Hey, guys.
Apologies for the delay in the update. Ended up being nearly a month instead of two weeks like I wanted. Lots went into that, mostly personal but also there was a lot of stress this past week for reasons I won't get into.
In any case, I'm back with another chapter and let's see how you guys responded to the last one!
FuryJoe- Thank you!
Matheus Bezerra de Lima- I understand but trust me, the progression is well worth it in the end. Juggling multiple elements of this story is a bit tricky but it's all going to wrap up nicely. I do hope this one picks things a little bit more.
The Rhombus- Can't rush a good thing haha. Thank you for the note of support. There is definitely more action coming.
ankvaskar- Thank you! I didn't use one source material for Azula's philosophy on war. It's purely Machiavellian really or Sun Tzu for Eastern philosophy. Depth with every character is important even if the Fire Naiton siblings make up the bulk of it. Thank you for your support as always!
GNTR86- Thank you, my friend. Stay safe as well! Big things happening soon.
RealmStriders- You're so kind. So glad you enjoyed it! Little things make a story and paying attention to them extremely important. The world of Avatar is certainly politically complex, something we see hints of especially in the comics. Haha I had to keep the snowball thing in there. Sokka is honestly way too hilarious for his own good. And you did mention liking strong female characters in your last review, something I can certainly relate to. Thank you again!
UnOriginal2Tall- I'm good at keeping ya on the hook haha. Ty Lee will definitely flirt in order to help Azula but we talked about that already lol.
mdelau4- All good! Glad to see you back. Azula and Katara dueling is something many people wanted to see in the last fic so I did my best to include it this time as well. And I'm glad you concur about the whole New Ozai society thing. To me, despite what some people may say, culturally and politically there's a lot of Imperial Japan in the Fire Nation and I couldn't see that everyone would accept the new reality blindly hence my creation of Onoda.
abracursix- Thank you as always. I don't see the Dai Li being a fit for this story given that Fire Nation no longer has control of the Earth Kingdom so they would be back under the command of the Earth King at present. There's no pull or reason for them to follow her anymore.
Thank you all again for the reviews! Also bonus points to anyone who can correctly tell me the source of name 'Onoda' came from. I'm such a history geek haha. Anyway on with the story!
Chapter 8. Riddles In The Dark
Azula, Ty Lee, Katara, and Sokka rendezvoused back at the center of town in the late afternoon. The play was nearing its end as the crowd was still heavily engaged with constant 'oos' and 'awws'. But judging by the expressions of the water tribesman, their experience hadn't been any more productive.
"I take it there wasn't much you found out then," Azula surmised.
"Wasn't much to find out," Sokka answered honestly. "We definitely know there was a woman named Ursa living here at some point but as to whether she still lives here…"
"...there's no telling one way or the other. The only thing people around here seemed to know for sure is that your mom left very young to marry your dad and become royalty," Katara explained.
"And after she was banished?"
"Nothing on that either, I'm afraid," the waterbender said. "Her parents died but nothing indicates she ever came back here."
"What about Ikem?"
"He was some village actor who lived here many years ago," Sokka said casually. "Then apparently he disappeared without a trace. What are the odds?"
Azula closed her eyes and resisted giving a huge sigh. This couldn't be the only information to go off of. Surely someone in this cast off village had something more to offer?
"We're leaving this place," she announced suddenly.
"What?" the other three teenagers asked in unison, bewildered.
"It is clear there's nothing more to gain by staying here," she explained bluntly. "Onoda will follow wherever we go, that much I'm certain of. We can trap him in the next town over and spare these people more anguish."
"Are you sure?" Ty Lee asked, her voice sounding quite small in the face of Azula's frustration. "We've only been here half a day."
"And besides, what other leads do we have?" Sokka pointed out. "This is your mother's hometown, where else would she go after leaving?"
Katara frowned at her brother's lack of sensitivity but agreed with the sentiment.
"Much as my brother lacks tact, he's not necessarily wrong. We have to at least do our diligence before giving up."
"I'm not giving up," Azula cut across sharply. "Merely being practical and if you had any sense you'd agree with me. As soon as this ridiculous play is over, I'm telling Zuko."
The princess began walking away back towards Appa to change but not before a parting shot from Katara.
"No offense, but you can't really tell him what to do. In case you forgot he's the Fire Lord."
Azula stopped, feeling an incredible surge of anger pass through her veins like wildfire, fists issuing smoke before unclenching.
"I am well aware."
Katara and Sokka looked at each other and then back at Ty Lee, puzzled and even a tad bit alarmed.
"Um...I know she can be a bit unpredictable but did that seem...unnecessary?" the watertribe warrior asked aloud.
"Ty Lee?" Katara asked, as though asking for a translation.
The acrobat merely gave a shrug but her response didn't meet her eyes.
"Well….she's been through a lot. Whatever it is I'm sure she'll tell us when ready."
However, Ty Lee's stomach felt uneasy, knowing full well that when her best friend was in a mood, she was unlikely to reveal the reason why to anyone which was not ideal.
Once more, she wondered whether Azula actually destroyed the letter.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Though I was trapped in the body of a mortal you willingly gave me your heart! I cannot help but give you mine in return!"
"Only with your glory hidden in false form could you finally recognize my devotion!"
Zuko practically had these lines memorized by now, but he applauded respectfully alongside the civilian crowd who drank in every word as the Dragon Emperor and Water Spirit kissed dramatically.
"Encore!" many cried out.
The acting troupe took their last bows as Mayor Kim took center stage once more, who beckoned for the Fire Lord and Aang to join him on the stage, which was obliged.
"People of Hira'a, I give you our best production yet, courtesy of our glorious actors. We must also thank our honorable leader, Fire Lord Zuko and the Avatar for being with us to celebrate such an occasion! Join us tomorrow for a grand festival to celebrate our Sun Festival."
Zuko waved awkwardly at the crowd, which seemed a tad bit subdued though he supposed it was possible he was imagining things. Once the crowd had dispersed for the day, the troupe lined up and bowed towards the Fire Lord.
"Some of the actors wish to meet and thank you for coming to their performance tonight," Mayor Kim explained. "We rarely ever receive such distinguished guests.
"It's an honor," Aang said in his usual good natured manner. "I've never seen that play before."
Before Zuko could say his remarks, however, they were interrupted quite suddenly.
"Fire Lord Zuko, I wish to speak with you immediately."
Everyone looked sideways to see Princess Azula in full royal garb alongside Ty Lee, Katara, and Sokka. Zuko could see right away there was purpose and urgency in her eyes.
"My goodness! Princess Azula! I did not expect you to be present. We were told you were feeling unwell," Kim said bowing as low as he could.
"Yes, well I'm feeling much better," came the snide reply. "In any case I won't be long."
"Can't this wait?" Zuko asked her, somewhat taken aback.
"No, it can't I'm afraid. The search has not gone as planned and there's no point in staying until tomorrow. We must continue on."
This brought shocked expressions on both the part of the Mayor and the Fire Lord. Aang looked equally perplexed.
"Your highness, a festival has been prepared in your honor-"
Zuko held up a hand, knowing his sister would likely dismiss the man out of hand in the usual arrogant manner. Only he had the authority to counter her directly. It wasn't lost on him that she placed emphasis on the word 'search'.
"Do you believe this to be a wise course of action?"
I don't know what she's up to but this all too sudden for my comfort
"The woman named Ursa is not here and hasn't been in a long time," Azula countered. "We are vulnerable and it is best not be caught out in the open."
Everyone else who was unaware of the plan had no idea what they were talking about, and though Zuko did, he had no idea why his sister was changing things yet again. Wasn't the whole point of coming here not only to look for their mother but to capture Onoda as well?
Not for the first time, he was beginning to feel insecure and even a bit resentful of being strung along at Azula's whim. After all he was the Fire Lord not her and therefore carried the power to overrule her if he wished.
This has gone on long enough
The siblings were giving each other very choice looks, but before Zuko could issue his command, a member of the acting troupe, one who had played the Blue Dragon Emperor stepped forward, removing his mask and bowed low.
"Forgive my interruption," he said evenly but with a hint of nervousness at speaking to the two most powerful people in the land. "My name is Noren, head of our acting troupe. I believe I may be able to help them. May I invite you to my home for dinner?"
He was a thin man, looked to be in early forties with a kindly face, brown hair and matching goatee. But Zuko detected no deceit and evidently neither did Azula because they both looked at each other and nodded.
"Very well, Noren. We accept."
"But the plan were-"
The Mayor's protests were cut off by Azula, who knew full well her brother originally planned to dine with him tonight. It mattered not.
"Plans change Mayor…"
"Kim," the man said, swallowing.
"Yes well, how could we refuse such a generous request from one of your very own townsfolk?"
Azula's voice was laced with false sweetness, but Zuko attempted to be a bit more tactful.
"There is always the festival. We'll make up for it at lunch," he said in an attempt to placate the man.
"I also welcome the Avatar and his friends," Noren said with a nod towards Aang. "Come, I shall introduce you to my family, make tea, and tell you what I know."
The group dispersed, with the actors and Mayor heading in one direction while the entourage of the Fire Lord and Team Avatar followed their newfound host back towards his home.
Noren's home was quite lovely, a comfortable, quaint space that gave a warm, inviting feeling to those who crossed its threshold. It was a one story wooden dojo, complete with tables, shelves, cabinets, and other proper amenities.
Among other things, the group was introduced to Noren's family- his wife Noriko and their young daughter Kiyi.
"You have such a lovely home," Katara complimented to Noriko.
"How long have you been married?" Aang asked.
"About five years," Noriko replied happily.
Azula and Zuko were sitting by Noren, who was occupied with making the tea. The princess couldn't help but make her usual round of small observations, most notably about Noriko which in itself was ironic. There was absolutely nothing remarkable about the woman, her face was as plain as rice meal, average height, and a personality that suggested nothing beyond being a normal wife and mother.
"You two seem very happy."
"We are," Noriko said, sending an adoring look to her husband. "But you two seem a little young to be thinking about marriage, no?"
That caused Sokka to nearly choke on the tea he was sipping on and the young couple to blush heavily, which was silently amusing to Azula.
"Well uh-"
"You see we're-"
"I take that back," Noriko said kindly. "Love leads wherever it leads, regardless of age. Noren and I found each other pretty late in life. Young lovers like you are truly special."
Azula resisted the urge to barf. It sounded like something Ty Lee would say, who then burst into the home, little Kiyi in tow. Apparently they had been playing outside.
Speaking of which….
"You're such a cutie!" Ty Lee squealed. "And I love your doll!"
The five year old practically bounced up and down.
"She's the prettiest!"
She proceeded to rush over to where Azula and Zuko were sitting, holding up the patchwork of straw and cloth as though it were valuable as gold itself.
"Hiya! Wanna meet my doll?"
Azula didn't even pretend to be interested, memories of burning the Earth Kingdom monstrosity her uncle sent her as a child flooding back to her mind.
"I've never cared for dolls."
As if to highlight their differences, Zuko beamed a genuine smile and offered to take a look.
"I'd like to see it," he said, taking it in his hands. "What's her name?"
"Kiyi!"
"Wait, I thought that was your name."
"It's such a good name, I used it twice!" she said brightly.
"I quite agree," Zuko said, chuckling. "She also has quite the haircut."
Indeed the doll's hair was a bit tangled and its button eyes a bit lopsided.
"I wanted to make her prettier but I didn't do a good job," Kiyi said disappointedly, while Ty Lee reached down and gave her a hug.
"She's beautiful, sweetie. It's better than what Azula used to do to her own dolls," she added giggling.
"What do you mean?" the little girl asked with curious, innocent eyes.
"It means they didn't last long in my company," came the bored reply.
"Azula be nice," Zuko admonished. "Don't scare her."
"I'm just being honest. Worked wonders for me at that age."
Kiyi's expression was a combination of childlike puzzlement and suspicion, as though she didn't fully trust the princess, who now took a moment to study the girl.
Her hair was brown and cut into a bob with a topknot as was customary for most Fire Nation girls that age. Golden eyes were searching and innocent, also not surprising. But looking closer, Azula saw something else: features that resembled someone not seen in almost a decade…
"Kiyi," Noren called out, interrupting her train of thought. "Are you being a good host?"
"Yes, daddy."
"Good, make sure not to pester our guests, they're very important," he said, giving her a pat on the head. "Tea is ready. Everyone gather round."
"Noriko was just giving us a few lessons on life and love. You're a very lucky man," Katara told them as the group sat at the table.
"Indeed! She is Hira'as foremost expert on both subjects."
"Oooo do you have any tips for me?" Ty Lee asked eagerly. "Boyfriends are so hard to come by these days."
"Please Ty Lee, not now…" Azula said, rolling her eyes.
"It's quite alright," Noren told them, pouring the tea as he gave his wife a kiss on the cheek. "I suppose we should get straight to it then. Forgive my intrusion but I also overheard you while backstage during intermission. When you mentioned a woman named Ursa, I felt it was my duty to assist you."
"So what do you know about her then?" Zuko asked.
"Ursa was the most famous member of our acting troupe, but not for her acting unfortunately. Many years ago she was...well...taken to the Capital City for official business. The whole town has been reluctant to talk about the incident but there are those who still speculate of course."
"Supposedly she married into the Royal Family, but that was before I came into town," Noriko added.
"Well I'll save you the suspense," Azula said, betraying a small hint of frustration. "She did. Ursa is our mother and was banished by our father many years ago."
Noren took a sip of tea and nodded.
"Of course. Naturally, you would want to come and find her. Her legacy remains shrouded in mystery even to someone like me."
Azula refrained from narrowing her eyes. Something wasn't right here. This person claimed to have information that could help them but thus far he hadn't said anything they didn't already know. She then changed tactics in a key effort to glean more from this common family.
"And what of a man named 'Ikem'?" the princess pressed. "Does that ring a bell?"
There was no discernable expression one way or the other on Noren's face though he did raise an eyebrow.
"You must have done some serious research. Ikem was an actor as well. Many suspected they were in love before Ursa's departure."
"Is he still around here?" Zuko asked.
"That is also quite a mystery," Noren responded. "Many believe he went mad with grief and entered the Forget Valley, an area directly east of here shrouded in trees and legend."
It was Aang's turn to be piqued.
"What do you mean by that?"
"It is a forest at the bottom of a canyon outside of town which is said to contain the memories of those who have chosen to forget their past lives," Noirko explained.
"It is also why many have been reluctant to say more to begin with," her husband expounded further. "The Forgetful Valley is supposedly haunted by a powerful spirit who is not to be trifled with."
"Do you know what this spirit is or what it's name is?" Aang asked, interest swimming behind his lively, gray eyes.
"The name has long been forgotten," Noren said, taking another deep sip of tea. "But according to legend, said spirit has the power to completely alter a person's past and present. Many have ventured into said forest and never returned."
"Or they just don't remember who they are," Katara pointed out.
"Either way I'm the Avatar and this is something I specialize in. Perhaps I could try and see what's going on with this spirit?"
"I have no doubt you could, Avatar," Noren agreed. "But are you also prepared to take on a force of ex-soldiers of unknown size while simultaneously addressing the legendary spirit which roams within?"
Zuko addressed this point directly knowing it directly pertained to his rule and the nation in general. It didn't take an idiot to figure that out. By the same token his opponent remained elusive, faceless, and unknowable, much like the Forgetful Valley itself.
"Onoda threatens this town as well and has directly challenged my legitimacy. It is an act I cannot allow to go unpunished."
"Indeed," Noren told him, concern etched on his middle aged face.
"Have you and your family been attacked?" Aang asked him.
"We've been thankfully spared from the carnage. But I can tell you that the troops here are often overwhelmed. Half the town has been reduced to rubble already. Those brave enough to fight Onoda won't go into the forest due to the legend surrounding it."
There was a brief silence in which the bevy of information was taken none more so than Azula. Forgetting her tea and her meal, she attempted to process what she was told in an effort to highlight any inconsistencies. Nothing stood out to her immediately but every instinct in the Fire Nation princess alarmed that something was off. There just wasn't enough evidence to go off of yet.
"This is why we as a town are glad you're here," Noren continued. "This problem isn't just political but goes into a realm very few of us dare to tread. That the Avatar is here to assist brings great hope to us all, as does the Fire Lord."
Though it was unprecedented, Zuko allowed himself to be temporarily forthright with a commoner given the tense, unique spot he was in.
"Some of the people don't seem very enthusiastic about my presence," he said honestly.
"Onoda has been spreading leaflets and propaganda all over the southern reaches. He claims you are illegitimate but it is better that you are here than back in the Capital. In my own view at least."
"The people take solace and heart in the Fire Lord," Noriko added. "They will follow him as they have for centuries. It is their duty."
"Thank you for your vote of confidence," Zuko said bowing his head slightly.
"And what of our mother?" Azula asked one more time. "Do you have any more information about her whereabouts?"
"I'm sorry, I'm afraid we don't," Noriko responded, with regret passing on her face. "If we knew more I assure you we'd tell you."
When the princess didn't press the matter further, she stood up and a wide smile beamed on her face.
"I believe it's time to serve our distinguished guests their meals. Let me fetch everything."
Azula resisted narrowing her eyes. First of all, she didn't trust these people as far as she could throw them. Second, the way Zuko was carrying himself was not beholden to a monarch. These people should have been humbling themselves before royalty and freely giving up everything they knew and almost certainly wasn't the case. The meal went by without much incident (minus Sokka's dumb jokes) but by the end of it, the princess had changed her mind about leaving Hira'a. Something was stirring in this little Fire Nation village and she intended to find out what it was.
The goodbyes were friendly and heartfelt with little Kiyi begging for them to come back soon. Team Avatar seemed content enough with the information but as soon as the group was back by their camp by Appa a private conversation ensued, gathering amongst a fire Zuko had made.
"Well we know one thing for sure. Onoda is definitely somewhere in that forest," Sokka said, twiddling his boomerang.
"I don't like those propaganda leaflets," Zuko mused. "And his attacks just add to the problem. We need to find a way to get him out into the open but at the same time away from the villagers."
"This spirit could also be the key to finding out what happened to your mom," Katara also inputted.
"Perhaps that's the answer. I could certainly try to find out. Who better to negotiate with a spirit than the Avatar?" Aang suggested with a grin.
"We should learn more about it if we can. Walking into an unknown forest seeking out an unknown entity is a pretty bad idea. Even for someone like you. Remember Habai?" Sokka said to the airbender.
"That's not entirely fair, Sokka," his sister admonished. "Aang didn't even know how to reach the spirit world at that point. He was barely a few months out of the iceberg."
"I'm just saying-"
"You're all missing the point."
Everyone turned to Azula whose face was hidden by the darkness of night with only but her tone betrayed her mood.
"This is all connected somehow. I don't know how just yet but there's something amiss. Especially with that family."
"I liked them," Ty Lee pipped up. "Especially their daughter, she was adorable."
"They were very kind," Katara concurred. "Noren and Noriko seem quite happy together."
"No one's that happy," Azula remarked acidly.
"Aang and I are that happy."
"That's because you two are idiots. But that's not what I'm getting at. They knew more than they let on. Onoda, the Forgetful Valley, everything."
"And how can you prove otherwise?" Zuko asked.
"Because I know people and I know a liar when I see one," Azula answered, the flames of the fire licking the air around them. "Especially Noren. You should have demanded more of him."
"What more could I have asked other than his generosity?"
"The truth, Zuko."
A flash of anger passed over golden eyes as the flames increased in height as the Fire Lord stood up.
"You know Azula I'm getting sick and tired of thinking you always know better. I'm not a kid anymore and this isn't like all those times you bullied me into getting your way. Remember who you're speaking to."
The princess in turn stood up, the flames going ever higher and taking on a shade of deadly blue.
"I'm merely doing what it takes to save your kingdom and our nation," she bit back. "Perhaps you should consider doing the same."
The tension was extremely tangible among those present and it took the efforts of Ty Lee and Aang to calm down the sibling pair, the former gently taking Azula's hand in hers. The fire subsided back to normal.
"Calm down...you don't want to fight Zuko," she spoke.
"Same goes for you," Aang told Zuko standing in front of him. "The last we want is for the group to come to blows. For more reasons than one."
In the end, cooler heads prevailed but the Fire Lord walked off in a huff, though Aang did not allow him off the hook so easily.
"Zuko, you can't allow the group to become fractured like this. We all want the same thing," he said, passing along the edge of the brush towards.
"You don't understand, Aang. Everything going on is just a microcosm of all the crap I have to deal with: my crazy sister, finding my long lost mother, ruling the most powerful nation on earth, and the question of honor that always follows me wherever I go."
Aang's features switched from concern to sympathy, knowing by now just how much his best friend had gone through to get to where he was.
"You don't need to worry about your honor. Believe me, you've proven that a hundred times over."
"Have I proven it to them?" Zuko gestured, raising his hand towards the edge of the village. "Keep in mind that the loyalty of my subjects is required not earned. The only thing that could taint that loyalty is if somehow I dishonored our nation and by extension the people themselves."
"But you haven't."
"Onoda seems to think so. And that's what this boils down to. We may have defeated my father, Aang but his legacy lives on in people like him. The old ways of blind obedience and asserting our will or being a part of the world instead of subjugating it. That's my battle."
He ran a hand through his dark brown hair and suddenly his usually upright posture slumped from clear mental exhaustion.
"I sometimes wonder if my uncle was wise in renouncing his birthright...am I truly right for this?"
"You are," Aang stated firmly. "More than anyone I've ever known."
Zuko gave a sardonic chuckle.
"You only know a few people in the Fire Nation."
The Avatar placed a hand on the Fire Lord's shoulder, the height difference between them considerably lessened from when they first met.
"I can't imagine what it's like to rule an entire people. My job is to resolve conflict and keep harmony among everyone, not a singular group or nation. That being said I do know what it's like to have an extraordinary amount of power in your hands while struggling to use it properly. Your word is law, Zuko but you also believe that just because a person holds absolute authority does not make them absolutely infallible. There is no one worthy of the throne more than you."
Zuko managed to give a small smile at the vote of confidence but lines of worry continued to plague his handsome features.
"I just wish Azula thought the same. Lately it seems like we're just slipping back to where we were before. I can see it in her eyes: she doesn't trust my judgement."
"You're not the first pair of siblings to fight," Aang said wisely. "Look at Katara and Sokka. I've been getting in the middle of those scrums since I got out of the iceberg."
"Pretty sure Katara and Sokka don't have quite the same background."
"Fair enough but I think you should keep in mind that this isn't easy for her either for multiple reasons."
Zuko thought back to what Mai told him before the trip. That his sister was still emotionally unstable and when that happened, the infamous obsessiveness would come to pass. Remembering the promise they made to cease their years-long feud, he vowed to double down on that promise.
"You're right. I want to find my mom more than anything else in the world and so does Azula. We need to work together to make that happen."
"And you will. We will. And we'll take down Onoda in the process. Tell you what, let's sleep on it and form a plan in the morning."
The Fire Lord nodded in agreement, suddenly feeling quite tired from the day's events.
"Alright, good idea. Thank you."
"Hey, I'm still just a simple monk at heart. At the very least Sokka should be enthusiastic," Aang joked as they walked back to the campsite.
Moments like this were key to reminding Zuko just how lucky he was to have a best friend who not only balanced, but challenged him as well. This the latest in a long line.
A simple monk? No Avatar you're far more than that...even if you'll never admit it
Azula tossed and turned multiple times that night but for the life of her could not fall asleep. She supposed that had a lot to do with laying on a thin tarp with only a thin blanket for comfort (she regretted not staying at the mayor's home) though other matters certainly kept her up. Zuko, her mother, rebels, Noren, to name a few. Though Ty Lee had successfully managed to cool her temper, it did little to assuage her over active, calculating brain.
Rotating her body yet again to face the dying crackling of the flames in front of her, the princess ignored the sound of Sokka's snores as she silently went over the information in her head for the tenth time.
Ikem and Ursa were clearly lovers, that much is apparent. It is likely that he either went mad or is still around here somewhere. Much as she could have gone anywhere after her banishment there was little else to go. Mother came from a peasant background….
Well, that wasn't entirely true. After all, her grandfather Azulon specifically chose her mother due to her lineage being descended from Avatar Roku who was certainly no peasant. But it didn't change the fact her upbringing was extremely middle class and rarely did anyone outside of the nobility have the agency to go ten miles outside of their hometown.
She had no relatives or siblings outside of her parents. It also stands to reason she's also here as well. Noren and his average wife didn't tell us everything. Why else would he invite us to his home only to tell us virtually nothing about her present whereabouts? And the way Zuko stood there like a slackjawed idiot accepting it verbatim…
Willing her temper not to get the better of her at such late an hour, Azula tried to remember that Zuko was not her enemy. Even in tense moments they shared a common goal. The trouble was they seemed no closer to attaining it from even two years ago. The moment they stepped out of the palace, murkiness clouding the truth so desperately sought. And then there was General Onoda, the ultimate wild card, a man seemingly with little prospect of actually toppling the Fire Lord but was acting like someone who very well could. Hiding in the woods of a Forgotten Valley, he symbolized something very pertinent for the princess; a hidden but very much alive idealism that desired to return to the old ways. A concept that remained present even as the new Fire Lord attempted to implement his reforms.
Getting rid of Onoda would prove to be problematic even with her plan to lure him out into the open. There was no doubt he would not be able to resist the temptation to try and take out Zuko while here but even with the backing of the army, which still lay in wait just outside of the town, catching and/or killing this rebel was no small task.
Her train of thought was interrupted by a very large *crack that posed no threat to wake anyone already slumbering but for the insomniac Azula it was a sure sign that some unwanted entity was skulking around their camp. She was certain it was not a coincidence given the incidents earlier the day.
Coming up with an idea, the princess got up from her makeshift bed and walked past Appa towards the thick underbrush feigning as though she were about to relieve herself in the middle of the night, pretending she was blissfully unaware of the intruder. But whoever was stalking them, they were also unaware she was onto them. Soft footsteps and breathing could be heard from behind. Alas, they were no match for their intended target.
Quick as a flash, Azula spun around and grabbed an arm that had shot out towards her, muffling the cries of pain emanating from the man with her other hand. She saw it was a man about four inches taller than herself, dressed in all black with only the eyes still uncovered. And he found himself currently snared in her firm grip on his knees.
"Third time's a charm," she said in a dangerously soft tone. "I suggest you tell me who you are and what you want before I rip your tongue out and burn the rest of your face to a crisp. If you scream, consider that threat a foregone conclusion."
Truth be told she was half tempted to do it anyway and toss this man aside like one of her old, hated dolls. But curiosity lingered as she uncovered his mouth and allowed him to speak.
"P-Please, my name is Shodai. I-I don't want to fight, I want to talk."
"Talk about what exactly?"
"Everything," the man said nervously knowing he only had seconds to make his case. "Everything you're after and that you desire. I've come to make you an offer on behalf of my leader."
"And who would that be?" Azula asked though she sort of already knew the answer.
"General Onoda. I think you'll be quite interested in what he has to say."
Azula knew she had to choose her next actions very carefully. Any acceptance of an offer would be akin to treason and not even Zuko would spare her from that. On the other hand, this presented a golden opportunity: to find the man they were so bent on finding and destroying. She knew how to play people after all.
I'd be a fool not to go with him
Loathe as she was to admit it, the young teen could also not ignore the small part of her genuinely interested in what Onoda had to say. Nevertheless, she moved forward.
"Very well. Lead the way and be quick about it."
Shodai led her through the underbrush which was already difficult to move through though it gradually gave way to open forest with tall imposing trees creating a vast, dark canopy (luckily the man was a firebender so light was no trouble). Azula shared no spiritual connection to anything or anyone, but even she could tell there was something supernatural about this place, as though a mysterious essence were moving about like a quiet wind through the leaves. There was no question that the Avatar would have to make an assessment on it.
After about half an hour of walking, they came upon a clearing upon which sat a crystal clear lake, only just big enough to not be considered a pond. It's waters were mesmerizing and it was seemingly the only open spot for miles in the forest as the stars twinkled overhead. But that was not the only thing that caught her eye. There was a tent set at the edge surrounded by armed guards. A fire was between them as though symbolizing their meeting.
"Wait here," Shodai told her.
Azula resisted the urge to roll her eyes. If this Onoda truly desired to schmooze her he should have known it was never customary to keep royalty waiting, especially not the princess. But sure enough, a dark figure emerged from the tent after a quick bow and dismissal of Shodai and alongside his two bodyguards, moved towards her.
Sure enough the fire illuminated the face of a man who appeared to be the same age as her father. Late forties bordering on fifty, a goatee to match a thick mustache with brown hair that receded at the temples. But by far his most distinctive feature were the eyes: golden, intense, and gleaming with a tint that was off putting even to someone like Azula. She knew it well because she herself probably carried the same look at one point in time.
"Princess," he spoke in a deep tone, bowing. "It is my honor to welcome you here."
"General Onoda," she replied, not returning the bow gazing at him and up and down. "I've heard stories. I do not believe we ever met during the war or during social functions."
"Winning victory for our nation often took much of my time," he said in a frank tone that betrayed no lie. "But I did meet with your father on a number of occasions. A great man. A true leader who was destined to lead our people to the fulfillment vision set out by Sozin."
He spoke passionately, clenching his fist in the air as he did so and right away Azula could see what this man was: an idealist. A true believer in the master plan set out long ago to "share" the Fire Nation's wealth and glory to the rest of the world whether they wanted to accept that glory or not. The princess still felt no true sentiment towards the other nations one way or the other. But the blind worship of her father was the biggest giveaway. Anyone who did so was a fool.
"Perhaps you've been holed up in this forest for too long but there's a new ruler of our nation. One that doesn't appreciate your sentiments."
It was a barb and Onoda knew that but he gave no sign of being offended. On the contrary his ire turned elsewhere.
"The forest is a natural and necessary refuge. The people in the surrounding villages believe old wives tales about spirits, lost souls, and memories that surround this place. It is merely a method of concealment for the time being."
"I'm sure the villages and towns feel so much better that you're the one burning and destroying their property as opposed to a make believe ghost."
Onoda shrugged half heartedly.
"I am a military commander and I know what it takes to win a war and also what is needed to obtain supplies for your men. I'm also well aware of your brother's attempts to reshape our country into a perverted shell of its former self," he said, contempt dripping from his deep baritone.
"Then you must know that as his sister and top adviser bringing me here was a huge mistake. I now have your exact location and have every ability to annihilate you and your men."
It was a ploy of course. And it worked. Onoda was going to reveal the real reason for bringing her here.
"You could. But no doubt Shodai had told you I have something to offer."
"And what would that be?"
It was suggestive enough to indicate interest. And sure enough, Onoda did not hold back.
"Princess Azula, though we did not meet, I admired your feats greatly during the war. The conquering of Ba Sing Se is still legendary to this day. Zuko may have been the first born, but every general knew you were your father's favorite. Within you lies the strength, determination, and the power necessary to reverse these injuries inflicted upon us."
An attempted coup it was then. Swaying the prodigal daughter to join the rebellion. It wasn't original but then again Azula was not one to be surprised by much.
"And give me one reason why I shouldn't simply kill you now and be done with it. I have everything I could ever want and more. Where is the benefit in joining a general with a lost cause?"
Onoda didn't say anything at first, only raising his hand towards the trees around him. Though the darkness shrouded their faces, Azula could still make out hundreds of men emerging from the underbrush surrounding them in an ominous ring at the edge of the lake and through the trees. The meaning was quite clear.
"There are many more besides myself who feel the same way I do. The inner flame of this nation has not been extinguished no matter how hard your brother has tried. He is a usurper, a false monarch, one who did not come to his throne by any legitimate means or Agni Kai. Above all, he committed the ultimate sin: he surrendered to the enemy. It wasn't just enough to dishonor just himself, but his entire country!"
He exclaimed the last sentence emphatically, scooping up some the flames from the fire that separated general from royalty, toying with it as though it were a ball.
"You'll forgive me, my princess, but you are wrong. There is more I can offer than your present station in keeping a weak and green ruler from stumbling over himself."
"I have no interest in being a lackey to a second rate general," the princess said with pure disdain.
"You misunderstand me, your highness. I do not seek the crown, only to be an agent of it just as I was before. Should my movement succeed it would be you that sits on the throne."
That, Azula had not expected. And she narrowed her eyes in suspicion.
"My father is the one you admire above all else. Why not reinstall him?"
"Ozai is no longer fit to lead," Onoda explained as he began to pace between his bodyguards. "If the stories are true, he can no longer bend due to the Avatar and therefore is better off rotting in the cell he currently resides in. But that is not true of you, is it?"
He twirled the flames once more in his hand, the gleam in his eye becoming stronger.
"The inner fire can never be put out. It is in all of us, benders and nonbenders alike but especially within our island home. It may recede to embers or ash, but the spark remains nonetheless. It is ever present, including within you, Princess Azula. Though you serve a lesser man, only you carry the ability to lead us back to the full promise taught by your forebearers. Your fire remains...all it takes is only solitary spark to rekindle."
Onoda again gestured towards the trees and several miniature fires sprang up from out of nowhere, casting the forest in a reddish-orange glow illuminating just how many there were.
"Join me, your highness. Break from the chain of that welp and lead the true patriots of the Fire Nation back to their rightful place among their peers. Among the world. And no Avatar or renegade will stop us this time."
Azula stood stock still hardly daring to believe this wayward general could possibly be this ambitious. But that was not the worst part. No the dark truth remained that even as she realized just how insane this person was, her raw ambition roared with approval, practically pushing her to take the offer and abandon Zuko right then and there.
But reason cooled old and evil passions and the princess knew how to give an answer without actually giving one. At least she would leave tonight alive.
"Your offer flatters me, General. However, considering the circumstances I will need time to digest it and make a decision accordingly. You understand of course."
Onoda wasn't stupid, he was certainly taking a risk by letting Azula go, but he seemed reasonably self assured he had planted a seed in her mind that would lead to only one conclusion. It would also not do to attack someone you were attempting to sway to your side.
"Very well, princess. Consider my offer but do not take too long. My men and I as you know are not the patient types."
"Duly noted."
The general bowed one more time and ordered Shodai to show her the way back to the campsite.
"You are worth much more than living second rate to an unworthy sibling," he said at the moment of their parting.
Azula did not respond. Instead she turned her back and began to follow her guide back into the forest once more. However, the unfortunate reality was, this would not be the last time she and Onoda would speak to each other.
And in the darkness of the Forgetful Valley, her own inner flame reignited once more. Nothing could have frightened the princess more.
The dastardly Onoda makes his first appearance! What will Azula choose? Found out next time!
~The Wasp