This chapter nicely bridges what we learned in the first chapter with what we know must eventually come to pass. Zuko is a competent ruler, but one without all of the requisite knowledge for statecraft, and, in his own blunt way, he expresses the unmistakable truth that he will need a mentally-well Azula in order to effectively manage the kingdom during this difficult transition. The transition from one world order to another is never an easy one - in fact it is always under peril.

Though the pacing in this chapter is a bit slower and more ponderous, I think that this is suitable in this instance. We were loaded with a lot of revelations in the first chapter - in fact we were introduced to an entirely new world order - so a slower chapter that allows us readers to process things is well advised.

I eagerly look forward to seeing how the meeting with Azula goes.

i really love how you wrote about zecest brother/sister love and azula/tylee relationship its so cool i saw u said would give azula love line in this squel somehow wish is azula/tylee lol but if oc i think is well too?

Glad to see you back. been waiting for this I can hook it back into my veins

Iroh IS the man. He's always there when someone needs some tea and some advice. And occasionally some badass firebending.

Azula interrogating Ozai should be fun. She knows him better than anyone else. Plus he cared for her at one point, even if it was in his own warped, selfish way.

As always your work is still good and it was a great chapter. Next the confrontation with Ozai. Will Azula help? I can't wait to see that. Stay safe and see ya.

Really good chapter! I see Zuko and Azula's dynamic in politics like this: Zuko is a kind of moral chain to Azula and she is the analytical chain that keeps him from being simplistic and naive in the world of inevitable complicated choices and moral greyness, to say the least, in the world of politics. They compliment each other.

Iroh is on point about Azula. She probably will start to truly find inner peace only when Ursa is found and when she can finally fully understand the appeal and beauty of peace and harmony, she still has a lot of trouble with understanding concepts like this due to her sociopathic nature and difficulty with understanding empathy and the pleasure of doing what is good for good's sake. She will take years and all support from Zuko, Ursa and friends to fully warm up to these concepts, to truly start FEELING them like a normal person.

One question: did Zuko's first negotiations in Yu Dao happen partially like in The Promise? What you took from The Promise in your story's canon and what you didn't? I'm really curious now about Zuko's first year as a ruler, his challenges with Yu Dao and Kuei and how a redeemed Azula fits in all this. Sorry if I'm not seeing something or misunderstanding, but your description of Aang having to drag Zuko to Iroh's house in Ba Sing Se after the Yu Dao crisis is what makes me think that you are using some story elements from The Promise and I would like to know how much and what exactly?

Seems that the next chapter will be Zuko traveling to find Ursa! Hope that all Team Avatar goes searching together!

Nice interaction between Ty Lee and Zuko! Always thought that their friendship was a bit underrated, given that Zuko has known Ty Lee for as long as he has known Mai. So it was nice to see them talk like friends for once. And good to have Uncle Iroh back!

'Catalyst' was my all time favorite fanfiction. I absolutely loved every bit of it and now we're finally getting a sequel and I'm just so happy. I already love this story and can't wait for the next chapters. You're incredible and I wanna thank you for writing these!

The introductory scene does a fine job in setting the scene and the current situation that the Fire Nation is facing. Azula has been absent from formal business and her absence has been noticed, but Zuko stresses that such matters not be directly addressed. Considering the current geopolitical situation this hints at a personal matter, as opposed to a professional one.

And the second scene confirms what many of us would have expected because of the title and also part of the theme of the previous story - Azula's mother, or rather her absence, is the cause of the current crisis. Ty Lee's lack of tact is welcome here as she brings up the problems that Azula's absence is causing, but ultimately knowing about the problem does little in itself to solve the problem. As we are left with a scene of Azula staring off into the darkness, we the readers are also left with a darkened view of this future. Things are shaky right now and Azula needs to confront this aspect of her past, lest it threaten to overwhelm their possible future.

Finally the sequel is here. You have no idea of how long i've be waiting for this. The beginning is good and i can't wait to see the differences between your fic and the comic. Stay safe for the covid-19 is still here and has always don't rush things take your time to think and the next chapter will be awesome. See you at the next time.

Finally the sequel! Thanks for the great chapter as always! I'm loving the political intricacies you are weaving into the avatar world. I've got a headcanon for this chapter: I imagine that its not gonna be easy for Azula (and maybe Ty Lee and Mai) to get away with being branded as war criminals for conquering Ba Sing Se. Bad publicity alongside with her missing mother could have been another possible reason as to why Azula could not find peace, leading to the resurgence of the Ursa "visions". Awaiting the coming chapters!

Yeeeeeet. It's finally here. Let's see where this puppy goes.

I've been eagerly awaiting this sequel! Very excited to begin reading this new story. Interesting story off the bat with Zuko doing his Fire Lord duties while Azula has to deal with her degrading mental state. I'll be keeping an eye out for next update.

Nice to finally see the squeal. I was wondering if you'd manage to continue developing Azula's character just as well as before and you have, good job. I do have a question though. Since you have Ty Lee as a part of the Kyoshi warriors, will you have her address the fact that she is a part of a "matched set" eventually? The very thing she didn't want to be a part of. Or will this story be solely focused on Azula finding her mother and everything that entails and nothing else? At any rate it's good to see you back Wasp.

great story