That's right — the story Kahn was telling was none other than the world-famous Journey to the West.
He hadn't memorized every detail of the original tale, but by mixing together bits from the novel, the TV adaptations, and even a few fan-made versions he remembered, he had managed to piece together his own magically altered retelling.
For Zuko and the others, it was more than enough.
Zuko listened intently, completely drawn in, while Azula, who pretended not to care, subtly leaned closer, her sharp ears twitching at every twist in the story.
Whenever Zuko got excited at a dramatic moment, he'd exclaim in awe.
Azula would roll her eyes, muttering something mocking and sarcastic.
They'd bicker for a bit, but Kahn never stopped the story to wait for them — he just kept talking, letting their voices blend into the rhythm of his narration.
And somehow, amidst the sound of storytelling, teasing, and laughter, the atmosphere felt strangely… peaceful.
Time slipped by without anyone noticing.
When Lady Ursa returned and saw them again, she froze for a moment.
Before her were Zuko, Azula, and Kahn — all messy, sweaty, and covered in dust, yet sitting side by side like the best of friends.
Even Azula, who normally wouldn't tolerate Zuko's presence, was sitting quietly next to Kahn without trying to incinerate anyone.
Ursa couldn't help but smile knowingly.
When Kahn spotted her, he immediately stood up and greeted politely, "Hello, Madam."
Zuko snapped out of the story trance and followed, "Mother!"
Azula, clearly annoyed at the interruption, stayed seated and muttered a half-hearted greeting.
Ursa didn't scold her. Instead, she asked gently, "What happened to you three? You look like you've been through a battlefield."
Zuko answered quickly, "We were practicing Firebending."
"You what?!"
Ursa's voice shot up in alarm. She knew what "Firebending practice" usually meant — Azula using it as an excuse to roast her brother.
Azula smirked. "Please, Mother. It wasn't a fight. I was just… demonstrating my superiority. Zuzu couldn't even fight back, so technically it was bullying."
"How was I not fighting back?!" Zuko protested, skipping conveniently over the parts where he was screaming and rolling on the ground.
He turned to his mother. "No, it was real training! We each took turns. Kahn joined too, and we were just resting."
Kahn nodded. "That's right. They're both really interesting people. We get along quite well."
Both siblings turned to him with identical expressions of disbelief.
Get along well?
That was a pretty generous interpretation of events.
Ursa studied them carefully. Seeing that no one seemed injured, her tone softened. "I see."
She reached down, took Azula by the hand, and gently helped her up. "A young lady shouldn't sit on the ground like that."
Azula, a little startled, let her mother pull her to her feet.
Then, instead of the usual scolding, Ursa smiled warmly and brushed the dust off Azula's clothes.
"I was wrong about you today. I know you've always been a good child — just… spirited. You did well this time, and I'm proud of you."
Azula froze. Praise wasn't something she heard often.
She turned away with a huff, but the faint upward curl of her lips betrayed her. It wasn't her usual cunning smirk — it was small, genuine, and utterly childlike.
After a moment, Ursa clapped her hands lightly. "Alright, that's enough play for now. Uncle Iroh should be finishing his business soon. Zuko, take Kahn to the main gate and wait for him."
"Is it that late already?" Kahn asked, surprised.
He glanced outside. The sky was overcast, so he hadn't noticed how long it had been.
Between fighting, resting, and storytelling, the whole day had somehow vanished.
I didn't even get to learn Firebending yet…
Reluctantly, he nodded. "Alright."
Zuko looked just as disappointed, but he still smiled. "We'll continue next time."
"Deal."
After saying goodbye to Ursa, Kahn followed Zuko to the main gate. A short while later, Iroh arrived.
Seeing the boy's rumpled clothes and dusty hair, Iroh chuckled softly. "So, how was your day?"
Kahn thought for a moment. "Hmm… there were some twists—" (he thought of Azula) "—and some regrets—" (he thought of not learning Firebending) "—but overall, it was pretty good."
"Hahaha, well said," Iroh laughed. "Regret gives us something to look forward to next time."
"Next time, then," Kahn agreed eagerly. He wasn't letting that Firebending lesson slip away.
—
Later, after Kahn had gone, Zuko hurried back toward the palace. Uncle Iroh was still out, which meant their father would be returning soon.
"Back already?"
A familiar voice called down from above.
Azula sat perched on a wall, her chin resting on her palm, smirking. "Uncle Iroh slipped away early again? Did he manage to avoid Father?"
"None of your business," Zuko muttered, glaring up at her.
"Heh." She laughed softly, then asked with mock innocence, "By the way, didn't Father say he didn't like your friend very much? He doesn't know you snuck him into the house, does he?"
Zuko froze. "What are you getting at?"
Azula tilted her head. "Oh, nothing. I was just wondering… what would happen if he did find out?"
Before Zuko could answer, a deep, commanding voice echoed behind him.
"What are you two doing here?"
Zuko's stomach dropped. His blood ran cold.
That voice — that presence — could only belong to one person.
"Father!"
Azula jumped gracefully from the wall and sauntered past her trembling brother.
She gave him a sly, knowing smile before approaching the tall man in Fire Nation armor.
"Father, while you were away…" she began sweetly, "…Zuko challenged me to a duel."
Then, turning to Zuko with a dazzlingly wicked grin, she added, "I beat him flat, of course! He was rolling on the floor, couldn't even fight back!"
Ozai chuckled, eyes gleaming with cruel satisfaction. "Excellent. Truly my daughter — the most gifted Firebender in the Fire Nation."
Then his expression hardened as he turned toward Zuko. "And you… can't you even recognize your own limits? You challenge Azula with such pathetic skill? Worthless. Overconfident. Foolish."
He brushed past him coldly, entering the house without another glance.
Zuko stood frozen, fists clenched, face burning with humiliation — but not because of his father's scolding.
It was because of Azula.
As she walked by, she leaned in close, her voice low and dripping with amusement.
"Hey, Zuzu…" she whispered, "now do you understand what reporting means?"
Zuko swallowed hard.
Yeah. He understood now.