The two walked hand in hand through the remainder of the forest, finally reaching the main road a few hundred yards from the port city Nandana, where Azula's ship was docked and their destination. The city was the largest in the region and the only port capable of handling Azula's behemoth ship. A city of commerce and an important trading outpost, the fire nation had conquered it early in the war.
"So I imagine that this city is pretty great?" said Aang, looking over at Azula lovingly.
"Yeah. It's a pretty amazing city, relatively speaking of course, and the only place in a hundred miles where you can find fire flakes and Agni Kai arenas!" replied Azula.
"Yeah, but Nandana is mostly famous for its theatre and clothes." said Ty Lee jumping between the two and grabbing on to their necks.
"I was getting to that..." said Azula, in an annoyed toned and pushing Ty Lee's arm off of her; Ty Lee fell back only an inch behind the two and listened intently.
"So, a real fun time huh?" said Aang.
"Yep. But it's also where my ship is. My father built it specifically for me. It has all the luxuries of a royal cruiser and the armaments of a battleship; It kind of reminds me...of me!" said Azula with a chuckle, "And hopefully we'll be well on our way to the Fire Nation aboard it by tonight."
"Yeah, about that..." said Aang, thinking about his friends Sokka, Toph and Katara, "Exactly how long is that going to take?"
Azula gave him a puzzled look, as she did some psuedo math in her head, "I don't remember. A few days at least. We do have to cross the open ocean."
"Oh...well, ok, " said Aang, thinking to himself that perhaps his friends would be able to spot him easily in the big garish ship Azula had described to him since, apparently, they had not yet found him.
"Good. Come on, let's go; it's just up ahead." said Azula. The four walked at a good pace, despite their exhaustion, down the road which had been sunken in by heavy traffic from carts and such. It was an easy walk, however, compared to the treacherous wilderness and as the city grew larger and larger as they approached it, they walked even faster to reach their goal. When they finally did reach the large metal gate of the city they were greeted by silence as the city guards did not even seem to notice them at first, but, spotting them out of the corner of his eye, one guard hollered down to them.
"This is not a refugee camp! Get lost!" he yelled.
Azula was insulted, but then remembered the sorry physical state her and her companions were in. A week's worth of traveling and fighting had pretty much destroyed all their clothes (Azula, was actually still wearing a combination of her usual outfit and the earth kingdom rags she got in Sudra) and, calming herself down, took it as an opportunity to brag in front of Aang (again), much as any typical spoiled 14 year old would do; or at least one who was a princess would do.
"I am Azula, Favored Daughter of Ozai, the Fire Lord. Master Firebender, Hunter of the Dragon of the West and the Banished Prince; The Princess Azula, daughter of Ursa, and Grand-daughter of Fire Lord Azulon, for whom I was named! I am Azula, your master! Open these Gates!" shouted Azula, her voice booming with pride.
"You are not the Princess, little girl!" yelled another soldier, "Get out of here before we have you all whipped!"
Aang awaited a fiery rebuttal, but Azula did not reply with words, but merely lightning bended a huge bolt over the wall in an impressive show of force. The guards realized their error and quickly apologized. Within a few seconds the pulleys and gears that opened the gate began to creak and the gate slowly swung ajar to reveal a large number of uniformed fire nation soldiers moving about, trying to get into formation.
"Do you have enough titles, Azula?" asked Aang half jokingly. Azula answered in the negatory, considering it a serious question, and responded by telling him that hopefully she would have many more. Aang just scratched the back of his head and responded with a smile, "Well, I think I'll still just call you Azula."
The guards quickly ran outside the gate to form a perimeter around their VIP followed by another large group of soldiers carrying banners and then another group with sungi horns and drums. Huge crowds of peasants began to form at the gate as well and within minutes the word had spread through the city that the Princess had returned and just as fast was the gossip of her newest follower: a young boy. Amidst the noise and chaos one soldier came to Azula with a large sack he carried in front of him on his arms; behind him followed a rhino.
"Your highness, we would be humbled if you wore the city's signature armor." said the soldier, offering Azula fresh armor and an ornate parade helmet. This was extremely convenient for Azula to hide her dirty clothes and face (lest her reputation of invincibility be tarnished) and quickly Azula agreed and put on the armor over her clothes and the helmet on her head. Aang and the two girls nodded in approval and Aang even helped Azula on to the rhino brought out for her.
"Very good Princess, we will escort you to your ship now if you wish." said one of the soldiers, who then turned around and signaled for the procession to start. She entered the city to much fanfare; the sungi horns and drums turning out an imperial march and the boots of the soldiers marching in unison impressed all who saw it. The crowds waved and called out to Azula, who for the most part chose to ignore them, not wanting them to see her dirty face but more importantly to confirm to them that she was beyond them. Aang and Ty Lee, with no such reputation to protect, waved back to the crowds, enjoying the fanfare, while Mai paid absolutely no attention to the peasants and was barely keeping pace with the soldiers who were bringing up the rear. Nearly the entire city had shown up to see the Princess by the she reached the market districts, roughly half of the way to the docks. Clad in her armor and surrounded by soldiers, music and banners, Azula gave off an aura of power and inspired the crowd to a great fervor.
Not everyone in the crowd however was cheering for the Princess. In particular: an earthbender, a waterbender and her brother watched from a small window in the attic of an empty house along the parade's route.
"I knew it. I knew they would have to come through Nandana. It's the only way they could escape to the Fire Nation." said Sokka, looking through the slits in the wood of a small window. Katara pushed her brother to the side to get a better view. Although Aang wore a disguise that covered up most of his body, his movements and laugh were unmistakable to those who knew him and it was those very things that caused Katara to grow concerned.
"He seems to be fine..." said Katara. Toph crawled her way closer to Katara by following her voice.
"That's good news. What are we waiting for then? If Aang can help us during our attack, we'll be able to free him easily." said Toph.
"Actually Toph, he's a lot better than fine...he's actually walking around waving at the crowd in fire nation clothes..." said Sokka.
"What does that mean?' asked Toph.
"I don't know, " said Katara. She looked over to her brother, "Do you think maybe it's a trap for us?"
"Well, if it is, it's not a very good trap. They are completely surrounded by soldiers. Either way, I think it's best if we just follow and watch them." said Sokka.
"How long are we going to wait? We've already been here for a week!" shouted Toph, who was quickly hushed by both of the water tribe siblings. She blushed, but continued on in a softer tone, "I don't see how things are going to get any easier. If they leave on a ship or something, I won't be able to help and he'll still be surrounded by soldiers. Also, what if this is a trick by Aang? Maybe he told them he'd join them or something and so they let him walk free?"
"I wouldn't have thought they would have believed that," said Katara, "but that might be exactly it. It might be best if we acted now Sokka."
Sokka's instincts told him it was a bad idea, but if Aang was sticking his neck out for them, then he must be doing it for a reason. He would compromise.
"All right, but let's wait for a good time to strike. I'm sure they'll let their guard down sooner or later." said Sokka. The two girls agreed and headed out to the streets with hooded panchos and watched the parade from the crowd; Azula passing right by them as they reached the streets. They followed from what they considered to be an 'inconspicuous distance' and when they finally reached the ship, and Azula dismounted, the three grew anxious and awaited Sokka's go ahead for what would be nothing short of a miracle for them to survive.
"Ok, guys, on the count of three, we attack..." said Sokka. Katara grabbed a hold of her waterbending pouch and Toph grinded her feet against the earth.
"One...two..th-" Sokka was suddenly pushed aside by a well dressed man who was shouting Azula's name. Katara helped Sokka to his feet as they all moved closer to see what was going on; their opportunity ruined for an unknown reason, they watched intently for the next.
"Princess Azula!" shouted the man loudly. Azula heard it faintly and looked out at the crowd. The well dressed man scrambled to the front of the crowd.
"Princess Azula! My name is Vaisya, governor, appointed by your father, of Nandana." he said.
"You had better have a good reason for approaching me like this, or you will be Vaisya the former governor of Nandana." said Azula. Vaisya gulped and hoped his little stunt would work out as he had hoped.
"Princess Azula, you left so quickly last time, and I think it would be a shame to do so again. Please, if you would like, come and see the season's last play in the theatre district! It's the most elaborate play in twenty years, 'The Princess and the Monk' " said Vaisya. Both Azula and Aang grinned slightly, at the crazy coincidence of the play's name, but Azula responded without much hesitation.
"I will have to miss this play, Governor, I have many pressing matters at hand. Not the least of which is a little family business concerning my Uncle and Brother." said Azula coldy. Aang walked up next to Azula and perhaps it was an inexorable fate that had guided Aang that day, for just as he moved next to Azula he noticed three hooded figures amidst the crowd and instantly recognized them as his friends. Azula was just giving the Governor her final declination when suddenly Aang interrupted.
"Azula, wait..um, I'd really like to see the play!" said Aang. Azula was not at all amused. She really didn't want to reveal the depth of their relationship to the governor or the crowd (at least not yet) and it had not not been for her feelings for him, she would have thrown him into the sea for weakening her image of invincibility. She pulled Aang to the side for a minute.
"Never do that again." said Azula," I know you're new at this, but please just be quiet for now."
Aang could see Azula's discontent, but he pressed the matter anyway, "I'd really like to see the play though...with you."
Azula blushed slightly, "There's plenty of better plays in the fire nation, Aang."
"I know, but...," Aang knew he would have to play at Azula's heart strings to get his way, "Please? Do it as a favor for me?" asked Aang, making sure Azula could see her bracelet, in a almost laughably obvious way.
Azula looked around to see the crowd and her two friends all watching intently and a rush of embarassment came over her, but looking back at Aang she felt guilty for the lies she told him and considered that the this play could be the best time to tell him the truth; that is to say, tell him while he was distracted by the play.
"I...fine. We can go together. I guess one day of relaxation wouldn't hurt after all we've been through" said Azula softly. Aang hugged her, evoking a gasp from the entire crowd, including the Avatar's former followers. Azula pushed him off warmly, forgetting herself for a moment before assuming her dignified manner and addressing the Governor.
"I have changed my mind Governor Vaisya," said Azula, "I have decided to see your play. Have the theatre ready for us by this evening."
The Governor was overjoyed with the news, bowed to the Princess and responded with, "You and your young male friend will be most welcome at Nandana's theatre"
In truth, the 'Princess and the Monk' was a flop and the Governor, who had backed the play with his own money, knew that a personality like Azula was just the thing to boost attendance for the following year and make a name for himself. The Governor left much the same way he came, rushing through the crowd, which had grown excited about the news of the Princess attending the show and just as curious about who this new boy was with the Princess.
The three hooded ones' already knew though and Katara was in a state of shock. Jealousy aside, she was crushed to even think of the possiblity that Aang would betray her, nay, the world, for one pretty face. She stood glaring at the couple for a good while before Sokka finally said something.
"Well, at least now we know where he is going to be tonight. We should head over to this theatre and try to come up with a plan to get him out of there." said Sokka.
"That's a good idea. Let's go though, we need to get a plan ready and put into action before any extra security can get there." said Toph, tugging Katara, who finally awoke from her daze.
"Right, right. A plan. We'll need a good plan." said Katara. The three quickly walked to find the theatre and all three of them thought of their plans to reacquire their friend.
Evening came to Nandana, and just as they said, Azula & Aang came to the theatre district to see the quirky little play. Aang was amazed to see that Azula was actually wearing a dress, something he hadn't even considered her capable of doing. Aang himself wore clothes that once again covered up most of his body tatoos and his head, so that no one would become wise to his true title. The theatre was a fairly large outdoor amphitheathre, and the two sat in the seats usually reserved for the Fire Lord and his wife, but seeing as a Fire Lord had never even been to Nandana, it seemed appropiate to have them sit there in the large wooden chairs, which was covered by a red canopy. Several Elite guards stood at every entrance and exit and Aang looked around at them trying to figure out how his friends would try and 'rescue' him until finally the Governor came up on stage to a few random applauses.
"Yes, thank you and thank you. Tonight's last presentation of "Princess and the Monk" has the honor of being watched by our favorerd Princess Azula!" the audience clapped and Azula stood up and gave them all a condescending look before sitting back down.
"Now, without further delay, here is our play!." said the Governor as he left the stage and an actor ran on.
"Is she for real or is she magic?" said the actor in a monk's garb, who then did a number of mudras (symbolic hand symbols.
"Is she poison or a panacea?" the actor than danced around the stage before stopping and then pantomimed himself crossing a river in a canoe. The play continued on like this and for the most part made absolutely no sense. Apparently there was supposed to be some social commentary in it, but it was well beyond Azula and Aang and finally around the the time the monk began his speech about the dirty cabbage to the princess' (the stage princess) servant, Azula decided to say something.
"What heck is going on?" said Azula, with her head resting on her fist.
Aang, fearful that Azula would want to leave, replied, "Obviously, this dirty cabbage is very important"
Azula laughed and replied back, "Can you even hear yourself?" she rested her head back down on her hand, "Oh ,the things a girl will do..." Azula then recalled her plan to tell Aang about his real purpose as the Avatar and after a few deep breaths, tapped Aang on the shoulder.
"You know, I guess it's a good thing that we came here, because it made me think..." said Azula.
"About what?" asked Aang, not taking his eyes off the play.
"Well, I know you told me I should tell you the truth when I was ready, and -" Azula paused, "Oh never mind, just watch your play, I'll tell you later." Aang shrugged and continued watching the play.
"We are here...on the mountain! We are here, to see the Princess; Princess of the Sea Prunes!" said the monk character.
"Hohoho, announcing her royal highness, twice removed on her mother's side, and cousin to the sea potato, Princess of the Sea Prunes" said another actor.
A few fire crackers went off and a gong was hit when out of a trap door appeared a girl in a red dress covering her face with a fan.
"Oh Princess, I have traveled far, over rivers and across dancing hog-monkeys to bring you this bowl of fire flakes!" said the monk.
The Princess did not say anything and the crowd awaited something to happen.
'Perhaps, you did not hear me?" said the monk, obviously ad libing, "I said I have this bowl of fire flakes, the one thing you desire most!"
Again, the Princess was silent, but then a familiar voice came from behind the fan, "Oh, thank you, kind monk"
Aang smacked his forehead and pressed his back up against the chair. He had expected them to try and signal him to sneak out, but to have such a crazy plan as to be on stage, where Azula might recognize them? Perhaps he gave them to much credit. Aang watched carefully to see what Katara would do next and prayed that Toph and Sokka would not be following her.
"Erm, is that all you have to say Princess? Do you not wish to reward your loyal monk?" said the monk actor, trying to direct Katara to her next line.
Katara, with the fan still covering her face replied, "Yes, a reward would be best, bring out the chest of gold!"
The monk, knowing that that was the wrong line, and hence no prop was ready for it, coughed and moved the story on by himself.
"A monk has no need for material goods! I was hoping that you would put down that fan and give me a kiss!" said the monk. Azula looked over at Aang to see that he was a nervous wreck. His sweaty palms left prints on the chair's arm rests and he was sitting on the edge of his seat.
'Wow. I guess he really wanted to see this play' thought Azula, 'He's riveted!'
"I'm glad one of us is enjoyed the play Aang, I'm completely lost. And this Princess character, so unprofessional. Mumbling lines behind a fan!" said Azula. Aang looked at her, grinned and then turned back to look at the play.
Katara took a deep breathe and closed the fan to reveal her face and in a very loud voice said "Oh, I hope the Avatar will come today! He's in bad company lately!" The crowd fell silent as they were confused by this line. However, both Azula & Aang figured that it was some sort of code to the rest of the gang and sure enough, they were right. A few moments after Katara's outburst, Toph and Sokka jumped down from the canopy over Azula's and Aang's chairs and grabbed Azula's arms and forced her to the ground.
"All right, nobody move! Aang's coming with us!" said Sokka. Katara quickly ran up to join the the two. The guards followed close behind and with their swords unsheathed formed a circle around Azula, Aang and their captors. The rest of the audience quickly ran out of the theatre. Even the Governor abandoned hope for his play and took off.
"Pretty clever huh, Aang? Having Katara distract everyone while we got on to the canopy" said Sokka. Aang didn't respond, but his mind raced with what he should do. He saw Azula on her knees held by his friends and at that moment, realized that despite regaining his memories, he was now a different person. True, he loved all his friends deeply, but in his heart Azula was now most important to him. He could not bring himself to abandon her now and quickly airbended Sokka and Toph off of Azula and moved her behind him.
"Aang, what are you doing?" asked a confused Toph.
"I'm not going with you guys. My place is here, with Azula." said Aang in a quivering voice, trying hard to sound authoritative.
"You've betrayed us Aang? For her?" asked Toph.
"No! no! I still want to bring peace to the world!" he looked at Azula , "but I'm going to do it in a different way!"
This was all news to Azula, of course. She didn't even know that Aang would recognize his friends, and now she was hearing of his plan to bring peace to the world.
"Hold on Aang, you mean you remember these guys? You remember everything?" said Azula from behind him.
"I'm sorry Azula, I would have told you sooner, but I didn't want you to get upset or hurt my friends!" said Aang. Azula knew deep down that Aang was not plotting against her, but she immediately jumped to the conclusion that Aang had been tricking her the whole time and that through some elaborate, impossible plan, had lead her to this moment, surrounded by her enemies.
"Your going to end the war by just letting the fire nation win? Are you crazy? They are evil! She is evil!" said Sokka.
"No, you're wrong, she-" said Aang before he was interrupted by Azula.
"I don't need anyone to defend me! Least of all a traitor like you! It seems you've been walking a fine line Aang and now that you've slipped I can see through your little game!" said Azula as she pushed Aang to the ground, "I see now that I was far too kind! I will kill you all and forget this ever happened!" shouted Azula, "Guards, stand down! I will deal with all of these peasants personally!" her royal guards sheathed their swords and moved a good distance away. Katara took this to get in the first hit in what she considered to be an inevitable fight and promptly attacked Azula, who in turn countered with her signature blue flames. Her skills and strength again surprised Katara and the rest and Azula had pushed them back down the stairs before Aang pleaded with Azula as he too dodged her attacks, "Please, Azula! I want us all to be friends! I want you and me to be together!"
Azula's eyes began to water slightly, but she responded with a harsh tone, "Get away from me! Your fate lies with them"
The fight continued, with both Azula and Aang's friends whole heartedly fighting each other to the death, neither side ready to accept anything short of total victory over their foe. Aang pleaded again and again with both Azula and his friends to stop fighting, but Azula had tuned him out and Aang's friends were similarly suspicious of his true motives. Seeing that it was futile, Aang went to more dramatic action and airbended himself between his friends and Azula and blew them apart.
"I won't let you guys fight! Please, just listen to me! We can accomplish so much together!" said Aang sternly. Azula, blinded by her rage, would hear none of it and getting a spear than held up the canopy over their chairs (the fire nation's militant nature always present) threw it Aang. Aang saw the spear coming and knew now that no words would be able to convince Azula of his noble intent and so chose to let himself get hit with the spear. The spear struck Aang and the silence in the place was absolute as Aang fell to the ground, mortally wounded. Azula's heart ached at the realization of what she had done and quickly she ran to Aang's side, followed by Katara and the rest.
With tears in her eyes, Azula barely was able to speak as she held Aang's head in her lap, "Why? Why did you not dodge the attack? You could have easily airbended it away!" her hands began to shake as she held Aang and every part of her physically ached,as if the spear had struck her. Aang reached his hand out to Azula's face, "I wanted to show you how much I truly cared for you...I wanted to show you that I would do anything for us to be together." said Aang weakly.
Azula's sadness was mixed with anger, "How can we be together, if you are dead! Oh Aang, all you've done is make sure I will never be happy again!" said Azula. Aang's friends were in equal anguish at Aang's impending demise, but Katara touched Azula's shoulder and told her, "I think my waterbending might be able to save him, please, let me see him." Azula was suspicious, but realized how silly it was now, seeing as these people also had an interest in Aang's well being. Katara looked carefully at Aang's wound, blood contiually flowing out of it. "I don't think I'll be able to heal this without help. I'll need the special water from the north pole." said Katara. Azula grabbed her furiously.
"You said you were going to help! How in the world are you going to get water from there in time!" shouted Azula. Sokka pushed Azula off his sister.
"We have some already, but we need to take Aang there now!" said Sokka as he used the bison whistle, and within a few minutes Appa was there. Katara and sokka both carried Aang on to Appa, who was now unconscious. Azula stood by and considered asking to go with them, but realized that if Aang did indeed die, that they would turn against her and she would be forced to kill them; Something she knew Aang would not want, so decided not to even ask. In a strange silence, the gang took off on Appa, stopping at their base and then finally out of the city.
"Uh...Azula?" said Aang, as he opened his eyes. Toph looked over to him and screamed in excitement.
"Aang! You're finally awake!" said Toph, "Guys, come over, Aang's awake!" Toph then then moved closer to Aang, "Take it easy, you've been out for nearly three days."
Aang looked around to see Toph sitting next to him and Sokka and Katara coming over to them. He looked at himself to see himself bandaged and apparently healed. Katara came and hugged him while Sokka rubbed his head.
"You had us worried airhead!" said Sokka.
"Thank the heavens my waterbending worked on you Aang! We were all worried!" said Katara still hugging him.
"Thank you guys! Uh...so..." said Aang. Katara quickly answered what she supposed Aang's question would be.
"That Princess is not here, Aang." said Katara, "So...what was the deal with her anyway? What happened while you were with those girls?" All three looked at him.
"Aheh, heh, heh," said Aang blushing, "You know, we just sort of got to be friends over the week."
Sokka smiled, "Call me crazy Aang, but from the looks of it, I'd say you were a little more than friends with her."
"I...well, you know," said Aang smiling. However his smile soon faded and he took a more serious tone, "Well I guess it doesn't matter now, " said Aang as he looked at his bracelet, "I thought maybe I could convince her that there was a better way. Maybe convince her that we weren't all that bad and get her to consider having peace." He looked at his friends, "Well, I suppose that she felt bad for nearly killing me. Who knows, maybe if we see her again, we'll find a way of working things out."
They all nodded and Toph finally stood up, "Well, while we are waiting for your fair princess to return, maybe we could get a little earthbending practice in there, you never know when you're going to need that," said Toph sarcastically.
Aang laughed and agreed and although his 'wound' gave him a little pain, he was able to get in a good day's practice. Days went by and Aang and his friends traveled to a few towns, each time Aang hoping that he would meet Azula in the next village, but she was never there. Although, gossip of their escapades in Nandana (and even in Sudra) had spread to many of the villages they stopped at. Tales of how the Avatar had won the heart of the Fire Nation Princess, defended her frome Bruitsh Soldiers and how he was eventually shuttled away by 'crazed followers'. He had a fun time explaining to his friends the gossip and for the most part simply answered them by saying, "well, you had to have been there to understand."
Night came during their journey and they stopped as usual to set up camp. They sat by the fire and talked for a while before they went to sleep. Aang however went to the edge of the camp and sat on a tree stump to think and looked at his bracelet, which he now kept in his pocket most of the tie.
He wondered if Azula still thought about him and whether or not his crazy actions really affected her.
"Of course they did," he said to himself, "She told me so...and she changed...for me!" Aang looked at his bracelet again and smiled, remembering how Sokka commented that it looked like it had been made by a monkey.
"Well, Azula..maybe someday we can be together again." said Aang,
"I'm sure she would like that," said a familiar voice. Aang smiled and looking once more at his bracelet, turned around.
THE END.