"Azula!" Ozai yelled in frustration at his daughter. His voice echoed through the palace courtyard. "We've been through this numerous times already! You're making me start to regret that you're a firebending prodigy! I believe you're not even trying. Try again!"
"I'm trying, father! I really am!" Azula replied on her knees on the verge of tears. Her father is right. They have been through the same technique numerous times but for some reason, it's just not clicking yet. Maybe he's right, maybe she's not a prodigy. If Azula can't please her mother, she has at least someone.
As she was looking down on the ground begging for forgiveness, a hard smack came onto her face from the right. It was so forcefully that Azula's head hit the floor hard adding more damage to her head. Laying on the floor on her side, Azula slowly got up she felt extremely dizzy. She was on the verge of passing out.
Azula placed a hand on the spot where her father smacked her. She noticed that it stung a lot she slowly placed a finger on the spot. It felt very warm to her. Maybe it's best not to touch it for now.
Looking down on her, not caring whether her daughter was okay or not, Ozai yelled, "Now, DO IT AGAIN!"
Just barely standing, still feeling dizzy, Azula slowly wiped away any tears that were obstructing her view. Trying her absolute best to ignore her father's abuse a couple of seconds ago, Azula resumed the technique that her father was trying to teach her but was miserably failing at. Her start was really good due to the fact it was the easiest and the part they went through plenty of times, but when it came to the middle part, things started to look bad really quickly.
Landing on the floor on her back due to her failure, fear immediately surged through her whole body. She disappointed her father way too many times and it's not just she's not going to receive a slap again. He's done that too many times already. Watching her father stand up slowly, tears started to form again in her eyes. A massive frown was visible on his face and it didn't help the little girl at all to calm her down.
Ozai said in a deep and threatening voice, "I think our time is up, Azula. Maybe I should try another method instead." Raising his hand, a massive fireball was formed above it. Azula didn't like where this was going.
Unable to move from fear, Azula was only able to look at the fireball as it dashed toward her.
NO!
Azula bolted up awake with sweat dripping down her body and her breathing fast. She's been having nightmares lately from her past and the one she just had was just one of them. It just started recently she doesn't know why either.
Azula scanned her whole body all around just to make sure she doesn't have any marks. She knows that dreams aren't real, but for some reason, her brain keeps telling her that it's real hence, her waking up with a shock.
Rubbing her eyes, Azula woke up from her deep sleep with pain surrounding her body. From the fight she had with that Earthbender last night, she forgot how strong those people are. She kinda underestimated the person, but that'll be the last time Azula will underestimate someone, literally.
"Uhh... That man really did a number on me..." Azula said mentally. Her whole body felt stiff and sore everywhere. She hasn't fought for a while so coming back to it suddenly caught her off guard. "I really need to go back to training again..."
Slowly and painfully coming out of her sleeping bag, Azula stood and stretched, causing her to groan in pain from her stiffy muscles. But besides that, Azula always admired the location she set up camp. Right in front of her is a beautiful cliff that she would always look at whenever she has a chance. In the distance, Azula would look at the forest below her and the sun that rises on the horizon. At night, the stars glow as they've never done before with the galaxy behind them like milk being sprayed across the sky.
With her arms crossed, Azula felt her stomach rumble in hunger. She forgot that she failed to obtain food from the house last night. The fact that she barely ate anything yesterday made her hunger worse. Azula predicts she's not going to make it the whole day.
"I need to go back into the city..." Azula thought to herself. But something popped into her mind. "But I revealed myself during the fight last night! How stupid of me!"
Azula smacked her forehead due to her stupidity. She just remembered she accidentally firebent during her fight with the Earthbender. If it wasn't for that, maybe she'll be able to sneak in during the day again.
Azula has to go back tonight to find food and she doesn't have a choice. But will she be able to wait that long? Who knows? Maybe she could last the whole day without food.
"Perform a search party immediately!" Zuko demanded the General. "My sister is somewhere around the Fire Nation! Make sure you check every part and don't let a single area unchecked! Once you discover her, let me know immediately, you got that?"
"Yes sir!" The General saluted and then left Zuko to himself. If Zuko was honest, he felt worried but at the same time, nervous as well. He hasn't seen or even heard of his sister ever since they went out to find her mother. Ever since then, she escaped and went into the wilderness and he hasn't heard since. He's hoping that she's okay.
"Zuko." Zuko looked to the entrance of the balcony to see her mother with a worried look on her face. "What's going on?"
"Umm..." Zuko was unsure if he should break the news to her mother. Would she be worried, angry, or relieved? It's her daughter. Of course, she'll be relieved! "I've received news regarding, Azula."
Ursa gasped at the words, 'News', and 'Azula'. "Azula! She's here in the Fire Nation?"
"She's been seen in the Fire Nation in one of the residential areas."
"She's here!" Ursa replied so happy that tears started forming in her eyes. "Azula is back! After 2 years, she's back!"
"I know!" Zuko brought her mother into a hug knowing that her daughter is still okay. Ursa has been so worried about her ever since she left but hearing that she's been spotted in the Fire Nation, she's glad that Azula's here. Maybe, she can restart with her daughter and be the mother that Azula wanted.
"Where is she now?" Ursa asked coming out of the hug.
"I'm not sure," Zuko replied pulling out the report. "It states that Azula tried to break into one of the houses. Soon after, the owners picked a fight with her and then Azula escaped."
"My goodness!" Ursa replied now worried again. "She must be scared!"
"Don't worry!" Zuko grabbed his mother's shoulders, trying to calm her down. "I released a search party to find her. Let's just hope that we could find her quick."
"So that's what it was?" Ursa asked smiling.
"Yeah."
"Thank you for that!" Ursa replied hugging her son.
"No problem," Zuko replied. "I think I might ask an old friend of mine to help out."
Zuko watched as the Fire Nation soldiers marched out into the city and the forest from the palace. As he watches, the worried expression plastered on his face worsens thinking about all the possibilities when seeing her. Could she attack them? Will she be mad bringing her back? Could she have changed? How will she react when she sees her? With all these questions pilling up inside his head, Zuko starts to stress out. What will he do if Azula starts to spaz out as she did during their Agni Kai?
"Maybe I'm thinking too much about it?" Zuko said to himself.
"Thinking about what?"
Turning around, Zuko was met with a familiar friend of his. Once was cursed to chase around the world to restore his honour to now a close friends with. Who would have thought he would train and become friends with the Avatar? Not him!
Aang was wearing the same clothing he wears when travelling the world. He had to make another since his old Airbender clothes don't fit anymore. It's crazy how Aang managed to reach Zuko's height now. 2 years can make a huge difference in a person.
The Airbender looked at the Prince, smiled widely and gave him a huge hug. "Zuko! It's so great to see you again!"
"Aang! I'm so glad you could make it!" Zuko replied pulling out of the hug. "I'm guessing you saw the message?"
"I saw your message," Aang's expression lost its happiness and turned into a serious one. "You need my help finding Azula?"
"Yeah," Zuko's turned around to look at the Fire Nation. "Yesterday, one of the residents reported blue fire during a fight. Immediately, I knew that my sister has returned. Do you think you can help me find her?"
"That's what I'm here for!" Aang replied with a smile. No matter the situation, Aang would always be there for his friends.
"Alright!" Walking out of the balcony and into the palace getting ready to help look for Azula, Zuko said, "Thanks again for coming, I don't think I can do this myself."
"Hey, it's all good!" Aang replied with his signature smile. "Honestly, I would probably do the same if I were you."
"Yeah," Zuko replied looking at the ground with a thought in his mind. "Hey, I got a question."
"What is it?"
"Do you think what I'm doing is right?" Zuko looked at Aang with a worried face. "Do you think looking for Azula is the right decision?"
"What made you say that?" Aang was confused.
"What if after we get her, she starts attacking my people? Or even my family?" Zuko replied thinking of all the possibilities that could happen if he brings his sister back. "Am I making the right decision?"
"Of course you are!" Aang replied. "Think about it, what is the main reason you're looking for Azula?"
"Well, I want to see if she's alright and probably start a new beginning."
"Well, there's your answer," Aang replied. They reached the palace entrance and Aang opened the door for Zuko. "That's my answer anyway. I suggest you ask your uncle since he's pretty wise, don't you think?"
"You're right, but thanks for answering though. I knew I can rely on you." Zuko replied with a warm smile.
"No problem!" Aang replied with enthusiasm.
Walking out of the palace, the Fire Lord and the Avatar began their search for Zuko's sister...
Azula...
Zuko and Aang walked all around the Fire Nation questioning the citizens and soldiers if they have seen a girl in black overalls around the areas but they all receive the same answer: No. Zuko was hoping he would at least get an answer saying that they have but it seems like not a single soul has seen her. Surely at least someone would see a girl. If not, then why would someone randomly report a girl with blue fire? Unless a firebeder somehow managed to master blue fire! Now that Zuko thought about it, it could be possible.
Walking up to a random house, Zuko knocked on the door and waited for someone to answer the door. Hearing jiggling, a middle-aged woman opened the door and her eyes widened in shock and bowed. "Fire Lord Zuko! Avatar Aang! It's a pleasure to meet you two at our house."
"Please, call me Zuko," Zuko replied putting his hand up.
"Aang is fine!" The Avatar replied smiling. It's still weird for him that the people are so formal about him since he's the Avatar.
"I was hoping to ask if you have seen a girl around my age wearing black clothing around this area?" The Fire Lord asked.
"Now that you mention it, yes! I did see someone limp past our house last night wearing black." The lady replied now standing up straight.
"Really?!" Aang replied. His mood shot up now that there was finally a lead. "Did you manage to see where the person went to?"
"While I was cleaning the dishes last night, I heard someone breathing loudly outside through the window. I checked and she was limping towards that direction." The lady pointed in the direction where the two came from.
"Zuko, did you hear that?" Aang asked in excitement. "We have to look around that area! Let's go!"
"Thank you for your help mam!" Zuko said walking back to the direction where the lady pointed
"It's all good! Good luck!" Replied the lady waving while closing the door.
Walking back in the direction they came from, Zuko informed the soldiers to search a specific area for any clues about his sister. Hopefully, doing this will help narrow down the search for his sister. Zuko noticed that the sun is close to setting and they haven't found Azula yet. In his mind, he was worried about what state she could be in.
Aang and Zuko continued their search by asking more residents if they have seen a person wearing black clothing. Some of the people they asked said 'Yes' while a lot has said 'No' which didn't help at all. With how little information they're getting, it was just wasting their time.
During their search, the two noticed how close they were getting to the border of the Fire Nation. From where they're standing, they can see the dense forest in the distance. Why would their clues lead them to the forest? It wouldn't make sense for Azula to stay in the forest. It's just not her style. Unless, she's hiding from the Fire Nation, but that still doesn't make much sense.
Sitting down on one of the provided chairs in the streets, Zuko looked stressed since they still haven't seen her. He's starting to get worried for her safety. Aang noticed the tried to comfort his best friend.
"Don't worry, Zuko," Aang placed a hand on his shoulder trying his best to comfort his best friend. "We'll find her. I know we can. I know it seems to be taking a while, but we'll find her eventually."
"Thanks, Aang," Zuko replied smiling again. "I'm so lucky to have you with me."
"It's no problem!" His best friend replied. "It's what I do, ya know? Cause I'm the Avatar? It's my job to protect the world and make everyone happy or otherwise, I failed my job."
"Yeah, I know how that feels. It's the same thing I do with the Fire Nation. But, it's still good to take a break once in a while, you know?" Zuko replied. "Too much pressure and stress are bad for you."
"Speaking of pressure, you should've seen me a couple of days before the Day of Black Sun. I was so stressed because I haven't mastered Firebending and the Avatar State during that time and I was going into battle as well." Aang replied laughing. He remembered that time when he couldn't sleep because he was under so much stress. "All of that leads me to not being able to sleep for a couple of nights. Adding to that, I was having nightmares of me being underprepared and seeing your father."
"Did my father pressure you that much?" Zuko asked.
"Yeah, he kinda did. No offence though." Aang replied.
"Nah, it's all good!" Zuko waved it off. "It's kinda his thing."
Their laugh was then interrupted when they heard quick footsteps from their sides. Turning their heads, they saw a soldier running in their direction. Aang turned to Zuko who looked willing to hear what the soldier has to say.
"Lord Zuko, one of the soldiers who were searching around the forest has discovered an illegal campsite. Would like for us to search the campsite or would you do it?" The soldier asked.
Zuko looked surprised to hear the campsite was set outside the borders of the Fire Nation. What even surprised him the most was that it was illegal to camp outside the Fire Nation. His father was weird. But back on the topic, Zuko was wondering who the camp belonged to. Could it be his sister? All the information gathered led to the forest of the Fire Nation. Chances are, it could be his sister.
Interested, Zuko replied, "Let Aang and I investigate it thank you."
"I'll inform the general, sir." The soldier replied as he bowed and run back in the same direction.
"C'mon, Zuko! Let's check it out!" Aang said grabbing Zuko's wrist and pulling him off the seat.
Upon reaching the area where the soldier said the campsite was, Zuko and Aang saw a tent, a campfire and a bag. Next to the tent, a tree looked to be damaged with lots of deep scratches on it all around the tree. Looking at it, if Zuko was lost in a dark forest all alone, he would've left immediately once he sees that. He wouldn't take any chances with whoever made that. Only a maniac would be able to make that many scratches.
Looking above it, there shows to be a black cloak hanging with dirt and holes in it. It has to be Azula. Everything starting to come together. The person who fought back against the person who tried to rob their house did mention that the girl was wearing black clothing. This has to be the person who made the blue fire.
"I feel so bad for the tree," Aang said feeling the scratches on the tree with his hand. "If I was the tree, I don't think Katars's healing would heal all this."
"Yeah, it's crazy isn't it?" Zuko replied.
"I don't think I would be able to do this," Aang replied still looking at the tree.
"Yeah, but enough of the tree," Zuko said. "I think we should've asked if anyone here before stepped into their campsite."
"Oh yeah, true," Aang replied rubbing his neck. "Do you want me to check the tent if there's anyone inside the tent?"
"If you want to, go ahead. I'll stand back just in case anything goes wrong. I'll be here if anyone starts a fight."
"Alright."
Slowly tiptoeing to the tent trying his best not to make too much noise, Aang quietly said, "Hello? Is anyone inside?"
Behind Aang, Zuko and the soldiers behind him got into a fighting stance just in case anyone starts fighting. If Zuko and Aang were, to be honest, they both were feeling extremely nervous because anything could happen. The attacker could easily be a well-trained bender. Aang knew that he became a bit rusty when it comes to fighting again. After the 100 Year War, he settled in.
But the opposite could be said for Zuko. The Fire Lord made sure he would train himself to become the next powerful Firebender in the whole world to the point where he could easily beat his opponent. The people who fought with him would say the same. He trained to the point where he perfected Firebending like his sister, but to another level of perfection.
As Aang slightly moved the flaps of the entrance of the tent, he managed to open it enough to check to see if anyone was inside...
.
..
...
There was no one side.
Aang groaned in frustration which caught Zuko's attention. "Aang, what's wrong?"
"There was no one inside!" Aang replied now mad. If the person wasn't inside, then where could the person be at this time?
Zuko then did the same groaning while rubbing his hands against his face in frustration. All this time, they were led to a campsite where no one is there. If they were led here for nothing, what's the point of coming here then?
"Rahh!" Zuko yelled in anger while throwing his hands in the air. Where could his sister possibly be? "We came here for nothing!"
"Don't give up just yet, Zuko!" Aang replied pulling his hands up trying to calm his best friend down. "Maybe she could be out and about. Maybe she'll come back."
"But when? What if it's all a trick?" Zuko replied walking to the logs near the campfire and sitting on them. Putting a hand on his forehead, Zuko continued. "Knowing my sister, she's a master of trickery. She could be fooling us right now."
"I was hoping you wouldn't say that," Aang replied now frowning.
"Well, I think we should head back since there's no point in waiting. I can tell Azula that is just messing with." Zuko said standing up and dusting himself out.
"Before we leave, let's just check if there's anything that could give us clues on where Azula could be," Aang said stopping Zuko from leaving. "Please, Zuko!"
Zuko looked at Aang. It looked like he wanted to continue the search for his sister and to be honest, he wanted to as well but fatigue is getting the best of him. To add to that, the sun is about to set on the horizon as well. If they didn't walk so much all day, maybe he wouldn't be so tired right now and possibly look for more clues. But looking into Aang's stormy grey eyes, it looked like he doesn't have much of a choice.
"Okay, fine. We can keep looking." Zuko replied getting a loud 'WOO!' out of Aang. "But we're only staying for 10 minutes, okay?"
"That's fine! That's all I need!" Aang replied.
Walking around the campsite in search of any clues. He looked in the campfire, underneath the log on the campfire, inside the trees, underneath the tent, any part you could think of. If you ask Aang if he's checked this part of the campsite, he would've said yes. Zuko looked at Aang's life as if he was crazy. To Zuko's surprise, the soldiers were still there just talking to each other. He heard that one of the soldiers is having a party to celebrate his birthday and is inviting other soldiers to come and celebrate.
Aang walked all around the campsite until he memorized every part of the campsite, except for one spot: Behind the tent. Walking behind it, that's when things started to get interesting again. On the ground in front of him, he noticed a trail of footsteps leading towards a bush with a footpath inside it. 'Finally, something is happening!' Aang thought.
"Zuko!" Aang yelled from behind the tent. "Come here! There's a footprint here leading towards something!"
Hearing Aang's request, Zuko's interest came back again. He then stood up from his spot and walked to where the Avatar was and sure enough, Aang was right. There were footprints here all along, but a question lingered in the Fire Lord's mind, why would in the direction? Could this be her escape route? Or is this another one of her mind trickery? But those questions were for another day.
"Huh. You're right! There are footprints, and they're her foot size as well." Zuko said.
"Let's check where they lead to!" Aang said in excitement. Stepping aside, Aang added, "You first my Lord."
"Thank you, kind sir," Zuko replied in a formal tone. Not too far behind them, the soldiers followed them through the thick bushes.
Zuko was annoyed by bushes always hitting his face as he brushed the leaves away from his face. He wished that Aang went first so that he wouldn't have to worry about his royal robe being filled with leaves. He always cared about the way he looked. Looking behind him, Aang seemed to be fine with his smiles always brightening up his day. And not too far behind him the soldier can be seen just talking to each other like usual.
Noticing that the bushes becoming less dense in front of him, he noticed a small lake with someone who appears to be a girl lying down wearing Fire Nation clothing. Zuko thought maybe the girl is sun tanning like any girl would do.
Turning his head around, Zuko said, "I see someone in the distance. I think it could be Azula, but she's laying down on the ground so I can't say if it's exactly her though."
"Really?" Aang replied excitedly. "Hopefully it's here and let's just pray that she doesn't attack us... hehe..."
"Don't worry. You guys stand back a little bit while I slowly go through the last of the bushes." Zuko said as he stopped walking and looked at Aang and the soldiers behind him. "If she does attack, you guys jump and surprise her, okay?"
"Got it," Aang replied with a thumbs up and the soldiers did the same.
Turning around to face where the girl is, Zuko slowly walked past through the last remaining bushes that were in his way. It appears that the girl is not making any movement or any sound which confuses him. Clearing more of the bushes, Zuko can make out that the girl with black long hair is laying on her side, facing away from him.
Next to her was a spear. Zuko thought maybe she could be fishing but got tired and took a rest.
"Hello?" Zuko said to the girl as he slowly brushed the last of the leaves and walked into the sand. "Are you okay?"
Zuko got no reply.
"Hello?" Zuko said again as he slowly crawled to the girl. Maybe she didn't hear him.
He noticed that the girl is barely breathing, almost dead even as well as the pale asking colour she has. Zuko started sweating and got worried.
Reaching for the shoulders, he noticed how cold it felt, but Zuko's heart dropped as he pulled the girl's shoulder so that he could see her face.
"Azula..."
That's when Zuko's heart stopped.
It's his sister.
And she's unconscious...
"AANG! GUARDS! GET THE MEDICAL TEAM!"
Zuko will never forget this moment.