"Easy now… take your time," Azula said softly as she watched Sora leap into the air, her wings flapping gently enough that she only hovered. "Good, now try to see how long you can hold it."
It was the night after their first failed flight, and as Azula had promised, they would work up to it slowly. Right now she and Sora were working on her ability to stay airborne and to work on her flight control.
Azula had thought this up, thinking it would be a good exercise to get her used to flying and to help Sora's endurance. She had avoided using her for several months, which had caused them to grow much weaker. Azula wasn't an expert on dragon anatomy, but the book she had gotten from the library clearly indicated that dragons had a muscle that controlled their wings.
The only way to make a muscle stronger was to use it.
Azula watched as Sora dropped to the ground roughly, panting quite loudly. She could feel the dragon's large breaths from several feet away. "That was good," She said encouragingly, pleased with the results. "You managed to last well over a minute,"
Sora huffed at that, obviously annoyed at what she saw as pitiful results. While Sora didn't know exactly what a minute was, having to rely on the bond to get an idea for it, she knew it was next to nothing compared to what she could manage in the past.
Azula walked over to the dragon and patted her head soothingly, something she figured she would have to do a lot of in the future. "I can feel what you're thinking," It wouldn't be hard for anyone with half a brain to understand how the dragon felt if they saw her, but the bond radiated the dragon's displeasure. "It was great for a first try."
Azula felt her dragon's ego slightly recover from her honest words, though she was still displeased with her showing. It felt odd to Azula to try to encourage someone else, something she hadn't done much of in the past, but she could tell it was important. Sora was already unhappy, so it was up to her to raise the dragon's spirit.
"Why don't you go eat?" Azula's words may have sounded like a question, but it was more of a command than anything. She had wanted the dragon to eat before her attempt but had relented next to the dragon's enthusiasm. She would not be defied again.
Sora, clearly sensing her thoughts, huffed but still made her way to the basket to eat.
'She is getting quite big,' Azula thought to herself. 'I'll have to start bringing more food' The happy mewl she received indicated that Sora agreed as well. That settled that then.
Making her way to her usual stump to sit, Azula took the offered fish without any hesitation, having long since grown used to this tradition. Honestly, Azula felt she may need to be put in an asylum. No one should view something so gross as edible, let alone look forward to it like she was finding herself doing.
Azula shook away the stray thought, beginning her normal preparations. By this point, the young prodigy had gotten quite good at cooking the fish, at least to spartan standards. With a little spice, she was sure she could make it better…
Sora interrupted her thinking as she sat up quickly, looking at Azula with wide eyes and the draconic equivalent of a grin. The girl was confused for only a moment before Sora's desire flooded into her mind and she had to resist a groan. Oh of all the stupid promises she could have made.
She was tempted to refuse, but her mind flashed to the conversation she had with the dragon, and she withheld her tongue.
She was growing soft.
"Yes, I remember what I said," Came her forlorn words as she stared at the sky, wishing some spirit would save her from such a cruel fate. Alas, no help was coming (though she could have sworn that the moon twinkled for a moment) so she finally relented. "Let's begin our first singing lesson then,"
Azula struggled for a moment as she tried to think of how to go about this. When they had started in school a few years ago, her instructor had started them off on breathing exercises. Azula had excelled quickly at that, the exercises similar to when she had been learning the basics of firebending. Breathing was perhaps the most important part of drawing out one's fire and she always tried to moderate her breathing correctly.
After they had finished with that, they had gone over how to hold themselves to best allow the air to flow clearly. She didn't think that would be all that helpful in the case of a dragon. She'd just have to go in blind and try her best. She had no delusions that her dragon would be amazing at this kind of activity. Her only goal was to make Sora happy.
Letting that thought guide her she said, "How about we start simple? I'll sing a pitch, and you try to mirror it."
Sora nodded her agreement, the meaning of Azula's words understood through their bond more than anything. Azula knew Sora was intelligent, but she wondered about her ability to understand human language without the bond's help. She would have to test it later if the possibility came up.
Getting back on task, Azula sang out a simple g, holding it out for a short duration before cutting the note off. She watched with interest as Sora opened her maw to try to replicate the note, curious despite (or maybe because) of the situation's absurdity. Azula leaned forward as Sora took a deep breath and…
She flinched back violently at the howl Sora somehow produced, the piercing noise ruthlessly banishing the peaceful sounds of their little wooded area. She hadn't known Sora was capable of such noises, and she found herself missing her ignorance on the subject dearly.
Sora, thankfully, ended her note before long and shot Azula an exceedingly proud look, happy with her performance. 'Make Sora happy,' She thought to herself as a shaky smile grew on her face. She could lie with a straight face on most occasions, but she found it very difficult to do so now. At least Sora was too caught up in her own greatness to feel Azula's true thoughts.
"That was a good start," Azula got out through clenched teeth, praying to Agni that she would still be able to hear by the end of this session. "But try to be a little softer this time." Hopefully, that would make the next attempt less painful.
A second howl came from the dragon that was, thankfully, much quieter this time. It was still painful to listen to, but she didn't feel in danger of her ears bleeding. Surely that could count as progress, right?
"Better, but this time try to bring the pitch…"
The lesson continued for a little while longer before Sora's attention started drifting, showing that she was getting tired of the lesson. Azula had to withhold the sigh of release from escaping. 'Maybe I won't have to do this again.'
Somehow she doubted she'd be so lucky.
Azula looked at the sky, noticing that they still had some time left before she'd have to return. She leaned onto Sora who was lying next to her, wondering what they could do. She didn't want to continue the flying exercises, preferring Sora take it easy and work on it tomorrow, and she didn't want to even think about the 'singing' lessons. She felt she was insulting all musicians by calling the noise her dragon produced singing.
She came up blank, not knowing anything she could do in such a plain area, and was content to relax on her dragon's warm body. It was just as she was closing her eyes that Sora sat up quickly, causing her to lose her balance.
She caught herself before she hit the ground and opened her mouth, ready to scold the impertinent dragon when Sora's thoughts hit her. It took her a second to process what Sora wanted to do, her slitted eyes staring intently at her.
Sora wanted to teach her about how to be a dragon.
"Sora, wha-" She was cut off by the dragon's excited yelping, her thoughts becoming clearer and somehow even more excited. Azula felt her mouth drop, eagerness flowing through her whole body.
Since Azula was teaching her to sing, Sora wanted to teach Azula how to breathe fire.
Breathing fire was a very rare technique, something most people never tried to learn. In theory, it was simple. You would simply breathe in, as is common with all firebending, and blow out a fire.
That simple thinking, dating back from the birth of firebending, had caused much injury and trouble.
Fire was a very volatile element, anyone with a modicum of intelligence could tell you that. Most firebenders didn't start to bend the element until they were ages 7-8 when flames were normally first exhibited, with rare exceptions like herself. This was much later in life compared to the other bending disciplines, but for good reason. Firebending was dangerous even to the benders themself if they lacked proper control. One could not produce the flame before their body was ready.
Breathing fire required exceptional control, something that many masters did not even possess. Unlike other techniques, the fire was produced from within the body, which made it incredibly dangerous. Most with the appropriate control didn't attempt it out of (reasonable) fear, while those who lacked control and tried weren't able to tell their tale after.
Currently, there was only one person in the world Azula knew of who could accomplish such a feat, her Uncle Iroh. Azula didn't often think fondly about her uncle, but she did look up to him as a powerful firebender. He was said to have learned the technique from the 'last' dragon, which he slew. With it, the moniker "Dragon of the West" had been heard throughout the Nations.
And now Azula would be learning how to do it.
Azula felt equal parts fear and excitement bubble within her chest. While she was nervous about the possible consequences of her actions, she was confident that she would be successful. She was a prodigy, and her already fine control had only skyrocketed after meeting Sora. With her dragon guiding her, she would be able to do this.
She hoped so at least.
Determination taking over her features she said, "Let's get started then." They had little time and she would like to start as soon as possible.
Together, the young girl and dragon moved toward an area of the clearing that was barren for the most part, with not even grass growing. It wouldn't do to start a forest fire, even if Azula could put it out easily.
Sora crooned gently as she stopped a few feet from Azula, her thoughts flowing through their bond with ease. Azula took a moment to absorb the information, the knowledge being invaluable for this endeavor. As different as humans and dragons were, this was a technique that the first dragons had taught to the first firebenders ages ago. It would serve her fine.
Azula took a deep breath, feeling more prepared than she expected. She had learned many complicated forms in her bending training, and while they weren't as difficult (or dangerous) as fire breathing, she had a manual in her head to guide her. She believed in herself, and Sora clearly did as well. Closing her eyes, she centered herself.
Feeling her diaphragm swoll with her inhale, she focused intently on her inner flame, something that was a habit at this point. She felt her chi moving and guided it how she wanted, following Sora's instructions. Finally, she exhaled, feeling a potent heat float past her flips without burning them. She opened her eyes to see the result of her work…
And was dismayed to see that she had only produced a small gout of flame, only large enough to cook a fish. She knew that by experience.
She stopped sustaining the pitiful flame and stared listlessly forward, not turning to meet Sora's gaze. She could feel the dragon's mirth and had to fight the embarrassed blush that almost made its way to her cheeks. It wasn't her fault! It was more difficult than it looked. Seriously, and after she had been so conscious about Sora's feelings when 'singing'.
She turned when the dragon yelped indignantly, looking at her with wide eyes full of betrayal. "Oh don't act like you're innocent," Azula huffed, pushing her disappointing results to the back of her mind for the moment. "I was at least kinder about it. You didn't even try to hide your amusement!"
Sora growled and the two held each other's stare, neither wanting to back down. After a few moments, they both relaxed, as the foolishness of the situation hit them. Azula brought a hand to her mouth to hide her twitching lips, but Sora openly laughed her odd draconic laugh.
Azula couldn't contain herself any longer at the sound.
They laughed together for a while, somehow ending up on the ground side by side. Azula swept her hair out of her face, having long since removed it from her top knot, and smiled to herself.
Despite the eventful and odd meeting they had today, it had been enjoyable. While she could go a long time, perhaps even forever, without Sora's singing, and she still felt mildly embarrassed by her fire-breathing attempt, it had been fun.
It still surprised her at how much joy she had been experiencing since she had met Sora. Before it had always been rare and fleeting. Teasing her brother, getting praised for her accomplishments, and firebending had been the only constant source she had, but now it felt like the feeling was almost always present. She was never alone, always having her favorite being in the world with her, which went a long way.
Dangerous as harboring Sora maybe, she didn't doubt that she would do it all again.
She sighed, knowing that she should get up soon. Her father had seemed excited about something involving her recently, and being at her best was important when with him. But, as she felt Sora's large head cuddle into her side, she decided to stay a little longer.
Line Break
Ozai felt pride swell within his chest as he walked through the palace hallways. Today would be a very special day.
He would be instructing Azula personally on her firebending.
He had been busy these last few months. Whether it be meetings, securing allies, or removing nuisances, he found his hands almost constantly full. The letter he had received recently from his wayward brother only further added to his hectic schedule.
It was a difficult period, with a lot of maneuvering and learning. He had never gotten the personal lessons from his now deceased father, Azulon, that Iroh had received, or taught in detail the various ongoings within the Nation.
He hadn't been meant for the throne.
It irked him to no end that his tea-loving brother, a coward who couldn't even finish a siege he had all but one, would take his dream. For all his life he had sought the Dragon Throne despite the slim chances that he would one day take it for himself.
He had been born the second son, almost a decade after Iroh, and his brother married and produced a healthy male heir quickly. While he had despised the boy, Ozai saw that Lu Ten possessed worthy qualities of a Firelord. He was a strong bender (inferior to him but still), was charismatic and fought for his Nation. It was fortuitous indeed that one swift rock had removed him from Ozai's rightful place.
Ozai had gone to his father to petition for Iroh's position in the line of succession to be given to himself. He had thought himself clever by taking advantage of Iroh's departure from the war and Lu Ten's departure from the world, but it would not be so.
Azulon had commanded him to kill Zuko, to 'feel the pain of losing his firstborn son.'
Ozai supposed to Azulon it must have made sense, though he felt that the old man had been losing his once keen perception. Ozai would kill Zuko with nary a thought, happy to have his failure of a son removed from his lineage. Had it been his daughter, however…
He would have refused. He wouldn't have killed his young prodigy at the whims of a senile old man. He would not lose such a valuable tool.
In the end, his personal opinions towards his kids mattered not.
Ursa had taken the matter into her hands, to save her precious child. She had killed his father only a few short hours after the command before fleeing into the dark night. His only regret towards her was that she had not produced more heirs for him but…
He supposed that didn't matter. Not anymore. Azula was perfect as she was, and was only growing more so as the weeks passed. He smirked to himself as he made his way towards the training grounds outside. They would need it for today's lesson after all.
Azula would be learning how to create lightning.
He felt the pride and satisfaction return at the thought. He stroked his beard as he thought about his prodigious daughter.
When Ozai had married Ursa, it had not been out of love. He felt himself scoff at the very notion, knowing it was what Iroh had done. He had always been too soft…
No. He had married Ursa because of her lineage as the granddaughter of Roku, the last avatar. The mixing of their genes, his line of powerful firebenders, and hers possessing such a powerful figure would ensure a strong heir. Having such a strong heir would ensure his rise to the throne, or so he had thought.
He had been wrong.
His first son Zuko had been born small, quiet, and weak. He had needed to be watched for days to ensure his health. Ozai scoffed at the thought, his hopes for that child only dwindling as time passed and he was proven right. Such a pathetic son had been a blight on his name. He had been angry, and for two years had schemed to find another way to the throne. He had almost given up on this method until she had been born.
Azula had been born on a solstice after a difficult birth. She had been loud, and though she was smaller than even Zuko, she had been strong. Ozai had felt it even before she released a flame while in the arms of her mother. Aside from her gender, she had been exactly what Ozai had desired.
She had started her bending at the same time as her brother despite being two years younger and had quickly excelled. She learned quickly, exhibiting remarkable control and power of her flames as she quickly breezed through the basic forms.
When Ozai had heard from the tutor, he had quickly taken control of her training himself, knowing that such skill needed to be cultivated, alongside a loyalty to him. She was sure to be a strong bender and he would have her as an asset rather than a threat to the throne as he was to Iroh.
He had trained her personally until the events that led to his ascension took place, where he had been forced to pass on the training to Lo and Li. He still hadn't the time to resume the training, but he could make an exception for this occasion.
Lightning bending was a mark of mastery. While she had much to learn to acquire the title, this would be a large step and he would be present for it. When she bent lightning she would remember him being with her, which would go a long way to make up for his absence in recent times.
His thoughts drifted off as said daughter made her way to the field, confidence radiating from her posture and quick steps. She was truly different from her brother who never seemed completely sure of himself.
"Father," She said respectfully as she bowed as was expected of her. He nodded, pleased with her obedience.
"Rise," She did so and met his gaze. While she stood proudly with a blank face, he could see the curious glint in her eye. No doubt her sharp mind had found his presence odd, especially with their current setting.
"Azula today is an important day," He said strongly as he allowed himself a satisfied grin. "You have made much progress in your bending these last few months. It's time to take things further."
He saw the curiosity in her eyes grow, but she kept herself composed. "In what way father?" Came to her measured voice, not hinting at her true thoughts. His pride grew further at that. It seemed she had made progress in other areas outside of her bending. He easily ignored the slight worry at not being able to read her as well as he once could. She was his. He had no reason to fear her.
He decided to cut to the chase. "You will be learning to bend generation," Her eyes widened at that, and he noticed the corners of her mouth twitch upwards. She had always loved to learn more about firebending, and it seemed even she couldn't completely temper that enthusiasm.
"I am honored you think I am ready Father," She said, her tone indicating that she was pleased.
"It has been well earned," His response was truthful. He had no doubts she was ready for the complicated technique. "I am sure that you have read about the topic or spoken to Lo and Li about it," he waited for her confirmation and continued at her nod. "Tell me what you know."
Without hesitation, she began her explanation, "Lightning generation is the separation of yin and yang energies, which creates an imbalance. When the positive and negative forces come back together, the firebender guides and releases the force in the form of lightning."
Ozai nodded, only the slight widening of his eyes indicating his surprise. She truly did possess a sharp mind. He doubted he could give a better explanation himself.
"Good," He said, smiling at the girl. He paused for a second, wondering if he had imagined the brief downturn to her lips. "You have done your research. I will give a demonstration, and then you will begin immediately." He was still rather pressed for time.
Azula nodded and he prepared himself, not having done this in a while. He moved his arms in circular patterns, building up a charge that quickly grew. When he gathered the desired amount he extended his right arm and allowed the lightning to be released. It arched through the sky with a loud 'boom', before it vanished, leaving only a slight odor.
"The motions I did are to separate the forces and gather the energy, as you know doubt knew. Clear your mind and begin when you are ready." He was interested in seeing what she could do.
"Yes, father."
He watched as she closed her eyes, her face relaxing in an attempt to clear her mind. She stood there for a long moment as he watched curiously, wondering why it was taking so long. He would have expected this part to come easy to the girl.
After a moment her eyes opened and she began going through the arm motions slowly. He could see electricity gather, but as he watched her he noticed a slight look of discomfort cross her face. In the brief moment, he had to recognize that, a loud boom was heard along with a pained shout.
He looked at his daughter on the ground, a slight shake in her left arm where the energy hadn't been properly released. She was clutching the arm tightly, her teeth clenched as she held in the cries of pain.
He felt a surge of displeasure throughout his form. This was his prodigy? Crumpled to the ground after he had taken the time out of his schedule to help her studies? He felt disappointment flow through him as his face twisted into a scowl.
"Get up," He said commandingly, roughly grabbing the girl by her shaking arm. He heard her yelp, which only caused his annoyance to grow. "You didn't release the energy correctly. Focus harder and try again."
He moved backward as he watched her steady herself. He stood back as she repeated the attempt, this time doing even worse than before. Her right arm joined her left in its twitching. He felt himself growl as his temper grew.
"Again." Another failed release.
"Again." She hadn't gathered enough energy.
"Again." She performed the motions wrong.
"Again!" This time she managed to create and release the lightning correctly, but the amount was pitiful, something he could do with the flick of his wrist.
"I expected better," He turned from the girl who was struggling to stand, her arms now violently shaking. "How disappointing."
He walked away from the girl, uncaring of her hurt form. It would be a lesson to not fail again as she had today.
Line Break
Azula felt her arms tremble, her whole body feeling sore as she lay on the ground of the training field. She could no longer hear her father's footsteps, but she used her fire resonance to make sure he had left. She sighed in relief when she felt his presence within the palace.
She felt miserable.
She hadn't imagined the training session would go like this, but she was thankful it was over. She tried to reassure Sora from within her bond, but it fell flat. Lying on the floor, she didn't feel reassured.
She forced herself to stand, her arms almost giving out when she pushed herself up. She scowled at her weak limbs but knew her anger was directed at the person who had caused her this feeling.
Her father.
She did not think she had ever been angry at her father. She hadn't thought herself capable of feeling anger towards the man. He had always been her largest supporter until recent months, but she didn't feel very supported right now.
She hadn't ever felt this dismal.
Whatever she felt towards her father though, Sora had her beat by magnitudes. She could feel the dragon pacing, thinking of thoughts that would bring her father great pain. While she'd normally try to halt such thinking, right now she allowed Sora's protectiveness to surround her.
She focused on that feeling of comfort as she made her way to the palace slowly, intent on reaching her room. Right now she needs to rest and prepare to meet with Sora. Being with her dragon would greatly help mend her somber mood.
Line Break
Zuko was annoyed.
The negative feeling, along with many others, had become common for him since the night his mother vanished. His heart clenched painfully at the thought, trying to push it away as he had gotten used to, though the ache remained.
'No,' he said to himself as he released a gout of fire from his kick. That wasn't why he was irritated at the moment. His feelings had originated because of his sister like they often did.
He grunted as he swung one of his twin dao swords with more furiosity than technique. Piandao, his master, would be disappointed by his performance, but he needed to vent.
Azula had always been a source of frustration for him both for her incessant need to taunt him and her, admittedly, impressive firebending. They had started at the same time, but to his shame, she surpassed him quickly. She flowed through the forms as though she were born to, and in doing so had gained their father's approval, a feat he had never accomplished.
And now she was further ahead than ever.
For the last few months, she had been acting oddly. It felt like he saw less of her than normal, something he was usually ecstatic about, and when they were together it was odd. Before she had taunted him without reprieve, often cutting deep with well-placed words, but now that was a rarity. He didn't think she had magically grown nicer, it was more like…
She didn't care anymore.
They had always competed, even from a young age. Whether it be parental affection, winning games, their studies, or firebending they had always competed. After their mom had left (he clenched his jaw at the thought) that had only increased. While they had difficulty with each other before, things only got worse with their mother as a buffer vanishing. It had looked like things would soon become physical until… it just stopped.
It seemed like overnight their quarrels had ended almost completely. Where before she was often the instigator, Azula hardly acknowledged his words, barbed or not, anymore. She seemed to lose interest in pestering him and focused on something else, whatever that may be. He hadn't been curious enough to ask.
Now he regrets that decision.
After a few weeks of this strange peace between them, with him often away at Piandao's residence to train and her focusing on whatever she did, she did something incredible.
She produced blue fire.
He had first heard the tale from the palace staff, not finding it difficult to hear their excited and reverent whispers. He hadn't believed it at first, finding the notion absurd. Fire was always red and orange, something he had viewed as the absolute truth. To hear his sister did otherwise had to be a lie. Azula always lied.
Those doubts were soon cast from his mind when he saw her staring intently at the blue fire that rested in her palm as she sat before her uneaten meal. She looked mesmerized by the flame, not even noticing his presence as he stared at her from the doorway with a dropped jaw. He could feel the heat from the small fire from here.
He had turned away quickly then, jealousy forming a pit in his stomach as he stomped to his room. He hadn't eaten that night, only glaring at his ceiling. The feeling had stayed with him for weeks before coming to a head today at the news he heard.
Yesterday his father had taken the time out of his busy schedule to personally train his sister. The Firelord hadn't spoken a word to him in weeks, but he had found the time to teach his sister. When he had heard the news that morning he had skipped breakfast and headed straight to a training room. It was the weekend, which left him free from his daily tutoring sessions.
He had been swinging his swords wildly and releasing uncontrolled bursts of flames for over an hour now. He was exhausted, but the feelings persisted. He was about to start again, but he felt a pang in his stomach. He hadn't eaten today and the physical exertion and bending had left him starving.
He scowled as he dropped his swords, uncaring about their improper place on the ground. He stalked through the halls with such intensity that the servants scurried out of his way.
He came upon the ornate doors that led to the dining room, but as he entered he felt his scowl deepened. There, sitting at her usual spot, was his sister. She looked a bit more rugged than usual, but he just took it that her bending practice had gone well.
He tried to ignore her as he went to his seat, a plate of food being put in front of him by a servant who quickly left, a nervous look on her face. He shook his head and started cutting into his food, his movements more rough than they usually were.
Azula looked up at him curiously, and if he were in a more reasonable state he would have noticed the slight bags under her eyes indicating how little sleep she had gotten. As he was, he saw her blank stare as she disregarded him.
Gritting his teeth he glared at the little prodigy as he angrily growled, "What?"
She blinked slowly and raised an eyebrow at him, confused at his outburst. "Is something the matter," Her words were toneless, as though she were speaking more out of obligation.
"No nothing is wrong," he resumed his cutting, a sharp scraping sound sounded out as his knife scratched the plate roughly. He had cut straight through the food and hit the porcelain underneath.
Azula looked at him again before muttering "Right," and resuming her eating. She seemed to have lost interest in him.
This is what he had been talking about!
In the past she wouldn't have passed on such an opportunity to make fun of him, pointing out whatever flaw was most apparent. Now though she didn't seem to care enough to exert the effort, like she thought he was beneath her. He found he hated this indifference more than her visceral words.
"Of course everything is fine," He continued without urging, glowering at the girl when she glanced back up. "Why wouldn't it be? Who cares if mom is gone? Or that you're getting special attention from dad? It's not like I care that he hasn't cared enough to talk to me."
He huffed as he finished his small rant, feeling slightly out of breath. In the silence that followed he felt slightly foolish, which only increased at Azula's deadpan look. Anger pushed the embarrassment as he watched the girl stand up, not noticing her unsteadiness.
"If you want fathers attention, you are free to take it," She said, her face finally showing some hint of emotion. He could see her displeasure clearly, but he focused more on her words. Her implication that their fathers attention, something he always sought, was meaningless only caused his temper to grow. He felt like he was on the verge of exploding.
He laughed sharply, a grin that lacked humor on his lips. "So now even father isn't good enough for you? The 'blue flame prodigy' is just above us mortals then?" The name was being whispered among the servants and probably the whole Nation. He had more than one tutor ask about her in the past few weeks.
"If that's what you see it as then sure. Maybe you'd appreciate fathers astonishing teaching of yourself," The sarcasm in her words was lost on him in his current state. She exited the room without a look back, heading the opposite way from her room. He didn't bother thinking about where she could be heading as he went back to eating his food heatedly.
Something had changed within the last few weeks for Azula other than her flame. Something had caused this new attitude of indifference towards him. He'd have tried to figure out what, but in the end it didn't matter.
Regardless of what caused the change, what mattered was that she didn't acknowledge him. She didn't see a challenge when she looked at him. She had ignored his words though they hadn't mattered when she previously wouldn't have let them slide.
He would be better. If she saw herself so far above him then he would prove that he was just as, if not more, capable. With this resolution he finished his food and decided to train seriously this time.
The time for venting was over. He had work to do.
Line Break
Azula sighed as she got up to leave the smithing area she had occupied for most of the day. She gave a small wave in response to Huang's enthusiastic farewell. His positive energy had been a balm to her vexed mood.
As she crossed the path to her room she silently cursed at both her struggle with opening the door (her arms still sore) and her recent interactions with her family.
This morning she had dealt with Zuzu's tantrum, which still left her confused. They hadn't had much interaction recently. She was as busy as ever and he often was in Shu Jing, learning under his sword master, Pandao or something like that.
She supposed he was misinformed about her disastrous practice with their father the day prior. He had seemed angered at the attention he'd shown her, but she doubted he'd be envious if he knew the truth. The occasional involuntary shudders her arms gave assured of that fact.
She huffed in slight amusement, agreeing with Sora's assessment that her family was a mess. These last couple of days had been tumultuous where Zuko and father were involved and she'd welcome a reprieve from any more interactions with the two for some time.
Her thoughts were cut off as she heard voices in the common space of the palace. She walked to the usually quiet area curiously, wondering what could be the cause of the noise.
She froze as she saw a short man with gray hair and a balding head talking with a servant amicably. She caught warm golden eyes that lit up as they caught sight of her.
"Hello Niece," he said exuberantly as he stood, making his way to the still-frozen girl. He put his hand on her shoulder as he stared down at Azula, his short stature still taller than the young prodigy.
"Uncle?" She asked, confusion present in her voice. She struggled to get her thoughts straight as she looked at the merry man.
Iroh's smile broadened as he chuckled. "It has been a while, hasn't it, Azula?"
As Azula stared at the final remaining member of her family, she felt that Agni had a sick sense of humor.