Chapter 16: Destinies intersect

Aang knew Katara had to be in trouble. His Avatar visions had never once failed him, and he seriously doubted they would start doing it now. But the Earth King had told them that she was fine, and that there was nothing to worry about. Apparently, she had met up with Suki and the other Kyoshi Warriors after planning for the invasion…

But something was off, and he had to find out. First up was getting back to the apartment to see if she was there.

But the only one there to greet them was-

"Momo! You're okay!" The lemur pounced on him, climbing through his body as if it were a tree.

It was as amusing as always, but as they took in the inside of the house, he would quickly realize that his vision was right.

"It's empty…" Toph said, probably having sensed every single corner of the house already.

"I knew it! Katara IS in trouble!" He tried to remember exactly what he saw in his vision.

Katara was being held in a cave filled with crystals, and there was someone else with her, and she was screaming at them… Dammit that wasn't enough to go on.

"But what does that mean then? Where could Katara be if she's not at the palace or our apartment…" Sokka spoke up as he leaned in the door, probably already going through the possibilities.

"I don't know! My vision didn't tell me enough!" His frustration was growing, as he gritted his teeth. Once again, he found himself powerless when it came to helping his friends. He had to figure something out, he couldn't let Katara be-

"Wait!" Toph brought him out of his head. "There someone at the door."

And right on cue, someone knocked on the door.

"Actually, I know who it is!" She headed right for the door, content smile on her face as she opened it. "I'm so glad you're okay."

Aang's head blanked, as Sokka jumped in confusion at the sight. It was Zuko's Uncle! Why was he here?! Does this mean that Zuko is here as well?! Wait a minute… Zuko?

His eyes widened at the realization. The other person he saw in his vision-

"It's Zuko! He has Katara!" He startled all three other people present.

"Wait, Aang, what do you mean?" Sokka had once again jumped in surprise at his outburst.

"I saw him in my vision! He was with Katara wherever she's being held. She was captured! She-"

"I think it might be better that I explain what's going on…" He was interrupted by the older man by the door. "Yes, your friend is currently being held in the catacombs beneath the palace…"

"I knew it! You guys captured her!" His anger was quickly rising, as he raised his staff in preparation to attack. He had to save Katara no matter what.

But he was then hit with a rock to the face, making him drop to the ground on his back with a loud groan of pain.

"Okay twinkletoes, I think you're getting a little too ahead of yourself there…" Toph said as she stood on top of his fallen form. "You really think Iroh would be telling us this if HE was the one who captured Katara?"

Although his mind was still rushing with adrenaline, Aang knew that she probably was right. But then, why was he here?

But before he could ask, Iroh simply entered the house, radiating as much friendliness as he could.

"How about we talk over some tea?"

"Wait, so let me get this straight. All this time, all the attacks against us have been some sort of test to see if we were strong enough to fight the Fire Lord? And not only that, but Azula is in Ba Sing Se, and she's inciting a coup against the King along with Long Feng, and you're asking us to help with that?!"

Sokka knew he was the type for crazy plans, but this was too much. "Why would we even agree to that?!"

But Iroh simply sighed. "I know how you must be feeling. My niece has done nothing to make you trust in her… But her plan is for the sake of defeating the Fire Lord. Everything she's done so far has been to make the world better."

"She has done nothing but hunt us relentlessly!" Aang rose from beside him. "If she really wanted to help us why not just tell us from the beginning!"

"My niece's plan was extreme, to say the least." Iroh responded, not allowing Aang's voice to affect him. "But you have to understand that she's risking so much by going against her father, she had to take every precaution she deemed necessary."

But Aang's anger wasn't gone yet, as he gritted his teeth and clenched his fist. "No! Why would we even believe what you say! You guys have done nothing but makes our lives so much harder than they should have been! Just tell us where Katara is or-"

"Actually, he's telling the truth." Toph interrupted. "Everything he's said so far has been true… Even the whole part about Azula wanting to help us with the invasion."

"But how? Why would she want that?! Isn't she supposed to be the Fire Nation's evil princess of death, who wants nothing but to see the world burn and everyone die?!" Sokka said with complete seriousness.

But Iroh could only laugh at what he said. "Oh no! Azula has never been like that. She has gone through a lot, and my brother made sure that she was raised as a weapon and not a child, which made her personality a little… hard to get used to." But his face then took a fonder look. "But even then, she still decided to go against him ever since she lost her mother… And it was all thanks to one person."

"Let me guess,"- Toph said with a big smile on her face. – "that someone was Kaze."

Iroh seemed surprised but then nodded. "You've met him before then."

"Ha! He's the first person to beat my ass so handedly. I would've been much more surprised to find out that he was a big softie if it wasn't for twinkletoes over here." She was now laughing heartily while pointing at Aang.

"Wait, wait, wait! Who's Kaze again?" He was so confused at this point that he would rather just lie down and sleep his troubles away. But no, he had to think of his sister.

"Isn't Kaze the waterbender you fought?" Aang asked, as he put a hand to his chin. It seemed like his anger had cooled down a bit.

"That's right! He might be even better at waterbending than you are at airbending, Twinkletoes." She teased, making Aang shoot a glare at her. "Besides, I told you that he wasn't a bad guy, even if he had been one of the 'bad guys'."

"He is a powerful waterbender, that's for sure." Iroh tried to calm down the air. "Perhaps that's what helped draw my niece away from my brother's teachings… But even so, I want you to believe me when I say, that everything Azula has done has been for the sake of saving the world from her own father. And now, Zuko and I form part of that plan. He's currently talking to your other friend, most likely telling her the same things I just did." This seemed to make Aang twitch ever so slightly.

He then caught everyone off guard by bowing to them. "So, at the very least, please just hear what she has to say… I believe that joining strengths would help turn the tides of the war in our favor."

Sokka looked at Aang, who still seemed skeptical. And to be fair, he was skeptical too.

Everything was just too much to process in such little time. But if Toph trusted him, then they would have to as well.

There was just one thing still bugging him.

"Okay, I just want to know one thing… If Azula and her friends infiltrated the city using Kyoshi Warrior outfits, what happened to Suki?" He asked with a sharp glare. He seriously doubted the Warriors would allow the princess of the Fire Nation to simply take the armor they hold so much respect for.

He wanted to hear that they were safe, just like Katara… But he was met with a sigh instead.

"That, you'll have to ask my niece about." Iroh sounded apologetic.

He groaned. Guess there was no choice other than to head back to the palace and talk with said princess.

He just hoped they weren't making a big mistake.

"All the generals have been taken care of, Lord Feng."

"Good, now all that's left is the King and that naïve little princess." He couldn't help the grin overtaking his face. That stupid girl should've realized he would never allow the Fire Nation to step into his city and come out in one piece.

"There's one more thing. The waterbender we captured outside the palace seems to fit the description of the one the Avatar claimed to work for the Fire Nation."

"Excellent…" This was perfect, now there was no other choice for the princess than to bow to him now that he had her precious waterbender on his hands. Everything was coming together.

Ba Sing Se will finally fall into his control once and for all! And he would be king. No more ruling from the shadows.

The world will learn to fear the name Long Feng! Not even the Fire Nation shall stand a chance against him.

"It is time for the show to begin." He stood up from his cell, as his agent opened the door. "Prepare the prisoner. It's time to show the princess who she decided to mess with."

"Yes, Lord Feng."

"Hm… that sounds pretty bad."

At the very least he knew they couldn't use him as a hostage now that he had escaped.

After forcefully kicking the door to his cell down, taking care of the agents outside was surprisingly quick work. It was like he was under the effect of the full moon, which was odd considering the Full Moon was two nights ago. Every flying rock felt slower, and he was able to react nimbly to every attack thrown his way. In the end, subduing the ten agents posted outside his cell took too little effort. Something was off about him ever since his meeting with his favorite spirit friend…

He shook his head. Just like the effects of the full moon, his sudden energy boost didn't feel permanent. He could feel it waning even now.

He'd have to take full advantage and get to Azula before the effect disappears completely.

"Yes, Lord Feng." He heard the Agent talking to this supposed Long Feng, before he quickly made his way towards the corner he was hiding in.

He took a deep breath, there wasn't much water to work with here. If he focused enough, he might be able to pull one of the underground streams that spanned the entirety of the catacombs. The only problem was them being hidden behind these thick stone walls.

But he had to try. And so, he felt and reached out…

He could feel it now. The water was flowing rapidly from place to place, with so much urgency, as if it was trying to deliver something from end to end… And something else was happening, the water was being pumped by something. That was odd… What exactly would be the need to pump water that rapidly this underground…

But it was. And perhaps the strangest part. The water was moving on its own, slowly closing in on him… as if it were walking…

Nausea overtook his body. What he felt wasn't water, not even close. It wasn't hidden between rock walls and crystals, but rather skin and muscles. The sickening feeling of violating someone else's body like that was enough to make him fall to his knees, while a cold sweat broke out and shivers hounded him.

But it was too late.

When he opened his eyes, the same agent that was walking towards him was now reeling on the floor panting, similar to him but much worse. It seems the experience is way more excruciating towards the victim than to the perpetrator.

The man's eyes were bloodshot as he raised his head to look at him.

"Y-You! W-What did you do to me?!" His expression showed uncontained rage and fear, like an animal caught in a corner by a feral predator. He rose his hand, attempting to retaliate with his rock gauntlets, but he was too weak and shaken, as the rocks simply fell from his hands.

Kaze couldn't speak, he was too disgusted with himself. But even then, he still needed to get to Azula. She was counting on him, and whatever Long Feng was planning, he was sure that it wouldn't end well for anyone if he got there too late. He had to protect her, to stand by her side as they tackled the world. He had no choice.

So, he approached the shaking earthbender on the ground.

"I'm sorry… But you're going to have to listen to what I have to say." His voice was straight, and his eyes steady.

He couldn't falter now.

"Where is Suki?!"

Okay, that wasn't what she expected to hear when the Avatar and his friends arrived at the throne room.

"Who?"

"Suki! The one you took those uniforms from!" If his head could produce smoke, she was sure it would be showing by now.

Azula sighed. She knew they had to take the Kyoshi warriors as prisoners if they wanted their plan to work out… And she knew that the Avatar wouldn't be happy about it.

"They're being held prisoners, on their way to one of the colonies. But don't worry, I made sure they wouldn't be transferred to the mainland until I gave the order." She hoped they would understand what she was saying, but it was clear they weren't.

"How would that make me feel better?! You sent her to a Fire Nation prison! How do you know that they won't be skinned alive and fed to a Komodo Rhino!"

Azula only groaned, while Mai chuckled from behind her.

"Oh, don't be silly!" Ty lee spoke up. "Komodo Rhinos are herbivores! They could never eat someone like that! Right, Azula?" She said too cheerfully for her.

But she could only glare back at her friend, trying to contain her rising annoyance.

"Listen! Your little friend is fine! Nothing will happen to her, and as soon as you guys agree to our help the sooner, she and her little band of freedom fighters will be released. Okay?!"

Everyone on the room flinched at her voice. Looks like she let her anger win once again…

"Okay, fine we get that…" The Avatar said, as he approached the throne. "But why is the Earth King tied to his chair? And why is he gagged? Wouldn't this just create more issues with the Royal Guard?"

"Well, since this joke of a king somehow managed to let his own kingdom fall into the control of a tyrannical sociopath, I decided that he wasn't fit to rule." And she would have to somehow think of a suitable replacement once the war was over…

"But that doesn't mean he can't become one!" The Avatar responded defiantly, clearly still holding doubt in his heart about trusting them. "We can't work with you if you simply decide to hold the King prisoner! That's not what we do! Besides, I still don't think letting the Fire Nation take control of Ba Sing Se is a good idea, no matter how good your intentions are." He was now clenching his fists. "That would only throw the world further into unbalance!"

"I don't know what world you have been living so far, but it has BEEN out of balance for a whole century. And this plan is the only shot we have at defeating my father, and you know it!"

But the Avatar still wasn't convinced, his eyes were narrowed, and his face etched with anger. "We don't need your help for our plan to work! We were fine until you guys arrived and threw everything we worked for into a mess!"

Azula patience was waning. Why couldn't he see it yet?!

"No, you DO need our help!" She strode forward to face the Avatar, who she has faced multiple times so far and knows how powerful he can be. "You think my father will simply let an invasion stride freely into the capital? First of all, the Royal Plaza right after the harbor has twenty sentry towers holding the high ground. Advancing through them would be suicide no matter if there's firebending or not! Second, the moment the palace is alerted of your presence my father would simply hide himself in one of the many secret tunnels hidden under the capital. Finding him in time before the eclipse ends would be impossible unless you had someone to help you from the inside! And lastly, the Fire Nation Royal Guard is highly skilled. They are ruthlessly trained to handle and eliminate any possible threat, whether they have bending or not. Getting through them will be difficult whether no matter what!" Her voice was commanding and threatening, making the Avatar falter in his resolve.

"I don't know what you think we are, but the Fire Nation isn't just a bunch of headless monkeys who know nothing than to burn things to solve their problems." Her face contorted in frustration, before turning solemn. "My father has made sure that even if he should die, there will be people ready to carry his will instantly. And I'm sure that includes me. So, if you truly want to defeat the Fire Nation, you're going to need someone who can root out every evil that will still lurk in the palace once my father is gone…"

The Avatar seemed to have listened to her rant, as he now had a pensive look on his face. And it seemed like the rest of his friends were also struggling to go against her words.

"Well, you already now what I'm going to say but… she's told the truth so far." The earthbender shrugged as she spoke up was leaning on one of the pillars. "Besides… I think everything she said made enough sense."

But the Avatar remained silent, his face contorting in frustration. He probably still had a hard time accepting that the people who constantly attacked him and his friends suddenly turned out to be on his side…

"Listen, when I first heard of you and your little group, I was skeptical…" She sighed, as she let her earlier steam cool down. "I mean, how could I believe that a twelve-year-old boy was enough to face down and defeat my father… And even now, I'm still not sure that even together we'll be enough. But every fight we've had, you consistently proved that you were powerful, along with your friends. So, if we want the best chance… Then we need to work together." Her voice was straight and filled with resolve, trying to transmit as much sincerity as she could.

"And for what its worth… We are sorry fo-"

But the doors of the throne room suddenly opened with a loud bang.

She narrowed her eyes. Of course Long Feng would decide to interrupt in the worst moment.

He strode into the room with his usual smug grin, making her annoyance rise once again.

He probably thinks he's won. She couldn't wait to wipe that smile of his ugly face.

"I'm sorry to interrupt your heartfelt speech, princess." His voice was confident and condescending. "But the time has come for me to double cross you."

"Wait! What is happening? I thought Long Feng was in prison!" The water peasant spoke up, while the Avatar and the Earthbender seemed ready to fight at the earliest sign of trouble.

"Don't be dumb… Even from his little cell down in the catacombs he still had control of the Dai Li instead of that stupid king right there." She nodded at the tied up Kuei, who's voice was saying something unintelligible due to being gagged.

"Yes, that's right. The city has never once been under the King's control, and now I'm here to claim my rightful place at the throne!" His voice rose in vigor, clearly letting the power rise to his head already.

It would've been pretty amusing if he hadn't decided to mess with the most critical part of her plan. She would make sure to rip his head off once he was done with his little show.

"Dai Li, arrest the Fire Nation princess!" He commanded, sounding too proud of himself.

But no one moved.

"I said, arrest the princess!" His face quickly morphed into confusion, and then anger. "What are you doing?" He said with narrowed eyes.

Okay, this was pretty funny after all. "Don't you see it? They're waiting." It was her turn to sound condescending. "Waiting to see how all of this plays out. They know that there will be a shift in power in this city, they just don't know who will be sitting in that chair, and who will be bowing after everything is over… But you know already how this will end, don't you?"

She walked towards him with her perfect posture and snide grin.

"I can see your entire story in your eyes… You were born with nothing. So, you struggled, you clawed your way into power by manipulating others, and through bloodshed… And I can admire that to a degree, sure." She laughed, but it was filled with mockery. "But real power, the power to lead the world into change, is something you're born with…" Just like her, and just like Kaze.

"So, what's it going to be… you think yourself strong enough to prove me wrong, or will you bow and realize your place as scum?"

She expected Long Feng to squirm and stand down, or maybe even lash out so she can prove to him their differences in power.

But he didn't do any of that.

He simply… smiled?

"Ha! It seems you beat me at my own game, princess." He chuckled, which quickly turned into a maniacal laugh. "But don't think I don't have a final trick up my hand…"

What's happening? What could he possibly think he could have over her…

"Say,"- He turned to look at the Avatar – "didn't you mention to our generals that the Fire Nation princess was traveling along with a waterbender?"

Her eyes widened. That's right! Kaze was still not here.

"Well, I'm sorry to say that either all of you stand down, or I'll make sure that he never sees the light of day again!" His tone was now filled with malice. "What will it be?!" His pupils were narrowed, and his smile was maniacal. He was quickly losing himself into madness.

"You're lying, Kaze would never let himself be captured like that!" She attempted to convince herself more than anything. And it was true, Kaze was the strongest person she knew. He couldn't have-!

"No, he's telling the truth…" The blind girl seemed one step away from attacking, as she gritted her teeth and settled into a fighting stance. "He has Kaze!"

Dammit! How? How was that possible?!

She could feel her mind slipping, as she unconsciously started separating the energies within her body. She could still save him. If she struck quickly, she could end Long Feng's life before he could do anything to Kaze.

Sparkles started crackling in the air, as her fingers were being quickly charged with electricity.

"Oh, I don't think so! Dai Li! Bring out the prisoner!" Long Feng ordered, to which the doors opened once again, with eleven agents striding inside with two of them holding a limp figure.

Her eyes narrowed and her lighting faltered. "What did you do to him?! I'll kill you for this!" She screamed desperately.

But Long Feng ignored her, as he turned to face the entire Dai Li. "You see now! The princess is nothing but a weak girl, a victim of her own emotions! She's not fit to rule!" He rose a fist into the air, and his voice echoed through the palace hallways. "The true king of Ba Sing Se, is me!"

"So now, arrest her, and everyone else here!" He commanded, to which some of the Dai Li stirred to action. Although, some still appeared undecided.

The Avatar and his group quickly made to defend themselves, while her own friends looked at her with fear in their eyes.

"Azula what do we do?! We have to help him!" Ty Lee screamed at her, but it fell into deaf ears. "Azula!" Mai tried to reach her, but it was useless. Her mind was still spinning at what happened.

It didn't make any sense. Even if he was captured, she was sure that there was nothing that could prevent him from escaping the catacombs… wait…

That's right! There would've been nothing preventing him from taking advantage of the moisture that was trapped in those underground caves. She had been there, and she had felt it...

She looked at Kaze's limp form. All eleven of the agents around him hadn't made a single move after entering. Even after Long Feng ordered them to attack…

And that's when they met again. Blue and golden connected like they had done many times already.

And he winked at her.

Her heart soared. He was safe, and he had a plan!

She felt so ridiculous for even thinking he was in trouble. It was Kaze she was talking about after all, the only person to have ever matched her in every way and then some. He had promised her to stay by her side, and she knew he would keep it. Just like she would keep her own promise. They are the most powerful couple in the world after all. If they wanted to, they could dominate the earth all on their own!

Her chest warmed up so much that she couldn't stifle the laugh that overtook her body.

And so, she laughed brightly and loudly, freezing everyone in the room, including Long Feng.

"What's so funny?" His eyes were narrowed. "You don't think I'll kill him, do you?! Then allow me to clear up your confusion! Dai Li, bring me the prisoner!" His voice was ragged, desperate, as if he was slowly losing his grip on his mind.

Everybody looked back at the eleven agents holding Kaze, all faces betraying fear for the waterbender. Except one.

Azula was still laughing, as a bright smile was tracing her features.

"Azula! What's going on with you?" Ty Lee tried to reach her once more, but to no avail.

But after a few seconds, everyone's fear turned to confusion.

Long Feng looked furious now, as none of the Dai Li holding Kaze followed his command. "What are you doing?! Don't you get it?! I won! And you will follow my orders!"

But once again, he was met with silence.

"Fine! If that's what you want, I'll kill all of you myse-" But his words were caught in his throat, as his body started contorting.

"W-What is-!" But he couldn't speak anymore, as his neck itself suddenly tensed up, every vein popping out.

Then a sigh echoed across the tall ceilings.

"Okay, maybe that's enough playing around."

It was Kaze. His voice poured relief throughout her entire body. He finally came back to her.

"I'm sorry for this…" His tone was strained, as his hand was held forward.

Was he… bending?

"But I won't let this city be under your control any longer."