A Quest

A New Journey Begins

I ran to find Aunt and Uncle Yen. I searched for Aunt Yen first; because she'd be in the kitchen preparing dinner with the other cooks. Surprisingly, Uncle Yen was also there. "Uncle Yen, what are you doing up here? Aren't you supposed to still be down in the stables?" I asked curiously. He chuckled, "Iroh gave me the rest of the day off. So I've come up to help serve the guests and you!" he smiled proudly and pulled me into an embrace.

I stood stunned for a moment, of course I was happy he had been allowed to leave work early, but his last few words caught me. "You'll serve the guests… and me?" I asked, almost dumbstruck. "Why, of course! Surely, you didn't think that we'd allow you to remain a maid forever," he gave me a humorous expression, but I didn't find it funny. What was he thinking? "B-but I'm not a guest or a… a princess for that matter," I stammered.

He laughed harder, "No… you're more than a guest or a princess! Mi Li, you are the daughter of a respected Fire Nation General, which practically makes you nobility, and you have a power that people can only dream of having; apart from the Avatar of course. You really are no house maid at all," he looked so proud that he seemed to be half-crazed. My jaw hung open; I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

"Well, I wanted to tell you that Fire Lord Zuko has officially released me from my duty as a maid," I paused searching for what to say next, "but that doesn't mean that I'll let you treat me like a guest!" I almost shouted the last part. Aunt Yen had been listening to our conversation the entire time, "What do you mean, Mi Li? I can understand you're not used to it, but it's only right; you deserve it," she encouraged and gave me a pleasant smile. "No! It's not right, you deserve to be free just as much as I do," I wanted to knock the silliness out of them.

Uncle Yen looked me in the eye, his face grave, and held my shoulders firmly, "Mi Li, we've told you before; Aunt Yen and I have accepted our places as workers of this palace. But this is not your place; you are destined for much more than just being a petty maid," he spoke calmly and quietly.

I gave up trying to argue, and accepted his words, nodding my head reluctantly. "Now go, find the Avatar and his friends, and tell them the good news. We'll be seeing you shortly," he gave me an assuring grin. He opened the door and I stepped out, heading for the guest rooms. I suppose, that was my weakness; I always did as I was told, and without questions.

When I had reached the guests' common room, I saw Sokka sitting alone on a couch, with an inscrutable frown etched in his brow – he was bored, very bored. "Hello Sokka," I said trying to make conversation, "what are you doing?" He looked up from his boomerang, and answered, "Oh, nothing really. To be honest with you, I'm really hungry at the moment, but I have to wait for everyone else; because it's only polite," and he gave me a smirk. I sat down next to him.

"Oh, that's very considerate of you," I commented, and he responded with a chuckle. "So, tell me about yourself, Sokka," I continued. He was instantaneously absorbed in the conversation, "My father is Chief Hakoda, the leader of the Southern Water Tribe. Katara is my younger sister. We've been following Aang, ever since he emerged from the ice which had been holding him prisoner, for hundreds of years," he paused to take a breath.

"Years ago our mother was taken by the Fire Nation in one of their raids for water-benders. We still haven't found her, but we hope she's alive," he stopped after that last sentence. "Well, I'm very sorry about your mother, I understand what it feels like. But your father is the chief of the Southern Water Tribe?" I asked with interest. "Yes, he is, he's not here at the moment though. He left to head back home, so he could get things back into order sooner," he said casually. I supposed he was used to his father leaving a lot.

"I see. But that would mean you're somewhat of a prince of the Southern Water Tribes, right?" I asked curiously. His entire face beamed. "Finally, someone that actually sees it my way!" he shouted, making his voice echo through the halls. I was nonplussed by his sudden outburst. Just at that moment, Katara walked out of her room, looking at her brother curtly. "Mi Li only said that to please you," she said, giggling.

"What? No! Mi Li does agree with me. I am some sort of a prince," he proudly stated. Katara's terse expression seemed to soften somewhat. "Sokka, you know we don't follow that kind of hierarchy in the Southern Water Tribes. Stop being ridiculous, and of course Mi Li knows that too. She just said that to make you feel good," Katara told him, folding her arms confidently.

Sokka began to falter. He stood in a tense posture, and his frustration was evident as he began to march out of the common room. "I'm really hungry now and I'm not waiting any longer!" he spoke loudly with his back to us. I turned to look at Katara, who giggled with amusement.

"What were you two talking about?" I asked Katara. I waited as her fit of giggles gradually ceased, "Oh, there was this time, when we went to visit the Northern Water Tribe so Aang and I could learn water-bending. He met Princes Yue, and tried to impress her. One of the things he tried, was hinting at the fact that he was 'somewhat of a prince' in the Southern Water Tribe. Of course that was silly, because we don't have that kind of social system there," she giggled once more, and then she continued.

"When I heard him say that, I laughed and mocked him. That's why he was so frustrated. Now he's even more frustrated because I've won the argument again," she laughed, and I laughed with her. "Maybe I shouldn't have said that then," I stated, feeling guilty. "Oh, don't worry about Sokka, he's fine. His pride is always being damaged, yet he always manages to find more… somewhere," she smiled.

The doors to Aang, Toph, and then Suki's, opened and they came to join us in the common room. Katara and I stood up, and together, we all headed to the dining hall. At the table, I was reluctant to sit and be served, but everyone made me. Everyone was at the table; Iroh, Zuko, Mai, Aang, Katara, Sokka, Suki and Toph.

I took my seat opposite Aang, at the long, rectangular, antique table. While we waited for our meals, I wanted to raise some matters of interest. "Aang, I'm sorry if I sound impatient, but I was wondering if you could help me find my parents before investigating my additional abilities," I started hesitantly. But perhaps that wasn't the best way to start my request.

"Not a problem, that's absolutely fine, whatever you want to do is okay with me," he spoke approvingly. "Thanks Aang!" I replied gratefully. I then turned to Zuko who was sitting two seats away from me, at the end of the table. I wanted to ask him a question, but I wasn't sure if it was a good idea. "Is something the matter, Mi Li?" Uncle Iroh asked me. I supposed I might as well speak out now.

"Well, I wanted to ask Fire Lord Zuko something," I began. "Please, just call me Zuko, there's no need for formalities between us," Zuko briskly corrected me. I nodded, and Mai gave me a patronising stare. I looked away from her, and returned my attention to Zuko. "I wanted to ask; could you, perhaps… let Azula free?" I asked with my head hanging down. The table was silent; no one moved or made a sound, all eyes were on me.

"You want me to release Azula?" Zuko tried to clarify, beguiled. "Yes, please," I confirmed. There was a pause. "Why?" Zuko questioned me. I wasn't sure how to say it so that they would agree, "If you went down to meet her, you'll find that she has changed dramatically. She's not insane like she used to be a few months ago, with my help she has changed her ways. She's still Azula; that is forever constant, but she knows things now. She sees right and wrong, and she's willing to bring good changes to the world. She just needs a chance. I'm asking on her behalf." I stared hopefully into Zuko's golden eyes, as he bowed his head, clenching his fists in deep thought.

"I'll consider it," he sighed heavily, rubbing his temple. "The problem is that she's been one of deceit, and maybe you've been fooled into believing her false intentions," he informed calmly. I nodded in agreement. "I understand. I also found it hard to believe. But she has changed. I've observed her when she was at her strongest, and when she was at her weakest. She would still be mentally unstable if it weren't for my help. I watched as she changed. The change is genuine; not false," I added with sureness.

"I'll consider it," he repeated in the same tone as before. The waiters came with the food and we began to eat. I decided to shift my thoughts away for a moment, and enjoy the food. It was awfully quiet at the table; it was very unsettling. Then Aang decided to break the silence, "Where do you want to start looking, Mi Li?" Aang asked light-heartedly.

"The Earth Kingdom; it was the last place I saw them. I want to return to see Tyro and Haru at their village. They should know something, seeing as they were so close to where my parents and I were ambushed," I spoke with slight optimism. I hoped, just hoped that they were still alive and well.

"Alright, we'll fly there when you're ready to go," Aang suggested. "The sooner the better, I also don't want to get in the way of your much larger duties," I felt obliged. "Sure, we can begin packing tomorrow then, if that's fine," Aang asked. "Of course, that'd be great Aang. Thanks!" I appreciated how quick we could leave. Definitely, the sooner we departed, the better it would be.

The next day, I began packing. I said my last goodbyes to Aunt and Uncle Yen. I went down to update Azula and tell her farewell. The other maids found out that I was leaving, and they looked at me with envious expressions. I had to leave my messenger hawk behind; she could be cared for back in the stable. Lastly I said goodbye to Uncle Iroh and Zuko.

"I'll miss your tea, Mi Li," Uncle Iroh told me. I laughed at his complement and embraced him. I briefly thanked Zuko and climbed onto Appa's back. Suki, Katara, Sokka, Toph and Aang were already waiting for me in the huge flying-bison saddle. I waved to Aunt and Uncle Yen, standing on a balcony from another part of the palace. Appa thrust his huge tail and we took off into the sky. My fear of heights returned, but it gradually disappeared as we soared into the feathery clouds.

We flew east, heading for the mining village where Tyro lived. After a few hours of flight, I mustered enough courage to look down, and to my delight I saw a most magnificent view. We were just over the majestic Gates of Azulon, which guarded the huge harbour leading to the Fire Nation Capital. The beaches boldly outlined the boundaries of the land in gold. As we continued to fly, I caught sight of several ships travelling through the gates. Later, islands came into view. Some of these islands were renowned for their fantastic beaches and became successful holiday resorts.

We flew without stopping, for the entire day. The sun was retreating behind the clouds when we arrived. Appa came to gentle landing, and tiredly dawdled into a local stable. A pleasant man greeted us warmly, and went off to prepare a stall for Appa. I climbed out of the saddle and landed on the ground with a thump. The others followed me, climbing off Appa. Then a stable hand came to lead Appa to his stall.

"This place has changed much, I'm not sure if I can remember where to find Tyro," I quickly informed the group. "That's alright, I know where to go," Aang said cheerfully. So we all headed out of the stable, following Aang's lead. Soon, we had walked to a huge building, with a sign that read Town Council. I stopped to briefly inspect the building and the sign; I think I recognised this place.

"Come on in everyone, Tyro should be in here. If not, at least one of the other council members should know," Aang gestured for us to follow him. We entered the building. Sokka was the last to walk in so he closed the doors. Once inside, we were in a huge hall. The ceiling was high up, and there was an area with tables and chairs for people to meet and discuss. There was a staircase that connected to a second level, and there were doors everywhere. I guessed that this building had many rooms for all sorts of things.

A man with a small frame approached us with a kind smile, "Greetings, Avatar. Is there anything I can do to help you?" he asked sincerely. "Yes, please. We're looking for Tyro. Can you lead us to him?" Aang requested politely. "Of course, right this way," the man replied and gestured for us to follow him. We entered a relatively large room with tables, books, chairs and people. Our guide gestured to a man with a large build and a long white beard, before departing the room. It was Tyro! It seemed that he may have sensed our presence in the room because he turned away from the man he was conversing with, and gazed in our direction.

Upon catching my glance, his face lit up in a familiar smile. I returned his joy and briskly walked to him. He laughed a hearty laugh, and held his arms out to embrace me. I accepted his embrace and stood back to look up to him, "Uncle Tyro!" I was so joyful that I jiggled with excitement.

"Mi Li, I thought I'd never see you again! I'm so glad that you're safe. Come, we'll go to my house and speak in the comfort of home; the Missus and Haru will be most delighted to see you," he placed a hand on my shoulder to lead me out of the room and gestured for the council member, that he was speaking with, to return to his duties. The man gave him an understanding nod, before turning away.

At the doorway, Tyro greeted the group warmly, and we headed off to Tyro's house. The house wasn't far, and we reached it within a few minutes. They had their own little farm next to the house. And just in the street a few blocks away, I remembered, was the inn that they owned and ran themselves. We arrived at the front yard of the house, and I caught sight of someone who was unmistakably Haru. He was sitting lethargically on a branch of a huge apple tree, but when our gazes met, his bored appearance morphed into one of pure bliss.