A/N: please read the trigger warnings before reading every chapter (i would make sure to put the specific warnings at every chapter!!!) this book would contain:
Trigger warnings for: manipulation, gaslighting, blood, crimes, alcohol, trauma, PTSD, brief mentions of s3xual ass@ult, mentions of kidnapping, mentions of death and even mentions of torture.also note that english is not my first language.
TW: manipulation, gas lighting, mentions of crime, alcohol, brief harassment.
—I think you're beautiful.
With a serious tone the words slipped from her pink lips, while looking down, at the way the blue traditional clothes fit her figure so well and up to her friend's undone hair.
—I feel disgusting.
The shorter woman replied, wrinkling her expression when she saw herself in the big mirror. The woman with black hair went behind her slowly massaging her tense shoulders, letting a small laugh at the annoyance from her tanned face.
—You look like one of those Water Tribe peasants.
She said softly.
—Ugh, Azula! Don't remind me!
She snapped at her friend, her eyes starting to ache.
—I feel like crying.
The tanned woman confessed, still looking disgusted at the way her hair loopies framed her face. Azula's face got serious and took a second to think about what she was gonna say.
—You look beautiful in them, but I prefer you more in either black clothes or fire nation ones, she took a pause then continued. Don't worry, after you finish your job, I can burn these clothes for you.
She let a small smirk, with an evil look Katara was so used to, and nodded, feeling much more confident, but then turned to her and frowned again.
—I still don't know why don't you go, you're so much prettier than me.
Azula signed, letting herself relax on her friend's shoulder, turning around to face her.
—Katara. 3 reasons.
She said and then looked in the mirror sensing the annoyance of her friend, that seemed to have none of her manipulative games.
—One, you look like a girl that could be from the water tribes.
When Katara opened her mouth to complain, Azula put her hand in front of her.
—I know you don't like it, but that's the truth. You look exactly out of the South or North Pole. Don't be ashamed, Kat. You look like a princess compared to any of the peasants from there.
Katara blushed at her words and stared again the mirror, her confidence raising again, she tried her best to not be ashamed anymore, "keep your head up" she told herself and worked on her posture, making Azula smile.
—Do I need to continue?
She asked brushing her sharp nails on her hair, making Katara shiver and feel breathless.
—Yes, please.
—Two, I need to infiltrate into the Fire Nation.
Katara's ocean eyes widen, almost gasping at her words.
—But Azula, your face is so recognizable, plus even if you wear a disguise, you still have your signature blue flames.
She insisted, looking with worry at her friend.
—I'm planning to be recognized.
—Why didn't you tell me about this earlier?!
Katara raised her tone, shaking the girl off her, frowning serious.
—Because I knew you'll react this way. I'm going to go cry and beg my brother for forgiveness.
The tanned woman stared at her with her mouth open, almost unsure if she heard the right words. Azula? Begging? It made no sense. The Fire Nation woman smirked looking at her intensely.
—I'm gonna pretend I'm sorry for everything and after I gain his trust, I would take him off when he expects less.
Katara widen her eyes once again, but this time smiled back to her friend.
—You're really smart.
—I know I am, but thanks.
She said in her usual arrogant tone, both of the girls starting laughing.
—And my third reason..
Azula added, making Katara confused, already convinced by her other arguments.
—You know how I feel about men.
The water tribe woman started laughing again and put her hand on the metallic red armour.
—You should take it off.
—I would, don't worry about that.
The pale woman said with a mischievous smile and put her hand over her friend's brown one, making her make eye contact.
—I've made Hasha and Leya stalk him.
Katara frowned at the thought of her friends being put in danger, but swallowed it, trying not to flinch at the way Azula's words rolled out of her tongue.
—Now pay attention, I won't tell you twice.
She cleared her throat and begin speaking.
—He hates the fame and the people praising him.
The familiar smell of wine made his nose itch. He promised to himself that he won't drink anymore, and there he was, finishing his first and last glass.
Now he was chatting with a short middle-aged man that was half drunk. Aang felt like throwing up at the smell of his cigarette breath, but shrugged it off, smiling and saying thank you at all of the cheesy compliments that he heard before. Praising after praising, special treatment, free meals. It was frustrating at this point, he couldn't have too many friends, they all either felt jealous, annoyed or both and dropped him. It seemed like a good idea being friends with the avatar, until they realize that he's just a normal person like the rest of them and got bored of him.
The airbender didn't feel so lonely as he had the chief of police, Toph Beifong, as his best friend. She was the only one he could go out with and not be afraid of stalking, getting noticed or people asking him for autographs. They all feared Toph, especially after the incident when there were rumours that the two started dating, the policewoman went to the news station and messed up their entire studio and even forced them to do a public apology.
His other friend, Zuko, that he had a rough start with, was also a really trustworthy person and they got along pretty well, but he was always busy with his Fire Lord duties and barely had any time to spend in private.
—Aang, he left.
The airbender looked confused for a second, sighing relieved, making the tanned man chuckle.
—Maybe if I put you another glass, you'll be able to relax even more.
The water tribe man put his hands on the bottle and Aang shook his head.
—Alcohol is not helping.
He sighed and relaxed into the back of his sit, looking slightly dizzy at his friend that was drinking with no problems his third glass now.
—About alcohol, did you hear about the Haraise Ladies?
Aang frowned at his words, not sure where he was going with this, but tried to be optimistically and to not let the small amount of alcohol cloud his judgement.
—No, why?
He asked cautiously and the older man took a sip from his wine, looking at his friend serious.
—They've killed the owner of one of the best wine companies from this city.
Aang didn't even try to hide the disgust from his eyes, he hated any news about murder and Sokka knew that too well.
—Well, they've killed some other people too. Men, actually.
He said softly, letting his chin on his hand, putting the iconic "thinking face" on. Aang looked at him trying to process the information, when Sokka cleared his throat, speaking again.
—You and the Chief would be notified, probably this week, by Fire Lord Zuko.
Sokka looked at his friend and then spoke again, more quietly.
—There's actually a reason why Zuko is implicated in this case. One of the bystanders saw blue fire and notified him.
Aang's eyes widen, he was surprised to hear about that. Although he was sure Zuko's sister was still alive, he didn't expect her to be part of a group of criminals.
—Azula?
Sokka shrugged it off, as he didn't have enough information himself and ate a cracker.
—'don't know.
The two men stayed in silence, eating the food that was on their plates, when Aang saw someone entering the room, making his eyes widen.
—He's a people pleasure and loves helping people.
—Hey, Sokka.
—What?
The older asked, calm but slightly suspicious of the way a grin was plastered on his friend's face.
—Do you feel love Suki?
Aang asked, and the water tribe's man face wrinkled as he took so deep sip of wine.
—Why did you have to mention her?
The airbender looked at him confused, moving his hands on the caramel-coloured cloth that was on the table.
—Didn't you say you two broke up on good terms?
Sokka cringed at his words, but put some snacks into his mouth and sighed.
—Just because we're still friends, that doesn't mean I don't still love her.
—He tries his best to not hurt people, even if that means hiding the truth from them.
The avatar felt bad and touched his friend's shoulder, looking at him with empathy and hoping that his friend would forgive him.
—I'm so sorry, Sokka, I didn't mean to make you sad.
—I know you didn't..
The tanned man took a deep breath, then forced a smile on, remembering all the good things he learned from Suki. He loved her, but their relationship was over and he was more than thankful to even have had her in his life, even if it was for a short period of time.
—Suki made me a better man, but she is way too busy to have a relationship.
At his words, Aang almost gasped as his eyes widen. "This is gonna be awkward", he thought then sighed.
—What?
Sokka asked suspicious and Aang's face flushed as guilt came over him. How could he tell him that his ex-girlfriend that was supposedly too busy for a relationship is dating someone familiar to both of them.
—Oh, no, nothing-
The water tribe man looked at him, waiting for Aang to fall under pressure, but when he didn't and he shook it off, at least for now.
—Why did you ask me?
—Oh!
—Always thinking of others.
Aang said searching for the earth kingdom woman with his eyes.
—There's a girl, you probably know her.
He said with a smile, finally seeing his friend in a beautiful green dress, she looked weird so dressed up and elegant, but nobody dared giving her more than a curious glare, before looking away. Everybody knew about Toph's temper and how she would not accept being sexualized or judged by any stranger, and the fact that she could hear people's heart beats, wasn't really helping either.
Sokka looked puzzled at his friend then looked behind him trying to see what he was looking so.. warmly at. He just saw beautiful Earth kingdom women all around him and sighed, looking back at his friend.
—I know what you're trying to do.
Sokka said, giving him a disappointed look, like a dad who caught his kid eating candies would. The Airbender didn't stop smiling, but frowned confused.
The tanned man cleared his throat and said with confidence.
—You're using reverse psychology, trying to say you want to set me up with someone, but you like that person so you want me to help me get to them.
Aang looked at him like he said the dumbest thing in the entire world, then bursted out laughing, white Sokka stared at him, like he was upset. Him? Being with Toph? She was like the sister he never had, plus even if he did like her, their personalities were so different, they wouldn't last a week.
—No, Sokka. I don't have my eyes on anyone.
He explained himself giggling at his friend's reaction.
—Then who do you plan setting me on with?
Sokka asked, still not very trusting of his friend. Aang looked at him, analysing his features, at the way his smart blue eyes stared at him, with that familiar inquisitiveness Aang was so used with when they talked about serious stuff.
—Do you wanna meet her?
The Airbender said with a playful smile on his face, waiting for a positive answer. Finally, Sokka yielded and sighed, looking quickly around him.
—Yeah, sure, I got nothing to lose.
—Great, you'll love her!
Aang stood up with a big smile on his face.
—Come follow me.
He took his not so sure friend and searched for the pale woman.
—Sokka, wait here.
Aang said then went to say "hi" to Beifong, who seemed a bit lighten up by seeing her best friend, she was wearing some soft blush on her white cheeks and her stained lips turned into a grin.
—Even with 100 people here, your steps are still the lightest, twinkle toes, I could sense you since I entered the ball room.
She said in her usual mocking tone, that Aang ignored, and smiled friendly towards her. She touching her arms continuously, as she seemed cold in that sleeveless dress.
—I missed you too, Toph.
The Airbender got really amused at the way her eyes widened and her face flushed, but his amusement went away when he felt a heavy punch on his shoulder. Aang was brushing his arm, trying to recover from the unexpected (but actually expected) pain.
—Why did you come talk to me?
She asked in her usual tone, that could hardly read any emotion. She seemed curious and as much as Aang wanted to ask her why she got all dressed up for that day, when she usually just wears her uniform, he decided to mind his own business and to focus on his little 'mission'.
—I want you to re-meet with one of our friends.
The Airbender tried to control his excitement as he remembered, after stopping the 100 years old war, the way he felt the vibrations of her heart drop when he introduced councilman Sokka to her. They never got time to get to know and now it was the perfect occasion for Aang to use his "love matching" skills to make both of his friends happy. Even with the chances that their relationship might have a sad ending, he shook off those thoughts and decided to focus on the positive factors.
Toph shot him with a suspicious glare, but didn't say anything until he put his hand on her arm, dragging her as she mumbled some swear words and kept asking him what is happening, not really putting any resistance in to not actually following him. The airbender found his tanned friend and smiled to him, finally taking Toph in front of him.
Sokka looked at her stunned, not recognizing her, just thinking it was a normal earth kingdom woman. She did look like one from afar, but if you looked carefully, you would notice immediately her much more muscular form than any of the other girls and the way her green eyes were faded, under black eyelashes.
Toph first frowned at the familiar vibration that she was feeling. She could sense him, but it's like she didn't want to. All of the sudden the pale women's concentration went to the vibrations of everybody's steps from around her and the pretty loud music. Her heart started racing as she felt like she was losing herself, but got woken up to her senses by Aang that took gently pushed her in front of him, finally letting go of her arm.
—Councilman Sokka.
Sokka said, finally being able to speak. A lot of girls were all over him when he told them about his "title", but the earthbender looked at him confused.
—I know you, Sokka.
Her voice seemed familiar, but it couldn't be her, couldn't it? Black hair down her face, a clean face and-.. It is her. The water tribe's man face dropped.
—Toph?! You look... off!
He exclaimed really surprised which just annoyed the Chief even more as she got closer to him, frowning ready to attack him with some sassy remarks. She would never admit it, but the way he reacted when he finally recognized her kind of hurt her. She was already feeling insecure in that flowy pale green dress, now even Sokka told her she looks "off", what was that even supposed to mean?!
—Would always put others needs above his.
Aang stared at both of them and felt conflict coming, immediately standing in front of the short angry girl.
—You have a lot to talk about, I'll go back to my table.
He said with a nervous expression on his face, leaving a small laugh that matched it and left to his table.
As an hour passed, he began glancing bored at his friends. They were talking and teasing each other. He smiled satisfied when he saw Sokka's blazer on Toph's shoulders and decided it was time to go home early. He stood up, sighed happy then tried to sneak out as quietly as possible before anybody questions him.
Before he could reach the exit, a girl with a tomboyish brown hairstyle and slightly darker skin approached him. She was wearing some modernized version of the traditional earth kingdom dress.
—Avatar Aang, where are you going? Is everything ok?
She had a higher pitch than expected, like she was lying through her teeth, but Aang wasn't that paranoid to think much of it and just dropped it off.
—I don't feel so well, I want to go home earlier, if Chief Beifong or Sokka ask about me, just tell them that.
"Although I think they're too deep into their conversation to notice my disappearance" he thought to himself, smiling when he was Toph gently hitting Sokka in the arm, probably a response to one of his teasing remarks.
—Please be safe! Goodnight, avatar!
She said and he left without thinking about it. He could have fly, but decided against it as he drank a glass of wine and he already had a small headache.
Katara stared confused at her friend as she stated her notes on his personality. She felt doubtful to follow Azula's plan and decided to voice her thoughts.
—But he seems like a good person. I told you, I'm not killing innocent people.
Azula felt rage going over her when the water tribe woman doubted her actions but took a deep breath and let an amused puff from her nose as she smiled to her.
—That's just what he tries to make people think. Katara, don't feel pity for men like him. He's the reason why the air nomads are extinct.
She took a break, then continued, feeling confident in her words, enough to make her friend actually believe her.
—Katara, he's the avatar, the one that is meant to protect everybody, but he's friends with the ones that send that terrible order. You see how contradicting this is?
Azula opened her mouth to say more, but looked at the way her friend's expression dropped into a painful frown as she clenched her wrists. The fire nation woman felt a weird ache inside of her chest, but she pushed it away, putting her hand on her back.
—Remember why you joined me Katara.
The tanned woman took a deep breath as her eyes were hurting, begging her to let some tears fall. She looked in the golden eyes of her best friend or maybe just ally and spoke with the coldest tone Azula ever heard from her.
—To get revenge on the Fire Lord.
The paler woman felt thrilled about the way she spoke those words with so much hate that she felt something in her stomach, making her want to laugh, but she knew it was inappropriate and disrespect for her friend. She felt so proud of her.
—And I would stay by your side. Together we would slay the Avatar and the Fire Lord.
She spoke with honesty and Katara felt it deep in her heart. She only killed 3 people in her whole life, but Azula and the other member of the Haraise's convinced her to not feel guilty anymore. As promised by the princess, they were only killing men to get revenge on them for belittling, shaming and touching them inappropriately. "We are not doing anything wrong, Katara, we just get the revenge we weren't able to get from the police department", her sharp voice echoed in her head every time she felt any sort of resentment.
Katara turned to Azula with dark eyes, clearing her throat and analysing the unmoved expression from her face.
—From what you've said, I understand that I would kill the avatar and you would kill the Fire Lord-
—No, no, no.
Azula said with a smirk, sounding amused, already prepared for this question. She played that conversation so many times in her mind before she actually came to the water tribe woman and it all went like she planned to.
—I would take his throne and kill all of his friends. I would let you end him.
She took a break to then whisper, loud enough for Katara to hear her.
—And if you're not capable of that, I would do it myself.
The Fire nation woman took her hands off her friend, leaving her time to think before putting her hand in front of her.
—Deal?
She asked with a bit of more warmth than usual. Katara looked through her, not being able to focus on her black eyeliner or pink lipstick as her overthinking blurred everything.
—Deal.
She finally spoke and they shook hands, Azula smiling satisfied with her response as her friend's frozen hand slowly lost her grip.
Katara was walking hating that she felt comfortable in the blue material that was covering her up, the only annoying thing about those clothes was that her arms felt like itchy because of the skin tight band aids that went all around them.
Soon, she found her destination. A bar. She opened the room and almost rolled her eyes at the fact that there were only men there. "Drink only one glass of alcohol, you need to smell like it, but don't get drunk. Preferably spill a bit on you". The tanned woman ordered a glass of some random cheap alcohol she found and drank half of it, before drinking the other part, all at once, messily letting drops of it fall down her neck and clothes.
—Thirsty, huh?
She heard a man, but rolled her eyes and ignored it, waiting for a sign. When she finally saw a girl with a dark complexion and green eyes entering the room, she smirked to herself, preparing to follow the plan.
Katara stood up, went closer to the bar and tried to pay with water tribe money. Well.. The bar didn't accept that currency.
He stepped on the road that illuminated by the big torches that were around it, thinking that soon, the natural lights would be replaced with electronic ones, the project wasn't been approved of yet by the rest of the council, so for now he had to enjoy the orange warm light. It was March, still cold but at least the snow has melted. The sky was cloudy, the moon and the star not visible at all.
His thoughts got interrupted by people yelling and immediately went check. A watertribe woman with long brown hair was outside of some cheap bar that's owner went to jail recently, she was arguing with a tall old man.
Aang went closer and frowned at the smell of alcohol that came through the open door.
—What's happening?
He tried to ask calmly, before the situation could escalate. As much as he tried to not underestimate anyone, he started feeling paranoid after the horrific stories that Toph told him about what could happen to women at night.
—This bitch doesn't have any money with her.
—You called me what?!
She raised her tone, but Aang went between them, making his appearance more apparent, and the man's face dropping in fear as he knew he messed up by insulting somebody in front of the avatar.
—No need to fight. I would pay for it, now sir, I would kindly ask you to apologize before miss..
He paused, waiting for the shorter woman to say her name. Katara panicked internally for a second, she couldn't say her own name, because she didn't want to be recognized. "Come on, think quickly, a water tribe name.. "
—Kya.
She forced her expression to be serious, to match the avatar's one, but felt her heart clenching, why did she chose her dead mother's name? Maybe.. Maybe because she was the only water tribe person that she didn't hate, "they're all monsters", like Azula said, but Kya was never bad to her. Aang cleared his throat and continued.
—Before miss Kya would file a complaint about you.
—No! This is all my fault, there's no need to pay! Please don't tell chief Beifong, I don't want this the bar to close!
He said with a shaky voice and Aang looked at him in pity, sighing, not saying anything while waiting for the apology.
—I'm sorry..
Katara looked at him, as he was almost crying and as she started to felt guilt, she tried remembering the fire princess' words "They are all just rats afraid to be caught, none really care until their life or the things they love are in danger". She felt angry but looked at him with cold eyes, before remembering she had to play a role and just nodded as she touched her temple.
—Are you ok?
"Don't forget, this goody two shoes has a hero complex, use it for your own good".
—I don't feel very well..
Katara said, trying to sound as out of breath as possible and intentionally weakened her knees, almost falling when Aang that was already in front of her, stepped in faster, holding her up with his hands as her face fell on his shoulder.
The old man decided to go back to his bar as the airbender let her rest. The water bender almost laughed at how easy everything was going. "Now make him take you to his house, hook up with him, then kill him", the thought of hooking up with a stranger made any form of happiness that she felt to leave her stomach and be replaced by a sickening feeling that she slowly pulled away from the hug.
—I feel sick.. I think I drank too much..
She said hoping that some tired eyes and quiet voice would help her be more trustful, when his eyes shined in worry, she knew she got him.
—I would take you home, where do you live?
"Of course, he's gonna make it much more complicated" she thought to herself frustrated and didn't answer, until she got an idea, she put on some puppy eyes and looked back at him.
—I ran away from home and I don't have nowhere to stay here..
She almost cringed at her words, but tried to keep an innocent look, letting the dizziness almost get the best of her.
—How old are you?
He asked carefully, still with the hand placed gently on her back at support.
—22. I came in republic city to get a job, but I got robbed..
She lied and again weakened her body so she'll stay with her head on his shoulder, facing the Fire Nation inspired restaurant where people ate, wearing traditional clothes. Katara wasn't sure if she could control her expression for too long, this whole thing making her feel embarrassed, she hated playing "helpless", but Azula was right. This would be the perfect way to make him take her home.
—Oh, I can help you with a place to stay, I'm sure my friend Toph wouldn't mind you staying at her house.
The tanned woman felt her cheeks heating up as panic ran over her, she was unsure of what to do, but decided to follow her instincts and forced herself, which was incredibly easy, to cry. He panicked and immediately tensed his whole body.
—What happened? Are you ok?
—T-the Beifong is really intimidating and i-i am scared of her.
She said through her tears, sobbing and felt herself get angry at how pathetic she sounded. "Come on, just invite me to stay over, I'm tired of this stupid play" she thought frowning, but then forced her expression to soften.
—Alright then, you can stay at my house for tonight and tomorrow I'll ask Suki to help you, she would love to.
She let a 'mhm' and parted away from him, as she gently put her arm over his neck, Aang getting the sign and carrying her like that. The Airbender felt her warm breath close to her cheek, but ignored it and to focus on their way back to his house.