Well, since the Season 3 finale trailer made me think Azula goes crazy, I just thought about this whole situation about if Zuko would spare her life when he battles her. I hope he does though. Plus, a bunch of awesome Zucest videos on youtube brought this up.

Disclaimer: I don't own Avatar. It's owned by Mike and Brian, Nickelodeon, and Viacom.

While Aang defeated the Fire Lord, Zuko took his chance to defeat his sister. Of course, good always triumphs over evil, so Ozai was killed. Zuko never really cared what happened to his father after all he put him through, but for some reason, he couldn't kill Azula. It wasn't that he cared for her, but he just wasn't heartless enough to actually murder someone. So instead, he decided to put her in life imprisonment.

Three years since the war was ended, things started to look up in the world. It took a very long time, but the four nations finally began to come together as one. Zuko was reunited with his mother and Iroh, letting Iroh become the rightful Fire Lord with Ursa by his side as his counselor.

Mai and Zuko got back together, but their relationship grew stale after awhile. They really had nothing in common, with Mai being dull and Zuko being the busy Fire Prince. After three long years of peace, they acted more as friends than lovers; and yet occasionally, they would spend some alone-time around the palace or the city.

Azula was left alone in the dark, prison cell in the palace. At first, she was furious, focused on only revenge. But then she began to think about the whole situation and wonder why Zuko didn't just kill her. Was it because he wanted to prolong her misery? Yes, that's probably why. During most of the day, she was put in the cold cooler cell, preventing her from Fire Bending; and in the regular, damp cell at night, so she could sleep or contemplate on what she did.

One particular day in the cooler, Zuko suddenly opened the heavy metal door, looking down at Azula in his royal uniform.

His sister shivered as she looked up at him. "It's been awhile Zuzu. Why, I can barely recognize you after these 3 long years…" Her breath showed as small white clouds as she spoke.

"The guards told me you're not eating your food anymore," Zuko spoke sternly.

Azula just smirked at him as said, "Well, I guess my appetite isn't as well as it used to be."

Zuko turned slightly, gesturing for her to follow him. "Come on, I'm taking you to your cell to eat."

"No," his sister stated simply, refusing to move.

"Come on," Zuko persisted, grabbing her by the arm and pulling her out of the cooler.

As Zuko dragged his sibling by the forearm, he noticed how cold and bony her arm was. And on top of that, she wasn't putting too much effort in trying to break free. Was she letting him do this? Is this part of some sort of escape scheme? He let the thoughts run through his head as he led her into her cell, locking the door behind him and letting go of her arm. Azula just sauntered to her mattress, sitting down and crossing her legs.

"While, you're here, Zuzu, I want some questions answered."

Zuko nodded in approval.

So then Azula continued. "Why didn't you kill me three years ago when the Avatar killed our father? You defeated me fairly, and had your chance." She looked up at him with weary eyes. "Why did you spare my life, and yet let Father's life be destroyed?"

Zuko avoided her gaze, closing his eyes as he remembered the battle. "Father was killed by the Avatar. I had no say in that inevitable battle, and I already knew that death was his only destiny." He opened his eyes again and looked at her. "But I am not a murderer. I believe in second chances; and that's why your life was spared. I believe you have a little of our mom inside you somewhere."

She stood up, glaring daggers into him. "I am nothing like Mother! She, along with everyone else hated me! Father was the only one who was like me. Even my closest friends abandoned and betrayed me!" Her voice rose to a yell as her eyes started to water. "Only I stayed loyal to our father! Only I stayed loyal to the Fire Nation! Only I have to sit here for the rest of my life, alone!"

As she screamed out her last word, she collapsed to the floor, bawling into her hands. The years of silence were finally released in one emotional burst. Zuko stood there, frozen and having not seen his sister in such a vulnerable state. He stepped towards her and bent down next to her, holding her shoulders gently with his hands.

"Don't touch me! I don't need your sympathy!" Azula screamed from her buried face.

Zuko pulled her close, into a comforting hug. "It's not sympathy. It's compassion," he whispered into her ear sweetly.

As her sobs slowly died down in his embrace, she looked up at him. Zuko gazed into Azula's eyes, noticing that they lacked the amber glow of prior years. He had really killed her unintentionally from the inside out. Guilt began to overcome his other emotions, so he gave her another big hug. It seemed that Azula accepted his silent apology because she slowly wrapped her cold arms around him.

"I'm sorry, Azula…" he said aloud as he held her.

As the fire princess melted into his hug, she slowly brought her face up to his, kissing his cheek lightly. Zuko stiffened and let go of her, standing up.

"...So just go eat your meals alright?" he said to break the awkward silence.

Azula just stared up at him with pleading eyes. "Will you please visit tomorrow?" she begged in a soft voice.

Zuko looked down at her again, thinking about what she yelled about before, and how lonely she was. "Yeah, I'll come around the same time tomorrow," he said as he turned and slowly walked out the door, locking it behind him.

It got kinda sappy and agsty towards the end, but I think it all worked out. xP

I wrote this when I was really tired and half-asleep, so just tell me any mistakes I made.

& review review review!