Hello fanfic readers! At this time I would like to take a detour and focus on a certain interim Firelord. The Question that I want you all to keep in mind is Does Ozai in my story deserve redemption? You'll see my thoughts in the story. Also, a certain former firebender is going to show up. In case you're wondering what everyone else is up to I have a one shot about Azula and Iroh called, "They Were Strangers" as for the original Gaang don't worry they are coming up next chapter

Now with that out of the way here is the response to your reviews

Warlock2552- *Gasp* me, cruel? Right on target with Ty Lee and Iroh but stay tuned for Sokka. I hope you have nails left then.

Alabaster86-You're welcome and thanks for the compliment J I love Sokka so much I fear he may be taking over the next two chapters but then again can you really have enough Sokka?

Private Fire- Gotta love the brother-in-law love and I've got some more stuff in store.

Special announcements folks-

1. This story will be updated every Tuesday.

2. The countdown begins, nine more chapters left until the end and trust me it's a doozy. Remember one person will make the ultimate sacrifice and one person will die at the end of my story.

Pardon me if the spelling and grammar is all wonky. I was just excited to publish this so forgive me.

Okay ready for some story? Here we go!

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

Book 4: Air: Water and Fire is Air

The Ever Changing Winds

She wasn't human anymore; she was a statue; a figment of who she truly was. Inside she was screaming in agony; within her chest, lay all the secrets she had kept over the years. Not long ago, she committed the unthinkable and was cast into grief. There wasn't time for any emotions to be expressed. She created this vessel within her heart and all her troubles, she bottled them up. The warmth from her beloved Ozai was gone. She would never see the likes of her children again. Her sweet playful, optimistic Zuko; she would never hear his laugh. Azula her darling stubborn child; she hoped she would be all right without her. Now, her worries only worsened as she discovered a babe lay in her belly; beside her on the ship were the many women traveling with her; all in her exact likeness, all saving her life.

Joy was an old past time that she hadn't even remembered for the months previous to Han-Lien's birth. When her little one did come into this world, everything had to change. Ursa had to do and be the many things she condemned. She told false truths and lived in pretenses, just so that her son could be happy. She withheld her very essence, to chase away everything that vexed her so. Her life was sold to the highest bidder of darkness and she let it happen.

Now here in her arms was a new life, a new generation. All that she had been hiding burst forth. What a terrible burden for her delicate granddaughter to bear witness to. It mattered very little how much Ursa tried to contain her anguish, so as not rouse the sleeping of Xiourong. The three month old blinked her pallid moon eyes open. It was no use in being dishonest, so, Ursa allowed one tear drop; but her body wasn't satisfied; soon, weak whimpers followed. Even with this controlled action; the rope that was tethering her to peace frayed. Her chest tightened so badly, Ursa thought for sure she was having a heart attack. She lost grip of her breath and gave to hyperventilation. Xiourong blinked her eyes open turning her small rotund face to the sobbing woman. In a sad perfect empathy soon the baby echoed the woman holding her. Ursa tried to shush her and calm her; but it did very little to quell either one of their tears. The exiled princess was helpless and silently pleaded that someone, anyone would rescue her from this misery.

"My, my what a sight," came a voice, starling Ursa.

She pulled the baby closer to her defensively. She instantly wiped her misty eyes and attempted to quiet Xiourong by rocking her back and forth. Ursa squinted her eyes, examining the man before her. He was dressed in ice blue water tribe colors. His skin held a faint tan. His ebony hair was long around his shoulders. On his chin was an untamed black beard. Something about his amber eyes; she swore she had seen them. His grin held no malice, so she let her guard down slightly.

"I'm sorry," said the man, "I have a tendency to sneak up on people. I was told by the other servants that Lady Ursa has returned and I was the least to say very surprised."

Ursa spoke over the now fussing baby, "It's quite alright: everyone wants to marvel at the spectacle I'm causing."

"Milady is very overwhelmed; leaving the past behind only to return, it is a troubling thing indeed."

Ursa put her granddaughter to her shoulder trying to pat her on the back, "Pardon me but you look very familiar."

The man smiled humorously, "Oh I've been serving the Fire Nation for years. I'm more of a traveler nowadays," The man looked at Xiourong's chebby red cheeks as she kicked her small legs wildly, "It seems you are having trouble with the baby; might I offer assistance."

"My daughter barely approves of me touching my grandchild; she left her in my care with great reluctance."

"Well in that case; I can help from a distance."

Ursa lowered Xiourong from her shoulder and cradled her body. The man created small orbs of water encircling Xiourong in a dancing fashion. Ursa stared at the man as he was humored by the baby whose cries instantly turned to giggles. As the man looked at her; his eyes sparkled with delight. He looked to be a man in love and a man of great sorrow. Ursa hadn't seen her granddaughter so calm; which only deepened her sadness; she sighed and looked away. "This little one is exactly like her mother," said the man.

"Yes, before—," Ursa shook her head, "Xiourong is happier now: thank you."

"I'm glad to be of service."

Such an expert with the baby can certainly help her understand the mysteries that keep her awake, she thought. She began, "I…oh never mind, I'm being impolite; I don't want to impose."

"Milady can ask what she wishes."

"Were you here during Azula's time as a child?"

"Yes I believe I was; but only for a few years."

"Do you think I played favorites? I've been combing through it in my mind as to why she is so angry with me. I don't understand what I've done."

The healer commanded a stream of water from a nearby pitcher. The water surrounded his hands as he massaged her temples, "You're focused on the wrong problem. Instead of trying to figure out what you have done, you can figure out what you can do. All children I've discovered whether big or small old; young all they want is honesty and love as long as you give Azula those things she will have no choice but to reciprocate."

The cool water relaxed her senses. She was almost sorry that it was so brief. She squeezed the healers hand in gratitude, "You are a very kind man. Thank you again for listen to my ramblings."

"No trouble at all milady. I must be off then."

"Will you be returning?"

"Oh no I'm afraid my trips to the Fire Nation are no longer needed; though I might consult with the other healers. I am to return to my home in the Northern Water Tribe, there is a young man who I've been told needs my help."

"I wish you a safe journey—I didn't catch your name."

"It is Zhao milady."

"That sounds very familiar."

"Unfortunately for me I have the name and resemblance of a fallen Fire Nation Admiral; who nearly destroyed my homeland. It is up to me to rectify that."

"That young man will be very fortunate to have you in his life Zhao."

"Let us hope I don't disappoint it was a pleasure seeing you."

"Farewell Zhao"

As the man exited, Ursa looked down upon Xiourong with great pleasure and came to realize, that just this part of Azula, is all she wanted to enjoy for the time being.

He reflected on the recent changes in his life in front of a flameless pit; no inner chi to calm him, no gift to sooth his thoughts. There used to be power in sitting on this throne; but he was once again seconds and by none other than his son. He was inadequate, useless, having nothing left for him. So, why was his son taunting him? Why did Iroh suggest such a thing; to rule people who disrespected you?

In all honesty, Ozai was experiencing what one would call a depression. He was beating himself up about things of past: he had little desires to do anything. Admitting to his shortcomings would never be a thought to share in private much less to someone he entrusted. Who did he trust really? There was no physical being nor creature of the heavens, did he give himself to. His home was no longer his and outside of Han-Lien his children had deadened themselves to the patriarch. Ozai held his head in grief; he wanted to be swallowed up into the abyss of his failures and die. He couldn't be whom everyone wanted him to be. Ozai doesn't do togetherness under any circumstances. unless it was an army headed toward the purpose of keeping the Fire Nation a dominant world power. He was too old for redemption; there was no turning back. What then is left for a man who has sinned so greatly; erred so badly, that even he believes that forgiveness is too much for him?

Nothing was going to change how he felt about the state of things, not being free of that wretched prison or wearing these luxurious robes. The once feared man was no one. All this time he had built this negative barrier; thinking it was protecting his heart from harm; in actuality it was preventing those who truly loved him from coming in. Now he knows with clarity of the dangers and pitfalls of joy and happiness. Those weak feelings lull even a man of great strength into a false sense of security. Then there is the matter of the boy Han-Lien, who he told everything to; that was utterly foolish on his part.

Ozai pounded his fist on the arm of the throne. He had enough of this atmosphere. The former Firelord stepped down from his seat and proceeded to the exit. Unexpectedly, he felt a chill roll down his spine. Fog raised in the room, not allowing him to see anything, "All hail Firelord Ozai," said the voice

"Zhao," he said in disbelief

The former Admiral waved his hand clearing the mist, "Hello old friend."

"When I heard stories of your return; I thought they were fables; but here you are in front of me."

"Your sarcasm is refreshing. Never change a thing."

"What are you doing in my presence?"

Zhao grabbed Ozai by the collar, "Do you honestly think I want anything from a dried up Firelord? No, I came to warn you as a friend."

Ozai shoved him back, "You should use the word former in front of friend; you were a companion, until you failed."

"I'll ignore your attempts at belittling me and tell you this much. The universe is conflicted about you lord of losing and misfortune. I was only allowed to live because I was told there was someone worse off than me."

"You're babbling nonsense," he grunted.

"Let me put it in small terms for you. I gave your daughter Azula a choice of who should die and do you know who she chose?"

"The tone in which you speak suggest that it was you."

"That's right it was me; but I am not an option, my time has not come yet. In all of her life the only people she ever thought of putting to death are you, Ursa and her friends Ty Lee and Mai. So far the only person out of the lining is Ursa."

"Make your point!" he spat

"By the time they finish with their journey; one of the three of you will no longer exist."

Ozai's eyes stretched in horror, "Now I have your attention. The only thing that can prevent your death, is if someone can convince her that you are worthy of redemption."

"You mean her husband."

"No, I am the only one who can save you; and might I say you have not convinced me thus far."

Just then Zhao's ears perked up and he smiled deviously and turn to the door. Suddenly, a boy floated in the room, struggling against the force causing him to enter the room. He began to choke.

"LEAVE MY SON ALONE!"

Zhao ignored Ozai's words and forced the boy to his knees, "Bloodbending is so invigorating, such power, so precise."

Ozai backed away in shock, "You are of water now?"

"Did I neglect to mention that detail, foolish me."

Ozai tried to grab at Zhao; but was rendered immobile. "What an exact likeness in every way. I'm not here to kill anyone; I will leave that up to the fates."

With a swift motion of his hand, he released Han-Lien and Ozai. He picked Ozai up by the collar. "It appears you're not listening to me, so perhaps you are worthy of death. Of course, then again, the grave is too good for you, you shall suffer."

Han-Lien, enraged, went to attack Zhao. The former admiral gave him a stern look and he backed away, "There's a good boy. Now as I was saying you may only have three weeks to live. I suggest you spend them wisely."

Zhao right before them turned his body into liquid and made steam rise out of the room. Han-Lien went to Ozai's side. "Father is what he said true. Will Azula really kill you?"

"Leave me be idiotic boy!"

The boy's eyes glistened with tears as he glared at his father. Slowly his hands were aflame and he punched fiery fist into the wall and walked away.

As he stood in the room in utter silence and solitude; he knew for sure, this was the end.