The Monster's Hurt

Fleeing

Mai hadn't bothered arguing with Azula, if she was honest the prospect scared her. Azula's emptiness scared her. None of it was right, she wasn't equipped to deal with this. So she let Azula laugh at her shocked silence, it was rough and humorless and only stopped once the pain of the burn overwhelmed her.

Ty Lee had always been closer to Azula than Mai. She would know what to do, Azula would need them both anyway. She stood, gathering her knives and tucking them into her sleeves. "I'm going to get Ty Lee." Mai announced, looking down at Azula.

The color hadn't returned to her face, she still looked as pale as a ghost. "Wonderful, the sooner we're all together the sooner we can leave." Azula replied casually, a smirk flicking across her face.

Azula didn't know what she was doing, not at all. She was scared, she had to get out of the Fire Nation as soon as possible. If her father found her she was still here she was dead. If she was lucky he already thought she was dead. It all felt insane as if she'd been thrust into an alternate universe, but no. Her father hated her. He hated her enough to discard her entirely.

She was clinging to the capture of the Avatar as a potential solution. She needed it to work more than anything, but it was entirely possible her father would take the Avatar then kill her. He was capable of callousness that she hadn't ever imagined directed at her. Her loyalty wavered, a weakness. What if he got this angry again and there were no Avatar's to trade for her title. She was scared of him, she was scared he would hurt her again even if he did accept her back. He'd done it before, but this was the first time she'd been hurt this badly.

She hadn't looked since Mai bandaged her up, but she knew it would scar. She hated them, she'd always pitied Zuzu's. So much so that she didn't even tease him about, but because in his position she didn't know what she'd do. Now in every respect she was in his position. She was only a year older than he was when he was banished. This was his fault too, he was the one who told Father who dealt the final blow to the Avatar. He knew he wouldn't have to face any consequences. Maybe she should be after her brother.

She had to leave the Fire Nation. Her father had no faith in her and the title of Princess was no longer hers. Right now, all she had was Mai and Ty Lee. The Fire Lord had just lost his greatest asset and she had just lost her father.

Mai was glad for the fresh air for once. She wondered if she'd regret leaving Azula by herself. If her father went looking for her she would be defenseless. She wouldn't be much better off if Mai was there. The Fire Lord had scared her before and terrified her now. He was more skilled than even Azula and Mai wouldn't stand a chance against him. Mai shook her head. Worry about one thing at a time.

It hadn't taken her long to get to Ty Lee's house and knock on the door. She heard bustling behind the door, maybe a hushed argument before Ty Lee pulled open the door, her face lit up when she saw Mai and she threw her arms around her. "Hi Mai, I'm glad you're alright. I was worried about you guys during the eclipse." Ty Lee admitted.

Ty Lee's hug made Mai feel a little better. She almost always had a positive disposition and they could both use that nowadays. "Hey Ty Lee," She greeted her, letting her go. She all at once realized she didn't know how to tell her. She'd have to keep it vague for now to avoid the other nobles overhearing. "Azula needs our help again." She added.

"Ooo, are we going on another mission?" Ty Lee asked, her face glowing with excitement.

Mai shrugged, "I don't know," Mai sighed, "It's more complicated this time." Mai thought back to Azula's wounds. They didn't have much time to waste. "She's at my house, we should go."

"Alright, let's go!" Ty Lee, said brightly. Mai would have to explain eventually, she wouldn't react well if she didn't know. So as they walked side-by-side through the streets of their shared neighborhood Mai considered how to tell Ty Lee. She wouldn't be angry like Mai was, she'd be horrified. She'd always been close to Azula despite her being cruel sometimes.

Mai pulled Ty Lee closer to her so she could speak quietly, "Ty Lee, when I tell you this I need you to stay calm, okay?" Mai whispered.

"What is it Mai? Are you alright?" Ty Lee asked, her eyes wide as her silver eyes examined Mai with concern.

"It's about Azula and the Fire Lord." Mai didn't think her voice could get any colder than it usually was, but she had somehow. The more she hung around the royal family the more she hated the Fire Lord. "He burned her and banished her," Mai whispered barely loud enough for Ty Lee to hear.

Ty Lee's eyes widened, her eyes turning as dark as storm clouds, "Why would he do that? Is she okay?" Ty Lee exclaimed, seeming conflicted.

"No, it's bad." Mai replied, focusing on the road ahead of them, now almost empty.

"We can help her," Ty Lee insisted. Mai wasn't as sure as she was, but as long as Ty Lee was there she thought they may have a shot.

Zuko stared into the campfire, he created with the dry wood he'd found around the air temple and adjacent forest. It'd been a long time since he'd been there and it held a lot of old memories for him. He felt a pang in his chest as he remembered the awful things he'd said to his uncle. He'd always been so patient with him, and tried to guide him on the right path. Now he'd found the right path, but it felt wrong without his uncle by his side. He frowned, flopping onto his back to stare into the stars.

It was only a matter of time before Azula came after him, undoubtedly she was already on his trail. He'd embarrassed her and his by leaving the Avatar alive, but the burden was on her shoulders If it was up to them he'd pay dearly. He shook his head, clearing his mind of the thought. He had to figure out how to convince the Avatar and his friends that he was on their side now. He stood pacing back and forth in front of the fire. "What would Uncle say?"

Mai wasn't gone long, but to Azula it felt like an eternity. Being left to her own thoughts was akin to torture. She heard the door click open and closed downstairs and almost got up to meet Mai, but the ache all over her upper body demanded she stayed in bed. It wasn't long before Mai and Ty Lee appeared in the doorway.

"Finally, I thought I was going to go insane if I had waited any longer." Azula said, stretching slightly in the bed. Ty Lee sat next to her, forcing a smile. Her gaze flicked to the bandages only barely visible beneath the robe. Mai's doing presumably, she must have told Ty Lee something, otherwise she'd have given her a huge hug.

"Hey Azula," She began, "What are we going to do?" She asked, her worried gaze shifting up to Azula's face.

"We have to leave the Fire Nation, if I'm found here he'll execute me." Azula announced, furrowing her brow in thought. "The Western Air Temple has been abandoned for years."

"Are you sure you can travel?" Mai asked from her spot in the corner, finally looking up at Azula.

"If I didn't know any better I'd say you were worried Mai." Azula mused, "But I don't have a choice."