Azula discovers a new manipulation technique (known to the rest of the world as 'being nice'), while coaxing a depressed Zuko into playing with her after their mother left.

Stuck together on a botched and chaotic mission to destroy the Avatar, Azula and Zuko must figure out their loyalties and cooperate to return home amidst the trouble they seem to continually attract. AU: Zuko never went to that war meeting/joined the Gaang. As told by Azula.

For the Fire Nation royal siblings, love has always warred with hate. But neither the outward accomplishment of peace nor Azula's defeat have brought the respite Zuko expected. Will his sister's plans answer this, or only destroy them both? These chapters (double-update): Azula relapses. Ursa reacts. Zuko and Mai chase ghosts. Old foes cross paths, and secrets come to light.