A/N:
Ashley Barbosa: I'm glad you're enjoying it so far. I know OOC Dark Aang isn't really your thing but I'm glad its still entertaining :)
Dimihd: Oh, Zuko fanboy here, welcome. I hope you're enjoying so far. Don't worry, Zuko will get his chance to level the playing field, but Aang will have the upper hand for most the story, so don't get you're hopes up.
TheQuietReader23: I'm glad you like the fight, I don't write many acton scenes so everytime I do, I want to make it easy to read and understand. So I hope I accomplished that :) Yep, Katara is still in love with Aang, and yes, she is smarter and more clever than usual. That fact will be highlighted greatly in the next few chapters. And Yes, love can be blinding, but who will be blinded? Katara? Aang? Zuko? Toph? (jokes) Sokka? I guess we'll see :) Yep, Zuko does sound like a nut - funny thing, almost eveything he said to Katara was the truth hahahahahaha, but she doesn't want to believe it lol. Yep, Zuko's losinng control, and Katara's reasons for agreeing to Zuko's proposal was made clear here, so you got that right. You are partially correct regarding Aang's bending, I won't go too deep into it as it'll ruin the reveal - but something did happen to him :( I literally forgot about Suki hahahahahah (I'm joking - obviously she's in the story - and her role is more significant than most think, just wait :) Lenzo is a rat, i think I made that clear when I revealed his character, and Aang will reveal his true nature soon. Well, maybe this chapter has shed some light on the whole throne battle between Zuko, Fang and Azula... The engagement party is the next chapter and it will be a BANGER! Just you wait. (Btw, I revealed your character in this chapter, let's see if you can recognise him. He's important for the next couple of chapters.)
I am vegito: I'm glad you're enjoying the fic so far :)
XOXOXOXOXOX
Chapter 9: The Preparations
"Hello Avatar," Azula greeted as she entered the dining room, smiling knowingly at the deep in thought airbender who was staring at the moon peaches a few inches away from him.
Aang, somewhat distracted, paid Azula no mind as he continued to re-analyse the plan for the night and the following day – well, that and partly because he knew he had to be cautious around Azula. Despite her being an ally, he understood her far well than she him, therefore, he had the foresight to keep her at arm's length despite her advances.
Azula noticed Aang's lack of response, which actually spoke volumes when interpreted correctly.
"Still playing hard to get I see," Azula commented as she took a seat across from him on the rather large and wide dining table – reaching out for a moon peach and biting down on it while his eyes remained locked on everything and nothing in particular.
Azula eyed the airbender as she continued eating quietly, taking her time as her eyes glided across the many strands of his chestnut hair, his broken eyes, his sharp jawline. Since he was wearing his regular airbender robes, Aang's chest was half exposed along with his fully exposed right arm, which Azula took full advantage of admiring; her eyes scanning the various muscles and riding across the light blue lines of his tattoos, swerving and drifting at every curve as if it were a racetrack.
"What are you thinking about?" Azula asked, leaning forward as she attempted to gain his full attention.
Aang didn't budge.
Azula glared at him for a moment, trying to incorporate intimidation against a man whom she could barely recognise anymore – that's what made this so difficult for her; she couldn't understand him. This man, someone who once would rather sacrifice himself first than allow an innocent to get hurt, was now her ally. She could not understand him, and that's what made this so difficult. And because it was so difficult, it was also challenging. And because it was so challenging, it was also giving her a thrill like no other. So, thinking that she was the better player in the game, Azula continued playing; bluffing that she had no good cards, at least, until he let his guard down, then she would show her hand and reclaim order. Until then though, she at least wanted to enjoy having him all to herself before she'd eventually have to either tame him or kill him, though, she'd rather choose the former than the latter. 'I mean, he's quite attractive, this one' – Azula reasoned as her eyes glossed over his muscles and defining features for a second time.
"Do you want to hear about Zuzu and the Water Peasant's fight last night?" Azula smiled to herself, recalling how the two were at each other's throats when she arrived.
It was rather entertaining, however, before she could stir things further, Zuko – recognising the bad blood between his little sister and fiancé – decided to lead Azula to her room after telling Katara that they'd finish their 'conversation' later.
"He's still the same Aang I've known. The Aang I've always known! The same Aang I've always loved!"
Even know Azula could hear the waterbender screaming at her fiancé, declaring her eternal love for her ex-boyfriend while he stood slack-jawed and dumbfounded. It brought a grin to Azula's face – it seemed like Aang didn't really need her help at all; within a week, Aang had already abused Zuko's anxiety to the point where he was questioning his fiance's faithfulness, while also rekindling his relationship with his ex-girlfriend to the point where she unknowingly admitted she still loved him. If she was honest, Azula was rather impressed.
"It was amazing; watching those to yell at each other with such passion… I am still quite surprised you managed to get the girl and Zuzu to break so easily."
Azula sighed again when Aang paid her no mind as she leaned back on her seat and threw the moon peach out of one of the open windows behind her. It was rather frustrating honestly; Azula would always get what she wanted, but when it came to boys, she realised she wasn't Ty Lee. She didn't know how to flirt properly and would often end up scaring most of them away. Aang however, seemed like he could care less about her advances – Azula found that frustrating, and thrilling, as it was another challenge; obtaining him was a challenge… he was a challenge.
Azula smiled sultrily as she crossed her arms and her legs underneath the table, attempting one more time to flirt with him. "Though, I can't say I blame her," she added, "if I was spending my whole day with someone as handsome as you, I'd break too."
Azula hated that: complimenting him just to take his pants off, it was not her style at all… but she found that she had no choice. At this point in the game, Aang held all the cards, and until she got him to loosen up, she couldn't turn the game around to her advantage.
Also, she just wanted to sleep with him once – though, if she had her way, she could have him forever.
Still, as the firebender awaited his response, she frowned and sighed again when she got nothing back. Growling, Azula sat up straight and barked, "Okay, listen here Avatar, I did not come here to be ignored like a –"
"Do you want to fuck me, Princess?" Aang suddenly asked, his voice low and raspy, though his eyes hadn't locked with hers until he spoke again, "Perhaps because I represent something to you?"
Azula gulped as she stared at him wide eyed – he had pinpointed her intentions and motives perfectly. "You're q-quite blunt for an a-airbender."
She chided herself for stuttering, thus conveying to him that he had caught her off guard and in doing so, he had thrown her off balance.
"I feel it's better to have this conversation now, before the booze starts talking for us tonight," Aang continued, smiling inside after recognising that he had shaken her off her rails slightly – though, this whole thing with Azula was essential to the success of his plan as well. He knew he had to remain cautious around her, but he also understood that he had to keep her interested. So, he had to keep up the chase; Aang knew she loved a challenge, and what's a better challenge than attaining something or someone who is both unattainable and unwavering in their position?
"I'm here to torture my brother, to get revenge on that water peasant and to finally rule over my kingdom," Azula half-lied. "That is all, everything else is just the extra bit of fun."
"That's fine," Aang answered, not believing a word she spoke, "but you didn't answer my question."
Azula thought about her next move carefully, "Is that what you ask women?"
Aang shrugged, "Not all."
"And what if they don't want to fuck?" Azula inquired.
"Then life is simpler."
Azula raised her eyebrow and scoffed, "You want a simple life?"
Aang narrowed his eyebrows and smirked as he leaned forward, "Do I look like a man who wants a simple life?"
If she was speaking to the young monk who wouldn't hurt the ex-tyrannical Fire Lord let alone a fly, then Azula would've said 'yes'. However, the man sitting across from her was not the boy she once knew and hated, and her lack of understanding and inability to read him and his weaknesses frustrated her to no end as she dodged his question with her own.
"So, what do you want then?"
Aang sighed before he abruptly sat up, pushing the chair he was seated on flat on the ground as he tipped it over when he made his way around the table. Azula's heart pounded against her chest as he leaned down and stared her in the eye, his hot breath on her face sending surprisingly pleasant shivers down her spine.
Aang leaned in closer, his voice low, husky and raspy as he whispered by her ear, "I want you to be a good little princess." Azula felt her eyes widening and jaw clenching when he continued, "I want you to shut your fucking mouth and do as I say, and maybe, just maybe… if you're a good little princess, I'll give you a treat."
Azula's anger flared upon registering his words, 'no one has ever spoken to me like that, not even father' – Azula thought as she was about to retaliate. However, her protest died in her throat when Aang allowed his lips to graze her cheek – the softest of caresses, barely even making contact, and yet it was able to shut her up like he wanted. Smirking, Aang stood straight and grinned at her before he took his leave.
"Be prepared for tonight, Princess," Aang stated as he neared the door, "we only get one shot, and if we fail, things will become extremely difficult."
XOXOXOXOXOX
She stared at the golden stone in her hands, the sun's rays highlighting the water and fire insignias carved into it, the red choker wrapped around her fingers as if it were the red thread of fate, except, her link felt more than just tangled; she felt disconnected.
Katara hadn't gotten much sleep last night; she kept replaying her fight with Zuko in her head, imagining different scenarios, thinking of words she could've used instead, phrases she could've rephrased, arguments she could've made, and statements she could've withheld.
"He's still the same Aang I've known. The Aang I've always known! The same Aang I've always loved!"
No matter what she did, she could not force that statement out of her head. It was a mess, almost as if the memory had been an endless mover; the tape had gotten tangled and attempts at untangling it only worsened her condition.
"He's still the same Aang I've known. The Aang I've always known! The same Aang I've always loved!"
Katara wondered why she had said that; obviously she had loved him – he was her first love after all, and a strong one at that. However, long ago, she had convinced herself that she was over him. When he left her four years ago, she was certain he would return – when he didn't, Katara was heartbroken but declared that she was better off without him and stronger for it, her heart hardened and her walls impenetrable. And for a while, her life was just that, she would help her father and brother with the reconstruction of the Southern Water Tribe and every day, she'd have to convince herself less and less. Yet, when he returned, the first thing Katara did when they were alone was remind herself: he had left her, she was not his anymore, she was over him… and she was engaged.
"He's still the same Aang I've known. The Aang I've always known! The same Aang I've always loved!"
He had left her. She was not his anymore. She was over him.
"He's still the same Aang I've known."
And she was engaged.
"The same Aang I've always loved!"
Katara sighed, 'who am I kidding?' – she asked herself. Though she knew that she had to clear the air with Zuko, Katara also wanted to make sure that Aang did not learn of her little slip up last night – for it might give him ideas. And she needed him exactly how he was for the moment: her best friend – or at least until she determined what exactly she was going to do about her betrothal to Zuko. She loved Aang… once… but did she still love him, or was it something she said in the heat of the moment? To be fair, Katara often says things she doesn't whole heartedly mean when she's angry, and she was completely irate last night.
'Why can't my life be simple for once?' – Katara groaned when she heard someone knock on her door, already knowing who it was beforehand as she could hear that certain someone chewing on some fire flakes.
"You've been in your room all day, you alright sis?" Sokka entered, munching on his fire flakes loudly, thus annoying his sister even further.
"I'm fine Sokka." When she noticed her brother giving her the 'I don't believe you for a second' look, she sighed and laid down on her bed as Sokka sat beside her. "I'm just not in the best mood right now."
"Well, you better fix that quick," the Water Tribe warrior snickered when his sister groaned, clearly annoyed. "The royal guests, noblemen from all Nations and Republic City Council members have begun arriving for your engagement party tonight. Aren't you gonna welcome them?"
"Zuko's handling the greetings," Katara grunted.
"Still, you should be smiling wide and bright for tonight at least. Is your dress ready?"
"Yeah," she dryly replied.
Sokka eyed her carefully before he asked, "What's wrong?" He knew what was wrong, though. "Aren't you happy? It's your engagement party!" Sokka exclaimed, waving his hands in the air frantically in an attempt to cheer her up.
She chuckled at his antics before replying – grateful that her brother cared for her enough to place a smile on her place, however, she had something else on her mind: "Has dad arrived yet?"
Sokka noticed that she had ignored his question, but he thought better than to prod further if she really didn't want to talk about it. "Dad's…" he frowned, "not coming."
Katara too frowned as she glanced away from her brother's eyes, staring out the open window in her room as she wondered what she was to do now.
"I got his letter this morning, the talks with the North have gotten worse and he's – well…" Sokka sighed as he too glanced away from his sister who was not gazing back, "he's stressed out."
"So, he's not gonna be here for my engagement party?" Katara seemed like she was going to cry, though she didn't really know why – its not like she was particularly 'overjoyed' about her engagement.
It was no secret that her engagement to Zuko was a political move, at least on her father's part, and although normally her pride and self-respect would not allow her to be used as a chess piece, she thought better and decided to agree; concluding that she could determine what was happening behind the scenes once she was on the inside. That was the plan, however, after months of analysing Zuko and her father during their talks in the Fire Nation and Southern Water Tribe, Katara could not determine what their endgame was. All she discovered was that her father genuinely thought that Zuko would be the best suitor for her, and that Zuko actually wanted to marry her – she was grateful for him, but she wasn't sure if she loved him, plus, it's not like he had claimed to love her either.
Either way, nothing seemed to make sense and Katara almost gave up and gave in to 'just shutting up and marrying Zuko' until she arrived in the Fire Nation. The Nation was in a horrible state; Zuko's council had him tangled in strings, crime was at an all-time high - more so than Republic City, and to make matters worse, most soldiers had left to aid her father in the South, thus leaving most of the country defenceless. Katara knew something was not right; Zuko would not allow his soldiers to leave when is Nation was in such disarray, unless if his council intervened or if he had an agreement with her father.
Katara could guess what such an agreement would entail, and she had guessed what Zuko's reward was, but she could not throw accusations around until she had solid proof. Though, the proof never arrived, and after a couple more months, Katara almost gave up on the 'conspiracy theory' she had conjured – then Aang returned, and the missing pieces of the puzzle made themselves known slowly. She still hadn't figured the whole thing out though, that is mostly why she wanted her father to arrive as well; to see how Aang and he would interact and react to one another – now that plan had gone to shit.
However, a part of her – the daughter – was immensely hurt by the fact that her own father did not attend the very engagement party he helped plan and urged her to agree to.
"I know it hurts, Katara…" Sokka pulled her away from her thoughts as he placed a hand on her shoulder, "but he loves you. He's just really busy and stressed out." He smiled as she met his eyes, "Dad will be there for your wedding; he'll say that you look just like mom, except a little different since you'll swirl around in your blue and orange wedding dress, and you'll grin and hug him in thanks. That I'm sure of."
Katara smiled widely, allowing a few tears to escape their containment as she pulled him in for a hug. However, once she realised what he had said she pulled back and stared at him, confused.
"The dress would be blue and red," Katara commented.
Sokka shrugged and smirked, "You sure?"
"Yeah," Katara lied confidently – Sokka recognised her 'off' demeanour and realised she was most likely lying, which caused him to grin at her. "I'm sure," she added, "you think different?"
"I said what I said," Sokka answered in full confidence.
Katara sighed as she unfolded her arms and glanced away, "we had our chance, Sokka. Its too late now."
"That's what you think now," Sokka replied, taking her hand in his and caressing her knuckles soothingly, "but I always thought you and Aang would end up together. Plus, if the rumours are true, then I'd say this ship," he gestured to the betrothal necklace Zuko made for her, "is about to sink."
Katara almost agreed, until her ears and eyes perked up as she snatched her hand away. "Wait," she began anxiously, "W-What rumours?" Azula was the snivelling type, but she wouldn't go around telling everyone what Katara has said last night, would she?
"Azula likes to talk…" Sokka grimaced, preparing himself for his sister's cry of outrage, "a lot."
"That BITCH!" Katara yelled at the top of her lungs as she flung herself off the bed and stomped towards the door, ready to freeze Azula into an iceberg that would make the one Aang was stuck in jealous as she shipped the firebender back to the Crystal Catacombs.
Already prepared for this reaction, Sokka circled around her and closed the door as he held his sister at bay, "Katara. Katara! Relax!"
'Don't tell me to relax!" Katara shouted, "Who else knows?!"
"Literally only me, Toph, Ty Lee, Mai and…"
'Please don't say Aang,' – Katara begged mentally as she hoped for the best.
"A couple servants who I've already spoken to," Sokka finished. "I told them not to spread it around and they agreed. You have nothing to worry about sis."
Relieved, Katara took in a calming breath before she stalked back and fell back onto her bed limply. Sokka too took in a breath of relief as he shuffled back to the bed and rubbed his sisters back soothingly.
"Is it true?" Sokka asked hesitantly after a short moment of silence, though, he already knew the answer. "What you said about Aang?"
"I don't know", Katara half-lied, Sokka smirked.
Katara truly wasn't sure if she wholeheartedly loved Aang now – the pain he had caused her left some scars that hadn't fully healed. However, she couldn't deny the fact that she did feel something for him that wasn't friendly or brotherly love.
'Oh fuck' – Katara mentally groaned as she realised that now she was exactly where she was during the war: on the edge of uncertainty – not confused though… she wasn't confused. Unsure, of course, but not confused… not about Aang or whether she loved him, but more regarding how much she loved him and if she was willing to trust him with her heart again.
After Sokka left, Katara decided to leave her worries regarding Aang, Azula and Zuko in the back of her mind as she began preparing for the engagement party which was a few short hours away – uncertain on how it would turn out as she hadn't yet talked to Zuko, and since Azula knew her secret, in the possibility that she spilled it to Aang, the night could become immensely awkward and tense
XOXOXOXOXOX
"I heard that you grew out your hair again, Twinkle Toes."
Aang's ears perked up and he smiled as the owner of the voice came into view.
"I'm sure Sugar Queen's soaking her panties 24/7," Toph laughed out loud at her own joke while Aang snickered silently, before standing up and engulfing his earthbending Sifu in a hug.
"Its good to see you again, Toph. You haven't changed a bit."
Toph tensed at first due to the sudden contact and tried to pry herself off him, however, once she felt the warmth emanating from him, she sighed and decided to just return it for a while until he pulled away.
After eventually pulling back, Aang stared into her eyes and smirked, "Though, you are rather beautiful now."
Toph blushed at his statement, until she heard what he said next.
"I'm sure Sokka's pitching a tent in his pants 24/7."
Her eyes grew wide – completely not expecting a monk like himself to make a joke like that – until an unearthly roar of laughter erupted from her mouth.
"Look who's finally found a sense of humour," Toph joked as she continued laughing.
Aang laughed alongside her, grateful to have some normalcy from his old life return in the form of Toph, that is until she suddenly stopped; her grin transforming into a frown as she glanced away. Aang grew concerned as he watched her features being highlighted by the afternoon sun. Clearly, she was discomforted by the topic at hand, and for her sake, he knew she should just power through it. So, he opted to address the hippo-elephant in the room.
"It was a long time ago, Toph." The discomfort on her face grew ever larger and apparent, he placed a hand on her shoulder, but she shrugged it off when he questioned her, "You're not still blaming yourself, are you?" When she didn't answer, thus conforming his suspicion, he sighed before stating the obvious, "Avoiding him won't solve anything."
"You're one to talk," she bit back as she scoffed, crossing her arms while she 'glared' at him.
"I know… I'm a hypocrite," Aang conceded early, knowing he had to be careful around Toph as she was a human lie detector.
"You're damn right you are! What were you doing hiding for two fucking years?!"
Aang really wished he was standing on a wooden surface right about now, however, they were on the sandy shores of the beach by the bay – ever since the war, Toph's sandbending skills had only sharpened, so he understood that he could not lie to her even now.
"I was…" Aang began but halted as he thought of something to say while simultaneously trying to soothe his heartbeat as its pace was quickening.
"You were what?" Toph asked, not surrendering a position of strength she didn't know she owned as she continued 'glaring' at him.
"I was…" Aang sighed, "I was living by myself for the most while, in self isolation."
It was true – not the whole truth, but honest enough for his heart to not show any signs that said otherwise.
"Why?" Toph prodded further, unsurprisingly.
"I needed some time alone… to think and reflect."
"And… what were you reflecting on that was so important you abandoned your friends for two whole years?!"
Aang glared at her, though she couldn't tell – obviously. This was what Aang feared the most, it was the one hole in Aang's plan that could bury him whole if it dug deep enough, that hole being Toph Beifong: the greatest earthbender in the world, the first ever metalbender, and the living, breathing, human lie detector.
'I really should've thought this out beforehand instead of winging it' – Aang chided himself before he spoke.
"The state of the world." Aang answered as truthfully as he could without revealing much, "How everything was going to shit and how I could fix it. You know… Avatar stuff."
The airbender tried shrugging it off nonchalantly, but unfortunately for him, Toph was not in a forgiving mood: "And it took you two fucking years to resurface? Why?"
"Because it did," Aang tried his best not to growl – Toph was getting the better of him and would ruin everything if he didn't steer this conversation elsewhere soon.
"You're hiding something," Toph stated as she drew closer, trying to intimidate him as Azula had in the morning, though, Toph had real leverage whereas Azula didn't – hence why Aang was able to disorientate her.
"I'm hiding a lot of things," Aang smirked as he finally found a way to steer the conversation away – knowing Toph would appreciate it in one way or another, "would you like to see them?"
Toph caught onto what Aang was insinuating instantly as she chuckled and shoved him away playfully – she knew he was trying to dodge and avoid like the airbender he was, but she couldn't resist a well-timed joke, "And how would Sugar Queen feel about that?" She asked as she grinned at him.
"She's engaged."
"So?"
"So, she doesn't really have a say," Aang grinned wider as he knew he was finally gaining the upper hand.
"Are you saying you don't care if she sees you revealing yourself to me?" Toph asked playfully, she always saw Aang as a brother and knew nothing would come out of this except a good laugh and a funny story.
Aang thought she had defeated him as he knew if he answered truthfully – which was that he did care since he still loved Katara – she'd find a way to turn the conversation back to the previous topic by mentioning their separation. So, he opted to tease back instead.
"Are you saying you would allow Katara to stop you from taking what you want?" Aang grinned when she laughed and shoved him away again.
"Oh, you're good at this Twinkle Toes," Toph smirked as she realised she had him exactly where she wanted him, "guess all that time alone helped you develop a sense of humour aye?"
'Fuck' – Aang thought, he hadn't seen that one coming – she had him.
"Clearly, you haven't just been alone 'thinking about the world' as you claim, since you're able to keep up with me in banter."
Knowing he had no other choice, Aang decided to challenge her by playing dumb, "And what makes you say that?"
"I know how serious you get when it comes to the world and your Avatar duties, Aang."
Aang's eyes grew wide as his fears became palpable; Toph only used his real name when she was dead serious, and judging by her demeanour, he calculated that she was winding up for the killing blow.
"And I remember how nervous and flustered you used to get when I teased you and Katara about your relationship… and sex in general. Now, you're barely phased by it and can even keep up with me." Toph stepped closer and dug her feet into the sand as she spoke menacingly but with great curiosity and genuine worry for her friend laced in her voice. "You say you're the same and that nothing happened, but you and Katara loved each other… and I know how strong your bond was. Clearly something happened; Katara told me it was just the distance and loneliness that led to your breakup, but… I know that's not all." Aang gulped the large lump in his throat as she stepped even closer, now inches away from his face despite him being a good head and half taller, "Seeing you now, you're clearly hiding something, and that something is the reason why you vanished for two years. Don't try to tell me it was just Avatar business because I know it wasn't." Aang really wished that someone would just pop up out of nowhere and release him from the cage Toph had trapped him in as he grimaced. "So, I'll ask again, what really happened?"
Aang remained silent for a moment, wondering exactly how he was going to get out of this one until his saviour arrived in the distance.
"Toph…" Aang's voice was low as Toph's ears perked up, listening intently.
"What?" She replied.
Aang smirked, "Sokka's coming."
She snickered in disbelief, thinking he was simply trying to get out of answering her – which he was – however, when she dug her feet deeper into the sand and searched her surroundings, she recognised the beating of a certain Southern Water Tribe warrior's heart approaching with haste.
"Aang?! Aang where are you?!"
Panic overwhelming her, Toph's eyes grew wide in fear as she did not want to confront Sokka just yet – she knew she couldn't avoid him forever, but she wasn't ready. However, just as she was about to earthbend herself below ground, Aang placed a hand on her shoulder and reassured her.
"Don't," he spoke firmly, "he's searching for me. I'll go to him and if he asks, I'll tell him I was mediating. Plus, you need to stay clean for the engagement party and I know you're not fond of bathes."
Aang snickered when Toph groaned in defeat and annoyance. "Fine," she grumbled, and shoved him away before jabbing his chest with her finger, "but we're not done talking Twinkles. You got that?"
"Yes ma'am," Aang cheered as airbended himself away from a grumbling Toph and approached the warrior, thankful for the Southern man now more than ever.
XOXOXOXOXOX
"My Lord," one of Zuko's servants entered the room, interrupting a conversation between him and his sister as he approached. "Forgive me but there's a message for you."
Zuko nodded, grabbed the scroll and shooed the servant away before turning back to his sister who was seated across from him in his study.
"I'm just saying, Zuzu," Azula smirked at her brother's annoyed and pained expression before she continued, "you can't trust her, or that Avatar."
"I don't know Azula," Zuko replied, unsure as to why he was confiding in his sister of all people, but continued to, nonetheless.
"Oh c'mon," Azula protested, "you heard what she said."
"She probably didn't mean it," Zuko's denial shone through as he attempted to block out the doubt for once. "She usually says things she doesn't mean when she's angry."
"She sounded more sure of herself than you claim, brother."
Zuko couldn't really object to that; Katara did sound rather confident and outspoken last night.
"He's still the same Aang I've known. The Aang I've always known! The same Aang I've always loved!"
Those words had plagued his mind the previous night, next morning and now afternoon. He knew that fussing over it with Azula of all people would do him no good, but he couldn't help it. For weeks he had no one to vent to, his fears and frustrations remained locked in his mind, thus driving him to the point where he felt like he was manifesting his nightmares. So, having Azula here to talk to, despite her pessimistic view regarding the subject, Zuko felt somewhat grateful and relieved.
"Your engagement party is only a few short hours away, and you two haven't even met face to face once, let alone talked to each other," Azula commented, dragging her brother away from his thoughts as he snarled in annoyance at her persistence. "She's avoiding you; and do you know why?" When Zuko glared at her, Azula donned a fake expression of worry and sympathy as she spoke, "Because she doesn't know how to let you down."
Zuko's eyes and face fell at her words, but she continued on, silently enjoying every second of it, "She just wants to get the party over and done with because she doesn't want to embarrass you and herself by creating a scene among your guests. However, when its all over, she'll fly off with him – and you'll have nothing but the remnants of the pathetic necklace you made for her in your hand – maybe a few of your tears dripping onto it while uncle sips on his stupid leaf juice in the distance."
Zuko wanted to believe that Azula was wrong. He wanted to claim that she couldn't be more off the mark. He wanted to shout out that Katara loved him and would never do that. He wanted to yell out the fact that she had accepted his proposal – not Aang's. He wanted to remind his sister exactly why his fiancé loved him and would never leave him for her ex-boyfriend… the problem was however: that he couldn't recite even one memory that demonstrated exactly how much Katara loved Zuko more than Aang… because it didn't exist.
'No!' – Zuko shouted, having an internal battle as Azula watched on, now bored out of her mind. 'She wouldn't. He left her – she wouldn't go back to him. Plus… what's she gonna do when she finds out that he's not who she thinks he is? I'll tell you,' – Zuko didn't realise he was convincing himself nothing important in particular as he continued with arguing with himself. 'She'll come running back to me! She'll come back into my arms. Not his. She's my fiancé, not his. And she'll be my wife, not his.'
While he continued muttering false reassurances to himself, Zuko hadn't noticed that someone else had slipped into the room until his jolly voice echoed off the walls, "You seem a bit distraught nephew, how about some Jasmine Tea to wash away your troubles."
Zuko's eyes grew wide, and a small smile tugged his lips as his head perked up immediately, "Uncle?"
XOXOXOXOXOX
The room was surprisingly cold for a Fire Nation General's office, though, Fang could care less as he stared at the map of the Royal Palace that Amon was analysing.
"You know, you still haven't told me what you're planning."
Amon straightened his back and stood tall, smiling sinisterly at General Fang as he answered, "I'll be wishing our beloved Fire Lord the best for his engagement to Lady Katara, and a couple of my men will also offer their congratulations. Meanwhile, the rest of them will plant the explosives I stole onto a ship just off the shore of the Fire Nation. They'll infiltrate it and extract some information that is of major use to me. I –"
"You never mentioned anything about a ship before," Fang cut him off, but apologised instantly when Amon glared at him, his sinister smile transforming into a red frown within a second.
"Well, I'm telling you now," Amon shrugged his shoulders, trying to stifle his laughter after witnessing the annoyed and horrified expression painted across the General's face. "I'll destroy the ship once we're done with it. The next day, when his council realises that we crashed his party, took someone hostage, demolished a rather important ship… and, if he still hasn't given the Avatar autonomy…" Amon looked towards Fang who simply nodded, thus clearing his suspicion. "Well, then they'll throw him off the throne. And you'll take charge."
"Speaking of the Avatar," Fang interjected as Amon went back to analysing the plans for the night and the map of the Royal Palace. "How are you going to deal with him? He'll be there along with Toph Beifong, Lady Katara and many other powerful benders."
Amon smiled as he continued looking over the plans, not sparing the General a glance as he answered, "Oh, don't worry about them." When Fang didn't look too convinced, Amon simply laughed it off after saying, "They'll all be somewhat… preoccupied. HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA…"
The General rolled his eyes before another thought entered his mind, "You said something about a hostage?"
Amon stifled his laughter as he grinned at Fang, "Councilman Quinn Red of the Northern Water Tribe – he'll be there, right?"
"He arrived this morning," the General spoke, nodding as he continued, "he'll be there."
When the General seemed still somewhat confused, Amon simply grinned wider. "Well, then I guess I better get going. I don't want to be late; it would be highly improper of me."
Not glancing at the General even once, Amon shuffled towards the open window. "I sure hope my suit is ready by now," Amon commented before leaping out the window and disappearing into thin air, his laughter echoing through the city as it grew weaker. "HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA…."