alicianaidoo1234 - Tumblr blog

[alicianaidoo1234]

I had the random urge to write something so here goes nothing

The waves were calm, the skies were blue, and the sand beneath my feet was soft with every step. Everything, and I mean everything, was just perfect. But why did I feel nothing? Why, in my eye, was this sunny day just a shade of grey? Oh, wait one moment, I remember now. Today is the same day I lost you all those years ago. Do you remember? Probably not, so I'll tell you.

It all began one summer evening. You and I had a fight about something that seems so silly now. We were both so angry at each other. How stupid we were. The words we shared were not pretty; they were bitter and hard to swallow. We had never fought like that before, and God only knew that it would be our last.

You threatened to leave and I let you. I still remember how you walked out of the house that day. Your eyes never matched the angry expression your face made. Your glare settled deep within my soul as you got into your car to leave.

I should have never let you drive off like that. I should have never allowed you to go. If I had chosen better words to say to you, would you still be here? What if I had held on to you, never letting go? Would that car not have hit yours? There were so many things I could have done so that you could still be here with me. But it’s too late for that now. You are gone, and my last words to you were curses.

Now I stand at our favorite spot. You always loved the beach, and I did too. But with you gone, it just feels like grains of rock and a huge puddle. I miss you, and if I could go up to heaven to tell you that, I would. But for now, my mind is haunted by the memory of you.

I sit at our spot in silence, my head flooded with regrets and my heart aching for your presence. I have words to say that I wish you had heard. So let me say it now: My darling, you mean the entire world to me, and I'm sorry that I didn't listen. I'm sorry for the things I said that hurt you. So, if you have anything to say, I promise I'll lend you my ear and make you feel like someone cared.

[alicianaidoo1234]

just saving this here

The forest around them was thick with a silence that felt heavy, almost oppressive. Lan, scowling, kicked a loose rock down a slope. 'Just great,' he muttered, his voice tinged with frustration. 'This is all your fault, you know.'

Azula, her brow furrowed in concentration, ignored him. She clutched at her temples, her eyes flickering wildly. 'Father... why are you here? I thought you...'

Lan rolled his eyes. 'You're seeing things again, aren't you? I told you, those pills…'

He stopped mid-sentence. Azula had backed away from him, her body trembling. Her gaze was fixed on a spot in the air, her lips moving silently. Her skin, normally pale, was flushed an unnatural shade of red.

'Azula?' Lan cautiously approached, fear creeping into his voice. 'Azula, can you hear me?'

Azula turned her head slowly, her eyes burning with a strange, almost manic intensity. 'He's here,' she whispered, her voice hoarse. 'He's coming for me.'

Lan felt a chill run down his spine. This wasn't the usual hallucination. The fear in her eyes was real, and the way she said 'he' ... it wasn't her mother.

'Azula, who is 'he'?' he asked, trying to mask his own apprehension. 'It's just a hallucination. It's not real.'

Azula let out a ragged laugh, a sound that sent shivers down Lan's spine. 'You think you know me, earth-bender? You think you understand how this feels?'

She took a step closer, her voice low and dangerous. 'He's... he's Ozai. He's here to take me back.'

The ground beneath Lan's feet felt unsteady. Ozai, the Fire Lord, Azula's father? The man who was rumored to be a cruel and terrifying tyrant? It was a terrifying thought.

He knew he was supposed to hate her, to fear her. But seeing her like this, lost and terrified, filled him with an unsettling mix of pity and apprehension.

He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. 'Listen, Azula,' he said, his voice firm. 'We'll find Yoshie and Uki, and they'll help you. You need to calm down.'

He knew it wasn't much, but he had to try. He had to get her back to the others, get her back to safety. He had to make sure that they got back to the group and ensure that Azula didn't lose her composure.

[alicianaidoo1234]

Ignore this, just saving this here.

Uki, her face a picture of bewildered confusion, stared at the scene before her. Azula, normally the epitome of regal firebending poise, was slumped against a table, bellowing out a nonsensical song in a voice that would make a banshee jealous. Yoshie, typically the voice of reason, was perched on a stool, belting out a surprisingly accurate rendition of 'Anchors Aweigh' with a glazed look in his eyes.

'Lan,' Uki whispered, her voice barely a breath. 'What in the spirit of the ocean is going on?'

Lan, perched on a nearby chair, his chin resting in his hand, surveyed the scene with a mixture of amusement and disdain. 'Looks like Azula and Yoshie had a bit too much fire-wine,' he stated with a smirk. 'The old drunken shenanigans, you know?'

'But...but Yoshie's supposed to be the responsible one!' Uki exclaimed, her voice rising slightly. 'He's supposed to keep Azula in check!'

Lan shrugged. 'Maybe he's been practicing his sea shanties...who knows.' He paused, a mischievous glint in his eye. 'Maybe you should try singing along with them. They might be less likely to cause trouble if they think you're joining in.'

Uki's jaw dropped. 'Join them? In this...this state?' She glanced at the increasingly loud and incoherent Azula, who was now attempting to climb onto the table, singing about the 'sea serpent' who 'was after her gold'. 'I think I'll pass, thanks.'

'Suit yourself,' Lan said, a hint of amusement in his voice. 'But someone has to do something before things get out of hand. Don't say I didn't warn you.' He leaned back in his chair, a smirk playing on his lips. 'You think the tavern owner will be happy when Azula starts trying to set the place on fire?'

Uki, her face pale with apprehension, hesitantly approached the table. As she did, she noticed a half-empty bottle of fire-wine on the table, the remaining liquid shimmering with a faint, dangerous glow. She knew she needed to act fast.

'Hey, guys, wake up!' Uki said, her voice, though strong, was filled with an undercurrent of panic. 'We've got to go, it's getting late.'

Azula, mid-song, turned her fiery orange eyes to Uki, her voice slurred. 'Who are you? And why are you singing so badly?'

Yoshie, swaying slightly on his perch, gave a hiccuped laugh. 'That's our Uki! She's...she's the water tribe girl! And she's the best sailor in the world!'

Uki cringed. 'I... I don't think I'm the best sailor, Yoshie.'

Azula, her face contorted in a frown, pointed a finger at Uki. 'What's that? Are you saying I'm not the best sailor? I am the best! And the strongest! The most...the most...flaming amazing!'

Lan, watching the unfolding scene with a mixture of amusement and concern, shook his head. 'This is going to be a long night.'

Uki, knowing that she was in way over her head, tried to maintain her composure. “This is not going to be a long night, Azula.” She reached out and took the fire-wine bottle, her hand careful. “This needs to stop. It's time to go.”

Azula, her eyes narrowed, glared at Uki. “Don’t take my fire-wine! It’s the best in the world!”

Lan, seeing where this was going, quickly intervened. “Azula, we need to go. You’re making a scene.” He quickly grabbed the bottle from Uki, her hand still trembling. “We’ll go get something to sober you up. You’ll feel better in the morning.”

Azula, her eyes still narrowed, started to argue, but Lan quickly cut her off. “No arguing. Come on.” He took her by the arm, gently guiding her to her feet. Yoshie, his face a mixture of confusion and embarrassment, stumbled after them, still singing snippets of “Anchors Aweigh.”

Uki, sighing in relief, followed behind. This night was already more than she bargained for. She was starting to think she'd rather face a sea serpent than deal with these two drunk firebenders.

[alicianaidoo1234]

The morning light, filtered through the bars of her cell, fell on Yoshie, curled up against the wall, a makeshift pillow beneath his head. He was asleep, his face pale and relaxed. Azula, normally brimming with disdain, found herself staring, a flicker of surprise in her icy gaze.

'What in the blazes…?' she muttered, the suddenness of her voice waking the soldier. He sat up, blinking sleepily, his hand instinctively reaching for the hilt of his sword.

'Just you, Princes,' he mumbled, his voice rough with sleep.

Azula, still stunned, broke into a rare smile. 'So, you've decided to join me in my cell? I must say, I find your accommodations rather…uncomfortable.'

Yoshie looked at the cell, a faint blush on his face. 'I…I didn't want to leave you alone,' he said, his voice quiet. 'You were…hallucinating last night. Saying things…things that scared you.'

Azula's smile faltered, her eyes hardening. 'Hallucinating? That's a rather generous term for a display of raw, unbridled power, soldier.'

'Maybe,' Yoshie said, his voice gaining strength. 'But it was clear you were scared. Desperate. I couldn't leave you to face that alone.'

Azula stared at him, a rare vulnerability in her gaze. 'You…you were worried about me?' The question hung in the air, a fragile thing.

Yoshie nodded, his eyes meeting hers. 'I am a soldier, Prince. I'm supposed to protect you. Even if you don't want it.'

Azula looked away, a flicker of something like gratitude in her eyes. She straightened, her chin tilted up as if to regain her usual composure. 'Very well, soldier. You may stay. But don't think for a moment that this changes anything.'

'Understood, Prince,' Yoshie replied, a wry smile on his lips. He stood up, brushing dust off his uniform. 'Now, if you'll excuse me, I believe I have a rather important duty to perform…namely, sleeping off this night shift.'

Azula couldn't help but smirk at his nonchalant attitude. She never expected a soldier to be this considerate to her. He was always unpredictable, which highlighted her prison life.

[alicianaidoo1234]

I'm not leaving

Yoshie pushed open the cell door, the heavy metal groaning in protest. He'd found Azula curled on the floor, whispering to the shadows. Her voice, usually sharp and cold, was now a low murmur, tinged with desperation. He recognized the figure she was addressing – the spectral image of Ursa, shimmering faintly in the cell's dim lighting.

'Azula,' Yoshie said gently, his voice a stark contrast to the hollow whisper coming from the princess. 'Azula, it's me. Yoshie.'

Azula didn't flinch, didn't even acknowledge him. She continued to speak to the phantom, her words barely audible: 'Mother, I… I need you. I need you to tell me what to do.”

Yoshie didn't know how to deal with this. He'd been assigned to Azula's cell because of her power, her dangerous firebending, but he wasn't prepared for this. For her to be… broken. He took a step closer, feeling the cold stone of the floor beneath his feet.

'Azula,' he tried again, his voice stronger this time. 'You're safe here. You're not alone.'

The image of Ursa flickered, almost as if it was being pulled away by an unseen force. Azula's eyes snapped open, blazing with an intensity that Yoshie knew all too well.

'You're not my mother,' she hissed, her voice turning to ice. 'Get out.'

Yoshie retreated a step, his heart pounding in his chest. He didn't want to provoke her further. He knew she was vulnerable, but he also knew the damage she was capable of.

'Azula,' he said softly, “I'm here. I'm not going anywhere.'

He pulled up a chair and sat down, his gaze fixed on the trembling princess. He didn't know if he was doing the right thing, but he couldn't leave her alone. Not now. Not with those haunted eyes staring into the darkness.

The night stretched on, filled with the silence of the prison and the occasional whisper of Azula's voice, calling out for a mother who couldn't be there. Yoshie stayed, keeping watch, a silent protector in the face of a broken princess and a phantom that haunted her soul. He might not be able to stop the hallucinations, but he could try, with unwavering determination, to be the one thing Azula didn't have – a constant presence in the darkness.

[alicianaidoo1234]

Something lies beneath that smile

The midday sun filtered through the bars of Azula's cell, casting long shadows across the stone floor. Yoshie, his usual cheerful demeanor intact, leaned against the wall, fiddling with a stray button on his tunic.

“You seem awfully chipper, Yoshie,” Azula’s voice was as sharp as ever, a stark contrast to the warm afternoon.

Yoshie grinned, a playful twinkle in his eye. “What can I say? I’m a man who appreciates the little things. The sun’s shining, the birds are singing, and I’m not stuck in a cell like some people I know.”

Azula snorted. “You’re delusional,” she said, her voice laced with disbelief. “You’re trapped here too, forced to watch over me. No one can be this happy all the time.”

“Oh, but I can,” Yoshie countered, his smile widening. 'Look, if you can find a way to make a good cup of tea with only hot water and a pinch of dried leaves, I’ll call you a miracle worker. It’s all about perspective, you know? You can find joy in the most unexpected places.'

He gestured to a small patch of wildflowers growing between the cracks in the stone floor. “See? Even in this dreary place, life finds a way to blossom. That’s what keeps me going.”

Azula’s gaze followed his hand, her expression unreadable. As Yoshie recounted a story about a mischievous frog squirrel he had encountered on his morning patrol, a shadow fell over his face. The playful glint in his eye dimmed, and for a fleeting moment, Azula caught a glimpse of something beneath his cheerful facade. A flicker of pain, a hint of sadness that quickly vanished, replaced by a forced smile.

“You know, even frog squirrels can be terrible troublemakers,” Yoshie said, his voice a touch lighter than before. He chuckled, but the forced cheer didn’t quite reach his eyes. Azula noticed, but she didn't comment.

Yoshie took a step back, his eyes returning to their usual brightness. “Well, I’d better be going. I’ve got a full day ahead of me, filled with the joys of guard duty and frog squirrel encounters.”

He winked at her, the familiar playful twinkle back in his eyes. Azula stared at him, a flicker of curiosity and confusion in her own. Yoshie’s cheerful façade was a mask, but beneath it, she felt a fleeting sense that he, like her, was carrying more than his share of burdens.

[alicianaidoo1234]

Yoshie's past part 2

'Don't cry, Kokuu,' Yoshie said, pulling his younger brother into a hug. Kokuu, barely six years old, clung to Yoshie, tears streaming down his face. 'I'll be back before you know it. Then I'll teach you how to fire bend, I promise.'

'But you said you'd teach me when I was seven,' Kokuu sobbed, sniffing. 'Why do you have to go?'

Yoshie looked at his mother, her belly swollen with their new sibling. Her eyes were red-rimmed, but she held a semblance of strength. 'It's the way of things, Kokuu,' she said, her voice gentle. 'Your brother has to serve his country.'

Yoshie squeezed Kokuu tighter. 'It's not what I want, but it's my duty. I'll be back as soon as I can,' he promised, his voice cracking. He pulled away and looked at his mother, a hesitant smile on his face. 'When I leave, try to keep your spirits up, okay? And...' he paused, the words catching in his throat.

His mother reached out and squeezed his hand. 'Don't worry about us, Yoshie. We'll be fine.' Her eyes softened. 'Just remember... your father loves you. He just has a hard way of showing it.'

Yoshie felt his throat constrict. He knew his father loved him, in a gruff, unyielding way. His heart ached with a mixture of fear and resentment. 'I know, Mama,' he murmured, his voice choked with emotion. 'I know.'

He turned back to Kokuu, wiping his own tears. 'Just promise me you'll be a good boy and listen to Mama, okay?'

'I promise,' Kokuu sniffled, clutching Yoshie's tunic. 'But when are you coming back?'

'Soon, little brother,' Yoshie said, his voice filled with the hollow hope of a 13-year-old sent to join the Hundred Year War. He hugged Kokuu one last time, then turned and walked towards the waiting Fire Nation soldier camps, where he will be trained with other young boys to serve under Fire Lord Azulon's military, his footsteps dragging on the cobblestones. His heart was heavy, but his gaze fixed ahead, towards a future uncertain and fraught with danger. He had no choice but to follow his father's orders, but he hoped, desperately, to return to his family, to his brother, to the warmth of his home, and to the love of his mother.

[alicianaidoo1234]

Yoshie's past

The flickering candlelight danced across Yoshie's face, illuminating the mischievous glint in his eyes. He practiced a new fire-bending trick, a swirling ball of flame that took the shape of a laughing dragon.

'Yoshie,' his father, a stern man with a broad chest and scarred hands, entered the room. 'Don't waste your time with childish games.'

Yoshie paused, the fiery dragon disappearing in a puff of smoke. 'It's not childish, Father. It's powerful. Look!' He quickly conjured another ball of flame, this one resembling a fierce lion.

'Your talent is wasted on tricks,' his father said, his voice devoid of warmth. 'You have the potential to be a great warrior, to serve the Fire Nation with honor. Your training begins tomorrow.'

Yoshie's stomach clenched. Training meant leaving the only home he'd ever known, leaving his friends, leaving his carefree life. He knew his father was right, he had a gift, but the thought of joining the army filled him with dread.

'Tomorrow?' Yoshie asked, his voice small.

'Yes, tomorrow,' his father confirmed, his gaze hard. 'It's time you learned discipline and responsibility. This will be good for you.'

Yoshie knew arguing was futile. He'd never dared disobey his father, especially when it came to his fire-bending. 'Okay, Father,' he mumbled, the words tasting like ashes in his mouth.

His father nodded, a hint of satisfaction in his eyes. 'Good. Get some rest. You'll need it for the journey ahead.'

As his father left, Yoshie slumped onto the bed, his stomach still churning. He knew he was a powerful fire-bender, but he also knew he was just a boy, a boy who loved playing with fire and laughing with his friends. He wished he could tell his father that, wished he could explain that the fire inside him wasn't just a weapon, but a part of him, a part that needed to be explored, not just controlled.

But he wouldn't. He would go to training, he would obey. After all, he loved his father, even if he didn't understand him. And maybe, just maybe, he could find a way to be himself, even within the rigid confines of the Fire Nation army.

[alicianaidoo1234]

Together again

The void stretched before them, an endless expanse of nothingness. It felt like a familiar playground, one they had conquered countless times in their youth.

'You know,' Geto said, his voice a low rumble, 'This feels a lot like our old training ground.'

Gojo chuckled, his eyes twinkling with a familiar mischief. 'You're right, Suguru. Just without the annoying presence of old man Gakuganji.'

They fell into an easy silence, the kind they used to share, before the world turned their friendship into a bitter rivalry. Geto looked down, his gaze drawn to the swirling darkness that promised only pain and despair.

'My path is clear, Gojo,' he said, his voice tinged with melancholy. 'I see only hell.'

Gojo's smile faltered. He, too, saw the dark path ahead, but his vision was broader. 'And mine,' he started, his voice softening, 'I see both heaven and hell. But I think I'll choose… well, let's just say I have options.'

Geto nodded, a shadow crossing his face. 'That's good, Satoru. It means you can still choose to go towards the light. I cannot.'

He turned, his steps firm, his back straighter than it had been in years. Gojo watched him go, a pang of sorrow twisting his heart. This was it. The parting of ways.

Suddenly, Gojo's voice cut through the silence, sharp and resolute. 'Suguru,' he called, his voice echoing through the void. 'Wait.'

Geto stopped, a flicker of hope igniting in his eyes. He turned, his expression questioning.

'Let's go show hell who the strongest sorcerers are,' Gojo said, his eyes burning with a fierce determination. 'Together.'

Geto's lips curled into a bittersweet smile. 'Together, Satoru.'

And they walked into the darkness side by side, not as rivals, but as best friends, ready to face their shared fate, even if it meant embracing the flames of hell.

[alicianaidoo1234]

Annie and Armin after the rumbling

The evening sun cast long shadows through the trees lining the path to the small, secluded clearing. Armin, clutching a small, velvet box in his hand, led Annie towards a clearing where a picnic basket lay spread on a checkered blanket.

'This is... nice,' Annie said, her voice softer than usual. The air carried the scent of pine and wildflowers, a welcome change from the dust and despair that had clung to them for so long.

'I thought we could have a bit of peace before the… before everything else gets started,' Armin said, his voice a little shaky. He sat down on the blanket, offering Annie the seat beside him.

Annie settled, her eyes darting to the box in his hand. She knew what it was, but a small part of her hoped she was wrong. Armin had been oddly quiet and distant for the past few weeks, but she couldn't bring herself to tell him about the fear she felt blooming inside her.

'Annie,' Armin began, his hand reaching for hers. 'We've been through hell together. We've lost so much, but we've also found something… something special. You, you've become my anchor, my reason to keep going. I've never felt this way about anyone, and…' He paused, swallowing hard.

'And what?' Annie asked, her voice barely a whisper.

He took a deep breath. 'And I want to spend the rest of my life with you, Annie. I want to face whatever comes next, with you by my side.' He opened the velvet box, revealing a simple gold band nestled in the plush red lining. 'Annie Leonhart, will you marry me?'

Annie stared at the ring, the golden band seeming to shimmer with a light of its own against the backdrop of the setting sun. Her heart hammered against her ribs, a chaotic drumbeat competing with the quiet rustling of leaves.

'Armin…' she started, her voice choked with emotion. Her gaze flitted between the ring and his face, searching for something, for anything, to help her make sense of this moment.

'I know,' Armin said, his voice barely above a whisper. 'This isn't… ideal. But I can't imagine my future without you. If you'll have me.'

Annie's eyes, usually so cold and distant, welled up with tears. A tear escaped, tracing a path down her cheek. She reached for his hand, her touch tentative but firm.

'Yes,' she whispered, her voice barely audible. 'Yes, Armin. Yes, I will.'

He smiled, the relief flooding his face like a warm wave. He slipped the ring onto her finger, the gold band fitting perfectly. 'I love you, Annie,' he said, his voice thick with emotion.

'I love you too, Armin,' she whispered back, leaning into his touch. In the quiet of the clearing, surrounded by the fading light of the setting sun, they found solace in each other's arms. The future was uncertain, the world was full of scars, but they would face it together. They were a team, now more than ever, joined by love and the promise of a future, a future they would build together.

[alicianaidoo1234]

What now

The cold stone of the cell pressed against Azula's back, a stark contrast to the warmth of the fire she once commanded. The flickering light of the lone oil lamp cast long, grotesque shadows on the walls, dancing with the unbidden thoughts that swirled within her.

'What am I now?' she whispered, her voice hoarse from disuse. 'Not a princess. Not the Fire Lord's heir. Not… not a weapon.'

A bitter laugh escaped her lips, a sound that echoed in the emptiness of the cell.

'What is my purpose?' she continued, her gaze fixed on the single, rusted bar that separated her from the world. 'To sit here and rot? To be a cautionary tale for the children of the Fire Nation? Or… or… maybe a lesson for Zuko. A reminder of what happens when you chase power without a soul.'

A flicker of anger crossed her face, quickly replaced by a flicker of despair. 'He… he's the Fire Lord now. My brother. The one I… I… I never thought I'd see him as anything but a failure.'

She rose to her feet, pacing in the confined space, her movements jerky and restless. 'I was meant for power. Meant to lead. To be… to be… something more than this.'

She stopped abruptly, her hand clenching into a fist. 'But… what if… what if there is no 'more'? What if this is all I am? What if this is my punishment?'

The thought hung in the air, heavy and suffocating. Azula slumped onto the stone floor, her shoulders slumping as if carrying the weight of the world.

'What is it all for?' she whispered, her voice a mere echo in the darkness. 'What is the point of it all? What is my purpose?'

The silence that followed was deafening, echoing the emptiness she felt within.

[alicianaidoo1234]

Just for a smile

The cell door clanged shut behind Yoshie, the familiar sound echoing in the dim space. He shuffled in, a wide, playful grin plastered on his face. Azula, perched on her usual stone bench, stared at him with a blank expression.

'Well, Azula,' Yoshie chirped, 'Ready for a surprise?'

He gestured to the doorway and a man with a weathered face strode in, cradling a sleek pipa. The man, who looked to be in his late fifties, gave Azula a respectful nod before settling himself on the floor. He plucked at the strings, a faint melody rippling through the air.

'What's this?' Azula demanded, her voice devoid of her usual sharp edge.

'Just a little something to liven up your day, princess!' Yoshie declared. 'We thought you could use a little music.'

The man began to strum a tune, the melody a blend of the Fire Nation's traditional styles with a subtle, almost imperceptible navy influence. Azula's eyes narrowed. This was...different. It was almost...pleasing.

As the music swelled, Yoshie started to sing. He had a surprisingly pleasant voice, his words a mixture of playful banter and nostalgic reminiscence of their childhood in the Fire Nation capital. He sang about the bustling markets, the fiery sunsets, and their shared memories of mischievous pranks.

Azula remained silent, but a flicker of something akin to amusement danced in her eyes. It was a far cry from the icy disdain she usually displayed, and Yoshie's heart leaped with hope.

The song ended, the music fading into silence. Azula finally spoke, her voice a low murmur. 'You're a strange one, Yoshie.'

Yoshie beamed. 'That's what everyone says! Now, what do you think? Did the music cheer you up a bit?'

Azula's lips twitched, a hint of a smile playing on her face. 'Perhaps,' she conceded, her voice still subdued. 'Although, I have to say, your navy influences are rather...unorthodox.'

Yoshie winked, 'Who needs the stuffy old navy tunes when you have a little bit of both worlds, eh?'

The pipa player gave a respectful bow, and Yoshie ushered him out. As the door closed, Azula looked at Yoshie, a flicker of something that might be curiosity in her eyes. It wasn't the usual blank stare. The fire in her eyes seemed to be flickering back to life, just a little.

Yoshie smiled. He didn't care what the other guards thought about him, all he cared about was that he was finally able to put a smile back onto Azula's face.

[alicianaidoo1234]

Somethings off

The midday sun beat down on the courtyard, turning the air shimmery and still. Yoshie, perched on a low wall, watched Azula pace in the enclosed space, her usual fiery energy dimmed. She hadn't spoken a word in the last hour, her gaze fixed on the ground.

Yoshie, ever the optimist, tried to break the silence. 'Heard there's a new shipment of berries coming in tomorrow. The sweetest, juiciest ones you ever tasted. Maybe we can sneak off and have a little picnic in the woods?'

Azula paused, her shadowed eyes flicking up to Yoshie for a fleeting moment, before she continued pacing, her lips pressed into a thin line. 'You know I can't leave this place,' she mumbled, her voice barely a whisper.

Yoshie, undeterred, jumped off the wall and landed next to her, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Don't worry, I'll take care of everything. I've got a plan. A real good one. We'll be like two fireflies, lighting up the night!' He gave a playful wink that Azula barely acknowledged.

'You're a fool, Yoshie,' Azula said, her voice barely above a murmur. 'There's nothing left for me to escape to.'

Yoshie felt a knot of sadness tighten in his chest. He knew how much those words stung, but he refused to give up. 'Don't say that, Azula. You're still young. You have time. And you deserve a chance to be happy.'

Azula stopped pacing and turned to him, her eyes dull and empty. 'Happy?' she scoffed. 'I'm not capable of happiness.'

'That's not true,' Yoshie insisted, his voice soft but firm. 'Everyone is capable of happiness. You just need to find the right spark, the one that ignites your fire again.'

Azula looked at him, her face a mask of sadness. 'I've lost my fire, Yoshie. It's gone.'

Yoshie frowned, feeling a rising tide of frustration. He knew he couldn't force her to feel happy, but he couldn't bear to see her like this. 'Then we'll find it together,' he said, his voice filled with conviction. 'We'll find your fire and rekindle it. I promise.'

He offered her a smile, but it felt strained. He knew he had a long way to go to reach the heart of the storm that raged within Azula, but he wouldn’t give up. Not until he saw the fire light up her eyes again.

[alicianaidoo1234]

What's wrong

The morning sunlight streamed through the bars of Azula's cell, illuminating the tight space. Yoshie, his face etched with concern, stood outside, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.

'Azula,' he began, his voice quiet, 'You seem… different today.'

She sat on her cot, her back straight, eyes fixed on the wall. Her usual fiery spirit seemed extinguished, replaced by a cold, almost vacant stare.

'Is everything alright?' Yoshie pressed, sensing the shift in her demeanor.

Azula remained silent, her lips pressed into a thin line. Yoshie could see the flicker of pain in her eyes, a stark contrast to the usual arrogance that burned there. He knew that something had happened the previous day, something that had shaken her deeply.

'I know you were at a family gathering yesterday,' he said, trying to tread carefully. 'Did… something happen?'

Azula finally turned her gaze to him, but her eyes were as empty as the sea at dawn.

'It's none of your concern,' she spat, her voice devoid of its usual venom.

'Azula,' Yoshie persisted, 'I'm just trying to understand.'

She shook her head, her hair a blur of dark blue. 'There's nothing to understand. Leave me alone.'

Yoshie felt a pang of sympathy. He had been ordered to guard her, but he couldn't help but feel a strange empathy for the princes who now seemed so lost and broken. He knew that the whispers about her instability were true. But beneath them, Yoshie could see a flicker of vulnerability, a raw pain he couldn't ignore.

'I won't leave until you tell me what's wrong,' he said softly. 'I can't help you if you don't let me in.'

Azula's eyes met his, a storm brewing within them. A single tear rolled down her cheek, the only sign of the turmoil raging inside her.

'It's nothing you can fix,' she whispered, her voice barely a croak.

Yoshie took a step closer. 'Maybe not,' he said, 'But I can listen.'

He waited, his gaze unwavering, hoping that his presence, however unwelcome, might offer her a small measure of comfort. He knew that she might never confide in him, but he refused to give up on her. Not when he saw the flicker of pain behind her cold façade.

[alicianaidoo1234]

Break her ( part 3)

The heavy clang of the cell door echoed through the cavernous chamber as Azula entered, her chains dragging across the rough stone floor. She kept her head lowered, her fiery red hair a cascade around her face, concealing the storm brewing within. Her once impeccably groomed features were now etched with the hard lines of prison, but her eyes still held a flicker of that old, fierce fire.

Ozai sat on a crudely fashioned throne, his face pale and gaunt, but his eyes still held the same chilling arrogance. Zuko stood in the shadows, his own face etched with pain, but his gaze fixed on his sister.

'Azula,' Ozai rasped, his voice rough with age and disuse, 'It seems your reign of fire has come to an abrupt end.'

Azula didn't respond, her silence a wall of defiance.

'You were always my brightest star, my most powerful tool,' Ozai continued, his voice laced with bitterness, 'But you faltered, you failed. You were broken. Do you know what that means?' He paused, letting the silence hang heavy in the air. 'It means you are no longer worthy of my attention.'

The words hit Azula like a physical blow. Her shoulders slumped, and she finally lifted her head, the mask of defiance crumbling away. Tears welled up in her eyes, hot and stinging. She hadn't expected cruelty from her father, not this kind. The words were like a revelation, tearing down the fragile hope she had held onto for so long - the hope of earning his love, his approval.

Zuko watched the scene unfold, his heart twisting with anguish. He knew Ozai's words were cruel, calculated to break his sister's spirit, but he also knew it was necessary. Azula needed to see the truth, the harsh reality of their father's heart. He couldn't let her stay trapped in the delusion of being worthy of his love.

As they left the cell, Azula didn't resist. She walked with her head bowed, her tears flowing freely down her cheeks. Zuko tried to comfort his sister by resting his hand on her shoulder, but she pulled away. They walked in silence, the heavy weight of Ozai's words hanging between them.

Zuko felt horrible for what just happened. But he just hoped that Dr Kim was right. That painful process would be enough to break Azula out of the reality she has crafted about their father.

[alicianaidoo1234]

Break her (part 2)

The prison cell felt smaller, more suffocating than usual. Azula stared at the bars, a detached expression on her face. She hadn’t expected Zuko to visit. Three years. Three years of silence, of neglect, of him pretending she didn’t exist. Now, he shows up, acting like a benevolent brother, forcing her to swallow pills and attend therapy sessions.

'You look well,' Zuko said, his voice flat. He sat on the small table, his back straight, a posture she knew well from the throne room.

Azula scoffed. 'You’ve been ‘caring’ for me for a couple of weeks. I don’t think that qualifies as well, Zuko. It’s almost insulting, your sudden concern after all this time.'

He didn’t flinch. 'I’m trying to help you, Azula. You need it.'

'Need it? You think I need your help? I, the Firelord, the strongest in the Fire Nation, need your help?'

'Azula, it's over. You lost the throne. Your obsession with power has driven you to this.'

'And you, the benevolent Firelord, are simply exploiting my vulnerability.' Azula’s eyes narrowed. 'What’s really going on, Zuko? What are you trying to achieve?'

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. 'I’m not trying to achieve anything. I just... I care about you. I don’t want to see you like this.'

'You care about me?' she laughed, a hollow, bitter sound. 'You, who threw me away like a broken toy?'

'It wasn’t like that,' Zuko started, but Azula cut him off.

'Don’t bother. The past is past. I don’t need your pity.'

A tense silence filled the cell. Zuko stood, his gaze fixed on Azula. 'I have something to tell you.'

Her eyes flickered with curiosity. 'Oh?'

'I’m going to let you speak with Ozai.'

The shock in Azula’s eyes was palpable. 'What?' she breathed, leaning closer to the bars. “Why?”

Zuko’s lips curved into a thin smile. 'I think it's time you knew the truth.' And with that, he turned and left, leaving Azula alone with her questions and the unsettling feeling that this visit wasn’t about helping her. It was about something else entirely.

[alicianaidoo1234]

Break her

**Zuko:** Dr. Kim, I'm not sure I'm seeing the progress you promised. Azula's still as manipulative and ruthless as ever.

**Dr. Kim:** I understand your frustration, Fire Lord Zuko. But I assure you, I'm confident in my ability to help your sister.

**Zuko:** How? Her mindset is completely warped. She's obsessed with pleasing Ozai and getting what she wants.

**Dr. Kim:** That's exactly the crux of the issue. We need to break her philosophy in order to fix her.

**Zuko:** Break her philosophy? How do you propose to do that?

**Dr. Kim:** I believe it's time to confront Ozai. Your sister has spent her entire life under his influence. She needs to see the monster he truly is.

**Zuko:** That's a dangerous proposition. Ozai is a master manipulator.

**Dr. Kim:** I'm aware of that. But I believe it's a necessary risk. If we want to save Azula, we need to tear down the foundation of her beliefs.

**Zuko:** ... Alright. I'll arrange a meeting with Ozai.