Azula

It took me nearly two days to make my way to the grand library which gave me the time I needed to think about all the things that were bothering me. The main thing was Katara, she was headstrong, defiant and fought me over the smallest of requests. Which made it all the more troubling when I realized that I might like her. I wouldn't quite call it love, but more of an elated sense of interest. For a human girl she was remarkably attractive and I'm sure that given the chance any human would be lucky to have her as a wife.

But for as long as she's here she's all mine. Not that I want her that way, it's just dragons are very protective of all their possessions. Yes that's it that's the only reason I feel this way. Besides I promised that I'd send her home when the portal opened and a dragon never breaks their word.

Finally after crossing over the forest and mountains that bordered the kingdom I saw the glistening towers that were the library. I've only been here once or twice and only when I needed to so the moment I landed and reverted to my other form I sent one of the foxes to guide me to the information that I came for. As I followed him past the thousands of bookcases and levels I couldn't help but admire that amount of knowledge stored within these walls. Knowledge is power after all, so the sprit in charge of this place must be pretty powerful. Although I've heard rumors I've never actually met the master of the library.

Eventually the fox led me to a smaller portion of the library located within a hallway of it's own. From the labels I saw it looked like every book and scroll in here had to do with curses, plagues and all matter of illness.

"Is there anything here on living curses?"

The fox tilted his head then suddenly looked at a larger book near the ceiling. With a little help from my wings I managed to fly to the top and retrieve it without sending any books flying much to the foxes relief. As I laid the book down on a nearby table I got a better look at it, besides being massive the entire thing was a deep red and covered in weird runic letters. But the part that angered me the most was the chains and locks on the book with a note.

"To unlock this book you must first gain approval from the master of this place." So as it turns out in order to read this book I would have to gain the approval of this places master.

"So be it, bring the master of this place to me and be quick about it." As the fox ran off to retrieve it's master I was once again left to do nothing but dwell on my problems. And this problem's names happened to be Sozin and Ozai. Ever since the failed assassination of Katara those two have been trying to stay below the radar while at the same time dealing with the small issues that normally bothered me.

No doubt there's more to this, Sozin never makes a move unless he's sure it's to his best interest. And as for Ozai I've heard from my spies that he's been talking to the more war like generals. Possible trying to stir them up so that they'll help him overthrow me but what he doesn't know is that there are more loyal soldiers then he thinks. The real question is what is there next step?

I was brought back to reality by the sound of wings flapping. When I turned to the doorway I saw the sprit in charge in all his glory. A giant pitch black owl with a white face and black soulless eyes.

"I am Wan Shi Tong, why have you summoned me?"

"I am the current ruler off dragon kind and I seek answers about living curses." I showed him the lock on the book but instead of moving to unlock it he just stands there and stares at me.

"Tell me why I should unlock this book for you?" His voice although calm held a degree of seriousness to it and I could tell demanding anything from this creature would end badly for me, but I wasn't about to go home empty handed.

"I need answers to save my friend who is believed to be suffering from one."

Again he stares at me, and for a moment I honestly felt afraid. Not of him but of what would happen if I didn't get the information.

"You don't appear to be lying so I will allow you access to this book, but be warned if you plan to take any books from here I will kill you." with a wave of his wing the locks snap off and fall to the ground. When I look up he was gone and I was left alone to try to find the answers. It took me nearly an hour of searching before I finally came across something that wasn't pointless or boring.

"Here we go, a living curse takes the life forces of it's victim and slowly consumes it for as long as the caster still lives. Different methods can be used to slow the spread but to fully cure the victim the caster must either undo what they have done or be slain."

So I either have to force the caster to undo it or kill them? Sounds simple enough but the question remains, who cursed Ty Lee in the first place?

The book mentioned other things about the living curse and their treatment plans but because I wasn't a healer I didn't have any clue on what they meant.

"But I bet Katara would." Pulling the book close to my side I quickly made my way out of the small hallway and into the larger part of the library where unfortunately for me one of the foxes was waiting. Upon seeing the book in my hand it started to alert his boss but before it could I grabbed him by the throat silencing him.

"If you wish to live I suggest you show me were the important and oldest books are." Although struggeling as he did so he still managed to look down near the bottom of the library.

"Good now I suggest you run and tell you boss his library is on fire." The moment I let go he runs off and I jump in the air changing into my true form before sending fire into all the bookcases below me before flying out the way I came in. As i left I heard the very loud and angry screech of Wan Shi Tong no doubt trying in vain to contain my fires.

At least now he'll be to busy to try and get his little book back.

With the book nestled in my claws and a clean getaway assured I started the long journey home. But for the third time today my thoughts on my problems distracted me from everything else.

When I get back I'll have to make sure to completely sabotage any plans Sozin might make against me. And as for Ozai, well he might not be as cunning as his father but his arrogance pushes him to dangerous lengths. Even though I left Mai who was a spirit hat specialized in hidden weapons to guard Katara I still feel uneasy. Maybe when I get back I spend the day with her and try to ease my tension.

But whatever I did I would have to be prepared for anything.