Avatar: The Flames of Kaiya

Azula's Protégé

A FEW MONTHS BEFORE AANG WAS FOUND IN THE ICEBERG.

The Fire Nation Throne Room was grand and imposing, with tall, ornate pillars and intricate decorations reflecting the Fire Nation's power and wealth. The room was ablaze with roaring flames, casting eerie shadows that danced across the walls. The throne itself was elevated on a dais, surrounded by a ring of fire, adding to its majestic and intimidating presence.

Azula stood before her father, her posture rigid and her expression conflicted.

"Father, I understand you want me to train this girl, but—"

Ozai interrupted, his voice booming and authoritative. He sat regally on his throne, exuding an aura of absolute power.

"This GIRL'S name is Kaiya. She possesses GREAT POWER. All attempts to harness it have failed. YOU must succeed where others have faltered. Fulfill this duty, and you shall have what you desire."

Azula clenched her fists, her face a mixture of determination and frustration. The flames around the throne flickered wildly, casting intense shadows across her features.

"Yes, Father. I will ensure she brings glory to the Fire Nation."

A female servant stepped forward, bowing respectfully as she approached Azula. She held out a scroll, her hands trembling slightly from the heat and intensity of the room.

"Here is her information, Princess."

Azula snatched the scroll aggressively, her face contorting into a frown. She glanced at the scroll briefly before turning on her heel and storming out of the throne room, her stride determined.

Ozai's eyes followed Azula's departure with a satisfied, calculating expression. The flames around him roared higher, casting long, dramatic shadows in the dim light.

* * *

The Royal Training Grounds were expansive, with multiple sparring areas, training dummies, and weapon racks. The ground was covered with scorched patches and signs of intense training sessions. The sun was high, casting sharp shadows across the grounds.

Azula delivered an aggressive head kick to a training dummy, blue flames blazing from her foot. The dummy smoldered, the blue fire leaving scorch marks.

Mai stood nearby, holding a scroll and reading from it with her usual monotone voice.

"Expelled from the Royal Academy for defying instructors, frightening other students, and continuous misconduct." Her expression was neutral, but there was a slight mocking tone towards Azula.

"So, you're stuck with THIS girl?" Mai said, her eyes flicking up from the scroll.

Azula's face contorted with anger and annoyance, her eyes narrowing as she spoke.

"It's infuriating! Wasting my time on some... miscreant."

Mai smirked, still reading Kaiya's information from the scroll, her tone shifting to slightly impressed.

"Apparently, she burned a girl's—"

"I know what it says, Mai!" Azula yelled, cutting her off. She walked over to Mai and snatched her water canteen, taking a quick drink. Her movements were sharp and filled with frustration.

Mai, trying to find the easiest and laziest solution possible, suggested,

"Just teach her a few moves and send her off."