Word Count: 3591
Asami had begun to doze when a light tap on the door stirred her. She opened her heavy eyelids and slipped a robe over her half-naked body, tying it around her middle.
"I'm coming," she said, groggily to another tap on the door.
Opening it slowly in case it was the former fire lord, Zuko, she was startled to meet the gorgeous pair of blue eyes that she adored.
"Korra," she gasped. "I wasn't expecting you".
The muscular avatar unintentionally flexed a bicep as she rubbed her neck. "I know, I was getting a little sleepy in the control room. We have about five hours before we reach the Fire Nation capital. Thought I'd try to get some sleep before we land".
Asami nodded, understandingly opening the door wider. "Ok, come in". Korra gave a sheepish smile as she entered. Fully clothed, she flopped onto the bed. Asami gave her a smirk. "Really? You never sleep in your clothing," she said passively.
"Yeah, I kinda figured it would make things awkward". Asami yawned, taking seat in a reclining chair.
"You're right, it would".
"I guess you're still upset with me, huh?" Asked the avatar quietly.
"Shouldn't I be?" Asami snapped. "I've always been on your side, Korra. No matter if you were right or wrong!"
"Except about Hiroshi," Korra pointed out.
Asami crossed her arms and pouted. "What? That was what, four years ago? Besides, I wasn't sure I even liked you then".
Korra chuckled lightly. "Same here. Now look at us. I can't stand being away from you".
Asami allowed a slow smile to form on her lips. "Well, it only took three years to charm you," she announced.
Korra gestured to remove her top, pausing to look at the engineer for approval to do so. The woman gave a nod, swallowing as she watched the avatar slowly reveal her amazing abs in a single move. She crossed her legs at the sensation that rumbled between them.
How does she do this to me? She wondered. I'm pissed at her, for Agni's sake, but Spirits, I want her more than ever.
Her mind suddenly switched to the SatoCock hid in the closet. She had not told Korra about her surprise invention yet.
"So do you still want to meet her?" Korra suddenly asked, interrupting her thoughts, obviously unfazed by her staring and silence.
"Who?" Asked Asami, shaking away from previous thoughts.
"Azula? Your…grandmother?"
Asami thought on the question with an index finger against her chin. Ty Lee sure wanted the two to meet, yet there was still apprehension. If she was worse than Lord Zuko, Asami did not care to meet the woman history called The Azure Dragon. She had read many tales about the dragon, yet it remained unmentioned of her relationship to the Fire Nation's former fire lord.
"I won't let her hurt you, ya' know. I think you'll be happy to know that I asked Zuko for a chance to talk to her," said Korra.
Asami's heavy lids widened. "Really? Why?"
Korra shrugged.
"If she is related to you, I feel it's my duty to do so. Besides you've met my parents. Maybe this will save our relationship".
Tightening her legs, Asami felt her face flush. She feared that she was borderline scarlet by now. At her silence, Korra sat up in the bed with a worried expression on her brow. "I-I mean, if there is a relationship to save?" She added quickly, her look changing to one of uncertainty.
Asami was silent. At this, Korra rose to her feet, reaching for her shirt. "Wow…ok. I didn't know I had caused so much damage. I should leave," she stated, heading for the door.
Asami watched the girl leave as tears stung her eyes. Her body felt so confused. She was torn between ravishing the avatar with her invention until they were both sore and immobile, yet she had taken the vain Lord Zuko's side so willingly, tossing aside their feelings for each other like it never mattered.
B-But she's trying to make it up to you. She told herself.
I am desperately in love with her and everything I've ever done was to protect her.
Asami wondered on Ty Lee's words. How had their love endured so much? Instead of dwelling on the matter, she made a decision. Retrieving the invention from her drawer, she abandoned all inhibitions. They were going to land in the Fire Nation soon and she needed to release her frustration before they did. Her heart could not bring her to physically punish Korra with violence but… There are other ways.
The thought brought a sinister smile to her face as she examined herself in the mirror. In record time, she adjusted her make-up, hair and adjusted her bed-robe.
#
Zaheer grunted in frustration as he attempted to float into the air without the use of his glider. What's wrong with me? He wondered.
Pacing in circles in the home of his mother's elderly friend or frien-enemy or whatever her proper role was made him feel trapped. Being a wanted man, he knew better than to venture outside of the doors of the noble class home. Yet, he felt stifled in the place.
"I will be back to check on you each evening," Azula had said before leaving for the palace.
Hmph! Check on me? I'm not a child! He thought, releasing a gust of air from his palms. This is ridiculous! I had unlocked the secret of the ancient airbenders. Not even the avatar can fly!
The airbender was confined to a bedroom with a single bed. As an escaped high security prisoner, it was a mutual agreement that he remained looked away while his mother and her associate met with the fire lord. Zaheer did not mind the arrangement in the beginning, yet after a week of confinement and no clear answer from the dragon, he was beginning to question everything. Though he held little doubt about his parentage. The Azure Dragon was definitely his mother. He had felt it from her touch, but her motivations seemed misplaced.
"Life is like a good Pai Sho game, My Son," the dragon commented, while moving her piece along the table. "It takes strategy and patience as does life itself. There are reasons each of us are born. We have to find those reasons".
Zaheer studied the board, his index finger tapping against his bare chin. "The world would be better if leaders like Ozai and Zuko did not exist," he replied with a calm gust of wind to blow his game piece.
"Perhaps," said his mother, her eyes not bothering to study his moves. With slow agonizing movements, she made her play with a different piece.
"The truth is, if we go through with your plan, the people will not accept a new oppressor," he stated making another move.
Without a thought, the dragon made her last move, winning the game. With a smirk she said, "Someday you'll sit on the throne and the truth will be what you make it".
Zaheer thought on his mother's words. She was hellbent on making him defy his principles. Everything he and his fallen comrades had fought for would be meaningless if he took the throne as Fire Lord.
Meaningless.Thought the airbender. P'Li, Ghazan, Meng Hua…
Shaking the thoughts from his mind, Zaheer grabbed his cloak and opened the door to the bedroom. Pulling his hood over his head, he stepped out into the kitchenette of the humble home. The sun was bright meaning his mother was probably at the Fire Temple with the fire lord. Zaheer turned towards the door leading to the outside world.
"Running won't stop her". With a strong gust of air from his fist, Zaheer whirled around to meet the gaze of his mother's elderly acquaintance. "So much like your impatient father I'm assuming," she said, calmly adjusting her hair that fell from the small gust.
"You know him?" He asked.
The woman shrugged. "No clue. Doubt he lived long after procreating with the princess. Men were never really her thing". Figured since Azula's so patient, you had to get the trait elsewhere".
Zaheer rolled his eyes. "I don't have time for this. I need to leave and figure some things out".
"Don't let me hold you up. May I ask where you're going?"
"No where that concerns you. Give my thanks to mother".
With that he took a glorious step into the sunlight.
#
Azula peeled her eyes away from the newspaper, taking a quick puff of her cigarette. Reading the thing was giving her a headache. So much had changed in seventy years that the simple task of reading was similar to planning her siege of Ba Sing Se.
Hopefully, Zaheer hasn't been caged so long that he can tell me at least half of what this stuff means. She thought, exhaling.
As she watched the smoke dance above her, the eerie feeling of an additional presence in the quiet study room of the temple made Azula cut her eye. Sure enough, the figure moved towards the illuminating lights. Azula regained her composure as she realized it was Fire Lord Izumi.
"Your boldness intrigues me, Zu". The woman said cooly. "Despite all of the signs around my home, you choose this act of defiance".
Azula leaned forward, smashing the cigarette into the desk calmly. "Apologies, it is just that those signs are a bit contradictory, don't you think? No smoking in the Fire Nation?" She asked with a light chuckle. "What sense does it all make?"
Surprisingly, Izumi also chuckled slightly as she moved to Azula's side in the desk's chair. "It was my father's idea".
"Ah, a man of contradictions. I should have guessed".
Azula placed her right foot on her left knee in a casual manner as she reclined comfortably in the chair. She watched with a careful eye as Izumi neared her, looking about the room over the rim of her glasses. Upon reaching the desk where Azula was reading the paper, the fire lord carefully rearranged the newspaper towards the perfect center of the desk, then turned to the ashtray. With careful movements matching the woman standing before her, Azula rubbed the small pieces of ash off of its sides in a polishing manner.
Rouse him, and learn the principle of his activity or inactivity. Force him to reveal himself, so as to find out his vulnerable spots.
Placing the dead cigarette against the side of the ashtray, the firebender paid close attention to the fire lord's movements. Izumi was very much her father's daughter. Paranoid and unpredictable, yet calm and poised which she seemed to have adopted from her mother.
Meticulous. Attentive. She is playing a game of power, no matter, I am renown for my patience.
"You seem to harbor many threatening feelings against my father," Izumi stated calmly. "Why?"
As always, Azula was prepared for such questions. Instead of an immediate reply, she casually checked her fingernails while noting the woman's rousing anger at her unfazed composure. "Your father took something of mine. I want it back, simple".
With a purr of frustration, Izumi studied the woman before her. Her arrogance was becoming a nuisance. Yet her boldness was intriguing. Azula noted the twitch in the fire lord's jaw line.
"A woman with your expertise could prove a very valuable asset".
Mmhmm.Thought Azula. Continue.
"And my mother is quite fond of you. Azula smirked at the comment. Of course nothing has changed but the weather between Mai and me. With a smile, Izumi announced, "I would like to introduce you to my son, Crowned Prince, Iroh II. He is also a well-respected general of the United Forces". The former princess felt a lump in her throat form. Before she could object, the fire lord added, "He is looking to take a wife soon".
Clearing her throat, the firebender nodded. "I am flattered, My Lord, yet I do not think that is the best idea".
Raising her hand to stop her, Izumi continued. "It has already been arranged. Due to my father's indiscretions towards you, I have arranged for you to attend the Festival of Agni as my son's right hand. I am quite sure you are thrilled being from such a common background".
Azula was careful not give away the twitch in her jaw. Her plan was to get closer to the fire lord, not her pathetic heir. Her brother's grandchild! The very idea of waltzing around with any man in a ballroom gown sickened her, but a boy over seventy years her junior? Even with Zuko being her half-sibling, this was madness. Thinking fast, Azula asked with impeccable calmness.
"I am honored that you would consider such a personal decision on my behalf. However, Zu-well, your father and I have a conflicted past. Is there no one else deemed more deserving of your offer?"
The fire lord regarded her with an unreadable expression.
Offended that I am not groveling at your feet, hmm? Thought Azula.
"My son is heir to the Fire Nation's throne. His wife must be of the best stock. You strike me as a woman used to taking command. Perfect mate to be by his side".
Azula rubbed her chin. The fire lord obviously couldn't take a hint. The flattery was not lost to the conqueror, yet she had all intentions to marry Ty Lee once the ash smoldered from her overtake of the throne. Ty Lee. This would kill her. She thought. Though, my own son will probably betray me. Or I could convince this boy to pardon my son and he can be killed in the process along with his bland mother…then again, I do owe Mai.
Azula knew better than to burn a bridge twice. Mai was definitely her best ally in this. The damage was done between the two old friends. Yet, Ty Lee could prove a useful tool for keeping the now wrinkled, miserable bat in line.
"I am perfectly fine with my current role. Consider me a useful mentor instead. Obviously, your father did not teach you much on the issues of running a nation".
"And you have expertise on the subject, Peasant?" Snapped Izumi.
Azula watched her check a nearby seat before sitting. With the edge of her royal sleeve, she wiped the lenses of her glasses, not meeting Azula's gaze.
All your life you used fear to control people.
Azula's mother had been right. Azula always knew that fear was the only reliable way, that is, until it wasn't reliable. Zuko had succeeded despite fear. She used the technique perfectly to control her big brother, but it never broke him as it should have.
Giving herself additional time, she relit another cigarette with her index finger and pulled the smoke with her lips slowly. After exhaling, her eyes met intrigued ones directly in front of her. "Problem, My Lord?" She asked, coolly.
The fire lord blinked twice. "You are a bender". She said calmly.
Azula nodded.
"Yet, your flame is rare. I have never witnessed such a flame in all of my life". Azula clenched her teeth and waited. The discovery of her flame could go in an array of directions. "I have only heard of one such firebender capable of it. The Azure Dragon".
Raising an eyebrow at the name, she continued to remain silent, watching the wheels in the fire lord's head turning. Izumi was beginning to connect the dots finally. Though the origin of the name was still a mystery to her, Azula had to admit that it had a nice ring that she liked. Before her release, she had never been called such a thing until Zaheer mentioned the name upon reuniting with her.
"I have always admired the Azure Dragon. Despite her being a complete sociopath lost to time. She was once an emblem of Fire Nation glory".
Azula pulled again on her cigarette. Sociopath, hmm? It was indeed true that she had lost her mind at the hands of her brother. Yet, she had recovered remarkably through sheer self-determination and Ty Lee.
"Do you think you could teach me?"
For a moment, Azula was shocked. The ever intuitive Izumi did not put the pieces together. Azula noted her slightly forward leaning posture. Her hands were clasped tightly together on her lap and her eyes twinkled not with fear, but adoration.
Zu Zu, how thoughtful of you. Despite abandoning me to Agni's Hell, you created a daughter in my own image. Perhaps there's an opportunity afterall.
The idea was intriguing. Her son would not need to ascend the throne and he could keep his wild philosophies. Perhaps she could mold this new fire lord?
"I am honored. In exchange, you must accept the son of the Azure Dragon and pardon him in your lands".
Izumi's eyes widened and her fingers tightened on the handles of the chair. "Zaheer?" She asked, leaning back into the chair.
"The very same. You know then, well, that is my price for my assistance. To restore her name".
"And why are you, a commoner, so interested in this cause, Young Lady?"
Izumi was instantly suspicious. Unfazed, Azula gave a smirk. "I think you know why. Obviously, you have done your research. You know the truth of your father's birthright".
With a twitch of her brow, the fire lord quickly stood. "I will not hear of that treasonous claim!"
Shrugging, Azula opened her knees with clenched hands upon her laps though she remained calm and composed. Taking another puff, she exhaled through her nose as she spoke. "Perhaps not, but your people are restless. They would turn against you immediately. Your armies weak. You need someone like me. I am an expert on this dragon you speak of. In exchange for my demands, I will train you and keep your secrets".
Izumi immediately left without further words, yet Azula was nothing if not patient. The ruler was green despite age, thanks to her weak father. With the command of the Fire Nation and the fire lord's support, she would be ready for Zuko. But first, this avatar business needs to be dealt with. Standing to her feet, she left to find Zaheer.
#
Asami shook with nervousness. Korra was sleeping in an awkward position in the pilot's seat of the airship. Wringing her hands, Asami approached her quietly. Despite her longing for her girlfriend, she felt reluctant to continue. Sure, sex with the avatar was everything one could hope for, yet Korra had betrayed her for a man she barely knew.
She is an enemy of your family.
Asami stopped at the doorway to the control room. Back in her room, she had been fully confident and ready to right her wrongs with Korra. Yet, now everything was unclear. After moments of silence and staring, the avatar's blue eyes met hers as she shuffled out of the pilot's seat.
"Asami? What are you doing?" The young woman asked.
Asami inclined her head, ashamed of her conflicted feelings. It had been easy to betray Hiroshi. He had been out to hurt people, including her beloved friends. However, Asami had no clue what Azula and Ty Lee's motives could be after 70 years. Thinking fast, she grabbed the controls of the airship, taking it off air pilot mode. "We're about to land. Look," she stated plainly, pointing to the harbor. Korra luckily looked towards where she pointed, which brought a sigh of relief from the engineer.
Pulling a lever, Asami brought the airship towards descension. As the rudders of the airship stopped, several heavily clad Fire Nation soldiers appeared awaiting the door to be opened. Taking a deep breath, Asami turned to Korra. "I guess they're here for me and Ty Lee".
Korra balled her fists. "No, this won't be necessary. I'll talk to Zuko about this whole thing. M-Maybe I can't help Ty Lee, but I won't let them take you, Asami".
Feeling the lump in her throat, Asami shook her head. "You don't understand Korra. Ty Lee may be my only hope at finding my family. Especially if she is my family".
Korra scoffed. "You can't believe that story she told!"
"And if I do?!" Asami countered.
Before Korra could speak another word, two soldiers appeared in the control room with Zuko in tow. To both of the women's surprises, he was heavily shackled and barely dressed. "Wha-Zuko! What's going on?" Korra exclaimed, readying herself for battle.
"Put those away, Avatar," a sultry, female voice filled the room, making Zuko flinch.
Asami and Korra were speechless as a stunning woman in her mid to early twenties emerged. Despite her impeccable beauty, the woman's face was stoic and her gaze unyielding.
"Who are-!" Korra's voice trailed in shock.
Zuko shook miserably in his cuffs. With a heavy voice, he met the girls' gaze. "Yes…it's my sister".
As if holding up his head was straining, he dropped it as soon as the words were spoken. With a smirk, Azula added. "It is a pleasure to meet again, Avatar".
Author note: Wanted to add the SatoCock is definitely not original. Borrowed from another story. I will add the author's name for credit if I find it again. Hope you enjoyed.