CHAPTER RATING: T (Language, Violence)

A/N:

Published on: 01/11/2019

Chapter 22: Her Return

…A few months later…

Azula and the Avatar sit within the giant saddle of Appa; The Avatar holds the sky bison's reins in his hands, Azula lays back, the edge of the saddle nestled in her neck while her head spins. The wind passes through her hanging hair and the horizon merges two hues of blue into an endless line that seems to be going on forever.

"How are you feeling now?" He asks her.

"…Don't remind me." She rubs her temples while her stomach churns. "I'm trying my best to deal with it."

"Nobody was able to help from that last village we saw?"

"That was a while ago." Azula opens her eyes to an endless sea. "But no. The village herbalist couldn't help at all."

"I wish I could do more." The Avatar says.

"I'll get through this. I've been through worse." Azula tries to lift her arms, but fatigue sets in, and she collapses into the saddle, falling to her side.

"Stay on course, Appa!" He shouts through the air and leaps to her side. "Are you sure you're alright? I've never seen you like this before."

"This is nothing, just fatigue...and…nausea." She tries her best to jerk away, but instead accepts the warmth of his embrace and rests her aching head on his shoulder. His breath touches her ear and his arms hold her in a cradle of comfort.

"We're almost there." He whispers. Azula opens her eyes and see the lava tipped obsidian peaks of her home. "Almost ready?"

"Just…" She basks in his presence, wearily wrapping an arm around his back and placing another on his leg. His hold around her tightens. He places a hand on her hip and holds her hand on his lap. Even being so high in the air, sitting next to him is like sitting next to a warm fire. "Just...a little longer."

"Alright. Just a little longer." He whistles. Appa responds with a grunt, then stops midair. "...Just a little longer."

A few minutes pass in silence before the Avatar digs up the bounty poster.

"I'll be there to protect you. No matter what happens." He whistles again, and Appa begins to descend.

"Thank you."

"Here." Aang digs through his bag of supplies and pulls out a few pieces of dried meat. "An energy boost before we have to do this. Maybe it'll help with the fatigue."

…

Appa descends into a natural harbor directly in front of the Fire Nation Capital, black spires rise just like the mountains around them, with braziers that burn with fires that never stop burning. Aang and Azula step out of the saddle, slowly, they walk up to the Firelord's Palace, every step that Azula takes feels like it could be her last.

The familiar feeling of being watched tears at Azula again. A feeling that she had begun to forget during her time with the Avatar, but as each tiresome step ends, she knows that everyone has their eyes on her. With the Avatar's help she manages to get up the long staircase to the imperial palace doors that open with a long, deep groan.

All eyes turn on them, two massive crowds of the Firelord's court congregate at the sides of a single fire-red carpet that leads directly to the throne of the Firelord, where Firelord Zuko sits in front of a massive burning hearth. They step forward; no one says a word. They stand directly in front of the Firelord, his face still hidden by the shadow cast by the fires of the room. Azula hangs her head, listening to the whispers filled with disdain of those she hates so much.

"Avatar Aang." Zuko's voice booms. "It has been quite some time since you've graced is with your presence."

"It has been." Aang bows. "I can't apologize for it, if I recall correctly, I was banished, along with my prisoner here."

"And what, may I ask, gives you the audacity to enter my court uninvited, bringing your prisoner back?"

"This." Aang unfolds Azula's bounty poster and holds it towards Zuko. "Explain yourself."

An audible gasp echoes through the entire room, the crowds chatter like gossiping children, with her name on their lips.

So predictable. Azula sighs.

"I will." Zuko descends the stairs and rips the poster from Aang's grasp. "You think that we are blind here? My informants told me of how you caused a national incident in Ba Sing Se! And in willing to bet I know who caused it!"

"You banished us and left her in my care!" Aang replies.

"And you brought her back to us! Have you grown tired of her? Have you finally realized how much of a hassle it is to have to watch her every move? To always keep an eye on her? To deal with the consequences of her actions?"

Her brother's words sting her very soul.

When the Avatar doesn't reply, it stings even more.

"It was a mistake coming here." Aang's weak voice murmurs. "I apologize."

"You can't just take back what you've done. Change doesn't come that easily." A flame emerges from his hand, separating the Avatar from her. "Azula."

"What is it, Firelord Zuko?" Azula turns with a low tone in her voice.

"I…" She sees how he's taken aback by her weak response, as if he can't believe the sight before him. "I propose a compromise." He shakes his head, collecting himself, and walks back up to his throne. "I challenge you to an Agni Kai, for your honor and freedom!"

The room falls silent.

Azula tugs at the Avatar's shoulder, interrupting him as she sees him about to protest. She turns to Zuko, bows to him, and with her muscles still heavy with an unfamiliar fatigue, announces in a voice that tries to mimic the confidence she once had within these walls

"I accept."

"Then we shall face each other at sunset, in the Arena of the Fire Palace." He stares at her; she sees pity in his gaze but can't manage to conjure the fire within herself that used to burn so brightly. "Spend the time until then however you wish." He waves his hand, turns, and leaves.

The room erupts in a cheer. Azula bows and urges the Avatar to follow her; together they walk outside. Azula feels the sun against her hair, just above her.

"I know you want to help, but I need to do this." She whispers to him; he nods, and she continues. "If I don't, you'll be on the run until you throw me away."

"I would never-"

"I know." Azula turns to him, nodding with a broken voice. "I know you wouldn't. This is my only option. I either regain my honor, or I run forever…And I can't run anymore."

"What do we do until sunset?" Three gongs sound in the distance.

"I have someone I need to visit." She turns towards a tall tower behind the Imperial Palace.

The tower where her father sits, imprisoned.

A/N:

I will admit that if you're reading this just now, it seems to be going by quickly. But in reality, it's been over 4 years of waiting.

If not for anyone else, I really want closure with this story...More to be said in the afterword.

Thank you for reading.