It was nearly nightfall. Above the palace, the clouds were bathed in red. The sky outside was growing darker as the final glimmer of sunlight vanished over the horizon. The old was fading into memory, making way for the new. Tomorrow the world would be reborn.

Zuko sighed, how he hated today. It wasn't just Aang. He was merely the latest in a long string of problems that seemed to plague the young Fire Lord. But such was the nature of his position. Being Fire Lord came with many pros and cons. The respect, the power, the authority countered by responsibility, criticism, and constant scrutiny. To overcome, one had to fine balance. Both in himself and in his realm. That was the key to being a ruler.

Zuko watched the sun disappear into the distant ocean from one of the balconies of his palace. It unnerved him that even something as massive and powerful as the sun was trapped. Forced to bend to the will of some other unknown power–made to spin in a never ending cycle. Was anything ever truly free?

Turning his back on the darkened sky he felt a new question arise–what did Katara want?

One of her servants had notified him earlier that the Fire Lady wished to see him. When he asked the reason the girl merely shrugged her shoulders in response. Strange.

She's never done this before, he thought, his mind filling with questions. Was it an attempt at reconciliation? No, that can't be it. He knew Katara. Or at least, had known her long enough to know the workings of her mind.

She's far too stubborn to make the first move, this has to be trouble, he decided. But what kind of trouble? It couldn't be–

He felt a stab in his chest as his heart skipped a beat. The mere thought of that made him sick. Why else would she want to see him? It had to be–Zuko forced the thought away. Willed his mind to be silent. There was no point in being paranoid. It was probably something else entirely. No point in ruining tonight.

Yes it's nothing, he thought determinedly, a familiar feeling coursing through him–his worry temporarily forgotten. A light breeze blew apart the silk curtains of the entrance to his bedchamber and he saw the beautiful woman sitting quietly on the bed. Her eyes were lowered, her legs crossed, her dress silky white and revealing. Zuko smiled, she was everything he imagined–and more.

"Lien Yun." he said, his voice commanding yet relaxed.

"Yes, your majesty?" she stood up and he felt his heart beat faster. The wind ruffled her thin dress and Zuko felt his desire grow more urgent.

"How do you find the palace?" he asked, walking back inside.

"It's lovely, your majesty. So extravagant." Zuko smiled. He felt her tense as he came closer, her soft breathing grow more erratic.

"And my bedchamber, does it please you?" Her golden eyes avoided his gaze, seemingly shying away. The action served only to enhance her purity and innocence, and made Zuko want her even more.

"Greatly, your majesty." she whispered. Zuko went around her and let his hand casually drift to the seams of her dress, tugging gently on the lacing. She gasped. Her dress was looser now. From his view he could see the corner of her breast pressed against the silk. Now the most intriguing question remained…

Zuko tugged harder on the lacing and pulled the dress over her shoulders. The light fabric tumbled to the ground, leaving the young maiden clothed only in moonlight.

"Turn around." He ordered. She obeyed.

Zuko allowed his eyes to wander over every inch of her. Her skin was creamy and flawless. Her breasts ideal. Her legs long and shapely. Everything about her filled him with desire. Zuko lowered his gaze gradually. He felt her shudder as his eyes reached her nether regions.

Zuko closed the distance between them and cupped her face, his grip firm. He pulled her close until their lips were mere millimeters apart. Zuko felt her tremble, her shuddering breath decadently warm as it fell on his body. Unable to hold back any longer, he snatched her lips with his own–his kiss forceful. He felt her begin to pull away, but he grabbed her by the waist and held her firmly. She continued to writhe in his grasp, the struggle exciting him even more.

Gradually she began to return the kiss. Her response weak and gentle and oh so virgin. Zuko began to undo his robes with one hand, while his other traced her leg, turning around into the inner thigh. He felt her shudder as his fingers came to rest on the warm skin. He continued to move his hand higher, sliding it towards her nether regions. His hand felt the heat within her loins and he wanted to ravish her there on the floor–nonetheless he willed himself to be patient. She wasn't like the rest. He wanted their first joining to be special.

By now Zuko had untied his robes and he quickly cast them off. He took off his pants just as quickly, and now stood as naked as her. Once more he kissed her, this time he felt his erection brush against her thigh. Instinctively she pulled him closer until their bodies were pressed against one another. Her trembling lips joined his once more. Zuko began to lift her in his arms before coming to his senses and quickly breaking the kiss. He didn't want to lose control. Not yet.

"Are you frightened?" he asked, his eyes burning with desire.

"No, my lord."

"You shouldn't lie to me." He stared into her eyes. They were ripe with fear. The golden irises filled with anxiety.

"No, my lord." She replied in the same meek tone. Zuko caressed her face, gently. She was so beautiful, so ideal. Not like Katara. Lien was a more refined beauty–a Fire Nation beauty.

"Don't be." Zuko lowered his head and kissed her neck. His lips trailed down her shoulders and collar bone while his hands fondled her chest. To his delight, her breasts were firm to the touch. Slowly Zuko steered her towards the bed, lifting her up in his arms as they reached the frame, he placed her forcefully on the mattress and towered over her.

Lien panted, her breathing mixing with his, echoing through the silent bedchamber. Zuko lowered himself, his chest pressing against hers, their bodies gradually merging together–her body soft and gentle against his muscular physique. He spread her legs apart and stopped just outside her entrance. This was the moment he relished most. The anticipation, the worry, the desire, all of it mixing together like a perfect cocktail. For a moment the world seemed to stop. He thrust.

Lien cried out, but he silenced her with a kiss. Her walls enveloped him as he broke through her barrier and pressed onward. She was incredibly tight and he slowly forced himself in deeper inch by inch. Zuko felt her cry into the kiss, but he continued to thrust deeper still until he reached her limit. Pulling out he thrust once more, working it up to a slow and steady pace. Her virgin walls now yielding to his power. Welcoming him in.

Seeing her clench her teeth in pain, Zuko stooped lower and took one of her nipples into his mouth, his hand massaged the other. In response, Lien wrapped her legs around him, the heat between their bodies growing hotter still. Slowly, Zuko guided her through the motions and soon she was moving in rhythm with his thrusts. She no longer noticed the pain, pleasure gradually taking its place.

As he raised his head, suddenly, and to his surprise, Lien kissed him. He returned it passionately, his tongue slipping inside her mouth. Her tongue greeted him, massaging his own as the kiss grew deeper. The heat in her loins, her tightness, the passion of the kiss, everything driving him to the edge. At last Zuko felt himself reaching his limit. He broke the kiss and cried out as he came. The liquid fire bursting inside her, carrying her with him to the brink and into the clouds. He collapsed atop of her, momentarily senseless–their panting now filled the room. When Zuko at last regained his senses he rolled over next to her and smiled. Lien smiled back. The night was still young…

When at last the Fire Lord was asleep Lien allowed herself to think. She hoped that she had pleased him. He had been far gentler than she had been led to believe, and that was a good sign.

Maybe he likes me more than the others, she mused. And why not? She was better bred, better trained, and far more beautiful and elegant then all his other whores. Especially his whore of a wife.

Lien smirked. Her innocent act had worked wonders. It was all as her master had foreseen. Soon perhaps she would have him ensnared. If not…well that's in fate's hands.

Men are rather simpleminded, her lips curled. Not all men, she corrected herself. No, her master was an exception to that rule.

Yes, she thought as her mind drifted off to sleep, Lord Akio is definitely an exception.


"Katara."

The word hit Katara like a lightning bolt. Not the sound of her name, so much as the voice that said it.

"Katara." the voice grew louder.

Standing up from her bed, Katara walked towards the sound. Her vision was blurry. After hours of tossing and turning she had fought her way into a state between dreaming and waking. She didn't know if she was truly awake now. In the darkness everything seemed surreal and out of proportion. Her sole guide was the voice that echoed through the dark room.

"Who's there?" she replied, her voice trembling.

"Katara."

"Who are you?" she screamed. Her voice came out a hoarse whisper.

"Katara." A tall figure cloaked in darkness stepped into the moonlight.

"Who are you?" she repeated.

"Don't you recognize me?" The figure turned so the moonlight fell on his face.

Katara's eyes grew wide with shock. "A-ang? Aang."

"Surprised?" He smirked.

"Aang!" she ran at him and embraced him tightly, nearly knocking him over. The tears now cascaded down her face. She was ecstatic, her hell forgotten in that moment of joy.

"Katara, I know it's been a long time." He began. Katara released him and began to wipe away her tears. "But, the only reason I came here." He sighed. "The main reason I came here was to bury the past. I want to move on with my life. And I want there to be no hard feelings between us."

Katara felt herself nod. Her mind still unable to grasp the fact that he was here. That after everything, he had come back.

"Katara, I want you to tell me straight. Are you happy here?" he watched her carefully. "With Zuko."

"W-what do you mean?" she looked away.

"I mean are you satisfied with the choice you made." He scratched his neck, "I…I guess after all these years I want him to be the bad guy, not you. Because–"

Because I love you, Aang thought bitterly. But I can't say that, not now. Not ever.

"–Because you're my friend, Katara." He finished. "And I want you to be happy. I mean that. I really do."

"Aang…" Katara felt her skin grow cold. The joy evaporating instantly. How could she tell him? Tell him that everything was wrong in her life. How Zuko was treating her. That she was pregnant with his child. That she had thought of getting rid of it. Of killing herself. Of killing him. That now her life was torture. Every hour filled with agony. She wanted to scream until her lungs burst. Nonetheless, she willed herself silent. She couldn't do this to him. Not after all these years. If only he had come sooner…

"Katara." His face grew stern. "If he's done anything–"

"No, Aang." She looked him in the eyes. "I'm happy here. Really. I-I told you before. All those years ago. I love Zuko, and he loves me. I'm truly sorry Aang. I never meant to hurt you. Please, please tell me we can still be friends. If you leave I don't think–"

"It's alright Katara." He hugged her comfortingly. "I'm not leaving. I'll never abandon you like that again." She felt the last of her defenses crumble in his embrace and she cried.

When the last of her tears dried up, she felt herself drift into oblivion. Aang lifted her up gently in his arms, and laid her carefully on her bed. Then, just as quietly, he vanished into the night like a long forgotten dream.


A/N: Hope you liked this chapter. Comments and thoughts are greatly appreciated so please review!