A scarecrow dressed in fire nation clothing stands happily in front of a wall. Ocean blue eyes narrow looking at the target. With a quickly reaction and a flick her wrist she sent three blades into the scarecrow almost successfully pinning him to the wall but only one blade pierced his arm. Her teacher quickly comes out of nowhere and hits the young woman's fingers with her closed fan.
"You did it again" she said looking at her student a bit disappointed
The young woman rubs her fingers "I know it's just a bit harder than I thought" she said trying to explain herself
Amber eyes slightly narrow "That's no excuse; no matter how hard it is you must keep practicing understand?" she said in a serious tone
Her student nods her head "Yes"
The young woman smiles "Good, now let's take a break for now." She said walking over to her friend and wrapping an arm around her shoulders "How does tea and sweets sound?"
A smile appears on her friends face "Amazingly good" she said and started walking back into the palace with her friend
Six months have passed since the great battle Azula and Toph fought. After the great battle people started speaking about the great elements of earth and fire. A bit after the battle when the third of the six months passed Zuko and Mai were married. Everyone enjoyed the wedding and even Azula sent a gift to them from the Earth Kingdom.
And of course Katara received a gift as well. It was a special set of throwing knifes custom made just for her. They didn't have the signature red like she used from Mai. It was pure silver steel all the way. The handles were flat and smooth with six small holes, and of course the blade was double edged. The blades were very sharp and very pointy at the tip of each one.
When the new Fire Lady saw the blades her eyes brighten and almost tear up saying they were the most beautiful thing she has ever seen. Of course Katara laughed at the thought, tell Mai that it was silly. But once she said that Mai looked at her and spoke in a serious tone saying blades from Azula was a special gift and that Katara must take extra special care of them. Seeing as Mai being her teacher she nodded her head but still trying to understand her friend's point of view about the blades meaning.
"So have you received any resent messages from Azula?" Mai asked pouring her friend a cup of tea
Katara shakes her head carefully taking the cup of tea "Not yet, I sent one about three days ago." She informed
The young woman nods "Good" said simply said pouring herself a cup of tea "Did you tell her you were getting better at your skills?" she asked
Katara smiles remembering the letter she got from Azula "Yes she said she's very proud of me and she told me to tell you thank you for teaching me."
The Fire Lady smiles waving her friend off "Oh it's no problem; at least it kept you busy." She said taking a sip
"True" the waterbender said carefully picking up a cookie "You know it's kind of funny, I didn't know Azula had so many lessons taught to her, I didn't even know she had class with you until she told me." She said taking a bite
Mai nods placing her cup down "Oh yea, we did a couple of class together when we were just kids. She and I usually went head to head out in the garden trying to see who could hit the most targets. It was usually a tie and she accepted it but whenever her father was around she would say something's." she quickly spoke remembering all the times Azula would change her attitude every time Ozai appeared
The Ambassador looks at her cup of tea "It must have been hard to keep a friendship with her" she quietly said
Her teacher nods and speaks up "It was, but I still stayed beside her along with Ty Lee. We could tell in her eyes that she didn't really mean the things she did. But after Zuko was banished everything happened so fast, the next thing we know Azula was sent off somewhere." She sighs watching the steam rise out of her cup "After two to three years that passed Azula comes back, she was so different and it was sad because it felt like I lost a friend." She quietly explained
Ocean blue eyes look up at her friend "I'm sorry you felt that way."
Mai shakes her head and looks up smiling at Katara "Don't be" she said and carefully held her friend's hand "You brought her back to us and I couldn't be any more grateful for you doing that." She said smiling
Katara smiled back and lightly squeezed her friend's hand "It wasn't that hard, she just needed love and understanding." She simply said
"I still thank you" the young woman said moving her hand away holding her cup up and taking another sip
"Mai?" a male voice called out
Mai looks up and smiles "Were in here Zuko" she said
The young Fire Lord walks in with a smile on his face "I just finished up another meeting." He said carefully sitting himself down next to his wife
"How was it?" The Fire Lady asked
"It was ok, the Generals mostly talked about the Earth and Fire leaders" he said with a light chuckle at the end fixing himself a cup of tea
Mai chuckles as well "Again?" she asked only to receive a light nod from her husband "My, my, Azula and Toph are becoming very popular." She said looking at the Ambassador
The young woman chuckles "I know right"
A servant walks in a bit nervous "My lord"
Zuko looks up from his cup of tea "Yes?"
"I'm sorry to interrupt but there is someone here to see you" he said walking over to the three people
The Fire Lord raised a curious brow "How-Who is it?" a bit surprised that someone could just walk into the palace unannounced
"Sir its" he leans over and whispers in his ear
Azula sighs taking a stroll down the streets of a village called Chin, her and her troops decided to stop by there and take a break. The six months passed by faster than what she expected, during those six months she sent most of the men back to the Fire Nation and only kept fifty like she ordinary requested. She didn't have a reason to keep so many men with her, the battle was long over so there was no need for a large army to travel with her.
After the second month Toph left, she said she needed to head back to Ba Sing Se and talk with the Council of Five. But before they went their separate ways they had another sparring match, it was funny because the Earth Kingdom troops made a small fighting ring just for them. The sparring was something amazing that the troops have ever seen. Some were cheering for Azula and some were cheering for Toph. Even Miku was cheering for Toph but this time it was Azula who won in the end.
Toph's new nickname was Sweetpea, as soon as the earthbender heard that she gritted her teeth and bared the nickname. She knew Azula didn't like the name Sunshine so it pretty much added up when Azula won and gave her that nickname. The firebender snapped out of her thoughts when she approached a drinking tavern, all she could hear was a bartender and a drunken customer yelling at each other.
As she got closer to the doors she was surprised as the drunken man was thrown out of the tavern. The firebender just stood there for a moment the let out a deep sigh. She never really liked drunk people because most of the time they were rude and usually very violet.
"Hey you ok?" she asked in a neutral tone.
When he didn't answer she lightly scoffed and rolled the man over with her foot. As soon as she did that her eyes widen in shock and got a bit closer the man. She looked at the man wanting to say something but couldn't.
"S-Sensei? Is that really you?" she asked finally finding her voice
The older man slowly opened his eyes looking at her "Depends" he carefully sits up "Were you my student?" he asked
"Y-Yes, it's me Azula. Don't you remember?" she asked looking at him
"Yes the pain in the ass that wouldn't leave let me be, always wanting to learn more." He said
The firebenders eyes narrow looking at her old master "Geez old man you really know how to keep memories"
He chuckles "At least I remember" he looks at her then a glint passes through his eye "Training you was always the best thing I could possible remember" he stands up "you my dear were something different" right after he said that he quickly attacked her
Azula quickly started blocking each strike that was made. She remembered his moves and each strike he throw at her. But then something caught her off guarder, he started moving more drunken like. Her teacher saw this and quickly kicked her in the stomach which caused her to stumble back. Amber eyes widen in shock, it's been so long since she was hit but one of her teachers.
Her eyes narrow and she quickly moves forward throwing punches and kicks to which her teacher easily tossed to the side. He falls over happily drinking some rice wine from his gourd, Azula quickly kicked up and tried to use a stomp technique but he quickly back flipped and sent ten quick punches to her stomach and chest.
"What the f-" she was quickly cut off by random like kicks
She kept trying to land a hit or something, but his movements were just so off and weird to her. She quickly stepped forward and tried to punch again but as soon as a fist landed on her master he quickly rolled it off like nothing then sent two hard punches to her ribs. Azula coughed up a bit of spit and lands on her knees breathing heavily.
He smiles "you seem a bit off balance Azula" he said looking at his old student
"No kidding" she said glaring at him as she stands up "were did you learn that from old man?" she asked
"Do you like?" he asked chuckling putting away his gourd filled with rice wine "It was something I learned awhile back"
"What's it called?" she asked wanting to learn something like that already
"Zui Quan" he simply said
Azula raises a brow looking as him oddly "Drunken Fist?" she asked
He nods and smiles "You want to learn yes?"
"Yes I do" she said grinning, a chance to learn new fighting techniques was something she always looked forward to
"Come I'll show you the place I have been staying." He said while walking away
"Hold on old man, first I have to tell my second in command and troops that I will be leaving for a bit with you ok. I don't want them to worry." She said standing in the other direction already
He nods and walks over to his old student "Very well, let's go before the sun goes down" he said following her
They quickly walked over to the area where her troops were staying at. As soon as they approached the area all of the troops greeted Azula with great happiness. As they kept walking Miku notices the General walking up to her, a brow raises noticing a somewhat drunken man was right beside her.
The Colonel walks over to her "Uhh General, Sir"
Azula smiles "Yea?"
"Uhh there's a man beside you" Miku said looking at the old man
The General grins "Yes I know"
"Who is he?" she asked
"One of my great teachers, Masaru" she said then turns to the old man "Sensei Masaru this is my second in command Miku" gesturing to her friend
He chuckles and tips his straw hat "A pleasure to meet a friend" he said
"Likewise, I heard some interesting things about Azula's teachers and I must say it is a great honor to meet one of them." Miku said giving a slight bow to the teacher
He chuckles "I'm glad to hear it" he looks at his old student "Seito don't you have to say something to your friend and troops?" he said
"Oh right" she said snapping out of her thoughts "Miku I'm going to be leaving for a bit" she said looking at her friend
The Colonel raised a brow looking at her "Where are you going?" she asked
"With Sensei Masaru to learn more techniques." The prodigy informed
"How long will you be gone?" she asked
The old man speaks up "Knowing her, give her at least a month or two" he said chuckling "she will learn quickly, I know she will" he simply said
Miku's eyes widen "THAT LONG!?" she shouted
"Miku calm down, I'll be back as soon as I can ok." The General said trying to calm down her friend
The firebender sighs looking at her "Ok"
Azula chuckles placing her arm on her friends shoulders "Don't worry, I'll stop by and stuff to check on y'all, just relax." She simply said "Think of this as a small vacation since we had not rest for a least more than six months" she pointed out
"That's true." Miku said agreeing to that "Very well, I'll try to consider this a vacation and I'll inform the men for you too ok." She said looking at her
The General smiles "Thanks Miku"
"No problem, just hurry back ok." She said looking at her
"Yes Sir, Colonel Sir" Azula said mockingly saluting her
Miku's eyes narrow and lightly pushes her friend "Shut up and go"
The General laughs and starts to walk away with her teacher. She smiled as she walked away, she couldn't wait to learn such an interesting fighting technique. Not only that but she could catch up with her teacher and ask how the heck he ended up all the way out here. She snapped out of her thoughts as soon as she heard the old man singing a quiet tune. She chuckled remembering how he always sung some kind of tune while doing something else.
Fire Lord Zuko looked at the opening doorway which leaded to the family room. He felt a bit nervous and excited at the same time. When the servant told him who was waiting to speak with me. He was in shock because he never expected anything like this to happen but it did. He took a deep breath and was about to step forward but he hesitated.
"Hey are you ok?" His wife asked walking up beside him
The young man shakes his head "It's been so long"
"I know it has" she quietly said then gently took his hand "I'll go in with you"
He lightly smiles "Thank you Mai"
They slowly made their way into the family room and saw an older woman sitting quietly in a chair whose amber eyes were scanning the room till they saw two people walking in. A smile graced her lips and she slowly stood up. Zuko's eyes widen thinking it was a dream but it wasn't, it was indeed the real deal.
"Mother" he quietly spoke
She smiled warmly and slowly walked up to him "Zuko"
His eyes watered and quickly walked up to the woman giving her a strong hug afraid that she might disappear again. Ursa smiled holding her son tightly feeling tears run down her cheek. It felt like forever since they held each other. As soon as the hug was over they looked over at one another. Zuko noticed his mother's hair was starting to turn a bit gray; her face had very little lines. She still looked youthful and very little had changed. Ursa did the same thing as well noticing his hair grew out a bit, he grew so much while she was away. Then she noticed the scar on his face, her smile almost vanished as she lightly touched it.
Zuko closed his eyes and quietly spoke "We have much to talk about"
His mother nods "Yes we do"
"Please come with us, we have tea and sweets ready for us."
"Let's get going then"
They quietly walked through the halls of the Fire Nation palace. Ursa's eyes scanned the areas noticing how very little has changed. But the change was a good thing; she noticed the halls were brighter and livelier. Then her eyes lay upon her son and wife. She couldn't help but smile knowing who her son's wife was. Seeing her son and his wife all grow up started to make her feel a bit old but it didn't bother her that much.
Katara sat quietly in the room drinking her tea till she heard footsteps. She smiled and slowly stood up then her eyes widen seeing another woman walk in. She carefully looked over this woman and quickly figured out with was Zuko's and Azula's mother. She could tell by the small facial features that they all shared.
The Fire Lord spoke up "Mother this is Ambassador Katara from the water tribe" gesturing to his friend "Katara this is Ursa my mother." He said smiling
The young woman smiled and held out her hand "It's a pleasure to meet you"
Ursa smiled back and gently shook her hand "It's nice to meet you as well" she said
After the small greetings were done they all sat around the table pouring some tea for the older woman. It didn't take long before Zuko started to ask his mother questions. Asking where she had been this whole time and how she managed to come back her. Not only that but he was also curious of why she came back here to the Fire Nation Palace.
Usra answered the questions her son asked. She informed him that she went into hiding on a small island near the Fire Nation that apparently no one was aware about. She explained that it was a special island that she found when she was younger and kept the secret for herself. She had a home and everything there. She also told him why she came back, she said she received some information about a New Fire Lord taking Ozai's place and discovered that it was him. So she came back to the palace because she knew it was safe to do so.
Once she finished with her story she asked for Zuko's story of why he had a scar on his face. Zuko calmly explained of how he got the scar on his face then started explaining his whole story of what he had to go through to get to this point in time. Ursa looked into her cup of tea sadly after hearing what her song had to go through. She apologized for letting him go through all of it and of course Zuko quickly forgave her.
"After least he won't cause any more harm to you or the four nations." She quietly said
Zuko nodded "I agree" he said taking a sip
The older woman looked over at the water tribe girl "I'm sorry to ask but may I ask which water tribe you are from?"
Katara smiled "I'm from the Southern Water Tribe" she informed
"That's pretty far" Ursa said a bit surprised "How long have you been here?" she asked
"I've been here for a while, maybe for about a year and couple months." She said smiling
"You must be a very busy young lady staying here for that long" Ursa said smiling back at the young girl
Katara lightly blushes and speaks "Well that's half true"
A fine brow raises "Half?" she asked
"Yes, the other half of the truth is because I sit by Azula's side" The Ambassador calmly informed
Both of Ursa's brows shot up in surprise "My daughter Azula?" she asked making sure if she heard right
The waterbender nods "Yes, you see Ursa I have been going out with your daughter for quiet sometime now" she quietly informed still blushing
"I see" was all she said for a moment sitting quietly apparently thinking over something then she finally spoke up "I'm sorry I'm just a little shocked hearing my daughter is still in the palace, the last information I heard about her was when Ozai claimed her as his successor."
Zuko quietly chuckled "Now that was a long time ago" he said taking a sip of tea
"Please tell me, has anything happened to her awhile I was away." The older woman asked in a concerned tone
"Yes, a lot has changed but it's for the better" Katara happily informed
The Fire Lord nods "I agree, she has changed a lot mother"
"Is she here?" Ursa asked getting ready to move
The Ambassador sighed "No" looks into her cup of tea with sad eyes "I'm sorry to inform but she went off into war to fight against Ozai's rebellion she won't return until everything is taken care of." She informed in a sad quiet tone
The mother's eyes sadden as well hearing such information "I see"
Zuko quickly spoke up "Don't worry mother she'll come back home soon" he informed trying to sooth his mother's thoughts
She sighs "I suppose" she looks at Katara for a bit then looks at her son "Do you think you could leave us? I would like to talk to Katara alone for a moment." Looking back at the waterbender
Zuko looked between the women and nodded "Of course mother" then slowly stood up "Send someone once you're done" he said
Katara started feeling a bit nervous and looked at her friend Mai. The young Fire Lady walked over to her and gave a gently squeeze on her shoulder trying to give some kind of quick comfort for her student then slowly walked off with her husband who was waiting by the door. Now the only people left in the room was the waterbender and her lover's mother.
"It's hard to believe that she has changed for the better." The older woman said
Katara looked at her oddly raising a brow "Why is that?" she calmly asked
The older woman sighs looking at her cup of tea "Because I have always known her to be cruel and heartless to everyone around her" then looks at the Ambassador "I was surprised that she found some like you" she quietly said
The waterbender looks at her and lightly smiles "Times have changed Ursa and so has she"
"I can see that" she quietly stated "How did you do it?" she quickly asked
Katara looked at her puzzled "Do what?"
"To make her change." She asked "I have tried to change Ozai a long time ago but he was a very stubborn man. I always assumed Azula would be just like him in every way since she was around him most of the time." She concluded
She slightly shook her head "Well you're wrong about that. Azula only acted that way to get some kind of attention from you. When she learned firebending she got some kind of attention from Ozai." She informed
Amber eyes slightly widen "Is that why she acted that way?" she asked
"Yes, she told me awhile back" the young woman informed and carefully took a sip of her tea "There are a lot of things you need to know. Zuko isn't the only one Ozai marked." She quietly pointed out placing her cup down
Ursa leaned forward a bit "Then please tell me, I want to know what he has done to my daughter." she said in a sadden tone
Katara looked back at her with worried eyes "You're not going to like it."
"Please Katara, I need to know. I have been feeling guilty for a long time now because I left her without even saying a word." She said then gently places her hand over Katara's hand "Please" she said in a pleading tone
The Ambassador looked back at her lover's mother and lightly sighed. She had always hoped that it would be Azula who would talk to her mother about this. But since Azula was far away she guessed that it was up to her to give the story to Ursa. She looked into those sad amber eyes and nodded ready to give Azula's full side of the story. The story that Ursa never knew.
