Chapter Text

Princess Azula was right about one thing; Long Feng mused to himself as he stroked through her hair in satisfaction. Everyone had their place and hers was on the throne. That was something they could agree on. He was perfectly fine keeping in the shadows; guiding the arrogant but incredibly minds of those who were born to rule.

And Princess Azula was no exception.

Mindless, she stood at attention, unphased by the older man’s hand in her hair. He leisured in the feeling of royal silk in-between his fingers as he continued to whisper in the princess’ ear, giving her commands, guiding her to her purpose. Her true purpose; to be strung and worked by him. As many advisors had done countless times before to the royals. It was a time honored tradition to have the ear and the hold of the nations by the silver tongue of those who could charm the royals. A compliant smile formed on her once so cruel lips. He finally had her right where he wanted her; where royals like her deserved to be, where women like her deserved to be. Under his control.

He wasn’t sure about how easy it would be to take down the seemingly infallible Princes; knowing well of her victories and of her awful atrocities she’d commit with a smirk. She was a prodigy; a horrifying fact the entire world knew, a monster in human flesh. Yet, in the battle of wits between them, he had noticed one fatal flaw in the cunning young woman. One great weakness in what seemed to be the greatest threat to his kingdom: her own sense of self.

Her ego, her superiority, was as heavy as her eyelids became when the Dai Li were reconditioning her. And what a heavy chain it was, further dragging her down and cementing his control over her. It was almost poetic how easily she had fallen to a commoner like him.

There are those who are born to lead and to rule, and those who are destined to be commanded. Long Feng realized that sometimes young ones born to rule just needed some well-placed…guidance. And that’s what Azula realized too, once she saw his reason. Once he helped her see his reasoning.

And just like the Earth King saw, she too understood that his reasoning was infallible.

Of course she would understand. He laughed to himself triumphantly. She was brilliant, she’s the perfect princess. Naturally, she’ll make the perfect queen as well. She’s born to rule, born to play the role she was best suited for. And that was as Long Feng’s figurehead willingly handing the strings over to him.

For that was the role he was best suited for.

Ever loyal, her friends followed suit. The chipper one was more willing than the cold eyed ravenette, but over time, they had both fallen under his control. Long Feng didn’t know if it was the natural weakness in the girls themselves or if all women from the Fire Nation were just as weak willed. For a brief moment, he thought mused at the thought of finding out for himself in the future once he pushed to grander measures. Once the Dai Li could work and sink their talons into the minds of all they could. But for now, Long Feng had more preoccupying thoughts. After all, the prince was within their walls as well and he was going to be more difficult than his sister when it came to surrendering his mind. After all, he realized when it came to making followers and mindless thralls, women were more likely to be weak-willed and obedient, while men needed something to be bought with. And he didn’t know Prince Zuko’s price; let alone if he could afford what he needed.

But for the time being, Long Feng was satisfied, ruling from the shadows again. With their greatest threat neutralized, Ba Sing Sae was safe, and the city and citizens were in his grasp. All where things should be. In the darkness, Long Feng was content as long as he was the one who held the strings. And he was going to ensure that hold, no matter how many people, or minds he had to destroy.

~~

Just as he suspected, the Banished Prince was much harder to bring into the role that Long Feng wanted for him. In his banishment and all the hardships he faced, his will had become so infuriatingly strong, this prince was far too accustomed to fighting. He had so much to hold onto and to fight for. And so, ever the pragmatic strategist; Long Feng had to get rid of his reason to fight.

He had so much to fight for, so much he wanted to earn back, and Long Feng had to make sure that there was no hope for him. So, he started by taking the one person who always carried hope in him. He would be slow and deliberate, making sure not all of it was going to be swept from under him.

No, he needed to see everything fall from his hands, by his hands. Slowly. Zuko, needed to crumble like the cliffside slowly giving into the power of the ocean waves that crash into them. He was the kind of man they needed to break bit by bit before they take everything away from him. And Long Feng knew just how to do it.

It all started from the fight he had in the tea shop, a need to be spoken with about his misconduct in public and his theft of an official’s weapons. Something easy and reasonable to drag him in and drag him under. Him and that foolish little rebel that had tried to expose the two of them. And he was going to.

Little by little. Brick by brick.

As Zuko was let go, their words lingered in the back of his mind, waiting for their time to strike. It was what the Dai Li had always done, small little instances to normalize their hold on the city and the banished prince was not going to be an exception to the denizens of this place. After all, he was in Long Feng’s world and he worked to make sure in his world, his word is law.

It wasn’t easy taking his mind in this point, but he had dug his claws into his head just enough to alter his mind long enough to send him into true despair. And finally, when clarity had come to him, his hands bloodied with reality, the Dai Li were there, waiting to clean up the mess pick him up and reform the broken boy. And how gloriously did the boy fall.

Long Feng picked up the hopeless Prince at his lowest: covered in the blood of the failed General who once tried to conquer these walls years ago. It was almost poetic, the hands of a child he once held so dear; the very person he let his own metaphorical walls down with the most, being the cruel hands that brought the old man to his grave. There was almost a feeling of patriotism of having done in the very man who threatened the safety Ba Sing Sae’s walls so many years ago. He would’ve laughed at the circumstances if he didn’t have work to do.

“Oh, you poor boy.” He clicked his tongue with a simple shake of his head. He listened to the shaky desperate wheezing of the boy before him, shaking as the corpse in his hands stared off lifelessly up at the ceiling. “My deepest condolences for your loss.” The prince glared behind him, hurt amber flooded by broken, bloodshot tears. He breathed heavily over the body before him, his hands shaking, keeping himself from holding his kill close. The swords were haphazardly thrown to the side, covered in the pool of the man’s blood. His eyes fell to the weakness of temptation, gazing over Iroh again, anger leaving his body as he succumbed to sorrow again, crying over him.

“Uncle,” He choked out. “Uncle, I’m so sorry.” Long Feng slowly approached the crying child, a look of pure pity on his face. Despite being a formidable warrior, a child of the greatest threat to the world as they know it, it was still very clear that he was still a child. A child that now needed someone to cultivate, to mold. Someone who could also rule and keep things in line should he be gone. And those who were born to rule were usually perfect for making a successor out of a society.

A smirk crawled on his face as he circled around the grieving child. His father found no use for the boy, but the royal’s trash was soon going to be his and this cities salvation.

“I know so much about you, Prince Zuko,” he mused, “a banished prince, no one to give a damn about you. Your father sending you on a fool’s mission.”

“Silence.” He demanded. Ah, yes there was that authoritative voice the boy was born with. He laughed to himself. One that he was ready to weaponize, just as he did with his sister. He’ll be perfect. Now we just have to bring him in.

“Yet, when you saw the Avatar was truly still among us, you had hope; hope of finally going back home.”

“I said, silence.” He growled. Long Feng laughed, letting it ring in the caverns, letting it surround him. The arrogance of the aristocracy never ceasing to astound him.

“But do you honestly think that your father would truly welcome you back?” he questioned. “That man doesn’t care whether you live or die, and I think somewhere you truly know that.”

“Shut your mouth!” He roared. His voice echoed through the caverns, reflecting back on him. Bitterness, grief, hatred, bouncing along the crystalline walls. Long Feng stopped behind him, leaning over his shoulder getting a good look at the corpse in Zuko’s arms. The man was ghastly, a former damaged shell of the man who quaked fear into the Earth Kingdom so many years ago. Now he was cold, drenched in his own colonizing blood. The boy shuddered out a soft sob into the deceased’s shoulder, his head beginning to shake in the denial of what he had done. But this wasn’t about the man in the prince’s arms. No. That issue was now resolved as he choked on the last of his life. This was about bringing in the lost child, and keeping him. Permanently.

“Somewhere you had to know…that man never loved you.” Zuko’s breath hitched. There it was, the first crack that he needed. Long Feng grinned like a predator ready to snatch up his prey. That weakness that would send him to the furthest depths of despair.

“He sent you away, hoping you would rot away at sea, or die in enemy territory where he didn’t have to waste resources on an execution.” Zuko froze once again shaking his head, trying to keep out the awful thoughts that the Earth Kingdom man placed in his mind.“The only person who truly loved you is now in your arms, growing cold.” Zuko’s eyes were squeezed shut, not wanting to see the lifeless look on Iroh’s face any longer.

“Shut up…” Long Feng’s smile grew hearing the young man’s voice waver. “Shut up…you did this to me.” Zuko thought back to the last time he was in the hands of the Dai Li, recalling the faint instances of being strapped to a chair, seeing the light around him fade in and out. A mixture of words that Zuko refused to focus on, keeping his attention on the man before him and the body in his hands. “You did this to me!” He shouted, realizing what had been done, what led him here. Yet, the advisor didn’t flinch, he had been used to the tantrums and roars of entitled royals, even expertly dodging the more violent nobles and aristocracy’s objects. He was calm, collected, as he always was. As he was trained to be.

“It was your hand, your sword that took his life, Prince Zuko.” He countered. “I mean, the evidence is right there, soaked in his drying blood”. Zuko flinched, keeping his eyes off the swords. “You’ll have to live with that for the rest of your life. If you run back to your father now, after murdering a member of the royal family, you think they’d celebrate you?” He barked out a laugh. “You’ll die for treason.” Once the boy fell silent, Long Feng had known he’d won. Silence fell to soft cries, as Zuko held his uncle close to him, burying his face into his bloodied shoulder.

“Uncle, please forgive me, I’m so sorry.” He whimpered out. A gentle hand was placed on his shoulder, far from warm.

“It’s alright, Prince Zuko.” He coaxed. “It didn’t take much to know how much he loved you. I’m sure he’s already forgiven you.” He squeezed his shoulder once keeping close to his ear as he hiccupped softly.

“I forgive you, too.” He whispered. Zuko’s eyes widened, allowing the tears to fall from his cheek, taking down a streak of blood that had covered his face, landing and pooling on Iroh’s lifeless face.

“I absolve you of what you did.” A slow long stroke of his thumb, stopped the flow of his tears with all the tenderness he could simulate.

“You’re under so much pain right now, I can feel it, I can hear it in your voice, in your cries.” He continued. “Despite us being enemy nations, I do hate to hear a child in so much pain and agony.” He feigned. “And you are still just a child, Zuko. And you were abandoned. Neglected. Unloved. You didn’t deserve this.” He listened to the shallow shaky breath of the young man, not seeing his face, but knowing he was hanging onto his every word.  “Allow me to relieve you of this, let me grant you clemency.” He stood, pleased to see Zuko’s head follow him upwards. What once was harsh, cold eyes of a colonizer, was now a lost, dulled lifeless look of a child. Long Feng had taken hold of his prize.

“Let me free you of your crimes. Of your sorrows.” Before he could even speak, a massive hand of earth threw him to the ground by his neck, the wind leaving his body as he dropped Iroh. As he struggled, Zuko knew he had no choice, helplessly watching them pick up his uncle, watching the agents surround him and talk amongst themselves as if he didn’t exist. Rage burned at him as he weakly kicked flames at them, only to feel his body jabbed, meeting the lifeless eyes of Ty-Lee, dressed in free-flowing green robes, standing by Long Feng, his grin wide. Now that he ensnared his prey, there was no longer a need to hide his true intentions. Zuko was going to see the light soon, Long Feng was going to make sure of that.

“There’s no need to struggle anymore, Prince Zuko.” He smiled. “Just surrender to the walls and join the victorious. Just like your sister did.” And there it was. Surprise in both the prey and the predator. Zuko knew how much potential Azula had too. And that was where he surrendered. He saw true devastation in his face. A good solider, a good leader, knows when a battle is lost or fruitless. Long Feng smirked. Ah, I knew I chose the right one.

Despite his cruel and cunning hand, he did often show mercy, for that was what a good leader needed: Knowledge of when to use an iron fist and how to charm with a silver tongue. Long Feng liked to think he had mastered that skill. His mastery of the two was how he managed to manipulate the foolish Earth King for so long, that was how he got the Princess’ guard down and that was how Zuko finally fell into his role. For in his mourning and despair, Long Feng’s words offered an escape from what he had done. He had offered freedom from fighting. He had offered an escape from the fate of being truly alone. And Zuko finally bought into Long Feng’s words.

~~

Zhu Lee had goals just like Zuko once did. It was what the two had in common, both chasing honor and a sense of belonging. And that very thing in common was what brought Zhu Lee to life and bring him into control. It was an honor to serve, and honor to belong, to be accepted. It was the only thing the two of them had in common, since Zuko was nothing more than a banished prince, an enemy to the state Long Feng had worked so hard to keep safe.

Zuko was no longer needed.

It was an honor to obey those who embraced him with open arms. And his adoptive father, Long Feng, were those gracious and open arms.

He guided him, allowed him to use his gift to lead, prepping him to take over in the future. Zhu Lee was going to make his father proud, to make sure his faith was not misplaced. Zhu Lee was going to serve the Earth Kingdom and the Dai Li well. Just as he was groomed to be.

Chapter Text

When Katara rushed to meet with the Earth King reporting what the very person who was hunting down her and her friends, she wasn’t ready to find the Princess sitting on the throne clad in green waiting for her. She was always rigid and poised in her stance, but after knowing her enemy for as long as she had, even she knew when the Princess was not her normal self.

“Thank you for alerting us to what’s wrong in my Kingdom, don’t worry; I’ll take it from here.” Before she could even question the off and almost dream like tone; Ty-Lee’s fingers were swift on her body as she fell to the ground watching the water in her pouch drain out uselessly. She had no choice but to watch her captors as they grabbed her, noticing the wide eyes that gazed far beyond that anyone could see. The uncharacteristic green mark of the Earth Kingdom’s robes adorned them as well as the infamous smile that all Joo Dee’s she had ever met had. As her vision faded to black, she faintly saw the darkness of the underground halls leading to the last of her consciousness and soon her will.

Locked in darkness, she waited as she paced the cell, the absence of her water heavy with her. She had known that those who were stuck in Lake Laogai never came out the same. She recalled the mindless smile of the Joo Dee that had a careful eye on all of them while they were within the walls.

The light cut through the darkness of the cell her eyes widened as she saw the former prince clad in Earth Kingdom robes. His head held high as he sees her, yet those eyes; those golden eyes were just as lifeless as the others under the Dai Li’s clutches.

“Oh, no.” Without a word, Lee snatched her in his arms, easily keeping her at bay as she struggled, her bending and full control of her body still not back to her.

“Zuko, please!” She bargained. “You have to snap out of this!” She flailed as he dragged her down the hallway. A faint chorus of newly indoctrinated Joo Dee’s sounded cheerfully from beyond the doors that held them, a monotone and conjoined chill of her fate shot down her spine. Her eyes shot to the prince once more, her breath beginning to quicken with panic.

“Zuko, listen, I—I know we’re enemies, but you have to wake up!” She begged. “Even someone like you doesn’t deserve this! I can help you!” She worked to pry herself from his grasp to no avail as he pinned her to the wall.

“It is an honor to serve the Dai Li and the Earth Kingdom.” He said flatly. “An honor that you will soon receive as well.” The waterbender shook her head, dread shaking her to her core as the hinges next to them cried. She looked beyond the steel door finding another agent waiting for them, the chair and lantern in the center of the room awaiting its next victim. In stoic silence, the man stood, the darkness only pierced by the lone flame. Dread flushed her body as she focused on the open clasps before her.

“No!” With a firm kick, she was finally released as she wasted no time scrambling away from him. She ran clumsily, the rush of blood flow helping her being able to move. The two quickly ran after her, her eyes darting around her surroundings, hoping to find something she could use as a means to escape. Realizing she had lost them for a moment, she took the opportunity to hide and quiet her breath, as well as allow her body to recover from the blocked chi, her mind reeling for a plan. She knew she had to get to the others, to warn them, to flee this place.

Sokka and Aang probably looking for me too. She sighed. Wherever they are, I just pray to the spirits that they’re okay. Drips caught the Master Waterbender’s attention, the call in her blood coursing through her as she was quick to find the source. Quickly and quietly, she began to work the water, over time, finding it easier to do so; adding pressure in the give until it got bigger. Constant dribbling trickled down the wall much to her relief just as the sounds of footsteps were approaching. Katara lowered herself in the mass of supplies keeping out of sight as she worked for a good vantage point.

There, the former prince was alone, scanning for any sight of her.

It might be worth a chance. She said convincing herself to ambush him from behind. She gathered the water secretly bracing for him to get close. Once she deemed him close enough, she immediately got to work encasing his thoughts as she shushed him, hoping she could do for what she had done for Jet before. But unlike with Jet, she didn’t get launched into the wall. Water splattered helplessly onto the floor before them, not giving her time to recover as earthbound hands kept her pinned.

“No!” Lee shook his head, running his free hand through the drenched mop of hair, furious golden orbs glaring into hers. She breathlessly struggled in the clasps as he snatched her by the chin. His sneer was unlike the one she was used to in their many battles of the past. This was one of contrite and true rage.

“I’m going to enjoy breaking you.”

~~

Aang’s lungs burned with fear as he continued forward, his body aching from overuse, searching for Katara. His heart raced in dread still hearing her strained and struggled cries while he was with the Guru. He had heard her kick, scream and beg for mercy as she was dragged into those dreaded chambers. His heart sunk at the sight of the door closing, and the hollow thuds of the door.

Avatar State be damned, Aang was going to save his reason to fight. He was going to save the girl he loved most.

The farther he walked from the old man, the less he felt regret as he did, knowing in his heart he was doing the right thing.

Katara was his.

Katara was the only thing that mattered most to him. And he was going to get his love.

He had stormed through all he could, the sounds of Sokka and Toph plowing through all they could see, making sure they were able to find Katara. The Dai Li were experts at wasting time and energy, moving the walls and pathways they were traversing, using up time and making it harder for Toph to search.

Finally, through trial and torment, he managed to burst through the walls the Dai Li held their prisoners. One by one, he and Toph released people, some brainwashed already and others free with their minds intact.

“We don’t have long until the Dai Li start looking for the people freeing their captives.” Sokka reminded them.

“I know.” With determination, the young monk placed his hand on the ground and concentrated. “Let’s just hope we find Katara in time so we can get out of here.”

“If you know then why are we just stand—” He huffed feeling the back of Toph’s hand against his stomach.

“Quiet, I think he’s doing something.” Aang’s brows furrowed in concentration working to find the essence of the girl he loved dearly, sorting out through all the noise, taking what he had learned in the swamp.

Don’t worry, Katara. I’ll find you.

After what seemed like eons to him, he heard her through all the mindless mantras, the screams and begging for mercy. Her strong demands to be released, the grunts of effort as she evaded the attacks of her captors once again. She was placed into the crystal caverns, awaiting the moment she could make her escape. Making use of the river beside her she froze one of the agents sending a wave over them both and launching a mass of icicles towards them all. Just before she could smirk triumphantly, another pair of earth hands captured her by the wrists one by one, keeping her stuck to the ground. There, he saw her in the light of the crystal caverns, her beautiful face twisted in frustration.

“I found her!” he exclaimed. Sokka pushed the two forward, keeping one hand at bay towards his boomerang.

“Yeah? Great, ‘cause we’ve also been found.” He responded, keeping his eyes towards the back of them, always at the ready. Toph closed off the area from where the agents were running after them, hurling it back.

“That should buy us a little bit of running time.” She said. With a nod, Sokka snatched her by the wrist guiding her as they followed Aang.

Don’t worry, Katara. I’ll die before I let anything happen to you. He vowed.

~~
Jhu Lee snatched Katara by the wrists stopping her from whipping him with water again. She moved the water with her feet attempting to slash at his hands to no avail. He slammed her roughly against the wall, her cry coming out as a short and pained yelp sliding to the floor. Without a hint of clemency in his eyes, he barred his sword at her.

“Be a good little girl and be still.” He demanded. “It would be wise for you to know your place.” Blue eyes narrowed into his blank ones until slow echoing clapping grabbed both their attention.

“My, my, haven’t you become quite the soldier?” Long Feng’s voice echoed into the cave.

“You.” She glowered. He smirked as many agents were behind him, few climbing up the walls with ease. She grit her teeth knowing every one of them were ready for anything she was going to do. She was fully and utterly surrounded.

“Me.” He replied with a smirk. “I’m really not the villain, you know.” He said, ignoring her cold disbelieving snort. “I’m just doing what I do best; getting my hands dirty for the ones who are built to rule.” He shrugged. “No matter who it is, Earth Kingdom or Fire Nation.”

“You’re just a coward who hides behind the side that seems like they’re winning.” She sneered. “Nothing more than a pathetic man under those fancy robes.” His smile faded as he approached her, Lee pulling back so he could snatch her by the chin.

“We’re all meant to play the roles we were born as. And you my dear, are nothing more than the pretty little damsel.” He squished her cheeks mockingly.

“And it’s that lovely face of yours that’s the only thing keeping you looking like the way you are now.” He threw her to the ground turning his back on her as he moved towards his Dai Li Agents. With a growl, Katara snatched up some water from the nearby river ready to launch it at him.

Her arms and legs were bound to the wall by quickly bent hands and Lee’s sword was to her throat. Long Feng didn’t look back as he ginned once more.

“A feisty damsel, but in the end, just a damsel.” With that he walked off with the two agents beside him. Katara watched in horror as others hid and secured themselves in the large crystals and up on the higher points of the cave. Watching and waiting for the Avatar to come.

Hours seemed to blend as they waited, Lee’s eyes constantly moving onto her from time to time as he waited. The girl intrigued him, fragmented and blurry random thoughts appearing in his head, with her in them. In a way, he felt he had known her before; the familiarity of the two of them evident in these strange memories she had placed onto him. Memories of him grabbing her by the wrists bargaining with her. The necklace he held in his hand for what seemed like eons as he looked for her. That eerie blue necklace haunted him as he gravitated closer to his captive, ignoring the snarl on her face.

“Get away from me!” She thrashed pitifully. He pushed her against the wall returning her glare with his own. “You’re a monster.” She growled.

“I’m doing what I can to protect the masses.” He corrected. “Keeping the war outside the walls, controlling the people from within, that is how we will be safe from the war.” Rage melted into confusion as she tiled her head.

“Zuko, I—"

“My name is not Zuko.” He interrupted. “My name is Jhu Lee. Learn to address me properly, girl.” Confusion and horror were in her wide eyes as she cocked her head to the side. Before she could speak, the wall crumbled to the monk, his eyes scanning for Katara.

“Aang!” Sokka rushed out covering Toph with the barrage of hands and earth flying at them. Lee kept his placement in front of Katara bracing for attack. Toph worked through the onslaught of rocks, aiming with the guidance of Sokka, slowly taking down agents on the wall one by one. Aang’s powerful winds blew back ground soldiers and their attacks. Another snap echoed throughout the caverns pausing the battles inside as all eyes were on the true ruler of the Earth Kingdom, his smile long gone.

“I’m afraid these heretics have truly begun to threaten our peaceful way of living.” He grimaced. “Get rid of these fools and restore peace to Ba Sing Sae.” He commanded. The Dai Li spung into action working to detain all of them.

“Enough!” Toph roared, slamming her hands into the ground just as Sokka was snagged by flying hands. With all her strength, she bent the very ground to her will, snapping and throwing many off their feet like a rolling wave. Just as the ground lay flat once again, dodging the stray large crystalline structures, she took down the men quickly.

Seizing the opportunity, Sokka threw his boomerang towards his sister, getting it stuck in the wall beside her wrist a crack in one of the hands that shackled her. Understanding, she thrashed against the weapon, cracking the earth with each grunt of effort. Once her hand got freed, she bent the river once more throwing Lee aside as she freed herself and grabbed the boomerang. She worked to freeze Lee against the wall he was slumped on before jumping into the fight, breaking chunks of earth and incapacitating Dai Li surfing along the caverns as she did so.

She returned the boomerang before racing towards Long Feng, prepared to mow down his guards before barely dodging a large burst of flames knocking her over.

There, Azula stood, along with Mai and Ty-Lee, all clad in Earth Kingdom royalty garb, standing over her.

“What a disobedient little peasant.” She clicked her tongue condescendingly. “Someone truly should teach you your place.” Ty-Lee and Mai sprung into action forcing Katara to barely be able to evade their attacks struggling to get on her feet from the barrage of knives and physical speed of Ty-Lee. Azula ambushed the monk, the might of her flames slamming him against the caverns. Having enough, he created a massive wall of earth pushing it forward towards the new queen. With ease, she launched herself over it ready to attack. What she didn’t anticipate was for the monk to surrender to the ground, sinking directly in it leaving her no target to attack.

With haste, Aang evaded himself launching the wall back towards Azula trapping her between the wall and caverns. He hid himself in crystalline structures and focused his energy.

I can do this; I can save them all. He coached himself.  I just need more time. I can end this once and for all.

His tattoos began to glow, satisfied as he returned to the large form of himself, still waiting for him to step inside the ball of energy made. With no hesitation, he rushed along the bridge towards the large manifestation of himself with nothing holding him back.

 I got this, I got this! I—

 He watched as the bridge between them had fallen as the light in his arrows had faded away, his large body falling as he too began to fall into the abyss.

Searing pain overcame him as reality came to in a fast blur as he hurdled towards the ground. The screams were visceral, freezing all from the damned reverberation that shook all across the walls. All eyes were on him, the last of Azula’s lightning leaving his helpless body. His body was leaded, horror keeping his eyes towards the ground, the echoing screams of the girl he loved piercing his ears and his body just before he met the ground in an unceremonious thud.

“NO!” Katara screeched, powerless, her body weak, water unable to move to her will any longer as she struggled to pull away from her captive. She screamed in pain as she was jabbed in the side again, slumping in the arms of the one who held her against her will. Tears poured down her face as she was forced to watch the monk’s crumpled body slump flat on the ground, the sickening crack still in her ears.

“No no no no no no no no no no…” she wished; she willed through her shaky tears.

“Aang please…” She begged. Instead, the dust settled around the body, leaving a slowly growing puddle of crimson in his wake.

“No!” She shrieked, thrashing as Lee held secured her in his grasp. Still, she fought as best she could, slumping, weakly kicking and tripping on her own feet, desperate and mournful sobs hiccupping out of her.

“Aang!” Sokka did his best to swallow back his tears as he ripped out of the Dai Li’s grasp rushing to his dear friend. A large rock impaled the young warriors’ back as he crumbled to the floor causing the waterbender to scream again, broken wails burning at her throat. Through her own tears, Toph launched spiked rocks at all angles, taking out agents left and right as she ran over to the bloodied scene. The feel of viscous liquid stained her feet, her heart breaking as her stomach wrenched. Beside her beloved friend she felt no heartbeat.

The Avatar was dead.

 Rage overcame her as she snatched rocks from the walls burying all the enemies, she could under the earths massive weight. In the midst of the quaking chaos, Katara was dragged away from the rest of them, her body still weakly fighting Zhu Lee. As she was taken away, her eyes lock onto Sokka’s, the horrid realization taking over his face as he reached out towards her, his body still heavy from the pain chasing her captives only to be halted by a wall of crystal. Sokka’s heart sank as he bashed against it, tears of fury and pain flowing down his face and the furious crackling screams of his beloved sister’s name.

~~
The aftermath was heavy as the dead weight of the Avatar in Sokka’s hands. His body so cold and bloodied in his young hands. In that moment, reality pierced both Toph and Sokka. A slain child was in their hands. A child was slain and left to be carried into another child’s hands. In those long harrowing moments of their escape, Sokka felt every year of inexperience within him. He was far too young to witness the horrors of war, far too young to feel life drain from his fingers like sand. Far too young to feel the suffocating grief that took hold of his chest.

The Avatar wasn’t just dead.

Sokka had lost his dearest friend.

And he had also lost his sister.

He lay Aang on the dead bison, carefully on his leg as if he were sleeping on him like he had done just a few nights ago. The temptation of denial trying to break though the reality of the situation. To deny the sunken in part of his skull where he had landed, to deny the dried blood that had leaked from his nose and mouth after surrendering his last ragged breath and the blood that soaked his arm from cradling his head. Sokka looked down at his hands, trying his best to ignore how pliable he found the body, no source of firmness in his middle. Sokka tried to push himself out of the hell he was in, praying that he could just release himself. A wishful dream of a nightmare that he could wake up from.

Toph had not stopped sobbing next to him, pained wrenched cries coming from the girl. He sat down with her pulling her in close, tightly, as if something was going to rip her away from him too. In the security of night and their loneliness, Sokka finally allowed himself to weep.

~~

Sokka stroked his dear friend’s head as they sailed off to safety, Aang and Appa’s body long behind them, the bitter and salty taste of the sea’s air surrounding them as he looked up at the moon, hoping and praying to the spirits, to Yue that she had watch over his sister. That she was still alive and still fighting.

Hang in there, Katara. He said to himself. I will be there soon, and I’ll save you.

~~

“State your role.” Long Feng commanded. With a cock of her head, the girl formally known as Katara grinned, her eyes wide as she looked towards the two men in front of her. Forgotten tears had stained her face, an imperfection that was easily fixable.

“My name is Joo Dee. I am a private healer and assistant to high-ranking Dai Li members. It is an honor to serve.” She chimed with a perfected bow. A Dai Li agent approached the three of them offering Long Feng a moist towel in silence.

“Good,” he said, grabbing the towel and wiping her face. Once her face was deemed clean he handed the towel back to the man behind them. The young Joo Dee stayed still before them, her smile staying on her face, unphased by the advisor’s touch.

“What else? What about the war?” He pried.

“There is no war in Ba Sing Sae. Within the walls we are safe.” She chimed, her voice like every other crafted like her.

“There. She’s perfect now.” Long Feng said to his son.

“Yes sir,” he took in the long brown locks that lay against her shoulders. “Thank you, Father, for this lovely gift.”

“Of course,” he said, “this is for the excellent work you’ve done eliminating those fools who tried to destroy everything we have built. You’ve earned it, my son.” He watched the young man preen, feeling the elder man’s hand on his back. “Make sure she stays that way, Jhu Lee.” He reminded him.

“We don’t have room for foolish wills and wailing girls when it comes to out next plans. Should she gain some semblance of her former self again, you know what to do don’t you?”

“Yes, Father.” He responded. “Break her, bend her will, train her and make her perfect again.” Satisfied, Long Feng pat his back before departing, a triumphant gait in his walk. After walking down the hall for a moment, hearing the sounds of the new Joo Dee’s being indoctrinated, he grinned towards the door his newly acquired son and his healer was in.

Everyone plays the roles they were destined for. He smirked. And you, my dear waterbender will forever be the perfect damsel. A pretty little prize for the victors.

Lee looked down at his new responsibility, her eyes blankly looking into his, a perfected and manicured smile on her face.

“From now on, you are loyal to me and only me.” He commanded. “You are mine.”

“Of course,” she agreed happily, Joo Dee’s were made to agree, they were made to be owned. “It is an honor to serve you, Master Jhu Lee.” He breathed out a small smile gazing up and down at his new reward.

“I’m glad Father made sure you can still heal me,” he mentioned. “I’m pleased to own such a useful girl.” The Joo Dee before him gleamed with pride to be of service.

“I’m happy to be of use to you.” She said. “I will serve you in any way you wish, Master. Gladly.” He watched as manufactured perfection stood before him, marveling at what his father could do.

She was like a whole new woman; he thought observing her. He had transformed a wreck without purpose to a woman perfectly suited to serve our great cause.

He placed his hand on her face, pleased to see she had no reaction to it; her plastered perfected smile, and mindless eyes awaiting to be commanded.

His eyes spotted the blue necklace still on her neck, clashing with the colors of the Earth Kingdom that she was placed in. The last piece of her former self and foolishness attached to her. Zhu Lee found it humorous of how easily the old thing could be removed. But it was also enlightening. A reminder of how people can so easily be adjusted for the better.

A feeling that scratched at the back of his head as he reached for her neck, something clawing at the back of his mind, screaming to be heard. Desperate to defy what he was so used to. Ignoring the strange pleas, he stripped the blue necklace from her with no recourse from her. Longingly, he gazed at the pendant, the last remnant of her true heritage and her identity, in his hands and the faint whispers of memories of a life before unheard and gone before he had time to even address his thoughts.

A world so unlike his own flooded through his mind for a moment as he held onto the necklace, slipping it into his sleeve. The quick and blurred visons that ran through his head, a flooding of memories of another person and another life so unlike his own. A life that seemed to exist beyond the walls. Then, suddenly that thought was gone. It was irrelevant.

What was important was protecting the peace that Long Feng had so expertly cultivated for them all.

Joo Dee still stared at her master, just like a woman of her caliber should. Awaiting orders like she was meant to.

“Good girl. Now follow, we have a lot of work to do.”

“Yes, Sir.” She said, gleefully. “Wherever you go, I will proudly follow.”

Chapter Text

In the coming days, all the world knew was grief. Upon the news of the Avatar's death, doubt and surrender loomed over the rest of the world. Ba Sing Sae had fallen into the clutches of their new queen, Azula, within a matter of days. Fire Nation insignias covered over the mass of the once proud Earth Kingdom symbol as all fell to their knees before their new ruler. The smell of burnt flesh soured the lands as the bodies of the Avatar and the bison were found, rotting in the sun. A finalization of what was never going to return. The Avatar, the very last Airbender had truly been slain.

Azula proudly held the ashes in her hands. The last of him in the dragon box that carried the dead boy’s ashes. Pride welled within her as she looked over her throne, satisfied in what she had done.

“I enjoy seeing you in such good spirits my queen.” Long Feng said with a bow. Azula looked over to the older man with a grin.

“I had finally done what others had failed to do: I slew the Avatar. I conquered Ba Sing Sae and claimed it in honor of my father. I am a ruler of a nation that is mine to improve. Nothing could ruin this.” Long Feng kept his smile.

“Of course, my queen.” He agreed. “When everyone plays their roles as they should, the world is in its rightful order.” He watched as the queen blinked for a moment, a curious cock to the brow and her eyes beginning to narrow before recovering once more into who she was supposed to be.

“Yes.” She agreed.

“You were right as you always are; you were born to rule.” He watched the young queen’s chest slightly rise from the light praise. He rose up making his way towards her, keeping his face calmed, searching for any more abnormalities with the young queen.

“Yes.”

“And I’ am so grateful and pleased that you decided to spare me, your humble servant and advisor.” Boredly, she waved her hand.

“Save the groveling.” She commanded. “It only fits that you know your place.”

“And it’s only right that you know yours, your majesty.” He responded, as she cocked her brow. His hands stayed behind his back, allowing him the freedom to snap without being detected, the reverberation striking Azula as she stiffened. “You do know your true place, don’t you?” The queen’s jaw began to slacken, her eyes wide.

“Of course, I know my place.” She spoke. “I know my role.”

“And what role is that?” He questioned with a growing grin.

“I am the Queen, the puppet to the true master’s strings. I am the key to keep the war from touching the walls.” She chanted. “Under my rule, I will ensure safety for all within the walls.”  He caressed her face before stroking through her hair slowly.

“That’s a good queen.” He praised. “You’re so brilliant and with my guidance and words in your ear, I know you will govern your new land well.” He watched as her pupils expanded and shrunk again, relaying the information.

“After all, this is your purpose.”

“Yes, Long Feng.” She agreed.

“Oh, Queen Azula, the Earth Kingdom and Ba Sing Sae would be lost without your divine leadership and superior way.” He said with a mocking bow. The queen had said nothing, her mind enraptured in her trance.

“We should have another enlightenment session; you’re always so refreshed after one of those and it’s the bare minimum of what someone like you deserves.” He snapped his fingers as agents quickly retrieved her, carrying her as she leisured in their arms.

“That’s a good girl. Just let your humble servants take care of you.”

~~
Toph walked behind Sokka, feeling a change in his stride. His shoulders were back, his feet harsher with every step. Despite being unable to truly feel it, somehow to the earthbender, Sokka’s heartbeat seemed colder and hollow. His smile was lost, she heard it in his voice, a grave tone where the loveable jokester used to be.

Sokka was on a mission; there was no time for smiles, no time for jokes anymore. All that occupied his mind was vengeance. With each step, white knuckling the glider of his beloved friend, it served as a reminder of who he was avenging. His mind drifted to his system the only thing that seemed to quell the fires of his rage only leaving worry in its devastation. He made his plans, revising them in a solemn solitude. Toph knew that all she could do was be a strong pillar by his side. She was graced with more of his tender side of her they were alone, hearing the cries of a mourning child no longer trying to play the role of a war-hardened man. In their moments alone, Toph was his comfort and his confident; the holder of his fears.

 In all of this, she had known grief as well. A family she had built all on her own, nearly gone in one fell night. She missed the sounds of sleepy Appa in the dead of night as they flew. She missed the bickering of the water tribe siblings and the crack of a water whip onto Sokka. She missed the laughter during the slow nights, and the smells of the campfires and lingering scents of dinners that Katara had made. She missed Katara, her nagging and motherly side, and the loving older sister figure she had come to be to her.

She had missed all of it, each night of loneliness constricting her chest more than the night before.

Unlike Sokka, Toph wasn’t driven by revenge. More than anything, she wanted justice for the family she had made and well-deserved rest for the one who had fallen. She wanted to feel Katara’s heartbeat once again and hear the lilt in her voice. The earthbender would give anything to hear Aang’s laughter again.

One by one, through hope and determination, people stepped up and joined the cause of Sokka’s crusade, finding someone new to believe in, finding a reason to fight in the wake of despair. And who better than one who had fought side by side with the late Avatar, still preaching his message and keeping hope alive?

Word of multiple parts of the Earth Kingdom falling to its knees towards Ba Sing Sae and Azula were fast, leaving the world in a state of wonder, worrying of what was going to happen next. Sokka didn’t let that discourage him. Instead, he took strength from his sister and the Avatar, recounting tales of their heroisms and spitting in the face of their oppressors. It was in that undying spirit and the determination to end those who took his family away from him, that drew others to the cause.

Quickly, Sokka became the leader he was supposed to be. Strong, wise, thoughtful of his next move. He had surprised himself, fearing that he would buckle from the pressure only to thrive in the newfound army and community he cultivated.

Looks like I have it in me just like you... He mused to himself, thinking of Hakoda. You just wait and see, Dad; I’ll show you the warrior I became.

Sokka didn’t want to do this without Aang, but he was sure he was going to make the world regret ripping him from this world. But to do that, he needed to work on more than being a leader, he deemed.  

From all walks of life, and all nations that were willing to join his cause, the leader became a student in the arts of every fighting style that approached him. In his laser focus, he continued to work on his combat, learning, watching, improving.

Toph had followed suit, taking in earthbenders and ruthlessly training them. Forming them to think outside of their comfort zone and move beyond what people had told them what their limits were. The earth quaked and caved to their wills, Toph forcing them to work to their very limits. Still the earthbenders pushed, quaking in their stance as they continued to practice. They knew there was no mercy on the battlefield, they knew their enemies would not care how tired they were, working to seek another kill out of them. Instead, they moved forward, ignoring the ache in their bodies, and the sweat that drenched them. Toph watched proudly, feeling how strong their bending had become over the rigorous weeks and months. In their calmer moments, she taught them all to see like she did, allowing the earth itself to be their guide.

Much like you Twinkle Toes. She mused as they all focused on the ground before them blindfolded. Even in death, you still have so much to teach the world.

~~

Zhu Lee hated how much his servant enticed him. She was so close to him and that brough an itch to him that even he couldn’t cure. It was a feral itch like a caged tigerdillo, clawing and so close to freedom. He hated the nagging familiarity that her face brought, those large foreign eyes that rivaled the oceans. Her gentle cadence, one of such care and tenderness in words he couldn’t place but words he’s swore he’s heard. A voice that was so different than the one that he heard when she spoke now.

Most of all, he hated the images burned into his head when she saw her; images of war, of anger, of strife. Thoughts thar don’t reflect the clear safety the walls provide. Yet, knowing this was wrong, Lee continued to dig further. Ever the loyal one, this Joo Dee happily obliged to her master’s command. She was a special Joo Dee after all; made for the adopted and honorable son of Long Feng.

It was an honor to tend to him in any way he wished. It felt right. Everything they said was right. Joo Dee had no choice but to obey his odd requests to heal his head. She watched as he stirred in the midst of the cool water his face contorting in distress. One time, she grew concerned with his well-being but despite the worry that plagued her mind, she knew her place.

Joo Dees do not think for themselves. They do not worry. Worries are for the men who command them. Joo Dees follow orders. Which is exactly what she continued to do. She was a good Joo Dee. With each demand to have his headache fixed, the more Zhu Lee uncovered. Thoughts and contradicting views came rushing through seeing himself in another life he had no idea of. Another life that Joo Dee seemed to be unburdened with.

As the weeks went by, in one of his many sessions, he saw himself thrown into the dreaded chair that he watched his father throw people in regularly. In this strange vision, he was the heretic he’d normally recondition. It felt wrong to be the one strapped down, the one who needed to be fixed. No, Long Feng had found him, raised him as if he was truly his. He had never had the need to be fixed.

Had he? Dread overcame him watching the flame move round and round, words of a fellow agent losing meaning. With another rotation of the lantern he had fond Long Feng extending a hand to him. Once in the light and the second time, the light faded while they were in the training room again, Long Feng’s face hardened but his hand still extended to him.

Enough!

Gasping for air, he rose up from her healing waters.

“Master?” Zhu Lee pinched the bridge of his nose at the sound of her voice. It was dazed and lifeless like all the Joo Dees like her but something about this particular one, seemed so wrong. At least, it felt wrong to him.

“Did I do something to upset you?” Slowly he shook his head.

“No,” he answered much to her programmed relief. “No, you are fine, Katara.” Silence took them both hostage, as his throat seized in a way that felt like he had said a forbidden word. Zhu Lee turned to the girl her plastered smile never faltering.

“Katara?” A monotone, lifeless laugh came out of her, a delightfully rehearsed almost robotic laugh perfected to be pleasant to all ears. Somehow, Zhu Lee knew this wasn’t hers.

“What a strange name. My name is Joo Dee.” Yet in her flawless sameness as all the others, he watched a twitch in her eye. A voice much like his own yet so strangely different, screamed in the back of his mind that this was wrong.

Women like her, property of the Dai Li should be reinforced, perfect. His father should know. He should know. Yet another voice commanded his silence. A visceral gut-wrenching scream digging in the back of his head, refusing to die down. The one that was so damn persistent the moment she had placed that damned water over his head. It was screams like those that caused his head to split, to bring purpose his Joo Dee. Something his father could not fix within him. He continued to watch, seeing her correct herself, a curious tilt of her head as her eye calmed. She was perfectly poised once again, as all women like her should be.

“You’re right,” he acquiesced, hoping that would end her mental turmoil. He had found the Joo Dee’s were so easily unsettled. Something Long Feng had often complained about while trying to perfect his methods of brainwashing. “My mistake, you’re clearly Joo Dee.” Joo Dee was satisfied with that.

“I’m tired, you may retire for the night.” He commanded with a wave of his hand. Joo Dee bowed never losing her smile.

“Good night, Master.”

“Good night.” With that, he departed from her, listening to the small rumblings of her cleaning their area for the night.

Zhu Lee’s nights were sleepless, visitors and views competing, vying for his attention. Horrified screams mixed with his own haunting him to his bones. The mantra of the Dai Li trying to push back the voice to no avail. Zhu Lee tossed and turned that night seeing himself, but not him, a distorted mix of peace before the Dai Li and the agony war had brought. Of course there was war, he was outside the wall.

He was outside the wall.

He was outside the wall.

He was outside the wall.

He was outside the wall.

Zhu Lee had approached the wall, battered, tired, his eyes darkened and his skin riddled with dirt and scars. His body ached with every step closer to their closed off salvation. As he made his way inside, a voice he never heard before sounded, muffled in his ear, watching the people of Ba Sing Sae and the crescendo of the overwhelming chatter flooding his ears. Voice overlapping, ringing. A hand reached to him as he heard nothing.

Zhu Lee shot up to see a surprised Joo Dee, her gentle hand on his shoulder.

“Good morning, Master.” She eerily greeted; her voice sickeningly sweet as it was each morning. He sat up as she served him with breakfast, pleased to attend to him.

“Today, you have a meeting with Master Long Feng and by the early afternoon, you are scheduled for reinforcement.” Dread halted his meal as he looked at her.

“Reinforcement?”

“Oh, yes.” Joo Dee beamed. “There have been plenty of dangerous people, spouting lies about our great walls. Notions on unrest that are scaring the citizens. Apparently, quite a few of them had been apprehended.” She explained. “You will be trusted to put them on the right path as always.” Lee calmed himself, the chill in his spine gone.

She hadn’t suspected a thing from me.  Yet, Lee had no idea why he had to hide from his Joo Dee, or why it was such a relief.

“I see,” He said, playing it cool. “Before I go, I need you to mend this headache of mine. I didn’t sleep too well I’m afraid.”

“Of course.” She immediately answered. “I aim to please and am honored to be of service.” He continued to eat as she stood by, her usual smile now one so unsettling. As soon as breakfast was over, Joo Dee was quick to clean, a mindless humming of a song as she did so. Lee followed as she cheerily did her duties the song so unlike a normal Joo Dee.

“What are you humming?” He asked after a while immediately putting the song to an end.

“Was I humming?” She questioned. Another fake gentle pleasant ringing wrong laughter. Zhu Lee had quickly grown to hate the sound.

“I didn’t even notice.” She pondered for a second.

“Was I bothering you?” She asked looking back, her smile finally faltering. He watched as tears welled behind her blank eyes as she blinked letting them roll down her cheeks like nothing had happened.

 My Joo Dee is defective.  He thought.

“No.” He heard himself say. Zhu Lee didn’t know if he was telling her that, or himself. “It’s quite nice actually.” Worry quickly died as her usual smile returned, tears still falling as she continued to clean. After a few minutes of silence, she hummed again. Zhu Lee closed his eyes listening to the odd song, another voice another woman’s voice coming to mind. Her brown silky hair, the comfort of her arms, the peace that surrounded them. The absence of war, a small loving natural smile came into view on the woman in red. His eyes shot open, a fleeting thought of the woman looking like the Earth Queen gone as quick as it came.

“Joo Dee, come heal me now before we leave.” He sighed rubbing his temple.

“Yes.” She quickly gathered clean water into a bowl as he moved his seat awaiting her. The sound of water moving came behind his healing him once more. He relaxed to the plunge allowing the visions to take hold. Joo Dee began humming again the strange song overcoming all voices, taking him back to her. The woman in red, the woman of peace he deemed. The woman was beautiful, so solemn, so elegant and excruciatingly familiar. She did look like the Earth Queen, yet there were some differences in this woman’s features. She was clearly older, yet that did nothing to affect her beauty. Her skin was radiant, the dark contrast of her brown hair flowing down her back and shoulders. Her crown glimmered in the sun yet as he saw the Fire Nation insignia in her hair. A title danced on his tongue drawing the strange woman’s attention. She gazed at him, a sweet, motherlike gaze, her eyes so similar to his.

“Zuko.” A voice so quiet, yet so commanding and powerful it silenced all others. “I love you so much.”

A haggard exhale came from Zhu Lee as Joo Dee tilted her head.

“Mom.” She heard. She halted for a moment. Instinctively, reaching her for neck only to touch skin. Zhu Lee looked up at her as she stood aimlessly, hand to her neck. Curiously, he watched her, seeing more tears flow her smile gone.

“Mom.” She said. Lee’s eyes narrowed at the sight of her, taking her in completely. Something was wrong; something was missing, something about her could be fixed. Joo Dee for the moment was gone, as was her smile, and Zhu Lee for the time being found that preferable. An idea overwhelmed his mind as he took a deep breath before he spoke. One of defiance. But in that defiance, he was going to fix his own Joo Dee.

“Joo Dee,” immediately she stopped, her eyes now fearful and actively darting to him. “You’re not done with your healing.” She nodded without a word, her movements now hesitant, as if she were fighting herself as she gathered more fresh water for him. As she worked to heal him again, Lee snatched her wrists placing her hands to her head She gasped, her own mind reeling and memories flooding.

 Her face cycled through emotions her face rapidly twitching. More tears fell as she stood there as the visions and memories came in. Memories of laughter of love and of pain all came in at once. All with that damned name that started it all.

Katara.

Katara rang over and over in various voices, in various tones.

Katara.

A little boy’s voice vied for her attention as she saw him. A strange boy with strange markings on his body and a large grin. His laughter constricted her chest and seized her throat raw.

There she saw him, her master, holding her wrists again. She felt his hands in a new form, his face scowling in a way she’s never seen.

I’ll save you from the pirates.

I’ll save you. She heard herself say.

Wake up!  His hands on her mind many times before. Zuko please!

Zuko. That name flooded her mind, her always on the run, and he right on her heels.

Zuko, A name said with such disdain and vitriol and yet such pity.

Zuko I can help.  

Give Zuko a kiss for me then.

Zuko

Zuko.

“Zu…ko…” She pushed out He released her as she dropped to her knees, the water helplessly dropped into a forgotten puddle around them. As she panted, allowing the conflicting feelings and memories to flood through her mind, he left her, grabbing the one thing he should’ve destroyed once he obtained his reward the first day. Yet, as the treatments continued, the nagging thoughts in the back of his mind persisted, he continued to hold onto the strange item. Keeping it close to his bedside, finding comfort in the foreign piece.

Once he returned to her, he noticed the tears that stained her perfect face looked so similar since the first day he had met her. Her smile was fighting against her true emotion, her eyes wide helplessly, looking up at him as he approached her again. She needed his guidance; she needed to obey him.

She needed to be reset.

He held her pendant in front of her. Contemplative silence overcame them both.

“What did you see?”

“You and I…” She gathered out. “Outside the safety of the walls.”

“What else?”

“You always found us, always found me.” She replied. “Zu—Master—I—” She stopped holding her head for a moment.

“Am I… Am I not Joo Dee?”

“I don’t think so.” The young man answered slowly. “And I don’t think I’m really Zhu Lee.”

“Should we report… to Long Feng?”

“No!” He immediately roared making her cower. Regret struck him as he calmed his tone. She was still made to obey; she was still made to fear him. He approached her slowly, moving her hands away from her face.

“No, no, we’ll lose this. We’ll lose…us…whoever we are.” He held her hands gently, feeling the uncertain quake in them, the need to hold on to them. The sudden twitching in the need of them. He readjusted the hold on her, allowing himself to be the comfort for once.

“O-Okay.” Silence loomed over the two again, he looked over at the girl, seeing someone so lost, so unsure of what they were, of who they were. One hand moved from hers to take her by the chin, forcing her to look him in the eyes.

“As of now, we are who they say we are out there. But in here, in our own walls…” he paused, shaking off the odd feeling. “…the walls we’ve made here. We will uncover what these visions of ourselves are.” He explained. “If there’s one thing that I think I can figure out from all of this mess, from all these things we see; it’s that you and I are bound for whatever reason. We have always been bound.” Her eyes bore into his, as his narrowed from the thought. For what seemed to be his whole life, everything that Long Feng had taught him, had told him, might have been a lie. More fragments of memories in his mind stitched together the more he thought, the more he looked at her.  

“And I think we should find out why.” Something was wrong, a nagging feeling clawed at the young unknown woman but as she was questioning all that she had been told, all that she had previously thought what she had been conditioned to think had now come into question. All but one thing: Above all else, she was bound to him. She belonged to him. She was still commanded to be loyal to him. With that resolve easing her mind, she nodded.

“It’s our secret; here in our house. We uncover what lies outside the walls.” Ever loyal, she nodded again.

“Yes, as you wish.” He watched as she touched the pendant again, curiosity overcoming her.

“In one moment, a fleeting memory, I saw you placing this on my neck.” She said. “I wonder, have I been bound to you since then? Or even longer than that?” He looked at her, seeing life in the oceanic blue eyes for the first time. “How long have I belonged to you?”

“Perhaps.” He answered. “We’ll find that out together.”

~~

Ozai swelled with pride upon the victory his daughter had gained for their Nation. Hearing of not only the so-called impenetrable city crumbling to the might of his beloved daughter but to also hear of her single-handedly bringing an end to the Avatar. The Fire Lord was sure of incoming victory and soon the world would be his. Elated, he drafted a letter to her, honoring her accomplishments. The Nation itself had grown bold in its endeavors; cruelties igniting their fires and bold evil acts take against all they conquered. To the Fire Lord and the nation he commanded, the war was already won.

Cities and men fell rotting in rubble and what seemed to be their inevitability. Cruel hands and screams shattered the Earth Kingdom skies leaving the women and children at the mercy of their oppressors in the midst of all the rubble. The bleakness of the powerless and frail left to warm the taken beds and forced to work to supply their ships and machines. The smell of iron was faint but lasting in the airs of the taken lands and in the lungs of those afflicted.

In the lands of the plagued with the Fire Nation, only hopelessness and ash was in abundance.

In the midst of his early victory, the Fire Lord thought of his son just for a moment; a fleeting thought, mainly focused on his failures of three long years. In his thoughts it was clear; Azula was better suited for the stature of royalty. She was better suited to come from his seed.

He was tainted by the foolishness of mercy like his mother was. His brow furrowed at the thought of her, his mouth fixed into a tight jaw.

Ursa, Zuko, and that brother of mine. It seemed I was doomed to be surrounded by fools.  He reasoned. Only Azula and I are free from the idiotic ideals of our lessers.

Yet in his reasoning, he still focused on the memory of his wife’s solemn face, the wide caring eyes that he sought so hard to break for years. Even in her fear, he still saw that damned defiant spirit that sparked in her eyes and he hated that found that look was passed down to his children and just like their mother, that spark could never be snuffed out. But in the very least, his daughter’s spark was much like his, one of conquest and victory. And he read the fruit of his labors and by extension hers, seeing as the once impenetrable fortress that was Ba Sing Sae was on its knees for her. The Fire Nation now had domination and glory in its sights.

~~

Fight was common in the Kiyoshi warriors, scars worn like eternal badges of honor. Stoic strength was practiced within the group and something Suki had known well. She remained silent when in the grasp of the Dai Li, she kept her silence when seeing the Earth Kingdom was ruled by the Princess of the Fire Nation. However, righteous fury burned in her eyes as she realized who was the true leader when she was taken into the underground. She watched as Long Feng’s hand stroked through the hair of their puppet queen, her own smirk eerily wide even for her, the low light highlighting the blankness in her eyes. She, just like her warriors kept her silence, refusing the mantras of the Dai Li and the desires to have them join under their thumb. The relentless rounding of the lantern and the certainty of the agent’s calm tone as he assured her that she was going to be put to better use of their gifts.

The Kiyoshi warriors were going to reunite with the Dai Li; the two teachings of the past Avatar Kiyoshi coming together to maintain order, to save and liberate from the madness of war. The agent was convinced they were going to be the combatants of the chaos out there.

Suki didn’t reject the ideas, didn’t accept. Instead, she thought of her beloved, she believed in him. For in her mind, he was going to be the one to combat the chaos of the world. Because people like him were the only ones brave enough to look into the face of chaos and pain and then turn the bleak into his favor. Even when her resistance began to wane due to time, ebbing away at her resolve, she still kept her faith in Sokka.

As time continued relentlessly on, she had known her time was coming to an end. Her eyes were heavy, and the voice of the Dai Li began to seep into her thoughts. The pain of his cold repetition weighing on her mind, slowly, heavily like drippings of water in a jar, acclimating over time as the water was captured. In her last thought of her own, she prayed once, hoping someone would hear.

Bring him to me, and let me come back to him.

After that…everything fell to silence.

Then and only then, did Suki begin to listen.

~~

Over time, Joo Dee and Zhu Lee were nothing more than a quiet pressure in the back of the minds of the two. Guilt and fear were their voices, urging them to stay under the care of the Earth Queen and Long Feng, to discourage rebelling against the system that has protected them. Instead, in the walls that surrounded them, the safety of their own, Zuko and Katara began again, pushing back the thoughts that Long Feng had placed into their mind. Over time, those voices grew louder, beginning to overpower the call to the familiar and what Long Feng had commanded of them. And through those small moments of liberation, it became easier to defy the liar’s words.

Yet it was the call of their memories that they could and could not recall; the curiosities of what they were before they crossed the threshold of the walls that brought them together again.

 The world they had imagined seemed so much more than what was happening from the Dai Li and the safety of the walls. Desolation was absent in lieu of life and discovery to be made. People of all nations, different smiles, different glimpses of stories were in abundance. They had discovered things they were right about and things they were wrong about, but what was constant, was they were just as intertwined as Zhu Lee thought they were. Whoever they were, they were enemies; with him always hunting, always searching for them, and the fallen Avatar.

Aang.

Grief awoke in their discoveries, as Katara slowly re-lived losing her dear friend all over again. The desperation, the rawness in her screams as she tried to pull away and save him. The agony that weighed down her heart and mind forcing her to succumb to the words of Long Feng, hiding from the truth of their failure.

Zuko had his own conflicts to consider, the horrid choking sounds of his beloved uncle choking from the flooding of his own blood and the steel that penetrated his throat. The horrific and lifeless thud mixing with the harsh and sharp scraping the swords leaving his body, solidifying what he had done, what Long Feng had commanded him to do.

Zuko shook the thought out of his head, his stomach plummeting as it usually did when he recollected the memory of his uncle’s death. The screams of sheer sorrow echoing through the walls. The mourning rage that he flew in and the sobs that died down as the Dai Li granted him clemency of remembering his crimes.

They had found their liberation from the personas that Long Feng thrust upon them through agony. And that mental liberation urged them to free themselves from the confines of the gilded prison Long Feng had made. The two of them had only each other on the journey, playing their roles well, well accustomed to the lies Long Feng had forced them to live. Together, once they had the walls to their backs and the whole unknown ahead of them, was the first time they had shed who they were told they were.

Zuko and Katara had no idea who they really were, but they had time to reacquaint themselves. The two of them knew the Earth Kingdom was never going to be safe, now that Long Feng was free to expand his rule and doctrine. Either Water Tribes were an option, yet in the back of Zuko’s mind, there was an urge to return to the enemy, finding strength and power at his disposal there. Somehow, Zuko knew his destiny was awaiting him there. That he was meant to be there so he could stop Long Feng once and for all. Despite resisting a lot of the teachings Long Feng had ingrained in them, Katara still naturally wished to follow Zuko wherever he desired. Katara grabbed Zuko’s hand softly, a nervous squeeze only to get one back. He gave her a small smile only to have it returned to him. A smile that was genuine, a smile that felt right. It was Katara’s smile. Zuko knew at that moment, what they had done was something neither of them were going to regret.

That was until they met her.

A homely old woman they had ran into from the Fire Nation bringing them to the brink of their deaths and rebirths of their identities.

Katara immediately attached to her finding out of her true heritage. The elder, Hama, latched onto her in kind, enjoying teaching her, and recalling stories of how the tribe used to be. Fascination overwhelmed the girl, a glimpse of her people’s past so vividly told by the older woman. Questions poured from the girl; questions Hama was more than happy to answer for her.

Zuko listened complacently, focused on her smile; her true smile that had taken over her face. Comparing to her as Joo Dee, Zuko found an authentic sense of beauty in her that no Joo Dee could compare to. Her liveliness and willingness to learn how to be a better bender fascinated him and placed him in awe as he witnessed how quickly she progressed. Her water whips cracked in a near deafening might. The strength and roars of the water she snatched from the sources around her, forcing the plants around her to dance by her will instead of its own. Yet the prince could not deny the pit of dread that sat within him when he watched the old woman.

That smile did not fill Zuko with warmth. There was no light behind those eyes, not like Katara’s. It was a look that Zuko felt in the back of his mind, memories he had not yet pieced together. That look was familiar, just on a different face.

It was a look of satisfaction, one of planning, cruel and cunning dimming the life in her face. 

Hama made no attempt to hide how pleased she was with the younger waterbender, anticipating the cycle of the moon, feeling it’s approaching fullness in her veins each night. She had been suspicious of the firebender that had accompanied the girl since she first met them, and she was going to show her how easy it would be to get rid of their oppressors with one well timed swoop. She had known from the moment they met, that there was no love between them and that the necklace she wore was a farce of their so-called union. Hama knew men like that, men like him, would never embrace another’s culture, only destroy and render to ash. She had seen it over and over again with the war prizes she had seen from returning soldiers, seeing the women stripped of every instance of where she had come from in a matter of weeks and the life in her eyes snuffed out while she fearfully followed the man who dragged her there. She had known what type of men the Fire Nation create.

When the time came, under the night of the full moon, seeing that the prince, the oppressor was so close by, filled her with malice and glee. She was finally going to make sure the nation suffered for what they had done to her and so many others. And it was going to start with him.

The art Hama cultivated and forged through pain, was so beautifully offered to the young naïve girl, under the light of their very source of power, the wind around them whipping madly. Bloodbending was a life saver, it was salvation and protection. Because of it, Hama was able to live alone, forcing a legend of fear from the fools around her happy to watch her burn to the ground. She laughed so joyously as she explained this to Katara, wanting her to see the true power of her people, of what they were capable of. The Fire Nation fools dreaded the curse in the woods she lived in, the fear of what happens to the ashmakers who wander her grounds under the night of the full moon, left to rot underground in fear. Just as she did for all those years.

As she lay her heart towards the girl, the future of the might of the tribe, she watched the wretched child reject the strength she built. Her mind was poisoned by the bastard who accompanied her, who feared the power she could gain. That boy had already worked to take her spirit. She was going to make her see, see what a fool she was for rejecting her own salvation, to give her the key to unbinding the chains she was no doubt weighed under.

“And here I was, ready and willing to teach you how to train your ash making dog!” She roared launching a flurry of deadly ice spears towards the two of them. “Since you’re so keen on keeping him.” She mentioned, her icy glare piercing him.

Just as Zuko was ready to melt them, Katara pushed herself in front of him, her body flowing much like how she remembered the airbender she travelled with. The icicles moved at her beckoning, changing like the wind as she launched them back just as fiercely.

Hama growled as she was pushed back, redirecting the attack again in the form of a massive wave. She dug in her heels, her teeth grit.

The girl was younger, faster, maybe even stronger, she thought.

But not more experienced.

Just as Katara stepped forward blocking it in a strong stance, a young woman coming to mind as she did so, a voice so distant and yet so close to her heart. The water fell from her hands the moment she heard the garbled choking of Zuko. Her eyes widened seeing the way he struggled, clutching his chest and beating weakly urging himself to breathe.

“Zuko!” Hama cackled at the panic in her voice as she continued to work her bending over him. Zuko fell harshly to his knees as he clawed his throat continuing to hit his chest as he gasped desperately for a breath.

“Stop this!” She demanded launching two massive waves of water from the ground bashing her in the head. Hama fell to the ground, the haggard gulping for air coming from Zuko as he coughed and wheezed. She rushed to him placing her hand on his back.

“Zuko are you alright?” She asked. Weakly, and unable to talk he nodded and wheezed. Before another thing could be said, he smacked her to the ground, his body forced up as he screamed his body parts convulsing and moving on its own. Hama cackled maneuvering him much to Katara’s horror, seeing the prince’s eyes wide and his howls of agony.

“Run.” He managed out. “Run!” Haphazardly he attacked her again, clumsy wild flames erupting from his hands. Katara worked the water around her, snatching it from the grass and trees around them and launching various attacks at her only to have Hama pull Zuko into her range of attack.

“Why do you hesitate?” She questioned. “He’s Fire Nation! An ashmaker!” She sneered at the girl, seeing tears streak down her face.

“Don’t feel sorry for those who would dance on the ashes of everything we’ve cultivated. For those who already have!” Zuko struggled to breathe again, his hand fighting to claw at his own throat.

“Do you know how much we’ve suffered, girl!?” She asked. “Do you truly know!?” Katara shook her head, allowing the tears to fall, watching as Zuko choked, keeping water at the ready for any attack.

“I don’t.” She said. “I can’t imagine what we’ve lost, but killing him is not the way to get it back!” Hama laughed coldly.

“No, we can’t get anything we’ve lost back. They’re all dead; rotting on this damned ground. Never able to go back home.” In her rage, Katara heard the mourning.

“But I can and have been able to even the score.” She grinned as dread chilled the both of them.

“I can make them all feel how I felt, watching friends and loved ones die and rot away like scum.”

“Please.” Zuko wheezed out.

“Please?” She scoffed. “How many times have I heard that rotting in those fucking ships?!” She pushed him forward at Katara watching in horror as she forced him to pull out his dual blades.

“No.”

“No!” Zuko roared, grunting and urging himself to drop his weapons. “No! Katara!” Her mind raced, eyes darting for both his forced attack and a quick one from the elder. As she dodged the young prince’s attacks, his cries sinking her heart, she took in a deep breath.

“I’m sorry.” She resolved, bracing herself for another one of Zuko’s attacks. She felt the icy slice of his blade as she ducked under his swing racing head on towards the elder woman. She dragged her fingers along the grass a trail of death behind her as she launched the mass of water into the woman slamming her against the trees. Zuko flopped to the ground, released from her control as he threw his swords away from him, working to catch his breath and regain familiarity with his own body. Hama looked up from the drenched mop of her hair, gazing at the way the moon illuminated over the warrior she made.

“Stop this, Hama.” She demanded. “I don’t want to fight anymore.”

“You naïve child.” She spat. “Do you honestly think that boy over there believes you to be his equal?” A cold haggard laugh came out of her.

“I’ve survived here, hiding for decades! I know how they all think of us; less, savage, a mere resource of labor. They’re bred to look at you and see nothing more than something to conquer.”

“You’re wrong.” She spoke. “I understand your pain and as a fellow Southern Water Tribe woman, I weep for you and for the people we’ve lost. But I can’t let what you’re doing continue.” Hama snickered, the grass dying rapidly around her as Katara braced for another attack. Quickly, Katara hit the woman with more water, keeping her from rising again.

“Hama!” She quaked. Through each attack the woman pushed herself up. Then as quick as a flash, she got into a stance and Katara dropped hers.

“Fine. If you want to test the boy, let’s test him.” Dread filled her body forcing her into silence as she was puppeted, forcing her to face Zuko. His eyes glinted dangerously in the low light; his eyes focused on the elder.

“Let her go!” He roared. Hama said nothing, instead Katara screamed as she was launched forward towards him. Zuko dodged her attacks as Katara blurted out apologies, struggling against the hold on her.

“This is our power, Katara!” She belted. “When the moon is high, standing tall over all underneath the sky, where our chi is the strongest, we can bend the blood of the living, bend them to our will.” Katara grunted as she lunged for Zuko again, he sheathed his sword to focus on blocking her.

“You can bend anyone to your will here, where we can finally take vengeance on all who have stripped us of everything!” Tears flowed down her cheeks as Zuko forced her down on the ground, keeping her arms pinned to the floor.

“I got you.” He said reassuringly. “I know it’s not your fault.” Katara gasped feeling the hold leave her. Zuko stiffened as he took a hold of her.

“You see, Katara.” Blood iced Katara’s veins as Hama spoke. Zuko’s eyes widened, reaching back, his eyes never leaving hers as his head weakly shook, begging his own body to defy the woman.

“Look how quickly he chose to subdue you, to place himself on top of you. To disarm you. That is their mindset, all of them. They will always be above you.” The blade screeched as it was unsheathed, quiet pleas flowing from his mouth as he attempted to will himself to let go of the blade to push it back in its holder, anything.

Yet, it was worse than what either of them thought as Zuko watched himself turn the blade on himself.

“No!” Zuko strained, keeping his arms at bay as best he could, shaking.

“Please!” She watched as the tip of the blade grew closer, seeing the panicked bob of his throat.

“I can’t…” he strained. Her breath quickened her mind racing as she looked towards the puppetmaster; delight on her face as she pushed the blade closer. Just as the blade made contact with skin, Katara screamed, her hand outstretched towards her, her will, her thoughts all focused on her. And just like that, the blade halted, Zuko moved the blade away from them as he heard the struggles of the woman.

Katara’s eyes widened realizing what she was doing. The horrors of feeling every part of her moving, pulsing, the rise and fall of her blood and chi. She felt every part of the woman, her eyes just as wide as the new puppeteer. Zuko slowly moved off of Katara, as she sat up, keeping the control and slowly forcing her down to the ground.

“How…” she forced out. “How could you stand to do this?” Zuko’s chest tightened at the pain his friend’s voice.

“I feel all of it, the fear, the panic. Your heart.” She explained. “I can stop it on a whim. I can do anything to you.” Hama wheezed out against the ground working to lift her head the best she could.

“Yes.” She answered. “You’ve been quiet the student.” A pained laughter came from her.

“This is what we had to do to survive.” She paused for a moment. “What I had to do. I was the only one left…” a haggard sob left her as Katara weakened the hold.

“That’s right…I was the only survivor.” Freed of Katara’s grasp, the woman wept in the patch of dead grass, broken, bitterly, in mourning.

“Hama.”

“I have no children, no one to pass anything on to. All of my friends, your predecessors, our people, dead. The stories die here, in this wretched hellhole.” She spat coldly, softly.  Zuko sat in the grass beside Katara, his hands firmly on the ground.

“I’ll listen…” he proposed. “I’ll listen to your story, if you’ll let me.” Katara looked at the elder, all hardness from her face, gone, only grief remaining.

“You may not understand it,” Katara began, “but the both of us have lost ourselves once.”

“We found ourselves, together.” Zuko affirmed. “I’m her support.

“And he is mine.” Pain rose up in light sobs from the old woman as Katara’s heart sank. “If we can help it, we won’t let another person lose themselves, lose the very essence of who they are.” She stopped for a moment, pushing back the burn of her own tears as she swallowed heavily.

“We won’t let your story die.” She said. “So, tell us.” Weakly, the woman spoke, regarding tales of how their mighty numbers dwindled, little by little, how warriors stained the ice with crimson and soot. How when she finally surrendered, she burned the memory of her home in her mind before the ship’s doors closed on her.

She regaled in every sordid detail, the thick smell of rot and disease that grew with each death, every atrocity committed onto them. How they were barely given enough food and water to keep breathing. She told them all. Zuko and Katara listened without a murmur, only knowing the old woman was finished as the sobs took her voice.

“I’m so sorry, Hama.” Zuko spoke. “For all you’ve been through, for all you suffered, on account of my people, I’m so, so sorry.” Her eyes widened as she watched the young man’s head lower before her.

“I knew who you were the moment I saw you.” She said. “You have his face. Despite that burn of yours.” He flinched at that.

“But…there’s someone else’s heart in there.” She continued. “A good heart. Something I thought this nation couldn’t produce.” Rustling came around them as they all froze. A saddened smile overcame Hama as she looked to Katara.

“I got what I wanted in the end.” She mused. “To pass on my knowledge, to pass on Bloodbending. Thank you, Katara.” Zuko stood, his swords unsheathed as he readied for an attack.

“I have a favor to ask you. Since now you know how it feels, to wield this gift, this power.” She said.

“What is it?” She asked.

“An act of mercy.” Hama answered. “They’re looking for the witch who makes people disappear. Our fight must’ve alerted them. They’re coming.” She spoke with urgency. As she looked Katara in the eyes.

“I can’t go back into another prison here. I’d rather die.” No more words were said as Katara brought a horrified hand to her mouth.

“You don’t mean—”

“—I do. I’d sooner die by the hands of one of my own. Hurry.” Katara looked towards Zuko.

“Where are your prisoners?” He asked.

“Find my home, then keep walking behind it, it’s a small cave not too far from there.” She confessed before looking back at the girl.

“Do it. If you have any mercy left for me.” Katara walked over to the woman, tears flowing down her cheek. “Let me join my friends after all these years. I’m tired of surviving.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.” She said with certainty. “You carry my stories now. I trust you won’t let them die.” A gentle hand lay on her face, cupping it just as sweetly as she did when they had first met. Sobs broke from the young girl as Hama wiped them with a smile.

“Take anything that resonates with you from my home.” She said. “I’d rather pass the last of our heritage to someone of my own kin.” Katara nodded and moved her hand towards the elder’s chest. With a soft inhale she focused, feeling the heart and the blood within her. She took another inhale and breathed out again, feeling the old woman shiver in her hands.

“Ah, clever girl.” She softly said, she shuddered seeing the coldness of her breath waft into the air. “You truly were a great student. It was an honor to teach you…everything…I—" The woman froze slumping forward, the chill to her skin damning. Katara placed her down on the ground, backing away from what she had done. Zuko rushed over to her, holding her close as she bawled, clutching his back. People rushed out to them, seeing the woman before them as the girl continued to weep. Eyes widened on their prince, murmurs of wonderment before the people before them began to bow. Katara watched them all through her teary eyes before looking back up at Zuko. His eyes widened as he observed the people, replaying the title they spoke over and over again.

Prince Zuko. His mind reeled just for a moment, before his mouth began to move on its own.

“Take us to my father.” He demanded. “There’s something important that he should know.”

Chapter Text

So, while I was in the midst of writing this, I thought about the methods of the Dai Li and how this relates to my story. As advertised and tagged, there’s a lot of mind control themes. And some of you may read this story and think, “Oh my god, the brainwashing was not even that deep/it’s so weak.”

And to that I say, “Yes, that is the point.”

The Dai Li fucking suck at their jobs and were doomed from the start. That’s not just for my fanfic; that’s in the actual show. Their tactics suck ass and it’s no wonder they didn’t stick. I’m honestly surprised how well the Joo Dee’s held out. I’m going to explain why. Or at least why I think why.

I’m not a psychologist (yet) nor an expert, but, I do dabble in a bit of hypnotism, so this is a lot of my take and my own experiences/"expertise" talking. Seriously, take what I say with a grain of salt if you will. But here’s my thought process behind all of what I write and what I’ve observed from the Dai Li episodes.

First off, I want to say, no one is immune to brainwashing. It just comes in many forms. It just has a bad connotation cause of well…shit like this. It’s human nature to succumb to brainwashing. It’s just how brains work. The brain takes in information and if something is repeated enough with the right stimuli, you’re more likely to follow through with whatever is being asked of you or you start to question whatever is called to be questioned.

Our brains take to repetition as kids do to candy. All brainwashing/hypnosis/mind control isn’t bad. In fact, in plenty of ways it’s been helpful. It all depends on who’s message is being to tailored to and the effects of what comes from those willing to take in that message.

I hate to use Game Theory as a resource for any of this, but Mat Pat actually made things a little easier to explain in one of his videos. It was about Luigi being Mr. L in Super Paper Mario, but I digress, it helps for this situation. Mat Pat separates the types of mind control into three basic classes: Persuasive, Educational and Suggestive and that’s how I’ll explain the Dai Li’s methods.

Education: This is the scary bad brainwashing. The isolating, the torture. The “Bucky, No!”, Hail Hydra shit. This is also what I believe the show tried to imply the Dai Li was doing, but…no. This shit takes a long time to do. Much more than this shitty little lantern song and dance the Dai Li does. And it’s honestly the least effective because it puts the brain through so much trauma to get its way. But when it works…hoo boy does it work.

Another version of this is where you’re born into the ideals (I was molded by the cult, born from it). North Korea is a good example of this, where you’re born into the ideals of this, where all you know is North Korea propaganda because you were fed this since you could be fed. But if you’ve ever heard of someone being “deprogrammed” from some organization, it’s probably this type of brainwashing we’re dealing with.

Persuasive: Think Pavlovian. A desired change or effect is wanted and a reward is usually attached to it. You’re the most aware in this type of mind control and this can come with reward or duress. Think of that episode of Teen Titans, (the good one), where Robin does everything Slade wants because he’s got the titans hostage with killer nanos in the bloodstream. The goal of persuasive is to make you watch you betray your own natural behavior for an outcome that it almost because natural. My favorite kind of mind control, cause it’s evil and I love some good psychological warfare. When done well, especially in the written word, it can be diabolical. Great slow twists for shows.

The Dai Li do not execute this because there’s no real threat or reward…other than like…You can live within the walls. But eh, that’s a stretch. It’d be different if I made Long Feng force Zuko into working with him to keep his sister and her friends alive. Then he starts doing some heinous shit that might work against his morals until it’s not his morals anymore. Point is, there’s normally a carrot and/or rod behind the motivation for persuaded character to do things commanded of them.

Suggestive: This is the fun one. This is what you see in stage hypnosis where people are acting like cats and chickens and shit. It’s fun, its harmless for the most part and it’s easy to get in and out of. Also, if you’re kinky this is also where most erotic hypnosis reigns.

Now, crazy thing about this is, all of these methods of mind control can and will overlap if you do it right. You can build from suggestive to completely educational based brainwashing. Cults don’t happen in a day, and they definetely don’t recruit and keep people in a short amount of time. That type of isolation and inner brain manipulation takes time, no matter how big and powerful a cult may be. That’s just how it is.  And that’s as scary as it is fascinating (at least to me, but cults and cult like behavior has fascinated me since I was a kid).

So, here’s why the Dai Li fucking suck: They act like they’re an educational type of mind control but have no time for it. The educational method is like a mental rewrite if done correctly. This takes at minimum multiple weeks to do. Long bouts of isolation, torture methods if needed (sleep deprivation, starvation, etc), lots of stimuli to impact the brain, sometimes even drugs. The Dai Li had a lantern and a guy with a mantra.

Be fucking for real.

This is often why they’d target the outcasts and the nobodies or people spouting heresies. They want to keep people down in Logai for as long as they can without the public asking questions. But even with that bought time, this method is really hard and does not have good results. Mat Pat goes a little more in depth about it in his video, but it definetely depends on the person you’re trying to manipulate. It can be done, it’s just hard. And you need more than a little candle lamp going in a circle and some creep ass in the corner telling you you’re in a safe place. That’s suggestive. And not well executed suggestive at that.

Ineffective as shit.

The Dai Li are trying to be as hard as the indoctrination/educational method of brainwashing with shitty suggestive tactics.

They did a great job of being creepy. The idea of a secret police force basically forcing the hands and minds of their citizens into obedience is killer, especially for the time period this show came out in. The Dai Li is memorable, hell, we still joke about the mantra here or reference it when there’s clear denial of a situation. However, we’re talking about the actual effectiveness and not it’s lasting impression on all of us.

The Joo Dee’s are their success story because it’s unknown how long they’re down there, but from what we saw in the short clip of all the Joo Dee’s down in the caves, their pupils wide and the literal echo chamber of their mantra in their otherwise empty heads, it’s safe to say they are more likely deep in the kool-aid. And we still see a Joo Dee break out of trace because the kids questioned her a little too much. She wasn’t sat down and deprogrammed a little. The kids just asked why too much and she snapped.

Their methods suck.

Now there’s another way people can be easily indoctrinated and this is how cult leaders snag people so quicky other than charisma, which Long Feng has as much charisma as I do gills. He’s a smooth talker, sure, but you can be a smooth talker and not have any charisma or charm. He’s a great orator, and he’s very observant and that’s what he uses as a weapon in times of recruiting.

Most extreme organizations and cults take people at their lowest, in peak isolation, in severe depression and give them something they believe only that person or group can give them. This is how they pick up most of their “easier” recruits. I’m sure you’ve heard of them referred to as pipelines.

In Zuko and Katara’s case, their moments of peak devastation leaves the brain unguarded and open for anything to be reinforced and changed. As for Azula, Long Feng spent so many years figuratively blowing the Earth King and keeping him complacent as he ruled. You don’t think Long Feng would silver tongue Azula by using her own vanity and ego as her downfall? Peak suggestive hypnosis until it becomes more serious. Like a slow boil to keep her in. Persuasive hypnosis is what turns up the figurative heat.

In this case, there’s no stick, no corrosion. It’s more like how addiction works. Activate the good chemicals in the brain and be seemingly the only source of this good chemicals so they keep chasing it.

Playing her role as Queen of the Earth Kingdom (desired condition/behavior) and she gets ass crawling levels of praise of ego stroking (reward). Azula slowly gets pulled to indoctrination and they don’t even have to change the way she is. But that’s the only smart thing Long Feng in this story had done, really. By attending to her own beliefs (she’s made to rule, she belongs on a throne etc etc) what real resistance is he going to face? By all means he’s still correct especially in her mind, so of course she’s gonna listen to him and then the things said between the lines is what ensnares her.

It's what more advanced hypnotists do; keep you compliant with your own thoughts while slowly pushing what they want from you. Really sneaky inductions get you that way. While you’re focused on the words, your brain starts picking up on what’s between the lines. Much more effective than some dude telling you how safe you are behind their walls in a monotone voice while you get flash banged by some rotating little lantern.

So yeah, the main point of this interruption was so I didn’t have to reply in comments, in case of people complaining/commenting on the brainwashing and why it was so easy. Cause this was already exhausting to type. If you were confused/concerned or whatever about the Dai Li doing what they were doing, hopefully you’re not anymore.

TLDR: The Dai Li can’t brainwash effectively and nothing sticks ‘cause they don’t have time to truly indoctrinate, so don’t get mad at me for people flopping in and out of hypnosis, it’s their own damn fault and how they were written to be in the series.

Chapter Text

As the moon waned from the power it bestowed, Katara finally came to rest. The two allowed their heads to dry from her manipulations, finally fully free of the hold Long Feng had on them. The power of the full moon worked through her hands, allowing the memories to flood in like a mighty river freed from a dam’s hold. As they rediscovered who they were, exploring the repressed memories of who they were, they relived the joys and sorrows that their years brought them. They re-experienced their struggles, their losses and their triumphs.

The exhilaration caused her hands to shake once she was allowed time of reprieve and process everything that happened to them. Zuko stayed with her, watching her understand what she had done and what she could do. The two had finally gained some time to rest since they’ve run from the Earth Kingdom. They were housed in a modest inn for the night before their travels towards the palace. Sleep was far from the prince’s mind as the looming idea of home lingered in his mind. Something he had seemed to have wanted for a long time. The only thing pulling him from his thoughts was her, seeing as she stared at her own hands, her eyes focused on them. Zuko placed his hands over hers, catching her attention as he offered her a kind half smile.

“I can’t imagine what you’re thinking right now.” He started. “The pain you must be feeling.” She sighed softly, keeping her eyes on their hands.

“But with everything I know now, everything we know, I know you’re strong enough to overcome this.” He softly said. “And you are the last bloodbender here, you have all the power to change it in the way you see fit.” He explained.

“Hama did what she did out of preservation and pain, but you are the one who can make bloodbending into what you want it to be if you wanted to work on it.” She watched him offer her a small shrug; his smile ever so gentle.

“Thank you, Zuko.” She spoke. “For trying.” His smile dropped, his thumbs grazing against her skin.

“No, thank you.” He said watching her brow rise in question. “For saving me. You were amazing in that fight.” She flushed a little and scoffed.

“What else could I do?” He stroked the back of her hands.

“I don’t know, but I am glad you did what you did.” She began to match his smile, much to his relief. “So, thank you, Katara.” His hands slightly squeezed around hers, a faint heat shared over the two of them.

“Katara.” She laughed softly. “I never thought I’d miss hearing the sound of my own name.” Zuko breathed out a soft laugh of his own as her smile softened looking over at him.

“You’re welcome, Zuko.”

~~

In spite of the devastation, Zuko pushed himself towards the royal palace. The eyes on the disgraced prince were full of intrigue and confliction. Loyalty to the crown and the words of their Fire Lord had grown mixed in the minds of their subjects.

Katara did not feel the confliction in the Fire Nation people. Instead, the conflict in their eyes died as they narrowed in vitriol towards her; judging eyes raking over her form as she walked beside Zuko. Her arm tightened around his as she tried not to focus on the sea of malice. Sneers and grimaces littered the faces of their gray and brown eyes as they glinted in a delighted knowing cruelty that they were making her nervous as they whispered and murmured about her.

“It’s alright,” Zuko reassured her. “Just focus on me.” With an uneasy sigh, she did as told, trying to ignore the daggers stabbing into her. The walk was arduous traveling behind the guards that had found them, an uncomfortable silence between all four of them. The royal palace was vast and glimmered in the sun, gold and royal red proudly displaying the nation’s power and its sense of self. Dragons loomed over them, in gold and glorious stone, with their eternal and fixed gazes on all who were below them. Both Zuko and Katara avoided their eyes, a strange mixture of foreignness and shame overwhelming them both.

Despite the climate being merciless and the sun constantly beating down on them since they set foot in the nation, the palace carried an air that chilled their spines in ways that would rival even the harshest of winters in the poles. Grand displays littered the walls with Fire Lords in their large corridor, each one with a gaze that could even match the dragons. Katara found herself closer to the prince as he tried to keep a brave face the deeper inside, they traveled. She squeezed his arm once.

“Are you okay?” She asked finally breaking the long silence. A short contemplative silence came over him.

“I just…I’m finally home; where I’ve wanted to be the most. It’s been three years since I’ve been home.” He confessed. “I’m here. I’m here and I don’t know…I just feel so empty, so willing to just—”

“؅Prince Zuko,” the two’s eyes shot up to one of the armored men. “Sorry to interrupt you, but it appears the Fire Lord is in a meeting. We shall escort you and your…” he paused; eyes fixated on the waterbender much to her annoyance making her stare back at him. “…guest to your respective chambers.”

“It’s fine. She’ll stay in my room with me.” Zuko quickly said. “She needs to stay beside me at all times.” With a small quirk of his brow, he gazed at her again, his mouth shut, but a small smirk rising in the corners of his mouth. Katara’s eyes narrowed.

“Very well, my Prince.” Freely, he looked her up and down again, as Katara pushed more towards the prince’s arm.

“She’s quite nice looking for an ice walker.” He mumbled under his breath as Zuko kept her in place feeling her puff up. Enraged, she shot the prince a look only to be answered with another look.

“Keep your comments to yourself.” He demanded, forcing the soldier’s head down. “Just guide us to our room.” He spoke with a harsh air to him, keeping his back straight. “She and I would like to retire for a bit.” Without another word, he nodded and guided the two of them towards Zuko’s room. His heart fluttered as the doors opened, a layer of dust lining the furniture long left behind years ago.

“Welcome home, your Highness.” The guard said with a bow before backing up to close the door, his eyes now lingering on Katara as he closed the doors.

“Home.” Zuko repeated, the taste of it almost bitter and hollow. “I wonder for how long will I be allowed to stay here before Father decides he doesn’t want me anymore?” Anger died to pity as she looked towards the prince, aimlessly running his hand over his belongings, drinking in the state of his room again. Katara moved to sit on the bed, the silk of the sheets gracing her hand as she rubbed it slowly. He watched her for a moment, a small heat showing in his cheeks as he looked away.

“I know this must be odd for you.” He commented.

“I mean; we do come from two different words it seems.” She replied still getting a feel for the fabric. “I just didn’t know in your world it’s common for the royal family to have…guests.” She sneered out the word mocking the guard.

“I know. I’m…sorry.” He sighed. “But it’s a good thought for people to have if you want to be alright here, unfortunately.” She crossed her arms, her brow twitching.

“You’re telling me I have to go along with people thinking I’m your war prize just so I don’t get touched or worse?” Much to her horror and rage she watched him nod.

“It’s a great way to not be harassed here. Especially if I stake my claim on you, at least to the people here. Being a concubine of anyone in the royal family is seen as an honor and they are not to be sullied or bothered by others.

“So long as you belong to me in the eyes of the people here, you won’t be harmed.” She huffed keeping her gaze off him.

“Great, nothing better than being seen as your war spoils.” Zuko sighed coming around to her, placing a hand on her shoulder.

“It’s for your safety.” He reasoned.

“Because there’s people out there who would absolutely harm me in that way out there.” She pointed out. Zuko sucked in a breath, knowing he was unable to argue with her.

“Yes.”

“Good, I’m glad we established that.” She bit.

“I understand there are things about the Fire Nation that need to be changed…” he said. Katara gave a sardonic snort. “But please behave here. For your sake.” Katara’s jaw tightened for a moment before she sucked on her teeth looking at him.

“Fine, I’ll be a good little bed warmer. Quiet, obedient, a piece to look at.” She spat coldly. “A Joo Dee with my name this time.” Zuko flinched at that.

“Or will I just be addressed by a different name? Relief woman? Whore even?” As he huffed, Katara swore she saw faint embers dying in the air just as quick as they formed.

“Consort.” He corrected softly. “Or whatever I deem you are.”

“Oh, what a gracious master you are!” She exclaimed; her voice seeped in sarcasm.

“I get it!” He growled. “It’s not ideal, but for now this is what’s best if you want to walk the palace grounds freely and unharmed.”

“Wow.” Nothing more was said as he held his arm. A small pout came over him as he loomed over towards the grand window.

“I didn’t make these rules you know.” He finally said. “Nor do I really like it either. But it’s here, and it’s a tool for you. Even if you hate it; use it.” With that, he opened the curtains, the sun displaying the splendor of his grand old room. She took the opportunity to gaze at the gorgeous deep reds and the dark woods of the room. The layer of dust tainted the splendor of luxury but beyond it, she knew this was a life she couldn’t even dream of years ago. With a grunt, Zuko opened the window allowing the air to cycle through. The coolness of the new air wafted into the stale air of the closed off room, the airs of change just as foreboding as it was crisp and hopeful.

~~

Sokka carved through the enemy with ease, the might of his boomerang and the knowledge of combat of the other nations passed onto him. Yet when he saw those familiar faces, the headdress he had once adorned on his own head now faced to him in combat, Sokka knew he wasn’t prepared for what was to come.

Their stances were fierce and eyes colder than the Southern storms. Lifelessness ruled their eyes as they charged at him, leaving him only on the defensive, desperate not to hurt his friends. Even through the dead look in her eyes, he could still see their features through their make-up pointing them out in his mind.

“Snap out of it!” he commanded effectively blocking her attacks. “Jang! Jang, it’s me, Sokka!” Jang did not respond, only continuing to aim for his weak points. With a growl, Sokka addressed the rest of his people.

“Try and knock out and take as many as you can,” he yelled, “believe it or not, they’re friends. They’ve been brainwashed!” He narrowly avoided a fast leg aiming to strike his head. Rolling on the ground and working to push himself back up, sorrow sank his heart as his eyes widened.

“Oh, Suki…” he groaned as she glared down at him without a hint of clemency. Before Suki could strike him on the ground, a flurry of earth flung the girls out of range.

“Toph!”

“What?!” She growled. “They were going to annihilate you and also if you want them knocked down and out this is the best way to do it!” She argued trapping and knocking down warriors one by one. Toph gasped as she evaded a quick hand close to her body.

“They know how to do the weird blocking thing that Fire Nation girl can do!” Sokka exclaimed blocking the punches and attacks of another warrior only to be subject to a chi block in the arm. He rushed over to grab his boomerang keeping his body moving as he dodged the attacks of the blockers, seeing multiple men and women fall to the sudden new attacks. With his other arm he threw the weapon watching it knock down a handful of women before coming back to him. Just as he caught it, he felt the other arm fall numb to Suki’s attacks before he got kicked to the ground. His cry made the young woman stiffen; a surge of guilt flashed across her face as Sokka’s eyes widened.

“Suki! Suki, come on,” he encouraged. “Fight this!” Pain brought a hand to her head as he continued to encourage her. He pushed himself up evading her quick attacks, but keeping close enough to speak to her comfortably.

“Come on baby, you can snap out of this.”

“Shut up!” She roared, swiping at his head, fiercely, the slice of the blades of the fan chilling Sokka.  “And stop calling me Suki!”

“But that’s who you are!” He countered. He grunted as she kicked him again. Toph grunted as she was thrown beside him, her arms and legs limp.

“You’re Suki, my amazing girlfriend, an even more amazing Kiyoshi Warrior and leader!” He praised.

“You’re someone I know who can fight this brainwashing, Suki. You’re one of the strongest women I know and love.” She growled and kicked him again gripping her head.

“I said shut up!” She growled. Sokka coughed against the ground and breathed out a haggard sigh.

“No, not while I can save you.” She paused and looked down at the man before her, his sheepish and loving smile piercing though her programming as she gripped her head harder.

“What are you doing to me?” She muttered leaning over. With a groan, Sokka pushed himself up on his feet planting his lips on hers. Her hand was dangerously to his stomach, stopping herself from slamming it into his body. In that moment, memories flooded in as muscle memory moved her tongue with his, relaxing to his touch. She held him in place, taking the lead in the kiss, much to his pleasure. Pulling them apart, Suki looked over at the water tribe boy, a spark of light beginning to return in her blue eyes.

“I knew you’d come for me.” He breathed out a small laugh and nodded.

“Of course, I would, Suki, I love you.”

“I love you too.” She sighed. “Which is why you need to go.” His smile dropped. “Far away from here and go end this once and for all.”

“Come with me.”

“I can’t.” She said. “There’s no way I wouldn’t endanger you and I’m under Long Feng’s thumb. The Kiyoshi Warriors, are his and the Dai Li’s now.” Her head began to lull as he quickly headbutt her lightly.

“Focus.”

“This is exactly what I mean.” She continued. “As much as I would love to come with you, to help you… I can’t. Her eyes darted around her for a moment before she looked at Sokka.

“I’m sorry, but you need to die.” She said.

“What?”

“Just for a while, so no one will suspect a thing. So you can free us all.” She released him, taking his boomerang.

“I can make it look like we killed you.” She said. “That way Long Feng won’t look for you anymore.”

“Long Feng? But Azula took over.” Suki shook her head and held her head again, groaning in pain.

“Suki…”

“Take your men and go.” She demanded. “And hurry up and come save us.” Sokka’s jaw tightened as he bit back tears.

“Hurry up!” She warned. “I don’t know how much longer I can be me for you.” Sokka rushed to her kissing her once again, pleased to feel her melt to the touch as his arms were becoming mobile again. He took the opportunity to hold her close, as tears fell. He pulled back and stroked her cheek.

“I’m going to come back for you.” He vowed. “I will save you.”

“I know you will. That was the last thought I had…” Devastation struck as he was snatched away by one of the troops as they continued to retreat, the Kiyoshi Warriors frozen in place as they did so.

“I love you!” Sokka shouted as they disappeared. Suki reached out just as the path was closed off, leaving shreds and pieces of their battle and the puddles of blood at their feet. Long Feng’s teachings overcame her as she snapped her fingers once more bringing the others to life once more as she scanned the area. She looked at the bloody boomerang in hand as she stared at the blocked off path.

The leader is gone.  A voice rationalized. We eliminated him, just as Long Feng would want. We obeyed and this boomerang is a trophy. Satisfied, she kept the weapon in hand, hoping it would be a good gift and proof of a job well executed.

Long Feng will be pleased with us. She thought, for it was only his satisfaction that was all that mattered and all the warriors existed for.

~~

Devastation halted her throat, her eyes burning, her head shaking in denial. All sound halted around her, the weight of the news crumbling her to the floor.

“No,” She shuddered, “Spirits no!” The messenger before her confirmed with a slight bow.

“Apologies.”

“No.” She whimpered. She clutched her chest tightly as she heaved in breaths.

“Leave us!” Zuko boomed, his voice echoing through the chamber. The messenger bowed and began to leave as Zuko looked around to the staring serfs and guards.

“All of you! Leave!” He roared. Without a second to spare, they left the two of them alone as Katara allowed herself to lie on the floor as she held back a sob.

“Sokka…Toph….” Her voice quaked as she curled on herself, heaving a greedy breath before unleashing a horrific and howling wail. Pity overwhelmed him as he watched helplessly, the rawness in her grief sounding throughout the area. She screamed again before it devolved into broken sobs, tears pouring down her face. Cautiously, he approached her, holding her to him. Hysterics drew shallow and fast breaths from her as she hiccupped out noes and incoherent pleas.

“Katara, I’m so sorry.” He spoke once the cries died down. “I’m so sorry.” He scooped her up in his arms allowing her to bury her face into his chest as she wept. The walk to his room was long and silent, save for her soft sobs the began to ebb the closer they got to his bed chamber.

As he lay her down on his bed, he noticed the puffiness in her eyes, the grief fatiguing her as tears stained her face. A gentle hand stroked through her hair as she slept, feeling her head chase the feeling in her sleep, desperate for a source of kindness. He sighed and kept his hand on her cheek, his own sorrow lacing his heart.

~~
Long Feng stroked the hair of the Earth Queen aimlessly, his whispering in her ears were interrupted by the clattering of the boomerang at his feet. The warriors lowered themselves at his feet, bowing low to the Queen and their ruler.

“We’ve suffered some losses, but ultimately the threat has been destroyed, my queen.” Suki reported. She rose her head, blank eyes facing the man a lone tear cascading down her cheek, slicing through her makeup.

“Why are you crying, girl?” Long Feng asked. A cruel grin rose to his face a she snatched her up by her face, met with an expressionless face.

“I don’t know.” Long Feng chuckled.

“Oh, but you do.” He said. “Somewhere in that head of yours, where rebellion still lives. You know what you’ve done: Bloodying your hands with your only salvation.” He released her face leaning into her ear, his grin only widening.

“You killed your hope.” He watched in satisfaction as more tears had fallen from her lifeless eyes.

“Oh, my dear,” he feigned pity, “don’t fret. I will absolve you. You’ll be safe here, in the walls.” He reasoned moving back and circling her.

“Now surrender, and let the walls encase you.” Her head fell just as the warriors behind her, thoughts swimming until nothing but an eerie calm washed over her thoughts. She was safe, she was useful. She was the Dai Li’s.

She was Long Feng’s.

“Yes, Long Feng.” She responded, her voice monotone. “Thank you, for securing us.” His hand gravitated to her cheek, wiping the remainder of her tears away.

“Good girl.”

Chapter Text

The grand room felt as hollow as it seemed hallowed. However, what caught Katara’s attention was how the prince’s hands were wrenched and twisted, his eyes darting around the meeting room, all too aware of the crackling of the fires meant for the royal family. His eyes lingered onto where Azula normally sat; an odd feeling of damned emptiness coming from her area. Hesitantly, the waterbender reached for his hand.

“Zuko,” his eyes snapped to her; pupils small and his breath growing unsteady. Her eyes narrowed at the change, assessing him. “What’s wrong?” Slowly, she watched him bring his other hand to his face, getting the feeling of the marring of his skin. Shock was soon displaced by surrender to her touch, his eyes slowly falling closed as he leaned into her palm.

“There’s just…a lot of memories here.” He confessed. Understanding, she gave him a soft nod.

“Okay.” She acquiesced. Silence sat with the both of them as they waited for Ozai and the rest of the generals. Fire Lord Ozai was the first to arrive, the darkness of the fire’s shadows illuminating his sharp and striking features. In his foreboding stature, it was no question of his good looks. It was also no doubt that Zuko was his son. They shared the long ebony locks, the same eyes that rivaled even the brightest of amber. Despite the scar, it was plain to see that he was eerily similar in looks to the current Fire Lord. His grimace focused on Katara; his mouth fixated into a sneer.

“Must your bed warmer be here?” Ozai questioned with a cock of his brow ignoring the glare of the girl. “This is a meeting for war, there’s no point in showing off the spoils you gained.” He squeezed her hand once, urging her silence.

“She was a master of the Avatar when he was alive and a master in her own right.” He reasoned. “Her thought and perspective may prove useful to help Azula.” The Fire Lord continued to glare with a contemplative growl, yet there was an air of intrigue within him.

“How…interesting, getting one of the Avatar’s former masters to submit.” He stared the girl up and down, before focusing back on his son.

“You’ve made quite the impression since you’ve come home, Prince Zuko.” The Prince was quick to bow to him. “Perhaps, I was wrong about your ruthlessness.”

“I’m humbled and undeserving of your praise, father.”

“Seems living out there didn’t dampen your sense of manners.” He remarked, lightly amused. “Make sure you get the concubine trained as well if you insist on having her in my presence.” Katara felt her blood boil as Zuko squeezed once again.

“Of course, father.” He quickly agreed with another squeeze feeling her body stiffen and rise. “I’ll make sure she’s well aware of her place here.” He shot her a look out of the corner of his eyes, watching her finally deflate. Biting her cheek, Katara kept her head low, in hopes the Fire Lord took it as a sign of respect. A smirk came over the ruler as he sat in his place, his eyes still on her.

“Good girl.” Zuko felt her entire body stiffen once more, a long silent breath exhaled from the girl. Zuko stroked her hand half in apology and in thanks as he readjusted himself urging her to do so as well. The doors opened as generals came in one by one, bowing and offering their greetings towards their ruler, Hateful eyes lingered onto Katara as they passed by to take their seats. Both Zuko and Katara knew the meeting was going to be long from there.

~~

“I’m sorry.” Zuko flinched as Katara thrashed her arms, the waves moving at her angry call. The final cries of the birds were scarce on the shores of their secluded beach.

“Good girl?!” She roared. “I’ll show him a good girl! Ice shards littered the sands and into the tides as Zuko could do nothing but watch her. She had endured much disrespect in the meeting, only referred to what everyone perceived her to be. She was the only woman there, and it showed in their language and the almost causal way they spoke about her and her looks. Unable to speak out of turn, unable to defend herself, she in that moment was truly a concubine; an arm piece for Zuko and such items of luxury were silent.

As much as Zuko had advocated for her status as a warrior, it was clear that they didn’t take his words or her seriously. The haughty laughter and the cruel hidden jabs at her intellect and heritage rose in their language as they addressed her. Her stomach churched as she heard in a few generals talk about the idea of taking up Water Tribe prizes of their own as if they were contemplating picking up an item in front of her. She sat in loathing silence as they asked Zuko if she was hard to manage treating her as if she were no better than a pet, inquiring the prince on how to train over Water Tribe women to be as submissive as Katara had been. All while they observed her, making it clear what she was to them.

The roar of the ocean rang loud in the prince’s ears, the crashing rivaling the fiercest of storms he survived on the ship.

“I know it’s hard, but we can get what we need out of this.” He said, waiting to defuse her anger. “A small but elite fleet, sure enough to infiltrate and take down Long Feng. To get revenge on the man who took everything away from you.” She barked out a sharp and cold laugh.

“And all it took was my fucking dignity!” The waves rose and curled on themselves. Zuko watched in awe of her power noting a stark difference since they had last fought.

“I’m just some broken war prize for you to parade around and have those old sexist bastards gawk at. A tamed ice savage, is that it?!” There was a pause between them as Zuko braced himself to answer.

“Unfortunately, yes.” Frustration burned her throat raw as the waters crashed again, she threw herself into the bending, the sea at her beck and call interrupting the natural flow of the shore. Gathering a large abundance of the element, she slashed through a large rock with ease, breathing out heavily from the rage.

“He’s lucky. They’re all lucky there’s no full moon. Then I could show them what the bed warmer was truly capable of.” Zuko pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed, looking back towards where they came from making sure no one was listening.

“Get it all out of your system now, while you can.” He warned. “Even being my concubine won’t save you being heard talking like that.” Katara slumped into the sand the sea finally dying down and obeying the ebb and flow nature commanded of it. A pitiful and angry sob ripped out of her.

“This is what you wanted to come back to?” She questioned, looking back at him. Pain and anger reddened her eyes, her lip quivered. A mixture of emotions flooded through her shooting a dagger into Zuko’s chest. “Is that what you followed and tortured us for?!” The tightening in Zuko’s chest stopped him from speaking as he clutched his chest.

“This is what Aang died for?” She asked exasperated and voice wavered.  His heart skipped as she slowly shook her head.

“I just don’t get it.”

~~
The underground flourished with talks of how to end Long Feng’s life. Eager, hungry vengeance watered the rebellious maws of all he had affected. Disagreements arose; different ways of his death vied for. Words overlapped, yelling filled the room yet despite their disagreements, one thing was clear: Long Feng’s head needed to be cleared and Ba Sing Sae needed to be liberated. Sokka knew this well, as he planned every strategy, passed judgement on every ideal, calculating each and every plan that came to his ear.

Liberation teased the ears of all who would be willing to hear and danced on the tongues of those brave enough to speak it. The eyes of the people stayed on the palace, lying in wait to see who would become victorious. Hope dared to rise from the earth since it was shattered from the Avatar’s death and once again loomed over the people cautiously.

Sokka held the people’s growing hope and the title of promised liberator with high regard. His promise extending to the one he wanted to save the most. Her face came into perfect view when he rested, as worry weighed heavy on his chest. The fleeting sounds of her laughter and the lilt of her voice agonized his ears and tightened his chest, a brutal reminder of the threat of losing her. He sighed, the looming thoughts, the dark possibility that he was never going to find her, or he was going to find her just as lifeless as they did Aang.

No. He stopped himself with light shake of his head. No, I won’t do this to myself. Forcibly he rubbed his eyes, scrubbing the tears away.

Hold on to hope. Like she does. He reminded himself. Have faith in her. Have faith that she will come back and if we have to, we’ll take her back. Determination was clutched tight in his fist.

I refuse to lose another family member.

~~

All eyes were firm on the lone waterbender, keeping her arm wrapped with the prince’s. Through the silence, she felt their hateful gaze, their expressions screaming “lesser”, “savage” and “beneath” as they lifted their heads slightly while they watched her.

Every day made Katara feel just a little more claimed, draped in red, as if the nation itself had marked her. Once again, she had become property of another nation; a pretty face to serve another man, on her knees. Though Katara couldn’t seem to figure out which side was worse; the Dai Li or the Fire Nation hierarchy. Her necklace, beads and eyes were the only thing that stayed a defiant blue in her attire. A very existence that still displeased all the judgmental eyes that glared towards her. It was her only source of rebellion, pride in the place she hailed from, as much as the generals had wanted to remind her how of lowly they were in comparison to them.

 “Pay them no mind.” Zuko whispered, nudging her once. “They’re just going to be like this. As long as you are with me, as long as you are mine; you’ll be safe. I’ll make sure of that.” Her throat burned at the thought, desperate to scream to the close-minded fools that were so focused on glaring at her. She was well aware of the whispers that had littered the palace since their return, the disgusting discussions of what was so alluring of something so savage that it could catch the eye of anyone from the royal family.

She sat next to Zuko, keeping her head low as Ozai had come to the meeting, seeing how quickly everyone had kept their head low as he sat. Ozai glanced over towards Katara, a haughty scoff coming from him.

“Very good, you taught her how to behave.” He causally threw out. Zuko caught her leg as he kept his eye on his father while he raised his head.

“Of course, father.” Satisfied, as she kept her head down as they spoke; he allowed the rest of them to rise as the meeting began. One of the generals began to address his plan to save Azula, detailing where the armies and such would be and showing the tactics that he wanted to employ.

“This way, my Lord, we will get the satisfaction of razing the fools to the ground for daring to treat our princess the way they had.” Murmurs of satisfaction and agreement arose from them all as Ozai stroked his beard.

“As much as I would like to eliminate those fools who have my daughter,” he began, “from what I was told before, especially by Prince Zuko, they are a secretive society, who pride themselves on working underground and under the noses of the people. It might be hard to raze everything to the ground when they could easily hide like the worms they are.” Silence and then more murmurs came from the generals as the one who proposed the idea sat.

“F-Father.” Zuko spoke, before clearing his throat. Silence was immediate as they looked towards the prince. “Speaking of my experience, may I offer a suggestion?” The Fire Lord looked over his son, watching him gulp without a word before raising a brow.

 He then answered. “Perhaps it would be good to get a perspective like that. Speak.”

“Thank you, father.” He breathed. Katara bit her tongue, keeping her head down not wanting the ruler to see her face. Ozai kept his eyes on her, enjoying the stiffened look of her body, knowing he was getting under the girl’s skin.

“The Earth Kingdom people are not aware of the power the Dai Li holds.” Zuko explained. “Nor are they aware of the underground connections that they have and how they can get around. However—” He paused before looking towards Katara before addressing his father again.

“Katara and I do.” Whispers erupted once again as Zuko waited. Ozai rose his hand, silencing the men immediately.

“The concubine?” He questioned, catching the flinch from the girl.

“She’s not just my prize, father,” he insisted. Katara scrunched her nose at the title. “She is a secret weapon. I would like to remind all of you, she was the Avatar’s waterbending master. She had sunken ships on her own in one fell swoop.” Murmurs arose in the room. All eyes leered onto the girl, sitting, waiting, silent. Zuko cleared his throat, bringing the attention back to him.

“On our travels back to you, she had learned a waterbending technique that only few skilled masters of her caliber are capable of doing. A technique I am sure will ensure the death of Long Feng and could even free Azula from his clutches on her mind. As it freed both of our minds from his indoctrination.” Silence overcame them all as Ozai rose up, the air becoming thin as he moved towards the waterbender. His grip was tight on her jaw as she flinched. Zuko watched in horror, looking her over, hoping to find there was nothing that offended Ozai.

 Katara found herself lost in the eyes of the Fire Lord, seeing that despite them mimicking the very flames they adore so much, they were colder than any tundra, lacking a care and spark in them that any caring person could harbor. She shuddered before him, casting her eyes down. He dropped his hold on her, pleased to see her keep herself low before him, fear rising in every breath she took.

“And how do we know she won’t use this very thing to betray you, betray us?” He questioned. “You had said it yourself; she had once been the teacher of the late Avatar.” He loomed over her, his eyes now cast on his son.

“I’m sure you’ve heard from your late uncle; the Water Tribe people are known for their stubbornness and sneaky cunning due to living in such a harsh climate.”

“She’s loyal to me and only me, now.” Zuko countered, pushing himself to keep his voice from being small. “As I recall, you said it yourself, Father. I trained her well.” The two of them watched his shoulders rise as he was quick to continue.

“It is because I come from you, Father, that I know how to bend people to my will and the will of this nation. She is no exception.” Ozai thought for a moment, the silence in the room damning. Katara looked over to Zuko, an instinctive reach to him that he quickly appeased, stroking her hand a couple times under the eye of his father. This display brought forth a pleased glint in his eye. He kept his hands behind him, his smile growing.

“Perhaps she is truly tamed,” he smirked, “crawling to you for comfort like a good submissive woman should.” Katara swallowed the bile that rose as she heard the men chuckle.

“Alright.” Ozai spoke after he moved to sit back down; his body now lax. “I’ll place you in charge of this operation. How do you suppose we go with this, Prince Zuko?”

~~
“It’s the perfect idea!” Sokka proposed to his troops. “Our very own Toph will allow me to deliver the killing blow to this bastard—” Roars of excitement overcame Sokka’s voice as he stopped allowing them to celebrate the idea of liberation.

“And we will free Ba Sing Sae of the Dai Li’s shackles!” He exclaimed bringing forth another wave of glee and chants in the crowds.

“Toph, the world’s greatest earthbender, will ensure that I can reach Long Feng’s head and lob it right off his pretentious neck. Once we find the center of their operation in Lake Laogi and bring it from the underground; bringing it to the light and into the eyes of the people they subjugate. And once we ambush them on all sides, we’ll ensure they won’t stand a chance!” Cheers exploded from the crowd agreements arising and praises sang in both Sokka and Toph’s names.

“Together we can save Ba Sing Sae, we can take back the Earth Kingdom and we can save our loved ones!” Victory was assured in the crowd, tears of hope and joy overwhelming many, the thought of seeing their loved ones again, the idea of freedom being so close for many of them. Yet in the midst of the crowd, behind the cheering face and hopeful eyes, lay a sinister plan of his own, his heart sinking at the thought of his dear leader falling to these rebels.

The man felt naked without his uniform, finding it foolish in how the other side found peace in its unorganized form. How the man longed to be draped within the cloak of his comrades again. Only coaching himself knowing his hiding was soon to be over, and if all went according to plan, so would the rebels.

Chapter Text

The night was silent as Zuko watched the waterbender lean against the end of the ship. The breeze was biting; a warning that the colder climate was near as they left the comforts of the Fire Nation warmth. Katara however, was at peace, as she looked up at the moon. She had bent all her frustrations from the aimless travels in the ship. She was aware of the lingering looks of the men on the ship, especially when Zuko was not accompanying her. On the ship, she knew women were a rarity as she could easily identify and name all the women who were appointed onto the small army under Zuko’s command. She was all too aware of the dirty talk that came from the men when they thought they were alone and how they wondered just how she had warmed their prince’s bed.

Much like Zuko had instructed her, she stayed to herself, minding those who were more shameless in their gaze on her. Throughout the days of getting ready to depart from the palace and on the long days on the ship, Katara had truly come to trust the prince with her well-being. She didn’t know if it was because there was some lingering power to what Long Fend had commanded of her back underground, or if he was the only person left that she could trust.

Zuko watched the breath of her waft aimlessly in the air. Wrapping his cape around her he kept the stillness. Without a word she tucked into the warmth he offered. She stared at him in the corner of her eye before looking back towards the night sea. A couple minutes later, Katara spoke.

“You’re up late.” She yawned lightly. “Don’t you rise with the sun?” Zuko breathed out a small laugh.

“I was missing my bed warmer.” She snorted softly as he nudged her. In their lingering isolation on the ship, the two had grown playful, finding it easier day by day to talk to each other, to bond.

“Oh, I’m so sorry my lord.” She feigned. He watched as her smile faded, contemplation taking over her features.

“What are you doing up?” He gingerly asked.

“Thinking.”

“Thinking?” She nodded.

“When this is all over; whether we save Azula, if we kill Long Feng, free the Earth Kingdom….” She looked down at her hands before looking towards the moon again.

“What will happen next?” She asked. “What will I do next?” Katara took comfort in her arms as she breathed out a small sigh.

“Where will I go?” She sighed. “How can face my Gran-Gran telling her it may just be us left?”

“Would you like to stay with me?” Katara looked over to the prince, unable to find the will to speak.

“I think what you’re most afraid of, if anything, is being alone.” He said keeping his eye on her. Silence overcame the two of them, as she locked eyes with him, tears pricked in the back of her eyes as she nodded again.

“I know the feeling.” He admitted. “But no one said you had to be alone after all of this.”

“You want me to stay?” She questioned. He took the opportunity to wipe her tears, pleased that she easily followed the course of his hand. He liked their moments of solitude, where the expectations of what they were supposed to be were shed. It reminded him of the bliss they had cultivated together. A source of small secure walls they had made in Ba Sing Sae; their own world to just…be.

“If you wish.” He shrugged. She gave him a playful smile, her comfort showing.

“Are you asking me to be your permanent concubine, my prince?” He rolled his eyes with a laugh.

“Don’t start that.” She giggled. His hand gravitated towards hers on the railing, keeping his eyes on her.

“Seriously though,” he said. “If you don’t want to be alone, if you don’t want to deal with the aftermath of all of this alone; you don’t have to, if you want, allow me to be there.” She took his hand and squeezed it, keeping her gaze fixated on the ocean, the gentle dark waters caressing the boat now, the calmness of the waters around them easing on her soul. It reminded her of the long peaceful nights on top of Appa, and the beauty of the untouched night sky above them while the reflection of the stars glowed and danced on the gentle waves.

“I can fix how the people see you, then. Give you the respect you deserve. You can live here, or wherever we decide to go, without strife.”

“Thank you, Zuko.” She sniffled. “Truly.”

“Of course.” He said. “Since we met and re-met in the walls of Ba Sing Sae, you’ve been the only source of consistency and comfort in my life. Admittedly.” She sighed, allowing herself to lean on him. In the comfort of their solitude, he wrapped his arm around her, free to be more of themselves in the quiet of the night.

“Throughout all of this, I’m glad you’re here.” A gentle smile came over her as she relaxed into him, feeling the warmth of his natural heat in the cape they found themselves sharing.

“Yeah,” she admitted, “me too.”

~~

Toph threw the traitor down at the Sokka’s feet, a harrowing thud as he squirmed in the metal restraints. Blue eyes loomed down at the man with a chilling fury as he approached him.  

“You really thought you were going to spill to Long Feng what we were doing?” He questioned. “You’re not as clever or as sneaky as you thought you were.” He paused for a moment.

“Or as he thought you were.” The man remained silent; his own glower just as fierce.

“Oh, now you don’t want to speak.” He cruelly laughed. “And yet here you were ready to tell Long Feng everything about us.” Swiftly, he kicked the man under the ribs watching as his eyes bugged and his body nearly collapsed from the pain.

“I suppose I should’ve known that he wouldn’t have truly thought I was really dead.” Toph shrugged.

“Doesn’t matter, what matters is knowing what he said to him and what we need to do moving forward.” She noted. Sokka nodded, returning his glare.

“You don’t get to give us the silent treatment now.” Toph added binding his hands and feet to the ground, leaving him open and vulnerable to Sokka. The man shook, unable to move, unable to maneuver his way out of Sokka’s range. Sokka bent down next to him snatching him by the hair as he grimaced from the pain.

“Now, you’re going to talk.” He growled, keeping his grip near the scalp. “What. The. FUCK. Did you tell Long Feng?”

~~

They needed to be swift, Sokka deemed. The tides of this war were changing fast. He had known he no longer had the element of surprise, knowing in some shape or form, Long Feng had anticipated his arrival. Whether Long Feng didn’t believe Suki or even if she had told him the truth no longer mattered. What mattered was that the plan they came up with no longer was feasible; not if he wanted to succeed and liberate the city.

His secondary plan came in a hush, only a trusted few knowing what his intentions were. His troops understood, a harrowing closeness to defeat was bitter on their tongues once they knew about the spy that infiltrated them. Yet with true faith, they continued to listen to the young man’s words, now keeping a watchful eye on each other.

Toph was more eager to make rounds in their underground, focusing on each footstep that passed her by and listening closely to the words of others. She knew they could not afford another mistake like that, not while they were so close to their goal. Consistently, she placed her hand down on the ground, focusing and taking deep breaths, working her vision through the earth, mimicking what her lost friend would do. In the back of her mind, she mused at the thought that it would bring her closer to Aang. That somehow, someway, he could still be there, guiding her, aiding her and help the world much like he wanted.

She shook her head at the fleeting thought, a sorrowful smile on her face. Nothing would bring him back. She knew that. Instead, she buried herself in her task, working on expanding her vision, getting more comfortable with the earth than she had ever before, even pushing past her limits with distance, ensnaring her volunteers with frighteningly increasing accuracy and speed. As she grew stronger, hope welled within the rebellion and within Sokka who never failed to sing her praises.

He had fully stepped in his role of a leader, forcing himself to make hard decisions, working through his inner turmoil and keeping the morale of the people. His confidence was infectious, the rebellion working themselves hard, eager to see their Kingdom fall into better hands. Without fear they marched on during the night of the plan, the moon was high over them, as Sokka imagined it was Yue blessing them with her favor. A few men and women had branched off from the main group, scoping out the very limited opening towards the Dai Li underground. Anticipation wore on the people, as the thirst for the tyrant’s blood became more imminent over time.

“Sokka, sir.” One of the soldiers rushed over to Sokka and Toph, ungracefully halting himself before saluting to him.

“What is it?” He asked looking the tired soldier up and down as he heaved in and out. The messenger swallowed up air, working himself to speak in full sentences.

“T…There are Fire Nation heading towards—towards the Dai Li, Sir.” The young man reported. “I could not find out why, however… it seems from the hushed whispers among them they are also seeking Long Feng’s head.” Sokka’s body stiffened as he tightened his grip on his sword beside him.

“That’s not going to happen.” He vowed darkly. “Find out how many there are, how they’re planning on getting in, then we go for an ambush before we take down the Dai Li.” He commanded before getting up and pulling the earthbender along with him. “We can not allow another damn hiccup in this plan, not while we’re so close.”

“Toph, looks like our plans are going to happen much quicker than we thought.” She laughed cracking her knuckles.

“Either way, I get to crack some Dai Li heads and save Sugar Queen.” She smirked. “Let’s go save the Earth Kingdom.” Sokka gave her a small smile, his eyes glinting in determination.

“For Aang.”

“For Twinkle Toes.” The two of them locked arms, looking at each other with an understanding smirk. The two of them leapt into action pulling their troops along with them.

“We cannot let the Fire Nation take down Long Feng. That is our head to take and our city to liberate!” The masses threw up their hands in solidarity, hanging on every word, following his command without fail. Silence was quick to fall over the group of soldiers, their footsteps hastened and quiet as they began to track the nation standing in their way.

Unease loomed over the small fleet of Fire Nation soldiers, their eyes beginning to wander in their dimmed surroundings.

“Prince Zuko.” One of the foot soldiers gathered his attention.

“I know.” He said. “We’re being followed. Take them down from behind before we infiltrate Logai. I will not have distractions while we are trying to recover Princess Azula.” The man bowed and moved towards the back to relay the commands in silence as the troops slowed down, the sounds of struggle overcoming the stillness of night. The marching halted as did the foliage that surrounded, them. The night was far too quiet to be peaceful.

Unsettled feelings cast the first flames as commands were barked from both sides. Katara kept her eyes on the moon, feeling the surge of power coming as the night sky was making itself known.

“Zuko, are you sure we’re going to have time?”

“We’re going to have to make time,” Zuko responded with a grab of her hand. “We can’t let whatever’s happening—”

“Stop him!” Rapid footsteps and the sounds of bodies slamming to the ground littered the area as the crumbling of earth made Zuko snatch Katara to his body as he dodged the raised earth hurtling towards them. Zuko took the brunt of the fall, keeping his body above her as she groaned.

“Are you alright?” He asked. She blushed all too aware of his hand on her waist, the dust clearing now.

“Yes,” she said. “Now get up, we might have to fight!” She pushed herself away from him, choking down her blush as he pushed himself up. Katara was in a ready stance seeing the last of the dust clear seeing a lone girl before her.

“Spirits.” She gasped. “Toph?!” Toph’s head perked up as she rushed to the sound of her voice, not hesitating to crash into her.

“Sugar Queen!” The two of them embraced tightly, Katara’s hand clutched in her hair. The fighting around them halted, two sides sharing confusion amongst each other.

“I thought…I thought…” Katara’s voice croaked from the bubbling relief in her throat.

“No, we’re okay.” She assured her, her hands tight on her back. “I’m just relieved to find you again.” Warm tears flooded the earthbender’s shoulder as she surrendered to the welling in her own eyes.

“I thought I’d never hear that nagging voice of yours again.” She confessed, a waver to her voice. Katara buried her head into her shoulder and blurted out a mixture of a laugh and sob.

“I’m here, Toph.” She pulled back for a moment, her eyes scanning through the mixture of warriors. The fight had continued a few feet away from the stalled throng of fighters around them.

“Where’s Sokka?” Toph quickly punched the ground halting all around her as they stumbled for balance.

“Toph!”  The two of them heard Sokka screech. Elation rose in Katara’s voice.

“Sokka!”

“Katara!?” Footsteps were quick as the older brother stumbled and ran his way to the sound of his sister’s voice. “Katara!” Tears flowed from the both of them as they hugged. Sokka’s head buried in her shoulder.

“I’m so sorry I didn’t come for you sooner.” He nearly sobbed. “I’m so sorry. I couldn’t protect you.” Katara rubbed his back lovingly, letting her own tears fall.

“I thought you two were dead.” She confessed. “I thought I was all alone.” Sokka shook his head and sighed.

“I’m sorry. We had to make it seem like we died to keep Long Feng off our trail.” He explained. “It was the only way to stop being hunted I’m so sorry, Katara.”

“It doesn’t matter.” She dismissed. “It doesn’t matter. You’re here, right? I’m not dreaming?”

“That’s my line.” He laughed forcing a sorrowful laughter out of the two of them. Toph joined the hug as Zuko watched the three of them, a small pang of longing in his chest.

All eyes were upon them, multiple soldiers asking for orders, all on standby. Sokka felt his eyes, his own narrowing pushing the girls behind him baring his sword towards the prince. Immediately, multiple Fire Nation soldiers braced with a ready stance.

“I should’ve known it was you who snatched my sister!” Quickly Katar pushed herself in between them, keeping her brother at bay.

“Sokka, wait! He’s a friend!’ He looked back at his sister.

“I’m sorry?! Him?!” Zuko crossed his arms, biting his tongue as he breathed out a frustrated puff of smoke and embers. “Have you been Joo Dee’d?!” Toph cocked a brow towards Katara as she heard the skip in her heart.

“And why are you working with the Fire Nation of all people?!”

“It’s a long story, but if we’re going after the same thing, then we need to work together. We have a limited amount of time as it is.” She reasoned.

“Sokka if you’re going to trust anyone, trust me.” Sokka growled looking at the mixture of people along with the Fire Nation soldiers.

“I don’t like this. But if they won’t attack us tonight and it if it’s to end Long Feng, I’ll deal with it…for now.” Katara sighed relieved. “Now catch me up to speed.” She coaxed over Zuko as he looked towards his Fire Nation soldiers, wrapping his arm around her waist resting it on her hip. Sokka’s face scrunched as he pushed his arm off his sister.

“Sokka it’s fine.”

“No, it isn’t.”

“Sokka please!” she exasperated. “Just…lets go talk and by talk, I mean you need to listen! To everything!” She dragged them off, much to some of the Fire Nation’s soldier’s haughty laughter, as Zuko kept close beside her, his hand on the small of her back. Zuko looked back towards his soldier’s his glare earning their immediate silence. Katara shot Sokka down with a look, ignoring the shudder that threatened to show on her body as he touched her.

~~

The troops combined and moved, Fire Nation keeping their distance from the rest of the troops, a disdained look in passing as they marched in tandem. Zuko scoffed to himself, seeing the prejudice of his men, shaking his head, keeping his arm around Katara. Sokka’s face still held its disapproval as he looked at his hand, his shoulder’s heightened.

“Does he have to keep his Fire Nation hands on you at all times?” Sokka questioned just loud enough for the four of them to hear. “We’re marching and getting ready for battle for spirits sake!” Katara wrapped an arm around him much to her older brother’s annoyance.

“To keep up appearances, yes.” She replied, just loud enough for them to hear. “It’s for safety.” Toph snorted at the remark, shaking her head and making a glance towards the waterbender.

“I think you two have gotten too used to keeping up appearances.”

“What is that supposed to mean?” Katara questioned.

“Yes, Toph, elaborate.” Sokka seethed. Toph laughed softly.

“Absolutely not,” she refuted. “Besides, Sugar Queen and Sparky over there know exactly what I mean and that’s more than enough.” Zuko kept his face away from Sokka’s gaze, his face hardened. Toph snickered to herself, feeling the change in his heartbeat, a sneaking hand for comfort, tightening his hold on Katara.

~~

With enough negotiation and exchange of skill, the combined forces worked their way into the underground, keeping their vantage points above their heads as Toph quickly and elusively imprisoned the aerial agents in the earth, keeping them held. For the short amount of time together, the two factions worked well together, keeping their mutual goal in mind: Long Feng’s head soaked in his own blood.

 All was silent and rapid pushing their way through the bottom of the lake, with minimal noise, on the inside, while many kept their hold on the outside of the lake, surrounding the perimeter. Through the inside, Toph, Sokka, Katara and Zuko kept their view from above, watching as Long Feng spoke of his plans and praised his queen for working the way he wanted. Zuko grimaced with the comfortable way he touched her, his hands so easily on her face and combing through her hair. His chest rose in a protective rage, only to be silently coaxed down by Katara, reminding him of their goal. Toph focused on her surroundings, keeping a mental map of the lair they were all in, working a way to cleanly rid themselves of the tyrant.

“I can slice through him if you can hold him down, Toph.” Sokka whispered, earning a smirk from the young girl.

“Quick, clean and easy.” The two of them worked in tandem, as Sokka agilely worked his way down to the ground ready for his ambush. Katara watched in awe, prepping her water to assist in how she saw fit, while Zuko kept his eyes on entry and exit points, keeping watch for potential new enemies. The slice was clean and precise. No resistance as made from either of them sending an icy chill through their veins. As the man dropped to the ground, blood lifelessly leaving him, Toph grasped the ground, her face scrunched.

“Something’s wrong.” She said. Azula still stood in place, blood staining her face as she grinned, blank eyes boring into the wall. “Long Feng is dead and there’s no reaction?” She whispered waving her hand over the queen’s face. Heeding her words, he looked over to the queen seeing her continue to stand in place, unbothered by the scene before her. One by one, people fell to their knees, captured by earth cuffs, all before Azula. Sokka’s eyes narrowed.

“Did she betray Long Feng or—”

“—I’m afraid her betraying me is out of the question, boy.” His voice boomed over the high and cascading length of the building. Dread brought their attention to the man they killed, the hat off of his body, the flowing hair dipped in crimson. It was then the kids noticed all their differences. He was slightly too tall to be Long Feng, a little too young.

“She’s too much of a good puppet to harm her Master.” He laughed coldly as he calmly stepped over his sacrifice to grip Azula’s face in a mocking sneer.

“Isn’t that right, my lovely queen?” Azula kept her soft smile, one so out of place for her and so odd.

“Of course, Long Feng.” She agreed. “I will always need my advisor.” Zuko’s jaw tightened seeing him keep his hand under her chin.

“If only your brother and that little water tribe girl of his were just as capable of staying under like you.” He wistfully sighed.

“Ah well, it’s clear I got the better sibling anyway.”  

Chapter Text

The air was thin around them the smell of iron lacing their surroundings. Toph growled breaking free of her earthly prison sending Long Feng and Azula on the retreat. In those quick moments, she worked to free her allies. Long Feng continued to slink back after he whispered in Azula’s ear, seeing her stiffen at her command.

“As you wish, Long Feng.” She spoke. Zuko glowered towards the older man, his rage building from everything he had done. His eyes were caught by the calm demeanor of his sister, walking directly in his vison.

“Go after him.” Zuko commanded, his hands engulfed in flames. Azula smirked getting in a ready stance.

“What about—” Katara tried.

“—I’ll handle her,” he interrupted. “Go get that slimy bastard.” She nodded towards her brother, ready to follow his lead. Sokka’s eyes locked onto the true ruler of the Earth Kingdom. Zuko stayed focused on the brainwashed queen.

Looks like this was meant to be a family matter. The two lunged at each other, flames dominating and extinguishing each other bringing forth flashes of blaze with every impact.

Zuko dodged oncoming rock shards from above, the raining of earth coming from the Dai Li agents ready to protect their queen. He whipped out his blades, striking them effortlessly and clearing through the barrage.

“Can’t handle me on your own, ‘Zula?” He taunted, “What a coward that man had forced you to become!” Just as it left his mouth, he blocked and weaved through various attacks of both rocks and flames. His eyes narrowed, recalling what he and Katara needed to break their own trances.

“You’re better than this, Azula!” He shouted over the cacophony of conflict.

“You’re going to let some foolish man walk all over you?” He watched her body stiffen at his words, just for a moment. “Let him control you?” The queen’s eye twitched, silent as her flames grew before she roared and launched herself towards him again.

“You’re going to let that man make you weak!?”

~~
Long Feng evaded each speedy send of ice shards, ignoring the close knicks and the threat of its ice breath. Katara sent more flying past him, halting him just enough for her to cascade water on their path freezing it and causing him to slip. Sokka took the opportunity to plunge his sword towards his head. The clang and piercing screech of metal forced Sokka to meet Mai, eye to eye as she pushed him back. Katara melted the ice reusing it as a whip to send the weapons master into the wall. Long Feng rolled on his stomach smirking before snapping his fingers. Sokka narrowly avoided his own boomerang a sickening feeling of dread returning as he watched the woman who came into his view.

No longer was she in her Kiyoshi Warrior Uniform, something he knew Suki had always taken pride in. Instead, she was clad in a mix of the Da Li robes the men more stylized with the femininity of the dresses adorned by the Joo Dees. Her deep empty blue eyes bored into his.

“Suki…”

“Suki?!” Katara exclaimed seeing Mai come beside her and Long Feng, helping him while he grinned as if he were a god.

“These girls really have come in handy.” He boasted. “Imagine the wasted potential had I made them like how you were supposed to be.” Katara’s blood began to boil at the what the elder man looked at her.

“Though I must say; I will have to rethink on how to use our Joo Dee’s and our new warriors here.” He quirked his brow towards the two of them, a devilish smirk pulling at him. “I mean, we have to find a way to make more loyal subjects somehow, don’t we?” Sokka’s attacks came in with a furious roar as Long Feng confidently dodged them all, watching as the girls pushed the warrior back. A low chuckle came from the man, his eyes firmly on the younger boy.

“So emotional.” He clicked his tongue in disappointment.

“Shut up!”

“Not much for the makings of a leader, are you?”

“At least I’m not hiding behind others!” He snapped.

“Sokka,” Katara called, “you’re letting him get in your head.” He growled in frustration.

“Trust me, you don’t want that.”

“You would know wouldn’t you, dear?” Long Feng taunted. She refused to give him a response keeping her focus on her brother.

“We have to be smart about this.” She looked to the two women awaiting the next attack, keeping close to their leader. Sokka raised his sword solemnly, his eyes focused on the Kiyoshi warrior.

“I’m sorry, Suki. I told you I’ll save you.” Katara nodded and worked the water from her pouch into four ready tendrils. The two got into a ready stance as Sokka made the first move.

“Sorry, honey!” He exclaimed as he charged. Suki rushed to Long Feng keeping directly in front of him, blocking and bearing the brunt of his attacks.

“Suki! Move!” He commanded to no avail. With each attack, Suki was just as fast, each attack making her wince from the growing pain of overuse. Sokka smelt the faintest hint of iron, seeing it drip from her palms.

“Suki, please!” he begged, pulling back. “You gotta snap out of this, I don’t want to hurt you!” Suki only responded with her own attacks, putting her boyfriend on the defensive as he blocked every one of her punches and kicks.

“Suki!” he tried again. “It’s me! I’m here to save you remember!?” Sokka heard the quick whistle of a knife flying through the air as he ducked hearing it stick into the wall.

Katara grabbed Mai by the hair slamming her into the ground ignoring the sting of a blade slicing her skin as she bent a mass of water onto her. Before she could get up and lunge at her again, Katara focused her breath blowing on it, ice quickly forming and encasing her. With what little water she had, she made a whip and lashed the elder man from the side pleased with the long gash of blood she made onto his skin. Suki moved back to protect Long Feng as Sokka sprinted towards the leader ready to kill. Suki however, was faster forcing Sokka to halt just before he went to stab him. Long Feng breathed out a cruel laugh as he kept the girl close to him, keeping the other two back from attacking.

“Good girl.” He half wheezed out, keeping his hand firm on his slashed side. Sokka kept his sword up, his eyes losing their rage as they plead to her.

“Suki, please…” he begged. “I love you; I need you to come back to me.” The girl stared into Sokka’s eyes, a mixture of focus and confusion swirling within her blue eyes.

“Who do you serve, warrior?” Instantly, she snapped back into her rigid form keeping her stance ready.

“You, Long Feng.” She answered monotone. “Your word is law.” Keeping his eyes on Sokka, he slowly brought a dagger to her neck making the Water Tribe siblings stiffen.

“You’ll do anything I ask won’t you?” He asked.

“Of course, sir.”

“Suki, come on.” Long Feng pressed his own blade to her neck, much to her horror, seeing as she didn’t flinch from the sting of icy metal.

“Drop your weapon and tell the girl to drop her pouch.” Katara looked to Sokka worried and contemplating what to do. Devastation overcame him as he dropped his sword kicking it away from him.

“Please.” He begged. “Don’t kill her.” Long Feng smirked as he kept Suki clutched to him.

“Do you know what the difference between us is, boy?” He asked. “You don’t know how to make pawns of people. You get too attached. Too sentimental. I could easily slit this girl’s throat and end her life, and in the end, she’d still die loyal to me.” Sokka’s eyes narrowed at his words.

“You’ve sent people to die, by the Dai Li’s hands. Your hands are bloodied just like mine; but you’re going to justify it by saying it wasn’t you who killed them, the Dai Li ended them. But who rallied them, who brought them here? Who gave them hope that they could do this?” He questioned. Sokka’s eyes widened for a second before he shook his head.

“You’re wrong.”

“You led people to their deaths and you can’t even admit that you did it.” He pointed out. “You’re no leader, just a boy playing soldier and not understanding the implications that that causes.”

“You’re wrong about him!” Katara growled. “You’re just a heartless monster!” Long Feng shot a quick glare towards her.

“Always so defiant.” He said. “And I thought you were supposed to drop your pouch?” He pressed further into her skin allowing the skin to begin to bleed.

“Katara!” With hesitation, Katara growled and surrendered her pouch and water with a curse under her breath.

“See, was that so hard?” He condescendingly sneered. “We might make a good girl out of you, after all.” Before anything was said, Suki snatched Long Feng’s wrists keeping him ironclad in her grasp.

“What is thi—”

“Do it!” Suki commanded. “Grab it and stab him!”

“Suki but you—”

“Don’t care! Do it now!”

“You wretched girl!” Long Feng snarled pushing against her neck.

“No!”

“Do it!” Without a second to spare, Katara snatched the pouch up and sent a massive shard of ice through Suki’s arm and into Long Feng’s body. Screams melded into one as Long Feng fell to the side slicing the side of her neck in the process. Sokka grabbed his girlfriend holding her close clasping his hand to the wound. Katara towered over the elder man gathering water from the stalactites above and sent a flurry of icicles down into his body as he screamed, no source of clemency was in the waterbender’s eyes as she watched him be impaled.

She rushed towards the two of them, gathering water to her pouch quick to heal her wounds and then moved to her head.

“Sorry, Suki.” She gasped as she succumbed to the water her eyes rolling back and quaking from the pain.

“It’s alright, Suki.” Sokka reassured her, stroking her shaking hand. “I told you I’d come back.”  After a few moments, Katara placed the water back in the pouch as she slumped.

“Did…it work?” Katara nodded and smiled.

“She should be completely free of his bullshit.”

“Good.” He said. “Thank you.” She nodded and pat his shoulder.

“And for the record, you’re nothing like him.” She stated.

“You don’t see this people as pawns, and I know you don’t. That’s what makes you a good leader.” She confirmed. “It’s why everyone would listen to your input when it was just us and why you’ve managed to gather the forces you have now. They have faith in you because you earned it. He has to brainwash his way to getting admiration.” Sokka grinned at her.

“Thanks, sis.” His smile instantly faded as he snatched his sister down avoiding another dagger. The followed where the knife had came from, to find the angry weapons master shivering from both rage and the cold.  

 A weak harrowing laugh came from the Earth Kingdom’s leader as Mai carved herself out of the ice, enraged shivers overwhelming her body as she forced herself out. Sokka protectively held Suki close to him as Katara kept her pouch close to her, ignoring the lightness of it. For now, she knew what she had to do; protect and end this. Mai lurched towards her with breakneck speed as Katara kept ice to her body, mimicking the armor she’s seen on Earthbenders having her blades chip from the force of her swings. Mai was relentless, keeping Katara on the defensive as she did her best to keep her from moving towards Sokka and Suki.

“Sokka, go!” She commanded, her brother’s head shooting towards her.

“Are you insane?!”

“Suki’s knocked out and you can’t fight right now!” She argued. “Get someone to come help me if it’ll make you feel better but right now—” A shriek overcame her as a slice went through her side, falling to her knees.

“No!” Agony echoed in his ears as he watched another blade sink into his sister. Through her pain she bent the spent blood slicing it through Mai’s face and wrists, kicking her back.

“Hurry up!” She roared. Sokka pushed himself up keeping a hold of the Kiyoshi Warrior rushing towards other warriors. In the midst of the battle, he watched multiple bodies littering the floor, friend and foe scattered over the battlefield as the fight continued on. Flames and earth pierced through the air, pushing out Long Feng’s words from his mind.

I’m nothing like you. The fallen will be honored, especially after we win.

One of the men noticed Sokka carrying Suki, rushing towards him.

“Sir, I’ve been tasked with evacuation,” he said, “allow me, I’ll keep her safe.” His mind was swimming with worries as he exchanged her to him.

“Take care of her.” The man nodded.

“I’ll protect her.” With that, he rushed back towards his sister, his heart racing with each hasty step. Katara kept her own, dodging the attacks between the weapons master and Long Feng’s hasty ambushes. He was quick to unsheathe his blade, seeing as Katara had barely pushed off Mai from her body, unaware of the staggering man, prepared to stab her from behind. His eyes narrowed, steeling himself before he beat Long Feng in his path slamming him down onto the ground. Without a moment to spare, he slammed the blade deep into the ground past the man’s neck, the spray of crimson splattered on his face and body. Mai froze from the kill, surprise and purpose fleeting from her.

~~

Zuko pushed through the grueling heat of his sister’s flames, steady slow steps closer towards her instance attacks.

“Azula,” he called through the roars of the flames, “you’re better than this, I know you are! I know you’re in there.” Their fists met, an explosion between them, throwing them back onto the floor.

“How dare you address me so informally?” He heard her growl.

“I’m your brother, Azula.” He said pushing towards her. “You have to remember who you are!” She screamed holding her head, blue flames flooding the area with her light, as she began to gather her lightning again, the crackling of energy overwhelming the both of them. The hairs on the back of Zuko’s neck sprung up as he braced himself for the attack. Laughter bubbled up within the wicked queen, bouncing off the walls. Her cackles quaking all who could feel her power. In the light, Zuko watched as her eyes twitched, keeping her focus on her brother.

“For my Kingdom.” She grinned. Zuko took a deep breath as he continued to surround herself in lightning, sparks landing on the ground around her as she continued, before rushing towards her. Her eyes widened as she moved back trying to aim for him before he snatched her by the wrist and aimed towards the ground. As the lightning struck the ground beneath them, he punched her in the jaw as hard as he could watching her collapse with a small grunt. Guilt and fatigue set in as he fell to his knees, relieved that he had finally got her down.

“I’m sorry, ‘Zula.” He sighed. Hearing men land around them he grit his teeth channeling his uncle’s technique building up the fire in his stomach.

“Get away from us.” He demanded before breathing in and exhaling massive flames from his mouth, pushing the Dai Li back. Flames enveloped all those who tried to retrieve their queen, the sudden shaking of the world around them catching all their attention.

I’ll get you out of here, Azula. He promised. I’ll keep you safe. I won’t let the Dai Li take another family member away from me.

~~

 Silence dominated the caves, the echoes of Sokka’s blade finally fading. Long Feng’s blood drained from him, the gurgles and sputtering finally gone. His hand fell from his neck covered in the viscous liquid. Sokka watched his eyes fade; the life leaving behind cloudy obsidian. In that moment, fatigue and satisfaction reigned over him, the tip of his blade dripping slowly.

“That…was for Aang.” He coldly stated. “For my little brother.”

The earth around them began to quake, crystals shattering against the floor and the earth crumbling over them. Sokka grabbed his sister, steadying her as they pulled to the main area.

“What’s happening?!” Katara yelled over the wavering and crumbling walls. Toph huffed slamming her fists into the wall, sending a mass of large spikes all along the walls sending Dai Li agents on the retreat.

“They’re trying to take us down with them!” Toph growled. “But they’re going to die here, alone, just as they ought to!” Sokka wasted no time barking orders and commanding quick efforts for their escape. Toph rushed to the nearest wall and braced herself as she dug her hands into the wall.

“Someone cover me!” She demanded. Two warriors kept to her side pushing away attacking agents. Sokka helped pick up fallen warriors guiding them out as he kept the flow of the ins and outs moving well.

“Just a little more, Toph!” Sokka encouraged.

“Take your time!” Sokka smirked lightly, pleased that she still had the strength for sarcasm. He watched as Zuko gently placed down his sister outside, his hand lingering on her face, a look of confliction and sorrow.

“I’m sorry…” He murmured, knowing she was unable to hear. Sokka placed a hand on his shoulder, keeping his silence, yet the two of them knew what he was trying to convey. He looked back towards the leader, a small smile towards him.

“Thank you,” he began, “I know she’s still your enemy, and in a way…so am I.” He got up leaving his sister to rest taking comfort in holding his arm. “But I won’t forget what you’ve done for me. What we’ve done together.” Sokka lightly punched him in the shoulder.

“Thank you, for taking care of my sister.” He responded. Zuko nodded and gave a gentle smile.

“Of course, she’s become very…” he stopped on his words, heat rising at his throat. “Important to me.” Sokka cocked his brow.

“Sure.” He mused, looking back towards the exits. “I’m going to make sure everyone is out.” He rushed back in, encouraging people to move quickly as the eerie crumbling of the giving rocks from above began to fall.

“Toph, let me make sure there’s no one else!” Sokka yelled.

“Hurry!” Sokka rushed out the last of the people double checking along with one of the warriors that stayed behind keeping the rest of the agents back before rushing back. Sokka ran to the exit and looked over towards Toph.

“Just get out, I’ll be right behind you! I promise!” Sokka bit his lip as he hesitated.

“Sokka, trust me! I’m the greatest earthbender ever!” She laughed. “Just…get out of here.” Sokka’s eyes lingered onto her before doing as told, pushing the people back as he turned to watch as the exits collapsed. He rushed over to the waiting soldiers, one of them steadying Suki. He sprinted over to her, relief guiding him as he embraced her.

“Told you I’d save you.” She kissed his cheek before the rumbling before them took everyone’s attention. The ground began to sink before them, the lake beginning to swallow the underground completely. Suki gasped as she covered her mouth, murmurs and whispers sounding behind.

“Come on, Toph.” Sokka quietly said. “Come on, you’re the best damn earth bender ever.” Suki held his hand squeezing once. Katara gravitated towards Zuko taking her own comfort onto the prince. Zuko wrapped his arm around her, all watching as the hushed crowd fell into silence watching as last of the underground collapsed completely.

Sorrow laced the hearts of the Water Tribe siblings as Katara shook her head. Sokka fell to his knees in devastation realizing Toph was truly left behind.

She didn’t. He thought, the dread consuming him as tears flooded his eyes. She promised she was right behind me.

A hand stretched out from the ground shocking all of them as they jumped back. Suki and Sokka rushed to the hand pulling them up relieved to see their dust crusted friend. Toph coughed a few times, wheezing out a small triumphant laugh.  Sokka and Suki were quick to embrace Toph as she laughed holding them. Katara dropped to her knees in relief clutching her chest.

“You scared us half to death!” Suki sighed.

“Told you I’d make it out!”

“Yeah, you did.” Sokka laughed. “You’re amazing, Toph!”

“And don’t you forget it!” Cheers erupted from the crowd as they all made their way back to the safety of their camps, reluctant bonds forged from the opportunity. Conversations were rampant as they walked, joyous songs rang in the night, stories told. For the night, enemies and hatred from the war were forgotten as the same goal was achieved.

Katara smiled over towards Zuko, satisfied with her work on Azula just as the sun was coming over the horizon. The light of the morning sun glowed on her face, as she stretched getting up and greeting the newcoming warmth. The power of the full moon left her, as she allowed the fatigue to sit in. Relief came onto all who basked in its morning glow, roars of fatigue and laughter arising from the ruined site before them in the lake. Tired congratulations were in abundance and laughter arose from all who were around. Katara watched as the Fire Nation Prince approached her, a tired yet satisfied smile on his face. She gave him a smile of her own, as he pulled her close. Knowing and prying eyes were on them as he looked down at her, his smile not faltering. Zuko’s hand gravitated to her waist, stopping as he felt the opening to her clothing. He pulled back observing her in the growing light of the dawn.

“Ah right,” she laughed nervously, “Long Feng stabbed me and Mai sliced me, I just—” He snatched her close, not caring of who saw them. His head buried into her shoulder; he breathed heavily keeping his hands tight on her body.

“I’m glad you’re alright.” He sighed. She stiffened from his hold, before giving into his touch.

“And that you’re a healer.” He amended. She laughed softly wrapping her arms around him.

“Me too, honestly.” He gazed down at her for a moment, his smile growing ever so slightly as a tightness took hold of her chest. She looked down, keeping close to him, her own smile hidden from his eyes in the dark.

~~

Zuko watched as Katara looked up aimlessly at the night sky again, the moon illuminating and piercing the darkness of night. Zuko gazed at it for a moment, finding it was almost shining brighter than before, like a new beacon of hope. He gazed down at her holding her side, the slight bulge of her bandages pushing at her clothes. Slowly, he approached from behind.

“Hi.”

“Hi.”

“How are you feeling?” He dared to ask. She rubbed at her side lightly, a small wince in her face.

“I’ll live.” She replied. “Just need some time to heal it, the wound was deeper than I thought. I’ll probably truly heal it when I’m less exhausted.”

“I never got to thank you.” Zuko said. “For saving my sister. Even though I’m sure it’d be better for you and others if you never did.” She thought for a moment, deciding to keep her thoughts to herself. He sighed and leaned on the railing, the serene sounds of the waves pushing through.

“Thank you, Katara.” She nodded.

“You’re welcome.”

“You know,” he began again much to her curiosity. “My offer still stands, if you wish.” She gazed up at him out of the corner of her eye. “Although, things are going to be a little different than before.” Katara cocked a brow at him.

“I’m going to try and make things right. Fix some of the mistakes I’ve made.” He explained, “My father’s next target is the next Avatar, where ever and whoever they may be. I want to keep the Avatar safe from my father if I can, maybe train them. Make sure this time the Fire Nation can be defeated. Bring balance to the world like Uncle would want.” She cocked a brow at him. “Make sure this war will finally come to an end.”

“What brought this on?”

“Everything we went through.” He answered with a sigh. “Everything we’ve done showed me the Fire Nation were wrong. This war will do nothing but cause endless suffering. Things need to be changed.” He said definetely. “And the only way we can see it through, the only way we can make things right and bring balance to the world is to have an Avatar ready to take down my father or my sister. And if I have to be that Firebending teacher, so be it. This needs to end.”

“Well,” Katara chuckled. “This new Avatar is going to need a waterbending master.” She reasoned. Zuko gave her a sly smile.

“Perfect, so you know one.” She playfully shoved him as the two of them laughed softly. Laughter died to her pain as she hunched over from the aching. Zuko was quick to steady her as he sighed.

“Are you sure you’re alright?” She nodded.

“Yeah, I just need to rest and I’ll heal myself more properly in the morning. I was so busy healing others once Long Feng was eliminated, I really didn’t take the time to make sure I was fully healed.”

“I know.” His hand aimlessly stroked up her back, his voice tender. “You’ve done so much for everyone. More than you’ll probably receive credit for.” She shrugged.

“It’s how it is sometimes.” She spoke. “I just want this war to end and I’ll do whatever it takes.”

“Even if it means being with me?” He questioned. Their eyes widened at his words, heat rising to both of their cheeks as Zuko stammered to backtrack. Katara tittered softly.

“Yes, even if it means I’m with you.” She replied. “You said it yourself so many times. We’re bound, Jhu Lee.”  Zuko breathed out a small laugh, ignoring the tightness in his chest.   

“Right. What would I be without my Joo Dee by my side?” The two laughed softly, mindful of the sleeping soldiers. Their laughter slowly died down allowing them to enjoy the serenity of the night sea. Cautious of her, Zuko kept his arm around her, keeping them both steady against the light rocking of the waves. Katara kept her eyes down as she leaned into him, feeling the residual warmth of him, enjoying the contrast from the nipping cold. He cleared his throat from her touch.

“At sea again.” She remarked after a minute. “It’s almost like he never left.” A wry chuckle came over her at the thought. “Almost.” He frowned at how her voice waned, an unnatural tightness in his chest. Zuko’s hand gravitated towards hers, his hand easily eclipsing hers against the rail. His thumb aimlessly stroked over her knuckles, wanting to soothe her.

“We’ll make sure to keep this one safe.” He vowed. “I know we will.” She gave him a small smile.

“Yeah.” She agreed.

“Where are we going to go?” Zuko thought for a moment. “To even find this kid. They had to have been born by now. Aang’s been gone for a while.”  

“How many have fled to the Earth Kingdom?” He questioned. “Easily thousands since the Avatar fell right?” She nodded. “Waterbenders are more or less wiped out on the South Pole, leaving only the North. Which if I know my father, he’ll send his troops there.”

“Right.”

“But what if the mother had already fled?” He proposed. “I mean if I had the reincarnation of the Avatar, in the middle of war, knowing they’re going to be hunted, relentlessly, I’d be on the run immediately.” Katara nodded, agreeing.

“The Earth Kingdom is massive; with so many places to go, it’ll be hard to find that baby.”

“And she’d look like just another refugee.” Katara gasped. Zuko nodded as Katara cocked her hips to the side with a teasing grin. “You’re scarily good at this.” He laughed softly.

“Seems it was always my destiny to chase after the Avatar.”  She laughed softly, keeping her side in mind.

“Yeah, maybe.” He watched her for a moment, an unfamiliar since of serenity and peace overwhelming him as he gazed on her face. He had known her in many forms. An enemy, a servant and a friend. His smile towards her faded, his mind racing with thoughts he wasn’t even sure of where they came from.

“We should go back under,” he suggested. “It’s cold and you need your rest.” She nodded and sighed.

“Yeah, I just…feel so restless now.” She explained. “Usually something would be happening; maybe you’d be hunting us down by now or there would be a town we’d help when we landed on Appa but…” She trailed off clutching her arms. Zuko said nothing, keeping his eyes on the sea.

“Sorry,” she sighed. “I know it’s stupid and all—”

“No.” he stopped her, “it’s not. Not at all. You miss him.” The breeze was crisp, lightly biting at his skin.

“I miss my uncle. I know how it feels.” She slowly moved beside him, wrapping her arms around him. Zuko sniffled once fighting back the suffocating bubbling in the back of his throat.

“I think…he’d be proud of you.” Zuko allowed a couple tears to shed as he exhaled heavily, a mixture of a sardonic laugh and a sob.

“Thanks.”

“We should head inside,” she said. “You were right, it is too cold to be out here. And I think, after all we’ve been through, both of us deserve some rest.” She took his hand, feeling the cruel chill that pricked at his skin, pulling him off the railing. Zuko embraced her touch, eagerly following her. As she guided him down the deck, towards the safety of their beds, Zuko had felt the most at home and at ease.

“Would you honor me with warming my bed tonight, then?” Katara snorted softly as she gazed back at him for a brief moment. In the dim light of the ships, Zuko saw the dusting in her cheeks.

Take care of my sister. The young warrior’s words rang in his head as he was free to smile fondly at her, knowing she was facing directly ahead. His thumb grazed over her skin, enjoying the softness of her hands. He looked up towards her face again, seeing the smile and her blush still on her cheeks, his own cheeks beginning to burn as each step felt a little bit lighter.

This time, I will.  He promised. While we go through this journey, while we make things right, I’ll make sure nothing will happen to her. He smiled as she stopped at his room, a mocking bow towards him before motioning towards the door. Zuko stifled his laugh just enough as they came inside, his heart lifting ever so slightly.