CHAPTER ONE
"Really, Zuzu, must we do this now? For Agni's sake, I'm sleeping." The sheets of the bed in the dimly lit prison cells tossed about like waves, until Azula sat up. Sweeping her somewhat-shorn hair out of her face, she peered at the man who stood just outside her cell bars, and wide smile spread on her face.
"You know, Zuzu, you've really turned into quite the man since I last saw you. " Her eyes narrowed, giving him a curious inspection. "More beautiful than father. Even your scar makes me less nauseous since the last time I saw it."
The Fire Lord raised a pale palm. "I didn't come here to exchange pleasantries." His brilliant golden and scarlet robe fluttered as he pulled a chair toward the cell and sat upon it. "There are things I need to know."
Azula stretched her legs out onto the bed, and raised her arms in a sleepy yawn. "Not completely like Father, unfortunately. I've never known himto run away from war like a frightened turtleduck; you should leave the royal grounds."
Azula's diatribes no longer mattered to Zuko as they once had when he was an enraged youth. Now, he brushed them aside; a meaningless ember. His reaction was now a different one. Cocking his head to the side, he asked, "What would drive you to say that a war exists?"
His sister chuckled slowly, shaking her head. "Ah, Zuzu. I may be insane, but I don't remember being deaf." She waved a careless hand toward a masked guard. "The word of mouth spreads faster than my fire bending, you know, especially amongst your guards." Her lips curled into a smile Zuko knew all too well. "I still remember when I heard the news about Mai."
Zuko's breathing became more audible. The sensation of his nails digging into his fists would surely leave marks, if he released them. "You're digressing from my original purpose. Let's-"
"I wonder if she screamed. Do you think she screamed, Zuzu?" asked Azula, her head tilted upward in mock contemplation. "Screamed for the husband who couldn't get to her until after her death? Hm? I heard that she wasn't even supposed to be there. Just showed up to support her dear Fire Lord, but ended up caught in the battle. Kinda makes you wonder, Zuzu. Wouldn't she still be alive, if it wasn't for you?"
Zuko straightened himself up in his chair and gave the semblance of a smile, despite his innards slowly twisting in anguish. "You disappoint me, Azula. I was expecting something a little more imaginative." Zuko leaned forward and intertwined his fingers in his lap. "Now, if you're quite finished, I would very much like to discuss what I came here for."
"Zuzu, you're no fun." Azula laid down again. "What do you want?"
"What do you know about the Children of Ozai?" His eyes narrowed, each word spoken deliberately and slowly.
Azula rolled over onto her stomach and supported her face with her arms: a playful gesture. "Well, I know that he had two. One didn't really count, though."
Zuko's palm met his face. "I'm not talking about us. Have you heard of a group called the Children of Ozai?" His slowly falling expression gave away his belief that this visit would probably produce no useful results.
Azula's eyebrows perked up. "Pretty name! Is that what the resistance is calling themselves these days?" She looked at Zuko's blank expression expectantly, waiting for an answer, but recieved none. "Fine, then. I know nothing of them or their motives. Wish them luck from me the next time you see them."
Zuko sat back in his chair with eyes closed, rubbing his forehead. "Azula always lies" he muttered softly.
Azula rolled back onto her back, and threw her arms in the air, laughing. "Zu---hah--Zuzu! I suppose you did need a way to keep yourself together all those years. Unfortunately," -she sat up with eyes narrowed- "I've always been telling the truth."
A smooth voice from down the corridor called out, "I'll be the judge of that." Zuko's head jerked upward, and he quickly strode toward the figure that stood in the dorway of the dungeon. The torchlight was terrible, but he could recognise her by the shining of her colorless eyes. Her arms were barely outstretched before he wrapped her in an embrace and had planted a rough kiss on her cheek. Embarassed by any signs of affection besides punching, she quickly blushed a deep red and shoved him off.
"Whoa, now, Sparky. Dinner usually comes first." Toph gave him a quick jab on the shoulder, displaying a smile that showed off brilliant teeth. "It's good to see you too."
"Oh, spare me!" called out Azula from the cell. "Zuzu's repulsive enough; I don't need someone else making me sick."
Toph marched up to the cell and walked around in front of it, probably trying to get a good look at the person she currently wanted to inflict pain upon. "I can see you're still...you. Hair's a little different, though. Still trying to make mommy angry, I see."
Azula lept out of bed, hands balled in fists. "I suggest you shut your mouth, blind offal." Almost instantly, she calmed down and leaned against the wall behind her. "You're lucky Zuzu constructed this place from metal." Any bending that Azula attempted would fry her before it reached anyone else.
Toph carelessly brushed hair from her face. "Yes I am: it's great to know I have an new place to metal bend." Sensing Azula's furious vibrations, she added, "And I'd consider youlucky, since Zuko was kind enough to put a bathroom in your cell. To save you from additional humiliation."
Satisfied with the conversation, Toph groped for and found Zuko's draped arm and marched out of the hallway. He smiled at her bluntness. Before he stepped out of the door, Zuko turned his head in the direction of his sister; her face and hands were pushed up against the bars.
Smiling at his glance, she crooned, "I think she screamed, Zuzu. Real loud."
"Where are we?" asked Toph slowly. Her head swiveled around like that of a curious child. She could discern the shapes of the grand furniture pieces as well as the ornate contours of everything in the room, but that was what most of the palace was like. Finding a chair, she sat down.
"This is a sitting room." Zuko sat down as well, and was glad to be in better light. Toph had changed since he'd last saw her. She'd grown more than a foot and a half and her physique was far more feminine. Shoes were now a part of her wardrobe, albeit thin, sole-less ones. Fortunately, her personality had still stayed the same.
"How many do you have here?"
"I haven't had the time to count, but I suppose-"
Toph slapped a palm to his mouth. "You're starting to sound like my father. Might want to stop while you're ahead."
Zuko grinned and removed her hand from his face. "Still the same. How long has it been since you last physically assaulted me?"
"Besides back in prison? I'd say...four years ago. Twinkletoes' and Sugar Queen's wedding. Good times. But let's remember that this is a business visit."
"Of course. Tea?" The cups on the small table before them had been filled before their arrival. Toph reached for a cup and noisily slurped it, smacking her lips as she set it down. "Good stuff. So I understand that you almost lost control of a major island on the last campaign?"
"Unfortunately, yes." He delicately sipped tea from his own cup. "The only reason I'm here is because spy reports have told me of the rebels retreating to the southwestern corners. This news bought me a few days to hopefully gather new-"
"Spare it. You can have them." Toph leaned back in her chair and crossed her legs on a nearby one, a smug smile on her face.
"I'm not sure I understand what-"
"Anyone who knows anything about me is aware of my awesomeness, and my metal bending training facility in Omashu. You seem like a guy who does his research. And judging by what you just told me, I figure that you need a massive troop surge soon, or you're through wearing that pointy gold jewelry in your hair."
"Toph-"
"Let me finish! You heart rate has jumped twofold since this conversation started, probably out of anticipation of asking me your important question. So let me save you the trouble. Yes, you can have my fully-trained metal benders, if that's what you need to take down rebel artillery. Many have been pestering me to enlist them since they heard about the war anyway; anything to keep the world in balance. But I come along. It's a package deal, Zuzu."
The Fire Lord dropped his head and chuckled. "I never knew mind-reading was one of your talents."
Toph straightened herself in the chair, and stuck her hand out for a handshake. "So, is it settled, Your Royal Highness? Do you accept my offer?"
Zuko clasped his hand with his own and shook it. "I suppose I accept. But on one condition."
"And what's that?" her grip tightened.
"Never call me Zuzu again." Zuko's voice had gone deep and menacing, but Toph knew it was just some of that Zuko humor she had missed. With their hands still moving in unison, the pair laughed together, stopping only when they head a faint rapping at the door.
I'm finally finished! I tried to make this chapter a little lighter and funnier than the last, since the prologue was a little depressing. But don't despair, morbid readers: there's more action and scariness yet to come. I also tried to dabble in that creepy vibe that was between Zuko and Azula in the third seasons. Sorry if it seemed a little off.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
1. Yeah, Mai's dead. And Zuko's not happy about it. Let me just say that I have respect for Maiko, but I prefer something else.
2. I'm not shipping Toko. They're good friends who'll stay good friends.
3. Zutarians, don't let a Kataang wedding get you down!
Don't forget to R&R!
-Ava
