Web of Lies

By: Wingyin87

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Zuko was furious.

Scratch that.

He was pissed.

How...how.....how could she?

I mean, really, the Avatar?

Why didn't she at least try to...

But no, the little voice in his head said,you did choose Katara after all. Why didn't you pay attention? Didn't you see her after you got married to Katara? She was broken.

I did pay attention, the otherside side of himself said. She looked perfectly fine. Besides, I love Katara.

Really? I was under the assumption that when Mai said 'no' to your proposal you got angry and threw the ring in her face. And after that, 2 short months later, you got engaged to Katara.

So? That doesn't mean I don't love Katara.

Don't kid yourself. You know you love Mai.

No! I love Katara!

Suit yourself. It's your loss after all.

The voice sounded like Toph's voice. Exceptionally like Toph's blunt, mocking voice.

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Mai was shaken. Seeing her former friend, broken, and un-smiling scared her. She positively ran towards her estate house.

"Aang! Azula......Ty Lee.....trial.......noose......exile....."

"What? Zuko personally told me that Azula would be okay, and Ty Lee would be allowed to remain in the homeland." Aang raised a quizzical eyebrow.

"No," Mai gasped out, panting, Ty Lee is banished, and Azula is sentenced to the noose."

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Katara was not happy.

How could he, I....I thought he loved me!

Then, when Zuko just asked, I.....I couldn't refuse.

You wanted to. You knew Aang was carving a betrothal necklace for you.

Yeah? So what? I won't have accepted it anyway. I never loved him.

Don't lie. If you do love ZUko, why are you angsting over it? You should be happy Aang is with someone he loves.

I am.

*snort* Don't kid yourself. You love him. Don't deny it.

The voice sounded exceptionally like Azula. Exceptionally like Azula's cold, calculating, sneering voice.

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Aang strided towards the throne room, Mai following closely behind.

As soon as Zuko looked up, he knew he was in trouble. Mai walked up and stopped 20 paces from the throne, knelt and pressed her forehead to the cold, black marble. She stayed in that position for 10 seconds.

As soon as she rose she said, "My Lord. I was under the impression that Ty Lee would allowed to remain in the homeland, and Azula would be banished."

Zuko scowled, "Azula deserves to be punished. And Ty Lee was her accomplice."

His frown deepened when Aang walked up and put his arm around Mai's waist.

"Yes, Zuko, you did mention and promise that T y Lee would be allowed to remain in the homeland. And, Azula would be exiled."

Zuko sneered, "What does this have to do with you anyway? You're just..."

Mai cut in, "You're no better than your father. At least your father kept his promises."

Zuko opened his mouth to snarl back, then shut it adruptly.

His former love had a knive spinning between her fingers.

"I am going to free Azula and Ty Lee from prison," she said. "And I will personally take them to Ba Sing Se. I will use my personal money to let them live a nice life in the Upper Ring. Good day to you Fire Lord Zuko."

"You don't have the right to do that, Lady Mai." The Fire Lord called, "I could throw you in prison for treason."

She snapped.

"I don't have the right?" She hissed at him, "I don't? Don't you know my position? I belong to all four nations! It's you who doesn't have a right to throw me in a Fire Nation prison for treason."

"Yes, Zuko," Aang agreed. "You throw my wife in prison, the Fire Nation loses its allies. I am the only thing connecting the Earth Kingdom, and Water Tribes to the Fire Nation. You would do well to agree with my wife's plan."

They left together.

Zuko banged him head on the dais.

How could I forget that she is the Avatar's wife? Stupid! And I threatened the throw her in prison too! How stupid can I get?! I mean, the Avatar's wife! Stupid, stupid. How could I also forget that she belongs to all nations! I am so STUPID! Seriously, how stupid can I get?

A whole lot more stupid, I think.

"SHUT UP!" he yelled at the voice in his head, causing the Imperial Guards to look at him.

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A/N: Hmmm.......Not as long as I hoped for. Oh, well, I'll work on the chapter length.

I, on the other hand, won't be updating as often because of the tremedous amounts of work I have.

If you want to know how old I am, I am 13-99 years old. I'll let you guess.

Cheers! (CURSE YOU SILVEREYES12 FOR DRILLING THIS IN MY HEAD!!!!!)

Wingyin87