Nothing I can keep to myself.

[lady_azula]

I find myself unwilling to keep things close to my own secret. I must say them. They penetrate deep, live deep. Secrets I'd rather keep to myself, things I'd rather no one else know, I should tell you

Comments

[banishment]

I wanted you dead, too. I'm ashamed now to admit that I was planning on killing you back home. For Aang. To protect him. But, you're not her--the Azula I last saw the morning of the eclipse. I like you better like this. I hated that we always fought as kids. I fought because I thought you wanted me to. I liked playing with you, Mai, and Ty Lee. I once tricked mom into making me go outside to play with you guys, so it wouldn't look like I wanted to. I hated that you had friends and I didn't.

You are strong, Azula. I envied you for that--I still envy you for that. Don't let father control you anymore. Defy him. Like I did. It's time both his children rebelled against him. If you were to switch sides, Aang would accept you. I'd do whatever was needed to convince him.

Why do despise her?

She more than captivated me and she's not mom. No one will ever replace her. Katara's mothering is annoying. I liked her best when she wasn't acting like everyone's mom

[lady_azula]

And you had Iroh, Zuko. He watched over you, didn't he? He trained you, without stood your temper. Surely you must see why he did all of those things. At one time it sickened me, but let us be honest: what else could that be called but love? You had that from him and from mother, so you shouldn't think less of yourself. Back then, I DID want us as enemies. My goal was to compete, to fight. You may realize one day that in the end, that is all I am.

Don't be a fool Zuko. They accept you because you have atoned. Your connection with the Avatar is deep. I tried to kill him. Ask your little earthbender friend her opinion of me for that. I would never be accepted. Your optimism is sweet and sentimental, but hardly practical.

I have my reasons.

I told her, but was ready to devote myself to her. She...left before anything could come of it. I think fate has accurately placed me outside of those feelings. I would be a fool to think otherwise.

[banishment]

I love uncle and I know he loves me, but sometimes...I felt like I was just a replacement for Lu Ten.

We're both related to Roku. Not just me. In a way, Aang's family. The Air Nomads are gone. We're all he has left. I guess that's one of the reasons I wanted to protect him. You're forgetting that I tried to kill him, too. I almost did and I hate myself for it.

I'm your brother. I'm supposed to be sweet.

Don't say that. You deserve to be happy.

[lady_azula]

Don't be so willingly to use that excuse. Lu Ten is his son: there is no replacement for that. You are different from Lu Ten: your path was forced by father, and your way uncertain. He wanted to guide you, to help you. In that way, you are NOT Lu Ten, but still family he cares deeply for, wants to help.

Aang needs YOU, brother. Even if you tried to kill him, you didn't actually get close to doing it. What makes you think I would be wanted by him? Just ask the last Aang that arrived here.

Not necessarily.

HA! I would love to hear you say that to all the people I've wronged. I'm sure their opinion would be a bit more candid if not outright hostile.

[banishment]

I used to wish he was my father.

Maybe not, but I've got seventeen years worth of being a horrible brother to make up for.

Azula, I am one of the people you've wronged. And I'm the one saying it.

[lady_azula]

Well, that was fairly easy to see. Our father isn't exactly nurturing and full of wisdom, is he?

If you were the horrible one, that would make me something much worse, wouldn't it?

You are also my brother and haven't been...well, tortured. If you want a more accurate opinion of how I'm viewed, ask your friend Sokka.

Does he eve know what happened to his friend from the Kyoshi tribe?

[banishment]

You...tortured Suki?

She's not his friend. She's his girlfriend.

[lady_azula]

I imprisoned her. I don't torture people I barely know.

Well. Still think I'd make a fine addition to the Avatar crew?

[banishment]

Suki was rescued. They said I helped with that. I wouldn't know first-hand. I didn't experience it.

We've all done horrible things at some point. What I did to Katara in Ba Sing Se... Did you know that she threatened to kill me after Aang let me join them? I don't blame her. She tolerates me, if only for him.

If there's one thing that Aang's capable of above all things, it's forgiveness. In time, I think he could forgive you, too.

[lady_azula]

That doesn't mean they won;t be holding grudges for that, Zuko.

You betrayed her. That is one thing. A betrayal is something that is forgiven in time. She may not understand your concept of honor, but she learned, didn't she? Or she will, at any rate. But she will hold no love for the woman that went out of her way to make others suffer. You need only look at your blind friend for conformation of that.

Perhaps he could. Then again, I almost killed him. I don't that is something easily tossed aside.