Chapter Two: Maternal Fire

"The divine right to rule is something you are born with."

And Azula was born with it. It was in her blood, nestled in the deepest chambers of her soul. It was in her eyes, those deep pools of topaz that glistened like the gem in sunlight. It was in the palm of her hand.

But it was gone.

Her own birthright, it seemed. Something set in stone, a finality of life…

She lost her footing, felt the chills of water engulf her body, and sank below oblivion…

She never came up for air…

No, breathe…

She imagined it like a child seeping its first gasp of life. The lungs expanded, allowing a voice to be heard.

Then, a cry.

Tears stained her flawless face, tracing each curve with a swift push from gravity.

She just needed time alone. She realized that she was gratified, so thankful to be alive.

At a time like this, was living really worth it?

Of course it was! Zuko would not have the throne.

No. Perhaps it was not. Being Firelady was of no major importance.

I am alive. I still have a chance…

Do I not?

Azula's thirst was quenched by the salt of her tears. They fell more frequently, each developing a heavier stance upon her face.

No, I cannot be seen like this. One of power dries the tears of another.

Her left hand rubbed the water away. Her golden eyes disappeared like a clenched fist. She filled air into her lungs and released it with a burst of blue fire. It swirled around her, crackling and sizzling in abundance.

My child is that of the flame. My womb holds a life conceived from the sun and fueled by my rage.

Defenseless is that of an infant of flesh. Fire is free to consume, instantly weaned from the maternal breast of the creator.

Azula allowed a grin to cross her face. Just the thought that she was already a mother gave her immense comfort. Her lungs expanded in her ecstasy. A heat grew that protected her seat upon the throne.

You protect me, and I shall protect you. You are the precious meaning of my existence. I live to make you stronger, to guide you up the ladder of power. I hold you in my hands. I nourish you with the air I breathe.

Booming laughter reverberated inside the walls of her daydream. Despite a minute rasp, it was shrilling, desperate for attention.

It caught Azula off guard.

A shiver slithered down her spine. She was afraid. It was a newborn sensation to her.

Wait! Father, how dare you mock my emotions? When this war is over, you will be the one on your knees. You will reside by a subordinate race.

I will be on top of you.

Azula shed herself of her doubt. She eased her mind just for a moment of peace.

The voice, however, had not the heart to allow it.

"I need a suitor, an heir to the throne. That is all I ask of you."

Can you not see it, Father? Are you blind by design? This, this flame I hold within me is my heir. It is my legacy.

I can give you nothing better than this.

Azula fought off the temptation of her own imagination. Her eyes sparkled as she viewed her father upon the airship fleet. His foreboding flame burning…

No, better yet, barely grazing the Earth Kingdom. His fire had not the breath of power. Sozin's Comet did not endow him with the strength of "a hundred suns."

The earth then pounded him.

Azula laughed in amusement. "His attack is probably nothing but child's play," she whispered to herself, "and the Earth Kingdom will not…"

Fall! All of those of past Earth affiliation could not be trusted!

And that includes my most trusted Dai Li agents. Those who have sworn to protect me. Those who freed me from the binds of earth on the Day of Black Sun…

Long Feng…

They betrayed him before they joined me! Could they have it in them to betray me as well?

In an instant, Azula summoned the agents. Gripping her now sweaty palms upon the arms of the golden throne, she slowly calmed herself. She sighed a deep and throaty growl. She allowed her eyes to shut…

Why are they taking so long? I am to be Firelord. My needs are of utmost necessity.

But of course, they are working on the opposition. I'm sure they are planning something horrible upon me.

Did I completely eliminate all assassins inside these walls? I am being watched. Eyes are peering at me, crawling upon my skin.

Bright, but sinister. Gold, but impure as pyrite.

My father's eyes, no doubt…

A knock.

Seven Dai Li agents entered the room. All were in complete uniform, walking at a perfect pace, as to not pass one another.

The leading agent, Azula did not ever care to know his name, spoke first. "You sent for us, Princess? Is everything alright?"

How nonchalant you are. No distress at all. I know how concerned you are for my safety. If you cared so much, why did it take you five minutes too long to get here?

She spoke: "Actually, everything is not alright! Do you know how long it took you to get here?"

It took forever, quite honestly. If you really want to know, I wish you had displayed this kind of disloyalty to the Earth King. His beloved bear had not one ounce of protection.

He should have perished on your watch.

The agent frowned at her, "A few minutes, I guess?"

You guess? You do not guess on my dime! Bet your own life when you gamble! And besides, precious minutes of my life were wasted because of you.

"Five, to be precise."

Five minutes that lasted an eternity. Someone could have killed me. Someone could have raped or abused me.

And no one would know…

She continued: "In which time an assassin could have snuck in, done away with me, and been on his merry way!"

"My apologies, Princess."

An apology? That is all I get for my misery? I am not falling for this insignificant lie, Father. I suggest you try a little harder next time.

"Is this how you plan to treat your new Firelord? With tardiness and disloyalty?"

I know you will say yes. I can read it on your face.

"The Dai Li would never betray you!"

What an incredible lie that is! Anyone has the capacity to lie. It is a part of human nature.

It is part of your nature. You did it to Long Feng; you could do it to me. I am not even part of the Earth Kingdom!

"And I'm sure that's just what you told Long Feng before you turned against him and joined me…"

Should I show, what is it, mercy? Banishment is best. They can go kill someone else, and not me.

"You're all banished!"

"But?"

"Goodbye!"

I need not to hear your little sob story. Just leave, all of you. Get out of my sight!

"Please send the next group on your way out!"

So I can banish them too…