Greetings fanfic readers so the end happened. What did you think overall? I have enjoyed working on this story so much. I am grateful for all my reviewers and readers. I never thought I would have so much support but I am glad for it.
Answers to reviews-
Chapter 13
BoogieBoy- Hoped you liked the way it played out
Fluffyo- It's so tempting to kill off Ozai.
Passionworks- Ozai's dialogue made me feel all yucky and that's why it is so dead on.
SerenaPotterSailorMoon- She thinks she's a monster.
ArrayePL- I felt sad writing it.
BlackDiamond07-You're still reading.
Chapter 14
ArrayePL- Your welcome
SerenaPotterSailorMoon- I'm honored that my story evoked such intense emotion.
Catspajamas12-I didn't want to leave anybody on a cliffhanger that's just cruel.
5885-Chapter 12 you get to find out what happened between Mai and Azula, but there will be more on their relationship in part 3 Water and Fire is Air.
Special thanks
Mercury-Serenity, Thank you for inspiring me with your wonderful story Crossroads, it was the first story I read on this website; because of you I got the courage sign up and publish this fic in the first place.
Fancy Pants Penguin Jiao-Jie, even though I know you have been busy thanks for being my first review and also constructive criticism. I hope to hear from you soon when you get the chance.
Bricksailor93 thank you from follow me in the beginning and helping me with grammar.
Thanks to Terra for giving me my first bad review it validated me as an artist and I feel official.
BlackDiamond07, we clashed with some aspects of my story, but I have taken your reviews with a grain of salt and am glad you followed my story.
BoogieBoy, you are inspirational and I hope to write as well as you.
I would like to specially thank Passionworks; sometimes I swear she planted a chip in my head because we think alike in terms of writing. Thanks for writing a story based off of my fanfic it was a great ego boost. Also thanks especially for being constructive with your criticism because of it I have learned a lot.
And now here are some sneak peek dialogue previews of Book 4: Air: Out of the Ashes
Book 4: Air: Out of the Ashes
Sneak preview
"My sister what do I—"
"She needs help Zuko. She's not the same Azula who defeated us in Ba Sing Se. However, she is…that is to say she's…"
"A criminal; you can say it."
Katara stood their awkwardly; laying a supportive palm to his back.
"Our family has been nothing but a legacy of violence. We turn on each other and backstab. I will not put her in prison. She doesn't deserve that. My sister prided herself on being a perfectionist. She's gone mad."
"Zuko—"
"It's okay; you don't have to comfort me. I failed Azula."
"Where's my mother?"
"She's dead I killed her personally; her last words were; tell Zuko I love him."
"You're lying!"
"Am I?"
"I'm going to ask you one more time; what happened to her?"
"Ask your sister"
"You're stalling"
"If you truly want to know where your mother is, ask your Uncle he keeps secrets."
"Prince... Firelord Zuko, I have always thought of you as my son. Traditionally, your father would perform this duty, but I don't see my brother leaving his cell any time soon," he laughed at the statement inappropriately. Noticing Zuko's quizzical expression he cleared his throat. "I'm afraid I will be the one doing it."
Zuko saw that sheepish grin instantly form on Uncle Iroh's lips. This couldn't be good…
"Zuko, it's time you and I had…," Iroh quoted, "'The Talk.'"
"Mai…Princess Mai of the Fire Nation you're so beautiful."
"My face feels stiff and I can't breathe in this corset."
"That's what makes you beautiful."
"My suffering?"
"No," he chuckled, "I don't get to see you like this often your just…stunning."
"Don't get used to this. All of this is coming off the moment we get to Ember Island."
"All of it?" Zuko asked seductively.
She leaned in closer, fingers grazing his ear. "Yeah, all of it"
Suddenly, Aang burst through the double doors of the balcony. "Zuko you have to come quickly!"
"Restoring peace to the nation isn't easy Aang. The Fire Nation needs to redeem itself. Short of resurrecting the airbenders I don't know how to fix this."
"Guard benders!" Sokka shouted.
"What?"
"You have to make an example that peace is possible right? Why not have guards from different nations working in the palace."
"Sokka that's crazy, no one's going to volunteer to be a protection officer for the Firelord."
"Work with me; do you want harmony or not?"
"Of course I do."
"Can you imagine an assault? Someone's coming in to attempt to assassinate you. Suddenly, a team of firebenders gives flaming blast sizzle; then they get intercepted by water whoosh! Then the earthbenders go all rockslide crash! Just when the assailant thinks they are safe then, BoomSokkalakka darts away! They'll be all like; I can't feel my limbs."
"BoomSokkalakka?" Zuko said tilting his head quizzically.
"It's his new catch phrase."
"Interesting," said Zuko confused.
"Have you ever thought of joining the Ember Island Players?" said Aang entertained.
"So," Sokka said pleading.
"Well, it was a good performance."
"Not that; the plan."
"It's worth considering; hmm...why not, let's give it a try."
"How is she Dr. Jung Lao?"
"It's not good Zuko; your sister is in a regressive state: she thinks she's five years old."
Zuko declined his eyes to his gold clad feet. "She's asking for her big brother."
"How can I see her? What about my scar?"
"She needs you if she's going to recover."
"Where's Mako? I want to see my son."
"Zuko—, "she turned her face away carrying the toddler's small bracelet.
"Where is he Mai?"
She looked at him with tear filled eyes and hugged Zuko so tightly that he couldn't breathe. The Firelord pushed her away. "This isn't a game Mai; I want to see my son!"
She shook her head grievously. "They tried everything he's—."
He looked at his wife as she cried on the floor; gripping the gold chain. He didn't have time to grieve or comfort his wife. He had to play the part of Firelord and push this tragedy into a corner never to be seen. "I'll make funeral arrangements immediately. All the paintings will be confined to a private room."
"But—"
He snatched Mai up from the floor and looked her squarely in the eyes. "We're going to forget he ever existed and we will never discuss this day again."
"Firelord Zuko? Well, this is a much unexpected visit."
"Wasn't it you yourself Akane that said I need another heir because my wife is infertile. Besides, I need to blow off some steam."
"May I suggest Lady Scarlett?"
"Is she the best?"
"She'll be the only pleasure you need."
"Anyone else wants to challenge my authority!"
"Nephew, you are tense from the recent events."
Zuko pushed his Uncle back roughly, "I have nothing to say to you liar!"
Aang stood defensively in front of Iroh. "What's gotten into you?"
"Ask him; he knew all of this time! He knew!" he hollered.
"Knew what?"
"His White Lotus members have been hiding my mother the whole time. Go on and deny it!"
Iroh looked away. "I—"
"I hereby banish you: get out of my life. I never want to speak to you again! "
"Zuko I know your upset, but you can't banish your family."
"He's no family of mine."
"I heard about the Agni Kai; you burned that traitor's face beyond recognition. I never knew having an era of amity could be more rewarding. People know of the carnage in war, but when things are peaceful is when they don't expect you to turn on them. What you have done far exceeds my expectations. I have never been more proud of my son."
"I'm not like you; I don't use the people I care about!"
"My life and yours intertwines like the dance of the dragons. You are my reflection."
Stay tuned for BoomSokkalakka
Love, peace and fire flakes :)