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Beta: TheHumanWiki
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Within a certain dojo…
"Umm… Suki?"
"What? Can't you see I'm training?"
"Err… I see you're still angry that Azula stole your fans…"
"It was a slight against my honor as a warrior! I won't stand for this!"
"You know the elder forbid you from leaving…"
"You don't have to remind me! But that did not mean I have to like it!"
"Despite the fans being replaceable?"
"…What is it? You're not telling me something."
"Well… You see… We might have a little, tiny problem…"
"Spit it out!"
"SomeonestoleKyoshi'sbattlefans!"
"…SPIRITS DAMNED IT! AZULA!"
XXXXXXXXXX
New Imperial Palace, the Library…
The Imperial Library was not as well known as say the pond that Lady Ursa once spent a tremendous amount of time in. Unlike the other sight within the massive Imperial Palace, the Library hardly gained the attention it deserved. Despite its massive area or the tall shelves filled with scrolls, books, and all kinds of worldly literature, people simply did not appreciate its wonder.
That was probably why it was Mai's favorite room, seeing as how very little people ever visit there as opposed to the Tea Room or the Royal Dining Room or even the Ball Room. Here, the assassin could relax, draped over an over-stuff chair she commissioned and reading a book taken from one of the many shelves that filled the massive space. The ceiling was composed of large glass squares, strategically placed to enlighten the room naturally while lamps dotted the massive columns that held up the high ceilings. It was a place to enjoy the calm atmosphere by day and a peaceful read by night.
It was perfect for Mai, and she loved it… not as much as Zuko's room of course, but it was comparable.
Of course, at this particular moment the Library was anything but silent. This was due to a ranting Zuko, and Mai the soon-to-be-Fire-Lady can only sat on her over-stuffed chair and listen with patient.
As much patient as she could spare for her beloved anyway.
"I just know Azula is up to something no good again! She has to be! Long Feng don't just disappear like that not long after Azula managed to escape from the asylum." Zuko sprouted without stopping as he worn a grove into the Library's floor, much to Mai's dismay. The young Fire Lord's attitude had been considerably better than what it was when he first gotten the letter. Thank the spirits for small favors. "The question is what is she planning? She can't be linked to all the civil unrest within the colonies… Or can she? You can't be too careful when Azula was involved. She was always the cunning little mastermind that she is. She might even faked her insanity!"
"Zuko, now you're just being ridiculous." Mai had to say as Zuko's conspiracy theory got a little out of hand. The teen sighed as she straighten up to her feet and approach the stressed Fire Lord, mumbling, "Besides, I really doubt she faked her insanity. From what the doctor said, she was as far gone as you can expect. She was better before she disappeared though."
"Or it could be just what she wanted us to think!" Zuko exclaimed before he deflated with a deadpan on his face and continued with, "I'm going a little far with this huh…?"
"Yes, yes you are Zuko."
"But I can't help it Mai. Azula is out there, possibly thinking up some diabolical plot for world domination, or maybe to take over my throne, or worst, revenge!" Zuko exclaimed with dramatic gestures, his eyes wide and frantic as he tried to come up with possible routes his sister might take.
Mai on the other hand just rolled her eyes and said sarcastically, "Way to go about your priorities…"
"Mai, this is serious!"
"And I'm serious about you going overboard with your theories." The girl replied with a deadpan, and Zuko instantly recognize her expression as the "no more nonsense" face. It got him to shut up pretty quickly. "Now what you need to do is take a deep breath, and then focus!"
"Um… Mai…"
"I say deep breath and focus!"
"Yes ma'am!" The Fire Lord replied in an unmanly squeak as he immediately did as he was told. After taking a deep breath and exhaling, Zuko opened much calmer eyes to Mai and said, "Okay. I'm good now."
"Good. Now repeat what Azula MIGHT does base on what you have at your disposal." Mai said with a small smile before she returned to her chair and sat down with a soft sigh. Sometimes her boyfriend can be quite the irritation.
Zuko nodded before he stroked his chin in thoughts, while listing out all that he knew about the situation so far. "Okay, first we know that someone gotten Azula out of the asylum without alerting the guard. That means someone who was highly skilled or a team skilled in such activity."
"Mhm. Go on." Mai encouraged with a wave of her small hand. It seemed the Fire Lord was pulling himself together finally.
"Now she was supposedly seen boarding a merchant ship and thus, she might no longer be within Fire Nation land."
"What else?"
"Within a week, Long Feng was reported missing from his cell by the Earth King, and that several known Dai Li agents had disappeared along with him."
"What else do you got?"
"It was never known where the Dai Li agents Azula banished went into hiding, so we can probably assume that they were involved in her break out as well as Long Feng's escape."
"Supposedly. But remember, assumption makes an ass of you and me…"
"Oh… I guess." Zuko paused in his musing upon that. Mai allowed another smile to grace her face as the young Fire Lord narrowed his eyes in thoughts. "But Azula's disappearance and Long Feng's are too close together to be coincident. They must be working together like they did before when they took down Ba Sing Se."
"Or it COULD all just be a coincidence…"
"Maybe, but knowing Azula? Not likely."
"Alright then Angry Lord," Mai said, and secretly enjoying the cringe Zuko did at the nickname, "What are you going to do about all this?"
"…Send words out to our army. I want Azula captured alive. I also want them to keep it between them, in fact, just keep it between certain officers. It's best if we keep this under for now. I also intend to schedule a meeting with the Earth King to see if he wants my assistance with Long Feng. The man is too dangerous to be left alone." Zuko began and his face was set in determination and his body straightened in a powerful stance. It gave Mai a secret thrill to know that this man before her was to be hers and hers only. "I also want words about a visit sent to the colonies as well. The civil unrest has gone to a level that's not acceptable. I intend to go for a visit to try and solve the issue at hand. Perhaps I'll send a letter to Aang asking for his assistance in that matter."
"Bringing in the Avatar on that? Won't it be a little bit of over kill?"
"Maybe, but it'll also be an excuse to get Aang to meet me on "official business" so we may discuss Azula's situation." Zuko answered without hesitation upon Mai's questioning. "It'll also let me keep it under wrap."
"Hmm, that is good to know. I don't think it'll be good to let the world knows that a psychotic Princess is on the loose." Mai commented, though on the last part she did so sarcastically with an eye roll. The approval within her voice though was pretty obvious, and for that Zuko gave her a large grin. "Now what do you intend to do about your mother?"
"…I don't know. I can't find any clues about her, and Ozai isn't giving me anything." Zuko replied honestly with a sad sigh, his happy and official look now replaced with that of a sad boy. Mai almost loath herself for doing that, but it must be done for some reason. "Where do you think she could have gone to?"
"…You know, it might just be possible that she is…"
"I refused to think it Mai! I'm sorry, but please, don't say that."
Mai could only sigh at that, because as much as she liked to believe, she was also a realist slash pessimist. If it could happen, then she would prepare for it.
As she wrapped her arms around Zuko in a comforting hug, Mai hoped that Zuko won't break under whatever pressure was forced on him in the upcoming future.
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Earth Kingdom, small port city…
"Achoo!" Azula sneezed before she rubbed her noise in irritation and readjusting her red robe-like top. She never had been sick her entire life, and most likely than not she wasn't getting sick now. However, she also did not believe in that crap about how if someone talking about you, you sneeze. So the only reason she could come up with is this, "Why is this town so… dusty?"
"I think it's more like someone was talking about you." Ty Lee, in a bright green shirt and white loose pants completed with a pair of soft shoes, said happily and completely ignoring Azula's earlier question. The Princess turned half lid eyes to the acrobat only to receive an innocent smile in return. Azula just sighed before she turned her attention to her other side. On the other side, Zuma too smiled a big smile, except this one did not have anything behind it. Unlike Ty Lee's innocent happy big smile, Zuma's was just a smile.
Zuma, in his worn gray shirt and worn gray pants and equally worn black boots, was smiling like the idiot that he appeared to be. As much as she liked to believe that façade, Azula was starting to learn that Zuma was more than meets the eyes.
Still… "And pray tell what are YOU smiling at?"
Zuma's reply however was that infuriating "I know something you don't smile." Azula's lips took a slight down turn at that development before she sighed once more. What could she do? She already asked the man to teach her, so she couldn't exactly toss him aside now can she? The answer was no, she can't.
Not until she milked him for all he was worth at the very least.
"Stop it 'Zula. You're doing your demented grin again." Ty Lee called out, and Azula's fingers twitched a bit at that. Turning to face the Kyoshi Warrior, who kept her uniform but not the makeup Azula lifted on eyebrow to prompt an explanation. She did not have to wait long. "You always give this little smirk grin thingy when you plotted demented schemes. It was always how Mai and I knew when you're plotting."
"Oh…" She couldn't exactly respond to that.
"Well, I think her smirk was kind of cute… in a demented sort of way." Zuma added his own two pieces only to groan in pain a moment later as Azula's fist buried into his side. "That was a little uncalled for."
"I'm not cute… I could work with demented though."
"Aww, but I think you're cute 'Zula!"
Azula sighed for the third time as she massaged the bridge of her nose. She reminded herself that she wanted them there with her for personal reasons. However, she was also contemplating if it was a good idea to ditch them now… Probably not a very bright one or a good one, but still, it was worth a thought.
Deciding that she needed to focus, Azula dropped all musing and went straight for the point. "Alright minions, we're looking for mommy dearest, but we have no idea where to start. You two got any suggestions?" The amusement within the first part was unmistakable. She was strangely in a playful mood at the moment despite her needing to remain serious.
"Minions?" Zuma asked, a smirk appearing on his face as he asked, "So… you're one of those whip-and-chain girls eh? Do you fantasies tying a boy down on your bed?" That earned him a fist to the face from a not so happy Azula. The man groaned in pain though his smirk never left his face. It eventually switched back to his usual grin.
On the other hand Ty Lee just smiled her large smile, completely disregarding that commenting about Azula and whip, and replied, "We could always start by asking around but preferably not the Fire Nation colonies. I doubt your mother would stay there after being banished."
"Where do we start asking though?" Azula returned with a question, this time directed to Zuma seeing as how he seemed to be the one who knew where to go best.
The white haired man scratched his head for a moment and wondered out loud, "We could always start with this port. Perhaps it'd be better if we searched along the coast first, but it was quite a while since someone saw your mother… Perhaps we should come up with a painting first?"
"That is a good idea, but I rather not draw attention that way. We could always just use my appearance, except taller, and much more… womanly." The last part was grumbled out, and Ty Lee and Zuma needed no explanation as to why she did it. Azula had curves, but they had little doubts that Lady Ursa's was more… generous. She was the mother of two children after all.
"So… to a seedy tavern?" Zuma asked with a frown, his tone suggested that he was unsure if that was a good course of action despite him being the one who recommended it. That frown disappeared when Azula shook her head negative. "Alright, so we're not going to any seedy tavern, but we have to start somewhere."
"How about we start with the underground market?" Ty Lee suggested before elaborating, "It is worst than a seedy tavern, but we are bound to find someone who had some idea, yes?"
"It is too risky. We don't have the right people to back us up anymore. I doubt they would be interested in an ex-princess." The Princess rejected the idea, though she filed it away in a corner of her mind to give it further consideration once she had a powerful organization or person backing her. "…So I suppose what we should do now would be to sort of establish a sort of base of operation?"
"That could work. Though where would you want to put it in?" Zuma complied with the suggestion before asking the obvious question. Azula tilted her head to the side to think about it for a few seconds. Sadly she drew a blank, and she stated so, "I got nothing…"
"Well, we could always go to your uncle…" Ty Lee pointed out drawing the attention of the other two, though she could easily feel the unfriendly way Azula reacted to it. "It was just an idea… I mean he does own a tea shop on the upper circle of Ba Sing Se."
"I rather that we stay away from him…" The Princess groaned out while palming her forehead. This suddenly felt harder than usual. Usually she had a target, and she knew what she wanted to do to get to that goal because it was always within reach. Now though, she did not even know where to begin looking for her mother. The woman simply disappeared, going off the face of this world and remained so. The world was a big place, and Azula knew for a fact that she couldn't comb every single inch of it.
So really, what now?
"Hmm… I guess we'll just wonder the continent for now. Something will eventually pops out. They always do." Zuma said happily as he hoisted his gigantic bag higher onto his back. Azula only shrugged in consent as she followed behind the large man, Ty Lee acting more like her shadow than her friend. Seeing this, the Princess frowned.
"What are you doing? Get over here Ty Lee."
Blinking large gray eyes, the acrobat added on a burst of speed to get to Azula's side and asked, "Yes 'Zula? Did I do something wrong?"
"Of course you did." Azula replied a little harsher than she wished. Seeing Ty Lee deflated, the Princess quickly added, "You're walking behind me. You're supposed to walk beside me. We're friends aren't we?"
Seeing Ty Lee lit up in joy made Azula smiled, though she quickly twitched it to a smirk. The ex-princess did not do smiles. "Now come on, we don't want to lose that idiot."
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After buying the necessary supplies as well as dragging Zuma away from any and all noodles shop, the trio soon found themselves at the outskirt of the port town. Staring at the road that faded off into the distance, the three shared a few looks amongst each others. It felt like once they set foot out of this town, it would be a while before they would see civilization once more.
"Are you trying to be dramatic again Zuma?" Azula asked with her face set in a bored expression. The white haired man raised an eyebrow at her with a questioning look. Seeing it out of the corner of her eyes, the Princess said, "It just feels… I don't know. What is the word I'm looking for?"
"How should I know Princess? I don't read minds." Zuma replied honestly while blinking his eyes. Azula let lose an unlady like snort at that. Of course he didn't read minds. Who could?
"Well, perhaps it's just that you feel hesitant because you're going on a new adventure that could change your life?" Ty Lee asked in return, but all she got was two blank looks. The acrobat blinked her gray eyes once, twice, and asked, "Was what I said really strange?"
"Weirder than his/mine." Azula and Zuma replied at the same time, both jabbing a finger, and in Zuma's case a thumb into the man's chest. Ty Lee blushed prettily at that and shuffled her right foot. The Fallen Princess could see that she believed in what she said, so taking a little pity on the girl, she said, "Whatever. Let's just go. It's not like us leaving this town will make anything different."
"Ah, but every adventure begins with one small step Princess, it's where you go after that what matters…" Zuma suddenly supplied, going once more for his cryptic message and strange "I know things" smile on his face. Then he was back to "normal" Zuma once more. "So, shall we?"
Another snort burst from Azula's lips, but she couldn't fault him. What he said make sense, and she wouldn't get anywhere just staying in this dusty port town.
So with a confident smirk and folding her hands into her wide sleeves (much to her irritation because Zuma only got her robes with wide sleeves) the Princess looked at the wide horizon with determined eyes. She took a step forward.
Then another…
And another…
And suddenly it felt so open and new that she just can't stop walking.
By her side Ty Lee giggled, seemingly feeling the same way shouted, "It's almost like old times, without Mai of course. Oh well. Look out world! Here we come!"
Zuma laughed, and his deep voice boomed around her. Azula once more felt that it tickled her in that good way, and she liked it.
The Princess's smirk widen at that, because the world really needed to be careful. Princess Azula was on a mission once again, and like last time nothing could stand in her way.
XXXXXXXXXX
After walking for the entire morning, the Princess couldn't help but feel great about it despite her aching feet. There was just something about traveling this method that strokes her fancy. Sure royal possessions made trips easy, but something about just walking with her companions by her side appealed to her. She almost smiled, except she quickly hid it with a smirk once more. Princess Azula did not do smiles.
Listening to Ty Lee chatting and commenting on everything around them was refreshing after their little heart-to-heart on Kyoshi Island. It also served the purpose of making Zuma's reply tolerable. She kept her silence, content to simply listen to a thirty something man and a teenage girl talking nonstop about anything and nothing. Back when it was just her, Ty Lee and Mai, there was never anything to talk about. Ty Lee talked too much then, and Mai talked too little, and Azula never talked unless she had something important to say, which usually comprised of battle strategies or some plans.
Again, it was refreshing, but the thought of Mai still drove a dark cloud into Azula's mind.
She may have forgiven Ty Lee because the girl was simply forced to choose, but what would she do with Mai? The assassin easily chose Zuko over her, and her action confirmed that loud and clear that she did not hesitate one bit over it and regretted none of it.
So what would Azula do when she eventually met her once more in the future?
"Hey, what are you thinking about 'Zula?" Ty Lee asked innocently with a large smile. Azula allowed her eyes to drift to the acrobat and stared her down for a second. When Ty Lee's expression remained the same, the Princess replied, "I'm just thinking about Mai…"
"Oh." The one word answer coming from Ty Lee indicated that the acrobat did not know how to answer to that at all. The silence that followed proved Azula right in her deduction as well.
"Mai, as in the soon to be Fire Lady? Is that who you're talking about?" Zuma asked, and Azula screeched to a halt in the middle of the road. Ty Lee stumbled at the abrupt stop before turning around to blink wide eyes at her once more; however the Princess's attention was not on her. "What? Did I say something weird?"
"Yes. You say that Mai is going to be the Fire Lady?" Azula repeated in a question, her eyes wide and her mouth open. For some reason the news shocked her, but she was unsure in what way.
"You don't know?" Ty Lee butted in with bewilderment. Azula shook her head no as she turned wide eyes upon the acrobat. Seeing the happy look on Ty Lee's face, the Fallen Princess blinked because words failed her. "It was so sweet! The way Zuko proposed to her was so… romantic! Well, the other said that it was kind of a fail, but it was the thoughts that count right? But still, how could you not know? Didn't they tell you in wherever they locked you up in?"
"Err… no… I really did not know that… When did that happen?" Azula asked, still bewildered by that piece of information and still as unsure what she should feel about it. It was just so… sudden? Perhaps five or six months ago she would react with scorn and anger, and three months ago she would still mock them. Two or a month ago she would simply stated that she did not care, but now that she was out in the world once more, breathing in fresh air and sunshine, how will she react to this?
Ha! So that weak son of mine got himself a girl? I bet that she is just as weak as that useless waste of space! Ozai suddenly piped up, and Azula's hand twitched at it. Ty Lee caught the moment, and she was sure that Zuma had too. She had been silent for too long.
That is wonderful news! Your brother has finally settled down with Mai! Oh I always knew that they are a cute couple! Ursa commented right after, and Azula's other hand twitched. She almost felt sick at how happy and gleeful her mother's voice sounded. It meant that she was happy and gleeful about it, because Ursa was in her HEAD!
What are you talking about woman? Those two make me sick!
Oh silence brute. You knew nothing of those pairs. They are so cute together!
Ugh! Disgusting! I forbid you from such displacement of emotion in here!
Ha! Like you can! You have no power here!
Argh! When did they start arguing like a damned married couple again? Had her insanity digressed to such level? With a resounding QUIET! Azula effectively shut down all noises within her mind except her own. She was having a headache from them.
"'Zula? Are you okay?"
Ty Lee concern was appreciated, Azula was sure. However, she really was not sure how to react to that engaged piece of news. "So Zuzu finally worked up the courage? Ha, who knew he had it in him?"
Wait… What? That just slipped out!
It was definitely the wrong thing to say, because Ty Lee gasped in offense and frowned. "'Zula! That was uncalled for! You should be happy for them!"
Seeing the acrobat frown was suddenly very unsettling. "Err… Okay, whatever you say." Azula said with hands held up to ward off the acrobat. Months ago she wouldn't do that, but Azula was not that Azula anymore… right? "You never did answer me when that happened though…"
"Well, they say that it was around… four months ago? Yeah, that sounded about right." Zuma answered her instead of the cheerful gymnast. Ty Lee's enthusiastic nodding confirmed Zuma as the man continued, "The wedding date hasn't been set yet. They were waiting for something was what the rumor said. It could be that they are just not ready to actually marry. The world now is still rather chaotic."
"Mhm. Remember what I told you about big sis Mei Lee? Her husband is the governor of one of the colonies here so she knows about the unrest that is happening." Ty Lee said, her eyes glazing over as she tilted her head and massaged her lips with on finger, pondering upon something. "She once said in her letter that she suspected the origin of the unrest was due to something more than simple post-war anomaly. But she also said that she isn't sure. From what she told me in her letter, it was like someone was purposely stirring up the people though."
"Now that was interesting…" Azula commented on the unrest, one hand touching her chin and another hugging her waist. Someone purposely stirring up trouble was it? "It is probably just soldiers or some rouge general. Oh well, it is really Zuzu's problem."
That seemed to calm the acrobat down from her inner turmoil, because Ty Lee smiled softly at that and said, "Well, I'm still worried about big sis Mei Lee. Hopefully nothing bad will happen to her."
"I'm sure your sister is fine." Zuma reassured the girl, though Azula wasn't sure if he did it to calm her down or that he really knew something about it. "Still, want to rest somewhere? It's almost time for lunch to. I'm sure you ladies are tired. There is a tea shop straight ahead that we can stop at."
"How would you know about the tea shop?" It was Ty Lee who asked the question with an innocent air. Azula herself was curious too though.
"Hey, I just know this land better than you is all." That was the simple reply, but the Princess felt as if he wasn't telling them something… Oh well, some rest sounded pretty good right now.
After having Zuma lead the way, the Princess hanged back a little to try and get her emotions sorted. She really wasn't sure how to feel about Zuko and Mai finally making it official. Well, they were sort of official during the war, but now it was officially official. It also made her very aware of the fact that she will be an aunt somewhere in the future. The questions started popping up then.
Would she be a good aunt?
Would she spoil her nephew or niece?
Would Zuko even allow his child to see her?
Would Zuko even ALLOW her to be near him, let along Mai?
"Are you thinking about possible nephew or nieces already 'Zula?"
Azula felt her cheeks heat up a little and knew she was caught. Turning a stoic face that was definitely ruined by her pink cheeks, Azula replied, "That is none of your business."
Ty Lee just giggled and replied in a knowing tone, "Don't worry, don't worry. I was like that too when I learned that big sis Mei Lee was pregnant with a child. It's a sibling thing I guess. Too bad I never did meet my little nephew. I think they named him Zulon after your grandfather."
"Is that wise? Grandfather Azulon wasn't the most well liked man." Azula questioned, but Ty Lee just shrugged and replied, "Well, I don't know either, but big sis Mei Lee told me that it just popped into her mind at first glance. It wasn't even really done in the honor of your grandfather. It was just a coincidence that it goes along with Azulon."
"So it was one of those…"
"Was it one of those random moments that my family is wired to have? Yes. But hey, mother seemed to not mind. In fact, she told me in a letter that she actually thinks it fits."
There was something in the way Ty Lee talked that caught Azula's attention. She couldn't place it at first, but then it was clear as day. Ty Lee missed her family…
"…When was the last time you saw your family Ty Lee?" Azula asked out of nowhere, and the cheerful gymnast started at it. Blinking wide gray eyes, the girl took the question into thoughts before she replied in a small voice, "Err… not since I ran away to join the circus… I receive letters from them after the war because I sent letters to them telling them that they could find me at Kyoshi Island. I don't think they were happy with me for a while because no one but little Yin Ming came to visit. Did you know that she was engaged to an admiral?"
Little Yin Ming? Ah, the smallest of the six in body, but not in age. Yin Ming was the fourth oldest if Azula remembered correctly, and that meant Ty Lee was younger than… Why would she call her little Yin Ming? It was probably just a nickname.
Back on the topic, Azula suggested, "Why don't we stop at your big sister's for a bit? I'm sure she would like to see you."
"But I thought you said it was not a good idea…"
"I never said it wasn't a good idea to start searching for my mother there, you did. Also I never said that we couldn't go."
"Oh… You're right."
Further conversation was interrupted when Zuma called out to them. Looking up to him, the two girls found a rather simple, one story building with a long flagpole, flying a simple green flag with the word "Tea" printed on it. A quick search found Zuma waving them over to an outdoor table next to the entrance. The man was already sitting and his bag resting against it.
He was also sitting with an Earth Kingdom couple, a man and a woman with the woman carrying a baby.
Azula blinked, and Ty Lee squealed in excitement, and the next moment Azula found herself by the table with an excited Ty Lee cooing over the baby. It was really astonishing how strong Ty Lee was… or was she always this strong?
Still, completely oblivious to the puzzled look Azula sent her, Ty Lee continued to gush over the baby. "Aww! How cute! What's its name? Is it a boy or a girl? Ooh, you're so cute!"
The woman giggled at the gymnast's enthusiasm as she replied, "Her name is hope. She's almost a year old now. I'm Ying and this is my husband Than by the way."
"Oh wow, such a nice name!" Ty Lee continued to gush, and Azula suppressed a groan at that. That girl was a little baby crazy it seemed. "Where are you two going by the way? I don't think a married couple would want to go to that port town over there."
"Oh, well actually we're not, or at least that was not our final destination. We're heading to our original home somewhere near the Fire Nation Colony of Yinzoh. We are only going to that port town to resupply." Than replied with a smile. That smile though fell with what he said next, "I hope they have rebuilt it. We are going because I received news that it is being rebuilt. However, news from Yinzoh is not promising."
"Yinzoh? Isn't that where your sister is Ty Lee?' Azula asked, and the gymnast blinked before grinning widely and exclaimed in happiness. The Princess raised an eyebrow before turning to the couple and asked, "This home of yours, where was it located near the colony?"
"It wasn't far east from it, probably a few miles." Than replied as he remembered where it was. "However, the Fire Nation army made sure that everything not of Fire Nation was cleared out within a ten mile radius, so we had to move."
"I see…" Azula replied lowly as she thought of what she remembered of Fire Colony Yinzoh. It was a rather large one compared to some of the others. It was built upon a hill for easy defense as well as nearby a river for the water. It did not have a port, but recently just before the war ended Ozai commissioned an airport built there for War Balloons. Looking sideway to the still excited Ty Lee, Azula thought back to the way the acrobat missed her family and scrunched her face up in thought. It did not take long for her to reach a decision. "Ty Lee, how would you like to drop by at your sisters?"
"Really? Ooh 'Zula, thank you!" A bone crushing hug accompanied the heartfelt appreciation, and Azula wondered if she always hugged this hard or perhaps this was due to the circumstances. Upon seeing the confused look on the couple's faces though, the Princess had to smirk.
It was Zuma who answered their unasked question. "It appears we'll be getting to know each other on the road. Also I suppose that means you don't have to go to that port town now. We have plenty."
As if to prove his point, Zuma patted his rather large bag. The married couple shared a look before smiling wide smiles and nodded their agreement. The more the merrier they always said.
Besides, with someone like this Zuma character by their side, the journey might be safer.
XXXXXXXXXX
Within the port city Azula and Co were in…
A small ship, built for speed instead of cargo space just parked. As a plank was lowered to allow its passenger down, a rough man that looked to be the head of the port walked up to it with a frown on his face. He was not happy.
"Hey, what is the big idea? You are not authorized to port there! You didn't even have a freaking reservation!" The man shouted up at the vessel. After a few seconds, he was about to start once more when a man in loose red robes and a large straw hat appeared. "Hey you! I'm talking to you! Did you hear a thing I just said! Where is your captain? I demand to see him! Tell him that he is not authorized to park here! I have a merchant ship coming in soon and I need this space, so clear out buddy!"
The unknown man just stared at him, his black eyes unnervingly bright under the shade of the straw hat that covered his head. With his sleeves hiding his hands, he appeared quite calm and unafraid.
The head of the port just growled and started shouting once more, "Listen pal. You have one minute to put this boat into reverse and clear the space. I am not going to repeat again! If you aren't out of here within one minute, I might have to call a few of my boys get nasty!"
Then the next thing he knew the figure moved, making punching motions at him and two blur flew at him at speed that left him baffled. With a yelp of surprise more than pain, the head suddenly found himself knocked down by two… were those earth hands? They were hands made of rocks! Black rocks pieced in the shape of hands had just knocked into his shoulders and caused him to fell onto the wooden floor. Without warning, another figure jumped into sight and fired two more that pinned his arms to the side, the hands' fingers digging into the wood without effort at the force they traveled. Blinking in shock, the head looked up to see a third man walking down the plank that linked the port to the ship with calm, the first two flanking him with their hands back in their sleeves.
It was then he remembered a story about how in Ba Sing Se, men wearing robes and conical hats, wielding earthen gloves and shoes would arrest anyone who defy the authority.
The head gulped, now knowing exactly who they were. It seemed he pissed off the wrong people.
Upon arriving at his feet, the third figure lean down just enough to stare directing into the head's eyes. Frozen brown drilled into him for a moment before a rough voice emitted from the man's thin lips, saying, "I am sorry for the disturbance. You see, me and my… group needed to unload. We won't take long. Now please keep this… encounter to yourself. We do not wish to cause any… troubles."
The head nodded quickly, and within the next second he found himself standing and free of black earth gloves, those having returned to the two men flanking the third in a blur. Gulping, the head watched as the center one nodded to the other two, who then turned around to face the ship and the left one whistled. The cue given, more of those men dressed in identical garbs jumped off the ships and begin to unload cargos with efficiencies the head hadn't seen except in the navy.
Soon the unloading was done, and the cargo loaded onto a wagon quickly assembled on the go and pulled by two ostridge-horses. The men in red had long since starting to guide the wagon out of the port and out of town, with only the one with cold brown eyes left standing in front of the head with the same calm he had before. It was unnerving how these people worked: fast and efficient.
Curiosity getting the best of him, the head cold sweat dripping and knees shaking, asked in a low voice, "What is the Dai Li doing here…? Shouldn't you guys be within the walls of Ba Sing Se?"
The man with the cold brown eyes, obviously the leader from what the head saw turned to him just enough to glare with one of the brown optic organs. He almost took back the question when the leader answered, "It is… truly none of your concerns. I hope you have a nice day. Oh, and by the way, did you see some strange men in red with large straw hats?"
Quickly shaking his head, the head of the port answered nervously, "No sir. I saw nothing of the like!"
The leader smiled, and it was a strange site to behold. It felt cruel. "Smart man…" The man in red turned and walked away, leaving the port head standing there as still as a statue. So still and stunned that he did not even notice when the ship left, or when the merchant ship he mentioned before parked in.
He was simply happy that he was still there.
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Author's (Corny) Corner:
Err… there really isn't much to say. I am relieved to know that you guys think my way doing Azula was fine and all. That's good to hear. Other than that, I really don't have much to say…
As such, I will simply ask that you guys not hold back on them opinions. Reviews help, and constructive reviews or criticisms are even more welcomed.
Other than that, it's all good.
APH, signing off!