Title: What She Left Behind
Author: winterxlovee
Rating: PG-13
Summary: The abandoned child of Fire Lord Ozai travels home after 6 years to find everything's altered. She is changing her family's plans, especially Azula's, and will come to find out hidden information on her true destiny . *Starts at the beginning of Book 3*
Disclaimer: I don't own anything except my original characters! All rights go to the Avatar team! Of course if I owned this series it would be so much less awesome, but it would have way more romance! ;D
Pairing: Zuko/OC, later on I'm pretty sure!
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This is my first story ever on here, and I'm kind of terrified to put this up because it's not that good. It was an idea that came to me and I just thought it was a good idea for a story. I just always loved this series so much and always wanted to put my own spin to it. I hope you guys like it and I accept all criticism! (:
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The sunlight shines through my window and encases my bedroom in warmth. The inside of my eyelids turning orange from the bright light. Rolling onto my stomach and pulling the covers over my head, I think about what today is going to be like.
I don't want to get out of my large, warm, comfortable bed. I don't understand why beds are so comfortable of the morning time. Not to mention, the thoughts of what lies ahead the next couple of weeks make me dread opening my eyes.
I'm meeting my biological father for the first time in over 6 years. He's very known throughout the world for his malicious reign over the Fire Nation. The citizens living in the Fire Nation fear him. His name? Fire Lord Ozai.
My mother, Inna, was Ursa's best friend. She had come to their wedding over 16 years ago. She met Ozai and it started with friendship. They started getting to really know each other and one thing led to another. Ozai had an affair with my mother that almost cost him his marriage. As a result I became known as the 'mistake', even to my father, until he knew about my bending.
The memories of my father are very vague. They are always kept in the unused part of my mind. I don't like to think a lot about them, since they aren't as blissful as some might think.
My mother says my father wants me back at the palace to use me for my firebending. To have another hand around since he finally took seige of Ba Sing Se after years of failing. That's the reason he wanted to meet me in the first place, to see how good of a firebender I was; and to see if I could be of any use to him.
I was.
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"So, Aria, I hear your firebending has progressed." my father states, sitting at his mighty throne, blue flames distorting his handsome features.
I look at the patterns of the tile on the floor, too intimidated to look my father in the eyes.
A short time passes as he shifts his weight, "Well? I can't wait all day. Show me what you've learned." I can tell by the tone of his voice he is growing impatient.
I peek up at my father through my blonde eyelashes, searching for his menacing gaze through the towering blue flames.
"Yes, Fire Lord," I finally reply, my voice sounding uneven in tone.
I raise my head up, being sure not to notice the stares from my siblings. I slowly climb to my feet, stepping toward my father.
I hear Azula's harsh giggle, mocking me.
"Shhhhhhhhh, Aria's trying to focus." I hear Zuko whisper to his younger sister from behind me.
I take a firebending stance, remembering what my mother and teachers have taught me over the years.
Graceful, agile and strong. The important ways to describe the techniques of you're punching through your opponent's heart.
Stepping into my first form, I hurl my body into the air, flames shooting from my feet. Landing on my left leg, I sweep my arms infront of me. Large blasts of fire escape my hands.
Sweeping both legs along the floor, twisting my small frame around again and again, fire lights up the room as I move gracefully into the next form.
Form after form I hit all the perfect placements, surprising myself with how well I'm doing.
I ready myself for the final form. I had just started learning it, but I know this is a crucial time to show Father how powerful of a bender I am.
I stand assertive, my right arm above my head, which is slightly bowed, my left leg straight in front of me, toes pointed. I take a few deep breaths, calming my anxiety.
'You have one chance at this Aria. One wrong move and you're dead.' I think to myself.
I focus all of my chi from my right arm to my left. The perfect flow of energy.
I twist my body, letting a deep growl escape my throat as I blast a bolt of lightning to the far wall.
As I fall to the ground in a heap, physically exhausted, I see the shocked looks on my brother and sister's faces, as well as the crumpled remains of the wall I demolished less than a second ago.
I hear my father chuckle in amusement, "Well, well. You really are the daughter of the Firelord. Eight years old and lightning bending. Not everyone has that talent, especially at such an early age. A prodigy, Azulon might say. Your mother has taught you well. Well done my Aria." my father applauds, rewarding me with kind words, foreign to my young ears, "I also assume you will teach your brother and sister these techniques?" my father presses.
When I finally muster the strength, I stand, bowing to my father, "It would be an honor to teach my brother and sister these forms."
I hastily walk out the large doors that lead to the large hallway, greeting my siblings outside.
"You did awesome." Zuko grins, golden eyes sparkling.
"She wasn't that good, Zuzu." Azula asserts, rolling her eyes, " I do have one thing to tell you Aria." she says my name in disgust, "I just hope you know I'M the princess. I'M the prodigy. NOT. YOU." Azula yells, shoving my left shoulder. I can feel her heated breath against my face, her eyes wild. She turns on the ball of her foot, away from Zuko and I and rushes toward her bedroom.
I stand there in shock until I feel Zuko tugging the sleeve of my arm, "Lets go to the pond." he suggests.
When we arive outside at the small pond, Zuko and I sit at the edge and toss fresh bread we had gotten from the kitchen into the water, watching the small turtleducks peck at the food in amusement.
Zuko turns to me, taking my free hand in his and pressing his body against mine, "Don't worry about Azula. She always lies. I thought you were amazing. I wish I could lightning bend or even fire bend half as good as you! You should be proud; it's really hard to make Dad happy." Zuko laughs, his gorgeous amber eyes light up.
I smile at him then I give him a light peck on his cheek. "Thanks for everything. I'm just sad I have to go back to Ba Sing Se tomorrow. I'll miss you Zuzu. You're my best friend. Always know that." my grey-blue eyes display a sense of sadness that can only be felt when losing a best friend.
"I hope you can come back soon. I'll miss you. I love you, Ari." his golden eyes were somber. Sadness definite in them.
We sit there in silence, my head on his shoulder, his small hand playing with my short, messy braid.
After a long, comfortable silence, I meet his soft gaze and end the bonding in a warm embrace. Brother and sister. Prince and Princess. Best friends.
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The memory ends with a soft knocking on my door. A petite young woman with dark brown hair and green eyes peers her head through the door.
"Master Aria? Your mother requested me to wake you, but it seems as if you're already awake. Is there anything we can get for the Princess this morning? We don't want you in a distressing mood at the start of your day, since you have such a long trip." she offers, shuffling her feet across the oak floor. By the end of the conversation she stands near the door, arms folded neatly behind her back, afraid to go any further.
I hop up from my comfortable position, getting tangled in the sheets, and manage to stand and stretch my arms above my head, letting out a loud yawn, "What is your name? Are you one of the new keepers my mother has hired?" I ask, ambling down the length of the bed, dragging my fingertips across the silky sheets.
"My name is Mina, Princess. Your mother has hired me to be your caretaker," she announces, bowing with her hands in her long sleeves.
I observe the young woman. She has a very feminine frame; large breasts, a small waist and wide hips. They are features you would have to really study on her to notice because of her concealing green robes she wore. She was apparently rich by her attire. She also has Water Tribe heritage in her blood by her voluptuous frame. I fold my arms and scrutinize her face; her almond shaped eyes fit perfectly with her round face. Her emerald green eyes stand out against her olive skin. Her hair was in a tight bun at the top of her head. She was very beautiful.
"So, Mina . . . That means . . . love, right?" I ask, trotting over to her and wrapping arm around her waist. She nods her head slowly, uncomfortable of my approach, "How about you get me a fruit parfait with whipped cream on top for breakfast?" I ask, smiling.
"Yes, Princess." she replies, scurrying out of the room.
I chuckle at the young girl. She acted like she was intimidated by me, poor woman. I don't blame her, but I've never punished anyone for stepping too close or speaking out of term. I thought I was fairly kind compared to Azula, which is probably why she was scared, seeing my family history. I was related to a monster. Well, two monsters. I just hope with all of my heart Zuko hasn't turned into them. I haven't see him in years, so who knows what he acts like; who knows what he looks like? He is probably a very handsome young man. He's 15 now, for goodness sake!
I draw a large breath into my lungs like I've been under water for hours. The jasmine smelling candles light all around my room, barely noticeable by all the sunlight being taken in by the large windows. I hold the breath for a moment and release it slowly, returning the candles to their original state.
'Your nerves are acting up again, Ari.' I shake my head, pinching the bridge of my nose in annoyance.
I glance throughout the room, the sage green bed sheets in a bundle at the bottom of my bed. All satin pillows stacked together at the wooden headboard.
I trudge to the bathroom to look at my reflection. I place both palms on the mirror and edge as far as the counter will let me. A pair of grey-blue eyes stare back at me in the large, rectangular mirror. I've been know for how different my looks are; an oval face and round-shaped eyes with pale skin; light blonde hair surrounds my face and neck like a veil, passing down my shoulders stopping above the bottom of my breasts. I look nothing like my mother or father. My mother is from the Southern Water Tribe with dark brown hair, sea blue eyes and dark skin. My father is like any other Fire Nation royalty; golden colered eyes, long black hair and pale skin. Azula and Zuko are obviously his children, complete mirrors of their father. I question if they're my biological family most days. Of course I have the humble, kind personality of my mother and the definite boldness of my father.
I let my hands slide down the mirror and grip the edge of the tile, knuckles turning white. I grit my teeth and free a breath that I had been holding since I walked into the bathroom. I quickly grab a warm towel the housekeeper had placed in the bathroom prior to my waking.
I wash my face with warm water, feeling much better. Walking into my bedroom I call for Mina.
I feel light footsteps through the floor, making their way to the steps that lead to my chambers. I slip a hand to my neck and feel bareness. I start to panick and quickly start searching for my necklace, checking every drawer, crack and crevice it may be hiding in my bedroom. I clearly remember wearing it to bed.
After searching for my fire nation necklace Zuko had given me 6 years ago I hear a banging at the door.
"Come in!" I yell, while rummaging through the nightstand beside my bed. It's my mother that enters.
"Aria, here's your parfait with extra whipped cream on top. Hurry up and eat, my love, we need to start cleaning you up." my mother hurriedly says while handing me the fruit parfait I requested.
"Thank you, Mother. It was a little late but it looks delicious." I say, examining the parfait.
My favorite fruits, strawberries and bananas, layered with yogurt with extra whipped cream. They know exactly what I like.
After eating and taking a bath I brush my teeth, feeling toasty warm in my plush robe. I hate Earth Kingdom weather. Summers are cooler than the Fire Nation but winters are very nippy; nothing like the North and South poles, of course. I've always hated cold weather. I don't know how the Northern and Southern Water Tribes stay alive on those barren, frozen wastelands.
"So, Mother, how are we fixing my hair?" I ask, plopping on to the cold, oak floor of my bedroom.
"I think we should leave it down for now. You have such pretty hair, Aria. You never want to show it off." my mother replies, running her fingers through my tangled, damp hair.
She grasps my hand and leads my across the hall to my dressing room. Hundreds of dresses lay on the couches on top of each other. A large mirror and a round platform stands in the center of the room. Three older women are scattered around, picking up dresses, studying them and then placing them down.
"Wow. That's alot of dresses. Which one am I going to wear?" I ask, standing in awe at all the beautiful, red dresses scattered around.
"Ah, Princess Aria! It's about time you showed up! We are just trying to pick out dresses that flatter your figure. We know you want to look like a young woman in the eyes of the Fire Nation. You are definitely not a little girl anymore. You have such a wonderful figure! The boys will fight over you when you get there. But be careful, Fire Nation boys are the worst!" Jian, the woman that covers the physical aspect of my family, bows and pulls me to where a pile of dresses are.
The dresses are very similar; the same ruby red color, a low neck line and all look very soft in texture.
One dress in particular caught my eye. I throw a few dresses to the opposite side of the pile to reach it. It's beautiful; the waist of the dress is covered in sequins that shine in the light. The length of the dress touches the floor and the gown is made of a nice silk.
"Can I try this one on?" I ask, turning to Jian.
She nods her head as I strip off my robe. After a second of struggling a little, I fit perfectly in the dress. It feels like a silky glove. The beautiful gown gives me curves I didn't know I had.
I step on to the platform in front of the mirror and look at my reflection. The v-shaped neck line shows off the right amount of my medium-sized breasts. Since the dress is also backless it gives off a strange sex appeal that my mother might not like. I'm only 13, anyways, but still, I'm a young woman and people, especially my father and siblings, need to see me that way.
"So, do you like, Mom? I think this is the one I want to wear when I meet my father," I twirl around in my dress, holding the bottom skirt up so I don't trip. Thank goodness the bottom of my gown is loose or I'd be in big trouble. Curse Mother for giving me her clumsiness.
My mother's eyes light up, "You look like such a beautiful young woman, Aria. I haven't realized how . . . developed you are until now. The boys are going to be fighting each other to just kiss your hand." her voice trails off and she shakes her head in astonishment, "Oh, I almost forgot!" she starts, reaching into her large sleeve.
She pulls something out of her sleeve, "My necklace! Oh my gosh, I thought I lost it! Where did you find it, mom?" I ask, snatching the necklace out of her hand and latching it behind my neck.
I hold the small pendant and examine the ruby, rubbing my thumb over the carving of Zuko's name on the back of the necklace.
"It's looks like you missed it. One of the house keepers found it beside your bed stand. You need to be more careful, Aria." my other explains, wagging a finger at me.
I roll my eyes and mockingly say, " I know Mom. I almost lost it. I'll be more careful," with a hint of a smile on my face, "Thank you for giving it back to me."
My mother chuckles, "No problem, Aria. I know you haven't hardly taken that thing off in years. I bet you're excited to see your brother."
"Definitely. I can't believe he gave this to me 6 years ago. I don't know where he got someone to make it. Which, he probably doesn't even remember me, let alone giving it to me." I respond, my hand trailing to feel the carving on the back, "I don't even want to think about how he could've turned out. Which, I wouldn't even be going if it wasn't for this stupid war meeting I have to attend now that Father has taken control of Ba Sing Se. I would rather stay home," my voice lowers to just above a whisper.
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I stare in awe at the deep blue waves crashing together, letting out a deep sigh. It's like gazing at the stars. It looks as if the sea goes on for an eternity. The smell of the salty air reminds me of when we were younger at Ember Island. Things were so much easier than they are now. I stand and listen to the beautiful sounds of the current, sounding like a lullaby that goes on forever.
Mai had just went to her quarters after we had talked about nothing, as always.
'I didn't ask for your whole life story.' Her comment replays in my mind, even thought it was supposed to be taken as a joke. She's always so down and it's really messing with my mood. I'm supposed to be happy now that I'm returning back home to see my father. My younger sister's also visiting from Ba Sing Se. I haven't seen her in 6 years. She probably looks so beautiful now that she's a teenager. Well, young woman.
I wonder if she still has that pendant I had given her forever ago. Does she even want to see me? She's probably pretty pissed now that she has to come all the way to the Fire Nation for a stupid war meeting. That's the whole point of why Father is making her visit in the first place. I just hope she stays for longer this time.
My thoughts are interrupted by a voice all too familiar, "Zuzu? What are you doing out here so late?" I hear Azula's mocking voice ask from behind me.
"Just thinking about some things, and will you please not call me Zuzu? It's embarrassing." I respond, not bothering to turn around.
"Oh, come on, I gave it to you when we were young children. Speaking of when we were children, did you hear that Aria's coming to the palace. She should be there by the time we make it. I bet you're excited to see that . . . traitor. Of course you two were always so close." I hear her icy voice along with her heavy footsteps approaching the edge of the ship.
"Maybe. What's it to you?" I mutter, seeing Azula grip the rail out of the corner of my eye.
"Well it's just that I wasn't all that nice to her in the past. Of course I'm not going to let up on her in the slightest. She's still being put before me even when she's not involved. Just because she bends lighting Father thinks she's all that! I see through her lies. She doesn't belong in this family. I deserve to be the only Princess," Azula rants, gritting her teeth and gripping the rail tighter.
"I don't know why you see her as such a threat. So Dad wants her over for some stupid meeting, big deal."
"There you go again, taking her side! The big deal is that she is replacing me! Replacing us! I won't stand for this. Once everybody sees how beautiful she's gotten, every teenage boy in the Fire Nation will bow to her every command! Why do boys not do that to me?" Azula's voice echoes through the air.
I roll my eyes, "I'm taking nobody's side, Azula. Plus, being a guy myself I would know that all the guys are afraid of what you would do to them and what you're capable of. Aria's a lot nicer than you've ever been."
Azula's eyes widen as if a light has lit up inside her head. She whips her face to glare at me, "Wait a second . . . . you love her, don't you? You're in love your little sister!" she cackles mockingly at me, "I can tell by the way your eyes light up every time you talk about her."
"I do not! That's disgusting. She's my sister!" I lean away from her as she creeps closer to me with each word.
"It doesn't stop millions of people around the world! It makes sense, too. You two have never really had time to see each other that way. Not like you and I have. You see each other as friends. Don't try to lie, Zuzu. I can sniff out a lie from anywhere."
I step away from the rail and hurry to the door leading to everyone's quarters, "I'm not talking about this." I murmur and leave Azula standing there with a wry grin on her face, contemplating her words as I waver through the many hallways. I don't really love her. Do I?
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"The sea is so beautiful," I announce loudly, spinning in my new dress as I gape at the open blue sky, "I admit, I would so live out here if I could."
It's our last day at sea, and we're docking in a few hours. I don't remember how long we've been out here but I'm not ready to get off the ship. Not just because it's absolutely beautiful to be out here but because I'm terrified to be reunited with my father and siblings again. I don't know what I may face once I get to the palace. I have no idea what it'll be like as I'm so used to living in the Earth Kingdom in my very large house, but a fire nation palace is a whole new setting since I haven't been there in years.
My mother has been having a lot of fun on the ship. She's so much happier than I've seen her in months. It feels so good to see my mother smile again.
"So, Mom. Are you gonna look for a husband here?" I ask, hopping beside her and laying my head on her bare shoulder.
She chuckles, "Ari, I'm a little to old for the dating scene."
"Mom, you're 33! Don't give me that talk. You're a beautiful woman. No wrinkles in sight, a nice figure. You have a lot going for you." I nudge her in the shoulder.
"Oh, you're so kind, Ari," she sighs, "Momma just doesn't think she's quiet ready to fall in love again. It's not that I don't want to, oh how I do. Marriage takes so much energy, especially when there are children around."
My eyes light up with excitement, "So you want more kids? I would love a little brother or sister!"
"Of course I want more children. I love my little Ari. I just need to find the right man to be up for that task. Plus, I don't have the best reputation in the world."
We both share a giggle and stand there in each others embrace, watching the waves dance to the motion of the ship.
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AUTHOR'S NOTE:
So, this was a good first chapter, right? Kinda long, but please review and let me know what you think about it.
I really think this story could go somewhere, but we'll see!
Thank you so much for spending your time reading something crappy like this. I really appreciate it for the people reviewing, too!
If a lot of people like it I'll put up a new chapter sometime next week, maybe. (: