Destiny in Flames Final Part

Author's note: I had problems with the Internet, so I apologize for the delay.

Pov Azula: 

I was a little shocked to see my father completely destroy my older brother in front of everyone, but his final action was satisfying for me. I turned to look at my lover and realized how indifferent he was to the unequal duel.

Ozai, having burnt out Zuko's eye, rose from the ground and left silently with an oppressive pressure that only he could exude. The vast majority of the crowd was silent, many trying to process what had just happened, others pleased with the Fire Lord for not hesitating to use his own son as an example.

Iroh immediately called a doctor and went into the arena, fearing a fatality. Fortunately, Zuko was breathing heavily, giving his nephew hope of a future recovery.

I approached Kai, who was watching Zuko intently, not seeming to notice me until I put my hand on his shoulder.

- Azula?

- Why don't we go and meet? - I asked enthusiastically.

Kai smiled affectionately, indicating that he agreed.

We spent the rest of the afternoon together, going to a luxurious restaurant and taking the opportunity to book a table that would give us more privacy.

I pressed my lips against Kai's, we had practically fought for dominance for over a minute, but I felt my lungs begging for air, forcing me to break the kiss. 

- I... really envy your stamina. - I complimented, still trying to catch my breath.

- One day you'll be able to keep up with me. - Kai whispered in Azula's ear.

I was very embarrassed by the provocation, but strangely I felt happier than usual.

A few seconds later, a waiter arrived with our orders. I had ordered a plate of vegetables and some meat, while Kai had ordered more than four plates of fish.

- I've never seen anyone who likes fish so much. - I commented sarcastically.

- Nobody's going to change my mind, fish is the best meat in the world. 

I give a satisfied smile, as much as I like my boyfriend's serious side, I really prefer it when he's not acting in public, just being himself for me. We enjoyed each other's company until the evening, and I'd say it was one of my favorite dates. 

I hated being in the palace all the time, I understood that I needed to understand all the military and political tactics, but my skills were already almost as refined as my father's. I just wanted him to believe me. I just wanted him to have faith in my ability to make my own decisions.

As we walked to our rooms, an old man blocked our way, and I quickly recognized him by his clothes as one of the palace servants.

- Princess Azula. - The servant bowed. - The Fire Lord awaits you in the Royal Hall. 

- At this time of night? - Kai said with surprise.

I sighed tiredly and dismissed the servant to be alone with Kai.

- I'm going to see what my father wants, shall we meet at the usual place? - I asked anxiously.

- Not today, tonight I'm going to train in the training room. - said Kai with a small smile.

- It's too late to train. - I said worriedly.

- I know, but there's something I want to practice while the idea is still fresh in my mind. 

Kai approached me, grabbed my waist and chin and gave me a soft kiss that I couldn't resist.

- I'll see you later. 

When Kai pulled away from me, I felt my legs suddenly go weak and my heart beat much faster than usual. If I'd had a mirror, I would have seen myself completely red.

After a few minutes to collect myself, I headed for the royal hall with some trepidation. When I entered the room, the blue flames illuminated it in a strange way and gave me goose bumps.

The first time I bent the Blue Fire, I was completely excited for days and could hardly sleep. When I saw Kai use the Blue Flame for the first time, I felt happy, as if we were somehow connected. However, when Ozai learned how to use these flames, I became very afraid because they were powerful enough to hurt Kai. 

When Kai defeated Ozai, I realized for the first time that I didn't need to be afraid of my father, because I knew I had someone stronger protecting me. Unfortunately, I still wasn't strong enough to impose myself on the Fire Lord as my boyfriend, and that made me feel how weak I was to fulfill my goal of becoming queen. So when I saw Ozai on his throne, illuminated by the flames it had taken me months to master, I felt intimidated.

- I'm here, my father. - I knelt on the ground to pay my respects. - Why did you call me? 

- I called you to talk about your future. 

- My future? - I asked confusedly. 

I was very worried about my father's intentions. Just today, he almost killed Zuko for disrespecting him, so I couldn't allow myself to make the same mistake as my stupid brother. 

- As my daughter, you have a responsibility to ensure the future of the royal family and the Fire Nation. - Ozai said seriously. - You're promised to marry until you come of age.

I opened my eyes in amazement, I couldn't believe that I was being forced to marry someone else. My heart was pounding and I was terrified. 

- To succeed to the throne, you have to marry according to tradition, and I've decided that it will be to Kai. You will be his bride until you are old enough to become my main successor.

Azula looked at Ozai, completely surprised, and took a while to process the words.

- Father... Are you making me next in line? - I asked, stunned. 

- I banished Zuko from the Fire Nation! - Ozai said coldly. - The only way to regain his honor is to bring the Avatar to me.

I had to control myself as much as possible, I couldn't deny that I was happy, it seemed like a dream to me, although I would have preferred Kai to propose to me like in the romance books.

- As a royal princess, it's your duty to ensure the prosperity of the nation and strong offspring in the future. 

As happy as I was, I now had an opportunity that I needed to seize, a request that Ozai wouldn't normally allow.

 - If I'm promised to Kai, can I go with him to his lands? - I asked, feeling my legs tremble for a moment. 

Ozai stared in silence, unconvinced to grant his daughter's request. His main objective over the next few years was to prepare Azula and indoctrinate her into using Kai's powers for her own ends.

- Why should I allow you to go with him? 

- If you want me to join Kai, wouldn't it be more appropriate to deepen our relationship until we get married? - I say, a little embarrassed. - Besides, it will be an experience for me to learn in practice everything I've been taught. 

The Fire Lord reflected on Azula's words and noticed a detail he hadn't noticed before. 

Ozai had noticed that Kai and Azula were attracted to each other, but he hadn't imagined that they were already in a relationship. The fact that his daughter had suggested that she go with Kai meant that they had been intimate for longer than he had expected.

- Fine, you can go with Kai, but you have to come back in three months to continue your studies. - Ozai agreed gruffly. 

- Yes, my father! - I stood up, bowed one last time and left the royal hall.

I walked through the palace with an impassive expression on my face, but inside I was bursting with emotion. All my tiredness disappeared as if it had never existed. I couldn't help myself and ran to the training rooms to talk to Kai, or rather my fiancé.

When I finally arrived, I had a sight that would have been the envy of any girl in my position. To see Kai completely shirtless and drenched in sweat, with his beautiful hair down to the end of his back. The training room radiated heat, and parts of the floor were completely blackened by flames.

Catching his breath, Kai was surprised to see his girlfriend jump on top of him, knocking him to the ground. Before he could say anything, he was interrupted by a passionate kiss from Azula, who quickly reciprocated.

- Wow, what a nice surprise. - said Kai with a smile that revealed his fangs. - Why are you so happy?

- I've just come back from the Royal Hall. I had a surprise that made my day. - I said, giving my boyfriend a kiss.

- What was the surprise?

Azula approached Kai's face, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek until she was very close to his ear, making his breath tickle the albino's skin.

- Now we're engaged. - I whispered, feeling Kai's arms wrap around my body. 

- So there's nothing between us. 

- Exactly. - I kiss Kai passionately. 

***

After a few days of waiting for Ty Lee to arrive at the royal palace, Kai and I were finally able to go to Jang Hui's village. I have to admit that, at first, I wasn't in favor of Kai trying to take over a simple village, but progress was evident.

From one day to the next, Jang Hui became a major attraction for nobles and the military. From the descriptions quoted, a stay at the resort was a unique experience due to the nature and the local delicacies. Another factor that contributed to its success with the nobility was the high circulation of troops on the island, so that no one would have the courage to invade.

As much as I enjoy my time with Kai, the Ty Lee factor always gets in the way of our intimate moments. Besides, my relationship with Kai won't be public for a few years, so I wanted to enjoy it as much as possible before our responsibilities interrupted our fun.

- I'm so excited! - exclaimed Ty Lee, making several careless maneuvers in the air. - I can't wait to meet my new friend! 

The news of a new Air Bender made Ty Lee extremely excited to meet him; according to her, it was lonely not having anyone to share the liberating experience of flying with.

- *sigh* Mai! Can you catch her? - I asked, seeing that Mai had a rope in her hands.

Mai didn't answer, just concentrated on her flying target and, after a few seconds, deftly threw the rope and caught Ty Lee's leg.

By the way, we took the opportunity to call Mai to come with us and, to be honest, only Mai can handle Ty Lee properly.

- Hey!- shouted Ty Lee. - I'm not a fish! 

- Then stop flying around wildly. - Said Kai, who was standing next to the captain. - I don't want you to teach Jeph to fly when he gets here! If I see him flying, I'll have you tied to the rocks for two weeks.

- You can't do that! I'm the master of the air! You asked for my help. - Ty Lee flew up to Kai, his hands on his waist.

- I asked for help, not to add to my problems. - Kai crossed his arms in indignation.

- I thought the trip would be minimally normal. - Mai commented disinterestedly.

- Tell me about it. - I commented, unable to watch Ty Lee's mess for the rest of the trip.

The trip took another four days before we could finally dock at the island's port, but we would still need steam-powered boats to reach the village.

- Wow, I have to admit, it's beautiful here! - Ty Lee flew up to enjoy the view. 

- You promised you wouldn't fly! - shouted Kai indignantly.

- I shouldn't be surprised, Ty Lee has never obeyed my orders and you're no different. - I commented.

My gaze focused on two people who were slowly approaching us. Strangely, the dark-skinned woman radiated a completely different feeling from the others.

- Ayumi, Huzo, how did it go while I was away? - Kai asked good-naturedly.

- Nothing new. - said Huzo with a tired look. - Who are these ladies? 

- The one with the serious expression is Mai and the flying idiot is Ty Lee. - Kai pointed to the sky and saw the Airbender doing somersaults. - It's Azula.

Immediately, Huzo turned pale and, without wasting a second, knelt down.

Princess Azula, it's a great honor to have you here. - said Huzo, sweating all over.

Ayumi bowed her head slightly, oblivious to the rules she had to follow.

- It's a pleasure to be here, Kai has told me a lot about you. - I say politely.

- I hope so, Huzo is a difficult person to get along with. - Ayumi joked.

- Hey! - asked Huzo.

- Where's Jefh? - asked Kai, worried.

- He's playing with the children. - Ayumi replied.

Suddenly, Ty Lee appeared in the middle of the group, throwing a wave of air everywhere! 

- Where's my new apprentice! I'm so excited! - said Ty Lee, completely overwhelmed. - I was so worried that I was the only one.

Kai and I looked at Mai, silently asking her to calm down the unruly Airbender.

Mai sighed and took a rope that had appeared out of nowhere and tied Ty Lee up from head to toe like a simple sack of flour.

- This should keep her quiet for a few minutes. - Mai said disinterestedly.

- She's good. - Ayumi and Huzo said together. 

We talked for a few minutes, and I have to admit that I felt uncomfortable with Kai's circle of friends, especially Ayumi. I know I'm being hasty, but she had a similar presence to Kai, as if she didn't belong there. 

When Kai got angry, her presence would sometimes become strange, as if she was somehow out of touch with reality. I never spoke to him about it, but Ayumi seemed to have this feeling all the time.

The group walked along, attracting the attention of all the curious onlookers, especially the person who was tied up and being carried by Mai. Others had even more drastic reactions when they saw the princess outside the royal capital.

A group of children ran past us, some circling around us with big smiles, but one in particular stood still, eyes shining.

- Kai! - shouted Jefh, unconsciously using his airbending to run.

- Jefh wait.... - Kai was interrupted when Jefh shot up at high speed and pushed him a few meters.

Kai had a strange smile on his face, as if he had received a critical blow. Huzo and some of the soldiers intuitively covered their private parts with expressions of pain.

- Good... good to see... jefh. - Kai said with difficulty. 

- I missed you, Aunt Ayumi's a terrible storyteller. - Jefh. whispered.

- Me.... I imagine so. - replied Kai, still trying to recover from the critical blow. 

I stared at the little air bender with curiosity, it was kind of cute if I were to give it a first glance assessment. The truth was that I didn't know how to deal with him.

Kai seemed completely different in his relationship with Jefh, as if they had known each other for years. 

Ayumi watched the princess and quickly realized the confusion in her eyes.

- Kai, can I borrow the princess for a few minutes? - said Ayumi, tugging on Azula's arm.

Jeph looked at Azula for a moment, not recognizing her. Confused, he turned his attention back to Kai. 

- Who's that girl? - Jeph pointed at Azula.

- She's a very special girl to me. - replied Kai affectionately. - Then I'd like to introduce you to someone!

Without hesitation, Mai threw Ty Lee to the ground indifferently, causing the Airbender to groan with rage.

***

- So, Princess, you seemed confused a few moments ago. - said Ayumi, studying the princess.

I was a little disturbed by Ayumi's sudden approach, it was strange to think that this woman wasn't human. 

- It's nothing. 

- Please, I can see from miles away that you look extremely upset.

- There's no need to worry, spirit lady, I'm fine. - I said, but quickly covered my mouth with my hands. 

- So he told you about me? - Ayumi crossed her arms without looking surprised. - How rude of Kai not to tell me.

- I'm sorry, but I've had a spiritual experience with a powerful being in the past, so I don't want to cause any problems. - I explain, worried about Ayumi's reaction.

- Hahahahaha... There's no need to worry, I'm far from being like the fire spirit. - I tease Ayumi with a broad smile. 

- Wait... you know? 

- Of course I know! The entire spirit world trembled at the physical manifestation of the Fire Spirit years ago! But please, don't summon the most powerful being in the universe without warning. - Ayumi said the last sentence seriously. - So, Princess Azula, what's the problem?

I was silent for a few seconds until I gained the confidence to say.

- It's about Jeph... it's strange that Kai has just adopted a child. - I said worriedly. - Of course, we'd already had this conversation, but it was too quick.

- *Sigh* Believe me, Jefh will be good for Kai, you don't have to feel responsible for the child, you can live your life normally.

- I can't do that, I promised to help you with any problems.

- Azula, you're human, Kai's instinct is naturally to protect the weakest.

- I know that Kai is a dragon and that there are things I don't understand, but I don't like the idea of him being influenced into making a rash decision. - I pointed angrily at the spirit girl. - You're the one who encouraged him to do this, have you lost your common sense?

Ayumi seemed to struggle to find the right words, but when she looked at Azula, she let out a long sigh and changed her expression to a more serious one.

- You can keep a secret from Kai. A secret between you and me.

- A secret? - I looked at Ayumi curiously.

- The reason I encouraged Kai to adopt Jeph was because I know very well how celestial dragons behave. I knew Kai's mother.

- What? What do you mean! 

- It was over 400 years ago, when I was a young spiritist learning about the spirit world. I got on very well with all the spirits, without exception, I felt welcome and part of a family. - Ayumi said with a nostalgic tone. - However, I was very curious and entered a forbidden zone that led to the area of screams of agony. 

- Screams of agony? That doesn't sound very pleasant. - I commented nervously.

- Yes, a scary place. Rumor has it that this was the original territory where the celestial dragons ruled before the Eclipse War.

- Eclipse War? 

- I don't know the details of why or how it started, but as far as I know, it was a war that lasted over 1000 years in the spirit world and almost caused the extinction of the Celestial Dragons.

When Ayumi spoke of the war, for some reason it reminded me of the scroll Fozi had brought for my father. If I remember correctly, it was a quote from the White Emperor.

- Ayumi, tell me, when was this war? - I asked, looking directly at the spiritualist.

- I don't know exactly, I'm not that old and only a few spirits survived or remember that time. 

I let out a sigh of disappointment, but remembered another question that was bothering me.

- Do you know a White Emperor? 

When I asked, Ayumi's expression turned to fear, as if she had just been through a traumatic experience.

- Unfortunately, I have to tell you the rest of the story. - said Ayumi in a depressed tone. - When I recklessly explored the area, I was attacked by an eternal dragon. It looked like a horrible monster, like a walking corpse. 

- Eternal dragon? Wait, Kai said something like that.

- Did he? Did he tell you what he saw on his trip to the spirit world? - Ayumi looked surprised, as if she had just received the best news in the world. - My spirits, do you have an intimate relationship with Kai? You know... more loving.

When I hear those words, I feel ashamed, I really didn't want my romantic feelings to be a subject for other people.

- If I say yes? - I ask, feeling my cheeks heat up.

- Then you have a big responsibility, young lady. - Ayumi comments seriously. - Finally, when I was about to be killed, a heavenly dragon came to my rescue, spitting fire to drive away the eternal dragon. That dragon was Katsu, who quickly grabbed me with his claws and flew away. Within seconds, Katsu's body glowed with a golden light and the next thing I knew, I was in the Land of Dawn. 

- The Land of Dawn? Like a new dragon territory?

- Yes, a wonderful place. It's an extremely hidden place that only celestial dragons have access to. 

- Why did Katsu bring you there? 

- She saved me from the Eternal Dragon so that I could be tried for the crime of invading the land of the screams of agony. - Ayumi said fearfully. - Invading those lands was an act of treason against the spirit world. At the trial, I met the White Emperor, the most powerful dragon and ruler of the spirit world. 

- Ruler of the spirit world? That's incredible. - I said with surprise.

- That dragon is terrifying, not to mention being the direct descendant of the Fire Spirit. - said Ayumi. 

- You're a lot more knowledgeable than you look. 

- Katsu is a person who likes to talk a lot, believe me. If she hadn't defended me, I wouldn't even be here. After all that, we became good friends. 

- Why didn't you ever tell Kai? - I asked angrily. - Kai trusts you, you can't hide this information.

Ayumi looked at Azula sadly, understanding her frustration. 

- The reason I didn't tell you is because he's Katsu's son.

- What do you mean, he's Katsu's son? It doesn't make sense.

- Fire is the element that feeds on emotions, that's common knowledge, but it's the dragons' greatest curse. - Ayumi used her mastery of water to create an ice sculpture in the shape of a dragon. - When I met Kai, I immediately recognized him as Katsu's son, so I imagined he was emotionally shaken. 

I remained silent as I stared at the ice sculpture, realizing that I couldn't stop until I understood Ayumi's motives.

- Celestial dragons are a species that can feel love and sadness at the same time. Believe me, dragon grief can last longer than you think. One of the reasons why Celestial Dragons cannot reproduce is because they can only have one mate, a soul mate. The loss of family and friends in the eclipse war made them suffer for thousands of years.

The Ice Dragon began to turn into water, taking on a life of its own, surrounding Azula and Katsu as if it were flying freely.

- Katsu was the only one born after the war and was the opposite of the survivors. She reflected the pure concept of life and light. - said Ayumi with a nostalgic smile. - The truth is that, a few decades ago, I learned that Katsu had fallen and succumbed to an eternal dragon. I searched for her in the spirit world, hoping to help her, but to no avail. When I saw Kai for the first time, I realized that she might have fled to the mortal world all this time.

- Kai told me that he had seen his injured mother, along with another dragon he called Jun. 

- Jun! Is he in the mortal world? - Ayumi asked in surprise. - Is he all right? 

- Kai said he saw Jun turn into a horrible monster that tried to kill Katsu. - I said, worried about Ayumi's sad reaction. - Katsu had to kill him with a strange technique. 

The sparkle in Ayumi's eyes gradually faded and a small tear fell from her eye. 

- Then he became an eternal dragon. 

- What's an eternal dragon? - I asked fearfully. - Why is it so scary for Kai? 

- It's a consequence when a celestial dragon loses its light and turns into an irrational monster, begging for freedom and peace. A suffering that will last forever, a terrible curse. - Ayumi looked seriously at Azula. - Listen Azula, celestial dragons never forget their losses. The pain of losing a friend or a family member remains in their souls forever. Please do everything you can so that Kai doesn't lose his light. 

Ayumi held Azula's shoulders with a serious expression on her face. 

- I suggested that Kai take care of Jefh because I thought he had relived the trauma of Katsu's death and needed to distract himself from the negative and disturbing emotions in his heart. 

- You were responsible for him seeing that nightmare. - A feeling of irritation came over me. - If you know so much about dragons, you shouldn't have allowed him to access the spirit world. You know how scared he was to see his brother dead, not to mention his mother!

- He's a dragon, a being connected to the spirit world. Taking that away from him is like stopping you from mastering fire.

- Kai wanted answers, he should have told the truth! You could have helped him deal with his doubts without putting him through this nightmare. - I was very angry. - You played games instead of helping him deal with his real problems.

- I don't have that kind of influence on him, only you! He chose you as his Partner, only you can heal his wounds. - Ayumi was clearly embarrassed. - I know I was wrong not to say anything, but I was afraid it might make his problems even worse.

I opened my eyes wide, surprised at how Ayumi said it.

- This is an immense responsibility Azula, I'm not just talking to help you with your problems at heart, but it's also up to you to ensure that the celestial dynasty doesn't go extinct.

- I don't know what to say. 

- All I ask is that you don't say anything to Kai, preferably about what I've told you. It won't be good for him to worry about such burdens. 

- I don't want to lie, I want our relationship to be true and honest. - I speak with fear. - I don't want to be like my father.

- Don't think of it as a lie or a betrayal. - said Ayumi calmly. - Kai loves you and you love him, right?

I nodded and agreed with Ayumi.

- So deepen your relationship, heal the wounds little by little, when you reveal the truth, it will be easier for him and for you.

- Do you think we can have a happy life? - I asked. 

- Kai sees you as a jewel, you're unique to him. Be his light, so that he never falls into darkness. 

Azula looked at the ground, feeling a weight on her shoulders that she didn't understand, but she had to be ready to move on. 

The two girls talked all day, becoming friends over time. 

Azula felt that, somehow, she knew her fiancé better than he knew himself, but she didn't think that was a bad thing, because she knew more than anyone that she was the only one who could take care of Kai from now on.

Next chapter: 7 years later