Toph arrives a few days after Katara sends the message. When she enters the city, Katara steps forward. "Toph, this is Shen Zhu. He's the one that needs your help. I'll let him explain," Katara introduces me.

"My parents, whom I have thought dead for so long, are imprisoned inside the volcanic caverns. My sister won't tell me where. I was hoping that you could use your Earthbending to help me find them," I request.

"Sure. No problem," Toph runs off in the direction of the volcano. Mom, Zuko, Katara, and I follow her.

Once inside, Toph leads us in the direction of my parents. After a while of following Toph, we find ourselves in a large cavern.

I see my parents chained to the wall. I run to them. Mother isn't moving. She's barely breathing. Father is already dead. "Mother, wake up!" I cry out.

Mother's eyes open slightly. "Shen Zhu, my son, you're here. I'm sorry I can't stay with you," mother gasps and coughs up blood.

My eyes widen. "Katara!" I call.

Katara comes and tries to heal mother. Mother gasps. "Shen Zhu, I love you." Then, mother stops breathing.

I scream. "Mother, don't leave me, please!" I shake her.

Mom comes to me. "She's dead. I'm sorry," mom puts an arm around me.

Tears come to my eyes. "No!" I scream. My eyes start to burn. A reddish glow emanates from them. Fire begins to surround me.

Before I can fully lose control, mom wraps her arms around me. "Shen Zhu, please, don't do this. I know you're angry and upset. I know that I'm not your birth mother, but I do love you as if you were my son," mom tries to comfort me.

My eyes widen slightly. They return to their normal color. I collapse against mom, sobbing uncontrollably. Mom holds me close as I cry. She sings softly to me, hoping to calm me down. It works. My sobs turn to sniffles. My tears slow down. "I…I c…can't believe she's gone. It's…all my fault," I whimper.

"No. It isn't your fault. There wasn't anything that you could've done," mom strokes my forehead.

Fatigue makes itself known. "I'm tired…" I yawn. My eyelids begin drooping.

"Then sleep, my son," mom smiles. I close my eyes. My breath evens out. I fall asleep before long.