Aang stood on the bow of the Royal Fire Nation airship. They were approaching the North Pole and soon would be on their way to the world Azula was currently in. He was thinking about what Avatar Roku had told him earlier on his journey. Was Avatar Roku right? Was Azula just a victim to her circumstances?

Aang looked out into the air and sighed, he didn't know what to think. The first time he met Azula she had been trying to kill him and his friends. The next time they met they she had nearly killed him. Every meeting thereafter, consisted of Azula trying to kill him and his friends again. After her fight with Zuko for the final time, she lost her mind. This is the Azula that Aang had known and he couldn't imagine her being any different. Yet he was taught that everyone deserves a chance to change, but it was their choice to change.

"What should I do?" Aang said out loud as he looked out. "Am I doing the right thing?"

He knew he wouldn't get an answer but he felt better letting it out. He wondered how Azula was doing in this new world.

-With Azula-

Azula had finished crying in Yoshino arms and was drying her eyes. She looked up at Yoshino and saw a caring look on the older woman's face. Azula tried to understand the look, but she couldn't. She had never seen this look on her mother at all. He mother always looked at her with disappointment or anger. The look that Yoshino was giving was filled with caring and concern.

Yoshino looked down at Azula. "Are you ok, dear?" she asked with concern in her voice.

Azula slowly nodded. "Yes," she replied quietly.

Yoshino smiled and slowly stood up. "That's good," she stated in a motherly tone. "Now let's get some food in you." Azula just nodded and slowly rose, only to lose the strength in her arms. Yoshino caught her. "Let me help you dear." Azula allowed Yoshino to help her up and lead her down to the kitchen. Azula watched Yoshino in wonder. Is this what a true mother would do?

-With Naruto-

Naruto walked into Tsunade's office, a bit annoyed at being called in. He didn't want to leave Azula alone for too long, even with Yoshino watching her. He always felt better when she was near and enjoyed her smiles. So he hoped Tsunade just wanted to visit and that was it.

"Hi Baa-chan," he said as he stood in front of her. "What can I do for you?"

Tsunade looked at Naruto a serious look on her face, "A meeting of Kages has been announced,"
she stated. "All of the Kages have requested that you be there."

Naruto stared at Tsunade in shock, he wasn't expecting this. He thought he was going to give a report on how Azula doing. He didn't want to leave now, Azula needed him.

"Do I really have to go," Naruto stated in a nervous tone.

Tsunade just nodded. "You have to," Tsunade stated in her Hokage tone. "This is a demand by all the Kages."

Naruto frowned. "But what about Azula?" he asked, worried. "I can't leave her alone by herself. We don't know what could happen. She could regress back to her former self."

Tsunade saw the look of worry on his face. She knew that he didn't want to leave Azula alone, but he was needed at the Kage meeting. "I understand your concerns," she said with a calming voice. "But, I will have someone, who is very capable, to watch her."

This wasn't helping Naruto to alleviate his fears. He didn't think there was anyone capable to watch Azula and help her heal as well as him. Is there anything else Baa-chan," Naruto asked, disappointed.

"We leave tomorrow," Tsunade replied and Naruto turned to leave the office. He slammed the door behind him as he walked out, making Tsunade flinch. She sighed to herself. "I knew this was going to be a bad day," she stated in a tired tone, pulling out a bottle of sake, and pouring herself a glass.

Naruto stormed down the road toward home, angered by his most recent orders. He told her that he would always be by her side when she needed him. Now he was leaving her alone. What was so important that he needed to temporarily abandon his charge? He slowly watched as his home came into view. He stopped in front of the front door and stood there, unsure of his next step. He slowly turned and headed back into town. He wanted nothing more than to have time to himself and wondered who he could leave Azula with, someone he could trust. The only person he could think of was Inoichi but, he was too busy.

Naruto stopped in front of the memorial stone feeling defeated. "There is no one I can leave Azula with," he decided. "She not yet ready to be around other people."

Kyu listened to Naruto as he fought with himself. "Naruto," she called from inside the seal. "Come talk to big sis."

Naruto slowly nodded and sat down in front of the Memorial Stone. He started to meditate and soon found himself standing in front of Kyu's cottage. He slowly entered and found Kyu sitting on the love seat next to the bay windows in front of the cottage. She smiled at her little brother and motioned for him to sit down. Naruto sat down next to Kyu and looked longingly out the window.

"What's wrong?" Kyu asked, concerned.

Naruto faced her. "You should already know," he replied quickly.

Kyu nodded. "I know, but just the same, I want to hear you say it," she stated, comforting. "It is always better to say it aloud to someone."

"There's a meeting of the Kage in a few days, and all the Kages have requested that I be in attendance." Naruto struggled with the words, as if they were poison. "Since I have to go, I have to leave Azula by herself or with someone I trust. Unfortunately, with Azula in her current mental state, I don't trust her with anyone but Inoichi, but he is very busy with his job at the Interrogation department. I don't know what to do?"

Naruto put his head in his hands and let out a sigh. Kyu just patted him on the back trying to comfort him. "You will find someone. I know you will."

Naruto looked at Kyu, a small smile on his face. "Thanks Kyu," feeling a bit of relief.

"First you need to tell Azula that you're leaving, and then worry about finding someone to look after her," Kyu stated constructively. Naruto paled at this. He was not looking forward to going home.

-A few hours later-

Naruto walked slowly into the house, hoping Azula was ok. He entered the living room. Finding it empty he began to worry. Picking up his pace, he searched the other rooms of the house. . He quickly entered the kitchen to a big surprise. Yoshino was standing next to Azula, teaching Azula the correct way to chop carrots. He watched as Azula concentrated on the task at hand, while Yoshino watched over her. Azula finished cutting the carrot and looked to Yoshino for approval, ready to hear all of the reasons why she did a bad job.

Yoshino looked over the carrot slices with a practice eye. "You're a natural," she said to Azula, grinning. "Are you sure you never had training?"

Azula face was blank for a moment as she tried to process what Yoshino had said. This teacher had not given her a list of grievances. She hardly received praise this positive before. Azula looked at Yoshino, who just smiled at her.

"I have no formal training in making food," Azula said, humbly. "Most of my food back home was prepared by the royal chef."

"Interesting," she replied surprised. "I hope this is not too tedious to you. I wouldn't want to teach you something you wouldn't like to learn."

Azula shook her head. "I like it," she replied quickly. "It feels nice."

Yoshino smiled. "Well then, let's continue," she said, excitedly. "Now that you've cut the carrots, we need to put them in the pot on the stove. Now, pick up the cutting board and walk it over to the stove."

Azula nodded and picked up the board as carefully as she could. She walked over and poured the content into the pot.

"Good job," Yoshino said in a motherly tone. "Now we let the pot simmer and then we will have chicken stew. We just need to stir it and mix everything together. Will you like to stir?" Azula nodded and Yoshino handed her the ladle. "Now stir it slowly. Make sure to keep it constant."

Azula started to stir the stew with Yoshino watching. She never expected to be learning to cook, but found it surprisingly enjoyable. She didn't know if it was making her own meals, or having Yoshino show her how to do it. It was more than her real mother had ever done for her.

"Smells great," said a familiar voice. Azula turned to see Naruto standing there with a large smile on his face.

Yoshino smiled at Naruto as Azula stood frozen by Naruto's presence. "Welcome home," she said, in a calming tone. "Did your meeting with the Hokage go well?"

Naruto just nodded a frown on his face. "It's fine," he said, angrily.

Yoshino noticed that something was wrong, but didn't press him. "Well, I need to get back to cooking," she stated and turned to look at Azula. "Azula, dear, you can take a break."

At the mention of her name, Azula came out of her stupor. She let go of the ladle and walked toward Naruto. She turned toward Yoshino. "Thank you for the lesson," she stated, quietly.

Yoshino nodded, a large smile spread across her face. "You are very welcome," she replied. "I would love to teach you more whenever we get the chance."

"Of course," Azula replied happily. Naruto caught wind of this and looked at Yoshino.

"Maybe finding someone to watch Azula won't be that hard," Naruto thought. He was amazed at how easily Azula bonded with Yoshino in such a short time. Azula had not been this open to anyone except Inoichi and himself.

Azula walked over to Naruto. "What did the Hokage need?" she asked inquisitively.

Naruto looked nervously at Azula. He took Azula's hand and led her to the back porch. He closed the door behind them so as not to be disturbed. He looked Azula in the eyes and sighed. "The Hokage called me in to tell me that I will be accompanying her to a meeting with the other village Kage," He said, sadly. "It is mandatory that I go to this meeting and I will have to leave you here in the village while I am gone."

Azula looked at Naruto, fearful. "You're leaving?" she asked, shocked.

Naruto slowly nodded. "I have no choice," he stated, vainly trying to console her. "I will try to get back to you as soon as possible."

Azula didn't seem to hear him, already lost in her own thoughts. "You're leaving me," she deadpanned. "Just like all of the others that have come before you, I will be alone."

"That's right, Azula," Ozai voice whispered with glee. "He's leaving you like I did. He doesn't want to be with a pathetic girl."

"I'm alone," Azula cried, starting to shake. "I'm alone!"
"YES!" Ozai voice shouted happily. "You are alone. You need to curl up and wither away, like the trash you are."

Azula felt a pair of arms wrap around her. "You're not alone!" Naruto shouted as he held her. "I won't leave you alone for long. I will come back to you, I promise."

Azula looked up at Naruto, a look of uncertainty on her face. "How do I know you will come back?" she replied, tears streaming down her face. "HOW?!"

Naruto looked at the distraught Azula, trying to think of way to comfort her. Suddenly an idea popped into Naruto mind. He reached his hand up and took hold of his crystal necklace given to him by Tsunade. "This is how," he said as he handed the necklace to Azula. "This is a very important necklace to me. I am leaving it in your care till I get back."

Azula looked at the necklace then back to Naruto. "You will come back?" she asked scared.

Naruto pulled her into another hug. "It is the promise of a lifetime," he replied, sincerely. Azula felt Naruto's warmed and looked at the necklace. She didn't know why, but she felt that Naruto would eventually return to her.

"You'd better come back," she said in a feisty tone as she rested her head on his chest. "I wouldn't want to destroy such a beautiful necklace."

"Well, then I have to get back quick won't I?" he replied with a smile. "Now, while I'm gone, you will be staying with someone I trust."

"Who is it then?" she asked.

Naruto gave her a sheepish smile. He didn't know what to say. "I can answer that," said a familiar voice. They both turned to see Yoshino standing there with a motherly smile on her face. "Lady Tsunade asked me to watch Azula while you were at the meeting. So, don't worry, she is good hands."

Naruto nodded. A hint of happiness appeared on Azula's face. "Thank you," Naruto stated, relieved.

"It's my pleasure," Yoshino replied, gladly.

-The next day-

Naruto, Azula, and Yoshino walked toward the main gate. Azula hand was buried in Naruto hand as they walked, scared to let it go. Naruto was going to be gone for awhile, one of her main lifelines. With him gone, she was even more vulnerable to attacks the before. She wished that he didn't have to go, but she knew that an order was an order and he couldn't refuse. She watched as the gates came into view, and squeezed Naruto's hand tightly, not wanting to let go of the warmth and protection he provided.

Naruto squeezed Azula's hand in reassurance. He hated leaving her here on her own. He looked at the scared girl and then at Yoshino, hoping she would adequately be able to protect Azula. He watched as Tsunade and Shizune came into view, a slight frown on his face.

"Hello everyone," Shizune said smiling. "How is everyone doing?"

Naruto gave her a small smile. "Fine, he stated, sarcastically.

Tsunade saw Azula as she clung to Naruto. She felt bad separating the pair, but Naruto was needed at this meeting. Also, she would be able to tease Naruto about his feelings for the young princess. "Good, you're finally here, brat," she stated, bored. "Let's get going. I have some important work to get to."

Naruto glared at Tsunade. "You're going to drink and gamble the entire way there," he corrected, annoyed. "So, there is no hurry."

Tsunade glared at Naruto. "Cheeky brat," she replied, smirking. "Now, say your goodbyes. We need to get going."

Naruto sighed and turned toward Azula. "Remember, be safe and listen to Yoshino," Naruto ordered. "I'll be back as soon as the meeting is over."

Azula looked at Naruto, still unwilling to turn him loose. She held his hand tightly and put her head against his chest. "Please don't leave me alone," she pleaded, the fear evident in her voice.

Naruto pulled Azula into a tight hug. "I promised I would return to you," he whispered to her. "I always keep my promises."

Azula looked up at Naruto and slowly nodded. The pair broke apart and Azula watched as Naruto joined Tsunade and Shizune. He gave one final wave to Azula and Yoshino, then started to walk down the path away from the village. Azula watched as Naruto disappeared from view her hand holding onto the crystal on the necklace.

Yoshino stood next Azula and put her hand on her shoulder in reassurance. "He will come back to you," she said, knowingly. "The Hero always returns to his princess." Azula looked at Yoshino and nodded. Yoshino smiled. "Now, let me show you where you will be staying."

Yoshino lead Azula to the toward the Nara compound. Azula looked over her temporary home. It was larger than her home with Naruto. She saw many deer roaming the compound. She watched as a mother doe guided her fawn toward some food. She was gentle in her prodding but didn't let her young one get distracted by the flowers on the other side of the field. Azula frowned at this. She began to realize that in all her memory, her mother never acted like a true mother should. Soon the deer disappeared into the trees and Azula continued to walk toward the main house on the compound.

Yoshino opened the front door and led Azula inside. "Welcome to my home," Yoshino said with a warm tone. "I hope you will think of it at your second home. Now, let's get your things to your room."

Azula followed Yoshino through the house and saw many pictures on the walls. She saw many with Yoshino and two males. She saw that everyone in the pictures were all smiles and happy, or at least Yoshino was. The two males looked like they would rather be sleeping then taking a picture.

Yoshino noted where Azula's attention was currently held. "That is my husband Shikaku and my son Shikamaru," she said with a fond voice. "They are both lazy, and good for nothing, but I love them even when they don't do what they need to." Azula just nodded and soon found herself in her new room. It was a decent size room with some nice furniture.

"I hope you like it," Yoshino said with a hint of anticipation in her voice.

Azula looked around the room. "It's nice," she stated quietly, and watched as Yoshino face light up.

Yoshino clapped her hand together. "Well, I'll let you get settled in," she said. "If you need me, I will be in the kitchen." Azula watched as Yoshino disappeared into the hallway and sat down on the bed. She was still a little nervous that Naruto was not there with her but she felt that Yoshino would be willing to protect her, like a true mother would.

-Avatar World-

Aang and the gang had settled into the palace of the Northern Water Tribe. They had arrived the day before and had been preparing to head to the other world. Sokka had sharpened his sword, which took him months to find, made sure his boomerang was in perfect shape, and gotten all of their supplies in order. Suki had made sure her weapons were properly sharpened as well. Zuko had gotten his double swords ready and had worked hard on keeping his fire bending in top form. Mei and Ty Lee had prepared in their own special way without letting the other in on it. Katara had gotten several bags of water ready, just in case she was unable to find a sufficient water source nearby. Toph was working on her forms. She wanted to perfect her metal bending. She didn't know what types of people were in the world they were going to, but she wanted to be ready for anything.

Unfortunately for Toph, the supply of metal and earth in the Northern Water Tribe was not great. She had to practice on the old wreckage of a fire nation ship. She sighed as she finished her exercises. "When is that dang spirit going to get us to this new place," Toph grumbled as she sat down on the old wreck.

"If I had my way, your group wouldn't be even going," said a female voice from behind her. Toph quickly stood up and turned to face the voice. She stomped her foot and sent out a feeling wave. She saw a small animal standing before her.

"Who the heck are you," she stated, annoyed.

"My name is Hina," the animal said in a calm tone. "I am a fox spirit sent to you by Kami. Out of your entire group, you are the most, down to earth, no pun intended."

Toph nodded slowly, still suspicious of the fox. "Ok then, talk," she replied a bit curious about what this creature could have to say.

Hina walked over to Toph and looked up at her. "I am here to tell you to look at Azula with new vision," she stated. "Azula is a broken person who was sent to the other world to heal and become better."

Toph looked at Hina with a look of skeptism. "Azula, change, that's laughable," she replied. "Azula has done nothing but try to kill me and my friends. She can never change."

Hina looked at Toph and shook her head. "You only saw one part of Azula," she replied. "Everyone has more than one side to them. It just takes looking past the side you already know, look underneath, for what is underneath. Have a good day."

Toph watched as Hina walked away from her, she thought about what the fox had said. Was there really more to Azula then what she knew? She didn't know what to think about this, but she felt that the fox was telling the truth.

"What did she mean about looking at what is underneath," Toph said to herself as she walked back toward the palace. She just sighed and hoped she could eventually figure it out. She walked through the halls with a frown on her face. "Dang ice, can't see anything."

-The next day-

Aang and his friends stood next to the moon pond, in the Spirit Oasis, waiting on Yue to come down from the moon and lead them to the other world. Toph watched as everyone stood around, just happy to be on solid ground instead of ice.

"That the spirits for earth," she said to herself, but then remembered Hina and frowned, "stupid fox." She wished the fox had never spoken to her. She couldn't get the voice out of her mind, no matter how she tried.

"Is Azula really just the angry monster that tried to kill me?" Toph thought as she tapped her foot on the ground. "Or, is she really someone entirely different?"

Toph didn't have any more time to think about this when the lake start to glow and Princess Yue, the Moon Spirit, rose from the water. "Welcome everyone," she said in a calm tone, "I hope your journey here was pleasant."

Aang just smiled. "It was very nice," he replied, "a lot safer than the first time."

"Ain't that the truth," Sokka said, only to get hit by Katara. He glared at his sister but remained silent.

"I see you've gathered all who you feel are needed to go on this journey," Yue stated. "Are you all prepared to go to the other world?"

Zuko nodded. "Yes we are," he said confidently. "We are ready to find Azula."

"One question Moon Spirit," Toph said, surprising everyone. "Can you tell us anything about the new world?"

Yue frowned. "Unfortunately I cannot," she replied in a angered tone. "The Moon of that world is unreachable for me."

"Why is that," Sokka stated, confused. "You're the Moon Spirit, and if there's a moon you're in charge of it."

"That is true," Yue said with a sad tone. "But there is something very evil about that moon. I am only able to open a portal by it, for you. I cannot do anything more."

Toph frowned; she wanted more information on this world. She hoped it would help her understand why Azula was sent there.

Yue looked at everyone. "I am opening the portal everyone, be ready," she said and waved her hand over the pond. The water began to swirl around and change color. Soon a whirlpool was formed. "Be safe, my friends, and I hope your mission is successful."

Everyone looked at the portal a little scared to start their adventure. Mai looked at Ty Lee and nodded. They were going to make sure their friend was happy. Ty Lee smiled and flipped into the portal. Everyone else watched as Mai followed close behind her and soon no one was left in the Spirit Oasis.

That is chapter 8 eight Azula Second Chance. I hope you all enjoy it. It has taken me awhile to write but I glad how it turned out. I want to thank you all for your support for all my stories and hope you will continue to read them. I love reading your reviews and it give me a lot of passion to continue to write and make amazing stories for you. Please Read and Reivew!