Ripples In The World

Chapter 10 - Betrayed

I am so incredibly sorry about how slack I have been but I've accidentally been giving too much attention to Kuron ~The Promised One~ and yeah, still no promises on any uploads for that yet... 

however good news, Zuko and Umiko might meet in the next chapter! Anyway enjoy the last completely unoriginal chapter in for awhile. Sorry again about the lack of activity.

(Also a note for anyone that didn't know but I have changed Katashi's death so he never fully proposed to Umiko but she still has the necklace. I didn't want her being engaged twice, it becomes too much.)

Enjoy xx

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"Look at these magnificent shells!" Uncle exclaimed as he lifted up one of the many pointless shells he had collected this afternoon as he sprawled out the rest on the table of our little resort bungalow, "I'll enjoy these keepsakes for many years to come." Is he serious? They are shells you can find them anywhere!

"We don't need any more useless things! You forget, we have to carry everything ourselves now!" I shouted at him frustrated; we've walked along the beach all damn afternoon collecting shells and now he's going to make us carry them with us everywhere?

"Hello, brother," No, "Uncle." Anyone but her...

"What are you doing here?" I turned to my sister Azula, the conniving wench herself. She looked more sinister than when I left but she still has the same dark hair pale skin and blood red lipstick that makes her stand out as the blood thirsty villain that she is. I didn't need to question how she got here, just why, I knew she had her ways.

She picked up one of the shells Uncle and I had collected and despite my previous objections I suddenly wanted it back as soon as she had it in her possession, "In my country, we exchange a pleasant hello before asking questions." She stood and began to walk over to us and I felt my glare sharpen, "Have you become uncivilized so soon, Zuzu?"

"Don't call me that!" I spat back at he on old habit. How dare she try to rekindle a childhood nickname!

"To what do we owe this honor?" my uncle said with complete lack of sincerity.

"Hmmm ... must be a family trait." She sassed in her usual tone, she was playing games, "Both of you so quick to get to the point." The shell she was holding with her fingertips shattered, falling to the floor at her feet. In the corner of my eye I saw my uncle glare viciously.

"I've come with a message from home," she continued, "Father's changed his mind. Family is suddenly very important to him. He's heard rumours of plans to overthrow him; treacherous plots. Family are the only ones you can really trust." I could hear my heart beating in my head; this is what I had been waiting to hear for three long years.

"Father regrets your banishment. He wants you home." Is she really telling what I think she is? I can go home? Truly?

"Did you hear me? You should be happy, excited, grateful: I just gave you great news." I'm dreaming I must be, there is no other explanation for this! Wait, was I really so unhopeful my father would take me back; he regrets?

"I'm sure your brother simply needs a moment." Why did I hold onto it for so long if I didn't think it would happen?

"Don't interrupt, Uncle!" she walked over to stand by me, "I still haven't heard my thank you. I'm not a messenger. I didn't have to come all this way." Then why did she? It must be a lie... there's no other explanation.

"Father regrets? He ... wants me back?" was all I could verbally muster and even that came out as a whisper. It seemed so unfathomable to think of my father regretting anything.