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Chapter Text

5 Years after the Hundred Year War
South Pole

It was a cold freezing day in the South Pole. Heavy white snow was falling down from the clouded sky. It was a quiet and peaceful place.

Katara was practicing her water bending outside of her village, while waiting patiently for Aangs return from the Fire Nation. He was gone for a fortnight by now and he promised Katara he would be back after one week.

Katara of course began to worry but was trying to calm herself. She knew Aang could defend himself perfectly fine on his own but it was still scary.

He was with Sokka and Katara began to think that maybe Sokka was the reason for being endlessly late.

Normally, Aang would always be there on time and keep his promise.

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After half an hour of practice, she began to see a white fluffy bison in the sky.

Appa roared loudly and a smile started to form on Kataras face.

When the sky bison landed heavily on his six legs Aang jumped down from the giant creature and softened his landing with air bending.

Aang and Katara ran towards each other a few meters with open arms and hugged one another. “Why does this have to be soo hard ?” She asks herself while feeling the embrace of warm arms around her body.

After they broke their hug she squeezed her brother tight.

Together they walked to the village.

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“There you are Katara, and I see your brother has returned with your boyfriend safely.” Gran-Gran stated softly.

Her voice always calmed Katara down and she felt more ready for the things that were about to happen.

“Come on Aang let’s go home where we can talk and maybe eat something, you must be starving.” Katara held out her hand and Aang took it immediately.

“Thank you sweetie. You are right, as always. I am really hungry, Sokka ate all the food we had packed.” Aang finished his sentence in an accusing tone.

“Hey!” Sokka shouted “You know I’m always hungry. I could eat right now too. Why is only Aang allowed to go to your house and eat with you there?”

Though Sokka ended his whole speech about food and hunger with a crooked smile on his face and Katara couldn’t quite understand why he was so happy right now.

When Sokka is hungry, he is normally a bit angry and his only mission is to find some food he can eat.

“Well, we will see you two lovebirds later.” He walked with Gran-Gran towards a big hut and gave his sister a mischievous smile over his shoulder. He even winked at her.

Katara rolled her eyes at her brother and walked hand in hand away from her family and towards her own hut.

“Can I kiss you, Sweetie ?” Aang asked hopefully.

“Maybe later when we are at home.”

“Ok, I’m glad we are almost there, because I really missed you.” Aang told her sadly.

Aang hugged her waist and gave gentle kisses on her shoulder while walking slowly.

When Katara opened the door to her hut, they stepped in.

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In Kataras home there was a small fire, which made the room warmer and gave the walls, made out of ice, an orange touch.

They took off their coats and stepped near to the fire place where a soup looking meal was cooking.

The couple sat down on a tiger seal fur which was soft and comfortable and gave a homely feeling.

“I hope you like sea prunes.” Katara gives Aang a forced smile which he didn’t really seem to notice.

“You know, I always love your cooking, so that won’t be much of a problem.” He complimented happily and continued to talk. “So you wanted to talk about something Sweetie ?”

She cringed innerly after he said her nickname for the third time in only 10 minutes. “Maybe I should start with small talk and then talk to him about our relationship?” Katara thought.

“Sooo, how was your trip ? I mean you were a week late.” Katara frowned.

“Ohh, right… Well- Uhh- Sokka wanted to spend some time with Uhhh- Suki on the way back.”

Katara raised a brow. The answer took him too long and Suki wasn’t even in the Fire Nation, so something was off.

“Oh really ? I heard Suki isn’t even in the Fire Nation and flying to the Earth Kingdom would take way too long. I mean you would need at least two weeks to even spend some time there and you were visiting the Fire Nation in the first week. So Sokka couldn’t have been to the Earth Kingdom to visit Suki. What are you hiding Aang ?”

Aang swallowed visibly and couldn’t look Katara in the eyes. A blush started to form on his cheeks. Suddenly from the look of Aangs face it seems, that he started to remember something.

“Can I kiss you now ? I mean we are at your home Sweetie.” He smiled shyly at her.

They started coming closer and closer till their lips were pressed together in a soft kiss. After a few kisses, Aang started to put his tongue in her mouth.

Katara winced at that because she didn‘t really like it but unfortunately Aang took it as a beg for more.

He opened her tunic and felt her soft breasts.

After a heavy make out session he searched in his bag for something.

But the look on his face showed that he had already found it. He took a deep breath and took something out of his belongings and into his rather big hands so Katara couldn’t see it.

“So uh- The real reason we uh-“ He stammered but continued anyway. “The real reason we took so long is because Sokka and I started to make something together. Well, anyway. You know, we have known each other pretty long. I mean uh- 5 years by now. And I know I love you more than anything and I know by my heart that you do too.”

At that last statement tears were starting to build up in her eyes, because she knew what was about to happen.

Aang opened his hands and held on to a beautifully carved betrothal necklace. It hung from his hands and he smiled widely at her.

Katara was now fully crying and Aang started to hug her tightly. After a few moments, so Katara could calm down, he let go of her and wiped the remaining tears away with his thumb and he stared deeply into her ocean blue eyes.

“So. Katara of the Southern Watertribe, will you marry me and make me the happiest man in the whole world?”

“No” Katara breathed out.

Aang looked like he heard something wrong so he asked again.

“Katara, will you marry me ?”

“Aang, I said no.”

Aang looked like he had been slapped hard across his face with a rock gauntlet made by Toph.

Kataras heart broke at that moment and it seems like Aangs has been too.

“What ?” He asked shakingly while tears were building up in his grey eyes.

“I can’t marry you Aang. I mean you are 17 and I’m 19. We are way too young to get married.” Katara told Aang sadly.

“So you just don’t wanna get married now ? That’s ok, I can wait. I will wait for you all my life if I have to.” Hope started filling Aang again, only for Katara to crush it.

“No Aang, I mean I don’t wanna get married anytime. I don’t love you and I think I never have. I thought I did, truthfully, but lately I’m starting to realise that I only like you as a friend. I’m so sorry Aang.”

Katara couldn’t look into Aangs sad eyes so she tried to look anywhere else than him, which she failed.

Aang started fully sobbing now and Katara followed him. They both cried for 10 whole minutes when Aang suddenly broke the silence.

“What changed ? I mean how can you be so sure that you don’t love me anymore ?”

“Well I walked around the village and asked people if they can tell me what love feels like, they all told me the same things and I just don’t feel them, when I am around you.”

“That’s the whole reason ?!” Aang started to shout. He immediately calmed down and began to speak again more softly. “I’m sure they all told you what they think love is but I’m sure everyone feels it differently.”

Katara had only one more thing to ask. “What is love for you ? And if you tell me the same things everyone in the village told me, then I will know for sure, that love isn’t different for everybody.”

Aang took a deep breath and nodded. “Well for starters, I always smile when I think about you. My heart beats faster everytime I’m around you and I get a warm feeling in my chest. When I kiss you everything feels like it doesn’t matter and only you matter. There are these explosions I feel everytime we make love.” He took Kataras hands and held them to his beating heart. “Can you feel it ? It beats faster around you Sweetie.” He smiled at her and Katara felt so sad.

“Aang” She began. “That’s what EVERYBODY told me. I even asked my brother about him and Suki. I’m so sorry Aang, I just don’t feel the same way about you and I never have.”

“So everything was a lie ? EVERYTHING? All these years we spent together meant nothing to you? How could you lie to me like that ?” Aang started to scream and his eyes began to glow. Air started to surround him as he got into the Avatar State and a bit of orange fire from the fireplace too.

Katara had to close her eyes and go into a low stance so she doesn’t get blown away or get burnt by the fire. Her hands before her face so nothing could hit it.

Sadly, exactly that happened. After a scream came out of her lungs she looked at her burned shoulder and started crying a little from the pain that came from the fire.

“Stop it Aang, you are hurting me !” Katara screamed.

Only then Aang started to stop and got out of the Avatar state.

“Omg, I am so sorry Sweetie. Please forgive me, I was just so hurt and-“

Katara had her eyes shut and tears were escaping from them. She interrupted him. “Just leave please. And don’t call me Sweetie again Aang, we aren’t a couple anymore.” At that she opened her eyes and looked away from Aang.

Shortly afterwards he packed his things and stood by the door. “Please, I’m so sorry. I love you and I hope you know that.” He told her sadly.

“I know you do, but I don’t wanna play with you and keep you here even though I’m not in love with you. You deserve someone who is better than me and who loves you back.”

“But you are the best thing in the world and no one will ever be better than you Katara. Please reconsider.” He begged.

“Aang I‘m far from perfect. Now please leave, I won’t ever be with you again and you must accept that.”

With his head low, sadness all across his face, dried tears that sting in the cold and his things in his hands, he left the hut without turning back or saying another word.

Chapter Text

5 Years after the Hundred Year War
South Pole

When Aang left, she quickly healed her burned shoulder, so it wouldn’t scar. After healing her shoulder, she went to bed because she felt exhausted after the events from that day.

She “slept” really bad that night on her matrace and fluffy pillows, so when Katara woke up at around 10 a.m she was still tired. Even though she went to bed at 9 p.m she just laid there the whole night with her face towards the ceiling, crying silently. Her eyes even started to burn because she hadn’t got any tears left. Katara felt so horribly after everything that went down so badly yesterday.

She just wanted to tell Aang that he just isn’t right for her and that it isn’t because of him. No. He is perfect and the best boyfriend anyone could ever wish for. She was the problem.

She thought that the break up would hurt him and even her badly but eventually, with some time, he would get over it and she would too, but that he wanted to propose to her and marry her was something new. It didn’t even occur to her. I mean they were way too young for that and you usually marry in your mid-twenties.

With a deep sigh she got out of her bed and went to the main room where she would eat her breakfast.

Katara wished that she would never have to leave her hut and just live there for the rest of her life until she dies alone.

Unfortunately that wasn’t possible. Firstly, she hasn’t got that much food, so she would starve very soon. Secondly, Sokka knew about the engagement thing and will probably ask her about it today and if she doesn’t go to him, he will go to her, if he doesn’t know it by now already. Aang surely left right after the failed engagement.

So, she ate her breakfast and got ready for the day, even though she just wished she could go back to her bed and finally get some well deserved sleep.

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When she got out of her hut, which was a bit more far away from the rest of the village, she stomped with her feet in the snow. It slightly crunched beneath her feet.

After walking for about 4 minutes to the rest of the small suburb she saw Gran-Gran and Sokka talking heatingly. Katara wondered what they were arguing about, but didn’t want to interfere.

When Sokka finally noticed Katara, he waved at her and a little smile formed on his lips.

Gran-Gran was a bit red in her face, after arguing with Sokka about Varuna knows what.

When Katara finally joined them Gran-Gran slightly smiled at her and Sokka got even more excited

“So…” Sokka started, a big grin on his face, while wiggling his eyebrows. “You know, are you like…. I don’t know.”

“Sokka” Katara sighed. “Just say it already, you're making me feel antsy.”

Even though Katara already knew what he wanted to ask, she just couldn’t say it out loud. She wondered why he didn’t know it by now. I mean Appa already left and with him, Aang. “Who leaves right away with all their things if the proposal went great ?” She asked herself. She wondered, how her brother could be so stupid and smart at the same time.

“Let’s get inside and I will make you some tea and we can talk there about it.”

They all followed Gran-Gran into her hut, which she closed after everyone was in and she started boiling some water and making her grandchildren some tea. Ginseng was her favourite one.

After they took off their coats and the tea was finished, they sat down. Her Grandma gave each Sokka and Katara a cup of hot steaming leave juice. It became an insider for the Gaang to call it like that, because Uncle Iroh would get very upset if anyone dared to call his beloved tea, leave juice.

“So, how did you break up with Aang ?” Sokka asked

Katara, who just took a sip of her tea, spit it all out immediately and coughed violently.

She didn’t expect that in any way. She thought he would ask her about the engagement but her brother never fails to surprise her.

After a few moments she calmed down and began to speak.

“What ? How did you- Why are you so happy about it ?” She asked

“Well, I saw you weren’t happy with him and you even asked me, what it feels like to be in love. I knew right away that you didn’t like Aang romantically, which made me a bit sad at first but I mean, it’s your life and you can choose whoever you wanna be with. I will always support you. Well- except if you date someone like Azula or idk Ozai. Then I really need to speak with that person and check that she or he isn’t so bad and you can date them.”

After Sokka told her all these things she felt kind of dumb. I mean, obviously, why would she even ask about love if she was in love with someone. At that last part her eyes widened.

“Trust me, I would NEVER in a million years date Azula or Ozai. First iuuhhhhhh. Ozai is like I don’t know 40 or something and Azula is a crazy bitch. Both are in prison and believe me, I won’t have a relationship with someone who spends the rest of their lives in prison.” Katara was disgusted. How could he ever think of something like that. Especially Azula. She made her life a living hell and Katara could never forgive her for that. She even almost killed Aang.

“Language young lady.” Gran-Gran warned her.

Sokka laughed at that and Katara was a bit embarrassed that she cursed in front of her own grandmother.

But then she remembered that cursing in front of Kanna wasn't the worst thing in the world. When she found something out for herself, she thought her grandmother would never love her again.

That her own family knew that she was bi was a big step for her and that they all accepted her, made her even happier.

She first told Aang of course, because he was her boyfriend at the time and then Sokka. After that everybody kinda knew.

Aang was really happy that she figured herself out more. Sokka was really weird about it, till Suki smacked some sense in his brain and he finally understood her. Katara is still endlessly grateful for Suki, for turning her nutbrained brother in a better direction.

She was scared that her grandmother wouldn’t be so happy about it, but she actually really was. Kanna even told her that she was bi and dated Hama. At first Katara couldn’t believe it, because both of her grandmothers lovers wanted to kill her in some way. But in the end it made some kind of sense and she felt more connected towards Gran-Gran.

“I have one quick question though. Why did you help Aang make the betrothal necklace for me, even though you KNEW I didn't love him. That’s just straight up being a bad friend Sokka.” Katara was a bit disappointed in her brother.

“Well. You shouldn’t start on that topic. You weren’t a good girlfriend.” At that Katara winced, so her brother changed the subject fast, before his sister could start crying again. “Believe me when I say that I tried to stop him. I just didn’t want to tell him that you don’t love him anymore. I thought that was your job, so I tried to talk him out of it and said that you were way too young and everything but he didn’t listen, so I just went with it and tried to support him.”

“Yeah I get that. Thank you for understanding Sokka and trying to stop him, it means a lot.” Katara was really grateful for her brother in times like these.

Gran-Gran who was really silent since they got into her hut, finally looked Katara in the eyes and spoke softly to her.

“I’m just really happy that you finally know what you want and what you don’t want in your life. Though Aang was a really nice young man, I’m sure that you will find someone you will deeply care for and love. Because you deserve love and you also deserve to love someone. I can’t imagine being in a relationship with someone that long and not loving that person. I hope you will figure everything out in the future dear. Maybe I will meet your lover and maybe I won’t. I am way too old already.”

“Don’t say that Gran-Gran!” Both Katara and Sokka spoke in union.

After that they all laughed. The family talked about many things till Katara realised what she needed to do.

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“Hey guys. I think I need to tell you something.”

“What is it Katara ?” Gran-Gran asked.

“I don’t know. I just think that I need some time away from home and visit some old friends of mine and talk to them and spend some time with them. I really missed Toph and Zuko and many more. They surely have much to tell me about their lives and what happened since we last saw each other and I just need the distraction right now.”

“Can I come with you ?” Sokka asked.

“No Sokka, I think I need to do this alone. Just travelling a bit around the Earth Kingdom and the Fire Nation.” Katara said a bit sadly.

“Hey, that’s ok. No need to be sad about it. I think that’s wonderful !” Sokka told her cheerfully.

“Yes I think you need some time alone to think and distract yourself from the past.” Gran-Gran told her.

“When will you leave ?” Sokka asked.

“I don’t know, I mean it isn’t too late so I still have time to pack my bags and then eventually I can leave even tomorrow.”

“Well, should we help you fill your luggage, so you can be faster, or do you wanna do this alone ?”

“I just do it alone, Sokka. There isn’t so much to pack anyway, so it won’t take that long. I can leave by tomorrow at 3 p.m maybe. Can I take one of the boats Gran-Gran ?”

“You can. I don’t see another way to get to the other Nations. Will you send me letters, dearie ?” Gran-Gran asked.

“Yeah, I will. And thank you for the boat. I will see you guys tomorrow. Can you meet me in the afternoon ? So I can say goodbye.” Katara questioned.

“Yes, we will. Just go and pack your things already, Katara.” Sokka told her.

“Okay, Okay. Geez. It seems like you want me gone.”

“No, but we want you to be happy and go on a well deserved vacation.” Sokka stated.

“Okay. See you tomorrow. Love you.”

With that said, Katara left the hut and went to her own one outside the village.

It was a bit smaller than her Gran-Grans but for one person it was actually really spacious.

She went inside, laid off her coat and started to get her bags. She filled them with all the important things she owned and needed for her trip, that will most likely last a few months. The boats aren’t that fast and especially these for only one person.

Katara didn’t mind though. Finally she would have some time alone, where she could think and practice her water bending. Maybe even write some poetry.

With these thoughts she went to bed because she really needed some sleep. Also because she finished packing her bags earlier and was ready to leave by tomorrow.

Chapter Text

5 Years after the Hundred Year War
South Pole

After telling her whole family, except for her father, about the failed relationship with Aang, which went better than she could have ever imagined, she decided that she needed some space from her home and wanted to go on a trip to the other Nations but especially the Fire Nation.

Her favorite place there is Ember Island, where she could just relax, lay there in the warm sand at the beach and feel the embrace of the hot summer sun. She mostly enjoyed the salty ocean where she could feel her chi the most. It always gave her a pleasant feeling that tickled in her fingertips.

Firstly of course, she would make a few stops in the Earth Kingdom and visit some old friends there. For example Toph or Suki. She really needed them right now for some support.

She hoped that Aang didn’t have the same plans as her and they wouldn’t meet each other, because the last thing she wanted right now was running into her ex-boyfriend.

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It was now early in the afternoon and she took her things and left her hut. She wouldn’t be here for some time, so she checked if everything was in place, so when she would come back, she could just live here again as if nothing had happened.

She took her bags in her hands, which was a bit hard, since she wore warmly lined mittens on both of her hands, against the cold. But with some effort she managed a way to carry her stuff and started to make her way to her grandmothers almost big vessel.

She walked to the small harbor next to the village,where some boats and even little ships were lined up and bound to a wooden stump.

This is where she would meet her family and say goodbye for a long time. Just thinking about it made her sad and she wanted to cry again, but she told herself that she just couldn’t shed tears everyday for 3 hours, that would be just too much.

Katara put her belongings into the small boat, where also a not really spacious cabin was. In her stateroom there was a bed, a small desk, where she could write some letters or even poetry, a nightstand and a wardrobe for her clothes. There was even a small wooden bookshelf.

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When she organized all her clothings, her books and some of her stationery, she was happy with herself. She only took 30 minutes to unpack all of her goods and order them. But when she thought about it too long, it also made her sad, because it made her realise that she doesn’t have many things.

Outside of the small ship, she heard her brother and her grandmother approaching.

Stepping out of the cabin and onto the deck of the boat she waved at them, smiling happily.

“I already organized everything in there.” Katara told them cheerfully.

“Of course you did.” Her brother stated with an eye roll.

“What’s that supposed to mean ?!” Kataras good mood instantly disappeared because of her stupid brother. Why does he always have to bother her so much ?

“Nothing. All I’m saying is that you always do it. When we travelled with Aang, you always organized our stuff because we didn’t. You hated the mess we would make.” Sokka explained.

“Yeah, but who always found their stuff ? You and Aang did not, you two always searched for it for like an hour or so. It’s infuriating !” Katara had her finger pointed at her brother, the way she usually does it, when she is upset.

“Children. Stop the bickering. You sound like four-year olds, fighting over a Kale cookie.”

“Sorry Gran-Gran.” the siblings murmured.

“Now. Do you have everything you need for your trip ?” Gran-Gran asked motherly.

“Yes I have. I even have paper and brushes, so I can write you some letters. You know I made a promise yesterday and I will uphold it.” Katara took her hand and put it next to her hearrt, as a symbol of pride and truth.

“Good. You better will. Here in the village it gets boring at some point. Anyway, I even have something for you. Since I know you love it, I specifically made it for you.” Kanna gave her a small package that was wrapped in some rice paper and smelled delicious.

“Hmmm.” Katara hummed. She opened it and inside the carefully packed bundle there were two sections. In one of them, there were some steamed dumplings, filled with vegetables and fish, her favorite. In the other, there was some air-dried blubbered seal jerky, also one of her treasured meals.

“Thank you so much. It means a lot.” When Katara finished her sentence, there was a hand that belonged to Sokka, trying to sneak her food away. When she noticed it, she slapped it as hard as she could. He jerked his hand from the food.

“Aaughh. That hurt.” Sokka cried out loud. He started rubbing his other hand, to mild the pain.

“You are such a baby. Serves you right by the way. That’s my food and I probably won’t taste it for a long time. In the other nations, there are barely any Watertribe food-chains or restaurants. So let me have this. I usually share, but not this time.” When Katara finished, she excused herself, so she could store the food inside the cabin.

When she came out after some time, because she needed to decide where to put the food, she saw her brother argue with Kanna again.

“She doesn’t have time for you Gran-Gran, she is kinda busy !” Sokka shouted.

At that Kanna huffed and crossed her arms over her chest. She clearly wanted to say something, since her mouth was open, when Katara interrupted them.

“What are you being so upset about ?”

Now the eyes of her family were on her. “What ?“ She asked.

“Gran-Gran wants to meet Suki, but she doesn’t understand that Suki leads the Kyoshi warriors and has therefore no time for that.” Sokka informed her snapping a little.

“I have a right to meet the woman that makes my little Sokka happy !” Gran-Gran told her, clearly upset.

“I have to agree with both of you. Suki is really busy and Gran-Gran has a right to see her. I mean you two are dating for so many years now. Maybe, when you visit Suki next, you can tell her to find a replacement for her, only for 2 weeks or so. Then Gran-Gran can meet her and Suki finally has some time to do so.” Katara said.

Both Sokka and Kanna looked at each other, then at Katara and then again at each other. They started to smile and clapped their hands happily together.

“You are right. Why didn’t we think of that sooner ?”

“See, problem solved.” Katara smiled, feeling genuinely good, to have resolved such a small but clearly important thing.

Sokka then questioned shyly, slightly blushing too. “ Can you maybe ask her to find a replacement, so she can visit sooner ?”

“Of course I can. But I should really get going now, it will be dark soon.”

After that, they all hugged her and wished her good luck and that she should be careful and safe out there.

She started waving at them, and they waved enthusiastically back.

When the boat finally moved and the figures that were once her family started to get smaller and smaller she stopped, her arm getting a bit tired.

“Man, I really need to do some work out and get a few muscles.” She told herself under her breath.

With that being said, she went inside her cabin, took a book with a red back, that was from the Fire Nation, which she bought when she last visited, from her tiny bookshelf and settled down on her soft and cozy bed, and started to read.

Chapter Text

1 Year after the Hundred Year War
Boiling Rock

All around her black. It was like she closed her eyes. Dark. She couldn’t see. It felt like 100 years, since she last saw some color, saw someone, something. Anything. Something other than black. Almost begging for it. No. Begging wasn’t the word. Who is she to beg ? She is the princess of her nation. No one from her rank can or even should beg. It is pathetic to do so. Her dearest brother Zuzu would probably do it, after only one minute, in being in her position. In this hell hole.

After all this time, all this damn time she still thought about her loss. This was the first time she lost and who would have thought that it would end so fatally, with her ending up here ? Who would have thought that she would lose to someone, other than a fire bender ? Well she knew, she could beat any other fire bender in the whole world, except for her father. She wondered since she came here, what has happened to him.

She felt sometimes like crying, screaming, ripping her skin off and breaking her bones, for being so damn pathetic, when she thought too much about her battle. She lost to a watertribe peasant. No. She wasn’t even a peasant anymore. She lost her country and her leadership. The waterbender should be the new Fire Lord of her beloved country. But surely Zuko managed to get his throne and Katara ? Katara was her name right ? Yes. Katara willingly gave it to him.

How many people would have killed thousands of others to get in her, or better said his position. She knew from herself that she would do it. No price high enough would she pay to get her country and her rightful place back.

But she was in this STUPID PLACE. Her mind is now screaming loud. She wanted it to stop. She needed it to stop. So she did what she needed to do. What she always did, when the voices got too loud.

She slammed her fist against the wall, with so much power that any other wall in the world would have crumbled. Again and again and again. Till she heard that satisfying crack. Till she felt warm liquid streaming down her leg from her now broken hand. It didn’t even hurt anymore. She did it too often. She felt numb. So she could feel something again, she once again hit the wall. Now that her hand was broken the impact of the wall finally hit. She felt something. Finally, after so long she felt something else than her anger. Her hate. It felt good to experience something else. Now a bit of pane came, but she didn’t mind. She wanted it even.

When she heard footsteps, she quickly sat down and hid her arm. She didn’t want them to see her broken bones. They would send her to a waterbender to heal them but she hated water and she wanted to feel the pain that she so well deserved for everything she had done wrong.

At around these times, normally her food comes, which tastes like someone ate a good meal and puked it out and served it to her. She always ate 2 bites, so she didn't die from starvation and she wanted to feel the pain from her hungry stomach. Also, because she truly couldn’t eat more, or she herself would barf.

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4 Years after the Hundred Year War
Boiling Rock

A few years later after the incident, at the time her food would normally come, the metal door of her cell opened and she saw light for the first time in a while, she pressed her eyes together, because it hurt too much. It stung and she felt like she would get blind, if she looked too long at it.

She hid herself with her arms, trying to make herself look small. She knew by now that when someone opens the door, it doesn't mean good things. Her food would be normally given to her through a small slot that was made into the door. But when the gate opens, guards, who had a bad day, would come inside her cell and beat her up. Till bones crack, blood and tears stream and bruises would form on her porcelain skin.

This was the only time in her life that she remembers fearing something. These guards were the scariest thing. She couldn’t firebend in here to defend herself, because the last time she saw the sun was 3 or 4 years ago. She lost count, she can’t even really remember. She knows she was 14 when she got looked up, after losing terribly to her mind and to a waterbender, but she doesn’t know how old she is now. 17 or maybe even 18. She also could be 25. She wouldn’t know.

That the guards didn’t try to rape her, was a small blessing. At least she got her virginity and even a bit of her dignity. But she didn’t deserve her dignity. No. They should rip the last part of herself away. Her honor. Her dignity. She didn’t even care. She was too tired to care.

—————————————————————————————————————

When she reopened her eyes, she saw a shadow. She needed to come closer, to get a better look. That person didn’t even look like a guard so it was safe to do so. When she got up with trouble, because of her thousand bruises and so many broken bones, she fell on her face after only two steps. “How embarrassing.” she thought.

“I can’t believe that this is how they are treating you here.” A familiar voice said. “Wait ?” She thought. “Could that really be him ? No, he wouldn’t care about me, why should he ? I only hurt him and even his so-called friends.”

The person came closer and now she fully saw his face. His burned eye. His sad look. His furrowed eyebrows. His now long hair, which was put into a tight topknot, with the headpiece worn by a Fire Lord on his head.

Zuko finally saw his sister after all these years. At first he didn’t want to meet her, because he was still so angry at her, for all the pain and hurt she has caused him and his friends. Then with everything going on with his Nation and his mother, he didn’t find the time to go and visit her. After he heard a report a month ago about his sister, he knew that he needed to go to her and take a look for himself.

Seeing her now like this, broke his heart. She was so thin and paler than she usally was. She looked like she hadn’t eaten in two months and only survived through liquid and no physical overexertion. Her hair was lumpy and it looked like it hadn't been washed since she came here. There were bruises all over her normally perfect body. Blood on her skin that was partly dried and partly fresh. Some of her body parts were swollen and probably broken. A few of her fingers were surely once broken, but didn’t heal correctly, because no one took her to a healer. They needed to be broken again and then healed correctly. At that thought a shiver went down his back. He, who had sworn to his mother he would always protect his dearest sister, failed so miserably.

He also got more and more angry, at himself and at the guards. At him, because he didn’t know about the horrible conditions she was kept in. At the guards, because they would beat her up, didn’t send her to healers, didn’t let her step outside and were treating her like shit in general.

“Here, let me help you.” Zuko stretched out his hand and bent his knees a little bit, so he was smaller and nearer to Azula. But Zuko should have thought better of that. With her last power, she slapped away his helping hand. It probably didn’t even hurt, only touched his skin.

“Well, I should have known better, than trying to help you.” Zuko told her hopelessly.

“Yes, you should have Zuzu.”

“Guards !” He shouted. “Bring me some chains !”

“What are you going to do with me ? Execute me ? I should be thanking you, if you did so” She asked tiredly.

He searched her eyes for any kind of lie or sarcasm. He didn’t find anything but the truth which saddened him further.

“No for agnis sake, that’s so wrong. I will bring you home. I heard how you treat yourself and how the guards treat you. I was only informed about it a month ago. I tried to get you out of here as fast as I could, so I could help you. Believe me, I’m really sorry for everything, I had no idea.” Zuko informed her.

Azula tried to smile cruelly but it came out as a tired smile that didn’t really reach her eyes. “Aren’t you scared of me anymore, big brother. That hurts my feelings immensely.” She sarcastically told him.

His response was only a glare, that maybe intimidated other people but not her.

“I don’t care if you are gonna hurt me, because you most likely won’t. You will have house arrest. You are to stay in your chamber, surrounded by guards and if you even try to escape, I will send so many assassins that you will be dead by the end of the day. Understood ?” He questioned her, his voice ice cold. He hated himself for sounding like that, but he knew his sister wouldn’t respect him otherwise.

“Since when did he become so cold and cruel ? Since when isn’t he pathetic anymore ? Finally a side I like about my brother and maybe even fear a little. Where is my awkward brother that I accepted and even liked a bit?” She thought.

She gave him a small nod, which he acknowledged and gave his little sister a slight smile.

“You know, being stone cold doesn’t suit you Zuzu. I always liked you more, when you were nice. Where is my akward little turtle duck that I adored when I was younger ?” She asked, no sarcasm in her tone. But after she said it, she immediately regretted it. She slapped her hands on her mouth, being ashamed for letting these words escape her lips, without her permission. It felt like she just cursed in front of a nobleman or a noblewoman or even older people.

Zuko looked surprised at that. He thought that Azula would respect and accept him more as a Fire Lord if he acted like he was heartless. He would address that later with her in the palace and decided that he would ignore it for now.

“Good. At home you will rest and if you behave, you can even go outside but you will be supervised all the time. You will finally get good food and a warm and comfortable bed. I realized how hard and unbearable these so-called beds are, when I was a guard. I rescued someone and we had to sit on the mattress so we could hatch a plan. But nevermind about that. With some time, you can walk through the halls of the palace. Maybe, we can even build our relationship and trust anew. Will you behave ?” He asked, full of hope.

“Maybe dearest brother. I will truly try my best but I don’t think I deserve it. Actually I think I should rot in prison till I’m old and slowly die. I’ve done horrible things. I lost to a waterbender, I disappointed father, I’m not worthy of going back to the palace.” tears were now building in her eyes. She hated to cry and show some sentiment, but sometimes it was necessary to prove her point.

Zuko rolled his eyes at that. “These were the horrible things she thought she did ? She really has no idea.” Zuko thought shocked. But his annoyance at his sister quickly disappeared when he saw how broken she looked. She even showed some emotions and was now openly crying. It’s been so long since she showed her feelings. Normally she would hide them under a mask that she mastered when she was only six years old, but this time she didn’t. Zuko thought that maybe things are already starting to change and was happy about the big step she took.

“Hey. Don’t talk to yourself like that. I don’t care what you did in the past and I’m hoping you can change, to the sister you always were, deep inside.” Zuko reassured her.

He slowly opened his arms and came closer to Azula. He was on his knees and waddled steadily like a little turtle duck. It seems as time has slowed down, he put his arms around Azulas body and then squeezed it tight. The warm embrace felt good. She hadn’t felt touch in a long time, that wasn’t violent.

With all her power she lifted her arms and surrounded them around her brothers waists. They were both now sitting in the dirty cell, but they both didn’t mind.

“She really hugged me back. I can’t believe it. I hope we can now finally have the relationship we always deserved, but never got, because of Ozai.” He thought bitterly, but was still happy. Nothing could bring down his good mood now.

While they were hugging each other Zuko allowed himself to shed a few tears now, no longer holding back his own emotions.

When they broke their hug, which felt like an eternity, she wiped away her own tears and then her brothers. It was a big gesture coming from Azula and Zuko appreciated it.

“Thank you”. Zuko said and Azula thought.

Chapter Text

4 Years after the Hundred Year War
Boiling Rock

After Zuko and Azula reunited, Zuko tried again to help her up, but this time, she accepted his hand gladly. She mumbled a “thanks” and was now standing. She wasn’t standing straight with pride, how she usually would, she stood there really crooked like some old people that Zuko knew of.

Zuko saw how she struggled and wanted to put a hand under her arm to support her but the guards were already here, so he decided against it.

The two guards, who beat her up, were now standing there with some metal shackles, looking innocently. Azula held her hands out, so they could chain her up. They put them around her wrists but she flinched when they did. Zuko got suspicious but decided to give Azula some space so she would talk on her own.

They were walking by some other cells and Azula and her brother saw so many broken people, who also lost their spirit just like she did. Zuko decided that he would do something about it later, when he had the time.

—————————————————————————————————————

When they were standing in front of the exit, Azula took a deep breath. She wasn’t out of this prison in so long, she didn’t even know what it would feel like to be outside.

Zuko dismissed the guards, because he knew that Azula wasn’t in a good condition and probably couldn’t even fight. He even let her shackles be removed, because they must clearly hurt and her hand was broken, so it couldn’t have been comfortable.

—————————————————————————————————————

When they stepped out of the prison, Azula felt the sun on her skin. It prickled ever so lightly and she felt home. She could stand there for hours or days, taking in the warmth and the energy she now felt in her chi. She didn’t care, it just felt too good. A smile started to form on her lips. This time, it reached her eyes and she looked at her brother, who looked happily back at her.

“I forgot what it feels like. But I’m not even sure I can firebend. I haven’t seen or felt any sunlight in so many years. Zuko, how old am I exactly ?” Azula asked, her voice breaking slightly at the question.

“Yes, it’s amazing and I’m really happy for you, that you enjoy this so much. Don’t worry, your fire bending is surely weakened, but it will be as strong as the day you were imprisoned, I’m sure of it. I know you, you are a dragon.”

At that Azula smiled. But she was curious, why he would avoid her question, “Maybe he has just forgotten.” she told herself, so she asked again.

“Zuzu ?” Azula asked.

“What’s up ‘Zula ?” Zuko asked shyly.

“How old am I ? I really need to know.” Azula asked again.

“Uhh-“ He coughed. With his hand he rubbed the back of his head. “Well haha...” he laughed nervously.

“Spit it out, Zuko.” Azula demands getting a bit impatient.

“You're 18.” He mumbled, so that Azula couldn’t hear him. Sadly, she did.

“What ?!” She screamed.

Zuko shrank at that, being a little scared of his sister, even though she wasn’t in a good condition. Zuko now witnessed something he had never seen her do before.

She took a calming breath, trying to get her blood pressure down.

“So you’re saying that my whole childhood is gone ?” Azula asked so calmly, that Zuko started to freak out a bit.

“Well yes.. But uhh- I’m sure we can still have some fun right ?” Zuko asked, hopeful.

“Maybe, but I’m not really sure if you have the time for that, with you being the Fire Lord and everything.” Azula stated, almost a bit sad, that the brother sister time would be cut short.

Zuko himself let out a breath, he didn’t know he was holding. His sister hasn’t insulted him once, only almost complimented him. She wasn’t attacking him and she even agreed to have some family fun time with him. He wasn’t sure how Mai would react to Azula being out of prison, but that was another problem, for another day. Maybe she wouldn’t have a problem and they could be friends again, once Azula changed for the better. Then they all could do things teenagers would normally do.

He remembered the old days, where they would play on Ember Island and go to the beach there and take a swim. Maybe with some time, they could do that again.

Since Ty Lee was a Kyoshi warrior, and was guarding Zuko, she was therefore in the palace and available to mend things over. Azula and Ty Lee could start again there. Maybe talk a little. They all could be friends again, with some time, Zuko hoped. He even praid to Agni.

Zuko was lost in thought and they continued walking when they were standing in front of the cable car. Zuko ordered one of the guards to let them use one and get to the other side safely.

—————————————————————————————————————

Inside the cable railway, Azula just stared outside. She knew what had happened here all these years ago and Zuko did too. Bad memories were made and that was the start of her downfall.

Zuko noticed that and tried to comfort her.

“Hey” he started. “I know this is where some people betrayed you, but believe me when I say, I’m sure they wanna start things anew and be friends with you again. You don’t have to trust them, but please give it a chance. If you treat them how you treated me now, with love, I’m sure they will like you back and they will forgive you. Can you please try, for me ?” Zuko gave his sister a big smile but also a pleading look.

“I’m not sure if I can forgive them yet. It still cuts deeply and that wound hasn’t healed completely. Maybe with some time, I can trust them again, but I’m just so scared, what they will say. If they insult me or are scared of me. If they try to kill me, I mean, I wouldn’t be surprised. I’m weak right now, they could kill me without any problems. They surely hate me. Back then I would have liked that they were scared of me, but now that I know what it feels like, to be scared of someone, I don’t wanna do this to them or anyone ever again. I was a bad friend back then. But betraying me was also not very nice of them.” Azula frowned as she got into the details and shut her eyes. Her heart squeezed painfully at remembering her old friends.

“If they try to kill you, I will defend you and I will maybe even banish them if I must. I’m sure with some time, old bounds can mend. I won’t let them insult you, if you don’t start the fight of course. I’m glad you changed so much during the years. Fear may control people at first, but with some time, they will fight against it. With love, you can keep them forever. But be careful, not everyone deserves your love and your heart. There are some bad people out there, who only use you.” Zuko reassured her and pointed at his heart to show what he meant, but then he remembered what she had just said and her actions before.

“Wait” he told her. “You just said, you know what it feels like to be afraid. And I noticed that you flinched, when the guards put the chains on your wrist. Were these the guards who hurt you ? You don’t have to answer now, if you don’t wanna talk about it or don’t feel comfortable enough to share it with me. But if you say anything to me about the guards and they really hurt you, I myself will banish them personally from the Fire Nation and make sure that their lives won’t be enjoyable.”

“Yes, these were the guards, but I don’t wanna talk about it too much. I’m still scared and also tired. I just wanna sleep and maybe eat something. You know, the food there tastes so bad, I couldn’t eat much of it, or I would have puked.” She told her brother. He understood her and left her alone. She really needed some rest and space and he didn't wanna take her last bit of energy, that kept her going, away.

—————————————————————————————————————

After a couple of minutes, the cable cart gave a halt, so they could exit it, and were now standing on dirt and grass. She really missed it. It has been too long since she felt something other than the hard concrete beneath her feet. She sighed, inhaling deeply, so she could smell the grass scent. It smelled like freedom.

Since they left the cable railway she couldn’t stop smiling like a dumbstruck idiot. Zuko noticed that and was so happy that his sister finally found peace and smiled. She didn’t smile genuinely in so long that he forgot what it looked like. He only knew these cruel smiles, smirks, or fake smiles that made him shudder when he thought too long about them.

At that moment it hit her.

“Zuko ?” She looked at her brother who looked back. “Thank you for getting me out of there. I also just realised that I don’t need anything else than my freedom and you. I haven’t felt this genuinely happy in so long, that I might think that I don’t really need the throne. I mean it’s just work anyways and father always told me that it was great and everything but just now, it means so much to me, to walk around. If I was the Fire Lord, I probably would be sitting in an office all day. If my younger self would hear that, she would think I completely lost it.” At that she even laughed a bit.

Zuko was just so surprised, he hadn’t just heard that right, right ?. I mean she just said that she doesn’t want the throne. When she was younger, that was her only life goal and now this. His sister kept surprising him in a good way and he found liking in that.

“I’m glad you don’t wanna kill me and steal my throne. Also, did you just say that you don’t need anything else than, freedom and me ?” Tears were filling his eyes and his voice cracked a bit. She wanted him. He always wanted a good relationship with his little sister and now that he finally got it, it made him so emotional.

Azula just rolled her eyes and said “Well don’t get too full of yourself. Of course I want you, but please don’t cry again, today was too much as it is. I don’t need your weeping right now.”

Zuko let out a laugh, because his sister finally started to get her old self back. That prison broke his sister mentally and physically and she was just getting back a bit. He liked her like that too, talking back and insulting him a little. He actually needed it, because if no one told him that he should stop crying, he would have cried for hours.

—————————————————————————————————————

When they walked for 20 minutes, they finally arrived at the carriage that waited for them. Guards were now surrounding it, watching the princess every move.

They stepped inside and sat down. The seat pillows were soft and Azulas back aked. It was really sore. She hadn’t felt anything that soft in over a few years.

They talked a bit on their way to the palace. Zuko filled her in about everything. That Mai was his girlfriend now and Ty Lee and another Kyoshi warrior were now guarding him. He also had a friend Zirin, a noblewoman who would come in a few weeks, to drink tea with him. His uncle lived also near the palace and would greet her with open arms at the entrance.

—————————————————————————————————————

When they arrived at the palace, Azulas stomach squeezed tight in an uncomfortable way. She also felt like she couldn’t breathe. She realised that she had a panic attack.

Her brother noticed her pale face and rubbed her back gently. “Shhh, everything is ok, you are safe. I promise. I actually told Mai and Ty Lee that they shouldn’t wait for me when I arrive back, so you won’t see them, only Uncle.”

Azula calmed down at her brother comforting words. She could finally breathe again but the feeling of her stomach still didn’t go away.

“What if he hates me or won’t accept me in the family ?” Azula said feeling insecure. She was so scared of facing her past. She sobbed quietly and tears were escaping her eyes.

Zuko whipped them gently away. “I’m sure Uncle will love you, if you treat him like you treat me. Actually he wanted to meet you, it wasn’t my idea that he would greet you. So I just said yes, as you may know Uncle, he surely has tea with him. Probably even your favorite.” He winked and reassured her.

“But I only told him once, what my favorite tea is, and I was six back then.” Azula couldn’t believe that he would even remember such a small detail about herself.

“See, you are really important to him. Now are you ready to go face him. ?” Zuko asked.

Azula could only nod, not trusting her own voice, because she was scared it would break.

What Zuko didn‘t tell her was, he told his Uncle about the conditions Azula was kept in. How everyone, including herself, treated her. It would only upset Azula further, so he decided against telling her about it.

When they got out, guards surrounded them, which Zuko quickly dismissed. His sister didn’t need people glancing at her. It would only make her more nervous.

They walked a few meters to the entrance where their Uncle was awaiting them with tea and a big grin on his face.

Chapter Text

4 Years after the Hundred Year War
The Royal Palace

Zuko greeted his Uncle with a hug and a smile. Iroh, did the same and wanted to do it also with Azula, but he knew better than to invade her personal space.

“Hello dear niece. How are you ?” He asked her politely, hoping to start a conversation.

“I could be better, but I appreciate being out of prison and feeling the sun again. Also seeing my brother has lifted my mood.” Azula told him.

Behind his little sister, Zukos lip trembled at that and tears were again forming in his eyes. He was so happy that he could hug the whole world. Seeing Azula get along with her Uncle that easily was always something he wanted. Also because Azula was happy to have him in her life.

—————————————————————————————————————

They started to make their way to the palace at a slow pace.

“Maybe we can drink some tea in the gardens and sit down. Azula is really tired and I think that could give her a bit of a rest.” Zuko said. He looked at his sister to see some kind of protest, but Azula just smiled and nodded. “I’d love to. Uncle ? I heard you still know my favorite tea. Is that correct ?” She asked, looking at Iroh, who walked beside her.

“Yes, how could I forget ? I know everything about a persons liking for tea.” Iroh told her, smiling widely.

At that Azula rolled her eyes playfully. Of course he would remember something about tea.

When they reached the garden and sat down on a bank, which also had a table, near the turtle duck pond, Iroh already had Azulas favorite tea with him.

He poured it into a cup, steam coming off of it. Azula really liked Oolong tea, with a bit of sugar and milk. Not many people drank Oolong and it was rather rare in the Fire Nation to do so. No one would have suspected that Azula would use sugar to suppress the bitterness coming from the tea.

She smiled at her Uncle, for really remembering it. “It isn’t poisoned, right ?” She asks her Uncle, who only gave her a laugh as a response.

“Well, it’s time to start trusting people, right ? Better now then never.” She thought to herself. She didn’t like being suspicious but she really feared that some people still held a grudge against her and wanted her dead. Even her Uncle could be one of those people. She wronged him so many times during the war. Nonetheless, he did the same, so it would be kind of forgivable.

So she took a sip, overcoming her fear and hummed softly. “The tea is really good Uncle. You just made it perfect and put a good amount of sugar and milk in it. I really like it.” She told him cheerfully.

“I’m glad you like it.” He told her. But she got suspicious again. Why didn’t her brother and her Uncle didn’t drink with her ?

“Don’t you guys want a cup of Oolong tea ? It is really tasty.” Azula asked distrustful, but didn’t voice that.

“I don’t really like Oolong tea, I’m more of a jasmine tea fan.” Zuko admitted truthfully. Azula always knew when her brother lied and this wasn’t one of those times.

“I’m not really in the mood for tea right now.” Iroh told her nervously, not looking her in the eyes while doing so.

Now something was definitely off. She spit out the sip she just took of her tea immediately back to the cup. Trying to drink not so much of the might poisoned tea.

“Uncle, what did you do ?” Zuko asked, getting a bit angry and irritated.

“Nothing. I just put sleeping pills in there, so she gets tired and-“ Iroh started but was immediately cut off by Zuko.

“You did what ?!” Zuko now shouted, anger overcoming him. He would have never suspected such a thing from his Uncle.

“Please let me explain. As I was saying, she would get tired and could rest and we could have a talk. I didn’t mean any harm with it, but I heard the story of how they treated you and wanted you to get some sleep, surely you must be tired, even without the drug.” Uncle tried to defend himself holding his hands up in a surrendering gesture.

“You told him what ?!” Azula shot up, standing now. She was hurt that her brother would tell her Uncle something so privat. She was also sad, because her Uncle just drugged her. “How could you, I trusted you Zuko and I also trusted you Uncle. I should have known better, father always said, trust is for fools. I thought, maybe I should change, but you just showed me that you shouldn’t have any friends or family, because they will always betray you in the end !” Azula shouted. There was a hint of hurt in her voice.

—————————————————————————————————————

Ty Lee was inside the palace, when she heard loud screams. She stood there frozen, now hearing the voice. “Could that be ?” She thought. “No it couldn’t, I mean she is in prison dum-dum.” She told herself.

She still checked, not wanting Zuko to get killed or hurt.

When she stepped outside the palace and into the royal gardens, she saw her for the first time in so long. She was dirty, had prison clothes on, had blood all over her, her hair wasn’t really washed and soft like it usually was, her skin was bruised and some parts were swollen, she was also paler and thinner than usual.

She took in the sight. Azula shouting at her brother and Uncle. Ty Lee was scared that the princess might hurt them so she ran towards the other family members.

She heard Azula shout “I thought, maybe I should change, but you just showed me that you shouldn’t have any friends or family, because they will always betray you in the end !” It gave her a sting in the heart. She made her that way, for choosing Mai over Azula. But she had to choose a side again, protecting Zuko and Iroh and hurting Azula further.

Azula was now completely red in the face and her eyes were full of hate. To deescalate the situation, she ran towards Azula and made a few quick jabs where her chi was flowing through. Ty Lee just chi-blocked Azula again, just like she did on the Boiling Rock.

With a loud thud Azula fell on the ground with her face first, unable to move, because of the blockades in her body. Blood came out of her nose, because of the impact of the ground.

“Why Ty Lee ?!” Zuko now shouting at Ty Lee, as well as Azula he was bright red in the face.

“She screamed at you and I was scared that something might happen. You never know with Azula.” Ty Lee said, trying her best not to wince at the sudden outburst from Zuko.

“She is scared of me, what have I done ?” Azula thought to herself. She promised herself that she would never make anyone feel that way again, but she just did it. She hated herself more, because it was Ty Lee who was scared of her. That sweet girl, who was once one of her first friends and maybe even more than that. Of course she still was hurt and even a bit angry at that cheerful acrobat but it still wasn’t what she wanted.

“But she has every reason to be angry at us. Uncle just drugged her and I betrayed her, telling Uncle the conditions she was kept in, even though it was her thing to tell.” Zuko didn’t shout now, feeling bad, for the things he had done. He knew that Azula had trust issues and he just spit in her face like that. How could he ?

“Oh” Ty Lee said, feeling defeated. “I didn’t know, I’m so sorry Azula.” Ty Lee felt worse than what she felt when she had to chi-block Azula on the Boiling Rock.

“It's okay Zuzu and I’m also sorry Ty Lee. I didn’t mean to scare you and I’m also sorry for screaming right now, I was just so hurt. I mean I start trusting you Zuzu and the first thing you do is betray me.” She started to cry at that, remembering all the hurt she has gone through and all the people she loved leaving her in the end.

Ty Lee stood there perplexed. “Is she crying now ? Did she just apologize ? No, that can’t be it. Azula would never do such a thing.” Ty Lee was shocked.

Azula started sobbing now but getting tired, because of the sleeping pills.

“Zuko, can you carry me to my bed, the drugs are starting to begin and I don’t trust myself, that I won’t fall and sleep on the spot, also I can’t really move because of the chi-blocks ?” Azula asked in a tired voice.

“Sure.” Zuko said shortly.

He turned her, so her face, which was a bit puffy from the few tears she shed and bloody from her nose, was directed to the sky. He put one arm under the back of her knee and one under her dorsal. He picked her up in one swift motion, Azula already drifting to sleep.

She mumbled a tired “thank you” and was asleep seconds after that, leaning into the comforting touch of her brother,

—————————————————————————————————————

Ty Lee could only watch as it happened. Azula said she was sorry for the things she just did. She even thanked her brother for carrying her to her bed. This wasn’t the Azula she knew so many years ago. This was a completely different person. Her aura looked so broken and black. Full of pain but also there was a bit of blue, the color of change. In her eyes, she could see everything that had happened, it looked like she was full of fear and uncertainties. Back then, Azula was full of pride and no one could cut her down, she wasn’t scared of anything or anyone, except her father. But now ? This wasn’t the Azula she once knew. No, something has changed in these four years, which broke her spirit. Something or someone in the prison was hurting her and Azula was full of fear.

She could only watch after Zuko, who was carrying Azula, go and get inside the palace, while they got smaller and smaller. She just stood there, completely frozen.

“She has changed, hasn’t she ?” Uncle Iroh asked Ty Lee.

Lost in her thoughts, she came back at the sudden interaction.

She could only mutter a “Yes.”

“If you only knew what that girl went through. If you were in her situation, you might as well be already dead. My niece has suffered so much there, but her worst enemy was and is herself.” Iroh stated sadly. He couldn’t look Ty Lee in the eyes and just look at Azulas tea, which got colder over time.

“What do you mean by that ? I thought she got therapy and everything. What has really happened in those four years ?” Ty Lee now sat down, hoping she could get some kind of information from the old man.

“I think I already said too much. It’s a very private thing and also very tragic. She should tell you herself.” Iroh told her.

“But you know she won’t tell me and I want to help her get better. I think I owe her that, because I believe I made her that way.” Ty Lee said sadly.

“What do you mean by that ?” Iroh questioned her.

At that Ty Lee sighed, where should she start ? But she already knows the answer to that question. “I betrayed her many years ago, choosing Mai over her. I chi-blocked her, because she was about to cut the lines of the cable railway on the Boiling Rock. Her brother, his friends and some prisoners would have fallen to their death. Since then, she changed and not in a good way, she became kind of crazy. Well now she changed but I can sense that something is wrong with her, and I want to help her get better and happy. I owe it to her.” Ty Lee told him sadly.

“Very well. When Azula was in prison at first she would burn the guards, because she was so angry that she lost the last Agni Kai, surely your friends told you about it. But when time moved on, she didn’t. She had so much hate within her that she needed to realise it and punish herself. She would punch the wall or do other things to hurt herself. It got so bad, that it got to the point where she broke her own bones once a week. The guards hated her, because some of their friends, who were also guards, died or got burned so bad, that it left scars, so they didn’t take her to a healer. Even if they wanted to, Azula didn’t want to go, because she wanted the pain. Also, because she hated water since Katara. She hasn't bathed since she came into that prison, this is why her hair looks like that. She wouldn’t eat her food, the guards gave to her and only drank the water. The guards who had a bad day and hated her, would come once or twice in a month to beat her up in her chamber. In those four years, she felt more pain than she felt when she was with Ozai and you surely know that Ozai wasn’t a kind man. She wasn’t taken outside like other prisoners. Today was the first time in four years that she felt the sun.”

“Agni that’s horribly.” Is all Ty Lee could say. The normally cheerful girl just sat there, getting lost in her thoughts again. She felt like throwing up. Azula was now eighteen years old and she had felt almost her entire life so much pain. With her whole family, especially her parents and now this. She just wanted to hug the princess and tell her everything would be okay with some time, but wouldn’t that be a lie ?

Chapter Text

5 Years after the Hundred Year War
Earth Kingdom waters

Her first stop was at Kyoshi Island, to meet up with Suki and the other Kyoshi warriors. She also kinda hoped to see Ty Lee and ask her, how she is doing in all these years. Katara knows that Azula's influence wasn’t really good on her.

She was still in her boat's cabin and the food she got from her Gran-Gran was almost gone. She was sailing for 4 days now and couldn’t really make any stops to get some food, because all that was around her was water.

She was beginning to starve and started to eat her last jerky and hoped that she would arrive soon.

In the time she was at sea, she wrote one letter to Gran-Gran and two poems.

She reads one last time over the letter, to see if she missed anything.

Dear Gran-Gran,

I hope this letter finds you well in your home. How are you ? What have you done since I left the South Pole ? Maybe you can tell me in one of your letters, but you should write soon, because I will be only staying one week on Kyoshi Island and I’m on my best way to get there. Surely it will only take one or two days till I see land.

Nothing really fascinating has happened since I left. I am on this boat now, for 2 days and food is starting to become less and less. With some luck, it lasts till I arrive but I can’t promise you that. The food you made with so much care, tastes really good and it reminds me of home. I already miss it, but I’m happy about the decision I made. It feels good to have some alone time.

Tell Sokka that I didn’t forget about the things I need to ask Suki. It is currently dark outside and the stars are beautiful, they are iridescent bright in the cloudless summer sky. The air around me is warm and it reminds me, when my friends and I were travelling around the world. It especially reminds me of the Fire Nation. I wonder why the Earth Kingdom is currently so warm but I’m happy about it. It is so much different from the South Pole and I wish I could take you some time away from the Tribe and show you how wonderful this world is. I should stop now, because it is already really late and I will head to bed soon.

Lots of love,
Katara

Happy with the outcome, she folds the bright blue paper from the Southern Watertribe and puts it into the baby blue envelope. She puts her name and address on it, with dark blue ink, and the ones from her Gran-Gran as well. Finally she puts a dark blue stamp on the corner of the envelope, which shows the Water Tribe mark. She licks the edge of the envelope, where dried glue was, which was now sticky and closes the letter. She put it in one of her bags, so she could send it, once she was on Kyoshi.

—————————————————————————————————————

Two hours later, when it was afternoon and the sun was shining bright from the middle of the sky she saw land. She wasn’t really sure if it was Kyoshi Island, but it could be, according to the map. “But what if this is some small island, no one knows of and it isn’t on the maps ? It doesn‘t exactly look like Kyoshi Island.” Katara thought. “I should check it out though, maybe I can get food there, and it looks really pretty from here.”

Sailing now faster, she arrives at the small island only 15 minutes later.

—————————————————————————————————————

When she gets off her boat, her mouth is wide open. It’s the most beautiful thing she has ever seen. It kind of reminds her of the Fire Nation but it feels strange to her, that lately everything reminds her of the exotic Nation. Maybe it was the friend who lived there but she quickly pushed that thought aside. It was tropical and had palm trees there. A sand beach, with clear aquamarine water, that iridescence when the sun shines on it. There were also small animals and a little forest.

She decided that she should go into these woods and explore the island some more. She already found food, for example berries, which aren’t poisonous and coconuts. It wasn’t the most nutritious edibles, but it was at least something.

Cheerfully and with so much awe she went deep inside. It got colder, because the sun couldn’t reach her skin anymore, since there were so many trees which protected her.

It was truly lonely, but also calming. She took a deep breath and took the scent in. Weird. It smelled like sandalwood and only the imprisoned princess smelled like this. Why was she even thinking about her ? Katara was now a bit alerted and was maybe even a little scared that Azula might have broken out of this prison and was hiding here. But who is she kidding ? No one could ever escape the Boiling Rock. But it‘s Azula who she is talking about. But Zuko would have surely sent her a letter if his sister escaped, right ?

She calms her nerves and hears birds chirping in the distance. There was no soul in here and probably no one even knew this place existed. So there could be no Azula out here. It was her little treasure and she loved every part of it, even the scent of sandalwood. It was calming and puts her nerves on edge at the same time.

—————————————————————————————————————

When she walked for more than 20 minutes, she reached the middle of the little land. It wasn’t really a big one, so it was easy to get everywhere. When she reached her destination, her mouth dropped.

In there was a hot spring, with waterfalls and steam coming off the water. It was truly perfect and she didn’t know, something like this even existed in the world.

She didn’t want to go into the water now, so she decided to head back to her boat, but she would mark this spot on the map, so she wouldn’t forget about it and miss it. She wanted to come back, of course, when she was finished with her trip.

With her new found food in her backpack, she went to her small vessel and was happy with the discovered Island. She got food now and a cool private spot.

When she was inside of her boat, she quickly took out her map and marked the island with red ink and decided to call it “Water Oasis”. She wasn’t the best with names, but she was happy with the result.

She started the engine and was on her course to Kyoshi Island once again.

—————————————————————————————————————

5 Years after the Hundred Year War
Kyoshi Island

When she arrived days later, her food was almost gone again and the engine of the ship was a bit damaged, because it was so old and it wasn’t usually used. Also because Katara drove non stop for almost a week without a break, well except the small one, where she found her perfect island but she was just exploring it for half an hour so there was no time for the engine to cool down.

The first thing Katara does is pack her things, she needs for this week she will be staying on Kyoshis, in her backpack. She checks again if the sealed letter was inside, which of course it was. Then she binds the vessel with a thick rope on a wooden stomp tightly, so it wouldn’t flow away.

Taking her things, she heads up the small mountain, where the village was. It takes her long enough, but when she finally reaches the familiar place, she feels nostalgic.

She already knew where everything stands and was heading straight to the dojo where Suki would most likely train, with the other warriors.

While she was walking the small path, she got weird looks, like people who were angry at her, or even disappointed. “Weird” She thought. She didn’t understand it so she quickens her paste, to escape that unpleasant event.

Her stomach and throat suddenly felt very uncomfortable but she just couldn’t place the feeling. Deep in the pit of her stomach, she already has a slight inkling of what might be the cause of it, but didn’t want to acknowledge that right now, so she pushed it into the back of her mind.

When she finally arrived, the Kyoshi warriors weren’t training how they normally would and weren’t there.

“Great” Katara thought. Now she has to walk through the village again and even has to ask someone in order to find Suki. “I just love my luck sometimes” She sarcastically thought.

She went through the rather small village and when she was in the middle of it, she saw the Kyoshi statue, cleaned and polished and it gave back almost a reflection, if it wasn’t made out of wood. She wondered why it was washed, because normally it would only be on special occasions. Only when Aang was here. Again the feeling in her stomach came and she just couldn’t shake it away. Desperate to find her friend she went to the town hall.

When she heard loud shouts and recognized the voice of her warrior friend, she was so happy. She gladly didn’t need to ask anyone for help.

She walked faster, trying to reach it as fast as possible without more painful looks.

When she finally got in front of the large building, she went inside.

—————————————————————————————————————

“I am 100% sure that she didn’t do it. Also the relationship with the Avatar is not our place. You should let her stay, even if you think she is guilty!” Suki shouted.

When Katara walked into the room, she saw Suki without her make-up completely red in the face, looking angrily at the village chief.

“But if she really did this to him, she doesn’t deserve to be on Kyoshi, who is also his past life. This would put shame and dishonor to her name. And we alway honor Kyoshi !” Oyaji shouted back.

After Katara cleared her throat, feeling uncomfortable, they finally noticed her.

They swiftly looked away from each other and then at her.

Flushed with embarrassment and anger the old man looked guilty at her, but also angry and disappointed, like the rest of the small town. Except for Suki of course.

“What is happening ? Why is everybody angry at me ? I didn’t do anything to upset anyone, as far as I can remember.” Katara asked while frowning.

“Oh, so you can’t remember cheating on the Avatar ? Was your relationship with him just a joke to you ? Because it seems like it was.” The village chief snapped angrily.

“I did what ?!” Katara shouted, clearly feeling overwhelmed and confused. She didn’t cheat on Aang, with whom should she ? There wasn’t really anybody who she found attractive in the South Pole and she was there for the last 2 years.

“Everybody thinks that you cheated on Aang with Zuko, now Aang broke up with you and tells everybody. I tried to tell them that that wasn’t just you and you would never do such a thing but I couldn’t tell him otherwise and convince him.” Suki stated softly.

“I would never cheat on Aang. Also I broke up with him, because I wasn’t in love anymore. How could he spread such a lie ?” Katara said in disbelief. She was on the edge of tears, but wanted to hold them back and look strong. She just couldn't believe anything she was hearing right now.

This wasn’t Aang who she thought she knew. Well, she always knew that he was the jealous type, but never to such an extreme. She thought Zuko was attractive, yes, she wasn’t gonna lie there, but she would never date him. First, he was endlessly in love with Mai and she wouldn’t ruin that. Second, she was with Aang. Third, Zuko had such an explosive personality. Fourth, it was in the Fire Nation, which was
too far away from her home.

Oyaji looked just as confused as she felt. But there was an idea on his mind on how to clear this.

“I have somebody who can tell me when people lie. If you are telling the truth, we will gladly let you stay here, of course that is if you want. If you are lying, you aren’t welcome here forever. Do we have a deal ?” He asked.

Katara hasn’t got anything to lose, because she was telling the truth. Also her heart skipped a beat, because she thought Toph was here. No one that she knew of, besides Toph, could tell, when someone was lying. She wasn’t into the earth bender of course, but she would really like to see her again. They started on a rocky path but over the years, they got as close as someone could be.

“You have a deal. I don’t lie about such things and we can gladly test it.” Katara answered, holding out her hand to shake the older ones.

The chief walked over to her, a few steps and took her hand, gave it a firm grip and shook.

“We’ll see. Be out in ten minutes, where the Kyoshi statue stands. I get him and then we can test you if you are telling the truth.”

He left the town hall and Katara saw him knock on someone's door after he walked for a bit.

—————————————————————————————————————

So Toph was definitely not here, because Oyaji just referred to the earth bender as a he. She was a bit sad about it, but she knew that she would visit Toph, sooner or later.

But Suki shook her out of her thoughts. “It’s good to see you again Kat.” Suki cheerfully said.

They were standing next to each other and Suki turned to Katara and gave her a tight hug. Katara hugged her back after one or two awkward seconds. She liked Suki, but she might as well won’t ever see her again, if she was too nervous when she told the truth. She knew from Toph that when your heart beats faster, it means that you’re lying to anyone who would test it. So she couldn't be nervous and so she just let the feeling of a comfortable and warm hug take over her senses. Suki smelled like sweet cherry blossoms in spring, she always liked that smell. It calmed her nerves, which was good right now and made her feel home.

When they parted after some time, they just looked at each other and smiled.

“There is so much I need to tell you, but I guess that can wait, because it needs to be decided in a few minutes, if I’m allowed to even stay here.” Katara said with a frown.

“I know. I tried to convince him that you would never do that. Speaking of Katara, we are alone right now, so you can tell me the truth. I know that Zuko is hot and I swear I wouldn’t be mad at you, if you did what you did.” Suki winked at her, snickering.

“No I did not. I think Zuko is attractive.” She blushed at that but continued. “But I won’t ever do something like this to Aang. But it seems that Aang would just throw me to the Unagi like that. I always knew Aang was the jealous type, but this takes it a few steps too far, don’t you think ?” Katara asked.

“Oh absolutely. He is insane, and I’m glad you dumped him. Imagine if you just looked at Zuko when you were visiting the Fire Nation. I mean I wouldn’t wanna be there because Aang would be so furious.” Suki answered.

“Yeah.” Katara frowned. She always thought Aang wouldn’t hurt her physically and when somebody would have accused him of that, a month ago, she would have defended him and told them, Aang was the nicest person in the world and wouldn’t hurt the smallest animal. But now ? I mean he did burn her, when he got too angry because of the break up, but she didn’t wanna think about that right now, so she pushed that thought to the side. Like she always did. She sweared, that one time, when she did it too often, she would overflow and break, but she just couldn’t care right now. She felt too much and she didn’t want to cry every living second, so she just put everything aside, hoping the problems would go away.

“I think we should go to the center of our village now. I think he already got the Boulder.” Suki stated.

“The what now ?” Katara asked, perplexed. Suddenly the realization hit her. The Boulder who was fighting in the ring with Toph was here. She wondered what he did here and why he was staying at Kyoshis but that didn’t really matter right now. She needed to face him and tell the truth. Hopefully he didn’t hold a grudge against her and would lie, so she would be banished. “I remember him actually. When we were travelling Toph fought him.”

“I remember him too.” Suki stated, still smiling, feeling nostalgic.

Taking all her courage, she went with Suki to the spot where Kyoshis statue was.

—————————————————————————————————————

Almost the whole village was standing in a circle, waiting for Katara. They were interested in what was about to happen, because such things usually didn’t happen and the villagers were always ready to have some action in the usually quiet valley.

Katara walked inside of the crowd to where Oyaji was staying, beside him the Boulder. She quickly greeted them and then it already started.

—————————————————————————————————————

“Master Katara, ex-girlfriend of Avatar Aang also known as the last Airbender.” Katara rolled her eyes at what the chief said. She was her own person and didn’t need to be classified as the ex-girl from the Avatar. She was more than that, but she decided that it was best to keep her mouth shut in that case, because it could anger Oyaji further and she really wanted to stay here at Kyoshi.

“Today we are gathered to test if Master Katara is lying and dishonoring the Avatar and therefore his past life, Kyoshi, with her actions. If she is telling the truth and she didn’t cheat on the Avatar with the Fire Lord, she is welcome to stay, if that is what she truly desires of course, but if she is lying to not look bad in front of the three nations, she will be banned for a lifetime in this village !” Oyaji continued, shouting, so everyone could hear him. The crowd cheered and Katara felt panic starting to rise. But she felt Suki's comforting touch on her shoulder and took a deep breath to calm her nerves.

She stepped near the Bolder and looked him deep into his ember green eyes. She thought about what she wanted to say and was puzzling some sentences together in her mind.

“Do you, Master Katara, last surviving water bender of the South, cheated on Avatar Aang, last surviving air bender in the whole world ?” The chief spoke the words loud and clear and now everyone was staring at Katara to wait for her answer. She again, took a deep breath and began to tell the truth.

“No, I did not. I spent the last two years in the South Pole with my family and I haven’t seen Fire Lord Zuko for three years, after the last time I visited him, in the Fire Nation. We have nothing more than a friendly relationship and I desire nothing more. I broke up with Aang for a different reason, that I’m going to keep private, because it is between him and me. I hope you understand that.” She also spoke loud and clear and she was surprised that her voice didn’t break or tremble. She still felt bad for Aang of course, but she was far more angry with him than hurt over their failed relationship.

Everybody was holding their breath including Katara. The eyes of the people, where now on the earth bender, who decides the fate of the girl. It felt like minutes, even though it was just a few seconds, where the full attention was on the Bolder. This would decide her destiny and her reputation for life. If they didn’t believe her, what would the other people say ? She would only find acceptance in the Southern Watertribe, where her only family was. She swallowed hard at that.

She was lost in thoughts when the truth teller spoke up.

“The Bolder thinks..” He closed his eyes, Katara felt like she would faint, because he made it so nerve wrecking. He opened his eyes and continued to speak, when it seemed that he made his final decision. “She is telling the truth. The Bolder believes the girl and that there was no shame and dishonoring in the mighty Kyoshi. The Bolder also thinks that Master Katara should stay on this Island as long as she wants.”

The crowd all started to cheer and threw their hands in the air. Katara finally breathed again, after these painful seconds. She was happy, but she was also scared about the future. What did she have to do, so everyone would believe her ? Was she accepted in the other Nations or would they ban her like they almost did here ? She knew Zuko personally so she was rather sure that she wouldn’t be banned in the Fire Nation, but you never know. She needed to make things right in the Earth Kingdom and she needed to go to the Northern Watertribe now, to see if Aang also spread words there.

Suki caught her off guard and hugged her and lifted her up in the air. When Suki squeezed Katara tight she put her down on the ground again.

—————————————————————————————————————

The crowd was still cheering and was so loud that they had to walk away, to have a conversation.

“How long will you stay on Kyoshi Island now, or are you so angry that you won't ?” Suki asked, after they made some distance, so they could understand each other, without screaming at one another, to suppress the sound.

“I think I will be staying here for a week, even though now plans have changed.”

“How so ?” Suki asked, even though she was excited, to spend some time with her future sister in law. She smiled widely and they walked further and were heading to where Suki lived.

“Well, Aang now probably told the whole world some fake news and I really need to make things right. I don’t want people to be mad at me, even though I did nothing wrong. My plan was that I would go to Kyoshi Island, to visit you. Then I would go to Toph and Haru and visit them. And then I would have been on my way to the Fire Nation to visit Zuko. But now ? I also need to go to the Earth King, so he can tell his Nation about the lies our friend spread. And I also need to go to the Northern Watertribe, to see if word has already spread there, or if Aang was there and told people wrong things.” Katara frowned. She promised, that she would take a one or two month vacation, to her grandmother but now that things changed, she needed more time. She mentally made a note, to also write that in the letter to Gran-Gran.

“I’m sure you will totally crush it. I mean now things have worked out, so I’m sure, they will also in the future. Also you should worry about that later and have some fun, while you can. You know, you will probably always be welcome here now. Not so much for Aang as far as I can think. Lying here can get you banned and is not really tolerated. Especially huge lies that make other people look bad.” Suki winked at her.

When they finally reached Suki's home, she opened the door.

“Come in, you will be staying here with me for a week. I have a guest room that you can use, if you want” Suki told her.

“Do you also have a messenger hawk, because I wrote a letter for my Gran-Gran that I need to send her, when it’s finished.” Katara asked.

“Sure, now get in here. I wanna show you around.” Suki motioned with her hand, also smiling, to welcome her in.

When Katara stepped inside she already felt home.

—————————————————————————————————————

The first thing she saw was where her shoes should be put and her parka. In the South Pole it’s the same and she became a bit emotional but she told herself that she should keep it together.

Stepping in further, there was the kitchen and a living room.

The kitchen was quite big, there was a kitchen island above from there were cabinets and cupboards, it had a fridge, there was also a dining table with four chairs around it, obviously some candle holders, so there could be light in the night and a place to let the tableware dry. It was all quite different from the South Pole and she was definitely going to explore all the things that were new to her.

Moving on to the living room. There were book shelves filled with various books from any Nation, a few soft chairs and a couch, to sit comfortably. There were also some candle holders and a little desk, where you could put some tea, if you wanted to drink it, while reading a book, but you could also put other stuff on there.

Suki also took her upstairs and showed her around there.

There was a rather long corridor and three doors.

The first one was a study. There were also book shelves filled with books and a desk, where some paperwork was and also some feathers and ink. Candle holders, like every other room had and the desk had some drawers, where other stuff was stocked.

The second door was Suki's room, where a bed was, a make-up desk, filled with warrior make-up. A wardrobe, where the girls warrior uniform was and other clothes. On the right side was another door, which led to the private bathroom.

The last and final door was her guest room. There was also a bed and bookshelves and it almost looked the same, like Suki's room, but Katars bathroom was on the left side. Inside her bathroom, there was a shower, a sink, a small cabinet, where she could store her soup and other products.

Suki told her that she would be out for a few hours and that Katara should settle in, in the time she was gone and Katara did exactly that.

After she outpacked and put everything where it belonged, she got out her letter and informed her Gran-Gran and secretly Sokka about the conditions and that she would be gone longer than expected. When she was finished, she again closed the letter and went outside, to find a messenger hawk.

—————————————————————————————————————

When she finally found one, she gave him the letter and told him the destination. After that, she petted him shortly which caused the hawk to make a few amusing sounds and happy noises and flew away, to the South Pole.

When Katara was heading to her new home, she realized that it was already dark outside and she began to get tired.

When she was inside Suki's home, she went upstairs, walked through the corridor and went inside her room.

She then made her way to the bathroom, brushed her teeth and put on her nightgown.

She took her soft and comfortable blanket and put it over her body and quickly drifted to sleep.

Chapter Text

5 Years after the Hundred Year War
Kyoshi Island

Day 1 - Questions

Katara went outside the house in order to find Suki and she guessed, that she could start looking for her in the dojo.

While she was walking towards where Suki probably was, many people greeted her and sent her apologetic looks. Katara was happy that noone was looking at her like they wanted to murder her.

When she was standing before the training house she took a deep breath and walked inside. She didn‘t want to interrupt their work-out so she was trying to be very quiet, but Suki and the others of course noticed her entrance.

Suki greeted her with a smile and a wave, so did another girl and then they already continued their session of moves.

The girl also had short cut hair just like Suki but the girls one was blond. Blond hair was not really usual around the world and was only found in colonies of sand benders. She couldn‘t know what the warrior really looked like because of the makeup that was covering her face. She was a bit shorter than Katara herself and she had emerald green eyes that were sparkling when the sun shone on them. The girl was breathtaking and a small blush was forming on Katara's cheeks. She tried to hide it though so Katara quickly sat down on a stool that was in the corner and waited for the dance lesson, how Sokka would have described it, to be over, so she could talk to Suki and maybe even get some information about this mysterious girl that was catching her eye.

After half an hour, the group was done, everyone was sweating, but happy and they quickly left the dojo one by one, after Suki dismissed them. Katara was looking the whole time they were practicing at the girl that caught her eyes. Even when she was leaving she couldn‘t tear her eyes away from her.

“So, how did you settle in ? I’m sorry I came home so late but I still had things to do.” Suki apologized.

When Suki started to speak she jumped a little because she was so deep in thought. She quickly recovered and answered her.

“It’s alright. I settled in just fine and I sent the letter to my Gran-Gran after I finished it. The bed is very comfortable too and I fell asleep almost immediately. I was actually really tired, after the events from yesterday and after unpacking everything, so I quickly went to bed.”

“That’s nice and I’m really glad for you. I can totally understand that you were so tired and I hope you slept well.” Suki told her but got more serious now. “So what did you want to talk about, or why were you in my Dojo otherwise ? Not that I mind.” She asked.

“I wanted to talk about Sokka actually.” Katara said.

“Really ? What about him, did he do something stupid again ? I swear he always gives me such a headache.” Suki jokes, still a bit concerned.

“No he actually did nothing, he just wanted to ask you something.” While holding back her laughter. Suki was always so funny and making fun out of her brother was her favorite activity.

“Spit it. You are freaking me out, because you don’t get to the point.” Suki demanded.

“Geez, alright. He just wanted to ask if you could visit him in the South Pole, because our grandmother won’t shut up about you. She really wants to see you.” She smiled at remembering her Gran-Gran and home.

“I-“ But Katara already cut her off. “Before you say no, just hear me out. You could find a replacement for two weeks, so your warriors still get to train and you could go and visit Sokka and when you get back you just do everything you did before and train your group again.” Katara informed her.

Suki hummed and got lost in thought, clearly thinking about the idea. After a few seconds she seemed to have an answer.

“Sure, I think I can do that. I actually really want to meet your grandmother, I just couldn’t find the time, I’m sorry about that by the way. I‘ll just ask Gya. She is currently the best in training and she is very responsible. I think she’ll manage to do the job.” Suki told her confidently.

“I actually have to ask you something again.” Katara informed her, feeling suddenly warm.

“Yeah?” Suki asked, raising one brow.

“Who was that girl that waved and smiled at me, when I entered the dojo ?” Katara asked slightly blushing.

Suki just smirked at her, clearly finding this amusing. “That was actually Gya.”

“Oh.” Katara responded embarrassed.

“She is actually into girls, if you want to ask her out.” Suki told her while winking at her.

“Shut up.” Katara murmured and stood up from the chair she was sitting on. “I think I need to go, because I just know that you won’t shut up about it. Bye.” Katara told her, speaking fast, almost running out of the dojo.

Suki could only watch her leave, while laughing wholeheartedly. This was just too good.

Day 2 - Dreaming

When Katara woke up she was lightly sweating, while her heart was beating fast. “Great, I think I have a crush.” Katara thought, feeling slightly annoyed. She really didn’t want to have a crush. First, she would be gone in about a week and the girl had duties on the island and couldn’t just leave with her and she herself also had things to do. Second, Katara was kind of shy and was never the one to make the first move. Third she was newly out of a relationship and wanted to heal first. She really needed some time by herself, where she could be left alone with her thoughts.

But she totally dreamed about the girl, whose name was Gya, which she also found out yesterday from her friend Suki.

Suki.

She will absolutely tease her about this, so she just wants to bury herself in her bed and pillows and go back to sleep. Maybe later, she will eat something, when she knows that Suki is out of the house.

Day 3 - Training

Suki barged into her room with makeup and warrior armor.

“Get up, you are training with us today, no buts. You have been in your bed since yesterday and I haven’t seen you leave it, let alone leave the house. You need some air so get up and get ready. Be down by the door in ten minutes. If you are not, I’ll drag you out of here myself and I swear I mean it.”

She left the room while slamming the door shut.

Katara winced at the loud noises and just laid there dead. She really didn’t want to see anyone, especially Gya and she knew Suki would start something and embarrass her. But if she just laid here, Suki would come for her and drag her out of her room, so she would be training with her either way. There was no way to escape this.

Accepting defeat, she stood up and brushed her hair and her teeth. She was still tired but got more concentrated and was more awake when she carefully put on the makeup the Kyoshi warriors wore. She knew how to do it, because Suki once showed her, while they were travelling. She didn’t remember everything, but she was still happy with the result. She then was changing her nightgown into the warrior's armor and was ready, when an angry Suki charged into her room. When Suki saw that she was finished, her mood improved and she took Katara's hand and dragged her all the way to the Dojo. People were staring at the odd sight and were a bit confused.

When they finally arrived, Suki let go of Katara's hand and told her to come inside.

When they entered no one was here and it seems, like they were the first ones.

“So now I’ll show you some basic moves, so you won’t make a fool of yourself and, when we will train later with the group, we can just start with some more advanced ones. Do you understand that ?” Suki was now fully in her training mode, the normally really friendly Suki got more serious and they already started.

Suki took Katara's arm over her shoulder and Suki's back was where Katara's front was. Over her shoulder and her back she lifted Katara up and slammed her within seconds to the ground. She hit the mat they were training on, with a loud thud that was probably hearable within 10 meters.

This knocked the wind out of Katara and all she could do was groan, not ready for such activities in the morning and completely unprepared. “What the hell Suki. I was just not ready. You could have told me when to start.” The water bender complained.

“If somebody attacks you, are they saying.” Suki changed her voice, so it appeared mockingly. “Oh no, are you ready to fight, because I am, but I wanna wait for you, because otherwise it would be sooo unfair. Take all the time you need, really, I’ll wait for you.” With that said, she blew a kiss into Katara's direction and winked. She then got into her training voice again. “Are they saying that ? No. Now get up, we have a lot of ground to cover.” Suki commanded.

Katara stood up and they were training hard for an hour when Katara needed a break.

Sweating and heavily panting she stood again up from the mat Suki had thrown her. She was getting better but still couldn’t dodge every attack. “Can we rest for a few minutes ? I can’t keep going and if I don’t take a break now I will collapse in a short time.” Katara asked, still catching her breath.

“Sure, the others will arrive in 10 minutes or so, just take the time, till they are here and then we will start again with training.” Suki was now back to her old self and was even smiling at her. Even though Suki was only commanding her for an hour or so, she already missed the normally sweet Suki. Katara sweared, that she won’t ever train again with Suki, only for the remaining time today, because Suki was way too strict for her taste.

—————————————————————————————————————

Katara just laid on the ground for what felt like a few seconds, with her eyes closed, when she heard footsteps approaching her. She thought it was Suki, telling her to get up, but when she opened her eyes, the first thing she saw was Gya, almost in her face looking her directly in the eyes. Around her were standing a few other warriors. Flushed with embarrassment she just laid there, wanting for the ground to swallow her. Luckily, Suki came to her rescue.

“Nothing to see here girls. We just trained for some time and I put her into shape. Katara will train with us today so don’t get annoyed, if she doesn’t know the moves, like we do. It’s her first time today with the Kyoshi warriors.” She stretched her arm out for Katara to take it. Katara grabbed her hand and Suki pulled her up.

“We will work in pairs today and I will divide you guys into groups of two.” Suki spoke loud and clear.

Katara already knew what Suki was about to do and she sweared, that she will totally discuss this later, when they are at home.

“Katara, Gya group one. Lee and Loa group 2…” This continued, till everyone had a teammate, including Suki. “I will work with Sala. Now get together and I will instruct you, what to do next.”

Katara awkwardly went to Gya, who was already smiling at her. “Why does this have to be so hard ?” Katara thought.

Suki showed them how to make the next move and everybody followed.

Gya was the first one to attack Katara. She took her fan out in one quick move and was trying to slam it against Katara's shoulder, though she quickly reacted and blocked her. “Good. You seem to understand the technice, now do the same with me.” Gya instructed her.

“Okay.” Katara's voice lightly trembled with uncertainty. Gya noticed that and tried to encourage her.

“You are actually really good, for that, you only started today with practice. When I started to train with Suki, I was actually a mess.” Gya comforted her.

“Thanks, but you are really good though and I can’t imagine that you ever would be a mess. You move with such grace, I myself am a water bender and I move with a water-like flow, but I’m sure you would move better.” Katara winked at the other girl, who started to blush through her make, at these words.

Now it was Gyas' turn to tremble. “T-thanks”

“Hey ! Stop flirting with one another and get to work.” Suki shouted from the other side of the room.

“I swear I will kill her.” Katara said to herself silently out loud.

“Not if I get to do it first.” Gya murmured.

“We can do it together if you want.” Katara offered.

“Great, our first date is to kill someone. Could it be more romantic than that ?” Gya deadpanned.

Katara gulped at that audible. “She wants to go on a date with me ? Wow.”

Gya was very fast with her reaction. “T-that’s unless you want o-of course.” She sheepishly rubbed her back and looked absolutely adorable.

Before the girl could take back her offer she quickly answered. “I actually would love to. We can talk about the details later but Suki is already looking our way angrily. I don’t want to upset her further.” Katara told her.

“Sure we can. Okay but let’s get back to training now.”

—————————————————————————————————————

They trained for some time, until Suki told everyone that their time was up and they could leave if they wanted to.

Suki noticed the vibe between those two and threw Katara the keys to the dojo into her hands. “Just lock up, when you are finished.” Suki told her and left shortly after that.

“So uhm, till when are you staying here ?” Gya asked silently not looking Katara in the eyes, instead keeping her eyes on the floor.

“I still have 4 days left of my vacation. I need to leave on Saturday, so I can visit other friends of mine. If you want, and there is no training we can do something on Thursday. You can choose what we do, I’m not good at picking activities.” Katara informed her.

“Sure, we only have training tomorrow and I have free time on Thursday. I’m not really sure what we could do. I’m actually also bad at choosing activities.” Gya laughed awkwardly.

“What do you like to do in your free time ? Maybe if we both find something we like, we can choose that.” Katara thought out loud.

“Sure. So I obviously like to train. Let's see. I like to cuddle as well as to read. I'm not sure, I don’t really have that many hobbies.” Gya admitted.

“Well, is there something we could eat ? If you want we could just go out for dinner and then maybe even cuddle while reading to each other.” At that both girls blushed. Already cuddling seems very soon but lesbians move fast.

“Yes, we could do that. Do you want to come to my house then ? I’m not sure if Suki would be good company. Not that I don’t like her, it's just..” Gya, clearly not finding the right words.

“It’s okay, I understand that. I wouldn’t want her either on a date. She would be a third wheel.”

“Good, now that’s settled. At what time do we want to meet and where ?” The blond haired girl asked.

“I don’t know, let’s say 14:00 at your place ? I can pick you up.” Katara suggested.

“Sure, that would do. I'll choose the restaurant if you want.” Gya offered.

“Great, then till Thursday.” Katara said cheerfully.

Both didn’t know what to do, so they wanted to hug each other, but also give a kiss on the cheek and it ended up that both unintentionally kissed one another.

After that, they quickly left, both feeling awkward and embarrassed.

Day 4 - Repairing

Katara was currently standing on the shore, where her boat was.

Her vessel was a bit damaged, because of the non-stop travelling and it needs to be repaired, otherwise she couldn’t travel far. Surely, she could make it a few days, but then it would break down in the middle of the sea and if she really wanted this boat to function till the end, so it needed to be fixed now.

Katara had seriously no idea about boats and how to repair them but she thought she should give it a try.

She unbound the ship from the wooden stomp then got the boat out of the sea, with the help of her bending, in order to look at it more closely. When the vessel was out of the water and on a wooden construct she started to get to work.

Before she went to the coast, she changed her outfit at home into working clothes, in case they got dirty.

She was looking at the boat, but could not find anything wrong with it.

The water bender was looking at it for hours now but, still there was no flaw.

When she looked up it was already evening and the sun was at its brightest. It was currently very hot and sweat drops were forming on her forehead.

There was a figure in the distance coming closer every second. Maybe it was Suki to bring her something to eat, because she was already very hungry. When the mysterious person came nearer, so she could tell who it was, she wanted to hide in her boat.

It was Gya. After they parted yesterday, she wasn’t even sure if she could survive that date. They accidently kissed and it was pretty awkward after that. Even though it was just a short pack on the lips, it was still weird. She hoped that things are better now but couldn’t be sure.

“Hey Katara.” Gya shouted from a distance. She waved at the Master and Katara waved back. Katara could see that the girl was smiling and brought something with her.

When Gya was within arms reach they tried to hug one another again, but this time it was successful.

“I heard from Suki, that your boat has some problems. If you want, I can take a look at it and maybe even fix it.” The girl offered.

Katara was really thankful that things weren’t weird between them and that Gya could help her. They could even spend some time together.

“Sure, thank you. I’ve looked at it for a while now, but couldn’t find anything wrong with it.” The water bender told her.

“Hmm.” Gya hummed thoughtfully.

The warrior walked around the ship and inspected it more closely. Katara could only watch, finding the concentrated look on Gyas face, very cute and attractive.

When Gya took something out of the box of supplies she went to the engine and put some greasy looking liquid into the motor. She started the boat and the sound that came off sounded relatively good. Gya smiled wide at the now fixed vessel.

“Oh, you really fixed it. Thank you so so much.” Katara stood there with her hands clasped together, grinning.

“Thank you, I was happy to help actually. And I also came here to talk about yesterday.” Gya told her.

The smile on Katara's face vanished as soon as it came. She really didn’t want to talk about yesterday, but understood that it was necessary.

“Not that I didn’t like it, but I think that we should do it properly.” Gya told her her cheeks were getting a sanguine color.

“Y-You mean now ?” Katara questioned, feeling her cheeks warm at the thought of Gyas lips.

“I mean if you want. I’m sorry, this is so awkward, I’ve never really dated or gone out with someone. Well, I kissed a few people but never went on a real date.” Gya rambled very fast.

“Really ? I don’t really have that much experience either. I only dated and kissed Aang. But I would love to try something new.” Katara admitted.

Gya jumped down from the boat with grace and landed softly on both her feet.

They both moved closer, their breath hitched in their throat because of the things that were probably about to happen.

When they were only standing one feet apart from each other, they looked deep inside of the other eyes, and then closed them.

They could feel their breaths on the skin and moved even closer, till their lips finally found each other. Gya tastes like grapes and another fruit that she couldn’t name and it feels magical. The kiss was gentle and Katara moved her hand towards Gyas face, slowly cupping it. Gyas hand was around Kataras waist. The kiss lasted a few seconds and when they finally parted, they opened their eyes and, face still very close and smiling, while blushing.

“You have adorable red cheeks, when you are nervous.” Katara whispered, trying not to destroy the mood.

Gyas arm was still around Katara's waist and Katara's hand was also still where she put it before.

“You too.” Gya complimented her breathlessness.

They kissed again and it felt as beautiful as before, when Suki interrupted.

She coughed and they both shrieked away, not hearing her approach.

“Suki, we kinda had a moment. Also how can you be so quiet. I didn’t even hear you.” Katara told her, while blushing furiously.

“Training.” The warrior winked. “Also I’m here to bring you food, you haven’t eaten all day.” Suki handed her a brown bag and waved them goodbye.

“So the idea about murdering Suki still stands ?” Gya asked. At that Katara could only laugh.

Day 5 - Date

Today was the day. Katara woke up, already feeling stressed because of the need to be perfect for her date.

She threw away the blanket, almost over the bed, she was under and got up. She brushed her teeth and took a shower.

She didn’t want to bend away the water that was in her hair after she shower, because it always got frizzy and she didn’t want that. She only did it when it was cold and she was outside or when she was traveling around the world with Aang and her friends. Not that Aang wasn’t a friend anymore but she really needed to talk to him. She hoped that they would meet in the near future and make up.

She dressed herself, with a beautifully blue dress, that she only wore, to special occasions.

When she was ready, she still had around an hour of time, so she decided to talk to Suki. The warrior and the waterbender mostly talked about their lives and what was going on in the moment.

The hour was quickly over and she already said her goodbyes to her friend. Suki told her where Gya lived, so she could pick her up.

When Katara stood before Gyas home, her palms were sweaty and she was really nervous. She knocked on the door three times and shortly after, the girl opened the door and stood before her.

She had a marvelous green dress that was reaching her knees. Gya smiled shyly and greeted Katara with a pink color on her cheeks. She blushed at the sight of Katara's dress and at her beauty in general.

Katara reached for Gyas hand and took it into hers. Hand in hand they walked to the restaurant the warrior picked out.

The restaurant was a wooden house, with a sign of its name and a menu card with it’s dishes. They decided they wanted a table outside, to get some fresh air.

When they sat down on the stools they ordered something to drink and were starting to talk.

“You really picked a good restaurant. I actually never saw it, when I was here a few years ago.” Katara told her.

“Thanks, and that’s because it only opened last year. It has become one of my favorite places in such a short time here on the island.” Gya informed her.

They were deep in conversation when the drinks they ordered arrived. They also ordered their food and then they were back to talking to one another.

They laughed, blushed, smiled and were genuinely happy. The sun was already swallowed by the moon and it started to get cold outside. Katara who was used to the cold felt it refreshing but Gya, who sat next to her, shivered. Katara luckily had her jacket with her and put it around Gyas shoulders. She smiled and gave a quick thank you.

When it was time to leave, they paid and took each other's hands, how they did when they arrived and went to Gyas home so Katara could drop her off there, save and sound.

When they were there Gya hesitated and didn’t want Katara to leave. She blushed again and asked “So do you want to go inside and cuddle, how we planned ?” Gya couldn’t look Katara in the eyes and locked them on the ground. Katara found this kinda cute and decided to stay. “Sure.” Katara answered.

Gya dragged her gently into her home and then upstairs to her bed. She sat down and patted the spot beside her.

“You can sit here, if you want.” She told her.

Katara only hesitated shortly and then sat down beside the girl.

Gya took her chin with one finger under her chin, one on her jawline and one on top of her chin. She pulled Katara slowly closer, their eyes locked, slowly closing them and also the left distance between them. They kissed gently and slowly and with so much care that it made Katara's heart flutter.

They sank down on the bed and kissed for a long time, till they were both tired.

“You can stay if you want.” Gya breathed out.

“I’d love to.” Katara told her.

Gya spooned Katara and put one hand on the water bender's waste and Katara nestled her back against Gyas front. Slowly, the world went dark and they drifted off to sleep.

Day 6 - Poetry

When Katara woke up, she looked next to her where a sleeping Gya lay. She was snoring very quietly, almost not hearable. Katara just looked at her and a smile crept up her face. Her elbow was on the mattress and her hand, that was balled into a fist was on her temple. She looked dreamily at the girl, when green eyes from beneath her looked up at her. Gya smiled now too and Katara was totally blushing, because she was caught. Gya pulled Katara softly down on her waist and mumbled a few things into the crock of Katara's neck. “Aren’t you a cuddly one in the morning ?” Katara teased. Gya just huffed and pressed a few light kisses on Katara's neck. The water bender's hair stood up from the sensitive spot and she moved, so Katara could kiss her on the lips. They stayed like this for a long time.

“I think it’s time that I leave.” Katara whispered.

Gya just made a funny grimace and Katara had to giggle. “If you want, we can do this again tonight, but I really must leave now. I have to pack my things because I will be gone in the morning tomorrow.” Katara informed her. Gya puffed sadly but understood. They both got up and went down into the kitchen.

They quietly ate breakfast together and Katara gave her a peck on the lips, to say goodbye.

“Just come by later if you want. I’ll be gone till late in the afternoon but then I’ll be home all the time, okay ?” Gya told her.

“Okay, I’ll come by later.” Katara promised and went out the door.

She made her way to Suki's home and hoped that she wasn’t there, because she knew that Suki would totally tease her about it and think that her and Gya did something more than cuddle.

When she didn’t hear any noise, she quickly got upstairs and went to her room.

She packed a few things already but decided to make a little present for Gya. She got her ink and baby blue paper and started to write a poem.

Her eyes a deep and rich green
Her hair, sandy like the oceans beach
Passion, just like fire
With you I ignite and burn bright
-For Gya

She put it into a small letter and wrote down the name and from who it was.

She put the rest of her things into her bag and was done within a few minutes.

She heard Suki come home and tried to stay quiet, so Suki wouldn’t know she was here. Katara held her breath and was trying to make herself invisible.

Suki knocked, then got into her room. “You totally nailed her didn’t you.” Suki told her with a gleeful expression.

“No” Katara croaked out and she knew it didn’t sound convincing, but they really didn’t do anything else than cuddle !

“Very convincing Katara.” Suki winked.

“But it’s true. We just cuddled and kissed.” Katara told her, getting embarrassed.

“You know, when parents tell their childs about love making, they also say, you just cuddle. I should inform you, I’m not a child.” Suki smirked.

“Uurghhh. You are unbearable sometimes. It was our first date Suki, nothing happened, give it a rest.” Katara is almost shouting, wishing to escape this situation.

Suki put her hand up in a no-threat gesture.

“Whatever you say Kat. Whatever you say.” Suki told her in a sing-song.

“I will leave now and put my things into my boat and I will sleep again tonight with Gya. Goodbye.” Katara informed and stomped out of the room. She really needed to get out of there. She felt like a child with Suki, always justifying her actions.

“I will meet you there tomorrow, don’t leave without me saying goodbye.” Katara heard Suki shout out of her room.

—————————————————————————————————————

Katara put her luggage into the boat and put everything in place. It was already late again and she decided to head to Gyas. The girl was probably at home, and if not, then she would just wander around the village.

Making her way to her home she felt for the first time in a while, happy. She had the poem in her hands and was standing in front of Gyas home. She knocked and the warrior opened the door.

“Hello, I’m glad you came. Come inside.” Gya told her, smiling widely.

Katara got inside and Gya closed the door. “Do you want anything to drink or are you good ?” Gya asked.

“I’ll just have water. Thank you.” Katara answered and sat down on one of the seats.

Gya was already back with one glass of water and the girl handed it over to the water bender. “Thanks” Katara told her and Gya sat down beside her.

“I actually have something for you, but you should read it when I’m gone tomorrow.” Katara said, while handling Gya the letter.

“Oh thank you.” Gya said, blushing a bit. “I feel bad now, because I don’t have anything for you.” Gya informed her.

“That’s okay. You make me happy just by being here.” Katara smiled.

Gya made her way to Katara and wanted to sit on her lap. She put away her hands, so that the girl could sit there comfortable and then put her hands around Gyas waist. Katara leaned her head on Gyas back and hummed softly.

Gya turned her head, so she could face Katara and leaned slowly forward. They kissed but now there was something else than love. There was more. Katara realised that and gave in. Their kisses turned heated and a few moans escaped their throats. Gyas hands were on Katara's neck, pulling her even closer and deepening their kiss.

They were breathless after some time and they both pulled away. “It’s actually really late and you need to get up early tomorrow. I think we should head to bed.” Gya whispered, while biting her lip.

“That was hot.” Katara thought but agreed with Gya. She needed to have full energy to make her way to her other friends. She just nodded.

Gya got off from Katara, while Katara was pouting, because of the warm feeling that left her. Gya stretched out her hand for Katara to take it. She gladly accepted and they both went upstairs, to Gyas bed.

They made themselves ready for bed and both got under the blankets.

“Cuddle ?” Katara asked, hoping the other girl would want it too.

Gya nodded and now it was Katara's turn to spoon Gya. When they were in a position they liked, they kissed a few times and whispered goodnight to each other.

Day 7 - Leaving

Gya woke Katara up, so the girl would be back on track and wouldn’t leave too late. “Wake up Kat.” Gya whispered, while purring. She gently shook Katara so the girl would wake up.

“Five more minutes.” Katara murmured and turned herself, so she was facing the wall instead of Gya.

“You need to wake up, you need to visit your other friends. I don’t want you to be late.” Gya coaxed, while placing a few light kisses on the side of her face. She got lower and lower with every kiss. She started on Katara's hair and made it down to Katara's neck. Katara smiled now, still having her eyes closed. She turned herself back to Gya and pulled her down and gave her a deep and loving kiss. “Goodmorning.” Katara purred and Gya felt her face warming and other things were also heating up.

Gya finally convinced Katara to stand up and they did the same thing they did the day before. When they finished their breakfast Gya accompanied Katara to her vessel hand in hand.

They were standing in front of her boat and were saying goodbye, when they heard Suki running towards them at full speed.

A little out of breath she arrived and it seems that she ran the whole way from her home to the harbor.

“Here.” She said, while still catching her breath. She held a package that was wrapped around with seaweed leaves. Katara took it and noticed that it was food. She already bought food at the market, so things like starving would not happen again.

“Thanks Suki.” Katara said and gave her friend a hug.

“I guess it’s time to leave now, isn’t it ?” Suki said, feeling a bit sad.

“Yeah. Who would have thought that these past days went by so quickly ? But you two were great company.” Katara told them sadly.

“I bet Gya was.” Suki said, smirking.

Katara just hit Suki lightly in the ribs. An oof sound was coming off of her lips and she was frowning a bit. “Geez. No one understands fun here.” Suki told them, puffing.

“We sure do, but when I teased you about Sokka, when we were travelling you always glared at me.” Katara said, while also glaring.

“Wise words Kat, wise words” Suki said feeling defeated.

Katara and Gya hold hands and kiss one another. “Goodbye.” Katara whispered.

Suki ruined the moment, coughing awkwardly. Katara and Gya both rolled their eyes and laughed, when they saw, they did the same.

Katara waved them goodbye and stepped inside her boat.

She started the engine and made her way to her friend Haru, driving into the sunrise.

Chapter Text

5 Years after the Hundred Year War
In the clouds

Aang was currently flying on Appa. He was high up in the big white fluffy clouds, the ground barely visible beneath him. Cold winds were bashing on him and together with his fire and air bending, he made the air around him warmer, so he wouldn’t freeze.

He was flying nowhere in particular and he was just up here to think about the things he did in the last weeks. Appa didn’t really like it, but his fur was keeping him warm so he didn’t complain too much.

Aang wasn’t in the North Pole recently and yes, he wanted to fly there and tell people about Katara but he decided against it. Agni, what did he do ? He could never face Katara again after everything he has said. He needed to own up his mistakes, but would that ever make things right between him and Katara ? It didn’t matter, he needed to fix this right now.

The last place where he told them about his assumptions of Katara was where Toph lived. He didn’t even know if these assumptions were true, but why would she break up with him then ? He had been nothing but supporting of her and when he thought back, he could not think about one thing, he did wrong, when they were still a couple. Katara told him, when they broke up, that he did nothing wrong, but he couldn’t believe that. If nothing was wrong, why end the relationship ? His thoughts were racing and he wanted them to stop. He couldn’t take them anymore. The love of his life broke up with him and he didn’t really know why. If he ever had another relationship, how would he know what to avoid ? He didn’t want his heart to get broken again. It felt like it was glass, shattered in millions of pieces and every piece sting within his body, making him bleed inside.

Yanking on Appa ropes he turned around to where Toph lived. He needed to go to Toph's metalbending academy near Yu Dao and make sure, that these words who may have already spread around weren’t going any further. He hoped that he could see Katara and tell him how sorry he was but he was so scared that she wouldn’t even look at him. Realizing he was crying, because the tears that escaped stung in the cold. Even though he was warming the air around him, it was still freezing outside.

Taking a deep breath he told Appa to go fast, so no time was wasted. Appa only gave a small roar and both of them were on their way. They were flying now a bit lower so it wasn’t so cold and Aang went to the saddle and laid back, letting his own thoughts take over his head, while slowly drifting away into sleep.

—————————————————————————————————————

5 Years after the Hundred Year War
Metal bending Academy | Yu Dao

When he was woken up by a roaring Appa, it was already really dark outside and the cold air around him was waking him up rather quickly. Rubbing the sleep in his eyes away, he got up and patted his bison on the head. He gave him a quick kiss on his fluffy beige fur and then already walked up the mountains, to where Toph's academy was. He was really proud of his old friend, to give others a piece of her knowledge and build something so impressive. She also was reusing the metal that she would find, for example on the beach, helping the environment. She really matured over the years and he was happy for her that she found something she enjoyed.

After a few minutes of walking, he reached his destination and in front of him, was a big building made out of metal, earth and other elements. These buildings look very well made and really impressive. Maybe he should visit Toph more often in his free time.

When he was walking inside the academy, he realized that Toph was already there, waiting for him.

“Thought I heard you there Twinkle Toes. Knew I need to check if I was right and well, I’m always right, so no wonder this time it is apt. Watcha doing back here ?” Toph asked, while greeting him with a smug smile on her face, her hands crossed over her chest, while leaning against a pillar from the entry.

“Toph, I’m 17 do you think you can stop with the nicknames ?” Aang asked desperately.

“No can do. So answer me Twinkle Toes, what brought you back here ? You were visiting a few days ago, not that I’m complaining but you seem kinda suspicious.” Toph answered him, while looking him up and down, even though that didn’t really make a difference for her. She just did it for the effect

“Can we talk about it, when we are in your home ?” Aang asked, trying to sound calm, even though he was screaming inside, to tell Toph everything here and there.

“Your heart rate is picking up. Is this some kind of love confession or some shit, because if it is, yikes.” Toph joked but got serious when Aang didn’t reply after some time.

Aang now completely flustered, even though he didn’t know why, just took Toph's hand and dragged her to the earth benders home. He closed the door and Toph just looked at him with wide eyes. “I need to tell you something.” Aang started. “Nope sorry, not interested. Byeee.” Toph cut him off and tried to walk away but Aang took her wrist again. “Agni no, not about that. My relationship just ended so no, my head isn’t there. It is about something else.” Aang told her laughing, even though he felt like crying.

Toph sighed out of relief and was now listening to him. “If we gotta beat someone up, you know I always got your back. I actually really need some action here, didn’t kick any but for a while now and I’m desperate for some action there Twinkle Toes.” Toph winked at him, making finger guns. Aang just shaked his head, feeling frustrated. “I’m afraid not. I told some things here about Katara, because I was so embittered and sad and that could end very bad for her and her reputation. So I need to tell the people here that I was wrong and everything. Can you help me with that ?” Aang questioned, hoping his friend won’t let him down.

“Sure, but you need to tell me everything and if it is bad, I will smack your head, so your brain will function properly again.” Toph answered him, now fully listening so that she could help her friend. After Aang told her everything he just looked away, not ready for the disappointment in her eyes. “You fucked up, didn’t ya.” Was all that Toph could say, but after some time, she continued. “Well I will help you but you need to tell people the truth, I just gather everyone but nothing more.” Toph told him, trying her best not to hit him with a rock.

“Really ? Thank you so much and of course, I will tell people everything. I just need them there to listen.” Aang told her, hope in his eyes.

“Well let that be my problem and yeah you need to have a speech or something prepared by tomorrow, because I will have gathered everyone by then. But I will go to bed now and so will you, it’s already really late. Just take the guest room, you already know where it is. Goodnight.” Toph answered him and waved goodbye not looking at him while walking to where her room was and closed the door behind her.

Silently he let out a “goodnight” himself and was searching the room now for paper and ink, trying to write his speech for tomorrow. He wasn’t really tired, because he slept on the way here. Happy when he found the things he was looking for, he sat down again on the chair and put the paper on the table, starting to write.

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When he was done, he was thrilled but already tired again. It took him a few hours to find the perfect words and he was feeling ok, with the things he wrote down. Not his best speech but it was rather good still. He made his way towards the guest room and settled down on the bed, feeling himself drift to sleep again.

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In the morning he jolted awake when someone was banging on his door. He just sighed knowing Toph was the one making all this noise. “Twinkle Toes, if you don’t get the fuck up now, I will storm in myself. I will count to three and then I will beat ya up !” Toph shouted during the time she hammered against the door.

Aang really missed that, but he didn’t want to die today so he quickly ran towards the door and opened it. “It’s alright, I’m here. Have you gathered everyone or will you do that later, or otherwise, why are you making all these sounds?” Aang asked.

“Well you need to eat breakfast while I’m gone gathering everyone. Now go to the kitchen and do something. Do I have to do everything myself around here, Twinkle Toes?” Toph groaned and walked out of the house. Aang just snickered at that and went into the kitchen to get some food.

When he finished his breakfast Toph came back and told him, everyone was waiting and that this needs to happen now. Feeling suddenly nervous, he went into his room, grabbed the note and went with Toph. When he was outside, he saw a podium, made out of stone and a few hundred people waiting in front of it. It seems that the people who were training here came by and some others from the village, which was down the mountain. He just swallowed hard, stage fright getting the better of him.

He went the few stairs up and was standing in front of the whole crowd now and fidgeted with his fingers. This was a nervous habit of his, but he needed to be in control now. He cleared his throat and everyone went quiet, wanting to know what the Avatar was about to say.

“We are here today because I need to clear some things up and own my past mistakes.” Aang shouted, so the people could hear him, who were now murmuring with one another. He had his hands on his heart, that was beating wildly in his chest.

“I did not tell the truth, the last time I was here. I spoke out a false assumption about my ex-girlfriend and water bending Master Katara. I spread a lie and told everyone that she was dating the current Fire Lord. Fire Lord Zuko, our old friend, who was travelling with us, during the time we brought peace to the world. But these things I told were not true and I spoke out of pure jealousy and anger but I hope that you can forgive me and especially forgive Master Katara, who did nothing wrong.” Aang finished, his voice still loud and clear even though he felt like he wanted to shrink within himself.

The crowd cheered and it seemed like everything was forgiven. Aang was smiling now but he still cleared his voice one last time, catching everyone's attention again. “If you do have any questions, feel free to ask me them and I will give you my answers. I will be staying here till this afternoon. Thank you for your time and thank you for understanding.” Aang finished and went off the stage.

Toph just hit him in the shoulder and smiled. “Good job Aang.” After that, they both walked towards Toph's home and got inside.

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He was spending the whole afternoon with his best friend. They were laughing and feeling nostalgic and telling each other about adventures that happened when they parted and went off to do their own stuff.

Surprisingly no one came by and asked him anything so he spent every second of the day with Toph. When it was getting dark outside, it was time to say goodbye.

They were now standing there, where Toph met him last night.

“Goodbye Toph. I will miss you but I need to fix this. I will visit you, once this is done.” Aang said, while hugging Toph. He had his head on her shoulder, even though he was much taller, he liked the way of hugging people like this.

“Okay, but be careful.” Toph whispered in his ears. Aang was getting goosebumps on his arms and he pulled away from the embrace. “Your heart rate is getting up. Are you sure you didn’t come here for a love confession ? Because it really feels like one.” Toph said while smacking him slightly on his arm. Aang was getting flustered again and he didn’t understand why. “Nope it’s not, be careful yourself. But I gotta go now. Byee.” Aang answered and ran down the hill, where Appa was. He could hear Toph snicker in the distance, the sound faltering away with the distance.

He climbed on him and woke up a snoring Appa. “Come on Appa, we gotta leave. Yip Yip.” Aang said, while the bison was just gruntig. They both were taking off now, heading towards where Haru was.

Chapter Text

4 Years after the Hundred Year War
Royal Palace | Azula's bedchamber

When Azula woke up in a soft bed that she recognized as her own, her back felt sore. She didn‘t sleep in one of those soft beds for a few years now and it will probably be hard to get used to the soft and rich made matraces.

Her head was throbbing which she assumed were from the drugs. The drugs. Her own Uncle drugged her. When she thought about it too long, she felt too much hurt, so she turned off her emotions, just like her father used to show her. It felt good not to care about anything in the world and when she was trying to get up, she was too weak to actually sit up, let alone leave the bed. She let out a frustrated groan and was trying to find a way to be productive.

She realized she was in her old room and she wasn‘t sure how she should feel. It seems unchanged and only kept clean, so there wouldn’t be dust. When she turned her head to the left, she looked at her old bookcase, and memories were flooding her mind.

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8 Years before the end of the Hundred Year War
Royal Palace | Azula's bedchamber

“Zuzu don‘t touch my stuff or I‘ll burn you” Azula screamed, when she saw that her brother took a scroll out of her bookcase. It was a special one her father gifted to her, about fire bending and this was the only copy. If this was demolished, then no one would be able to know about this knowledge. She hated it when her brother touched some of her stuff, because she knew that he would destroy it or do something dumb with it and she certainly had some rare items, that she wasn’t looking forward to be ruined by her stupid brother.

“Don’t be so mean ‘Zula. I just wanna see what you are interested in. Maybe I’m interested in it too and we could talk about it.” Zuko whined, trying desperately to bond with his sister.

“No way we have anything in common.” Azula scoffed. “You are nothing like me, do you understand ? You are a failure, that’s why father doesn’t even love you.” Azula finished her sentence, smirking dangerously, feeling satisfied when her older brother was on the edge of tears.

He ran out of her room. “Finally some peace and quiet.” Azula thought to herself, though it was disrupted within seconds when her mother stormed in, behind her a weeping Zuko. “Pathetic.” Azula thought, while rolling her eyes, because this is how it always plays out in the end. She is used to it by now.

“Azula !” Her mother shouted at her, being visually very angry with her daughter. She wasn’t used to that though. Azula slightly flinched at her, but composed herself very quickly. Her mother only lectured her but she rarely shouted, but now she looked so furious, like she has never seen her before. She was scared even a bit, because she didn’t want to be hit by her like father usually did. But mother was way too soft for that normally, but now ? She looked like a demon possessed her body.

“What do you have to say for yourself ?!” Ursa shouted again, this time Azula didn’t show any sign of fear.

“Nothing mother.” Azula answered, feeling pretty confident in her lying abilities.

“Don’t you dare lie to me Azula Ainoza Nakayama !” Ursa shouted. Now Azula swallowed visible. Her mother never used her full name, only when she really did something bad that only happened one time. Tears were threatening to escape, but she wouldn't show them to anyone, especially her family. Ty Lee is the only person that was allowed to see her cry and it only happened twice.

“I give you one last chance to explain yourself Azula, or you get grounded for 2 weeks.” Ursa spoke dangerously calm, which led to Azula feeling a cold shiver running down her spine.

She swallowed her pride and opened her mouth. “I told him father doesn’t love him and that he shouldn’t touch my stuff. I also said we are nothing alike, which is true.” Azula answered sourly.

“Azula ! You can’t say something like that to your brother. Of course Ozai loves him.” Ursa was now raging, her face that usually was white, was colored a bright red.

“Yeah sure. Ozai loves Zuko just as much as you love me, mother.” Azula spat and left her room, leaving a shocked and pained Ursa and a crying Zuko.

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4 Years after the Hundred Year War
Royal Palace

God she was a brat when she was younger, wasn’t she ?. When she thinks back now, she hates herself for everything she did to Zuko. Of course she didn’t like it, when he touched his stuff and she still doesn’t like it now, but at least he was trying to bound over something. She should have accepted that invitation back then. Maybe things would have been different for her. Maybe she would have gotten her mothers love. For these things it’s too late now. Her mother is probably dead and the only time her mother and anybody told her that they loved her was because of a hallucination. Yaaayy, what a great feeling. It makes her hate herself even more, because everybody hates her right now, so what’s the difference if she dislikes herself now too ?

A knock on her door pulled her away from her deep thoughts and with all her power she shouted “I’m awake. Come in.”

A few seconds later she saw Zuko opening the door awkwardly and closing it behind him. He looked very guilty and it pained Azula to see him like that. It sounded crazy and if somebody would have told her 2 years ago, that she would care about her brother she would have laughed so hard, that tears would escape her eyes and her stomach would start to hurt.

“So how are you feeling ?” Zuko asked, trying to start a conversation.

“I can’t move my body and I feel useless.” Azula answered honestly.

“Don’t say that. You just got out of prison and you were drugged. You should be able to move in a few hours but until then, I can get a wheelchair. A friend of mine builds them. I could push you around the palast or we could stay in the gardens. Just the two of us, how does that sound ?” Zuko asked cheerfully, because he got the idea.

“Uhhm, a what now ? You mean a chair with wheels ? I haven’t heard about something like that actually, but it sounds interesting. I would like that, just spending time together, just the two of us. But don’t you have anything important to do ?”

“This is important.” Zuko frowned. He couldn’t understand how his sister thought so low of herself. That’s definitely something that’s new. Normally his sister puts herself as the most important person in the room, of course after Ozai, but now ? She looked like she didn’t feel worthy of any of that. Which of course wasn’t true.

“If you say so, Zuzu.” And there it was again. That smirk that would normally put him on edge. Now it was the most wonderful thing in the world.

Without asking he hugged her, which led to Azula letting out a noise of surprise.

“Sorry, I just felt like it.” Zuko said sheepishly, when he pulled away.

“You and your feelings.” Azula said, rolling her eyes, even though she secretly felt grateful for it. Though she would never tell anyone that, especially her brother.

“I will get the wheelchair, just stay here.” Zuko said, without thinking. Azula just shot him a glare. “Very funny Zuko, I thought your jokes would improve while I was gone, but it doesn’t seem like it.” Azula told him, annoyed.

“Oh.” Zuko said while blushing, feeling embarrassed.

“Such a dork.” Azula said, rolling her eyes again. She sweared that one day, her eyes would get stuck.

Zuko left after that pretty quickly, completely crimson red in the face. Azula could just shake her head at the image, while quietly snickering at her stupid brother. “He really hasn’t changed at all.” Azula said to herself.

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When Zuko left Azulas room he felt so stupid. “I will get the wheelchair, just stay here.” What type of person says that ? Why else would he get that stupid wheelchair, obviously because she couldn’t move ! “Stupid, stupid, stupid.” Zuko muttered.

He wasn’t looking ahead, instead he stared at his feet, while walking and when he ran against someone he shouted. “Hey ! Watch where you-“ Zuko cut himself off, because he saw it was his fiancè Mai. “Lovely.” Mai deadpanned and rolled her eyes.

“Sorry. I was just on my way to get a wheelchair.” Zuko blushed sheepishly, while rubbing the back of his neck.

Mai raised an eyebrow. “Why would you need that ? As far as I know, nobody is injured.”

Oh right. He didn’t tell Mai about Azula. Well this will end not so good but maybe Azula won’t end up being dead. He hoped so at least. He knew Azula wasn‘t in a good condition to fight, let alone move. When Mai would fire a knife at his sister, she couldn‘t dodge it and she would end up dead.

“Uhh, well. Fire Lord business sorry.” He stammered and then tried to run away because he sometimes was a bit scared of his soon to be wife Mai, she just held him on the back of his robes with an iron grip and repeated her question in a dangerously low voice. “Why do we need a wheelchair and if you don’t answer me, maybe you will be the one to need one.” Mai whispered in his ear. Goosebumps were forming everywhere because a thought crossed his mind. Maybe Mai already knew about Azula and just wanted to hear it from him. Normally she wouldn’t act like that. Swallowing hard he replied, because he knew it would be better to be honest. “I-it’s for Azula. She is here now, which you probably know by now. Please don’t kill her when you go see her.” Zuko whimpered.

“I can’t promise you that. I will accompany you, no buts.” Mai answered in a growl. He just nodded and was secretly already apologizing to Azula. “Can you, when we get there, wait outside the door, so I can tell her the news ? I think she just needs to be informed first otherwise she might do something, or something will happen to her.” Zuko asked, hoping Mai would understand. “No, I want to catch her reaction and see if she tries to kill me.” Mai says, while sharpening her eyes to a dangerous look. Zuko knew she had secret knives in her sleeve that she could pull out at any moment. Zuko just nodded and hoped that it didn’t end in someone's death. He hoped his sister and Mai are both civilized and don’t do something stupid.

They walked to the infirmary to get the wheelchair and then walked back.

When they were standing in front of Azula's door, both took a deep breath and Zuko gave a quick kiss on Mais cheek, trying to calm her. He opened the door, so Azula could only see him and not Mai. He wouldn’t tell Azula about Mai, but he would try to hide her at first.

He pushed the wheelchair in and he could see Azula lying in bed staring at the ceiling. “Everything alright ?” Zuko asked, trying to get Azula to talk.

Azula now had the strength to sit up and turn to her brother. She was sitting on the edge of the bed when she answered him. “Yes, I was just thinking about the past. It’s alright though. So this is a wheelchair. Interesting.” She inspected it closely, trying to see how it works.

Somebody else, who she knew all too well, entered the room. The air was now thick with tension and fear was in both of their eyes. Mai could mask it well but Azula didn’t have it in her to do it. Fear straps her down, she loses sight, everything around her turning black. She couldn’t breath and she felt like falling for a second. When she hit the ground, the rest of her vision turned black and memories were again flooding her mind.

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Zuko rushed forward trying to help his sister. When he saw that she was falling out of her bed, fear gripped him. It all happened so fast and he knew that the bed wasn’t really high and that there couldn’t really be much damage, but it seems as if Azula was just falling dead to the ground. She probably lost consciousness.

He turned her around and put one hand under her knees and one hand on her back. He lifted her and was walking out of her room.

“Where are you taking her Zuko ?” Mai asked and he knew it was a bad idea to let her see Azula so quickly but he could understand why it was so urgent.

“Taking her to the infirmary to heal her wounds. She has a few broken bones right now and I heard that she has a few fractures that didn’t heal properly, they need to be broken again, to heal in the right way. We need to do that now, or otherwise her body is a cripple.” Zuko snapped and walked fast, so he could reach his destination without a scold from his girlfriend.

“For what it’s worth, I’m sorry for what happened in the past to her while she was in prison, but she hurt me too in so many ways, so excuse me, if I still hold a grudge against her. I just want everybody I love to be safe. I especially want Ty Lee to be alright, because she is the one who suffered the most. I can‘t trust her again because I know she will hurt them again and I can‘t stop her when she does. She is too powerful.” Mai told him, while walking behind him.

“I understand that but please give her a chance. She is trying now and if she misbehaves I can put her back in prison but you didn’t see her when I first saw her. You don’t know all the pain she caused herself while she was there. The guards reported everything. If you would have lived there for half as long as she did, you may be dead already, but Azula is strong. She was and always will be a little dragon. But that dragon needs to be tamed and needs to get that kind of love she never got. Maybe she even got it, but was stupid enough to not see it, but because of that we have to try twice as hard.“ Zuko said, almost crying, because he couldn‘t protect his little sister from so many bad things. For agnis sake, he promised their mother that and that was the first thing he did, when Azula was born. He will make good on his promise now. Maybe he already lost too much time, but he will try, no matter what.

She took a look at Azula who was in Zuko's arms. She had never seen the princess so destroyed. She looked so broken and helpless and even though she might not be her biggest fan, they even had some fun, here and there. She closed her eyes and searched deep within herself and asked if it was worth trying. If Azula really had it in her to change. For Zuko's sake she wanted to help “Okay. I will try to, but if she does something stupid, I won’t hesitate, to through a knife at her body.” Mai told him. She gave him a quick kiss on the lips and led the way to the infirmary, so Azula could get the treatment she deserves.

“Thank you honey.” Zuko told her in all honesty. His girlfriend was the best !

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8 Years before the end of the Hundred Year War
Royal Fire Academy for Girls

The first time she saw Mai was when she was 6. She just enrolled into the Royal Fire Academy for Girls and it was her first day in her new school.

Azula looked at the mysterious girl that had black hair made up into two buns. Her expression was cold and it didn’t give anything away. Azula already knew that this girl has friendship potential. She always liked a challenge, so why not a new one ? She wanted to be able to read her. Next to her was a girl that was smiling widely, having a long and thick braid of brown hair running down her back. “Your aura is so dark, you should lighten up more.” The girl said cheerfully, still smiling and being all bubbly.

“I would rather die than smile, Ty Lee.” The girl with black hair answered. “What an emo, just like Zuko.” Azula thought, already getting annoyed at them both. She thought maybe that emotionless girl could be her friend, but she was too much like Zuko. Azula liked to show expressions, she really loved the smirk she could do. Those were mostly fake of course, but at least she could and would show them. I didn’t really seem like that girl would be able to. But it was good to know the bubbly girl's name. “Ty Lee, sounds good. I think I already heard of that family. Wasn’t she that girl with 6 sisters ?” Azula thought.

“Mai you just need to smile more and be more happy. Just express your feelings.” Ty Lee exclaimed.

“If I would express my feelings you would be dead by now.” Mai deadpanned.

Azula laughed at that. Maybe this girl, Mai, was her name, right ? Maybe Mai wasn’t so bad after all. Zuko would never stand up and be like her, he would follow those orders like a coward, even though he would have a higher rank than anybody else here. Of course in the Royal Fire Academy for Boys but still. Nobody could tell him what to do, except for father.

Suddenly the girls looked at her because Azula laughed at Mais joke. When she composed herself and calmed down, she put her hands behind her back and stood a bit straighter. “Hello, I’m Azula, Princess of the Fire Nation.” Azula greeted them. They both bowed respectfully and soon they were close friends.

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3 Years before the end of the Hundred Year War
Royal Palace

When Zuko was burned and a banished prince all Azula could do was laugh. She didn’t even want to laugh but like she always faked her own emotions, she faked her own glee, so her father wouldn’t do the same thing to her.

Her friends Mai and Ty Lee didn’t talk to her because of that for a while, till it was enough for Azula.

She sent an invitation to the both of them and soon they met her in the royal gardens.

“Greetings friends.” Azula said to both of them. Mai just glared at her and Ty Lee couldn’t look at her and her normally happy expression was gone.

“I see. We need to talk then.” Azula said and she took both of her friends' wrists and pulled them to a secret hide out of hers, a bit outside of the palace.

When they finally reached their destination she pulled them inside of the small room and checked if somebody had followed them. When she turned to the other girls, she saw that they were waiting for an explanation. So she would give it to them. No lies, only honesty. Mother always said to be honest with your feelings, so she tried.

“I didn’t mean to laugh, truthfully. I was just scared that the same thing would happen to me. Uncle was the only one who didn’t laugh and now he is sent away with Zuko. I can’t leave from here. I can’t let father see me as a failure, just like he sees Zuko. I just can’t be like him. You need to understand that. I really miss him but I couldn’t tell that father or else he would hurt me or send me to Zuko. I can’t abandon my Nation. They need me, so I need to be strong.” Azula explained on the edge of tears now. She didn’t mean to be that honest but it just flowed out of her like that.

There was no reaction at first and she was scared that they would laugh at her hurt. “Stupid, stupid, stupid. Why did you even open up to them ?” Azula thought bitterly. The next moment she was pulled into a hug by Ty Lee and even Mai, who wouldn‘t usually touch a person. They hugged for what felt like minutes, all shedding tears over their missed friend, or brother.

Chapter Text

4 Years after the Hundred Year War
Royal Palace | infirmary

After Zuko gave Azula to their healers, who were water benders so wounds could be healed faster, he sat down beside his little sister, who had yet to wake up.

Zuko's heart was about to break, because of the pain his sister would be in, but he had to be strong and be by her side. She needed him right now, so he would be there.

When a healer came with a bottle and a liquid inside of it, she held it in front of Azula's nose, so she could breathe it in. He didn’t know what it was, but it seemed to wake Azula up. Soon after the healer disappeared again.

Slowly she opened her eyes, hazel brown with golden freckles met her brothers, milk golden eyes. She gave him a little smile but felt like she might fall asleep again, because she was so tired. He smiled back at her but it was a forced one. She could tell something was up and guilt was written all over Zuko's face. “Zuzu” She rasped. “What happened, or what is about to happen ?” She asked and her brother's response was only a wince. “So uhh, I’m really sorry that I took Mai with me. She insisted to see you and I was so stupid and didn’t infrom you about her. Then you fainted and I picked you up and walked with Mai to the infirmary. She promised that she would give you a chance, so use it wisely.” Zuko ended.

He didn’t tell her everything she could tell. “Oh ok, I will be on my best behavior when we meet again, but until then, what is going to happen to me. You still seem too guilty and now that I’m woken up, we shouldn’t be in the infirmary anymore and leave.” Azula informed her brother. Again she was met with silence until he decided to speak up. “We need to break your bones again. Your fractures haven’t healed properly and if they aren’t broken again, you would end up as a cripple and you couldn’t move and do stuff, how you used to. I'm so sorry, but I will be with you all the time and we have very good healers. They are water benders and they will heal your broken bones, and bruises within minutes. First we are gonna mend your already broken bones, then we will break your others, who didn't heal right and then we will restore them again. After that you will be much better. We have to give you strong medicine though, so you will be asleep for a long time, so you can rest. This will take a great toll on your body, but in the end it will be worth it.” He choked almost everything out, because seeing his sister like this nearly killed him.

Now there was so much fear in her eyes. “Can you come closer ?” She suddenly whispered, avoiding his eyes. He did what he was told to do and leaned in. She raised both of her hands and took his face and pulled his ear closer to her lips. “I’m scared.” She said quietly, voice breaking slightly. “You have every right to be scared, if I had to break so many of my bones, I would be weeping on the floor right now, crying my heart out.” He whispered back, trying to comfort his sister. At that Azula rolled her eyes. “How typical.” She thought. “No of course not of that Zuzu, I broke so many bones in the time I was in prison, it doesn’t even bother me anymore.” At that statement Zuko's eyes widened, but he let his sister continue, to see what she was scared of, so he could help her. “I’m scared of the water dumb dumb. That’s why I never really took a shower and I’m still not ready to touch water, let alone get healed by it. I’m scarred by the Agni Kai we both had. After I shot lightning at your friend, that you took, the girl and I fought. She froze me in place and chained me and I thought I would drown. I couldn’t breathe for a minute or so. It’s also what defeated me and well, it’s my downfall. Since then I’m just so scared and I don’t trust anyone, who can water bend and I don’t trust water at all either. I know it sounds silly but I’m just scared.” She whispered back, tears now threatening to spill.

Zuko just hugged his sister, because he didn’t know what to say. He only knew what happened after he was shot with lightning through Kataras narratives but the other side of the stories that were told and how Azula felt, he didn’t know.

When Zuko hugged his sister she flinched at first, thinking he would punish her, because she showed weakness. Zuko scowled at that but decided to address it later. She hugged him and put her arms around his back, after a few seconds, still feeling overwhelmed with all the touches and hugs. That was not a normal thing to do in the house of the Nakayamas. Touching was earned and so was love. So how did she earn Zuko's affection and love ? She didn’t know, but she needed to find out, so it would never stop, so she could be worthy. She silently cried into his shoulder, till it was wet with her tears. “Sorry” She mumbled, after pulling aways from the embrace, then wiping the tears that were still there with the back of her hand. It must be uncomfortable to have your shoulder wetted by your sister's tears. But he just smiled at her with so much love and adoration that it all felt like too much to handle. “There is nothing to be sorry about, if you ever just want to cry or have somebody to talk to, I will always be there. I won’t leave you, you are my sister and you should never forget that.” He told her soothingly. Before she could cry again, a healer came inside the infirmary and nodded at Zuko. “We would be ready, Fire Lord.” She informed him and left again, into the other room that was connected to the infirmary, to give them the needed time.

“Are you ready ? I know it’s scary and I promise you don’t have to touch water after that for a week but you really need to do this. If you want, I can even hold your hand and if the healers try anything, I will banish them immediately, I promise.” Zuko asked, trying to convince his sister.

“No, I will be alright, but I don’t know how I will handle it, or what is going to happen. When I broke my bones, when I was in prison, I never had so many fractured bones at the same time. The maximum of my broken bones at the same time was six. They take about one or two months to heal so yeah when something healed, I broke something like maybe one day after.” She informed him.

Zuko was just shocked. How can she tell him something like that and sounding like she was ordering her breakfast for agnis sake. He didn’t even want to think about how she became like this. Numb to the pain and everything else. Probably because of fucking Ozai. If Ozai missteps, he at least has a reason to kill him. If he would go now, without his father doing anything it would seem strange to other people, so he would wait and then let him be killed. He doesn’t even deserve to breathe the same air his awesome sister does. Of course she made mistakes, but she was just a child influenced by their father. She was like a puppet to him and he used her without any moral code. He knew how easily it was to get enmeshed into trusting and believing his father. He betrayed his uncle, who was always there for him, just so he could get his fathers love and approval. And when he realized Ozai was incapable of loving someone or showing kindness, he left. Azula didn’t have that choice and nobody showed her that what their father was doing was wrong. He was really glad that his sister is getting better now and he wouldn’t give up on her. He would try everything and be patient, just like his uncle was with him in the beginning.

“I also would really like you there. Of course if you want to, I don’t want to force you there. It surely isn’t nice to see someone get his bones broken.” She told him.

“I will come with you, if the healers allow it, that is.” He outstretched his hand, for her to take. She just looked at him like he had grown a second head and raised a brow. She gestured at his hand. “What do you want me to do with that ?” Zuko just groaned frustrated because his sister didn’t know the simplest things about love and affection. “If you want you can take it. I don’t know, maybe it makes you feel safe.” He shrugged. “Don’t be ridiculous. We aren’t in this state where we hold hands and tell one another how much we love each other.” She answered, slightly offended that she needs to feel safe in her brother's eyes. Maybe she shouldn’t open up so much to him then he would take her as more tough. “Alright, in case you need it, it’s there. Let’s go now and get you fixed up.” He wouldn’t show his sister that he was a bit hurt at her words. Of course they weren’t really all touchi feelings but still, he wants to help his sister and have a good relationship with her. Is that really too much ? But at least he can see her trying. Her old self would have insulted him for being this soft, now she just declines it, a bit more rude. “Baby steps” He tells himself.

They walked side by side to the other room, where a bed was in which she probably should lie. There were two healers, with blue and white clothing that indicated that they were from the Water Tribe. One was a girl and the other one a boy. “They look nice enough.” She tells herself, hoping they wouldn’t hurt her. “And if the healers try anything, I will banish them immediately, I promise.” She hears Zuko's voice playing over and over in her head, trying to comfort her.

Suddenly feeling the emotions overwhelm her, she took Zuko's hand. He just smiled at her and she wished she didn’t take it. He would definitely roub that in later. She took a deep breath and walked over to the bed, her brother trots beside her. She lied down, nervousness overtaking her. She was shaking slightly and her teeth were chattering. She didn’t like it one bit. Maybe this would be her deathbed ? “No” She states in her head. “Zuzu wouldn’t do something like that. Perhaps he really cares about me. All I need to do is trust him now and if today nothing bad happens and I really wake up, I can trust him and maybe even start to spend some time with him.” She closes her eyes and takes a few more deep breaths trying to get a hold of herself. “We are ready when you are princess.” The girl tells her. “Princess. I haven’t heard that in a very long time. Maybe there is still hope.” She thinks.

“I can stay here right ?” She hears Zuko ask the healers. “Of course Fire Lord, but we still need to be able to get full access to her body so you might have to move sometimes, so we can get there. I also need to tell you, that it won’t really be pleasant and the cracks of the bones might horrify you.” She warned him. “That’s okay, I can take it. I just want to be there for my sister.” He tells her. “That’s nice. Can we start now, your highness ?” She asks, trying not to offend her patient. “Sure, just don’t kill me.” She mumbles and the healers just chuckle. “Of course not, our job is to do quite the opposite.” The boy speaks up for the first time now, smiling. “Okay. I think I’m ready.” She informs them and squeezes her brother's hands tighter and she can feel him squeezing back.

——————————————————————————————————————————

The healers got quick to work and mend her already broken bones within minutes, after that her bruises and then they washed away the dried blood. She looked quite normal already and Zuko started to get hope. Till they got to the part to break her bones. At first she didn’t really seem to care but after the fifth horrible crack, she could feel her squeezing tighter around his hand. The sounds of the bones made him sick but he couldn’t leave his sister behind. He didn’t even want to imagine what it must feel like, so he just endured her grip and the sounds and prayed to agni, that it would be over soon.

A few cracks later she even started crying quietly and they were only halfway through. Two cracks later she screamed violently, a bit of blue flames escaping her mouth unintentionally. His hand made a little crack sound and pain was shooting through Zuko's body. He thought it would be best to take a small break. “Okay that’s enough for now, can you give us 5 minutes so Azula can rest and calm down a little ?” He asks the healer, but not really, because he knows that they will obey him.

“Of course my Lord. We will be back in a few minutes. Please take your time.” The girl said. She bowed deeply and left, her friend doing the same and Zuko and Azula were left alone.

“Thanks.” Azula whispered, not wanting to raise her voice. “No problem, but you should have asked if it was too much. You know, they kinda obey you too and they would understand if it hurt too much or if you were scared.” He frowned hoping his sister would understand and ask for it in the future.

“I will keep that in mind.” She smiled weekly at him before closing her eyes, exhausting taking over. “Zula, you can’t sleep now. I know you are tired and you will sleep later, I promise, but they need to finish this.” He whispered, trying to talk some sense into his sister. The only response he got was a quiet snoring that was barely audible. He just sighed and decided to let his sister sleep for a while and get the healers later. He sat down on the stool beside the bed, still holding her hand, even though his was probably broken or sprained and closed his eyes as well, trying to sleep. He knew the next few months would be hard and he would have to take care of his sister, like she was a new born baby. Sleep wasn’t really an option so he wanted to get in as much as he could.

——————————————————————————————————————————

When Zuko woke up in his own chamber, he started to panic. “Where is Azula ? What happened to her ? I need to find her ! I hope she is okay. I’m such a fool that I slept and left her alone !” He threw away the blankets and sprinted out of the bedroom that he shared with Mai. He ran to the anteroom and then outside of his apartment. The first place he is going to check is the infirmary, because that was where he last saw her. He darted as fast as he could to the clinic, while getting weird looks from servants and advisors. When he arrived he was slightly out of breath. He bent over trying to compose himself and when he felt like he could breathe normally again he stood up and went inside the healers office.

He was greeted by the boy that healed his sister, with a smile and a bow. When the boy sensed the panic of the Fire Lord he immediately told him what he probably wanted to know. “She is in her bedroom right now, resting. With her are two women who picked you and her up and brought you to your chambers. One, a warrior and the other one a woman with black hair. I hope that helps my Lord. Princess Azula got through the procedures and is on her best way to recovery.” Zuko let out a shaky breath. With Azula were Ty Lee and Mai. Of course Kirnuliq didn’t know it was them because he was only working in the palace for two weeks. He thanked the boy for the information and ran off to Azula's old room.

——————————————————————————————————————————

When Azula was woken up, the girl smiled down at her. “You are all done. I’m sorry that we healed you while you slept but we gathered it would be better to do this while you are not conscious. We saw that you weren’t really comfortable and I hope you aren’t mad at us. If you have any questions you can ask them. You need to visit me again in a week to check if everything has healed perfectly and if there are any infections or other problems.” The girl finished and bowed, already on her way out.

“Wait !” Azula almost shouted. The healer turned around surprised and stood by the door. “I didn’t really get your name and I want to thank you. I’m actually glad that you did it while I slept. Also where is Zuko ?” She asked, suddenly feeling sad that her brother left her.

“My name is Karruna and don’t worry, it’s my job. Also Fire Lord Zuko was taken away by two girls. He actually slept in the seat beside you but these girls meant he needed rest and took them to his bedchambers.” She answered, smiling at the princess. Azula thought it looked pretty and that Karruna looked in general gorgeous. She had soft features, ocean blue eyes and dark brown wavy hair that was cut short to where her chin was. She was a bit taller than Azula but not by much and her eyes sparked when she smiled. She had straight white teeth and was also really thin. Almost as much as she was herself, though Azula didn’t dare to ask why because she didn’t want to be rude.

“Thank you for your answers and your kindness. Of course I will visit you again. If I have any health problems in the future I will come to you.” She tried to bow but winced when she moved.

“Easy there. You just got thirty-two bones broken and healed. I advise you to stay in your bed for the next few days. Healers order. You should rest now and sleep here. Also I would love it if you could visit but you don’t have to come by only when you are injured. We can just talk without any reason.” Karruna winked and left a blushing princess behind.

“Well that’s something new.” Azula thought while sighing deeply and falling back down into her pillows, closing her eyes.

——————————————————————————————————————————

Mai walked into the gardens with the purpose of finding her best friend. She needed to inform her about Azula and what just happened. Ty Lee maybe already knew about the princess but she needed to make sure no harm came to her. Even though the warrior could defend herself with chi-blocking and general hand to hand combat and also because Zuko was so convinced that his sister had changed and that she wouldn’t harm anyone, she couldn’t risk it.

She looked around in order to find her friend who wore green armor and make-up. She actually hasn’t seen Ty Lee in a long time without it and she wondered what that was about, but that was a matter for a different time. Now Azula was top priority even though she didn’t like that.

She suddenly heard screams and she ran towards them. They were pained ones and she strangely hurt while hearing them.

On her way towards the sound she saw Ty Lee running as well as her to the noise. When they both were only a few inches apart from each other the both looked alarmed. “Where is this horrible sound coming from ?” Ty Lee questioned, feeling concerned. Her brows were furrowed together and she looked miserable. Ty Lee was always the emotional one from the two of them but even in this moment Mai was feeling sorrowful as well. “From the infirmary. Want to go there together ?” Mai asked her friend. “Sure, I wonder who it is. Is anyone sick ?” She asked Mai, hoping to get an answer.

Mai took a deep breath and stood still in her tracks. Ty Lee walked ahead only to turn around after a few steps to notice that her friend stopped walking. “What is wrong Mai ? Talk to me.” She pleaded. She didn’t see her friend very often like this. She was never this ropy and showed her emotions rarely.

“It’s Azula.” Mai told Ty Lee wanting to get it off her chest. “What ?” Ty Lee's voice cracked. Now she was worried about her friend. She never heard the princess scream like this and it was a scream that goes deep within your body and soul, in every orifice of your bones and it scared Ty Lee.

“She is back and she is in the clinic right now with Zuko. I don’t know what is happening because she fainted when we saw each other for the first time, and then Zuko brought her there to wake up. I don’t know what is happening right now, but it doesn’t sound too good.” Mai explained to the warrior.

“I know that Azula is back. I actually saw her yesterday with Iroh. It didn’t really end well. General Iroh drugged her so she could sleep. Then she was angry and screamed, I raced towards her and chi-blocked her out of fear. Zuko was angry at me and then explained the situation. I actually felt really bad that I did it. But do you want to know the weirdest thing ?” Ty Lee asked and Mai nodded eagerly to tell her more. “She apologized. She apologized to me, even though I was the one who did something wrong. She said she was sorry that I scared her and then she asked Zuko to carry her to bed. She even thanked him for it.” Mai gasped at the new information and couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Ty Lee continued. “Mai, she isn’t the same person we last saw four years ago. She is broken and so much happened to her in prison. If you want, I can tell you about it, when we have time and are alone, or with Zuko. You have to promise me though, that you won’t tell anyone about it. You know gossip is traveling fast in the Fire Nation and especially in the Palace.”

Even though it felt inappropriate to laugh she had to. The way Ty Lee told her something she knew her whole life was too much to handle. Of course news would spread fast around the Fire Nation. She lived there her whole life and she was part of the upper class. A noble. Though she quickly stopped when Ty Lee slapped her on the arm, without too much force. “Now is not the time Mai. We need to hurry.” She said, while sprinting off, Mai close behind her.

——————————————————————————————————————————

When they reached their destination they were met by a boy in white and blue garbs. “Uhh, can I help you with something ?” He asked confused.

Ty Lee charged at him, a firm grip on his collar, picking him slightly up in the air. His legs were dangling above the ground. “I’m not playing games here. What did you do to Azula and why did she scream like that ? I want answers.” Ty Lee threatened and was pulled away by Mai who looked at her disapprovingly, while shaking her head. “I’m sorry for my friend here. We heard screams and we want to know what it is about.” She said, trying her best to force a smile.

The poor guy was slightly sweating and shaking but made a hand gesture. “Follow me.” He said his voice trembling in fear.

They were led towards another room that was connected with the infirmary and they immediately saw two familiar faces. Azula was laying in bed, sleeping. Next to her on a chair was Zuko, he also had his eyes closed and he looked exhausted. Though her eyes fell on their hands, who were clasped together. Zuko's hand looked a bit swollen and she wondered what that was about.

Ty Lee shot her a look that was telling her that she was also confused. They never held hands and seeing them like that could almost make someone think that they were a real family and that they loved one another. Not that his sister tried to kill him on multiple occasions. “I understand that but please give her a chance. She is trying now and if she misbehaves I can put her back in prison.” She hears Zuko's voice in her mind. She sighs internally and asks the healers what has happened. Luckily there was a girl that seemed competent and a lot nicer than the guy.

“Ähhm excuse me but what happened here ? We heard screams and we just want to make sure, everything is alright.” Mai asked, hoping to get some kind of answer.

“Normally I couldn’t tell you any of this but because you are the soon to be Fire Lady I can. Princess Azula had a few fractured bones in her body that we mended. We also healed bruises and washed away the dried blood. Though her brother informed us that she also had a few broken bones which didn’t heal properly and we had to break them again. We are only half way through but we already broke about sixteen.” The healer informed her, sounding sad.

Behind her Ty Lee winced and tears were threatening to spill. She couldn’t imagine what it must feel like to be in such pain. That her former friend was only halfway through this tourture made her heart break.

Mai tried to distract her from her friends' thoughts so she demanded something from the healer. “We will take Fire Lord Zuko with us so we can get him to his bedchambers and he can rest properly. We will come around later to pick up Princess Azula and carry her to her own bedroom.”

“As you wish.” The girl said and bowed.

Ty Lee and Mai both grabbed their friend and carried him with difficulty to his apartment. “He is really heavy Mai.” Ty Lee grunted trying to get a better hold of Zuko.

“He is not fat if you mean that. He is just muscular.” Though Mai regretted her words the moment they left. She blushed and she knew Ty Lee would tease her about it, though it seems that she doesn’t even pay attention. “Ty Lee, what is it ?” Mai asked, feeling worried about her friend's behavior.

“Just thinking about Azula. I mean she can endure pain but when Azula cries and screams that means it’s so horrible another person would pass out.” The warrior frowned.

“Hey don’t worry. We will bring Zuko to bed and then we will get Azula and we can stay with her as long as you want. How does that sound ?” Mai asked, hoping to cheer her friend up.

It seemed to work when Ty Lee started to smile. “Sure.” She answered and they carried their friend to his apartment.

When they arrived Mai opened the door and they both put him down on the bed. “Is he dead ? I mean we just shook him so often and he is still sleeping.” Ty Lee asked, half joking.

“No, he is just exhausted. He was worried sick last night and couldn’t sleep the whole night. Now that I found out about Azula's arrival and the events that happened yesterday, I know why.” She answered.

“I know that you don’t like her and don’t trust her but I can feel she is changing. Her aura is different and the way she acts gives it away. Please give her a chance and I hope for her sake that she uses it.” Ty Lee pleased, hoping her friend would say yes.

“Fine.” Mai sighed, feeling defeated. Two persons who are close to Azula want her to try so she would. Even though she didn’t like it, she knew she needed to give it a chance at least. And hey, if Azulas chance was used up and she did something stupid, at least she could slice her up with her new knifes. At least something to look forward to.

“Okay let’s go, we need to carry Azula to her room. We can walk to the infirmary if you want. We don’t need to run.” Ty Lee cheerfully answered and stood up in one swift motion. Mai followed her example and together they walked to get their former friend.

——————————————————————————————————————————

When they arrived at the infirmary again, the boy was gone and only the girl was left with Azula. She was giving her the medicine right now and Azula blushed like a fool.

When Ty Lee and Mai both saw that, they gave one another questioning looks. “What’s happening right now ?” Ty Lee whispered, trying not to ruin the moment.

“It’s really unclear.” Mai whispered back.

“Please Princess Azula, you need to take the medicine.” The healer begged and was met with a huff. “For me ?” The girl tried again, giving her the best smile and Azula just rolled her eyes, knowing she lost that battle. “Fine.” she mumbled, clearly trying her best to still sound like she doesn’t want it. She never felt like this before and she started to like it, even though it annoyed her a bit. No one ever got her to do something just because they asked for it and it felt good to not be remembered as the scary princess.

Karruna laid her finger under her chin, slightly lifting it up, to put the medicine into her mouth.

“I feel like I’m intruding on something.” Mai deadpanned, still whispering so they wouldn’t get caught.

When Azula swallowed everything of the herbs and tiredness overcame her again her eyes fell shut and Karruna just watched full of admiration.

When Mai coughed to get her attention she jumped at the sudden noise. When she turned around she was crimson red in the face but tried to compose herself. “Princess Azula is ready to be taken to her bedroom.” The water bender informed the two girls.

“Are you sure ? Do you not want to give her a goodnight kiss ?” Mai deadpanned and Ty Lee just gasped. “I’m sorry for my friend. Thank you for healing her, we would be on our way then.” Ty Lee thanked and bowed. The healer quickly left after that, trying not to embarrass herself further.

Ty Lee, the stronger one of them put one hand under Azula's back and the other one under her knee, just like Zuko carried her away from them yesterday. Both of them held their breath when Azula stirred a bit but didn’t wake up.

They walked a bit and when they arrived at the front door of Azula's apartment, Mai opened it, holding the door so Ty Lee could get in as well. Azula leaned into the touch and snuggled herself into Ty Lee. Mai and Ty Lee could both just look at each other. “Again, what is happening ?” Mai asked, never guessing Azula would be touchi. “Again, I have no idea.” Ty Lee said in hushed tones.

They both walked into her bedroom and then put her down softly. “What now ?” Mai asked not sure what to do.

“We’ll just be here, till she wakes up. Maybe we can talk then, that is of course if you want to.” Ty Lee hurried to the last part to not upset her friend.

“Alright. But if she does something stupid, you need to put her down with your chi-blocking.” Mai strictly said.

“Okay, until then we can just talk and maybe even think about what we want to say to Azula.” Ty Lee said and the both sat down on stools waiting for their former friend to wake up.

Chapter Text

4 Years after the Hundred Year War
Royal Palace

Azula woke up in her own bedroom and her head throbbed again. The last time she woke up just like that and she wondered if it would always be this way. Because if it would, she would never sleep again or go back to prison. At least there she could sleep without feeling like she feels now.

She let out a groan because her head felt like it would explode and beside her two persons stirred awake. When she turned her head slightly, to see who they were, which was not a good idea because it tenfold her pain, she grunted. “Agni I hate this.” She mumbled and turned her head again in the same position she woke up, wishing she could go back to sleep and hopefully wake up in a better condition.

“Azula you are awake !” Ty Lee shouted eagerly only to be met with a wince and a twitch. “Please Ty Lee, not now, my head is about to blow up. Can you maybe whisper or something ?” Azula groaned, tears already in her eyes from the pain. She hated that she cried so often lately and she forced the tears away so as to not be weak in front of her past friends.

“Oh, my bad.” Ty Lee whispered following her friend's wish. “No problem.” Azula whispered back.

Ty Lee and Mai just exchanged a look and Mai rolled her eyes. They were discussing something in silence and it set Azula's nerves on edge. She would be in no condition to fight anyone, so if they decided to kill her now they could without any issues and that made Azula feel helpless.

“Please don’t kill me.” Azula begged, lowering her voice.

“What, why would we do that ?” Ty Lee asked full of curiosity, raising her brows.

“Because you two hate me. I mean I can understand that but if you want I could get out of your way forever and I don’t know, life as a koala sheep farmer or something.” Azula mumbled that last part because she definitely wouldn’t want to do that but if it meant not dying then let’s get started. At that Ty Lee laughed and even Mai had a little and rare smile on her face. “We both know that you wouldn’t do that Azula.” Ty Lee answered in between laughs. “You know me too well. But if it means surviving I would totally do it. I mean these koala sheeps are at least cute and maybe even a little bit fluffy.” Azula grinned, while picturing one of these animals. She actually really liked koala sheeps but father never allowed her to have one. He said that they were beneath her and she shouldn’t waste her precious time with them.

“Well we didn’t know that.” Mai answered and spoke for the first time in four years. It was still this deadly cold voice, a little raspy but overall rather smooth.

“Hello Mai. It’s good to hear you again. Our first encounter didn’t end too well as far as I can recall.” Azula winced trying her best not to waste her chance, just like Zuko told her to.

“Well, yeah, you passed out.” Mai deadpanned. At that Azula just groaned, the embarrassing melt down still fresh in her mind. “Ughh. Don’t remind me of that.” Azula half heartedly joked hoping that they both could forget about it.

“Nope sorry. I will totally tell every time, when there is a dinner or a party, someone about this story.” Mai answered with a bit of an edge in her tone. She wants to test the waters and see if Azula would somehow react to this or even outlash.

“Uggh, fine. If you can’t help yourself but if I ever find out something embarrassing about you too then be prepared, because I will tell them about it.” She smirked but it transformed into a grin.

“Believe me, you won’t find anything.” Mai answered feeling confident, while crossing her arms over her chest.

“We’ll see about that, Mai.” Azula said, trying her best not to give them a reason to kill her.

“Ok enough with the teasing, let’s get down to business.” Mai said, eager to get some answers.

Azula just gulped because of the change in her voice. She visibly shrinked and gripped the blanket tighter till her knuckles were white. When Ty Lee noticed that, she swatted Mai against the arm. “Mai you can’t just go like that. Be a bit more sensitive.” She scolded her friend and then turned to Azula. “Sorry about that Azula. But we would really like to talk about the past and maybe even about the future, if that is okay.” Ty Lee apologized, hoping to calm her old friend.

Azula just nodded and loosened her grip on the blanket a bit. “Can you just ask questions and I will try to answer them honestly ?” Azula asked, hoping to convince her friends about this deal. She wouldn't be ready to talk about it on her own and she definitely wouldn’t survive this without crying and that would be the last thing she wants right now.

Ty Lee nodded with a smile and they both walked to Azula's bed. They helped her to sit up and Azula saw Mai for the first time for real. The last time she fainted so she doesn’t count that.

She was just as tall as when she saw her last. She wore her hair also like the last time only that she wore it down but she still had these two knots. She wore a red and black gown which looked rich, probably costum made by the palace tailor. Mais face was vacant and it didn’t set Azula at ease.

“You can sit on the bed if you want.” Azula offered them awkwardly, hoping to make them comfortable.

“We’d love to.” Ty Lee answered cheerfully and sat down right away. Mai looked at both of them warily and sat down with hesitation.

“So I guess let’s get started. Ask your questions.” Azula encouraged them and made a hand gesture for them to talk.

“What happened in the last few years ?” Mai asked, not giving Ty Lee a chance to ask something herself. Ty Lee just glared at her friend because she already answered Mai this question and she didn’t need to rip off old wounds from Azula, who were barely even healed.

Azula just looked blankly ahead, memories filling her mind and they spilled out of her mouth without any filter.

“After the Agni Kai with my brother I lost to the girl whose name is Katara, at least I believe so, and I was bound to a grid by her with metal chains. I cried my heart out till I passed out and everything in between that and me waking up in prison is a blur. Now comes the bad part. At first I thought I couldn’t drop any lower when I lost the battle and my chance to the throne. I thought this was the worst day or even time in my life and let me tell you, I was so, so wrong. The first few weeks in prison I just slept because I felt so exhausted with everything. After that every time I got food from a warden I got insulted and I took these comments to heart. I told myself that they were right. That I was a failure and that I shouldn’t live anymore, that I was just using space up in this world, so I tried to kill myself. Well as you both can see, it didn’t work, it only broke five of my bones and hurted like a bitch. Anyways. After that, the comments lessened because they saw what they did to me and they didn’t want to get any punishment from Zuzu. So I just got food everyday for a while. When, I’m not sure, one or two years went by and I already accepted my fate, that I won’t see any daylight for the rest of my life, I thought again that it couldn’t get any worse. Fair warning, it did. Guards started to come into my cell and just hit me without any reason. I didn’t really talk to anyone at that time and I didn’t use my voice for a few years so I couldn’t have upset them in any way. Partly because I had nothing to say, and also because I had no one to talk to but myself and hallucinations from Ursa. So yeah once a month they started coming to me and beat me till they broke my bones or till I bleed. It really did depend on the guard. If they were nice they let me go with a few bruises and if they weren’t they wanted to see some blood or even hear some cracks.” Azula recounted.

Both Mai and Ty Lee looked at her horrified. None of them knew that Azula wanted to end her life and also what specifically happened to her in prison. They also didn’t know that their former friend had hallucinations about Ursa. They both only knew that it wasn’t nice how she treated herself and how the guards did. Mai was definitely giving her a chance now and if they could become friends, then that would be nice and if not, they could just walk out of each other's way. Mai surely didn’t want to be the reason a person she knew very well killed herself because she wasn’t given a chance.

“So that happened for maybe a year every week and they never took me to healers or let me out of my cell into the daylight. I’m not even sure if I can bend and I don’t know who I am anymore. If I can’t bend then my whole identity is gone. I was always fathers little perfect girl and the bending prodigy. Now my father is gone and I’m kinda happy about it. I won’t lie there. And my bending is maybe even gone too. Who even am I now ? I asked myself that almost every day in prison and I still ask myself that question and I never got an answer so far. I feel so worthless right now, without any purpose. I don’t know what to do anymore.” She finished while crying, which is exactly what she didn’t want. She hid her face with her hands so as to not show too much emotion to her former friends.

Suddenly she felt from both sides a warm embrace and she flinched, not being used to touching. They both frowned but still held her tightly. They whispered encouraging words into her ear and Azula lifted her arms and put them around their waists. They all held each other for a few minutes, not wanting to let go of the comfortable feeling. But when they did part, they all looked at each other.

“We can figure this out together. I mean the thing of who you are. Because you are someone special and we both will help you find your purpose and get back your bending. We can talk to Zuko and see if he wants to help with the bending part because we won’t be much of a help there.” Ty Lee tried to reassure her friend. Mai just nodded beside her, completely behind that statement.

“I would really like that.” Azula whispered, trying not to ruin the moment when suddenly the doors to her bedroom slammed open and in front of them stood a sweating and panting Zuko. Azula just wrinkled her nose at that sight. When her brother jumped at her and hugged her so tight that she couldn’t breath she flinched again because if that was a few years ago, she might not breathe as well now. “Are you trying to kill me, Zuzu ?.” Azula choked out, already pale in the face because of the death grip her brother put her in. When her brother finally let go, she took a few deep breaths, because she felt like she would faint, if she didn’t. Ty Lee just giggled and Mai looked generally rather happy.

“I'm so sorry that I wasn’t there when you woke up. I hope you don’t hate me now and I feel so bad for sleeping peacefully while you were in so much pain.” he told her, looking truly convulsed. It made her smile a sad smile and she hastily replied, so her brother wouldn’t worry so much about her. “It’s fine. They let me sleep as well, and before you ask, yes they finished and I should be fine now. I maybe even made a friend.” She told him sheepishly, while looking down on her blanket, finding it suddenly more interesting than her brother's face. Mai just snorted, Ty Lee titted and Zuko looked confused. “Well that is nice, isn’t it ? You don’t seem so happy about it. Why is that ?” He asked his sister, trying to resolve his current state. That made Ty Lee laugh even harder and Azula blush even more. Mai, the only one, who could get a hold of herself decided to speak up. “Well she is very happy about it. She just shows it in a weird way.” She explained to him and winked. That made Zuko blushed and the siblings were crimson red in the face. “Oh. I’m such an idiot. I wonder who he is ? Azula hasn’t seen anyone other than the two healers so it must be ” Zuko thought, happy he figured it all out on his own. He was a dullard in that spectrum and he didn’t know much about feelings and love. “So you are into Kirnuliq.” He happily asked knowing he was one hundred percent right. “Who ?” Azula asked, raising her brow. She hadn’t heard of anyone whose name was Kirnuliq and she wondered who Zuko could mean. Zuko just frowned, moments ago very sure of himself. “The healer boy who was with you a few hours ago.” He informed her. “Maybe she just didn’t know his name, I could still be right.” He told himself. “Oh no, I haven’t really talked to that guy. He was very quiet and shy.” She told him, without thinking. Zuko was now more confused than ever. Who could that mysterious man be ? Has she talked to someone, while he wasn’t there ? He decided to ask her about it later, because more pressing matters were to be addressed first.

“So when I got you out of prison yesterday you told me that you like me more as an awkward little turtle duck. What was that all about ?” He asked, raising a brow. When Azula blushed so hard out of embarrassment that she had to hide underneath the sheets he allowed himself to smirk.

Ty Lee and Mai looked a bit astounded but smiled right after their shock had lessened.

“Why do you guys feel the need to embarrass me so much today ?” She mumbled under the blanket.

Zuko and Ty Lee snickered and Mai just shook her head, smiling a little bit.

“I mean it’s totally fine if you like me more as a turtle duck. You have to admit, they are kind of cute.” He grinned when he finished the sentence and heard a groan from the girl under the linen.

“For the love of Agni, quit it.” She warned him, her face under the sheets now more red than most of the Fire Nation colors.

“Alright, alright. But I still need to address something. Mai and Ty Lee may have already noticed your behavior and I hope you maybe can explain it. You don’t have to of course if you don’t want to.” He hurried that last part, trying to make his sister comfortable and not pressuring her into something.

Mai and Ty Lee just looked at Zuko but they had an inkling about the following question. Azula put the blanket slightly down so they could see her face, but only till the nose, the rest hidden under the soft and comfortable hideout. She raised a brow but nodded for him to continue.

“So, uhh- everytime we touch you, you flinch. And I know it has to do with the guards but it seems deeper than that. Has it something to do with Ozai ? You don’t have to answer anything you are not comfortable with, but we are really trying to help you and make you feel at home here. Because this is your home ‘Zula.” He asked, also trying to reassure her.

“Well what do you think this is about ? Of course the man who melted off half of your face hurt me. He did it in many ways and luckily he only tried it in one.” She ended, looking mortified and horror clearly written all over her face.

“If you would be so kind as to elaborate, that would really help. I just want to understand what happened.” He told her, reaching out for her hand, under the linen. When he felt that it was grabbed back, he smiled secretly.

“Well of course when I failed or did something wrong he would beat me, sometimes even worse than the guards did. At least he sent me to a healer though. So that definitely isn’t any help for the flinching part. But one time, and that was the worst thing he ever did in my opinion was when he felt lonely. Ursa wasn’t there anymore and he felt a longing so he invited me to his room. I thought he wanted to discuss something about the war so I took the invitation and went there. He tried to do something inappropriate to me and it almost happened. He almost really did it. Luckily some servant knocked and went inside to tell him something and he quickly left after that. Since then we haven’t talked about it and I never told anyone so far. It really scarred me.” She told everyone in the room, voice trembling with so much emotion.

The room grew a few notable degrees, because Zuko was so enraged. His whole body shook because of his anger and if he didn’t realize it soon, the room would burn down. “This absolute asshole. I would really like to kill him right now, just choke him to death. I swear I had no idea he did something like that to you but if I ever see his face again, I’m not sure what I will do.” He screamed, orange sparks coming out of his mouth. He felt a little squeeze on his hand and he looked at his sister who looked so pained.

“Don’t waste so much time on him. He doesn’t deserve it.” She whispered and again covered herself with the sheets.

Ty Lee cried silently and Mai looked horrified. Zuko just stood there shocked because his sister was right and sounded so much like Iroh. He smiled sadly and nodded at Mai and Ty Lee. The girls quietly left the room so Zuko and his sister could be alone and talk things over.

“I will hug you now, is that okay ?” He asked through the sheets, trying to give his sister no reason to flinch or be scared of him.

He saw a nod through the blankets and he hugged her. Even though he laid a bit on her and he couldn’t really touch her, it still felt like so much. He couldn’t squeeze her tight and show her how much he cared because the linen was in the way but he let them there, giving his sister a safe spot, where she could come back to.

“I'm so, so sorry. I had no idea. If I had known that he did something like that to you, I would have taken you with me. I would have even come back, though I was banished and it would have risked my life. I promised to protect you and I failed on so many levels. I hope I can make up for that.” He cried out, feeling disappointed in himself.

“It’s alright Zuzu. You are here now. Here to protect me. I’m really grateful for you and I didn’t really show it when I was younger.” She squeezed him even tighter which made him squeeze back harder too.

When they broke apart, Azula came out from under her blankets and just looked at him shily. It was pretty obvious that she cried but he didn’t mind. He loved it actually. He smiled a warm smile at his little sister and looked at her too.

She suppressed a yawn but he saw how tired she really was.

“I will let you sleep now. You should really get some rest and I will come by later or in general if you need something. I need to go now and do some paperwork, but I’m always available for you. Just call for me and I’ll be there, but please sleep now.” He told her and stood up from the bed. He waved an awkward goodbye and she smiled a bit, mood clearly improving at her brother's antics. She just shook her head and waved awkwardly back.

When her brother closed the door behind him, she leaned a bit forward, to snatch her pillow and positioned it under her. She had more strength now and she could lie down by herself and put the pillow where she wanted it. She laid down and closed her eyes, her exhausting slowly taking over.

Chapter Text

4 Years and 1 week after the Hundred Year War
Royal Palace

The days were passing fast after the conversations with her friends. She drifted to consciousness for a few minutes to eat something and take her medicine, which the healer always brought personally to her, and drifted back to sleep. She sometimes saw Ty Lee, standing in the doorway just looking sadly at her. Sometimes Mai was with her too but she often came alone. Azula once saw her cry and hear little sniffles that even made the princess internally sad. Seeing the so often cheery girl in such a state was heartbreaking and she hoped that it would stop soon and Ty Lee would be her old self again. Her brother was there almost all the time, when he didn’t need to work or take care of himself. Sometimes they would eat together and if she was too weak, he would feed her. He was always very proud of her, when she finished everything and was sad but understanding, when she barely ate something.

Azua felt like a sick kitten that was broken and too fragile to do anything on her own. Her pride was hurting badly these days, but she accepted her fate. She couldn’t sink any lower, she told herself, because she has gone through much worse. And if anyone ever talked about it later to a person who wasn’t there through it all, she swore that a bit more than a few hairs would be burned off.

When she finally felt better after a week, she tried to get out of bed, which was successful. Her legs were wobbling a bit but she held on to her surroundings and tried to go to the bathroom. She was getting rather far when suddenly her knees got weak and she fell with a thud. She groaned and tried to get up again but couldn’t.

She hated everything right now and she felt her feelings consuming her entire being. Rage and helplessness was first, then there was happiness too, but only because she finally gained the love she always dearly wished for and then there was regret. Regret because she could have had it sooner. She could have had almost everything she always wished for. She wouldn’t go so far as to call it love but it was clearly affection her brother and her possible friends showed her and that was the nearest thing to love she ever gained. Of course she always wanted power when she was younger but what did it bring her ? Nothing but tears and pain. Surely, it felt nice when people were cowering in front of her with just one look, because they were scared of her, but she also wanted people who were close, to like her. She wanted to control everything but if she thinks back, it all wasn’t worth it. She now feels happier than she has ever been and that was kind of dismal when she thought too long about it. In one week she felt the most joy she has ever felt in her entire life and this week was for a normal person surely horrible. She got betrayed, again. She got drugged. She got her bones broken in such a high amount that a normal person would have fainted. She opened up even though she might regret that now because everybody is looking differently at her and she hated that. Lately she was so weak and she couldn’t hide anything because of the fear it was all going away soon. She was so scared that she would lose the only comfort she ever had, even though she only had it for about a week. The thought alone, that every relationship she has, is taken away from her made her want to scream and cry. Of course she would lose them soon, when she is strong enough and her brother thinks she will be okay on her own. But till then, she will take every second she can get with her brother even though it might hurt more to lose him later.

She was lying for a few minutes now until someone appeared in front of her. “Hello my daughter.” The person said. Azula just let a deep sigh out, so heavy that it was surely audible to hear through the walls and prepared herself for the coming insults. “Hello mother.” She grumbled bitterly, trying to get a good look at her. She hasn’t seen one of her hallucinations for a year now and they always appeared, insulted her and vanished. “I’m so very proud of you. You changed a lot, for the better of course. I see that you finally made peace with your past and from now on things will only get better. You must let people in, in order to heal yourself. If you do this, nothing will come between you and your happiness. Farewell, we will see each other again in the future.” With that being said, Ursa disappeared leaving a gaping Azula behind. “Me and my happiness. Do I really deserve this though ? I’m a monster and monsters don’t deserve good things, that’s at least what mother always said.”

A loud crack and fast footsteps pulled her out of her thoughts and in front of her was her brother Zuko. He kneeled down and tried to help her but she just put her hands up and gestured for him to stop. He looked at her in confusion and asked hastily “Are you alright, did you fall ? Why are you even out of bed ? You are making me worried. Please let me help you.” When he tried to help her again, she just slapped away his hand.

“Please stop. I feel like a baby and you are always cradling me. I want to do things on my own and I don’t always need your help. I just want to go to the goddamn bathroom without you helping me with every little step. I need space to breathe.” She shouted and sparks were coming out of her mouth. Fire was uncontrollably bursting through her fists because she couldn’t control her emotions. She needs him to hate her and she needs to push him away, otherwise he will end up just like her. A monster.

Zuko was shielding his face and wasn’t even trying to deflect the fire which made her even sadder because she remembered why that is and who the reason for it is. She laughed back then and she hated herself even more at that moment. She tried so hard to keep her emotions at bay to stop it. When she realized she couldn't, her inner turmoil was growing bigger. She always could control her flames and now was the first time in eighteen years that she couldn’t. It made her feel helpless, again.

Zuko seemed to get out of his trance and extinguished the blue flames. In front of him, he saw a crying Azula looking so much like him. Helpless. He couldn’t control his flames when he was younger and he could see the struggle his sister was having right now. “Please breathe. Everything is alright.” he said calmingly. He grabbed her fists and obliterated the fire by it’s source. “You need to take deep breaths and look within yourself. I’m not sure how long I can keep your fire at bay because it is so strong and driven by emotions. It is starting to get hot in here and if it doesn’t stop, the room might burn down. Please, you need to calm down and then we can talk about everything. You didn’t upset me. I get it. I feel like I’m Uncle and you are me. When I was banished, Uncle always treated me, how I’m treating you right now and I get why you are mad. I also always outlashed but please, we can talk about it.” When he finished, he felt the flames growing smaller and smaller, till they were completely gone. He let go of her fists and was sitting in front of her. She just looked downwards with a guilty expression written across her face.

“Can you please look at me ?” He asked, trying his best not to feel hurt by her gesture. “No.” she answered. “No ?” He asked, getting confused again. “I can’t look you in the eyes because I have hurt you with my actions and I feel like I can talk better this way, when I don’t see your eternally grim face.” She smirked a little, hoping to get her brother irritated. Even though now was not the time for things like this, she couldn’t help herself.

She just heard a deep sigh, coming from her older brother, and laughed silently. Victory still tasted sweet. At least that didn’t change.

In front of her, her brother had a little smile plastered on his face though because he felt like his sister was slowly coming out of her shell, which he liked. He knew he had to rebuild her completely and the shell that was broken was piecing itself slowly together and all he could do was help and make the process faster.

“So do you want to talk about what just happened ?” He asked softly, trying to ease her into the conversation. He saw her slowly turning her face upwards, which confused him further because his little sister just said she wanted to talk with her eyes glued to the ground. Maybe because of the joke she changed her mind ? He decided to not dwell on it for too long.

“I lost control. That never happened before. I’m weaker than I thought I was.” She told him bitterly. If father could see her now he would be so disappointed in her and she wouldn’t be daddy's little girl anymore. Maybe she never was that, but she still believed it, just so she wouldn’t feel like she gave up everything for nothing. She dedicated her whole life for a person she looked up to. Now she doesn’t. He hurted others, almost destroyed the world and broke her completely. But the need for his approval was still there and she felt like if she couldn’t get it, she would be worthless.

“But that’s okay. Every fire bender struggles at least once with it. I did too.” He recounted from his past.

She just got silent and looked away from him and instead at a picture from Ember Island that was painted by a famous artist. On it were her friends, Mai and Ty Lee and her brother, Zuko. She was also there. All laughing and having their arms around each other's shoulders. They let it be painted on the night when they burned Chan's apartment on Ember Island down. She remembered the time when she was just a normal kid, having fun. No responsibilities, just living her life. She missed it, but she knows she doesn’t deserve it.

“Would you please help me with my fire bending once I am stronger ?” She mumbled, not believing that she really just asked that. She recalled the conversation from a week ago with Ty Lee and Mai where they proposed that Zuko helped her with her bending. Seeing that picture again, reminded her of them and the support they always gave her.

She turned her head again towards Zuko. Her brother, clearly taken away, asked again, to be one hundred percent sure. “You want me to help you with fire bending ?” While he asked that, he made some awkward gestures that further angered Azula. “You heard me correctly.” the princess snipped, the embarrassment already too much to bear. She was crimson red in the face and she hated how much power her brother now held over her. Her brother stood up and she thought he would leave because she shouted at him but he just said “I would be honored princess Azula.” and then bowed to her. Her brother was such a dork and she couldn’t handle it any longer. “Sit your awkward little ass back down because I might lose my shit if you keep up with this.” He dropped down as fast as he could because he decided that he shouldn’t play with his sister so much, when she already sacrificed her dignity. “Yes ma’am” he said sheepishly and rubbed the back of his neck. Azula just pinched the bridge of her nose, hard, because she couldn’t believe that the Fire Lord of this country was such an air-headed person.

“I’m going to the bathroom now.” Azula informed him and stood up slowly. “Do you need help ?” He asked but was silenced with one glare. “I thought we just had that conversation.” “Right.” He said, laughing a high pitched laugh because he felt so stupid. “But if you need anything, I’m here. Should I wait in your room, till you are back ?” He asked, hoping that at least his sister would accept that offer he was proposing. “Fine, but don’t touch my stuff. I’m warning you.” She told him sternly and walked slowly to the bathroom. He just snickered, remembering all the times he heard exactly the same sentence. Deep down she was still the same little girl and he was really happy that she wasn’t completely broken.

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When Azula finally made it to the bathroom, she looked into the mirror for the first time. She cringed because she didn’t remember to ever look like this. Her hair was so frazzled and her face and neck were slim. She looked a little dead but she knew she looks a bit better now than she did when she first left prison. She just hoped she would get her old look back, because she always thought she was rather pretty.

She reached forward with trembling hands and twisted the handle of the faucet, so that water was coming out of it. She took a deep breath and formed a little bowl with her hands and let the water touch them. Slowly she lifted her hands, when her form was filled and washed her face. When the liquid hit her skin she flinched so hard that almost everything spilled. When it hit her body, that made it ten times worse. She shrieked and within seconds was her brother by her side. “What happened ? You scared me.” He said, his voice quavering. “It’s stupid Zuzu. I just spilled water on myself.” She said casually, even though it was everything but. Her brother noticed that and decided to confront it. “Hey, it’s okay. Everybody is scared of something.” He said, hoping to comfort her. “Yeah of course, but not something that is important for living, you dunce.” She snapped. Again she felt her anger slip and she hated herself for it but she felt so dumb for being scared of something so simple. It is water for agnis sake. “It doesn’t make your fear less bad. It is okay to be scared of something and you're not frightened of anything else so it is totally okay that you fear something so simple in your opinion. Everyone has their own fears and it is also silly in their opinion. Do you want to try again ? Uncle always says, it is best to confront our fears now that if we ever face them in the real world we can get through it.” He said wisely. Azula just looked at her brother and couldn’t believe how smart he got since she last saw him. “Maybe he was always this way and I didn’t realize it.” She thought. After debating it with herself she nodded hesitantly.

“So what do you want ? Do you want to wash your hands or do you want to do something more ?” He asked, trying his best to give her free space and go at her own pace. “More.” Her voice cracked and he just looked at her. “Are you sure ? We don’t need to go this fast.” He informed her, hoping that she would only do what makes her comfortable. “I- I need to wash my hair.” She whispered and looked up at him. He smiled warmly at her in response. “Can you be there ?” She continued.

Suddenly he got so red in the face that it looked like he melted with the background. “I-I’m not sure if we are in this state to see each other naked. I-I mean I know that Ty Lee and her sisters sometimes do but don’t you think it is a bit early for this ?” he choked out.

Azula really needed to control herself, otherwise she would have slapped his head off. “Just get me my old swimming suit you dully. Sometimes I really wonder how you got the throne. You are just so stupid sometimes, it actually scares me. Are you sure you possess a brain ? I think you should get that checked first.” She heatingly said. Better to put poison into her words, than to burn Zuko's head off.

“Yes ma’am. But wouldn't the swimming suit be too small ? I mean you’ve grown and other certain parts of your body too.” He stumbled on the last part because he felt so weird. “Zuzu you are really very close to getting another scar of yours in the face. Can you maybe ask Mai if I can borrow hers ? We are almost the same from the body build.” She was now red too and would appreciate it very much if an earthbender came by and swallowed her or better her brother.

Zuko hurried out of the bathroom in order to find his soon to be wife and escape the situation with Azula. Azula just sighed and put her hands in front of her eyes to cover her face. It was very hot and even she knew how red she was. Her brother could be so stupid and she wondered if it was only with her or if he fazed other people too.

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Zuko took a deep breath once he left Azula's apartment. He wondered how his sister got such patience because he knew that if he did that a while ago, he would have been burned. Well, he would have been burned by just being in her presence but still. He only saw the improvement. “Baby steps.”

When he stood in front of Mai’s and his apartment he knocked and then entered, just how he learned it. It didn’t matter if it was his apartment, Mai could have been doing something where she doesn’t want to get interupted. Especially when she is doing something with her knives. He learned from that past mistake which has almost cost him his life.

“Are you here Mai ?” he shouted through the big accomodation. “Here darling.” She shouted back. The pet name alone made his heart flutter and warmth was spreading through his whole body. He smiled when he approached her. “Where are your swimming suits, love ?” He asked and was now standing behind her, bowing down to give her a kiss on her crown. She was sitting currently, writing a letter. She looked up at him and gave him a puzzling stare. “I didn’t know that was something you were thinking about. I mean I always knew you were a bit feminine but-“ “It’s not for me. Also you think I’m feminine ?” He frowned.

He didn’t know that he came off like that. It wasn’t a bad thing and he already changed the anti gay law so all people could be happy, the way they want to be but not every person was so accepting. And when he was looking feminine and other people thought so too there was just one reason more for the citizens why he shouldn’t rule this country. He wouldn’t change his look of course just to please others but he was scared that he or a person he loved got assassinated because they were trying to threaten him.

“Have you looked in the mirror ?” She deadpanned but quickly continued when she saw the look on his face. “It is not a bad thing and I love you for it but I always thought you were aware of it. Also is it for Azula ? I mean I don’t mind her using one of my swimming suits but I think she should get her own, once there is time. They are in the last drawer in the closet.” She answered and gave him a quick peck on the cheek and continued writing.

He went to the big closet, filled with many robes which were either formal or informal and went to the drawer. He opened it and saw two different one. One that was a deep red and had black elements in it and the other one was a white one, which had red elements knitted into the fabric. He decided to take both with him, even though he already knew that she would choose the red and black one.

“One last question.” He heard Mai say from the other room. “Yes darling ?” He asked. “Why do you need it ? It is not like you are going to Ember Island right ?” she asked, actually being a little confused. “Well you won’t believe it but Azula decided to take a bath and wash her hair.” He answered and was already by the door when he heard his fiance's footsteps. They were almost not hearable but he was used to them by now and he could tell when Mai was walking. He waited patiently by the door till she stood beside him.

“Really ? Isn’t it a bit too soon for that ?” She asked, suddenly now very curious. “Well I said so too but she wanted to wash her hair and she wanted me to be there for her.” “Well didn’t we all know that Azula loves her hair ? If you can actually touch it, she adores you, you know ? She once told me that so far only two people have touched her hair. Ozai and her mother Ursa. And Ursa only touched it when Azula was very small and couldn’t even really talk. Azula is really strict about the Fire Nation rules and their hair.” She informed him. “I don’t think that will happen but if it does, I’m going to give her a present. No matter what. Do you have an idea already ? I mean I know that it won’t happen but just in case.” he asked, even though he felt like he didn’t need to. He wanted to give his sister something in the future and when she already trusted him enough for him to touch her hair, he doesn’t see why she shouldn’t get it already. “A koala sheep. Goodluck. I love you.” She said shortly and left to continue her writing. Zuko just gaped because he never heard that his sister wanted an animal. Are they talking about the same Azula that also almost killed the Avatar ? Surely not. But he decided that that happened in the past and if she wants a koala sheep now, he will get her one. For agnis sake he is the Fire Lord, if he can’t get one, nobody can. He left the apartment and went to Azula’s.

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Azula was so nervous that she actually bit her fingernails. That was a nervous habit of hers that she already got when she was younger. Nobody knew of it of course because everybody needed to think that she was perfect and this was far from perfection. She already sat on the ground in the bathroom for ten minutes and the longer Zuko took to get the swimming suits the more she wanted to change her mind. When she almost decided to not do it, her brother knocked on the door, waited a few seconds and then came in. In his hands were two bathing suits. One, black and red and the other white and red. “So which one do you want ?” He asked and held them both up. She thought about it for a bit and then took the white one. She wanted to try something new.

This seemed to surprise Zuko but he quickly recovered and handed her the swimming suit. They stare at each other awkwardly till Azula coughs. “Do you maybe want to wait outside while I change ?” She asked. Zuko again got red in the face. “Of course, of course. Just tell me when you are done. “ he awkwardly bowed and left the room. Azula just sighed and rolled her eyes.

She took off her silky night gown and looked at her body for a few moments. She already knew that she was slimmer but she didn’t realize that she had so many scars. She lightly touched over a few of them. Some were big and went deep and some were small, almost invincible, but she knew that they were there. She put on Mais bathing suit and looked over it carefully, to make sure that everything was covered. When it was, she opened the door and motioned for her brother to come in.

They were both standing in front of the bathtub and the shower. “So which one do you want to use ?” He asked. trying to sound casual. “Which do you think would be better ? I think the shower would be the better choice because the water wouldn’t surround me all the time but I’m not really sure.” She answered, also trying to sound casual even though she was freaking out at the moment. “Yes, the shower does make more sense. You can step inside whenever you want. We can be here forever, or we don’t do it at all. It is up to you and I won’t pressure you.”

She knew that her brother would uphold his promise but she needs to go through with it. She is the princess of the Fire Nation, at least she thinks she is. Zuko called her like that so he surely has no problem with her using her old title.

Before she gets in the shower, she takes a deep breath in order to calm her nerves. She knows she can stop it at any time but she needs to clean hair. Her hair was really important to her and she would feel a little bit like her old self again, if it was washed.

“Let’s go.” She whispered to herself and stepped inside. With shaking hands, she moves forward, trying to turn on the water. When she reached the lever of the shower, she lifted it upwards. Out of the shower head came cold water that made her flinch shortly and she tried not to scream. “How do I make this warmer ?” She whispered, hoping her brother would hear her. He stepped inside with his full Fire Lord gown and reached forward. She just looked at him surprised that he would do that. These robes are already so heavy, she knows that because she was in one, but getting it wet makes it weigh so much more. Shortly after that, the water got a bit warmer, much to her liking. It felt actually pretty good to feel all the dirt and blood from her hair getting washed away.

She didn’t even notice that she was trembling till she felt her brother's hand on her shoulder. “Are you okay ?” He asked, hoping his sister didn’t bite off more than she could chew. “Actually yes. It feels surprisingly good. I won’t do it again though for a few weeks because this is already too much. I can only go through with it, because you are here and you can’t always be with me, so I need to start doing things on my own. I try to get used to water so that when I’m alone, I can do it without any help. By the way, do you have any hair products ? I need to clean my hair completely.”

Of course she didn’t like water but as long as her brother was here and there was no water bender near her she would be fine. Her brother left, to find some soap, oil and a brush. She needed to comb through her hair and get out all the knots. That would surely be painful but she knew that there was no way that she would leave it out.

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When her brother got all these things, she put a little bit of the lotus soap in her hand and put it on her head. She was rubbing the soap in but her arms got tired after only a few seconds.

“Zuzu ?” She asked. Her brother who was standing outside the shower answered. “Yes Zula ?” He wondered what she inquired because he thought he got everything she needed in order to wash her hair. “Can you wash my hair ?” She asked. She knew that Zuko didn’t know about hair being a big deal because she often saw him letting other people touch it when he was a banished prince. She always wondered why he wasn’t so strict about it, but she knew that Zuko doesn’t really care about the Fire Nation customs.

Zuko on the other hand couldn’t stop bouncing from excitement. He actually thought he would never touch his sister's hair because only family and the people you love are allowed to touch it. Did she already see him as family ? He didn’t know what it was but he couldn’t care less. “Sure.” he answered, trying to sound cool and not making it a big deal even though it was for the both of them.

Zuko stepped inside the shower where he saw his sister having already put the soap in her hair because there was already a bit of foam. When he lifted his arms to where he almost touched her hair, he decided to make sure that this was okay. “Are you sure ? I don’t want to overstep anything and I know we only really got to know each other for a week. Of course when we were younger we were together a lot but we really didn’t talk much before mom left and afterwards even less.” He was rambling so much without even thinking. “Zuzu, it’s okay. I wouldn’t have said it, if it wasn’t. I know that we actually got to know each other a bit, for only a few days, but believe me when I say, these were the best days in my whole life.” She smiled sadly and not even Zuko would have noticed that she cried, because water came down from the shower that mixed with the tears. Zuko could be seen crying though because he wasn’t fully under the rays of water. He made a little awkward hand gesture and went for a hug. She flinched but hugged him back no less and when they parted, lifted Zuko his hands once again and got to work.

Her hair was very tangled but still surprisingly soft and it was difficult to allocate the soap everywhere. When the job was done, Zuko couldn't really feel his arms anymore because he had them up for over 30 minutes but he was happy. He took the shower head in his hands and let the water wash over Azula's head. When all the soap was out, Zuko turned off the water and they both stepped outside the shower. He gave her a towel to dry everything and left her nightgown to change. “When you are done with changing, just go into your room, I will be waiting beside your bed.” With that being said, he left Azula behind and went to where he said he would.

Azula quickly changed and looked at herself in the mirror again. Her hair was so long that it reached her lower leg and she decided that it needed to be gone. She searches for a scissor and finds the one she used while having her mental breakdown. It brought back old memories of when she lost her mind, but not today ! Today she wanted change so she took the scissor and forgot about it’s past. She laid it down on the side of the sink. She grabbed her hair and tied it into a ponytail with the red band that was also a part of her meltdown. When her hair was bound to a tail, took she the scissors into her hand again and put her locks in front of her and made a cut. Each snip was her cutting herself off from her past and she enjoyed every second. When she was done, she put the scissor into the drawer again and took a deep breath. She looked up into the mirror and she liked what she saw. It was cut short so that it was a bit above her shoulder. She took the hair that was cut and now lying in the sink and put it in the waste bin.

She decided that now was the time to walk outside and into her room where her brother waited patiently, not knowing about the surprise that would hit him in a few seconds.

Chapter Text

5 Years after the Hundred Year War
In the clouds

Aang fought with the sleepiness and tried to stay awake. His eyes got heavier and heavier but he forced them open, so he would get to his destination in time. He couldn’t make a pause because there were far more important matters to attend to. He needed to apologize to his first love because the guilt was weighing heavily on him.

He understood that what he did was wrong and he would get it, if Katara would never speak to him again. He just hoped that wouldn’t happen but he would just leave it be, if that was really the case. He wanted Katara. As a lover, even though he knows that it just won’t happen again. But also as a friend. He has known Katara for almost 6 years now and she is one of the few people who he could talk about anything with and he trusts her with his life. Sure, he likes Zuko, Toph and Sokka, but Katara was something completely different. Not because she was a girl, just because she was Katara. Nobody was like her and he would never find someone so perfect.

But he needed to clear his head, so he could focus on owning up to his past mistakes, not on the beautiful girl he has lost. That would make no difference and he has no time for sulking. He could do that after everything was okay and Katara was his friend again. If Katara doesn’t want to be his friend anymore, he isn’t sure what he is going to do. When he loses a person he loves, his grief takes over his body and the avatar state activates. But that can’t happen again. He has hurt people because of it. Katara. “Stop it Aang, you are hurting me !” Katara screamed. The pained voice from a few weeks ago was still fresh in his mind and he squeezed his eyes tightly shut, the hate within himself rising. He was so mad at himself, because he hurted the people he loved. He is no better than the old Fire Lord he thinks. The Fire Lord burned his son and he burned Katara, twice. When he first started fire bending, he lost control and he burned her. He swore he would never do it again but Katara encouraged him to try and not give up. Now he has lost control and he burned her again. “What is wrong with me ?!” He couldn’t understand why he always injures the people who are closest to him. He doesn’t want it, but he loses his cool and it just happens.

Appa roared quietly as to not startle Aang but inform him that they are almost there. This pulled Aang out of his thoughts and he quickly took the reins into his hands and led Appa down. He just knew that she would be with their old friend Haru. It would only make sense, to go further into the Earth Kingdom and then to the Fire Nation. It’s the way they did it, when they were kids and traveled around the world. He sometimes misses those times, even though they were stressful.

Appa was giving his best to be as fast as possible. Soon, they would meet Haru, Katara's destination.

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5 Years after the Hundred Year War
Earth Kingdom waters

Katara was on her way to meet her old friend Haru. The last time she saw him was when he had a mustache. She just hoped that it would be gone, because personally, she thought it didn’t suit him. But he should just do whatever makes him happy.

The sea was a bit stormy today and the boat was swaying lightly because of the waves. It made her sea sick, but she was used to it by now. She was almost there but she knew that she had to walk a little to get to Haru’s village. There was no water around it, which she didn’t think earlier about. She should have known that but it was too late now. Sighing deeply, she drove the boat to a shore and wrapped the rope around a wooden stomp, taking everything she needed for the trip with her.

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5 Years after the Hundred Year War
Haru’s village

A few hours later, she was finally there. The old village she visited when she was younger and where she freed all these people from the Fire Nation, was still looking the same. It felt like she was 14 all over again, still with Aang and Sokka on a mission to stop the war. She was glad that it was over, but she still sometimes misses the old times, when she would travel around with her friends. She was happy to relive her past again.

She walks to the house, where Haru lives and knocks on the door. A few seconds later, it was opened by Haru’s mother. She smiled politely at the water tribe girl and made a hand gesture to let her in.

“Would you like some tea dearest ?” she asked, trying to make her guest comfortable. “I’d really like that. Thank you.” Katara answered politely. Haru’s mother was immediately on her way to make some tea and left Katara alone in the living room. She wondered where Haru could be, but decided to ask that later.

When the elderly woman came in again with a tea pod and two cups she poured the tea inside them and started a conversation. After Katara catched up on everything that had happened, Katara really needed to ask. “Do you know where Haru is ? I just wanted to visit him again and I’m currently traveling around a bit so I thought, why not meet up.” “He is currently with his father, discussing something about a field to plant some vegetables. The soil is burned and not really usable. We hardly got any crops this year. We just hope it will be better next time.” She answered sadly. Katara felt really bad for the people who had done nothing wrong. She hated the Fire Nation for it, but she knows in her heart that these soldiers were just following orders and the only people to blame were the Fire Lord and his cruel daughter, the princess. Though Haru’s mother pulled her out of her thoughts. “Would you like to stay a day or two ? I could set up the guest room, if that’s alright with you.” She asked, smiling. Katara thought about it and decided that she would stay for a bit. She needed to see Haru again and she also needed some time away from the ship and on solid ground. “I would love to. Thank you so much for your hostility.”

When everything was ready, she put her things inside the room and went straight to bed, feeling exhausted.

Day 1 - Seeing familiar faces

Katara was woken up by a fabulous smell that she couldn’t ignore. The scent of eggs and beans was rising up her nose and was pulling her out of bed. She got dressed quickly and went downstairs into the kitchen.

“Good morning Katara. Did you sleep well ?” Harus mother asked with a smile. There were two deep voices coming from the breakfast table and Katara didn’t have to think twice about who that may be. “Wonderfully. Thank you for letting me stay here. Can I help you with something in return ?” Katara questioned, hoping she can make it up for eating and sleeping here. “Nothing I can think of at the moment. But when I need your help, I will come to you.” Katara nodded and went to the breakfast table.

Haru sensed her through the earth before she was even near him and he quickly turned around and smiled brightly. “Good morning Katara. It’s been a while.” He got up and walked towards her with open arms. They embraced each other again after all these years and it felt like coming home. “It’s great that you decided not to keep that mustache.”, she said, smiling. “What have you been up to lately Haru ?” she asked. Haru laughed and told her all the stories and the issues his village is undergoing at the moment. When he finished she was convulsed. Of course she already heard from his mother about the harvest being cut short this year but not to that extent. She needed to fix this even though she had no idea how. But she will figure this out. It's the least she can do after their bravery in the war and after letting her stay here.

“I will fix this Haru. Let me help you please.” Haru sighed but didn’t want to shatter her hope. “Sure. But how do you want to fix this ? We’ve already tried everything we can think of.” “Let me think of something. Can you maybe show me the fields ?” “Of course. Now ?” “If you have time now then yes. We should solve this as quickly as possible.” Haru nodded and got dressed.

After ten minutes, Haru was ready to go and together they walked to the fields.

For the first time, she saw up close what the Fire Nation did to the people from the Earth Kingdom and how, even years after Sozin's comet the world is still suffering from the aftereffects. The dirt was dry and burned and it was impossible to grow anything in the grounds. There was also no water near her, so she couldn’t try to waterbend and water the planted seeds. While she was thinking, a loud roaring came from above. Haru startled her when he took her hand and dragged her towards the big white mass in the clouds.

When she looked up, she saw him after two weeks. Her stomach churned as she let herself be dragged by Haru. She didn‘t know why he was here but slowly her anger simed through her whole body. She would never forget what he did. But if he truly only came to talk to her, she might give him a chance, for her sake. She wanted to leave this behind and open a new chapter of her life.

Katara was panting heavily when Aang finally landed. She ran through the whole village in such a short time that she needed to catch her breath for a bit. Haru let go of her hand and greeted Aang with a hug, though the whole time Aang was being hugged, he looked at Katara with puppy eyes. She only rolled hers and looked away. When Haru finally let go and Katara didn‘t hug Aang, he knew something was off, but kept quiet.

After a long awkward moment where neither of them said something, Haru coughed forcefully and invited Aang into his house.

Katara went straight upstairs and Aang looked after her with longing eyes.

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5 Years after the Hundred Year War
Haru’s village

Aang was trying his best to be polite and not to storm after Katara. He wanted to give her space, of course but he really needed to fix this. When Aang and Harus family talked for a while and when everyone was off doing their own thing, Aang went upstairs and knocked on Katara's door.

“Go away Aang. I have nothing to say to you.” Of course this hurted, but he couldn’t give up without trying to make it right.

“I’m really sorry Katara. For everything. I know I messed up and I’m truly sorry for all the heinous things I’ve done to hurt you. Be it with words or actions. I will forever blame myself for this but please, I really want to make this right. I want to make up for my actions. I want to start fresh with you. I want to have a relationship with you. I don’t care if it's romantic or amicable. I just want you in my life. No, I need you in my life. So please Katara, open the door for me. Please.” His voice grew more into a whisper with each word. At the end he was close to crying but he pulled himself together.

From the inside, he heard footsteps and the key turning. The handle of the door was going down and soon Katara was standing in front of him.

“Why did you do it ?”

“What ?” He asked, voice cracking.

“Why did you spread these rumors ? Do you know how badly these rumors are affecting me and how everyone else sees me now ?” Katara demanded angrily.

“Wha.. I.” Aang stuttered but pulled himself together rather quickly. “I was just so angry and jealous and I thought you broke up with me, because you found someone better. I always noticed how you looked at Zuko and I just thought you had a secret relationship with him. I know I really messed up big time Katara. But please, believe me when I say that I regret everything and I will help you clear up these rumors. I already started at Toph's metal academy and I will keep on doing that, till no one believes them anymore.” Aang was so ashamed that he looked down the whole time. He just hoped it was enough. Hoped it was enough to at least let Katara not hate him completely anymore.

He just heard a sigh coming from the girl he loves and soon felt a warm embrace. Slowly, he put his hand around her and hugged her. He wanted to let this moment last forever, even when he knew that not even him, the Avatar could do such a thing like stopping time and space.

After some time, he heard Katara whisper. “You were never not enough for me. I would never betray you like this. I just feel like we grew apart. Not our friendship, but my love for you. It just started to slowly vanish and I could do nothing but to witness. Nothing but to feel myself slowly losing the person I love the most. I will forever love you, you know ? Just not like you wish for me to love you. And I’m sorry for that. I wish I could change this, but I can’t. But I forgive you Aang.” He absorbed her words and understood. He didn’t feel anger. He didn’t feel melancholy. He just felt happy that Katara forgave him. Maybe he never needed her like he always thought he would. Maybe being her friend was already enough for him.

When they finally pulled apart, both had tears rolling down their cheeks. They gave each other goofy smiles and both felt a heavy burden disappear. Katara gestured for him to come inside her room for the time being and they both sat on the bed, chatting till it was late. “Do you want to stay ? Have a sleepover like in the old times ?” She misses the times when she and her friends traveled through the world. She wanted to feel that exciting feeling again. Not saving the world, but helping others. And then it hit her.

“Aang I think I need your help with something.” “Anything. But with what exactly ?” He wanted to know eagerly. “So, the Fire Nation destroyed the fields and now this village has barely any food. They can’t grow anything, because the soil is burned and dry. And I wondered if I could borrow Appa. He could carry water and I could bend it to the fields. With that, we could water them and the village will hopefully start to recover soon.” “That’s brilliant.” He said with a radiant smile. “But there is one problem. After we watered the fields, they soon will be dry again. Maybe we could build a well or I could bend some earth and make a little spring.” “Oh, that’s actually a really good idea. But I think we should go with making a clearance to the ocean. I think that’s the most effective method.” She happily compiled. “Ok, then let’s tell Haru tomorrow about your plans and let’s have a sleepover now.” “Ok, let’s do that.”

When they set up everything for Aang, they both said their goodnights and turned off the light.

Day 2 - Undoing the Fire Nations harm

After waking up, they immediately got dressed and went downstairs to tell Haru about their plans. When they finally found him they told him everything they schemed the day before.

“That’s actually a rather good idea. While Katara gets the water, Aang can already start to build the spring. My father and I could help you with that. Actually, the whole village may lend us a hand. I can ask that really quickly. Let’s get to work guys. See you in a bit.” With that being said, he ran away, trying to find the others.

Aang and Katara turned towards each other and nodded. “You go to Appa and I go to the fields.” “Alright, see you later.” She shouted, while already sprinting to the bison. She mounted Appa and together they took off, flying to the ocean. On Appa there were myriad vessels to fill water into.

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5 Years after the Hundred Year War
Earth Kingdom waters

Katara was flying above the ocean, bending as much water as she possibly could into the vessels. When they were finally filled after an agonizing hour, she took Appa reins and signaled him to go back. Appa grunted because of the heavy weight but obeyed.

When they were finally back, she already saw the earth benders making room for the water, coming from the ocean. They were only at the beginning, but she could already see them, making some progress.

She landed next to the field and began to water the fields right away. The dry soil absorbed the water voracious and the air smelled like petrichor.

After everything was watered, she decided to go to Aang and see if he needed any help. She was still deeply hurt but she decided to trust him and to be his friend again. She pondered all night about the things he did and the way he apologized and she was happy to give him a second chance. Lost in her thoughts, she wandered towards Aang and accidentally crashed into him. “Sorry. Is everything alright ?” “All good.” he said with a goofy smile, while rubbing the back of his head. “How long do you think this will take ?” she wondered out loud. “Hmm. Maybe a few weeks. The ocean is a few hours away but we have a lot of bender so this shouldn’t take that long.” he happily said. “Oh really ? But sadly I have to go today. I wanted to say goodbye to you. I know it’s only the afternoon but I still need to get my things and as you already said, the ocean where my boat is, is a few hours away.” “Well, if you want, you can take Appa and fly to your boot and Appa already knows how to get back. By doing that, we could spend more time together, but obviously only if you want to.” He hastingly said. “Sure, that could work.” She answered, smiling.

They talked for hours about various things, like they used to, while working on the underground tunnel. When they finally took a break and the sun went by, the sky turning a beautiful orange, Katara knew it was finally time to go. “So this is goodbye I guess.” Aang sadly established. “No, it’s a see you later.” She whispered. They hugged for a long time, till they let go of each other. Appa picked Katara up, after he was called by Aangs whistle and flew her to Haru’s house. Haru’s mother and Haru were already waiting at the entrance. “Thank you so much for letting me stay here.” She said, while bowing lowly. “We are the ones to thank you. You saved our village again and we are forever in your depth.” Haru’s mother said, while also bowing. They hugged each other goodbye and she promised Haru that she would visit again. Appa brought her to her boat and licked her face. “I will miss you too buddy.” She patted his head one last time and got onto her boat. “Well it seems like I don’t need to go to the Northern Watertribe after all. So the next destination will be Toph’s metalbending Academy” Katara murmured to herself.

Chapter Text

4 Years and 1 week after the Hundred Year War
Royal Palace

The next step was to put almond oil into her hair to make it softer and to make the brushing afterwards easier. He knows what he is talking about, of course his hair wasn’t so knotted like hers but it was still entwined sometimes. Deep in his thoughts, he failed to register that Azula was anxiously standing in front of him. When she coughed softly to catch his attention he looked up at her. His mouth wide open, the shock of his sister cutting her hair hitting him. He couldn’t believe his eyes. Hair was everything for Azula, a sign of perfection. And now ? She just cut it down in a few minutes, without even thinking about it twice.

Azula started to regret her decision more and more when Zuko didn’t talk and just stared. “It looks beautiful.” He murmured, still deep in his thoughts. A smile tugged at Azula's lips and she just had to give into it. “So you like it ?” she asked excitedly. “Of course, but we have to wait for it to dry, it will look different. But I really like it. Why did you decide to cut your hair though ?” he asked, trying to understand his sister’s train of thoughts. There was a long pause, Azula thinking about her answer carefully. “I just wanted to distance myself from the old me. Leave the past behind. I know I have done so many wrongs and I will probably do them in the future too, but I just want to be a better person.” She whispered, looking at her feet. Zuko just got up and held his sister tight. She already got so far and he was really proud. He knew that there is still a long way to redemption and to getting better, but his sister was on the right track. When he let go, he sat on the bed and patted the spot next to him. “We still need to finish taking care of your hair.” He said, smiling. Azula sat down next to him and turned her back towards him, to let Zuko get to work with the various oils he had to put in her hair, in order to soften them.

Zuko put some oil in his hands and spread it across his palms. “I will touch your hair now, is that ok ?” He wanted to be sure that Azula was alright. He just saw her nod and immediately put his hands on her locks. He massaged her head, trying to spread the oil and let it soak her curls. When her hair absorbed the oil, he got a brush and stroked through it trying to unknot the myriad ties. In doing that, he earned a few hisses from Azula. “Sorry, I will be more careful now. But your hair is so intertwined even with all the oil it is still hard to untangle.” “It’s ok, it just reminded me of mother.” She spit bitterly. He didn’t like the tone but he knew now that their mother treated them very differently. “Why ?” He wanted to know more of her past, wanted to understand more of her, and why she turned out the way she did. “When I was younger she used to brush my hair at night. And just like now, I had a few knots and she always tried to brush them out. But she was always so harsh with me, she hurted me every time she combed through my hair but I couldn’t let myself cry in front of her. So one day, I told her to stop brushing through it and ever since then, I did it myself. For more than ten years, I haven’t let anybody touch my hair. So maybe I’m just overreacting but I really don’t like harsh combing.” He got sadder with every word she said, the picture of his mother turning into someone he doesn’t know, someone he isn’t even sure he wants to know anymore. “I’m really sorry. I had no idea, mom favoured me. I mean I thought maybe a little but not to that extent, that she would actually hurt you. But it pains me to hear that both of our parents failed you and harmed you. But please know, that I’m done hurting you, I want this sibling thing to work, even when our parents set us up to fail. I- I won’t let them define our future anymore, we can make a change if only we try hard enough. So, will you help me make a better future for ourselves and maybe even the Nation ?” “I- I don’t know what to say. I mean I think it’s kind of funny that you just held a whole speech over brushing my hair. But.. I- I want to try this whole sibling thing too. I think we can power through our past and our mistakes and live in a future where we can be there for each other.” She looked back at him, her head over her shoulder, smiling. “I already thought you were going to roast the living shit out of me for trying this whole bonding thing. But I’m really glad you didn’t.” “I know, but believe me, I was so tempted.” Zuko just rolled his eyes, a smile spread across his lips as he continued to brush Azula's hair, now more delicate than ever before.

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Zuko left Azula's room after he tugged her inside her bed. She was already exhausted and he could understand that she needed rest, though he was already happy with her improvement. She got stronger everyday and he knew that soon she would want to start firebending again. He promised her that he would help her and he will uphold his promise, he just wants her at full power. He was on his way to Mai now. He needed to tell her all about the progress Azula made and that they wanted to try the whole sibling thing.

When he turned into his chambers he saw Mai laying in their bed sleeping. He sighed, wondering how he ever got so lucky to get a beautiful, smart and deadly fiancè like he did. Deciding to let his lover sleep and tell her later about the current events, he cuddled up to her and he could feel her snuggling up to him. “How was the shower ?” She murmured, drunken with sleep. “It was great. She cut her hair, we had a talk about mom and Ozai and we finally determined that we want to be there for each other in the future.” Wide awake now Mai turned around and looked at him shocked, her usually blank face gone. “She cut her hair ?” “Yeah, I was really shocked too at first, but it looks really good. We need to let it dry though to see the final result but I thought it suits her well.” “Azula keeps on surprising me. But I have a question.” He nodded for her to go on. “Is it cut well or does she need someone to trim her hair ?” “I think it needs some correction. Azula just decided to cut it spontaneously so it won’t be that even. I wonder who will do that though..” He wondered out loud. An idea came to his mind and he smiled goofily. “Oh no. This is one of your bad idea faces.” Mai groaned. Zuko just sulked but decided to tell her his idea either way. “What if you cut her hair ? I mean you are good with knives and you always cut mine. It would also be a good trust exercise.” “And you really think she will allow that ? There is no chance Azula will let me come near her with knives in my hand.” Mai deadpanned. “I will be there of course and I can talk with Azula if you want. She will say yes, believe me.”

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“Absolutely not. Are you insane ? She will kill me on the spot.” Azula says hotly. “Please don’t get angry. I will be there and we talked about trust, didn't we ? If she tries to hurt you, I will interfere. I promise.” “When you decide to get your ass up and interfere I’m already lying dead on the floor, staining the carpet with my blood.” “Please Azula. I know it’s scary but Mai promised she will try and you did too.” Azula looked at him intently like a predator at its prey. Zuko grew smaller with every second that was passing. “Fine, but just know, if I end up dead, it’s your fault.” She accepted, still not sure if it was the right decision. “Thank you.” He jumped up.

He ran to get Mai but she was already on her way with her knives and scissors in her hand. “How did you know she was going to say yes ?” He asked, flabbergasted. “You promised she would say yes so here I am.” Mai strolled past him and into Azula’s chamber. “Greetings.” Azula says awkwardly. Zuko just facepalms himself and groans while Mai looks at Azula curiously. “Greetings ?” Mai repeated. “Yes.” Azula mumbles. “I thought we were past that. Anyways, I’m here to cut your hair so just let me know when you are ready.” Azula's eyes widen and as she looks past Mai and directly at Zuko she sees him nodding encouragingly at the chair and she reluctantly decides to take a seat. Zuko gave her a thumbs up and she just rolled his eyes.

Azula looked at herself while sitting in front of the mirror. She could see Mai standing behind her, a scissor in one hand. Azula gulped but decided to trust her. There is nothing else she could do which made her feel helpless but also for the first time in her life, free. She could die on the spot and she didn’t even care that much. She knows Zuko would be at least a little sad, but who else would be ? Azula has no one in this world except for herself. So she decides to close her eyes and let fate take over. She focuses on the sounds, the room still. It was just like the quiet before the storm. She knew what she was talking about, growing up in the middle of a war.

She opens her eyes cautiously, ready for the blow. But there was none. Mai just looked at her, a small smile on her face and Zuko standing in the back, looking like a proud father. Confusion was written all over her face, while she was trying to find out what had happened. “I can’t believe it.” Mai breathed out. “What ?” Azula snipped anxiously. She didn’t know what was going on and it started to drive her crazy. “You closed your eyes.” Mai responded. “So what ? I closed my eyes. Big deal. Can we just get this over with ? You are making me feel antsy.” Even though she wouldn’t admit it to anyone, she felt proud. Her mother's words are still hanging in the air. “You must let people in, in order to heal yourself. If you do this, nothing will come between you and your happiness.” “Me and my happiness.” Azula murmured. “Sorry, what was that ?” Mai asked. “Oh nothing.” Azula responded too quickly in order to fool her. Mai just looked at her a little sceptical but decided to drop it.

Azula closed her eyes again, enjoying the peace and quiet. She always loved meditating when she was younger and she was sure she would pick it up again, once she was at full strength. When the world around her quiets and it’s just her, living in an own world she created she felt so peaceful. But if there were sounds like the birds chirping she would focus on them, slowly drifting away. Once even, she felt like she was in another world. It was all colorful and weird creatures were flying around, but when she started to hear the turtle ducks quacking again, she knew that she just fell asleep.

Right now she is focusing on the sounds. Hair being chopped off, hitting the floor with a soft thud. Mai and Zuko's breathing. The servants walking by just outside her room. She felt what she used to feel, connected to the world. Grounded. She could feel her inner flame growing, warming her up from the inside. She enjoyed it, soaking it all in. Never wanting to wake up again.

“All done Azula. I hope you like it.” When Azula opened her eyes again, she looked at herself and at Mai who was wearing a proud smile. She could see her own smile, finally reaching her eyes. “It looks..” Azula trailed off, leaving everyone holding their breath. “Perfect.” She finishes and both Mai and Zuko let out a relieved sigh. “Thank you Mai.” Azula murmured shyly, the unusual behavior throwing Mai off. “No problem.” She answered back though.

Suddenly the door was flying open by a panting Ty Lee “Guys I was searching for you everywhere.” “What is wrong, Ty Lee.” Azula asked worriedly. Everyone looked at her for showing concern, still not getting used to Azula being nice. Though seconds later, Ty Lee is squealing.

“Oh Agni you cut your hair. It looks so cute.” She eagerly compliments, clapping her hands together. Mai and Zuko were just observing the scene quietly. “Thanks Ty. Well, is it okay if I call you Ty ? I mean I called you that in the past but if you changed your opinion about the name I can just call you Ty Lee again.” “No need. Please call me Ty. I insist. Can I call you ‘Zula ?” She asked with a wide smile. “I would like that.” the princess murmured. “Perfect. But to answer your question from earlier. Nothing is wrong. I just prepared a picnic in the royal gardens and wanted you guys to join me.” “That sounds lovely, Ty Lee.” Mai responded, taking Zuko's arm and leaving Azula’s chambers. Azula hesitated. Was she really welcome ? Or was this just a picnic for friends, somewhere she definitely didn’t belong. “Are you coming ?” Ty Lee asks, with a fond smile. “Do you even want me there ? I could understand if you didn’t.” “Don’t be silly, of course we want you there.” She outstretched her hand for Azula to take. Hesitantly she took it and let the acrobat drag herself to the picnic.

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4 Years and 1 week after the Hundred Year War
Royal Garden

“Wow, you really got all my favorites.” Azula said astounded. In front of her were all of Azula's favorite dishes and drinks. Roasted Komodo chicken with some rice and salted vegetables garnished with togarashi. There were also some extra spicy fire noodles. For dessert there were some bean cakes, fire cakes, hot cakes and even fruit tarts. For drinks, Ty Lee prepared some melon juice and tea.

“Thank you.” Azula breathed out. “No problem, I just wanted to give you a proper welcome. You deserve it, you know ?” Ty Lee looked at her with so much fondness, that Azula almost began to cry again. But she made a promise to herself. She could only cry once a week, because her emotions were starting to get out of hand. So all Azula could do was nod and smile.

Zuko was leaning on a tree, while Mai was sitting in his lab. His hands were securely around her waist and they both looked really happy. Azula just rolled her eyes, even though she thought it looked kind of cute.

They started to eat the food, Ty Lee gaining a few hums and smiles from Azula and all four of them talking about everything and nothing at the same time.

“Zuzu, have I already mentioned to you that my friend Zirin will come visit us soon. I wanted to invite you to come drink tea with us. You could make a friend if you’d like.” Zuko smirked at the nickname he used. Azula just looked at him dumbfounded. “You can’t do that. Only I get to use that name.” “But isn’t it weird that it is fitting for both our names ? Makes me wonder why our parents gave us such similar names.” “I don’t know but you can’t steal that name.” “Ok ‘Zula. Then I just have to think of a nickname that annoys you.” “Is Zuzu annoying you ?” She asked, feeling weirdly hurted. “No, lately, I like it. I guess I just didn’t enjoy it, because you taunted me with it, when we were younger.” “I guess that makes sense. But we totally drifted away from your question. I would be delighted to join you both.” “Perfect, then I will send a word to her.”

They keeped on talking for hours till the sun was setting and the moon appeared in the sky. Mai and Zuko soon left after the moon announced itself, to get their proper night sleep. They both relied on their rest because Zuko needed to rule and Mai needed to prepare their wedding. They left Azula and Ty Lee behind, who didn’t mind at all.

“So Azula, how have you been doing lately. I didn’t want to ask you in front of everybody but I just need to know what I can do, to make it better. I see that you struggle and that is totally understandable but you need to let me in. So please don’t try to lie to me, I always know when you do.” Azula perked up at that “You do ?” she squiecked. “Of course I do. I know how to read you like an open book.” She slowly took Azula’s hand into her own. She heard her oldest friend sigh. “I always loved how perceptive you are. Well, there is no hiding I guess. I just feel that I don’t deserve any of this. Monsters don’t deserve the love from friends and family. Monsters don’t deserve nice things. And I’m nothing more than a cruel monster. Mother always said so.”

Ty Lee squeezed Azula’s hand tight, growing angrier with every word. “How dare you say something so fallacious and ludicrous about my friend.” Azula was taken back by her friend's outburst. Ty Lee usually never gets angry. “My friend is perfect the way she is. Of course she made mistakes but that is what makes her human. So there is no way you are a monster. Do you hear me ? You deserve nice things, you deserve the world. Don’t let anyone tell you something different.” Ty Lee pulled Azula by the arm so that she was closer and could be embraced. Azula promised herself not to cry this week but Ty Lee made it impossible. Tears were on the edge of spilling and she couldn’t hold back. They were hugging each other for what felt like years, showing how they care for one another with their touch. Saying sorry for everything with their touch.

They laid down on the blanket, cuddling on the ground, till the sun rises again, and Agni blesses them with his first rais. They stayed like this till Mai found them. She smiled fondly at the two teenagers and decided to wake them up so they could enjoy breakfast together.

Chapter Text

4 Years and 1 month after the Hundred Year War
Royal Palace

The gentle bird chirping and the first rays of Agni have woken Azula from her slumber. She was currently lying in her soft bed, her head already immersed into the cushion and her blanket wrapping around her comfortably, keeping her safe from the world outside. It was way too perfect to ever leave, but sadly she had no other choice but to.

Ever since Zuko brought her home, her favorite activity was to lay in bed and sleep. The former princess would have never guessed in a million years that one day, she would end up like this. But since the war was over, what did she have to fight for ? Why did she have to wake up everyday and leave her room ? Lately, her head was flooded with these questions, for which she didn’t have an answer. This was also something new for her because Azula always had an answer to any question. She truly was a nerd but some secrets can never see the light of the day. She can already imagine the teasing she would get from her foolish brother, whom she started to adore. But this was just another confidential thing, to never be revealed.

However, today was an important day if she remembered correctly, that’s why she needed to get up. Leaving her safe space was always hard and she usually doesn’t enjoy it much but meeting this mysterious friend Zuko talked about, was way too exciting to miss out. And she already made a promise and Azula was never one to break them.

So she finally decided to leave her bed in order to walk into her closet. Her brother made sure she got a big one filled with various gowns for any balls coming up, which she certainly won’t attend. Just imagine the sheer panic everyone would feel, upon seeing Azula in the Palace again. Nonetheless, there were still myriad clothings she could very well wear. For example her training robe, though she was too slothful to practice her fire bending. And if she was honest, scared as well. What if she wasn’t good enough anymore ? What if she wasn’t able to produce any controlled flame anymore, since she was locked up without Agni’s rais for too long? What if her flame wasn’t her typical shade of blue anymore and what if it was stricken with shades of orange ? What would her father think ? He would already be so disappointed in her, because he surely wouldn’t like that she had a working and growing relationship with her brother.

Deciding to move on from another thousand questions flooding her mind, she looked at her other garments. Come to think of it, she still liked her comfortable robes her brother ordered the palace tailor to sew. She was measured shortly after she was finally able to be awake for more than eight hours, since the process of this whole ludicrous task was taking way longer than it should have and her wardrobe was slowly filling with different attires. Her brother even ordered two bikinis, since he wasn’t very keen to relieve that situation in the bathroom again, and if she was sincere, neither was she. The pure embarrassment she felt was already creeping up her body, so she quickly got dressed to distract herself from her thoughts.

When she was dressed at last, she took one last mournful look at her bed, just imagining the soft cusion and matress and left her room with a heavy heart. She truly was addicted to comfort and sleep but that was another thought to worry about later.

Outside of her chambers, her usual guard picked her up and they started chatting a little bit. Zuko promised her the day that he took her home that there would always be someone around her, if she ever decided to leave the palace without anyone's permission. By now, she already accepted it and why would she leave this place ? If she wanted to start overthrowing the Fire Nation, it would be best from within, just like she did in Ba Sing Se. But lately, she had no desire to. Zuko is always stressing about work and by the look of it, he would much rather let someone else be Fire Lord. If being the most powerful person in the world was such a burden, she would rather not take on this responsibility, even though her younger self wouldn’t believe these current thoughts.

Zulak, her guard, was one of the more pleasant ones. She was rather young, almost the same age as Azula was and wasn’t really scared of her. She seemed to enjoy the company and their conversations, which also kind of delighted Azula. As of late, she doesn’t relish it when people fear her. At this point, she doesn’t deserve the power that comes with it, since she was a broken shell of a person and truthfully, she wouldn’t gain anything from being feared anymore. Besides, her brother was the most respected man in the Fire Nation and everyone felt safe and happy around him. So maybe she could start to turn over a new leaf. What would be the worst that could happen?

When they finally arrived in front of Zuko's personal chambers, Zulak bowed respectfully and stood nearby the door.

“Zulak, how often do I have to tell you that I’m not a princess anymore so you don’t have to bow for me.” It sounded harsher than she intended to, but the certain edge was still missing.

“My apologies, your highness, those are direct orders from Fire Lord Zuko, to address and treat you as such.”

This made Azula raise her brows. “Oh, did he now? Well then, at least let me return the favor.” With that being said, she bowed in front of Zulak and left her stunned guard behind, already entering Zuko’s office. She didn’t feel the need to knock, since her brother probably heard her talking outside and because he should be awaiting her already. However, for good measure she decided to go for a light tap on the door.

“Hello dearest brother.” She sarcastically greeted. Zuko just rolled his eyes at his sister’s antics but welcomed her nonetheless, happy to see her in a rather good mood.

“How are you ? I haven’t seen much of you, since you are always in your chamber, doing Agni knows what. Might want to fill me in on that? I’m starting to worry about you.” He truly misses his sister and hopes to see her more often in the near future. Zuko wants to reconnect with her, making up for all the lost time even though he knows that it is partly his fault. That’s why he wants to make her feel more welcomed than ever, inviting her over for tea and introducing her to a friend, who could help her, with whatever it is, that she is currently going through. He reckons that it would be great to have someone that she doesn’t have any history with. They could start fresh and rely on each other. Zuko wants for his sister to finally be able to heal, to have somewhat of a normal life with friends and something else to think about rather than the dark thoughts that might creep up on her at night. Even though he wants to be there for her, she might not want it, which he could understand. However, he would still secretly hope that she needs him. That he could be her guide, just like Uncle Iroh was to him, during the most difficult time of his life. It’s only fair, after all these years, to finally help his sister. He wouldn’t admit it to anyone, but ever since he knows of his sister's wellbeing and how they were treating her in prison, bad dreams haunt him at night, which sometimes leave him sleepless. Not only once did Mai stare at him in a confused manner the next day, because of the forming bags under his eyes.

“Well, I’ve been doing rather great, thank you. I know I wasn’t really as outgoing as I would have liked to be but my bed is my safe space, so there’s nothing you have to worry about. I don’t like to leave my chamber but I promised you this and I’m always one to uphold it. And I’m also really excited to meet your friend. You have been stinting with the details and it’s starting to get to me.” Azula had no time to think about why her bed was currently her best friend and why she often longed to not be awake. However, now was one of these moments that she truly wanted to spend with her brother and the mysterious new person Zuko has been talking so much about.

“Sorry about that. I just want you to meet her without any prejudice. If I tell you about her, you will already start trying to figure out what kind of person she is, even though you could do that, while she is here. Come to think of it, she must be arriving any minute. So, do you want to wait in front of the palace with me?”

“Well, I guess you’re right about that. Let’s go then, shall we?”

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5 Years after the Hundred Year War
Metal bending Academy | Yu Dao

When finally arriving at the shore of Yu Dao, where Toph’s metal bending academy was located, Katara docked the boat with rather skilled hands, since she’s done it so many times before now and packed her things in order to greet one of her oldest friends.

The hike up to where the academy was, was quite a long one since there were so many stairs leading towards it. Katara didn’t mind though, since a lot of flowers were blooming on the side lines and she could spot small animals playing and having fun amidst the rays of Agni who were at its fullest during this time of the day. It also gave her time to think. Toph and her always had a rocky relationship but she still loved the girl with all her being. She hoped that she could stay at her place without having too many arguments because she just didn’t have it within herself to fight with anyone, after the last couple of weeks. Honestly, she was just exhausted at this point and longed for some peace and quiet. Of course she had time to think in between her stays, while being on her boat, but it just wasn’t the same as getting some well deserved rest on stable grounds. However, that was not all she could think about. Katara knew that Aang already cleared up the rumor with Toph’s assistance here but still, she couldn’t help but feel a bit anxious. She didn’t want anyone thinking that she could do such a horrible thing to her partner and didn’t need anymore hate comments being thrown at her.

Coming to terms with her own inner feelings, she made her last steps after what felt like hours and stood in front of the big gate that was welcoming her to Toph’s academy. She walked inside and looked around for her friend but all she could see were a few students who greeted her with a small smile.

“Maybe everything will be alright after all.” Katara thought hopefully.

“I’m sorry but do any of you know where Toph is?”

“Yeah, she is in the main hall, teaching newcomers the art of metal bending. She is not in the best mood though since they aren’t picking it up as fast as she would like them to.”

With that, Katara chuckled. Of course Toph would be frustrated at other’s for not learning the skill as fast as she did back then.

“Thank you.” With that being said, she made her way towards where her friend currently was.

——————————————————————————————————————————

“Hello sugar queen.” Toph sensed Katara walking towards her, even before she entered the hall but decided that it was best for her, to not let her students out of sight. Now that her old friend was standing in front of her though, Toph turned towards them and shouted. “Everyone, take the day off. Me and sweetness here have some business to attend to.” Everyone gladly scattered away at being given the rest of the day.

Katara just rolled her eyes at her friend's antics but decided to go for a hug anyway. Reluctantly, Toph returned the embrace but only for a few seconds until she shoved her away. “Okay, that’s enough for now. Also, this was an exception since I haven’t seen you in so long. Don’t get used to it.”

“Trust me, I wouldn’t dream of it.” Falling back into old habits was rather easy and Katara was glad about it. She knew, some things would just never change which gave her a certain comfort.

“So how have things been? I heard you’re not making the desired progress with your new students. Have you tried the approach I told you about so many years ago, when you were teaching Aang to earthbend?”

”First of all, who told you that? I have to admit, these people are all dunderheads. They don’t get anything I’m trying to teach them and it starts to get to me. But switching topics, I heard Aang made quite the fuss about your breakup.”

“Ugh, don’t remind me. So many people all over the world hate me now. Even Kyoshi Island didn’t want to let me stay there at first. I had to tell them the whole story about how things really went down and that I didn’t cheat on Aang. He made my life so much harder than it needed to be. But I guess it’s all good now. We talked a few weeks ago, before I decided to visit you and we made up. I’m still hurt and I probably will be for a long time, but I forgave him for what he did. I know he was just as hurt as I was. Also, he is currently traveling around the world, diminishing the rumor. Hopefully, it will vanish soon. ”

”Geez, I didn’t ask for your whole life story but I guess it’s nice that you two made up again. To be completely honest with you, I miss having the Gaang around. Suki and Sokka never visit, Zuko is busy with his Nation and Aang has his Avatar duties to attend to. I guess clearing up the rumor now as well. Anyway, hopefully we will have an adventure soon, since the academy starts to become rather boring.”

“I guess you’re right, I haven’t seen all of our friends in so long too. That’s why I’ve actually decided to make this trip and visit all of them again. I already saw Suki and Haru and now it’s your turn since you were rather near Haru’s village. After that, I’m visiting Zuko. You could come if you’re looking for an adventure.” She didn’t mind having the earthbender with her and would be glad about the company.

“Sorry but I have to pass. I know you’re traveling with a boat and considering how last time, I won’t try to deal with that again. Also, I can’t just leave these people. Even though it’s exhausting, I have responsibilities weighing down on my shoulders. Ugh, now I sound just like Aang. Makes me kinda icky.”

Katara just laughed softly but understood in the end. She was kind of surprised with the growth the other teen underwent but proudness was starting to form in her chest.

“I’m glad you’re taking your job so seriously. I guess you can always come by later and catch up if you change your mind.”

“Sounds like a plan.” With that being said, both smiled and the shorter girl led the other towards the guest room.

Chapter Text

4 Years and 1 month after the Hundred Year War
Royal Palace

Zuko and Azula were currently waiting outside the Palace, in order for them to greet this mysterious friend who Zuko seems to be rather fond of and who he wants her to meet. It infuriated Azula to great measures, since she didn’t like to be kept in the dark about these things but she could forgive her brother because his logic, for once, made sense.

When a carriage finally arrived in front of the palace, Azula was trembling with anticipation. This person was already starting to get to her, since she couldn’t do her research beforehand, just like she would have done countless times in the past. She also knew that she wasn’t the best person with handling other people and her current mental health, even though she didn’t like to admit it, wasn’t the best at the moment. However, she didn’t have the time, nor the capacity to think about that. Maybe she would dive back into it, when she felt more at ease and when she knew, she was safe enough to have an episode. Now wasn’t the time for craziness and hallucinations though. The utmost priority was for her to act normal in order not to startle Zuko and make him regret his decision on freeing her from this prison, as well as meeting his friend. Also, she weirdly didn’t want to give off a bad first impression, because for some odd reason, she already started to care about Zuko’s friend.

The ostrich horses came to a halt and the person leading them to the palace got off from his seat and went to open the door for the nobility. Azula’s heart was racing and she didn’t know why.

Maybe it was because it was the first person who she has officially met since being in jail, apart from the palace staff. Or maybe it was because the girl, stepping out from the carriage was one of the prettiest she has ever seen.

She had adorable freckles adorning all across her face and deep, dark brown eyes, which were surprisingly giving her face a soft touch. Her hair was in a braid, almost like Ty Lee's hair has always been and she wore an astonishing red and violet gown, which highlighted her face even more. Azula stood there, shell shocked while Zuko went on to greet his old friend.

”Thank you for the invite, Fire Lord Zuko.” With that, she bowed to Zuko.

“You know, we know each other well enough for you not to do that anymore. Anyway, hello Zirin. How have things been?”

“I’m sorry, I always forget. Everything is fine at the moment, I have much more time than before and finally started to train my firebending again. How about you?”

“The last month has been quite an eventful one. My sister, Azula is finally out of prison and is getting used to the life she had before. I know I’ve already told you a lot about her through letters but I thought it would be nice if you two could finally meet in person. That’s why I’ve actually invited you over for a cup of tea.” He answered sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head, not at all looking like the all mighty Fire Lord, but rather like an unsure teen. A habit he has picked up from his best friend, Aang.

”I can only imagine how stressful everything must have been but I’m more than excited to meet her.” And with that, she went on to greet the Princess of the Fire Nation.

Azula, who was still not moving, finally registered that this person, Zirin, was coming to greet her. She did her best to act natural and to regain her composure. This has never happened before, yet again, a lot of things that have happened in this last month haven’t happened before.

“It is my honor to finally meet you, Princess Azula.” She bowed yet again, deeper and with much more meaning than she did with Zuko, giving the impression that she was in fact the Fire Lord.

Even though the Princess was more than blushing, she could thankfully hide it perfectly while mirroring the other girl's actions. When she was finally able to speak, without her voice shaking too much and without it being too obvious that she was clearly crushing on Zuko’s friend, she spoke softly. “The honor is all mine. Zuko spared me any details regarding your person, so I’m rather keen on getting to know you better.”

“Did he now? Well then we should get started immediately, if I’m not mistaken.” She winked at her and linked her arm smoothly with Azula’s which did not help the princess’s growing blush that was spreading all across her face and walked with her towards the palace.

Zuko looked at them dumbfounded and started to follow the pair. He knew that Zirin was a rather touchy person, however, physical touch was certainly not something Azula enjoyed. Especially with people she didn’t know, so it bewildered Zuko even more, that she accepted Zirin’s arm so eagerly. Nonetheless, it put a smile on Zuko’s face, since he was happy that his plan already seemed to work.

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5 Years after the Hundred Year War
Metal bending Academy | Yu Dao

Toph led Katara to her guest room and started to get settled in. Katara decided that it would be a longer stay, since this would be her last stop before meeting Zuko in the Fire Nation and Toph admitting to missing their old group also made her want to stay longer than she intended before. Moreover, she started to dread traveling with a boat and wanted to have a longer pause from having to endure that.

Katara put all of her clothes, which weren’t a lot, inside a wooden wardrobe. Her other belongings, which she might need to use at any moment, went inside a metal shelf. The rest, she didn’t unpack. If she required anything else, she would just grab it from her bag. This way, she wouldn’t spend so much time packing her things again, when leaving Yu Dao. She learned that while traveling with her friends.

When she was finished, she laid out her map and started to think about her upcoming route towards the Fire Nation. Even though she had a lot of time till she would leave this place, she always liked to plan everything beforehand, so if something came up, she didn’t have to worry about it later on.

While looking on the map, she realized she could pay a short visit to the Western Air Temple. She always wanted to look at the Air Nation culture more deeply but never had the time to. She was always on the move and once the war was over, had to restore her tribe or help Zuko with rebuilding his Nation.

Once she decided that she had seen enough of the Temples, she would start to travel towards the capital of the Fire Nation. She toys with the idea of visiting Ember Island first, since she has never been before and always wanted to visit. Maybe if she pesters Zuko enough, he agrees to go with her. He could bring Mai and Ty Lee and the four of them could hang out, just like they did, once the war was over.

——————————————————————————————————————————

2 Years after the Hundred Year War
Royal Garden

“Mai, you still need to show me how to throw knives properly. What if I don’t have my water pouch with me and there is no water in sight or places I could draw it from.”

They were currently taking a stroll around the Royal Garden in order to get a break from all the responsibilities weighing on them. Katara had the idea of feeding the Turtle Ducks at the pond and Mai accompanied her, since she didn’t want to be stuck in another meeting with her grumpy boyfriend, who was always on the edge during those.

“That literally won’t happen. You can draw it from thin air, or the plants around you. I don’t see how there is any possibility, where you aren’t able to bend.”

”Please.” Katara drawled the word out while giving Mai her best puppy eyes and to her surprise, the other teen gave in.

“Fine. But only because you won't shut up, if I won’t.”

“You’re very right about that.” Katara replied with a chattery tone, while smiling widely, almost like Ty Lee would.

Mai just rolled her eyes but decided to start with the basics and get this over with as soon as possible. She could already feel the headache that was sure to come.

She loathes teaching others her skills, since they never pick it up as she would like them to and it would take years to perfect it. People often underestimate the time and patience one has to put in, in order to throw them in a certain way, like she is doing now. They normally just give up, after a few hours of practice and move on and it annoys her to great measures.

She’s speaking from experience. She tried it with Ty Lee before but that girl was just not cut for it. Her best friend nearly killed her while throwing knives towards a target that was as big as a platypus-bear. After that, Mai didn’t want to help out anymore and Ty Lee just gave up and decided she should focus her time and efforts towards something she is already good at.

Before they could even begin, Mai had to get a wooden target for them to throw at. Once she was back, she started with the instructions.

“Okay, so you have to be totally relaxed in order not to overthrow the knife. It could lead to a bad form and the knife wouldn’t go where you want it to go. Secondly, stand up straight. It ensures a straight and accurate throw. Your right foot should be before your left foot.”

Katara followed all the instructions and looked at Mai expectantly after finishing what she was told to do.

“Looks good. I’ll give you a knife that is rather easy to throw at first. Once you’re good at that, you can move on towards a more complex form and a knife that is harder to throw.”

Mai hands over the knife and Katara accepts it eagerly. Mai herself has a similar one, mirroring Katara’s stance.

”Okay, so let me show you how it’s done and then just copy my actions.”

Katara nodded and watched Mai intently in order to do the same, later on.

Mai took a deep breath and focused on her target ahead. They placed a wooden disc in front of a tree, so even if Katara missed, it would just cut right into the timber. She made sure that no one else was around, besides them, while Katara and her were practicing.

The knife’s blade was all too familiar in her hands and the handle was facing towards the sky. Mai lifted her arm a little and used moderate force. She let go and it flew right into the bullseye.

Katara watched in awe as the knife flew perfectly and without any effort through the air, later on, piercing its target.

“Did you get that, or should I show you again?” She asked, while raising a brow.

“No no, I think I got it.”

”Go ahead then." She gestured towards where she just threw her knife at, mere seconds ago.

Katara took on the same stance as she did before and copied Mai’s demonstration.

The knife flew with less grace and force, yet still good enough for her first try. It hit the outer target, which is already better than Mai would have expected.

“I think I got it.” Katara beamed and was eager to try again.

On that day, Mai gained a lot of respect for the water bender.

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5 Years after the Hundred Year War
Metal bending Academy | Yu Dao

Katara, lost in her thoughts, didn't realize when a certain earth bender started to enter the guest room.

“Sugar queen, you alright there?” Toph started to almost sound concerned.

This shook Katara out of her memories she had of her other friends, whom she hadn't seen in more than three years.

“Yes, just thinking about the past.”

”Like the war, or what came after that?”

”The latter.”

“What did you think about?”

”Just how much fun I had while being with my friends and how alive I’ve felt back then.”

”Uhm excuse you sweetness, but I’m right here, ready to get some action going.”

At that, Katara snorted. She knew that this was the closest thing she could get from Toph, admitting that she cared about her.

“No, I thought about Mai and how she taught me how to throw knives. I really miss Zuko, Ty Lee and Mai and I can’t wait to finally see them again. I do wonder how much has changed since I last visited. How much I’ve changed. Zuko and I haven’t really written to each other for about a year. He said something about him having his hands full with something unexpected, which delighted him nonetheless and that was the last letter I got from him.”

”Maybe something huge happened in the Fire Nation which didn’t allow him to write to you anymore. You know those politics are far more complicated than in the Earth Kingdom, and I never thought I’d ever say that aloud.” Toph has really grown so much over the last three years. She became more mature and compassionate than Katara thought she ever would. It made her chest swell with pride for her younger friend.

”I guess you’re right. I just miss them, you know. I miss everything. How close we all were back then and how we did everything together. When me and Sokka finally left for the South Pole, everything fell apart. You went on to establish your academy, Suki went back to Kyoshi Island to take on her responsibilities of training the other warriors, Zuko took his role as Fire Lord more seriously than he had ever before and Sokka, Aang and I tried everything we could to help our people back home. I mean, Aang traveled around the world a lot to restore balance but still, we never got to see each other again. It’s kind of hard to imagine that our group hasn’t been united for over three years.”

”I know exactly how you feel. I also miss our group. I miss shoving Aang around and beating up Zuko whenever I can. And I mean, making Sokka look stupid while I’m at it was always the best part of my day.” There she was, the Toph she knew. Katara began to feel anxious at the thought that everything around her had changed so much over the last few years. Yet she knew that she could always rely on Toph. This made Katara even fonder of the girl, standing in front of her.

“Have I ever told you just how much I love you?” She cooed.

“Now don’t get all mushy on me. You know it makes me all icky.” With that, Toph punched Katara's arm. The pain was already flowing through her system and all she could manage was a weak “ouch”.

Everything was back to normal and it filled Katara with immense joy.

She was happy that after all this time, she was finally home.