The ostrich horse wearily trudged through the swamp. Azula trudged just as wearily, waist-deep, in front of the creature, leading it through the murky labyrinth of muck and brackish water. Rotting flora and fauna assaulted her nostrils, but she maintained her course.

  Going her own way hadn’t been easy, but it was necessary. The dead man's empty, lifeless eyes haunted her. They were there every time she slept, every time she rested, every time she let her mind wander. She didn't even know his name.

  She was a killer now. Getting help from others was out of the question. They’d all abandoned her, except for her uncle. She couldn't burden him with this, not since he'd warned her not to pursue her activities as the Red Spirit. In her mind, she saw a future for herself in some hut, quiet and alone.

  She raised her arm out of the water and saw a giant elbow leech attached. She sighed and burned it off with a small blue flame from her finger. With a screech, the creature released her elbow and plopped back into the muddy green depths. Disgusting things!

  Lights bloomed in front of her, and shadowy voices swirled and whispered. She looked upon it with irritation. This swamp had been full of this kind of thing. She was sick of all these spirits calling out to her.

  One of the lights grew stronger, gradually turning into a familiar figure. His tall form shimmered over the water.

  “Avatar," she said.

  Avatar Roku smiled. “Daughter.”

  She kept wading forward through the swamp. “What do you want to tell me this time? That I'm now a murderer?”

  Roku stroked his white beard as he floated atop the gross water. Azula brushed a wet bang out of her face. She envied him.

  Roku shook his head. "He was a thug for the corrupt officials who hurt the people."

  "He's still just as dead," Azula answered.

  "You acted in self-defense," Roku said.

  "Doesn't matter," Azula said. She stared blankly at the swampy goo swirling around her. Dark thoughts resided there, just under the surface. She could feel it.

  “You are approaching a crossroads,” Roku said.

  She snapped out of her bleak reverie. “Literally or figuratively? If it leads me out of this swamp, then that sounds good.”

  “Both,” Roku said with a smile. “You will have to decide who to help. Your choice will determine the fate of nations.”

  “And let me guess, you want me to join the Avatar? You’re so predictable.”

  Roku nodded. “You are all headed for the same destination.”

  “And where is that?”

  “Ba Sing Se.”

  It was helpful for Azula to learn that information. Maybe she could capture Aang and return as a hero to the Fire Nation. Then her father would love her, and she could convince him to spare Uncle Iroh.

  “You know,” she said, finally reaching a muddy hill. She thankfully exited the water and stood for a moment. “Something I just don’t understand: why are you pestering me? Isn't my brother worth redeeming? He’s your descendant, too, and he's always been...nicer...than I.”

  Roku shrugged. “Your father chose you for banishment. All hinged on that. Both your parents made other choices that affected you.”

  Azula snorted. Her mother. “So, I have my parents to thank for you annoying me all the time?” It figured.

  Roku gave a sad smile. “Why are my descendants so obstinate?”

  “A family trait.”

  “Take a left at the next big tree. It should lead you out of here,” Roku said. “Remember what I told you.”

  With that, he vanished.

  She bared her teeth.

  ***

  Say what she would about Roku, but his directions were impeccable. She left the dank confines of the swamp and led her ostrich horse out into the light. She smiled, savoring the firm ground and the calm sunshine. Finally. Now, if only she could find somewhere to clean herself.

  Her stomach growled. Maybe some food would help as well. She spotted a small town in front of her. She mounted her ostrich horse and snapped the reins. The creature cantered forward at an even trot.

  It truly had been a faithful animal. More guilt washed over her. She didn't deserve the gift from Song. Azula vowed to make it up to the girl and her mother if she ever had the chance. Maybe then her pesky conscience would quiet.

  As she entered the town, four men were grabbing some food from a cart. A mother and daughter cowered behind it. Azula clenched her jaw. This wasn’t her problem.

  “Thanks for the taxes!” the leader said. He was a short, stocky man with dark hair and tanned skin. Unlike the men she'd raided as the Red Spirit, these made no pretense of legitimacy. They were strictly brigands.

  It wasn't enough that these peasants were preyed upon by soldiers of both kingdoms, but by bandits as well?

  They turned to leave, and the girl threw an egg at him. It hit the back of his head. He spun around and glared at them.

  “Who did that?” He pulled out a pair of war hammers. His eyes fell on Azula. “Was it you, girl?”

  Azula pulled the bladed spear from her ostrich horse. If she had to, she would use her firebending, but word would get out if she did. That would draw her brother. “And what if it was?”

  He and the other men started advancing toward her, but then stopped and grimaced. “What is that smell?”

  Azula grinned. “At your service.”

  The leader pinched his nose. “This isn’t over. Come on, men.”

  They rode off. Azula held back a laugh. At least something good had come from her time in the swamp. The mother and daughter slowly approached her.

  “Thank you for taking the blame for my daughter’s impulsiveness.”

  Azula nodded as she put the spear back on her ostrich horse. “My pleasure.” Her stomach gurgled.

  “Listen,” the mother said, “Why don’t you come to our house? We can give you some food…and a hot bath.”

  “Yeah,” the little girl said. “You stink!”

  Azula laughed, which felt odd to her. She couldn't remember the last time she'd laughed. “That sounds wonderful, but I only have a little money.” She’d left half her “earnings” with her uncle, and the rest had to get her to Ba Sing Se.

  “Just help us with a little housework, and we’ll call it even. Follow me.” She and her daughter walked the opposite way that Azula had entered. The mother kissed her daughter on the head.

  The display of affection sent a wave of sadness over Azula. She swallowed and led her ostrich horse after them to a house a short way down the street.

  ***

  Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

  The mother wasn’t lying about giving Azula a bath. In fact, she’d insisted on it. Not that Azula could blame her. She would’ve done the same thing if she’d been in the mother’s shoes. And the bath was the best thing she’d felt in a long time.

  When she got out, she discovered they’d laid out a green Earth Kingdom dress. Most likely the mother's, it was a little too big for Azula. She cinched it around the waist as best she could and walked into the dining area. The mother and daughter were preparing supper while the father, a strong, older man she’d only met briefly, was hammering a roof. He was missing a leg, but he didn't let that stop him from finishing his work.

  The little girl ran up to Azula and gave her a toothless grin. “Set the table with me!”

  Azula was tongue-tied for a moment. “I’m…afraid I don’t know how.”

  “You grew up in a wealthy family, didn’t you?” the mother said.

  Azula nodded. "How did you know?"

  “Rich folks always have servants to prepare their tables," the mother said.

  The little girl grabbed Azula’s hand. “I’ll show you how.”

  Azula was shocked at the girl's touch. A strange warmth she couldn’t remember ever feeling came over her, and she did as she was told. In no time, the table was set, the food was prepared, and the father had joined them around the table. They asked a myriad of questions during supper, but Azula avoided most of them.

  “Where are you headed?” the father asked.

  “I’m not sure,” Azula said. “I’m without a home.”

  “Refugees go to Ba Sing Se,” the man said.

  “So do the soldiers," the little girl added. "My brother is in the army! Is yours?”

  Azula nodded. “My whole family is.” She cleared her throat. “Have you ever been to Ba Sing Se?”

  “Once,” the father said. “Much too big for my tastes. Not even the great Dragon of the West could break through the Great Walls.”

  “General Iroh,” Azula said. She found she actually missed the old man.

  “Yes, General Iroh,” the mother said darkly. “And his brother, Fire Lord Ozai. Such terrible people. A plague on that entire family! He lost his leg in the war two years ago." She pointed to her husband. "And I haven’t seen my son in two years.”

  “It’s been all females around the house,” the father said. He winked at his daughter. “Too many womenfolk, always talking. Hardly any work gets done.”

  The little girl giggled and then turned to Azula. “Tonight, you’re going to comb my hair, while my mom will comb yours.”

  Azula dropped her chopsticks, for her hand started to shake. She stared at it.

  “Did I say something wrong?” the little girl said.

  Azula shook herself. “Not at all.” She cleared her throat. “I’d be happy to comb your hair.”

  ***

  That night, Azula dreamed of her mother. It was a memory from long ago, when Azula was very young. They were sitting on the soft, grassy earth of the Royal Palace Gardens. Her mother was scolding her. “Zuko says that you threw the whole loaf of bread at the turtle ducks today. Did you?”

  It figured Zuzu would tell on her. She’d have to get him back for that. “Why not? They’re just turtle ducks.”

  Her mother rubbed her temples. “What’s wrong with you? We should care for all living things, even the little ones.”

  “That’s not what father says.”

  “Well, your father is wrong! I swear, you’re just like him sometimes.”

  The dream faded away, and another one came. This one was of her playing with her friends, Mai and Ty Lee. Mai was sitting and reading, dour as usual, while she and Ty Lee were practicing their backflips. Azula’s somersaults were good, but not perfect. Her father had said so.

  Ty Lee’s were amazing. She was so proud of herself when she stuck the landing. Azula playfully pushed her friend down to the ground.

  "Hey!" Ty Lee said, but Azula could see the hint of a smile. Azula laughed, but that disappeared when she saw her mother's disapproving face from a covered walkway.

  The last dream came from the night her mother left. Azula had been roaming the halls after yet another scolding from her mother. All Azula had done was tell Zuko what their grandfather had said about wanting Ozai to kill him. She'd already heard her mother calling Azula a monster. What else could her mother do to hurt her?

  She spotted her mother wearing traveling clothes. Curious, she followed her mother, who went straight to Zuko’s room. He was sleeping, and her mother woke him up.

  “I love you, my darling prince,” she said. “I have to leave. I made your father promise…” She stopped what she was about to say. “Always be true to yourself.”

  With that, she left the room. Azula watched her head toward Azula's room. She chose a quicker path to beat her mother there. Maybe she could ask her mom what was going on. Azula reached her room a minute or two before her mother, jumped under the covers, and pretended to be asleep.

  Her mother cracked open the door. Azula could see the light through her eyelids. She waited. And waited. And waited. But her mother only stood in the doorway. Finally, the door shut quietly, leaving Azula in darkness. She lay there for a long time, hoping her mother would come back. Her mother never did.

  Azula sat up. Her mom couldn't even be bothered to say goodbye! Azula wanted to cry, which made her angry. She sneaked back over to her brother’s room and stood there for a while, watching him sleep. How had he always been able to steal Mother's love? Azula's eyes fell on Zuko’s favorite knife, a gift from their uncle. She snatched it, planning on teasing him with it the next day.

  After all, she had to be true to herself, just like her mother told Zuko.

  ***

  When Azula awoke, she found her old clothes had been washed. She donned them, carefully folding the clothes they’d let her wear. She exited the house and looked for the mother. The woman and her daughter were busy cleaning the front porch that overlooked the main street of the town.

  Azula approached her and bowed. “I wish to thank you for your hospitality. Is there any way I can repay you?”

  The mother laughed. “No! Hospitality should be free.”

  The daughter hugged Azula. “Thanks for doing my hair!”

  “It was fun,” Azula said, awkwardly patting the girl on the head.

  The men who'd left yesterday rode back in on a cloud of dust. Many of the townfolk walked out of their homes to see what was going on.

  The leader, a tall, bald man with a short black beard, dismounted his horse. "We've returned for the taxes."

  His men, six in total, dismounted and entered the homes along the street. Screams followed as the men stole the poor townfolk's only means of survival.

  They entered the house of the family where Azula had been staying. They left, laughing and pocketing the few gold coins the family had.

  "Hey!" the girl said. "That's ours."

  "Hanna!" her mother said.

  "But that's all we have!" She yanked her arm away from her mother and charged the leader. She began hitting him on the leg.

  He laughed. "Get away, girl." He shoved her away with his foot.

  She growled and jumped at him. This time, she sank her teeth into his leg. He screamed and kicked her away. He stomped forward and backhanded her. "You little brat! I'll show you..."

  The girl's father tried to jump in between them, but the other men punched him in the face. Azula waited for other people in the town to protect one of their own. None did.

  The leader laughed again. "You need to be taught a lesson, little girl." He raised one of his hammers. He hit the ground, and a rock leaped into the air.

  Azula had had enough. "Hold!"

  The leader lowered his hammers. The rock lowered as well. "The girl from yesterday. Why should I listen to you?"

  Azula bit her lip for a moment, trying to decide how to answer. "I'm nobody...All I ask is that you spare the girl."

  "Is that all?" the leader asked. He raised his hammer again.

  Azula unleashed a blue fireball at the man. It hit him, knocking him away from the girl. She immediately fired from her hands and one foot at three of the men standing near her. They fell over, frantically beating the fire out of their clothes. She leaped forward, charging her lightning, and she aimed at two men who were close to one another. The lightning channeled through them both, and they both collapsed, unconscious.

  That left one man, who raised his hands.

  The leader's face had gone completely ashen. "Who are you?"

  It was too late to hide. The townfolk stared at her. Some were terrified; others were angry. Azula projected her voice to fill the town square. “I am Azula, Daughter of Fire Lord Ozai, Princess of the Blue Flame.” She was being a bit theatrical, but she didn’t care at this point. This was who she was: a daughter of a violent king, a destroyer of the world.

  The leader fought to regain some courage. “You’re that runt of a girl that the Fire Lord banished, ain’t you?”

  “This town is under my protection," she said as regally as she could. "Any further action will be taken as attacks on my royal person." She gazed at the other man, who wisely chose to flee.

  The leader picked up the girl. "Don't come any closer." The little girl screamed in terror.

  Azula froze. "Let her go!"

  The man backed away. "Don't try to follow me." He mounted a horse and rode away, the little girl screaming all the way.

  The people of the town, the ones who hadn't grabbed the wounded bandits, began to jeer at her. "Ashmaker! Ashmaker! Ashmaker!"

  Azula shook her head. After all she had done to stop these bandits!

  They quieted when the mother grabbed Azula's arm. "You have to save my daughter. Please!"

  ***

  Azula tracked down the bandit just as dawn began to conquer the dark night. He huddled over a small fire, doing his best not to be seen. The little girl was tied up near him.

  Fearing what he'd do if Azula got too close, she dismounted and walked toward him. "All I want is the girl."

  "Azula!" Hanna cried.

  The bandit scowled. "I don't believe you, Ashmaker!" He raised his hammers. "No further!"

  Azula looked at Hanna. "I want you to close your eyes as tightly as you can and then turn away from us."

  The little girl complied.

  "I used to think killing was easy," Azula said.

  "It is," the bandit replied.

  "You're not wrong," she said, raising her hands. "Let's do this."

  ***

  The people stared at Azula as she rode back into town with little Hanna in her arms. Some pointed; all kept their distance. Azula raised one side of her mouth. She saved the life of one of their own people, and they wouldn't thank her for it.

  Hanna's mother ran from her house to meet them. She extended her arms, ready to receive her daughter. Azula released Hanna into her mother's custody. The look in her eyes was the only thanks Azula would receive. The mother ran back to her home, holding her child tightly in her arms.

  No one else said anything. Azula didn't know if that was a good or a bad thing. At least they weren't deriding her. With one last look at the town, she left. Near nightfall, she reached a quiet hill with a tree on it and prepared to camp.

  A large white animal flew over her head. The Avatar's sky bison! Where was he running to now? The sound of a Fire Nation tank train creaked over the plains below her. That could only be her brother.

  Fate had intervened in her life once more.