"We passed over the Black Cliffs about an hour ago, so we should be approaching the Fire Nation Capital's beaches soon." Airon nodded.

"And unlike Fire Fountain City, here they watch the skies and sees like a hawk searching for prey." Rei hummed.

"Maybe it'll be easier to move in from the land, from Black Cliff's land." Airon nodded, agreeing.

"I'll move over to land then," Airon changed his direction slightly and headed towards the shadow of a land they had been flying next to. "How far into the Capital did you live?"

"Well right next to the forest, obviously. Hey, we should go see how your family is doing!" Airon laughed.

"Yeah, I would love to see how those little siblings of mine turned out to be. Or how many stayed behind." Rei nodded.

"Yeah." They reached the land and flew over continued in the direction towards the Capital. Rei thought ahead, thinking of how their next few days will possibly play out. She suddenly frowned.

"What's wrong?"

"It's just... I don't I'll be able to fly under the radar with a large gem on my forehead, and it doesn't seem to be able to come off." Airon chuckled.

"I have an idea. We'll try it once we land," Rei nodded. "So...any idea about our new abilities?" She scoffed.

"Not a clue. He said it will come unexpectedly, which I'm not looking forward to. Remember the very first time I soulbended?" Airon nodded sadly.

"Yeah..." Rei sighed.

"I'm actually a little afraid about all this. About the new powers, our bond, my family, your family, the war..." Airon lowered his head slightly and stayed silent. His thoughts were jumbled and confused as well, yet he didn't show it. Spirits aren't benders; that's why he was so confused when Master Bernings's had said that he too will have power.

"You know, I don't know what's going to happen, but if there's one thing that'll be for certain is that we'll be doing it together. I promise to never leave your side." Rei smiled to herself.

"Thank you." She whispered. Continuing to travel, both kept their thoughts to themselves, leaving them in a comfortable silence. Not long after, they saw the border to Capital Island. It wasn't heavily guarded, since what sort of spy would enter through the borders? Airon went down and landed in a forest.

"So what did you have in mind?" Rei asked, jumping off. He nodded. He moved over towards Rei and lowered his head. He kissed the gem before moving away. Rei frowned. The gem suddenly glimmered before vanishing. Her eyes widened.

"I was right. Just like how I can dematerialize the bags on my back, I can now dematerialize objects not physically on me." Rei nodded, understanding.

"This must have something to do with our new power." He nodded, agreeing.

"Now then." Airon dematerialized before they started towards the border. Surprisingly, they let her through just like that.

"Must be our lucky day." Rei mused.

"Or maybe all of the proper guards are posted somewhere else," Rei nodded. Not long after, they came by a small town near the border. "So where's the Royal Caldera City?"

"It's near the coast, where we were heading to before. Besides this one, there's another town before we reach it. But you'll know it when you see it. It's inside a volcano after all." Airon frowned before his eyes went wide.

"Are you saying that the volcano... the Royal Caldera City is inside it?!" Rei laughed at his shocked face, causing people to turn to her. Well since Airon was invisible to their eyes, it was as if Rei was talking to herself before suddenly laughing out loud. "Will we be stopping in this village?" Rei shook her head slowly.

"I see no reason to. We can stop in the next town for lunch; it isn't far, after all." Airon nodded. They soon exited the town and settled on the rock path to the next town.

"I'm so excited to meet our brothers! Especially Aron." Rei chuckled.

"I think if you met him then you'll realize why I say you two are similar. Well, that is the Aron I knew... Who knows how he is now," Airon nodded slowly. "How many siblings did you have?"

"Seven. All younger." Rei nodded.

"That's quite a lot. I only have two."

"Three you mean." Rei frowned.

"Almost forgot," She sighed. An awkward silence settled and gradually got comfortable once they reached the next town. "I'll go get two salads on takeaway, how does that sound?" Airon nodded, agreeing. Rei went into a restaurant and came out not long after. They went into an alleyway where Airon materialized and ate. Not long after, they were on their way again. It wasn't long before the volcano entered their visions.

"That's the volcano? And there's a forest inside?" Rei frowned and thought for a moment.

"No... there isn't... but how did I end up in the forest outside the volcano then?" Rei asked, more to herself, as she inspected the forest on the right side of the volcano.

"Maybe it was the spirits who couldn't wait any longer." Rei frowned.

"What do you mean?"

"All spirits are waiting for the soulbender in hopes of them returning the portals. Maybe a spirit living inside the Royal City lost patience and took you to the forest themselves."

"But wouldn't I have noticed? And doesn't that mean that that spirit was the first person to recognize me? And how did that spirit even knew I was a soulbender in the first place?" Airon was silent for a while.

"Uhm... It's not like I know everything." Airon rolled his eyes. Rei sighed.

"Maybe we'll discover something once inside."

"That reminds me, how will we get inside?" Rei was speechless.

"Uhm... I didn't think that far." Airon sighed.

"That seems to be the case with us recently. We can get to a place but never plan on getting inside. But I have an idea." Airon materialized and stopped. He instructed her to get on and she did so.

"What's the plan?"

"I can dematerialize objects on me, objects off of me, now I want to try a living being." Rei's eyes went wide.

"I usually trust you and your instincts, but shouldn't you try it first with something like a... frog? What if I die?" Rei chuckled sheepishly.

"Don't worry. I tested this last night on the island with a squirrel. I have an idea I ruined its life, however."

"Why?"

"Because I never materialized him again. He ran away too fast. But anyway, don't worry; it should be fine." Rei closed her eyes, waiting whatever was to come. A while later, she peaked her eyes open when she felt Airon move forward. She raised an eyebrow.

"Didn't work?" Airon smirked before running forward as fast as he could. "What are you doing?!" Rei screeched. Airon made a beeline towards a large bolder at the side of the road. Rei screamed and covered her face with her arms. Not long after, she felt the warmth of the sun fade away. She opened her eyes, only to be surprised. Airon was running full speed with Rei on his back through darkness. Where are we? Rei wondered as she held on tightly. Soon they burst through the darkness and into the light, back on the rock road. Rei looked around to see the other side of the bolder. Did we... pass through?

"See, what did I tell you? It worked, didn't it?" Rei was amazed and looked down at herself. It was almost as if she was transparent.

"This is so cool! Is this how you feel?" She asked, inspecting her hands. Airon smirked before leaping upwards and ran on the air. He flew high before bucking and threw Rei off. She screamed as she fell to the ground but it soon turned into laughter as she realized she was almost floating, like a leaf in the wind being blown away. Airon flew down and moved in under her, catching her on his back. He continued to fly up and over the side of the volcano, revealing the majestic Royal Caldera City.

"Now that is a city..." Airon commented. Rei nodded, amazed herself but didn't show it. She's never seen it from above before. Airon flew down and landed in an alleyway.

"Do we have a plan of action?" Airon questioned. Rei nodded.

"How long can you keep me materialized?" Airon was silent for a while.

"I don't know." She nodded.

"We aren't taking chances then. Materialize me." He did so. She raised her hands to her head and styled her hair differently. Instead of standing upward, she styled it to lay flat against her face, hanging down and over her right eye. She took her black cloak and swung it over onto her back, pulling up the hood. "Wow... you look depressing." Rei chuckled.

"That's the idea. I don't have to change my appearance by much; just enough for people to not take an interest in me," Airon nodded. "I can't exactly remember where our house was but I'm sure walking around for a bit will jog the memory." She said before exiting the alleyway, her head hung low and her face blank. As she walked she heard whispers around her. Well it must be quite a sight for them. It's not every day you see such a figure in the Royal Capital. They roamed around for a while before familiarity started to dawn within Rei. She soon stopped in front of a building.

"Is this is?" She shook her head lightly before talking lowly, only for Airon to hear.

"This is the 'Royal Fire Academy for Girls'. Me, Princess Azula, Mai and Ty Lee went here together. It's near here." She said, starting to go down one of the streets. This street was more abandoned as it only held noble homes. She soon stopped and turned to a large house.

"It's big." Airon commented. Rei nodded, agreeing.

"Looking at it now, I can't believe I ever felt comfortable inside of it," she sighed. "Now that I'm here, I don't know what to do. Should I enter, or..?" Airon tilted his head at her uncertainty.

"Who are you?" They both turned at the sudden annoyed voice. There stood a young man, clothed in clothes fit for nobility. His chocolate coloured haired was styled to fall over his right eye, but it did not cover it entirely. Across his right eye was a black eyepatch. Rei blinked in surprise and immediately dropped her head. I prepared for this; I thought I was ready for this! She felt tears welling up in her eyes.

"Nobody. I'm sorry; I'm just a little bit lost." Rei quickly said and turned, pulling her cloak down to cover her face. She hurriedly walked away.

"What are you doing?! You can't run away now! Running away now means that it would've been all for nothing! You ran away because you were scared! You weren't strong enough to face up to reality that what happened to him was actually your fault! You ran away to get stronger so that you could one day return to take your responsibility. And now? What now?! He's standing right there!" Rei flinched but didn't stop walking. Airon fumed and ran forward, jumping in front of her, stopping her dead in her tracks. "Reiko, listen to me. All your decisions I have complied with. I've always helped you so that you could get stronger and wiser. I've helped you towards your goals, yet now when you can achieve a goal, you refuse? Rei... I can understand that if your scared, but..." Airon looked over Rei towards the man who was staring at the cloaked girl in curiosity.

"Is something the matter, miss?" Rei sniffed and let her tears flow freely.

"Aron..." She heard a slight intake of gasp.

"You know my name, can I ask why?" Rei sniffled and slightly turned her head towards him.

"I... I'm sorry!" She quickly said, turning her head away again. Aron stared at her confusedly.

"You didn't come here to just apologize, did you?" Airon asked, a little more understanding etched into his voice.

"I'm sorry, but do I know you?" Aron asked, titling his head slightly at the cloaked girl. Rei sniffled and chuckled. She turned around and looked up at him, tears streaming down her face and a sad smile on her face. Aron frowned slightly at her. She looks familiar, he thought to herself.

"Aron... it's good to see you again." She smiled heart-warmingly, her head slightly tilted to the side. Aron's eyes widened in surprise and recognition.

"Rei..." She nodded in conformation. "It's you. It's really you!" Aron ran up to her and hugged her tightly, her hood falling off in the process. Her eyes went wide in surprise before gently wrapping her arms around him.

"It's me, Aron. It's me." Sniffles came from Aron and tears ran down his face onto her shoulder.

"You're back... you're finally back..." Rei smiled and hugged him tighter.

"I'm here, Aron. I'm finally here." Aron squeezed her before stepping back, laughing sheepishly as he wiped away his tears.

"Took you long enough," Rei laughed and nodded. "You... you missed so much, Rei. I don't even know where to start! But there's one thing I want to know-."

"Why I left, right?" Aron nodded slowly. Rei sighed. "Can we talk somewhere else? It's a little awkward on the street." Aron smiled and nodded. He signalled for her to follow and they entered the mansion. Airon followed behind and entered after them, still dematerialized. Rei and Aron entered the empty mansion and went to the living room where they got comfortable. Rei looked across to Aron and sighed heavily.

"Aron, I trust you. Even after all these years, I have an incredible amount of trust in you. What happened seven years ago was my fault. Don't argue," Rei said just as Aron was about to interrupt. "And I want to apologize. What happened was because I pushed a domino a little too much. But I won't rant on and on about what happened back then, because it's all in the past. And I've made my apology and whether you choose to accept it and forgive me is up to you, but you of all people deserve an explanation. A full explanation." Aron stayed quiet and stared at her with a blank expression. He sighed.

"I can't believe it. My little sister has matured so much..." He laughed sheepishly while a small smile tugged at Rei.

"I believe you've already deduced the reason why I challenged you to an Agni Kai. I was jealous. You and Dai were natural born prodigies, even though you had a little trouble controlling it. With Mother and Father's high status in the Nation, they were expected to produce exceptional successors, which were you and Dai. Both Mother and Father are firebenders, so for me to be a non-bender was the biggest disgrace they could receive. They send me to the 'Royal Fire Academy for Girls' for the single reason that Princess Azula was there. Although Mother was already friends with Lady Ursa, it would still evolve the family's nobility status if the daughter was friends with the Princess. I was an icon used for status. For that reason they protected me, the seemingly frail non-bending child. Although I know Mother was against most of it, Father does have an incredible amount of power; even over her. For those reasons, I hated being a non-bender. I hated being a normal mortal. That day, when I saw you practicing your great red flames, I got incredibly jealous. I wanted to prove that I could also bend, that I wasn't a disgrace. So without thinking, I challenged you, knowing full well that you could exactly control your flames yet.

After your fight with Dai, I ran. I was too scared to face up to reality and I was mentally shattered. I never ever wanted to see you two fight. I was taken to the forest where I met a guy, a very sweet guy. He became my best friend and helped me on the right path. He helped me get stronger; strong enough so that I can stand here in front of you once again. He... he reminded me so much about you. Your protecting, boyish, playful personality; your sense for an adventure. How you would never give up on a thing; how you would help me get back on my feet after a disaster. How both of you guys' eyes are so clear yet so full of emotion; how you both can bring a smile onto my face," Rei stopped temporarily to wipe away a tear. Little ways behind her stood Airon, his eyes glossy as tears threatened to fall. "His... his name's Airon. He's named after you. He's... he's here with us right now, believe it or not." Aron frowned slightly as Rei laughed sheepishly. Airon smirked and materialized, causing Aron's eyes to widen. Airon shook his head at her.

"You idiot, making me all teary." Aron's eyes were wide and he slowly rose out of the couch .

"You're... Airon?" Airon nodded his head.

"It's an honour to finally meet you. I've always longed to meet the person who I was named after." Aron blinked in surprise before a he suddenly laughed.

"And here I thought you were going to introduce me to your boyfriend or something." He laughed. Rei chuckled and rose, walking over towards Airon. She hugged him around the head.

"What are you talking about, he is my boyfriend!" She chuckled and the other two joined in. The laughter soon died down and she turned serious. "At that time he was only a mere fawn who had no name and couldn't speak. After taking me to his mother, we discovered quite an interesting fact about me. I-." She hesitated and looked up at Aron who was waiting in suspense. She turned around to face Airon, hugging his neck tightly. "This will be the first time I reveal to anyone that I'm a soulbender." She whispered so that only he could hear. He hugged her by using his neck.

"You don't have to tell him everything right now. If you need time, I'm sure he'll give it to you." He whispered back to her. Rei remained frozen in place before speaking.

"Aron, the truth is that... I'm a bender. Just a... different kind of bender." She said, her back still facing him. Aron frowned.

"What do you mean by that?" He questioned. Rei hesitated before turning around. She struck out her arm, palm facing upward. She scrunched her fingers slowly into a fist, small orange lights appearing around her as she did so. Aron gasped.

"These are small fire spirits drawn from the power of firebending. They are some of the most basic types of spirits and have no personality of their own. They just wander around and have no particular reason for anything. Yet, they're born from the power of bending. Makes you a bit nostalgic, thinking of how many of these little guys' ones bending can create," Rei explained, the fire spirits floating around her. "The bending that I possess is called 'soulbending'. It has to do with the spirits and souls of things. I can heal troubled souls and rescue those possessed by them. In a way, my bending also has a relation to bloodbending since I to can control that of a living thing. But..." she lowered her hand, the fire spirits disappearing once more. "It's a little bit more complicated than that. Aron, you've never heard of soulbending before, correct?" He nodded, too shocked to say anything else. "That's because after Avatar Wan, the first Avatar, closed the Spirit Portals, we've been going extinct. My Master told me the most soulbenders at a single time since then is five. At the moment there's only me, and possibly another girl. But you see, soulbending is a lot different from all the other form of bending. It's almost like the Avatar cycle. Soulbending would randomly appear in someone across the world. Buy however, there's one condition to soulbending..." Airon spared a glance at Rei. She's letting it all out in one burst. This is good. She's sharing her story with someone else besides me.

"You have to be a bender in another element." Aron tilted his head in confusion. The information sunk in before his eyes suddenly went wide and he hopped to his feet.

"Does that mean that you-?"

"Yes. At the beginning my Master told me that I was an extraordinary case; a soulbender with no other element. We later on realized... that wasn't the case. It wasn't that I was a late bloomer; it was just that my mental status was so... unhealthy and chaotic that it blocked the bending from being usable. My Master tells me that I'm an exceptional soulbender, but I didn't pick it up that easily at the beginning since I couldn't access my bending. He told me he refused to train me until my mindscape was that of clarity. As soon as I reached a certain level of calmness, I discovered my bending... but it was a little out of control." Rei clenched her fist before releasing it with a sigh. Airon moved towards her and nudged his muzzle into her hair, ruffling it up a bit. She smiled and climbed back onto the couch , grabbing one of the pillows and hugging it.

"So how does it work? The two bending thing?" Aron asked, eager.

"I'll explain. See all four of the bending elements have a connection with the physical body. Earth would be the minerals you consume, Water the liquids in your body, Air of that you breath in and Fire of the burning soul. For soulbending, you require one of these." Aron nodded. A silence settled between the three before Rei suddenly held her hand out, clenched in a fist. She opened her hand and a bright orange flame appeared inside of it. Aron sucked in a breath. Rei focused on the flame and, soon enough, colours entered the flame, turning it multi-coloured.

"This is the healing flame of soulbending." Rei explained.

"It's beautiful..." Aron complemented, entranced almost. Rei held out her other hand and another flame appeared; this one purple and orange. "And what's that one?"

"This is my soul flame," Rei explained. Aron stared at it before she closed both hands, the two flames dispersing. "So, now you know. Now you know the truth." Aron nodded his head slowly and folded his hands together in thought. He seemed to have stared at nothing. Airon leaned towards Rei and nudged at her head.

"You're tense. You need to calm down. It's your brother, after all." He whispered to her. She nodded slowly and buried her face into the pillow.

"I have a headache now from all that crying earlier. You turn me into an emotional wreck, brother." Aron chuckled and stood up. He moved over towards Rei and hugged her tightly. She chuckled and hugged him back. He squeezed her tightly before moving back again.

"Wait here for a bit." He said and stood up. He left the living room and went up the stairs to somewhere else. It wasn't long before he returned, this time a young girl with chocolate coloured hair that hung to her waist following behind. Her fire coloured eyes frowned in curiosity. Rei immediately stood up once she saw the small girl. I can't believe it...

"Nayla, I would like to introduce you to-."

"Reiko, right?" The little girl said, her eyes filled with a sort of confidence.

"You know me?" She nodded.

"I was shown pictures of you, my sister." Rei was surprised but nodded. She seems like a tough girl.

"Well then Rei, this is Nayla. I'm not sure if you're aware but-."

"I'm aware." She cut Aron off. He nodded slowly.

"Now, if I may ask, why have you decided to return at this particular point in time? From the beginning you were gone, so why now?" Nayla asked, annoyance laced in her words.

"I guess I was just never strong enough until now, but you wouldn't understand that, would you? You seem like a very strong girl. I'm glad." Rei smiled a heart-warming smile at her. Nayla frowned at her and turned to Aron.

"How is this my sister?" Aron frowned at her as she stomped off.

"I'm sorry. She's just-."

"No. That's all my fault. She never knew me and I never knew her. To her, I'm just the disgraceful older sister who abandoned the family." Aron frowned.

"No, that's not-."

"No. Just leave it there," Rei cut Aron off again. Aron stayed quiet and nodded. Rei sighed. "Where's Dai?"

"At the Boiling Rock." She frowned.

"Why?"

"He's a Captain now, stationed there," Rei nodded slowly. I remember Carnelian mentioning the Captain thing. "Tea?" She smiled.

"Always." Aron nodded and exited the room. Airon lowered his head towards Rei.

"Remember when we were in the swamp and saw those visions? I think it was Aron who I saw. At that time he was crying and kept apologizing over and over." Rei's eyes widened slightly before taking a deep breath.

"It really is someone of the future. I wonder when I will meet the white haired soulbender." Airon nodded his head before raising his it in the direction of the stairs where Nayla had stormed up.

"She didn't seem particularly alarmed by my appearance."

"Maybe she didn't notice you?" Airon frowned.

"I doubt it. I'm only like a 2 metre white stag with branches for antlers, but yeah, totally unnoticeable." Rei scoffed.

"Hey is Spiced tea okay?" Aron called from the kitchen.

"It's fine for me but Airon's tongue isn't designed for something like that." Rei called back.

"The deer drinks tea too? Okay, can I hold the flamed leaves then?"

"Please." Airon says and walked around the room, dematerializing a part of his body if it comes across an obstacle. He inspected pictures on the walls and the décor. Aron came back not long after with two cups and a bowl for Airon.

"So tell me," Aron started after settling on the couch again. "What do you plan to do now? Now that you've returned to us. Do you plan to stay?" Rei took a sip from her burning tea before placing it down.

"I have a goal and a duty to fulfil as a soulbender. And besides, I'm not exactly welcomed here." Rei spoke, looking towards the stairs. Aron didn't respond at once.

"She'll come around." Rei didn't say anything. The sound of a door opening suddenly sounded, followed by footsteps. Aron cursed and jumped onto his feet.

"Oh hey Aron... who's this?" A familiar voice asked as she entered the living room. Dammit! I didn't expect this so soon!

"Mother, I can explain..." Rei smirked at Aron's efforts. He sounds like he just brought a girl over for the very first time and got exposed. Rei stood up and turned to her mother, placing a heart-warming smile on her face.

"Welcome home, mother." She welcomed as she did when she was little. Her mother, Lady Stelle, dropped everything she was carrying with surprise. She stared at Rei with a shocked expression. Slowly, she made her way to Rei and raised her hand to her face. She embraced Rei's cheek, rubbing it with her thumb. Tears began to well up in her eyes. A heart-warming smile planted itself onto her face, a tear escaping.

"Reiko..." She said silently, inspecting her daughter's matured face. Rei raised her hand and placed it over her mother's.

"Mother." She said, smiling. Stelle took her daughter into her arms in a sort-of 'welcoming' hug.

"Welcome back."

"It's good to be back." She said, stepping backwards.

"Well now, this seems to be like the ideal tension-free space I need to make my official appearance," Airon spoke, rather smugly. "I am Airon... of the woods." He said, unsurely. Stelle's eyes went wide and was about to say something before closing her mouth, deciding against it. She shook her head.

"Unbelievable," She commented. Airon snickered. "Well now, uhm... tea?" Rei pointed towards her cup.

"Already have; thanks." Stelle nodded and moved into the kitchen.

"It went well, luckily." Aron commented. Rei nodded.

"It won't be the same with Father." Aron nodded to that.

"He should be on his way at the moment. He doesn't return long after Mother." Rei nodded in understanding.

"Well, I think I'd best be on my way then." Rei said as she stood up.

"Oh I don't think so young lady," Stelle said as she exited the kitchen. "You disappeared for seven years and decide to just leave like that again? Nah ah, we're having a family dinner. Well, minus Dai." Her mother told her strictly and pushed her down to sit on the couch again. Rei sighed and sat back.

"Great," She said sarcastically. Her mother went back into the kitchen again where she started on the dinner. "Dad's not going to like this."

"Like what?" Aron questioned.

"Me being back. I abandoned everything. Not the best time to run away either." Rei sighed, reaching for her cup.

"I'm sure it will be fine." Aron to reassure.

"I doubt it."

"Is this guy Dai?" Airon asked, referring to a picture he was looking at. It showed Dai, more mature than Rei had last seen, wearing a Fire Nation Captain's uniform. Their father, Admiral Zon, was standing next to him, a proud look on his face. Aron nodded.

"Yeah, that's big bro alright. He's still as emotionless looking as that time." Aron said, shrugging. Rei stared at the photo before her eyes began to wonder to the other frames. It showed family photos, with Nayla taking her place. She casted her eyes towards the stairs.

"How is she?" Rei questioned.

"You mean in health or-."

"You know, just, what kind of person is she?" Aron huffed and sat back.

"While, she's very...strange. She always just stares out at nothing and it always seems as if she's bother by something we can't see." He tried explaining.

"Like?" Rei frowned.

"Not sure. She always describes it as if it's 'stuffy' and she feels 'pressed in'."

"Claustrophobic?" He shrugged.

"Could be. But she doesn't prefer open spaces as well. There isn't a place where she's at ease besides here. She doesn't leave the house much. She gets home-schooling and one of us is always by her side. She's actually a very scared child, but when she learned of you she vowed she will not seem weak before you." Aron explained, taking another sip.

"She's even frailer than I was." Rei said, more to herself.

"Not entirely. She's an extremely skilled firebender and can go head-to-toe with me in an Agni Kai. She describes that firebending takes her mind off of the stuffiness, since fire basically eats away at air." Rei slowly nodded and took another sip, Airon coming over to her and drinking his tea from the bowl. He nods his big head approvingly.

"Well I'm glad it's to your satisfaction." Aron nodded at Airon. The sound of heavy footsteps sounded suddenly after the front door creaked open. Airon looked towards the direction of the door, only to see a large man, heavy in armour, step through. He frowned.

"Stelle?" He called out.

"Yes, Zon?" She called back.

"Why is there a deer in my living room?" He asked, confusedly. Rei chuckled. Zon frowned and looked over Airon towards Aron, Rei hidden by Airon form his view. "Did you bring a girl over?" Aron chuckled.

"Yes, Father, my sister." He said. Zon frowned before Rei stood up, facing towards him. Zon's eyes grew wide.

"This cannot be..." He muttered to himself. Rei shrugged.

"Well, believe it or not, it is," She spread her arms out. "Here I am." Zon chuckled and moved towards her, scooping her into his large arms for a hug. He bended down towards her ear to whisper.

"I don't know why you've chosen to return now, or why you left in the first place, but you must know that you cannot be welcomed back with open arms before you've explained." He whispered.

"I know. But I can't stay anyway. I have a promise to fulfil." She whispered back. Zon stepped back.

"And as a member of this household, you cannot go back on your word. I understand that," She nodded and he smiled lightly. "Now then, what is that?" Zon asked, looking towards Airon.

"Uhm, well-." Rei was cut off.

"If I may, sir, I am Airon of the Fire Nation Forest. I have protected your daughter for seven years now and I will continue to do so, regardless of anyone's orders." Rei chuckled. Airon spoke as if introducing himself to the Fire Lord, adding the 'of the Fire Nation Forest' just to prove his nationality. Zon's eyes went wide as the mysterious deer spoke.

"Well, then, uhm..." Rei chuckled and walked over to Airon, hugging him around his head.

"You're scaring him." She whispered to him, amusement in her voice. He chuckled as well. Zon just sighed.

"So, will you be staying for dinner?" He asked. Rei nodded.

"I think so. I owe that much." He nodded.

"We would be delighted to have you."

"Well, as long as it's vegetarian." Rei said, suddenly remembering to mention that detail.

"Oh I'm glad you said that! I was just about to add the beef." Stelle called out. Zon frowned.

"Since when?" He asked.

"Since I met this guy." Rei answered, poking her thumb in Airon's direction.

"I assume you'd also want something to eat?" Stelle asked, poking her head out of the kitchen and looked in Airon's direction. He nodded.

"Would be much appreciated." Stelle smiled and nodded before retreating back into the kitchen. Zon went and sat down on the couch next to Rei.

"So, what have you been doing all these years?" He asked, eager.

"Oh you know. Travelling, trying vegetation delicacies, training, researching, exploring-." Rei was cut off.

"Training?" Zon frowned. "Of what?" Rei bit her lip.

"Fire." If possible, his frown deepened even more.

"Fire?" He questioned. She nodded and cast her eyes to the floor.

"And other things." Zon peered at her curiously.

"Oh father, no need to be so serious. So travelling around, you must've seen a lot of things, lot of people." Aron said. Rei nodded.

"Yeah. There's so much out there." Rei said, amazed.

"What are some of the places you've been to?" Zon asked, now interested.

"Hmm well the Northern Water Tribe, Ba Sing Se, most of the Air Temples, the Swamp... I could go on," Rei looked up to see them frowning at her. "What?"

"You've been to the other nations?" She nodded.

"The sights and delicacies are unimaginable, and I never realized before just how big Earth Kingdom territory is!" Rei said, amazed. Zon nodded.

"Of course. That's why it's been so hard taking over. Getting to Ba Sing Se unnoticed is a challenge on its own." Zon said, nodding. Rei froze and slowly nodded, the smile slipping from her face. Aron noticed it.

"What is the matter?" He questioned. She shook her head.

"Just this stupid war is all. I wish it could end." She said bitterly.

"Well then you don't have to worry. Sozin's Comet is upon us." Rei frowned.

"Comet?" He nodded.

"Yes. Once it comes it will increase all firebenders' powers. We'll be able to take over a lot easier that way." Zon said, nodding. Rei frowned and slowly nodded.

"Aron, come help me set up the table!" Stelle called out. Aron stood up from the couch and entered the dining room.

"So who did you make this promise to? The deer?" Zon asked.

"More to an entire race, but I made it to myself." Zon smiled and nodded.

"Come on. I'll help set up while you go get Nayla. Her room is across your old one." She nodded and stood up, making her way towards the stairs. Airon stayed behind and followed Zon to the dining room. Once reaching the door, Rei stopped before knocking. She stayed still before hearing a voice.

"I know you're there." She heard Nayla's muffled voice through the door. She sighed and opened the door. Nayla's room was of red and gold with no particular decoration. It was plain, but beautiful.

"I love your room." Rei commented. Nayla stayed silent.

"What do you want?" She asked. Rei nodded.

"Dinner. Come on." Rei exited the room and after hesitation, Nayla followed behind her. Entering the dining room, everything was already set up. The removed one of the chairs so that Airon may stand at the table as well. Everyone sat down and silently placed food on their individual plates and bowls. Finishing her own, Rei helped Airon by placing his food into his bowl and plate.

"This will be the first time we've had an animal at our dining table." Stelle said, amused.

"If I may, I'm not an animal, but a spirit." Airon spoke. Nayla looked up, curious.

"Still an animal." Rei said, amused. He rolled his eyes. Rei smiled and began at her vegetable soup. She smiled.

"Even after all these years, your cooking is the best." Stelle smiled at the comment.

"So, when will you be leaving? I want to take you shopping." Stelle asked.

"Hm... I'm not sure. I think I'll stay... two days? I'm thinking of visiting Airon's family tomorrow." Rei said, looking over to Airon who had his mouth in his soup bowl. He nodded once he raised his head.

"Deer herd?" Nayla asked, interested. Rei looked over, a little shocked and nodded.

"Want to come with?" Rei asked with a smile. Nayla frowned and cast her eyes down to her food.

"Why would I?" She mumbled.

"Actually, I think that's a great idea! You should go with her tomorrow!" Stelle said with joy. Nayla looked up quickly.

"What? No!" She said quickly.

"Come on, it'll be fun. I promise." Rei said with a smile. Nayla frowned and began eating again.

"It'll be good for you two." Zon said with a nod. Nayla just huffed. No more conversation was made as a tense atmosphere hung in the air. After eating, Nayla excused herself and went to retire. Zon soon followed while Aron and Rei helped Stelle clean up.

"I really do hope you and Nayla grow close. You are sisters after all." Stelle said whilst washing dishes.

"Me to. I hope I'll be able to help her in some way. But doesn't she hate the outside?" Stelle nodded.

"I also hope you'll be able to help her. I really worry about her." Stelle said, silently.

"You shouldn't worry so much, Mother. Nayla is strong." Aron said, reassuringly. Stelle nodded.

"I know," she sighed and turned to Rei. "You old room was kept clean." Rei nodded and after thanking them, she retired to that room. Airon followed, having trouble with the narrow steps before just floating upwards. Rei chuckled before entering, Airon following after her. As her mother said, her room was kept clean. Her room looked similar to Nayla's; red and gold. Except where Nayla's bed had a canopy bed curtain, Rei's was a large circle bed with a back-couch built into it.

"Fancy." Airon commented.

"At that time, I was Daddy's only little princess. I had everything I wanted." Rei said with a shrug. She took her backpack from Airon and dug out her night clothes. After getting dressed, she climbed onto the bed where Airon had already made himself comfortable against the back-couch. She lay against his stomach and pulled the cover over them. She snuggled into him, making herself comfortable.

"Your family didn't seem too angry." He commented.

"That's not true. They actually want to yell at me and grab me by the throat and demand where I was."

"You don't know that."

"But I do. They keep asking me if I will leave and when. They want me gone, I know."

"Aron doesn't." He said, matter-of-factly. Rei sighed.

"He's my brother. It's different."

"And Nayla's your sister, Stelle your mother and Zon your father. How's it different?" Rei didn't answer. She sighed.

"Maybe Nayla will be changed by a spirit deer; just like I was." She said, looking up at his head. He didn't answer, merely nodded his head before resting it on a pillow. She settled in.

"Let's hope so."