ATLA: Azlua

Celebrations

Hundreds gather in loading bay for the airships. The only place big enough to hold this many people. A mix military officials, Nobles, common soldiers, and city crier who are stand in between the crowds of people. The file descending from highest rank to lowest.

Flanking each side of the audience are the imperial fire benders who suddenly release a spray of fire into the air. The crowd immediately silence themselves as Fire Lord Azula steps out.

She dawns a red, black and gold ceremonial wear. Her shoulder pieces gold gilded to form a dragon on each shoulder. A dragon slithers up each side of her legs made golden filigree. Of course, tying her own newly made hair ornament made in the shape of a phoenix. Contrasting well against a newly added red fire ceremonial marking in the middle of her forehead.

She walks dignified and with confidence bordering on the arrogance. Flanked by Mai wearing her hair in a buns while her bangs hang down to her waist. She also wears a red with golden filigree but they are made to be shape of fire spiraling down her body.

On the opposite side is Ty Lee who also walks behind azula. Completely opposite to Mai's reserved and calm demeanor, she joyful walks with a jump in her step as she waves and grins from ear to ear. But the most eye catching is her attire, also Completely opposite to both of theirs. Although she made sure it's fleshly but not to flashy as to steal the attention away from Azula. A mixture of red and pink top and bottom that exposes the belly, golden ornaments decorate her. One would think she was a dancer with the thin pink veil she wears.

"You look ridiculous." Mai says quietly to were only those around her cane here.

"Azula said I could wear whatever I wanted. So I did." Ty Lee says sticking her tongue out at Mai.

"Ugh whatever." Mai says giving up.

"Ty Lee's got the right attitude Mai. It's not everyday one experiences this level admiration." Azula says not looking back.

As they walk up the stairs leading to the stage. Azula twirls around.

"It seems you don't get it Mai; this is the fruit our labor! I am Fire Lord Azula and you two are my left and right hands. Look at them kneel, all those who once chided you, disrespected you, looked down on you. Look at them kneel before you." Azula says with outstretched arms.

Mai turns to see her family near the front kneels on hands and knees, the instructors who in her childhood looked at her with distain for not being a bender. Ty Lee looks back to see her fellow students from the academy who detested her for questionable  lineage, those who bullied her all kneeling down.

Azula steps in front of them like a tour guide showing them the exhibits.

"See. Didn't I promise you when we were young that I'd be fire lord. That if you followed me you're greatest wish could come true. Well here it is, before I make my speech tell me what you want. Wealth? Take all that need, fame? Announce you're self here and take it! Power? I'll give you armies. Now tell me what you want my dear friends." Azula says her face filled with euphoria as she basks in her glory.

Mai and Ty Lee look at each other nervously not sure what to do but then Mai steps forward and kneels.

Mai clenches her teeth in frustration, she thinks back on her childhood. How her parents would restrict her, chained her to them. Don't do this, don't like that, think about your father, why can't you do this! She hated them for the longest time and when Azula asked offered to fulfill anything she desired when she came to be fire lord she accepted in a heartbeat. But now she didn't hate them, she understood why they did what they did and even forgave them. Even if she still didn't like them, they gave her a good up bringing. So, she lets out a breath of air.