Hidden in Plain Sight

Scarlet sat on the throne as she stared at the sketches of Lillian and her ex-husband Ping. Lillian was about 5 when this picture was drawn. All the sparks that were in Lillian's eyes those years ago setting wonder into Scarlet's mind, "Now I know why you had those sparks... It started that never dying fire in your heart..." Scarlet said as she ran her wrinkled fingers over the sketch of Lillian hugging Kasai as a cub against her chest. The conversation between Scarlet and Lillian ran through her mind. Scarlet just couldn't get that heartbroken look of Lillian's face out of her head. Lillian never asked to be the next Queen of the temple. If only Scarlet and Ping could have had more children but Thorn was their only child and for some reason her was never gifted the powers of the Tenshi. Scarlet's rein has lasted almost 55 years and honestly... She was tired and she missed Ping. An arranged marriage has its benefits, doesn't it? Scarlet clenched her fists, "How can I be so foolish to believe that.... An arranged marriage only tears the heart apart even more." Scarlet thought to herself as she stood up and paced the throne room. It was late but she just couldn't sleep!

---Flash back---

"We travelled to the temples of the ancient Sun warriors, that's where I met Igneel first and he told me about Natsu and Lucy. After that, I helped the boys break, Hakoda who is Sokka and Katara's dad out of the Boiling Rock along with Suki and this other weird guy, there... That's where my first encounter was with the Slayer... I found so many bodies Nan... it was... Horrifying." Lillian said as a sob escaped her causing her voice to tremble. Scarlet stood behind Lillian braiding her hair as she listened to her Granddaughter. Lillian took a deep breath before she continued, "After the boiling rock, he along with Princess pain in the butt, found us at The Wester air temple. Zuko held off Azula as I took care of the slayer. We thought that we had lost him for good but I misjudged him... He found us 2 days later... He's strength and speed is as if he was a dragon himself." Lillian closed her eyes at the painful memory of the lightning hitting her body and shocking her in midair. "I must say my dear, your technique that you told me about, the extracting heat from large elements, it doesn't surprise me! I mean, you are MY granddaughter after all." Scarlet smirked as she tucked the loose strands of hair away. Lillian gave Scarlet a small smile, "While I was... Uh, dead? Unconscious? I was in the spirit world." Lillian began again, "The spirit world? Really?" Scarlet rose her brows in surprise. Lillian nodded slightly, "There, I met Natsu... Well his spirit and he said that Zuko was of his blood and Us of Lucy." Lillian added but then looked at her tiara on the cushion, "What is it dear?" Scarlet asked taking a seat beside Lillian, "Nan... do you think that My and Zuko's paths crossed on purpose or by fate?" Lillian asked in an almost whisper. Scarlet knew where this was going, and she didn't like it.... "My dear... Your father was in the military since I can remember so It was bound to happen since he was one of Firelord Ozai's most trusted men." Scarlet said emotionlessly, "But I mean... Zuko is Natsu's descendant and I am Lucy's, doesn't that prove to you in any way that he and I are meant to be?" Lillian questioned. Scarlet took a deep breath, "Avatar Roku was also Of Natsu's descent and his Tenshi guardian was my mother and they never saw the need to make a union!" Scarlet spoke harshly causing Lillian to also become annoyed, "I Love Zuko, I want to be with him. How can you not want me to be happy? A unity like this could change the way the world sees all Tenshi!" Lillian argued, "You are betrothed by Royal Blood! It is your duty to bring the temples together. I can't undo that of our previous queens! I am sorry my dear." Scarlet growled. Lillian turned her head away as a tear slipped down her cheek, "Then I deny my birth right and hand over my title to Shane..." Lillian mumbled, "Don't be ridiculous! You know that ever since the beginning of time that this temple has only been ran by Queens!" Scarlet stood and raised her voice. Lillian stood and marched up to Scarlet, "Then maybe you should adopt another girl. Because you can choose... Lose your granddaughter but gain a queen or loose a queen and watch me grow to have a family and be happy!" Lillian shouted before turning on her heel and marching to her balcony. Scarlet stood shock... Not at Lillian's behaviour but at the truth and fire behind her words.... Without another word, Scarlet left Lillian's room and attended the party...

---end of flashback---

"My uh- Great Tenshi, um Queen lady?" Someone interrupted Scarlet's thoughts. When Scarlet raised her head she found the Avatar standing in her door way, "Avatar Aang, it's late! You should be in bed young man!" Scarlet scolded. Aang's face fell nervous, "I uh, yes! I know, but I need your help." Aang said slightly afraid. Scarlet raised her brow, "What can I do for the avatar?" Scarlet asked as she gestured for Aang to take a seat before her. Aang bowed before sitting down into a lotus position, "I need some advice. Advice from someone who does not know me on a personal level, and I believe your someone I can trust." Aang started. Scarlet nodded for Aang to continue, "As You know your highness, Sozin's comet is approaching us and that will gift the fire nation with power of a thousand suns." Scarlet narrowed her eyes, "Everyone is expecting me to end this war that has been carried through for 100 years but I'm just one kid..." Aang took a deep breath, "How can I defeat the firelord?" Aang asked with hope in his eyes as he looked up to Scarlet. Aang tried to keep a strong and stone face as Scarlet looked him up and down, "Firelord Ozai has bought this world a great deal of pain and left many scars on those we care for and those who have died for us. All his sins, if he was in the high court of the owls, which is the head of all 4 the temples of Tenshi's highest of code of conduct, he would be punished by death!" Scarlet said emotionlessly. Aang lowered his head, "All my life, the monks have taught me that all life is sacred! I will not take the life of another, no matter how much pain they had caused. He will face justice and once I have him, it will be up to the law of the new firelord to what will happen to him!" Aang answered confidently. Scarlet gave a small mocking laugh, "The next firelord will be Princess Azula, with Prince Zuko being banished he no longer has that birth right!' Scarlet stated crossing her arms over her chest and waving her hands around as she thought about another way. Aang sighed, "I didn't think about that... So there are actually two threats..." Scarlet raised her hand, "Actually... 3, if Azula has the Slayer working for her then this is no easy task, and the slayer himself has an army under his control." Aang's eyes widened, "We're doomed..." Aang's head fell into his hands. Scarlet felt her heart pain as she watched the Avatar fill with despair. Scarlet rose and stood before Aang, "Have you seen Lillian's technique of extracting heat from objects and people?" Scarlet asked placing her hand on Aang's stiff shoulder. Aang nodded softly, "Well... maybe you could learn something from that, she is your tenshi guardian after all... And she learnt that somewhere. Get to know your guardian..." Scarlet smiled. Aang lifted his head and confusion filled his face, "Trust me Avatar. Have a goodnight and safe journey tomorrow." Scarlet said before retiring to her chambers.

The Gaang gathered around Appa as they packed their supplies and said their goodbye's to all their new friends and allies. Scarlet stood on the top of the stairs watching team Avatar along with Lillian who stood right beside Zuko smiling and giggling at the fire nation Prince. Scarlet found herself smiling at the young love that was blossoming before her. Mac leaned against the pillar in the shadows beside his Queen, "Aren't you going to say good-bye?" Mac asked gazing over at his sister who had her arms around Lillian and Lu. Scarlet shook her head, "There are no goodbye's here, only see you later." Scarlet said before returning into the temple.

Everyone waved as Appa took off and Lillian following behind him, "I'll see you all soon! When the war is over and peace is our friend." Lillian called out before flipping backwards and soaring towards Appa and flying and flipping around him. Katara smiled up as Lillian flew above her and mocked Sokka about picking him up. Suki snickered as Sokka took hold of Suki for support. Aang watched Lillian with awe as she soared around them and her hair flew loosely around her face reaching past her waist. Zuko had a soft smile as Lillian flew up beside him on the saddle and took her seat, "So? Where are we off to now?" Lillian asked as she took hold of Zuko's hand. Aang turned around and looked over at Zuko, "We're going to Ember Island." Zuko answered causing Lillian to pull back and raise her brow, "Excuse me?" Lillian gasped, "That's almost on your father's door step!" Lillian squealed. Sokka grinned, "Exactly! We'll be hiding in plain sight there! No one will ever think to look for us in the Firelords holiday home." Sokka said proudly gaining a punch from Toph. Lillian held her chin in thought for a moment, "That's actually a great idea! The place where I got all my memories back after Azula and Zuko tricked me into believing that I was an evil Tenshi! " Lillian grinned. Zuko's shoulder's fell as the rest of the gang laughed along with Lillian. 

Lillian sat on Appa's head as she held his reins. Kasai laid in the back with Toph and Suki curled up in his fur. Katara and Aang were going through some scrolls and Sokka and Zuko discussed plans of cover and how to get supplies from the town. 

'Then I deny my birth Right!'

Lillian clenched her fists around the reins tight as her voice rang through her head. Lillian's breathing became harsh and heavy as her anger rose. Not even realizing it, Lillian's body started steaming and her scars began to glow, "Uh... Lilly?" Sokka called worried causing Zuko to turn around towards his girlfriend, "Lilly?" Zuko repeated her name. Lillian shook her head as she left her thoughts, "Huh? What did you guys say?" Lillian asked as she calmed down and her scars returned to their normal state, "Maybe I should take over from here? Zuko says we just around the bend from Ember Island." Sokka suggested as he held out his hand for the reins. Lilian looked over at Zuko who nodded in agreement. Lillian sighed and handed the reins over to Sokka before moving over to sit in the saddle. Zuko kept his eyes on Lillian as she pulled her knees up to her chest and rested her head on her legs, "Hey, You okay?" Zuko whispered as he moved closer to Lillian. Zuko lifted Lillian's head slightly, "earth to Lillian, hey... why are you so hot?" Zuko asked surprise pulling his hand away. Lillian's burning crimson eyes met his cool golden eyes, "I have a lot on my mind... I just need to let it out with some bending I guess." Lillian shrugged. Zuko nodded, "When we finished unpacking then you and I can go bend at the cove." Zuko said smiling gaining a small smile from Lillian.

Ember Island came into view and Aang and Katara began bending the clouds around Appa, "Woah... That house is huge!" Suki gasped. Zuko and Lillian rolled their eyes, "You haven't seen anything yet..." Sokka dragged as he stared at the large courtyard where they landed Appa. Aang jumped out of the saddle and rushed around the whole house, "Wow! The firelord would get lost in here looking for us!" Aang said eyeing the home. Lillian shrugged her shoulders, "Try Prince Zuko not finding you at a game of hide and go seek." Lillian smirked up at Zuko who crossed his arms over his chest. 

"lets do some unpacking and then rest. We've all had a long day." Katara said. Lillian nodded, "At least here we can all have our own room." Lillian suggested. Zuko snuck up behind Lillian, "There's 4 bedrooms Lilly, or did you forget?" Zuko asked with a evil chuckle. "Great! I'll have my own room!" Toph praised as she bent the door open and walked in to claim a bed room. "Uh actually... nevermind." Katara growled before dragging Aang behind her to find a bedroom. Sokka and Suki gathered their things and followed the others into the house, "So, I guess well be sharing the master bedroom my dear lady." Zuko teased as he turned Lillian to face him and placed a delicate kiss on her lips. Lillian smiled up at him, "Yeah, lets unpack and get some rest." Lillian said as she and Zuko walked into the house.

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Another Chapter for you amazing people.

I made it slightly longer but next one should be longer. 

Please don't forget to vote and comment.

Dark ninja out! 

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