Azula's letters

Pov: Azula

 

It's been more than five months since I last saw Kai and, honestly, I felt empty every day, even though Ty Lee and Mai were with me, but I felt incomplete somehow.

 

It's ironic because I never thought I'd get attached to someone like Kai. He had simply invaded my life, humiliated and defeated me, only to end up being the person I had opened up to the most in my entire life; I couldn't lie, I missed him.

 

My routine had changed, not too drastically, except that I now had to put up with a Ty Lee who liked to glide around with her dominance, her greatest desire being to fly like a bird or anything with wings; it was difficult to convince my father to allow Ty Lee access to the Air Bender archives.

 

Mai, on the other hand, was more centred, thanks to the spirits, and didn't miss a beat in her training. Of course, she was terrible at firebending before, but with dedication she became the best opponent I could face, apart from my father of course.

 

Speaking of my father, he became obsessed with the legends of the dragons, searching for various records that might be useful, but the information about them was very outdated, he even sent an investigation to the island where Kai lived, but had no luck. A new change in his routine is that he has begun to develop a certain interest in astrology, spending many nights watching the stars and studying them.

 

My progress with fire bending has finally reached its peak, making me the first blue flame bender to have 100% control in this style. It was pleasing to beat my instructors so easily, but sometimes it was not worth the effort. If I had to put a figure on my strength, I would be at the level of an Admiral without too many problems, but I think I could be a good challenger for a General.

 

At that moment, I was sitting on my bed reading some historical books in my bedroom with a lot of boredom, Mai was using my desk to write in her diary to vent about her personal problems and Ty Lee was being Ty Lee.

 

- "I have an idea, how about one of us?

 

- No!- Mai and I said together, imagining Ty Lee trying to do something stupid.

 

- You don't even know what I was going to say! - Ty Lee complained, crossing his arms and sticking his tongue out at his friends.

 

- We've known you for years, we know how you think. - Mai vented, concentrating on her diary.

 

Ty Lee chose to ignore Mai's comment, just wanting to relax with the wind gently blowing in his face, dreaming of flying like the birds, touching the clouds. However, his peace was interrupted when he heard someone shouting, putting on their own shameful show.

 

Zuko was complaining to Iroh that he had no interest in teaching him the secrets of firebending, that he was being subjected to simple training that had no real meaning for him.

 

What Zuko wanted most was to surpass Kai, but first he had to become more powerful than his sister Azula, one of the greatest prodigies ever born. As the months passed, he realised that his individual development wouldn't take him very far, so he sought out his Uncle Iroh to be trained by the greatest firebender of all time. This might work if Iroh would stop playing games and train his nephew seriously. 

 

Unfortunately, Zuko wasn't yet able to absorb the little lessons that would make him extremely powerful in the long run, but his impatience was his greatest nemesis, holding him back and diminishing his potential.

 

 

- Seriously, this idiot can't keep his mouth shut. - I complained, closing my book tightly, almost setting it on fire.

 

 

- Never mind, he can't do much anyway. - Ty Lee sneered, still holding a grudge against Zuko.

 

Mai frowned for a moment; in her heart, she still felt something for Zuko, but she couldn't deny that she was still angry about her attitude that could have almost condemned her friend's life.

 

- My weak brother still lives in an illusion, believing that he can have our father's love or surpass Kai, something even more impossible. - I comment, walking over to Ty Lee's window to watch my despicable older brother trying to convince Uncle Iroh to train him. 

 

- Speaking of Kai, where has he been the last few months?- Ty Lee asked curiously.

 

Even Mai stopped writing in her diary and gave her a discreet look, interested in the subject.

 

- Kai has spent these months in an insignificant village. - I speak with anger, but mostly with disappointment. - He felt sorry for this place and asked Ozai for the land. The only way he can get it is to defeat General Fong's entire army.

 

- That means it will be a long time before he comes back, won't it? - Ty Lee asked sadly, feeling a little depressed by the news. 

 

- Why don't you send him some letters? You could keep in touch in the meantime. - Mai suggested as she went back to writing in her diary.

 

 

- I don't want to stand in his way. - I reply, although I think it's a good idea.

 

- I'm sure he'd love to read your letters. Imagine, every time he fights the terrible Earthbenders, his only comfort at the end of the day is to read your letters. - Ty Lee was fantasising, expressing his idea, almost wanting to jump out of the window.

 

The way Ty Lee said it managed to cheer Azula up, giving her the confidence and courage to try to talk to Kai through letters.

 

When Mai and Ty Lee finally went home, I found myself in my room, staring at a piece of paper with a paintbrush in my hand. I don't know how long I stayed there, but I couldn't think of anything to say.

 

- Ahhhhhh! What should I write? Should I ask him how things are over there or talk about what I've been up to? Damn, what if he doesn't answer or even read my letter! - I banged my head on the table, almost giving up on the idea of Mai. 

 

 

Sighing in defeat, I decided to write something simple. I knew it would be uncomfortable for both of us if I wrote something I didn't like, so being open was the best option.

 

 

______

 

 

To General Kai.

 

 

The decision to send this letter was nothing more than a whim of mine. To be honest, I was bored because the palace is no fun without you around.

 

Good luck on the battlefield.

 

Princess Azula. 

 

______

 

Having written the simple letter, I sent it to a royal messenger, which, given the distance, would take at least two weeks to reach Kai and another two weeks or more for his reply. 

 

In fact, a few hours later I regretted sending the letter, but it would have been impossible to intercept the message.

 

Ty Lee was very happy with my decision, she hadn't even noticed how secretive I had been in my message; she would certainly make me send another one as soon as she found out.

 

Mai didn't give her opinion, keeping it to herself, but her eyes showed a certain excitement that her idea had been considered.

 

As the weeks went by, I began to think I wouldn't get an answer. On the one hand, I was relieved that the message hadn't got through, since it's not unusual for animal messengers to be intercepted, or for Kai to have no interest in responding.

 

I was with my friends at an elementary training session, practising with Mai in particular, while Ty Lee was still trying to use his airbending to fly. 

 

A messenger accompanied by two royal guards appeared, attracting the attention of the princess and her friends. 

 

- Princess Azula, I have a message for you from General Kai. - The messenger carefully took a letter from a bag, but it quickly flew out of his hand and into Ty Lee's.

 

 

Ty Lee used his bend to steal the letter, hoping to read the message to Azula first.

 

- Don't even think about it! - I shouted, using my bend to propel me closer to Ty Lee.

 

- First you have to catch me! - said Ty Lee, using his air to make huge leaps and running off through the palace.

 

Mai just watched from a distance, watching the messenger and wondering if she had received any letters.

 

 

______

 

 

To Princess Azula

 

 

I was curious, how much did Ty Lee persuade you to write this letter? I'm not complaining, in fact I'm glad you sent me your letter.

 

 

Good luck with your boring royal days.

 

General Kai

 

Ps: I'm glad I'm not the only one who misses you. 

 

______

 

I was relieved, it felt like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders, I couldn't help but smile, forgetting that Ty Lee's pervert was spying behind me.

 

- Looks like someone is very happy, doesn't it? - Ty Lee hugged Azula to tease her.

 

- It's not like that, you pervert! - I complained, trying to get out of the hug.

 

 

Hours later, I found myself in my room, writing another letter with great anticipation. I knew very well from Ty Lee that I had to take advantage of Kai's answers and use them to make the conversation flow more smoothly.

 

That would be the basics, of course, but I really wanted to talk to him face to face. For the first time, Mai agreed with Ty Lee and forbade me to force the conversation or the topic, as we didn't know what he was going through on the battlefield, so it was more than obligatory to have a relaxed and casual conversation. But deep down I needed to know if he was OK.

 

 

______

 

 

To General Kai

 

Would you believe that the letter was Mai's idea? Who would have thought she'd fantasise about something like that? I know I shouldn't say this, and even Mai and Ty Lee told me not to, but how are you? Are you all right?

 

Promise me you will come home.

 

Princess Azula. 

 

______

 

***

 

I was having dinner with my father and my useless brother. Over the past few months, I'd started to enjoy trying new dishes, even the most exotic ones related to sea animals.

 

As much as I enjoyed the silence of the meal, I had to make a rather unique request in order to be as strong as Kai.

 

 

- Dad, can I ask you a favour? - I caught Ozai's eye as I wiped my mouth with a napkin in an attempt to maintain my table manners.

 

Ozai, who had developed a certain addiction to wine, turned to look at his youngest daughter, paying attention to what the request would be, but clearly not interested. Zuko, out of natural curiosity, couldn't help but look at his hated sister.

 

- What do you want? - Ozai said gruffly. 

 

- I want my own training hall, a special one outside the palace. 

 

- You already have your own room, why should I allow you to train outside the palace? - Ozai left his drink on the table and looked seriously at Azula.

 

- I want to practice something that Kai taught me, but it can't be done in a place like the palace. - I make my intentions clear, a wicked smile on my lips. 

 

- Stop this nonsense, you already train with the best teachers in the Fire Nation, what would someone like Kai have to teach you? - Zuko said angrily when he saw Ozai's interested look, trying to manipulate the conversation in his favour.

 

- Need I remind you that you were humiliatingly defeated by Kai? Aren't you two the same age?"- I asked, amused at Zuko's frustrated expression, finding it satisfying to see his desperate eyes.

 

 

Ozai thought about his favourite daughter's suggestion, his memories of Kai were varied, but something that interested him was the technique Kai and Katsu possessed.

 

Reports from Zoho and other soldiers confirmed the use of Kai's "secret" sub-bending. Ozai, in his lust for power, had already ordered Kai to teach him, but there had been no results as his understanding was no match for Kai's. It was clear to Ozai that his daughter had grasped the basics of the destructive Sub-Double.

 

In Ozai's eyes, it was clear that his daughter had understood the basics of the destructive technique, so if it meant increasing the power of the royal family, he could indulge Azula's wishes.

 

 

- I want to see results by the end of the year. - Ozai ordered, agreeing to Azula's request and resuming his drinking.

 

Zuko felt more and more distant from his father, unable to understand what was going on, his requests being completely ignored while Azula's were treated the opposite way.

 

The construction of the special training hall was completed with speed and precision, thanks to the best engineers and architects the Fire Nation could provide.

 

The new training room was reinforced with a considerable amount of metal, but with the necessary precautions to ensure that the heat wouldn't be trapped and affect the princess's performance.

 

I was pleased that I could now train without jeopardising the lives of Ty Lee and Mai. The use of "Subfolder: Solar Fusion" should be done in places that can withstand or eliminate destruction, but first I have to concentrate on controlling this power.

The good thing about having Kai's memories was that you could just skip the useless steps and focus on the ones that made a difference, and one thing Kai has a habit of doing is always relaxing his body and mind before launching. 

 

The main secret is not to focus the energy in the same way as you bend the fire, but simply to let it flow calmly into your hands, and at the last moment, with all your strength, to compress it into a small, single point between your hands.

 

Fire is completely tied to emotion, and the stronger your emotions are, the more powerful it will be. Lightning requires the positive and negative energies in the body to be separated and channelled into one outlet in order to produce lightning.

 

Putting the two ideas into the same form and combining them to do the ''sub-Bend: Solar Fusion" could even work in theory. The feeling that Kai describes is like having to separate and reunite your inner energy, only on a much deeper level.

 

The conclusion I came to in my mind was simple. I couldn't control this power, I could only manifest it and use it as a weapon of destruction. In reality, Kai and Katsu never really controlled this power, they could only summon it.

I couldn't help but smile with superiority; as big as Kai was, I was more rational and had a more efficient way of learning to use this power.

 

When my stupid brother went to his room, I approached my father and told him exactly what I wanted in the training room. A deep pool and a special diving suit.

 

The most dangerous thing about this sub-fold was its temperature, but if it were regulated, even a little, it would be easier for me to learn to tolerate its enormous energy and regulate its power.

 

When I was finally dressed to begin my training, I saw a messenger approach me, kneel down and hand me a new letter.

 

My heart beat faster, giving me a feeling of comfort, and I couldn't contain my excitement, so I took the letter and read it immediately. 

 

______

 

 

To Princess Azula.

 

I can't believe it was Mai, that's a twist. As for your questions, things are changing slowly, I'm practically having to defeat an army four times my size, but otherwise I'm fine. 

 

So, have you done anything new or are you still bored? 

 

General Kai 

 

Ps: I may be away from home, but that doesn't mean I'll be away forever.

 

______

 

 

Azula smiled and sighed, deciding to dismiss the messenger and return to her training.

 

Stepping into the cold water, Azula held her breath and let her body sink to the bottom of the pool. Just letting her body relax before her lungs cried out for air.

 

Closing her eyes and letting small bubbles of air come out of her mouth, she gently clasped her hands together, channeling her energy into her hands in the same way she remembered Kai doing. After three minutes, Azula shoots her body out of the pool, panting, trying to regain her lost air.

 

- This is harder than I thought... - I admit, still trying to calm my breathing. 

 

By evening I was biting the base of my brush, trying to find words for my new letter.

 

 

______

 

To General Kai

 

I'm relieved that you're getting the situation under control. For your information, I'm finally practising your very special explosive technique, so by the time you get back, I'll have mastered it.

 

Princess Azula

 ______

 

As I finish my letter, I feel that those weren't the words I wanted to say, but I think they'll do for now.

 

After months of intense training, military study and letter writing, the day of my birthday finally arrives. 

 

I'll admit I'm not in the best of moods for it, as I knew it would be a day of negotiations rather than fun.

 

After two hours of getting ready for the party, I was greeted and subjected to countless boring conversations for the rest of the day. What I hated most was giving false hope to little nobodies who didn't even know how insignificant they were in my eyes. 

 

As much as I had privileges, such as the Fire Lord's daughter and the countless examples throughout the history of the Fire Nation, it was that I didn't even have control over my future life, just a bargaining chip to create marital alliances or limit myself to creating decency.

 

The only real way for me to have control over my future life was to become heir to the throne. By becoming queen, I would have complete freedom to change the world as I saw fit. 

 

 

- What would such a beautiful princess be doing here? - said a boy with an air of nobility. - May I accompany you?

 

 

I almost rolled my eyes, it seems this idiot doesn't know the meaning of the word privacy. I turned to him, trying my best not to burn him to the bone.

 

- My name is Cezo, I'm a nobleman's son and the first-born son of...

 

- I know who you are, do you think that because I'm a princess I don't know who all the nobles and soldiers in this room are? - I threaten, making my tone very clear.

 

- I'm sorry, Princess, I thought you needed company. - Cezo said awkwardly.

 

- Go find someone else to flirt with. - I walked out into the garden, wanting to take a breather from the situation. 

 

The little nobleman went to his father, ashamed of himself, and received a disapproving look from him, indignant at his son's lack of effort in failing to attract the attention of the princess. 

 

As I walked through the garden, the scent of the flowers did my mind a favour. I hear a familiar sound, that of an animal making a *quack*.

 

I walked on until I saw a small water fountain, surrounded by turtle ducks, with a mother and her young.

 

Seeing these animals brought back a memory of my mother, Ursa. This flash in my memory was enough to make my eyes water for a moment, I tried to stop the tears, but I was stupid not to be able to regain control because of these memories. I knew that if anyone saw this I could get into serious trouble, but the damn tears wouldn't stop.

 

I heard footsteps coming towards me and tried to hide my tears as quickly as I could by turning towards the person, but I was quickly pulled into a hug, causing me to freeze in surprise.

 

A very familiar feeling of warmth and comfort came over me, causing the tears to fall from my eyes again. I was afraid to look up, but when I did, I was greeted by a loving look from two scarlet eyes. 

 

- Kai? What are you doing here? I asked, fearing I was hallucinating.

 

- "Generals have days off, so I managed to rearrange my schedule to get back to the capital in time for your birthday. - Kai said, smiling affectionately at Azula.

 

I wrapped my arms around his body, feeling how he had matured physically, not to mention his new size. I don't know how long we held each other, but I felt it was a greater gift than any other I had received that day.

 

- Can you stay until tomorrow? - I asked, almost pleading.

 

- I can't, Azula. - Kai nodded and gave me a sad smile. - I've sailed for weeks to get here, I have to get back to the battlefield. 

 

I held his hands, mentally begging him not to keep us apart. Looking at his strong hands, I could see several scars on his skin, a clear reflection of the battles he had suffered during this time.

 

- I noticed that people like to dance at parties like this, would you like to do me the honour of a dance? - Kai held out his hand to invite the princess. 

 

I looked at his hand and smiled to accept his invitation. I felt one of Kai's hands on my waist and the other on my hand. Our bodies were so close together that our breath could touch each other's skin. 

 

My heart was pounding, a feeling far more satisfying than winning a firebending duel. We remained in our own world, illuminated only by the moonlight. 

 

- I have to go. - Kai whispered in Azula's ear. - But first, I want to deliver the letter this time. 

 

Kai pulled a letter out of his pocket, it was larger than usual, it was easy to see that it contained a gift. He handed it to Azula, who seemed eager to open it.

 

- Will we see each other again? - I asked, as if it was the last time I'd ever see those eyes. 

 

- Don't worry, I'll be back before you know it. - Kai smiled for the last time that night and turned away from Azula to walk in the opposite direction of the party.

 

When the party finally ended, I found myself on the bed with my hair loose and messy, just staring at the letter without having the courage to open it yet.

 

When I did open it, I noticed that there were two tickets, and I saw that each one was numbered, so I opened the first one. 

 

______

 

To Princess Azula

 

The last few months on the battlefield have been nothing short of horrific, I've seen the most horrific scenarios of war. I feel like anyone could go mad or worse, but the fact that you sent me your letters was the only thing that calmed me down, because of you I didn't have to think about the war every day, even for a few minutes. 

 

I'm grateful to you, and if you need me, I'll be there for you.

 

Kai

 

______

 

Reading Kai's words almost gave me a shock of reality, I had never imagined that I could have such an effect on him. Of course, I was worried about confessing his suffering, but it was a relief to know that he was leaning on me, just as I was leaning on him.

 

I couldn't help myself and reached for the other note, feeling that there was an object stuck in it. When I opened it, a small necklace fell out onto the bed. I held it carefully, noticing that it was rather rustic, with a simple rope and a small red stone, a ruby.

 

Holding the necklace in one hand and the last ticket in the other, I couldn't help but laugh.

 

______

Ps: When my soldiers were making a trench out of Earthbending, one of them found a pirate's treasure chest, so for fun we held a raffle to see who would win a piece of the treasure. You've probably guessed that I won.

______

 

I put the necklace around my neck, caressed the jewel in my fingers, and let my body fall onto the bed, only to close my eyes and fall asleep.

 

So another year has passed since I saw Kai on my birthday.

 

next chapter: Last night