A/N:
Back with Second Chances! I'm trying to add a chapter to all my incompletes in a rotation to see if that's an easier system to complete them all. I hope you all enjoy!
Chapter 49:
Panting as she slid down the wall, her eyes still glowing blue as she glared at where Zuko laid, twitching on the floor due to the bolt of lightning that shot from the sky through the window at him. She would finish him off but she couldn't. They had a son together and Katara wasn't going to take her son's father from him. Besides, Zuko was only acting out of jealousy and hurt. He really did need to get over the past. It was all said and done. He was only hurting himself.
Katara braced herself against the wall to get to her feet as she held her wounded middle. Her glowing eyes faded to her normal irises. She wasn't going to fight over something so stupid anymore. This was just a warning. Zuko crossed the line and she didn't understand why he was trying to ruin their family even more.
"I've trusted you, Zuko. In all things. More than I've trusted anyone." Katara's voice was exasperated. "All of your siblings, they look up to you! How could you do this, Zuko?! How?!"
Zuko refused the answer and shut his eyes. He had nothing to say to her. Nothing to justify why he was doing any of what he was doing. He was just tired of pretending to feel okay with everything. Tired of accepting things for what they were. Tired of being overlooked and treated as discardable. He would think Katara of all people understood that. But she still sided with his father.
Fighting tears as she limped her way to the water spilled on the floor, "Your focus should be Ryu. Not tearing this family apart."
"I didn't tear this family apart!" Zuko growled as he rolled on his side, wincing as he glared at her. "You did when you married Arnook! You did when you decided to kill for Atsou! You're selfish, Katara! You've been selfish for a long time! If I didn't hate my father so much, I'd pity him after everything you've done! You did this to our family! You! This is all your fault!"
Katara opened a portal to jump through as Zuko went on to curse her. She didn't have time for this. If Zuko wanted his ass kicked like she kicked his father's ass, he was going to have to wait. She had more important things to do and family feuds would have to wait.
"He's right. You are selfish." Ursa said as she watched Katara heal herself.
Rolling her eyes, Katara didn't want to hear that. If she was really so selfish, so be it. She was prepared to be a villain the moment Atsou sent her on her first mission. Whatever people thought she was, it didn't mean shit to her. The waterbender knew she had crossed lines and burned bridges. She was a witch and a demoness as Ozai loved to call her now. She was selfish and ruined her family as Zuko said. So what? None of that was going to change until she got done doing what she felt she needed to do.
Ursa smirked and handed the waterbender a medical kit to bandage herself up. Honestly, the older woman could relate. She wasn't the best mother. Hell, she didn't even want to be a mother but she trusted in her convictions enough to do what she felt was right even if it meant sacrificing her image in the eyes of her children. Some things were more important than being a mother and she could see Katara understood that. She couldn't be much of a mother until her job was done.
As the women chatted a little as one of them finished treating themselves, Atsou entered the room and the both fell silent.
"Mean one, you're back so soon. I was going to come get you myself." He feigned disappointment. "I figured you'd be with Ozai and I'd get the opportunity to chat with him."
Katara glared at Atsou, "Your new lapdog ruined that. You should put a leash on him. He's a rogue."
"As are you, mean one." Atsou chuckled as he looked to Ursa and gestured for her to leave.
Ursa sucked her teeth and looked him up and down before leaving.
Sighing, Atsou went on about how he never was good with women, they hated him. Katara believed him. Atsou looked like Ozai but was far more annoying on top of being far less charming and Ozai had literally no charm whatsoever, so that was saying something. Honestly, Katara wanted to punch Atsou because she was pissed off at Zuko, frustrated with Ozai, and just outright hated Atsou.
"About your mission in the Ba Seng Sei, I'm making alterations to it. You're being targeted by the Earth King which is something I saw coming but I didn't see it happening so soon. I guess my hindsight is failing me as of late. Plenty has begun to take place without me seeing it coming." Atsou was truly concerned about this as he placed his hand over his right eye. "So, you'll be there in disguise with Azula as your partner and Diakoku as your shadow. I will also be present there as there is much for me to personally oversee. You will carry out the task I've given you in finding the scientist that researched immortality. I will make contact with you once my role and presence there is secured, from then on, you will act according to whatever I say. Understood?"
Katara nodded.
In hours, Katara was ready to go. She didn't want to stick around any longer. The sooner certain conflicts were dealt with, the better. She'd find this scientist and kill the Earth King. Simple. After that, she'd continue figuring out how to take down Atsou.
Azula didn't say much as she showed up with her things packed and ready to go. Katara wanted to know what was wrong but figured it was best to inquire once they were at their destination. As they waited for Lora to open the portal to the city, the waterbender adjusted her wig to make sure it looked as natural as possible.
"It looks fine. Let's go." Azula grabbed Katara's arm and pulled her into the portal as soon as it was ready.
The two found themselves in a back alley of the lower ring. Katara formed an ice dagger in her hands as Azula scoped out their surroundings. If anyone saw, they'd have to silence them but luckily, no one was around. Katara didn't detect any heartbeats nearby.
Lowering their guard, the two women made their way out of the alley and tried to see if they could get to the upper ring from here.
"Why didn't that bitch just send us there?" Azula groaned in annoyance as she folded her arms.
Remembering her few times in the city, Katara had been in the upper ring and explained that security was tight. They were likely sent here to keep cover. However, Katara knew someone in the uppering that could help them but she wasn't completely sure it was safe to reach out to him.
Katara took Azula's hand and led her across the street to a vendor selling glass jugs of water. They were all different shapes and sizes. The waterbender purchased a small jug that was transparent. They stepped aside to the alleyway. Azula held up the jug while Katara did her siren magic shit and searched for her contact.
"Come on, he has to be near a cup of tea." Katara didn't understand why she couldn't get a close enough visual of Iroh.
Azula rolled her eyes, "Please don't tell me we're contacting my uncle."
"You have any better ideas?" Katara shot the firebender a look.
Scoffing, "I don't get how you're so chummy with my whole fucking family. That shit is weird, you know?" Azula grumbled.
Ignoring her, Katara focused and finally saw Iroh. Yes!
"Iroh!" She called and saw the man immediately look down at his cup in shock and almost horror. "Iroh, it's Katara. I need a favor and please don't contact Ozai."
An hour later, the two women stood at the train station waiting around to see if Iroh had shown up yet. Azula managed to spot her old fat uncle and sighed.
"There he is." She pointed.
The two made their way over to him and saw him look a bit shocked at the sight of the both of them. They were both supposed to be dead.
"Ozai said Arnook claimed you were alive. I wanted to think they both lost their senses but I guess they were right." Iroh said as he looked at Katara and then somberly at his niece , "Good to see you're alive as well, Azula."
"Shove it, uncle."
Katara shoved her elbow into Azula's gut to shut her up as she looked to Iroh.
"Look, I know you and I aren't very close but we don't have anywhere to stay. We're trying to lie low from Ozai and some other people as well. This is the safest place we could think of. Can you help us?" Katara pleaded.
Iroh didn't think twice about it as he agreed and handed them both passes to travel to the upper ring. He let them know his tea shop had a living space above it with a guest bedroom. They'd have to share but the bed was big enough for them. Neither had a problem with it and Katara sincerely thanked Iroh for helping them.
….
On the train ride back to the upper ring, Iroh noticed his niece was only interested in looking out the window at the view while Katara was quietly sitting beside him staring at her hands in her lap. He truly pitied them both. Azula had been completely forgotten and on her own for over twenty years. She wasn't done fairly by either of her parents and it seemed she wasn't the same girl he once knew her to be. And that could be seen as a good thing but Iroh could see there was a great sadness in his niece. She did deserve better. As for Katara, from what he heard and what he saw for himself, she wasn't the same either. Though she had sadness in her, much of it seemed to have turned into anger. The loving and compassionate waterbender he knew had turned into a demoness as his brother liked to call her.
Sighing as he figured he should start a conversation with her, "So, have you gotten to see Ozai recently?"
"Yes. We've seen quite a lot of each other in recent times." Katara answered in a stoney tone.
"I'm sure he was happy to see you. Ozai hasn't been right in the head after what happened to you all those years ago." Iroh stated.
Katara raised a brow, "When has he ever been right in the head? And I assure you he wasn't very happy to see me. At first, yes, but after our first encounter you could say we have been at odds. I guess we're sort of on opposite sides. Again."
Iroh sighed. Maybe the news about the waterbender being involved in a few recent atrocities had some truth to it. People connected her resurrection to the massacre at the Gala in the Fire Nation, the Fire Lord's disappearance, the massacre in the North Pole, and the impossible snowfall over the Fire Nation. She clearly had powers unlike anything anyone had seen and Ozai referred to her as dangerous the last time they spoke over the flames. Even so, Iroh didn't feel threatened by her or Azula. They didn't seem to want any trouble, at least not with him. He had stayed out of everything, remaining neutral to the outside world and his family's issues.
Arriving in the upper ring, Iroh showed them to his shop and then inside, he led them to his spare room.
"Thank you, Iroh." Katara bowed her head in sincerity.
Iroh shook his head, "You needn't thank me. You're family and so is my niece. You'll be safe here and if you need anything, let me know."
As they were left to set their things down, Azula groaned as she plopped into bed face first.
"So what's your problem?" Katara shot over her shoulder as she started unpacking.
Sitting up a little, "I don't have a problem. I'm just irritated."
"At what?"
"You." Azula said as she sat up and stared at the wall hatefully, her back to the waterbender. "How is it that my family forgets all about me but are so focused on you and your little brats?! You fuck my father and brother and you're worshipped like a fucking goddess! How is that?! I did everything my father told me! Everything! And I obeyed his every command, but he doesn't even spare me a thought after I'm proclaimed brain dead! You know when he first saw me after so long, he looked at me like a monster! The way my mother did! You have no idea what that did to me!"
Katara turned around and looked at Azula with lament.
Azula tried fighting her tears, "And my own mother just calls me the fucking number branded on my neck, won't even use my name! Like I'm not even a person to her, let alone her child!" Sniffling as she couldn't stop her running emotions. "To my uncle, I'm just a tool like I was to my father! And the man I loved when I thought I could never love anyone drowned my daughter! Have you ever held your child's lifeless body?! Do you know how heavy and yet light it feels to hold them in your arms when their life has been snuffed from them?! Only person that's recently looked at me like I'm worth anything outside of what I can do is Zuko….he talked to me like I was a person. Like he still saw me as his sister. Even though I had tried to kill him in the past and was drugging him in that moment for our uncle."
Crossing the room to throw her arms around the woman, Katara hugged her from behind and held her as she shook.
"I know I don't deserve it but I'd still like to be loved, you know?! I just want to be loved! I didn't know I was asking for too much!" Azula cried.
It deeply saddened the waterbender to hear this. Azula wasn't wrong. Everything she stated, Katara witnessed firsthand. She was neglected by both her parents, forgotten and discarded. Atsou only cared that she was lethal and a talented asset. And Daikoku told her all about how her child was drowned so her lover could save his own skin, she had to put him down after that. It was tragic and Katara wanted to make things better for Azula.
As Azula cried herself to the point her head hurt, Katara told her to rest and she would ask Iroh for some tea.
"I'll be back. Just rest. We'll start things when you're better, okay?" The waterbender gave a weak smile to Azula.
The firebender nodded her head, "Don't tell anyone you ever saw me cry. I'll kill you." Azula threatened.
Giggling, Katara nodded. "I won't say anything. I promise."
….
Katara looked around for Iroh and found him downstairs, brewing tea for the last of his customers. He smiled as he looked up from what he was doing and handed one of his servers a tray of tea and dessert cakes. When the server left, the waterbender approached him asking if she and Azula could get any of his famous tea. Iroh was delighted and said he'd make some that the two would enjoy immensely.
As the old man got started, Katara took a seat on a stool and watched him move around the kitchen with ease. She wondered how old Iroh was. She knew he was far older than Ozai and wondered how the two of them had the same mother if they were so far in age. As curiosity got the better of her, the waterbender asked and received a shocking answer.
"Eighty-two." Iroh chuckled. "But I stopped aging in my sixties."
Furrowing her brows, "Iroh...you wouldn't happen to be like-"
"Like Ozai? Oh no, I'm not a Phoenix. I'm actually more like Zuko. Or rather Zuko is like me."
"You're a dragon?"
Iroh nodded as he fixed another tray for his servers. "Inhuman blood runs deep in the royal family. I don't know why it only recently took hold of our family after Ozai's Phoenix traits awoke but maybe it has to do with Guowang resurfacing."
"Guowang?" Katara tilted her head. "Who's that?"
"Ah, I forget, he doesn't go by that anymore. You know him as Atsou. Anyway, I think he has something to do with the family manifesting its inhuman bloodline. From what Ozai tells me, Guowang is something to behold. He expresses not knowing much but what he does know, it's clear that Guowang is powerful. He resurrected you from the dead, did he?"
Katara nodded. Atsou's powers were not entirely known to her but she could tell there was far more than meets the eye with him. He was obviously holding back and with good reason to. He knew his enemies better than they knew him, giving him the advantage.
"But in lighter news, have you been able to see the children?" Iroh asked him.
A small smile pulled to her face, "Yes. Ozai's done great with the girls and Zuko's done the same with Ryu. I didn't get to see Zhiar but I've heard enough to know something's wrong with him." Katara sighed a little. "But I'm told Zuko tried his best."
Iroh nodded and told her he was around when Zuko took over mentoring Zhiar. Everything seemed fine but Zhiar had a rebellious streak that grew the older he got. He was angry with everything and everyone. It came as no surprise that the boy left after he heard his mother died.
"I spoke with Ozai not long ago and it seems he has Zhiar locked up for leading a terrorist group around the Phoenix Empire. He doesn't know what to do with him but he's keeping him detained until Zhiar can be trusted to right his wrongs." Iroh explained.
At least he still cares. Katara smiled a little to herself. She had always worried about Ozai and Zhiar's relationship. They never could get along. It broke her heart thinking the cycle of feuding would continue with her son but Ozai never once said he hated their son. He was frustrated and angered by him, but he never claimed to hate him. The opposite actually.
"My brother is doing quite well these days. I'm happy for him. I just hope things can stay good for him." Iroh sighed.
I hope so too. Even if she never got to come back around her children again, she prayed they'd always have their father. Ozai wasn't the man she knew before. Nothing like the old days. He was so different and yet the same. His parenting skills were far better and she hoped one day he'd extend his heart back to Azula. The spirits knew it could save Azula from attempting to take her life again, it could probably even make her better all together. Seeing how well her father was doing and how much he changed, Azula needed that. She needed some love and redemption.
As Iroh served her the tea he made for her and Azula, he gave her a sincere look.
"Whatever happened between you and my brother, I know little about it. But as long as you're within the territory of the Earth Kingdom, he can't get to you here." Iroh told her. "Green crystals ward against Phoenixes. Only way around it is if a crystal is moved out of place. The entire country is surrounded by it. Only way Ozai could set foot in this place is if the Earth King allows him. You're safe here."
Katara nodded her head as the elderly man patted her shoulder. She knew Iroh was far kinder than all the other members of his family but sometimes it was hard to believe he was related to them. All of them were so violent and full of hate and bitterness.
Returning upstairs, Katara found Azula was fast asleep and sighed as she set the tray of tea down on the nightstand. It was best to leave the firebender to rest. She looked tired and overall, not well. Hopefully, when she woke, Azula would be in a slightly better mood. But in the meantime….
It was a stupid idea. She knew that. Katara believed she was going crazy as the years wore on. However, there was something she needed to settle before she could move on. Stealthily dropping down from the roof onto the balcony, the waterbender peeked her head in and saw the chambers were empty. She exhaled and pulled out a scroll from her sash. But as she made a move to go set the scroll down on the table, her wrist was grabbed and she was thrown to the ground. Trying to get up, a boot made its way down on her back and she gasped for air.
"This is getting old, waterbender." Ozai snarled as he crouched down to her, his foot still heavy on her back.
It was hard getting a word out with his weight on her and so she held up the scroll she was planning to just drop off.
Snatching it from her hand, Ozai removed his foot from her and stood up to look over the content of the scroll. "You and your Agni damn notes. I've told you a dozen times your handwriting is shit."
Rolling on her back as she stared up at the ceiling, trying to recover from being squished into the floor, Katara shut her eyes and sighed.
"What is this?"
"We made a bet on which of us would win a friendly spar and I forfeited," Katara winced as she sat up. "You wanted me to tell you everything I know among other things and since you're not fond of me right now, I wrote it all down to leave in a note."
Ozai eyed her suspiciously before offering her a hand to help her up. When she was on her feet, he took her hand and slapped the scroll down.
"I'd rather you just tell me."
"Didn't think you were in a talking mood. At least not with me. You think I fucked Zuko."
"You did." Ozai retorted as he glared at her.
"Yeah, back at the beach house years ago, Ozai." Katara placed her hands on her hips as she glared back at him. "I've already told you to see for yourself and read my memories but you won't do it, which means you know I didn't fuck him, you just want an excuse to be mad at me. The question is why?"
"You fucked him. I know you did, so leave it at that. Tell me what you know about Atsou and whatever so you can leave already. I got rid of one whore, didn't expect another to drop in." Ozai scoffed as he folded his arms.
"Okay, I'm not doing this! If you want to be an asshole to me and look down on me, deal with Atsou yourself! I'm trying to be nice here! But you don't know how to put your petty feelings aside! Well, I guess you'll have to figure out things on your own cause I'm done trying to help you!"
Ozai rolled his eyes, "I don't need your help, Katara."
"Great! Cause you're on your own! I hope you drop dead!"
"You first, bitch."
….
Staring at the scroll on his desk, Ozai eyed it callously, refusing to touch it or do anything with it. He was annoyed. Very annoyed. She said she was done helping him but she left this stupid scroll behind anyway. As if he could read her terrible handwriting. Besides, he didn't need her help. Atsou would come around and when he did, Ozai was going to kill him. Simple as that. No ifs ands or buts. Obviously, she was trying to make an effort to win him back over to which he wasn't interested in. But not for the reason she thought. Ozai knew Katara hadn't slept with Zuko. He wasn't a moron but he saw a marking on Katara's neck, four digit number and noticed Zuko had a set of numbers on his neck too. Zuko was working with Atsou and Katara had to know. Yet she didn't say anything to him. She should have at least told him that. That's why he was pissed at her. He didn't know who's side she was truly for if she was for any side at all. Katara was becoming a lot like Hama and it turned him off.
Setting the scroll on fire, The Phoenix King watched as white flames ate the paper up and turned to ash. He planned to deal with the members of his family that were out of line. It was his role as the head of the family to deal with them all accordingly. Zhiar would stay in prison until the next century, Atsou was as good as dead, Zuko had it coming but he needed someone of his bloodline on the throne in the Fire Nation, so he'd only rough up the shit stain a little. As for Katara, her ass was going into a fish tank with a chi-blocking brace on her neck. He'll have the fish tank built in his chambers so he can keep an eye on her. And Azula...oh, he wasn't exactly sure what to do with her but out of everyone he needed to deal with, Azula was the least of his worries. He'd just have to re-educate her.
As Ozai plotted out how he was going to deal with the estranged parts of his family, Mailan raced herself into his office and a servant ran behind her.
"Daddy! Help!" Mailan shouted as she ran right up to him and climbed his lap.
"What is it?" Ozai asked, his shifting to their silver hue as he looked to the servant.
The servant bowed her head, "Forgive me, your majesty, but I'm in charge of styling Princess Mailan's hair. However, she will not allow me to do my duties."
Ozai pinched his brows and sent the servant on her way as he looked down at Mailan. He reprimanded her for giving the staff a hard time and said he doesn't pay them to chase her around all day. As a father he had to put his foot down with his children being unruly. There was a certain order and structure he wanted in his family now. They would all follow it, even if they wanted to give him a hard time about it and fuss. He'd make it happen.
"I want my hair like mommy's!" Mailan pouted as she crossed her arms.
Narrowing his eyes, "Your hair is fine how the servants style it."
"No! I wanna look like mommy!"
"Not happening."
"Why not?!" Mailan yelled at her father.
Ozai grabbed Mailan by the back of her dress and lifted her out of his lap as he stood up. He carried her like a sack and deposited her on the sofa.
"Look here, Mailan. I'm not going to debate with a child. You're going to listen and be a good girl or I'm sending you off to your mother's family in the South Pole, you understand me?" Ozai scolded the little girl.
Mailan teared up and nodded, "I don't wanna be away from you, daddy. I just want to look like mommy."
"And I told you 'no'." Ozai bit out.
"Why?"
"Because I said so and I'm your father and what I say goes. Do not question me, Mailan." Ozai wasn't letting up despite the little girl trying to win him over with those big blue eyes of hers. She already looked like her mother, what more did she want?
The father and daughter were in a standoff as Mailan tried her best to get her father to fall for her cuteness. However, he just stared at her like he wasn't even slightly affected. Eventually, Mailan conceded and her father summoned the servants to style her hair in a braided bun. She pouted as she was escorted out and mumbled about being very upset with her father.
When the little one was gone, Ozai sighed and went back to his desk. Where's Kya? Usually his elder daughter looked after the girl and kept her in line with the rules. However, Kya went to the Fire Nation and hadn't returned yet. Maybe she went to sort things out with Uhara. It would make sense.
Ozai combed his fingers through his hair and looked back at the scroll that he turned to a pile of ashes. Whatever side Katara was playing, he could easily resolve a multitude of issues, if he played his cards right with her. Katara was heavily influenced by her feelings. Specifically her feelings for him. He'd just have to toy around with her a bit until he got the results he wanted. Of course, Katara would not be happy with this in the end but he couldn't trust her. So working together was no longer an option. He'd use her like she used him.
…..
Sitting on the rooftop of Iroh's residence, Katara bended a small ribbon of water back and forth with her hands. The moonlight beamed down over the city full of lights and the waterbender wondered what she was going to do. She and Ursa had already discussed that with Atsou's plans, they were going to have to stop him in his tracks before things got worse. And things were most certainly about to get worse. This mission, Katara felt she needed to break away from Ozai's twin brother to lead the way to finally putting an end to her family's suffering. Only thing was, she didn't know if she was going to get out of this alive and she was well accepting of her own death.
Hopefully, Ozai read the scroll she left him. In case, she wasn't able to take Atsou down before she perished, he would know what she knew. It would be enough for him to figure out a way to stop Atsou.
"Atsou said you'd be my shadow. I didn't think you'd take it so literally." Katara looked over her shoulder to see Daikoku walking up to her.
Coming to sit beside her on the edge, "I'm aware of what you and Ursa are planning." He started.
Katara's eyes glowed as she prepared to attack but Daikoku shook his head, not making a single move to attack or defend.
"I want in." He stated.
As her eyes returned to normal, the waterbender looked at him strangely. "Why? If you know what we're doing, you should be against us. Your brother, Yoshiro, is Atsou's right hand."
Daikoku sucked his teeth and rolled his eyes, "I'm the eldest but because of my preference of company, I'm never seen as fit. Whether it was the leader of our clan or by Atsou's side. Yoshiro always makes it clear I'm a disappointment and he loathes to call me brother."
"But why betray Atsou?"
"I like you and I don't like many people. I'd like not having to be your enemy. Better friends than foes." Daikoku smirked.
Katara scoffed as she relaxed, "That can't be it."
"Not everyone has a grandiose reason behind doing things. Some of us are simple people. I happen to be one of those people."
Well that's nice. Katara had had friends before but none of them sided with her simply because they were her friends and that was fine. She knew they had their reasons. But it was nice nonetheless that someone sided with her regardless of right and wrong.
"Want to go get a drink?" He asked.
Katara nodded with a smile.
…..
Ami was pretty excited about bringing Kiko to see the Phoenix King. She knew the man had been very irritable lately. Everyone was so tense and walked on eggshells with how poor a mood the man had been in. Even she was wary of him. However, she figured it had to do with his ex-wife not coming around anymore. Ami only knew this because she overheard a conversation the Phoenix King was having in his office. There was no one there but it sounded like he was talking to his eldest son, Fire Lord Zuko. From what she heard, his ex-wife had a fling between the two of them and the Phoenix King was pretty upset about it. His son seemed pretty apologetic, unaware that the water woman and his father were fooling around. Ami could tell this woman was troublesome and played with the hearts of people that truly cared about her. The Phoenix King had clearly loved her and she toyed with him.
But...Ami would cheer him up or better yet, her experiment would. She walked Kiko on a metal chain leash through the halls of the palace. A few guards accompanied her as she was on her way to see the Phoenix King. Ami was pretty confident Ozai's mood would change, even if it was only slightly.
Arriving at the Phoenix King's office, the princess was let in and as soon as she did, she heard Ozai yelling at two of his ministers.
"You have that damned governor in my office by noon tomorrow or I'll turn you both into human torches!"
The minister went flying out of the Phoenix King's office to get as far from the man as possible. Ami stepped inside and led the beast with her. She saw the Phoenix King had his head down as he rubbed his temples. Completely out of it. Kiko pulled from her and went straight to the man, making her way around his desk to lick him. The princess saw Ozai caught off guard but immediately hugged the wild beast when he saw who it was.
"Kiko." He laughed as the tiger-dillo licked his face. "My pretty girl! Daddy misses you."
Chuckling as she approached the two, "Sorry, it took so long. I made more skin-grafts for you while finding a way to make Kiko more friendly with people."
Letting the beast climb up in his lap and rest her head on his desk, Ozai ran his hand over her fluffy coat. "No need to apologize. I'm glad I don't have to keep wearing this mask any longer and I finally have my best girl with me." Kiko purred as she made herself comfortable with her new friend.
"Hopefully, maybe you'll feel a bit better, your majesty."
"It's Ozai in private, princess." Ozai told her as he looked up from Kiko to Ami.
Ami smiled, "As you wish, Ozai."
"I've been meaning to ask you something. I need a woman's opinion because I'm having a bit of trouble making sense of things." Ozai started as he returned to caressing Kiko.
Coming closer to his desk, Ami was happy that the Phoenix King wanted her opinion on something, likely something personal.
"My ex-wife Katara used to be a very loving, compassionate, and morally sound person. However, I can't say she's the same anymore but I still have feelings towards her that I know won't just go away, even if I do move on. Do you think there is a solution to my problem?"
Furrowing her brows, "We all have feelings. Doesn't mean we act out on them. Especially if they are harmful to others or ourselves. You love her but does she feel the same? Are you going to keep chasing her when she's doing everything she can to keep away? Why are you hurting yourself like this?"
Ozai furrowed his brows as he took in what she said.
"A man with your looks, power, and wealth shouldn't be sulking over a woman that can't appreciate him. I don't know much but from what I've seen, you're not the man people have said you to be. You deserve someone that will love you as much as you love them. I hope you will eventually see that you deserve to be happy. Maybe not before but now, after all these years, don't you think you are owed a more pleasant life?"
Of course, he believed he deserved it but he figured with more time it would come and Katara would be there. But obviously, she was just using him like she always did. Playing him for a fool. It was getting old and honestly, he was tired of it. The only way he'd ever be with her again is if she proved herself to him because he's more than proved himself to her. She told him to be better and he was. He wasn't the greatest but he tried. Ozai was done. He knew she had not slept with Zuko, that wasn't his problem, he was tired of the back and forth with her. Tired of the inconsistency and the fighting and the arguing. He wanted some damn peace. Katara couldn't give him that. She couldn't even give herself that. And as much as he wanted them together, they weren't going to work with all the baggage she was carrying. It would take years for her to recover from the trauma she's been through and he'd be supportive, always be there for her if she needed anything. But Ozai was no longer interested in pursuing her. He was officially done.
Lifting his gaze from Kiko, "I need to go to Ba Seng Sei. Sort things out with your brother. I think someone is plotting to kill him. Someone working for my twin brother. Can you get your brother to trust me?"
"I could definitely talk to him but whether he trusts you or not is up to him." Ami stated. "And who's planning to kill my brother? How do you know this?"
Ozai's expression hardened, "Your brother tried killing them and they want to retaliate."
"Who did he try to kill?"
"I'll discuss all of the details once we meet with him."
"We?"
"Yes, you'll accompany me."
Ami nodded. She had no qualms about traveling with the Phoenix King. If anything, she was kind of excited. Hopefully, this trip of theirs wouldn't be interrupted as before.
Telling the woman to go pack her things, Ozai lost himself in thought again as he laid his head down against the tiger-dillo he soothed to sleep in his lap. He was really done with Katara. Truly. She was a pretty rose with many thorns and he was tired of cutting his fingers just to hold her. Some people were worth the work it took to have them but no one was worth this much damn pain. He was going to do her this one favor, on account of her being the mother of his children and grandchild, and save her from herself. She messed up telling him where she was going to be. Now he knew where she'd turn up next. He'd stop her and drag her crazy ass back here. Lock her in a cell with their son that was as criminally deviant as her and toss out the key until she started making sense of what she was doing. If Atsou went after the children or her, he'd stop him. What the hell did she think he was going to do? Just let something happen to the family he raised and looked after? Fuck her. Ozai was going to stop Katara and Atsou. If you asked him, they both were threats that needed to be dealt with and he was sure no one was going to get in his way. Who else could deal with a crazed siren that could control weather and a phoenix you couldn't kill?
Ozai leaned back in his chair and smirked. I guess I need to put you back in your place, Katara. Remind you who I am.
…..
Mailan pouted as her father was in the middle of tying up her hair into pigtails with blue ribbons. She wanted to see Ryu. Not go to this other place her father was making her go. The only thing that made her somewhat happy was that her father got a pet tiger-dillo and it was coming with them. He said her name was Kiko and her new sister. Mailan accepted this happily. But she still wanted to see Ryu.
Holding the last clip between his teeth as he fixed Mailan's hair into pigtails that were wrapped up into balls that looked like ears, Ozai saw one of his ministers enter his office and take amusement with the sight.
"Ah, lucky girl you are, Princess Mailan, having the Phoenix King do your hair?" Minister Wong smiled at the little girl.
Folding her arms as she pouted more, "Daddy won't take me to see my brother, Ryu! Tell him to let me go see him!"
Minister Wong chuckled and saw the Phoenix King roll his eyes as he placed the pin into the little girl's hair, patting her back to get out of his lap. Mailan jumped down and raced out the room declaring she was going to walk to the Fire Nation by herself.
Ozai sighed and rubbed his temple, "I swear she's the last kid I'm dealing with."
"I think you're doing rather well at fatherhood, your majesty. Not many fathers do their daughter's hair, especially not ones in the position you are. It's rather charming." Minister Wong praised the Phoenix King.
Tilting his head, "You have that governor I asked for? It's noon."
"Yes, your majesty." The minister turned and signaled for the governor to come in.
The Phoenix King watched as a young man of Earth Kingdom descent entered his office and bowed his head as he stood before him.
"Phoenix King Ozai, you've summoned me." He started.
Looking the young man over as he rested his chin in his hand, wearing an impassive expression, Ozai inhaled nonchalantly and proceeded. Throwing a few documents onto the front of his desk, "The bandits that were running around with my son, you stated in this report that you have them in your custody and intend to only hand them over if I punished them all justly. Tell me, what makes you think I won't? And what is your definition of a just punishment for these criminals?"
Falling on his knees to bow humbly, "Forgive me, your majesty. I meant no offense. I just want to see that these criminals get what they deserve. Many were killed and lost homes in my province due to these men. I want to hear from your mouth alone that they will be put to death."
"When I'm back from bettering relations with the Earth Kingdom, I will hold public executions for all these men. As for my son, you understand I can't exactly kill him. Not because he's my son but because he's inflicted with the same condition I am. But I'll still gladly sever his head in front of everyone if that pleases you all. Just don't be surprised when you see it grow back." Ozai informed the governor.
The governor looked to the Phoenix King most pleased by this, "Thank you, your majesty."
"As for the destruction of your province and other provinces terrorized by this group, I'll have relief sent immediately before I leave in the next hour or so, the mandate is already in place. Anything else you require, write to me and I'll give the orders."
Surprised by this and grateful, the governor looked absolutely delighted. He thanked the Phoenix King ever so graciously before leaving. Minister Wong smiled joyously at the Phoenix King.
"Also, your majesty, does Princess Kya plan to stay here in your stead or is she traveling with you?"
Ozai didn't even know where Kya was. Perhaps in the Fire Nation with Zuko or going to see Uhara. One of the two he figured. Either way, he felt Kya had dealt with enough and would leave her to enjoy her life without filling in for him.
"I trust you and the rest of the court can manage things without either of us." Ozai stated as he stood, shuffling papers into his desk drawer. "I find any problems when I return, those responsible will be dealt with and those that accomplished what I've asked will be rewarded. Hopefully, that's incentive enough for you all to behave."
Minister Wong nodded as he chuckled, "Absolutely, your majesty. We wish you a safe journey."
…..
It had been a few days and nights. Azula and Katara were absolutely clueless as to who this scientist was and where they were going to find him. Azula roamed about during the day trying to locate any leads on any scientists that had dwelled in the upper ring but there was nothing. Katara took to the streets at night, accompanied by Daikoku, but came up short too. The three couldn't figure out what to do. Atsou was unreachable as he informed them he had matters to take care of that would keep him busy. They had very little details to go by. The scientist was working on a potion for immortality and they resided in the upper ring.
As Daikoku and Azula sat at the table of Iroh's shop, Katara served them breakfast tea and food. During the day, the waterbender kept herself occupied with helping Iroh in his shop. She didn't like to be idle in her wait for the night searches she took. Her mind often got the better of her if she did nothing all day. Which they could all relate to.
Biting her dumpling, "I don't know what uncle expects of us. No wonder we'll be here indefinitely."
Daikoku sipped his tea and eyed Azula over his cup, "Right now, we have bigger things to deal with."
"Yes, have you told her?" Azula looked over at the waterbender as she waited on other guests.
Shaking his head, "I didn't tell her but she knows."
Snorting, Azula rolled her eyes. "Of course, she knows. She keeps tabs on father's movements at all times. I saw her watching him from a puddle with her water magic trick. Pathetic."
"We're only human."
"Just barely." Azula shoved a dumpling into her mouth as she was through with discussing Katara and her father. She hated them both. Hated her father for abandoning her and hated Katara for being so damn annoying, even though Azula knew the waterbender did truly care about her. "Pathetic."
Daikoku watched Azula drink her tea and snatch one last dumpling before heading upstairs. She clearly was moody as of late. Even more when she found out her father was coming to visit the city. It made both his female partners uneasy. He sympathized with them both. Ozai was a piece of shit and a hypocrite. Demonizing them both for turning out like him.
Later that day while washing the dishes, Katara heard Iroh returning with groceries from the market and set them on the counter behind her. She greeted him with a warm smile over her shoulder as he had been gone all day, leaving her in charge of overseeing the shop.
"I have some bad news, Katara." Iroh said gravely.
Katara turned the sink off and turned to face him, "If it's about Ozai, I already know."
Iroh sighed, "My brother visits for tea from time to time whenever he's in the city. I fear he will sense you're here."
"He knows I'm here. Or at least, knows I'm in the city. I will try to not fight with him but please loan him some of your wisdom." She told him as she chuckled.
"Of course." Iroh smiled heartily.
….
Ami couldn't help but stare at the Phoenix King as he had fallen asleep across from her in the carriage. Wearing his spectacles with a scroll in hand, Ozai had grown bored or tired from his reading. She found herself amused by how little grace he had in private. The difference between the Phoenix King and the man he was beyond his title, it was amusing to say the very least. She could see how someone could have fallen in love with the former tyrant. How they could love him for just him. Her gaze shifted away and turned to stare out the window.
They were not far from the grand Earth Kingdom city where she spent most of her life. She felt odd returning after being away for a few years. Traveling the world and spending time in the Phoenix King's empire, Ami had never felt more fulfilled. These walls were like a prison to her and she had hoped she'd never have to see them again. The Phoenix King's snoring snapped her out of her thoughts and made her giggle as she glanced back at him.
When the great walls that protected the city opened, Ozai had woken from the shaking of the earth in a panic. He wasn't very much used to feeling the ground shake from underneath him.
"Not too many encounters with earthbenders, I presume." Ami smirked at him.
Sitting up straight, Ozai scoffed as he had forgotten he let Ami ride with him. "None that made the earth rattle like that." He brushed his loose strands out of his face.
"I assure you that within the limits of the city, earthbending isn't practiced much aside from the law enforcement or the elites. Common people are limited in what they can use their bending for. So you should be fine once we've made it to the upper ring."
Ozai nodded as their carriage was brought to yet another wall. This was for them to be checked in before passing through officially. The law enforcers came to their carriage window and pulled the curtain back to get a good glimpse inside. Ami removed a golden slab from her sleeve and held it out to the officer.
"Princess Ami of Ba Seng Sei." She stated in a haughty tone for the officer.
Immediately the man bowed and assured her that he was only doing his job.
Ami nodded, "This is Phoenix King Ozai." Her hand waved over to the man accompanying her. "We have business with my brother."
The officer's eyes widened as his green eyes went to the Phoenix King and quickly back to the princess, "Yes! We've received word! I will let my men know to let you pass!"
The carriage moved on and was then elevated from the ground. They would be bypassing the lower and middle ring and sent directly to the upper ring. This was something received only for the high born of society. She was sure Ozai was familiar with this as this wasn't his first trip to this city. Reaching the top they were allowed to exit the carriage and board the private train that would send them to the upper ring.
Ozai looked around as he caught a scent. He wondered where it was coming from. It was so obvious who it belonged to. Where are you hiding? He was sure to discover that in no time. Katara couldn't hide from him. Not that she would. If so, she wouldn't have been willing to tell him the details of why she was here.
"Come, let's head there. I'm sure you want to rest." Ami stated as she patted him on his arm.
Nodding his head, Ozai saw his daughter reluctantly making her way to them and pouting as she took his hand.
"Cheer up. You're cuter when you're not grumpy, Mailan." Ozai told her.
Mailan nodded her head, "Okay, daddy." And suddenly she put on a melodramatic smile to which her father sighed and shook his head. "Is this good, daddy?"
"Smart ass." He grumbled.
As they got on the train, Ozai took a seat across from Ami as his daughter climbed into his lap and continued to smile crazily. He was so thankful that Mailan was the last of the children. He was never doing this shit again.
"Holy shit! Is that a-"
A bunch of commotion took place as Kiko was unloaded from the cage that she traveled in. The tiger-dillo growled at each and every one of the men trying to extract her. None of them could get close enough to her cage. Ozai got a bit annoyed with how incompetent the men were. Spineless fools. He got up and went to handle things himself.
"You'll have to forgive me for letting these morons handle you." Ozai said as he approached the cage and placed his finger on the lock of the cage, growing a nail to unlock it. "Come sit with daddy."
Everyone backed away as they watched the Phoenix King let the wild beast out with little to no care. The beast climbed out of its cage and purred as she was patted by her owner.
"Good girl." Ozai purred back at her as he ruffled her soft fur.
They watched fearfully and in astonishment as the tiger-dillo followed her master into the train cart. They knew the man was not normal but he was literally taming a vicious beast. It was a sight to see.
Back on the train, Ozai sat with Kiko's head resting in his lap as Mailan laid against the beast, cuddling the fur. Ami was happy to see her experiment was working. The Phoenix King and his daughter were faring quite well with the animal. They were clearly a good match.
…
"It's been too long, Ami." King Kuei said as he hugged his sister warmly.
Ami returned her brother's affection as the Phoenix King and his entourage stood there waiting to be greeted by the sovereign leader. She really wished Kuei wasn't still so smothering in his affections. Sometimes it gave people the wrong idea but it was simply because she was his only sibling that shared both parents. Their other siblings were children birthed by their father's consorts and concubines but only they were the children of the lawful wife. It never mattered much to her but Kuei placed a high value on things like bloodlines amongst other traditional forms of thinking.
When her brother finally gave her some space and room to breathe, Ami watched as his green eyes shifted to the Phoenix King and she swallowed hard a little bit as she knew the two men were not on good terms.
"Phoenix King." Kuei unenthusiastically greeted the immortal king that was holding the metal chains to a wild beast.
Impassively, Ozai sighed and rolled his eyes. "Earth King."
"See you've taken good care of my sister. I hope it stays that way or-"
"Or nothing." Ozai scoffed. "Don't talk to me like you can do a damn thing about anything I choose to do."
Ami quickly wedged herself between her brother and the Phoenix King, "Brother, please, Ozai has been very good to me and has been a huge help in sponsoring my research. Don't be rude."
Kuei noticed his sister referred to the Phoenix King by his name alone and his fists clenched. He hoped she wasn't foolish to fall in bed with this bastard. Did she not know what happened to both of the man's wives? What happened to their younger sister? Did she want to be next?
Biting his tongue, Kuei lets them both know it would be better to talk in the morning, informing them that he had other guests arriving on the morrow. It was a bit odd to Ozai that the world leaders from the other nations had suddenly been invited and he had no prior knowledge of this. Maybe he was just paranoid with everything that was going on but he would still be skeptical.
Escorted to their chambers, Ozai held the leash to Kiko while Mailan road on the beast's back, drifting a little as she seemed tired. When they were shown to some of the more lavish of the luxury suites, the Phoenix King picked Mailan up and carried her to the bedroom where she would sleep. As he laid her down and tucked her in, the little girl's eyes opened slightly. She gave her father a small smile before shutting them.
"Mama is nearby. I feel her." The little girl stated.
Ozai simply eyed the girl and tried not to be surprised that she might be a siren like her mother. Sighing as he patted her head, "Yes, your mother is in the city."
"Can I see her?" Mailan reopened her eyes as she laid on her side.
"We'll see." Ozai replied before giving her a kiss on the forehead and walking Kiko out.
Shutting the door, Ozai ordered his guards to stand post at the door and at the balcony of his daughter's room. He couldn't scratch the itch that something wasn't right here. Katara was in the city. Yes, he knew that. She tried relaying information to him, information he probably shouldn't have turned down now that he thought about it. Rubbing his forehead, Damn it. Hopefully, he could smooth things over with her enough to get her to tell him what was going on and why exactly she was in the city.
….
"What's this?" Katara eyed the skinny cylinder object that rested between Daikoku's fingers. She watched him place it between his lips as it burned from the other end and then pull it away, exhaling smoke.
Daikoku held it to her, "It's called a cigarette. It's tobacco." He coughed a little. "Gets your nerves to relax a bit. You should probably take a hit."
Katara raised her brow. She had seen tobacco before. Ozai smoked it among other things but he did it from a pipe. She had never seen tobacco smoked from such a skinny roll before. Was this how other people enjoyed it?
Shaking her head, "I'm fine."
"You sure? Just try it once." Daikoku said.
The waterbender eyed it as she leaned against the back alley wall of the tea shop. She had been a little tense today. Especially after hearing Ozai was now in the city. She sighed and gave in, taking the skinny roll of tobacco from her friend's hand. He told her how to smoke it and she coughed a little but eventually got the hang of it after a few tries. Katara seemed to like it. The scent and the taste of the smoke on her tongue. Wasn't long before she slouched against the wall and passed it back to Daikoku. He pulled another out of his chest pocket and lit it for himself.
"I'm assuming we're going to give it a few days before we continue our search for the scientist." He started and leaned his head back, gazing up at the moonlight.
Relishing in the cigarette, Katara nodded her head slowly and shut her eyes, also tilted her head back to rest on the wall. "We need to remain low profile with Ozai in the city. He'll come looking for me. I've told him enough that I know he'll come looking for me. It's only a matter of time."
"And here I thought you were an idiot."
The two blew out their smoke and turned to look at the tall figure headed their way in the alleyway. Daikoku tossed his cigarette onto the ground and crushed it under his boots as he retreated his hand into his pockets.
"Want me to handle him?" He asked Katara.
Shaking her head.
"Handle me?" Ozai laughed. "You've lost your fucking mind, Daikoku."
Daikoku's eyes glowed suddenly and claws retreated from his nail buds. "Try me, Ozai."
The Phoenix King paused as he eyed the claws and the glowing eyes on Daikoku. He didn't smell dragon's blood from this man but he definitely had the dragon trait. It seemed odd to him.
Placing her hand on Daikoku's shoulder, Katara gestured for him to stop, not wanting a fight to take place.
"Go give Azula some company. I'll deal with him." She told him.
As Daikoku left and Katara finished off the cigarette he loaned her, the waterbender saw Ozai was only staring at her. She barely looked at him. How could she? He always found a way to shame her and look down on her. She felt filthy under his watchful gaze. Like something to be scorned, hated. Loathed for ever daring to exist.
"What do you want, Ozai?" Katara asked, flicking the remains of the cigarette onto the ground.
Approaching her, "Is working together still on the table?" He asked her.
Narrowing her eyes at him, "Excuse me? Run that by me again, I didn't catch that." Katara folded her arms. "Sounded like you want to finally cooperate."
"Don't start. I'm trying-"
"Trying to what?!" Katara's voice rose. "Every time I want to work things out you shut me down! Only when you're ready do you even consider! I'm not working with you! I told you I'm done helping you!"
Ozai furrowed his brows, "You told me to drop dead and of course, you don't mean it. You're angry I get it. I'm not exactly fair to you."
Katara laughed, "Oh, I meant it, Ozai! Drop dead!"
"Kat-"
"I don't want to hear it! Leave me the fuck alone!" Katara turned to storm away.
"Your father and brother will be here tomorrow." He told her and watched her pause.
"What?"
"Hakoda and your moron brother, they'll be arriving tomorrow. I have no idea why they will be here but the Earth King invited them. I think something is up." Ozai explained.
Turning to look over her shoulder, Katara eyed him dangerously. "Why are you telling me this?"
"I want to know why Atsou has you here and if that has to do with why the Earth King randomly invited every world leader here. Something isn't right and I don't want to go into this blindly."
"Then you shouldn't have blown me off. Now, you're on your own." Katara retorted bitterly.
Ozai could tell she was fed up with him. Done. That was fine. He felt the same way but all in all, he knew she opposed Atsou's plan. That alone should unite them for the time being and then she could return to cursing the ground he walked.
"Think of your father and brother, something could happen to them. Do you want that?"
"I can't save everyone."
"You can try."
"And if I don't want to?"
Taken aback by this, "So, you'll let them die?"
"If it meant it would be quick and swift, I'd kill them myself."
Done talking to her ex-husband, Katara turned to leave. She didn't have anything to tell him. She tried and he shot her down. He was on his own. She was no longer worried about his welfare. If he was so confident about his ability to deal with this without her help then she'd let him handle things alone. She only hoped he didn't get himself killed for being a moron.
Ozai stood there, dumbfounded by her words, he never thought he'd hear her be so cold to the lives of her family members. She was less and less herself. Too far gone by her trauma, hatred, and the influence of his twin brother. It seemed he really would have to put Katara down and likely for good. If death was mercy in her eyes, then she'd understand when it came time for him to send her to her maker. The Katara he knew died years ago, this was just a hollow shell walking around in her place and he couldn't stand to see it going around sullying his late-wife's image. If he could return her to who she was, he would. And if he couldn't, he'd relinquish her from the torment of this life.
…
A/N:
I am so in love with daddy Ozai but he's still definitely got some work to do in other areas, wonder if we'll get any scenes with him and Azula soon. Katara is about to fully embrace some villainess behaviors and we're going to get some glimpses of her full potential as an overpowered Siren. We'll also have a reunion with the gang soon enough in this arc and some minor and possibly major character (permanent) deaths in the chapters to go. Hope y'all are ready for a bloodbath of an arc cause shit is about to get super ugly.