Hello fanfic readers Wow I have the worst timing publishing this when Legend of Korra premieres. Also I made a snafu with Xiourong she is three months old not six months (face palm) man I need some sleep I'm just all sorts of messed up.

Anyways special thanks to all my readers you guys are the best and for those who favorite please leave a review it is much appreciated I accept all reviews good, bad or indifferent.

Now to respond to my reviewers

WARLOCK2552- Yeah being a part of the Fire Nation family will eventually lead him to his insanity XD oh well Judel knew what he signed up for. As for Iroh's secrets stay tuned

Private Fire- Please don't forget your backpack this time

Alabaster86(3-8)- I have actually read your Sukka insights and it gave me some ideas. Ty Lee's story was quite difficult actually but glad it came out. Zuko is still not used to the idea of Azula having a baby and being a brother-in-law. To be honest when I read 'The Search' I was very disappointed in the fact that Ozai was so stereotypical and that Ursa was just there, I understand their marriage was arranged but I personally have known people who have fallen in love Ursa as understanding as she is would have seen the other sides of Ozai. Zhao is going to reach more levels of douchetitude(just made up that word) in later chapters. Glad you liked the song. Judel is back on his game! Those parts with Sokka, Katara and Toph are always a joy to write.

I honestly didn't come up with a title until just now also I know this may seem like a filler chapter but everything from now on is all about the details so pay close attention because this chapter is setting the stage for something EPIC!

I do not own ATLA but I do own my vivid dreams

Book 4: Air: Water and Fire is Air

Into the Uncharted

Air...

Appa flew in the air; his tale effortlessly gliding on the current. The Sky Bison's legs swept through the air, gaining speed. Upon his neck was his friend Aang. Together they were in perfect sync. Next to them in flight, was Momo, his wings swaying this way and that, gliding happily. In fact, both creatures seemed happier than usual. Perhaps they were in harmony with the excitement that Aang felt. He kept repeating it to himself, "The airbenders could be restored."

Aang was reeling in his excitement, barely being able to contain himself. He had wondered why Zuko was so secretive. What was more surprising is that Azula came with her baby to deliver such a message; how worth it. There was something that concerned him however Iroh his expression, "What did he mean by it was time?" he would investigate later.

Aang glanced back for a moment at the occupants. Everyone in the saddle upon the bison was in good spirits. Toph sat back and relaxed; letting her feet feel the soft breeze in the air. Katara kept staring at her husband in such newlywed bliss. It was comforting that Sokka wasn't there; yet disappointing, he insisted on being in the zeppelin: in his place was a new member; a gleeful Ty Lee.

The amulet around his neck, dredged up old memories. He was so naïve and carefree coming out of the iceberg. One look at his old mentor's skeleton made him grasp the fact that he had been gone for one hundred years. From that time onward it didn't matter if he brought back peace to the world he was a scared little boy who abandoned his friends, dooming his entire race. With this new revelation, maybe then he would start to forgive himself and who knows? "Maybe we can find you and Momo a mate. What do you say boy?"
Appa roared in agreement. Momo just ignored him. Aang giggled; this was something from his wildest dreams.

Dream...
Ty Lee was in such awe of everything; feeling so happy she hadn't spoken until…"Ohmygosh! This is SO amazing! Thank you Avatar!" she said faster than she intended.
"You can call me Aang, Ty Lee. No need for titles any friend of Kyoshi's is a friend of mine."

"I'm sorry I'm not used to being informal. This is just like a dream I had!"

It was more like a nightmare; Flashes of a horrific future; the reoccurring tormented sight that has taken ahold of her for a year now. At first she thought nothing of it. It was a symbol of something that needed to change in her life; which is why she chose to forgive Azula. However, when Zhao mentioned that death will come closely, she felt a terrible chill shiver through her spine. It was that vision of someone with long flowing black hair lying on the ground of an ancient brick floor and when she went to touch them their visage was gone. Ty Lee couldn't imagine, wouldn't dwell on this. But this was crumbling her positive demeanor. She would smile through this and focus on the airbenders return, and this cute flying Bison she's riding. That was something she could face.

Face...
Judel and Azula sat inside the zeppelin closest to the pilot's cabin as possible on her urging. This was the first time Azula had ridden such a contraption. Her mouth was fixed in a line as within, a fury swept over her body; tensing every single muscle. Curse Ozai for drugging me; curse him for taking the glory for him. No wonder part of me almost kil— Judel grasped his wife's hand and gave her a kiss on the cheek, releasing her from such horrible thoughts. She smirked, he truly understood her. Azula looked out at the sea. As she watched the calm waves roll onto the beach; she had thought briefly of the conversation she had with her mother Ursa just days prior. Azula's original plan was that she asks her mother to watch Xiourong; until her husband gently reminded her that she needed to begin to make amends. There was no use in quarreling after he had just proved his love to her. With much reluctance; she worked up the nerve to speak to her mother; but very quickly the conversation took a turn for the worse.

"Do you think just because you gave birth to me that you deserve the lofty title of mother. You're just apologizing because it's convenient not because you mean it. The moment you found out I was committed to a mental institution you formulated the story of the doting adoring mother. For once in your life be honest."

"What do you want me to say? I wasn't perfect: I did the best I could. I have my regrets but that doesn't change how I feel about you."

"Frankly mother how you feel about me doesn't matter anymore."

Ursa, normally a calm woman; gritted her teeth and pointed an accusing finger to Azula's chest, "You were not an angel Azula. You lied without even a blink and when I would reason with you, you lied to me again. Despite my efforts to try and break you of such an awful habit you chose to follow your father and look where it has got you."

"And it is you who are the nasty virus within this family; I never will pass on that toxicity to my daughter."

"Azula take a good look at yourself when are you going to stop blaming things on me and focus on who the real problem is. Zuko-"

"Don't you compare me to him!"

"You will listen! Zuko could have been angry for the rest of his life but he made a choice to turn himself around and do well. You had the same choice no one is going to feel sorry for you and I am not going to keep catering to your whims, while you make me feel like garbage. Take responsibility for your actions!"

That did it for Azula. She wanted to rip her mother to shreds and set her on fire but as hurtful as her words were they were the truth but at that moment Azula wasn't ready to digest brand of honesty. She had to ask herself did she want to be right or did she want to make peace. Azula couldn't walk away; not any longer instead she would concede. After a long stretch of silence she managed.

"I...I forgive you,"

Ursa's eyes softened, "What?"

"I said I forgive you I'm a mother now and I understand the sacrifice you had to make. You did what you must to save Zuko and I know you would have done the same for me. Logically I knew that when you saw me for the first time in years in front of you indignant and angry."

Azula looked her mother straight in the eye, "Let me make something very clear mother the reality is hope and meaningful words isn't what keep people alive and it certainly isn't what repairs people; action always wins. That is all I have to say about you and I. "

Azula took a deep breath and swallowed her pride and continued formally, "As you are aware my husband and I have something important to take care of and we will be gone for...well I don't know how long. At any rate I need someone to look after Xiourong and I thought you would be well suited since you are family to look after her."

Ursa hugged her tightly and caressed her hair and whispered softly, "I'm so sorry Azula I love you I've always loved you."

"I know mother, I can't stay;

my husband and I need to prepare to leave."

Even though it ached to relinquish control it had to be done—no, she wouldn't look at it like that; Xiourong deserved to be with her family. Azula and Ursa had plenty of healing to do.

Relinquish
Zuko's mind was off in a distant land; mulling over recent events. He was stressed needless to say; he had enough of that to last him a lifetime. With the concerns for Mai's well-being and their relationship, coupled with the return of his sister with a three month old niece and keeping the world from banishing the Fire Nation from the planet, the last thing on his mind was who was taking his place as Firelord. That's when his Uncle made the world's most unexpected suggestion:

"Are you crazy? This is a joke!"

"Someone must look over your kingdom and who better than a man who has been Firelord."

"Ozai your brother; my father; the worst father in the history of all fathers; you expect me to appoint him Firelord regent? Do you remember how he became that way; on the heels of your son's death."

"This isn't about emotion or personal relationships. This is the right thing."

"He's a powerful man he can bring people together or tear them apart."

"If I denied you a chance and my own affection because I thought you were weak you would not be Firelord."

"He's dangerous I won't accept this."

"Listen to me; no one is going to follow a former Firelord especially someone with a dismantled regime who has been stripped of his bending and defeated by his daughter. My brother has many faults; but he is trying to earn your trust."

"But what if—"

"Enough Firelord Zuko you know as well as I do you have more people fighting for peace than otherwise. You have to trust."

It was something he was still learning; there are only two people he would leave in the hands of; who he knew would always deliver; his Uncle, who believed in him and never steered him wrong and his wife loving and beautiful, who has carried him through everything. Now it was his turn to roll his worries upon his Uncle, and carry Mai through this journey.

Carry...
Mai felt the small bump of her abdomen in disbelief. She had gone to the doctor as routine before the trips beginning on Ty Lee's urging.

"Milady, you don't look well"

"No sleep will do that to you I've been sick lately and so I decided to stop refusing to go to the doctor"

"What are your symptoms?"

"It's nothing I'm just a little tired"

"I don't think you would be coming to me if you were just tired."

"I guess there's no sense in hiding. Lately I've been throwing up, and not eating, feeling dizzy and Zuko says I'm irritable; even though I told him I'm perfectly fine and to stop fussing over me. I just need fresh air is all."

The doctor put a finger to her lips, "Perhaps the reason is bigger than you think."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Think of it Mai; all of your symptoms, they fit the early stages of pregnancy perfectly."

"There are two problems with that theory, one, you said I can't and shouldn't have a baby. Two Zuko and I…well it was very recent."

"I understand it would be impossible. Let me do an examination just in case."

With a glowing hand she hovered over her belly and smiled warmly. "It seems Agni has blessed you, you are in fact pregnant 3 weeks if I measured correctly."

Mai was still trying to wrap her mind around this idea; this incredibly impossible—unless…was she the one that Zhao spoke of? Wait, he also spoke of death. Would she give birth just to die? How was she going to tell Zuko? If she was worried and confused so would he? She hated to withhold truths; for now she just wanted to enjoy his company and leave all of these questions for another day.

Hate...
Sokka was a man of logic and analysis he didn't put too much stock into things like fate or destiny or gods. That was until he witnessed Yue his love giving her life for Tui. After that day his thinking became more free; opening up to possibilities that were inaccessible due to his chauvinism. One of the grand beliefs he shared was the universal law of karma, what you put into the universe is what you get back tenfold be it good or bad. So, what Sokka couldn't figure out is, how did Azula get to have a life? Especially after what she did to the people he loved. Granted Zuko his best friend wasn't actually innocent not even Ty Lee; however, Azula was a cold monster, snide and murderous. In fact, she was the one person he hated. Had it not been for him she would have destroyed Suki.

After being released from prison; The Kyoshi Warrior leader looked alright; but he didn't realize the impact. There were nights she would wake up in a sweaty mess, crying and scared, shaking. When she thought she saw blue flames she'd jump. Every time she heard a voice like Azula's; she would excuse herself from wherever they were. In fact, when Zuko mentioned releasing Azula; Sokka argued with him to no end and protested. Being imprisoned changed her forever; broke her down to the sinew and crushed her into a fine powder. So did Sokka have any sympathy when she lost her mind? No, he and Iroh agreed Ozai was less dangerous than her and she didn't deserve anything. Here she was though on the zeppelin; holding her husband's hand; she bewitched him somehow and the spell wasn't going to wear of anytime soon. Sokka made a vow. He watched her like a hawk and she locked eyes with him cold and calculating. He put his free hand on the hilt, his glare deepening and unwavering. Master Piandao would be angry with him: Judel would never forgive him: the idea of leaving a child motherless brought up memories of the loss his own mother Kya: they would understand; they had too. He was going to allow her one pass for survivals sake; that's all. He unsheathed his unearthly crafted sword; showing the length of it and locked eyes with Azula. Just give me a reason and I will not hesitate to end you.

End...
Iroh sat back in his seat in contemplative silence. He recalls traveling to Qigong fourteen years ago with his companions. As he watched it crumble and burn before them; he reflected on those alleged and strangely dressed rebels of the Fire Nation.

Before his father Azulon's death; Iroh, the then crown prince, was commissioned with taking down men that he thought at the time were revolting against Azulon, by breaking off from or abandoning the army and creating their own sect; 'The order of the Wan'. These disguised men sabotage any and all actions concerning war. This small faction, Iroh found later, was fighting for the good. They were ordered to lure the White Lotus members; so they could receive the temples last message and gift to the world; namely the Avatar and those with the four nation's best interest at heart.

He recalled when he touched the fire scroll; he saw a grand vision; a woman on fire; her body made of black ash and blood; his son's lifeless body and then skeletons from the earth kingdom surrounding him and these creatures burying into the ground and the corpse of a baby in front of him. It was for this vision alone that he is journeying to Qigong and finally get the answers he's been waiting for.