Bet you thought I'd forgotten. No matter how long I may take to update, I will update. Also, review? *pleading puppy dog eyes*
The Waterbender was trying to repair Azula's ruined clothing while the lemur slept peacefully in her lap.
The Avatar and the Earthbender were practicing chucking rocks at one another.
The Watertribe boy sat facing her as he poured over a map, planning something. With every slight movement Azula made, his eyes snapped up to stare distrustingly at her.
Azula was leaning against the wall on a cushion of blankets. Several hours had passed since she woke to find herself in the arms of her enemy.
If what they had since told her was true, then the Waterbender had received a dream from a spirit telling her of the "danger Azula was in".
From what she could tell, the group was telling her the truth. She didn't think she could take much more damage to her pride. Azula had always prided herself on her ability to read others and to be unable to spot a lie when such an obvious one was being told hurt.
A spirit had contacted a Waterbending female, rather than the Avatar, to tell her that her enemy was being punished thanks to her? The lie just grew from there. Fearing for the safety of her enemy, the young Waterbender convinced her friends to journey into the very heart of enemy territory to save Azula. The group knew nothing of where they were heading, just that their enemy "needed help". As they drew nearer they spotted a great storm raging and flew into the thick of it! The capital within their sights, the Waterbender suddenly knew where to find their enemy! After "freeing" her from her chains, they brought her to safety in their camp!
What part of that was supposed to be even slightly believable?
Yet, Azula couldn't tell they were lying. She knew they were, but she hadn't been able to tell...
She had always been perfect! She was Azula, the Fire Nation's Princess!
What was happening to her?
It had to be this cold's fault. Azula rarely got sick and when she did, it had never affected her like this. However, that had to be what was wrong. She would not let herself believe she was losing her edge, the very thing that made her who she was. No, she was sick, that was all.
Her skin felt hot, her body was constantly sweaty, her throat sore, her muscles achy, sleepy... Azula was sick. Nothing else.
-break-
Azula lay on the warm sand at her family's house on Ember Island. She could feel the sun beating down on the skin not covered by her bikini. Birds called out to one another while gentle waves hit the beach.
For once, Azula was all alone. She could slip and fall if she wanted or just laugh happily. There was no one, but her.
The thought brought a peaceful smile to Azula's already relaxed face.
Despite having to share this place with her mother and her brother, Emerald Island remained Azula's favorite place... As long as she stayed on the half owned by the royal family. Mingling with peasants was not for someone of Azula's stature.
"Having fun?" A kind voice entered Azula's little world.
Azula propped herself up on her arms and looked at the woman sitting gracefully beside her.
"Of course." Azula was dimly aware that she shouldn't be this relaxed.
"I'm glad. You've been having a rough time of it, I figured I could give you the chance to relax while we talk." The woman smiled at her.
Azula knew she should be asking questions. 'Who are you?' 'What are you doing on my family's land?' 'What have you done to me?' 'Why can I see you, but can't tell what you look like?' 'Talk about what?' So many questions, however, none of them mattered.
Azula lay back down with a happy sigh and folded her arms behind her head.
The woman laughed and lay on the ground beside the Fire Nation's Princess. After a few moments of peaceful silence, she spoke, "Azula, dear?"
"Hm?"
"Do not leave the Avatar's side."
"Hm, right," Azula yawned only just managing to cover her mouth. The warm sand and the warm sun felt wonderful.
The woman's twinkling laugh reached her ears yet again. "Don't fall asleep on me."
"Mm, capture the Avatar. Mhm."
"No, Azula. Do not capture him or his friends."
"No?"
"No." The woman smiled. "Do you know who I am, Azula?"
"Of course I do." She knew, she just couldn't think of it right now. This woman was... she was...
"Don't strain yourself, dear... Do you trust me?"
Azula opened her eyes to stare at the woman beside her, "Always." Azula would always trust her. No matter what happened, she knew she would always be able to find strength in her.
The woman's smile grew, "Good. Trust me now, Azula. Stay with the Avatar. That is all I ask of you."
Azula blinked. The word 'why' was on the tip of her tongue, yet it wouldn't come out. She would do anything this woman asked, but the request was a strange one. Stay with the Avatar, but do not capture him? What about her nation? What about Father?
"If you do as I ask, it will be in the nation's best interest."
That's good. Azula smiled again at the thought of her Fire Nation.
"Such devotion, I'm so proud."
Azula gazed in wonder at the woman.
She laughed, "Yes, proud. I am very proud of you, Azula. I hope to be for quite some time... You always have the Fire Nation and your father on your mind. I know I am easily forgotten, but please try to remember me in the future." The woman knew she was crossing the line. She shouldn't be asking for more from the young prodigy. She shouldn't influence things more than she already had. However, she had her children to watch over and an important promise to keep. Without her interference, her children would have been fine, but she would have broken her promise... Well, not all her children.
Azula's tired yawn, brought the woman out of her reflection. "Sleep, you need rest if you want to get well."
"Hm?"
"You're sick, remember?"
'Sick'? That sounded familiar, however, Azula had never felt better.
"Sleep."
So, she did.