"No…" Suki rasped, frozen in terror as Zuko's hands held her roughly against the tunnel wall. "No, please..."

Koh's grip only tightened as he glanced at Zuko's arms, which held firm as she started to struggle. He breathed in deeply, letting out a thick breath of fire between them. "Mmm…my, this is a strong body," he noted. "Perhaps his sister's bending is superior, but you can't beat the feeling of such pure physical strength."

"L-let him go," Suki pleaded, praying desperately this was only another nightmare. She stared wide-eyed at his chest, the cruel, unnatural expression in her husband's face too awful to look at.

Koh finally moved away, tearing the blades from Zuko's back and looking them over with a mixture of loathing and victory. "To think I would wield the very weapons that first destroyed me," he said darkly, nose wrinkling at the memory. "You know, I haven't decided whether to burn you alive or chop you up," he went on sickly. The blades were suddenly set aflame, illuminating the tunnel with quivering shadows. "…Perhaps I'll do both."

Suki watched in horror, realizing just how frightening Zuko could really be, and how much of that she'd overlooked because of his gentle nature.

"Shall we see if what they say is true?" Koh went on as he slithered closer. "Is Lord Zuko really the most powerful man in the Fire Nation?"

Sucking in a sharp breath, Suki reached with trembling fingers towards her katana, sliding the blade from its sheath and raising it up between them. The sword shook violently in her grip as she ground her teeth in fear. Fear, and heartache.

In an instant, an awful cackle escaped Zuko's lips as the dao swords crashed against her own. Her arms quivered beneath the force as she finally looked into Zuko's eyes—the eyes that were no longer his own, that glared at her with a bloodthirstiness she'd never seen in them before.

"Z-Zuko…" she gasped in desperation. "Please…I know you're still there. You can—"

She was cut off as he breathed hot flames in her face. Ducking low, she rolled between his legs and stood quickly, spinning around and reaching out with sharp fingers towards his back. Before she made contact, however, she felt a strong force ram into her, throwing her against the wall. She fell slowly to the floor.

"You won't get away with that again," Koh snarled, stretching out the arm he'd just slammed against her chest.

Suki struggled quickly to her feet, unable to stifle a cough that left a trail of blood dripping from the corner of her mouth. Her sword had slipped from her grip at the impact, and she reached for her fans as Zuko's flames went out and she was emerged in darkness.

Suki swallowed the sour taste in her throat and held her breath, listening for any sound that would give away his position. When a minute of eerie silence passed with nothing, she moved silently and blindly along the wall. Covering her mouth with one hand, she tried desperately not to gasp as her chest throbbed in pain and terror.

The silence continued as she moved further into the tunnel. Why isn't he attacking? she thought anxiously, ignoring the taste of blood in her mouth as she quickened her pace, hoping she was heading closer to some kind of exit. Did I actually manage to lose—

She pressed her hand further against her mouth as a nearly inaudible sound echoed in the darkness.

A clicking sound, like dozens of legs crawling all around her.

She couldn't let herself believe it for a moment, forcing down her nausea as memories of another labyrinth flooded her mind. No, she thought as the noise grew. No, it can't be—

She couldn't contain her gasp as the sound became more pronounced, echoing off the rough walls and ringing in her ears like it had over a year ago in Koh's lair.

"Getting quite good at this, aren't I?" Zuko's voice rang out from the darkness. "You don't even have to be asleep to experience the nightmares anymore."

Suki swore silently, realizing it was only another mind game as she quickened to a sprint, stumbling over the ragged ground every few paces as she tried to escape.

"You really think you can outrun me? This is my element, foolish human," Koh went on, voice growing louder with every word. "You couldn't escape me last time…and you certainly won't now. Not without your precious Fire Lord to rescue you."

Suki's fingertips were nearly burnt as her path was stopped by a sudden, thick wall of orange flames. Crying out, she quickly batted them away with her fans, hurling herself through the fire and into the darkness beyond. A moment later, she dared a glance back. All she could see, however, were a few flames dying out behind her, the tunnel seemingly empty in their wake.

Before she could look forward again, she flew into an unseen barrier, a strong force pushing her against the wall as the sound of two swords sliced through in the shadows. She had barely realized her mistake as the metal pressed against her neck.

Suki trembled as she was pinned against the dark wall, flames escaping each breath from Zuko's mouth that illuminated his disturbing grin. His eyes were hidden beneath shadows, dark hair falling into his face.

"How ironic," Koh hissed through Zuko's raspy voice, "that the very weapons he used to save you would be the means to your end."

Suki's face contorted in pain, quietly acknowledging her defeat as two thick tears fell down her cheeks. "Zuko," she said softly, looking into his golden eyes now filled with hate. "If you can hear me…please know this isn't your fault," she told him, a sudden peace falling over her as she spoke. "Please know…I'll always love you."

Koh scowled at her words, his amusement suddenly gone as he pulled one of the swords back and held it firmly in his fist. "Time to end this," he said darkly, throwing more flames along the blade and aiming the tip for her heart. Suki grimaced, squeezing her eyes shut and waiting for it all to end.

But nothing happened. Peaking an eye open, she looked up. Zuko's wrist was bent backwards at an unnatural angle, the flames dissolving in thin air as the blade crashed to the ground. The other arm that held the blade to her neck pulled away slowly, as if fighting an inner struggle with itself.

"S-Suki," Zuko croaked, face suddenly streaked with desperation. "Now!"

Not needing an explanation, Suki grabbed his free arm and threw him against the wall in her place before jabbing the sensitive points along his back. The other blade fell from his limp fingertips, and his body went deadweight against her. Grunting, Suki reached beneath his shoulders, supporting him with trembling legs as she slowly lowered them both to the floor.

"Z-Zuko," she whispered, rolling him over in her lap, the physical pain in her chest forgotten as it filled with overwhelming relief.

He breathed heavily, staring up at her with wide eyes. "Suki…I—I struck you," he gasped, staring in horror at the blood dripping from the corner of her mouth. "I almost—oh Agni, I-I'm sorry—"

"It's okay. It's okay, Zuko, it wasn't you," she told him, pushing the hair out of his face and resting her hand against his cheek.

"Suki—" he rasped in a sudden panic. "Suki, I love…" His voice trailed off as his expression was once again filled with a vivid loathing. Suki flinched as Koh's terrible scream flew from his mouth, his eyes burning in fury as he glared up at her. Holding back a sob, Suki turned him over quickly and hit the final pressure point that would knock him out.

The shrieks died away in an instant, leaving Suki alone in the quiet tunnel as the remaining flames behind them burnt out. She pulled Zuko's unconscious body against her, clinging to his tunic as his head hung limply over the crook of her arm.

"O-oh," she choked out, burying her face against his chest as she finally let her tears fall freely. "P-please…what do I do?" she asked the darkness, quaking madly as the reality of everything fell over her in an instant. "P-please…someone…h-help me!" she called out.

Of course, no one answered.

"What do I do?" she whispered again, the sobs finally breaking free as she felt utterly and completely alone.

Sokka and Toph crouched just inside the front doors of the palace, which were already thrown open. Violent jeers rang in from the streets, the crackling of dozens of fires leaking into the dark entryway.

"They're out there," Toph whispered. "Ursa, Iroh, plus Teja, Chou, and Aki."

"What?" Sokka asked. "Why would they have the lightning girls?"

Toph bit her lip, turning back towards him. "Because they're Zuko's family too," she said quietly.

Sokka's eyes grew wide as he waited for her to explain.

"As if Ozai wasn't a big enough scumbag, turns out he had kids with more than just Ursa," she explained darkly.

"Great spirits," Sokka breathed, feeling a little sick. "But, why didn't Zuko tell us?"

"He wanted to protect them," she explained, placing her ear back against the door as the crowds outside started to die down. "For good reason, it seems like. I only found out because I could tell Zuko was hiding something about them when we met. Teja and I are pretty tight, so I finally asked her about it this trip."

"But how could Rishi know they're Zuko's sisters?" Sokka asked.

Toph's expression grew dark. "If he's really Koh…then he'd know them. He took their faces too. Ozai basically handed those girls over on a silver platter to the monster."

"That sick bast—" Sokka stopped as Toph threw a hand over his mouth, the air outside growing silent as someone began to speak.

"It's Rishi," Toph breathed. "I need to get closer so I can—" She stopped, eyes growing wide. "Someone's here."

Sokka whipped his head around, standing quickly and pulling his sword from its sheath as Toph readied herself beside him. A figure emerged slowly from the shadows.

"Sokka, is that any way to greet an old master?" the man said.

"Master Piandao…" Sokka started, not dropping his weapon. "What are you…" He swallowed. "Why have you been helping them?" he said, that sinking feeling returning to his gut.

"Sokka," Piandao started calmly. "Did you not learn from our last lesson that I'm a fairly decent actor?"

Sokka thought back to his fight at Piandao's home, at the time thinking he was fighting to the death when it had all simply been his final lesson from his teacher. He furrowed his brows. "But…but we heard you. You said you supported overthrowing Zuko."

"Yeah, and you weren't lying," Toph added skeptically.

"Is that what I said?" Piandao recalled, tapping a finger to his chin. "From my recollection, I simply said he should be the last Fire Lord to rule. And to be honest, I hope to see him rule for many more years before any changes are made."

Sokka cocked his head, before suddenly realizing what Piandao meant. "No way. You think Zuko might…" He stopped, looking around for any eavesdroppers. "You think Zuko might end the monarchy?" he asked whispered.

Piandao nodded. "If he's as insightful as he was as my apprentice, then I don't doubt it. Lord Zuko has always desired the safety of his people. I would not be surprised if he's come to realize that the greatest protection he can offer them is that of self-representation."

Toph chuckled quietly. "You tricky bugger. I can't believe you fooled us again."

Leaning against the hilt of his sword, Piandao shrugged casually, though the corner of his mouth curled up in quiet amusement.

"Wow, am I relieved," Sokka sighed in chagrin. He suddenly grinned. "So…what kind of sabotage have you been up to, Master?"

Piandao's eyes brightened. "Would you like to find out? I could use another swordsman to finish the job."

"You bet!" Sokka said eagerly, unable to suppress his excitement.

Toph snorted quietly at his enthusiasm. "Well, have fun you two. I'm gonna stay here and get those guys out."

"Good plan," Sokka agreed, following Piandao into the shadows before pausing in his tracks. He turned around suddenly, running back to Toph and pulling her into a hug. After a moment, he leaned down and kissed her quickly. "I…" He stopped, biting his lip. "I'll see you in a bit."

"Well, I won't," Toph smirked. Sokka chuckled, giving her another squeeze before taking off in his master's wake.

Just minutes later, the two men reached the roof of the entry wing, the moonlight obscured by the thickening clouds.

"I've dismantled the ignition lines for all the wings but this one," Piandao explained. "We need to find and cut the lines before they're ignited."

Sokka nodded, scouring the wide rooftop as he did some quick math in his head. "They'll need at least six barrels to take this wing down," he guessed. "And if they know what they're doing, they'll be located above the support beams below."

Piandao nodded in return, taking off in search of the explosives. Sokka took off in the opposite direction, finding two barrels within a couple minutes and cutting quickly through the ignition cables.

Seems weird they'd put these on the top floors, he thought absently, rounding the tall spire in search for more of the explosives. It'd be a lot more effective to take out the beams at the ground level…

As Sokka found and cut through the line of a third barrel, he stopped as his thoughts finally took root in his mind. Eyes growing wide, he turned back to the explosive he'd just disarmed and reached cautiously towards its lid.

Doesn't blasting jelly usually stink? he thought anxiously, chest growing tight as he removed the lid with care. He sniffed, but smelled nothing. Swallowing roughly, he dipped his hand into the dark barrel. Instead of a thick, sticky jelly, his fingers were submerged in a watery liquid. Dropping his sword to the ground, he threw both hands into the barrel and pulled out a cup of the mystery substance.

Without really thinking about what he was doing, Sokka brought the liquid to his mouth. He took a nervous sip before spitting it out.

"This…isn't blasting jelly," he realized in dread. "…This is just water."

Osamu tightened the facet beside the tub, watching as the steaming water slowed to a trickle and disappeared. Moving to the cupboards, he dug out a few towels and a uniform that looked about the right size and set them on the chair beside the tub. Satisfied, he grabbed the lantern and crept quietly back to the office, scanning the dark infirmary before slipping inside.

Sitting carefully on the edge of the cot, he reached out towards Nukka's shoulder. He hesitated, however, reluctant to wake her. She looked so peaceful in her sleep. So peaceful…and beautiful.

He huffed, looking away. I shouldn't think like that, he told himself, before turning back and shaking her gently awake.

"I'm sorry," he said quietly. "But I'm worried if we don't leave soon…"

"Mmm, it's all right, Osamu," she smiled tiredly. She lifted a hand and bent a bit of the water from the sink. "Oh good, my bending is back."

Osamu sighed in relief. "I'm glad. I've…" He stopped, swallowing roughly. "I've prepared a bath, so you can heal."

"That sounds nice," she said, sitting up slowly as Osamu supported her shoulders. "But you can just tell me if I stink, you know."

Against his will, he chuckled. "Quite the opposite, actually," he replied without thinking, suddenly feeling his cheeks go a little red beneath his beard as Nukka grinned at him. Clearing his throat, he helped her up, and they moved silently to the washroom where he helped her sit beside the tub before drawing the curtain closed around her.

"I'll just, um, stay nearby in case you need help. O-or if anyone comes," he said, flushing further before moving quickly towards the door.

"Osamu?" Nukka called out before he moved too far away.

"Mmm?"

"Could you throw this out for me?" she asked, her hand poking through the curtains, clutching something in its grasp. Osamu reached out, and she deposited a small object his palm.

His heart skipped a beat as he looked at it in the lantern light. It was the betrothal necklace he'd never seen her without, the edges of the soft ribbon frayed and the carved stone dulled with time. Though it weighed almost nothing, Osamu couldn't help but feel like he was holding prison chains.

"Of course," he said quietly, moving silently to the waste bin and dropping it inside. She's finally free, he reminded himself. …She'll never want to wear one of these again.

Turning back, he noticed her little brown feet sticking out beneath the curtain. He smiled a bit, before her dress dropped around her ankles. Osamu's eyes grew wide as he turned away quickly, reaching with a shaking hand towards a chair in the darkness and sitting down with his back to her.

Spirits, g-get a grip, you old fool, he told himself, growing warm. You're—YOU'RE SIXTY-NINE YEARS OLD—

When Nukka eventually emerged from the curtains, she saw Osamu crouched forward, his right arm extended as he ran a finger along the skin.

"Flexor carpi ulnaris…palmaris longus…flexor carpi radialis…pronator teres…" he was mumbling under his breath.

"…Osamu? Are you all right?" she asked curiously.

He glanced back briefly, before focusing back on his arm. "Y-yes, just fine. Only it felt, um, suddenly important to review some muscle anatomy. Important to keep your mind sharp at my age, you know," he said nervously.

Nukka raised her brows at him. "Osamu, you know the human body like the back of your hand," she chuckled.

"Mmm…" he hummed, feeling even more embarrassed. "I…suppose."

"Well, I'm feeling much better now," she went on, holding out her arms, now free of bruising.

Osamu's nervousness melted into relief as he looked at her. "I'm so glad," he said sincerely, reaching towards her on impulse before pulling away quickly. Instead, he reached out for the lantern and moved towards the door.

As his fingers touched the doorknob, he felt a hand on his arm. "Osamu," Nukka started, looking at him with concern. "Are you sure you're all right?"

"Of course, of course," he said quickly. "I'm just anxious to get going."

"That's not all though, is it?" she stated. Osamu swallowed roughly, equally touched as he was stunned at how well this woman could read him. He looked at his feet.

"I'm sorry about what happened. I'm sorry you had to kill him," she said quietly. "That must be difficult to process."

"What?" he said in surprise, looking back up at her. "No, no. It's not that—"

"I'm sorry I've given you so much grief," she went on, looking close to tears. "I feel as though I've only made your life more difficult. Perhaps…perhaps I should have gone with Arnook, and left you in peace—"

Osamu dropped the lantern on the table beside them before holding her shoulders gently. "No, Nukka, no," he said earnestly, desperate to resolve her misunderstanding. "It's not like that at all."

"Then what is it?" she asked timidly, her lower lip trembling.

Osamu's heart throbbed in his chest, knowing he needed to be honest with her but terrified that by doing so, he'd only confirm his fears. He took a deep breath before speaking. "You're finally free," he explained quietly, looking away. "After a lifetime of…of slavery, you're finally free. And as much as I…" love you, he thought, stopping himself. "I just—I can't bind you down again."

Nukka's mouth fell open as she realized what he was saying. "Osamu," she said, looking almost amused. "Freedom isn't the same as being alone."

He blinked twice, eyes growing wide. "What?"

"Freedom means I have a choice. And…" She stopped, blushing in the shadows. "If you'll have me…I'd choose you."

Osamu's heart seemed to stop in his chest as he registered her words. "Oh, Nukka," he breathed, reaching a trembling hand to her face in the darkness. "My dear…of course I'll have you."

Nukka smiled wider, closing her eyes as she reached up, touching his hand and leaning into it. Osamu brushed the fingers of his opposite hand along her cheek and through her long, loose hair as he leaned down. She looked up at him for a long moment before he closed the distance between them.

A lifetime of heartache seemed to shatter in that kiss, both forgetting where they were and the decades that had separated them.

"I love you," Osamu breathed at last, heart pounding in his chest as he pulled her against him.

"I love you too," she said earnestly.

"I've loved you my whole life. I—I never stopped," he choked out, feeling close to tears.

"Oh, Osamu, it's all right," she said softly, looking back up at him and cupping his face in her hand. "Don't cry, my love."

Despite her words, he felt his cheeks growing wet. Pulling her closer, he kissed her again, desperate to make up for a lifetime apart.

Suki sniffled quietly in the black tunnel, arms trembling from the weight of Zuko's body as she held him against her, refusing to let go.

She was so distraught that she didn't notice the heavy breathing that echoed quietly in the small passageway until something nudged her against the shoulder. She gasped, turning around quickly as a small puff of fire illuminated her surroundings.

"D-Druk," she said, exhaling in relief. Her face contorted in pain again, however, as she looked back down at Zuko's face.

Druk crawled around to face her, nudging Zuko's head in her arms, watching with bright red eyes as it rose and fell limply. He looked at her, cocking his head as if questioning what was wrong.

"K-Koh's taken him, Druk," she stammered. "He's taken them all," she continued, glancing towards Azula and Ty Lee, their unconscious bodies lying on the ground deeper inside the long tunnel.

Druk followed her gaze as the blue dragon moved into view, each of their fiery breaths filling the cavern with a soft glow. Kaida crept towards Azula's body, nudging her a few times before curling around her protectively.

"Do you understand?" Suki cried, fresh tears falling from her eyes as Druk turned back to her. "Th-there's nothing I can do. They'll wake in a few hours…and he'll still have them. And he won't give Zuko up, I just know it. I've thought and thought…but there's n-nothing I can do…" she croaked, letting her head fall back against Zuko's already-moist shoulder.

A moment later, Suki felt hot air against her face before a scaly surface pressed against her temple. She sucked in quickly from surprise, but felt suddenly calm as an image flooded her mind.

She saw a jungle, strange creatures with faces painted on their backs, the vegetation suddenly parting to reveal a perfectly symmetrical pool that seemed to glow in the darkness.

Is this…Forgetful Valley? she wondered, having never visited the place but recognizing it from Zuko's descriptions.

At that moment, the pool's water parted, rippling towards the shore as a tree-like form stood tall from its depths. Several masks circled the creature, her four pale faces staring blankly around.

The Mother of Faces, Suki realized, heart ramming into her throat as she remembered Koh's words while he'd been fighting her.

"My mother made that face, made all these faces. And she made me—the Face Stealer."

The vision disappeared as quickly as it came, and Suki gasped as Druk pulled in his snout away. He blinked twice, not looking away from her as red eyes stared into green.

"If anyone knows what to do about Koh…it's her," Suki breathed. "His mother." She inhaled deeply for a moment as hope welled in her chest. "You know where to find her, don't you? You've been there before—when you found Ju. Please—can you bring us—"

He was nuzzling her neck before she could even finish, and Suki wrapped an arm around the dragon's head and pressed her face against his in gratitude. She felt his tongue slip between his teeth, licking the corner of her mouth before pulling away. She reached up, remembering the blood trickling down her chin, rubbing it quickly against her sleeve before heaving Zuko up as she stood. Druk helped, nudging his nose under Zuko's back and laying against the ground as they lifted the limp body into the saddle.

Suki looked back at Ty Lee and Azula. "How are we going to take them? I think keeping a hold on Zuko is going to be hard enough," she thought anxiously.

Druk suddenly lifted one webbed foot, flexing his sharp claws excitedly.

Suki's eyes grew wide. "Well…" she gulped. "If you say so."

Toph crouched silently along the outer wall of the palace, grinding her teeth as she listened to the roars of a violent crowd a short distance away. Sneaking around in such an open area really wasn't her specialty, but she'd done her best to steer clear of the warmth of the dozens of lanterns spotting the grounds and to keep far enough from the crowds that they wouldn't notice her in their distraction with the "royals."

Toph deliberated silently, nearly giving up on the sneak approach and charging in to grab her friends. But from what she could tell, there were several hundred pairs of feet gathered near the gates. She could probably just bury the idiots in a sinkhole, but thought the better of it considering Zuko's family could get caught up in the chaos that would ensue. She huffed, blowing her bangs out of her eyes. Getting Zuko's five drugged-up relations out of this was going to be a pain.

Maybe that's the reason Sokka makes me feel safe, she mused absently, recalling her thoughts from earlier. Even when he couldn't do anything himself, Sokka did always seem to know what to do. Trying to formulate a plan on her own, she listened carefully as the roars died down and the old blowhard started speaking again.

"It's no wonder our lord was so flippant in his choice of wife—look at the rest of his family!" Rishi jeered, moving closer to the individuals held to their knees. Toph furrowed her brows—if Rishi was being possessed by Koh, then why she could sense the old man just fine?

"A mother raised in a peasant village, three more bastard children, and the great Dragon of the West who deserted his post at the dawn of Fire Nation victory," the man went on as a rumble of agreement went through the crowds. Toph sensed Iroh's body being hauled to his feet, a short quake through the earth as though he'd been hit with a strong hand. "Not so high and mighty now, are you, General Iroh?"

All right, that's it, Toph thought furiously, standing and yanking up her fancy sleeves as she stormed from her hiding spot. NO ONE messes with Uncle.

The rest of Rishi's words were cut off as she slung a wad of earth around his arms and pinned him to the stupid stage he'd erected at the front of the gates. Toph threw a hand out, pointing towards the crowds now stunned to silence as she took the old man's spot on the stand. "Do you people know who I am?!" she roared, shaking the earth at their feet. "I'm TOPH BEIFONG, the greatest earthbender in the world! And you sissies better scram if you don't wanna be ground up and fed to the tigerdillos!"

Toph felt three hundred hearts skip a beat in the open courtyard surrounding the gates, several dozen of the cowards in the back slipping back into the city from her threat alone. Sucking in a deep breath, she jumped off the stage and raised herself up on a large platform that dwarfed Rishi's pathetic structure below. She formed two giant earthen fists at her sides, slamming them together in the air above her head and letting the dirt shower the crowds below. "I SAID SCRAM!" she hollered, feeling the crowds suddenly jump into a fearful frenzy as she sent a hundred wads of dense earth at their heads.

Back at the palace, Sokka and Piandao raced down the stairs from the roof. "I can't believe it—Rishi must have known what I was doing all along," the old swordsman said roughly. Sokka had never seen him look so upset.

"It's all right, Master," Sokka said quickly. "Who knew the old geezer wasn't as stupid as he looked?"

Piandao didn't seem to hear him as he quickened his pace through the dark tower. "They must have found evidence of my tampering and tried to throw me off their trail," he continued, cursing quietly.

Sokka's shoulders sagged a little. The only reason he'd figured out the phony explosives so quickly was because their troops had used blasting jelly during the invasion on the Day of Black Sun. Piandao had probably never encountered it before, since he'd abandoned the army long before it's invention.

"You believe the real explosives will be at the ground level, then?" Piandao asked him, turning back suddenly. Sokka was a little stunned by the look of total trust and respect in his master's eyes.

"Yes," Sokka replied firmly. "I think they would try to take out the base of the towers."

"Mm," Piandao affirmed. "And how many would each wing—" He stopped abruptly, backing up a few steps as he took a double take out one of the windows. "What's that?"

Sokka peaked around his master's shoulder, watching as an earthen giant taller than the outer wall threw rocky hail down at the crowds of sages and nobles below. Its body cast a menacing shadow along the open courtyard from the surrounding firelight, its enormous feet sweeping people aside like toy soldiers. A loud, wicked-sounding laugh rang through the nighttime air.

"Must be this spirit you mentioned," Piandao said darkly. "The one threatening his lord and lady, correct?"

"Nah," Sokka replied, grinning widely. "I'm pretty sure that's just my girlfriend."

Piandao's momentary shock turned to amusement. "Well…I would certainly avoid upsetting her, if I were you."

Sokka didn't hear him, watching as the crowds of traitors tumbled over one another in terror as they tried to escape the rocky monster's grip. "Woooooyeaaaah!" Sokka hollered, hanging out the window and pumping his fist. "Go Toph! Tear it up, baby!"

"Sokka!" Piandao called out to him, already out of sight further down the stairwell. Sokka pulled himself back inside and ran to catch up with him.

"Nice to see her in her element," Sokka said, raising his brows at the older man as he ran alongside him. "Get it?"

"Sokka."

"Sorry, Master," he said, clearing his throat though not quite wiping his grin away. "Let's go."

Suki's fingers ached as she held Zuko against her, thighs hugging Druk's sides tightly as he sped through the thick nighttime clouds. She'd never realized just how heavy Zuko was until now, every pulse of the dragon's wings striking fear into her heart that he'd slip out of her grip and into the dark forest below. Even so, she could tell Druk was flying more cautiously than normal.

Suki dared a glance down at his claws, which gripped Ty Lee's body carefully. Beside them, Kaida held Azula in a similar way, the girls' hair whipping in the cool wind as the five pools appeared out of the mists below.

It's a good thing they're unconscious, Suki thought, suddenly grateful for the comfort of the saddle as they dipped towards the valley below. The dragons glided slowly down, spiraling around the center lake as the ground became visible. The air warmed with their descent, and soon Druk was landing along the shore on his rear legs, setting Ty Lee down in the sand before lying down a few paces away. His long neck curved back, helping Suki again as she pulled Zuko down to the ground. Suki knelt beside him for a long moment, holding his face in her hand for a long moment and trying not to give up on the hope she'd allowed to creep into her heart.

Standing slowly, she squinted out at the pale water that seemed to give off a faint glow in the surrounding darkness. Her heart suddenly sunk in her chest. Noren had to wait for her to appear, didn't he? How long was it? she wondered nervously, realizing she hadn't completely thought this through in her desperation. Was it weeks? Months? …Years?

Burying the anxiety in her chest, she inhaled sharply and walked briskly up the bank. I'll need to build a shelter and find food. She paused in her tracks. Spirits, should I just go back and get help? Or should I go to Hira'a and—

Her thoughts were cut off as the ground trembled beneath her feet. Suki's heart seemed to stop as she turned around slowly, watching with wide eyes as the pond grew brighter and parted before her eyes. The spirit emerged, even more terrifying and massive than her vision, the pale masks circling her body and her own eyeless faces a stark contrast against her oaken flesh.

Trembling, Suki fell to one knee and bowed before the spirit, not yet daring to speak. From what she'd heard, the Mother of Faces' generosity was sometimes difficult to secure. After a few long moments of silence, Suki looked up, but the spirit didn't seem to be paying her much attention.

"He is here," the creature spoke, her voice resonating as though it was miles away. "I can feel his presence. It's been…so long."

Gaining a little courage, Suki rose to her feet. "You mean…your son?" she asked slowly.

The spirit turned towards her, suddenly frowning. "…Yes. How do you know such things, human?"

Suki frowned in return, feeling a sudden and desperate frustration. "Koh has a personal vendetta against me and my husband," she replied stiffly. "He stole my spirit away into his lair, tormented us and our friends, and threatened the safety of the world," she continued with angry conviction, clenching her fists as she fought back more tears. "And now…now he's taken them," she choked out, casting her hand to the bodies on the ground. The spirit was silent as Suki breathed deeply for a moment. "P-please," she whispered at last. "…You're the only one who might be able to help us."

At last, the great spirit spoke. "Do you come here to blame me for my son's actions, human?" she asked.

Suki's heart seemed to stop. I was too bold, she realized, anxiety sweeping over her. "N-no, no, not at all!" she stammered. "I just—"

"Well, you would be justified in doing so," the spirit interrupted, turning away.

Dumbfounded, Suki waited in silence for an explanation.

"I call Koh my son, but that is not exactly true," the spirit confessed slowly. "At least, not in a mortal sense, for spirits cannot have children as humans do. Koh is merely a piece of…myself, that I forsook at the dawn of time."

Suki's mouth fell open at this revelation. That's why he hates her, she realized after a heartbeat. He's a part of her…and she abandoned him.

"He is the malice, the greed, and the lust that I despised in myself," the Mother of Faces continued bitterly. "I thought…foolishly, perhaps…that I could tear out my pain and weakness and hide it away forever. It was this philosophy that had guided much of my service towards mortals over the ages."

Suki brought her hand to her temple, staring blankly at the ground. "Zuko's mother…and sister," she realized, glancing over at Azula's form along the bank, partially hidden as Kaida rested against her. My sister, Suki realized quietly, before going on. "They came to you in pain…and you solved their problems the way you solved your own."

"Yes, mortal," the spirit confirmed, her face without expression. "I did for them what I have done for many, many others over the ages. It seemed such a simple way to bless these helpless creatures. Removing their memories, their pain…it seemed to give them peace."

"Is that peace…or denial?" Suki wondered. She tensed once she realized the words had slipped out by accident.

"You believe my actions were unjust, human?" the spirit asked in return, though there was no resentment in her voice.

"No…well, I don't know," Suki admitted, kneeling slowly beside Zuko as she thought. "They might give those who forget some sort of peace," she conceded, holding his hand. "…But what about those who are left behind? What about those…who are forgotten?"

Suddenly, the earth began to shake again, and Suki whipped her head around to see the tree-like spirit clenching her long fingers into spiny fists, her entire form trembling and causing waves to crash against the shore. Suki's heart froze in fear, before she noticed water seeping from beneath the bark crown that covered the spirit's eyes. Are those…tears? Suki wondered in awe.

"Human," the Mother of Faces spoke again, her voice quaking slightly, yet less distant than before. "…You are wise. I realize now I have acted in error, both for myself and for the mortals I've served. I realize now…I can no longer let my son wander this world on his own." She paused, standing tall and almost…bravely. "I am prepared to give up the peace our separation gave me to protect humankind," she declared, reaching one hand across the water towards them.

Heart racing in hope, Suki moved aside as the long, spindly fingers reached over Zuko's face. They remained there for a long minute, and Suki grew nervous as his chest began to heave at odd intervals. Before she could protest, however, the large hand was pulling away and he was breathing easy again. Suki flew to his side as the hand moved towards Ty Lee, leaning over him and watching as he slowly opened his eyes.

"Zuko," she asked anxiously, staring into his glassy eyes as she pulled the hair out of his face. "…Is it you?"

When he reached for her hand, Suki realized the spirit must have cleared his chi as well. She watched as Zuko pushed himself into a sitting position, pulling her close before pressing his lips against hers. She didn't need to ask any more if it was him—she could tell.

"You did it," he breathed as he pulled away. "Oh, Agni, I was so afraid. I-I thought…but you did it, Suki. You defeated him," he said in awe, pulling her back against him. "How—how did you do it?"

She shrugged against his chest, smiling in overwhelming relief. "Just did a little talking, actually."

He chuckled. "You're going to make a great Fire Lady."

Just then, they heard a horrible cry ring out beside the shore. It appeared the Mother of Faces had moved on to Azula, who was gripping the spirit's large wrist and attempting to pull her hand away.

"Wretched woman!" she shrieked, her voice possessing Koh's strange deepness. "You…you abandoned me. You deserted me. Y-you…curse you," she spat, body trembling in rage. "CURSE YOU!"

"Koh," the Mother of Faces said sternly. "It is time to return to me."

"My own mother…thought I was a monster…" Azula whispered, face streaked with a quiet agony. It was suddenly difficult to tell whether they were Koh's words…or Azula's.

Suki looked up at Zuko. His head was ducked, face covered by one hand. A few paces away, even Ty Lee seemed to be upset as she brushed her arm across her eyes.

When Azula finally released her hold on the spirit, the Mother of Faces pulled away, a transparent stream of dark fog being dragged away from Azula's face before she collapsed to her knees. Briefly squeezing Suki's hand, Zuko stood and ran over beside his sister.

Suki looked back at the waters, watching as the great spirit sank slowly into their depths, feeling suddenly anxious. Is Koh really gone? she wondered. Did we find all the pieces of him? Is he an even greater threat now that he's united with his mother?

The Mother of Faces turned towards her, the face nearest her giving a small smile despite the pain wracking the others. "Do not fear, human. Koh has returned to me in full. He will not torment your kind again, for the light inside me is more powerful than the darkness," she explained, lifting her head towards the starry sky above. "The time has come for me to defeat him head on," she went on. "And, in time, defeat him I shall."

With that, she emerged in the pool, its glow fading and leaving them in silence.

"Ju…" Zuko said quietly, reaching out a timid hand to her back. "…Azula. Do you…remember?"

She looked up at him slowly, biting her lip hard even as her eyes grew moist. She gave an almost indiscernible nod, face contorting in angry pain as she looked away.

Zuko felt suddenly determined as he knelt and slowly wrapped his arms around her. Though his sister didn't make any move to return the gesture, she didn't stop him.

"Sh-she abandoned us," she rasped against him, before sucking in a ragged breath. "Why would she abandon us?!" she shrieked, her rough voice breaking through the calm air.

"I…don't know," Zuko said sadly. "I don't know, Azula."

"She replaced me," Azula went on bitterly. "I disgusted her, and she replaced me. My own mother," she gasped. "My own mother doesn't love me. And now father doesn't either," she said through gritted teeth. "But he never did…did he?"

"…I'm not sure he ever loved anyone," Zuko admitted quietly.

"No one…no one loves me," Azula whispered, eyes wide and unfocused.

Zuko stared down at her, suddenly realizing how much they had in common. All the stupid, horrible things he'd done during the war—hadn't it all been to gain his father's love? Hadn't Azula simply been doing the same? At least Zuko had known his mother loved him, even if he thought she was dead. Azula didn't even have that—it was either Father's love or no one's, in her eyes.

Zuko pulled her a little closer. "I love you, Azula," he said firmly. "And you might not believe me, but Mom loves you too."

"Liar," she snarled. "Who could love me, after everything I've…" She sucked in sharply through her teeth before going on. "After everything…I've done," she confessed quietly, as though it took all her strength just to admit it.

Zuko's own words to Uncle from years before echoed in his mind. "How can you forgive me so easily? I thought you would be furious with me!"

"I—I used to think the same thing," Zuko admitted. "But you'd be surprised at people's willingness to forgive." He paused, considering his next words carefully. "I…I forgive you, Azula. And I hope you can forgive me for not being a better brother."

"Me too!" Ty Lee chimed in suddenly, making them both jump as she knelt beside them. "I mean, I forgive you. If you forgive me for, um…betraying you," she said nervously, scratching the back of her head.

"And I'll let you off the hook for putting me in prison," Suki added. "I mean, this guy burned down my village and I still married him," she teased, resting a hand on Zuko's shoulder. He looked up at her sheepishly.

Suddenly, tears were flowing down Azula's cheeks. "Don't look at me!" she ordered, burying her face in her shirt.

"Azula, there's no shame in crying," Zuko said lightly. "You should ask Suki how much I cry. It's a little pathetic, actually…"

Azula rubbed her eyes violently against her shirt before standing and brushing herself off. "Well," she said, almost smirking as she looked back at him. "You always were pathetic, Zuzu."

Ty Lee giggled a little, and Zuko sighed in relief as a bit of the tension in the air dissolved. They watched as Azula walked slowly around the bank and sat alone a ways away from them, gazing quietly at the calm water. Kaida quickly crawled over beside her, and Azula draped an arm over the dragon as she rested against her.

"Zuko," Ty Lee started, picking up a round stone from the sand and running her fingers over it. "Are we all...smoothed, again?" she asked brightly.

Suki cocked an eyebrow at her words, but Zuko just smiled a bit. "I don't know, Ty Lee. I think it's going to take a little more time before that happens. But I think…we're starting to be."