Hakoda, Katara, and Iroh watched Appa fly off with his three passengers. It was not a sight they could focus on for long. The chief forced himself to look away and took a breath. He turned to the group.

"Let's try to have an even number of earthbenders, waterbenders, and nonbenders in every team," he called out. "It'll make it easier for us to protect each other."

In agreement, the warriors started to organize who would be together. Their garb made learning the person's ability a simple task. Almost as soon as they started, they were done. An unhinged twinkle was in Bumi's eyes and he laughed.

"Those firebenders will learn what happens when you invade the Earth Kingdom."

Toph cracked her knuckles. "They'll wish they never left home."

This sentiment was shared by the other warriors. They began to board the ships. The waterbenders helped them travel faster in the water, but they were cognizant of the time. There was a specific window when they wanted to arrive. Night would only be an issue for the soldiers powered by the sun. The people of the moon would be stronger, bathed in the pale moonlight. During the voyage, hardly anyone spoke. There was little to say. They already had their roles. Discussing more would only serve as an opportunity for doubt to creep between words and taint an otherwise hopeful spirit felt on board the vessels. So, silence was a fine price to pay if the warriors remained confident and focused. Finally, the voyage came to an end.

Knowing what this meant, the former Fire Nation citizens disembarked quietly and stealthily. Ty Lee ran through Ba Sing Se. No one saw her as she agilely went around soldiers and buildings. She stopped running when she heard an odd sound. Glancing to the right, Ty Lee saw a house that was barely more than debris. In spite of this, there were little whimpers coming from inside. The girl leapt past another soldier and entered. She saw an older couple. Their arms were covered in burns and they flinched when they saw her red clothing.

"I'm here to help," she insisted.

"You are?" one elder asked.

Ty Lee nodded and went to help them stand up. It seemed like they barely could. The man grimaced as he tried to put weight on his right leg. He almost fell, but Ty Lee caught him. She was unable to hold him up for long, so she brought him over to a chair.

"One of the soldiers broke it," he explained, chest heaving from pain.

The girl's eyes filled with sadness. She looked at the woman, then him again.

"You two go," he suggested. "I'll just slow you down."

"No, we're getting everyone out," Ty Lee said, determined. "I'll be back for you."

It did not look like the Earth Kingdom citizen believed her, but he still nodded. This caused the girl's heart to ache as she helped the injured woman escape. These people could have been someone's grandparents. Even if they were not, it changed little. Who deserved to be attacked and scared in their own homes? Ty Lee started to wonder how many more people were like this. In what state would Mai and Iroh find people? How many would not be found at all because the rescue came too late? Ty Lee swallowed hard and continued with the escape plan. As she did, Mai was calmly but swiftly walking. She was skilled enough in behaving properly. The soldiers barely even saw her. They assumed the girl was merely going for a walk. She politely bowed her head to them and continued going. They returned the greeting as they did their rounds. All the while, they failed to notice that she was paying attention to their patterns. Mai did not know how many people were still alive or how long it would take to get them all, so she wanted to know the soldiers' pattern.

Four pairs and two groups of three. That was the grouping on the East side of the city. They each had sections they were in charge of. This made it easier for Mai to know where to bring freed citizens. Some of the people needed help walking, making her even more glad to have noticed where the soldiers were. With the increased time this took, the last thing any of them needed was to get spotted. In one home, she saw a kid who was several years younger than she was. His face was bruised and he scurried away when she entered. He grabbed a rock, then held it up with a tremble in his hands.

"I-I'll use it!"

Mai brought a finger up to her lips. "Don't be so loud. I'm getting you out of here."

The child slowly lowered the weapon as his eyes filled with tears of relief. Mai went over to him and held his hand, leading him out of the home. They speedily returned to the ships while Iroh was getting the last of the people. The empty houses stood out in his sight. He hated to see the scorch marks that just barely hid blood stains on the outside of walls. It was like the city reeked of death. For so many years, the man had wanted–dreamed–of entering Ba Sing Se. The day was supposed to be glorious. Fire Lord Iroh would have conquered the impenetrable fortress, a feat done by no one else in the past. He would have led in a new era for the Fire Nation. These ideas had consumed his thoughts. Yet, once he was finally there, Iroh felt no pride, just shame. Shame for having once desired an outcome which would have led to so much suffering and shame for being part of the nation that caused exactly that to occur.

It was nearly an insult when the soldiers barely noticed him. If they saw him at all, they just acted like nothing was wrong. Why would they respond any differently? He was one of them after all. Although that might have been true to a certain extent, Iroh refused to be like them in any way that mattered. The former general put an injured citizen's arm around himself so that he could more easily aid in walking. He had no trouble convincing anyone to let him help. Iroh saw that some of the corpses had not even been removed. They were laying in the streets and homes, probably in the position as they died. So, survivors were left to see what they were soon to become. When Iroh entered, they were barely even conscious and certainly not aware enough of their surroundings to know he was from the Fire Nation. They only knew he was helping.

"I believe this is everyone," Iroh said, looking at his teammates as the final citizens were put on the vessels.

Mai and Ty Lee nodded in confirmation and the chiefs turned to their warriors.

"Then it's our turn," Arnook stated.

The earthbenders started to disembark, dressed in their armor. Toph's heart was beating so fast that it was nearly difficult to pick up on the vibrations on the ground, but she quickly refocused. She noticed someone else joining and raised an eyebrow.

"I thought your part of this was done," she commented.

Iroh stood beside her. "The rescue is done, but I share responsibility for what has happened here. I'll help correct my mistake."

Toph felt a little better knowing that the uncle would be there as well. The groups started splitting up to cover the corners of the city and move inwards. Bumi's entrance was not subtle. With a stomp of his foot, he made the earth break up under soldiers. They yelled and started to fall. Some used flames to propel themselves upwards whereas others were too slow to avoid getting crushed when the king closed the ground. Those who were flying shot at the warriors. The other earthbenders created a shield for the group. As they did, Arnook and some of his warriors went around the side. They used water whips to grab the soldiers by the legs and waist. The people were flung into the ground, getting trapped when Bumi's wide smile ended in him opening the earth again.

Another group acted with more stealth. Toph led the people, sensing precisely where the soldiers were standing. She squeezed a hand into a fist. Once she did, they sank in quicksand. Those who were fast enough to get into the air had to deal with the other fighters. A Kyoshi Warrior speedily scaled the side of a building and tackled the bender out of the air. They landed on a solid part of the ground and the Warrior threw the soldier into a wall. Suki and more of the fighters joined, surrounding the soldier. Once the firebenders tried to provide support for their ally, warriors from the Southern Tribe parried with their machetes. Hakoda stabbed a soldier through a crack in his armor, pushing all the way through with a yell. Whenever the firebenders prepared attacks, the earthbenders would create shields or knock them back. Toph caught many by the boots, throwing them into each other with enough force to render them unconscious immediately. Frustrated, several firebenders moved together, combining a large flame. The Boulder stepped in front of the group, lifting a chunk of the ground to block the attack. Katara ducked and covered several of the soldiers in water. As the liquid became ice, their hands and feet were kept out so that they could not be used to melt anything. Suddenly, an enormous explosion forced all the fighters back.

The same man who had caused so much destruction in the city was there to kill more. Iroh's eyes widened when he saw the tattoo of a third eye on the man. He was a combustion bender. Nearly before Iroh could call out a warning, there was another explosion. The earthbenders created a shield, but it was almost not enough to withstand that damage. Toph sensed the metal in piles of debris. She shot it at the man. He was not expecting that attack and grunted when his thigh was stabbed. Angered, he continued to shoot, but Toph was not done. She kept manipulating the metal to go around him. He would not allow it to wrap around his head, but he was unable to stop the metal blades from creating wounds. Knowing that he was losing too much blood, the combustion bender decided to do one final attack. He would explode them all. His face tensed as he focused on the attack. The shot was almost done, but Iroh moved in front of the others. Lightning flowed from him straight into the man's third eye. Silently, the enemy slumped forward and fell to the ground.

As the fights continued, the sounds were drawing attention from the center of the city. Azula was in the mirror again, perfecting her fire lord smile. When she felt the ground shaking, she began to scowl. The girl left her chambers, seeing soldiers running by. Irritated, Azula went to the throne room. Ozai was there with a slight snarl as his fingers rapped against the armrests. The man was considering his options. He was about to be ruler of the world. Did mere rebels deserve his time? Definitely not. That was why the soldiers existed. Their lives were meant to handle petty problems like these. Ozai's snarl turned into an expression of calm shock when the soldiers who had just run out of the throne room flew back in. A blast of air knocked them into a wall. In the entryway, Aang, Sokka, and Zuko stood. A brief, but tense silence followed. Aang was the one to break this.

"Fire Lord Ozai," he stated, pointing his glider at the man, "your forces are being taken down as we speak. This is your last chance. Tell them to stand down and leave Ba Sing Se. Leave every nation you've invaded and return home. This war can end here."

Another silence followed, but this time, it was broken by laughter. Ozai laughed heartily, sending a chill down Zuko's spine. When the man stopped, a deadly look was in his eyes.

"You're a child," he hissed. "How dare you come into my palace and make demands."

"This isn't your palace."

"This entire world is going to be mine!"

Ozai stood up angrily, flames on his fists. Instinctively, the trio got in defensive stances.

"So, that's your decision?" Aang asked.

The man glared at him. "It is." He side-eyed his daughter. "Azula, prove you deserve to be the fire lord after me. Kill your brother and the peasant." Ozai's gaze returned to Aang. "I need to finish Fire Lord Sozin's work."

Anger lit up in Aang's stomach. He could not focus on it for long. In the next instant, Ozai had used fire to propel himself at the Avatar. Aang barely moved in time to avoid the impact, but the momentum pushed him out of the palace. Ozai flew above him, kicking a long stream of fire at the boy. Aang held onto his glider tighter, twirling it to extinguish the fire. As he did, he sent some of his own to Ozai. The man blocked it, then created thin flame whips. For the short time they spent touching the ground, they left scorch marks. The Avatar created water whips so that when the flames came close, he could strike them back. Next, the fire lord flew around them and let large shots of fire rain down from his hands. Aang created a shield out of earth, then kicked chunks of it at Ozai. This appeared to amuse the man.

"So, you're a fully realized Avatar," he commented. "Do you really think that's enough to stop me? I am the Phoenix King!"

Ozai shot fire out of his mouth, covering the ground until there was nowhere safe to stand. Aang used his glider to soar, but he saw as the man formed fire daggers. Ozai's eyes were locked onto the glider. Aang sped up and Ozai did the same. Flames licked at the Avatar's heels. One caught him around his left ankle. He grunted as he was forced down. At the last second, Aang extinguished the fire with earth. He made a wave with earthbending, putting out the rest of the fires. Ignoring the pain from the burn, Aang closed his eyes and made a small spiral of air.

"Pitiful!" Ozai taunted. "It's a wonder that the Air Nomads lasted as long as they did!"

The firebender's arrogant smile faded as he noticed a pull in the air. Some of his flames were weakening. They could not help it. Before Ozai's eyes, that small spiral was transforming into a tornado. The man could feel himself getting pulled into the center of the vortex. He refused to let that happen. The phoenix king would never lose to a child. Crackling was heard as Ozai started to generate electricity. Still managing to stay in the air a little longer, he created two strings of lightning. The man aimed them directly at Aang's heart. Aang barely moved in time to catch them. Ozai's face turned pale. He watched as the Avatar channeled the lightning through his body. This was it. He was going to die and by Iroh's move. It was not fair–not right. Why did Iroh have to ruin everything for him? Could he not even have this battle completely to himself? Must he constantly be reminded of his brother? To his shock, Aang released the lightning. He shot it straight into the sky and disbelief covered Ozai's face. The man started to laugh again, but it was more unrestrained.

"Weak," he said, through his laughter. "Just like Iroh. He really was your instructor! I'll kill him too after this is over!"

The firebender's eyes blazed with deep hatred and he yelled furiously as fire spewed from his mouth, fists, and feet. How dare that boy spare him. Did he truly think that Ozai was not a threat to be taken seriously? The ruler would do as he should have done to Zuko years ago: kill him. Aang had to focus on blocking attacks. There were not any openings he saw to fight back. Even trying to find one would just be putting his life at greater risk. Aang created a barrier around himself with air. It protected him from all sides, but it was not effective in stopping the man. Clearly, Ozai was not getting tired. If anything, he seemed to gain more energy after each blast. Bloodlust was evidently in his eyes.

"I'll kill every last one of you rebels and peasants who had the audacity to oppose me!" he roared. "I'll burn this world to the ground!"

In the barrier, Aang took a slow, steady breath. Ozai felt a twinge of uncertainty when he saw the boy's tattoos light up. This had been something Aang wanted to avoid if possible. He was not sure if all the other spirits of the Avatars would be as merciful as he wanted to be, but he saw no other way to defeat this opponent. It was a risk he was willing to take. As more fire came towards him, Aang flicked his wrist. With this motion, he flung it back at Ozai with more than double the power. Ozai was forced back. He nearly hit a building, but he turned in the air fast enough to stop himself. The man did not think of the pit in his stomach as he charged back at the Avatar. He charged himself with more lightning. When he got close enough to grab Aang by the throat, the earth shot up and hit him in the stomach. The wind was knocked out of the man and he struggled to remain in the air. He nearly decided to land but stopped when he saw Aang. The Avatar was now pursuing him.

Ozai got back into the air, flying at full speed. He could not get killed. He had so much more to do. The fire lord shot flames behind him in hopes of hitting Aang, but they did nothing. Aang raised his hand, drawing water out of the air and nearby plants. This turned into icicles that hovered in place before firing at Ozai. The man was unable to dodge them all and sucked in a deep breath when his side was pierced. Surprised, he saw that the wound was not fatal. It angered him too. He turned in a rage, but he found that he was surrounded by flames. This did not discourage him and he used his own fire to push it outwards. He was unable to when Aang changed it to lightning. The Avatar's lightning created a trap around Ozai. If the man stepped too far in any direction, he would be electrocuted. Fury filled him as he paced as much as possible.

"What do you want?" he questioned. "You won't kill me, but you won't die either. A life will be lost in this fight. Choose which one!"

"I've already made my choice," Aang answered, the voices of all the past Avatars accompanying him.

They made Ozai's blood run cold. It did not feel like he was battling a single opponent. He was against an army inside of one body. Aang made the lightning bend to his will as he entered the trap. Despite what Ozai wanted to do, he moved back in fear. The earth came up to grab his limbs. He was completely trapped, but he was not about to die. Somehow, that realization was even more terrifying.

"What are you–"

Ozai did not finish what he was saying as Aang brought one hand to his head and another to his chest. The glowing of the tattoos faded, but it was quickly replaced with a blinding blue light that shot out of the boy's eyes and mouth. Terror consumed Ozai and increased when he felt an odd sensation going through him as well. An orange light shot out of him. Then Aang opened his eyes, seeing where he was. He did not see Ba Sing Se anymore, but he knew he had not left. Across from him was Ozai. The man still looked unsure of what was happening.

"Where did you take me?" he asked, scowling and glancing around.

"I didn't take you anywhere," Aang answered. "We're still in Ba Sing Se. Our spirits are just in this realm."

Ozai scowled at him. Spirits. He would destroy them all one day, starting with this boy. In surprise, he watched Aang wince. Ozai was not sure what had happened, but he was pleased with the result. This was no doubt a friend of Zuko's as well. He and Iroh would be distraught to hear of the child's violent death. Ozai would be sure to make it as painful as possible first. Again, Aang seemed pained. Although the fire lord was completely oblivious to what he was doing, Aang knew. In this world, their fight was not physical. It was spiritual. The boy had underestimated the cruelty of Ozai's spirit. Simply being around it and its immeasurable hatred was painful. He could not let it destroy him. He needed his spirit to be stronger. His desire to save the world had to be more than Ozai's desire to end it.

Aang thought of his friends–his new family. They were counting on him too. If he lost, he had no idea what tortures they would face as a result. He would not allow that to happen. He would stop this monster and not even become one in the process. Ozai grimaced slightly as he noticed a new pain. It hit him in the side with his injury but felt deeper. When a stronger one came, it took him to his knees. He could not stand. It was like an impossible weight was put on top of him. He was becoming so weak. The man could not even open his eyes. He felt cold and hot at the same time. It was like his life was being drained out of him. When Ozai's eyes opened, he saw they were in Ba Sing Se again. The earth around him went flat against the ground again. Unable to stand up properly, Ozai fell. His arms shook as he tried to push himself up. Not sure what else to try, he attempted a fire blast, but nothing happened. Panic filled the man.

"No," he said quietly.

"Yes," Aang stated. "You're not a bender anymore. You've spent so much time using your firebending to hurt others. Now, you'll never use it again."

Ozai's eyes widened in horror. He wanted to kill the Avatar, but he could not. All he could do was remain collapsed against the ground. When he and Aang had exited the palace, Azula stood, ready to fight. Her gaze was locked on Zuko. The girl knew that lightning would be ineffective against him, but she still had many other ways to fight. Blue fire shot out of the princess's shoes. With a spinning move, she made a circle of fire that enclosed them. Zuko drew his blades, deflecting the attack before it could hit him or Sokka. Even despite that, the flames connected to those nearby, continuing to create the circle. The boys were trapped. The last thing Azula wanted was for Zuko to escape. He had to stay exactly where he was and die.

"We don't have to fight," the boy stated.

Azula let out a scoff. "You say as if you didn't come here to kill us."

"We didn't!" he insisted.

The princess only made the blue fires around them grow larger. Their heat could be felt and they started to get closer. Azula charged at Zuko, fire blades in hand. Her movements were quick. She began forcing him back, putting him entirely on the defensive. One dagger scratched the side of Zuko's face and he grimaced. Still, he was fast as well. Azula could not succeed in getting in any lethal blows. Gradually, Zuko noticed how the princess was still moving the fire towards them. He would not be able to move back without getting burned. The former prince put flames in his swords, creating an attack that blasted out fire with a slice of the air. This caused Azula to move back, but her attacks did not stop. Her gaze was becoming furious.

"You're waiting for me to use lightning," she accused. "I won't let you win so easily."

Azula shot another stream of fire at Zuko, but Sokka deflected it with his weapon. In irritation, he gestured to his friend.

"Zuko's basically the only person here who doesn't want to kill you," he said. "That's the reason he's here right now."

The princess's eyes briefly moved to the boy. He must have been lying. She knew a lot about lies, so even though he sounded sincere, it meant nothing. It was all part of the plan. They would sway her to their side, then stab her through the heart. Zuko's eyes moved to Azula's right hand. Two fingers were preparing to shoot a blast at the Water Tribe boy. Swiftly, Zuko used more fire to force her back.

"He's telling the truth! I meant what I said before. It doesn't have to end like this."

"You're trying to kill dad!"

Azula propelled herself into the air, then bended the fire at the intruders. It increased in strength. The fires became a spinning sphere around Zuko and Sokka. Azula controlled it, not letting it break apart despite her brother's efforts. She needed them to die. Sweat beads collected on the friends' foreheads. Zuko focused on the flames closest to them. With the princess controlling them, it was difficult to force them back far enough away to keep from getting scorched. Even in the room, the fire was becoming more dangerous. It caught onto curtains and parts of the walls with its spins, but Azula did not mind. She welcomed her own fire and anything that would lead to success. This was why she scowled when the flame began to alter. Zuko was not sure how much he could do to protect Sokka and himself, but an idea came to mind. Carefully, he started to dip the swords' tips into the center of the flame. If he could just focus on the element well enough, he could possibly change it.

Bit by bit, the spiral of fire was being disrupted. It could not continue its motions as smoothly. What was once a steady flame began to move choppily, creating small cracks where cool air could enter. At this point, Zuko used his own firebending and shot in the opposite direction of the spiral. This was the final move needed to destroy the attack. Fires shot off in every direction, causing Azula to take cover behind a wall of her own fire. Zuko breathed heavily, but he still stood tall.

"Aang's not killing him!" he shouted angrily.

Azula's eyes widened slightly. Again, there was that near-truth. It sounded so much like honesty, but it could not be true.

"You're lying," she hissed. "There's no other way to stop him. Dad will never give up. He'd rather die than surrender and so would I!" Her eyes were filled with loathing. "You wouldn't understand. You've never been one of us."

The girl's gaze moved back to Sokka. Her hatred was directed his way as well. He represented what she had lost: loyalty. How was it that Zuko had secured a loyal ally in all this? She should have had two subjects, but they turned on her. This peasant would not even turn on Zuko in the heat of battle?

"You could die here," she snarled, readying another blast, "but you still won't abandon him? He's not worth it."

"Huh, we disagree," Sokka said sarcastically. "What a surprise."

The young strategist was losing his patience with the princess. He reached into a bag over his shoulder. Inside was a small container. Sokka had been waiting to use it, but it seemed like their words were not getting through to Azula. Right when she was about to shoot another blast, Sokka flung the container. The firebender's flames made contact with the substance. Immediately, the boys ducked down. Azula was surprised by their reaction but noticed too late what their reason was. As soon as her fire connected to the blasting jelly in the container, there was an explosion. The princess was knocked back, almost hitting a wall. Her ears rang, but she just glared at the foes.

"We could've used a lethal amount, Azula," Zuko stated, standing back up. "We obviously don't really want you to get hurt." His tone took on a note of sadness. "I know the royal family is messed up, but you're still my sister. Uncle and I…you're still our family."

"Be quiet!" the royal demanded. "We're not family! We never were!"

"We used to be!" he yelled back, more hurt than angry. "When did that change? Father always liked you best, but when did he convince you that you had to hate us?"

"We're not the hateful ones," Azula stated, eyes sinister. "You, Uncle, Mother…you all pushed us away–hated us. Now, you won't even admit it. You just act like it's our fault for wanting the respect we deserve!"

"You know Mom loved both of us!"

"If she did, she wouldn't have killed Grandfather!"

"That was father! You have to know that."

Azula continued to glare at the boy. Of course, it was Ozai's suggestion, but it made sense. How else would the man have gotten closer to the throne? He did that to create their perfect world. Regardless, Ursa did not have to carry out the task in such a foolish way as to get herself executed. She just wanted an easy way out. She did not love her children enough to fight for them.

"She didn't love us," Azula said, pain in her voice.

Zuko heard this and stepped forward, but she got into a fighting stance.

"Dad and I are the only ones who understand each other," she stated, face filled with bitterness and uncertainty. "If he wants me to hate or kill you, I will."

"He doesn't understand you. He just wants you to become him." Anger built up in Zuko and he clenched his hands into fists. "If you ever prove that you're not like him, you'll learn what it's like to really disappoint him."

The princess felt a pit in her stomach. No, that could not happen. She was just like her father. There was no reason for him to think otherwise–no reason to treat her like Zuko. The boy saw a flash of fear in her eyes.

"You shouldn't have to be afraid of him!" Zuko turned to look at Sokka. "Not all dads are like that. Some don't care if you're just like them or not. They just support you either way."

"They're weak," Azula stated. "They should be making brilliant leaders."

"Weapons," Zuko corrected. "Something to control. That's what you mean and what Father really wants."

"He doesn't control me."

"Then why are you trying to kill us?" Sokka asked.

"Because that's what I want."

"You would've done it long before now if it was."

Rage filled every part of Azula's being. She felt blinded by her anger.

"I won't make that mistake again," she promised.

Fire began shooting off the princess. It damaged parts of the walls and ceilings. The fire became a wave. It was impossible to escape. Zuko did his best to block it, but its force knocked the boys back. It crushed down on top of them. Sokka did not know that fire could become heavy. Even with Zuko's defense, it burned and was suffocating. Smoke was filling the palace. There was only heat and fire, no fresh air. Azula's trap had worked. The entire room was hers to control. She floated above her foes. Her eyes were wide with something resembling joy. They could not survive for much longer like this. They would either be burned to death or run out of air. Azula started to laugh. She laughed so much that tears filled her eyes. They distracted her from how much the entire place was being destroyed by the flames. Bits of the ceiling fell, but she saw and heard none of them. Azula only noticed when once fell on top of her. It was sudden and heavy, making her crash into the ground.

Without the princess controlling the flames, the boys were able to get up. They were blistered and bruised, but they could breathe again. Still, it was not great. There was so much fire remaining in the throne room. Sokka grabbed some cloths from his bag, tying one around his nose and mouth. He handed the other to Zuko. He wished they had been damp, but this was better than nothing. They crouched low as they moved towards the exit. Sokka reached it first, but Zuko stalled. He heard another sound. It was a whimper. Squinting, he turned and saw a small pool of blood. The boy's heart stopped for a moment and he ran over, dodging a falling piece of the ceiling. Azula had been hit with a jagged part that pierced her in the back. It was sticking straight out and Zuko's eyes widened at the sight. When she saw him coming over to her, she tried to move away, but that caused excruciating pain.

"Stop moving!" he told her. "We don't know how deep this is."

"G-go away," she commanded.

"I'm not leaving you to die."

The boy carefully started to help his sister stand. As much as she wanted to protest, she let him.

"Sokka!" he called, turning to where his friend had been. "Get out of here! This place is about to come down."

Zuko noticed some lightness as Sokka came up to the other side of Azula. He put an arm around her as well.

"We're all getting out of here," the boy said.

Zuko sent him an appreciative smile as they started making their way to the exit. They moved around the debris on the ground. The exit was right in front of them until more of the ceiling fell. It landed in front of the opening, blocking any escape.

"Come on!" Sokka exclaimed in frustration. "We try to do a good deed and get roasted? How's that fair?"

He tensed, hearing more of the ceiling crumbling down. They were running out of time quickly. In the next instant, they were unable to move back before more of the ceiling had fallen there. Zuko looked at the debris blocking their way, then his friend and sister. An unreadable expression was on his face as he let go of Azula.

"What are you doing?" Sokka asked, adjusting to more weight.

Zuko did not immediately answer. The boy needed to concentrate. He was a member of the Fire Nation, part of the royal family, a nephew, a son, a friend, and a brother no matter what anyone said. He was willing to fight for what he thought was right and still want what was best for his home. These were all parts of him. Of that, there was no doubt. Zuko took a deep breath and brought his hands in front of him.

"I'm getting us out," he responded.

Sokka's brow lifted, then his eyes widened in shock as a pale light filled the small space. Lightning started to sparkle on Zuko's fingertips. A bolt was being formed. It was not pretty or flawless. It was not even very precise, but it was powerful. The lightning blasted the debris in front of the opening, knocking it far from the palace. Immediately, the kids ran out. Just as they did, the rest of the palace crashed down. They saw their allies checking wounds and doing head counts. Katara ran over and quickly embraced her brother.

"You're alive!" she cried, relieved tears filling her eyes. She pulled back and gasped. "Stay still, both of you. I'll heal your injuries."

Sokka turned and gestured to Azula. She was on her side on the ground.

"I think she needs a bit more urgent care."

Surprised, Katara saw the request in his eyes and in Zuko's. She took some water and began treating the wounds.

"Wh-where's Dad?" Azula asked in a pained voice.

She barely wanted that answer, but she had to know where to pay her respects at least. Azula got her answer when she saw some warriors of the Poles walking with the fire lord. His wrists were shackled.

"Dad!" she called out, wincing but still trying to run over to him.

The warriors blocked her path. So, she called again, however, Ozai did not respond to her. His eyes were straight ahead of him as he was led away. The girl's head started to spin and part of it was from blood loss. She swayed slightly, falling until Zuko caught her. Her eyelids closed as she passed out, but not before a quiet word escaped her.

"Zuzu."