Azula stood next to Zuko in front of the prison, waiting for the Dai Li to show up. Her brother's face was stern, and he had his hands on his sword's handles, ready to draw them at any second if necessary. He had also brought his friends and uncle Iroh to see them as well. It was hard to say who was angrier, and she could understand why. Her victory in Ba Sing Se had been their defeat after all.
It didn't take long for them to show up - perfection had always been their goal, and that included being punctual. The eight men were wearing Fire Nation clothes, but they still would have stood out on a crowd because of how they moved, which annoyed Azula. She had noticed many times that these men never rested. Everything about the way they carried themselves made it abundantly clear that they had received intense military training.
So much for being discrete.
The Dai Li all bowed to them at the same time, and Azula took a few steps towards them.
"So, all of you have decided to answer my call."
"It is an honor to be at your service again, princess" Xun said, bringing one hand to his heart, then looked at Zuko "My Lord, we'll help you win this conflict through any means necessary."
That answer did not please her brother, nor his friends. From what Azula understood, some kid they knew, and the other two that were always with him, died because of Long Feng. It made sense that a simple promise meant to gain their trust would only do the opposite.
"You'll stick to my means" Zuko's anger was clear in his voice "There will be no unnecessary deaths, no brainwashing, no lying to the people of my nation, no attacking people without my explicit permission and no information will be kept from me. Anything any of you do that goes against these orders will be considered treason and punished accordingly."
"My Lord, we are loyal to you and your sister" Xuhon spoke "We'd never question or disobey you."
"Did you say the same to Long Feng before siding with Azula?"
Both the princess and the Dai Li felt uncomfortable with that question. She had asked them the same thing right before banishing them from the Fire Nation. She hated thinking of how foolish she looked to everyone on that terrible day, afraid even of shadows on the walls.
"Long Feng was never as competent as your sister" the man finally said.
"Flattery won't get you anywhere. The only reason all of you will no longer live as outcasts in Ba Sing Se is because she trusts you. I'm yet to be convinced, and nothing anyone of you has said was enough to change my mind."
"What do you want from us then?"
Zuko opened the door to the prison "Get in. All of you."
The Dai Li all exchanged looks, then did as he said. Azula and the others all got in after them, and she saw as they surrounded the Dai Li, who seemed to panic for just one split second as the prison door closed with a loud noise. The guards in front of every cell kept their eyes on them, prepared for a fight that never happened. During it all, Zuko looked completely sure of himself, and Azula couldn't be prouder.
They guided the Dai Li to the largest empty cell in the prison, with four bunk beds, and Toph opened the door, smirking "Get in and tell me what you guys think of the place. I've been helping Zuko redecorate."
I can see why Zuko likes this girl.
Hesitantly, the eight men did as they were told, and Azula saw an all too familiar look in their eyes - that survival instinct that made it impossible for even the bravest, most loyal warrior not to consider trying to fight an escape route. The cell was big enough to fit all of them, but staying there for even a day would be extremely uncomfortable. She could see them looking around for any earth they could bend in case there was a fight, but they were outnumbered and outmatched.
Zuko noticed it too, and drew both his swords before giving them another command "Choose your beds"
"My Lord" Ling's voice trembled "Why are you doing this, we came here to serve you"
"Do as he says, or this cell will be your new home" Azula said. The man's fear was justifiable, but it was a defiance of her brother's orders and she wouldn't allow it.
"I assure you you're all safe" Iroh said, trying and failing to calm them, but succeeding in irritating Azula.
Keep your mouth shut, uncle fatty. Don't ruin my fun.
Terrified, they all chose what could be their future beds if they failed on this mission, and Zuko continued to look more threatening than she had ever seen him before. The princess smirked, pleased with the scene before her. She knew her brother had it in him.
"Cheng, Lohu, leave the cell" the two sighed in relief and stood before her, while the others stayed where they were, pleading with their eyes to be allowed the same reward "Both of you are staying at the palace with my brother. He is one of the strongest firebenders in the world and there are more than enough guards to protect him in case the palace is attacked, but it's always good to have an element of surprise against your enemy, no matter how small. The rest of you will be leaving with me and infiltrating the traitor's group, meeting their allies, and leading them all to a trap" Azula's eyes met Zuko's, and she could he wanted permission to go to the second part of the plan "All of you come with me now. There's a special prisoner we want you to meet."
Zuko was the only one in the room who didn't seem confused by her orders, and she immediately understood that he had not told them the whole plan. She held onto the satisfaction that fact brought her so she'd be strong enough to be face to face with that man again.
I can do this. I should have done it a long time ago.
Zuko gave her one last look, giving her the option to back down, then opened the door to Ozai's cell.