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Secrets	By : Himitsu Category: Avatar - The Last Airbender > Het - Male/Female > Azula/Zuko Views: 24124 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar-The Last Airbender. I'm not making money from this.

Chapter List
- 1-Lies
- 2-Excuses
- 3-Friends
- 4-Adventure
- 5-Taste
- 6-Mean
- 7-Siblings
- 8-Sunrise
- 9-Choices
- 10-Night
- 11-Hurt
- 12-Plans
- 13-Slow
- 14-Time
- 15-Quarantine
- 16-Wife
- 17-Trip
- 18-Stay
- 19-Meeting
- 20-Family
- 21-Words
- 22-Love
- 23-Partners
- 24-Secrets
- 16
- 17
- 18
"Azula', Zuko lay kisses from Azula's shoulder to her ear, "wake up. It's almost time for me to leave."
"It's still dark outside"
"We're leaving at sunrise." Zuko paused when Azula rolled over to face him. There was just enough light for him to see her face. She would never look the same to him. The word wife would forever be attached to her. Zuko forgot what he was going to say. He just stared at her.
"Zuzu, you're staring again."
"Sorry", he lowered his voice and eyes, "I should go."
"Wait, I'll get dress and walk you to Azuroh."
"No, you can't."
"Why not? That's what wives do, too."
Her words brought a smile to his face, which he quickly removed. "You can't", Zuko's eyes searched the room for answer, "you can't because it's hard enough leaving you now. I may not be able to sat sail with you standing at the docks."
She raised an eyebrow. "Zuko you can't be serious. Why don't"
He stopped her with a kiss. "Azula, please don't make this any harder." He kissed her hard. "Please", he pleaded before kissing her once more.
"OK, I won’t go."
Zuko worried about Azula’s quick submission, but he decided to run with it. "I have to leave. I'll be back in about a week. Try not to miss me too much."
"Zuzu, it's a week," she saw his facial expression change, "try not to miss me too much. I realize that will be hard for you."
"Which is why I have to leave now." He kissed her before leaving the room.
Zuko was late. He made to the Azuroh at sunrise. To make matters worst Miso was standing on the dock. The fire lord groaned, "What are you doing here?"
"Good morning to you too, Fire Lord Zuko. I was completing my morning exercises. I start be for sunrise. "
"Go exercise somewhere else."
"I'll leave once you tell me what's going on. I saw them load a prisoner that sounded a lot like your father."
"It's does not concern you. "
"It does concern me. You want me to occupy Princess Azula while you're gone. Where are you really going? I recognize a few of your soldiers. You wouldn't take Yuyan Archers to a peace talk."
"I don't have to tell you anything. It is official Fire Nation business."
"That's what you want me to tell Princess Azula."
"You won't tell her anything. She does not need to know about this."
"C'mon, Fire Lord Zuko we both know Azula is too smart to hide this from on your own. Who do you think told me to exercise in this area? She's already suspicious. She's not going to stand by and do nothing. You know I am right. I think you're not telling Azula everything because you're worried about her safety. I will help you because of that, but I need to know what's going on."
"Just tell him Zuko."
"Toph is right. We're already late. We need to leave." Aang placed his hand on Zuko's shoulder. “We need his help to keep this from Azula.”
Zuko swallowed his anger and disapproval of Miso. The words “for Azula” rang in his head. "What I am going to tell is top secret. Azula can never know. It's for her safety."
"If it is for her safety, you have my word. I will not tell her about what I've seen. "
"I am transporting my father as part of the investigation into Azula's poisoning; he maybe the key to finding out who was behind the poisoning. That's all I am going to say."
"I am glad you told me because I pretty sure Azula was going to see your father while you were gone. He sent her a message saying he wanted to see her if she was feeling up to it. He wanted to play Pai Sho this week. Someone gave him a new set. She said she was going to talk to you about it, because you almost had a heart attack when she played with General Iroh. However, that was before you were dismissive about her progress."
"My father did that on purpose. He knows I am hiding this from her. I'm not letting her know anything until we have something solid to work on."
"I will keep her occupied Fire Lord Zuko. She will not have time to visit your father."
"How are you going to keep her occupied?"
"I am taking her on a health retreat."
"Zuko, we need to leave now."
"Aang is right. Soldiers are headed this way. We should board before anyone else sees us."
"Have a safe trip. Don't worry I'll take good care of Princess Azula." Miso headed back toward the palace.
////////

He soon arrived at Zuko's bedroom door. He knocked several times but there was no answer. "I wonder where she can be." Miso scratched his chin.
"Miso, it's too early for you to be at the door. "
He turned and saw Azula walking from her bedroom. "Azula, it's the early messenger hawk that catches the pray." He bowed. "Good morning. How are you this morning?"
"I am fine."
"Good, pack up we leave in a couple of hours."
"Where are we going, again?"
"It's a surprise remember. You said you wanted to leave the palace. I'm granting your wish."
"You're not afraid Zuko is going to exile you."
"He's not here. Besides I've got a princess on my side. " The tall water bender gave her a sly smile before turning around.
//////
Three days later the Azuroh landed on the far side of the Fire Nation. Zuko and the others would have to travel by mongoose dragon to Fire Fountain City. That would be the quickest and most practical way to reach the city.
"Make sure his wrists are chained", Zuko ordered the men as they loaded Ozai onto his mongoose dragon. Zuko road up next his father. "Don't even think of trying something. We won't hesitate to take you down."
"I am here for the same reason you are, to bring a culprit to justice. Remember Zuko, she was my daughter before she became your wife. I only want the best for her. She shouldn't have to worry or live in fear. "
Zuko and Ozai were locked in a stare down. No one wanted to interrupt. Everyone could feel the tension building. The stare down was one of many challenges between father and son this trip. Neither male wanted to lose.
Aang landed. "Zuko the path is clear ahead. We can leave." The avatar brought fresh air cutting the stifling tension coming from Ozai and Zuko.
"Aang is right, lets head out." Zuko turned to his group. "Fountain City is less than a day's ride from here."
Zuko rode behind Ozai watching his every move. Ozai had smug smile as he rode. Aang flew overhead. Toph rode in a cart with Security Chief Kira. They rode along side Ozai. A Fire Nation guard rode in front of Ozai. Another guard rode on his left side. If Ozai were to break away from the group the two Yukon Archers riding behind the group would take him down. The ride to Fire Fountain City was a quiet and seem to take years. Finally, the group could see the city in the distance. The sun was setting behind the massive wall that surrounded the city.
"Zuko before we enter the gates you need to remove these chains. " Ozai held up his arms. " Sōsuke is not going to approach anyone but me. He's certainly not going to come to me if I am in chains. It also makes me look like a prisoner."
"You are a prisoner. The change in location does not change that fact."
"The people of Fire Fountain City are already suspicious of strangers. A prisoner with six hooded guards and the avatar will only alienate the people and Sōsuke. Remember this isn't about me and you, it's about Azula."
"Stop". The group halted on Zuko's orders. Zuko walked over to Ozai. There was a fire burning in his eyes. The intense tension between father and son swelled engulfing everyone around.
Aang even felt from above. He landed several feet from Ozai. He read the fury in Zuko's face. He saw Zuko's fisted hand. "Wait Zuko" yelled Aang.
Father and son locked in a stare down. "I'm going to remove your chains. If you try anything, this will be the last time you see the sunset." The chains were removed. "We're walking the rest of the way. Toph, I need you to keep an eye on my father. Aang it's time."
"We've got your back, Zuko." Toph hopped out of the cart.
/////------
Azula, Miso, Katara, Appa, Momo, and Sokka landed on the white sandy beach of Fire Bird Island.
"This is beautiful, Miso. This is the bluest water I've ever seen." Katara laughed as the warm seawater rushed between her toes.
"Wow, look at the size of those coconuts." Sokka turned. "Ash banana trees." He turned again. "Mangos, pineapples, oh my". He grabbed Momo. "Finally a jungle that's full of food. This place is beautiful."
"Thank you, I think so too. Fire Bird Island is one of the oldest settlements in the Fire Nation. However, it's very different from the rest the Fire Nation. We believe we are one with the island. We give the island the love and care that it needs and in return it gives us beauty and nourishment. What do you think Azula?"
"I think there better be more to this than just water and coconuts. I am not easily impressed." She folded her arms.
A great laughter erupted from Miso's stomach. "I am sorry, but water and coconuts. I missed your sharp sense of humor."
Sokka and Katara gave each other glances. Then shook their heads at Miso who continued to laugh.
"Enough Miso." Azula tossed him her bag.
"Sorry follow me. My village is just up ahead."
/////++++++++
After entering the city Ozai led them down several back alleys. They finally stopped at a spice shop. "Zuko there are too many of us to go beyond this point. Only you and I need to go in."
"If Zuko goes we go."
"Zuko, if we all go in there's no way they will tell us what we need to know. Sōsuke isn't in there but we can get his location. The spice shop is not a trap."
"Toph"
"He's telling the truth about it not being a trap. There's only one person in the shop."
"Let's go. "
Zuko and Ozai returned a few minutes later.
"What happened?"
"Nothing, Aang we, brought an overpriced bag of cinnamon"
"No, you're wrong, we brought admission for five people to enter Tousen's Mirage, a secret gambling parlor. We say the password and give them the five pounds of cinnamon. I figured you'd want to bring your” Ozai snarled slightly, "friends. Humph. Security Captain Kira is the only soldier you can bring. He worked in intelligence before so Sōsuke is more likely to respect him. Tell the rest to drop back. We need to have some distance between them and us. You have the Avatar. You shouldn't be afraid of a few gamblers. We should leave now."
"Let's get this over."
//--------
Zuko, Ozai, Aang, Toph, and Captain Kira arrived at Tousen's Mirage. Aang and the others stared at run down mansion. All the windows were boarded. Zuko annoyance rose to the top.
"Don't worry, it's all part of the illusion. " Ozai knocked.
"I don't care what you're selling. I'm not buying," yelled a man through the door.
"What I have isn't to sell. It is a gift."
"What kind of gift?"
"A mirror that only tells lies."
The door opened. A ginormous man blocked the entrance. "I don't want no stinkin' mirror." He snarled.
"Then take this instead." Ozai handed him the bag of cinnamon.
"Five pounds", he stepped aside, "welcome friends."
Ozai was right. The inside of the mansion was lovely. It was a not a seedy back wall place. It was an upscale establishment. Tousen's Mirage was a place where nobles and regular citizens gathered. Music, laughter, and drinks took precedence over class. A young hostess showed Zuko and the others to a table in the VIP section. Ozai insisted Zuko give her a big tip.
"Oh, man, we could make a killing in here". Toph cracked her knuckles. "I only need 20 minutes."
"No, we're here for one reason only." Zuko turned to Ozai. "Where is he?"
"Patience, he’ll send for me when the time is right. The hostess already told him we're here."
///////----------
Azula and the others reached Miso's village. Azula impressed the villagers. They bowed as she walked to the temple. Young girls praised her beauty. Young men marveled at her magnificence. Azula was praised more than Aang on Avatar Day, which surprised Sokka and Katara. The siblings I had hoped to escape the wows and ahs after entering the temple, but that was not the case. Some of the young Taiyo Sun members gushed like schoolgirls around her. All that changed when the Sun Priest Gai entered the room.
The wrinkled man walked slowly using a staff. He bowed before Azula. "Greetings Princess Azula, Mistress Katara, Master Sokka, and Taiyo Miso. I'm Sun Priest Gai. It is an honor to have you as guests. It is an even greater honor having you train with us, Princess Azula."
"Train"
"Azula, that's why I brought you here. We're going to bring your chi back in line through training and healing. Training with Sun Priest Gai will accelerate your healing process tenfold.
"We will start now." Sun Priest Gai tossed a small fireball at Azula, which she dodged.
"What's wrong with you?"
"It's all part of the training process. Your reflexes are impressive. This time see if you can catch", he tossed another one. This time Azula caught it. "Good now all you have to do is keep from going out."
"That's easy."
Sun Priest Gai swung his staff at Azula. She barely dodged it. The flame almost went out. He swung again and again until he backed her against the wall. He came after her once more. Azula transferred the flame to a torch on the wall. Then blocked Gai's attack with her arm. She then went on the attack. Two Taiyo Sun members attacked her.
"Enough." Everyone froze in place. Gai smiled. "Princess Azula, you passed the first part of training. Most never think to transfer a flame. Now it’s time for something a little harder. Follow me." He led them to a garden. It was a water garden. All the plants were water based. Stone paths and small islands were placed strategically throughout the garden. Gai created three fireballs. He started juggling the balls of fire. "Now it's your turn. You must continue juggling the three balls separately while you travel the path of truth. The stones will tell you if you're on the right path."
"Hey, I see it. The stones have writing on them", yelled Sokka.
"Hmm, yes they do. We will pass the flames to you Princess Azula. " Gai and other Taiyo Sun members began passing the flames. The flames formed one large fireball when Azula took them. She tried to separate it into three flames, but it exploded sending flames everywhere. Katara and Miso quickly put out the fires.
"Hmm, I think we'll work on juggling first."
///////
"Where is he? We've been here for hours."
"Patience is a virtue a fire lord should have."
"You're one to talk about patience."
"Being a cell teaches you a great deal. You should try it. It may make you a better leader. You can learn to control your emotions."
"I am in full control of my emotions. If I wasn't you wouldn't be here."
"Excuse me, gentleman, you two have been invited to a private game."
"It's about time." Ozai stood.
Zuko stood at the same time.
"I am sorry sir. You were not invited. I was told only the older gentlemen. The host believes you're too young and inexperienced for this game."
"What? I have to come. I demand to see this host."
"My apologies, you cannot come." The hostess snapped her fingers. Two large armed fire benders quickly appeared behind her. "We don't want any trouble. "
"Don't worry fir, I will make sure everything is as it should be."
"I am counting on you Kira."
"I understand."
Ozai and Kira returned in less than 30 minutes. It felt like hours to Zuko. Having his father out of his sight put Zuko on edge. He was happy to see his father for the first time in a long time.
"We can leave now. I'll tell you more later."
Zuko waited until they'd put a mile between Tousen's Mirage and themselves before asking, "What happened?"
"We met with Sōsuke. He is already working on it. He will only speak with me, and only work with Security Captain Kira. Sōsuke does not trust you. You did betray the Fire Nation. He took your actions very seriously. Before you get upset, I want you to know he already has a lead. He started working as soon I let him know what happened. He holds great respect for Azula."
////
4 Days Later
Sun Priest Gai and Miso watched a blindfolded Azula following the “path of truth”. Miso held his breath every time it looked as if Azula would misstep. The princess juggled three balls of fire as danced across the slippery stones. She showed the grace of a cat as she navigated the winding path. Finally she reached the other side. Miso let out a loud cheer. Azula removed her blindfold just in time to see Sun Priest Gai's snaggletooth smile. It' disappeared quickly. Azula didn't care. Her accomplishment was enough. Sun Priest Gai said it took his best student 5 days to make it across and his last protégé 21 days to do what Azula did in four days.
Miso greeted Azula with a big smile. The tall water bender placed on hand on her shoulder. "I knew you could do it."
"Of course, there should've been no doubt."
"Princess Azula, your progress is most impressive. You broke Soba's record. Your abilities are beyond hers. Training you has been a most memorable experience. I think the spirits have smiled upon me."
"That's it."
"Yes, unless you would like to undergo the Golden Taiyo Sun training process. It will only require three years of dedication."
"I've had enough Taiyo Sun training." She turned and started walking away.
"Miso you were correct about the similarities between Princess Azula and Soba. You were also correct about her arrogance. I think she'd be a match for Yakitori in that category. Have you heard from your brother?"
"Only on holidays as usual."
"I'm sure he'll be back one day. It's been five years. When he finds what he's looking for he'll be back for good. He knows the way home."
"I don't know. Father says he believes Yaki has lost his way and refuses to come back. My mom believes like you do. I'd better catch up to Azula." Miso bowed. "Thank you, Sun Priest Gai."
Miso caught up to Azula she was with Katara and Sokka.
"It's time to go. "
"No way, Azula." Sokka drooled over the spread before him. 'We're just sitting down to breakfast."
"Pack up your fruit. You can eat on the way. That beast practically files itself. "
"His name is Appa."
"Whatever, it flies on it's own. Can't your brother eat a mango and hold on to the reigns with one hand. It's not like it's Fire Nation science."
"Azula, I’ve been looking for you. While they're eating I want to take you to see something special. Let's go."
/////
Zuko stared out over the ocean. He'd be home in a few hours. The young fire lord was anxious for more than one reason. Ozai had been on his best behavior, but Zuko doubted him. His father had a reputation that put everyone on edge. An attack could happen at any time. Everyday with his father out had been exhausting. Zuko got little sleep the entire trip. He was exhausted. Over and over he told himself this was for Azula. The words kept him somewhat calm around his father and kept him motivated to continue despite his apprehension.
Azula was another reason Zuko was anxious to come home. He'd missed her. This would be the first time, he'd returned to his wife from a dangerous mission. The thought tantalized and stirred something in him he'd never felt. The thought caused him to smile.
"Zuko, you look happy."
"I am, Aang. We'll reach port a few short hours. I'd never thought I'd miss", Zuko paused, " I can't wait to get home. "
"I know the feeling. I can't wait to see Katara. I just hope they're back."
Zuko's head dropped. Miso had taken Azula away. The fire lord had been so focus on his father he'd never thought about Azula not being there when he returned. "What if he's taken her? It could have been his plan all along.” All of his confrontations with Miso filled his mind. Before the covenant was set in place Miso wanted Zuko to stay away from Azula. “She's my wife. Azula wouldn't let Miso just take her somewhere and not return ", mumbled Zuko.
"What did you say Zuko?"
"I was just saying I am sure they'll be back. She's knows when I am scheduled to return. Azula loves the palace too much to stay away." Zuko tried to laugh the last part off. His odd laughter made him and Aang a little uncomfortable.
////////++++++++++++++++++++++
"Azula, this place is very special to me. I am glad you could come with me. "
"Where are we going?"
Miso pointed. "To that huge cherry tree at the top of the hill. It's my sister's shrine."
"A shrine, Miso, you're taking me to a shrine. If this is how you show a girl a good time, I see why you're not married."
Miso laughed. "This is why I wanted to bring you. Being with you makes me happy, Azula. That's why I want my sister to meet you, so to speak. She needs to know the person that brought happiness to my work."
"Miso"
"We're here." Miso took Azula's hand.
/////////|||||||
The Azuroh had docked just before midnight. Security Chief Captain Kira, Aang, and Zuko escorted Ozai back to his cell. Ozai tried to bait Zuko into a conversation but Zuko did not have time for his father. Seeing Azula was priority on Zuko's list. Generals, noblemen, servants, anyone and everyone trying to stop Fire Lord Zuko from getting to his bedroom were ignored.
"Azu-", the light from the hall fell on their empty bed, "Where is she?" Zuko balled his hand into a fist. His face twisted with anger. “Miso”.

A/N: Thanks for reading :)
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Secrets