AN: I'm back. And let me just say this chapter, nothing much really happens but I am so proud of it I tell you. Anyway I hope you like it as much as I do :3.

BOOK ONE: FIRE

CHAPTER FOUR: Was being a princess always so challenging.

Could she really complain though, Azula ways did like a good challenge

Azula's mind woke before her body. She felt like a rag doll. She could open and move her eyes, but everything else refused to respond. Waking up this way was terrifying, however it had happened to her many times before. She knew what to do and did it. And so, she did. She traced the designs of the wood above her, her eyes forming shapes that weren't there.

She saw two women dancing, children playing, a mother and her daughter. She saw what she wished she had, she was self aware enough to know this and suppressing it caused it to worsen. So she just observed, silently judging herself but doing nothing else. However, something strange caught her eye. It was a symbol. An intricate design with a triangle at the middle. Around the triangle were tentacles, weaving and forming a beautifully terrifying thing.

Azula's fingers began to tingle, signaling that it wouldn't be long before her control over her body was soon to return. When her eyes flicked back up to the ceiling the shape was gone, and she decided it had probably never been there. Once Azula felt she had enough control she pushed herself from the mattress.

Azula slowly removed Mais leg that had somehow ended over her stomach. Mai was a deep sleeper so she didn't have to be to be overly careful. However, Ty Lee's sleep had always been easily disturbed and so she tried not to cause too much movement as she slithered from Ty Lee's grip.

Her bare feet touched down gently on the floor. It was cold, and caused her toes to curl in on themselves as she pressed her weight down. She gently lifted herself from the bed and slowly, as not to cause any noise, made her way across the room.

She walked over to a door, fingers grasping the handle and slowly turning. She winced, it had made a slight sound as it unlatched from the wall. However, after no movement from the bed followed, she continued turning it. Once the door was open she slipped through it, closing it lightly behind her, the click again causing an amount of anxiety. Still, as she breathed in the fresh air she calmed, her rigid fingers relaxing and releasing the handle.

Azula was standing on a patio, one with a view across the whole caldera it seemed. She, less worried about making a sound now that she was outside, walked over to the ledge, resting her arms on the banister as she looked out over the city. Her old quarters had a patio much like this, only it was lower and closer to the inside of the palace. Still, it featured a beautiful view of the gardens, and that she did miss. However, this view was equally breathtaking.

At night she would come out here, simply to watch the city when it seemed it was most beautiful. The day of course was the busiest time, a time where she could see the distant murchant carts and almost feel the bussy atmosphere though it was still so far away. It made her feel included in the incitement of her citizens, though she wasn't. But, there was something special about the city at night. After the sun had set an aspect of it seemed to awake. There would be celebrations in the streets, perhaps a birthday party of sorts, Azula wasn't close enough to ever tell. Even if there was no celebration, the houses would light up for an hour or two before most nobles turned in for the night, and the light would form patterns across the horizon. Sometimes, when their were festivals, Azula would itch to go down their. She wished to see what her people were celebrating, perhaps even celebrate with them. However, it was never possible. It was as if they were trapped behind a sheet of glass, all she could ever do was watch.

So early in the mourning the city seemed dead, but still, some houses were lit up. She wondered if perhaps there was a child out there, staring up at the palace. What would they be thinking, would they be wondering what was going on behind the gates. It occurred to her that the same glass keeping her away from them kept them away from her. Even in the capital city, where they were closest to the palace, it probably seemed to be a picture. Something the could see and not touch or feel.

She wondered what they thought of her, no doubt something bad. Azula was a cruel person, she upheld that reputation as well as she could. She was a monster, that's what everyone called her, right? It's funny, she was notorious for being a killer and yet she had never killed before. Would their opinions change if they knew that, she wondered.

The clicking of the door alerted her to the presence of another. She bristled, however soon recognized the footsteps coming her way and calmed down. Azula tunred around, seeing Ty Lee, her hair strewn about in an unbecoming manner, a sleepy smile upon her face. Something about her apperent was endearing to Azula, and she returned to smile.

"Azula, are you okay," she asked, padding out in the princesses slippers. Azula chided herself for not thinking of them, her toes freezing in the cold air.

Azula nodded, smiling at her friend. "Just a bad dream," she reassured. It wasn't a lie, she had experienced a fearful dream. Only the most unsettling part about it was the fact that it didn't feel like a dream.

"Was it about the marriage?" Ty Lee asked. So she did know, Azula thought to herself. It was hardly a suprise since everyone seemed to be talking about it, however part of Azula wished her friend wouldn't find out.

She nodded, taking the excuse, far too tired to explain the true nature of her nightmare, not that she even knew. "Yeah," her lie was followed by a pant of… guilt? Azula never felt guilty for lying before, so why was this consciousness suddenly plaguing her.

Ty Lee walked over to a plus chair, sitting down and yawning tiredly. She motioned for Azula to sit beneath her, and not question she followed her friends instructions. She was propped between Ty Lee's legs against the back of the chair, the back of her nightgown no doubt fitting itself on the ground.

"Tell me about it?" Ty Lee asked, combing her fingers through Azula's hair. This was more for the acrobats' benefit, though Azula didn't mind the soothing touch. Infact, she seemed to lean into it, enjoying the feeling of the fingers on her scalp, the confort of the legs that framed her.

There isn't much to tell," Azula lied again. Ty Lee wouldn't understand, she tried to justify to herself. Azula decided maybe now would be a good time to talk about that though, that being the marriage. There was no one else she would rather discuss it with, and something told her Ty Lee would understand this at least.

She leaned back, feeling Ty Lees number fingers work her ebony hair into a braid. "I just don't want to be pawned off." This whole thing had made her feel as if that's all she was good for. Sure, Azula had never been outside the capital, never faught in the war despite her wanting to, but she could. She could contribute so much if only she was allowed. She was the most powerful fire bender, aside from her father, but hell her flames were blue. Everyone worshipped here, or feared her but it was the same thing really. Now, here the nobles we're deciding her only worth was as some Angi damn trophy wife. She thought the firenation had overcome the sexism, allowing women into the armies. Sure, the couldn't hold positions of much power but still!

"You not going to be," Ty Lee assured, her fingers winding her hair over itself. "If," she said, emphasizing that part of it. "If your father does decide to marry you, it will be to someone good for not only the nation but you. Not only the princess but Azula," she said, separating her name and title from each other. Ty Lee would often do this, as if to remind Azula that not all she was is a princess. She isn't just some fire being prodigy, she is Azula. Azula took a deep breath, trying to relax. "So, who would your perfect husband be?"

Azula closed her eyes, trying to picture him in her mind. He would have to be kind, sweet to her and everyone else. Loving, gently like the wind but still a force to be reckoned with. No one could tame a storm. "He would have to be powerful, not afraid to lord that power over others," Azula said, convincing herself it was true. "A bender of high status, good looking, duh, and we'll, he would have to worship me," she decided.

"Everyone worships you," Ty Lee said, giggling. While Azula may have those on the outside believe that was the case, it wasn't. The people inside the palace thought her weak, she clenched her teeth.

"What about you?" Azula's voice seemed to crack slightly as she asked. "What would your ideal husband be?"

Over time the conversation changed, still keeping the light air it had to it though. Ty Lee smiled as she braided her friends' hair, Azula occasionally grinning as well. It went on like this for a whole, Mai sleeping as they rambled on. However all good things must come to an end, this was one of those things. A knock on the door caused the princess to rise, rushing to the sound.

When she opened the door she was met with the sight of one of her fathers servtants. She swallowed, why would he send one of his unless he was summoning and and what else would he be summoning her for but, while but-

"Your majesty," the servant said, bowing his head slightly. His eyes refused to meet hers, but she could see fear in them. "Your fathers made a decision, he wishes for you to meet him in his council," the words confirmed her fears. Azula's stomach dropped, it felt as if her heart had stopped beating for a moment, the fear an overwhelming force not even she could fight.

Why would it be this fast, the decision should have taken far longer than this. It was highly doubtful he had convinced them it wasn't needed. Maybe he had given into the idea, only wouldn't they need to find a suitor. Maybe that's what this was, maybe they wanted her opinion, she hoped. But, the less hopeful part of herself told her no, the only reason it took so little time was because her father hadn't even tried to fight the council's decision.

"Everyone always leaves your, why should he be any different?" The voice that so often tormented her spoke. She shook her head, no, he was different. An evil laugh rang in her mind. "You're right, he's not leaving you, he's sending you away."

Azulas hands were clasped behind her back, her face a porcelain mask of indifference. She had changed into royal robes, trailing behind her as they always did. She hated the feeling of them on her skin and avoided them as much as possible. Still, being infront of her fathers advisories called for such an occasion. Her hair was woven back into the same braid Ty Lee had crafted, she saw no reason to change it. Taking a deep breath and bracing herself she allowed the guards to open the door for her, entering the throne room.

Infront if her was a table and around it sat a dozen men, all old sleazy nobles. Zhao was amongst them, and she contemplated breaking her expression to shoot him a disdainful look. She couldn't, however, because behind the table, behind the wall or orange flames, sitting in the firelord thrown, was her father. And so she let her eyes pass over them, landing on him as she pulled her body into a bow.

"Rise Azula," her father said. She rose, her eyes still locked on his form behind the flames. None of these other men deserved her attention, they were weak. Week men who hid behind their name and the power that came with it. Azula may have had name, but her power came from Agni himself. "We have come to a verdict." He said. Azula wanted to roll her eyes. Yes, that's why she was here, what was it? Still, she didn't, instead bowing her head slightly in waiting. "You must know that the descision I made was the right one, though it may be hard for you to understand. With the help of his clans resources we can end the hundred year war," he told her. Fear churned in Azulas stomach, knowing she was not bound to like the decision. So she was being married off, that was clear, but to who was still a mystery. Couldn't her father just rip the damn bandaid off? "It has been decided," he said as if answering her prayers. "That when you turn 16, when you become of age, you shall be married to General Zhao or the Guǎngchǎng family."

Shock and terror were displayed on the princesses face. She had expected bad but, this. She was so shocked her masked disappeared, her mind overrun with what was happening she forgot herself. She forgot she was a princess, forgot her father was in this berry room. "Over my charred corpse," she hissed, passion oozing from her voice. The flames raged a safire, ripping from the control of her father as her anger flared.

"Azula, control yourself," her father hissed angrily. She was sure he would have a word with her later about the outburst, she could almost feel the lashes on her back. "With his help the war will be over before you even become of age, we will enter a new era of peace," Azula knew her father gave no shits about peace. "This is how we win the war," he bellowed. Azula and her father talked about this over dinners sometimes, strategizing the best way to win the war, but suddenly she didn't care.

"Then I guess we lose," she yelled back at him, knowing she would regret it later. Only in the moment it didn't matter, not when all she could see was pure white anger. The flames blared, her father taking them back with such force she staggered slightly, her head throbbing. She stared up at where he stood, angrily staring back at her through the flames. The room seemed to still, everyone collectively holding their breaths.

"Oh don't be like that Azula," the herbal said, his slippery voice breaking the silence. He had used her name, she seethed angrily as her eyes found his.

"How dare he, cut him down," the voice in her mind ordered her. She had half a mind to listen, only she knew if she did the punishment that awaited hers would be far worse than little Zuzu's. No, she had to retain her wit, it was the most powerfull asset she had. She replaced her anger with an earlier calme, looking into his victorious eyes and grinning.

"Princess Azula," she corrected, begining to advance towards the general. "Are you aware that using a nobles name is one of the utmost forms of disrespect," she informed as she drew closer. "Infact, there have been executions for such a thing." Zhao sneered, they both knew that wouldn't happen to him, not with his status. "But, I am a forgiving person General, and so, I will challenge you to an Angi Kia," she said plainly, smiling at the shock on his face.

"This is preposterous!" He exclaimed angrily.

"On the contrary General, this is a very reasonable challenge. I expect you to accept, unless of course you fear a 14 year old girl," she smirked at the silence, continuing. "I'm which case, if you do, are you truly fit to be firelord. Would it not make more sense for me to sit on that throne," she asked, her eyes glinting as the flames flickered blue, though only for a second.

"I don't fear you girl," he spat at her. Azula calmly whipped the spit from her face, staring up at him. "Very well, I accept your challenge Princess," only he could turn her title into an insult.

Azula looked behind him, finding her father through the flames. Fear overwhelmed her, causing the periphery of her vision to blur ever so slightly. In his eyes she saw an anger that burned far hotter than even her flames.

An: ahahahahhaha sorry I can not, and I repeat: CAN NOT wait for the next chapter. You guys are going to love it I promise you ahahahhahahahab. I'm so excited. Also I did some reassessing and decided to up the quality, Yayy. This fic is going to be my baby and I will treat it as such. Anyway, as all please review I would greatly apreciate it, even if it's just to leave seggustions or maybe what you want to see, I'd love to know!