-Inside the Jasmine Dragon-

As the sun slowly set in the west, bathing the sky in a beautiful hue of purple gold and amber, Iroh noticed that his tea house was fulled almost to the point of bursting. It was truly amazing how a single story could entrance so many. To some it might have shattered their view of the "Legendary Hero" Xi'an but to most it endeared them to him even more, because for all his gifts he was not infallible nor perfect... he was human just like anyone else.

"So Fung and son finally got their just deserts" asked Hui " But I dont understand, why didn't Bumi sentence them to die?"

"It would have made more sense" said Lan "For all that they did, it seems like a light punishment"

"Maybe..." said Iroh "And then again, maybe not"

"What do you mean?" said Kanna "Bumi just banished them"

"Yes he did" said Iroh "but he also striped him of his land, birthright, and wealth. For a man whose whole identity were based those things, it was a massive punishment. And to be banished to the bandits woods? Well I doubt he would have fared as well as Xi'an did. Keep in mind that some very angry and dangerous slavers were still looking for the two. In the end life turned out worse than death. In the end both Te and Xi'an felt justice had been served, and neither lost their soul to get it"

"So they rushed back to Ba Sing Se with King Bumi's troops" asked Tai "To help repel upcoming attack right?"

"Not quite...while that was their plan, fate likes to toss a wrench into the best laid plans, sometimes for good and some times for bad"

"Where did they end up then?" asked Hahn

"A place at the time that very few have ever seen and even fewer have set foot on" said Iroh slyly taking a sip of tea

Chapter 24

-The Letter-

The airship drifted softly into the night sky, the light wispy clouds revealing beautiful stars. On the deck was Katara and Zuko with Kip and Te. Zuko despite himself had grown to enjoy his time with the little girl. She like her sister were impossible not to like.

"I've been meaning to ask, how did you come across Kip?"asked Katara petting the puppy as he curled up in a ball falling asleep

"Yeah" said Zuko "I've dont think I've ever seen a polar bear dog like him."

"Well he wasn't always ours, in fact he was owned by that mean guy, Fung the Second." said Te petting Kip too

"So how did you guys get him?" asked Zuko curiously sitting down next to Te

"Well, as always with Vice Elder Fung's son would get something new, show it off and then get bored with it . Well with Kip after he got bored he'd smack kip around and not feed him just to see him get mean" said Te. "He was so skinny so Ye and I would sneak him jerky and water until..."

"Until you got caught?" said Katara

"So what happened then?" asked Zuko

"Fung Jr beat us up" said Te " He gave us both pretty bad black eyes. Mom tried to complain to the elder but it was no use. Even though she was the town healer, her complaints fell on deaf ears. It our word verses the vice elders son's. I'm sure you can guess whose word won"

"Where was Xi'an during all of this?" asked Katara

"Xi'an was still away hunting for the village, at the time" said Te "The village almost always had him on hunts that kept away for days at a time."

"So what happened next?" asked Zuko

"Well my sister and I weren't real good listeners" said Te So we went to fed Kip again, and we got caught again. This time Fung Jr broke my nose and Ye's arm but he told the elder we fell out of a tree."

"That's horrible" said Katara

"Yeah but the good news was that night Xi'an came home" said Te "He fixed my nose and Ye's Arm with water bending. He never ever liked using his bending, but always made an exception when it came to us. Every time we got hurt like breaking a bone or twisting something, Xi'an would always make it better.

"So what happened next?" asked Katara

Well we tried to stay quiet about it because we knew that most of the village didn't like Xi'an. We didn't want him to get into trouble or worse. But he wasn't buying the whole fell out of the tree story. So we ended up telling him what happened. When we were done, he sent us to bed, gave us a kiss on the forehead and told us things would be better in the morning"

"I take it Xi'an got him back?" said Zuko petting the pup

"Well he never admitted it but mysteriously the next morning Fung Jr received a set of black eyes, a broken nose and broken hand. That later that same day Fung Jr left the village to manage his fathers interests in Totodan. I think Xi'an scared him out of town, but he was mysteriously still out on a hunt" said Te with a smile "Later that night Xi'an came home with Kip. Poor thing was so scary and skinny, it took a after a bit of fattening up and him getting used to us but he's been a member of our family ever since."

"I noticed it doesn't take much to get Xi'an angry " said Zuko "He never...

"Took it out on us? Hurt us?" asked Te slightly annoyed "No, Never! I've only seen him angry when someone tried to hurt anyone he cares about. The worst he ever did to us is call us brat girls, which we've gotten used to as a nickname."

"So he's like your real big brother huh?" asked Katara

"No Katara, not like. Xi'an IS our real brother" said Te "He's always looked after us, protected us, made sure we always ate, like a big brother should. Isn't that right Kip"

Kip cracked an eye open and let out an a agreeable bark before curling back asleep. Katara smiled knowing the feeling of sisterly love. Zuko slightly hoped that when this was over that he and Azula would have that type of relationship.

Xi'an and Aang were in the wheelhouse. While Xi'an wasn't really needed, Aang wasn't complaining flying the small airship was boring and a bit of conversation was always good. Once he got to know him, Xi'an wasn't a bad guy

"That king was really really weird" said Xian

"Yeah but you have to admit, he makes you think in and unusual way" said Aang

"That he does, though it would have made more sense to tell us directly" said Xian

"Not his style" said Aang

"Yeah well at least he was lucid enough to see Fung for what he was" said Xi'an "However I'm not sure about what he gave me as a parting gift"

"What did he give you?" asked Aang

"Lets see..." said Xian going through his bag "1 piece of green jennomite"

"Why did he give you that?" asked Aang

"Because..." said Xian hunching over doing his best Bumi impression "You never know when it will come in handy...Tee he he he (snort snort)

"That is the worst Bumi impression I've ever heard" smiled Aang "Nice try though"

Pulling the wheel to the right Aang plotted a straight course for Ba Sing Se. He couldn't wait to see his other friends again. But still there was something on his mind that was bugging him.

"Hey Xi'an? In our fight with the granite brothers, I entered the avatar state and so did you...How is that possible?

"I dont know. It shouldn't be possible. I mean you're the avatar not me " said Xi'an honestly "If I had the scrolls maybe we could get an answer but I gave those to Sokka"

"Still it worries me, if you're able to use it avatar state what if Lo Pan can?" said Xi'an

"Well, 1, We're not sure if that was even the avatar state. 2, If he could he probably would have used it by now. Let just hope this is just an avatar and guardian thing"

Aang nodded, hoping Xian was right

According the the Scouts reports the large army of troops were headed to Ba Sing Se were a good two days away. As luck would have it, Hakoda and the southern water tribe warriors sailed in the area for unrelated reasons but stayed to help fight

"Dad!" said Sokka racing toward his arriving father "Its good to see you!"

"Its good to see you too son" said Hakoda hugging his son

Leading his father to the outer wall where Kang and his group were busy at work setting up a defense group of fire nation archers and earth benders. Sokka made sure to introduce them to his father

"Dad you remember the Kyoshi warriors" said Sokka

"Of course" said Hakoda bowing politely

"And you know Suki ,Toph, Mai and Ty Lee"

"Hello again ladies"

"Don't get too upset but this is Azula"

"Are you NUTS!" said Hakoda grabbing his son to the side and out of ear shot

"She's changed Dad" said Sokka "I know what your thinking but she really has proven herself "

"Princess" said Hakoda to Azula "I'm taking my sons word on this, dont make him a liar"

"I wont" said Azula flatly

"And this is Ye, she's helped us out a lot "

"Hello, little one" said Hakoda kindly

"And last but not least this is..."

"General Kang" said Hakoda flatly "Its been a long time hasn't it?"

"Chief Hakoda" said Kang

"Uh you two know each other?" said Sokka

"We have, son" said Hakoda

"Azula? I need you to get some supplies from the inner ring" said Kang

"Sokka? Go with her, I need to speak to Kang in private" said Hakoda

Azula and Sokka looked at each other in confusion. There was a slight bit of hostility between the two but a mutual respect as well. Azula and Sokka decided to let the two work it out among themselves. As they left with Kang's list, The two warriors walked along the wall where many soldiers from fire nation and earth kingdom worked hard to fortify the defenses.

"I never thought I'd see the day when you have fire nation soldiers work under you" said Hakoda "I thought you left Ba Sing Se"

"Yeah well we need every hand we can get" said Kang gruffly "As for me leaving I did, I'm only here because I'm needed. If you haven't heard there an army marching toward here"

"Well you have water tribe warriors as well if you need them" said Hakoda " That is unless you still think low of water tribe warriors"

"I know where your jabbing at Hakoda" said Kang " It was never the water tribe I had a problem with."

"Is that so?"said Hakoda

"Don't play high and mighty with me!" said Kang "You married them without my blessing. All three of you betrayed me"

"Hiryu loved your daughter"said Hakoda "And she loved him. Yes I married them, because it was what they wanted"

"I wanted so much more for Lian"said Kang "She could have been anything but instead she married.."

"A water tribe peasant?" said Hakoda "Did you ever think of what she wanted? Did you realize she was happy? All she ever wanted was you to share in that. But no, you wanted nothing to do with them or as you eloquently put, their halfbreed... "

"Enough!" said Kang choking back a sob "I know what I said and how I acted. Not a day goes by that I don't regret what I said. I'm not that hate filled man anymore, if you can believe that. I let my pride and stupid prejudices guide my actions until it was much too late to do anything"

"If I would have known that stationing them at Hong..." said Hakoda "I'm sorry Kang"

"Neither one of us could have known. It took something like that to make me realize my own stupidities" said Kang sniffed "Its a moot point now, no amount of beating myself up or anyone else is gonna bring them back. If I could I'd let them know how stupid and sorry I am. They both probably died hating me and they had every right to"

"They never hated you Kang. They just wanted your acceptance and love" said Hakoda realizing how much Kang had changed. The old Kang would never admit such emotions "For what it worth, I think you would have loved your grandson. He was a good boy"

"I do love my grandson" said Kang smiled "He's a pain in the rear like his mother and hardheaded like father but I wouldn't have it any other way. He's a good kid "

"What? Xi'an is alive? He survived?" asked Hakoda "Does he know about you?"

"No" said Kang sharply "He just knows me as Kang the trader. I don't deserve to be called his grandfather. Not after all the grief I caused his parents."

"How did you know it was him?" asked Hakoda

"I didn't at first" said Kang "When I found him he was in bad shape from the attack the, only survivor and I took pity on him. A good family from my village took him in and I checked in from him from time to time.

"So how did you find out?" said Hakoda

"Lian would always shift her foot to the left and back whenever she would earth bend. It was one of her bad habits she couldn't break." said Kang"i notice on the rare times Xi'an would earth bend, he had the same exact bad habit. And they only way that could happen is if his mother taught him"

"Where is he now?" said Hakoda

"He's with Aang, Katara and Zuko getting more troops from Omashu" said Kang

"He's in good company" said Hakoda

"I know he is" said Kang "For what its worth Katara and Sokka are good kids, you raised them well"

"I couldn't be prouder of them" said Hakoda

"Okay enough of living in the past" said Kang holding out his hand "We have a city to defend, are you in?"

"Yeah" smiled Hakoda grasping Kang's wrist in a warrior handshake "They wont know what hit them"

"Come on let get the rest of the men up to speed on what we are fighting" said Kang

Xi'an left the wheel room as Katara wanted some private time with Aang. He could respect that, if given the choice he would spend every minute he could with Azula.

"Thinking about Azula huh?" teased Zuko from a nearby railing

"What makes you say that?" asked Xi'an walking over to join him

"It's the love sick smile" said Zuko laughing "Mai teases me about when I do it"

"You got me, I'm guilty "blushed Xi'an

"I kinda wish I had the same relationship you and Sokka have with your sisters" sighed Zuko

"Well who says you can't" said Xi'an "I don't know the whole story between you two, but I do know that whatever wedge was driven between you two, It can be fixed."

"You really think so?" said Zuko "I mean we've been at each other throats for so long. We've even tried to kill each other. How can that be fixed?"

"I dont know the person that she was" said Xian "I just know the person that she is now. Now I'm not gonna say its gonna be easy but maybe both of you could have a fresh start. Its worth a try"

"I hope so" said Zuko with a slight smile

"And if that doesn't work, I'll let you have one or even both of the twins" joked Xi'an "Its always good to have a spare"

Zuko chuckled as Te walked up to Xi'an and kicked him playfully in the butt.

"I heard that you jerk!" said Te "Humph!"

"I was kidding brat, I couldn't give you two away if I tried " said Xi'an tousling Te's hair "So are you and Kip up to?"

"Playing peek a boo games with our new friend" said Te

Xi'an and Zuko looked at each other and then at the little girl in confusion

"New friend?" said X'ian

"Show us" said Zuko

"Okay just dont scare him okay?" said Te

Walking over to the other side Te started to play a game of peek a boo. Hiding under the railing and the popping back up, ducking and popping. Not being able to see, Zuko peered over the side coming face to face with a baby air bison.

"AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!" Zuko yelled not expecting such a shock

'AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH! yelled the small baby bison also not expecting the shock and quickly flying off

"You scared him you dummy!"said Te

"I didn't mean to" said Zuko "He scared me too

"Aang!" Xi'an yelled "Did you see that? Look to the right!"

'That's not possible? Is it? said Aang "I'm not seeing things am I?"

"It's a baby sky bison" said Xi'an "Lets follow it before it it gets away"

The Small air ship pitched to the right and followed the small bison. However far out of sight the the group was a large fleet of Phoenix empire airships. Hidden in the clouds they kept their distance for now.

"Sir" the helmsman said "Why did we change course? We should be providing air support to the ground troops at Ba Sing Se, not chasing after one small air ship"

The admiral turned to face his insubordinate helmsman. His eyes glowing bright red in anger. Snatching the poor soldier off his feet he pulled him face to face driving his point home.

"Only because I need a helmsman am I letting you live" Zhao growled "Question my orders again , and I wont hesitate to kill you. Follow that air ship!"

Dropping the soldier Zhao walked back to his captains chair. Sitting down he watched intently at the small green dot on the horizon. His spies information was good, and soon he would have his revenge on the avatar and Zuko... He could hardly wait

Azula was not too fond of running errands for Kang but she wasn't exactly in any position to argue. She looked at her companion, Katara's brother, Sokka. Despite his stale unfunny jokes or his annoying oafish behavior she had to admit he was very intelligent. He definitely was a match for her in the way of planning, though she would never admit that to him.

"Lets see" said Sokka looking at the list "We just need one last thing to get and then we could head back"

"Good I'm not exactly fond of being an errand girl" said Azula

"I thought all girls liked shopping?" said Sokka wiggling his eyebrows

"I'm not most girls" said Azula with a smirk "Besides you seem to enjoy it more that me"

"Hey I needed a new bag" said Sokka defensively "I needed something to carry all these scrolls"

"That just had to match your shoes?" teased Azula

"Hey color coordinating clothes is very important to a warrior!" said Sokka "Speaking of scrolls, I found one sealed addressed to you.

"If this another one of your jokes, its not funny" said Azula

"I'm not joking" said Sokka dangling the scroll over her head "I wonder what it could be, maybe a love letter from Xi'an?"

"Well give it to me" said Azula

"Give it to me what?" teased Sokka

"Give it to me or I'll burn you to a crisp?" said Azula

"I dont respond well to threats" said Sokka "Perhaps if you asked a bit nicer"

In a flash Azula grabbed two of Sokka's fingers and bent them back slightly

"Oww Owww okay okay" said Sokka giving her two scrolls

"Why thank you Sokka!" said Azula in a sickeningly sweet voice though with a hint of sincerity

"That was a dirty trick" smiled Sokka rubbing his hand

"I'm good at dirty tricks" said Azula "Its a gift"

"Anyway we're at out last shop on the list" said Sokka "The Jasmine Dragon"

As they made it up the steps Azula froze at the door. Knowing all the wrong she done to the old man she couldn't bring herself to enter the place. The old Azula wouldn't have cared one bit but the new one was racked with guilt. She didn't want to face Iroh

"Your not coming in?" asked Sokka

"N-No" she said "I think it would be best if I waited out here

"Okay" said Sokka understanding "I wont be long"

As Sokka walked inside, Azula sat on the steps of the jasmine dragon. She first unrolled the the unsealed scroll.

Xi'an,

We told Kip to help protect you until you come back. Please take him with you to keep you from being lonely. Mom is really worried about you but we know better. If anyone is tough enough to get through the Bandits Woods it's our big brother.

P.S. Find Mei Li and tell her moms really sorry and we miss her too. Then marry her so we can have a big sister.

P.P.S. If you find her, We saw Mom put a letter in your pack to give to her. DONT READ IT!

Love,

Ye and Te

"They must have been right when Xi'an was banished" thought Azula

She smiled at the mischievous nature of the twins, always up to something. But the last line was worrying the sealed letter wasn't from Xi'an but from Sho. She wondered what it would say and yet at the same time afraid. What if Sho died hating her?Taking a deep breath she broke the seal.

Azula,

If you're reading this letter then hopefully Xi'an has found you in his travels. As I write this, I find myself losing two people whom I've grown to care for a great deal. The first was Xi'an, who at this moment has been banished and is forced to leave us. The second is you Azula. Your weren't with us long but you had a profound effect on my family. Te and Ye seemed a lot happier when you were around and I'm sure you know from the way Xi'an turns red around you how he feels about you.

I cant express how sorry I am for blaming you and causing you to leave. Everyone knows the stories of Princess Azula's cruelty and viciousness, but that wasn't the person Xi'an brought home to us. The person he brought home was kind, gentle and good natured. I don't believe it was an act but the person you really are.

Sadly, though I've done a good job keeping it a secret from them, I've found I have an illness that cannot be cured and I probably wont last after summers end. While I fully accepted my fate, I worry about those I care about. The job of looking after my girls will fall to Xi'an and while I know he's more than capable, having a "big sister" never hurts

Old man Kang said he'd move us all to Ba Sing Se so that we'd spend the last of my days as a family. I'd like you to join us. It would be nice to see you again so that I could apologize in person and I would like to see Xi'an again and know that both of you are okay

Sho

Despite herself a few tears streamed down her face. Even though Sho was dying she wanted to make sure she and Xi'an were okay.

"She didn't hate me" said Azula aloud sniffling

A nearby hi pitched mumble caused her to jump. Looking to her right the was a small big eared animal with big green eyes.

"What do you want?" she asked between sobs

The little animal held to her a cloth napkin from the tea house. Amused she took it wiping her eyes .

"Thanks...Um well what is your name? asked Azula

"His name is Momo" said a kindly voice behind her "He's the avatar's winged lemur

Turning around she saw the kindly face of her Uncle Iroh.

"Hello Azula..."

The small ship shifted and rocked as the followed as they followed the baby bison through a sudden and massive hurricane. It appeared almost out of nowhere With Zuko Te and Kip in the wheel house Katara and Xi'an worked to keep the massive amounts of water from weighing down the ship with water bending while Aang kept the path clear with a powerful gust of air bending. After what seemed like an eternity they were finally safe in the eye of the hurricane. The baby bison flew toward what appeared to be a large floating temple... An air nomad temple.

"Aang" said Katara "Is that what I think it is?"

"I didn't believe it existed! It was just a fairy tale " said Aang "The fifth air temple

"Well I got good news" said Xi'an looking through a spyglass "It appears to be occupied by air benders"

"What? Let me see" said Aang taking the spyglass

"What do you say Aang?" said Xi'an squeezing his shoulder "How about we go and say hello?"

As Zuko turned the airship in the direction of the floating temple the group was unaware that they had unwittingly brought their war to this undiscovered people. Zhao's armada followed close behind

"I want you to alert the other ships that we're following them into the hurricane" said Zhao

"Sir" said the helmsman "I must object, if we follow them in we risk losing half the fleet"

Without a second thought Zhao grabbed the helmsman and pitched him out a nearby window

"Anyone else want to question my orders?" challenged Zhao to a chorus of fearful shaking heads

"Then follow them in...