Ask it to tell you did I ever make a stand?

Ask if you made any mention

Did I learn from everything?

And even if it takes to see an eternity to know

I waited centuries a buried mess of bones.

The mission had been simple. Zuko had tasked him with his sister's full recovery upon her return to the Fire Nation in the guise of a spirit. Despite Katara's objections, he took on the challenge, feeling it was his personal duty. The princess, however, proved difficult and often made him look inward at his own principles, question the philosophies of the ancient air nomads, and rethink his decisions more often than he cared to.

It had been his decision to create this "relationship" with his best friend's sibling. A decision he had put off rectifying for over six years simply out of personal greed. It was only a matter of time before it slapped him in the face, hard. Due to his constant travels, he offered to take Azula with him to Air Temple Island one summer.

Developments in Republic City were slow at best. Aang saw a vision for the future when he gazed at the project that had spurred from the genius mind of his wife's brother. Idealistic and ridiculous seemed to be the daily claims from the headlines on every major news pamphlet distributed within the intact nations, along with whispers and murmurs about a "new world order". The condescending chatter and fruitless banter was becoming less and less as Aang, along with King Kuei and Fire Lord Zuko continued to stand united against the opposition.

A revolution was taking place in the former fire nation colonies and Aang was proud to be at the forefront, despite his hundred-years of absence. He would make it up to the world for as long as he held breath in his body. He had to.

"You've been out here all morning," a soft, feminine voice said from behind.

The avatar did not need to look behind him from his place beneath the lone pavilion overlooking Air Temple Island's harbor. He did anyway, turning from the view of a sparkling ocean that separated the avatar from his precious city by only a few miles. He had built air temple island in hopes of one day living there permanently with his wife and children, yet Katara had proven difficult to sway. The Southern Water Tribe needed her more, she assumed, and a staunch nationalist, she considered the small village her only home and the best place to raise their children, forgetting that the man she had committed her life to was without a home and culture. One woman had understood his feelings, his dreams and drives, however.

Aang gave a sideways smile to the princess, holding two cups and a kettle. "Thought you were meditating without me," she said softly, taking a seat upon the knees in front of him.

She warmed the kettle and poured both cups. Aang noted how relaxed she seemed with her hair completely down and a blue, golden trimmed bed-robe of his that swallowed her frame and accentuated it at the same time. He swallowed the memory of a feverish dream he had the previous night. It had been his wedding night again, but instead of the prodigal waterbender he had once been so smitten over that he was too nervous to perform, it was Zuko's prodigal firebending sister coaxing him and worshipping his body before spreading to allow him access in the most vulnerable of ways.

"I couldn't sleep last night," he said softly. "I guess with Katara the kids gone, it was too quiet".

He held the cup of fire nation tea in his palms, enjoying the woody, ash scent coupled with a dash of pomegranate. Dangerous and sweet at the same time...like Azula. He shook away the thought and took a sip under the woman's watchful gaze.

"Is it the summit? Don't worry, I have a full list of items you should address and rebuttals for anything those simpletons throw at you," said Azula confidently as she leaned against the pillar of the pavilion, legs crossed, her feet absent from her favorite six inch heels that made Aang's stomach flutter whenever she walked past.

"Simpletons, huh?" Aang said with a chuckle.

Azula smirked. "One thing even you can't change about me," she admitted. "Though I must admit, I could get used to this place".

Aang stopped his cup, halfway to his lips with a raised eyebrow. "Katara will return soon, she's just dealing with a lot right now," he felt he should mention.

It had been one thing to spend an entire summer with Azula on Ember Island, but to have her in his home while his family was gone made the avatar nervous. He was starting to misplace his well-intended motives for helping the princess overcome her detrimental breakdown.

"Yes, your wife, I know. Though, you seemed quite comfortable with me in your bed last night".

Aang did not respond. The princess was not lying. They had helped one another in ways that were beyond physical. Azula had challenged him to be more proactive as a world leader and avatar, assuming the role of advisor and counselor, though he was supposed to be helping her. Due to her fitful nightmares, Aang found it better if he slept in the bed with her, to keep her from succumbing to the depression, she had fought hard to overcome last summer.

"I'll sleep in Kya and Bumi's room tonight if it makes you uncomfortable, Azula," He offered. "I don't want to ruin our friendship".

Azula shrugged. "I don't do friends, Avatar".

"You've been doing better with that, lately. Haven't you talked everything over with Ty Lee and Mai?"

The princess sighed, giving another shrug. "I promised Lord Zuzu that I would play nice and complete your assignments," pausing Azula stood suddenly to retrieve a Pai Sho board with tiles from the outdoor chest in the corner of the pavilion.

She spread the board and arranged the tiles in front of them. "We played Pai Sho for most of the time. Care for a quick game of strategy and patience, Avatar?" She asked.

Aang nodded. "I'm terrible at this. I think that's why you like to play so much".

"As the avatar, you need to hone your skills in every way. Besides, it is about the only thing to play with around here".

Aang licked his lips, trying his best not to think of how the statement seemed laced with sex.

"I want your opinion on something, Princess," he started before Azula cut him off. "Ooooh, princess, hmm? I like that".

Aang smirked, moving a dragon piece on the board. Azula countered quickly as always, making him hesitate before making another move. Running his fingers through his hair, Aang made a risky move that the princess did not anticipate.

"I was lost for a hundred years while the war was devastating the world". Pausing, he waited for Azula to insist the war was not as it seemed, pleasantly surprised when she only nodded, beckoning for him to continue. "When I was freed and defeated Ozai, I expected a perfect balance. With the colonies and nations left alone, it would thrive, I thought. But...instead nothing changed. People did not want my help".

Azula slid a tile into a space, at which he countered in defense quickly. She smirked, despite being so close to losing. "You're getting better, I see," she commented before moving a tile that was against the rules, winning the game.

Aang gasped. "Wha-, Azula you can't do THAT!"

"Says who?"

"Says me!" He yelled pointing to his chest.

"And who are you, exactly?"

"Well, I'm the avatar!"

"And I'm a princess".

"You cheated".

"So, I still won. Plus, you can't tell a princess what to do. I'll do what I want".

Aang blew a gust of air, making Azula topple backwards, struggling to readjust when Aang pounced atop her, pinning her down by the wrists above her head with a sly smirk at his display of strength. The two shared a laugh before realizing the position. Azula gave a soft, strange sound with an arch of her back. Aang released her wrists, giving Azula the leverage to run her nails down his neck.

"Stop that!," chuckled Aang, squirming from the ticklish sensation.

"Make me," she challenged, clasping her legs around his hips.

Aang's eyes widened. "Do you really want to do this?" He challenged with a smirk.

Before Azula spoke, Aang squeezed her sides to no avail. The princess did not crack a single smile at his feeble prowess to turn her into a babble of ticklish fits. After several moments of failed attempts, Aang pursed his lips at which she did smile, sinisterly.

"Giving up, Avatar?" Teased Azula.

Aang thought on the challenge. Taking a chance, ran a finger down her thigh, making Azula's eyebrow lift. When his hand found her foot, the bulge of her eyes made Aang go in for the kill before she could catch him with a bolt of lightning. He seized her ankle, raising the bottom of her foot to run the tips of his fingers over it. Azula howled in a way that was music to his ears, smoke flooding from her nostrils with several snorts. Aang gave a crooked smile.

"Please!" Cried the princess trying her best to wiggle away.

Aang continued, his smile wicked. "Promise to play fair from now on," he commanded.

"I...will...not...make such promises," Azula managed to answer through a fit of tears. Aang switched to the other foot at which she added, "Ok, ok...fine! PLEASE!"

The avatar stopped immediately, feeling proud as Azula wheezed, clutching her chest. His eyes, however, could not help taking in the new view of her toned body, nearly completely revealed through the bedrobe. Remembering his dream, he hurriedly moved away. Azula adjusted herself, sitting upright. He wondered briefly if she had noticed his stares. Thankfully, Azula did not seem to, instead choosing to finish their earlier conversation.

"Well, Avatar, you anwered your own question, really".

"Yeah?" Asked Aang, averting his eyes while she retied her robe.

"You are the avatar, helping others is in your nature. It is who you are whether others hate it or love it".

"Aang, are you listening to me?"

Shaking his head, Aang looked to the fire lord, standing in the place, Azula had been. His back was still against the temple's wall, but it was just the two friends now, absent Azula, her mother and the Imperial Firebenders.

"What is going on with you and Azula, Aang? She had progressed so much," Zuko continued, waving his hands in the air. "Did something happen? Why would she attack you?"

"We were close," Aang said, barely above a whisper. "I...I tried, Zuko".

The fire lord seemed to sense something as his eyes narrowed, nostrils flaring with a deep intake of breath. Aang could not help seeing the former fire lord in his friend now that Zuko's beard had formed and lengthened. The fire lord held the appearance of his father with long hair, hanging past his shoulders complete with the crown of the fire lord adorning his head. It was difficult attempting to not see Ozai in his son, despite the scar on his face.

Aang flinched when the fire lord's hand touched his shoulder. "Come on, let's talk," he said, leading the way towards the newly, redesigned throne room.

Aang felt his palms dampen with his nerves as he stared ahead to the lit throne. He knew he had to be honest with the fire lord. Honesty was essential to any relationship.

Mirrors remained a constant reminder to the avatar of what others saw when they looked at him. Aang gazed over his shoulder at the scar, still marking the middle of his back. The scar had healed though was still visible thanks to the mirror. The woman responsible was in his master bedroom, preparing herself for the upcoming meeting. A woman capable of leaving such a permanent mark would make anyone wary about being alone with her again. Aang, however, saw conquest in his former nemesis. The desire to tame her and reciprocate the mark was there, no matter how much he wished to bury it in his ancient teachings of forgiveness.

He would never hurt someone in malice, of course. The urge was different in how his body responded to Azula's presence in his home. It felt...right.

He was unsure how to deal with such a mental struggle. Often times, he would call on Roku to assist him, but the former avatar proved less helpful with the change in times. Closing his eyes, Aang held the ancient medallion of the earth kingdom between clenched fingers.

"Kyoshi," he called out.

The earth kingdom's avatar appeared before him instantly, blinking several times as if she had been awakened from a deep sleep.

"You must be in quite a mess to summon me," the woman said, eyes low and suspicious. "I sense a struggle in your heart. An old love reignited".

Aang gasped. "How? What do you mean? I...I still love Katara," he said, readily.

Avatar Kyoshi gave one nod, her face unchanged from its serious presence. "You have lived a thousand times, Avatar," she continued. "A million breaths, a billion heart beats, yet your love remains for the same soul who has likewise lived a thousand times. There is, but one person for you in each life you've lived".

Before Aang could question her further, the woman transformed into Kuruk, the Northern Water Tribe's previous avatar.

"Hello, Aang," greeted Kuruk with a small smile.

Aang bowed, humbly. "It is good to see you again, Kuruk. I...I was talking with Kyoshi".

"Yes, I know. I also know that you have severed your ties with Roku".

The comment was not expected, making Aang blush shamefully, rubbing his neck. "I...I had to, Roku was too, um, well..."

"He was the avatar before you, generations after myself and Kyoshi. You may not like his advice, Aang, but he is you, just as we all are".

Aang huffed, wondering why he even bothered discussing anything with his previous incarnations. Kuruk sensed his irritation, naturally and offered a hand on his shoulder.

"Listen, Aang, I am not chastising you, but you must learn to accept the reality," closing his eyes as if trying to block out everything, he continued. "I found Koh in his lair".

Aang smiled, wide. "Really! That's great, Kuruk".

"Her spirit was gone. Far transcended and reincarnated more than once since I had lost her. Aang, the answer to your question lies with Roku. You must connect with him as soon as possible".

"No way, I-" Aang began, before looking his predecessor directly in his golden irises.

Avatar Roku smiled, his wrinkled eyes soft with understanding. Aang glared back him, distrusting.

"Aang," began the elder man, "I know that we have had our disagreements and I cannot blame you for looking elsewhere for counsel, but in this situation, I stand firm. You MUST BE DECISIVE. I will help you".

Of course, like Kyoshi and Kuruk, Roku did not allow Aang to object. The avatar felt the spirit world disperse and he was physically back in his children's room on Air Temple Island. Against his command, his feet took him to the master bedroom. With a wave of his hand, the door nearly came unhinged from his airbending, making Azula curse when the air blew away her robe from where she sat on the bed, applying makeup, her nakedness displayed before his gaze.

"Av..." She began before her lips were covered by his, making her gasp in his mouth.

Wrapping her arms about his shoulders, they fell backwards without breaking their locked lips. After moments of heated tongue waltzing, Aang straightened his arms above her. Instead of seeing the woman, who had struck him down with her fingertips, he marveled at the woman who struck down Avatar Roku's heart.

"Ta Min," he whispered, softly. "It's me," he said with a smile before his eyes glowed white with his flood of emotions and he kissed the woman again.

Azula accepted the kiss, her mind awhirl. She had felt a sense of passion for the avatar that truly scared her, though she would never in a million suns admit such a thing to him. With his wife, she knew better than to continue advancing, though she felt that the man belonged to her. It was maddening when she dwelled on it, so she chose not to. This was to be a simple meeting to please Lord Zuzu and convince him that after one summer session with his best friend that she was all better. Then she would storm back into the palace with her team of dangerous ladies and strike fear into the city's citizens, yet again.

The plan had been well thought out. Aang was her secret weapon to getting on Zuzu's good side and gaining his trust again. He had even discussed making her high general and everyone knows the commander of the nation's arms was truly the one in power. That was all she wanted, fear and power, coupled together in the palm of her hand. Ozai could rot in Agni's Hell, she did not need him when Zuko was so much easier to manipulate and tame.

Then the kiss happened. Avatar Aang groaned longingly, as he kissed her and Azula heard a name that did not sound like her own. She wanted to shove him away and strike him down again for mistaking her for some common whore when his tattoos began to glow. She kissed him harder, unsure why she felt the need to. She had never been with a man before. The feeling was...strange.

When he lifted, she saw HIM. Her mind replayed thousands of kisses over thousands of years. Regardless of gender the two found one another once again. Azula felt the passion of her life as Avatar Kyoshi's loyal, secret Dai Li agent lover before they were separated by poison due to the Earth King's hatred, her heart fluttered with the butterflies as Ummi meeting Kuruk for the first time in the Northern Water Tribe before dancing as Ta Min, once again with Roku, on their wedding night.

A man she remembered, but never had before seen, smiled down at her as she rubbed her red-painted, fingertips over his nose, spreading his cheekbones before taking his head in both palms. The feeling in her chest was terrifying. With trembling hands, she grasped his shoulders, attempting to push away.

Avatar Roku's brows furrowed with concern. "Do not fear me," he pleaded.

"Who? What is happening? I...I know you," said the princess. Azula's eyes watered, pulling the stranger to her neck, she clutched him desperately. "You...you found me," she whispered.

"Yes," said the man. "I have traveled the oceans of time to find you, Ta Min," with that, he forced their lips together again.

Roku felt when her limbs gave into the passionate kiss. She moaned, allowing the avatar more access to her mouth as she held his shoulders. A dome formed over the couple as they kissed harder, Their lives over thousands of years together replaying around them until they reached Avatar Wan and his lover, who's name was lost to time, but whose spirit carried on along with the first man to bring human and spiritual harmony to the world.

Their passion became physical by sheer need to become one again. Wan had finally found his love again, after nearly ten thousand years, he could correct the mistake he made by breaking the most beautiful heart known to man for the last time during Harmonic Convergence.

"I promised you, I would come back. I'd rather share one lifetime with you, than face all the ages of this world alone".

Kyoshi was stunned to see her lone Dai Li agent, whom she thought she had lost forever through poison, come back to her. The pain of leading her love to die had weighed for over 200 years during her physical life. Their lips met once again.

"I'm so sorry, I failed you," she finally said through her tears.

Kuruk shook his head, unable to believe that after all this time, Ummi was here. Taking her into his arms felt like a dream. "It wasn't your fault," he said passionately.

Finally Aang and Azula's faces appeared once again. Golden and gray eyes opened and met. There were no words needed. Their breaths synchronized between kiss swollen lips and profound pleasure that both knew should not be there...though it should. They mentally agreed to continue with Aang pushing further in depth, rolling his hips above the princess. Azula winced, squeezing his shoulder for him to slow down.

The pain soon subsided and Azula found herself taking control. Flipping Aang unto his back, she drowned the voices in her head, telling her that she was an idiot for how happy she felt with another woman's husband, by eliciting loud, baritone moans and grunts from the avatar. The very man who had ended a century long war in less than a year was coming apart from a blue firebending prodigy. She was determined to conquer the avatar again as she had done many times before, in a wholly different way.

Aang was too overwhelmed by the emotions of his past lives along with the woman above him. He held her hips, his mind telling him to stop. It was madness at best. Azula was on full display, her face twisting with parted lips. Her head fell backwards, a vulnerable scream exploding from her lips as he brought her to absolute ecstasy.

After hearing his friend's adultery confession, Zuko retrieved a cigar from the throne and took a seat next to the avatar.

"I trusted you, Aang, and Katara..." Zuko's voice trailed, not sure how to approach that topic.

The men sat on the floor, in front of the flaming throne as they usually did when Aang visited. Zuko's lips wrapped around a thick cigar as he puffed. Aang figured it was best not to tell him about the harmful side effects of smoking at this time.

"You found a way to defeat my father without taking his life. You ended the war completely in a year's time. I knew it wasn't the best idea to put Azula on you, but you were the only person who was willing to give her chance when she was released".

Aang looked to the throne, his staff gripped tightly in his hands. He thought on Roku's words and "help" which only worsened things between him and Azula. He was now forced to face the truth in the face. He had married the wrong woman...

"What happened?" Asked Zuko, simply.

Sighing Aang wanted to freeze himself in a ball of ice. Zuko's calmness scared him more than his aggressive side ever did. "I think you know, Zuko. Your sister wanted something I couldn't give. I'm married and she wanted..."

Zuko shook his head. "Did you stop her? What did you do?" His voice remained as still as before, he added. "I know my sister, but I don't think I know you...anymore".

The words held great weight. Aang grit his teeth until they hurt. It was his fault. He could have prevented it...couldn't he?

Hanging his head, he said barely above a whisper, "I did not stop her. I...I took full advantage". Zuko's fist against the floor made him jump. His friend had done wonders to hold his inner rage until this point. "Zuko-"

The fire lord stood to his feet, mumbling under his breath as he paced in circles. "It was you," he said repeatedly. "Agni, it was you".

Still muttering, the fire lord left in a stomping silent rage, leaving Aang alone to truly access the effect he had on the princess. It had been fun, no strings attached. They understood one another on a different level, but he always remembered, though did not often voice the fact that he was taken and had no intentions of leaving Katara, despite the connection he shared with the prodigal woman.

I tried to help her. He reminded himself. Stupid Roku! This was ALL your fault! I...

A child's giggles erupted his brainwaves. Zuko and Mai's daughter, Princess Izumi, entered the room with a bright smile, looking very much like Azula.

"Aggi Khai, Unka Aang!" Squealed the princess, assuming a stance with two fingers extended.

Aang chuckled, standing to pick up the three year old. He made a ball of air, large enough to hold to the child, making her spin around in delightful bliss. Aang's heightened awareness caught Zuko's presence reappearing from the shadows, behind the child. He picked up Izumi and placed her back on her feet. Zuko's eyes narrowed at his old friend when his daughter ran to him, arms outstretched to reach the bundle of red cloth in the crook of his arm.

"It's been a while, Aang!" Called Kiyi, suddenly emerging from behind her brother. "Did you come to bless Azula's baby?"

The teenager smiled warmly, obviously unaware of the tension between the friends. Aang stiffened. Azula's what? Aang felt light-headed as the fire lord closed the gap between them, revealing a baby boy sleeping soundly with a single crop of sage brown hair at the top of his head.

Zuko looked to "Unka Aang" worriedly. "Agni, help you. Katara will need to know about this, Aang".

Several of my favorite quotes are sprinkled throughout this chapter. Credits to the movies, I am too lazy to list them all, but of course, any quote that sounds familiar probably came from Bryke or the movie you think it does. Hope you enjoyed! Qtz