Chapter Three: Collapse of the Imperials

The throne became her bed. Azula had found time in her day to rest. Too much had happened.

It stressed her.

Her neck was slightly turned to her right as her chin rested upon her breast. She was just in a light slumber. Her slow, even breaths created an air of peace in the Firelord's chamber. The fire, still lit with a ravenous disposition, heated her slender body. She found it in her to smile in her sleep.

Finally, I have found peace.

But peace did not ever wish to bestow itself to those of wrathful desire.

A rush consumed her lungs. Her breathing pattern began to labor with enormous stress. Her breasts levitated and fell with each arduous gasp. Her mouth twitched and growled. Her eyebrows became crooked with displeasure.

My reverie…

Father. He is here with me now! Taking me down, pushing me into oblivion.

He is choking me…

I cannot breathe…

I will not survive past this day.

But I must!

Her father's voice: "I need a suitor, an heir to the throne. That is all I ask of you.

"I have decided to crown you the new Firelord."

But it is not to be, Father! You lied to me. Me! Your own daughter. Your own flesh and blood.

You, my own father, one who has always been my idol, has found it best to turn against everything I have planned. Father, you would be nowhere without me. You probably would have died on the Day of Black Sun if it were not for me. I sacrificed my own sanity to bear the clothes of the Earth Kingdom. I pledged my allegiance to them! I allowed such words to graze my tongue.

What have you done to repay me?

Nothing…

Answer me, you silly coward!

Your silence…

That is right! You have done nothing! I do not perform out of the kindness of my heart.

You should know. I inherited that from you.

I have given you so much in my life. I have become your true prodigy. I have become perfect at your expense and your pleasure.

As of now, the only thing you ever gave me was a bunch of traitors. I inherited your burdens. You hired all those who work for me: My servants, the Imperial Firebenders…

The Imperials! They are still here. They are your eyes of this institution! They are here to protect you.

Not me.

Azula's eyes opened in a savage, bloody birth of ecstasy. The Imperial Firebenders were just outside the door of her throne. They were waiting to strike.

But so am I…

She summoned them at once. Dressed with the skull mask of only those of elite stance, she immediately shot them a look of disdain.

She spoke first. "For generations, Firelords have utilized your strength as means of protection.

"You think you have potency. You believe that you have dignity.

"You have neither. I assure you, I know why you are here. My father has used you as a weapon to break my skin."

A single Imperial spoke: "Your father, Phoenix King Ozai, has put us in charge of your safety, Princess."

My safety! I do not need protection! I am perfect, flawless, pristine.

Father does not concern himself with my well being.

"I am sure that is just what he wanted you to think. There is more to his preparation than simplistic fortification.

"He wants revenge upon me. I will not give him what he desires from me most.

"An heir."

"So… this is all because you refuse to bequeath a child to keep your bloodline?" the Imperial joked.

Men! They cannot comprehend the internal symbolism of women! How dare he mock me! This is not a joke, Father!

It is not easy to accept the burdens of motherhood. I will never do it.

Even if it means the throne, Father.

"Let me tell you something," Azula said, "my maternal responsibility within the walls of this nation is not to be toyed with."

She glared at him with her golden eyes. Her pupils dug deep into his flesh.

He felt it.

"I am sorry, Princess. I plead for your forgiveness."

Yes, down on your knees. You know, you men appear quite handsome playing the subordinate role. Perhaps you should play the game more often.

"I realize now that I do not need you. I am too faultless to need assistance from that of subordination. You work for my father, whom I have little respect for anymore. If you knew what was best for you, I would suggest you leave this palace."

The men bowed to her, and left the way they came in.

Satisfied, Azula closed her eyes again.

Sin for sacrifice, torment is my savior.