ASC 103 summer
Azula was acting strangely in Zuko opinion. Every so often he would his sister wearing a distracted smile on her face. It wasn't the arrogant smirk princess usually wore; or the disturbing fanged grin he had seen too much off. It was simply a genuine smile that said all was right in the world. Seeing his sister happy wasn't really a bad thing but watching Azula strut in and out the beach house caused the Fire Lord to raise an eyebrow. When Zuko asked his mother about Azula's odd behavior, she responded with knowing satisfaction.
"Don't worry about it Zuko; I'm sure we'll find out in due time."
"This doesn't strike you as odd?" The Fire Lord asked.
Ursa's smile widened slightly.
"I'll admit her current attitude is some what out of character, but I'm happy to see her this way."
"Okay," The Fire Lord spoke "what is it that you and Mai know that I don't."
You'll find out eventually, besides I don't want to ruin the experience for her."
The Fire Lord threw his hands up in the air with resignation.
"I will never for the life of me, ever be able to understand women!"
The noblewoman chuckled under her breath as Zuko stomped down the hallway and into the courtyard.
Azula was walking down the beach with Nikko at her side. From what the princess was able to observe, Nikko was enjoying himself. Azula was confused by the upbeat feelings she was experiencing. It was if she was eagerly looking forward to the next day; that some how everything was right in the world. It almost seemed as if the world and everything in it now belonged to her.
It had been a day since her encounter and reunion with Saito. And to be honest she was rather surprised by her own actions that night. Whenever the princess's mind drifted to that moment her expression would mimic the look of a blushing bride on her wedding day. Azula shook her head violently; something was definitely off with her.
Eventually Azula ran into Saito again. The dockworker was holding a fishing pole in front of him as he waded into the surf the princes kneeled down in front of the tiger wolf in order to give certain instructions.
"Okay Nikko, you see that man with the fishing rod? I want you to get his attention."
Nikko barked twice and raced off towards Saito. Saito pulled hard when he felt a strong tug on the line. He methodically cranked the fishing reel and pulled again. He repeated the process multiple times until he saw what was beneath the surf. The hooked fish was three feet long and about as wide as his calf. The silver coloration of its scales confirmed what species it was, a salmon.
The salmon had put up a vigorous fight but Saito's patience and methodical technique eventually brought the fish in. Saito pulled the hook out from its mouth and slung the fishing rod over his shoulder. He used his left hand to hold the fish by the gills. The young man heard two loud barks that prompted him to over his shoulder to see a tiger wolf wagging its tail and looking up at him expectantly. Saito took a deep breath before admonishing the dog in front of him.
"Sorry pal, but this fish isn't for you."
"You may want to keep a close eye on that fish Nikko might steal it from you when you're not looking."
Saito turned around to see Azula with her arms crossed wearing the same satisfied smirk she had from the night before.
"Let me guess," Saito concluded, "First this is your dog; and second you planed this all along."
"How very astute of you." The princess mused.
Azula scratched across the neck rewardingly for his actions.
"Don't worry about Nikko; he usually doesn't bite unless he's provoked. As long as you don't try anything threatening you should be fine."
"He's rather large." Saito observed
"Of course he is; he's a tiger wolf."
Saito continued the conversation with an inquiry.
"May I ask why you're stalking me?"
"Stalking," Azula mused. "That's a rather pedestrian way of stating it. And besides I resent that statement; I was simply looking for you."
"For what reason."
"You're not going to be a brooding child like my brother are you, because that would sorely hurt you chances."
Azula fixed Saito with a stern studious gaze before continuing.
"I was looking for you because I wanted to set down some ground rules."
Saito was nervous because and it was understandable. Being the target of Azula's attentions could be more dangerous than being her enemy. As the princess continued speaking he was certain that she was the jealous and possessive type. He had that impression because the rules she was setting down.
First of all the princess made it well known that she wasn't fond of the idea of him looking at other women while they were involved with one another. Secondly Azula wanted it understood that she wouldn't be looked at like a piece of meat. Third, if she ever found out Saito was cheating on her; Azula promised that he would rue the day he was born. Otherwise everything was fine and she was curious to see how far this relationship would go.
Saito soon realized that his life had just got complicated. He also lamented that his grandmother was right about a family curse. The men always fell for troublesome women. And Azula was the most troublesome woman on the planet.
When the princess was finished speaking Saito was grateful and relieved. Admittedly what he said to her that night was the truth. The dockworker just wished that he had kept his mouth shut. On the upside Azula could be very affectionate when she wanted to be.
Saito wasn't sure what to make of these new developments but hopefully he would survive the implications. He was considering the idea of taking Azula out to dance at the weekend. However he started to wonder it she even liked dancing.
"They're going have a dance in the town square this weekend and I was wondering if you would like to come with me?" Saito inquired.
"No,"
"Can I at least I ask why?"
Azula facial expression was a mixture of frustration and embarrassment; this was accentuated be the fact that she was blushing. The princess wasn't someone who liked the idea of showing weakness to anyone. Although in recent years she realized that the fear of being or appearing weak was a weakness of its own.
"I don't know how to dance." Azula mumbled.
Saito looked at her in confusion it was obvious that he didn't quite catch what the princess had just said. Azula growled in frustration once again she would have to repeat herself.
"I said that I don't know how to dance!"
Saito's reaction wasn't what Azula expected. The man simply shrugged and made a simple statement.
"Then you'll just have to learn how. We still have a few days before it starts and there's no time like the present."
Dancing was similar to fire bending or so she was told. She saw the similarities yes, but she felt like she was moving with the grace of a drunken platypus bear. There were often times where the princess would stumble or trip over her ankle. At one occasion the pair both fell down into the sand.
While Azula growled in irritation Saito simply laughed it off and helped the princess, to her feet.
"This is a waste of time!" Azula groaned.
"Don't worry about it. No one becomes a master in a day."
Apparently Azula was used to being able to get things easily. In fact most things did come easily to her. Learning to dance was more difficult than it should have been. So far Saito walked the princess through it over the course of four hours. Despite being told that she was doing well, the princess felt her progress was too slow. Azula was also vexed because, she preferred to lead rather than follow; but right now she was the student and not the master. For now she would have to accept Saito's guidance.
"You're getting the hang of this." Saito congratulated.
"No, it's not good enough. My forms still too sloppy."
It wasn't that bad really, her movements were slightly off, but she really was getting a handle on it. To put things more into her favor she had a natural grace that complimented her every movement. Although, Saito figured a little encouragement couldn't hurt either.
"You're really not that bad."
Azula huffed caustically.
"Spare me that was abysmal."
"You're a perfectionist aren't you?" Saito said.
"No, I simply have higher standards than everyone else."
Saito raised his eyebrow.
"That still sounds like a perfectionist to me."
Azula seated herself on the driftwood log; she then crossed her arms and frowned like a pouty child. In Saito's opinion she was being a bit childish, and also a bit self critical. Saito suspected that the princess was also something of an over achiever.
"You don't have to be so hard on yourself." Saito continued. "We still have three days, so it's not like we're in any rush."
Azula checked the horizon it was now nearing dusk; she had to back by sundown. The princes hated the idea of a curfew but right now she didn't have the patience to argue with her mother at this time.
"As much as I would love to continue this little outing, I unfortunately have to be heading back now."
"Curfew" Saito asked.
"I'm expected back by dusk." Azula said irritably.
"Well I still have some vacation time, So, I guess I'll see you tomorrow."
Azula gave Saito a teasing smile.
"Maybe, but that's if I feel like it."
The princess called Nikko over to her and began the trek back towards the beach house along the shoreline. As Azula expected her mother was waiting for her at the front door. Thankfully she still had an hour of sunlight left. Ursa's expression was impassive she saw her daughter walking back. It hadn't reached nightfall yet, and so far there were no problems. The noble woman knew that her daughter was seeing someone. She had been in relationships before so it wasn't new.
"At least you're back on time." Ursa greeted "how was your day?"
The princess shrugged before answering.
"It was tolerable."
"Are you sure?" Ursa mused
Azula raised an eyebrow something was up with her mother. The princess found it odd that her mother would make an inquiry in such a manner.
"What are you angling for mother?" Azula asked.
"Oh I'm sure it's nothing to worry about."
Ursa dropped the mussing façade she was wearing and continued speaking.
"Mai has an announcement to make."
Azula was unable to hold back her dry sarcasm as she replied to her mother's statement.
"Well, then this should certainly be interesting."
Ursa sighed out in frustration; they still had a lot of work to do in the field of manners and etiquette. The mother made a second announcement before entering the each house with Azula.
"Your brother has decided to extend our vacation. He's invited his friends over for a reunion of sorts."
"That's just lovely," Azula's spoke "yet another thing to add to my list of tortures to endure."
Ursa fixed her progeny with a hard look. She loved her daughter, but honestly that girl had a lot of bad habits. And the one that really gave the noblewoman headaches was Azula's constant sarcasm for every situation.
"Must you be so caustic, Azula?" Ursa asked.
The princess's reply made Ursa look at the darkening sky questioningly.
"It helps me pass the time and…it keeps things in a realistic perspective."
Hearing that Mai was pregnant was new but not surprising. Azula was polite enough considering. As far as the princess was concerned, Mai had simply done her duty as the Fire Lord's wife, which was to provide an heir to throne. Perhaps if she had a different upbringing Azula would have shared her mother's euphoria when hearing the news the family's latest addition. Azula gave her congratulations as she was expected to and went about her business.
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After three days of practicing, it was the day of the dance. Azula had slept well considering the fact that she wasn't sleeping in her normal bed. The princess grunted; her habit for wanting to be pampered was a weakness that would have to be purged. The princess sat on her bed, her memories of the last time her family had a vacation here hazy. She was six years old at the time so it was expected that she wouldn't recall much; even after spending a year free of the asylum her mind still drifted back into memories. She had conversed with Doctor Song about this annoyance six months' after her release and what he said was infuriating. He said that introspection was normal in her circumstances.
The princess banished those thoughts from her mind. Saito had left the final decision to her, it started to make Azula wonder if he was spineless or oddly enough, simply trying to be a gentleman. Azula her pocket watch from the top of the dresser, it was two in the afternoon and she still hadn't made a final decision. She had time to decide so she didn't consider worrying about it until it hit her. How was she going to do all this without anyone knowing? Mai presence in her door doorway answered the princess's question for her. No matter what she did some one was going to find out. This was vexing because Azula was a very private person, and she preferred to keep certain things completely to her self.
"I won't say that I know what you're planning. But I can tell something's on your mind." Mai uttered.
"Then you know that it's not any of your affair." Azula shot back sharply
Mai tilted her head musingly. Ursa her mother in law had noticed that the princess was entertaining a relationship as well. The princess may have been good at masking her emotions (she still was), but the signs we're all too obvious. And adding the fact that the mother knew that Azula was planning something, Ursa decided that she would help this mysterious little relationship to progress a little further and eventually find out who her daughter was involved with.
"Well unfortunately your mother is set on you having a social life."
That wasn't surprising her mother had that intention along with others. Azula huffed in resignation she might as well get this insanity over with.
"And what would this special occasion be?"
"Oh I'm sure that you'll absolutely hate it." Mai answered, "Your mother has become aware that some dance in tonight and decided that you should come with us."
Azula stared at the ceiling like Mai expected the princess to but not for the reason she assumed. The princess could be fairly certain that her brother would be going as well, but at least she now had a cover story. The princess was also aware that she would also have to be extra careful.
"I better get started with preparations then." Azula surmised, "Now if you don't mind I need to get dressed for this occasion."
Mai raised an eyebrow then shrugged sunset wouldn't be for two hours but if Azula wanted to take her time than it wasn't her problem. Azula opened the wardrobe closet with a frown, she wasn't stuck in a bad situation… just a complicated one. Things were looking up in the sense that she would be able to meet Saito without interference. The only problem was keeping her relationship private. This was going to definitely be a challenge, it was quite likely that the Fire Lord and his wife were going to play chaperone for her. The princess rolled his eyes with that assessment while she sorted through the now growing collection of dresses in her wardrobe. Azula slid the hung clothes until she found what she was looking for: the black dress. Getting onto the dress without assistance was difficult to say the least. The buttons were lined along the back and reaching them was a pain. Eventually Azula was forced to use the most humiliating option she had to ask for help. Zuko was the first to answer, much to Azula's irritation.
"What's wrong Azula?"
The princess snorted, her brother was the last person she wanted assistance from in this matter.
"Zuko this isn't a matter that involves you; now can you please get mom?"
The Fire Lord pinched his nose he had suspicions about what going on, but it was probably best if he let mother handle the situation. Eventually with her mother help she was finally able to get dressed for the night's occasion. Besides the dress Azula was also wearing her hair in the same manner as she did on Mai's wedding. Azula also wore the necklace her mother gave her for her last birthday. The necklace was gold chain holding a spherical sunstone orb inside a gold ring.
The princess wore this piece of jewelry because it made mother happy and, admittedly she had a fondness for the necklace as well. Her mother definitely had a better understanding of what she liked than Uncle Iroh did.
Ursa saw the trio off at the front gate. Azula walked the entire way with her arms crossed; hopefully she wouldn't have Mai or Zuko looking her shoulder the entire time. The graying twilight began to darken into night. When they reached the town square it was packed with people of various age groups. The hundreds of paper lanterns hung above the town square provided light for the occasion. Azula attuned her eyes to the task of hunting Saito down within the crowded mass of humanity. The problem in finding him was the fact the he looked so ordinary and it seemed as if he could hide himself in a crowd any time he pleased. The princess snapped her gaze behind her when she felt some one tapping her shoulder; she had turned Saito smiling at her.
"Wow …I have to admit it; you certainly know how to dress for an occasion."
Azula was quick to recover her composure and addressed Saito with a smile of her own.
"It seems you've found one of my few weaknesses, and honestly I enjoy flattery."
Saito was suitably tongue tied by this comment.
"You're speechless, well it seems I might enjoy myself more than I thought."
Zuko was curious about who his sister was talking to, until Mai grabbed his chin and brought his concentration back to her.
"You're stepping on my feet Zuko"
The Fire Lord looked abashed at his wife.
"Aren't we supposed to keep an eye on her?" Zuko stated.
"Your mother also said for us to enjoy ourselves, and I plan to do so thoroughly."
"Besides," Mai looked over at Azula and saw she was involved in a conversation. "She's a big girl now I'm certain she'll be fine. You worry too much."
The Fire Lords wife sighed after making her statement; sometimes her sister in law was right, Zuko did act childish. Either way Azula wasn't doing anything crazy or homicidal; Mai shrugged the princess didn't seem to have a reason to misbehave.
Admittedly Azula was enjoying herself, she actually had an opportunity to let loose and simply… be herself. It was unfortunate that she only learned slow dances but, oh well .The princess saw Lian in crowd apparently the girl was rather flirtatious. As long as the girl didn't annoy her everything would be fine. After the music stopped for a moment, Saito took a trip to the punch bowl. However before he could fill the cups; the music started again and he was touched at the shoulder, turned around and dragged back in by the collar of his shirt.
"You shouldn't keep a lady waiting," Azula smiled "And this time I'll be leading."
Azula had slept and felt well rested the next day. There some minor annoyances last night; such as the suspicion that Zuko was looking over her shoulder, but otherwise she had enjoyed herself. The vacation might be so bad after all. In fact her current social arrangements would work into her favor all she would need to do is keep herself distracted while Zuko entertained his friends.
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Sokka was running through the beach house for his life; it was one of those moments where his sister wanted to kill him and having the ample resources of the ocean within Katara's reach made it a distinct possibility. Azula looked at Sokka's squatting and exhausted form with a curious tilt of her head. Azula was lying on a lounge chair wearing a red single piece bathing suit and a pair of red rimmed sunglasses with lenses made for black volcanic glass. The princess had her hair down with nothing to keep it in place. Sokka then did something that in his usual cynical state of mind wouldn't do if he weren't so desperate. He asked Azula for help.
"You've got to help me."
"Why would I help you? There's nothing in it for me."
"My sister's going to kill me!"
"Thank you for sharing that, I just might want to watch it happen." The princess mused.
"Alright I'm going to regret this but what do you want?" The tribesman surrendered.
Azula smiled evilly before answering.
"It's simple really, I want a favor."
Sokka was predictably suspicious; the princess would have been disappointed if he wasn't
"What might that be?"
"Oh it's nothing special you'll simply owe me a favor that I can collect on at any time I please."
"I knew it!" Sokka accused you're not only crazy, but you're kinky as well!"
Azula lifted the shades above her eyes and gave the tribesman a hard murderous look.
"I AM NOT A SLATURN." The princess said dangerously. You can either agree to my offer or you can continue running for your life. Otherwise if you stay here I just Might join your sister in killing you."
The tribesman now was faced with a dangerous situation that was best summarized with an expression form another world. Which door would he choose? "The Lady or the Tiger." The situation wasn't complicated Azula was definitely the tiger. If the tribesman accepted the Princess's assistance he would be in the unenviable position of being indebted to her. Self preservation was a strong motivation and living to at least see another day was really at the top of his priorities.
"Alright fine how can you help me?"
"So you've agreed to our bargain?" The princess asked.
Sokka grunted irritably
"You can't get anything for free." Azula continued.
The sounds of Katara's outraged voice rang out in the air.
"Sokka where are you!"
"Fine, I agree." Sokka said resentfully.
"How fortuitous for you; now listen to me carefully…"
Moment latter Katara stormed into the courtyard.
"All right where is he?"
"Hmm…" Azula muttered distractedly "What are you talking about?"
"Don't play games with me Azula. Where is he?"
"I might have seen him but, you'll have to elaborate who you're talking about."
Katara growled irritably before answering.
"I'm looking for Sokka. He was seen running in this direction."
"I see" Azula chimed mockingly "You're looking for that idiot brother of yours."
"Have you seen him or not."
Azula stood up and tapped her bottom lip with her finger.
"Let me jog my memory… I've been sunbathing most of the day, so I might not have been paying attention."
Sokka was nervously hanging from the rafters of the roof. He was so busy quaking in fear that he didn't notice his palms were sweating or that his grip was slipping. While Azula was calmly deflecting Katara's inquiries, the tribesman's grip continued to slowly loosen until his eventual fall.
"There you are!" Katara accused
On cue Sokka once more started running for his life and his sister chased after him.
"Bye Sokka," The princess chimed quietly "See you in the next life"
Azula sat back down into the lounge chair and began chortling about Sokka's fate.
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