SALTWATER
It is the last summer Azula, Ty Lee and Mai spend on Ember Island before their paths diverge. Mai is stuck with her family at some sort of dull event, and Azula and Ty Lee lounge on the beach, just as bored as their mutual best friend.
Out of nowhere, "I want to show you something," says Azula as she rises to her feet and tugs up Ty Lee alongside her.
"Oooo!" Ty Lee smiles and eagerly follows Azula up the beach, running a little bit to keep up with her crush's long, confident strides.
They travel for some time before they are gone from all public eyes.
"Are you gonna murder me, princess?"
"Not today."
"Oh."
"You sound disappointed."
"Being murdered by someone is kinda hot."
Azula freezes in place. "What in Koh's Realm is wrong with you?"
"A lot." Ty Lee giggles as Azula grabs her by the elbow and drags her to the sea.
"It is a short swim from here," says Azula, and they both silently wade out into the water and swim and swim until they reach a cove, laden with glowing red crystals. Ty Lee's jaw drops.
"This is amazing," whispers Ty Lee, looking around, enraptured by the stalactites and stalagmites, by the crystals, by the beautiful water, by how close to Azula she is and how alone they are.
"There is a legend about this place. They say a Water Tribe mermaid was trapped here by Fire Nation pirates. They stole her from her home and locked her away until her true love would come and save her. But he never showed up. She is still stuck here to this day, waiting for him. If you make a wish here, it comes true."
Ty Lee swims a little closer to Azula, her toes bouncing lightly on the cave bottom beneath the saltwater she is submerged within. She squeezes her eyes shut and makes a wish. When she opens her eyes, she cannot help but momentarily fixate them on Azula's beautiful lips. As soon as the princess notices, Ty Lee hurriedly averts her eyes.
"What did you wish for?" inquires Azula, touching Ty Lee softly. It sends metaphorical lightning bolts through their veins. This closeness and solitude leaves them both struggling to breathe.
"But princess… if you tell somebody what you wish for, it doesn't come true." Ty Lee bats her eyelashes to try to cover up her lack of deference. But it does not work.
Azula states coldly, "I gave you an order."
Ty Lee softly smiles.
"I wished that the mermaid could be set free," whispers Ty Lee.
Azula leans in and kisses Ty Lee fiercely on the lips.
