Even from twenty feet away, Whiskers could feel the heat coming from the flames. He shivered in terror. He really didn’t want to do this. For a brief second he considered running away but realized the courtyard was blocked off and he had nowhere to go. He had experienced Azula’s punishment before and he would do anything to avoid being punished by her again. In his mind, he was also beginning to accept Azula’s role as his owner. She had beaten him, she had broken him and now he belonged to her.

As he crawled towards the hoop, he realized that just obeying his owner and jumping through the hoop wasn’t enough, he had to emerge from the hoop unscathed or he would have another personal punishment session with Azula’s feet. The odds however were against him considering Azula had dipped his costume in lamp oil. Even the smallest spark would cause his outfit to burst into flames. At the last second the ninja turned foot pet got his most creative idea since using a clone to form the rasengan……creating a chakra shield!!! Working quickly, he gathered his chakra as he leaped through the hoop. His chakra extended around his costume preventing the cruel sparks from reaching him. To Azula’s dismay, Whiskers came through the hope unharmed.

Ty Lee who had turned away during Whisker’s dangerous jump had turned back expecting to see the horrific sight of the charred remains of Azula’s pet . She was surprised to see him not only alive and well, but without a burn on him. She breathed a sigh of relief, then she clapped her hands impressed with Whisker’s ability to survive the ring of fire.

“Good job Whiskers. You’re so good at tricks” Ty Lee said petting his head. She really wanted to say she was happy that he survived Azula’s evil game, but that was as close as she dared go to showing her support for him.
Whiskers smiled happily. He looked over at his owner hoping for her approval. Pets lived to please their owners. Looking at Azula’s face, he saw her eyes narrow and shuddered. She didn’t look happy he had emerged unhurt. Whiskers wondered if she was going to punish him anyway. However, Azula stern expression broke into a smile.

“Here Whiskers, Here Here” She called. Whiskers reluctantly ran to her. Azula cupped his chin and affectionately petted his head. “Good job Whiskers…your owner is so proud of you.”
Naruto felt glad. Not only had he pleased his owner, he was sure he had avoided the dreaded punishment Azula had become so good at giving him. He began to relax.

Ty Lee of course knew Azula better than that. She spotted Azula’s trademark grin appear and knew bad things were in store for Whiskers. She wanted to call out and warn him but fear of Azula’s wrath prevented any cry from escaping her throat.

Sure enough…Ty Lee was right. As Azula stroked her pet’s head, she winked at Ty Lee before creating a spark with one of her fingers and brushing one of the streamers on Whisker’s outfit. Instantly the costume burst into flames. Naruto began to howl in pain as he tried desperately to extinguish the flames covering him.

Azula laughed hysterically as Whiskers rolled around on the ground in an attempt to put out the fire scorching his body. Ty Lee covered her mouth to prevent herself from screaming.

“Oops!” Azula giggled. “Looks like I spoke too soon, it appears I get to show Ty Lee how I punish you after all."