Chapter 1:
Azula stood beside her father on the leading airship, a large metal craft soaring high above the water. She could see the green blur of the Earth Kingdom even from this great distance, and felt a rush of excitement at the end of the long journey. Her plan too brought more adrenaline into her system, and she quickly tried to smooth out the flow of her chi. Harnessing the power of the comet that rose higher in the sky than they were would take focus.
The green blur shaped itself into a coastline, and Azula could already visualize her plan taking shape on the frothy tops of the many trees and plants. All that life, bathed in fire set her heart thumping again. She glanced at her father, Fire Lord Ozai, or rather The Phoenix King, and felt herself swell with pride. He was here because of her, he believed in her plan to bring the Earth Kingdom to its knees. He believed in her, and when they were done, and all was ash, he would crown her Fire Lord. She tried to imagine what it would feel like to have the headpiece set atop her head, and she shivered.
The Earth Kingdom seemed to grow closer now, and Azula readied herself, sliding into a fighting position. She could feel her chi surging, the sparks of flames rippling out of her perfectly formed fists, the flames pouring down on the land of the Earth Kingdom and the stubborn fools they called citizens.
The unique blue color of her fire twisted next to her father's traditional orange. Azula laughed out loud, one of the few times she had felt actual, overwhelming joy. But something was wrong. Her father's flame was now being extinguished.
"Azula." He said. She turned.
"What is it father?" She tried to keep her tone under control. This was not supposed to happen! This was not according to plan! Something in his face made her frightened, and she hated it.
"Step aside." He was completely calm as he spoke, and this made Azula believe that he was serious.
"I-I don't understand! What are you talking about!?" None of this was supposed to happen, none of it!
"I said. Step. Aside." His face was cold and calculating. But Azula's wasn't. She glanced behind her at the void that extended from the small metal platform she stood so precariously on. For the first time it scared her.
"There's nowhere to go!" She screamed in frustration, not knowing what was happening.
"Yes, there is." The Fire Lord smiled.
"Where!" She yelled. What did he want from her? What did anyone want from her?
"Down." She didn't see it coming, but felt the arm shove her from behind. She fell. Suddenly she wasn't confused, she was furious. She turned in the air to face her attacker; she would not go down alone, but the fire died from her hands in shock as she laid her amber eyes on the matching ones above. It was Zuko.
Suddenly, Azula felt herself being plunged into water; a cold feeling enclosed her, the fire in her choked along with her breath. It was her worst nightmare. Or one of them at least.
All was blue to her eyes as a booming, yet familiar voice rattled inside her very brain.
"You failed." Zuko said.
And she was screaming, fire pouring out of her mouth, her eyes flying open in horror. She felt metal restraints, harnesses encasing her body. Many hands pushed her down onto a hard metal surface. She felt the flames die out as her strength failed her, and she searched for a target to blame. A kindly old woman's face appeared in front of her blocking off most of an unseen, but very bright light source.
"It's okay dearie." She said, stroking Azula's sweaty forehead. "You just had a bad dream, you're safe now." Azula frowned, and tried to speak with difficulty through what seemed to be a metal muzzle over her mouth.
"Step aside!" She cried. "Step aside!" Her hands yanked against their bonds, and fire flared again, but was only silenced by the metal gloves she saw now enclosing her entire body. Escape seemed impossible. The woman above, however, seemed to think otherwise, as she had rushed behind two simpleton guards who were now facing her, fists raised to her face.
Azula smiled, already seeing numerous flaws in their forms. Had she been free…Well there were more important things to find out.
"Alright, I'm sorry I scared you." She let sarcasm drip from her voice. "I'll be a good little girl for grandma, now just TELL ME WHERE I AM!" She would let herself enjoy this. Just a little bit.
The guards closed in again, but the old woman caught her breath and waved them off. "It's alright, it's alright!" She said. "The girl is restrained." The woman once again took up a posture of sappy understanding. "I'm sorry dear, but these are necessary precautions. You see, you are in Zhao's Asylum and house of healing!" Azula frowned. That didn't sound right. Then again, what was she doing all tied up? Her memory seemed hazy… "Who are you?" Azula finally asked. The woman relaxed.
"I'm a nurse here, and you have no need to be afraid! We'll make sure you get the best treatment, courtesy of Fire Lord Zuko!"
Azula screamed.
