NOTE: ALRIGHT EVERYONE. I'M SORRY IT TOOK SO LONG BUT TO COMPENSATE HERE IS A LONG CHAPTER. I JUST FINISHED MY SUMMER SEMESTER (REQUIRED. UGH). PLUS THERE'S THIS NOVEL I'M WRITING. COMMENT IF YOU WANNA READ IT WHEN ITS DONE. JUST TO REFRESH HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED SO FAR( REFER TO THE AVATAR COMIC THE SEARCH TO UNDERSTAND):

CHAP 1:

-AZULA IS REJECTED BY THE MOTHER OF FACES(THE BEING THAT GIVES YOU NEW IDENTITIES), SAYING THAT SHE HAS TO CHANGE FIRST. SO SHE KIDNAPS KATARA, TELLS HER ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED WITH THE MOTHER OF FACES AND ASKS HER TO HELP HER CHANGE.

- KATARA SAYS YES.

CHAP2:

- IT IS REVEALED THAT KATARA DOESN'T ACTUALLY BELIEVE AZULA. AZULA BLACKMAILS KATARA WITH A LETTER FROM HER TO ZUKO ABOUT THEIR RELATIONSHIP SO KATARA WOULD SMUGGLE HER INTO THE PALACE IN SECRET SO NOW KATARA HAS TO FIGURE OUT A WAY AROUND HER.

- ZUKO IS STRESSED ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY THAT SUKI IS BETRAYING HIM (THIS IS ACTUALLY A POSSIBILITY JUST SAYING), THAT THE ACCIDENTAL DEATH OF KING KUEI'S SISTER BC OF HIS SPIES COULD SPARK ANOTHER WAR, THAT PIRATES KEEP ATTACKING TRADE SHIPS LIKE THE SEA DRAGON (VERY IMPORTANT), AND THAT THERE IS AN UPRISING AGAINST HIM LED BY THE "LOYALISTS" WHO ARE PRO-AZULA.

-INTRO TO REN, CAPTAIN OF THE PALACE GUARDS. HE HAS A CRUSH ON AZULA.

-SPIRITS HAVE GONE WILD AND ARE ATTACKING. TOPH AND LIN GOES TO CHECK IT OUT. INTRO TO LIN, TOPH'S PARTNER IN THE REPUBLIC CITY POLICE FORCE AND RIVAL, AND KANTO, A PLAYBOY WHO'S TARGETING TOPH. WHILE SPARRING, THEY UNCOVER UNDERGROUND TUNNELS WITH A FAMILIAR RED LOTUS SYMBOL ON IT *WINK WINK*.

Aang

"WHAT!"

Aang leapt up and slammed his feet on the Republic City Council Table. The objects on the table jumped up as well. He was just as surprised as they were; the nineteen year old wasn't known to have such a temper unless it had something to do with either the GAang or the Air Nation. This time it was the latter.

Clearing his throat to calm his nerves, Councilman Yao of the Fire Nation spoke up, "I'm sorry Avatar Aang, but with the ever growing threat of piracy and spirit attacks, trade ships and warships alike from all nations sunk," he sighs as if stating the situation pains him, "the economy isn't doing very well."

"He's right," affirms Councilman Wen of the Earth Kingdom, "Which, again, justifies King Kuei's initiative to raise an army against the said spirits." Her eyes, green as her robes, gave each councilman a hard look.

"Lady Wen, we didn't mean to imply—" began Yao.

She raises a hand to interrupt, "Yes, yes, and condolences to the King for the death of his sister. Still, it is understandable given the mysterious circumstances of her death. The investigation is ongoing. This matter will be settled as soon as possible." Part of earlier discussions was to dissipate suspicions against the threat of another war even with the mysterious circumstances of the assassination of King Kuei's sister, Lady Akira.

Yao nodded, relieved. His moustache twitched as he spoke, "So is the Fire Nation and our share of dealing with pirates." He turns to the empty seat of the Southern Water Tribe Councilman. Because of an illness, Councilman Sokka, the youngest of them, opted to stay in the South Pole to regain his strength. As optimistic as Yao could be, he still frowned at the sudden absence of the young man. "And territorial disputes with the South."

"There's still the matter of the spirits. Although Officers Toph and Lin reported no signs of activity other than an odd underground ruin, I for one can say that the trouble with the spirits isn't over yet," said Wen, who looked fiercer raising her eyebrows coupled with a high bun that made her look like a badass librarian type. Known for her sharp tongue, Aang saw a bit of Toph in her. "In case you have forgotten, the Earth Kingdom is the nation with the most casualties from spirit attacks. If you all remember how to read a map." She turned to the Northern Water Tribe Councilman, cutting through the air with the sharp emerald look from her eyes like daggers.

Councilman Arnook, formerly Chief Arnook, was usually quiet during meetings amidst Wen's snarky comments, Aangs brash statements and Yao's placating words. He was much like his daughter, Yue, in being quiet, speaking only when necessary and much unlike his son, Kanto, in being a smooth-talking impulsive teenager. "Again, The search parties are doing their best in pinpointing where the spirits are coming from. So far, it appears they have been originating from different places. Their appearances—when and where—are erratic in nature, " he opened his eyes and frowned, "Almost as if we have an inside man."

"And, in case any of you have forgotten," Aang interrupted, sensing they were veering off topic. "The Air Nation is still in dire need of funds," he said, hitting the table with the bottom end of his staff for emphasis.

Wen made a frustrated noise. "Avatar Aang, the nations need the funds for reparations against the attacks—"

"But—"

Arnook nods, "Against spirit and pirate."

"But—"

Yao chimed in, oblivious to the tense energy around the table, "There's also a matter of expanding Republic City. Housing still isn't enough to accommodate all immigrants—"

"A handful have already died from poor healthcare—"

"The city police are but a skeleton crew!"

"Weapons shipments missing—"

"—Recent spirit attacks at the docks—"

"—Rumors of an uprising in the Fire Nation—"

"We need more manpower for construction—"

"Let's not forget research for better weapons against pirates—"

"—food variety—"

"ALRIGHT! I GET IT!" Aang yelled as he slumps back onto his seat momentarily before shooting forward, slamming his palms on the table authoritatively. "But the Air Nation needs that too. One last loan I swear we'll be—"

"We need to defend against these threats first, Avatar," nodded Arnook slowly.

"I'll deal with that, Arnook, I promise! But my nation—"

"The Avatar is to represent all nations, correct? Also, what does the Air Nation have to offer to world's economy? With all due respect, loans are meant to be paid for, Avatar Aang, " said Wen. "As I recall, the Air Nation is still buried in unpaid debt."

"We…" Aang trailed off. One hundred nineteen years is sure a long time to remember what the Air Nation did to thrive. "We have farmlands to tend to and crops to trade with! If we just have the funds to establish more plantations and stuff. Um… wool from air bison. T-Tourism—people would pay to see the centuries old of air nomad culture. Later. I'm the Avatar. I'll fix it!"

The three councilmen exchanged glances and sighed. It was three against one. His heart sunk when he realized that this argument was lost before he even entered the damn room. Had Sokka been there, Yao would have probably taken his side and he would have that one last loan.

Councilman Arnook spoke, "Avatar Aang, we know how important this is for you, "Oh great, Aang thought sarcastically, the empathy-then-you-can't-do-anything-about-it move. "However, the Council is obliged to prioritize Republic City and all four nations." Aang attempted to interrupt until Yao, who usually got Aang's back during meetings, shook his head as a warning. "But it doesn't mean the Air Nation will never be attended to. Majority of the Council agrees that we will provide funds as soon as we are able to."

"Unless, of course," said Yao. "Your nation declares a state of emergency."

Poor economy wasn't enough for that. And the war happened a century ago. Aang slowly eased back into his seat, staring at his hands clasped firmly over his side of the table. He thought about Monk Gyatso and the legacy he left of rebuilding the air nation, about the shriveled up root crops on his people's plates, about the pitiful looks they receive as a now third world country. Most of all, he thought about their faces and how they would nod slowly as if in understanding like they always did after each of Aang's trips. But Aang knew better; stomachs rumble and almost no one immigrated to the air temples anymore. He needed to find a way to help his people. And fast.

The airbender didn't even notice them adjourn the meeting and leave the room. Where in a herd of air bison is Sokka? His girlfriend's brother wasn't one to miss a meeting because of an illness. The situation was tense enough with Katara as it is. Sokka not having his back just added to an unending list of problems.

Air Nation, uprisings, spirits, pirates, dying, poverty, murders—Aang always thought that everything would be better after he dealt with Ozai a few years ago. That everyone would finally be a peace enough to ride off to the sunset with Katara, the GAang joking and having fun and acting their age for once in their life. Spirits, Aang buried his face in his hands; he hasn't even written back to his girlfriend Katara and his other friends in for almost a year. He was obviously wrong. When was this going to end?

Thinking that the council wouldn't miraculously return to the table to give him another chance, Aang stood and dragged his staff out the door.

The sunlight flickered as airships crossed its beams. On one side of the city was what used to be the old city of Yu Dao. As his gaze swept further inland, the buildings changed gradually into more modern buildings. The edge of the city was mainly unfinished. Men dragged supplies on wheelbarrows, dust clouds behind their quick strides. Children chased each other, barely missing the Avatar at one point. An old man hollered "Cabbages!" somewhere. The city was busy though unfinished much like Aang's state of mind.

"Avatar Aang," said a male voice with a confident tone, as if they were old friends. But Aang didn't recognize the voice. He turned, hoping it would be Sokka.

Aang, exhausted from the weight of the world, replied at the white haired figure blearily, "Yue? Why are you a guy?"

The man about his age merely laughed. He raised a hand to wave in front of the airbender's bloodshot eyes. "Kanto speaking. And, yes, Councilman Arnook has another child blessed by the moon spirit," said Kanto almost bitterly, if it weren't for his chuckles and flamboyant gestures, like he was part of some kind of nymphomaniac drama group.

Aang thought about his first year of Avatar duties, traveling around the world with Katara and Sokka until they arrived at the North Pole. Aang remembered learning waterbending and everything but he couldn't place—ah. Right. He was the guy hitting on Katara and just about every girl in his court. He recalled the jealous fury that went through him when Katara swooned at his unbelievably bad haikus. That is, until she found out that he wrote those sweet things for himself. Other than that, Aang heard that he was a very skilled waterbender.

Aang shook his head of the memory and gave a slight bow, "Ha. Sorry—er—Kanto, right? Just tired from," he made a vague gesture in the air," being the Avatar, is all."

"Huh," Kanto sat down at the top of the steps. Aang plopped down to the waterbender's side. "Air Nation funding, right?"

The Avatar gave him a look.

Kanto shrugged and spread his hands, "I eavesdrop!"

Too tired to react accordingly, Aang deadpanned, "Right. Why?"

The tribesman stood, placed a foot on the top step and began counting with his fingers, "One, I wanna be a councilman one day and I figured I could learn something. Two, it's hella fun to break the rules. Three, I look great or better than usual when flushed and nervous about getting caught. And four…I was hoping to get Officer Toph's attention."

Aang gave him an amused look, "Toph?"

But Kanto continued as smoothly as ever, "So the Air Nation. Declare a state of emergency."

"Apparently starvation and being under populated aren't grounds for that," sighed Aang.

"Lie?"

Aang raised an eyebrow, "They'd know. Even so I wouldn't do it anyway. Monk Gyatso always said that—"

"Then make it true." There was a glint in his eye. But Aang brushed it away.

"Can't change the laws. We would have to vote on that but I doubt they'd take my side," droned Aang. He looked at Kanto. "Why are you trying to do this?"

Kanto absentmindedly ran a hand through his hair. A group of girls giggled and shuffled away blushing but the heartthrob paid no attention. "I help you, you help me."

Aang gave him another tired, puzzle look.

He spread his hands again, "With Toph. Hard to catch this one. Even after I rescued her one night by the docks. I like it."

Before Aang could ask about Toph being rescued, Kanto threw a flower on his lap from a sleeve of his silvery blue robes. "Make sure Toph gets that while I write another haiku."

"For yourself?" said Aang, slyly.

"See? I knew you'd remember Kanto!"

Katara

"Ouch!"

"Azula, all I did was cut your hair."

"But you pulled on it too hard!"

Katara made a frustrated noise. It had been going on like this for nearly an hour, a few hours after their secret welcome to the Fire Palace by Captain Ren. Neither Katara nor Zuko wanted anything grand to get too much of the citizens' attention. No one else has seen them except Ren. She didn't know Zuko's reasons and she wasn't sure about her own herself. Their "thing" ended but something about visiting Zuko made her feel guilty. And being stuck with Azula trying to figure out a disguise until she's ready to "change" and "reveal herself to reunite with her family" certainly didn't make her feel any better.

"Hold still!" said Katara, managing to snip off a bunch of Azula's hair so that her locks ended at her sharp chin. The waterbender stepped back to inspect her handiwork.

"Well?" said Azula, impatiently tapping her foot on the floor.

"Well, with that hair length you kinda look like Zuko now."

Katara ducked in time to miss a melon-sized fireball hurtle over her head. Flames lapped on the drapes of her bed. Just as she bent water to extinguish the flames, the door to her room slammed open.

"Lady Katara!"

In a brief moment of panic, Katara grabbed a blue spirit mask off the wall and slapped it on Azula's face. Azula gave a muffled yelling sound but stood silent, even stiffened, at the sight of the guard who just barged in. It was Captain Ren again, the Head of Security of the Fire Palace. He was a figure of constantly ruffled black hair and a sweet smile; he was only newly sworn in the last time she saw Zuko, which was three years ago after the search for his mother. \

"Are you alright? Your bed—"

Katara looked at her charred bed to Azula who was adjusting her mask, oddly stiff and still staring at Ren to Ren who was checking to see if the coast was clear.

"Oh no, it's fine," said Katara, waving her hand in a reassuring gesture. "I, um, I like my bed… burnt."

"Burnt," deadpanned Ren before shrugging it off and standing up straight from his fighting stance. He smiled again. Ren's head swiveled toward Azula, who seemed to flinch at his gaze though Katara wasn't so sure. Before Ren could ask who Azula was, the sound of feet slamming on the ground in running strides interrupted them. This time, it was Katara who flinched.

Nearly skidding on the marble flooring was Fire Lord Zuko himself. Flames crackled in his fists. For some reason though, they seemed weaker. Like those flames didn't belong to the Fire Lord.

"Katara!"

Ren faced the young Fire Lord, "She's alright, boss. Just wanted her bed… burnt."

"Burnt," deadpanned Zuko as well. "Well, at least you're alright." Gold eyes locked with blue for the first time in years. The air between them weighed a ton with so much unsaid. He was way taller now, having the need to duck under the doorframe before entering the room. His features were sharper making him look absolutely striking and handsome and… not her current boyfriend. It was Aang and not Zuko. Katara crammed her head with memories of Aang but her cheeks still wouldn't. Stop. Burning.

Their contact broke and Katara sighed inwardly. She thought she saw Zuko react the same way, but she wasn't so sure. The firebender turned towards the sister he didn't recognize underneath the blue spirit mask. "Who's this?"

Whatever spell or form of intimidation Ren seemed to put Azula in instantly dissipated when her brother's gaze swept toward her. The princess's knees bent slightly as she balled her hands into fists. For a moment, Katara thought that lighting would shoot out at Zuko from the palms of his masked sister. Instead, Azula seemed to be put under another spell except she wasn't frozen in place this time; her fists clenched and unclenched like she was deciding on something. When to strike? Katara thought until Azula took a few steps back and seemed to shrink into herself. "This is, um," began Katara. She was aware of Ren and Zuko's eyes on her. "…Ula."

Azula's head craned toward her stiffly. Though her face couldn't be seen, Katara knew her expression would be full on contempt. "Ula," Zuko repeated.

"Y-yes, Ula," said Katara, trying to sound more confident now. Trying. "She's my, um, handmaiden."

Katara heard a low growl from Azula. "Who is also mute," explained Katara, pointedly at Azula.

"Oh," said Zuko. "Anyway, you're probably wondering why your visit was kept secret. I need to speak with you, Katara. Um—" He turned to Katara and out the door over and over until he ultimately made an awkward gesture for them to follow him into his office. All the while he tried to avoid looking at her.

For several heartbeats they all just walked silently down the red halls of the Fire Palce, as if time made them forget how to talk to each other. As friends.

Ren chimed in, oblivious to the awkward aura, "So, Ula, what's with the mask?"

Again with the spell Ren put Azula in. Katara was surprised when Azula stared at her through the mask for help. "She doesn't know sign language, either. But you know, " Katara put a friendly arm around her, "It's like were sisters so we, um, we understand each other!"

In response, Azula discreetly shrugged Katara's arm off her like it was something from the swamps of the Earth Kingdom.

Zuko slightly craned his neck towards them, still not looking at Katara. "You didn't answer the mask question…"

"Right!" exclaimed Katara, almost too cheerily for it to be natural. She groped for words in the air and hoped they'd be arranged in the right combination. "It got burned by… her father."

Yikes. It wasn't the right combination. Nothing seemed to be. Katara wondered if it was because she didn't write back to that one letter. The letter where Zuko wanted closure about where they were. Was he pissed about it? Sad? Had he forgotten about it? Was he still in love with her? Whatever he felt, all she wanted was for him to yell at her and get everything over with.

Ren punched the shoulders of the two siblings, "Hey, you have something to talk about later!" Katara waited for at least one of them would fry Ren to a crisp, only, Azula seemed frozen solid and Zuko just shook his head amusedly. Typical Ren.

"Huh," was Zuko's reply. And that was the end of a painfully awkward conversation.

They arrived at elaborately designed double doors to Zuko's office that also led to his chambers.

His chambers. Even thinking about those two words in a sentence made her feel guilty already somehow.

"Ren, you may go. Check on your men. And make sure they're not just drinking and playing cards in the western wing of the palace. And again, Katara being here is confidential."

"Sure thing, boss," Captain Ren bowed. He then nodded at Katara. The waterbender wasn't sure, but the captain seemed to narrow his eyes at Azula for a moment. Like he was trying to recall something. Shaking his head, he walked away and turned a corner into another hall.

"Katara." Zuko's hand rested on the doorframe. He beckoned her to come inside. Otter-penguins surfed in her stomach; she was about to be alone with Zuko again. She wasn't sure if it terrified her. But, Tui and La, she was sure she didn't want it to excite her in any way. Focus on telling him about Azula.

Just as Katara was about to enter she turned to her reluctant handmaiden, "Ula, wait out here please."

Azula balled her fists. She wasn't used to being ordered around like a mere servant. Before turning a corner, Azula tapped a sliver of white that stuck out from under her robe. Katara stomach dropped as she realized it was The Blackmail Letter. It was a warning that if she told Zuko, she would make sure the evidence of her affair with Zuko would be shown to everyone.

What Katara needed now was to find a way around Azula… But ho—

Katara shut the doors and turned around to find the mantle on Zuko's shoulder unclasped and on the desk behind him. Which was funny because that was what Fire Nation royals would usually do before undressing. She pressed herself to the door, trying to stop the shivers running down her spine.

"Zuko, what are you—what are you doing?"

The firebenders eyes scanned the room before holding up a finger for silence. Was this the only reason why he asked me to visit the Fire Palace in secret? Katara took an aggressive step forward. She wasn't some wench a man could sit on his lap and touch her all over with.

He took off his shirt. Seeing the lines of his toned everything, she forced herself to shut her eyes.

"Hey!" Her voice was shakier than it should have been for some reason. Like she was trying to be angry with him. Katara wanted to be angry—No, she was angry because she was supposed to be. "You can't just—"

Zuko rushed forward and covered her mouth with his hand, pressing his index finger hard on his lips to express the degree of urgency for silence. "Shh!"

Eyes still closed, she smacked the hand covering her mouth. "I swear to Tui and La and, heck, even Yue that I will bend the entire ocean to—"

"Open your eyes, Katara."

"You will not tempt me—"

"What?"

"What?"

Katara opened her eyes to see a rough looking gray mass in front of her. Then she realized that in her panic she failed to see the large splotch of gray on the right side of his chest, snaking from his right rib, over his shoulders and ending just before his neck. She reached out to brush her fingertips on the gray. It felt cold, too cold for a firebender.

Katara's eyes widened, "Zuko, is that—"

"Someone's been feeding me Iceroot petals," he finished. Zuko sat at the edge of his desk. Katara then noticed the dark circles around his eyes. He looked about five years older than he actually was. What's been going on the Fire Nation lately? Even his golden eyes seemed lackluster, constantly flickering around for shadows that weren't there. "You know what it does, since it only grows at the Poles."

The healer nodded, "Extremely beneficial to waterbenders, fatal in small constant doses to—"

"Firebenders," said Zuko, gesturing to the dead looking gray part of his body. "Someone's been slipping this in my meals, my tea, my water, everything."

Katara narrowed her eyes, "Who? Don't tell me you think it's the Southern Water Tribe."

He chuckled, "I'm not making any accusations, TurtleKat."

Their breath hitched at "TurtleKat". Zuko used to call her this just for the sake of annoying her and getting her attention. It was also their term for endearment. "Did you just call me—"

"A—Anyway," continued Zuko, as elegantly as any Fire Lord should be. He told her about the uprising, the Loyalists, the pirates sinking ships like the Sea Dragon, the assassination attempts, disappearances and all the worst fears of a monarch. Katara couldn't believe what she was hearing; Zuko had always been a decent Fire Lord. Last she heard, the Fire Nation was doing great. There were rumors of civil unrest but they were just that. Rumors. Until now.

"So you think that these Loyalists are responsible. Where are the Kyoshi Warriors?"

Something about his facial expression told her that he wasn't telling her the entire truth. Katara hated herself for knowing so much about him. "They, uh," he scratched the back of his head. The young tribeswomen knew that Zuko usually did that when he wasn't telling the truth. But like the charismatic Fire Lord he should be he found the words, "Kyoshi Island suffered from a massive pirate raid. Suki had to return to help."

"Shouldn't Aang know about this?" At the word 'Aang', the room seemed to turn cold. Somehow it was taboo between the two of them. Nonetheless, Katara felt relieved that thoughts of Aang still lived somewhere in her mind.

Zuko showed a slight frown but seemed to think better of it and reverted to his formal Fire Lord Zuko persona. Something about that annoyed her; she loved—preferred—the real Zuko. "I gotta be sure first. Last I heard, he was rebuilding the Air Temples. Don't want to get into his hair yet—er—scalp."

They laughed. There he was, the dorky, sensitive, brash but kind firebender she always knew and—preferred. Next thing she knew she was sitting beside him on his desk.

When the laughter died she asked, "So I take you brought me here in secret to heal you?"

"Maybe just until after the Four Nations' Summit this year or until I fix this," said Zuko. It was an annual event where the rulers visit all four nations and making their final stop in Republic City for the, well, summit. Katara prayed that Sokka would learn as much from this as he could, being the next in line for Chief.

Then he smiled for the first time during her visit, "There's no one else I trust more and no one else as skilled, as, uh, as, you know, you."

Katara hung her head, relieved, "Oh."

"Why," red patches formed on his cheeks, "What—what did you think I was doing earlier?"

This time it was Katara who had to save face, her beet red face, "Were Iceroot flowers the flowers you were referring to in your Uncle Iroh stories?"

Thankfully, Zuko got the idea that they should both forget about what happened. He even went along with it. Laughing, he said, "Yeah! We were foraging for food and he came across these flowers. He must have been staring at it for hours saying—"

Katara leapt off the desk and stood theatrically, lowering her voice to make an Uncle Iroh impression. She knew this story well, "Delicious tea or—"

Zuko followed her lead, "Deadly poison," before laughing with her again.

She knew, of course, that Iceroot flowers weren't in that one Uncle Iroh story. More importantly, she knew that Zuko knew that as well. This was what Katara enjoyed about being around Zuko; she didn't have to be a mother to him and he didn't have to rescue her. Instead, they saved each other.

Azula

Azula lost count of how many times she rolled her eyes eavesdropping on Zuko and Katara. To make sure Katara doesn't try anything. When one of them talked too fast, eyeroll. When one of them fumbled for words, eyeroll.

"TurtleKat", Eye. Roll.

She swore that if she rolled them just one more time, they'd pop out of her skull, tumble down the hallway. Grow bigger with accumulated dirt and wreak havoc on everything in its path!

It was a fun thought. So she listened and waited for another awkward exchange between the two…whatever they were. At that thought, Azula felt like a child again; making up hilariously gruesome stories, surrounded by red walls, sconces, Zuko, Ren—

Seeing him again after all these years felt strange. Azula froze at the thought of him for reasons she couldn't comprehend ever since they were children. It felt like Unagi swirling in her stomach. Like all the Fire Nation spices mingled with her blood. Her body temperature increased. Ozai always said it was anger and power within her and nothing more. She tried hard to believe in what her father said yet she couldn't shake the feeling that it was something else. But Ozai was always right, wasn't he?

"Could be love, Azula," said her mother's image on a section of the floor.

For a moment Azula wanted to believe her. It made more sense—

"Shut up," she splashed the section with cloudy water, even if she wasn't sure who she was saying it to: Ursa or herself. Azula reminisced playing with Zuko and Ren as children. The thing is, one day, Ren stopped coming back when they were nine. And when he did, he made her feel like shit.

"Ren?"

Thirteen-year-old Azula nearly perfected lightningbending, until she saw a familiar figure who always seemed to skip when he walked. She thought she heard Ozai calling after her as she ran across the training field. It was the first time she didn't pay attention to her father.

The black-haired boy glanced at her direction but kept walking. Ren was taller, handsomer. The only thing that didn't change was his smile. Azula felt relieved he didn't look anything like Zhao, his father.

"Ren!"Azula playfully punched his shoulder. "Where the hell have you been?"

She thought that Ren would punch her back or hug her or something. Ren grinned wide, opened his mouth to say something. Her heart leapt. But for some reason he thought better of it and bowed. She never required him to bow, "Princess Azula."

Azula studied him. Ren's eyes kept darting around. She continued, "I was just training. If you'd like we could spar later. I know you're a nonbender but I'm betting you'll still be great in a fight! Even if I win the end, of course."

His eyes looked over her shoulder. Azula turned to see Ozai, but he didn't seem to be paying any attention to them. She looked at Ren again, "Well?"

Ren gave a small uneasy smile, "I'd love to, princess. It would be an honor but—"

"But what? Why are you talking like that? Why didn't you come back or write back or—"

Ren gave one last look over her shoulder, "My apologies, Princess Azula. But I have to attend a meeting on behalf of my father."

Azula just stood there, feeling betrayed, abandoned. It was like Ursa all over again.

He gave one last bow, "By your leave, your grace."

"Oh…okay," She watched him walk away. "Whatever."

So maybe it was anger.

Azula shood her head wildly to relieve herself of her feelings. What would father do? The answer would be to gain the upper hand, so she pressed her ear to the double doors once more. Her eye-rolling resumed until…

"Delicious tea or—"

"Deadly poison."

Then laughter. In fact, she laughed to herself as well. Then she caught herself and scrubbed the floor vigorously.

Ozai's image appeared on another section of the floor, "Remember why you're here, Azula."

Ursa's reappeared with pleading eyes.

For once, Azula's mind went blank. What was she doing here again? Her mind started attacking itself until two memories stood out:

"Power, Azula," Ozai always told her.

Reclaim the throne, Azula remembered. Kill Zuko and Ursa and become Fire Lady. She had overheard that someone's been poisoning the bastard. Good.

Then she remembered the Mother of Faces, "Heart, Azula. Under the eyes of Agni. Or no face will fit you for long."

Change, she remembered. And leave for a new face. A new life. A new start. Or reunite with her family, with Ren, who knows?

"Well?" asked the Reflection Ozai. "Plot an assassination. You heard what Zuko said. There's been rumors that people are turning against him. Now is the time to strike! Become Fire Lady! Phoenix Princess!"

"Yes fa—"

"Azula, remember that letter from me to Ikem? The one where I said that Zuko was his? It was a lie but it still could have prevented Zuko from being Fire Lord. You dropped that on purpose, Azula. You know in your heart you did," argued Reflection Ursa.

"Well…"Azula didn't know what to say to that. Maybe it was true…Maybe.

Reflection Ozai exclaimed, "Azula, you returned to claim your rightful place. The people are rebelling. Zuko doesn't deserve the throne. He loathes you. Ursa loathes you. Ren left you."

The princess supposed that he was right. Her people needed her and Zuko off the throne. Years ago he took it away from her. It was time to take it back, wasn't it?

"Azula, you can change! You returned. You picked Katara because you know she's the right person to help you. And if you do, Zuko, Ren and I are already here for you. Whenever you're ready."

On the other hand, the firebender felt exhausted. Hate and ambition didn't seem into to motivate her anymore. Perhaps peace was what she needed. From there, maybe she would decide if she'd stay with her current self or with her new self. The thing was,

It was fifty-fifty from here on out. Azula wondered if that was what Ty Lee felt when teetering from the left side of the tight rope to the right. You could fall on either side.

Left or right.

Ursa or Ozai.

Zuko or Azula.

Changing and love or power and blood.

Taking the Mother of Faces' advice or taking the throne and killing the remains of her family except Ozai.

Her choices would either be delicious tea or deadly poison. Just like her Uncle Iroh, she didn't know which was which.

A piece of rolled up parchment landed on her lap. The person whom Azula assumed to be a palace servant hastily turned a corner before she could make out his or her face. She unrolled the parchment, fumbling with it a bit with her fingernails bitten to its nail beds. It said, "Revered Phoenix Princess, we await at the Hall of Fire Lords when the moon is dark. The crown will be yours in the next full moon—RL"

Taking note of a seal featuring a Red Lotus, she only assumed that that's what RL meant. Azula had only ever heard of the White Lotus. If these guys were pranksters, she'd fry them. If this were a trap, she'd fry them. Still, people remembered her. They loved her more than her mother ever did.

Delicious tea or deadly poison?

She slipped the parchment in her robe. "Power, it is. For now."

THAT'S IT. PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT THE PLOT AND THE OC'S. I NEED REVIEWS AND FAVORITES AND FOLLOWS! THANKS AND ENJOY!