Hello fanfic readers no excuses this was pretty bad of me to make you wait so long but I have a plan in place. This story has ten more chapters before end and I am working on a weekly release to keep the action coming. Hopefully that works out. I had a ridiculous amount of writers block, so, hopefully this doesn't come off filler like because like I have stated before; every small moment is going to add up.

Now to the reviews

Warlock2552- Azula and Ursa are at least on the right track and Sokka is indeed taking a dangerous road by justifying murder.

.101-If you read the first of my Book 4 series Exodus you would know Azula was indeed imprisoned and she tried to kill him on a war balloon. And sorry but you are going to be getting cliffhangeritis a lot in this story.

Private Fire (Guest)-Ty Lee's vision is quite scary yet ambiguous. I agree Ursa did the right thing confronting Azula with her feelings. Motherhood is not an easy thing. Yes Ozai is interim Firelord and you get to see how he is handling all in the next chapter. I thought you would be happy to know she is pregnant but you are still worried about her fate. Well stay tuned. Karma yes Sokka needs to get over the fact that there is just other forces like time and unforeseen occurrences that have nothing to do with it. As for the baby corpse well gosh I can't spoil it for you.

Alabaster86- Good perception about Sokka The conception of the Maiko baby will be revealed in two chapters so hang tight.

Well get ready for the ride folks because we're going shopping!

I do not own ATLA but I do own the eye to spot a good discount.

Book 4: Air: Water and Fire is Air

Supplies and Demands

The Gaang of Fire; as Sokka insisted upon calling them; arrived at their first checkpoint; the port city of Chu. Uncle Dragon of the West as Toph referred to him lined them up outside of the marketplace. "Alright everyone this is a mission solely to pick up supplies and to handle getting our modes of transportation in order and any last minute business we need to handle. We will reconvene at the Mushi Inn by sundown there we will take in an inventory. We will travel in three groups. Aang, Sokka, Katara and Toph you will be in charge of obtaining maps and refreshments. Zuko, Mai, Ty Lee, Azula and Judel will be in charge of obtaining tactical equipment and transportation."

"Where are you going Uncle?" questioned Zuko.

"There's a special brew of tea in this region that I want to send to my shop; besides there are some friends I missed that I want to meet up with."

"I was hoping to spend some time with you," he said dejected.

"Don't worry there will be plenty of that, we are on a voyage after all."

"Actually," Azula spoke up, "Mai, Ty Lee and myself have some things we need to take care of. We will meet you in the Inn."

"Azula," Judel being the one surprised this time, "I thought we were going to spend time together with the in-laws."

"Girl time is a precious commodity and cannot be wasted," she said firmly.

He conceded to his wife, "Of course well be safe I'll see you tonight."

The Firelord and Jaw-long leader were now here left alone. No wives, friends and not a relative in sight. Awkward silenced stretched through the pair. Zuko rubbed the back of his head and scratched at his eye patch. Judel smiled sheepishly and Zuko returned a smirk. Blue eyes met an amber eye. Trying to navigate to the land of conversation between brother-in laws; was like trying not to sink in quicksand. The tension was getting thicker; not even the Firelords dual swords could cut through it. Azula was their only common ground; but Zuko didn't want to be offensive. Little did the Firelord realize that Judel was very easygoing; he would laugh sometimes at his own expense. Well certainly this silence was no way of getting to know his family. Zuko tugged at his shirt and Judel tore a hand through his hair and stroked the stubble on his chin. "So," Judel finally spoke, breaking the figurative polar ice.

Right the supplies that was a good place to start, why didn't' he think of that in the first place? Zuko kicked his feet at a stray pebble, "I guess we need to find some rope and stones maybe fishing equipment?"

"Well I could get the fishing supplies".

"I'll get some grit and a sharpening stone for my swords."

"Good"

"Ok"

This was silly, mindless, banter and the both of them knew it; at this Zuko laughed to himself and then out loud.

"What's funny?" inquired Judel.

"It's still hard to believe: I never thought I would have a brother-in-law."

"Why?"

"Well it's not that I didn't want that for Azula; it's just, if you would have seen her when we went to Ember Island. I mean Mai and Ty Lee told me stories; but man she was so…I mean she told Chan that he looked so sharp that his outfit could penetrate the hull of a war ship."

Judel snickered, "I guess that is pretty funny."

"And then," Zuko continued through laughter, "she makes us show up ridiculously early before anyone else and she's so awkward trying to talk about plans and tactical missions and all Chan is doing is checking out his muscles and pretending to listen to her."

"Yeah," Judel reflected humorously, "I met Chan years ago; that's a guy who fell out of the stupid tree and hit every branch along the way. I mean who uses the phrase,' fool me thrice'."

"Seriously?"

"Yeah," Judel now laughed, "and that Ruon-Jian said my wife was crazy for cocoa flakes, if she could bend then, they would have been in trouble."

"I don't doubt that."

With merry tears they continued conversing, finally they were getting somewhere. They began to walk the smith and fishing shops. It had been years since Zuko had visited this area, many things had changed, which brought to mind, "Have you and my sister discussed moving to the fire nation."

"In a roundabout way; I told her since your mother and brother are moving back and my father resides there; it would be nice to keep the family together."

"Who would have thought I would have a brother-in-law who is the son of Piandao and I have a niece."

Zuko laughed heartily and Judel sighed heavily; upon seeing this Zuko felt bad and looked at him with concern. "I'm sorry I—"

"No it isn't that I just miss my little girl so much. I barely spent time with her. I feel like I'm missing out on her childhood. I know it sounds silly she's only three months but—"

"Every moment is special," said Zuko sadly.

Judel narrowed his brows in sorrow, "Tui and La listen to me. I'm sorry Zuko you don't need to hear me go on when you lost your son."

"Please I don't want you to feel bad because she is alive. To be honest; before I lost Mako; I decided I didn't want to take any moment for granted."

"What was he like?"

"He was a positive, playful, happy child. He had his tantrums but those were few and far in between. He loved to make me laugh and he liked to call me Frylord DaddyZu. Even when he was dying he gave me his stuffed dragon to—"Zuko trailed off holding back the urge to weep.

Judel laid a supportive grasp to his shoulder, "He was a good son and you miss him dearly."

"Mai is taking it the hardest and seeing your daughter just made things worse. I love Mai more than anything in the world; I just wish she knew that."

"We married strong women Zuko, Mai knows you love her; she just has to grieve in her own way. Give her time and everything will work itself out."

Zuko shook his head in agreement and grinned, "Looks like I'm going to be dethroned as the advice guy."

Judel jabbed Zuko's arm playfully, "Hey now: wait there just a minute: we'll take turns."

Zuko returned with a soft punch, "Deal, you know I could get used to you as family."

"Thanks…Uncle Zuzu"

Zuko stopped in his tracks, irritated, "Not you too!"

"I'm teasing," Judel patted him on the back, when a thought struck him, "say what you suppose our wives and Ty Lee are up to?"

"No offense; but if Azula is involved; the less I know the better."

Ozai's angels the three mistresses of skill the ring of fire these were the several names given to these young women over the years. They were feared because of their cunning and sought after for their power. Currently they were staring at a large cave. The Pink Kyoshi Ty Lee was waiting with happy anticipation. Firelady Mai was so bored that she was going to start throwing knives and wearing earth kingdom green didn't do anything to sooth her mood. The redeemed Fire Nation Princess Azula pulled back the brush from the cave and it revealed a metal door with a series of strange markings and several dragon inlays. While all of this was fascinating Mai's attention span was wearing by the moment honestly she wanted to get this all over with, "You dragged us out here for a door?"

"Of course not; it's what's behind the door. Everyone cannot take the same mode of transportation logically then it seemed fitting to take something familiar or as my husband puts it it's time to bring back a classic"

"A classic?" Ty Lee tilted her head questioning

Azula used her firebending to open the lock on the dock the gears inside whirred as the door slowly opened. Mai smirked and Ty Lee's face was automatically worried. "This an attempt at humor right ha, ha, ha," the acrobat said meekly

"No I'm quite serious actually and besides my husband is better at humor than I"

"I thought this thing was dismantled," spoke Mai

"Not quite; I had it stored away and hidden from father."

"You expect us to travel in it?" said the pink Kyoshi

"Well I'm not forcing you," Azula shrugged

"Anything is better than swallowing bison fur," Mai interjected, "is everyone else ok with this?"

"With the exception of Sokka and Uncle no one has serious qualms about it."

"And Ty Lee" she said quietly.

"Excuse me," the princess raised an annoyed brow

"I have a problem," she spoke louder this time and faced Azula, "how could you suggest that we use the very same tank train that we use to harass them six years ago."

"It is for mere transportation purposes and you must not have heard me the first time no one minds. This is no different than taking a zeppelin and those are a far worse example."

"You haven't changed one bit your trying to control me!"

"I have no reason to manipulate you. You are of free will. You are more than welcome to choose other means."

"Now you're trying to use reverse psychology. You aren't the boss of me Azula!" Ty Lee ran off

Azula looked to Mai trying to decipher her reaction, "What was that about?"

"I have no idea but I'll handle it."

Great this was just like old times. Azula didn't have much in the way of a filter and Ty Lee's emotions would run wild and Agni knows which way they would swing, Mai snickered a little, swing...acrobat, yep she's getting good at this joke thing. Mai snapped herself out of it now wasn't the time for this. The Firelady didn't enjoy being the peace keeper so whatever it was that was between Azula and Ty Lee they would have to settle this on their own and they had to do it soon. Given her current situation Mai didn't need any added stress. For now though she would resolve this and tie a neat bow of friendship on top of this mess of an argument. She would play this neutral like always so they could carry on. It didn't take Mai long to catch up with her friend who by this time was sobbing into her knees. The Firelady sat next to her, "What's going on with you, you were overreacting even for you."

"You don't understand Mai you just don't," she muffled

"Just tell me," said Mai with a sympathetic ear.

"This is how the dream started except I was excited to ride in the tank train, but the ending…"

"Someone died didn't they?"

"How did you know?"

"Just call it a hunch"

Ty Lee held herself in fright, "I thought if I reacted negatively that she would take something else and then maybe—"

Mai suspended her friend from her thoughts of dread, "You heard what Zhao said it has to happen and nothing is going to stop it."

"Mai I think…I think it might be—"

"Me," she gathered

"Or Azula…not that I want either of you to die—"she stumbled with her words

Mai caressed her small baby bump, "At least part of me will go on"

"Part of you? You mean—"

"Yes I am pregnant but don't you dare say anything to Zuko."

Ty Lee nodded her head and wiped her eyes, "We need to at least have Katara know just to make sure he or she is healthy."

"To be honest I don't think I'm ready for this. There's so much to look forward to and yet so much to worry about. I don't have a choice though; nothing's worse than having exciting news just to dash someone's hopes."

"I'm sorry all of this is happening."

Mai took Ty Lee's hand and rose from the ground, "I'm not at least Zuko can have the child he's always wanted."

"Mai, "the pink Kyoshi looked at her friend troubled.

"So this is where you are hiding," spoke Azula surprising both parties.

"How long where you there?" said Mai

"The whole time actually don't worry though what is said here stays here. I'm not the least bit upset that Xiourong is out of the running to become the next Firelord. She needs some semblance of a normal life. Now, what say we take this relic and go to the Inn before sunset."

The Gaang was disguised in earth kingdom clothing; with the exception of Toph who wore northern water tribe blue. They had finally arrived at the marketplace. It brought to mind great memories of taking pit stops in between saving the world. Though quaint by its looks there were several vendors and shops. You could smell the delicious scent of fresh bread and honey. The aroma of smoked pig chicken and vegetable kabobs made your mouth water like a river. For feminine patrons like Katara there was the perfume shops with their delicate and colorful glass bottles as well as garment dress shops with the latest of fashions and for an extra fee some tailoring to a certain woman who had filled out quite nicely. For others there was the ultimate in knowledge books, maps and most of all satchels. The former caused a shrill from a certain water tribesman. The obnoxious sound garnished the attention of onlookers. Toph immediately ushered their attention elsewhere, "Alright folks nothing to see just my idiot friend."

The crowd grumbled low and went about their business. Impressed by her skills Sokka added, "You know Toph in my tribe you would make a great chief."

"You don't say Snoozles," said she picking her ears.

"I'm serious your authoritative fair and you look good in my tribes colors."

"You think I look good eh?" she said posing unknowingly.

"Well err um you know they look at the navigators shop they're sure to have maps there."

Aang slapped his forehead and went to go after Katara but Toph held him back, "What are you doing?"

"Madame fussy britches been bugging me to create a distraction so she can talk to Sokka and this is as good as it gets. So we stay here you just make sure to keep your tattoos covered and we should be safe from fanatics."

"So you wanna talk about anything?"

Toph folded her arms, "Don't make this awkward k"

Aang sighed.

Sokka was in such a panic; how could he say something like that? Curse Toph why did she have to grow up before she was just cute but now those curves that hair the way it was flowing into a perfect braid and fell to her back this was just so unfair. What kind of perverted person lust after a woman and he have one or at least he's trying to get her back and slush she's having his baby. Oh Yue what kind of drama has crossed paths with his—Suddenly, Sokka felt a rock hit him in the back of his head. He turned around to the worlds angriest of expressions. "You nearly pulled my arm out of its socket!"

And the wave of guilt keeps on coming, "Sorry…I just…never mind"

Sokka held the door open for his sister as they entered the shop. Now his excitement was ruined

"Why don't you tell Toph how you feel?"

"Your brain must not have thawed out because you have no idea what you just said"

"Look I know about you and Suki."

Sokka gulped hard and put up a front, "Suki and me we're fine: who told you we aren't fine:we are fabulous: things couldn't be better: anniversary is coming up: going to send her a gift-Ooh how about this scroll? she loves scrolls or this bag...wait that's my thing...I know, she could use this compass just so she knows the direction of my l- and you aren't buying any of this are you?"

"No"

"How long have you known?"

"Well you just freaked out and told me just now."

"Ugh what is it with you women and those crazy powers of perception sheesh can't a guy hide anything?"

"I'm sorry to be nosy but you have been acting extra Sokka lately," Katara defended, "Zuko tells me you have been spending all of your time in the fire nation and when you're with me and dad you're not really there. Look, I'm not saying to marry her or even date I'm saying maybe you just need closure and resolution to your life."

Sokka perused the store and quickly picked the maps he needed and a compass to. With every word from his sister he wanted to retreat. He wasn't ready to have this conversation. Agitated he warned, "Katara just drop it I don't need my baby sister's advice!"

Katara was on the verge of telling her brother off when she ran into Toph, "Toph what are you guys doing here?"

"We have to run," said the Avatar breathless

"Run from what?"

"IT'S THE GAANG!" cried the stampeding crowd.

"Does that screaming mob of people answer your question?" shouted Toph.

"Yep and we're leaving," said Sokka

"I'll hold them off: you guys go ahead."

Katara, Sokka and Aang made a hasty exit. Toph focused on the rumbling ground. With her seismic senses, she targeted her earthbending in front of her; making the ground wave, pushing the fanatics back far enough to get another running start. "The mighty mother earth used her earthbending on me!" shrieked a young man.

"She stepped on this dirt: I'll never wash again," said a girl.

Yeesh, these people were getting worse by the year. Fighting her impulse to vomit, Toph stood still quietly, feeling for the gust of wind. Within moments, she created a tall rock column and hopped on Appa. "Wow Toph you're getting better at that!" said Aang amazed.

"Yea I know," she bragged

"Hey I just thought of something, why do I get the feeling that Iroh sent us on these missions to distract us."

Aang tensed up, Katara and Toph blushed, "Maybe he went to see the White Lotus," Toph expressed more like a question and less like a statement.

Sokka shrugged, "Yeah you're probably right, what else could he be doing?"

Iroh casually entered a small back alley of a tavern and before he could move any further painted burgundy lips crushed upon his. He held his beloved bounty huntress small frame in his strong arms, "I've missed you," Jun purred

"I missed you as well," he responded with equal seduction.

"How long do you think we can keep this up?"

"As long as we like," he smiled widely. He interlaced his hands with hers, "Did you catch them?"

"Does a pig-rooster crow at the rising sun?"

"I'm impressed"

"Those Dai Li were trying to blend into Fire Nation society; they were roaming around the earth kingdom; so I called in my brother."

"It is nice that you took that young earthbender under your wing."

Jun gave one of those if you blinked you missed it smiles, "At first I thought about hauling that kid in for stealing from me, but later I could tell he was a good kid; besides my father wanted me to pass on his skills."

"To call him brother that is a great honor."

Jun frowned, "Now you're ruining it by getting all mushy."

"Well I am a soft heart."

Jun pulled Iroh close to her almost kissing him. She put her hands around his waist to feel his solid muscular stomach. She teased, "Speaking of soft looks like you've been hitting the cookies lately."

"Now you're just trying to get a rise out of me so I will ravish you."

"I don't have time for that, muscles, maybe later."

"It is not wise to tease your lover," Iroh backed Jun into a corner playing with the broach that closes her shirt.

"Is that so, well I just might have to leave you wanting more then," Jun with ease slipped from him and slapped his behind for good measure.

Iroh turned to her and bowed gracefully, "You are a vile temptress; I will restrain myself at your request."

She gave him a peck on the cheek, "Save your strength for the next checkpoint"

"It might take a bit longer: I have to make a detour"

"You're getting tea for real," she ribbed.

His features took on a somber tone while still maintaining a smile, "No actually it's…that time again."

She winced empathetically, "oh sorry"

"It's quite all right just promise you will be there."

"You know it handsome. I have to get going; need to paralyze some Dai Li. Try to keep your nose clean until I come back"

"I will do my best," he waved off his love.

With a sigh he took out a picture of his son Lu Ten and traced it with a loving finger. Iroh placed it in his pocket and laughed, "I have so much to tell you my boy."