Avatar - The Last Airbender (Storyteller Version)

Chapter 30: Avatar Aang

At the Royal Palace of the Fire Nation, Azula was getting ready for her first day as Fire Lord. But the princess was far from ecstatic. In fact, she had become increasingly paranoid and unstable. Suspecting that everyone else loyal to her — the servants, the Imperial fire benders, and even the Dai Li agents — would all betray her just as Mai and Ty Lee did, Azula had them banished. Standing before her large gilded mirror, Azula tried to tie her long hair into a top knot... but some strands slipped from her fingers. In frustration, she grabbed a pair of scissors and sliced off her bangs recklessly. Suddenly, Azula thought she could see someone standing behind her — her long lost mother, Ursa.

AZULA: What are you doing here?

URSA: I didn't want to miss my own daughter's coronation.

AZULA: Don't pretend to act proud! I know what you really think of me. You think I'm a monster!

URSA: I think you're confused. All your life you used fear to control people, like your friends Mai and Ty Le.

AZULA: But what choice do I have?! Trust is for fools! Fear is the only reliable way. Even you fear me.

URSA: (Sincerely) No. I love you, Azula. I do.

Tears spilled down Azula's eyes as she grabbed her hairbrush and smashed it against the mirror, shattering it. She whirled around... but Ursa was nowhere to be seen. Azula buried her face in her hands and wept.

AZULA: (Weeping)

Later, she stood in the palace courtyard, surrounded by sages. She was just about to be crowned Fire Lord, when a massive shape descended to the pavement. Dismounting Appa, Zuko and Katara confronted the evil princess.

ZUKO: Sorry, but you're not gonna become Fire Lord today. I am.

AZULA: (Laughing) You're hilarious.

KATARA: And you're going down!

AZULA: Wait, you want to be Fire Lord? Fine. Let's settle this. Just you and me, brother. The showdown that was always meant to be: Agni Kai!

ZUKO: You're on.

Azula dismissed the sages, then she and Zuko positioned themselves at opposite sides of the courtyard.

AZULA: I'm sorry it has to end this way, brother.

ZUKO: No you're not.

Eyes wild with unhinged glee, Azula shot a massive plume of blue fire into the air. Zuko discharged a similar attack from his hands. Enhanced by Sozin's comet, the blue and orange flames combined, spreading outward, almost forging the shape of a phoenix. When the flames subsided, Azula bounded forward with a series of flaming kicks, but Zuko was ready for her. Katara watched anxiously as Zuko and Azula continued their duel, directing blast after blast of fire at the others. As they battled, the attacks became larger and fiercer than the last, exploding in every direction, but always missing their targets. As a result of their duel, both the palace and the capital city were ablaze, which made Azula even angrier. Propelling herself across the courtyard with a jet of flames, Azula circled her brother, attacking on all sides. Cancelling her blasts one by one, Zuko flipped onto his back and spun himself around, forging a ring of flames with his foot. It struck Azula with full force, throwing her off balance. She tumbled across the courtyard. Disheveled and furious, the princess gained her feet, snarling at Zuko.

ZUKO: No lightning today? What's the matter? Afraid I'll redirect it?!

AZULA: Oh, I'll show you lightning!