CHAPTER 20

The Gaang was amazed when they saw the newly arrived group of Royal Guards. They counted ten, fully dressed in their uniforms. All of them were down on their knees, while Azula stood tall before one of them that was kneeling.

A pleased smile on her face.

"What are they doing?" Sokka asked in a low voice at Zuko, behind him, crossing his arms over his chest.

The Fire Lord glanced over his shoulder towards his friends and then back at his sibling, who was now a few steps forward. "They're showing their respect towards Azula," he explained, realizing that his friends had never witnessed such a thing.

"Why?" he frowned, tilting his head.

"Every member of the royal family has their own contingent of Royal Guards since they turn eleven. Azula was no exception. All of these men swore their lives, their honor, their soul, and their blood to protect the family member they are assigned to…" he informed, "These men have seen her grow. They have protected her… and they have sworn their loyalty towards, and only towards her."

"Through fear…" muttered Toph, with her arms crossed.

"Through respect," he corrected the earthbender. "Azula might be scary, but she was also an amazing strategist and leader. She never put someone in danger unless needed. That's why… she won their respect… And after a few tests she made them go through… they won her trust."

"But… didn't she dismiss them during Sozin's Comet?" Katara interjected.

"That's different," said Zuko. "And lucky for us, otherwise we would have had to face not only her but also all these very talented men. And we more likely, we wouldn't have come out alive."

"So, we were lucky?"

"Very," he acknowledged. "Also, back then, she might have dismissed them, but yet… she trusts in their loyalty and obedience towards her, because even though they didn't stay to guard her… They obeyed her command… And my sister values that."

Zuko had been banished days before the forming of his guards. And once he had returned to the Fire Nation, years after, it was to become Fire Lord. And once that matter had been presented to him, he had just listed the names of ten guards he could remember and had formed his Imperial Guard.

"And… Doesn't that worry you? That she might… use them to dethrone you?" Sokka asked, raising an eyebrow. It was a trick question.

"No," Zuko replied in a heartbeat wholeheartedly. For the first time in a very long time, he could say the next words with complete honesty. "I trust her. And I know she made mistakes in the past, but so did I…. Giving her back her Royal Squad… is my way to show her… That I fully trust her." he said.

"It's my honor to ensure your protection, my Princess." the guard before her said with a deep masculine voice.

"Zuzu," Azula glanced back at her brother. "Are you sure about this?" she asked in case he might have changed his mind.

"I am," he affirmed with a little smile. His voice was honest.

She smirked. "When I overthrow you, don't blame it on me." she joked.

Zuko, returning her old guards, was a gesture from his part of full trust. And now, making calculations, the trip from the Fire Nation was fifteen days long, so if her brother had been planning to do this… he had most likely planned before the poisoning attempt.

He had planned it since their fight.

Azula glimpsed at her sibling over her shoulder. Sokka's face popped out and he winked at her with a smile. A gesture she understood as; I told you so. She huffed, biting her lower lip. The oaf had been right all the time.

She couldn't repress neither the smile that grew on her face or the blush that inked her cheeks. She wondered lately that moron had that kind of effect on her. Just by staring at each other eyes, she could feel like his blue eyes were reading her like an open book.

During the meeting she had caught herself glancing at him unconsciously whenever he wasn't looking. Whenever he smiled at her or winked, her heart would skip a beat.

For the past week, all the time she had been in bed, he had barely left her side. Sometimes he and Zuko would take turns to keep her company, or sometimes they would both do it at the same time. And she had to admit it, whenever his absence was too prolonged, she would start thinking about when he'd return.

He had been a true gentleman with her. Helping her stand up and walk to the bathroom whenever she was felt dizzy. Offering his arms as support whenever she needed him.

However, she had come to notice something odd; whenever their fingers touched, or their skin brushed against each other, a pleasant sensation overtook her. That spot where they would have come in contact would remain a sensation of burning for a while. But it wasn't like her inner fire kind of burn, it was more like… warmth. Something she had never felt before.

But it was probably because they had gotten used to each other's company and they had grown closer during the past month. But more often than not, she would end up enjoying his company, his random little talks, and even bickering with him. It was something that she had come to find fun. Somehow, he had grown on her like mold.

Zuko ignored his sibling and stood by her side. "Goong Yoo, it's good to see you," he said to the guard, who was now standing. He was just as tall and muscular as Zuko.

He bowed, respectfully. "Your Highness. It's my pleasure being back at the Princess's service," he said.

"Please, Goong Yoo, we have known each other forever. You can just call me Zuko." said the Fire Lord, with a brief smile. Goong Yoo had practically known them since they were in diapers.

"As you wish," he said, not losing the politeness in his tone.

"Goong Yoo, Goong Yoo," Sokka scratched his head, thinking. "Where have I heard that name?" he could swear he had heard that name before. He began recalling, trying to remember exactly where he had heard it.

"You may take off your helmet, Captain." the Princess allowed him. And the Captain did as commanded. "All of you," she said, loud enough for the rest of her guard to listen.

She wished to see their faces, after so long. And also, she wished to check if all of them were back or if she had anyone who was new. Yet, all the faces remained the same as she remembered them.

"Thank you, Princess." the Captain said, after removing it. Azula smiled after seeing his face after so long. He was still just as good-looking as the last time she had seen him. He brushed a hand through his hair.

Katara, Aang, and Sokka's jaw fell when he revealed his face.

His dark locks sat elegantly on his face, making him look refined and relaxed at the same time. His hairstyle was similar to the one Zuko used when he had returned to the Capital after conquering Ba Sing Se. The gold in his eyes stood out against his pale skin. His square jaw with perfectly defined cheekbones were the perfect combination to give him a masculine yet youthful and innocent look. He was the most outstanding combination of both. And his tall, well-built body made him look imposing. He was handsome from every angle. But not only handsome, it was as if the spirits themselves had carved him.

"Oh my...!" Katara exclaimed, hypnotized by his impressive looks. She had never seen a guy who was that handsome.

"Dang it! He's handsome!" said Aang, just as fascinated as his girlfriend.

Sokka was the first one to blink out of the spell. "Nah… He's not that handsome." he lied with a grin.

Toph huffed, sarcastically. "I can tell you're lying, Captain Boomerang." she mocked.

"I had an arranged marriage once, so…" Azula had said during dinner at the Barge.

"Did you ever find out who he intended to marry you to?" Zuko asked.

"It was Goong Yoo."

Sokka's jaw fell again when he connected the dots. This guy had been Azula's fiancé? He thought, feeling an unpleasant sting in his chest. Something he hadn't quite felt in a while. It was similar to jealousy, but it couldn't be right?

"Have you been healthy?" Azula asked him with a barely noticeable smile.

"Yeah… and you, your Highness?" he addressed her formality.

"I reiterate what my brother said, captain; we have known each other of quite some time. You can stop the formalities."

"I'm sorry, Princess." he lowered his head.

"Jeez… as rightful as always. But it's an order, so you'd better just call me Azula." she joked, shaking her head before walking towards the rest of the guards, which quickly made a line. She saw all the familiar faces. "It's good to see you all." she smiled.

"Princess!" Linxin exclaimed between sobs, taking a step towards her. He was the youngest of them all. Azula raised her eyebrows. "It's so good to see you again! I thought I would never see you. But when Captain Goong Yoo called us by the Fire Lord's orders, I was so happy to know that we were going to be assembled and back at your service!" he rambled, whimpering. "You look so beautiful! You have grown so much into a beautiful woman and…"

Nezha covered his mouth with his hand before he could say anything else. "I'm sorry, Princess," he apologized nervously with a brief nod. "You know how sentimental is Linxin. He has spent almost the entire voyage crying of happiness."

"I see," muttered the Princess. "Well, I'm also happy to see you all, healthy." Indeed, they all seemed well.

"And you, your Highness?" Arazhi inquired, worried. "When we docked the barge, next to the Fire Lord's at Lake Laogai, Captain Tai-Cho told us about what happened to you a few days ago."

"Oh, yeah!" Linxin said again with sobs. He wiped his face with the back of his sleeve. "When he told us, I… we were dead worried. I was so scared that something horrible had happened to our Princess."

Azula smirked, she had forgotten how overdramatic and overreacting Linxin was to everything.

"We all were," Genbu interjected, "How are you faring, Princess?" he asked in a much more calmed way than all those before him.

"I'm better," she said. "I spent a week in bed, but right now I'm feeling alright."

"Azula," Zuko called her before approaching her side. "I need to talk to you and your guard now that they are all here. It won't take long."

"Fire Lord," they all greeted him with a little bow.

"Hello," he said. "It's good to see you all."

"We are thankful to be back in service, Fire Lord," Arazhi said.

"That's good to know," Zuko gave them a little smile before his expression changed to a serious one. "Well, as you all know, we are facing a delicate situation and I wish to ask for your full support and work alongside my Imperial Guards on the preparations for our safe return to the capital," they all listened to him, carefully. "I need you all to take turns safeguarding the barge. Take security turns, make sure that for our return we don't have an unwanted stowaway or any kind of surprises. Captain Goong Yoo, please make sure to coordinate your men with Captain Tai-Cho's for the trip back."

"As you command, my lord."

"Thank you," Zuko replied, breathing a little more at ease. He knew that no one took his job more seriously than Goong Yoo. Him and his squad working with Tai-Cho's were an unstoppable, well-oiled machine. "That would be it from me. If you need anything, please just speak. And before I go, I have to say that it's good to see you all back."

"And we are happy to be back," said Fuuga with a smile.

Linxin's sobs made him turn. He quirked an eyebrow, intrigued when he saw Linxin's expression, tears running down his cheeks. "Are you sure?" he asked, grimacing.

"These are happy tears, nothing to worry about, my Lord." Nezha intervened and poked him in the ribs. "Right?"

Linxin winced and sniffled before nodding.

"Alright." muttered the Fire Lord, before walking away again.

"Princess," said Goong Yoo, "May I have a moment in private with you?" he asked, politely. Azula frowned at the suddenness of his request, but she agreed without a second thought.

After dismissing the rest of the guards, Goong Yoo followed the Princess inside the Palace, under someone's fixed gaze, following every move.

She led him through some hallways until they found the gardens. She sat on the bench in the Pavilion with her legs and arms crossed, while he stood up in front of her.

"What is it, Goong Yoo?" she asked, straight to the chase.

"I have a favor to ask of you, Princess," Azula narrowed her eyes. "I mean, Azula." he corrected.

Even if she was the Princess, and he was a guard, Zuko had been right. They had known each other for quite some time, longer than she could remember for them to still talk so formally.

"Already?" she raised her eyebrows, stunned.

The Captain dropped his head, ashamed. "I know, it's quite…"

"Oi, it was a joke…" she clarified with a smirk. He had turned so serious suddenly. "Tell me, what is it?"

"It's just... I was wondering if tomorrow I can be excused for a few hours," he said. "There is a place... I wish to visit."

A brief smile appeared on Azula's lips. She stood up and walked towards him. She placed a hand on his shoulder and gave him a little squeeze. She knew exactly what place he wished to visit.

"Of course," she said, softly. "He would love that… You were his best friend after all." she walked past him and leaned on the rail with her forearms. Goong Yoo did the same next to her.

"Thank you, Prin… Azula," he corrected, with a little blush of embarrassment. He couldn't help but notice how beautiful she had turned in those years they had been apart. "I have been wanting to visit Lu Ten's grave for quite a while."

"I know. I just visited it myself recently, I had been putting it off for quite some time too," she confessed, giving him a sad smile. "By the way, while we're in the city, other than the rundowns Zuko asked for, you and the rest of the guards are free to do as you please."

"Thank you," he said, softly.

She had barely left the Palace grounds, so there was no reason to have them guarding her or following her around.

"He loved you very much," said Goong Yoo, after a while in silence, looking at her through the corner of his eye.

He didn't need to say who, for her to know who he was referring to.

Goong Yoo could recall perfectly how Lu Ten used to brag about his little cousin and how talented she was. How he would always mention her in their conversations and how much he kept saying that he missed her and her brother during the siege.

"I know," she muttered. It had been so long since someone had told her those words, or someone had felt that way towards her. But with Lu Ten, everything had always been different. He had been the only one who had constantly mentioned that he loved her, the only one who had shown her that. "I loved him too. He was one of those people you can't simply forget," she said with melancholy.

"Yeah… I still remember the first time we met. It feels like it was yesterday. The way he walked into the classroom with his loud personality and made everyone turn towards him," he recalled. "I will never forget the speech he gave when he introduced himself in front of the entire class;" Goong Yoo straightened his back and mimicked Lu Ten's movements of that time. "'My name is Lu Ten, I'm nine years old. I like the tea my father makes, but I hate the minutes you have to wait for the water to boil for the tea to be ready. My hobby is eating different kinds of the same dish and comparing them. I enjoy doing that with tea too. My future dream is to become the best firebender and a great general like my father to take over the other nations and win the war! And then, be the greatest Fire Lord in history!'" he quoted.

Azula snickered at the imitation of her cousin. She could see him doing that. "How did you two end up being friends? I always saw you two as total opposites. Yet…"

He sighed. "It was a couple of days after that. We were having one of the first evaluations of our bending, with Agni Kais and as always, he offered to go first. He beat the other boy without much trouble. But the other boy didn't like the result… So, when Lu Ten turned his back towards him, the other boy attempted to attack him, but I jumped in the middle," he remembered. "After that, Lu Ten was so thankful that he followed me everywhere, claiming that we were best friends. At first, I found him loud and annoying, but eventually, we became best friends. And we covered each other's backs until the last day."

Azula could sense the sadness in his words. They had spent more than ten years together, and Goong Yoo had been the last one to be with Lu Ten before he had died. He had been the one who gave the news to Iroh and the one who had led various missions to recover his body, returning empty-handed every time.

After Lu Ten's death, Goong Yoo had chosen to leave the army and apply instead to become a guard. In the Academy, he had always been the top score, so it had not been difficult for him. He had gone through all the exams and filled the requirements in half-the time it took the other members. And thanks to his innate talent as a bender, he had ascended the ranks quickly.

When Azula needed to form her squad of guards, she didn't think twice about having him in it. And till this day he had excelled in his role.

"Even though Lu ten was quite clumsy, in the field... he was a total asset. His firebending was stunning, out of this world, and he had the fastest mind ever. Most of all, for nicknames." said her Captain.

"Yeah… I remember he had nicknames for everyone… And he was quite imprudent for what I can recall." she smiled.

It seemed that his cousin was most remembered for his dumb personality and his heart of gold than for anything else. And that's who he had been, a ray of sunshine in her life. Someone who had been there for her when she needed someone who she had truly loved and cherished in her life. Someone absent had left a void in her that until this day, nothing had been able to fill.

"His mind… worked in weird, weird ways." Goong Yoo muttered.

"I still don't want you to go." she had said, holding Lu Ten's hand by the pier, thinking her grip was preventing him from departing. Her eyes were staring at the huge Barge that would take her cousin, far, far away from her. She pressed her lips together when her cousin lowered to be at her height.

"Mochi…." he began, but she shook her head and threw her arms around him, holding him tightly. So much that her grip was almost painful.

"Don't go! Your father can win on his own! He's the Dragon of the West!" she sobbed in his ear, and his heart broke a little.

Lu Ten wrapped his arms around her and lifted her from the floor. Azula never reacted like that, showing her emotions so freely, yet her gesture made him have seconds thoughts about if he should stay or not.

"Mochi…." he whispered, "You know I have to go."

She wiped her face and loosened her grip to glare at him. "I know. It's your duty, but…"

He placed her back on the floor, and with his thumbs cleaned the tears from her cheeks. "Let's make a promise, shall we? This is the last time, okay? This is the last time I leave the Capital. I'll make sure that we win the war in no time, so I will be back as soon as possible. So fast, that you wouldn't even have time to miss me, okay?" he said, a sad smile on his face.

"How fast?" she asked.

"Really fast."

"But if you don't?"

"Have I ever broken a promise?" he asked. She denied with her head. "And I never will, you hear me? Do you still have the music box I got you?" she nodded. "Still, if for some reason I take more than planned, whenever you miss me, make sure to play it and read the inscription."

"I will," she said with a sad smile. Still, the pressure in her chest, the one she had felt since that morning when a nightmare had woken her up, didn't ease. "But… It's just… I…"

Lu Ten smiled, warmly. Now he understood what was this all about. "Mochi. I promise you I'm going to be fine. Who is the best firebender of our Army?"

Azula pressed her lips. "Hmph… Goong Yoo," she replied.

"Exactly, me... What?" he squealed, after hearing her response. He hadn't heard what he had wanted. Azula chuckled, which made him smile himself. At least she was laughing now. "Mmmm… then, who is the smartest tactician of my age?"

"Goong Yoo," she said this time, in a heartbeat.

This time, his eyebrows twitched. "Fine. Then, who is the best leader of our troops?"

"Goong Yoo."

"Hey!" he squealed, standing up in a jump. Azula laughed, no trail of her previous tears or worries. "You were supposed to say me! You little brat!" he scooped her in his arms, raising her and tickling her.

Her laugh was contagious.

"Oi, Oi, Oi…. What is going on here?" a voice full of amusement made them stop and turn in his direction. "Little miss, should I help you file a complaint against this barbarian?" said Goong Yoo, addressing the little Princess directly. As Lu Ten held her upside down.

Azula nodded, repeatedly out of breath after so many tickles. "Yes, please." she smiled, and Lu Ten placed her back on the floor.

"Hey moron," said Lu Ten, surrounding his friend's shoulders. "Ready for our next adventure?"

"And you ninny?" Goong Yoo did the same. "I hope you don't cause us any trouble this time."

The Crowned Prince glanced at his friend, affronted. "I didn't cause troubles! They were just unfortunate coincidences."

Goong Yoo huffed, before turning his attention again to the Princess. "Have you come to wish us a safe trip?" he inquired.

"Yes," she said.

"In that case, little mochi," he said, bending his knees. "I'm claiming my good luck-farewell kiss," he said, turning his face to the side and exposing his cheek.

The little Princess smiled and placed a kiss on her cousin's cheek.

"That's not fair!" Goong Yoo complained, pouting like a little kid. He dropped on his knees to be at her height. "I want one as well," he said, pointing his index finger at his cheek.

"No!" Lu Ten yelled with complaint, wrapping his arms around his little cousin and pulling her away. "Go away, you perv! I'm not going to let you corrupt my little cousin!"

"Huh? Hey! It's not fair! Why do you get a farewell kiss and I don't?!"

Azula crossed her arms. "Tsk… If you get this jealous about a kiss on the cheek, I'll never be able to date anyone," she grunted under her breath.

Lu Ten widened his eyes. "What? Didn't I tell you yesterday that you'll be able to date when you turn…"

"Twenty-seven… I know" she said annoyed, rolling her eyes.

"Exactly, and it would have to be someone taller than me. Stronger than me. Funnier than me. Better good-looking than me. And smarter than me," he said, "And definitely not this prick!" he pointed at Goong Yoo.

"Oi, Oi, what's wrong with me, huh?" he placed his hands on his hips, frowning.

"According to him, I have to date someone better than him, but when I mentioned you, he said n…" Lu Ten covered the Princess mouth.

"Shush, mochi! It was a secret," he whispered with a nervous smile.

"Lu Ten!" they heard a scream and when they turned, they saw Zuko, waving at them at the end of the Pier. He rushed to them. "Azula! We were supposed to come together," he said out of breath.

"You overslept, as usual, Zuzu. And I wanted to come with Lu Ten." replied his sibling.

"Hey little man," the Crowned Prince tousled his cousin's hair. "Come to say goodbye?" Zuko nodded. He saw them in their eyes. "Take care, okay? Both of you," he said, "Zuko, try to spend more time with your sister, okay? And Azula, don't make your sibling miserable every time you two play, alright?"

"I will try." said the Princess.

Goong Yoo placed a hand on his back when he heard they were being called on board. "Buddy, it's time to go." he pointed towards the ship where the other recruits were beginning to board.

"I will see you both when we win the war," he said before both kids hugged him. "I'm going to miss you two, so much..."

"Us too," they said at the same time at the edge of tears.

"I love you, both. I'll be back soon. I promise!" he said, waving at them a few meters apart.

"Bring us gifts!" Zuko shouted.

"Take care! Bye-Bye!" they said, waving their hands.

"Come back soon, as you promised!" Azula shouted. "And Goong Yoo! Take care of him and make sure he doesn't get in trouble!"

"Oi…" Lu Ten yelled, grabbing his friend by the shoulders. "I'm the best firebender out there, I'm the one who is going to make sure he doesn't get in trouble!"

"You are trouble in flesh!" he replied.

"Tsk… And just when I was thinking about protecting you," he grunted. "Little ungrateful."

Her eyes followed her cousin until they were both aboard the Barge and she could no longer see him.

"Do you think we'll win the war?" Zuko asked her.

"Of course," she said, sure of her answer. "We are the best nation. The others don't compare to us. We are the superiors."

"I guess you're right. And I'm sure Uncle Iroh and will make sure of that."

They remained on the pier until the Barge departed, and they saw it navigate until it was just a small dot in the ocean, heading towards the horizon, far from them.

But Lu Ten broke his promise. He didn't return fast, and she missed him. Then, a year passed, and they only got letters once in a while from the siege.

To miss him a little less, every time her mother scolded her or whenever she felt alone, she used his gift. His music box was a little consolation for her, until finally, that letter had come.

They hadn't won the war. And Lu Ten had died on the battlefield.

At first, after her mother had read the letter, her mind hadn't processed the news. She had heard them, but her mind was off. Because it simply couldn't be true. So, she didn't cry. Not that day, or the following one, however, every night she would make sure to play her music box over and over. Until one night, it stopped working. The pin drum was so used that it didn't play anymore. And that night, she finally cried for her cousin's death.

"Goong Yoo," Azula said softly after a while. "I need to ask you a favor myself."

"Of course. Anything."

"My uncle just told me recently about Lu Ten and Rin," she began, "He also said that you were the one who told her about his death," she sighed. "I know my uncle doesn't have the courage but, I do. And I would like for you to… to find her."

"Find Rin?" he raised his eyebrows.

Azula nodded. "Yes. Find her. I would like to… to meet the girl that stole that dumb man's heart." she smiled. Since her uncle had told her about Rin, she had been intrigued about her. She wished to meet her, and something in her mind told her that her uncle would like that too.

Goong Yoo smiled back, and she couldn't help to think that he looked ten times more handsome, if it was humanly possible. "It would be my pleasure to take on the task. I'll make sure to contact her as quickly as possible. And I'll arrange a meeting between you two," he said. "Thank you for trusting in me, Princess."

"Well, you were Lu Ten's best friend and my Captain, also it's a simple task. I'm sure you are up for it." She didn't know if it was the right thing to do, but somehow, it felt right, so it was worth the shot. Maybe like this, she'd be able to finally make peace with her cousin's memory. And maybe a part of her would be able to rest as well.

Azula and Goong Yoo talked for hours. From silly memories of Lu Ten, till more serious talks like: what was going on in some towns of the nations. They joked and teased each other, and for a moment, Azula felt like everything was back to how things had been before the war had ended.

It was after dawn when they had said their farewells. He had to return to the barge with the rest of the guards, while she decided to head to rest.

Her body was aching somewhat. Perhaps Zuko had been right and an extra day of rest wouldn't have been a bad idea.

Woah, I need to rest if I'm thinking that Zuko might have been right, she thought. But at least, what had worried her most, which had been the outcome of the negotiation, was finally done. And she could finally relax.

The next couple of free days would work wonders for her. She could be able to spend some time either alone, or supervise Kiyi's progress on her firebending. During the past month, she had barely any time to check on her training.

She turned on the corner of the hallway that led to her room only to find Sokka leaning on the wall next to her door with his arms crossed over his chest, and with a frown.

"Hey," he said when she stood by the door.

"Hey" she replied, scowling a bit. Had he been waiting for her? Or was it a coincidence?

"Where were you?" he asked, cutting to the chase. His heart was beating against his chest. He already knew the answer, but he still wished to know if she had spent all this time talking with...

"With Goong Yoo," she said, matter-of-factly, surprising herself by her directness, when she would have usually chosen otherwise and just walk into her room, ignoring him.

Sokka raised his eyebrows. He had seen them talk in the pavilion by the gardens. Talk and smile and joke, in a way that had made him feel somehow... angry. He didn't understand why, but when he had seen them, side by side, talking and smiling at each other, he had felt an uncontrollable twinge in his chest. An unpleasant rise of heat in his chest that he couldn't comprehend the reason behind.

Then, all he knew was that he hadn't been able to stand it anymore and had walked in the opposite direction.

But that had been hours ago. "All this time?" he asked, annoyed.

"Yeah, why?" the Princess replied, not understanding the point of this question or his attitude.

"Nothing," he glanced away. "It's just... didn't you say that guy… Captain Mc-Handsome was the guy your father engaged you to without your consent?" he inquired, snarling.

Captain Mc-Handsome? she thought with amusement. Very fitting.

"Yeah, why?"

Sokka shrugged, still not looking at her. "I just find it odd that even after you managed to cancel the engagement, you're still close to that guy," he said.

Azula sighed. "Well, he never knew about it. And I have practically known him all my life, so…"

"Still, how close are you two?" he asked, bluntly taking a step towards her.

"Today was the first time I saw him in years, but we used to be pretty close. Why?" she replied, getting annoyed by his constant questioning and wondering why he was acting like this.

He pouted. "No reason, just…"

"Wait," Azula cut him. "Why are you interrogating me like a jealous boyfriend?"

At that moment, something clicked in Sokka.

He was acting like a jealous boyfriend! So, did that mean he was jealous? Did that mean he was feeling jealous of... "T-That's not it! I'm not!" he squealed, nervous. "It's just I'm… I wasn't… I'm..."

Azula smiled pleasantly. She had caught him red-handed. And he was even blushing! "You sound like a jealous boyfriend!" she said accusingly, still smiling.

He clenched his jaw. He wanted her to stop making fun of him at his expense, but at the same time, he liked that teasing smile on her face. He liked whenever she smiled.

So instead, he chose to change the game. He changed his strategy.

A second later, he said something that took Azula off guard.

"And what if I am?" he took a step closer to her. His heart was beating fast against his chest.

The smile slowly disappeared from her face. "Huh?" she looked up at him. Her eyes met his as he was looking at her, vividly. Her breathing got cut short. Her heartbeat increased like crazy and a sensation of warmth grew in her chest.

His body was just a centimeter away from hers and yet, she could feel the warmth of his body.

"What if I am jealous?" he repeated slowly. His finger brushings hers and for the first time in her life, she just froze there, feeling his skin against hers.

"W-What?" was all her lips could say, as his fingertips trailed slowly all the way up her arm. His hand brushed her hair off her shoulder, and when the skin of his fingertips brushed against the skin of her neck, she forgot how to breathe. A shiver rushed down her spine.

"I said; what if I'm jealous?" he leaned closer. His face just a breath away from her.

Azula arched her back backward, trying to put some distance between their faces. Her feet still in place. She swallowed when Sokka leaned closer again, and for a moment she just stood there as her eyes scrutinized him, not knowing what else to do.

For a second, she thought he might kiss her, and a tiny part of her wanted him too…

"Hey!" Azula said, pushing him hard in the shoulders to make him take a few steps back. "Stop joking around. You're lucky nobody heard you. Can you imagine if Toph heard you say that nonsense? We wouldn't have heard the end of it in a lifetime." she said, pretending to look fine and unaffected. Pretending that her skin wasn't burning where she had felt his against hers.

Sokka blinked, astonished before understanding what had happened. He had had a moment of boldness. His brain didn't process anything of what his mouth had said or how his body had reacted.

"I-I'm sorry," he stammered, rubbing the back of his neck. Trying hard not to blush. "I don't know what got into me. I guess, I got used to being around you the last month, and generally the last week that…"

"I get it. I get," she interjected. She had assumed, as well, that he was that kind of jealous. They had been around each other so much that they had gotten used to each other's company. She just mentioned the other kind of jealousy to annoy him. "Either way, I need to sleep. I'm drained and I'm feeling exhausted."

"Well, Zuko told you to take it easy today," said Sokka, trying to play it cool.

"And when have I ever listened to my brother? Or anyone for that matter?" she retorted.

Sokka chuckled. "Good point. Good night then," he said.

"Good night." she replied, before closing the door of her dorm.

As soon as the door closed, Azula leaned her back on the door and slid down to the floor. Her breathing was still at her peak. What the hell had happened? And why had her skin burned at his touch? What was that sensation? What was it? What had caused it? And why could she still feel his skin over hers? The trail his fingers had followed on her arm, on her neck.

It took her a moment to calm down and recover her composure. She finally convinced herself to ignore and forget about it. So, she did.

However, that night she was able to have a full night of rest. She didn't dream of anything. It hadn't happened in a long time. No nice dreams. No nightmares. Nothing. She only rested, mind and body.

Unknown to each other, in another room not too far from hers, someone was having a somewhat similar experience.

Yes, jealousy of friendship… right? It was just that; he kept telling himself. ... Of friendship. Just friendship. But… does that even exist?

Sokka couldn't comprehend what had made him do what he had done, but yet, he still felt his fingertips burning.

...

"Ugh! This is so boring!" Toph complained the next day, seated on the floor. "And it's not even mid-day!"

The Gaang was scattered around the floor, sitting lazily in the grounds of the Earth Kingdom palace. For the past month, their day had included an all-day meeting, and now that the meetings were done and they had nothing to do, they were all bored as hell.

"What do we do?" Aang asked as he played with a leaf using his airbending.

"Suki and the others are not back yet…" said Katara. "I bet it would be more interesting with them around."

"It's so boring," Sokka complained before an idea occurred to him. "Hey, why don't we play something?" he proposed straightening his back.

"What do you suggest?" Zuko asked, lying on the floor with an arm across his face, blocking the sun.

"Katara, do you remember the game we used to play always after a snowstorm because it was when the floor was softest?" he inquired about his sibling.

"Bat-ball?" she replied, tilting her head and thinking that it might not be a bad idea.

"Yeah, what do you say, guys? Friendly game?" Sokka proposed, glancing at the rest of his friends, whose attention rose, interested in the idea.

"Yeah"

"Why not?"

"Sure," they replied. After all, none of them had anything better to do.

"Awesome!" he exclaimed, proceeding to count them and make the teams. They needed an equal amount of people in both teams. "But, wait, we need two teams… and there's five of us. We need another player," he said.

"And where are we going to get another player?" asked Katara, pondering possibilities.

"I have someone," said Sokka, standing up. "I'll be back in a minute." And like that, he rushed into the Palace hallways.

Minutes passed, and they were all waiting for Sokka to return, but there was no sign of him until they heard some voices in the distance.

They all shared a glance until the voices became clear and the owners appeared.

"I told you that whatever it is, I don't care," Azula complained as Sokka dragged and pushed her through the hallways. "And stop pushing me, would you? I'll rip your head off if you don't stop!" she snapped, annoyed. He had interrupted her work for some nonsense he hadn't explained to her and had dragged her all the way there.

"Oh, c'mon on," said Sokka, pushing her by the back. "You're going to have fun," he assured her, before stopping in front of everyone. "Our sixth player," he said with a smile.

"Huh?" said Azula with a grimace Sixth what?

"We needed an extra player," he explained, "And you're the one."

"Needed? I'm a what?" she mumbled, confused. "When did I agree to play with you, moron?"

"Please, we can play with uneven teams." Aang insisted.

"No." the Princess denied, "I have more important stuff to do." She turned around to leave, not remotely interested in their game.

"C'mon, Prissy," said Toph. "Join us Princess, or what? Are you afraid we're going to wipe the floor with you?" Toph interjected, teasingly, with her arms crossed over her chest accompanied by a smug grin.

Azula's steps came to a halt. That sounded like a challenge for her, and she enjoyed challenges. "You're gonna eat your words," she warned her.

"So, are you playing?" the earthbender asked, even though she already knew the answer.

"I'm playing. You, blind one, you just flipped my bitch switch," said with venom towards Toph. "Get ready to lose."

"In your dreams."

"Excellent! Let's decide the teams then," said Sokka. "How can we make them fair?" he scratched his temple.

"Whichever team that has Aang will have an advantage," said Zuko.

"True. Then, should we make it boy versus girl?" Sokka proposed.

"Nah…" Toph denied, "I want to kick Prissy's ass, like that."

Azula agreed. "True, I'm only playing for the satisfaction of wiping the floor with you, Mud-grub."

"Okay, then… Aang will be in one team while Katara is in another," he said, making the arrangements in his mind.

"Why can't Aang and I be on the same team?" Katara inquired.

"Because I said so," her brother stated. "So, it'll be, Aang, Toph, and me on one team. And Katara, Zuko and Azula in the other one. What about that?"

They all make grins of agreement. "Seems fair."

"Yes! That way both teams have an advantage and disadvantage making them balanced." said the blind girl.

"What do you mean?" Zuko asked.

Azula sighed, losing her patience. "Advantage, advantage," she said pointing at the Avatar and then at the earthbender, "Disadvantage." she pointed at Sokka.

"Hey!" he yelled, "I'm not the disadvantage! Right?" he asked, glancing at his friends who didn't reply immediately. Aang only shrugged.

"You know the answer to that, Captain Boomerang," said Top, sneering.

"And advantage, advantage," said Azula, pointing at Katara next to her and herself, "And… I guess you know, right Zuzu?" she smirked at him.

"I don't like this game," he commented.

"Let's do this!" Toph said, eager to kick asses.

Sokka and Katara proceeded to explain the game. It was simple.

The players had to hit the ball that the member of the opposite team would throw at them, and while the ball was out of hands, they had to run to the first base, and if the ball wasn't caught yet, they had to run to the second one or maybe even to the third one. The goal was completing the set of three, which then would count as a point. At the end of the game, whatever team had the most points won.

"You know, I was the best player back in the South," said Sokka, haughtily, in place and waiting for Azula to throw him the ball.

She had the best swing of them all, so she had been the one chosen for the task by her team.

"The team were mainly eight-year-olds and Sokka," said Katara, rolling her eyes behind him.

Everyone snickered.

"Shush…." he shut her, before turning towards the Princess. "I'm ready for your Princess," he said, sounding a little too arrogant.

Azula was throwing and catching the ball distractedly in her hand. "So, if you miss hitting the ball three times, it's a… strike, right? And three strikes you're out and three outs it's our turn?" she repeated, memorizing the rules the water siblings had explained.

"Yeah..."

"Stop talking and just throw the ball, would you?" Toph screamed, annoyed, when she didn't see them playing yet.

"As you wish." muttered the Princess with a wicked smile, before throwing the ball so fast that it took everyone by surprise.

Sokka blinked, astonished and confused, when he felt the breeze next to his face. "What was that?!" he squealed.

"Your first strike," said Katara calmy behind him, showing him the ball, now in her hand. She threw it back at the Princess.

"Can I switch teams?" Aang asked, raising a hand.

"Sorry, Aang, maybe next time," Zuko replied, giving him a little smile.

"Snoozles, focus!" Toph bellowed.

"Did you see how she thre…" he snapped at her when he shut his mouth. "Oh… right," he muttered.

"You know, my competitive side is telling me that maybe we should have made a bet. It would have been more interesting," said Azula tauntingly with a hand on her hip.

"Perhaps next time," said Zuko. Hoping that after this, his sister would agree to join them more often, and would agree to spend more time with them, even once the trip was over.

"Next time, can I team up with Azula?" the Avatar yelled again.

She made a grin. "In that case, I'll have to settle with only winning by an embarrassing difference," she stated, confident and arrogant.

"Shut up and throw again!" Toph screamed. "... and Snoozles..."

"I know, I know!" he snapped back at the earthbender. He didn't need more pressure added. He could already feel his palm and his temple sweat.

"Third strike, you're out," said Katara, after Sokka hadn't been able to hit any of the throws Azula had given him.

"Better luck for the next one, best player of the Tribe." said the Princess cockily.

"Shut up," he grunted, annoyed as he pouted to take a seat.

"Twinkle toes, your turn," said Toph, patting the Avatar on the back, hoping that he wouldn't let her down. A defeat against Prissy was something she didn't want.

Lucky for her, Aang had been as bad as Sokka. In fact, he had been able to hit the ball and run through the three bases without a problem, adding a point to their score.

The Avatar was truly pleased with himself and with the fact that he had been able to hit one of Azula's throws, even if it had been the last one.

"I'm gonna wipe that smile off your face, Princess," warned Toph as she took her position to play next.

Azula glanced away from her nails, uninterested. "I'm not smiling," she replied, stoic.

"I don't care," said Toph, before spitting in her hands and rubbing them together to take the bat.

"I'm not touching that," Azula complained with a grimace of disgust.

"Give me your best throw!"

The haughty, confident grin was back in place. "My pleasure."

Somehow and using her bending, Toph was able to hit the second ball and run safely till second base where she was forced to stop by Zuko.

"Well, it seems that this is finally getting interesting." the Princess muttered.

"And it's about to get even more interesting," replied Toph, crossing her arms over her chest.

"Doubt that," she quirked a brow. "It's Sokka's turn again."

The blind girl facepalmed. "Damn it!"

"Hey!" Sokka complained, and the rest chuckled. "Just throw it, would you?" he snarled.

"Alright." Azula threw the ball just like the previous times and somehow, this time, he managed to hit it.

Whilst the ball was in mid-air, Toph and he rushed to the next base. For a moment, the sun blinded them from seeing the ball, but once it began to fall the three were able to see it.

Toph rushed back home, and when she was about to reach the spot with an arrogant smile, Katara said. "Out."

"What?!" she snapped.

"Zuko caught the ball in the air," she explained, as Toph sensed Zuko half-lying on the floor with a hand stretched out.

"Nice catch, Zuzu!" the Princess complimented him, helping him stand.

"Am I still at a disadvantage?" he asked with a smirk.

"Yes. But a useful one." replied his sibling, making him huff.

"That's an instant out," continued the waterbender with her explanation, "And you have to return to the base you were at and Sokka is instantly out."

"That's bullshit!" Toph said with her hands on her hips.

Katara shrugged. "Those are the rules of the game. Go back to the second base."

"Are you mad, Mud grub?" said Azula tauntingly, and getting Toph's middle finger as a reply.

Then it was Aang's turn again, who accidentally got a little too distracted with his girlfriend behind him. Something that the Princess took advantage of and managed to score the last out on them, making the earthbender furious.

And their turn came next. First, it was Katara's turn.

"Come on, Toph." said the waterbender confidently, firmly grabbing the bat.

"Sugar Queen, I'm not going easy on you!"

Katara, -to everyone's surprise-, ended up being an amazing player, managing to hit the second ball Toph threw at her. She sent the ball so far that by the time Aang was back -running at normal speed as they prohibited bending- she had reached home base and had scored one point for her team.

"Nice one, sweety!" the Avatar congratulated her.

"Don't cheer for the enemy team!" Toph scolded him.

Then it was Zukos' turn, who managed to hit the ball. He ran through the three bases, but when he was about to reach home, somehow Sokka managed to strike an out on him.

By Azula's turn, both teams were tied; 1-1, and 1 out on her team.

"So… if we score, we win, right?" she asked as she stood in position. "If not, we keep playing until one team scores another point, don't we?"

"Yeah," Sokka affirmed behind her.

She smirked. "In that case, let's get this over with.

Just like Katara, but to anyone's surprise, the Princess ended up having a good swing, managing to hit the ball on the first try. The difference was that this time, Aang was faster to retrieve the ball, but unluckily for them, by the time the ball fell into Sokka's hands, ready to score, she slid between the opening of his legs, touching the base scoring and another point.

She was competitive. And thanks to that there was no way that she was going to lose this silly game.

"I guess we won," exclaimed the Princess, rising from the floor in an elegant manner, wiping the dust off her clothes. Pleased with the situation, before turning towards the earthbender. "In your face, Snotty."

"Shut up!" Toph yelled. "I demand a rematch! But with different teams!"

Azula huffed with a hand on her hip. "Not happening."

"Toph, it's just a game," said Katara, trying to ease her.

"Exactly. Don't be a sore loser."

"I'm not!"

Once the game was over, Azula returned to her duties and forced Zuko to do his own. As for the rest of the Gaang, Aang and Katara decided to go for a romantic walk outside the Palace. Toph, entertains herself, picking out the dirt between her toes. While Sokka worked on some schematics he had been attempting to do for some time.

With Republic City and all the improvements happening around the world, dozens of ideas had occurred to him. Ideas he hoped one day to develop with the help of Tagon and all his inventions. Perhaps he could spend a season in the Fire Nation to work with him on some of them.

Sokka missed the food and since Zuko had become the Fire Lord, his visits at the Palace were filled with all the food he could eat, as well as tons and tons of the best quality meat he could ask for. He could also help to solve the mystery behind the posters in case they failed during this trip, and he could always spend some extra time with…

He shook his head. He was thinking nonsense.

Of course, he was going to miss Azula as well. During the last month and a half, they had grown closer. He would miss their constant bickering -which he found amusing and entertaining-. He would miss her company, -he had gotten used to seeing her all day, every day-. And also, her sense of humor. The sound of her voice. Her laugh…

But that was normal, right? They were friends, after all.

And for a moment, the thought crossed his mind; Would she miss him as well? Would she miss all those things of him?

…

"No," said Azula while reading the document next to Zuko. "If we let a law like this pass, it would have a lot of loopholes that would be counterproductive."

"That's what I thought too," said the Fire Lord. "What do you think we should modify, then?"

She leaned back in the chair, pondering for a moment. "Well, for starters…"

"Sorry to interrupt," said Sokka, barging inside the room without knocking first. The news that he had to tell them couldn't wait.

"Don't you knock?" Azula groaned, annoyed.

"What is it, Sokka?" Zuko asked, calmly.

Sokka smiled. "The warriors are back. And they have a lead."

"Really?" both siblings exclaimed, widening their eyes. That was good news. They knew they had been waiting all month, and it was good to know that sending the warriors out there hadn't been in vain.

Zuko's heart raced. For over a year, he hadn't managed to get a lead. But now, after so long, they finally have something.

They rushed behind Sokka towards where the rest were waiting for them.

"What's Captain Perfection doing here so late?" Sokka grunted in a murmur as soon as he turned on the corner of the hallway and saw him standing tall and perfect in the middle of it.

"Huh? Goong Yoo?" Azula tilted her head, confused as soon as she saw him. "What are you doing here, at this time?"

"I wished to see you, your highness," he replied, after greeting Zuko with a little nod. The Fire Lord returned the greeting and walked inside the room. Whatever chat Goong Yoo wanted to have with the Princess, it was their chat.

"I wished to see you, your highness." Sokka mimicked annoyed, grimacing and trailing behind Zuko, but standing close by the door, peeking at them from inside the hallway.

"What is it?" the Princess asked.

"I'm just here to inform you that Rin agreed to meet with us," said Goong Yoo with a little smile.

Azula's eyes widened, and her eyebrows rose. "She did? When?" she tried not to sound too anxious about it.

"The day after tomorrow, is that okay?"

"It's perfect," she said with a smile. The Captain smiled back.

"Azula! Hurry! We're waiting for you!" Sokka shouted from the door, irked at the scene.

"One second," she replied.

Sokka clenched his teeth at the second he saw their silly smiles on their face.

Ty Lee walked past them and smiled politely at them. But when her eyes saw who Azula was talking to, her jaw fell. She rushed inside the room, and just like Sokka, she peeked at the Princess and the guard having a conversation in the hallway.

"Is that… Captain Goong Yoo… I can't believe it! He's even more handsome than I remembered."

Sokka huffed at the acrobat's comment. "You also had a crush on him?" he asked, annoyed.

"Oh, no. Azula called it first. He was Azula's first crush," she let out, carelessly, still staring at the couple in the hallway. "But that doesn't mean I can't look at him."

He blinked, astonished. For a moment he thought he might have heard wrong. But either way, he squealed. "First what?"

And now, the negotiations are finally over and the juicy stuff is coming.

Brace yourself for the next couple of chapters...