Prologue:

Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar, but I am more than happy to embellish on it. :) *rated M for safety*

Aang: 17

Katara: 18

Sokka: 19

Suki: 19

Toph: 16

Zuko: 20

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
- Lao Tse

It's been four years since the end of the Hundred Year War, and the Four Nations knew balance and harmony once again. An era of peace replenished the land and brought a new sense of normalcy to its people. Aang joined Sokka and Katara in the Southern Water Tribe, where he inspired hundreds to flock to the icy land in search of his blessing for any and all reasons. Toph opened her own Earth Bending Academy in Omashu, since she couldn't stand the confines of Ba Sing Se. She taught many pupils there in her own unique style, channeling the badger-moles expertise to produce many young master benders. Suki returned to Kyoshi Island after a rather bad breakup with Sokka, leaving the South Pole to resume her role as the leader of the Island's fierce female warriors. Last but not least, Zuko had remained relatively isolated, ruling the Fire Nation with the gentle and nurturing hand his country craved. In this place, the trees grew taller, the flowers bloomed brighter, and even the sun seemed eager to rise in the morning.

"The sun is so bright today!" Katara shaded her blue eyes as she squinted up at the sky. Her footsteps slushed a little as she walked, the midday blaze melting the uppermost layer of snow.

"I think my tan is getting tan," Sokka mused, examining the skin on his arm.

"That can't happen Sokka," Katara rolled her eyes, shifting the basket of fish they had caught onto her other hip.

"It could!" He snapped defiantly. "How do you explain us being so dark and Aang being so pale?"

"I don't know," she sighed, annoyed. "Maybe because you talk too much?"

"Nuh-uh!" Sokka exclaimed, then blinked in confusion. "Wait, what?"

But Katara kept walking. Sokka frowned, glanced questioningly up at the sun, and hurried to keep up.

When they finally crested the hill overlooking the village, the burning sun was low in the sky.

"Hey, Katara! Sokka! Look at this!" A red blur flew past them, ruffling their clothes. He did a triple somersault in midair, then landed gracefully on an air ball he conjured at the last second.

"What'd ya think?" Cool, huh!" Aang grinned happily as Sokka congratulated him excitedly, Katara beaming behind them.

"So did you guys catch anything ice fishing?" Aang's big grey eyes glinted playfully at the both of them.

"Yeah, enough for tonight at least," Katara showed the basket of fish off, revealing the meager catch that lay within. Aang raised one of his eyebrows.

"Good thing I don't eat meat," he chided. Sokka immediately groaned, turning away and slapping his forehead.

"Well, Sokka here wouldn't let me waterbend. He prefers the 'old-fashioned way,'" Katara teased, winking at Aang.

"Hey! I caught exactly what we needed, even without all your fancy magic tricks!" He scoffed, crossing his arms.

"Maybe going to bed hungry tonight will convince you to let me waterbend next time," his sister added, patting him delicately on his shoulder.

"Whatever Katara. A real warrior uses his superior strength and skills to do what he must to conquer all situations!" he said valiantly, punching the air with his boomerang clenched in his fist. Aang and Katara just snickered quietly behind his back. Fortunately for Sokka, he was too preoccupied with images of victory to notice.

They all laughed and descended the hill. The last rays of sunlight disappeared on the horizon as they arrived at their hut on the edge of the village. They began preparing for dinner, each doing a different task to help speed along the process. In a short while, a meal of stewed sea prunes, grilled polar ice cod and cantemelon berry juice was being thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Suddenly, there was fervent knocking on their door. The trio dropped their forks and stared at the wooden frame, wondering vaguely if the thin panel would buy them enough time to prepare for a fight. Sokka put a hand on his sword, rising from the table and walking to the door. He cracked it open, the other two holding their breath. Then Sokka sighed and opened it all the way. It was Grangran.

"Quickly!" The old woman whispered, pushing past Sokka. A strange and unfamiliar face strode closely behind her, giving him a knowing look.

"Grangran!" Katara said in surprise, standing as her grandmother approached her. "What's wrong?"

Grangran rushed to each window, leaning out and glancing around before closing them securely. Finally, she took a seat by the fire, the strange boy standing by her side.

"This is a messenger from the Fire Nation, he is sent with desperate news!" She motioned for the boy to speak on. The boy took his place by the fire, the orange glow casting an ominous shadow down the left side of his face. The wind started to pick up outside, giving itself away with its soft howling.

He cleared his throat, and began. "I am here in the Southern Water Tribe by the order of Fire Lord Zuko, who asks respectfully and urgently for the Avatar and his friends to travel to his Royal Palace immediately. It is top secret business and must be discussed in person, as soon as possible. He asks that you take leave as soon as the escort ship arrives. He apologizes for any inconvenience, but stresses the significance of the situation most ardently." The boy paused and took a breath, his cheeks flushing at the wide-eyed stares he was receiving.

"He foresaw your confusion, so he entrusted me with this item. I was instructed to give it to you should you question the reason for this journey."

From within his robes the boy drew out a small carved wooden box, offering it respectfully to Aang. Katara and Aang exchanged a meaningful look, then he shrugged and accepted the box. He opened it, Sokka pushing his face eagerly in the middle of the other two. Inside, a small, delicate-looking red feather lay glittering in the firelight.

"This is supposed to help?" Sokka yelled, exasperated. "I'm even more confused than I was before!"

The boy stood. "The ship should dock here soon after sunrise, and I will be expecting you to arrive in a timely manner." He bowed, then slipped back out the way he came and disappeared into the night.

The threesome all glanced at each other, the wooden box sitting conspicuously in the middle. The means was staring them in the face, but the end to the truth was not so obvious.

The dishes were washed, the candles were blown out, and they were all tucked safely into bed. Soon, the soothing sounds of the waves on the icy beach lulled their eyes closed, and their breathing became even and deep. They went to sleep that night, each dreaming of the possible reasons they would soon be at the Fire Lord's doorstep.

So, what do you guys think? I'd love it if you would leave helpful reviews for me to improve with. I have more of it written, but I want to know whether or not it seems interesting enough to continue reading. Personally, I really like where this story is going in my head. Trust me, you won't be disappointed with the Zutara and other romances that are to come! Just be patient and kind with me, and I will provide you with, at the very least, a good read. :) Thank you so much for giving this a chance! Peace. :3