Here's the story. We look forward to many fans for this story. Now for the first chapter!

Acceptance and Promise

Nighttime had set on the valley nestled within the trees. A strange group could be seen sleeping towards the edge of the valley with a river just through the trees. A large bison like creature was sleeping with a lemur on its' head. A girl with bare feet was nestled on his fur with her legs stretched out. Three sleeping bags were nearby made from blue cloth. One had a sleeping tan skinned man snoring quite loudly. The next had a bald monk with an arrow tattoo running up from his neck to his forehead. The final had a tanned girl who was wide awake.

She couldn't stop thinking of the same person she had run into recently. She wasn't sure why, but her heart raced every time she thought of them. She tried to sleep, but couldn't so she got up and walked through the tree line to the river. She drew some water with her bending and formed a small cup of ice and filled it with water. She drank a small amount and looked out across the river. Why can't I get her out of my mind? she thought.

A rustle in the bushes caught her attention. She turned towards it and struck a fighting stance. "Who's there?" she called out. When nothing happened, she relaxed a little. Then a voice caught her attention and her heart began to race again.

"It's me, water princess." a voice came from her left. She turned to see a woman in red armor walking towards her slowly with her hands held halfway up.

"Stop right there!" she yelled at the woman. "If you've come for the Avatar you'll have to get through me first!"

"Easy I'm not here to fight or even for the Avatar." the woman said. She started to walk towards the water bender. "I just wanted to talk. To you."

She hesitated. A part of her wanted to truly believe this and her heart sped up at the idea, but another said to strike her down now. She waited a few more moments before lowering her hands a little. "You swear it?"

"Yes."

She allowed the woman to get closer before telling her to stop. She crossed her arms and waited.

"What's your name?" the woman inquired.

"What's yours?

"Azula, princess of the Fire Nation."

A shocked expression came to the water bender's face. She's Fire Lord Ozai's daughter? "My name's Katara, water bender of the Southern Water Tribe."

"Katara, that's a lovely name." Azula commented.

"Thanks, now what did you want?"

"Well…I…"

"Come on, out with it!"

"This is really difficult for me to say alright." Azula said. Katara could see her blushing. That just made her blush.

"Just say it."

"Well, remember when we first met? Back at Omashu?"

"Yeah, that's when you found out who we are."

"Well, I haven't been able to stop thinking of you since then. I think…I love you."

Katara's arms dropped to her sides and disbelief showed on her face. Her heart was beating so fast, she thought it would burst through. "Wha…What are you saying?"

"I can't explain it, but when I think about you, I feel so happy. It feels right and I'm not sure but I wanted to believe you felt the same. So I risked coming out here to see you."

Katara had been feeling the same way, but wasn't sure how to react about it. She stared right into Azula's golden eyes. They were both blushing deeply and neither moved. "I…I can't do this. I'm friends with the Avatar and you're the daughter of his greatest enemy. Even if we did go with this, what would we do?"

"So you're saying you love me as well?"

Before Katara could say anything else, Azula crossed over the last few feet, wrapped her arms around Katara's hips, and kissed her. Katara was wide eyed and shocked, but she didn't pull away. It felt so…right. She felt as if she was complete and never wanted it to end. She wrapped her arms around Azula's neck and closed her eyes. They stayed like that for a full minute before breaking apart. They both smiled at each other and walked over to a small cluster of rocks close by and settled down in the small patch of grass among them.

They laid together and talked about their homes, childhood, and anything else they could think of. Katara looked into Azula's eyes and Azula saw the sadness in her blue eyes. "What's wrong Katara?"

"We'll never get another night like this. You can't betray your father and I can't betray the Avatar."

"I'd leave the Fire Lord if I could, but if I do he'll chase me mercilessly and hunt us with half the army. But I think I can come up with a plan. One that would end the war and allow us to be together."

"Really?"

"Yes. I would need to change my methods. I'll change my ways based on what you think I should do."

"When would we do it?"

"Not now. It would have to wait until I can put the plan together," She described the plan to Katara and finished with both of them smiling. "Can you wait for me?"

"Yes, I can. Just let me know when and we can go."

"Until then we'll have to act as we would normally around our friends." She stood up and stretched. "We should get back to them before they wake up."

Katara got up and kissed Azula. "Then until we meet again, princess." They smiled at each other and ran off to their different camps.

A few weeks later

Katara recalled that night as if it had just occurred. She was waiting in the crystal catacombs under Ba Sing Se. She had been "captured" by Azula when she found out she was impersonating the Kyoshi warriors. Azula had whispered that she would be down soon to see her and Katara was eagerly awaiting her arrival.

She heard movement and the rock door opened. Two Dai Li agents were standing there flanking Azula. She stepped in and told them seal the door behind her and wait for her command to open it again. As soon as they did so, she knelt down next to Katara and hugged her close.

"It's been too long!" Azula said, pulling back to look into Katara's face. She leaned into and kissed her lightly on the lips.

"I've missed you," Katara said when they broke apart. "What are you doing in Ba Sing Se?"

"I snuck in with Mai and Ty Lee disguised as the Kyoshi Warriors. After finding out who really ran things in Ba Sing Se, I was able to manipulate Long Feng into giving me control of the Dai Li. We're planning a coup right now and taking the Earth Kingdom capital soon."

"Is this your plan to end the war?" Katara asked.

"It's only a part of it. This is to give the Fire Nation the idea of victory while at the same time ensuring that no unnecessary bloodshed happens."

"Then what's the real plan?"

Azula outlined the plan for her. Katara listened and asked questions when needed. When it was explained fully, she couldn't help but smile. "Azula, that's perfect! But where am I supposed to be during this?"

"With me. You'll have to leave the Avatar."

Katara pulled back from her and leaned against the wall with her eyes closed. "Azula, you know I can't. Even if this peace thing works, I couldn't risk fighting them. What would they think of me?"

Azula thought about it for a moment. "I might have a way for you to disappear from them completely and not be put in a situation." She described her plan to Katara and again Katara couldn't help but smile.

"If it works, then I'd be free to go with you. Azula, you truly are a genius." Katara beamed at her before looking sad again. "I just hope they can forgive me when this is all over."

"I'm sure they will. No one could hate you." Azula said, smiling at the water bender. They kissed each other once more and Azula moved her hand up to her neck and felt the necklace there. She pulled back and looked at it. Intrigued by it, she asked Katara what it was.

"It's my grandmother's betrothal necklace." Azula gave her a questioning look. "It's not like that. She gave it to my mother and my mother gave it to me. It's all I have left of her."

Azula recalled her saying that a Fire Navy Raiding Party had attacked her village and killed her mother. She had done research to try and figure out who had been the one to do so, but there were 10 raider groups in the area at that time. She would have to figure it out later. A moment later she heard something outside the cell.

"I think the Dai Li are getting restless. Remember the plan." Azula said, walking to the door and tapping on it.

"Where are you going?" Katara inquired, careful to let some anger show in her face and voice as the Dai Li opened the door.

"I have to give a little inspirational speech, but don't worry I believe the Avatar will be here soon. My brother will be joining you in just a moment. Why don't you try and seal the deal with him?" Azula answered, a playful smile on her face. Then the chamber door shut as she turned to leave.

Katara began to contemplate the plan she was just told. If it went well without any of the several things that could go wrong, she could be by Azula's side from now on without her friends finding out. She settled down with her back against one of the cell's walls, closed her eyes, and waited for Zuko. You'd better hurry Azula, they won't be far behind me.

Like Azula said, a few minutes later Zuko came crashing down into the chamber. When he saw her first fear then confusion showed on his face. As soon as the chamber entrance was sealed, she rushed over and knelt down next to him. "What did Azula tell you?"

"That you had something to discuss with me. What's up?" Zuko answered, wary of the water bender.

"Listen close Zuko. If this plan Azula came up with works, then the war can end and peace be restored. We'll need your help though"

"What? Why should I help the Fire Nation win the war? My father banished me. And what about you? Aren't you friends with the Avatar?"

"Yes, but trust me when I say that Fire Lord Ozai will end up locked away somewhere deep in the earth's crust and a new peace will rein throughout the nations. But only if we follow Azula's plan."

Zuko looked shock and confused, but he agreed to hear her out. "Thanks, now here's the plan."

In a tunnel heading towards the crystal catacombs

Aang and Iroh were almost down to the tunnels. They had talked for most of the journey, but were quiet now in case a Dai Li agent was in the catacombs. They burst through into a chamber. Aang looked around and saw Katara sitting down and talking with Zuko. They turned to see them and jumped to their feet. Katara ran over and embraced Aang while Iroh ran over to Zuko and did the same.

"Aang! It's good to see you here. How'd you know I was in trouble?"

"I had a vision of you in trouble. What…"

A couple of Dai Li agents burst into the chamber and sent rock crystals at Iroh, pinning him. Aang and Katara took of running down one of the tunnels while Zuko stayed behind. He faced Azula in a defensive state.

Azula waved off the Dai Li agents. "Zuko, you know of my plan. Will you not support me?"

"I…I…" Zuko seemed lost for words.

"Your free to choose." Azula said, taking off after the Avatar.

She caught up with them and sent a ball of fire off at them. They blocked easily with their water bending and jumped after her. She evaded and sent balls of fire at them when possible, careful to not send anything that might actually hit them. Aang blocked the blasts easily and sent a powerful earth blast at her. She had to jump up and land in between the two. She aimed her fingers at each of them, unsure of what to do. She looked at Aang first to see he was in no mood to talk. She turned her gaze to Katara and saw the slightest look of despair in her eyes.

Then, as if on cue, a large fireball landed among them. They looked to see Zuko jump down to where they were, his fighting stance aimed at Azula. His gaze flickered from her, to the Avatar, and Katara before coming back to Azula. She saw the slightest of nods as he turned and sent a ball of fire at the Avatar. The two went at as Azula and Katara met to fight.

"This getting a little hot isn't it?" Azula commented, shooting fireballs she knew Katara could block.

"You got that right." Katara answered, coming in close for a series of fast water attacks that did no harm to Azula. She also whispered, "Do you think Zuko's following the plan with us?"

Her answer came with a loud bang. They looked to see Aang sent flying backward. Zuko turned his attention to Katara and Azula and came charging down.

"Brace yourself Katara," Azula warned before jumping out of the way. Zuko sent a large fireball at Katara. Azula noted it was too big of one and panicked. It slammed into Katara and sent her flying across the chamber and landing in the water. Azula froze as Katara didn't move. She wanted to run over there, but the Avatar had reentered the fight and upon seeing Katara unleashed a huge earth blast and was racing towards them.

A Dai Li agent landed in front of him and stopped his advance. The rest of the agents also landed behind Zuko and Azula or surrounded Aang. He looked in despair at Katara's unmoving form and then with angry eyes at Zuko. Before he could do anything, two explosions occurred. One was fire separating him from the Dai Li, Azula, and Zuko. The other was an earth bending blast. Iroh jumped in front of the Avatar and began to push the Dai Li back. Aang turned to see Toph, Sokka, the earth king, and the animal friends they had come in through a hole in the roof.

"Get the Avatar out of here! I'll hold them back!" Iroh yelled, throwing more fireballs at the Dai Li. Aang was still angry and attempted to go get Katara, but Toph and Sokka grabbed his arms and dragged him back to Appa.

"Let go of me! Katara's over there! We have to…" Aang yelled.

"Twinkletoes! Listen, I can't feel anything from Katara. There's stone right under her as well as water and there isn't any movement, not even…not even a heartbeat! We need to go!" Toph cried out, tears in her blind eyes.

When Aang still wouldn't listen, Sokka hit him in the back of the skull with his club. Aang slumped unconscious. "Sorry Aang, but we can't do anything. No matter how much we want to." Sokka said in a rough voice with tears in his eyes.

They got on Appa and left for the outskirts of Ba Sing Se. They looked one last time at the capital before heading west. Back at the chamber, the Dai Li were ordered to take Iroh and leave her and Zuko alone for awhile.

"Why did you kill her?" Azula asked when they were alone, rushing over to Katara. She lifted her up and looked at her face.

"Don't worry sis." Zuko returned, a smile on his face. When she shot an angry look at him, he continued. "Katara, you can stop faking now. We're all alone."

Azula watched in shock as Katara opened her eyes slowly and smiled at Azula. "Hey, what did I miss?"

"But how did…"

"Even Toph can't tell when someone uses their bending to float off the ground and I managed to throw up a small water shield over my body when Zuko sent that large fireball at me. No one saw me do it but him."

Azula was so happy that she was fine that she forgot Zuko was in the chamber and kissed her. Katara deepened the kiss and wrapped her arms around Azula's neck. They broke apart just a few seconds later and noticed Zuko staring with his eyebrows raised.

"So that's why you two are working together. Well, congrats sis." They blushed at him saying that. Azula lowered Katara onto her feet and hugged her close.

"So, where do we go from here?" Zuko asked.

"First, I report to father that the Avatar's water bender teacher, you, and uncle were killed. He shouldn't look for you afterwards. Then we create my new personal force." Azula answered. Katara and Zuko nodded in agreement and followed her out.

"I just hope my friends will forgive me for faking my death." Katara said.

"Like I said earlier Katara, no one could stay mad at you." Azula said, wrapping her arm around the water bender's shoulder.

One Week Later

"All hail, Princess Azula!" a Dai Li agent announced.

The Earth Kingdom capital was now under Fire Nation control. The generals of the Earth Kingdom Military, the ministers, and civilian representatives from all over the kingdom had been brought to the capital. Those who didn't come were reported as rebels. Many hadn't come, but there were still a few hundred gathered.

They saw the Fire Nation Princess walk out onto a terrace above them. "People of the Earth Kingdom! I have conquered your city, but have done so without bloodshed. Thanks to a friend I recently met, I have realized the Fire Nation has been performing a mistake in this war."

Everyone stopped glaring and looked shockingly up at the princess. She continued, "From now on, any Fire Nation unit, whether from the homeland or the Earth Kingdom, under my command will be ordered to not attack the innocent, to not kill, and not bring misfortune to the helpless in this war. To set an example for this new decree, I hereby establish my new personal force which will be known as Guardians of Nations."

As she said this, a large force appeared in front of the crowd. They were dressed in loose black clothing with red trimming. They had on black versions of the Fire Nation military boots. They wore black helmets that resembled Fire Nation military helmets, but with an eye guard over the eye slot instead of the skeletal face guard. On the shoulders and right side of the chest was a patch. It was the Fire Nation symbol, but inside each was a second symbol. There was either another Fire Nation symbol, a Water Tribe symbol, or an Earth Kingdom symbol.

"These five hundred warriors are from all over the world. Whichever nation's symbol is set within the Fire Nation symbol represents their bending ability. They are all benders, but are skilled in other weapons and abilities as well. I will be departing with them soon to help bring stability to our new unified nation as well as deal with the last of the rebellious factions. Any one here who has a recommendation or concern may meet with one of my lieutenants. That is all for now."

She turned to walk back inside the palace, being flanked by Ty Lee and Mai.

"That wasn't like you Azula." Ty Lee said.

"She's right. Did something happen? Who's this friend of yours?" Mai said.

"She's right there." Azula answered, nodding towards four of the Guardians walking towards them. Two were female and two were male. From the patches on their uniforms, they were two water benders, a fire bender, and an earth bender.

"Nice to meet you both." one of the water benders said. She nodded to each of them before walking over to Azula. "I'm the Captain of the Guardians. These three are the Commanders of the Guardians, one for each bending style."

"Pleasure to meet you." the commanders bowed to Ty Lee and Mai. Mai walked over to the fire bender commander. She looked at him, but didn't recognize who it was.

"Who are you? Your voice sounds familiar."

"It should Mai." The fire bender removed his eye guard and revealed his face. "We pretty much grew up together."

"Zuko!?" Mai was stunned as Zuko leaned forward and hugged her. She returned the embrace and smiled. Ty Lee looked at Azula with a questioning face.

"I thought you said he was killed?"

"A lie. My new plan to bring about the end of this war will require working for the so called "enemies" of the Fire Nation. My family has brought destruction on this world and it's time I helped change that. Zuko agrees with me, but he won't be staying with us for long."

"Then who're these people?" Ty Lee inquired, pointing to the earth bender and water benders.

The earth bender commander removed her helmet. She had black hair that came down to her shoulders and emerald eyes. "My name is Sayuri and I'm the Commander of the Earth Bender Guardians.

Next, the male water bender removed his helmet. He had his dark brown hair pulled back into the traditional wolf tail that water tribesmen wore and had dark blue eyes. "Greeting's, my name is Shinju and I'm the Commander of the Water Bender Guardians."

Ty Lee and Mai, who had finally stopped hugging Zuko, looked at the last water bender. She had her arm around Azula's shoulder. She smiled and lifted her eye guard. "You already know me guys."

"Katara!?" Ty Lee shouted. She smiled at the water bender and hugged both her and Azula in a tight squeeze. "I can't believe it! You two are friends and you convinced Azula to see the truth!"

After they got her to let go of them, the whole group went to the meeting chamber where the ten lieutenants were waiting for them. They sat in a semi circle before a central table. Sayuri, Shinju, Zuko, and Katara took there place on the table. Azula sat in the middle between Zuko and Katara. Mai sat on the other side of Zuko and Ty Lee sat down near Shinju.

"Princess, only a few of the people gathered outside had concerns brought forth to us. Most are requests to bring food and supplies to war ravaged towns like we were planning, with a few more dealing with rebels or bandits." a lieutenant, an earth bender, reported.

"Very well, pull together a route to stop at each of those villages on our way home."

"Princess, upon hearing of your decree, many Earth Kingdom citizens, including their military, support you. Others, such as the ones in the farthest bases, wish to see prove of it before they join you."

"That's natural I suppose. Keep tabs on those bases and inform me the moment a decision is made."

"Then all that remains is when you want us to head out and how?"

"We will leave tomorrow via three new aerial ships." Azula informed them. "For now everyone prepare for our departure tomorrow and get some rest. That is all."

Everyone got up and left for their rooms. Zuko and Mai went off to his room and Katara and Azula headed for theirs. They noticed Ty Lee walking off with Shinju. Katara and Azula reached their room and went inside. Katara went over to the bed and plopped down. Azula came and laid down next to her.

"It's been a long week." Katara said, pulling Azula's arms toward her and wrapping them around her waist. "We're finally heading for your homeland tomorrow, spreading hope and peace along the way."

"Yeah and we'll be able to help the Avatar at one point."

"I wonder where he is right now."

"Who knows?" Azula answered before they settled down to rest before dinner.

At an Earth Kingdom Town a few days away

Aang looked out over the lake. Sokka and Toph were with Hakoda and the other water tribesmen. They were planning a smaller invasion of the Fire Nation and waiting for other "rebellious" groups to join up with them. He was just starting to accept the fact that Katara was dead. Word had come that Iroh and Zuko had also been killed. Now, Azula was moving out of Ba Sing Se with a new force heading in this direction. He didn't know which surprised him more. The fact that Azula just happened to be heading this way or that the force she was leading had earth and water benders as well as fire benders.

"You okay Aang?" Sokka inquired, walking up with Toph.

"I don't really know. Azula coming has me feeling rage and confusion. What do we do?"

"We'll have to see what this new force is for before we can make a move. But if its intent is for destruction, we'll have to fight our own people." Sokka answered.

"I'm hoping it won't come to that. So what did you guys need?"

"A few more Earth Generals have shown up with their forces. We needed to head for this village to pull out a rogue unit they reported in the area." Toph said, handing a piece of paper over to him.

"Then let's head for…the Thousand Blossom Village." Aang said, standing up and looking out over the horizon.

This is where we're going to end it for this chapter. If anyone thinks this is moving too fast or something doesn't seem right, we apologize but it is necessary for our stories real conflict to begin later. We thank MeatSarcasm-Guy, Heiwashiz, ice, The Demon in the Asylum, and Templar of Honor for their support and we look forward to more reviews from them. Please read and review.