Azula was not like most girls her age. Or anyone, for that matter. She derived a sick sort of pleasure out of seeing people fail; growing her own confidence with the knowledge that she hadn't made the same mistake as them.
But, out of all the people in the world, she got the most pleasure out of seeing her brother fail.
Then again, that seemed to be all he could do. Like a fountain of mishaps and mess-ups, he poured his misery out for her to indulge in, raising her up on a pedestal of perfection in everyone's eyes.
Zuko's latest mistake was quite possibly his best (or worst). Somehow, in an odd chain of events, the fool had decided to marry a waterbender. Azula had laughed at the thought, knowing it would only lead to further misfortune. No one would accept a peasant from the Water Tribe as the new Fire Lady.
So, instead of plotting ways to overthrow him, the princess decided to sit back and watch him crash and burn all on his own.
However, such a thing never happened.
Though the people of the Fire Nation had at first been outraged at the idea of a waterbender marrying into the royal family, they eventually learned acceptance and tolerance. It was something Azula couldn't understand at all. How could anyone possibly accept the idea of someone from a nation of an opposing element helping to rule them?
She didn't wait to learn the answer. Realizing Zuko wasn't going to fail on his own, she took matters into her own hands and attempted assassination.
She was captured and thrown in prison.
XxXxXxXx
Sitting in a dark, cold cell, Azula cursed her failure for the millionth time. How could she fail? She always succeeded, no matter what she was doing!
Someone must have betrayed her.
"Mai," she thought. "She's always been fond of Zuko."
So she cursed her stupidity for trusting Mai, vowing to never speak of her plans to anyone else.
"You have a visitor," one of the guards said. Azula looked up, then narrowed her eyes when she saw the face of her guest through the small, barred opening on her door.
"Zuko."
"Hello, Azula," he said calmly, as though there were no ill feelings between them.
"What do you want?" she demanded.
"To talk," he said. "I realize you're probably confused by my choices, just as I am by yours."
Azula said nothing, keeping her glare fixed on him as she waited for him to continue.
"I chose to marry Katara because I love her. I don't care where she's from. She's beautiful, and kind, and smart, and-" Zuko stopped when his sister began making gagging noises. "Anyway. I love her for her, and nothing can change that. I think that's what happened with everyone else; they saw what was inside of her and learned to appreciate it."
Azula rolled her eyes. "Oh please, Zuzu, spare me the sentimental fluff."
He continued as though uninterrupted. "If it were my choice, you wouldn't be in here. You'd be free to see what's so wonderful about Katara. About everyone. But the court won't allow it, and I'm okay that. Because I'm finally happy, and I've finally discovered who I am and what real peace and harmony is."
Then he left without saying or hearing another word.
Azula stayed in her cell, his words echoing annoyingly through her head.
Author's Notes: I think this is my first Azula-centric, isn't it? I hope I kept her in character. x.x
What do you guys think?
Disclaimer: I do not own 'Avatar' or any of its characters.
