Concept by ASN's High Elemental, ship by Luna-Cat-Kitty (ASN's Luna).


Can You See Him?

"See? It's a tower like on the palace!"

"Wow! You're really good at blocks. They fall over when I do them that high. I can't ever do it right. I... I..."

"It's okay, Azula. I'm here so I can stack them for you. You don't have to worry about anything ever again. Now... do you want to knock them down?"

"Ha! I love you, Lu Ten!"

Iroh felt the breath flee his body, like a broken army racing from the devastation of the battlefield. Did he hear that right? Was she talking about his son?

"Mommy came today."

"Oh, I'm sorry. I should have been here."

"It's okay. You're here now."

"Good. I'm glad you're happy now."

"...Lu Ten?

"Yes, cousin?"

"I love you."

"You just said that. But I never get tired of hearing it."

"No, I mean... you know."

"Yes. As soon as you feel it, I know, Azula. I understand you like no one ever has. And I'll never leave you."

"Oh!"

"Are you okay?"

"I... it... you... I'm just... so happy... it's hard to talk..."

"Then don't. Come here and give me a hug. I'll just hold you. Do you remember that song, the one I used to sing?"

"Yes. That was before you left. You said Uncle would sing it to you. You sang it to Zuzu. I don't like it."

"You should, now. They never hear it anymore. Your uncle can't sing it to me, because he thinks I'm dead. And I'd never sing it to Zuko again. I'm all for you now, Azula. This song is all for you."

"Oh!"

"Yes. Now here, let me hold you. I'll sing. Just relax."

She quieted. Was she asleep? Yet her smile was firm, not the weak leftovers of a pleasant dream. Then her voice sounded again.

"Ha! You want to sing, too, Azula?"

"Yes! I like the new words. Let's sing together!"

"Okay! We'll pick up where we left off... Braaave soldier girl, come marching home!"

Iroh ran from the scene. It was hard enough seeing Azula this way, but to hear her voice, singing those words, echoing from the cold stones, as the chill air wrapped around his body...

Iroh ran.

END