Chapter 33:

The room was dark and the mood was stiff. Ten men filled the seats. Each and every one of them now sheeted around the round table were primary investors and long-time active members of Agni Incorporated. Zuko always called them the Old Man Gang because they were all old enough to be his father, with the lack of humor to match. Meetings were always so grim for Zuko; he could never wait to get out of their and loosen up his tie a bit.

Today however, Zuko was not in attendance of this meeting, making the Old Man Gang exceptionally cranky. Not only was their CEO missing but one of their long-term men serving on the board was gone as well. Zhao was never late and neither was Zuko. The men grew restless when their comrade walked in.

Zhao with his dark hair, passionate eyes, and sharp goatee walked into the board room in a rush and took his seat.

Zhao stroked his beard and looked around the table, only to see no one at the head of the table. "Gentlemen, I am sorry for the delay. I had some business to handle. Where's Zuko?"

One of the men spoke up, "He seems to not want to show up. We can't do much without him."

Zhao began the meeting. "Let the record show that we, the board of Agni Incorporated, wish to review the performance of Zuko Agni and, if need be, elect a new leader. Since the company has been under Zuko Agni's leadership it has become a massive Fortune 500 investment."

"Yes, but lately his private life overshadows his impeccable business career. He doesn't even have the decency to show up to his own reevaluation meeting."

"I think I should be the new CEO. Zuko is clearly negligent and it's time for a new order, especially with former CEO Ozai's recent scandal exposed. It's time to take this business out of the Agni family's hands. It seems that the family is cursed. I have served on this board for quite some time. Despite former CEO Ozai's short comings, I have worked closely with him and I know this company from the inside out."

Zhao smirked as he saw the looks on his fellow board members faces. He could tell the board members were thinking it over. Zhao rubbed his hands together, scheming and allowing the plan to mull over. All he needed for three-fourths vote and the company would be in his possession.

"I think we all have our reservations about electing someone new right now, but we all are heavily invested in this company and need to protect all we've worked for. I don't know about everyone else, but I certainly believe that Zuko Agni needs a break. He has been an excellent CEO and has made dramatic changes to this company. He's young though and is dealing with so much. His little girl was kidnapped. I, in my right mind, couldn't ask him to permanently step down at a time like this. However with Ozai's embezzlement scheme revealed we are losing positive public opinion, investors, and clients left and right. We need a leader to help the company navigate through this upcoming legal nightmare. " The board member folded his hands as the rest of the board nodded in agreement.

Zhao cringed at the mention of Zuko's daughter. Her kidnapping was all the more reason to elicit Zuko to step down, not evoke sympathy. He wished his fellow colleagues weren't so emotionally invested in their leader. He needed to shift the tides soon.

Zhao spoke calmly, "All the more reason for someone new to be elected. We found out about the girl just like the rest of the world recently. Raising a child is a lifetime commitment. Certainly he needs time to be there consistently for his child, and with his recent engagement how much time does a man really have to run this company? I have no kids and I only want the best for the company."

"Why don't we vote then? We really have no other choice but to elect Zhao. Zuko isn't here to make a case for himself. Let us vote."

Excellent, Zhao thought to himself. Everything was going according to plan. With the kidnapping of Maya Agni, it forces Zuko to lose focus on his company that is in desperate need of guidance AND it forces the boards hand towards electing someone new. Someone like him. This was it, Agni Inc. would be turned over to him.

Before the men could vote the door to the board room swung upon with such force that it caused all the men in the room to turn and stare at the door. Zhao cursed himself internally. It was Iroh Agni, the only man who could ever make this plan fail. This was definitely a setback. Ozai would not be pleased.

The meek older man stepped into the room and commanded attention. "Gentlemen, I urge you to have faith. I will step up as CEO in exchange for my nephew to have the time permitted to work on his sobriety and clear his conscience. I assure you that my credentials allow me to be more than qualified for the position while my nephew takes his leave. I am an Agni after all. My nephew has relinquished his status over to me. I have it here in writing already."

This was bad. How could he ever top the old man's charm? It was all over.

After an hour long meeting, the board was steadfast in having Iroh serve as Zuko's proxy. Iroh even offered tea to the entire board. He would have never anticipated tea. If he had known that was all it took to win the position, he would've brought donuts or something.

Zhao stepped out while the paperwork was being drawn up. The paperwork would be followed shortly by an announcement. He figured he would warn Ozai before he heard the news. Zhao gritted his teeth as he heard the voice of the man that struck both fear and admiration into his heart. "I'm sorry, sir. I couldn't sway the board to elect me. The company is now under your brother's leadership. The paperwork is being drawn up as we speak. I fear the police will make find you, too. The police have created a search party for the girl. I'm sorry. I failed. You must take the girl and leave at once."

As Zhao hung up the phone and realized his scheme had failed, another certain schemer was across town watching the news.

A new CEO of Agni Incorporated has been elected in the wake of the abduction of Zuko Agni's daughter. Zuko's uncle, Iroh Agni will be taking control of the company immediately in Zuko's absence. No news on the location of Maya Agni, but police are on a thorough hunt for the little girl.

Jet smirked at the television screen. This was far too perfect. Instead of him having to take the company from Zuko, the work was already done for him. Though the kidnapping of a child was not Jet's style at all. It was a godsend though because he could easily acquire the company from the old man. Of course once he got the company it wouldn't take much to ruin Ozai Agni's legacy swiftly. Ozai and his descendants were doing a pretty good job of destroying that legacy on their own.

Frankly Jet didn't care too much about destroying the Agnis professionally as much as he wanted to do it personally. Everything was far too personal for Jet at this point. After Ozai took his family's company they went into poverty and could hardly survive. His parents were so hopeless they committed suicide, forcing Jet into foster care. Ozai took his parents and his world away and now his son would feel the wrath.

He hated Zuko and everything he represented. One thing that did come of his parent's death was it put him in a position where a middle class family could adopt him. Jet still worked hard and pulled himself up by his boot straps. He went to college and started a company all on his own with no help from his rich, scheming daddy. People like Zuko didn't work for anything, didn't understand what it felt like going to bed with no food, and damn sure didn't understand the void Jet had from losing his family. Well he soon would. With the search for Maya in full swing he could get to Katara with little to no effort. She would've been taken before if she didn't put up a fight with the men he sent. Katara was always a fighter, even in college. Hopefully she could be used to his advantage. With Azula in rehab he could never be able to use her again. Katara would certainly be a close second though.

~/~

Aang soared high in the air. The wind whipped through his clothes as he scanned the area below. Luckily the police men that assisted in the search were quick learners. The gliders would help them cover more ground. Aang wasn't quite that childish as to allow a young child to remain missing for days without help, even if it was Zuko's little girl. Aang kept his eyes sharp for anything out of the ordinary above, while the other half of the team searched below. They would find her if it was the last thing they'd do.

Mai was incredibly stoic for a mother with a missing child. Her mother used totell her that "No words could heal a mother's tears." Mai didn't even cry, at least not in front of her. She didn't raise her voice at the search party nor did she even once glare at Katara the whole day. It was almost admirable how relentless and focused Mai remained without losing her composure. Katara, on the other hand, was more than worried. She loved Maya and wanted her home safe as soon as possible. She was a little aggressive when talking to with the rest of the party but that was just her trying to help. With Zuko not being here Mai needed someone to help her. Katara would do whatever Mai asked. Aang and a few other party members were searching overhead while Mai and Katara search on foot. Where was the first place some creep would take a small girl? The forest. The terrain was rocky, jagged, and the trees were tall and thick. It was hard to make out anything too far ahead of them, but they had made some progress. Katara was getting tired due to climbing over rocks and jumping over sticks. She figured Mai might have been tired too.

"Mai, do you want to rest for a bit? We've been walking for a few hours now."

Mai replied in a monotone voice, "No."

"But Mai we-"

"I said NO!" There was the old Mai she had encountered before. It was actually pleasing to get some sort of emotion out of her. "You can rest. I'm going to keep going."

Mai pushed forward while Katara took a seat on a nearby rock. "Fine. I'll be right behind you."

Katara took a moment to catch her breath. What if they didn't find Maya? God, Zuko would be heartbroken. He missed that little girl's gleeful smile and beautiful spirit. Who would kidnap her? Katara heard a rustling up ahead and then a scream. She hopped up and went running towards the direction where she heard the sound, not caring about stray branches hitting her in the face.

"Mai!" Katara saw that Mai had tripped over a branch and was laying on the ground. "Are you alright?"

She leaned down to help her up but Mai got up on her own and pushed her hand away. "I'm fine. I just fell."

Katara was concerned. Mai was pushing herself too hard. One minute of rest wouldn't hurt. "Mai, you could've been hurt. Let's rest a bit."

Mai raised her voice and yelled, "I said I'M FINE. Now I don't need help from someone I hate. Why don't you go somewhere else and stop acting like you understand? You will NEVER understand how it feels to not know where your child is so just save your pathetic attempt of acting like you're so kind and helpful."

That burned, just a little bit. She just wanted to help her but it seemed like just Katara's presence was making the whole situation for Mai worse. Katara sighed. Maybe she should just leave Mai alone. Who was she kidding trying to help Mai look for her daughter? Mai had made it clear she didn't want Katara around her to begin with. She would search for Maya by herself then. After all, she and the seven-year-old were pretty close. She wouldn't have felt right giving up just because Mai was upset with her right now.

Mai was right, though. She could never understand Mai's pain but that didn't mean she still didn't care about Maya. That was one thing Mai had over her that she didn't hesitate to throw up in her face. She already felt bad enough trying to compete with Mai and knowing she never could. Zuko had a child with her and Katara just wasn't willing to give that to him right now. For now Mai would always have the upper hand and would always be winning in that regard.

Whether Mai wanted the help or not, she was determine to help the search party. Katara walked in a different direction, hoping that someone would find Maya soon.

~/~

Zuko couldn't manage to rest even he wanted to. Mai, June, AND Katara all advised him to go back home and relax. He was exhausted, but he couldn't rest when his only child was missing. Everything was crashing down and didn't know where to go or what to turn to. He wanted to be out there with everyone else looking Maya. The news of her disappearance and the fact that he sliced his hand open was sobering enough.

He couldn't believe he embarrassed himself and his family like that by drinking. Okay, he COULD believe it. He's an alcoholic and that's what alcoholics do when things get rough: they turn back to the bottle and cry themselves to sleep at night. He needed help because obviously what he was doing before wasn't working. How could he send Azula off to rehab and not be keeping his own sobriety? He was a hypocrite and he was pitiful. God help Katara find a better man. God help them to find his little girl. And God help him, a man who had been ignoring his issues for far too long.

He rolled over in bed and looked at his phone. So many missed calls and texts. Some from his board and some from people expressing their concern for the situation. If only they knew Zuko was pathetic. Would they still be trying to send condolences, knowing they didn't matter to him? All that mattered right now was his kid. He eyed a photo of her, Katara, and him poolside. He remembered how happy she was to be with him that day. Maya was giving him an affectionate kiss on the cheek. Looking at her made his heart break. Looking at her made him realize how much he took the people he cared for the most for granted.

A knock came on his door. He hoped it wasn't the media, who liked to circle his house like hawks lately. To his surprise he was met with the aggressive aura of Katara's brother at his door. He didn't need this right now so Sokka better be quick.

"Sokka, right? Katara's brother? Nice to see you again. Make yourself comfortable." Zuko could feel the distaste even when he invited the man in with the best hospitality he could physically muster.

Sokka was unamused by his inviting tone. He rolled his eyes and glared at him. Though he hadn't done anything to Sokka personally he could imagine why he was here. Zuko had a younger sister too and was overprotective as well. When it came to his sister he knew no boundaries, even when it came to men she was dating. He figured Sokka was no exception. It was only a matter of time before an angry father or brother came to his door step demanding he stay away from their precious princess. He couldn't blame them. No man in their right mind would pick him as a suitable match for their female family member, at least not with all the negative press and bullshit that's been going around lately. He, in his right mind, couldn't even say he was good for Katara at this point on a good day.

Zuko took his seat on the couch. Sokka didn't even sit. He gave Zuko a harsh look. "I see you've sobered up. Look, I have a pregnant fiancée at home and I don't want to waste your time or mine. I want Katara out of her little contract. You are unstable and clearly don't need to be in relationship, real or fake."

"I absolutely agree. I'll have my lawyer handle that." He didn't want to fight with Sokka because honestly he was right.

Sokka's eyes widened in shock. "Well, that was easier than I thought. I thought I'd have to beat you up."

"I'm leaving for a few months after my child is found. Don't tell Katara. I'm sure I've done enough damage. She should be able to live her life without my chaos."

Leaving and getting therapy would be best for him. When he came back maybe he'd be ready to tackle life in a new perspective. Maybe Katara would have found someone new by then.

"Somehow I thought this would end in a sword fight. Seriously, she deserves to at least be told you're going to be dropping off the face of the earth. If you abandon her like that I will find you wherever you're hiding and ruin your pretty boy face."

Somehow he felt like fighting Sokka wouldn't be that much a challenge, but he digressed.

"I accept the fact that she can't change me, only I can do that. I love your sister and I want her to be happy. I'll release her from the contract if that's what it takes for her to have a fulfilling life. I'll go away and she'll forget about me. Though I can't guarantee the media won't have questions and won't follow her around. She's kind of a known person now."

Considering their pet/couple name Zutara was a well-known and trending hashtag on Twitter, the public was just as in love with Katara as they were with them being together. She would probably be asked about the split and given some opportunities to tell her side. All of which she could chose to reject. If she was smart she would milk the publicity for all it was worth to get money and start a whole new life somewhere quiet. Zuko knew she wasn't going to though. She wasn't the type to capitalize on other people. If she was going to start a new life she would start it on her own back without help. Zuko always admired her willingness to help other people. Right now she out consoling Mai, a woman who hated her. There were no words for how much Zuko loved her genuineness. He loved that more than waking up next to her in the morning.

He was starting to reminisce and shift into thinking of Katara in her more intimate moments when Sokka's annoyed voice interrupted his entire daydream. "I'm glad you're working on you WITHOUT my sister."

"She's a great girl. She'll make someone very happy." Zuko paused for a moment. "Congrats on the baby. I take it that you'll understand why I won't be in attendance. You are still welcome to use my house as a venue."

"I appreciate that. You have no idea how crazy Suki is right now with her woman hormones and shit. We definitely don't need anything else stressing her out."

"When Mai was pregnant she was literally insane. Women can't sit still and relax. It's like being pregnant makes them want to develop a new set of arms so they can do everything in the world. Just make sure she stays calm, if that's possible."

Sokka chuckled. "Pregnant women are a different species for sure. I kind of wish you weren't, you know, terrible at doing life things though. We could've actually been friends maybe, if you weren't an asshole."

Unfortunately they could never be friends without him being around Katara. It was nice thought though.

"Yeah well, hopefully I will get better at dealing with life while I'm away. It just sucks leaving everyone. My sister. My daughter. Katara."

"I get it. I met this amazing girl when I was mentor at a summer camp when I was a teenager before I met Suki. Her name was Yue, for the moon. I left my first love behind, never saw her again, and now every time I look up at the moon I subconsciously think of her. Leaving and wondering 'what if' is the worst!"

"That's rough, buddy. My first love hates my existence and uses my daughter as a pawn to get back at me. Now she's missing and Mai is actually being a decent person. Makes me feel bad for leaving her."

"That's rough."

"Yeah."

Awkward silence set in.

Sokka sounded genuine when he said, "Hey, listen. If you ever need support or I don't know, a guy talk we can link up. I'm sure your parenting advice could save my life."

"Thanks, Sokka."

Sokka headed towards the door and poked his chest with one straight finger. "Stay. Away. From my sister though or I'll have to unleash my samurai skills upon you."

Sokka went on his way. He was happy he had one decent male acquaintance who wasn't planning on stabbing him later. Sokka had managed to take his mind off things for a moment. Sokka was right; he needed to talk to Katara soon, but that would have to wait. He went back to his phone and checked his voicemails. One from yesterday alerted his attention. It was from the jail. He played the message: Hello Mr. Agni, this is the warden calling. You are the closest family member to Ozai Agni so we figured you should be notified that his bail had been posted. He is free but must return ready for his trial.

Shit. He knew in his heart his father was behind this. There was only one person who would know where his father took Maya. He quickly dialed the number.

"Hello, Azula? Listen I don't have much time and I need your help."

~/~

Katara and Mai were being driven home by an officer after a long day of searching. Aang and the others would keep searching nonstop but the two women definitely needed some rest. You could see it all over Mai's face that she was exhausted, emotionally and physically. Katara could sympathize because she was tired too, but by no means could she ever claim to know how Mai felt right now or know her pain. She looked over at the woman next to her in the back seat and couldn't help but be jealous.

Though there were now bags under her eyes and some noticeable frown lines Mai was still incredibly beautiful. Even with her long, raven locks pulled into a single braid and dressed in dirty, filthy clothes. There was such life in her gold eyes that Katara just couldn't compete with. Even her body was great, despite having a baby. She never shied away from speaking her mind and was steadfast in her beliefs. She was also very devoted. Katara knew just by watching her go for hours and hours, looking for Maya. Even when Zuko embarrassed her she continued to keep her self-worth.

She was so jealous. Not just because Mai would always have a special bond with Zuko she couldn't repeat with, but because she was such a strong woman that Katara couldn't compete with. Zuko deserved a real woman like Mai and not her.

Mai's voice broke through Katara's thoughts. "I'm sorry about what I said. I don't hate you. I appreciate you helping me, Katara."

That meant a lot to Katara. Mai being civil for once was a surprise. An apology from Mai was something she thought she'd never get.

Katara smiled. "It's fine, Mai. You have a right to be angry right now."

"Angry? I'm petrified. My world is out there somewhere alone." Her voice started to break and it was then when Katara saw a tear roll down her pale cheek. "How did I ever let her out of my sight?"

"Mai," Katara whispered softly as she gripped Mai's hand in hers. She possibly needed more support than Katara could give her but at least she had someone physically there. "You're a great mom. This isn't your fault. This isn't anyone's fault. We'll find her, I promise."

"Thanks, Katara. Maybe I shouldn't be so hard on you. You're a good person. I can see what he sees in you," Mai declared, blinking hard. "I bet you think I'm just some evil, bitter woman but I'm just protective of my family."

When she cried there was a rawness to it, like the pain was still an open wound. She clasped onto something for support, the car door, the window or the back of a chair, and then her whole body started to shake. The sobs were stifled at first as she attempted to hide her grief, then overcome by the wave of her emotions, she would broke down entirely, all her defenses washed away in those salty tears. When she at last turned her face to Katara, she was a picture of grief, loss, devastation. It was the face of one who had suffered before and didn't know if she could do it again. Katara helped her wipe her tears. It was all she could do for the moment.

As Katara held her hand and offered her a tissue she tried to make the mood lighter. "I get it. If some chick suddenly injected herself into my life I'd be a little irrational too. Good to know you don't hate me for being with Zuko or something."

Mai sniffled and dabbed her face with a tissue. "I don't want him. I've been trying to date and move on but it's hard. I worry about him all the time."

Mai sounded genuine. Obviously Mai was going to worry about the father of her child. There would be a problem if she didn't.

Katara couldn't believe things were done between them. She replied, "But the hug in his office, and you two have so much history."

"I was crying and he held me that's all. That doesn't mean we're meant to be together. Yes, we have history and we'll always love each other but that won't change the fact that we aren't a good fit for each other. If he wants to move on and be with you or be with someone else I can't stop that."

"But you were so hostile and you threatened me? It certainly felt like there was unfinished business on your end."

"Yeah, well I'm sorry for that and everything else. None of that matters right now. We both have to be strong for Zuko. He's a wreck right now. I just want my baby girl home safe."

That was something they could agree on. Whoever took Maya would have hell to pay.

Author's Note: What do you think? Any criticism would be welcome. Please let me know if there are spelling and grammar errors that my BETA or I may have missed. In the next chapter some stuff will be going down. Thanks for reading. Anything you guys want to see in the next few chapters?