Mai strode up the steps of her uncle's home, her plum-colored robes barely rustling. Her outfit was nearly identical to the one she had worn during the hunt for the Avatar, right down to the shuriken and dart-launching gauntlets concealed under her broad sleeves. Only the gold embroidery around her high collar and the gold-and-copper flame insignia in her topknot indicated her position as royalty.

Two green-garbed, armored women trailed behind her at a respectful distance, steel-edged tessen fans in their hands. Mai would normally have ditched her escort long ago, but after the last attempt on her life, she'd (reluctantly) promised Zuko to use the Kiyoshi Warriors as guards while outside the palace. She refused to travel on a palanquin, though; in the case of actual danger, it blocked her vision and restricted her movements. Besides, the swaying motion made her nauseous.

She tapped lightly on the screen and waited. After a few moments, heavy footsteps sounded and the door slid back to reveal the former Warden of the Boiling Rock. His grim, lined face split into a smile as he bowed. "Fire Lady Mai-"

"Oh, skip it, Uncle." Mai returned the smile and stepped forward to embrace him. "I've never stood for those titles with family, and you know it. How long has it been since you visited us?"

"Far too long, but I'm always glad to see you again, Niece. How's the Crown Princess?"

Mai's mouth twitched slightly as she stepped inside, her bodyguards taking up positions on either side of the door. "Izumi's… adjusting. She's had to put up with a lot of absence from her father and I in the last few years, as I've told you before, and she's become a little withdrawn. Sometimes I worry that all I see her doing is study; she never really tries to socialize."

"Sounds like someone I used to know." her uncle raised a bushy eyebrow and smirked at her as they sat at a low table. "But she is safe? That lunatic who tried to kill you had us all concerned. And, because it took her so long to finally Firebend..."

Mai returned the smirk briefly. "She's definitely her father's daughter, as far as Firebending. She struggles, but it makes her stronger every day. Even if she weren't able to bend, I've been teaching her to throw shuriken, while Zuko's training her to use his dao swords. Once she's matured, she'll be unstoppable." Her forehead knotted in concern. "Actually, my visit has to do with my position as Regent, Uncle. My father is due to be released from prison next week."

"I thought he wasn't supposed to be freed for another year?"

"What, you have the exact length of his sentence memorized?"

"How could I not? He's held in the very fortress I used to command, until you broke my perfect record."

Mai bit back a sarcastic comment; her uncle never stopped teasing her over helping Zuko escape from the Boiling Rock. "I need him escorted directly to the custody of the Imperial Firebenders upon his release. He'll be kept safe in the palace, away from his own estate."

Her uncle looked surprised. "But Michi will wonder-"

"My mother doesn't know he's being released at all, and she won't be informed for some time. As far as the Fire Nation is concerned, Ukano remains at the Boiling Rock until his scheduled release."

A disapproving frown crossed the Warden's broad face. "Mai, that kind of deception-"

"Has been going on in politics long before Zuko came to power, for the sake of protecting the interests of both the Nation and the Royal Family." Mai cut him off. "I don't need to remind you that, as Regent in my husband's absence, I speak with his authority as Fire Lord."

"Is he aware of these actions in his absence?"

Mai gave him a sharp look. "Careful, Uncle. You of all people know I despise the suggestion that I need my husband's approval."

"I meant no disrespect, Fire Lady." The Warden replied sarcastically, raising his massive hands in a defensive gesture. "But in the eyes of the older generation, at least, the one whose approval really matters is the one who has a blood right to the throne, not the one who marries to it."

"So you imagine that same standard will apply for my daughter when her turn comes?" Mai heard impatience seeping into her usually calm voice. "Regardless of her bloodline, she'll have to fight for the throne with everything she has, and you know it. The only precedent for a female Fire Lord was Azula, and she was completely insane."

"Not all the older ministers are relics when it comes to women. When Izumi was born, they all took the oath of allegiance to her as heir. I, for one, would still back her, even if I wasn't related to her-"

"Well, not everyone is as open-minded as you, Uncle." Mai kneaded her forehead lightly with long fingers. "I mean, you were the first one to appoint female guards at the Boiling Rock, but Ozai only overruled the conservatives and allowed that because you were so good at your job. Most of the other noble and warrior families looked down on us after that, and still do. I'm not saying it wasn't a good choice, but now a lot of them are resentful of the way Zuko's elevated my brother and I in his government. They think he's promoting ministers based on nepotism, not ability."

Her uncle patted her shoulder. "Well, I know that's not true… and I'm sure you can bring them to heel if they question his or your judgement, Mai. I just want to make sure you're taking the judgement of your people into mind as well, not just the old noble families. They're the ones who give you absolute power, but if you don't have their interests at heart, you'll find that power crumbles beneath your feet." He shrugged and leaned back on the balls of his feet. "But back to the subject of your father, do you want me to take charge of his escort?"

"I would prefer it if you were in charge of the Home Guard patrols between the Boiling Rock and the Capital, to make sure no one tries to abduct or harm him along the way. The last time I visited him, he offered some valuable information, so Zuko and I agreed to release him early. I know you think we're going too easy on him-"

"Damn right." The Warden snorted. "Consorting with a bunch of fake spirits to undermine the Fire Lord's rule…Ukano should spend the rest of his days in solitary on the Boiling Rock, even if he is my brother-in-law. Zuko's too soft-hearted, but he listens to you, and I trust your judgement. I'll go whip the Home Guard into shape." He grinned wickedly.

"Thank you, Uncle." Mai stood and bowed, then embraced him. "By the way, feel free to visit us anytime you like."

"As long as I don't get my wrist twisted by one of those damn Kiyoshi women again, I'd be happy too." He chuckled. Mai's bodyguards rolled their eyes.

As Mai left, she reflected, with some regret, how much she was still hiding from her uncle, the one member of her family she'd always felt close to. Some secrets were necessary, it was true, but her uncle was an honorable man, despite his harsh record at the Boiling Rock. Had he known certain other secrets- such as Zuko continuing to garrison the Air Nomad forts- he would have been disgusted by the deception, even if he considered it a good strategy. And her uncle's views reflected most of the wartime generation of the Fire Nation. Which reminded Mai of another unpleasant measure she needed to discuss in secret.

Passing back through the gates of the palace complex and down a long, tapestry-hung corridor, she entered the throne room. The vast chamber of polished black oak was lit only by a trench of flames, separating the throne and its' dais from the war map and the officers' table below. If the Fire Lord ever became angry or impatient with the court, he or she could raise the flames higher in a gesture of intimidation. Mai preferred more direct methods. The last time a general had been openly dismissive of her, she'd pinned his limbs to the wall with her shuriken, then left him hanging for the rest of the meeting. After that, she was always treated with deference; Zuko never even learned about the incident.

Mai glanced down at the gathering as she seated herself cross-legged on the throne. Many of the court had become her allies overtime, particularly the ministers appointed in the aftermath of the Kemurikage crisis. Unfortunately, the ones she was dealing with today were not involved in civilian or diplomatic affairs, but the military. The Home Guard, responsible for internal security, was relatively restrained and obedient; many of its' officers were volunteers from her and Zuko's generation. The Army and Navy were another story. Even after purges to remove many of the "war criminals" from its' leadership, both were still dominated by conservative, hawkish officers from the old nobility, who resented their loss of status in peacetime and criticized Zuko's reforms. Perhaps today would give them a chance to prove their valor again, by aiding in the downfall of a traitor.

"Generals, Admirals and Commanders." Mai's low voice barely rose over the gentle crackle of the flames, forcing many of the older officers to strain to hear. "What news of Takeo?"

Admiral Jee stood and bowed. A fair-minded, reliable leader who had served as Zuko's lieutenant during his exile, he was one of Mai's few allies in the Navy. "My Lady, as you know, a ship with Takeo's personal standard was sighted by the Yuyan Archers a month ago, apparently returning to his encampment at Omori from parts unknown. More recently, they've witnessed Takeo exiting and re-entering the fortress, accompanied by his guard. We haven't confirmed exactly when he was away, since he usually keeps himself well-concealed, but it's reasonable to assume he's been outside the fort for at least two weeks. I've had both my squadrons patrolling the surrounding waters to make sure he doesn't slip past us again, and Commander Atsuro has his airships on full alert."

Mai nodded. "Any theories on Takeo's absence from his headquarters? Planning a backup escape route, for when his final stand fails?"

Jee smiled wryly. "I think it's more likely he's been searching for allies, or hiring mercenaries. The Yuyan have sighted several unmarked sailing vessels, possibly pirates, off the coasts of the Western Air Nomad lands."

"I doubt we have much to fear from mere pirates." Scoffed Nishi, a mustachioed general seated directly across from Jee. "Though, if our fleet were the size it was under Admiral Zhao-"

Mai gave Nishi a pointed look, and he fell silent. Complimenting the Admiral who had tried many times to assassinate her husband was not a wise choice.

"Zhao always relied on overwhelming the enemy through sheer firepower." Jee replied as he sat down. "As you may recall, he paid the price for that strategy at the North Pole. Besides, the objective is to overwhelm Takeo and his garrison with as little loss of life as possible on both sides. Do you really think a naval or aerial bombardment is the best way to achieve that, General?"

Several of the Home Guard officers grinned. Nishi's face colored slightly, but he remained calm. "You mistake my suggestion, Admiral." He replied, turning to Mai as he stood up. "My Lady, I don't believe a bombardment would be the solution, considering how elaborate Takeo's defenses are. Omori Fort itself has several concentric walls and mutually supporting towers, and is built of reinforced steel and stonework that would resist most of our initial attacks. To bombard it would waste ammunition; to storm it directly would cost us many lives, unless we had metalbenders at our disposal-"

"Which we don't." Cut in General Tianze, a white-haired veteran of the Hundred Year War. "Because the Fire Lord and Lady have insisted that this assault be conducted solely by Fire Nationals." His beady eyes glanced at Mai resentfully, and she resisted the urge to split his perfectly-arranged topknot with a shuriken.

"My plan would require the combined effort of the Navy, Air Fleet and the Army." Nishi continued smoothly, reaching for a scroll tucked into his belt. "I am proposing a detailed siege by land and sea, both as a show of force and to starve the rebels out. Takeo is well-versed in siege warfare, but he knows Omori cannot sustain itself indefinitely like Ba Sing Se; it has no agricultural settlements within its' walls. If Takeo has made an alliance with local pirates, it's probably for the sake of them raiding our commercial ships and providing him with supplies. A wide-patrolling naval blockade will put a stop to that. Meanwhile, an encirclement of the fortress by the Army will prevent the garrison from attempting a breakout, or receiving reinforcements. The Airship Fleet will stand by to intercept any balloons they might have at their disposal. Finally, we will have the initiative to attack whenever we please, in case a change of strategy is needed. Sooner or later, Takeo's troops will have to surrender or face an ignominious death by starvation. One way or another, the siege will bring results."

Most of the assembly were nodding in approval. Mai cleared her throat. "Your plan is both thorough and reasonable, General Nishi. I will certainly discuss it with Zuko when he returns from the United Republic tomorrow. However, the possibility of infiltrating Takeo's encampment, rather than besieging it, might accomplish our goal with even less risking of life. If Takeo is taken alive, by stealth, we will have cut the head off the snake without having to-"

"Stealth is not the way to go about this!" Tianze barked suddenly, banging his withered fist on the table. "General Takeo seeks a warrior's death by defying the Fire Lord. To take him by surprise and drag him in chains before the Earth King's rabaroo court is the most dishonorable end we could give him! Better to take his head, in battle! It is a stain on our Nation's honor, that we talk of seizing him by 'infiltra- ARGHHH!"

A miniature arrow with a steel shaft suddenly sprouted from Tianze's earlobe, like some grotesque earring. The other senior officers hastily looked away, but Mai could sense their disapproval; Fire Lord or otherwise, no one had ever drawn blood in the throne room before. She forced herself to keep her voice calm and composed. "The next time you disrespect your Regent, General Tianze, you will be discharged from the Fire Lord's service immediately. Neither Zuko nor I give second chances. Understood?"

Tianze looked furious, but he bowed his head in deference. Nishi spoke up, trying to be diplomatic. "I'm sure General Tianze's own sense of chivalry may have distracted him from the...possibilities of infiltration, Fire Lady Mai. None of us can forget how you, Lady Ty Lee and Princess Azula took the impregnable city of Ba Sing Se without a drop of bloodshed, after the Fire Nation had pummeled its' walls for decades with no result."

The tension in the room increased. Nishi's statement had been intended as a compliment, but by bringing up Mai's wartime past with Zuko's sister, he had cast doubts on her motives among all the officers, loyal or otherwise. She already mistrusted Nishi's smooth tongue, and she made a mental note to keep an eye on him.

Jee leaned forward. "My lady, have you and Zuko decided when to begin the attack?"

"Yes. Regardless of how we proceed, the assault will begin shortly before the Winter Solstice... in four week's time." She raised her hand stifle protests before they began. "I'm aware that our Firebenders' abilities will be waning if we attack just before the Solstice, especially in the icy mountain terrain around Omori. However, Takeo's strength will also be reduced; his garrison is composed almost entirely of Firebenders. If we do ultimately choose to defeat him by infiltration, attacking during the peak of winter is the best option. Besides, the longer we give Takeo to prepare, the stronger his defenses will become. General Nishi, the details of your proposal, please?"

Nishi bowed and passed his scroll to an attendant, who hurried around the fire-trench and offered it to Mai; she slipped it into her sleeve, alongside her knives and darts.

"As I said before I was interrupted, I will discuss General Nishi's siege plan with the Fire Lord tomorrow. Those who favor it, please raise your hands."

Most the Naval officers and the Air Fleet commanders lifted their left hands in the air. The Army officers seemed more reluctant- Tianze was too busy tugging the dart out of his earlobe- but about half of them supported Nishi. The Home Guard, led by On Ji- the only female General in the room- all voted in favor.

"Thank you for your voices on the matter, Officers." Mai rose and pressed her right fist to her left palm, fingers pointing upward. "There's still some division between the new and older generations of the Fire Nation's military. Nishi's plan gives both the opportunity to prove their valor and work with one another. Zuko and I will give you our answer in three days' time. You're dismissed."

Passing through the vast gardens surrounding her family's quarters, Mai heard shouts and the familiar whoosh of flames from the training arena. She smiled slightly, knowing that Izumi would probably need new clothes for tomorrow; she was constantly burning her sleeves off in practice Agni Kais, or Fire Duels. As Mai entered the enclosed arena, she could see scorch marks dotting the walls every few feet. Izumi and her aunt Kiyi, Zuko's maternal half-sister, stood at each end of the battleground. Their hands were raised in the knife position, wisps of smoke trailing from their fingertips.

Behind Izumi stood her grand-uncle Iroh, the legendary "Dragon of the West". Although the old general had officially retired at the end of the war, and settled down as the owner of a successful tea-shop in Ba Sing Se, he would never refuse his nephew's requests for help, and he adored his grand-niece. Iroh's warm, easy-going nature vanished entirely when teaching Firebending; he was a stern drillmaster, demanding constant repetition and quick to point out any flaws that his pupil might eliminate. The fact that the ten-year-old Izumi was fighting a young adult made no difference; Iroh and Mai both wanted her prepared for whatever real danger she might face one day. Zuko had at first wanted to teach Izumi himself, but he was too overprotective when it came to Firebending; not surprising, considering his experience with Ozai. After Mai made it clear that she wouldn't allow Zuko to mollycoddle their daughter, he relented on the condition that Iroh be Izumi's only bending teacher.

"Again, Kiyi." Iroh's gravely voice rang out. "Izumi, you are favoring your left side to heavily. Adjust your tactics."

Izumi tilted her head sideways and took a deep breath, then jabbed her arm forward and launched an arc of flame at her opponent. Kiyi leaped nimbly over it, returning fire with two quick fist-jabs; Izumi swept them aside and thrust both arms forward, a steady stream of flames projecting from her own fists. Kiyi redirected the blaze with an axe-kick and counterattacked, a fire-dagger detaching from her fingertips and flying directly at Izumi's face. The Princess dropped just in time, but the missile caught the edge of her topknot. Mai felt a twinge of amusement. She recalled her own hair accidentally being set alight around that age, by a certain reckless Prince.

Ignoring her singed hair, Izumi began to circle towards her aunt slowly, a small firepoint at the tip of each index finger. Once again, she tilted her head sideways and inhaled deeply through her nose; her firepoints began to expand as her breathing charged the attack. Kiyi retreated, launching light bursts of flame just ahead her niece's feet at regular intervals. Although Izumi easily leaped and dodged around the counterattacks, she was forced to speed up her pace. Spinning to deflect the last burst with a kick, she extended her left arm and launched the firepoint, which expanded into a sheet of crimson flames. Kiyi ducked low and extended her right arm and shin in a chopping motion, cutting through the attack. As she straightened up, Izumi, who had closed the gap between them, thrust her right hand toward Kiyi's face, projecting a thick, scarlet whip of fire from her forearm. She didn't even notice her sleeve crumbling to ash with the intensity of her attack; all her focus was on her opponent, as it should be.

Kiyi thrust out her own arm to knock the lash aside, but it coiled around her wrist, searing her skin. Biting her lip to contain a cry of pain, the young woman drew her arm back and crossed her fists, blocking Izumi's follow-up attack. Kiyi brought her leg up and kicked outward, the blaze around her heel striking Izumi solidly in the solar plexus. The Princess toppled backward and struck the ground hard, the wind knocked out of her. Before she could rise, Kiyi had one knee planted on her chest and a fire dagger at her throat. Mai's hand moved reflexively for the throwing knife at her left elbow, but she restrained herself.

"Yield." Kiyi growled through teeth clenched in pain. Disappointment clouding her face, Izumi obeyed as Iroh strode toward them. Kiyi released her and helped her up as an attendant rushed forward with ointment and bandages.

"The second attack was well-planned, Izumi." Iroh crouched and put a calloused hand on her shoulder, meeting her eyes. "Particularly your focus on charging your strike, and targeting the limbs. But you launched your finishing blow too soon after the whip attack. Never assume an opponent is finished until they are down, and even then, be wary. If you need to strike a finishing blow, it's wiser to do so from a distance. Firebending at such close quarters gives your opponent a better chance of turning the tables, as Kiyi did."

"But Kiyi was actually burned!" Izumi protested. "You told me never to relent when an opponent shows any sign of weakness-"

"Did Kiyi react as if she was weakened?!" Iroh barked, and Izumi clamped her mouth shut. "She endured the pain so that she would have a better opportunity to defeat you, and she took it. A wounded opponent is far more dangerous than a healthy one, for they will fight more fiercely, out of desperation. Those who would target our family will endure far worse than a burned arm, for the chance to take your life, or those of your aunt or parents." Izumi flinched, and Iroh softened his tone as he straightened up. "Forgive me, Izumi; I spoke bluntly. Your parents and Avatar Aang have done much to safeguard the peace, but threats will always remain."

Izumi glanced down, looking forlorn, then turned to her aunt. "I… I'm sorry, Aunt Kiyi. That whip got out of my control."

Kiyi waved a hand. "No need to apologize, Izumi, I'll be fine. You weren't expecting to launch a charged attack at such close range. If you were fighting a real opponent, that whip technique would certainly catch them off-guard."

"I think that's enough for the day, Iroh." Mai interjected. "Zuko will arrive tomorrow, and I would like us all ready to greet him."

Iroh turned around and beamed when he saw her, instantly transforming back into his usual, happy-go-lucky self. "Of course, Mai! I'll have the servants prepare tea at once-"

"I think we can dispense with the tea until evening, Uncle." Kiyi interrupted, rubbing her newly- bandaged forearm. "Boiling water after a round of Firebending doesn't exactly relax my spirits."

Iroh grinned sheepishly. "To each their own, my dear." He bowed to Mai. "I will take my leave, Mai. I hope you and Izumi will join me later?"

"Of course." Mai embraced him and put her hand on Izumi's shoulder. "Izumi, we need to fit you for a new jacket before your father arrives. You must have destroyed at least three this week."

"Four." Izumi corrected. "And the last one would have been fine if I hadn't been practicing with dao swords first!"

"Your father will be pleased." Mai steered her away from the arena and back through the gardens. "He's always favored close-quarters fighting over distance, though I can never understand why."

Izumi gave a growl of frustration. "Kiyi beats me every time! Why does Granduncle keep telling me I'm improving if our duels always finish quicker than ever?!"

Mai chuckled and ran her fingers through Izumi's glossy black hair, the same shade as hers. " Your techniques are becoming stronger, from what I've seen. It's just that Kiyi's the only bender you've ever dueled regularly. She knows your style too well; she anticipates all your moves. What you need to do is either learn to anticipate hers, or abandon your preferred techniques. Iroh's a good teacher, but you have to remember that he taught Kiyi, too; she knows everything he's taught you."

"Then I need to duel new opponents, learn new styles! Granduncle, or Dad-"

Mai snorted. "Your father wouldn't bend so much as a spark at you, even if you held a knife to his throat. Iroh might be willing to duel you, when you're of age..."

Izumi gave her a disgusted expression. "Iroh should duel me now! He keeps lecturing me about learning from mistakes, but he doesn't teach me anything new besides how to charge my attacks. He doesn't get that I want to learn how to fight, he just thinks of Firebending as some formal rite of passage for the Royal Family!"

"Iroh's probably trying to teach you patience, Izumi; it's something you'll need for the rest of your life. Both for your own sake, and for your country-"

"Come on, Mom!" Izumi gestured sharply, and a trail of amber flames followed her fingers. "Stop saying the same things as my tutors, it's nothing I haven't heard a thousand times already! Iroh never teaches me any new techniques, he just keeps drilling me in basics! He and Dad are always holding me back, they don't care about anything except my safety, and they're too blind to see I can take care of myself! Dad shouldn't even have any say in my bending lessons, he doesn't care enough to be here anyway-"

"Izumi." Mai's voice snapped like a whip. "Don't ever let me hear you disrespecting your father again."

Izumi stared up at her, her golden eyes- identical to Zuko's- burning with resentment. Resisting the urge to kick herself, Mai sighed. "You and your Dad... are very alike, Izumi. You have the same relentless drive. You both try to let it out with constant training and fighting. Iroh knows that. But like I said, he wants you to learn patience; it will help you perfect each technique before you move on. I know you want to move on to the advanced Firebending forms, but think about how much you've already learned in so many different fields besides Firebending..."

Mai stopped. None of this was going anywhere. She rubbed her temples. "I know having your Dad gone for almost a year is rough. The two of you were so close, when you were younger. I wish I had that closeness with you, Izumi, I really do. But I've never been good at opening up; maybe that's why you don't come to me anymore. Or even talk to me much."

Izumi looked away. "I... I dunno. I mean, I like spending time alone because most of the time I'm training or studying. But, yeah, you don't talk as easy as Iroh or Dad."

Mai smirked slightly. "That doesn't mean I don't have things to say, or to teach. That doesn't mean I can't understand some things about you, things your Dad might not. You're like me, too. If you master something, you get bored unless you can go further or find something fresh to learn. From the look of the dents in your walls, you enjoy throwing my shuriken as much as you do visiting the royal Library."

Her daughter smiled reluctantly and fell into step beside her again. "I guess so. They are more fun than the dao swords, just don't tell Dad." She shrugged. "I do miss him, but its' not like I have no one to spend time with. I know I don't have a lot of friends outside the Academy, but there's Kiyi and Ty Lee-"

"I know, I just wish you could talk to me, too." Mai paused. "That's something your Dad and I had trouble with, before we got married. I wouldn't talk enough; he would talk, just not about what was really bothering him. He was always angry at himself and a lot of other people, for a lot of reasons."

"Mostly to do with Grandfather Ozai, though, right?" Izumi glanced up at her slyly.

"Ozai is not something I will discuss with you, Izumi." Mai squeezed Izumi's shoulder gently. "I couldn't tell you much to begin with; I barely knew him before your Dad and I got married, and I've hardly ever seen him since. If you want to know more about your grandfather, ask Iroh."

"Why not Dad?"

"You can certainly try, but he hates talking about Ozai. You probably would too, if your father almost burned your eye out for talking out of turn."

"But I thought you said he talked about that more with you later on?"

Mai shook her head. "We only discussed your grandfather once, after that lunatic tried to kill me when you were two. Zuko wondered if Ozai had anything to do with it and wanted to punish him further. I told him no, Ozai's already spending the rest of his life in prison. Besides, Ozai didn't know me well enough to have a grudge. If there was anyone who would have come after me, it would have been-"

"Aunt Azula." Izumi finished for her.

"Right." A chill ran down the back of Mai's neck. She marveled at her daughter's ability to make such connections, just based on stories she had heard from her parents and relatives. Perhaps she and Zuko were holding Izumi back, conforming her to a role that was beneath her… hers was not a normal childhood, anymore than either of her parents'. But she had found some common ground with Izumi, and that was a start, at least.

With a hiss of escaping steam, the spiked prow of the Royal Barge folded downwards, transforming into a steel staircase. The procession of the Imperial Firebenders, resplendent in their crimson and bronze armor, marched out in lock-step formation. Zuko rode behind them on a Komodo rhino, with stablehands leading three others. Emerging into the sunlight, he heard a burst of applause from the crowds.

As his eyes adjusted to the glare, Zuko saw Mai waiting for him on the jetty, her hand on Izumi's shoulder. His half-sister Kiyi, her hair pulled back into a long plait, stood at Izumi's right. Iroh, of course, was absent; his uncle hated such pomp and fanfare, but Zuko knew he would be waiting at the palace with a pot of tea and a Pai Sho board.

Mai's expression was serene, as always, but he glimpsed a subtle twinkle in her grey eyes and grinned. A smile touched the corner of Izumi's mouth for a moment, but her expression was harder to read. Although Mai was the one well known for hiding her emotions, Zuko could guess her thoughts much more easily than Izumi; he reflected, with sadness, that his daughter was already becoming a stranger to him. He resolved not to spend another near-year away from home. The Fire Nation could meet its commitments the world without the monarch always being present; his commitment to his family was his first priority now. Aang, of all people, would understand.

Mai bowed as he approached; Zuko dismounted and returned the gesture. He might be the one with the blood right to the throne, but he never failed to acknowledge Mai as an equal partner, both in public and private life. It had been his unwillingness to share his burdens with her that split them apart originally, and after they reconciled he had promised not to keep her in the dark again.

Zuko embraced Mai tightly, then crouched and wrapped an arm around his daughter's shoulders, kissing her forehead. Izumi didn't pull away, although her expression looked bit exasperated.

"How's Republic City these days, Zuzu?" Kiyi grinned as she gave him a one-armed hug. She was the only one allowed to use his childhood nickname.

Zuko smiled and shrugged. "You'll have to visit sometime. The Avatar's statue is about halfway completed, and the first rail lines are up and running. Aang and Katara send their love, as well as an indefinite invitation to Air Temple Island for all of us." He glanced over her shoulder. "Mother and Ikem didn't come with you?"

"Ursa's gone back to Hira'a to rehearse for the latest noh play, remember?" Mai interjected. "Ikem was having pains in his back and legs, so he stayed with her."

"Nothing serious, I hope?"

Kiyi smiled sadly as she swung herself onto the back of the nearest rhino. "Dad's starting to feel his age. Mom's herbal remedies give him some relief, but it worsens every year."

Zuko nodded, climbing back onto his mount. "Perhaps I can convince them to spend a few days at the Ember Island house; the sea air might do Ikem some good. I've already set aside the week for us to go there; why not invite the whole family?"

Izumi's face lit up. "We're going to Ember Island?"

Zuko laughed. "After a year in the United Republic, I need to get away from the city for a while, and I would imagine you and your Mom do as well."

As their steeds plodded forward, Zuko suddenly leaned sideways and kissed Mai full on the mouth. Izumi made a mock retching noise. "Dad, at least wait until we're back in the palace! Half the Capital is watching!"

Zuko detached himself from Mai's lips, both of them slightly pink in the face. "Izumi, when I haven't seen you or your mother for the better part of a year, I don't care if all four nations see me kissing her."

Mai glanced away quickly, but Zuko noticed her smirking. Kiyi rolled her eyes and shook her head. "You're both impossible."

They continued up the heavily fortified highway that led from the drydocks to the Capital. The original city had been enclosed within the crater of a colossal volcanic caldera, but over the last ten years, the suburbs expanded onto the mountain's slopes. At Toph's suggestion, Firbenders had re-channeled the magma away from the main crater to vents in the foothills, giving the Capital a unique defense mechanism and an easy source of metal ore for its' vast industries. The volcanic-enriched soil around the mountain helped provide for the city's agricultural needs, making the Capital nearly as self-sufficient and protected as Ba Sing Se. Society was reformed, as well; Mai and Zuko had chosen various innovative minds for their administration (including her younger brother, Tomoru), and each of the towns and cities had an elected representative to report on its' status or voice grievances to the Fire Lord.

Yet, the Fire Lord's hands could be tied by complications, as Takeo's defiance had proved. In Zuko's reforming of society, he had committed himself to living without secrets from his people; he had not followed that policy entirely with the rest of the world, especially concerning Fort Omori. If he publicly revealed Takeo's presence at Omori and attacked him directly, he would reveal a secret that would both discredit him from the world at large and estrange him from Aang and their friends. By attacking the garrison he might also be perceived as repressing his own citizens, just as he had during the Yu Dao and Kemurikage crises. But to ignore Takeo and his soldiers, to let them continue sheltering other traitors and preying on any ships that passed the Western Air Nomad lands, would be worse.

As always, Zuko had trouble finding the middle ground. But at least he didn't have to figure it out alone anymore. His hand found Mai's, and she gave it a gentle squeeze.

By the time dinner ended, the exhaustion of the journey had hit Zuko; he was too tired to play Pai Sho with Iroh, but Izumi jumped at the chance. Zuko wandered back to his bedchamber, Mai following him silently.

"What's that?" Zuko gestured at the scroll poking from her sleeve.

"Just a siege plan for Omori." Mai set it on a desk and removed her headpiece, letting her hair fall free. "General Nishi proposed it yesterday; it looks reasonable, but I wanted to go over the fine points with you before we give the military our final answer."

Zuko groaned as he sank onto the futon. "Damn, I'd forgotten the date we set for the attack! We'll have to cut the trip to Ember Island a few days short, to oversee the Army's mobilization. Izumi will be upset-"

"It's nothing new for her. She has people to to talk to if she's frustrated; her grandparents, Iroh, Kiyi, Ty Lee."

"Is she frustrated?"

"A bit, I guess. We actually spoke about it after her Agni Kai yesterday. She doesn't resent me for not talking with her before, we just had to find some common ground."

Zuko closed his eyes and pressed his fingers to his temples. "Which means she's resentful towards me, and she has every reason to be; I was always the one she would talk to before. I shouldn't have been away so long."

Mai sat next to him, her fingers tracing the ridges of scar tissue encircling his left eye. "Izumi knows you have commitments to the world and not just her, Zuko. You'll get that closeness back with her, eventually. But in the meantime it wouldn't hurt if you had Iroh move her on to a different form of Firebending. Or visit the Dragons."

Zuko sat up quickly, looking startled. "Does she want to?"

"I'm not a Firebender, but I saw how much you'd changed after you met Ran and Shaw, for the better. Iroh's trying to teach her patience, but she doesn't want to listen because she was such a late bloomer when it comes to bending."

"Life was so much simpler when she was little-"

"For you, maybe. I don't recall you ever having to breastfeed." Mai snorted. " She just needs a little more room to expand, particularly in her Firebending. Her mind is so… voracious. She absorbs so much knowledge, and anything she learns, she has to be perfect at. Reminds me of Azula, honestly."

"Oh, there's a great parallel." Zuko scratched his short beard as he pulled the five-pronged headpiece of the Fire Lord from his topknot. "She has to know that we won't treat her badly for failing-"

"You know what I mean. And it's not like she's raised by Ozai. We're doing the best we can, considering what's expected of her as an adult." She squeezed his hand. "Just talk with her about whether she wants to face the Dragons, it'll help."

"You always have an answer for me." Zuko glanced at her, a weary smile on his face. "How much trouble did the generals give you over Takeo?"

"Tianze bickered until I spiked his ear with a dart."

Zuko barked a harsh laugh. "I'm sorry I missed that. We can read over the plan tomorrow morning; I don't have the energy for it right now."

"Well, I hope you still have some energy." Mai leaned forward and kissed him.

An animal groan sounded in Zuko's throat. "I never told you just how much I missed you, Mai." His hand came to rest on her thigh.

"Oh, I think you did, on the road from the harbor." Mai smirked. She swatted his hand away and stood up, untying her sash.

Zuko's smile became mischievous as he began removing his clothes. "Embarrassed the Hell out of Izumi, but you're right. That was a fairly clear message."

"Actions speak louder than words." Mai pushed him back onto the futon and straddled him, her robes falling away. "Why do you think I almost never talk?"

Once Zuko's breathing had slowed, Mai rose and gently detached herself from his embrace. Pulling a sleeping robe around her body, she stepped out onto the moonlit veranda.

A faint rustle caught her ear. She spun and flicked her wrist, and a barrage of steel darts pinned one of the Kiyoshi Warriors to the rail by her sleeves. A second, shorter warrior cartwheeled out of the way in time, but by then Mai had closed the distance, her tri-pronged sai dagger against the other's throat.

After a brief pause, the Kiyoshi Warrior pushed aside the knife with her tessen fan. "You know, Mai considering four of us are here all hours of the night, you don't actually have to wear those things in your sleeping quarters." She raised a painted eyebrow suggestively. "Though, if Zuko finds knives and arrows arousing, by all means-"

"Shut up, Ty Lee." Mai smirked as she tugged Ty Lee's comrade free. "Your ship will be waiting in the harbor, flying a Northern Water Tribe banner. Remember, this is only to get a closer look at Takeo's defenses for now. Most of the Army generals have sympathy for Takeo, even if they don't outright support him... and I don't quite trust Nishi's reports on the strength of his forces."

Ty Lee frowned, tucking her fan into her belt. "If you wanted to keep all non- Fire Nationals out of this affair, you should've used the Yuyan Archers, not the Kiyoshi Warriors. Most of us are from the Earth Kingdom, after all-"

"The Kiyoshi have a much wider range of skills. Besides, I trust you and Suki to keep them quiet."

"Well, of course I'm flattered Mai, and I'm sure Suki would be too, but if you really wanted this affair taken care of quietly, you should just send me. I'm still easily the best fighter among the Kiyoshi, and I know how to charm narrow-minded soldiers. I could be through the fortress gates and back with Takeo slung over my shoulder in a day-"

"No." Mai cut her off sharply. "I'm not sending you or the Kiyoshi into combat. We have a bit of time before our other options expire; I just want better intelligence on the fort's defenses before we take more drastic action."

"But Takeo's warriors won't be able to move, let alone bend, as long I chi-block them!" Ty Lee argued. "My team and I would operate in disguise, no one would recognize us without our Kiyoshi gear and facepaint-"

"I don't care." Mai heard Zuko stir in his sleep and lowered her voice. "Until you've conducted a full reconnaissance of Takeo's base and reported back, nothing about our attack plan is going to change." Ty Lee opened her mouth to argue further, but Mai silenced her with a finger to her lips. "Don't forget, you're not just accountable to me for your own safety; you're also accountable to Suki for the safety of her warriors. Observe undetected, and report back; nothing more until then. Understand?"

Ty Lee looked slightly chagrined, but she bowed her head. Mai softened her tone. "Ty Lee…before Zuko, no one would talk to me, let alone try to understand me, the way you did. I'm not going to risk your life on a stupid reconnaissance mission. Observe undetected and report back. Nothing more."

Ty Lee nodded and embraced her. Then she and her comrade leaped over the parapet and sped off through the gardens, vanishing into the night.