Chapter 11: The Beach

The small ferry cruised across the blue ocean. Waves lapped on the hull of the ship as the sun shone bright overhead. The humidity had increased from the day before, causing the members of the boat to sweat profusely. Seagulls calls filled the salty air as the flew above the ship. Three girls glanced across the expanse of water, occasionally sipping a drink or waving themselves with fans.

Azula leaned against the railing of the ship, her black hair falling on her shoulders. A young woman held an umbrella over her to shield her from the sun.

"I'm excited to spend a week on Ember Island," Ty Lee said, smiling. She placed her hands behind her head and inhaled. "The fresh breeze. The sea food. It's going to be great to relax and do nothing!" She exhaled and turned to her friend who sat beside her. "Aren't you excited too, Mai?"

Mai looked up from her book to regard Ty Lee for several seconds before turning back to the pages. "Not really." She frowned as she thought about staying at the island. The last place she wanted to be was somewhere sandy and humid. She had hoped she would go back to Omashu after returning to the Fire Nation, where the weather stayed nice and she didn't sweat constantly. She would have returned to the Earth Kingdom, if Azula hadn't asked her to go with her. Not that Azula asked. She looked at the princess. She doesn't ask for anything. She demands it. "It's too hot here."

Azula rolled her eyes and blew a tuft of hair out of her face. "Don't be such a downer. My father needed to meet with his advisors privately. Besides, you should be honored you get to spend time with me."

Mai sighed. "Thrilled."

Azula grinned. "Yes. After my recent victory I could use a little vacation."

"Doesn't your family have a house on Ember Island?" Ty Lee asked.

Azula stared across the ocean, tapping her fingers on the ship's railing. "Yes. The traitor and I would come every summer when we were kids."

Ty Lee smiled. "Sounds fun! Not the traitor part."

Azula sneered. "Not really. Zuzu had a bad habit of drowning. He ruined everything then." And still does. He never had what it took to gain father's approval. Azula clenched her fist. She still couldn't believe that Zuko had joined the Avatar. If he had sided with her in the caves, he could have been restored as the son of the Fire Lord. He could have saved his honor.

Instead, he choose to shame their father further by running with his tail between his legs to the Avatar. The very thought of being related to him made her skin crawl with disgust. No need to worry anymore. The Avatar is no more. Brother joined the losing side. He'll realize it soon enough. But by then it will be too late.

"Ember Island ahead!" a crewman yelled.

The foghorn sounded as the island emerged from beyond the horizon. The large volcano was the first object to came into view, followed by tropical, green mountains. Rows of elegant vacation homes popped up as the ship neared the docks. The multi-tiered metal roofs shone in the sunlight. Two small figures came into view on the docks. The ferry pulled into the harbor and creaked to a stop. Frothy blue waves crashed against the wooden poles that held the deck up.

"Lower the walkway." a crewman instructed. The long metal sheet extended from the ship, hitting the side of the dock. The three girls emerged from the top of the ship, eyeing the two figures waiting for them.

Twin sisters, Lo and Li stood hunched over, their hands hidden inside the pockets of their Fire Nation robes. They bowed as Azula was escorted off the boat, followed by Mai and Ty Lee. "If you'll follow us, Princess," they said, motioning to the smallest home on the beach. The trio followed them across the white sand to the house, the sound of playful yells and screams floating through the air.

Upon entering the beach house the heavy smell of perfume weighed down their senses as Lo and Li led them through the house.

"It smells like old lady in here," Ty Lee whispered.

"Gee, I wonder why," Mai said, flatly.

Ty Lee stifled a laugh and glanced around the common room. A large picture of two pretty women, standing back to back in yellow bikinis hung on the opposite wall. She peered at it. "Who are these two beautiful women?"

Lo and Li looked at each other then at Ty Lee, small grins appearing on their wrinkled faces. "Can't you tell?" They posed back to back, leaning over so their hands rested on their knees and their bottoms touched. "It's Lo!" Lo winked. "And Li!" Li winked too.

Mai covered her mouth with her fan. "I think I'm going to be sick."

Ty Lee laughed and shrugged her shoulders. She threw herself onto a pink and coral seashell bedspread, running her fingers along the sheet. "This is pretty cute."

Mai rolled her eyes. "It's looks like the beach threw up on it."

"Now ladies," Lo began, glancing around the room. "We know you're looking forward to relaxing after Princess Azula's victory in Ba Sing Se."

Li nodded. "Ember Island is just the place for such things. It has a way of calming the storm inside you."

"The beach has a way…"

"Of smoothing even the most jagged of rocks."

The young women glanced at each other before turning back to the elderly sisters.

"Well...time to hit the beach!" The women dropped their robes, revealing loosely fitting bathing suits.

Azula yawned. Mai closed her eyes. Ty Lee laughed.

"Do you need help setting up?" A young man asked. He and his friend strode up to Ty

Lee, wide grins on their faces. His friend nudged him in his ribs. "You look like you could use our help."

Ty Le smiled and clapped her hands together. "Sure! That would be great. This goes here, and this goes there and—" She continued instructing the two teenagers until three umbrellas stood and matching blankets laid perfectly underneath them. The girl's picnic basket sat between the chairs. Ty Lee reclined in the wicker seat one of the boy's had set up. She sipped her cold beverage. She frowned, shielding her eyes from the sun."Um…" She glanced at the tallest boy. "Would you mind, just a little to the—That's great!"

Azula rolled her eyes. "Such brainless idiots. They'd do anything for you."

"I think they're sweet! Don't you Mai?"

"Not really."

Ty Lee laughed. "Oh, you guys are no fun. It's the beach! We should be having a blast...and romance."

"Romance is for losers," Mai said, staring across the ocean. I guess I'm the biggest loser then.

"Mai-Mai, were you listening to me?" Azula said, hands on her hips. She tapped a foot on the grass, her brows furrowed in irritation.

Mai blinked, staring wide at the princess. "What did you say, princess?"

Azula rolled her eyes. "I said, are you going with Ty Lee and me to the fireworks tonight? It's to celebrate my grandfather's latest victory. You are coming, aren't you?" Azula's eyes narrowed.

Mai nodded.

"Good!" Azula grinned, clasping her hands behind her back. "Who knows? You might be able to sit next to Zuko." Ty Lee laughed, hiding her giggles behind her hand.

Mai flushed red. "Why-why would I want to sit next to him?"

"We've seen the way you look at him," Ty Lee said, bringer her hands under her chin. Her eyes widened, and her lip pouted. "Hi-Hi, Prince Zuko." The two girls laughed, causing Mai to turn even redder.

"You three are having a good time," a gentle voice said. The girls turned to see Ursa walking with Zuko across the garden. Mai stiffened, turning her red face to the side.

Azula raised a brow at her, then looked at her mother. "Oh yes, just a dandy time mother. You know," Azula skipped up to her mother, grinning wide. "I haven't seen Zuzu in awhile and it's no fun not getting to play with my big brother."

Zuko scoffed.

"Big brother Zuko should play with us for a while! It's important that we get time together as a family before he leaves for his sword training."

Ursa nodded, her gaze distant as she thought about Azula's words. "I suppose that's a good idea. Zuko," she turned to the prince. "Stay with Azula and play a bit."

"Princes don't play!" Zuko crossed her arms.

Ura frowned. "Zuko, play with your sister."

Zuko growled, walking towards his sister. Ursa smiled and waved, then continued through the garden.

"I've got a lovely game to play, Zuzu," Azula said.

"I told you to stop calling me that!"

"Stand over here, Mai, you stand there and keep this on your head." Azula pulled an apple out of her pocket and handed it to her friend. She leaned close to whisper to her. "Stand very still or this won't work."

Mai frowned. "What won't work?"

Azula waved her off and walked back to Ty Lee and Zuko. She stood straight, glancing at Zuko before looking at Mai. Mai blinked. Flames erupted towards her in a spiral, the heat just kissing her face. She heard a shout and before should could react, a body crashed into hers sending them into the fountain behind them. Mai gasped as the cold water showered her, blushing as Zuko's body brushed against hers. Laughter erupted from her two friends as Zuko sat up, lily pads decorating his head like a slimy hat.

"Ah, aren't they just so cute!" Ty Lee said, clapping her hands together.

"That's not funny! You could have hurt her," Zuko said, his voice low.

Azula rolled her eyes. "It's just a game, big brother. I wouldn't seriously hurt Mai. I'm not that heartless."

Zuko huffed and stormed off, throwing off the lily pads and leaves that had clung to him.

Azula turned to Mai. "See? It worked didn't it?"

Mai jolted out of her thoughts as an elbow nudged her ribs. "What?"

Ty Lee grinned, running her hands down her long braided hair. "Didn't you hear? We're invited to a party tonight!" She lowered her voice and puffed out her chest, mimicking the young man. "All the coolest teens from the Fire Nation are going to be there."

"Joy," Mai said, rolling her eyes. A party is just what I wanted...not.

"Don't be such a downer, Mai. This should be interesting. I wonder how I'll be treated since no one knows who I am," Azula said, her brows raised.

"It'll be great, Mai," Ty Lee said. "Maybe you can get your mind off Zu-"

Mai stood up, her lips turned down. "I don't have my mind on anything." She walked away towards the beach house.

Ty Lee frowned. "What's wrong with her?"

Azula's rolled her eyes. "Everything."

The moon's soft light illuminated the two story beach house as music and sounds of laughter drifted outside of it's windows. The teenagers inside swapped vacation stories and sipped cold beverages. Several teens stood beside the punch bowl, whispering among themselves as one of them dumped a clear liquid into the bowl. Giggles ensured.

Ty Lee stood across from the buffet, surrounded by several young men. Her small voice could barely be heard among the squabbling and fighting. Before the arguments got worse, she excused herself and retreated to where Azula stood.

Ty Lee glanced at the princess's drawn expression. "What's wrong Azula?"

Azula rolled her eyes, glancing at the throng of teenage boys still fighting. "You're so likable. Boys just flock to you. How do you do it without forcing them?"

Ty Lee leaned over to whisper in Azula's ear. "Just laugh at everything they say. Boy's love when you think they sound funny."

"That sounds so shallow. I like it," Azula said. She glanced around. All the men appeared to be talking to girls.

"How are you guys liking the party?"

Azula turned around to see Chan standing in front of her. She resisted the urge to recoil from him as he leaned closer. Azula looked around for Ty Lee, only to see her friend across the room waving at her. Ty Lee pointed to her mouth, smiled and mimicked laughter. I'll get her for this.

"I said, how's the party?"

Azula turned to Chan, "Oh, it's great. Haha." She smiled.

"Oh, well that's cool. Is this your first time here?"

"No. I used to come here years ago."

"It's great if you like sand".

Azula laughed.

"Yeah, like, welcome to Sandy Land!"

Azula clapped her hands together. "Haha! You're so funny-" A loud crash sounded through the room and everyone stopped talking to look for where it came from. Azula stood, red faced in the middle of the room. Her outfit stained by a spilled drink. A young woman hung on her, then staggered to the wooden beam Chan leaned against. Laughter echoed throughout the room as Azula shoved the girl away and tried to clean herself.

"I'm so sorry!" she said, snatching a cloth from a table next to her. The stench of alcohol clung to her. "Let me-let me help-" She hiccuped.

"Get away from me, peasant!" Azula seethed, her lips twisted in disgust. "I'll have you and your family burned to ashes! Your pain and shame will be felt for generations-" Azula stopped short. The laughter in the room had died and now everyone stared at her. Ty Lee looked at the ground, wringing her hands behind her back.

"Excuse me," Azula said and slipped out the wooden doors.

Azula leaned against the wooden banister of the moonlit deck, her black hair falling around her shoulders. Her fists clenched as she glared at the blue waves lopping up on the beach below. I can't believe I embarrassed myself like that. I'm the daughter of the Fire Lord! Her face grew hot. How dare they laugh at her? "I'll see them burn. If they knew who I was—"

"They definitely wouldn't have laughed at you," a voice said behind her.

Azula turned around to see a young man leaning against the wall. He stood shirtless, holding a whittling knife and a piece of carved wood. Small shavings covered his feet. His black hair pulled back in a top knot. Azula stared into his grey eyes, her gaze narrowed. He's their friend from earlier. Taio. "What are you doing here? How do you know who I am?"

Taio shrugged. "I don't know who you are. But I'm guessing you're some general's kid. Or an admiral. Or someone else up the scale."

At the top of the scale, peasant. Azula let out a sigh. He doesn't know who I am, yet. She could keep up the charade a little longer. She walked closer to him. "Yes, I am. Who are you?"

"It's considered polite to introduce yourself before asking someone else's name."

Azula's brow twitched. "Oh, silly me, excuse my manners. I'm Azula."

Taio nodded. "Taio." He looked at her with a critical eye. "Are you from around here? I've never seen you before."

"Not really, we're closer to the capitol."

"We're? There's more of you?"

Azula forced a smile, wringing her hands behind her back. 'There's more of you?' Who does he think he is talking to me like that? As if I'm some nuisance to be ridden of. "Um, my friends."

"Yeah, the acrobat and the quiet one," Taio said, gesturing towards the party. He flicked wood shavings off his knife.

Azula watched his hands move as they glided up and down the chunk of wood. His hands sported calluses and small cuts. They looked rough and worn. He must have been a manual laborer. Her gaze continued upward to his bare arms. Strong and lean, they boasted practical strength from heavy lifting and physical exertion. Several small cuts decorated his chest where hair had yet to grow. He's a perfect specimen, minus the scars.

"Do you often stare at people?"

Azula sneered. "I can stare at whoever I desire. Right now, that's you. Do you have a problem with that?"

Taio's eyes widened, his cheeks flushed. He coughed. "I guess not."

"Good." Azula glanced at the misshapen wood in his hands. "What are you making?"

"Nothing special."

"Give it—I mean, can I see it?"

Taio nodded. He handed the wood to Azula. The princess turned it around in her hand. Her brows furrowed as she stared at the miniature column. I recognize this...She looked at Taio. "This is the engraved column that's in the throne room." She turned back to the craft. Small grooves spiraled around the wood, with a tiny lion's head at the top. Raised rings decorated the top and bottom of the small column. The Fire Nation emblem carved in front. "Such attention to detail...how have you seen this?"

"My family's been building Fire Nation palaces for centuries. My great grandfather built those columns in the throne room. And the new one's in the War Room were built by my father."

He's Li Wei's son? "Amazing…" Azula said, her fingers glossing over the edge of the wood.

"I wish my father thought so. According to him, I've still got a ways to go."

"Haha, well of course-I mean, it's absolutely beautiful," Azula said, smiling.

Taio regarded her for a moment, his gaze hard. Azula opened her mouth to begin to speak, but she couldn't think of anything to say. Taio's chest heaved as cackles filled the air. He doubled over. "Man, for a general's daughter you're so eager to please! I know I have a long way to go. Don't lie to me. Whew." He continued to laugh, occasionally glancing at Azula's shocked expression, then bursting into laughter again. He wiped the tears that had began to drip down his cheek. "Sorry. It's just not everyday I meet someone like you-" Taio stopped short, his lips being captured by Azula's. The kiss lasted for several seconds before Azula pulled away.

"I like you. You're interesting. Write to me at this address. You'll regret it if you don't."

Taio gulped. "Um, okay." He glanced at the open doors leading to the party. "Do you want to go back in?"

Azula shrugged, glancing at the beach. "I'd much rather go for a walk. I can't stand those blathering idiots in there."

"At least you're honest." He began walking down the steps that led to the shore. Azula followed behind him.

The several days at Ember Island came to an end. Ty Lee and Mai stood on the deck of the ship, watching Azula speak to a boy below. Azula handed him a piece of paper. He smiled and pulled something out of his pocket.

Mai raised a brow. "Is that a box?"

Ty Lee nodded. "Looks like it. I wonder what's in it?"

Azula and the boy shared a kiss before she boarded the ship. The girls watched Taio step away from the ramp and wave. Azula waved back as the ship's horn sounded and their journey back to the capital began.

Ty Lee grinned, sliding up to the firebender. "What'cha got there?"

Azula smirked. "A gift."

"Are you going to show us?" Mai asked, waving herself with a fan.

Azula opened the box and unwrapped the paper inside. A small Fire Nation emblem made from wood sat nestled carefully inside. It had been stained so that the wood shined.

Mai rolled her eyes.

"Wow," Ty Lee said, her eyes wide. "That's beautiful, Azula! Just like you!"

"I am beautiful. It's tacky but I like it." Azula clipped the necklace around her. "It'll do."

Since her crushing victory in Ba Sing Se, Azula had not been summoned to the war room for weeks. She had enjoyed basking in the glory of being her native land's hero and the tributes that followed. Ember Island wasn't too bad either.

Now, she found herself walking down the dimly lit corridor, her reflection glimmering on the black marble floor. What could Father want?

As she neared the gold-trimmed doors, the guards stood up straighter. They moved to the side, pulling on the obsidian handles. Azula walked through, stopping as she reached war table.

"Father," Azula said, bowing. Fire Lord Ozai sat at the end of the long table, a model of the world spanning the length of it. He placed a square piece on the replica, in the bay.

Several moments passed before Ozai stood, tossing the piece on the table. "The Fire Sages have discovered that the Avatar is still alive."

Azula's eyes widened at her father's words. That's impossible. I disposed of him myself. There was no way that she could have failed. She was the princess of the Fire Nation. The very notion of failure was foreign to her. "Certainly, Father, the Sages—"

Ozai's hand flew across her face. The sound echoed in the room. "The Avatar is alive," Ozai said, his gaze narrowing. He cupped her cheek, turning her head, exposing the mark of his hand. "Capture him, Azula. Do not fail me this time."

Thank you all for sticking with me through a several month wait! Sorry you had to wait so long. Here is a nice chapter for you. I won't go into detail, but we were busy and sick a for long time! Upper respiratory stuff is no joke with two toddlers. Hope you loved this chapter and I'll see you in a week! Or less... ;)

Painterofemotions