Wow, this came out late lol. Sry, I'm a procrastinator. I mean generally just on hw, but ig this too. Okay so just a btw, Safire is Azula, just from anyone who isn't her of Mai or Tylee. Bc that's her fake name and all. Also I am open to suggestions on ships, as while as what to add next so please pm me with those. Anyway, hope you enjoy. God I hate editing this was so hard. I only got thru editing like half of it and I gave up so maybe I'll edit it later idk but sorry lol.
"You're up earlier than usual?" Toph pointed out as she poured herself a cup of tea. She grabbed one of the cookies Katara was baking and shoved it into her mouth, crumbs falling to the floor. The earthbender then padded over to the soffa in her bunny slippers and robe, plopping herself down. She sighed contentedly as she leaned back on the sofa, so at ease she allowed her feat to rest on the coffee table.
Katara rolled her eyes. "What's that supposed to mean Toph?" she said as she bent down to whip up the crumbs that Toph had left. After picking them up with a wet rag, she rinsed it on the sink. She then proceeded to bend the water from it to make it dry. She looked over at the earthbender confused. She didn't actually care what it was supposed to mean. She was more confused on how Toph managed to see through the slippers that had been gifted to her.
"Nothing, just seems like you like our new roomies a lot." Toph said giggling slightly. She shoved another baked treat into her mouth, savoring the delicious taste. More crumbs fell from her lips, however she didn't mind. And, she loved the way she could practically feel the anger radiating from Katara as she did so. Lately Katara had been making a lot more of these. As well as getting up earlier to make breakfast, spending more time at the healers building, and training a lot with the other waterbender, Safire. If Toph was totally being honest, she felt like Katara may have a thing for the other waterbender.
"And you don't?" Katara countered. She knew Toph had been enjoying the change of company. Toph had been extremely grump since sokka had left, but that changed when the three girls moved in. Aside from mornings, Toph was generally happy. Not to mention Ty Lee was training her in the art of Chi blocking. Mai had tried to teach her how to throw knives, but with her being blind and all it didn't really work.
"Of course I like them." Toph said, rolling her eyes. Katara sighed as she went over to take the next batch of cookies from the oven. Ever since Safire had taught Toph how to do that, she wouldn't stop. "Mai's really chill," she said as she shoved a cookie into her mouth. "And Tylee got me these new slippers," she tried to say. However, it came out as a mumble due to the cookie in the earthbenders mouth. Toph held up her feet, waving them in the air and wiggling her toes. "Not to mention Safire, I mean I know she's a waterbender, but she's a badass." She smiled implying at Katara. "And I respect badassery." Toph paused a moment, contemplating something. "Plus she taught me how to roll my eyes, so there is that." She said laughing.
Katara chuckled as well as she laid the cookies out on a tray. It truly had been fun having the girls stay over. It had only been three days, however she already felt a connection with them. It was like the first time she saw Aang, how she knew they were meant to be together. That somehow, destiny had drawn them here. They were strange people, with a mysterious past, but nonetheless Katara trusted them. She found it fascinating how Ty Lee was so optimistic while Mai seemed to feel nothing at all. They were opposites, much like yin and yang. Yet they supported each other. They had strengths where the other had a weakness. They were balanced. But, something more drew her to Safire. Perhaps it was the fact that she was even harder to read than Mai, or the story hidden behind her eyes. Maybe it was the inner turmoil she saw underneath the golden irises. Maybe it was the brokenness she could see on the girls face. The pain of loss, a reflection of Katara's own. Katara found her thoughts wandering to Safire again. They way she carried herself, so sure. But, the uncertainty behind her eyes, as if she was questioning if it was truly the right thing to do. The sound of footsteps interrupted her thoughts, causing Katara to look up.
Katara looked up to see Safire coming through the door. Her eyes still held traces of sleep, however other than that her appearance was immaculate. That was something Katara had noticed about the girl in the past three days, she never accepted anything less than perfection. Safires raven hair was combed smoothly, falling in cascades down a little below her shoulders. The fire had burned off some of her hair, but Katara thoughts it looked good short. However, she hadn't seen it at its full length. The darkness of her hair was accentuated by the mint color of the earth kingdom silk. She wore it tightly secured around her body, so that extra slack would not get in the way of her duties at the infirmary. This made every curve of her slim figure more prominent. Safires waist was slim, and her shoulders and hips followed this pattern. However, every curve was accentuated by her muscle. Fighting in the war, Katara was in great shape. But, Safire was 2x more muscular than her. She wondered just what the girl had been through that showed on her body. Not only in her build, but in her scars. Safire had scars on her wrist and neck, seeming from burns. She also had burn scars along with the bottom of her feet and her ankles. Katara wondered, but she didn't bother asking. That was the girls business alone.
Toph didn't miss the rise in Katara's heartbeat as Safire made her way into the room. She may have had her feet in the air, but the couch was still connected to the ground enough. Plus, she could practically feel the heat coming to the girls cheeks. She snickered slightly, and turned to face Safire . "Sleep while Spice Queen?" she asked as she plucked a strawberry from the bowl that Katara had set on the coffee table. She placed it in her mouth and loudly squished the berry. Both Safire and Katara cringed slightly at the sound, which made Toph laugh.
Azula didn't dislike the small earthbender, but she did mind her habits. The way the girl ate like a pig, never bathed, and picked her bare toes. It disgusted her. Azula was working on being less judgemental, no small feat for her. But, she couldn't help judging some of the habits of this earthbender. Was she raised by badgermoles? Even the waterbender who was raised on an iceberg was more civilized than this girl. Infact, Katara was very civilized, more than half the fire nation nobles Azula knew. This surprised her, and even made her think she had misjudged the tribal people. Or, more likely it was just Katara, she thought. The girl had proven to be not a proficient water bender, but a truly good person. The only other person Azula had ever known that was that pure would be Tylee. However, unlike Tylee, Katara was not innocent. But, somehow, she was still… good. That was the only way to describe it. Azula pulled herself from her thoughts, reminding herself to answer the question. "Yeah," she gave a smile.
Her lie went undetected by Toph, however Katara caught it. Lately the Safire had been having nightmares. She would hear screaming, and go to her room only to see Tylee was already there, comforting the girl. When Katara asked what was wrong, she was shoed away by an overprotective Tylee. Something about the way the girl protected her friend reminded her of how she felt about Aang. Ever since she found him, she had strived to protect the boy.
"Ooooooh COOKIES!" Azula squealed with childish delight. She ran to the tray at the counter, and picked up one of the freshly baked treats. Popping it in her mouth, she savored the deliciousness of it. The way it seemed to melt in her mouth.
Katara turned to her and smiled. Her smile was filled with warmth and kindness. This was why Katara got up so early to bake. At first she did it as a welcoming gift, considering the girls were staying with them. But, that soon changed when she noticed Safire's reaction. The girl have a very well crafted facade, a mask. It displayed anger and authority, superiority. And, though it was not easily broken, there was one thing that proved to be effective. Cookies. The way the girl reacted could make one think she hadn't a childhood at all, Katara though laughing.
But, the sad fact was Katara didn't know how true this was. Azula never had a mother to bake her cookies when she was feeling sad. Not that she ever expressed her feelings. No, for Azula that was forbidden, and would mean a beating. But, even if she had, her mother wouldn't have cared. She was too busy fawning over ZuZu. No matter how hard Azula worked, she never received her mother's attention. And, she was forbade from sampling the treats in the kitchen for the nobles. The only time she had ever had something sweet was that one time she stole mochi from Tylees grandma. Azula was never allowed to get excited over anything for fear that she would be seen as childish. Never aloud to play. She had an image to uphold, her fathers. People believed she was spoiled, given everything she ever wanted. Even her own brother and Uncle believed this. However, it was quite the opposite. Yes, she received many gifts from nobles. But, her father would force her to burn them. Saying anything that wasn't from him wasn't worth her time. And, the only thing he ever gave her was armor, lessons, and anything else that in the long run helped him. The things every child had, she wanted for. Things no child should have to want for. The love of her parents.
So, as Azula nibbled on the cookie, she allowed herself to remember the good times. The mochi with Tylee, the time she was allowed to go to ember island with the school. It reminded her of the little she had, and truly made her happy. Plus, they were so damn good.
Azula gently nibbled on the cookie, savoring the taste of it. She allowed herself a satisfied sigh as she swallowed the remaining bit, opening her eyes to see everyone staring at her with funny looks. "What they're good." she shrugged as she went over to grab her bag.
"From the way she ate that cookie, you would think she was deprived as a child," Toph said giggling to Katara. Azula glared at Toph, her eyes becoming daggers.
"Oh shut up," Katara said, rolling her eyes. "I think it's cute." she said as she crossed over to Azula. This only caused Azula to turn her dagger eyes to Katara. Katara laughed as she walked over to grab her bag.
"Tonights a full moon Tara, which means we need to finish at the infirmary early." Azula said, trying to ignore the comment about her being cute. She wasn't cute, she was intimidating. She was a freaking general/warrior/prodigy/avatar/princess. Screw them.
"What for?" Katara asked as she began to lace up her shoes. She knew it was a full moon, but she didn't think that mattered. They would still have enough time. Plus, she liked working at the infirmary with Safire. Something about her was different when she was healing people.
"I have to teach you that water bending technique tonight, unless you would rather waste it around sick people." Azula said. She couldn't believe Latara had forgotten. This was Azula's first real time teaching someone something new. I mean she had tried to teach her brother lightning bending by shooting him, but that didn't count. Plus She loved training with Katara. The girl helped her grow in her abilities. They sort of taught each other. And, she believed the ability she would teach Katara would come in handy for healing.
"Oh the one that can only be done on the full moon." Katara's eyes lit up at the prospect of learning something new. Azula smiled as she walked out the door.
Azula and Katara made their way through the busy streets of the upper ring. Azula kept her head tilted downward, obscuring most of her face from view. And, though her head stayed in the position, her eyes were constantly moving. From person to person, inspecting each one. She took not of everything, their hair, clothes, ethnicity. Searching them for any members of her family. After all, she had come here to find her Uncle. But, there was nothing. She had been so busy with training and the infirmary that she hardly had any free time. So, she used the time given.
Her gaze landed on to nobles, slowly sipping their tea. They were seated outside of the "Jasmine Dragon." It was apparently a recent installment to the upper ring, and was the talk of the town. Everyone who went there claimed that the tea was the best they had ever tasted. It would seem her gaze stayed too long because they noticed her.
"Is that-" the words were muffled as the man turned to whisper into the ear of his companion. Great, Azula thought, she had been spotted. Azula tilted her head lower, quickening her pace to catch up to the waterbender. Katara seemed to notice this as she also quickened her pace. Ever since the fire that Azula had pretty much started, she had been the talk of the upper ring. Many people saw her as a hero, which wasn't at all true, but she wouldn't complain. However, what really bothered her, was those who saw her as an angel. They thought she was some spirit come to help them. Her pale skin, dark hair, gold eyes. Add the fact that she pretty much came back from the dead, they truly believed she was a spirit. She supposed it was half true, but that wasn't the point.
Luckily for her, Katara understood how uncomfortable Safire was with the situation. She thought it was cute how much the girl despised the attention. So, Katara had been helping the girl get throughout her day without killing someone for saying that rumor. She had to admit, Safire was hot headed sometimes. She looked over to the girl, her eyes tracing over her delicate features. Her button nose, pale skin, the furrowed look of concentration. Katara couldn't help how cute the girl seemed to her.
Something seemed to catch Safires attention, and Katara followed her gaze. At first, she didn't see what her friend had noticed. But, slowly she caught it. Movement in the alleyway. She squinted, and saw a hooded figure. She turned back to Safire who was now looking straight ahead, wondering who that could have been. She Safire a questioning look, to which the girl replied with a small, almost unnoticeable, head shake.
Azula had been quick to divert her gaze, trying not to be caught staring at him. If he knew she was onto him, she lost the element of surprise. It was truly funny, him thinking he was so sneaky. Slipping behind the alleyway like that. But, she couldn't judge, he never was the brightest character. And, in this instance it worked for her. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Katara send her a questioning look, to which she shook her head. The girl didn't need to worry herself with that. It was Azula's mess, and she would clean it up.
In about ten minutes they were outside the train station, rummaging through their things looking for their passports. Shit, they must have forgotten him. Luckily for them, Katara was friendly with one of the workers. And, he simply waved them through, knowing and appreciating what they did. Katara smiled a thank you as her and Azula stepped onto the train. Azula pushed through the crowd of people, trying to find a clear space by the window. Azula found one and sat down, looking over the expanse of sitty below. Perhaps she could scout from the train, she thought.
Katara sat down next to Safire, following her gaze out over the city below them. Safire always seemed to go for the window, and it wasn't just because she enjoyed the view. Katara would notice her searching the town on the way to the train station, and then searching the city from above. Katara couldn't say she blamed her, the girl had been running her whole life almost. However, Katara did feel bad for her. She didn't need to worry too much. She had told the Di Lee to look for him and knew they were more than capable.
Azula felt a warm hand on her shoulder, and instantly jumped at the contact. Lately, for reasons she didn't know, any physical contact caused her to recoil. But, once she realized the hand was Kataras, she relaxed, allowing herself to fall into the touch. She just stayed like that, leaning into Katara, staring out the window, until Katara began to speak.
"You're looking for him aren't you," Katara said that she leaned over as well Azula's shoulder. She had noticed Azula been especially watchful. It seemed like she was always glancing over her shoulder, looking for someone only she could sense. "It's OK to be scared." Qatar side, referring to the nightmares she knew Azula had been having. However, she didn't know what The dreams were of. And, neither did Azula.
That was the most terrifying part. Azula Would wake up, knowing something had happened. She would've had a terrible nightmare, only she didn't know what it was about. She wanted so desperately to know. Not knowing was the hardest thing. Because, I felt like more than a nightmare. It almost felt like a memory.
But Katara didn't notice. She simply thought Azula was reliving the day her people were taken from her. She simply thought Azula was terrified of the admiral.
Azula wanted to tell her. She wanted to tell the girl the truth. Everything. Where she was from. Who she was, what she was. She wanted to tell the girl why should truly come to bossing say. But she couldn't. The instant Katara new, she would turn on them. She wouldn't care what her plan was. So, Azula sucked it up. She bit the inside of her lip, reminding herself not to speak.
The rest of the ride consisted of an awkward silence, until they finally made it to their destination. Right inside the outer most wall, was an infirmary. It was where the soldier went, The ones who were injured from the war. The lucky ones, the ones to made it back. Azula and Katara spend their days here, working tirelessly, healing them. Katara did it out of somebody to help, but his wallet it out of guilt. Somethings she wouldn't admit to feeling. But it was true. She felt it was her responsibility to help them, as it was her people doing this to them.
Today began just like any other day at the infirmary. Azula and Katara began tending to the more injured patients. Everyone gave Azula glances, which was fair. Afterall, they had seen her literally rise from the dead. So, she ignored it. In fact, she was so wrapped up in her task that she didn't even notice the ruckus until Katara screamed her name.
Azulas head shot up to see kataras face, contorted in agony. Not the physical typ wolf agony, no. Something else. The way her blue eyes carried a deep pain in them. It sent chills down Azulas spine. At first, she didn't understand what the problem was, until she saw the man on the stretcher. Her looked a little older than Katara, but have very similar features. The color of his skin, eyes, and hair matched perfectly to the girl. It then hit her, this was Kataras brother. Her limbs unforz and she began moving again.
"You, clear a table and move the stretcher on it." She ordered a women who was currently rinsing another mans wound. She looked at Azula and to the boy, confused. Why wouldn't she want him in a tub like everyone else?
"We can't put him it water with how open the wound is, now stop asking questions and go!" The tone of her voice sent the women running. "You," she directed her attention to the small bot standing by the tribesmen. Had she not been in such a state she would have recognized him as the avatar, however right now the avatar was the last thing on her mind. "Clear everyone bus Katara from the room, the other patients can wait, understood!" She barked at him.
Aang looked at the girl, a faint memory coming to him. But, he couldn't place it and didn't have time to. Instead he quickly followed her instructions, clearing everyone but himself and Katara from the room.
Azula ran over to the side and felt the tribesmans four head. She quickly pulled her hand away, he was burning up. "Katara," she yelled to the girl though she knew she was right beside her. "I need you to cool the room while I help cool his blood okay?"
Katara didn't ask any question, it was clear her brother was slipping with every second.
Azula placed her hand on the mans wound. It was a deep cut in his abdomen, doing through his body. It may have severed an origan but nothing to sever or vital as he was still alive, so Azula could fix it. Thank god he was out of it, because it made it much easier for Azula to cool his body. Azula had learned that trick from working with Katara, if ever their was a patient in severe injury that seemed fetal, you could slow the process by cooling the water around them. So, why not in them. As Azula hoped, his lips started to become purple.
"Is that sposed to happen?" Aang asked as he stared at the earth kingdom girl.
"I'm giving him hypothermia, that way his blood is slowed down and focused on the vital origans, it will slow his blood loss." Azula explained to the child.
"You can do that?" He asked in wonder.
"Yes, it's a technique i engender myself, now leave. A child shouldn't be here." She said annoyed as she began feeling his body for damage.
"I'm not a child, I'm the avatar." He said at the doctor who seemed to be startled by that price of information.
Azula looked up, taking in the boy with shock. Yes, it was the avatar. He had finally returned from wherever he had been. However. Azula only allowed her shock to last a moment, and gazed back down at her patient.
"Well avatar if you want your friend to live, give me some space." She said bitterly back at the boy. He may have been the avatar, but right now he was in her way. "Katara," she said looking up into the worried blue orbs of her friends eyes. "You know that think I was gonna teach you tonight, I think I'm going to have to show you now." She said. Katara blinked once, than twice, and nodded her head.
"Look we don't have much time, I need to head his major wounds and then we can lift the hypothermia and heal the minor ones, but the stab wound is big and I need your help okay?" Katara swollowed and knodded her head. Of course she would, this was her brother.
"For this wound we can't use any outside water because it is so open and bloody, we need to use the water that is already flowing through his veins okay. I need you to bend his blood." Katara looked up at Azula it utter shock, blood ending, was that even possible. But, then she supposed it would be since blood was mostly water. But, she was truly terrified. What if she messed up and harmed her brother worse than he already was. Azula noticed the fear in her blue eyes and shook her head.
"Look, all you need to do is make sure that he doesn't bleed out. I cooled his blood as much as I could without harming him too much. But it is still flowing and I need you to stop it from spilling from his wound okay?" She asked Katara. "All you need to do is clod it together while I fix his liver."
Katara nodded and placed her hand on her brother's side. She closed her eyes, sensing from the water within the bloodstream of her brother. Almost too quickly she found it, and began forcing it to stop leaving him. She found it strangely easy to stop his blood from flowing in that direction. She could feel everything within him. And then she felt the pull of some else's bending.
Azula focused as she tried desperately to Ned his ripped liver. The hole was big, but slowly, she managed to close it. Mending ripped flesh together as she felt the other girl stopping him form bleeding out. They continued like this in silence for hours. Azula mended his flesh and Katara kept his blood flowing and him alive. It was eight hours before finally the fetal wound was reduced to a mere rip on both sides. They clotted his blood so he was no longer bleeding, and started repairing the flesh. Eventually, all that remained was a scar.
Azula looked up at Katara to see her brow furrowed in worry. "What if we took too much time, what if he's already dead?" She asked, her blue eyes pleading with Azula. Pleading to hear that he would be fine. But, Azula couldn't tell her that.
His heart rate was still incredible slow and though she had heated up his blood, the hypothermia may have taken a toll. She wanted to lie and say that he was alright, but as she stared into the eyes of the water bender, she couldn't. "Katara, We did everything you could, now you need to get some sleep."
Katara hesitated but ended up listening to Azula. She went to a couch in the room and later her head down. However, she was unable to find sleep. Her mind was filled with thoughts, most of them worries for her brother. But, a small part of her mind was thinking something else. She was wondering where she learned the technique. She was wondering what else it could be used for. She was wondering how powerful Azula truly was. She looked at the girl who was standing over her brother, wondering what she was doing. She saw Azula's hands on his chest, and squinted her eyes.
Azula placed her hands on the boy's chest, feeling for his heart. She could sense it moving, the muscle pumping blood slowly to his veins. But, it was too slow. At the current rate his brain would not get enough blood. Azula was aching, every muscle in her body telling her she had nothing left in her. But, she needed to save this boy. She needed to save Katara's brother. She didn't know why, she didn't know why she felt the need to help Katara. She didn't know what she found so fascinating about the girl. But whatever it was, it kept her hands moving. It kept the blood flowing through his veins. It kept him alive.
Two hours later Azula was still working the heart of the boy. Katara had long since fallen asleep, and the young airbender was sitting on the ground next to the couch.
Aang had finally figured out where he had seen her from. She was the one in his dream, the one he assumed to be a past life. However, after looking at the statues in the temple, he had found none that bore any resemblance to her. So, he had wondered if she truly was just a figment of his amajunatokn. But, seeing her now he knew it wasn't true. Much like the vision of Toph in the swamp, he assumed he was supposed to meet her. But, what for he did not know. She was definatly a master water bender, and surely could teach him a few things. But he didn't need another instructor. He needed a firebending teacher. But, that was impossible. He groaned and ran his fingers over his smooth head.
"You okay avatar?" Azula asked, not really caring for the answer. However, she was tired, and needed something to distract her from the boring task at hand.
"Yeah it's just…" Aang was cut off as a gasping sound came from the man on the table.
Sokka shot up, taking in gulps of fresh air. He looked around and realized he was in the infirmary, a tired looking girl standing over his body. He looked from her to his sister he saw sleeping on his couch, then to his friend sitting on the floor. How had he gotten here? The last thing he remembered was being stabbed by the god awful pirate. But, somehow he was alive. And, he looked down, all he could see from the wound was a scar. He looked at the face of the stranger, not even Katara was that good. As he met the relived eyes of the girl, he realized something. Her irises were gold, a color he hand only seen once before. The eyes of the fire prince.
Azula looked into the blue eyes of the boy, and found him staring back at her. He looked much like his sister. His blew eyes reflected the ocean, and his skin was the color of caramel. His hair was a chocolate color like his sister, but shaved on the sides and pulled into a bun. She somehow found herself taking in every inch of his face. The jaw line. His nose. It was as if time had stopped, had paused. And then, it unpaused, and she fell to the floor.
She was surrounded in a fog, the midst filling her lungs though She drew not a breath. The fog had no color, and yet somehow it was white, as if a white light was hidden somewhere amongst the mist. She could feel nothing, yet somehow She knew the fog was as cool as morning mist. Somehow She knew it smelled like fire lilies, without being able to smell. She knew there was something past the fog, yet fog was all She could see. She was trapped, but not by the fog, by herself. For, She did not want to leave. It felt safe in here, there was a feeling of home, a feeling of familiarity. The smell of fire lillies made her think of someone, someone She could not remember. She could remember happiness, yet knew not what it was. She closed her eyes without trule closing them, for She no longer had a body. She was just here, She was one with the mist. She allowed herself to be blown this way and that by the wind, her mind completely void of thought. Sometimes a voice would penetrate the silence, however She would block it out with my mind. For She wanted nothing to do with these strange voices, She did not want to know what was outside the fog. The voices began to grow more persistent, disrupting my peace. She closed my mind tightly, willing them with all her power to go away. And they did, leaving her once again with peace. But, the peace did not last long.
She heard a sound, and try as she might her mind was unable to shut it out. It wasn't as strong as the others and seemed almost weak. She made my way over to the sound, her mind moving effortlessly through the green haze. As She got closer the light seemed to become brighter, almost as if the source of the light was also the source of the sound. An unknown feeling of fear overwhelmed her as She drew closer to the sound, something making me feel as if She should hold back. But, she didn't. And that was a mistake.
She pulled aside the veil of fog to see something she wished she hadn't. Her body, covered in cuts bruises and burns. Abused and beaten. And her father, the man who was supposed to protect her, using her body in a way she didn't want to be used. The eyes of her younger self looked directly into hers, and her open lips began to move.
"Run," young Azula whispered. Her fathers eyes turned, following the gaze of the girl beneath his. The instant he caught site of her, he dragged himself from the bed. And, not knowing whatelse to do, Azula ran.
She ran, no longer running through fog, but through the streets. Through the desolate streets of the capital, trying desperately to escape the man trailing her. She no longer knew where her legs were taking her, and soon ended up at a door. Urgently she banged on the door with her fist, and was almost immediately answered. Tylees grandmothers eyes peered down at her, only the face wasn't that of the old women. Instead, it was her brothers, half of it covered in bandages the other half melted off. She screamed and turned around, only to face the burnt corpse of Tylees grandmother. She quickly turned to the left, and found herself face to face with her friend Tylee. Tylees eyes were as cold as ice, sending shivers down Azula's back. She turned around again only to find her facing the menacing from of her father. She gulped as she started backing away from him. Her body pressed into the body of her friend and Tylee held her arms, holding her still as her father aproached.
"You failed us," they all said in unison, theirs lips sun he'd together. However, her father didn't speak. Instead, he smeared down at her trembling form. "To think I once thought you fit to lead the nation. No, you are only fit for one thing."
Azula screames as images flashed through her head, and she felt the world around her begin to spin. Soon, she was once again hurtling towards blackness.
She bolted up, cold sweat dripping down her face. She was laying down on the sofa, a worried water bender beside her.
"Hey," the girl said, running her fingers through Azulas wet hair. "It's okay, it was just a bad dream."
Azula shook her head as she looked around. No, she was starting to believe these were more than just dreams. Perhaps something else entirely. She noticed that sokka was still laying on the bed, however his head was turned to her. His blue eyes were narrowed in suspicion as he stared back at her. She shook her head, she would address it later.
"How long has it been?" Azula asked the water bender who was stroking her hand.
"About an hour," the girl responded.
Azula nodded her head and stood up dizzily. "We should go back." She said as she stumbled to grab her stuff.
"What no?!?" Katara protested. You just spent hours healing my brother and hours after that keeping him from dying. Your exsaughsted.
Azula shook her head. "It's fine, we need to get back okay?" She said, as the young monk began packing the stuff.
"She's right Katara, it's not smart to be wondering the streets later than midnight." The monk pointed out. Giving up, Katara hunched over. "Fine!"
On the train back, Azula was leaning up against the window. She staired at the moon, marveling at how beautiful she was. She wondered if in a different life she was meant to have been born a water bender. Maybe she could have grown up in the south with Katara. She started to drift off, the fantasy playing in her head. When, she became aware of a watchful gaze
"What?" She asked the tribesman without even looking at him. She was too exshausted from saving his life.
Nothing," he tapped his chin contemplatively. She sighed and closed her eyes, trying to get little rest she could.
"It's just," he started and she turned back towards him. "What's with the eyes. The only man I had ever seen with gold eyes was a fire prince. And suddenly, you, a water bender has the same eyes." He narrowed his eyes at her.
She blinked at him. Somehow, he was already suspicious. She had greatly underestimated the abilities of a savage. "Look here tribal trash. Why don't you stop glaring at my eyes and thank me for saving your miserable life." She bit back bitterly. She was in no mood for the antics of this tribesmen right now. None at all. With that she turned her back to him, aware that she was still being watched by him. But, she paid no attention. Instead she simply stared out over the expanse of run down houses that was the lower ring. She saw the people of the lower ring, up at there business as usual. It was at nighttime that the lower ring operated, as none of their acitivities where considered legal. The middle ring however was the extract opposite. Though some lights were on, the streets themselves were abandonded. Occasionally she would see a shadow move, one of the secret police of Ba Sing Se. but, aside from that it was desolate. By the time the train reached the upper wring Azula had fallen to sleep, her soft snores the only sound that filled the cart. Everyone else was exhausted, confused, or to suspicious to speak.
"Oh my god, wait do that again." Toph clapped her hands as she watched the jumbos circus girl do a double flip. She was absolutely stunned. She didn't even know one could be so skilled. It was like she fell is slow motion.
Tylee laughed, getting ready to start again, when the door to the house burst open. She quickly turned her attention to the door, and saw three figures coming in. The middle of them was holding the limp body of Azula.
"Azula!" Tylee said rushing to her friend. She glared up at the water bender who was holding her friend, and snarled. "What did you do?"
"She's just asleep," Katara said tiredly. She was not ready to deal with this girls over protectiveness.
"Just asleep?!?" Tylee said angrily at the water savage. "Then what do you call that," she pointed to the blood on the girls silk gown.
"It's not hers Tylee," Mai said as she stood by her friend, hand on her shoulder. Sometimes she wondered what exactly had happened to make the girl so overprotective of her friend. But, she never asked.
Katara went over to the sofa and placed the limo body of the girl down. "We need to get her clothes off, boys leave the room." She ordered as she walked over to the kitchen to get a knife. The girl was covered in blood, and Katara needed to get it off. She walked over to the couch and grabbed the red soaked dress. She steadily held the knife to the fabric and began slicing it open. It was ruined anyways, so it didn't matter. She peeled the wet material off her ebony skin and bunched it up on the floor. The instant she looked back, she gasped, a hand coming to her mouth.
Azula was covered in scars. Not only on her torso, but her back, her legs, her upper thighs, and her shear. Having worked as a healer in the north where this thing was common, Katara knew the signs, Azula had been raped.
"What happened," she asked, begging for another answer. She looked up into Mais eyes, the same as ever, and then to Tylees. Her eyes were watering slightly and she had a defensive position.
"Nothing leave we can do it." She snarled at the water bender. The last thing she wanted was someone else learning the truth.
"Why is it bad?" The blind girl laughed roughly. Everyone was quiet, the only sound heard was breathing. Toph made an "o" shape with her mouth before slouching her shoulders.
"Go get the amulet from my room Toph," Katara ordered as she began using her bending to pull the blood from her skin. It was quite easy to bend the blood off of her, perhaps do to the full moon. But, it could have been something else. Either way, she cleaned the girls body in minutes, and by the time Toph was back she finished.
Katara held out her hand, taking the amulet from her friend. She uncorked the top and started slowly bending the water from the constrainer. After she had it all out, she set the empty amulet down. She began with the girls thighs, the glowing a sort of white Katara had never seen before. When the water left a place, her scars would be completely healed. The continued this in silence until the girls scars where completely gone. All except one on her forehead. Katara took the remaining drops of water and focused her attention there.
She was in the familiar scape her mind placed her prisoner in, until she wasn't. Until all the pain her mind had been keeping her from feeling came back. Not only pain, but worse was guilt. The guilt because they had been hurt and it was her fault. Azula closed her eyes, wishing the pain to go away.
Azula woke up, her head aching from the previous night. She opened her eyes and emediarly wished she hadn't. The sun was so bright, to bright if you asked her. She tried shutting them again but couldn't block out the brightness. Closing her eyes she rolled onto her face, groaning into the mattress.
"Guess your up," Katara said from the mirror. She had been braiding her hair recently, doing it in the traditional southern style. It took some time, but it was worth it. She felt she was representing her people by doing this, and in a way she was. She finished the braid, making her way over to the bed.
Azula looked up, eyes still heavy with sleep. The first thing she noticed was the room. It was not the room she was used to. Where the green and gold had been was blue and silver. She then found her eyes landing on the blue eyes of the water girl. Her eyes staired into Azulas, blue orbs filled with worry. Azula scrutched her brow, she must be in the water bender s room. But why?
"Why the change of scenery?" Azula asked, her voice sounding horser than it should. Katara giggled slightly, coming to sit beside her on the bed.
"My brother and the Avatar came back. So we have your two friends in the guest room and you sharing mine." She paused, looking from Azula to the bed. "Don't worry I slept on the sofa.
Honestly Azula wasn't worried, she remembered sleeping nights with her friends all the time. But, she smiled and nodded her head, which only made it hurt worse.
They walked to the kitchen to see what was happening, and as it turned out very one else was already awake.
"Sugar and Spice." Toph said, happy to see the girls were finally awake.
"Fire," Tylee said, using her fake nickname. Azula embraced the girl in a hug, her arms washing away the previous dreams. She looked over her friends shoulder to the avatar, who was looking directly back at her.
She unhooked her arms from Tylees and started walking to him, swolowing the lump in her throat. "Aang there is something I need to-"
Before Azula could finish, the door swung open. All heads turned, every one of them faced with the same sight. Admiral Zhao, standing in the doorway of there house, guess he was done waiting.
Jumping into action Azula reached for the water in the bowl, pulling it towards her with her fingers. However, something was wrong. It felt as if her connection to the element was somehow severed. She looked at the water to see it had barely moved. Shit.
She ducked instantly as a fireball hurled over her head, setting abalaze the wall behind her. She rolled on the ground, trying to regain her surroundings. Her eyes searched around to room, looking for Mai and Tylee. Eventually she found them, Tylee laying on the ground and Mai reaching for her knifes. She locked eyes with her friends and nodded. The acted as one, the moment she mived, so did they. Mai hurled her knifes at the admiral, which he dodged. By the time he ragained himself the girl was gone, and instead he was only facing Azula.
Everyone else in the room was frozen, not knowing how to react. The dared not move, knowing if the did so would he. They could tell from the way Azula held herself that she had a plan. She was stalling.
"What do you want admiral," her voice was cold yet angry. It was the voice she used to talk to men when giving orders of demanding answered. It was the voice of princess Azula.
"I am here to end my mission. We were sent here to conquer Ba Sing Se, what better way to do it than killing the avatar." He paused, tilting his head. "See, I thought you were hear for the same thing. But, it turns out you betrayed me. You betrayed your nation." He yelled as he pointed a finger at her. Azula shook her head, warning her hidden friends that now was not the time. Not yet.
"Your right Zhao, I did betray my nation. But at least I am not a disgraced commander who takes pleasure in stripping children of there innocence." She but back, angered by the generals comment. No, Azula was doing this for her people.
The look on Zhaos face changed, from ange to disgust. "Your right. All your are is daddy's little whore."
Anger, pure white anger. Anger so intense in drowned out everything. She knew Zhao was saying something, but she couldn't hear. Nor did she care. She felt her fingernails leave her palms, which they had emembefed themselves in, but she wasn't aware of it. She wasn't aware of her hands moving out from her sides, facing towards the sky. She wasn't aware of the ground as it shook beneath them. She wasn't aware of the wind, lifting her feet of the ground. The only thing she was ware of was the anger, anger that burned hotter than her fire. Anger that when released, become alive. White flames that burned through the world until they reached their target. She briefly was aware of the admirals expression. His eyes, wide in surprise. And then, he was no more, engulfed by her pure white rage.
A/N: wow it hurt me to write Ozia this bad. Not even him would do shit like this. I'm sorry Z. Sorry about the horribly spelling/writing/everything Also, y'all are probably gonna be sad with how I decided the story to turn out. But don't worry, we aren't even close. Next up, how will Aang react to Azula's news. What happens to Katara and Azulas relationship as Katara helps Azula explore her dark past. How does Tylee react. What happens when they finally run into Zuko. Please review lol love u