Disclaimer: I do not now nor have I ever owned Avatar: the Last Airbender. Of course, the fact all the characters are slaves down in my fields doesn't hurt my reputation much. Mwhahahaha.

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Rated M: Mature Content. Blood. Guts. Sex. Drugs. All the good stuff.

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Author: No reviews as I am writing this part of the next chapter. No guesses for Toph's destined love.

Toph: Boo. I was looking forward to it.

Author: I am sure that the readers will review chapter twenty soon Toph. At least a few will make guesses I am sure.

Toph: Good. Still, I liked what we came up with last time. The Fire Nation colonial kid, huh? He's a bit young and immature, but he has potential.

Author: He's around your age, and all boys are immature. Look at Sokka.

Toph: Can't SEE, remember?

Author: Oh yeah, sorry Toph.

Toph: Eh, it's all good. Haru eh? He's what, two years older than me? And he IS an earthbender. Maybe that would work.

Haru: What am I; a piece of meat?

Toph: I wouldn't know about the quality of the meat, but the bending and the personality are there.

Haru: Um… thanks.

Author: Alright guys, enough speculation for now. We have a chapter to do. When the reviewers review, we will discuss the candidates.

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Chapter 21: Apologies and Rivals

Katara and Suki entered the meeting room where there was a shouting match going on. Kita remained silent through it all as Sokka, Bato, Aang and Hakoda got into an argument over priorities. Hakoda wanted to get started on his rebuilding project, and Bato seconded him. Aang, however, knew about all the trouble that was on the horizon and insisted that taking care of things such as finding Ozai and seeing the Spirit King were the main priority. Sokka was on Aang's side, having seen just what Ozai was capable of when he tried to purify the entire Earth Kingdom.

Kita sat quietly in her own little world, unwilling to say anything for fear of being attacked again. She had remained quiet since last night, when she had not only been verbally attacked by Hakoda's daughter, but also by Hakoda himself. He had as good as called her a liar and had been ignoring her ever since, having whispered conversations with Bato.

"I refuse to put it off. The war is over and my people deserve a chance to see their families and rebuild our civilization." Hakoda told Aang.

"I don't disagree with you, Chief Hakoda; I am merely trying to get you to understand the situation we are in. There is trouble in the spirit world and it is spilling over to our world. If we do nothing, what you're rebuilding may very well come crashing down again." Aang said. Sokka nodded.

"Why don't we just agree to disagree?" Toph asked. "Hakoda obviously wants to head home. If he takes Bato with him, it leaves our core group as well as Suki, Ty-Lee and Mai. We should be able to move faster and get more done in smaller core groups anyway. A couple less people means we need less of these trinkets you mentioned. It all balances out."

"What trinkets?" Yue asked, though everyone assumed it was Suki. The girls had decided to have some fun with everyone and they weren't going to stop now.

Aang repeated the entire story of what he learned from the spirits now that everyone was present. He had only touched on the fact that they would need to search for ancient relics before. He told them how the spirits had said they would provide them a guide, and about the Star Fire Island and the gate and how to pass through safely. He also mentioned that he needed to seek out someone in the spirit world before they finished.

"So, where is this guide they promised you?" Sokka asked Aang.

"I don't know. They never really went back to that topic." Aang shrugged.

"Maybe the spirit will speak to you when the time is right." Suki offered. Yue giggled.

"Perhaps you're right Suki. In the mean time, I guess we need to formulate a plan." Aang said seriously.

"How are we supposed to plan a trip when we don't even know where we are going?" Sokka asked dryly.

"I don't know Sokka; you always seem to manage." Zuko joked. Everyone laughed.

"Ha ha; Very funny Zuko; I think I liked you better when you were mean." Sokka whined.

"Right now we can at least begin packing and getting ready for the trip." Mai stated.

"Agreed." Hakoda answered. "You kids can pack your things and be ready to go on your mission, and Chief Arnook and I can plan our project accordingly. Just remember that if you need us, we will be there for you." He continued, putting a hand on Sokka's shoulder.

"Thanks, dad." Sokka replied, returning the gesture.

Everyone broke up and went about their business, gathering supplies, packing their things etc. Katara approached Kita where she was sitting off to one side and waited for everyone else to move out of earshot. "Kita, I want to apologize to you." Katara said sincerely. Kita looked up at her and Katara winced. Kita looked terrible. Her eyes were puffy from crying and her expression was one of infinite loss. She really does love him, Katara thought to herself.

"I wanted to say that I am sorry. I know you didn't deserve what I did to you and I am sorry for the way I have been acting. I know that you love my dad very much, and I am happy for you." Katara continued.

"Thank you for the apology, Katara." Kita said, "But it doesn't matter anymore. Your father won't even talk to me." She finished, a fresh wave of tears coming forth. Kita had tried to approach Hakoda and each time he had avoided her. He obviously wanted nothing to do with her.

"Kita, I'm sorry." Katara apologized again. "Maybe I can talk to him; get him to change his mind." She suggested.

Kita nodded, and Katara bent down to give the crying woman a hug. Kita had been absently stroking her hands, obviously in pain. They stayed like that for a little while; Kita cried, and Katara was there for her. Once Kita had managed to stop crying, Katara stood and went to find her father. She had been formulating a plan in her mind; one that would end up with them back together.

Katara knew the truth of what Kita told her. She knew that her father's only hope for survival was in her hands. Even if she had to tie him down and ship him to the South Pole like a bundle or a crate, she would make sure Kita was with him. She would get her father and Kita together, no matter what.

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Ozai sat upon his throne in an irritable mood. Progress to recapture the world was at a crawl, and he was feeling the effects. On his watch, the last one hundred years of work had been destroyed. He now had to re-assimilate his own nation back into his control and then once more spread his forces across the globe. It had been Lu-Ten's idea to keep the Fire Nation army and navy inside the borders so as to keep word of Ozai's return a secret a little longer and to restore order. Ozai was enjoying his nephew's company far more than even his daughters; an issue which was driving Azula slightly mad again.

Azula had taken to following Ozai around like a puppy, looking for approval. She seemed impossible to shake without an express command. Something about her had changed; she was no longer the strong willed Fire Nation Princess she used to be. Instead she had become a creature of habit; still cold and calculating but at the same time she had lost her ability to command and fend for herself. It was a disturbing thing to see, only made more so by the fact that she obviously despised Lu-Ten for usurping her place at her father's side.

Fire Lord Ozai had been allowing the citizens of the capital come and meet with him today to go over anything they might like to discuss. In truth, it was an open invitation for the populace to see for themselves that he was back and on his throne. He was using the time with his citizens to inspire fear into them and restore the order he had once held. This had been going on for hours and it was nearly sundown when the final entrant was announced. The hooded and robed figure approached the dais and did not move, instead bowing in a traditionally respectful manner. The robe was a Fire Nation red and decorated for a master. Lu-Ten noted the perfect form and posture, determinable even underneath the robe. The figure raised his arms and lifted their hood from their face, and it was a woman. She stood just a little under Ozai's height and wore her brown hair over her right shoulder in a single long braid. Her braid was wrapped in some sort of wire. She had a very pretty face framed with dangling ruby earrings; the rest lay concealed by her robe. She couldn't be older than her mid twenties. Azula stared at the woman with undisguised hatred.

"Rose! What are you doing here?" Azula demanded, jumping up from her chair.

"Why Azula; so nice to see you again. I had heard you've been a little under the weather lately. I'm so glad to see your up and about all by yourself." The woman addressed as Rose said mockingly to Azula; she was talking almost as an adult would speak to a toddler.

"Rose, is it?" Ozai inquired, obviously impressed by her attitude. "And just what brings you to my throne today, Rose?" Ozai asked casually.

"Well it's actually quite simple Fire Lord, you see…" Rose began.

Azula flipped off her chair and stood between her father and Rose. "Get out of here Rose, before I make you leave." Azula threatened.

"Azula!" Ozai shouted. "How dare you speak so to one of our loyal subjects in such a horrendous manner? The lady is obviously here for a reason. I would be interested to hear it."

"But father…" Azula protested.

"Enough!" Ozai commanded.

Rose bowed to Ozai and smirked at Azula. "My lord, my name is Rose and I am your most humble servant. I have come to you today to prostrate myself before you and ask for your favor." She said musically as she gave a grandiose bow that reflected Fire Nation nobility.

"My favor is it; that's what you want?" Ozai asked, amused. "You believed you could show up here and just ask for my favor and have it handed to you?"

"Of course not, Firelord." Rose replied respectfully. "I actually intended to earn it. I wish to be allowed to track down those that tried to steal your throne and destroy them for you." She continued.

"You wish to go after my traitorous son and his friends, and face the Avatar all by yourself?" Ozai asked obviously enjoying this young girl's enthusiasm for carnage.

"Well, I wouldn't mind bringing forces with me, but going alone is just fine." Rose stated.

"And you honestly believe you are a match for them all?" Ozai asked her.

"Perhaps a demonstration of what I am capable of will persuade you? An Agni Kai, or just a general duel will suffice." Rose retorted. She had just challenged the Fire Lord himself to a duel.

"Indeed. Azula, you seemed very willing to attack this girl just a moment ago. Now is your chance. Kill her and be done with it." Ozai said, his amusement fading. How dare this girl presume to be so powerful? Not even he had been able to defeat the Avatar one on one. With his friends around him, it would be nearly impossible; and just a single young woman… pitiful; and to challenge him!?

"It would be my pleasure father." Azula replied, though she was obviously hesitant. Something in her eyes warned Ozai to inquire just who Rose was when this was all over.

Rose bowed to Fire Lord Ozai before reached up and pulling the string to open her robe. She tossed her arm out and the robe fell to the ground at her feet. Underneath, her outfit was quite… interesting. Her clothing was sheer and left very little to the imagination. On top of it, a sort of leather armor with parts of chain covered her more sensitive areas. There was obviously a pattern and method to her disguise.

Azula took her fighting stance and waited for the strange disrobing. Rose stretched a bit and then took the same stance as Azula, only better; more defined. Each with an arm raised and another in front, they circled each other. Azula yelled and launched a blue fireball at Rose, but rose did not even try to step aside. Instead, she caught the blast and began to juggle it.

Ozai was astounded at the girl's tenacity. She was making light of her opponent in the middle of what could be dubbed an Agni Kai, would one choose to do so. Rose tossed the now divided flame into the air in three smaller balls, and then somersaulted and cart wheeled over to Azula. She then leaped over her and prior to landing thrust her legs out forcefully into Azula's front and throwing her to where Rose once stood. Azula had followed the flip, and as such was facing her father when the kick struck her. Azula landed with a roll and righted herself, only to fall prey to the juggled fire balls coming down from above. She managed to dodge them clumsily, but Rose was already back on the attack. She threw some sort of missiles at Azula, shrapnel perhaps or arrows but they were covered in flame. Azula avoided the flaming darts, but found herself right in the path of the attacking Rose.

Rose had obviously foreseen each move Azula would make and countered before they could even be made. She used her martial art to block Azula's punch and attempt at a fire blast and used her own punches to hit Azula's pressure points and knock her to the ground, helpless.

Azula lay on the ground, defeated like any new recruit would be. Rose stood between her and Fire Lord Ozai not even breathing hard and retrieving her robe. The fiery red robe once more on her delicate frame, Rose bowed to the man on the throne. Ozai's expression betrayed no hint of the thoughts racing through his mind. This girl must be…

"Rose, where did you learn to fight like that?" Ozai asked her in all seriousness.

"The Royal Fighting Academy for Girls, Firelord. All the children in my family have learned there. I am now the lead faculty member under the headmaster." Rose replied with no trace of modesty. She knew she was good and reveled in it.

"Let me up!" Azula demanded of her opponent.

"Of course, princess." Rose replied grandly, bending down and removing the pressure she had inflicted on Azula's limbs. "I assumed your father meant only for you to kill me and not the other way around, so I went easy on you." She added, intended to enrage Azula all the more.

"Enough, Rose. Your presence here intrigues me and your fighting abilities are very impressive I must say. You teach at the same school that taught my Azula how to fight. I assume that you met each other there?" Ozai guessed.

"Yes, Fire Lord. I was an older student when she was admitted and faculty afterwards. I taught Azula and her friends personally." Rose admitted.

"I see. So that is why Azula knew you. Was she a good student?" Ozai asked her.

"She was adequate, my lord. She was an adept firebender and best in the class, but as for her other skills, she was quite average. Her friend Mai became adept at throwing and my little sister became a martial artist who specialized in the pressure point techniques you just witnessed yourself." Rose told him.

"Don't you dare mention those traitors in my presence?!" Azula screamed from behind her. "Your sister is a traitor. Ty-Lee attacked me and allowed traitors to escape. Mai was no better. You failed in your job to teach them to respect the throne!" Azula continued.

"Wrong, princess. I did exactly what I was supposed to do. Those girls left the academy with the ability to fight and defend themselves, as well as manage themselves in both political and societal forms. They were better students than you if I remember correctly. My little sister may be a traitor, but she certainly put you in your place. No stop interrupting. Grownups are talking." Rose told Azula. She may as well have just slapped her in the face; to tell her that Ty-Lee and Mai were better than her.

"Enough, both of you. What do you think of Rose, Lu-Ten?" Ozai asked his nephew.

"I believe she would be the perfect person to have served you, Uncle. She is quite capable and obviously quite lovely." Lu-Ten said.

"I quite agree." Ozai replied, and then turned back to Rose. "You came here to request my favor, and now you have it. Send for your things. You will be staying here with me." Ozai told her, a wicked glint in his eye.

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"Dad, can I talk to you a minute?" Katara asked Hakoda when she found him at the docks seeing to the loading of the ships.

"Not now, Katara. Can't you see I am busy?" he asked dismissively, obviously trying to avoid a confrontation in front of the men.

"Sorry dad, but this is a little more important, and Bato can handle it just as easily as you can." Katara told him, giving Bato a look that would not allow for any argument.

"Bato raised his hands in surrender. "She's definitely your kid, Hakoda. You may want to do as she says before she sticks you in ice and drags you." Bato joked as he turned back to his work.

"Alright Katara, let's go sit down." Hakoda suggested with a sigh, pointing over to a bench off a ways from the work crews.

Hakoda headed to them, but Katara decided to try a little deceit and used her bending to form ice shoes over her feet. She then proceeded to skate over to the bench and do a few circles around her father. He couldn't help but laugh. Katara came to a stop in front of the bench, melted her ice shoes and took a seat.

"I haven't seen you do that in years." Hakoda observed of his daughters escapades.

"I haven't had much time or much reason to." Katara responded. Then she changed her tone to be more serious. "I'm sorry about the last couple of days, dad. I didn't mean to come off like such a platypus-bear." She apologized.

"It's alright Katara. We've all been a little less than ourselves lately." Hakoda replied wistfully, forgiving her.

"Actually, dad; there's a reason or two that I have been acting like I have, and though some of it is personal, there is one thing I really need to talk to you about." Katara told him.

"Oh? And what might that be?" Hakoda asked.

"Kita" she replied.

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Rose sent for her things and was shown to an ornate room in the palace. She was told it was once the Fire Lord's own room when he was the next in line. The room was huge, easily over twenty feet square. It had all the modern amenities and its own private washroom. Rose was in heaven.

Things could not have gone smoother with the Fire Lord. Rose had known that a timid demeanor would not appeal to his ego or sense of self. Instead she had been herself; calm, confident and capable. She had known princess Azula would lash out at her and she had been prepared. If she had wanted to, Azula would be dead right now. She seriously wouldn't have minded killing the little fire starter… but that was not why she was here.

Rose was the perfect student at the Academy. The oldest of 7 girls, she had struggled to set an example for her siblings and make her parents proud. She was the one they were all compared to the most, and she felt that pressure all the time. Rose received perfect marks in all her classes and was the top of the academy in both firebending training and also in the martial arts. She had graduated top of her class and had become the youngest teacher in the history of the school. All of her sisters had entered the academy, but none were close to their big sister… as it should be.

As a teacher, Rose excelled. Her students were always the best in the school because she handpicked them. She worked them to the bone, insisting they continue until there was nothing they could not do. She had personally trained many of the Fire Nation's nobility to come, and she was the one they looked up to and admired. It was time that the Fire Lord also appreciates her skills and abilities. Rose had always watched Fire Lord Ozai from afar, and now with all the turmoil and the war ending and soon restarting, she saw an opportunity to take advantage of the chaos and place herself in a position of power. Don't misunderstand… she wasn't just here for the power. She was also determined to redeem her little sister and return her to Azula's side.

Oh, and let's not forget that she was head over heels in love with the Fire Lord and wanted her chance to make herself Fire Lady. Yes… we should never forget that.

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"What about her?" Hakoda asked coldly. His mood had gone from evasive to forgiving to rock solid. Katara knew she would need to handle this the right way or she was only going to make it worse.

"She's hurting dad. She really loves you." Katara said quietly.

Hakoda stiffened and then did something he had never done before; he raised his hand as if to slap his own daughter. He caught himself at the last moment however. Lowering his hand, he sighed.

"Kita was just looking for a husband, Katara. What better prize for her than a Chief. Even if she did love me, it is no concern of yours. I have ended contact with her and that is that." Hakoda said, sounding suddenly tired.

"But dad, you love her, too." Katara said quietly again. She hadn't even flinched when he'd raised his hand. She knew him too well; he would never hurt her if he could help it. Hakoda sighed again and turned to look out at the work crews on the ships.

"I was a fool, Katara. I fell for her when I first saw her and I didn't even know it. She seemed so nice…" he trailed. "If I had known she would make up insane stories just to be with me, I never would have bothered with her." He sighed.

"But dad, they weren't stories. Kita was telling you the truth." Katara told him fervently. "I know if for a fact. She told you about her hands, didn't he? And about how you're going to die without her there to heal you? It's all true, dad." Katara told him.

Hakoda was stunned. "Where did you hear about all of that?" he asked his daughter with surprise.

"Kita told me when we were in that weird place. We had a lot of time to talk. She's smart and pretty and a great healer. When she told me, I thought she was making it up to try to get in good with me so as to get to you. That's why I treated her the way I did. But I found out that it's all true. She was telling the truth." Katara insisted.

"How do you know she is telling the truth, Katara? You must admit that her story is very farfetched." Hakoda said as he stroked his goatee.

"Well… I guess you could say that the moon spirit told me." Katara admitted with a slight hesitation. "She confirmed everything Kita said. I already apologized to her, but she is a mess. She thinks you hate her and all she can do is sit there and cry." Katara reported. "You do love her, don't you dad?"

Hakoda sighed and nodded. "I do. I don't know how or why. I never thought anyone would ever be able to take a space in my heart beside your mother, but Kita has managed it somehow.'

"You know, the moon spirit also told me you two are destined to be together. Maybe your love at first sight was a sign." Katara added coyly.

Hakoda nodded. "I should go find Kita and talk to her. Perhaps I was a bit too fast to judge her."

Hakoda gave Katara a hug and a kiss on the forehead and set off to the palace to find Kita. Katara watched him go with a sense of pride. She had repaired the biggest part of the damage she had done, and hopefully set in motion her father's continued life; a happy life with a new wife. Katara knew Kita would never replace her mother, but she would make a pretty cool older sister. Now, about the last bit of business… the older brother.

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Aang: So when does Yue pop out at us? We need to get a move on!

Yue: Don't worry Avatar. I will show myself after Suki and I have our fun with Sokka.

Suki: Yeah, we are looking forward to it. Sokka won't have a chance.

Sokka: Why are you girls picking on me? I can't help that I fell for both of you!

Suki: I guess you should have been more careful, Sokka.

Sokka: More careful? I thought Yue was gone and never coming back!

Yue: Women don't always follow the rules Sokka. Learn that lesson.

Aang: Does that mean women are even more confusing than I already thought?

Girls: Yes.

Toph: Besides, if you could actually understand us it would ruin our fun.

Hakoda: You aren't going to win this Sokka.

Sokka: But dad… the girls are ganging up on me. Make them stop!

Hakoda: Bato, sick em!

Bato: Not funny, Hakoda. I still haven't forgiven you that joke a few chapters ago.

Hakoda: Sorry Bato. I will try to behave.

Kita: I hope he doesn't behave too much, though. What fun would that be?

Hakoda: Kita!!

Kita: Well, it's true, isn't it?

Kenji: Okay. I do NOT want to hear about my sister doing that sort of thing.

Kita: Grow up, bro. I am sure you and Mina have your fun.

Mina: Kita!!

Kita: What? Okay fine, I will stop.

Author: Kita, welcome to my world.

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Author's Corner:

So, I am guessing no one saw Rose coming? She is the one that trained Azula, Ty-Lee and Mai in their various fighting forms at the Royal Fire Academy for Girls. Good stuff… and based on one of my reviewers actually. Paintedbluerose was the inspiration for the character, and also approved it… mostly. Originally I had only planned on making her Ty-Lee's older sister because her background was VERY briefly visited. I decided to make her a true challenge and the girls' teacher for another reason yet to be revealed. She is easily on par with the combustion man in difficulty to defeat though, and should prove a very interesting antagonist. Yes, people said no more new characters… but you can't progress a story most of the time without breaking a few eggs, and any characters I add play a fairly important role. Besides, this is a whole universe and there are more than a small handful of important characters, believe me. Let me know what you think of the new addition. Poor Azula… so good… but not good enough. Mwahahah.

Katara finally got her act together and I am sure you'll agree it's about time. Some people thought she took it too lightly, and then too hard. Welcome to the rollercoaster of emotions and chemicals we call being a teenager. She's fine now… and next chapter has a fun part I am looking forward to writing.

Suki/Yue seems to be handling them fairly well. We will see how that goes. Obviously she will be revealing her presence soon so as to be able to get things moving. No longer stuck in the North Pole… Hurray for progress!

Ozai is back on his high horse it seems. I wonder just how long that is going to last. Things will be heating up in more ways than one soon.

Someone mentioned that they were sad about Yue's coming back. It's true her character is severely underdeveloped and I am trying to improve upon it and make her a character worth something. I think I mentioned all this before. Just repeating it for those that may have missed it.

I am now over 2600 hits, 57 reviews and over 100,000 words! WOOHOO!! And to think we aren't more than half done at most. Things are going to get very interesting.

Thanks again to those doing the reviewing. I appreciate any and all reviews so keep them coming!