Sorry I haven't updated but this story refused to be written and I'm still not sure whether I like it or not. Anyway, a big thank you to everyone who reviewed last chapter and the chapter before. This is going to be the last chapter because it seems to end at a good place and also I've run out of inspiration. I hope you enjoy the chapter I know many people have been dying to read!
Lake Laogai
Zuko sighed, his fingers once again trailing through his hair. It had been about a week since the Avatar had visited the Jasmine Dragon and ever since then Zuko had been unable to think of anything else besides their meeting. For a few brief moments Zuko had felt like things were finally becoming clear, that his life was about to get better. Then he'd gone and ruined everything like he usually did. Zuko bitterly cursed his life and himself. Not for the first time it seemed like he was destined to be miserable for all eternity.
Zuko wished that things had turned out better for him and Aang. He'd been given a chance to bring a little happiness into his life and he'd blown it by doing something without thinking it through. That was the way things always went for him. It was how he got his scar. It was how he nearly froze to death at the North Pole. It was how he lost Aang. Yes, lost, because they were never going to see each other again. He doubted Aang would come back to the tea shop and he wasn't prepared to go searching for the Airbender. In other words: he was never going to get a chance to make things right.
It was then the leaflet dropped from the sky. Zuko reached out and caught the floating paper, drawing it in to see what it was. His eyes widened as he instantly recognized the Avatar's bison. Aang had lost his bison and was searching for him.
A plan slowly began forming itself in the prince's head. If he found Aang's bison and then returned it to him they would have to talk to each other. Aang would want to thank him for his help and Zuko would be able to apologize and try to smooth things over.
Zuko stood up and made his way up to the apartment he shared with his uncle. Before he could rescue the bison he needed to find out where it was being held. The Dai Li knew about pretty much everything that happened in Ba Sing Se so if he was able to question one of its agents he was almost positive he'd be able to extract the bison's location. Well, not him exactly – he wasn't stupid enough to threaten the Dai Li personally. He was sure, however, that the Blue Spirit would be more than willing to help him with his plan.
Aang stared determinedly at his opponents. Even though he and his friends were surrounded by Dai Li agents he refused to show them any fear; he would not give them the satisfaction. They had the satisfaction already of knowing they had the upper hand and that Aang would be unable to save Appa – he would not give them anything else to feel smug about.
Out of nowhere Momo suddenly swooped down and landed on Aang's shoulder. "What is it Momo?" Aang questioned before the little lemur flew off into dazzling sunlight. Moments later a figure that Aang knew very well emerged along with Momo out of the dazzling light. "Appa!"
Appa swooped down and decimated the Dai Li. The Earthbenders cried out as they were flung into the lake by bison and bender alike. Seeing how his men had fallen, Long Feng retreated to the cheering of the Avatar and his companions.
Once all enemies had left the scene Aang, Sokka, Katara and Toph raced forward to hug Appa. They froze in their tracks when they realized that Appa had acquired some passengers when he escaped from the Dai Li.
The beginning of Zuko's plan had been executed perfectly. The Dai Li agent he had interrogated had easily given up the location of Aang's bison. Zuko had then had no problems sneaking into the secret base hidden under Lake Laogai, and finding the bison was a piece of cake. The only unforeseen problem Zuko had encountered was the appearance of his uncle.
Iroh had been furious with Zuko for attempting to go after the Avatar and had ranted on at him about finding his own destiny. He had then become sceptical when Zuko had informed him that he wastrying to form his own destiny. When questioned how he was planning to do this Zuko had revealed as little as possible of his plans. He didn't want to tell Iroh he had feelings for Aang until he was sure he could get the Airbender to return his feelings.
Eventually though, Zuko had persuaded Iroh to help him free the bison. Together they had ridden out of the underground hideout on the bison's back up to the shore of Lake Laogai. Zuko had not been able to control the bison after that and had watched helplessly as they attacked several Dai Li agents. He had been glad when they had finally landed. Then, when he decided it was safe to release his death grip on the bison's fur, he looked up and saw Aang and his friends staring at him with equal amounts of surprise and horror.
It was Aang that broke the tense silence. "Zuko."
Hearing his name spoken aloud snapped Zuko out of his surprised stupor. He dismounted and stared pointedly at Aang, ignoring the fact that the Avatar's friends had taken up their fighting stances. "I rescued your bison for you."
Everyone was stunned by his announcement. Aang blinked before going, "Err…thank you?"
Zuko looked away, suddenly feeling very awkward. "You're welcome."
As silence reigned supreme once again everyone except Zuko and Aang shared the same thought: what the hell is going on? Prince Zuko of the Fire Nation was being nice to the Avatar, the one he had been trying to capture since they first met. It didn't make sense; it didn't make any sense whatsoever.
It made sense to Aang though. Well, he thought it made sense. This was Zuko's way of trying to smooth things over. He was sorry they had fought and was trying to make things right again.
"Avatar Aang, can I speak with you for a moment?" asked Zuko, not wanting to say what he knew he had to in front of Aang's friends.
Aang held up his hand to stop his friends from protesting. "Of course."
"Aang don't!"
The young Airbender gave Katara a reassuring smile. "We're only going to talk; I'll be fine."
With that Aang walked away from the group to a place far enough away so that their conversation wouldn't be overheard. Zuko gave Iroh a warning look before following. The two stood a reasonable distance from the other, acutely aware that all eyes were on them.
Aang rubbed nervously at the back of his head before saying in a near whisper, "I'm sorry I misinterpreted your intentions."
"I'm sorry I lost my temper," replied Zuko in the same almost-whisper.
"I'm sorry my friends are so suspicious of you but-"
"I understand," Zuko cut in curtly. "They think I'm the enemy and can't be trusted."
"No! Well, yes, they do – but I don't!"
"You don't?"
Aang smiled softly. "No, I don't."
Zuko reached out and cupped Aang's cheek. The young Avatar continued to smile as the prince leaned down slowly and kissed him.
Only once the kiss had ended did they remember that they had an audience. Sokka, Katara and Iroh were staring in open mouthed shock; Toph was trying to get them to tell her what her blind eyes were missing.
Aang laughed nervously as he viewed his friends' reactions. "They're going to want an explanation now aren't they?"
"Unfortunately," muttered Zuko, the thought of having to explain this to his uncle already filling him with dread.
Aang sneakily took hold of Zuko's hand. Zuko frowned but made no move to free his hand. Together they headed back towards the others who were only just starting to regain themselves.
"Aang, what are you doing?" asked Sokka, obviously horrified.
"I'm holding Zuko's hand," answered Aang calmly.
"Why?" asked Toph in a more reasonable manner.
"Because I like him."
Toph grinned and punched Aang in the arm. "Nice work Twinkletoes – defy those social expectations."
Aang winced before smiling. At least one of his friends was willing to accept the idea. Looking up at Zuko, Aang saw that the banished prince was glaring at his uncle as if daring the old man to say anything. Iroh looked more contemplative than judging though.
Turning back to his friends, Aang announced, "Zuko's promised to travel with us and be my firebending teacher."
Zuko turned his glare on Aang. "I never agreed to any of that."
"You did the last time we talked and I intend to make sure you keep your promise."
"Hold on a second," interrupted Sokka. "The last time you talked? When exactly did you last talk?"
"At the tea shop. We talked and realized that we sort of like each other but then we had a misunderstanding. We've cleared that up though so everything's alright again," answered Aang with a bright smile.
"Alright? Alright!? Aang, you've gone crazy! You're saying that you love this jerk and are acting like it's totally normal! He's Zuko – the guy who's been trying to capture you for months! And he's a guy! That is not normal!" shouted Sokka as he waved his arms around in exaggerated gestures.
Zuko growled in warning, the air around his hands suddenly becoming much warmer than normal. Katara frowned and said, "Sokka, it's not nice to insult people's sexual preferences."
Aang smiled appreciatively at this, hoping this was Katara's way of saying she didn't mind. Well, she didn't seem to mind that he liked boys but from the suspicious glares she was sending Zuko's way she obviously wasn't too pleased with Aang's choice of boyfriends.
Sokka was shocked by Katara's comment. "Please don't tell me you think this is a good idea," he pleaded.
"I think Aang should be able to go out with anyone he wants to," said Katara carefully. She then turned to Aang as she continued, "But I really do think he should think things through before he makes such a commitment."
"Personally I don't see what the problem is," commented Toph. "Twinkletoes needs a firebending teacher and it's not like there are a lot of people to choose from. And like Katara said – he should be free to choose who he goes out with." Sokka made as if to protest but Toph beat him to it. "Plus, this should help you to get over your stupid prejudices because if you don't you're going to be served well-done."
Sokka crossed his arms defiantly. "I still think this is a bad idea."
"Your objection has been noted Snoozeles. Now, if nobody else has anything to say, can we please get out of here? I think we've overstayed our welcome in Ba Sing Se."
"Toph's right; we really should get going," said Katara as she looked around to see if there were any more Dai Li agents about.
Aang tugged Zuko towards Appa. "Come on Zuko," said Aang encouragingly.
"You go on ahead, there's something I have to do first," said Zuko as he released the young Avatar's hand. He then turned to face Iroh, his expression sombre. Aang noticed the look on the prince's face and left to give them their privacy.
"What will you do now Uncle?" asked Zuko quietly.
Iroh sighed as he massaged his temples. "It is not an easy decision to make nephew. My dream of owning a tea shop has come true. I could end my days peacefully here."
Zuko nodded silently. He had known his uncle wouldn't give up the life of peace he wanted in order to help an ungrateful relative but Zuko had felt that he needed to ask. Ever since his banishment Iroh had been the only person he could rely on besides himself. Iroh had seen him through those long years of pain without complaint; his uncle had lived the life of a banished prince with him even though he didn't have to.
When Zuko thought about these things, all the sacrifices Iroh had made for him, he was humbled by the old man's love. He'd never admit it but he did care about his uncle. For this reason he would never ask Iroh to give up his peaceful life for one fraught with danger. He could hope Iroh would give it up of his own choosing, but he would never ask.
Iroh sighed as he saw the hope leave Zuko's eyes. "However, life has taught me that though you may have your dream it means nothing if there is nobody there to enjoy it with you. It is for this reason that I will accompany you on your journey."
Zuko looked up in surprise. "Are you sure Uncle? Your tea shop-"
Iroh waved his hand dismissively. "There will be other tea shops, nephew, I am sure. I will only ever have one nephew who is as hot-headed as you though. If anything happened to you and I was not around to offer my assistance I would never forgive myself."
"Thank you Uncle," whispered Zuko, his head bowed in gratitude.
"If you two have finished being mushy then hurry up and get over here or we'll leave without you!" called Toph from Appa's back.
Zuko growled, his opinion of the blind Earthbender quickly decreasing. Iroh chuckled, placing a hand on his nephew's shoulder to steer him towards the giant bison. When the two reached said bison they were stumped as to how they were supposed to get onto its back. Seeing their confusion, Aang decided to help them out. "You get on by walking up Appa's tail."
Zuko and Iroh followed Aang's advice and were soon seated on the bison's back. Seeing this Aang said, "Everybody hold on tight, this isn't going to be as comfortable a take-off without Appa's saddle." Turning back to the bison he called, "Yip Yip," and braced himself.
As predicted the take-off was not as smooth as it usually was. Everyone clung onto Appa's fur for dear life, worried that if they didn't they would fall to the ground. This panic lessened when Appa levelled off and began to fly at a slow, steady pace. Aang confidently stood up and walked over to where Zuko and Iroh still had a tight grip on Appa's fur. Seeing that Aang was confident enough to walk about, Zuko relaxed his grip and moved into a sitting position. Aang smiled and sat down opposite him.
"Where are we going?" asked Zuko after a moment of silence.
Aang shrugged. "I'm open to suggestions."
"Perhaps we should go to the tea shop and hand in our resignations before we leave," suggested Iroh.
"I think we should go tell the Earth King about Long Feng's treachery," put in Sokka.
"I think we should leave Ba Sing Se right now – anywhere is better than this place," voiced Toph.
"I agree with the Earthbender," added Zuko.
"Nobody cares what you think," snapped Sokka.
"Shut up you miserable water peasant," snarled Zuko.
"At least I'm not a busboy in a tea shop!"
"Zuko! Sokka! Calm down!" cried Aang, trying desperately to regain order.
Katara effectively solved the problem by dumping water over the arguing males' heads. "If you two have finished then we will decide this rationally – without fighting!"
Zuko glowered at her. "I don't have to take orders from you."
The look Katara gave him would have sent a lesser man six feet under. Aang decided to intervene before another fight broke out. "Zuko, we make our decisions as a group and work as a team. Katara's just trying to be the voice of reason, you can't get mad at her for that."
Zuko gave the Airbender a look that basically translated as 'oh yes I can'. Aang sighed in despair. He then took a deep breath to gather his resolve, deciding that he needed to be the one to make the final decision. "We need to go to the palace to show the Earth King Long Feng's treachery. The Earth King needs to be informed of the war with the Fire Nation. Once we've done that we can ask him to help us invade the Fire Nation on the day of Black Sun."
"Day of Black Sun?" asked Zuko quietly.
"So you're planning to attempt an invasion during the solar eclipse?" muttered Iroh thoughtfully. "It is a good idea but t will be hard to carry out."
"That's why we need the Earth King's support," Aang said cordially. "So, does everyone agree with the plan?"
"I still think we'd be better leaving this stupid city but I'll go along with whatever you decide," answered Toph lazily.
Katara and Sokka nodded their agreement. Meanwhile, Zuko was facing a dilemma. He didn't want to play any part in the invasion of his homeland. He didn't want the people of the Fire Nation to suffer unnecessarily. It had been because of this sympathy for his people that Zuko had been banished. Even after three years of banishment he had retained his loyalty to his people. Zuko was torn between upholding that loyalty and helping to end a war that had caused so much pain for so many people.
Zuko almost started when he felt Iroh's hand on his shoulder. The old general leaned in close and whispered, "At the moment the Avatar is only asking you to usurp a government that is suppressing its people; he has mentioned nothing about actively invading the Fire Nation. That is stage two of the master plan but that will not come about until later, and before it does you will have your chance to have your say on the matter. Until that happens maybe it is best we help out your new, err, ally with his plan?"
Zuko's lips twitched up as if he was about to smile. It always amazed him how his uncle was able to read his thoughts. Zuko then nodded his agreement of the young Avatar's plan. Aang beamed and jumped onto Appa's head to direct the bison towards the Earth King's palace.
Sokka rounded on Zuko suspiciously. "What were you two whispering about?"
"None of your business," spat Zuko.
"Oh yeah? Well I'm making it my business."
"Hey Snoozles! Do you really think it's a good idea to piss this guy off when we're this far up in the air?" asked Toph from her reclining position.
Sokka immediately backed down. Zuko did the same, deciding the peasant wasn't worth the effort. There was a collective sigh of relief.
Knowing that the ceasefire would only last until Appa had landed, Aang decided he better try to reduce the tension before the next battle started. He left his position on Appa's head to sit next to Zuko. The Fire Prince sat stiffly at the back, away from the others. He looked at the young Avatar, expecting him to speak. Aang lived up to the prince's expectations. "You have people issues," Aang stated calmly.
Zuko raised an eyebrow at this, accepting Aang's point but surprised at how he had worded it. Seeing this Aang continued, "If you're going to be travelling with me you're going to have to try and get on better with my friends."
"I am trying – I haven't once tried to barbeque them," replied Zuko evenly.
"True, but you've not exactly tried to be civil with them either."
"That's because they have no intention of being civil with me."
"You don't know that – you've not yet given them a chance."
"I don't need to give them a chance when they've already proved that they don't want me here."
Aang sighed in defeat. He took hold of Zuko's hand, rested his head on the taller boy's shoulder, and looked up at him with pleading eyes. "Please give them a chance Zuko; I know in time they'll come around and see that you're a good person."
"How do you know I'm a good person? I've done a lot of terrible things to people, especially to you, Aang. Why do you still believe I'm good?"
"Because you admit that you've done bad things. If you weren't a good person you would believe what you'd done was right. I can tell you regret the things you've done and want a second chance."
"I want my honour and my throne," said Zuko coldly.
"You want what was taken from you – it's a natural reaction. The thing isn't whether you want it or not it's what you're willing to do to achieve your goal."
"I was willing to capture the world's last hope to return home."
Aang kept his expression neutral. "Are you still willing to do that?"
Zuko didn't answer. He saw Aang as a person now, a person he cared about, and not an object. But still he was determined to return home and regain his father's love. It was a hard choice to make and Zuko constantly doubted his decision. He wanted Aang to tell him he was a bad person, to reject him, to make his betrayal of the Avatar so much easier.
And yet, at the same time he wanted Aang to trust him, to believe in him, to see him as more than a homeless, banished, prince. Desire to capture had turned into lust and now had become love. Zuko didn't know what to make of it all. He was torn and knew he would be for a long time.
"At the moment the only way I see myself returning home is by helping you," answered Zuko carefully. "But if another, easier, option was to present itself I would be tempted to take it."
Something clicked in Aang's mind. "You don't understand how I can trust you because you don't trust yourself."
Zuko was surprised by how perceptive the young Avatar was. He nodded slowly, gaining a small smile from Aang.
"Stop doubting yourself Zuko. Doubt does nothing but fuel inner conflict which will lead to self-destruction. You've made the right choice – helping me to stop the war."
"I made a decision to travel with you, not to stop the war," said Zuko quietly.
Aang blinked in surprise. "Don't you want to stop the war? After seeing how people have suffered because of it you think it should continue?"
"I don't want to hurt my people and if I help you I will be."
"And you think I want to hurt people? Zuko, I don't go around looking for fights but I still get into battles I'd prefer not to. If you're going to be with me you can't pick and choose who you fight – people are going to attack and you're going to have to defend yourself."
"But what about the civilians in Fire Nation towns? What will happen to them when your army invades? Do you really believe Earth Kingdom soldiers won't avenge the damage done to their cities? Do you think they won't seek revenge and increase the amount of hatred between the nations?" asked Zuko heatedly.
"I understand what you're saying Zuko," placated Aang, "but I have to try to do something. It's the Avatar's duty to create balance. I'm trying to stop the war and cause a minimal amount of loss for both sides. It isn't easy though. If the Fire Lord can't be reasoned with he needs to be stopped forcibly. You knew all of this when you decided you wanted to be with me – why are you questioning it now?"
"Because I keep doubting myself and my decisions." Zuko sighed in frustration. "Why does love have to be so complicated?"
"Love?" repeated Aang, surprised.
Zuko faltered then tried to brush it off as if it was unimportant. "It must be love – pure lust wouldn't make me put up with annoying peasants and get involved in wars I don't want to get involved in."
Slowly, a beaming smile spread across Aang's face. With a cry of delight he hugged Zuko tightly, making the older boy squirm. The others looked across curiously at the sound of Aang's joyous laughter. They all quickly looked away when Aang proceeded to kiss the banished prince. All except Toph, that is, who didn't realize what was going on.
Once the kiss had ended Aang continued to grin from ear to ear. "You do know that now that you've admitted all that there's no turning back don't you? That means no more self-doubt, no more doubting your decisions. You're going to accept that we're together and that you're going to help me end this stupid war."
Zuko stared at him incredulously. His admission meant all that? Talk about opening your mouth without thinking. "Don't I get a choice in this?"
"You made the choice to admit you love me which means you've decided to do all the rest as well," replied Aang with a sly grin.
Zuko was about to reply when Sokka shouted, "Earth King's palace dead ahead!"
Aang was suddenly sober and serious. "I need your help to do this Zuko, I can't do it alone. Will you help me?"
Slowly Zuko nodded. "I'll do what I can."
Aang smiled and gently placed a kiss on Zuko's lips. They both then turned towards the palace and readied themselves for the battle ahead.
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