okay. this was previously on thejadespirit, but we moved it from that author to me. she had promised beforehand that she would re-post this story under me, morrigu spirit, and she did. so, here it is, in case you've not read it...i hope you like it...
Chapter One: Tales From Ba Sing Se
I look in wonder at the large gates of Ba Sing Se. Wow, even Omashu's gates aren't this huge. One thing for Omashu, though, Ba Sing Se doesn't have the earthen cart system. No. Instead, they have a metrorail which still isn't as fun as the carts.
Just inside the inner gates, I see a vender with maps of the city for sale. I quickly purchase one and move out of the incoming crowd. One glance and I know I have no idea where to go in the gigantic city. I'm fairly sure Shiori lives in the upper ring--I remember her talking about the temples--but maybe she lives in the lower rind with the artisans because she writes and draws. Or maybe she lives in the middle ring; she always wanted a book store.
I sigh in irritation and accidentally fry the edges of the map. This draws me out of my reverie and so I scoop the fire into my mouth to extinguish it. the air around me sizzles with fright. I realize suddenly that, even with Azula in power here the people are conveniently oblivious to this fact. Oh shit.
Admittedly, I though Azula's drill plan worked when I heard she was in power but maybe she actually took a city by stealth this time.
I hasten from the spot, uncaring of my destination. On impulse, I head for the metro rail and within minutes I'm in the middle ring. So, naturally, I'm right outside a bookstore. I walk inside, unable to resist a new book, and, I should have known, run smack into my old friend.
The Blue eyed firebender
Azura (azh-ruh)
former Ya Yun archer
I head for the door of the bookstore and turn back to smile at the girl working behind the counter. This, I think, is where I belong. I turn my head, only to run into another girl. I open my mouth to say sorry but the words turn into a smile as I recognize the familiar blue eyes.
Azura. I should have known I'd eventually run into her here. After all, she, like me, cannot resist a bookstore. I pull her in, smiling. After all, we are old friends, despite my less-than-worthy parentage. Azura was the only firebender who would speak to and earthbender born to the Fire Nation, though I had kept my powers a secret from everyone.
"Come," I say to her. "Look at my store."
Azura obliges. For who can resist a bookstore owned by a friend? Not only did it mean similar tastes, but it meant free books as well.
I watch as she examines each book with an eye that knows what it wants. I smile to myself as she begins tucking books into the crook of her arm. So she likes my books! This is good. I don't think I would be able to bear it if she actually hated my books. In fact, I would fall into the earth for at least five minutes.
Later, we talk of inconsequential things, such as the weather and other such chatty things. And now comes the gentle probing. Her questions begin to move from weather to politics and I know she's fishing to see if I know that Azula has taken over my beloved Ba Sing Se. I know and I tell her outright. And I also confide in her something I really wanted to keep to myself.
"There are rumors, also, that her brother stands with her, though he keeps behind the scenes, so I can't be certain."
And within the hour, we're off, running through the narrow streets of Ba Sing Se, to the palace. Though I am an earthbender, at heart I'm of the Fire Nation and Azula knows it. We can earn her trust, even as she attempts to use us to her own purposes. And then we will strike, taking Zuko away and slapping some sense into him...but those are my thoughts. as for Azura, I cannot say what goes through her mind.
The Golden-Eyed Earthbender, Shiori, former Fire Nation noble and Freedom Fighter
all right. how did you like that? i know, it's already been posted, so don't worry if you read it before; nothing's really changed (well, i guess you can worry if you really wanted it to be changed...) anyway, please review, all right?
