A Search within the Force and Flame

III

The high-security prison tower loomed over one of the mountainous regions of the Fire Nation, far from the city. Azula sat silently in a chair, bound and straitjacketed, directly in front of a prison cell. Inside the cell sat Ozai, the father of both Zuko and Azula. Neither spoke as they continued to stare at one another. Outside the doorway, Zuko, Suki, and Ty Lee watched the tense interaction. Suki cleared her throat, breaking the heavy silence.

"The Yu Dao summit seems to have done you some good. You're more upbeat than—"

"...my usual, dour self?" Zuko interjected.

"I didn't say that," Suki replied. "I'm—WE'RE—glad to have you back, Zuko."

"Aang wants Yu Dao to be the prototype for a new kind of city—one that unites the four nations. We're even in talks to join the Colonial Alliance," Zuko said.

"That sounds exciting!" Ty Lee quipped enthusiastically.

"It sounds idealistic," Zuko responded, peering through the viewing window of the door. "But maybe the world could use a little more idealism," he added, turning to face the two girls.

"Have they said anything?" Zuko asked.

"Not a word," Suki responded.

"Not even a 'Hi' or 'How are ya?' or—"

"Open the door," Zuko said, cutting off Ty Lee.

Zuko stepped forward, carrying a tray of tea into the room.

"You're bringing them tea?! Zuko, they're your prisoners, not your guests!" Suki protested.

"They're still my family," Zuko said, his voice firm.

"Azula—" Zuko started.

Annoyed, Azula turned her head over her shoulder to face him. Without warning, she lunged forward, clamping down onto the tray with her teeth. With a violent jerk, she ripped the tray from Zuko's hands, causing him and the tea to topple onto the ground. From his cell, Ozai smirked wickedly at the scene.

Standing over Zuko, Azula sneered, "How do you expect me to drink tea while wearing a straitjacket, Zuzu?! Did you want to watch me LAP at it like some kind of ANIMAL?!"

"Zuko!" Suki called out in alarm.

Ty Lee rushed forward, delivering two quick jabs with her index and middle fingers into Azula's neck and rib cage. Azula cried out in pain as her body went limp, collapsing onto the ground.

"She's already restrained! You don't need to chi block her!" Zuko shouted.

Azula lay motionless, but her dark eyes glared up at Ty Lee. "Ah, my old friend, Ty Lee... TELL ME, HOW DID SHE GET TO YOU AND MAI? HOW DID SHE MAKE YOU LOSE YOUR FEAR OF ME?!"

"You're not making any sense, Azula!" Ty Lee said, her voice strained with emotion.

"TY LEE, SUKI! Let me handle this!" Zuko snapped, regaining control of the situation.

Helping Azula back into her seat, Zuko looked down at his sister.

"You and Father are meeting for the first time in over a year, and I know these aren't the best circumstances. I thought the tea might lend a bit of... dignity," he said.

Azula scoffed. "You want dignity?" Her voice was curt. "Then let Father and me talk to one another like two human beings. In private!"

Zuko hesitated, pondering Azula's request. Then, he met her gaze.

"Fine."

He stepped out, closing the door behind him and shutting the viewing window.

"We'll give them half an hour," Zuko said.