Tyzula Shorts

The Spirit of Forgiveness

Ty Lee and Azula's argument jeopardises a diplomatic mission in the spirit world

......................

Ty Lee had accompanied Zuko on short trips into the spirit world a handful of times before. Because bending doesn't work in the spirit world, Zuko's advisors had always insisted that he take an escort whose fighting style wasn't dependant on the elements. Although he was far from defenceless, and it was very unlikely that he would ever be attacked by a wayward spirit when meeting the avatar, Zuko always complied without complaint. There was something reassuring about having a familiar face in such a strange environment, after all.

This upcoming trip to the spirit world, however, was to be his biggest expedition yet. Firelord Zuko and Avatar Aang were planning on signing a diplomatic agreement in the spirit world itself, symbolising the Fire Nation's dedication to improving the relationship between people and spirits. Zuko's diplomatic party was originally going to be him, his Uncle (acting as a guide), and Ty Lee (acting as his bodyguard). Unfortunately for Zuko, wherever Ty Lee goes, his sister was insistent on following. 

After a lengthy discussion and several covert threats, he had reluctantly agreed to let Azula accompany them, too. This was how Firelord Zuko came to be sat in the Royal Gardens with his Uncle the morning of the agreement, impatiently awaiting the arrival of his sister and her girlfriend. 

The sun had barely risen in the sky but it was already clear that the day was going to be oppressively hot. Zuko paced irritably in the cool shade cast by palace's pillars, opening and closing his hands nervously. 

'What is taking them so long?', he complained, noticing by the height of the sun that they were already late. 'Agni, I just know I'm going to regret letting her come...'

Besides him, his Uncle was carefully pouring a special tea of his own creation - a deep purple brew with incredibly hypnotic properties. One sip was guaranteed to send even the most stubborn Earth-bender into the meditative trance necessary to enter the spirit world.

 Iroh chuckled warmly as he set down his teapot.

'Zuko, you must calm yourself - if you enter the spirit world carrying this much negative energy you will certainly be given something to regret!'

Zuko took a deep breathe to centre himself, smiling as his Uncle placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

'You're right', he admitted gruffly, 'Today is an important day for our Nation. We just need to focus on safely completing the ceremony.'

As he spoke, Azula and Ty Lee emerged from across the garden. 

'Oh, finally.'

Zuko's relief at their arrival quickly turned to concern as the two girls drew nearer.

It wasn't uncommon to see Azula looking bad tempered, especially at this time in the morning, but today the glint in her amber eyes seemed especially spiteful. Zuko wouldn't have paid his sister's foul mood much attention if it wasn't for the fact her typically upbeat girlfriend looked to be equally incensed. Ty Lee's face was crushed into an uncharacteristic frown and her arms where tightly folded across her chest as she walked a short distance behind her girlfriend.

'Sorry we're late, Zuzu', Azula drawled, bowing half-heartedly as she came to stop in front of her brother. 'One of us had to re-hide her treacherous correspondence.'

'Oh and then one of us had to have a huge ridiculous meltdown over nothing!', Ty Lee snapped, bowing with equal distraction.

Iroh and Zuko exchanged concerned expressions. In front of them, both girls had their arms folded and were refusing to meet one another's eye.