Leaving her brother behind, even though she knew it wouldn't be for long, was much harder than Azula thought it would be. She didn't regret her plan, but seeing the fear and disappointment in his eyes made her feel guilty. It would have been easier if he had yelled at her, thrown a fit, or even tried to force her to stay. She knew how to handle Zuko's anger; she didn't know how to give him the comfort he'd always give her during hard times. Instead, he had barely said a word to her since they left their home and went back to the palace in the morning, simply making her promise she'd come back if she felt she was in danger, and held her tight, long enough to make everyone around them uncomfortable, before finally allowing her to go.

Kiyi had also seemed pretty distressed, but for once Azula knew how to handle the kid. She allowed her little sister, Chise and Mayu to give her a goodbye hug. Ikem had not been foolish enough to ask for the same treatment despite technically being part of her family now, simply bowing to her respectfully and wishing her luck. Her mother was terrified and seemed to be on the verge of the tears the entire time. Azula had to admit that particular sight pleased her. For once she almost believed Ursa truly did care.

The princess and Zuko's friends left the capital city as discretely as possible, and met with some of the army men, led by master Xang, who had been leaving the palace two by two the previous day - even though their group wasn't that big, it wasn't small enough that they could all leave the palace at the same time without everyone noticing something was happening and spreading rumors about what they thought was going on. Once they met with the Dai Li, Zuko's went straight to the place where they'd all be hiding for next few weeks, while Azula and guards flew to the boiling rock.

The trip had been awfully quiet and tense, with everyone waiting either for something to go wrong or for someone to betray the group. Azula nervously ran her fingers through the crown she had in her hands, trying to focus solely on the trust her brother had put into her to distract herself from her anxiety. She would get through this. She'd give those traitors exactly what they deserved and then she'd rule the nation next to Zuko.

Eventually they spotted the island, surrounded by steam clouds, and landed on a more secluded spot. Xang and two other men went to the boiling lake. The warden would give them guard clothes and allow them to leave with Seejih, Taizen and Aosu, the three most important members of the insurgent group Katara and Aang had captured weeks before. About an hour later, Azula saw the six men quietly coming towards her, the Dai Li, and her other guards, and she instantly started remembering everything Katara and Aang had found out about each one of them. The one on the left was the easiest one to identify since - Taizen; much taller than the other two, very thin and pale. He was agile and precise in battle.

"Princess Azula" the men in the middle said as he and his companions bowed to her, two of the three of them looking at her in awe, fear, and adoration "It is an honor to serve you and to help you free the Phoenix King"

"Fire Lord Azula" she corrected "If you can't get something as simple as that, perhaps you won't be useful to me or to your king after all"

"Forgive me, your highness. I meant no disrespect to you or to your father. I simply did not expect to rescued, especially by someone as important as yourself. I'll serve the two of you in any way I can."

Azula ignored him and gave the command for them all to leave the island immediately. Taizen and his companion who had also stayed quiet, obeyed without hesitation, then looked at the third man one right after it, which, combine to the exaggerated flattery and praise for both her and her father let her know he was the leader, Seejih. He was completely devoted to putting Ozai back in power, but didn't seem to be that strict of a leader himself. He wasn't a good as her brother in fighting using swords, but the was more than skilled enough to not be completely dependent on his firebending, which from Aang's description wasn't above average.

Aosu, the one who did not seem to trust her, was the one they had not been able to find out much about. Pretty much all they knew about the man was that he was a powerful bender, physically strong and Seejih's second in command. While they had managed to find the families and friends of the other two, Aosu was pretty much an enigma. They didn't find anyone outside this insurgent group that seemed to even be aware the man existed.

They left the Boiling Rock as fast and silently as they came, but Seejih seemed to be worried.

"Isn't this too noticeable?"

"My brother has been preparing for this conflict and trying to act as soon as possible. Practically all of his allies are flying around the country in airships or balloons. Ours won't raise any suspicion."

"And where are we headed to, your highness?" Taizen asked.

"You'll know when we get there" Azula answered without even looking at him.

Not another word was heard on the airship. About two hours later, they spotted the forest where they'd set camp.

"You'll send messages to all of your allies telling them to meet us here. Since Ukano was foolish enough to let his daughter discover his financial support of our cause, there's a chance Zuko could find their hiding places. It's best we reorganize somewhere new" she commanded and was pleased to see that the three men instantly obeyed her. But she'd still keep an eye on Aosu. He clearly knew better than to argue with someone more powerful than he was and had no problem following others, but she was no longer interested in ruling just by intimidating the people around her. She wanted them to be truly loyal to her, and, above all, to her brother.

I hope these three and all their friends enjoy these weeks of freedom. It will be last they'll have.