Chapter 2: Huntress

But crying never solved anything. If Azula had learned anything from her demanding upbringing, it was that she needed to cast her feelings aside and take control. So after a good thirty second sob fest, she dried her tears, grabbed her hotel key card from the nightstand, and marched into the hallway.

Revenge. Her feet marched to the beat of sweet, sweet revenge. She was going to track down that sorry bastard no matter what. Didn't he know who she was?! Clearly not, or he would have thought twice about stealing from her. He had messed with the wrong firebender. She was one of the world's greatest, a "true prodigy". She could have easily been up in that pro-bending arena if she had chosen that path. And now, she was going to find him and kick his ass.

With unwavering determination, she traversed each corridor on every floor, peering into open doors, scrutinizing every passerby. She must have looked like a crazy person, but she didn't care. She would find him. She would make him pay. She would… okay, she had been looking vigilantly for about an hour with no results. What if he didn't even have a room at this hotel? She could be completely wasting her time.

Returning to her hotel room, she scanned her surroundings, pondering her next move. That's when it hit her that hope wasn't entirely lost. She darted over to her small carryon bag, and yes, just as she thought!

Her driver's license. She still had her driver's license! Luckily tucked away in her carryon for easy access during boarding, her ID was now her sole lifeline.

With some newfound pep in her step, she decided to consult the hotel concierge for assistance.

"Hello, I'm Joo Dee," the concierge greeted with a smile that was just a little too wide, eyes just a little too vacant. "How may I assist you today?"

"Hi, Joo Dee. I'm Azula, and I'm in a bit of a bind. I'm hoping you can help me out."

"What seems to be the trouble? Is your room not up to our typical five-star standard?"

"No, no. It's nothing like that."

"Thank goodness."

"The problem is… I was robbed."

"Oh dear! Did someone break into your room?"

"Not exactly… he was an invited guest, but he made off with my phone and credit card while I was asleep."

"I'm so sorry this happened to you at our luxurious top-rated hotel. Was he a guest here? Let me look up his information. What was his name?"

Azula quickly averted her eyes, staring awkwardly at the counter as she realized they had never even exchanged names. "I don't know…"

"Oh my." Maintaining her professionalism, Joo Dee concealed any hint of judgment, but Azula could feel it nonetheless. "Let me see what I can do for you."

Joo Dee disappeared into a back room before Azula could even thank her. When she returned, the same unnerving smile was plastered on her face.

"I have ordered you an Airlyft. Your driver will be here in ten minutes." Joo Dee offered her cup of coffee and a granola bar. "Please enjoy these complimentary goodies while you wait."

"Thanks…" Azula accepted the offering, uncertain if she could secure another meal today without any money. "I appreciate your help."

"I hope you have enjoyed your stay! Please come again."

With coffee and granola bar in hand, Azula settled into a seat in the hotel lobby, resigned to wait. All she could do was wait.