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I don't own ATLA, but I do own my OCs.

(Revised 8.1.21)


Zuko

"The girl is a terrible liar," Azula all but rolled her eyes in disgust once she was alone with him and the ship's captain. "Her expressions give her away so completely, I feel almost insulted at her attempt."

Zuko nodded, Clara's tale of what had happened to her was like a story Uncle would have told him of past legends about the spirits; an unbelievable incident that would result in something extraordinary. He had witnessed the incredible things she could do, and according to Lo and Li, she was a fast learner and obedient, at least until recently.

"Where in her tale do you think she was lying?" Captain Shen had been briefed on the story just minutes ago. It was apparent that Clara's words didn't ring true throughout her story.

Zuko spoke first, "When she was speaking of the campfire, that was where her voice faltered and her eyes shifted about. And her attempt at sounding aloof when talking about getting to the Avatar."

Azula nodded in agreement, "Back in Ba Sing Se, she obviously cared for his well-being and helped him during the fight, it was much more than what a new acquaintance would do," her eyes hardened before she spoke, "The spirit residing in her, though clearly a fire spirit, seems to only care about the girl's safety."

"So the rumor going around the ship of the girl being sent by the spirits was false," Shen rubbed his goatee before looking at the siblings.

Huffing a bit in frustration, Azula looked to the world map on the wall. Zuko followed her gaze. Fire Nation symbols were now in place over the Earth Kingdom. The Fire Nation was so close to finishing the century-long war.

"I'm curious to how much control the girl and the spirit share. At present, the girl seems to hold the most but, this may be something only the Fire Sages know how to handle," Azula stated bitterly. She seemed calm on the outside but Zuko could tell she was wrestling with irritation. Azula wasn't used to not being able to accomplish things, especially when it came to the war and helping their father.

"We still have some time before we reach Fire Nation shores. The girl could be allowed some days off to rest. That should appease the fire spirit no?" Shen offered, as Zuko looked to his sister. Her eyes were flat, the intensity that was usually present was absent for a moment.

"In Father's last letter he informed me he won't be able to see her right away, despite his interest. The rebels are beginning to cause a fuss in some of the lower class areas so that is where his attention is needed for now," Azula's hands rested on her hips before continuing, "The Fire Sages will be able to see what they can do with her. Once they are done Zuko, they'll inform us of their findings. During this time, it's imperative that this peasant becomes an obedient soldier, one that can be used by the Fire Nation."


The next morning, Clara was sitting in her prison cell, waiting on her bed. The soldier Katsu had informed her that the princess was going to be visiting soon.

She had been staring at her hand for a couple of minutes now. They were perfectly smooth, exactly how they had been before she had arrived in this world. They weren't the callus-ridden hands like the other firebenders and she imagined they never would be, to which she was grateful. Being a fighter… just wasn't who she wanted to be, but was something being forced on her. Not just the Fire Nation was to blame, this entire world was! If she was with the GAang she knew she'd feel driven to know how to protect herself at least. Even there she'd be forced to fight eventually.

She sighed as she closed her eyes tightly, bringing her now fisted hand to touch her forehead, her knees folding up to her chest.

If I didn't have these abilities I would have been done for in the fight against Zuko and Azula... I'm just not strong... Sam was always the strong and fearless one in our group.

Clara could feel that Agnimitra was there with her as she thought this.

You don't need to be worrying about being strong Clara. I'll make sure nothing harms you!

While that was comforting, Clara felt even more pity for herself then.

That's not what I'm talking about. If not for firebending and telekinesis, I would be both mentally and physically weak... I don't have the right mental strength for a world like this...

Not with that mindset you don't!

A sudden noise had Clara's eyes opening wide. The metal door swung open and Princess Azula's eyes locked with hers. Even though Clara knew she shouldn't be afraid, that with her gifts she could protect herself from this twisted girl, she couldn't stop the way her stomach quivered at the sight of Azula glaring at her.

"I see that my brother was a bit too kind," her eyes scanned the nice bed sheets and pillow. Clara tensed a bit before she stood up. She and Azula were almost the same height, Clara being just a bit taller. It was one of the only things that served as a reminder that Azula was younger than her and still growing up.

"You will be allowed three days off from training." Relief washed through Clara and she almost smiled but kept her face blank as she watched Azula turn to leave.

The princess stopped before exiting, "During that time you are to be accompanied by a guard. Don't do anything foolish or you won't be allowed this privilege again." The door shut and Clara sank to the floor. A smile lit with joy appeared on her face.

Thank goodness!

Clara knew what she wanted to do instantly. She had been daydreaming of it for weeks!

"Katsu!" Smiling more brightly than she had since arriving in this world, Clara beamed at the soldier. "I want to see the sky!"