Authors Note: So sorry for not updating I was being evaluated by an evaluator for a couple of days and didn't have time to type. I was a little disappointed though that I lost some of my reviewers but I want to thank everyone who did review! Enjoy!
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Katara's POV
Walking up to Zhao's house door was a nightmare in itself his house was covered in green vines and plants. It looked as though it was a dungeon and not a home. There weren't any bright colors or people surrounding it as though everyone was afraid to step foot near it. On the way in he had a high fence that was made of concrete with skull-faced guards that only allowed in people approved by Zhao. Noticing and taking in the appearance of his house only made me hope that the inside wasn't as bad.
Zuko stepped forward and knocked on the door using the large door knocker. The sound it made echoed throughout the land. The door squeaked open to reveal a small frail woman. I gasped at her appearance she looked as though she had been starved and this only intensified the bad feeling I had about Zhao.
"We are here to see Commander Zhao." Zuko says.
Without saying a word the frail woman lead us through hallway upon hallway filled with statues and paintings of evil spirits or monsters. Until we come to a large door. Opening it we can see Zhao sitting at a large desk working on a document. Looking up at the sudden intrusion he places his pen down and stands up waving his hand as a sign for the woman to leave she backs out of the room and closes the door behind her.
"Welcome Prince Zuko and Lady Katara." He says stepping forward and kissing my hand.
Not liking the feeling of his lips on my hand I pull it back slowly and begin my business.
"Commander Zhao I was wondering that document you presented are you sure you can prove its real?" I ask starting out slowly and hoping to expand.
"Why ask such a question?" Zhao asks me.
"Well, Zhao I just want to know if you can't prove it there could be difficulty providing what is in the document." I state.
"I can't prove it but I believe the late Fire Lord's signature proves it." He says cockily.
"Anyone could easily copy that signature. What sets this apart from a forge?" I ask.
"Well, I guess the only thing that could prove it is that at the bottom of a document there is a tiny number. All Fire Lord's have one. Ozai's was 16. I have the document right here. You could look at if you want." He says.
"I believe we will." Zuko says stepping up.
"Here it is." Zhao hands it to us and gives us a magnifying device.
Looking closely I can see a small 16 in the right corner of the paper. Zhao was telling the truth.
"So how is my future bride?" Zhao asks smirking.
I look over to see Zuko jaw clench placing the document down I take his hand in mine calming him. I can feel him tug my hand three times insinuating he is going to put the plan in motion.
"Zhao I was wondering if I could use you're bathing room?" Zuko asks.
"Why of course. Anything for the prince. Mara will take you." He says.
I watch Zuko walk out the door and be escorted by that frail woman that now is known as Mara. Uncomfortable at being alone with Zhao but I know that it is time to press as Zuko continues his part.
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Zuko's POV
After Mara left me in the room alone. I stuck my head out of the door and made sure the coast was clear. Sneaking out I head up the stairs my destination Zhao's bedroom. Walking past doors and hiding from various guards and servants until I come upon a guard I can't hide from. Walking near me I think fast and slip into a nearby room closing the door behind me. I can hear the retreating steps and breathe a sigh of relief.
Turning around I am lucky enough to see that the room I am in is in fact Zhao's bedroom. Running through the room and searching through various drawers and desks. Pulling up books and documents until the entire room is trashed I have searched through every piece of paper in the room.
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Mara's POV
I knock on the door to make sure that Prince Zuko is alright. I ask him and hear no response. I open the door and scan the room only to find it's empty. Walking up the stairs I hear a rustling coming from Master's room. I push against the door as hard as I can when I realize it's locked. Finally I hear a click and the door falls open as I tumble in side the room. Prince Zuko runs to the door and closes it and helps me up form the floor.
"What are you doing here?" Prince Zuko asks.
"I was looking for you your highness." I say.
"You have to promise not to tell Zhao I was in here. Alright?" He says as though it's imperative.
"Of course. If I may be so bold what were you looking for?" I ask looking at the various papers scattered on the floor.
Seeing that I am only interested and intend on telling no one he starts telling me about the document and the problems that come with it. He also states that he was looking for something to contradict the document and knows that if anyone would have it Zhao would. He then proceeds to tell me about the page that was ripped out of the book.
"Your highness I am very sorry for your predicament and can only hope it turns out well for you but knowing Commander Zhao he would not leave any evidence lying around." I say.
"I believe you are right Mara." He says solemnly.
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Katara's POV-Zhao's study while Zuko was gone.
"You know Lady Katara I didn't forge that document." Zhao says smirking.
"That has yet to be proven." I say my eyes narrowing.
"I don't think you to be stupid. So I know you know I didn't." He says.
"You may not have forged it but what about the page missing in this book. It seems quite convenient that the page telling me whether or not your document is legible is gone." I say showing him the ripped book.
"You seem to think that I'm the only suspect." He says examining the book.
"Who else would pull that page out?" I ask curious as to his answer.
"Zuko." Zhao says straight out.
"That's impossible. Why would Zuko do that?" I ask furious.
"You really don't know. Azula is the only one who threatens him for the throne." He says laughing.
"I don't understand Zuko would always be heir unless something happened to him." I say confused.
"You see Lady Katara a woman can only rise to the throne if she is unmarried. When she is the Fire Lady she will then be allowed to marry but never before. With a man he is allowed to marry at any time. Like Fire Lady Ursa she was only allowed to be Fire Lady when her husband died so she is considered unmarried. So Zuko probably pulled the page out incase this document was forged. Because if Azula married me she wouldn't be able to rise to power." Zhao explains.
"Zuko would never do that!!!!!!" I yell trying to convince myself but some part of myself feeling it's true.
"Really? Did Zuko ever say one thing about never allowing Azula to rule the Fire Nation?" Zhao asks moving closer to me.
My mind is boggling as I remember Zuko once when we were young saying he would do anything to keep Azula from ruling.
"I see you remember something." He says noticing my silence and closing the gap between us.
Realizing how close and uncomfortable I was to Zhao I step back.
"It would be best to keep your distance." I say angrily as he smirks.
Just as I finish Zuko comes in reminding me we have to meet my Father and Aang at the docks.
"Excuse me commander Zhao but we have a schedule to keep. Goodbye." I say meeting Zuko at the door.
"Goodbye Lady Katara and Prince Zuko." He says smirking.
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Zuko's POV- The docks
On the way to the docks Katara had been unusually quiet and her silence was uncomfortable.
"What are you thinking about?" I ask her.
"Nothing." She mumbles.
I long to know what she's thinking about but know not to press the issue. I know she will come tell me when she is ready. We stand here awaiting the ship and I admire the way the sun and water mix. I feel Katara tug my sleeve and look up to see the boat arriving. On the edge of the deck I see Hakoda, Whom I guess is Aang, and I girl standing to the right of Aang.
A/n: I was going to cut it off here but I'll keep going.
When the boat arrived our visitors stepped off and Hakoda swept Katara into a hug. Stepping back to look at her he smiles.
"You have grown into a fine young woman Katara. Just like your mother." Hakoda smiles at his daughter.
"Hello there Zuko." He says shaking my hand.
"Hello Chief Hakoda." I say returning the handshake as Katara hugs Aang.
"Who's your friend?" Katara asks Aang smiling.
"This is Toph. She's kind of my girlfriend." Aang says blushing.
"Hi Toph Bei Fong nice to meet you." She says sticking out her hand to Katara.
"Katara nice to meet you, too" Katara says returning the handshake.
"Aang I would like you too meet Zuko." She says leading Aang over.
"Zuko this is Aang. Aang this is Zuko." She introduces.
"Hi." He says holding out his hand.
"Hey." I say shaking his hand.
"Well we better get going there is a large feast at the palace and Sokka and Azula are there." I say after the pleasantries have been exchanged.
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Authors Note: The next chapter I will try to get up earlier but no promises. Also I thought that a review incentive might be good so whoever reviews gets a sneak peek at the next chapter. Review!
