Disrobe yourselves

1. You'll see some similarities between the plot I'm making here and "conspiracy theories" about the world government and it's ancient worldwide influence, this is purposeful and if you request I'll happily provide information on why I think those theories are well founded.

2. A lot of people will likely think the anger Zuko feels is a negative trait, this is simply not so. In this case it's well justified and drove him to do the research necessary to learn about what he got them into here, which I think is accurate not only to the formation of something like the fire nation under Ozai but the things that usually drive a character like Zuko to find the truth. I recall reading that Zuko is a scorpio-like figure and having an 8th house stellium I couldn't agree more. He's exactly the kind of person to explore the truth behind reality and bring justice (in a positive sense) to the world.

Anyway, sorry for the long notes here, enjoy!

"You must disrobe yourselves in order to begin the process..." Starts the priestess.

Now, Zuko's probably under a variety of curses (Katara too or she would likely speak up as well) surrounded by erotic artwork and probably being charmed as well, but he'd be damned if he let that get in the way of his own free will. Thus, against all odds, "No," was his response.

Katara was split between the ridiculousness of it all and the slight, however improbable chance that she could see her mother again.

"You fools...don't you want your mothers BACK?" The priestess continued and stomped her foot into the ground, taking form for a fight.

Zuko prepared, drawing his swords and taking his own stance. Katara merely stood still and asked, "Could you really bring Kya back?"

The priestess smiled a devious smile, "No one's ever really dead...life is only temporary when you're unwilling to pay the price to see it continue."

Zuko shook his head, "A great many people have tried, and many have failed...but a select few did manage to go a long way towards postponing and even bringing back life. The problem is, the cost is so great, the side effects so terrible, that any who try are doomed to face consequences the likes of which this world would be better without, our mothers brought back to face the consequences along with us or not. Not only that, but the mystery traditions involved in these experiments were of fire nation origin, and they are the main reason Ozai got into power. They're the ones who ultimately orchestrated these last hundred years of war and they want no end to it...the Dai Li are of the same origin, as are the cultural deformities in the northern water tribe. It's all about control. So where do you come from, priestess? And what are you really looking for? What's your background and why can't you accept **** as a part of life?"

She frowned, "I should have known Ozai would be foolish enough to leave his records in the hands of his son...cursed, is your blood, with your mother's essence. Perhaps, if her influence could be removed..."

Katara spoke up at this point, glaring, "So that's what you were planning to do? Kill us for the sake of ridding 'impurities' from our blood?!"

She shook her head, "I wouldn't kill you, I'd merely..change you, with the help of a few lost relatives."

Zuko took Katara's shoulders and looked into her eyes as he said, "Listen to me, I want nothing more than to meet with my mother again and I'm sure you feel the same way about yours, but I've seen the scrolls..these people are not here to help us. We won't walk out of here the same if we go along with her ritual."

Katara reluctantly nods and opens her water pouch, "I trust you."

The priestess begins to laugh a maniacal laugh. "You fools...passing up the chance of a lifetime over fear of the unknown? Typical."

It was Zuko's turn to shake his head "It's neither fear nor the unknown that's behind my refusal, but an anger at what you've done, what you continue to do, and most of all the peoples' acceptance through willful ignorance of your plans. I know very well what you're doing and I'm not afraid of it, I'm enraged. I won't let you get away with this, no matter what."

"Fool, there's no where to run now!" She cackled and the door shut behind Zuko and Katara, plunging them into darkness.

Zuko started a fire in his palm, which dimly lit the room, the priestess had disappeared. "Come on, let's see if we can find a way out of here." He suggested to Katara, who nodded and followed him in exploring the room.