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Aang, Katara, Sokka, and Toph have landed in a clearing for the night, and they begin to unpack. Toph comments on their superb campsite finding abilities, basing the compliment on the feeling of "soft grass". However, Sokka tells her that what she is feeling is not grass, but 's shedded fur.

This comment is not received well by Katara, who believes it is gross. Aang and Sokka comically begin playing with the fur, making hats and mustaches out of it. Katara vocalizes her happiness of having another girl in the group to counter the boys' immaturity. However, those hopes are shattered as Toph, like Aang and Sokka, walks up and plays along by stuffing hair into her armpits. Aang and Sokka laugh, and when the hair causes Aang to sneeze, even Katara has to giggle.

Night has fallen as the group sets up camp. Aang pitches a tent, Sokka unravels sleeping bags, Katara is filling a pot with water, and Toph lounges lazily against a rock. Katara comes over and begins to explain the group's normal system of setting up camp: they divide up the work, for example, while someone pitches a tent, someone else might gather food or water, and that even Momo "does his fair share".

Toph tells her that she has already collected her food and water; she claims she can "carry her own weight". Katara gets slightly frustrated and tries re-explaining the system, but Toph becomes aggravated and snaps at her; Katara angrily storms off.

Later that night, Aang and Sokka are setting up the last of camp as they unsaddle Appa. Katara comes over to apologize to Toph. Toph again agitates her by turning the apology around on her.

Night falls and silence settles over the camp. The fire dims. The Gaang sleeps fitfully. In the dark distance, a figure cloaked in deep purple stands motionless among the trees, silently observing them from the shadows.

Suddenly, Toph awoke as she felt the earth beneath her vibrating. She immediately wakes the others, and tries to see if she can identify its source, saying "it feels like an avalanche, but also not an avalanche", to which Sokka responds with a sarcastic "Your powers of perception are frightening." They decide leaving the campsite is the safest choice.

Off in the distance, they get a slight glimpse of what is following them: a large, tank-like, war machine moving fast across the desert terrain. After hours of flying, the group's exhaustion is easily discernible on their faces: they each have dark circles under their eyes from their lack of sleep.

They settle on a spot and land again; Toph makes her way to where she plans to sleep, but Katara again asks her to help, and Toph declines. Katara is again displeased by this, decides enough is enough, and confronts Toph about her lack of assistance.

Toph argues back before "slamming the door" in Katara's face as she earthbends a tent; the door Toph earthbends rises right in front of Katara. Aang decides to play peacemaker and asks them both to calm down. However, Katara's emotions due to lack of sleep cause her to snap wildly at Aang, screaming at him, and he backs off, awkwardly.

Later, Aang and Sokka are seemingly fast asleep as Katara stares angrily at the night sky. She loudly comments on how beautiful the stars are, and how Toph will never be able to see them. In response, Toph earthbends Katara a few feet into the air, and she lands on Sokka.

Sokka's emotions and sleep deprivation cause him to snap as he wakes up. However, there is little time to argue as Toph informs them the machine is back. Once again, they fly away on Appa. While in the air, they debate about the machine and how it might be tracking them. Finally finding a spot that seems to be out of the machine's range, the group decides to not even set up camp, but to sleep.

They again debate for a minute on what the machine is or who is chasing them. Katara brings up the possibility that it is Zuko, given they have not seen him since they were up north. Unaware of who Zuko is, Toph inquires about him. Sokka answers that he is "just some angry freak with a ponytail who's tracked [them] all over the world." Katara mocks, "What's wrong with ponytails, ponytail?" and Sokka sternly responds that his is a warrior's wolf tail.

Momo suddenly senses the machine's approach, as does Toph. They see the machine moving forward in the distance as it kicks up dirt behind it. Aang believes they should face their pursuers and find out who they are. The tank comes to a halt in front of them, and doors open on the sides. Three Mongoose Lizards with their riders being Princess Azula, and her companions, Mai and Ty Lee.

Toph believes they can take them as she calculates the odds: three on three. However, Sokka corrects her, reminding her there are actually four of them. Toph recalculates: three on three plus Sokka, as he has no bending powers. Sokka is infuriated, but there is no time to argue as Azula's group draws closer. Toph sends the first strike as she boulders toward them, but the lizards easily climb over them.

The group decides it is safer if they left, so Aang, Katara, and Sokka head back for Appa. Toph tries to buy them some time by creating a large rock wall separating Azula's team. rom them, but Azula sends a bolt of at it, blasting a gaping hole in the wall. The team barely escapes as Azula sends a jet of at them.

Meanwhile, Appa too is tired and is rapidly closing and opening his eyes, trying desperately to stay awake. Again they debate on what to do, and Katara reveals her fear of Ty Lee taking her bending away. 

To Sokka's horror, the sun rises over a mountain in the distance, signaling they have been up all night. They decide to keep flying for as long as possible, but Aang warns them that they cannot keep flying forever.

As the sun rises, Azula's machine is racing to catch up with Team Avatar. However, they are not alone; Zuko follows the machine's tracks not far behind. Appa, meanwhile, is having even more difficulty staying awake and finally gives in and falls asleep.

This sends Appa and Team Avatar plummeting toward the ground. Aang tries desperately to wake him as they continue to race toward the ground. Finally Appa awakens and stops just above the trees, but due to his exhaustion is unable to keep airborne, resulting in a crash-landing in the woods.

Meanwhile, the figure stood in the woods near them as he watches them and Team Azula as they get near.

Another fight breaks out between Katara and Toph, but when Toph blames Appa's shedding for their predicament. An angered Aang joins the fight and berates Toph for blaming Appa. Aggravated by Aang's infuriated objections to her argument, Toph gives up and decides to leave.

As she walks into the woods, Toph pauses briefly. She senses someone — someone powerful — standing nearby, unmoving. She turns and sees someone lurking in the shadows, staring at her.

The figure stares at her as Toph can feel his presence from afar. Both didn't move, nor speak. Soon, Toph muttered.

Toph: ...Whatever. You're not my problem.

She walks off as Daikon watches her leave before disappearing into the shadows.

*later*

Azula, Mai, and Ty Lee have reached the spot of Appa's bath and found the wet fur deposited into the stream. Ty Lee debates with herself as to whether the "wads" are "bundles" or "bunches" of fur, stating that they have an "uh" sound. Mai helps her along, deeming them "clumps". Ty Lee excitedly hugs Mai before she can block the action.

She pushes Ty Lee off and tells Azula the trail heads off in a direction to the right. However, Azula notices the broken trees from Appa's shaky take-off and is suspicious of Aang's plan to divert them. She tells Mai and Ty Lee to head in the direction of the broken trees, deciding to follow the fur trail herself.

An exhausted Aang lands in a small abandoned Earth Kingdom town. He slumps to the end of the town's main street, dumps the remaining fur, and sits, waiting for Azula. Back on Appa, Momo lets out a screech signaling the return of Mai and Ty Lee, enabling them to duck out of the way of Mai's darts in time. Katara desperately tries to get Appa to move faster, but to no avail. He crashes on the other side of the river, leading Sokka and Katara to believe they are safe. Their hopes are shattered, however, when the mongoose lizards reveal their ability to run on water.

Ty Lee heads for Katara. She begins darting her hands to pressure points, but Katara's past experience with Ty Lee's chi-blocking allows her to dodge her attacks easily. After a small battle, Katara ends up pinned to a tree by the hem of her wristbands through Mai's expert knife-throwing skills, and Sokka becomes almost completely paralyzed by Ty Lee's strikes. Appa, however, proves to be a saving grace as he smacks his tail to the ground, blasting a gust of wind at Mai and Ty Lee which throws them into the river.

Katara and Sokka leave to find Aang and Toph while Mai and Ty Lee head to the edge of the river, drenched in water. As they dried themselves, Ty was going to begin a conversation, only to be stopped by Mai.

Mai: Someone's here.

Ty Lee looks confused as she turns to where Mai was looking at. Off in the distance, through the trees. Soon, they see a figure, standing far away from them.

Ty Lee: Who's that?

Mai: I don't know. His attire look like from the Fire Nation. But they're... *eyes widen*

Ty Lee: *shocked* Purple?

The figure gave them a glance before walking away, disappearing in a cloud of smoke.

Ty Lee: That... how did he get here?

Mai: He must be here for the Avatar as well.

Ty Lee: But where did he get a weapon like that?

*later*

In the abandoned town, Azula reaches the end of the trail and finds Aang waiting for her. She dismounts her lizard, and an exhausted Aang, trying to find a diplomatic resolution, asks who Azula is and what she wants.

Expressing surprise that he has not guessed her identity, she gives him a hint by covering the left side of her face with her hand, deepening her voice to mimic Zuko's, and saying, "I must find the Avatar to restore my honor!" When Aang does not respond to her attempt at humor, she softly berates him before telling him that he cannot elude her any longer, no matter how much he tries; rising to his feet, Aang replies, "I'm not running."

Meanwhile, after a brief misunderstanding, Toph and Iroh share a cup of tea on a cliff overlooking a farming village. Iroh finds similarities between Toph and his nephew, and Toph asks where his nephew is and if he is lost. Iroh responds that he is "a little lost", telling her that his nephew's life has recently changed, and that he is trying to discover who he is.

Iroh also advises her not to resist help from those who care about her. Taking Iroh's words into consideration, she bids him farewell and goes to search for her friends.

Azula and Aang stand facing each other, neither of them moving. She asks Aang if he really wants to fight her; in response, Zuko bursts through an old building, lands between the two, and says, "Yes, I really do." Further complicating the standoff, Zuko holds his position between Aang and Azula, keeping his battle stance poised at both of them. Azula fires the first shot, hitting Zuko hard and knocking him back. After an intense battle, she corners Aang in a collapsed and burning building.

Before Azula can deliver a deadly injury to Aang, Katara interrupts her; one by one, she is joined by Sokka, Iroh, and Toph. Together, the six of them (Katara, Aang, Sokka, Toph, Zuko, and Iroh) create a perfect perimeter in front of Azula and corner her. She surrenders, and Iroh relaxes his guard, turning to see his new friend, Toph, standing with the Avatar.

Azula, taking advantage of this, fires lightning bolt at Iroh, but then-

Something blocked it as the bolt ricochets to the sky. The object lands in the middle of the two opposing teams as they looked at the object. It was a Scythe, with the blade buried into the sand as the shines in the sun.

Iroh: A scythe?

Azula: What the? Where did that come from?

Everyone was confused until they hear footsteps. They turn and see someone walking towards them methodically.

Katara: Who's that?

Aang: He looks like he's from the Fire Nation.

Sokka: Yeah, well I don't see anyone wearing Purple instead of red. Very bold.

Toph: No time to talk about someone's wardrobe.

Zuko: Who are you?!

The figure looks at them with a cold stare. Suddenly, the blade was pulled from the dirt on its own as it heads to the figure. He catches it with no hesitantion, spins it around, before putting in on its back, showing he's the owner of the scythe.

Toph look at his direction with bewilderment.

Toph: *in her mind* That's the guy I felt last night... and he pulled that thing?

Azula: So you're the owner. Very brave of you to stop my strike against my traitorous Uncle. But-

The figure pulls his mask down as Azula, Zuko, and Iroh froze in shock. Team Avatar looks on as they see a young man that was behind the mask as his eyes have the same color as Zuko and Azula.

Azula: Daikon...

Zuko: Brother...

Iroh: Nephew...

The three members of the Fire Nation looked at him shock as Daikon looks at them and Team Avatar as Aang and his friends are surprised all three knew him.

Katara: They know him?

Aang: Looks like they're related.

Toph: That's the same guy I felt was staring at us last night.

Sokka: At night?! *shivers* What a creep!

Azula: Shut up!

Zuko: Don't call our brother a creep!

Azula and Zuko's eyes widen as they looked at each other, surprised they defended their little brother. Daikon's lips twitch as he stares at them.

Iroh: Daikon... why are you here? Shouldn't you be back at the Capital?

Daikon looks at his uncle as he doesn't speak.

Azula: And how did you get here? No one knows me, Mai, and Ty Lee are here.

Zuko: And where did you get that Blade?

All three spoke but Daikon gave no response, only stares. It unsettled Team Avatar but Zuko, Iroh, and Azula seem to be used to his silence and stares.

Aang: I see. So, Zuko and Azula have another sibling.

Katara: Meaning there's three heirs of the Fire Lord.

Sokka: Great. Three Pampered Princes and Princess, coming after us.

Toph: Actually, he had every chance to get us, but didn't. Only stared.

Daikon looks at his siblings and Uncle as he turns his gaze at Team Avatar, who stiffen as they get ready for an attack. Azula smirks as she looks at the others.

Azula: Come on, little brother. Let's get the Avatar and our brother and Uncle back home.

Zuko: No! He's going to help me take the Avatar-

Daikon: All this fighting and destruction over a literal child.

The wind stopped as everyone went silent as they hear Daikon speak for the first time since he got here. Daikon looks at Zuko then at Azula as he pulls down his hoodie.

Daikon: You've done a lot of damage to the villages and cities that the Avatar stayed at. *frowns* And I have to clean up your messes to not cause any more conflict and retaliation from the Earth Kingdom and Water Tribe.

Zuko: D-Daikon, I-

Azula: We were simply trying to make sure the Avatar doesn't come near learning the 4 Elements. He would be a threat-

Daikon: A child? *raised an eyebrow* You two feel compelled to fight, capture, and extinguish the soul a child, who is still hesitant to achieve his destiny? Wow, you two. You really need a life.

Iroh snorts a chuckle as Azula and Zuko looked at him in bewilderment, never expecting the Sass and sarcasm of their brother. Team Avatar looks on in shock and confusion at the scene.

Daikon: The fighting stops for now. You two caused enough damage. I have to go clean more of your mess you made when arriving here. So Azula... leave.

Azula: What? You can't make me leave. I am this close-

Daikon: You were going to strike Uncle with Lightning and would escape as your no match for all of them against you. Now, go. Mai and Ty Lee are at the river, drying up.

Sokka: He was there, too?!

Katara: How?

Azula: No. I'm come this far. You can't make me.

Daikon looks at her at he takes a deep breathe and sighs. He opens his eyes and then his body flared up.

Everyone stepped back in shock as Daikon's body radiates a heat they weren't expecting.

Aang: *shocked and scared* His Fire is... purple?

Katara: It feels hotter than Zuko or Azula...

Toph: I can feel it vibrating the earth beneath him.

Sokka: *scared* Okay... that clothing makes sense.

Iroh: His fire... its more potent than before.

Zuko: He's been training.

Azula: How? And he has a lot of control over it.

Daikon brings his arm up and fires a fiery beam between the two teams.

The beam passes through and disperses at the same time. The sandy ground, however, turned into glass due to the heat of the fire.

Daikon: Now you're gonna leave?

Azula growls a bit as she looks at Zuko and at Aang before stepping back.

Azula: Fine. Since you asked me politely. Know that when we meet again, you won't stop me.

Daikon: You wouldn't be lucky if you were close to the city you find him in. Take care, Azula.

Azula gave a wink as she runs and disappears. Team Avatar sighs as Zuko and Iroh looked at each other and at Daikon.

Iroh: Thanks for saving me, Daikon.

Daikon: *eyes soften as he bows* No problem, Uncle Iroh. Azula is my sister, but you and Zuko are still my family.

Zuko: Good. But you could've come out of the shadows and help me and Uncle sooner.

Daikon: If I remember correctly, brother, you specifically told me "not the get involve" for your quest for the Avatar. And now that the Avatar has returned, your quest is over yet I feel no motivation in meeting up with you.

Zuko: *stutters in shock* When did you get this snarky?

Daikon: I don't see the point as it would passes your angsty attitude.

Zuko growls as he goes red with embarrassment as Iroh laughs.

Iroh: Wow. Even today, you hold no punches, Daikon.

Aang: Hey.

The three turned to Aang and his friends.

Aang: So what now? Are you gonna fight us or-

Daikon: The fighting is over. We don't have any business with you, um... what is your name?

Aang was surprised that one of the Princes is asking him for his name.

Aang: Uh... Aang.

Daikon: Aang... I see. I am Prince Daikon. However, my real name is "Zairon" but I was called "Daikon" by my mother and siblings. I preferred Daikon. You do have a choice to say which name, I don't mind.

Aang: Oh... okay... Daikon.

Daikon: ... You look tired.

Toph: Duh. We haven't slept last night.

Daikon: Hmm... a Earth Princess and two members of the Water Tribe. Interesting team you have here, Aang.

Aang: *chuckles sheepishly* Thanks.

Daikon: *nods as he pulls his hoodie back on* A pleasure meeting you. I'll be on my way.

Iroh: You're leaving already?

Daikon: My ship is waiting. I felt all your presence here so I came to see what is going on. Good thing I came to assist and end the fight.

Zuko: Can't you stay?

Daikon: Sorry, Zuko, but I have other obligations. And you don't need my help. You have Uncle with you. Just watch yourself.

Zuko nods slowly as Daikon turns to Aang.

Daikon: We will meet again, Aang. Hopefully in more peaceful scenarios.

Aang nods as Daikon pulls his mask on and walks away. Soon, fires his flames in front of him as he goes through it. Soon, the flames dispersed, and he vanished into thin air.

Sokka: Woah...

Zuko and Iroh were shocked as well as Aang and his friends got on top of Appa and they fly off.

Iroh: Daikon's fire has gotten stronger since we last saw him.

Zuko: Yes...

Iroh: ... You don't seemed pleased to see him.

Zuko: I am... I just don't want him getting involved in my and Azula's problems.

Iroh: Well, he did, especially helping the cities both of you damaged in pursuit of the Avatar. Which that itself is confusing.

Zuko: Indeed. Guess there's a lot I don't know about my brother... not even Azula knows.

Iroh: He will open up. He knows not to bottle up his emotions.

Zuko and Iroh look on where Daikon disappeared as they think about his appearance and his strength.

*later*

Daikon is seen on his ship as it goes through the sea, heading to another destination. The guards on his ship were loyal to him as he treats them like real humans and not soldiers of war.

Daikon: Helmsman, set a course for the Kyoshi Island.

The ship sets sail as Daikon looks over as he stares at the ocean in front of him.

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How's the chapter?

The next will have Daikon's more minor appearances to get to know him now as he's out of his own.