The laboratory beneath Wayne Manor hummed with activity as I made final adjustments to the nanotech armor.
Designed using Graymatter's enhanced intelligence over the past two weeks, the suit represented the pinnacle of what I could create in such a short amount of time.
"Try moving your arm again," I instructed Barbara, who stood in the center of the room wearing what appeared to be a sleek, form-fitting bodysuit in midnight blue.
She extended her arm, then made a fist. The nanites responded instantly, shifting their configuration to optimize for the movement. "It feels... natural," she said with surprise. "Like a second skin."
"That's the idea," I replied, checking readings on a nearby monitor. "The nanites adapt to your nervous system's impulses, anticipating movements before you fully execute them. It creates seamless integration between thought and action."
Barbara performed a series of complex martial arts movements, the suit flowing with her like liquid metal. "The resistance training is noticeable," she observed. "It's pushing back just enough to enhance the exercise."
"That's just one of its training modes," I explained, approaching her with undisguised pride in my creation. "In defensive mode, the nanites will harden instantly against impacts. In strength-enhancement mode..."
I tapped a sequence on my tablet, and the suit's surface rippled slightly, its molecular structure reconfiguring.
"Try lifting that," I suggested, gesturing toward a reinforced steel bar that weighed approximately 500 pounds.
Barbara raised an eyebrow but approached the bar. When she gripped it, the nanites around her hands and arms visibly shifted, creating enhanced musculature patterns. With a slight grunt of effort, she lifted the bar cleanly off its stand.
"This is... incredible," she breathed, holding the weight that should have been impossible for her. "I feel like I could go toe-to-toe with Superboy."
"You could," I confirmed, unable to keep a note of satisfaction from my voice. "Not indefinitely, but the suit can temporarily match Kryptonian-level strength. I wanted to ensure you'd never be defenseless, no matter what we encounter."
She set the bar down carefully and turned to me, her expression softening. "You've been working on this the entire two weeks, haven't you? Since the Joker."
I nodded, moving closer to her. "I couldn't bear the thought of you being vulnerable again. Not when I have the means to protect you."
Barbara reached up, touching my face gently. "Most people might find that level of concern overwhelming. But I find it... comforting." Her green eyes held mine. "Knowing how far you'd go to keep me safe."
The intensity of my feelings for Barbara had grown steadily since the night at the Monarch Theater.
What had begun as strategic alliance, then evolved into genuine affection, had transformed into something deeper, more primal.
The thought of her in danger awakened something fierce within me - a possessiveness that might have frightened me once, but now felt natural, even necessary.
I caught her hand and pressed it more firmly against my cheek. "I would tear apart anyone who tried to harm you," I said quietly, the words emerging with unexpected rawness.
"There are no limits to what I would do to protect what's mine."
Rather than pulling away from such intensity, Barbara stepped closer. "Yours," she repeated, a smile playing at her lips. "I like the sound of that."
I slid my arm around her waist, drawing her against me. "Good. Because I have no intention of ever letting you go."
She leaned up and kissed me - feeling deeper, and more assured than our previous ones. A kiss between two people who had faced death together and emerged with a bond forged in that crucible.
When we separated, her eyes held a mixture of affection and excitement. "So," she said, "when do we leave for this other world?"
"Tonight," I replied. "I've made all the necessary arrangements. Bruce believes we're taking a weekend trip to Coast City - officially to visit the university there, unofficially to get away from Gotham's media attention for a few days."
Barbara nodded. "Dad thinks the same. He's been surprisingly supportive of us spending time together away from Gotham. I think he believes it will help me process everything that's happened."
"It will," I assured her. "Just not in the way he imagines."
She gestured down at the nanosuit. "And this comes with us?"
"Absolutely. The nanites can reconfigure into normal-appearing clothing, but they'll remain active, ready to defend you at a moment's notice." I tapped another sequence on my tablet, and the suit transformed into what appeared to be casual jeans and a fitted top.
"No one would ever know you're wearing cutting-edge technology capable of stopping bullets and lifting cars."
Barbara examined her reflection in a nearby mirror, impressed by the seamless transformation. "You've thought of everything."
"I try," I replied, though my attention was already shifting to final preparations for our interdimensional journey. "We should be ready to depart at midnight. The System-" I caught myself, remembering the prohibition against directly discussing its existence.
"The transit method works best when local energies are at their lowest."
"Midnight it is," Barbara agreed, her expression revealing both nervousness and anticipation. "I still can't quite believe we're doing this - visiting another world with different rules, different history, different everything."
I took her hand, squeezing it reassuringly. "It's the perfect opportunity to explore those questions you've been asking.
And remember, due to the time differential, we can observe years of social evolution while only minutes pass in our world."
"You said this Princess Azula invited you specifically?" Barbara asked, a hint of something I couldn't quite identify in her tone.
"Yes," I confirmed. "She's interested in my perspective on systems transformation as they integrate conquered territories. The Fire Nation has recently expanded its influence significantly."
Barbara nodded thoughtfully. "And she's expecting just you, not both of us?"
Ah, so that was it - a touch of uncertainty about how we would be received. "She'll welcome your presence once I explain your expertise in governance and legal systems.
The commissioner's daughter has unique insights that would be valuable to a nation in transition."
This seemed to satisfy Barbara, though I noted a lingering thoughtfulness in her expression as she activated the nanosuit's clothing mode again, testing different configurations.
I returned to my final preparations, checking that everything was in order for our imminent departure.
The System had provided specific coordinates and instructions for the transit process, which I had carefully memorized to avoid any written documentation that might raise questions.
As midnight approached, Barbara and I met in my quarters at Wayne Manor.
She had changed into practical clothing, with the nanosuit underneath, configured to appear as normal undergarments.
I had similarly dressed for practicality, with the Ultimatrix prominently visible on my wrist.
"Ready?" I asked as the clock approached midnight.
Barbara took a deep breath, then nodded. "As I'll ever be."
I activated the sequence the System had provided, creating what appeared to be a small tear in the fabric of reality - a shimmering doorway that expanded just enough to allow passage.
"Ladies first," I said with a slight smile.
Barbara hesitated only momentarily before stepping through. I followed immediately after, the portal closing behind us with a soft whisper of displaced air.
The transition was disorienting - a moment of weightlessness followed by the sensation of being simultaneously compressed and expanded.
Colors swirled around us, impossible geometries forming and dissolving in instants too brief to comprehend.
Then, suddenly, solidity returned beneath our feet. We stood in an ornate chamber decorated in shades of red and gold, with stylized flame motifs adorning the walls and columns.
Large windows revealed a night sky dominated by a full moon, illuminating what appeared to be an extensive palace complex built into a dormant volcano.
"The Fire Nation Royal Palace," I murmured, recognizing it from my knowledge of Avatar's world.
Before Barbara could respond, a voice spoke from behind us.
"Right on time, Samael. I appreciate punctuality."
We turned to find Princess Azula standing in the chamber's entrance, flanked by two female attendants.
She was dressed in formal Fire Nation attire - a fitted tunic and pants in deep crimson with gold accents, her black hair pulled back in a precise topknot adorned with a flame-shaped royal insignia.
At nineteen, this version of Azula carried herself with the same imperial confidence I recognized, but there was a maturity to her features that the animated series hadn't captured -
the sharpness of her cheekbones, the calculating intelligence in her amber eyes, the subtle curves of her figure beneath the royal garments.
Her gaze moved from me to Barbara, a flicker of surprise crossing her features before her expression smoothed into practiced neutrality. "I see you've brought a companion. This wasn't mentioned in our arrangement."
"Princess Azula," I greeted her with a formal bow that Barbara quickly mimicked. "May I present Barbara Gordon, my girlfriend and a valued advisor on matters of governance and legal systems.
Her insights will be beneficial to our discussions about territorial integration."
Azula's eyebrows rose slightly at the term "girlfriend," though she maintained her composure. "I see. Welcome to the Fire Nation, Barbara Gordon. I trust your journey was... comfortable?"
"As comfortable as interdimensional travel can be," Barbara replied with remarkable poise. "Thank you for your hospitality, Princess."
Azula studied Barbara for a moment longer, her assessment almost palpable. Then she smiled - a practiced expression that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Any companion of Samael's is welcome in the palace. I'm sure your insights will indeed prove valuable."
She turned to her attendants. "Mai, Ty Lee - please ensure our guests' accommodations are prepared. The Spirit Chamber in the east wing, I think."
The two young women - one solemn-faced with elegant features, the other bright-eyed and athletic - bowed and departed without a word.
"Spirit Chamber?" I inquired once they had gone.
Azula turned back to us. "Yes. I've prepared a cover story for your presence here. As far as the court and servants are concerned, you are a powerful spirit who has chosen to manifest in human form to advise the Fire Nation during this period of transition."
"A spirit?" Barbara questioned.
"Spirits are highly respected in our world," Azula explained smoothly. "They're believed to possess great wisdom and power.
This status will give Samael freedom to observe and comment without the constraints that would apply to a normal foreign advisor."
I nodded, appreciating the strategic thinking. "And Barbara?"
"Your companion can be presented as a human advisor you've brought from the Spirit World - someone whose unique perspective you value." Azula's gaze lingered on Barbara.
"The white hair and red eyes will help sell the spirit narrative. Such features are seen as markers of divine or spiritual origin in our culture."
"Convenient," I remarked.
"Indeed," Azula agreed. "Though it might be beneficial to occasionally demonstrate some... spiritual power. To reinforce the narrative."
I understood her suggestion immediately. "I can provide a convincing display when needed."
Azula nodded, satisfied. "Excellent. Now, you must both be tired from your journey. I've arranged private quarters for you to rest.
Tomorrow morning, we can begin our discussions about the integration of Ba Sing Se and the Earth Kingdom territories."
As she led us through the palace corridors, I noticed how servants and guards bowed deeply at her approach, their expressions showing a mixture of respect and fear.
Azula commanded authority effortlessly, her every movement precise and deliberate.
Barbara walked beside me, her eyes taking in everything with keen observation. I could almost see her mind cataloging details, forming impressions, building an understanding of this new world's power dynamics.
"Your palace is impressive," Barbara commented as we passed through a particularly grand hallway adorned with portraits of previous Fire Lords.
"It has stood for centuries," Azula replied, a note of pride in her voice. "Each Fire Lord has added to its grandeur.
My father, Fire Lord Ozai, has expanded the eastern wing significantly to accommodate the increased administrative needs of our growing empire."
The casual mention of empire caused Barbara to glance at me, but she maintained her diplomatic expression. "I look forward to learning more about your nation's governance structure."
"And I look forward to hearing your perspective on it," Azula responded with surprising warmth. "Fresh eyes often see what those of us immersed in a system cannot."
We arrived at a set of ornate double doors inscribed with spiritual symbols. "The Spirit Chamber," Azula announced.
"Originally designed for meditation and communion with the spirit world, now repurposed as guest quarters worthy of a visiting spirit and his... companion."
The chamber beyond was spacious and luxurious, with a large canopied bed, sitting area, and private bathing chamber.
The décor featured a blend of Fire Nation motifs and more ethereal spiritual imagery - a perfect setting for our cover story.
"This is beautiful," Barbara said, genuine appreciation in her voice.
"Only the best for honored guests," Azula replied. "I'll leave you to rest. A servant will arrive at dawn to guide you to breakfast, where we can begin our discussions."
She turned to me. "Perhaps a demonstration of your spiritual nature at breakfast would help establish your position with the court officials who will be present."
I nodded. "I'll prepare something suitable."
Azula's eyes lingered on me a moment longer than necessary, a subtle but unmistakable interest in her gaze. "Until tomorrow, then." With a final nod to Barbara, she departed, closing the doors behind her.
As soon as we were alone, Barbara turned to me. "She's interested in you," she stated flatly.
I raised an eyebrow. "Politically, yes. My insights on systems transformation-"
"Not politically," Barbara interrupted. "Personally. Romantically. I recognize that look - I've seen it from Madison Crowne and half the girls at Gotham Academy."
I hadn't expected Barbara's perceptiveness to extend so immediately to Azula's subtle signals. "If she is, it doesn't matter," I assured her, moving closer. "I'm here with you. You're all that matters to me."
Barbara studied my face, then nodded, seemingly satisfied. "Just so we're clear on that." She glanced around the luxurious chamber. "So, we're really doing this. We're in another world, where you're going to pose as a spirit to observe their society."
"It's an effective cover," I acknowledged. "And tomorrow's demonstration will cement it. I already know which transformation would be most appropriate for a Fire Nation audience."
"Which one?" she asked.
"Heatblast," I replied. "A Pyronite form with fire-based abilities that should resonate strongly with the Fire Nation's cultural affinity for flame."
Barbara nodded, then moved to the window, gazing out at the moonlit palace grounds. "It's so strange - everything looks both alien and familiar.
The architecture, the clothing, the social hierarchies... different, yet recognizable."
I joined her at the window. "That's what makes it perfect for your exploration of different moral frameworks. Similar enough to understand, different enough to provide new perspectives."
She turned to me. "And the time differential - one minute in our world really equals one year here?"
"Yes," I confirmed. "We could stay for what would be years in this timeline, observing social evolution firsthand, while only minutes pass at home. No one would even notice our absence."
Barbara processed this, her analytical mind clearly working through the implications. "So we could actually see how their integration of conquered territories plays out over time. Whether their approach to justice evolves or remains static."
"Exactly," I said, pleased by her quick understanding. "And observe how their relationship structures and moral frameworks adapt to changing circumstances."
She smiled slightly. "You really did find the perfect laboratory for my philosophical questions."
I took her hand. "I would cross dimensions to give you what you need, Barbara. Never doubt that."
The intensity in my voice seemed to catch her by surprise, but not unpleasantly. She leaned against me, her head resting on my shoulder. "I don't," she said softly. "I never have."
We remained like that for some time, watching the moon's progress across the alien sky, contemplating the new world we would begin exploring tomorrow.
A world with different rules, different histories, different possibilities.
A world where, for a time, we could step outside the constraints of our own reality.
Dawn arrived with the soft chiming of bells throughout the palace.
A servant - a young woman in formal Fire Nation attire - arrived to guide us to breakfast, her eyes widening and quickly lowering when she saw my white hair and red eyes.
"Honored Spirit," she murmured, bowing deeply. "Princess Azula awaits you and your companion in the Royal Dining Hall."
We followed her through corridors already bustling with morning activity.
Servants hurried about their duties, officials carried scrolls between chambers, and guards stood at attention at key intersections.
All paused to bow as we passed, word of a visiting spirit having clearly spread throughout the palace.
The Royal Dining Hall proved to be a long chamber dominated by a low table surrounded by cushions.
Azula was already present, along with several older men in formal robes who I recognized as Fire Nation ministers and advisors.
"Ah, our honored guests," Azula announced as we entered. "Ministers, may I present Samael, a great spirit who has chosen to manifest in human form to offer guidance during our nation's expansion.
And his companion, Barbara Gordon, a wise advisor from beyond our realm."
The ministers bowed deeply, though I noted skepticism in some of their expressions. Clearly, they would need more than Azula's word to fully accept our spiritual nature.
"We are honored by your presence," said one elderly minister, his long beard adorned with golden beads. "Though I must confess, it is unusual for spirits to take such... solid form among us."
"The boundaries between worlds are complex," I replied, my voice deliberately measured and slightly resonant. "I have chosen this form to better communicate with your kind."
The minister nodded, though doubt remained in his eyes. "And what interest does a great spirit have in the Fire Nation's territorial expansion?"
This was the opening I had anticipated. I glanced at Azula, who gave a subtle nod of encouragement.
"Perhaps a demonstration would answer your question more effectively than words," I said, stepping back from the table.
I activated the Ultimatrix, cycling quickly to Heatblast. The familiar surge of energy washed over me as my body reconfigured into the Pyronite form -
a humanoid composed of magma-like rock with flames erupting from fissures in my surface, my head crowned with fire.
The transformation elicited gasps from everyone present except Azula, who watched with calculated interest, and Barbara, who had seen my transformations before.
"I am a spirit of flame," I declared in Heatblast's deeper, crackling voice. "Fire is my essence, my being, my purpose."
I raised my hands, and flames erupted from my palms, forming a swirling vortex above the table that took the shape of the Fire Nation insignia.
What caught me completely off guard was the reaction from the firebenders in the room.
Azula and several of the ministers suddenly straightened, their eyes widening as they felt their own bending abilities surge in response to my presence.
"What is this?" the elderly minister whispered, staring at his hands as flames twice their normal size danced above his palms with almost no effort.
I continued my demonstration, creating patterns of flame that moved through the air. "I have come to observe how the Fire Nation wields the power of flame in this time of great change."
Azula was the first to fully react to the unexpected power surge. She stood and performed a bending move that would normally produce a modest flame.
Instead, a massive blue inferno erupted from her hands, nearly reaching the ceiling before she controlled it with visible effort.
"This power..." she breathed, studying her hands with an expression I'd never seen on her face - genuine awe mixed with raw ambition. "It rivals the legends of Sozin's Comet."
The ministers were now on their feet as well, those with firebending abilities testing their suddenly enhanced powers with looks of wonder and growing reverence.
"Agni walks among us!" declared the elderly minister who had questioned me, dropping to his knees. "The divine flame has taken form!"
"The prophecies spoke true," another minister whispered, also kneeling. "In the time of the Fire Nation's greatest expansion, Agni himself would descend to guide us."
I felt a wave of shock run through me. This wasn't what I had intended at all. I had meant to present myself as a powerful spirit, yes, but not as their actual deity.
The misunderstanding could complicate matters significantly, yet I couldn't think of a way to correct it without undermining our entire cover story.
Their conclusion, reached entirely on their own, carried far more weight than any claim I could have made.
I maintained the Heatblast form, watching as Azula tested her enhanced abilities with growing fascination.
Her eyes never left her hands as she produced flames more intense than I'd ever seen - blue fire so hot it was almost white at its center.
I could practically see the wheels turning in her mind as she considered what such power could mean.
"With this blessing," she said, her voice steady despite the excitement I could sense beneath it, "the Fire Nation's dominance is assured for generations to come."
I stayed in Heatblast form for several more minutes, letting them experience the enhancement effect, before changing back to human form in a flash of light.
Even as myself again, I noticed the firebenders still seemed to retain some of the power boost, though not as strong as before.
"As you can see," I said calmly, sitting back down beside Barbara, "my presence brings certain... effects to those who command flame."
The ministers remained kneeling, all doubt completely gone. Even Azula seemed genuinely affected, though she kept her composure better than her advisors.
The hunger in her eyes as she continued to produce enhanced flames was impossible to miss.
"Great Agni," the elderly minister said, his earlier skepticism replaced by complete devotion, "your divine presence honors the Fire Nation beyond all measure. Any guidance you offer will be received as sacred wisdom."
I fought to keep my expression neutral despite my internal discomfort. Being mistaken for a god was not part of the plan, and the religious fervor now directed at me felt both unearned and potentially dangerous.
Breakfast continued with a completely different atmosphere.
The ministers now addressed me with extreme reverence, hanging on every word as I spoke of balance, justice, and the responsibilities of power.
Barbara, too, was treated with new respect as my chosen companion.
Azula watched it all with sharp eyes, clearly pleased with how effectively our cover had been established but also fixated on the power enhancement she had experienced.
Throughout the meal, she kept creating small flames between her fingers, testing whether the amplification remained.
When the meal ended, she dismissed the ministers and led us to a private meeting room.
"That was... far beyond what I anticipated," she said once we were alone, immediately producing a large blue flame in her palm.
"This enhancement to our bending - it's unprecedented outside the legends of Sozin's Comet."
"An unexpected effect," I replied carefully. "But as you noted, a fortunate one for our purposes."
"Fortunate?" Azula's eyes gleamed intensely. "It's revolutionary. With such power, the Fire Nation could complete its global conquest in months rather than years."
She put out the flame, then immediately created another, as if afraid the ability might suddenly disappear. "And it seems to last even when you're in human form, though not as strong."
"Each of my forms affects the surrounding environment differently," I explained, keeping details vague. "This one seems particularly connected to firebending abilities."
Barbara had been quiet during most of breakfast, watching the interactions closely. Now she spoke up. "The ministers' reaction went beyond political respect. They truly believe Samael is their fire deity in the flesh."
Azula turned to her, seeming to reassess Barbara's perception. "Yes. While the Fire Nation prides itself on technology and military strength, spiritual beliefs remain at the core of our identity. Agni - the deity of flame - holds special importance."
"And now they've decided Samael is Agni himself," Barbara observed. "That gives him enormous influence."
"More than enormous," Azula agreed, her gaze returning to me with new intensity. "Divine status places you above even the Fire Lord in spiritual matters.
Combined with the power enhancement effect..." She stopped, leaving the implications unspoken but clear.
I could see her mind working - calculating not just the political advantage of having a "deity" supporting her, but the personal power she gained in my presence.
The ambition that defined Azula was now focused on me with laser precision.
"This cover serves our purposes well," I said, steering the conversation back to our original goals. "As you suggested, it allows me to observe all levels of your society freely."
"Yes," Azula agreed, though her mind was clearly still processing the power implications.
"Though I suspect you'll find it difficult to move about without causing... religious fervor wherever you go."
She moved to a large map on the wall, showing the Four Nations with recent Fire Nation conquests marked in red.
"Now, shall we begin our discussions of territorial integration? Ba Sing Se has fallen, but incorporating such a massive city into our empire presents unique challenges."
As Azula outlined the current situation, I noticed Barbara studying not just the map but the princess herself - noting her expressions, her word choices, the subtle ways she commanded attention.
My girlfriend's sharp mind was clearly taking in everything for later analysis.
I also noticed how Azula repeatedly glanced at me throughout her presentation, her gaze lingering longer each time.
What had begun as political interest had clearly evolved into something more complex - a fascination with the power I represented, both politically and personally.
The boost to her bending abilities had triggered an obsessive quality to her attention that hadn't been there before.
What Azula didn't realize was that while I saw her growing fixation, I had no intention of returning it.
My feelings for Barbara had grown into something deep and exclusive - a possessiveness that currently left no room for divided attention.
As the day continued with detailed discussions of governance structures and integration strategies,
I found myself often reaching for Barbara's hand or putting my arm around her waist - small reminders of our connection that Azula clearly noticed.
By evening, our position in the palace was firmly established.
Word of the divine presence who enhanced firebending had spread throughout the royal complex, with servants and officials alike falling to their knees whenever we passed.
Barbara, as my chosen companion, received similar treatment.
When we returned to our chambers that night, Barbara sat by the window, looking out at the Fire Nation capital spread below the palace.
"They worship you now," she observed. "One demonstration, and you've become a god in their eyes."
"It makes our observations easier," I replied, joining her. "We can move freely, without restrictions."
She turned to me, her expression thoughtful. "Azula is obsessed with the power she gains when you're near.
I could see it in her eyes every time she created flame - she's already imagining what she could accomplish with that level of power."
"Yes," I agreed. "She's always thinking several moves ahead."
"Including her interest in you," Barbara added, with an edge in her voice. "She's not subtle about it, at least not to another woman's eyes.
And now that interest has an added dimension - you're not just a potential ally or even a potential partner. You're a source of power she craves."
I took her hand, feeling the familiar possessiveness rise within me.
While I had long-term plans that Barbara wasn't yet aware of - plans that might eventually include others in a carefully structured arrangement - Azula's obvious interest stirred no reciprocal feelings in me.
My future vision included possibilities that I wasn't ready to discuss with Barbara, but Azula featured in none of them.
"Her interest doesn't matter," I said firmly. "You are mine, Barbara. Now and always."
The intensity in my voice seemed to resonate with her. She moved closer, her hand resting against my chest. "I believe you," she said softly.
"I just don't think she's accepted that reality yet. And I'm not sure she's capable of accepting any reality where she doesn't get what she wants."
I could sense the protectiveness in Barbara's words - not just concern about Azula's intentions, but a deeper, more primal response.
She wanted me exclusively hers, a mirror to my own possessiveness.
The philosophical questions about relationship structures that had occupied her mind in recent weeks seemed far removed from this immediate, visceral reaction to a perceived rival.
"She'll have to," I replied simply. "Because nothing will change how I feel about you."
Barbara smiled, then leaned up to kiss me - a gesture that carried both affection and a definite claim of ownership that matched my own feelings perfectly.
In this new world, with all its different rules and customs, one thing remained constant: our connection, formed in Gotham's darkness and now growing stronger under an otherwordly sky.
As we prepared for sleep, I thought about what lay ahead.
The Fire Nation's approach to conquered territories would give Barbara the real-world examples she sought for her philosophical questions.
Azula's actions would provide valuable insights into how systems change on a global scale.
And perhaps most importantly, this time away from our own world's constraints would give Barbara space to process her actions at the Monarch Theater -
to understand that justice sometimes exists outside the boundaries of law, that moral frameworks must adapt to extraordinary circumstances.
I continued to hold Barbara close, my arms wrapped protectively around her as she drifted toward sleep.
Whatever this world had to teach us, whatever insights it might provide, one truth remained absolute: she was mine to protect, to cherish, to keep safe from all harm.
And I would allow nothing - not Azula's growing obsession, not interdimensional complications, not anything in any world - to threaten that bond.
My commitment to her remained unshakable.
She would always be first, always be mine, always be the center around which everything else revolved.
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(Author note: Hello everyone! I hope you all liked the chapter!
Do tell me how you found it.
We are in the Avatar world and there is a lot to explore here.
So yeah, I hope to see you all later,
Bye!)