Epilogue 4: Third Conflict of Loves
In one of his more brooding moods, Zuko stormed to the throne room of the palace in Ba Sing Se seeking his sister. She lounged lazily on the throne like she was the Fire Lord himself. Zuko clenched his fists. She is ruling Ba Sing Se more strictly than my father… then Ozai rules the entire Fire Nation.
"Zu Zu!" Azula smiled sweetly. "What a pleasant surprise. I've just finished arranging for our trip back to the Fire Nation."
Taken aback, Zuko was uncertain how to respond. Quick thinking schooled his words, "But you're the leader of Ba Sing Se now. You would really give up control of the city?" He tried hard not to hope too much. If she left, Travahar and Mu-Tan would stand a good chance of seizing it back and putting Travahar on the throne.
"Oh I'll still be in control, brother. The Dai Li are loyal to me." She walked with cat-like grace toward Zuko. ""the city will be well protected, don't you worry. And we can deliver our traitorous uncle to the Fire Nation."
The opportunity could not be better. He could stage an attack with Mu-Tan's help and free his uncle on the way. If he could stay, he could plan. If he could stay, he could be with Faelin. He straightened his shoulders stubbornly, "you don't need me for that. I'll stay here." I'll stay here and finally get to see the woman I love and have sword to protect. I'll finally get to see my… children. Yes, I can consider Ty-min my daughter. I can be with Faelin when she gives birth. Yes, I'll just… stay. I don't want to see Ozai.
Azula rolled her eyes and sighed heavily at her brother's ridiculousness. "Zuko, Now that we've defeated the avatar, Father will welcome you as a hero. You'll be the prince again and have your old life back." She could hardly believe he was floundering now at the opportunity of going home. It was his one true deepest love, wasn't it?
"I already said, I'M NOT GOING WITH YOU!" He stormed away in his struggle to manage something in his life around his sister iron control. He hated her. His mood so very sour for missing Faelin so much, but he couldn't tell Azula that.
Azula hatched a plot in her head. It was a plot to tie Zuko back into his old love for Mai. Why not? The two seemed to be starting to get close again. A little nudge in the right direction and Zuko would surely get on the boat to the Fire islands. Not being very good in the realm of love herself, Ty-Lee would her best accomplice.