Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar The Last Air Bender.
Author's Note: Welcome back my wonderful readers! I want to say thank you to everyone who has reviewed and added this story to their alerts. It gives me the motivation to continue writing and makes me happy knowing people care. So a few chapters back some people commented that Katara is usually the bitter one in Aang/Azula fics. Sometimes that's true but as you'll soon learn (and I did hint at it before) she isn't bitter about the breakup. It's important to remember that Azula did kill Aang and it was Katara that had to bring him back. Even though their romance did work out in my fic, they are still close friends. I'd be suspicious too if my best friend wanted to date the girl that took him down. Anyway just wanted to clear that up. Sit back, enjoy and please review!
Chapter 7 – World Peace?
When they arrived at the palace, everyone was busy. The conference was only two days away and some of the guests were already arriving. Azula felt odd seeing so many foreigners in the Fire Nation palace. Most people smiled at her, but she knew it was only because the Avatar was holding her hand.
She saw Mai in one of the courtyards with Katara. Both women waved to Azula as she made her way towards them. "Azula how was your trip?" Katara asked.
"Better now that I know what kind of excitement I missed here," Azula answered.
Mai rolled her eyes as she handed some paper work to a servant, "You hardly missed anything. The real fun has just begun."
"I'll leave it in your capable hands, Firelady," Azula retorted.
Katara laughed, "It's only for a few days. Azula, there's a big dinner tonight for all the guests. Don't forget to dress up."
Azula raised her eyebrow but before she could answer a tall Earth Kingdom man came up behind Katara and wrapped his arms around her middle.
Katara smiled brightly at him, "I thought you were earth bending with Toph?"
The earth bender smiled, "I was but then she started metal bending coins at me so I ran."
Azula cleared her throat and they both turned to look at her. "Sorry Azula, where are my manners? Azula, this is Haru. He's a representative of the Earth Kingdom. Haru, this is Princess Azula."
If Haru was uncomfortable with the notoriously famous Fire Princess, he didn't show it. Instead he bowed and said, "Nice to meet you Princess."
Azula returned the bow, "Likewise, Haru."
A coin flew past Haru's head. Toph's insults could be heard not too far away. He quickly kissed Katara, "I'll see you ladies at dinner," before running off.
Azula gave Katara a curious glance, "I'll see you two at dinner." Mai nodded, still busy with her paperwork and Katara blushed.
Aang was in the rooms before her. He was throwing most of their travel clothes into a wall chute for the laundry rooms. "Hey Azula, where did you run off to?"
Azula walked to the bathroom and drew a bath, "I was meeting Katara's boyfriend."
Aang smiled, "I didn't know she had a boyfriend. Do I know him?" he put some bath oils into the water and began to undress her.
Azula shrugged as she pushed his hands away, "We won't have time. This is strictly a bath." Aang pouted, "Anyway his name is Haru."
Aang thought for a moment before the name clicked, "Haru? Really? I wonder how they got back in contact."
Azula let the smells of the oil relax her as she closed her eyes she askd, "How do you know him?"
Aang shifted in the water uncomfortably, "Well he was one of the first people we met when Katara, Sokka and I were traveling to the North Pole. He got arrested for earth bending and Katara helped him and the people from his village start a prison riot."
Azula kept her eyes closed, "It was a Fire Nation prison. That's very impressive that they were able to over throw it."
Aang massaged her legs and moved his hands up. She tried pushing him away but he persisted. She smirked, "I said no earlier."
Aang kissed her lips as he fondled her, "But I'm saying yes." He left no room for argument.
Aang left her alone while he went to Zuko's rooms for a briefing on what he missed and what was to come. Azula didn't mind the alone time anymore. It gave her time to focus on her bending, reading, and her secret tea blending. No one but the Avatar knew about her skill with tea blending, and she wanted to keep it that way.
Unfortunately for Azula, Aang had dismissed the servants and left her outer door unlocked. Iroh was surprised at how easy it was to enter Azula and Aang's wing. Then again only a fool would try anything suspicious. He was even more surprised when he saw his niece sitting at a dining table with a variety of tealeaves in front of her.
Azula stopped her blending when she sensed someone behind her. Sapphire flames sprung into her hand but quickly disappeared when she recognized her uncle.
"I hope you wouldn't mind offering an old man a cup of tea," Iroh asked as he slowly made his way to the table.
Azula said nothing as she poured hot water into a cup. She knew why her uncle was there, she just wasn't sure what to say to him.
Iroh smiled when he smelled the cup and took a sip, "I never thought I would taste this blend again. No matter how hard I tried to recreate it I never got it. Did he teach it to you?"
Azula said nothing for a long time. She took a small sip from her own cup. She envied her Uncle's skill for casual conversation. He acted as if she got back from a vacation instead of being released from a mental asylum. Was he really going to make things easy for her? Finally she spoke, "It was the only secret he kept. Before he went to the Earth Kingdom I made him teach me. I told him if he died at war then no one else would ever be able to taste it again. He promised he wouldn't die. He said he would teach me so I could have a cup ready when he came back."
Iroh watched her. He had forgotten how much Azula had admired his son. Even as a child she was always so calm and collective. Rarely did she show emotions. Iroh wondered if he or any adult beside Ozai had ever truly paid attention to her.
"I'm glad he taught you, Princess Azula. I can't imagine a better person to keep a secret."
Azula gave a bitter laugh. "Shouldn't you be with the Firelord and Avatar?"
"I'll have plenty of time to go to boring meetings this week. I had heard the rumors that you were now living in the palace. I wanted to see how you were."
"That's a very polite spin on my release, Uncle."
Iroh chuckled, "Tell me for yourself, how are you doing?"
"I haven't rebelled against the crown. I believe the Avatar and Mai call it progress," Azula answered sarcastically.
Iroh gave her a disapproving look, "That's not very funny, Princess Azula."
She rolled her eyes, "What would you like me to say Uncle? Would you like us to have a heart to heart? Why don't you tell me what you're really doing here?"
"I came here to see how you're doing Azula. I know we were never close but this is a new beginning for you, Zuko and me. We are all the family we have left." Iroh said honestly.
"Family? I don't recall my family trying to get me out of the asylum." Azula was starting to get angry.
"Do you want an apology Azula? You know very well why you were there. Zuko and I should have tried harder to help you. But you're here now. We should move forward." Iroh patiently explained. Her stubbornness reminded him of Zuko. He wondered if the royal siblings knew just how alike they were.
Azula was quiet as his words sank in. The old fool was right; she only had him and the stupid brother to call family. The Avatar had also rambled off some nonsense about letting go of the past and moving forward. She decided it would be too much work to stay angry with her Uncle. Instead she handed him a silk bag full of Lu Ten's tea blend. "I'll have more sent to your room later this week."
Iroh smiled and took the bag with a small bow.
"It's just plain weird." Sokka said through a mouth full of food.
"Chew before you speak," Katara chided.
Sokka did as he was told before continuing, "How is everyone else okay with this? Azula kills him and he decides to date her? Is this an Air Nation monk thing?"
"No, it's a weird Aang thing." Toph answered.
"If it works for them, why not just be happy for your friend?" Haru asked as he brushed Katara's hair back.
"No oogies!" Sokka yelled.
Everyone at the table rolled their eyes. "Seriously Suki, what do you see in him?" Toph asked.
Suki laughed, "There's just something about him."
"Is she really going to be present for the meetings?" Sokka asked on a more serious note.
Katara nodded, "She's representing the Air Nation. Aang said she's taken her role very seriously."
"This is going to be the funniest World Peace Conference," Toph said dryly as she threw breadcrumbs at Sokka's plate.
"Will you stop that? I'm not a turtleduck!" Sokka protested even though he ate the bread.
Azula watched the people from her spot at the Firelord's table. She sat on Mai's right, knowing full well the honor it represented. "Enjoying yourself, Firelady?"
Mai gave a small shrug, "The dancing should start soon. That's always interesting to watch."
Azula gave a devilish smile, "Watch? Don't you dance?"
Mai gave the Princess a warning look, "Did you know Aang is actually a very good dancer? I'm sure he'd love to show you."
At the mention of his name, Aang looked up from his conversation with Iroh. "It would be my honor to dance with the Princess."
Azula gave Mai a dirty look, "Then I'm sure the royal couple would also grace the dance floor with the Avatar and I."
"Don't drag me into this," Zuko warned his sister.
Azula gave her older brother an innocent face, "I was just telling the Firelady how everyone would enjoy to watching the royal couple dance," her voice a little louder than necessary. It had the effect she wanted as the people around them began to nod in agreement.
On cue a band began to play. Zuko grumpily stood up and took Mai's hand. Right behind him was Aang helping Azula out of her seat. Azula was nervous since she didn't actually know how to dance but seeing Mai and Zuko shift around uncomfortably put her at ease. How hard could dancing be?
It was a lot harder than she thought; especially when an Air bender was your dancing partner. He was a bit of a show off. He liked to twirl her, dip her and he even lifted her as he made use of the whole dance floor. At the end of their dance everyone clapped and more people came out to join the fun.
"Was that your first time dancing?" Aang asked his princess.
"What gave it away?" Azula asked sarcastically.
"You're clumsy feet," Aang laughed.
Azula huffed as Aang led her to the table where his friends sat. Katara and Sokka were on the dance floor together, both having partners that were great warriors but shy dancers.
Suki, Haru and Toph were deep in conversation about the meeting tomorrow but stopped when they saw Azula and Aang sit down. "Are we interrupting?" Aang asked.
All three shook their heads, "Just boring talk about tomorrow." Haru answered. He made a face and then looked at Azula. "King Kuei is looking at you, Princess." All of them turned around. King Kuei was giving Azula a death glare, which she returned with her prettiest smile before turning back to the people at her table.
"Katara warned me about him. I guess he hasn't gotten over what happened," Azula stated nonchalantly. The Earth Kingdom citizens shifted uncomfortably.
Suki decided to break the tension, "What does everyone have planned after this week?"
"I've got to get back to my students. Those punks had enough of a vacation," Toph answered as she picked her teeth.
"Katara and I are going to the South Pole about a week after the meetings," Haru said.
"What about you Aang and Azula?" Suki asked.
"We aren't sure yet. Zuko and Mai are going to Ember Island and they invited us along," Aang answered.
"If you'll excuse me," Azula said without waiting for a response. She decided to make her way back to Mai's table. The Firelady looked rather bored, but then again there wasn't a time she didn't.
"How can you stand these things?" Azula asked.
Mai gave a soft smile, "Comes with the territory."
Azula knew full well what Mai meant. As Ozai's favorite child most of her evenings had been spent entertaining important nobles and politicians. She didn't miss it.
"I haven't seen Ty Lee," Azula commented.
"She wasn't able to make it."
"Must be lonely for you then."
"It was but not anymore," Mai said seriously. Azula nodded. Neither one would admit it but their friendship was slowly starting to blossom again. Without the war or their overbearing parents, both of them could be two young women with no ulterior motives.
"I'm feeling tired. I think I'll retire for the night, "Mai said as she stood.
Azula was quick to follow, "I'll join you." Mai nodded as both women said their goodbyes and walked to Mai's suite.
Azula played with some of Mai's knives as Mai drank her ginger tea. "You actually do look tired. I thought you just wanted to get out of there."
"It's a little of both. Make sure not to break anything."
Azula put the knives down and studied her friend. Mai did look tired and she looked like she had gained some weight. "How far along are you?"
"Almost three months," Mai didn't try to hide it.
"How many people know?"
"Me, Zuko and now you."
"Congratulations," both women laughed. Azula had never been around babies or pregnant women before. She realized she genuinely felt happy for Mai and Zuko. It didn't even cross her mind that she was no longer in the running for the throne.
Azula sat around what used to be father's war table. It was a large table fitting 100 people comfortably. She wore an orange and yellow robe. Her flame crown sat on her head. Even though she was representing the Air Nation, she did not want anyone to forget she was a princess of the Fire Nation by birth. The Avatar was on her right and Toph sat on her left.
Zuko was giving a long speech about the nations coming together and how it was their duty to uphold peace. It took a lot of Azula's self-control to not roll her eyes. Aang squeezed her hand under the table. When Zuko was finally done the floor was given to the Earth Kingdom.
A man named King Aarn spoke. Azula recognized him name. Katara had said he was now King of Omashu. She had also said he was her best bet at an Earth Kingdom royal ally. He was young but smart. He spoke of wanting to create an exchange program with the other nations for the young people in his city. Azula made a note to talk to him during a recess.
The process of a representative speaking on what they needed continued for an hour before it was King Kuei's turn. Azula didn't miss how he avoided her side of the table.
"I am fortunate to say Ba Sing Se lacks nothing. Peace has restored our beautiful city and our people prosper. However, a great injustice was done years ago that was never fully righted. I, King Kuei, demand for justice to be upheld. I demand for the conqueror of Ba Sing Se stand trial!"
Everyone turned to look at Iroh. "Not him! Her!" King Kuei pointed at Azula. Everyone began to talk at once. Aang protectively put his hand on Azula's arm.
"Quiet! Kuei what you ask for is out of the question. The Fire Nation punished Azula. She has served her time and was deemed free by the Avatar himself. "Zuko stated firmly.
"Of course the Avatar would free his bed warmer. But the fact remains she has not stood trial."
"How dare you call my sister a bed warmer!" Zuko stood ready to punch the Earth King.
"Silence!" Aang yelled. Everyone turned to look at him. "Whatever wrongs Azula did in the past is done. If we hold a trial for her then a trial must be held for you as well King Keui and almost everyone else in this room."
"Excuse me?" Kuei asked confused.
"If Azula must stand trial for bringing down the walls of Ba Sing Se then you must stand trial for the incompetence you had as a ruler. Can it not be argued the fall of Ba Sing Se also had your hand in it?"
"The Avatar speaks the truth. It would be unfair to bring only the Princess to trial for her war crimes when most people in this room are guilty as well." King Aarn spoke.
"If we are truly to move forward with peace, then we must forgive and learn from the past." Iroh wisely said. The other representatives nodded in agreement.
Kuei gave everyone death glares, "Is this how you all really feel?"
Everyone in the room gave a unanimous "Yes." Kuei took his seat and said nothing.
"Let's take an hour recess," Zuko suggested. People began to trickle out of the room to get some fresh air.
Kuei walked up to Azula and leaned into her ear, "This isn't over."
Azula smiled, "Careful, your majesty. I might have to finish what I started."
Aang watched them but decided to let Azula handle it. He wanted to avoid a conflict at all cost, but if he had to choose between peace and Azula, well the choice was easy.