Day 13: Lazy Sunday morning
The concept of weekdays and weekends had existed even in her era, but she was still getting used to them. As a royal she had no obligation to observe such pedestrian ways of marking dates as every day was hers to decide what to do with. And even if she was used to the idea, she would never willingly entertain the idea of having a "lazy Sunday morning" where she slept in and did nothing. No, her routine involved getting up at dawn and getting everything done quickly. Productiveness and efficiency were non-negotiable virtues for Princess Azula of the Fire Nation.
As Azula rose from the bed, she saw that the sun hadn't come up yet. Even though she wanted to spend the morning training and improving her Firebending, she decided not to, as the lovely bookworm whom she slept next to had asked her to at least try to sleep in. She turned towards Jinora, who slept peacefully, as if unaware of the fact that she slept next to a dangerous Firebender.
The princess decided that going over recent events in her mind would be fine as it would both keep her in bed and also let her get something done. Although from my point of view it's quite a "lazy" excuse for doing nothing, She thought.
She recalled that she had no idea how she ended up there, but after she apparently died 71 years ago, she became trapped in the Spirit World. For decades she had roamed that realm as a vengeful spirit, using her somehow preserved Firebending to terrorize other spirits. After Jinora was captured by Unalaq, the delusional chief had intended to torture her for information and subsequently throw her into the Fog of Lost Souls. Azula, however, had found the girl after she somehow managed to escape his clutches. It was an instant infatuation for the undead princess. For some reason she found Jinora's affinity for the spirits, intelligence, litheness, and innocent face irresistible. Her insatiable lust made her determined to have the girl for herself.
If she starts doing circus tricks or wears her hair in a braid instead of a bun I'd find her even more appealing. She thought as she ran her fingers through the girl's hair. Azula had tricked Jinora into thinking she was going to help her get out of the Spirit World when in reality she intended to take over her body. However, she found herself genuinely falling in love with the girl, and this made the princess determined to free her, even if it meant never seeing her again.
Harmonic Convergence, however, meant that both of them ended up getting what they wanted. Avatar Korra's decision to keep the Spirit Portals open, coupled with Jinora's amplified spiritual energy as a result of the event, meant that Azula could reenter the physical world and regain a corporeal form. Now that Unavaatu was vanquished and a new age of spirits coexisting with humans was declared, she had decided to reside on Air Temple Island. Tenzin and Pema were at first cautious but decided to allow Azula to share Jinora's room. If they had refused I would've just taken Jinora and run away.
"You would've done what to me and run away?" Apparently she had thought out loud, as Jinora was beginning to wake up, rubbing her eyes.
Azula had a guilty look on her face. "Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you up. I didn't realize I was thinking out loud."
"You said you'd spend this day relaxing with me."
"And I am. I'm here in bed and not training outside."
Jinora didn't seem satisfied but decided to let it slide. "I'm gonna try going back to sleep. It's still too early." She closed her eyes and stuffed her face in her pillow. Azula sighed. "I was thinking about everything we've been through. How we met in the Spirit World. How I initially wanted you only to satisfy my desires and take over your body so I could escape to the physical world. How I eventually came to the conclusion that you deserve to be freed, even if it meant never seeing you again. How Harmonic Convergence ended up freeing both of us. And how fortunate it is for me that your parents are letting me stay with you." Jinora turned to face Azula, as she continued. "And what you heard me say was that I would've just taken you and run away had they refused to let me stay. I can't imagine going back to my forsaken afterlife after meeting you."
Jinora was no longer sleepy. She said nothing at first. But then pulled Azula closer and gave her a tight hug. The princess was surprised, but happily reciprocated. I guess this is what I have to gain from these "lazy Sunday mornings." I don't get to hug her like this that often.