Kayoubi

By: AgentAyu

01 - Kimino

Notes: Azula and Ty Lee attending the Fire Festival together.

Warning: Minor mentions/implications of child abuse.

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters, except all the characters that were not in the series and this story.


Azula sighed for the umptenth time as she looked at her phone's clock again seeing it was five minutes past the time she and Ty Lee agreed to meet up for the Fire Festival. Originally she hadn't planned on attending, but after she once again accidentally hurt Ty Lee's feelings she had chose to go with the other girl as an apology. The last time the princess attended the Fire Festival was three years ago with her her mother, step-father, half-sister, and Zuko after Ozai was incarcerated.

"I'm so sorry I'm late!" Ty Lee exclaimed when she saw Azula. "I didn't realize how much harder it was going to be walking with a kimono on."

The princess didn't respond right away as she was in awe. Ty Lee's kimono was white with a simple pink cherry blossom design. "And that's exactly why I don't bother wearing one unless I absolutely have to for royal duties."

Ty Lee playfully stuck her tongue out. "But you're always so beautiful in your kimono! Of course you know how to take a simple outfit and make it absolutely fashionable."

Like many times whenever Azula went out in public not under official royale business, she always dressed simply to avoid attraction from her subjects who might recognize her. Usually they never do. Tonight she was wearing black leather jacket, jeans, and combat boots with a dark red henley. Her hair was also in a ponytail instead of it's customary top knot.

"Well of course I do. Just because I dress casual doesn't mean I don't dress properly." Azula sneered. "You… look beautiful yourself, Ty Lee."

The cheerleader blushed and giggled. "Thank you, Azula. C'mon let's go before we miss anymore of the festival." Ty Lee grabbed Azula's hand and dragged her into the crowd.

Throughout the evening Azula was fairly quiet except when occasionally interacting with Ty Lee. It wasn't that she didn't enjoy the other girl's company, quite the opposite, but the princess had her mind elsewhere. Noticing that Ty Lee had stopped talking and was staring at her did Azula realize her mind wandered a little too far.

"What was it you said, Ty Lee?"

"I asked if you were okay. You haven't exactly been here for most of the evening and you completely missed your family who passed us a few minutes ago."

"Sorry… it's been a long day."

"Do you want to talk about it?" Ty Lee asked while giving Azula's hand a gentle squeeze.

"No, it's the usual B.S. for this time of year. Mother is getting on my nerves being overly concerned when I want to be left alone. Sometimes it's unbearable living with her instead of just living in the palace, but of course my shrink won't allow that. At least the brat knows when to leave me alone."

Ty Lee shook her head. "Despite you calling Kiyi, 'brat', you know you care for your sister. Since you don't want to talk about it in detail just a simple yes or no. Are you okay? Really okay?"

Azula gave Ty Lee a small smile. "Yes… no… somewhere in between. I'm as okay as I can be. I prefer not to have it brought up every year though. He's in prison for the rest of his life and I'm seeing a shrink until I'm cleared of the 'emotional and psychological trauma'. It's been three years, how much longer does the doctor need to clear me?"

"Well, your father did psychologically abuse you and Zuko and more…" Ty Lee shook her head quickly. "Okay! Dropping the topic since you said you didn't want to talk about it so no more talking about it, but I'll always listen whenever you want to talk about it." Ty Lee assured Azula. The princess just nodded. "Now! I saw a poster for 'Love Amongst the Dragons' let's go watch the play finding a spot for the fireworks. Isn't Ikem the director for it?"

"Yeah, he's the director. At least he'll do the play justice unlike the Ember Island Players. They butchered it every year when we used to go to Ember Island! I don't understand how my mother could stand watching them perform her favorite play. Also what was up with that play they put on the last time you, Zuko, Mai, and I were there? 'Boy in the Iceberg'? They're really hurting to come up with a story like that!"

Ty Lee suppressed her giggling as she continued to listen Azula rant about the Ember Island Players. She always knew to divert the princess's attention one of the ways was mention the Ember Island Players. The princess really despises that acting troupe.

Of course Kiyi and Ursa were at the play too. Ty Lee had insisted that she and Azula sit with them. Kiyi sat in Azula's lap the entire time as the two sisters also quietly quoted the play word for word to each other. Azula would never admit out loud that 'Love Amongst the Dragons' was also her favorite play and that was why she felt personally offended by the Ember Island Players and would always hold a grudge against them. After the play, Azula and Ty Lee parted ways with Ursa and Kiyi since the latter pair would immediately head home after the fireworks to put Kiyi to bed while Azula would walk Ty Lee home before her guards drove her home.

The two girls sat on a bench away from most of the crowd near one of the temple's several shrines. "I'm glad you asked me to come to the festival tonight, Azula. I had a lot of fun!"

"Good… because I'm still sorry for snapping at you and hurting you."

"Hey, I forgave you. I knew you were in a foul mood and just pushed your buttons too many times that it was only fair you snapped. Thank you anyways for inviting me."

"Thank you for making it more enjoyable." The two exchanged a smile with each other before turning their attention to the sky as the fireworks started.

Azula took her attention away from the fireworks to watch the colors play off of Ty Lee's skin before leaning in to kiss the other girl on the cheek. "You really do look beautiful in your kimono. Maybe I'll wear mine next festival."

Ty Lee squealed before wrapping her arms around Azula's neck and kissed her on the lips in excitement. "Totally wear your kimono next time!"


Post Notes: For the Modern AU here are the following last names for the main and recurring characters:

Royal Family = Katatsu (Fire Dragon; Japanese)

Ikem's Family = Kinohi (Beginning; Hawaiian)

Ty Lee's Family = Kiyoi (Pure, Noble; Japanese)

Mai's Family = Tanji (Govern; Unclear on translation Japanese)

Unless noted of different part of the Modern AU timeline the following ages of the characters:

Kiyi = 7

Azula/Ty Lee = 17

Mai = 18

Zuko = 19