Hello all Storm here with a new chapter! Here we'll be seeing Azula's arrival in Yu Dao, learning how she's supposed to survive now that she's on her own with no one to help, at least for now that is. While we'll also be getting a look at the Fire Nation and seeing how things change due to Azula's disappearance. Also quick sidenote, the ending of the first chapter has been edited changed a l So, without further ado.
I own nothing
Azula couldn't help but wince as she wandered through the streets of Yu Dao, having arrived in the city a few days ago, thanks to the trading caravan. With the trip having been even more torturous than stowing away on the ship, given she had no room to move around. By the time they even arrived at Yu Dao, Azula wasn't even sure if she'd be able to move with how stiff her body got.
Thankfully, it was at least much easier to sneak away since there weren't as many people in the caravan as there were on the ship. Allowing the former princess to sneak away and into Yu Dao, relieved when no one so much as gave her a passing glance.
Though when Azula got a look at her reflection, she understood why no one gave her a glance or assumed she was a Princess of the Fire Nation. Her clothes were now torn up and wrinkled, being smudged in several areas. Her hair had fallen out its topknot and hung loosely, while having bits of dirt and mud tangled in it, along with being rather greasy from how long it's been since she last bathed.
The remnants of her pride made it so the ravenette was disgusted at her appearance, not believing how dirty and unclean she'd become. But Azula also couldn't deny that if there's one positive to this, it's that she's now unrecognizable, looking more like a common street rat than nobility. It helped her accept her less than pleasing appearance if it helped her hide more easily.
Especially when she heard news of her grandfather's death. Assuming her father assassinated him after learning he wouldn't be able to secure his right to the throne by killing her. Which only added to Azula's fear and paranoia, seeing her father really had no issue with killing a family member to get what he wants.
And even if he's now been named Fire Lord, with Azulon also dead, making it so he had no reason to want to kill her. Azula refused to take any chances, not doubting her father would still kill her, if only out of anger for running away and almost jeopardizing his ascension to the throne.
Azula was pulled from her thoughts when her stomach began growling loudly, making her hold it complete agony, needing to lean against a wall just to stay standing.
'N-ne-n-ne-need…t-to-t-to…f-f-fi-fi-find s-so-so-something…t-t-to-to-to…e-e-e-e-ea-ea-eat…' Azula thought weakly, having not eaten anything since running away nor did she have any money on her to buy any food.
Though even if she did, Azula wasn't sure she would be able to even eat anything she could buy, having not had anything to drink either. Leaving her mouth and throat completely dry, having needed to cover her mouth to suppress any coughs from the dryness.
It's honestly a miracle she's even alive right now, let alone able to still think clearly.
'N-need…food…n-no-now…' Thought Azula, knowing she needed to find something to eat soon, refusing to die now, not when she's come this far to escape and survive.
Looking around for any shop or stall selling food, Azula suddenly froze when she smelled something truly heavenly. Not caring what it was, only that it smelled like the greatest thing in the world. The former princess followed the scent, feeling her stomach growling louder the closer she got to the source.
It wasn't long before Azula saw the source was a market stall filled with loafs of bread and other goods, the sight making her mouth hanging open in hunger.
'Bread, smells…so…good…must…get it…' Azula thought, not caring what it was, right now it seemed like the most amazing meal she could dream of.
But despite her hunger, Azula knew she needed to be careful in grabbing a loaf, not wanting to risk getting caught stealing and punished. Leading the ravenette to slowly move closer to the stall, while acting like she's just look around and would walk right past it.
Once she was close enough, Azula couldn't contain herself and quickly went to the stand and snatched the closest loaf of bread, smiling in excitement and happiness at her success. Before she paled when she saw a shadow fall over her.
"What do you think you're doing, you little thief?!" Demanded the stall owner while glaring down at Azula, much to her fear that she was caught.
Which only grew when they reached out to grab her, causing Azula to immediately run off, holding her prize close to her chest.
"Hey! Get back here you thief!" The owner shouted, chasing after the ravenette, terrifying Azula that she's now being chased.
'Gotta run! Gotta run! Gotta get away! Gotta…gotta…h-hi-hide…got to…' Azula thought, looking around desperately for anywhere she could escape to, only to start breathing heavily feeling herself getting tired from lack of energy and exhaustion.
Before she cried out when she was grabbed by the back of her collar, seeing the owner caught up and was now glaring at her angrily.
"Got you! Think you could get away you street r-AH!" Said the owner before they suddenly cried out when the ground underneath them suddenly shifted, knocking their feet out from under them, while letting go of Azula as they fell.
'Th-th-that was…!' Azula thought, now officially terrified, recognizing what happened and scared for her life that an Earthbender was actually here.
"Come on, let's go!" Someone said, grabbing Azula's hand and pulling her along, making the ravenette look to see it was girl.
"You little brats! Wait 'til I get my-" Said the owner getting up, only to hit the ground again when their foot was caught in a stone restraint.
"Help! Help! We're being chased by some sicko that likes beating up children!" The girl cried out with a scared expression on her face, getting the attention of several people as they narrowed their eyes at the stall owner.
"Wh-what?! No, I-" The owner said before their voice began fading, the farther Azula and the girl ran.
The two didn't stop running until they turned a corner down into an alleyway, pressing themselves against the wall, with Azula starting to feel lightheaded. Before she turned to her apparent savior, getting a better look at them.
Seeing the girl looked to be a year or two older than her, with fair skin, brown hair held up in a topknot with a red ribbon and parted bangs, along with dark brown eyes. While her attired consisted of a red shoulder cape with black trimming, a green tunic underneath, grey baggy pants with a green skirt/apron over it with yellow trimming, a red sash around her waist and dark red shoes with curved tips.
Azula was unable to help, but notice how her clothes seemed to mix Fire Nation and Earth Kingdom style together, much to her confusion at why anyone would dress like that.
"Sorry about suddenly grabbing you and running, like that. But you were really lucky I was around to help when I did. Seriously, chasing after some innocent kid just trying to get some food, there's nothing that makes me angrier than that." Said the girl letting out a huff, before smiling at the ravenette.
"I haven't introduced myself yet, either. I'm Kori Morishita, nice to meet you." Kori introduced, holding out her hand.
Azula looked at her for a few moments while swaying back and forth, before the former princess collapsed to the ground unconscious. As she lost the last of her energy while her hunger and dehydration caught up to her, leaving Azula unable to remain standing or conscious.
"Oh Spirits! Hey! Hey, come on, wake up!" Kori said in shock and horror, trying to wake her up, before grunting as she lifted Azula up to take her back home to get some help.
*Fire Nation*
Meanwhile, in the Fire Lord's Harbor in the Fire Nation, a ship was pulling into port before the gangplank was lowered once it was docked, allowing someone to step down. With the person smiling slightly as they inhaled deeply.
'Perhaps it's not the time I intended to return, but it feels good to be home again.' Thought the person before noticing a retinue that'd be sent to greet him upon his arrival.
"General Iroh, we are honored to welcome you home." Said the retinue leader as they bowed to the Dragon of the West, feeling honored to meet such a renowned general and war hero.
"Thank you, but it's my honor to receive such a lovely greeting my first time back home after so many years." Iroh said, smiling and motioning them to stand up, no longer caring about being shown such respect or reverence, not after Ba Sing Se.
Though Iroh wouldn't admit it, but he didn't even intend to return to the Fire Nation this soon. Having planned to travel the world to find himself, after Lu Ten's death. Even more so when he learned of his father's death and Ozai ascending the throne, which had apparently been their father's dying wish. Something Iroh had no intention of challenging Ozai on, no longer desiring to rule as Fire Lord.
He had wanted to travel the world, to mourn the loss of both his father and son in peace, but also to better understand himself and the world. Having lost his taste for power after losing his son, Iroh desired to now find out what his place in the world was. What he was meant to do.
However, he put his plans on hold since he didn't just learn of his father's death and Ozai being named Fire Lord, but that his niece Azula had gone missing. Something that had greatly concerned the general before making his way back home to find out just what had happened.
"But please if you could be so kind as to escort me to the palace, I wish to speak with my brother." Iroh requested, intending to find out what happened and then begin helping the search effort to find Azula.
*With Zuko and Ozai*
"Wrong! You still hesitate to strike! There must be no pause, no hesitation! The only thing to do is strike with ferocity and rage! Never stop until your opponent is utterly crushed! Do it again!" Ordered Ozai, scowling as he observed Zuko's training while his son panted heavily.
Before he stood up straight and forced himself to keep going, despite how tired he was from the nonstop training. With the prince then thrusting his fist forward releasing a jet of fire, following by another from his other hand. Zuko then kicked his leg up releasing an arc of flames, before spinning around with his leg out, only to grunt when he lost his balance and fell to the ground.
"You also need to work on your footing, otherwise you'll be more likely to burn yourself than an enemy." Ozai said coldly as he looked down at his son.
"Y-yes father, I…I understand." Zuko said while getting up on shaky legs before the door to the training room opened as a servant entered, shaking when Ozai glared at them.
"What is it?!" Ozai demanded, annoyed at the interruption.
"F-fo-forgive me, Lord Ozai, b-but General Iroh is on his way to the palace now a-and has requested an audience with you." Said the servant, bowing lowly, while Ozai grunted in annoyance at hearing his brother was on his way before turning back to Zuko.
"You may rest for now. I'll be sending Lo and Li to continue your training." Said Ozai, much to Zuko's relief at the chance to rest and being trained by Lo and Li instead.
Despite not being Firebenders themselves, they were still incredibly knowledgeable about the art. Making them fully capable of instructing and training Firebenders.
'They also aren't as brutal as father. either.' Zuko thought, knowing that'll really be good, before frowned at that thought looked and looked at his father just as he was about to leave.
"Father. Would I be able to talk to you for a moment before you meet with Uncle Iroh?" Zuko asked, causing the Fire Lord to stop just before he opened the door.
"What do you want?" Said Ozai, without even turning towards his son.
"I know why you hate me and I know about the letter's mother wrote. The night Azula ran away, I overheard both of you. You hate me because of the letter she wrote, claiming I wasn't your son and that's why you treat me like you do." Said Zuko, with Ozai not reacting to his words.
"Your point?" Ozai said coldly, wondering if this will be a problem he had to deal with.
"She was wrong with what she did. I thought she cared about me, that she'd never do anything to hurt me, but she did. She…she's you treat me like I wasn't your son, that I was lucky just to be born. And then she acted like everything was fine, that she isn't the reason why I'm hated and seen as a failure. So, I told her I didn't want anything to do with her anymore." Zuko said, clenching his fists, while Ozai now turned towards him at hearing this.
"Yes…she is to blame, she wished you weren't my son and I merely fulfilled her wish by treating you as such. But make no mistake, just because your mother isn't here anymore, it doesn't change anything. I have only begun training you because, until Azula is found, you are my sole heir. And I will not have you making an embarrassment of the Fire Nation, like you did before my father." Ozai retorted coldly, making it perfectly clear he's only investing his time in Zuko to ensure he doesn't embarrass him again with his half-baked attempts at Firebending.
"But I'm still here! I'm still trying to prove myself! Shouldn't that matter?! I've been training every day since then, working as hard as I can and more to prove myself! Why do I still have to be blamed for what she did?!" Said Zuko, causing Ozai to narrow his eyes as the flames around them flared up in response to his anger, only to soon settle down.
"You're correct, you are still here. You could have easily slipped away just like Azula did, instead you remained. Even more that you would confront me with this knowledge, while we're alone." Ozai stated dangerously, with Zuko gulping for a moment before looking up to meet his father's gaze.
"Because I'm your son, I have always been your son. And I'm not going to be a failure, anymore." Zuko said, refusing to back down and show he's not a failure.
"…Very well. Consider this your last chance Prince Zuko, prove to me you are worthy of being my son." Said Ozai, willing to give Zuko another chance to prove himself worthy.
"Thank you, that's all I ask for." Zuko said in gratitude, while Ozai merely inclined his head before taking his leave.
Heading to the throne room, Ozai couldn't help but smirk as he ascended the throne and the wall of fire came alive before him, still relishing in the power he now wielded as Fire Lord. With it not being long before the doors opened and his brother entered.
"Ozai." Iroh greeted while bowing his head, with Ozai narrowing his eyes slightly before smirking.
"Hello, brother." Ozai replied as the two stared each other down.
Both of them being able to feel the growing tension, neither knowing exactly what the other was thinking or planned to do next.
"Traditionally subjects of the Fire Nation bow to the Fire Lord when in his presence. And even if you are a prince and general, Iroh, you are still a subject of the Fire Nation and thus serve me now." Said Ozai, taking great pleasure in holding it over his brother's head, that he's now his superior.
"Forgive me, it's been so long since I was last in the homeland, one tends to forget the little things when on the battlefield." Said Iroh before bowing to Ozai, much to the Fire Lord's annoyance, believing he's being mocked.
"I'm sure you forgot many things when you were away. Even forgetting to be here for father's own funeral and to see his remains entombed. It was a shame that you were not here with him in his final days, or to hear his final wishes." Ozai said, making Iroha sigh as he stood up straight.
"I will mourn father in my own way. Grief, I have learned, is not something to put on display for all to see, it is to be expressed only with those who have felt the loss of a loved one. My son, my father, I will mourn them when I am ready, but until then I carry their memories with me in here, always." Iroh said while putting a hand over his heart, knowing he won't forget Lu Ten or Azulon, no matter what he and his father disagreed on, he was still his father.
While Ozai scoffed at his words, seeing his brother was still a sentimental fool, even more so it seems after his son's death.
"And to put your mind at ease Ozai, I have no desire to fight you for the throne. If naming you his successor is truly what father wished for, then I will not question his wishes." Said Iroh, wanting to make it clear he wouldn't challenge his brother for the throne.
"It pleases me to hear that, Iroh." Stated Ozai, pleased he wouldn't have to worry about Iroh challenging him, mostly since he wasn't sure which of them would come out the winner if they did fight.
"But I did come here with another purpose. Tell me, what exactly has happened to Zuko and Azula?" Iroh asked with a frown, wanting to know what happened to Azula and was worried for Zuko, given how he expected his nephew to have been happy at his arrival and be one of the first to greet him.
"Zuko is currently busy with his training under Lo and Li, while Azula has unfortunately run off somewhere and is being searched for all throughout the Fire Nation." Ozai replied, which only made Iroh's frown deepen.
"Yes, I'm aware Azula has vanished, what I want to know is why." Said Iroh, given Azula never struck him as the type to just run away from anything.
"You have our father to thank for that actually. It was after we received the unfortunate news of Lu Ten's passing, I petitioned father to name me his heir due to how you no longer had one, while I had two living children. Unfortunately, he didn't see the logic behind my argument and instead believed I should be punished and suffer as you did. So, father believed that I too should suffer the loss of a child, only I was meant to perform the deed myself. Otherwise I would be disinherited, entirely." Revealed Ozai, much to Iroh's shock and horror at the realization.
"No…no, Ozai tell me you wouldn't!" Iroh said, not wanting to believe his brother would actually go that far.
"Be honest Iroh…we both know I would." Ozai stated since they both knew if came between his position and the life someone else, even his own child, he'd always choose his position.
Something Iroh couldn't deny, much to his anger that Ozai would truly sacrifice his own child just to gain the throne. His anger only fueled further from the scars of Lu Ten's loss, knowing he would give up anything if it meant having his son back. Yet Ozai would be willing to kill his own daughter, if it meant getting the throne.
Though Iroh kept his temper in check, knowing he couldn't just attack the Fire Lord.
"If you truly wish to be angry at someone, be angry at father. He's the one who gave me the ultimatum between Azula and my position. He could have simply banished me, but instead gave me the choice." Said Ozai, with Iroh having to relent to that, knowing his father was to blamed as well, but he wouldn't forget that Ozai still had a choice.
It also made Iroh see just what kind of person Ozai truly was, having learned when they were young that his brother had a lack of empathy. But he didn't think it'd extend so far, that he'd be willing to sacrifice his own child to achieve his ambition.
"I see. Then it seems that until Azula is found, Zuko is now you're sole heir and must be trained to reach his full potential. If you would allow it, I would be willing to offer my services alongside Lo and Li in training Prince Zuko, so that you may be allowed to focus on your duties as Fire Lord and know he is still receiving the best training available." Iroh offered, making Ozai frown at the idea of his brother training Zuko, that he could influence him.
"…Very well brother. You may train Zuko alongside Lo and Li, when I am unavailable to do so." Ozai said, knowing despite his feelings towards his older brother, he couldn't deny Iroh's wisdom and mastery of Firebending is invaluable.
"Thank you Ozai, I will strive to do my best in training in him." Iroh said with a bow before turning to leave, only to be stopped when his brother spoke again.
"One more thing, you should know. Ursa had a terrible habit of keeping secret letters she wrote to her family and that peasant boy she was infatuated with, I knew of them of course since she believed the servants were more loyal to her than me. One such letter was filled with horrible lies she intended for me to read, claiming Zuko wasn't my son and when I confronted her, she wished Zuko wasn't my son. And Zuko had overheard us the night Azula left. Just so you know brother, he might not be as welcoming as you believe he would be." Ozai revealed, much to Iroh's shock and dismay.
'Oh Ursa…why?' Iroh thought, not mad at Ursa for wanting to stay in contact with her family, but he's definitely disappointed that she'd write such lies and say such a thing, knowing how Ozai would react and the impact it would have on Zuko.
It made the Dragon of the West wonder if their family was doomed to fall apart like this, before reflecting on his own failings to his family.
'I had seen the darkness in Ozai long before he married Ursa, yet what did I do to help him? To be better understand and guide him as an older brother should. If I had done more, then maybe things could have been different.' Iroh thought while thinking over everything that's lead his family to this point.
Ursa's letters shattering Ozai's relationship with Zuko, Lu Ten's death, Azula running away because her own grandfather ordered her father to kill her. And now Ursa's letters have likely shattered her own relationship with Zuko as well, and potentially set him on the path to become like his father.
'Perhaps this is the Spirits way of punishing our family for starting the Hundred-Year War.' Iroh thought while sighing before taking his leave to find Zuko and hope to stop things from getting worse than they already have.
Remembering what Ozai said, Zuko was currently training with Lo and Li, Iroh headed to the training rooms to find them. Looking through the rooms until he found his nephew and his instructors. Taking a moment to watch as Zuko went through the katas of his Firebending. Smiling proudly as he saw how much his nephews improved since he last saw him, having always believed he would become a great Firebender.
"Well done, Prince Zuko, I see that you have improved greatly in my absence. I'm sure, in time, that you will become a bender without equal." Iroh said while clapping once Zuko finished his movements, getting his attention along with Lo and Li.
"Oh General Iroh, how wonderful it is to see you once again. It has been far too long since we've seen such a mighty dragon, such as yourself." Lo said, smiling at the Dragon of the West.
"Mighty indeed and none more handsome." Added Li, making Iroh laugh lightly.
"Such kind words from such lovely ladies. In all my travels, I have never encountered such rare and beautiful flowers like yourselves." Said Iroh with a bow, while the twins laughed coyly.
"Though if you ladies would please give me a moment, I wish to catch up with my nephew." Iroh said, with Li and Lo bowing their heads before exiting the room.
Once they were gone, Iroh turned towards Zuko, only to frown sadly when he saw the cold look on his face without any trace of his usual carefree happiness he'd seen before.
"It brings me joy to see you once again, nephew. You have grown much since I last saw you." Iroh said while smiling at Zuko and moving to hug him, only to feel hurt when Zuko actually stepped back.
"Uncle. It's good you're back, but I'm in the middle of training." Zuko said curtly, making Iroh sigh.
"Yes, I had heard from your father you were training. And I offered to assist you in training when Ozai is busy with his duties as Fire Lord." Said Iroh, reaching out again with Zuko stepping back again.
"Thanks, but I'm fine training with Lo and Li, and waiting until father can train me himself." Stated Zuko.
"It's truly no bother, nephew. I'd be happy to help you in your training, there's much I'm sure you'd like to learn. Like my signature fire breath, then everyone will start calling you a dragon." Iroh offered while smiling in amusement, only for Zuko to clench his fists.
"I said I'm fine." Zuko said ,starting to get annoyed.
"Prince Zuko I do wish to help you-" Said Iroh, reaching for his nephew.
"Well I don't want your help!" Zuko snapped, finally having enough, much to Iroh's surprise.
"I don't want help from you, from mother or anyone else that's lied to me! She already betrayed me and father, how do I know you won't do the same?! Everyone I thought I could trust has lied to me, made me feel weak and useless! But I'm not! I'm not weak, I'm not a failure! I…I'm going to strong! Stronger than, stronger than father, stronger than even the Avatar! Then…then…I'll…I'll be…I'll be strong enough for once!" Shouted Zuko, hating how weak he is, that he keeps failing at everything and can't help anyone no matter how hard he tries.
While Iroh looked at his nephew sadly, seeing just how much this whole experience has broken Zuko before pulled him into an embrace, with Zuko not even trying to fight back.
"Oh, Prince Zuko. I'm so very sorry for everything. I know you are hurting and don't know who to believe, but I promise I will never, ever leave your side." Iroh swore, causing Zuko to tear up before he began crying, unable to hold it back anymore.
*With Azula*
Meanwhile, Azula groaned as she began waking up only to start coughing from how dry her throat still felt. Before she tried getting up, only for some to grab her shoulder and gently lay her back down.
"Hey, take it easy, okay. You shouldn't be moving, like that." Said a voice, one Azula felt was vaguely familiar before she opened her eyes.
Finding the girl from before, Kori, standing over her along with two adults that she guessed were her parents. With her father dressed in standard Fire Nation attire, while her mother seemed to be wearing Earth Kingdom clothing.
"Wh-where…" Azula muttered, trying to move again only to be stopped again by Kori.
"You're in our home. Kori brought you here and it's lucky that she did with the condition you were in, we had a doctor come over to examine you." Said the man, frowning in concern at how a child could get in such a state.
"You were suffering from severe dehydration, starvation, not to mention exhaustion. From what Kori told us, it's honestly a miracle you were able to keep moving, let alone survive as long as you have." The woman said in concern, feeling her maternal instincts going crazy at the thought of what she's been through to end up like that.
"Yeah. The doctor also gave us some water and liquid food for you to drink and eat to help build up your strength again, since there's no way you'd be able to eat anything solid as you are now." Kori added, with Azula only able to nod tiredly.
"Wh-wh-who…a-a-ar-ar-are y-yo-yo-y-you?" Azula asked, her mind still feeling foggy.
"Oh, you probably didn't really hear me the first time I introduced myself. I'm Kori Morishita, nice to meet you. And these are my parents, my dad's also the Mayor of Yu Dao." Kori introduced while smiling at the ravenette.
"Y-you're…ben-bender?" Said Azula, also remembering how Kori used Earthbending before.
"Yeah! I'm an Earthbender like my mom, she's been training me to use and I'd say I'm doing pretty great!" Kori said proudly, much to her parents amusement.
"You still have a lot to learn sweetheart, so don't go boasting just yet." Mrs. Morishita said, while Azula looked at them in surprise.
"You're…an Earthbender? And you're…a Fire Nation citizen?" Azula said, having never heard of such a thing nor even considered it.
"That's right. Here in Yu Dao, we live together, there's no Fire Nation, no Earth Kingdom, there's just people living their lives as they see fit. Firebender, Earthbender, Non-bender, it doesn't matter here, we're all citizens of Yu Dao regardless of background." Said Mayor Morishita, aware those new to Yu Dao would find it surprising to find citizens of the Fire Nation and Earth Kingdom living together.
"Yeah, I'm an Earthbender, a Fire Nation citizen and I live in Yu Dao, it's who I am and who I'll always be." Kori stated, with Azula feeling her head spinning both from just waking up and this revelation.
"So…what's your name?" Questioned Kori curiously.
"A-Azula…my name's Azula." Azula replied without thinking, having not considered the need of having a fake identity.
She simply planned to stay in the shadows and survive anyway she could, not thinking how or what she'd do, just that she'd survive. It didn't help with how out of it she still was, nor the bombshell Kori dropped on her since she had been raised her entire life to believe in Fire Nation superiority.
"Azula? That's…odd. That's the name of the Fire Lord's missing daughter." Said Mrs. Morishita with a raised brow along with her husband.
"Huh…? It…is? Oh…I…I wasn't…aware that I…I shared the s-same name as a princess…." Muttered Azula, still feeling out of it, which actually worked in her favor as it helped her appear oblivious.
"Well, why don't you tell us what exactly happened to you that caused you to ended up in this condition?" Mayor Morishita asked, wanting to know what happened to her.
"I…I ran away…from home. My…my mother…she…she hated me…and my…my father…he tried killing me." Azula said, much to their shock at hearing this.
"Why would they do that?!" Kori asked in shock and horror.
"I…I don't know…I don't know." Azula muttered, trying to understand that herself, why did her mother hate her, why did father try to kill her.
She'd always tried to be the perfect daughter, the perfect Firebender, perfect at everything she did…but it was always never good enough, no matter how hard she tried.
"We…we're sorry to hear that. But if you have nowhere else to go, then you are welcome to stay with us as long as you need to." Said Mayor Morishita, with his wife and daughter nodding in agreement.
"Yeah! It'll be great, I'll show you all around Yu Dao once you're better!" Kori said smiling, liking the chance to have a new friend to show around.
"N-no…no, that's fine. I…I don't want to be a bother. I'll…I'll be gone soon." Said Azula, not wanting to run the risk of anyone potentially recognizing her.
"Absolutely not, young lady! You can barely move as is and you have nowhere else to go. We insist that you stay to rest and recover. And don't even think about arguing, Earthbenders are incredibly stubborn when we set our minds to something and right now we're going to help you." Mrs. Morishita said, giving Azula a stern look, refusing to let a child go out on her own in her current condition.
"I…I…f-f-fi-fine. I'll…try not to be a bother." Azula muttered while laying back down as she relented, only able to hope this doesn't turn out to be a mistake.
So, what did you think, good. Yep we see Azula wandering through Yu Dao with her appearance having grown dirty and disheveled making her unrecognizable as a princess, allowing her to hide in plain sight. With her also having learned of her grandfather's death and Ozai's ascension to the throne, much to her growing fear and paranoia at what'll happen to her if she's found.
Before she tries stealing some food, having not eaten or drank anything the past few days, only to end up being caught trying to steal. Forcing Azula to try and run, but due to her lack of energy and hunger, she doesn't get far before she's caught. Lucky she gets some help from Kori Morishita with her Earthbending distracting the stall owner, allowing them to escape. Only for Azula to soon pass out as the last of her energy leaves her.
We then go to the Fire Nation where Iroh has returned early from his travels after abandoning the siege of Ba Sing Se. With him learning of his father's death, Ozai's ascension and Azula's disappearance, making him return early to find out what happened.
Meanwhile we see Ozai's brutal training of Zuko before learning of Iroh's arrival allowing Zuko to take a break while having Lo and Li take over his training, much to his relief. Before Zuko confronts Ozai about what heard between him and Ursa, while agreeing she was in the wrong, desiring to try and mend his relationship with Ozai. While Ozai decides to give Zuko another chance to prove himself worthy of being his son.
Then we see Ozai and Iroh meeting, with there being clear tension between them as Iroh learns the truth of what happened, much to his anger Ozai would go so far, along with disappointed in Ursa for her own part in what's happened, as well as his own hand in how things turned out. Before offering to help train Zuko, with Ozai reluctantly agreeing since he couldn't deny Iroh's wisdom and experience.
Leading to Iroh reuniting with Zuko, only for him to not want anything to do with his uncle, believing he's like Ursa and lying to him. Only for Iroh to promise that he'll never leave Zuko's side, causing Zuko to begin crying.
Finally we see Azula waking up in Koro's home, officially meeting her and her parents, while giving some half-truths of what happened to her, much to their shock. Before offering to let Azula stay with them until she's better, something she initially refuses but relents while hoping it doesn't prove to be a mistake. So, for those that like the story, thanks for your support. For those that don't or at least don't like the direction taken, you're more than welcomed to drop the story. But thanks for giving the story a chance anyway.
Storm out
