I can remember when my mother began to hate me. When she began to think I was a monster. As I watched the Halloween festival taking place in the square below I began to remember what had happened. It had been this time of year, but it had happened years ago. Zuko and I were both still young but I could tell mother did not favor me, even then. She had spent a large amount of time to make our costumes for that particular Halloween. She made my complete outfit by hand which was an exact replica of Avatar Kyoshi's clothing. She even made me sit still to get the makeup done exactly like she had worn it so many hundreds of years ago. She had also handmade Zuko's which was a replica of Avatar Roku.
I had to endure everyone fawning over Zuko. How cute he was, how handsome and well mannered. Only two people had remarked on me so far. One being my own father and the other being my uncle Iroh. He was always going to be the apple of her eye. Even though I should have been. Prettier, more talented, and her only girl. I was clearly all this and more. But she still loved him more. This would only remain true if he remained around. If I got rid of him, I would get rid of the problem.
I watched him talk and charm more young ladies. The more I watched him the more I wanted to get sick. "Wow Azula I've never seen you look prettier." Looking over I saw a beaming Ty Lee dressed as a little Rabba-Roo. "You look…interesting…I suppose." She giggled and through her arms around me in a big hug. I was going to ask where Mai was until I looked over and answered my own question. I looked to see Mai with my brother. Blushing and giggling like he actually mattered in the world. I saw my mother walking over, but I had no idea what she was going to do until I saw her playing with Mai's hair acting a lot happier about it then when she had been doing mine. This was it. The last straw.
Walking over to where Zuko was sitting with Mai now, on the edge of the fountain. "Mai, Ty Lee needed your help with her outfit, maybe you should go see if she's ok." Mai stood up rolling her eyes and walking over in the direction I pointed to where Ty Lee was waiting. Leaving me and Zuko alone by the fountain. I was so enraged by everything that the crowd seemed to disappear around me. He looked at me with attitude written all over his face. "What do you want Azula?" without saying a word I grabbed a handful of his hair and shoved him face down into the water holing him there as he struggled to get free.
The next thing I knew I felt my mother ripping me off him. "What's wrong with you? Get off him you monster." I saw Zukos face red and dazed as he gasped for breath trying to find it anywhere he could. He began to cough and sputter spitting out water with ever one. Guards came to lead me back to my father under my mother's orders. I could already hear people whispering and talking. "Freak." "Monster." "She's clearly an oni's child."
When I came face to face with my father I figured that I must have lost his love and respect along with my mothers. "Azula, I have already heard about what you tried to do at the festival. But I want you to tell me." I looked up did not meet his gaze. "I tried to get rid of you and mother's precious gift." That's when I heard him chuckling. "You learn fast Azula. You will be a very good alie and help for me in the up coming years if you're already trying this at such a young age. Do not be discouraged I will teach you how you do it right."