I want to thank everyone who left a review - you inspired me to continue this story! I hope you like this chapter - in the next one, we'll visit the Southern Water Tribe and see their disfunctional royal family.

Aang blinked. 'I… your family?' He sounded weak - too weak.

'Don't move, I'm going to check if you're injured.' Aang didn't protest and Azula knelt next to his head.

'Azula?' Aang asked.

'Yes?' she asked, now turning her head to check on Zuko, after concluded that Aang didn't have any serious injuries. He still hadn't moved, but she could seehis chest falling and rising.

'Does that mean that I'm going to meet the Fire Lord?'

'Yes,' Azula said smirking. 'You'll meet the entire royal family.' Aang tried to sit up, but Azula placed her hands firmly on his shoulders. 'Don't move – I don't think you're injured, but you've been hit pretty hard.'

Aang smiled. 'Yes… they would've killed me if you hadn't been there.' His eyes travelled towards Appa.

Azula stood up, walked towards her brother and checked if he was alright. She noticed a small trickle of blood down the side of his face. Azula sat down next to him and softly touched his scalp to find the wound. Zuko groaned.

'It's superficial,' Azula said. 'Head injuries always bleed a lot. But stay down - otherwise you might pass out.'

She stood up and now walked towards the Avatar's animal companion.

'How's Appa doing?' she asked. 'I really hope he's alright. 'Otherwise… I can only carry one of you.'

Aang slowly sat up, which owned him a glare from Azula. 'I'll need to check on him,' he muttered almost apologetically.

Azula sighed. 'You're right,' she said. She walked towards Aang and placed her arm around his waist. He had to lean with his hand on her shoulder for support as they stood up.

He groaned.

'Are you sure this is a good idea?' Azula muttered.

'It's the best we've got,' Aang said. 'You can't possibly carry me all the way to the vulcano. We need Appa.'

Azula frowned. 'Yes I can,' she stated. 'I am a Fire Nation soldier – I am capable of more than you think.'

'You're a princess and a warrior?' Aang asked. 'I should've known. You have blue fire.'

Azula nodded. 'Don't talk,' she said. 'Focus on walking instead.'

Appa's eyes were open and lazily followed them as they struggled to walk.

'Hey, buddy,' Aang said, stretching one arm to pat his fur. 'You okay?' The animal groaned in what Azula assumed to be a reassuring sound.

'That's great,' Aang said. 'I'm happy you're fine.' He stroked the arrow on his forehead. 'We're almost safe now. There's a city, we can see it from here. Do you think you can take us there?'

There was a short silence. Eventually, Appa groaned. Even Azula, who had never met an air bison before, knew it was a positive response.

'Thank you,' Aang whispered.

Azula looked at the saddle and realised the Avatar nor her brother would be able to climb up there themselves. 'I'll help you,' she said.

'I'll be fine. I can use my bending.'

'Are you sure you should do that?' she asked him.

'I'm already feeling better.'

Azula did end up having to carry Zuko. He had closed his eyes. The dried blood on his face made him look even paler in comparison.

'Can you hear me?' she asked him.

Zuko merely whispered his answer.

Azula suddenly felt worried. 'Stay with me, Zuko,' she said. 'We'll be home before you know it.'

She had no idea how fast air bisons could fly, but she had to say something.

'Everyone there?' Aang said. He still seemed dazed, but he now sat in front of the saddle, holding onto the reins.

'Yes,' Azula said, with Zuko resting against her. Aang looked over his shoulder. 'Make sure he doesn't fall,' he advised. Azula nodded curtly and placed an arm around her brother's shoulder.

'Can you still hear me?' she asked him.

Zuko muttered something she couldn't understand, but she was sure he was still conscious.

Azula looked at Aang. Even though she was worried, she wondered what it would feel like to fly. She had been denied the privilege for a long time. But, eventually, she was about to find out.

'Jip jip,' Aang said and Appa took off. Zuko made a strange noise and Azula looked down to check on her brother, but the feeling of flying through the sky took away some of her worry.

'We need to get as close to the palace as possible,' Azula said.

'I see it,' Aang responded. The large building in the centre of the city wasn't hard to spot.

'You can land in the garden,' Azula instructed.

Aang nodded.

Azula gently let go off her brother and crawled towards the edge of the saddle, afraid to stand up. She could see the people in the streets pointing at them. Azula wondered if she had to wave, to make sure people wouldn't attack them.

She leaned forward, eyeing the palace garden she knew by heart. Appa was already flying lower and she could see the guards, all hurrying towards the palace to see the mysterious animal. Azula waved at them. 'Don't attack,' she yelled as loudly as she could.

They were so close she could now hear them. 'It's the princess!' one of them yelled. 'Get the Firelord!'

Convinced they would let them land, Azula got back to Zuko, holding onto him to make sure he wouldn't fall off. She tensed, grabbing him more forcefully before the landing, but it went smoother than she had expected it to.

'Guards!' Azula yelled. 'I need help.'

They had stayed on a safe distance from the strange animal, but after hearing her words, they came closer.

Azula grabbed Zuko and carefully dragged him towards the edge of the saddle. 'Prince Zuko!' one of the guards said. 'He's injured.'

'I need help,' Azula said again. She wasn't sure if she could get him down safely and she instructed the guards. They stretched their arms to grab Zuko as she lowered him. Azula made sure they were careful with him before she went to Aang, who had placed his head in his hands. 'I'm fine… just a little tired,' he said.

As she helped him down, Fire Lord Ozai appeared. He hurried towards them. 'Azula,' he said. 'What happened?'

He was followed by a smaller figure, who only looked at Zuko.

'Are you alright?' he asked, looking at Azula again.

'I'm fine, father,' she responded.

Aang leaned on her shoulder. 'It's an honour, Fire Lord,' he said. Ozai looked at him. 'Who is this?' he asked his daughter.

She couldn't respond because of a scream. Azula jolted and forced herself not to look at the woman who hurried towards them. 'Zuko! Zuko!' she said. 'Are you alright?'

'He's fine,' Azula said, not able to control herself. Her mother turned around to look at her for the first time. 'What happened? How did he get hurt?' she asked.

'As I was about to say,' she said, demonstratively turning towards her father. 'It is a long story.'

She suddenly released how tired she felt. She too had been hit by a large wall of water. Azula forced herself to straighten her back and ignore her sore body. She knew her mother didn't look at her anymore - she focused all her attention on Zuko. She hadn't even asked her if she was alright.

But this was her moment. 'Father, this is the Avatar.'

There was a short silence. Suddenly, everyone stared at the boy who could barely stand on his feet - apart from Ursa, Azula thought bitterly. The soldiers and her father looked at his arrow, his strange clothes and the animal that had brought him here.

'We were attacked by Water Tribe warriors,' Azula continued. 'Zuko and the Avatar got hurt.'

Ozai still seemed at a loss for words. 'Well,' he eventually said. 'Then. We need to help them.'

'Princess Azula, I'd like you to tell my generals exactly what you've told me,' Fire Lord Ozai said, looking at his only daughter.

So Azula started talking. She told about the meeting only the day before, she even mentioned her frustration and how she had decided to take a walk to clear her mind. The story ended with how Zuko and Aang were doing. 'Prince Zuko's has been slammed into the ground two times. He has to rest for a few days, but he hasn't been seriously injured. Avatar Aang was exhausted after his flight from the Southern Water Tribe and after entering the so-called 'Avatar state', but he only has a few scratchea. He's fine.'

There was a short silence after her words.

'So… the Water Tribe warriors followed the Avatar to our shores?' one of the generals asked.

Azula nodded. 'Correct.'

'They have ever been so blunt before.'

'It's the first time since the beginning of the war that the Avatar has been spotted,' Azula said. 'They know he can help us end the war. This only proves that they fear him, more than they fear us.'

Ozai nodded. 'That's very true,' he muttered.

'Why isn't he here?' general Zhao asked. 'We would all very much like to ask him some questions. I myself would like to know where the Avatar has been for the last 97 years.'

'The Avatar is still very shocked and confused,' Ozai responded. His golden eyes wandered off to the window. 'The Avatar can most certainly help us,' he continued. 'It's a pity he has come to us this late – probably too late.'

Azula frowned. 'How do you mean 'too late', Father?' she asked.

Ozai stood up. 'The Fire Nation has always been the biggest threat to the Water Tribes,' he said. 'We're the only thing that stands between the Water Tribes and their biggest wish – world domination.'

Azula nodded impatiently. They all knew this by heart.

'What's less well known, is that the Fire Comet is about to return,' Ozai said. 'And we'll use the power this comet provides us with to wipe the Water Tribes out of existence.'

Azula leaned towards her father. She had known nothing about this. Why hadn't her father told her this any sooner? Only yesterday he had said the Fire Nation wouldn't help the Earth Kingdom… because they were planning to destroy the Water Tribes?

'This is supposed to stay secret,' Ozai said. 'We don't know if the Water Tribes know about this comet. And we don't want them to be prepared for us when we do attack.'

Some people nodded. Azula realised they had all been aware of this plan.

'Now the Water Tribes know we've got the Avatar… they might attack us. We need to be prepared for that.' Ozai looked at his daughter. 'Princess Azula, I want you to teach the Avatar. I don't think he'll be able to master all elements in time… but the Avatar is a beacon of hope. Teach him firebending. The soldiers need to know that he's on our side.'

Azula nodded again.

Ozai met her gaze to convey the importance of this task. Azula didn't look away.

'This will be all for today. War minister Qin, I'd like an update on the mobilization of our troops before the end of the week.'

Qin bowed his head. 'It'll be done, Fire Lord.'

Ozai rose, which gave the other attendants silent permission to stand up as well. Azula watched them. They bowed before her father and murmured 'Fire Lord Ozai' before leaving the room. She felt Ozai looking at and turned her head to face him.

'Princess Azula,' her father said after the curtain had closed behind general Zhao. They were alone now.

'Father,' Azula said calmly.

'There's something you want to tell me,' Fire Lord Ozai said. It wasn't a question. Azula nodded slowly, still not sure how she should approach this topic. 'There is, father.'

'Well,' Ozai said. 'What is it?'

Azula choose her words carefully. 'Today you spoke of war, father. The Fire Nation will be in danger - and so will be our citizens.'

His face stayed unreadable. She hadn't said anything new yet and he was waiting for her to be clear about what she wanted.

'I'm one of the best fighters we've got,' Azula said. 'But I'll be more adequately equipped to help my people if you would allow me to…'

'No,' Fire Ozai said loudly.

Azula balled her fists. 'Why not?' she asked, trying to sound calm. 'You keep denying me my right. I'm ready, and you know it.'

'It is too dangerous,' Ozai said. 'I won't allow it.'

Azula gritted her teeth. 'I can handle the fight…'

'I was there when your cousin Lu Ten said the same words,' Ozai said coolly. 'You know what happened to him.'

Azula was surprised by this argument. Surprised, but not convinced. 'I'm not Lu Ten, father,' she said.

'No, you're even younger than he was,' Ozai said. 'And he wasn't an incapable bender. He passed the first test. He was declared a master. And then the second fight came…'

Azula knew she had lost the argument There was no way she could convince her father - not after he had brought up Lu Ten. Azula wanted to tell her father that he was being unfair, but she forced herself to stay silent.

Instead, she bowed. 'Father,' she said stiffly. For the second time in two days, she was about to leave a meeting wanting to set something on fire.

To her surprise, Ozai came closer and placed a hand on her shoulder. 'You and I both know you'll be my heir someday,' he said. 'Don't waste your life trying to prove something to people that will eventually bow to you.'

Azula tensed. She looked up at her father, who seemed serious. He had never talked about her becoming Fire Lord after him. 'But Zuko…' she said hesitantly.

'Don't worry about Zuko,' her father said before he let go off her shoulder.

Azula blinked, not sure if he wanted her to say something. She waited a few more seconds before she bowed and left the room, confused and overwhelmed.

'Azula!' Aang said, jumping up when he saw her. He seemed happy, but his smile slowly disappeared when he noticed her anger. 'What's wrong?' he asked.

'Nothing,' Azula grunted, still struggling to process the conversation she just had. 'Do you want to train?'

Aang blinked. 'Like - right now?' he asked. Azula rolled her eyes.

'Yes, right now,' she said, a little more harshly than she had intended to. Aang seemed hurt, but Azula decided to ignore it.

'You mean firebending?' Aang asked.

Azula resisted the urge to sigh. 'Yes. I'd very much like to teach you waterbending, but I'm afraid I'm only able to teach you firebending.'

'Well… I'll be having a very capable teacher,' Aang said, trying to cheer her up. 'I've never seen anyone fight the way you do!'

Azula didn't know much about the Air Nomads, but she did know they were very peaceful. Therefore, she wasn't sure if the compliment meant very much, coming from him.

Apparently, her father didn't think she was capable enough...

'There's one thing though,' Aang said.

Azula balled her fists again. She forced herself to take a few deep breaths before relaxing them. 'Yes?' she asked, her voice cool but calm.

'I'm supposed to learn waterbending first. The Avatar circle. Water, earth, fire, air.'

Azula crossed her arms in front of her chest. 'I'm afraid you won't find any waterbenders in the Fire Nation capital,' she said. 'I'll ask the head librarian if there are any water bending scrolls, but for now, we can only focus on fire bending.'

Did her father really consider her his heir? But Zuko was older… what would he say? And her mother would never accept it… Her father knew that.

'Sounds like fun,' Aang said, smiling. Azula sighed again. She still felt angry - and she was quite sure she wouldn't be able to teach Aang like this. He didn't seem like someone who would be motivated by screaming and cursing.

'Azula?' Aang asked her.

She sighed. 'I'm not sure if it's a good idea to train right now,' she admitted.

'What's wrong?' Aang asked, looking at her with worry.

Azula was silently debating if she should tell him.

'You can tell me,' Aang said, as if he could read her mind. For a brief moment she wondered if he could.

'It's…' she started. 'Complicated.'

Aang smiled encouragingly.

'My father doesn't want my to take my master-test,' she said.

'Why not?' Aang asked. 'You seem like a master to me.' Azula acknowledged his compliment with a small nod.

'Is he afraid you'll fail?'

'No - not the mastery test,' Azula muttered. She sighed. 'I don't know what the Airbenders did to test their benders, but we have to fight and defeat another master to be declared one. That is part one. For the second part we have to go to the mountains, where the dragons live.'

Aang looked at her intently. 'Wow,' he said softly.

Azula nodded. 'You have to go alone. To become a dragon rider, you need to defeat one. That's the only way you'll get their respect. So you need to wait until one of them picks you, fight them... '

'And if you'll win, you'll become their rider,' Aang finished her sentence.

Azula nodded.

'And your father is afraid you'll… fail?'

She sighed. 'Yes.' She bit on the inside of her cheek. 'My cousin died during his test. His father - my uncle - was heartbroken. He left the Fire Nation for years. When my grandfather died, he wasn't there. So my father became Fire Lord instead.'

'I… wow. I'm sorry for your loss,' Aang said.

'Thank you. But I'm not my cousin. I know I can tame a dragon.'

Aang scratched the back of his head. 'It sounds… dangerous.'

'It is dangerous. But I can handle it.' Azula turned her back on Aang to watch the great mountains. She imagined she could hear the roars of the dragons, even though she knew it was impossible.

'Well, if you ever need to fly somewhere, we could always use Appa,' Aang said.

'Of course,' Azula said absentmindedly. She made a decision and turned back to Aang. 'Let's start with the basics, shall we?'

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