I thank those who have reviewed so far! EverleafOwl especially. Go R&R her story! ;) Thank you Logan for reviewing also! Make a darn profile already!
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Meanwhile, Katara, Sokka, and Toph were nearing Azula's house. Zuko was still tied down in the bed of the truck.
"What do you think Azula will do to him first?" Asked Toph.
"I don't know, maybe she'll use him for target practice when she's playing darts," said Sokka.
"Would you two just shut up and let me drive this thing?!" Yelled Katara.
"Woah, cool it, sis. I thought you were the one who had this idea in the first place," said Sokka.
"Yes, it was my idea, but all I want to happen to Zuko is for him to be dead, and Azula is the only person I know who would kill him willingly!" Katara declared. "I doubt she'll prolong the process by playing childish games with him."
Zuko could hear what they were saying, so he was actually pretty scared. He knew how powerful Azula had gotten over the years. She could definitely beat him with her blue flames. Zuko was worried for Aang also. He had no idea where he was, but he did know that Mai was not one to forgive people very easily.
As the group approached Azula's mansion, they could see how creepy the place was. It had sparse greenery and there were jagged rocks all over. It appeared that nothing had changed since Zuko had last visited, unfortunately.
When Katara pulled the truck into the driveway, Azula was standing on the porch with fire in her hands!
"Where is he?" Azula asked.
"Right here," Katara said, dragging Zuko out of the pickup by the collar.
"Oh, Zuzu, you look darling. Too bad I'm going to kill you!" Azula said beginning to cackle loudly.
Katara went over to Azula and whispered, "Make sure he's dead. The fucking queer also upset your friend Mai very much, you know."
"Oh, don't you worry. I'll take care of him," Azula said as she grinned, increasing the size of her blue flames. Her rage was clearly showing also.
Shortly after their little conversation, the three friends left the banished prince in the care of the wicked Azula... Or at least she was wicked...
The first thing she did was untie her brother.
"Why did you do that?" Zuko asked in surprise.
"Just come inside and sit down. I want to talk to you," she insisted.
Zuko followed Azula inside, still very confused about what was going on. He could already tell that something was different about her, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.
Could she have changed? Zuko thought.
When they were both inside, sitting in Azula's living room overlooking the fiery sea, Zuko asked,
"Where are all your servants?"
"I fired them," she replied. "I can manage on my own, so I don't need to put people out anymore than I already have," she added.
"Th-thats so unlike you. This had better not be any kind of trick!" Zuko stated.
"Zuko, I'm not going to kill you. I know I told Katara I would, but I can't." Azula admitted.
"B-but why? You've wanted to kill me ever since father banished me," Zuko asked.
"Do you really love Aang, Zuko? Do you really love him?" Azula asked sincerely.
"I do. I've never felt this way about anyone in my entire life. I would do anything to just be with him, Azula. I love him so much." Zuko was speaking very seriously and passionately, and he was careful choosing each word. "My relationship with Mai was a complete illusion. But, you still haven't answered my question: Why aren't you going to kill me?"
"You've finally found true love, Zuko. I can tell. I couldn't kill you. It wouldn't even be possible. You're my brother and I love you," Azula said. "I-I'm so sorry I've treated you so horribly over the past few years. There's nothing I could do to ever make up for that," she said.
Zuko went over and gave Azula a hug. It was something he hadn't done since he was just a little boy. Azula didn't even know how to react at first, but she hugged him right back as soon as she realized that Zuko understood her.
"Zuko... I'm so sorry," Azula said as tears began to roll down her cheeks. "I was wrong to have treated you the way I did. That's why I decided to start fresh by taking care of myself and not using the people of the Fire Nation to serve me. I can't believe I was so selfish." Azula was speaking from her heart. It was as clear as day that she truly had changed. For the better. It showed in her eyes. They had softened, and they were no longer full of rage.
"I don't know why it took me so long to realize," she added.
"Its okay, Azula," Zuko said.
"Zuko, true love is very special. I've never experienced it myself, though. I don't even know how to love someone anymore, but you've helped me realize where I went wrong. Please take care of Aang. If you truly love him, you'll fight for him. You'll do anything to have him back in your arms," Azula said.
"But, things like this do happen; bumps in the road. That's when you should be able to turn to your family for help. I'm here for you, and I'll help you get Aang back. Mai has sent him to a very bad place. Very, very bad, I'm afraid."
"What?! We need to leave-NOW!" Exclaimed Zuko.
"Let's go catch an avatar!" Azula shouted.
...
So you've finally learned to love, Zuko, Azula thought as she actually began to smile; a smile from the heart.
R&R :)