A LifeWorthLiving
Thank you everyone for reading, following, and reviewing! It means a lot! Last season! I'm really excited! Hope you enjoy!Weirdo (guest): I just LOVED your review. Thank you. I'm glad you liked the last chapter.
A (guest): I see that now haha. Thanks for pointing it out. I'm not sure if I can go back and fix it since I submitted a file. But you know sometimes things get said a few times in order for readers or people watching shows remember.
Anyway, on with the story!
Nothing's Impossible
The Awakening
I don't understand.
There's a lot about this I don't understand. When people say their hearts break they feel empty. I feel anything but empty. I feel all this pain and agony. There's this unbearable, crushing heaviness on me. It's like I can't breathe. And I find it difficult to want to breathe.
I also don't understand Zuko. How could he betray us so easily? How could he betray me? I thought he loved me, at least really liked me. We were dating. I guess I just wasn't enough. But why would he give everything he had up? Sure it wasn't a life as a prince but at least he was loved here.
It hurt. It hurt so badly. I'm surprised I didn't die from all the pain. My worst nightmares were now true. I was in the Fire Nation's hands. They would do anything to force information about dual benders out of me. I'll have to be strong. I can't let them win.
After Aang was shot and escaped with Katara's help, and also after my freak episode, I woke up in a cell in the palace. Iroh was here somewhere, I could feel it, but I was too broken to call out to him. I imagine he was in the same position. Both our hearts were ripped from our chests. I cried silently. I didn't want anyone to hear me. No one walked by or checked on me since I was brought here.
Time was irrelevant. There were no windows to indicate if it was day or night. It was just always dark. Always dark, always cold, and always sorrowful. Food wasn't delivered yet, so I couldn't have been here long. Not that I wanted any food. I'd probably throw it up. Even water sounded so disgusting right now.
I wish someone would come though. I just felt like yelling at someone. Pouring all my emotions out so I felt less of a mess. I didn't think I could ever handle seeing Zuko again. I would be stuck between crying myself into a puddle and punching the brains out of him. I wondered how long we would stay here. How long until we went back to the Fire Nation. If I was going to escape now would be easier.
What was I doing?! This was no time to be crying and falling apart! I needed to find a way out of here. Should I free Iroh as well? If I could I probably will. But first thing's first. I needed to get out of here. I stood from my position leaning against the wall and walked around. I tried to bend the ground but I couldn't. Something was interfering. Metal. No earth bending. That left me with water. I needed water.
I closed my eyes and tried to locate water nearby. That's when I heard the slight dripping of water. It was coming from outside my cell. There was some water dripping onto the ground in a small puddle. Success! I was about to bend it when I heard the loud creak of a door. Quickly, I sat back down against the wall and tried to look as though I hadn't moved.
Heavy footsteps walked down the hall. They stopped in front of my door. I didn't dare look. The person spoke through the small slit in the door.
"Try to escape and I'll have no problem taking you down. Understand?" the Dai Li agent stated.
I nodded. I needed the prison to be empty when I escaped anyway. He opened the door and dropped a tray of food. I turned my head slightly. He kicked it to me. Some of the food spilled off.
The man left without saying another word. The food looked pretty gross. I slid it across the floor to the other side. I hated this containment. I wasn't ready to give up yet. Waiting at least ten minutes, I finally decided to put my plan into action. Standing back up, I went to the cell door and slipped my hand through. I bended some of the water over here. I bended it towards the lock. Moving the water inside, I tried to fit the groove.
It took longer than I wanted but I managed to make it work. I froze the water and turned it like a key. The door creaked, causing me to cringe, I hoped no one heard that. I started checking all the cells for Iroh. He wasn't in any of them. Guess I couldn't free him. I went to the door to the palace but stopped. Guards would be right outside. There wasn't another way out though. I had to risk it.
Slowly opening the door, I saw two guards posted. They stood far enough ahead that if I was quiet enough I could sneak out and around the corner. Holding my breath, I opened the door wide enough to slip through and quietly shut it. No movement. I tip-toed to the hall and turned the corner. I kept going, avoiding people at all cost.
Going up a flight of steps, I made it to a large door. I recognized it as the one leading to the throne room. I had to get through here to get to the front door or side one to the garden. Who knew how many people were in there though. I couldn't risk it. I kept going down the hall, but didn't make it very far.
A rock wall formed in front of me. I turned to see three Dai Li agents.
"Holt prisoner! Don't resist," one commanded.
I got into a fighting stance. They threw rocks at me. I bended all of them away. They closed in on me and managed to grab me. They were stronger than I was. They dragged me to the throne room. I resisted the whole way. Once inside, in the middle of the room, they threw me down. I didn't need to look up to know Azula and Zuko were by the throne and dozens of Dai Li agents around.
"What is she doing here?" Azula asked angrily.
"She tried to escape your highness," a Dai Li agent stated next to me.
"Escape?! You let her get out?" Azula asked furiously.
The Dai Li agents gulped quietly.
"She managed to get down the hall," another said.
Azula was quiet for a moment.
"I see. Make sure she doesn't escape this time. We leave soon," Azula ordered.
"Yes princess," a Dai Li agent said.
Two of them grabbed me by the arm roughly and pulled me up. They forced me to look up. I saw Azula sitting in the throne with a scowl on her face. Zuko stood next to her with an expressionless face. I glared back at both of them.
"Don't try to escape again dual bender. I won't be so kind next time, understand?" Azula threatened.
I continued to glare without responding. The Dai Li agent on my left pulled my hair roughly. I managed not to cry out.
"Answer the princess," he demanded.
I retaliated by simultaneously elbowing him in the gut and kneeing him in his private parts. He let go. I tried to run but four more Dai Li agents latched onto me. Azula laughed.
"You tried again even when I threatened you," Azula stated standing.
She walked up to me and grabbed my chin firmly. Her hands were burning.
"I'm going to have so much fun with you," Azula smiled wickedly.
Azula released my head and stepped back.
"Take her back. Have two guards always watching her. I do NOT want her escaping again," Azula ordered.
Without another word, I was taken away and thrown roughly back into my cell. They slammed the door. Two stayed outside my cell. I sighed. Escaping would be impossible now. I leaned back against the wall, pulling my legs to my chest. Tears were threatening to pour out. I sobbed quietly and swore it would be the last time.
ZUKO POV
Mikaila being thrown into the room surprised me. I didn't say anything though. I wanted to, but what would I say? So I said nothing. She didn't say a word either. That bothered me… a little. I had restrained myself from running over to her and helping. It was natural though, we were close. She didn't mean anything to me now, right?
I was just pretending. I really did want her captured. With the Avatar out of the way and a dual bender in our capture, nothing could stop us. Some reason I didn't feel happy. It was probably because I wasn't home yet. Yeah, that's it. Everything would be fine as soon as I got home.
Azula laughed beside me.
"What an interesting person. I can't wait to interrogate her," Azula stated.
That shocked me.
"You'll be doing her interrogation?" I asked trying to sound like I wasn't interested.
"Yeah. It'll be fun. Unless you want to?" Azula replied.
It had to be a test. I shook my head.
"You do it. I don't care," I said.
Azula nodded. Then she smirked.
"How close were you guys?" Azula asked.
I shrugged.
"We traveled together. She was my prisoner and then comrade," I said spitting onto the last word as if it tasted awful in my mouth. "She kissed me. Her lips tasted like salt water and dirt combined."
Azula seemed in deep thought.
"So… you didn't have any interest in her?" Azula asked.
I pretended to look disgusted.
"No. She means nothing to me," I said.
"Just making sure. It would be disgraceful as the crown prince of the Fire Nation to be associated with her kind," Azula said.
She sat back down in the throne.
"When do we leave?" I asked.
"Patience Zuko. We still have things to do. We need to set everything for the representative for the Fire Nation. The army and he should arrive in the next few days. You can wait until then," Azula stated.
I nodded.
We wouldn't have to wait long. A couple days later the Fire Nation army approached the wall. The Dai Li took down the wall and the army marched through the streets. They flooded the lower ring and made their way to the palace. The last earth kingdom had fallen. There truly was no one left to stop the Fire Nation. It seemed we had won the war.
Azula announced we were leaving tomorrow. I couldn't wait to get home. I was ready. It has been over three years since I've left. We left the palace early the next morning and made it to the ships late morning.
The smell of salt water. I haven't smelt it since the three of us drifted on that raft from the North Pole. I closed my eyes pushing the memory away. Azula, Ty Lee, Mai, and I waited to board the ship. Men and women boarded the ship with some supplies. Iroh was led in chains up the gangplank. He didn't look at me and I didn't look at him. Mikaila came a few minutes later. She looked pissed as hell.
As Mikaila passed us Azula grabbed her chains and pulled them tightly to her. Mikaila looked into Azula's eyes.
"You try to escape, I'll cut off your hands," Azula stated darkly.
Mikaila just continued to glare at Azula. She pulled her chains from Azula's grip and walked on the gangplank to the ship. She was taken below deck to a cell.
"What an ugly, weak girl," Mai said folding her arms.
"I thought she was kind of pretty," Ty Lee said. "If she was on our side she would be a nice addition to our group."
"You're too positive," Mai grumbled.
"Mai's right. She's the enemy," Azula said. "She's the key to finding the dual benders."
"You'll get it out of her, you're intimating," Ty Lee stated cheerfully.
Mai grinned.
"Yeah, you'll scare the shit out of her," Mai agreed.
"Let's not get too ahead of ourselves girls. She acts tough. But it is an act. I'll get it out of her with enough force," Azula said.
I remained silent, not daring to comment what I believed. Azula sideway glanced at me.
"She didn't tell you anything did she?" Azula asked.
All I knew was she was from an island. Probably close to where my ship picked her up. That's when something came to mind. It was when we were about to train in the farmlands.
"Mikaila, you just said island," I said a little surprised.
Mikaila rose an eyebrow in confusion.
"You lived on an island," I expanded on what I said.
Mikaila smiled brightly.
"I know. I meant to say it. I grew up on an island. That's where the dual benders live," Mikaila kept admitting.
"How could you admit that to me?" I asked.
"Zuko, I can tell you anything," Mikaila smiled even bigger.
The memory ended. I kissed her after that. But she didn't mean anything to me, so I could tell Azula that couldn't I?
"No, nothing. She never trusted me enough to say anything," I said instead.
Azula looked skeptical but nodded. We boarded the ship and left. I was finally going home. I felt queasy, and I didn't think it was from sea sickness.
MIKAILA POV
After boarding the ship I was taken down below deck. It seemed familiar, like when I was Zuko's prisoner all that time ago. All this time and here I was again, a prisoner. They opened a cell door and pushed me inside. They left my hands tied. I sat down sighing.
"I'm so sorry," a voice spoke.
It startled me. I saw Iroh sitting in a similar fashion a few cells down.
"Iroh… why are you apologizing?" I asked.
Iroh smiled sadly.
"Iroh again?" he asked.
I looked down.
"I didn't mean to," I said.
"It's alright. Considering everything that happened," Iroh said.
"I don't blame you. Iroh, Uncle, you're the kindest person from the Fire Nation I know. This whole mess isn't your fault," I stated.
"I'm sorry about my nephew," Iroh stated.
I looked away.
"I don't understand why- how he could do this to us," I said tearing up.
"He's just confused, lost," Iroh said.
I cleared my eyes and became angry.
"He's not confused. He knows exactly what he did," I argued.
I could feel the chill of the air. At least in this cell we had windows. They were big just enough for light to pour in and for me to smell the ocean. I've missed it. However, thinking of the ocean made me think of my family and how I failed them.
"Iroh… how are we going to get out of this?" I asked hopelessly.
"Don't give in yet. Everything will work out in time," Iroh wisely spoke.
"I hate waiting," I said. "And I have my home to think about."
Iroh thought for a moment.
"That is true. You'll protect them," Iroh said reassuringly.
"I know. I'll do anything to protect them," I said sincerely. "If I can't escape then I'll… well you know… take the last resort."
Iroh's eyes went wide, but he nodded in understanding.
"It won't come to that. We'll do whatever it takes to get out," Iroh said determined.
"Alright. Yeah, but I'm not so sure. Even if I make it out of prison, how will I leave the Fire Nation?" I stated.
"You'll think of something. We'll make it out together," Iroh smiled.
I smiled slightly and nodded in agreement. As the day dragged on and became night, the air became colder. It wasn't anything worse than when I lived on the island but it still bothered me. It was cold more because of the impending doom I was to face. Being interrogated by Azula… was there anything worse than that?
Would she be able to break me? How would she try? Would Zuko torture me too? I don't know if I could handle that. Whatever she threw at me though I had to endure it. My home was more important. They could break my bones, threaten to kill my life, but I will not give in.
ZUKO POV
I was lying in bed starring at the ceiling. For some reason I couldn't sleep. I blamed the motion of the ship. I wasn't used to it. That and my thoughts were pretty heavy. It would only be a matter of time before we got home. I wouldn't admit it to anyone but I was nervous. What was going to happen?
I tossed and turned for who knows how long before I got out of bed. Opening the door, I looked down the halls. They were empty. I debated whether to go down to the prison or not. Then decided that was a bad idea, I went up to the deck instead. Maybe the fresh air would do be some good.
It was so dark out, even with the bright nearly full moon. After a few minutes to myself, I heard someone walking closer to me. Couldn't have been Azula. She would have been silent.
"Aren't you cold?" Mai asked.
I turned my head slightly to watch her stand next to me. I guess she didn't get it.
"I've got a lot on my mind. It's been so long, over three years since I've been home. I wonder what's changed. I wonder how I've changed," I stated honestly.
Mai yawned next to me.
"I just asked if you were cold, I didn't ask for your whole life story," Mai said sarcastically.
I looked away scowling. She did get under my nerves sometimes. She wrapped her arm around me and with the other touched my face.
"Stop worrying," Mai chuckled lightly.
She pulled my face closer and we kissed. Then Mia pulled away and walked back to her room. I closed my eyes thinking. Her lips. They were different than how I remember them. They were cold, empty. Maybe it wasn't a good thing. I shook my head. I'm probably just not used to it yet. It has been three years.
I hated to admit it but I did like Mikaila. If I was going to get over her I should be with Mai. That makes sense. I could fall for Mai, I did many years ago. I just needed to get Mikaila out of my head. A memory came to mind. It was night and we sitting on a hill just outside of the city.
I laughed.
"So… does this mean we're boyfriend and girlfriend?" Mikaila asked.
I smiled before picking a flower from the grass. I pushed Mikaila's hair back and put in the flower. She smiled.
"Yeah. Boyfriend and girlfriend. I like the sound of that," I said.
No matter what memories came to mind, I had to forget them. Forget Mikaila. Taking one more breath of fresh air, I went back to my room. I needed my sleep. We would be home in a few days.
MIKAILA POV
It was a long, few days until we reached the Fire Nation. Everything became much warmer, the air, the water, everything. After days at sea, the ship stopped in port. Numerous guards came down to our cells and escorted Iroh and I to the surface. The sun was almost blinding.
They dragged us to the back of a vehicle with bars. Iroh and I sat on opposite sides. I felt every hole we drove in and every rock we went over. My heart was racing. We were here in the Fire Nation capital. My hands were shaking.
"Iroh, I'm scared," I confessed.
He remained quiet. This probably wasn't easy for him. Maybe harder for him than it was for me.
"Does that make me weak?" I asked.
Iroh lifted his lips barely into a smile. He didn't lift his head though.
"No child, it doesn't. But you're not weak. You're going to get through this," Iroh encouraged.
I needed to hear that. Maybe I'll start to believe it. We stopped in front a large building. It looked to be the prison. Two guards opened the door. Iroh and I stood. The guards grabbed Iroh and dragged him off the cart to the prison gates. I made to step out but one the guard stopped me with his hand.
"Sit back down! Princess Azula's orders were to take you to the palace," the guard instructed.
"Why? I thought I–" I started confused.
"I don't question the princess's orders. Now sit!" the guard commanded.
I did as I was told. Sitting back down, the cart took off. We rode through town. It was weird thinking this could be a normal place. Everyone either had to be evil or brainwashed. Though I suppose I couldn't blame everyone. They were raised to think themselves superior. Smart people believed it and held themselves to the Fire Nation's standards. Smarter people acted Fire Nation, but secretly questioned its beliefs.
Our track started going upwards and not too later we stopped again. At the palace I assumed. The doors opened. I couldn't go in there, I just couldn't. Without thinking, I slipped from the guards as I descended from the cart. I bended the earth to hit my chains. They broke. I ran as faster as I could… but this was the palace. There were guards everywhere. I told myself I wasn't giving up, but it sure felt that way.
Numerous guards escorted me through the halls of the luxurious palace. They opened a door and shoved me through. It looked to be an interrogation room. There were no windows, at least none I could see in the dark. There was a chair in the middle of the room and table just off to the side. There looked to be torture devices along the walls. The guards forced me to sit down. Azula stepped from the shadows.
"I've been informed you tried to escape again, even after our little chat," Azula stated. "You even tried to leave from the palace with all the guards around."
I scoffed.
"Nothing you say threatens me. I'll even leave this room the moment I get a chance," I stated back.
"I see…" Azula began slightly smirking. "I also see you're talking again. I thought you were silent out of resistance. But maybe there was another reason? My brother perhaps?"
I stiffened slightly, hoping she didn't notice.
"I want nothing to do with him," I spat out.
"Is that why you said you loved him?" Azula asked with a mischievous smile.
I chose not to reply for a moment.
"A lapse in judgment," I explained.
Azula nodded and moved on. Even though we both knew she didn't believe me. She walked around me a few times before stopping in front of me again.
"Get used to this room. This is where we're going to spend every day. You and me. Till you break," Azula leaned in threatening.
I smiled as I leaned closer too.
"I look forward to it," I said spitting down next to her shoes.
She looked furious when I looked back at her. She grabbed my arm and dragged me down the halls. We went up another flight of steps. Azula opened a door and roughly pushed me inside.
It was a bedroom. It wasn't too extravagant but definitely fancier than anything I've ever seen. There was a beautiful bed with a dark blue sheets and canopy. There was a dresser to the left with various jewelry. A desk on the right filled with papers and a bookshelf up above. There was a wardrobe closet next to the desk. I could barely see the bathroom in the corner.
I noticed all the windows, none looked like they could open though. There was a view into the courtyard of the front of the palace. We looked to be on the third story.
"Why am I here?" I asked.
"Get her washed up in time for the welcoming back. She stinks… like death," Azula ordered then left the room.
Two servant girls moved me to the bathroom. It took a lot of arguing for me to be able to shower on my own. It felt weird, the water of the shower. It's been a long time since I've taken a shower. It felt refreshing stepping out of the shower. I dressed myself… again after much argument. It was simple. Similar to what the servant's worse but even plainer.
A knock came at the door. It was three guards. They held out a chain to tie my wrists. These were heavier, I could feel it. They took me down the halls and to outside. We walked down the streets of the city. People scowled and booed me. Did they even know who I was?
We walked all the way back to the docks. At a tower of fire we walked to the top. Down below and through the fire I saw a crowd of the army. Some of the townspeople were there too. Two older women spoke loudly to the crowd.
"Your Princess Azula, clever and beautiful, disguised as the enemy and entered the earth kingdom capital," one spoke loudly.
"In Ba Sing Se she found her brother Zuko and together they faced the Avatar," the other one continued.
"And the Avatar fell and the earth kingdom fell," they both spoke in unison.
"Azula's agents quickly overtook the entire city. They went to Ba Sing Se's wall," the first one spoke again.
"And brought them down," they spoke together again.
I noticed Azula and Zuko walk closer into the room. I avoided looking at them. But I noticed they were dressed very nicely. Zuko's hair was up in a bun… I didn't like it.
"The armies of the Fire Nation surged through the walls and swarmed into Ba Sing Se, securing our victory," the second one spoke.
"Even more great news, our prince has captured a dual bender on his travels," the first stated.
"With her knowledge we can take down the last of the enemy and wipe them out," the second one finished.
"Now the heroes have returned home," the two women spoke together.
"Your Princess Azula," the first women announced.
Azula walked through the flames to the front balcony. The crowd cheered loudly. I looked over at Zuko. His head was hung. He don't look well… shouldn't he be happy?
"And after three long years, your Prince has returned," the second one stated.
"Zuko!" they both praised together.
Zuko walked out there to the balcony. The crowd cheered again and kept cheering.
"Why am I here?" I asked the guards who restrained me.
"To watch us be praised for our victory," Azula answered.
She had walked back through the fire when I wasn't looking. Zuko just came through, unaware of what we just said.
"What? Not going to talk anymore?" Azula asked. "Fine. Take her back to her room. I'll deal with her later."
The guards pulled on my chains making me walk faster to keep up with them. The chains were starting to hurt my wrists. We walked back to the palace and I was placed in my room. One guard stayed in the room while the other was posted outside. Having nothing to do, I laid in bed.
ZUKO POV
Something was wrong, didn't feel right. What was it? I was home, back to the life as a prince I was missing. But I needed something more, but what? Father. Of course. I haven't seen him yet. That's what I was missing.
After getting back to the palace, something possessed me to go to the kitchen. Chefs and servants were busy preparing food. One stopped to help me.
"Prince Zuko," he said bowing. "Can I get you something?"
"A loaf of bread," I replied.
"Right away," he answered.
He ran off somewhere and less than a minute later came back with a loaf of bread.
"I hope it's to your satisfaction," he said.
I grabbed the loaf of bread and nodded my head. I walked to mom's favorite garden. Where the turtle-duck pond was. I sat down and began breaking the bread to throw in the water like Mom and I used to do. They came and ate. That is until Azula approached.
"You seem so downcast. Has Mai gotten to you already? Though actually Mai has been in a strangely good mood lately," Azula stated.
I looked up at her, with a hint of anger.
"I haven't seen dad yet. I haven't seen him in three years since I was banished," I said.
"So what?" Azula asked.
"So I didn't capture the Avatar," I replied annoyed like it was obvious.
"Who cares? The Avatar is dead," Azula answered. "Unless… you think somehow he miraculously survived."
There was no way he could have except…
I thought back to when the Water Tribe girl and I were in the crystal cavern cell.
She held up a small container.
"This is water from the spirit oasis at the North Pole. It has special properties so I've been saving it for something important," she said.
The death of the Avatar would definitely be something important.
"No," I said looking back at Azula. "There's no way he could have survived."
She stared down at me, trying to read me. I gave her back my glare.
"Well, then I'm sure you have nothing to worry about," Azula stated then walked away.
I spent the rest of the day thinking. The Avatar had to be dead, but in my gut I didn't believe that. If that water was really special it could have healed him. If the Avatar was alone what would they do next? Come here? Surely they weren't that stupid to do that. There was no way they would be strong enough to pull that off. If they came on black sun then they stood a small chance… but what were the odds they knew that day was approaching?
I was starting to sound like I wanted them here. That was ridiculous. My thoughts were all over the place. They ventured to dad. When would I see him? Soon? How would he react? I was slightly terrified of him and what he would say. And then there was Uncle. How was he doing in prison?
Was he still mad at me? Of course he was. Why wouldn't he be? But he was my Uncle. We grew close on our journey together. And even though they weren't blood-related, he reminded me a lot of mother. Her kind heart and gentle spirit.
And Mikaila. What was she doing? Earlier Azula said return her to her room not cell. Did that mean Mikaila was somewhere in the palace? But why? Was it easier for Azula to interrogate her if she was here? The thought of Mikaila being tortured unsettled me, but what could I do? I was the prince of the Fire Nation and she's a dual bender. Sworn enemies.
I remember back when we first met. When she hated me and I hated her. I remember how much hate I carried. I haven't felt that way in a while. Did I have to be that way again? I tried to think of how I was before I was banished. Not as cruel but with some darkness inside me. It came ever since mom… whatever happened to her. I didn't believe she was dead. Disappeared perhaps.
It was late and I was retiring to my room when a messenger caught up to me.
"Prince Zuko," he announced himself.
I turned to look at him. He bowed.
"Fire Lord Ozai requests your presence," he stated.
I nodded. The messenger ran off to who knows where. I walked back down the halls to where father would be, in the throne room. He finally wanted to see me. What would he say? At the curtain, I took a deep breath before entering.
It was how I remembered it. Father sat up high on the throne, surrounded by his fire. It was an intimating sight. I was used to it though. This is how I saw him most of the time. I walked to the middle of the room and bowed down to the ground.
"You have been away for a long time," father spoke up. "I see the weight of your travels has changed you. You have redeemed yourself my son."
He stood and walked down to the floor where I was. At his steps, I looked up at him. Making sure no anger was written on my face. Only obedience.
"Welcome home," he said.
That was probably the nicest thing he's ever said to me. Of what I can remember. He began to walk back and forth.
"I am proud of you Prince Zuko. I am proud because you and your sister conquered Ba Sing Se. I am proud because when your loyalty was tested by your treacherous uncle you did the right thing and captured the traitor," father praised. "You also captured a dual bender. Whose people are the last threat to our cause."
It sounded weird coming off his tongue. He walked behind me.
"And I am proudest of all of your most legendary accomplishment. You slayed the Avatar," father stated.
I what? Azula's the one who killed him.
"What did you hear?" I asked.
"Azula told me everything," father replied. "She said she was amazed and impressed with your power and ferocity at the moment of truth."
Amazed? Impressed? That didn't sound like Azula. And why would she say I was the one who defeated the Avatar when she did? It didn't make any sense. I have to get to the bottom of this.
"Thank you, father," I said bowing my head.
He motioned me to stand so I did. He placed a hand on my shoulder. I nearly jumped.
"You're becoming the prince I've always wanted you to be," father said then removed his hand. "That is all."
I bowed again then left the room. The atmosphere was so thick in there that I had to let out a breath. I marched to Azula's room. I didn't care if it was late, she was going to answer to me. I opened her door.
"Why'd you do it?" I asked immediately.
She was lying in bed but I knew she was awake.
"You're going to have to be a little more specific," Azula stated.
If she wanted to play that game then fine.
"Why did you tell father I was the one who killed the Avatar?" I asked walking more into the room.
I swear I heard her grumble.
"Can't this wait until morning?" Azula asked.
"It. Can't," I said firmly.
She sighed.
"Fine," Azula said sitting up. "You seemed so worried about how father would treat you because you hadn't captured the Avatar. I figured if I gave you the credit you'd have nothing to worry about."
"But why?" I pressed.
Giving me credit for something she did didn't sound like Azula. At all. She climbed out of bed.
"Call it a generous gesture. I wanted to thank you for your help and I was happy to share the glory," Azula said.
"You're lying," I said almost frustrated at her.
"If you say so," Azula said walking passed me.
"You have another motive for doing this, I just haven't figured out what it is," I said.
She stretched her arms above her head.
"Please Zuko, what ulterior motive could I have? What could I possibly gain by letting you get all the glory for defeating the Avatar? Unless… somehow the Avatar was actually alive, all that glory would suddenly turn to shame and foolishness," Azula stated then sat back in bed.
So that's why she did it! If the Avatar was alive I would get blamed. Then there had to be some part of her that believed the Avatar was alive. Otherwise she wouldn't have given me any credit.
"But you said yourself that was impossible," Azula said laying down.
I turned to leave.
"Sleep well Zuzu," Azula stated.
I kept walking. The Avatar could be alive, probably was alive, so what do I do?
MIKAILA POV
Despite the comfy bed I was given, I didn't manage to sleep that well. It was morning, light poured heavily into my room. I just laid there. What else could I do in this position? Getting up didn't sound all that appealing. I was hungry. Incredibly hungry. I wasn't fed since breakfast yesterday, and I wouldn't even count that as a meal.
A guard opened the door and two servants came in. They were instructed to help me dress. I just let them sit while I did that. There was no way I was letting them help me. When I was ready, the guards put the chains on my hands and walked me down the halls. We went back into the interrogation room. I sat in the chair. The guards backed up as Azula entered.
"Are you ready to begin?" Azula asked.
I chose not to speak.
"Not talking to me now? Well that hurts, offends me," Azula stated.
I rolled my eyes.
"I see I have to show you I mean business. This is how it works," Azula said lighting her hand on fire. "I ask a question, you give me an answer. When you don't reply…"
And all I felt was burning and all I heard was my screaming.
Thanks so much for reading! I have finals this week so it might take longer to post the next chapter. Hopefully not more than a week and a half. PLEASE REVIEW!
