Azula narrowed a curious glare at the stone doorway. "What are you saying? That you can restore my life?"
"In a sense, yes," replied the echoing voice of Sen, the Spirit of a Thousand Faces. "I am one of the oldest spirits in existence. I can do many things."
"And you have the power to raise the dead? You'll forgive me if I'm skeptical."
"Oh, you have every reason to be suspicious, I assure you," the spirit said. "Perhaps I should explain. You see, my mother creates faces, identities. My brother does the opposite. He takes faces away. I do a little of both, but my power extends beyond that. I can manipulate a being's essence—their spirit, their soul. Once I have it, I can do many things with it. I can alter it, I can remove it, I can even absorb it and become that being. For you, I can do something else."
Azula held a hand to her chin. Intriguing. The thought of being alive again had her full attention, certainly. Even so, best to be cautious. Her greatest goal was to find a way to restore her life, and now a spirit hands the possibility to her on a silver platter? Far too good to be true. Far too convenient. "Explain."
"My power is limited while I am trapped behind this door, but I am still capable of some things. I can create empty vessels, blank shells with a clean slate in need of an essence. Like so." A small burst of light erupted in front of the sealed door. The light took form, shaping itself into a humanoid figure. When the light faded, a nude female human body stood in its place. A body with no face—no eyes, no mouth, no nose, head completely bald.
"Now, I can give it a face." The body's entire head engulfed with another ring of light, carving distinct features across its face. A nose appeared, followed by hair, and a mouth, and eyes. When the light faded, Azula's eyes widened in recognition.
"That's me!" she said, coming closer to the body. She stared at the face, at those familiar golden eyes, framed by long dark hair. "That's... It's me."
"Yes, a simple task for one of my power."
"But it's still an empty shell, isn't it?" Azula frowned, staring into the body's lifeless eyes. They stared straight forward, unblinking, empty. "It's not actually me. I'm me."
"You are your spirit, the essence of who you are, or rather who you used to be when you were alive," Sen explained. "But as I said, I can manipulate that. I could put you inside this vessel, merge you with it. You would have a physical body again, and you would look exactly as you did before. You would be alive again."
Azula's gaze softened, as gentle warmth flooded her spirit. "I'd be... alive?"
"Not only that, but this vessel, that face, would never age. You would retain your youth, and your beauty, for all time. Consider that an added benefit."
"You mean I'd never grow old?" She took a step back and looked down at the entire body. "Well yes, I do like the sound of that. Would I still be able to bend?"
"Your ability to bend is tied to your essence, not your physical shell, although I have made certain to provide this shell with the correct chi pathways, based upon that essence. So yes, you would have your firebending, the same as it was before you died."
Azula shifted a critical glare towards the glowing glyphs upon the door. "What's the catch? What do you need from me to make this happen?"
Sen's voice emitted a tired, lengthy sigh. "As I said, I am trapped behind this door. I was sealed away many thousands of lifetimes ago by my mother. She thought me a monster, something to which you can relate, I'm sure. When she sealed me, she tore my own essence away from me and hid it somewhere. If you were to return my essence to me, I would have the power I need to break free of here."
"So if I find you your essence, you'll restore my life?"
"Oh no, you misunderstand," the spirit stated. "I'll restore your life before you go after my essence. You'll need all your skill to find it, including your bending."
Azula quirked a brow. "You do realize that if you give me what I want before I help you, then I have no reason to actually help you?"
"Under normal circumstances that would of course be true, but in this case, even with a physical body you'd still be trapped here in the Spirit World. If I were free from this prison and had my full power, I could open a rift between worlds. I could allow you to return to the physical world."
"So that's the deal, then? You give me my life back, I bring you your essence and free you, and then you send me off on my merry way to the physical world?"
"That is correct." The spirit paused, as Azula thought over the offer. "If you like, you may inspect your new body first, to make sure it is to your liking."
Azula stepped towards the empty shell of a body that had her face. How very off putting, to be looking at herself like this. Not even herself. A mere vessel that looked like her. Her true body was long gone, back in the physical world, lying dead in the mud. No, not her true body. Her old body. This was her new body, and it would be even better than her last.
It looked strong, nearly identical to how her old body had been structured. Perhaps a little older, closer to what would have been her physical prime. More muscle, too, especially around the abdomen. She'd always kept herself fit through rigorous training before, but she'd never had abs like that. The thighs were bigger, but more defined, and the arms harder. She poked at it, studied it. This was her old body taken to new levels. Even the breasts were perkier, and more shapely.
With pursed lips, she made her way behind the body—lean, chiseled back and shoulder muscles, and a firm rear toned to perfection. Returning around front, she gazed at the face. Like looking in a mirror. This was her face, no doubt. The only thing wrong with it was the blank, empty expression. This was still only a hollow shell, until she merged with it.
"Do you find it suitable?" Sen asked.
"Oh yes," she said, with a pleased grin. "It's perfect. You said I'll always look like this?"
"Indeed. This body will not age. Your face will never change. You shall be the young and beautiful Princess Azula for lifetimes to come."
Her grin grew wider. "Excellent. In that case, you have a deal."
"Very well," the spirit stated. "Lay your hands on your new body. I will do the rest."
She did as instructed, and set her hands upon either cheek of her new body's face. A great warmth surged through her. Her vision went blank, blinded by a flash of light. A high pitched ringing thundered in her ears. The warmth grew, searing through her spiritual form like lava flooding her veins. In a single instant, the heat vanished, and cooled. The light faded, returning clear vision to her eyes. Moments later, everything was calm.
"So," said the spirit. "How do you feel?"
Azula blinked, and looked down at herself. She wasn't wearing clothes anymore, a fact she ignored for the time being. Other than that, she didn't feel any different. Still, it must have worked. Something had happened. With a sharpened glare, she shifted her stance. One way to test it. One way to be sure. With a deep, controlled breath, she thrust her fingers forward through the air. A bright crackle of energy charged in her grasp. Seconds later later, a hot, sizzling lightning bolt exploded from her fingertips. Elation tore through her, curling a delighted grin across her face. Spinning her body, she snapped a whirling kick into the air. Bright blue flames erupted, igniting the dark void around her. Yes!
"I feel strong, better than I ever have," she stated, looking down at herself. Her grin twisted into a disturbed frown. "But I'd like some clothes now, if you please."
A bright flash lit the void. When it vanished, a familiar outfit adorned Azula's body—traditional Fire Nation combat robes, the likes of which she had once worn in her previous life. Even her hair now sat in its signature topknot, complete with gold hairpin. Her smirk returned. Now she felt like her old self again. Now, she was alive again.
"Now that you have returned to the living, it is time you uphold your end of our deal," Sen said, his voice stern and commanding.
"Yes, yes," she said, with a wave of her hand. "Where is this essence of yours?"
"I'm afraid I don't have that information. It was hidden away after I was sealed in here."
Azula raised an eyebrow at the stone door. "So how do you expect me to find it?"
The spirit's voice eased calmer. "There is one place that should have the location of my essence: Wan Shi Tong's Spirit Library."
"Oh, so I have to do research," Azula muttered. "How wonderful."
"Indeed. It may take a long time to uncover the information, but then you have all the time in the world, don't you?"
Azula rolled her eyes. "I suppose. Where is this library?"
"Far from here, but I will show you the way." Sen's tone shifted with caution. "First, there are things you must keep in mind. Wan Shi Tong is a very powerful, very wise, and very old spirit, nearly as ancient as myself. To gain access to his library, you must offer him some sort of knowledge he does not already possess. Even then, that might not work. In that case, you may have to manipulate yourself inside with your silver tongue."
"Sounds simple enough," Azula said, with a shrug. "I'm quite knowledgeable myself, and an even better liar."
The Spirit of a Thousand Faces hummed softly, as if digesting Azula's boast. "Furthermore, we were never what you would call 'friends'. You mustn't let him or any of his knowledge seekers know you are looking for information about me, or he will expel you from the library. Or worse."
"I'll be fine, don't worry," she assured. "Just show me the way already."
Azula strolled through the entrance of the massive, palace-like structure. For a library, it certainly was grandiose. At one time, it must have been quite the awe-inspiring building. Now, it was dusty, dank, and dark. The mere sight of it sent a tickle down the back of her throat that made her want to gag. She nearly did, but managed to keep herself composed.
"So, this is the great Spirit Library?" she said aloud, as she crossed over one of the bridges in the central hall. Her gaze tilted towards the ceiling high above her. "Doesn't seem all that great. Just a dusty old building full of moldy books."
"You insult my library?" A dark figure swooped down from the shadows of the ceiling, wings spread wide.
"I'm guessing you're Wan Shi Tong?" Azula took a step backwards, as the massive black-feathered owl landed on the bridge in front of her, staring at her with his beady eyes and pure white face.
"Yes, I am Wan Shi Tong, he who knows ten thousand things," the owl replied. He stepped closer, lowering his head to stare at her. "And you are clearly a human. Humans are no longer allowed in my library."
Azula paused, glancing beyond the owl. In one of the nearby aisles, she noticed a man in desert travel attire pulling down a tome from one of the bookcases. Lifting a brow, she turned back to the spirit owl and pointed at the man. "What about him?"
As she spoke, the man looked over and beamed a smile. Clutching the book tight to his chest, he ran over to greet them. "Oh, hello there! Another human, stupendous. It's been years. Please, allow me to introduce myself. Professor Zei, of Ba Sing Se University. Or at least, I used to be. Now I suppose I'm just Zei. In any case, welcome to the Spirit Library!"
Wan Shi Tong set a glare upon the man. "Zei, go back to your corner and continue reading. We're trying to have a conversation."
"Of course, great Wan Shi Tong." Zei gave the owl a respectful bow, and ran off.
Wan Shi Tong cleared his throat, shifting focus back to Azula. "Yes, well... Just the one human. He at least appreciates the knowledge in my library, and is too much of a fool to abuse it like so many others have in the past."
"Well, I can't say I plan to abuse anything here," Azula said, with a simple shrug. "Honestly, I'm just bored and need something to do. Not a lot of ways to entertain myself in the Spirit World."
"Then leave," he insisted, leaning his face closer. "No one is keeping you here. Return to your body in the physical world and be gone."
"I'm afraid I can't do that." Raising one of her hands, she ignited a bright blue flame in her palm. "See, I'm not here in spirit form."
"You are here physically?" Wan Shi Tong tilted his head at her, twisting it nearly all the way upside down. "That shouldn't be possible now that I have removed my library from the physical world. The spirit portals are the only way for humans to physically enter the Spirit World, and they've been closed for ten thousand years. How did you come to be here?"
She shrugged again, lowering her attention down at her fingers, as if more interested in her nails than the great spirit owl standing in front of her. "I'm not even sure myself. I was chased by some spirit wolf in Forgetful Valley, and the next thing I know, poof. Here I am, in the Spirit World. I'd love to return to the physical world, but since there's no way to do that, I'm stuck here." She paused, glanced up at the owl curiously. "Unless, of course, you can bring your library back long enough to drop me off?"
Wan Shi Tong seemed to consider the proposal briefly, until he finally twisted his head around straight and stood upright. "Very clever, human, but you will not trick me into raising my library into the physical world again. It will remain here."
"Then, like I said, I'm stuck."
"And you merely wish to utilize my library to pass the time?"
"Precisely," she said. "It's not like I can abuse your knowledge if I can't even leave the Spirit World, right?"
"Hmm..." The owl clicked his beak together a couple times, thinking. At last, he uttered a reluctant sigh and said, "Very well, I will allow you to peruse my halls. If you can add new information to my collection."
"New information?" Azula folded her arms and glared up at the owl. "Did you know that Princess Azula of the Fire Nation is dead?"
The owl glared back at her, raising one of his wings to his beak in thought. "No, I did not know this. How did she die?"
"She drowned, after fleeing from her home in the year 102 AG."
"I see..." Wan Shi Tong turned his head to look back through the library. "I don't have much knowledge left about the Fire Nation, after that wing of the library was destroyed. Very well, I will accept this information. The library is yours to browse. What is your name, human?"
"My name?" She thought a moment, pressing her finger to her chin. "Oh, you can call me... Aoi."
"Aoi, then. If you require any assistance, my knowledge seekers will help." He motioned one of his wings towards the side of the hall, where a pair of fox spirits sat, watching them. With that, he took off into the air. "Enjoy the great Spirit Library."
Azula started from the very beginning, with the oldest books and scrolls the library had to offer. If Sen was such an ancient spirit, and had been sealed away for thousands of lifetimes, as he claimed, any information regarding him would have been collected far in the past. Not that that made things much easier. There were thousands upon thousands of scrolls from that time, perhaps even millions. Since she couldn't directly reveal what she was looking for, she could do only so much to narrow down her search. She had the knowledge seekers bring her information about ancient spirits in general, and worked from there. Still so many to look through.
Years went by, as she studied scroll after scroll, story after story. Was it years? Hard to tell. Time had no meaning in this place. Hours, days, weeks—they all blurred together. Not that it mattered. Her body didn't age. Sen hadn't been wrong when he said she had all the time in the world. She still needed to eat and sleep now that she was alive again, but the knowledge seekers kept her accommodated with spirit food and fresh bedrolls. The accommodations could hardly be considered appropriate for someone of her status, but they made sitting alone in a library for years on end a little easier to bare.
Two hundred thousand, five hundred and twenty two. That was how many scrolls she read before finally discovering mention of the Spirit of a Thousand Faces.
Son of the Mother of Faces, and brother of Koh the Face Stealer, the scroll detailed, Sen is a powerful spirit born unto this world near the beginning of time. It is said that he is as sinister as his mother is generous, and more ambitious than his brother. He is able to both give and take away not only faces, but the true essence of a being's spirit—their soul. Many thousands of lifetimes ago, near the beginning of the age of humans, the Mother of Faces felt her son could no longer be trusted, and locked him away. He now remains sealed in a prison in the deepest pits of the Spirit World.
That was where the writing stopped.
"That's it?" she muttered, glaring down at the open scroll. She lifted it up and looked at the other side, but there was nothing. "Where's the rest of it? There must be more."
A soft whine drew her attention away from the scroll. One of the library's knowledge seekers sat there, watching her. She frowned at it, and looked back to the scroll. How long had it taken her to find this one snippet of information regarding Sen? There had to be a way to speed things up.
"You," she said, turning a glance towards the fox spirit. "Bring me everything you have about the Mother of Faces."
The knowledge seeker bowed, and scurried off to find what she needed. If Azula couldn't ask about Sen directly, perhaps she could find more about him by studying his mother. After all, his mother had been the one who imprisoned him and stolen his essence to begin with.
More years went by. Thousands more books, endless scrolls, and still nothing. In that time, she learned more about the Mother of Faces, Koh the Face Stealer, and the spirits in general than she would ever have use for, but the library lacked anything noteworthy about the Spirit of a Thousand Faces. With each new scroll she finished, her irritation mounted, and her patience thinned. At this point, she was wasting her time.
"Knowledge seeker, I need everything you have on this spirit." She pointed to Sen's name on the scroll where she'd discovered the initial information. The fox gave an acknowledging whine, and scampered off. So what if she angered an overgrown owl? She could fry him, now that she had her bending back.
The knowledge seeker returned with a single, half-torn piece of parchment, the edges of which were charred, as if once set with fire. Evidently, someone had attempted to erase any information about Sen in this library. She took the page and scanned the few paragraphs she could read. Her eyes stopped at one of the last sentences. There. That was it!
Azula bolted to her feet and sprinted through the library, towards the exit. As she rounded one of the many aisles of books, her foot struck something solid and she flew airborne. She recovered in midair, landing in a controlled roll and springing to her feet. Her gaze shifted back to find what she had tripped over. Curious. It was an old man, slumped against one of the bookshelves with an open tome set on his lap. His eyes were closed, and he didn't move.
"Who is that?" she muttered. The only other human here was Zei, who she had only interacted with a few times.
"That is Zei," a voice bellowed. Moments later, Wan Shi Tong flew down from the ceiling and landed in front of her with a thud, blocking her path through the aisle. "He passed away a few weeks ago."
"That's Zei?" She squinted her eyes at the old man. He had to be nearly eighty years old, far older than the last time she had seen Zei. "But he's..."
"Old, yes," the spirit owl said, leaning his face close to Azula with a stern glare. "You've spent forty of your human years here in my library, so it should be no surprise that he aged. Curious, that you have not."
Azula frowned. Forty years? She'd been here that long? Then back in the physical world... How had the world changed, since she'd been gone? Forcing the initial shock out of her mind, she retained her smug demeanor. "A girl never reveals her beauty secrets."
Wan Shi Tong's beady eyes narrowed. "Why did you ask for information about the Spirit of a Thousand Faces?"
"Because I was curious, why else?" Azula said, with a shrug. "I read so many fascinating things about the Mother of Faces and Koh the Face Stealer, I simply had to find out more about the other member of their family."
"Really?" The spirit owl scoffed, and stared closer. "Is that why you tried to flee after you gained the information you sought? With the page? Not only are you a liar, human, but you are a thief."
"Oh come now, there's no need for insults."
The great spirit owl raised himself upright, wings spread and neck elongating. He glared down at her, ire burning in his gaze. "I'm afraid I cannot allow you to leave with that information, human. Sen cannot be allowed free from his prison. Whatever he has promised you, it is not enough."
"That's one owl's opinion," Azula said, with a teasing smirk. "I'm afraid I can't let you stop me."
"Do you truly believe you can outwit Wan Shi Tong, he who knows ten thousand things?"
"Well, I have to try." With a knowing smirk, she shifted herself into her bending stance with her fingers pointed forward. Lightning erupted through the air and struck the great owl in the chest, eliciting a pained shriek as he fell against a bookcase. Azula sprinted by the struggling spirit, pausing only briefly to kick a blast of fire at the bookcase. Tomes erupted in flames and fell down upon the owl, burying him in burning debris. "And now you know one more thing: what lightning feels like! So long, you stupid owl."
