End of the Beginning

Chapter 13

Iroh came quicker then the others did so we helped him get settled in, to which Iroh found unnecessary but we all just wanted to spend time with him. After a few hours my siblings and Aang finally arrived. Out of excitement, Kaito and I rushed out to welcome them.

"Kya! Kaito!" They all happily said in unison, hugging us.

"It's good to see you guys again," Kaito said with a smile.

"Iroh! We didn't expect to find you here!" Katara looked behind us with a large smile.

"Zuko, your friends have arrived!" Iroh called out to the other room. 

"Thank you for inviting us to your home, your fieriness!" Aang said in a bow making Kaito cock a brow,"We've been out of touch for much too long!"

"It's only been a week since you two came back though," Kaito said, crossing her arms.

"Less actually," I corrected.

"Where's Toph?" Zuko asked.

"She had to stay at the academy," Sokka responded,"Now that folks have seen the lily livers,,, I mean students in action, everyone and their mother wants to be a metal bender. Even the Yu Dao police chief went to visit her!"

"Sounds like she has her hands full," I replied with a small smile.

"We came as soon as we received Kya's message," Katara said looking at me, wondering why I didn't explain anything in my letter and just asked them to come,"What's this about?"

"I recently obtained some new information about Ursa, my mother. It turns out she's from a small town called Hira'a on the outskirts of the Fire Nation," Zuko said,"I'm going there to look for her,"

"And with work piling up around here and not knowing just how long he'll be gone. Zuko asked Iroh to help me watch over things," Kaito smiled as she and Zuko gestured to Iroh.

"May you find who,, and what you are searching for, my nephew," Iroh added.

"That's great, Zuko! But it sounds like you've got everything covered,," Aang hesitated.

",,,So why do you need us?" Katara asked.

"Well," I chimed in trying to explain it without agitating everyone,"Zuko had to accept a certain arrangement-,"

"Behind you!" Aang yelled to us as the three got ready to attack.

Feeling a sharp glare from behind my head I could only assume it was Azula they were referring to. 

"How did you escape, Azula?!" Katara gritted as she tried shooting ice at Azula.

"Katara, wait!" Zuko yelled out as I evaporated the water before it could reach Azula.

Azula simply stood there behind me, unfazed of what could have occurred. Almost as she expected it but didn't care. 

"Stay back! We don't want to hurt you!" Aang ordered.

"Speak for yourself, Aang!" Sokka added.

Azula gave a loud laugh,"Ignorant peasant! You really think you can take me on with a boomerang?"

"Let's find out!" An agitated Sokka replied.

"Sokka, stop!" Suki said rushing out with Ty Lee,"Let Zuko, explain!"

"Suki!" Sokka with with joy to see his girlfriend. They embraced in a hug.

"Azula was the one who got the information from Ozai. Because she helped me out, we made a deal. She's going to come with me to look for our mother," Zuko explained,"And she's going to travel unbound. With dignity,"