and retrieved a bundle of clothes she knew no one would miss if they investigated. They were her simplest training clothes, a pair of dark burgundy pants and a black tunic that ended mid thigh. Nothing that said she was royalty. Swiftly changing into them, she stuffed her nightgown in her bag.

After pulling on her boots, she reached back into the closet and retrieved her sword she'd hidden there. Placing it and her bag back by the window, she turned back to face the rest of her room.

Luck was on her side it seemed, as the thundering storm outside would make a good cover for the next step of her plan.

Having read enough mystery stories, she figured she could make her fake kidnapping look decently realistic. Hopefully.

She waited until there was another lightning flash and when the accompanying thunder followed, she shoved her writing desk over, everything in and on it clattering across the floor.

Freezing, she listened.

No servants should be near her room at this time of night. And even if they were, it was pouring outside.

Sure enough, it seemed like the thunder and rainfall had covered the noise she'd made.

Letting out a sigh of relief, the girl kept going. Waiting for the next rumble of thunder and then destroying another item of furniture in her room. Then she kicked in the shutters on her window, perching on the window sill and shattering them inwards to make it look like someone had broken into the room

It was kind of fun, she had to admit internally.

Once she was satisfied that it had looked like she'd put up a fight against kidnappers, the girl turned back to the belongings she was taking with her.

She'd had a little bit of a hard time deciding what would stay and what would go with her, but she'd finally decided on only essentials plus a few small sentimental things. Also, coins enough to last her for awhile, and some items she could possibly sell if need be.

Everything else would stay.

After putting on a cloak, she pulled her sword and sheath on overtop. Picking up her bag by the long strap, she looked back at her room once more.

She didn't know when, or if, she'd be back.

After all, while she was a powerful bender for a twelve-year-old, she was only twelve. And heading off into the unknown alone.

She was fully aware that she might not make it.

There was one last thing she had to do.

Reaching up, the princess took the crown out of her topknot. Glancing at the hairpiece for a few moments, she then dropped it.

It fell to the floor with a dull thud.

Pulling up her hood over her dark hair, Jaylee stepped up onto the window sill, past the broken shutters.

The rain continued to pour as she leaped down into the garden, careful to miss the dirt and land on the stone walkway.

Then, she stealthily moved to the nearest side of the palace wall and climbed over it. From there, she ran into the city.

Finding the nearest stable, she slipped in, careful not to spook the animals inside. Her wet clothes dripped water onto the cobbled stone floor as she walked further into the building.

Moving over to one of the smaller dragon moose, she whispered soothingly to the animal as it startled when she walked into its stall.

"It's okay. I won't hurt you."

Gently petting the creature on its snout, she grabbed the nearby reigns and bridle. After placing them and the saddle on the animal, the girl led it from the stall, placing a small bag of coins at the entrance.

Hopefully the young dragon moose's owner wouldn't mind too much. They could easily buy another one with the money.

Once the girl and moose had walked to stable doors, Jaylee closed them and with some effort, climbed on the creature.

Which was admirable because even if it was a small one, it was still quite tall in comparison to the petite twelve-year-old.

Soon enough, the human and creature, who had decided it was worth letting this stranger take him somewhere, were on their way out of the city.

After sneaking by the guards, once out of sight of the watchtowers, the girl snapped the reigns.

"Yaw!" she urged in a low whisper.

The animal, eager to be out, broke into a gallop.

Jaylee didn't look back at the city which had been her home for twelve years. Now, like her brother before her, she was leaving on a mission.

Although hers was a self-given mission, and not with an army. And hopefully, unlike her brother, she would return.

Determination was her expression as she rode east.

East to find an ally. From there, she'd figure it out as she went.

She fully intended to carry out her mission.

No matter what, she would find her father and cousin. And join them in their quest to find the Avatar.

The next morning, a maid walked down the hall where General Iroh's family's rooms where. Stopping at one door, of the only room remaining in use in the wing, the young woman lightly rapped on the surface with her knuckles.

"Princess Jaylee?" she questioned. "Are you awake?"

The young maid frowned when there was no reply.

That was odd. Usually, the sweet princess she attended to was up at the sun's first light, like many firebenders.

Usually out to train in the gardens and back in by now, ready to be fetched for breakfast time after a quick clean up.

"Perhaps she stayed in the gardens," murmured the maid, furrowing her brow.

Something didn't feel right though.

"Princess?" she called again, louder this time. She knocked on the door again.

Still no answer.

"I'd better go in and check on her."

Easing open the unlocked door, the young woman peered in the small opening. A gasp escaped her as she took in what she could see of the room and she flung the door open all the way.

The princess' room was in shambles.

Furniture was knocked over or smashed and the bed sheets were strewn about the room. What was left of the shutters were hanging from the window, letting rain from last night soak the floor around the pieces shattered on the floor.

A glint of gold on the floor caught the maid's eye and she stepped carefully into the room. Crouching beside the window, she picked up the object.

Her free hand flew to her mouth as she held it in her hands.

The princess's crown.

With one more glance around her, seeing no sign of the girl, the maid sprang to her feet with a cry.

Rushing out of the room, she ran back the way she'd come, only stopping when she found a guard.

Seeing the distraught young woman, the guard was already turning to her when she reached him.

"What is it?"

"It's Princess Jaylee," the maid said, fear in her wide eyes. "I don't know where she is and her room was broken into!"

The guard's eyebrows shot up underneath his helmet. "You're certain!"

The maid only nodded, extending her hand towards him, fingers uncurling from the tie, in her fist. "This was on the floor by the window," she whispered.

"We must tell the Fire Lord immediately," the guard said grimly, taking the hair piece. "Come with me."

Trembling, the young woman followed him.

"Fire Lord Ozai will be furious."

The guard said nothing to agree or disagree with that statement.

"I am more concerned about General Iroh," he muttered quietly.

The maid heard him and gasped, hands flying up to her face. "He'll be distraught."

"Perhaps the princess is still alive," the guard said, pausing to look over his shoulder.

Another guard came around a corner and the first one called him over.

"Princess Jaylee is missing. Check her room, then the rest of the palace. Alert the rest of the servants and guards."

Wordlessly, the other guard nodded and hurried off.

"Do you think she's been kidnapped?" the maid asked, hustling to keep up with the increased pace of the guard.

"That's what it looks like. I hope that's all it is."

Days later, far from the Capital, a messenger hawk flew towards a lone ship of Fire Nation make.

Several men were out on the deck, including a certain retired General. They all noted the approaching hawk and watched it fly down to the ship.

The bird landed on the lieutenant's outstretched arm, allowing for the man to take the scroll out of the holder it carried.

Jee passed the scroll, bearing the royal seal, to the general standing beside him.

The youngest person on the ship, the thirteen-year-old prince, stood silently watching him with his unbandaged eye as his uncle opened and read the message.

The general's eyes widened as he read the scroll.

"Uncle, what's wrong?" Zuko asked, seeing his fallen expression.

Iron lowered the scroll, concern evident on his face. Looking over at his nephew, he spoke, his words sorrowful.

"Prince Zuko. Your cousin has been kidnapped."

The prince's good eye widened in shock. He turned to Lieutenant Jee.

"Set course for the Fire Nation!"

"Nephew, we cannot do that," Iroh interrupted with a sad sigh, rolling the scroll back up. "I know you want to return and look for Jaylee, I do as well. But you cannot return to the Fire Nation."

"But how will we find her?"

"We won't. We must hope that she is found, without our aid."

Zuko frowned and stomped off, heading below deck to his room. He knew his uncle was right. His cousin, his best friend, was missing and he couldn't do anything about it.

"Uncle has lost both his kids," he thought. "Those people that took Jaylee are gonna pay!"

Iroh watched him leave, a sinking feeling creeping through him. Walking to the side of the ship, he placed his hands on the rails, looking to the horizon.

Jee grimly headed towards the other side of the deck, leaving him alone to give the general some privacy. He knew there was more contained in that letter than what the general had told the young prince. He knew what this probably meant.

"Please be safe, my daughter," Iroh whispered, a tear falling from his face.

He knew that if someone was able to capture Jaylee from her room in the palace at night without detection, then she probably was long gone.

Or worse.

The man closed his eyes. "I never should have left you. You were so strong, telling me that Zuko needed me more than you. But I should have brought you with me."

He looked to the sky, a silent thought in his heart. "Please be safe, little one."

A knock at his study door disturbed Master Piandao from his calligraphy. Without glancing up, the swordmaster called, "Come in."

His butler opened the door and gave a short, quick bow. "Master Piandao, there is someone here to see you."

"Is it another wishful student?" the swordmaster asked dryly, still brushing the page with strokes of ink from his brush.

"No. It is one of your existing ones."

Piandao finally looked up, spotting the small figure standing behind his butler.

The girl, though a bit on the bedraggled side, gave him a cheerful, lopsided grin. She bowed in, oddly enough, the right angle for a student to a master. Not a princess to her subject. Just like she always did.

"Hello, Master Piandao. I apologize for the disturbance."

"Sure, you do," said Fat, crossing his arms. The butler moved to the side, out of her way. "You royals just waltz in wherever."

The Dragon of the West's daughter at least was polite about her intrusion. She had quite a bit of her father in her it seemed.

"Hello, Princess Jaylee," the swordmaster said, rising to his feet and bowing. At the proper depth for a master to a student. As usual when it was only the three of them present. Or the three of them plus Prince Zuko. "Have you come for another unscheduled lesson?"

"She knocked on the gate this time," Fat said, an amused tone that didn't quite match the slight look of disapproval on his face.

"You got mad at us last time when Zuko and I climbed over the wall," Jaylee replied, crossing her arms.

Piandao rose an eyebrow as he walked over to join the other two at his study doorway. "What are you doing here, young lady? And why are you by yourself?"

The twelve-year-old gave him a sheepish grin, brushing a few stray wisps of hair out of her face. "It's a long story."

Master Piandao and his butler stared down at her expectantly.

The girl's face turned grim and she pulled something out of her cloak pocket. Extending her arm towards her swordmaster, she continued speaking. "I need temporary refuge. And I wondered if you would continue to train me while I'm here."

The men looked at the lotus tile in the princess's hand.

Piandao nodded once. "Let's hear your story. Over a cup of tea in the garden may be best."

The butler quickly strode away to fetch their tea while the girl replaced the lotus tile in her pocket.

The other two headed off towards the garden, student falling in step beside master.

"Your father sent you here?" the swordmaster inquired, glancing at the girl out of the corner of his eye.

Jaylee shook her head. "No. He left with Zuko after he was banished. I came here on my own."

Piandao frowned. He remembered hearing of the Crown Prince's banishment. And how the Dragon of the West accompanied him. Leaving his daughter behind.

"I told him he needed to go, you know," the girl said softly, as if knowing her master's thoughts. "Father's left me at the palace before, back when he was still fighting in the army. And Zuko needed him, more than I did."

The swordmaster's face softened.

As proved many times before, this royal was very unlike some of the other ones. She actually seemed to care. And she cared for her cousin very much.

But she was also a child who'd been left with her tyrant of an uncle.

Piandao really wondered why she had come here. Alone.

After all, Shu Jing was more or less across the Fire Nation from the Capital. It was admirable for a child to come by herself. Even if she was well trained in both firebending and swordsmanship. Somehow, she must have managed to get passage on a boat.

Entering the garden, the master and student sat at the table, soon brought their tea.

Jaylee told Piandao the story of her escape and travels to Shu Jing. Of how she faked her kidnapping in order to disappear. And both stole and bought the young dragon moose.

The swordmaster listened quietly, sipping his tea. "Why did you need to disappear, Princess?" he asked when she'd finished.

A very determined look came into her golden eyes, one he'd seen before both in her and her cousin while he was training them.

"I'm going to find Father and Cousin Zuko," the twelve-year-old said. "And then I'm going to help Zuko find the Avatar and reclaim his honour."

"Well, then," said Piandao, not terribly surprised at all with the child. "We better get to work. You're well on your way to becoming a master yourself, but you will need all the skill you can get before leaving here."

He stood, Jaylee standing with him.

"You will need to go to the Earth Kingdom to find ports where your father and cousin are allowed to stop at for supplies. As such, there may be times when it would be dangerous for you to reveal your bending. Especially if you're alone."

Jaylee nodded, then bowed again. "I would be honoured if you would continue teaching me, Master."

The man smirked, bowing in return. "And I would be honoured to prepare you for your journey."

The princess then straightened, a frown on her face. "But first, I need to send a letter to my father. I overheard news that they think I'm dead. He needs to know I'm not."

Piandao arched an eyebrow, but nodded. "I haven't heard that yet, but I suppose I will eventually. We will have to make sure you are not seen here by anyone."

Jaylee nodded. "Don't worry, I'm good at hiding."

"Apparently at disappearing too." Piandao beckoned for Fat to come to join them.

"Please take the princess to one of the guest rooms."

"Just call me Jaylee," the girl said, shaking her head. "I'm not going to be a princess for awhile, so you might as well not call me one. Or treat me like one."

"Alright," Piandao said. Then, he smirked again, crossing his arms. "Then take yourself to your guest room where you've stayed before. Training starts early tomorrow morning."

Jaylee bowed once more with a wide grin and then took off running towards the garden exit.

The butler shook his head, watching her run up the steps, two at a time. "Can you imagine that one as the next Fire Lord?"

Piandao was also watching. "With Fire Lord Ozai on the throne, Jaylee is the least likely to be next in line. Princess Azula is the most likely one to become the next Fire Lord."

Fat gave him a side look. "What about Prince Zuko? He's the oldest of all the royal children and Fire Lord Ozai's heir."

"He would make a good Fire Lord, but the boy is banished. Only fulfillment of an impossible quest will give him his birthright back."

"And the second oldest royal child is on her way to join him," muttered the butler.

Hopefully none of the characters were too ooc.. I haven't written anything for any of them before..

Thanks for reading! I'd love to read any comments, suggestions, or critiques you may have.