Hello, fellow readers.
I am back once more with another chapter. And what a ride it's been with you all since we are winding down to the end. There is only one more after this one and both will be comparatively short as opposed to the 6000+ in Chapters 23 to 26. It's time for the resolution of this story now and I still can't believe how time has flown by. But alas, all god things must come to an end.
But I have good news as well- I am already in the process of writing the sequel. It won't be published until spring at the earliest, but I'm making good progress and I hope that everyone invested in this story will continue on with Azula and her next journey.
In any case, review time.
AzureTemplar3535- Thank you very much! Glad you enjoyed it.
LostAmericanSpy- I am very happy you found it as well. I love redeeming almost insurmountably bad characters haha. Especially if they are complex like Azula.
abracursix- She truly does care for Zuko now, as well as the others. That's the difference here. Is she still going through a lot? Yes. Still ruthless? Yes. But when you care about people, that's what sets someone apart. I hope you had a wonderful holiday.
hopelessromantic34- The point is that Azula amidst in her inner turmoil recklessly took on the Fire Lord alone but now she as a true family- her brother and friends. It was never about reestablishing her as a dominant, egotistical person, but a complex one who has multiple aspects to her personality. Someone who can change her sociopathic beliefs. That's what I've been going for the whole time.
Guest- Lol that's an odd way to take this chapter but of course you are entitled to your opinion. I will say that Fire Nation will most certainly not be keeping the colonies in this story.
Matheus Bezerra De Lima- All good questions. You'll find out soon enough XD though I will say the sight of Katara being manhandled by Ozai was enough to get him to go into the Avatar State. As per your request, I already something like that in mind ;) Stay tuned.
Guest- Thank you so much, my friend. I appreciate the kind words. I'm always trying to get better as a writer. And I've given a lot of thought to the next part of the journey because what you said is the precise reason why I wrote this story in the first place. Azula had/has the potential to be so much more than what she was taught and I wanted to see how that could play out. Without sounding cheesy, I felt a connection to her as I wrote this.
GNTR96- Thank you as always, my friend. I am planning a sequel to this.
Guest- My sincerest thanks for the kind review:)
M- I wasn't going to let anyone die of course. I wanted to respect that aspect of the original series although part of me did want to see Aang kill Ozai, I wrestled with that outcome in this story so I'm going let that decision stand with the readers.
Luna Lillyth- Ozai is too powerful, even for the combined might of Azula, Zuko, and Katara. The only two people really capable of giving him a challenge are Aang and Iroh of course. The chapter had to reflect that. Back pain is never fun.
UnOriginal2Tall- Oh yeah, you can't pull punches with a guy like Ozai. The man is straight evil. He tried to murder his own children when they disobeyed him, enough said. These next two chapters are pure aftermath.
The Rhombus- Yup, battles are always tricky. I remember writing them for our own story and it took a considerable amount of time. To properly outline one in a way that flows and is easy to imagine remains something I want to get better at. I did think about splitting the battle into two parts but I wanted it to flow into one big monumental event. There is a lot for Azula ahead and her transition from a cold blooded warrior to something else is one of many steps she's going to have to take.
mdelau4- I'm glad you liked it! I wanted this battle to serve as to how Azula can depend on others and yet she's still angry and seeks revenge. The internal battle between conflicting philosophies on the inside has not ended just yet.
Thank you all, again. I hope you enjoy the latest chapter!
Chapter 27. A Changing World
The first thing Azula noticed when she awoke was that the sun was shining brightly. Sounds of birds chirping could be heard as she slowly became more aware of the peaceful scene.
The second thing she noticed was the throbbing pain in her arm and the tension in her back, which was made easier by the comfortable bedding she sat upon, one that was quite familiar to her. It was then the princess realized she was back in her old room in the Fire Nation Palace.
Questions surged through her mind? What was she doing here and more importantly, how was she here? Had the Avatar won and the Fire Lord finally killed? Or perhaps this was another dream, maybe an introduction to a kind of afterlife in the wake of her death.
No, she thought. If I was in the afterlife, I'd be in a much worse place than this
Thinking back to the battle, the last thing she remembered was witnessing the timely arrival of the Avatar in all his power before succumbing to exhaustion and injuries sustained during the fight.
She double checked her arm and confirmed that it was actually in a makeshift sling. Which meant whoever brought her here was clearly a friend. Had her father been the victor she surely would not be alive. They had won, that much was clear, but further information was required.
Fortunately, she didn't have to wait long as there was a double knock on her door before three familiar faces entered.
First was Ty Lee, who bound into the room with her usual happiness and cheer, followed by Mai and Zuko, the former of whom was locked arm in arm with her boyfriend, smaller smiles adorning their faces.
"Azula! Thank goodness you're awake!" the acrobat said giving her a big hug. Normally, she wouldn't have minded but the pressure even from someone as light as Ty Lee caused her back to spasm.
"ACK!"
"Sorry!" Ty Lee apologized frantically. "I forgot you hurt your back during the battle. I'm just so happy you're okay."
She gave a smile indicating all was forgiven before turning towards her brother and Mai.
"I take it we won then?"
"We did," Zuko affirmed.
"I assume so, otherwise I'd be dead or in a cold cell instead of in my room with a cast on my arm, which I hope, by the way, won't take long to heal?"
"The physician said it would take around a month and a half," Mai replied. "Your back will take some time as well though nothing is permanent. Basically, you just have to take it easy."
Azula blew a piece of hair out of her face.
"I suppose it could have been worse all things considering."
Her eyes traveled to Zuko's abdomen and chest, which were wrapped in bandages underneath his robe. Evidently, their father had left one more mark before his defeat. Though he had left numerous physical scars, never again would he be able to torture them mentally. She could take that satisfaction at least.
"So what happened to Qin? Father named him the temporary Fire Lord, what's his role in this?"
"He made a run for it as soon as he heard father was defeated and we were coming this way. Turns out I didn't even need uncle's authorization. The sages and nobles accepted me as the new ruler as soon as I got there."
The princess nodded. More than likely it was to prevent any potential backlash from opposing the new monarch, but she'd take a smooth transition over political squabbling any day.
"And father? Is he finally…"
The trio's uncomfortable glances told her all she needed to know.
"He's still alive?! How? Why?"
"Aang found a way," Zuko explained. "He still couldn't end dad's life, so he did something else. He took his bending away."
Azula had to blink a few times before taking in that sentence.
"Took his bending away? You're serious?"
"Dead serious," Mai said. "He's not a threat to anyone anymore. He'll be living in a cell the rest of his life."
"Disagree. As long as he's alive, he'll always be a threat," she said bitterly.
"Azula…"
"He should have been killed."
Ty Lee placed a hand on her shoulder in attempt to soothe her.
"Azula, it's over. You don't need to worry about your dad anymore."
"He's guarded twenty-four hours a day," Zuko assured her. "Under constant watch."
"Small comfort. You should put him on trial, you could legally execute him if you wanted."
"I could," the new Fire Lord acknowledged. "But I won't. Out of respect to Aang and what he wanted; he's going to remain in prison. I'm not going to kill him."
Azula could hardly believe this. Even in victory, her monstrous father had somehow managed to cheat her of ultimate revenge. His very existence was an insult to her. And of course, Zuko was too high minded to have blood on his hands.
Giving a bitter sigh, she sank back onto the pillows.
"Whatever, it doesn't matter I suppose. Everything is going to change now anyway."
"They're going to change for the better," Ty Lee said softly. "You'll see. This is the chance to start anew, for all of us."
Though she knew the acrobat was doing her best to cheer her up, there was barely any consolation she could take at the moment. Her three best friends had roles to play- Zuko was the new monarch, Mai would be consort and later his queen, Ty Lee was likely on track to join the Kyoshi Warriors- so where did that leave her in this new world? What did she have to offer if anything?
She needed to talk to Zuko. Alone.
"Oh, Ty Lee, your braid looks all tangled again. Mai, would you mind fixing it for her outside?"
Ty Lee scratched her head.
"It is?"
Mai simply rolled her eyes.
"Honestly, Azula. If you want to talk to Zuko alone just ask."
She gave something of a sly grin.
"Old habits die hard, I suppose."
The two girls shared an understanding smile, with the former placing a hand on her shoulder, which for Mai, was a major gesture of affection.
"Get well. You'll be back to full strength in no time."
Ty Lee embraced her once more, albeit much lighter this time following Mai out of the door, leaving the two siblings to talk amongst themselves.
For a moment, the scene was a tad awkward as neither of them knew quite what to say. In the end it was Azula who spoke first.
"Congratulations, Fire Lord Zuko. I'd get up and bow but…"
She jokingly indicated her broken arm and back.
The former prince laughed and gave his thanks, but added, "You don't have to be formal with me when we're in private, okay? I want our relationship to stay as it is now, not the old power struggle it used to be."
Azula was grateful for that, however, she could also tell something else was bothering him. Zuko, ever to wear his heart on his sleeve, wasted no time in revealing it.
"Part of me still wishes that uncle was the one taking the job, but I know that it's my duty to do so."
"I think you'll make a great Fire Lord."
He didn't seem to know whether she was being serious or not by the look in his eyes.
"You mean that?"
"I do. People feared father but they didn't love him. You need a certain amount of both to rule properly. One of many things I've come to realize these past few weeks."
She gave a half smile.
"Plenty of people love you, Zuko, but you'll also need to display to the masses you're not someone to trifle with. We can work on that of course."
"Azula…"
"No use in arguing over it, brother of mine. The war may be over and you're helping the world rebuild, but you're still the leader of the Fire Nation first and foremost."
"I'm not going to become, Ozai," he protested thickly.
"Agni, forbid," Azula said darkly. "You'll never have to worry about that. But ruling presents all sorts of challenges you haven't faced yet. It's hard work, thankless, and frankly I understand better why uncle doesn't want it."
Zuko sat down on the edge of her bedside, his face looking downwards before looking at her once more.
"You were always the smart one," he chuckled. "Pointing out things no one else could, remaining one step ahead."
The princess sighed. Compliments didn't erase reality.
"Well like I said, it doesn't matter now. Everything that was is gone. I used to be the jewel of the Fire Nation, leading the country to victory. Now I'm in bed with a broken arm, a bad back, and no use to anyone."
"On the contrary," Zuko corrected her. "I need you more than ever. If I'm going to rule this country and help make the world a better place, I'll need people to help and advise me. I can't think of anyone better than my sister, princess of the Fire Nation."
"You have uncle for that. Generals and Ministers…"
"Uncle is retired," the Fire Lord pointed out. "He deserves the life of peace he's always wanted. And I'm going to have to sort out who I can rely on from father's old guard and which ones I'll have to replace. I have Mai and the Avatar will always help where he can, but you know this stuff, Azula. Politics, intrigue, strategy, insight…I'm still a bit raw with it. I'm going to need your help."
The princess could feel her heart touched by this show of confidence in her by the new Fire Lord. Anyone else in the same position would have either exiled or imprisoned her for the rest of her life. Zuko was already establishing himself as a different kind of ruler. Did that make him revolutionary or a fool?
That's the old you, talking, a voice said to her. The kind of person Ozai raised. You're not that person. You know what he means to you.
"I'm sorry," she said aloud.
"For what?" Zuko asked, surprised.
"Everything," came the remorseful response. "For deceiving you, demeaning you, going out of my way to make your life miserable growing up. Dad always said you were weak and unfit to take his place. But he's never been more wrong."
"Azula…"
"You saved my life. Without you, I wouldn't be here. No one who does anything like that is weak."
A small tear rolled down her cheek as she struggled to contain these emotions that were almost completely alien to her. She wasn't used to apologizing, to expressing regret, saying the word 'sorry' which she had never spoken unless it was to get something she wanted.
But this was no lie or deception. Through it all, she finally was willing to admit she loved her brother. And he felt the same way.
"I'm surprised you still don't hate me."
"I've already forgiven you," Zuko said, pulling her close. "Whatever happened in the past is over. I could never hate you."
"We can't pretend the past never occurred."
"No, but we can learn from it and we already have. Look at us. You hate hugs."
That brought out a dry laugh from the princess, who conceded that she was becoming more comfortable with displays of affection though they still weren't her strong suit.
"Don't get use to that, Zuzu. I'm still going to tease you in the Royal Court."
Zuko laughed as well before giving one last tender moment.
"Since we've both made it through this crazy war, we have to take care of each other now. I promise I'll always be there for you. It's my duty as your older brother after all."
To hear him act like an important older sibling was still amusing to Azula. But not in a dismissive sort of way. They both knew she was perfectly capable of taking care of herself, the difference being she could accept that life alone was not ideal. Having others look out for you due to bonds, not self-interest, was strength not weakness.
"The same applies to you too, you know," she said. "When you inevitably start to become stressed out from being Fire Lord, you can count on your wonderful sister to soothe your troubles."
The ex-prince snorted but appreciated the gesture all the same. Things would be different now, some for better and some for ill, but this was one aspect of the new world that was definitively positive. Iroh had once believed them destined to fight against each other until one fell, but as the wise general once stated himself- "Destiny is what you make of it."
Azula had chosen. Her life, though unclear going forward, was not going to be one of bitterness, solitude, and fear. That much she did know.
"I'll leave you to rest. Don't strain yourself, okay?" Zuko said to her before she could protest. "I want you right there for the coronation."
Ah, yes. The ceremony of ceremonies and the moment where her brother's life would come full circle.
"Just don't expect me to lay in this bed all day. I don't like being idle."
"Wouldn't dream of it," Zuko smiled. "Just don't challenge anyone to an Agni Kai."
"You're no fun."
With one last chuckle and a nod of his head, the Fire Lord left her chambers, leaving her to ponder once more. But for the first time in her life, Azula didn't want to think or analyze every detail of the present and the future. Suddenly feeling quite tired, she was content to lay down and slip away into the softness of her blankets and pillows.
For the first time in well over a month, Azula closed her eyes and drifted into a dreamless sleep.
The coronation occurred three days later. All the leaders from the other nations were invited, as well as those who had aided the Avatar or been a part of the war effort to defeat the Fire Nation.
Well, technically, they hadn't really been defeated, Azula figured to herself. In reality they had forced a coup and called back the rest of the military to the homeland once Zuko was established as the new ruler. Tedious to be sure but even now she preferred not to think of her country as having been 'defeated'. Ozai or not, this was still her home and she intended to protect its prestige.
Of course, that would depend on a variety of factors. Zuko's coronation was not the end of the story for the Fire Nation or anyone else for that matter. Though most of the commoners were too ignorant of politics to pay much attention, there would be some in higher circles who would no doubt seek to depose her brother and replace him with Ozai once more or someone else. Capitulation after one hundred years of warfare was not an easy mindset to adopt.
Instilling fear was a tactic Azula actively tried to avoid now, however that didn't mean potential rebels shouldn't know the consequences of daring to hurt her family. Zuko was going to be a ruler that relied on kindness, justice, and charisma. But he also had to do what was necessary to keep that power. She could help with that; indeed she would help him with a lot of things to prepare for what was ahead.
The princess brought herself out of her deep thought process. There would be time for all of that later including numerous meetings, most of which would be incredibly dull. For now, she allowed herself some contentment in the ceremony that was to take place.
She saw Katara and Sokka rush and hug the Southern Water Tribe Chieftain, Hakoda, who looked down on them with beaming happiness and pride.
"I heard what you two did, what you all did. I must be the proudest father in the world."
He looked down at his only daughter and added.
"Your mother would be proud too."
Katara teared up, touching her necklace in loving memory.
Azula observed this and wondered briefly if her own mother would be proud of her for what she had done.
I guess there's really no way to find out
But, Agni, she wanted to know. If there was some way to find her again…
Just then the Kyoshi Warriors showed up, back in uniform with Suki once more at the helm. But they had a new member with them this time.
"There's my favorite warriors!" the water tribesman said happily. "I kind of admit, I kind of missed the face paint."
He narrowed his eyes.
"Wait a minute, is that-"
"You guessed it!" said a familiar cheery voice dressed in the traditional green garb.
Azula couldn't help but be amused.
"So, Ty Lee, you officially joined the Kyoshi Warriors. How does it feel?" she asked.
"It feels great!" the former acrobat replied joyfully. "All those training sessions with Suki really paid off. Plus, she put in a good word for me with the other girls. We're going to be best friends forever!"
She grinned brightly, embracing two of the other warriors who reciprocated.
That's no surprise. She was always good at making friends with random people.
"I have to say, I really like this dress," Ty Lee said, swishing around in the soft fabric. "It's really grown on me. You should get one for yourself Azula."
The princess, never one for dresses, whether they were the constricting, puffy ones she wore as a child or otherwise, politely declined.
"Thanks, but I think I'll pass Ty Lee."
"I don't blame you," Toph said loudly coming over, arms crossed. "I hated all that fancy stuff my parents made me wear when I still lived with them. Good riddance."
"I believe we have more in common that I originally thought, Toph."
"Likewise, princess," and she gave Azula a hard thwack with her fist.
"I really wish you would stop doing that," she muttered, rubbing the arm that was not currently in a sling.
"Hey, this is what you signed up for," the earthbender said with a cheeky grin. "You're one of us now and there's no going back."
The rest of the group laughed and though Azula merely rolled her eyes deep down she acknowledged how refreshing it felt not only to be tolerated but fully accepted among people who gave a damn about your wellbeing. It was truly mark of how things had changed in the month since Ember Island.
And they were about to stand witness to the biggest change of all.
The crowd turned as Zuko and the Avatar entered the Royal Courtyard on the marble podium. A gong was rung three times in announcement of their arrival. Immediately, the crowd began to cheer.
"Please," Zuko said, raising his hand. "The real hero is the Avatar."
The crowd immediately began to cheer again as the last airbender, now the most powerful being on the planet, emerged in traditional Air Nomad garb. His expression was slightly overwhelmed, but fully happy and grateful for the applause. He was no longer the enemy of the Fire Nation but the savior of the world. And everyone knew it.
Much as Azula disliked the fact that he had spared her father, there was no denying everyone, herself included, owed him a great debt.
As the applause and cheers died down, Zuko made a formal declaration.
"Today, the war is over!"
For real this time, Azula thought. For the better
"I promised my uncle that I would restore the honor of the Fire Nation and I will," he continued. "The road ahead of us is challenging. A hundred years of fighting has left the world scarred and divided."
He looked towards Aang, who nodded his approval.
"But with the Avatar's help, we can get it back on the right path and begin a new era of love and peace."
The time had now come. Azula had been present for one crowning, but this was something she never thought she'd see.
Zuko knelt and Fire Sages placed the crown above his top knot.
"All hail, Fire Lord Zuko!"
Standing in the regal robes her father and grandfather had once worn, the newly minted Fire Lord looked every bit the part of a ruler ready to take on the responsibilities and protection of his people. Despite his young age of sixteen, his destiny, his honor had come full circle at long last.
The crowd cheered once more as the Fire Lord gestured for Aang to join him, a newly created partnership set to last generations.
In the midst of the cheers and hollers, Ty Lee tapped the princess on the shoulder, a puzzled look on her face.
"Azula, you're the princess. Why aren't you up there with them? It's tradition after all."
Azula continued to gaze upon the happy scene, her brother waving to the adoration of all those present.
"This is his moment," she replied quietly. "Me being up there would only be a distraction. The world has to know that he's the one true ruler."
"You sure about that? I'm sure he wouldn't have minded."
"It was my choice. It's better this way."
But that wasn't the whole story. Without admitting out loud, Azula knew that her once obsessive desire for power and glory was no longer there. It felt…odd to say the least, but she was more than content to see her brother ascend the throne. She had wondered what the reaction would be once it became clear Zuko was the one who would replace their father. The answer was clear enough now. There was no jealousy, envy, or hatred of him. Not anymore.
The aftermath was still quite murky. Despite her acceptance of the situation Azula knew that her ambition and drive remained. With the war over, there was little to devote it to and therefore there was a kind of unpleasant emptiness within the pit of her stomach. Her statement to Zuko back on the island remained true- her old identity was gone, and it remained to be seen what would take its place.
But this was enough for now. She would protect and defend her brother at all costs, that much was certain. Together, they would work with the rest of the world to restore prosperity and peace, while advancing their country's interests simultaneously.
Whatever was to come, Azula knew this much: for the first time, she did not have to face it alone.
She never would again.
I hope this brings some positive vibes and good feelings surrounding Azula. As I stated before, her journey isn't over yet but at least now she is aware that there are those who stand with her no matter what.
She always deserved better in my opinion.
Next is the epilogue!
~The Wasp