Hello fanfic readers one more chapter left. I don't want to say goodbye to this story, but all must come to the end to start a new beginning. Don't worry though; I will be working on a series of one shots based on Sokka called BoomSokkalakka because A. I need a laugh and B. Zuko's story is going to take a while to develop, but who knows I could randomly post it early; no promises though. Just look for Book 4: Air: Out of the Ashes in the future there are so many plot lines I came up with its ridiculously awesome.

Thanks to everyone who has given me constructive criticism and breaking me out of my bad scriptwriting habits. I shall carry these lessons to my next fanfic with an open mind.

Answers to reviewers

Anonymous

I thought of Ty Lee babysitting Xiourong last minute glad you like it.

Passionworks

I'll say it again Raiden is adorable. Funny story I was going to give Azula a son, but I'm still thinking about it. I really wish more people would write about Azula being a mother, with getting herself together she would make the perfect mother. I fixed the errors and I'm so excited for the next installment. There are so many plot lines that I want to spoil, but I have to restrain myself.

Fluffyo

Thanks and I will be updating fairly quickly.

SerenaPotterSailorMoon

Thanks maybe I should form a C2 for Azula and motherhood. Xiourong being a great leader I have some ideas for the sequel.

BlackDiamond07

Teehee it's about to get even better.

So without further ado, on to the story

Round 2- Azula vs. Ozai

Warning this chapter may produce anger and nausea because let's face it; Ozai is a schmuck.

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

Book 4: Air: Exodus

Chapter 10

Azula and Zuko had been getting along for the week; with the exception of the occasional snide remarks from the other. Zuko would ask for her advice on some matters, which she seemed to give anyway. When he felt generous, she could sit in on meetings and sometimes he would let her speak; but, she had her limits. She could have a walk of the palace with the exception of the Firelords wing. Many things changed between them; on the other hand, their sibling rivalry remained.

Azula and Zuko had been bonding over taking the journey to the ancient temple. Azula had felt like herself again, tactically and proficiently planning, with maps and compasses. She cared very little for the peaceful new world, a return of the airbenders would bring; however, protecting her family was first and foremost. She utilized her drawing skills and charted most of the expedition underground. She contemplated how each person would be used and straightaway thought of how she was really going to dread all of this. At any rate, she had to share her findings with Zuko.

Azula went to Firelord's office, seeing papers splayed on his desk. He's so unorganized, she thought. She walked up to Zuko, who seemed stressed out. She figured she might as well rub it in his face. Much to Azula's chagrin, Han-Lien was next to Zuko, harassing him with an abundance of questions. Azula smirked and instantly frowned; if the boy was here, her mother wasn't far behind. "Isn't this picturesque," Azula ridiculed.

The boy almost jumped at the sound of her voice. He had grown taller than the last time and looked more like Ozai, without the beard. He was still young for his age; hiding behind Zuko for protection. The Firelord was too busy to notice the action. "Han-Lien can you excuse us for a moment."

Han-Lien nodded his head, showing contempt for Azula while exiting. When the young man was out of earshot, Zuko signaled her to sit down. Azula complied cautiously, she examined his countenance. "I know that look on your face brother, you want something."

"He wants to meet our father and since he won't talk to me, I figured you can go."

Azula knitted her eyebrows at the audacity of Zuko words. "Are you serious? First of all, I barely want to be in your presence; the boy will have to find out about his father in the history books."

"It was a thought."

"Well perish it!"

Zuko sighed and sat down in his chair. "He's getting worse. I saw him two months ago; he's aged ten years."

"Did you ask him for fatherly advice," she said sarcastically.

"No, I told him he has a younger son with our mother."

"Let me guess, he laughed in your face."

"Yes, that was until I showed him a picture, there was no mistaking it."

"How enlightening," Azula said neutrally.

"You could at least try to act like you're interested in what I'm saying."

"Frankly, Zuzu I'm not!"

Zuko cleared his throat and looked at her seriously, "He asked about you; I told him I didn't know where you are."

"I'm taking control of the vessel of this conversation to another course!" she said abruptly.

Zuko sat down dejected; focusing on the papers in front of him. Next to one of stacks of scrolls, was a bottle of herbal grinds. Azula moved his papers to the side, disrupting his thoughts. Zuko looked up at her exasperated. "So is there anyone you want me to deal with, any soldier out of line; any rough disciplinary action?" Azula asked.

"No, yes and I took care of it."

"That's discouraging," uttered Azula bored.

"I do have an interesting story; you see that bottle? I had to confiscate it from Ensign Wei, the earth kingdom guard. He was singled out by the Fire Nation soldiers for his small stature. Wei was fed up with being harassed and he started taking drugs. He became strong at first, but it quickly changed. He became highly paranoid and used his earthbending on his comrades for fear that they were going to betray him. The final straw was when I found Wei in a cave naked saying; his garments were made out of snakes. I visit him in rehab, where he is suspended until further notice. It's a shame really; he's a great soldier; I don't understand why he needed warrior's claw."

Azula froze in place, the floodgates of her suppressed memories opened. "What were the herbs called?"

"Warrior's claw, why?"

There was no question where her and her father stood. She didn't want revenge: She didn't want him to suffer: she didn't want him to die: she just had enough. Without a word, she ran out of the library.

She knew her father was an opportunistic, capable of anything. He led her on the whole time. It was all a contrived act. When Zhao died, her hope of becoming Firelord declined. Later, he purposely put her on Ember Island in hopes of marrying Chan, the Admiral's son, whom she rejected after seeing his weaknesses. She wasn't compliant with her father's plan; his fury took over him; he had to make an example.

She recollects clearly; she was beside his throne, he spoke of the world she would one day conquer. He gave her warrior's claw pronouncing, all great minds need an herbal aid. Her mental breakdown, not remembering a year of her life; he planned her failure. She had to break all ties with Ozai; he made it clear that she was expendable.

He flew in the air with a sense of freedom. His large tail glided against the winds smooth current. He roared in contentment for atop his back he carried friends and amongst was a surprise for a certain princess. His padded feet landed in the courtyard of the Fire Nation palace with his petite lemur friend purring in response. Aang patted him on the back for the smooth trip. "Good boy Appa!"

Appa's brown eyes flickered in happiness and licked the six foot Avatar, who chortled in reply. Momo squeaked in jealousy. Aang patted his head. "Calm down, you're a good boy too Momo," he said stroking under his chin.

When Azula had arrived to the palace, Zuko realized she missed her husband. The Firelord had sent Katara, Sokka and Aang to the earth village of Arun to see if they could improve Judel's condition. The group had fought with his doctor, who eventually and reluctantly released the Jaw-Long member.

Judel had been enamored by the flying bison and winged lemur. Appa took to him right away. Momo on the other hand hissed at him and stole his food. He was enjoying his conversations with Katara and Sokka about growing up water tribe. Sokka spent most of the trip interrogating and poking at him making sure he was in fact real and sane. He had been highly honored to meet Aang to deliver the news about the lost airbenders; show him the ancient firebending techniques and merging bending styles. Throughout all of this Judel could only think about seeing his wife and daughter.

They arrived at the library, where Azula was last seen and came upon Zuko holding a glass bottle, looking stunned. Judel didn't like the look on his face. "Firelord Zuko where's Azula?"

"She left," he said lowly.

Zuko's yellow eyes examined the bottle meditatively.

"Zuko what is it?" asked Katara.

"Azula left when I mentioned warrior's claw; she looked so angry. I have to make the connection."

Aang held his head automatically understanding the situation. "There's no need. Sharing energy with Ozai has left me with some of his memories. We have to go to Ozai's cell before one of them gets killed."

"Then there's no time to waste. Alright Judel and I will go."

"I don't think that's going to work," said Sokka.

"Why not?"

"Judel just left."

Zuko pinched the bridge of his nose, frustrated. "He doesn't even know where he is going."

Sokka jerked his thumb behind him. "Well you better go catch him; that guy is fast."

With anger being her propeller, she stomped up to the guard, who was watching her father. The poor man was looking as if a freight train was coming his way. His usual orders were diminished when Azula gave her famous death stare. She made the man tremble and demanded the keys: who was he to say no, least he be used as wood for fire: the soldier ran away like a pig-chicken. Azula normally would bask in the suffering, but her objective was distinct.

She opened the door and saw her father sitting on a bamboo mat; his musty smell nearly knocked her backward. The former Firelord and self-appointed Phoenix King, was reduced to an animal; nonetheless, she took the key firm in hand and proceeded inside the cell. He turned to her slowly; his raggedy greying strands draped over his face. His body was slimmer, less muscular. He saw Azula and his scruffy features, were resurrected to the man she knew as her father. "The prodigal daughter visits," his voice resonated.

He rose from his place: he was a tall skeletal figure. He stretched out, bones cracking. He walked circles around her, his foul stench tickling her nose. His golden gaze made her shiver in fear within. He still had a hold on her she couldn't shake. "Your presence is one that is much welcomed. Your brother was becoming insufferable asking about his mother and my plans."

"This isn't about Zuko!"

"I know why you're here."

"You sent men to kill me: I want to know why," Azula demanded.

Ozai grabbed her by the neck and slammed her against the wall. "I sent those men to redeem what was left of your great grandfather Sozin's ambition; but you insisted upon being defiant against me."

"How presumptuous of you to think I would follow anything you wanted me to do: I'm not your lapdog."

Ozai squeezed her neck tighter, his nails raking her skin; Azula struggled to pry his hand away. He glanced at her necklace, ripped it off and shoved it in her face. "You married a water peasant; what place do you have in my regime? You have no one Azula; no country; no throne; no allies. You should have known not enter into a marital arrangement with that water savage. But, you weren't satisfied; he defiled you by discharging his unsanitary fluids; to produce that miscreation you call a child. Tell me was it worth it? "

Azula balled up her fist as she saw an evil contemplative smile form on his face. "That mutt isn't fit to cleanse our sewers, much less be Firelord."

"Leave my daughter out of this!"

He restrained her to the wall and coarsely whispered in her ear, "How quickly you've forgotten your place. I've made you and I can easily break you: that fire within you will be snuffed out. The only way you can turn all of this around is to renounce that 'thing' and marry Chan."

"I would never leave my husband for Chan; he's pathetic! Even if I did as you propose, you yourself said my daughter isn't accepted. What would you have me do with Xiourong?"

"It will be adopted and forgotten."

"You can't do this; I won't have you treat me like—"

"Like, who Azula. I have handed the Fire Nation to you on a silver platter and you muddled that venture.

Azula didn't know why she felt so shocked by her father's words; they were nothing new. Somehow when he used them on others it didn't sound as abrasive. Ozai's words had a way of crushing your soul, putting it in the grinder to emulsify and using the leftovers to let the beasts' urinate on. Her father could clearly read her face. He grinned devilishly, to confirm her suspicions. "Was this the part where I was supposed to pour out my sorrows and profess my fatherly love to you? You have been repudiated. You are nothing to me, but a stepping stool."

He was running; knowing he shouldn't have been; after all he just recovered. Tui and La why did he have a one track mind? An underground prison couldn't be that hard to find could it? He knew Azula was in need. If Ozai could scar his own son, Judel shuddered to think what he could do to his wife. He had to stop for a moment; his lungs burning from the exertion. He felt a hand on his shoulder and automatically went into a defensive position. "Firelord Zuko?"

"One, you don't have to be so formal; I am your brother-in- law," Zuko paused for a moment did I just say that? "Secondly, I appreciate your enthusiasm, but you have to focus."

"I'm sorry it's just—"

"You don't have to explain. I'll lead you to my father's cell; where you will go on by yourself. Please be careful he's dangerous."

Judel nodded his head and followed Zuko down the short path. "I'm coming Azula," he whispered.

Azula, without delay, kneed him the stomach as he stumbled backward. Ozai snarled and looked daggers at Azula. She forced his neck against the wall, choking him with malice and passion that she had been holding within her for so long. He tried to face palm her, but she blocked his hand. She shoved him to the ground and banged his face into the concrete. Ozai lifted himself up, pushing Azula behind. He took her by the collar. "You contemptuous child; it appears that you have drawn the line in the sand. No matter; either way you have sealed your family's fate."

Azula gave him a kick in his shin and he released her. She elbowed him in the chin; shoved him headfirst and kicked his leg from under him, until he fell down. She punched him ceaselessly; his nose began to bruise as he attempted to block his face; blood oozed from his mouth.

He began to do something unexpectedly; he stared at her and started to laugh. "Go on, kill me; but it will change nothing. Your husband carries traitorous blood as being the son of Piandao and he has taken you as his wife; his life will expire soon. Your spawn will be an outcast, taunted, and followed, found guilty by association. No one will be able to protect you; especially your brother. There are many, who are still loyal to me. I invite you Azula to end my life, show the world how much of a monster you are."

The blood rushed through Azula veins, she felt something dark and ugly overcome her. Azula pummeled Ozai, into a corner. She was in a blind rage; rapturing in this victorious yet tragic moment. He blinked in and out of consciousness; she had him: he was helpless. She raised her clasped fist high above her head. Just as she came close to fracturing his skull, a voice shouted, "AZULA STOP!"

Azula heard that all familiar voice, was she dreaming? She turned slowly and saw the face of her husband, Judel. She was overjoyed to see the only light out of her darkness. She awoke from her angst ridden trance and looked at the carnage she created oddly, as if someone else had done it; but the blood on her knuckles said it all. Judel entered the cell and kneeled beside her. "Is he dead?" Azula asked lowly.

Judel examined Ozai's slumped figure and felt for a pulse. "No, he's alive."

"How unfortunate"

Judel picked Azula up and hugged her softly, "I didn't expect to see you here so soon," said Azula in a daze.

"Well it's a good thing I'm here then. Are you ok?"

Azula looked at the battered face of her father and looked away. "No, but I will live."

"Come on let's get out of here."

"What of him?" Azula said pointing to her father.

"I'll take care of it: you go on."

Azula looked at her husband's bright eyes and kissed his lips and she spun on her heels, leaving.

She could hear Judel picking up the keys, and then it played like slow-motion. She saw her father rise in the front of Judel like a wolverine-shark. The young man didn't have any time to react. Ozai delivered a powerful kick to Judel's stomach. He flew backward into the bars of the cell, knocking the wind out of him.

Azula was seething with rage. She saw her father Ozai looking down on Judel and laughing maniacally. Suddenly, his features turned panic stricken when she faced him. Blue flames twirled around her hands: an image of a sapphire dragon and a yellow-orange bird merging together appeared before her eyes. Azula felt like she was out of her body, which was a ball of fire, but nothing on her singed. She ran toward him at full force and kicked him directly in his core; where her blue fire burnt and blue light irradiated out of his eyes and mouth.

Ozai screamed in agony. Her body that was once glowing; dulled when she turned her attention to Judel. She ran to him and opened his mouth using her breath of fire to revive him. Judel coughed up his green fire. Azula was relieved and helped him to his feet.

Judel and Azula watched Ozai writhe, twitch and convulse; his burning flesh filling the air. "Out of the ashes of his tyranny and dominance, starts a new beginning for the ones he left scarred," Judel stated.

"Get the doctor, he needs medical attention!"

Judel looked at her despairingly, making sure she knew what she said. "Go!" Azula shouted.

He nodded his head and exited the room.

Azula regarded down on her father and the third degree burn she created. He couldn't maintain his normal pride: the pain was too great. Ozai's eyes were watering heavy from his injuries. I'm truly a monster. She looked at her father, the man, who beat her out of her senses; who pushed her through training; who locked her away to teach a lesson. He was her tyrant and her mentor. She was his prodigy, his ticket to world dominance. She was the most hated individual in history and it was his entire fault. None of this mattered, she changed; no one would care. If they weren't afraid of her, they taunted her for being a mental patient. Her father molded her like clay into the perfect leviathan.

She sat on the floor next to him, his tears mixing with blood. She reached out her hand and held his; until he calmed.

She just stared at her father, a half wall separating them. Ozai's core was glowing blue and red. There were a large group of healers, Katara being included; they worked laboriously. A small servant girl wiped their soaked brows from the intense process; shaking their heads in uncertainty and dread.

He screamed with each stream of water applied to his skin. There were blood staining the white sheets and bandages. He was breaking his restraints; disoriented and babbling incoherently. In a daze he punched one of the healers. "GET AWAY FROM ME PEASANTS!" he shrieked.

Several guards entered and securing the straps of the bed; there wasn't time to inject him with a sedative; his life was in danger and they had to work fast. He took short, defeated breaths his eyes looking intently, almost innocently at Azula.

They must be talking about her; especially Mai. The Firelady must be informing Zuko that she was right about Azula being a wicked person. No one would be surprised that it happened; only that it didn't happened sooner.

Azula was bordering on tears. She was sure that if her father wasn't Ozai, there would be a trial and she would be executed. Every time she closed her eyes she would see the dragon and phoenix. She could have easily incapacitated him; why did she go so far as to nearly killing him? She couldn't stop the supernatural phenomena from happening; it took control over her body; for a perfectionist like Azula this was frightening.

Everyone she cared about shares a scar; Zuko, for his kind heart; Iroh, in his warm soul; Ursa, for her sweet words and now her father, for his dark chi. Azula was bogged down with so much emotion. If she scarred the ones she loved, it would only be a matter of time before she hurt her husband or worse her daughter.

Azula laid in the bed in unrest; replaying that moment where she injured her father. Her husband shifted next to her and pulled the sheets over his legs. He was so handsome, especially when he was sleeping topless. She loves when his hair is out of a topknot; it's a beautiful shade of black with a kiss of blue. His muscles were so perfect and lean. Judel had five o'clock shadow that formed a faint mustache and goatee. He was her treasure; everything she wasn't supposed to have.

She got out of bed and peered into Xiourong's bassinet. A glint from her hairpin caused her daughter to crinkle her nose and nuzzle into the blanket; like her father. How wonderful, to be so innocent and unaware. She didn't deserve to be her mother: she didn't deserve him: she didn't deserve anything.

Judel awoke and stretched his arms and opened his eyes, smiling.

Her father's words haunted her like a strange lilting tune: Azula was silenced, getting choked up; she bit her lower lip. She had to tell the greatest lie of her life and for the first time it was going to hurt. Xiourong was worthy of having a normal life and growing up to be a well-rounded, good, but disciplined young lady. In turn, Judel deserved not to be scrutinized for choosing her as his wife.

She laid out all her plans. Judel would raise Xiourong by himself. Aura would act as her mother. She hoped Ursa would check in on her and tell her stories. Ty Lee would train her, along with her Uncle Zuko. Great Uncle Iroh, would take her on a journey when she comes of age. She hoped her husband could find room in his heart to love again and marry a woman who was gentle, yet tough; Azula erased that last thought, she didn't want him to be with anyone else. Yes, she had to do this for Judel and Xiourong.

Judel put his arms around her. "Azula, come to bed my love, you've been up all night."

She shrugged him off: she had to be strong. "After we come back from our excursion; consider you and I over!"

"I see you've been working on your sense of humor," he teased.

"I'm not joking!" Azula hollered.

Xiourong wailed, startled by her mother's abrupt speech. Judel tried to turn Azula around, but she nudged him back. "What about our daughter?"

Azula took a breath and straightened herself up with her fist clenched. "She's your responsibility now!" she said coldly.

Without another word, she exited not daring to look back. A lone tear made its way down her cheek. Her infant daughters' cries filled the bitter, restless, night; she repeated to herself, trying to hold her mourning body upright, "It's what I have to do: it's what I have to do."