I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender. It is the property of Nickelodeon.

Before we begin, I want to give a shout out to the story Giving Up, written by Fulcon. It is the tenth chapter of that story that inspired this one here. Give it a look, it's a good story.

Enjoy!

"You seem lost in thought nephew."

Zuko blinked as he turned his attention back to his uncle. The two of them had been given a hut by the chief. It would be their home for the next six months, while Druk's body would develop. He wouldn't physically grow during that time, according to the old records, but his senses and instincts would.

The dragon in question was currently wrapped around Zuko's neck like a red, scaly scarf, deep in sleep. Zuko himself was standing over a piece of paper, a pen in his hand.

"I was just- thinking of writing a letter."

"To whom?" Iroh asked as he prepared the futons that had been given to them.

"To- to Azula."

Iroh brow raised when he heard that response. "May I ask why?"

"it's just... she's now the Crown Princess."

Iroh's eyes widened when he heard that. He had been so busy trying to help his nephew adjust to his new destiny, he had completely forgotten about that. Zuko could no longer take the throne, his duties as an Avatar, even a new Avatar of darkness, would not allow that.

"If she is going to ascend to the throne one day, then I- I..."

"What is it nephew?"

Zuko seemed to be struggling to find the right words to say. He managed to choke out, "I don't want to fight Azula."

"Zuko, if your sister is determined to follow Ozai's example and threaten the balance of the world, then you will have no choice but to..."

"I know that uncle. It's just that... it' just..."

Sensing distress, Druk suddenly woke up. He lifted his head and started rubbing it against Zuko's cheek. Unable to stay completely upset, Zuko grinned slightly as he rubbed Druk's chin. Even Iroh smiled at the sight.

"Is it ok if I just write the letter? We can talk about it in the morning."

Not wanting to disturb his nephew any longer, Iroh nodded. "Very well Zuko. But I suggest writing it quickly so that you may rest. We have a full day of training ahead of us tomorrow."

"Alright uncle."

Content, Iroh slid into his futon and quickly fell asleep. Zuko just stood where he was, looking at the parchment where he would be writing. He knew what he wanted to say, but he wasn't entirely sure how to say it.

"Might as well get it done."

He spent the next ten minutes writing a message to his sister. When he was finished, he laid down on his futon. Druk curled himself up next to his head, and they both soon fell asleep.

Zuko hoped the night would be restful.

"Good work acquiring the dragon vessel. This is certainly a boon for our future."

Of course he wouldn't get a peaceful rest. Would he ever?

"Alright. I suppose I should thank you for talking me into keeping Druk. And explaining what Spirit Fire is."

"Your welcome, vessel. I only want what will help improve us" the dark spirit said. "Though I suppose you have another issue you want advice on."

Sighing, Zuko decided to get it over with. "I was thinking of writing a letter to Azula. Though I'm not sure if I should. I wrote the letter, but I don't know if sending it is a good idea. What if...?"

"Do it."

Zuko raised his eyebrow. If Vaatu was agreeing to something this quick, there was a reason.

"Care to explain?"

"This is simple really. Unlike your father, there is a chance for your sister to be saved."

Zuko frowned. Putting aside his comment about his father, what was Vaatu talking about?

"What do you mean "saved"? Didn't you say you saw my memories? That means you saw what she is."

"Exactly. And what I saw was an unfortunate victim. A desperate child that thought mommy left her and hoping that daddy will notice her."

Zuko scowled. "What does that matter? She made her choice."

"Yes, she did make a choice. But she is still a child. Younger than you in fact. That means that there is potential for change within her."

"Change? Azula?"

Vaatu was silent for a moment. Was he actually letting Zuko win this argument?

"Entertain me for a moment," Vaatu said as he lifted one of his tendrils. "Let us look back at one of your memories."

Touching Zuko's forehead with the tendril, the previously blank landscape they stood on was suddenly the royal palace from Zuko's memories. To be more specific, he was now standing in the hallway that led to the gardens were he and Azula used to play.

"Look to the corner behind you," Vaatu said to Zuko's side. When he turned, he was surprised at the sight before him.

Two small children were hiding in the dark corner. One of them was a girl that was hiding under a curtain. The other one, an older boy, was trying to comfort her.

"Come on Aza. I'm sure mom didn't mean anything by that."

"Aza. I actually used to call her that?"

"Why'd she yell at me? Dad never yells at me." The girl lifted her head to show tears falling from her eyes.

"Azula used to cry," Zuko muttered out before he could stop himself.

"Yes. Like you, and like everyone else, Azula was nothing more than a small child. One that you were not always so averse to speak to or spend time" Vaatu said. At those words, Zuko turned his attention to his younger self.

"Dad doesn't exactly care about the turtlenecks. And really, why would you throw a rock at them?"

"I wanted to see what they would do. They're small and weak. What could they do against me?"

"The mom crawled out and bit your foot."

"I know! I should have burned it for that."

"Aza, me and mom like the turtle ducks. Of course you can't burn them. You should try to be nice to them. They are pretty cuddly."

"Whatever, I don't need to waste my time on such soft creatures."

"If that's true, then why am I here with you?" Zuko started patting Azula's head. Something that present-day Zuko would be killed for.

"Shut up," Azaula half-heartedly retorted. But both Zuko's were able the see the smile forming on her face.

"Now do you see what I am trying to tell you, vessel?" Vaatu swung his tendrils around, dissipating the illusion of the past like dust. Leaving him and present Zuko in the blank space of before.

"Azula. She used to be... normal."

"Yes a normal child. One that was a warrior princess, yes. But still a child. And like you, a child she still is. Unlike your father, it is not too late for her mind and heart to change."

Zuko's eyes narrowed. "Where are you going with this?"

"What I am saying vessel, is that a chance exists. I cannot say whether or not your attempts will bear fruit. I am not the spirit of foresight after all."

Zuko groaned at what he assumed was a joke. Was he going to have to deal with this every time he fell asleep from now on?

"But what I can say, is that your letter has the potential to unbalance the weapon your father is attempting to turn your sister into. It is possible to save your little Aza."

Zuko frowned. Saving Azula? The idea sounded completely ridiculous. But at the same time, what if it could work?

"I am just saying the idea is worth an attempt. Perhaps you will succeed and gain an ally. If it doesn't work, it won't be a complete surprise. Just disappointing. In any case, you should be waking up right about..."

Zuko opened his eyes just as sunlight rays were starting to reach them. He could feel Druk nustled against his scar. He didn't really mind that. It was one of the most strangely comforting things he had ever felt.

"Aahhh. Good morning Zuko. Did you rest well?"

Zuko didn't even bother getting out of his bed. "Depends. Does spending all night talking with a chaotic spirit about your childhood count as resting?"

Iroh frowned. "You spoke with Vaatu again. What did he say?"

"He thinks I should send the letter. If nothing else, it's worth a shot."

Iroh sighed. "Very well. I will heed the great spirit's words. I will find a way to send your message to your sister."

Zuko lifted himself up. Druk crawled up his back to wrap himself around Zuko's neck. "How are you going to do that uncle?"

Iroh only smirked. "Do not worry nephew. I have my ways."

Sometime Later...

Azula took a moment to sit on a rock in the garden. Today had been a productive day. Tiring, but productive.

Ever since her brother had been sent away on his mission, her father had decided it was time to increase her training. She was pulled out of those cultural and art lessons she had previously had to mule through. All of her time was now spent practicing firebending and learning military strategy. As the new heir of the Fire Nation, she had to be prepared to lead.

"Princess Azula."

She turned to see a servant bowing to her. He was holding a letter in his hands.

"Is there a reason you decided to intrude upon my personal time just to deliver a letter?"

She could see the sweat beginning to form on the man's face. Good. That meant he would think carefully about his answer.

"The letter is from the prince, your highness. It is addressed to you specifically."

This caught her interest. Out of all the things she was expecting today, this was certainly not one of them.

"An acceptable answer," Azula said, taking the scroll from the man's hand. "You may leave."

And leave he did. Not so fast as to disrespect the princess. But not so slow as to stay in her presence any longer than necessary.

Azula held the letter in her hand. What reason would Zuzu have to write to her? Was he already tired of living outside the palace? Was he willing to beg for father to forgive him?

Only one way to find out. And since it was nearing the time for her to head to bed, she decided to take the scroll with her.

Once she was inside her room, she quickly unfurled the scroll to read it. Whatever her brother had written couldn't be too important. Best to get it over with quickly.

Azula. I am writing to you for two reasons. First is to congratulate you on becoming the Crown Princess. I can only hope your reign brings glory and honor to the Fire Nation.

Azula frowned the moment she finished reading that opening. Was it actually her brother that had written this. The scroll had the mark of the royal family, but it didn't sound like her brother. These were the words of someone who was giving up. Zuzu didn't give up. He was too stubborn to know how to give up.

Confused, Azula kept reading.

I'm sure you're surprised that I said that. The truth is, I have recently come to accept that I will probably never be welcomed back into the Fire Nation. The mission father gave me is clearly designed to keep me away for a long time. Maybe forever.

That... was not untrue. When father had decreed that Zuko must hunt down and kill the last airbenders, everyone knew that it would be near impossible to do. Not only had few airbenders been seen int he past century, but records of those who had fought them repeatedly discuss how difficult it is to fight one. Zuko's chances were never high.

But still, why would he just give up? Even if it took him years, there was still the chance that he might be able to complete the mission. Or perhaps their father could change his mind. It was unlikely, but not impossible.

If I'm being honest, however, it might be for the best that I don't return. Things have happened recently that pointed out just how unsuitable I am for the life of nobility. It would be better for everyone if I don't involve myself in politics.

Again, he wasn't... wrong. He was always too reckless and headstrong for his own good. The main reason he was banished was that he couldn't hold back his tongue.

But still, why was he so accepting all of a sudden? Why did he seem to not care anymore?

The second reason I am writing this letter is to apologize. I'm sorry I was a bad brother.

Azula's eyes widened when she read that? A bad brother? He was a dum-dum, diffidently a talentless brother. But bad?

I know I never tried being nice to you. I was always jealous of the fact that you were so much better than me at everything, and that father actually seemed to be proud of you. But I realize now that's a terrible excuse. I should have tried to get to know you better. I shouldn't have pushed you away as I did. Maybe then there wouldn't be so much baggage between us.

What was this feeling? Azula felt like something was tugging at her chest. Was it... she didn't care all of a sudden, did she?

I've realized recently that it was our desire to please father that turned us against each other. Maybe if he hadn't set us against each other so young, we might actually get along. I might still be jealous, but we wouldn't go out of our ways to antagonize each other.

That last line of thought was potentially treasonous. He was undermining their father's work and wishing against what the Fire Lord had done. But at the same time, she wasn't mad about it.

Since I won't be able to come home for a long time, we won't be seeing each other for a long time. So I was wondering if I could just ask one thing.

Azula's eyes narrowed as she read the last part of the letter.

When we do see each other again, do you think we could just talk? I don't want to fight you, just talk about what happened between us. I don't want to think of you as a monster anymore, because no matter what, you will always be my little sister. Who knows, maybe we could work things out. I'm willing to try and be your brother again if you are willing to be my sister again.

-Zuko

P.S: Don't tell father about this message. I don't think he'll take it well.

Azala only stared at the letter in her hand, completely uncertain of how to react to it. How should she react to it? It wasn't like he was being sincere.

Was he?

No. No, of course, he wasn't. This letter was probably written by Uncle Fatso with Zuko's name in order to throw her off. That tea-loving failure always did like Zuzu more, that's why he went with hi to find the airbenders. There's no doubt that he would help his "precious nephew" confuse his sister. And Zuzu, being the poor fool, probably thought that his uncle was helping him get to the throne faster. Somehow.

But what if he wasn't?

No, of course, he was. Zuko never could beat her in a straight fight. He was too unskilled. He was just using uncle's help in order to fight her in a mental battle.

But what if he wasn't fighting?

No. Her father would kill her if he knew the things she was thinking. That wasn't even really an exaggeration. He would at least burn her like he did Zuko.

She had to destroy the letter. Zuko was right about one thing. Father would not take it well if he discovered this.

Creating a ball of blue flame in her hand, Azula held the paper over it. All she had to do was drop the scroll, and all evidence of her reading this would be gone.

All she had to do was drop the scroll.

All she had to do was drop her brother's message.

All she had to do was drop it.

Gritting her teeth, Azula undid the flame and walked to her drawer. Burying the letter under her piles of clothes, she quickly closed it shut. She had to prepare for bed. She could deal with this another day.

Besides, it not like he actually means any of the things he's saying. We both know the next time we meet, we'll be back to fighting over who gets the throne.

Right?

I hope I did Azula justice in this. If not, let me know, and I'll try to fix it in the future. It's just hard to write a character that's that Machiavellian.

This is just a little update chapter I felt like doing. I wanted to get a look into Azula's life at some point, and this seemed like a good time. I know that some of you might now be asking whether or not I am going to give Azula a redemption arc. The truth is, I'm not sure yet. For right now, I just want to give a small glimpse as to how the recent and significant changes Zuko has gone through will affect his relationship with Azula. We'll see where this goes.

Now on to a few announcements. I'll try to get through them quickly.

In terms of love interests, I have made some changes to the future of the story that has changed the list I was working with. Unfortunately, Jin has also become less of a possibility than she was before. Yue could still work, however. Mai remains unchanged, and she currently seems to be the most likely. I would explain the changes, but that would mean potentially spoiling future plot points. Just let me know what you guys think. Yous should also know that I am not going to be focusing on romance in this story for a long time. I will wait for Zuko to interact with the characters I have mentioned before making any choices.

Second, I am currently leaning towards jumping to the trip to the Earth Kingdom in the next chapter. I currently don't have enough to make a full chapter of Zuko's time with the Sun Warriors, so I think I will instead have flashbacks in future chapters.

Thirdly, I have had some people express disappointment that the Wani crew would not be showing up in this story. I am here to say that I may have found a way to get them involved in a way that works. I won't say how, you should just know that its a possibility for the future.

Finally, I have put some thought into writing a crossover story with this version of Zuko. Don't worry, I won't do anything any time soon. I recently published something called Boundless Chaos that goes over this idea in more detail. Feel free to check that out and give me your thoughts.

Anyway, please leave reviews, and I will see you all next time.

Bye!