The Revelation
"It all happened eight years ago," Azula began to explain. "When I was a child, I stumbled through that mirror and into Katolis."
"You…you what?" Soren asked, stunned.
"And while I was there, I met you, Soren," The princess turned her gaze to the boy, and the two locked eyes. "We became… friends… and I used to come see you any chance I could. You gave me this." Azula took a white handkerchief out from her pocket and threw it to Soren. He caught it, unfolded it, and examined the little black "S" embroidered at the corner.
"This is mine…" Soren whispered as he recognized the piece of cloth. "I…" Soren's eyes slowly widened as his mind was refilled.
"Soren?" Claudia asked with concern as she reached out for her brother. Soren began to clutch his head, his breath quickening as, all at once, the memories of the past came rushing back to him. The library, the mirror, the games of pretend and hide-and-seek, all came spilling out as if from an unlocked door deep within his mind.
"I remember!" He looked to Claudia, his face a portrait of shock and disbelief. "Azula came to Katolis. We tried to keep the mirror portal a secret."
"Which didn't last long," Azula interjected coldly as she sat back down. "Children are terrible at keeping secrets. Our parents found out and it caused quite the commotion at first, but it all worked out, or at least it should have…"
"What happened?" Claudia asked apprehensively. This was a lot for her to take in.
"Our fathers proposed diplomacy," Azula answered. "My family would come visit Katolis as an act of good will. Do you remember that?"
"I…" Claudia began to say, and slowly her mind was opened, just like Soren's. She remembered meeting Azula and Zuko's mother, Ursa, and showing off the spell she had learned. "I do remember…" Memories that had become lost and severed from the rest of her consciousness were now being reconnected.
"But do either of you remember everything?" Azula asked scornfully. "Do you remember what happened when your family were guests here in my home?"
Soren and Claudia both looked at each other in confusion. "…something bad happened…" Soren said quietly. He knew that much.
"And the mirror broke…" Claudia responded. "I thought we broke it by accident when we were playing as kids, but… that's not what really happened, is it?"
"Very astute," Azula said with ample sarcasm. "But let me tell you exactly what happened…"
7 years ago…in the kingdom of Katolis…
"Are you two ready?" Viren asked as he straightened little Claudia's hair. "This is a very important diplomatic mission, and you two need to be on your best behavior."
"We will, dad." Soren said as he tugged at his vest's clasp.
"I mean it, Soren," Viren responded as he slung a satchel over his shoulder. "No rough housing, no running indoors, and no explosions." He gave Claudia a hard look, but the little girl just grinned back innocently. "These firebenders are strict people with little tolerance for those who get out of line. Probably a necessity for a country full of human torches."
The three of them stood in Viren's study, on the top level of the second tower of the castle. Before them was the tall mirror which led to the Fire Nation. Two Crownguards stood at the ready on either side. There was a knock at the door, and Viren turned to see King Harrow enter.
"Viren, I'm glad I caught you," Harrow said with a smile. "Just wanted to wish you luck."
"Ah, your majesty," Viren gave a polite bow to the king. "Thank you. If all goes well, we can establish an alliance. I believe that the Fire Nation could provide Katolis with valuable knowledge, among other things."
"Indeed," Harrow nodded. "Just remember to be charming. An alliance can't be formed through trading valuables alone."
"With all due respect, King Harrow," Viren said. "I don't think the Fire Nation royalty is quite as warm as our neighbors, as ironic as that sounds."
As the two adults talked, Soren let out a sigh and shifted from foot to foot impatiently. "Come on, I wanted to see Azula already…"
"Oooh, someone's got a crush!" Claudia teased and prodded Soren's cheek.
"No, I don't," Soren batted her finger away, and his little sister made kissy faces at him. "She's just really cool and fun, that's all."
"That's exactly what someone with a crush would say." Claudia giggled. Soren just rolled his eyes.
"Alright, enough dawdling," Viren said as he ushered his children to the mirror. "We don't want to keep our hosts waiting." The three of them faced the mirror, took a breath, and stepped through the glass.
"Good luck." Harrow said with a wave and a smile as they disappeared. "Amazing, such a wonder…" The mirror truly was remarkable. "If only you were here to see it, Sarai…"
Viren, Soren, and Claudia felt a cold chill pass over them, and then found themselves face to face with Prince Ozai in the Royal Palace's treasure room. Ursa stood behind him, and by her side was Zuko and Azula. Ozai smirked at Viren and gestured openly.
"Lord Viren," Ozai welcomed them. "Welcome to the Fire Nation."
"We're glad to have you," Ursa said warmly. "Please, make yourselves comfortable."
"Good to see you again, Prince Ozai, Princess Ursa." Viren replied. "I hope this day finds you well."
"It has," Ozai replied, and noticed the two children. "I see you brought your… offspring."
"Well, you did bring yours, so I thought it only fair," Viren said as he stepped forward, his silver staff tapping on the floor. "A gesture of good faith."
Ozai and Viren shook hands. Soren peered over at Azula, and the two children smiled at one another with the faintest of blushes. Zuko, meanwhile looked bored and restless as his mother rested her hand on his shoulder.
"My father, Fire Lord Azulon, should be ready to see you soon," Ozai said as he motioned for Viren to follow him. "I'll show you to the throne room."
The group left the treasure room and proceeded down the hallways. Viren eyed the walls closely, noting the tapestries of some past Fire Lords and the architecture.
"Fascinating," The archmage whispered. "I'd almost say this place looked elvish."
"You've mentioned those before," Ozai responded. "What exactly are they?"
"A race of magical beings, and the enemies of humanity," Viren answered grimly. "I'm hoping our potential alliance can aid in Katolis' defense against them…"
The group and the accompanying guards came to a halt in front of a doorway covered by a curtain with the Fire Nation sigil. In front of it stood two men talking to each other, both dressed in black armor, one a portly fellow with a hairy face and balding head, the other a young man. Zuko's eyes lit up when he saw them.
"Uncle!" Zuko exclaimed with a bright smile. "Lu Ten!"
"Nephew!" General Iroh said jovially as he greeted Zuko. "Hello everyone. Lu Ten and I just got back from our last excursion, and we heard about our new guests."
"General Iroh, Lu Ten, it's lovely to see you back safely." Ursa said with a smile and a slight bow.
"It's nice to see you too, Aunt Ursa," Lu Ten replied and bowed back. He knelt down next to Zuko and smirked as he measured his height. "You've gotten taller, little cousin."
"Uncle…" Azula sneered. Soren quirked an eyebrow.
"The old guy is your uncle?" Soren asked. "Who's the other one?"
"My cousin, Lu Ten," Azula answered. "Lu Ten's okay, but Uncle is just a kook, no matter what anyone tells you."
"Viren, this is my brother, Iroh," Ozai grumbled begrudgingly. "Crown Prince of the Fire Nation and a top general… Iroh, this is Lord Viren from Katolis. He and I have been corresponding to broker an alliance."
"It's a pleasure, General Iroh." Viren said with a bow, which made Iroh chuckle.
"Please, no need to be so formal with me," Iroh said and gave a bow back. "So, you're one of the people beyond the mirror?" The general eyed Viren up and down, noting severe height difference between them. "Very interesting, I've traveled all over this World, and I can't say I've ever seen someone like you."
"Ah, thank you?" Viren said, feeling slightly embarrassed.
"Hello Azula," Lu Ten said as turned to his younger cousin. "Who are these two?"
"Hello, cousin Lu Ten," Azula responded with a polite little bow. "These are Soren and Claudia."
"I'm glad to see you making new friends," Lu Ten smiled warmly. "Don't let her get you into any trouble now." He grinned and chuckled at Soren and Claudia as he stood back up.
"Prince Ozai," A guard came out from the throne room, parting the curtain. "Fire Lord Azulon will see you now."
Claudia stared at the doorway and immediately felt an ominous foreboding, clutching her father's leg. He gently patted her head.
"It'll be alright," Viren said. "Soren will look after you while I'm busy." He smiled at his daughter, and Claudia nodded before taking Soren's hand in hers. The guards parted the curtain, and Ozai led Viren into the throne room, a glimpse of red fire glowing from within.
"Come on Claudia," Soren said as the rest of them followed the two inside. "Dad's got this."
All of them entered into the Fire Lord's throne room. At the back sat a reedy old man, with long white hair and mustache, dressed in regal red robes with a golden crown pin in his hair. He clasped his hands in front of him and glared with unkind eyes.
"Father," Ozai said and took a knee. Everyone else followed suit, bowing and kneeling to the floor. "May I present to you the Archmage Lord Viren of Katolis." The prince gestured, and Viren stepped forward, clearing his throat.
"Fire Lord Azulon," Viren began. "It is an honor to be in your presence and your guest." He looked to see Azulon's expression remained static. The Fire Lord let out a grunt of acknowledgement.
"As it should be," Azulon replied, his voice cold and raspy. "No citizen of another nation or kingdom has had such an honor for almost a century."
"Then I am doubly honored." Viren added.
"I did not allow you into my presence for mere flatteries," Azulon said curtly. "Prince Ozai tells me that Katolis can offer the Fire Nation great power, but I have yet to find a weapon more powerful than the raw rage of fire." The flames around Azulon grew. Soren and Claudia shrunk back in fear, but Zuko and Azula were more hardened.
"Yes, I've been very impressed by the firebending I've seen," Viren said as he reached into the satchel he brought with him. "And I have no doubt that it will win you the war you're waging, but you can always win it faster, more efficiently, with fewer losses." Viren pulled out a glass ball from his satchel. Azulon squinted his eyes as he observed the small storm trapped inside.
"With this bauble?" Azulon asked.
"Yes, with this Primal Stone, containing the power of the sky and storm," Viren replied. "We humans in Xadia lack the natural talents for controlling the elements, but we do have ways."
Viren turned to the side to let the rest of his audience see as he drew a glowing sigil on thin air with his staff. The Royals gazed in wonder, while Claudia and Soren just smiled proudly at their father.
"Aspiro…frigis…" The mage took a deep breath, and blew out slowly. A cold wind wafted through the throne room, and to everyone's astonishment, snowflakes began to form in the air, falling around them. Iroh and Lu Ten laughed as snow got caught in their hair and beards, and Zuko let one flake land on his tongue. Even Azulon's eyes widened when some cold white powder drifted towards him, but it quickly evaporated in his fire.
"You can control the other elements." Azulon observed.
"And with Dark Magic, we can do much more…" Viren placed the primal stone back into his satchel, and then pulled out a red candle. The mage pinched the wick, and a small spark from his fingers lit it. Reaching into his satchel once more, Viren took out a small vial. He popped the cork off and carefully sprinkled its contents onto the candle flame, turning it from orange to purple. "Niaga esir, nellaf fo hsa."
The audience watched carefully as Viren blew out the candle, his eye glowing purple before turning black. Dark smoke billowed forth, and they gasped as the smoke took shape into a large, hulking creature, a banther, its eyes and mouth glowing as it growled. The smoke monster lumbered towards the Fire Lord, each step it took shaking the ground.
Azula felt her pulse quicken at the sight of it, and she instinctively reached out to grab someone's hand. The princess thought she had taken Soren's, but instead found her mother's. Ursa squeezed her daughter's hand reassuringly, and for once, Azula was actually glad to have her there.
Azulon continued to keep his composure. At first, he thought the creature to be just an illusion, but he could not deny the small quakes felt as it walked, nor the sound of its claws as they scraped the floor. The smoke banther reared up and roared, and everyone could feel the sound reverberate in their chests, before Viren waved his hand and the creature dissipated.
"Hmm… you have my attention, Lord Viren," Azulon said as he placed his hands at his knees. "But I doubt you would give us this power freely. What do you want in return?"
Viren could not help smirking. "Fire Lord Azulon, what I want is your technology," The mage answered. "In exchange for teaching the Fire Nation magic, all we request in return are instructions on how to build the advanced machinery you currently possess. That way, we will both have one more advantage over our enemies."
The Fire Lord steepled his fingers, contemplating Viren's offer. Azulon had known only war for his entire life, a war lasting for nearly a century. The comet was only seven years away, but it would only strengthen their firebenders for less than a day. This dark magic could be the key to securing the Fire Nation's supremacy, permanently.
"Your magic is really that powerful?" Azulon asked.
"Indeed, so powerful that we humans became a threat to even the dragons when we learned Dark Magic," Viren answered. "With the creatures you have in this world, combined with human ingenuity, the possibilities are near limitless."
Ozai stared intently between his father and Viren. If they could make this agreement happen, that would further increase his clout in the royal court, and bring him one step closer to his true goal. Prince Ozai would be seen as the arbiter of a new age of magic for the Fire Nation.
Azulon thought for a long moment before coming to a decision. "I would not waste an opportunity to strengthen the Fire Nation," The Fire Lord said. "Sending some schematics to Katolis is a paltry price, and you are no threat behind the mirror."
"Then, do we have an agreement, your majesty?" Viren asked apprehensively.
"What you have is my permission to conduct business," Azulon answered. "I will let Prince Ozai handle the details. You are dismissed."
Viren and Ozai both let out a sigh of relief. It seemed they had managed to get through to the notoriously hard-to-impress Fire Lord. They all stood and bowed before Azulon before exiting the throne room, back into the more welcoming light.
"That could have gone better." Viren said as he wiped his brow.
"Believe me, it couldn't." Ozai replied. "But it was a success, and that's what matters."
"Now that that's out of the way, why don't we treat our guests to some royal Fire Nation cuisine?" Iroh suggested. "If we're going to be allies, we should do a cultural exchange. Tell me Lord Viren, what is Katolian tea like?"
In just a short amount of time, Viren and his children found themselves inside a large dining hall. There was a long table where the adults sat, and a smaller one which the kids were sent to. Viren kept his staff under the table as he got himself comfortable on the floor mat.
"I see that Fire Lord Azulon isn't joining us," Viren observed. "Is he alright?"
"Grandfather likes to dine alone," Lu Ten replied. "Don't worry, he hasn't had a meal with us in years, it's nothing personal."
Utensils were laid out for everyone, including a flat-bottomed soup spoon and a pair of chopsticks. Viren had encountered such tools in his travels to other kingdoms, but they were uncommon in Katolis.
"How am I supposed to use these?" Soren whispered to Azula as he fumbled with his chopsticks.
"You just hold them between your fingers like this." Azula demonstrated expertly. It did little to help, but Soren did his best. He could always just shovel the food into the spoon.
"What do you use to eat with?" Zuko asked.
"We use forks," Claudia answered. "They're like little tridents you stab your food with. The adults get to eat with knives too."
"Really?" Zuko asked. "Our chefs cut all our food for us here."
Steaming bowls, plates, and baskets of food were set out before the guests. The Katolians carefully tasted the strange, new dishes, marveling at the flavor and spice.
"Prince Ozai, you haven't forgotten our other agreement, right?" Viren asked softly and sipped some jasmine tea.
"Consider it a condition of our alliance," Ozai whispered back. "Azula will be your first exchange student… and you can conduct your experiment…"
Azula's ears perked at the sound of her name. Her father and Soren's father were talking about her, but what did they mean by experiment?
"And does the Fire Lord know of this condition?" Viren asked.
"My father cares little for such details," Ozai replied. "But I advise you to keep such matters confidential."
More courses were served until they reached dessert. Soren had been hoping for ice cream, but the egg tarts were quite delicious in their own right. Azula nudged him in the ribs once they cleaned their plates.
"Hey, the grownups are all talking about boring stuff," The little princess whispered. "Let's go have some real fun!"
Soren and Claudia both grinned and nodded to Azula. Zuko just frowned disapprovingly at his sister.
"You're up to something." The prince said, but Azula just grabbed him by the hand.
"Just come on, Zuzu."
While the adults were all busy with their discussions of wars and magic and dragons, the four children slipped out the door. The guards knew not to bother Azula so long as she did not go where she was not allowed. This time, she was taking her friends to the throne room, now empty and dim. They went through the curtain and looked around the area.
"This place is still spooky…" Soren said uncomfortably. "It's nothing like back home. King Harrow sits on a big, comfy chair."
"It's not that comfy." Claudia chimed in, having sat in it once before when no one was looking.
"I bet it doesn't have a big wall of fire." Zuko said.
"That way no one can sneak up on you and stab you in the back!" Azula commented with a devilish grin. "We think of everything here."
"Hmm, it's really hard to see," Claudia squinted, and an idea popped into her head. She tapped her nose and reached into her pocket.
"What'cha got, Clauds?" Soren asked.
"Dad taught me a new spell that's perfect for this… here it is!" Claudia pulled out a little glass bottle emanating a tiny orange glow. The other children came closer to get a look, and reeled back when they saw a spider scurrying inside, a glowing orange mark on its back.
"You keep spiders in your pocket?!" Zuko asked in disgust.
"It's an emberback spider," Claudia specified. "And you can do this with them!" The girl opened the bottle and let the spider crawl over her hand. She smiled brightly at the little arachnid for a moment… before clenching her fist around it, squashing the poor thing. Its essence oozed out from between her fingers, and Claudia's eyes began to glow. "Semalf gnippiks gnipael!"
The orange slime ignited into a flame around Claudia's hand. She waved it towards a torch on a nearby pillar, and the flame leapt towards it. The torch was ignited, and the fire jumped to the next pillar. Soren, Zuko, and Azula watched as, one by one, the torches were all lit, and the throne room was illuminated once more, minus the wall of fire.
"Coooool….." Soren whispered in awe.
"Big deal," Azula scoffed. "Lighting torches is for babies, even Zuko can do that."
"You're the baby," Zuko retorted. "My firebending is still better than yours."
"Well it won't be for long," Azula said. "You want to see something really cool, then watch this…."
"Where are the children?" Ursa asked when she noticed her son and daughter were missing from their table. "Ozai."
"What?" Prince Ozai asked in annoyance as he dabbed his mouth with a napkin. They had mostly finished their food and had become wrapped in their talks.
"The children are missing," Ursa said sternly. "They must have snuck away."
"They're gone?" Viren asked and looked over to see both his kids were also absent. "Oh no…" The mage rubbed his temples as he feared what mischief they might be up to.
"I'm sure they're fine," Ozai said with a wave of his hand. "What trouble could they get into?"
"You don't know my children." Viren said as he grabbed his staff and stood up. "That was an exquisite dinner. My compliments to the chef."
"I remember when you were their age," Iroh said as he gave Lu Ten a slap on the back. "Couldn't take my eyes off you for one second without you running off to explore."
"Alright, enough Dad," Lu Ten chuckled as he stood. "Let's go round up some kids."
Azula took a stance, inhaled deeply, and extended her arm. A thin jet of orange flame shot out into the air. She then kicked her short leg out, and a puff of fire plumed in front. Soren and Claudia watched the princess with fascination, but Zuko only crossed his arms. It was a beginners' firebending form that he had already learned. Still, it was a little disconcerting that Azula had already perfected the movements so quickly.
Azula swept her arm to the side and made a small, blazing wave. Her fire did not travel far, but the other children could still feel the heat. Azula had shown Soren a bit of what she could do before, but this was his first taste of what real firebending was all about. He was mesmerized by the girl dancing with the flames. Claudia was just as enchanted. There was so much more control than the magic she had seen. No tools, no ingredients, no incantations, just instantaneous, sybcronized movement and action.
A jet of fire came dangerously close between Soren and Claudia. They each instinctively took a step away, furthering the distance between them.
"Hey!" Claudia squeaked as she stumbled and fell on her butt. "Watch where you're aiming."
"What's wrong, Claudia?" Azula asked with a wicked smirk as she continued her form. "I thought you liked playing with fire." The princess hopped in the air and did a roundhouse kick, sending an arc of flame over Claudia. She covered her head and shrank back, whimpering.
"Cut it out, Azula." Zuko protested, but he was not brave enough to get close to his sister while she was tossing fire around.
"What? We're only playing," Azula laughed and bent the flames into a ring that surrounded the Katolian girl. "She's fine, see?"
"Azula…" Soren growled as he looked on. Azula tightened the ring of fire around Claudia, and the girl pulled her knees to her chest, trying to make herself as small as possible. Tears began to well up in her eyes. Soren felt his chest tighten, his muscles tense. "Stop…"
"Why? We're just getting to the good part." Azula taunted and her grin grew wider. The flames were almost touching Claudia now. Azula stepped closer to her and added more fire to the small, scorching circle, the flames rising ever higher and hotter until it was unbearable.
"DAD!" Claudia shrieked and began to sob, fearing for her life. Even that did not stop Azula, the flames reflected in her wide eyes as she watched Claudia squirm in her clutches.
"Azula, stop!" Soren shouted as he ran at the princess, fury in his voice.
Azula turned her head and only had a moment before she felt Soren's hands collide with her chest. In an instant, she felt herself being shoved roughly to the ground and landed with a hard thud. The princess blinked in shock and surprise as she looked up at Soren. She had never seen the boy look so angry… looking so intensely displeased with her. They each stared at one another, silent save for their heavy breathing.
The ring of fire around Claudia extinguished, and she looked up to see her brother standing over the princess. She felt a moment of relief, but quickly realized that things were about to get worse. A low whine began to escape from Azula's throat as her face began to scrunch. Tears welled up at the corner of her eyes before sliding down her cheeks.
Soren snapped back to his senses and saw what he had done. At once, his expression softened. "Azula-"
The princess quickly stood up and ran for the exit, letting out a choked sob as more tears fell. Soren, Zuko, and Claudia watched as she ran through the curtain, and right past Lord Viren. The mage furrowed his brow as Azula darted past not only him, but her mother and father as well.
"Azula!" Ursa shouted with concern as her daughter ran down the halls and turned a corner. She followed after, but Azula was small and quick, and the palace was large.
"What happened?" Viren asked as he walked over to his children. He could see the scorch marks on the floor around Claudia. The mage knelt down beside her, and the little girl hugged her arms around him tightly, burying her face in his chest.
"Azula was firebending and scared Claudia," Zuko answered frantically, visibly scared and shaken. "And then Soren pushed her down to get her to stop."
"She what…?" Ozai asked, teeth tightly clenched as he seethed. He had expected better from her. The prince turned and immediately followed after Azula down the hall, intent on finding her and disciplining her.
"Is that true Soren?" Viren asked, but Soren would not reply. He just stared at the curtain. "Answer me, boy."
Soren grit his teeth and ran out of the throne room. He had to find his friend, and he had to make things right. Azula had frightened Claudia. He had to protect his sister, but he had not meant to hurt Azula… Soren just had to make sure she would be alright.
The boy ran where he thought Azula had gone, but he knew so little of the palace. He tried his best to go where things looked familiar, and hoped he would run into her. It was the second time he had seen Azula cry, and it was his fault this time. Soren had to apologize. He did not want to lose his friend.
After several minutes of running, Soren came to a familiar doorway, the one to the treasure room. It was left unguarded, the sentries having apparently been dismissed. The door was, however, left slightly ajar. Someone was inside. Soren carefully pushed the door open just wide enough to peer in. There, he saw Azula, standing with her hands clasped and her head hung before her father Ozai, who scowled down at her. The great mirror portal was off to the side, reflecting them and the rest of the room.
"What were you thinking?" Ozai hissed at his daughter. "Do you realize how important this alliance is to me?"
"I'm s-sorry, father," Azula managed to blurt out through his sobs, her tears dripping on the floor. "I just wanted to have some fun-"
"Your fun will cost my reputation!" Ozai barked and Azula flinched with a whimper. "Your actions reflect on me, and I can't have you terrifying the Lord's children!"
"I won't do it again," Azula tried so hard not to cry as she squeezed her eyes shut as tight as she could. "I'll be good, I promise."
"And stop crying!" Ozai snarled with a violent wave of his arm. "I'm not raising you to be just another sniveling brat. You'll not be a weakling, you will show discipline, no matter what measures I have to take!"
Time seemed to slow down as Ozai raised his hand. Azula opened her eyes and tilted her head up to see her father glaring at her. She knew her punishment was coming, and in her mind, she must have deserved it if her father thought so. The princess had disappointed him, despite all she had done to be his perfect daughter. One slip in judgement was all it took.
Soren's heart was beating a mile a minute. Just like before, he could not stop himself. The boy pushed the door open and bolted for Ozai, with much more speed and force than he had ever mustered.
Prince Ozai halted himself as he saw Soren enter, and watched with confusion just before the boy threw himself at the larger man. Soren bashed his head against Ozai's side, making the prince stumbled to the side and nearly off balance. Soren bounced off, falling to the ground, his head spinning from the impact. Azula let out a gasp as she stared at her friend, utterly stunned that he had dared to attack her father… just to protect her.
Ozai was, physically, virtually unharmed, but he was just as shocked at his daughter. He gazed down at Viren's son in disbelief.
"You… how dare you," Ozai said with bewilderment. "You little cretin, how dare you attack ME!?"
Soren tried to crawl away, but Ozai was already on him. The prince snatched Soren by the collar and lifted him off his feet, bringing him face to face. Soren looked into Ozai's eyes and could see the sheer indignant rage in them. The boy began to gasp in panic.
"Father…" Azula pleaded weakly. "Dad, please, no!"
"You want to protect her?" Ozai growled. "Then are you brave enough to take her punishment in her place?" Ozai let one hand go and raised it behind him, a small flame igniting in his palm. "Watch closely Azula. I'm going to teach you the most important lesson you'll learn." Soren grasped at Ozai's arm, trying to pull himself free, but his futile efforts only made Ozai grin. "See that? That's fear, and it's the only reliable way to control others."
Azula watched in horror at what was unfolding. Her father was going to burn Soren for standing up for her. She had gotten him into this, why did she have to scare Claudia? What was this horrible feeling in the pit of her stomach as she watched her friend cower? Is this what having friends would lead to?
Ozai tensed his muscles, and his arm began to move. Soren braced for the worst, shutting his eyes… but nothing came. The boy opened them to find a hand gripped tightly around Ozai's wrist. His eyes went to the arm attached, then to the shoulder, and he found his father, staring coldly eye to eye with the prince.
"Put. Him. Down." Viren commanded. Ozai had to tilt his head up to look the mage in the face, and for once he felt small. Ozai slowly lowered Soren back to the floor, and the boy saw Claudia by Viren's side. Soren went to his sister and they shared a hug.
"Are you okay, Sore-bear?" Claudia asked nervously.
"Mmm hmm." Soren nodded. He looked over at Azula to see how she was. The princess' eyes were wet but she managed a small, meek smile, glad Soren had escaped her father's wrath.
"Azula!" Ursa exclaimed as she and Zuko entered the treasure room. She rushed to her daughter and knelt down to wrap her arms around her little girl. Azula hugged her back, just wanting the ordeal to be over.
Ozai glared daggers at Viren, but his resentment only grew when he caught sight of a tall, robed figure standing in the doorway. There was Fire Lord Azulon, flanked by Iroh and Lu Ten, observing them all with a steely gaze, silently judging his youngest son. No words were needed. Ozai knew exactly what his father was thinking. Azulon left with his son and grandson, and Ozai yanked his hand out of Viren's grasp.
"I think this visit has lasted long enough," Viren said calmly as he lead Soren and Claudia towards the mirror, taking his son by the hand. "Goodnight, Princess Ursa."
Azula looked up from her mother's embrace just in time to see the mage step through the mirror, with Soren and Claudia right behind him. Soren looked back at her, into her golden-amber eyes, full of regret and sadness. He did not want to leave her like this. He did not want to say goodbye, not yet, but Viren pulled him through and back into Katolis.
Ursa picked Azula up and turned to her husband. "Ozai," She said softly, but with an undeniably menacing tone. "What were you doing…?"
Ozai did not answer. He did not turn to look, his gaze fixed on the mirror, on his own reflection. Zuko watched with unease. It was not the first time he had seen his father become cross, but this was different. The boy knew better than to speak up. It would be better to not bother Ozai…but Ozai's anger would not recede so easily this time. Someone was going to pay.
Ozai raised both hands, the first two fingers pointed, and electricity crackled around them.
"Ozai, Ozai stop!" Ursa shouted, but he would not listen. The prince waved both arms in a circular motion, lightning trailing from his fingertips as he sliced apart the positive and negative energies surrounding him. He thrust his fingers at the mirror, and a bolt of lightning shot through the looking glass, electrifying it.
On the other side, Viren felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. He and his children were in immediate danger. The mage took out his primal stone and turned just as the bolt of lightning burst from the glass. It struck the primal stone, and the orb surged with power.
Viren screamed as he felt the electricity course through his body. Soren and Claudia shrank back in fear, watching helplessly as lightning danced and crackled around their father. Viren grit his teeth and raised his staff to draw a sigil.
"F... FULMINIS!" Viren shouted. The electricity concentrated into the staff's head, and Viren pointed it back at the mirror. The lightning was redirected back and struck the glass, causing it to ripple violently on both sides. The Fire Nation royals on the other side of the mirror watched as electricity arced through the frame, before the glass shattered into a hundred fragments.
A great wave of cosmic energy expanded swiftly from the mirror, covering both Katolis Castle and the Fire Nation Royal Palace. Ursa shielded her children from it, but the wave did them no harm. When it passed, they all looked around the room in confusion.
"What… what am I…" Ozai began to whisper. He stared at the broken mirror and narrowed his eyes in displeasure. "…who did this?"
"What happened?" Viren asked sternly as he stared at the mirror. "I told you not to play in this room!"
"Huh?" Soren responded in confusion, not even knowing why he was here.
"I… I don't know…" Claudia began to say, just as clueless as her brother.
"This was a priceless artifact!" Viren shouted, fuming with frustration. "And now because of your carelessness, its secrets are lost."
Azula blinked, and realized her face was wet. Had she been crying? She looked up at her father, and then the mirror. Ozai glowered at her and Zuko, and it seemed as though his children were the ones who had shattered the looking glass.
"I'm sure it was an accident." Ursa spoke up in defense. Somehow, she knew this was not their fault. Her husband scoffed and went to exit the treasure room.
"I have no time for this," The prince said. "It was a useless, ugly piece of filth anyway. No one will care."
Ozai left, leaving his wife and kids behind. Azula sniffled and wiped her eyes with her sleeve. Why did she feel this way? Her father was right, it was just a creepy old mirror. Why should she care if it was broken? Why did seeing it shattered make her feel so lonely all of a sudden… Azula's thoughts were interrupted as her mother gently stroked her hair.
"It's alright Azula," Ursa whispered. "I'm here…"
"…No one remembered a thing," Azula said softly. "We all went about like Katolis never even existed…" Azula grit her teeth and stared down at Soren and Claudia. "Your father… he cast a spell to wipe our memories."
"No," Claudia protested. "That's not what happened. None of us remembered the Fire Nation."
"You expect me to believe that?" Azula replied. "You're telling me that there isn't some kind of amnesia spell? I know you have all kinds of tricks Claudia. Viren wiped my family's memories, then waited for the perfect time to send you back."
"Azula, that's crazy," Soren said, his frustration rising. "We lost our memories too!"
"You and your father planned this!" Azula yelled and her fire rose. "You spied on the Fire Nation through the mirror, your father sent you to gain our trust, and you've been waiting for the perfect time to overthrow the Fire Nation!" The princess burst into laughter. "Allies? What a joke! The Fire Nation has no allies. It conquers, or it destroys."
"You don't mean that!" Soren shouted back. He refused to believe what his princess was saying. "You told me the Fire Nation was trying to save the world…"
"I told you what I needed to in order to get you on my side," Azula replied coldly. "The Fire Nation will save the world by taking control of it through fear, and all those who oppose our order and cling to hope will be destroyed. My father is seeing to that."
Soren stared at Azula in horror. It had finally sunk in. They really were going to burn everything to the ground. The Crownguard felt ill as he lowered his gaze. It was all a lie. Azula had lied to him the whole time. "You used me…"
"I don't need you two anymore," Azula hissed. "You're too dangerous, and I have no reason to trust you. Claudia… you want to go home so badly, then do so. Fix your precious mirror, take all of your possessions, and go back through the portal to where you came. I hereby banish you both." Azula stood from her throne. Soren looked up, his eyes full of pain, confusion, and anger, while Azula's were uncaring and compassionless.
"I never want to see you again." She whispered. "Ever."
Author's Note
And so the biggest secret of this story has been revealed. If you're confused about the memory loss, don't worry, that will get explained later. I'll just say for now that certain things can restore someone's memory, either by just explaining what happened like in this chapter, or if a two people are reconnected, like what happened to Azula in chapter 9. The world you're in also matters, but I can't go into too much detail yet. Yes, I've had this planned since before I even started writing. I've got the timeline all mapped out.
This roller coaster is still ramping up, so buckle in and get ready for the next chapter.