Hey, guys!

Another chapter for the sequel of 'Catalyst' is here! The first part of this will be a bit 'slow going' so to speak but the action kicks into high gear once it hits that point of the arc. So just bear with me and enjoy the return of everyone's favorite mentor!

As with the last story I will be responding directly to reviews no matter how many I get (unless they get otherworldy in number).

So let's begin!

adellamuriel- So glad you liked it! I hope you like my take on Azula finding her mother as well!

Matheus Bezerra de Lima- Good to see you back my friend! I hope you enjoy this new journey!

FuryJoe- Thanks man!

Guest- Oh she's going to go through the ringer...well I shouldn't say that. She already in the previous story but this is a different type of emotional event Azula will go through. To answer your question, Ty Lee will be given some solo time on that subject but the story will largely revolve around Azula and Zuko once more. Good to be back my friend.

100NaturalBacon- Every story has to start somewhere and I figured this was a good jump off point. The road to well being is full of bumps and bruises.

UnOriginal2Tall- Hell yeah, man! Can't wait to see what you think!

TheProductiveProcrastinator- Not a bad headcanon but the Earth Kingdom won't be involved all that much here. Probably wouldn't be practical on the part of King Kuei to demand the three girls be arrested and tried as war criminals. But there will be plenty of politics involved, believe me.

GNTR96- Good to see you back! I hope you enjoy this story as much as the last one!

The Rhombus- It wouldn't be the Fire Nation without some kind of internal crisis within the Royal Family haha. Ty Lee always serves as the necessary angel on Azula's shoulder but of course it's up to the individual to decide when they want to dig themselves out of a melancholic hole. For the princess, that happens in only one specific way.

Cap- It's an honor you think so highly of my story, thank you. It's my pleasure to write them and I hope you continue to enjoy

Now, without further ado. On with our story!

Chapter 2. Return of Iroh

Fire Lord Zuko pinched his nose with his fingers in frustration and concern.

"So you're telling me Azula may be sliding back into psychosis?"

Ty Lee fidgeted for a second. She was currently appraising Zuko of the situation with Azula whilst he was being fitted into his formal robes before the start of another council meeting. They had agreed to meet in his private chamber. In truth, she felt conflicted about telling the Fire Lord this, but it was out of love and care not the usual underhanded politics that tended to dominate the Imperial Palace.

"I'm not saying she's crazy, just….becoming more unstable."

Zuko gave an unconvinced stare.

"That sounds like another way of saying crazy."

"I swear it's not like that, my Lord…."

Zuko held up a hand cutting her off.

"Ty Lee, as I've told you, there's no need to be formal in private. We're friends, remember?"

The Kyoshi Warrior blushed underneath her face paint. Even as a free spirit, protocol for the Royal Family had been drilled into her head growing up just like any other Fire Nation youth. Zuko's changes, though welcome, were still difficult to get used to.

"Right, of course, Zuko. I don't mean to paint Azula negatively. She's just going through a hard time."

I'm not going to tell him about her visions. That's too far, Ty Lee thought to herself. It wasn't wrong to inform the Fire Lord of Azula's condition, but revealing a secret she was entrusted with went against every principle dear to her.

"I know she is," Zuko acknowledged, sympathy in his voice. "I've tried visiting her a few times myself and it all ends up the same. With me pleading and her ignoring my pleads."

"Don't take it personally, she does that to everyone when she's in a bad mood," Ty Lee said giving a small smile. "But this goes beyond a pasty, gray aura."

"This mood has lasted for the better part of four months. Believe me, I know how difficult my sister can be. I also happen to agree that this is becoming a problem on multiple fronts not the least of which includes national security."

His hair was pulled into a topknot and the crown placed within its confines, symbolic of the burden he now had to bear. The servants bowed and left him and Ty Lee to converse privately.

"Above all else, Ty Lee, I don't want things to revert back to what they were before. One of the positives that came out of this war is that we became a team, a real brother and sister. Even if I have to be Fire Lord, I need her by my side as someone I can trust and depend on."

Ty Lee nodded knowing how important Azula's well being was to Zuko. It was truly a mark of how far they had come- and how delicate that relationship still was.

"She kept mentioning your mother," Ty Lee told him softly. "I think whatever is going on with Azula is directly related to that."

"That's a whole other discussion," Zuko said, adjusting his robe. "One I wish had more time for."

"Azula's only talked about your mom a few times and each time I received the impression that things weren't very stable."

"That's putting it mildly."

The Fire Lord sighed and for the first time in two years, Ty Lee saw clear lines of stress on his handsome face, the look of a man who had far too much on his plate and bore the brunt of it out of duty.

"Just don't burden yourself too much, Zuko," Ty Lee said in a soft, soothing tone. "Remember you have friends- myself, Suki, Aang, Katara, Sokka, Toph, and Mai of course. Don't feel like you have to take on every problem alone because you're Fire Lord."

Zuko offered a thankful smile in return as he prepared to enter the throne room for another council meeting.

"I appreciate that, Ty Lee. Thank you."

"Any time!" she responded in her usual cheerful manner. "Suki and I will be standing by if anything happens during the meeting."

"Let's hope it goes as they usually do, boring and uneventful."


As it turned out, that's exactly how things went. Zuko dispensed with the pleasantries and went straight to business.

"Princess Azula will again be absent from today's council gathering. So I will not be answering questions about her health or otherwise. Please begin with your reports starting with Minister Ozawa."

The men bowed and the usual procedures began. Ozawa gave updates on the current infrastructure projects that were occurring around the nation, though there were some conflicts with local villages who largely opposed this wide scale industrialization. The war had created a need for factories and the output of machines, but its end meant another opportunity opened up, namely modernization of every day, domestic life. Zuko made a mental note to consult Aang on the matter as he did not wish to start a divide between urban dwellers and rural folk.

Minister Han brought forth a large and complicated tax proposal designed to increase revenue to help pay for the new projects being undertaken. The Fire Lord made a mental note to try and understand finance a bit better. He wished sincerely it had been part of his schooling curriculum growing up which largely contained history, military tactics, language, diplomacy and other such skills needed to rule the empire. Apparently, numbers weren't considered necessary for a young prince to learn.

This is what I need Azula for. She could understand this in a heartbeat.

Minister Akio gave a status report on trade, which had finally started to net profit after post-war tensions with the Earth Kingdom. Activity had also been increased with the Southern Water Tribe, now in the midst of being rebuilt at a rapid pace and so had the ability to formulate its own economy. Zuko made a mental note to ask Katara and Sokka about these developments. Any support the Fire Nation could give to the near extinct tribe he would be happy to give, but it seemed they were doing just fine on their own. Akio also announced a formal agreement with the Northern Tribe in which shipping lines from the eastern edge of the Fire Nation and the North Sea would be formally reopened once more.

It went on like this for about an hour until Generals Shino and Kang stood to inform him of rebel activity. In respect to the others of his council, this is what Zuko was most worried about. The generals preferred not to call them 'rebel's as that would give them legitimacy, which was accurate given that most of them were isolated, fragmented groups in and around the Fire Nation. However, that didn't make them any less of a threat or a bother to his reign.

At the end of the Hundred Year War, the majority of Fire Nation society, including the commoners and nobles accepted that Zuko was now the true heir to the throne as Ozai was incapacitated and his chosen successor fled in cowardice. With Iroh's deferment and blessing, he had taken the crown almost unopposed. But 'almost' was the key word. Various rogue elements of the military, including a handful of generals, refused to acknowledge the end of the war nor Zuko's ascension as monarch. They challenged that since he had not defeated Ozai in an Agni Kai nor killed him, he was illegitimate. It was a minor loop hole, but big enough so that those still fanatically devoted to the ideas of Sozin- to spread greatness through conquest and fear- could rally others around them and cause trouble.

"General Shino, what is the latest of these rogue elements?" he inquired his top general.

"Our latest intel indicates that most of them are concentrated in smaller villages near forests or mountains. They aren't strong enough to hold influence or sway in cities or larger towns, so they raid and extort those who are either too remote or poor to fight back."

Zuko placed his hands underneath his chin as he looked towards his other main general.

"General Kang, how many of these ex-military members are there? We need to know how big of a threat we're dealing with."

Kang was older than Shino about ten years. He was also taller and had a slightly receding hairline not unlike his grandfather Azulon. But whereas his grandfather always gave off a ruthless, cold impression, Kang was warmer and conveyed both competence and reassurance when he spoke.

"It is hard to say, sire. As General Shino pointed out, they are isolated and only loosely connected to each other. Every time our forces engage them, they retreat into the forests or hills."

"A rough estimate?"

"Roughly in the hundreds according to our best sources. Most are merely ex soldiers who found themselves unemployed at the end of the war but there are a few more dangerous bedfellows who lead them. This includes the former General Onoda."

That name was familiar to Zuko but he didn't remember seeing him in any war meetings. Though never heavily involved in his father's war plans, he could recall most of the major players in the war effort against the Earth Kingdom.

"Could you tell me more about this General Onoda? That's not a name I'm well acquainted with."

"Of course, sir. General Onoda was a brigadier general during the latter part of the war. He commanded a division in the southern Earth Kingdom under General Anami who is...no longer with us. But he was quite popular among his troops and was one of the most ideologically devoted generals during his tenure."

Zuko, though a bit green when it came to certain aspects of politics, could also read in between the lines when it came to comments such as that. Whoever this person was, he clearly believed very deeply in the ways of his father and grandfather and could also inspire the men under his command. That was dangerous enough.

"I take it this person refused to stand down when asked."

"Indeed, your highness. Most of the high command and military obeyed when you ordered an end to the conflict with the Earth Kingdom and Northern Water Tribe. Onoda was one of the few who refused to heed that order."

The Fire Lord resisted giving a heavy sigh and instead clasped his hands underneath his chin in thought, searching for the best response.

"It goes without saying that this General Onoda must be brought back in chains or destroyed if need be," he spoke to the council. "Those who live in these remote towns and outposts cannot feel their Fire Lord has abandoned them. Double the watch in these areas wherever you can and any intelligence regarding their movements must be reported to me immediately."

General Kang bowed and took his seat. He was the last among his council to speak on most affairs, which usually signified the end of such meetings. But Zuko had one last question, one he almost forgot to ask.

"General, which region is Onoda currently causing trouble?"

The answer was unfamiliar to Zuko.

"In the southeastern village of Hira'a, sir. Far removed from the capital. It's natural surroundings make it an ideal habitat for him and his men to hide in their rebellion."

Zuko nodded, indicating that was all he needed to hear of the situation for now.

"Thank you, that is all for now, gentleman. You are dismissed."

He rose whilst his council bowed low and took their leave. It took some getting used to even now but rule number one rule of being Fire Lord was asserting your own prestige and power over subordinates lest any of them get the wrong idea. It was straight out of the Azula playbook, and though he had his doubts at times, he did his best to employ it when necessary given his precarious position.

But striking the balance between his commitment to being a more benevolent monarch whilst keeping the respect of his top advisers was no small feat.

These are all things Azula would have told me exactly what to do. She knows the structure and game of power better than anyone I know

As he walked back to his chambers, he calmed himself and gave a small self reprimand.

Don't doubt yourself, spoke another voice. The decisions you make need to be your own and no one else's. Even Azula would tell you that

It was a hallmark of just how valuable she was to him. Though two years younger and still a highly volatile teenager, his sister was someone he could still trust and turn to in terms of guidance. Her absence only complicated matters and they were already vexing as it was.

"Pardon me, sire," a servant said to him while removing his formal clothing. "But I must inform you of the arrival of an honored guest who is here for dinner tonight."

Zuko had been so preoccupied with the meeting and his daily affairs he had almost forgotten.

"Do you mean…"

"Yes, sir," the aide was now smiling. "Your Uncle Iroh has arrived."


The greeting expressed between nephew and uncle was joyful to say the least. He had not seen his guardian since the conflict with Earth Kingdom in which Aang had to personally deliver him into the old man's tea shop. But circumstances were different. Zuko was now unafraid to call on his long-time mentor if the situation called for it. This was certainly one of those times.

The two men gathered in the Fire Lord's private deck which overlooked the interior of the palace but also had a ripe view of the sunset which was mesmerizing this time of year in the Fire Nation. A light breeze drifted on by if only to cool the still hot temperatures that tended to permeate throughout the season. Even so, it didn't dissuade the teenage monarch from giving his uncle a heartfelt hug.

"It's wonderful to see you, uncle."

"And it is likewise a great honor to be invited to the home of the Fire Lord at his request," Iroh responded with a wink but nevertheless he returned the tenderness.

The meal began to be served and Zuko ensured that only the essentials were served- spicy fire noodles, roasted pheasant, an assortment of vegetables and rice, etc. He did not want to waste time nor have the waiters and servants risk overhearing delicate matters.

Once that was over with, the more serious matters commenced, though his uncle kept his humor

"I had hoped to see some changes around here upon my arrival, but perhaps Lady Mai has proved less fruitful in that endeavor than I originally thought," he teased.

Zuko took a sip of his rice wine and set it down, smiling all the same.

"It's not for the lack of trying," he chuckled. "She was hesitant to move in the first place. The palace hasn't received any redecorating since Sozin was Fire Lord. It's hard to break tradition around here."

"Hmmm, I have always found tradition to be somewhat limiting," Iroh responded as he sipped his tea. "Though I aspired to become Fire Lord at one point in my life, I was never fond of this place and all of its trappings. The decor is not exactly...inviting."

"You can say that again," Zuko agreed. "Though that's not the entire reason I asked you here."

His uncle removed the tray of noodles and served some on his plate along with a side helping of grilled octopus, lathered in a special sauce though his demeanor remained engaged.

"I had a feeling that when you requested my presence it was not merely to reminisce over a cup of tea," the old general surmised.

"Forgive me, Uncle. I don't want to deprive you of your peaceful existence in Ba Sing Se but-"

Iroh held up a wise hand to stop him.

"There is no need to apologize, Fire Lord Zuko. I have told you many times that if my council is needed, you need not hesitate. Though I live in the Earth Kingdom, I still serve at the pleasure of his majesty."

The former general was smiling but his statement held no deception. It was a sign of respect and also warmth to convey to his nephew the genuineness of his desire to assist in any way possible. It was something Zuko appreciated heavily. His uncle was one of the few people where his rigid regimen was not required.

"Ruling is...stressful. To say the least."

"The kind of power you hold is a great responsibility, not easily wielded by someone your age," Iroh told him sagely. "You are the youngest Fire Lord in a very long time. Ozai was only forty four when he seized the throne. I myself would have been fifty seven."

"Wasn't grandfather pretty young when he became Fire Lord?"

"Aye, he was only twenty. Even so he was still two years older than you are now and had been groomed since birth by Sozin. You received no such training."

Zuko began to eat his meal though he took small bites. His appetite was not really functioning properly.

"I did have you, though."

"True, but I could not completely make up for the damage done by your own father, who...forgive me...was not a good parent by any measure. His treatment of you and many others was shameful. Ozai never cared much for sentimentality."

"Then why are there people who still wish he was on the throne? I know some people think I'm illegitimate, but that's not a full explanation."

There it was. The ultimate question and foray into the conversation that Zuko was desperate to have with his uncle. Iroh seemed to understand as he took a long sip from his tea cup.

"The answer is a complicated one, but something you need to hear. The Fire Nation has been the world's dominant power for over a century and many will not willingly embrace the loss of prestige. But it also runs deeper. You know our people and the history of our culture. It values honor, loyalty, and obedience above all else. And in the case of the military, fighting to the last man.

It was Sozin who corrupted these things, reinforced by Azulon and your father. It takes time to undo such beliefs and many will hang onto them forever, such as General Onoda and his men. They think that by removing Ozai from power and surrendering the war, that you have committed the ultimate dishonor against them and our nation."

Zuko shook his head.

"But that's not what happened. I stopped the war, I didn't surrender our homeland. It's not as if Earth Kingdom soldiers occupied the capital or the islands."

"All true, nephew. But as I stated, the fanatical devotion to the war and the superiority of the Fire Nation still holds many with a vice grip. You will need to show firm resolve and commitment in order to reshape our society for the better."

"Trying to strike the balance between tyrant and benevolent has been difficult to say the least."

Iroh gave an encouraging smile.

"You are still a very young man carrying a burden no one else your age does. Even the Avatar does not have the responsibility of running an entire country. As I said before, power is a great responsibility and not all take that responsibility seriously. You do."

Zuko glanced over at the sunset, hair blowing over his scarred eye from the gentle breeze in the west. In more vulnerable moments he allowed brief vestiges of doubt to slip through.

"You really think I'm the right person for this job?"

"One of my favorite sayings is that power is often best suited to those who do not seek it. In the hands of those who do, it leads to nothing but destruction and suffering. You have never sought to rule, Zuko. Only regain your honor, which you have."

"Thank you, Uncle," Zuko nodded, feeling a bit better, though he still hardly touched his food. "But this is something I have to do whether I like it or not."

"Indeed," Iroh agreed. "And the first five years of your reign will be the most crucial. This is the first of many tests to come."

"The second, actually," the young Fire Lord lamented. "Which brings me to the second reason why I asked you here."

He took a small breath. Zuko didn't want to risk saying too much and alienate his sister but if there was a man who could keep a family secret it was his uncle. And family was of the utmost importance at the moment.

"Azula isn't well," he said simply. "Ever since the end of the war she's been struggling. And lately it's gotten worse. She barely comes out of her room and has stopped attending council meetings."

"Unfortunate," Iroh said sympathetically. "But not altogether surprising, I'm afraid. I was correct in my assertion that your sister would have to find her own path in life to follow once the war ended. Essentially, she was molded to be the perfect soldier. But there is no longer a battle for her to engage in."

"I think it runs deeper than that," Zuko mused. "Uncle...what do you know of our mother?"

The older man didn't need his nephew to elaborate to know what he was really asking.

"Not much more than you do, I'm afraid. I was still in the Earth Kingdom at the time she was banished. As to where she might have gone, I don't know."

"I've tried getting information out of my father numerous times but he refuses to say anything. Losing his bending didn't make him any less stubborn."

"And what does the location of your mother have to do with Azula's current mental state?" Iroh asked, though his tone suggested he already knew the answer.

"I think her troubles stem from the relationship with our mother," Zuko explained further. "She was able to reconcile that dad was a bad father, but she hasn't forgiven our mother or been able to move past it."

"Perhaps she is unable to forgive herself," Iroh commented insightfully.

The Fire Lord gave a moment to think about that, but continued onward.

"Whatever her reasons, we need to find our mother again. We promised each other two years ago we would set aside time to try and search the rest of the Fire Nation but running a country doesn't leave you with a whole lot of free moments. Between the Earth Kingdom, trade, and dealing with these rogue generals, it tends to take all of my focus. Not that it matters anyway since we don't have any new information to go off of."

Iroh listened patiently, nodding slowly as Zuko explained the situation. After giving a low grunt and finishing the last of his meal, he spoke.

"This is a journey that both of you need to embark on sooner rather than later," he surmised. "The longer this saga goes on, the harder it will be to find Ursa seeing as you're already eight years behind…"

"And that's where you come in. Uncle, this is the last thing I want to ask of you, but you're the only man I can trust to run the country while I'm gone."

"Say no more, nephew," the old man said with an understanding smile. "It is my honor and privilege to help you in this endeavor. I will look after things here. But we must come up with an adequate reason for your temporary leave."

"We'll think of something," said Zuko. "In the meantime I should probably tell Azula what we discussed tonight."

He bowed deeply as a sign of respect.

"Thank you, uncle."

"Think nothing of it," Iroh said kindly. "But you must pause before informing your sister of this news. Your journey cannot begin without a place to start. Somehow or another, you must persuade Ozai to divulge what he knows."

"But I already told you he won't cooperate. He either laughs, gives out vague hints, or ignores me altogether. What can I do differently short of threatening to kill him?"

Iroh shook his wise head as though he were an elephant trying to get rid of buzzing flies.

"Threatening to end his life won't give him any more incentive to tell you what you want to hear. Even in his current state, he is still a man that will cling to any sort of power left within him and he will use the knowledge you seek to spite you."

Zuko knew his uncle was right but as was sometimes the case with the man, it didn't lead to any direct answer.

"So what should I do then?"

"Consider that you may need to have someone else interrogate Ozai. Someone who was once his closest confidant and pupil."

Azula. Of course

It was a bold suggestion, one he was willing to try. But the real question was would she do it?

"I'll ask her," he said simply. "Though it's hard to guess what her response will be."

"You do not need to go to her right away, Zuko. I can tell by your color you are quite taxed and have not been eating well. Sit down and relax a while. Remember that there are other pleasures in life besides that of work. Even for the Fire Lord."

Zuko couldn't help but give a rare smile as his uncle winked at him. His wise mentor was right of course. It had been too long since he had properly relaxed. Besides, opportunities to spend quality time together were rare and it was time to take proper advantage of that.

Ironic considering I spent the better part of a year with him as a fugitive. Back then I couldn't wait to get away from him. Now, I practically hang on to every word he says.

His appetite feeling a bit stronger, the young Fire Lord resumed his dinner while calling for more tea from the servants

"I had some Jasmine prepared before your arrival."

Iroh gave a wide, appreciative grin.

"You're too kind. Where did you find some on such short notice?"

"I have a private stock here in the palace. It's actually my favorite as well."

"You're becoming wiser every day, my nephew."

Zuko couldn't help but feel a great deal of stress lifted from his shoulders. Despite the circumstances, he was truly ecstatic to see his Uncle Iroh once more.


And scene! That was extremely fun to write I must admit. Iroh is the man!

New chapter will be up in a couple of weeks! Until then, rock on!

~The Wasp