Prelude of Fire

by Seabast

The Fire Nation has hunted and killed Avatars since the genocide. Now the Avatar is discovered once again and tries to set the world right, but every step of the way seems to bring only more questions. With visions of a past life and the movements of something bigger than any war happening behind the scenes, can the Avatar still save the balance? Will they even save the world? AU

26. Chapter 26: Moving Along

Azula, Sokka, and Aang have been in the spirit world for half a year under the protection of the Spirit of Darkness. Aang successfully teaches Azula the basics of airbending, and Azula begins to form her first real friendship with the two. The day of the solstice, she has another vision, and sees what she believes to be Jora's death. Azula leaves the spirit world with Sokka and Aang, and discovers Aang has returned to his reincarnated form of the flying bison Zara. She has no time to miss her new friend, as the group was met with a blizzard upon their return. Azula sees a light cut through the blizzard, and in trying to reach it trips on someone else. To Azula's shock, she finds it to be Jora. Before recovering from that shock, Jora awakens, and Iroh, Piandao, and Hakoda arrive. Azula then discovers that Piandao is Jora's childhood friend, Lee.

Prelude of Fire

Book 2: Self

Chapter 26: Moving Along

"Lee?"

Jora knew it was him. He was much older, maybe late fifties or early sixties, with a touch of gray in his hair. He was dressed in thick blue clothes, and his face, while usually calm and expressionless, wore a look of shock and confusion. But it was him. The same person she had seen before dying, a time she thought was mere seconds ago. Saying the name took almost all her remaining strength, and her vision grew dark.

The next thing she felt was warmth. Her eyes opened. She was on a padded floor in a round room, with a fire in the center. A blanket was wrapped around her. There were people around, sitting beside the fire. One of them looked at her. She was a young girl, twelve or thirteen years old. Her eyes captured the light of the fire. The eyes reminded her of the man who had done this. Gold; Fire Nation. Jora tried to reach out, wanting to kill her. Jora didn't care if she was a kid, she hated the Fire Nation more than ever. She could never forgive them for what they did. The room went dark.

She dreamed of Azulon. For some reason, her body wouldn't move. Azulon stuck her again and again, but there was nothing she could do. Azulon laughed, and she felt a rush of pain as fire surrounded her.

Jora opened her eyes. She was back in the frozen round room. There was now only one person in it with her, someone she was glad to see. He was staring at her, a look of exhaustion and worry on his face, but the face was much different than she remembered it as.

"Lee." Was all she could manage.

"Don't talk." He told her. "You're hurt pretty bad. We have someone who will be coming to heal you, but they'll take a few more days to get here."

Lee leaned toward the fire, and reached for a large pot hanging above it. He grabbed a spoon on the ground and poured whatever was cooking into a bowl. He grabbed a smaller spoon, and dipped it into the bowl.

"This isn't the best tasting food, but it's good for you."

She tried to sit up, but grew dizzy and fell back down. Her side flared up, but it felt like it was numbed. If it hadn't have been, she suspected she'd have passed out again.

"We treated your wound so it wouldn't hurt you too much, but the damage is still there. Until the healer comes you'll have to stay still. We think you may have a few broken ribs that are threatening to puncture your lung, and there could also be other issues we aren't aware of."

Jora heard the words, and understood them, but they didn't have any impact. Lee helped her hold up her head, and brought a spoonful of what looked like chunky black oil toward her mouth. It didn't look appetizing, but she opened her mouth. The texture of the chunks was chewy, and the liquid was slick and slimy, but it tasted better than it looked and felt. She quickly swallowed, then opened her mouth for more. She enjoyed the meal more than any other in life. Every spoonful was a reminder that she was alive, and with someone she knew. She didn't know where she was, or why Lee looked old, but it didn't matter. They were both here alive, and that was all that mattered in the moment.

Jora went through three bowls of whatever it was. Lee didn't talk. He didn't need to. She enjoyed the silence. She needed it. Even if she had the strength to ask every question she wanted, she wouldn't. All she wanted was to enjoy a moment of peace. She laid down, resting her head on Lee's legs, staring at the fire.

Eventually she fell asleep, and her dreams then were much more pleasant. When she woke she felt like she had never eaten at all. She sat up, and realized the pain in her side was gone. Again, the only person in the cold room was Lee.

"How long was I asleep?"

"Since you ate? Nearly four days. The healer just finished up on you two hours ago."

"How long was I gone? What happened? One moment we were fighting the Fire Lord, and the next I'm freezing, and you're... old. What- How can I just forget… how long has it even been? Forty years?"

Lee chuckled softly. "Closer to fifty." The smile faded quickly. "I don't know how you got here. The last moment you remember is the last moment I saw you. I thought you died."

"I did too, for a second, but then it's like… I woke up. I don't feel like any time has passed at all. I'm not ugly now am I? Is my hair gray?" Jora touched her face. It felt normal.

"No, you're not. It seems like not any time has passed for you. You look exactly like you did that day, and you had severe burns..."

"What? How is that- that isn't possible. I couldn't have just fell fifty years into the future."

"I wouldn't lie to you. Look at yourself. You're still young."

Jora looked down at her body for the first time. She grabbed some of her hair and pulled it down to her eyes. It was still dark brown, not a hint of gray. Lee was right. There weren't any signs that she was older than twenty-one, the same age she had been when she fought Azulon.

"How?"

"I don't know. No one does. Ir- I mean, Koto, a close and very wise friend of mine, believes it might be the work of an incredibly powerful spirit, but he doesn't know any spirit who could have done it. Not even the Avatar has that sort of power. Whatever is responsible hasn't revealed itself to us."

Jora was frustrated at the lack of answers. If it was a spirit, why not tell her why it saved her? Why was it so important that she lived?

"What happened after I died— or... you know what I mean. How did you live? Did you beat him?"

"I wish I had. I only lived by betraying everything I stood for. After I thought you died, Azulon gave me a choice. I could work for him in his army for one year, then be free to live in the Fire Nation, or he would slaughter all five hundred of our men, and leave me to bleed out while watching it."

"Why would he trade five hundred enemy lives just to have one extra soldier for a year?"

"Because he never planned on killing them. It was a trap to lure us out. The Earth King lied. Azulon promised to leave major cities of the kingdom alone in return for you. As for me, he wanted to break me for helping you— make me suffer, and he knew how. He never planned on killing all our men. When I finished killing for him, he told me that."

"But what happened to him?"

"Dead. He died a few years ago."

"A few years ago? So he got away with everything. He didn't deserve a long life. I wish I could go back and kill him. Even if I did die doing it… What happened to you?"

"Azulon gave me gold, and told me I could reside anywhere in the Fire Nation I wanted. I almost killed myself in my grief, but I couldn't. Whether it was because I was too weak to die, or too strong to give up, I don't know. I made a house, a dojo, where I taught people of any nation to master the sword and the discipline needed to be worthy of one. I thought if I could teach just a few people the values that should be held when using a weapon meant to take a life, instead of them learning from the vicious military leaders, maybe it could make up for the lives I took in some way. After years of my teaching, the White Lotus found me and I became one of their members, and helped them in their secret war against the Fire Nation."

"Who was that girl? The Fire Nation girl that was there when I woke up."

"She's… a bit complicated. She's involved in the White Lotus. Her name is Azula, and she is a princess of the Fire Nation. As you might guess from that, she is also the granddaughter of Azu-."

Jora stood up. "Why is she with you."

"Because she isn't her grandfather. Just as I am not my father. In fact, she reminds me of you in some ways."

Jora tried to calm down and hear him out. Even if she had known Lee before, he was a different person now. She sat down again.

"Don't compare me to her. Why is she here with you?"

"I'm helping her l-"

"With what? Why are you helping the man who tried to kill us!"

"I'm not! If I ever had the chance to kill her grandfather I'd have taken it! Even if it had cost me my life. I am not helping him. I'm helping her. She's the avatar."

That made Jora pause. "What? Don't lie to me; she can't be the avatar. I'm the avatar!"

"That's why I thought for sure you were dead. The avatar cycle continued after you disappeared."

"How is that possible? I didn't die, how could a reincarnation of me exist when I'm still right here!"

"We don't know. No one knows."

The sound of cloth flapping drew her eyes to to doorway. An old man came through the entrance. He looked slightly older than Lee was now, but that could have just been because he was overweight, and most of his hair was gray. His face was strangely plain, and didn't give any indication where he was from.

"How do you feel?" He asked her.

"Almost fine, just a few aches. Who are you?"

"Call me Koto. I'm a friend of Piandao."

Jora looked at Lee. "You go by your Fire Nation name now?"

"Ever since Azulon freed me. I don't feel worthy of my past name."

"Don't be angry with him." Koto said. "Besides the Avatar herself, Piandao may have contributed the most to stopping the war. For years he has been working behind the scenes to help stop them. He's done and sacrificed much to bring back peace."

"The war is over?"

Koto looked at Piandao, then back at her. "I thought he would have told you that by now. I'm sorry if it comes as a shock."

"Everything is a shock right now."

Piandao spoke up. "Avatar Azula is responsible for the war's end. She brought it to a halt almost single-handedly."

"How?"

Koto and Piandao glanced at each other. Koto looked back at her and said, "There's the truth, then there's the story the world believes."

"What's the truth?"

"She killed her father, the Fire Lord, and left the throne for her brother, who has a more gentle nature, and doesn't believe in the war. His first act as Fire Lord was to halt the invasion. I hear he's currently trying to resolve the issues of the colonies."

"What does the world believe?"

"They think that the Fire Lord was killed by her uncle in a fight for the throne. That story goes that both her father and uncle died during the attempted coup."

"Why the lie?"

"She believes that if the Fire Nation knew she killed their ruler, it would cause more unrest and bring suspicion to her. Having one of the Fire Nation's own as the killer rather than the avatar makes them hesitant to blame any other nations for the death of their Fire Lord."

"Why try to help her? None of them deserve to live after what they did."

"That is not the way of the balance. Being cruel and unforgiving towards them all will only beget more violence." Piandao said. "We need to lay a path for the Fire Nation to become good once more, not destroy them."

"They had the chance to be good!"

"Your anger and resentment clouds your thinking. Not every person in the Fire Nation is evil. Many are glad the war is over just as much as the rest of the world."

"Just because some of them didn't fight or support the war doesn't mean anything. Why didn't they fight with us? They stood by while their armies killed tens of thousands of innocent people!"

"They were lied to by their ruler. Most didn't know the nature of their war, even when fighting in it."

"And now you're lying to everyone yourself. Is that balance? Or is lying just fine as long as it's for your own sake?"

"It wasn't my decision. I don't agree with how the avatar proceeded, but I do have to deal with its effects. Telling the truth now would only hurt the peace we've managed as well as turn the avatar against us. She's not easy to cooperate with, though some progress is being made."

Jora dropped the matter. "When did it end?"

"A little under a year ago."

Jora didn't know what to think. She was still burning with hatred toward the Fire Nation, and even more towards Azulon. Every bad thing in her life was because of him. Now she learned that his own blood had ended the war that he led. Jora wanted to feel grateful for that, but it only made her more angry. It should have been her to end the war. Avatar Azula shouldn't even be alive. Any chance of her existing should have been erased by Jora cutting her grandfather's head off years ago. Even if she stopped the war, Azula was a creation of Jora's own failure.

Another ruffle of fabric came from the entrance, and another man she didn't recognize appeared. He was younger, middle aged. She could tell he was a warrior from the way he presented himself, but his eyes told her he was gentle and sincere.

"Are you feeling well?" He asked.

"I am. Nearly as good as new now."

Koto stood up. "I'll leave you be then. I hope you recover quickly." He told her before he left, while the new man sat in his spot.

"My name is Hakoda. I'm the chief of this village, the sole village of the Southern Water Tribe. It's an honor to have you here, even if the circumstances are unfortunate. Piandao told me of your history. You've been through a lot. I know that to you, the loss of your husband must still be fresh in your heart. From someone who knows too well how that feels, you have my condolences."

"Thanks, but you don't know. Not anymore. I didn't lose just my husband. I lost my son. If he's even alive, he'd be over twice my age now.."

Hakoda looked down. "I'm sorry. I wasn't aware."

"I don't blame you. You weren't even alive when it happened, if all this is true."

"Piandao has told you everything important thats occured since?"

"I think he has, but it's a lot to take in."

"The healers tell me you may want to walk around. I came to see if you would. I can show you the village, introduce you to people."

"I'd enjoy that, I think."

Hakoda stood up. "Then let's go. Piandao could take the time to sleep. He needs it."

"What do you mean?"

"He's been up for nearly three days straight now. Hasn't even left this igloo since you got here."

Piandao looked at her, and she noticed he did look ragged. "I wanted to make sure the healing went well." He said.

"Thank you… Piandao. You should sleep though. I'll be fine."

Piandao nodded, then left. Hakoda led her outside after giving her a thick jacket and pants to wear. She needed them too, as the cold somehow managed to get through despite the extra layers. Outside was dark, but there were plenty of torches lighting up the village. Jora had never seen so much snow. It was like she was in another world, and maybe she was. Hakoda told her which buildings were for what, and where everyone slept and ate. While they were walking, she found what she was looking for.

"What are these used for?" She asked, picking up a spear. She twirled it a little. When she had led her rebellion, she had stuck mostly to swords, but she had the basics with spears down. It would work for her.

"They're mostly for hunting and fishing. We make them with bone, but they're tougher than they feel. They don't bend much, but they won't break easy either."

"Do you mind if I could do a little practice with one? I used to practice every day. I could use exercise as well after sleeping so much as well."

Hakoda paused, thinking about her request.

"I suppose it couldn't hurt anything." He said.

---

Sokka dug his heel in the snow and held his club outward, his whole body ready to move as quick as he needed it to. Azula stood a few steps away, looking just as focused as he felt. A movement drew his eyes down, and he saw only a blur as her foot swooped towards him, kicking up fire. Sokka dove left, and felt the heat move past him to close for comfort. While moving, he pulled out his boomerang and threw it to the side toward her. Azula tracked it's movement, and blew it off course with a blast of wind. While she was distracted, Sokka charged.

He got in close, and brought the club down. Azula sidestepped the attack, but Sokka expected her to, and changed the direction of the strike. Right when he thought he had her, she jumped nearly five feet in the air, and his club swung just below her. Before he got over his anger at missing, a boot kicked him in the face, knocking him down in the snow. Azula landed gently and approached as he looked up from the ground.

"That was better than usual." She complimented.

"Only because it's dark. If the sun was out you would have got me with your first strike."

"Yes, but the sun isn't out. Use everything you can to your advantage."

Sokka stood up, wiping his face clear of snow. "Funny coming from you. You always go easy."

"If you let your opponent lead the fight you can get a good sense of their style, then you can deal with it better when you go on the offense. It's not going easy; it's strategy."

"It feels like taunting either way."

"That only makes it better."

Azula had been teaching him a few tips on fighting ever since he had asked, but only recently had they been practicing regularly. In the spirit world, Azula had spent almost all of her free time practicing airbending with Aang.

She and Sokka practiced just outside the village, since many of the tribe still weren't comfortable seeing a firebender fight, even if it was the avatar.

"You should probably go see Jora, right?" He asked. "Wasn't she supposed to wake up soon?"

"She was, but I don't know if it'd be a good idea. I told you how she looked at me."

"You really think she'll hate you after Piandao tells her what you did?"

"You'd be surprised how much some people hate people like me. Even you wanted to kill me when you first saw me. I could tell."

"I- That wasn't the same. I didn't know anything about you."

"She's not the same either. Piandao said that both her parents and even her husband were killed by the Fire Nation, and my grandfather killed her, or almost did at least. It doesn't help that I'm named after him as well. I doubt she'll warm up to me anytime-" She paused, looking behind him.

Sokka turned to see what she was looking at, but before he could see it he felt a gale of wind lift him off his feet and push him far away. He sailed in the air and landed hard in the snow. The blow of the ground knocked the wind out of him, and by the time he recovered something landed just in front of him. The figure moved with a pained groan, and Sokka recognized the hunched over man.

"Dad, what happened?"

"It's that damn girl they found! She said she wanted to practice, then she charged before I could stop her. I tried chasing her down when I realized what was happening, but then I was thrown in the air."

Sokka looked up at the fight. Jora had a spear, and was making surprisingly deadly strikes, but Azula was staying out of range, and Jora couldn't close the distance. After nearly a minute of dancing around Jora's strikes, Azula went in for a strike. Jora swung the spear around, and the pole grazed the top of Azula's head. From the way she was moving, Sokka could tell Azula was trying to end the fight without hurting Jora.

Azula backed off, grabbing at her head, and threw out her other hand. A bright blue wave forced Jora back. Azula's head snapped up, and Sokka saw her eyes light up bright white like they had when she'd been pulled into the spirit world.

Azula lifted her arms, and a massive force of wind rushed toward her. Jora was thrown into the air. Azula threw her hand down, and Jora slammed back to the ground, pinned in place by a constant gale of wind. Azula lifted a hand, and the spear flung into the air away from the fight.

Jora twisted under the icy air. Sokka couldn't imagine that she could breath under all the pressure. The gale was so strong that even where he was, which had to be over fifty steps, he felt it's cold bite cutting through his clothes. The sight began to grow hard to watch, as ice began building up on Jora's clothes and skin. He knew that if the wind didn't stop, she'd have frostbite, and in less than half a minute, she'd likely die.

Despite Sokka's better judgment, he got up to tell Azula to stop, but his father grabbed his hand and pulled him back down. If he said anything, Sokka didn't hear it over the wind. Jora finally stopped moving, and the wind began to die down. Azula's eyes began to dim, and she fell to the ground.

Sokka and his father both scrambled to their feet and ran towards the aftermath of the fight. Jora laid motionless on the ground as they approached.

"Are you okay?" Sokka asked, helping Azula to her feet.

"I'm fine." Azula responded, pushing him off. She looked at Hakoda. "Who gave her a spear? I told you she looked like she wanted to kill me!"

"I'm sorry. I didn't know you were training here. She said she only wanted to move around a little."

"So you gave her a weapon? She could have killed someone."

"We can talk about it later. Right now she needs help, can you make some fire to warm her up? If she stays like this long she could die."

"Why would I care if she died? She tried to kill me. She'll probably do it again if she survives."

"Azula!" Sokka said. "She's dying, just make some fire!"

Azula looked down at Jora. Jora's skin was pale, her breathing was slow, and her entire body was shivering.

"Fine."

Azula knelt down and created a small fire near Jora's side, and moved it up and down her body. The frost that had built up began melting. After a few minutes, the color slowly returned to Jora's skin, and the shivering eased. Azula stood up.

"Thank you, Azula." Hakoda said. "I'll make sure she's kept under close watch when she comes back around."

Azula said nothing, and walked away. Hakoda shook his head and bent down to pick up Jora. He paused, then cursed under his breath. Sokka followed his gaze to a stain of red in the snow, barely visible in the dark. It wasn't from Jora.

"She must have gotten nicked by the spear… I'm going to take this one back to the hut. You try to calm down the avatar, and make sure she's alright."

Sokka nodded. Hakoda left, and Sokka went ahead to find Azula. A few of the villagers had gathered after hearing the fight. Among the crowd was his sister and Ty Lee. The two had become friends while he was away, which annoyed Sokka a bit, because Ty Lee always made him feel uncomfortable.

"What happened?" Katara asked him.

"Jora attacked Azula."

"That's not nice. Is she okay?" Ty Lee asked as Hakoda moved past them.

"Yeah, she seemed fine before she left." Sokka said.

"I meant Jora. She's not…?"

"Oh, she should be okay. We still have healers here from the north."

"How did Azula take it?" Katara asked.

"I don't know, it's hard to tell with her. She got cut, but I think right now it's best if she's left alone."

"That might not be a good idea." Ty Lee said. "Azula gets some pretty mean ideas when she's left alone."

A new voice called behind them. "Ty Lee, there you are!" It was Koto.

"What is it?" Ty Lee asked.

"Azula told me what happened. She said she's leaving. I assume you'll come with us?"

"What? Right now? What about Piandao?"

"She and I agree: he should stay and find out more about Jora. Sokka, I need you to explain to your father that we had to go."

"I don't want to go." Ty Lee said.

"What?" Koto asked.

"I like it here. It's cold, and the food isn't that good, and it's a lot of work… but it's like a family. I actually have people who care and appreciate me. I want to stay." For a brief second, she glanced at Sokka, then looked back at Koto.

Sokka wasn't surprised with the response. Ty Lee seemed more than happy to help around the village, and was always in a good mood when he saw her.

"...Very well. I can't force you to come with us. You sure you wish to stay?"

Ty Lee nodded. Koto turned to Sokka.

"If you will, go and tell your father the avatar and I are leaving. I need to talk to Piandao." Koto told him before leaving.

Ty Lee and Katara left, but Sokka stood in place, not sure what to do. Azula was leaving, just like that? He found his feet moving towards his father's igloo. He stepped inside the icy structure, and saw his dad talking to one of the healers from the north.

"Dad? I have something to tell you."

His father dismissed the healer. When the two were alone he spoke.

"You don't look happy about it"

"It's Az- the avatar. She's leaving."

"I expected as much. If Jora is that hostile towards her there's no more reason for them to wait for her to recover."

Sokka nodded. "I only came here to let you know." He turned to leave.

"Sokka." His father called. Sokka faced him.

"Don't think I don't notice. You were stuck in the spirit world with her and that other kid for half a year. That's not something you shake off easily. I don't know how exactly you feel about her, but I know you see her as something of a friend, and spirits know you deserve a friend after all you've been through. I also think that it would do the avatar some good to have someone there to talk some sense into her."

"You think I should go with her?"

"I think you should decide for yourself."

---

Azula tied down her and Iroh's bag onto Zara's back. The bison had nearly outgrown his old saddle. She touched the top of her head. The wound was still bleeding a little, but it wasn't an issue. She shouldn't have gone easy. Despite being almost dead the week before, Jora was quick with a weapon. If Azula ever saw her again, she wouldn't make the same mistake twice, and she definitely wouldn't need to rely on the avatar's power again. That bothered her as well. She'd never triggered the avatar state in combat before, and it wasn't pleasant. Once it started, it was like she was a puppet.

Mimo flew down and landed on the bags as Azula finished securing them. The lemur was shivering. It didn't like the cold, and spent most of its time inside, or curled against the bison. It hopped onto her and curled itself on her shoulder.

"You'll be happy to leave this place too, won't you? I'm thinking of going and taking a break at Ember Island after I learn waterbending. You'd like that I think. Its warm, got lots of trees with plenty of fruit, and no one there to bother you, at least not at the private beach. Until then you'll just have to suffer a few more months in the cold."

Iroh came back.

"Where's Ty Lee?"

Iroh climbed the saddle. "She said she wanted to stay."

"She wants to stay here? Why?"

"She's come to like the people here, and their humble lifestyle."

Azula was doubtful about that. Maybe Ty Lee did like the people here, but Azula refused to accept that she enjoyed living like a savage. It didn't matter. If Ty Lee wanted to stay, she could stay. It wasn't Azula's problem. Still, Ty Lee couldn't come and tell Azula herself?

"Azula!"

Azula and Iroh both looked down at the ground, where Sokka was standing with a bag. Azula hopped off of the bison, and pulled Sokka away from Iroh so he couldn't hear them.

"What are you doing?" She asked.

"Coming with you."

"No, you aren't."

"Why not?"

"I don't need your help. There's no reason for you to come."

"Don't need my help or don't want it?" He asked.

Azula sighed and looked at the ground, then back at Sokka.

"Need it. Look at you, Sokka. I could take you with both hands tied behind my back. You can't even bend. You don't have anything to offer me worth letting you come."

Sokka didn't seem phased by her words.

"I don't believe you. You wouldn't have bothered to train me if that was the case. What's the real reason?"

Azula began to regret the whole friendship thing. She was awful at it.

"What do you think the real reason is? You saw what that thing did in the spirit world. That tear... If the thing that did that is after me, everyone around me will be in danger. You'd be better off staying here."

"Everyone is already in danger. Let me help."

Azula knew she wouldn't win this argument. Not just because Sokka was unbelievably stubborn, but because she had no understanding of his logic.

"Fine. You can come. Everyone knows you're leaving already?"

"Yeah, I told everyone."

"Your father was okay with it?"

Sokka nodded.

"Then hurry up and get your stuff on Zara.

Azula and Sokka went back to Iroh. Azula explained to him that Sokka was coming, and Iroh took it well, after Sokka again confirmed his father was okay with him leaving.

"You sure you're ready to go?" Azula asked as they climbed onto the bison.

Sokka looked back at the village, then nodded.

Azula took the hold of the reins and gave them a whip. Zara flew up in the air. It didn't know where they were headed, so she would have to guide it on this flight.

She wasn't excited about learning waterbending. It was a powerful bending form, but she'd be stuck in an icy city learning it, and she'd seen enough ice for her entire life at this point.

"Where are we heading to?" Sokka asked.

"North. I need to start learning waterbending."

"What about your brother?"

"What about him?"

"Shouldn't you visit him? He might be worried."

"I doubt he's got enough free time to worry about me. He's probably busy doing Fire Lord things."

"Okay, you're call."

"Since you'll be traveling with us, I don't see the point in hiding it from you. Koto isn't just a friend of Piandao's, he's my Uncle, Iroh."

"What?" Sokka looked back at Iroh, who smiled.

"Sorry for being dishonest, but it was necessary, I'm afraid."

"Azula explained what you did, but she never told me it was you. You're Ozai's brother?"

"I was, yes. Though you won't find that that makes me fond of him at all. If I thought it was right I would have challenged him myself, but that was the Avatar's job." Iroh looked at Azula. "In time, I hope my niece will reveal the truth of what happened. While she may be right in its purpose, creating balance upon a lie is sure to fail eventually."

"I've already heard your complaints. You know how I feel Uncle." Azula told him.

"You must be really strong then." Sokka said to Iroh. "Even we heard about when you broke through Ba Sing Se. What made you surrender? They said you were close to victory."

"That's a long and painful story." Iroh said.

Azula cut in. "We can tell stories another time. Where should we stop at first on our way North?"

"It'd be best to travel through the Earth Kingdom coast." Iroh said. "With the war over it won't matter if the colonies spot us. If we go that way it's almost a straight path to the North, and the first place to stop on the mainland would be near Chin Village, though I believe you already encountered them. They don't have a fondness for the Avatar or the Fire Nation, it'd be best to avoid them."

"Agreed, where else?"

Iroh looked at the map and stroked his beard. "The best place would be Kyoshi Island. The Kyoshi Warriors will look past our heritage given that you are the Avatar. They have sworn loyalty to Kyoshi, and by extension, you."

"Kyoshi warriors? That sounds pretty cool. Who are they?" Sokka asked.

"Followers of Avatar Kyoshi, one of the most powerful Avatars of the last thousand years."

"Kyoshi Island it is then." Azula said. "That's the one just south of the westernmost peninsula of the Earth Kingdom, right?"

"It is. Good to see you paid attention to your lessons in geography."

Azula turned Zara towards their new destination.

Ty Lee sat alone on the edge of the ice with a spear loose in her hand. She balanced it on her fingers, tipping it one way and the other, but never far enough that it slipped.

---

Why was she always the last one people cared about? Ever since she came here she'd been nice to everyone, and ever since Azula chose her as one of her 'friends' she played her role just like Azula wanted. Now, after treating her like dirt for years, Azula left without even saying goodbye. Ty Lee didn't think it would bother her, she did want to stay, but she expected Azula to at least react; maybe have enough respect for her to fake a goodbye.

To make matters worse, Sokka chose to go with Azula too. Ty Lee knew he liked Azula ever since they first met him, but she had been right there when he told Katara goodbye, and he barely looked at her, and only said goodbye after she told him. It wasn't even a real goodbye, just an empty little, "See ya."

Movement below her feet caught her eye. She quickly grabbed the spear tightly and lunged. The water splashed, and when she pulled out the spear a fish flopped at the tip of it. It was too small to be worth taking back. The movement slowed to a stop. She slid the dead fish off into the water.

"See ya." She said as it sank.

"Mocking a dead fish?" An old voice said behind her. "You must really be upset."

"Hey Gran Gran." Ty Lee said without looking back.

"You know, it's dangerous to sit on the edge of the ice."

Ty Lee nodded.

"If you're friend leaving upsets you so much, why didn't you go with them?" Kanna asked.

"It's not that she left. It's how she left without saying anything. I thought she was different. She's still a jerk."

"But you never told her goodbye either. Who's to say she isn't thinking the same about you?"

"Azula doesn't care. She never has."

"Everyone cares. Even the ones who don't want to admit it..."

"It doesn't matter anymore. She's gone."

Kanna was quiet for a while. She sighed.

"The healers from the North are leaving soon. They've asked me if they can take Katara to the North."

"What? Why?"

"She's the last waterbender in the south, and there is no one here to teach her. In the north she'll be able to learn enough to become a master some day. Now that the war's over, there's no reason to keep her from going."

"Oh. That's good."

"I think you should go with her, dear."

Ty Lee nodded. She thought that's what Gran Gran would say.

"Thank you."

"You don't need to thank me. You and your friends have done too much for me and this little village for you to thank me. Whatever you want to do, you'll always be welcome back here."

Kanna turned and left. Ty Lee looked at the small ripples in the water. After the water turned still again, she got up to prepare for the trip north.

---

The group arrived at Kyoshi Island after a few days of leisurely traveling. Azula missed the sun, and admired the beauty of the sunrise in the distance. She hadn't felt it's heat in over two thirds of a year, and already it warmed the air around them.

Zara landed on the beach of the island and laid down. If she was alone, Azula would have laid in the sand as well. Unfortunately, she wasn't alone, and had to restrain herself.

Sokka didn't seem to have the same restraint, as the second they landed he jumped down and raked his hands through the sand.

"This is sand? It's like fresh snow, but it's so warm and heavy!"

"Can you at least try to act civilized?" Azula asked, as Sokka began digging.

"It gets wet as it goes down too!"

"Good work, detective. Now carry our stuff." She threw down the bag of supplies.

Sokka caught the bag, and slung it on his shoulder. He followed her and Iroh into the forest. They traveled down a path laid with gravel.

"Sorry, but I've never actually seen this stuff. I didn't grow up on islands like you did."

"And I never saw snow before going to your village. Did I marvel at the ground when we first met?"

"Whatever, let's go see the Kyoshi people. How many are there, Koto, or um… Iroh or Koto?"

"Either is fine. Just stick to Koto when others are around. And last time I was here, maybe a few hundred people. There were around two dozen or so warriors."

"They do know the war is over right?" Azula asked.

Moments later, Sokka yelled. Azula turned back to see him hanging upside down from a rope tied around his foot. A hand grabbed her shoulder. Before she could move, a dagger pressed to her throat. She glanced at Iroh, who was in the same predicament. The Kyoshi Warriors' stealth was impressive.

"Who are you." A woman's voice asked.

"The avatar: Princess Azula. I'm traveling with my mentor, Koto, and the idiot hanging by his foot is Sokka of the southern water tribe."

The dagger loosened. "The avatar? What business would the avatar have here?"

"Nothing. We came here to buy some supplies and rest."

"How do we know you're the avatar? You're clothing says water tribe, as does the idiot's eyes,, but you and your mentor's eyes say Fire Nation."

"Would airbending convince you?"

The woman paused. "It would."

"Pull the dagger from my neck then, and let me prove it."

Another pause. "Fine, but just know you're surrounded. If you fight, both your friends will die."

The dagger moved away. Azula lifted her hand and pushed the air around her at a tree. The leaves and branches rustled and swayed. Azula turned around to see a lady in green armor and face paint. The rest dropped their guard at her command.

"See? Airbending." Azula turned and flicked a small ball of fire at the rope holding up Sokka's foot. It burned off and he fell to the ground. She softened his landing some with a cushion of air. More women stepped onto the path, all in matching armor and face paint.

"Thanks." He said wiping the dirt off his clothes. "Who are you?" He asked the woman who had held Azula. "Are you all the wives of the Kyoshi warriors or something?"

The woman frowned and looked at Azula. "I see why you called him 'the idiot.'" She looked back at Sokka. "We are the Kyoshi warriors, boy."

"What? You didn't say they were a bunch of woman." Sokka said to Iroh. "How good of warriors could they be?"

"Strong words for someone who just fell into a trap and endangered his entire group. If it wasn't for the avatar you'd be singing a different tune right now." The woman turned to Azula. "We'll lead you to Kyoshi village from here. This trail is filled with traps, the real path is hidden in the woods."

The other warriors walked behind them while the leader, or at least the talking one, led them down a dirt path in the forest. She didn't say anymore to them until they arrived at the village. Greeting them there was an older man near a statue of Avatar Kyoshi. A crowd of people were behind him.

Sokka looked up. "Who's the statue of? The first Kyoshi warrior?" He asked Azula.

"That is Kyoshi, moron." Azula said.

"How was I supposed to know? I didn't have a personal library in my house like you did."

"You lived in a complete copy of my house for half a year. You could have read about it if you wanted."

"All your books on history were filled with lies, especially about the avatars. I was better off ignoring them."

The woman greeted the man and stood by him. She turned to face them. The two stopped their argument.

"So this is the avatar?" The man said. "Younger than I expected, but you carry yourself well."

"Force of habit. Princesses aren't supposed to slouch."

"You're the princess of the Fire Nation?" The man asked.

"I am. You haven't heard the news?"

"What news?"

"The war. It's over."

"Over?"

Azula looked at Iroh, then back at the man. "Yes. Ozai is dead. My brother is the Fire Lord now. He has no interest in waging a war with anyone."

The old man and the woman shared a confused look. Then he spoke.

"That's comforting news indeed. You are welcome here, Avatar. My name is Maito, the leader of this village." He put a hand on the shoulder of the woman. "This is my daughter: Norowa. She is the current leader of the Kyoshi warriors, and as such it is her duty to be your guide here. If you wish for anything let her know and she will see to it we do our best to meet your expectations. If you decide to stay the night, we will be having a celebration for the war's end."

"Thank you, Maito." Iroh said, bowing. "My name is Koto. I am Avatar Azula's guide and mentor."

"It's an honor." Maito said as he returned the gesture. He turned to Sokka, and raised an eyebrow.

Azula looked and saw Sokka wasn't paying any attention to Maito, but was instead looking at the crowd. For whatever reason, he waved at the crowd, which incited a few laughs that snapped him back to attention. He looked at Maito and realized the situation.

"Sorry, I'm Sokka." He said.

Maito gave a polite smile to Sokka in return, then looked at Azula. "Enjoy your stay here, Avatar Azula."

The old man went to leave and the crowd began to disperse. Norowa followed and said something to him in a hushed voice. Maito looked upset, and shook his head. He said something, pointed at them and left. Norowa came back. Her makeup helped to hide the look of anger on her face only slightly.

"What was that about?" Azula asked Norowa.

"Matters concerning the warriors. My father and I don't see eye to eye on everything."

"You don't want us here?"

"It's not about you. It's something we've been arguing about for a long while."

"Which is?"

"For the warriors of Kyoshi to leave the island and help in the war."

"There's no war to help against anymore, shouldn't that solve the problem?"

Norowa paused. "The Kyoshi warriors can still help to rebuild and protect refugees. He's says the risk is too high if Kyoshi is attacked while we're away, but we've never even seen a Fire Nation vessel in the last hundred years. There's nothing here the Fire Nation wants. He's only afraid of the risk the warriors will face. With the war over there is no excuse anymore."

"Any good man would fear for the wellbeing of his child." Iroh said. "You should respect his wishes."

"His wishes could cost the lives of others. The Kyoshi warriors have secluded themselves from the world. Even if the war is over, there are people who can be helped and protected. That is the task Kyoshi gave to us. We dishonor her memory by standing aside while innocents suffer."

"Why follow his orders? If your duty to Kyoshi is more important to you why not leave anyway?"

"The Kyoshi warriors are split. Every fifteen years we take new recruits. Right now we are finishing the training for the next wave of warriors. Many of the current warriors think we should stay and finish their training before leaving. If something did happen to us there would be no one to pass on our ways."

"Why not just have one or two of you stay behind?" Azula asked.

"That's what I suggested, but Maito won't hear it." Norowa said. "Anyways, it isn't your trouble, Avatar. What do you need here?"

"What do you have to offer?."

"If you'd like, have a list of all the food and supplies we can offer and you can tell us what you need. Anything else in the meantime?"

"Only a roof and soft beds." Iroh said. "But a meal would be nice as well, of course." He added.

"Very well, we have a spare house for visitors. You can stay there. Feel free to make yourselves at home. Oh, I almost forgot, don't go swimming while you're here, and fly high before leaving."

"No swimming?" Sokka asked, in a tone that surprised Azula. She wasn't even sure if Sokka knew how to swim. "Why not?"

"Just not in the ocean or bay. The Unagi lives here. It's one reason the Fire Nation hasn't ever tried to attack us. The Unagi is a vicious serpent that can eat that bison of yours in one bite and still be hungry for a ten more."

"Oh. The ocean doesn't seem that fun anyway I guess."

Norowa led them to their temporary home. She told them where she would be, and encouraged them to explore the town. Azula didn't feel as welcome as her uncle and Sokka seemed to. She felt the people here were welcoming them only out of obligation. There was no hiding that they didn't like the fact that she and Iroh were Fire Nation. Even though they'd never been attacked, they obviously care about their kingdom, or at least Norowa did.

When Iroh left to eat, Azula took the chance to talk with Sokka, who was quickly unpacking.

"What do you think about this place?"

"I don't know, I just got here." He smiled. "Not a fan I guess…" He looked at her like he expected a response. "Because they use fans." He explained.

"Yeah, I got your joke. I don't like it here. We're not welcome."

"They said we were, and they looked nice."

"Only because I'm the avatar. You heard what they said about my eyes. They don't trust us, even if I'm the avatar. If I didn't know airbending they probably, no, definitely would have tried to kill us."

"But you do, so they have to help us. You're worrying over nothing."

"I'm not normally wrong about these sort of things, Sokka. I know how to read people. Everyone here is on edge and watching us closely. I think it's best if we leave soon."

"It's fine. I'm going to go look around the village. I want to move about while I can."

"I'll go with you."

"I'll be fine myself." He said, not missing a beat.

"I have the feeling you won't be. I'm going with you."

"Azula, you really need to relax. These people could have already hurt us if they wanted. You should rest."

"What are you planning on doing?"

"Nothing! I just want to look around."

Azula knew it was a lie, but she didn't think he would do anything that stupid. She was only worried about what the villagers might do.

"Fine, I'll take a break here, you go do whatever. Just don't get in any trouble."

Azula joined Iroh in the dining room. Tea boiled on a stove, and on the table was a variety of foods and pastries. Mimo sat on the table nibbling on a dozen different foods. Iroh sat quietly.

"What are you thinking about?" She asked.

"Only things that can't be changed, I'm afraid. When are we leaving?"

"As soon as we can get supplies."

"I expected that answer. Maybe you should consider staying longer. It would help us to leave a good impression here. Leaving so soon after being welcomed might be seen as rude."

"I don't like it here. I know you noticed the stares we got. These people don't like us."

"You're confusing fear and hesitation with hatred, Azula."

"Fear can be worse than hatred." Azula said, reflexively rubbing the scar on her side through her shirt.

"What happened then was different. These people won't hurt us, Azula. Not unless you give them a reason to."

"Being alive is a reason enough for a lot of people."

"Not the ones who have sworn loyalty to you."

"Me, but not you and Sokka."

"You're concerned about us?" Iroh asked, unable to mask his surprise.

"I'm worried about having to travel alone."

"Stay the night here Azula. It will be good for you to put some trust into people."

Azula scratched at an apple on the table. The skin peeled off under her nail.

"Fine, we'll stay the night. But we leave in the morning. Early in the morning."

"Of course." Iroh said with a smile.

Azula decided to spend time training. It would give her time to think, and time to herself. Even with all the chaotic things that had happened the last year, Azula can't remember a single day where she missed practice, at least by choice. Perfection only belongs to those who have natural talent and dedication. If you only have one, you can be good, maybe even great, but you'll never be perfect. That's what her father had taught her, and in that regard he was right. As much as Zuko trained, he never had talent like her. And although Iroh had talent, he never trained like Father.

If you want something, you must take it. Another lesson from her father.

Even as the avatar, you're strong enough to kill your own father. I made you just like me.

Those were her father's last words: words of pride. He could have disowned her, or cursed her name, but instead he complimented her in his own egotistic way. She had wanted to be free. She wanted to get her duty out of the way so she could become stronger. She followed the lessons he had taught her: he stood in her way, and she removed him. He would have done the same. So why was she still feeling this crushing weight everytime she thought of him?

Azula found a spot a few minutes into the forest to train. The shade of the canopy made her fire light up the area around her, turning the green forest blue. Sometime into her routine, a thought crept in her mind: her father never saw her blue fire. She wondered, in a different world where she was never the Avatar, was she showing it to him and enjoying the pride he had for her? The fire sputtered and turned orange at the thought, then quickly died as Azula stopped giving it life.

"He's dead, Azula." She said to herself as she slumped against a tree. "Get over it."

She stood and punched the tree. It stood firm against the attack, but smoked where the hot strike landed.

"Focus on the path ahead. Don't look back. The past is for the weak to ponder about." She punched the tree as she talked, then fired a short blast of fire at the tree, and watched as it was scorched by the wave of blue.

A voice came from behind her. "Who you talking to?"

Azula jumped and turned around. She readied to attack, but saw only a single girl, who looked to be near the same age as she was. Azula eased her guard. She recognized her as the girl that had been laughing in the crowd.

"How long have you been there?"

"Long enough to see you hurting that poor tree. You have good form."

"Lots of practice."

"Does 'practice' usually mean tree fighting in the Fire Nation?"

"Who are you?"

"Suki. Future leader of the Kyoshi warriors."

"The group in training?"

"That's right. Norowa told you about us?"

Azula took a seat on an overturned tree as she answered. "A little bit; she was complaining about her duty to train you. She wants to help outside of Kyoshi."

"I know. She's been trying to leave here for years."

"Why not let her."

Suki sat on the tree as well. "The war is dangerous."

"There is no war anymore. It's been over for months."

"If that's true it will probably change things, but right now the only way for us to know that is you. Normally we would trust the Avatar without question, but…"

"I'm Fire Nation." Azula finished.

Suki nodded. "Try not to take it personal. Just because we haven't been attacked directly doesn't mean we haven't lost anyone."

"Care to explain?"

"Norowa's mother was killed. She was the leader of the Kyoshi warriors before Norowa was born. After training Norowa she went to help with the war, and was never seen again."

"That would explain why Maito doesn't want her to leave… What do you think?"

"I think we should follow the avatar, like we're meant to. If we had helped before when the avatar needed us the war might have been over long ago. With the air nomads wiped out, the warriors thought hope was lost, and gave up. They abandoned the avatar to look after their own, and we've kept up that tradition too long. There's always been a few who go against that. Norowa and her mother are only two of a handful of warriors who have fought to be involved, but the majority are always against them."

"If the war was still on, and I asked the warriors to follow me in battle, do you think they would?"

"Probably. The Kyoshi warriors were formed under the avatar and it is only them that can command any of us. Even the leader is chosen, and can lose their position. If you told them to follow you now they would, even if most were skeptical. There aren't many situations I can imagine they would say no to the avatar."

"Even with me being Fire Nation?"

"As long as you were standing for what was right. Obviously we wouldn't fight for the Fire Nation. The Kyoshi warriors are led by the avatar, but that doesn't mean our loyalty is blind."

"You've thought a lot about this."

"I'm going to be the next leader soon, I need to."

"How did you come to be the next leader?"

"I was chosen by the last group of warriors, as well as the group in training."

"Why you?"

"Leadership and combat skills."

"You're the best at combat?"

"Of the upcoming group, yes. I haven't seriously sprawled with Norowa, but I can't imagine I'd be a match for her, or many of the other official warriors, but compared to my peers I'm rarely bested."

Azula hopped off the tree. "Let's see how good you are then."

Suki looked up, eyes wide. "You want to dual?"

"I need to do some close-combat training, and I want to see what's so special about you warriors. You're representing them, so don't hold back. Don't worry about getting burned, I won't be using any bending. Close combat only."

Suki joined Azula on her feet.

"I might be representing the Kyoshi warriors, but you're representing the avatar, so don't hold back either. Hope you do well under pressure."

Azula smiled. "I do best under pressure."

Suki returned the smile. "Let's see."

Suki raised her arms in defense. Azula wasn't familiar with the form, but she could tell the purpose of the pose. The Kyoshi style was very traditionally Earth Kingdom in nature. Suki would wait for Azula to make the first move, and wait until she saw an opening, then strike it as fast as possible. Suki's pose had no opening from the front, and if Azula wanted a hit, she'd have to create one. Azula looked at Suki's feet. They were spread wide, but loose. If she needed force she could steady them, but if she needed movement she was ready to move in any direction. Just from studying the initial form, Azula could tell why the Kyoshi warriors were considered a formidable force despite not being benders: their style was very competent.

Fortunately for Azula, she was beyond any one form. No matter how good it was, every fighting style has its weaknesses. Combat wasn't something you could master from going through forms and routines every day. It would make you formidable, but when faced with true talent and skill, any form will crumble. Azula had three plans ready now. Each one more likely to succeed than the last, but also at more risk.

Azula raced forward. Suki tensed her legs. Azula noticed, and knew which plan she would play. Azula took the bait and tried to land a blow on Suki's left side. Suki raised her arm to block the strike before it landed, but Azula sidestepped and grabbed Suki's arm as she moved it and locked their legs together before Suki could realize what she was happening. Azula threw her weight toward the ground, and Suki fell off balance with her. Once Azula felt Suki's feet leave the ground she jumped and twisted mid air, throwing Suki even harder on the ground. Azula knew from the moment she locked legs that she'd won. Her last plan was an instant win as long as she was able to do that, and was the only plan she had needed, it turned out.

Suki fell hard on the ground, and Azula landed on top of her, one arm raised, ready to land a brutal strike on her opponent. Suki groaned from the force of the fall, and slapped the ground. Azula got off, letting Suki roll on all fours and recover her breath, which had been knocked out of her.

When Suki did, Azula offered a hand. Suki shook off the defeat and accepted the help.

"You need to hide your motives better. The second you tensed up I knew you were planning to block. You were so focused on taking the force of a blow you thought was coming that you sacrificed defending against an attack you didn't see was coming, and I was able to use that to pull you down with almost no effort."

"How did you know I would block? I could have tensed up to parry or even strike first."

"It was the way you tensed. You shifted you left knee forwards a few degrees, but kept your right foot sideways. If you wanted to parry or attack you would have moved it straight to push into your strike, and kept your legs still."

"I barely moved, how did you notice that while charging, you didn't even look at my feet!"

"I saw the move from the bottom of my eye, and knew how it was positioned before. In a fight you want to keep eye contact with your opponent and take as much information with your peripherals as you can. You'd be surprised how much you can see without looking. If you don't you'll give away your intentions to any opponent who does lock eyes."

"Ok, I'll give it to you, you're good. Maybe even better than Norowa. Who trained you?"

Azula was reminded of what was bothering her before Suki had interrupted as the face of her father flashed through her mind before she could stop it.

"It doesn't matter. They're not teaching me anymore."

Suki must have noticed the hint in Azula's tone.

"Well they did a good job. I'm sure they'd be proud."

"How long have you been training?" Azula said, hoping to get the conversation back to a lighter topic.

"Since I was eight, so about… six years. You?"

"Ever since I can remember. As soon as I could walk really. By the time I was eight I was already extremely proficient. Two years ago I became a master. The youngest since my grandfather."

"Oh… I guess I shouldn't feel so bad about losing then. You're dedication to your training really shows."

"Thanks." Azula said. 'Dedication' wasn't the word she would have chosen. It's not as if anyone could become as strong as herself. She was born to be the most powerful firebender alive. It was the goal set for her by her father and grandfather before she was even born. It was the reason she existed.

Whether it was because of the avatar spirit or not, she was a prodigy. There was no denying it. Only someone with mythical talent and skill would be able to wield blue fire, and as far as Azula knew, she was by far the youngest to be able to use such an ability, and judging by her training, she would soon master the technique. Ever since she had thought to help concentrate the blue fire through her fingertips, her fire had become even more potent, and used less energy than her normal technique.

Azula didn't think it was because she was the avatar that she was able to do what she could, at least with firebending. If anything, becoming the avatar has been a hindrance to her firebending skill.

"Azula?" Suki asked. Azula blinked and looked up.

"What?"

"I asked if you were coming to the festival. It'll be starting soon."

"Yeah, I'll be coming in a bit. You can go ahead."

"Okay. Just make sure you remember how to get back, this jungle gets confusing at night. I've seen people who've lived here for thirty years get lost for days."

"I'm good with directions, but thanks for the concern. And if I do get lost I can just use my bending for light and as a signal."

Suki nodded and left Azula alone.

Azula held up a finger, and clicked a small flame to life on her fingertip. She admired the way the blue light flicked in the wind, more stiff and forceful than it's orange counterpart would be.

The blue light spoke to her through it's small dance. "Prodigy." It told her. "And all that comes with it."

Azula frowned and flooded the flame with energy, enveloping it with a burst of blue that shot into the night sky.

Who trained you? Suki had asked.

Azula's mind went to her father, but he didn't train her in firebending. He trained her in something much more important. He taught her how to think, how to see the world, and she was still listening to him, despite having every reason not to.

She was the Avatar. People were beginning to respect her out of something other than fear. Her uncle was starting to trust her. She even had the first real friend of her life. But she wasn't happy. Everytime she thought of her old self, before being the avatar and learning what it meant, she felt anger, frustration, and hate. Not at her old ways, but the fact that her old ways had been easier and more fulfilling.

She was a prodigy and royalty. That was supposed to mean that people would bow before her. They were supposed to know their place beneath her. Now she was expected to serve the world to bring about some balance she didn't care about. It was wrong. Something was wrong, and maybe it was her.

Azula finished her firebending routine, and was still full of energy. Azula decided to spend the extra energy on physical exercise. After twenty intense minutes or so, Azula felt the usual fatigue that marked the end of her training. She rested and shook the sweat from her hair and wiped it from her face. She headed back towards the village, feeling much better than she had before.

The twenty minutes of exercise might not have been the best decision, she thought to herself. What little sunlight there had been was now gone, and she was too tired to hurry back to the village. She'd likely be late to the celebration. The mountainous terrain didn't help to recover from the workout. After longer than she expected, she finally saw the village down in the small valley. There were hundreds of lights dancing around, and she could hear the excited crowd from the small mountain she stood on. Azula walked down the mountain, following a stream.

As the ground beneath her began to level, Azula heard a voice carry through the forest. It was too far to understand, but it sounded familiar. She followed the sound, which brought her to where the stream met with others and widened into a calm river.

Azula heard the voice more clearly now and recognized it as Sokka's. He was standing in a clearing near the river with another person she couldn't see in the dark. Azula stayed in the trees, curious as to what he was saying. She stayed still and listened.

"-fun, but I don't know. Now that I'm here it's kind of… scary."

A laugh rang through the forest. Azula recognized the voice.

"Is the big tough guy scared of water? Come on, this will be your only chance for a while. Besides, you asked me. " Suki said.

"Yeah, but I didn't think it'd be so dark."

"It's a new moon, of course it'd be dark. It's not dangerous, Sokka. We don't have any catgators or anything."

"Any what? It doesn't matter, that's not the thing… I can't actually swim."

"That's what you're worried about? Look, I'll show you."

Azula heard a yell and splash. She didn't have to look to tell that Suki had dragged Sokka into the water. Azula had no interest in eavesdropping anymore, and left to the village. A few villagers greeted her, but she brushed them off as she headed for her room. When she got there, she got in her bed.

The house's thin walls became much more noticeable with a cacophony of chatter and celebration outside. The pillow she had over her head helped, but not enough to satisfy her. She began wishing she had stayed to practice longer, because she had a nagging urge to burn the entire village down to stop the noise. A knock banged against the door. She ignored it, but the knock came again. Azula threw the pillow to the side and got up. She opened the door forcefully.

"What?" She asked before bothering to look at who was there.

It took Azula a moment to recognize Norowa without her make-up.

"Sorry, were you sleeping?" Norowa asked.

"I was trying to."

"Can I bother you for a bit?"

Azula wanted to shut the door, but years of proper etiquette training stayed her hand.

"Fine." She said, walking to the table.

Norowa shut the door and joined her.

"What do you want?" Azula asked before Norowa could even sit.

"I want to know if I can go with you. I want to help you on your journey."

"I don't need your help. Is that all you wanted to know?"

"Don't you even want to think about it?"

"I already have, and you already have your answer."

"Think about it more. Your mentor might be wise, but he doesn't have as much knowledge and influence in the Earth Kingdom as I do."

"Influence? I'm the avatar. I have enough influence already."

"Maybe so, but I can still help protect you from anyone who might-"

"Protect me? A nonbender is going to protect the Avatar? How many times do I have to tell you I don't need your help."

Norowa slammed her fists on the table and stood up.

"Listen brat! I've trained for nearly twenty years in the style that your past life taught the first warriors of Kyoshi! I don't know what's got you into such a bad mood, but you'd be a fool to turn down my help!"

Azula stood up herself and stared Norowa down. "I've seen your style already. It's cute and all, especially with your little outfits, but it's worthless. You could spend your whole life mastering your 'style' and I still wouldn't be impressed. True power is something you were born with; it's something I was born with. It can't be learned from any style. Sure, you're good compared to all the other insignificant people on your island, but don't think for a second you even compare to me. I could take on your whole group with both hands tied behind my back."

Norowa seemed to debate on how to respond. She took a while, but finally relaxed her fists and looked at Azula with a calm face.

"I hope for your sake that you learn to control your temper. Not many are as forgiving as I am."

Norowa turned to leave. Azula didn't expect such a genuine response, and it made her even more angry at the woman.

"I don't need your forgiveness! You couldn't do anything even if you wanted!"

Norowa shut the door. Azula clenched her fists and slammed them against the table. She grabbed a cup and threw it at the door. It shattered into pieces, and did little to help her anger.

Azula was tempted to show Norowa the truth of her words. Azula now imagined burning the village down for a completely different reason. It wouldn't be hard. Just one good blast on each building would burn it to the ground. Norowa had no clue just how powerful Azula was. It was an insult to even suggest someone like Norowa could protect someone like herself.

The door opened, and Sokka looked in. His hair was wet, and his clothes were soaked.

"Azula?" Sokka called. He stepped inside the room. Azula saw he was holding his boots in his hand, and remembered the cup she had thrown. She stood to warn him, but his foot was already moving toward the ground.

Sokka yelled in pain and pulled his foot back. Azula went toward him and kicked all the shattered pieces into the corner. Blood was running down Sokka's foot. Azula helped him hop to the bath.

"Why the hell is there broken glass in the doorway?"

"Why the hell aren't you wearing your boots?"

"I didn't think there'd be broken glass in our house."

"Well I hope you learned your lesson."

They reached the bath, and Azula helped him left his foot into it. She turned on the water, and washed the blood off.

"How bad is it?" Sokka asked her.

Azula lifted his leg. There was a wide piece of glass stuck in the side of the bottom of his foot. It looked like it was about half an inch deep, maybe more.

"It could be worse." She said. She grabbed a piece of cloth from a drawer and came back.

"I'm going to take the glass out. It might hurt."

"Oh really? What makes you think that?"

Azula grabbed the piece firmly. Sokka winced.

"Sorry."

"Don't say sorry yet, hurry up and get it out."

Azula tugged on the glass. It nudged out, and fresh blood dripped from the wound. She pulled with more force, and the glass slipped out. She dropped it on the side. It had been about three quarters of an inch deep. She looked at the cut. Blood poured out, but not enough to worry her. Azula wrapped the foot in the cloth.

"Wiggle your toes."

Sokka did so.

"Okay, it doesn't look like it did any real damage. It should be okay in a week, and you should be able to walk fairly normal in a few days."

"Lucky me." He said.

Azula tied off the cloth. It'd be better if they had bandages, but the rag would do for now.

"You really should look where you're stepping."

"You really shouldn't leave broken glass on the floor! I'm guessing you threw it after Norowa left?"

"How do you know she was here?"

"I ran into her as she left. She seemed really upset. What did you say to her?"

"I got angry and was really harsh. Honest, but still harsh."

"What did she do?"

"What?" Azula asked.

"To make you angry, what did she do?"

"Oh, it wasn't her really, it was… something else."

"Suki didn't make you angry, did she?"

"How do you know I talked to her?"

"Um, she mentioned it to me."

"Was this before or after you two made plans to go swimming together?"

"She told you about that?"

Azula shook her head. "No, I heard you two talking."

Sokka looked up at her. "What did- how much did you hear?"

"Nothing important. Don't worry, I wasn't trying to eavesdrop on you. Just remember it's not a good idea to fall for someone right now, especially when your traveling. You'll just distract yourself."

"Yeah… I kinda realized that." He said, lifting his foot. "Anyway, she told me it went well talking with you, so what made you mad?"

"It's nothing."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"No, I don't."

Sokka nodded. He pulled himself up, avoiding any pressure on his injured foot. Azula helped him to their room.

"I would ask if you want to go out and join the party, but I guess I'm stuck here now."

"Too bad."

"I didn't think you'd actually want to go."

"I meant too bad for me that you're stuck here. I thought I was going to have some time alone."

"Funny."

"Better than your lame jokes."

"My jokes aren't lame."

"Maybe not to you, but 'I'm not a fan'of them" She mocked. Sokka sat down on his bed, and she went to hers.

"I think you secretly love them. Why else would you let me come with you. Jokes are really the only thing I have to offer you."

"You offer pretty good logic sometimes."

Azula turned to face the wall and go to sleep. A few minutes later she was interrupted.

"Hey Azula."

Azula sighed. "What is it? I'm trying to sleep."

"Me talking with Suki, that doesn't bother you, does it?"

Azula rolled her eyes. "I don't care what you do in your free time. I was just saying that you'll only set yourself up for disappointment, unless you plan on abandoning your family for good and staying behind to run off with a girl."

"I wouldn't do that."

"I know; I was being sarcastic. Now shut up before I make you sleep outside."

A few second later, the door opened. Azula groaned as Iroh stumbled in the room. He laughed and fell onto his bed.

"Those Kyoshi Islanders know how to hold a celebration!" He said. "I haven't been to a celebration like that since… since..." Iroh began to snore.

Azula shook her head, then covered her ears with her pillow, and tried to go to sleep.

---

Earlier That Day

Sokka knew he had walked into a trap before he felt the rope tighten around his ankle. What he didn't know was how much it would suck. It really, really sucked. It was painful, as he expected, but the humiliation was even worse. Walking into a trap and getting pulled into the air by your foot? That's embarrassing, but having that happen and then getting ambushed by a group of women? That was humiliating. He could deal with being out-performed by Azula, her being the avatar and all, but being threatened by non-bending girls? That was new, and he didn't like it.

After getting down, with Azula's help much to his annoyance, the group of women escorted them through the jungle to their village. The whole village turned up to see them being led like baby penguins. Of course they all wanted to talk about Azula. Sokka expected he'd be ignored by most of the people they met in favor of her. She was the avatar, former princess of the fire nation, the only person alive who knew airbending, and the only bender of blue fire. Pretty impressive compared to a non-bending outsider from the middle of snowy nowhere. Snowhere…

He looked through the crowd, and saw a group of girls in similar outfits to the kyoshi warriors, but they wore no makeup. The one in the front looked at him. He waved at her. She looked confused, which made him confused. He looked at the others in the crowd, and noticed they were all looking at him. The leader guy was to. Sokka apologized quickly and introduced himself, which seemed to be what the man was looking for. Sokka looked back at the girl, who was laughing at him. Great, now he would be known as the weird waving guy by everyone in the village.

After a short introduction the woman led them to the house they'd stay in. It wasn't huge, but it was nice and cozy. At least, more cozy than an igloo. After they settled in, Sokka was excited to go around the town to see what it was like. Azula was hesitant about staying, and didn't want him to go alone. He convinced her though and left. It wasn't that he didn't want her to come, really, but Azula wasn't the friendliest person, and Sokka didn't plan on just going to the market.

Sokka did look around the village market for a while. There was only one interesting store that sold weapons and armor, but not much that he wanted, and none that he could afford. He passed a large building, and saw inside the Kyoshi warriors, who were teaching the group of girls he'd seen earlier. They were flowing through multiple forms and technique in unison. One of the girls looked at him, the same he waved at. He freezed at the sight of her gaze, and, knowing it was a mistake, waved at her again. She smiled and waved back before going back to her training. Sokka left quickly.

As he finally bought some supplies, he kept an eye on the dojo. It took about half an hour, but the girls and warriors began leaving. Sokka looked for the girl, and saw her walk out with a few others. They stood outside the door for a bit talking, before the girl turned and waved goodbye to them. Sokka took the opportunity and approached her. She stopped when she noticed him.

"Hey, I'm Sokka." He said.

"I've heard." She said. "My name's Suki. Is there a reason you're following me?"

"What? I'm not- Why would-" Sokka stopped and cleared his throat. "So are you one of the Kyoshi warriors then?"

"Not yet. I'm still in training. I will be the leader soon."

"The leader? That's… impressive. You guys are pretty strong for girls."

"For girls, huh? Pretty strange coming from someone traveling with the girl avatar."

"Azula's different though, I mean, she's the avatar! You're all, well…"

"Non-benders?"

"Yeah, that."

"We're known throughout the world for our skill in combat. We were taught by the avatar! We're better than 'pretty strong.'"

"Okay, really strong. You know, I'm being taught by the avatar too. We've been training together for a few months. I've gotten pretty good."

"Really? Why don't we see how much she's taught you? Maybe I could learn a few things."

"Uh, sure, I guess I could."

"Let's go back to the dojo then, we wouldn't want anyone to get the wrong idea if they saw us fighting."

"Good thinking. That would look pretty bad, but don't worry, it's not like I'm going to go all out on you."

"Good to know." She said.

They went back to the dojo. It was much roomier inside than it looked, and the floor was soft. Suki stood a few feet away.

"Okay, come at me then."

Sokka nodded. He stepped toward her, going for her side. He saw her move, and felt a jab on the underside of his arm, then felt his feet get kicked from underneath him. He landed on the ground, which did it's job and softened the fall. Suki looked down at him.

"What happened?" She asked innocently.

Sokka began to understand what she was doing, and felt stupid for not seeing it before. He got back up.

"I was going easy. Just testing you."

"Oh, okay. Let's do it for real then."

"Yeah, no more going easy."

Sokka remembered what Azula had told him.

It's not going easy, it's strategy. She had said. Learn your opponent's movements and counter them. Keep your eyes on your foes. The eyes gave away intent. Take things in from the peripherals. They see movement just as good as where your focus is. Don't make any unnecessary moves, they'll only give away what you're planning.

Sokka decided to put her advice into practice. He stared at Suki's eyes, looking for any sign of what she might do. She noticed the change in his attitude, and took a stance. She wasn't going to go easy either.

Sokka moved in again, aiming for the same place. Suki was surprised at the move, and Sokka saw her move in to counter. Sokka pulled back quickly. Suki narrowed her eyes, and began circling him. He moved around her as well, watching carefully from the corners of his eyes any movements that would tell him what she planned. Her hand moved forward. Sokka moved into it and grabbed, then kicked at her legs. Suki jumped, pushing on his arm to help propel her. Sokka pulled her back down. She stumbled as she landed hard, and Sokka grabbed her shoulder as she did and pushed her forward. Suki began to fall, and he let go of her arm to let her fall, but she surprised him by keeping hold though, and before he could stop it she used her weight to drag him down with her. He winced in pain as he landed on his back and felt her land on top of her. When he opened his eyes, her fist was hovering inches from his face. He tapped the ground, and she got up and offered him a hand.

She helped him to his feet and smiled.

"I'll admit it, you are really good for someone with only a few months of training. If I was in your place I'd do much worse. If you keep it up you might catch up with me."

"Thanks. I underestimated you."

"Yeah, you did. You said the avatar was the one training you?"

"Yeah. I'm lucky if I can last ten seconds in a fight against her. And that's with my weapons and her without her bending."

"You haven't had any other training?"

"No, only a few lessons from my father, but nothing serious. Why?"

"It's just remarkable that you were able to actually catch me off guard. Many of my team aren't able to do that often, and they've been training under the Warriors for years. Either you're a really fast learner, or Avatar Azula is a terrifyingly good fighter and teacher."

"Or a bit of both."

Suki smiled again. "Yeah, or a bit of both. How good is she as a fighter?"

"Very. Even when she isn't bending she can mess with me when I'm going all out. I've never even landed a real hit on her. Once she uses her bending though, even if it's just airbending to move faster, I'm not able to keep up with her at all."

"She sounds like Kyoshi. Avatar Kyoshi was the most formidable fighter the worlds ever known. Her bending was so powerful that she created this island herself by bending it away from the mainland."

"Woah, really? The entire island?" Sokka looked out a window, noticing how large and far the mountains stretched around them.

"If our history tells the truth, yes."

"Wow. So that's the power of the avatar, huh? To think of Azula having that much power… it's kind of scary. I've seen Azula angry a few times. If she lost her temper and… well, no one anywhere around her would be safe. It is scary."

"You think she would misuse her abilities?"

"I don't know. She was raised by a crazy killer who wanted to take over the world, and it shows sometimes. Although she's a lot different than she seems at first. Or maybe she isn't. She's complicated. I was with her for half a year during her training and I still don't get her sometimes. She gets in these moods where she'll be happy one moment but then you say one wrong thing and she snaps."

"In her defense, I think you just might not get girls in general."

"Maybe…" Sokka didn't want to admit how true that might be. The only girl he knew before Azula was his sister, and he didn't understand her at all either. He didn't think that was it though.

"Now that you say that," He said. "Maybe it'd be a good idea if you talked with her. She was feeling really uneasy about being here. The last time she was in the Earth Kingdom, she saved this guy using her firebending, and after she did he literally stabbed her in the back. She nearly died. I think that's why she's nervous. Maybe if you talked to her she'd see you aren't all trying to kill us."

"It would bee an honor."

"Try not to ask too much personal stuff. She gets moody when you mention anything to do with her family."

"I'll keep that in mind. Is she still at the guest home?"

"Either that or off somewhere training. She usually practices bending when she has the free time."

"I'll go talk to her then. It was nice meeting you, Sokka."

"Before you go, I wanted to ask something else."

"What?"

"Do you want to hang out later? Maybe go swimming or something? I've never had the chance to do something like that. Where I'm from getting in the water is a death sentence."

Suki laughed. "Sounds fun, I'll see you then." She turned to leave.

"I'm looking forward to it!" He said, receiving a wave goodbye in return.

Sokka slapped his forehead. What was that supposed to mean? It was true, but once it came out it just sounded creepy and desperate. Now that he was thinking clearly, he wondered how he was supposed to even swim; he'd never done it before. Though how hard could it be? If something as fat and dumb as a tiger seal could do it then surely he could pick it up quickly.

---

Jora awoke to the same icy roof as before. At first she thought she was alone in the large igloo, but after looking around, she saw Piandao looking at her.

"Why?" He asked her.

"Because I had to."

Piandao frowned. "You don't have to do anything. I remember you gave me a chance when I told you about my birth parents. Why not give her the same chance? Is it simply because her eyes remind you of where she comes from?"

"She's his granddaughter. His blood runs through her."

"The blood of Avatar Roku does as well."

"Roku?"

"Yes, he's her great-grandfather."

"You didn't tell me that."

"It's not something I can tell just anyone."

"You still should have told me."

"I didn't think you would try to kill her! You've always hated the Fire Nation, but to attack a child? You've become as wicked as the ones you hate."

Jora didn't try to defend herself. She knew what she had done was wrong, but she couldn't stop herself from doing it. If she had the chance, she would do it again.

"So you hate me now too?"

"No, I don't hate you. I'm sad, and disappointed that you would do such a thing, but I believe that you can make up for it. That's the only reason you're alive now."

"What?"

"'What?' You attacked the avatar, Jora! Most of the village didn't trust you before! You show up, seemingly back from the dead after nearly fifty years. There's whispers of dark spirits and curses. Then you go and do something as stupid and reckless as this. You've been given a second chance, Jora. I don't know why, but you have. Does your life mean that little to you?"

"A second chance? A second chance at what? Everything I had is gone! The Fire Nation took it from me! I don't have a life anymore."

Piandao paused. "You need to decide on what you're going to do, Jora. If you can't put aside this blind hatred for the Fire Nation, I won't be able to help you any longer, nor will I want to."

"Why even help me now?"

"Because I know you're a good person. Not always, and not in every way, but good nonetheless. You helped me when we were young, for no reason other then it was the right thing to do. Consider this me repaying that debt. I won't be repaying it again. Stay in here until I come back, unless you wish to be killed. There's soup over the fire if you're hungry."

Piandao turned and walked away. He paused at the exit.

"I thought you should know, if you even care about it now, your son Lau is alive. He's married, and has a daughter who recently turned ten years old. If you ever wish to meet them, I suggest reevaluating what's important to you and acting accordingly." He said before leaving her alone.

Jora laid down and took his advice.

---

A/N: Sorry for the wait; life can get in the way of things sometimes. Yall know how it is. I should be back to a monthly schedule now, though. Also sorry for this giant monstrosity of a chapter. I wanted to cut it a bit shorter (which I did, the original draft was a good 5,000 or so words longer) but I felt cutting any more than this would make the flow feel wonky. I already have the draft for the next chapter finished, so that one should be coming out within the next few weeks.