Chapter 42
Irritation

Aang was trying desperately not to cringe from the tension surrounding him. While Appa was a pretty big bison, the space which was available for traveling seemed to be minimal. Zuko was radiating waves of irritated heat and Katara was like a block of ice. Unfortunately, whenever Kaili went to try to ease the tension by checking on Katara, Zuko's irritation would flare and they all suffered the heat wave. Iroh was doing what he could to calm his enraged nephew but it seemed nothing could really do the trick other than getting him and Katara to talk to each other. Aang glanced over his shoulder at the two, the chances of that happening were slim to none.

Zuko's fists were clenching and unclenching as his uncle attempted to calm him with ancient proverbs and other philosophical nonsense. The fond familiarity of having his uncle near had worked for the beginning of the trip but Zuko couldn't control the flaring jealousy every time Kaili so much as spoke to his wife. It was so unfair and so irritating. He wanted to apologize but she wouldn't even give him the time of day right now. She'd sooner push him over than listen to him. It was infuriating the way she seemed to lean on her guard as the trip wore on and she grew tired. It was frustrating that she was allowing him to show her such caring? Why was he acting so concerned? Why wasn't she smacking him down for treating her like she was a helpless little girl?

Zuko growled and his uncle's voice ceased.

"Well?" Zuko snapped.

"Well what Zuko?" Iroh murmured in a low voice.

"What do you think? Has she been unfaithful to me? She seems to hate me an extraordinary amount, maybe she's just looking for a way out. It would make perfect sense." Zuko sneered.

"I think it is you who are looking for a way out Zuko. You and I both know that Katara would never be unfaithful to you. She is a good girl. You are just jealous because you are currently getting the cold shoulder." Iroh responded just as evenly and quietly as before.

"I want to burn him to a crisp."

"That is the jealousy talking nephew. Try to calm down and work on what you will say when she is ready to listen."

"She's not going to be ready to listen!" Zuko snapped. "She is the most irritating and infuriating girl I have ever met. I've never met someone so spiteful in my life."

"Really? I'd think so considering our family Zuko." Iroh responded with a wondering look.

Zuko glared at his uncle. Why did he have to take everything so literally? He was upset he didn't need to be logical, rational, or in any way correct.

- -

Azula lounged calmly in the Fire Lord's chair. Her head was tipped back and a small smile lit her face as she swirled a foot in the air. It was rather perverse that she was so happy right now but she couldn't hide it. She flickered her fingers and watched the sparks crackle between them. She knew her bending wouldn't last long with Aang gone but the small bit she retained was more than enough to keep her happy for a while.

Now that she was back in good spirits she was also back to making the world a better place. Her first order of business was to help her brother. He was an idiot but if all the ancient romances were to be believed he was simply a fool in love trying to protect his wife. She rolled her eyes. 'Men.' Why was it they always assume women needed protecting. She could kick her brother's sorry butt any day.

Sliding effortlessly into a proper sitting position she summoned Mai and Ty Lee to the throne room.

"I have to go out for a bit but I'm leaving you two in charge." Azula informed them.

"Where are you going Azula?" Ty Lee asked.

"To help my idiot brother." Azula yawned.

"And how are you going to do that?" Mai asked sounding bored and unconcerned.

"I'm going to meet up with some old friends." Azula smirked, pushing open the doors to the throne room and exiting with her trademark smirk still in place.

- -

"We should be there soon guys. It looks like we're going to be to Omashu before anyone from Ba Sing Se. So hopefully we can help stop any uprising recruiters might bring." Aang said in an attempt to sound cheery and lighten the mood.

"Perhaps when we get there, you and Katara will have a moment to talk nephew." Iroh whispered to Zuko.

"I know that." Zuko snapped, glaring out into open space but stealing glances at her from the corner of his eye.

- -

Azula smiled as her airship touched down on the ground just outside of Omashu. It was amazing how much faster one could travel when alone and having with the help of friends. She had managed to pull Teo aside and gotten him to rig up some engines with jet propulsion that mimicked her own past abilities. She'd made better time than her brother's group riding Appa.

The gravel crunched up ahead and she raised golden eyes her lips curling into a familiar smirk.

"You know I really underestimated your loyalty. After this I'll see to it that my brother gives you some of the highest security positions available." Azula said.

"We did say you could trust us, princess." The head of the Dai Li spoke.

"Yes, and when you fix my blundering oaf of a brother's unfortunate situation then I'm sure you'll live comfortably for the rest of your days. Split your men up. Some stay here and wait for my brother, the others go and make sure we're not interrupted by any unwanted guests from Ba Sing Se. This might take a while."