Second Chances

A Battle Of Will

"I still don't think it's a good idea," Ursa argued. After plans to move forward with the wedding became more difficult, Zuko had resorted to calling a large 'family' meeting.
"Why not just smooch and call it a marriage? That's quick and easy," Toph shrugged, using her pinkie finger to pick at something between her teeth.
"That's not a proper wedding, Toph," Katara frowned.
"I mean, she has a point," Mai muttered. "It would be easier for everyone."
"No way! This is a once in a lifetime event Mai," Ty Lee glowered at her friend, "don't act like it isn't a big deal. You're excited like the rest of us. You have to do it right the first time. Make it special and just like you've always wanted it."
"It'll endanger others," Sokka explained. "I'm just saying the fire lord-uh, ex firelord isn't gonna take a back seat just because his son is getting married. He's gonna be storming the castle in a heartbeat just because he can. And we all know what a powerful drug vengeance is."
"That's why we're all here though," Aang countered. "To help if things go south."
"From a strategic standpoint I have to disagree," Sokka countered. "I'm with mama fire lord over here. It's not worth the risk."
"It's not your wedding to decide on," Katara frowned.
"She's got a point there too," Toph admitted.
"Whose side are you on?" Sokka pouted.
"No ones. Personally, I think weddings are for chumps," the earthbender snorted.
"Well, what about Azula?" Mai asked, "what does she think?"
"I didn't ask her," Zuko admitted, "she didn't seem all that interested in participating in this whole get together."
"She's the smartest one here and while we like to ignore it, she knows your father better than anyone here. She'd know what to do," Mai sighed, resting her chin in her hand.
"I agree with her!" Ty Woo and Ty Lee said in unison. They both smiled goofily at each other.
"It's like we're related," Ty Lee snickered.
"I don't know," Ty Woo frowned, "dad always said you might be adopted."
"Right," Ty Lee rolled her eyes.
"I just worry is all," Ursa sighed, "who knows what influence he'd have on her if he showed back up."
"I'll make sure he doesn't get near her," Ikem promised.
"Well sir, as admirable as that is, if the ex fire lord wants something he's pretty good at getting it," Aang winced, looking apologetically at Ikem.
"If our security needs security then we shouldn't even have this discussion. We wait until we capture Ozai and then all the merry weddings in the world can happen," Sokka decided.
"Since when was Azula acting as security?" Katara asked.
"Let's be real, she's the scariest thing that's come out of this place since Ozai. No one messes with the fire nation family as long as she's ready to smite them," Toph explained.
"I'm frightening too," Zuko insisted.
"That's nice," Mai smirked, patting his hand.
"Anyways," Zuko glowered, "Azula seemed adamant that she wanted things to continue. She has some sort of plan I'm sure, it's just whether or not she includes us in that plan."
"Fantastic," Katara sighed. Aang placed a gentle hand on her shoulder in warning to play nice. He knew Katara and Azula were only cordial with each other for everyone else's sake.
"You know," Suki started, pausing mid thought to collect the rest of her idea, "it isn't that bad of an idea to continue things. Hear me out, okay?"
"Okay!" Sokka grinned, leaning forward in his seat.
"If he does show up, which he most likely will, then we kick his sorry little butt like we did before and it's a win for everyone. Mai and Zuko, you guys get to ride off into the sunset, the ex fire lord is taken care of, but it also establishes that his reign is truly over," Suki explained, "and as much as I hate to say it Zuko, a majority of your people don't respect your authority. This would make sure they do."
"I agree!"
"What the hell?!" Sokka shrieked, falling backwards out of his seat.
"Kiyi, how long have you been under the table?" Zuko asked.
"The entire time," she replied. Slowly, everyone glanced under the table to find the youngest fire nation sibling sitting cross cross apple sauce. "What? You didn't invite me because I'm too young or something. So I just beat all of you here and stayed really quiet."
"You spend way to much time with your sister," Ikem laughed, shaking his head.
— — —
"How was the meeting?" Azula asked, somehow sensing Ty Lee's presence at the door. The acrobat, unphased, walked into the dark room which belonged to the princess.
"Rather entertaining actually. Everyone seems to think you have a plan," Ty Lee explained, watching Azula closely. The princess was sitting cross legged appearing to meditate, but even in meditation she looked agitated. "Do you?"
"Yes," Azula spoke evenly, "I'm going to destroy him."
"You-you're really serious about this aren't you?" The acrobat asked, moving to sit across from Azula on the floor.
"Of course," Azula nodded, her breathing rather shallow. "I need to make sure he understands his place."
"Azula, look at me for a moment will you?"
With a sigh, Azula opened her eyes and held Ty Lee's earnest gaze. "Yes?"
"Is that truly what you want?" Ty Lee asked, having mirrored Azula's sitting position.
"Yes," Azula replied, her voice even and cold, but her eyes gave her away.
"You understand what you're asking of yourself don't you?"
"I've calculated everything I need to know. I know how he works."
"Did you calculate this?" Ty Lee asked, lightly poking Azula in the chest just above her heart. "Feelings make us do strange things and we can't predict them. Your mind might want something different than your heart."
"The mind is stronger when you need it to be," Azula insisted.
"Alright," the acrobat nodded, "as long as you're certain, I'll back you up. That's how it works."
"Thank you," Azula smiled ever so faintly.
"You know, you should have some light in here. It's not good for your eyes to always be in the dark," Ty Lee noted, leaning forward so their foreheads touched.
"If there's no light then there are no shadows." Azula countered.
"Fair enough," Ty Lee laughed as Azula pressed a ghost like kiss to the acrobat's cheek.
"Sometimes I worry I've imagined you."
"How come?"
"You're too perfect even for my levels of perfection," Azula admitted. The acrobat had never felt more embarrassed or flattered in her life.
"Oh...thanks. You're pretty."
"Ah, ever so fluent with words," the princess teased.
"I wasn't prepared," Ty Lee stammered. "Not fair!"
"I know. But I win. I always do," Azula grinned, almost like a shark. "Now, did Kiyi successfully infiltrate the meeting?"
"What? Oh-yeah! Did you tell her to?"
"I said it was part of her training. She seemed to like the idea."
"Remind me to never leave you two alone together unless we want the palace to explode."
"Ah please, I'm responsible," Azula insisted, momentarily forgetting her troubles and the demons in the dark.
"Only when it suits you. I know how you can be," Ty Lee laughed, ruffling the princess' hair. "Want me to put this mop of hair up for you?"
"If you insist," Azula shrugged. "But I can do it myself you know."
"It looks better when I do it," Ty Lee teased, earning an eye roll from the princess.
"I'm sure."
— — —
"When the time comes, you are not to face him. Is that understood?" Zuko asked, eyeing both of his sisters with care. "It's my fight."
"Wrong," Kiyi shook her head and crossed her arms. "It's a family matter, you know. We all get a piece of the ex fire lord."
"I'm not going to take that as an answer," Zuko replied sternly. "The only way this ends is if I do it. The message needs to be clear."
"Fine," Azula nodded, but she disliked the idea immensely.
"It's stupid but okay," Kiyi mumbled, not wanting to meet her brother's eyes.
"Good," Zuko nodded, a small smile forming on his face, but as soon as Kiyi left, he was met by a rather angry looking Azula. "Listen, I know you don't like the idea-"
"Of course I don't. You had your chance Zuko. I've never had mine," Azula glowered. "I have a score to settle. One I've wanted to for a long time now."
"I understand-"
"No you don't. You're trying to take that away from me. Yes, it would help the rest of the nation respect you, but don't you get it? Zuko, it's not about you. It's about him and as long as he's in the picture nothing we do matters." Azula argued.
"You won't know when to stop," Zuko worried, "you'll kill him."
"And why shouldn't I?" Azula asked, eyes smoldering. "Why shouldn't I have that choice."
"Because of the law, because of morals."
"Zuzu, my morals have barely existed. They're in their infancy. I can shape them however I please and if that means murder so be it. I've killed an innocent boy against my will. I sure as hell am capable of killing a criminal." The princess snorted, crossing her arms.
"Then you'd have to go back to prison." Zuko mumbled.
"It's not as horrible of an experience as you would think. Personally, the quiet is nice," Azula shrugged.
"If I don't like what you're saying then I can only imagine how Ty would feel," Zuko frowned, studying his sister's determined expression.
"Don't start with that. I've made up my mind."
"Then I delay the wedding." Zuko stammered.
"Go ahead," Azula shrugged, "I'll find him one way or another."
"You don't even know where he is," Zuko interjected.
"Maybe not, but I know where he's going." Azula insisted. The two siblings stared at one another in a battle of will.