Surprise!

Merry Christmas everyone! A nice little chapter before the big day! To those who don't celebrate the holiday I wish you good tidings and fortune!

Review time!

BigBlueSmile11- Almost everything is too good to be true with Azula haha she's a sneaky one. But don't make a judgement just yet. I'm glad you have enjoyed the fight scenes and dialogue and that you've enjoyed the story thus far. I promise it only gets better!

clonewars1138- Not sure what you mean. I have a thing for emotionally complex 'bad to good' characters if that's what you were referring to.

nyegosh- Indeed, Azula is an unpredictable person. But we shall see where this latest scheme ends up.

Matheus Bezerra de Lima- I always love your reviews but it's hard to respond to this one without giving anything away haha. But you are correct that Azula still despises weakness and has a utilitarian view of the world even now. It conflicts with emotional attachments. Which one will win out? We will see.

VivaDeAsap- I'd say...you're onto something ;)

xavierscott- Thank you! Hope you like this one too.

Datsun1969- I'm very much enjoying everyone's respective opinions on what she's up to. Your guess, and to that of the reaction of the others, is a very well founded one.

Alatar- I'm doing very well, thank you! No worries just trying to get through this pandemic without losing it. But I haven't abandoned the fic. I hope you continue to read!

UnOriginal2Tall- Indeed, we shall see. It's coming soon.

GNTR- Greetings, my friend! Good to see you and equally glad to see you didn't catch covid. As to your musings, you're about to find out.

Honestly, there's been a whole range of guesses and I'm somewhat pleased with myself XD 'Catalyst' was pretty easy to figure out for most people when guessing the plot. This one is much more up in the air. But I do ask that you all bear with me for this chapter because the next one will be quite decisive.

Enjoy!

Chapter 11. The Last Ruse

As it usually was in summer within the Fire Nation, the sun rose early and there was scarcely a cloud in the sky. By nine o'clock the group was fully awake and making preparations for the day when Captain Li showed up, his arm in a sling from yesterday but otherwise appeared fine.

"Sire," he said bowing his head slightly. "As you know the royal carriage is destroyed and we have no alternate methods of travel short of walking on foot. What do you plan to do?"

His tone indicated he already knew the answer but deferred in the face of proper protocol. Zuko and Aang looked at each other knowingly.

"There's little choice, Captain. I will be traveling on the Avatar's bison until further notice."

"Very good, sir. Are we still scheduled to depart around high noon time?"

The Fire Lord nodded but there was also a look of determination on his face absent the previous night after the battle with Onoda.

"Yes. But there's one thing I need to do first."

He turned back towards his sister, who was currently occupied with packing what little she had with Ty Lee.

"Azula, I'd like you to come with me for this."

"What for?" she asked curiously.

"It's time I did something I should have done a long time ago. Captain Li, prepare the army and the archers. We'll be moving out soon."

"Yes, sir."

As Li walked back towards the encampment of the soldiers, Zuko gestured for his sister to follow him towards the center of town.

"What's this about, Zuko?" she inquired, catching up with him, pulling her black hair into it's usual topknot.

"Something I should have done a long time ago," her brother responded quietly. "It's time that we show the people who has their back. And that requires the entire Royal Family."

Azula wasn't entirely sure what he was grabbing at but maintained a funny feeling about what his goal was all the same. Zuko, being the innately moral person that he was, cared for nobles and commoners alike. Whatever he had in mind, there was fair reason to pay attention.


Arriving in town they saw a flurry of activity. Though most of the debris had been cleared away by now the townsfolk were already busy rebuilding: hammers pounded away at nails, wooden planks creaked and groaned, wheelbarrows and carts grinded against the orange dirt roads beneath them. The army was also going about its business, packing up their belongings, organizing the units with various sargeants barking out orders. Meanwhile Captain Li was in a discussion with Mayor Kim, who looked as though he'd barely slept the previous night. It didn't take long for the Royal siblings to reach them.

"Mayor Kim...I hope you are not too distressed."

In Azula's mind such a statement was useless pandering. Of course the man was distressed it was evident in his eyes and the bags underneath them.

"Not at all, my Lord," Kim said bowing. "Our people will recover from this terrible tragedy I assure you. I am simply glad you and the princess are not hurt."

"That is kind of you to say, but I'd like to address the people directly," Zuko said respectfully but with the tone of someone who knew the request would not be denied.

"Of course, my Lord."

"Sir, we are on a tight schedule," Captain Li said cautiously. "Do we really have the time?"

"There is time enough for this," the Fire Lord replied, stepping forward in a decisive motion that even impressed Azula. Clearing his throat he spoke loud and true.

"Citizens of Hira'a...of the Fire Nation. Heed me, for I wish to address you as your sovereign and as a fellow countryman."

It didn't take long for everyone in and around town square to immediately stop what they were doing and listen for the Fire Lord's word was law and no one dared resume activity until he finished.

"Yesterday, I failed," Zuko said slowly, which caused Azula to gaze intently at him as to ask 'what are you doing?' Nevertheless she held her tongue.

"I failed in my duties as Fire Lord to protect you and advance the interests of our nation...the common good. A rogue soldier has taken it upon himself to challenge my authority and in doing so threatened your livelihoods, your families, and your safety."

He took a slight breath before continuing, his eyes narrowing in determination.

"This is unacceptable and it will no longer be tolerated. I promise everyone here that I will not rest and will not leave Hira'a until Onoda is vanquished, restoring peace not only here but across our nation. I take this vow unto you and all of our people."

At first there was silence among the people but when about five seconds had passed, slow clapping began which grew into resounding applause and soon there were cheers. It was an astounding about face for someone who'd been in the pits of despair an evening earlier. The princess could see that the townsfolk were being genuine too. They clapped out of belief in the young monarch...not because they were forced to.

"Captain Li. Tell the men to standby," Zuko ordered. "This tour is postponed until Onoda is brought back in chains. Understood?"

"Yes, sir."

"Mayor Kim, spread the word among the citizens that they can sleep soundly tonight. This madness ends one way or the other."

Kim bowed so low he was almost at a ninety degree angle, his eyes brimming with emotional tears, his spectacles falling off.

Zuko motioned for Azula that they were to go back to their makeshift camp and the two were off.

"You were right," he murmured to her as the people continued to give shouts of support.

"About?"

"Everything. Showing them that the Fire Lord doesn't cower or cry in the face of danger. He protects his citizens and leads by example."

He looked over and gave her a kindly smile.

"Thank you for reminding me of that."

"Of course."

In the back of her mind Azula was a bit surprised by the outcome. Zuko had been so despondent and melancholic she believed his nerve to be compromised. Clearly, that wasn't the case which complicated things. But already in her mind, the princess began adjusting her plans. If Zuko planned to come along and face Onoda, that meant she had to as well.

It all works out in the end. I didn't have to convince him to stay. He did that on his own

For the Fire Nation princess, it was just one part of the equation. The second she expected would come into motion as they reached camp.


By the time the siblings returned, the rest of Team Avatar was already packing up the saddle and gathering the last of their things.

"All set?" Aang asked. "I figured you should be the one to fly on Appa since you have the most experience doing so," he said to Zuko.

"You place a lot of trust in people with your personal belongings," Azula observed.

"We're all friends here," the Avatar said in a chipper tone. "Besides, it'll allow you to make up for lost time. He's much faster than that carriage."

"About that," Zuko interjected as the group gathered around. "There's been a change of plans. I'm not leaving."

"What?" Aang, Katara, Sokka, and Ty Lee asked simultaneously.

"I couldn't leave in good conscious after what happened," the Fire Lord explained. "Onoda is a menace to every citizen in my country and I'm responsible for them. This situation requires me to handle it myself."

The other four members of the gang looked at each other skeptically.

"Zuko….all due respect I don't know that's a good idea," Katara said slowly.

"You can't face Onoda alone. Think about it logically: even if you do find him in that forest, he'll have hundreds of men with him," Sokka tried to reason.

"You don't understand," Zuko said, his scarred eye narrowing. "It's not about logic. It's about doing the right thing, about honor."

"It's your decision," Aang spoke up, acknowledging that as head of state the Fire Lord could do as he pleased. "But please don't do anything because you feel like there's no other choice. Honor is something a person makes for themselves."

"Which is exactly what I'm doing."

Just then there was a mighty *thud in the background which caused the group to look over to see Appa lying in a heap, the sky bison grunting in obvious pain.

"Appa!" Aang exclaimed flying over immediately. "What's wrong buddy?"

The Avatar had a natural connection to his beloved companion and an intrinsic sense of when something was off. He placed a hand on the bison's head.

"No fever but he clearly doesn't feel well enough to fly."

"Is he okay?" Ty Lee asked with concern. "Aww he looks so unhappy."

"I'm sure he'll be fine," Aang replied. "But we need to find some medicine before anything else. Is there an apothecary in town?"

"Not sure," Sokka said. "But this changes our plans completely. If Appa can't fly there's no way out of this town for any of us aside from walking on foot."

"And I can assure you no member of the Royal Family will be doing so," Azula cut in finally. "We will need to improvise. I agree with my brother, Onoda needs to be dealt with. So I propose that the Avatar and myself go with Zuko into the forest before sundown, and bring him back in chains while also contacting this spirit. The others will find medicine for the bison. With any luck we'll be on our way by tomorrow at the latest."

Ty Lee frowned for a second before responding.

"Azula why can't I go?"

"It's too dangerous. After what happened yesterday it's better for us to handle it. Besides, at least one member of the Fire Nation has to stay with the water tribesman."

It was clear from her pouting expression the acrobat did not agree with that sentiment. Nevertheless she did not argue. But it was not the end of the discussion.

"I don't want anyone sacrificing themselves for my mistakes," Zuko stated stubbornly.

"Don't be needlessly noble, brother," Azula chastised. "The people need their Fire Lord alive."

"I actually agree with Azula for once," Aang concurred, as he turned back from comforting Appa. "You can't take those men all at once. But the three of us are more than a match for Onoda."

"It's settled then…" the princess tried to settle but Katara cut her off.

"Hold on. We're still a group and always make our decisions democratically. I'll go along with what everyone thinks is right but a vote is still necessary. All in favor of Azula's plan?"

Though irritated the waterbender usurped her planning, Azula still found that everyone raised their hand, even Ty Lee though it was a bit half hearted.

Honestly, do you not understand the purpose here? I'm trying to protect you

"Alright, we have a new plan," Sokka announced formally. "Let's get Appa this medicine and by the time we get back, Onoda will be brought to justice once and for all."

The team broke apart but not before Ty Lee gave the bison one more token of comfort, rubbing his shaggy fur with great affection.

"Don't worry Appa, we'll make you feel better in no time, I know just what you need…"

She, Katara, and Sokka began walking off towards the center of town while Aang flipped his staff upwards and gestured towards the Fire Nation siblings.

"I guess we better start preparing for this confrontation."

"But how are we even supposed to find him? It's miles of greenery in there," Zuko asked.

"Don't need to. Avatar, you said there was a lake at the center, correct?"

"That's right."

Azula stretched her arms and took a battle position in preparation for drilling her usual sequences and routines.

"Then that's exactly what we'll look for."

Hiding the smallest of smirks, the princess began shooting off blue flames into the air in rapid succession. Her plan was going smoothly without a hitch.


Sokka and Katara being siblings knew each other well by now. Despite their different personalities which were obvious at this point it went without saying that each could tell if the other had something on their mind.

"You look a bit frustrated," the waterbender commented as they walked. "And I don't think it's the long walk."

Going to the center of town, they found out the local apothecary wasn't all that local. It lay on the outskirts of town to the north and would require a bit of a trek in order to acquire what they needed. It was a beaten path that led away from the edge of the forest to flat greenery with scattered houses here and there. Sokka didn't bother to deny his ire.

"Ever since we've been in Hira'a it's been one roadblock after another," he explained as his brow furrowed. "Whenever a plan is agreed upon something always gets in the way and we have to improvise all over again."

"It's not anyone's fault Onoda attacked the village," Katara pointed out. "Besides, maybe there's a silver lining to this. At least Aang will be there to help out even if we're not."

"I still find it a bit odd Azula keeps altering the agenda."

There was a brief silence before the Kyoshi Warrior spoke up.

"I'm worried about her," she said quietly. "She's struggling with something, I can feel it."

"Well yeah, we're trying to find her mom," Sokka shrugged. "Who wouldn't struggle with that?"

"It runs deeper than that," Ty Lee said looking directly at them both. "Somehow this is all tied in with how she views herself...and her place in the world."

"She's vulnerable," Katara nodded. "She admitted as much back at the Fire Nation capital. For all that confidence it underlies a lot of fear."

But Ty Lee shook her head once more, gray eyes becoming ever more anxious.

"You don't understand. When Azula gets obsessive and controlling like this, it means she's slipping. And when that happens she'll go to great lengths to get what she wants without realizing how it might affect other people."

Sokka scoffed as he toyed with his boomerang.

"Really? You don't say."

For the first time that any of the water tribesmen could remember there was a flash of anger in Ty Lee's normally soft, forgiving features.

"That's not fair. Say what you want about Azula but she's changed...she does care about people."

"Maybe we can talk about this later," Katara interjected sagely. "It looks like we've nearly reached the apothecary."

It was a small little shop based on top of a small hill barely elevated from the rest of the terrain. A brown, wooden building that looked as though it existed since the time of Sozin himself. As they reached the front door they noticed a small little bell with a chain which Sokka carelessly yanked.

"Hello? Anybody home?" he called out.

The inside of the shop wasn't that much more impressive than the outside- a disorganized assembly of jars, substances, plants, and rickety shelves. A fine coating of dust lay on the counter and everywhere else.

"Sokka come on, don't barge in like that," Katara scolded.

"What? I'm supposed to wait around all day for someone to magically appear?"

Just then a gravelly old voice cut in.

"You all aren't from around here are you?"

All three teenagers jumped three feet in the air as an elderly man with faded red robes, and a slight hunch. His hair was white as snow and had receded to the crown of his head alongside a wispy white mustache but no beard. Judging by his appearance, he must have been at least eighty years old as lines running across the jaw and cheekbones told a story of a man who'd seen and done much.

Ty Lee answered first.

"I'm Fire Nation but my other two friends are from the Southern Water Tribe. We're with the Avatar and their Royal Highnesses Fire Lord Zuko and Princess Azula."

The old man cocked an eyebrow, his expression unchanged.

"Avatar, eh? I've heard stories. Didn't realize any Fire Lord bothered to make it out this way."

"Well that's the thing, sir," Katara said respectfully. "The Avatar's bison is sick and we need any kind of remedy to help him feel better."

The golden irises of the medicine man switched back and forth before he replied.

"I've been around awhile and treated all manner of people and things," came the slow deliberate tone. "But never seen a bison before."

"What about a general tonic?" Sokka pressed. "Or something of that nature."

"Well ya haven't told me what's wrong with him, have ya?" the herbalist stated, rifling through his shelves and drawers.

Sokka and Katara looked at each other in confusion as they both realized they didn't quite know themselves.

"We're uh...not sure honestly. He's just in a lot of pain and…"

"Purple berries," Ty Lee cut across.

There was dead silence in the room as the two siblings gazed at her in shock.

"What?" she asked, confused. "Did you not see his tongue? Only purple berries can do that. Eat too much of them and you get the worst stomach ache. Trust me, I know from experience."

"Wait a minute back up a second there," Sokka said, rubbing a hand through his hair. "You're telling me these are just purple berries? And Appa is fine?"

"Yeah, he'll be alright in no time. Sounds like you've heard of them before."

Katara's blue eyes narrowed and hardened as realization dawned on her.

"We have, Ty Lee. I fed them to Appa once in our travels to give him the appearance of being sick when he actually wasn't," Katara explained.

"But that was for the purpose of helping those villagers," Sokka pointed out. "Even if I didn't agree with it at the time. Who would want to make Appa sick now?"

"Azula," Katara practically seethed. "Somehow she has to be behind this."

Ty Lee jumped in immediately to defend her friend.

"Wait a minute don't assume it was her-"

"Who else then? Who would do something this treacherous?" Sokka said, siding with his sister. "She doesn't want to leave this place, I can tell. She's stalling!"

"But why?" the former acrobat asked, at a genuine loss. "What motive is there?"

At this point the herbalist was merely watching with a nonplussed expression and had since moved onto the back. But their conversation was again interrupted by a new presence.

"I think I can explain why."

All three teenagers turned to see Noren standing in front them, looking quite somber.

"Noren? What are you doing here? How did you find us?" Katara asked.

"Word of mouth passes quickly in a small town. I'd heard your bison was sick but that is not the reason I came to find you."

Sokka gazed at him skeptically.

"Oh, yeah. Then what is?"

Noren could scarcely look them in the eye but nevertheless held his stance.

"The truth. You deserve to know the full truth this time."

It was a revelation but not a happy one. Deceit seemed to be arriving in spades and Sokka in particular didn't look keen on potentially dealing with more.

"Why should we trust you? If you've lied to us before what reason do we have to listen to you now?"

"Because it will help you find what you're looking for...and it will help both the Fire Lord and Princess most of all. I can explain everything."

It was a tense situation but there was little choice but to heed Noren. Given the realization regarding Appa and the uncertainty surrounding Azula's intentions, it was more important than ever to ascertain the mystery surrounding Ursa, Onoda, and everything else.

"I suppose we have to find out, don't we?" Katata surmised.

"Yes, we have to," Ty Lee stated emphatically. "Besides, I'd love to see little Kiyi and your wife!"

Far from being enthusiastic there seemed to be something melancholic in the way Noren gestured to follow him.

"We need to make haste. It is already mid-afternoon and time is of the essence."

"Whatever you say," Sokka shrugged, his tone still indicating he wasn't all that thrilled.

"You still want your tonic?" the herbalist asked, coming back with a small bottle in his hand.

The water tribe warrior flipped him a few silver pieces before grabbing the remedy and quickly ran out the door to find out just what truth Noren had in store.

"Weirdos," the old man muttered.


The trio of Aang, Azula and Zuko decided to pursue their mission in the late afternoon while daylight still reigned but dark enough that Onoda wouldn't be able to detect them. They had practiced their bending for a little while as a means to kill time but in the end all three knew that there wasn't much else to learn or do beforehand. Individually, they were all better firebenders than the rogue general and having the master of all elements gave them a decisive advantage. Nevertheless, the group remained on guard.

The foliage was thick and the trees tall, almost as though they were living guardians hanging over them with watchful eyes. Up above the sky was overcast with a small section in the West left uncovered, creating a fiery combination of blue, gold, and red that illuminated through the oaks. As it was with the princess the two boys seemed to feel a supernatural presence as well.

"I'm getting a spiritual sense of this place," Aang commented quietly, staff in hand.

"So am I," Zuko agreed. "And you definitely have a better sense of this stuff than I do."

"Just don't forget why we're here. Onoda is somewhere in these woods and we're going to find him," Azula reminded them both.

"Azula, I only ask that taking him be done with as little damage as possible. It's never a good idea to upset a spirit. This is a sacred place for many."

"And for others it's a monument to lost souls," came the unconcerned reply.

"Azula…" Zuko began but the princess waved off his concerns.

"Relax, Zuko. I have no intention of upsetting whatever delicate balance exists here."

That wasn't entirely true, she would do anything to get the answers she wanted. But no one else needed to know that. Not even the Fire Lord and the master of elements himself.

"You seem like you know where you're going," Zuko commented as they edged their way past a particularly thick bush.

"I don't," came the lie. "But I assume the Avatar has a sense of spiritual energy and how close we are to the lake."

"She's right. The further along we go the stronger it feels," Aang said looking up at the trees. "It really is a beautiful place."

He and Zuko looked at each other, the former nodding towards the latter to indicate nothing was out of the ordinary...relatively speaking anyway. Very few instances, if any could be considered normal in the lives of the three teenagers in general.

The trio continued to walk in unison on the strange, winding path which seemed to lead to absolutely nowhere and yet there was a sense of inevitability in the air. That the longer they walked, the closer the destination and an event of epic proportions. It was a similar feeling before the Battle of Sozin's Comet two years prior except this was...darker somehow. Facing a megalomaniacal Fire Lord compared to a potentially hostile spirit and a rebellious soldier brought about different emotions and instincts.

"We're close," Aang commented after another twenty minutes or so. They'd been walking for nearly an hour. "I can feel it."

Zuko gazed around him, his body posture becoming increasingly uncomfortable.

"Hm," he murmured.

"Everything, okay?" Aang asked.

"Yeah...it's nothing," the Fire Lord claimed though he did not seem convinced of his own words. But before anything more could be said, they suddenly entered through a parting of the trees revealing an astonishing site.

Azula had already witnessed the lake twice before, unbeknownst to anyone else. But the two boys were mesmerized by the crystal clear waters, the greenery surrounding the shore, the way the sunlight reflected off the lake to create a pool of fire unmatched by anything else in the world. Of course, Onoda and his men were nowhere to be found which was all according to plan. Their part would be served soon enough.

"Whoa."

"No doubt about it, this is definitely the spot," Aang said, observing his surroundings. "Now, just remember, no one make any sudden movements or do anything to make the spirit angry. I'm just going to find a nice spot on the shore and…"

"Aang," Zuko cut in. "Stop. Can't you hear it?"

There was a rustling amongst the bushes within the valley that only grew louder with each passing second. It became so unsettling that even the Avatar halted his attempted contact with the spirit, his staff at the ready for any intrusion.

"Stick close to me," Aang said instinctively but the princess did nothing of the sort. On the contrary her arms lay by her side and stood stock still.

"Azula what's going on?" her brother asked, but his question was soon answered for many hundreds of men began emerging from the edge of the forest. It was not nighttime and so their faces could be made out in the light of the evening sun. Most were clad in full military garb though some only had simple farmer clothes either indicating new recruits or those who couldn't afford a uniform. At the forefront was General Onoda himself, full regalia, black goatee, golden irises alight with malicious triumph.

"We've just walked into a trap," Aang stated grimly. "They knew we were coming."

"That's impossible, I don't-"

Realization dawned on the Fire Lord but it was too late. Onoda and his entourage soon had them surrounded and the former stopped merely five feet away, bowing low to Azula who had still yet to move a muscle.

"Princess….or should I say Fire Lord," the General said bowing low in front of Azula.

Zuko's temper burned hot with hurt and anger.

"You!" he shouted, pointing a finger towards his sister. "You betrayed us! Me!"

"No, it is the other way around," Onoda counteracted coldly. "You, a bastard unworthy of witnessing even the very glimpse of our glorious capitol and the throne that lays within. Selling out our country to those we are destined to rule. And now...your rule is at an end."

Aang pointed his staff menacingly at the General.

"Turn back now, Onoda. I promise that if you don't, the end result won't be in your favor."

"You're in no position to make threats, Avatar."

But by far the most gut wrenching conflict existed between brother and sister, Zuko and Azula, two siblings who appeared to be at odds once more.

"Azula...why?" came the hoarse whisper of the Fire Lord whose throne was now in jeopardy.

At long last the princess turned aside and one could see true emotion in her golden eyes: pain, sorrow, and the spark of desire. The eternal golden flame that existed within every fire bender.

"I'm sorry," came the regretful reply.

"Don't be, your Highness," Onoda said harshly. "For today is the day our nation returns to glory."

He raised his hand and then brought it down as though it were an axe chopping a tree.

"Kill them."

The simultaneous fire blasts from scores of men issued forth.


*Speaks in dramatic manly announcer voice- What's to come? Is this truly the end for Zuko and Azula's redemption? Has Onoda won? What big reveal does Noren have? Find out soon on the next episode of 'Mother's Love'!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

~The Wasp