The black Phoenix.
An :this is were stuff strutting to get hectic. Hope you will enjoy it.
Disclaimer :I don't own avatar the last Airbender.
Chapter 4.
The moon was moving slowly in its orbit, and it's silvery glow was lighting the soil under it. The stars were cheerfully but silently absorbing the world, their light flickered in the night like a hive of fireflies in the wast night sky. Standing near the silver moon, they looked like servants bowing to their master.
The pale light iluminated the tall forest tress, which were moving slightly with the cold night wind, there thick leaves, creating a sound which muffled the noise coming from within the forest.
Between the thick green of the grass, which looked black in the darkness, and the broken branches, it man was lying on the ground, his clothes dirty and ripped, His hand were bloodied and burnt badly around the man, a high amount of rocks than natural were scattered around, some of which were burnt, their edges black. His face was struck in terror, his eyes look forward, his terrified gaze landing upon the target of his terror.
In front of him, clad in black clothes, a boy was standing, his two hands were spread forward, eaceach holds the face of another man who were struggling to break free. Behind him, several unmoving bodies were lying, dead. There body was scorched in a horrible fashion, one had it on his chest, all the way to were his heart shouldve been. Another one had his entire face look like a faceless burned cake.
The man looked unfazed, his long black hair flattering in the air. His coal black eye held no emotion within them. Without a word, his hands ignited, burning with superheated flames, burning the faces and through them, the brain, effectively killing the two.
The other man, the one who was laying on the ground, looked positively sick, as he saw his two friends, burning and dying in an agonizing way, their tortured screams hurt his ears, and enchansing the fear within him. And as much as he wanted to avert his eyes, to close them, to not heare the pained cries of agony, he couldn't. Not only will it mean cirtain death, but also will be disrespectful to his fallen comrades. The way that the young man's face looked, made it obvious he did not care one bit, and this cold look on his eyes, made the fallen man flinch, as his numb from fear brain tried to understand, what could make such a young boy into something as horrifying as this.
The boy, without even a blink, had suddenly dropped the two bodies, they fell with a thump, sprawling on the ground. The man on the ground flinched as the boy stepped closer to him, the same soulless look in his dark eyes. He tried to use his bending, tried to squish the monstrosity in front of him with an avalche of stone and earth, but in his weakend state it was incarnated easily by the far superior opponent. He closed his eyes in fear, waiting for the heat of the flames, waiting for his end... But a second had passed, two.. And slowly he opened his eyes, to see the boy standing in front of him, with a little smile splattered on his face.
"there is no need to panic" said the boy, and surprisingly his voice was deep and rich. The man looked at him with disbelief, really? Does he really think that he is just going to trust him, after what he did to his comrades?. But something in the boy's voice made him reconsider, and the different expression in his eyes made it look beliveble as well, and truly if the boy wanted him dead, he could have easily incarnate him with his freaky black flame. So taking a deep breath, he gave tg a younger man a piercing look "swere it, and I will tell you" he said, proud of himself for his steady voice.
The boy to his surprise merely nodded "I swere, should you give me the necessary information, I'll let you go" he said, in his rich deep voice.
The earth bender smiled in relief, the boy was actually going to release him, he felt no heart twitching, which was a common earth bending technique. So he locked his eyes with the fire bender "there is a smuggler, in the nearby village, his name is Ten-Shen, you will notice him easily, he has a black short hair and a deep brown eyes, under his left eye he has a mole" he said "is thats OK?" he asked.
The boy nodded, and gestured him to get up "you may go now," he said with a smile, which the earth bender returned as well, as he started to walk to the other side, noticing the young fire bender walking in the opposite, his steps light as fhether. Walking fast, he smiled to himself, thanking the spirits that he met probably the only fire bender who would spare his life. He walked until he heared some weird noise coming from behind him, turning worrily around, he suddenly froze, his eyes wide in disbelief, as a bolt of concrete black lightning flew towards him, he was halpless, and the bolt striked him right in the stomach, sending him flying several meters, his vision blurred, and the last thing he saw was the boy standing on a tree, looking at him with his hollow expression, his mouth moving "I lied" was the last and simple message that the earth bender saw before darkness cloacked his eyes, and he saw no more.
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The night was still cloaking the world within its dark embraces, alouding only a few natural sources of light to shine.
In the streets of a small village, the guardsmans of the fire nation were patrolling, their helmets and armor adorned with the insignia of the fire nation. The streets were empty, as the fair people of the village slept, no one was seen walking the streets in this late hour.
From within the shadows, a siluet of man emerged, it's black clothes easily masking it in the darkness of the night, it's steps were light, and barely audible.
The figure walked stealthily trough the town, blending with the shadows, making sure nothing escapes his notice.
Finally, near the outskirts of the village, the figure stopped, it's hood covering its eyes. In front of him, was a little run down shack, it's walls were old, and the exterior showed a sign of neglect... A perfect place to hide, thought the figure, a smile on its mouth.
A second later, a little pickloc was held in its hands, as it easyly picked the rather plain lock. A satisfied smile appeared on its face, this was the first time he had to use that. Opening the door silently, he closed the door behind him, and crept in, making sure to not make any noise.
On a little wooden bad, a man was sleeping deeply, his chest was rising up and down, peacefully. The figure looked closer, noticing every detail, making sure this was the right person, a gleam passed his eyes as he confirmed the identity of the man. Without any word, he caught the man's throughout, burning it, with his second hand covering the mouth.
Two minutes later, a figure had retreated from the house, and by the time it was far, it could easily see a high pilar of flames rising to the sky. Faintly, he could here the alarm going up, but he knew it was too late, mission accomplished, he thought as he vanished again into the night.
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The sun was up in the middle of the sky, it's warm and gentle tendrils heating the world up, making the people hide wherever there was some shade.
On a main road, moving slowly through the land of fire, a small carige was moving. The carige was simple, with no special futures just a plain old wooden carige, the witch of like could be seen all over the country.
The driver of the carige, an old man with bolding head, was sitting in the front, musing to himself about his strange passenger.
Just this morning, the man.. No boy approached him, he was obviously worn out, and his eyes barely stayed open. His black clothes were tattered, and on general he looked like he could use a good night sleep. A strong smell of fire and burning earth was emitting from him, so he probably was a fire bender, non the less, he was surprised when the boy asked him to take him to the royal capital. But on second thought he noticed that the black clothing was something akin to a uniform, so maybe it made sense. Either way, right now the boy was sleeping, his eyes were closed, and his breathing even. The driver smiled to himself, the youth this day were worthy to defend the fire nation.
I the passenger part of the cart, Shun was sleeping wearily. After the last mission and his lying to the fulish earth bender, who trasted to much in his earth bending to make sure he did not lie to him. Well he definitely never met Azula then... And himself as seemingly she rubbed on him. For the last two years, he got quite the number of missions by the fire lord, as he needed experience in a real combat. He remembered Azula protesting, her ember eyes shining with disapproval. She also changed, the presence of someone she knew cared for her and did not want to use her, made her less paranoid and insane, showing some of her better parts. Still she was Azula, so of course she was not some fluffy girl, she was still vicious and sometimes cruel, but seemingly her emotional part got a chance to grow a bit, her new found calm had enhanced her fire bending quite a bit. Letting the sleep take him fully Shun relaxed, waiting to return to the palace, he fell asleep a little smile on his face.
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Something stirred him from his blissful sleep, Shun tried to ignore it, but whatever it was, it was pressistant.
"oi! Lad, wake up, we have arrived" a voice invaded his sleep, deep, old and raspy, Shun stirred slightly, slowly opening his eyes.
The first thing he saw was the driver of the cart standing above him, trying to wake him up. Rubbing his eyes slightly, Shun suddenly registered the noise coming from outside. It was the noise of a bustling city. Looking outside, his eyes were assaulted with the bright light and colors of the streets, the people and the smells. A little smile crept to his face, "thank you, sir" he said, turning to the cart driver. Seemingly they were currently near one of the many eens on the market place, thus not far from the palace. He got up, and fished his wallet, smiling he took out three golden coins, and gave them to the surprised driver "thank you very much for the ride, keep the change" he said smiling, dissappearing in the crowd before the old man had a chance to say a thing.
Walking fast, he started walking towards the royal palace, passing vendors and shops without noticing. From afar he could see the three towering towers of the palace, beautiful as they were, for some reason, he felt that something bad is happening, he had a bad feeling about this.. Subconsciously he increased his pace, hoping beyond hope that his gut feeling is wrong.
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Hastily entering the courtyard, Shun looked around, the guards did not try to stop him, knowing all to well who he was, he walked fast, eyes darting around, hoping to see Azula or Zuko somewhere, just to make sure everything is alright.
But what he saw, stopped him in his tracks. In the inner garden was walking a girl, with a long braided brown hair, she looked nervous, and her walk was obviously out of nervousness. This scene, made Shun feel fear, this was Tay-Le for gods sake! Tay-Le was never nervous, she was a really strong annoying bundle of cheerfulness, to see her nervous was unnerving.
He approached her hastily, his distress visible in his eyes. When she suddenly turned toward him, Shun saw he was wrong, the girl was not nervous.. She was in panic and terrified. Scenarios started to play in his mind as he called her name. "Tay-Le!"
"Shun!"
They called in the same time, the boy could see how relief took the place of panic. "what happened?" he asked her, his voice urgent. The girl looked at him, and once again the spark of panic was visible "I-it's Zuko" she started, Shun tensed but did not interrupt her. "he... Disrespected one day f the generals.. In the throne room, while the fire lord was there" she said, her voice was scared.
Shuns face changed colors, alternating between white and red, until it finally settled in white, he understood the implications very well. Without another word, he took the girls hand "common Tay-Le, we don't have time, to the agni Kai chambers" he told the girl, who followed him obidiently.
Shun cursed under his breath, walking as fast as he could, hoping he will be able to prevent disaster, but he has a feeling that it will be in vain.
Several minutes later, the two of them, finally stood before the agni Kai chamber, the two massive door adorned with engravings on of dragons and fire benders. Without any hasitation, Shun opened the two massive doors, and as he entered, his face became white as a Sheet . The room was rectangeled, with a beautiful rich decorated walls, showing ancient fire benders fighting an agni kai. A high platform was standing there, Shun shuddered, remembering his first time here, the place were everything started.
Around the platform, a huge crowd was present, there were officers, nobles and soldiers. Between them, Shun easily spotted the black haired princess, who's ember eyes were full of fear and panic.
On the platform itself, two people were standing, or more accurately one was standing while the other was on his knees. Shun heart lurched as he recognized the fire lord, tall, muscular and piercing gaze. Was looming over his son, the prince Zuko, who was on his knees and looked utterly pathetic.
Before Shun could say a thing, flames sprouted from the fire lords hands, bathing the poor prince, streaming over his face, wich just enchanted the look of panic on the princesses face, as she diverted her eyes,an action wich the fire lord noticed and sneered in disgust.
Shun quickly scowled his futures, back to his regular cold gaze, just as the fire lords eyes lended upon him, bringing a little smirk on the maniacs face.
Without another glance to his whimpering son, the fire lord finished his check on the reaction of the present. "Zuko" he started his voice harsh devoid of emotions "today, you have dishonored me, yourself, and the fire nation, by not only insulting me, but further by not fighting for your beliefs, as pathetic as they are. As such, by the power bestowed upon me by the people of the fire nation, I condemn you Zuko for exile in addition to revoking your right to the throne until you will show yourself worthy of the honor "he finished his short speech, wich created a horrible reaction on the faces of the people." take him to the hospital, after that he will start his exile "he finished and walked outside without sparing another glance to the crowd.
The medics, rushed in to take the prince outside, and right as they walked out, Shun felt someone tackling him. Looking up he noticed that it was Azula, he felt himself getting in a shock. Azula was never acting so weak and vulnerable... Did his precense in her life changed her that much?.
"Shun!" she called him, her voice broken, "we need to talk" she said. He nodded, and five minutes later, they found themselves in the living wing, were they entered Shuns room.
As they sitted themselves near the table, Shun suddenly realized he still didn't gave his report, but decided that it's could wait, as he looked in the usually glowing coal eyes of the princess which were dull currently. He sat there in silence, waiting for the younger girl to start. It took another several minutes before she was able to calm enough for speaking "this... This was crazy..." she said " I knew he didn't care... But that..." she took a deep breath "I need to talk to him... Try to convince him... I need to do something" she said desperately.
Shun shook his head furiously "no way! You will just put yourself into deep troubles! Why do you even care? You never particularly cared for Zuzu" he said, his voice coming out more harshly than he intended.
Her eyes shot at him in defince "he is my brother! Even if we are not very close... You wouldn't understand!" she spat at him " also, I want to see if father can be reasond with.." she said more quietly, not noticing the pain her last comment did to the boy on front of her.
Shuns face twisted at her jab" you are right... I won't understand... "he sighed heavily" I still warn you that the consequences will be severe! I just care for you! "he said, his tone got higher with every word, as the pain became visible on his face" I can't stop you, but you can at least listen! "he said, his black eyes shining" it will do him no good. Nor will it to you! Why can't you understand that you put yourself in danger!? Why won't you listen!? Put it through this thick head of yours! , but I know you won't listen! You never listen! So there isn't any point "he said harshly, and got up, his eyes blazing as he walked out of the room. Not noticing the surprised stare which he was given by the young princess, who couldn't understand what sparked him so much.
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Azula was kneeling, her head bowed, her body stilled as iron. In front of her, on the throne platform, was sitting her father. The same man who just several hours prior burned his own sons face, the same man who exiled him, the same man who used her, her entire life. Currently the fire lord looked at her from the throne, his face blank. On his side, general Iroh was standing, the famous dragon of the west, who nearly crashed Ba Sing Se. After several moments of silence, the fire lord finally turned towards her "what is it that you wished Azula?" he asked in a cold tone, completely devoid of emotions.
Silently gulping, Azula regretted now coming here, now she doubted how much she will be able to help, Shuns words rang in her mind. Still she was not some kind of coward... So scowling her futures she raised her head "your majesty" she started, her voice ranging loud and clear "I am here to petition for Zuko, not to be exiled" she noticed the harsh glance which he sent her, but she forced herself not to flinch "it's true he is weak, and has made a great mistake... But your majesty.. He is still your eldest... He is still young... I ask you to reversreverse your judgment... Your majesty" she finished, noting the look of anger on her father's face, and the look of complete surprise on her uncles.
The fire lords face suddenly became malicious, but his voice stayed calm,"Azula.. Are you doubting my judgment? Do you think you know better? You disappointed me Azula... This is a sign of weakness... You are weak Azula and fulish... Your brother disrespect me... And disgraced himself by refusing to fight for his beliefs... Foolish as they are... He should be thankful that he is still alive... "the fire lord made a long pause" as for you Azula... We will see to it later "he finished, and closed his eyes, indicating the end of the audience.
Azula looked hurt, she did not know what to do.. More than that.. She was scared now.. Without any other choice however, she had no choice but to leave. Bowing her head again" as you command my lord "she said before she left the throne room.
Outside, she saw someone standing, waiting for her, his long silky black hair fall gracefully from his ponytail. She excpected to see a look of triumph, or even anger... But the only thing she saw was understanding... Without a word the boy approached her, a look of relief on his face, he suddenly embraced her . Azula didn't like hugs... No... She lived her entire life without them... But she will alow it... It did feel nice...
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A black fire ball had just passed her, as she barely able to dodge, she ducked, her long black hair falling back, sweat was visible on her forehead. As she ducked, she moved her leg forward, sending an azure blast towards her smiling opponent. Unlike her though, the black haired boy did not duck, rather he caught her flame with his hand, and making a one hundred and eighty degrees turn, he sent her the azure flame back, now marred with a ultra hot black flames.
Azula took a deep breath, and chanelled her energy through her hands, letting the flames come closer she caught them between her hands, trying desperately to take control of them.
"your majesty" she heared someone calling her from behind, she jumped starld, the flames in her hands, vanishing. The voice belonged to a young soldier, his armor shining red on the afternoon sun. Narrowing her eyes, "what is it soldier" she asked, her tone making the poor soldier nervous nonetheless he was able to take control of himself "his majesty, the fire lord request your and lord Shuns presence" he said briskly.
The eleven years old princess face suddenly drained of its color, her beautiful ember eyes gained a look of fear "we will be there immediately" she responded "thank you soldier, you are dismissed".
The soldier bowed once before leaving.
Shun was standing there behind her, his eyes hard, it was three months since the agni kai, three months in which the fire lord did not talk to the princess, after her disrespect to him. And now she is called, Shun feared that the retribution had finally arrived. His eyes hardened, hushis hands clenched, they walked together without a word, each of them engrossed within their own thoughts.
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"Azula" rang the cold voice of the fire lord, his eyes narrow "it is time for you to show your worth and dedication to our couse, are you ready" he asked, looking deep within the eyes of his young daughter.
The girl nodded, "yes father, I'll do anything" she said with determination.
"very good, on the following assignments you will go alone, you are to hunt the traitor Jhon-Jhon and upperhand him, or kill him" his voice was cold, and his look sharp, he easily noticed ththe miniutive change to the face of the young boy which was also kneeling before him.
"your majesty" he started "please at least let me go with her. Jhon-Jhon is a master fire bender" he said his voice full of pleading.
Azula was still speechless, her face was white as a sheet, her eyes full of terror, the fire lord did not really care "no Shun, you showed your worth already, now it's her turn" he said quietly, "you are both dessmised" he motioned towards the door.
As the two left the throne room, a little crazy smile formed on the fire lords face.
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"Azula! You can't go there! It's a death warnty!" he said forcefully, his eyes were full of concern, and his voice was broken.
The young princess of the fire nation did not respond at first, her face was pale, and it took her several minutes to calm herself down and except her fate" there is no other choice Shun... And you know it "to her shame her voice was shaking" I am the princess of the fire nation... This is a part of my duty... I have to do that alone "she said, trying to sound confident in herself.
The boy looked thoughtful, and sad for a moment, after which he sighed deeply" as you wish Azula , but for my own sanity... I'll be camping near the woods outside the city, and I will have medical supplies with me "he said, before giving the younger girl a hug" be careful Azula "he said. The girl just nodded before she left.
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The woods outside the city were a sight to behold, the tall high and mighty trees were looming over the earth, covering the entire area in shadows. Within the cool space within their perimeter, an asority of creatures were living, starting from a squirrel - lemur, all the way to the snake - eagles in the deeper parts of the forest.
At the outskirts of the forest, a little black tent was constructed, made of a fine material with the emblem of the fire nation. A little camp fire was burning near it, the woods cracked merryly under the unnatural black fire, creating plesent warmth all around it. In contrast to the seemingly cheerful mood of the burning wood, the man who was sitting by the fire had an air of melancholy about him. His long black hair was disshelved, the black clothes were on a poor state. His eyes were sunken and a large black shadow rings were encircleing them, giving the already black eyes the look of a long dark tunnels. Near him, a little box was lying opened, it's contents visible, basic medical supplies.
The boy was brooding, three weeks had passed from the day Azula departed, three weeks of worry and fear for her safety, on this suicide mission. His hands clanched in anger as the memory recurferced again, the smirk on the fire lords face, the cold of his gaze. Shun shivered and felt his anger rise.
A little noise made him jump, creating a black flame within his hands for light, Shun spun towards the source of the noise, he ran towards the edge of the forest, near the main road, his trained eyes scanning for anything suspicious.
He scanned closely but was unable to find a thing, the darkness of the night was shrouding whatever it was, and truth to be told it made him uneasy. It was then that his eyes caught a glimpse of a movement, near the main road. He silently approached his quarry when he froze. In front of him, barely standing on her legs, a girl was walking. Black hair cut short, and obviously badly burnt hands, their color were evidence enough.
The figure moved another step, and the pale moon light fell on her face revealing her future's. Shun felt his heart splutter, and his blood boiled. The girl was non other than Azula.
Without thinking twice, the young boy sprinted forward, towards the girl he swore to protect. As he approached she turned around looking at him, her eyes flared with recognition, and a small smile appeared on her face, which now Shun saw had a long gush running near her eye vertically. Right after that the girl collapsed, falling right into his hands.
The boy did not even have time to panic, he quickly took the unconscious princess to his make shift camp. Only after he was sure she was not in danger, and he finished packing, only than did he let his emotions run wild. His anger and hate towards the fire lord grew to a crazy levels. He could feel his insides humming with the powers of his emotions. The bastard of a fire lord new that Jhon-Jhon won't kill her... She was but a child... This was all nothing more than a punishment he realized. In his anger he let his emotions run unchecked as he suddenly released his anger in a great column of black flames, which were creating shadows all over him, his black eyes looked even darker... This was the moment he chose his way... One day the fire lord will pay...
End of chapter 4.