VILLAIN
Anka came home today with uncomfortable questions for her mothers. It was bound to happen eventually, but that did not mean Azula or Ty Lee felt prepared to answer them.
"So, how many good guys did you kill?" Anka inquired first. Azula and Ty Lee exchanged a tentative glance.
It was not a question that could be answered easily. And, in addition to that, it made Azula blanch and turned Ty Lee's stomach.
Finally, Azula said, "We thought we were the good guys. A war isn't really heroes versus villains. It's not as simple as that."
"That's not what they taught us."
Azula drew in a small, pained gasp and therefore Ty Lee took over.
"They taught it a little simpler because you're still young. But you're super smart so you can figure out and learn the more complicated parts."
"Tell me them then. I don't understand how my moms could hurt so many people and do so many bad things. They told us how many people died because of the Ba Sing Se occupation and—and…" When Anka began to cry, it became clear that her questions were not childish curiosity.
She was ashamed and afraid.
Ty Lee sat down beside her daughter and embraced her. Azula still stood there, frozen and sick. She had hid her past from her child for so long, and all she wanted was to burn down the school and murder the teachers for ruining her illusion of a perfect family. She struggled to think about her daughter when all she could think about was revenge.
Ty Lee said softly, "We're still the same people you always knew. And whatever we did doesn't reflect on you, okay? You're your own person. And we love you." She looked up at Azula, glassy-eyed and about to break. "And it's not better to be perfect and good your whole life. It's better to overcome and redeem yourself, because that takes way more guts and strength."
Anka nestled against Ty Lee. "I know you were the bad guys and killed people and did evil things. But you're still my heroes."
Azula wept.
Not from anger or pain.
But from a warmth inside of her she never felt until she had her daughter.