a/n I'm so sorry for making you wait an extra day! I wanted to take my time with this chapter and do right by the characters. Also, my computer is being uncooperative and very frustrating. Thank you sticking with me throughout these twists and turns.

The point of view does shift a lot in this chapter, but I felt it was necessary to capture the scenes completely. A lot happens in this chapter so without delay…

Chapter 42 ~Visions~

-Katara-

The island of Kyoshi was slowly shrinking behind them as they flew away. It was so beautiful she wished they could have stayed longer.
"We'll be back," he assured her, giving her hand a squeeze.
"When?" she sighed. After they reached the Fire Nation, they had so much to do.
"Well, I was thinking we could stopover here on our honeymoon."
"Really?" she asked happily surprised, "Anywhere else we'll be going?"
"Wherever you wish," he said, "But I must make a request for our final destination."
"Yes?"
"The Summer Palace?" he suggested with a shy grin. She smiled from ear to ear. There were some wonderful memories in that palace and she hoped they could make some more too.

The traveling seemed to wear everyone out. Zuko was quiet, pensive as he guided Appa. Yugoda only rested for brief moments throughout the day because Azula's condition was slowly growing worse. Her fever was intense and her expression seemed tormented (more so than usual). Katara couldn't help but feel sorry for her. Like a wounded animal, Azula groaned and writhed.
"Do you think she'll make it?" Katara asked quietly so Zuko wouldn't overhear.
"She's tough, but the question is which part of her is tougher." Yugoda replied, her face grim. "If the light part of her wins, like Zuko, she will emerge a more pure being; however, if the darkness wins…I fear she will be even worse than before." Worse? Oh, no. She didn't say anything aloud, but let the news wash over her.
"We should be there just after nightfall." Zuko announced, turning around and shattering the silence.
"That's," she paused to clear her throat, trying to normalize her voice, "good." He nodded stiffly and turned back around. It didn't seem like he had heard them. He didn't need that weight on his shoulders.

Katara grew numb to her work and her surroundings; keeping Azula alive was the number one objective. Nobody could enjoy the sunset, however spectacular it probably was. Everyone seemed to be functioning off instinct. Appa flew as fast and straight as possible. He deserves a big pile of hay when this is all over she thought.
"There!" Zuko called out pointing to the lights of the city ahead of them.
"Take us straight to the oasis," Yugoda said, looking up from Azula, "She won't last much longer." Azula had become delirious, murmuring nonsense, but at least her seizures had eased.
"Do you know how to get there?" Katara asked. If she remembered correctly, last time the palanquin bearers took them there and those guys seemed to know where everything was.
"It's in the bunker…" he didn't seem very sure. "I'll summon Yang Chen to guide us there."
"Will we need more than one palanquin?"
"Hmm…probably since there are four of us…I hate to wake them, but I guess it's necessary." He paused, "Do you think she'll be okay?" He asked Yugoda just loud enough to be heard over the breeze.
"Get us to the oasis and I'll let you know." Yugoda replied bluntly. Katara could tell Azula was fading fast.

-Zuko-

As soon as they landed, everything became a blur. He only had faint recollections of ordering for Yang Chen, carrying his sister into a palanquin, and riding in the tense silence with Katara to the oasis.

She gave his hand a tight squeeze as they arrived. He was glad she was with him. He needed her strength. Quickly, they climbed out and saw Yugoda doing the same.
"Is this it?" Yugoda asked, looking around the lantern-lit tunnel. He nodded stiffly and ran to the unmarked metal door. He twisted the large ship-like handle and the door opened. When he turned back, Yang had picked up Azula and carefully handed her to him.
"Thank you," Zuko murmured and the other man simply nodded.
"We'll wait for you here Lord Zuko." Yang said and returned to his fellow bearers.
"It will be dark at first and I cannot make a torch while carrying Azula," Zuko informed Yugoda, "Just keep walking until we reach a vine curtain." She nodded and hurriedly moved into the dark room. He followed her and Katara came last, closing the door behind them.

He saw a faint light and heard Yugoda gasp as she undoubtedly moved the vines aside.
"This place is so strange." She said under her breath, "I don't understand it." No one replied and Katara started running up the dirt path. He ran as fast as he dared without jostling Azula too much. Her face was pained and she whispered something he couldn't make out. Perhaps it was his name?
"It'll be okay 'Zula." He said softly and gripped her tighter so he could run faster.
"Here!" Katara called from up ahead, "The underwater bench is over here!" He ran to her with Yugoda on his heels. As he saw the strangely perfect bench in the water again, his apprehension rose. He remembered the strange visions or dreams it gave him, the terror he felt.
"What are you waiting for?" Yugoda asked practically shouting. He snapped to attention and quickly lowered his sister into the water. Yugoda lowered herself to the pond edge so she was lying on her stomach. "Here we go," she said more to herself as her hands dove into the water.

-Azula-

The darkness hung around her like a thick blanket. It clung to her as she tried to push through. She felt flushed. Unnaturally warm. Suddenly a cool weightlessness took over. There was a glowing light coming from somewhere, nowhere, everywhere. The gentle light grew until it blinded her and soon she felt flames lick all around her. Fire was usually a comfort to her, but not on this occasion. It was as if the flames were taunting her. They came close enough to bite, but not enough to burn.
"Stop it!" she screamed at them. The flames laughed. The laugh gradually changed into one unified cackle.
"Azula!" boomed Ozai's voice.
"Father?" she asked, turning around wildly to look for him.
"Azula!" he repeated, "You have failed me!"
"What?" she said, "No, no, no, no, I didn't… I…"
"You failed! You let them beat you and tie you up like an animal. Drug you here."
"Father, no you don't understand, I-"
"What don't I understand?"
"I let them, Father. While in their custody, I learned their secrets. I-"
"What could you have possibly learned?"
"A lot of stuff!" She tried puffing up her bravado, but her trembling legs betrayed her.
"What did you learn Azula? Don't make me ask again."
"I learned quite a bit about a Guru Pathik."
"Who?" he laughed. Then he suddenly materialized in front of her, but twice his normal size, "That's pathetic, Azula. You failed me."
"I didn't." she stuttered as he loomed over her, "I was trying-"
"You are a failure like Zuko!" he declared and she shrunk back, "You are weak!"
"No, Father, please!" His hand moved as if to slap her across the face and she squeezed her eyes shut. But the blow never came. She peeked through her eyelashes to see that they were now in one of the Prison Tower cells.
"Do you know where I've been these past two weeks Azula?" Ozai asked in a deceptively calm voice. Before she could answer, he continued, "Jail!"
"I…I know, I'm sorry, but-"
"No excuses Azula!"
"I'm sorry! I couldn't come sooner because-"
"You're weak!"
"No father!" she said, regaining her courage for a moment, "I am not weak. You made me strong. I was your perfect student. I would have never betrayed you like Zuko. I would have served you faithfully until the end."
"You 'would have' been great, if you weren't your mother's daughter. You carry her face and her weakness."
"What was her weakness?" Azula demanded.
"Love," he said slowly.
"Love?" Azula repeated surprised. Then her expression changed to a sneer, "Love is for fools."
"Then you, Azula, are a fool." He seemed to be enjoying slowly enunciating every word.
"How can love be my weakness when I hate just as strongly as you?"
"Because, daughter!" He shouted, reveling in the news he was about to say, "You love me."
"I-I…we're family," she finally answered lamely.
"Family is the most dangerous enemy. I can't have people killing me and becoming the next ruler."
"Father! I would never-"
"And!" he boomed over her, "I can't have a daughter worrying over me. I need people to obey me, not cherish me. More importantly, I cannot put anyone before myself. I, and I alone, am the supreme ruler!"
"I thought we were in this together!" she shouted, repeating her words from the day of Sozin's Comet, "You gave me the Fire Nation!"
"And you couldn't keep it while you had it! You lost to the water peasant." He paused for a moment before smirking, "Although, it wouldn't have mattered. I planned to have you murdered the next day by the Dai Li."

Instantly her surroundings melted away and changed. She was walking towards the turtleduck pond, but she didn't know why. A man sat in royal robes ahead of her, staring into the waters.
"I know you're there 'Zula," he said before turning his head and grinning. It looked a little like Zuko, but without his scar.
"Zuzu?" she asked hesitantly.
"Come," he said, beckoning with his head for her to join him. There was something in his arms. "Meet Izumi."
"'Izumi?'" she repeated as she creeped closer for a better look.
"Your newest niece!" Zuko said smiling. The way he spoke it sounded as if she already had a niece. Before she could see the baby's face the scene shifted.

She was staring at her reflection in a mirror. It was her, but there was something off. Her face looked too soft, too…happy?
"This is insane," she muttered to herself.
"I know," squealed a voice and she turned to see Katara fastening the last pin in Azula's hair. "Seems like just yesterday you met the man."
"Met who?"
"So are you nervous?" Katara asked, rolling right over Azula's question. "I know I was when I did this."
"Did what?" Azula asked her frustration growing. "Why should I be nervous?"
"Well, you are just about to get married…" Katara said as if the answer was obvious. WHAT? What was this nonsense? What was this dream? Her throat felt tight, constricted. She started gasping for air. The vision in front of her went fuzzy. "Azula!" Katara shouted from far away, "Azula!"

-Katara-

Azula wasn't waking up. Just like Zuko had done. Her eyelids fluttered and she thrashed around slightly, but she wouldn't awaken.
"What's wrong?" Zuko asked, reading Yugoda's worried expression.
"She should be awake now." Yugoda muttered, trying every technique she could think of to rouse Azula. Katara knew what she had to do. She hopped into the water and started shaking Azula.
"Azula!" she shouted. Don't you dare slip away now! "Azula!" Like a flash of lightning, Azula's eyes burst open and Katara leaped back.
"Katara!" Azula sneered as she sat up. For a moment Katara was terrified the treatment hadn't worked and Azula would be worse than before; however, Azula's sneer melted, leaving her with a confused gaze. She looked around until her eyes settled on Zuko. "Zuzu?" she asked quietly.
"Yes Azula?" he replied, hastily motioning for Katara to get out of the water.
"Why are we in father's torture room?"

-Zuko-

What was she talking about? Was she still delirious?
"I think you're confused Azula," he said gently, but she shook her head.
"No," she insisted, "He had people put in the water and when they came out they were… different."
"How do you know this?"
"I used to follow him here." She explained, "This place isn't in any of the palace records." There was a pause while Azula sat in the water, seemingly content.
"Azula?" Yugoda asked, speaking for the first time since Azula's awakening.
"Yes, Master Yugoda?"
"Uh…Yugoda will do. I was wondering how you are feeling."
"Oh," Azula said and her forehead wrinkled in thought, "I'm fine, I guess." It was weird seeing Azula so…normal, almost too good to be true. He tried to remember how the metamorphism had felt for him. Waking up from his fever felt like a cool drink of water. His aching wounds had been cleansed, healed. His instinct of snide comments and quick temper felt dampened, suppressed. Yet he had still betrayed Uncle. Sure, it felt wrong to leave his Uncle, but he had still done it. He had still gone back on his improvements. There was the chance the Azula would too.
"It's so dark," a faint voice said from the entrance and everybody jerked their heads to see who would emerge from the curtain.
"Oh, boohoo Twinkle Toes. Cry me a river." Another voice replied with annoyance. It was Toph. Her voice was not only highly recognizable, but much louder.
"Are you sure they're in here?"
"Just keep walking." Slowly the curtain shifted and Aang appeared soon followed by Toph.
"There they are!" Aang said, waving. Azula raised one hand out of the water and awkwardly waved back. "Is she better now?" Aang asked, his hand falling to his side.
"I hope so," Zuko whispered to himself.
"Yes!" Azula answered Aang's question herself, "Thank you for asking." Zuko could see Aang's surprised expression.
"Okay…cool. Be right there." He and Toph followed the dirt path up and around the pond until they reached the rest of the group.
"You guys got here fast," Yugoda said, "I'd be surprised if my boat survived."
"Actually…" He suddenly dropped to his knees and put his hands on the ground, "What?" he muttered.
"Aang?" Toph asked, concerned.
"I'm fine," he said and quickly assumed his meditation position, "I just need to check something out." Before anyone could say anything, he closed his eyes and his tattoos began to glow. He effortlessly slipped into the spirit world.

-Katara-

There was nothing for them to do but wait. Azula was helped out of the pond and started talking with Zuko in hushed tones. Although she tried to fight it, Yugoda got some rest. She was uneasy with the place, but soon her eyes closed and she fell asleep. This left Toph and Katara sitting together beside Aang.
"So…" Katara said, trying to start up a conversation.
"What?" Toph asked annoyed.
"Nothing, never mind," Katara said quickly backtracking. Obviously, Toph was not in the mood to talk.
"What is it Sugar Queen?" Katara knew Toph appreciated directness, so she charged ahead and said her piece.
"You and Aang, huh?" Toph's shoulder stiffened.
"No," Toph said flatly.
"But…you like him right?" Katara asked as she glanced to Aang's glowing form.
"If you want to gush about boys, go talk to Suki or something."
"Oh come Toph!" Katara urged, "What's up with you two? You seemed pretty close at the Summer Palace. You two kissed…"
"Katara!"
"What, it's true." Neither one spoke for a moment, "So…did anything else happen while we were gone?"
"No, Katara. Nothing happened. Nothing will happen. I don't even think he likes me." Toph hugged her legs up to her chest, "He's been so distant…"
"I think he does like you. I think he's afraid."
"Of what?" Toph said indignantly, "Me?"
"No, no, no," Katara said quickly, "I think he's afraid of what you two could be."
"That doesn't make any sense." Toph said with growing frustration.
"Just talk to him."
"Katara, stop. I get that you're trying to help, but I'm not going to talk to Aang."
"Talk to me about what?" Aang asked and everyone jumped and Yugoda awoke at the sound of his voice. Toph blushed fiercely.
"Nothing," she said, "Tell us what you learned in the spirit world."
"Well, I first noticed that there was a bunch of negative spiritual energy here," Aang announced. "I learned in the spirit world that there's a spirit, whose name has long been forgotten, trapped here. It is a spirit of possibilities. The possibilities of what could have been or what still might be."
"Does that explain the weird visions the water gave me?" Azula asked.
"Yes…" Aang answered carefully, "Anyone who touches the water here will be touched by the spirit and get the visions."
"But how was this place used for torture though?" Katara asked. Her dream had been scary, but not torturous.
"Some people can't handle the visions as well as others." Aang explained, "And too much exposure would leave a prisoner without any grasp on reality. The spirit shows us numerous possibilities, from our greatest fears to our greatest desires. Not to mention, every scary idea you've ever had magnified…"
"Did the spirit show you something?" asked Toph.
"Yes…" Aang hesitated, "I saw what might have happened if Ozai had won… then in a different vision…I saw you and me," he blushed fiercely. Both of them quickly looked away from each other, their ears and faces red. Ah ha! Katara thought triumphantly. Maybe now they'd both see how well they worked together. They balance each other out and support each other's endeavors. Hmm…Kind of like her and Zuko.

Katara watched out of the corner of her eye as Toph squared her shoulders and seemed to shake off the awkwardness that had fallen.
"Guys," Toph said, turning back to face everyone, "I don't know if it matters, but there's something else wrong with this place."
"What?" Katara asked.
"Well…" Toph stomped her foot hard, "It isn't natural. Some earthbenders must have built it."
"Father might know who," Azula suggested.
"Does it matter who built it?" Zuko asked, shooting down Azula's idea.
"No…I'm sorry. I just thou-" Azula started to say, but Zuko purposely turned to look at Aang.
"Has the spirit been freed? Will it affect us anymore?"
"I have tried to make peace with it…but…it has two requests." Everyone waited expectantly, "It wants Toph to be the last person to receive a vision."
"Why me?" Toph asked, taking a cautions step back from the water.
"Because you're special." Before Toph could protest he continued, "The other request is for this place to be returned to its natural form."
"Does it have to be right now?" Toph asked seriously.
"No, the spirit has requested it be tomorrow at midnight." A hush fell over them all.
"Well," Katara announced as she clapped her hands together, "It's really late so I think we should all go to bed." Zuko instinctively wrapped his arm around her waist. His nearness felt good. Safe.
"Zuzu…err…Fire Lord Zuko," Azula corrected herself, "Can I stay in the palace tonight?"
"Of course Azula," Zuko replied and Katara could sense a smile tugging at his lips. "For as long as you like."
"Can I stay in a different room for now?" She didn't specify why; she didn't need to. As is, the room would be a reminder of Azula's past, and Katara desperately hoped Azula would move forward in her life. It sounded like a crazy wish for someone who had tried to kill her (and her loved ones) several times, but Katara still wished for Azula to find peace and happiness.

The royal chambers were even grander than she remembered. The bed felt even lusher, the sheets even silkier, but she couldn't enjoy the luxuries for long. As soon as Zuko pulled her against his chest, she fell into the most restful sleep she'd had in ages. They were back at the palace, Zuko had found family he didn't know existed, Azula was on the mend, and everything seemed to be falling into place. Now all that was left was their wedding.

She didn't care about the ceremony. Whatever happened would be perfect. Just marrying Zuko was all she envisioned.

a/n So…worth the extra wait? I hope so! This chapter centered around Azula so I want to know your thoughts. What did you think of Azula? What about her dream/vision discussion with Ozai? You might be thinking that Azula's 'sudden change of heart' seems unlikely; however, when I watched "The Earth King" and "The Guru" I saw that Zuko's shift was just as sudden. I think as a character Azula could have been like Zuko if she had been fed love instead of fury.

I have another announcement too. I'm sad to inform you that our time together is coming to a close. I think there will be one or two more chapters, but otherwise the story is wrapping up. It might seem sappy, but I have really enjoyed writing for you all. This has been one hell of a journey. I might write an epilogue…Would that be something you'd be interested in?