Azula, Flames Of Change

Chapter 40: Discussion

The group stood before the gates of the Fire Nation palace, its towering structure looming over them, casting long shadows in the late afternoon sun. Aang, Katara, Zuko, Sokka, and Toph exchanged uneasy glances, knowing that what lay beyond those gates could determine the future of the world. They had come to finally confront Azula, to find a way to end this conflict. But none of them could shake the nagging uncertainty in their hearts.

“I thought we’d have to fight our way in,” Zuko muttered, eyes scanning the guards stationed at the gates. He was ready for resistance, ready for the usual force that accompanied any encounter with his sister.

To everyone’s surprise, the guards barely exchanged more than a few words before stepping aside, motioning for them to enter. The massive gates creaked open, revealing the entrance to the palace grounds.

“That's... unexpected,” Katara said, her brow furrowed in confusion. “She’s not going to make this easy for us, is she?”

Aang shook his head, still trying to make sense of it. “No."

The group stepped into the palace grounds, the heavy gates closing behind them with a soft thud. The silence in the air felt unnatural. The once bustling courtyards of the Fire Nation palace were eerily quiet, devoid of the usual activity they’d expected. No ministers, no advisors, not even the usual crowds of soldiers on duty. It felt like a different place, like the heart of a kingdom running on the quiet rhythm of machinery rather than the pulse of its people.

Zuko’s eyes scanned the surroundings. The ornate red and gold architecture, once a symbol of firebending strength and power, now seemed cold and hollow. “She’s done something to this place,” he muttered, his voice tinged with regret.

“She’s isolated herself,” Sokka added, his arm resting protectively around Suki as they walked. “That’s what happens when you rule through fear.”

Suki, having just been reunited with the group, walked silently beside Sokka. Her gaze lingered on the empty corridors and vacant courtyards. She had lived here for months now, seeing only small pieces of this massive palace. As they passed a group of maids scurrying quietly down a side corridor, Suki broke the silence.

“She’s lonely,” Suki said softly. “I didn’t realize it at first, but it’s everywhere—in the way the palace runs, the way people behave around her. There’s respect, but there’s something else... fear, maybe? Or sadness. It’s like everyone here knows she’s trying to hold everything together, but at what cost?”

Zuko nodded grimly. “That’s Azula. She’s always been like that. But... worse now. She’s driven herself into this place where no one can reach her.”

Sokka turned to Suki, his usual levity gone as his concern for her filled his gaze. “What did she say to you? What’s her plan?”

Suki hesitated, eyes flickering toward the towering walls that surrounded them. “She tried to convince me to join her, to make Kyoshi Island a part of her vision. She wanted me to see how much she’s ‘improved’ the Fire Nation, and now the cities under her control. And it’s true... she’s given people things they never had before. Stability, prosperity, even luxury. But there’s something missing. It’s like she gave them everything, except their freedom.”

They turned a corner, and the emptiness of the palace struck them even harder. The grandeur of the halls, the gold inlay on the walls, the luxurious tapestries, and the intricate floor mosaics—all pristine, yet lifeless.

“Where is everyone?” Toph asked, her voice carrying an edge of unease. “I can’t even feel much movement in the building. It’s just... empty.”

“That’s part of the plan,” Suki continued. “She keeps a tight circle around her now. Only guards, maids, and a few trusted advisors. She keeps herself distant, even from the people closest to her. But I don’t think it’s just strategy anymore... I think she’s truly alone.”