Sapnap traveled across the ocean. The salty breeze filled the air as he neared the Fire Nation. The reddish buildings and mountains came into view. The Fire Lord's palace appeared through the horizon. Sapnap took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

"I see that you have quite the extensive record, Sapnap." The Fire Lord spoke, "Killed off multiple run away air nomads- blood for the blood god, awesome; captured earthbenders for a few Fire Nation nobles as slaves; ah, participated in hunting Fire Nation traitors. This will be wonderful for the Fire Nation."

Sapnap bowed, "Thank you, My Lord."

"We need good, honest hunters to find him."

"Of course, my liege. I promise I shall capture the Avatar in the Fire Nation."

"Excellent. The Avatar has last been seen near Southern Water Tribe borders. I suppose you'd like to claim your prize before the others."

"Yes, sir. I will not let you down."

"I hope you won't."

"You have my word, and I have never broken a promise in my life."

_____

Dream, Bird, and George landed in the northern air temple. George marveled at the views and structures. Dream moved to a statue of the last airbending avatar, Illumina. He sat down in front of the statue, and stared at the figure. George sat down beside Dream as Dream spoke.

"Avatar Illumina. The Dai Li told me he died of old age and lived a calm life as a nomad. I wish it was that easy."

George furrowed his eyebrows, "Dream, Avatar Illumina was killed by the Fire Nation. I was told that the Fire Nation set to wipe out the air nomads, but Illumina escaped. He was later found in hiding and was killed."

"That's not true." Dream rebutted, "That isn't true..."

"What else has Dai Li told you?"

"That the Avatar Cycle continued from water to earth- me. They told me there was no war until I found secret messages and briefings about a Southern Water Tribe raid. That's how I found you."

George frowned, "The Dai Li have been lying about more than the war. The Avatar before you died as a child. They were accidentally slaughtered in a raid. No wonder the Fire Nation tried to take over Ba Sing Se; you were protected there."

Dream frowned at the statue in front of him. He knew he was being lied to before, but this sparked anger.

_____

Sapnap had reached the Fire Lord's throne room. He bowed at his ruler, but the Fire Lord scoffed at him. "I don't see an Avatar, Sapnap."

"Forgive me, Fire Lord Technoblade." Sapnap went into child's pose. "He was able to escape both my and Mega's hands."

Fire Lord Technoblade interrupted, "You didn't let me finish, Sapnap. I may not see the Avatar, but I do see a broken promise. I suppose your record is ruined." Sapnap refused to rebut. "You're done here; go home, Sapnap."

Sapnap stood up and turned to exit the Fire Nation palace for good, but something stopped him. "No." He replied. He turned back to face the Fire Lord. "I am not done here." He took cautious steps forward, "I've been on front lines for this nation. I've scouted and killed many who dare commit treason. I've watched families break apart because of this war. I made a promise for the good for my nation, and I intend to keep it."

"Speak what you want, Sapnap." Technoblade said boredly.

"I want to challenge you to an Agni Kai." Sapnap said without hesitation or fear. Technoblade thought it over for a painstaking amount of time. Sapnap continued to bluff, "Fight me, Fire Lord Technoblade! Are you afraid of losing?"

"You talk a lot of game, Sapnap; that won't play in your favor in a fight. But, very well, I accept your challenge." He grinned, "Let's raise the stakes. If you win, I'll let you have whatever you desire. But if you lose, you will never be able to show your face around this palace again."

"I accept."

"Good, then let's begin."

The fight was at a faster pace than Sapnap expected. Only a few guards and generals had shown to cheer on the Lord Fire. No one in the mist of Sapnap's vision cheered for him. He was powerful in his steps, and let the ground soak up his anger. His opponent was more agile and quick witted. He had power in his bending, but tactics that made Sapnap feel like he was in basic training. Sapnap fought from a distance; whilst the Fire Lord kept the fight up close and personal.

Sapnap felt a burning sensation on his right cheek, and knew that Lord Technoblade's fire grazed his face. Sapnap quickly threw the hand away and proceeded to back away. His hand reached for the burn- 2nd degree, but removed it as soon as the Fire Lord neared him.

Sapnap drastically shot flames from both hands, and kicked the Fire Lord with flames. Yet, he wasn't quick enough. Technoblade was able to grab his hands and threw him to the ground. Sapnap looked down in anger and defeat.

"I believe we are done here." Technoblade turned away. "You have lost, Sapnap. Never return."

When Sapnap reached his home, he dunked his face in cold water to help with the burn. He looked up into a mirror with pity. His cheek burned red; the burn seeping near his eye. He analyzed the burn and compared it to many scars and burns he received over the years. On his hands, his arms, his back. He knew this one would scar from the close contact he knew it would heal. It only took time.

He looked at his stuff at the side of his room, and without hesitation began to collect items into a bag. What was he even doing? He found himself putting essentials in as if planning to leave. He was going to leave? There was nothing for him here.

"You're becoming quite skilled in firebending, Sapnap. Promise me, honey," His mother spoke, "Promise me you'll use your firebending for the good of our nation."

Sapnap felt himself stepping out of his home, "I promise, mom."