Hey There,

Welcome! Day two, as promised! I'm sorry to those of you who have me on author alert or story alert. You may be getting alerted for this chapter twice. I had some technical difficulties trying to post with my phone. That couldn't be fixed till I was able to get to a laptop. But hopefully I've got it all straight now and this new chapter is reaching you all very well. This is our first BIG face-off with Ozai since all of these happy things have happened. It's a sure bet he won't be as welcoming as Lady Ursa was. And I can't wait to get started, so let's get right to it.

I wanted to send out a special thanks to the new readers who have placed this story on their favorites list and story alert. Also thanks to those readers who place me on their favorite author's list and Author's alert. It's the greatest compliment and hope this reaches all of you very well.

Standard Disclaimers Apply - I don't own Avatar the Last Airbender, Nickelodeon, or MTV. I also don't own any of the rights to any of the other trademarked things mentioned here. I am merely borrowing all of these things for my own twisted plots. Most will be returned unharmed.

Dedicated to that friend who never counts out Zuko! You know who you are! This is all for you!

Enjoy!

"They Forgot!"

Chapter 22 - Ozai the Offender

((Zuko's Perspective))

Uncle had been the one to catch my father and apprehend him. Sokka had shown up at the perfect moment to help after leaving a place nearby, and Uncle swears that my father could have probably bested him if it weren't for Sokka's assistance. Uncle was the one who came and told me what my father had been planning too. He would be waiting for us at the prison as well. I was so glad to have him and Sokka with me. But most of all, I was so relieved that Mai could be here too.

Mai was right, I had handled my father many times before. All of his former prison break-out attempts had all been juvenile and shotty at best. But when I realized he had plans to rip Azula's life apart again, as well as mine. I wish I could have been more surprised, that some of his aims had been headed straight for my sister, and my new innocent non-bending brother-in-law. As well as my Mai. I was so furious, I knew if I didn't go in there with Mai beside me. To remind me of who I am…

I could kill him… Really. Before I even realized what I was doing.

I was that angry, that vengeful, and done with his games. One of my men has been keeping track of his escape attempts and their success rates. He's tried 37 times since he was placed in this dwelling that was specially built for him. That's not even counting all of his other break-out attempts in all of the other places he'd stayed over the years. Even so, this is the farthest he's ever gotten. I was so sick of all of it, I needed her hand in mine to remind me of the ruler and the man I wanted to be. While I had to look in the face of the man I never wanted to resemble in any fashion. I wanted to be a Fire Lord with nothing in common with the ruler before me besides blood. So warped, self-centered, violent, and cruel…

Mai must have known I was seething because her hands were rubbing my back and her voice was in my ear. Reminding me, "Hey. They caught him, he didn't get nearly as far as he could have. And because he was caught, you stopped all of his terrible plans from happening."

"Yeah, but this is the furthest he's ever managed to get. I'm having a better one made for him as we speak, I was already building it before this happened… but…"

"You did the right thing," Mai assured. Not even needing me to tell her how malice my reactions were. How murderous they could be if I went alone. Mai knew it all in one look at me and she told me. "We keep talking about how we plan to be a team. It all starts here today, this is the first moment that the former Fire Lord realizes he should have escaped back before our engagement. Because when he's facing the both of us, today. He's gonna see that he has no chance and his opportunity for leniency is gone."

"I'm so glad you're here." I had to tell her. I couldn't step away from her, let her go, or look away from her. She was the only thing keeping me put together. The fact that she was here with me and my father hadn't been able to reach her. I was still too shaken up, he'd been caught too close to the Governor's Mansion. I couldn't even tell her about that, I was still too worried that I would wake up any moment now. To realize the nightmare is that we didn't catch him in time and all of our lives, our chances of peace, of happiness could be greatly endangered. Whether my father could fire-bend or not.

I had to let Suki, Sokka, and Ty-Lee finish filling Mai in on things. She listened to all of them and just let me hold onto her. She seemed more steamed about Ozai's ideals for Azula and Kavin. Then she did about him being caught so close to her home. But no one could have missed the change to her total demeanor when she realized Ozai's plans had also included little Tom-Tom and not just her capture. I can't even describe how scary her rage was in that moment. But I told her, "Save it for the prison. You'll get your chance at him too. Don't worry."

Then I wasn't just holding onto her anymore. She was hanging onto me just as insistently. Dealing with her own rage and murderous tendencies. Trying to keep them all in check till we'd reached our destination. Thankfully it wasn't long till the roof of the prison was in sight and the screaming headache pain I was battling lessened. At the promise of some release and relief when I saw my father safely back inside of his new cell.

We had marched into Mai's house a few times since becoming engaged to handle her family drama. We'd handled even more before that, and now that she was here, with me, handling the worst of my family's dark side. I was beginning to understand her reactions better. How embarrassed and self-conscious Mai would always get before she'd had to do anything like this. Not to mention how strong she had to be, when dealing with unruly old people. I wanted to keep her shielded from this part of my life. I wished neither of us would ever need to be here again. That I could promise her this was the very last time. To see him again, but I knew as long as he lived, this was how it would be. Just as I knew that Mai wasn't the one who needed to be warned right now. My father was.

He thought coming for Mai and little Tom-Tom would be easy. He saw the same ease in disrupting my Mother's and sister's worlds. I needed him to see that Mai (like Mother and Azula) wasn't some frilly princess or damsel in distress. She was the smartest, strongest-willed person I've ever known, and if he wanted a battle. He'd better take aim at me, because Mai is way out of his league.

As the airship landed and everyone was scattering before they lined up perfectly to protect Sokka and us. Mai squirmed out of my hold and offered me her hand saying. "Come on, let's get this over with."

I took her hand and said, "Okay." Even though my heart really wasn't in it.

Sokka too pat me on the back and said, "The sooner we go, the sooner we can leave."

The prison was hidden in a thick blanket of fog most of the time. Tonight was no different, the whole place was merky and hard to see too far in front of us outside. Our guards surrounded us completely and led us to the entrance where Uncle was supposedly waving to us. But I couldn't see him at all. Just as we were walking up, a loud beastly noise sounded overhead. But even as all of our guards tensed ready for attack. Sokka yelled out, "Hey! That sounded like Appa! Didn't it? I can't tell because I can't see… How does Toph do it?"

I had to admit, "I don't know, but it did sound like Appa. There's no way Aang and Katara could make it here that fast!"

I stand corrected, the sky bison landed in front of us with a slapping sound when it hit the ground. Probably because Appa was having just as much trouble as we were seeing the ground.. Aang and Katara were both quick to join our group tugging Toph along as well. Letting me know that ALL of Team Avatar had my back. I told them all, "Thank you, for being here. But how did you-"

Katara said, "Your Uncle tipped us all off via hawk and we weren't too far away."

Aang added, "I haven't seen Ozai since our big trip to Toph's island. It's been a little while, I know he'll want stories this time." There was a time I wouldn't have picked up on his sarcasm. But today I did hear it even if my barely contained rage wouldn't let me join in on their fun.

Toph, however, teased, "Yeah, I'm sure he'll want Aang's goofy stories, Sokka's weird drawings and us girls braiding his hair. Can any of you see right now or do I need to lead the way, Hotshot?"

I let her know, "No, just follow me, it's not like this once we're indoors." I took Mai's hand again and started walking towards the entrance. My guard had spread out to accommodate the rest of our group. I can't believe I forgot for a minute, how comical these guys liked to get with any former enemy they met up with again. My Father was no acception to this rule, so he was in store for a good scolding and comical riffing. I wonder which would be more painful for him. Then I hoped it would be whatever I said that was worse.

Once inside, it took a little while to reach the place where my father was being kept. He'd started out in one of the first cells at the front, overtime he'd landed himself further and further towards the back and basement levels. Aang ran over to the bars greeting him, "Ozai! Buddy! Who let you out of your cage?"

Sokka was right on Aang's heels adding, "Don't you know it's bad to leave your cell when your sentencing is life?"

Toph added, "Did you use your toenails as knives again? We told you about hygiene last time!"

Katara added, "Yeah, you don't live in the palace anymore you've got to do these things for yourself."

My father had the nerve to shoot me a glare as he reminded me, "Zuko, I told you I preferred these meetings without the peanut gallery."

"Then you shouldn't have escaped!" I roared, and my voice rattled the bars and echoed all around us. Mai's hand tightened around mine, reminding me to control my reactions, and built up to the angry outbursts. I didn't want to give my father any sort of upper hand in this. I had to keep some of my emotions in check better. If I was gonna make it through any of this confrontation.

I continued, "If you didn't want us here. If you didn't want a full-scale Team Avatar reaction. Then you should have stayed inside your cell and developed a new hobby. One besides terrorizing the nation you nearly ran so deep into the ground with your own selfishness. There was no hope anymore."

"What would you suggest I do? Since I can't firebend anymore?" He growled, "Do you want me to learn how to knit? You want me to sip tea like my simple-minded brother?"

"That simple older brother, bested you today." I reminded him as he scoffed. "And as far as I'm concerned he bested you long before now in EVERY way possible," I let him know, my voice carrying a rumble like a flame. "I don't care what you do with your time as long as you stay put. Let our nation recover, and find peace the way it should have ages ago."

The former Fire Lord asked me, "Do you really think it's over because you caught me today? Just because Iroh had back-up today, doesn't mean he'll be there next time. There's no way you'll be able to stop me everytime I try."

I let him know, "Don't worry, you won't be here much longer…" I let that statement hang there to see if he was listening.

The former Fire Lord sneered, "Now we both know Zuko the peace-loving Fire Lord would never kill his own father. So why don't you cut to the chase, and tell me what you'll do already? I have another escape to plan and better followers to contact."

I let him know, "I was already constructing a newer and more secure place for you. Since you insist on being a complete nuisance. Because of your stunts today, I will personally be escorting you there the moment it's done. And I'm making certain all of your followers aren't anywhere near you."

"Well, you can certainly try cut me off from them." The old man stretched out. Unbothered or afraid, "But you're such a sad excuse for a ruler. They always find me and seek out my superior ways. Enjoy that throne while you've got it, I'll be reclaiming it soon."

I ignored the threat he made each time I'm here and explained. "Since you refuse to behave new measures have been made on your current cell. So you can't get out of this one the way that you've gotten out of any of the others. I suggest you sit tight and enjoy the warmth and comfort of this place while you've got it. Your next place is gonna be a real hell hole."

He didn't seem the least bit worried as he said, "Keeping me here is far too risky, I've learned how to escape every part of this place. You can't keep me here and you'll have to place me back in the prison at the palace. Like I told the Avatar the last time he came here."

Aang spoke up before I could, "Yeah right, you think we're stupid enough to place you where you ask to be. Pul-lease! Like we haven't already discovered the trap you were trying to set up there and your followers weren't already exposed and placed in another jail. Face it! You've lost, just play nice and stay in your box. Stop incriminating all of these dumb people who think your promises mean anything. You're only out for yourself and that never going to change."

That was when his eyes landed on my fiancée and he began to smile so twisted. "Is this the future Fire Lady you've chosen? This puny little follower who used to be Azula's shadow? What's the matter Zuko? Couldn't find someone new? Couldn't trap anyone better? You had to lower yourself to your sister's former clique? Have you any pride or taste? Besides, was her other friend prettier."

He was baiting me, I knew that. It doesn't change the fact that I was seeing red.

I wanted to say something, but Mai stopped me by holding up a hand. She spoke for herself, "If I'm such a pathetic little thing. It's amazing that you were caught so near my house, with sketched plans for me, my brother, Lady Ursa's family, Azula, and your new son-in-law. If we're so below your notice, I wonder at you going so far out of your way. Doesn't sound like we're all so low, after all."

"Ooooooow, this one has fangs, Zuko, the Elders must love that." His smile had been turned down a bit. I wondered if it was hot in here all of a sudden to anyone else?

I spoke very clearly when I told him, "My life… was never your concern when you were free. It isn't your concern now either. Now that Azula is free and clear of your toxic controlling ways. I want you to think of her the exact same way. Mother left you ages ago and didn't need my help getting away from you. I don't think I even need to say it, but I will. Leave them all alone, or else."

Ozai claimed, "Azula can never be free and clear of my influences. I can take her back anytime I please."

Mai felt like informing him, "That certainly was the way things seemed before. But she's become a lot stronger since she got help. I think even if you had escaped and ran directly to her, instead of me. You would have been surprised how much she has changed."

Ozai spat in Mai's face when he talked, "You two deserve each other than, you're just as stupid as he is."

Mai wiped her face with a sleeve and informed him. "If we're so dumb how come you're the one behind bars and we're not?"

Then he monologued, "Azula will never be stronger than I allow her to be. And her marriage is nothing more than a sham to gain freedom and fool her head doctor. Mark my words, she'll be the one letting me out of this cell, or any other cell you close on me. As soon as she's free, you might as well sigh my pardon, because I will out of here before the ink dries."

Uncle told my father, "Perhaps you would be right about that. If this were years ago and I hadn't seen your daughter's progress with my own eyes. But Azula has come a long way since then, and I don't think we're the one's you're trying to convince right now, brother."

"Oh shut up you old fool!" He cursed my Uncle. "You all just wait and see. You haven't won, only I can win and when I do. I'll make certain to kill every last one of you this time. Your little Mai flower here, she'll die first."

I wanted to punch him, kill him for even pointing his dirty finger at Mai. But before I could say anything, Mai stopped me from jumping in front of her. She spoke first letting the former Fire Lord know. "Strong words coming from a disgraced non-bending former Fire Lord. But if you had gotten to me today, I assure you. You wouldn't have made it out of the Governor's mansion with all of your limbs. You might want that added to your sketchy plans and blueprints for next time."

Every one of our friends either laughed or appreciated the sting. But I knew looking into Mai's face, that she was about as kidding as I was right now. Which just in case you don't know, I wasn't kidding at all.

Father spattered and rattled his bars at her, "You little fool! First, you entangle yourself with the worst Fire Lord ever born and then you come here to insult me."

Mai shrugged, "You almost came into my home to kidnap me. I know you would have killed me if you could too. Me telling you what to expect in the future seems to leave us even."

I felt like I needed to say, "And there won't be any next time!"

Father went off on some long-practiced speech about how I wasn't his son. I was the worst ruler ever and peace was a myth. Aang yawned and said, "Yeah, yeah, Ozai we all know what you'd like to do to us." Aang even impersonated my father's voice as he repeated, "'You held the world in the palm of your hand once, then Zuko and I snatched it all away.'" Then he spoke in his own voice, "Can you work on getting better material the next time we meet? Instead of these tired old complaints?"

I got eye level with my old man and warned, "All of us used to be afraid of you at one time or another. You used to be the scariest thing not living in my nightmares. Now you're just a pathetic old man who can't let go of the past. I wish you could learn and change, but I know you never will. You can threaten all of us till your face turns blue. The truth you need to realize is that even if you did escape. Reclaim the thrown and get everything back that you lost. You would still never be happy, because you don't know how to be. I pity you, All of us are happy without you, and none of us are giving up that happiness. Not for anything. So when you do contact your support and whoever else has been helping you. You better tell them to bring their best, because as peaceful as I hope the future is. I won't go down without a fight like you've never seen."

(Iroh's Perspective)

You can't imagine how surprised I was by today's events. I had some time to spare waiting for my next assignment. So I had bought some new sandals and tried out a new tea shop. I pride myself on still enjoying the tea from my own place much better. But at least this wasn't just heated leaf juice with no character. The Darjeeling tea was so inviting! I'd love to know their methods of getting it so smooth and rich. They're leaf roasting methods before…

Sorry about that, I have a one-track mind when it comes to tea.

When I was walking back to our hidden outpost, I crossed near my niece's home. The niece I was gaining through Zuko, of course. I even thought about dropping in on dear Mai, to say hi. Zuko is always so worried about her whenever she gets left in that house for any length of time. Swearing she'll feel trapped and lonely, if not worse.

But before I could fully decide, a cloaked figure appeared to be staring at the same house I was. Another appeared shortly after, then another. Then ten more, it was a swarm of them all scattered about the mixed crowd of innocent bystanders. The bystanders were all wearing shades of red, like typical fire nation citizens do. These characters were all wearing black and stuck out like sore thumbs.

At first I thought I was being too protective, maybe there was some reason behind all of this black that wasn't threatening. But I watched for a bit longer to make certain. Until the leader emerged from it his hiding place I couldn't believe my own eyes! I only saw the leaders face below his nose, but it was enough. I realized my brother had escaped and I needed to stop him before he launched some kind of attack on Mai's home and family.

I took out his followers, got some of my people to help me do that. (Other White Lotus Sentries from the nearest post) Nearly all followers were secured (four managed to escape, but the rest were carried off) and only Ozai remained, before my brother and I could battle however. Ozai was knocked over the head by a boomerang that had been thrown by Sokka. I had never been so glad to see our Water Tribe friend in all of our acquaintance.

After that, I saw it as my responsibility to inform Fire Lord Zuko of not only catching my brother. Before he had acted, but I thought he needed to know all that we'd unveiled after further investigation. Like the plans that had been found among my brother's loyalists. Documentation stating outright some of his ideas for getting and handling his sister as well as Zuko, himself. How he would have used, Mai and Kavin of course. But also Lady Ursa, Ikem, Kiyi and Tom-Tom as well. These sketches were sinister and cruel, but Zuko needed to know what he was up against. In case anything ever were to happen like this again, or Ozai's loyalties started to strike at him sometime soon.

Sokka went with me and neither of us wanted to tell Zuko any of this. But my nephew had been not very far away. He had been at the prison trying to see his father and had been the one to discover Ozai's cell was empty. So as relieved as he was to hear our news of finding him. He couldn't have remained comforted for long, after hearing all we'd found out. Or how far Ozai had come to a clean getaway this time.

The first thing he had been sure of was, he ordered for a new cell assignment entirely for his father. In a separate part of the prison that was partially underground. The cell's floor, walls, and ceilings were all thick sheets of reinforced steel. It was basically a big steal box with no windows and bars only going across the viewing area on the front of it. So any method of leaving would be back to the drawing board for some time.

Zuko claimed that he had already been looking into more secure places to stash him. But he would need another week at least before those plans were ready. The next thing he set in motion was, "Uncle, you go along with father's escort. Make sure he doesn't try anything on he's way back here. Sokka, we need to make a little stop by the Governor's Mansion. I need Mai to come with us, if I'm going to face my father tonight."

Sokka questioned my nephew on this course of action. Because he was probably just as shaken up about how close things had come today. I didn't because after watching Mai handle Zuko throughout all of Princess Azula's wedding plans. I had my suspicions about what Zuko had meant. But watching them stand before Ozai and both of them complete each other so entirely… even I had been surprised by that. Mai showed superior wit, intelligence and deadly skill. All without drawing a single knife (because she knew Ozai would use anything he could to throw back at us. She wasn't going to help him at all, and she saw throwing him possible weapons to stash as counterproductive.). Before she gave up trying to reason with my brother she made one thing crystal clear to him.

Mai told Ozai, (before leaving) "I know you'll never stop coming at Uncle Iroh, Lady Ursa, her family, Zuko or Azula. I know you think that by somehow ruining their lives, you win. Even if that makes no logical sense, whatsoever. But if you ever come at my family again, just know I won't hesitate to defeat you by any means necessary the next time we meet. And since your family has already been my family long before your son proposed. Just be ready to fight for your life the next time you try a thing on any of them."

Ozai growled, "Is that a threat, little racoon-kitty?"

Mai clarified, "No, it's a warning." Before she walked out with my nephew never looking back.

Others can say what they want about my nephew's choice in bride. But there's no way you'll ever hear anything but praise from me. Before and after this turn of events.

Sokka voiced his concerns about both of us, arriving a little later than normal to our next assignments. But I assured him a matter where the Fire Lord, Future Fire Lady and Avatar were all in attendance would speak for itself. He admitted, "Yeah, good call Iroh."

I let Zuko know that I would be seeing Ursa and Azula after wrapping up my next assignment. So I would be letting them know everything I'd seen and heard today. Including what both Zuko and Mai had said there at the end. Which appeared to take a load off of my nephew's shoulders.

As we all exited the foul-smelling, dreary penitentiary. Zuko smirked, "You think this is bad, just wait till you see the next place I'm sticking him. It really is horrible, I wasn't bluffing back there."

Aang let my nephew know, "He really only has himself to blame. He doesn't realize how good he's got it… like in any part of his life. It's sad really… but I can't bring myself to feel sorry for him at all. And I was raised by monks, who forgive everyone for everything!"

Sokka added, "Can you believe what he said about Azula? What the actual HELL? I'm so glad you all were telling him off after that. And he spat on Mai when he was talking! MAI, talk to me! Are you catching his madness? Or sticking selfishness? Is he contagious?"

Mai rubbed at her face again and said, "Apparently not... though I am gonna need to boil this cheek now."

Most of the kids surrounding us agreed with an "Eew!" or laugh. Look at Miss Mai keeping up with Sokka's wit and comedic timing! Zuko could stand to take a lesson from her. Suki stepped out of alignment to take Sokka's hand. Ty-Lee following her, nodding her full agreement with Sokka's statement. Even though Sokka whispered to them, "I also can't believe I'm speaking up for Azula."

Katara fumed, "He's the worst, completely. But at least he didn't get too far."

Toph swatted Katara, Sokka, and Aang before pointing at Zuko and Mai. Whatever she had sensed in the vibrations coming off of them. It was clear a change of subject was necessary. As well as Mai being a step ahead of her. Asking Zuko, "Are you able to return to the palace tonight? Or do you still have to leave like you meant to earlier?"

He took a moment to answer her, before indicating. "I don't know, my schedule keeper was dropped off at the palace. He has been communicating back and forth with hawks trying to figure everything out. I'll have to go see what the verdict is before anything else." Then he addressed the rest of our friends. Letting them know, "All of you are welcome to stay as long as you would like at the palace. Clean up, grab something to eat, change of clothes, somewhere to sleep. Whatever you need, I know we're all between missions and tired."

Aang yawned hugely…affecting all of the fog and merk that had been creeping up on our party. He'd cleared a big circle around us all with a breath (airbenders are fascinating) before saying. "Thanks, buddy, we may take you up on that tonight. Hopefully, you get to stick around too. You've been through more than anyone else."

"I'm okay," Zuko said, sounding like he was trying to convince himself of the fact as much as the Avatar. "But it would be nice to be home tonight. I have barely set foot in the palace for a month or more." But watching the way Zuko kept staring at Mai. I knew it wasn't the inner walls of his home that were so appealing to him right now. He wanted more time with her more than anything else. I imagine after the dragon's flight of emotions that he had just experienced. He needed a little extra assurance that things really were okay, in the end.

When we arrived at the palace, Zuko's schedule keeper. A high-strung and nervous sort of fellow, rushed to me asking, "Oh! General Iroh? Is the Fire Lord with you?"

I had hopped onto Appa with Aang, Katara and Toph. There was a lot more room there than on Zuko's airship loaded with guards. We had arrived several moments ahead of the others. So I was honest when I said, "No but he isn't far behind."

The younger man seemed relieved. "I have been speaking with those who were expecting the Fire Lord today about the former Fire Lord's emergency. They were hoping he could still make it. But they were expecting him in the daylight hours and they have strict curfew laws for nighttime arrivals of any kind. I was unsure of how to proceed, do you suppose his excellency would rather press on and travel overnight anyways? Or do you think it would be better for him to rest here in the palace? Then travel there tomorrow, so these laws would not be a concern? I really needed to have replied thirty minutes ago! What should I say?"

I told him, "Give them the notice to expect him tomorrow, then let Zuko and his friends rest here tonight." I knew after the day we'd all just been through. There was no better medicine, than rest and a little time altogether. I went ahead and informed the rest of the house staff of what to expect. And awaited the arrival of the rest of our group.

I hoped between all of us, Zuko wouldn't suffer so much onslaught and aftermath. He had done everything right and my brother was still behind bars. But knowing my nephew as well as I do. I knew he would like be in for a long night of reevaluating all the things he hadn't done and could have done better. I hoped we could help him not be so hard on himself, this time.

((Aang's Perspective))

Usually whenever the whole team is together like this. The whole night is a blast. It doesn't happen so often. So we really look forward to these moments when we can pull a night like this one, off. A victory, where we're all in the same place at the same time and between missions.

Winter was nearly here now, so the outdoors was pretty cold! And my girlfriend's from the south pole, I know cold. this could have been an early Christmas celebration… on any other night.

But tonight, the night happening right now… was different. There was this deeply disturbing undertone. That just wouldn't let up, to the point no one could say it was "fun." It didn't feel like a victory at all, because everyone was so affected by the news of what could have happened. I fully realized that this was exactly what Ozai had wanted. It would make him endlessly happy to rob us of our peace of mind. As well as our usual silliness for any length of time. He wasn't just a murderer he was also a killjoy.

So it was our new mission to not let Ozai win… at the same time as being respectful of what others needed right now. Like when we arrived and when we were all eating. We all worked to keep the conversation flowing and upbeat. We stirred clear of any problematic topics and tried to keep everyone smiling…

It worked pretty well, even Mai was making a great effort to speak up more. To tease and to cheer up. But of course, we could all only keep this up for so long. Eventually, Zuko had to succumb to all of the things he'd learned today. And acknowledge the overall toll today had taken on him. Not only as the current ruler being threatened by the former dethroned disgrace. But also as a human who felt like he should never expect full peace with a father like his.

When I was retiring for the night, I noticed Zuko off to the side. On his own, and everyone else was trying to give him his space. Something told me to try and talk to him. I had no idea what he was going through or what to say. But still, something pulled me over to him and made me ask him, "How are you?"

Zuko admitted, "I'm here… that's about it."

Looking for something to say, I had to point out. "Hey. At least you're home this time and not trying to sleep on an airship or some strange place far away. We're all here with you, things could be worse."

"That's what everyone keeps saying," Zuko said, giving that undertone that had been present all night a voice. "That things could be worse… Don't get me wrong, I agree. But the mental pictures and possibilities my father's plans have brought up. Even if they're not happening today, still confirmed so many of my nightmares and suspicions."

"I imagine so," I (Aang) tried to be helpful. "And you can't pretend like that isn't terrifying, and no one is asking you to. Not one of us."

"On top of that, my Father's Loyalists are becoming more and more of a problem." Zuko shared with me for the first time in years. We had more situations with Ozai defenders back when Zuko first took over the throne. I figured he had always kept an eye on them after that, turns out I wasn't wrong.

"Why didn't you tell me sooner, you don't have to shoulder everything alone, you know?" I asked him.

Zuko snapped, "I know!" Before he regained control of his emotions and said noticeably softer. "You've got enough that you need to help me out on, as it is. I didn't want to add anymore onto that pile."

I'd felt like this for a while, and this was probably a good time to say it. So I told my friend, "I know Ozai is your father. So you feel like he's some of your responsibility but he's always gonna be a part of mine too. Even if he isn't my family, he will always be a part of my story too. So don't feel like you have to handle all of his baggage alone. Okay?"

"You sound just like Mai, my sister and mother." Of all the things I was expecting Zuko to say. That wasn't it. "All of them are always getting on my case about trying to take on too much. Of locking thing up, and not letting them know so much about it. If I do tell them something that's happened like that, I'm famous for already handling it all before I come forward about it. They all tell me I need to let them help too."

"Which makes sense." I told him, "They're all your family, and Mai is gonna be family officially when she's your Fire Lady. Some people have nothing but people who refuse to help or care. You're lucky to have so many people surrounding you who want to help you. Plus Mai should start now, and get the hang of it."

Zuko had to brag, "Wasn't she fantastic?"

"She was." I had to admit, "I never doubted her for a minute. But she even impressed me and the look on your father's face when we were walking out there… so worth it."

"It was… Aang I don't want Mai to have to get used to having to have nights like tonight." Zuko finally said, I'd been waiting for it. He went on speaking quickly as the words spilled out. "I want to protect her, I want to get her out of the Governer's house and into the palace for good. But there are so many times I remember. This home isn't an easy one either, it's gonna come with a lot of hard work and even more baggage than the place she's leaving. How can I ask her to leave the place she's miserable just to come be possibly less miserable a little further up the street?"

"Because she's not gonna be just moving in, like a roommate." I reminded him. "When Mai marries you she will be tying herself to you in every way possible. So that wherever you go in the world, that bond is undeniable and permanent. Even if you can't carry her with you everywhere, that bond keeps her with you always. She's not doing it for the job, title or to escape anyplace really. Those are extras, she's really doing it because she loves you and that is why we're all here too buddy. We want you and Mai to build this place together and make it the happy home both of you deserve. We want to see you do it and celebrate your success when it happens."

He took a deep breath and said, "You're right… I think I needed reminding after all we faced today. If he'd gotten away…"

I reminded him again, "But he didn't, you've got to let yourself relax and breathe again. Because today, he didn't win. AND we've placed all kinds of extra security around him so he's watched constantly till his new prison is finished. This can work and you really can go rest in your own room tonight with your fiancee. I'm sure she needs just as much assurance as you do tonight."

"You're right again… thanks buddy." He said sounding really tired.

I told him, "No problem! Thanks for letting all of us crash here tonight. This is way better than the bedrolls and tents we're used to."

"Anytime you're around here, even if I'm not here to say so. My home is your home, you're all welcome anytime." Zuko felt the need to make clear, even though he'd said it a few other times tonight.

Then we both headed up to bed after the others, I found where Katara was sleeping and crawled in beside her after I got ready for bed. She was laying down and her eyes were closed, but when she felt my arms snake around her. One big blue eye popped open at me and she laughingly whispered. "I thought you were sharing with Sokka tonight? What happened to that plan?"

"Sokka's with Suki, I didn't want to third wheel," I whisper back and pressed a kiss to her shoulder then her cheek. I didn't know if that was true, but it was a sound bet since we were all in the same place. I didn't see Sokka letting that opportunity pass him by.

I asked Katara, "Where's Toph? I thought you were bunking with her?"

"I was supposed to be," she turned and stole a couple of kisses too. "But she was having a girl's night with Ty-Lee and some of the other warriors. I was invited but too tired, so I just went to bed."

"So it's just you and me in here?" I asked, in the same soft voice.

"Yep." She chirped.

"Then why are we whispering?" I asked her as her face broke out into a bright smile.

"You started it," she said speaking with a more normal volume. "Besides I was just so thrilled about the idea of sleeping in a bed tonight. I couldn't get here soon enough."

"Me too." I admitted, "But I have to admit having you here is way better than sharing with one of the guys."

"I certainly hope so." She laughed and made me chuckle along. Her laugh always made me smile if not laugh too. It was contagious and sounded like music. Knowing I had meant to check on our host. She asked, "How's Zuko, did you get to talk to him?"

"I did and he's still dealing with everything that happened and didn't happen today." I shared. "But I think it was a big help to him having all of us with him. Even if especially Mai, I'm hoping she can help him reclaim some comfort tonight. While they can be together too, the poor guy was just on a balcony stewing when I found him."

"That's to be expected," she seemed to relate. "He's been through too much lately, this was just the black cherry on top he didn't need. Did you leave him out there or-"

"No, he's off to bed himself." I assured her, "I couldn't have left him out there."

"I figured you wouldn't, did Mai stay?" She asked with an expression that looked like she felt like she was asking a dumb question.

I tried not to laugh, she was so cute. "I think she did, I don't see how she could leave. With a golden opportunity like this to be with the person she loves. Especially after a day like today. But I think we need to follow their example and just try to rest."

"You're right," She agreed too easily. Turning to face the other way and saying, "Good Night."

"Night." I played along and even turned to face the other way too. So we had our backs to one another.

I don't think this even lasted five minutes before she asked me, "Can you sleep?"

"Nope," I answered honestly.

"Neither can I." She admitted. So we both rolled to face each other again and meet in the middle. To spend this time alone a little more pleasant, with no one scoffing or telling us to "get a room." But even as I lost all coherent thought making out with my own sweetheart. I couldn't help but hope that somewhere else in the palace similar happy times were taking place. With Zuko and Mai, as well as Sokka and Suki… I had said they were together, hoping I was right.

That's all for now!

But don't worry we'll be back tomorrow with another post! This one got long on me and I had to break it down. But more tomorrow, can't wait for you to see it! Yay! Thank you for reading this far. Review if you can please, I would love to hear from you. And hope you're having an AWESOME day! Take Care and Much Love!

~DarcyBeDippy85