She was not expecting to be this amused. She had been shocked and had excepted it to turn to anger. Korra expected it to turn to anger. And kept giving her worried looks.
But she wasn't angry. More...amused.
Yeah, amused felt right. She was amused the Firelord gave them a light tour of the palace. Which felt more like an excuse to take Naga to the royal stabled and walk them back to somewhere else. Korra was half distracted by all the sights, and the other half making sure her girlfriend didn't kill anyone.
Azula thought about being insulted by that. But it was a fair fear most of the time, but not now. Now she was amused. Izumi had given no more indication that she knew who Azula was. Zuko had apparently failed to do something when he got back home.
For all the stress leading up to this trip, this was turning out to be mostly disappointing.
"I heard this palace is filled with secret tunnels." Azula interrupted the Firelord who was talking about some painting of her family.
Izumi did not show a reaction to the rudeness. "There are stories yes. Why?"
Azula shrugged. "Just wondering if they have been closed up."
Izumi did not change the look on her face but Azula met her look. It was an analyzing look. She could see the gears working in the Firelord's head.
"You are from the Gire Nation then? Before you went to Republic City?" the Firelord asked.
Azula didn't break her glare. She counters with her own neutral face as she looks at the Firelord. "I am. Born in the capitol in fact."
"Heh" Korra let out. Earning a look from two pairs of golden eyes. She rubbed the back of her head innocently.
"Something you would like to say Avatar?" Izumi was not demanding but she was frim. She had clearly been in power for some time. Azula could appreciate the skill. The younger fire bender smirked at Korra.
"Uhh" Korra scratched her head in thought. "Is Lord Zuko around?"
Izumi cowled. "He is indisposed at the moment."
"Of course." Azula rolled her eyes.
"Hey, it's ok just stay calm." Korra pleaded.
"I. Am. Calm." Azula snapped back.
"What," Firelord Izumi cut in. "Is going on here."
Azula spoke before Korra could. "Just some tension about the trip. Things are more different than I thought there were going to be. But Zuko will explain things better."
Korra breathed a sigh of relief. "Yeah, yeah thank you for having us maybe we can continue the tour while we wait for him? One of us has never been here before."
Azula sighed.
"You have been to the palace?" Izumi asked eyes focused on the Azula.
Korra facepalmed. "Oh."
Despite Korras error Azula was undeterred. "Why yes. It's an interesting story that I think I will let Zuko tell," she remained calm. She had to at this point. Despite the three of them standing alone, she knew there were guards and servants hiding just out of sight listening in. "Perhaps a story that would be best told in private."
Izumi still eyed skeptically. But she raised her hand and as Azula predicted a servant was by her side in moments.
The Firelord didn't even turn her head. "Please wake my father and inform him who our guests are we will be going to the private library."
'That idiot is taking a nap?! Just perfect.' Azula wasn't sure if she should scowl or laugh at this news. The ridiculousness of this all was getting to her.
"Oh ok, cool libraries are fun!" Korra tried. She really did. But the two pairs of golden eyes again pierced her. And her head dropped in defeat. Izumi led them again. This time not stopping at any artifacts or paintings. The tour seemed to be over. Izumi seemed to be done with being welcoming. Azula wondered if she could just walk off. Just pick a hallway she knew and walk that way. It would be interesting to see the new Firelord's reaction.
Korra seemed to read her mind and grabbed her hand. The avatar tried to give a comforting look.
Azula took a deep breath. 'I'm not here to cause trouble. I'm here to be home.' it took an effort to remind herself. This was her home. She shouldn't have to act at all. But this was not her home anymore.
But it was. She knew these halls still. She knew the path they were taking and could picture in her head the library. Electric lighting had been put in but the new lights seemed to be placed where she remember torches had been set which even gave the place the same glow and tone.
She could see differences though. Servants walked the halls and chatted pleasantly. There were fewer guards than there used to be. The old war trophies and maps of conquests had been removed. It had been Zuko's palace for a long time.
She stopped walking. She imagined what her place would be like. She had dreamed of it so often. Had spent so many nights planning it in her head. There would be more blue. Her flame would be respected for the power it had. Each hall would be dedicated to a different conquest. More fires to light every corner. The servants would bow when she passed and she would have only her hand-picked guards in the hall.
A figure in blue stood in front of her. She recognized Korra and thought about how her love of blue might have led her to the water tribe girl.
Korra leaned close. "Are you ok?" she brought her hand up to Azula's shoulder but the fire bender slapped it away.
Goldeyes met shocked blue ones. "I am not as fragile as you think I am." she had been amused and grateful to Korra so far but she should be allowed to think in silence without her girlfriend coming to the rescue.
"Is everything ok?" Izumi questioned a few steps away.
Korra went to answer but Azula cut her off. "It's fine I'm just eager to see Zuzu as soon as possible." she realized what she had said, 'opps'.
Izumi was startled. "How dare you refer to my father like that! What makes you think you can show him such disrespect."
'Well to late now' Azula smiled, Korra frowned, "I truly can not wait to tell you."
The firelord regained her composer. She eased into a calm that Azula recognized for the poker face it was. Izumi was done being welcoming and had pulled inward. There was no more talk as they went a couple more minutes through the halls. Azula felt her eyes being pulled away into her thoughts again but shook herself to stay focused. They got to a small study where a circle of red fabric couches where around a low table. A window on one side shown out into the garden and Azula could see the sun. It was a pleasant reading room. Izumi turned to the two of them.
"You will wait here," she said to both of them but Azula saw her eyes focus on her. Azula responded by looking away disinterested, not giving the Firelord the satisfaction of a response.
Once inside the room, Azula sat down as soon as she could while Korra inspected the room.
"This place is nice." Korra offered looking at some wood carvings in the wall. "Definitely a different feel from the air temple island. That place I guess is built old but really just like any place in republic city. This palace…" she trailed off as she ran her had down a carving of a dragon. It was inlaid into the wall and was breathing fire on a person. The flames surrounding them. "This place is old."
Korra was still looking at the wall and Azula wondered how much an Avatar could remember from there past. She knew that they would get glimpses and sometimes whole memories of events. But what about the small things? Did a past avatar run their hand down that wooden wall?
"It is." the fire bender offered. "One advantage of being on the winning side of the war was that the Fire Nation kept its old buildings and artifacts."
Korra turned to her. "Unlike the souther water tribe? There is no building that's from before the war there. This places is hundreds of years old."
"Exactly" Azula tried to sound proud. " but maybe that was not for the best it seems."
"What do you mean? Is the Fire Nation not what you expecting?"
"It feels…" azula leaned back staring at the ceiling. "like my home hasn't changed when maybe it should have."
"Do you have any good memories of this place?"
Azula shrugged. "Few, but its fine."
Korra stood up. "Well we should make new ones then!" she was enthusiastic. "You're not on the run anymore, you don't really have any responsibilities. Let's try to have more fun."
Korra's words were mostly encouraging but one part cut deep 'you really don't have any responsibilities. She was Royalty. She had royal blood. She had a right to rule this entire land. She could rule her home. This could be her home.
'Izumi doesn't look like to good of a fighter.' Azula considered. Seriously considered.
"Right?" Korra cut her thoughts as she gave the crooked smile. Azula let the idea of killing her family fade away. Instead, she reached her hand out to Korra who held it. Their fingers intertwining.
"Right." the fire bender offered. "But till then can you just sit next to me." Korra nodded but paused.
"Actually nope."
Azula raised an eyebrow in confusion before Korra climbed onto Azula and sat across her lap.
"See isn't this better?" Korra fluttered her eye brows as she reached an arm around Azula's shoulders to hold her self up.
"Its different…by the spirits I forget how heavy you are."
Korra stuck her tongue out but the door opened before she had a chance to do more. Izumi gave them a look with a raised eyebrow. Azula tried to remain neutral but felt her cheeks get warm.
"If you are free," the Firelord drawled "The servents have brought refreshments and my father will be here soon."
Korra awkwardly got off Azula with a look of embarrassment and sat down on the couch next to her. A servant did come in with some food and drink while the Firelord gave a small conversation about their trip. She was starting to ask what the avatar wanted to do during her visit when running could be heard from the hallway.
'Finally, Azula noted finishing her glass of juice.
Zuko almost ran into the door frame, a robe tied around him and his hair still down. Izumi was shocked while Korra was confused.
"Zuko did we wake you?" Azula chided.
"I-" he cut him self off as he regained his composure. Standing up straight he walked into the room and closed the door behind him.
"You did. I was hoping to be better prepared when the avatar visited the Fire Nation for the first time." He sat down next to his daughter and grabbed a glass from the table. He looked at Azula.
"I was hoping you would tell me before you decided to visit."
Azula shrugged, "Well I can see why you wanted the warning."
Korra looked like she was going to speak, some good-natured something to try to ease the tension, but the Firelord cut her off.
"What is going on here?" Izumi said looking between her father and this stranger.
Azula gave Zuko an expecting look. He took a deep breath.
"Azula here, is not...she is…a reminder of mistakes from my youth."
Izumi stood up shocked. "YOU CHEATED ON MOTHER!"
Korra winced at the outburst and Azula laughed.
_
The heat coming off the walls felt good on her skin. She could feel the energy of the volcano through these walls. She knew her way around as well, she had studied the maps of the old passages for the day of the black sun. A lifetime ago. Zuko had had a good idea in using these old halls.
But where else were you supposed to put a dragon?
Her ancestors kept their mounts in these tunnels of the volcano as well. They guarded the passageways against any foolish intruder and were always nearby. She turned the corner and the rough stone was replaced by smooth brick. It slowly became more and more furnished as she got closer to her destination. On the walls were old carvings of dragons, and the lords who rode them. Some were ancient, the names of beast and man lost to history.
She remembered when she was making plans for the day of Black Sun. she remembered her eyes going over the maps of these tunnels and seeing 'Dragons passages' and ignoring them. They didn't lead anywhere important. They didn't matter at the time, they would stay lost.
She ran her hand over the carvings as she walked, her hand going over the carvings of flames bursting from a mouth, the warm rock made her think she could feel the fire. It sent a shiver up her spine.
'The dragons were the original fire benders and we defeated them, we proved we were better.' she remembered her lessons. She wasn't as convinced after seeing one in person.
'I would have liked a dragon.' she thought to herself.
She came to a steel door and it opened smoothly. Behind it, the tunnel opened to a large cave. Large enough to fit an airship. Along the sides were a dozen carved areas where the dragons would roost and the far wall was open to look over the land. They were on the far side of the volcano to the one that overlooked the ocean. The floor of the cave was for humans, a small rail line connected to where supplies could be collected, and a pool of water was there that could fit one of the beasts.
Along the walls stairs and ramps connected it all. She made her way down to the bottom level, her mind imagining this place full of a dozen beasts and hundreds of attendants. Now her steps echoed in the silence of the cave. She made it to the bottom and waited…
Waited…
"Damn Zuko." she grumbled. She had done what he told her to do where was-
A growl could be heard to her upper left. She turned to see Druk sticking his head out of one of carved areas. She met his eyes as it crawled out of its hole and she did not flinched when it lept down to her level.
They had met before. On-air temple island but only briefly there was a battle going on after all. She had wanted to get closer to the animal
"How long do dragons live?" Azula had asked a couple hours ago after their meeting with Izumi. She had taken things mostly well. Staying quiet during the story and looking at Zuko and never her. She said she needed to be alone and that she would 'make a decision soon'. What ever that meant.
Korra had been pulled into a press conference the Firelord had set up for the Avatar's first official visit. Despite pleading from Korra Azula had no interest. She wanted to see the dragon again.
"Hundreds of years." Zuko told her. "there are stories of dragons being passed along family lines for generations."
Now the animal was getting closer, it was unclear how smart it was but he clearly reconised her and its face got close. The eyes bored into her and she could feel its hot breath on her. Inches away from her she reached her head out and felt the cool scales. He did not react as she touched him.
"I'm glad you remember me." Azula as her hand explored the feel of a dragon. "I have heard you are quite powerful."
Her hand glided up the base of his neck and she felt the beast hum. Finding the spot that Zuko told her about she began to scratch. Druk responded immediately and raised its head to give her better access and Azula made a note to thank Zuko for having this not be a trap to get her killed.
The Dragon was still a living creature and just like Naga or even Korra liked a good scratch.
She thought about trying to ride him but decided that there would be time for that later and she didn't want to make the creature angry.
Movement in the corner of her eye caught her attention and Druk turned his head as well to look at a black speck flying out side. It moved to fast to be a distant airship so the fire bender smiled knowing what it must be. Druk opened his eyes as the sound of Korra on her glider got closer but he stayed content to be scratched by Azula.
"Am I interrupting anything?" Korra asked with a smirk as she landed.
"No, but I'm sure this big deadly dragon would like a second pair of hands on him." Azula didn't look up.
Korra sat her staff against a cart that was stained red probably from the meat that was in it and came up to the dragon.
Druk turned towards the Avatar with a growl making Korra pause. Azula smirked. "She's a friend, don't you remember her?"
The dragon relaxed and the Avatar came closer. "I see you two are getting along."
"Its a fire-breathing monster thing," Azula said looking at the way the scales moved as the dragon breathed. "How did the press event go?"
"Well? Firelord Izumi didn't pull me away so I probably didn't say to much wrong, they just wanted to know where I would be visiting, I said the Avatar temple...I hope they have one. Would have been nice if you came with me to tell me if there was."
"I'm sure there is something." the fire bender deflected. "Besides this place is different now."
Korra looked at her. "And how does that feel?"
"Well having dragons back is pretty nice." Azula deflected again.
"Do you think Druk would get along and play with naga?"
Azula smiled. "I think naga would lick him and there would be no more Naga."
Korra gasped comically. "Wwhhhaaattt naga can take care of herself."
They both laughed and bantered for a time. Druk deciding to walk away and the pair taking a tour of the cavern. There was not much to see but the claw marks cut into the walls and pens told them this place would have many stories.
They heard the clang of a door after a while and looked from the 3rd floor walkway to see Zuko walking into the cave.
"Firelord Zuko!" Korra yelled waving.
"Do it." Azula poked her side.
"No I'm not going to do it." Korra brushed her off.
Azula put on her most puppy dog look. "Please…"
Korra rolled her eyes. "Fine. You're lucky your cute."
"Zuzu!" The Avatar yelled.
Zuko snapped to look at them and Azula saw the old mans glare land on her. She smirked back and he sighed in defeat.
They went back down to meet him on the bottom level where he was petting Druk.
"I see you all got along. That's good. Druk has been good with my family."
"Oh good, I'm glad I count as that."
Zuko sighed. "Azula..."
"Relax brother," she waved her hand dismissively. "When I want to insult you I will and I believe the earlier meeting gave me enough entertainment for the day."
Zuko brought a hand to his head to stop a headache. It looked more regal now that he was out of his robe. "Yes well I should have informed Izumi right away."
Azula shrugged. "Yes you should have." she started making for the door to the cave with Korra beside her. They where almost done exploring any way.
"Of course I did ask you to tell me when you are coming for a visit," Zuko added as he went to follow the pair.
"Don't you put this on me." Azula scowled.
Zuko was about to say something before Korra cut him off.
"Wow, you two are siblings," Korra said amused.
Azula glared at her while Zuko looked amused.
"Speaking of siblings." Azula turned to Zuko. "Where is our half-sister. Kiky?"
"Oh fuck there's more of you?" Korra gasped until she laughed at Azula's insulted face.
Zuko smile, "actually she lives in republic city. She owns a clothing company."
They had walked into the volcano caves now. Azula and Korra just going where ever Zuko was leading them.
"I wonder if she even knows I exist. Did you or mother ever tell her?"
Zuko was quite for a moment but frowned. "I...I don't remember. I know mother never forgot you."
Azula stopped walking. She clenched her fists. "She never knew me. But I take she did pass." It was of course true but she felt like she needed to hear it. As much as she hated it she did always imagine one more confrontation. One more chance to see her.
"About ten years ago," Zuko confirmed. Azula turned away from him with a scowl. Korra put a hand around Azula's clenching fist, the fire bender twisting to interlock their fingers.
Azula tried to move on. "Father?"
Zuko look down. "A few years before that. He lasted a lot longer in his cell than I would have."
"I'm surprised he didn't escape."
Zuko shrugged. "He never tried. It was odd. I thought he would too. But he just sat in his anger."
Azula smiled "How Disappointing."
Zuko smiled back, "I know right?"
Korra watched the two and seem to have decided to stay quiet but still held onto Azula's hand. The group started walking again.
"What's also disappointing is apparently you did end up marrying Mai? Really Zuko was there truly no one else?"
Zuko smiled. "Never. When you find someone you find someone."
Azula glanced back at Korra who met her eye before the fire bender looked away.
"I'm surprised she was willing to have children, she never seemed like the type."
Zuko frowned "She was...not as happy about the news as I was. But she loved Izumi"
"And threatened you with a knife that she would not have another?"
"Oh yes."
They both laughed. It was weird.
"Is she dead? Or is death afraid of her?"
Zuko smirked. "She is on vacation on ember island. I told her she needed to come home."
Azula laughed again. "Oh, you haven't told her. Don't you dare tell her. I want to see the look on her face. Is Tylee still alive? I bet she will have things to say. That traitor."
"Oh," korra finnlay made a noise. Both the fire siblings looked at her. "Is she the one you told me about?"
Azula nodded. "Oh yes, she knows what she did, I wonder what she will have to say about it."
"Azula…" Zuko frowned getting a curious look from Azula. "She is, well she's not well."
"Oh…" the former princes didn't expect that. "Perhaps I will go see her then before the end."
"No no, not in that way. She, well it started a few years ago. She has trouble remembering things. Its like sometimes she still thinks we are all kids again. Sometimes-"
"Sometimes she still thinks it's before the boiling rock." Azula cut him off coldly. She saw Korra wince. Zuko nodded.
They walked in silence for a few minutes. Before they got to where part of the cave branched off in one direction. Azula went to pull Korra that way.
Zuko held out a hand. "it this that path leads to-"
"I know where it goes."
Zuko didn't try to stop her. "We will be having dinner in a few hours if you would like to join us."
Azula ignored him as she pulled Korra along. The Avatar gave Zuko a confused look but frowned when he looked concerned.
"Where are we going?" The Avatar was feeling the heat down here. Her fire bender did not respond. So she stayed quiet.
They walked for a while. Sometimes going up a slant or down a ramp. Along the wall were places for torches. Azula tried to light them. Some lit up, others didn't, they were all rusty. At intersections, Azula didn't stop at any of them. She knew where she was going.
Finally, the cave seemed to open again. "Woah"
A stone wall was in front of them, stone that was different than the cave walls. Korra recognized earth bending when she saw it. Halfway up the wall, there was a hole. There was more metal on the walls, gutters, and supports. All rusty, some broken. Only half the touches lit.
"I know this place," Korra said looking around. She was still holding Azula's hand. Azula chuckled. "What?" the water triber asked.
"Just thinking of ridiculous it is that I'm dating the Avatar." Azula shook her head. "Could you bring this wall down for me?"
Korra raised her eyebrow but nodded. She went to pull her hand free but Azula didn't let go. She smiled and still found a way to bring down a section of the wall. Inside columns of rock shot out from the walls. One of broken the other still there. The pair climbed through the wall and Azula lit a couple of the reaming touches.
The room was large but empty save the rock formations. Earth benders had fought here. Good ones if Korra was any judge. Across the room half-hidden in shadow, she saw what looked like a seat. No, a Thorne.
Azula pulled her towards it. As they got closer Korra could better see the details. On one side of it hanging from the ceiling was the blood-red banner of the Fire Nation. On the other side a torn remnant of one. The chair was metal but it looked like it had pieces missing.
Azula brought her hand out to where the metal had been torn away.
"This use to have gold on it," Azula said with a frown,
"What is this place?" Korra asked again.
Azula sat down on the chair with a deep breath looking over the ruins of the room. She pulled Korra to sit on her lap.
"This is one of the places I fought the Avatar." she brought the hand that she was holding up to her face and gasped letting it go.
It was bleeding, the imprint of her nails was easy to see.
"Korra I…"
"It's ok," Korra said rubbing her sore hands. She water bent some water out of a pouch on her hip. "It was when we were talking about Ty-Lee."
"I'm sorry." she noticed the wild world that lead her to this place apologizing to the Avatar.
Korra held up her hand. "See all better. Now you said you fought the Avatar here? That was during Black Sun right?"
Azula nodded. "Katara may have told you the story but I can tell it again."
"Maybe," Korra said looking around. "It looks like no one has been here for a while."
"I remember we didn't give it much thought after that day. We thought our victory was assured and we didn't need bunkers."
"Why did you want to come down here?" Korra looked at her again.
"I...I wanted to." Azula paused but Korra didn't seem satisfied so she gritted her teeth. "I wanted to go somewhere that was the same as I left it."
Korra looked around the ruined room. "What about the palace, I thought you said the palace hadn't changed?"
Azula huffed and turned away. "I did it's just...not home anymore."
"You don't seem happy here. Maybe coming to the Fire Nation was a bad idea."
"The Fire Nation is my home."
"That doesn't mean it's good." Korra brought her hand up to cup Azulas cheek. "We don't have to stay here your not on the run anymore, you can do whatever you want."
Azula smile "As long as I take you with me?"
Korra smiled back. "Yeah. Now come one this place is neat but not very cozy."
Azula smirked. "I thought you said I could do want I want?"
Korra got up and tried to pull Azula with her. "Well yeah but ok like after we get out of here."
Azula let herself get pulled up and smiled. "fine fine."
Korra led them this time, only looking to Azula a few times to make sure she was going the right way. She talked more about her press conference and meeting some high-ranking nobles. She talked about a sport she had not heard of that was like pro-bending but only done in the Fire Nation.
"They turned an Agni Kai into a sport?" Azula questioned.
"Yeah, Zuko outlawed the old honor duels but people still like fighting. I heard you fight with no shirt on?"
Azula smirked. "Woman could decide for themselves. Why? Did you want me to participate Korra?"
Korra blushed. "Well, it would be good to see you beat people up." making Azula laugh. The Fire Bender thought about the option of entering in these games earning fame for being the best Fire Bender in the world. It was interesting.
They made it back to the palace after a while and went back to their guest room to settle in. A servant came by and offered a series of formal attire for each of them. Korra was impressed by the variety of the water tribe cloths but chose something that looked more like Fire Nation instead. She complained about the weight of the formal robes and Azula laughed as a couple of servants put Korra's hairs into a top not.
She didn't laugh when the servants ignored her. The former princess looked almost ready to hit one before Korra stepped in and requested they help Azula get ready. Already seething she joined Korra in going to the dinner. It was a much more formal affair than she was expecting. There were a dozen other people at the table. Other high nobles and leaders of industry who apparently could drop everything and come see the Avatar at a moment's notice. Izumi insisted Korra sit near the head of the table but when Azula went to follow, Izumi gave her a dirty look. More surprised than angry Azula didn't press the issue even as the crowd followed the Avatar. Though she did see an apologetic look from Zuko.
The dinner went fine with talk about random noble things that Azula didn't care about years ago and really didn't care about now. Instead, she sat there quietly. She felt her mood sour as she was being ignored. Even the reassuring looks from Korra across the table did little to make her feel better.
Finally, she decided she had had enough and just stood up, no one seem to notice, and left the table. Zuko to his credit tried to walk after her but she glared him down and he returned to the dinner.
She at first wanted to just go back to her room but decided she was in the right part of the palace and she hadn't seen the throne room yet.
She stood there waiting for a moment.
"Huh," she said aloud. Thinking of going to the throne room didn't affect her. Given how the rest of this trip had gone she was half expecting to get a feeling in her stomach or her head would start aching. She knew how this worked at this point. But there was nothing.
With the shrug, she made her way. A few servants gave her a glance as she passed but they left her alone. A guard was following through. He was keeping his distance but she knew he was there. Seemed like a normal thing to do with a guest in the palace. She took the short walk up to the doors and they opened without an issue.
It was the same. Nothing had changed from the time she had last seen it. The lighting had not been replaced with electric lights. Half the torches were lit and an older servant with a broom was working in the center of the room. He looked up briefly but shrugged and returned to her work. Azula left the door ajar for her follower and walked across the room. The throne was dark. There were never torches around it. It was supposed to be lit by the fire in front of it. She noticed that the chairs for the family were not there. Izumi must use the throne alone.
She heard a noise behind her and saw the royal guard standing at the entrance to the room.
"I won't be long," she called to the random guard. For all the memories she felt for this place, she felt an odd emptiness as she looked at the black stone. She felt nothing for it. She thought about overthrowing Zuko's family and taking over the nation, making that throne hers. But it did not appeal to her. The Fire Nation didn't appeal to her anymore. The older servant picked up her broom and walked out a side door.
She heard movement behind her and turned to see if the guard was going to make her leave but instead, the guard was turning and talking to someone before they moved out of the way.
"Korra?" Azula questioned surprised.
"There you are," Korra said, slipping past the guard and towards Azula. "I saw you left the dinner, sorry it took me so look to catch up," she came up next to the fire bender
Azula smirked amused. "I wasn't expecting you to. All the poor nobles are going to miss talking to the Avatar."
"Well fuck them, jeez I thought the rich people in republic city were bad." she pulled the hairpiece off and her hair became a flowing mass of brown.
Azula felt herself smile at how beautiful the girl looked. She leaned over to kiss Korra on the cheek. The act surprised the Avatar who was trying to tame her hair. Azula watched her smile and leaned towards her ear, "You're beautiful."
Korra kept her grin as Azula pulled away. "So this is the throne room," Korra said looking around and reaching for Azula's hand.
The former princess took it. It felt as reassuring as ever. She looked at Korra whose eyes scanned the room. She wanted to tell Korra stories of this place. The time she snuck in the first time, or how proud she was when she was first invited in. But that could wait. She might not feel much for this place anymore but Korra was still awed by it. Finally, she watched Korra's eyes go to the throne.
"Wow, should I go sit on it?" Korra asked.
Azula smiled "No Korra that would be bad manners."
Korra pulled away from her and let go of her hand and started going for the raised platform. "oh come on I'm sure it will be fine."
Azula followed, half-heartedly trying to get her to stop. She wondered what her guard follower would think of this and turned to look. When she did she blinked.
When she opened her eyes again the guard was gone. The door was gone. Only an empty blackness. She looked around and all the walls were gone as well. There was nothing but blackness. The torches were gone too, but there was somehow still light on her. She saw her own hands clearly as she looked down at them. 'KORRA' she panicked and twisted to where the Avatar had been.
She gasped at the old man standing in front of her. She thought for a moment it was Iroh but it wasn't. He glared at her, his fire nations' robes were neat, but his beard and hair seemed ragged. There was still a top knot in his hair. Her mind rushed trying to figure this new person out. She recognized the face.
He raised his eyebrow at her. She realized she had gone into a defensive stance out of instinct. She kept it though even as it clicked in her head who it was.
"Avatar Roku?" she didn't hide her confusion. She had heard stories of the powers of the Avatar but to see some out who was supposed to have died nearly 200 years ago seemed a bit extreme. "how?"
"The throne room of the fire nation has seen more history than most places in this world. Avatars, spirits, and mystics, have spent more time here than most temples. I have been trying to reach out to you, and this has been the first chance I have been able to. Hello, great-granddaughter."
Azula relaxed her stance but stared at him skeptically. "Why now? What do you want?"
He looked at her and looked like he was trying to relax. This was weird for him as well as her it seemed. She had read about him, both the fire nation propaganda and the hidden archives. He was powerful, even showing up sometimes with Aang.
"I have little time, I wanted you to know that I'm happy you are safe, I was worried about you. But being the partner of the Avatar is a good place to end up and can lead to happiness."
Azula crossed her arms, "That is not all I am, I've made a name for myself here."
"Of course," Roku dismissed annoying the former princess. "But I have not looked out for you in the past as I should have. You are my family, so I will tell you this. Something is happening in the spirit world. Dark spirits are gaining in strength."
"Dark spirits? Do you know why?" Azula knew almost nothing of spirits.
"I have tried to remember, something is happening that has not happened for a long time. But I can not remember what it is. You should make sure Korra is ready."
Azula frowned. "I will tell her and make sure I am ready. I will tell her to try and connect with you and get more information."
"It is the Avatars place to be the bridge between the spirit world and ours, be careful to know your place is by her side. There are forces at work that are beyond you. I do not wish to see you hurt."
"Again." Azula corrected. "You did not seem to care beforehand. And I am powerful in my own right and will be ready to fight when the time comes." How dare he dismiss her abilities.
He stared at her for a moment. "Of course, but remember when the time comes remember your place."
Azula snarled "MY Place!" she threw her hands out in a burst of fire-making Korra recoil back. The thud of boots came from behind Azula as she twisted in the throne room again. Korra looked at her in confusion.
"Is everything alright Avatar?" the guard asked. Korra kept looking at Azula with a frown.
Korra glanced at him. "Yeah just um-"
"Everything is fine." Azula snarled.