Hello Dear Azulaangers! Is that what we're called? We really need a better term lol. Anyways, thanks to Azula's Fan (for like the tenth time) for suggesting the prompt I used for this!
Anyways, enjoy!
Azulaang Drabbles
Chapter 12: An Audience
The first female Firelord in history sat upon her throne, her face shadowed. Blue flames ran the length of the room to intimidate anyone who dared approach her. The Fire Nation had won the war thanks to the newly re-christened Ozai's Comet. The Phoenix King, Ozai had made Ba sing Se his new palace, and had made his daughter acting Firelord. A desire to be strong for her people kept Azula sane in the trying times leading up to their ultimate victory. It had almost been a year since that fateful day, and though she had seen some weird things, this had to top it off. The Avatar had begged a peaceful audience with her, and had come of his own volition to her home. To her throne room, of all places!
"State your business, Avatar." She started off coldly, her golden eyes the only facial feature Aang could make out.
"I wish for a pardon for me and my friends." He answered honestly.
This had to be some sort of a trick. "What?" She laughed out loud. "Why?"
His shoulders sagged slightly. "We're all tired of running. The Comet broke our fighting spirit."
This was certainly news to her, she was now genuinely curious about this boy. He was either stupid or suicidal. "And what exactly could you offer to me in exchange?" The Fire Lord, Azula asked to the teen in front of her.
"Myself." Was his simple reply as he bowed his bald head down in front of her.
"Tell me why I shouldn't just kill you now." Azula sneered.
"Because I can help resolve any remaining rebellions peacefully. I'm trying to apply to your diplomatic side."
She mulled it over. "And you'll swear fealty to Phoenix King Ozai?"
The Avatar stiffened at that. His stormy eyes met hers. "I will swear allegiance to you." He tactfully replied.
The Firelord smiled at that. 'Smart boy.' "Guards! Leave us! I need to go over the terms of our new arrangement."
The Dai Li agents stationed around the room, moved to the door. "Firelord, are you certain?" One of them asked
Azula's golden eyes flashed dangerously. "Do you think me incapable?"
The guard who spoke out of turn realized his mistake. "O-of course not!"
"You will not question me again, now leave!" She stood up, and stepped through the flames which parted to her will.
Ever a stoic group, they fell into formation, before bowing to their Firelord and leaving.
"Why did you say that you would ally yourself with me and not my father, Avatar?" She asked as she approached him.
The boy hesitated. "Because I know you're not evil."
A thousand thoughts screamed in Azula's head disagreeing with that statement, but her strange curiosity overwhelmed her. "Oh? And what makes you say that?" Her heart surprisingly thudded heavily as she awaited his reply.
Aang let out a small smile. "How many people have you actually killed in your life?"
She smirked a little. "I killed you, didn't I?"
The Avatar grinned sheepishly at that. "Almost doesn't count, Azula." His face became solemn. "I can see it in your eyes. You've never killed anyone. If you were really as heartless as you like to act, then Ba Sing Se would have fallen with bloodshed, not subterfuge."
The girl was left speechless as he continued. "Your Father however, has no issue with executing anyone in defiance of him. The day of Sozin's Comet proved that."
She found her voice and asked unsteadily. "So...what are you saying, exactly?" Her voice cracked a little, and butterflies seemed to have taken residence in her stomach.
Aang thought of all of his friends that had died on that dark day and who were left to pick up the pieces, and steadied himself. "I'd rather have you run the World than that murderous tyrant. How does Phoenix Queen Azula sound to you?"
The thought was certainly tantalizing, to say the least.
"And after my Father has been deposed? What of you then, Avatar?"
"...I will still be here, loyal to you. The Avatar's job is to bring balance to the World, and separating the Four Nations seems a bit old-fashioned now. I believe my job now is to ensure balance with people of all nations united."
She mulled over his words carefully. Now that she thought about it, everyone being on equal footing, no matter what nation they hailed from, sounded like a good idea. She would never openly admit that to her Father though. This boy was something special, that was sure.
"Do you really think I'm not evil?" She asked, a bit of insecurity showing through.
His laugh rang out, sweet and melodic in the vast throne room. "Of course you're not! I wouldn't be here if I felt otherwise!"
"Would you stay here with me, as my consort then?" She blushed a little at the thought, but who else could compete with her awesome power? No one else had even come close to her level besides him, and certainly no one else she could view as marriage material.
The boy seemed thunderstruck. He had not expected that question from the Firelord. He swallowed hard, and nodded once. 'Sorry Katara, this is for the greater good.' he rationalized to himself.
"It's settled then. We shall be wed and then we shall overthrow my Father, and I suppose I could spare your friends." She sighed as if it was such a bore.
"Really? Thanks, Azula!" he beamed at her.
Her face flushed at Aang's gratitude, and she wished her face was still hidden in shadows. She recovered and started barking orders.
"Guards, get back in here!" When they appeared, she continued, "One of you send for the Fire Sages, as we had a wedding that needs to be officiated!"
The Avatar was speechless. He had assumed marriage would be an eventual happening, not an instantaneous one. Azula then said something that shocked him.
"This man is now my betrothed. You will now listen to what he says like it came directly from me, or the consequences will be swift and severe. Understood?"
All of a sudden, the guards had all bowed to him. This was shaping up to be an interesting day.
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Until next time!
