Mai and Ty Lee join Azula atop the palace walls, overlooking the assembly of Imperial Firebenders, nobles, and servants gathered for Fire Lord Ozai's departure.
"This is where it all begins," Azula declares, her voice filled with cruel anticipation. "The battles and planning are finally falling into place. Father and I will burn the Earth Kingdom to ashes. Of course, Mai, Ty Lee—you'll be by my side. No doubt the Avatar and his ragtag group will try to interfere, but they will fail."
"Don't worry, we've got your back, Azula!" Ty Lee says cheerfully, draping an arm around Azula, flashing her usual bright smile.
Azula momentarily pauses, then turns her gaze to Mai, whose discomfort is palpable. "Azula... what about Zuko? Are we going to try to capture him?" Mai asks, her voice tight with unease.
Azula's expression flickers, her eyes hardening before she reigns in her emotions. "We'll capture him if possible. But if he refuses to comply... I'll kill him. Don't worry, Mai, I won't make you do it," she says, her voice cold, almost dismissive.
Mai opens her mouth to respond, but before she can, a servant arrives, bowing deeply. "Princess Azula, it's time."
"Finally," Azula mutters, dismissing Mai's concerns as she strides away. Mai clenches her fist at her side, her emotions briefly breaking through the surface before she regains her composure.
Sensing her turmoil, Ty Lee slips her arms around Mai in a gentle hug. "I know it's hard, Mai. I'm sorry, but Zuko made his choice, and we made ours. Did you notice? In her own twisted way, Azula tried to comfort you!" she whispers softly.
Mai scoffs, her voice laced with disbelief. "Telling me she'll kill my ex? Yeah, really comforting."
"I know you still love him, but she could have forced us to do it. I think she knows that's why she wants to handle it herself. You don't have to keep up your guard with me. We're friends, remember?" Ty Lee smiles reassuringly.
Mai's eyes soften, and she hugs Ty Lee back, offering a faint smile. "Yeah... friends," she replies quietly.
---
Azula descends from her sedan chair, quickly stepping to her father's side.
"Apologies, Father. Good help is so hard to find these days. I'm ready to begin our conquest," Azula says, kneeling in respect.
Ozai's gaze remains forward, his voice calm but firm. "There's been a change in plans. You're staying here."
Azula's eyes widen as her heart pounds. "But... we were supposed to burn the Earth Kingdom together!" Her voice rises with disbelief.
"Azula," Ozai says, his tone commanding.
"No! You... you can't treat me like this! You're treating me like Zuko!" Azula protests, her voice breaking with frustration and anger.
Ozai's cold eyes finally meet hers. "Azula. Enough. I'm naming you Fire Lord. You will remain here, to secure the homeland. You are the only one I trust for this."
Azula's mind races, her body trembling in shock. Then, as if a switch flips, she straightens, a smirk curling her lips. "Fire Lord Azula... I like the sound of that. But what about you, Father?"
"Fire Lord Ozai is no more," he proclaims, raising his arms grandly. "I am now the Phoenix King—supreme ruler of the world."
With that, Ozai ascends to his fleet, leaving Azula behind as the new Fire Lord.
---
"What do you mean we're staying here?" Ty Lee asks, her confusion evident. "I thought we were going with your father."
Azula, still lost in her thoughts, smiles slightly. "Father has finally rewarded me. I am Fire Lord now, entrusted with defending the homeland. Don't worry, your rewards will come in time."
Mai stands to the side, arms crossed. "Sounds more like he put you on a leash and told you to stay," she says, her voice sharp.
Azula's brow furrows as Mai's words break through her self-assured veneer. "Nonsense! He trusted me with an important position!" she snaps, and the blue flames around the throne flicker higher in response to her rising anger.
Mai meets Azula's gaze, unflinching. "Azula, you never think straight when it comes to your father. Haven't you noticed? The soldiers—your soldiers—listen to you more than him. You've been on the front lines. You conquered Ba Sing Se. The plan to burn it was yours. He's keeping you here because he sees you as a threat to his glory." Mai pauses, her fists clenched. "We've been friends for a long time. I've seen how he manipulates you."
Azula stands frozen, her mouth opening as if to respond, but no words come. The flames around her flicker and dim as she sinks deeper into thought.
"Um... Mai, what are you doing?" Ty Lee whispers, alarm in her voice. "You know you're not supposed to talk to Azula about her parents."
Mai glances at Ty Lee. "She needs to see the truth. I'm hoping if I can help her realize it... maybe she'll spare Zuko," she replies in a low voice.
Ty Lee's expression turns solemn. "I don't want to see Zuko die either, but Ozai wants him gone. I don't know if Azula can stand up to her father."
Before Azula can respond, the Dai Li enter, their presence breaking the tension.
"Princess Azula," one agent says, kneeling, "a flying bison has been spotted heading towards the palace."
Azula's expression hardens instantly, her emotions replaced with cold calculation. "Zuko," she mutters. "Mai, Ty Lee—follow me. Dai Li, remain in the shadows. Inform the Imperial Firebending Guard to stand by outside the courtyard and prepare for the coronation."
----
As Azula kneels for her coronation, a regal fire crown held above her head, a rush of wind fills the palace courtyard. The sound of massive wings heralds an unexpected arrival.
"Zuzu," Azula says smoothly, standing and turning as the flying bison lands. "What a surprise. Just in time to witness my ascension."
"You're not going to be Fire Lord," Zuko declares, his voice steady. "I am."
Azula's eyes flash with fury, her lips curling into a dangerous smile. "Really, Zuzu? Then let's settle this once and for all. The showdown that was always meant to be."
She raises her hand, eyes locking onto his. "Agni Kai!" she declares, the words filled with challenge and bloodlust.
"Let's end this," Zuko replies, his expression resolute as Katara stands by his side.
YOU ARE READING
ATLA: Azlua
FanfictionWhat would happen if Azula was never betrayed? Follow Azula as she carves her name through history. Watch how one decision can change everything. All hail Fire Lord Azula.