Author's Notes: Warning! This will be a very long author's notes. Why? Because this is the only place a can do my "significant" ramblings before letting all of you read the story.

First of all, this is my first Avatar: The Last Airbender fanfic.

Second, yes. This is the edited and revised version of a story that I have written before under a different pseudonym. There will be changes in the plot, additional chapters, and more.

Third, this story is dedicated to three people. One of them is Feifei08, the one who encouraged me to write my first ATLA fanfic. She is also the one who helped me become involved in . She is a great person, and her works are fantastic as well. They are entitled "Ember Island" and "Of Fire". This is for you, my dear.

The next one is Kelly1412, who has created some of the most beautifully made ATLA fanarts I have ever seen. She creates each one with such dedication and passion that I am awed by the sight of them. Her works can be found on . Don't forget to check them out!

The third and final one is Chloe, who (though indirectly) helped me keep and nurture my love for females and excellent stories through her amazing works. "Go Get a Roomie" and her KiGo comic are absolutely more than just worth the read, wait, and follow. Both of which can be found through Google. Her other works can also be seen on . Do go and give them a visit!

Third, I wrote this story because there is an utter lack of- no, I cannot say it because it will be a spoiler. Anyway, disregarding the first sentence, I have gotten tired of reading stories that turn Azula into a -pardon my French- from a proud, powerful, *insert numerous excellent adjective here* princess into a sniveling, heart-whipped, suffering pansy. I think most of you know what I mean.

And fourth, I have always loved this story, and I sincerely hope that many of you will like like (or maybe even love) it too!

I hope all of you will read, like, fave, follow, review...etc.

If you want to, of course...

This chapter is told from Ty Lee's POV. ENJOY!

Disclaimer: I, unfortunately, do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender.

美麗的怪物

The Beautiful Monster

The Confused

A dark silhouette as fleeting as the blink of an eye

A smooth and seductive voice that whispers her lies

A mendacious smile to break your fragile will

As she skillfully moves in for the kill...

When I was young, my sisters scared me by saying that there were monsters beneath my bed.

Large creatures with cold, rough, granite-like skin and flashing blood-red eyes; sharp, pointed teeth that were specifically designed to tear into human flesh and hulking bodies that reeked of decaying flesh and the blood of past victims.

They told me stories that made my hairs stand on end and kept me awake through countless nights, fearing the monsters.

Monsters with long tubular tongues that they used to suck your innards;

Monsters that growled and grumbled loudly into the night;

Monsters with no souls…

And monsters with black, non-beating hearts…

So I was confused, when I heard her say those words.

When she told me something that went against everything I have learned in my childhood.

Something that rebelled against the image my sisters had drilled into me.

I could never forget what she told me that night.

"I'm a monster…"

I could feel her hot breath bathe my cheek as she whispered those words, her face so close to mine. Scarlet lips barely a millimeter from my own.

Her body effectively trapped me tightly against the tree that she had pushed me against as her strong left hand held my wrists above my head. I defiantly stared back at her piercing gaze.

"No."

I heard her scoff at what I said as she deliberately raised her other hand until her forefinger reached the pulse point on my left wrist. I felt her press her finger into my skin, her sharp nail digging into me. I gasped lightly and her eyes flashed at the sound that I had produced.

Her lips slowly curled up into a cruel smirk as she leisurely dragged her nail down the length of my arm, leaving a faint red line.

"No?"

She mockingly echoed as she continued the path of her finger over the sleeves of my robe to my exposed collarbone.

I nodded vigorously as I bit my lower lip to keep myself from gasping out again as her finger moved back up, tracing the gentle curve of my neck, crimson nail grazing against my pulse point there. I could feel my heart start to beat erratically when her hand suddenly moved to cup my cheek, her soft palm causing the blood to rush up to my face.

She pressed her body harder against mine, heat seeping into me; her supple form hotter than the fire that she commanded. Her thumb glided over my lips as she exhaled deeply, providing me with warm air that I hastily breathed in; eager to fill myself with her scent.

Her strong and over-powering scent that flowed into me; intoxicated me… just like everything else about her.

She could not be a monster. She is not a monster.

She did not smell of cadavers… or blood. Rotting and decaying; metallic and rusty.

She smelled of roses: crimson, sweet roses surrounded by thorns.

And I needed her.

I leaned into to her touch, almost nuzzling her hand. Her thumb slowly pulled down my lips, dragging my lower lip and causing my mouth to open slightly; allowing a soft sigh to escape me. I saw her tongue flick out to dampen her lips as her heat continued to envelop me, surround me.

It scared me…

And yet I still wanted more.

A soft touch that confuses the mind

A gentle caress that leaves you blind

An open-eyed kiss to deceive

An illusion that you will readily believe…

Our bodies seemed to fuse into one as she moved closer to me, her cheek suddenly rubbing against mine: soft and smooth. Not rough; like a monster's should be. Not cold… but warm and hot and burning and…

"Say it…"

She commanded me, breathing into my ear. I could almost imagine her breath turning into flames. The infamous fire-breath of merciless blue.

And I would still inhale it deeply. In my mouth, through my nose- even deeper, to my lungs. I would let it burn me, destroy me… if that means having her, because needing her is no longer enough.

"Never."

I steadfastly answered. I would never say it. I felt her grip loosening and almost sighed in relief when she suddenly slammed me into the tree again and proceeded to crush me into it with her own body. My skull had made solid contact against the rough bark and I could feel a dull ache in my head. She glowered at me and I saw a golden glint in her irises.

My eyes widened in shock at her actions and I tried to move, to push her off me… but my body was frozen. Frozen as it burned. I looked at her and still couldn't see what she wanted me to see. No blood-red eyes stared back at me, just smoldering ambers that seemed to want to cut into my brain. Read my thoughts and know anything and everything about my reasons for saying no.

"Say it!"

She said again, her voice rising in volume but still never losing the even tone that it perpetually possessed. I closed my eyes to avoid the paralyzing effect of her gaze and tried to gain control of my body again, subconsciously wondering why she's the only one who could ever make me lose something I have trained years to master.

I started to pull my hands from her grip as I strained against her, finally regaining even just a little bit of control. I could feel sweat slickening our bodies as we struggled, heat profusely consumed us and strengthened her while it razed me. I felt more blood rush up to my face and was surprised when she suddenly released her hold on my wrists. I gritted my teeth and couldn't help but breathe heavily as my eyes fluttered open.

I was exhausted and with her hands no longer supporting me I started to slide down the tree but was stopped when she suddenly thrust her firm thigh between my legs. I felt a shudder throughout my entire form that directed its way to my core and I could not stop my eyes from widening even more and gazing at her with uncertainty and wanton.

She smirked at me and I knew that she could feel the most heated part of my body, being the fire-bending prodigy that she is. Her eyes narrowed in unconcealed delight and spoke volumes of how much she enjoyed watching me lose control.

"Please…"

I suddenly begged her, unaware of what I was doing and why. I didn't know what I was pleading for, but her amber eyes told me that she knew exactly what I needed.

Her left hand traveled behind my head and increased our proximity. She leaned into me and her lips purposely brushed against mine.

I was surprised; I thought it would be rough. I thought it would be hard.

But it was soft, it was gentle, it was tender. Like the soft petals of a rose or cherry blossoms or the brush of a butterfly's wing.

It was not what I expected, but she was right: it was what I needed. I closed my eyes and slowly eased myself into the comforting caress of her kiss, kissing her back as softly as I could. Her lips moved against mine and I responded in kind, aware of how she seemed to be trying to keep the kiss as chaste as possible; as innocent as possible, as if she was just testing the waters and had no wish to cause even the smallest of ripples.

I carefully leaned forward, hoping to deepen the kiss as I tried to wrap my arms around her. But then she quickly pulled away and easily slid out of my grasp. Her breathing was controlled, as always, and she seemed to stare at me with indifference and disdain as I panted; taking in the much needed oxygen. I felt my body start to shake as the cold that was held at abeyance by her presence immediately rushed forward to hold me in its chilly embrace.

I tried to touch her, but she just stepped out of my reach and continued to scrutinize me with a look of utter boredom etched on her porcelain face.

No monster could be so ideal, so flawless.

So like a goddess…

She turned around and began to walk away; my eyes following her retreating back. I clenched my hands, so tightly that my nails cut into my palms. I was trembling so hard and my knees were already too weak to support my weight. I clutched my arms around my chest, trying to fight the tremors that moved through me.

I wanted to shout something, anything… that could make her turn around and run back to me. Words that could make her hold me again, kiss me again.

Possess me again.

I cautiously opened my mouth and called after her.

"Wait!"

She acknowledged my call and paused in her movements. I felt my chest tightening as I carefully articulated the only thought in my mind, telling and imploring at the same time.

"I am perfect for you."

My voice was strong and clear; I knew that she heard me. Her head tilted to the side in thought but then she started walking again, and when she finally spoke, it was in a deadpan tone that betrayed nothing but apathy.

"I don't care."

Her answer broke down the last of my scarcely regained control and I could no longer keep the tears from falling. I bit my lower lip so hard that I could taste blood, cursing my lips for saying the wrong words. I slid to the ground and hugged my knees to my chest as I harshly rocked my body back and forth, her words still echoing in my mind until I finally lost consciousness.

Author's Notes: This is the story that I have poured much of my time and effort into and reviews are greatly encouraged and appreciated. Signed or Anonymous.

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H.O.D.