A/N: Hello everyone it's time for a new chapter, but this not just any chapter. This is the tenth chapter I have written on fan fiction. First I have to warn you that there is going to be big time jumps, so don't be confused while you'll reading. I'm also adding some new characters to spice up the story. So with further to do let as continue the story. I don't own Avatar.
A Cry for Help
Chapter 10
At the Royal place Fire Lord Zuko has sent scouts to every corner of the country in search of his family. It has been two month since Azula, Isuma, and Ursa were kidnapped by Ozai and there has been no lead as to where the ex-Fire Lord has taken them. In his private study Zuko was looking over very disappointing report about the search, the young ruler had bags under his eyes from all the sleepless night of waiting for some good news. He heard a knock from the door and his senses quickly refocused from the task that grinded his spirits.
"Who is it?" Zuko barked.
"It Mai and Iroh, can we come in." His wife said from behind the closed door.
"Yes come in." he replied.
The Fire Lady and the Dragon of the West entered the study; Iroh was carrying a tray with a teapot and three cups. He set the tray on the nearby end table, and then proceeded to pour jasmine tea in each cup. The old general had arrived at the capital only a few days after the kidnapping, he originally had come for a simple family visit. He was looking forward to seeing his niece again after the one on one session he had with her several weeks before. When Iroh met with his nephew, Zuko explained what happen at the Ember Island arena. The general had been initially heartbroken to hear both Azula and Ursa captured by his brother, but he quickly collected himself and swore to do everything he can to help bring them back.
Mai brought a chair next to her husband to sit as close as possible to him. Zuko did not remove his gaze from the report for a second. Mai frowned to see her husband's lack of interests in both her and his uncle.
"Zuko you've been up all night reading reports, don't you think that you should get some rest?" She said.
"No." He blankly stated.
"She's right nephew you need rest to keep your whit's sharp and your strength up. Why don't you have some nice calming tea?" Iroh kindly said.
"I don't need any damn tea, what I need is to find my family!" The young Fire Lord roared.
"Zuko stop it, were just trying to help you. Working your self-ragged isn't going to help getting them back."
"If you really want to help, you'll stay out of my business! Now leave me alone!"
On that note he stormed out of the study, leaving a stunned Iroh and a hurt Mai. Her eyes started to swell with tears as she collapsed on the floor sobbing. The old man knelt down and hugged his niece-in-law.
"It's alright he didn't mean that, he's just under a lot stress."
"I don't even know him anymore, ever since the kidnapping he has been nothing but angry all the time. He takes his anger on me and Ty Lee the most. The other day he drove her to tears, because Zuko blame her for losing Azula."
"I'll talk with him, but in the meantime let's sit down and have a cup a tea to sooth the nerves."
"Ok"
An hour later Zuko was sitting by the turtle duck pond in the royal gardens. He had a small amount of bread with him to feed the young ducklings. Memories of him and his mother from years past rushed through the young man's mind. But what really occupied the Fire Lord thought was his recent treatment of his wife. Mai had only tried to support him though this difficult time and what kind of gratitude did he show her. All he seem to do now was yell and berate her every chance he got. Zuko sensed that he was not alone, the young man look behind him to see his uncle approaching him, he quickly turned back to the pond. He could tell when Iroh was disappointed in him, especially after he's fight with Mai. The old man sat down next to his nephew.
"Uncle about what happened back in the study with Mai, I didn't mean to yell at her. It has just been such a terrible time and I can't express myself in a properly."
"Zuko I know you've always had trouble expressing yourself, but the way you've acting lately is new." Iroh caringly said
"I know, nothing can excuse how I've been treating Mai and Ty Lee."
"You know your father started acting like this around the time our mother died."
"Don't talk about that man around me!" Zuko howled.
The young man hated his father with a white hot passion; the man had ripped his once happy to shreds. His mother had been force to comment murder to save her son then be banished because of Ozai. But what's worst the bastard had raped her to produce a new heir. Zuko himself had been scarred and banished by his own father. But the one who suffered the most from Ozai's cruelty was his sister. Their father had turned Azula from a sweet little girl to a cold sadistic killer and eventually she would be driven insane by him. Now he's uncle was comparing him to that madman.
"Zuko please listen to what I have to say, Ozai was not always cruel and ruthless." Iroh calmly stated.
"Alright I'll bite what did my father use to be like?"
"Ozai was actually a kind and quiet man; I remember when he was sixteen he saved a teenage girl from being crushed by a falling tower. The girl that he saved was your mother, so that's how they met. When they were dating and early into their marriage Ozai would always put the needs of Ursa before his own."
"Let me guess that all changed when I was born." Zuko said not truly believing what his uncle was saying about his father.
"No when you were born Ozai loved you with all of his heart. What changed him was the death of your grandmother; she did not die from natural causes. My father poisoned her because he had grown extremely paranoid, Ozai confronted Azulon about it. I'm not sure what transpired but a week later Ursa discovered that she was pregnant with Azula and she seemed terrified throughout the pregnancy."
"I can answer that uncle; Ozai raped my mother so he could have a stronger heir. He never cared about his wife or his children all he cared about was power"
"Well I wouldn't put it behind him but it is my believe that Azulon threatened to harm either you or Ursa."
Just then a messenger came out of the palace, he ran across the length of the garden. The man stopped and bowed before his ruler. Zuko stood up putting on a cool and collected expression.
"My lord we just received news that a retired Imperial fire bender captured a group of men who were collecting supplies for Ozai. The man has requested to see you immediately."
"Finally some good some good news, have the men interrogated to the whereabouts of Ozai. Meanwhile who and where is our guest that has done so much for his country?" The Fire Lord jubilantly said.
"The man's name is Shang my Lord; he is waiting in the parlor. Strangely he said he was the younger brother of Captain Isuma, but I was not sure if he was telling the truth."
"Anyway tell this Shang that I'll meet with him in a few minutes. Uncle I'm sorry to cut this short but this is the first sign of progress in months and I need to handle this now."
"Of course I understand, we'll talk later when you're less busy."
Zuko then began to walk to the parlor; he had a slight spring in his step. Finally there was a lead to finding his family and friend, though his guilt about Mai was very strong he could give a small sigh of relieve. When the young man had entered the palace a nagging thought crept into his mind, Isuma never mentioned that he had a brother. Come to think the captain didn't discuss about his family apart from the fact that his parents had died two years ago from a short run plague that had hit the capital. The young ruler couldn't blame his friend for not talking about his family trouble after all Zuko's family was far from ideal.
The Fire Lord reach the parlor, he opened the door to see a young man dressed nobility robes standing respectfully in the middle of the room. Their was a definite family resemblance between Isuma and Shang; they both had the same facial features apart from the eyes and facial scares. The captain eyes looks were a mixture of gentle and passion, while Shang's eyes had a determined look. The man was shorter than his brother by a length of a few inches. Shang realized that was now in the presence of the Fire Lord and quickly bowed to cover his accidental disrespect of his lord.
"I apologies Fire Lord Zuko I did not realize you were there." Shang nervously said.
"That's fine and please you don't have to be so formal. You'd be surprised how fast everyone bowing and calling you "my lord" can get annoying."
"Very well I'll just call you Zuko, but as know I just presented prisoners to you and the matter of my payment should be paid in information. I wish to know what has become of my brother Isuma, if you could indulge me."
"Yes I believe that you deserve to know the full extent of the situation. My father the former Fire Lord Ozai escaped more than two months ago. While your brother was helping my sister Azula recover from her insanity, they were captured along with our mother. So far we have not had any luck in discovering were Ozai has taken them until today."
"So it's true that Ozai kidnapped the two of them, I thought that those guys were lying when they said that. Wait when did princess Azula get released from the asylum and what was she doing with my brother. I thought she was still angry by the outrageous lie about Isuma?"
"She realized how ridicules those lies were and the two were able to rekindle their relationship. Speaking of which Shang how much do you know about their relationship?"
The young man hesitated answering the Fire lord's. Shang had been close friends with Azula and her friends as well, but he had been apically close to Ty Lee. During his time among the Imperial Fire benders the two of them had dated and he thought that they would go steady. That was before Isuma disappeared, after that Ty Lee broke it off with him saying that she could not be with someone related to such a terrible human being. If that wasn't hard enough the princess defiled Isuma's good name across the nation, Shang resigned from his potion on the guards and lived for three years in solitude. When his parents died he had to take control of the various family properties and businesses, even though he knew that Isuma was better suited for the job. Surprisingly the new business man was doing an excellent job of handling the family empire. But when his brother returned Shang was filled with utter contempt, who felt that Isuma had ruined his easy going life. After a heated argument the captain was able to convince his brother that he was tell the truth about his disappearance and left on better terms if not cold terms.
"Well for starters I've known the princess as long as my brother. I also that Isuma cared for Azula deeply, maybe it was love but I can't be sure. The last time I talked with Isuma was more than four months ago he was hell bent on seeing Azula again. I got a letter from him week ago he mentioned that she was close to a full recovery but nothing about her being out of the asylum."
"At any rate were getting of track, I want thank you for your services. I understand that you were an Imperial Fire bender like your brother, if you're able I have more use for your abilities."
"Of course I'm always ready to serve my country. How can I further be of assistance?"
"In order to find Ozai we need more of his men to interrogate, so you and one other specialist will go to various ports searching for more renegades collecting supplies. Once we get the information we need the two of you will then meet up with the elite warriors Sokka of the Southern Water Tribe and Suki of The Kyoshi Warriors. Then wait for further orders at Sozin's Bay City."
"As you wish sir by the way who is the specialist?"
"Her name is Lady Ty Lee, she is one of our very best. For the moment she is on a scouting mission and will not return until tonight."
"Oh well I'm sure her skills are excellent. It will be a pleasure to work with her." Shang lied knowing that it will be utter hell working with his ex-girlfriend.
"That good to hear you two well depart in three days, but for now I'll have one of the servants show you to your room. If would excuse me I must go see my uncle and discuses some critical issues"
"Of Course my lord until are next meeting."
Meanwhile off the southern coast of the Fire Nation, the Blood Strom was docked near an uninhabited island. The crew was searching the desolate piece of land for additional supplies. Though the ship got a steady supply from agents located in major ports across the country, but the addition of three new passengers one of whom was pregnant started to put a strain on supplies.
The so called prisoners were now were being treated more like guests, they given freedom to roam around the ship without an escort. Ursa took advantage of that privilege to the fullest extent; she would go out onto the deck to meditate for several hours and then disappear for the rest of the day. Isuma would only come out to get his and Azula's meals then stay in their room. Azula on the other never left the room, she felt too self-conscious about her situation to risk a run in with either of her parents. The captain seemed to be acting over protective of the princess, but the reasons for that were easily justifiable. Ozai was biding his time with Azula and focusing on repairing his relationship with his wife. After her daily meditation Ursa would go to the ex-Fire Lord's room and the two would discuss the events of years following their separation. The couple's relationship was still very rocky but miraculously the emotional wounds were starting to heal.
Azula was lying on her bed; Isuma had stepped out to fetch their dinner. So far her pregnancy had not been like the horror stories that she would hear about, although she would occasional have morning sickness. She was actually looking forward to having the baby but the fear of losing another child was still hanging over the princess's head. Azula was then startled by a knock from the door; she scolded herself for being so jumpy and walked to the door. She opened it and was shocked to see the visitor was her mother.
"Mother what are you doing here?"
"Azula I would like to talk to you if it is alright?" Ursa said softly.
"Sure come in."
Ursa walked in the room and gestured to her daughter to sit beside her, which she complied. The princess did not look into her mother's eyes instead she lowered her head allowing her bangs to hide her face. The older woman pulled her daughter hair behind her ear so she could see Azula's face.
"You look well dear how have you and Isuma been handle the." Ursa said before being interrupted by Azula.
"It's fine mother everything is fine now will you please leave!"
"No Azula I want to talk to you about your baby. I thought are relationship mended but there is so much you haven't told about what you gone though."
"What are you referring to my miscarriage; I couldn't bear to tell Isuma how could I tell you that. Do remember what happened when I told father that I was having a baby, it was the whole reason why I fell into such a spiral. The reason why you haven't seen me is because I didn't want talk to you or dad. "
"But I'm not your father Azula; you should be able talk to me about such things"
Don't you dare talk down to me. You've would have just judged me, when I was a child you always judged me for decisions and it grinded my sprits down until I would go in private and breakdown in tears." The princess said as she felt tear fall down her cheeks.
Ursa realized how much her daughter still felt like a disappointment in her eyes. She never wanted Azula to feel so horrible but like all the damage Ursa inflicted on her daughter it was unintentional. She pulled the princess into her arms and allowed her to cry on Ursa's shoulder.
"Azula I never wanted to make you feel this way, but listen I'm sorry for all the misery I caused and I want help you though your pregnancy."
The princess continued to weep, but the rears were no longer ones of pain but instead they were tears of joy. Finally she felt her mother has accepted her decisions and not only that she was willing to help her. Though she and Isuma would be more than able to handle both a pregnancy and a baby but the experience that Ursa can provide would be invaluable. Her mother could also act as a buffer between Azula and Ozai, when he decides to talk with the princess.
"For too long I've kept silent about my pain because the only other person I could talk to was Isuma and he was taken from me. But when he return I couldn't bear to tell him because he suffered enough."
"I know dear, it's difficult for a mother to lose her child before it see the light of day. During both my pregnancy I was terrified of lose my baby especially since your father was turning in a monster. But now you have a second chance with the man who loves dearly and stands by you after all that has happened."
Azula's sobbing started die down as she wiped the tears from her face. The princess then rose from the bed, taking five steps away from as she contemplated what her mother. Ursa was not wrong; Isuma has been standing by her without hesitation or fear. Many times when men would impregnate their girlfriends the first thing they do is get as far away from the soon to be mothers, but the captain was nothing of the sort. He embraced the fact of him becoming a father with open arms and he would give Azula the support that she required the deal with the paralyzing fear that had come over her.
"Mother thank you for coming here I really needed it." Azula said in a hushed tone.
"Sweet heart you don't have to thank me, all I want is for you to be less fearful. After all a pregnancy is only a prelude to caring for a child. I have to go now but think about what I've said."
Ursa gave her daughter one last hug and exited the room. Azula was left to reflect; she rested her head on the pillow and gradually fell into the blissful world of slumber. Isuma walked ten minutes later with a tray of food to find the princess sleeping. The captain tip toed his way to the table in order not to wake the princess. Sitting the tray down, he took the tea pot and poured two cups of piping hot ginger tea.
"Isuma is that you" Azula groggily said while slowly getting into a upright position.
"Yes it's me, sorry if woke you" He said while handing her one of the cups.
"No it's fine I have been feeling more fatigued lately. What were they serving at the mess hall today?
"Just a plate of fish and rice, the ship has been strapped for supplies lately. I wonder if that's because of Zuko or a lack of support for Ozai."
The princess smiled slightly as she sipped the drink, it had a sweet taste to it.
"Is this Ginger tea?"
"Yes I thought would help settle your stomach. Speaking of which how is the baby, has it been kicking yet?" Isuma asked enthusiastically.
"Isuma the baby won't start kicking for another month, but the lieutenant says that it's healthy"
The captain nodded, taking a seat on the bed next to Azula. The princess swiftly moved to be closer to him as she snuggled her head into his shoulder. He smiled and kissed the top of her head, but he's seemed to be preoccupied with other matters. Azula sensed this and looked into his face to see the elongated bags under his eyes.
"You haven't been sleeping again, please stop worrying everything going to work."
"How can I stop worrying, we're still prisoner on a madman's boat uncertain what he plans on doing with us. Plus everything and anything could go wrong from now until the baby is born especially with your heart condition."
"I know but wearing yourself down isn't going to improve the situation. Will please you try and sleep tonight for me."
Isuma nodded and kissed the princess with the same passion that he first developed back when they were teenagers. Breaking the kiss he motion for them to relocate to the table to eat. She took a small sip of tea the sweet taste of the liquid tickled her senses. Although she hesitated to delve in the food because of her unsettled stomach, the child was making itself known in aggravating ways.
"My mother came by earlier today." Azula
"How is she, I haven't seen her since we first arrived on the ship?" Isuma responded
"She seems good we talked about the baby, she wants to help however she can. But her visit made me think about what my father said. I want give him a chance to see if he was true about that redemption business."
Isuma did not respond verbally but his physical reaction spoke for itself. His fists tightened holding the anger that was rising within him.
"Why would you even consider giving that maniac a second chance after what he did to you and me?" Isuma growled.
"Because he's my father, why should are child grow up without a grandfather. Besides it put me in a position to be able of convincing him to surrender peacefully. I'm worn out from all the hatred and intrigue that is keeping my family in ruins, please just trust on this."
"Very well, but be careful when you decided to go and talk to him."
"I will."
That night at the Royal palace Shang was in his room, passing the time before going to bed by reading. But he was only half interested in the work, what preoccupied his mind was how best to avoid Ty Lee until they had to depart for their assignment so he could at least put-off the awkward conversation that was to come. It had been five years since either one of them spoke or even seen each other and their last encounter was fairly ugly. Out of blue quick session of soft knocks come from the door, he went to open it only to see the last person he wanted to see.
"Ty Lee"
End of Chapter 10
A/N: Finally this chapter is done, I'm sorry that this update so late. But I've had horrible writers block and then modern warfare 3 come out. So you could see that I was heavily interrupted from finishing the update. I promise not to put off the chapters so long. Now that we have that out of the way let's talk about my upcoming stories. For starters I plan to have the first four chapter of my next story The Imperial Eagle. Also I plan to start expanding my bases with a story about the anime series Elfen Lied (which I have recently became a fan.) Last I inset that you read VividDreamer624's Book: 4 Air: Exodus which is amazing. So I'll see you guys next time.