Chapter 17: The Roots of Love and Hate

A deafening and intoxicating silence engulfed the two whose pupils remain fixated into a glare. All around them, the same bland and dull color of a filthy grey reflected itself across the walls. The only thing sticking out would be the beautiful necklace of cyan that glowed significantly in this darkened room. Kya inched her hands a that were cuffed together towards the spot her necklace should've been. The absence of its familiar fabric missing from her skin left her feeling naked. Her eyes narrowed, and she lunged for the necklace in attempt to take it back from her captor. The chains that restrained her proved to work like a charm, for the precious object that was rightfully hers had remained an inch from her fingertips. Struggling for a few more seconds, she gave up after realizing this man had been enjoying the state of desperation she was in. Her cold and hardened expression returned, refusing to please his infuriating pleasures of watching someone struggle.

"You've stopped struggling." He mentioned. "I guess this doesn't mean much to you after all. I must say, you are quite dangerous in element of Fire." He lifted his shirt exposing the massive burn he received from her when she fell enraged into the Avatar State.

"Oops." She smirked before turning sour once more. "What do you want?"

Chuckling at her sarcasm, he sighed. "Sarcastic - Vigorous - Cold. Why, you have it all, don't you? The complete opposite of the person who once wore this necklace before you. It doesn't suit such a foul personality like yours."

Kya seemed to perk lightly at this, lightly enough to where he wouldn't notice. "What do you know of its previous holder?" Her bitterness continued.

"You aren't the one in a position to be asking questions. I'd say you're either courageous, or plain stupid." He paced himself towards the wall, leaning on it. "But, I don't see the harm in telling you of its predecessor. Though you haven't proven to be worthy of such information; and I doubt you would - despite your abnormality in a similar power we yield." His glare had increased. "Now, you haven't quite answered my first question. Where did you get this necklace?"

Kya remained silent, she didn't feel like saying anything to him. Whatever this man may know of her mother, she doubt it would be information that held any true value. She held her tongue, determined to see this to the end.

Aang sighed, picking himself from the wall, he leaned into the cell. "Please, I don't want to hurt you anymore than I already have. Your imprisonment here can be much more relaxing if you but answer my questions." Her silence continued, and his annoyance had continued spike because of this. "Name your price."

"Excuse me?" Kya raised an eyebrow just wondering what attempt in bribery he may be trying to pull.

"You heard me." He repeated. "The last thing I need is to mentally scar you beyond communication. Name your price, and if it deems reasonable - I will grant it."

Kya narrowed her eyes, wondering just what trick he may be playing. Seeing her hesitation, Aang added one final sentence.

"You will find me to be many things, but a liar will never be one of them."

Taking those words into consideration, she decided to play his game for now seeing as their was no other choice. Thinking of something quick and reasonable enough for him to do, her eyes had fallen onto his hand that held her mothers necklace.

"If I comply - you will return the necklace to me."

He didn't show it, but inside he was seething with rage. Of course she'd ask for something like that, he'd much rather set her free than give her what he believed to be the last precious memory of that woman. But he needed answers, so with certain dismay - he agreed.

"Of course, why wouldn't I return such a charming necklace to its inheritor?"

Accepting his answer, she began to speak. "The necklace was a gift - from my father, Fire Lord Zuko."

"Zuko." He inwardly spat. "Of course he'd have it." Brushing such degrading thoughts out of his mind, he responded. "So Zuko is your father? It's such a shame to see that he'd abandon his own child to the mercy of his enemy. I suspect your father wasn't the original owner of this."

"Is that a question?"

"More like a definite statement. I know he didn't come into its possession out of coincidence." He continued to press further into the topic, he already knew the answer - he just wanted to hear her say it.

"You're so wise in that aspect." She scoffed. "But you are right, father mentioned that he inherited it from my mother just moments after she died. Regardless of what importance you may think it have, you now know that it holds no value other than a legacy passed throughout the generations of my family."

Another silence had grew in between, a silence that left even Kya confused as to why he grew into such a muteness due to her response. She couldn't understand exactly what he was thinking, his expression wouldn't allow a single ounce of humanity to reflect behind those eyes. Whatever his thoughts were, it was surely of something else.

The words, "mother" had surprised him, he hadn't expected such a declaration. Impossible, this must be a mistake. Vaatu had claimed that she felt the life in Katara's womb die just as she had - so then why is there someone claiming to have such relations? Inspecting the woman even further, he began to study her facial features. Her eyes consisted of a beautiful teal color that held a resemblance he had overlooked. Her skin that contained a beautiful milky chocolate glow, much like that of her proclaimed mother. And finally, her facial structure that resembled that of the deceased angel, except it was more mature for her age. ...She was right, their is no doubt about it.

"You're... Katara's child?"

Unlike Aang, Kya held no care for what he had said. "So what if I am?"

"...A lot, really." He blinked. "You've brought up a long line of questions that must be answered for, that he must answer for."

Looking at the necklace once more, he sighed before tossing the stone to Kya who fumbled with it momentarily before securing its grasp. Turning to make his leave, he would've been gone by now if this girl hadn't said anything. Kya wasn't exactly one to accept the ways things went down. Like him, she too had questions of her own, questions that she wanted answered.

"So that's it? That's all there is to this little interrogation you have? Don't I get to ask my own questions?"

Glancing behind him, for once his curiosity led him back into a conversation he knew was destined to come. Giving her his full undivided attention, he waited for her to speak. It was only fair to trade off a question for another, the real question that remained was what effect would these answers have once they have been said.

"Why?" She wasted no time in throwing her heart out. "Just - why! Grandpa Iroh, he was innocent. He just wanted to protect us, to ensure that we stay safe from the destruction you have brought upon our home. He was never one who resorts to violence unless needed..."

She clenched her eyes, her thoughts wandering to a much simpler time - a time where catastrophes like this was only read through the books of history.

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In a time where the destruction of the Fire Nation's Capital wouldn't come for another four or so years, the Fire Prince and Princess had sat in a public library just a few blocks away from the Palace. Their noses squeezing down into the books that had spiked their interest. It's topic, the Century War that they had once wage against the entire world, only for it to finally come to an end the year of their birth. Interestingly enough, they had been reading much about their previous Fire Lord who had ruled before their father. The man who they had now realized as a distant Grandfather they never truly met. They were confused as to why he acted as tyrannical as he did - this life that the Fire Nation had once followed was so different from what they grew up in. It was like reading the history of a different Nation. Kya was the first to lift her nose from the book, allowing Tenzin more time to catch up to where she currently left off.

"Grandpa." Her eyes landed onto Iroh who had been sitting silently while reading a book that had caught his interest.

The retired General set his book down, and smiled at the young princess who had called her.

"Yes?"

"You and Fire Lord Ozai are brothers, right?" She leaned forward, resting her chin on the table as she gazed at her uncle with a child's curiosity. "Why did he follow this path of war after he had claimed Fire Lord? Shouldn't he have stopped?"

Clasping the book shut, he set it beside him as Tenzin had now listened to the little conversation as well.

"You two were yet to be born when it happened, but ever since the death of my father, I noticed that he had went through a profound change. Since then, he had grown into an obsession over the war around the exact same time I had begun to shun it. I'm still not sure if he did it to bring a false sense of glory to the Fire Nation, or if he had other intentions that I wasn't made aware of. During the time, I had been overwhelmed with grief over the death of my son, so..." He sighed, thinking deeper into the matter. "At one point, he accused me of not being strong enough to let go of my grief, and that I would never understand him or his extremist views. He declared that these were the reason as to why he had been chosen as Fire Lord, because I lacked initiative to do so. Perhaps he was right, and I wasn't able to understand a damn thing about him, or his methods. But after the death of my son, even I was able to see that their's just to much prejudice going on in this world of ours."

"...prejudice?" She wondered.

"Yes, it's a word describing unfavorable opinions or feelings beforehand - much like discrimination."

"I don't get it." Tenzin hummed. "Are we not at peace with the other Nations now? I thought we had become allies?"

"Allies? Yes, we have. However - it does not change the fact that the damage we had done still remains. Many people outside of the Fire Nation still shun our presence, unfavorable to those of Fire Nation lineage... and honestly, we can't entirely blame them for that either. I just wish I could do something about all of this hatred brewing around. Despite that, I truly believe that at one point all of us would finally begin understand one another and live in an unending cycle of harmony."

Tenzin smirked. "Boy, that sounds kinda complicated to me."

Iroh turned to the Prince and smiled. "And, if I'm not able to find a definitive solution for this problem, then perhaps I will entrust this dream of mine to the hands of you both, does that seem fair?"

His eye's sparkled momentarily. "Yes sir, I can't ever turn down high expectations from our Mentor!"

Iroh laughed as the youthful ambition of the young prince had filled him with such joy. Tenzin however, had lost his smile. His head tilting as he wondered why he was laughing at his declaration.

"What? What the heck is so funny about that?"

His laughter had slowly died, yet his smile remained. "Seeing you happy had made me realize that your smile is my salvation." He reached out, grasping both of their hands and gently holding it in his own. "I'm so glad that I became your Grandfather... but I haven't given up on bringing change myself you know." He reached below the table. "I still plan to bring change to this world..." Pulling out a small cup, he poured a familiar liquid Tenzin wasn't so fond of. "With my tea!"

"With that drink that taste like expired medicine?"

"Fool! This is the best batch I have ever made! And when the day finally arrives where I become famous, I wouldn't serve you a cup even if you begged me too!"

"I wouldn't want to drink that disgusting thing anyways!"

Kya looked between the two, smiling as she loved how they bickered liked this from time to time. It brought them closer as a family, unifying them as one far beyond the normal relationship that grandparents and grandchildren were known to have. Like Tenzin, she probably wouldn't drink his tea either. Not because she disliked its taste that his brother thought for it to be... but because in the end, despite knowing that her Grandfather had perished, he had left her something far better than a memory of a comforting warm beverage.

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I wouldn't want that anyways. Because in the end - you gave me something much more valuable... thank you.

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Coming out of her stupor, her eyes blinked to regain her conscience before looking at the dull eyes that kept her imprisoned. The anger she had felt prior had returned, and she once again found herself demanding for an answer.

"Why... tell me why are you doing this!"

He remained silent, wondering if this woman would be able to give an acceptable answer to his own. Seeing her struggle to comprehend his methods of chaos to bring about order, it enticed his thoughts of her own. If there was another way in going about this, he would surely like to know.

"You ask me why I'm doing all this. But the thing is, even if I tell you my reasons, I doubt very strongly it would change anything at all. You see, my goal is something that no one, not even Iroh - nor any other living being was able to achieve. Much like you, my wishes are to establish a global order. An order where these methods of peace and justice we strive for would be the very foundation we stand upon."

Kya didn't know why, but hearing him say such things angered her. It fueled her with such rage when listening to this hypocrisy he spat. How dare he. How DARE he say such a thing like he's been the victim the entire time!

"Peace? Justice? Yeah right..." Her teeth bared itself, and her voice rose in unquenchable rage. "Don't you dare give me that crap! My mentor! My brother! My family! My home!" Her arms shook as she thought about the countless of people who suffered because of his doings. "After all of the lives you had destroyed, you think you have a right to use such words? DON'T YOU DARE TALK ABOUT THINGS LIKE PEACE AND JUSTICE AS IF YOU CARE!" She huffed, her face falling into her lap as she couldn't stand looking at him any longer.

Watching her heavily breath for air after venting her rage, he stood silently allowing her little time to collect her breathing.

"Tell me, what is your ultimate goal?"

Snapping her head up, she screamed again. "I'm going to kill you and every other disgusting excuse of a human being you have brought with you! And after I do, I will become Fire Lord and ensure that peace will remain in this world!"

Slowly walking up to the cell once more, she expected him to call her a liar. To claim that it was she who knew nothing at all. Instead, he said something she was not expecting at all... he agreed.

"I see, your ambitions do claim justice behind your words. Unfortunately, you have miscalculated one thing..." The tapping of his foot approaching had stopped. His eyes then glanced out the small window to where Dai Li had been patrolling the grounds, ensuring that they keep this territory secured. "Their family, their friends, their home, their dreams? Long before I showed, they and countless of others from all over the world has suffered because of this nations greed. Just as they at one point in history, have done the same to you. To claim yourselves to be the preachers of peace after a century of utter hell, how is it fair to allow one culture be its beacon."

"...What do you mean?"

"At one point in history, the Fire Nations economy had grown too big. Because of this, inflation had been a rapidly growing issue. Fire Lord Sozin had sought to expand his territories around the world the same time he hunted the newly born Avatar. This war he had waged on us all had allowed the Fire Nation to prosper long enough to outgrow their inflation, otherwise your people would've starved. The victims of his actions were none other than the smaller villages that had been colonized in territories other than your own. Their very homes had become a battlefield where two opposing forces waged their war. Each time they did, these smaller villages were destroyed and plundered far beyond recognition. After many such battles, they had succeeded in exterminating the Air Nomads culture. The price for me, was everything. My mentors, my friends, my family, my home. All of it reduced to ashes as the very lineage who exterminated their lives still live to this day. Now, do you finally realize? Both of us, our ambitions, our desires, our wishes are the exact same thing. We both want to achieve this idea of peace that had been fantasized over long before the Avatars existence. You and I - we are the same. Both of us driven by single, simple desire. This justice I have delivered upon the people of the Fire Nation, is no different from what you are trying to do to me. Everyone experiences the same pain when losing something dear, that is reality as we know it. Two sides of the same coin struggling to achieve justice among the other. We are both but ordinary beings living in this world in attempts of playing the role of judgement upon our foes. I have seen the effects of our beliefs to maintain peace, and it is one that always fall into ruins at some point in time. Each established ideology overruled within the coming decades in attempt to maintain peace. The human race is a gifted one indeed, yet we fail to come to terms with one another by continuing this endless cycle of bloodshed. Right now, we live in such a cycle. A cycle that has been continuing for thousands of years, and would likely continue long after our demise. Our future? The same as our history! This selfish intent of wanting to preserve the falsehood of peace, initiates wars. And hatred is born again in order to protect love! I have grown tired of reading and witnessing such repetitiveness. Otherwise we'd go on believing that simple humans and spirits can never understand each other; And truthfully, they never will! This accursed world of ours is ruled by the constant need for hatred, and hatred alone."

He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath before reopening them once more. The silence she had was expected. What he was truly after, was an answer.

"So tell me... young Avatar. How would my supposed successors confront this hatred in order create peace?" Leaning into the bars, his stare had only intensified. "I want to know what your answer is."

Her eyes had shifted away, instead they had embraced the same cold floors she had been staring at for hours before he had appeared. "I - I don't know..." She finally said. Picking her head up, her eyes had once more locked onto his own. "I don't have an answer."

Standing quietly for a few more seconds, Aang lightly nodded before making his departure. The Dai Li had opened the hatch, knowing he had desired to be released just moments before he had said anything.

"If anything happens to her." His aura grew deadly and suffocating to the two who guarded the door. "If I so happen to find a scratch that hadn't been her doing, I will personally see that I impale both of you vertically down your torso, purposely missing your vital organs just so I could roast you two alive."

"Y-Yes, my lord! We swear, it will not come to that. We would much rather die!"

"...as you should."

Making his way down the halls he came from, he turned the corner and disappeared from sight. His destination unknown to all who watched.


In the heart of Republic City, Tenzin had been spent much of his time wandering the streets of the newly fledged government. To the people who went about their daily struggles, the sight of the troubled prince had left them watching for a few seconds before continuing on. That's right, Tenzin is once more struggling to come to terms with another revelation. A revelation that the Spirit Realm they speak so highly of had been corrupted by Avatar Aang's influence. To top it all off, no one seemed to know what was creeping on their doorsteps, no one but him. Truthfully, he didn't like that. He didn't like that one bit. He wanted to tell someone, but he didn't know exactly who. He was so caught up in his thoughts, he didn't realize the metal pole in front of him until after colliding face first into its hard shell. Taking a few steps back, he rubbed his stinging face from the impact. He really had to stop walking while in deep thought.

"Um, are you okay?"

He had perked at the beautiful voice. Turning his head, his eye's had settled onto one of the most beautiful girls he had ever witnessed. Blinking a few times hoping that this wasn't some illusion created from the impact of his head, his delight only increased when realizing this was real.

"U-Uh, yeah." He smiled. "I-I mean, of course I am!" He straightened himself up and lightly puffed his chest out in a confident manner. "In fact, I'm so good that I think you should be asking that pole if it's doing okay instead of me."

She blinked before giggling into her palm. "Are you sure? You're saying some weird things." Straightening her posture, she smiled. "But if you say you are, then I won't pry into it."

She bid him farewell and began to make her departure, leaving Tenzin to mentally curse himself for saying something so cheesy.

"You just had to try an act tough, didn't you." He groaned.

Looking at the girl who continued to leave, his interest for her had remained. Sighing to himself. he decided that it if he made himself look like a fool this early, there surely wasn't anything else he could do to make this worse. Falling into a light jog, he closed the distance between them quickly.

"H-Hey!" He called out, stopping her in tracks.

"O-Oh, yes?" She turned. "Is there anything you'd like to say?"

"Uh, yeah." He smiled again. "You see, I just thought you looked beautiful and all; and I was wondering if I can get your name?"

She raised an eyebrow at him as if expecting something else. Standing silently for a few more seconds, his head clicked, realizing what she was expecting.

"My name's Tenzin by the way." Rubbing the back of his head sheepishly, he extended his other hand for her to shake.

She smiled before grasping his hand with her own. "My name's Pema, it's nice to meet you Tenzin."

"Pema, huh?" He repeated. "Would it be alright if I... I don't know, treat you for lunch?"

Nodding her head in approval, she could only giggle even further once seeing the joy his eyes had expressed. These next few hours would be cherished, that's for sure. The day had went by rather quickly, the appreciated company of each other held a big impact to the the swiftness of their days. The two teenagers found themselves sitting in a local park, snacking on some frozen treats as they talked about their lives.

"So wait, you want to be an Air Acolyte?"

She nodded, setting the treat aside seeing as she had finished consuming it.

"I don't mean to burst your bubbles, but aren't they... I don't know. Extinct?"

Shaking her head, Pema began to explain. "Well, yes. They have been at one point, but I've heard rumors that the Air Acolytes have been on the rise the last year before the Century War concluded. Since then, more and more Air Acolytes have been trained to maintain all known Air Temples until the Air Benders are able to return." Her eyes sparkled. "I want to be apart of that change. This is my opportunity to be apart of history itself, which is why I told my parents of my desires to be an Air Acolyte long before leaving home. The only problem, is finding one."

"How?" He too discarded his savory treat after seeing that it was finished. "If their population was on the rise, how is it so difficult to find one?"

"The Air Temples are in some of the most unusual places in this world. To be able to track one down would be hard enough as it is, but when we are adding over a century of natural vegetation growing over thousands of years of man made buildings, its practically invisible at this point. They say only the pure and dedicated souls who search to be an Air Acolyte are bound to succeed."

"Wow." He hummed. "I had no idea... do you think you'll succeed?"

Crossing her arms, she thought of the possibility with hope. "I can't say really, because I haven't set out to actually find one yet. But if I were to be searching for one now..." Looking over at Tenzin, she gave him the most assuring smile he had ever seen on a human face. "I would rather become lost and die with nature than to come back a failure."

The two had been looking at each other for quite sometime now. It was then that Tenzin noticed how close the two had become. Becoming surprised at their closeness, he inched himself back a bit while his cheeks flustered in embarrassment. The sun was beginning to set, and Tenzin had now realized that he hadn't told anyone of what Roku spoke of the night prior.

"Anyways." Pema stood from the bench. "I enjoyed spending our time together. You made this transition of mine flow a lot smoother than I thought it would."

"O-Oh, no problem." He smiled. "I enjoyed spending time with you as well. This was the first in a long time I had actually enjoyed myself."

"That must be depressing." She chuckled.

Taking a step towards the Prince, she gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Once again, thank you Tenzin. You're a sweet guy, and I do hope you and your father come to understand each other at some point. Maybe you should sit down and just talk to him one of these days, it could help a lot."

Touching the spot where she kissed him, his blush had only increased. "Y-Yeah, I'll try." He agreed.

Pema gave him one last nod before rushing away, her destination unknown to even him. He sighed when he saw her leave, hoping that this wouldn't be the last time he'd see her. Hearing someone clear their throat, he turned to see Toph grinning like a fool after overhearing their little chat. Once more, he groaned. He was never gonna hear the end of this...

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"Are you sure that's what he told you?"

"Yes, Aunt Toph." A groan escaped his lips.

Tenzin had repeated the same words Avatar Roku had spoken for the fourth time already. Because of this, he began to feel convinced that telling Toph perhaps wasn't the best choice. He'd ask Uncle Sokka, however he had noticed that his mind hasn't been in the right spot as of lately. Grandpa Hakoda hadn't arrived either, so he surely could not speak to him as of yet. His father, Zuko - was clearly out of his list for obvious reasons. There wasn't many people around he'd feel comfortable in telling about his latest discovery - but then again, something as dire as this shouldn't have a preference at all. If a threat like this actually exists, then everyone should know of it as soon as possible. Yet still, his lips remained sealed to all but one.

"Who else knows about this?" She continued to ask various amounts of questions.

"No one but you."

Toph rubbed her chin in thought. Something like this was hard to believe. An afterlife that was under the Avatar's control didn't sound so bad at first, but once you begin to understand the bigger picture - it seemed to be anything but welcoming.

"We have to tell the council about this, if a threat like that is on the verge of invading our world, we have to be ready."

She straightened her posture and took her first step towards the direction where she believed Zuko to be. The grasp of another hand had grabbed onto her own, and with a small tug, she stopped while turning to Tenzin knowing that it was he who halted her intentionally.

"You can't tell anyone, especially my father."

"Tenzin, I understand your relations with your father isn't at its best right now. But don't allow these emotions to overrule your better judgement. This is bigger than any of us at this point, and if we don't act now - we may not be able to when the time actually comes."

"I know, but if my father knows now he would surely stop me from going. He may be irrational at times, but I do understand that his heart is in the right place. What he doesn't understand is that he's too afraid to let us go. And now, after my sister being taken - I know he would go through so much more just to keep me by his side."

Understanding his reasoning, she nodded. She learned that of Zuko ever since he had taken the role of his father. Yes, he had been overprotective of the twins - but their was a time where being overprotective would do more harm than good; and perhaps now was one of those times.

"I understand, but what confuses me the most is that if you planned on leaving regardless of any of our approvals, why did you even bother coming back? You could've just left."

"I know." He annoyingly sighed. "Trust me, I wanted to so bad. But, it didn't entirely sit right with me. The thought of disappearing without a word. I didn't want to put you guys through that."

She smiled at his response. "Do not worry about us, Twinkles. We are more than capable of handling ourselves." She wrapped an arm around his shoulder and brought him in for a small hug. "Do what you need to do. Just know that I can't keep this secret between us for long. I will inform someone."

His head perked and looked at his Earth Bending Masters form in disbelief. "Aunt Toph!" He sounded disapproving.

"After you leave." She added. "I won't tell anyone until you have gone to fulfill your training as the Avatar. That's the best I can do for you."

Still expressing thoughts of disapproval, he agreed knowing that there was no way in stopping Toph. Once she made up her mind, it was impossible to change anything about it. He's learned from experience.

"Thank you..." He hugged her affectionately. "For teaching me everything I needed to know about Earth Bending. I won't allow your teachings to end up a waste."

Hugging him in return, she nuzzled into his chest enjoying the affection they had. The absence of a mother had caused Toph to somewhat fulfill that role. Even if it wasn't true by blood, their bonds had forged their way through a relation as much as it should be.

"You better not, or else you're gonna spend a long time sparring with me while you stand on fresh hot coals."

He lightly winced, remembering how painful that was when she actually had him do such a thing. "I definitely won't, now."

The two parted, and Tenzin gave a final farewell gesture to Toph before turning to make his leave. As she watched Tenzin disappear into the crowd, where the sun had began to set just in the horizon, she knew that he would not be seeing his face for quite sometime. Now, he had to walk his own path and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead. The most daring challenge of all would surely be confronting a father he was lead to believe that he died. She knew such a revelation would have a significant impact on his character. Whether it would be good or bad, she couldn't exactly tell as of yet. But when it does occur, she will be there for him. And this time, she will not abandon him to be consumed by the toxicity of betrayal like his father had succumb to years ago. No, she will be ready this time around - without a doubt.

Finally letting out a long held sigh she kept buried within her lungs, a headache began to grow as she thought of how Zuko would take this news. Surely he would not approve of this, and she was expecting an earful from him as soon as she breaks the news. Mumbling softly, she turned and headed the opposite way.

"I'm gonna need a few drinks beforehand."


The night had settled into the Fire Nation once again. The continuous patrols of Dai Li had been going on for a few days now. During the time, the rest of their police force had migrated over to their newly established HQ, many of them bringing with them their families and culture to escape the growing poverty Ba Sing Se was undergoing. It was the beginning of a new life for many, but for another - the sight of this city in ruins had only brought memories of a time where he once ruled these very lands.

Yes, Ex-Fire Lord Ozai had once more resided high above the destroyed city in the palace he had once claimed as his own. His pupils gazing down to where torches had brighten certain streets within these walls. He seemed to be troubled, a rarity that few have ever truly seen in the aging mans eyes. Azula had appeared through the doors he came through, stepping out into the balcony as she intended to confront her father for the unusual behavior he's been exhibiting. Only she knew of his abnormalities, for unlike the others, she was perhaps the last who actually cared for her fathers well being.

"Azula..." He spoke all to knowingly.

He didn't have to turn to recognize the presence of his daughter anywhere. Seeing how she was the one who stuck by his side, he didn't have worry about unusual visits being made for him - because they usually ended up being her either way.

Sighing, she approached the empty spot beside him. "You're up so late again." Leaning against the railing, she too observed the city her father gazed down upon.

"I still can't believe it. After so long, we've finally managed to reclaim what is rightfully ours. Yet, still... I don't feel any different at all."

"Hey." She took one of his hands, gently caressing it in her own. "This is just the beginning. Don't expect much from the start. Just know that we've won - you won. Against all who had doubted and deserted you. You've proven them wrong, especially Uncle."

His breath suddenly caught in his throat as he began to realize why he felt such a way.

"Brother..." He muttered. "We killed him - I killed him."

He gazed upon his tainted hands. The hands that was responsible for killing so many during the Century War. These hands that had temporarily governed these lands with an iron fist, and now they were responsible in claiming the life of his own kin - his own flesh and blood. When did these bitter rivalries they had established grow into such horrific nightmares? Why did he have an urge to surpass his brother in every way imaginable to the point where taking his life was seen as an acceptable price? Pride - Commitment - Jealousy? Such beginnings hadn't crossed his mind in so long that now, he couldn't even remember why it started - instead, he saw how it ended. Closing his hands into fist, he pondered over such actions he's done; and for the first time he could ever recall upon - a sense of regret had washed over his core. Now, he had no one. No one to truly call his own. These hasty rivalries he had formed with the Avatar and his other minions would not last forever, even he knew that. Because of this, for the first time ever he's never felt so alone.

Her daughters hand had once more found itself taking his into her own, and his eye's began to realize that the pain of being alone had yet to cease his mentality. His daughter, his last remaining kin he could truly call his own still stuck with him. Even throughout his years of insanity, she refused to abandon or test his patience. She was truly a gifted child, a child that was worthy of such rare and sacred flames for her talents. He held onto her hands, just as she had done to him - silently enjoying this small moment they had.

"Azula."

Breaking her attention from the city below, she looked into the eyes of her father and saw a peculiar emotion she had never seen before. She had never truly experience such affection, for even she couldn't understand what he was expressing. Regardless, Ozai's pupils had been filled with so much fatherly love. It was almost as if this love that hadn't been expressed had been building inside him until now, he could contain it no longer. Still having this privilege to continue living, he would no longer waste such an opportunity - especially with how dire this world was beginning to plunge into.

"Lets runaway."

Silence temporarily engulfed the two as he spoke. Azula hadn't expect such words, especially from her father nonetheless. Blinking her shock out of her pupils, she found herself laughing at his little declaration.

"G-Good one father." She smiled. "I truly wasn't expecting that." Wiping the joyful tear out of her eye, her smile had faded when seeing the unchanging expression he had. "Wait, you're serious?"

He nodded. "Azula, this life we've been recruited into, it's not for us. We're but simple pawns a bigger picture, and I refuse to allow myself or even you become victims in this overly sized chessboard."

"No." She shook her head. "We are not pawns father, Aang had been fair and truthful this entire time. This invasion was orchestrated because he was enraged of what the Fire Nation had done to us." Partially lying about the last sentence, she used 'us' instead of 'me' for reasons she wasn't quite ready to speak of yet. "He's not as heartless as we believe him to be, I just know it."

"Azula, he's murdered and manipulated important figureheads since our release from prison!" He retorted. "He plans to enslave us all! I understand the need to take revenge on a Nation who had shunned us after our fall from power, but you cannot side with a man who would ensure that we operate as mindless zombies!"

"Oh, like you're clearly in the position to say such things!" She crossed her arms. "You seem to forget that you planned to do the same when you were Fire Lord. Don't make such hypocritical statements now."

"Now is different."

"Oh, really? Care to explain to me how so?" Her eyes narrowed just daring for him to say anything that could be bogus.

His anger fumed, he truly did not have time to argue with her like this.

"Why? Why! I'll tell you why! Because before, there was no reason as to why I should fear to lose! Before, I had it all! I had power! I had influence! I had resources! Everything that a man could ever dream of was under my fingertips! The Military Might! The expansion of our culture! Nothing, absolutely nothing existed that I truly feared!" His arms shook. "But now, I don't have any of that anymore. I don't have power, or influence, I don't even have a loyal army. I don't have anything but you. Now, do you see why I want us to run away! I can't protect you as I could've easily done before! Seeing as you are now the last thing I could truly have, I never told you how much I lo-"

He stopped, his vision having landed onto those dull eyes that haunted him. He stood in a darkened sector of the doorway, waiting to make himself known to the two.

"M-My Lord!"

He fell onto his knees, his heart beating rapidly hoping he hadn't been overheard. Azula had done the same only moments after realizing his presence. Unlike her father who bowed in fear, she had done so out of respect and admiration.

"Pardon my intrusion, I did not mean to interrupt such a tender moment between father and daughter." His eyes having settled onto Ozai's vulnerable form, his eyes narrowed at the amount of fear and nervousness he radiated. "I did not overhear anything you said, unless there is something that I need to know of."

"N-No, there is not." He along with Azula had risen to their feet after Aang had gestured for them to rise.

The tension was felt, much to the obliviousness of Azula. After a few moments of observation, he nodded.

"Very well. If you don't mind - I wish to speak to Azula for a few brief moments, alone."

Azula looked at her father as if searching for a sign of approval. He nodded, seeing as their was no harm in doing so. Beginning to make his leave, he whispered quickly into her ear.

"We'll continue this later."

With that said, he had made his departure through the doors he came. Taking one last look at the two, he turned down the hall until he was no longer able to see their figures. He would be lying if he said he wasn't worried, because he was. Especially with how obsessed Azula had become over the Avatar. She defended him like he was his destined soulmate, and he did not like that at all. Deciding here and now, whatever decision Azula would make, whether it'd be to leave with him or stay and continue this charade the Avatar had created, he would not leave her side. Because she was the last thing he could ever call his own, the last thing he could truly love.

Now, the two were once more left alone to revel in each others presence. Azula's eyes shifted onto the Avatar, curious as to what he wanted to speak of. He approached her, and just as her father had only moments ago - he leaned against the railing, staring out into the city and the horizon beyond it.

"Now, would you look at that..." He began. "Despite the havoc I had recently unleashed, tonight has been one of the most peaceful ones I have ever witnessed. The stars look beautiful among the night sky, it gives a sense of enlightenment I hadn't experience in such a long time."

Unknowing on how she should respond, she instead took her place beside him, marveling at the sight he had grown a sense of appreciation for. He took a small glance at Azula, the sight that his eyes bore witness to had taken him back a little. She looked almost perfect tonight, despite the hardship and exhaustion that had been partially concealed around her face. The moon had shined an alluring blue down on them both, its color reflecting off of her eyes like a second nature. He had tested her loyalty to a large extent, even going to an extreme measure by making her think he had purposely killed her father... well, could've. Despite all of the troubles he had put her through, she still remained loyal and unwavering. It surprised him really, and he would be lying to himself if he said he didn't care so much of what she could be thinking now. Thinking back to the conversation he had with Kya just a few hours earlier, he had decided that this would be his last attempt to lure any falseness behind her heart.

Sighing, the noise had caused Azula to look at him. "I had a rather... interesting conversation with the Fire Princess today."

"...Oh?" She sounded somewhat interested. "If you don't mind, what did she tell you?"

"Quite a lot actually. More than what I'd expect it to be. Did you know, that she's your niece?"

"Niece?" She raised an eyebrow. "You mean, Zuzu had a kid?"

"Apparently so..."

Azula shook her head. "No, I had no idea. Long ago when I was imprisoned, I heard rumors that my brother had adopted two children into royalty. I laughed when I heard that, because I couldn't quite believe it."

"Then it seems those rumors have proven to be false."

"It doesn't change a thing." She continued. "Regardless if we are actually connected through blood, I hold no affection nor sympathy for these two. Like everyone else, they will perish if shown any sign of retaliation. This order you will bring to us all is exactly what we need, and if you asked me to, it would be something I would gladly give my life for."

"...I see." He didn't show it, but inside he was relieved of her commitment. This is exactly what he was looking for, an ally that held undying loyalty to him and him alone. Yes, she would be his champion. Because much like himself, she knew what it took to get the job done. "I'm glad."

Her chest had tightened, hearing him personally say that had sent tingles down her spine. Her cheeks had too felt a blushing effect due to his praise.

"You are?"

"Yes..." Reaching over, he took her hand into his own. "You have proven yourself time and time again, Azula. In a time where traitors could be hiding behind any face, you have shown me otherwise. Now, I believe it is time I apologize for how harsh I have been, especially to you. I'm sorry, so lets put our past behind us and focus on a better future - a future meant for every last one of us."

Feeling the cold metal of his hand take a hold of hers had caused them to lightly tense. This was it, this was what she truly wanted. To be relied upon, and prove that she wasn't a mistake from some ancient prophecy. Struggling to maintain her bearing, her joy had been a struggle to conceal.

"Y-Yes, we shall." She smiled. "Thank you, my lor-"

He pressed his fingers against her lips. "You no longer have to address me as such. From now on, just call me Aang."

Pulling his hand away, he gave a small nod before turning to make his departure. Stopping at the door much like Ozai had done just minutes prior, he looked back at her - and did something he hadn't quite done in so long. He smiled, a true and genuine smile that contained nothing but friendship and love behind it. Seeing such a smile directed to her caused Azula to blush. The Avatar had disappeared from her line of sight shortly after, leaving her alone on the balcony where the moon continued to shine upon. She threw her arms over the railing and mentally chewed herself out for acting like such a school girl that last moment. Just then, her thoughts had reverted back to what her father was saying about Aang. How we was dangerous, manipulative, and that they were just pawns in this giant chess game he was responsible for. She scoffed at her fathers accusation, because now she was beginning to see a whole new side of this man that she had never experienced. Yes, emotions that were cold and bitter had still remained as his cover, but now, he had shown her something much more alluring than before - something that he hadn't quite shown anyone in such a long time. She wanted to see more of that. More importantly, she wanted to be the one receiving it. Her eye's had widened as she began to realize what she had been feeling this entire time. Admiration, Affection, Desire... these were all small increments of how she truly felt. Love, it was love that she felt. For the first time ever, Azula could finally say that she was truly in love with someone and mean it. She smiled and embraced herself lovingly at the thought.

"Maybe - Maybe I should've kissed him."

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End of Chapter 17

I must say, I got this update pretty quickly. I don't know how I did it in such a short amount of time, but I did regardless. Anyways, I have left a few quotes that I did do my best in altering its wording as much as possible while still maintaining the exact message I wanted to get out. If you guys know what it is, then you would surely mention it. Let me know what you think of this chapter. Was it what you were expecting? Was it not? Or was it more? What are your thoughts for the future? What would you like to see more in here? Will I consider your suggestions? Maybe... Would I go through with it? Probably not... depending on what you say and its message.

Alright guys, lets get down to the one thing I know everyone has been questioning about, and it is the pairings between Aang and which lucky girl I would get him with. My answer to you is this

...I do not know.

Now you might be thinking. "Oh, but you're the Author. You're supposed to fucking know." But the thing is, no, I do not know. My initial intentions for this fic were to have Aang have some kind of redemption with Katara, and then they pair up together sometime near the end; and then I threw that out the window like the third chapter. Next, I thought about Toph, her character is perfect for someone like Aang, especially for the amount of character growth I will be putting her through. It would've been her if she didn't come alone, oh, the oh so mentally destroyed Azula who I absolutely ADORE her character even in canon, because she has been broken in such a way that leaves you absolutely devastated. No doubt, she will receive one of the most, if not THE most character growth out of all of ATLA character's featured in this fic, because to me I just have put her in this crossroads that would test where her loyalty truly lie, and it is one I'm sure she hasn't quite understood yet. That's what I absolutely love about her. She could be tossed back and fourth in so many ways, and it would practically make sense no matter where you put her. So here we have it, the possibility of Taang, Kataang, or Azulaang. Keep in mind, that I haven't even gotten to Katara's perspective yet despite a lot of our lack of love over her so far. But I promise, when we get into her story. Maybe, MAYBE, you guys would start to want to ship her back with Aang.

That is my problem as of now. Because if you think I hold the wheel for this ship, imma be honest I don't. Aang does, despite me writing his every motives, you have to allow these characters to express themselves as they should! I can't force a pairing onto Aang knowing that there will be motives that would test the very waters they tread upon in the future. Yes, characters have all fallen for our corrupted Avatar, but does he feel the same? You have to ask yourself the bigger question. So, if you would allow me to, I would love to continue writing this story as if it were Aang telling it. Not me.

Other than that, let me know what you guys think, and I'll see you all in the next chapter.

Ciao

~TheLivingMyth

(P.S. I am thinking about changing the title for this story but I do not know what. Got any suggestions if I do? Or just leave it as is?)