No matter how much they guessed, Mai and Ty Lee would never come close to the truth—or rather, they wouldn't dare to think in that direction at all.
Unlike Zuko, who occasionally stood up to Azula, the two girls who had grown up alongside her knew her terrifying temperament better than anyone.
To them, the idea of Azula showing any normal human side was simply unimaginable.
If Kahn knew what they were thinking, he would probably sigh and say, "Azula, how unlikable are you, really?"
In Mai's opinion, anyone capable of changing Azula had to be someone even more terrifying than Azula herself.
Otherwise, why would she ever submit? That thought alone made Mai decide she would never provoke Kahn under any circumstance.
Ty Lee, on the other hand, looked at Kahn with growing admiration.
She wanted to be like him—brave enough to stand before Azula without fear, unshaken by her intimidation, and free to live as she pleased.
The imagination of a young girl could be wild indeed.
Meanwhile, Kahn and Zuko were chatting.
"Are you studying Firebending with Uncle Iroh now? That's great," Zuko said with envy.
"I wish I could learn from him too."
Kahn smiled. "If you want to, just ask him. I don't think he'd refuse."
Zuko hesitated, then shook his head. "My father wouldn't allow it. He doesn't like Uncle Iroh very much."
"I see," Kahn replied, finally understanding.
After all, Ozai and Iroh had recently vied for the throne—there was no way those two got along.
In fact, if Ozai could help it, he probably wouldn't even let Zuko see Iroh.
It wasn't just dislike; it was political caution.
Even though Iroh now seemed like a washed-up general, he had once been the Crown Prince.
His prestige in the army, his influence among the people, and his own personal power made him far too dangerous to offend openly.
So long as Iroh didn't rebel, Ozai's hands were tied.
That was the only reason Iroh could still stroll freely into the palace—and even bring Kahn along.
Speaking of Firebending, Kahn remembered he had once agreed to exchange lessons with Zuko: Zuko would teach him Firebending, and Kahn would teach Zuko his unique moves.
But now that Iroh was personally instructing him, there was no longer any need for Zuko's help.
Still, Kahn intended to keep his promise, and Zuko seemed genuinely excited about it.
Perhaps because he'd once lost to that move, Zuko believed Kahn movements was some incredible secret technique.
Kahn only hoped Zuko wouldn't expect too much—after all, the move itself wasn't that strong.
Its real power came from his ridiculously unfair physical abilities.
Just then, Azula returned with Mai and Ty Lee in tow.
"Done playing already?" Kahn asked.
"It got boring," Azula replied lazily, hands clasped behind her head.
Kahn raised an eyebrow. Really? She'd looked like she was having a great time a few minutes ago.
Then he glanced at Ty Lee, who still looked eager to continue, and understood—Azula just couldn't handle losing.
He didn't call her out. "So… what now?"
"I don't know."
Azula flopped down on the grass beside him, closing her eyes as if to nap.
Ty Lee sat cross-legged across from them, watching curiously, while Mai quietly seated herself next to Zuko.
A soft breeze rolled through the courtyard.
The low grass swayed, and the rippling lake nearby shimmered in the light. For a rare moment, everything felt peaceful.
After a while, Zuko broke the silence. "How about you continue the story from before, Kahn?"
To everyone's surprise, Azula didn't object. "That's a good idea."
Kahn thought for a moment. "Alright, sure."
"A story?" Mai and Ty Lee asked in unison.
"It's… a bit hard to explain," Kahn said. "You'll understand once I start."
Zuko quickly chimed in, "You left off when Sun Wukong ascended to Heaven and became an immortal!"
"Oh, right!" Kahn laughed. "Last time, Sun Wukong was appointed Bi Ma Wen by the Jade Emperor…"
As he began telling the tale, even Mai and Ty Lee, who hadn't heard the earlier parts, quickly became absorbed.
For that brief moment, the five of them—each gathered here for their own reasons—seemed unusually harmonious.
Of course, fate rarely lets things stay peaceful for long.
"Oh? We have guests?"
A deep voice cut through the air.
A tall man in regal Fire Nation robes appeared in the courtyard.
The instant Zuko saw him, the color drained from his face.
He stood stiffly, bowed his head, and said quietly, "Father."
Kahn, Mai, and Ty Lee all exchanged glances, then followed suit. "Your Majesty."
Kahn's mind raced. So this is the Fire Lord…
From what he'd heard from Iroh and Azula, Ozai wasn't exactly the "warm fatherly" type.
The image of the ruthless ruler immediately reminded him of every dark, twisted "filial son" in history—Arthas, Itachi, Eren…
He mentally stopped himself. Don't go there, Kahn. Not now.
"Father!"
Unlike Zuko, Azula ran up to Ozai with a bright smile. "Why are you back?"
Though her view of him had been shaken by the whole Iroh incident, she still felt compelled to play the perfect daughter—at least well enough to keep up appearances.
"I still have work to do," Ozai said, patting her head affectionately.
"But I heard we had guests, so I thought I'd take a look."
His eyes swept over the group.
He recognized Mai and Ty Lee—their fathers were both loyal supporters of his regime.
Then his gaze landed on Kahn.
Unlike the girls, whose nervousness was obvious, Kahn stood calm and respectful—but completely unafraid.
This boy… Ozai's eyes narrowed slightly.
He knew about the orphan Iroh had taken in.
In fact, he'd once mocked Iroh for it.
But now, seeing Kahn in person, he thought, So that's why. This kid is as irritating as he is.
A flicker of cold amusement crossed Ozai's mind. If this child suddenly died, what kind of face would Iroh make?
The thought was darkly satisfying—but fleeting.
It wasn't worth provoking Iroh over a mere whim, not while his own throne still needed solidifying.
Still… what a pity.
Kahn shivered slightly, though he didn't know why. He had no idea he'd just brushed against death.
After a moment, Ozai gave Azula a few brief instructions and left as suddenly as he'd come.
Only when his presence completely vanished did Kahn exhale deeply.
"Man… that guy really lives up to his reputation."
Azula's smile faded the instant her father was gone. She spat to the side, muttering under her breath.
No one said anything. The mood had completely soured, and the five soon went their separate ways.
That night, Kahn lay in bed, Ozai's cold eyes haunting his mind.
He dreamt of the Fire Lord discovering his secrets—of Azula, Iroh, and Zuko all being executed, and himself tortured to death.
He woke up in a cold sweat, heart pounding, and growled into the darkness,
"Old geezer!"