Of Gods and Men

10.

Ozai has been weighing on her thoughts lately. So much so that it's putting her in a worse mood than usual.

The Avatar knows something is bothering her but he also knows when to leave her alone.

She feels listless and unmotivated. Never has she felt like this before. Surely, she isn't depressed?

If imprisonment in a Fire Nation prison didn't do it to her, then why would the gilded cage of the Air nation do it now?

It must be her insanity rising to the surface. It's an uncomfortable thought.

The guards look at her warily when she opens the door and stares them down.

"I want to speak to Fire Lord Zuko." This is the first time she has ever spoken to them.

They knit their brows in confusion.

"I want to speak to my brother now." She restates her request.

"No visitors allowed, Princess." One of the braver guards speaks up.

"On whose orders?" She challenges.

"Avatar Aang's orders, Princess."

She slams the door at the answer.

oooo

When he walks through the door, he stops short at the look on her face.

"Is everything okay?" He asks cautiously.

"Why did you order no visitors?" She snaps at him.

"You are a prisoner, Azula. I don't want just anyone stopping in when I'm not here." Placating and patient as always.

"Just what are you afraid of?" Her eyes are staring daggers at him.

He sighs as he sits down in one of the chairs. "What should I be afraid of?" It's the voice of a man resigned to his fate. So very domestic.

Her nails dig into the back of the chair opposite of him as she leans over it staring him down.

"I want to see Zuko."

He doesn't shrink from the look in her eye. "Why?"

The energy is just there under the surface pushing at her. "He's my brother."

The Avatar laughs. It's a bitter sound. "Like family matters to you? Besides he was here the other night."

Their sneak attack on the Water Benders had been a success.

"I need to speak to him." She strives for a calmer voice to try to convince him.

"About?" He prompts her.

"My father."

He sits up straight at this. "What about your father?" His gray eyes harden at her.

He may be gentle but he has a backbone she has come to admire.

Most of the time at least.

"Are you going to let me see Zuko or not?" She avoids his question.

The Avatar stands and walks across the room towards their bedroom door. She gave up the pretense of having her own room weeks ago.

"No, You aren't seeing Zuko and you are most definitely are not seeing your father." It's the voice of finality.

She surprises both of them with a streak of lightening that flies too close over his head, striking the wall with a loud crack.

He ducks then turns to her with wide eyes. "Azula, what the spirits are you doing?"

His anger is just under the surface. She wants to bring it out all the way.