She had arrived at Zuko's palace. She walked up to the palace gate. They had added these gates a year ago when Zuko was repeatedly attacked by the new Ozai society. The
Gatekeeper yelled from the top of the watch tower which was only 30 feet up "Name and business." "Umm I'm Katara, I was sent a messenger Hawk from Firelord Zuko." The guard laughed "Yeah sure, and I'm the Avatar. No way the Firelord would ask for help from a girl." Katara sighed. She pulled water from out of the air and used it to elevate herself to the guards level. She looked him straight in the eyes and pulled the lever to open the gates. Then she unfroze some of the water and used it to make a water chain. "Remember this next time you underestimate girls," and smiled as she descended back to the ground. Once she was through the gate she undid the chain leaving a puddle of water and an unsure man. When she opened the doors she saw no one, not a single palace attendant or guard. The palace was dark. Katara walked around calling names "Zuko, Mai, any one" then while walking down the main hall she saw a painting of Iroh holding a cup of tea. She remembered how when helping Zuko remodel the palace. Mai gave Katara and Toph a tour of the palace showing them the remaining paintings of Iroh. Ozai had given Azula and Mai paintings and belongings of Iroh and Lu Ten to use as target practice. Katara placed her hand on Iroh's tea cup. Her eyes widened and she pressed harder. Then the painting shifted opening a secret staircase. Catacombs? A basement? All these thoughts running through her head. Then she heard a male voice "WE ARE TRYING TO HELP YOU." Then a girl's voice "WATCH OUT!" Katara didn't think just acted; she ran down the stairs not noticing the door shut behind her. When she reached the bottom she saw a room with Zuko holding Azula against the wall. And over to the right Mai trying to pull Ty Lee free of Zuko's swords. Ty Lee spotted Katara "Katara" and she smiled. Mai quickly turned around. So did Zuko and Azula. While everyone was looking at Katara Azula shot lightning toward Ty Lee, but it missed and hit some scrolls next to her. Before Zuko could regain his focus on his sister, Azula kicked him in the gut. Which sent him flying back into a stack of scrolls containing Firelord Sozin's plans. Azula went charging at Mai with flames in her hands. Zuko screamed "MAI WATCH OUT!" Azula was a second for burning Mai when Katara stepped in between the two and met Azula's flame with a ball of water in hand. With the two forces meeting each other it sent both girls back, each of them slamming into the opposite walls. Zuko saw his one opportunity and grabbed the metal chains and restrained Azula once again. Mai struggled once more trying to pull the sword out of the stone wall, then Zuko came to Mai and they pulled at the sword together freeing Ty Lee. Katara got up and walked over to them "Wow. Long time no see." Mai and Ty Lee smiled and hugged Katara. Zuko waited til they were done then said "Thanks for the help by the way. And for coming on such short notice." Ty Lee chimed in "Yeah, thanks." Mai stared at the unconscious Azula." "So I'm assuming she didn't get captured easily." Katara smiled at Mai. Zuko and Mai exchanged a look and nodded "For the past few days we've noticed she's been talking to herself, like arguing. Claiming 'she' was trying to get her."Mai said in a stern emotionless voice. Katara made a sympathetic face toward Azula. "We were hoping your healing would be able to fix the wounds in her mind, caused by Ozai's abuse," Ty Lee said now facing Azula. She turned back to face the three "I've never heard of someone fixing mental wounds... But I will try," she smiled weakly. Zuko smiled "Thank you Katara. I know it wouldn't be easy working with my sister so if there is anything you need consider it done." The four exchanged hopeful looks. Then Ty Lee nudged Zuko. "Oh, and I almost forgot, uncle also volunteered to help you, in teaching her life lessons if things turn out well." Katara nodded. "Well let's head upstairs this room is creepy." Mai grabbed her fiance's hand and headed upstairs to the main floor of the palace. Ty Lee and Katara followed. By the time they got back to Iroh's painting, Mai and Zuko were already in their bedroom. "Katara you should totally bunk with me. I'll fill you in on the past week." Katara nodded and followed the excited Ty Lee to her room. The next morning the girls awoke to a servant delivering a message requesting the girls presence in the main hall. Katara was going to go in the clothes she wore yesterday. But sense Mai would never twin dress with Ty Lee, Ty Lee insisted Katara wear one of her outfits that she usually wears but it was blue. Katara agreed and the two met Zuko and Mai downstairs. "Good Morning"Mai said in a happy voice. It surprised Ty Lee just as much as Katara. "You slept well"?" "Yes we did"Mai replied and her and Zuko giggled which was completely unexpected and that left Ty Lee and Katara in confused looks. To stop them from questioning any further Zuko opened the painting door. "This is a chamber where my ancestors kept their secret plans and treasures," Zuko explained. Mai chimed in "We caught Azula trying to find this place days ago. Ty Lee chi blocked her and we chained her in the chamber to keep her away from the servants until you arrived. Then when Ty Lee brung her dinner she had broken free." When they finally arrived at the bottom they saw Azula on her knees sobbing. "Alright. "Let's do this." Katara walked over to the sobbing 17 year old and got on her knees to match Azula's level "Azula. I am going to try to help you get the voices out of your head. And all I need you to do is trust me and do as I say." She stopped sobbing. Katara reached out her hand to touch Azula's shoulder before she made contact. Azula bit her on the wrist. She pulled back. The bite was hot and would most likely leave a mark. Zuko came over to hit her back. Katara put her hand up to stop Zuko "No. It's fine". Katara got up and walked back over to the stairs, motioning the others to follow her. Once they reached the exit. Ty Lee shut the door behind them. While wrapping her wrist and hand in white cloth, "Obviously she's not going to willingly let us help her. We are going to need some muscle to help us restrain her."Zuko smiled at Ty Lee. "Ty Lee I got a job for you." She nodded and knew exactly what he meant. "I'll be back by tomorrow. Can I take the royal boat?"she said with pleading eyes. Zuko sighed then looked at Mai, Mai just smiled and nodded at Ty Lee. Ty Lee squealed then ran to her room to change.