𝐁𝐎𝐑𝐍 𝐋𝐔𝐂𝐊𝐘 [𝟏] 𝐙𝐔𝐊𝐎

1

     MUSIC PLAYED AS THE PETITE GIRL danced around her room. Her dress twirled with her, the elegant red material brushing against her toes. Her hair brushed against her cheeks, bangs sticking to her sweaty forehead. She had her eyes closed, feeling calm, knowing it was only her and the music. That quickly was ruined when she heard the door open behind her. Her eyes quickly snapped open, withdrawing a fan from inside her sleeve and turning to the door.

     A pretty girl stood before her, dressed in elegant armor only a royal would have, "It's good to see you still have fast reflexes, Uzume."

    Uzume stopped still in her stance, taking in Azula's appearance. They hadn't talked in a week since Azula left to find Iroh and Zuko. The short girl began to think up many ridiculous scenarios as to why Azula was here.

     Azula finally betrayed her father? No, as much as I'd like that, Azula would never. Zuko and Iroh are dead? Holy crap no, that'd be horrible, Azula wouldn't be greeting you with a smile. Uzume's mind raced before she decided to stop stressing.

     The girl lowered her stance and a smile took over her face, "Azula!" Uzume moved forward and hugged the royal in front of her. Quickly, her smile turned into a confused look as she drew back from Azula, "Why are you here? I thought you went to go capture your brother and uncle?"

     Azula let out an unamused chuckle, "I realized if I wanted to capture Zuko and Iroh, I'd have to travel with a smaller team," Azula looked into Uzume's eyes, an determined glint in her eye, "What do you say? Join me to visit Ty Lee?"

    Uzume nodded quickly, her shoulder length hair bouncing, "Anything for you Azula."

-

     "Why are you joining Zuzu and uncle? My father didn't banish you." A small Azula asked, watching in anger as her best friend packed.

     "Because, Zuzu got really hurt and I need to be there for him. He's my best friend and I don't want him to feel lonely out at sea!" An innocent Uzume responded, messily throwing clothes into her bags. Azula let out a growl, now knowing her best friend liked her brother more than her.

     Uzume admittedly had a huge crush on the boy, butterflies filled her stomach and angels sung when she was with him. She had no idea how long he'd be gone, so she decided she'd join him. She thought maybe if he didn't like her already, he would start to on the search.

     "So typical. Everyone likes Zuko more than me. First, mother, then uncle. Now you." Azula's hands began to steam. Uzume's amber eyes widened, stopping all her movement.

    "That's not what I said! Zuzu's my best friend but you're my bestest friend. I didn't know you wanted me here. Just say the word Azula and I'll stay here." Azula smirked, knowing her friend would respond this way. Uzume was a people pleaser, she hated the thought of people being mad at her. "Stay here, with me. If you leave it'll make me sad." Azula feigned sadness, which made Uzume hold her hand.

    "Anything for you Azula."

-

    Uzume watched from behind Azula as she walked closer to the upside down Ty Lee. Ty Lee wore an assortment of pink clothes and her signature braided ponytail. Her round grey eyes looked focused until Azula stepped into her view.

    "Ty Lee, could that possibly be you?" Azula stood with her hand on her hip, looking down on Ty Lee like she always did. Ty Lee let out a happy gasp and said Azula's name before coming down from her handstand with a few graceful moves. She stood up and gave Azula a big hug.