This is my first Avatar fanfic, and its obviously still in its beginning stages, but I have every intention of continuing with it. I have some idea as to where this is headed, but am open to any suggestions or requests you may have. I hope you enjoy it. The next part should be up soon.
Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar or any of the characters mentioned. I just really like them.
She walks briskly, her robes flapping like wings against her feet. The chamber is far larger than need be, but this is a centuries-old castle, after all, they will have overdone it. She figures she could stand five of herself in here, each on top of the other, and she still wouldn't reach the ceiling. It is a formidable sight. Far more intimidating tonight than she's ever seen it, but of course it is empty now, except for her. No sunlight glows from the ends of it, filtering in from the halls on either side. No longer can she see the ways in and out of the chamber. But she cannot allow herself to feel fear. Fear will not help her find a way out, and she has no patience for the things in her life that don't help her. She helps herself.
Just keep walking. It's only around the corner.
She focuses her eyes. The flame in her hand throws awkward shadows all around her, rising and falling relentlessly. She lets the flame grow stronger. She can almost make out the voices of her companions up ahead, their impatient footfalls. She forgets her fear, letting indignation grow within her. They should be happy to wait for the Fire Lord's only daughter, the stupid fools...
She gasps suddenly and halts in the middle of the chamber. Her flame goes out silently; she is instantly vulnerable. She is panting, sucking in breaths as quietly as possible. She could have sworn she'd seen them, legs. Walking just behind her in the same style dress.There's someone else in here. She moves from her position as swiftly as possible, her breath still caught in her throat. Breathe, Azula, she commands herself. You are powerful, now prove it!
"Hyahh!" she roars. With one move she ignites a brilliant blue flame that throws the whole chamber into view. The whole, empty chamber. She looks around frantically, both anger and panic rising in her, and then lets out another yell. This one in frustration. There is a full-length mirror hanging on the wall behind her. She'd seen herself.
"Azula?"
It is Ty Lee's quivering voice up ahead. Her friends have heard the commotion, are no doubt standing just outside the chamber, hands cupped around their ears. Azula stares at her reflection in the mirror--pale face, large brown eyes, decisive features. "Yeah."
Her friend sighs audibly and lets out a chuckle. "Whew! Had me scared there. What did you do?"
Azula is silent, contemplating the girl she sees in the mirror. Can it be true she is only fourteen-years-old? This body, this mind, belong to someone so much older, so much wiser than a fourteen-year-old girl. Than a baby. She has none of the innocence a girl her age should hold--if not for appearances, then at least for her own sense of virtue.
No, I have done too much. I have seen too much.
"Hey, 'Zula?"
Azula snaps her head forward, hears the hesitant footsteps entering the chamber. "No!" she hollers suddenly.The sound stops immediately. She can't have her friends see her this way, her impenetrable confidence shaken.
"Stay where you are. I'm on my way out." They turn around, begin talking amongst themselves. Azula closes her eyes, breathes, and follows them out of the chamber.
The daughter of the Fire Lord. Fearless.