It took me forever to finish this chapter and I hope you enjoy it.
If people have read my journal on account, you will know that this chapter is about Zuko's past.
I want to thank everyone for their patience and support…
FireChildSlytherin5
Mathqueen2
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Peanut26
Zutaraness
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Cadence scheering
Z1ZYX
Chibi-fire-girl
suavai
Taylor
Jenny
Matthew
Nick
Steve
Melinda
Heather
Andy
Pervious:
"She is not to be harmed," a voice said from the center of the guards. Azulon tried to sit up, but fell back. Comments rose up again, but he silenced them with one statement, "She has the blood of a lycan and a vampire. She must be kept alive, Ozai." Katara felt arms incasing her and she let them move her outside. It wasn't until she smelled the blood of her sister that she began to struggle. Her sister was alive? Katara had to do something to escape and help her sister.
Katara turned her head and sank her teeth into the flesh of the man who was holding her. He dropped her and went to his knees, clutching his arm in pain. Katara ran as fast as she could into the woods. Yelling was heard and footsteps followed her every move. Katara darted in and out of the tree line and quickly lost them in a maze of trees. Katara hid behind a tree and watch the men head back to her house.
She sank to her knees and hugged herself. The blood was still fresh in her mouth and mind. Katara turned her head again to see Ozai set her house ablaze. They left quickly towards the beach. She leaned back and closed her eyes, trying to think what to do next. A single try rolled down her face.
A quiet cough brought Katara out of her memories. She had forgotten that she was in the same room as Ozai and Ursa. No time had past while Katara was thinking about her past. Katara turned her head to see a young girl carrying a scroll in her hands. The girl walked up to Ursa and got on to her knees to bow. Ursa knelt down and grabbed the scroll. She turned to Katara and Zuko with a serious face.
Katara turn her attention back to Zuko and was wondering about many things. What was he thinking? What did he think of her? Could she ever love him? Was he like his father or uncle?
Now:
The young girl startled Zuko from his thoughts about Katara. His mother's eyes scanned the scroll quickly and a frown appeared on her face. Zuko turn his attention back towards the one thing that caused his heartache. He couldn't help but wonder how this lycan knew one of the most powerful vampires.
His eyes danced back over to his mother's face, looking for something, anything that could get him out of this mess. He let his mind wonder back to the day that changed his life.
A teenage boy was training with another teenage girl, in the courtyard. They circled each other, looking for the right moment to attack with great force. The grass felt like a soft blanket under his feet. They always trained with their shoes off; better grip is what they told everyone.
The girl of 14 summers saw his mind wonder for a brief moment and made her move to strike. A swift kick to the jaw brought the boy of 16 summers down. Laughter rang out through the yard.
"Looks like I win again, Zuzu," the girl said with a smirk on her face. She always joked that she was the better fighter, but they both knew that they were equal to each other.
"I let you win, Zula," the boy said with a scowl on his face. He got to his feet and walked towards his sister with anger in his steps.
However, a guard approached the two and informed them that their mother requested an audience with them. The siblings put their shoes back on and walked through the palace. Paintings of fierce dragons' covered the palace walls, while bat statures lined the hallway. Dragons were a huge part of their culture, even though they were vampires. The royal family had tattoos of a dragon on the inside of their wrists, to inform anyone of their position.
Before they went to meet their mother, both royals changed into formal clothing.
The children entered a room and sat down on the coach. The boy sat down and a sigh of comfort came out. The blood red coach seemed to be made out of air. A woman walked out of another door and sat down across form them in a chair. Her long black hair was pulled back into a messy braid. Her bright golden eyes seemed to flicker when the candle light hit against them just right. The dark red dress stood out against her pale skin.
"My children, the Chan coven will be arriving here by sun set and your father wishes you to escort them to the gathering," the woman said with a kind voice. The boy and girl both snarled and growled at this.
Everyone knew that their coven was the most powerful of all the other covens in the world. No other coven could compare to theirs, expect for the Chan coven (they use the king's last name as their coven name). The Chan's coven was the second most powerful and respected coven. A marriage between the two covens would result in combing the covens; making one strong coven. The Chan's family had two children, a daughter, and a son. Their son was fighting in the war and they didn't know when he would be back.
"Zuko…you do realize that your father will ask Chey (the coven's leader) for his daughter's hand in marriage," the woman asked with a sad voice. She knew that Zuko wanted to find love, not be in an arranged marriage.
"It's not fair mom," Zuko whined to his mother with anger displayed on his face. Azula watched the scene that was happening in front of her.
Zuko hated the idea of an arranged marriage. He also hated the idea of marrying some girl who just wanted power. He had met the Chan coven before, at pervious gatherings. The king, Chey and his wife, Ta Min were complete opposites of each other. Ta Min was clam, caring, and thought things through. However, Chey had a short temper, acted on his gut, and only cared about his daughter, wife, and son. Their daughter, Mai was close to Azula. Zuko didn't think highly of Mai at all. Zuko scowled at the thought of kissing her. Mai was the type who would sleep with any guy to gain power and money.
Zuko wanted a wife that obeyed his every command in public and holds him tight after a long day of work. Zuko wanted a girl who isn't obsessed with politics and power. He also didn't want some spoiled and pampered woman, who wore layers of make-up to hide their flaws. He wanted someone to talk to and someone who would listen without judging him.
The door opened to reveal a tall man with board shoulders. "We need to be down in the ballroom in a few minutes," the man said with a booming voice. Nods came and all four royal family members made their way to the ballroom.
The double doors opened and the light blinded Zuko for a moment. It quickly faded as he took several steps forward. Hundreds of faces swarmed the room, young, old, male, and female. Young girls flirted with the high ranking officer's sons. Their dresses only came to their knees and the strapless tops seemed to hug every curve.
Mai was easy to spot in a coward of this size; she was the only girl that was completely surrounded by men. Her raven black hair was pulled back into an elegant bun and glitter lined her hair like stars in the sky. The blood red dress hugged her every curve, while exposing her back (the golden dress off 'How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days'). The end of the dress dragged on the floor. The black heels matched the black earrings, necklace, and bracelet.
He glanced over at his sister and decided that Azula had the better taste and self-respect. Her deep red dress covered her, but no tightly to hug her curves. The obi around her waist was golden, making her eyes stand out. The layer underneath the dress was a deep dark red. Her golden necklace and earrings shone brightly against the lights. She carried pride and respect in her steps, something that Mai never had.
"This way, Prince Zuko," rang a voice from behind him. He turned to see a royal guard pointing in the direction of his father and Chey. Zuko walked slowly towards his father, but fasten the pace as girls started moving towards him.
"Prince Zuko, this is Chey Chan, the leader of the Chan coven," Ozai said with a hint of pleasure in voice that only Zuko heard. Zuko shook hands with Chey and looked back at his father. Zuko was hoping that his father hadn't talked to Chey yet about the marriage. However, he wasn't that lucky.
"To answer the question floating around in your head, I agree with the marriage. My daughter humbly accepts your request," Chey said with a voice of happiness. Zuko had to hold back a look of pure disgust on his face.
Zuko walked away from them and headed towards his future bride slowly; trying to think if there was anyway he could love her. Zuko tapped her shoulder and roughly asked, "May I have this dance."
Mai was about to say no until she realized that it was Zuko who ask her. Zuko held out his hand and waited for her to take it. He truly didn't want to dance with Mai, but he had to put up appearances to please his father. Mai took his hand and quickly led him to the floor.
Her arms wrapped around his neck as they started dancing. She pressed her body into him, getting as close as she could. She leaned up and whispered in his ear, "My father told me that you ask for my head in marriage."
"I didn't ask my father did. It was his idea to join the covens," Zuko said in a harsh voice. He left out the part that he hated her guts and wanted to get married to someone else. Mai smiled as they dance. The dance didn't end quickly enough for Zuko.
Zuko made his way out to the garden by himself. He sat on the ground and looked up to the stars. He didn't even realize that he wasn't alone until someone sat down beside him. He knew that it was his sister, by the smell of her blood.
"I saw you two dancing. You don't want to marry her, do you? Don't lie Zuko, because your eyes give you up so easily," Azula said as she glanced over to the lake. The moonlight shined against the water, to give it a ghostly appearance.
"She just…just not the girl I pictured for my wife. She exposes her skin to gain favor, she is use to getting her way and she is just a pampered woman," Zuko said a sad voice. He and his sister could always talk with each other without the fear of being judge. They never kept secrets from each other because they know when the other is lying.
"You do realize since you are the prince, you will have to sacrifice stuff to fulfill your duties," Azula said with a clam voice. However, it wasn't taken the same way by Zuko.
"How can you say! I should be able to decide who I want to marry and spend the rest of my life with! Father can't decide my life for me," Zuko yelled at his sister. He couldn't believe that she would take their father's side. Then he saw a smirk appear on her face.
"Reverse psychology works wonders, Zuzu," Azula said with a hint of pride in her voice. Zuko just stared at his sister I wonder and couldn't help but smile. He loved his sister and didn't know what he would do without her. She always seemed to make the darkest times, the best times ever.
"Azula…I won't ever be able to love her," Zuko said as he laid back on the soft grass. His sister leaned over him with a sad smile. She put her head on his chest and looked up to the stars. To any other person, who didn't know the prince or princess, would have thought that they were lovers having a deep conversation.
"Love is a funny thing you know Zuzu. A three letter word that can change the life of anyone. There are two types of love, Forced love and Willing love. The two are very different, yet similar at the same time. Willing love is something everyone wants. Love at first sight, like that ever happens. Willing love can die over time; you open your eyes and see the faults you can't stand. The love goes out as you fight over the little things, not seeing the big picture. Forced love is something no one wants. You hate each other at first, but when you get use to each other, you find stuff in common. Your hatred starts to grow into true love. It's a catch 22," Azula said with a tranquil voice.
Zuko pondered this for a while. "You aren't talking about Mai, are you?" Zuko asked as he propped his head up by his hand, while his elbow dug into the earth beneath.
"No, I wasn't. Mai is a close friend, who I love doing stuff with and I know her very well. However, I don't want to have her as a sister," Azula said with a smirk. "Mai is used to getting her way, whether it's with guys or her parents. Mai won't hesitate twice about flirting or sleeping with powerful guys, however, what she feels for you is different," Azula said with a serious voice.
"I know this…" Zuko said before he was cut off by his sister. Azula continued talking as if she didn't hear him.
"Mai would do anything to have you on her arm. All she has to do is flash her eyes and every male vampire is at her side, besides you. You are the only guy that she can't understand. She loves you and will do anything to make you love her," Azula said. She turned over on his chest, so her head faced him. She crossed her arms and sat her head down on them. Her eyes danced over his face and waited for a response.
Zuko couldn't understand what his sister was telling him. First she said that she would hate to have Mai has a sister and she would use any guy to gain power. But now she was saying the Mai loved him and would do anything for him. His mind was running in circles and he felt so confused.
Azula sighed deeply and couldn't help but feel sorry for him. Azula was lucky; she didn't have to get married to some snob. Zuko was the oldest and he would ascend the throne some day. Azula didn't mind that she was never going to rule because it was too much stress for her liking. Azula knew that when Zuko ascended the throne, she would become the highest rank officer, the Admiral who only took orders from the king.
Azula's mind wasn't the only one that across the future. Zuko was thinking all the same things and couldn't help but be jealous of his younger sister. For some miracle and this marriage fell through, Azula would have to marry Chey's son, Lee. He couldn't do that to his sister. Lee was known for his looks and the way he acted in bed.
Zuko and Azula never told anyone what happen a night 2 years ago. Azula was going to bed at their beach house. It was only Azula and Zuko there, their mother and father went on a walk and wouldn't be back for hours. The closest neighbor had a son about Zuko's age. He crept into Azula's room and tried to rape her. Zuko beat the kid half to death, before he threw him out. Ever since that night, Azula always wore clothing that covered the most skin as possible.
Zuko knew that Lee wouldn't go easy and that would scar Azula for life. His fist clenched as he thought that his sister might be hurt. He would never let himself live if Azula got hurt. Zuko sighed and looked at his wrist.
A black dragon was curving its body with its claws reaching forward. The dragon's teeth were baring and its eye was shining a bright orange. Behind the dragon stood fire, (farm3.static./2140/1587882352bdae3dc1c8.jpg) yellow, red, and orange blended together.
"What are you thinking?" a quiet voice asked. Zuko looked up to see his sister's face staring at him with concern. He shook his head and sat up. His sister slid off and sat up next to him. Sadness was shining bright in her eyes. Zuko wrapped his arms around her waist and nuzzled her neck. Small, but strong arms wrapped around him.
"Shit…" a voice said. This brought Zuko out of his thoughts. He looked at his mother and saw anger and regret in her eyes. He saw his father move his eyes over the scroll that the servant brought.
"It appears that Lady Mai and her father are here," Queen Ursa said with a low voice, hoping Katara wouldn't hear. He could tell that his mother had completely forgotten about Mai and the marriage.
His eyes drifted over to Katara to see anger in her body. Her fists were clenched together and her deep breaths were the first signs. She was trying to keep her temper in control and Zuko smiled to himself. He did the same thing when he tried to keep his temper in check.
The sound of doors opening brought everyone out of their thoughts and their eyes drifted over the door. A young woman walked in with an older man and woman in front of her. Azula and Zuko both cringed on the inside realizing that it was the Chan coven. They seemed relaxed enough as their eyes drifted over the room. Their bodies stiffen and became rigged as their eyes fell on Katara.
Zuko saw Chey reached for something behind his back as he lunged for Katara. Zuko reacted quickly and ran in front of Katara. His vampire speed caught Katara off guard a bit. Zuko had his fangs bared and Chey stopped his attack and looked shocked. Chey's sword was held at Zuko's chest and Zuko didn't blink an eye.
Azula tensed, but did not move. She watched the scene and took note of everyone's expressions. Katara stood there a bit too relax for someone in her position and Azula found it odd. Zuko had anger in his eyes and his body was completely stiff. Chey's face wore surprise and confusion on why a vampire would protect a lycan. Mai and Ta Min's face had the same expression, but Mai also had jealously in her expression. Azula smirked to herself because she knew that Zuko felt something for Katara and Mai knew it too. Azula's eyes drifted over to her father's face to see nothing. His face was completely claimed as if he knew that Katara could handle herself. Her mother's face wore a 'told-you' face. Ursa knew that Zuko felt something for Katara, but he wouldn't openly admit it.
A quick movement caught Azula's eyes and anger rushed through her body. Katara's eyes widen a bit as she saw a person next to her. Mai stood a foot away with a dragger with her hand. The tip of the dragger pressed into Katara's skin, drawing blood out of the wound.
"Katara stay still!" Ursa yelled as she moved towards Ta Min. Katara quickly stole a glance form Ursa and understood what she was saying. Ursa didn't want a fight to back out; the fear of more bloodshed was evident in her eyes. Katara focused her attention back to the girl who was holding a dragger to her throat. A figure appeared at her side.
Azula yanked out a dragger and held it against Mai's neck. Azula's head came to Katara's chin, just short enough so that Azula stood in front of her and Mai, yet Katara could see just fine. Mai's face wore shock and surprise, and then it melted away to anger. Mai pressed the dragger deeper into the side of Katara's neck, blood started to flow out a little more. Azula pressed her dragger on a vein in Mai's neck. The tip was barely in, yet blood started to come out.
There stood a vampire holding another vampire with a dragger, a vampire holding a lycan with a dragger, a vampire holding another vampire with its body, and a vampire holding another vampire with a sword. Who would make the fatal mistake? Who would back down first? Who would survive and who would die?