Sokka narrowed his eyes at the small dragon that was swinging back and forth of the silver chain. It was exactly the same as the one he had except hers was blue, his was red. He didn't trust her one bit, if Toph hadn't claimed she was telling the truth……

"Why are you here?" Aang sneered, meeting Azula's heated glare with a look of hate. Like Sokka, Aang didn't trust her, he hated her, a hate that was fueled by fear. He knew Aang was terrified of her, he was scared the moment he met her. Despite his fearsome demeanor, Sokka could see the occasional twitch of his arms that displayed his fear.

Turning his gaze back towards the Princess, he noticed she was leaning against a tree. She was favoring her right foot, barely putting her weight on it, instead leaning against the tree for support. He also noticed the wrappings on her arms, which he now recognized as bandages, had ripped in patches. They revealed bright red marks that looked swollen and painful, with a start of surprise, Sokka realized were burns. Even more puzzling, was the fact she had been being chased by someone…..a bounty hunter, he guessed judging by the fact he had ridden a shirshu.

"I'm waiting for an answer." Aang said.

"Well aren't we demanding today." she said in response to Aang. He narrowed his eyes in anger and frustration. She seemed different to Sokka somehow; maybe it was the fact she didn't speak in that smooth, poisoned honey voice she usually possessed.

"Hey wise guy, you're not the one to be a smart mouth right now got it?" Toph said her voice firm. As Azula glanced in her direction, her gaze happened to pass over Katara. She noticed a look of such hate and anger, that she knew the waterbender would kill her the moment she got the chance. She had never seen a look so hateful in her life.

At Toph's remark, Azula sighed deeply. Her shoulders sagged and for a couple moments she looked older than 15, weary and tired. Sokka exchanged a quick glance with Katara; she looked just as confused as he felt. Never before had he seen the Princess so tired and weak, she usually had the pose of confidence and authority.

"I don't know." she said, putting her face in her hands and sinking to the ground. The necklace fell from her grip and landed on the ground besides her. All the will to capture the Avatar had been driven out of her, the will to fight, her spirit crushed. The wind whispered through the branches as the sun was beginning to set. Sokka took one step closer towards Azula, who glanced up at him with a quizzical look on her face. Normally he wouldn't approach her so gently, but instinct told him that she needed it, that something bad had happened to her.

"Azula, what happened?" he said, kneeling down besides her. She looked at him with eyes so full of pain and hurt that his heart almost skipped a beat. Those golden eyes that once burned brightly now were as dull as ash. She let her gaze fall away and stared at the ground.

Sokka scooped up the necklace in his hands and held it up in front of her. She gently took it from him, clasping it back around her neck. She met his gaze again, then cleared her throat and so began her tale.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Sorry it took so long guys, but I'm sooooo busy with school. Anyhow this is one of those transition chapters….I'm too excited at the prospect of the third season to write properly!! Please R&R I'll update sooner, promise! ;)