The group loaded onto Appa's back with Kuei and some of his guards before Appa took off for the Outer Wall. Azara chuckled as the Earth King screamed out in surprise as they flew through the clouds bareback, holding tightly to Appa's white fur. "First time flying?" Toph asked from her position next to Azara.

"It's both thrilling and terrifying!" Kuei replied, causing Toph to nod.

"Yeah, I hate it too."

"I have to be honest with you. Part of me really hopes that what you're telling me about this war isn't true," Kuei admitted, causing the group to sigh.

"I wish it wasn't," Aang spoke as they neared the Outer Wall. "It's still there!" Aang shouted, pointing at the drill, which was now draped in some tarps but still clearly bore the Fire Nation insignia on its metal casing.

"What is that?" Kuei asked, surprise clear on his face as he looked over the contraption.

"It's a drill. A giant drill made by the Fire Nation to break through your walls," Azara explained grimly as Appa landed on top of the Outer Wall. Kuei slid off Appa slowly and walked to the edge of the wall, staring down at the drill with a distraught expression on his face.

"I can't believe I never knew," he mumbled to himself and Azara couldn't help but feel bad for the Earth King for a moment.

The sound of footsteps caused the group to look up as Long Feng approached, flanked by two Dai Li agents. "I can explain this, Your Majesty. This is nothing more than . . . a construction project," Long Feng lied, gesturing to the drill.

"Really? Then perhaps you could explain why there's a Fire Nation insignia on your little construction project," Katara snapped sarcastically as Kuei glared at Long Feng.

"Well, it's imported of course. You know you can't trust domestic machinery." Long Feng paused, starting to look nervous as Kuei's glare deepened. "Surely you don't believe these children instead of your most loyal attendant?" Kuei paused, looking at Team Avatar, before turning back to Long Feng.

"Dai Li! Arrest Long Feng! I want him to stand trial for crimes against the Earth Kingdom," Kuei ordered, causing the group to share shocked expressions. Without a word and only a short glance at each other, the two Dai Li agents launched shackles at Long Feng and pulled him back to themselves.

"You can't arrest me! You all need me more that you know!" Long Feng vowed as he was pulled away by the Dai Li agents.

"Looks like Long Feng is long gone! Ha! Ah, yeah, I've been waiting to use that one," Sokka joked, causing Azara to smile and shake her head at him.

They returned to the palace and entered the throne room, the damage from their entrance being cleaned up as they walked past. Kuei retook his seat as the teenagers stood in front of him. "I want to thank you, young heroes, for opening my eyes. All this time, what I thought was a great metropolis was merely a city of fools. And that makes me the king fool," Kuei sighed, burying his face in his hands. "We're at war. With the Fire Nation!"

"That's why we came to Ba Sing Se, Your Highness: because we think you can help us end the war," Sokka stated, stepping forward with a determined look in his eye.

"We don't have much time. There's a comet coming this summer. Its energy will give the firebenders unbelievable strength. They'll be unstoppable," Aang warned as Azara nodded in confirmation, her face grim at the thought of the comet.

"But there is hope. Before the comet comes, we have a window of opportunity. A solar eclipse is coming. The sun will be completely blocked out by the moon, and the firebenders will be helpless," Sokka continued, straightening his shoulders as Kuei turned to look at him.

"What are you suggesting, Sokka?" Kuei asked, the attention of the whole room on the Water Tribe boy.

"That's the day we need to invade the Fire Nation. The Day of Black Sun," Sokka announced firmly, causing Kuei to look troubled.

"I don't know. That would require moving troops out of Ba Sing Se. We'd be completely vulnerable," Kuei sighed, rubbing his chin, clearly in deep thought.

"You're already vulnerable. The Fire Nation won't stop until Ba Sing Se falls, and even then, not until every last settlement left in the world is under their control. You can either sit back and wait for that to happen or take the offensive and give yourself a fighting chance," Azara spoke honestly, stepping forward to stand beside Sokka.

Kuei thought about their proposition for a moment before sitting up. "Very well. You have my support." At his announcement, the group cheered and celebrated, hugging each other when another man entered the room, obviously an important official based on his attire.

"Your Majesty, I apologize for the interruption," the man stated, bowing deeply to Kuei.

"This is General How. He's the leader of the Council of Five, my highest-ranking generals," Kuei introduced as How straightened up.

"We searched Long Feng's office. I think we found something that will interest everybody," How revealed, causing the group to share surprised looks. They followed General How to Long Feng's office, a guard walking in after them with a box of scrolls. As they gathered around the desk, How continued with his explanation. "There are secret files on everyone in Ba Sing Se. Including you kids."

"Secret files?" Aang asked, looking confused as Kuei picked up a scroll from the box.

"Toph Beifong." Kuei passed the scroll to How, who passed it to Toph, who passed it to Azara. Opening the scroll, Azara read the message aloud.

"It's a letter from your mom. Your mom's here in the city. And she wants to see you," Azara read, causing Toph's eyes to widen in shock.

"Long Feng intercepted our letters form home? That's just sad," she sighed, shaking her head.

"Aang." Kuei handed the scroll over to Aang, who stared at the scroll in surprise.

"This scroll was attached to the horn of your bison when the Dai Li captured it," How added as Aang quickly pulled open the scroll and read through the message.

"It's from the Eastern Air Temple," Aang revealed as Sokka and Katara shared anxious looks.

"Is there a letter for me and Sokka by any chance?" Katara asked, her voice clearly hopeful as she leaned on the table.

"I'm afraid not," Kuei replied, looking through the box for any sign of their names.

"Oh," Sokka mumbled as Azara placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

"But there is an intelligence report that might interest you," How offered, handing a scroll over to Katara.

"A small fleet of Water Tribe ships," Katara began, opening the scroll, Sokka sliding to stand next to his sister.

"What? That could be Dad!" Sokka exclaimed, leaning on Katara's side.

"Protecting the mouth of Chameleon Bay. Led by Hakoda! It is Dad!" Katara shouted as Sokka threw his arms around her, the siblings celebrating the news. Azara and Aang smiled at the sibling interaction before the two pulled apart. Sokka turned to Azara, throwing his arms around her as she chuckled, hugging him back.

As he pulled back from their hug, Sokka's eyes suddenly widened before he turned back to Kuei and How. "What about Azara? Is there anything for her?"

"Sokka, it's alright," Azara shrugged as Kuei shook his head, examining the contents of the box again. She wasn't expecting any messages from home. There was no one there who would be sending her one anyways. "I'm just happy you know where your dad is," Azara smiled up at Sokka as he wrapped his arm around her waist.

How and Kuei eventually left the teenagers alone in the room, moving to deal with more pressing matters. The group decided to spread out on the floor as they contemplated their next moves. "I can't believe it. There's a man living at the Eastern Air Temple. He says he's a guru," Aang spoke, rereading the scroll in his hands.

"What's a guru? Some kind of poisonous blow fish?" Sokka questioned, looking confused.

"No, a spiritual expert. He wants to help me take the next step in the Avatar journey. He says he can teach me to control the Avatar State," Aang stated, looking excited at the prospect of finally mastering the Avatar State.

"And I can't believe we know where our dad is now," Katara sighed in relief, leaning back on her hands as Toph nodded.

"I know what you mean. My mom's in the city. And from her letter it sounds like she finally understands me," Toph smiled genuinely, her tone hopeful as she held the scroll tightly in her hand.

"This is all such big news! Where do we even start?" Sokka shrugged as Azara sobered, the smile dropping from her face.

"I hate to say it, but we have to split up," Azara pointed out as the rest of the group gaped at her.

"Split up? We just found Appa and got the family back together! Now you want us to separate?" Aang asked, as Katara joined in the conversation.

"Azara is right, Aang. You have to meet this guru. If we're going to invade the Fire Nation, you need to be ready," Katara replied, causing Aang to nod in resignation.

"Well, if I'm going to the Eastern Air Temple, Appa and I can drop you off at Chameleon Bay to see your dad," Aang offered to Katara and Sokka, who smiled back at the airbender. Thinking over everything for a moment, Sokka sighed.

"Someone has to stay here with the Earth King and help him plan for the invasion," Sokka announced before standing up. "I guess that's me."

Azara shook her head, standing up as well. "No, Sokka. I'm the only one who doesn't have someone to go see. I'll stay. Besides, I'm the one who knows the most about the Fire Nation defenses. It only makes sense if I stay. You should go see your dad with Katara," Azara insisted, placing a hand on his shoulder.

Sokka turned to her, tears coming to his eyes as he started to dance happily in place. "You are the nicest . . . girlfriend . . . ever!" Sokka exclaimed, before throwing his arms around Azara and pressing several kisses all over her face, causing Azara to giggle.

"Sokka!" she laughed, pushing him back lightly.

"Ugh, at least I won't have to feel that for a while," Toph groaned, causing Aang and Katara to burst out laughing as Sokka pouted.

Aang, Katara, and Toph filed out of the room, each moving to prepare for their various travels, leaving Sokka and Azara alone in the room. "Are you sure you'll be alright here by yourself?" Sokka asked, turning to face Azara, who smiled softly and reached out to cup Sokka's cheek with her hand.

"Would you stop worrying about me?" she teased, rubbing his cheek with her thumb. "I'll be fine, it's just a few days. Besides, I'll have Momo here to protect me."

"Still, it's the longest time we've ever spent apart since the South Pole and we just got together," Sokka continued, grasping her hand with his own.

"Well, we were never good at timing with this, were we?" she joked as she interlocked their fingers. Staring up at Sokka, Azara knew she was going to miss him dearly, her heart aching at the thought of being separated from him for a few days. But he needed to see his family, and she needed to prepare for their impending battle with her own family.

"No, I guess we never were," Sokka agreed, chuckling as he tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. "I wish you were able to meet my dad, though. I know he'd love to meet you too."

"Really? You want to introduce me to your dad?" Azara asked, her eyes widening slightly.

"Of course! You're my girlfriend! Why wouldn't I?" Sokka shrugged like it was the most obvious thing in the world. Azara smiled softly at Sokka's exclamation, squeezing his hand lightly with her own.

"Well, I'm sure I'll meet him during the invasion," Azara spoke softly as Sokka nodded as Azara looked away from a moment. "I can't believe I'll be invading my old home like that . . . it'll be strange to return there after so long as an invader."

"Hey, you won't be doing it alone," Sokka reminded her, tilting her chin up so that they locked eyes again. "We'll be right there with you every step of the way as soon as we get back."

Azara smiled and nodded before wrapping her arms around Sokka, the Water Tribe boy returning the gesture. "I don't want you to leave," she admitted softly, before pulling back.

"I'd be offended if you did," Sokka joked for a moment before becoming more serious.

The two locked eyes for a moment, both burning with desire, before Sokka reconnected their lips. Most of their shared kisses over the past week had been soft pecks as they went about their lives. Not to mention the fact that they hadn't been properly alone since their date. This kiss was different. It was needy, almost desperate. Neither wanted to break away, knowing that if they did, Sokka would have to inevitably leave.

Azara titled her head to the side for a moment, allowing Sokka to push forward, wrapping an arm around her waist tightly. Cupping his face with her hands, Azara sighed in content before slipping her arms around Sokka's neck. "Hey, are you guys ready to—" Aang cut off his question, as his gaze landed on Sokka and Azara, an intense blush falling over his cheeks as the two broke away from each other, staring back at Aang. "You know what? Take your time! I'll just be over here!" Aang called awkwardly, before running out of the room.

Azara tried to stifle a laugh, but failed as she chuckled loudly, Sokka pulling her back to himself. "Always getting interrupted," Sokka muttered, burying his face into her neck, and pressing a kiss to the base of her neck, causing Azara to gasp lightly.

"As much as I'm enjoying this," she sighed, pushing Sokka back lightly. "I think it's time." Sokka sighed dramatically as Azara shot him a playful look. "Come on, lover boy," she called, grabbing his hand, and pulling him out of the room.

"Lover boy?" Sokka teased as Azara shrugged up at him. The two walked through the hallways to the entrance to the Earth Palace, chatting and laughing about random topics, neither wanting to let go of the other. Walking down the stairs to the courtyard, Sokka kept a tight hold on Azara's hand, their shoulders bumping into each other as they made their way down to Appa.

Spotting Katara and Aang obviously in the middle of an important conversation, Azara slowed her pace. "Maybe we should . . ." she trailed off as Sokka threw his arms around Aang, clearly butting into Aang and Katara's conversation from the look on Katara's face.

Before Azara could pull Sokka away to allow Aang and Katara to have their own moment, Kuei approached the group, a kind smile on his face. "Aang, Sokka, and Katara, I wish you a good journey. Ba Sing Se owes you its thanks. We look forward to your safe return." They all bowed to Kuei as a soldier approached him from behind.

"Your Majesty. There are three female warriors to see you. They're from the island of Kyoshi," the soldier announced, causing the group to share surprised looks.

"That must be Suki," Azara spoke up, causing Kuei to turn to the group.

"You know these warriors?" Kuei asked as Sokka nodded, stepping forwards.

"Oh yeah. The Kyoshi Warriors are a skilled group of fighters. Trustworthy too. They're good friends of ours," Sokka vouched, causing Kuei to smile and nod.

"Then we shall welcome them as honored guests," Kuei ordered, causing the soldier to run off.

"I'm really going to miss you guys," Toph stated as Katara pulled her into a hug, Aang joining the hug soon after. Azara wrapped her arms around Aang and Toph before noticing how Sokka remained out of the group hug.

"Come on, Sokka, you know you'll miss us," Azara spoke in a sing song voice, breaking off of the group hug to tug Sokka over.

"Aah! Great. That's enough. Okay, we love each other. Seriously," Sokka continued as the rest of the group encircled him with hugs of their own. After a moment, Sokka wrapped his arms around them as well, the group enjoying the moment of peace together.

As Katara, Aang, and Toph broke off, Sokka and Azara stayed linked. Azara pulled back lightly, staring up at Sokka with her golden eyes glistening with clear emotion. There was so much she wanted to say in that moment, not willing to let Sokka go. "Sokka, I . . ." Azara started, causing Sokka to look at her expectantly.

"Yeah?" he asked quietly as if they were the only two people left in the world. With her hands starting to shake, Azara smiled softly, breathing out for a moment, before turning back to him.

"I'll miss you. Stay safe, please, for me," she replied, cupping his cheeks with her hands.

"I'll miss you too," Sokka returned, leaning forwards to press a soft kiss to her lips. Pulling back after a moment, the two shared a small smile before Azara backed up and Sokka climbed up Appa's back. Aang flicked Appa's reigns, the sky bison groaning before taking off into the air for Chameleon Bay. Azara waved goodbye as Appa grew farther away, her heart sinking lightly into her stomach.

Lowering her arm, Azara turned to Toph with a soft smile on her face. "Good luck with your mom, Toph."

"Good luck with the boring war meetings," Toph responded, causing Azara to chuckle. The two shared a tight hug before Toph started to walk down into the Upper Ring.

Once the earthbender was out of sight, Azara sighed and pet Momo's head as he perched on her shoulder. "Alright, Momo. It's just you and me. What should we do first?" Azara inquired, before turning to leave, Momo already chittering from her shoulder. 

A.N. So, Azara's remaining behind in Ba Sing Se. Like the end of Book 1, there's a few changes to canon with the next few chapters during the end of Book 2 but nothing insane. Again, there's just a few non-canon compliant changes in the next three chapters, FYI.

Thanks for reading, commenting, and voting! I can't stress how much I appreciate all your support through the last year or so. Hope everyone's looking forwards to the end of Book 2! Stay tuned!