Okay, new chapter but this one is formatted differently so pay attention to this symbols separating different sections so you don't get confused. xD

Erm...to answer some reviews:

Marze09-you'll find out what the one more thing is this chapter.^^

Blue Lion-I'm going into detail about Iroh's suggestion...next chapter I believe xD and I can't say anything about Lady Grey. Ya'll will find out who she is in time, towards this end of the story.

Thank you everyone else for Reviewing anddddd...

Read and Enjoy^^

That one more thing huh…

Azula silently traced the battered spine of the book resting in her lap. That one more thing the blind woman was alluding to- translated into a ream of paper filled with carefully scrawled script and bound with leather. The crass earthbender had procured a small stack of journals, all crafted in the same fashion for her to read. After flipping through the first few pages the familiar loopy letters made her blink: It was in Ty Lee's handwriting.

Her amber gaze reverently drank in the light scrivening, her hands trembling as they ghosted over the page. Skimming over the words was invigorating, and at the same time it was harrowing. Ty Lee's voice echoed in every sentence, in every poorly worded phrase and seeing the familiar scrawl, hearing the acrobat's light hearted mannerisms ensnare her through the pages was hell. She could almost feel Ty Lee's presence in the room when she read, and the duality of her emotions surrounding the acrobat surprised and aggravated her.

On the one hand she just wanted to forget her, and the mere thought of Ty Lee filled her with absolute dread and irrational anger. She despised her. On the other hand she wanted nothing more than to see her alive again. Azula scowled, and carefully closed the journal sitting in her lap.

She was truly pathetic.

"Those were found in Ty Lee's house." The blind earthbender-[Toph was it?] piped up from the corner of the room. Azula had trouble seeing her because of the poor lighting, but the woman's voice was clear and audible in the condensed space of the room. "Ty Lee said she'd show them to you one day if she saw you again, and since she's gone we decided to give them to you…it's your right."

Azula almost laughed.

Rights were not guaranteed. Her rights had been impeded on for years, and the only certainty, the only indefeasible truth in her life was this: Rights were meant to be revoked—anything that was meant to be undeniably hers was just another thing to be taken away. It was a hard learned lesson but one she would not be forgetting anytime soon.

Discouraged by her uncompromising silence, Toph sighed, and blew a few unruly strands of hair from her face. "Those journals should have some of the answers you seek…maybe you should read a few to pass the time, and while you're doing that-I'm going out for a bit. Lady Grey said she needed to discuss something with me. You'll be okay by yourself?" She asked, her tone hesitant like inquiring about Azula's needs left a sour taste in her mouth.

Azula rolled her eyes.

Pity, despite the earthbender's apparent growth and inherent social status she still practiced bad habits-coming when called like a well trained cur.

The Former Fire Nation princess waved her off lazily, an obvious dismissal and turned her attention back to the journal she was clenching in her hands. At the edge of her vision she saw the earthbender take her silence as an unspoken yes since the blindwoman couldn't actually see the crude gesture Azula used to get rid of her. When Toph left the room, she heard quiet footsteps get up and follow her. She didn't have to look up to know the were-jaguar had faithfully followed his master out into the hallway.

She relaxed fully into her futon, the tension bleeding out of her as their steps faded into silence. With no one to scrutinize her, and nothing but her own stubborn pride to obstruct her she slowly re-opened the journal, her body traitorously ignoring her mind.

The first line alone enthralled her.

Dear 'Zula,

She blinked re-reading the heading a few times, a frown creeping over her features. Ty Lee was writing to her?

The acrobat was strange, and known for being obtuse, but this was odd even for her.

Curiosity killed the cat, her mind warned her. Her eyes narrowed at the words on the page, as she finished the children's rhyme snidely.

But satisfaction brought it back. Steeling herself-she continued to read.

Agni, it feels odd speaking to you this way. I decided to keep a journal because truthfully-I don't have anyone to confide in, and I'm tired of talking to the walls. You can only hold so many conversations with them before you realize how lonely you are…I addressed all the entries to you because well-You're all I have 'Zula and even though things are different I still think you're the only one I can talk too. I mean-I can't really talk to you because you're in a cell, and won't stop screaming at everyone, but this counts as talking right? It's the only form of communication I have with you-you know? Did you know Zuko finally released me from prison, and has me on a "conditional parole," so as long as I behave myself….I'm not sure what that means, but I think I'm getting my old station back…

I #()$*& )#*($ #)_ (#_$ &#$(* #_$& #*$( _#$& #(*$ (_#*$&

Flashback in Ty Lee's Pov (1 year after the war's end)

Ty Lee bit her lower lip anxiously, chewing on the captured lip as she twined her hands fretfully in front of her. She'd been in prison for just over a year, dutifully paying the Fire Nation back for her crimes against the state. Her life had become one long series of scheduled activities packed on top of each other. Each morning she'd rise at the crack of dawn, the first rays of the sun piercing the gloomy darkness blanketing her cell. She would eat a sparse breakfast of dry flat bread and water then be instructed to move around for awhile to prevent muscle damage. Then every day after her breakfast and her workout routine she was stripped down and thoroughly searched so she wouldn't be tempted to hide or craft a weapon to escape with. At night she was searched again just to be certain she wasn't hiding anything. Every other day, like clockwork she was taken out of her cell to bathe, and her cell was systematically cleansed of filth while she was being hosed down. On the last day of every week a licensed physician came and assessed her mental health, scribbling down her answers as she spilled her metaphorical guts out to him.

She wasn't overly fond of her physician-Mr. Wong. The dissecting look he gave her made her skin crawl, but talking to a live person did wonders for her nerves.

She'd been in a cell for a long time, babbling endlessly to herself, and to the stoic soldiers guarding her to pass the time. She'd talk till her voice was hoarse just to remind herself she wasn't completely isolated. She hated being alone, and longed for human contact again. However despite how much she yearned to be around people, and despite how much she missed her old friends she had gotten used to the solitude. It provided a measure of comfort that she couldn't glean from high society in the Fire Nation. It was almost a relief to have no expectations placed on her, and no overzealous nobles bearing down on her for one reason or another. To be frank- her current lifestyle provided her with more security than she'd ever been gifted with before, despite being lonely and stressful.

That's why today-when the cycle of monotony was broken, and her breakfast wasn't brought on schedule she became worried. She had come to rely on the carefully structured regime that governed her every day life.

What was going on?

To her surprise seconds after this thought surfaced in her mind, two armor plated guards invaded her cell, dragging her to her feet. "Come with us." One of the soldiers said gruffly, his voice muffled by his honorary face mask. Ty Lee stumbled to her feet, her chains clinking dismally in the cell as they forced her outside of the confines of her prison. She tried to keep in step with the guards herding her from the room. Her eyes wide, and her breathing labored, she struggled to keep calm as they shoved her-none too gently into a side hallway.

What did they want with her?

They bypassed all the usual spots she was allowed to go: Which was limited to the physician's office, and a mess room in which she was hosed down when she needed to clean.

She was shocked when they unceremoniously deposited her at the public bath house, and she was vigorously scrubbed down, and made presentable. She was swarmed by beauticians and stringent Palace servants who went to work in transforming her feral appearance. Her nails were clipped and polished. Her mane of furiously matted hair was tamed, combed until each strand was glossy, and could be woven into her signature braid. Her tattered cloths were discarded and burned, only to be replaced by red silk.

She hadn't felt that crisp and clean in a long time.

But the list of surprises did not end there.

As soon as her abhorrent appearance was taken care of-she was promptly led to the throne room. She was seriously unprepared for the people waiting for her there. A year in solitude ruined whatever control she had over masking her feelings so her shock was plainly visible on her face. Upon entering the well furnished room she was greeted by a familiar unyielding stare. Mai's cold onyx gaze bored into her, as comforting as it was chilling. Next to her was her Lord Husband, prince Zuko-Now Firelord Zuko who mirrored his wife's expression down to the little crinkle at the corner of her mouth.

This led Ty Lee to now, and why she was chewing vigorously on her bottom lip, and unable to sit still. She felt exposed and uncertain under the weight of their stares. Dipping her head at Mai than at Zuko she did a hurried a half-bow, placing her clenched fist into her open palm as all the previous years of etiquette and appropriate behavior rushed back to her.

"Relax Ty Lee. There's no need for such formality." Mai chuckled, a foreign expression of happiness on her face.

Um, what?

Ty Lee risked a glance at her old friend, thoroughly unsettled by her attitude. She was used to Mai being pessimistic and dispirited. It was a rare moment indeed to see the jaded woman let go of her reserve. Marriage suited her, it seemed. However, despite her taking a friendly stance, Ty Lee was not sure where she stood with weapon's mistress. She had minimal contact from the outside world in prison, and rarely saw Mai while she was confined to her cell. When she did see the new Fire Lady the visits were brief and impersonal. They didn't talk about anything relevant and Mai left when the rapid flow of words between them began to dwindle. Ty Lee found herself reduced to a human sponge-she absorbed whatever Mai had to say, and was purposefully ignored when she needed to expunge her own burdens. Mai was always more focused on her own affairs, remarking how difficult her relationship with Zuko was, and how exhausting the position of Fire Lady made her.

A lot had changed in a year, she thought bitterly.

After awhile Ty Lee found herself resenting her old friend. Unlike everyone else who was still paying for their crimes against the Fire Nation, and against humanity as the courts so quaintly put it, Mai had never been subject to the same level of punishment as the rest of the war criminals. Zuko was terribly biased, and his romantic feelings towards her moved him to grant her leniency.

In the aftermath of the war, while Ty Lee and Azula were left to rot-Mai flourished.

The unfairness of it all grated on her, but at the same time mollified her. At least one of them escaped prison.

She stiffly stood up from her bow, looking warily between the two monarchs. "If you say so milady." She said rigidly, unsure of what reaction they were looking for. Why did they summon her now-after all this time?

"Ty Lee you can relax. We're just here to talk." Zuko's voice washed over, his tone low and soothing like she was an excitable steed that would frighten at any sudden moves or loud noises. Ty Lee shifted uncomfortably from foot to foot, and released her captured lip unsure of how to proceed. She was conflicted, and a tad terrified.

"What about?" She asked carefully, searching their expressions.

"We're here to talk about you." Mai said archly, a small grin quirking her lips.

Once again, seeing Mai smile was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and Ty Lee was oddly affected by it. It worried her because everything Mai did was carefully thought out, and her emotions were never unveiled carelessly. Even happiness was a tentative feeling that might have more subtle meaning behind it.

"Oh?" She asked breathlessly, her hands fidgeting in her silk shirt again.

Zuko swooped into the conversation again, letting his chin rest on his knuckles as he peered down at her, amusement shining in his onyx eyes. "Yes, it's come to my attention that you've been in a prison a year without ever causing a problem. Mai has told me you're an exemplary inmate, and that given your crimes-and their severity we should grant you a provisional release. In her words-your actions were no more treacherous than hers, so you should be granted the same measure of leniency."

Her nose scrunched in confusion.

She wasn't the most astute person in the world, but even if she hadn't been alone for a year she would still have trouble understanding what Zuko was saying.

"I'm sorry-what?" She asked, completely bewildered.

"We're releasing you. As of right now you're on provisionary probation. You will have your old status, and title back. You'll even be granted a small settlement but you will be under constant watch to make sure you're not doing anything that might reflect badly on your station, or endanger someone. " He repeated himself in laymen's terms, his scars creasing as he sent her a reassuring grin.

Ty Lee gaped at him-unable to stop herself from drowning in her emotions-the all encompassing one being shock.

Was he serious? She was actually free.

The news stunned her into silence.

"What's wrong Ty Lee? Cat got your tongue?" Mai teased lightly.

Hardy har har.

Ty Lee closed her mouth, realizing how undignified she looked staring disbelievingly at them. "I…I don't know what to say." She stated finally, her voice quiet and thoughtful. The prospect of freedom hadn't crossed her mind in months. She had accepted her fate, and thought she would be a prisoner for years. She deserved to suffer a bit for participating in the war. Personally, her body count was low-she never killed unless it was necessary, but her actions had inadvertently caused the deaths of hundreds. She wasn't sure she had earned the right to be a free woman, especially when Azula wasn't granted the same liberty.

Azula…

"Say anything. A thank you might be appropriate though." Zuko laughed at her look of discomfort.

Ty Lee ceased her fidgeting, twining her fingers together and peered gratefully at the two rulers in front of her. "Thank you." She murmured a genuine smile stretching across her features. She cleared her throat to make sure she still carried their attention. "If I'm really free to do as I please-I have a request as well." She declared boldly.

"Name it." Mai said, leaning forward in interest.

Ty Lee inhaled shakily.

She wanted to go see Azula….

#(*$ #(%* #(%)*Y #%& #)(%*& )#(*%& #(%*& #_%*( #)%* )#(%&

An hour later Ty Lee found herself being guided down a long dark hallway. Zuko had been reluctant to grant her request, but eventually with soft prompting from Mai he had agreed to let Ty Lee see the former princess. He had warned her that Azula's mind was fragile, and mentioned that his sister was only a shell of what she once was. Odds are Azula would not even recognize her.

Ty Lee wanted to see her anyways.

Demurely, she followed the guard presented to her, her steps echoing eerily against the stone floor. She had never been in this particular section of the palace-with good reason. This place was daunting. They hadn't even reached the necessary floor, because they were still traversing through the narrow hallway. The hall itself was scantily decorated-and the floors were heavily scarred with the ephemeral path carved by thousands of heavy metal boots that trotted over its uneven surface everyday. It was hard to believe people chose to tread down these halls.

However, she was making the same journey for the same exact reason they had: To see the former Fire Nation princess. She had heard rumors of a floor dedicated expressly to certain prisoners. Only nobility guilty of the most heinous of crimes resided in the Palace prison-Azula fell into that category.

Ty Lee wondered if her old friend had faired better than she had…

"This is my stop. The princess is just past that door." The guard regarded her silently for a second, most likely trying to see if she would lose her nerve and turn back. Ty Lee returned his gaze, her own hazel eyes bright and unworried.

She could never fear Azula.

He sighed disparagingly and cracked open the door for her, inclining his head towards the poorly lit room just beyond the threshold. Ty Lee made a face, and did a silly half salute at him. No response. Not even a twitch. Un-amused by her antics, the guard stared at her with a strange expression. "Be back in a bit." Ty Lee crooned, patting him familiarly on the shoulder guard.

She brushed past the startled soldier, striding into the darkness.

Azula.

Azula.

Azula.

The name spun around in her mind like a tourniquet, teasing her consciousness with images of the Fire princess in all her inherent glory. The last time she saw Azula she was beautiful in her mastery of herself and her surroundings, and her raw power was unparalleled. The Azula of old was divine. Ty Lee sighed wistfully and shooed the images away, realizing how unrealistic they were.

Things change.

People change.

Azula had changed irrevocably.

Ty Lee mentally steeled herself for the upcoming meeting as she delved deeper into the unknown prison level. As she walked down the row of empty cages, she was drawn out of her thoughts paying more attention to her surroundings. Admittedly the first thing that made her steps falter was the terrible stench infused in every square inch of the room. It was the type of odor that infused itself in the air, and would cling to one's clothes long after they left the vicinity. As she approached the final cage the smell grew in potency and she stopped breathing through her nose completely.

"Azula?" She said the name plaintively not sure what would arise from the confines of the cage at her call.

Peering into the cage, she blinked as her eyes perused the shadows. There was evidence of someone living there. A cot lay spread out by the bars of the cage, and a small pile of clothes bundled at the end of the sleeping cot were crumpled in a ball like they were used recently than carelessly thrown aside. A sudden movement in the darkest corner of the cage made Ty Lee inched closer to the bars to try and distinguish what was human and what was waste.

'Zula?" She asked again, her voice sounding loud and shrill as it echoed in the narrow space.

Wild amber eyes opened immediately. They darted around the room looking for an intruder and when they landed on Ty Lee they lingered, narrowing in a cold calculating manner.

Ty Lee gulped under the weight of that apathetic stare. Even now Azula had a remarkable effect on her. She felt like she couldn't breathe. She always felt like this in her presence-like a moth drawn to flame. She was weak to Azula's pull, to the irresistible tug that made her crave the princess' company. However, lost in the firebender's thrall, she was able to ignore the danger Azula represented. Intuitively, Ty Lee knew that everytime she came closer to Azula, everytime she evoked some type of emotion from her, only solidified the pain in her future.

She was going to get burned.

Azula knew no other way.

"Hey 'Zula." She greeted her softly, stepping closer to the cage.

There was a gentle scraping sound before wordlessly, a tall spindly figure separated herself from the shadows. Ty Lee watched her lips thinning into a line as she tried to suppress her horror, and awe as Azula's monstrous appearance became visible to her. Clearly, in the past year of imprisonment they had been treated differently. Ty Lee had been a tad dirty, and underfed but she was treated well. Azula on the other hand, had received no such luxuries.

The princesses' once pristine appearance was now something anyone could gawk at. Her hair was unusually long and unkempt, streaming down her back like a waterfall, and stopping at the hollow of her hip. She was significantly skinner than she had been a year ago, her ribs just barely visible beneath her skin. That told Ty Lee that Azula wasn't eating, or the soldiers weren't feeding her properly-either action was plausible considering how stubborn Fire Nation natives tended to be. Unable to stifle a quiet sigh, her eyes continued to rove over the former princess' petite form, marking all of her other changes with a critical eye.

Her clothes were in tatters, hanging limply off her narrow frame, and beneath the thin layer of dirt covering her knobby form dried blood was caked firmly to Azula's pale skin. Her nails were unnaturally long, giving the impression she hadn't bothered with maintenance in a long time.

To top of her unruly appearance-Her amber gaze held an animalistic edge, that wasn't there before, and beneath her eyes dark circles gave credence to the idea that Azula wasn't fully herself.

When was the last time she slept, Ty Lee wondered, internalizing her worry because she knew Azula would neither accept nor acknowledge it. To the Fire princess worrying about her was synonymous with pitying her.

Pitying Azula was an unforgivable insult.

She edged nearer, holding her breath. She was close enough to touch the firebender now, but the look she was receiving stopped her in her tracks. Azula was glaring at her like she was the most vile thing she'd ever seen. Ty Lee felt incredibly small under a gaze filled with such intense hatred, but refused to let it intimidate her. Nothing would corral her from Azula's prison.

She missed the princess far too much in the last several months.

She held out a hand, shifting so she could reach through the bars. Her fingers slipped past the cool metal and just when they would have made contact with Azula's flawless skin, a clawed hand shot out, encircling her wrist, and preventing her from moving.

She stared fearlessly at Azula, who held her in a vice-like grip, and was met with a condescending look in return for her moment of bravery. Then to her utter astonishment the Fire princess erupted into spontaneous laughter. As she continued to cackle, Ty Lee couldn't help but wince at the bitter sound. It wasn't amusement coloring her tone: No, this loud boisterous laughter was chilling.

She wondered what Azula found so dreadful.

"I thought I was done seeing you." The Fire princess said bitterly, her voice harsh and brittle as she dug her nails into Ty Lee's forearm. The acrobat bit her tongue, holding back a wince of pain. She hadn't the faintest idea what Azula was talking about. She'd never visited her before today. It was beyond her ability, in the confines of her own cell. The confusion on her face must have showed because the crazed look in Azula's eye only sharpened.

She dropped Ty Lee's wrist in disgust, taking several steps back from the bars of the cage. "This is getting old. I'm tired of hearing the same voices, and seeing the same traitors every day. You're despicable. All of you are the same. Traitorous, disloyal sacks of meat. You don't deserve to breathe the same air as me." She snarled, her dull ivory teeth flashing at Ty Lee in the dim light of the room.

Ty Lee blinked her mouth dropping open. Azula was hallucinating, raving about voices and traitors. Did her defeat traumatize her that much? She didn't think it was possible for Azula's logical mind to desert her. The Fire Princess had possessed one of the keenest minds of her generation, but this broken woman in front of her could hardly form a coherent sentence. Had Azula succumbed to madness? Or was the weight of her genius finally burying her?

"Azula…" She trailed off quietly, unsure of what she wanted to say.

What could she say?

"You." Azula gnashed her teeth together, tilting her head to the side as Ty Lee's voice filtered to her. "You are the most despicable traitor of them all. Hiding your treachery behind a smile, waiting for your opportunity to strike. YOU CAUSED ALL OF THIS. IF IT WEREN'T FOR YOU-I'D BE SITTING ON THE THRONE THAT IS RIGHTFULLY MINE. MINE. STOP TAUNTING ME AND TORTURING ME WITH YOUR PRESENCE. I'M TIRED OF LISTENING TO YOU. EVERY WORD FROM YOUR MOUTH IS A LIE. GET OUT." Azula screamed throwing herself violently against the bars of her cage, as if she could bypass the metal separating them and throttle Ty Lee herself.

The Acrobat flinched drawing back from the cage, her eyes wide. "Azula…" She protested weakly.

"AGNI'S TITS, LEAVE ME ALONE. I WANT NOTHING TO DO WITH YOU. TRAITORS. TRAITORS." Azula's shrill curse roused the guard stationed outside the prison. Seconds later Ty Lee heard the soldier's heavy footsteps as he raced down the row of cages in her direction, anxious to remove her from the crazed princesses' presence.

Ty Lee's gaze burned with unshed tears, and she didn't fight the guard as he dragged her away from the cage. Her eyes downcast, she submissively let him take her out of the room. She was far too drained to object. Azula's infuriated screams followed her all the way to the hallway, and she knew without a doubt that some mirage-some cruel apparition of her, and of every person that had ever wronged Azula had been tormenting the princess for months. Azula was lashing out at her, and everyone else that had caused her to suffer needlessly.

Recalling the princesses' agonized expression sent a fresh wave of guilt and remorse rippling through Ty Lee's tired body.

You are the most despicable traitor of them all. Hiding your treachery behind a smile, waiting for your opportunity to strike.

What had she done?

"I'm so sorry 'Zula."

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (Journal Entry over) xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxX

I never meant to hurt you Azula…I'm so sorry.

Azula finished the last line of the page, and carefully closed the journal. Ty Lee had recounted their first meeting after a year of separation vividly. She couldn't say she recalled the incident with the same candor. She couldn't remember much about that time. Her memory was fuzzy and unreliable. She knew she was infuriated with everyone back then, Ty Lee included, and that she'd frequently see images of the people who had betrayed her in her mind. It became impossible to discern reality from her own fractured dreams-so she contented herself by striking out at everyone, imagined or not.

The incident Ty Lee wrote about was nothing more than a fragmented assortment of images she couldn't piece together. She had assumed Ty Lee was a dream at the time, and dismissed the whole event. Now she was getting a different impression of what happened.

The first thing Ty Lee had asked for upon receiving her provisional probation was to see Azula. Why? It made no sense. She could have asked for anything else, but instead she asked to see her, and wasn't perturbed when Azula snapped at her. Not for the first time that day-Azula wished Ty Lee was alive so she could have someone to direct her ire at.

Why did Ty Lee persist in complicating things, even from the grave?

"You have a good read?"

Azula started, her amber eyes darting to the entranceway. Toph was leaning against the doorframe staring blankly in her direction. A cheeky grin stretched across the earthbender's face which made Azula think something was awry. She'd only seen the earthbender smile when she was saying something biting or sarcastic. Her gaze fell to the object clenched protectively towards the blind woman's chest. Further inspection told her a new satchel was in her hands. She didn't particularly care what was in there. Her gaze flew back up to Toph's face to glare at her. How did she slip into the doorway without Azula noticing her? Very few people were capable of sneaking up on her and earthbender's weren't known for their stealth. She must have been engrossed in reading. How many hours had she wasted over this journal?

Keeping her silence, she didn't dignify Toph with an answer hoping the useless female would take the hint and leave.

Of course the earthbender, instead took that as an invitation to sit down. Azula scowled at her.

"That good huh. Bet you learned something interesting." Toph plopped onto the ground leaning against the wall behind her. She dumped the satchel on the ground beside her and shifted so she was sitting Indian style. She had no trouble getting comfortable in the dirt it seemed. She was on the opposite end of the room from her, and Azula still felt there was not enough space between them. She detested this blind woman: She wasn't subtle at all, and lacked any sort of refined skills to speak of. Her mannerisms were that of an ignorant peasant, or a barbaric noble and she was far too perceptive for her own good.

Toph spoke again, and Azula watched the impending verbal shipwreck with narrowed eyes.

"She really cared about you-"

"Stop." She interrupted the blind woman her tone icy and unforgiving. She wasn't in the mood for this, and crossing the metaphorical line was grounds to be burned alive. "Leave it alone." She said tiredly, her voice lacking its usual severity. Ty Lee wasn't up for discussion.

"Just making friendly conversation." The earthbender shrugged falling silent.

Azula quirked a disbelieving eyebrow at her. "I don't have a leg to speak on in regards to this subject-but last time I checked friendly conversation was supposed to be harmless. You are digging for something that's none of your business. Why don't you worry about your own meaningless existence and let me worry about mine? Hrm? " She sneered, forgetting for a moment that this blind woman had the advantage over her, information wise and in terms of physical strength. Azula could not even move without help and she was picking a fight with another master bender.

It was galling how little she could do here.

Toph must have noticed the irony in the situation as well, because much to Azula's chagrin, the blind woman let an amused snicker escape her lips. "Hate to break it to you princess, but since I helped free you from that hell hole-you are my business. If you want to get technical, Ty Lee's death made you my business. Personally-I can't stand you, and I know you don't exactly have warm fuzzy feelings for me, but as of right now-you're stuck with me." She stated noncommittally shaking her head. Then to purposefully annoy Azula to the point of speechlessness the earthbender sat back in the dirt, placing her hands behind her head, and closed her eyes, feigning sleep.

Azula's scowl darkened even further.

This woman's impudence was astounding.

She didn't care how late the hour was, she wasn't one to be tested like this.

"Cretinous filth." She said snidely, flashing the blind woman a superior look that she'd never see. "I don't need you." She said coldly, her amber eyes darkening so they could coalesce with her annoyance.

"Perhaps not, but I'm not going anywhere, and neither are you. You're in my house till you recover. In fact, I'm taking you to see a physician in the morning so we'll be spending even more time together. " Azula's jaw clenched at the stubborn and overtly sarcastic response. With all the dignity she could muster she turned away from the blind woman, so she was facing the opposite direction. Precariously she lowered herself to the Futon so she was lying on her side, and ignored the mind numbing pain lacing through her limbs at the action. Moving still caused her an immense amount of discomfort.

Before she allowed herself the novelty of sleep, she placed the journal she'd been reading under her pillow. She'd pick up where she'd left off tomorrow. As she became accustomed to the darkness, exhaustion invaded her limbs, and after the trying day she had Azula found herself easily drifting into sleep. Before her dreams fully claimed her though she heard Toph's quietly murmured words.

"Maybe one of these days I'll figure out why Ty Lee was so attached to you…cuz right now I'm not seeing it."

Truthfully, she wasn't either.

Azula's thought process was that: Ty Lee simply had poor tastes in friends.

No, she rationalized remembering the chaste kiss Ty Lee had left her with. Her lips tingled at the memory. Ty Lee just craved too much closeness. You don't befriend something that can burn you. Her last traitorous thought before she fell asleep that cemented her own feelings ghosted across her mind. If Ty Lee hadn't met her, she'd be alive, and Azula wouldn't be tormented by her death.

Ha. Ozai said she was lucky…

Another lie. Her life was a cornucopia of well told lies. They overran everything, and built an impenetrable fortress around her-a fortress that was finally crumbling. She wasn't lucky. She wasn't all powerful. She had no control over anything, even her useless limbs. Ozai propped her up on a pedestal with no way to keep her there, and she hated him for it. Her entire family practiced lying in this way: It was second nature to them. It was a way of life- Zuzu, Ozai, Iroh, they were all innately the same built with the same building blocks. Ursa, the one woman she loathed indefinitely, the one responsible for the most terrible lies of all, was also responsible for the cruelest truth in her life:

Everything she touched shattered.

Okay end of the chapter. Next time I'm going to have integrate Zuko, Iroh, Katara and Sokka into the chapter which means the next update is going to be extremely long, since there will be another journal entry in it as well x.x

Any comments? Questions? What'd you think? xD