The Red Queen
"You're WHAT?!" Claudia shouted with disbelief at her brother across the breakfast table, bread crumbs shooting from her mouth.
"Azula asked me to go with her," Soren replied. "And I like it here, so…"
The sorceress took a big gulp. "But what about the Crownguard?" Claudia continued. "What about Katolis? What about Dad?!"
"I'll still come visit!" Soren exclaimed. "It's not like I'm leaving forever. I just think that I was meant to be here, with Azula… I want you to come with us, okay?"
Claudia let out a long, low sigh as she rubbed her temples. "Soren… I can't. I'm not leaving here until that portal is working, and I'm not just going to give up on Katolis…" She gave her brother a hard, tired glare, which made the boy flinch.
"Clauds…?"
"Listen Soren," Claudia began. "You can go on your trip with your girlfriend, but as soon as I fix that mirror, and I will, you are coming back to Katolis with me, then you can tell Dad about your life changing decision, and then you can spend the rest of your life in the Fire Nation. Is that clear?"
"…yep…" Soren replied with a nod. For once, his sister was actually kind of scary. It almost reminded him of their father, and he did not feel like arguing. "…will you at least see us off? I'm not sure how long we'll be gone…"
"Yes Soren," Claudia said before taking a bite from her breakfast bun. "I just wish this wasn't so last minute. I don't think you should go, I wanted you here when I fix the portal…"
"Hey, like you said, I'll come back as soon as you're done," Soren flashed a smile at his sister, which did lift her spirits a tad. "Just send a messenger hawk on over to Ba Sing Se."
Claudia just gave a shrug and they continued their breakfast. It felt like she was losing her brother to Princess Azula entirely, and it made her heart sink. It was what Soren wanted though…
Azula marched down the corridor of the palace, donned in her regal armor, hair perfectly combed and tied. She smiled when she saw Soren and Claudia already waiting for her at the palace entrance along with two palanquins. Soren smiled back at her, but Claudia's expression was much colder.
"Decided to join us, Claudia?" Azula asked
"No, sorry," Claudia replied as she gave the princess a subtle glare. "I can't keep getting distracted from my work. I'm just coming along to see Soren off before you take him away."
"Don't worry Claudia, I'll take good care of him," Azula smirked as Soren helped her into the palanquin. "You two can ride together though, to make the most of the time you've got left. Now come on, my father has already left and I don't want us falling behind."
Claudia frowned as she climbed into the other palanquin, followed by her brother. The princess's smug attitude had been starting to grate on her nerves as of late. Without further delay, the three of them were carried by the palanquin bearers out of the palace and to the harbor, following the road out of the caldera and down the mountainside.
It was a mostly quiet ride as Soren and Claudia peered through the curtains, though the path was familiar to them both by now. Soren remembered their first day in the capital, how he knocked out the old weapon shop owner to protect his sister. Claudia thought of the times she spent with Ty Lee and Mai just shopping around for ingredients and swimsuits.
"It's going to be lonely without you, Soren," Claudia muttered sadly. "I've got no more friends left in the capital now…"
Soren turned to Claudia and frowned sadly. "Hey come on, there's still Lo and Li. You like them, right?" Claudia raised an eyebrow at him and shrugged. "Okay, well, there's all the servants, and there's plenty of them our age."
"I guess," Claudia sighed. "It's fine, my spell work will keep me occupied…" Her voice trailed off and she thought to herself, about what Iroh had said to her, about the invasion, about the Air Temple reduced to rubble. "Soren, while you're gone, just… just promise me that you'll always do the right thing."
"Huh?" Soren blinked at his sister. "What do you mean?"
"Look, I know how much you like Azula, but don't let her make you do anything that you're not comfortable doing," Claudia replied. "I know that this is a war, and war is ugly, and I know you've got to be practical, but… just always try to be the good guy, okay?"
"Okay," Soren responded. He patted Claudia's back affectionately. "I promise to always be a good guy." He grinned and chuckled. "Come on Claudia, don't worry so much."
Claudia forced herself to smile, taking some comfort in Soren's words, but it was not enough to erase her doubt. Meanwhile, just ahead of them, Azula meditated as she rode. She had only just found out from a servant a that her father had left for the harbor. It must have been the fault of the staff for not properly informing her in time. Azula would have liked to punish someone for almost making her miss the most important day of her life, but she had no time to waste.
The day after tomorrow would be the most glorious day in Fire Nation history, even greater than her victory in Ba Sing Se. Her father, Fire Lord Ozai, and her, Princess Azula would be at the center of it. Together, they would change the world forever, bringing an end to the war and ushering in a new age of prosperity. She would be at his right hand, his most respected and loyal daughter, to share in that glory, and by her side would be Soren, her proud protector. It was all she dreamed for…
The palanquins finally reached the harbor. Rows of soldiers and servants bowed before the path leading to the barge they would soon board. Fire Nation banners and braziers were raised around the platform at the end. Azula could see the Fire Lord's own palanquin ahead of her, the top of it donned by a golden phoenix. Hers was still lagging behind though. Azula frowned impatiently as she crossed her arms.
"Come on slowpokes, faster!" Azula commanded to her bearers, who picked up the pace. Her father had already reached the platform and was exiting his palanquin. Why was he not waiting for her? Azula had to hurry. The Fire Lord was already walking up the steps to the barge when Azula's palanquin was set down. He was not wearing his crown, oddly enough, and seemed to be wearing a new robe. The princess quickly stepped out and ran up the stairs to reach her father. Soren peered out from his and Claudia's palanquin to see what was the matter.
"Something's up," Soren said as he squinted at Azula catching up to Ozai. "Let's go Claudia." The Crownguard took his sister by the hand and pulled her out of the palanquin, barely waiting for it to be set down.
"Whoa, slow down!" Claudia said as Soren dragged her by the arm, hurrying after Azula up the steps. The princess finally reached her father at the top of the platform, taking a knee before him.
"Sorry I'm late, Father," Azula said, catching her breath. "Good palanquin bearers are so hard to come by these days." Ozai just barely turned to look at his daughter. He had not even noticed her until that moment. Soren and Claudia followed soon after, stopping at the lower platform and each taking a knee. The princess looked behind to smile at Soren. "So, is everything ready for our departure?"
"There has been a change of plans, Azula." Ozai replied.
"What?" Azula asked in surprise. He kept his back turned to his daughter, hands held behind him. Soren and Claudia looked up curiously.
"I've decided to lead the fleet of airships to Ba Sing Se alone." Ozai continued. "You will remain here in the Fire Nation."
Azula blinked at her father, stunned as she listened to his words. This could not be. Soren and Claudia were just as surprised, and silently glanced at one another.
"But I thought we were going to do this together…" Azula replied. What was happening? She had been the perfect princess, the perfect daughter…
"My decision is final." Ozai replied coldly. No, Azula had proven her strength and loyalty time and time again.
"You… you can't treat me like this," Azula said as she stood to her feet, her voice beginning to crack. "You can't treat me like Zuko!" Why was her father doing to her, how could he? Soren furrowed his brow as he stood. Claudia placed a hand on his arm, but she could not stop him.
"Azula, silence yourself…" Ozai hissed menacingly, but Azula could barely hear him. She was too angry, too upset. This was supposed to be their day, and now he was taking that away. What had she done to deserve this?
"But it was my idea to burn everything to the ground!" Azula shouted, her clenched fist trembling. Claudia let out a soft gasp. "I deserve to be by your side!" She had never dared to raise her voice to her father before. What would he-
"Azula!" Ozai's barked as he turned to Azula, frowning disapprovingly. The princess was taken back, and immediately shut her mouth, hanging her head in shame and squeezing her eyes shut, readying herself for what was to come. Would he attack her, as he did Zuko? Azula would not simply take her punishment like her brother did, but there was no way she could defeat her father in a duel. The princess tried desperately to calm herself.
"Burn everything…?" Claudia whispered as she watched the exchange between father and daughter. She looked to her brother Soren once more, but he did not look back at her. Soren's teeth were borne in anger as he watched and listened. Claudia noticed his hand was on his sword hilt, prepared to draw.
"Listen to me," Ozai continued, his voice calm now. "I need you here to watch over the homeland, it's a very important job that I can only entrust to you."
Azula's eyes slowly opened as she looked up at her father, seeing a small glimmer of hope. "Really…?" Perhaps this was not a punishment, but if he trusted her, then why could he not bring her with him?
"And for your loyalty," Ozai continued as he finally turned to face his child. "I've decided to declare you the new Fire Lord."
"Fire Lord Azula?" The princess repeated, letting Ozai's words sink in. She smiled, but not confidently. "It does seem appropriate…" Azula glanced to the side, unsure of how to feel. She should have been honored, ecstatic, but something was off. "But what about you?" There could only be one Fire Lord, after all.
"Fire Lord Ozai is no more," Her father said as he began to smile. Four Fire Sages bearing a helmet and a mantle approached Ozai and began to garb him. "Just as the World will be reborn in fire, I shall be reborn as the supreme ruler of the World," The new armor was adorned with golden phoenixes. In fact, there were phoenix symbols all around the plaza. "From this moment on, I will be known as the Phoenix King!"
Ozai raised his hands triumphantly, and an enormous banner bearing the phoenix symbol was raised behind him. Azula, Claudia, and Soren watched as the soldiers flanking them began to raise more phoenix banners. Two firebenders shot flames into the bases of the two poles holding the large banner behind Ozai, and the sides ignited as flames erupted from the pipes running up the sides. All the sages began to bow to the Phoenix King, supreme ruler of the World. This ceremony had been planned far in advance, and Azula, the Princess, now Fire Lord, had known nothing of it.
Azula bent down to one knee once more as Ozai looked down on her. The princess cleared her throat as she tried to find the right words.
"F-Phoenix King Ozai," Azula began, keeping herself composed. "I am truly honored to receive the title of Fire Lord…" She looked up to her father, looked him in the eyes, but he only stared back coldly, like she was any other servant. "I… I wish you a successful journey and conquest. I shall not fail ruling the Fire Nation in your name."
"See that you don't," Ozai replied curtly, either not noticing or not caring for the wetness around his daughter's eyes. The Phoenix King was about to turn to disembark on his voyage, but something did catch his attention. Out of the corner of his eye, Ozai spotted Soren, halfway up the stairs behind Azula. The Crownguard gripped his sword hilt tightly, eyes burning with anger as he locked his gaze with him. Was this boy really prepared to commit something so drastic over something so insignificant? It stirred a memory within Ozai, once forgotten, and he glared back at Soren.
"A word of advice, Fire Lord Azula," Ozai said in a low voice. "Keep your pets on a tight leash." And with that, Ozai turned and walked away. Azula looked up and watched as her father boarded the ship without even saying goodbye.
Soren loosened the grip on his sword, staring down at his hand as it trembled, his anger still fresh. How dare that man… how dare he treat his princess that way… The Crownguard looked up to see Azula rise. She stood there a moment, silent, as they watched the royal barge leave the port. Ozai stood on the upper deck, turned towards the sea, not bothering to look back.
Finally, Azula turned around, and Claudia and Soren watched as she slowly made her way down the stairs. She was expressionless, her eyes downcast. Soren blinked with concern as the princess stopped in front of them.
"Well, it seems that we're not going to Ba Sing Se after all…" Azula spoke, her voice wavering ever so slightly as she avoided eye contact with the siblings. "Father has passed on the title of Fire Lord to me. I'll need to be properly coronated." She took Soren's hand and began to lead him to her palanquin. "Come, we have work to do."
Claudia watched as Azula took Soren, and for barely a second the two girls looked each other in the eyes. The sorceress was not sure what she saw in that moment. Anger, sadness, bitter scorn, perhaps all of it. Whatever the case, it seemed that Claudia would get to keep her brother around a little longer.
Azula pulled Soren into her palanquin as Claudia went to board the other, and they were carried on the long road back to the palace. Soren sat next to Azula, holding her hand in his. Not a word was said, and no matter how long Soren gazed at the princess, she could only cast her own gaze down and to the side. She could not speak, could not look at him for fear of revealing how she felt, the emotions threatening to erupt from within her.
Soren felt Azula squeeze his hand, as tightly as she could, her nails digging into his skin, and she let out a small sniffle. From her pocket she pulled out a white handkerchief and wiped the corner of her eyes before quickly putting it away. Soren squeezed her hand back and shifted closer, ever so slightly pulling Azula towards him, trying to let her know he was there for her.
They returned to the palace by sunset, and dinner was prepared for the three of them, set out on the dining table where they had shared their first meal all those months ago.
"I'll be in the treasure room," Claudia said as she picked up her tray. It had become quite common for the sorceress to eat all her meals there as she worked. "Let me know if you need anything."
Soren gave a meek wave goodbye as he sat down with Azula. The princess did not even acknowledge Claudia as she picked up her chopsticks and began to eat her noodles. Soren blew the steam off of his bowl and joined her.
"Sooo, you're gonna be Fire Lord now," Soren said optimistically. "That's great, right? I always thought you'd be a great queen."
Azula swallowed her food and paused a moment before forcing a smile. "Yes… yes, it is great," She began to say, her spirit seeming to lift. "And I will make a great ruler. I'll show my father what an excellent choice it was to leave the Fire Nation in my care. I'll show everyone…"
As she spoke, Azula turned her gaze to Soren, but her expression was unnerving, an unnatural smile with wide eyes. There was a hint of desperation in her voice too. Soren forced himself to smile back, to play along. They both knew there was something wrong, but they had to pretend. They had to make the best of things.
Azula and Soren finished their dinner and exited the dining hall. Soren stretched and patted his stomach.
"I need to get Barius to learn how to make mochi," Soren said idly as he and the princess walked down the hall. "I mean, you know, when we visit Katolis…" He noticed that they had come to Azula's bedroom door. She opened it and began to enter. Soren attempted to follow her in, but Azula held up a hand.
"I'm feeling a little sleepy from that big dinner, Sore-bear." The princess said. Indeed, Soren could see how tired her eyes looked. "I think I'd like to just get some rest now. I'm to be coronated on the passing of Sozin's Comet. The next couple of days are going to be busy, and I need my energy."
"Oh, okay…" Soren responded, disappointed. "Goodnight, Princess…"
"Goodnight…" Azula gave her boyfriend a peck on the lips before slowly closing the door. Soren thought he caught a glimpse of her frowning sadly, but the metal door was already closed. The loyal knight let out a sigh as he walked away, unsure of what would happen now. Perhaps he should have gone to see how Claudia was doing.
Inside Azula's bedroom, the princess changed out of her armor, donned her nightgown, and removed her makeup. The day had not gone how she had expected, not at all, but she would be Fire Lord. She deserved to be Fire Lord. The title was more than just a birthright, she had earned it, through loyalty and strength of victory. The highest acknowledgement she could ever hope to achieve… and yet, it felt so hollow.
Her father had not given her the title because she earned it. He had simply discarded it and she was next in line to pick it up. It did not matter though, Azula would still perform her royal duty with pride and prove as she always did just how capable she was. For now, though, she needed rest. She needed to recover…
"…zu…"
The voice was quiet and ethereal. It echoed through the tall bookcases. Dim light poured in through an unseen window high above. Azula scanned left and right, but there was nothing but shelves, all identical. She quickened her pace, trying to find anything to get her bearings, but there were only rows upon rows of books, and infinite library.
Azula found herself running, and stopped to catch her breath. Was she afraid? Afraid of being lost? No, she would keep herself together, but she was lost… suddenly, she heard a second set of footsteps from behind. Azula wheeled around, but only caught a glimpse of a small figure darting behind a bookcase. Azula chased after it, but the figure was already gone. Azula squinted irritably as childish laughter echoed around her. She would not be mocked.
The princess kept her eyes and ears open, and followed the sound of footsteps as best as she could. She would catch whoever was playing this hide and seek game, and she would get her answers. Azula saw the figure make another turn, and she darted after. Turn after turn, Azula chased the mystery child through the bookcases. Sweat dripped from her brow, but she would not give up. She was fast too, after all.
Finally, just as Azula reached out to snatch the child's arm, a light blinded her. Without realizing it, she had chased the child through a doorway and outside the infinite library. Azula raised her hand to shield her face, and as her eyes adjusted, she could see what was in front of her. The princess found herself outside, standing on firm, green grass in a clearing. Tall, straight evergreen trees surrounded her, and an even taller range of mountains could be seen in the distance.
And there before Azula stood a woman, with long, dark brown hair tied in a top knot, wearing a long red robe. Her back was to Azula as she gazed out at the vast landscape before her.
"…ren…"
Azula strained to hear what was said, the woman's voice a whisper. She was caught by surprise as the child ran past her. It was a young boy with straight, sandy hair. He ran up to the woman, who only gave the slightest turn to look down him. Azula watched as the boy hugged the woman's leg, grasping at her robe. Azula thought she heard the woman let out a chuckle as she bent down. She brushed the boy's hair, and kissed his forehead.
"…mom…"
The princess felt her heart lurch, suddenly filled with longing and anger at the sight before her. Something she would never have. Azula did not need such sentiment though, she was stronger than that. It would have only made her weak and foolish, like so many of those she had crushed beneath her heel… and yet… why…
The boy wrapped his arms around his mother, and she lifted him up, holding him close and secure. "…love you…" He whispered. Azula could now get a better look at the child's face. His complexion was fair, his face cherubic, like the sweetest little angel, but what hit Azula the hardest was his eyes. The boy slowly opened them, and two shimmering amber orbs stared back at the princess, piercing into her soul.
For the entire day, the palace was abuzz and preparations were made for Azula's coronation and the victory celebration for Phoenix King Ozai. Among this was moving Azula's possessions to the Fire Lord's chambers. Soren was munching on an apple as he dodged a servant running past him.
"I guess no one else knew about the coronation either…" Soren said to himself as he entered the treasure room. He could see Claudia sitting at a table, tinkering with something. The great, round mirror was at the back wall, stained with failed potions. Scrolls, books, vials and beakers were strewn about. The air was musty with the smell of burnt animal hair. "Clauds…?"
The sorceress turned to face her brother, and Soren gave a yelp as he hopped back. Claudia's makeup was smeared, and she had bags under her eyes. "Who's there?!" She shouted as she brandished a lizard tail. She saw it was Soren and let out a sigh. "Uhg, Soren. Knock first." She frowned and went back to her work.
"What's got you so jumpy?" Soren asked as he approached, taking one last bite of his apple. "Did you even sleep last night?"
"No, I can't sleep or else they will come." Claudia replied, her eye twitching.
"Who's they?"
"The ones in the shadows," Claudia whispered. "I know they're there. They sneak in when I'm out, or when I'm asleep. They touch my things," Her eyes darted back and forth. "They mess with my spells. They're the reason why I can't fix the mirror. They want us stuck here…"
"Claudia, I think you should rest…" Soren said as he placed his apple core down on the table. "You're sounding crazy…"
"I am not crazy, Soren!" Claudia shouted as she stood to her feet and faced him. "All my formulas, all my calculations should be adding up and they aren't. Someone is keeping me from getting us home!"
Soren took a step back out of fear. He had never seen his sister act like this before. "Calm down sis! Just take a deep breath. You're just stressed, I get it. Why don't we go have some tea with Azula? I think we all could use a little break."
"I don't want tea with Azula," Claudia growled as she sat back down. She took a scalpel and began to bisect the lizard tail. "I don't want to be stuck in the Fire Nation any more. Did you not hear her yesterday? Burn everything to the ground? Is that what your little trip together was going to be about?"
Soren blinked as he remembered yesterday. He had heard Azula say those words, but in the heat of the moment, he had been caught up in his anger. "I… you don't know what she meant, Claudia."
"I can make an educated guess it was probably something bad," Claudia replied as she glared at Soren. "If Fire Lord Ozai can scar and banish his own son, I hate to see what he's going to do to his enemies when the comet arrives."
Soren did not know how to respond to that. His sister's logic was on point, but he would remain steadfast. "Well, I still believe in Azula," He replied after a moment. "I guess I'll go hang out with her then."
"Whatever," Claudia grumbled. "When the portal is fixed, we're leaving, no questions." She poured a green powder over the bisected lizard tail and observed as it bubbled. Soren glared back at her a moment, but he could not completely dismiss her words. Soren left the treasure room, and the siblings did not see each other again for the rest of the day. Tomorrow was the coronation, and Soren would be there to support his princess, soon to be Fire Lord, as best as he could.
The day of the coronation had come. Azula had been keeping herself busy with the preparations, much like the day before while Claudia still slaved over her spells, leaving Soren with little else to do other than wandering the palace as he had done so often in the early days of his stay.
He rounded a corner of the hall leading to the spa when a servant girl exited it. The girl hung her head in shame, avoiding eye contact with Soren as she passed him. Soren heard her let out a sniffle and a sob before going out of sight. Soren cocked his head curiously before entering the spa. There he found Azula, dressed in a robe with her hair down, being tended to by other female servants. She was seated in an ornate wooden chair with a large bowl of cherries on the floor next to her, her feet being scrubbed, her hair being combed, and her nails being filed.
"Ah, Soren, just who I wanted to see," Azula said softly with a smile. "I had to banish a servant for leaving a pit in my cherry."
"A… pit?" Soren asked, and it was easy for even him to figure out why that girl was crying. "That's… harsh."
"I can't be too careful, Soren," Azula responded sternly. "You don't want to risk me choking, do you? I can't tolerate any mistakes, nor take risks on the day of my coronation. I don't need to tell you how many enemies I have that would try to end me."
"I guess that's right…" Soren frowned, rubbing his neck uneasily. "You've got me to protect you though, babe."
"Do not call me babe in front of the servants" Azula snapped, making everyone flinch. "It's Princess, understood? I want you by my side at all times, understood? You've been slacking off as a Crownguard lately, and I need you to start acting like one."
"U-Understood, Princess Azula!" Soren said as he stood at attention. Azula smirked at him, and motioned to the bowl of cherries.
"That's better," She said. "Now, feed me, and be sure to check for pits."
Soren nodded, picking up the cherry bowl. He dutifully made sure each one was pit free before popping them into his girlfriend's mouth as she had her hair combed and feet scrubbed. At least she was acting like her old self again…
Claudia grimaced as she felt her stomach growl painfully. She had missed breakfast, and it was already past lunch time. Maybe she did need a break, or at least a snack to give her a boost. The sorceress stood up, stretched, and exited the treasure room to head for the palace kitchen. Perhaps she had been too hard on Soren, but he would come around eventually.
Claudia came to the main hallway leading to the throne room when she spotted a group of men, all wearing a green uniform with conical hats. They were in two lines led by one as they entered the throne room through the curtain. Claudia hid behind a thick pillar and watched them closely. When they were all inside, the sorceress snuck in behind them. What she saw gave her chills. At the throne sat Azula, surrounded by blue flames that cast an eerie glow throughout the area, and standing before her was Soren, donned in his armor and Fire Nation tabard, his sword propped in front of him like a cane, standing guard.
"You sent for us, Princess?" The leader asked as he and the others kneeled down. "Is everything all right?"
"Actually, everything's not all right," Azula replied scornfully. "Do you know how long it took you to get here?"
"Uh, a few minutes, I guess?" He answered, unsure.
"Five, to be precise," Azula corrected him. "In which time an assassin could have snuck in, done away with me, and been on his merry way."
Soren frowned and briefly glanced back at his princess. She had never worried about assassins, mostly because she could have fought one off easily.
"My apologies, Princess." The man said.
"Is this how you plan to treat your new Fire Lord?" Azula asked with a scowl. "With tardiness and disloyalty?"
"The Dai Li would never betray you." The leader replied defiantly.
"Dai Li?" Claudia whispered to herself from behind the pillar. Azula had mentioned them before in her retellings, but never said that she brought them back to the Fire Nation.
"And I'm sure that's just what you told Long Feng before you turned against him and joined me." Azula countered. There was a tense pause. Soren kept his posture, but this whole thing made him uncomfortable. A lot of things were making him uncomfortable lately.
"You're all banished!" Azula finally said, much to everyone's shock.
"But-" The Dai Li leader tried to say.
"Good-byyyyye." Azula interrupted flippantly. The Dai Li were stunned and confused. The leader gave Azula one last glare before getting up and walking back to the exit, followed by the others. "Please send in the next group on your way out." Azula added.
Claudia ducked back behind the pillar, and thought one of the Dai Li had spotted her. It did not seem to matter anymore though. Once they had all gone, Claudia quickly left behind them and let out a sigh. She just wanted some fruit tarts right now, and wasted no time getting to the kitchen.
"You had Dai Li here?" Soren asked Azula. "What for?"
"They were going to protect me during the Day of Black Sun," Azula answered. "But then I met you, so I had them protect the palace instead, among other things."
"Was getting rid of them a good idea?" Soren asked skeptically, earning him a nasty look from Azula. "I'm just saying, if they weren't loyal before, they're definitely not gonna be loyal now."
"Better I not take chances," Azula replied grimly. "I'll get rid of them before they could get close enough to betray me…"
Claudia chewed her pork dumpling vigorously as she walked back to the treasure room, a wooden box full of fruit tarts in her other hand. The siblings had taught the chef how to make their favorite Katolian desert, and while not quite as light and crispy as Barius', they were still delicious. Claudia had not realized just how hungry she was. It felt good to eat again. She entered into the room, but nearly dropped her food when she saw a man, the leader of the Dai Li, standing in front of her table, hands behind his back.
"Hello, Claudia," He said cryptically. "It's nice to meet you, face to face."
Claudia swallowed the rest of her dumpling and glared at the man. "You're one of the Dai Li. I thought you were supposed to be banished."
"We are," The agent answered softly. "But I thought I'd give you a little parting gift before I left." He took out from his sleeve a small, glass bottle filled with a dark, powdery substance. "This is the ashes of a wolfbat's wing. I think you'll find it quite helpful."
"I… I already tested wolfbat wing ashes…"
"No, you tested glider-snail membrane," The agent replied. "Easy to get the two mixed up. That's why I swapped them."
Claudia's eye went wide. "You're… you're the one who's been sabotaging me…" She reached into her satchel and pulled out her primal stone, gritting her teeth and she glared furiously at the Dai Li. "Why?!"
"Only following orders," The Dai Li said calmly. "We were told to, shall we say, delay your research, and it seems we did a good job."
"Whose orders?"
"Who do you think?" The agent asked smugly as he stepped past Claudia. "She thought we would betray her. Well, now we're giving her a real reason to banish us. Good luck with your spell." And with that, the Dai Li exited the room, never to return.
Claudia stood there in stunned silence, the primal stone in her hand crackling with energy. She bowed her head as it all sank in. The anger came slowly, rising from the pit of her stomach to spread through the rest of her being like a wildfire. How could she have been so naïve… enough was enough.
Soren watched as the royal guards were banished. That was worrisome. Even as powerful as Azula was, even as loyal as he was, the palace was severely lacking in security. It had been like this all afternoon. Group by group, Azula banished almost everyone from the palace. He wanted to say something, but Azula always brought up good points on why these people could not be trusted. Still, things were going too far. Maybe once the coronation was over, Azula would get better and they could unbanish everyone.
The princess leaned lethargically against one of the throne's posts, heavy shadows under her eyes. The more people she interviewed the more she came to realize how untrustworthy everyone was. How, at a moment's notice, they could all just turn on her. Things used to be so much simpler, when fear was enough to ensure obedience. Azula was tired, and stress was taking its toll. Soren was the only person she could really depend on. The princess and her Crownguard looked up when they heard footsteps. Lo and Li had entered the throne room.
"Azula, we heard what happened," Lo said.
"Why have you banished all your servants?" Li asked.
"All your Dai Li agents?"
"And the Imperial Firebenders?"
"None of them could be trusted," Azula responded from her spot, lounging casually with her arm propped on her knee. "Sooner or later they all would have betrayed me. Just like Mai and Ty Lee did…"
Soren looked back to see Azula's eyes narrow painfully, and it made his heart ache. He should have known she was still hurt…
"Azula, we are concerned for you and your well-being." Lo and Li said in unison. That earned them a glare from the princess.
"My father asked you to come here and talk to me, didn't he?" Azula asked as she stood up, turning her back to them. "He thinks I can't handle the responsibility of being Fire Lord, but I will be the greatest leader in Fire Nation History…"
"I'm sure you will," Lo responded. "But considering everything that's happened today…"
"Perhaps it's best if you postpone your coronation." Li finished. Soren winced.
"What?!" Azula turned on them. "Which one of you just said that?" Lo and Li each pointed at the other, bemusing the princess. "What a shame. There's only one way to resolve this. You two must duel each other." She leaned forward menacingly. "I order you to fight an Agni Kai!"
"But… we're not firebenders." The two old advisors said.
"All right, fine," Azula replied apathetically and pointed to Li. "Lo, you're banished," She said. "Li, you can stay."
Soren raised an eyebrow as he glanced between Azula and the old women, feeling just a tad confused. Lo and Li just looked at each other and shrugged before shuffling off. Azula sat back down and let out a sigh.
"Princess, I don't think your dad asked them to check on you," Soren said softly, trying not to incur her wrath. "I don't think your dad-"
"And what would you know of my father, Soren?" Azula asked spitefully. "You think I haven't noticed how disrespectful you act toward him? You should be grateful he allowed you, an alien, into our home."
"I…" Soren took a moment, and looked Azula in the eye. He did not flinch away though; he stood his ground as he faced Azula. "I don't like the way he treated you." Azula blinked in surprise, his words making her heart skip. Soren clenched his fist, thinking hard, trying to remember something. "He didn't have to yell at you, you're his daughter, he should have told you…"
"Azula!"
Soren and Azula turned their attention to the entrance. In walked Claudia, carrying her satchel, an intense fury in her eyes as she marched towards the throne.
"What is it?" Azula asked angrily. "How dare you come barging in here without permission."
"I came here to thank you actually," Claudia replied with unmasked sarcasm. "I want to thank you for banishing the Dai Li. They were so grateful for getting kicked out that they gave me the right ingredient I needed. Now I can fix the mirror."
"Wait, what?" Soren asked. Azula grit her teeth.
"Yes Soren," Claudia continued, her voice rising with every word. "See, the Dai Li were the ones messing with all my ingredients, because Azula ordered them to, so we would be stuck here!" Claudia bared her teeth as she stopped beside her brother. "I could have gotten us home a month ago! Isn't that right, Princes?"
Soren gasped, his mouth hanging wide open as he slowly turned back to look at the princess. "Azula…?"
Azula hung her head, silent for a long moment, before finally speaking. "…yes…"
"But… why?"
"…because why else?" Azula replied as she looked up at the siblings with a smirk. "I wanted control of you two. You were strong and powerful, and I wanted strong, powerful allies. I got you on my side, like any good ruler would." The princess let out a chuckle, causing Claudia to growl in anger. "I wasn't about to just let you leave whenever you wanted, but I did need to win you over, so I played the part of a generous host and befriended you."
"That… that's not true…" Soren whispered in disbelief.
"Oh, but it is, Sore-bear," Azula said mockingly. "I was using you from the very beginning. Do you really believe that I, Princess Azula of the Fire Nation, would ever fall for some stupid boy from a primitive kingdom?"
"You're lying!" Soren shouted.
"Don't act dumb!" Azula shouted back, the blue flames around her rising. "You're the one who's been lying! The both of you, all this time!"
"What are you talking about?" Claudia asked incredulously. "We've been nothing but honest with you."
"Quiet, witch!" Azula waved her hand and a plume of flame shot out over Claudia. Soren shouted and shielded his sister. Claudia ducked and took her primal stone out. She would let herself be pushed around by Azula any longer.
"Aspiro!" Claudia shouted as she stepped to the side and drew the sigil in the air. Soren had only a second to react before his sister sent a whirlwind in Azula's direction. Azula shielded her face with her arm as her blue flames were blown out, leaving the throne room in darkness.
Soren looked around, trying to see in the dimmed throne room. Suddenly, her heard a crackling, and looked up to see a blue light coming from the throne as Azula waved her hands, lightning trailing from her fingertips.
"Fulminus."
Soren looked behind him to see Claudia holding a ball of electricity in her other hand. Both girls stared each other down, ready to strike. Soren had to do something.
"Both you of stop!" Soren shouted as he moved between them.
"Why, afraid I'll fry your sister?" Azula asked mockingly, almost spitefully.
"Try it," Claudia retorted. "Try and burn me to the ground like you were going to do to an entire continent. You think I wasn't prepared for your lightning? See what happens when you shoot it at my primal stone, it should be fascinating."
"Enough!" Soren shouted once more. "No one is shooting any lightning at anyone!"
Azula paused, and she slowly dropped her arms. Taking in a deep breath, the princess exhaled and the flames around her reignited. "Nothing has changed, has it?" Azula asked coldly. "Still protecting your little sister from the evil monster, aren't you? I know exactly why you two came through the mirror in the first place, to trick me into trusting you, and once my guard was down, you'd overthrow me. Well sorry, but I was one step ahead of you, Katolian."
"Azula, I don't understand," Soren pleaded. "What are you talking about? We came through by accident. We never knew anything about the Fire Nation or this world."
"Still pretending to be ignorant? You think me for a fool?" Azula responded haughtily. "Fine, then why don't I refresh your memory. It all happened eight years ago…"
Author's Note:
Finally getting to write more juicy stuff after what's felt like filler, and next chapter we get to see what really happened. I'm currently off from work thanks to the pandemic, so I'm trying to make the most of my time and get more writing done. I referred to the junior novelization of Sozin's Comet a lot to get into Azula's head and emotional state, and I'll do the same for the rest of the finale parts.
I hope that I was able to really drive the emotional impact here that I've been trying to build up to, and that this didn't feel too rushed or out of character. I considered doing a full blown fight between Azula and Claudia, but the chapter was going on long enough and I think it would be unnecessary. In any case, please let me know your thoughts, and hopefully I'll get the next chapter out sooner than later.