I am alive! And with a better summary to boot!

Thank you, everyone, for reviewing. It helps me remember that I have a Fanfiction that people love! And, to thank you, I present the largest chapter thus far as an apology for my long absence. :3

More Azula madness for you crazies out there.

And, now that I'm looking at everything, every separate Fanfiction has its own cover art? o:

I'm certainly intrigued ~

I wanted to ask you reviewers to tell me what you believe the gender of Azula's child will be, and if you think she should keep the baby or not. It's fun to know what you guys think! I'm sure you will find out soon enough. :3

Anyway! Here's the next chapter!

Nowhere to Run

I did it. I actually did it. I was spending my last night in prison.

Honestly, I thought it would be more joyful and satisfying of this. Not the jumping-up-and-down-in-glee sort of joy, but more than not feeling much at all. I thought I would be glad to finally be rid of that bastard's haunts whenever I was alone or would hear his voice in the whispers in the dark. All of those horrid memories would vanish and I would never have to worry about them again.

So why couldn't I feel more accomplished? After all, I fooled the stupid old men and the foolish woman on the Counsel just a few hours before when I could barely speak a week prior. I was able to lie and look sincere, as I once had. I bounced back to my old self, if only for an hour. If anything, I felt powerful again. It was a high that I never wanted to be brought down from.

Katara told me before she left that night that Zuko had met with my guardians, Xing and Tsi T'sing. Their names were not very familiar, but the girl mentioned that they rose in the ranks after helping the rebels take down Father as powerful benders. But that's all that she knew about them.

"One was from the Water Tribe, but I don't recognize her," she mentioned before she left. It made sense, I suppose: a Waterbender to subdue a Firebender, especially one as powerful as myself. Well, not so much anymore. There wasn't much to hold back, I was ashamed to admit. My abilities had dwindled due to almost no use; it doesn't suit a prisoner to be able to fight back. That much of my story to the Counsel was true. I would meet them both when dawn broke, I was told.

"Morning will come soon enough," Katara had said with that smile I hate. Of course it would come, and it would come faster when I sleep.

If I could sleep at all.

When I did fall asleep, nightmares were there to greet me every time. The first time, I saw my father. I was surrounded by flames that constantly changed their color, with Father standing just a few feet away with his back turned. He was dressed as the king he was, and the magnificent crown glittered and glowed in the flames' changing light. The only sound that I could hear was my own breathing and the crackling of the fires that surrounded me.

I tried to call out to Father, but no sound came out of my mouth. The flames crept closer, threatening to take all of me. Their tips licked at my feet and legs and reached to touch my hands. I retracted my limbs from their heat; the hotness was something I suddenly couldn't stand it. Father still hadn't moved, though the inferno continued to grow in girth and intensity. I jerked my body away from the heat so suddenly and, I realized, I'd never been afraid of fire before.

I woke with a gasp, covered in sweat. My hands were shaking as I grabbed my blanket and pulled it above my head. Through clenched eyes, I willed myself to sleep again. If I wanted the rest of my time spent in prison to pass by quickly, I needed to sleep.

And so I did, and was welcomed with another nightmare.

I was in a dark hallway, wearing the robes I had while I was still a princess. I wasn't scared, I can assure you, but I was wary. I took cautionary steps forward, watching and listening to any movement or sound. All was quiet. Too quiet. Suddenly, a body was illuminated by fire a few feet away from me. I lifted my arm to protect my eyes from the light, and that was when I recognized the person:

"Mother." The word escaped from my lips in a breathless whisper.

She looked as young as she was when I last saw her, clad in the robes of royalty and bearing the crown on her head. Mother took a few steps toward me with outstretched arms. Her head was tilted slightly to the side, causing her dark hair to obscure her face. But that didn't hide that hellish grin on her lips. And her eyes... They were a pair of deep, black pits.

"Azula, come to your mommy. Mommy wants a hug."

Her mouth didn't move; it was like she spoke in my head. I bit back the fear that threatened to show. With every step she took toward me, I took one back. Why would she want affection from her monster of a daughter? As much I tried not to think about it, it all rattled my brain, and I heard myself say, "Stay back!"

"But Mommy loves her darling princess!"

I felt myself fall and a pair of hands around my throat. She was there, choking me, with a crazed look on her face. Her hair was disheveled and her crown had fallen on my chest from her head. It was burning me; marking me. I couldn't speak, nor could I breathe. My hands gripped her wrists as tight as I could, but she didn't let me go. I heard screaming, but I didn't know if it was me. There was a phrase that she kept repeating. It echoed in my ears and became distorted with every second that passed.

"Mommy loves her little monster."

"Mommy loves her little monster!"

"MOMMY LOVES HER LITTLE MONSTER!"

My eyes opened and my mouth let out a little yelp. My hand goes to cover my mouth, and I realize that I was panting and still sweating. My eyes went to my chest to see if the crown really did burn me, but I saw nothing out of the ordinary. What in the name of the Gods was wrong with me? In my anger and frustration, I threw the blanket off of me with a scowl. I glanced to the small window at the top of my prison and saw the color of dawn. It was morning already? I swallowed to parch my dry throat and let out a soft cough. I sat up slowly and leaned on my hands.

"Morning couldn't come any faster," I mumbled, wiping the sleep away from my tired eyes.

The sound of shuffling feet met my ears and caught my attention, and the door to my cell slowly creaked open, revealing Zuko and Katara. The peasant girl looked happy enough to burst and gave me a small wave. Zuko only had a light smile. Why he was happy for the monster was beyond me.

"Good morning, Azula!" the girl said as she closed the door behind Zuko. "Are you ready to leave?" That smile on her face made me nauseous. She adjusted the strap to the large bag that she was carrying with a light grunt. I wondered for a second what the hell she carried in there.

Before I could even take a breath, Zuko turned his head to her, "We won't be able to leave until those guards arrive." He returned his attention back to me. "But, yes, you'll be leaving soon."

You'll be leaving. You'll be leaving. You'll be leaving.

Those three words echoed in my head, and I suddenly felt a bit dizzy. I had anticipated this moment since I left the Counsel's chambers the night before, and yet, hearing it said aloud, it sounded so strange and foreign. I couldn't believe that I was still hung up on the fact that I could now leave my prison and return to my childhood home. Any other prisoner would be leaping for joy and antsy to step their foot out their cell. And, here I am, still processing the idea. How ridiculous.

Zuko unlocked the door to my cell and joined me inside, holding out his hand to help me stand. An odd looking smile appeared on his lips then and I slightly grimaced when I felt its warmth. "You can leave this place, and my kingdom will have an heir," he said softly, as if that was hard to process, as well.

I hesitated, and took hold of his hand with my own, pulling myself up to stand. I instantly felt woozy and took hold of an iron bar of my cell to hold myself up. Katara took careful steps toward me.

"Are you alright, Azula?"

What was she fretting about? I assured myself that it was merely because of my lack of sleep. "Yes," I mumbled. After a few more seconds, my head stopped spinning and I put my hand on the side of my head. The sudden feeling of clean hair gave me pause. It had been such a long time since I had felt my hair so clean and soft. And, now, I would be able to experience it every day for the rest of my life. I was sure of it. Zuko wasn't stupid; he knew that I held this little monster's life in my hands. I hardly doubted he would do anything to jeopardize this once in a lifetime opportunity, just as I would.

"Come," Zuko said, catching my attention again. "Xing and Tsi T'sing will be here soon. Katara will help you get ready."

I merely nodded in reply. Quickly, Zuko left and closed the door behind him. I heard his voice; he must've been speaking to my new guards. I have to say I wasn't too pleased about being looked after every minute, day and night. You would think I'd be used to it by now, but the prison guards always left me alone to my own thoughts and actions. Until Shen, I'd been wrapped up in my quickly-changing emotions and harmful actions. But, now, I can't say that I was looking forward to the two warriors. I'm quite certain that they weren't, either.

The girl quickly went to work. She let me wash myself and my hair, and helped me dry my body. I caught her staring at my abdomen more than once, and it piqued my curiosity. Why was she so fixated on this monster? What was so special about it? Why couldn't she leave well enough alone? It was then I told myself that, without this stupid peasant, I wouldn't have a chance in hell of getting out of prison. Because of her, I had a chance to live in the sunlight, not behind closed doors along with my father. Maybe I should have been grateful, or I should have damned her.

I noticed that the girl handed me different robes than what I wore yesterday: a deep red robe with gold and black trim. The emblem for the Fire Nation was embroidered on the back. The sleeves were cut off at my shoulders, albeit they were cut off from the rest of the robe. By clipping the gold clasps together just a few inches from my shoulders, the long sleeves were added and gave the ensemble a more elegant look. The robe itself covered any scars or burn marks that would threaten to show in front of the crowd that awaited me outside. The sash was a thick piece of fabric darker than the robe itself. It had ornate embroideries of flames and was pinned together with a gold pin in the shape of a water lily. A pair of matching slippers were put onto my skinny feet, and I suddenly felt like a princess again.

Katara then handed me my old make-up kit from the bag. There it was, my eyeliner, mascara, and powders with the soft brushes I used to apply them. Granted, my skin would look much paler now from spending the last few years indoors. I reached in and took out a small mirror from the kit, and the girl tenderly took it from my hand and held it up for me.

"I thought you would like this," she said then.

I didn't reply. Instead, I took her offer and began applying my basic powder for my face using a small brush. After so long of not having make-up, I thought I would have forgotten what to even do with it. But the strokes came back as easily as Firebending could have. Being royalty, I learned from a young age how to make myself beautiful. Not that I needed much help, mind you. Once the powder was set on my face and neck, I put on my eyeliner and mascara, with a touch of red above my eyes to bring out their gold color. And then it was finished. I exchanged the make-up kit for the mirror in the girl's hand and turned to face the wall as I looked at myself. I appeared just as I did before I was sent away, minus the sunken eyes and skinnier face.

Glancing in the corner of my eye, the peasant carried a pair of scissors in her delicate hands and still held that ridiculous smile that I hated. "Would you mind a haircut? It's getting rather long."

How trivial. I handed her the small mirror and shrugged my shoulders, not entirely caring. "If you must." Her hands, gently, pushed on my shoulders so that I may kneel. Begrudgingly, I followed suit with an aggravated sigh. I heard the shick shick of the scissors then, and waited as patiently as I could, however I couldn't help but think that this was wasting precious time. I could be outside right now, taking in the fresh air and feeling the sunshine on my skin. Oh Gods, the sun. I haven't seen the sun since the day of my detainment. Even when they moved me from the mental institution to the prison, it was at night. I have to admit, I missed its warmth. Maybe that was the reason why I couldn't Firebend anymore.

The haircut was over in a matter of minutes, and I looked down at the amount of hair that she cut. I suddenly felt thoughtful. All of the haircuts I received in prison were merely shaving of the head when it got too long. It was easier to maintain that way. But this was different; this whole… thing was different. The haircut, the make-up, the clothes—it was all a part of something greater: my freedom. Oh, and Zuko raising the monster to rule the Fire Nation. I suppose that counts.

I slowly stood as my hands ran through my newly clean, freshly cut hair and I brought a few strands to my face so that I could see it for myself. My hair was actually shining, and the ends were so smooth. Amazing. It was the length that I had it before I chopped it off in a craze.

"May I?"

Glancing over my shoulder, I saw the girl had the tools necessary to put my hair in a bun. She certainly planned this entire ordeal in advance. I gave her one nod, and returned my head to look straight ahead, at the dirty wall. I might as well study it; it would be the last time I would see the inside of a prison. The girl's hands worked expertly as she tugged and pulled at my hair. All of the memories I had of my younger days suddenly flashed before my eyes. I remembered when Mother would put my hair up, like Katara was doing now. I remember forcing Mai and Tai Li to put my hair up, as well. There were few times I would do it myself.

"All done."

Her voice snapped me out of my thoughts again. My eyes found hers as I stood, those big pools of ocean blue that sparkled at the sight of me. I must have truly been a marvel to behold.

"You look ready, Azula," she said, and I wasn't wary to take her seriously. She brought her hands together in front of her. "The palace is waiting for you."

Ah, yes. My childhood home. I was sure that the memories there would be something to ponder, but they were better than the crippling reminder of Shen. Then again, I'll have that memento for the remainder of my… pregnancy.

I held my head high and pushed my hands together under the long sleeves of my robes. I was no longer a prisoner now and, even though I wasn't a princess any longer, I could very well act like the royalty I was. I mustered up any pride I had left, cleared my throat, and said in a stern tone, "I am ready."

Everything past that went by so quickly. I was rushed out of my prison cell to be greeted by Zuko and two people that I could only assume to be Xing and Tsi T'sing. Xing was a Firebender, that much was clear, and he was tall and very muscular. He was clean-shaven, and his hair was the norm of the Fire Nation: long and half put in a small bun. It was very similar to Father's. He wore a sleeveless red shirt that was skin tight with the fire emblem on the back and baggy pants a shade darker than his shirt. His pants were tucked into his long, black boots. That demeanor of his was stoic, and he looked me over with a bored expression and his huge arms crossed in front of his chest.

Tsi T'sing was the opposite. Where he was large, she was tiny and nimble; I could tell by the way she stood. She wore a light blue short-sleeved kimono-style tunic that split up the sides that were held with a white sash on her skinny waist and baggy pants underneath that was also tucked into her traditional Water Tribe black peasant shoes. A white skin filled with water sat against her hip. Her dark hair was tied in a simple pony tail. I noticed that she wore those betrothal necklaces that most Water Tribe women wear, though I couldn't see its design from where I stood. I didn't really care, anyway.

Zuko stood beside them and introduced us, though neither of them spoke. I believed they didn't like me very much. Which, to be perfectly honest, I didn't really mind. They didn't have to like me in order to watch me. In fact, I reveled in the fact that, as fierce as the warriors they claim to be, they were forced to look after little old me and make sure I don't burn down the palace and take over the Fire Nation. How boring for them.

Once those obligations were out of the way, Zuko, followed closely by Katara, led my new bodyguards and me out of the corridors of the prison. I heard them all yelling obscenities and banging against the bars to their cells, and all I could do was smirk. They were just jealous, and that made me feel powerful.

"Get out o' here, ye witch!" screamed a familiar voice.

I turned my head to the right and met Ming Mei's familiar crazed eyes. I stopped walking, as did the others.

I saw through the open door to her cell that she pointed a dirty finger at me and a dark scowl on her wrinkled face. Her gray hair was askew, and I believe I could smell her from where I stood. I continued to hold my head high as she spoke.

"Ye get yer fancy ass out o' here! Ye hear me?! And take that devil child with ye! Ye know the one! The one yer hidin'!"

I turned my head sharply away from her and continued walking. I could hear her shouting though I couldn't understand her hick words. Once I went out of her sight, I believe she started screaming; I could still hear her when I finally entered the outside, though it was muted once the doors shut behind us.

At first, the sunlight blinded me. I had to bring up my arm to help adjust my eyes to the brightness. And all of the colors, they came at me at once. I hadn't seen green in over two years, I realized suddenly. The girl was by my side at once and gently touched my arm. I shrugged off her hand with a grunt. "Just take me to the palanquin," I mumbled as I rubbed my aching eyes.

Glancing at the sky, I noticed that the clouds were slowly moving across the horizon to cover the sun. I brought my arms down as the palanquin was carried up the sloping hill by four able-looking dark haired men. They wore the same outfit, one that I knew: they worked for Zuko at the palace; this was the royal palanquin. For that, I was pleased. Even though the public didn't regard me as their princess any longer, it served my pride well to still be treated as such, even if it was at Zuko's courtesy.

I was first into the palanquin, followed by the girl and Zuko. It was large for all three of us, and gave us privacy with a veil of gold and deep red fabric that draped from the top. Xing and Tsi T'sing had no trouble walking on either side of the palanquin. The four men lifted the palanquin with ease, and we were on our way to the palace. I have to admit that the ride was a lot bumpier that I remember; these men must not have known how to do their job correctly. It felt they were running with an earthquake under their feet. I frowned, not enjoying this first taste of luxury I've had in over two years.

I could feel the girl watching me the whole time, with those mothering blue eyes of hers. I hated it. She kept trying to distract me from the ride itself by discussing whatever plans she and Zuko had for me.

Zuko continued, "I couldn't stop the rumors spreading about your release. It's helping that we're moving you quickly, but I think you're going to have to dodge some daggers."

Katara glanced to Zuko, purposefully keeping her distance from him, it seemed. Her body language leaned away from him and, with every bump, she made sure to land the other way and not against Zuko. It made me curious, but only for a second.

"How could the people have known? I thought it was a private meeting."

A scowl etched in Zuko's scarred face. "It seems that someone on the Counsel has a big mouth."

I rolled my eyes. How typical of them to react in such a way. If they didn't have a chance to keep me in prison, then why not instigate a public revolt? What were they thinking, releasing a homicidal, mentally-unstable teenage girl? They might as well roast the whole country.

"How many people do you think would stop Azula from entering the palace?" the girl asked, concerned.

Zuko shrugged his shoulders. "It's hard to say. That's half the reason why the Fire Sage gave you bodyguards, to protect you from the people. You mustn't react to them, or threaten them at all. Let Xing and Tsi T'sing defend you. You're not supposed to know how to Firebend, remember?"

I frowned. Did he have to point it out like that? I could hardly remember the last time I even could Firebend. And there he was, gloating over the fact that I couldn't conjure flames any longer. It made me angry and, if I could Firebend, Zuko would have a scar on the other side of his face to match. That's what he would get if he spoke against me again. For Gods' sake, I was a princess, and I deserved to be treated as such!

Katara gently touched Zuko's arm with her hand with a warm smile on her lips. "We'll get there in one piece."

After a long moment, Zuko let out a relenting sigh. He seemed relaxed under the girl's comfort. I remembered the sensation she gave me when she healed my wounds for the first time, after Shen did what he did. The cooling water killed whatever pain I had instantly, and my whole body felt as if I was asleep and remained unmoving while she healed me. For a moment, I understood why he felt peaceful.

The girl returned her attention to me, reluctantly removing her hand from Zuko. "Your room is ready for you when we arrive, and your guards even have a place in your chambers." My face contorted to a scowl. Even in my freedom, I was still a prisoner. "And my room is next to yours. So, if you have any problems with the baby"—I cringed at the word—"I'll be right there."

"Wonderful," I said, unable to suppress my sarcasm.

Her eyes narrowed, but she said nothing. Zuko let out a light cough as yelling could be heard outside of the veil of fabric. I instantly turned my head towards the sound's general direction. I could hear the people screaming, waking those still asleep nearby.

"Take that murderer back to prison!"
"Let her rot where she belongs!"
"Down with Azula!"

"She doesn't deserve freedom!"

"Ouch, my poor feelings," I said nonchalantly. They knew nothing about me, or my plight. They knew nothing of what Shen did to me, or what he caused to change my life. They didn't see the hate in his eyes, or feel the agony of the burns he caused. No, they knew nothing. An ignorant lot, they were. I didn't care for their opinions, and none of their words would make me lose sleep at night.

Katara still looked anxious enough, and Zuko tried his best to ignore it. All he had to do was think of the bright side. I would enter the palace, give him the monster, and I could live in peace while he raised the thing to rule the Fire Nation. The thought of freedom made the sun shine a little brighter.

"Finally, we're here," I heard Zuko mumble as they heard the gates to the palace open. The guards to the palace shouted commands to each other and pulled the gates wide enough for us to get inside. The shouting began to die down once the gates closed again, and all I could hear was the silence of the courtyard. I let out a breath I didn't notice I was holding and it sounded shaky. This suddenly felt so… real.

The palace was the same, yet so different. The atmosphere was… serene. There was no animosity in the air at all. Repairs were obviously done and any memorabilia of father was destroyed, I assumed. Warm-colored flowers were the main décor of the building, to my own distaste. Flowers were such fragile things that could be easily crushed.

I was actually surprised to see that not much of the palace had changed. I would have thought that Zuko burned down the whole place and started anew. But, no, it was as if Father was still in the palace, plotting on how to take over the world and destroy the other nations. I could picture the life I had before with such clarity. I knew it was different, though. Everything was different now.

I was greeted by Mai when we reached the top of the steps, where she said that she would show me around. There was hardly a tour, since I still remembered the layout of the palace like the back of my hand. Instead, I was taken to where I would be staying, which was my old bedroom. I was surprised to see that nothing was touched. Zuko said that he didn't have the time to do anything with it, though Mai commented that it would be the monster's room when it ripped its way out of me. They would get rid of my valuables for that thing? Absurd!

Katara was right when she said that my new bodyguards had beds in my chambers; there were two beds on either side of the room, though they were as large or grand as my own. They both had their own areas for their things. I couldn't believe that these two people would give up their lives just to follow me around every second of the day and night. It was… hilarious. I would have cracked a smile, but it simply wasn't in my nature.

Zuko and Katara bid their farewell, leaving Mai behind in my bedchamber. The late morning sun shone through the large glass windows on the left side of the room, giving the room an even warmer look. Yet I shivered. I took a step into the room and looked at the hauntingly familiar paintings and décor.

I glanced to Mai over my shoulder, wondering why she didn't leave as well. Stoic as always, she cleared her throat. "I'm sure you have a lot of adjustments to make, but I wanted to stay and… thank you personally."

My eyes narrowed and I turned my body to face her. I didn't like where this conversation was headed.

Mai's slender hands fidgeted at her sides as she attempted to continue. I just continued to stand there while Xing and Tsi T'sing put their things away in their dressers and chest. Their watchful eyes always stayed on me, however.

"I…" she began, but lightly sighed. "I know I betrayed you a long time ago, and I'm sure you still resent that." Her dark eyes stared straight into my own topaz orbs. "But I'm actually very, quite grateful for this. Since marrying Zuko, getting with child has become… difficult." She paused, and then let out a loud sigh. A light blush of color appeared on her pale cheeks. It was clear how embarrassed she was on this. My lips tilted slightly upward into a smirk.

It was fascinating that, no matter how hard they tried, Mai simply couldn't keep a child inside of her, as if conceiving was hard enough. And yet, here I stand, carrying a monster that I didn't even want from a horrendous situation that I still didn't wish to remember. How she must hate the fact. I reveled in it and was completely, oddly satisfied.

"Zuko and I are really happy that you accepted our offer." She paused again and her eyes looked at her feet. "I hope that this baby cures the distance between us. He's been so busy lately, having meetings until late at night and keeping busy in his study. If Katara wasn't looking after him so much, I don't know what I'd do."

The anxiety in her tone was quite clear. I wasn't so sure if she really was grateful to Katara for watching over Zuko. I could see it, however, with her mothering nature. But the way she said it… I wasn't sure if it went deeper than that. Not that I cared. It wasn't my affairs, and I had enough to worry about.

Instead, I let myself let out a laugh. It was such a weird sound to hear myself make. I don't believe I've laughed in such a long time. "Mai, all this gratitude just means that you have more to owe. After all, I'm giving you this monster in exchange for my freedom. It doesn't need to be anything more than that, unless you have more to offer me." I spoke plainly.

Mai's face didn't give anything away. I had to admit, I missed her poker face. She was so useful when it came to tender missions that I couldn't trust Tai Li to handle. I wondered if her hands were still so nimble. But it was clear that she didn't like it when I called the thing a monster. And why shouldn't I? I was sure she would do the same if she were in my shoes.

"It's more than that, Azula. That's why you're here, in the palace, and not rotting in prison with your baby in tow." Her hand gestured to my abdomen. "I don't know what else Zuko and I could give you, besides your freedom. He's already petitioning Ember Island to have a secure house built where you'll be quarantined. He's risking public ridicule for you. I think that's more than enough."

My smirk only grew. She couldn't possibly know the end of my greed.