Hello all Storm here with a new chapter! Here we'll be seeing the aftermath of Naruto's and Azula's engagement, along with the affect everything has had on Azula. We'll also be seeing some changes happening, with even more to come. So, without further ado.
I own nothing
The next day, Azula was on the deck of the ship with Li and Lo, training furiously as the memories of her Agni Kai match against Naruto kept flashing through her mind. Angry that he was able to beat her, even more so that he was able to use her own lightning against her. But despite her anger, she was still intrigued by him, now seeing his strength firsthand and how he stood up to her.
"Remain focused, Princess Azula." Lo said, seeing that the Fire Princess wasn't fully paying attention to her training.
"You must keep a clear mind." Added Li, causing Azula to scowl at them.
"I am focused!" Retorted Azula before closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, standing perfectly straight.
Moving her arms in a circular motion, Azula created trails of lightning before her hands met and thrust her hand forward. Only to be sent stumbling forward when rather than firing a bolt of lightning ahead of her, the lightning was launched through her other hand behind her. With Li and Lo noticing how her lightning didn't remain on a controlled path, branching off before fizzling out of existence.
'WHAT?!' Thought Azula, getting up while not believing what just happened, that she messed up her Lightning Generation despite having performed the exact same motions she always has to create it.
"Your Lightning Generation is deteriorating." Li stated upon seeing that Azula's lightning wasn't as powerful as it originally was, if it didn't maintain its form for very long.
"Focus and control is incredibly lacking." Lo said, making the ravenette's anger grow even further.
"My lightning is as powerful as ever! See!" Azula shouted, going through the motions again, this time succeeding in firing a lightning bolt ahead of her.
Only for her eyes to widen when it fizzled away not a moment later, the sight of her lightning failing made her start panting heavily. Before Azula screamed loudly, letting a large stream of flames from her mouth.
"What the hell is wrong with me!" Screamed Azula after she stopped her flames, grabbing the ships railing tightly with it beginning to melt from her anger.
"Perhaps some meditation to help clear the mind." Lo and Li suggested, with Azula taking a few deep breaths to calm down before stepping away from the now melted railing.
"Trainings done for the day; I'll be in my quarters." Azula said, stalking past the two and back into the ship.
Though once inside the ship, and making sure there was no one else around, the Fire Princess began stumbling down the hallway, putting a hand on the wall to keep herself standing up.
'Why…why did this happen…I finally…finally had my chance…now everything is ruined.' Thought Azula, feeling a pain in her chest as everything that had happened began flashing through her mind.
When she was first summoned by her father and informed of the failed Invasion of the North Pole, the actions of her uncle, and her brother failing to capture the Avatar again. Before he gave her the task to capture them both and hunt down the Avatar, Azula had been ecstatic and eager at receiving the mission. Seeing it as finally getting her moment of triumph, to prove that she is the sole worthy heir of their father, the one who deserved to succeed him as Fire Lord.
Only for it all to come crashing down not even an hour later, being embarrassed in front of the only family member that truly acknowledged her.
'And he compared me to Zuko?! Zuko?! I am nothing like that embarrassment, he can't even capture a single child! I've done everything father's asked of me and…and I just made one mistake! And he compares me to Zuko?!' Thought Azula, knowing how much her father hated Zuko and saw him as weak, a disgrace and an embarrassment.
So for him to compare her to her brother, it stung Azula far more than she cared to admit.
'Now…now I've lost control of not just this ship, but the entire mission as well. And now…now I'm forcefully engaged to the jackass that caused all this!' Thought Azula, feeling anger and hatred towards Naruto for setting all of this in motion, just because he couldn't show her the respect she deserves.
But the worst part was that Azula knew she couldn't even blame Naruto or anyone else. The only person she could really blame is herself because her own pride and hubris got the better of her, and she knew it.
Azula closed her eyes and shook her head when images of Naruto began flashing across her mind, looking at her without any fear, not backing down from her threats, the power he displayed during their Agni Kai, even showing her mercy and offering to help her up. Being the only person besides her father that isn't afraid of her, even her own mother, brother and uncle were afraid of her, but he wasn't. Then being able to match her in conversations, always having a response ready for anything she could come up with. But also proving to be her superior in Firebending, not only being able to manipulate her own flames but also redirect her lightning as well.
'Why? Why? Why? Why?! WHY?! WHY?! WHY?! WHY?!' Azula mentally screamed as she went turned down a narrow hallway, unable to keep walking as she leaned her back against the wall before slamming her fist into the wall in front of her.
Before she slid down the wall, pulling her knees up to her chest and buried her face in them, with the Fire Princess letting out a muffled scream as she soon began crying. Letting out all the built up anger, pain, rage, sadness, confusion and hurt that she's kept bottled up the last few days, since her entire world was turned upside down.
'Why…why did this happen? Why did any of it happen? Why does he seem to have this effect on me? And why can't I stop thinking about him?!' Thought Azula, wondering why she seemed unable to stop thinking about Naruto and how he had an effect on her she didn't understand.
The ravenette unaware of it being a developing attraction and admiration of Naruto, having never experienced attraction to anyone or anything before, nor felt true admiration of anyone. Leaving her unable to understand what these feelings were nor what they are. Something that made Azula feel scared and vulnerable at not being in control. Which in turn lead her to something she did understand and preferred, anger.
Taking a few moments to collect herself, Azula eventually got up and continued towards her quarters, not taking long to arrive. Only for her eyes to widen in shock when she walked in on Naruto wearing nothing but a towel, showing that the High General had just taken a shower after finishing his own training. With the two looking at each other in shock and embarrassment.
As while Azula had already seen Naruto without a shirt during their Agni Kai, now she's seeing him in nothing but a towel.
"What're you in doing in my room?!" Azula demanded after snapping out of her shock and embarrassment, not believing he's now invading her quarters.
"You're room?! This is my room! I should be asking what you're doing here?!" Retorted Naruto, having been informed that his quarters had been moved here, though had no idea as to why but just went along with it.
"These are the royal quarters for use only by members of the royal family! That means me and certainly not you!" Said Azula, making Naruto frown at this since it wouldn't make sense why he'd be moved here then.
"That doesn't make any sense. I was told these were-" Naruto said, only to stop as realization dawned on him.
"Told what?! That you need a map to navigate the ship now?!" Azula said in annoyance.
"I was told my quarters had been reassigned and moved here. Which I now understand why." Said Naruto while mentally cursing Ozai, realizing he's making some kind of power play by pushing this engagement between him and Azula.
The whiskered Firebender being aware the Fire Lord doesn't really like him due to his beliefs and ideology, seeing them as weak and foolish. Along with not being ignorant to how the Fire Lord felt threatened with the way he makes allies and gains their loyalty. Knowing if Ozai could, he'd likely have killed him by now just to avoid him growing more influential. But Naruto also knew that Ozai saw him as more valuable alive than dead.
'And if he can't kill me, then he'll find ways to control me.' Naruto thought with a frown.
"What?! No, no, no, no, no, absolutely no! These are my quarters and mine alone!" Said Azula, shaking her head while refusing to believe she's stuck sharing a room with Naruto, looking out the door to see a guard walking down the hall.
"You, guard! Explain to the General that there is a mistake and that he has not been reassigned new quarters." Azula said, getting the guards attention with them bowing to her.
"Apologies Princess Azula, but there is no mistake. It was an order from Fire Lord Ozai once he received a message of Prince Naruto's victory and engagement with you. He wishes for both of you to now share your quarters." The guard replied before resuming their patrol, walking a little faster to avoid the Fire Princess's wrath.
With Azula's eyes widening in shock, disbelief and anger at hearing this, not believing her father was now forcing her to share a room with Naruto.
'Damn him…damn him to the deepest pits of hell to suffer untold agony and despair!' Azula mentally screamed, one of the rare moments she cursed her father, knowing there's nothing she could do since it was an order from the Fire Lord, himself.
'I really hate him right now.' Thought Naruto, wishing for just one chance to bring Ozai down a few pegs.
Before he looked at Azula and grew concerned when he took in the state she was, seeing her hair was coming undone, her eyes were red, she was shaking, and her breathing looked to be raspy.
"Uh…Azula? Look, I am sorry for how I've acted towards you, I'm just not really good people that act like they're above everyone else. Which, I'll admit, did get me into trouble a couple of times after joining the army. So it's nothing personal towards you, I swear, and if you want…I could find a different room to sleep while letting everyone pretend we're sleeping in the same room." Naruto said, knowing it didn't seem fair to Azula how he acted towards her, while seeing how everything that's happened is affecting her.
"It doesn't matter…he'll find out somehow and force us to stay in a room together, probably with guards watching us." Muttered Azula as she slowly walked past Naruto, knowing her father would find out if they weren't sleeping in the same room.
"Well…then if you ever want to talk, I'm here if you just need someone to listen. You can even insult me and I won't say anything." Naruto said to try and cheer her up, or at least get a reaction.
Only for Azula to simply drop down on the bed, taking a moment to mentally curse that there's only one.
"Just…get dressed and…and leave me alone." Azula said, sounding completely broken, which only made Naruto look at her in concern.
"Are you sure? I wouldn't mind staying if you just…need someone around." Offered Naruto, feeling guilty at the state Azula was in, given the part he played in everything.
"I'm sure just…get dressed and get out already." Replied Azula, wanting to simply be alone, making the High General sigh before nodding as he grabbed his clothes to get dressed in the bathroom.
"And I'm leaving the acquisition of Zuko and Iroh to you, since you're in charge." Azula added with some bite, Naruto nodding silently as he got dressed and put his armor on before exiting the room.
Once she heard the door close and was sure she was alone, Azula curled up into a ball and began crying at how things were turning out. Having thought that if she couldn't be loved by her mother and uncle, then she would at least still have her father. Only for him to marry her off without a second thought after seeing a chance to reign in a rebellious, yet influential, general. After just the slightest moment of weakness, he tossed her aside.
'Who…who even am I anymore?' Azula thought, not even knowing who she is now.
Having always been seen as the Firebending Prodigy as well as the beloved daughter and heir of the Fire Lord. But if she didn't have her father's favor anymore and her Firebending was failing her, then who is Azula?
*Later*
It wasn't long before the ship arrived at the wharf of the village resort, where Zuko and Iroh were staying, with Naruto leaving to find them with a team of Imperial Firebenders. Much to his annoyance at now having them around as "protection". Before they found where Zuko and Iroh were staying in the village, going to where they were staying, while finding the two were inside.
"Prince Zuko, General Iroh." Naruto said while stepping into the house, making the two look at him in surprise, even more so at seeing the Imperial Firebenders with him.
"What?! What're you doing here?! How did you find us?!" Zuko asked warily at what how Naruto was able to find them along with what he was doing here, given the past few encounters they've had with anyone from the Fire Nation.
"Calm down nephew, I'm sure he is not here for a fight. But it is a surprise to see you here General Naruto. Finally taking a break I see." Said Iroh, turning to Naruto with a good-natured smile, only for the High General to shake his head.
"Business, I'm afraid. I've been sent by Fire Lord Ozai." Revealed Naruto, surprising Zuko while Iroh tensed slightly at learning they were sent by his brother.
"My father?" Questioned Zuko, not expecting them to be here on his father's orders.
"Yes. Can you all wait outside?" Naruto said, looking at the guards, preferring if they had some privacy.
"Yes, Prince Naruto." Said the lead guard as they bowed before exiting the house, with the whiskered Firebenders eye twitched while Zuko's and Iroh's heads snapped towards him.
"Prince?" Iroh asked in confusion, with Zuko narrowing his eyes slightly.
"What does that mean?!" Zuko demanded, wanting to know why they'd refer to him as "Prince Naruto".
"That…would be due to an incident that happened yesterday. I wasn't the only one sent, Azula is here as well, and we may have…gotten off on the wrong foot. Leading to her challenging me to an Agni Kai, with the winner being given full command of the royal sloop and the mission we're currently on. Azula added the stipulation that if I won…then I would become her fiancé, though she only added it as a joke, only for the Fire Lord to approve it. Something we learned after I defeated her, which is why the Imperial Firebenders are with me and referred to me as Prince." Naruto explained, much to their shock and disbelief.
"You…and Azula…are engaged?" Zuko said slowly, trying to wrap his head around the fact Azula wasn't only defeated in an Agni Kai but was now engaged.
"Yes." Replied Naruto with a nod, making Zuko frown.
"I…see. That's…nice to hear." Said Zuko, feeling torn at this new information.
While he and Naruto weren't exactly friend, they were acquaintances and on good terms from the few times they've interacted. But now hearing he's going to be married to Azula, he was now a potential rival to the Fire Lord's throne, which was a bitter pill for him to swallow.
"Well…I suppose congratulations are in order then. I will ensure we send a gift for the wedding." Iroh said, with Naruto nodding in response.
"That actually brings me to our purpose here. The Fire Lord has…revoked your banishment, Prince Zuko, and now wishes that…both you and General Iroh return to the Fire Nation." Naruto said reluctantly, shocking Zuko at this information while Iroh narrowed his eyes slightly.
"Father…wants me to come home?" Zuko asked in disbelief and slight hope, not thinking his father would ever let him return without the Avatar.
"Yes. It would seem that with the failed Invasion of the Northern Water Tribe, he has…realized he needs those he can…trust by his side. And now he has…regretted banishing you Prinze Zuko, now wishing for you both to come back home." Said Naruto, wanting nothing more than to simply tell them the truth and start running to escape.
Zuko was stunned at this, hearing what he's finally getting what he wanted for the last three years, his father wanted him to come home even if he hasn't captured the Avatar. While Iroh was suspicious, doubting Ozai would ever say anything like that, along with noticing how Naruto seemed hesitant about what he was saying.
"Father regrets it? He…wants me back?" Muttered Zuko, looking out the window, feeling unsure and hopeful that this was really happening, part of him even thinking it was a dream.
"I understand this is a big change after three years. I'll give you time to take it in, but only until tomorrow. As the Fire Lord has also instructed me and Azula to takeover in hunting down the Avatar, so we'll be unable to stay long before we can begin tracking him down." Naruto said, something that annoyed Zuko at learning his sister would be hunting the Avatar.
"Right…I need to be alone." Zuko said before exiting the house, needing time to think and take everything in, with Naruto nodding before stepping outside.
"Return to the ship, inform the captain and Azula that we'll be staying until tomorrow." Ordered Naruto, the guards nodding before leaving to head back to the royal sloop.
"Now that we're alone, perhaps you can tell me my brothers true intentions for sending you and Azula here." Iroh said once the guards were gone, making the High General sigh and look at his Lightningbending instructor.
"Ozai's not doing this out of the kindness of his heart, we were both sent after both of you due to your actions at the North Pole." Revealed Naruto, with The Dragon of the West putting the pieces together himself.
Feeling saddened that Zuko is facing the consequences of his actions, but he also couldn't stand by and do nothing as Zhao killed the Moon Spirit.
"I thank you for being in honest in your intentions, Naruto. I knew Ozai would not take kindly to such actions once he's learned about them." Said Iroh with a nod, knowing no one else would have revealed the truth and simply let them walk into a trap.
"Don't thank me, since this is all I can tell and do for you, out of respect for our shared masters and for helping me with my Lightningbending. After this, I will be performing my duty as a Fire Army General and bring you both in. And I've already hurt Azula enough, I'm not going to do anything that will hurt her more." Naruto said, feeling at guilty for his part in putting Azula in her current state, with Iroh frowning at the latter part.
"What happened to Azula?" Questioned Iroh, wondering what's wrong with his niece, making Naruto look down as he leaned against the wall.
"It was after I was summoned by Ozai and given the mission to help her capture you and Zuko then hunt down the Avatar. She tried threatening me, thinking I'd be a loyal lapdog she could boss around, but when I didn't and pushed her a little. Resulting in her she trying to attack me, only to be reprimanded by Ozai and compared to Zuko. Then on the ship she tried threatening the crew only for me to stop her, before trying to intimidate me again, only to fail, again, and I may have…made a joke about her "red tides" and she attacked me again. I deflected her attack and we started arguing until she challenged me to an Agni Kai, which you already know how that went. Now she's just…" Naruto said before sighing and smacking his head against the wall.
"Just what?" Iroh asked, feeling a little concern for Azula.
"She's just a fourteen-year-old girl, who's basically lost everything in just a few days! I've heard how everyone is afraid of her except her father, probably the only person who actually acknowledges her, only now he's written her off. Because I kept pushing her and refused to bow down, along with now having engaged her to someone she doesn't even know and likely hates with what I've done. With Ozai now forcing her to share a room with me. While also being seen as a Firebending Prodigy, only to now lose that too when I beat her, along with redirecting her lightning. Now…she looks like she doesn't even care what happens to her anymore." Explained Naruto, dragging a hand down his face at remembering the state Azula was in.
While Iroh looked at him with wide eyes, not believing what he just heard or the state Azula is now in, before looking away in guilt. Looking back on Azula's life and how she acted, even to her own family, Iroh would admit that everytime he saw his niece, he only saw Ozai. Believing that she had the same lack of empathy and brutal ambition his brother did, it made Iroh keep his distance.
Even Ursa, her own mother, hadn't shown Azula much love and care, putting most of her attention on Zuko, with her own scolding Azula any time she did something. With Iroh looking back on all those times, realizing that perhaps it wasn't just Azula being inherently cruel and wicked, she was just trying to get her mother's attention. And when that didn't work, she ran to the only person who did give her attention, Ozai.
'Is it really surprising then for her to turn out like her father, when he was the only one to acknowledge her?' Iroh thought, seeing that he and Ursa had failed to be there for Azula when she needed someone.
"You should not be ashamed or feel guilt Naruto, the true fault lies with myself and her mother. When she needed someone the most, neither of us were there to help her, resulting in her instead turning to Ozai for support." Said Iroh before bowing to the High General.
"I can see that you wish to do right by my niece and help her, for that you have my gratitude. All I ask is that you take care of her, she needs someone that will always be there for her." Iroh said, with Naruto nodding in response.
"I'll do everything I can to help her." Naruto replied, knowing it may not be ideal, but knew he and Azula were going to be married and he wanted to make sure he did right by her, even if she wanted nothing to do with him.
*Later*
After taking some time to collect himself and think over what he needs to do, Iroh return home after the sun had already gone down, only to find Zuko in the middle of packing.
"Zuko?" Iroh said, getting his nephews attention, making the Fire Prince look at him with a smile on his face.
"Uncle, can you believe it?! We're going home! After three long years, it's unbelievable!" Zuko said, overjoyed that they were finally able to return home, even if he hasn't captured the Avatar, they could go home again.
With The Dragon of the West frowning at this, having hoped to get the chance to convince Zuko to not take the offer to return to the Fire Nation and avoid going into a trap. But now he's stuck in a conundrum, with Zuko's safety and Azula's mental health.
"It is unbelievable. I have never known my brother to regret anything." Stated Iroh, knowing he needed to convince Zuko to not go with Naruto and Azula.
"Did you listen to the General? Father's realized how important family is to him! He cares about me!" Retorted Zuko, losing his smile and started getting irritated with how his uncle wasn't as happy as he was.
"I care about you! I know Ozai, he isn't the kind of person who has regrets. And if he wants you back, well, I think it may not be for the reasons you imagine." Iroh said, trying to get him to see reason without revealing the truth.
"You don't know how my father feels about me! You don't know anything!" Zuko shouted while walking past Iroh, refusing to lose this chance to go home.
"Prince Zuko, please, just think about this more, you shouldn't risk yourself like this. Let me go and speak with Ozai myself, to see what he truly feels and wants. Stay with General Naruto and your sister if you wish to help them hunt down the Avatar. Or stay here for a few more days to enjoy the time of peace and relaxation." Said Iroh, feeling he was the main priority for Ozai and he wouldn't lose much sleep if Zuko wasn't present when Naruto and Azula brought him in.
"What is your problem?! I thought you'd be happy to go home, happy that I wouldn't just be the Banished Prince anymore!" Yelled Zuko, glaring at his uncle, now believing he didn't want him to go home at all.
"I didn't mean that. Zuko, I only meant that in our family, things are not always what they seem." Iroh assured, especially after having learned how true that is after speaking with Naruto.
"I think you are exactly what you seem! A lazy, mistrustful, shallow old man who's always been jealous of his brother!" Zuko retorted before walking off, not caring if he refused to join them, he wasn't going to lose his chance to return home.
With Iroh watching him go sadly before sighing and went to grab some paper and a brush, knowing what he needed to do to ensure his nephew and niece were both safe.
*With Azula*
Meanwhile, Azula was on the deck of the ship alone, training her Firebending. Taking the chance when no one else is around given how her abilities seem to be deteriorating.
The Fire Princess scowling as she went through the motions to create lightning, only now her lightning wasn't even appearing anymore as she did so. While only shooting out a stream of flames whenever she thrust her hand forward to fire it.
'No, no, no, no, no! Come on! Where is the lightning?!' Azula thought, getting frustrated and a little worried that she seems unable to even create lightning anymore.
Before her eyes widened when she shot out another blast of fire, seeing her blue flames flickering out of existence until they turned into a regular orange color.
"No…no, no, no, no, no!" Azula said repeatedly as she tried creating more flames, only to see they were no longer blue at all, being completely orange, much to her horror at her fire being weakened now.
"Wh-what…what is wrong with me?!" Azula screamed, releasing waves of flames around her, not believing she's not only lost her lightning but now she's losing her fire as well.
'No! No, I'm not losing my fire! I'm one of the best Firebenders in the world, I have flames that no one else could hope to possess!' Thought Azula as she took several deep breaths.
"I'm a prodigy, I am the Firebending Prodigy, and I am not going to let this get the better of me!" Azula muttered to psyche herself up.
Only for her fire to not go back to being blue and remained orange, no matter what she said or thought to encourage herself. Going through all the familiar motions of her Firebending, but there wasn't even a flicker of blue flames.
"What…what is wrong with me?" Said Azula, looking at her shaking hands, terrified at the idea she was really losing her bending now, not knowing how to react to any of this.
Having spent her entire life as her father's golden child, being revered and praised for her abilities, leading her to never have to really deal with failure. But with everything that's happened in such a short amount of time, now seeing a chance she's losing her bending. Azula wasn't sure how she was supposed to react or deal with this.
"There's nothing wrong with you, Azula." Naruto said, making her jump slightly and look at him with narrowed eyes.
"How long were you standing there?!" Azula demanded, not wanting him or anyone to see her weakened fire, with the whiskered Firebender going over to her.
"Long enough. Your form is really good, but I can see your flames are getting weaker." Stated Naruto, the ravenette scowling at him before unleashing jet of flames.
"My fire is as strong as ever! I simply don't see a reason to use my full strength in training! And never say anything about me is weak! I am not weak and I am not a failure!" Shouted Azula while giving him a glare, seeing he still didn't look at her with any fear or wariness.
"There's nothing wrong with failing Azula, our failures are an opportunity to try again. They help us learn and grow to improve ourselves." Naruto said, making the Fire Princess scoff at him.
"What would you know about failing?! You're the "amazing" and "talented" High General, the youngest commanding officer in the Fire Army. I doubt you've ever failed at anything." Azula retorted bitterly, not thinking he's failed at anything before.
"You'd be surprised. Before I was even in the Military Academy, I left the Fire Nation to find someone to teach me Firebending since I didn't have anyone who could teach me. I ended up getting caught in a storm with barely any supplies and was completely lost. Then when I joined the Academy, I had an inflated ego since I had won several Firebending matches to get noticed and sponsored by a high-ranking officer, I ended up challenging some of the older recruits and was lucky they didn't decide to burn me for being arrogant. When I was also first promoted and given command of my own men, we were sent to deal with a division of Earthbenders. We defeated them and I gave them the chance to surrender, which they accepted, only for it to be a trick as there had been more than we expected, leading to us getting ambushed. We managed to defeat the Earthbenders again, even with their backup, but it cost men and women under me their lives, simply because I chose to give them mercy. Though I didn't give them a second chance afterwards. We've all failed before Azula, especially me. But I don't let it keep me down, I learn and grow from my failures. And I know you can too. I also know that while we haven't known each other long or much about the other, from what I've seen of you, you're stronger than you know and won't let anything keep you down, let alone something like this." Naruto said, looking at Azula, who looked at him in surprise to hear he's failed before along with his words to her.
"Who…who trained you?" Questioned Azula, wondering who even trained Naruto to Firebend.
"Some old Firebenders I encountered after finally managing to reach the colonies, they were pretty old and passed away not long after I finished my training. But what they taught me has helped my Firebending be better than it ever could have been. One lesson they told me is the most important one any Firebender could learn." Replied Naruto, making Azula perk up.
"What lesson?" Azula said, trying to hide her eagerness and desperation, hoping whatever lesson it was could restore her bending.
"Give me your hands." Naruto said holding his hands out, with Azula placing her hands over his watching as he made a small flame over them.
"Now look at the fire and I mean really look at it. Past the destruction it can cause, the hatred, rage, and anger that's believed to fuel it. See what fire truly is." Said Naruto, slowly removing his hands as Azula maintained the flame herself, watching it closely
"It's…it's…it's…" Said Azula, not sure what she was supposed to see or find.
"Beautiful. It's a lot like you Azula, fire can be beautiful to see and feel, but it can also hurt if you get too close. Though that's not all, fire isn't just destruction and pain, it's warmth, energy and light. Just like you Azula, your fire doesn't have to just destroy and cause pain, it's so much more than that. There's more to you as well." Naruto said, making Azula look up at him in surprise before looking back at the flame, gasping when it flickered blue for a moment.
"Fire is…" Azula said, only to frown and shake her head, narrowing her eyes at Naruto.
"Fire is destruction! It's power and has nothing to with such nonsense! Whoever taught you such things are obviously nothing but disgraces to Firebenders everywhere, if they'd teach such weak and foolish beliefs!" Said Azula, remembering all her lessons of what Firebending is meant to be, that it was power, destruction and was empowered by rage.
With Naruto sighing as Azula walked past him back into the ship, having hoped she'd be able to learn the same lesson that Ran and Shaw, and the Sun Warriors taught him of what Firebending truly was. Though it seemed her upbringing and being told what Firebending is, was stronger than he thought.
'But I did reach her, even if it was for a moment. I can help Azula and I will." Naruto thought, knowing he can get through to Azula and didn't plan to stop until he helped her.
And maybe one day, he'd be able to let her learn what Firebending really is from The Masters themselves.
*Timeskip-One Day*
The next morning, Zuko and Iroh headed down to the ship, the Banished Prince being happy when his uncle arrived to join him, having thought he'd refuse to come back. With Iroh looking at the lines of Imperial Firebenders suspiciously, knowing they were meant to make sure they didn't escape. Before arriving at the gangplank leading up to the ship, where Naruto and Azula stood at the top waiting for them
"Brother! Uncle! Welcome! I'm so glad you decided to come." Said Azula with a smile, while Zuko and Iroh frowned at her appearance, as if she hasn't slept in days or cared about how she looked.
"Azula are…are you alright?" Zuko asked, feeling a rare bout of concern for his sister and her current state.
"I'm fine! Are we going or not?!" Azula snapped, making Zuko's frown deepen while Iroh looked away in guilt at now seeing what the affect his actions and inaction had on his niece.
"Set a course for the Fire Nation captain, we're going home." Said Naruto, hoping Iroh had a plan to get them out of this, otherwise the moment they left they would be prisoners.
"Home." Muttered Zuko wistfully, wondering if anything's changed since his banishment, before he and Iroh began walking up the gangplank to the ship.
"You heard the General! Raise the anchors! We're taking the prisoners home!" The captain said, only for his eyes to widen at what he just said, with Zuko's eyes widening at realizing what's really happening, while Azula glared murderously at the captain and Naruto facepalmed.
'I think it's safe to say that Imperial Firebenders weren't given their position because of their skill and intelligence, if this dumbass is a captain.' Naruto thought, not believing anyone could be that incompetent.
Not a moment later Iroh slammed his bag into a guard's head before kicking another way, launching a blast of fire at one behind him before pushing a fourth off the plank. Grabbing one and spinning around before throwing them into the water as well.
While Zuko grabbed the captain and threw him into the water while running up the gangplank, glaring at Naruto and Azula.
"You lied to me!" Zuko shouted, angry that he fell for more of Azula's lies.
"Like I've never done that before. But I technically didn't lie, not that it'll matter in a few moments." Said Azula with a smirk before kicking her leg towards her brother, releasing a blast of flames at Zuko with him noticing that they weren't their normal blue, but the standard orange they once were when they were kids.
Jumping over the flames, Zuko thrust his fist forward, shooting a fireball at them with two guards getting in front of Naruto and Azula, releasing jets of flames that dispersed it. Before jumping up, using their shoulders as steps to get higher, swinging his leg and releasing a wave of flames at Zuko, who quickly shot fire out of his feet pushing him back where he landed on the dock.
But before he could fire more flames at them, he was suddenly grabbed and pushed back by Iroh who got in front of him.
"Zuko! Get out of here now, I'll hold them off!" Iroh said before creating a large fireball and launched it at the guard running down the gangplank, throwing them against the ship or into the water.
"What?! I'm not going to-" Said Zuko, refusing to run away or abandon his uncle, only to be pushed back while also feeling something being slipped into his robes by his uncle, before a wall of fire rose up between them.
"Zuko, for once just listen to what I'm telling you! Go now, I'll catch up with you soon!" Said Iroh, leaving no room for arguing, making Zuko look at him with wide eyes before he reluctantly nodded.
"Fine! But you better hurry up!" Zuko said before he ran down the dock to escape, hoping that his uncle will be able to get away.
Seeing his nephew escape, Iroh nodded before quickly turning around and threw his arms out, dispelling a large wave of flames from the guards. Rotating his arms and manipulating the flames into a fireball before pulling his hands back only to thrust them forward. Turning the fireball into a massive blast of fire that threw the guards back. Before Naruto split the fire in half down the middle, with Azula shooting jets of fire out of her hands and feet, propelling herself towards Iroh.
Flipping in the air, Azula launched an arc of fire at her uncle, who span around the flames before creating a fire whip from his hand which he launched at Azula. The Fire Princess responded by creating her own fire whip that clashed against Iroh's. With Naruto propelling himself into the air to get behind Iroh, launching himself at the ground, slamming his down and unleashing a wave of flames towards the former general.
Looking at the wave of flames, Iroh kicked his leg back, shooting out a jet of fire that cut through the wave, while Naruto propelled himself off to the side when the flames rushed towards him. Shooting several fireballs at Iroh as he moved through the air, who proved more agile than he looked as he spun around the fireballs before his cheeks bulged out and threw his head back. Naruto's eyes widened at this before he quickly propelled himself into the air, just as Iroh unleashed a gigantic blast of fire from his mouth, causing the water to start steaming from the intense heat.
With Azula quickly getting out of the way as Iroh moved around, unleashing his fire breath all around him, hitting any guards unfortunate enough to not get out of the way and were thrown through the air. Until Iroh aimed his flames into the air when Naruto moved above him and unleashed his own fire breath, the streams of flames colliding against each other.
Only for the flames to stop when Iroh cried out as Azula got behind her uncle, unleashing a jet of fire at his back, sending Iroh crashing down the dock. Getting up shakily, Iroh was forced to move back as Azula continued firing waves of fire at him, moving up the gangplank and onto the ship. Before he stumbled slightly when the Fire Princess slid her foot across the ground, releasing a wave of fire at his feet. Seeing this, Azula created a flame at the tip of her fingers before thrusting it forward, unleashing an explosive burst of flames.
The Dragon of the West crying out as the flames hit him, sending him skidding across the ship, groaning as he tried getting back up only to fall to the ground unconscious. Much to Azula's shock at seeing her uncle taken down, by her own hand!
'What…no, no, no, no, that doesn't make sense!' Azula thought, not believing she actually managed to take her uncle down before looking to where Zuko ran off.
Narrowing her eyes at seeing her brother managed to get away before scowling at her uncle, knowing that something was going on.
*With Zuko*
Meanwhile, Zuko had run as fast as he could from the ship, looking back once he was at the stairs, only to see his uncle being overwhelmed. Making him tempted to run back to help him, but didn't since Iroh had wanted him to keep running. And he did, the Banished Prince kept running until he soon reached a river, feeling he'd gotten far enough away.
With him then falling to his hands and knees, stuck in a state of shock and self-loathing, not believing his uncle would let himself be captured for him. And angry at himself that this happened in the first place, just because he believed his father wanted him back home.
'Damnit! Why can't I do anything right?!' Zuko thought, hating that it seems like he can do nothing but fail ever since his banishment.
Before remembering his uncle had slipped something into his robes, pulling it out only to be surprised to see it was a wrapped bundle of scrolls. Opening one of them, Zuko saw it was a Firebending scroll while seeing that the rest of them were the same, along with a scroll on Lightning Generation and Redirection.
'Uncle, why did you do this? Were you planning to let yourself be captured?' Thought Zuko in disbelief that his uncle would give him these, as if knowing he would be captured before seeing another smaller scroll, opening it to see it was a letter.
Zuko
If you're reading this, then it means I have let myself be captured by Azula and Naruto. Please do not blame yourself for this my nephew, it was my choice to let them take me prisoner, so that I may fix my mistakes.
I was never there for your sister when she needed someone, I only ever saw my brother in her. A lack of empathy, cruelty, burning ambition, and the inability to love or care for another. But now I see how I failed her, by seeing only Ozai in her, that is who she ran to. I know you seek your father's love and approval, but please understand this nephew, I have known Ozai his entire life. I have seen what he is capable of, and my brother is incapable of loving anyone but himself. He cares not about the feelings of others, even his own family is not safe from his cruelty, as you have seen and now it seems Azula has seen it as well.
That is what makes you both different, you and your sister, you both possess a battle within yourselves, that of good and evil, for it is your nature, your legacy. You know of your great-grandfather Sozin on your father's side, but what you do not know is your mother's grandfather, Avatar Roku. The two of you are descendants of the man who started The Hundred Year War and the man who opposed him. It is why you have struggled with yourself for so long Zuko, the battle between your great-grandfathers still exists within you. It was a battle I believe Azula had lost, giving in to the evil of our family, but I have learned it is still going on and could break her if she is not helped.
Zuko, despite the circumstances, the past three years I have spent with you have been some of the happiest moments in my life and I am proud of you, nephew. But now Azula needs my help more, just as you did, and it is time for you to figure out who you really want to be.
Should our paths ever cross again, I look forward to seeing the man you have become.
Uncle Iroh
P.S., the scrolls with you are to help you complete your Firebending training as well as the knowledge of Lightning Generation, along with how to redirect it, a technique I created myself. Good luck and good journeys, Prince Zuko.
Zuko looked at the letter in shock with tears in his eyes, not believing that he and Azula were the great-grandchildren of Avatar Roku. But more than that, despite how he treated him at times, his uncle still cherished the time they spent together ever since he was banished.
"Uncle…I promise, I won't let you down and I will return for you one day." Zuko swore, refusing to let his uncle down after he gave himself up so he could escape and that he would free him one day, when he was ready.
Before he pulled out his pearl-handled dagger, looking at the inscription on it.
'Never give up without a fight, I don't plan to give up ever.' Thought Zuko before grabbing his ponytail and cut it off, knowing it'd make him too recognizable
Dropping it in the river, Zuko wrapped the scrolls and note before he continued running, just incase guards would be sent after him.
*Later-Royal Sloop*
Back on the royal sloop, Azula was being congratulated by the soldiers and crewmembers for succeeding in taking down and capturing The Dragon of the West. With the ravenette only able to give half-hearted, unsatisfied responses before quickly slipping away from everyone. Not feeling like she really earned the right to celebrate defeating her uncle, if she even really defeated him.
Before she headed down to the brig to the cell where Iroh, glaring at her uncle as he simply sat down as if he wasn't a prisoner.
"You seem to have recovered quickly. Most other people would still be unconscious after getting hit like that." Azula stated accusingly.
"I have simply become use to hiding the true extent of my injuries, Princess Azula. The battlefield isn't a good place to focus on being hurt." Replied Iroh, which only made Azula growl while grabbing the bars.
"I'm not in the mood for your games! You let yourself be captured, tell me why?!" Azula demanded, knowing despite his age, her uncle could have defeated them all without even trying, with only Naruto likely lasting the longest.
"Is it so wrong for an uncle to want to spend time with his niece after so many years?" Iroh asked, angering Azula further.
"I said no games!" Shouted Azula, only for Iroh to look at her seriously.
"It's no game Azula. I have learned…that I wasn't fair to you during your childhood. I was never there for you when you needed someone to care about you, and it pushed you straight into Ozai's arms. I know it's something I cannot change, but I can hope to be there for you now. And right now, all I can do is apologize for never helping you when I could." Replied Iroh while bowing his head, making the Fire Princess glare at him.
"Don't pretend to act like you care! I know what you really think of me, you think I'm a monster! Just like everyone else, just like her!" Azula retorted, only for Iroh to shake his head.
"I never saw you as a monster Azula, but that's what you wanted everyone to see you as. You wanted people to fear you, fear you enough that they wouldn't leave you alone. But you don't have to be alone anymore, I wish to be there for you now. And it would seem your new betrothed also wishes to be there for you, as well." Iroh said, with Azula scoffing.
"I don't want you or him there or anywhere for me! Trust is for fools! Fear is the only reliable way! You fear me too! Even…even my own mother…my own mother feared me! That's…that's all I have…fear, being a prodigy, being father's favorite… and now I…I have nothing!" Yelled Azula before losing her fire and looked down, shaking at how her mother saw her as a monster and was afraid of her, that she'd now lost the only things she had to begin with.
"You're wrong, I didn't fear you either. You are my niece and I do love you Azula, I'm sorry for not showing that better and trying harder. I never realized how much your mother and I failed you, until now. All I can do is try my best to makeup for my failure and help you in any way I can. And you don't have nothing, if only you'd look beyond what Ozai has taught you, then you would see you have more than you can imagine." Said Iroh, the ravenette punched the bars and glare at him.
"Shut up! Just shut up already! I don't need you, Naruto, mother or anyone else! You should be more worried about the hole you'll be thrown into and left to rot in for the rest of your miserable life, old man!" Azula said, hoping to get a familiar reaction out of him, only for Iroh to simply bow his head.
"I will still be around should you need anything Azula or simply wish to talk. After all, I will be having plenty of time on my hands soon. And I will be happy to talk to you, whenever you need me." Iroh stated.
His words only making Azula scream before releasing a jet of fire at her uncle, her eyes widening as the flames fizzled out before they could even reach him. Not looking at Iroh again, Azula immediately rushed out of the room, not knowing what to do or what to believe anymore.
Finding herself running back to hers and Naruto's room, finding the whiskered Firebender already inside, with Naruto taking notice of the state she was in. Not saying anything, Naruto went up to Azula and wrapped an arm around her shoulder, the Fire Princess not having the strength to even push him away. Guiding her over to the bed, Naruto sat them down with Azula simply looking at her lap.
"My offer still stands, if you want to talk about anything, I'll listen. Or we can just sit here for however long you want." Said Naruto, wanting her to know he's here if she has anything she wants to talk about.
"…I…I went…I went to see my uncle…we…we talked and he…he tried saying he…he regrets not being there…for me. That…that he was sorry and…and wants to make up for it. I…I didn't…I didn't believe him…I tried to…I tried to hit him with my Firebending but…but my fire…it didn't even reach him…" Azula said, feeling tears in her eyes but refused to let them fall or be seen.
"Why did you go to him?" Naruto asked, looking at her curiously.
"I don't know, okay! I don't know why I did it! I don't know why I even came here! I don't even know why I'm telling you anything! You don't care either!" Yelled Azula, trying to keep up a strong front and failing at it.
"Yes I do. I know I haven't acted like it, but I do care Azula and I want to help you." Said Naruto, only for the ravenette to try and push him away.
"No you don't! And I don't care what you want to do, I was perfectly fine before you showed up! You…you ruined everything, you ruined me! Just…just go…go somewhere else!" Said Azula, trying and failing to push him away before eventually giving up from her mentally and emotionally fragile state.
With Naruto looking at her sadly before standing up and lifting her up onto the bed, laying the Fire Princess down, with Azula immediately turning away from him. The High General then set up a futon on the ground, giving Azula one last look before lying down.
So, what did you think, good. Yep we see that Azula's loss against Naruto has affected her more than was shown, with it now effecting her bending as she can't properly use her Lightningbending anymore, before we see the full impact of everything that's happened on Azula, being scolded and compared to Zuko, having someone stand up to her, losing an Agni Kai and forcefully engaged to one who started it all, while knowing she can only blame herself, now left wondering who she even is anymore if she's no longer a prodigy or Ozai's golden child. With Naruto also seeing the affecting everything's had on her, feeling guilty at his part in it, wanting to try and make it up to Azula, only to be pushed away. Then we see Naruto arriving at Zuko's and Iroh's location, telling them a lie about Ozai revoking Zuko's banishment and wants them both home, along with them learning about his engagement to Azula, before he tells Iroh the truth once they're alone along with the state Azula's in, making Iroh realize how much he and Ursa had failed Azula, driving her straight into Ozai's arms, with Iroh then planning to do what he can to help both his nephew and his niece. Then we see Azula practicing alone only to see she can no longer create lightning and her blue flames are reverting back to the standard orange (which they were when she was a child and still training), much to her panic and worry that she may be losing her bending, before Naruto arrives and offers her some advice and encouragement, along with telling her about some of his own failures. Before telling her the same thing he learned from Ran and Shaw, and the Sun Warriors about Firebending, that it wasn't just destruction or fueled by hatred and rage, managing to get through to Azula for a moment before her upbringing gets control, with Naruto still refusing to give up and getting through to her. Before we go to the next day where Zuko and Iroh arrive, with the loudmouth captain calling them prisoners, leading to a short fight until Iroh forces Zuko to escape while allowing himself to be "defeated and detained" by Azula, who believes something else is going on. Then we get a look at Zuko, seeing Iroh slipped him several scrolls to continue his training as well as a letter explaining his actions and he and Azula are the great-grandchildren of Avatar Roku, leading to Zuko swearing to not let his uncle down and come back for him. Then we see Azula confronting Iroh, who wishes to make amends for not helping her as a child, something Azula refuses to believe thinking he's afraid of her just like her mother was, which Iroh denies and continues telling her he wants to help, leading Azula to lash out only for her flames to grow weaker as they don't even reach him. Finally we see Azula returning to hers and Naruto's room, where Naruto offers her some comfort, which Azula tries to reject to keep up a strong front, only to fail with Naruto simply putting her to bed. So, for those that like the story, thanks for your support. For those that don't or at least don't like the direction taken, you're more than welcomed to drop the story. But thanks for giving the story a chance anyway.
Storm out