Best Friends Forever?[SPORATIC UPDATES]

19: The Party

"Why didn't you tell those guys who we were?" Zuko asks as we sit around the table to have dinner. I've been kind of wondering the same thing.

"I guess I was intrigued." Azula answers, "I'm so used to people worshipping us."

"They should." Ty Lee cuts in.

"Yes, I know, and I love it. But for once, I just wanted to see how people would treat us if they didn't know who we were." Azula continues.

"Like waves washing away the footprints on the sand, Ember Island gives everyone a clean slate." One of our temporary guardians says. A clean slate, huh? Feel like I could use one of those.

"Ember Island reveals the true you." The other goes on.

They both get up and start doing a short clap dance.

"To the party." they shout.

◇◇◇◇◇

A party... a party... I don't think I have anything for a party.

I go through all the clothes I brought with me again- a little more thoughtfully this time- and still, I've got nothing.

What if I just don't go?

You have to go, Azeala. What if they don't let Azula and Zuko in?

Of course they'll let them in. They're Royalty.

They don't know that.

I'm sure they'd be fine. They're excellent benders. And they'll have Ty Lee.

... you have to go to experience the life a normal teenager.

But do I REALLY-

"Here Zeala!" The bubbly voice of Ty cuts my internal argument short. "Azula said you can borrow this."

She hands me a short red top with and a long scarlet skirt. Gold stitching glitters as it catches the light.

A "Wow..." slips from my lips. It's simple, but it has this mysterious power to it. Clearly, something belonging to Royalty.

Or someone with power.

My eyes flash from the clothes to Azula. Catching her golden eyes as she looks over her outfit in a mirror.

My mouth forms a word of thanks. I meant for sound to follow, but nothing came out.

She says nothing and continues to study her appearance.

I can't help the smile that graces my face as I softly rub the fabrics between my fingers.

I never thought I'd be on the receiving end of another 'favor' from Azula. And, unlike the training, I don't feel like there's a catch to this one.

◇◇◇◇◇

It's been a long time since I've seen myself like this.

Wearing expensive, pretty clothes. Preparing to do something that isn't train. Hanging out with people around my age.

I swish my hips as I watch myself in the mirror. I don't know where everyone else is, but I'm enjoying this moment to myself.

Mai lent me a bracelet- that I would have NEVER expected her to have- and Ty suggested we wear our friendship bracers. I, honestly, hadn't thought about it in a while. Fortunately, I discovered that I had packed it. Way to go past me.

I hadn't noticed it before, but my borrowed skirt has two long slits up the sides.

I kind of look like Hitala.