Hello fanfic readers In reading through my Book 4 Series and The Prodigy I realized I made an author oops with concerns to continuity. So needless to say I need to go back and make some edits. Now concerning this story my characters Judel is 22 and Xiourong is six months old.

And speaking of Judel this chapter is going to be centered on him. What does he think about traveling with the Gaang what's going to become of him and Azula?
Let's find out but first to my reviewers

Warlock2552- yes Zhao is an even bigger jerk and he has learned little. Azula is going to be taking quite the rollercoaster ride. And some rude awakenings are going to be harder to keep than others.

Alabaster86 (response to chap 1) - that phrase given to Iroh carries a heavy significance seen in this chapter. Even though the greedy author in me wants you to read the others you can catch on pretty quickly just with this fic.

Private Fire- yes auto correct is evil. Zhao is a big [bleep] but what can you expect. Kuruk training Zhao was mentioned in the last chapter in a sort if you blink you'll miss it. As for the fates of Sokka, Suki and Toph stay tuned. Is Mai pregnant? You will find out next chapter. Katara and Aang's secret marriage won't last long. Lastly, Judel and Azula falling out will be explained in this chapter.

So I was having a hard time with this chapter until I was listening to Annie Lennox and bam the chapter wrote itself. I included the lyrics to add to Judel's state of mind. I hope you enjoy its pretty last minute but hey I'll take the chance.

Song: A Thousand Beautiful Things
Performed by Annie Lennox
I do not own ATLA but I do own my vivid dreams

Book 4: Air: Water and Fire is Air
A Thousand Beautiful Things

Judel lied on the bed his daughter Xiourong on his bare chest. Her tiny heart beat against his. She was warmth that he longed for. He hadn't seen her very often. The new father didn't want to waste another moment not being with his little princess; Xiourong, his ray of light and happiness, his perfect reflection. Her small palm stretched as she bought her thumb to her mouth. This is exactly what he wanted. Why do things feel empty?

Every day I write the list
Of reasons why I still believe they do exist
(a thousand beautiful things)
And even though it's hard to see
The glass is full and not half empty
(a thousand beautiful things)

He was the odd man out; the crazy man who dared to marry the homicidal princess. She was a joke to her country; but she was his wife. He felt he had to do damage control. If only people could see who she truly was. She wasn't the kindness; Azula could be abrasive; but she loves him and their daughter. He wanted to hate the servants and even Mai who were derogatory calling her that awful phrase that suggested an incestuous relationship between her and Ozai; but that wasn't his nature. Still he couldn't bring himself to respect such people. Every day he spent at the palace was testing his patience.

So... light me up like the sun
to cool down with your rain
I never want to close my eyes again
never close my eyes
never close my eyes

Xiourong began to cry: he cradled her close; which worsened her wails. He rose from the bed and took her to the changing table; she wasn't wet or hungry. Then it occurred to him; she was responding to his energy in perfect sympathy. She was his frustration and pain. He picked her up again but holding her to his shoulder patting her small bottom in comfort, while walking the length of the room. Briefly, he wished Azula was here to comfort her she was more adept to caring for her. Being a father was the only thing keeping him from doing anything reckless. As Xiourong calmed and gave him a toothless grin grabbing his hair, he held her by her tiny armpits and returned a smile, "All right I get it; only one grumpy parent."

She touched his nose as if to say, 'right on the nose'. Judel gave her a curious look. Just in that little gesture; Xiourong told him everything he needed to do in order to have a more harmonious existence. He was happy to have her.

I thank you for the air to breathe
The heart to beat
The eyes to see again
(a thousand beautiful things)
And all the things that's been and done
The battle's won
The good and bad in everyone
(this is mine to remember)

Judel was grateful to be raised by two elderly parents Aukunek and Sedna. Though they adopted him; he was not loved any less. Aukunek was a man of knowledge; who would go great lengths to learn all he could about any subject. His dream was to go to the Wan Shi Tong library; an aspiration that was deferred. His father would bring him tons of books of research and created scrolls for Judel to aid in his firebending with what little knowledge he possessed of modern styles.

His mother Sedna was elegant and had poise. When she spoke you would pay attention; that was her presence. The sound of her voice can keep you going through hard times; make you conquer your struggles or put you at ease. She was a good listener; but she was tough sometimes too much for Judel's sake. At the time she would push him so much to achieve even after his father's tragic death when he felt like he couldn't go on. She wouldn't let him give up not even for a second; even before her death several years later; she never felt sorry for her or demanded his time.

Judel's parents were glorious with each other. When Aukunek would make his travels; they would act like love-struck teenagers. He wrote Sedna a poem a day no matter what was happening; even something as simple as a Haiku. Judel's favorite memory was when his mother would sing with her angelic voice the folk song of Oma and Shu; while Aukunek smoked a pipe and played the guitar

Yes, he had a good family sure it had its faults in the beginning; nevertheless, they shaped his life. He missed them so much he just wished he could have told them.

So ...
Here I go again
Singing' by your window
Picking' up the pieces of what's left to find

Judel had been grieving the loss of his parents all over again. He had to remind himself he was completely bereft. There was a patriarchal figure in his life; one he was neglecting; Master Piandao. Had his mentor betrayed him? Of course, but it wasn't unforgivable. Piandao was his only family now. If the Jaw-Long member had really thought about it, the sword master never mistreated him; in fact, he welcomed him and entrusted him to lead a group and he let him travel around the world. The words he said to him before he left to beseech him, suddenly had meaning, "I neglected to pay attention to what I gained. Judel, you already had a family and they raised you and I just saw myself as being in the way. So I did the next best thing; I protected you."

Judel was being so ungrateful, he knows now that any other man of the Fire Nation would have killed him; especially during a time of war. Judel would vow not to be unreasonable. If he wanted Azula to get along with her family; he had to lead by example. His parents would never have wanted him to be discourteous to the man who gave him the life he could only dream. Trust would come with time and patience, however, he knew that could have something; after all, wasn't Judel the representation of the peace between nations that Firelord Zuko and Avatar Aang strove for?

The world was meant for you and me
To figure out our destiny
(Oh, remember...)
To live
To die
To breathe
To sleep
To try to make your life complete
(yes yes)

He missed his wife Life was simpler after they stopped denying their feelings. Judel thought fondly of being on honeymoon, in the small earth village of Arun. They had a whirlwind courtship and shortly were married. On their wedding night he woke next to Azula, Her ebony hair kissed her alabaster skin. Her lips were pouted plump. Her skin glistening and beautiful when she opened her eyes she smirked and playfully pushed him away. "Watching my beloved is a crime," he quipped.
She placed a finger to his lips and kissed him gently and lay in his arms. "No, I want you to behold my perfection this is the woman who loves you."
That was all he needed was the love of his woman and to just be with her; to swim in her sea; to bask in her sun; he didn't want to leave their bed.

Azula entered the room; run ragged from the events of yesterday. He felt awful turning her away and not giving her the comfort she so desperately needed. Sometimes emotions and personal setbacks and grievances should be put aside for the person who needs you. Her arms were folded, eyes scrutinizing. Anyone else would have thought she was angry; but he knew better. She crossed him and moved to the bassinet. "Where is Xiourong?"

"The nurse is looking after her for the evening. I know it was imprudent; but I wanted us to be alone tonight."

"I see: have you been to the doctor?"

"Yes and she says as long as I have don't have any unnecessary stress and I don't bend for a couple of days I will make a full recovery."

"Well that's that then; I suppose we should retire."
Judel brought her close to him, his blue sapphire eyes looking into hers, "Azula wait I've been a fool. I want to make things right. When we made our vows I promised to never turn my back on you. I did that last night and that was wrong. We're going on this journey to this temple. I made a blood promise to you three years ago and part of that agreement was that what we have is sacred and meaningful I forgot; but I will never do that again."

"That's very noble J-"

He cut her off with a kiss to her lips he held her face in his hands he kissed her neck tenderly. She was rigid, arms to her side not sure of what to do. He slipped off her jacket revealing her chest bindings and underclothes. "Let me make this up to you. All that matters is that I love you."
Judel scooped her up in his arms and laid her on the bed he blew out the candle and gave her what she deserves…all of him.

So ...
Light me up like the sun
To cool down with your rain
I never want to close my eyes again
Never close my eyes
never close my eyes ...
That is everything I have to say
(that's all I have to say)

Judel stood in the conversation room with Azula and Firelord Zuko. He was nervous it's not like he never presented ideas before or held meetings, on the other hand, honestly, he was a bit star struck he was going to be with the infamous Gaang. He looked at Azula as she pointed at some last minute flaws in the trek to temple. He had never seen her like this before so contemplative and thorough. He was so proud of how collected and efficient she was. It was refreshing to see her and Zuko getting along. Judel pointed out some last minute touches. With that, they all shook their head in agreement and turned to the group. Judel and Azula took the lead. The former was the first to speak. "My fellow travel mates, your majesties it is an honor to be in your presence from someone who has such humble beginnings. Though we have been informed that there will be some literal and physical obstacles to overcome; let us strive to work together for what my group the Jaw-long have discovered; will literally change the world."

Azula stepped forward, having Ty Lee hold up the map as she grinned widely, "This is an ancient the map of the Four Nations. Upon inspection of this chart, a mass of land was found between the Fire Nation and the Southern Water Tribe. It is believed that it was an extension of the Southern Air Temple. Where we are going to be traveling is to a land that has been said to be lost under water."

"You do know that Toph can't swim, right?" interjected Sokka.

"Yeah," said Toph with realization, "what's gives Dragon lady?"

"Interrupting is rude," Azula glared, "As I was saying, this land is said to be lost underwater; but actually, it is buried beneath the earth."

"That's what I'm talking about; earth bending papow."

"You've been hanging around Sokka too long," laughed Katara

"I know, I'm making up words like crazy, it won't stop."

"Anyway," said Sokka clearing his throat, "Not that I'm not up for adventure; but why are we going there?"

"There is good reason," said Judel "Everyone is this room is considered the best of the best, each of you posess a quality that will be needed along for this trek to the temple."

"You hear that Sokka being the meat and sarcasm guy finally paid off," joked Katara

Sokka flexed his muscles and patted them in satisfaction, suddenly alerting to the jest at his expense, "Hey!"

Judel raised a brow and continued onward, "Anyway, legend has it that this temple is the birthplace of energybending."

"Like, what I performed the day of Sozin's Comet," chimed in Aang.

"Precisely, but, this is on a much larger scale. Only one element can be targeted at a time. Meaning—"

"The airbenders can be restored," spoke Aang in awe. "Judel tell me is it possible?"

"Yes but we're not sure precisely how the process will work only the Avatar can truly know. According to the scrolls legend has it that the Avatars body will be aglow, creating a map, The Four Nations will unite; Water and Fire is Air, marking the airbenders return."

This caused Iroh to perk up, "Did you say Water and Fire is Air?"

"Yes, does that phrase have significance to you?"

Iroh looked forward cryptically talking to no one in particular, "It is time"