Author's Notes: I'm sorry again about last chapter, it's fixed now. For those who have already read it before I deleted it, the only change I made was the ending, so the only thing you have to do is look at the bottom of the last chapter. I feel utterly foolish and embarrassed by that, and thank you for your forgiveness.

Thank you for everyone who has read this and reviewed; it means a lot so please continue to do so.

"Zuko it's not like Sokka's taking him forever. He'll be back."

"I can't believe Azula's allowing this."

"She has no choice, you know that. It's a direct order from Iroh--not as your uncle, but as our Fire Lord. Azula cannot fight against that."

"What was Uncle Iroh thinking?!"

"He was thinking that a man is willingly to be a father--a good one, therefore deserves a chance."

"Mai..."

"You know maybe we should start a family of our own now. Since you seem to need a child to adore, therefore Sokka has a chance with his child."

"Mai."

"Zuko. Some where deep down Azula knows she can trust Sokka with Tai Shan."

"I don't understand Mama," Tai Shan explained to his mother. "Why am I leaving the Fire Nation with the Avatar? Did I do something wrong?" The poor child was afraid he had been disowned or exiled, for displeasing his family. His mother chuckled and gave him a smile, in an attempt to reassure him.

"Sokka wishes to spend time with you, like I told you."

The prince understood that, but why? He liked Mister Sokka, a lot, but it didn't make sense to leave the Fire Nation shores for a friend he just met.

His mother continued, "You see. Sokka my son, is actually your father."

"I promise to have him back before the school year begins, therefore you can spend time with him before he goes to the academy," Sokka reassured the mother of his child. The princess merely glared at him, keeping silent but allowing her eyes to do all the talking. Who could blame her when he was taking away her child right before he had to leave for school. It's only natural to want to spend more time with him before it became time for him to leave. After all, this was all sudden to everyone. The young prince and his mother had no time to prepare. "After that I think we need to work out something with who gets him when during his vacations..."

Toph, a few feet away with Appa and Aang, huffed. "He's making this worst for himself. The idiot."

"Why do you say that?" Katara asked.

"Because he's just rubbing it in. How's he gonna be forgiven if he keeps rubbing salt on her wounds?"

Katara rolled her eyes. "He's the one who needs to be forgiven? She's the incessant, lying scumbag--"

"Enough," Aang interceded. "Sokka although he may be angry at her, still loves her. Not to mention Azula's the mother of his child, so I doubt he's going to allow anyone to talk trash about her." The Avatar looked at his waterbending master, "You have to promise to not talk badly about Azula with Tai Shan around. She's his mother, and well...it's not right to let him hear ugly things about her--especially from you."

"I promise," Katara hissed. "I'll let Sokka do that."

"When you get back, we'll be waiting kid," he smiled warmly ruffling the boy's hair.

"Yes Uncle Zuko."

"And whenever possible try to give that meathead some trouble will you?"

"Zuko," Mai narrowed her eyes at her husband. "Don't listen to him Tai Shan. You're uncle is a bit under the weather, he doesn't know what he's saying." She silently warned her husband not to be a negative influence on the child before returning her attention toward her nephew. "Enjoy seeing the world. It's very different from here."

"Yes Auntie," Tai Shan bowed.

The Fire Lord started to tear up and sighed. "Aw Zuko, when will you and Mai have kids already? Tai Shan needs a cousin."

"Uncle not in front of everyone!" Zuko growled, only to be waved off as Iroh kneeled down.

"My dear boy, don't forget your Uncle now all right?" the jolly old man embraced the boy.

Tai Shan laughed, "Never! I could never forget you Uncle."

"I sure hope so my nephew, even when you meet some lucky girl while on your journey."

Tai Shan looked down, blushing and kept silent. Iroh laughed, realizing he caused his niece's son to be embarrassed.

"Grandson," Ursa smiled. "We'll miss you. The palace will seem so empty without you."

"Grandmother I..."

"But don't worry you won't be gone too long! Just do me a favor, all right?"

"All right..."

"Have fun and don't be sad because soon you're going to be back home."

"Yes," he nodded his head. It was going to be difficult not to be sad, since he was going to be away from his family for a while, but he would try.

Finally his mother came to him and kneeled down, embracing him tightly because it would be a long time before she would see him again. "Do me proud Tai Shan, like you always do. And behave yourself with Sokka and everyone else."

"Yes Mama," he answered obediently.

"I love you," she kissed him on his forehead.

"I love you too Mama," he began to cry.

"Dai Li," the woman called out in a hushed whisper. "Follow them but make sure your presence is not known to them--especially to the Avatar and Earthbender. Your job is to make sure my son is safe--at all cost."

"Yes Princess, as you wish."

A/N: Just to make this clear. This is AU taking place sometime after season 2; Zuko never betrayed his father nor did he join the Avatar's gang; and some of the Dai Li have remained loyal to Azula even after all these years.

Short chapter, I know. Don't be surprised if this becomes normal. Also when you're wondering when the new update will be, just check my profile.