AN: HAHA! I HAVE MANAGED TO UPDATE IN 1, COUNT EM, 1 DAY!

Yes, I'm very happy that I updated on time for once. But just think - only about 2 more weeks until summer and then - MAJOR UPDATES! YAY!

O.k. I'm done. Now to answer reviews!

IceStar4621 - Lol, you're right it wasn't! Yeah I'm glad they're friends now too!

colorcrystals - I do believe this is worse than when I threatened to chain another authoress to her computer if she didn't update ... ANYWHO! You are absolutely right. Don't let Sokka anywhere near my T.V.! If anyone is going to destroy it, it will be you! lol As for your theory on Zuko's mother - I like it. Now that you point it out, it seems like that could be it. Especially since she was all like "everything I have done, I have done to protect you" you know?

Storybender - I'm glad you like your cookies! And I completely agree, Sokka is going to hate it. Just because I'm mean like that :D And thank you much! I'm glad I am improving!

Hmm, I don't suppose I gave too many people a chance to review ... Oh well! You guys can just send extra reviews to this chapter:D 3 the smiley...

Chapter Eighteen : Not What I Wanted

It was supposed to be a romantic walk on the beach, just Azula and Ruhuo...

... What it turned out to be, was Layla's little brother's worst big suprise.

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There were giggles from Katara and Shuin as they devised their plan.

The men, preteen, and Hua didn't understand what was so funny though.

"Katara, what are you so giggly about now?" Sokka eyed his sister from the food table.

"Oh, you know ..." Katara answered with a grin.

"No, actually, I don't."

Katara turned back to Shuin, ignoring her brother. "We're going to have fun with this."

"Oh, yes we are!"

"Shuin ..." Hua gave her sister a stern glare.

"Oh, don't worry, huo jie!" Shuin reassured her sister. "We're just going to have a bit of fun!"

The girls ignored any further comments and went back to scheming.

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Azula and Ruhuo were walked down the shore, hand in hand, listening to the waves.

Back when she had first killed Pakku, and brought the boy on board her ship, she had thought of Ruhuo as nothing more than a tool. If someone had told her she would fall in love with him, kiss him, and share a romantic walk on the beach with him, well - it wouldn't have been pretty.

But now, as all of these things fell into place, she knew it was meant to be. The only thing that worried her at this moment was her father.

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Back when Ruhuo had first witnessed the death of Pakku, when the treacherous girl had first brought him aboard her ship, he had thought of her as nother more than an evil princess, bent on world domination. If someone had told him that he would fall in love with her, then kiss her, he would have pinned them as insane and sent them on their way.

But now, as all of these things fell into place, he knew it was meant to be. There was only one thing - one tiny thing - that could ruin the greatest day of his life.

And it was the person he loved most. His sister.

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It isn't really a pleasant surprise, when you find your sister making out with one of your friends.

But this is exactly what Ruhuo found.

"Layla!"

His sister was in the arms of Hanu, his friend and shipmate.

"Oh, um, hey Ruhuo."

" 'Hey Ruhuo'? That's it?"

Azula and Hanu felt strange enough, seeing their loves in this situation. Azula's hand was still in Ruhuo's.

"Ruhuo ..."

"Is this what you wanted to tell me earlier, Layla? That you and Hanu were in love?"

There was a pause, then, "It's more than that, Ruhuo."

"What do you mean?"

"Ruhuo," This was Hanu. "We - Layla and I - we are engaged to be married."

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AN: HA HA! Short chapter!

Wow, poor Ruhuo. He just met up with his sister after eleven years and finds out she's engaged! Oops. I wasn't supposed to say that ... Oh well!

For those of you who have forgotten, huo jie means firebender.

Just so you know - I have planned from the beginning to write a prequel (I suck at spelling, but I'll get it right eventually). The question is - do you want me to go ahead and post it, or wait until I finish this story?

There will be more information on the siblings' pasts (hopefully) in the next chapter.