"Disbanding? Not so much. They're likely going to move on without me. It's my hope they won't look at this as abandonment and more as a professional accident. I've been getting the feeling my Grand Masters don't want me in charge anymore either... Rather than wait for the coup, I'm getting ahead of it." Hideki nodded solemnly and watched Katsu over, "Katsu, I can't say enough how sorry I am for all you went through - that I couldn't be there for every minute of your training or oversee how they all treated you. I wanted you to have the organic life, so I made sure they didn't catch you when I knew you were planning to leave... But like I said, the White Lotus is about the preservation of balance... and years ago, somebody decided that the only way to do that was to become [i]your[/i] caretakers and trainers... I can't see how that's possibly the right route. The Avatar has always found their own path, and I want you to do the same, Katsu." Yakedo placed a hand on Katsu's shoulder as he lamented for the events of the day and shook his head. "Listen to me and listen good... You have no control over these things. And no Avatar would be where they got to alone. Nobody ever has - not truly. Asha and Siku will be more than fine... They may have difficulty adjusting at first, but Siku is both an amazing probender and a powerful young woman. And air benders begin their training young - Asha may be far from a master, but she's certainly a very talented young girl. She's also reaching an age where it will be left to her whether she wishes to remain at the island, go at her own in the world, or move to one of the temples to continue her training... Or any of those. She's adventurous at heart - some of the elders here on the island think that the world's a bit small for her," The Grand Lotus smiled warmly, "They will be okay... I really have a confession to make." He sighed and met the Avatar's gaze seriously, "I know Siku's father. When he told me how excited Siku was to be here in Republic City, I put in the recommendation for his spot on the council. I'll admit, I didn't think Siku would even come to know you at all... But I'm glad she does - I'll speak with her father myself. In fact, I'll be with you tonight, to help you gather her and Asha's things. You don't have to leave today, like I said, but they need to be ready." Katsu's thoughts moved on their own rather quickly and Hideki cleared his throat, "No, hush, Katsu... Your family is fine. They're taken care of, they never lived in the compound nor did they need protection from my guards. They've their own in the Fire Nation and there is little they could offer to this other group... whoever they are. They worry about you, yes, but they're likely less aware then these renegades do." It didn't seem to take long, but the two had returned to the small shack sometime during their walk and Yakedo sighed quietly. "Do you want to speak with them, Katsu, or do you want me to?" ----- Hiresh rotated a couple of stones hovering over his hands, calming him down. The Avatar... This delinquent was the Avatar... It was crazy. He nodded to Asha, "Yeah, I don't get much time off on the force, but if you're ever going out that way, I'll see if I'm off, maybe I'll see you guys there. You airbenders travel a lot, right? So I'm sure you'll get to see it. Wonderful place." Siku then came out of the bathroom and Hiresh looked over to her, "Yeah, he went with a... Yakedo," He said, recalling the name before straightening up. "[i]Yakedo![/i] He's the Grand Lotus. God, I was trying to figure out where I'd heard that before... He leads the entire... thing, the Lotus. God... Stupid..." ---- Siku nodded to Asha's explanation, "Wait, wait... [i]Yakedo?[/i] Hideki Yakedo?" She perked up with a bright smile, "Uncle Yakedo? He's one of papa's friends - I used to see him all the time when I was little, but he's been really busy lately..." She nodded, "Good - I'm glad he was here. If anyone knows what to do, it'll be him. He'll get the [i]whole[/i] thing figured out."