I'm Just Your Problem

by HotTopicLuver

Azula finally discovers the truth about her mother's disappearance and after gaining this knowledge she decides to take revenge against the woman who brought her into the world. But will she be able to carry out her mission? Will Ursa ever be able to tell her first born daughter how much she loves her? Will Azula accept the fact that there are people who love and want to help her?

26. Chapter 26

I'm Just Your Problem Omake: Everything Stays

I do not own Avatar The Last Airbender or any of its characters or the titles or the songs "I'm Just Your Problem" or "Everything Stays" by Rebecca Sugar

*This fanfiction is not related to Adventure Time but this song does fit Azula at this point

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE! May you all have a wonderful day and enjoy reading this last chapter of this fanfic! XD

"Push Azula!" Kei Lo exclaimed as he held my hand. "You can do it Azula!"

"I'm trying," I panted as sweated beaded down my face.

The pain I was in right now was indescribable as I pushed and pushed again. Kei Lo held tightly onto my hand as I did so. I never knew how difficult labor would be until I experienced it for myself… that was one of the perks of being a first time mother though. Mai had told me the story of when she first gave birth to Izumi but I never imagined it would feel like this. I wonder if Zuko went through the same stress Kei Lo was going through right now. Meanwhile the medical staff was doing their job as they waited for our treasure to be born. A tub of warm water sat between the medical staff, they also had several towels waiting beside it as well as a white blanket.

"You're doing well Princess Azula," one of the medical staff said.

"Keep pushing, you're almost there," another stated. "Just take deep breathes."

I pushed again and clutched Kei Lo's hand tighter. I took deep breathes and let them out slowly, my body felt like it was at war with itself as the pain kept coming. I stared at my husband and then at the closed door. My parents, siblings, uncle, niece and sister-law were waiting outside that door. As soon as I started having the pains Mother grew nervous while Kiyi panicked about me going into labor. Father and Zuko had to calm them down before I was rushed into my room with Kei Lo by my side.

"Almost there," another one the medical staff said. "Keep going Princess Azula."

"You're almost there Azula," Kei Lo reassured me. "Soon we'll get to see our child."

"I know, I'm so excited," I panted as I pushed.

Another wave of pain hit me as I kept pushing. More sweat started to form but I ignored it and waited the news I wanted to hear. I used all the strength in my body, it literally felt like I was using my bending even though I wasn't. Suddenly the sounds of wails filled the room. My eyes widen.

"Congratulations Princess Azula and Prince Kei Lo," one of the medical staff exclaimed.

I gasped as I saw him wash a small body with the warm water and towels. He then wrapped the white blanket around the same small body. He walked to me and Kei Lo with the small bundle in his arms.

"Your baby has been delivered; it's a healthy baby boy."

"A boy," I whispered. "We have a son Kei Lo."

"I'm a father to a son," Kei Lo said as he smiled at me.

That's when I was handed the small bundle, as soon as he was laid into my arms tears filled my eyes. There in my arms was a baby boy with pale skin and dark brown hair with streaks of light brown; it was a combination of Kei Lo's and my hair colors. The baby wailed some more and his tiny hands were clutched into fists. I smiled as I gently took of the tiny fists into my hand and stroked it. He was perfect in every way… the tears started to spill out.

"Hello little one," I soothed. "I'm your mother and this is your father."

Kei Lo smiled and he leaned in closer to get a better look at our son.

"Hello my son," Kei Lo. "Welcome to the world."

Kei Lo caressed the baby's hair and ran a finger down his soft cheek. The baby stopped wailing and his eyes fluttered open to reveal a brown color.

"He's got your eyes," I commented.

"Yes but he has your delicate features," Kei Lo added. "He's perfect."

"Yes he is," I replied.

The medical staff then approached us.

"The labor went well; you'll be given some medicine in a short while."

"Thank you for your help," Kei Lo said.

"You have my thanks as well." I added.

They nodded their heads in gratitude.

"We'll be coming in to check on you and the baby for the next few days to make sure that there were no complications."

"After you rest a little we'll help you clean up."

I nodded my head.

"In the meantime why don't we call in your family."

"Yes we would like that very much," I stated.

The medical staff then went to the door to call in the rest of the family, leaving me and my husband alone with our newborn son. The baby cooed and made gurgle sounds as I gently rock him a little. Then a small smile appeared on his little face.

"He's going to be firebender," Kei Lo commented. "I can tell."

"You always said that whenever you felt him move in my womb."

"Look at him though, he looks like a firebender. He was already so active even before he was born."

"That's true."

"He's strong… just like his mother," Kei Lo said.

"You flatterer," I chuckled.

"Anything for you my lovely wife," he responded.

He leaned closer to me and wiped away my tears before we kissed. Our son cooed at the action. That's when we could hear footsteps enter the room. We looked up to see Zuko, Mai, Izumi, Kiyi, Uncle Iroh, Mother and Father. Mother still had a worried look on her face, after all her first daughter was becoming a mother for the first time. It was understandable why she was worried even after I had given birth to my child. I smiled at her.

"You can stop worrying now, the baby and I are just fine," I said.

"I know but it's just that i was so worried because this was your first time with labor," Mother said as she wiped a few stray tears away from her eyes.

I chuckled a little but motioned for her to come over.

"Come meet the newest member of this family," I stated.

They started to gather around the bed to get a look at Kei Lo's and my son. Kiyi got onto the bed as did Izumi, they sat at my side. Zuko, Mai and Uncle Iroh were standing on that side of the bed while Mother and father were standing next to Kei Lo. They all leaned in to see the baby. I could see my mother's eyes fill with tears once again as she gently got closer to the baby.

"Look at this beautiful baby," she commented. "Welcome my little grandson."

She then placed a gentle kiss on his forehead. Father got closer as well and caressed the baby's dark brown hair.

"You've given birth to a fine and strong boy Azula," Father stated. "He takes after both of his parents."

"I have a nephew now!" Kiyi cheered as she held one of the baby's hands. "Look Izumi you have a new little playmate."

"Play! Play! Little cousin play with me!" Izumi said as she clapped her hands.

"Don't worry Izumi he'll get to play with you when he's old enough," Kei Lo said. "You'll be a good big cousin won't you?"

"I be bestest big cousin ever!" Izumi stated with determination in her voice.

Zuko and Mai chuckled at their daughter's response.

"I see a firebender in your future my niece," Uncle Iroh commented.

"That's what I said," Kei Lo replied.

"He'll be as strong as his mother," Uncle Iroh said. "He has great potential."

"Thank you Uncle Iroh," I responded.

Uncle Iroh then made a funny face at the baby and my son smiled at the action.

"He has your eyes Kei Lo," Mai said.

"Yes but he has my sister's features," Zuko added.

"That's what we said," I responded.

The family shared a good laugh before it went silent again.

"So do you have a name for him yet?" Zuko asked.

Kei Lo and I looked at each other and we smiled before turning back to everyone.

"As a matter of fact we do," Kei Lo said. "We choose names for a boy and a girl just to be sure."

"Well what is it don't keeping us waiting," Uncle Iroh stated.

I looked at my baby and caressed his small head.

"His name is Zuko."

That memory is forever in my mind. I'll never forget when I held my first born child with my husband by my side and my family watching. Eight years had passed since my eldest son's birth… since Zuko's birth. Things haven't really changed since then; everything was still as it should be. My brother was Fire Lord, Ozai was in prison along with the people who conspired to overthrow Zuko, Aang was off protecting the world and Uncle Iroh was still as obsessed with tea as he was then. However, the biggest news worthy event that was going on right now was that Kiyi had gotten married to Jian about two years ago and were now first time parents to a baby girl named Azuko. I adored my new niece; she was the spitting image of her mother. Princess Azuko… it had a nice ring to it. She would rule beside her cousins and her uncles and aunts. This family only seemed to get bigger as time went on.

It was late at night and I stood on the deck and listened to the wind as it brushed against me. The smell of the sea was refreshing as well as comforting. It reminded me of all those years ago back when we were traveling back to the Fire Nation after locating Mother. Also it was like the time when Aang and I rode on one of those flying dolphin fish. No matter how many times we crossed this sea it never ceased to remind me of these memories. We were on our way to Hira'a. Back to the place where it all began it seemed. While it wasn't the first time I was going back to Hira'a at the same time the feeling never changed no matter how much I went over the years. However, this was the first year Kiyi and Jian would be going as a married couple with their 3 month old daughter.

"Mom?" a sleepy voice called out to me.

I turned around to see my oldest child standing there, Zuko. I was rubbing his eyes and was dress in his bedtime attire. Judging by his messy hair and drooping eyes I could tell he just woke up.

"Zuko," I addressed. "What is it dear?"

"Kisa and Noren are calling for you," he said as he yawned. "They want you to tell them another story and they won't stop bugging me because of it."

I chuckled a little at my son's complaint. Kisa and Noren were my twin daughter and son, born four years younger than Zuko. Kisa was the older twin while Noren was the youngest but much like all twins they enjoyed doing things together and that included bugging their brother. I walked to Zuko and caressed his hair; he leaned into my touch as he was slowly starting to fall back asleep.

"Come on kiddo let's go back to your room, you look like you're about to fall asleep on the deck," I commented.

He just nodded and he smiled, he was too tired to even say anything. I took his hand into mine and guided him back to the room he shared with his siblings on the ship. All of us had our rooms on the ship. Zuko and Mai were together, Mother and Father were together, Jian and Kiyi were together and Kei Lo and I were together while Uncle Iroh slept in one room. The children shared their rooms with their siblings expect for Azuko, she was with her parents in their room. When we reached our designation I slowly opened the door to revealed two little ones on top of their cushions. Once they saw it was me their faces brighten up.

"Mommy!" they said in unison.

Their voices woke Zuko up from his sleep walking, he had an annoyed look on his face as the twins ran to us. Noren jumped into my arms while Kisa was starting to climb on her older brother. Zuko was too tired to stop her from doing so. I smiled as my youngest son nuzzled into my embrace.

"Alright you two that's enough fun for one night, time to go back to bed and to allow your brother to sleep," I said.

That was all Zuko needed to hear before he passed Kisa to me and fell back into his bed; he didn't even pull the covers over himself and was out in a second. I smiled at Zuko as I carried the twins back to their own bed. I slowly placed them down and pulled the covers over them. They snuggled into them and relaxed their heads into the pillows. They turned to look at me, waiting for the story.

"Okay kiddos what story do you what to hear?" I asked.

"Tell us how we got our names," Noren responded.

"And tell us how Zuko and our cousins got their names too," Kisa added.

"Again?" I questioned. "But you already know the reasons why."

"But it's fun to listen to," Kisa whined.

"Please?" Noren pleaded.

Their big eyes widen and they hand their hands together. I sighed as I saw one pair of eyes that matched my won while the other's matched their father's. Kisa inherited Kei Lo's eyes while Noren had inherited mine but my daughter had my hair color while my second son had his father's. It was literally a mix of both of me and my husband into two beings.

"Oh can those eyes get any bigger?" I asked rhetorically. "Alright let me get settled and I'll tell you again."

They gave me their biggest smiles and softly clapped their hands as I sat on the bed.

"Well children you two were named after your grandparents and aunt Kiyi," I explained. "Kisa, your name is a combination of Kiyi and Ursa, your grandmother's name. I took the 'Ki' in Kiyi and the 'sa' in Ursa and made 'Kisa' for your name my dear daughter."

"Wow," Kisa said in awe as she had a big smile and blush on her face.

"Truthfully if your brother Zuko was a girl your father had I were going to name him that," I admitted.

"Really?" Noren asked.

"Yes, your father and I found out we were going to have your brother we had names picked out for a boy and a girl. In the end as you know we had a boy and we named him Zuko."

"After Uncle Zuko right?" Kiyi questioned.

"Yes after your Uncle Zuko, I wanted to name my son that since your uncle has always been there for me through it all even after all these years," I said with a gentle smile as I recalled all the times Zuko and I were together when we were teenagers. "After Zuko was born your father and I decided to keep the name Kisa just in case we ever had a daughter in the future. And we did, that was you my dear."

I brushed Kisa's hair as I said that admiring how it was so much like my own and my mother's. It seemed as though the girls in my side of the family would inherit the same kind of hair.

"And what about me Mommy?" Noren asked.

"You Noren were named after your grandfather Ikem, back when he was using the name Noren when he lived in Hira'a. Your father was the one who decided we should name you that because your grandfather had done so much for your brother after he was born," I stated. "Once again we picked out names for both a boy and keep the name Kisa for a girl but we were unaware that we were going to have twins. When you two were born and when we saw that you were a girl and a boy we decided to use both names. And that my children is how you two got your names along with how Zuko got his."

My twin daughter and son seemed content with hearing the story again and that was when they asked the next question.

"What about cousin Izumi, Azure and Azuko?" they asked in unison.

Azure, that was Zuko's and Mai's son along with Izumi's younger brother. A crowned prince of the Fire Nation, he was born one year after Kisa and Noren. I call him a mini Zuko since he looks so much like my brother; I only hope he doesn't have the same atmosphere angst his father does when he grows up. I chuckled at this as I remembered how Uncle Iroh had said the same thing. Honestly I knew that the second child my brother and sister-in-law were going to have was going to take after Zuko since Izumi already takes after Mai.

"Izumi was named after your Aunt Mai's grandmother; she was a good woman who always made sweets for Mai, Ty Lee and me when we were younger. Azure on the other hand was named after me; Azure and Azula are names that are derived from the color blue. Your uncle said he wanted at least one of his children to be named after me especially after Izumi was born," I explained. "And Azuko was named after both me and your uncle. She took the 'Azu' from Azula and 'ko' from Zuko, it helps that Uncle Zuko and I have similar names when it comes to the z and u parts. Your Aunt Kiyi was very close to us when we were younger to the point where she used to call us 'Zula' and 'Zuzu' all the time as our nicknames."

"Those we your nicknames?" Kisa asked.

"Really?" Noren added.

"They sure were, your Aunt Kiyi used to call us that all the time even as we got older. Sometimes when you kids aren't around she'll call Uncle Zuko and me that much to his embarrassment since he's the Fire Lord and were not young anymore."

The twins giggled at my story about their uncle and aunt, that was when Kiyi started to yawn and Noren followed. I smiled and tucked them in while fluffing their pillows.

"Alright my dears it's time for you to go to sleep, after all we'll be in Hira'a tomorrow and you'll need all the rest you can get if you want to enjoy it."

"Okay Mommy," they said.

Just when they were about to close their eyes that was when Noren continued the conversation.

"Mommy," he addressed.

"What is it Noren?" I asked as I smiled at him.

"You said that I was named after Grandpa… but some of the people say that he's not our real Grandpa," Noren said while yawning.

I stopped smiling and my eyes widen at his comment. Over the years while most of the people had accepted Ikem as a part of the Royal Family but some were still hesitant to allow an outsider of low status to be called as Zuko's and my father. Not to mention that rumors tended to spread throughout the Fire Nation from the prisons, I wouldn't doubt that Ozai and the New Ozai Society had something to do with those rumors. Now it seems as though they have reached my children. But Noren wasn't through yet.

"They say that our real grandpa is in prison," Noren added.

My blood ran cold as soon as he said that. No matter what I would not allow for Ozai's name to even be muttered by my children. He was not their grandfather no matter what anyone said. He has done nothing to deserve that title or the title of a father. Ikem has done those two things and therefore he deserves to be called both a grandfather and a father. I quickly snapped out of my thoughts and turned my attention back to my son. I caressed his face and hand my hand through his hair.

"Those are just rumors kiddo you shouldn't worry about them," I stated firmly. "Now go to sleep."

With that Noren fell asleep without asking anymore questions. Kisa had already been asleep as he did so. I let out sigh of relief as I watched them sleeping in the comfort on their bed. I really didn't want to tell Noren the true answer to his question. If it were up to me my children wouldn't know about Ozai but I knew that would be impossible. Truthfully Zuko and I never told our children about Ozai, not even Izumi or Zuko knew. We just acted like Ikem was our father rather than him. They also didn't know that Kiyi was really our half-sister rather than sister. We never told them about anything regarding the whole Noren and Noriko fiasco other than Mother and Father were both from Hira'a. I also never told them about how I used to be when I was younger out of fear that they would not see me as their mother anymore. I let out another sigh and I kissed my son and daughter on their foreheads before moving to Zuko. I kissed his forehead and covered him with his blankets before final leaving the room and letting my children sleep peacefully.

I started to walk back to my room that I shared with my husband, along the way I thought about my children and their futures. I especially thought about Zuko, my eldest. Zuko is a firebender. Izumi is a firebender too. Both of them are. They have been training together ever since they displayed their abilities. I will be honest when I first saw my son firebend a part of me was afraid. Afraid that history would repeat itself. I didn't want my dearly beloved son to walk down the same path I had back when I was young. Kei Lo tried to ease my worries by telling me that as long as we loved Zuko and stay by his side no matter what then everything will be okay. And while I knew this to be true I am still afraid. Zuko is already at that age where I was making questionable decisions regarding how I treated people and how I used my firebending. It was also the same age when Ozai started to push me to the limits of my training… through force and violence. I wasn't able to enjoy firebending for a long time, it reminded me of my heritage and how fire was only capable of destroying things. I forgot about these worries as the years passed but when Zuko was born that's when they started to come back. I didn't want any of this for my son now that he was mastering the movements and history of firebending. I wish I could be like Zuko and Mai when it came to stuff like this; they didn't worry this much about Izumi. They didn't worry as much as I did when Izumi started to learn how to firebend. And Zuko was not even half of my worries; there was also Kisa and Noren. They had yet to display any abilities so far but Kiyi was around their age when she unlocked her power. If they were firebenders then their powers could so soon. I didn't want the same to happen to them either.

Being a parent now has made me open my eyes to the world around me and to the uncertainties the future can hold. The last thing I want is for any of my children to become what I became when I was young. I will never let that happen. Never!

Finally I was in front of my room and entered to see Kei Lo still sleeping. I smiled at how he looked just like our son Zuko when he slept. I quietly walked to my side of the bed and laid down underneath the covers. I could feel Kei Lo's arm wrap around me as soon as I did so.

"Out on the ship again?" he asked with his eyes still closed.

"You know how I always do it whenever we go to Hira'a," I responded. "I like looking at the sea and this time Kisa and Noren wanted me to tell them a story."

"They did huh?"

"Yeah and they wouldn't stop bugging Zuko until they got one."

Kei Lo chuckled a little and he tighten his grip on me in a comforting manner. I held onto his arms, I could feel the warmth from his body being close to mine.

"That sounds like something those two would do," he commented. "Where are they now?"

"Sleeping along with Zuko."

"That's then… Goodnight Azula."

"Goodnight Kei Lo."

With that I closed my eyes but I didn't fall asleep yet. Kei Lo was out even before I did though since he hadn't gotten this much sleep in a while due to the work he had been doing with Zuko. Indeed, during this time Kei Lo had been assigned as the Royal Advisor to my brother. Every time Zuko had meetings or had to travel Kei Lo would always accompany him. In fact this was the reason why we were going on vacation in the first place, we decided that the two fathers earned time to just relax and be with their families. We would always to go Hira'a now as vacation.

The place where it all began all those years ago. We were going back. During these trips we would stay in the very house that Mother and Father lived in with Kiyi for those years of living under the names "Noriko" and "Noren." As the family got bigger Zuko had ordered that the house go under some renovations. The small house was now a decent sized villa with multiple rooms and walk areas but it still had the same living space it did before when Mother, Father and Kiyi lived there. I smiled in my sleep at the memories of bonding with my younger half-sister during that time. I was looking forward to seeing the forest that I had lived in for a week when Zuko and I had gone there in search of Mother along with Aang, Katara and Sokka again.

Mother was especially excited to go to Hira'a whenever we had time for a vacation. After all it was the place that she was born and grew up in… before she was forced to be engaged and marry Ozai. Zuko and I were the products of a loveless marriage, a marriage that was only served as a way for Azulon to strengthen his bloodline. While I tried to forget that my children, my niece and nephew, and my brother and I were descendants of people like Sozin, Azulon and Ozai at the same time I had to remember that were also descendants of Avatar Roku. I had to remember that because it gave me hope… hope that our bloodline can be untainted and renewed. I hoped my children and my niece and nephew could accomplish that. With that I allowed sleep to take me.

The morning was delightful as the ship was now docked; the children wasted no time in getting off the ship and were now playing on the ground. Izumi and Zuko were hosing off their firebending skills to their younger siblings while the younger children merely watched and mimicked their movements. Azuko was in her mother's arms as we stepped off the ship.

"It feels good to be back here again," Uncle Iroh said as he stretched.

"Yes it does," Mother replied as she repressed the urge to cry.

She had always done this whenever we came here; I knew that she was happy with the fact that her newest grandchild was going to see this land now. Father decided to join in on the fun that the children were having along with Uncle Iroh, they were picking the children up and throwing them into the air and then catching them as they came down. Even though Izumi and Zuko were older than the rest they still enjoyed moments like this. It was their time with their grandfather and great-uncle after all. We all watched with joy as they did so until everything was ready for us to head on out. Noren and Kisa were in Kei Lo's and my arms while Azure was in her father's. We walked to where our destination, as we did I took in the surroundings of the forest. I admired how quiet it always seemed to be and how everything was so peaceful. The same forest I had stayed in for a week and where I was for the first time in my life at peace with myself. I wasn't a problem when I was here… and I'm still not. I never want my children to ever feel that way in the first place.

"There it is," Zuko stated as he pointed to the villa.

There it was a new and renovated villa that still had the structure of the old house in the front.

"It's so beautiful," Mother said with a gentle smile on her face.

"So many memories," Kiyi commented. "Isn't that right big sister and big brother?"

We both looked at our little sister with smiles on our faces. Indeed there were so many memories here both from the past and now.

"Is it everything you remember my dear wife?" Jian asked.

"Oh it's everything and so much more Jian," Kiyi replied. "And now Azuko will have the chance to make memories here too even if she's still so young. I want this family to always make memories here no matter how many years pass."

"Don't worry Kiyi," Father assured. "This house isn't going anywhere especially now that Zuko has added onto it. "

"He's right you know," Mai added. "I want Izumi and Azure to come here even when they're older and have families of their own."

"The same goes for Zuko, Kisa and Noren," Kei Lo stated. "I want that for them as well."

Kei Lo and Mai made eye contact with each other and smiled over their agreement, over the years they had become good friends. They didn't hold any animosity towards each other after their breakup; they had fully accepted their true feelings towards the ones they loved. Zuko being Mai's love and me being Kei Lo's. I blushed a little as I recalled the night Kei Lo and I first kissed under the firework covered sky. I never would have guessed that someone like Kei Lo could ever be my husband and the father of my children.

"Well let's get moving!" Izumi exclaimed. "Last one there is a rotten Zuko!"

Izumi then took off.

"Hey your dad's name is Zuko too you annoying princess!" my son yelled.

Zuko then followed Izumi and ran into the villa with all of us following behind them. As soon as we entered the villa we got everything situated with the children running around playing. Mother and Uncle Iroh started to set up some snacks and tea while Kiyi and Jian set up the table. Mai and I were taking out the cups and plates and Zuko and Mai were helping the children get settled down.

Mother prepared some mochi and cookies while Uncle Iroh prepared his famous tea. We all gathered around table and each one us got our snacks and tea. Before we ate or drank Zuko proposed a toast like always.

"Cheers to another vacation here in Hira'a and cheers to a new member of the family," Zuko stated. "Azuko, may you have many more vacations here with your family."

Azuko merely cooed and giggled as she clapped her tiny hands. With that we drank our tea and ate the snacks. The atmosphere surrounding us was undeniable as it was filled with love, warmth and family. I can't believe that this was what I was missing out on for those times that I choose to ignore the family that truly loved and cared for me. As I finished my mochi I noticed something out of the corner of my eye. It looked as if there had been a figure standing beside the surrounding trees and bushes but then it was gone in a second. My eyes widen and a paused my eating. I stared at the area to see if anything else would happen and if my suspicions were true.

"Azula," Jian addressed. "Is something wrong?"

I snapped out of my trance as I turned back to my family, they gave me questionable looks.

"No," I said. "It was just an animal or something moving around in the vegetation."

"Oh okay dear," Mother said. "Are you sure?"

"Yes, I mean there's no one here but us… don't worry about it I'm sure it was just an animal that smelled your mochi and cookies and Uncle Iroh's tea."

Mother smiled while Uncle Iroh had a look of pride on his face as he was glad that even animals wanted his tea. I couldn't help but chuckle at his expression. After that we continued with our family time before the children started to play hide and go seek together in the front yard. Mother was playing along with them as was Kiyi. The rest of us were watching, Uncle Iroh was introducing Father and Kei Lo to the new teas he was hoping to bring into his shop. Jian was playing peek-a-boo with Azuko while Zuko, Mai and I were sitting down together watching our children play with their grandmother and aunt.

"Have you heard anything from Ty Lee?" Mai asked.

"Last time I heard from her was about two weeks ago, apparently she and the Kyoshi Warriors were getting ready to start cleaning up the Avatar Kyoshi status and the shrine, apparently her son Tenma is going to help this year along with her husband Renshu," I said. "Zuko, how's the process for Republic City going?"

"So far its fine but Aang and I are having a difficult time with managing construction as well as contributors. Apparently people are thinking that it's impossible for a city where all benders and nonbenders can exist," Zuko said with a sigh. "Thankfully Sokka and Katara are assisting with that as well as Suki. They're trying to educate people on why it's important for a city like this to exist especially now that the war is over. It's stressful for them especially now that they have families of their own."

"I can imagine especially now that Aang and Katara have a third child and a baby at that," I commented. "Not to mention that they also need to raise their previous children Bumi and Kya."

Katara had given birth to a son named Tenzin about four months ago and I'm sure having her husband talking with Zuko and Sokka for most of the time didn't help with their family life especially when they had two other children to worry about. Then that left Sokka and Suki, they had their twin son and daughter, Yui and Yue, to raise as well. Kei Lo too had been helping with this project. As stated before this was the reason why everyone needed a vacation and time for their families.

"Well there's no need to stress yourself over that now, just enjoy this time of tranquility while you have it," I said.

"I know," Zuko replied. "I can't think of anything better than spending quality time with my family."

He leaned toward Mai and kissed her on the lips to which Mai returned.

"Ew!" Azure exclaimed. "Daddy that's gross! Mommy you too!"

Zuko and Mai blushed at their three year old's comment but smiled nonetheless much to our amusement. The children continued with their games while we continued talk and sampled Uncle Iroh's teas. I decided to take a lot around the villa to see the rooms and the other new additions that had been added recently. I walked along the hallway to see the new decorations that had been added to the walls along with new photographs. The photographs contained baby pictures of Izumi, Zuko, Kisa and Noren and Azure. And soon Azuko's picture will decorate this wall before we leave here. There were also several pictures containing all of us as a family standing outside the villa. We always took one before we left the villa too. So many memories literally frozen in time. That's when I heard something fall; I quickly turned around to see that no one was there… at least no one I could see. I slowly and quietly started to walk where I heard the sound came from. Small blue flames appeared on my palms as I walked. Just when there was a corner I quickly hide but then as soon as I was ready I jumped out but I was greeted with nothingness. The only thing I saw was a small glass ornament on the ground that would be used as a paper weight. My flames disappeared and I let out the breath I was holding as I bent down and picked up the ornament. It was an glass ornament that had a small version of Ember Island in it, I remember seeing a lot of these back when Zuko and I were younger. I quickly placed the ornament back where it came from before walking to the bathroom; I turned on the water and used it to wash my face. The cool water fell down from my face and I reached for the towel to wipe the water off. I let out a sigh.

"Keep it together Azula," I said. "You're letting your nerves get to you, there's no one there it's just all in your head."

The last thing I wanted was to go down the road that made me lose my sanity all those years ago. My husband, my children and the rest of my family… that's something I couldn't put them through. I placed the towel back in its place before deciding to head back outside. I could see that everyone was still there and there was no sign on trouble.

"You see Azula, everything is fine," I whispered to myself. "Just calm down."

I walked to them and sat down next to my husband. I laid my head on his shoulder; he looked at with me a worried look.

"Is something wrong Azula?" he asked.

"No I'm just happy that we're all here together," I replied. "The children seem to be enjoying themselves."

"They are," he said.

Uncle Iroh was performing tricks using his firebending and Izumi and Zuko were copying them while Azure and Kisa and Noren were clapping their hands in awe. Despite all the worries I had voiced earlier I was very proud of my son. I knew that he put his heart and mind into firebending, he didn't use it for the wrong reasons like Ozai or anyone of that nature… or me back when I was still a pawn for that man. I wanted my son to use his firebending to protect people and I knew he would do so. Zuko looked at as he was firebending and I smiled at my oldest son. He smiled back and waved at me to which I returned. We stayed like this for quite some time until it was time for dinner. One the first day we would usually did this since it allowed for us to just take in the scenery and enjoy each other's presences. Mother, Father, Kiyi and Mai were setting up the cooking ware while Jian, Uncle Iroh, Zuko and I were doing the prep work by cutting up the food and by organizing them. We were making Uncle Iroh's favorite: roasted duck. The other servings were noodle soup, stir fried cabbage, rice and meat and vegetable dumplings. And for dessert tart pie and ice cream with tea and fruit juice as the beverages. The children merely watched and sometimes Mother would want them to sample the food as she prepared to make it much to their pleasure. They loved their grandmother's cooking… so did I. Once the food was cooking I had time to play with my children. I was the dragon and the children were firebenders that had to defeat it.

"You'll never beat me!" I exclaimed. "For I am the all-powerful dragon!"

"You bad dragon you must be destroyed!" Kisa stated.

"You are strong firebenders and we will get rid of you!" Noren added.

"You tell that dragon you two!" Zuko said. "Now let's get of the dragon!"

They used their arms to mimic firebending stances, Zuko refrained from using his actual bending. They aimed at me and made sound effects as they did so. I moved around like a dragon pretending to dodge the attacks.

"Haha you missed me!" I exclaimed.

"Oh no!" Zuko responded. "We need reinforcements!"

"Never fear Princess Izumi and Prince Azure are here!" Izumi stated.

Izumi and Azure stood up and started to move their arms like the others had earlier.

"Quickly you all must firebend too!" Izumi called out.

The others nodded their head and did as they did before. I pretending that the attacks were hitting me and I groaned in pain as I fell to the floor.

"Noooooo," I moaned. "I am defeated by these firebender… oh what a cruel world this has been!"

I moaned some before finally pretending to be unconscious. I heard giggling in the background from both the children and my family. I could feel small hands on my face.

"Mommy! Mommy!" You not dead it's not real remember?" Noren asked.

"Wake up Aunt Azula! You not really a dragon!" Azure stated.

As soon as Azure said that I quickly stood up and embrace the three toddlers in my arms while Zuko and Izumi tackled me from behind.

"You crazy little firebenders," I commented as I laughed. "I know that I'm not a dragon."

"But even if you were you would be the most beautiful dragon around," Kei Lo said as he walked to us. "Will you be my wife beautiful dragon?"

He bent down next to us and leaned into my face.

"Sir how dare you I've seen that you have a wife!" I said in pretend shock.

"Oh don't worry about her I'm sure she'll understand if I just show her to you," Kei Lo teased. "Then she'll understand why I must have you for my wife."

I gave him a mischievous smile.

"Oh you sly human," I commented.

My husband and I shared a laugh before he kissed me.

"Ew! Aunt Azula, Uncle Kei Lo not you both too!" Azure complained.

"Aw how sweet," Kisa cooed.

"How romantic," Jian commented as he looked at Kiyi. "I love you my lovely wife."

"I love you too you flatterer," Kiyi said as she kissed him.

"Ew!" Azure whined. "Too much kisses!"

"Get used to it kiddo," Zuko stated. "Because all the spouses in your family love each other very much."

Azure pouted as he entered his father's arms. That when a realization came to Mother: the food.

"Oh the dinner should be done by now, dear would you please help me with the food?" she asked.

"Of course Ursa," Father said as he went with her into the kitchen.

"We'll help too," Jian stated as he stood up holding Kiyi's hand.

"Here Azula take Azuko for me," Kiyi requested.

"Of course," I said as I took the baby into my arms.

They worked to take the food out while I held onto my niece. I admired at how small she was and yet she looked so strong too. I wonder if Kiyi looked the same when she was born, I unfortunately was not around to see it but I'm sure that was the case. After all Azuko was Kiyi's clone, from her eyes to her nose to her hair. I'm sure we would see more of Jian's traits as she got older. I recalled the times when I first held my children in my arms. No matter how many times I had done so it never ceased to amaze me.

"Alright everyone the food is ready," Mother called out as she placed several of the plates on the table.

The others followed her example and we all sat down next to the table in our respective places. I handed Azuko to her father and sat next to my son Zuko. One by one we were served and we ate in peace while talking about little matters. We enjoyed each other's company as we ate. I never felt alone whenever events like this happened. I always treasured the moment we had together especially now. After we were done eating dinner we went to dessert. I handed Zuko his favorite dessert: a piece of tart pie with ice cream on top. He wasted no time eating it; his father had the twins their plates with a small piece of tart pie and a scoop of ice cream for each. Everyone enjoyed their dessert and soon it was time to go to bed. I took the sleepy twins to their rooms while Kei Lo carried Zuko to his. Mai and Zuko took their children to their respective room as Kiyi and Jian went with Azuko to their own. Mother, Father and Uncle Iroh soon followed. We closed everything for the night and started to fall sleep in our rooms.

I smiled with contentment as I closed my eyes. So far this vacation had a good start and that's how I wanted it to be for the rest of the vacation until we left back to the Fire Nation. We had only planned to stay in Hira'a for a week since Zuko was the Fire Lord and couldn't be away from his duties for too long. But we would make the most out of what we had. I was about to fall into a deep sleep when I heard another noise and the sound of whimpering. I quickly rose up from my spot on the bed, I knew Kei Lo wouldn't wake up due to the fact that his body was trying to make up for the lack of sleep he had been having recently due to his position in the Fire Nation. It was probably just an injured animal but my maternal instincts were telling me otherwise. I allowed my husband to sleep as I knew that I could handle this myself. I walked out into the hallway and was greeted by the sight of my mother in her nighttime clothes.

"Mother," I whispered. "What are you doing up?"

"I heard whimpering as a noise," she said. "How I was able to hear it over Ikem's loud snoring is beyond me."

I smiled at her comment but we quickly returned to the situation at hand. The sound had come from the other rooms: the children's rooms! We ran to see if they were okay. Mother checked on Izumi while I checked on Zuko, were greeted the by the same thing. They were sleeping peacefully in their rooms. That only left Azure and the twins, Mother check on her youngest grandson while I checked on my youngest children. Azure was in bed just like his older sister and cousin… but when I looked inside the twin's room I gasped. Mother turned to me and saw the same thing I did. The beds were in ruins and the window was wide open, there was a sign of a struggle. My children were missing!

"Kisa! Noren!" I screamed.

"Azula!" Mother responded as she hugged me.

Just then another sound could be heard coming from the back. My eyes widen and my heart stopped as I ran towards the sound. I hoped that it was just the twins playing one of their usual tricks but deep down I knew that wasn't the case.

"Azula wait!" Mother yelled.

I didn't listen to her as the sound took me into the forest, I could hear her footsteps following behind me. I saw that there was s shadow running in front of us. It looked as if it was wearing a cloak and my children were nowhere to be found. A deeper sense of panic started to take over. I was a mother and I would not let anything happen to the gifts I brought into the world. The gifts I thought that I didn't deserve and the gifts I would die to protect. Nothing would happen to my children! I picked up the speed and followed the mysterious figure. Finally I was able to reach close enough to fire a bending attack that blocked the figure from running any further.

"Stop where you are!" I yelled. "There's no point in running now!"

The hooded figure stopped running and turned to me and Mother, we stopped running. I realized that we were in an open area with trees surrounding us along with bushes. I panted and tried to catch my breath as the figure was now facing us. I could see that there were two small lumps poking out of the cloak. My guess was those were Kisa and Noren.

"You're right… there isn't… because I have you exactly where I want you… both of you," the voice said.

Shivers ran down my spine as I remembered the only person who had a voice like that… but that person was someone hadn't seen in over nineteen years. I heard Mother gasped loudly and I saw that she covered her mouth with her hands. If my suspicions were true then we were in trouble. But it couldn't be… could it?

"Hello Azula… and Ursa," the voice greeted. "It's nice to see you both again, my lovely little family… my backstabbing family. Along with my adorable little grandchildren."

Just like that the cloak came off to confirm my fears. Mother screamed as we saw Kisa and Noren in the person's arms, their eyes were wide and their mouths were covered by the person's hands. Tears were leaking out of their eyes and their hands were reaching out to me, begging for me to take them away from the person. My eyes narrowed with hate and anger over the situation.

"Ozai!" I yelled.

Yes indeed, standing there was the man who I owed half of existence to and the one who tried to ruin our family in so many ways. He had aged over the years; he looked even older than he was supposed to be. But I was surprised to see that he was muscular and fit. His hair and beard were overgrown and any signs of brown were gone and had been replaced with gray. Scars decorated his body and he was still wearing his raggedy prison clothes. Now this man… no this monster had my children in his arms. Flames appeared in my palms and I could feel Mother's hands on my shoulders. To think just a little while ago we were enjoying dinner as a family.

"Let. Them. Go. Ozai."

My voice held venom as I called out Ozai's name, how dare he!

"Now Azula is that anyway to talk to your father?" he asked.

"You are not my father; you're not even a father! You're nothing but a monster!" I stated. "How did you escape prison?"

An evil smirk spread across his lips, if looks could kill me and Mother would both be dead.

"Will power, training and years of solitude have allowed for me to make a means of escape, it may have taken me sometime but it was well worth it especially when I have all you together in one place. I have the guards to thank for knowing your whereabouts since all they do is gossip whenever they're on break. I can kill a dozen of birds with one stone!"

"That's enough Ozai!" Mother yelled. "Return my grandchildren to us!"

"Your grandchildren?" Ozai laughed. "They're just as much my grandchildren as they are yours Ursa. I share a blood connect with these two along with Zuko, Izumi and Azure."

Mother's eyes narrowed as he called out those names, I knew that she was thinking the same as me. Ozai knew the names of Zuko's and my children, he no right to even know their names.

"However," Ozai added. "I can't say the same for that spawn named Azuko."

"Azuko is not a spawn!" Mother yelled.

"Don't talk about my niece that way Ozai!" I said.

"Your niece?" he questioned as he laughed again. "Azula surely you don't mean to say that you actually consider Ursa's and that spineless coward's daughter your sister and her offspring your niece."

I took a step forward as if to challenge him, my flames got bigger.

"And what if I do? Are you going to beat me until I say otherwise?" I questioned.

His eyes twitched and his twisted smile disappeared into a frown. His grip on my twins tighten to where they whimpered even more.

"Stop it you're hurting them!" I shouted.

"Good!" he screamed. "Maybe now they know how it felt when I learned that my own daughter named her children after her weak brother, her traitorous mother and fake sister and… and…"

His body started to shake with anger, he was listing the names of my children but I had a feeling he was holding off on saying Noren's name for a particular reason.

"And that spineless coward!" he yelled as veins popped out of his forehead. "You dare to name your son after a man who's not even your father! After a man who is a nobody and of low status over your true and blood father! My grandson has been tainted with the name of a person like that man!"

I snapped.

"You are not his grandfather nor are you a grandfather at all! You have no right to call yourself-"

"Silence!" he interrupted. "I am their grandfather! Not that fool! He has no right to call himself that and you don't have the right to name your son after him! They're my grandchildren, my legacy and my bloodline! Not that Ikem's, not him, not him, not him!"

The look in Ozai's eyes told the story of a man who allowed for his cell to break his spirit… and his sanity. Ironically he was in the same position I was in all those years ago. Now he knew how it felt even if he didn't realize it. Noren and Kisa were getting even more scared especially Noren since he understood that Ozai was talking about him. The without warning he pushed Kisa to the ground and got a good grip on Noren's neck. Kisa took the opportunity to run to me, I wasted no time in scooping her into my arms and hugging her tightly and kissing her head and face. I had my daughter back… for now. I handed her to Mother and prepared my firebending. My youngest son and child was struggling to breathe as he was in Ozai's crushing grip. He meant to kill him… all of us! Noren had done nothing to this monster and yet he was being punished… a four year old.

"Ozai let him go!"

He looked at straight in the eye and I stood in defense, ready to attack and protect my son until the end.

"Never," he whispered.

That was when I attacked; I jumped high into the air and fired. My blue flames formed a dragon and was preparing to hit the area where Ozai was standing. My attack was directly aimed at him. That was when Ozai let go of Noren and jumped back. Noren landed on the ground and he struggled to regain his breathe back and Mother ran to him and quickly took her into his arms as she held onto Kisa as well. With them safe and together and landed next to Ozai and began to fight him. I punched and kicked with my bending burning through, he managed to dodge and fired back with punches that were full of force. I managed to hit my shoulder but I got him back kicking him in the stomach.

"Azula be careful!" Mother yelled.

"You can take him Mommy!" the twins cried in unison.

I smiled at them before returning to the task at hand, I fired at him with my blue flames and that was when he surprised me by throwing some sort of liquid in my face. I gasped in pain as the odorless liquid entered my mouth. I coughed and my firebending disappeared, suddenly I felt weak and frail. Everything became dizzy as I slumped to the ground.

"Azula!" Mother cried.

"Mommy!" the twins shouted.

Ozai merely laughed as he came closer to me, he placed his foot on my back just to assert his dominance over me. He used to do that even back then when I was training.

"Do you remember Ursa?" he asked. "The poison you created to kill my father Azulon all those years ago when our children were still young?"

Mother gasped.

"You… you didn't!" she stuttered.

"Oh but I did, did you think that I used all of that poison when I gave it to Father?" Ozai questioned. "No, I saved a little bit of it and stored it in a location that only I was aware of outside of the palace since I didn't want anyone to tie me to Father's death. And now it seems like I have found use for that poison."

I groaned and felt my body become heavy, his foot was still on my back. I can't believe he was going to kill me in the same way he killed in his own father.

"Truthfully I was thinking about using that poison on Zuko before he joined up with the Avatar but I decided that he wasn't even worth top rate poison such as this. He wasn't worthy enough to die in the same way his grandfather did… but you Azula should be honored that I'm giving you this opportunity to die like royalty!"

He laughed again and I struggled to stand but to no avail. He put more force on my back. He laughed some more with that crazed look on his face. That was when I heard twin voices yell.

"Leave our Mommy alone!" Noren yelled.

"Go away you mean man!" Kisa added.

Ozai just looked at them with mock hurt.

"Oh how it pains me to see that my grandchildren give me such looks of hatred," he said. "Don't worry my little ones once I'm done with your wretched mother I'll finish your off you pathetic excuse for a grandmother then onto you both and then onto the rest of this backstabbing family! I'll finish all of you off!"

Tears welled up in my children's eyes and they stared at the man.

"We," Kisa said.

"Said," Noren added.

"Leave."

"Our."

"Mommy."

"Alone!" they shouted in unison.

They jumped out of Mother's arms and punched the air, suddenly bright red and orange flames burst from their fists! My two youngest children were firebenders! The flames headed straight for Ozai! As the rows of fire traveled together they began to merge as one! They formed a dragon similar to my own and Ozai gasped as he got off of me and jumped backwards. Just when Ozai thought he was safe the twins fired another attack as one and they began to run towards him. Mother and I could only watch in awe and amazement at how these two little four year olds' were challenging an old man like Ozai. With Ozai distracted Mother took the liberty to rush to me, she stroked my hair and felt my pulse.

"The poison hasn't worked its way to your entire body yet my dear, just hold on."

I nodded and saw her rush to some nearby bushes while the twins were still fighting Ozai and were surprisingly overpowering him. The fact that Ozai wasn't a firebender anymore helped with that and the fact that the twins had proven to be unpredictable throughout the four years I have raised them with my husband also helped. Mother came back with some strange looking berries and herbs. She smushed some of the herbs using a rock and then cut open the berries using her teeth; she placed the herbs into the cut up berries and closed them up. She leaned next to me with the berries in her palm.

"Here Azula eat these, they will counteract the poison," she said.

She gently picked up my head and held the berries close to my mouth. I opened my mouth just wide enough for her to push the berries into it. I tried to chew but the berries ended up falling out of my mouth. Mother quickly picked them up and was about to say something until more flames erupted from the forest area. Out came Zuko, Uncle Iroh, Kiyi, Izumi and Zuko using their firebending at full force. Kei Lo, Mai, Azure, Jian, Azuko and Father came running out as well. The twins cheered once they saw their family. I could hear a series of gasps come from my family.

"Ozai!" Zuko cried. "It's you!"

"Indeed I have returned my foolish son!" Ozai stated.

"But how?" Uncle Iroh questioned. "You're supposed to be in prison."

"That my dear brother is how fate works; it is my fate to destroy you all! Especially you Ikem!" Ozai said as he pointed to Ikem. "You dare to taint my bloodline with your name! My own grandson has your name!"

"Grandson?" Izumi and Zuko questioned.

Ozai turned to them and a wicked smile was on his face.

"Yes my other grandson and granddaughter," Ozai stated. "That man you call 'Grandpa' is not really your grandfather… I am your grandfather… your grandfather by blood. I am also Zuko's and Azula's blood father! That spineless Ikem is not related to you or your parents in anyway nor is his child and her child! The blood they share with you all is so small that it doesn't even exist!"

Zuko and Izumi looked shocked and heartbroken at the same time, it looked as if their whole world came crashing down. That was when Father growled and stepped forward.

"They are not your grandchildren! They are my grandchildren! I am their grandfather and I love them and their siblings and cousins with all of my heart and soul! You don't have to be related by blood in order to consider someone your family," Father rebuffed. "That's more than I can say for you! You, the man who scarred his own son and traumatized his own daughter while pushing his wife and brother away!"

"Silence you peasant, I am Fire Lord Ozai! I am the true ruler of the Fire Nation and I will not have my bloodline tainted by people like you or be associated with people like you or your brat and her spawn! Never! Never!" Ozai shouted. "I'll kill you just like I killed my father and daughter!"

That was when Kei Lo and my eldest child saw me they ran to me and Mother. Kei Lo took me into his arms and positioned me upward.

"Mom are you okay?" Zuko asked.

"What happened?" he asked.

"Ozai poisoned her, she needs to take this tedious to counteract it but most of her strength had left her to the point where she can't even chew" Mother explained.

My husband had a look of determination in his eyes as he held out his palm towards her.

"Give me the berries," he said.

Mother did as he said and gave them to him; he then placed the berries in his mouth and chewed quickly. After a couple of seconds he placed his lips on mine and pushed the berries into my mouth. I tasted the medicine and I struggled to swallow until I finally got them down. Immiedialey I began to get the feeling in my body back. I slowly stood up and looked at my children.

"Mommy!" the twins cried in unison. "You're okay!"

They ran to me with arms wide open and I kissed them and hugged them tightly once they were in my arms. Zuko hugged his siblings and me as well with Kei Lo holding onto all of us. I had my family back and together again. That was when Zuko gave me a worried look, as a mother I knew what he was going to say.

"Mom," he addressed. "Is what that man says true? Is Grandpa not really our grandfather and Kiyi and Azuko are not related to us?"

"Yeah Mommy is it true?" Kisa asked.

"Is what the people say true then?" Noren added. "Am I named after someone who isn't Grandpa?"

Kei Lo and I looked at our children with sad expressions while Ozai looked as if he was proud of himself for placing doubt in their minds. I wouldn't let him win, not now and not ever! Never again!

"Kiddos," I addressed. "What has your Grandpa Ikem done for you?"

I purposefully referred to Father by his name so my children can know which grandfather I was talking about: their real one not their fake one, the one who didn't need to be related to them by blood to be their grandfather. The children were lost in thought for several second until

"He's told us stories at bedtime," Noren said. "No matter how tired he was he would still do it."

"He taught us how to be in the theater," Kisa added. "He makes us masks and pretty clothes when we play that."

"He takes me camping," Zuko stated. "He always makes sure to teach me everything he knows about it while keeping me safe."

My husband I smiled at Father and he had a look of pride, true pride, in his eyes. I could tell that he was happy that the children had remembered all that he had done for them.

"And what kind of a person who do all those things for you?" Kei Lo asked.

The children were deep in thought again before answering.

"Someone who cares," Zuko replied. "Like a grandfather."

"Like Grandpa," Kisa and Noren answered in unison.

"Exactly," I said. "I will admit Grandpa Ikem isn't my blood father nor is he Zuko's and that means he's not your blood grandfather. But that doesn't mean anything, he loved you before you were born and he loves you now. He was and is the same way with Izumi and Azure, you've seen it."

"That's true," Izumi stated. "He helps me study my lessons."

"He helps me count," Azure said with enthusiasm. "I can count to ten now!"

We all smiled at the little boy, Ozai's pride slowly started to fade away as the children spoke about Father in a positive manner. Thus proving what Father had said earlier. Ozai never got the chance to do such things like this because his selfish nature would not allow for it. I knew he would only hurt the children if he had been involved with their lives. Uncle Iroh then turned to his younger brother.

"You see Ozai," he said. "This family is strong, it's a family that you could've had if you had not been motivated by selfish desires and wants, you can only blame yourself for the position you are in. I agree with my niece when it came to naming her children after the people she cared about and the people who were always there for her. The names are perfect especially the name Noren for her son."

"And Kiyi may not be Zuko's and Azula's full blooded sister, but there's enough blood there and love for her to be one. She may have a different father but she has never stopped loving and caring about them ever since she was little," Jian stated as he held in baby girl. "I want our daughter Azuko to bond with her uncle and aunt because they are her family."

"That's right," Kiyi said. "Zuko and Azula are my brother and sister and I am their sister no matter what anyone says! My daughter is their niece and their children are my nieces and nephews, that will never change either!"

"If there's anything these last few years have taught me it's that family can be anybody even if they're not related to us," Mai said. "Ty Lee, her son and her husband and Aang and Katara and her children and Sokka and Suki and their children along with Toph and her children… they're a part of this family too. Thus proving Ikem's point even further."

More veins appeared on Ozai's forehead as Uncle Iroh, Jian and Mai said those things. I can tell that his grasp on reality was slowly breaking.

"No… no…no, no, no, no, no!" Ozai screamed. "No! This family and their love! I can't take it! Love is only an illusion, you can't get anything done with it! Fear is the only way to get things done! Only fear! There is no such thing as love! Love is an illusion! Do you hear me! Do you hear me! I'm going to end this nightmare right now! And I'll start with my failure of a daughter and her despicable family!"

He ran towards us but my children, the rest of my firebending family and me were prepared to use our bending if we had to take him down. I can't believe it has come to this, I never thought that this is how it would end for Ozai, the former Fire Lord.

"There will be no need for that," a soothing voice called out.

Everything stopped even Ozai stopped in his tracks. We all turned to the voice but saw nothing until a blue wolf came out of the forest, light glowed around his body and as soon as he stepped out I instantly recognized the animal… or should I say spirit. Mother, Father, Zuko and I all gasped.

"Would you look at that," Mai whispered.

"What a strong and grand being," Uncle Iroh said.

"That's a spirit," Jian commented.

"It has a face on its fur," Kiyi started.

"It's," Zuko started.

"The wolf spirit," I added.

"That… that," Father stuttered.

"Belongs to the Mother of Faces," Mother finished.

"Indeed," the soothing voice said.

The children only watched the wolf spirit, I could tell that they were too much in shock to say anything. They had never seen a spirit before especially one this close. Just then a large spirit with a tree like body appeared with a multitude of faces on its appearance. Not only that but there were mask like faces surrounding it covered in blue light. It was the Mother of Faces herself. She followed her wolf spirit right to us. I could see the awe in Ozai's eyes as he looked at the spirits. I'm sure he never heard of the legends surrounding the Mother of Faces since he would have found Father and Mother years before they came to the Fire Nation with Kiyi. The Mother of Faces looked down at Father and Mother.

"Wow," Azure said.

"Pretty," Kisa and Noren commented in unison.

"So tall," Izumi added.

"So many faces," Zuko stated.

The Mother of Faces looked at the children as well as the sleeping Azuko and smiles appeared on all of her faces. The wolf spirit bowed and purred at them in a comforting tone at them.

"It has been a long time you two," she said.

"Yes," Mother replied. "It has."

"That's the Mother of Faces?" Kei Lo whispered to me.

"Yes," I replied.

I could see that Mai was whispering to Zuko, she was probably asking the same thing as Kei Lo. Father walked to Mother and bowed before the spirits. That was when the Mother of Faces looked to me and Zuko. She studied us and then looked at our families along with Kiyi's and Uncle Iroh himself. She specifically looked at me though; surprisingly a warm and gentle smile appeared on her many faces. That especially surprised me since the last time we saw each other I wasn't exactly polite or respectful.

"Azula was it?" she asked.

I nodded and bowed my head down while still holding my children close to me.

"You're a mother now I see," she stated with a hint of pride and joy in her voice. "And your brother is now a father too. That's good; there is no greater joy than being a parent."

"Who are you?" Ozai interrupted. "What are you? What are you doing here?"

The Mother of Faces looked down at the man; a frown appeared on her many faces.

"Former Fire Lord Ozai," the Mother of Faces addressed. "I am the Mother of Faces; I am the creator and giver of faces. I am the one who hid your former wife and her current husband away from the world by giving them faces to conceal their true identities. I am also the one who gave your former wife a chance to be happy and to forget the pain that you, not her children, caused her."

Mother looked down in disappointment as if she was recalling her decision to live as Noriko and to forget about everything. Father held onto her shoulders and Kiyi looked at her with sadness in her eyes.

"That was a mistake," Mother stated. "I never should have forgotten about my children… none of my children. It almost cost me one of the people I love and cherish."

She looked at me with tears in her eyes and that made me blush a little. The Mother of Faces looked at me and then back at her.

"You do not need to concern yourself with these worries, your daughter loves you with all of her heart now that she is able to open it," the Mother of Faces said. "Being a mother myself I can see that."

Mother wiped away her tears and turned to me and then to Zuko and then to Kiyi. She smiled at all of us, however her smile faded once Ozai started to yell again.

"Hey you didn't answer the question of what you are doing here!" he yelled.

The Mother of Faces frowned again and this time the wolf spirit started to growl but she motioned for him to calm down.

"I am here to stop you Ozai," she stated firmly. "My wolf spirit here guided me to you all because he could sense that something terrible was going to happen. I watched everything you did to your daughter and her children including holding the little ones hostage and trying to poison your daughter."

Ozai flinched at the Mother of Faces tone and he clenched his hands into fists, his long hair seemed to stand up.

"I am her father and I control her life as well as the life of Zuko!" he screamed. "I could really care less about the spawn of Ursa and that Ikem but I will not have my linage destroyed by someone like him."

The Mother of Faces didn't say anything for a few seconds.

"I've heard it all already Ozai and I have come to the conclusion that you are jealous of Ikem," she said.

Ozai snapped.

"I am not jealous of that lowly peasant!" he shouted. "He is nothing compared to me! Nothing!"

"Be silent human," she exclaimed. "A human like you is nothing compared to a human like Ikem. At least he has a heart. A heart big enough to love people who do not share the same blood as him but he treats them as if they were his own."

Father blushed.

"Not to mention that your logic does not make sense, you say that you do not what your bloodline and legacy to be tainted and yet you were willing to destroy those who serve as that bloodline and legacy. You were willing to hurt the children and your own daughter! I have seen my faces in my life Ozai but you have taken yours and made it a weapon. You used it to bring fear and anger to those you are related to you and to the people who used to serve under you."

Ozai didn't say anything to this but the Mother of Faces wasn't done yet.

"You have no right to call yourself a father much less a parent! Nor do you deserve the title of a grandfather or a grandparent. You are a disgrace to all titles," she said. "I have seen enough to determine that you can be in prison can you will still find a way to cause trouble for this family because your hatred is too strong for you to think about anything else. You are always going to find ways to come back to haunt these people. Therefore I shall put an end to your terror!"

"What?" Ozai questioned.

None of us had time to react as the Mother of Faces reached out using one of her large hands and placed it over Ozai's face. A bright red glow emitted from her palm as she did so and Ozai screamed in pain. I quickly covered the twins faces while Kei Lo covered Zuko's and brought our oldest son close to him and covered his eyes too. Mai and Zuko did the same as they covered Izumi's and Azure's while hugging them close. Jian brought Kiyi close to him and they covered their sleeping daughter so she wouldn't wake up from the bright glow or the screams. They didn't need to see this. But what really got to me was the look on Uncle Iroh's face, he had his eyes closed but he was holding his hands together, his expression read that of disappointment and sadness. I knew what that was because despite it all Ozai was still his brother. That is something that can never truly be forgotten… I guess it like how I could never truly forget that Ozai was my father along with Zuko's. Ozai's pain filled cries filled the air but they strangely disappeared after a minute went by. This puzzled all of us but we continued to cover the children's faces and Uncle Iroh finally opened his eyes. The Mother of Faces then removed her grip on Ozai's face and what we saw startled us.

Ozai didn't have a face!

He was faceless! His gray hair and beard hung from his head but the face itself was gone. I couldn't believe what I had just witnessed. Thankfully my children and the other children didn't see and honestly I think they didn't want to as they didn't try to remove our hands from their eyes. The Mother of Faces looked as if she regretted what she had done but that quickly disappeared as she stood tall.

"You can no longer cause fear with that face of yours Ozai," the Mother of Faces stated. "I never wanted to do this to anyone as I am a giver of faces while my son is the taker of faces but at the same time I cannot think of a more appropriate punishment for a man like you Ozai. You, who hold no love or joy in your heart especially towards the ones you are supposed to love and protect."

Ozai fell to the ground and it looked as if he was trying to say something but he didn't have his face anymore so such an action was impossible now. He clawed at the dirt and he looked more like an animal than a human as he did so. He tried to stand but he could not see either, he kept slipping back on the dirt and kept clawing. The mighty Fire Lord Ozai had been reduced to this, the irony was too powerful to deny.

"All of your senses except for hearing and touch are gone now. Another part of your punishment will be for you to wander the deep part of the forest for the rest of your life. There are no people or animals there only isolation, once you reach there you will not be able to come back here or to any human civilization. That part of the forest shall be your eternal prison, one that you not find a way to escape."

I flinched at the Mother of Faces' tone, she meant it.

"Now be gone," she finished.

With that Ozai started to wander into the opposite direction of the forest still trying to say something but he only fell and got back up only to fall again. He continued to do this until he disappeared from sight leaving no trace that he was there at all. The world would never get to see what became of Ozai. Finally we uncovered the children's eyes and they hugged onto us as tightly as they could. They had grown fearful of the Mother of Faces.

"It's okay children," Zuko said. "The Mother of Faces is not going to hurt us."

"He's right," Jian added. "She protected us from that man."

"You have nothing to hear," Kei Lo stated as he patted our son's head.

"That's right children," the Mother of Faces said. "I would never harm a child either that child is human or spirit. And you no longer have to worry about that man hurting you or your family anymore."

The children stopped hiding at look at the tall spirit; they heard the truth in her words. They then bowed and thanked her for her help. She welcomed them and looked at all of us. I stood up and bowed to her as did all the adults.

"Thank you for coming Mother of Faces," I stated.

"Anything to save a family like you all. Normally I would not do something as horrible as that, my son Koh is the face stealer but he did inherit those abilities from me, I only use it when I have to. I saw that I had to today in order to save a good family. You are a good family, take care of yourselves especially your children," she said. "They are the most precious treasures the world can offer."

"That's true," Mother said. "There is no greater gift than children."

The spirit smiled one last time before she started to turn to another direction.

"Goodbye everyone," the Mother of Faces stated. "Enjoy your lives and remember to take care of each other."

With that the wolf spirit led the Mother of faces led her elsewhere and they disappeared leaving us alone but together. We were quiet for several seconds before Azure spoke up.

"What a crazy day," he commented.

"You can say that again my dear great-nephew," Uncle Iroh responded.

We all laughed a little before it went back to being silent. Despite it all my children and Zuko's children looked as if they still wanted to know more. You know after all that has happened in one day maybe it was time for them to know everything about the past.

"I think it's time to explain a few things," I said. "But first let's all go back to the villa."

"That sounds like an excellent idea," Father said. "Let's go back."

Everyone agreed and we walked back to the villa. We stayed up for the rest of the night explaining everything. Everyone told their sides, we wanted to make sure that the children understood everything and knew everything as well. No more secrets.

"And that's it," I said.

"Wow, that… that really is a lot to take in Aunt Azula," Izumi commented. "I can't believe how you were when you were young."

"I know and I'm not proud of it but it's the truth," I replied.

"But Mommy is still Mommy," the twins interrupted. "We love you Mommy!"

"And so do I Mom," Zuko said.

I smiled and wiped away the tears that were starting to form in my eyes.

"And I love you all too," I responded.

"Well you're still cool Aunt Azula," Izumi stated. "I know Azure feels the same way."

"I do! I do!" Azure exclaimed.

Father and Mother held onto each other's hands and they looked at the family they helped created as well as held together. I hope that after this day that father knew just how much he was loved by everyone.

"I'm sorry that it took this long for all of you to know the truth but I promise that we didn't leave anything out," Zuko said.

"While we're on that topic I can't believe that's how you met Dad," my oldest son stated as he looked at me.

"And I will never forget that son," Kei Lo responded.

"It's a crazy history but then again we're not exactly a normal family either," Mother added. "Zuko, Azula. I'm sorry for all that I put you through back then."

"Mom it's okay," Zuko replied.

"The past is in the past Mother," I said. "It's time to look to the future because these children are that and so much more."

Everyone agreed with what I said and then I remembered something important. I turned to the twins with a big smile on my face.

"And I can't believe both of my twins are firebenders!" I exclaimed. "I'm so proud of you all!"

"As am I!" my husband added.

We hugged the twins along with their older brother.

"We're proud of all of you, as parents we could be any happier that you're happy," I said. "That's all I can ask for."

I felt my worry and concern for my children's futures disappear, I knew that they were going to be just fine. They would become great firebenders and they would protect their home and family in the future.

"Group hug!" Azure exclaimed.

No one wasted time as we all hugged the new little firebenders. We stayed like this for quite some time until the sleepiness got to us, we ultimately decided to stay in in the living room and we slept on the futons that were in one of the closets along with the blankets and pillows. We slept close together in a huddle even as the sun came up. The warmth of our bodies made my heart beat faster as I knew that my family was there with me and for me. We had proven today just how dedicated we were to each other. I was here with my husband, my children, my parents, my siblings, my uncle, my siblings-in-law and my nieces and nephew. I couldn't be any happier. I knew that as time went on things would probably change but there was one thing that wouldn't. Our love and our sense of family, that will stay and it will be around forever.

Azuko's picture now hangs on the wall along with a new group family photo. Several more pictures now decorate the walls of the villa as the years went on. More family members' photos and more baby pictures were there now. Every now and again the family still goes there. Hira'a had proven to be a place of new beginnings and where new memories were created.

Even as I grow old with Kei Lo and watch as my grandchildren grow up alongside Zuko's and Mai's grandchildren and Kiyi's and Jian's grandchildren I still see the same love that was there years ago. My sons, Zuko and Noren, and my daughter, Kisa, have become great firebenders along with my nieces, Izumi and Azuko, and my nephew, Azure. Even after Father's and Mother's and Uncle Iroh's passing's the bonds are still there. I miss them every day but I know that I will see them again in the afterlife along with Aang, Sokka and Ty Lee. I know that I don't have to worry about this family when I pass on too, they not only have their other family members but also the grandchildren of Aang and Katara, the grandchildren of Sokka and Suki, the grandchildren of Ty Lee and Renshu and the grandchildren of Toph. These new generations are changing the world every day and I'm happy to see what I can.

Like I said some things may change but in the end everything stays too. Everything.

THE END OF EVERYTHING STAYS OMAKE

Please review and leave comments, thank you for your time.

Once again Happy Thanksgiving everyone, have you all have a wonderful day and thank you for reading this fanfic until the end. XD