"What?" Zuko questioned, frowning.
"Who is Zirin?" Sokka asked confused.
"Some girl who teamed up with Azula when she was pretending to be the Kemurikage." Ty Lee explained.
"And she owns a tavern now?" He frowned at the other girl.
"It's a long story…" Azula was the one who replied, then she sighed and faced her brother.
"Well, then we need to go talk to her immediately. Tomorrow… let's go there tomorrow night." Zuko started, anxious.
"Uh… Zuzu…" Azula made a grimace. "I don't think that's a good idea…" She sounded nicer than her usual self.
"Why not?" He asked, irritated.
"Uh, you see, Zirin doesn't really... Like you." She made a wince face waiting for him to snap.
"What? She doesn't like me? What's even your point, Azula?" He growled at her.
Azula rolled her eyes and sighed.
"Look, when I was closer to Zirin and the other girls you and I, well... We weren't in such good terms. So, I may have said some pretty bad stuff about you…" Azula couldn't help but smile at her brother's incredulous face. "I really doubt she will answer you anything, if you go there. Well, at least she won't say the truth…"
"Wh-What even… WHAT?"
"It would be really easier if I talked to her alone…" Azula simply commented.
"No, no!" Zuko shook his head, angrily. "I'm not sending you alone to the other side of the capital after everything that has been happening!"
Azula simply rolled her eyes again, and crossed her arms over her chest.
"Zuko… She won't say anything to you, I know her."
"That's ridiculous!" He glared at Azula. "She can't just refuse to answer me just because she doesn't like me! That's not how things work! I'm the Fire Lord! She has to do as I command! She wouldn't even be free if I didn't allow it!" He shook his head again. "That's it. Either she cooperates or I'm throwing her in jail for treason!"
Everyone looked at Zuko astonished, but they didn't say a word. The Princess wondered if they were actually startled with Zuko's reaction or simply expecting the two siblings to start a fight. She looked at her brother for a while before saying anything. Her face was unexpressive.
"Well, Zuzu… At this point I thought you would never succumb to your tyrannical side." Then she gave him a peculiar smirk that clearly sent him chills down his spine. "I'm so proud of you… I'm pretty sure father would be too."
Zuko's face went pale.
Azula just shrugged, smiling. The group around them looked too shocked to do anything.
"I'm looking forward to watch your talk to Zirin tomorrow!" Azula said, almost in a childish tone, turning around to leave the room. "Have a good night, Zuzu…"
Zuko took a deep breath. He knew what she had done. What she always did… She played with his mind and made him feel like a complete idiot. He groaned, before saying: "Wait!"
Sokka saw Azula smiling before she turned herself to face her brother again.
"Yes?"
"Fine. You won." Zuko hissed, gritting his teeth. "You go. But Sokka has to go with you!"
The Princess sighed, annoyed.
"Fine." She folded her arms again.
"And make sure no one recognizes you."
Azula nodded, rolling her eyes.
"But if she doesn't cooperate, she will face some consequences…" He went on.
"Don't worry, Zuko, she will." Azula cut him off.
"Fine, tomorrow night you guys can go there."
"Good." The Princess said, and turn to leave the room, followed by Sokka. "G' Night…"
The rest of the people in the room answered her before she left.
When they were walking down the corridors to her room, Sokka frowned at her, confused.
"Let me get what just happened there. Did you just use some kind of reverse psychology with your brother, so he wouldn't be such an authoritarian?" Sokka asked looking at her almost startled.
Azula just shrugged.
"I just wanted to talk to Zirin alone, I had to find a way for him to give up going."
Sokka shook his head.
"Sometimes I don't know if I find your manipulative ways amazing or terrifying."
Azula couldn't help but smile. For a second, she completely forgot everything that happened earlier that day and felt comfortable around him again. And for some reason, that warmed up her heart. But once they arrived at the room's door, Sokka just muttered a good night and slammed his door before she could even say anything back. He was still mad. He still hated her… She should be proud of herself after all. The Princess felt her chest tight again as she entered her room silently.
Azula couldn't sleep. She was laid in bed for hours now. She couldn't stop thinking of the incident at the city. Every time she closed her eyes she could see the mob around her again, that man squeezing her arm, people yelling at her… And when she didn't see them, she just thought of Sokka words… She had never given much thought to the fact that he would eventually leave her. He wouldn't be her guard anymore once that whole thing was over. The Princess swallowed hard as she realized she had gotten used to have him around her. He had been her guard for less than a month, but still she couldn't even imagine life without him following and annoying her all the time anymore. But yes, he would be gone. And what made her chest really hurt was how he clearly wanted to leave her. She had troubled him so much he couldn't even stand to be around her anymore. But she shouldn't be so surprised… She had an extraordinary talent to push everyone away. Azula sighed. It was a good thing. It was better… to stay alone. It was safer.
The Princess was lost in her thoughts when she glanced at one corner of the room. She frowned when she saw something moving. Was there somebody standing right there? Azula felt fear taking over when she saw the figure moving towards her. But she really started panicking when she realized she couldn't move anymore. Had she been chi blocked or something? But how didn't she notice it? She tried to scream, but for some reason her voice wouldn't come out. And before she could think of anything else, the person was already standing next to her.
Azula couldn't see their face because of the lack of light. However, she could clearly see the eyes, they were burning with hate at her. She felt something cold and sharp touching her throat.
"Don't worry, Princess." The figure hissed at her. "It's not like anyone will even mourn you. Actually, I think I'm doing everybody a favor." Azula saw the person smiling at her. "After all, you are a burden to your brother, who only allows you to live here because he feels guilty for your miserable fate after the Agni Kai, your own mother fears you, you have no real friends… And the only person you ever had feelings for… can't even stand to stay around you anymore." There was a laugh as tears ran down the Princess' face. She was trembling. Her eyes widened as she felt the sharp object pressured against her neck. "Have a good night, Princess…" Azula used all strength trying to move and scream, but nothing happened.
Azula shut her eyes closed, but before the person could actually slice her throat, she woke up abruptly, sitting up and gasping for air. She panted, feeling sweat running down her back. Her whole body was shivering. A nightmare. It was just a stupid nightmare. But still, she was terrified. She wanted to scream, she wanted someone there. She wanted Sokka, holding and protecting her. But he wouldn't come. No one would come. Azula pulled her knees to her chest and sobbed quietly… It wasn't only a nightmare… It was the truth. No one really cared about her or what happened to her. And no one ever would.
The next morning, Sokka was dressed up for the day, looking at the mirror.
"Okay, fine. All you got to do is to stay away from her. Obviously, you need to stay near her, because you are her guard. Yes, yes, she is ridiculously gorgeous and sometimes it is too damn hard to avoid looking at her. But you can do it. Don't let yourself get involved anymore. She is dangerous and crazy… And she attracts trouble. Tonight, you will escort her to the tavern, and that's all. You don't even need to talk to her, unless it's extremely necessary. Of course, she will probably be a little insecure about leaving the Palace again, since she was almost killed by commoners yesterday. She might get really scared if anything happens… She will never admit it, but after spending so much time with her it's easy to see when she is trying to hide her fear. It's so stupid. Why does she even do that? She pretends she is completely fine, but then she looks at me with those helpless eyes and all I want to do is to comfort her, hold her… And kis-." He groaned. "Focus, Sokka. That's exactly the kind of thing that can't happen anymore. You can't simply let yourself get caught so easily. You are going to do your job and only that."
Sokka nodded to his reflection, confidently. However, the minute he left his room and saw the Princess standing next her door he knew his plan would go down the drain. First, she looked exhausted, and even though she tried to cover it with make-up he could see there were dark circles around her eyes… And it wasn't only that, she looked upset, deeply upset. Her usual lively attitude seemed to be gone. And her eyes lacked that intense spark they used to have.
Sokka approached her, unsure. His heart tightened, as he looked her. He hated seeming her like this so much. The last time he had seen her like that was the night they kissed for the first time. He wondered what have happened this time… Was it something he had done? But she was the one driving him crazy all time, how could that be this fault? Sokka swallowed. He knew he should let this go, but he simply couldn't.
"Morning, Princess… Uh, are you okay?" He asked, nervously.
"Huh?" Azula narrowed her eyes at him, she seemed to be galaxies away. "I'm-"
"Azula!" He heard Ursa's voice. "Finally!" She came near her daughter and held her hand, smiling nicely. Sokka noticed Azula's eyes widening. "I've been trying to talk to you for days… But you have been so busy… Can we please talk now?"
"Mother, I have a-" Azula's voice was weak.
"Come on, it won't take so long." Ursa touched her daughter face softly. "Please?"
Azula sighed and forced a smile.
"Fine, Mother…"
"Great! Let's go to the gardens…" The woman smiled, leading Azula outside by the arm.
Sokka followed the two women automatically. He bit his bottom lip, worried. He really hoped this would just be a nice ordinary talk. Sokka knew very well how much Azula was affected by her mother's actions and words… But now, she was already shaken by something else… And he feared she would be even worse depending on how this conversation would go.
"Sokka, could you give us a minute, please?" Ursa asked as soon as they were outside.
Sokka just nodded, and the Princess and her mother walked to a bench in front of garden's pound.
Azula sighed and looked impatiently to her mother.
"Mother, I don't have much time…"
"I know, dear, I know. This won't take so long." Ursa smiled. "So, how are you?"
Azula frowned.
"Is that what you want to ask? How am I?" She asked, confused.
Ursa sighed.
"Things have been so crazy these past weeks, I realized I never had the change to ask you how you have been. How are you handling this whole situation?"
Azula swallowed. For some reason, the Princess felt her throat ran dry as Ursa spoke so kindly to her. She hated when her mother did things like that. Usually she just ignored it, but right now it just seemed impossible. Why was Ursa even doing that? Everyone knew very well that she didn't really care about her older daughter, who was she even trying to fool?
"I haven't lost my mind yet as you and everyone else expects me to. So, I guess greatly?"
Ursa frowned at her and then she looked down, upset.
"I don't think you will lose my mind, my daughter. I'm just worried. It is a stressful situation, and-"
"Did Zuzu ask you to come here talk to me?" Azula cut her off, harshly.
Ursa's eyes widened at her daughter's tone.
"No… Why-"
"Because until today you were only worried about how I could snap and do something dangerous or how much trouble Zuko would have dealing with this. Now you just come here all worried about me? That's so unlike you, Mother…" Azula laughed sarcastically.
"Azula! No! I was worried about you since day one! But you have been so…" Ursa stopped and took a deep breath. There was a long silent then. The Princess wondered if she could just stand up and leave, but before she actually did it, Ursa spoke again. "Azula, I know things haven't exactly been easy between us since you came back home…"
"Wow, mom. You just noticed that now?" Azula rolled her eyes.
"No." Ursa looked at her daughter, sadly. "No, I've known that for a while, but I guess until now it was easier for both of us to ignore it and do nothing." She smiled sadly. "But we can't leave things like that forever, Azula."
The Princess crossed her arms, staring at her mother.
"Let's agree to disagree…"
"Azula, I know I haven't been the best mother to you since… well… since forever…" She admitted in an upset tone. "But you have made many mistakes yourself, and you need to work on-"
"Excuse me?" Azula cut her off again and glared at her mother. "I have made many mistakes?" She laughed, shaking her head. "I can't believe it… I just can't… Nothing ever changes."
Ursa took Azula's hand and looked at her desperately.
"No, my dear, things do change. And I want things to change between us. I love you so much, Azula, but I need your help here…"
Something seemed to crack in Azula's eyes. She shut her eyes closed and shook her head abruptly.
"Are you even listening to yourself, mom?!" The Princess yelled at the other woman, who looked at her, confused.
Her mother opened her mouth, but she didn't say anything. She looked too… scared. Azula realized. She is afraid of me as always.
"Nothing will ever change between us, mother. Can't you see?" Azula hissed.
"Azula, I-"
"You say you want to fix things, but you are still afraid of me," Her mother was going to saying something, but Azula just went on. "And you keep talking about my flaws…"
"But Azula…" Her mother tried again.
"You know, what? Why don't we talk about your mistakes, Mother? About all the despicable things you have done and then simply pretended they never happened!"
"Azula, can you listen me for a second, please?!" Ursa snapped, almost yelling. Azula's eyes widened a little at her mother's reaction. "I don't want to fight! Why do you always have to turn everything into a battle? I just want to talk…"
Azula smirked.
"Then let's talk. You know, I may be the monster you always thought I was…" The Princess saw her mother shaking her head. "But you aren't much better, my dear mother…" There was something bitter at Azula's voice. "And I'm not even talking about the shit you have done to me. I'm talking about things, like… Huh… the death of our grandfather, for instance. Why don't we talk about that?" She said the last part in a playful voice. Ursa's face turned white. "Yes," Azula smiled with cruelty. "I always knew you were behind it, mom."
Her mother looked at her surroundings, she seemed to be scared that anyone would listen to what Azula had just said.
"I-I… I just did what I did to protect your brother, if it was you in danger I would do the same…" Ursa's voice was a whisper.
Azula nodded.
"Well, that was just one thing. What about the fact you just abandoned us with Ozai, when you knew what he was capable of? And how you didn't even say goodbye to me…" Azula looked down, laughing sadly, tears running down her face now. "Why don't we talk about that?"
"Azula…" Ursa was crying now too. "You know I tried to take you and Zuko with me…" She caressed her daughter's arm softly. "And I wanted to say something to you that night, but I guess I was too afraid of your reaction. I'm so sorry… You have no idea how much I missed you and Zuko…"
Azula glared at her again, her eyes widened in way one could clearly see she was on the edge of losing it.
"Oh, really? Is that why you simply chose to forget about us?!" Azula yelled. Her body trembling as she tried to control her sobs.
"Azula…" Ursa tried to pull her daughter close.
"NO! STOP THAT!" The Princess pulled back, groaning. "After everything you have done… you have the courage to judge me for my mistakes? I don't care if you didn't mean it, mother! You almost destroyed me! And you seem to be trying to do it again!" Azula growled between sobs.
Ursa shook her head, tears running down her face.
"Azula, please… Let me make up for it… We can still be a family…" She tried to smile. "You just have to let me get closer, my dear. I promise I will do everything I can…"
"Are you completely insane? I don't want you closer! I want you as far away as possible!" The Princess hissed.
"But-"
"Now, listen to me." Azula's voice changed. Her semblance shifted into a cold and expressionless one, although there were still some tears running down her cheeks. "We are never going to fix this, that's a fact, like it or not. But Zuko expects us to. And I sort of gave him my word I would try it." That last sentence made a spark of hope appear in Ursa's eyes. "So, here what we are going to do. Whenever Zuzu, or the rest of the family, is around we are going to be as nice as we can to each other. We are going to pretend everything is fine between us."
And the spark was gone. Ursa just looked at her daughter really shocked now.
"Azula, I can't do that…"
"Yes, you can." Azula said coldly, almost as a threat. "And you will. Do it for Zuzu. You can do everything for him, right?" She smirked, bitterly.
"My daughter, please. Just give me once chance to-"
"Mother, I'm already late for my firebending training. I need to go." Azula stood up abruptly and left her mother crying behind.
The Princess felt the tears coming back to her eyes the minute she left her mother's side. What was the matter with that woman? She really thought they would simply act as normal mother and daughter like that? And of course, she wanted to point out Azula's flaws. She loved doing that, didn't she? And she had done so much worse… Everything I said was the truth, I have nothing to regret!
"Azula? Azula?" Someone called her. It was Sokka, she had walked past him and didn't even noticed it. "Hey, what happened? Are you even okay?" He asked, worried. "Azula?" He called again.
"Not now, Sokka. Not now." She mumbled, looking at him holding back her tears.
"Azula…" Sokka held her arm softly. "Come on, what happened?."
"I have training now." She said avoiding looking at his eyes.
"Look at yourself, you are shaking… you can't train like this. Just talk to me, what did she even say?" He sounded almost desperate, looking at her with concerned eyes.
Azula felt the pain in her chest increasing, and then an unbearable urge to feel his arms around her and to cry against his chest took over her. But then she remembered what he had said to her the day before. Do you have any idea how messed up you are? Once everything is solved, believe me, I will leave this damned place and your life. For good. No, he didn't really care about her. Sokka probably just felt sorry for her. He knew Ursa could drive her crazy and he was worried she would lose her sanity again. He pitied her. He saw her as a nutcase just like everyone else. And maybe he was right after all…
"Sokka, leave me alone, I have to go…" She tried to pull her arm back, but he didn't let her go.
"Azula, wait, please."
Sokka knew he should let her go, he told himself he wouldn't let this happened anymore. But right now, he couldn't control himself anymore. She clearly needed someone, and he knew she would never ask for help, she would just isolate herself and suffer alone. And it hurt him so much to see her like that... He tried to make her look at him, but she was looking down now, shaking and crying.
"Azula, please, talk to me…"
Suddenly, she raised her head, just to glare at him. Sokka almost gasped as he looked her eyes and didn't recognize the girl there.
"I said… leave me ALONE!" Azula yelled and moved her arms to push him away, she didn't expect to see blue flames dancing around though. She also heard a cry.
The next second she saw Sokka, wincing in pain looking down to his hand. Azula's eyes widened. What had she done? Did she just attack him? What was happening to her? Guards and servants started to get closer, they all looked scared of her. She could listen them whispering things about her. Crazy. She is losing it again. I always knew she was still like that. Sokka finally looked up to her, he wanted to say something to her, but all Azula could see was fear in his eyes. He feared her.
"Azula…" He started, as a guard came next to him asking if he was okay.
"Princess, are you all right?" She heard a servant talking to her.
But Azula never answered. She simply turned around and ran away, tears falling down her face. Her mother was right after all. She was nothing but a monster.
After Sokka left the infirmary with a bandaged hand, he barely saw Azula again. She had spent the rest of the morning locked in the training room, and then she attended some meetings with Zuko. He wanted to talk to her, to ask what happened, to say he wanted to help. But Sokka knew she would never listen. Every time he remembered the way she looked at him after she burned his hand, he felt his heart breaking. She looked so lost…
At night, they went to one of the entrances of the Palace. Zuko and Suki were there too, and there was a small carriage waiting for them outside. The Princess was wearing a very simple dress with a dark cloak, her hair was partially down and there was no crown bonded to the small topknot on the top of her head. She was trying to look as commoner, Sokka realized. He almost smiled, it didn't matter if she dressed as a princess or not, she always looked like royalty. Then he sighed sadly. He really hoped she was well enough to keep up with this plan. This Zirin girl didn't seem to be someone easy to deal with. Not mentioning, if they were any attack or dangerous situation he needed her to be in her best state of mind to help him.
"What happened to your hand?" Suki asked, frowning at Sokka.
Sokka saw Azula's eyes widening.
"Uh, I bumped it into a candle earlier today." He answered, casually. "Nothing serious."
"So, are you guys ready?" Zuko asked, looking at them concerned.
"Yes, Zuko." Azula replied, tiredly.
"Hey," Zuko approached her, whispering. "Is everything okay? You seemed to be a little bit off this afternoon…"
Azula rolled her eyes.
"I'm fine, Zuko. I'm just a little bit tired, but nothing I can't handle."
"Good. Hey, do you know why mom was acting so weirdly today? She looked so upset."
"Zuzu, you're the mama's boy. If you don't know what is wrong with her, how am I supposed to know?" She said in a mocking tone.
He rolled his eyes at her.
"Fine. Be careful there, okay?"
"Yeah, yeah…" Azula waved her hand dismissively to him, walking towards the carriage. "Let's go." She muttered to Sokka, avoiding looking at him.
Sokka followed her. They didn't say a word until they arrive there. He thought it was better this way. They both needed to stay focused. He noticed she glanced a few times at him though, actually to his hand. But most of time she would just look through the window with sad and empty eyes. And he couldn't help but feel as an useless moron, every time he glanced at her like that.
After what seemed to be ages, the carriage left them close to the tavern.
"So… How is this friend of yours like?" He finally spoke at her.
The Princess faced him for a while, before saying, "She's much like myself, but without my merciful nature and sense of fair play." She shrugged.
Sokka just sighed, shaking his head frustrated.
"Well, this will be fun." He commented, before they walked in the tavern.
A/N: I disappeared for a while (personal life has been really busy), but I brought you guys a longer chapter this time! I hope you liked it! Next chapters there will be more (and longer) scenes between our favorite couple, don't worry!
I would love reviews so much! :)