Rise from the Ashes (Tyzula)

Chapter Ten: Secrets and Shopping Sprees

A/N: Bad news, guys. Because the break is ending, I'm preparing to travel back to school. I'm going to try to write as much as possible in the time being, but no promises. I have the rest of this book lined out plot point wise, just not written.I don't know how it will go this time, but last time I went back to school, I simply didn't have the time to write. Regardless, I'm not just going to stop working on this book, I'm merely warning you that my updates might not be as quick.

As for this chapter, like all of them, I try to mix the dark with some light. Let's just say I did extremes on both ends. I hope you enjoy, and sorry for any spelling/grammatical errors. Again, thank you for all of the kind comments!

When Azula exited the bathroom after a quick shower, Ty Lee was exactly where Azula had left her. Ty Lee was silent as Azula disappeared into her closet to change out of her robe and into her royal garments, her eyes following Azula with apprehension. When Azula came back out, Ty Lee calmly stood and offered Azula her seat so she could sit in front of the vanity. The princess took the seat and looked in the mirror, picking up a brush to run it through her drying hair without speaking a word.

Eventually, frustrated with the heavy silence that had stretched on far longer than Azula would have liked, Azula set the brush down with irritation. "Are you going to say something? Or are you just going to stare at me like I'm a fucking wounded animal?" Ty Lee looked down and mumbled an apology. Azula sighed, reassessing the proper tone to assume. "I'm sorry." She said, getting up and walking over to the sad brunette. "I don't mean to be so cruel, I just.." Azula clenched and unclenched her jaw, taking another deep breath before meeting the acrobat's eyes. "I hate being so vulnerable in front of others. I despise it. And, recently, I've had to be vulnerable a lot. I'm sorry that I lash out at you, you don't deserve it." Azula apologized earnestly.

Ty Lee gave her a small, sad smile and took the princess' hands, giving them a squeeze. "It's okay. I know."

The awkwardness that had been hanging over them lifted like a receding storm cloud and both felt that they could breathe easier.

"Can I do your hair?" Ty Lee asked excitedly. She had always loved doing Azula's hair, ever since they were children. That is, when Azula would let her.

Azula narrowed her eyes briefly but nodded, sitting back down at the vanity. Ty Lee squealed happily and skipped over, wasting no time. The acrobat ran her fingers through silky, raven locks before brushing it and taking her time doing so. Azula felt a warm feeling spread throughout her body and her stomach did flips when Ty Lee met her eyes in the mirror and smiled. Soon, her hair was up in her usual regal topknot and the crown had been slipped into place. The brunette stepped back and gave her a once-over, satisfied with the results. "Thank you." Azula said, standing.

"Hey, you stole my job!" Zira accused, crossing her arms and fake-scowling at Ty Lee.

A grin crossed the acrobat's features. "My apologies, little one. I was not aware that this job was predetermined and taken."

"I should have known it wasn't you, you don't knock." Azula grumbled under her breath, noting that her daughter had waltzed in without a care in the world.

"What?" Zira asked, not catching it.

Azula shook her head. "Nothing. Ready to go?"

The young raven-haired girl bounced up and down energetically, clearly overjoyed. "Yes! This is going to be my first time in the capital!"

Her mother frowned. "Zuzu didn't take you? I thought for sure he'd have at least offered." 'Insensitive prick', she mumbled internally. She knew Zira had been craving to roam the streets of Caldera.