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Chapter Text

Azula stared at a letter for several seconds, even not knowing what to think or what to do. Ty Lee and Mai looked over her shoulders as she sat on the throne of the Earth Kingdom.

“Well, this is unexpected. Didn't you say you would get to return home with glory and the respect of the nation?” Azula’s head turned to Mai at those words, her eyes narrowing in anger and fury. But even so, it took her a while to figure out some words to figure out what to say.

“Perhaps it's not even bad.” Ty Lee tried to lighten the mood, grinning and throwing an arm around Azula’s shoulder to give her some comfort. “Maybe it's like a promotion. I mean, ruling the city. That's like so much responsibility. I bet it's a great honour.”

Azula’s head turned in the other direction to stare at Ty Lee, her eyes losing some of that burning fire.
“It’s not. The job here is done. The Avatar is dead. The city is captured, and even my uncle is in chains. My father should be ecstatic. I should be welcomed with a parade and given the highest honour and respect of our nation. And yet here I am being told to stay away from my home, stay away from the throne. All while Zuko is supposed to return as he has regained his honour.”

The two other girls looked at each other for a moment, not sure what to do in that situation. The princess, however, nearly crumpled the letter in her hands as they were shaking from the powerful emotions she was feeling.
“I'll show him. No matter what things I might have done wrong. I'll show him I'm better than Zuko. I will govern this dump of a city and turn it into something worthy of being ruled by the Fire Nation. That is, after all, the goal of our war. To spread the greatness of the Fire Nation with the entire world.”

Ty Lee and Mai looked at their leader with doubt, though for differing reasons. Mai very much doubted that Azula had done anything wrong, more like she had done too good a job. Succeeding even now would not make the Fire Lord reconsider this. Ty Lee, on the other hand, has seen much more on her travels, knowing that spreading greatness was not really what the Fire Nation was doing. She loves her country, her home, but she is not blind.

Shaking her head, Azula stands up and incinerates the letter in bright blue flames, the sheer intensity of the fire surprising all three of them. But Azula just ignores that for now, focusing back on her stoic friend. “Mai, Father didn't mention the two of you in the letter. I am assuming you will stay?”

While the princess looked as calm and commanding as ever, Mai could detect a light edge in her voice. Surprisingly, not one that spoke of a threat upon disobedience but nearly something pleading.
Not showing anything as usual, though, she just lets out an unladylike snort. “And miss how you kick all these lowlifes and stuffy nobles in their asses? Please, anything else would be boring in comparison.”

Azula can’t help but smirk a little at that. Yet before she can turn to her other friend, she is pulled into a tight hug by Ty Lee. “And I’ll stay too, of course. Like, no way will I miss this adventure with you.” Pulling back, she grins at the princess, her grin widening when she saw that her previously messy aura has calmed down.
Even Mai can’t help but look a little amused, especially when she saw the minuscule blush on the princess’s face.

“Well,” Azula said with her usual confidence, “I’ll better get started then. If I want to show father that I am perfectly capable in ruling as well as battle and conquering, I need to know exactly what I’m dealing with. Mai, tell my brother to prepare to leave. Ty Lee, tell the Dai Li to prepare my uncle for transport.
I, in the meantime, will try to understand just how bad the situation here is”.

Once the other two nodded in agreement, they split up, all very much uncertain what the next days or weeks might bring.

Chapter Text

Azula stood at the highest balcony of what used to be the Earth Kingdom palace. She had never known there was this massive office with a balcony. Apparently, it was used by the Earth Kings for daily governmental business and addressing the masses. Not for the first time, she was at least a tiny bit impressed by the massive structure that was the palace. From there, the panorama of the city spread before her. Though the structures remained, the soul of the city was in disarray. Dust hung in the air as the people below went about their day with a lethargy that belied the chaotic life this place once held. The coup and following presence of Fire Nation soldiers clearly had an effect on the people living here.

Taking a deep breath, Azula turned to the stack of reports on her desk. Intelligence reports from the Dai Li, complaints from the citizens, and her own observations over the past few days painted a bleak picture. Corruption seeped into every cobblestone of the city; officials lined their pockets, and resources were rerouted to feed a network of greed rather than the inhabitants. It was a problem that was also existing in the Fire Nation but used as a tool by her father to control the nobles. Here, it seemed like the nobles could do whatever as long as they didn’t step on the toes of the Dai Li.

Her first order of business was to establish authority and control. If people grew too hungry and desperate, they might revolt. And she didn’t have the benefit of being their Agni-given ruler. So, the princess summoned the captains of the Dai Li as well as the Commanders of the Fire Nation army and carefully selected a team of loyal soldiers and Dai Li agents. Under her iron gaze, she instructed them to root out corruption with swiftness and precision.

“Let it be known,” she declared, “that I will not tolerate incompetence or deceit. Anyone found abusing their power will face justice.” Her voice did not waver, and the promise of consequences was clear. That fear, she knew, would help hold the city in check while she implemented her first orders. The soldiers shall now take control of food distribution, making sure that everything is rationed for everyone; the nobles included. The Dai Li, on the other hand, shall watch and report on any that try to bribe or smuggle. If all went well, she would soon have a list of wealthy Earth Kingdom nobles as well as charges for corruption.

Azula’s strategy was not merely one of fear but of calculated benevolence, showing the people the strength and fairness of the Fire Nation’s rule while also cementing her rule and control over the massive city. After all, it wouldn’t do to lose the city to another coup or insurrection or even worse, revolt.

_____

The sun was dipping below the horizon when Azula descended to the courtyard, where a small procession had gathered. Ty Lee and Mai trailed behind her. Zuko stood beside their uncle, who was bound in chains. The prisoners’ caravan was prepared, and soldiers lined up in stoic formation. During the entire time, Iroh not once looked at any of those present.

Zuko approached Iroh, his face a mix of determination and sorrow. “Uncle,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper, “I wish things were different.” However, the retired general just let out a sigh and didn’t deign to respond with another. Much to the distress of the redeemed prince.

As Zuko stepped back, Azula watched, her own expression unreadable. She had always known her brother struggled with his place in their family. Yet here, in this moment, he seemed resolved, perhaps more than she had ever given him credit for. But there was also the weakness her father saw. The Fire Lord might try to use Zuko to punish her, but she knew at some point her brother would mess up again. Having Zuko deal with the prison transport was a gamble, but if everything went without a problem, then perfect. She will succeed as always and regain her place while he would owe her for restoring his honour. If he failed and somehow turned his back on the Fire Nation to free their uncle? Well, then she would return to her former line of succession again.

With a sharp nod, Azula signaled the guards. The caravan began its slow march out of the city. She observed as Mai stepped closer to Zuko, her arm twitching as if she wanted to hug him but decided against it. With an awkward smile on his face, he turned to her. “It was nice seeing you again, Mai. I had hoped …” he trailed off and then shook his head. “It won’t matter now. We can have a proper reunion once the three of you return.”
And with that, he turned around, following the last few soldiers in their march towards the gate of the city.

When the procession slowly disappeared from view, Azula turned back to her friends. “Well, time to get back, girls. We have a city to rule.” With a gestured, they fell in step with the princess, and together they made their way back to the palace.

Chapter Text

Azula sat in the dim light of her new office, a map of Ba Sing Se sprawled before her. The city was immense, sprawling with life and complexity and way too many issues now that she got a picture of things. Her fingers traced the outlined districts, her mind already alight with visions of reform. The nobles were a problem; they had grown fat on the wealth of complacency and corruption. She also really needed to figure out what to do with Long Feng. There might be a good amount of Dai Lee still loyal to him or just waiting for her to loose strength to switch back to him.

As she pondered the future, a knock on the door interrupted her thoughts.
“Come in,” she called, her voice carrying the authority she had so diligently crafted.
Ty Lee and Mai entered, their presence a welcome reprieve from the solitude of pouring over maps and reports for hours. Ty Lee’s bubbly energy was a stark contrast to the usual solemnity of the palace, her eyes twinkling with curiosity and mischief. Mai, stoic as always, was composed, her expression betraying little of the thoughts that simmered beneath the surface though Azula could tell that she was far from bored.

“We need to talk about Ba Sing Se,” Azula began, gesturing for them to take a seat. “Father wants me to run this city. Clearly a test to see if I am not just a perfect military commander but also well versed in politics and running a country.” Though at Mai’s doubtful look she snapped “You have something to say?” Mai looked like she wanted to give her own opinion on the matter, how the fire lord likely didn’t care one bit about this city and was more just keeping Azula away from the centre of power.

The princess let’s out a scoff before turning back to the map. “I have thought about a few plans how I can achieve our goals here. Since the earth king was just a puppet and Long Feng was more busy keeping himself in power many things were neglected while the nobles could take do what they wanted so long as they didn’t interfere. So dealing with them is key. If we take them out, we’ll have enough resources to start making changes. Their wealth could finance public works, feed the hungry, and pay for schools where we can teach them about the glory of the fire nation. An all shall attend. These peasants here wont be stewing in there archaic traditions for much longer.”

Ty Lee, ever the one to care about people, chimed in with her own perspective. “Maybe we should, like, help the people directly. We don’t have to kill the nobles, right? If they see that the Fire Nation can improve their lives, they might actually start to like us. I mean, it’s not just about power—it's about hearts and minds, right?”

Azula frowned slightly, pondering Ty Lee’s words. Winning the hearts of the people was not a strategy she ever entertained, but Ty Lee had a point. A city that loved its rulers was less likely to rebel. Especially as she didn’t have all that many fire nation soldiers here to put down a rebellion.

“We need a dual approach,” Azula decided, her voice steady with resolve. “Mai, we’ll start by targeting the most corrupt nobles. We’ll seize their assets and redistribute them as needed. Ty Lee, you’ll put together a strategy for how we can gain the trust and support of the people. Go out, do what you do best and talk with people to figure out what is needed the most.”

The two girls nodded, knowing that these were clear orders by the princess. “This city will become an example of Fire Nation efficiency and benevolence,” Azula concluded, her eyes alight with ambition. “We will show them our strength through justice, and that living under the glorious fire nation is much better than their corrupt system.”

As the meeting concluded, the trio left Azula’s chambers with a shared sense of purpose. Ba Sing Se was a challenge, a city of too many problems but also an opportunity for infinite greatness, they would forge it anew under the banner of the Fire Nation.

Chapter Text

The golden light of dawn spilled over the courtyard of the Earth Kingdom palace, casting long shadows against the stone tiles. Azula stood alone in the centre, her sharp eyes reflecting the first rays of the sun. Closing her eyes she draws deep but calm breaths. In and out, fanning her internal flame into a raging inferno. Then she starts moving with simple yet raw precision, every strike and movement infused with an intensity that sent searing arcs of blue fire slicing through the air. Each blast scorched the ground, leaving blackened marks as a silent testament to her power.

Nearby, a small contingent of Dai Li agents observed under the guise of routine patrols. Though they tried to maintain an air of indifference, their wary glances betrayed their unease. This was no mere practice; it was a calculated demonstration. Azula didn’t need words to remind them why she ruled here—it was etched into every flicker of flame, every explosive burst that cracked the morning silence.

Mai and Ty Lee watch on from enough distance to be out of reach of the searing heat that accompanies Azula's intense blue fire. Mai as always bored, lazily playing with a dagger but closely watching their surroundings. Ty Lee is busy watching the powerful display of the princess with a smile on her face, all while balancing on just her index fingers.

As Azula concluded her practice with a final, blistering jet of blue fire that left a smouldering crater, an aide approached, bowing low to mask his nervousness.
“Princess Azula,” he began cautiously, “reports have come in regarding the nobles. Many have attempted to offer… modest payments, minor bribes to reduce their obligations.”

Azula’s golden eyes narrowed, those nobles dare defy her? Her patience, already stretched thin by the incompetence festering in the city, wearing thin.
“Enough,” she hissed, her voice sharper than any blade. She turned fully, her presence enough to stare down a man significantly taller than her. “Send word to the Dai Li. I want the heads of every noble family brought before me. No delays.”

The aide scurried away, his relief palpable. Azula stood for a moment longer, the faintest traces of residual blue fire flickering at her fingertips as her fury simmered beneath the surface. Mai and Ty Lee slowly walk over to her with Ty Lee having a bit of a worried expression on her face.
“You don’t really mean that literally, right? You don’t want all their heads?”

Mai just rolls her eyes at that while Azula looks now rather amused instead of brimming with a cold fury. “No Ty Lee, Im not my grandfather after all. Though it would send quite the message that my rule of this city isn’t to be trifled with. I will just make them an offer that they can’t refuse.”

⸻

Later that day, the grand hall was filled with grovelling nobles, their opulence stark against the cold green and gold painted stone walls. The heads of the most influential families knelt before Azula, fear etched into every trembling face. Dai Lee lined the perimeter, indifferent to the spectacle yet ready to deal with any that would try to flee. None would be stupid enough to attack the princess.

Azula sat upon the throne, her posture relaxed but her gaze piercing. She surveyed the assembly with an expression of detached superiority before speaking, her voice calm yet carrying the weight of absolute power.
“You have all grown fat the archaic system in this city” she began, her tone silk over steel. “And even more so while Long Feng was ruling this city for his puppet king. Oh don’t look so shocked. I was the one that overthrew him after all.”

She stood, descending the steps with measured grace, stopping just a breath away from the front row of nobles, her painted lips twitching into a lazy smirk.
“Gone is the time where you can profit as much as you want while paying off the one in power. So here are your new terms,” she declared, her voice echoing. “You will relinquish eighty percent of your wealth and all properties not directly housing your families. In return, you retain the privilege of breathing.”

A ripple of murmured protests arose, quickly silenced when suddenly all candles and fireplaces in the dining hall roared to unimaginable heights with blue flames.
“Decline, and I will ensure the next in your line receive an even less favourable offer—if they are lucky enough to receive one at all.” She smiled thinly, the gesture devoid of warmth and the threat to their very lives so incredibly obvious.

The nobles, stripped of their bravado, collapsed into sycophantic pleas and hasty agreements. Azula watched with cold satisfaction as they groveled, their dignity scorched away like the edges of their ornate garments.

⸻

As the hall emptied, Azula returned to her chambers, standing by the broad window overlooking Ba Sing Se. The city sprawled beneath her, a tapestry of conquest and ambition. She knew that the nobles would comply at first while trying to figure out a way to either depose her. Not like she would ever offer them such an opportunity.

The only capable benders in this city were under her control, and the lower classes were certainly not at all friendly with the nobility either. Though that thought did spiral further. Without the walls separating them, the peasants here could easily overwhelm the few nobles. And stripped of their assets, they had little to oppose such a threat. All while she had full control.
Perhaps Ty Lee really did have a point. The masses are easy to control; give them some semblance of care, and they’ll be forever thankful. Or at least long enough to fully cement her rule.

With a smirk, she orders a Dai Lee agent to fetch the acrobat. It would be best to use the advantage while it is fresh. Why didn’t Father ever manage the nobles in the Fire Nation this effectively? she mused. Why waste time with petty politicking in endless meetings when nearly all of them are entirely useless? Was he perhaps just as easily mollified by gifts and praise of those under him?

No! That couldn’t be the case. Such thoughts themselves are treasonous. Ozai would have dealt with the nobles here much the same way, right? But then she had been to many meetings like that, and her father enjoyed watching the nobles grovel and play them against each other to no other benefit than his amusement and enrichment. But not one of those acts ever benefited the Fire Nation itself.

But before the princess could finish that thought, she was interrupted by the door opening and soft arms wrapping around her. “Hey, Zula, that was a really scary speech back there.”
Though the acrobat is met by annoyed golden eyes, “How often do I have to tell you not to shorten my name to something as undignified as Zula? But now, I gave you the task to figure out a way to gain the trust of the peasants here. And with the influx of resources we will soon have, we need to put this plan of yours to action.”

And so the two girls started planning just that.