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Chapter Text

"Your Princess Azula, clever and beautiful, disguised herself as the enemy and entered the Earth Kingdom's Capital. In Ba Sing Se, she found her brother Zuko, and together they faced the Avatar..."

"And the Avatar fell! And the Earth Kingdom fell!"

"Azula's agents quickly overtook the entire city. They went to Ba Sing Se's great walls ...

"And brought them down!"

"The armies of the Fire Nation surged through the walls and swarmed over Ba Sing Se, securing our victory."

"Now the heroes have returned home!"

Azula walked toward Li and Lo proudly. Her chin was high and a smirk was on her face. She was a prodigy, no doubt. And even if some doubted that they had been proved wrong. After all, she had done the impossible. This had to be her greatest achievement- No, this had to be the Fire Nation's greatest achievement yet!

Even the Dragon of the West, Azula's smirk grew, so loved was he by the Fire Nation’s people, considered to be a wise leader by everyone, the one who got the closest to conquering Ba Sing Se, was now defeated by her. 

"Your princess, Azula ..." 

The crowd cheered loudly for the princess who could penetrate the impenetrable. But of course, even Azula accepted, that none of this could have been possible without...

"And after three long years, your prince has returned ..."

"Zuko!"

Zuko came and stood beside her. The crowd cheered loudly again. Azula gave Zuko a proud smile. She was happy to realize that Zuko was not a weak child anymore. He had grown. Had become smarter. His firebending had improved as well. Not as great as hers. Nevertheless, he had regained his honor. The whole nation is a witness to that.

Azula will never admit it, but she was proud of him and pleased that her big brother was home again.

"I expected this kind of treachery from Uncle. But Zuko, Prince Zuko, you're a lot of things, but you're not a traitor, are you?"

"Release him immediately."

"It's not too late for you, Zuko. You can still redeem yourself."

"The kind of redemption she offers is not for you." Uncle Fatso objected.

"Why don't you let him decide, Uncle?" Azula couldn’t help but snap at her Uncle.

"I need you, Zuko. I've plotted every move of this day, this glorious day in Fire Nation history, and the only way we win is together. At the end of this day, you will have your honor back. You will have Father's love. You will have everything you want." Her leveled gaze met her astonished brother’s.

She did need him, yes. Not that she couldn't handle everything herself, but she didn't want to take any chances. She had come this far, so she will see to it. If she didn't need another hand, she would have just ordered the Dai Li to capture him and Uncle.

But…maybe some part of her wanted her big brother to come back home. It would be easier to convince Zuko than their Uncle. 

Their Uncle has changed and has become way too much of a coward. Besides, not everything she said had been a lie. He would regain his honor. He would get Father's love. He would come back to the palace.

Was that not what he wanted? What everyone wants?

"Zuko, I am begging you." Their uncle pleaded. Zuko looked at her and then at their Uncle. Azula frowned in displeasure. What is there to even think about?

" Look into your heart and see what it is that you truly want." If Zuzu listens to Uncle then Azula would be convinced that even if years of banishment could not knock some sense into her brother, how could she?

"You are free to choose," said Azula and left them alone. Keeping up her indifferent persona no matter how much she wanted Zuko to be alongside her (if he can keep up obviously). Never admitting out loud because that would be a sign of weakness.

A cold voice echoed in her mind. Weakness is not allowed.

Some time passed and Azula wondered, with a smile on her face, if maybe years of banishment DID knock some sense into her brother.

Because he joined her willingly.

Many days had passed after the homecoming of the fire siblings. Azula truly believed that Zuko would improve for the better. She began to hope that they had a chance to bond again. 

Unfortunately, all her hopes and dreams came crumbling down in the face of reality. Things not only did not improve, but they also got worse. 

She doesn't understand why. Zuko and Mai were getting along. Azula even told Zuko not to visit Uncle because she didn't want him to waltz right into trouble like he always does. They even properly talked at Ember Island!

Then why?

…Why?

 Why did he leave again? Out of all the times, why now?

Before Zuko escaped, the air was filled with happiness and celebration among the people.

Thanks to Azula, they would be prepared for the day of The Black Sun. Thanks to Azula they would be prepared for the invasion. Thanks to Azula, the Fire Nation had the upper hand. 

They could finally win this war and defeat the Avatar and his friends.

After all the planning was done, their father ordered a private audience with Azula and Zuko. 

The fire princess does not remember feeling this thrilled ever. She was sure that her father was going to praise her. After years and years of hard work, she was finally going to get her father's approval.

Perhaps he would even say "I am proud of you, Azula and Zuko. And I love you both." Azula knew that was not possible, but she couldn't help the slight raise of her lips at the thought. Perhaps he won't say it to Zuko, but he would say it to Azula! She has always done her best to please him.

When they finally arrived, Azula's smile faded instantly. 

"How does it feel to conquer Ba Sing Se?" Father finally spoke with...distaste? in his voice...no that can't be. 

Azula and Zuko glanced at each other cautiously. 

"Must be exciting,” Father’s face was contorted as he spoke. “Perhaps in all that excitement, both of you forgot to acknowledge the real mastermind behind that plan.”

Disdain was dripping from his voice. 

“As if two teenagers could come up with the plan to take over Ba Sing Se from the inside."

"But, it was my plan..." as soon as she spoke, Azula regretted it immediately.

The Firelord sneered and stood up, anger decorating his features.

"Is this what you want your Firelord to look like?!” 

What?

“Future Phoenix King?! Ignorant like his heirs?!" 

What?! Azula’s eyes widened in disbelief. She did not notice her brother’s quivering body.

“Do I, the Firelord, look like a laughing stock?!” 

Azula, feeling how unfairly they were being treated, explained nervously. 

"But it was! I-it was my idea to take Ba Sing Se from the inside!" Azula protested. "Not even Uncle-" 

Silence reigned over the room. Not but a quiet gasp disturbed the silence. Azula mortified, glanced at her brother. 

Zuko was already looking at her in shock. His eyes hold underlying fear. 

Oh no... 

Azula's eyes this time widened in horror. 

She moved her gaze toward the Firelord. Undisguised jealousy and hate swirled in his eyes. 

She shouldn't have said that. Comparing Uncle and Father was never a good idea.

"AZULA, SILENCE YOURSELF!" The Firelord roared furiously. Red sparks of fire danced around him menacingly. "What an utter disappointment. BOTH of you. So Ungrateful." 

Azula’s teeth clacked closed as her gaze moved to the ground.

"After this invasion, both of you will tell the truth to everyone, how I ordered both of you to take Ba Sing Se and I was the one to come up with it.”

It was an order.

“Do not disappoint me more than you already have." He walked away.

Azula and Zuko were not stupid. The Firelord was using them again for his benefit. He never loved them. He didn't even refer to them as his CHILDREN.

If Azula felt mortified tears prickling her eyes, she didn't show it.

"Did he tell you anything? Anything at all?" Azula asked again.

"I'm telling you, I know no more than you," Mai frowned again.

"I might guess who might know more." A voice interrupted them from their left. Ty Lee was smiling, but it was tight and awkward. 

“The Firelord’s brother.” 

Azula froze on her spot. Worried glances were thrown at her as her mind ran wild. 

Her Uncle had been right all along. Zuko didn't have anything to gain here. So he left. He left the palace and left Azula alone. 

Uncle had escaped too. On the day of The Black Sun. The same day Zuko left.

They abandoned her. An unfamiliar feeling filled her chest. 

Zuko is just like Uncle. Cowards.

So why was Azula feeling so weird?

They left her, but why was she feeling…relieved? Zuko got away safe and sound without punishment. 

And perhaps the abrupt event, from what Azula could tell, even dumbfounded the Firelord. Something she had been secretly itching to do after their little talk.

But if Zuko was like Uncle…did that mean Azula was like... 

Eyes filled with disdain glared at her from a throne. Azula shook her head rapidly from the memory.

Maybe a few weeks earlier, she would have been proud about it. But now, suddenly that idea didn't seem to sit right with her.

Well, Azula thought bitterly as memories of her past doings resurfaced in her brain, guess mother was right about me being a monster after all.

And yet, even though she was relieved, a pang of hurt still echoed in her heart.

It wasn't fair. Why did Zuko get The Dragon of the West while she got a Phoenix fanboy? Azula thought bitterly. 

Because everything was due to a powered-hungry Phoenix Firelord wannabe. 

And now, he dared to even use his own daughter as a war pawn.

No, before that. He ruined the bond between Azula and Zuko, forced their mother to run away, and never loved them.

"I want to get back at...him." Azula declared with venom in her voice. Azula’s wavering gaze hardened with determination. Ty lee put her hand near her mouth while Mai's eyes were wide open. 

They both knew Azula wasn't talking about Zuko. She was referring to-

Under the stunted silence between the friends, rapid footsteps caught their attention. "The Firelord has ordered a private meeting with the princess." Said a guard.

Azula almost flinched. Almost. She needed to get control of herself, the princess made a mental note. 

Lately, she has been allowing her emotions to control her, messing up, even more, with her life. Almost like she can't- no. 

NO!

No, she won't let that happen. She won't let her emotions get to her like that. She closed her eyes and breathed in and out evenly. She glanced around her. She still has Mai and Ty lee at least, and who knows?

Maybe Zuko felt the need to go on a life-changing adventure trip or something?

Waving her friend’s concerned faces off, she followed the guard to the throne room. 

Azula kneeled. Her gaze towards the ground below her in front of the Phoenix fan- the Firelord. The guard left.

She had never realized how suffocating it was here. An authoritarian voice reverberated against the walls of the throne room.

"You are aware of your brother and Uncle's escape.” It was a statement. Not a question. 

“The same people you were tasked to capture." 

Azula kept her head down. The voice filled with contempt left no imagination of how the Firelord felt about the situation.

"You were aware of your brother meeting your Uncle when he was imprisoned. Yet…you kept it to yourself."

Azula did not move. She could feel the glare of disappointment on her vividly. She kept her head down.

"You were disobedient and displeased that day when I ordered you to tell the truth about Ba Sing Se."

Azula remained still.

"You helped them escape right under my nose. Even after I've warned you numerous times that trust and compassion are for fools." That wasn't true but it seemed like the Firelord had made up his mind.

"I should throw you at the Boiling rock for treachery against the nation.” A treacherous sweat drop rolled down her cheek.

“Unless–"

Azula lifted her head. Not because she was interested in the deal, but because the door had been swung open violently. 

"RUN!" A slightly disheveled Ty Lee screamed at her. Behind her, a group of bodies littered the ground groaning in pain. Azula could not believe it…Ty Lee and Mai had taken down the guards to save her.

"GUARDS!" The furious shout of the Firelord resonated in the room. Before Azula could blink, without hesitation, her Father had sent a powerful lightning blast directed at Azula.

Her rigorous survival training turned on as she instinctively dodged the unexpected lightning bolt. Behind her, a pillar cracked and broke down due to the intensity of the technique.

Alarmed by the commotion, more guards came. However, Azula did not register them in her mind. She was moved by instinct now.

Azula as graceful as ever, spun around as she sent her own lightning bolt at the Firelord in retaliation. 

Before she knew it, Azula had already attacked the Firelord.

Oh fire and ash, she really shot lightning at her father.

Caught by surprise, he still easily dodged it, but the distraction was enough. Azula was already by the exit running down the halls with Mai and Ty lee. She could feel the adrenaline pumping in her veins as the guards were closing in on them. 

Azula would never forget the roar of anger down the hall behind her. Her father screamed how he would put them all in the Boiling Rock leaving them to rot.

They were getting further and further away from the throne, but they were starting to get tired of the unending fights and chasing from the guards. 

"Azula...go," Mai breathed out exhaustedly as she threw three knives at three different guards in front of them. “What?! I would not–”

"Yes, Go Azula! Mai and I will hold them back!” Sweat dripping down her chin. Her clothes were ripped and burnt in some parts.

“Find your Uncle! I'm sure he will help you." Ty lee insisted as she quickly made an inhumane spin, knocking out a guard in their way with a kick. 

"But I can't just leave you both!" Azula was surprised how easily her true emotions came to light with the sudden urge to not leave her friends.

"Azula there's too many of them! Don’t make our efforts go in vain!” Mai protested as she threw another knife behind her. “Just go! We will be okay!”

"...I will come back for you. I promise," assured Azula with reddened eyes as they split up.

Azula ran away.

Azula was running away. 

But, she was no coward. She had made a promise.

She WILL come back for her friends. 

She will come back for Ty lee who left her circus which she had– still adores so much. Abandoning her dreams to stay by her side.

For Mai who was forced to meet inhumane expectations. To comply with everything the Firelord says for the power and honor of her family. For Mai who succeeded in doing the impossible, yet sacrificed all her hard work for her friend. 

She will come back for her friends who had saved her from a life she wanted no more. 

She will not be a monster. She will not be like Ozai. She would prove her mother wrong.

But first, a small smile appeared on her lips, she needs to find her Uncle and Zuzu.

Chapter Text

Azula had been travelling for days now. Once she saw a poster declaring her as a traitor to the nation. If not for the possibility of indicating her location, she would have burned the whole forest down like she wanted to. The posters were all over the nation within a few days of her little escapade. She could have taken shelter in the Earth Kingdom but most of it is under Fire Nation now. She could have lived in Ba Sing Se's palace like she deserved instead of living on eating rags, but Ozai took that away too. Like he always does.

But for now she is stuck in the Fire Nation. In order to disguise herself she had cut her hair short, just a little above the shoulder, by a river with her dagger. Her reflection in the clear water showed how tired she was. She sat there for hours contemplating on where she should go next. She knew Zuko and Uncle were together somewhere. It shouldn't be so hard to find them but will they accept her? She put Uncle in jail and they never saw eye-to-eye to begin with. 

Then there was another problem.

The only way all of them would be at safety was for them to defeat Ozai. If Azula knew one thing about her father is that he would never let his honor down. And the most weak ones and the most loyal one in his eyes? Right under his nose? Is very dishonorable. Anyways, the only way at defeating Ozai was teaming up with the Avatar.

And the Avatar was alive apparently. Two fire nation soldiers by a waterfall were very keen to tell her without even confirming her identity first.

She knew that Iroh and Zuko had already teamed up with the Avatar. It's easy for them to be all goody-goody. Azula, on the other hand. She did kill the Avatar after all. But she was ordered to do so. Also, would Azula, Princess Azula, ever ask for forgiveness? No. She has lived through fear and control. Plus, the Avatar and his friends were trying to END the war. Why would she want to end the war? The Fire Nation was winning it. She would find the Avatar. Let him defeat Ozai and then take the throne herself. If she was the Firelord with Ozai out of the way, she could free Mai and Ty lee. She would be unstoppable and the Fire Nation would be glorious.

But for now she needed shelter.

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That's what she thought days ago. 

Turns out, peasant life was more difficult than she thought. Azula had to do odd jobs for just one meal a day. And that was the best case scenario. Sometimes, when they couldn't give her a meal, they would pay her which was so miserable that she couldn't even buy one fruit with it. And sometimes, they would literally kick her out. Even worse, the one's that gave her work were poor themselves so she couldn't even steal. Everyone was poor. Fire Nation soldiers would come by and take more from the people who had nothing. Tax, it was. More money was required to compensate for the war, they said.

Ironically, Azula learned more about the war and her nation by living among the peasant- commoners more than her palace where they were always taught about how great the war is for all the nations and their people. If this is the state in the fire nation, she wondered what it was like in the other nations. Her own people were miserable. The Fire nation soldiers would take away the most fit of the family, sometimes even children, to fight in war. The screams of the children and begging of their parents haunts Azula in her sleep. The children would never see their mothers or fathers again. They would be on the front lines. A protection for the skilled soldiers.

This wouldn't have affected Azula before, but seeing it up close sure does. She cannot imagine loving parents but she can imagine losing them.

She recalled a conversation she had with a few men...

"Is this a joke? You call this a pay?" Azula demanded the older man while she held the few coins in her palm. "I worked five hours continuously for this?" she continued.

"Look kid, I have nothing more. If you go over straight and then turn a right there will be shop. The price for a meal is a little more than this but if you request, they may give you some out of sympathy since you are a child and all."

Sympathy? They would pity HER? A princess? They should be honored that they get to serve a royalty!

Furious, Azula demanded "SYMPATHY?! AND ME?!"

The man looked confused for a second but then his eyes softened out of pity, angering Azula more. "Are you from a higher family? Did your parents kick you out?" The man shook his head in disbelief. "I will never understand rich people! I may be poor but I would do anything for my children."

Azula ignored the jealousy building up at the bottom of her stomach.

"Look kid," the man said more kindly, "no one here has much. Not even that shop. So they would be doing you a favor by giving you a meal for less price. I agree it's not much but we need to survive. So please go and request them. The war is hard on everyone."

"Why are you blaming the war? It's your fault you don't have any money and are miserable. You should be honored that you live in a nation that is winning it."

"But at what price?" Another man came in. Perhaps from the nearby house(if you can even call that a house). "What honor is there to live in nation that is causing everyone suffering?"

"But the Fire Nation is not bringing misery... it's bring glory-" Azula tried.

"Ah so that's what they teach in school now a days." The second man said as he laughed.

"Just do whatever you want. You will understand the situation soon enough." And with that, the two of them left.

Was she wrong about the war as well? Azula wondered. She had been wrong about Zuko being a fool. Azula's worst fear was confirmed. Her brother did team up with the Avatar and helped some of his friends escape the boiling rock. No one had ever escaped Boiling Rock before that.

She had been wrong about Uncle Iroh being a lazy and weak old man. But he escaped prison in such a "superhuman" way that the guards couldn't even explain it.

She had been wrong about her father loving her. But he never did. He used her as a pawn after shaping her into a monster. And now he doesn't even care about her. He's jolly well on his way to become a Phoenix king.

It seems that, Azula, the prodigy, the perfectionist, the best, was the one that is the least honorable. Wearing rags and eating rags. Barely surviving. She couldn't even take care of herself. How was she supposed to find Uncle and Zuko like this?

She hopes that she can be wrong about that as well. 

She has already lost everything. Maybe letting go of her ego wouldn't hurt her.

So she went to that shop, her legs barely keeping her up, and requested for a meal. 

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And it was true. She did know about the situation now. She was wrong about the war, she admits it. She was wrong about a lot of things.

Azula continued walking towards the direction where the Avatar was last spotted. Hunting the Avatar down was much more difficult without Mai and Ty lee. She missed them. Summer was near and the sun was blazing. She hadn't eaten anything for the last two days. She realized that she needed to take shelter when someone called her.

"Hey! Hey kid! A little help here please." A man was waving his hand and beckoning her over. He looked young perhaps in his mid 20's. He was struggling to carry some wood.

Azula went to him and helped him carry most of it. 

"Wow, you are stronger than you look. Well since we can carry more now, will you help me chop some more wood and collect some berries?"

Well, she did need something to do and so she said, "Sure, why not?"

The man collected his berries while Azula chopped the wood. It was nearly evening when they both returned to his home. His wife thanked Azula saying that the wood would last them a week. And in order to return the favor, Azula could stay with them for the night.

Even thought they lived in poverty, they were happy. They had a young girl of about 5-6. Azula almost envied the family but mostly they put a smile on her face. She helped the woman to cook dinner and the child wandered around. Sometimes, the girl would look up to Azula as if wanting to talk to her but then get shy again. But apparently, she got enough courage to speak to her during dinner.

"You are very pretty." said the child.

Azula just shrugged.

"You know, I used to have my hair like you too. Above the shoulders. But now I am a big girl so Mama said that I can grow it below my shoulders."

"Good for you." Azula said in a monotonous voice.

"So where are you traveling from?" the man asked.

"Yes, I'm a traveler." Azula blurted out before she could stop herself.

"Do you have a name?" the woman asked before Azula could say anything else.

"Name? Of course I have a name." Azula used different names for different people so that no one could track her down. Usually, she had a name ready beforehand, but somehow she forgot to think of one this time. "I'm uh... Iza." she said the first name that came up to her mind.

The child literally squealed. "IZA?! MY NAME IS IZA! WE CAN BE IZA SISTERS!"

Oh no...

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The family let Azula sleep there that night. She was about to go the next morning but the woman wanted to have a chat with her. After finding out that she had no home, the woman asked her to continue to stay for a few days. Her husband was getting weaker day by day because of a disease, she had a hand injury and Iza was too young. They needed another hand in the house. In return, she offered her a home. Azula had agreed. Not because of the meals and shelter, but because she felt sorry for them. Their family seemed so happy she never suspected that they were having their own hardships. But she acted like she was staying just for what she offered her. The woman just smiled and thanked her.

So now here she was watching over little Iza as she stubbornly tried to light up the wood with some rocks. No one in the family was a bender. After 10 minutes Azula lost her patience and sneakily lighted up the wood so that Iza would think she herself did it. She had a soft spot for the child which she will never admit.

"Wait. I saw that!" Iza complained. "But, wow, you're a bender." 

Uh oh. Azula never used her bending because that would give away her identity. She was the only one who had blue fire in centuries.

"You are not going to tell anyone, are you?" Azula inquired.

"Well, on one condition. You need to show me your fire again. Then my lips are sealed." Iza said with a smirk on her face.

Azula smiled. She was impressed. She lit a small flame on the palm of her hand. It did feel good to bend again. Azula missed the feeling of the warmth on her hands.

"Your fire is so pretty." Azula chuckled at the little girl's reaction.

"Some would find it scary." Azula said bitterly.

Iza scrunched her nose, as if deep in her thoughts. Then she ran away to her room and came back with a doll her hands. The doll did not have any eyes. But some buttons were stitched to it instead. 

"Her name is Lala. She was very pretty before when she had her eyes. But then they came off. All of my friends thought she was ugly because of that." Iza scrunched her nose in disgust then continued, "but I believed that she can get better. So I stitched these buttons myself. And look, she is so pretty and unique now. My friends still didn't believe me so I let them play with her, and then they all agreed."

Azula just sat there. Shook. How can a girl so young be so smart? Azula believed that Iza had a bright future in front of her.

"She is very pretty." Azula agreed.

Suddenly the girl became sad. "I miss my friends," she said. "We used to live somewhere else. But the soldiers were taking people away for the war. So now we are hiding here."

Azula looked away. She had seen this before but it doesn't fail to make her sad every time she hears about it.

"I hate the war. And I'm scared." Iza looked up to Azula.

"You have really good parents. I'm sure they will protect you."

"But who will protect them?"

"I will. I will protect them."

"And me?"

"I'll protect you too. I promise."

Iza beamed and hugged her. Azula found herself hugging her back.

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A few more days had passed and today Azula was sent to collect water from the river. It was a bit far away. Azula smiled to herself as she thought about what Iza must have drawn that morning. Everyday she made a new drawing for Azula when she had complimented one of Iza's.

Smiling, Azula walked closer to their home with two buckets full of water. However, her smile turned into a frown as she noticed the same Fire Nation soldiers who were recruiting more commoners for the war, gathered around the house.

Oh no...

Azula ran towards the house only to be met with a horrifying scene. Iza was shaking in the corner, badly hurt and bleeding with her eyes fixed on the two dead bodies on the floor surrounded by a pool of blood. There was a fight, but her parents lost.

Azula took out her dagger and stabbed the fire nation soldier closest to her. Some of them were fire benders and blasted fists of fire in her direction. Maddened by anger and clearly outnumbered, Azula went to her last resort and firebent.

"Princess Azula..." someone awed as they recognized her.

Azula spun and sent a sudden blast of blue fire towards the soldiers. Some of them backed away while some continued blasted fire back towards her. Dodging them away, Azula fired more blasts of fire at them....

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Thirty minutes had passed after the fight. By the time they were done, the whole house was on fire and falling apart. Maybe a few got out alive, but Azula didn't care. She was too busy carrying little Iza in her hands far away from that place before more soldiers come back to capture her. But it was already too late for Iza. Azula was too late. Iza had already lost a lot of blood due to her wounds.

The nerve of those soldiers, Azula thought angrily, to hurt a small, innocent and defenseless child.

Azula had tried her best to cover her wounds and stop the bleeding but to no avail. Iza was quietly begging her to stop the pain but Azula could only helplessly stare and whisper sweet nothings to her. Tears soaked her cheeks as Iza passed away in her arms.

She failed Iza. She failed them all.

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It was dark when Azula was wandering with nowhere in mind. Still shook by grief and helplessness, Azula fell on her knees on the cold stone floor. She failed the only one who were kind to her. The fire nation soldiers knew about her location and appearance. She had nowhere to go.

Azula sat there crying for what seemed like hours. She no longer wanted to be the fire lord. No longer wanted the war to continue. She wanted it to end. So many people would be freed of their grief if the war would end.

Azula missed Mai, Ty lee, Zuko, Uncle Iroh and her mother. She had always missed her mother dearly after she'd left. She didn't want to lose anyone else. What if Zuzu or Uncle died and she never got to apologize for her actions? What if she died and her friends kept waiting for her forever thinking she abandoned them? Thoughts after thoughts crossed her mind as she kept on sobbing.

"Princess Azula," someone called her and Azula took a fighting stance immediately.

"There will be no need for that. I just want someone to have tea and play Pai sho with." said the woman who looked old, very very old, while holding a white lotus tile in her hands.

Chapter Text

Life can be funny sometimes. Just when Azula thought she had lost everyone and everything, had nowhere to go, here she was at the old woman's house, sitting by the pai-sho table.

The old woman sipped her tea once again, what is up with old people and tea? a part of Azula wondered. The other part of Azula took in her surroundings. Even at her state of despair, she wasn't foolish enough to completely trust this woman. But, the house and the owner herself seemed quite harmless and plain. The room only had a mattress and a few small unpacked bags in the corner, indicating that she was a traveler. Other than that, there was the table and two earthen cups filled with tea. Azula hadn't touched hers.

"Do you want to go first?" The woman inquired, looking at the Pai-sho board and back at Azula.

"Let's get straight down to business," Azula replied, her voice authoritative, "what do you want?"

"Oh, fire and ash how rude of me! I forgot to even introduce myself!" She then bowed to her with her right hand in a fist and her left palm facing the other hand. "Greetings Princess Azula of the Fire Nation! I, Tai a member of the White Lotus, am honoured to meet you."

Azula returned the gesture. She had heard about the White Lotus but had never met a member before. She had heard rumors about how some of the finest benders were part of that secret society.

"The Order of the White Lotus is an ancient and secret society that transcends the boundaries of the four nations, seeking philosophy, beauty, and truth. We are devoted to sharing ancient knowledge across national and political divides. We have assumed the task of protecting and supporting the Avatar, having done so for Avatar Kuruk and now for Avatar Aang.

"We are aware about the tension between you and the Fire Lord and consequently the escapade of the only other heir." Tai said as she gestured towards her.

Azula nodded.

"I have approached you as a messenger from the White Lotus to deliver the proposal of teaming up with the Avatar to help him end the hundred-year war."

Azula took in a sharp death and swallowed the lump in her throat. She fiddled with her fingers for a while before she looked down, deep in her thoughts.

She was at the crossroads of her destiny.

Should she agree to join the Avatar, betraying her Nation, her father and her ancestors, throwing away everything she has worked for in her life?

Or should she refuse to join them, closing her eyes on the family who helped her when no one would, throwing away the chance to be better and living up to the name as a monster?

But then the true face of her Nation, the so-called glorious Fire Nation, flashed in front of her.

The screams of the mothers, the pleads of the fathers, the cries of the orphans caused due to the war.

Death of the couple who showed Azula a true home, and death of poor little Iza who showed Azula kindness.

"Iza please... help... hurts so much..." Recalling her last words again brought Azula to the brink of tears.

Tai sat calmly in front of her, letting her take her time for her decision.

How could Azula refuse to join and betray her nation, her true nation? How could she close her eyes on the suffering of her people and turn her back on the TRUE leaders of the Fire Nation?

Azula took in a deep breath and declared, "I'm willing to join the Avatar and end the war."

Tai smiled and nodded.

"Well, that makes three in the family." She chuckled as she took another sip from her tea.

Azula's eyes widened. "Are Zuko and Uncle with you?"

She nodded and said, "As of now, only Grand Lotus Iroh is present in our camp. It was him who insisted on this proposal. The others were, well, skeptical; they didn’t have pleasant encounters with you in the past. They only saw eye to eye with him when they all accepted that they would rather have you as an ally, than an enemy.”

Azula looked down in shame. She had belittled her Uncle on countless occasions, yet he gave her another chance; even if it was for the purpose of not having to deal with her as an enemy. She made a mental note on apologizing to him; to Zuko as well. They would never forgive her, but at least they would know.

“Word is, Avatar Aang and his team, including Prince Zuko, will be joining us soon.”, Tai continued, “in fact if we leave early tomorrow, we may be able to meet them on our way.”

Azula nodded and thanked her.

After changing into some clean clothes supplied by Tai, and finally drink her tea which had gotten cold, Tai let Azula sleep on the mattress while herself sleeping on some blankets in vain to Azula’s protest. She thought about pointing out Tai’s age into account during their silly argument, but quickly dismissed it for the possibility of implying the wrong message.

Her dreams were full of bleeding bodies, a helpless little girl and lots of fire.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Azula woke up early the next morning. She quickly took a shower and having nothing to pack, decided to wait outside. The morning air was cool and refreshing with Agni lighting up the sky in a gentle orange behind the clouds. Azula threw her head back slightly and took in a deep breath to calm her nerves. The idea of meeting Zuko and Uncle Iroh both dreaded her as well as excited her. As for meeting the Avatar and his group of friends, well, maybe if she hadn’t shot lightning at the Avatar, things would be a little easier.

Azula was snapped out of her thoughts by a croaking sound in the distance. It was a squirreltoad.

Azula thought about it. Really thought about it. She looked back to see Tai still in her deep slumber.

Well, a bit of practice can’t hurt.

The squirreltoad was sitting on the wooden fence. It croaked again when Azula stood near it but didn’t move.

It hit Azula then. What would she even say to all of them? ‘Hello! I decided to go all goody-goody and turns out my father is as sane as a Phoenix fanboy. Oh and by the way sorry for almost killing you several times.’ definitely didn’t sound like a great option.

What would I normally say?

“Listen, Avatar.” Azula folded her hands and raised her head, “I can join your group, or I can do something unspeakably horrible to you and your friends. Your choice... I mean not really. No umm.... off course it is your choice but I didn’t really mean the doing something 'unspeakably horrible' part. But something unspeakably horrible may happen to all of you and I can help prevent it...” she said to the squirreltoad. “I mean,” she continued, “I am pretty good at firebending. I am considered the best in centuries. Well, you’ve seen me, you know when I was attacking you. Oh well, maybe I should have apologized for that first. Oh and also for almost killing the Avatar and ending the cycle, yeah I’d read about that in scrolls and- anyway I’m good now. And well letting me join comes with other benefits as well, like I know everything about my father’s most trusted men. And no doubt after my leaving he got more people to well, replace me.... and I can also uhh... teach the Avatar lightning bending, if he’s willing.”

The squirreltoad croaked at her. Angrily.

“Well, what’s your answer?” Azula demanded.

The squirreltoad hopped on her head before hopping away.

“Hey, come back! I’m not done practicing!”

“Wow, this is going terrible.”, commented Tai.

Azula quickly turned around and covered her shocked expression by folding her hands and raising her chin as if she was the most gracious and elegant princess in the entire world.

The squirelltoad found the perfect time and opportunity to hop and sit on her head.

“Good morning, Princess Azula.” Continued Tai barely able to contain her laughter.

“Morning.” Azula replied her chin still high ignoring the little nuisance croaking it’s heart out on her head.

“We need to leave now.”

“If that's what suits you best.”

Tai almost choked unable to contain her laughter, nodded and made her way out.

Azula facepalmed the moment she was out of her sight.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

That day and the next few days were full of travel. They had left Fire Nation and entered Earth Kingdom and much to Azula’s dismay, were now at Ba Sing Se. She was back where all of this started. While travelling with Tai, she saw a lot of refugees, all of different nations, broken hearted at the state of this part of the Kingdom now. If it was the worst place of civilization before, it was somehow even worse now.

Because of me, Azula bitterly thought, I was the one who conquered it and caused all of this. Ruining more lives.

Tai and Azula made their way to another part of Ba Sing Se. Agrarian zone, Tai had mentioned. Azula could see the various tents set up as they neared the camp.

“Well, welcome to old people camp.” Tai chuckled.

But Azula was focused on something way more important. At a distance she could make out her brother walking towards the camp, not along with the Avatar-he was nowhere to be seen, but along with his friends, the girl Azula imprisoned in the Boling Rock, and King Bumi who was… not with great terms with her either.

But even though there were a lot of people who would rather not see her now, Azula couldn’t help but smile as she saw her big brother Zuzu.

Chapter Text

"Hello Zuzu." greeted Azula with Tai standing next to her.

The group opposite to her took a fighting stance except for Zuko. Well at least he didn't take a stance but Azula could see that he preferred to remain in such a posture so that he could act quickly and defend himself if she were to attack him. Zuko had gotten even thinner and his hair had gotten longer, now almost covering his eyes. The water peasants stood to his sides along with the blind girl and the girl she imprisoned. She could also recognize a lot of leaders all from different nations. The Avatar was nowhere to be seen. Nor was her Uncle. There were a few more people as well, but she couldn't recognize them. But it was sure from their poorly hidden disapproving face, that she had little friends here.

"Azula", he greeted back.

A tall old man, with a Water Tribe braid, Pakku, Azula recalled his name from the scrolls she had read, informed them that she is also an ally now, much to their reluctance.

"We heard about you in the Ember Island's play." taunted the blind Earthbender, Toph. "They also said that you were crazy and a coward. Seems pretty spot on, don't you think?"

Azula bit her tongue as she struggled to fight the urge of saying a comeback.

"Where is Aang? Where have you kept him?", demanded Suki.

"He's not with me. I haven't even seen-" said Azula before she was interrupted by Katara.

"You're lying." She said with venom in her voice. "So Aang just happens to disappear and you just happen to be here."

"Pretty much." Azula shrugged. The water peasants steal a glance from Toph and then Katara just raises an eyebrow.

"Alright, this is just ridiculous now" argues Sokka, "first General Iroh became an ally, then Zuko joins us-no offence"

"None taken."

"then another one of our greatest enemy joins us. What, should we set up a tent for the Fire Lord as well?"

"It is unlikely that he will join you." said Azula nonchalantly.

"Our ideas match for the first time Sokka", Master Pakku said, "but she's only here because of Grand Lotus Iroh's suggestion. We respect him and his decision."

There's a brief silence and the four of them look at Zuko. "I trust Uncle." he finally said.

"We're keeping an eye on you." warned Katara.

Another brief silence followed until Master Piandao broke it. "Your uncle is this way, Prince Zuko."

"I wish to see him too." said Azula.

Eyebrows were raised and looks were exchanged, nevertheless Master Piandao agreed, "Then follow me, Princess Azula."

They walk in silence for a while till Piandao informed them, "Your uncle is in there, Prince Zuko and Princess Azula." as he pointed to a tent on the other side of the camp.

Azula's breath hitched, would he want to see me?, she wondered, after everything I've done, is forgiveness too much to be expected for?

Deciding that it's better to find it out rather than dwelling on it Azula walks towards the tent. Zuko followed her.

Azula stops right in front of the tent's entrance as doubts and fear caught up to her. She released a breath she didn't know she'd been holding. Maybe she shouldn't disturb uncle after all. Zuko will definitely let him know about her arrival and surely that's all he wanted to know. Azula knew he hates her so why bother him. He doesn't want you here, Azula reminded herself, you heard what Tai said. He just wants me as an ally rather than an enemy. 

She was about to turn back when she heard Zuko sigh. He sat down, his hands gripping his hair tightly.

"Are you okay?" Katara asked concerned.

"No, I'm not okay. My uncle hates me, I know it."

Katara sat down next to him as Azula watched.

"He loved and supported me in every way he could, and I still turned against him. How can I even face him?"

Azula looked down in shame.

"Zuko, you're sorry for what you did, right?"

Azula nodded sadly before she remembered that it was her brother whom she was talking to.

"More sorry than I've been about anything in my entire life."

"Then he'll forgive you. He will." Katara assured.

Azula's lip quivered a little bit and she felt tears starting to prickle her eyes. How much she hoped so. She quickly composed herself and turned to her brother.

"Zuzu do you remember when we were kids we would play tag?"

Zuko smiled a little at the memory and nodded.

"Well then, you must also remember how neither of us liked to lose and when any one of us did, it would be another intense fight of throwing stuff at each other?"

Zuko chuckled and recalled "and then father would lose his mind when we broke something important and yell at us."

"Heh true, while I got my share of disapproving glares and being a disappointment you got the worse share of curses and yelling. well, I got off a little easy because I... I was the better child then."

"How is this supposed to help exactly?" spat Katara.

"Let me help you to realize that interrupting with irrelevant comments to interject into a conversation that one is not having with you is considered dishonourable even in water peasant culture."

Katara opened her mouth to speak again but Azula decided to continue her initial conversation with Zuko. "But now Zuzu you're better than me. You joined the avatar like Uncle wanted you to. You've shown bravery. You know your destiny. And well I," she sighed, "I ruthlessly brash to all of you. I fell down from a prodigy to a failure." She paused for a while. "The point is even if Uncle is mad, at least you will not get the worse end of the stick. Well I think it's better than facing him rather than dwelling more on it."

"Even my idiot brother is better at therapy than her" Katara murmured to herself.

"Well you're right Azula" Zuko said quickly as he got up before Azula could glare at her, "facing him is better rather than dwelling more on it", and together they stepped inside the tent.

"Uncle?" Zuko said timidly.

Uncle Iroh was asleep snoring loudly with Zuko and Azula standing at the entrance. They look at each other and smile. Their Uncle was known to be a loud snorer even then. The fire siblings sat down next to him as night passed by.

Zuko would doze off every now and then but then wake up suddenly and shake his head in order to stay awake. But Azula could see fatigue catching up to him so she suggested him to take a nap with the promise of waking him up if Uncle happened to wake up. Zuko had finally agreed and laid down leaving Azula alone with her thoughts. Fatigue was catching up to her as well but every time she tried to sleep nightmares of burning and bleeding bodies would haunt her. Over the last few days, the nightmares would feel so real she could almost taste the blood in her mouth from fighting the fire nation soldiers, smell the burning flesh of the couple. A shudder ran through her spine as she recalled the memory. Thousands of thoughts and nerves ran through her before she finally decided that some fresh air would help her calm down. After glancing at her Brother and Uncle for the last time and hoping that neither of them would wake up before she came back, she left the tent.

The air felt cool and fresh. Azula sat on a rock that was perched higher than the camp and looked down at the earth kingdom. At night, the kingdom looked so peaceful. Far away, she could make out the walls of Ba Sing Se. Memories flooded back, some good and some bad. Deciding to stay on the good side, she thought about Mai and Ty Lee. Ty Lee's over enthusiastic attitude and Mai's over bored one. A sad smile was on her face. She missed them. She hoped they were alright. She leaned back onto the rock and looked at the stars. In the Fire Nation school, they were told how the ones that left this world were up there as a star. Is Mother up there, Azula wondered, as a star, watching all of us? If it was so, would I be able to locate hers? Surely, Azula thought with a smile, it would be the most beautiful one. Zuzu would agree.

Would Iza be up there too? Azula kept wondering as she sniffed. Tears were rolling down her cheeks now, but she was too mesmerized with the sky. Eventually she wiped her eyes, it was starting to get too cold now, she would have to get back soon. She looked at the Earth Kingdom again, and recalled the day before the eclipse when she was called to attend an important war meeting.

Azula had been called to attend a war meeting when she was training for the next day- the day of the eclipse. Azula had already arrived before time to the throne room and was waiting for Zuko while sitting to the left of her father. Finally her brother arrived. It was his first war meeting after his banishment.

"Welcome, Prince Zuko. We waited for you." Zuko walked up to their father, bowed and sat down next to him.

"General Shinu, your report." The Fire Lord continued.

"Thank you, your majesty." He stood up and walked up to the opposite side of the Fire Lord across the table. "Ba Sing Se is still under our control, thankfully to Fire Lord Ozai." The fire lord smiled proudly while Azula fought back the urge to scowl. "However, Earthbender rebellions have prevented us from achieving total victory in the Earth Kingdom."

"What is your recommendation?"

"Our army is spread too thin, but once the eclipse is over and the invasion defeated, we should transfer more domestic forces into the Earth Kingdom." General Shinu replied.

"Hmm. Prince Zuko, you've been among the Earth Kingdom commoners. Do you think that adding more troops will stop these rebellions?" The Fire Lord asked turning to Zuko.

"The people of the Earth Kingdom are proud and strong. They can endure anything, as long as they have hope."

"Yes, you're right. We need to destroy their hope."

"Well, that's not exactly what I-"

"I think you should take their precious hope and the rest of their land and burn it all to the ground." Azula interrupted him wanting to catch the Fire Lord's attention. 

"Yes ...Yes you're right, Azula." He stood up and walked to the world map. "Sozin's Comet is almost upon us, and on that day, it will endow us with the strength and power of a hundred suns. No bender will stand a chance against us."

"What are you suggesting, sir?"

"When the comet last came, my grandfather, Fire Lord Sozin, used it to wipe out the Air Nomads. Now, I will use its power to end the Earth Kingdom ...permanently. From our airships, we will rain fire over their lands, a fire that will destroy everything; and out of the ashes, a new world will be born, a world in which all the lands are Fire Nation and I am the supreme ruler of everything!"

The War generals applauded.

Azula put her face in her hands, smacking herself. Grimacing she gripped her hair, What was I thinking?  Well the answer was she wasn't. She wasn't thinking entirely. All she considered then was the fear and power to be gained from it. She didn't consider anything else. So desperate, Azula thought to herself, so desperate I was for Father's so called love and attention.

She stayed in that position for some more time before she sensed someone approaching.

"Oh you're here too." Said the peasant girl.

Azula turned to look at her but said nothing. Katara's eyes widened slightly when she saw her tear stains on her cheeks. There was flash of pity in her eyes as she went and sat down next to her.

Azula chose not to say anything and hugged her knees as she looked straight ahead. If Katara was going to attack her here, then she was ready. Perhaps the silence became too much for her because the girl looked at her and demanded, "Why are you here? What is your masterplan this time?"

"No masterplan. I'm just here for my family and I want to defeat the Fire Lord."

"So that you can take the throne yourself?"

"Never had the pleasure of thinking about that"

"Sure." She scoffed. "I don't believe you one bit."

Azula turned her head to glare at her and demanded,  "What is it with you?"

"Oh what is it with ME?" She shrieked furiously. "I wasn't the one who followed us around the world. I wasn't the one who attacked us countless times. I wasn't the one who killed Aang and I DEFINITELY wasn't the one who convinced the Fire Lord to burn down all of Earth Kingdom and-"

"Okay, okay, I get it! I... I know I've hurt you and your friends. A lot. And believe me if I could take it all back I would. I do not expect any of you to forgive me but just know that I am extremely sorry for my actions." Azula sighed.

Katara looked at her and considered her words, thought about them over and over yet she said "I still don't believe you one bit."

Azula closed her eyes in resentment and leaned back on the rock again. "What do I have to do to convince you?"

"I don't think there's anything you can do."

"You forgave Zuko."

"Are you trying to turn me against him?"

"That is not what I meant, water peasant!"

Katara got up angrily and put her foot on the rock and her elbow on the knee so her face was merely inches apart from Azula's. 

"Let me tell you something right now." Katara spat as she glared at her, "If you make one step backward, one slip-up, give me one reason to think you might hurt anybody here, you will not be so lucky to have a second chance anymore. Because I'll make sure to bring you down where you belong."

"Okay." replied Azula coolly as she glared back.

With a deep breath and hands tightened with fists, she said, "Okay." before turning around and walking away.

Azula scoffed to herself as she made her way to her Uncle's tent soon after.

Agni poured his rays down on the White Lotus camp. The sky was beginning to turn red indicating that Sozin's comet was soon to arrive. Zuko, already awake, and Azula, who still couldn't have the pleasure of sleep, sat nearby as Iroh woke up stretched. Azula and Zuko immediately straightened up a little as they realized he had woken up. He glanced back slightly and saw them, but said nothing. Zuko was the first one who cut the silence.

"Uncle," he began, "I know you must have mixed feelings about seeing me. But I want you to know," tears fell down his cheek as Azula looked at him with pity, "I am so, so, sorry, Uncle. I am so sorry and ashamed of what I did. I don't know how I can ever make it up to you. But I'll-" He got cut off as Uncle Iroh suddenly pulled him into a hug, while starting to cry as well. "How can you forgive me so easily? I thought you would be furious with me." Zuko asked through his sobs.

"I was never angry with you. I was sad because I was afraid you had lost your way."

"I did lose my way."

"But you found it again. And you did it by yourself. And I am so happy you found your way here."

"It wasn't that hard, Uncle. You have a pretty strong scent." he said as Uncle chuckled.

Azula, who was crying now, wiped her nose with her sleeve. She froze when he turned to her, "You too, Azula. I am so happy that accepted my proposal too. And I am proud of you for standing your ground against Ozai." he said as he stretched his arms out for a hug.

But Azula got on her knees and hands as she bowed her head down. "I am so, so, sorry, Uncle. I do not even know where to start. I have ill-treated you for so long. I even got you imprisoned and I'm so ashamed for that. I was wrong about you. And Zuko. About everything. And I-I-" she broke off as she sobbed harder.

"It's okay niece. I am not angry at you." He said as he pulled her in for a hug as well. "I'm sorry too, Azula. I thought you had lost your way. I didn't spend enough time with you and left you to Ozai. I thought you couldn't be saved. But you proved me wrong! And I am so proud of you for that! I just hope you can forgive me." 

"Of-Off course, Uncle..." 

Azula glanced at Zuko as her Uncle released her. Zuko was wiping his eyes and smiling. Azula couldn't help but choke out a laugh too.

"We are such a sad family, aren't we?" she mused.

Their Uncle chuckled as he said, "Tell me about it, niece."

A few hours had passed when a war meeting was called. All of them sat on the ground in a circle. Iroh sat with Azula next to him and Zuko next to her. Toph and Katara sat to Zuko's left and opposite them were Sokka and Suki.

Azula recieved a lot of glares and disapproving glances but she chose to ignore it. Being the right hand woman of the Fire Lord, she realized, didn't help either.

"Now, I understand that there are a lot of us that are not pleased with some of us present here or perhaps are not on good terms or at least didn't start on them." Uncle Iroh said as looked around the camp. "But, even then, there is one thing we all share in common ending the war and restoring balance." There were several nods including Azula's. "So, let us put aside our differences and focus on our shared goal."

Katara and Azula looked at each other. There was an unspoken agreement to not like but count on each other solely for this mission.

"Uncle," Zuko began, "you're the only person other than the Avatar who can possibly defeat the Father Lord."

"You mean the Fire Lord.", corrected Toph.

"That's what I just said!" Zuko retorted angrily as Azula fought back the urge to laugh

"Hmmm..." Uncle Iroh was deep in his thoughts.

"We need you to come with us!" Zuko continued.

"No, Zuko, it won't turn out well."

"You can beat him!", said Azula, "And we'll be there to help."

"Even if I did defeat Ozai, and I don't know that I could, it would be the wrong way to end the war. History would see it as just more senseless violence, a brother killing a brother to grab power. The only way for this war to end peacefully is for the Avatar to defeat the Fire Lord."

"And then... then you would come and take your rightful place on the throne?" Zuko inquired.

"No. Someone new must take the throne. An idealist with a pure heart and unquestionable honor."

Iroh looked at the fire siblings, somewhat worried.

"So which one of you is going to be the Fire Lord," Suki inquired.

Azula and Zuko looked at each other.

"We'll figure it out later."

"Yeah, let's save that for later."

"I am sure both of you will work it out." Their Uncle said and smiled.

"Well, what if Aang doesn't come back?" wondered Toph.

"Sozin's Comet is arriving, and our destinies are upon us. Aang will face the Fire Lord.", he said, "When I was a boy, I had a vision that I would one day take Ba Sing Se. Only now do I see that my destiny is to take it back from the Fire Nation, so the Earth Kingdom can be free again." He looked at Azula. "And I will need your help with that, Azula."

Azula took in deep breath said proudly, "I will be honoured." It felt as if that would be the big final step of fully redeeming herself. Many lives in Ba Sing Se were troubled because of her. Now, she can help all of it get better.

"I'm glad."

"What about us?" asked Sokka, "What's our destiny today?"

"What do you think it is?" Uncle Iroh replied.

Sokka thought for a moment before he answered, "I think that, even though we don't know where Aang is, we need to do everything we can to stop the airship fleet."

"The fire nation fleets have become more advanced and dangerous and they will be a serious threat." Uncle Iroh agreed. "And after even Azula leaving the palace the Fire Lord would have surely got even more security and more soldiers to look out for his back."

"We can handle them." said Katara confidently.

"And that also means when Aang does face the Fire Lord, we'll be right there if he needs us." remarked Toph.

Uncle Iroh smiled and nodded.

"Nothing runs faster over land or swims quicker than a giant eel hound. I must say that finding them with Azula's help took much less time than it originally would have." said Piandao to Sokka as he handed him a map, "The air ship base is on a small island just off the Earth Kingdom shore. You should be able to intercept the fleet within a day's journey."

"Thank you, Master." 

Both of them bowed to each other before Sokka hugged Piandao. Zuko and Katara bid each other their goodbyes. Azula turned her gaze away from them to her Uncle. "So Uncle, what are you going to do after the war is over?"

"After I re-conquer Ba Sing Se, I'm going to re-conquer my tea shop, and I'm going to play Pai Sho every day." He flipped a Pai Sho piece and catched it as he spoke.

Azula laughed. "I'll visit it as often as I can." She sighed, "I wish I knew what my destiny was."

"I'm sure you will figure it out soon enough. And even if it takes some time, that's okay too. Look at me, I could figure out that my destiny was running a tea shop only when I became an old man."

Azula laughed with her Uncle. Zuko walked over to them with a smile.

"I must take your leave now Uncle."

"Our best wishes and my blessings will always be with you Zuko." 

Both of them bowed to each other and hugged. Zuko looked at Azula. 

"I will be waiting for you Azula. Take care Zuko." He left after placing his hands on Azula's and Zuko's shoulder and giving them a comfortin squeeze.

"I know that we couldn't talk much but I am proud of you Azula." Zuko said as he put his hands on her little sister's shoulder. "So please take care of yourself and Uncle."

"Definitely. Try not to die, Zuzu. We have a lot of catching up to do."

"I will try my best."

"Zuko..." Azula began, "I'm so sorry for everything I've caused-"

"I know." Zuko assured her. "I know, Lala. I'm not that much of a dum-dum anymore." He grinned.

"Yeah. Yeah you've really grown a lot." Azula said.

Azula hugged him and he hugged her back. Was it their first time hugging each other? Azula couldn't tell. But it definitely was in a long-long time. Her fear of losing her big brother again came back as she realized that if anything happened to him, she wouldn't be able to protect him from Ba Sing Se. But she pushed those thoughts away. She trusts him. She now knows that he can handle himself. She only prays to Agni for his blessing on him.

"Goodbye, Azula."

"Goodbye, dum-dum."

"I just told you that I'm not that much of a dum-dum anymore."

"Doesn't change the fact that I'll be calling you that nevertheless."

Zuko sighed in defeat.

At a distance, Katara could be seen bidding her goodbye to General Iroh with a bow.

"Goodbye, everyone." He replied as he bowed back. "Today, destiny is our friend. I know it."

Chapter Text

It was a starry night. The wind blew softly brushing against the green leaves. The crickets chirped happily unaware of someone walking towards them.

Splat!

Hither and tither went the other crickets, fearing for their lives when one of them was crushed by non other than the Firelord himself.

"It's time for this world to end in fire, and for a new world to be born from the ashes.", announced Ozai, standing in front of hundreds of airships.

Dawn was close when the White Lotus along with Azula reached the great wall of Ba Sing Se. Sozin's Comet could be seen skimming the atmosphere of the Earth. The orange colored sky was somewhat pleasant to the eyes, Azula thought, if she didn't consider the horrors the comet brought alongside it.

She prayed to Agni for her brother to be okay.

Miles away, Sokka, Toph, Suki and Zuko could be climbing their way up a cliff side only to discover the fleet has just taken off.

"We're too late! The fleet's already taking off!", exclaimed Sokka.

"Then we're taking off, too! Where's the closest airship?" said Toph, getting ready to earthbend.

"Wait!", interrupted Zuko. "You guys stop the airship fleets. I will try to hold back Father till Aang comes over."

"But-"

"There's no time to argue!"

"Okay... be safe Zuko."

Zuko watched as Toph launched the three towards the closest airship, using earthbending. After a swift ascension, they fell onto a nearby ship and made their way across the giant vessel.

Zuko's narrowed eyes look over to the horizon. Ready to face his Father and kill him if he has to.

Fire Nation tanks rolled towards the main gate of Ba Sing Se. On the other side of the gate, the flag of the White Lotus stood, waving proudly. Besides it stood Jeong Jeong, Bumi, Pakku, Piandao, Iroh and Azula.

"Ba Sing Se, the Order of the White Lotus is here.", declared Bumi.

"Here to set you free", continued Pakku.

"Here to free you from your misery.", said Azula.

"Only once every hundred years can a firebender experience this kind of power.", said Iroh.

Iroh inhaled deeply and exhaled as a ring of fire appeared around them. The white hot flames grew larger each time Iroh breathed deeply. Azula had never seen anything like this before. She joined her Uncle after a few breaths, her fire adding a blue colour to the ends of the white fire lotus petals her Uncle had breathed. The bright yet deadly lotus surrounded them, growing stronger and stronger every second, as if reminding those who watched how beautiful yet merciless was the fight for freedom.

Azula opened her eyes and raised her arms, as the flames around her collected to make a ball of fire. It collected energy and Azula fired it as a massive fire blast that breached the Outer Wall. Bumi jumped forward and stomped the ground. The three stone blocks that the Order's members were standing on began to quickly move towards Ba Sing Se. Fire blasts were shot at the Order members along with insults towards Azula for returning as a "traitor". Iroh deflected the blasts. The others leaped and went toward the city.

In an alleyway, Pakku bended a giant wave of water over the building and down toward the Fire Nation soldiers. Piandao jumped over it as Pakku turned the wave into ice, freezing the soldiers. Piandao slid down the frozen wave and slashed the ends of the soldier's weapons. Sliding into another street, Pakku unfreezed the water, freezing it again in front of him to block an incoming fire blast. The ice barrier is destroyed, and when another fire blast is about to hit Pakku, a giant wall of fire erupts, made by Azula, in front of him, stopping the attack.

Meanwhile, Jeong Jeong was surrounded by a line of tanks which fired on him, but he blocked the attacks with another giant wall of fire and thrusted the wall knocking the tanks. More tanks began to fire on him from another street, but Jeong Jeong repeated his actions, creating a wall of flame and attacking the tanks with it. The tanks were knocked over and in a pile as the wall of fire pushed another tank into the pile.

Fire nations soldiers surrounded Azula, taking stances, getting ready to attack. Azula's eyes moved wildly from left to right and she jumped and floated in the air using firebending to create fire jets beneath her feet. In mid air she blasted fire from her fist and feet taking down soldiers one by one. She landed on the ground again, when more tanks were nearing her. Azula waved her body and moved her fingertips in order to generate lightning. Light flickered and Azula shot her lightning directly at those tanks. 

Zuko missed his Father's lighting just by an inch. He inhaled sharply, moving away his hair from his eyes, matted from sweat. Azula and his Uncle were right. Ozai did keep more soldiers alongside him. The best of the Fire Nation. All of whom attacked him. Sokka, Toph and Suki were taking down air fleets one after another. Zuko had found his father soon enough after he departed ways from his friends. His father was merciless when he attacked Zuko. Zuko thought he had seen the worst of him when he got his scar but clearly he was mistaken. The Firelord didn't miss any chance to try to kill his son. But, Zuko was able to keep him busy, he had the upper hand, and could have ended his father too until Ozai called up those soldiers and they all ganged up on him. Ozai was a difficult enough match for Zuko, but with so many soldiers, it seemed impossible for him to block attacks from all sides possible let alone attack.

Zuko was losing hope with time, but he was not going to let that stop him. If destiny decided that day was his last then so be it. He would go down heroically. Against his father.

Ozai unleashed a huge fire blast towards Zuko. Though he was skeptical whether he could block it this time, Zuko took his stance. Suddenly someone jumped in from nowhere and blocked the blast. 

It was Aang!

Ozai stared at Aang with surprise. 

"Thank you, Zuko" said Aang, "but the Firelord is mine now."

Zuko, glad that Aang was finally here, turned towards the rest of the soldiers and wasted no time firing powerful blasts of fire. Some fell, many still standing and Zuko got ready to fight again.

He decided that it would not be his last day on Earth and didn't hold back.

Azula unleashes a large burst of fire towards the Dai Li. It was surprising how they were as loyal as dogs when she took over but the second her father intervened, all of them went to him without a second thought. Suddenly, one of them throws a tile right at her stomach. She groans in pain and shoots a lightning bolt near their feet. They jump back, momentarily scared but that was all the time Azula needed. 

She bends a wall of fire which knocks them down. By the time the wall of fire dies down, her opponents are out as a lamp. 

She smirked, satisfied with the way things were turning out. But then, more Dai Li come up and attack her at once. Blast after blast leaves Azula but all of them are blocked by them. Then all of a sudden, her hands are tied behind her back and she is pinned. She struggles but the binds don't budge. The Dai Li near her are about to attack but she breathes hot blue fire right at their face from her mouth.

They scramble backwards in pain and their grip loses. 

Azula flees herself from the grip and leaps up on a jet of fire and kicks her legs forward, sending a wave of fire from her feet during each of her spinning kicks. Right then Jeong Jeong joins her and together they put the last of Dai Li down.

Azula turned around just to find more Fire nation tanks. She felt exhausted but she still charged up her fingers ready to shoot lightning. 

But right then, Bumi rose out of the ground with earthbending. He turned around as Fire Nation tanks appear and fire on him, but he blocked it with earthbending. He lowered the barrier smiling. He shot rocks at the holes where they shot fire. He subsequently used earthbending to shoot them into the air and they land piled on top of one another while the soldiers come out the tank groaning in pain. Azula lowered her hand, as Bumi seemed to have handled it.

Iroh and Azula look at each other and Azula burns down the Fire Nation flag on Ba Sing Se Royal Palace, which she herself had set long ago, to reveal the Earth Kingdom insignia.

Azula inhaled deeply and stared at the Earth Kingdom insignia, with no trace of the Fire Nation. It was as if it was never conquered. Will the mistakes of her past not be visible to eyes just like this one day? She wondered.

She turned around and looked at the aftermath of a war she knew so well. Scorched land, injured soldiers with permanent damage, broken tanks over broken bodies. Or will they leave a mark? She wondered. Haunting her till her very last breath.

She almost jumped when Iroh put a hand over her shoulder proudly. "Well done, Niece, well done.", he said.

Azula smiled. She realized that whatever may happen, she could bear it with her family.

An airfleet could be seen spiralling down and slamming into others. The explosion was so loud, it ringed in Zuko's ears.

Suddenly, the last soldier against Zuko spun and sent a blast of fire toward Zuko. Zuko brought his hands up and jumped forward, bringing his arms down in front of him. He bent a flame in each hand and they emerged and sent them flying towards him. Zuko kicked his legs forward and sent waves of fire towards the soldier who finally fell unable to block them. He fell on his knees and clutched his stomach, looking up at Zuko with narrowed eyes awaiting his death. Zuko decided to spare his life too like the others and just knocked him out. He turned to look at Aang. He was shocked to see Aang in the Avatar state and his father desperately trying to fight back.

Aang moved his arm in a circular motion causing water to wrap itself around Ozai's leg and up to his outstretched arm, whipping him around, before slamming him on top of a pillar. Aang flied forward and earthbended Ozai's hands and feet to the ground, trapping him. Helpless, Ozai watched fearfully as Aang hovered over him, his voice echoing with the fury of his predecessors.

"Fire Lord Ozai, you and your forefathers have devastated the balance of this world, and now you shall pay the ultimate price!"

Aang combined all four elements together for his final attack. Zuko watched, his breath caught up in his throat. At the last second, however, Aang comes out of the Avatar State, let his attack die out, and floated to the ground, freeing Ozai in the process.

"No, I'm not gonna end it like this."

"Even with all the power in the world, you are still weak!" spat Ozai.

Ozai moved to attack Aang but he stump down and lifted a foot up, dragging a pillar of earth along with him, deflecting Ozai's attack and binding him inside the rock. He circled Ozai and proceeded to bind his other hand as Ozai attempted to attack again. He pulled the rocks down into the earth slightly, causing Ozai to kneel. Ozai attempted one final fire breath attack, but Aang used airbending to stop and approached him and put one hand on Ozai's forehead, and one on his chest, while he watched in horror.

Suddenly, Ozai's eyes and mouth began to shine out red energy. Aang's, followed by Ozai's, bodies become consumed by the blue and red energies. After a few seconds, an intense beam of blue energy erupts into the sky. The beam disappears and Ozai falls to the ground as Aang releases him.

Zuko stood still. Terrified. He really thought his father was dead now. He knew he should have looked away but he found himself unable to do so.

But instead his father still seemed...alive? Confused, Zuko rushed towards Aang. Toph, Suki and Sokka were also running towards him.

Sokka talked first before Zuko could even get a word out.

"You did it! You should've seen yourself, it was amazing! You were all like!!! and the Fire Lord was all like!!!" he said dramatically, adding sound effects all the while.

"So did you, you know ... finish the job?" asked Suki.

Ozai raised his head and said slowly, "I'm still alive".

For some reason, Zuko felt angry. He felt... cheated. Sad. He couldn't really understand but he snapped nevertheless. 

"What?! Why didn't you kill him Aang? Are you really going to spare him? After so much pain he has caused to everyone?" After all the pain he has caused him, he wanted to say. After all the pain he has caused Azula, he wanted to say. After all the pain he has caused their Mother and their Uncle, he wanted to say.

"I know, Zuko. But, killing is not the right way. So, I took away his bending. He can't use it to hurt or threaten anyone else ever again."

Zuko understood, but it didn't make it better. He still felt angry and upset. But maybe, maybe a certain part in him deep inside, perhaps the child in him, was still glad that his father was alive.

Azula sees Zuko in the infirmary. The Avatar and his friends were also there, chatting away. The ponytail guy was talking rather enthusiastically to his father. Using sound effects, gestures and words like "airbending slice". His sister feigned embarrassment but was also giggling away.

Zuko hugged Azula saying how glad he was that she was okay. Azula hugged him back. It was somewhat surprising to her how naturally it came to her. During their catching up, Azula had signaled towards Aang. Zuko understood what she meant and told her how Aang left their father alive.

Azula was shocked to hear that. She was infuriated. She really believed that Ozai deserved death and the "just" Avatar would kill him. All their suffering flashed before her eyes. Her continuously trying to living up to her father's expectations, only to never be appreciated, used and force to flee the palace at the end and live in upmost poverty. Her brother having to live with a scar and being banished. Her mother always being sad. Her Uncle being treated as an outsider and seen as a lazy old man. He caused all of this, just to... get his bending taken away?

Tears pricked her eyes. A huge part of her was angry but a small part of her felt relieved that her father was still alive. She never got any attention from her Mother. Her Father was the only one she ever knew and saw as a parent. She opened her mouth to say something but she could think of nothing. She felt that it would take her a considerably long time before she could accept this.

Time passed and after all their injuries were looked after, Zuko had beckoned her to a side. 

"Trust me when I say I don't want to talk about this right now", he began, "but we have to decide who has to be the fire lord."

Azula sighed. She had been thinking about that when she was on her way to Ba Sing Se with the White Lotus. So, she had an answer ready.

Azula had thought back to the last Fire Lord who was loved instead of feared. Those had been peaceful times. 

"You should be the Fire Lord, Zuzu."

"We can discuss about this firs-"

"No, Zuko listen. The last Fire Lords I can recall who ruled over eras of peace were the ones who were loved. The people will fear me, but they won’t love me. They will love you." 

“Why would they love me?” Zuko asked.

Azula gestures to him. “You have the perfect story, Zuko,” she explained. “You were the banished prince - banished for standing up to his evil father and have now redeemed yourself and are the friend of the Avatar. The Avatar part matters a lot too. I've only known him recently. Plus, my record with him isn't very...well let's say as inspiring as yours. And you always know who is there by your side.” She finished and gestured towards herself.

This might work. This might actually work. 

On a bright fine day inside the Fire Nation Royal Palace. The soon to be Fire Lord Zuko wass having trouble putting on his Fire Lord robes.

In his defence, it didn't quite help when Azula kept on calling him a dum-dum and kept saying how this happens this way and that happens that way. 

If you asked him, his so-called perfect sister wasn't a help to him at all. Meanwhile, his sister would fight him if he voiced that opinion.

"Yes, you need a lot of help with that." said Mai.

"Mai! You're okay! They let you out of prison?" Zuko exclaimed.

"My uncle pulled some strings. And it doesn't hurt when the new Fire Lord is your boyfriend." 

They kiss. When they break apart, Mai looks at Azula.

"It's so good to see you, Mai." Azula grins and hugs her. 

In the Fire Nation Coronation Plaza, people from all over the world have congregated for the coronation of the new Fire Lord, among which several familiar faces. One of which Azula recognised despite the face paint.

"Ty lee! Is that really you?" she laughed.

Ty lee's face lits up when she sees Azula and hugs her. Azula notices that she was wearing what Kyoshi warriors wear. A few of the said warriors looked at her skeptically. She didn't blame them. She did throw them in prision, so she just awkwardly sets her gaze away.

Ty Lee chats away telling her all about how she met those girls in prision. It turns out that Ty Lee is now a Kyoshi warrior.

Inside the Royal Palace, Aang, now wearing the robes and necklace of an airbending master, opens his eyes from his meditation as Zuko approaches, still wearing the Fire Lord attire.

Azula watches as they talk, wondering how about a year ago she would done anything to be where Zuko has. So much seemed to have changed now. A while later, her Uncle and the rest of the members of the White Lotus find her bringing her out of her thoughts.

"So, I heard you are not becoming the Fire Lord." said Bumi.

Quite used to snarky remarks Azula was about to fire a comeback but Bumi was not finished apparently.

"Quite good if you ask me. Had you became the Fire Lord, you might not have had enough time to learn the old ways of Pai'sho with us."

Azula raised an eyebrow, utterly confused.

"What he means is," Iroh began, "we want you to join the White Lotus, Princess Azula. If you're interested off course."

To say Azula was shocked would be an understatement. 'Only the finest and the best are part of the White Lotus'. Azula had read. She really couldn't believe it.

"Are you sure Uncle Iroh?" Azula asked hopefully.

"As sure as I am that Jasmine tea is my favourite."

Azula laughed and accepted the offer.

Pakku tossed a White Lotus tile towards her. "We look forward to working with you, Princess Azula." he said and left.

Zuko was looking at Azula proudly, having heard the entire conversation. When she looked at him, he beckoned her to join her.

"I am not the Fire Lord." said Azula pointing towards them, "Nor the Avatar."

"I want you to come with us nevertheless."

Together they step outside the palace.  Zuko walked past while a gong is struck. The crowd cheers and Zuko raises a hand.

"Please. The real hero is the Avatar." said Zuko, "Today this war is finally over! I promised my uncle that I would restore the honor of the Fire Nation. And I will. The road ahead of us is challenging. A hundred years of fighting has left the world scarred and divided. But with the Avatar's help, we can get it back on the right path and begin a new era of love and peace."

Zuko kneelt down, preparing to be crowned Fire Lord. A Fire Sage put the Fire Lord headpiece into Zuko's top knot.

Azula and Zuko stood proudly in front of the crowd yet again. But for completely different reasons than the last time. This time they stood alongside the Avatar.

"All hail Fire Lord Zuko!" ,Everyone cheers again, "All hail Princess Azula!"

Azula and Zuko looked at each other and smiled. 

Azula, from the seed of her past mistakes, was reborn as new plant now.