Wow, it's been a while lol. But, I am back (: anyway, enjoy this chapter. Just a btw in this au katara killed her mothers killer and azula killed katara's dad. Ok, I'm done now, enjoy.
EPISODE TWO: EYES OF FIRE
"Fire burns brighter in darkness"
Zuko's head felt as if it was on fire. He rolled over in his bed, mumbling something incoherent. The son hurt his eyes as it shone through the window. Agni was trying to wake him up, telling him to get ready for the day. But Zuko couldn't. He was so amazingly hungover and in pain. He couldn't remember anything from last night, let alone the day. He knew he had a meeting with the avatar and other nations leaders to find a solution for finding his sister, but he really didn't care. Not right now at least. He just wanted to sleep.
But, that wasn't an option. Ice cold liquid was poured on Zuko's face, causing him to jump into a stance. What happened? He rubbed his eyes slightly, trying to adjust to the bright light of day. When he opened them again he saw his father. The man was dressed in the typical clothes of royalty, and it took Zuko a second to realize they were his. They didn't fit the man fully, but Ozia had become skinny in captivity. His hair was combed back into a topknot and his beard was shaved. Zuko tilted his head in confusion. It was weird seeing his father like this. His father?!?
Everything hit him all of a sudden. The events of the previous night, along with the fact that Ozia was standing in front of Zuko. Without hesitation Zuko released the fire in his fathers way, which the man easily dodged. The next thing Zuko knew he was somehow in a headlock, his fathers arms around his neck.
"Zuko, I do not wish to fight you." Ozia said as he released his confused son. "I merely wish to help you find my daughter."
This confused Zuko, he thought Ozia had Azula. But, he could tell by the sincerity in his fathers voice that he truly didn't know where his sister was. However, he knew better than to trust the man. Even if his father did not know where Azula was and wanted to find her, didn't mean they should work together. Infact, it meant the opposite. But, Zuko didn't say that. No, he wanted to know the information his father had that could possibly help with him finding his sister.
Katara woke up early. Well, she couldn't really say she had woken up, as she hadn't even been asleep. She was stuck in an in-between state. Filled with tiredness, but unable to close her mind. Instead she was left to lament in her worry. She worried about what would happen now that Azula was free. She wondered when her and her father would strike next, and what they would do. She worried for the future of the four nations, but most importantly, she worried for Zuko.
Ever since his sister had disappeared, he had seemed off. She decided he must just be worried because he knew his sister was dangerous, especially with his father. But, It became worse. After a week of Azula being missing, Zuko locked down the palace. He ordered all maids and servants to leave his wing and locked himself in his study. Katara hadnt seen him since. She decided that maybe he just needed time to process, but when a week passed and nothing happened, she decided something more was wrong. She didn't understand what was though, that was until she asked Sokka.
Sokka seemed to understand what Zuko was going through. He explained that he would react this exact way if Katara were to go missing. However, this confused her more. Azula was a psychotic bitch, why would Sokka compare her to Katara. After assuring her that they were nothing alike, he told her what he meant. It wasn't the two girls themselves, but the fact that they both had older brothers. Sokka explained that even though Azula was crazy, she was still Zuko's family and he may just be worried about her.
This worried Katara even more. So, today, she decided she would confront him. She got out of bed and washed her face. She then changed her gown to her tribal tunic, and braided her hair. The fire nation was extremely hot, and so she went back to wearing her hair this way. It reminded her of when she was little and her mother would braid it for her. She bit her lip, holding back a sob. As she stared into her reflection, she didn't see her eyes. Instead, she saw the eyes of her mother.
Would she be proud, Katara wondered. She knew she looked like her mother, but she had never really known what her mother was like. The only thing she could remember about her mother was her compassionate voice. She remembered how she would play with Katara in the snow. Her mother was the only one who allowed her to practice her bending. The others were terrified of her because of it, or that's what she presumed. She later found out that they were terrified for her. However, to the little girl it felt the same.
Katara shook her head, ridding herself of the thoughts of her mother. She had something to do. She had to get to Zuko. although Katara knew where he was, she didn't know how to get there. He had blocked off that part of the palace, even to her. Katara was pondering this when she heard a knock on her chamber doors. She quickly ran over to it, opening the door to see a maiden standing there.
"Lady Katara, Lord Zuko has asked you to come to the war room," the woman said as she bowed. Katara felt uncomfortable seeing the women bow to her. In her tribe, there were no such costumes. However, she understood it was different in the Fire Nation. So, she accepted the gesture by nodding.
Katara sighed with relief as the Maiden escorted her to the war room. Looked like she wouldn't have to break into her friend's room afterall. However, she did wonder why she had been called. It seemed the maiden didn't know, as she just shook her head in response to Katara's question. As she neared the throne room she heard yelling and objects being thrown around. Katara looked at the maiden questioningly to which she shook her head.
"It's been that way all morning."
This worried Katara. What had gotten into Zuko? Was her friend okay? She walked faster, knowing she would soon get her answer. The maiden left her at the door, and she readied herself for the answer to her question. She opened the doors, and got her answer. Her mouth dropped and fear gripped her. But, worse than the fear was anger.
It was the anger that fueled her to do what she then did. It was the anger that lifted her hands. It was the anger that moved her body. It was the anger that took control of him.
Ozias' eyes widened as he found he lost control of his limbs. Whatever the water witch was doing, it was good. It felt as if he was under her control. He felt her grip tighten around his heart and squeeze. As she did so he began to cough, blood pouring from his lips. Katara was ready to end him, and she would have if it weren't for that La awful Zuko.
"Katara stop," he rushed in front of his father, grabbing her attention. Seeing the look of urgency in her friends eyes, she released the heart of the tyrant. However, she did not release her hold over him completely.
"What Zuko, you better give me a good reason not to end your father right now," She glared at her friend with an intensity that hurt him. He felt bad that he was bringing her here, but it had to be her. She was the only one he trusted.
"We need his help to find Azula," he said, searching her eyes for anything but hate and loathing. "He wants to find her as much as we do."
Katara scoffed. Even if Azula wasn't with Ozia, which she doubted, why would they help him find her. It was clearly best to kill him now. "Why would we need you help tracking down your daughter?"
Ozia sighed, knowing he must tell the truth. The truth that died with Ursa long ago. "She's not my daughter."
"Why did you go back for it?" Rey asked. It wasn't an accusation, but an actual question. She was intrigued by Azula. How one second the girl could be so stoic and unexpressive, and another she was running into trouble for a silly trinket.
"It's the only thing I have from home." Azula said as she carassing the crown in between her fingers. "My father had it made specially for me," Azula said, allowing herself to remember. A grin came across her face. "I was the first crowned princess in the history of our nation."
"Still going with that princess story?" Rey said as she continued to wash the clothes. She was confused out how even after two weeks of being together, the girl still didn't trust her with the truth.
"It's true," Azula sighed. "Where I'm from at least."
Rey looked at Azula to see that she had a sincere look on her face. Perhaps the girl was just delusional. "It didn't look like you were," she said noting the clothes Azula had been found in. it was just a simple gown with underclothes.
"Yeah, I suppose we all fall from grase." Azula said sadly.
Rey was interested. Azula truly believed she was telling the truth, maybe she should hear her story. "What happened?"
"My brother betrayed me and my father. Locked me up in a nuthouse, the rest is history." She said waving her hand nonchalantly. She placed the crown in her topknot and looked herself over in the mirror.
The droid made a beeping sound which the girl seemed to understand. "Yeah, she's crazy." Rey replied to the droid. The droid then proceeded to beep more, to which the girl laughed.
Azula rolled her eyes. "At least I'm not talking to a piece of metal." Said piece of metal glared at Azula, if that was even possible.
Rey scowled, "I told you he's a droid." Azula couldn't pretend to understand the concept of a droid. It was created by man and had a mind, that's all she understood. Anyway, she was not fond of this droid.
"Whatever he is, we don't have time for him. We need to get back to the market and get supplies. It's time for us to move on." Azula said, packing the portions into the bag.
"Fine but he comes with us in case he sees his master." Rey compromised. She was annoyed with Azula's attitude and air of superiority. Princess, she thought rolling her eyes.
Azula sighed, agreeing with the girl. She finished packing all the necessary supplies and loaded them onto the speeder. She then proceeded to get Rey. After checking to make sure they had everything, they began to ride into town.
The wind whipped through Azula's hair. She had worn it in a simply high ponytail, a style she felt suited her current situation. Though she wouldn't admit it, Azula had begun to like it here. She had begun to like the girl Rey and her unbearably kind personality. She had begun to think of this place as her home. However, it didn't stop her from wondering what was going on back at her real home. Was Zuko still looking for her? Was he even still firelord? She tried to push the questions from her mind. No, it didn't matter.
Once they parked the speeder they headed into the village. People looked at them strangely. At first, Azula was worried maybe they realized what happened last night. However, she soon realized they were not looking at her, but the droid. The droid went in closer to her, brushing up against her leg. Surprisingly, Azula didn't mind. Infact, she found it cute.
Eventually people went back to their business and Azula sighed, feeling immensely relieved. She didn't like being the center of attention, not anymore.
Azula was confused when they suddenly stopped. She looked back to see Rey tackling a man to the ground. The man's skin was dark, far darker than any one Azula had seen. It was even darker than that of the water savages that lived in the south. The man's hair was dark as well, and he was wearing a strange looking jacket. Azula almost laughed as she saw the droid and Rey ganging up on him. Wanting to know what was going on, she walked towards the scene.
"What's your hurry, thief?" Rey yelled pointing her staff down at the man.
"Thief, I'm not a-" The droid, who was beginning to grow on Azula, shocks the man causing him to wince in pain. "What?" he said defensively to the bb8
"The jacket! This droid says you stole it" Rey's tone was a tone Azula never knew her to be capable of using. She had taken Rey for the kind of person who was too kind to speak to anyone that way. Azula found the scene in front of her very amusing.
"I've had a pretty messed up day, alright?! So I'd appreciate it you stop accusing me -- OW!" The man laying on the ground was shocked again by the droid. Azula couldn't help it. She burst out into a fit of laughter. All three of them, including the droid, turned to see her on the ground. She was laughing so hard she had begun to cry. She tried to stop and hold it back but that seemed to make it worse.
The man on the ground seemed extremely annoyed by this, which caused her to laugh all the harder. "Really?!?" he said, angered at the girl that was taking pleasure in his suffering. Azula found herself curled on the ground, laughing so hard she couldn't breath. Tears streamed down her cheeks, and her stomach hurt.
Rey looked at the girl, concerned. "I'm fine," Azula said, whipping her tears from her eyes. Oh, she hadn't laughed in so long. However, the moment was quickly interrupted by something only she could feel. It was strange, and she rose from the ground, staring at the sky as if expecting something to happen. She was unaware of the conversation happening. Something about rebels. It didn't matter. Her eyes were set on the sky, walking out from under the tent and squinting suspiciously upward.
As if confirming her suspicions, a metal, ship the call them, entered her line of site. It cut it's way through the clouds and drew nearer, the sound it made booming in her eardrums. It was all she heard, until it was interrupted by a fearful voice.
"We have to go," Rey said, grabbing her hand and pulling her after the droid. Azula didn't resist, but she kept staring up at the ship, waiting.
And then it happened, what it was she wasn't sure of. But suddenly she was on the ground coughing up dirt. Her ears rung as if she had just been hit in the head with a boulder. The world around her became a dizzy scene of chaos. Fire, licking at bodies as they fell. The smell of rotting flesh. The mouths opening, their screams silent to her ears. The faint sound of her name being called through the chaos. She focused on that, trying to reach it through the ringing.
"Now's not the time princess, we have to go." She heard Reys voice and felt her hand grasp her shoulder, pulling her up. Without a second thought she hauled herself to her feet. Her eyes widened momentarily at the chaos around her until she regained control of her expression. She felt herself being tugged once again and ran to keep up with the force pulling her.
She could only make out some sounds through the deafness currently plaguing her, and she tried to grasp to those. Only, the sounds were far from pleasant. They were screams of pain, the pain of people burning alive. She knew the specific sound, she used to revel in it when her victims made such noises. But now it was nauseating, twisting a certain thing inside her she didn't know existed. But, she kept her gaze ahead, following Rey and the strangely pigmented man.
They were heading towards a ship, one that seemed to be in decent shape. Only, it didn't last for long. Soon in a another explosion of fire the ship disappeared, sending them hurrying the other way. This time, they were headed to a far less shiny metal coffin, but what did Azula know about these flying objects. The answer was nothing. So, she fallowed. Her legs burned as much as her skin did from the heat, but she didn't stop. And, after what felt like forever, she was safe inside the coffin.
"Bullshit," Katara said, spitting on the man. No way in hell was Azula not his daughter. That girl was everything like her father, the way she smiled, shemed, breathed. There was no way they were not related.
Ozia shook his head. "While my daughter is inclined to lie, I am not. Believe me when I tell you that child is bigger than all of us." He hissed at the waterbending wrench. He knew it to be true. First, the voice that had spoken to him, calling her the daughter of Agni. and then the blue flames. At first he had believed she was a gift from the spirits, a weapon to help him win his war. But now he wasn't so sure what she was. She was not human, he knew that. But, she wasn't spirit either. He shook his head, clearing it. "That is why I came here, I believe the avatar is the only one that can truly understand what she is and where she has disappeared to."
Zuko shook his head. "I find it hard to believe you just adopted a random child you found sitting on your royal bed out of the goodness of your heart."
Ozia laughed, a truly gut wrenching sound. "I didn't foolish boy." he said, amused his son would even think of such an idea. "I thought her a weapon, a gift from Agni to help me end the war. Over the years, yes, I came to love her as more than that." He finished, thinking of the day she had learned to bend blue flames. He remembered the pride, not only pride that his weapon had become more powerful. No, a fathers pride.
Somehow, Zuko believed this. Only it didn't calm his anger and hate of his father. "So you loved her more than your own blood?" his voice was hushed, the words whispered leaving his lips.
Ozia looked at his son, his face covered in weak emotion. "I never loved her more than you Zuko, you were weak and instead of nourishing your weakness like your mother did I nourished Azula's strength."
Zuko looked into his fathers eyes, seeing the truth behind them. He was unsure weather he should feel more angered by this, after all his father was calling him weak. However, instead he felt something else. His father loved him. He may not have outright said it, but it was clear he loved Azula, so by that logic he loved Zuko as well. The young lord sighed, coming to a decision. "Tomorrow you will have your audience with the Avatar, since he has taken your bending you have little power to destroy him." Zuko paused before he finished. "As Well as no claim to the throne."
Katara looked from Zuko to Ozia, about to abject. But, she didn't. What he said was true, Ozia had no claim to the throne without his bending. And he couldn't do any real damage from the palace. "Fine Zuko, but when this blows up in your face I won't be there to heal you this time." She said, referring to the Agni Kai he fought with Azula.
Zuko understood the meaning behind her words. She was leaving, she wanted nothing to do with this. While he didn't blame her, he knew he couldn't do this without her. "Tara please," he said using her nickname.
Katara turned back towards him, seeing the look in his eyes. How could she refuse him. She sighed, closing her eyes. Slowly, she walked towards him and rapped her arms around his neck, nuzzling her head in the crook of his shoulder. Zuko sighed, breathing in the sent of his friend. "Okay, but I am never letting him out of my sight." She said, her blue eyes staring into the eyes of the man who had jumped into fire for her. She absent midedly curled his silky hair around her finger. She loved his hair.
Zuko nodded, leaning down to kiss her on the forehead. "Deal, there is a passage that leads back to my corridors. It's behind the wall panting. Escort my father there?" His pleading eyes asked.
Katara nodded, sighing as she pulled away from him. "Okay, see you when you're done will the delegates, firelord." She smirked and bowed teasingly, forgetting of the other presence in the room.
Ozia watched as this water women embraced his son, the firelord, and cringed in disgust. Finally, once he had enough, he cleared his throat. Katara turned to him, leading him into the dark passage.
With the oil lamp Katara held in her hand, the passage was still very dark; however, that didn't stop her from noticing the grin of the tyrant's face. "So, how long have you been in love with my son?"
Azula winced as she cupped the bandage to her ear, tilting her head. She felt the flow of liquid seeping into the bandage. It wasn't a lot of blood, but she had never bled from her ears. Sound was beginning to return to her, however her ears still wrang slightly. She shook her head, trying to clear the wringing away.
"That's not going to help," the man, Finn, said as she began fixing up some sort of needle. "This happens a lot to us in the emp- rebellion. It's just a reaction in the inner ear, your fluids are acting up." he said whipping off the needle. "This should help calm them down, but you need to be still okay?"
Azula nodded, looking away from the needle. She felt the strands of loose hair by her ear being pulled back, and winced as the needle pierced her skin. However, once it was removed and the formula injected, she felt the pain go away, along with the ringing. She still couldn't hear fully, and her ear felt numb. However, it was much better than before. The man went to do her other ear, hower right before the tip pierced her skin, the ship gave a lurch.
"Really Rey, quit it," Finn said, looking towards the girl who sat in the pilot's seat.
Rey turned around, shaking her head a look of fear painted on her face, "that wasn't me. Someone is pulling us in."
Azula tilted her head, unsure of what that meant. However, she felt the ship lurch again, being pulled upward. She quickly rose to her feet and hurried to the window. Looking upward she spotted it, a huge ship, bigger than the fire nation capital. She swallowed as her mind raced for an option. They could hide, but they would know someone was on this ship. They would have to kill them, but they didn't know how many people there would be. An idea came to her.
"Rey what was that thingy you were trying to fix, something about poisonous gas." She said, turning to the pilot girl. Her voice was loud, though she didn't realize it, and it caused Rey puzzlement.
"The lightspeed engine-" Azula cut her off, not caring about the science (or whatever she called that. Azula thought it was magic).
"Yeah, yeah. That thing. So, do you think you can un-fix it?" She asked the girl.
Rey looked puzzled at the self proclaimed princess. "Why would I-" she paused as it came to her. "Azula you fucking genuise." She said, hurring to the spot where the engine was leaking. "Finn, grab the masks, we will hide in the vent."
The man nodded, quickly running over to grab the three oxygen masks and unscrewing the venting to allow them to hide under.
After Rey had un-fixed it, they crawled in the floor and put the vent like topping over their heads. Now they waited.
The ship lurched again and they heard the sound of hangar doors opening. Azula crouched in the small space under the floor, anxiety pooling in her stomach. She had found herself more anxious lately, because she never truly knew what was coming with this new world. She bit her lip and waited as she heard the ship's doors open and the telltale sound of footsteps.
"Home Chewy," the voice of an old man spoke. Judging from the voice, the man was at least 5o years or older, far past his prime, Azula calculated. And, it seemed to be just him and another pair of footsteps, so their chances were good. Even if the leek didn't work, they could easily take out these men.
In response to his question, a groan came from whoever else was with him. Azula shuddered as she saw a furring paw step on the grate above her. Whatever else.
"Something's leaking," the man's voice was more urgent as he rushed to where Azula knew the leak to be. She bit her lip, if the man managed to fix it. Her thought was cut off by the grate above her and her companions being pulled up, revealing some hairy two legged creator.
Had it been anything else, Azula would have reacted swiftly and taken down the foe. However, she was caught off guard by the giant looking teddy bear. It almost looked like one that Zuko had given her to cuddle in the asylum. She shook her head, pushing the memory away.
The creature peared at them and roared angrily, signalling the man who had just finished fixing the leak. Soon, the aged face of a man peered into the hole along with the giant teddy bear, scrunching his eyebrows together. "Looks like we have some stowaways."
Hope u enjoyed. I already have a big chunk of the next one done. Love youuu