TRADITION
Azula and Ty Lee had a small tradition all of their own.
At the end of every school year, they climbed to the edge of the Caldera and look out over the city that Azula hoped she would one day rule.
This year was no different.
They sat together looking out at the brilliant, sprawling city, made great and powerful by a century of winning a war.
They were twelve years old and dreaming of vastly different futures. Ty Lee still had not told Azula that she believed acrobatics and entertainment were her calling, not the military. Azula was focused on the crown she one day hoped to wear, and the burning throne she one day hoped to preside over.
"Do you ever think about how this is all going to be yours one day?" asked Ty Lee, finishing up braiding the flowers into her hair and tying it with a pink ribbon.
"All the time," said Azula. "It was the part of my brother's banishment I most relished."
"I'm looking forward to it," said Ty Lee, smiling brightly. She nudged Azula's shoulder playfully. "I bet I get some perks when you're Fire Lord, right?"
Azula took a breath. She closed her eyes and then opened them.
This was not the right time. But perhaps there would never be a right time.
"There are many perks that come with being Fire Lady," said Azula, coldly caressing the side of Ty Lee's face. "I hope they will be satisfactory for you."
"Fire Lady?" sputtered Ty Lee. "How is that possible? No Fire Lord gets to choose who they marry."
"When I am Fire Lord. I will make the rules." Azula smirked wickedly, as if marrying the girl she loved was some sort of evil scheme.
Ty Lee thought for a moment about what she longed for. She wanted to dance and show her talent and make people happy. She wanted to bring happiness to Azula too, but even a thousand cold caresses could not keep her in Caldera.
"Well, I guess we just gotta live our lives, and then when you're Fire Lord, I promise with my whole entire heart I'll rule by your side," said Ty Lee.
"I will set the world ablaze and not let a single flame touch you."
They kissed.
A more perfect kiss had never existed in the history of time.
Of that, they both were certain.
