"This will truly be one for the history books, General Iroh," said Zhao as he stood on the bridge of his flagship with the once-legendary general. "Just think, centuries from now, people will study the great Admiral Zhao who destroyed the last of the Water Tribe civilization. You're lucky you're here to see it," he continued.
Iroh spoke quietly. "Be careful what you wish for, Admiral. History is not always kind to its subjects."
The admiral turned to his companion and spoke mockingly. "I suppose you speak from experience. But rest assured, this will be nothing like your legendary failure at Ba Sing Se."
"I hope not, for your sake."
Zhao seemed to ignore his words as he gave a command. "Tell the captains to prepare for first strike."
As Iroh turned and walked away, Zhao stood alone, savoring the taste of impending victory. However, the moment was spoiled by a feminine voice. "It's a lovely place, isn't it, Zhao?"
Oh great, here comes the little brat, Zhao grumbled to himself as he turned around and pasted a fake smile on his face. "It is indeed, Princess Azula."
A girl of fourteen stepped out onto the bridge, walking forward to stand in front of her father's subject. "And it will be even more glorious when it is in our hands. I am told you will make sure of that, Admiral?"
Zhao growled under his breath, then replied, "Rest assured of that, Princess. The Northern Water Tribe will fall before the week is over."
"I hope so, for your sake," the princess said, not knowing that her words were similar to those her uncle said mere minutes ago. "You do know the Fire Lord will not be very forgiving to those who have failed him?"
Stupid little whore, Zhao cursed inwardly. I do not need you to tell me about the Fire Lord's reactions if this whole thing fails. And I swear by Agni, it will not!
"Well, Admiral Zhao?"
Zhao took a sharp intake of breath. He had nearly forgotten about the princess' presence.
"I know very well, Princess." He bowed low to the ground, letting the top of his headconceal the murderous expression on his face. "And I will not disappoint the Fire Lord. The Northern Water Tribe will fall, and the Fire Nation will be victorious."
The princess nodded. "Very good, Admiral. I will be awaiting first strike in my chambers." And with that, she walked back into the ship with a regal air.
"Little stuck-up thing," Zhao grumbled as he stood on the bridge, alone once again. He had not objected to the Fire Lord's orders that his second-born would follow him on this siege, but now he wished he had said something at least back in the throne room. The little brat was a horrible pain in the neck, and was certainly ruining the whole journey for him.
She's as bad as her brother, maybe even worse, he thought, remembering the banished prince who had been her royal sibling. Had been, because now he no longer existed. Thanks to his meticulous planning and a few less-than-dignified 'acquaintances', he had disposed of the obstacle in time for the siege. He had thought he could sit back and relax as the walls of Northern Water Tribe fell, but apparently he was wrong.
Just then, a thought suddenly came to him. Try as he may to push it away, it would not go. He knew the idea was nothing less than treacherous, but it would take care of his newest nuisance. It wouldn't be too hard to make the whole thing seem like an accident and no one could be there to witness it. If he just fine-tuned it a little, it just might work. He headed into the ship, to get ready for first strike and also to work on his plan.
...
A white-haired girl tried to hold back tears as she stood on the steps leading to the palace of the Northern Water Tribe. "You don't understand. I have duties to my father, to my tribe. I have to do this. Goodbye!"
She knew she was breaking her beloved's heart right now, but she had no other choice. She couldn't risk losing another loved one to her rash actions. She had learned that as a princess, the only way was to do what was expected of her, and nothing more than that. Any otherwise, and she might be the cause of another unfortunate incident, and she wasn't about to go through all that again.
However, as she watched the boy she loved step forward to enlist in a suicide mission, she couldn't help but wonder if she had pushed him too far. When their eyes met and he walked away without looking back, she could feel the tears silently course down her cheeks. She rubbed them before anyone noticed, however, and told herself that it was for the best, that only if she let go of him could she ensure his safety. Even if it would hurt him inside, she was willing to sacrifice her feelings for him for the sake of him and the entire tribe.
She then turned her head towards a servant hurrying towards her and who bowed as soon as he stood in front of her.
"Princess, you have to come with us into the palace to evade the siege."
She just nodded silently and followed the servant into the palace.
...
In the bowels of a first-class Fire Nation battleship, Princess Azula awaited the beginning of the siege of the North.
In the royal chambers of the Northern Water Tribe, Princess Yue awaited the beginning of the same onslaught.
Little did the two princesses know that both of their lives would be changed by the coming tale of battle.
