Rei knocked on Nayla's door the next day before opening it. Nayla looked up from her book and screeched.

"Haven't you ever heard of knocking?" She huffed.

"Uh, I just did. Come on." Rei spoke. Nayla sighed and closed her book, jumping onto her feet.

"Where are we going anyway?" Nayla asked as she followed Rei out the house.

"You'll see." Rei said as they reached Airon who was waiting outside, fully saddled. She climbed onto Airon's back before holding out her hand towards Nayla who had a raised eyebrow.

"You're kidding." Rei chuckled and shook her head. Nayla sighed and took her hand before being pulled onto Airon's back.

"I must say, you weight almost nothing Nayla." Airon commented.

"Shut up," She hissed. Airon chuckled before dematerializing the three of them, shocking Nayla. He began floating upwards before setting in the direction of the forest outside of the volcano. "The forest?" Nayla questioned, clutching onto Rei for dear life. She nodded. Airon made his way down before landing in front of the waterfall. Rei smiled while Nayla just looked confused. Airon started to walk forward, on the water. Nayla looked down in surprise.

"I don't get it..." She muttered. Airon walked through the waterfall, Nayla screeching as water filled her vision. They burst through on the other side, landing on the cave floor. On the other side stood Ferre, still as young as Rei remembered her, with the bodies of fully grown deer by her feet.

"Déjà vu." Rei muttered, causing Ferre to turn around. Her eyes went wide as Rei and Nayla climbed off of Airon.

"I can't believe it..." Ferre muttered to herself as she saw them. Rei smiled and ran up to her before hugging her around the neck.

"It's good to see you again, Ferre." Ferre smiled and hugged her back using her neck. Rei let go and made way as Airon stepped through towards his mother.

"Mother." He said with a smile, nodding his head.

"First born..."

"It's Airon now." Ferre smiled and nodded.

"Of course." Groaning was heard as one of the siblings woke up.

"Mother, please, sleep..." He groaned before suddenly bolting up as he was kicked in the face by another deer. "Hoi! Autumn!" The stag hissed. The deer sat up, an innocent look on her face.

"Yes?" She asked, feigning innocence.

"Don't 'yes' me! You just kicked me!" He yelled, jumping onto his hooves. She shook her head.

"Don't know what you're talking about, Cliff." Autumn said with a smile. Cliff narrowed his eyes at her in a glare.

"Now, now, don't fight. We have guests." Ferre said, the two immediately looking up at them. Autumn rose to her hooves as well.

"Wow, this is a first. Guests." She said, tilting her head in amusement. Ferre nodded.

"Wake the others." Cliff nodded as he set off to wake their siblings with not-so-nice tactics.

"Don't bloody well kick me!" Another stag yelled as he was rudely awakened by Cliff.

"Just get up Blaze." Autumn sneered as she awoke three deer sleeping against each other. Coral, Luna and Harmony. They rose to their hooves, rather majestically.

"Hold up," Blaze said, looking around. "Where's fawn-boy?" Everyone looked around before Ferre sighed in a slight annoyance.

"Who's fawn-boy?" Rei asked with a frown.

"Last born," Ferre explained. "He hasn't spoken yet." Rei nodded in understanding.

"He's always out in about. He's worse than you, uhm..." Coral spoke, frowning at Airon.

"Airon." He answered.

"Airon? What kind of name is that?" Luna asked, tilting her head.

"A special one." Harmony said silently.

"Fawn-boy will be fine. There's nothing odd in the forest. We went out yesterday. No need to worry." Cliff said with a nod as he looked at the waterfall.

"Anyway, this is a time for joy. Our dear brother is back." Coral spoke, looking towards him. All deer looked towards him.

"Indeed it is." Luna said with a nod.

"It is great to see you all again," Airon said with a nod. "You all have matured greatly."

"Well it has been seven years." Autumn rolled her eyes.

"We should probably re-introduce ourselves, for Airon, Rei and the mortal." Nayla frowned.

"First born is obviously Airon, but I am second born. My name is Coral, for I love the sea." A deer introduced. A stag sneered.

"Third born. I'm Blaze; you can probably guess why." The stag scoffed.

"Forth born. I'm Luna, because of my love for the enchanting moon." A deer spoke.

"And then I'm fifth born, Autumn. I ride with the season's wind with the colours entangled like a vine." The deer spoke.

"Sixth born, Cliff. I reach calmness when I'm at the highest peak above the ocean." The stag said with a nod before looking over at the last deer. She lowered her head in shyness.

"S-seventh born. I'm Harmony. I believe in peace...please don't fight." The small deer spoke.

"And then there's fawn-boy, last born." Autumn spoke.

"It's unbelievable. Thinking that last time I saw you all it was when you were still fawns without names or antlers." Rei said, amazed.

"Well one of us still doesn't have a name." Autumn said rather harshly.

"Or antlers." Blaze joined in.

"You two shan't talk about your brother like this!" Ferre said accusingly. They said nothing. "Don't turn this into a fight. It's been seven years since you've seen your brother and I'm pretty sure this is not the welcome he expected."

"Tough luck." Autumn muttered. Ferre rolled her eyes and turned back to them.

"Anyhow, who's the mortal?" Coral asked, looking at Nayla.

"This is Nayla, my little sister." Rei introduced. With everyone staring at her, Nayla suddenly felt extremely uncomfortable.

"Her appearance does match yours." Luna muttered to herself in thought.

"We also have two brothers." Rei said with a nod. Blaze scoffed.

"You only need to deal with three, try seven." He said with annoyance.

"I can imagine the fights." Rei nodded.

"Indeed. They're always at each other's necks." Ferre said with a sigh. Rei chuckled.

"Let's talk, Ferre. I'm sure the siblings would like to get reacquainted." Rei said. Ferre nodded and they both exited through the waterfall, leaving the seven siblings and Nayla alone.

"So how have you guys been doing? You treating Mom right? I hope you don't give her a lot of trouble." Airon asked.

"What? You think you can just assume the role of oldest that quickly after seven years?" Blaze sneered.

"No, that's not what I-."

"Do you know how hard it had been on Mom? You were always the one to look after and protect us smaller fawns in place of the father figure. You were always the one to help Mom and make sure we were all safe, even though it didn't seem that way with all your adventures. You looked after the forest and made sure no one would come near us. You disappearing meant Mom had to suddenly do all that. Coral had to become the oldest sibling, having to abandon all her reckless playing and become the serious sibling. It was hard." Blaze growled at Airon.

"Blaze, that's enough." Coral said strictly.

"I never knew..." Airon muttered to himself.

"Airon, no. Don't listen to him. He might not seem it, but he really did miss you." Coral told him.

"No I-." Blaze was cut off.

"Shut it, Blaze. He disappearing meant that we had to mature. If he hadn't left, we might still be like fawn-boy." Luna said matter-of-factly. Blaze frowned and said nothing.

"I'm sorry; I know this is not what you expected." Coral apologized to Airon.

"No if anything it's I who need to apologize." He said. Coral shook her head.

"Don't. It's okay. We're just glad you're back." She smiled brightly. Airon smiled and nodded, moving closer towards his siblings. Nayla frowned at the scene in thought. She cast her eyes downwards and before looking over towards the waterfall. Rei... She moved to go out and burst through the waterfall, only to fall into the river. The waterfall made the current much stronger, rendering her unable to swim up. Her eyes suddenly went wide with fear as she was pushed down. She suddenly felt a pair of hands tugging under her shoulders, pulling upwards. Her head burst through, allowing air to enter her lunges once more. She looked up to see Rei with a worried look on her face.

"That's dangerous. This waterfall is extremely strong." Nayla frowned as she realized Rei was standing on the water.

"You..."" Rei smiled and pulled her up all the way, throwing her into her back. "What are you doing?"

"Don't want you falling back in now would I?" Nayla frowned but said nothing. Not too far away, Ferre stood with a worried look.

"Is she okay?" Rei laughed.

"I think she's just fine. Just little shocked," Ferre nodded and relief filled her face. Rei walked on the water until she reached land where she placed Nayla down. "Wait here, I'll be back." Rei said before running towards the waterfall and bursting through. Pinot long after, she came back with a bundle in her arms.

"What's that for?" Nayla asked, curiously.

"Come on," Rei said and walked deeper into the forest, Ferre following behind. Nayla sighed and ran after them. It wasn't long before they stopped. Rei placed the bundle down and turned to the two. "Wait here. I'll be back." She said before running off into the forest.

"Now what do you suppose she's doing?" Ferre chuckled in amusement. Nayla sighed.

"I don't know and I don't care." Nayla huffed and sat down. Ferre looked at her curiously.

"You don't like your sister?" She asked. Nayla wrapped her arms around her knees and pulled them towards her, a shiver running down her spine as cold wind struck her wet body.

"I don't know her. To me she's just a girl who's supposed to be my sister but instead abandoned me even before I was born." Nayla said rather bitterly.

"You cannot deny that she's your sister." Nayla frowned.

"I can and I will."

"Well aren't you a stuck up one?" Ferre chuckled as she went to Nayla and sat down next to her, tucking her legs under her. "Your sister didn't leave you deliberately you know. She was scared, very scared. And she knew she couldn't return with what had happened." Nayla frowned.

"What do you mean? What happened?" Ferre's eyes went wide.

"You don't know?" Nayla shook her head.

"No, what happened?" Ferre nodded slowly.

"Your sister...she wasn't a bender and she was a disappointing figure because of that." Ferre continued to tell Rei's story of how she came to find herself in the forest but stopped there, not sure if Rei wanted Nayla to know of her soulbending nature. Nayla was frozen by the end. Her expression was stoic and it was hard for her to process everything clearly.

"You know, for a seven year old, you're extremely smart. This is the second case I've seen like this."

"Who was the first?" Nayla tilted her head in curiosity.

"Well your sister of course. She was six when she came here to us." Nayla's eyes went wide. It wasn't long after that when Rei returned, her arms filled with wooden logs with apples stacked on top of them.

"What's that for?" Nayla questioned.

"A fire of course." Rei threw down the logs and with a small flick of her hand she lit it aflame.

"You're a bender?" Nayla asked, suspicious.

"Yes, I am now. I'm just a late bloomer." Rei said with a nod. She picked up a blanket form the bundle and threw it towards her. She caught it.

"What's this for?" She asked.

"Well, you're soaking wet and you'll get sick. So take off your clothes and wrap that around you. I've got other clothes for you here once you're dry." Nayla narrowed her eyes but as she was told. Rei took the soaking clothes and laid it out next to the fire. Nayla was sitting in front of the fire, the blanket wrapped around her small frame. Rei took a towel from the bundle and walked over to Nayla. She carefully took the hairband out of her hair, Nayla not resisting, letting the wet hair fall onto her back. Rei wrapped the towel around her hair before moving away towards Ferre. She sat next to her, her head resting against Ferre's stomach just like with Airon.

"Thanks." Nayla silently thanked, to which Rei smiled and nodded. She leaned forward and grabbed the apples she had gathered before sitting back again. She threw one towards Nayla who easily caught it. Rei smiled and gave one to Ferre before taking one herself. Nayla hesitated in eating it before seeing the other two eat. She sighed and took a bite.

"What's your favourite fruit?" Rei suddenly asked, causing Nyala to look up curiously.

"What?"

"You know; your favourite fruit. I prefer the moon peaches I found in the Earth Kingdom but I hear the ones at the Southern Air Temple are even better." Nyala thought for a second.

"Probably purple berries... or maybe ash bananas." Nayla said in thought with a nod.

"What about you Ferre?" Rei asked.

"Hmm... probably mangoes, especially as a juice." Ferre said with a nod.

"But there aren't any mangoes in the Fire Nation?" Rei tilted her head.

"Before I came here to settle, I also did a little of exploring. Immortal lives are hard to entertain otherwise. I had some of it when I passed through the Mist Palms Oasis." Ferre explained.

"The Misty Palms Oasis? That's in the middle of the Si Wong Desert. That must've been hot." Ferre nodded.

"Very." Rei stood up.

"Speaking of hot, here," She said, throwing the bundle of clothes at Nayla. She nodded and started dressing in the over-sized clothes. She thanked Rei after she was finished and returned the blanket and towel. "My pleasure." Suddenly, an alarm sounded before a sudden explosion erupted, causing the earth to shake.

"What was that?!" Nayla yelled as she was thrown off her feet.

"I don't know!" Rei yelled back as she tried to keep her balance. Ferre's head was perked and all over the place. More explosions followed after each other, this time six of them.

"Rei!" She turned to see AIron and the other siblings run towards them.

"Airon! Keep Nayla safe, I'm going to check it out!" Rei said as she ran in the direction of the volcano.

"No wait Rei!" Airon screeched and looked back at Nayla with clenched teeth in worry.

"I'll go after her." Blaze said, surprising Airon.

"Really?" Blaze merely stared at him before rushing forward to catch up with Rei witch he easily did.

"Blaze?" Rei asked in surprise when he joined her.

"Yes, don't question it." He ducked his head under her, throwing her onto his back. He suddenly flew upwards up the side of the volcano until they could see over the capital.

"Look, there at the coast line!" Rei said, pointing in the direction of the beach. Worm-like tanks exited from beached submarines, with trucks filled with rocks following in suite. Earth- and waterbenders attacked the firebending army men and tanks that tried to hold them back.

"Is this an invasion?" Blaze asked with amusement in his voice.

"Looks like it."

"Rei!" Her name was suddenly called and she looked down to see Aron in a watchtower. Blaze flew down and landed beside it. Aron ran from the tower.

"Aron, what's happening?" She asked, confused.

"An invasion." He told her. She rolled her eyes.

"Well I can see that, but who's attacking?"

"The Avatar. It turns out he's alive. He's planning to kill Firelord Ozai with today's solar eclipse. Princess Azula managed to find out about it though and everyone was evacuated to the underground bunked in the capital. Firebender army men are here on the coast line to create some time. Later, when the eclipse comes, everyone is to retreat to the bunker. The Firelord is safe on one of the lowest levels, but the Avatar will eventually learn of the bunker and that's where Azula and her Dai Li agents are waiting for them. She's to waste time until after the eclipse. The Avatar will then be trapped in the middle of our territory." Rei was shocked.

"Eclipse?" Blaze asked, tilting his head.

"Yes, it will take away firebnding. Rei, where's Nyala?" He asked.

"Safe, with Airon." He nodded.

"Good. You need to get to the bunker." He insisted. She shook her head.

"No, I can't." He frowned.

"Why not?"

"Because I won't comply with the Fire Nation. Aron, listen to me. The Fire Nation is evil, ruthless and merciless. That becomes clear when you see the world. An entire race went extinct because of the Fire Nation. The world is in constant devastation and fear because of the Fire Nation. This 100 year war, is not what you think it is. Ridding off the world's evil, supplies, whatever lies they told you. This war is meant for global domination. They want to create the Fire Nation into the world's only super power and rid of all other nation. That's one of the reasons why I never came back. I can't live on the side of the villain. Aron, please, listen to me. Firelord Ozai is evil. He may not be the one who started the war, but he's intending to end it in blood. If someone else became Firelord, I'm sure it would be more peaceful." Aron frowned at her speech.

"Are you saying you mean to kill the Firelord?" She shook her head.

"No, all that I'm saying is that the Avatar is trying to restore balance to the world and that I'm on his side. I don't care what you think of me, but I can't let them die. If you intend to kill them today, then I will save them." Aron stared at her in suspicion.

"You know him, don't you?" Rei looked at him in confusion. "The Avatar, I mean." She nodded.

"Yes, I travelled with them. Aang is a good kid, as are the rest of them. They're not the ones doing the evil intentions. If you saw the world, you wouldn't doubt me." Aron frowned and cast his eyes to the side. It was silent for a while, tension growing. Blaze looked at the scene in amusement.

"Will you then show me?" Aron asked, causing Rei to look confused. "The world I mean. They have no use for me here really anyway. I'm just the guy who disgraced his family." Rei's eyes went wide.

"Do you mean to-?" He nodded.

"I believe you. If you say the Avatar is a good guy and should be saved, then I'll help you. Rei, I know, I know what the Fire Nation has been doing, but I couldn't do anything. One man can't change the world." Rei smirked.

"The Avatar will." He rolled his eyes.

"And I'm also guessing this has some soulbending thing involved?" Rei smiled slyly and nodded.

"Something like that." Aron nodded.

"Alright, whatever. What do we do?" Rei frowned in thought.

"Hmm, well since we'll both lose our firebending during the eclipse, that only leaves my soulbending and out physical abilities to use. I'm guessing we should make our way to the bunker to rescue them from Azula." Aron frowned.

"Can't we just stop them here at the coast?" She shook her head.

"The Fire Nation will then know they've got a traitor. Also, I doubt Aang will be at the coast. He'll immediately head for the palace." Aron sighed.

"Okay, who's Aang?" Rei chuckled.

"Aang is the Avatar." He nodded.

"Alright. Off to the palace then?" She nodded.

"That might take a while." She said, looking up at the volcano.

"Hoi, am I just a ghost over here?" Blaze sneered. Rei chuckled and turned to him.

"You want to carry us both?" She asked with amusement. Blaze frowned.

"You don't think I can? Alright, come on, I'll carry you both." Rei chuckled and swung herself onto his back.

"Wait... is he serious?" Aron asked in disbelief. Rei held out her hand and Aron hesitantly took it before being pulled up. Blaze didn't seem affected by the weight as he ran forward before leaping off the side of the mountain and flew in the direction of the palace. Aron's eyes went wide and he quickly grabbed forward to hold on tight to Rei. She laughed.

"First time flying?" She asked.

"Duh!" She laughed. Suddenly, a fireball was launched at them from a catapult beneath. Blaze quickly dodged.

"Why are they attacking?!"

"Probably think we're the enemy. Can you dematerialize?" Rei asked.

"Well duh but you can't dematerialize other objects or people." Blaze explained.

"Actually, Airon can." Blaze frowned.

"He can?" Rei nodded and another fireball was catapulted at them. Blaze then flew upwards to dodge it. "That's it! I'm going to kill 'em!"

"Blaze, no, just take us to the mountain side," Blaze sneered but flew down anyway, not heeding her words. "Blaze, Blaze no!" They were headed in the direction of the catapult. The Fire Nation men around the catapult stared up at them in confusion. Must've thought we were Appa, Rei thought. Blaze landed hard, causing Rei and Aron to fall off. Blaze's hooves suddenly turned red and let out steam which surrounded him, his eyes red with fury.

"What was his name again?" Aron whispered to Rei from their positions on the ground.

"Blaze." She whispered back.

"I think I know now why he's called that." Blaze jumped out and lowered his head, ready to pounce. The Fire Nation men seemed surprise and readied their weapons. Blaze's antlers suddenly went aflame, causing the men's eyes to go wide. Blaze suddenly pounced at one and attacked the man using his antlers, easily throwing the man away. Two firebenders attacked with their flames but Blaze easily dodged and ran at the two. He pounced at them with his antlers, burning the men's armour with his flames. Three more men attacked but Blaze quickly dealt with them as well. He then turned to the catapult and retreated before readying his stance. He pounced at the catapult, antlers first; he managed to throw the catapult over, causing it to explode.

"Remind me never to get him angry." Aron said. Rei nodded and stood up, Aron following.

"I never knew spirits can bend." Rei said, causing Blaze to turn to her.

"Spirits basically are nature itself; of course some of us can bend it." He said, his body returning to normal.

"Airon can't."

"He's the companion of a soulbender. If he's to bend anything, it'll be soulbending." Rei frowned.

"Spirits can soulbend?" Blaze frowned.

"I don't know, okay? I don't really care either." Rei rolled her eyes and looked back at the coast. Some sort of vine creature was destroying Fire Nation tanks and catapults. Suddenly, wooden arrows struck from the battlements and destroyed a truck carrying rocks and also attacked the vine creature. Rei looked ahead and saw Katara land with Appa. Sokka and another Water Tribe man mounted and they flew off towards the battlement.

"Come on, I'm sure they can handle it. We've got to get to Aang." Rei said. Aron nodded. Suddenly, almost out of nowhere, a fireball came towards them. Blaze was first to react as he used his antlers to push Rei and Aron out of the way. The fireball struck his side, flinging him away. He glided on the concrete, on his side, before he finally stopped. Two firebenders revealed themselves, creating another fireball and launching it at Rei and Aron, the traitors. Aron was first to react as he quickly bended the fireball in another direction. Rei then lifted her hands towards them, holding them still. In anger of what they had done to Blaze, she didn't think her actions through. In one swift movement she clenched her fists, causing the two men to fall to the ground, dead. Aron was in shock but Rei instead ran towards the injured stag.

"Blaze!" She cried as she sunk onto her knees by his side. His entire stomach was burned, blood pooling under him. She grabbed his face and turned him to look at her. "It's going to be okay, okay? It's going to be alright." She reassured. Blaze laughed sheepishly.

"You know, I never understood why a spirit would willingly follow a mortal around. I went with you because I wanted to try and understand it. I still don't get it though." He chuckled but pain was clear in his voice. Tears welled up in her eyes and a sad smile plastered itself on her face. A familiar growl entered her ears and she turned to see Appa land. Sokka started to instruct the men around while Katara stayed on Appa. Katara, Rei though. She suddenly jumped up and ran towards Appa. Katara saw her coming and her eyes went wide.

"Rei?!" She asked in surprise.

"Please, Katara, I need your help. Someone's been injured." Katara's eyes went wide and she leapt off of Appa. Rei ran towards Blaze, Katara following behind. She immediately knelt down beside him and used her waterbending to heal him.

"Please, don't waste your efforts. I'm pretty sure you have more important things to worry about than me." Blaze said, pain and tiredness clear in his voice.

"Don't say that, Airon. You know how Rei will be without you." Katara said, thinking Blaze was Airon.

"You know my brother? Wow, is he like famous in the mortal world or something?" Blaze chuckled, his head flopping onto the ground. Katara looked up at Rei with confusion.

"This is Blaze, Airon's little brother." She explained.

"Little brother, huh? Only ever Coral could say that. I'm touched." Blaze said sarcastically.

"You're a stubborn one." Aron commented. Blaze could only chuckle.

"Alright. He'll be fine but he shouldn't move for a while. This is the best I can do under these circumstances. If we get out of here alive, I can treat it better with cleaner water." Katara said, mainly to Rei. She nodded.

"Thank you, honestly." Katara nodded with a smile.

"Hey Katara! What are you- Rei?" Sokka's eyes went wide.

"I'll explain later! Go!" Rei yelled. Katara ran back to Appa and Sokka gave the 'charge' order.

"Okay, what do we do?" Aron asked, worried.

"We have to get Blaze to safety, which at the moment, is in the forest." Aron nodded.

"And how do we do that?" Rei hummed in thought.

"I'll be fine." Blaze said, starting to rise.

"No you won't." Rei insisted. Blaze rolled his eyes and climbed onto his hooves.

"I'll take you to the palace." Blaze said.

"No you won't." Rei said in disbelief. Blaze rolled his eyes.

"Fine. But you two need to get moving, otherwise all this would've been for nothing." Blaze insisted, struggling a little to stand.

"But we can't just leave you here alone!" Rei said.

"That's why he won't be alone." Rei looked up at the sudden voice. Coral, Cliff and Autumn flew downwards towards them.

"Ugh. Why are you here?" Blaze groaned in annoyance.

"Oh come on, be honest, you're glad to see us." Autumn teased.

"Airon was worried but didn't want to put Nayla in danger, so we went instead of him. Glad we did." Coral said with a nod. Cliff walked up to the stumbling Blaze and placed his antlers under Blaze and easily picked him of the ground and threw him onto his back. Autumn walked up to them and bend down and raised again, half of Blaze's body now also draped over Autumn's back.

"We'll take care of him, don't worry." Cliff reassured.

"And I will come with you." Coral said, huffing out her chest with pride. Rei chuckled and nodded.

"Thanks." Coral nodded to Autumn and Cliff. They nodded back and flew away with Blaze, in the direction of the forest.

"Alright, let's go!" Coral said used her head to throw Rei onto her back. She laughed. "Come on, you to." Coral said, looking towards Aron. He raised an eyebrow.

"Blaze was at least a male; I'm not letting you carry me," Aron said, folding his arms. Rei rolled her eyes and grabbed a hold of Aron, and in one swift movement, pulled him up. "Wow! Hey!" Coral started to run forward, not giving Aron any choice but to hold on. Rei looked up towards the sky and saw the moon slowly moving in front of the sun. Coral caught up with the invasion force. Rei looked around and pointed at a stationary Earth Kingdom tank where Sokka was talking with the Water Tribe man, Katara, Toph and Aang.

"Over there." Carol nodded and ran over.

"Rei! Is that other deer okay?" Katara asked as they arrived.

"Yes, Blaze is fine. Some of the other siblings took him away. Now look, the Firelord isn't in the palace." Rei said quickly.

"I know, that's why I came back." Aang said in dismay.

"Yes well somehow Azula found out and everyone's been moved to a secret bunker." Rei explained.

"A secret bunker... that's what I just said! I'm a genius!" Sokka screeched. Katara rolled her eyes.

"If it's an underground secret bunker we're look for, I'm just the girl to find it." Toph said, pointing to herself. Sokka pulled out some sort of device from his pocket.

"The mechanist gave me this timing device. It looks like we've got about ten minutes until the full eclipse. Ten minutes to find the Fire Lord."

"We can still do this. We can still win the day." Aang said determined.

"Wait! If they knew we were coming it could all be a trap. Maybe we should use the time we have left to make sure we all get out of here safely." Katara said worried.

"Everyone who's here today came prepared to risk everything for this mission. They know what's at stake. If there's still a chance and there's still hope, I think they would want Aang to go for it." The Water Tribe man explained.

"What do you think? You're the one that has to face the Fire Lord. Whatever you decide, I'm with you." Sokka asked Aang who rose to his feet.

"I've gotta try." He said with determination.

"But it really is a trap. The Firelord is deep in the mountain and Azula and her Dai Li agents are waiting for you there." Rei explained with worry.

"But if we don't do something, then this all've been for nothing." Aang said. Rei said nothing but nodded.

"Anyway, who's this?" Sokka asked suspiciously, looking towards Aron.

"Oh, ah, yes. This is my brother, Aron," Rei explained. "And that's Coral, Airon's younger sister." She said, pointing to Coral who bowed her head.

"Fire Nation?" Sokka narrowed his eyes. Rei scratched the back of her neck nervously.

"It's a long story."

"Which can be told later since the eclipse is almost upon us." Coral made clear, her head poised in the direction of the sun and moon.

"Toph, Sokka, come on," Aang said and the three of them rushed over to Appa. "Appa, yip yip." And they were soon off.

"You think they'll be okay?" Katara asked her. She sighed.

"I don't know. I honestly don't know. I personally think it would've been far safer if we just all leave, especially since they knew you were coming. They are prepared," Rei said with worry. Katara nodded. Rei turned to Aron. "Did they say anything?" Aron hummed in thought.

"Only that when the moon starts going in front of the sun that everyone should retreat to the bunker and that Azula and her Dai Li agents will deal with the intruders. All I know is that after the eclipse a special force will attack." Rei's eyes went wide.

"A special force? Why didn't you mention this sooner?" She screeched.

"Well since you were going on about how the Fire Nation is an evil force, I didn't really have the time to talk about it. Besides, I thought we're rescuing them before they even go into the bunker!" Rei sighed.

"It's too late now." Suddenly, a fireball was launched very closely to them, causing Rei to shriek. Katara tool the Water Tribe man's arm and helped him up.

"Is he injured?" Coral asked.

"Oh this is nothing." The man insisted, pain clear in his voice. Coral trotted up to them and Katara, even though he insisted not, helped the man onto Coral's back.

"This is my dad, Hakoda, by the way." Katara introduced him.

"I'm Reiko." She introduced.

"And as Katara said, I'm Hakoda. I'm honoured for you three to join us." He bowed his head.

"Even though we're Fire Nation?" Aron scoffed. Katara looked up at him suspiciously.

"Are you firebenders?" He asked, amusement hidden in his voice.

"And if we are?" Rei said. Katara looked back at her with wide, shocked eyes.

"Then this is the first time I've ever had firebending allies. I really am honoured." Hakoda said with a smirk. Rei chuckled.

"The eclipse is only minutes away. We should be able to make it up to hill by the time it starts and secure the entire palace by the time it's finished." Another Water Tribe man suddenly said. Everyone agreed and pushed on forwards, faster this time. It wasn't long before they reached the rim of the volcano.

"Surround the periphery! We have to secure the palace by the time the eclipse is over! Otherwise, we'll be in for the fight of our lives." The Water Tribe man said, raising his spear. Fire Nations soldiers moved forward to attack.

"Stop! Surrender peacefully and we won't harm you." An old Earth Kingdom man said.

"We'll never surrender!" A Fire Nation soldier yelled. He then tried to firebend at them, which turned into frenzy movements with no fire. "Okay, we surrender." The soldiers backed down.

"There it is: the Fire Nation Royal Palace. We've come so far." Hakoda said once Coral reached the top of the rim.

"It's not over yet." Katara said, doubtful. It wasn't long before the eclipse was set into full motion and they were all passed dark glasses.

"So that's it. The eclipse." Aron said, looking up at it. Rei nodded. Aron held out his hand and tried to bend fire only to get nothing. He scoffed. Katara turned to him.

"What's wrong?" She asked.

"No it's just... I remember this feeling. This feeling of hopelessness." Rei looked at him with curiosity.

"When'd you feel it before then?" She asked. He turned to look down at her.

"When I was fighting Dai." Her eyes went wide before casting them aside. It was a long time they waited in silence, even after the eclipse, waiting for something to happen.

"What should we do, Hakoda? Shouldn't something have happened by now?" The Water Tribe man asked.

"I don't know. But now that the eclipse is over, I expect we're going to see some firebenders any minute." Hakoda said. The man looked up and suddenly became alarmed. Everyone followed his vision, only to be shocked. From behind the Royal Palace rose several war balloons. Rei turned to look at Aron.

"Special force huh?" Aron was speechless.

"My own invention. Oh, this is terrible!" An old man suddenly screeched.

"They're back!" Katara suddenly yelled, pointing to the sky. They looked to see Appa flying down and landing beside them.

"We've just got to get to the beach as fast as we can. If we can make it to the submarines, maybe we can get away safely." Sokka said immediately after getting off.

"They've got air power, but so do I! I'm gonna do what I can to slow them down." Aang said and quickly took off with his glider, Momo close behind. Katara ran towards Appa and Rei quickly followed. Aron ran after them. They all mounted Appa and took off towards the sky.

"What's the plan?" Aron asked.

"Just slow them down!" Katara yelled as she started to waterbend at a war balloon. Aron nodded and quickly shot a large red fireball at another air balloon. Katara looked back with a sort of shock before becoming focussed again. Rei bit her lip and stood up. She held her hand out, letting fire gather. She then whipped her hand out, a fire whip following behind. She struck it at a balloon, managing to create a tear.

"We can't keep them all back! There's too many of them!" Katara yelled later on as they noticed the advance wasn't decreasing.

"Let's join the others!" Aang yelled. They flew down in the direction of the beach and landed next to Sokka and the rest of the invasion. Katara turned to look back at the war ships.

"Why aren't they turning around to attack us again?" She asked.

"They're heading for the beach ..." Aang said thoughtfully before becoming alarmed. "They're gonna destroy the submarines!"

"How are we all going to escape?" Sokka asked, hopelessly.

"We're not." Hakoda said as Coral reached them.

"Then our only choice is to stand and fight. We have the Avatar, we could still win." Sokka said, determined.

"Yes, with the Avatar we could still win. On another day. You kids have to leave. You have to escape on Appa together." He said.

"What? We can't leave you behind! We won't leave anyone behind!" Katara said, looking to everyone.

"You're our only chance in the long run. You and Sokka have to go with Aang somewhere safe. It's the only way to keep hope alive." Hakoda said, nodding.

"The youngest of our group should go with you. The adults will stay behind and surrender. We'll be prisoners, but we'll all survive this battle." The Water Tribe man said.

"I've got some experience with the Fire Nation prisons. It's not going to be easy, but we'll get by." The old Earth Kingdom man said.

"They're at the beach already!" Sokka said, turning suddenly. Bombs were dropped, and some fell on the submarines, destroying them. Disappointment settled in everyone. Children were helped onto Appa and goodbyes were said. Hakoda swung himself off of Coral, causing her to look at him with shock.

"What are you doing? You're in no condition to walk." She said.

"You need to go with them. I won't let you get captured as well. Thank you for all you've done." Hakoda thanked before stumbling over to Sokka and Katara to talk to them.

"We lost today, but we've never been this close. We tasted victory, and that counts for something."

"We'll miss you, Dad." Katara said as they both hugged their father.

"Bye, Dad. We won't be apart for too long this time. I promise." Sokka promised. Rei smiled and looked away, tears welling up in her own eyes. Aron frowned and walked over to her, placing his hand on her shoulder he looked at her with question.

"What's wrong?"

"It's just that... these children will get separated from their loved ones. I can compare a little." Aron smiled sadly and grabbed his sister, hugging her tightly while she wept into his chest. Aron smiled and picked her up bridal style and helped her onto Appa where he joined her.

"Thank you all for being so brave and so strong. I'm gonna make this up to you." Aang promised before Appa took off. Coral smiled up at them before moving towards the forest. Aron wiped away his sister's tears and hugged her.

"Don't worry. Everyone will be reunited again." He reassured. Aang looked away from the Capital before speaking.

"I know just the place for us to go where we'll be safe for a while. The Western Air Temple."