4 Chapter 4 - You Will Always

"Is that so? What do you think?" Xue who walked towards the shore, pulled the rags from his upper body as he asked.

The blue tattoos could be seen in the light, the tiger at the center of his chest and the blast like mark at the center of his spine. His long black braided hair that swung back and forth, dripped water while he grabbed the clothes on the shore.

Watching him for a while, Zhīzhū spoke seriously. "He is your brother, they are your friends.. all of them. Do not ask me what you should do. I have always told you to.." her words came out serious but full of something else.

"To follow my own heart, I know. That is why you left us to our own path." Xue who had put on his clothes spoke, covering his tattoos as he turned around.

(Image in Aux chapter)

"I can not walk the path for you.. it is up to you which road you will take. Come." Zhīzhū Walked towards the shore and pointed to the tree line. Gesturing to follow as they walked to a cloth and a box on the ground.

Sitting down, Xue smelled the familiar aroma as he opened the box. "It's been a long time, to long since I've had your cooking." Xue said while looking at the food inside.

"Yes, yes.. 10 years to long. Now tell me Xue, what will you do." With a smile, Zhīzhū spoke while watching him enjoy her food.

While the sun started to hug the tops of the trees in the distance, Xue looked out at the water as the light from the sun played tricks with the light of the water. Soon the sun was replaced by the moon, it's beautiful light giving off a mesmerizing glow that dyed the world in its purple light. He put the box of food down as he thought of an answer, feeling arms wrap around his neck and someone's warm cheek on his face.

Xue who knew, only sank back as he let Zhīzhū hug him. "Where.. where is my sister?" While rubbing her arm a little, he felt Zhīzhū's body tense as he asked her a question he wanted to know.

"She is not apart of this life anymore Xue, leave it.." Zhīzhū voice for the first time broke slightly, her arms tightening around Xue but not to hurt him.

"Please.. I need to know." Xue spoke slowly, understanding as he dropped his head a little. He could feel her shake a little and he reached his hand up to hold hers.

"She.. she is in the fire nation.. but Xue." After a while Zhīzhū spoke again, holding his hand with care as she wanted to say more.

"I will not bring her back in to this.. I will not make her go through that again. I promise that to you, but I need to see something with my own eyes." Xue could feel her hand soften as she reached to his face.

"I understand.. still, thank you Xue." Zhīzhū Reached her hand up to touch his face as she spoke into his ear. "Will you save your brother? Will you free him?" Her voice was just as soft but Xue could tell she wanted an answer.

"No.. I no longer believe in that, now I must right the wrongs I have done." Xue shook his head, even if his heart was a mess he knew he could not. Soon he felt his head be pulled towards Zhīzhū's chest, like a child he did not Resist and was pulled deeper into her embrace.

"I know.. I know it is hard. You three were inseparable when you were young, it feels like so long ago since then.." her words hit his ear drums as his heart started to sink, he knew this feeling all to well and didn't want it. "But you have changed, you are not who you were 10 years ago.. and to me you'll always be.." Zhīzhū voice started to become more distant as she felt him grip on to her tighter. A smile couldn't help but come to her face seeing him act like this.

"Please don't.. I just got to see.." Xue who held on to her, felt her hand rub his cheek and move his hair. Only catching a sweet smile on her face before he closed his eyes tight and held on to her.

"Please.."

"Shh.. it is fine Xue, no matter what I will always be here. For your sister, your brother and you. Haven't I always? Nothing last forever, everything comes to an end one day." Zhīzhū words were like weights and as if the moon was sad, it hid its glow.

"Please.." The only word Xue could speak, feeling her tighten her hug.

"You and the rest.. have grown up so much. I can't believe how long it's been, and you Xue, can you do something for me?" Zhīzhū looked at Xue and spoke slowly, seeing he would not answer. She could only shake her head. "For me, do this for me.. this time. Live for you and not try and place the worlds problems on your shoulders. I don't want to see you like that again. For me, please."

Xue could only nod his head, trying to move deeper into her embrace and for a while nothing was said. The two sat as the wind blew and for a moment the moon shined down on them. The world seemed to become foggy as the light from the water glowed a brilliant blue.

"Good. Because no matter how old you all get, you are all still.. my children. Isn't that right? Little Xue? In this life or the next." Zhīzhū Spoke as her words became so distant and soon the world became silent once more.

Xue who knew, only fell back on the cloth below. His eyes closed as he felt the wind blow some of his hair. His left hand gripping the cloth below him as his mouth opened wide but no sound came out.

"Yes, you used to get so mad at me.. and I never said it out loud but to me.. to all of us.. you." Xue who finally got out words, felt tears run down his cheeks. While a warm feeling invaded his chest and he spoke once more.

"You will always be.. my mother.."