So sorry I didn't post any new chapters last week. I had to put my dog to sleep and I wasn't able to do much of anything last weekend. So, to make up for it, I'm posting SIX chapters today, instead of my normal three. (Chapters 16 - 21) Enjoy!

Zuko

Sam and I searched the palace but we were not able to find Aang and the others. We asked one of the guards who said they left on Appa. We assumed they went flying around and would be back. They wouldn't leave without saying goodbye.

We found ourselves wandering out to the Turtleduck Garden and found Iroh, sitting next to the pool with bread in his hand.

"Uncle!" I said loudly, startling him. He smiled and stood when we approached.

"Well, hello kids. You out here to enjoy the afternoon?"

"Yes, it's beautiful out here today. And I love the turtleducks." Sam said, her eyes softening at the critters.

"How was your tea, Uncle?"

"Satisfying, like always," Uncle smiled. "Did you two talk things out?"

I looked over at Sam who wore a relaxed expression. I wasn't sure how she would feel that I spoke to Iroh. Although, she did like it when I talked to him, "Yes, we did."

We filled Iroh in on what we had talked about.

"I am still mulling it over," I said.

"What is there to mull over, Nephew? It sounds like a sound plan to me."

"Zuko just needs time to process all of the information before making a decision. He doesn't want to do anything rash." I smiled thankfully at Sam for coming to my defense.

"I'll make a decision as soon as possible. I don't want to keep them waiting."

"It sounds to me that you already have made up your mind, Nephew."

I chuckled, "I think I did. But either way, I want to be sure." Iroh nodded, satisfied with my answer.

We sat talking cheerfully about nothing really when Aang and the others arrived back in the palace and came out to speak to us. They looked concerned. Which in turn concerned me.

"Hey guys, how was your ride?"

"Hey, Zuko. We have a problem." Aang said, not acknowledging my greeting.

"What is it?" I was worried. Aang wasn't one to overreact. Sokka stepped in.

"We were all flying around on Appa when we saw a rather large campfire. We thought it was too big for any travelers so we decided to discreetly investigate. When we did we saw that it was the Earth Queen's men, camping out in the Fire Nation. They were down in the woods, apparently trying to conceal their presence. I guess they weren't expecting a 10 ton flying bison to go flying overhead. I'm not sure if they knew we spotted them but we tried to act natural."

I cringed. I've seen Sokka's idea of "acting natural."

"How many were there?"

"It looked like 4 or 5 people. We really couldn't get a good look. We just saw it was part of Kia's royal procession that was left behind."

This woman was getting out of hand. "What do you think their agenda is?"

"I'm not sure. But given the Earth Queen's feelings on-" Sokka cut himself off and glanced as Sam. "My money is on nothing good."

"But she can't touch Sam. Sam is protected as Fire Lady." I said, feeling frantic.

"Doesn't mean she won't try." Sokka said darkly. He wasn't wrong.

I thought about this for a moment. On one hand, they could have been left behind for any number of reasons. But given Kia's track record, I didn't think it was anything good. I stood up immediately and walked quickly into the palace. It wasn't until I was almost to the guard station, that I realized everyone was in tow.

"Genfu." I said. "I need for you to do something for me."

"Yes, of course. Anything Fire Lord." he responded, bowing respectfully. I knew that he wanted to get into my good graces again. He had fallen out of them when Sam was shot with the arrow and the three people came in and attacked us when Sam displayed her bending. Then the sisters and Azula got through his defenses. At this point, I was pretty sure he would paint the moon if I asked him to.

"I need for you to take some men and break up a campsite." Genfu looked surprised. I rarely asked for him to leave the palace. "I also want Jok and Shen to go with you." I didn't totally trust him to not mess it up. "It appears that the Earth Queen has left some men behind and although it could be completely benign, I can't take any chances."

"Yes, your majesty!" Genfu bowed again.

I turned to Sokka, "Sokka, please inform them where it can be found."

"Sure thing." Sokka put a hand on Genfu's shoulder and pulled out one of his many maps, showing him where it was located.

"Please have Jok and Shen see me before departing." I wanted to fill them in on what was going on. I would have sent them with the men, but I wanted to give Genfu a chance at redemption.

After a few minutes, my two guards (and friends) arrived. I filled them in on what was happening and what I expected.

"Please report back what you see and observe. I have a feeling she is going to try something."

"Consider it done, my lord," Shen said, bowing.

After they left, we all began to chat.

"Well, I hate to say it buddy, but we have to get going tomorrow. I have an important meeting I need to attend in the Southern Water Tribe with my dad. I can't miss it." Sokka said. I hated it when my friends would leave but I also understood. Sokka turned to Uncle, "We can fly you back to Ba Sing Se if you'd like, Iroh."

"That is very kind, thank you. I am missing my little tea shop." Uncle said, lovingly.

The next morning they all departed and we said our good-byes. The children came up to me and gave me hugs, one for each leg just like they had when they arrived. They were sad to leave.

"We will see each other soon, I'm sure, kids. I'll miss you though." I said, tousling Bumi's hair.

"We will miss you too," Bumi said.

"Yeah! Wots!" Kya said, still struggling to make words. She hugged my leg tighter. I patted her head and handed them off to their parents.

Uncle came up to me, "Uncle, I'll miss you." I said. I always got upset when he would leave. He was like a father to me and I always missed him when he wasn't around.

"I'll miss you too, my nephew. We will see each other again soon." He gave me a hearty hug which I reciprocated. He turned to Sam.

"Sam, it is always lovely to see you. Take care of my nephew for me?" he said smiling. I could see the sadness in his eyes. Sam was sniffling herself.

"Of course. Always. I love you Uncle. Safe journey." Sam had never referred to him as Uncle before, and I didn't think she noticed.

"Always a pleasure, my niece." I smiled at his declaration. I liked that.

"Have a safe trip guys." I said.

They all smiled and nodded in acknowledgement. After everyone boarded Appa, Aang said "Yip yip," and off they went.

I sat down on the step of the palace, my head in my hands. Sam must have heard me tears. She came over in front of me and placed an arm around my shoulder and on my back. She was still sniffling from before.

"I'll miss them too." She brought her hand around the back of my head and pulled my head down to her bosom, stroking my hair and speaking softly to me. Soothingly. We sat there for a while, holding each other. Comforting each other. After some time, we went back into the palace to finish the day and head to bed. Tomorrow we would be resuming our regular duties.