Lotus

Prologue

A flame on a candle flickered as Zuko spoke:

"Let me just be clear to you. I haven't slept in three days: I somehow have to visit three countries in the next two days, the Fourteenth Peace Treaty between those rivaling four villages in the Fire Colonies has to be renewed and I have petty extremists threatening to attack my daughter's school in a month. Can you handle that?"

"...no."

"So why did you decide to visit and sit there and tell me that you want to renew the contract? First off, what contract are you even talking about?!"

Aang slowly blinked. There. It all came to him. Aang remembered that he somehow reached the Fire Nation overnight. No time to think. He woke up, dressed, packed a few things and hopped on Appa to come all the way here.

Should he have done this through a letter? No. It wouldn't be right. Something like this had to be discussed. Zuko tilted his head. Aang pushed his seat back.

"It's alright-"

"No, no, wait!" Zuko said and slapped his forehead. "Forget what I said. I'm sorry, I'm just a bit stressed. I shouldn't even be doing paperwork. After all, you're here for a visit!" Zuko laughed. "Now, what did you need again?"

"No it's fine, I'll just-"

The torches lit around the small study reminded Aang of days spent in the private arenas of the Royal Palace. He remembered her golden eyes, and the way she rolled her eyes each time he tripped on a basic kata. Aged spines in cubed shelves hid within the light's shade, and he could almost spot her huddled in one corner with a scroll. The last day they spent together, she asked him to try making amends with Katara.

Aang refocused.

Zuko embodied his father, sitting across from him in a gold and crimson ornate robe that couldn't measure up to the gleaming insignia atop Zuko's head. His head craft stopped right under the portrait of Firelord Sozin, who glared in Aang's direction. The flames spewing over his hands could fire through the portrait if they could. Of course. Getting her back would be...extreme.

"I want to renew the marriage contract...between your sister and me."

It all fluttered out in a low murmur. Still, Aang knew that Zuko heard every bit of his request. Aang's voice held a finality. This is the voice he uses whenever he is giving a speech. And when Aang gives his speeches, he means every word.

Zuko leaned over, looked his left and right, before he whispered, "…Azula?"

Aang hesitated before he nodded. He didn't think Zuko would react this way. He imagined this study burning up in flames and him being thrown to the other side of the room.

"Aang, even if I tried…which I probably never will, Azula wouldn't want to accept it," Zuko said carefully, his brows furrowing as though he seemed uncertain if what he said was the right thing to say. "It was a six month contract meant to hold off a group of extremists, to show the world that Azula no longer stood by the New Ozai Society so it's not like the marriage was permanent. Six months means six months."

"I know but-"

"Aang, let me just treat you to dinner," Zuko said, rising from his desk. "We'll drink something and chat a bit more, okay? I think you just need to loosen up a bit."

Aang didn't budge when Zuko stood upright, waiting for him to follow, "Yeah, I thought I was confused in the beginning. But I think I'm sure about my decision. I didn't want to do this but…it looks like I have no other choice…"

Zuko frowned, his face almost looking like that of Sozin's on the tapestry. Aang stood, now a head taller over the Firelord's form.

"I'm the Avatar, right?"

"…yes."

"Which means that the Avatar can make political decisions under what he considers to be extreme emergencies. Anything he demands should be made, and if one were to refuse, that one would be arrested, even if he were Firelord," Aang said and bowed. "As a monk who does not condone violence, I peacefully ask you to renew the contract between Azula and me."

Once he rose, his smile threatened to split his face into two. But Aang had no idea what he just did. He hoped it resonated with Zuko. But Zuko still regarded him, this time with a horrified expression.

"Azula's going to kill you."

End Note - Will be posting the second chapter soon!