Avatar: The Last Air Bender

Changes

Disclaimer: As you are probably aware, I don't own the Avatar: The Last Air Bender characters. I just wrote this as a way to get all my goofy thoughts on the series out there for fun.

Part 1

Ty Lee was scared, more scared then she'd been in a long time. She knew she only had herself to blame for it. She never should have trusted Azula again. Ty Lee struggled, but it was no use. Azula had trapped her legs, past her knees under a low and very heavy wooden table and Azula was straddling her so her arms were trapped at her sides, making her unable to use any pressure points. The psychotic princess knew her too well. She closed her eyes and remembered how it had started.

When word had gotten to the village that Firelord Zuko wished to see the members of Team Avatar, Ty Lee offered to go with Suki. She wanted the chance to catch up with Mai. The life as one of the Kyoshi Warriors hadn't given her much time to spend with her old friend and Suki was more than happy to have the company on the long journey.

One of the best things Firelord Zuko had done in the year and a half that he'd been in charge of the Fire Nation was to set up ports around the world for the war balloons, now fitted to carry passengers. It would make the trip only a couple days, so that's how they decided to travel.

The Avatar and Firelord had done much to bring balance to the world, and even though not everyone was accepting or believing of the Fire Nation's current peaceful agenda, many of the younger citizens of the world were happy to give them a chance. Knowing that the current Firelord had trained the avatar in Fire Bending, helped overthrow the previous one and the Incident, also helped bring more acceptance to the change in the Fire Nation.

"Are you excited about seeing Sokka again?" Ty Lee asked as she glanced at Suki. Suki blushed slightly. Neither of them were traveling in uniform, so Suki wasn't in her make-up.

"Yes, it's been months since I've seen him. Ever since he went back to the Southern Water Tribe to help integrate some of the Northern Members, it's been such a strain on our relationship. And I know he's scheduled to spend a few months with Master Piandao for more sword training. This might be my only chance to spend time with him for a while." She sighed.

"I thought so. Sometimes I wish I had a boyfriend." Ty Lee grinned a moment. "I use to think Sokka was really cute, but that was back when we were hunting the Avatar, so I missed my chance. Oh poo." She pouted. Suki looked like she was willing to laugh, but also like she wanted to smack the girl. The two rode in silence for a while.

Toph stood in front of the dais at the Fire Palace and sighed. She didn't like the heat in the room, it affected the way she could see with her feet, since it made them sweat a lot. Firelord Zuko sat up there, in what she assumed was a regal manner, waiting for the last of the guests to arrive. Toph felt some sweat drip from her hairline. Now she understood why so many of the Fire Nation's people tended to wear such skimpy clothing. It made her miss her disguise.

"I think they're here." She stated as Katara, Aang, and Sokka rushed into the grand hall. Sokka rushed right over to where Suki was standing. Ty Lee stood next to Toph and waved at Mai next to Zuko. They gave a formal greeting before Katara spoke.

"I know you're the big bad Firelord now, but do we really have to stand in here? Some of us aren't use to cooking in our own juices." Zuko looked over at her and sighed a moment. The flames suddenly went down and he stood up.

"You're right, but it would look strange if I didn't follow the respected traditions for meeting such an important guest."

"And we really need to do that." Mai stated in her depressed manner as she followed him.

"So why did you call us here Fatherlord?" Toph asked. Zuko blinked and looked at her.

"Firelord." He stated.

"That's what I said." She added. Zuko rubbed his forehead. The Earth Bender girl tended to give him a headache.

"First I'd like everyone to follow me." He asked and lead them out of the grand hall and into one of the open air gardens. Toph could hear the others gasp as they got out there. She frowned and was about to use her feet to see what was going on, when she was picked up by someone.

"No Earth Bending at the moment." She heard Zuko say in her ear.

"Let me go." She ordered and struggled.

"Everyone I think you know where to stand." He stated as she fought against him. "Hey, that's my good ear, be careful." He complained with a slight amount of pain.

"Fine, you big jerk." She stated and stopped. She pouted a little in his arms.

"I always felt a little bad that you never got your life altering field trip with me, so I had some of the best artisans in the Fire Nation sculpt busts of everyone. I remember you saying you didn't know what anyone looked like, so I thought you could use your Earth Bending on them and get an idea what everyone looked like." He stated. "I even had them place them in wet clay to get a reverse of it, in case that worked better." He stated as he set her down. Toph raised her head to look at him surprised. "I figured when you made the sand sculpture of Ba-Sing-Se, and had the Earth King and Basco that you must have known how they looked from statues. I thought the same could work with us."

"You did that for me?" She asked. He nodded. She continued to look at him.

"If you just nodded, I hope you realize it doesn't help any." She waved her hand in front of her face.

"Oh, um yeah, sorry." He stumbled on his words a little.

"Everyone is um, standing next to their bust so you can know who it is, I guess." He added. It was sometimes strange to think this awkward teenager now ran an entire nation.

"This really is very sweet of you." Toph said with a smile, then she punched him in the arm hard enough to spin him around once.

"Oww." He complained as he caught his balance. He walked before his bust set as Toph moved a little closer to them, then used her Earth Bending abilities to see to the Earthen items in the garden. She turned towards the first one.

"I admit, I don't know what people consider attractive, but I have to say, Suki you look very cute."

"Thank you Toph." She replied. She turned a little pink.

"Ty Lee, you're absolutely adorable." She cried out. Ty Lee smiled brightly and did a back flip. She went to the next one. "Hey twinkle toes, you look pretty much how I thought you would. I wish Zuko would have done a version of you with hair though." She grinned. Aang gave her his usual huge smile. Katara was next. Toph took a moment to Earth Bend again. She seemed to be deep in thought.

"Katara, you are really beautiful." She said at last.

"Aww, thanks Toph." Katara replied as her face turned bright red.

"Zuko, what's wrong with your face?" She asked. His eye twitched a little.

"It's a scar Toph." Katara explained. "Um, maybe we should talk about it later." she added when she saw the young Fire Lords face. Next she turned to Mai.

"You seem very regal. It reminds me of my mother." Mai Just made a non committal sigh. Finally she got to Sokka.

"Wow, Sokka, is that really you?" She asked.

"Why of course it is, handsome devil ain't I?" He remarked.

"Actually, I was going to say goofy looking. I can't image how you got so many girls interested in you. My crush I understand since I'm blind and all." There were a few giggles.

"Hey, what do you mean goofy…wait did you say your crush?" He asked.

"Joking." She replied as she quickly turned to hide her face. There was one more bust in the room. Toph turned towards it and smiled.

"I don't know who that is, but she's the best looking one of all." She stated with a happy expression. Zuko rolled his eyes, while Ty Lee giggled again. Sokka seemed to be the only clueless one.

"Um Toph, that's you." He stated.

"Really? Wow, I never realized I was so much more attractive than the rest of you. It makes me wish I could see with my eyes." She added.

"You already knew that was you." Zuko stated.

"Of course." She remarked. "The Badger Moles showed me a long time ago." Sokka groaned a little while most of the other's laughed at him.

"Now, If you don't mind, I'd like to speak with Aang, Katara, and Toph." Zuko stated.

"Hey, what about me?" Sokka cried. Zuko sighed.

"I guess you can come too." He added.

"Yea." Sokka replied and jumped after the others, leaving Suki alone with Mai and Ty Lee.

"So, um, hi." Suki said awkwardly.

"Yeah, hi." Mai replied. Ty Lee did a couple of cartwheels towards Mai.

"Have you gone to see Azula at all?" She asked.

"Why would I want to do that?"

"I don't know, I just thought maybe you would."

"No, never really occurred to me. She was interesting for a while, but after she had me locked away for saving Zuko, I just don't care if I see her again."

"Oh. Do you mind if I go see her?"

"Do as you wish." Mai remarked.

"So, this is a mental hospital?" Ty Lee asked the physician who was leading her to the cell where Azula was kept.

"More or less. Although for the former princess, it's more like a prison." He stated. "She doesn't talk to too many people. But since you were one of her friends, maybe you can get her to talk."

"Um yeah, maybe, I guess." She felt nervous. She'd learned that almost no one went to see her. Zuko visited her a couple of times, but not one else did. She felt a little bad for Azula.

"Here she is. You can go in that door, but I would suggest not getting too close to the cell." Ty Lee nodded. She knew the Avatar had removed her ability to Fire Bend as he'd done to the former Firelord, but she was well aware that Azula could do a lot of damage without fire bending.

"Um, Hi Azula. I'd give you a hug, but you know, you're behind bars." She stated. Azula wore tradition prison garb, her hair had gotten longer, and she'd left it down, but it was in tangles and rather oily looking.

"Why if it isn't Ty Lee, one of the girls who betrayed me." She stated coldly as she stood up. Azula walked to the bars, her movements still regal, like she was showing off a little.

"You were about to kill Mai, I couldn't let you do it. I just sort of reacted. It seemed wrong to let you kill one of your friends."

"Friends, Friends, you two were never my friends, you BETRAYED ME!" She screamed. Ty Lee took a step back frightened for a moment of her. She even raised her arms to fend off flames that didn't actually shoot out. But for a moment she thought she saw pain in Azula's eyes. She took a deep breath though. She had something she'd wanted to say to Azula for a long time.

"I considered you to be a friend when we were younger. But then you started to get mean and nasty and abusive. YOU BETRAYED US FIRST!" She finished with a scream. It was very un Ty Lee like, which startled both her and Azula. The thing was she could see a little pained expression on Azula's face again. It didn't last long though, but she was certain it was there.

"Get out!" Azula ordered. Ty Lee shook her head sadly as she turned and left the room. The physician was right outside the door taking notes.

"That was amazing, I've never heard her speak since she's been here, even when we did tests, but you got her to yell."

"Yes, amazing." Ty Lee commented as she walked away. She found she was really bothered by her visit with Azula, especially the look in her eyes.

"It's the last sample of Spirit Water I can get for a decade, but we already tried it on Aang's foot. It healed the scar. I'm sure I can use it to heal the scar on your face." Katara said as she stood with Aang, Zuko and Mai.

"The scar was really thick and was making walking difficult, now I can dance again…see." Aang remarked as he did a little tap dance. Zuko smacked himself in the face, pulling his hand down slowly.

"Don't you ever grow up?" He asked.

"Hey, I'm still a kid. I saved the world twice now. I think I've earned a little fun." He defended himself. Katara sighed and glanced over as Ty Lee entered the garden.

"I don't hate his scar." Mai stated in her usual melancholy manner.

"Does that me she doesn't hate it or that she likes it?" Katara asked.

"I dunno." Aang shrugged. "I've never really understood her.

"Actually it means she really likes it." Ty Lee jumped into the conversation, literally doing an airborne somersault to reach them. "In fact after she first saw Prince Zuko when we started hunting him and you, she couldn't stop talking about how sexy it was."

"Don't tell them that." Zuko groaned. Mai turned away as she started to blush, but she made a sighing noise to hide it. Ty Lee turned to Zuko.

"Is there anything we can do for Azula. I went and saw her, and I feel bad for her. I think she's actually hurt, emotionally, not physically."

"My sister is sick in the head and dangerous." Zuko stated firmly. "I don't know what kind of brain damage she has, but there's nothing we can do for her." Crossed his arms as he glanced around. He stopped as he looked at Katara. "I know that look. Whatever you're think, no way, it won't work."

"I was given this vial of Spirit Water because the King of the Northern Water Tribe had a vision that I would find a use for it. Maybe this is the use, since you don't want it for your scar."

"I think there could be a better use for it." Zuko remarked.

"Let me try a little." Katara insisted.

"Please, let her." Ty Lee spoke softly. Zuko looked over at Mai for support.

"She did make things more interesting." Mai's reply made Zuko frowned.

"Fine, try a little. If it seems to work you can try more." He stated. "It's yours anyway right." Katara smiled and nodded.

"What do I owe the honor of a visit from the Firelord." Azula stated when she saw her brother enter the room with her cell.

"A new treatment." He stated. "Apparently the other's have decided they want to try and help you."

"Didn't the Avatar help enough when he stole my ability to bend?" She remained calm as she spoke. She would not allow her brother to get to her as Ty Lee had. However when Katara walked in, the anger in her eyes was more than apparent.

"Are you really sure you want to try this?" Zuko asked. Katara stood staring at Azula's hate filled eyes.

"Yes. Toph, if you would please." She asked. Toph entered and used her Earth Bending ability to trap Azula's body in a rocky prison, her head the only part exposed.

"Just what do you think you're doing Water Whore!" Azula screamed. Katara walked over to her, as Zuko opened the cell door.

"Azula, please let her try this." Ty Lee stated. Azula looked at her and frowned. She took a couple of deep breaths.

"It appears I do not have a choice." She growled.

"Actually, you do." Katara stated. "I won't do this against your will."

"And just what are you doing?"

"I can't tell you. You'll have to find out when I do it." Azula looked at her visitors. She could see a little hope in Ty Lee's eyes, which surprised her. Zuko didn't seem to care. The blind girl was well, blind, and the Water Bender looked like one of those mad scientists she'd visited before during the war effort.

"Fine, go ahead. What's the worse that could happen?"

"Hopefully we won't find out." Katara added before she pulled a little of the Spirit Water, combining it with a little of her own water. She felt the water go around Azula's head, letting it find the pores in her skin, slipped through the strands of muscle. She closed her eyes willing the spirit water to fix the problems with her head. Azula shut her eyes and clenched her teeth. Her hands were in fists, so tight her fingernails drew blood from her palms. She passed out before Katara finished.

Over a couple of days, the physicians watched Azula even closer, much like they had when she was first brought in. They reported that her actions were a little different. She was a little more social when others entered. After that, Katara spent a few more days, doing treatments to Azula. Each time Azula would pass out. Katara used all the Spirit Water after six days. That led to another problem.

What to do with Azula?

Zuko and Katara both knew she'd lost it when they'd fought, but if that problem had been taken care of, as it seemed, should they leave her locked away. She was following her father's orders, and certainly was power hungry, but had she truly done anything to deserve to be locked away? She banished people when she could have had them executed. She'd never taken anyone's life in cold blood, as far as anyone knew. Just being a selfish bitch wasn't exactly a crime.

"I may not like my sister a whole lot, but I still love her." Zuko stated. "She's done a number of mean things to me, taken advantage of me, but she has also been there for me. . . on occasion. We have about four days until the ship has been outfitted for our trip, we can let her out during the day to observe her." He suggested.

"And after that, when we've left?" Sokka asked.

"We'll discuss it with everyone then, if she's not showing signs of being wolf-bat shit crazy again." Team avatar nodded.

Azula spent that time with Ty Lee and Mai, for the most part, with occasional meeting with Firelord Zuko. It was obvious that she harbored some bad feelings towards Katara, but everyone was fine by her, including the Avatar. She did not however, go out of her way to see him. At the same time that this was going on, a few schools were doing a group field trip to the capital city.

"Is the Avatar really here?" A girl asked one of the guards. She was dressed in her school uniform, although it was modified slightly for the hotter climate. "I've always wanted to meet him." She begged.

"Sorry, but we're not suppose to let anyone in until the tour." The guard stated.

"Pretty please." She asked and fluttered her eyelashes at him. The guard sighed.

"Hey, you can let her in." Came a voice from behind him. The guard turned to see Sokka standing there. "I'll take responsibility for her." He added.

"Oh thank you so much." She cried and looked at him. "Have we met before." Sokka shrugged but grinned nevertheless. The guard let the girl in and she followed Sokka. "What's the Avatar like?" She asked excitedly.

"He's a funny kid." He remarked as they got closer. She could see a group of people standing together talking. The blue tattoo on the shaved head of one of them stood out. She was looking at the Avatar.

"I can't go any further, I'm too nervous." She stuttered. "Oh no, the firelord is with him too." She could see the headgear of the fire lord. In fact she watched as the firelord pulled out the symbol of his rank and let his hair down.

"Hey Avatar, you have a guest." Sokka yelled. The girl became pale as everyone turned to look at her. She looked at the ground, getting ready to prostrate herself.

"On Ji?" She heard a familiar voice question. She blinked. She'd had a slight crush on the boy who'd shown her how to dance, although it was apparent he already had a girlfriend when he danced with the girl who didn't go to their school, but what was he doing here.

"Kuzon?" She asked as she looked up, and right in front of her was the Avatar. But it wasn't the Avatar, it was Kuzon, but he had the Avatar's tattoos. She let out a shriek.

"What, what'd I do?" He asked in a panic.

"You're the Avatar? Wow, wow wow, that totally explained the headband!" She shouted and pointed.

"Oh, it's her." Said a girl behind the Avatar. The clothes were different, but she recognized the face. It was the girl Kuzon had danced with. She didn't seem particularly happy to see her. In fact the girl seemed jealous. She was so beautiful and she was jealous of her? That seemed impossible.

"Um, well yeah, I guess I am." Aang replied as he scratched the back of his head.

"Wow, I never would have known, Although Lee did say he saw someone Earth bend in the cavern when you disappeared after Hide brought the principal. I broke up with him after that, by the way. Jerk." She added. Katara moved closer to Aang and grabbed his arm, like she was marking her territory.

"Oh, and I've started a dance club at the school. We've been learning and teaching dances there. Would you be willing to come sometime and show us how you do it?" She asked and looked at Katara. "And you too, you were both so incredible." She added with a hint of awe.

"Really, you think so?" Katara blushed a little and warmed up to the girl. Zuko rubbed his face a little.

"I don't think I even want to know." He commented in a whisper.

"You know, we've never really danced together." Mai stated causing Zuko to jump a little.

"You want too?"

"I am still a girl your know." She added in her haunted manner.

"Hey, why don't we have a dance here?" Ty Lee cried. It was still early in the morning, and they had yet to get Azula for the day.

"Yeah, and we can invite my classmates to it!" Aang exclaimed.

"What do you mean classmates?" Zuko shouted.

"Oh, didn't I ever tell you, I went to a Fire Nation school for a few days."

"No, you didn't." Poor On Ji was standing like a startled cat-rabbit as the Avatar and the Firelord started some sort of discussion. It wasn't exactly an argument, but it was like some weird almost scary banter.

"Is that really going to be your disguise?" Katara asked when she looked at Zuko.

"I like the eye patch, and it covers up my scar." He remarked.

"I don't hate it." Mai stated as she ran her fingers through his hair.

"Why do I talk to you two?" Katara asked as she left to find Aang. Mai and Zuko looked at each other and smiled. They decided that Zuko, Mai and Aang would wear disguises, while the rest would just dress in normal Fire Nation garb for the dance. Of course Aang's disguise was pretty much him wearing a hat with his old uniform. His former classmates and the rest of their school showed up on time in the Outer Courtyard of the Palace. Music was played, and this time a few of the people, led by On Ji started to dance right away.

As it turned out she had found old scrolls on dances and started a dance club at school, once it was deemed okay to do so. Allowing music and dance had been one of the first things Firelord Zuko had allowed, with some prodding from the Avatar.

The night seemed to be going without a hitch until Aang started to dance with On Ji, giving Katara a chance to rest. It was then another student showed up late. The larger boy looked very angry when he saw Aang.

"It's all your fault Kuzon!" He shouted.

"Hide, go away." On Ji stated.

"It's your fault she dumped me, now I'm going to dump you." He tossed a punch at Aang, who slipped out of the way. He tossed another one and another. Aang grinned and stayed at his back much like he had last time. Unfortunately, Hide was expecting this. Since he could fire bend, he launched a fire attack up into the air and had it come down on top of Aang.

Zuko noticed the fire fountain and rushed through the crowd, who all moved back and formed a circle. On Ji screamed in surprise and horror when Aang's hat burst into flames. Aang quickly ripped the hate from his head before it could burn him and tossed it to the floor. Hide turned laughing at him until his jaw dropped when he saw the bald head and blue arrow.

"What are you wearing?" He asked dumbly. Zuko ripped the eye patch from his face and motioned for the guards to back away. Everyone became quiet as the noticed that their former colony classmate was the avatar and was standing with the firelord.

"So, do you wish to do something about him, or should I have him locked up for a while?" Zuko asked. Aang looked to be deep in thought a moment, then made a few movements. The ground around Hide rose up trapping him.

"Sokka, can you come here a moment" Aang called. Sokka hurried and Aang whispered to him. He nodded and pulled something out of his pouch.

"Please, Please I didn't know, I'm sorry." Hide cried, tears now streaming from his eyes. Aang brightened and took a few moments to do something with what Sokka had given him. He turned with an ink stone in hand, and brush. Aang started to draw on Hide's face.

"Ta Da, how's that?" He asked. On Ji gasped and then giggled.

"You need serious help." Zuko remarked. The other students looked at Hide and laughed, their nervousness leaving.

"You realize that once that ink dries it'll take days for him to wash it off." Katara commented.

"Oh Mom, lighten up." Toph stated and then stomped the ground causing the Earth to lift Katara off the ground about ten feet.

"Toph!" She screamed as she managed to keep her balance. Toph moved over to Sokka.

"I heard him ask for your ink and brush. What did he do?" She asked. Sokka leaned down and whispered in her ear. "Twinkle toes drew that on his face?" She exclaimed in surprise.

"Ohhhh yeah." Sokka remarked.

"Are they always like this?" Azula asked Ty Lee. She had spent much of her time as a wall flower, however Ty Lee managed to get her out to dance, and even got her to dance with a couple of the boys. Of course it had been the only way for Ty Lee to get that irritated look off of Azula's face. It was just like their vacation on Ember Island. She got all the attention and Azula fumed / pouted.

"Pretty much, yeah." She replied.

"I can not believe they beat my father and I." She shook her head. "Fate really must have been against us." Ty Lee stood in stunned silence.

The dance party went on for a few hours, with Hide left trapped in the stone until it was over. On Ji gave Aang a kiss on the cheek, letting him know that if he ever broke up with the water bender she'd be there for him. Aang blushed a little, while Katara bristled being close enough to hear.

Days after the dance the ship Zuko was having outfitted for them was ready. That still left one problem.

"What are we going to do with Azula while we are on this mission?" Zuko asked. He didn't feel right about locking her up while they were gone, it would be a few weeks at least, assuming they came back at all. Mai was a little more forgiving of Azula now, but still wasn't ready to play friendly choosing to be around her as little as possible.

"Suki has suggested letting her go to Kyoshi Island with her and Ty Lee." Sokka announced.

"I don't think it's a good idea to let them be alone. We should have a master bender with them just in case she does something." Katara stated.

"Not confident in you're healing of her?" Zuko asked.

"I am but, I'd rather be cautious than sorry." She stated. They all discussed it for a while until they came to a decision.

Ty Lee smiled as she trained with Azula. Of course the other Kyoshi warriors weren't thrilled to have her on the island, but they were willing to give her a try. That's better then Ty Lee had thought would happen. She did feel a little bad for Toph though. The Earth Bender had stayed behind to help baby sit Azula, instead of going on the special mission that Firelord Zuko had put together. Not only did Toph not really have any personal issues with Azula, she herself decided she was the least needed of the others, who could possibly handle Azula if Azula went crazy again.

Ty Lee knew from a comment that Toph had made that Zuko had found information about a new continent on the other side of the world while trying to learn what happened to his mother. Toph had been so excited about bending Earth from a new place, but ultimately sacrificed that to stay with them. On the other hand Suki was glad to have Toph there. They'd spent some time together before, but out of Team Avatar, Toph was the only one Suki didn't know very well. She didn't know Zuko all that well either, but that was a different story

Azula still seemed to be doing fine and it had been more than two weeks since Katara had treated her. Azula herself had mentioned that it felt as if her head was clear for the first time in years, and that she even understood her emotions better. She still wanted to kick Zuko's ass in a fight, and had her more violent tendencies, but she reserved them for fighting. Surprisingly her attitude had improved a little. She didn't seem as bitchy as she used to.

Still, the first day on the island was going well for her. She seemed to appreciate the beauty of the island, and the peace. It reminded Ty Lee of when they had been little children, around the age of five when she first was introduced to Azula. Things were nice.

"Why am I in a boat?" Toph asked as she sat holding the edges of it. "You know I don't like being on the water like this, especially in a small wooden boat. And isn't there a sea monster?" Suki grinned a little. It was amusing to see the normally strong Toph a little upset. It gave her a slightly sick sense of joy. She pulled on the rudder of their sailboat a little to continue the circle around the island.

"The 'Sea Monster' isn't usually active at this time of the day. Besides this is the first time you've been to Kyoshi Island and I wanted you to see how beautiful it is. Just look at the site." She stated. Toph frowned a moment, then spoke with a smile.

"Oh yes the site is very beautiful." She stated. Suki turned to look at the girl with a smile then paused. She noticed that Toph was staring at her. It caused a blush to spread in her face. Was Toph telling her she was beautiful? It was so strange, but it made her a little embarrassed. Then she really looked at Toph again, mostly her eyes.

"Oh Toph, I'm so sorry." She exclaimed. "I keep forgetting your blind." She apologized.

"I really don't understand how everyone does that? Hello, I've known you all for almost two years now. I'd think it was pretty obvious by now that I can't see."

"But that's just it, it's not that obvious."

"Huh?"

"Really, it's not. You move as well as anyone else, at least on land. We forget you're blind because you don't act blind."

"Oh. Maybe I should get a stick and start hitting things with it like normal blind people, huh." She smiled remembering when she done just that with Aang's staff.

"I think if you did that, you'd hit people with it on purpose."

"Wha, Me do something like that?"

"Yes, You do something like that."

"Eh, you're probably right." She shrugged. A moment later they hit something in the sea, sending them flying into the water.

"Help, Help." Toph cried. Suki was went under the water to see what they'd hit. She smiled a little relieved. It was just the wreckage of a Fire Nation ship from the war. She probably would have seen it if she'd been paying attention to where they were going. She quickly swam to where Toph was flailing in the water. She came up under her and grabbed her.

"I've got you." She said reassuringly.

"Thank you." Toph remarked. Suki looked to see how far from shore they were. A beach was about 50 meters away. It was be easy to make it there.

"What no kiss this time?" Suki asked with a laugh.

"Ha ha ha, I thought it was Sokka who saved me. He said he was the one coming."

"I know, I know."

"But if you really want one." Toph stated. Suki turned to look at her.

"Wha. . ." Her voice was cut off as Toph kissed her, on the lips. Both girls were surprised at the situation, but neither stopped it. In fact for a moment Suki kissed her back until they sunk below the water causing Toph to panic again. Suki got her above the water and the Earth bender blew water out of her mouth.

"Um, lets not talk about this again." Toph stated.

"Um, yeah let's not." Suki replied.

"You are a surprisingly good kisser though."

"You too. I was very impressed." Suki smiled and the two laughed a little.

"You want to go to Ember Island?" Suki asked.

"Yes." Toph replied as she seemed excited. It had been more than a month since they'd brought Azula to Kyoshi Island. "I heard they updated the play we saw last time we were there."

"You were at Ember Island?" Azula asked.

"Um, yes. We were there when Zuko was training Aang to fire bend."

"However did you stay hidden there?"

"We just stayed at your parent's beach house."

"Zu Zu brought you to our beach house? He must really have been desperate for a place to hide."

"Why?"

"Last time we were there, Firelord Zuko burned a lot of his family's stuff on the beach." Ty Lee frowned a little then smiled. "But we all had a great time at a party afterwards." Azula started to laugh so hard she had tears in her eyes.

"I do not think that Chan was too happy about it though." She added.

"Oh that's right, you kissed him earlier too, didn't you?"

"What, you had a boyfriend?" Suki asked.

"No, nothing like that. He was aesthetically pleasing and strong. At the time I thought he would make a good mate for when I became firelord. His personality left much to be desired. Not to mention he was a coward." She remarked. "I had no real emotional connections with him. I did enjoy the kiss though. He was skilled, but I realize now that he is not my type."

"You still feel like you're going to be firelord?" Suki asked. Azula grinned.

"No, I figure that at some point you will be leaving the Kyoshi warriors in order to cement your relationship with the water tribe boy. He is suppose to be the next leader as I recall, which means you will be unable to stay here, if your relationship is to be permanent." Suki turned a little red as Azula spoke. Her and Sokka had discussed it plenty of times in the past and Azula was right.

"What does that have to do with you not being firelord?" Toph asked.

"I was getting to that. I will take over as leader of the Kyohsi warriors when that happens." She stated and posed. For a moment it wasn't hard to image flames behind her.

"Now wait a moment, what makes you think you'll be the leader. I was planning on being the leader when Suki left." Ty Lee exclaimed.

"I would be the most natural choice. I do have leadership skills already." Azula stated. She stood relaxed.

"Leadership skills? Leadership Skills?" Ty Lee cried. "You're leadership skills all center around bullying people to do what you want them to do!"

"But it did work." Azula finished. Ty Lee just stared at her.

"I cannot believe you just said that."

"I remember a time when you use to be quiet about things like that."

"That's because I was afraid you'd kill me if I spoke up!" Ty Lee yelled. It was so rare for Ty Lee to actually yell that it stopped all of them. Azula actually looked hurt. Ty Lee looked as if she was ready to turn around, but she still had that slight paranoia from the days she traveled with Azula, and didn't want to have her back to the girl.

"I, I don't know what to say." Azula finally managed at last. "I suppose I should have realized it earlier, but I was not thinking about anyone but myself back then." She finished.

"Is that an apology?" Ty Lee asked.

"It is an explanation." She replied. Ty Lee made a "hmph" noise and walked away. Azula just stood there again, not sure what to do for a moment before she too walked away.

"Did they even realize I was standing right here?" Suki asked.

"So, how about that trip to Ember Island?" Toph stated ignoring Suki's comment. "I want to hear the updated play."

"I'll get a boat ready to get to the mainland and we can get passage on a balloon."

"I hope you're not planning on piloting the boat yourself." Toph added. Suki growled at her.

It took two days to travel from Kyoshi Island to Ember Island by way of balloon. During that time, Ty Lee and Azula seemed to have either made up or got over their argument. In truth Ty Lee had gotten over the argument since she did notice how hurt Azula had been. She shouldn't have been expecting the princess to suddenly act different and understand the little details of what she'd done in the past that were inconsiderate.

After landing at the balloon port, the group, dressed in fire nation garb, took a ferry to the island. Toph preferred the Fire Nation Ferry over the Kyoshi Island boats, since they were metal and she could feel through it as well as bend it. The ferry wasn't the same as Earth, but it was better than wood.

"Isn't that Chan there?" Ty Lee noted as they walked towards the Firelord's summer home.

"I believe it is." Azula noted.

"Who's Chan?" Suki asked.

"The boy Azula kissed."

"Ohhhhhh." Suki grinned. "Are you happy to see him again?" Azula shrugged.

"Actually I should speak with him." She stated and walked over towards him. "Chan, I wish to speak with you." She stated. The muscular boy turned towards her, slowly. He took one good look at Azula and screamed like a little girl, turning to run. Toph reacted quickly without thinking about it. She stomped on the ground and shot an Earth wall up in front of him. Chan ran right into it and fell backwards.

"I have been told I should learn to apologize for certain things I have done." Azula stated as she crouched down by his head. She ignored the small trickle of blood from his nose. "I believe my brother and I over reacted after your party, and I would like to offer you an apology for the damage done. It was a very nice party and I thank you for inviting us in the first place." She finished and stood up. Her companions just looked at her, except Ty Lee.

"Sorry about the chandeliers." Ty Lee stated happily and grabbed Azula's hand and dragged her off. Chan looked up at the sky.

"What did I ever do to deserve her attention?" He asked the universe.

The play had become extremely popular over the last year, since they updated it to reflect the events that ended the war. The girls ended up in the same seats Team Avatar had been in the first time much to Toph's dismay. She wanted to be on the ground where she could get a better feel for the action. On the other hand, it meant they could talk about it all they wanted.

The play started off pretty much the same as it always had, however had they added more scenes to fill in the new details. Suki had a suspicion that Sokka had given them details, because they made him look a little better and the jokes were more like his. They were still bad, just closer. The troup had done an amazing job with Sokka, Toph and Suki on the War Balloon and how they'd managed to stop the burning of the ground. It was when they got to the final battle between Zuko, Azula and Katara that things got ugly.

"Is she actually foaming at the mouth?" Suki asked in horror as they showed the bound Azula actress freaking out after Katara had defeated her. The real Azula stood up and growled. She started to move down the isle like she was going to stop the play. Ty Lee got up and grabbed her hand quickly causing her to pause. She gave it a couple of quick squeezes.

"Please Azula, take a couple of deep breaths." She whispered to her. Azula closed her eyes and did as Ty Lee requested. She refused to think of it as being told what to do, instead it was just being requested. By the time she'd opened her eyes, the final battle between her play father and the play Avatar had finished. In fact none of the group had watched it, they were all concentrating on Azula.

"I am fine." Azula grunted. "I am leaving now." She turned towards the back of the theater and went out the door. The others followed relieved.

Ty Lee was still a little worried about Azula. She seemed distant when they ate dinner that night. She wondered if all the good they had done with her had just been destroyed by one moment in a play. Up until that part she seemed to have been having a good time too. Ty Lee went to Azula's room, sliding open the door slowly peering in. The room was dark.

"Azula, are you still awake?" She asked as she entered. She made it in a couple of steps before she was grabbed and flipped onto her back. Before she could react the rug she was on was turned and pushed. She went to move her feet to realize that her legs past her knees were trapped under one of the heavy hard wood tables. Before she could get her arms up to pull herself out she felt the weight of a body on her waist, trapping her arms at her sides. A lamp was lit and Azula was the one who had her trapped. She wanted to scream but she knew no one would be able to get to her before Azula could do something.

With her heart beating rapidly she looked at the princess and gulped. Azula was smiling like an octopus-shark. She couldn't move, and she tried to struggle, but Azula just shifted to keep her from escaping. Ty Lee spoke those words she'd thought so many times when speaking to the princess.

"Please don't kill me." She whispered, begging with tears streaming from her eyes.

"On Ty Lee dear, I wouldn't just kill you." She replied bringing her hand up. Ty Lee could see a flame in Azula's hand, and realized that's how she'd lit the lamp. "I really must remember to thank that water tribe girl for giving me the ability to learn fire bending again." Ty Lee opened her mouth the scream, but it was to late. Azula cut off her scream.

Note: The whole story is done, and the rest will be posted soon. ^.~