yep run, run away

This is the only way I see that we can keep an evil Azula but still root for her in the end. I mean, the only reason Ozai keeps Azula around is to use her like a weapon. Once he declares himself phoenix lord (or whatever) he may decide he's so powerful that he doesn't need an heir anymore, or he might prefer to just make a new one because Azula is too much like him and he fears an attempt at the throne like he planned. One is going to betray the other, the only question is who does it first, and with Azula in mental break down she might not see it coming. The way I envision it, we get the Azula/Zuko showdown, Azula wins because she's better (I love Zuko. His charater is great because he isn't the best. If he was to become some great amazing firebending master in the finale it would ruin him as much as making Azula Aang's bff). And I forget who just brought this up, but firebending is fueled by drive, and in this situation her drive to win will be more than it has ever been. Internal conflict may take her lightning away (please no!) but her anger isn't going to weaken her firebending. And Zhao was just an idiot. He didn't lose because he used anger, he lost because he's sloppy. Anyway, so Azula wins, but before she finishies him (lots of reasons she might not. She's always seemed to hold herself back when fighting Zuko. Maybe it's just me, but I do think part of her kinda cares, somewhere deep down buried under a life time of being taught to think he is worthless and weak. Same argument people have been bringing up with Mai and Ty Lee. There is a form of emotion there somewhere). So yeah, perhaps she's deciding whether or not to finish him and then Ozai lightning blasts her in the back for the ultimate final betrayal. And he would. Two birds with one stone deal. He removes Azula as a threat, and gets to finish off Zuko for the events of DOBS. That would be great.

And then we might get the Azula/Ursa scene. I don't think this will neccessarily turn her good, but it will work to completely destroy her conviction in what she has devoted her life to. Maybe similar to what Zuko went through, but like 100 times worse because most of Zuko wanted to be good, but no part of Azula wants to change. It's going to be forcefully taken from her, and that is going to leave her psychologically ruined. Fan of Azula or not, I think that's what we all want.

Don't forget that Zuko can now redirect lightning -a talent that only Iroh and he know. Also, remember that in "Bitter Work," Iroh said that Zuko could not shoot lightning because of his "inner turmoil." With Azula becoming unhinged and Zuko having made peace with his destiny, I'm betting that that tables are now turned. Zuko will be able to bend lightning and Azula will not. Everything that has happened before is working to give Zuko the advantage.

I love it when she confronts him in The Headband, when he and Mai are watching the sunset and kissing. "Actually, nothing. Believe it or not, I'm looking out for you. If people find out you've been to see Uncle, they'll think you're plotting with him. Just be careful dumb-dumb." Her voice is really filled with concern, much like a sister's would.

Edit: After watching that scene again, I saw something that I totally forgot about. When Azula has Mai leave, Mai shoots her a glare with the dramatic symbol clash as she does it. Could that have been foreshadowing to Mai's line in BR: 2? She seemed very displeased to be interrupted by Azula when she was with Zuko. It's a first indincation that Mai would rather be with Zuko than Azula in my opinion.