Azula had always been gifted. And it was something she had always known.

She was stronger, smarter, more cunning than most people in this pathetic world. And her firebending was something truly special.

How-ever. One of Azulas greatest gifts had to be that she knew people! She could read them like an open book.

The things they wanted to project and what they were actually feeling.

The bows which was supposed to show respect, but that sneer around their lips that proved that it was all for show.

A kind smile meant to show openness to let her drop her guard. But the hands would be tightened, and their backs tense, proving the tension and that they were not sincere.

Azulas knew how to use these very tactics against others and were better at it than anyone else. Show a pair of big round eyes and say. "Wowie that is amazing!" Even though that was the opposite of what she felt. And that would butter any mentor right up and make him congratulate himself for such a well done job. Dropping his guard completely, ready for Azula to take down.

Azula knew how to use those tactics against others. So she knew exactly when anyone tried to use it against her!

All the bows, smiles and praises in the world could not hide the truth from her! Azula knew. She had always known.

They thought she didn't hear the whispers… But she did. Azula had heard them from an early age. The whispers in the corners and in the halls. They were mocking her, saying that one day she would fail. Just like Zuko.

Well they were wrong!

There was only one thing Azula could trust when it came to people. Their fear! Fear at least would be honest, and she knew what they would be saying.

Even her own mother… Oh mother. Would look at Azula with those golden eyes. Her words would be sweet. Her hand soft and gentle as she touched her cheek.

But Azula knew… She saw… The fear.

Mothers little monster. And sometimes mother would be frustrated. "Why would you do that Azula?" "Azula why?" "Azula you can't do that!"

Why not?! Azula was special! Father knew! So why didn't mother?!

No she only had eyes for her precious little Zuko! As her eyes looked at him, they were filled with warmth.

And she wasn't the only one! As Uncle laid eyes on Zuko his entire face would brighten up in happiness and he would pick up the damn brat!

As Iroh had send them gifts from Ba Sing Se. Zukos knife had clearly been carefully chosen for Zuko, something you really think about.

Azula how-ever? The doll was an empty gesture. Anyone who knew Azula just a little bit knew she hated dolls and couldn't give a rats ass about fashion. The message was clear. Iroh didn't actually care, he just didn't want to be accused of favouring one over the other. Just like mother… They were both full of shit!

And so were the servants… The whispers had sound grown into casual conversations. Oh they all claimed it wasn't true. Covering in fear. But Azula could hear them!

Now the voices had grown to shouting as if they had no shame at all! And yet they had the pure audacity to claim they hadn't said anything!

Ty Lee that brat had been in on it too! Azula had heard it and yet that brat dared to stand there in her tent and ask.

"Who are you talking to Azula? There's no one here!"

Good riddance that Ty Lee was gone! Her and Mai! Azula didn't need them. She was better off without them and their talking behind her back!

They tried to mess with Azula! Tell her there was no one there when there was! NO! No one messed with Azula. She knew people! She knew!

"Oh Azula." A soft voice sighed, dissapointment in her voice and Azula groaned deeply.

Great! Mother was back. "I'm busy mother." Azula snorted as she turned to face the older woman.

"Azula. Why are you doing this?" Ursa asked.

Azula rolled her eyes. "Don't pretend like you care." she snorted. "I know you. I know you never cared."

"But I do Azula… I do…" Ursa whispered.

"I said!" Azula hissed as she lifted a hand. "DON'T BULLSHIT ME!" and her fist zoomed straight for Ursas face and then… Azula hit the wall.

Her knuckles crashed against the stones and Azula hissed as she felt blood dripping from her broken hand.

And she heard them… The voices… The laughter. The servants, the nobles, the soldiers. All of them, whispering, talking… blatantly shouting. They were even laughing at her.

"Shut up!" Azula hissed as she pressed her hands against her ears.

"Pathetic."

Azula turned to face her bed and her eyes widened. "You?!"

For there, laying in her bed on top of the covers. Zuko! How dared Zuko just walk in here! Smirking at her while his golden eyes which looked so much like Ursas was glistening.

"Who's the better sibling now Zula?" Zuko smirked amused.

"You're not better than me." Azula hissed.

"I was winning when we fought." Zuko smirked. "And you know how it is. The weak gets left behind. About time Mai and Ty Lee switched teams isn't it? We're having a good time laughing at you."

"Stop laughing." Azula hissed.

Then Zuko smirked and then he did it. He laughed. He was laughing at her!

"I SAID STOP LAUGHING!" Azula screamed as she send a fireball right at Zuko and then hissed as her bed was now on fire and that coward Zuko had fled the scene!

Azula seethed. Why were the guards so incompetent! Ursa kept sneaking into her damn chambers and now Zuko did it too! Someones head had to roll for this.

Zukos preferable. And Azula couldn't wait to make it happen. Then finally… finally people would stop laughing and finally. And finally, she would be able to enjoy a bit of god damn quiet!

Unknown to Azula the guards outside didn't even dare to breath. Aside from Azulas screams everything was quiet. No one even dared to say a word as they wide-eyed looked at each other only wide-eyed look at each other with fear in their eyes.

It was really creepy having the princess scream to get some quiet when really… Aside from her there wasn't a sound to be heard. And there just… There was nothing there!