Uncle and Zuko stepped out of the carriage and stood before the Earth Palace. It was huge, bigger than even the Fire Palace back home.

Uncle spoke.

"Many times I imagined myself here. At the threshold of the palace. But I always thought I would be here as a conqueror. Instead, we are the Earth King's personal guests, here to serve him tea. Destiny is a funny thing."

"It sure is, Uncle."

When they reached the meeting room, Uncle poured the tea. It smelled delicious- it was his best brew.

But it cooled as they waited. And waited.

And waited.

"What's taking so long?"

Uncle shrugged. "Maybe the Earth King overslept?"

As he said that, men began to file into the room. Men that Zuko recognized as Ba Sing Se's police force, the Di Lee. The same police force that had captured the Avatar's bison. They were up to no good. He turned to Uncle.

"Something's not right."

The Di Lee surrounded them, and then Zuko's worst nightmare came true. Azula appeared through the circle.

"It's tea time." Her voice was smug, and Zuko stood up fast.

"Azula!?"

She smiled. "Have you met the Di Lee? They're earthbenders, but they have a killer instinct that's so firebender. I just love it."

Uncle picked up his cup of tea. "Did I ever tell you how I got the nickname: the Dragon of the West?"

"I'm not interested in a lengthy anecdote, Uncle."

"It's more of demonstration, really." Zuko smiled and ducked, and Uncle breathed fire into the room. The Di Lee ducked away, and Zuko and Uncle made a run for it. The Di lee were fast, but Zuko and Uncle were faster. Uncle jumped out a window and called for Zuko to hurry.

But Zuko was tired of running away from his past. It was like Kara'd said- either he let it rule him, or he ruled it.

"No. I'm tired of running! It's time I faced Azula. He turned back and stood before Azula and all her Di Lee.

"You're so dramatic. What, are you going to challenge me to an Agni Kai?"

"Yes. I challenge you."

"No thanks."

Zuko raised a ball of flame and sent it at Azula. She wouldn't get out of it that easily!

Two of the Di Lee deflected the blast. Azula just stood there. It made Zuko's blood boil. In seconds the Di Lee had him pinned to the ground with their rock hands. And Azula was gone.

Uncle was gone.

At least Kara's safe. They don't know about her.

That was Zuko's last thought before one of the Di Lee conked him on the head, and everything went black.

_______

Figured it out yet? Lolz I know I'm evil.

COMMENT and vote, people!

-Tess