Rage Of The Black Dragon

by Nazaki-Sama

Ozai and Azula won, and what was left of the world was burned to ashes... But when Zuko woke up ten years in the past with the ability to change his fate; he promised to win this war and end Ozai's reign once and for all. But first, he was going to hunt down everyone who robbed him of his mate and child. Time travel, Dark, Omegaverse, Aged up Aang, Dark Zuko! Cover art by me enjoy!

8. Chapter 8

…Rage Of The Black Dragon…

Warnings: This chapter contains:- cursing, sadness, angst, darkness, a little bit of violence, mention of death, mental health issues, possessiveness, fluff sprinkled in the mix, the Gaang going on a road trip, and Katara finally coming to an earth-shattering realization! All reviews are appreciated.

P.P.S.: This is an Omegaverse story as in Alpha/Beta/Omega dynamic, with Alpha Aang and Omega Zuko, so you have been warned! And it is also a time travel one! The titles that would be used for the Omegaverse dynamic in this story, are from the Chinese fandom (As the story would have many customs and cultures from southern and eastern Asia; China specifically):-

Alpha - Qianyuan

Omega - Kunze

Beta – Zhongyong

P.P.P.S: This is a dark (And I mean really dark!) story that takes place in the ALTA's timeline (The original show, not the live adaptation, but who knows, maybe I will add a pointer or two from the NATLA after I watch it?) to some extent but with many major changes such as Aang being aged up to sixteen and Zuko being OOC; this story is also the first part of the series that would follow the first chapter but diverge after a certain point.

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Chapter 8

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"Did he wake up yet?" Iroh's soft voice snapped Zuko out of his daze; the hand that held the wet rage froze for a bit at the surprising appearance of someone at this late hour. Letting out a soft sigh, Zuko just dunked the rag in cold water, before he shook his head; drying the cloth once more before putting it on Aang's forehead.

Zuko's eyes did not leave his beloved, and he could only clutch his hands tightly, trying to take a deep meditating breath and calm his frazzled nervous down, before he did something that he would regret. Tiredness and fear were warring inside Zuko's heart, and he could only sit beside Aang's bed, praying to the Gods out there to help his beloved and wake him up from this madness… praying to Agni to offer him another miracle and heal his beloved… praying to Lung-ta to save his last child and help Aang from whatever ailed him at this moment… praying to Oma and Shu, to Tui and La… praying to any Spirit out there that would listen and would help his beloved defeating whatever illness that had taken hold of him and refused to let go…

Three days… That's how long it had been since their fight with Zhao, that annoying worm who refused to use his stupid pea-size brain and let go, or at the very least, stop in his suicidal mission and endangering everyone with his mad plans, that always failed in the end.

Three days… That's how long since Zuko experienced a near-death call (Not the first, nor the last if Zuko knew himself well enough), a fact that to this day still hadn't registered in Zuko's brain, and he knew when it would finally register, he would end up as a mess of highway emotions and unstable self that Zuko would spend days maybe weeks trying to put under control because… Zuko almost died… he almost died and left Aang alone… he almost died, and to make matters worse and more humiliating, it was by Zhao's hands of all people!

Three days… That's how long since Aang went into the Avatar State; signaling to the world that the Avatar was back once more, something that would result in much trouble in the future no doubt, but Aang had done it… for Zuko… if the Kunze had to guess… something that as much as it was flattering, brought Zuko nothing but worry and stress about the possibilities they would face.

Three days… That's how long since Zuko saw his beloved kill someone, or something close to it because Zuko was sure some of those soldiers had survived… three days… since Aang killed… killed! Something that Zuko never thought his beloved was capable of or would ever dare to do even if the tables were reversed, but at the same time, his beloved had done it… And oh, how Zuko almost lost it then and there… how he almost laughed and laughed to the point of crying… Oh, the relief he felt when knowing that in the end… his beloved was capable of killing when it came to it…

Three days... since Aang lost consciousness, not waking up no matter what they had done, forever causing Zuko terror and fear because this had never happened before… it had never happened before! No matter how many times Aang went into the Avatar State, no matter how many times he passed out sometimes when everything became excruciating, no matter how many times Aang felt tired and overwhelmed… Aang never lost consciousness for more than a few minutes, sometimes hours, nor did he get sick with fever like now… the only time Aang remained asleep like this, was when Azula killed him… days and weeks spent in a coma because he was killed by his deranged sister and was later revived thanks to the special water from the Spirit Oasis… but Aang recovered in the end… he recovered and was alive and everything was right in the end… but this time was different… it was different! So, why was Aang still unconscious when he should have woken up days ago?!

But it was ok… Zuko had to convince himself that everything was going to be alright and that Aang would wake up soon. Maybe Aang was more emotional this time when he went into the Avatar State? Maybe healing Zuko back to peak perfection had taken a lot of his energy? Yes… yes… that was it… that was probably it, and Aang would wake up soon and everything would be alright…

"You two…" His uncle started before his words trailed off, making Zuko hum and turn to his uncle who set the tray of tea on the sitting table not that far away; waiting until the older man regained his barriers to tell him what was running inside his head, pouring two cups of tea and waiting for Zuko to come and sit beside him.

Zuko, knowing that this was his uncle's silent cue, about wanting to discuss something urgent with him, stood up from his chair, and went to the sitting table (Even when he wanted nothing but to stay by Aang's side, but the look Iroh was giving him, meant that his matter was too important to be put on hold), trying not to wince at how stiff his previously injured leg was (Who would have known that accelerated healing would have some drawbacks such as stiffness and sometimes numbness; but who was Zuko to judge or even complain, when he was saved from having his leg crippled or worse amputated because that idiot Zhao didn't manage to rub his last two brain cells together to know how dangerous his plan was?), but Zuko powered on, until he sat on the other side of the table, taking the offered cup from his uncle with a soft thank you.

"You know, nephew. Everyone has been talking since Zhao; many speculations were given, especially about your relationship with the young Avatar…" Iroh ended up saying after a while of silence, where the two of them sipped their tea. Knowing his uncle, and also knowing that the 'Everyone' in question was his uncle, and maybe a few who were traditionalists to the core and weren't so keen on having the Water Tribe siblings with them, and always watched Aang every time he came to talk with Zuko if Iroh wasn't there with them; Zuko couldn't help but raise his eyebrow in surprise, to which his uncle only looked away and sipped his tea, waiting for Zuko to confirm or deny what was going on between the two of them.

"Nothing is going on between us other than friendship…" Yet… Went unsaid, but Zuko was sure his uncle heard loud and clear; for the man let out one of his long 'Hmmm' that Zuko had long since translated into skepticism. "Aang is too respectful of the Fire Nation's culture and customs, and the Air Nomads' culture, even if different, it's all about respect and equality, so you have nothing to fear when it comes to Aang," Zuko said, looking at his uncle in the eye, wanting so much to tell his uncle how when his husband knew Zuko was a Kunze; he spent days apologizing every opportunity he had about how he conducted himself in front of Zuko, and the fights that followed; looking so stressed and on verge of tears when he realized he had dared to raise his hand against a Kunze even when it was in self-defense. Zuko at that time didn't know if he should laugh or feel embarrassed every time Aang tried to conduct himself, like how Fire Nation Qianyuans did when he was in Zuko's presence… something that thankfully Zuko managed to put a stop to after ranting for hours about equality and feelings and the likes.

Hearing this, his uncle finally relaxed before he nodded his head. "That's good to know." His uncle mumbled before he grumbled something under his breath, about 'Stupid Qianyuans', 'Disrespect', and 'Teenagers' Spirit'. Then, he sent Aang a long and suspicious look, before refilling his cup and taking a sip.

Zuko, feeling like a little shit, and wanting to take a little revenge on his uncle for thinking his husband was like one of those barbaric Qianyuans they met occasionally, waited until his uncle sipped his tea before saying. "Besides, if you should worry about something, you should worry about me taking Aang's chastity, not the other way around." And here his uncle choked on his tea, coughing and hacking as he pounded on his chest trying to regain his breath while choking out a scandalized 'Zuko!'. "What? It's true! Aang is the White Flower in this relationship, so I might as well say it… really, always running away and blushing at the mere suggestion of something more…" Zuko grumbled in his cup while taking a sip of his tea, remembering all those times when Aang would have blushed at the mention of something that was more than kissing and hugging… it was only after their elopement and marriage, did Aang dare to do anything more than that.

"Wha…?! Zuko!" Iroh all but screeched, looking at Zuko like this was the first time he really saw him. Shock and horror shone in his eyes as he helplessly gazed at Aang before gazing at Zuko. His face was pale as many scenarios of his own imagination flashed before his eyes. No doubt, the older man was thinking of what to do now to damage control the situation and save Zuko's honor and chastity after hearing what his nephew had declared.

"What? So, it's all fine and dandy when Qianyuans and Zhongyongs talked about this kind of stuff but not Kunzes?" Zuko questioned dryly, raising his eyebrow in judgment, enjoying the way his uncle started to sputter and tried to explain himself, only to fail miserably and look like he regretted his choice of asking Zuko to identify his relationship with the Avatar.

"It's not that…" Iroh groaned in despair, hiding his face behind his hand, looking like he wanted to be anywhere but here, after suffering such embarrassment via his nephew's declaration of wanting the Avatar like that. "Just… I… why him?" Iroh finally let out a sigh, surrendering to Zuko because he knew his nephew and knew what Zuko would do when if someone dared to tell him 'No' to something he already decided.

This question made Zuko pause, and he could only gaze at the cup in his hand, whirling the content around and wondering if he should tell his uncle the truth or keep it hidden like he had been doing for years now. "Would you believe me if I told you I knew Aang, long before we met him?" Zuko inquired, in the end not telling, and allowing his uncle to come to the conclusion he desired the most.

Iroh inhaled harshly at this, his eyes fleeting between Aang and Zuko before he looked at his cup with a look that Zuko had a hard time deciphering. "I see…" His uncle nodded, refilling their cups and spending the remaining time with Zuko in a comforting silence until they finished the teapot, Iroh picked up the tray before he left the room, allowing Zuko to return to his beloved's side… for a moment back there, Zuko was too curious and couldn't help but pounder…

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What did his uncle even see?

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…("Would you believe me if I told you I knew Aang, long before we met him?"

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That was the answer Iroh received to a question he thought the answer to, would be 'Because I like him', or 'He is different', or even the 'It's the right thing to do' if his nephew had thought long and hard about the politics of the end of the war, and what he thought would be favorable to protect the Fire Nation. But against what Iroh expected, and against all the scenarios that started playing inside his head, ever since he saw how his nephew was acting around the young Avatar, this was the answer he received.

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…And Spirits above… against Iroh's common sense, he believed his nephew…

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…He believed…

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Iroh believed… Because ever since that day, three years ago when his nephew woke up after that cursed Agni Kai, he looked so different… so angry, so tired; so, changed… and, so vengeful… That day three years ago, when Zuko woke up laughing and laughing and then ended up crying and screaming… his sobs were so heart-wrenching, Iroh could only sit beside his nephew and pat his head gently, trying to reassure him in a soft and calm voice; even when inside, Iroh's heart was breaking down into many tiny pieces when he saw his nephew… his son… break down and cry and look, so, so tired, like he had aged years, in the span of those few days since Ozai has done the unspeakable.

Iroh believed… Because ever since that day, three years ago when his nephew had woken up after that cursed Agni Kai; his nephew's only request back then, was going to the Western Air Temple… No further requests, no explanation, no nothing… just Zuko who wanted to leave the Fire Nation and go to the Air Temple, and Iroh wondered if his nephew back then learned about Ozai's mad quest of sending his only son to go and find the Avatar who had disappeared for over a hundred years.

Iroh believed… Because ever since that day, they reached the Western Air Temple; all he could see on his nephew's face was pain and longing as he looked around as if expecting the person, he was looking for to show themselves any moment now. Back then, Iroh could only watch in confusion and bewilderment how his nephew walked through the Western Air Temple with the look of someone who was walking through their own home. Knowing which direction to take, and which was where, and even pausing now and then to stare long and hard at certain places with a look of longing and sadness in his eye…

Iroh believed… Especially when he saw his nephew leading them to the Sanctuary and then staring at that place with such sadness and pain, leaning his head down and whispering something or someone's name (And now after receiving his nephew's answer, he thought he knew what name it was), as if he was waiting for them to open that door and let him in; looking closer to tears the longer the silence stretched on with no answer.

Iroh believed… Because why would his nephew refuse to go back to the Fire Nation and cut his ties with Ozai all of a sudden, when his nephew had spent years trying to make his father pay attention to him or prove to others that he was worthy and honorable (Something that his Zuko didn't need to do or prove because he was always worthy and honorable; it was the people he surrounded himself with, were nothing but stupid and blind who couldn't see how kind, good, and worthy, Zuko was).

Iroh knew his nephew, he knew what Zuko was like and how he used to think; he knew his likes, his dislikes, his hopes, and dreams. Iroh had raised Zuko beside his son when Ozai (That fool, uncultured prick; a fucking idiot that Iroh had the misfortune to be related to, especially as the years passed and that stupid, stupid man let power get into his head) had all but ordered his son away (And later almost get to the point of assassinating) as soon as he was born because he didn't have that 'Spark' in his eyes… an excuse that was more damning than the horrible actions Ozai was going to get away with if Iroh hadn't pleaded with their father at that time to stop Ozai, and that he would be the one who took the responsibility of raising his nephew, all up until he was sent to Ba Sing Se and Ozai once more took responsibility of his son, even against Iroh's wishes.

Iroh knew Zuko, he knew him like he knew the palm of his hand; he had raised the boy from infancy. Iroh had been there from the start; had been there when Ursa decided to drop everything and run, had been there when Ozai burned his son in that mockery of Agni Kai. Iroh had been there, since the start, when Zuko decided to cut all ties with the Fire Nation and when he disappeared from the face of the earth, going incognito around the world to do Spirits know what and why; supporting the boy, even when half the times he didn't know why he did some of the strange actions he did, or when his nephew refused his help with a smile and that too old look in his eyes, that made Iroh stand on the sidelines helpless, not knowing what to do next.

Iroh knew Zuko, like the back of his hand, and knew how he would react and what he thought most of the time; so, when Ozai had sent that edict to bring Zuko once more to the Fire Nation. Iroh knew Zuko would have accepted the edict and would have run back home, accepting Ozai's empty words and apologizing and accepting the lies that would be fed to him because then it gave him the illusion of being loved and wanted by the parents who never deserved someone as kind and sensitive as Zuko. Iroh knew… and he had prepared himself to go with Zuko to the Fire Nation and protect him from Ozai's madness, had even entertained the stupid thought of just stealing the boy away and preventing him from becoming one of the agendas to further Ozai's mad and stupid plans… but then…

Then Zuko refused… he cut ties with his father; cut his ties with the Fire Nation and went on his journey around the world. Zuko had new plans, new goals, new dreams, and hopes. The child, Iroh raised was gone, and in its place was this child who looked too old, too furious, and too vengeful, as he took delight in humiliating his father and sister to the point of winding them tight, and then watching them go and shot themselves in the foot… suddenly, the child, Iroh loved had vanished, and its place was this tired and angry boy, who wasn't Zuko, but at the same time was his beloved Zuko, but he looked so old and so done with the world, that for the first year spent away from the Fire Nation, Iroh had thought the worse, and that his beloved son would take his life just to spite his father…

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Suddenly, Iroh felt as if he didn't know Zuko as well as he used to…

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He must have seen something… Iroh used to think every time he saw his nephew do or say something so out of the norm, he had to pause for a long time to wonder how his nephew knew about such confidential things… He must have heard something… Iroh would think every time, Zuko looked at him long and hard before saying a secret that only Iroh knew about, or those within his circle; sometimes going to the point of telling Iroh something that the older man knew was a piece of information needed to be delivered to the Order because it was time sensitive, information Iroh didn't know how his nephew uncovered… Maybe… Just maybe, Agni had bestowed Zuko with divine visions from the future? …Was what Iroh finally settled on when one day, Zuko told him about his want to go the South Pole, not going into much detail other than needing to be there… and after? They found Avatar Aang, and the rest, as they say, was history.

They used to say, that in history, in the old times, when their nation wasn't as broken and as bloodthirsty as it was now. Only one person was bestowed with the gift of divine vision because if not, chaos and imbalance would have reigned and destroyed their world; the only person who was allowed to glimpse the future. Rangi, Kyoshi's beloved, and the Kunze who forsook everything and her honor to run away with a maid and leave Avatar Yun; only for that maid to turn out to be the real Avatar who brought balance and justice to the world.

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"Would you believe me if I told you I knew Aang long before we met him?"

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Did Rangi say the same thing to Kyoshi when the woman asked her the same question Iroh asked? Did Rangi too, act in such strange ways before and after her visions like Zuko had done? Did Rangi see how happy she would be with her chosen beloved (Or did she see the horrors that would be waiting for them if she didn't act), that she did the impossible to win the Avatar's heart even when her Qianyuan didn't know who she was and what she would be to them, like how Zuko was doing? Iroh wondered…

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But… did Avatar Aang truly not know who Zuko was?

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That question made him stop in his place and gaze at the tray in his hands with confusion and apprehension, before looking back toward Avatar Aang's room with wonder in his eyes… Did the Avatar truly not know? …Iroh hummed and continued on his way to his rooms.

Impossible… that's what Iroh could think of… Impossible… because if the Qianyuan didn't know who Zuko was… or at least if his 'Self' didn't recognize who Zuko was… then Avatar Aang wouldn't have gone into a rage and killed all those Fire Nation soldiers; if the young Avatar didn't recognize who Zuko was and what would be to him, then the young monk wouldn't have broken his vow of never hurting or taking lives as a retaliation for what Zhao had done to Zuko.

As much as the crew talked about how strong the Avatar was, as much as they liked to attribute Aang's behavior during that battle three days ago to the Avatar State; as much as they tried not to think about how truly dangerous and frightening the Avatar was and how they were thankful that they were on his side, and not the losing side… Iroh knew a Qianyuan's Rage when he was faced with one, and Avatar Aang's action during that battle? Was nothing but a Qianyuan going through a rage so strong, that they would wipe the world and destroy it because someone dared to touch their mate.

So, for the young Avatar to go through a Qianyuan's Rage when he was unmated and young at that… no… for the young Qianyuan to run like mad and jump into the vortex to his death to save Zuko at the expense of his life (Because in the end, that's what it was, the young Avatar jumping to his death when he saw Zuko being thrown overboard and possibly killed -As much as Iroh felt his heart, breaking, as much as Iroh almost went mad at the sight of his beloved son being pulled under; as much as Iroh wanted to delude himself that Zuko would have been fine, Iroh knew that the only reason Zuko wasn't dead, was because the Avatar unleashed his power that day- because of that worm Zhao), even if the man was the Avatar and his survival was ensured; the Avatar's action was that of a man who recognized Zuko as his other half and sought vengeance against those who dared to raise their hands against his mate; the reason why Zhao ended up thrown into the same vortex he threw Zuko in, in retaliation…

So, yes… Iroh believed, and part of him even understood, and was in awe; the thought of Agni looking upon at his nephew and seeing how kind, honorable, and good he was, even when he came from a toxic environment that would have turned people bitter and mad, and bestow such a gift that left everyone speechless. Yes, Iroh believed, even when part of him was afraid and would have preferred for someone else, to be his son's future confidence and beloved, because he didn't believe that the world the Avatar lived in and the duties he was bonded to, would give his son the happy life he deserved… Iroh believed…

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But that didn't mean he liked the burden his son was shackled with…)…

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"No… no… p-please… stop…. Please… n-no… Zuko…. NO!" Aang shouted as he all but jumped out of bed, shaking as he glanced around, waiting for something to show up; his instincts were going highway as emotions slammed into Aang one after the other without giving him respite (Rage, fury, loath, fear, terror, guilt, sadness, and rage, rage, rage, rage, RAGE so strong, Aang wondered how he was still able to bring air into his lungs from how incensed he felt)

Aang could only pant as he looked around the room, his eyes darting as if looking for someone or something, feeling so sick and disorientated, that he finally jumped from the bed and rushed toward the trash pin to throw up. Sobs wrecking his body and he felt like he was going to lose his mind any minute now as he felt sick to the bones and a touch hysterical.

Panting, Aang managed to stand on his shaky legs and drag himself toward the washing bowl in the room, wanting to wash the nasty taste that dominated his mouth… "Zuko…" Aang could only whisper, looking around the room, fear gripping his heart and squeezing when he didn't see the Kunze anywhere (Even when his rational mind protested the thought of Zuko staying near a Qianyuan unsupervised, even if the one in question was passed out).

Aang's instincts reared their head and banished any rational thought he might have had, demanding that Aang find Zuko and protect him (Demanding that he find the Kunze and hold him), fighting with Aang to take control of his body and do as they demanded because Aang was wasting his time staying here when Zuko could be hurt and in pain because Aang was late.

Barely even having the rational thought to wear his boots; Aang stumbled out of the room and looked for Zuko, his heart in his throat as he rushed to find where Zuko could have disappeared to when he should have been beside Aang where he would have kept him safe and sound.

It was the sound of shouting that managed to snag Aang's attention; a voice that was so familiar that Aang's body couldn't help but lock itself in place as rage and bloodthirst all but blinded him (Which was strange, scary, and unbalancing, because why was Aang's instincts demanded blood and death when hearing Katara's voice? Why did Aang release a low growl of warning and his face twisted into a snarl? Why was every cell in his body demanding retribution from the girl he considered a friend?!).

So, Aang stayed still until he got his breath under control, and managed to shove the bloodthirst so down in his whole being that he wouldn't be a danger to anyone who had the misfortune of seeing him. So, Aang waited and when he thought he managed to gather himself under control he followed the sound of shouting and screaming, wanting to know what the hell was going on and at the same time fighting with himself to stump the rage that refused to leave him alone.

The sight that greeted Aang almost made his offer in vain, his body locked up and his anger rose to highs unmatched as everything inside Aang demanded that he strike and kill and bring pain to the person who dared to stand in his belov- Zuko's way.

The shouting came from one of the hallways leading to the dining hall. Zuko was standing and staring at the mess near his feet (No doubt his lunch or dinner) while Katara shouting and screaming and pointing at Zuko, ignoring how Sokka was shouting back in return and telling her to stop; both not listening to the other, hostility high in the air as the Fire Nation people were looking at Katara with rage in their eyes, but didn't dare to move and hurt her, not when Zuko shook his head and made a motion that shoo-ed them away (Something that they didn't dare to do, as they stayed still in their places, glaring at the Water Tribe siblings with rage at the constant disrespect).

"What's going on here?" Aang questioned in a furious tone; shutting everyone up as they all turned toward him, eyes wide with surprise as they saw Aang (And happiness that he managed to glimpse in his bel- Zuko's eyes). Something must have shown up in his face or tone, as silence dominated the room and no one dared to speak a word, gazing at one another with wariness and some even in fear. "Well?!" Aang snapped, glazing at Katara with angry eyes that made the girl take a step back unconsciously.

"Nothing," Zuko answered, disregarding the situation altogether and acting like nothing was wrong even as the evidence of the opposite, lay near his feet. "Just an accident, nothing to write about." Zuko smiled placidly, even when Aang could see the anger and fury in his eyes every time he glanced Katara's way; a look that made something snarl within Aang and he could only feel his hackles rising as he gazed at the girl standing beside her brother.

"Care to elaborate about the 'Accident', Katara?" Aang inquired once more in what he hoped was a calm voice, gazing at the girl long and hard and waiting for her to talk… and she did… she talked and screamed and told her same excuses again about the Fire Nation, about General Iroh, about the Fire Nation crew, and most importantly about Zuko, stressing out again and again how they shouldn't trust them and should leave. The longer that Katara talked, the higher his anger climbed up and up until Aang thought he would combust then and there; his rage and bloodthirst continued to simmer under his skin, until Aang had had enough, and knew he needed to stop Katara before he lost it and attacked. "Enough!" Aang shouted, raising his hand to rub his forehead, feeling so frustrated and so, so…! "For Lung-ta's sake! Again, Katara? Again?! Did we not talk about this over and over? Do we have to go through this every goddamn time you find something you don't like here?!" Aang was shouting by the end of his speech, his anger getting the best of him even when he tried with all his might to stop it.

"You just refuse to understand! You refuse to listen! Why don't you listen to me and believe me when I say that he is bad?! It's all Zuko this, Zuko that while ignoring who he was! He is the fucking Prince of the Fire Nation! He is the son of that monster who made those people kill my mother! Why are you always protecting him when you know he is nothing but a wretch-!" Katara couldn't even finish her sentence, as Aang in his anger punched the closest wall near him and blew a hole through it; panting as rage burned his veins and every instinct within him demanding retribution and payback for the way Katara talked about Zuko.

The hallway was silent, and fear was palpable on every face present (Excluding Zuko), Katara took a step back, and gazed at Aang with wide and fearful eyes, as she gazed at Aang's furious face. "Water Tribe's prejudice and hate truly does not know bounds," Aang stated, even when he knew it was wrong of him to say such a thing, but feeling furious at the fact that Zuko kept getting harassed over and over just because he was from the Fire Nation. "I understand too well Katara; I think I understand, I understand perfectly, so don't worry about it, I don't need you to explain a thing." Aang's voice was calm, even when underneath, there was a touch of icy cold fury that made everyone around shiver.

"Aang… that's enough… I will take Katara to her room and talk to her; she will apologize before the night ends." Sokka sighed, looking so uncomfortable and a touch annoyed as he forced himself for the thousandth time to bow his head and apologize for his sister's atrocious behavior when it was Katara who needed to apologize in the first place; not force her brother to lower his head to anyone and bear the humiliation and guilt of her mistake.

"No, Sokka, it's not enough; clearly this will happen again and again and again because Katara didn't seem to have the common sense to stop fighting with our allies and refuse to open her goddamn eyes and see." Aang glared, shaking from how angry he was to the point he almost lost it as he pointed at the girl. "If you don't understand the reason, we fight this war Katara, you better get back home before you do something and destroy everything. Waging war against the Fire Nation as a whole is not what we do, and not what we are after no matter what you have decided to believe!" Aang snapped, watching how the girl gritted her teeth and glared at him.

"But isn't that why we fight? So, we can end this war, so we can finally get back our home?!" Katara screamed, looking so angry as she shook in her place, tears clouding her eyes but she continued to raise her head and glare. "We fight against the Fire Nation, and that's it! The Fire Nation are nothing but bad people who killed everyone in their sight leaving orphans and widows and you are taking their side? They killed hundreds of us, and you are taking their side?!" Katara glared at Zuko, as if he was the one to be blamed, causing Aang's hackles to rise as he felt a threat toward his mate…

"And they killed thousands of my people until I was the only one left standing, but you don't see me waging war against the Fire Nation!" That shut Katara up, in fact, it shut everyone around him to the point no one dared to say a thing; only look at one another uncomfortably. "I knew many great people in the past, Katara, and guess what? They were all from the Fire Nation. Kind and just people who I knew refused Sozin's madness and left the Fire Nation to stand beside everyone else and fight against their own people to do the right thing. So, no, Katara, we are not fighting the Fire Nation, we are fighting the Fire Lord and those mad enough to stand by his side." Aang swallowed, gazing at Katara with cold eyes before he closed his eyes and took a deep breath to calm his burning body. "Every time, someone tries to fight a war based on prejudice and hate, innocent people die, Katara. Every. Fucking. Time!" He hissed, pointing at the little girl whose lips trembled as she did her best to hold back her tears. "There are innocent people in the Fire Nation who suffer just as much as you and Sokka did under the Fire Lord's rule; people who are counting on us to stop the Fire Lord and end this war, and that's what we are going to do. Not wage another war and force them to be the causalities because you couldn't handle letting go of your anger." Even Sokka shifted awkwardly and looked away, not being able to handle the truth shoved in his face like this. "And believe me Katara, if you don't stop now, stop your anger and hatred now; you will regret it, and when that happens, it will be too late." Katara turned around and stomped away in anger after this, refusing to stay any longer and hear him out even when Sokka called out to her and started following her to her room.

"…Aang?" Zuko's voice managed to snap Aang out of the spiral of Anger/Loath/Hate/Rage he managed to send himself in; grounding him in reality and stopping him from doing something that he would regret with how rage and hatred swam inside of him to the point Aang almost went blind. "Are you alright?" The concern in his voice made Aang feel guilty, and he could only drop his shoulder and let out a tired sigh.

"I… I will be…" Aang ended up saying in a tired voice, taking a deep breath as he tried to quell the fire that was raging inside of him, demanding pain, death, and blood, to the point Aang could only feel fear at the foreign sensation that was coursing through him, wondering what was wrong with him…

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Aang was so tired, and so, so furious and vengeful…

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…And he doesn't even know why…

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---

The tension that had blanketed the ship in the past few days was so strong, that some had wondered how it wasn't cut out with a knife with how thick it was. Silence had fallen on the ship and everyone could only awkwardly gaze at one another, wanting to say something, but not daring to do anything; fearing that one misplaced word or tone would light the fuse to what would be a war on the ship that would result in not only more shouting and screaming, but the violence that would be too much for them to be able to repair.

It had been days since Avatar Aang had fought with his companion… shouting and looking so tired and done with everything that some even wondered if the Water Tribe siblings were going to abandon the ship and go on their own to the Northern Water Tribe; forsaking safety and friendship for the sake of tradition and mistrust that was shoved down their throats since they were young.

So far, it was Sokka who was trying to defuse the situation; tried to crack jokes and lighten the mood when Katara and Aang would spend their day standing as far away from each other, looking like any wrong word between them would be the one that would make them explode and attack. Sokka, who as the days passed, looked so close to caving in, and giving up, but was trying and trying to repair his sister's friendship and stop the madness that had all but sat in.

"…And I try, and try, and try, but nothing works!" Sokka choked out one night, looking so close to pulling his hair and screaming in frustration, turning to Zuko who nodded and sipped his tea calmly, not that interested in Katara, nor would he ever lower himself to help and repair her relationship with Aang… but the one who asked was Sokka, and Sokka was his dear friend who he deserved much more than Zuko just spurring him and leaving him to fend for himself in the cold war that was going on between Aang and Katara.

Sisters and liars; traitors and fires… Zuko knew too well what Sokka was talking about; knew what the Zhongyong talked about so intimately, because… how many years did Zuko suffer because of that sister of his? How many nights did he cry himself to sleep and wish for death after being tortured and beaten like a dog by his father and sister, and was later faced with those broken promises and lies? How many nights did he spend hating himself and wishing for something sharp to cut his throat or wrists and be done with this damned life because of that traitor coming and prancing around his cell to heal him from his life-threatening injuries, her eyes as cold as the ice she bends as she looked down on him? How many times did Zuko feel the fires crawling up his veins every time he was forced into the presence of a sister who allowed herself to be turned into a monster just for the kick of it? How many…?

So Zuko remained silent and allowed Sokka to let everything out, knowing deep down the curse of being an older brother to a sister who was losing her sight and falling into darkness without the hope of being helped. Zuko knew, and he remained silent, and he could only gaze at his tea in contempt, hating that traitor with every fiber of his being, but at the same, time, not being able to handle how Aang was looking so tired and withered as the days passed to the point Zuko thought he would burn out long before they even managed to reach the Northern Water Tribe.

So Zuko bit the inside of his cheek, feeling so angry, and hateful at the thought of what he was going to do, but at the same time, watching his beloved being so done and tired the longer this cold and silent war continued was enough for Zuko to swallow his loathe. "I mean, I tried making Katara open her eyes and see that not all Fire Nation people were bad! I even tried to take her with me to see Sai and see some of the Fire Nation people living in Omashu and fighting the good fight with the Earth Kingdom, but nothing worked! And I know, alright?! I know that Katara being forced to watch our Mom get killed before her very own eyes had messed her up some; I know this doesn't excuse her actions most of the time, but, but! Katara is so kind, gentle, and good… to see her like this… I don't know what to do anymore…" Sokka frowned harshly, looking so angry and defeated that Zuko could only let out a tired sigh, leaning back on his chair and hating himself for what he was about to say next.

"You know… in times like this, it's nice to go on a road trip and enjoy the scenery… I am sure being locked up on the ship for days on end isn't doing anyone any good; so why don't we just take everyone and go fly on Appa or something?" Zuko ended up suggesting, hating himself with every word that left his lips as he felt something crawling inside his chest and squeezing his heart at the prospect of being forced to be in close proximity with Katara of all people for the duration of this road trip… but Zuko had to remain himself that this was for his beloved, for Aang… and for his stupid, stupid friend, who loved his sister so much he continued to hold on to her tightly and continued to see the good in her, even when she had long since turned bad.

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…("Zuko? Are you sure this is the right thing to do?" Iroh inquired, looking unsure and hesitant to allow Zuko to go on this trip he arranged with the Water Tribe siblings and the Avatar.

"Uncle, everything is going to be fine; Sokka promised that Katara would behave herself this time, and Aang also promised not to get angry anymore and would try to make up with Katara, what's there to worry about?" Zuko smiled, even when hating every moment, he spent packing his backpack because he didn't want to be with Katara or allow Aang to be near her… but this was for Sokka, and Sokka was his friend, and this was the only thing that Zuko could think of that would bring his friend some rest and closure.

"…Zuko…" Iroh started once more, looking like he was going to protest. "Maybe I should come with you…" Iroh ended up offering, looking at Zuko and causing the Kunze to roll his eyes.

"Why? Afraid of me taking advantage of Aang?" Zuko commented dryly, raising his eyebrow in amusement and trying to lighten the mood a bit, his words caused Iroh's lips to quirk up before he tried to control his face into that stern look and failed.

"…You know what… just… just enjoy your trip and stay safe, we will be waiting at Shiapa Village to restock and repair the ship." Zuko smiled, walking to his uncle and hugging him tightly when the man opened his arms. "…And no sex before marriage…" Was whispered in his ear causing Zuko to groan in annoyance and embarrassment before kicking his uncle out of his room and grumbling to himself.

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"We are already married…" Which went unheard…)…

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So, this was how they ended up here, near Gaipan village; going on a road trip while hoping that everything would be fine in the end and that the level of hostility between the four of them would vanish somehow. Something that Zuko didn't have the heart to go to Sokka and tell him how wrong he was, not when the man was trying to cheer everyone around him and crack jokes and point at the many sights around, hoping that at least something would cheer everyone and stop this awkwardness that blanketed them since the start of their journey.

"Sokka, enough…" Katara groaned in annoyance, walking beside the group but always making sure that Sokka was between her and Aang, not looking at the Air Bender and definitely not looking at Zuko; content to just look around the forest and probably will this nightmare away… the same thing Zuko was doing as he tried to ignore the little girl and try to trick himself that he was on a road trip with Sokka and Aang, just like back in the day when he joined the Gaang in those early days… if only Toph was here…

Sokka growled and tried once more, and when that didn't seem to work anymore and calm his friends down and make them apologize, the Zhongyong had had enough and he exploded. "That's it! That's It!" Sokka screeched, stomping until he was in front of the group, pointing his finger at them with anger in his eyes. "Can you all just stop being assholes and apologize to one another?! Goddammit! Why do I have to be the bigger person here and force you to apologize when you all know you are wrong here?!" Sokka huffed and buffed, his exclamation surprised the rest.

"Sokka!"

"What Katara?! We both know you are the one wrong here! Time and time again I continued to tell you that what you are doing is wrong and that Zuko is our friend and ally and without him, we couldn't even be here! So, why are you acting like this?! This is not like you at all, this is not the Katara that I know! You were always this kind and sweet girl who I always admired and looked up to so what happened-!"

"Sokka!"

"What now, Aang?! I know you are the one right here, Avatar and all! But that doesn't mean you have to act like an asshole to my sister or an asshole toward me and cut me off when I am trying to reach out and make a connection! You-!"

"For Agni's sake, Sokka!"

"Zuko?! You too?!" Sokka cried out, turning his betrayed eyes toward Zuko, probably wondering why the Kunze dared to stop him from laying out his feelings when this was the only time, he could say what he wanted to say and force his stupid sister to listen.

"Behind you!" The three of them shouted in unison and took fighting stances, causing Sokka to freeze before gulping softly and turning around, his face falling when he saw a Fire Nation campsite with a lot of soldiers. All of them were gazing at the four with shocked looks that morphed into something desperate and mad as they jumped from their seats, pointing at Zuko and Aang while ordering their capture.

"Oh, Monkey Feather… Run!" Sokka screeched turning around to run but was cut off by some Fire Bending setting the bushes behind them on fire… and also setting Sokka's shirt on fire; thankfully, Katara managed to doze the fire down by bending water on it, until Sokka was soaked.

"Catch him! Catch Pri-!" The Soldier with the eye patch shouted his orders, but before he could finish, a whooshing sound was heard and the soldier was knocked out; causing both Zuko and Aang (Both of whom were taking a fighting stance to protect the Water Tribe siblings and get out of this mess) to look at one another.

"Guys, Look!" Katara shouted while pointing at a tree not that far in the distance, and only then did the two of them finally see the reason for the soldier's defeat. Zuko could only pause for a second, clicking his tongue when he saw the person perching on the tall tree, not knowing what to feel or do when he saw Jet jumping from his safe place and taking down soldiers.

"They are in the trees!" A soldier shouted before A young boy jumped and landed on top of the soldier. One after another, the trees rustled before more teenagers emerged, from the treetops, attacking and knocking out soldiers left and right until no one was left standing and all the Fire Nation people ended up lying on the floor unconscious.

"Hey."

"Hi."

Zuko could only blink, watching Katara's interaction with Jet with a raised eyebrow, something that was mirrored by Aang who pressed his lips into a tight line and let out a harsh sigh through his nose. "Are you alright?" Aang questioned gently, his words snapping Zuko out of his line of thinking.

"Yeah… it's fine." Zuko murmured, bumping his shoulder gently with Aang, which gained him a soft smile from the Qianyuan, who stiffened when he saw how Jet's eyes fell on Zuko; that made Zuko narrow his eyes a bit, gazing at the annoying Qianyuan that Zuko had the misfortune of meeting all those years ago… a disrespectable asshole with a bigoted mindset even worse than the Water Tribes when it came to the Fire Nation especially Fire Nation's Kunzes.

"Why hello there…" Jet smiled, in what doubt he hoped was a charming smile, pausing a bit when he noticed the scare on Zuko's face which made the Kunze's hackles rise the longer that man stared disrespectfully. "My name is Jet, and these are my Freedom Fighters. Sneers, Longshot, Smellerbee, The Duke, and Pipsqueak." Jet finally ended up introducing himself when noticed Zuko and Aang's attention on him, faltering a bit when he noticed the unimpressed looks, they were both sending the teen.

"Pleasure…" Zuko stated in a voice that clearly meant the opposite, something that made Katara frown harshly at this clear disrespect; Sokka, on the other hand, puffed his chest, when he saw that he was backed by Zuko and Aang to some extent as the Qianyuan remained silent, not saying anything as he gazed at the teenagers and children around (From what Zuko remembered from Sokka's recall about Jet, they hadn't met in the most favorable, nor departed on good terms because the man decided destroying villages and killing the innocent to further his plans were more favorable than doing the right thing… and back then Zuko didn't have any opinion on Jet when they met, as they had once upon a time worked together; it was until Zuko heard the way that Jet talked about Fire Nation Kunzes as if they were a prize to get or a broodmare to be given as compensation that had turned him off immediately and informed him the kind of deranged asshole he was dealing with, which was why he pulled away from Jet's group immediately).

"Guys… I have a bad feeling about this… maybe we should leave." Sokka frowned harshly as he saw the Freedom Fighters raiding the empty camp and kicking the unconscious Fire Nation soldiers before searching their pockets. Katara hummed out a 'Why?' her eyes still on Jet only to gaze at her brother like he was stupid when the Zhongyong told her. "My instincts, Katara, they are telling me not to trust him." To which Katara rolled her eyes.

"Really Sokka? Your instincts? He saved us and this is how you repay him?" Before she approached Jet who was leaning on a tree not that far behind to talk with him, gazing at the four of them in a way, that Zuko felt was setting Aang on the edge, which was so strange, because from what Zuko remembered from Aang and Sokka's conversation, Aang was delighted when meeting the Freedom Fighters for the first time.

"Well, here goes Katara…" Sokka growled, crossing her arms and glaring at the girl who was talking and laughing with Jet, his face twitching down in a harsh scowl as he looked like he was a second away from pulling his sister by her ear.

"What are we going to do now?" Aang finally spoke, shifting a bit until he was standing in front of Zuko and covering him from Jet's line of sight, which made the Kunze's lips twitch at the sudden show of possessiveness. "We can't leave without Katara, and I am unsure she is willing to listen." To which Sokka hissed and started cursing under his breath.

At this, Zuko let out an annoyed breath, his hand ruffling his hair before and he could only frown as he gazed at the annoying girl… really Zuko should have known that this would have been a bad idea, the moment Sokka mentioned his annoying sister. "Follow them and keep an eye I guess, there is not much we can do if Katara isn't willing to listen." Zuko ended up saying when his words were met with frowns from his companions.

"Hey, Jet, these barrels are filled with blasting jelly." Hearing this exclamation coming from The Duke, made Zuko's lips twitch against his will, remembering the time spent in the Western Air Temple, before he shook his head, knowing that this was not the time to reminiscence about a past long gone when the child in question was standing on the opposed side. "We'll take this stuff back to the hideout." The Duke exclaimed happily.

"You guys have a hideout?" Katara questioned happily, and just from that tone, Zuko knew how their day was going to end, which both Aang and Sokka seemed to know if the way they looked at each other was anything to get by.

"You wanna see it?" Jet smiled charmingly at Katara which made the girl blush, something that caused Sokka to groan and let out a choked 'Ugh!' as he pointed at the scene and made many choked noises which made Aang snort softly a smile twitching on his lips.

"Yes, we wanna see it!" Katara exclaimed, looking so over the moon, and definitely not hearing Sokka's shout of 'We don't!' which was largely ignored, by everyone around them as Jet started leading Katara to the hideout.

"Don't worry, Sokka, if it's of any condolence we will pull Katara and immediately leave this place if we notice something." Aang patted Sokka on the shoulder, to which the teen started complaining about his sister's trashy taste and how this outing wasn't supposed to be about Katara acquiring a boyfriend or something of that like.

"That girl! I swear she is doing this on purpose!" Sokka hissed, stomping his feet as he followed his sister, leaving Aang and Zuko to glance at one another before laughing softly and following the boy behind… Zuko on the other hand couldn't help the sad smile…

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It almost felt like he was back in the past…

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---

Something about Jet was making Aang feel on edge… he doesn't know how, nor why, but something about the other teenager who was smiling and chatting and leading them around the forest to his hideout was making Aang feel on edge. Aang didn't know what brought his attention to the issue, he didn't know why every instinct in his body was going into overdrive telling him that something was off, nor why he felt his skin crawling every time he saw that smile on the other teen's face.

Aang didn't know what was wrong with him… the other teenager had saved them from the Fire Nation soldiers when they stumbled upon them; so far, Jet had been nothing but a kind person with impeccable manners as he indulged in Katara's chatter, and smiled and waved off the hostility that came from Sokka, for the way he saw his sister cozying up to a complete stranger, and gave Aang and Zuko their space without getting too close to them…

But something was off about Jet… he didn't know why and didn't know how, but Aang didn't feel that comfortable being near the boy; part of him was already preparing to receive a stab to the back, as paranoia all but clouded his senses to the point of unconsciously hiding Zuko behind him every time Jet looked their way. An action that received a raised eyebrow and an amused smile from the Kunze who looked like he wanted to tease him but was holding back.

But maybe… maybe it was Aang, in the end, who was off… maybe it was him who was wrong and something inside his head was knocked out or set loose ever since that night days ago when Aang woke up… feeling nothing but disorientation, sadness, and rage so strong, it was a miracle that nothing was set ablaze by how fury and loath almost consumed him; only kept at bay by the sheer power of well (And surprisingly, by the sight of Zuko, who was alive, well, and healthy, which brought tears into Aang's eyes as much as it brought relief and happiness, as he all but ran into the Kunze's arms, disregarding everything in the hope of reassuring himself that the Kunze was here with him, safe in his arms).

As Aang saw how they reached their destination, that persistent feeling couldn't help but rear its ugly head once more, especially as he saw Sokka screaming as he was pulled into the branches above, and Jet turned to gaze at Zuko with a hopeful look. "Zuko, will you allow me?" Hearing these words coming from Jet, and seeing him extend his hand toward the Kunze as he smiled at him; Aang couldn't help but bristle on the inside, as his anger flared once more, and he could only gripe his staff tight, suddenly overwhelmed with the need to do something

"Thanks, but no," Zuko said dryly with a roll of his eyes, ignoring the way Katara was looking at him with an angry pout, and definitely ignoring the crack in Jet's façade as Zuko turned toward Aang. "Aang?" Zuko questioned, and Aang's lips couldn't help but twitch up as he offered his right hand and opened his glider with his left.

"Hold on tight." Was the only warning Aang offered after securing his hold on Zuko, before launching the two of them up, using his Air Bending to fly to the top of the trees; letting out a surprise hum filled with delight as he saw the smile on Zuko's lips, and how he seemed to hold up, no fear and wariness in his eyes… if Aang didn't know any better, he would have thought that this wasn't Zuko's first time flying on a glider or with someone else.

"Now tell me, what got you on edge?" Zuko whispered under his breath, and not for the thousandth time, Aang couldn't help but wonder how attuned Zuko was to him to know that there was something off with Aang even when he tried (And probably failed) to hide everything from everyone.

"I don't know… something just… feel off, I guess," Aang whispered when he saw Jet talking to the rest and showing everyone around, being content to use his glider to fly about and get a layout of the place before descending to walk beside Sokka and Katara; frowning now and then at the information that Jet was disclosing… in a way, feeling that he had heard them before once upon a time, but at the same time it was impossible, wasn't it? They had just met the other teenager, so why did Aang feel he knew him? Pity him? Angry with him?

"Oh, something is definitely off, and Jet is dangerous; I can confirm…" Zuko leaned to say in Aang's ear, causing the Qianyuan to shiver at the close proximity, his heart pounding loud inside his chest, and he could only swallow, feeling his mouth suddenly as dry as the deserts of the Earth Kingdom.

"Uh-huh, can confirm? Care to elaborate?" Aang questioned as he directed them to a tree branch to land, knowing that if they stayed up any longer, Aang might lose concentration from the closeness between them, and also the flare of jealousy that was lit within him at the thought of Zuko knowing Jet.

"Instincts." Zuko teased after they landed, his words were unexpected and so Sokka-like, that Aang couldn't help but let out a bark of laughter, that managed to surprise him, but seemed to please Zuko as the Kunze just smiled.

"You know, Zuko, it seems that you spent way too much time with Sokka recently if this was the first thing that came to mind." Aang chuckled, his smile almost vanishing when he saw the way Jet was staring at them (No, not them, but Zuko. He was staring at the Kunze with fascination, and something else in his eyes that made Aang's hackle raise until his lips twisted into a sneer before he controlled himself).

"Great minds think alike, don't you think?" Zuko grinned, leaning up to whisper in his ear. "Sooner or later, he will do something, and when he does? We are here." This made Aang hum, and an amused smile crossed his face, which widened when he saw Sokka looking at them and pouting, pointing at his sister with an exasperated look as he demanded that they save him. "Now, pretty boy, come and show me how you usually start chaos around here." With that Zuko dragged Aang away, summoning a joyful laugh from Aang who could only feel light and happy…

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Suddenly, nothing else mattered.

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It turned out, that Jet would do something in the end… sooner than Aang expected from the annoying boy who kept sending those smiles in Zuko's direction and trying to include him in a conversation that Zuko's only answer to was either 'Mn' or a deadpanned look before he dragged Aang away; leaving Jet a flustered and a stuttering mess as he tried to rush after Zuko, who sent Aang a glare that ordered him to do something (And Aang, despite the jealousy that reared its head to the point he thought he would bite Jet's head off, he couldn't help but laugh in amusement at the way that Zuko embarrassed the other boy until he finally left them alone, and the way that Jet had out of nowhere developed an ill-timed crush on Zuko… but honestly speaking, who wouldn't? Zuko was a once-in-a-lifetime Kunze, a fresh breeze playful and strong, a healing balm for the broken souls, and a firecracker all in one, you wouldn't know what hit you until too late).

Sooner turned out to be the next day, when Sokka charged into their temporary hut, fuming as he huffed and buffed and then pulled Aang and Zuko to the side to tell them what happened during his 'Mission' with Jet; looking furious and a touch mad as he talked about the elderly man who was almost beaten up by Jet.

"We are leaving… we have to leave! I swear if I stay a minute longer near that… that… ugh!" Sokka huffed, ruffling his hair and looking so guilty and tired… "He was a Kunze…" Sokka's voice cracked, looking so pained and guilty as he clutched his fists tightly. "He was a Kunze… and I couldn't do a damn thing… I just stood there, and watched…" Sokka took deep breaths, trying to calm himself down.

This made Aang freeze in his place, the breath locked in his lungs and he could only glance at Zuko who stood motionless, the look in his eyes couldn't be deciphered. "Hey, Sokka. Is Jet back?" Katara's joyful voice snapped their attention, and the three of them could only turn to the small girl who ran toward her brother, a happy smile on her face as she clutched what looked like a hat in her hands.

"Yeah, he's back. But we're leaving." Sokka finally spat these words, straightening himself and going toward their luggage to pack so the four of them could leave this place as fast as they could; a sentiment shared between Zuko and Aang and they went to their backpacks.

"What?" Katara let out a confused noise as she looked at everyone with furrowed brows. "But why?" She questioned, stomping toward Sokka and stopping the boy in his quest of leaving this damned place.

"Because, dear little sister, your boyfriend Jet, is a thug who beat and robbed a harmless old man," Sokka growled, his words made shock and confusion flash in Katara's eyes, but still, the girl dodged Sokka's hand that was about to take hold of her and drag her away.

"What?! No, he's not, and he didn't!" Katara cried out, pulling away and glaring at her brother, no doubt angry at him and thinking he was joking, which unfortunately for the little girl, everyone around knew that there was something wrong with that boy from the start.

"I was there, Katara! I was there, and I saw him beat that poor old man! Jet is messed up; a deranged madman we need to be as far away from as we can and this is final!" Sokka shouted, pointing at his sister, which made the girl tremble and look like a step away from crying.

"I wanna hear Jet's side of the story!" Katara shouted, glaring at Sokka before walking out of the hut and ignoring her brother's call. She no doubt went to Jet's room and tried to question the man about what happened.

"That girl!" Sokka snarled, stalking after his sister and planning on dragging her by the back of her dress; Aang on the other hand, could only look at Zuko, who pursed his lips and gave Aang a look that told him to be prepared for anything, receiving a nod from Aang who had already prepared himself for the worse outcome from the second they met Jet.

"Sokka…" Jet, who was sitting on a hammock bed let out a sigh, looking so disappointed and tired, causing Sokka to bristle and hiss. "You told them what happened, but you didn't mention that the guy was Fire Nation." The condescending tone Jet spoke with, as if everything was justified if the person Jet had beaten was from the Fire Nation, made Aang twitch, and glare at the man.

"No, he conveniently left that part out…" Katara spat, glaring at her brother as she clutched the hat in her hand tightly, ignoring the way that her brother growled at her, and gave her a warning look.

"Fine! But even if he was Fire Nation, he was a harmless civilian! He was a Kunze! What's your excuse for that?!" Sokka snapped, pointing his finger at Jet as if daring him to deny the claim, his face twisting into a scary sight as he dared Jet to oppose him.

"He was an assassin, Sokka." Jet said as he pulled out a knife and thrust it into a nearby stump; a sinister-looking curved blade, where there were four spikes evenly spaced along the grip, with enough space for fingers to go between them, and a ring on the butt of the knife, which Jet pulled out and removed a small glass tube filled with red liquid. "See? There's a compartment for poison in the knife. He was sent to eliminate me. You helped save my life, Sokka." Aang by then, could only watch with a dropped jaw, not knowing how to handle such shamelessness put on display.

"You are lying." Zuko cut Jet when they saw the man open his mouth again, his voice freezing the man and causing him to frown and look at Zuko with a questioning look, to which the Kunze raised his nose in the air haughtily. "Fire Nation Kunzes, are not allowed in the military, for one. Second, this knife in your hand is one of a kind, and the only branch in the Fire Nation military it existed in, is the Yuyan Archers. Also, this model was made and distributed four years ago, so even if the man is an assassin, he wouldn't have access to this specific model… the assassin you are talking about would be none other than the Yuyan Archer in your midst." Here, Zuko glanced at Longshot, who narrowed his eyes but otherwise didn't say anything to deny or confirm.

"And why do you care if I am lying or not? Shouldn't you rejoice that those Fire Nation scums are getting what they deserve?" Jet questioned, getting off the hammock bed to walk until he stood near Zuko; face flushed with anger and embarrassment at having his lie exposed just like that. "Surely you must be furious after what they did to you? How they disfigured you? Or did you forget about the burn that covered half of your face?" Here Zuko only raised his eyebrow, his eyes shone with amusement as he looked at Jet, as if he was looking at someone stupid. As for Aang, he couldn't help but bristle and dig his fingers in his palms to try and stop himself from doing something stupid, like launching at Jet and punching the daylight out of him for daring to insult Zuko like this (Disfigure? Disfigure?! Was that boy blind or something? Did he not realize how beautiful and amazing Zuko was, and that his scar only added more to Zuko's beauty instead of disfiguring him? Was he mad?!).

"Sokka… take Katara and go bring Appa; meet us at the village near the dam," Aang whispered to his friend, knowing that a fight was about to break out (But he didn't know if he was the one going to start it because of the rage burning inside of him at the disrespect Jet showed Zuko, or Zuko who looked furious even though he was forcing a placid smile on his face) and Aang would need to act fast by taking Zuko and running as far away as he could when that happened; Sokka must have heard something in his voice because he gave Aang a nod, and acted immediately by pulling his sister away and running.

"Ah, stupidity knows no boundaries." Zuko hummed, gazing at Jet, and before everyone knew or could react, Zuko punched the other teen in the nose, hard; the force of his punch sent Jet flying to the floor, cursing and gasping as he clutched his no doubt, bloody and broken nose. "That, for hitting a Kunze." Zuko spat, glaring at Jet like he was nothing but a worm writhing under his foot. "And by the way asshole, I am a Fire Nation Kunze." This was Aang's cue to take Zuko and run for their lives because when it finally clicked in the Freedom Fighters' heads that Zuko was from the Fire Nation, all hell broke loose and they started chasing them.

"You just had to do it, didn't you?" Aang questioned, as he opened his glider and jumped with Zuko in his arms to fly away; his words only succeeded in making the Kunze give him one of those amused and delighted smiles.

"Of course, I did, where would be the fun if I didn't punch the daylight out of such trash?" Zuko Fire Bend the fire in the torches which resulted in shouting and screaming as the Freedom Fighters started running around to snuff out the small fire Zuko caused, leaving them to escape safely without being stopped. "Now, head to Gaipan Village, Aang, knowing that asshole, he is probably planning something." Aang hummed in wonder but followed Zuko's lead to the village in mention, nonetheless…

"You know Zuko, as much as you give me shit for causing chaos; you really are a troublemaker in disguise." Aang teased, his words summoned a laugh from the Kunze; an action that made Aang's heart squeeze as he felt happiness when hearing such a sound coming from Zuko.

"Maybe, but you love me anyway." Zuko teased back with an amused look, before pointing in the direction they should go in next, not knowing how his words made Aang blush heavily and was left trying with all his might to concentrate and ignore how his heart was pounding so loudly in his chest it was a miracle that Zuko didn't hear it…

"Yeah… You are right…" Aang could only smile… in the end, Zuko was a troublemaker who was bent on killing Aang with the way he caused those mini-heart failures every time he did something dangerous (That all but made Aang's heart drop because why?!), but he was right…

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Aang does love him… He truly does…

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…Even if he was a little shit in disguise…

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"Katara, stop!"

Katara didn't stop; she continued on her way, planning to get back to the Freedom Fighters. She could only feel furious about how Sokka just up and pulled her from the room without her consent; trying to drag her away, and ignoring how Prince Zuko was possibly lying just to make Jet appear as the bad person and not the other way around. To this day, Katara still doesn't know how Sokka and Aang were fooled by that Prince's act, because surely, it was just an act, and Prince Zuko was leading them to the Fire Nation, where he would then give Aang to his father on a silver plate.

At first, during those first few days traveling with the Fire Nation crew, Katara did feel a little guilty about the way she acted around everyone who was trying to be nice to her even when she sometimes (Most of the times) insulted or did something they didn't like. After Omashu, seeing how King Bumi was acting around General Iroh, seeing how the people in the Earth Kingdom acting around the Fire Nation crew; Katara promised herself she would behave and get better in the end and start a new page, because clearly, if that many people were kind and happy to see the Fire Nation crew, then they were really the good guys and not pretending before they did something unforgivable and stab them in the back.

But then… then… Zuko turned out to be Prince Zuko, son of Fire Lord Ozai, the man who sat on the throne and brought nothing but death and war. Zuko turned out to be Prince Zuko, and Katara could only shake in fear and terror at the thought of them having been tricked from the start, being led like lambs to slaughter as the Fire Nation crew slowly directed them to the Fire Nation where they would be killed, Aang would be imprisoned, and the world would lose its only hope and protector…

So, she snapped, said some nasty things, accused the Prince, and started some fights with him, all the while she was hoping that her stupid brother would open his eyes and help her escape with Aang from this place before they got killed. To her surprise, Sokka refused to take her side, always scolding her and telling her to behave, not even listening when she talked about how the Fire Nation crew were bad and could kill them!

And then Aang woke up… Aang woke up, and Katara thought maybe she would be able to talk with him and show him reason; show him that Zuko had lied to them, about who he was… Aang woke up and the two of them fought in a way Katara didn't believe they were capable of, said some nasty thing to each other, and Aang refused to listen too, instead, choosing to stand by Prince Zuko's side, even when they knew he was Fire Lord Ozai's son, and was probably someone bad too.

Then she met Jet, and she thought she would be able to convince Sokka and Aang to stay a bit and see how the Fire Nation were the bad ones like how Jet clearly saw things… but then Sokka came with those outrageous claims, and then everyone refused to listen, and already made their conclusion without even listening to the other side, causing Katara to feel so angry and frustrated because Aang and Sokka were doing to Jet the exact same thing they were doing to her! Taking Prince Zuko's side and not listening!

So, she ran back to the hideout, planning on pulling Jet aside and talking to him, asking for his help in freeing Sokka and Aang from Prince Zuko's clutch, because clearly the Kunze had brainwashed them and made them drop their common sense somewhere in the Southern seas because they refused to sit down and listen!

So, she found Jet, and could only stare in shock at his broken nose and angry look as he shouted and ordered his Fighters around to put out the fire in their hideout. Katara managed to make Jet listen, even when the man looked so angry when he saw her and called her a traitor who stood beside the Fire Nation. So, she screamed and told Jet what was going on and how it was Prince Zuko's fault, but no one was listening to her; feeling angrier and more frustrated as the seconds passed because everyone around her refused to listen!

"Fine… I believe you…" Katara remembered Jet saying and she almost started crying because someone finally stopped and listened to her. "But Katara! You have to help me, that Kunze has already burned part of our hideout and is planning on burning down our forest. If you use Water Bending to fill the reservoir, we could fight the fires. But if you leave now, they will destroy the whole valley." Katara could only feel horror, feeling so mad, and so, so furious at Sokka and Aang for not listening to her, and now because they refused to listen, innocent people were going to die!

So Katara stayed, wanting to do the right thing and help, wanting to help the innocent people and save them from their death… a death, they were going to face because they trusted someone from the Fire Nation who was lying and using them,

So Katara stayed and followed Jet upriver where she knew he needed her help, feeling a little hesitant when she was told that she needed to Water Bend and destroy these vents so that the Freedom Fighters would have the needed water to stop the fire that was going to consume the forest. But she did it, and she helped, and Katara was confident she was doing this to help people…

"Katara, you fool! Stop it!" Sokka's angry screech stopped her, and before she knew it, she was yanked back from the back of her dress; by this point, she had managed to destroy several vents, and the water was flowing down the river in strong gushes, and she hoped that she did a job well done and managed to help Jet put out the fire.

"What are you doing here?" Katara remembered pushing her brother away, she remembered glaring at him and daring him to stop her; she may have even screamed at him and scolded him for trusting that Prince who was hellbent on capturing and killing them.

"You idiot! Have you lost your mind or left it with Gran-Gran?! Jet is not to be trusted! That damned thug is about to blow the Dam!" Sokka shouted at her, looking so furious, so sad, and so disappointed all in one; giving Katara a look that she never thought she would receive from him.

"W-what? No, no! Jet wouldn't do that! He wouldn't! He just needed the water to stop the Fire Nation from burning down the forest! You are wrong!" Katara shouted; her heart pounding in her throat, while all she could think of was that if Sokka was right, if he was right… That would destroy the town…

"Then come and see." Sokka dragged her to the dam, and she could only feel numb and in pain when she saw the barrels of blasting jelly at the base of the Dam; her heart twisted painfully in her chest as she felt nothing but betrayal and pain at the thought of Jet using her. "We got to stop him." She remembered Sokka saying before running toward the Dam, only to stop by Jet who attacked him using his swords.

"…Why?" Katara remembered choking out, gazing at Jet with anger and betrayal; feeling like a fool for believing in Jet when everyone around her (Everyone even her brother!) had told her again and again Jet was bad, and she refused to listen… she refused to listen! Why did she refuse to listen? Why?!

"Katara, you would too if you just stopped to think. Think about what the Fire Nation did to your mother. We can't let them do that to anyone else ever again." Jet lied… he lied to her ears once more; looked her in the eyes and lied to her once more, because that's what he always does, that was the only thing he ever did. He looked her straight in the eyes and told his lie while making sure to use her mother's death in his speech or try to trick her by using her hopes and dreams.

"This is not the answer!" She remembered shouting angrily, feeling tears prickling her eyes, and the sobs trapped in her chest as she gazed at Jet, whom Sokka started to fight, using his club to fight Jet and not allowing the man a chance to breathe or signal to the others to blow the Dam.

Shouting in pain and anger, Katara could only use the water from the river around her, to deliver strike after strike and throw Jet against the trunk of a tree; attacking over and over again, feeling nothing but heartbreak and pain at being the idiot in the situation, when everyone around her… Everyone! …Sokka, Aang, and even Prince Zuko, whom she accused of being an enemy and traitor, again and again, told her that Jet was bad.

"Why, Jet?! Why?! I trusted you! I trusted you and you lied to me! You are sick and I trusted you!" Katara shouted after freezing the boy to the tree he was leaning on, glaring at him with anger in her tear-filled eyes. A birdcall was sounded in the forest, and before Katara managed to freeze Jet's mouth and prevent him from calling back; it was already too late, and she could only in horror as Jet smirked. "No…" She could only whimper.

"No!" Sokka screamed as they both watched in horror, the center of the dam exploded in a cloud of smoke and fire, and a massive wall of water went to the town; striking the place and destroying everything within, killing all those innocent people… Fathers, mothers, children… all were killed before their very own eyes. "Aang and Zuko were there… Aang and Zuko were there…" Sokka mumbled hysterically, and Katara could only let out a choked noise, as she felt horror taking hold of her, at the thought of killing the world's only hope because of her mistake and blind hatred. "You sick fuck!" Sokka screamed, punching Jet in the jaw, cursing and spitting at him, and looking so incensed and a step away from murder.

Katara could only slide down to her knees, putting her hands on her mouth as she felt horror and shock… She did this… She did this! She was the one responsible for this! Helping this… this monster and killing all those innocent people… she did this!

"Even after all of this, you still do not understand?!" Jet spat out, glaring at Sokka with a bloody face, painted black and blue. "This was a victory, our victory. The Fire Nation is gone and this valley will be safe." Katara sobbed, whimpering as everything finally downed on her and she realized how she messed up.

"But not at the expense of those innocent lives! Even if they were from the Fire Nation, they were civilians, they were innocent! There were children out there! Children!" Sokka shouted, looking like he was going to lose it any minute now.

"Innocent? Innocent?!" Jet laughed then and there, leaning on the tree behind. "Those 'Innocent children' will grow up one day and become just like their parents. Monsters who relished in slaughtering people and taking over our land. So, before that happens, we need to make sure to put them down like the dogs they are." A snarl was heard from Sokka followed by another punch. "Tell me Sokka, why did you leave the Water Tribe if it wasn't for taking revenge for your mother and destroying the Fire Nation like they did us?!" Jet continued on, uncaring how incensed Sokka was getting by the second.

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"Every time, someone tries to fight a war based on prejudice and hate, innocent people die, Katara. Every. Fucking. Time!"

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"…If you don't stop now, stop your anger and hatred now; you will regret it, and believe me when that happens, it will be too late."

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"Aang was right…" Katara sobbed, raising her shaky hands to pull at her hair. "Aang was right…" Katara let out a whimper, finally realizing how stupid and blind she was from the start, allowing her hate and anger to blind her until it was too late, and those innocent people's blood were on her hands. "Aang was right… but I didn't listen…" Katara let out a raw noise filled with pain and heartbreak as her hand went down and clutched her chest… all this time…

All this time when she tried to make Sokka and Aang listen to her about how Zuko and his crew were the bad people; feeling so angry and hurt every time they refused to listen… it was in truth Katara who refused to listen to them, even when they were the ones at right; it was Katara who was the bad one and a monster who now had innocent blood on her hands, all because of what? She hated Zuko because he was from the Fire Nation? Hated him because he was the Fire Lord's son? Or maybe… maybe she hated him because he was a male Kunze and male Kunzes were unnatural… wasn't that what everyone said back home?

"Truly, stupidity knows no boundaries." Hearing this familiar voice, Katara's head shot up, and her eyes widened when she saw Aang and Zuko, sitting on Appa's head and gazing at Jet with a twin look of disgust; Sokka's happy cry, and Katara's strangled one made Aang look at them and give them an encouraging and comforting nod. "Just so you know, the village was empty and people are safe; Aang and I managed to reach the village and warn them to evacuate in time…" Here, Katara, if she hadn't been kneeling on the ground already, she would have fallen down from how relieved she felt… Alive… they were alive… All those innocent people were alive! "Oh, and the old man who you beat? Was too happy to spread the word about the group of deranged bandits lurking in the woods. Gaipan village was filled with the resistance force, you know them, right? Those Fire Benders who chose to side with Earth Benders and Water Tribe in this war, yeah those. So, expect a visit soon because boy, oh, boy, the Earth Benders are out for blood when they discovered how you hit and robbed one of the Fire Nation Kunzes who was helping them in this war." Sokka let out a laugh hearing this, sending Jet a vindictive grin, and enjoying how the boy's face turned red with rage.

"Come on guys, it's time for us to go," Aang called out as Appa landed near the two of them allowing them to climb; Sokka let out a laugh and stuck his tongue out in mockery before he ran to climb Appa's saddle, looking so happy and relieved like the weight of the world was removed from his shoulders.

Katara could only wipe her face, finally getting her sobs under control before standing up on shaky legs; feeling like a mess as emotions slammed into her one after another, until she could only feel exposed and tired, ready to fall asleep and never waking up. "Katara, please, you must understand." Jet called out, his voice making Katara's skin crawl as she felt nothing but disgust and self-hate.

"No, I don't." Katara turned to Jet, glaring at him with red-rimmed eyes. "And I refuse to understand because you were wrong, and I was stupid enough to believe you because I was wrong too… Goodbye, Jet; hopefully, we will never see each other again." Katara turned away and went to climb on Appa's saddle, not looking back, even when Jet continued to shout and demand that they get back.

"Guys! I knew you would do something!" Sokka laughed happily as they flew on Appa's back, heading to the next town where the ship was. "You don't know how I…" Katara could only sit in the back, watching Sokka's interaction with Aang and Zuko, feeling a little helpless but at the same time guilty, because she was the one who shut herself out and refused to connect and build bridges, and that's why she was sitting away from the group feeling sorry for herself while watching everyone and not be included in.

"Guys…" Katara called out, playing with her fingers nervously, feeling his throat contract when everyone turned to face her. "I am sorry." Katara bowed, clutching his fingers tightly. "Sorry about everything, and… and sorry about being mean and unreasonable; you were right, Aang, but I didn't listen…" Aang gave her a small smile, looking so happy that Katara could only feel her guilt intensify. "And Prince Zuko…" Here, she saw how Zuko blinked his eyes and looked at her with a raised eyebrow, no doubt he didn't expect Katara to include him. "I am sorry for how I treated you since the start; I let my anger and hate cloud my judgment and I did many bad things… I am so, so sorry…" Sokka started clapping and cheering, looking so happy and over the moon, Katara couldn't help but feel guilty for how she treated him… no, how she treated all of them…

And really, Katara couldn't even fault Zuko, for how he was looking at her with confusion and suspicion, even as he nodded his head in thanks; not when she had spent the majority of the time with the Fire Nation crew starting fights and being mean and spoiled brat to the point Sokka had to bow and apologize on her behalf more than once. Katara needed to change, she realized that now, she needed to stop this blind hate and do something; be like Sokka, because Sokka believed in and trusted the right people while Katara believed in lies and delusions because she was hateful and angry about her mother's death… Katara needed to do something because…

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…She refused to be another Jet…

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…("…You said together… you lied… that's ok, though… everybody lies… Aang…"

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There was nothing but blackness around him; utter darkness that spread as far as sight went, no spec of light to be seen. "Zuko!" Aang called out, turning his head around and trying to search for the Kunze, his heart in his throat as he felt nothing but terror and disorientation. "Zuko!" His body was floating helplessly, untethered to anything under it as the void Aang was within went on and on forever, bringing with it the feeling of helplessness that all but consumed Aang. "General Iroh!" Aang could only helplessly try to move and run, even when he didn't feel like he managed to move a step away from the original place he woke up in, confused and scared and wondering where he was. "Sokka! Katara!" His bending didn't work, no matter how much Aang tried to Air Bend, his bending didn't work! Leaving him helpless and terrified out of his mind.

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"I could feel the rage that you carry around…"

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A loud booming voice echoed all of a sudden inside his head, before the void Aang was in flashed with black and white in rapid succession, Aang could only stumble back, closing his eyes against the assault; his breath was trapped in his chest, and his heart rabbiting inside his chest in terror, every damned instinct inside of him started blaring out loud, telling him to run and hide, and when he started to hear those voices, speaking all at once, shouting, crying, and overlapping until Aang could feel nothing but the piercing pain that crippled him… Aang could only scream as he covered his ears, his legs buckled under his weight and he felt liquid trickling down his ears and coating his fingers.

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"Why d-d-didn't y-you…"

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"…He said my sister was born lucky… he said I was lucky to be born…"

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"…Then I will stay with you, and you could be my very own misfortune whom I will cherish…"

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"Zuko?" Aang whimpered when he heard the Kunze's familiar voice, that familiar and kind voice filled with pain, with loath, with agony so strong that every cell in Aang's body demanded that he do something to stop this!

Opening his eyes and trying to look around for Zuko; Aang froze when he came face to face with a massive… something… something that looked exactly like him in appearance and was holding Aang in the palm of their hand inside a sphere, gazing at Aang with a stern gaze and a tilted head… The Avatar Spirit… Aang didn't know why this thought echoed in his whole being, but he felt it true, and he could only watch with wide eyes as the Spirit spoke without opening its mouth.

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"I wish there was something I could do to help you, because… if I could…"

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"I need you to find him…"

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"It's all your fault! Your fault! You should have killed him! You…!"

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"Where are you?!"

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The Spirit's voice intertwined with Zuko's, echoed so loudly in Aang's whole being; moaning in pain, Aang could only feel his head almost splitting open from the pain. It was a pain so strong that Aang could only strike his head against the sphere he was within, hoping this physical pain would divert his attention from his head which felt like agony, as images one after the other flashed before his eyes, bringing with them nothing but horror and fear.

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"You will never be so vengeful anymore…"

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"G-gi-ve 'er b-back!"

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"Oh? So, now you are trying to flirt with me using the Fire Nation's ways, Avatar?"

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"I am not angry… not anymore…"

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"Let go…"

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"…You hesitated… Aang… you can't hesitate when facing Ozai!"

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"…Our baby…"

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"I, the forsaken child of Agni, am left with no one by my side…".

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"Stop! Please! Stop!" Aang could only shout, begging for this madness to stop as Zuko's pained sobs echoed in his ears, causing him to scream as he banged his head repeatedly, letting out a raw noise filled with pain with every sob he heard. Aang was now bleeding from his Qiqiao, and he could only choke as the scent of blood, death, and rot surrounded him.

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"…Forget…"

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"Let's get married; here, now. This instead; let's elope!"

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"You know Aang, you managed to throw a Fire Stone at my heart…"

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"When the war is over, and we win… come back and give me the other half…"

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"… Because if you don't…"

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"You know Aang… in the end, you were right…"

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"…I will be waiting…"

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"You were nothing but a misfortune…"

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"Only death will follow…")…

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So, what do you think?

An update, yay! And man was it a long one… almost 17k!

So many things happened in this chapter that I don't even know where to start.

Everyone! Starting from this moment forward, Katara's redemption arc (And character's development) will begin!

Yes, Katara might have been an asshole from the very first moment, starting with how she acted with Zuko, but do remember guys…

In this fic, Katara, unlike the rest of the Gaang who are 15-16-17 years old, is still a 13 years old kid who spent her whole life traumatized by her mother's death, and forced to follow the traditions and customs of her culture that oppressed women and hated male Kunzes to the point of killing (Will get back into this point when reaching the Northern Water Tribe arc). Plus, she is not that woman who betrayed Zuko and left him for death, so MAYBE we will see some reconciliation in the future.

Today's event was a real eye-opener for Katara, who started questioning herself (And how she behaved), her actions (Which she will end up regretting), and her culture (As she finally stopped being stubborn and opened her eyes to the way other cultures treated their people, and realized how twisted and bad everything was in her home)

Yay! I do like Katara as a character, so this will be exciting to write!

Read and Review

and tell me what you think...

Nazaki-Sama