A.N. The art is not mine, obviously. I just put several ones together. I had nothing better to do.

"I asked. Your name. Brat."

To say that Beifong was furious was an understatement. The girl sitting in front of her did not bulge. A rare feat, but she had stared into the abyss before, it was a tiny hole in the ground by comparison. The name of that abyss was Ozai, but Azula did not spill anything. The name of her own was a dead giveaway. They could have bought only Danny, but if an actual couple who is called the same way turned up...now that would be suspicious. And although Amon did know who Phantom was, few would actually believe him, apart from his servants.

"Is it that important? We have helped you, have we not?" Azula lazily tapped on the iron table.

The room was just what you would expect from it. A dark iron box with no luxuries whatsoever. Unless you consider a metal chair one. A single lightbulb was hanging under the ceiling, occasionally blinking and thus irritating the tired princess. She hadn't got much sleep.

"You two have taken down the most dangerous terrorist of the Republic City. There is no information on you anywhere, apart from the handwritings in that luxurious hotel on Tyan Man street. Which raises a question of where you've got the money for one of the fanciest places in this city. Well?"

Azula sighed dramatically, crossing her hands. "Ask my boyfriend. He is the money earner here. Where is he, by the way?"

"We are going to interrogate you separately for a while...You don't sound all that concerned," noted Beifong.

"He rarely raises any concerns. Certainly not when faced with simple policemen."

"Which brings us to square one. Who. Are you. People."

Azula rolled her golden eyes.

"We're not from around here," Danny said to the officer interrogating him. "My girlfriend is from the Fire Nation, for instance. We came to the Republic City to relax from our job and to solve a troubling issue."

"You mean Amon?" That man was far calmer than his boss.

"Not exactly," Phantom rubbed the back of his neck, "My job obliged me to solve the issues in parallel with my relaxation."

"What issues?"

"We have observed a really strange occurrence. In one spot the time flows differently than in the other. Such anomaly could be attributed to the beings on the other side, if you get what I mean."

"You are a researcher?"

"It's more of a hobby," Beifong listened to the princess. "Look, shouldn't you address the elephant in the room? The leader of the Equalists is sitting in the next room and yet you are interrogating us. You are wasting your time."

"Maybe...I've got the feeling that even he will be more talkative."

Beifong got up from her seat, looking completely dissatisfied.

"What will be of us now?"

"You are staying detained until further notice. If you try to escape, that would be a certain crime. And I would love to throw you into the deepest prison cell we've got," she leaned against the table.

"Arresting a foreigner, are we?" Azula crossed her hands. She had read the local laws concerning the issue.

"May I see your foreign passport? No? Of course not."

"Hey, they are not given away everywhere."

The chief exited the room, leaving the disappointed princess alone. Azula tapped on the table again, her polished nails were making a steady, quiet noise. Getting up from her chair, the princess paced around the iron table, the cogs in her head were spinning in tact with her hollow footsteps. Wait, hollow? Azula tapped on the floor again. The metal plate under her had nothing beneath. How curious.

The princess waited, knowing all well that her boyfriend would turn up soon. And she wasn't wrong. From nowhere Danny popped up.

"Good morning, princess," he whispered and smirked, "How did you sleep?"

"Poorly. And it's hard to keep track of time without clock or windows. How did you manage to?"

"I do have a window," Phantom shrugged, "So, what do you think we should do?"

"No idea as of yet. Your thoughts?"

"We did make quite a mess," Danny rubbed the back of his head, "But we did capture Amon, that would make us celebrities around here."

"Meaning?"

"It is Republic City. Surely someone will want to get a little bit of political reputation by befriending us. As far as I am aware, one of them is on the way. And in order to do so they would bail us out. It's a win-win. And even if not, maybe the Avatar will put a couple of words. Albeit I've noticed that Beifong doesn't like her much."

"Why?"

"Heck if I know. Korra was released from custody that same evening, however. The injustice!"

"I guess we wait, then."

"Precisely," Danny pointed at her with two fingers, before perking up. "Looks like someone is coming."

With that he vanished. Phantom strolled through several walls, his hands going behind his back out of now natural mannerisms. His fear of startling the local prisoners was abysmal. It was the path he had used to get to his girlfriend, after all. The cells were empty, he was free to make his way through the lists of metal without any disturbances. It was hard to differentiate between them all and find his own room, however the chair there was too far from the table. Yeah. That was the one. Moving the chair back, Phantom landed on it and put his legs on the table, closing his blue eyes. His time of peace was quite soon interrupted by the clinging sound of the moved latch.

From the doorway emerged and an interesting man entered. Danny opened one eye and smirked. Speak of the Devil, they say. The guest was very tall, brown skin and hair gave the Water Tribe member away, just as much as his white and blue clothes. The man had a smile plastered on his face, but Phantom knew better. He had faced the Fire Lord and his own megalomaniac godfather. This guest was no different. And Danny just happened to know who that person was, all the way to the political path he had treaded beforehand.

"My, I feel honoured, chairman Tarrlok," he said, "What have I done to deserve such a visit?"

"He is asking me what he has done!" The man exclaimed with the same smile, "You, my good friend, have done the unthinkable! The greatest threat to the security of our country is gone."

"I wouldn't say 'the unthinkable'," Phantom said politely, humbly putting a hand over his heart, "Amon won't buy the same tricks second time."

"Don't you worry, we will deal with him in no time."

He went forward and sat in front of the prisoner without slightest care. Phantom swiftly removed his legs from the piece of iron furniture between them.

"So, I am yet to hear your intentions."

"I want to get you and your female companion out. You being kept here against your will like you are the same criminals as Amon himself...this is preposterous. But do not worry, I am not a chairman for nothing. And for once, I believe even Tenzin would agree, for we all are thankful."

At this Phantom just waved his finger around, pointing at the entirety of the room, and then sighed.

"Well, that's good to hear. I'd rather be back to my business, my friends are probably worried about our absence. What is your plan?"

"That you and your girlfriend do not antagonise anyone. You are not under arrest...Daniel, correct?" At his nod the chairman continued, "You are not under arrest, your questioning just became longer because you are stubborn."

"Alright, I see. However we are under threat of being deported who knows where. I so wouldn't like that, I love this city," he sighed dramatically and smiled innocently, leaning over the table, "Do you mind dealing with this bureaucratic nuisance? I am asking quite a lot, but all is better than us walking out of this station and causing an uproar, correct?"

"Well...maybe this could be done. You must be honoured citizens, no less..."

God, how sugary could this guys sound? It was only sheer luck that the man decided to visit him and not Azula. With all her genius, she could be too straightforward sometimes.

"But answering Beifong's questions is your best way out, as I can see."

"She is asking the questions which are A: way too personal, and B: the answers to them are too inconceivable for her to believe."

"Are you going to keep resisting?"

"Yep. Albeit just for fun I may tell, let's see if she would actually believe it. I can't think up a more believable tale."

Tarrlok rubbed his chin. That young man was quite interesting to say the least. Pretentious maybe, but that may be the thing of the youth. And the lad was obviously not a fool from what Tarrlok could observe. Nonetheless, the couple was still a terrific occasion for him to gain more power. The chairman was so absorbed in his thoughts that he didn't notice a devious smirk on Phantom's face. Just as planned. Phantom and Azula truly learned from one another. That was why no plots were there to undermine the former's rule. No one dared or no one managed to begin. That sounded more ominous than it should have.

"I see," Tarrlok smiled, "I will need a favour, however."

"Am I not becoming your PR manager already?" Danny crossed his hands.

"A...what?"

"Nevermind. I am all ears, chairman."

"I am throwing a gala in order to celebrate this outstanding victory. If you by any chance happen to come and say a couple of good words..."

"Should have expected this," Danny mumbled in amusement.

"It isn't as selfish as it sounds, you have accomplished exactly what I urged the Council to do for months. You two and the Avatar with her accomplices have acted without any restraints imposed upon me as the chairman. It will be a sign speaking in my favour, no matter the decision of yours. But would you indulge me nonetheless? It is quite little."

Phantom sighed, "I should consult with my companion first. We won't like public attention here. Peace and quiet is among the things which brought us here. Amon threatened us among others, and I just wasn't going to stand for it."

"Only that?" Tarrlok asked in surprise.

"Yep. What is better than to beat up a pompous fool? By the way, have you seen him already?"

"No, I haven't. Why do you ask?"

"Be careful around him. His skills are impressive, his followers are still many. If you let him escape, you will deal with the disaster yourself."

"He won't stop being a problem afterwards. Even if by some miraculous chance such scenario happens. Amon is not here, obviously. He is going to be transported to our most secure facility. But you won't interfere again?"

"I am here for another goal. Once it is reached, the problems of this city won't be ours anymore. Ask my girlfriend and she will tell you the same. Neither of us is the Avatar to bring the balance. There are some questions to which I would like to know the answers, however. Yet," Phantom shrugged, "let us return to the previous topic. Could you first ask Beifong to not separate an amorous couple any longer?"

"Will I get an answer soon?"

"You can wait outside, it shouldn't take too long."

Everything was arranged at a moment's notice. Apparently the chief was eager to let the two go as soon as possible. Once the door was locked behind him, Danny explained the situation to the princess very quickly. Azula listened with attention, before scoffing.

"I don't really want to," she announced her verdict. "This gala sounds too boring."

"Says the one who never misses any," Phantom commented, sitting on the edge of the table.

"At least during those in your palace I am not being looked at like a guinea pig. And it is not like I can refuse those."

"Your truth. Back home many are wary of you," Danny snorted, "But you still have gotten more sociable over the months, I am glad and we should push further, until anxiety is gone."

"Can we skip this part?" Azula pleaded.

"Alright...look, it may be a very interesting occasion. Not gonna lie, we will be very recognisable afterwards. But we won't be known as Azula and Phantom from many years ago. Pick any name you like and we will simply be a couple of celebrities. And all of that will prevent nasty situations like this from occurring."

The princess hummed in deliberation, letting the young king continue.

"I thought about it all night. We seem to change our opinions on the matter of discretion way too quickly. So why make exceptions here and there, right? We both are too active to stay in the shadows for long. And indeed with the help from the locals we will be able to find the reason for the time anomalies. It's getting more odd. Two days passed back home. One day here. The tables have now turned."

"How?"

"I suppose it works like a pendulum. And this thing is nearing the middle. Soon the time will flow similarly. But this is too unpredictable, I remind you, seventy years passed in but a year. The difference is seventy times. If we go through with this metaphor...someone might be pushing it too far to the side. It's as if all of that was an action just to attract our attention. And as we are here...time flowing like this does not benefit the Kingdom at all. We have to deal with this quickly. Why the old Stopwatch sits idle is beyond me. In any case...we should receive all the help we can get, don't you agree?"

Azula nodded slowly, "It better work out, otherwise we will be left with few tools in our disposal."

"I'm telling you, we are not giving away neither our motives, nor our identities."

"Who knows. If, say, Zuko hears about us? Or maybe someone else who is quite aware of how we looked like?"

"TV is nonexistent yet. I doubt that the radio would give a very detailed description. And don't you think that I have probably checked where everyone is?" Danny asked smugly.

"I will have to trust you on that. The sooner we get out of this hole, the better."

With a nod of his head Danny approached the door and knocked on it.

Soon after the couple was released from custody. Luckily Beifong was too tired to deal with them any more. And, when Tarrlok said that he would take all the responsibility for their actions, she was eager to exploit this opportunity. If the brats really did something terrible, it was going to be the responsibility of one chairman she hadn't been particularly fond of. She was a winner either way. Just as Danny had hoped. Both the princess and the king were quiet on the road home. The weather, the never ceasing rain was not helping the flow of the conversation, even if not a single one fell on the young man. He was intangible.

The day flew by at speed most breathtaking. It was almost comedic, Azula thought while observing her lover from her favourite sofa. Her spot allowed for overview of the entire apartment, and so she was able to see him pacing all around, making constant calls to his agents across the world. No one was going to tap on the wires between them, after all. And it amused the princess to see him pissed occasionally.

"DON'T 'BUT' ME, SKULKER! I'M NOT PAYING YOU SO YOU COULD HIT ON SOME CHICKS!" Danny yelled into the phone, before rubbing his temples, "If you get killed by your own wife I am scraping your suit for metal. Am. I. CLEAR?"

Azula chuckled, taking a sip of tea. She loved when he was rough.

The tickets to the gala arrived next morning, along with a letter from the chairman himself. The City Hall was going to be full. And the entire day was dedicated to preparing for such occasion. And for this the princess took Phantom outside. At his question as to why she needed another dress when she got plenty, the princess only gave him the look, while still holding his hand. Danny did not bulge.

"These are my money we are talking about, dear."

"Look what a scrooge he has become," Azula deadpanned.

"I am not a scrooge. I get a sum of money from the treasury for the daily routine of royal family. Taking more would result in other spheres lacking in funds. Even I know such basic things."

Azula sighed, looking down on the ground, "Alright, I get it. I overextend your welcomeness. One day I will earn my own living," she said with such determination that Danny couldn't help but smile.

"I guess we will put your today shopping on your paycheque," he laughed, "Besides, I had a little spoil kept for this evening. The public will be left in awe."

The shopping with Azula had its merits. She had a clear goal in her mind and did not diverge in any way. She went out with the purpose of buying a dress and renew her set of cosmetics. And thus only two stops were made in the respective shops. The former was done the last, and in the tailor's place Phantom was dying from boredom, resting his head atop of a pile of pants. Before him Azula was thoughtfully examining two dresses in her hands. He was snapped out of his half-asleep condition.

"Come on, we are almost done here," the princess assured him, "Just let me carry these."

"It's okay, Azula...wait, you didn't buy anything?"

"Stop being so overbearing," she growled quietly and picked the small bags. "Let me do something myself," the princess huffed, "I just remembered that I really do have a proper clothing already."

Phantom sighed dramatically. But on the inside he got an interesting thought. Azula really disliked her position, he had often seen the burden it placed upon her. The princess, although she was advising here and there, had no legal post. And that placed her in a really embarrassing situation to all ghosts and spirits around. To put it bluntly she was but a concubine in their eyes. But of course nobody dared to call her that, lest they invoke the wrath of two powerful autocrats. Danny could technically give her a title, or position. A formal job that she so much desired. Spymaster would do nicely...there was another option, however. The throne beside his was vacant. And at this the man got lost in thoughts.

Danny had been thinking about this for a long while. His slip the day before had not come out of nowhere. He loved that proud fiery princess, but was still too embarrassed to ask her. They had been lovers for so long, yet they were still young. Would they regret this later? That they had made the wrong choice with whom to share the lifelong path. It was risky, and Phantom was not going to hurry. If their love was going to exist throughout their entire lives, it should not wane for years to come, right? Two more, maybe even four. He wondered what Azula thought about that. But he wouldn't ask, for it would be a horrific disaster. God, he still lacked the spine in such matters. He was still that awkward fourteen years old, now carefully hidden within the powerful monarch. And there was also another mechanism...

The walk to the hotel was not long, and on their way the couple visited a small cafe that served some Earth Nation baking. After all, the former convicts hadn't had breakfast that day. Phantom wasn't very talkative, and as she was making a sip, Azula noticed it. If Danny wasn't talking, something was on his mind, otherwise said mouth rarely shut up. The princess tilted her hear.

"Is something the matter?" She asked.

"Wh-what? Oh, nothing important," The young man laughed nervously and looked away. But his green blush was the cleanest indication.

"You'd better not think about something kinky."

"Heh. I'm past the phase. I am above this," said Danny with all seriousness.

"Need I remind you our last time?" Azula raised her eyebrow.

"It was you who wanted the bondages," the half ghost made a sip.

Azula reddened beyond normal. "And you happily obliged," she mumbled quietly.

Danny laughed, and the poor young woman buried her gaze into another muffin-like treat. That was his defensive mechanism. Turn everything into a joke. Be it any other way, he would have been embarrassed, too. But that's how it was.

The City Hall was incredibly crowded that evening. Not only the insides, mind you, for the commoners were not allowed in. Thus, the reporters and simple onlookers could only see the prelude, not what was happening within the mighty building, somewhat reminiscent of the famous Reichstag, only much bigger, wider, with asian colorite. The blinding flashes of the cameras were a major problem to the guests, as if it was the former's petty revenge. Among the esteemed visitors were famous industrialists, such as Hiroshi Sato himself, or his main rival from Cabbage Corp, there were members of local intellectual societies, the Avatar, of course, all in all the people who made the ends not only meet, but overlap each other. Speaking of whom, Hiroshi was not alone.

Arriving on the latest model of his own car, he did not surprise anyone. If anything, that was to be expected. He was not alone, however. Alongside the famous man was his daughter, a young woman about the age of eighteen. Dressed in a red and black dress, wearing a golden necklace, she was among the youngest guests of the gala. Her green eyes kept scanning the crowd, and that was noticed by her father.

"What is it, Asami?" Asked Hiroshi with a smile, "Looking for your date?"

"Uhm...yes, father, I am," the girl blushed just a bit.

"He should have arrived separately. I wish I could send someone to pick him up, but...you haven't told me his address," Hiroshi laughed.

Asami smiled and chuckled, yes. That was a mistake. Hopefully Mako was alright, it was his idea, after all. As they neared the doors, the centre of attention shifted to the newest arrivals. At the multiple surprised and awed gasps erupted throughout the crowd, even the Sato family curiously looked there. A black car pulled to the red carpet road, unlike anything they had seen before. The transport was black, shiny, and, unlike Satomobile, there was no engine sticking out. Interesting style decision. From the unusual car emerged the driver, an orderly chauffeur in a black cap and suit, with a monocle over one eye. There was some strange air around him, a chilling one.

The driver opened the door facing the City Hall. From there Azula stepped out, shielding her golden eyes from the flashes of light. Everyone could guess her Fire Nation origins. The brown shirt beneath the clothes of red colour, trimmed with gold, showed this to everyone. Beauty was often found in simplicity. Plus, even the simplest of clothes in the princess's wardrobe were of the highest quality. Azula checked her long flowing locks, all the while giving baleful looks to the people trying to blind her. From another side of the car exited her noble courtier.

Danny was dressed in a pearly white camisole, and for the locals it was of culture too foreign, and thus exotic. Albeit there was nothing special about it. Maybe the eyes were caught by a white cape. Unlike his companion, he was smiling widely as he approached the driver.

"Thank you, Demiurge," Phantom whispered, "I'll call you when we are done."

"I will arrive immediately, my lord," the driver nodded and walked to the car. Danny meanwhile got to his lover in a blink.

"Cheer up, chin up, princess," he said optimistically as they went forward, "This evening shall go wonderfully."

"As the time goes, I am getting more and more doubts."

Danny gently took her hand, calling her attention fully to himself, "Don't worry, I've got it all covered."

The couple was truly looking like two polar opposites to the eye of each beholder. Bright and radiant, yet simple man alongside the woman bored, but nonetheless proud and aristocratic from the looks. The young guests were the centre of attention, just as they had expected. The sheer oddity of such a visit was enough to do just that. Phantom would have reached the top of the stairs in a couple of jumps, but Azula knew better. She had been drilling her lover in regal matters, so Danny held his composure. And near the doors, upon seeing the Sato family, Phantom smiled widely yet again, clasping his hands.

"Hello there, you are Mr. Sato, I presume? A pleasure," he nodded slightly.

"Oh, I don't believe I've met you before, yes, it is me. And you are..."

"Call me Daniel, that much will be preferable. And this is..."

"Name is Mai," said Azula curtly, making Phantom hold back a surprised look. So that was her undercover name? If so, it fit her mood.

"Let us continue our conversation inside, shall we?" Hiroshi smiled. Danny noted that it did seem somewhat genuine. A rarity around here.

The four went inside, and while on their way in, the couple were introduced to the daughter of said entrepreneur, or, rather, the other way around. The City Hall was bright as day, and crowded to the brim with fancy dressed folks. Only then the talk resumed.

"I couldn't help but notice your transport. What mark are you using, I haven't seen one before."

"This doofus has chosen it for name only," Azula rolled her eyes.

"It's Rolls Royce Phantom, dear, nothing to scoff at. Thirty six million yuans, was it? Not sure about the exchange course."

"We've never heard about you two," Asami tilted her head, "You like to keep your heads down?"

"Yes, and I would have preferred the things to remain this way, but..."

"An invitation from the chairman is not something to be taken lightly, we've decided," Danny's upbeat attitude flushed away his lover's gloom, "And I was personally hoping to ripe some benefits, if I'm being honest. What about you?"

"All in all my story is similar to yours, minus the benefit parts," Hiroshi chuckled.

Asami decided to put a couple of words in, "Yes, I think you two could use some relaxation. I doubt anyone is inclined to do otherwise."

Phantom picked up a glass of alcohol from the waiter, "Smart decision. But, you know, my father, God bless his soul, used to say that human minds are like a gear. They spin as they are made to, spin them quicker or the other way without certain preparations and then boom! He was smarter than everyone gave him credit for. So, let us make such preparation," he raised the glass, "Cheers!"

Everyone by that time picked their own glasses, so his suggestion was not pointless. Phantom felt a tap on his shoulder. Azula then whispered on his ear that she needed to go to the ladies' room. Danny didn't buy it, but that was no place for arguments. Besides, he never held his girlfriend back if she needed something. Thankfully it was not often when she had crossed this metaphorical line.

"How old are you?" Hiroshi asked.

"Twenty," Danny had drained his portion quickly. "Still too young to drink, but as my birthplace is out of reach...I'm free to enjoy it."

"Impressive," the corporate head smiled, "Such accomplishments at a young age, I mean, of course," he laughed.

"What makes you think I haven't just inherited it?"

Hiroshi was probably allowing himself too much familiarity by wrapping a hand around the young man's shoulders.

"I see your eyes boy, I used to have those when I was your age. Those are the eyes of a determined man who gets what he needs."

"I appreciate the flattery," Danny chuckled, his hands and body hiding underneath the white cloak, "To think that there were days when I was a simple pickpocket...how quickly things change, don't they?"

"I couldn't agree more."

"Why were you a pickpocket?" Asami asked, looking quite curious.

"Well, when your entire family gets blown up and with them our everything...you have to improvise," Danny said softly, "It was before...Mai..." God, that fake name was feeling so wrong on his tongue, "Helped me. Ironically, her selfish, egoistic, neglectful treatment helped me find a true path in my life, and in the end I helped her find her own. We've been together since."

The conversation continued. Phantom was surprisingly uninformative while receiving the data more irrelevant than he would actually prefer. As much as he would like to get accustomed with the locals, he had his own identity to maintain. For all they knew, the young man could be from a small town within the United Republic of Nations. His clothes didn't point to any particular place. Yet, amidst the most vivid of conversations he soon became inattentive at most, for his lover was still nowhere to be seen. For an hour by now, and he was growing concerned. She was not the type to waste whole hours on applying some eyeshadows. Not that she carried any either. Excusing himself, Danny set off for his search. Surprisingly enough, no obstacles appeared on his way, he almost felt ostracised after the initial attention. Yet them leaving a clear path was quite helpful, the occasional bystanders he asked for his girlfriend's disposition, however, were not. Nobody knew where she had wandered off and Danny had a gnawing suspicion that the local toilet had not been graced by her visit.

If so, why would she look for an excuse? Why people at all lied to get a clean getaway? And this thought alone gave him the so much required key to finding his dear runaway. Several paths were blocked by the guards, so that left few options. As Danny was going for only free corridor, suddenly he was stopped by a voice he was familiar with.

"Ah, there he is, the hero the city so needed!" Tarrlok called for him. "Oh, Daniel, could you please join us?"

Danny forcefully put on a smile while nobody was looking. God, not now.

"Chairman. Yes, I really would love to, but..."

Phantom was stopped on his tracks upon seeing the most intriguing site. Who would guess that he would stumble upon an airbender in a place like this. Once again, the clothes were a huge glowing arrow pointing at his head. And in case of 'arrow' part, it was not a metaphor. The bearded man looked curiously at the half ghost, while the latter eyed him in response. Phantom already could expect some problems.

"Well, well. Tenzin, I presume, a pleasure," Danny outstretched his hand. The airbender took it, before his own palm was engulfed in a cold and strong grip.

"Likewise, Mr...what was it again?"

"Just Daniel will suffice. Now, as much as I would love to talk, I have to go, be right back," Danny turned around and took his leave.

"Interesting...you even have the same name," Tenzin rubbed his beard.

"I get this a lot."

"And look the same."

Phantom froze on his spot, but unstuck just as quickly, knowing that it would be suspicious otherwise. Just how could a middle aged man know how he used to look like years ago? With a raised eyebrow Danny turned around, shortening the distance between them in an instant.

"Really now? Now that is new, what makes you say that?"

"Well, I once was within the Fire Nation Royal palace when I was a child...I remembered that picture quite well."

"What picture?"

"The eclipse destruction."

"Oh..."

A really nasty episode, actually. A place of Phantom's first murder, a bloody start to his reign. One could only imagine what the picture actually depicted. Certainly not the human form Danny was currently in, so he probably had fewer reasons to be wary.

"Nonetheless," Tarrlok conveniently barged into the conversation, "This is the lad which helped the Avatar and us capture Amon."

"Actually you almost ruined our plan and then detained us, but no offence taken."

"Where is your companion?"

"This is precisely what I've been trying to do before being oh so rudely interrupted. Trying to find her. Really, I will be glad to continue our conversation, but afterwards, it is not like her to vanish all of a sudden."

"Very well, go off, you amorous soul," Tarrlok said with bravado as the young man hurried away. "You know, Tenzin, I have found absolutely no information on him."

"How is that possible?" Tenzin tapped on his chin, his antipathy for the chairman gone for the time being.

"Earth Kingdom is...lagging behind, as you know. They had last conducted a population census ages ago. Young Daniel may be unaccounted for."

"What makes you so sure he is from there?"

"Simple, Tenzin. The Water Tribes are the easiest to spot, the Fire Nation have their own passports. Then again, he is indistinguishable from the rich folks of the Republic. Something is fishy about a young man appearing out of nowhere richer than the majority of our people. I mean, is he an entrepreneur? We would have known. That leaves a nobleman, but once again, people with money...they do attract attention."

Tenzin seemed to be enticed in his thoughts. That just couldn't be a mere coincidence. The one with the same name, character (or so the rumours told), and riches worthy of a king. But...how could he live through over seventy years without aging that much? Well, if he truly was a ghost...it would explain everything.

Danny walked through the largely empty corridors of the City Hall. There were some places he hadn't checked. If only Phantom could sense her like any of his subjects. But that was the main appeal, the trust between the two that did not require any usage of extra senses. And what do you know...that did it.

"Somehow...I knew I would find you here."

Azula looked at him from the edge of the balcony, "Yes, you found me. What now?" She mumbled.

Chuckling, Danny approached her, leaning against the iron railing as well. But soon, after a continuous silence, Phantom turned to his girlfriend, putting his hand over hers. She didn't pull away.

"You really don't like the parties."

"And you realised it when?"

"Long ago."

"Yet you still brought me here, in this world, bringing up the old memories."

"Are we talking about Amber Island? It's not like this memory is bad, is it?"

"No, it's not, you are missing the point, Daniel. I loved it back there, this is why I'm not happy, because I don't think we will be able to relive anything like it again. This..." she pointed around, "Is a joke. A salt on the wound."

"But I am still with you. I always will be. Granted... I cannot bring it all back, but please, princess. You should not distance yourself by dwelling on the past. You should not undo that huge progress we both have made. I know how hard this is for you. And I am here all the way. This is not like you, Azula. You are strong, uncompromising and steadfast. The great princess of the Fire Nation is not going to be stopped and she is not going to surrender."

She chuckled at his words, finally meeting his gaze.

"And what is like you, Danny? What you are now or what I want you to show?"

"You...want?"

"Tell me, what form is more you? The one you've had for years or the one you have now?"

"I...I guess this one."

The flashing ring appeared around him, traveling up and down by splitting in two. The colour of his clothes became reversed as he turned ghost.

"It just felt so natural while I was in the Kingdom. It is my home, and I am a part of it. I feel so free while I am like this, I feel that I can take on the world and not break a sweat. What do you think?" Danny rubbed the back of his neck.

"It IS complicated for me to understand what you feel. But I do think that this is the most real you — A silly, yet powerful being."

Phantom chuckled, the light around him flickering brighter. "Not the way I would put it, but I guess you are right. This doesn't change the fact that your lingering depression is a bad thing. It is you who brought the real me. And I will be as pestering as ever so you won't stop seeking yours."

"Thank you. I always will appreciate that."

A blissful silence settled, with the princess leaning against her lover. The night sky was beautiful, even when dimmed even further by the lights of megapolis. Danny sighed.

"I guess a lot of our conversations end like this, don't you think?"

"What are you implying?"

"Like I am your psychiatrist. I believe it is time we saw a proper one."

"Probably. Just not Penelope. One time was quite enough."

"Certainly not her... People will get suspicious if we don't come down. If you still don't want it, I'll tell them you are not feeling well."

"No, I'm fine. Lest they think I will go away because of a simple stomachache."

That's the spirit, Phantom thought happily. They went downstairs, and once there, Danny noticed the looks thrown their way. Azula did too, and they were directed precisely at her, just like before she decided to hide. Still, she was eighteen, and most of those creeps were as old as her father would have been. If he was still alive, that is. Somehow the princess doubted that a healthy age of hundred years could be reached in a dump prison cell. Quite the contrary, actually. Nonetheless, even the younger brats were in a lot of competition, considering that ghosts sometimes tended to be quite... possessive. Azula already could see her lover throwing daggers at those who were obviously mentally undressing her. What a bunch of creeps.

"Listen, princess, there is one problem stalking around. One that we should avoid."

"What is it?"

"Everyone, listen! On the radio!" A sudden exclamation interrupted them.

The entire hall fell silent at hearing a muffled, yet still recognisable voice.

"People of the Republic City, hear me! Your tyrannic overlords have once again shown their true colours. They ruthlessly attacked the Equalist rally, wounding multiple innocent people in their attempts to capture me. They did succeed, with the help from one of the most renowned war criminals of the world... the Undead Sovereign himself now helps this corrupt regime uphold their tenants. Yet we are numerous, the escape from their clutches was only a question of 'when'. Hear me now, the Republic City! The Equalists will never stop fighting for the people, no matter who the benders summon to their aid. Amon out."

Danny broke the glass in his hand. Of course that would happen.