Chapter 6: Chapter 6

Hello fanfic readers. Congratulations you made it past the deep drama (gives high five). Zuko gave Azula diplomatic immunity: I didn't even see that coming and I wrote it.

For my readers who may be confused; from the dream sequence onward takes place six years before Azula showed up with her baby at the Fire Nation palace. There will be more on Azula and her daughter in future stories. I want to get the back story out of the way first. Just bear with me.

I will be introducing my OC's and don't worry there will be romance and adventure.

On a side note: I've been working on relearning grammar; scriptwriting teaches you such bad habits. Let the story begin.

I do not own ATLA but I do own my vivid dreams

Book 4: Air: Exodus

Chapter 3

There was a foul stench of sea salt and garbage in the air. The crow-gulls gathered around the barge that Azula had been sent on under a guise. This was certainly not her ideal mode of transportation, but it was a price to pay for freedom. As she disembarked several sentry men in black surrounded her. An older woman approached Azula, her hair was black with strands of grey, and her eyes were a distinct hazel. She was carrying several documents and bags of clothing. She was a stern and stoic woman, who wasn't in the least bit enamored with Azula's presence negatively or positively. "I am Ming-Na your custodian. The village you will reside in is called Binjwen. You will be living under the assumed name, Rae Ng. Your parents were Chung and Fan. They were active in the Fire Nation resistance. Before they could reap the benefits of the newly anointed Firelord, they were killed by rebels."

"Your benefactors name is Aura and the bodyguards she is assigned are Judel and Ping. You will have a comfortable life as long as you don't go beyond these borders. Is all of this understood?"

"Yes"

"Very well, follow me."

Two years ago Azula would overlook a landscape to see how she could conquer it, but now she had to dwell in place of little means. Azula never took time to look at the village. She wondered, how could these peasants be so happy? There were small children playing around the lake their parents giving them a watchful eye. Men carried heavy loads to each port. Passersby's greet each other. Vendors offered samples on the street, "Fresh bread!" cried a merchant, "Would you like a sample?" the man offered Azula.

All Azula could see was the dirt on the man's face and a dull looking grin. She turned her face away and kept on walking.

Azula had reached her living quarters and her things were set down by the tall burly men, who bowed exiting.

Ming Na scanned the house with her eyes and became miffed. She crossed her arms. "It seems your roommate is tardy I shall have a harsh discussion with her later!"

"It's a good thing I'm a firebender because it cold in here," said a disembodied voice.

Azula turned to see a beautiful young woman. Her eyes were the color of ginger and her hair was a chestnut brown. She wore a jade colored dress that draped her full-figured frame. Azula wasn't acquainted with many young ladies much less firebenders. Her former friends Mai and Ty Lee were so different from each other. Ty Lee was a carefree warrior, if there were such an oxymoron. Mai was Gothic and disciplined. Somehow this woman was different. She carried herself with confidence and the sort of freedom that Azula had never known. The young woman put her arm around Azula. "My name is Aura and I'm sure you met her," she gestured to Ming-Na while mock shivering.

"Do you have any idea how serious this is?" Ming-Na scolded.

"Will you listen to her? Blah…blah…blah," she hand puppet Ming Na's speech.

"Aura, you must be responsible, lest we forget what happened to the last girl."

Aura's fingers lit up a fire on each finger looking completely disinterested. Ming-Na stared down Aura. "Oh you're impossible! This is your last chance. If you don't act properly I will have no choice but to report you!"

"That threat doesn't mean anything anymore, but if it pleases you I'll take good care of her."

"I'll report back within 90 days."

"Goodbye Mistress Ming-Na" Aura opened a fan and mockingly bowed. Ming Na glared at Aura harshly and exited. Aura grinned at the gesture and put down her fan. She put her arm around Azula. "Well it's you and me princess."

Aura pulled Azula to a nearby chair, who was displeased at this action. "Just what do you think you're doing?" protested Azula.

"Spirits, not you too; just relax I'm going to give you the girl treatment. Let's just start by taking this rag off your head."

"NO!" screamed Azula alarming herself. Aura shot her a concerned glance. Great, now she was embarrassed: Azula straightened up seriously and retorted, "My hair is shorter now. I don't want you to disturb its growth. You live in a peasants quarters, I doubt you would have the proper hairstyling materials."

"Don't worry princess I used to work for royalty: I have all I need. Besides, being a benefactor comes with its advantages. You wouldn't believe the amount of Fire Nation spices I receive."

"If you are wealthy, why do you insist upon living amongst the disadvantaged?"

Aura opened the draw of the nearby vanity taking out a brush and a bottle of oil. She took the rag off of Azula's head. "Redemption.", she began brushing Azula's short hair and continued, "And besides I'm Fire Nation I have to keep a low profile so I don't get killed by visitors." Aura applied a drop of oil.

Having her hair brushed by this woman seemed so relaxing yet degrading. She thought at least Aura would have some pride. Then again, who was really Azula but a banished princess living by an assumed name? "What stupid name did they give you?"

"Rae Ng"

"That actually isn't bad. When I'm done no one will recognize you."

"What was Ming-Na referring to about that girl?"

"She's exaggerating! The young woman I watched over before ran away and got married. If that's what you want to do in the future fine by me."

"I'm not interested!" protested Azula.

Aura just shrugged her shoulders. While brushing Azula's hair; Aura put two pearl clips on either side of Azula's hair giving her bangs that were entirely too long. Aura moved to the front of Azula's hair and grabbed the scissors. With one smooth motion Aura cut her bangs even in the front. Azula thanked Agni that Aura was quick cutting her hair, for it brought unbearable flashbacks. Aura grabbed a jar of fine powder and a makeup brush to which she began applying it to Azula's face. "What is all this for?"

"My goodness, you do act like a princess. Well to satisfy your line of questioning we're going out."

"Out?" she raised a quizzical eyebrow.

"You thought we were going to stay in the house, how boring."

Azula got up abruptly she had thought of the reasons her brother sent her. No, he wouldn't send her there for prostitution. He was vague in the details. He probably thought it would be fitting for her, but dum-dum wasn't that clever or was he? Azula glared at Aura fuming and offended. "What are you grooming me for?"

Aura searched Azula's face for an explanation of her behavior. "You don't think─ no; I'm not that kind of woman. I'm just giving you a tour of the town."

Azula relaxed and sat back in the chair. She rubbed her head lightly. Aura stooped next to her looking at her with concern. "You really need a day out. Come on I have a green garment that would look great on you."

Before Azula knew it, she was dressed like a young earth kingdom woman, how revolting. If Azula was being honest, she didn't want to be out among anyone, especially peasants. Azula began to follow Aura into a small seedy tavern. Wonderful, Azula thought, now she had to be around barbarians. True to form there were men laughing boisterously, glasses clanking and slurred speeches. As soon as Aura entered the room all eyes were on her. She brought the fan to her face and walked to the edge of the bar. Azula wondered how this woman commanded all of the attention. A short older man approached Aura licking his lips stroking his thick black stubble. "Looking for a good time Miss?"

"I'm not interested." she said flatly.

"Perhaps your interest is more of a capital one," he said showing her gold coins.

Behind the small meager man was a tall fellow, who eclipsed him. He had black short hair, wearing earth kingdom soldier robes. The small man felt the tall figure breathing down his neck and he immediately shrunk back. The tall man wasn't the most attractive with his beady burgundy eyes and his large girth. Aura began to immediately hug this figure, which sickened Azula to no end. "Ping I've missed you so much!"

The next sight was horrifying as they were lost in each other's lips; buried in their own world. Azula wondered just how on earth these two got romantically involved. Aura sensing Azula's embarrassment turned her attention to her. "Sorry, my husband and I haven't seen each other in a while. Rae this is one of your guardians Ping."

"Yes I was informed: where is the other gentleman?" Azula spoke irritated.

"Behind you"

Azula turned around to see a tall muscularly lean man. He was wearing a green earth kingdom soldier uniform. His skin was that of cocoa butter. Azula looked to his eyes holding in her anger. Was her brother being funny? He couldn't possibly be serious. The man who was guarding her had blue eyes just like that arctic bumpkin. He did this on purpose. All of her nightmares are coming to light. She swore to herself that if she ever saw a pair of blue eyes; she would incinerate that person. There were two things wrong with this line of thinking: for one she couldn't firebend: secondly, his eyes at second glance, were sapphire like her flames; it was his only redeeming quality, although he did have raven black hair that was in a messy topknot, where a few strands graced his forehead. His full lips were perfectly sculpted, beckoning her to kiss them. On second thought, he wasn't that bad looking after all. No, she wouldn't lower herself to a water peasant: she wouldn't dare indulge her infatuation with her guardian. He held out his hand to her. "I'm Judel, I apologize for being late. Some cabbage merchant was ranting to me about his entire life. It's nice to meet you."

Azula refused to shake his hand and looked away in disdain. An awkward silence passed by. "Are we ready to go?" asked Aura.

"Lead the way" said Judel bowing.

As Aura and Ping walked ahead he leaned into Azula. "Beware young lady; for we might be abandoned by those two lovebirds."

Azula was annoyed and walked ten paces forward.

As Aura promised she showed Azula the small village. There were orchids growing in the public garden. People from different backgrounds lived in this village water-benders and fire-benders alike. Woman, children, former rich, nobility; no was exempt. Here, Azula felt like a stranger almost as if what was happening wasn't real. Aura showed Azula around the marketplaces and where to get the best produce and baked goods.

Azula felt uneasy as she walked through village. There was a fear surging through her body that she couldn't eradicate. As comforting and as serene as the surroundings were; she couldn't help but be paranoid that someone might recognize her. What would she do without fire-bending? It's how she identified herself.

Aura escorted them to their last destination. The falls of Binjwen were breathtaking. Aura led them inside a cave behind the falls. Azula tried not to scream. First, a stupid peasant and now water; how many of her past wounds would be open? She wanted to leave, but Aura was too busy nuzzling with Ping. Azula felt herself about to be fed up, so she sat on a chair-shaped rock. She breathed warm air which was all she could manage from her bending. She was starting to feel some peace when she smelled the scent of amber and spices. Judel sat next to her. The waters sprayed against the opening of the cave creating a rainbow. The scenery did little to change Azula's mood. Even worse, Judel's blue eyes reflected in the cave. He took a deep breath rubbing his hands together. Finally he created a single red flame. Azula looked over to the man trying to hide her shock, but she let out a small gasp. "Don't get upset you're not the first person to give me that reaction. I'm a walking contradiction a firebender with water tribe features."

"You're an abomination!"

"I've been called worse. It's okay though; I'm not ashamed of my heritage. It reminds me that peace is possible between opposing nations. Water and fire aren't all that different. They have the ability to bring life from the world or take it away. They can heal wounds or make them worse. They can be great beauty or terrible destruction."

"Don't you have anything better to do?" barked Azula.

"My apologies, was there something you want to talk about?"

That does it! Azula walked (more like stomped) to the other side of the cave. Judel followed close behind her. "In case you haven't noticed I'm your guardian. I'm afraid I can't let you out of my sight."

Azula scoffed and shot him a glare. Was this man truly serious? If she had to spend any more time around this man, she would swear when she got back her firebending, he would be the first burn victim. "You're in a bad mood. I know what will cheer you up. There is a market that has beautiful trinkets. How about I buy you something nice?"

"How pathetic, you barely know me and you're offering to buy me jewelry. That must be the aquatic feeble part of your brain speaking. In case you hadn't realized we of the Fire Nation are a very proud people. I had more riches on the fringes of my garments than any of the asinine baubles you offer. You are my guardian nothing more! I order you to desist in engaging in any conversation for the rest of the day!"

"As you wish"

"Get Aura and her obese mate! I want to go now!"

Judel stood their uncomfortably. Why was he still standing there? Of course, he was her guardian; he could never leave her alone unless she was somewhere safe. Azula rolled her eyes, huffed and led the way.

That night Azula rested in what would now be her bed: it wasn't completely pedestrian for it was plush yet firm. It wouldn't matter however, whether she was in a cot or bed; she couldn't rest, for her mind was wrought and confused. What was she to do? She had become lower than she ever had imagined; she was a commoner. Aura walked into her room kneeling by her bedside. "How was your first day?"

"I'm alive aren't I?" snapped Azula.

Aura ignored Azula's snappiness and leaned into her closely. "I know this place isn't your ideal. You have to make it your home for now. When I first arrived here it wasn't easy for me. I was forced to leave my home because of my father's actions. I gave my life up and I met and married the love of my life, Ping."

"Why did you marry that thing anyway?" Azula spat.

"He saved me from making the biggest mistake of my life and has since been taking care of me. You can judge if you like. Perhaps one day you will understand there's more to life than power."

"Love is just another useless emotion."

"Never experienced that feeling?"

"I don't need love and I certainly don't need you asking me personal questions!"

"As you wish your highness," Aura mocked exiting the room.

Azula was all pretenses; she couldn't even begin to understand what love was. Chan, her boyfriend and only admirer, solely liked her because she was acting submissive. He became immediately disinterested, when she showed who she truly was. She grinned for a moment, thinking about the weak soldier's son, who wept uncontrollably after destroying his house. Upon further contemplation all of Azula's relationships with boys were one sided; she felt something profound and deep while the men were going after girls like Ty Lee.

Love, the word in itself seemed so foreign. All Azula knew was that she either could control men or intimidate them; there was no middle ground. The only love Azula wanted wasn't from a man, but her mother. She assumed that if love meant scolding and rejection she wanted no part of it. With that thought she rested for the night.

It was one heck of a day.