Authors Note:

Hello! This is my first fanfic so I'm sorry if it isn't super professional. I appreciate any reviews, and if the characters seem too OOC feel free to let me know. :)

-Chocolateiris

Chapter One: Change

The room was dark. Azula's only thoughts we're her mother's words, her lies.

"No,I love you Azula. I do." She could see the face of the woman who hated her, betrayed her, brought her friends against her. Azula sat there, her legs and torso restrained to a chair, her hands chained to the floor, it was time for her to eat. A slim female guard with raven hair and chocolate brown eyes, came in very cautiously with her food. Azula smirked. She knew the guards were afraid of her. On a silver tray lay her dinner. Plain rice, a red apple, and a warm roll. She then was left alone to eat. Alone. With only her thoughts about the woman she hated the most. She shouldn't be like this. She should be sitting at the throne, as

"Firelord Azula." She whispered. The words slipped off her tongue naturally. They felt right. But she had lost the Agni-Kai, she had lost her throne. Zu-Zu had stolen her birthright, to rule the Fire Nation.

Katara looked at her friends, so full of joy & happiness. It was the third day of celebration since the end of the 100 year war and Zuko's coronation. Sokka was over by the food stand, pigging out on all the interesting food especially the meats. Toph was arm-wrestling with anyone stupid enough to challenge her, and of course they all lost. Suki and Mai were complaining about their boyfriends while Ty-lee practiced her acrobatics listening to their complaints, occasionally chiming in. Zuko, now Firelord, was talking to foreign leaders about the restoration of the other nations. He seemed unnerved and fatigued the past few days. Katara shrugged it off, she assumed it was probably just him adjusting to his new title and the responsibilities as Firelord. Still, she worried for him.

I wish Aang were here, Katara thought, but he was off traveling between the Air Temples looking for any remaining Airbenders. Refusing to believe he's the only one. She watched as all the couples danced to the lively music, wishing she had someone to dance with.

Azula looked out the window, she could see the grassy garden engulfed in moonlight. Tonight was a full moon, and the fire lilies looked beautiful in its soft white glow. The door behind her opened, revealing a young, familiar face.

"Zu-Zu, how nice of you to visit me. Tell me, why have I been honored by the Firelord's presence?" Her words like poison to Zuko's ears

"Azula. Can the Firelord not have a normal conversation with his sister anymore?"

"I'm not your sister." Azula said coldly

"I brought you something."

"What? Is it a housewarming gift ?A prison isn't exactly the ideal home for royalty Zu-Zu" she said while rolling her eyes.

"No, this-"

Azula's eyes widened.

Ty-lee looked at her surroundings. No more fighting, just celebrating. No more suffering, only joy. The world was united again. Ever since she joined the Kyoshi warriors, she felt whole. Surrounded by friends, she finally felt at home. Katara had once said:

"Home is where the people you love are." And she was right. Ty-lee had changed for the better. She had a new home with her friends. A place where she could be Ty-lee and no one else. A place where she could express herself. A home where she felt special.

She turned around and saw Mai staring at her. As always, her face had no expression. She then gave Ty-lee a warm smile, something which filled her with joy. Ty-lee felt a smile spread across her face. She then jumped up and wrapped her arms around Mai. To her surprise Mai returned the hug. As Ty-lee hugged her best friend, she wished Azula were here to share it with her.

Zuko was tired of the constant attention he was getting, and decided to retreat to his room. He wanted to consult Uncle for advice, but when he went to the old man's room he found him sleeping peacefully and decided not to disturb him. Oddly Zuko missed the days of his banishment. He could be free. No advisor to tell him what to do. He could wear what he wanted, instead of the fancy, heavy layered robes. And most of all he didn't have to deal with the constant responsibilities that came with being the fire lord. He walked over to his dresser and looked at the framed photo of his mother.

"I wish you were here mother." Zuko then looked out the window at the setting sun. Out of nowhere he felt the urge to see his sister.

He had been wanting to check on Azula. As much as he hated her, she was still his sister.

"Katara?"

"Huh?" She responded while smacking Toph's hand waving in front of her.

"Are you coming to the market with Suki and I? Toph asked again

"Oh, yeah! Of course I am."

"Ok we leave in twenty minutes." Katara was out on her balcony, staring at the beautiful garden below. The sun's rays sent warmth throughout her body as it touched her skin. The foliage was perfectly cut, and there were beautiful fire lilies aligning the paths. There were turtle ducks in the small pond, two babies and a mother. There was a small tree atop a raised area of the garden, with some of the branches hanging above the pond. Katara could hear birds chirping, the wind singing, and she was in a world of peace.

At the market people were everywhere. She normally would've gotten herself some mangos, but the fruit stand had a line so long, she decided to skip it. After getting what she needed, she headed back to their place. Zuko had made a separate house for Sokka, Toph, Suki, and Katara to live in. So they wouldn't spend their days lost in the huge palace. With one room for the boys, and one room for the girls everyone had their privacy and was happy to be there. She put the food away, and went to see Sokka for his healing session.

When she entered the room, he was reading, with his broken leg propped up, eating a pear.

"Sokka, time to start your healing session."

"Oh! Hey Katara didn't see you there". Sokka said jokingly.

"Ha ha funny" Katara rolls her eyes and sits down next to his foot. She pops open her flask and starts the healing process.

"So, what have you been up to?" Sokka asks cooly

"Not much, I just got back from the market. That place is crawling with people."

"Tell me about it. Last time I went, I almost got trampled by some kids playing tag."

Thirty minutes later, Katara heads back to her room, to look at the beautiful garden. She sighs and drifts off into her own world.

Azula sat in shock as Zuko handed her mother's headpiece to her. Part of her wanted to melt the pathetic crown and forget about it. But something stopped her. She didn't know why, but all of a sudden a single salty tear ran down her cheek. Why are you crying? Ursa means nothing to you! She silently cursed herself.

"Azula?" Zuko said only her name. Silence. Azula was no longer chained to a chair but her legs refused to move. All she could manage to say was-

"Thank you." She said in an almost inaudible voice. With that Zuko left and she was alone again. That night she cried, curled up in the fetal position, holding her mother's crown as if it had meaning to her. She imagined her mother's face as she cried, her beautiful flowing brown hair, golden irises filled with compassion, and the comforting smile she gave her daughter. Azula's lost heart was then filled with sadness and anger as she cried out loud.

"Why did you leave mother? How could you abandon us? You didn't even say goodbye." She spoke the last part so only she could hear. Exhausted, she laid down on her sleeping mat, the headpiece still in her hands. The cold hard floor pressed against her arm. She laid awake for a bit, but eventually let sleep overcome her.