18 into the fire nation

As I left the oasis that had been my home for the past year and a half, I began to trek through the desert. 

The number of bandits has fallen greatly, and those that are left rarely leave their hiding places. 

The last group I came across didn't even fight back. They simply fell to their knees and asked me to spare them; I did not. For how many said the same words to them before also being killed? Mercy is a right they do not have. 

It took me a few days to walk out of the desert. I still had my map from back then. It has helped me greatly, and it will continue to do so for the next few years. 

Journeying through the earth as a as a nation was simple, yet danger was at every turn. Although I could easily fend off an ambush, I simply didn't want to. Killing so many earth benders would give me nothing. 

I spent my days peacefully travelling through the nation. Taking in the sights along the way. From the Great Plains to imposing mountains. The earthly nation was a place of great beauty.

After two weeks of travelling, I was able to arrive at the border between the Earth and Fire Nation Colonies. The hardest part of my journey would no doubt be entering the Fire Nation as well as the Royal Palace. 

After waiting a few days, I was able to find a merchant who was willing to smuggle me into my home nation. It took a large amount of bribes as well as valuable objects I'd taken from the bandits. 

The ship took another 4 days to arrive in the heart of the nation. Due to my armour as well as my height, I had no choice but to wait until nightfall before moving through Larhe towns and sub-cities. 

After three nights, I was able to arrive in the capital. The total duration of my journey was nearly a month. Raising my head, I looked towards the moon before releasing a sigh.

"I'm sorry, Azula; it was much harder to get here than I thought. But I suppose it's time to see you again." My voice was but a whisper, easily taken by the wind. Filling my lungs with air, I began to run through the city, sticking to back alleys and roof tops.

It took me more than an hour to finally reach the palace. 

Growing up in a certain place certainly helps.

Due to how kind I was towards the servants, they taught me all the hidden little passages that are used by them to quickly move around the castle. 

Or, as one more blunt servant accidentally revealed, quickly hide from any raging royal.

Sneaking through corridors and courtyards while using said passages, I eventually arrived at my room, or what was my room. 

Opening the door, I quickly looked around and noticed that it was tidy, almost exactly as it was before I left for Ba Sing Sa. Once you arrived in front of my court yard, I was amazed by the sight of three people. 

Iroh, Zuku, and Azula sat under my tree, sharing a pot of tea. They had yet to notice me.

They all seemed sombre; however, it was well contained through the training royals must attend. Without taking another step, I announced myself. 

"Do you have another cup?" The second I spoke, their heads swirled towards me. 

Azula stood up and pointed at me. Her nose scrunched up into her face. "It's you! You were the one who told me! Where is he?"

Iroh PoV. 

1 month ago 

Azula has begun to exhibit odd behaviour. Every night, she waits at the Maels tree. From sunset to sunrise, "This is a dangerous pattern; if she continues, she may damage her health." Speaking my thoughts aloud, I couldn't help but sigh. 

'What am I going to do with these children'? Shaking my head, I returned to my tea while thinking of how to help each of them get over their grief.

~the night Mael entered the palace~

Azula has continued her pattern; it's as if she's waiting for something. There is no waiting for someone. It can't be Mael as much as I wish it to be; I know both my sons are dead. 

I couldn't help but close my eyes and take a deep breath to recompose myself. "Tonight I will help Azula. I will get Zuko and then take her over to Maels Roo; together, maybe we could help her and each other."

After collecting my nephew, we made our way towards the Maels rooms. Over the years since Mael died, they have grown apart. Even so, their actions were similar. Both are training to avenge him and, to do so, destroy the earth nation. 

I admit, I had thought about it. Continuing the war, how many more parents must watch their children die? I simply can't partake in something like that. 

We quickly arrived at the Maels rooms. 

"Azula." I got her attention as she sat there looking lost. "Zuku and I have come to keep you company throughout the night." Walking over to her, I set up a small table and a tea pot. 

We talked about a lot of things. About Mael and the pranks he played when he wasn't training. I even told them of the time he challenged me for my title, Dragon of the West. 

The evening was going well. So well, I lowered my guard and just began to enjoy myself. Before I called it a night, however, a voice interrupted us. 

"Do you have another cup?" The voice was distorted by armour yet held a smidge of familiarity.