chapter three: beginner
Azula is an incredible firebender, but she knows nothing about the professional fights. She also will not admit that, which makes Ty Lee's task twice as difficult. Ty Lee also happens to revere the royal family, even after their downfall, and she always finds herself in a tizzy over every move Princess Azula makes.
"That can't count!" shrieks Azula as she rubs her limp and numb arm. "I was far faster than you. You know I was. That was a perfect strike."
Ty Lee licks her lips. She thinks she would have punched anyone but Azula for disrespecting her. Maybe because Azula deserves far, far more respect than Ty Lee.
"It was excellent, princess," Ty Lee says, gulping.
Azula always softens slightly when she hears Ty Lee call her princess. So few people do anymore.
"But you have a very rare talent," Azula purrs, walking towards Ty Lee.
"You smell amazing," Ty Lee says before realizing how out of line that probably is.
"I find that hard to believe," Azula replies softly. She has been out here sweating in the dirt since sunrise. "But I appreciate it."
Ty Lee blushes.
"You know, I'm kind of the best nonbender and I do really well against benders too. I mean, your firebending is perfect, but I could teach you my style. That way you could have both and you'd be unstoppable," Ty Lee says, smiling. She squints from the sunshine as she studies Azula's expression.
"That would be wise. You might not be as stupid as you look," Azula says, patting Ty Lee's shoulder condescendingly.
"Thank you," Ty Lee replies. "Maybe a water break?"
"Are we allowed to have those?" Azula inquires sarcastically.
"Oh, yeah, oh, I… you were being sarcastic, weren't you?" Ty Lee blushes harder as she skitters off to get water.
Azula waits. She does find Ty Lee important for her ego, when Ty Lee is not thwarting her every move in their endless spars. People do not enjoy treating her like a princess amongst these… gladiators, or whatever second rate citizens they are. Their conditions are worse without Ozai, but Azula is clever enough to keep that to herself.
She does not need any more enemies.
Ty Lee returns with the water and waits for Azula to drink first, as would be custom in a better world. Azula watches Ty Lee fill her mouth to avoid conversation.
"Do you remember when we first met?" Azula asks and Ty Lee begins to cough. She spits up the water she inhaled into her palm and shakes it off on the dirt.
"I didn't know you did," Ty Lee says. "At the Arena construction site. I didn't…"
"Of course I remember. Or at least I did as soon as I learned I would be your protégée," Azula says, accentuating protégée with a demeaning glint in her eyes.
"You're not much of a protégée; you're so amazing for a beginner," Ty Lee says. Then Ty Lee stares at her feet, then looks up at Azula, then decides to address what she has never mentioned. "I'm sorry I got you into this mess. I would do anything to get you out of it."
"You mean when I got caught stealing because of how loudly you speak." Azula shrugs. "I accept your apology. Perhaps this is for the best. I do like fighting much more than stealing or begging."
Ty Lee smiles.
"You can win your freedom this way," she says.
Azula scoffs.
That is a pathetic lie that only a true naiveté would believe.