I don't normally do this, but for this chapter and the next, I'll be recommending some music to listen to. For this one, the track is called "Death and Republic" from the Guilty Gear OST, specifically the Raw Guitar cover by S.S.H. I won't spoil the scene, but it's at the very end. You'll know when you get to it. Please enjoy, this chapter was emotionally draining.

The White Knight

Soren held the black and red tabard in front of him, feeling the durable fabric between his thumbs and fingers, his expression downcast as he took one last look at the Fire Nation emblem on the front. The boy sighed as he folded it along with the matching cape. Soren placed the garments on the bed and changed into his Crownguard tabard. He donned his armor and fixed his old cape under the shoulder, then tied his sword and sheath to his belt.

The Crownguard had not brought much else with him when the mirror sucked him and Claudia up. The only new thing he was bringing back was his old handkerchief, the one he had given Azula. It would be the only reminder of his time in the Fire Nation. He did not want to bring anything else, not now, not that he knew he had been helping the wrong side.

What if Soren and Claudia had not been there on the day of the eclipse? Would the Avatar have found and defeated the Fire Lord then? Would they have defeated the Fire Nation and ended the war? Was it their fault that Ozai was about to rain fire over the land?

Would Azula have been captured? Would she be dead? It pained Soren to think of the possibilities, and he did not know whether he should care anymore. The princess had lied and used him and his sister. She did not deserve all the devotion he had given her. He had risked his life just trying to fight by Azula's side. Soren felt like such an idiot.

Soren exited his room and began to slowly march to the treasure room. There, his sister would soon finish preparing the spell that would fix the mirror and allow them to finally return home, and never come back to this terrible world.

He rounded a corner and was quite surprised to find Lo skulking about the hallway… or was it Li? The two old twins were so alike he could never tell who was who. What was odd though was that she was all alone. Soren cleared his throat to get her attention. The woman gave a short, started yelp as she was snapped to attention, but sighed with relief to see who it was.

"Don't scare me like that," She said. "I don't want to be banished a second time."

"Wait, are you Lo or Li?" Soren asked in confusion. The woman checked to see if anyone was listening before leaning in to whisper.

"I'm Lo," She replied. "But if anyone asks, I'm Li. We figured we could both stick around a bit longer, so long as we stay separated. No one ever bothers to try and tell us apart anyway…"

"Okaaay…" Soren said. He noticed how crestfallen Lo seemed. The elderly advisor had been complicit in helping the Fire Nation, so Soren figured he should be angry with her. He figured he should be angry with anyone still loyal to the Fire Nation, but Soren just could not muster any real resentment. "Why don't you both just leave? Why stay?"

Lo looked down at the floor thoughtfully, smiling sadly, her skin folding into a dozen more wrinkles on her face. "You know, I've known Princess Azula since she was this big," She held her boney hands out, the space between them just barely a foot and a half. "I knew her father when he was a baby, and even his father before him. My sister and I have seen the Royal Family change from one generation to another…" The elder let out a sigh. "And each time, things have gotten worse. We know that Azula doesn't see us as her great-grand aunts, and we're not supposed to be, but I suppose Li and I just can't help but worry about her."

"Oh, you're worried for her, huh?" Soren asked bitterly and crossed his arms. "Well, she didn't break your heart… did she…?"

"I am sorry for what she said to you and Claudia," Lo said and placed a frail, sympathetic hand on Soren's. "For what it's worth, I've never seen Azula look so happy as when you two were together." Soren blinked with surprise and looked down at Lo, who smiled warmly at him. "Azula's still a young lady with a lot of growing up to do. She just needs a little time, and a little help." She patted Soren and began to slowly shuffle off down the hall.

"Goodbye, Miss Lo." Soren said with a politeness he did not use often.

"Have a safe trip home," Lo called back. "It was so lovely to meet you and your sister."

Soren watched her turn the corner and let out a sigh, scratching his head as he continued on.

Azula stood before the three-meter tall mirror at the back of the Fire Lord's chamber, flanked by hanging lanterns that cast an orange glow. The size of it made the princess think of the portal the Katolians came through, and would soon be leaving through as well. She did not want to think of them anymore though.

Soren and Claudia had been useful, and certainly more fun than she had anticipated, but all good things must come to an end. Playing at love was an interesting game, but now was the time for the princess to take on new responsibilities, and there would be no more time for such childish things. It was better this way.

She pulled her hair back with one hand and took a thin ribbon from the table. Azula wanted to try something new with her hair for the coronation, a more elegant take on her typical style. The princess wrapped the ribbon around her hair to make a loose topknot, with some tresses hanging from the back around her shoulder.

Azula looked in the mirror to admire herself, but when she tried to pull her hand away, she found her finger caught in the ribbon. She grimaced as she tugged, and her bangs fell loose. Everything just had to go wrong, didn't it?

Azula growled in frustration as she freed her hand, her hair refusing to cooperate. She would teach it a lesson. The princess grabbed a pair of golden scissors from the vanity table.

"Alright hair," Azula said menacingly as she took her bangs in her other hand. "It's time to face your doom..." The princess raised the scissors, and with one smooth motion, she sliced through, her bangs falling to the floor before her bare feet. Azula grinned manicly at her handiwork, until she heard a voice, and saw a figure in the mirror standing behind her.

"What a shame," The tall, elegant woman said. Azula's smile dropped. "You always had such beautiful hair."

Mother.

"What are you doing here?" Azula asked. She would not face her mother, not after everything. She did not deserve it.

"I didn't want to miss my own daughter's coronation." Ursa replied.

"Don't pretend to act proud," Azula retorted. She did not believe a word. "I know what you really think of me. You think I'm a monster." The princess could see the bags under her own eyes, a side effect of all the stress and poor night's sleep. She looked away.

"I think you're confused," Ursa pleaded. "All your life you used fear to control people, like your friends Mai and Ty Lee, and now Soren and Claudia." She shook her head sadly. "You broke that poor boy's heart…"

Azula clenched her eyes shut, just barely controlling herself. Her mother knew nothing. "But what choice do I have?" The princess blurted out, suddenly turning from the mirror and placing a hand on the table to steady herself. She grabbed a large, heavy brush, squeezing it. "Trust is for fools. Fear is the only reliable way." Yes, that was the one truth above all others. Anyone with any sense knew that. Everyone gave into fear eventually. "Even you fear me."

"No," Ursa replied softly. "I love you, Azula, I do."

Azula's lip quivered.

No…

She clenched her eyes shut, but the tears came.

You're lying…

Azula's grip tightened on the brush.

You never loved me..!

She could not hold in her anguish any longer.

NO ONE DOES!

Azula turned back around and threw the brush with all her anger and sorrow, her tears spilling forth as she let out a scream. The brush impacted the mirror, and the glass shattered. Azula watched at her mother faded away, just as the glass fell to the floor. She had been alone this whole time. What was wrong with her…?

The princess fell to her knees and began to weep. Why was this happening to her? Why now? What had she done wrong? Azula had followed her father's example, done everything he had asked, had gone above and beyond and he had left her behind with a worthless title. She had treated Zuko far better than he deserved, treated him like family and he betrayed her for Uncle. Then Mai and Ty Lee fallowed him. Had he not betrayed them too? WHY?!

Now Azula was hallucinating. Was she asleep? Was she having another one of those infernal dreams that had haunted her? The ones that had started when Soren and Claudia came… Yes, it had to be their fault… those cruel, ungrateful Katolians. That stupid boy Soren, who charmed her by acting like some kind of hero, just to weaken her, how dare he… how dare he give her hope…

Azula dug her nails into the carpet as she let out a long sob, her tears creating a damp spot beneath her. That stupid boy Soren, he had to have been lying to her this whole time. Look at how easily he sided with Claudia against her, just like the last time. She should have known better. Why would anyone love a monster like her? The princess cried out as she sat up, just wishing she could no longer feel this turmoil within her.

"Azula…?"

She spun around, eyes wide with shock and horror as she gasped in fright. There was Soren standing behind her, an expression of concern on his face. Concern, and pity. Azula felt herself begin to panic. It was another trick, he was not here to comfort her, he was here to finish her. How could she have let him see her so vulnerable?

"Get out!" Azula shrieked and shot a blast of blue fire at Soren's feet. "I said I never want to see you again!" The boy flinched and stepped back. He was frightened, just as Azula intended. "LEAVE!"

The princess thrust her palms out in both directions, and torrents of fire erupted from them both, engulfing the room. Soren shielded himself and quickly ran for the exit as fast as his legs could carry him. Azula watched him go, and when he was out of sight, she pressed her palms towards the floor and extinguished the fire before it consumed the chamber.

Azula inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly. She had to get herself under control. This behavior was… unbecoming of a Fire Lord. She would be the greatest Fire Lord, and nothing was going to get in the way. Not her hair, not hallucinations, and not some manipulative suitor.

Claudia stirred her cauldron slowly. It was at just the right temperature, glowing just the right hue. It just needed a little more time to cook before it was perfect, then she and Soren would finally leave this nightmare.

The sorceress looked up at the mirror before her and noted the glass. The first time she did the spell, the glass had been shattered. This time, the glass was whole, but simply non-operational. With a few modifications, it hopefully would not suck them up like a vacuum, and operate like it had originally, like a doorway.

In the reflection, Claudia saw Soren enter the treasure room, looking shaken and disturbed. She set down her mixing spoon and turned to her brother.

"Soren, you okay?" Claudia asked. "Have you got everything?"

"Yeah… I'm fine," Soren nodded and wiped his eyes with his sleeve. "Let's just get out of here…"

"We will, soon," Claudia responded. "It's almost ready, just a little while longer."

Soren let out a long sigh as he took a seat, slumping forward and staring down at the floor. When he had heard the glass shattering, his instincts took over, as they always did. What did he expect to happen? That he and Azula would have another heart-to-heart like at the beach? Was he hoping she would tell him she did not mean what she said? That she still needed him? No, Azula made it quite clear what she needed, and that was for him to leave. This was the end.

Finally, the time had come. Azula knelt at the top of the steps leading up to the temple, dressed in her royal armor and a regal cape. Behind her were the Fire Sages, and the head sage holding the Fire Lord's crown. Above her, the sky was blood red with dark clouds, an effect of the comet which empowered her. Before her was the great plaza, barren and empty. Channels of water flowed on each side of the area where the audience should have been. No one was here to celebrate Azula's coronation. Nearly everyone had been banished.

It did not matter who came to see it, all that mattered was that she became the new Fire Lord. The title she had proven she deserved to have, her greatest accomplishment. Now was the time.

"By decree of Phoenix King Ozai," The sage announced to no one. "I now crown you…" He stopped, his voice trailing off.

Azula huffed and frowned as she turned to the sage. "What are you waiting for?" She asked with annoyance. Why was he looking at the sky? "Do it!"

She heard a low, deep growl coming from above, a sound all too familiar. Azula looked up with surprise to see the Avatar's flying bison descending into the plaza. Riding it was, of course, Zuzu, and with him the Water Tribe peasant. That waterbender, the one who had given her such trouble in Ba Sing Se, the one who saved the Avatar.

"Sorry Azula, but you're not going to become Fire Lord today," Zuko said as he leapt down from the bison. "I am."

Azula could not help but laugh. Was her brother serious? "You're hilarious." Azula said mirthfully. How quaint that Zuko still thought he could defeat her. He might have been catching up, but she was a master, a true prodigy, and with the comet's power, she would be unstoppable.

"And you're going down." The waterbender quipped as she came to stand next to Zuko. How sweet. The Fire Sage prepared to crown the princess when she raised a hand to stop him.

"Wait," Azula commanded. "You want to be Fire Lord? Fine," She stood to her feet and glared down at the two interlopers. "Let's settle this. Just you and me, brother," An evil grin began to spread across her face as her adrenaline surged. "The showdown that was always meant to be, Agni Kai."

Azula knew better than to fight both Zuko and the peasant at once, but there was no way her brother could resist a challenge to a duel and the chance to prove he was the superior firebender. Besides, if Zuko wanted to be Fire Lord, he would have to earn it fairly, and Azula would prove once and for all why she deserved it more.

Zuko glared back at his sister and grit his teeth. "You're on."

Azula smirked. So predictable. The peasant began to whisper to him, probably telling Zuko it was a bad idea, and indeed I was, but knowing Zuko, his pride would come before reason. The princess turned to the sages and eyed them coldly.

"I suggest you find shelter and keep my crown safe," Azula told them before walking down the steps. "This will be over shortly…"

The sages retreated inside the temple. Katara ushered Appa to safety as Zuko and Azula took their positions. They both knew well the rules of the ancient tradition. The siblings found the right distance, turned their backs to one another and knelt down. Each concentrated, fortifying their mind and their spirit for what might be their final duel. They both stood and faced one another.

"I'm sorry it has to end this way, brother." Azula said as she discarded her cape.

"No, you're not." Zuko replied bluntly as he took his stance. He was right though. Azula wasn't sorry, because none of this was her fault. Zuko brought this on himself, after she gave him another chance, after she was so patient with him for so long and all he ever gave her back was scorn. The princess was done. Zuko would face the punishment of a traitor and a usurper, and she was going to enjoy it.

Azula smirked wickedly as she took her stance, her movements awkward and unnatural, fingers splayed out in front. It was only a short moment before Azula made the first move. Gritting her teeth, she spun and thrust her hand out at Zuko. A huge torrent of blue fire shot out at the prince. In response, he leapt forward and brought his hands together in front of him, bending two arcs of fire in front to block the attack.

The orange and blue flames collided together, creating a massive wall of fire between the benders. As the flames died down, Azula pressed the attack, launching herself upwards on jets of fire. She kicked out a fire blast, followed by a series of spinning kicks that sent out blue waves. The fight was on.

Soren and Claudia looked up when they heard a rumbling in the distance, like thunder. Out the window, the sky and the clouds seemed to flash. There was no lightning, but there was a storm brewing.

"Something's happening…" Soren whispered intently as he clutched the hilt of his sword. He knew that Azula's coronation was going on at that moment. Maybe it was part of the ceremony, but his gut told him otherwise.

"Soren, we can't stay," Claudia told her brother sternly. "Whatever is going on isn't our concern, not anymore. We don't owe Azula or this world anything." She gave Soren a hard stare. He looked back at her for a long moment and nodded slowly. Claudia knew that look in his eyes, and she was not about to let Soren do something he would regret.

Azula and Zuko exchanged massive blasts of flame that lit up the entire caldera. The comet had made them both immeasurably powerful. Their battle was causing the buildings surrounding the plaza to catch fire. Neither could afford to hold anything back. Their torrents of fire collided once more, pushing against one another until the streams of flame each veered off to the side. They struggled to maintain their attacks while at the same time defending against the opposing force and heat, fighting to maintain footing.

The benders ceased their attacks and their fires dissipated. Azula looked back at the temple, now ablaze from Zuko's attack. This was absurd. Why was he so strong all of a sudden? Even with the comet, how was he able to create so much fire? How was he able to defend against her while she was at her strongest?

These thoughts infuriated the princess. She absolutely refused to lose to Zuzu, the weak, talentless sibling who had never been diligent, never had the patience to train properly and perfect his techniques like she had. Azula had worked too hard to let him overtake her.

Azula rushed forward, launching herself once more on a jet of blue fire before twisting in midair to swing her leg downward and direct her flames at Zuko in vertically arcing kick. As the fire came at him, Zuko spun in place and thrust his arms in opposite directions, splitting the flames harmlessly.

The princess fell to her knee, panting hard. She was becoming exhausted, spending so much energy trying to burn Zuko, while he still seemed fresh, having barely moved from the spot they started. Azula would not give up though, she was determined to achieve victory, to persevere over every challenge, as she always did. Azula grit her teeth as she steeled herself once more. It was Zuko's turn.

The prince extended his left arm and clenched his right fist. With one mighty punch, Zuko launched two enormous, spiraling streams of flame that coalesced into one massive ball of fire. Azula's eyes went wide with fear as it come towards her, and she just barely dodged to the side, propelling herself on a blue jet from her foot. She could feel the extreme heat that nearly singed her hair. It was at this moment that Azula realized Zuko was winning. She needed to end the fight soon. It was all or nothing.

Azula rocketed across the ground towards Zuko. She fired two more blasts at him, but Zuko was ready. He rocketed off the ground to avoid the first, then blocked the second with an arc of orange fire from an axe kick. As Zuko landed, he brought both hands down to bend an arc of flame at a third attack from his sister. Azula continued racing forward, maneuvering around Zuko's fire.

Azula left a trail of blue flames in her wake as she flew across the ground, steadying herself with jets from her fists as she leaned into her turns. From a distance, she could have been seen as quite graceful, even elegant. The ability to move at such high speeds was only possible while Sozin's comet empowered her, and she had gotten the hang of it on the spot. Azula truly was a prodigy. If only she could have enjoyed the freedom of motion, and not been in a duel to the death with her hated brother.

The princess fired at Zuko as she sped around him, but he defended with a dome of fire. Zuko fired back, but Azula was too quick and agile, he could not hit her as she ran circles around him. The prince had a trick up his sleeve though, an old technique he personally came up with that had come in handy more than once in the past.

Zuko dropped down and swept both legs around in a wide circle, sending arcs of fire in all directions. Azula could not dodge that. The princess tried to stop herself, but she had too much momentum. Azula deflected the attack, but without proper footing she was knocked off balance. She hit the ground hard as she was sent tumbling over the ground.

Azula grunted as she rolled and finally came to a stop. The princess got to her feet, her hair undone and flowing wildly about her face and shoulders. Azula was hunched over from fatigue, her chest heaved as she glared at Zuko, who seemed none the worse for wear.

"No lightning today?" Zuko taunted. "What's the matter? Afraid I'll redirect it?"

The waterbender peasant came up behind Zuko, standing just off to the side. She must have thought that the Agni Kai had ended, but it was not over yet, not be a long shot.

"Oh, I'll show you lightning!" Azula snarled back at her brother. With a wave of her hand, Azula began to cut through the energy around her. Electricity arced and crackled around her body as the lightning was generated within her, even more so than usual thanks to the comet. This would not be just any bolt though. Azula trailed her fingers through the air in a far longer, more elaborate pattern than usual. She was intent on making this her most powerful attack, one too strong to be redirected.

Something was wrong though. Zuko was not intimidated. He simply breathed and took a stance. Her brother was ready for her. No, he was not just being overconfident. A memory flashed before Azula's eyes, of when she was sword training with Soren… how he had taught her how to bait and counter an opponent, how to force them to act. The key to victory was deception, misdirection, being one step ahead. If Zuko thought he could trick her, then she would trick him instead.

Out of the corner of her eyes, through the flashes of electricity surrounding her, Azula saw Katara, just standing there and watching the fight unfold. Azula smirked. She knew what she needed to do. Zuko had taken her friends from her, so she would take one of his in return. The princess turned to her left and thrust her fingers out, sending a bolt of lightning straight for Katara.

"NO!" Zuko shouted as he leapt in front of the bolt. He caught the lightning in midair with his outstretched hand, bringing his hands to his chest as he fell. Katara watched in horror as Zuko hit the ground and skidded on his back. The lightning exited out through his opposite arm and into the sky, the thunder roaring through the caldera.

The prince groaned as he clutched his chest, electricity still surging through him. He had saved Katara, but without the proper stance, the redirection had been faulty, and the lightning had done serious damage to him. He was not dead, but if not treated, he soon would be.

"Zuko!" Katara shouted. She began to run towards the prince, but another bolt of lightning struck the ground between them, stopping the waterbender in her tracks. Katara looked up to see Azula laughing like a maniac.

Something inside the princess had broken. Azula looked at her brother writhing on the ground and thought she felt guilt. No, that was impossible. This was what he deserved for betraying his nation, his family, his sister. This was the fate of those who believed in love and trust, to make a meaningless sacrifice. No, this was right, she was happy to see Zuko dying, to be in agony! She felt nothing for him, only the satisfaction that things were the way they should be! What sweet, sweet irony that Zuko's weak heart would be his downfall.

All that was left as the Water Tribe peasant. There was no way Azula would let Katara take this victory from her. Still high on adrenaline, Azula rushed for the waterbender, laughing mad and intent on savoring her moment of triumph.

"It's ready." Claudia said as she examined the cauldron. The liquid inside was glowing blue, at just the right brightness. Soren watched as the sorceress dipped a ladle in to spoon out the contents. Turning to the mirror, she swung the ladle and the glowing liquid was flung out, hitting the glass.

The concoction hissed and steamed, and it began to spread around the mirror towards the edge of the frame, turning into a faint light all around it. Claudia then picked up an apple core Soren had left on the table and tossed it at the mirror. It passed through, and the mirror rippled like water. The portal was fixed.

"Finally, let's go." Claudia said as she hurried to fix her satchel around her shoulders. Soren sighed as she stood up from the table, but at that moment, a boom of thunder shook the palace. Soren looked out the window to see a massive bolt of lightning shoot out towards the sky in the distance. He blinked, and his heart began to race as she tuned to Claudia.

"Sis, there's trouble." Soren began to say, but Claudia cut him off.

"No, Soren, this isn't our fight." Claudia pleaded. "This was never our fight. We came to this world by accident, and we don't belong here. Now's our chance to leave and never come back. We can leave it all behind, forget what happened, and go back to our old lives."

She looked her brother in the eyes. Claudia was so desperate to go home, to see her father and the princes again. Soren understood. He did not want his sister to suffer any longer. The knight began to walk towards Claudia and the portal back to their world.

"I never want to see you again. Ever."

That was right. The princess didn't want to see him again, and he didn't want to see her. He did not.

"Don't call me babe."

"I command you to find a way to save yourself!"

"Soren, I'm trying to meditate!"

"Thank you for coming to my rescue..."

He could not stop the memories from coming to the surface of his mind. Would he still remember her, once they passed through the portal? Or would they be locked away again like before?

"You want it, you're going to have to pay your princess tribute."

"How dare this lumbering oaf presume he can come and go and do as he please?"

"You wouldn't last a minute against a bender if you're this weak. I'll just have to-UWHA!"

Soren's pace faltered. Why could he not just forget her? Why wouldn't the memories just leave him be?

"Don't you know? I'm Princess Azula of the Fire Nation."

"I'll be the powerful, gracious queen, and you are all my subjects who do everything I say."

"I guess most boys are dumb, but I like you! You're nice!"

"You can be my secret friend no one knows about."

Soren grit his teeth and shook his head. He had to go home. There was nothing he could do to fix things now. Whatever he thought he had with the princess no longer existed.

"I might as well be a monster if even my own mother couldn't love me."

"I wish mom loved me as much as she loves my big brother…"

"It's not fair! She's always taking Zuzu's side…"

"I was just having a little fun! Then stupid Zuzu tattled on me, my mommy yelled at me! And my daddy… didn't… do… anythinnnnggggg…"

Soren finally stopped when he felt something warm and wet on his face. He looked down at his hands as droplets fell onto his palms. What was happening? What was wrong with him?

"This golden-haired beefcake is MY BOYFRIEND!"

"Goodnight, Sore-bear. I've never had so much fun."

"You are good enough…"

Soren blinked as he remembered the first kiss he and Azula shared. He remembered how elated he felt, how right it felt, how loved and needed he felt in that moment. It felt so... real...

"Soren, you promise… you'll always be there for me?"

"Soren?"

The boy looked up at Claudia. They were face to face, and she held an expression of great concern. The tears flowed from Soren's eyes like a spring, dripping from his chin, his face an expression of agony from the sharp pain in his chest and the lump in his throat. In his mind, all he could think about was the beautiful princess weeping in front of a broken mirror, the little girl sobbing in the library, the woman suffering in loneliness on the moonlit beach.

"I'm sorry…" Soren choked out. "I… I can't…"

"Soren, it'll be okay." Claudia whispered, trying to soothe her brother. She knew how much he had loved Azula, she knew how hard it was having to leave, having to accept that it just was not meant to be. She wrapped her arms around her big brother and squeezed him tight.

"Claudia…" Soren whispered hoarsely. "Tell Dad… I love him."

"What?" Claudia asked, but before she knew it, Soren was pushing her backward. She had only a moment of realization of what he was doing, only a second to notice that Soren had grabbed the case of dragon teeth potions from her satchel, before she fell back through the portal and into the star-filled void.

The image of her brother staring back at her sadly quickly shrank away as Claudia flew through space. She righted herself, trying to get her bearings. It was not like steeping through a doorway, as it had been during their childhood. It was like the last time, but more controlled. Claudia turned and saw the light she was headed towards, the doorway back home. She shielded herself from the brightness, then found herself falling onto a hard-stone floor, covered by carpet.

The sorceress took a deep breath as she got to her feet. She looked around and found herself back in her father's study. There was the table, with the cauldron on it, and the mess of ingredients and notes. Everything was just as Claudia remembered it. Nothing seemed changed at all…

"Claudia?" A voice came from outside. The sorceress turned her head to see her father, Viren, step into the study, holding his staff. He stared at her on the floor and raised an eyebrow. "Claudia, what on Earth are you doing?" The mage asked. "And where's your brother? His knighting ceremony is starting soon."

"Dad…" Claudia whispered, and tears wellred up in the corners of her eyes. She ran to her father and caught him off guard with a tight, warm embrace, sobbing into his chest. "I missed you so much…"

"Claudia, what's gotten into you?" Viren asked as he patted her shoulder. "I just saw you at breakfast."

"Dad, I have so much to tell you," Claudia said as she pulled back and wiped her eyes. "Soren, he's in trouble!"

Zuko groaned as he tried to get up. Katara gasped and made one more attempt to reach him, bending the water out from her flask and covering her hand with it. She needed to heal him. Azula would not allow it. Katara was halted by another blast of blue fire. Azula cackled as she jumped high into the air and threw another bolt of lightning. Katara dodged out of the way from the spot where it struck. Zuko watched helplessly as Azula chased Katara down, toying with her with more lightning.

Azula propelled herself to the top of one of the long gazebos at the side of the plaza and began to generate more lightning. "I'd really rather our family physician look after little Zuzu if you don't mind!" The princess mocked. She leaned over the roof and shot the bolt at Katara. Katara bent the water from the nearby channel to block the attack, creating a cloud of steam which covered her escape under the other side of the gazebo. Azula stood and followed up with two more blasts of blue fire. Katara ducked behind a thick pillar, just barely avoiding the flames.

"Zuzu, you don't look so good!" Azula called out, trying to coax Katara out from hiding as well as to twist the knife further. She wanted to make sure that he suffered with pain and humiliation. She wanted him alive long enough to see everything he betrayed her for be turned to ash. Azula hated him, and it felt so exhilarating to be free of the familial bond she once had with Zuko. Azula no longer had to feel hurt by her brother, because she no longer had a brother. She was finally able to unleash all her rage, and it felt good knowing she was right. Finally, she would be free from these horrible emotions of sadness and anger.

Azula let out a battle cry as she sent a bolt of lightning where Katara was hiding. The waterbender ran just before the pillar was obliterated into burning splinters. She hid behind another pillar and located the nearest source of water. Katara bent the water from the channel and threw a torrent at the roof where Azula was standing, but the princess was not there.

Katara had only a second to react as Azula came flying up behind her like a rocket. The princess chased the waterbender down as Katara bent the water into ice to slide across. Azula sent more fire at Katara, vaporizing the ice in an instant from the heat. Azula landed and rolled over the ground, and as she did, she swung her foot down and brought her hands together, sending out a massive wave of blue fire at Katara.

The waterbender slid off to the side and under the gazebo just in time before the fire could engulf her. Azula was ready to end this game of cat and mouse, and she was growing tired of Katara evading her. The princess made her way to the gazebo and quickly found Katara amongst the pillars, clutching a chain in her hand. As if that would help.

"There you are, filthy peasant…" Azula hissed. There was nowhere to hide now. Azula slowly advanced as both girls stared each other down. This low-born commoner from a desolate, primitive land had been a thorn in her side too often. Azula's victory would not be truly realized until the waterbender was dead. The princess squinted, readying herself for what was to come.

Katara made the first move, bending three whips of water at Azula from her flask. The princess quickly rolled over the grating and out of the way before the whips struck. She was back to her feet, now face-to-face with the peasant. Now she had her. Azula grinned as she pointed her first two fingers and went in for the kill. Azula loved it when her tactics won, when her skills overcame a challenging opponent. There was no way to dodge, no way to defend. It would be over for the peasant, once and for all.

Azula ignited the spark at the end of her fingertip as she thrust it at Katara's face… and then felt a wave of cold overtake her as the waterbender raised her arms. Time stood still. The princess did not understand. She could not move. She looked around and saw what seemed to be bubbles suspended around her. Azula looked to Katara, who was frozen in midair. The waterbender then closed her eyes and exhaled.

Bubbles exited through Katara nose and surrounded her body, turning the ice that had engulfed them both into water. She took the chain she held and wrapped it around Azula's wrist. The princess watched in furious disbelief as the peasant pulled her arms behind her back, the ice around them turning back to liquid as Katara moved through it. Azula felt herself being pulled down to her knees, her wrists bound behind her. She could not breathe, could not move. No, this could not be happening. Not now. This could not be happening!

Katara pushed her palms down and let the water fall back through. The two girls each panted and coughed as they tried to get their breath back. Katara grabbed the chains once more and tied them securely. Azula grunted in frustration as she struggled against the bindings, but the metal was too strong.

Azula gazed through her long, wet tangles of dark hair as Katara rushed over to Zuko. She helped him onto his back, bent the water from her flask, and pressed her palms to the scar on his chest. The water began to glow with healing energy, and after a moment, the pain on Zuko's face began to fade. Katara smiled brightly when she saw him recover.

"Thank you, Katara." Zuko whispered weakly.

"I think I'm the one who should be thanking you." Katara replied tearfully.

Azula watched as Katara helped Zuko back to his feet, her heart racing as she felt herself overcome with panic, rage, and denial. This was not what was supposed to happen. Her chest heaved as she began to pant hard. This was not how it was supposed to end.

Azula's heart wrenched as she felt all the pain come flooding back into her heart, the pain she thought she had rid herself of. Why? Why was it that no matter how hard she fought, Zuko would always have what she could not? What had he done to earn allies like this?! What did he have that she didn't?! Why did everyone choose him?! He didn't deserve it!

Azula grit her teeth as she tried to control herself, but it was a futile effort. With a loud, primal shriek, Azula let out all her rage and sorrow in a breath of blue fire. The azure flames spat from her mouth as she screamed at Zuko and Katara, evaporating the water around her.

Azula thrashed against her chains, throwing herself back against the grating. She screamed until she could scream no more, her energy spent, her body sore, and her spirit broken. The princess' cries of fury turned to sobs as she weakly flailed.

Zuko and Katara watched her silently, pitying the poor creature. They were victorious, but felt no glory in it.

Azula had failed. She had failed her nation, she had failed her father, and she had failed herself. She had even failed to be a cold, unfeeling monster. Everything she had strived to achieve was rendered meaningless. Everything she had was gone. Everyone she trusted had abandoned her. Any shred of hope that Azula had left was quickly fizzling away. All she felt now was shame, and the deep pain of loneliness. Her happiness, her dreams, were no more.

She was no longer the proud, patriotic, exemplary princess of the Fire Nation. This was how her legacy would end, chained and defeated, shamed and humiliated, a rabid monster with no one to mourn her.

She was nothing, had nothing, had no one, no hope, no more…

...

...

...

"AZULA~!"

A voiced cried out, echoing loudly across the plaza. Katara and Zuko turned towards the direction of its source, towards the temple at the top of the steps. They both were taken back by the figure they saw.

There was Soren, his cape billowing in the breeze as he stood tall. He stared down at the sight before him, his eyes full of righteous anger and desperation. Was he too late?

"Soren…" Zuko said. He had thought the Katolian had left Azula like everyone else.

"That's him?" Katara asked, and the prince nodded. Soren clenched his fists as he slowly began to walk down the stairs.

"Get away from her." Soren called out in a low voice, his eyes wet and his teeth clenched in barely controlled rage.

"It's over, Soren," Zuko called back, trying to stay steady on his feet. "Just let us handle her."

"I can't do that, Zuko," Soren responded as he continued to march towards them. He looked to Azula, who kept her head hanging low, her face covered by her mess of dark, brown hair. "I… I won't." Did she even know he was here?

"You know how dangerous she is," Katara said. "She tried to kill Zuko, she tried to kill Aang, the Avatar, the last hope for the world!"

"It doesn't matter," Soren replied sharply as he came to a stop in the middle of the plaza. The wind picked up, tussling his hair and his cape.

"What are you going to do Soren?" Zuko asked, wary of what the Crownguard's intentions were.

"I… I'm not sure," Soren answered hesitantly. Indeed, he had not thought this through. He had only his heart to follow. "All I know is that… Azula needs me… needs someone… so you better get out of my way."

"No," Katara replied sternly as she stood between Soren and the princess. "Whatever she has on you, we are not risking the fate of the world. We are not letting her go free."

"I know you won't," Soren responded as he stared at the waterbender coldly. "And I don't blame you…" He reached into the pouch by his belt, and pulled out a small, glass vial.

"Soren…" Zuko whispered in frustration, but he understood what the other boy felt.

Soren raised the glass vial, and from within glowed an intense, orange light, like the sun. The potion had not glowed like that the first time he used it. Claudia had mentioned it was made from dragons. Dragons were said to be the first firebenders, and Sozin's Comet was supposed to magnify a firebender's power. Whatever the effect was, Soren knew there was no going back now.

"I had the chance to go back home, but if I did, I'd have regretted it for the rest of my life," Soren said after a moment of silence. "I made a promise. I have to do this. I have to do what's right…"

The knight wrapped his fingers around the vial, and he squeezed until the glass broke in his fist. Zuko and Katara watched as a fiery energy swirled from his hand around Soren. The Katolian cried out as he felt his body absorb the heat, the power searing into his flesh. He gripped his head as it throbbed, grit his teeth as he tried not to pass out. This was far more intense than at the Boiling Rock, but it was what he needed. His whole body lit up the area, engulfed in a brilliant flash of light that reached the heavens.

Katara and Zuko shielded their eyes, both of them readying themselves. The light finally dissipated, and the two of them gazed upon Soren once more. The knight looked to them, his eyes no longer a deep, innocent blue, but a fierce and striking gold. He exhaled slowly, and steam wafted from his mouth and nostrils. Soren drew his longsword and took a stance, pointing the tip of his blade at the two benders.

Off to the side, still chained to the grate, Azula slowly lifted her head, and peered through her mangled bangs at the warrior, tempered by fire and light. Another hallucination, another nightmare to torment her further? Or was it something… real?

"I'll save you…" Soren whispered, his voice low and distorted as he steeled his spirit for what would be his most important battle yet. "I swear... I'll save you, Azula!"

Author's Note:

There you have it, Soren's moment of truth. That was probably the most important scene for me to write, and it took the past nineteen chapters to build up. It has a lot of meaning to me, as I've had a couple of moments like that in my life. I hope I was able to convey the feeling through my writing. I strongly believe that Soren has an innately heroic nature, and he would be betraying his own heart if he abandoned Azula, no matter how much she hurt him. He won't abandon someone in need when he has the power to help them.

I also wanted to convey the irony of the situation; Soren has dreamed of being a classic hero, of being a brave knght who saves the princess. Now he has that chance, but the context and the circumstances have become so twisted up. To be the righteous hero he's dreamed of, Soren has to save an evil princess and fight the good guys.

I've had this moment planned for a long time, and I hope all my readers were shocked and thrilled. We're just a few steps away from finale. It's not over yet.