Avatar the last Airbender/ The Legend of Korra What If
(Disclaimer I do not own Atla or Lok)
(Inspired by Lyondor's story "The Avatar and the Fire Nation Princess" from archive of our own)
(This is an adaptation fanfiction with a different direction for the story that I am writing)
Azula narrates the opening sequence
"Water. Earth. Fire. Air. My mother use to tell me stories about the old days, a time of peace when the Avatar kept balance between the Water Tribes, Earth Kingdom, Fire Nation, and Air Nomads. But all that change when the Fire Nation attacked. Only the Avatar mastered all four elements. Only he could stop the ruthless firebenders. But when the world needed him most, he vanished. A hundred years have passed, and the Fire Nation is nearing victory in the War. I used to believe in the Fire Nation and its cause, but that all changed when I met a young girl who I would soon discover is the new Avatar. Her name is Korra and she and I would go on a journey that would change both of our lives forever. A journey to restore peace and to save the world from the Fire Nation."
Korra is scared, not because she was locked in a small cage, but because she was now being taken through the Fire Nation by a couple guards in a carriage. Ever since she was taken away from her friends and family a year ago, she had so many thoughts running through her mind on what would happen to her.
"Where are they taking me." Korra thought to herself while trying to adjust herself in the small cage. It didn't help that she was also chained to her wrist and ankles, which made it painful to move around. Korra tried to put on a brave face, but it didn't last long as the guards kept giving her an intimidating look every time they looked at her. After what seemed like an eternity they arrived at their destination. Korra got a quick look at the place and realized where she was. It was the Fire Nation Palace and she couldn't believe the sight of it. As the carriage entered through the gates Korra looked and saw four people standing in front of the steps of the Palace. Korra's widened and realized what was happening in that very moment. The guards were going to sell her to the royal family as their slave.
Korra's heart began to race and felt like she was going to have a panic attack. However, one of the guards notice this and yelled at her saying "Hey quit whining." The guard said as he ignited a flame in his hand threatening Korra if she didn't stop. Korra did what she was told and calmed down and the guard extinguish the flame from his hand. When the carriage came to a stop two of the guards unlocked Korra's cage and forced her out and made her approach the royal family. One guard spoke to a man who would one day become the Fire Lord. The two began to speak to each other. "Greetings, prince Ozai." The guard said while bowing to him. "Greetings fellow soldier, I see you have brought us a gift." Ozai said in a commanding voice. "Yes sir, as you requested we have brought you a water tribe slave from the South Pole." The guard explained. While they were talking Korra got a glance of the family, the man called Ozai was a tall intimidating man with an evil look on his face. The woman next to him was princess Ursa and based on how she looked Korra could tell she was nothing like Ozai. Her face showed kindness but also sadness, Korra could tell from Ursa's expression that she did not approve of this one bit. The last two people Korra saw were two children that looked to be around the same age as her. One was a young boy that stood next to the mother while the other was a little girl that stood next to the father.
After Korra stopped looking at them the girl next to Ozai spoke.
"Father can I please have her now?" Azula said with devious grin on her face. "Of course daughter, after all she's your personal slave now." Ozai said, Korra was completely terrified in that moment. Not only was she being sold as a slave, but her life was now being placed in the hands of another child. Korra could do nothing as the two guards pushed her forward in front of Azula. Princess Ursa could tell that the water tribe girl was scared. She wanted to say something to Ozai and tell him that this was inhumane, but she couldn't bring up the courage to do so. She instead took Zuko's hand and left the scene saying. "I'm sorry, but Zuko and I forgot to feed the turtle ducks this morning." However, her son responded by saying "But mom we already…." Before Zuko could finish his sentence he was interrupted by his mother who said "Shh." As she place placed a finger in front of her lips telling him to stay quiet. As they both left the area the last thing Ursa thought to herself was "How could Ozai allow this. Letting Azula own a slave is awful and now I fear what my daughter will do to the poor thing." Ursa was lost in thought that her son interrupted her saying "mother are you alright?" Zuko said. Princess Ursa looked at her son and even though she didn't want to upset her son she had to be honest and replied "No…no I am not." Princess Ursa then kneeled down and hugged Zuko. Zuko could tell she meant what she said and tried to comfort her by hugging back. Zuko deep down knew it had something to do with Azula getting a slave. He didn't like it either but Zuko knew there was nothing he could do right now in the moment.
Back with Ozai and Azula, Korra felt nervous around the princess, because she didn't know what to expect from her. Azula then started speaking to her "What's your name slave?" she said, Korra replied "My name is….Korra." Before Korra could react she was punched in the stomach and fell to the ground, "Consider this your welcome to the Fire Nation. From now on you will do exactly what I say and if you disobey me you will be punished." Azula explained. Korra felt fresh tears coming out of her eyes, and before she could do anything Azula kicked her in the back forcing her to get up. "Let's go over a few rules first. Rule number one no crying, Rule number two never speak unless I say you are allowed to, Rule number three there will be no breaks except when I say you can have one, and Rule number four no fighting back or else you'll be punished. Do I make myself clear." Azula asked. Korra gave a quick nod and Azula gave a smile saying "Good." After that the guards placed a collar around Korra's neck with a leash attached to it. Korra could barley breathe with the thing on and it was too tight around her neck the guards gave the leash to Azula and after that they bowed one last time and said. "Thank you for accepting our gift prince Ozai." The guards said. Ozai replied by saying "My pleasure." The guards then got back on the carriage and left the Fire Nation Palace. Ozai turned to his daughter and said "Enjoy your present Azula." Azula replied with a smile saying "Thank you father this is the best birthday present I've ever gotten."
Korra eyes widened when hearing this. Not only was she being sold as a slave but was also being given to the princess as a birthday gift. Korra tried her very best to remain calm but it became difficult when Azula started pulling the leash on her. "Move it slave I have a lot of plans for you." Azula said in a commanding voice, Korra obeyed as the two walked up the steps to the palace. So many thoughts ran through Azula's mind, now that she has a slave she can do whatever she wants to Korra without relying on tormenting her brother Zuko. This truly was the best birthday she ever had in her life. "What should I do with her first?" Azula thought to herself they entered the palace and headed to her room.
A few hours later Korra was exhausted from her first day being in the palace. It did not help that most of the people in the palace aside from the Royal family mistreated her. She recalled one of the guards calling her a pathetic water tribe peasant which really hurt her, because it reminded Korra too much of how she misses her friends and family from the South Pole. Even though it had only been a year since she was taken away by the Fire Nation she still misses them very much and wishes she could be with them. During the day Korra was forced to do endure a lot of torment from the princess. For example Azula ordered Korra to clean her room before dinner time and while she was doing that Azula decided to burn her feet for not working fast enough. Luckily Korra did not cry even though it was extremely painful, because if she had she would've been punished even more by the princess.
By dinner time the royal family sat around a big table, while Korra was forced to stand by the door and not move. Her leash was tied to the door to prevent her from running away. While they were having dinner, Korra overheard what they were discussing. She could tell that Prince Ozai was being harsh towards his son Prince Zuko while praising his daughter Princess Azula.
"Despite being a year younger, how many forms has she mastered than you?" Ozai asked and Zuko replied "Fourteen."
Which disappointed Ozai even more. "When you were born, we weren't sure if you were a bender at all. You didn't have that spark in your eyes. I planned to cast you out from the palace. How embarrassing for a Prince of the Fire Nation to have a non bender as his firstborn." Ozai explained.
Zuko felt like a complete failure in the eyes of his father and slumped further in his seat with each criticism that his father threw at him. Azula who was sitting next to him just savored every moment of this and smiled with a devious grin. Korra was shocked when watching this play out. She was well aware of how cruel Prince Ozai was but not to this extent. Even though she hated the Fire Nation Korra felt bad for Zuko and wishes she could stand up for him, but she couldn't, because then she will be punished by Azula.
Ozai then finished by saying this to his son "Lucky for you, your mother and the Fire Sages pleaded with me to give you a chance. Azula on the other hand, never needed that kind of luck. She was born lucky, you were lucky to be born." Ozai explained which devastated Zuko. Korra's eyes widen when she heard this she couldn't believe that the Prince would say that to his own son. Princess then intervened "Ozai how can you say that Zuko he's your son." Ursa said. Ozai then replied "He may be my son, but he will never reach the same level of potential as Azula." Ozai said. Before the conversation could go any further the Royal family was approached by one of the guards who entered through the door that Korra was standing by, "Your highness! Forgive me, but a yuyan archer requests an audience with you!" The guard said.
Ozai then left the table and walked with the guard passing by Korra. Ever since she first arrived at the palace Korra was scared of two people the most. Princess Azula was obvious, but Ozai was even worst in her eyes. In her eyes he was the embodiment of evil and after seeing the display he showed towards his son it was clear that she feared him now more than ever. Sure Korra was scared of Azula for many reasons, but with Ozai it was unpredictable what he would do if someone got on his bad side.
Korra was then approached by Azula who untied her leash to the door and said. "Dinner is over now help the servants clean up and after your done return to my room at once." Azula explained. Korra nodded and did what she was told when the servants entered the room. Korra wishes she could eat something, but there was no food left on the table as she was cleaning up the table. Korra watched as Azula, Zuko, and Princess Ursa left the room while she continued cleaning up. By the time Korra had finished helping the servants with washing the dishes and throwing out the garbage from dinner she immediately returned to Azula's room. As she entered the room Korra was welcomed with a slap to the face from the princess. Korra fell to the floor and without any warning she was drag by the leash and which caused her to choke a little as she couldn't breathe. Azula then lead Korra to the right side of her bed and tied her leash to the bed to sure she doesn't runaway. After that Korra quickly breathed in the air and was able to feel better. Azula then spoke to Korra "I must say that despite starting off a bit slow earlier you've manage to do well for a water tribe peasant. I'm sure that in time you'll get better at your job with the right amount of discipline. We'll see how tomorrow goes. Now that today's over do you have anything you wish to say?" Azula asked. Korra was afraid to say anything to the princess so she simply shook her head as her way of saying no.
"Good, now stand up and stay awake all night and do not fall asleep or else I'll burn your face." Azula said. After that Korra stood up and did as she was told. Azula then went into the bathroom next to her bed and changed into her nightgown. She then got into bed and closed her eyes to get some rest. As Korra stood next to the bed she began to feel completely sad. This was her life now and there's nothing she could do about it. She thought back to the last time she saw her family before being taken away by the Fire Nation.
Flashback
The Fire Nation invaded the South Pole just recently and while the most of the water tribe warrior tried to defend their village it was not enough since they were outnumbered by the amount of firebender soldiers. Korra was playing with her friends along with her pet Naga. However, when the soldiers attacked the village Korra tried to find her parents and saw they were being captured by the soldiers. Korra tried to save them by using her water bending while shouting "Leave my parents alone you big dumb firebenders!" Korra said as she blasted some water at them but they simply dodged it and over powered her with their firbending attacks. The parents saw this and screamed "NOO KORRA!" Said Senna and Tonraq. Korra was knocked down and tried to get back up but was kicked in the stomach by one of the soldiers who laughed at her attempts to stop them. After that Korra was chained up and was about to be taken away along with the other water tribe children in a big ship to the Fire Nation. As for the adults they were being taken away in a separate ship to somewhere else. Korra was about to aboard the ship when suddenly her mother pleaded with the soldiers to not take their daughter away from them. "Please I'm begging you don't take Korra away from us she's all we have." Senna said with tears in her eyes. The soldier showed no sympathy for her and replied "Shut up and get on the ship I don't time for this nonsense." The soldier said. Tonraq then tried to plead with the soldier too in the hopes that they can at least say goodbye to their daughter. "Please let us say goodbye to Korra I'm asking as a father, because we don't know if we'll ever see her again." Tonraq asked. The soldier eventually gave in to their demands and said "Make it quick." He said in an uncaring tone of voice. In that moment both parents ran towards their daughter and hugged her one last time and Korra did the same without any hesitation. Korra cried saying "Will I ever see you again?" She asked with fresh tears in her eyes. Senna replied "What does your heart tell you?" Asked her mother. "I hope so….yes….I guess." Korra said while feeling uncertain. Tonraq then said "Then we will see each other again." He said with a determined face. Korra tried to fight back the tears and responded "I will come back and free you both I promise." Korra said but felt unsure how she will do that, because she's being taken away and doesn't know whether she'll succeed or not. Both Senna and Tonraq were proud of their daughter for showing so much care for them and they knew that time was running out so the two of them told her "Now be brave, and remember that no matter what we will always love you and you'll be in our hearts." Both Senna and Tonraq said before being taken away by the soldiers. Korra was then dragged on to the ship by the soldiers. After that both ships departed going in separate directions. Korra did her best to be brave, but as she saw the other ship disappear in the distance tears came out of her eyes. In that moment she was truly alone and the Fire Nation have taken everything away from her.
Present
Korra felt deeply sad after remembering what happened a year ago. It was a reminder of how much she lost and that despite her promise to return to the South Pole and free her parents Korra is still unsure whether she will keep her word, because of the position she's currently in. Not only does she have to serve the Royal family, but also be a loyal slave to Princess Azula. Her life now lies in the Princesses hands and Korra doesn't know what will happen for her future. Korra does fear that Azula will one day get bored of her and kill her. Or she'll just keep punishing Korra just for fun until she breaks her spirit. That's how Korra sees it, because the Fire Nation takes pleasure in destroying their enemies both physically and mentally. But even though the Fire Nation took away everything from her, Korra knew that she couldn't give up. Her family was counting on her to be brave no matter what and despite being separated she knows that her parents will always be there in her heart and that they still love her. With a determined look on her face she whispered to herself "I will be brave." She said quietly.
Hours have passed during the night and Korra was getting exhausted staying up, she tried to stay awake as best as she could but to no avail. Korra eventually gave in and fell asleep, however what she didn't realize was that Azula secretly watched the whole thing without her noticing. Azula overheard Korra say that she will be brave, which really stuck with her. Normally Azula would've punished the slave for breaking the rules, but for some reason she couldn't bring herself to do it. Even though Azula only had Korra for one day so far it almost felt like she knew her longer, especially after listening to her determination of not giving up despite being forced to serve the princess. Azula tried her best not to dwell on it as she finally went to sleep. The next day Korra woke up by the rays of the sun and luckily Azula was still asleep. Korra quickly got up hoping that the princess did notice that she fell asleep last night. When Azula woke up and saw Korra standing she said "Did you stay up all night like I asked you to do?" She asked while knowing the truth. Korra nodded as her way of saying yes to the princess which seemed to be enough to convince her. Azula replied "Good as your reward you may rest for awhile as I go get changed." She said. Korra smiled and bowed saying "Thank you mistress!" She said
Azula was surprised by Korra's response but did not say anything as she went to her closet and grabbed her clothes and went to the bathroom to go get changed. Korra took the time to sit down and savor the moment of relaxing. Korra looked out the window and noticed how beautiful it was outside, especially by the Royal garden. Korra then noticed a family of turtle ducks swimming in the little pond by the garden and this made her smile, because she thought they were so adorable. Korra always loved animals, she wishes she could be back home in the South Pole and play with her pet Naga. Unfortunately she couldn't due to her predicament, but maybe one day she'll be reunited with her pet along with her family. For now she has to stay strong and be brave.
Meanwhile in the bathroom Azula had finished getting changed into her clothes, but kept thinking about last night. Azula thought to herself "Why didn't I punish her, father has always taught me to never show weakness or mercy to those who are beneath the Fire Nation. But now I feel different every time I look at Korra. Especially since last night when I heard her say that she will be brave. What does that mean?" Azula kept think until she decided to put the thought aside for now until later. Azula then quickly brushed her teeth and after that she exited the bathroom and saw Korra staring outside the window. Korra turned her head and noticed Azula and quickly stood up and bowed to her as if saying she's ready for whatever assignment the princess has for her. Azula approached her and grabbed the leash saying "Let's go I do not want to keep my family waiting for breakfast time." She said. Korra nodded and the two walked to the dining room as they left Azula's room.
When they made it to the dining room Azula was greeted by her father "Welcome daughter I see you've managed to put good use of your new slave." Ozai said, Azula replied "Yes father, she is very obedient." Azula said as she tied Korra to the door just like last night. The princess then made her way to the table and sat down with her family. Korra still has not eaten anything since her arrival to the palace and she could feel her stomach growling so she tried her best to hide it so that no one would notice. However, Princess Ursa saw this and felt nothing but sympathy for the poor child. Ursa thought to herself "This child doesn't deserve to be treated like this. How can Ozai allow Azula to act like this towards Korra. I have to do something before it gets much worse for the child." Ursa thought as she turned back to her family at the table. Korra while remaining quiet once again overheard the Royal family speaking at the table, however unlike last night it wasn't as bad as it was previously. Both Prince Zuko and Princess Azula kept asking questions regarding their uncle Iroh.
"Do you know when Uncle will be sending in a letter?" Zuko asked, Ursa responded "I have not heard anything yet, but I'm sure Iroh will report to us soon on how he's doing with his mission in Ba Sing Se." Ursa said. Azula then spoke "I hope he does I personally want to know more about his strategies on taking over Ba Sing Se." Azula said. Korra had never heard much about these other places when growing up. Sure she heard stories about the other three nations, but has never seen them before since she spent most of her life in the South Pole. After breakfast was over Azula just like last night untied Korra from the door and ordered her to clean up the table and help the servants with washing the dishes. Korra did as she was told and was able to complete her task quickly in a matter of minutes. Azula was waiting for her at the door when suddenly she was approached by Princess Ursa. "Azula would you mind if I borrowed Korra for awhile I need her to help me with something." Ursa asked. Azula felt a little annoyed by this and said "But mother I was going to use her for my training today. How else am I suppose to get good at my target practice with my firebending." Azula said while trying not to sound frustrated by her mother's request. Korra was a little scared by the idea of being used for target practice in training, but thankfully Princess Ursa is trying to get her out of it. "Young lady just, because Korra is your slave does not mean you can just use her for target practice. Do I make myself clear?" Ursa asked. Azula answered "Yes mother." She said, "Good now go, I'll make sure Korra is brought back to you later." Ursa said. Azula nodded as she left the room. Korra turned to the princess and picked up her leash and handed to her. The Princess shook her head saying "Korra listen to me, when you are with me you do not need to give me the leash, I will only take your hand." Ursa said as she extended her left hand. Korra was shocked by this so without any hesitation she took Ursa's hand and the two left the room together. As they were walking down the hallway Ursa spoke to Korra saying "Another thing Korra when you are with me you do not need to be silent the whole time you may speak whenever you feel like it alright." Ursa said hoping to make Korra feel more comfortable. Korra smiled and replied "Okay thank you Princess Ursa." Korra said which made Ursa smile too.
When they reached their destination Korra realized that they were at Ursa's room. As they entered the Princesses room Korra asked "Do you need me to clean up your room?" She said. Princess Ursa replied "No I just wanted to give you something." She said while pointing to a table over by the bed. Korra saw the table and noticed a plate of food was on it. She then said "Is that for me?" Korra asked. Ursa then said "Yes." Which made Korra happy. The two sat down by the table and before Korra started eating she asked "Why are you being so nice to me?" Korra said. Ursa explained "Because I do not agree with how the Fire Nation treats others, especially the water benders. When you first came here I could tell you were scared and I did not approve of Ozai giving you to Azula. It's inhumane for my daughter to treat you as if you have no value and I want you to know that you do have value Korra. You're not a slave to me you're a person and I want to help you in any way that I can." She said while placing a hand on her shoulder to make her feel better. Korra couldn't believe that the princess would go through so much trouble just to help make her feel more comfortable here at the palace. Korra responded by hugging the princess while saying "Thank you." She said with tears of joy in her eyes. Ursa returned the hug and replied "You're welcome." After they finished hugging Korra began to eat the meal that was in front of her while Princess Ursa drank some tea. When Korra finished her meal she offered to help clean up but Ursa told her it was not necessary as she will have the servants take care of it. The two then left the room and went back to find Azula. Before they did that Ursa said "Korra always remember that no matter what I will be here for you if you ever need to talk to anyone or need anything. Like I said I will do everything in my power to make you feel more comfortable here at the palace do you understand?" Ursa asked and Korra responded "Yes I do thank you princess" Korra said. When they made it outside by the gardens Korra could see Azula sitting under a tree looking bored. When Azula saw Korra she quickly ran to her and said "Mother can I please have Korra back now?" Azula asked. Ursa answered "Yes sweetie, but remember what I said earlier, no using Korra for target practice." Ursa said. "Yes mother. Azula said as she took Korra's leash and walked away with her. Korra looked back at Princess Ursa before turning her attention back to Azula. Ursa may not have been her real mother but to her she was like a second mother figure who treated her with kindness. "Maybe things won't be so bad here at the palace." Korra thought to herself as she and Azula headed back to her room.
Hello everyone this is the first chapter of my "What If" story in the Atla/Lok universe. As I said in the disclaimer this is inspired by Lyondor's story. Just to clarify I'm not stealing the author's story nor am I copying it I am simply telling a similar premise but one that will go in a completely different direction as it progresses. I already have spoken to the author and have her permission to write this story and I promised that if the author changes their mind I will immediately delete story. Please leave a review and let me know if you have any questions about the details to the plot. Thank you and I hope you have a good day.