Little Sisters

Kuma and Azula were having an impromtu session. "You mentioned a trip to the Spirit World with the Avatar. That's how you knew my uncle?"

"Yes." Some color had returned to Azula's face. "It's...strange. Maybe my uncle isn't so goofy after all."

A knock was heard. "I can dismiss them, if you like."

"They'll only come back later. Let them in."

Kuma opened the door. Masanori poked his head in. "Hi, Kuma."

"Hi, cloudbender." She turned. "Princess, it's Masa."

"I can hear him."

"Hi, Cat. You hungry?"

"No. But I can try to eat."

Masanori entered the room, followed by Ursa and Jinsun. Ursa held a bowl.

Azula's nostrils flared. "Porridge...with honey and cinnamon."

"My mother made it," Masanori said proudly.

"I suppose I'll try it," Azula said quietly.

"Do you mind if I use your seat, Kuma?"

"Not at all, Lady Ursa."

Ursa sat in the chair and spooned a large blob of porridge. When she placed it near her oldest daughter's face, Azula would not open her mouth. "What's wrong, honey?"

"I'm not a baby, Mother. I don't need to be fed like one."

"All right," Ursa said evenly. She set the bowl on the small nightstand. Azula couldn't reach it. Just trying to lift her head made her body explode with pain. This was worse than a hangover. "Honey, let me, please." Ursa took the bowl and prepared a spoonful.

Azula's face did not change expression. But she couldn't stop the tears. She opened her mouth to accept the spoon, bitterness burning in her eyes. "I'm not a baby," she whispered after swallowing.

Kuma stepped forward. "Princess, everyone needs help now and again. It's more shameful to refuse it than to accept."

"I should be doing this for my daughter," Azula said. "Is Roka all right?"

"She's doing fine, Cat." Masanori smiled. "She has her grandma, her grandpa, her cousins..." He could see this wasn't helping much.

Amaya entered the room, holding Zuko's hand. "Look who's here," the young Fire Lord said.

Kuma knelt down to Amaya's level. "Maybe you can help big sister, Little Miss."

Amaya's eyes got big. "What can I do?"

"She's too sad to eat. Maybe you can cheer her up."

"Okay." Amaya climbed up on the other side of the bed. She sat tailor-style. "Look, Sister Dragon" Amaya conjured a small flame and kept it burning between her palms. "I can do it like you can."

"I don't think I can do it right now," Azula said sadly.

"Don't cry, Sister Dragon." Amaya rubbed her sister's hot head.

"It's because of you that Amaya is so good, honey." Ursa did her best to be encouraging.

"I don't want to eat anymore," Azula snarled. "Just give me a drink and you all can go."

"Highness," Dr. Jinsun said," I insist you allow me to remain. You're improving, but you're not well."

"I don't need any of you hovering over me like buzzard-wasps. You can make regular check-ups."

Ursa sadly urged Amaya to come along. The little girl kissed Azula's forehead. "Love you, Sister Dragon."

"Me too, Cat."

"We all do, baby." Ursa tried to get through, but it didn't work. She let Azula have the jug of water as the others left the room.

Kuma turned back. "Princess, you're not weak. You're healing, and healing can hurt as much as dying." Azula did not respond.