The second Azula walked into the grand dining room of the Fire Nation Royal Palace, Iroh knew something was wrong. For starters, she was thirty minutes late. Azula was never late.

She was covered in light scratches and burns and her legs looked like they could give out from under her at any moment. She sat down at her place, mumbled a quiet 'good evening' and dug into her dumplings.

Well, that was new.

Azula was never quiet with her greetings. She was always loud and clear so everybody would know that the princess has graced them with her presence. Taking in her burns, Iroh came to a conclusion.

Ozai was overtraining her. Again.

While Iroh was always patient when training his son, who sadly died during the siege of Ba Sing Se a few months ago, Ozai was the complete opposite. He trained Azula until she either passed out or could perform all her firebending moves perfectly. Whichever one came first.

While Iroh was in deep thought, Zuko excused himself, as he was finished with dinner, and Azula was so tired that she fell asleep right in her spot.

That's when an idea came to the old firebender. He couldn't let his brother keep training the eight year old. She would become a war weapon by the time she turns fourteen. He needed to do something about it.

After gently carrying Azula to her bedroom and tucking her in, Iroh returned to his own quarters. He had an important letter to write.

Sitting down at his desk, Iroh took out some parchment and dipped his brush into the ink.

Dear Kanna,

I am aware that I haven't written to you in a while. Things have been rather hectic with Fire Lord Azulon's death and my sister-in-law's disappearance.

Do you remember, how long ago, when we were just young teenagers, I helped you cross the occupied parts of the Earth Kingdom, and you said that you were forever in my debt?

Well, I think it's time to remember that promise.

You see, I have noticed that my niece has been exhausted quite a lot lately. The cause of it is my brother, Ozai. He has been overtraining her after her mother left. It's not healthy.

At this rate, she will become a heartless war machine, bent on winning the war for the Fire Nation. That is a fate I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.

Kanna, I want you to take her in and raise her at the South Pole, away from her father's influence. It would be better for her and for our world.

Please, consider this.

Iroh.

Silently praying to Agni that Kanna would agree to his proposal, he sent the letter off with a messenger hawk.

After two weeks the hawk returned with a response.

Iroh,

Of course I remember you helping me. I could never forget the person who helped me escape from the life I didn't want.

I have talked over the issue with my son, Hakoda. He is a very family oriented man and agrees that the young girl needs to be taken away from her father. We decided to take her in.

I have two grandchildren around her age, and the village is filled with other children. She is going to have to take part in the chores, and shouldn't expect the princess treatment. Everyone is equal down in the South.

Be sure to write me the date when we should be expecting you.

Kanna.

Kanna has agreed to take in Azula, but a difficult part of the plan remains. Get Azula to agree to live with Kanna.

The next day, Iroh arrived at Azula's chambers. He entered, after knocking politely.

Azula was at her desk, practicing calligraphy. She didn't look up until Iroh coughed to get her attention.

"Hello, Uncle. What brings you to my room?" Asked Azula, ever so polite. Just like a perfect princess.

"As much as I enjoy small talk, I need to discuss a serious issue with you."

That seemed to get her attention.

"Even though you try to hide it, I know that you are suffering under your father. He trains you too hard. You may think that it will make you stronger, but it will only make you more cold and cruel. Things need to change"

"I have no idea what you're talking about." Defended the young princess. "Father loves me and always wants the best for me."

"Just hear me out, Princess Azula. I have a friend in the South Pole. I have arranged for you to go live with her, and…"

"I don't want to hear it! I have no interest in living with a bunch of water savages! I am perfectly happy here. If that's all you wanted, I have to get back to my calligraphy." And with that, Iroh left the room.

This would be harder than I thought

For the next two weeks, Iroh attempted to persuade the girl, bringing up different points each day. But Azula didn't give in easily. She had an answer to all of his arguments, and brought up better points as to why she should stay in the Fire Nation.

It almost seemed like there was no hope left for the girl, until one day, she came into the dining room, poorly attempting to conceal her limp. After dinner, he followed her to the library, where she needed to get a book on Fire Nation history, for a school assignment.

"Azula."

The princess jumped at the sound of her uncle's voice. "If you are here to try to talk me into living with the Southern barbarians, you're wasting your time."

"That's not why I'm here, Azula. I just wanted to ask the reason you're limping." The girl froze, and a light smirk crossed Iroh's face.

"There was a wet floor in the school hallway. I slipped and fell." The girl was a good liar, but not good enough.

"Don't lie to me, Princess Azula." Said Iroh with a small glare in her direction.

Azula returned the glare, but she couldn't match the great Dragon of the West, and, after a while, she relented.

"Today, at practice, I failed to perform a firebending move. Father wasn't happy with me. She said, slightly pulling up her left pant leg, revealing an untreated burn.

Before Azula could protest, she was dragged to the medical room, where the palace's supply of burn ointment was kept. After treating the burn, Iroh looked up to see his niece turned away, scowling.

"Don't think that this would be a one time occurrence. As you grow, the training will get more severe, and so will the punishment of you fail. Azula, please, come to the South. It will be safer for you there. I understand that you don't want to leave behind you life in the palace, but this is for your own good."

The princess was still scowling, but he could practically see the wheels in her head turning.

"Fine! I'll go live with that savage friend of yours, but don't expect me to be happy about it. I'm only agreeing because I don't have a masochistic wish to be burned alive!."

Iroh smiled. His plan was finally completed. "We leave in three days, princess. I assume that time will be enough to complete your assignment." He handed her the book she needed, and walked out of the room, leaving Azula wondering, if she made the right decision.