As the palace entrance came into view, Zuko couldn't help but grin as his mother hurried outside towards them, Noren following close behind. The light from inside washed over their bodies keeping the shadows of the night at bay and whatever might still be lurking in them. Kiyi squirmed out of her older brother's grasp to meet her mother half way. "Mommy!" She jumped into her mother's arms as the women knelt down to catch her.

Tears steadily slid down Ursa's face, her precious daughter safely back in her arms. "Oh, my baby…I'm so glad you're safe!" she hugged her tightly as if letting go would make her child disappear again. Ursa glanced up at her son, whose joy reflected her own "Thank you Zuko."

Noren knelt down, his eyes brimming with tears as he hugged them both. "Kiyi we were so worried!"

"Daddy!" Kiyi turned to hug him even though her mother's arms never let her go.

Aang came up behind the Fire Lord to rest a hand on his shoulder, his voice low. "See, everything worked out in the end. The kids are all returned to their parents and your sister was stopped. You should learn to trust me more."

Zuko sighed "You were right Aang. What I tried to do earlier was wrong…I should have considered all of my people and not just myself or my family." He really had become a monster.

"Don't worry about." Aang grinned "We all make mistakes. We just have to learn from them."

"Mom! You're crushing me!" Kiyi's voice grabbed their attention as she struggled to free herself from her mother's suffocating grasp.

Ursa's eyes widened as she loosened her grip upon her daughter. She felt fear run through her of Kiyi rejecting her once again. However, when she met her child's eyes, they were filled with happiness and a familiar fire that reminded of her oldest daughter. Relief spread through her "I thought I was never going to see you again!"

"Don't be silly! I knew Zuko was going to save me!" She turned to face her brother with admiration. Zuko was about to correct that it was Aang who had found them but she bombarded him with questions "Why were you in that crypt earlier? Did one of those crazy ladies run in there? Did you use your awesome fire bending to subdue her? Was it a tough battle?"

The memory of his encounter with Azula burned in his mind. His mother still did not know of Azula's involvement with the Kemurikage. He would rather it stay that way. He glanced at Aang uncertainly "Yes, I did chase one of them in there but…"

"Did you send her crying? Did you win?" Kiyi bounced up and down in her excitement. Ursa looked wearily at her daughter then back to Zuko, her eyes glistening with apprehension.

The Fire Lord sighed, his eyes reflecting pain "No…nobody won that fight."

Kiyi stopped jumping, noticing the shift in her brother's demeanor "What's the matter Zuzu…?"

Zuzu…

An image of his sister's smile crossed his mind. That smile he had given him in the graveyard had sent chills down his spine. He had never seen such gentleness in her golden eyes before. It had been the telling factor that something within her was different but then why…why did she do this? What motivation did she have for causing all of this chaos? Was it to make him a stronger leader as she claimed? If she wanted to make him a better Fire Lord this was not it! Ruling through fear was not a path he would choose no matter how many attempts she made.

"Zuzu…?" a hand on his arm made him snap out of his thoughts. He gazed down into his little sister's brown eyes that were filled with confusion.

That was Azula's nickname she had given him when she was two, hardly being able to pronounce his name. Zuzu was the only way she could properly get his attention when she wanted to play. It used to be a fond reminder of their connection as siblings…and now he couldn't stand it, not even when it was coming from his sweet little sister. It only caused him pain and unwanted anger "Please don't call me that Kiyi…"

"But I…"

"Kiyi…Zuko's tired. He's had a long day." Ursa's amber gaze glistened with concern "Why don't we let him get some rest."

Kiyi looked ready to protest until her father hoisted her up on his shoulders "Come on you! It's time for bed!"

"But I'm not tired yet!" Kiyi pouted but let out a yawn moments after that betrayed her words. Noren and his daughter disappeared inside, leaving them alone.

"Zuko dear…" Zuko unwillingly turned his attention towards his mother, bracing himself for questions that he wasn't ready to answer. "What happened tonight? Is there anything I should know about…?"

The Fire Lord swallowed back the truth, putting on what he hoped was a perfect façade "No, nothing happened" he forced a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes "It's just been a very stressful day. The Kemurikage got away and there was no trace of them left. I am worried on what they'll try to do next."

Ursa stared at her son for a moment, weighing the truth within his words. He wasn't telling her everything but now was not the time to question him. Rest is what her son needed more than ever. She smiled "I am sure that you will figure something out in order to find them. You're a very good Fire Lord my son. If anyone can keep this nation safe it's you."

"Thanks mom" he pulled her in her a hug, relishing the moment before gesturing for them to go inside.

When his mother was out of earshot Aang whispered "So, when are you going to tell her the truth?"

Zuko didn't look at him as he walked through the doorway. He stood still for a moment, staring down the hall that led to Azula's old bedroom. A thought crossed his mind that there would always be a place for her when she decided to come home. No matter what happens…she will always be his sister and he would always be there to protect her. "Honestly Aang…I don't know if I will ever be able to."

A dark cloaked figure leapt from roof top to roof top, her mind cleared of all distractions as her destination came into view. Her heart rate sped up as anticipation overshadowed her once calm demeanor. Light seeped out from the open window in the palace. Azula slowed her pace down as she neared, knowing the need for secrecy in this moment was highly favorable than being caught. As she leapt down onto the edge of the roof, she could see a figure's shadow moving about within the room, the light from the torches flickering and distorting the image.

The Prodigy stood still for a few moments catching her breath. She had run all the way here, leaving her group behind in a secluded part of the forest outside the crater. They didn't even know where she was. It was the night after everything went down and the same day as Zuko made his speech to their nation. Agni knows why she even came here. She had been trying to figure that out herself. It was a strange pull that she could not seem to rid herself from. It had been annoying her to no end. A part of her was desperate to get away from the reminder of the toxic life she once lived here. Another part couldn't detach and instead desired to stay for a reason that kept eluding her.

What did she so desire to see? What could this instinct that had kept her around desperately want? She had fulfilled her purpose. Proving to Zuko that he could be a ruthless leader had been her main goal. He needed to accept that part of himself he wanted to lock away and pretend never existed. Azula knew from experience that you cannot escape from the monster inside yourself just as you cannot run away from your shadow. Both tasks were impossible; however, you can tame what you fear within. She had never felt so free in her life once she had embraced who she had become. It was far easier than fighting a never ending battle.

Azula crept up to the window, willing her heart to slow down. Crouching below, she listened as shuffling noise continued. A soft voice dismissing servants reached her ears. As soon as it was quiet she peered over the edge. The Princess felt her own body tense as the sight of her brother came into view. He sat at the edge of his bed, one hand clutching his hair while the other held a picture. His eyes glistened with pain, his mouth set as a half smile. Azula could only assume that the person he could be looking at was Mai. It would be no surprise that he had kept a picture of her.

She felt her grip on the window tighten.

"I don't understand…why did it have to be this way…?" Zuko spoke quietly to himself, not knowing that he was far from alone. Azula could hear the grief in his voice. He and Mai were never going to last…he should figure that out now before he gets his heart broken again. It would be for the best. "I thought that we were finally off to a good start. I was so sure…but then you pull something like this?"

Azula observed as he clutched the picture in his hands tighter, watching as his knuckles whitened from his grip. She became fascinated at the sudden clench in his jaw and fire that now burned in his eyes. Letting go of his hair, he formed an orange flame, holding it under the picture. The anger she felt coming off of him made her shiver. Whether her body reacted out of pleasure or unease was unclear to her but she knew that the longer she spied on her brother, the more confusing her reactions to the sight of him became. The flames licked at the edge of the picture, one small shift in his hand would set it on fire, turning it to ash. What is he waiting for?

"I can't…" his voice was hoarse as he let the flame die out "I won't give up on you. No matter how much distance you put between us, I'll keep fighting."

Azula almost wanted to jump in his room, snatch the image, and burn it herself. He was always so sentimental. Even when people wronged him, he still found it in himself to forgive. She should teach him how emotions were useless next. Burning the picture of Mai would be a simple task if he didn't wear his heart on his sleeve so damn much. He shouldn't let people walk all over him!

Lost in her thoughts she hadn't realized that Zuko had stood up, heading in her direction. Once she heard the drawer of a desk open, she pulled her hood up further, ducking back into the shadows. Her heart beat faster as she listened for any sounds from him that indicated she had been spotted. Hearing nothing but silence, she peeked into the room once more to find her brother no more than five feet from the window. Zuko's attention was focused on the image once more, taking a moment to rub his thumb over it before tucking it away where it would not be seen again.

She watched quietly as walked back towards his bed, snuffing out the flame from the only remaining lit torch in the room. Climbing under the covers, he faced away from her. She was about to leave until she heard him speak softly. She should have just kept going but something inside made her stop: A deeply ingrained instinct that the Prodigy could not shake. She strained to listen, his words causing her to freeze. "Where ever you are, I hope you're safe. Sprits watch over my sister…"

Zuko…was thinking of her…?

The Princess felt her heart beat faster. Then the person he was just talking about…was it her? That image…Azula's amber eyes looked at the desk in which he had stored the picture away. What kind of memories did that hold? Why was he keeping any sort of value that held her? The more Azula tried to delve deeper into what this could all mean, the more her mind pushed it farther away. It was not something she should be concerned with. It was getting late and she should be getting back to her group.

Casting one last glance in her brother's direction she sprinted off silently into the night. That picture…she had to see what it was. As the very edge of the palace roof came into view, a wall rose up behind it. Leaping down, she rolled on the ground to break her fall. With her back up against the bricks wall behind, she listened for any movement. When she heard nothing she pressed her left hand against a switch she had discovered when she was only seven. As she stepped into the tunnel she forced herself not to look back. There would be other opportunities to find out what that picture contained.

Arriving back at their campsite, she stopped ten feet way, peering through the trees to make sure the girls were all still asleep. The fire still glowed but had significantly died down from when she had left earlier. The last thing she needed was for anyone to question her.

Without making a sound, Azula crept closer to a spot below a giant oak tree that seemed to tower above the others. She was surprised to find a blanket there for her. No one had needed to look out for her but she found it welcoming. These women…they were strangers to her but yet she felt a familiar kinship with them. The one thing they had in common was being constantly misunderstood and labeled. Neither of them had been able to escape their past. Hopefully through this…they would be able to become something more.

"Back from your night trip already?"

Azula jumped, turning around swiftly to see Zirin leaning up against a tree in the shadows a few feet away. She felt anger surge up causing her to clench her jaw. This woman had an uncanny way of keeping track of everyone in the group. She was always on top of things, hence the reason why Azula made her second in command besides her obvious talent in Fire Bending. The only minor inconvenience was that she was too observant. Keeping an eye on everyone else was her job, not keeping tabs on her leader. "What are you doing up late?" Azula muttered quietly, hoping the girls were still asleep.

"I could ask you the same thing. Why did you leave earlier?" Zirin countered. Her amber gaze remained impassive but they held a certain sharpness that made Azula aware of the curiosity hidden behind them.

Azula weighed her options. She could lie or tell the truth. "I needed to clear my head." That wasn't entirely a lie. "Now why don't you worry about yourself and stop questioning your leader?"

Zirin narrowed her eyes "I have every right to question the person I am following." She pushed off from the tree and stepped closer "Just because you were once a Princess of the Fire Nation, does not mean that you have my undying loyalty. So tell me the truth Azula…why were you really out?"

"Watch your tongue Zirin..." Azula replied calmly, making sure to not let the jab show how much it irritated her. This brunette had a very sharp mind, seeing through her evasive answer. "I do not owe you an explanation. It is a matter that concerns me alone." She glanced at the fire, its orange flames bringing back the image of her brother from the night before. "If I feel that it will affect the group I will talk to you first but not before." She turned her golden eyes back onto the woman's face. Her words were final "Do I make myself clear?"

Zirin's fists clenched but she nodded her head reluctantly. If there was one thing Azula liked above all else from her, it was her obedience. Her tone held heavy sarcasm "As you wish Princess Azula." She turned to walk away without another word to her sleeping spot on the other side of the clearing. Both she and Azula took watch on the opposite sides of camp to make sure no one happened upon them. Azula doubted that would happen and the only person she expected to come looking for them was enjoying the cozy little family he had stolen from her.

The Prodigy felt jealousy boil inside her. She wanted nothing more than to let it fester and grow. It would be easier to detach from the bond she had for her brother. It was a part of her soul that she could not seem to escape from no matter how hard she tried. His words cut across the shadows in her mind…

Listen Azula, maybe this is a weird thing to say, given the circumstances but you seem…better.

The hope in his eyes and the faint smile on his face made the anger fade away. She felt her heart swell with an unknown emotion. He had noticed her change. Zuko had been welcome to her. He had not gone after her to take her down. He had chased her in that tomb because he had not yet given up on her humanity. They would reunite again. She was sure of it. And this time…they would both be on equal grounds.

Settling under the blanket, Azula gazed up at the stars, leaning back against the tree which was surprisingly comfortable. She smiled softly as her eyes grew heavy. Before she fell completely into sleep she heard Zuko's voice echo in her ears.

No matter what, you're still my sister.