Chapter 1 Firelord Azula

AN: Hello everyone. Sorry this took so long, you can all bitch at me if you want, I know this story is like a year later than I promised. This fic is a sequel to my first story Dreambending, so if you haven't read that you may be lost on some of the plot points. You may want to read that if you haven't yet, but if not I will give a brief recap of the events that transpired in the original story at the end of my author notes. This story will be a continuation of the Azula and Aang romance that started in Dreambending. This story will deal with their engagement and the world dealing with Azula and Aang as a couple. Katara will also have a B story as she tries to win Aang back, and expose Azula as the manipulative evil girl that she is. I may also have some chapters telling the story through the eyes of some of the other major characters of the Avatar world. I plan on updating about twice a month, and I think this story is going to end up being much longer than my first fic was. I hope you enjoy, and as always I love to read your reviews both positive and negative so let me know what you think. Oh yeah I don't own Avatar the Last Airbender or Azula.

For those of you who didn't read Dreambending, or if you just need a refresher here is a brief summary of what transpired.

Azula learned how to use lightning bending to manipulate the electricity in peoples brain to change their dreams. She broke out of prison and fled to the Southern Air Temple where she pretended to beg Aang for forgiveness and refuge so that she could rehabilitate from her evil ways under the wing of the Avatar. Aang agreed and they started to live together at the temple. Azula began to slowly seduce the avatar and alter his dreams so that he began to fall for her and doubt Katara and his feelings for the waterbender. Though Azula never left the temple she managed to use agents to drug and hypnotize Zuko and Katara to sleep together. Aang catches them and shortly after he and Azula sleep together and become a couple. Zuko panics at the news that Azula and Aang are a couple and attacks the Southern Air Temple. Aang defeats Zuko and the fire fleet and becomes convinced that Zuko no long deserves to be Firelord. Iroh and Katara try to convince Aang that he is making a mistake by being with Azula, but they only further convince him that he's in love with her. He asks her to marry him and she accepts, then he promises to support her bid to overthrow her brother as Firelord. That is where we pick up this story.

The wind blew through Azula's hair as she soared through the sky mounted in the saddle of the giant sky bison Appa, who was the oldest companion of her fiancé Aang. Aang sat near the head of the bison guiding the group toward her childhood home, Caldera, Capitol of The Fire Nation.

Azula gazed down at the beautiful ring that now adorned her finger. She had just accepted a marriage proposal from Aang, the Avatar. The best part was that he was taking her to reclaim the throne from her pathetic brother Zuko. She couldn't help but smile triumphantly as she remembered the day she broke out prison and escaped to The Southern Air Temple. Her plan, which was barely formed then, seemed so hopeless and desperate, but now here she was months later with every aspect of her plan an absolute success.

She could feel the excitement course through her body more and more every second as they approached the Firelord's Palace. For so many years she had dreamed of this day. Even as a young girl she never wanted anything trivial or frivolous like other girls her age, she only wanted to sit on the Dragon Throne like her Grandfather and Father after him. That was why she always worked so hard to surpass her brother in everything. As the eldest son it was only natural that Zuko would inherit the throne, but nature was not stronger than her will and so she became ten times the leader, ten times the politician, ten times the firebender, ten times the everything that Zuko was so there was no way her father could choose anyone but her to succeed him. But today it was no longer her father's choice, today was the day her destiny was fulfilled and she would not let anything stand in her way especially not Zuko.

Aang turned back to her and said "Azula are you all right?"

She smiled at him and replied, "I'm great Aang, I'm just excited, I dreamed of becoming Firelord for so many years, part of me can't believe that it's actually going to happen."

Aang asked, "What are we going to do, just storm in there?"

Azula answered, "Stop by the fire temple and get the head Fire sage, he witnessed the last Agni Kai I fought against Zuko. He knows it was Katara and not Zuko who defeated me. So I am fully within my rights as Princess to demand a formal conclusion to that Agni Kai since that is what gave Zuko his authority. And when I win they will have no choice but to crown me as Firelord."

Aang asked, "What about Zuko, what are you going to do to him?"

She said, "I guess I'll just banish him, Zuko doesn't scare me, if he wants to run off and plan his vengeance against us I have no doubt that we will be able to handle it."

Aang smiled at her and joked, "You're so beautiful when your all worked up and full of confidence, which I guess knowing you is all the time so it's no wonder I fell for you, I really never had a chance."

Azula retorted, "You're right you never had a chance against me Aang, whether it is love or war I always have you under my spell."

He smiled and said, "I much prefer the love, the perks are way better."

She laughed and smiled at his joke. She was still adjusting to being with Aang. She knew that as a member of royalty she would have to get married, but she never really thought about what being with someone else would be like. She always wanted someone who would enhance her power and standing in the world, and as the Avatar Aang met that criteria perfectly. Azula never even thought about the emotional aspect of a marriage. She just figured that her husband would be another pawn in the giant chess match that her life as Firelord would be.

While she still planned on using Aang to get what she wanted, she also knew that he meant a lot more to her than she had ever intended. She had not been prepared for how much the love and compassion of someone like Aang could break down even her most obstinate defenses, and then when they shared the physical intimacy the last of her resolve was broken. The way she felt when he held her and looked in her eyes filled a void in her heart she had never known existed till they came together.

The damage had been done. She could not deny that she was actually in love with the Avatar, but she wouldn't let this unfortunate side effect of her plan (Ok well she didn't really think it was that unfortunate) affect the ultimate goal to rule the world as The Greatest Firelord to ever exist. She saw the hollowed out volcano that housed Caldera come into view and her heart started to race as it fully hit her, that she was about to finally best her brother once and for all. She asked Aang, "Do you know where the Fire Temple is Aang."

He replied, "Yea I participated in a ceremony there after the war ended, I'll turn Appa that way."

Azula said, "Good I'll talk to the Fire Sages, they always supported me and my father I'm sure they'll be as glad as you and me to be rid of him."

Aang motioned Aapa down towards the large fire temple and the trio descended. Aapa touched down in the courtyard of the fire temple in a few minutes, and Aang hopped down and then offered his hand to help Azula down and then said in a ridiculously pompous voice, "We are here my princess."

She smiled at his little joke and then accepted his hand as she slid down. Her feet touched the ground and she gave him a peck on his lips as she said, "Thank you fiancé."

Aang blushed at hearing the term fiancé, he was still not used to the fact that he was engaged. Azula strode past him her eyes and stride burning with a beautiful mixture of anticipation and arrogance. Aang was entranced, she was always gorgeous, but being back in her homeland made her exude a glow that Aang had never seen before and it was absolutely breathtaking. She started to make her way up the stairs of the temple when she turned back and asked, "Aang are you coming?" That snapped him out of his trance and he quickly ran to catch up with her.

Azula opened the door to the temple and walked up to one of the guards and commanded, "Go get Hashi, the head Fire Sage, tell him Princess Azula and the avatar wish to speak with him." The guard bowed his head and rushed off to retrieve the sage. Aang and Azula stood waiting in the entryway for about five minutes until finally a very old formally dressed in ceremonial robes old man approached them.

He smiled at Azula and said, "So the rumors I've been hearing are true, you went and allied yourself with the Avatar, Princess."

She smiled and held out her hand to show him her ring as she responded, "We're more than allied Hashi, we are betrothed."

The old man laughed and then spoke, "You truly are amazing Azula, not two years ago you were boasting about how you killed him, then you were defeated and arrested, and now you've returned to Caldera the most wanted criminal in the world with an engagement ring from the Avatar. It sounds like a great fairy tale that only you could make come true. So I must ask, why did you call for a meeting with me?"

Azula answered calmly and confidently, "I wish to become Firelord. It would greatly help my claim if you were to support me and rule that the Agni Kai between me and Zuko was not legitimate because the water tribe peasant beat me not Zuko. That should be no problem seeing as it's the truth."

He stood there a serious look in his eyes as he considered the girl. After about a minute of thought he asked, "This is a time of peace, and your brother is popular with many people, why would I want to do something that could cause so much trouble."

Azula answered sternly, "You know my father named me as the heir to the throne, you know that I'm much more capable than Zuko. I'm going to be the wife of the avatar which will bring great prestige to The Dragon Throne. Not to mention that you've always liked me a hell of a lot more than my brother."

Hashi laughed and said, "Well you convinced me, you're right Princess Azula you've always been my favorite. You are the most gifted firebender we maybe have ever seen, I'll support you just so long as the avatar is behind us." He turned to Aang and asked, "So Avatar you're really going to marry the Princess and depose Zuko?"

Aang nodded and replied, "Yes sir, I'm totally committed to marrying Princess Azula, and I told her that I want to help her win back the Dragon Throne as an engagement present."

Hashi said, "Ok princess let's head to the palace, I have to warn you that Iroh is there advising your brother."

Aang said, "Don't worry Azula if Iroh tries to get in your way I'll stop him."

Azula looked over to Aang and replied, "Thank you Aang, but I have no fear of that silly old fop, his days are long past him. It's time for the true leader of the next generation to ascend to her rightful place."

With that the young couple walked out of the temple accompanied by the Head Fire Sage. The streets of Caldera were abuzz with interest at the trio that were making their way towards the Firelord's Palace. Many people were pointing and whispering as they watched there exiled Princess and the Avatar march through the capitol.

Azula ignored the people around her as she tingled with anticipation on the inside. She was moments away from achieving the dream she has had her entire life. With each step she took her heartbeat sped up. They approached the gates outside of the residence and one of the three guards manning them screamed, "Halt, Avatar you have been forbidden from entering by The Firelord and Princess Azula we are under orders to arrest you on-site."

Aang stepped forward and without saying a word blasted the three of them far away with a strong wind gust. They opened the gates and walked into the courtyard. Thirteen more guards ran out to stop them but Aang did some quick earthbending and trapped all of them in a prison of dirt. With the initial wave of guards having been dealt with the three ascended the stairs into the palace and opened the large doors. Azula marched through the palace till she reached the doors of the throne room and she took a deep breath as she pushed them open.

Zuko was standing in the throne room next to Uncle Iroh and they both turned their heads to look at Azula. Zuko spoke up in an angry voice trying to hide his trepidation, "What are you doing here Azula? I will have you arrested."

Hashi stepped forward and said, "Princess Azula came to me to question the legitimacy of the Agni Kai that secured your position as Firelord. I have decided that since it was indeed Katara of the water tribe who defeated Azula and not yourself Zuko that she has every right to request another challenge. The winner will become the true legitimate Firelord."

Zuko looked appalled at the words that came out of the Fire Sage's mouth. He stood there in a stunned silence as Iroh spoke up, "Aang, whatever she has told you whatever she's promised you its all lies. Stop this Aang. Zuko was your firebending master, he helped you win this war, and most importantly he is your friend. If Azula becomes Firelord the war will just start all over again, all of the hard work you and your friends did to bring peace will be for naught."

Aang answered in a stern voice, "Azula hasn't promised me anything Iroh except to become my wife. I brought her here because it was my idea that she should be Firelord. I trust her with all that I am. Zuko was my firebending master that is true and he was also my friend, but he is a weak troubled little man who can never be happy with what he has, and leaving him as the Firelord would be a mistake."

Zuko looked over at Iroh panic splayed all over his face as he said , "I won't fight her, I'll have my men arrest her."

Hashi looked to Zuko and said, "You can refuse the challenge, but the laws of succession are absolute in this case. If a challenge that is officially recognized as legitimate by the head fire sage, made by a member of the royal family is refused, the refuser forfeits the throne and the challenger takes over as Firelord."

Azula smiled an evil grin over at her brother and said in a mocking voice, "So what will it be Zuzu, do you just want to step down and give me back what is rightfully mine, or are you going to take my challenge and show me how strong you've become in your year as Firelord."

Zuko answered his voice filled with uncertainty, "I accept Azula, the days of people like you and father in this kingdom are long gone."

Hashi said, "Excellent just like when Zuko interrupted Azula's coronation I say we have an immediate resolution, let's have the siblings make their way out to the stadium right now."

The group of them made their way through the Palace out into the Agni Kai stadium. Azula walked out with Aang to the far side as Zuko stayed with Iroh on the near side. Once they reached their destination Aang pulled Azula into a tight embrace and kissed her fiercely. He pulled back after a minute and locked onto her beautiful golden eyes and said, "We've come so far Azula, here is your chance to live out your dreams. I love you, now go stop being a Princes and become the Firelord." He kissed her again and then ran off and jumped into the stands.

Azula turned to face her brother, wiping the smile that Aang's kiss left her with and replacing it with a scowl filled with determination. Zuko took his stance as the signal to begin was given. Azula started to motion in to her lightning bending technique and Zuko prepped his redirection technique. She let loose the first lightning bolt and he was prepped to shoot it back at her as it sped towards him, but as it neared him it landed in the ground right in front of him blasting earthen debris up into the air. He was surprised as the cloud of dust enveloped him, and then he felt extreme heat approach and he just barely managed to dodge as two fireblasts descended from the sky and exploded next to him.

Zuko scrambled backwards shooting two quick fireballs towards Azula who was descending from the sky rapidly towards him. She spun and dodged the fireballs and then let out a crescent fireblast kick from her spin. Zuko jumped up as that crashed into the ground below him and he shot a firerocket boost behind him to propel himself forward towards his sister. He formed a flame dagger in his hand and swung it at her as he approached. She quickly ducked and formed a whip of blue flame as she rolled under Zuko and then turned and snapped her whip grabbing him by his ankle with the whip and then flung him to the ground.

Zuko rolled over and saw that she had jumped in the air and was making her way to crash down onto him. He decided to shoot up a straight spear of flames to impale her on when she landed. Azula saw Zuko's defense and knew this was her moment. He assumed she would dodge the spear and had no other defense so Azula decided to aim her body so that the spear would only go through her shoulder and she would use the window afforded to her to stab him in the chest with her new technique, a lightning dagger.

Zuko watched wide eyed as a blade of electricity formed in Azula's hand and then saw her not pulling up to avoid his spear of flames he was shielding himself with. He grinned for a split second as Azula groaned in pain as her shoulder was run through by excruciatingly hot flames, but his grin was short lived as he then felt a jolt of pure electricity course through his entire body as Azula's lightning dagger stabbed him straight in the chest.

Azula was in agony as she landed on her brother. A serious hole had been burned through her shoulder, but the damage to her was minimal compared to Zuko. His body was shaking in massive convulsions as the electricity she stored in her lightning dagger dispersed through his body. He shook for about thirty seconds, losing consciousness after about two of those. Azula stood up triumphantly as she heard Aang let out a gigantic cheer. Hashi walked out into the stadium and observed the state of Zuko's unconscious body and shouted, "No doubt, the winner of this Agni Kai and new Firelord is Princess Azula."

AN: There was the first chapter, I hope you liked it. Like I said I'm going to try and update every other week or so. I made up the Fire sage's name, so if the head fire sage actually has a name, I apologize. Well I hope to hear your thoughts, and comments, thanks everyone for reading.