Azula's Recovery - Avatar: TLA

7.1 - Azula

For once, Azula actually felt excited about going to see Kaya. She'd brought with her a stack of papers to show off her new project. Azula barged through the door, to an unamused Kaya.

"Welcome, come right on in won't you," Kaya said deadpan.

Azula just rolled her eyes, plopped down into her usual seat and spread the papers over the small table between them, beginning her spiel, "I wanted to show you my new project. After I was almost kidnapped by my old friends, I decided that I wanted to make a place for them to stay. Somewhere safe and fun. Away from their families and lives."

Kaya studied her, and Azula could feel her body tensing in anticipation. Does she like it? Of course she will...right?

"I like it."

Azula released a breath, "I was actually hoping you would...well that you would like to work there... You know, to help them...the way you've helped me." Azula's chest tightened. She wanted this to work. Badly.

Kaya studied her, "I'll think about it." Azula released a breath she hadn't realised she'd been holding.

After a beat, Kaya began, "You know, we've been meeting for months now child, and well, you've progressed in so many different ways. You've finally realised that you weren't to blame for many of the problems in your life. Your father, your mother, they made their own choices. You've made great progress with your mother too, even if it is just a little."

Azula shifted awkwardly. Her mother was still a source of unease for her. Ursa was friendly to her, and she seemed to be trying to atone for their earlier years. Yet, every time her mother reprimanded Kiyi, it reminded her of those hours spent sitting by herself in her room 'thinking about what she'd done'. She hated it, and hated how her mother was so quick to shut down any 'unacceptable behaviour'. Ursa didn't even explain why it was bad...

Yeah, still a ways to go, Azula thought.

"Since you are so keen to ship me off to another job," Kaya winked at her and went on before Azula could correct her, "I was hoping we could talk about your friends, Mai and Ty Lee. I don't want to rush you my dear, but I also think it may be time for you to face your fears."

Azula could almost feel her old shields forming around her. She felt the glare in her eyes and perfect posture, the deep breathing and tense body. Mai and Ty Lee.

Kaya shook her head sadly, "If only you could have seen yourself just then my dear, tightening up. Drawing in. You want to protect yourself even now. You need to let the feelings in before you can let them out."

"What if I don't want to bother with them at all?"

Kaya barked a laugh, "Remember how well that worked the last time?"

Azula felt her face grow hot with anger, "You know for someone who is here to help me, you really seem to enjoy taunting me!"

Kaya bowed her head, "I'm sorry my dear, I thought a little humour could perhaps lighten the mood. Shall we continue?"

Azula crossed her arms, leaning back, "Do I have a choice?"

"Yes." Kaya looked at her sincerely.

"Fine." Deep down, she wanted this. She knew that she had to face it, face them. Azula realised that Kaya knew it too.

"Well then, tell me about them, Mai and Ty Lee. I've never met them before, so I'd like to hear what they're like." Kaya leaned back in her seat and looked at Azula expectantly.

"Well, they...I met them at the Royal Fire Academy for Girls. Mai was so quiet, but even then, I could see that she was smarter and stronger than she let on." Azula almost smiled as she was brought back to her first day at the academy.