Azula would be the first to admit that having another creature's thoughts flowing through your head was bizarre.

The morning after her birthday Azula awoke, her head spinning from the lack of sleep she had received the night before. She was prepared to turn back over, knowing that it was a weekend and that she didn't have any responsibilities until later in the day.

That plan was forgotten when she felt an odd sense of joy, a feeling she certainly wasn't feeling at the moment. Taking a second to steady herself, still in the process of waking up, she tried to focus on the feeling.

The answer became clear to her almost immediately as she felt Sora's delight at her being awake echo through this shared connection.

Oh right.

She had absently noted that she could feel her dragon's thoughts and emotions yesterday after they had bonded, but she had brushed it aside at the time, deciding instead to focus on the elation she had felt at the moment.

She found herself regretting that decision as she tried to make heads or tails of the connection with a migraine pulsing through her temple.

Groaning she lay back down, trying to ignore the headache and focus on the strange sensation. It was easy to feel Sora's presence in her mind, the thoughts coming from the dragon were clearly different from her own. Despite the unusual circumstances she found she didn't mind.

Having the morning free she was given plenty of time to toy around with this mental bond, finding out that she could mute the thoughts passing through to avoid distraction or turn it off completely. She only did the latter for a second, before quickly reopening from her end. The bond was already starting to feel normal, and shutting it off was almost unnatural. The relief flooding in from Sora indicated that she agreed.

Deciding to roll with the strange situation she found herself in, she quickly got ready for the day, preparing to go to breakfast, despite still feeling very tired. She knew that the day was bound to be eventful, and she'd rather not deal with it hungry.

"You look like crap," was the first words that greeted her from her marvelously kind brother. She glared at him, not liking how upbeat he currently looked. It seemed someone managed to get proper rest.

"You know Zuzu, most civilized people agree that 'good morning' is the appropriate greeting at this time," she groused, moving to get her food ready. She had seen the bags under her eyes as she prepared herself but hadn't felt the energy to apply makeup to cover them up. She was starting to regret that choice.

"Why are you even tired," he continued, her barb not landing as she had hoped. She dearly hoped that she wasn't losing her edge. "Didn't you go to bed early last night? What were you doing?"

He was right, at least partially. She had turned in earlier than normal, claiming that she was more tired than usual from her bending lessons. That was a cover-up to see Sora earlier of course, but Zuko didn't need to know that. She ignored the influx of joy from her dragon at the thought.

"Yes well, I didn't as much sleep as I would have wanted," she began truthfully. She truly would like more rest. "But I think I'll save the reason why for later." She ended with a smirk, which caused him to cease his questioning.

Zuko still had a healthy fear for her smiles it would seem.

As she finished her food, she took a moment to think about how today would go. She was very excited, despite the fatigue she felt. She would have another firebending lesson today, as she did every day, but this one would be unique.

She would reveal her blue fire.

She quickly started heading back to her room, wanting privacy to try to conjure the intense flames. It wasn't that she doubted she could, having Sora's thoughts about an interesting bug she found flitting through her head made it clear she hadn't made last night up. Still, she needed to see this for herself, just as confirmation.

Arriving at her door, she quickly entered, taking care to lock her door after she had closed it. She didn't want anyone to see this before she was ready, despite how small a chance it was. She strode to the middle of her room, the large space it provided ample enough that she didn't have to worry about setting something on fire as long as she didn't go overboard.

Taking a deep breath, she focused her inner fire, basked in the encouragement Sora was sending her, and breathed out, summoning a small plume of the ethereal blue fire as she did. Acting quickly, she took control of the small flame, allowing it to rest in her cupped hands.

She stared at the fire intently, a wide, almost manic grin overtaking her face. She looked into the full body mirror near her closest and had to withhold a gasp as she saw herself with the unique flame resting in her hands, the angle making her eyes look like they were blazing as they reflected the fire's light.

It was real. She was truly able to wield the fire that had captivated her mind the last few weeks. A feeling of euphoria erupted throughout her body, and she had to restrain herself from yelling with glee, knowing that it was likely someone would hear her.

Taking some time to calm down, she allowed the fire to fade until it was completely extinguished. She felt contentment radiating within her, matching the feeling Sora was sending her. She allowed herself to enjoy the feeling for as long as she could.

Which wasn't very long seeing as Sora found her attention being drawn to a butterfly. Really her dragon was quite silly, wasn't she? Ignoring the spike of indignation she looked at the clock near her bedside, and decided it was time to get on with her day.

Line Break

It was a little after noon when Azula found herself standing in front of Li and Lo, eagerness well hidden behind a neutral face.

"You can begin,"

"When you are ready,"

""Azula.""

Azula would never admit it, but she found the in-sync talking Lo and Li exhibited creepy. She sincerely hoped that she and Sora wouldn't pick up any similar habits.

Taking a deep breath Azula focussed on her inner flame, something that had become a habit before she bended. Feeling ready, Azula moved into the first step of the set, her blue flames following the leg sweep.

Azula assumed that the old ladies were wearing shocked expressions, but she ignored them as she felt herself flow through the movements with a grace she hadn't before exhibited.

While still performing the moves in the set perfectly, Azula felt her movements take on the fluidity she had felt last night, the dance-like feeling replicated with ease. Doing her form like this made her question how she had ever been comfortable with the more rigid and rough form she had exhibited before. This felt much more natural.

The set ended quickly, the high kick producing a large plume of blue fire, larger than she normally would have made. Righting herself, she looked back at Lo and Li, sharing in Sora's amusement at the stunned looks on their faces. It seemed her performance had stupefied them.

With a confident smirk curling on her lips she asked, "How was that." She knew the answer of course, but she would welcome additional praise.

She ignored the indignant feeling from Sora and the word 'hypocrite' flaring through their bond.

"That…"

"Was…"

"...Incredible princess," they finished together, both with a hesitant pause. Seriously? Even when speechless they were in sync?

Azula shook her head to clear the disturbing thought as she responded, "I managed it late last night while practicing." She had seen their curious looks at her tired state when entering. This response was both accurate, to an extent, and a good excuse.

"Truly impressive princess…"

"We must inform your father immediately."

Azula nodded, watching the two leave the room as fast as their fragile bones could manage. She knew her father would be informed immediately, bending blue fire was unheard of. Azula would know, having scoured the library to find more information on the fact. She and Sora were either the first or the knowledge was missing, which was possible with what she had seen earlier in the week. Despite all that had happened the questions that were brought up were still present...

Regardless of that topic, no one currently living could bend flame of a different color, and her father was sure to be interested in her ability to do so. The hurried footsteps she heard heading towards the door confirmed that.

Soon enough the door swung open, her father striding into the room with clear purpose. She bowed low as he walked in, waiting for acknowledgment to rise, as he stopped in front of her, his eyes gleaming with interest.

"Rise Azula," he began slowly, his voice powerful, with the curiosity clear in his tone.

She rose quickly, a neutral expression settling on her face, despite the nervousness she felt. She felt Sora's curiosity peak through the bond, but she quickly muted it. She couldn't afford a distraction.

"I have heard a most interesting thing," he continued, eyes gleaming with satisfaction, and… was that vindication? Azula couldn't tell, but she ignored it as she focused on his words. "Lo and Li spoke of blue fire, something unheard of. I would like to see it."

Despite the pleasant words, Azula knew a command when she heard one. "Yes, Father," She said, nodding her understanding as she backed into the center of the room. She went through the same set as she had before, the powerful fire flowing effortlessly despite the tenseness she felt throughout her whole body.

She knew she had to perform exceptionally, no, perfectly. Her father was far more interested than she had initially thought, almost as though he had anticipated something like this. Failure was unacceptable right now.

She finished quickly, her movements more reminiscent of how she had been taught previously in its rigidness. She bowed when the last of the flames died out, waiting for her father's response. It came soon enough, but she felt herself flinch in shock.

Her father was laughing, the sound rich and merry as he clapped his hands together. 'Excellent! Truly magnificent Azula," the praise was welcomed, she had never been one to turn compliments to her excellency down, but she felt slightly uneasy.

She couldn't describe the feeling but there was something disturbing behind the joy in his voice. She tried to brush it aside, but the feeling persisted as he walked forward his hand resting on her shoulder. Through the muted bond, she felt Sora reacting similarly, if not protectively.

She had done well though, so why would she need to be protected?

Clearing her face of any emotion, she raised her head and looked into his eyes, the same ones she possessed. "Thank you, Father," she said, the words falling from her mouth easily. "I had been working on my bending last night, and made this breakthrough."

Father had been the one to stress the importance of lying to her. She had taken to it like a fish to water, which she was grateful for. It seemed her father didn't hold any suspicions as to where she learned this. If anything, the confident gleam in his eye made it seem as though this was expected all along.

"And what a breakthrough it was!" He responded with a wide smile to present on his lips. "I could feel the heat, it was astonishing. It was perfect," he looked over her entire form, seemingly pleased with what he saw. "I can see you are tired, no doubt from practicing. Rest. Your training is going to be increased. I would have my daughter a master before your next birthday."

Azula's eyes widened with both excitement and dread, knowing that her heavy workload was once again increasing. Not voicing her thoughts she simply said, "I look forward to it. Thank you, father."

Nodding one last time Ozai left the room, more lively than when he had entered. Azula quickly unmuted the bond when the door closed, allowing Sora's thoughts to flood her weary mind, bringing her comfort.

She left for her room, intending to rest as she had been instructed. She would surely need it for what was ahead of her.

Line Break

Azula once again found herself in the clearing with Sora, a cooked fish in her hands with various bites taken out of it.

She was starting to get worried at how accustomed she was to this tradition.

Azula focused on Sora as the dragon shifted her wings, clearly happy with how the movement caused her less pain than it had before.

"You know," Azula began, putting the fish on the ground as she watched the dragon merrily prance around. "Moving your wing like that is sure to slow down its healing."

Sora snorted at her words, continuing without a care in the world. Azula shook her head, something that was becoming a habit the more time she spent around this dragon.

It had been a month since she had shown Father her blue fire. He hadn't been lying when he said her training would be increased, bringing more varied tutors of acclaim to the palace to instruct her further.

She had been progressing well, on track to becoming a master by her eleventh birthday. Despite the joy she felt at that thought, she couldn't ignore the fatigue that was growing within her. The increased workload, along with school, and caring for a dragon left her with little room in her schedule to rest. It felt like that weight was slowly crushing her.

Trying not to focus on such deep thoughts, she went back to looking at the notebook she had brought. Having so many things going on, she had started keeping a notebook to keep her thoughts in order. She had gotten two, one for the palace and one for the clearing to keep the chance of discovery low.

Right now she was sketching Sora, her mind focused on something that had been pestering her since her proclamation of flying with Sora.

How to do it.

Azula considered herself brave, meeting with Sora like she did was proof of that, but she didn't exactly like the thought of falling from the back of a dragon while hundreds of meters in the air. If she wanted to fly with Sora, she would need something that all mounts had.

A little.

This was difficult for several reasons. The first is that the saddle would be different for a dragon than it would be for say, a komodo rhino. Sora's body shape, like that of a serpent (or noodle), wouldn't fit the bulky form of the Fire Nation's chosen mount. The saddle would need to be made specifically for Sora, which had its own problems besides the risk of discovery.

For one, Azula had been correct in her assumption that Sora was a young dragon. In the month and a half Azula had known her, Sora had grown a considerable amount and didn't seem to be slowing. If the texts Azula had read were accurate, Sora wasn't even half the size of an adult dragon.

This meant that she would not only have to have custom-made saddles, but she would also need to make multiple saddles until Sora was finished growing. Even saddles made with room to grow would only last so long before they would need to be replaced.

Azula was shaken from her thoughts by Sora looking over her shoulder, curiosity clear on her face and through their bond. The prideful dragon looked at the sketch of herself and puffed up, clearly pleased with what she saw.

"It is a good drawing isn't it?" Azula mused seemingly to herself, a mischievous smile forming on her face. "I was imagining a prettier dragon when I drew it."

Sora was, predictably, offended and let out an odd squawking sound that reminded her of when she had snuck up on Zuko. The outrage she felt from the dragon was so amusing that Azula couldn't hold in her laugh, doubling over as Sora's eye looked at her with betrayal.

"You know I'm only kidding," Azula said, wiping away the tears of amusement that were forming from her eyes. "You are very pretty… what are you doing?"

When Azula turned to see where Sora previously stood, she noticed the dragon walking to a tree and ripping off a large branch, larger than even Azula. Azula watched incredulously as the dragon wobbled over, clearly off balance by the added weight. The only way she could interpret the feelings she was getting from the bond was Sora's need to 'show her how it's done.'

With wide eyes and a wry smile, Azula watched Sora drag the stick along the ground in incomprehensible lines. Soon enough, Sora was finished and the area around Azula was a work of art, at least if you were to believe Sora's proud feelings towards the squiggly lines.

"Wow, it's so… charming," Azula said to the imploring eyes of her dragon, not having the heart to tell Sora her true thoughts. She was glad Sora was too busy preening at the praise to see through the bond. Really, this dragon was making her go soft.

Glancing at the sky, Azula sighed, knowing that she would need to return soon if she didn't want to look like a zombie tomorrow. She got up, patted Sora, and walked out of the clearing, trying to avoid the lines on the ground.

She'd have to figure this saddle situation out soon.

Line Break

"Azula are you alright," Ty Lee whispered, looking at her with concern.

Azula shook awake from her stupor, looking around as she noticed the girls in their class gathering their things to leave.

"Yes, I'm perfectly fine," Azula said quietly, sighing in relief that the teacher didn't look like she was about to reprimand her. "I'm not just a bit tired."

Mai grabbed wrist softly, causing her to stop from leaving. Azula felt deja vu from the last time this had happened as she stared at Mai's hand, the burn mark having almost faded away completely by now.

"You have bags under your eyes," Mai said quietly, a note of concern present in her voice.

"I'm fine, I just haven't been sleeping as much as I should." This was true. It had been a couple of days since Sora's art project and she had been sleeping less than normal, which was already not enough. She just had to figure out…

Azula jolted at a nudge on her shoulder, noticing both of her friends staring at her with worry. She took a moment to breathe, fighting the urge to respond unpleasantly. She was finding the need to repress those responses happening less frequently, and she wouldn't undermine those efforts.

Instead attempted a smile, hoping that would cause her friend's worries to cease at least enough to end the conversation. "Sorry, was thinking about something."

Mai gave her a flat look, the expression completely unamused. "Stop that. You'll scare the others if you keep grimacing." It seemed her smile had failed.

Continuing to pack up her bag for her next class she dropped the smile (grimace) and let out a sigh. "You really don't need to worry, I've just been busy recently." This was odd.

Mai and Ty Lee had asked her this similar question multiple times over the last month, their concern evident. Since their friendship had been revitalized they had become much closer. While this allowed her to relax around the two in a way she hadn't before, it also brought out more conversations like this.

"You look really tired though. You need to rest more," Ty Lee said worriedly. Azula stopped herself from pointing out the obvious. She vowed to be a better friend, and having more patience for (stupid) statements seemed to be a part of that.

"Ty Lee's right," Mai continued when Azula remained silent. "You were completely out of it in class."

"I know," Azula said, not looking at the other two. "I'll do better." It seemed Ty Lee didn't like that answer.

"That's not the point Azula!" Ty Lee said aggressively, pulling back at the raised eyebrow Azula sent her. She didn't want everyone in the hall to hear the conversation. "We just want to make sure you don't push yourself too hard," she continued, much more subdued. Mai nodded, signifying her agreement.

This was new territory for Azula. This last month aside she couldn't say she ever had someone who worried for her. Her father held expectations he expected her to reach. Her mother was more liable to scold her than she was to ask what was wrong. Her brother and she had always been antagonistic to each other, competition driving their relationship.

Even her Lu Ten hadn't shown her worry like this, though she doubted that would be the case if he was still alive. She moved away from the grim thought, not needing to add that to her list of problems.

Now though, she had her friends who were making their concerns clear to her, confronting her to try to help. She could feel Sora's similar sentiments echoing through their bond, not inhibited by the distance between them. She felt a warm sensation bloom in her chest, and the smile she gave them this time came easily.

"Alright," She started, "I'll try to take things easier." Aside from her new schedule, she had been pushing herself in other ways that were clearly taking their toll on her. Perhaps she could slow down a little and take things slower. It would be good for her in the long run.

The wide, for Mai anyway, smiles she received from her friends didn't detract from that conclusion.

Line Break.

Azula looked around the smithing area with curiosity, having never before visited the obscure part of the palace.

It was the weekend after the talk with her friends. Azula had done as she had agreed, allowing herself to rest more from her busy schedule. It was going a long way to reduce the stress she had felt building.

Being the rulers of a militant people, it shouldn't come as a surprise that the royal family had their own private forging center. Though it saw little use on the regular from actual members of the family, several skilled workers from across the Fire Nation inhabited the area, producing items that were either vaulted or sold off.

It conveniently served Azula's needs, but she would have to be careful about how she went about this. This was probably the riskiest thing she had ever done, other than approaching a dragon in the dead of night of course. It was not a proud moment for her usually logical mind.

Focussing back on the task, Azula went to the first worker she saw, who had been staring at her curiously before suddenly bowing. He probably hadn't expected the youngest member of the royal family to enter.

"Princess Azula," he said quickly, likely trying to make up for his earlier impropriety. She wouldn't comment on the actions, out of both a lack of care and the need to keep this as innocuous as possible.

"You may rise," She said, allowing the man to stand up straight and allowing her a better look at him. He looked middle-aged, with pale skin and black hair that was common within the fire nation. His eyes were a rich brown with crinkles that indicated he smiled often. "What is your name?"

"Huang Chun, Your Highness," He responded a nervous look on his face as he fiddled with the ring on his left hand. He was married then. While she didn't trust him, she felt that he was a good man. Hopefully entrusting him with the project wouldn't be a mistake.

Azula nodded as a sign of recognition, causing him to relax slightly. Deciding to cut to the chase she said, "I am interested in learning about crafting. I hoped I could find someone to teach me."

Having hobbies and interests outside of royal duties wasn't uncommon. Her brother enjoyed swordsmanship, which she would begrudgingly admit she was skilled at (though not to his face), her uncle tasting and producing tea, and her mother in the arts when she was here. While an interest in crafting was odd, especially for a princess, it wouldn't be an issue. One of the perks of being a prodigious daughter was allowing her a fair bit of leeway as long as she performed as expected.

Considering her growth in firebending in recent weeks, this shouldn't arouse troublesome situations with her father. His interest in her was largely limited to her studies and bending prowess. She tried to ignore the sting she felt at that, as Huang answered.

"Of course princess, I'm sure many here would be happy to help," Huang responded cheerily, his eyes crinkling slightly as he smiled. Azula felt a small smile appear on her face at the enthusiastic response. "Is there anything in particular you have an interest in?"

"Yes, I am interested in leather working," Azula said, her words flowing as rehearsed. "My friend, Ling, was gifted an ostrich horse by her parents, and I wanted to make a saddle for her upcoming birthday."

The statement was mostly true according to Ty Lee's most recent gossiping, though Azula had never spoken more than a few words to Ling. Still, the truth behind the statement made this whole plan at least slightly less risky.

"It seems you're in luck," Huang said merrily, his eyes squinting even further. She wondered if she could even see like that. "I'm the foremost expert at leather working here! I'd be happy to help you out… Your Highness!" he added on hastily, realizing his impertinence last second.

Azula ignored it, not seeking to single out someone she'd need help from. "That would be great. Will we be able to start soon?" She asked, hoping it would be sooner rather than later. She may have decided to relax more, but she wouldn't put this endeavor off. She was quite excited to fly! Sora concurred if the joy she felt from the bond was real.

"We can start today if you'd like? I've never had an apprentice before!" He said with a booming laugh, the sound amusing enough for Azula to give her own more demure laugh. If nothing else, the man was entertaining in his eagerness.

"I would like that. The birthday isn't far off so the sooner the better." She said, happy that this was working so far. If she played her cards right, any questions over the saddle would avoid her father's ears.

She was getting used to the feeling of hiding secrets from him.

"Alright then! We'll start with the basics. First, this is a…" Huang started lecturing energetically on his craft, Azula using her notebook to write down his words. While her interest may be limited, she enjoyed learning new things.

She also got the feeling that she would have to have many more saddles made in her future.

Line Break

Iroh glanced around at the various figures in the room, feeling a purpose for the first time in almost a year.

His life had been difficult in recent times. The loss of his only son, Lu Ten, had shattered him in a way that he never could have imagined. Knowing his wonderful boy, the source of most of his pride and joy would never be coming back had left him listless.

He had withdrawn his troops immediately with orders to return to the Fire Nation, though he did not follow. He had been lost, without any idea about how to continue on without his son. Seeking to find the answer, he set off to meet his son within the spirit world itself.

After several months of travel with receiving or sending information about his ongoings, he found a way to accomplish his goal. The spirit world was as vast as it was confusing, and finding what he sought had left him exhausted to a level he had not known in all of his years. But it had been worth it.

Once he returned he was a changed man, with a new outlook on his life, his duties, and most importantly his allegiance. Where once before he had been one of the staunchest Fire Nation supporters, as was expected of the crown prince, now he found himself on the opposing side. It was in his search for like-minded individuals that he found himself here.

The Order of the White Lotus had found him in a small town, still weary from his experiences on the other side. Despite his well-known status as the Dragon of the West who laid siege to the great walls of Ba Sing Se for 600 days, they had heard him out. He told his story, both the good and the bad, leaving no stone unturned. In response to his honesty, they had pointed him to their available leaders.

Iroh currently found himself within Omashu, with both King Bumi and Jeong Jeong at his sides. They had been informing him of the changes within the world that he had not been privy to. It seemed much had changed within his nation in his absence.

His father, Azulon, was dead, Ursa was missing, and his younger brother Ozai had taken the throne without contest. When he had first heard the news he was greatly shocked and dejected, fearing he had missed his chance to make things right in the world, to restore balance. He had quickly shaken himself out of the slight depression with the fortitude of a man who had faced and bounced back from a much greater loss.

He would not be stopped by this series of events, unfortunate as they were.

"So it is decided," Jeong Jeong said, his normal pessimistic scowl present. He truly should smile more.

"Indeed!" Bumi said, his crazed eyes spinning as he smiled manically. Iroh was generally good-humored, but he felt Bumi could smile a little less. The dichotomy between the two leaders was truly astounding.

"Yes," Iroh said, nodding his agreement as he drank the wonder cup of jasmine tea. He really should learn how it was made. "I will return to my home. I think it is time to see my family."

He was being honest. While he could go a good long while without seeing his brother, his niece and nephew were a different story. Though he and Azula hadn't gotten along as well as he would have liked, he hoped to change that once he returned. He wanted to be closer to the few remaining members of his family, and the less support Ozai had the better.

"In that case, you should prepare your things," Jeong Jeong said, though it was almost unnecessary. Traveling through the spirit world had necessitated packing lightly.

"I can have you on the fastest Ostrich Horse in Omashu in a snap! HA snort," Bumi said jubilantly, his odd speech tick coming through.

"Then I should start making my journey back." Iroh stood slowly, groaning slightly as he did so. He was getting old it seemed. "I wish to see the changes to my home with my own eyes," he said with conviction.

He wouldn't contribute to the travesty that was this war any longer. He would atone for his past, and make this world a better place than the one he had entered or he would die trying.

Walking out the door with his small travel pack, he looked at the horizon, Agni's rays settling over Omashu beautifully.

He would soon be home.