Part Two

Conviction

Chapter Twenty Four

Resolve

She was running. Zuko was ahead of her, laughing. She laughed too, and the pair of them burst into Azula's room and slammed the door.

"Where can we hide? She's coming!" Azula said, and Zuko scratched his head.

"It's your room. You pick."

Azula thought of a hiding spot. Full of pride for her ingenious plan, she took her brother by the hand and they dove under the bed. They laid there, trying to pant quietly. The door opened and their mother came in.

"Hmm," Ursa said, looking in the drawers of Azula's dresser. "Where could they be hiding? Are they in here? Azuuulaaa! Zukooo!"

Azula clamped her hands over her mouth as she tried not to giggle. Zuko put a finger to his lips, silently warning her.

"Are they under the covers? You won't get away from me!" Ursa jumped on the bed, pretending to search for her children. She knew where they were, as two pairs of little feet were sticking out from under the bed. They had played this game before. She tried to alternate between which of her children she captured first, so that they wouldn't get jealous. It was Zuko's turn today.

"I guess they're not here! They must have gotten away!" She said, sighing dramatically. She flopped on the bed for effect. She heard the sound of barely suppressed giggles, and she snatched Zuko out from under the bed by his ankles.

He screeched, and laughing he yelled, "Run, Azula! She got me!"

Azula didn't need to be told twice, "I'm on it, Zuzu!"

Ursa suppressed a laugh of her own. Even at five years old, Azula was so serious, always determined to be the best. Ursa pinched Zuko's nose between her first two knuckles, saying "Love you."

She readied herself over the side of the mattress and waited. Merely a second had passed when Azula army-crawled out from under the bed. She started to run, but Ursa grabbed her by the seat of her pants. She lifted her and warped the struggling child in a hug. Zuko tried to get away, but his mother kept him pinned with a leg. She tickled Azula, making her squeal with laughter.

Ursa took Azula's nose and pinched it between the knuckles of her first two fingers, shaking her daughter's head side to side and pulling gently. "I love you, Azula."

Azula's eyes snapped open. Her face crinkled in anger. Lies, she thought, all of it. Her mother and her uncle both. Iroh had merely been deceiving her, gaining her trust just to double cross her and help Zuko. He knew his business well, the clever old man. The best performance required truth, and so he had given her genuine advice. The worst part of it was that she missed him.

Her uncle had helped her in many ways. He had consoled her of her fears, and helped her with her relationship with Mai and Ty Lee. Twice he had begged her to remember that he loved her, but that was the worst part. He had known just where to push, and at the right moment he had betrayed her. For Zuko. Her brother.

Her brother, who had always hated her. Always. No matter what she did, he had never been interested in being friendly with her. She had tried to win his affection when they were small, and for a time it seemed that he cared, but all of that changed. She wasn't sure why. Perhaps he was jealous that their father tutored her personally. Father had always held her to the highest standards, even with how she was to treat Zuko and the palace staff.

Now she had failed her father thrice. He would take his new bride, and produce new heirs. She would be cast to the wayside, and her uncle knew that and he had turned on her anyway. Perhaps it wasn't too late. If she could capture them, and the Avatar, then she could still prove her worth. She could still…

Azula got out of bed and readied herself for the day. She would meet with the Admiral, and his Water tribe spies. They would plan their next moves, and Azula would interrogate them about the Avatar and Sok- ugh, not again- the First Son's plans. She grit her teeth.

Walking down the corridor, she headed towards her uncle's cabin. As of yet, it had been untouched. She had decided to search it, in hopes of finding anything that would reveal information about where he and Zuko would go. For all she knew, they had returned to the Water Tribe after taking that steamer. She doubted it though. Why would they sail away, just to come back? It didn't make sense, so she doubted it to be the case.

She came to the door, and the guards stationed there saluted her. She bade them to be at ease and stepped inside the room. It was the same as she remembered, and that did nothing to ease her sour mood. She started with the closet, rifling through its contents for any scrolls or maps. She found none, and turned her attention to the dresser. The first drawer she opened contained his… underpants. She closed that one immediately. She would make Tahno search through it, if she found nothing elsewhere in the room. The firebender was posted right outside, after all.

There was nothing in the dresser, aside from a single Pai Sho tile in a bag. She pocketed it absently, making a mental note to look into its significance later on. She turned her attention to the foot locker, and began to search through it. Immediately upon opening it, she found a bound scroll bearing her name. She sat on the bed and began to read.

Azula,

If you are reading this, then it seems the worst has happened. I am truly sorry that it has come to this. I know that the revelation will have hurt you, but there is no other way. There are things in motion that cannot be undone, and you do not understand them.

By the time you find this, I will have rejoined your brother and the siege will have failed. I know that you won't be able to forgive me, and I can't expect that of you. I will, however, try and explain as best I can.

The hundred years war is an act of folly. It has hurt the Fire Nation in countless ways. Hundreds of thousands of men and women have been sent to their death, even by my own command. I did not see the error of it until I lost my own son, Lu Ten.

Our people have, in great number, gone hungry, for much of our resources go to the war effort.

The sons and and daughters of our nation are oppressed, and brought into war against their will. Countless other atrocities have been committed for the foolish notion that our war is meant to share our greatness with the world. The Air Nomads were destroyed, not in honest combat, but by ambush. How can we share our greatness with the world, if there is only the Fire Nation?

My brother banished Zuko, as you know. What you likely don't know is that the reason Zuko spoke out of turn was to object to the sacrifice of the forty first division. It was composed entirely of new recruits, and despite Zuko's objection they were used as bait. None survived. Two hundred and fifty lives lost for nothing.

My only goal now is for the war to be ended, and for peace to reign once more. I hope that you may one day understand why I have done this, and I am so, so sorry for hurting you. Sometimes we have to do things that we hate, to fulfill our duty.

In my dresser you will find a Pai Sho tile. I want you to have it, and it's more important than you realize. I know that our armies have taken Omashu, and should you visit there on your travels, speak with King Bumi. Show him the tile, and tell him that I asked you to speak with him.

It is likely hard to believe, but remember this: I love you my niece, and I always will.

-Uncle

Azula hissed out a breath in anger. More lies. Her brother hadn't objected to anything, he just insulted a general. There had been no forty first division, she was sure of that. She would even look at the records, for she was certain it was just another manipulation. She rolled the scroll and stowed it with her armor. She decided to keep it and the tile both, to throw them in her uncle's face when she took him prisoner.

"We'll leave in a few hours, so I guess we'll just… wait then." Aang said, looking at Sokka. Sokka didn't respond, staring into the middle distance.

Katara frowned, but this had become the norm in the week since Yue's leaving. Sokka had barely eaten, or slept. He had pulled himself into the void, that mental state of that guru, and wasn't willing to come out. She exchanged a look with Aang. He bore a sadness around his eyes that hadn't been there before, a guilt that ate at him.

Turning her head to Sokka, she could tell that he had taken on the mantle again. It was there, the shadow flickering just out of sight. She wouldn't ask him to put it aside, not after…

"I'll be back soon." She said, excusing herself from the room.

She walked to the Spirit Oasis. She had been searching in vain for anything on the Face Stealer, but the Grand Tribal Library didn't have any information on him. It had hardly anything on any of the spirits, aside from Tui, La, and Agni. Agni was the Sun Spirit, and brother of Tui. odd, that the brother of the moon would let his people try and destroy hers.

Katara walked into the Oasis, and knelt beside the pool. She didn't know what else to do, and so she had come to plead with the Moon Spirit. Perhaps Yue could help Sokka, or maybe Tui. She didn't know.

"I-" She stopped. She hadn't thought about what she was going to say. "My brother needs help. He made a deal, and now Koh has him. I don't know what to do, and he's hurt too much to do anything himself! Please, he's my brother; I can't lose him! I won't let the Face Stealer keep him! Help me find a way."

She waited. Time trudged past, and no answer came. She waited for an hour, occasionally asking again. The Koi didn't do anything, they just continued in their eternal dance. After a while, Katara thought that she would get no answer from the spirits, and she would have to look through the libraries of Omashu. She stood and turned to go, but when she stepped foot on the bridge, a deep and watery voice spoke behind.

"Are you certain in your resolve?"

Katara jumped in surprise, whipping around to face the speaker. She was shocked, for where she had knelt beside the pool lounged a huge man, made entirely of water. She stared in wonder at the sight, and the water-man spoke again.

"Well? Will you hold to your conviction, or will you falter? If you lose the will for even a moment, then you will fail. Sokka will be lost to you forever."

"I am." Katara swallowed, "Uh, are you..?"

The water-man nodded. "I am La, the Ocean Spirit."

"Will you help me, then?" She asked him.

"I will tell you where to find the knowledge you seek." La answered.

"W-where?" She stumbled over the word. She was speaking to the Ocean Spirit, this was Avatar stuff. Had she been in the spirit world, then she wouldn't have been so phased, but speaking to the Ocean was not something she had ever expected. Sure, she had spoken to Yue, but she and Yue had been friends before the… Moon Incident.

"The secret is kept by Wan Shi Tong, he who knows ten thousand things. He does not share knowledge freely, and thus requires knowledge in return."

"What kind of knowledge?" Katara inquired, apprehensive. La tilted his head to one side, as if considering the thought. It was hard to gauge his expression, for he had only the vague outline of a face.

"Worthwhile knowledge, I suppose. The definition of worthwhile depends on The Owl, though."

"I… Thanks." Katara bowed to the Ocean Spirit. When she stood straight again, he was gone."

She stood in the oasis, not far from the spot where her friend had died. Yue had left the world of the living, and now existed as the Moon Spirit. She had lost a friend, and she would not lose her brother too. She took a deep breath, and was resolved in her conviction. She would find a way to save Sokka, whatever the cost may be.

Zuko punched out, firebending with all his might. It was pitiful. He tried again, and then for a third time. He ignited a pair of fire daggers, but they looked more like fire letter openers. He tried his breath of fire, which was more of a heated exhalation. He groaned. He looked towards his uncle, who stroked his beard in consideration. His hair was down, as he had cut his top not when they took their steamer out to sea.

"It seems that your source has changed, Prince Zuko." Iroh said.

"What?" The Prince was confused. Wasn't the source in firebending the breath? Air became energy, and the bender pushed that energy out through his limbs, creating fire. That was what his uncle had always told him, and what he had read. Even in the theories he had read concerning combustion bending, the key to the art was in the breathing technique. He had tried to master that himself, but without a demonstration of some kind, it was beyond him. He had heard of an assassin who used the art, but he had never encountered him. He was banished before he could track the man down.

"For many years, you have used your negative emotions to fuel your fire. Now that you have realized the error of the Fire Lord's ways, you seem to have lost the hate that powered your bending."

The scarred man frowned. He looked out over the ocean as they traveled southward. He had let go of his hate, and that was what had weakened his bending. He didn't feel as angry, and he thought that was a good thing. But if it would keep him from bending…

"It's good that I refused their offer then, if my firebending is gone." he mumbled to himself. His uncle heard him, though.

"What offer?" Iroh asked, curious.

"Aang and them asked me to join them. To become his firebending teacher." Zuko said in response.

Iroh's eyes widened slightly. His nephew had… Ah, why did Zuko make so many poor choices?

"Why did you refuse?" He asked. Zuko turned to him in surprise.

"It's… I can't. I can't work against the Fire Nation. Even if I know the war is wrong, they're still my people."

Iroh nodded sagely. His nephew just wasn't ready yet, but in time he would be. He was sure of it. The problem now was to help his nephew regain his firebending prowess. He could venture into the philosophical elements of firebending, but Zuko had never much cared for philosophy. He needed hands-on instruction, a demonstration, to learn properly.

"Returning to the subject of your bending…" Iroh began slowly. "I believe I know of some masters who could help."

"Really?" Zuko said, surprised. "Couldn't you? You're one of the best firebenders alive."

"Perhaps I could, but these two are the ones who taught me." Iroh answered. Zuko's face fell.

"Well, that means they're in the Fire Nation. Not exactly an option right now."

"They're not in the Fire Nation. Close, I admit, but not quite." Iroh spoke and brought out a map. He spread it open on the crate that they had been using as a table for the past week. He placed a finger on the map, pointing to a seemingly innocuous place in the middle of the ocean.

"I believe that this is our present location." He drew a line to a small island not far from the western Air Temple. "This is the isle of the ancient Sun Warriors. The masters reside within the ruins."

Zuko nodded. The island was outside of Fire Nation territory, strictly speaking. Traveling so close to home would be dangerous, but it was still a possible destination. Perhaps they could decide on their next moves while he studied under the masters.

"How long until we reach the island?" He asked. Iroh stroked his beard again, thinking.

"If the weather holds, then we should be able to make the voyage in a week's time or so."

"Alright, Uncle. We should sleep in shifts, then. That way we won't lose time, or get lost."

Iroh nodded, and changed the ships heading to travel southwest. Zuko remained where he was, staring out over the rolling waves. He thought about the future. If he regained his bending, then perhaps he should join the Avatar, if only to ensure that his people weren't treated unfairly. They would need an advocate, wouldn't they?

Zuko would sit the throne one day, he was sure of that. Aang would depose his father, and the war would end. He thought that his uncle would take over, for the throne should have gone to him after Azulon's passing. But in the meantime, wouldn't it be best for the Fire Nation if someone could speak on their behalf? Even if Zuko didn't ally with the Avatar outright, then he should at least begin a friendship with him; Wouldn't it be better for the future Fire Lord to have a good working relationship with the bridge between worlds? It was possible that his people would reject him for that, but he felt that he had to do it anyway.

It was at that moment that Zuko chose his path, even if he did not realize it. He was filled with an unbreaking resolve to restore the honor of his country, even should it cost him the world.

Katara sat against the mast. The ship had set out from Agna Qel'a a few hours ago, and now all they had to do was wait. She considered what La had told her. The secrets were kept by Wan Shi Tong. Wan. Shi. Tong. She had heard that name before, but where? Perhaps it had been while she was reading in the library?

Library. That struck a chord. The Spirit Library! She could look into whoever the spirit was when they got there! And since they were going there anyway, it wouldn't take anytime out of their journey to help Aang! It was perfect.

Aang… She was saddened when she thought of him. He had been withdrawn lately, not as bad as Sokka, but still sad. Far more than she had ever seen him. Maybe he would want to talk about it? She decided to go to him and try and cheer him up.

He didn't take long to find, as he was laying across Appa's tail. Momo was curled up in his lap. The Avatar was lost in thought, and his eyes were grim.

"Hey, Aang." Katara said, clasping a hand around her elbow. Aang glanced over to her and forced a smile.

"Hey Katara," he said, "Did you find anything that could help Sokka?"

"I found a lead, but that's not what I wanted to talk to you about."

"Oh, what did you want to talk about?"

"Are you okay?"

Aang looked away, turning his head to face the sky. He shrugged. "I've just been thinking, I guess."

Katara sat beside him. Momo jumped into her lap. She scratched his head for a moment and pressed on. "Do you want to talk about it?"

A sigh was Aang's initial response. After a few seconds he began to speak. "I saved Zhao. I saved him because the monks taught me that all life is sacred. But by sparing Zhao, so many more people were killed. Fire Nation and Water Tribe, in a pointless battle. Yue sacrificed herself, because I wasn't willing to do my duty as the Avatar."

"No, Aang, you can't blame yourself, you didn't know! It's not your fault." Katara said.

"It is my fault! And even now I don't know if I can do my duty! I am the last Air Nomad, and if I don't carry on the traditions and beliefs of my people, then they'll truly be gone. But how can I do that, if as the Avatar I might have to…" He stopped speaking, and dragged a hand down his face.

"I have an obligation to the world, and an obligation to carry on the traditions of my people. If I can't do that, then there will be no true Air Nomads left. But if I don't fulfill my role as the Avatar, then who knows how many people will suffer?"

Katara thought about his words. She had no idea what to say. She decided to go with her gut. Taking his hand, she spoke. "Aang, you're strong, and smart. I know it's a hard decision, and you're going to struggle with it for a long time."

Aang closed his eyes tightly, but he squeezed her hand in return. "I don't know what the answer is, I wish I did, but I know that you'll alway do your best, and choose what you think is right."

"You think so?" he asked softly.

"I do, and no matter what, remember that I'll stand with you." She said, scooting closer to lay down beside him.

"Thank's Katara," Aang said. "That means a lot."

The pair of them remained there for a few hours, enjoying each other's company in a comfortable silence. The sun set, and the pair laid next to each other and fell asleep.

"I have been recalled to the capital by the Fire Lord." Admiral Zhao said, lowering the scroll.

"I see." Azula said evenly. "Give my father my regards."

"Of course, Princess." The Admiral said, dipping his head in respect.

Hahn and Laluk sat there awkwardly, not sure what they were to be doing. Now that their cover had been blown, they had no choice but to leave the Water Tribe, and would have to rely on Zhao for their livelihood.

Azula tapped her nails on the table, watching the two spies. She could see from their body language that they were unsure of what to do. Hahn glanced sideways at his father, giving way to how lost he was in that moment. She decided to begin her questioning of them now.

"Hahn. You were in the First Son's confidence, before you stabbed him in the back, both figuratively and literally." She was careful not to use his name. "Has the oaf told you where they would be going?"

Hahn stiffened. He didn't know; it was obvious. "Uh, no, Princess. They had only just begun to plan when the invasion began."

"So you failed in your mission. Can't say that I'm surprised, given…" She looked him up and down and her lip curled in distaste. She despised betrayers, now more than ever. This one in particular, though she wasn't sure why. Hahn paled and averted his eyes.

"Is there anything of use that you can tell me?" She said in a scathing tone.

"Uh… He has a magic sword?" Hahn proffered. Azula scoffed.

"A. Magic. Sword." She enunciated the words with derision.

"I-it was blessed by the Moon Spirit! It leaves a trail of moonlight in its wake!" He stammered. Azula rolled her eyes. She turned to the Admiral.

"What do you intend to do with them? Drop them off on an island somewhere to fend for themselves?"

Zhao smiled, and seemed to consider the idea. "Sadly not, I'm afraid. They will be returning with me to the Fire Nation."

Azula nodded, glad that she wouldn't have to endure their company. Turning to Laluk, she asked, "What about you? Do you have any information about the Avatar's plans?"

Laluk nodded. "I had the opportunity to search through Arnook's communications. The Avatar and company will be heading to Omashu, where he will begin his earthbender training."

Azula paused, thinking. Omashu was under their control, and what was more, her uncle had mentioned the city's king in his letter. She could arrive there first, and set a trap for the Avatar. Yes, that could work. And after she captured him, she knew of a bounty hunter who could track a man anywhere across the world. She could arrange for the woman to meet her there, and then they could pursue her uncle and brother.

She decided on her course of action, and was resolved in her mission to capture her brother, uncle, and the Avatar. She would prove her worth, and show her father that he could keep her by his side, that he didn't need to cast her away.

The rest of the meeting was rather dull, just a question of logistics. Zhao would be returning to the capital, and the remains of the fleet would be dispersed around the Earth Kingdom and Fire Nation. Damaged ships would go for repairs. That sort of thing. After the meeting ended, Azula went to search for her friends.

She found them in her cabin, waiting for her. She hadn't sent for them to go there, but she was glad to see them. She entered the room and Ty Lee leapt off the bed, as if hoping that Azula wouldn't see that she had been laying across it. Mai rolled her eyes from her seat at the desk.

"Azula! We were looking all over for you!" Ty Lee said

"I'm sorry, I was in a meeting with the Admiral, I forgot to mention." Azula responded.

Ty Lee's mouth fell open in shock, and Mai's eyes narrowed. Azula looked between them in confusion. "What?"

"You… apologized." Ty Lee said in wonder. "You've never apologized to us before!"

Azula rolled her eyes and sat down on her footlocker. Hadn't she? Looking back, she couldn't remember having done so… She thought that she ought to take more consideration for her friends in the future. Now that Iroh had betrayed her, they were all she had left. She decided not to dignify Ty Lee with a response. Evidently, this was enough to tip off Mai that something was amiss.

"What's wrong?" The gloomy girl said. Ty Lee closed her eyes and breathed deeply for a second before opening them again. Azula looked at her, and saw sorrow flit across Ty Lee's face. She raised an eyebrow, and then shrugged.

"I don't know what you're talking about." She decided to deny any feelings caused by Iroh's betrayal, or her own failings.

"Really? That doesn't sound true." Mai said, and Ty Lee agreed.

"And since when have you been an expert on my emotional wellbeing?" Snapped the Princess.

"Oh, I don't know, maybe since we met when we were four? Ten years has been enough time to get to know you, if you hadn't noticed."

Ty Lee nodded and cut in with her opinion. "I see it too, you're sad. Hurting, even."

"And what makes you think that?" Azula said. Mai responded by counting on her finger.

"You've barely eaten. You just apologized, and for something when you didn't even need to. Your uncle double crossed you. Zuko and the Avatar got away."

Azula hunched in her seat. "Alright, so what if I am? We still have a mission to complete."

"You can't keep it all bottled up inside! It's not good for you." Ty Lee said. She touched her forehead and continued. "I can see it hurting you, like a stormcloud over the ocean. It's not helping to keep it locked up."

She considered Ty Lee's words. Mai's too. Her uncle had told her to trust her friends, and even though he had betrayed her, he had given genuine advice. She had taken it before, and the three of them had grown closer. She decided to confide in them a little.

"Father's getting married. He's going to wed someone, I don't even know her name, at the end of summer."

"Is that what's bothering you? Why?" Ty Lee asked, tilting her head. Mai didn't say anything.

"I… I've failed him three times. When the Avatar and Sokka escaped from the Ilah colony, and then again when I failed to capture Zuko at the shrine. Now with the siege. If he banished Zuko for speaking out of turn, what would he do to me? I-" Azula clenched her jaw. "I'm afraid that he's decided that I'm no longer useful, and that he wants to make a new heir. If I can't capture the Avatar, my brother, as well as Uncle."

Her friends were silent.

"I told Uncle all of this, and he betrayed me anyway. He still chose Zuko…" She trailed off, a lump in her throat. Her uncle had chosen Zuko, and abandoned her just as her mother had. At least Iroh had said goodbye. Now Azula would have to fight twice as hard, but she still had her friends at least.

She was surprised when Mai got up. She sat beside Azual and wrapped an arm around her. Azula swallowed and let her friend comfort her. Ty Lee sat on the other side and hugged her too.

"It'll be okay, Azula. We'll capture them, and take them back to the Fire Lord." Ty Lee said. They broke apart. Azula wasn't much of a hugger as a rule, and while she appreciated it in the moment, it had gone on long enough.

"Yes. I know where the Avatar is heading. And I have a plan to track down my brother and uncle. You should be excited, Mai. We're going to visit your parents in Omashu."

Mai sighed. "Wow. I can hardly contain my joy."