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)
The next morning arrived and during that time Korra was with Princess Ursa just having a meal with her like she normally does. Korra was mostly silent, because she was deep thought. Ursa noticed this and asked her if she was alright.
"Korra is everything alright?" Ursa asked
Korra looks up at Ursa and responds.
"I'm sorry princess I guess I have a lot on my mind." Korra replies
"Do you want to talk about it?" Ursa asked
Korra did not want to lie to Princess Ursa so she decided to be honest with her.
"Yes I do, I've been meaning to bring this up, but I was worried about it at first, but I know I can trust you." Korra said
"What's been on your mind Korra?" Ursa asked as she placed a hand on her shoulders.
Korra took a deep breath and then proceeded to tell Princess Ursa everything.
"It's about Azula I'm really worried about her." Korra said
"What do you mean Korra? Did something happened between you and Azula recently?" Ursa asked
"No nothing happened between me and Azula, but I've noticed how she sometimes looks upset during the last few days ever since I was first brought to the palace." Korra replied
Ursa's eyes went wide when Korra told her that Azula was upset. Ursa may have had issues when raising Azula, but she always tried her best to be there for her daughter even when they didn't have the best relationship between mother and child. Hearing that Azula is upset really broke her heart and she felt guilty for not seeing it. Princess Ursa nearly cried, but was able to fight back the tears and continued to listen to what Korra had to say about the situation.
"Has Azula ever said anything to you when she became upset?" Ursa asked
"No she mostly remained quiet whenever this happened. I wanted to try and reach out to Azula and find out what's bothering her, but I was concerned with how she would react if I ever brought up the question to her. Especially after what happened yesterday when I tried to help Azula during the fight she had with Zuko. I know Azula may not treat me well, but that doesn't mean I hate or dislike her. If I'm being honest I really don't think she's a bad person I just think Azula feels lost. Maybe if I try to help understand what she's going through maybe Azula won't be so sad or upset with how she is now." Korra explained
Despite everything Korra has been through ever since the Fire Nation took her away from the South Pole, she never allowed the cruelty of the world to change her outlook on life. Korra learned a long time ago from her mother and father that there is still good in the world even though everything was falling into chaos with the war taking place with the Four Nations around the world. Tonraq and Senna would always tell Korra to hold on to hope even in the darkest times and have compassion towards others even if they do not share that philosophy. It's something Korra has carried on when being raised in the Water Tribe, especially when being forced to serve as a prisoner/slave of the Fire Nation. If Korra can hold on to those beliefs then maybe she can use it to help those who don't have the same guidance like her. It's why she still wants to help Azula even though she treated Korra poorly.
"Korra that's very kind of you, and I want you to know that I appreciate you being honest with me about this. I only wish I could've seen this sooner. My daughter may not be nicest person in the world, but she is still my child and I would do anything to protect her. I like to believe that there is still hope for her to change for the better and be on the right path. I saw how Azula showed kindness towards you yesterday after she apologized for hitting you. When she gave you that doll Uncle Iroh got her from the Earth Kingdom I could tell Azula truly meant it genuinely." Ursa explained
Korra's eyes went wide in that moment as she still remembers the kind act Azula did for her. Ursa is right Azula did do something out of the goodness of her heart. Korra was happy when Azula gave her the Earth Kingdom doll and was very grateful for it too. It reminded her that maybe Azula can change for the better and this might be a sign that Azula isn't like her father Ozai after all.
"You're right Princess Ursa, Azula was very kind to me when she gave the doll to me as a gift. There is still hope for Azula to change for the better before it's too late." Korra responded
"Yes and maybe if I try to talk to Azula again, I'm sure she will listen to what I have to say, because I'm worried that my previous conversation with her didn't go well yesterday after I got upset with Azula hitting you." Ursa said
Korra raised her eyebrow wondering what Ursa meant by that.
"What happened when you talked to Azula yesterday?" Korra asked
Ursa frowned a little, but she decided to be honest with Korra about what happened yesterday when had a discussion with Azula.
"While you were with Zuko, this is what happened during my conversation with Azula." Ursa replied
Princess Ursa then began to explain everything.
Flashback
Princess Ursa was in Azula's room talking with her daughter after the incident in the Royal Gardens.
"Azula I'm very disappointed in you. Not only did you hurt Korra, but you also tried to harm her with Fire bending. What in Spirits has gotten into you? Do you not realize that your actions could've killed Korra if I hadn't intervened?" Ursa explained
Azula sat on her bed unable to look at her mother as she felt nothing but shame and guilt.
Ursa sighed feeling like she is not getting through with Azula. She then places a hand on her daughter's shoulder which was enough to get Azula's attention as she looked at her mother.
"Azula….someday you'll have to understand that your actions have consequences. But those actions you take all come down with a choice. One day you're going to have to decide what kind of person you want to be Azula. It's those decisions you make will define who you are and where it will take you in life as you grow up." Ursa said
Azula listened to every word her mother said and it stuck with her. Azula tried to fight back tears, but she couldn't hold them back any longer and she cried. Without any hesitation Azula hugged her mother, not caring about anything else. She's afraid if she lets go her mother will still be angry with her.
"I'm so sorry mother. I don't want you to see me as a monster." Azula thought in her head. She desperately wanted to apologize for everything, but she's afraid that her mother will not accept that. So right now all Azula can do is hug her mother until she can find the courage later to say sorry sincerely.
Princess Ursa did not expect this to happen. At first she thought Azula would say something disobedient, but instead she did the opposite. Ursa decided to hug her daughter without saying anything and she also stroked her hair to calm Azula down. After a minute Azula eventually stopped crying and wiped away the tears in her eyes. Ursa looked at Azula and all she could see was a child filled with regret and begging for forgiveness.
Ursa decided maybe it would be best to finish this discussion later as it was clearly taking a heavy toll on her daughter.
"We will finish this conversation later, but for now let's head back. I want you to apologize to Korra and let her know that you won't hurt her again alright." Ursa said
Azula gave a quick nod.
"Yes mother." Azula replied
Ursa smiled a little knowing her daughter understood what she needed to do. After that the two them left the room and went back to where Korra and Zuko were in the Palace.
Present
Korra's eyes widened and couldn't believe what she heard. She more bad for Azula now more than ever and even though Azula treated Korra badly at first, it's clear that there is still a glimmer of goodness hidden underneath her heart. She just needs help to see it better.
"Now you know, I just hope that when I speak to Azula again, maybe things will be different this time." Ursa said
"Do you know when you'll talk to Azula next time?" Korra asked curiously
"Yes, I hope to do it after Azula and Zuko finish their training today and demonstrate their Firebending to Fire Lord Azulon tonight." Ursa explained
Korra was well aware about the training Azula and Zuko were doing right now in preparation for the demonstration for Fire Lord Azulon. Korra remembers how Prince Ozai made it clear that he expects both of his children to show off their best skills in Firebending to see if their worthy enough to serve the Fire Nation as soldiers. Korra didn't like the idea of having kids being trained just to fight as soldiers even if it meant serving their nation. Growing up in the Water Tribe she was taught that her culture stood for peace and want nothing more than to live in harmony with nature along with the other nations around the world. However, as she got older that became an issue for her and the Water Tribe due to the on going war around the world and the fact that the Fire Nation invaded the South Pole and took everything from Korra including her friends and family. While she does her best to uphold the lessons and values she was taught about the Water Tribe it has become more complicated for her, especially given that she has been forced to serve the Fire Nation as a slave. But Korra knew deep down she can't lose sight of the basis to everything she has been taught from her family and the entire culture she was raised into. If Korra can hold on to those moral principles, maybe there is still hope for both her and the entire Water Tribe.
"I really hope everything works out between you and Azula." Korra said sincerely
Ursa smiled knowing that Korra truly meant what she said.
"Thank you Korra, I hope so too." Ursa said
Training Room
Azula and Zuko were both training non-stop in preparation for the demonstration to show off their Firebending skills to Fire Lord Azulon tonight. Azula was really trying to put in more effort with her training this time compared to her other sessions in the past. Despite being a prodigy of the Fire Nation, Azula always tried to push herself even further when it came to her abilities and she wasn't planning on stopping anytime soon with today's training. As she was concentrating, Azula noticed that Zuko was struggling. Normally in moments like this she would often make a comment on how he will never catch up with her in Firebending, but for some reason she didn't do that this time. Something inside her think differently especially when seeing Zuko having trouble with his training session. So without any hesitation she decided to stop with what she was doing and walked over to Zuko was and help him out.
"Hey Zuko, need some help there?" Azula asked
Zuko turned around and saw his sister approach him. Zuko was caught off guard when he heard Azula say she wanted to help him. He didn't know how to respond at first, but quickly replied to her.
"You want to help me with my Firebending?" Zuko asked
"Yes." Azula said
"How do I know this isn't some trick to make me look bad in front of Fire Lord Azulon later on?" Zuko asked without hesitation.
Azula rolled her eyes knowing that Zuko would say something like that. Honestly she can't blame him for thinking like that. Their relationship as brother and sister hasn't really been the best between them. Azula has tormented Zuko in the past by tricking him in a lot of pranks whenever they spent time together. Even after what happened yesterday in the Royal Gardens Azula could tell Zuko really was angry for how she treated him. She knew this wasn't going to be easy helping Zuko with his Firebending, because Azula knew she needed to gain his trust first in order to convince him that she has no intention of prancing him this time.
"Come on Zuzu I know we aren't exactly on good terms right now, but I swear to the Spirits I'm not trying to trick you this time." Azula said honestly
Zuko's eyes widened this time, normally he could tell when Azula was lying. But this time that wasn't the case. Her sister was actually telling the truth.
"You really mean it?" Zuko asked
"Yes I really mean it, look I'm not asking you to instantly trust me. I know that I have to work for it. But I just want you to let me help you so that way you'll have a chance to impress Fire Lord Azulon tonight." Azula explained as she smiled a little.
In most cases Zuko didn't like being called Zuzu, but this time it didn't bother him, especially after hearing what Azula had to say. Her sister clearly wanted to help him for once. He can't remember the last time she ever did that for him with everything they've been through together so far. Zuko then smiled back and quickly responded to Azula's request.
"Thanks Azula" Zuko said
"You're welcome." Azula said
"So what do you want me to work on with my Firebending?" Zuko asked out of curiosity.
Azula stood next to Zuko and began to explain a few tips to him.
"Well first, I noticed that you put way too much energy when bending your flames in attacks. Don't focus your attention on bending it with anger. Instead bend it through your will and how you want to accomplish it." Azula said as she got into a fighting stance.
Zuko at first was confused by what she meant by this and tried to listen carefully.
"What do you mean that I bend through anger?" Zuko asked
"When I see you bend with Fire you're letting emotions take too much control over you. If you want to concentrate better you have to balance it out with your will of wanting to accomplish the task at hand. That way when you Firebend you'll have better control on your abilities and you won't accidentally mess up in the process." Azula explained
Azula demonstrated when she calmly performed a few swift swirling kicks and punches releasing a couple of flames at a training dummy and instantly hitting the target. Zuko's jaw dropped when he saw this, not because Azula did it perfectly like she always does, but due to the fact that her teachings were starting to make better sense to him.
"Wow, how did you manage to do that without getting worried about the end result?" Zuko asked as he payed close attention to Azula.
"I'm not going to lie it took me awhile to understand it too. I had to read about it during some early sessions when I first learned about Firebending. But basically Fire is the element of power, consisting of overpowering force tempered by the unflinching will to accomplish tasks and desires." Azula explained
Zuko couldn't believe what he was hearing. All this time he use to think that everything Azula did was perfect, because she was considered a prodigy in the Fire Nation. But hearing that she had trouble in the beginning was something he didn't expect to find out.
"Now you try, and remember don't let your emotions control how you bend Fire. Let your will flow through you and then concentrate only on that when releasing each flame you bend." Azula said as she help Zuko get into a better fighting stance.
Zuko at first was unsure about this, but he looked at his sister before he did anything.
"Are you sure I can do this Azula?" Zuko asked
"I know you can Zuko, I'm not saying you'll master it 100%, but I have faith you can achieve this." Azula said
Zuko turned his attention to the training dummy in front of him. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. So many emotions were filling up inside of him. But eventually Zuko opened his eyes and began to concentrate. He quickly performed the same kick and punches Azula did and at first some of the flames he fired didn't quite hit the target. However the remaining flames he shot from his hands manage to hit the dummy. Zuko couldn't believe it his sister's advice really helped him. Azula smiled knowing that her brother was able to accomplish this. While not without its flaws she was still proud of Zuko for completing the task as she instructed. Azula placed a hand on Zuko's shoulder and spoke to him.
"I told you that you could do it Zuko. I'll keep helping you get better at it until it's time for the demonstration, but for now I'm really proud of you." Azula said as she smiled at her brother.
Zuko smiled back and was happy to hear that Azula will continue to help him improve better with his Firebending skills before their training session was over.
"Thank you Azula, that means a lot to me." Zuko said
"You're welcome Zuko." Azula said
Before they could move on to the next few steps in the training session, Zuko quickly asked Azula a serious question.
"Azula….how come you're doing this for me? I know you said that you want to help me, but I really want to know why you're actually doing this?" Zuko asked without coming off as rude.
Azula had a feeling Zuko would ask this question. The truth is even she wasn't completely sure what the reason behind it was. Maybe deep down she genuinely cared for her brother despite their difficult relationship. Azula began to wonder if the conversation she had with her mother yesterday had anything to do with it, but she wasn't sure entirely.
"To be honest Zuko, I'm not quite sure either. I know that I'm not exactly the best sister in the world, but I want you to know that I do really care about you even if I don't always show it. I understand if you don't believe me and I'm perfectly alright with that, because I don't know if I would believe myself either. But what I want you to know is that I love you and if it's possible maybe one day we can start over and really get to know each other better as a family." Azula said with all her heart
Zuko was speechless in that moment. For the first time in his life Azula admitted that she not only cares about him, but also loves him too. Yesterday he wouldn't believe such a thing, but now he was truly shocked at this revelation. Without any hesitation Zuko hugged Azula with tears of joy in his eyes. Azula did not expect this to happen, but she wasn't bothered by the hug. Normally she wasn't comfortable with hugging or expressing her feelings, but she didn't care one bit. Azula returned the hug and really felt happy in that moment, because she and her brother were bonding as a family.
"I love you too Azula, I always have. I would love to start over and for us to get to know each other better as a family." Zuko said
"Thank you Zuko, that means so much to me." Azula replied
"You're welcome." Zuko said
After that the two them went back to focus on their training as Azula continued to help Zuko with his Firebending.
Hello everyone, I am really sorry that I haven't updated in months. A lot of my time has been busy with my work schedule, but I promise I have not abandoned this story. I wanted this chapter to focus mainly on the relationship Azula has with both her mother and Zuko. There will be more development for Korra too and it will also focus on her connection with Azula as the story progresses. Please let me know what you think so far, leave a review, and have an amazing day.