A/N: Hello lovely peoples! I'm Feeling much better- In case anyone was wondering- and I am here with a new chapter! YAY! Now just a heads up on three counts...
1) Another short-ish one. I think it's longer then the last, but alas- still short.
2) I'm going to be honest- this isn't one of my favorites, so I know it won't be a favorite to a lot of you, but on the other hand, maybe a lot of you will love it! That being said...
3) I know for a fact that a lot of you guys will definatly not like where I'm headed with this-but that's the point of an AU baby, sorry to dissapoint- I hope you guys will like it, I think it makes sense later on-I will explain my thinkng at that time- but for now I just think it's an interesting twist on things, let me know what you guys think? I love your comments! They bring me joy! just let me know=))

I'll let you get on with reading now- Don't forget to reveiw!

DISCLAIMER: NONE OF IT IS MINE- SORRY I'M YELLING- JUST PUTTING IT OUT THERE!

Chapter 9: Storytime

"They're back!" The Duke yelled, peering up at the sky as a fire nation aircraft- not the same one but similar to what Azula had mentioned- came closer to the hanging city.

That's not the one they left on… Azula thought, seeing the large air ship that was used for royal and noble travle.

As the water tribe family was reuniting, Azula approached her grinning brother.

"So, care to tell what happened?"

Zuko looked at his sister and the smile fell from his face.

"It… It's Mai. She's gone insane."

Azula's eyes widened.

The gloomy knife-throwing nobleman's daughter was known for her ability to keep a reign on her emotions.

I guess bottling it up for so long took it's toll…Azula pondered, wondering how she could have missed the signes of Mai slipping.

Not like I paid very good attention in the first place. She thought guiltily.

Huh… guilt. That was still new.

"So…" The little blind earth bender started, "What happened?"

That night, the story was told over warm food and a blazing campfre:

The banished prince of the Fire Nation and the heir to the Southern Water Tribe arrived at the boiling rock unnoticed.

Once they had infiltrated the high-security prision, an ally was found on the inside.

Suki.

The young worrior was a great help in finding a way out of the prision, and all to happy to assist in the rescue of Sokka's father.

The three teenage heros, along with the chief of the Southern Water Tribe and a few other escapees were well on their way over the lake when they were attacked.

Mai and Ty Lee.

The battle was thourough and tough, but the death-shot and the acrobat retreated.

Only to start cutting the line that the gondala was being carried on.

Mai was personally overseeing that the job was done when a few well placed jabs to her and the surrounding guards halted the process.

Ty Lee had saved them.

It was clear that Mai was outraged, when she had all too willingly thrown her friend into the very prision her uncle wardened.

By the time Mai had control of her body again, it was too late, the group had stolen the very aircraft she had flown in on. And made their escape.

There were assumptions as to why the two friends of the Fire Nation princess acted the way they had, but nothing made sense.

Another thing that didn't make sense was Suki.

At least… it didn't make sense in Sokka's opinion. But he respected it nonetheless.

She had requested to be dropped off at Kyoshi, so she could make plans to rescue her warriors from the prision Azula had thrown them in.

"I'll give orders to release them as soon as I get my hands on a messenger hawk." Azula promised.

But it mattered not.

Suki had also requested, albit begrudginly and with teary eyes, to break all romantic ties with Sokka.

The young man was heartbroken but understood. She had a duty to her people, she needed to remain focused.

That meant no romantic attachments.

They promised to write, to remain friends… and somehow, it seemed easy, like being friends would be easier then being a couple.

"I'm sorry Sokka." Katara said, placing a hand on her brother's shouler.

The young tribesmen just smiled weakly, insisting that he was fine.

Azula discreetly patted Zuko's knee.

The fire prince was startled at first, but then smiled at his sister. She was coming around.

That night was spent with everyone wrapped in a sense of security, thanks to the ties and bonds that came from choosing your family.

Gosh I still don't know if I like this. But maybe you do? And what did you think of my twist with Mai? Let me know, I wasn't sure if I really wanted ANYONE to go insane, but like I said, I thought it gave an interesting twist- you guys are the judges- let me know!

Writer out! ~0_0~