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Zuko: …

Justice: Well, what are you staring for?

Zuko: Nothing…I hired this new guy to do the disclaimers for us.

Justice: Well, it's about time! So where is he?

Hired help: WE DON'T OWN ANYTHING!

Justice: Wait, that's not true.

Hired help: Oh, sorry….WE DON'T OWN ANYTHING EXCEPT FOR SHEN AND THE OTHER MEMBERS OF LL PHOENIX!

Justice: That's better.

Symptoms, Betrayals, and Bad Advice: Part One

Aang sat at the dinner table with a frustrated expression on his face. Everyone else was eating and talking but Aang hadn't said a word since he got there. Katara was starting to worry, but she didn't dwell on it. Being the Avatar meant there was going to be plenty of moments where Aang would become slightly antisocial. She just wished it wouldn't happen during dinner.

Katara sighed. Sokka looked at Katara. "What are you so depressed about?"

Katara looked up quickly. "Oh. Nothing. It's just…I wish there would be more people present that is. And I mean MENTALLY present." Katara glanced at Aang as she emphasized the word.

Sokka followed her eyes to Aang then shouted, "Yeah! I totally agree! It's like some people aren't even here!"

Toph kicked Sokka from across the table. "I think what everyone is trying to say is, what's wrong twinkle toes?"

Aang eyes popped open as he realized what he was doing. "Oh. Sorry guys. I'm just kind of…confused to say the least."

Toph leaned back against her seat putting her legs on the table since it was only her friends watching. "Well don't leave us in suspense. Tell us what the problem is!"

Aang bit his bottom lip. "I'm having a hard time going into the Avatar state."

The sound of forks clattering and drinks dropping was all that was heard for a moment as Aang's friends gasped.

"What do you mean you can't go into the Avatar state?" Sokka said with disbelief in his tone.

"Well, it's not just the Avatar state. I can't even go into the spirit world either for some reason. It's like," Aang struggled trying to explain the experience properly, "It's like there's something pushing me or some force that hits me, preventing me from entering the spirit realm. It causes my head to hurt and…It makes me feel more tired."

Katara looked at Aang closely. "Are you feeling okay? You're not injured are you?"

Aang shook his head. "No. It's not like that."

Zuko frowned as he tried to remember something. "Humph, perhaps we should have listened more to Judis."

"Who? You're not talking about that crazy doctor are you?"

Zuko smirked. "He's not crazy…yet."

Aang scowled in annoyance as he remembered how long the doctor kept him in his studies, taking samples from pretty much everywhere on Aang's body.

Toph shrugged as Aang fumed beside her. "So, what did this guy say about Aang?"

Zuko rubbed his head. "Something about some 'foreign' power being inside Aang. Maybe he will be able to explain further when we get back."

Sokka nearly jumped from his seat at the table. "Wait, you guys are leaving already?"

"I do have a country to run. If it weren't for that mind punch you gave us earlier we would have been gone by now!"

Zuko and Sokka glared at each other. Toph chuckled softly. "Well, getting back to the point, you think there is something inside our Air boy?"

Aang tensed at the nickname. "Well, it does seem like some other power is at work in my body. If only I could talk to Roku, he would help me figure this out..."

Katara smiled. "I think you'll be just fine. You've always been able to solve problems like this before. Don't stress yourself out. If you want, I could do a healing session on your back if that will help."

"And how would that help?" Sokka said with annoyance.

"Last time Aang couldn't enter the Avatar state because of the energy locked in his back due to the injury he received from Azula. Maybe this new energy is spreading in that area."

Suki shook her head. "I don't think that's the case. Aang was still able to enter the spirit world during that time, even without the Avatar state."

Aang sighed. "Well, I'm beat."

"Why are you tired? You didn't help us come up with any solutions at all," Toph said. She started laughing while Aang glared at her.

"Look Aang. You need to be on your game. If there are rebellions forming in the fire nation then you need to have enough energy to take them out." Sokka said this as he made swiping motions with an imaginary sword.

Aang smiled as he looked at everyone around him. "Thanks guys for all the concern, but I'm sure I'll be able to at least enter the spirit world soon. I just need to push harder."

Zuko stood up from his seat with a yawn. "Just don't pass out again. I need you to be able to control Appa for most of the way back. I can barely keep my eyes open as it is."

Aang's eyes flashed with worry. "You're sleeping patterns have been going haywire."

Zuko continued to walk away from the dining room, but before he left he stopped and looked Aang in the eye. His face was so full of exhaustion that Aang nearly forced him to lay down right there where he stood.

"I haven't had a good night's sleep in…a while." Was all he said in a whisper. Then Zuko left the dining room while the others cast sympathetic glances in his direction.

...

Zuko sighed as he sat on his bed dejectedly and held up the note crumpled up in his hand. He glared at it and scratched his head as he read it over again.

Zuko

It's great to see you taking a break from your duties. Remember a man always needs his rest. I don't want to alarm you but some unsettling news has shown up. It appears that the blue dragon from the sun warrior village has passed on, and so has the chief. The people there are in disarray and are quite angry at the fire nation.

I'm afraid a new conflict is lurking in the distance for you, Zuko. The villagers don't want anything to do with you or the Avatar since they assumed that you have exposed their secret. Of course, not all believe that to be the case, but the Chief's right hand man is thirsty for your blood. I advise you and the young Avatar to be careful as you deal with the rebellions and the villagers.

Also, it appears that the red dragon has escaped and is out wandering around the fire nation. I think you and I both know the dangers this portrays to the people of this country. The spirits will not take this matter lightly, and the red dragon is probably looking to avenge his other half. Keep a look out, nephew. And perhaps you should tell the Avatar to take a trip into the spirit world. We need more advice on how to deal with this, otherwise the winter and summer solstice will bring disaster to the human world.

I know you're probably worried right now, but don't fret. You are a wise leader and I'm sure with the Avatar and his friends, you can stop this new threat.

Remember destiny is always our friend, and you were destined to be Fire lord for a reason. Believe in yourself, dear nephew.

With love,

Iroh

Zuko grimaced as he looked at his hand. He had squeezed it so hard his nails had dug into his palm, causing little droplets of blood to spill.

"S**T!" was all Zuko could say as he put the letter back inside his shirt.

"Hey, Mr. Gloomy! Where are you?" Zuko scowled as Toph's voice rang in the distance.

"I'm not in the mood, Toph."

"Who said I was here to make you comfortable? Who cares about your mood?"

Toph grumbled as she slammed into the wall that was right next to Zuko's bedroom door. Toph felt her way into Zuko's room, a red mark plastered over her forehead.

"Stupid castle, can't walk without bumping into things... So, how's the business going?"

"Business?"

"You know being the Fire lord, taking over the country, everyone eating out of the palm of your hand…."

"It's not like that."

Toph smirked. "Oh, it is. Just depends on the way you look at it."

Toph continued to smile as Zuko glared. "Why are you here?"

"What do you think? To talk some sense into ya. Can't do it in the dining room because you wouldn't tell the truth anyway."

Zuko huffed as he felt a large thump on the left side of his bed. Toph lounged casually, taking breaks to flick dirt out of her nose. "So, what's the big secret?"

"Huh?"

"We all know you're hiding something. Go on. I won't tell fancy pants."

"Well, it's a long story. But to keep things short, you remember those two dragons me and Aang learned firebending from?"

"Yeah, you guys came back doing a dance form or something."

Zuko muttered under his breath. "It's not a dance form. It is a sacred art…"

"Yeah, yeah…Sokka didn't think so. You learned new skills, so now what?"

"One of the dragons is dead along with the chief."

Toph sat up from her position. "Okay, well that's not pretty, but how does it interfere with your work?"

"We promised the villagers that we wouldn't tell anyone about them, now they're out for revenge. Also, the red dragon is loose and we have rebellions forming all over the fire nation."

Toph tilted her head back and forth, pretending to be deep in thought "Well, that does sound difficult. But Aang's with you, so you have someone to share the burden with. You also know that we can always help, right? We can help look out for the dragon in case it goes anywhere else."

Zuko stared at Toph as she stared at the ceiling. "I haven't really told Aang any of this…"

Toph chuckled. "I could tell just from hearing you breathe. You better tell the kid before he gets mad. Aang's not a baby anymore. I think he can handle it." Toph jumped off the bed. "If he can handle engaging Katara, he can handle anything."

Zuko frowned. "Wait, they're engaged?"

"Heard them talking while I went on a walk close to the bridge. They never noticed me." Toph smirked softly. "It will be interesting once Sokka finds out. Especially if Katara decides to come with you guys..."

Zuko jumped. "WHAT!"

Toph just started laughing as Zuko fumed. "Really, you can't blame the kid. I mean, he'll probably tell you when he feels like it. ESPECIALLY if Katara comes…"

Toph smirked as she thought through different scenarios. Oh, who cares. I'll tell Sokka early. Besides, this will bring more excitement to the table.

Toph smiled as she tried to head over to Zuko's doorway, but she ended up hitting his dresser instead. "Can you me get out of here?"

Zuko quickly led Toph to her guest room knowing she really didn't like asking for help. Zuko sighed as he tried to figure out how to break the news to a certain airbender.

...

Aang looked at Katara from behind as she packed her things with a flourish.

"Katara…"

"Aang, I've made my decision. I'm coming with you and you can't stop me."

Aang sighed in defeat. They had been discussing, or rather arguing, about the topic for two hours and he hadn't gained any ground.

"Okay, just give me some time to explain to Zuko first. He's not really expecting this."

"Zuko will be fine. I won't get in the way."

"I know…it's just…"

"Aang, I don't understand. You don't want me to come?"

"I do. Really. There's just been a lot of things going on right now. We've been trailing the LL Phoenix group for awhile and there are other rebellions on top of that. The fire nation is not the hottest spot to be at the moment, no pun intended."

"I think I will manage. Besides…" Katara turned to face Aang and all reasons to prevent her from coming strayed from his mind. Her eyes were sparkling and he could see how much she wanted to be with him.

"Katara…"

"I'll be supportive. I know how hard this job has been on you. Company will help you relax a little. I could easily help reduce your stress by performing simple healings. This can help you go into the Avatar state later on."

Aang smiled. "I guess I can't stop you, not when you're determined to see this through."

Aang suddenly grabbed Katara in a hug, his face caressing her cheeks as he inhaled her wonderful scent. "Thank you."

Katara sighed in content as she wrapped her arms tighter around Aang. "No problem." She whispered softly.

"Alright, lover birds, time to make some space..." Aang and Katara were shocked to see Sokka standing in between them, his eyes sparkling. He had a very cheesy 'trying-to-stay-cool' grin on his face.

"Okay, break it up. Don't make me say it again!"

"Sokka!"

Sokka turned on Katara, giving her a sweet smile. "You know that is a very interesting necklace, Katara, I wonder who gave it to you..." Sokka glanced at Aang for a second before continuing. "It looks a lot like a betrothal necklace, hmmm…"

Aang was really annoyed now and he didn't care if he endangered his life by stating the obvious. "Yes, Sokka, I gave it to her. Katara and I are engaged now. But, we're not getting married until Katara turns sixteen."

Sokka eyes were on fire as he glared at Aang, causing the young airbender to step back. Then Sokka broke into an earsplitting smile. "So you finally got the guts to do it, huh? After all these months!"

Aang mouth opened up in shock as Katara shook her head slowly.

Aang cleared his throat meaningfully. "So, you're not going to kill me?"

Sokka grabbed the confused boy in a bear hug. "No. I understand why you proposed early. The rules here are kind of stifling, aren't they sis?"

Katara was still shaking her head in disbelief, but she answered. "Yep. Way to strict."

Sokka continued to smile. "Well, I just have one condition for you both to make. You guys will marry when AANG turns sixteen. Oh, and don't even think about sleeping in a room until then." Sokka lowered his head in a dramatic fashion and whispered. "Do I need to have the SEX talk?"

Aang looked appalled. Katara smacked her head. "Come on, Sokka!"

"Good, I guess you guys don't need it then." Sokka smiled as Katara glared at him.

Sokka turned over to Aang and whispered a short note in his ear. "You're getting off easy, airhead. But if I find out you hurt Katara, I'll buy a new sword and kill you in your sleep."

Aang gulped as Sokka patted his shoulder cheerfully. "All right, have fun you two. But not too much fun." Sokka left the room leaving Katara and Aang speechless.

Aang frowned. "Who told him?"

Katara shrugged. "Probably Toph, You can never keep anything from that girl. I knew it was going to come out eventually."

Katara looked at Aang with relief. "You know, he was actually kind of nice about it, considering someone else told him first."

"Yeah, just glad to be in one piece."

Aang and Katara continued smiling at each other and their bodies started to unconsciously get closer and closer…

"Hey, I'm watching you two!" Sokka glared at the young couple from the door frame, a scowl plastered on his face.

Katara and Aang giggled, now that the worst was over. Now I just have to tell Zuko. Yeah, shouldn't be too much of a problem….

ooOOooOOooo

Zuko looked at his friends gathered behind him. He could see that everyone was preparing to leave and go their separate ways. He wished he could have focused more on them during his stay, but the fire nation needed him more than ever right now. Zuko didn't want to admit this, but he was itching to get back to his job.

Zuko watched as Aang came up to him. He could see how tall Aang was getting. If he continues, he'll be only a couple inches shorter than me, Zuko thought to himself as the airbender stood before him.

Aang looked up into Zuko's eyes. There was nothing but honesty in those grey orbs of his.

"There's something I need tell you, Zuko. I would have told you earlier but, it kind of came…"

Zuko shook his head and cut the airbender off. "No, I have something important to tell you."

Aang stood still, listening closely as Zuko continued.

"Aang, the chief from the Sun Warrior village is dead along with the blue dragon. We're not sure who is the culprit, but it is probably due to the rebellion uprisings. The LL Phoenix group has gone into hiding, we've lost track of them. Also, the red dragon is out there in the fire nation or it could have gone to any of the four nations by now; unfortunately for us, the only way for us to calm the dragon down is for you to find a way to go into the spirit world."

Zuko took a deep breath as Aang continued to stare at him intensely, his grey eyes turning solid.

Alright, small attempt at trying to make a cliffy. Anyway, this took me awhile due to various life shattering moments and…stuff. Hoped you enjoyed, and don't worry. The next chapter definitely brings in the heat, as far as the dragon's concerned. Though, I don't know if I should go too far….hmmm. Also, I'll try to work Shen in more in the next chapter! Later!

Last Edit: June 29 2012