Chapter Text
“Okay kid, we are on land.” The old man spoke as the boat reached its destination. Some other passengers were there too, some were leaving, some were not.
“Thank you.” She took a light bow to him. She pulled some money from a simple bag she had with her, putting some in the man's hand.
“Pleasure’s all mine kid.” He smiled a little. “What’s your name, if I can know?”
“Yangchen.”
Yes you heard it right. Her great-grandmother insisted that if a girl was born into her family, she would be named after that Avatar. That same woman was also one of the fewer air nomads that managed to escape before Fire Nation got them.
“Unique name for an Earth Kingdom girl.” The man scoffed. He pointed at the bag by her feet. “Don’t forget your stuff kiddo. And good luck out there.”
With a simple nod, she set off into the depths of the island. Some people who got off with her already went their way, paying her no attention. Maybe it was better that way. Most people notice a 13 year old traveling alone.
She swung her bag over her shoulder and took off, hoping to reach her destination.
Western Air Temple.
In the bag, except for money, food and a change of clothes were scrolls, all with the air symbol on them. Her great-grandmother, Yu, managed to get them before she ran away.Yangchen didn't know what was inside, she never opened them. She wanted to return them to their rightful place, maybe even learn something about Air Nomads.
Considering she was an airbender in some aspects. She heard that her grandfather used to be able to control air, but out of fear caused by Fire Nation he never really explored it, much to his mother's disappointment.
Yangchen hoped that maybe she would be able to teach herself to airbend, even though her parents were against it. But what can she do? She can't just sit around, she has to move.
With that thought in her mind, she took a deep breath in, and went into the forest, with hope to get to Air Temple. She felt every single swish of air around her, she could see how it moved.
With a simple move of her hand, which she practiced a lot, a leaf carried by wind changed its direction, now flying around her. A soft smile appeared on her lips as it danced around her. She played with it for a short while.
Suddenly, she felt something big flying in the air. As she looked up, she noticed… a big balloon? It was red, with a Fire Nation symbol on it. After a while of staring at it, she noticed that there was some basket attached to it. And there was someone inside.
Yangchen never saw something like that, it was new to her. Did Fire Nation decide to conquer the Air Temples as well? She decided to follow it, carefully moving through the forest. Curiosity won this time.
She tried not to bump into any trees, or branches. The balloon was slowly coming down, like it was landing. As she was about to make another step, she heard a quiet squeak near her.
Another one. What kind of animal was it? Yangchen hesitantly followed the sound, until she saw…
A small animal, similar to a squirrel, was laying on the ground. Its arms looked a bit weird, like another layer of skin was there.
It was covered in fur, and she thought she saw some mark similar to an arrow on its head. A small cute arrow.
She slowly walked towards the animal, trying not to scare it.
Yangchen gently picked it up, carefully examining its injuries. One of the squirrel's arms was twisted, but maybe not broken. Surprisingly, the animal didn't bite or hiss at her, just stared with its black bead eyes.
“Hello little one.” She whispered, as she stroked her finger on the animal's gray fur. “You got yourself in quite a trouble.”
The flying squirrel, or what she thought was the animal, slightly shifted in her hands. Yangchen brought the animal closer to her chest, and went further into the forest. Time to get to that Temple.
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After a while of walking, she spotted a small clearing. Hm.
Something like a… tent. Yeah, a poorly made tent from some red fabric was there. A teenage boy was pacing around, talking to some kind of frog.
He had black hair, and kind of orange eyes. Like many fire nation people. One eye was covered by a large scar that looked like some nasty burn. He wore fire nation clothes. Oh no. Was he one of them? Should she beat him up?
But how would she do that?! He’s probably a firebender or something. She can only blow people away! And maybe make leaves float but that’s not any better!
“Hello, Zuko here.” The boy said. But he wasn't talking to her, he was talking… to the frog? Weird guy indeed.
But wait…his name does ring a bell. Wait, she almost has it…
No way.
PRINCE ZUKO-
“But I guess you already know me…sort of.” Zuko spoke out again. He still didn't notice her hiding in the bushes. “Uh, so, the thing is, I have a lot of firebending experience and I’m considered to be very good at it.”
This is starting to get interesting…
“Well, you’ve seen me… you know, when I was attacking you?” Yeah that's not a good argument. “Uh, yeah, I guess I should apologize for that.”
“You better.” The words escaped her mouth before she could register. Oh she’s screwed now-
She hid behind the nearest tree, hoping that she wasn't noticed. Through the leaves, she managed to notice Zuko looking behind him in confusion. He shook his head and carried on talking.
“Anyway, I’m good now. I mean, I thought I was good before, but now I realize I was bad.” Did he have an identity crisis or something? Or a reality crisis? Nevermind. “But anyway… I think it’s time I joined your group and taught the Avatar firebending.”
Wait…
So that would mean the Avatar is alive! He’s okay! And maybe, maybe he could teach her airbending!
But he should be somewhere here… In the Air Temple! She knew it was a good idea to come here!
The frog that Zuko was talking to didn't seem to help him that much. It's just croaked at him, like it didn't care. And she’s pretty sure it didn't.
“Well, what's your answer?!” Zuko pretty much screamed at the frog. It jumped on his head, and went right past her. She couldn't help the loud giggle that came out of her mouth. The squirrel in her hands shifted slightly.
“Who's there?” Zuko spoke loudly, getting closer to her hideout.
Maybe it’s better if she just comes into vision? Just slowly…
She peeked from behind the tree, looking at the boy with a forced smile. “Hi…”
“Who are you?” The boy said, taking a protective stance.
“I- I’m Yangchen.” She stuttered, bringing the squirrel closer to her chest. “It's nice to meet you Zuko.”
“How do you-” He hesitated for a moment before realising. He sighed loudly. “You listened?”
“Yeah…” Yangchen looked down. “Kind of an interesting speech you gave there. And you should really apologize for attacking the Avatar.”
“I know…” Zuko sighed again. He turned around, raising his hands in a dramatic act. “How am I supposed to convince these people I’m on their side?!”
“You should-”
“What would Uncle do?” Zuko asked himself more than her. Was he ignoring her? Rude. “Zuko, you have to look within yourself, to save yourself from your other self. Only then will your true self reveal itself.”
That…kind of makes sense? The squirrel in her hands lifted its head up and looked at her with a look. Like it knew what Zuko was talking about. It tilted its head, its black bead eyes staring right into her.
“I know, he’s crazy.” Yangchen nodded at the squirrel. The animal squeaked in agreement.
Zuko went for a bit, then imitated some ‘Azula’. Her lines were kind of concerning, as they reminded her of threats a lot. She’s pretty sure it was one.
“I’m not that good at impersonations, huh?” He looked up at her, as he crouched on the ground.
“I don’t know any of those people, so…” Yangchen sat next to him, the flying squirrel squeaking. “But at least you're trying. Sometimes the effort we put into things we do is enough, it’s a sign that they matter to us.” She ran her finger on the animal's fur, making it purr. “Even if we do not succeed, someone will eventually notice our effort. And maybe that's what matters. To at least try.”
Zuko looked thoughtfully up to the sky. “You are better at impersonating my uncle, I will give you that.” Both of them laughed, until the older boy noticed the animal in her hands. “What happened to it?”
“I think it fell from a tree.” She turned the squirrel so Zuko could see the injury. “And it probably broke its arm.”
“We should put a cast.” He got up, and then gathered some things. She only stared at him, watching him go around his camp.
After a while, Zuko came back to her with some sticks and material. When he tried to move the squirrel’s arm, it… bit him. Zuko hissed quietly in pain.
“It’s okay, he’s just trying to help.” She tried to reassure the animal.
This time, the squirrel only stared at him suspiciously, as he wrapped its arm. Two sticks were meant to stabilize the arm, while the material kept it all together.
“See? It wasn't so bad.” Zuko said triumphantly. He seemed to be proud of his work.
Yangchen looked through her bag, to find some berries. She wanted to give them to the flying squirrel, as a prize for not biting Zuko again. She found them, yes, but one of the scrolls fell. Before it reached the ground, she made a swish of air without a second thought. It rose up in the air, before finally landing back in the bag.
She gave the berries to the squirrel, which ate them almost immediately. Good to know it has a favourite. When she looked up at Zuko, he stared at her, frozen in shock. She-
SHE AIRBENDED. IN FRONT OF HIM.
She’s so screwed now-
“You-” Zuko tried to say something. “You just-”
He started pacing around in a circle. “You just airbended. Literally airbended. You’re an airbender. Or an Air Nomad? Which one is it?”
“I…don’t know?” Yangchen looked at him a bit sheepishly. “I just can bend air?”
“But how did-”
“My great-grandma was one of the nomads that escaped before the homicide.” She looked down, tucking on the fabric of her clothing .“That's how I got the scrolls. And why I’m here.”
Zuko looked at her, waiting for her to continue talking.
“I want to learn how to airbend.” She announced, trying to sound serious. The flying squirrel shifted in her hands. “My parents were against it, so I took the matter in my own hands. And my name is a big give away.”
Zuko facepalmed loudly. “Yangchen. I’m so stupid.”
“You said that.” Yangchen chuckled at him.
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She went to find more berries for the flying squirrel, but when she came back to the ‘camp’, Zuko wasn’t there. Oh no. Did he go to the Air Temple and didn't take her with him? Let’s just hope he doesn't do anything stupid.
Yangchen decided to just wait for him, until Zuko comes back. Good enough plan.
She sat on the grass, as the squirrel in her hands ate some berries.
“I should probably name you.” She said to the squirrel, which raised its head up in question. Like it understood what she was saying. “Hm…. Chichi?”
The new named Chichi squeaked, like she liked it. For some odd reason, Yangchen had a feeling the squirrel was a female. She didn't really have anything to do, so maybe try to practice airbending?
But where should she even begin? With what? Maybe open the scrolls? No, no, they are very valuable and maybe one of a kind.
After a while of thinking, and after she placed Chichi on her shoulder, she gathered some leaves and smaller sticks. She sent a wave of air to make them move in various directions. Leaves danced around the floating sticks, all surrounding her.
Yangchen didn't know how long she was doing that, until someone came closer. She immediately stopped, scared of who that might be. A familiar person came into vision.
“Zuko?” She asked as she came closer. He seemed angry, and…wet? What was he- “What happened?”
He didn't answer, but something didn't go well.
“How bad was-”
“Ugh, I can’t believe how stupid I am!” Zuko groaned loudly, pacing around. “I mean, what was I thinking!”
“Can't you just-”
“Telling them I sent an assassin after them?!” He facepalmed.
“You did what?” Even her words didn't make him stop.
“Why didn't I just say Azula did that?” He ignored her. Again. He paced around in circles. “They would’ve believed that! Stupid!”
“Yes, you are stupid!” She shouted, as she got up. Chichi jumped up, startled by the noise. Zuko looked at her, shocked. Like he didn't think she could scream. “Firstly, why did you send an assassin after them? What were you thinking?”
“I-”
“Shush I’m not done yet.” Yangchen glared at him, Chichi joining her with her black bead eyes. “Secondly, why did you go alone? I could’ve helped, I’m planning to go to the Air Temple anyway! And lastly… did you ask the Avatar if he could teach me airbending?”
“I tried to, but…” he sighed loudly, rubbing the back of his neck. “It was hard to get any word in.”
“Next time, I'm coming with you.” She stared at him up and down. “Or Chichi will bite you.”
Chichi squeaked in agreement, showing her teeth.
“...okay.” Zuko groaned loudly.
-----------------
Yangchen woke up to some screams, and…
A rock!
It was headed her way, so she quickly raised her hands up, summoning a wave of wind. The rock was blown off, landing somewhere faraway.
Zuko was going after someone, some girl. “Let me help you!” He screamed, going after her.
“What the…” she mumbled as she got up, and walked towards them. Chichi followed her, jumping.
“I’m sorry!” Zuko kept on saying. What the hell happened? Can’t she just leave Zuko without supervision for 5 minutes?!
“Get off me, get off me!” the girl screamed. She had black hair, and clothes clearly from Earth Kingdom. Well, there were some differences between hers and that girl's outfits, but maybe she will discuss them later.
Suddenly, the girl earthbended, summoning a giant rock when Zuko was standing. He was thrown off at least five feet from the girl.
“Hey, it’s okay!” Yangchen ran after her. “I can help you!”
“Leave me alone!” The girl yelled once again. Another rock came her way, and she barely managed to dodge it. She fell back, and when she looked around again the girl was long gone.
“Why am I so bad at being good?!” Zuko groaned somewhere near her. Her thoughts exactly. He was good at being bad but now he’s bad at being good.
Chichi crawled up her shoulder carefully, probably because of the arm. It snuggled under her chin, like a little clingy animal it was.
“Are you hurt?” She said with a sigh. She decided to look for the girl later, to see if she's okay.
“I will be fine.” He sounded like a complete opposite, because he held his side.
“Try again.” She glanced at him. “Truth this time.”
“...” He stared down, like he didn't want to answer. “My side hurts a little but it will be fine.”
“Hm…” she slowly went back to the tent the two were sharing now. Zuko slept by the left side, she by the right. Her bed looked better than Zuko’s : he only had a blanket. Yangchen said she could land him a pillow, but he refused. She had two blankets: a thick green one she slept on, plus a gray one to cover herself.
As she laid down, she looked towards Zuko. He didn't seem comfortable, he was sleeping on bare earth. With a deep sigh, she sat up and threw a pillow at him. The boy looked up at her in confusion.
“You seemed uncomfortable.” Yangchen mumbled, as she laid down, back facing the older boy. Chichi found her way under her chin, the animal's fur tickling her neck. She hugged it closer as she fell asleep.
-------------------
The both of them walked where the Air Temple was. The bag with the scrolls rested by her side, while Chichi sat on her arm.
“How should I ask the Avatar to teach me?” Yangchen looked up at Zuko. “Can I improvise on you?”
“Um, sure?” He answered, like he was wondering about something.
She cleared her throat, then took a light bow. It’s good to keep things official. “Greetings, Avatar Aang, I have a request. Please teach me the art of airbending, as I am an airbender as well.”
“Maybe not so official. You sound like some old lady.” Zuko recommended, smiling a little. “Maybe try-”
He suddenly paused, looking at something in the distance. Wait, not something. Someone.
That someone turned out to be a tall man, with a bald head. He had a metal arm, and he was dressed in dark red clothes. Oh, and a metal leg as well. When that man turned around, she noticed a weird eye tattoo on his forehead.
Zuko ran to that guy, who was already… aiming at the Avatar? Like he wanted to hit him with his head or something. Before she knew it, Zuko jumped from a line on him, making the man stumble.
That big guy- he somehow shot his forehead, like a giant blast came from his head. It hit one of the temples hanging of the canyon. If Zuko didn't jump on him, he would have killed the Avatar. Holy-
“Stop!” Zuko shouted, approaching the man. Wait, did he know him? “I don't want you hunting the Avatar anymore.”
Is that…the assassin?! That Zuko sent?
Well, at least he knows how to do his job.
“The mission is off.” He stood in front of him, trying to block his view. “I’m ordering you to stop.”
The assassin seemed unfazed, he grabbed Zuko’s face and threw him to the side. Should she step in?
Yangchen came closer, Chichi squeaking angrily on her shoulder.
“You stay there!” The boy shouted at her. “I can deal with him myself.”
Yeah she doesn't believe him.
Zuko ran at the assassin again, summoning fire into his hand. “If you keep attacking, I won't pay you.” The assassin didn't even look at him, just stopped him with his free hand. Damn Zuko is short compared to that guy. “Okay, I will pay you double to stop!”
The assassin shot once again, and would have probably hit the Avatar if Zuko didn't kick him in the side. The man turned to the firebender, and aimed at him.
Without a second thought, Yangchen jumped on his back, hitting his head with both hands. Yet, the assassin still shot at Zuko. She should have hit his forehead! The boy summoned a wall of fire, which probably saved him. But-
After the ball of smoke disappeared, Zuko was gone as well. He didn't-
The man threw her off, now holding her by her neck. Chichi angrily jumped at him, biting his ear. Good girl! He waved his hand around, making the animal fall to the ground.
The assassin looked at her before he threw her onto a wall, Yangchen could feel her body go limp. Oh spirits how everything hurt-
A… a literal tornado went towards them. What the…. The assassin jumped from the temple, a wave of wind hit her, making her hit the wall once again. A new wave of pain washed over her.
A water wall approached the next temple, probably with the assassin on it. It suddenly turned into spikes, aimed at the man. That’s… a bit too much for one day.
As if things couldn't get any weirder, a boomerang hit the assassin in the head, in his weird tattoo. Where did it come from? Or maybe she just hallucinated it? Yeah whatever. She’s just going to lay here for a while-
“Yangchen!” Zuko? Zuko shouted, running towards her.
“Hi…” She slowly sat up, looking at him. “I think I broke something.”
“What were you thinking?!” He shouted once again, now examining her arms, looking for broken bones. “I told you to stay away!”
“Eh, stuff happens. Right Chichi?” She looked around, ignoring Zuko’s worried face. “Chichi?”
Where was the flying squirrel? She didn't fall over the edge, did she? Chichi can’t fly, at least not yet.
“It’s going to be okay, Chichi is probably looking for some nuts.” Zuko helped her get up.
“She likes berries more.”
“Umm, yeah. Come on, we have some explaining to do.”
“You mean you have to explain why the hell did you send an assassin after the Avatar?” Yangchen raised her eyebrow, staring at him.
Zuko opened his mouth to say something, but decided to close it in the end.
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The temple was more destroyed than she expected it to be. Wall pieces laid around, making it look more abandoned than it actually was. There were four people: one of them was the same earthbender from before, she was sitting on a bigger rock.
The other two were probably from a water tribe, given their clothes. Both looked older than her, and like siblings also. The last person was… an Air Nomad! The Avatar!
Her and Zuko walked closer, as the group stared at them, examining their every move.
“I can’t believe I’m saying this, but thanks Zuko.” Avatar Aang spoke out.
“Hey, and what about me?” The Water Tribe boy pouted, throwing his hands up. “I did the boomerang thing.”
Wait, what?
“Oh, that boomerang.” Yangchen nodded her head in understanding.
“See? Zuko’s maybe-evil-maybe-not-evil friend knows what I'm talking about.” He exclaimed happily.
“Listen, I know I didn't explain myself very well yesterday.” Zuko started. Okay, let him speak. Just please apologize in the end- “ I’ve been through a lot in the past few years and it's been hard. But I’m realizing I had to go through all those things to learn the truth.”
“I thought I had lost my honor and that somehow my father could return it to me. But I know now that no one can give you your honor. It’s something you earn for yourself by choosing to do what’s right. All I want now is to play my part in ending this war. And I know my destiny is to help you restore balance in the world.”
Now that’s a speech! Zuko took a step closer to the black-haired girl they met yesterday.
“I’m sorry for what I did to you. It was an accident.” He took a light bow towards her. “Fire can be dangerous and wild, so as a firebender, I need to be more careful and control my bending so I don’t hurt people unintentionaly.”
The Avatar had a look on his face that could imply he was thinking about the situation, understanding it even.
“I think you are supposed to be my firebending teacher. When I first tried to learn firebending, I burned Katara.” The boy pointed at the Water Tribe girl. Oh… “And after that, I never wanted to firebend again. But now I know how easy it is to hurt the people you love. I’d like you to teach me.”
Zuko and the Avatar bowed to each other, showing respect to one another. Should she ask him now?
“Um, I uh-” she tried to force words out of her words. How does she say it- “I-” the group looked at her weirdly, like they didn't understand what was wrong with her.
Yangchen looked Avatar Aang in the eye, before slightly bowing to him. “Can you teach me airbending?!” She finally blurted out. “Please?” She hesitantly looked up at him.
“I knew that she was similar to you Twinkle Toes.” The earthbender snorted.
“I’m Yangchen, it's an honor to meet you Avatar Aang.” She smiled at the Avatar. He hesitated, his face showing shock, but also…
Happiness. Like he was happy he wasn't the only airbender left. “Just Aang please.”
“Of course! But um, have any of you seen a small gray squirrel?” She looked at the rest of the group. Like someone heard her, a quiet squeak came from behind. She turned only to see Chichi running up to her as fast as a squirrel could.
“Chichi!” She happily went over to the animal, quickly picking it up. Chichi climbed on her shoulder, making happy sounds.
“Everything is cool and all, but how do we know you’re actually an airbender?” The Water Tribe boy spoke out, eyeing her suspiciously. “You could be lying.”
“Sokka!” Aang reprimanded.
With a deep sigh, she took out a little something her great-grandma kept around. A small toy, reminding her of a little bird. It was made of thin sticks and light material, which was worn out over time.
She remembered playing with it under her great-grandma’s eye, back when the woman was still alive. With a remembered move, the bird rose up in the air, making small circles. It then went around her, finally landing in her extended hand.
She carefully put it back, then looked up at the rest. They had a pretty much similar reaction to Zuko, but Aang was smiling wide. Sokka looked like he had a giant reality crisis.
As Zuko talked with the rest, trying to convince them to let him join her group, she learned that the earthbenders name was Toph.
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She and Zuko followed Sokka down the hallways. Chichi sat still on her shoulder, sniffing her surroundings. The hall was mostly in the colours of gray, pillars were kind of…green?
Her room turned out to be very big, but only a simple bed was in one corner. She should get some more stuff in here.
“Okay Yangchen, that's your room.” Sokka patted her on the shoulder. “Unpack… Lunch soon.”
“See you then!” She chirped excitedly, then started to pull out some things from her bag. Both boys went further, leaving her to unpack.
She put her clothes near her bed, all pretty similar to one another. Beige baggy pants, greenish shirt and a sleeveless dark green simple robe to go over everything. She had a very similar set on.
Some smaller things she brought ended up on a very small shelf on one wall. Hmm… she had two blankets left. She put the green one on the bed. The gray blanket was very fluffy, so after a few tries Chichi got a nice bed.
The squirrel happily jumped on it, and received some berries Yangchen kept around. A small knock on the door made her turn her head towards that person. Ava- Aang stood in the doorway.
“I thought I could give you a tour around this place. Come on!”
“I’m coming!” She followed right behind him, smiling happily.
It was a good idea to come here.