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The Mercy of an Angel - Chapter One Hundred-Eleven
The sounds of artillery fire continued to rocket into the air as chunks of ice fell from the icy slope.
All the while as Team Azula found themselves cut off when a shell exploded over their heads.
While the four highborn women stared over their shoulders back at Reynolds's war truck as it approached up the hill.
Before they quickly began to run up the ice once more with Elle panting as she attempted to keep up.
Only to find herself crying out in surprise when she was thrown onto the larger woman's armored back.
While she wrapped her arms around the princess's neck as a moved tear fell from her eye.
All the while as Azula continued to bound her way up the hill with her sword in hand.
While her golden eyes glared over her damaged shoulder plating at all of her pursuers.
All the while as many soldiers leaped from the tanks as they rushed up the hillside with rifles in hand.
"We're getting close! It's just up there beyond that ridge!" Zoi called out as her wounded legs pulled her exhausted body up the slope just as another rocket exploded behind them.
While the mountain of ice shook with a rumble as blocks of ice rained down above them.
All the while as the Fire Nation women began to breath heavily in the frigid arctic air as they dragged their bodies up the incline.
Only for the team to turn to gaze over their shoulders in disbelief when they saw the bomber running to the far left of them.
Just as they gazed out of the corners of their angered eyes to see that the redhead had already ran further than them.
And now the young prodigy was leaping up onto the ice above them while the girl gazed back down into their outraged eyes.
All the while as the enraged princess met the girl's persistent gaze as they stared defiantly back into each other's eyes.
"This girl just won't give up!" Mai shouted with aggravation seeping through her fed up voice as she shakily jumped up the slope.
"You will not have her!" Azula roared with her teeth bared in a ferocious glower while Elle shook from where she hung onto her back.
"Arigatou…gozaimasu Azula-sama." Elle murmured as she hid in the older girl's dark hair while she was comforted by the sound of the woman's wrathful snarl.
Only for both parties to spin around to gaze down over their shoulders once more as the insane colonel's screams resonated throughout the ice valley.
"Mutilate them! Do not let them get away! And kill Number Three!" Reynolds bellowed with an expression of unrelenting delirium in his widely maddened blue eyes.
While the military truck climbed up the slope in overdrive as his roars echoed throughout the cold air in unison with the explosions of artillery fire.
All the while as the four highborn women stared over their shoulders back at the rapidly advancing trucks and tanks with hatred flashing before their enraged eyes.
Only to find themselves reeling around to gaze up above them in surprise when they heard an inhuman shriek coming from up above them.
While they gaped up with astonished looks in their eyes when they saw a flurry of spirits pouring forth from the ice cavern above.
"Up there Azula! Spirits and their auras don't feel pink!" Ty Lee shouted in an alarmed voice as they jumped their way up onto more leveled ground while her companions stared up in urgency.
While Azula gazed up with marginally widened golden eyes with the small girl hanging onto her neck.
All the while as she glanced up in shock when the horde of spirits began to swoop down on them from above.
Only for her callous eyes to widen even further when she turned around to see the spirits soar right past her head!
While the three noblewomen gazed around them in astonishment as they turned to watch the spirits besiege the army below.
All the while as many gunshots were fired off as the soldiers fought in a futile effort to hit their ghostly attackers.
"The…spirits…they're avoiding us…because of Elle." The captain spoke in a surprised voice while she and her comrades turned to gaze back at the small girl's innocently bewildered face.
"B-because of me?" The handmaid stammered in a gentle-hearted voice while she felt her princess brace her feet as the much taller woman stood up.
Only for the team to whip around to gaze up above them when they heard the bomber cry out as she collapsed onto the ice.
All the while as many spirits flew around her from all sides as gunfire and artillery continued to thunder all around her.
While Azula watched through the corner of her vengeful golden eye as she let out a deep growl as her handmaid peered up from over her plated shoulder with distraught amber eyes.
And then without even giving it any further thought she began to sprint her long athletic legs up through the valley of ice.
While the three nobles immediately took to rushing after their leader as they ran across the plane of ice towards the increasingly bright light of the gateway.
All the while as the princess glared up at the young assassin just as she came into view.
Only for the supersoldier to turn to gaze down over her shoulder when she heard her fallen comrade shout out to her.
"Naoki! Help me!" Katsu cried out in a panicked voice as she hurled what little bombs she had left at the shrieking spirits.
While Naoki hesitated for the faintest of moments as she stared impassively back at the approaching Team Azula.
Just as she gazed out of the corner of her eye at Elle's distressed face while the younger girl met her gaze as the princess ran towards her.
All the while as the smaller girl gazed over the woman's shoulder with her amber eyes trembling with emotion at the sight of her feral friend in danger.
And not a second later Team Azula stared ahead with shock in their eyes when the redhead ran right past them.
While they gazed over their shoulders in surprise as they caught a glimpse of the redhead flaring her drained aura.
And then just like that the young prodigy leaped down on her booted feet in front of her panicked comrade.
All the while as the two supersoldiers let out battle cries as they used their chi to destroy the spirits before they could get any closer.
"She…went to help her comrade." The markswoman stated as she gazed down at the redhead as they continued to run ahead.
Just as a spirit wailed as it was swiftly destroyed by the young assassin as she stared on with machinelike brown eyes.
All the while as she skillfully swung her wakizashi as she fought to keep both the soldiers and the spirits off her exhausted comrade's back.
Only to find herself leaping back with her brown eyes glancing around rapidly when she saw more spirits flying down at them from overhead.
And then she momentarily stared up as she met Elle's wide amber gaze while the royal woman ran further up the hill.
"Good! I hope that they both suffer." The princess sneered in a cruel voice as she stormed her way through the ice while her subordinates rushed after her footfalls.
Only for her callous eyes to widen in bewilderment when she heard an uncharacteristic battle cry come from over her shoulder.
While her lips shook in a taken aback expression when she felt the small teenager slip her hands from around her neck.
And then before she even had a chance to so much as even mouth a single word, she felt the girl slide off her back!
All the while as she spun around with her golden eyes wide in disbelief when she saw her serving girl had jumped off her back!
All the while as the four Fire Nation women turned around to stare at their young friend in shock as the girl's chi began to glow once more!
"Naoki! Katsu!" Elle yelled as she landed painfully on the ice as she skidded down the slope while the two girls turned to gaze up at her in disbelief.
"Elle!" The acrobat hollered in a shocked voice while she watched the teenager shakily slide down the ice to help the two surrounded girls.
While Mai and Zoi stared on with their eyes filling with puzzlement over their adopted sister's willingness to throw herself back into the heat of battle for two girls that had tried to capture her.
All the while as Azula's authoritative voice now cut through the air as she clenched her fists in anger.
"Peasant! What do you think you are doing! That girl tried to brutalize you! I order you to get back here right now!" Azula boomed in a beyond aggravated voice with her teeth ground together in her royal fury.
Only to find herself balling up her fists so tightly that her skin began to turn white when a blast of her serving girl's chi knocked the spirits right off the redhead's back!
All the while as she crushed her furious boot into the snow as it crushed beneath her body weight as her subordinates marveled in a speechless state behind her.
While Elle rolled to a halt before the two older girls as they still gazed back at her with a stunned expression in their eyes.
And not even a moment later the teenager panted as she released her drained energy once more while the spirits began to cry out as they flew away in fright.
All the while as the four highborn women stood gazing down with their mouths hanging open in astonishment.
"What is that girl thinking! We're trying to escape not help them!" The princess shouted in a frustrated voice as another rocket exploded to the right of them.
"All of that is true princess. But it would seem that young Elle had chosen to help them. And now in turn…we have to help Elle." Zoi remarked in a stoic voice as she began to slide down the ice while Azula trembled in rage behind her.
All the while as Mai and Ty Lee shared a glance as they sighed before they quickly began to rush down to help their little sister.
"You know how she is Azula…she…she has a gentle heart." Ty Lee commented with her braided hair swaying behind her as she leaped down below while Azula's face still contorted in anger.
While she tried to avoid grimacing from the pain of the beating that she took at the redhead's hands.
"There is no point in wasting time complaining about it. I don't agree with it…but I'm not going to let the kid die over it." Mai sighed as she followed after the acrobat.
While Azula stomped her boots in the snow with her fists clenched at her hips.
"Ugh! This commoner is nothing but a pain in my ass!" Azula snarled as she leaped past her friends while her possessive golden eyes glared down at the two girls.
While the two supersoldiers still stared back at their friend with disbelieving looks in their eyes.
Just as they soon crowded in together while their exhausted auras flared to life.
All the while as Naoki gazed over her shoulder when Elle stumbled into her side with her brown eyes reflecting her confusion.
"Why? We tried to kill your friends." Naoki questioned in an unusually soft voice as the smaller girl panted with her back against hers.
All the while as Katsu still gazed back at the younger girl with her golden eyes expressing her gratitude.
While Team Azula slid down as they glared back at them.
"Because…you two are also my friends and b-because I understand why you feel the way you do." The handmaid replied as she stared back into the two older teenager's taken aback eyes.
All the while as the young prodigy stood gazing back at the girl behind her in bewilderment.
"It…doesn't mean that I condone it…or that I even get how you could even consider being so heartless. But…but I understand how you feel all the same." Elle mumbled as she stared right back into Naoki's hard brown eyes while the older girl quietly contemplated her words.
And not even seconds later the princess leaped down between them on her angry booted feet with her glaring murderously back at the two confused girls.
"Elle…" The bomber trailed in a quiet voice while the blonde mustered a smile from where she now stood beside the glowering princess.
Only to find herself shuddering in fright as she took a step back while the tall woman glared an imposing hole through her skull.
Just as the three noblewomen landed beside their princess as they also stared angrily back at the two supersoldiers.
Before they spun around as they swung their weapons at the retreating spirits.
All the while as the sound of the tanks advancing through the ice resounded into the ears of the seven girls.
Just as the two teams watched in alarm as soldiers began to close in on them!
While Naoki still stood gazing back at Elle with a flicker of recognition in her emotionless brown eyes.
All the while as Azula never once ceased glaring out of her through the corner of her merciless eye.
Just as the redhead abruptly rushed towards the princess and the younger girl as a blur while the older females stared back at her in distrust.
Only to find themselves gazing over their shoulders in surprise to see that the girl's sword was now piercing a soldier's chest.
All the while as the man dropped lifeless to his knees before he could even so much as pull the trigger on the startled handmaiden from where she stood trembling beside the surprised princess.
While Azula now stared coldly back at Naoki just as the girl turned to gaze back at them.
"Y-you saved me Naoki." The handmaid stuttered in a shaken-up voice as she stood with her back against her much taller girlfriend's chest.
All the while as the four older girls exchanged an uncertain look through the corners of their eyes.
Before all seven of them soon began to back up in one circle as they assaulted the attacking soldiers.
All the while as the three firebenders sent blasts of blue, green and orange light towards the screaming squads.
While the soldier's shouts filled the air as they were blown away by the combined power of their bending.
All the while as Elle still gazed sentimentally back into Naoki's stony eyes while the redhead pressed her back into hers.
"I am just repaying the debt." The assassin stated in a composed voice while her childhood still smiled back at her.
While Azula loomed over the both of them with her strict golden eyes still glaring down at the assassin.
"When this is over you better get out of our way or I really will kill you Naoki." The princess hissed with fire snorting from her angered nostrils while the supersoldier stared coldly back at her.
All the while as the redhead slid on the ice beside the captain as the two cut down soldiers before they could converge on them onto the leveled ground.
While the younger warrior momentarily gazed up into the older warrior's eyes.
Before the two continued to fight beside each other.
And not a moment later the captain managed to send a tank rolling onto its side with a blast of her firebending.
All the while as the mighty noblewoman breathed more heavily with her focused golden eyes glaring about.
While the princess and her two childhood friends fought beside their young friend and the erratic bomber.
Just as the three highborn women turned to gaze over their shoulders in surprise when the combustionbender sent a screaming soldier flying through the air.
All the while as they watched with bewildered expressions in their eyes as the girl childishly stuck her tongue out at the frightened soldiers staring back at her.
"It's playtime! I still have enough left to make you go pop!" Katsu called out in an excited voice with her pony tail blowing about behind her as she generated a small ball of chi in her palm.
And then mere seconds after that an explosion shook the ice while the soldiers cried out as they were blown away.
While Mai and Ty Lee suppressed a shudder that traveled down their spines over the way that the girl killed as if she was playing with toys.
All the while as Elle gulped with her amber eyes trying to hide her discomfort over watching everyone kill all around her.
While Azula rolled her golden eyes as she watched the dense girl cheer with a fist pumped above her head.
"Boo yeah!" The bomber yelled in a gleeful voice while the highborn women gazed at her oddly.
Only for all seven of them to turn around in surprise when a projectile was fired down at the soldiers from the skies above.
That was when the Fire Nation women turned to gaze up into the skies in confusion as they watched a helicopter hover down from overhead.
While Naoki turned to stare up with marginal surprise in her ruthless eyes as the helicopter fire down upon the military force from above.
Just as the helicopter slowed down above them while Team Azula watched as a door opened up.
And then a rope ladder was dropped from the opened door while they stared up to see armed men and women descending down hanging rope.
Only for the team to find themselves staring back at Naoki in disbelief when the soldiers jumped down in front of her!
While they watched with wary looks in their eyes as the redhead turned to face them with her usual emotionless gaze.
"I told you to hang back until I was finished." Naoki spoke in a frigid voice while she gazed at the helmet covered faces of her crew.
All the while as a tall muscular man at the front removed his helmet as he faced his young leader.
"My apologies Naoki but we can't do that." Kane remarked in an Irish accent as he slid down his visor while he gazed down at his leader with calm hazel eyes.
While the highborn women gazed back at the man's face in realization that he was one of the prisoner's that they saw escaping in their young friend's memories.
While Azula arched a regal brow as she stared back at the soldiers with ruthless golden eyes.
Only to find herself turning to her little girlfriend when the girl smiled back at the newly arrived group.
"Hello Kane!" Elle chirped in a lovable voice as she waved at the man while her big sisters glanced at the man curiously.
All the while as the princess glared back at the man with a possessive golden death stare.
Only for the man to smile as he waved back at the innocent teenager.
"Hey there lassie. I see that you found yourself someone to watch over you." The mercenary responded as the teenager smiled brightly back at him.
All the while as he tried not to flinch when the terrifying looking woman glared through his skull.
While his gaze drifted over the girl's bruised cheek as he glanced back at his leader in disapproval.
But he wisely chose to hold his tongue instead.
Only for the tall princess to hiss when the smaller girl turned to beam up at her.
All the while as the three noblewomen stared on in with a sliver of amusement in their eyes.
"This is Azula-sama! She's a princess and she's also my best friend!" The handmaid announced as she smiled up at her princess while the proud woman glared back at the redhead's group.
While Kane rose a brow as he smiled back at the gentle girl.
All the while as the acrobat managed to form a small smile behind the scowling princess.
Only for the two groups to spin around with widened eyes once more when they saw Reynolds armored truck plowing its way through the snow.
All the while as the man still held his rocket launcher as he stared in rage back at the two groups.
While his mania filled shouts still split into the air as numerous tanks flanked him from behind.
"That bastard just doesn't know when to quit." The captain stated with her golden eyes glaring on dangerously as she crouched down over an unmoving soldier to confiscate his weaponry.
While the markswoman scowled as she did the same as she picked up a rifle in her clenched fist as she glared at the advancing military vehicles.
"Naoki…I know that it isn't my place to question you. But why is that man still alive? I thought that he was one of your targets. And yet you only cut off a hand." Kane pondered in a puzzled voice while he turned to gaze down at his always smiling leader.
While the Fire Nation women listened curiously as they watched the two from the corner of their eye.
All the while as the bomber's shouts still split into the air as another tank went flying under the force of her combustionbending.
While the mercenaries returned fire on the enemy soldiers as their helicopter still fired down at the tanks from above.
All the while as Naoki smiled ruthlessly as she stared back at Reynolds as his delirium filled face rode into view.
"Because I wanted him to feel the depth of his impotence. I don't want him to just die…I want him to suffer a slow, agonizing descent into hell." The assassin spoke in a monstrously heartless voice while her smile widened as she watched the man scream in his rage.
While Ty Lee shuddered as she shared a disturbed look with Mai.
All the while as Azula and Zoi glared back at the military truck with a merciless stare of their own.
While Elle swallowed as she shivered in the arctic winds with her amber eyes gazing back at the now maimed colonel.
All the while as a strange feeling began to bubble up in her belly the longer, she stared at the man's scarred face.
While the bald man still frowned at his stoic leader with a flash of concern in his eyes.
"You need to be more careful Naoki. You may be one of the strongest aberrants on the planet but you are still mortal. A man only needs one hand to put a bullet in your skull if you let your guard down." The mercenary insisted in an adamant voice as he fired on the approaching military trucks.
All the while as his leader still adorned a lethal smile as she tauntingly surveyed the truck with unconcerned brown eyes.
"Now you die! Demon! You and the fire bitch both!" The colonel howled in a profoundly unstable voice as bullets flew over his head.
Only for an explosion of blue fire to send him soaring from the back of his truck while blasts of orange fire and green light followed soon after.
All the while as Azula now stared on with her beautiful lips curled into a ruthless sneer as she let out a malicious laugh.
While her captain jumped to the ground scowling beside her as she glared daggers at the man when he landed in the snow.
Only for the sound of Naoki's eerie laughter to soon fill the air in sync with that of the Fire Princess.
All the while as the supersoldier smirked back at Reynolds as he fought to pull himself up by his rocket launcher.
While the last of the tanks rolled to a stop behind their enraged commander only for the helicopter fire to spray down on them before they could continue to let loose their cannon fire.
While both Naoki and Azula smiled menacingly back at the maimed colonel.
And for a fleeting moment it almost seemed as if the two girls were something akin to kindred spirits.
All the while as the acrobat shivered as she found herself glad that the girl wasn't returning home with them.
The last thing Azula needs is to have someone around that will only encourage her to be even crueler!
And not a moment later the redhead walked forward to stare back at the kneeling man.
"How does it feel to be weak Reynolds? How does it feel to be completely and utterly powerless?" Naoki inquired in a pitiless voice as she smiled back at Reynolds's utterly livid face.
"I'll see you die even if it is the last thing I do!" Reynolds screamed as he heaved his rocket launcher over his shoulder while his blue eyes nearly burst from his eye sockets.
All the while as the cornered group returned fire on the tanks as they plowed forward.
While the helicopter encircled the ice valley as it fired down on the tanks and trucks from the air.
"No, you won't. You cannot kill me Reynolds. All you can do is gaze upon me…gaze upon my superiority…marvel at my power. And know that you are nothing before my strength." The assassin taunted in a sanguine voice as she stared back at the infuriated man with haunting brown eyes.
All the while as Mai and Ty Lee stared at the redhead with unnerved expressions in their eyes.
While Azula glared on with conquering golden eyes with her lips pursed in a wrathful glower.
"Now then…Reynolds. I told you that I was going to destroy you. Although it seems as if Naoki has already done that. But even so, that is but morsel of what I have in store for you." Azula spoke in a perfectly poised voice with her cruel eyes taking delight in the man's anger as he glared furiously back at her.
All the while as the large man struggled to hold up his rocket launcher as his tanks continued to release explosive artillery fire that destroyed the ice all around them.
"That's right princess. We made him a promise and we're going to keep it." Zoi stated in just as cold of a tone as she clutched her katana in her bloodied hand as she glared back at the man.
Just as the group leaped for cover when another tank shell exploded to the left of them.
While Azula sprang jumped through the air with Elle crying out under her fists.
Before the two landed on the ground beside each other while the teenager shook in appreciation beside the much taller woman.
All the while as the three noblewomen dropped down beside them as they glared at the advancing tanks.
While the helicopter continued to fire down from above just as a tank burst into flames.
All the while as explosions of combustion bending detonated into the air as Katsu joyfully blasted another tank onto its side.
While the redhead's crew continued to return fire on the shouting soldiers as they ran for cover behind the tanks.
And throughout it all Naoki still smiled back at Reynolds as his blue eyes enlarged into an expression of absolute insanity.
Only for the four highborn women to turn to their petite friend when they noticed that the girl was chewing her lip in a show of worry.
"W-why…why does his face look so familiar? I…I know that I have seen it before it today. But where?" Elle muttered with her lips curling into a worried frown.
While the older females turned to their companion with suspicion in their angered eyes.
All the while as the explosions continued to shake the ice all around them as they stared on in concern.
"Of course, he would Elle. He was there." Naoki stated in a frigid voice as she turned to gaze back into the younger girl's amber eyes as they widened in realization.
While Team Azula turned to stare in rage back at the maimed colonel as he staggered on his feet with his blue eyes staring hatefully back at them.
All the while as Elle stared back at Reynolds with her emotional eyes flashing in recognition as her mouth fell open in distress.
While her mitten covered hands fell to her hips as Azula turned to stare down at her with a flicker of concern in her ruthlessly attentive golden eyes.
And that was all it took for the tension in the ice valley to become so thick that it was palpable on the tips of their tongues.
"Elle." The markswoman commented as she gazed back at the smaller girl with worry in her narrowed tawny eyes.
Only for Elle to start to shake as she still gazed back into the cruel man's remorseless blue eyes.
All the while as the teenage girl felt as if she had become list in the sea of time itself.
So, entranced in her reverie that she didn't even feel her princess start to shake her shoulder.
The small child walked forward in the line with a look of despair in her innocent amber eyes.
While several military officials watched with compassionless gazes from where they stood on the sidelines.
Most prominent of all was an imposing man who stood watching the scene with his arms folded over his broad chest.
While his blue eyes showed absolutely no pity as the little girl stumbled through the march.
"Burn the weak and the feeble in the execution tent! Leave only the gifted alive!" The colonel commanded in a savage voice as he turned to walk away while the other officers nodded their heads in understanding.
All the while as little Elle trembled in a haze as she marched her way through the sorrowful line.
Until she found herself pulled from her daze by the sound of her princess's harsh voice.
"Elle! Explain this! You say that you have seen this man before." The princess barked with her golden eyes glaring tyrannically back at the colonel's scarred face as he glared back at her.
All the while as the sounds of explosions continued to rocket all around them.
While the four older girls still gazed at their young friend with worry in their eyes.
Only to find themselves staring on in concern when tears started to fall from the teenager's wide amber eyes.
"H-he…he was there on that day when I…was being led to the execution…t-tent. H-he's one of the people that gave the order to burn…my home down." The handmaid confessed in a barely audible voice as she collapsed to her knees in the snow.
All the while as cold air blew in her stinging face while her highborn friends stood in a state of shock.
While they turned to gaze menacingly back at the man with indescribable rage flashing before their boiling eyes.
And just like that each of the four Fire Nation woman began to shake in unfathomable fury.
Even the always kind acrobat was staring on with rage-filled brown-gray eyes.
While the markswoman's tawny eyes had taken on a dark stare that few have ever earned before.
While the captain's golden eyes had become just as cold as when she faced down the psychopathic puppeteer.
And the princess's golden eyes were now bursting with bubbling rage as the flames of war now blazed ominously in her monstrous stare.
While the young prodigy and her crew stood silent as they knowingly gazed coldly back at the stumbling colonel.
All the while as the tank fire continued to roar all around the icy battlefield.
"He was there to round us up. And he would have…if Strados had not let us go for the fun of it." The assassin informed as she gazed on with emotionless brown eyes.
While Kane stared in loathing back at Reynolds as he glared defiantly back at them.
All the while as the four highborn women shook with rage that they have never felt before.
All for the sake of their pure-hearted young friend from another world!
While the mighty princess's teeth were visible in a display of royal rage as she breathed fire through her nostrils like a vengeful dragon.
All the while as she began to stomp forward with her powerful fists burning with azure fire.
Only to find herself freezing up in her tracks when she felt a potent chi sweep through her dark hair.
While she turned to gaze over her plated shoulder with her golden eyes lingering on her young girlfriend's tear-soaked face.
"He…h-he ordered the deaths of my…. m-mother and f-father." Elle stammered in a sorrowful voice with tears streaming down her enraged cheeks while her body became consumed with a white glow once more.
And then she tipped her head back while she yelled at the top of her lungs.
All the while as her friends on both sides turned to stare back at her with their eyes growing wide in shock.
While all eyes present watched speechless as a powerful chi swept through the snow-capped landscape.
All the while as Azula gaped on with her golden eyes widened in a truly rare state of sympathy.
All the while as a heart wrenching cry echoed throughout the air and right into the previously untouchable depths of Azula's cold heart.
All the while as the three noblewomen spun around to stare back at their young friend with a great expression of sympathy in their enraged eyes.
Only to find themselves taking a stunned step backwards when the teenager's chi burst through their hair at even greater volume than before!
And then just like that the small girl's aura of energy began to spiral into the skies while all eye watched in a stunned silence.
Even the bomber had halted in mid attack to gaze over her shoulder back at her friend with her golden eyes wide in astonishment.
While the enemy soldiers froze up as they stared on with transfixed expressions in their awestruck eyes.
All the while as the colonel gazed on with his blue eyes widening in disbelief as his jaw fell open in shock.
While he took a step backwards as he braced the rocket launcher over his shoulder.
All the while as he tried to hide the spark of fear that flashed before his bewildered eyes.
Just when the screams finally died down as Elle panted with her golden hair sticking to her distraught face.
As she slowly stood up with her body having become consumed by the Component State once more.
While her friends stood stricken with shock as they gazed on with stunned expressions in their wide eyes.
All the while as the princess swallowed with her lips trembling in a peculiar show of emotion.
While she surveyed her girlfriend with an uncharacteristic tint of helplessness her golden eyes.
Only to find herself turning to gaze over her shoulder when a malicious laugh resonated into the air.
While everyone from both teams turned to stare back at Reynolds in disbelief as he erupted into cruel laughter.
All the while as the now insane colonel laughed mockingly with his blue eyes taking clear delight in the girl's heartbreak.
"Did I make you cry! And what of it brat! Yes, I did oversee the operation! Your weakling pacifist of a mother and your pitiful excuse for a failed soldier of a father are both dead! And after we transfer that power of yours to a proper host you will be too!" Reynolds bellowed in a monstrous voice as he laughed heartlessly.
While a spark of rage now flashed before Elle's wet amber eyes as she began to tremble in uncharacteristic fury.
And then she straightened herself with her fists clenched at her trembling hips.
All the while as her highborn friends gritted their teeth in their rage as they began to make their way forward to kill the man.
Only for all of Team Azula to pause in their march once more when they spun around when they heard a shout of rage emanate from behind them.
While they watched with stunned looks in their widened eyes as the small girl screamed as loud as her lungs could go.
All the while as the snow blew ominously through the air under the force of the teenager's mighty chi!
While Naoki stood speechless with her brown eyes gazing back at her unusually provoked childhood friend.
All the while as Kane's jaw dropped as he watched in an amazed silence.
While Katsu balked with her golden eyes wide in fascination as Elle threw her head forward while she screamed in rage.
"You took my parents away from me! I will not let you get away with this! You will face justice!" The handmaid roared as her chi blew throughout the clearing while her friends stood speechless around her.
While gusts of chi blew in the colonel's laughing face as he held up his rocket launcher over his shoulder.
Only for the teenager to then break into a furious run towards the tanks while Team Azula and Team Naoki gazed on in shock.
"Elle!" The acrobat shouted in a sisterly voice as she rushed after the girl.
While the princess did the same as she bounded after the teenager with her boiling golden eyes casting a bloodthirsty glare at the madly laughing colonel.
All the while as the captain and the markswoman ran after the girl with their eyes glares furiously burning through man's amused face.
Only for their eyes to widen even larger when the girl emitted a storm of chi that shot across the frozen battlefield.
While the soldiers began to back away in fright as their leader continued to cackle insanely as he watched the girl run towards him.
"And what are you going to do about it! You're a cowardly pacifist just like your worthless mother was! You don't have what it takes to kill!" The colonel shouted as his hair swept about before his eyes while his mad laughter rang throughout the ice valley.
Only for his blue eyes to widen as the gust of energy swept towards him as he took one step backwards.
All the while as Elle still ran with her fists clenched as her screams cut into the ears and hearts of all of her stunned friends.
And not a moment after that a diagonal line of light was released into the air.
While Team Azula and Team Azula gaped on as they watched it speed straight towards the now frightened man.
"What…what is that!" Reynolds blurted out before he fired his rocket launcher in his panic.
And just like that all of Team Azula gazed on with their eyes wide with fright for their young friend's safety.
All the while as the rocket shell zoomed towards Elle's emotionally running face.
Only for their eyes to enlarge in absolute shock when the release of chi sliced the shell in half before it could hit the girl!
While Azula and her subordinates halted in their run as they gazed on with utter marvel in their widened eyes.
While Naoki gazed on back at Elle with just as much fascination as her crew watched in shock behind her.
And Katsu stood with her mouth still dropping open in wonder.
All the while a Reynolds stared on with his blue eyes widening in sudden terror.
And not a second later he let out a piercing scream when the construct sent him flying through the air.
While both teams gaped on in awe as they watched the cruel man shout in pain as he was thrown to the ground with his uniform cut to pieces by the girl's energy!
All the while as the colonel collapsed with his back in the snow as he shook in terror with a cut marks now adorning his sliced-up chest.
While Azula still stood with her mouth open in bewilderment as she watched her girlfriend come to a stop panting before the downed man.
All the while as the three nobles stood in a floored silence gazing back at their adopted sister in shock.
And not a single person on the battlefield could even find the will to say a word as they gazed at the enraged girl in awe.
While elsewhere over twenty miles away.
A stolen military truck was parked on the ice sheet.
While the young man stood smoking a cigarette with his long coat blowing in the chilling winds.
All the while as Felix turned to glance over his shoulder with a cruelly amused smirk on his lips.
Before he glanced down at his gloved palm as he felt a faint light radiate throughout his body.
"That's it…dear sister. Give in to the killing instinct." Felix spoke with a wistful smile on his lips as he leaned against the armored truck.
And soon enough he let out a demented laugh that echoed throughout the air of the frozen landscape.
The legacy of the Turner family truly was something to behold!
Team Azula and Team Naoki watched speechless as they watched from where they stood in shock as the girl stood glaring furiously down at the stunned man.
Just as the four highborn women began to finish running to their sensitive friend in the hopes of consoling her.
Only for the princess to gaze on with her golden eyes flashing in surprise when she saw the girl rapidly pick up a stray pistol from the ground.
All the while as Reynolds lay staring up with widened blue eyes as the barrel was then thrust into his face.
While Elle climbed on top of the man as she now held him by his torn uniform with the pistol pointing between the man's widened blue eyes.
All the while as she shook with emotion as she glared hatefully down at his trembling face.
While Azula came to a stop behind them with her ruthless golden eyes gazing down at her pet in disbelief to see that she was seemingly prepared to kill.
And despite all of the time that she spent lecturing the girl on her pacifistic ideology.
All of the sudden she couldn't help but find her belly bubbling up in worry of her innocent girlfriend staining her hands with blood.
'I don't…want her to kill. Because I…don't want to see her change. That's it…. isn't it? I prefer my Elle…untainted.' Azula thought with her fists balled up at her womanly hips as she glared murderously down at Reynolds shaken face.
While her three subordinates stopped behind her as they now also gazed at their young friend in poorly concealed worry.
All the while as Naoki watched with faintly widened brown eyes in curiosity to see if her friend truly was going to do it.
While Elle shook wildly with her once gentle amber eyes agape with immeasurable rage.
All the while as she stared furiously back into the man's wide eyes as she pushed the barrel of the gun into his forehead.
While her lips trembled in a snarl as she quivered with her tresses clinging to her wet face.
"And now you'll pay!" Elle howled with inconceivable rage in her voice as she clutched the man's ripped uniform in her trembling fist.
While she shook with her amber eyes staring furiously down into the colonel's frightened blue eyes.
Only for her amber eyes to squeeze shut as she heard her mother's voice begin to flow through her mind.
No living being has the right to take the life of another.
This world is full of people that have abandoned their humanity. Please Elle…don't ever become like them. Don't you ever let them take your light away.
I…just want you to know that I love you. And I always will…and no matter what happens…I will forever be in your heart.
Just as she began to pant with more tears making their way down her cold cheeks while the older girls stared on in a suspense behind her.
All the while as she began to shake violently with her gloved fingers slipping from the man's coat.
And then the gun slowly fell from the colonel's shocked face while she slowly stumbled to her feet.
While all present watched in complete disbelief to see that the girl lowered the gun on the man who played a central role in the deaths of her parents.
All the while as the Fire Nation women stared on with their eyes wide in emotion.
While they watched their young friend shake as she stood trembling in emotion with her face grasped in her hand over the monstrous man.
"Kid." Mai whispered in an unusually gentle voice as Elle stood crying with the gun tightly gripped in her fist.
"I-I want to do it…I want to do it with every fiber of my being." The handmaid mumbled in a terribly distressed voice as she held her face in her shaking hand.
All the while as her friends stood speechless behind her as another tear dripped down her face.
This was the first time that she has ever wanted to kill someone so profoundly that wasn't her brother Felix.
And yet…
While Azula watched with ruthlessly attentive golden eyes as she walked forward.
Until she came to a stop towering over the much smaller girl with her merciless eyes glaring down into Reynold's now intimidated eyes.
All the while as she exhaled fire through her seething nostrils as she loomed protectively over the distraught girl.
"But…but if I kill him my mother's spirit will cease to exist." Elle spoke in a deeply saddened voice as the gun slipped from her fingers and fell to the ice below as it landed with a clang.
All the while as everyone watching the scene stared on with absolute shock in their eyes.
And then she her hands hung to her sides while she tightened her fists at her hips as another tear fell from her sorrowful eye.
While all four members of Team Azula were struck by the girl's heart-breaking reasoning.
And now they understood better than ever before why their friend was so opposed to taking a life.
It was because the girl thought that she would forever lose her mother's warmth if she were to ever to stray from her mother's teaching.
"I…I can't do any more than this. This…this is all that I can do." The handmaid lamented in a shattered voice with tears falling down her face while her highborn friends gazed on in a helpless state behind her.
"Peasant. Come here." The princess ordered in an unnaturally soft voice as she reached out to pull the girl back by her coat.
And then she pulled her pet back while she stared down at her with coldly possessive golden eyes.
All the while as the acrobat watched with tears in her furious eyes as she stood beside the enraged markswoman.
While the captain's entire body now shook with rage while her merciless golden eyes glared down at the shocked man.
Just as the royal woman withdrew the girl back with her long fingers grasping a hold of the teenager's trembling shoulders.
While her regal lips were pursed in an inexplicable display of emotion as she stared down at her little love's crying face.
And then the princess watched with hardened golden eyes when the younger girl let out another heart wrenching scream.
All the while as her eyes flashed with amazement when chi exploded from the girl's emotional body once more.
While Team Azula and Team Naoki gazed on with shock as they watched the girl's aura spiral before their stunned eyes yet again.
All while as Elle yelled with her amber eyes wide in sorrow as the white energy lightly illuminated from her exhausted body.
While she thrashed in the mighty princess's muscular arms as the woman stood looming over her with her palms resting on her shoulders.
'She almost did it. But she won't…because her mother's spirit…would fade away?' Naoki thought with her brown eyes gazing in in perplexity while her childhood friend's energy flashed before her eyes.
"I knew…that you didn't have what it takes!" The colonel yelled out from where he lay on his back with his lone hand resting in the snow.
While the young girl's cries still split through the air in the same moment that all four highborn women turned to stare murderously down at him.
And not a moment later the crying teenager was gently pushed into the acrobat's open arms.
All the while as the sound of Azula's booming voice roared throughout the air as she sprinted at the man like a beast straight out of purgatory!
And just like that Reynolds was soon screaming in agony when Azula leaped atop his wounded body.
While the three noblewomen watched with no remorse in their eyes as the leader began to stomp her mighty boots on the man's screaming jaw.
All the while as Elle shook in Ty Lee's arms as the noblewoman pulled her into a loving embrace.
While the younger girl cried with her face resting against the acrobat's breasts while the colonel continued to shriek in agony.
While Naoki watched beside her crew with her brown eyes showing no emotion.
All the while as Kane stared at Elle with a look of pity in his eyes as he let out a saddened sigh.
While Katsu's eyes expressed pity for her innocent friend as she stared back at the crying girl.
"I have no such compunctions you worm!" Azula roared in a supremely enraged voice as she savagely stomped down hard with her searing sole against the man's burning skin.
While she pursed her lips into a vicious snarl with her boot brutally connecting with the colonel's screaming face.
"It's…going to be alright little sister. I've got you." Ty Lee spoke in a tender voice as she held the shorter girl into her chest as she paid no mind to the man's shouts of pain.
While Elle numbly nodded her head as she leaned forward with her face in the noblewoman's arms.
All the while as Zoi stared in loathing down at the man attempting to escape the wrath of her princess's powerful footfalls.
All while Mai quietly scowled with her tawny eyes still glaring down at Reynolds.
While Azula's dark hair hung over her enraged golden eyes as she panted while she loomed menacingly over the injured man.
And the soldiers that remained were too frightened to move forward now that their commander had been beaten.
And then before anyone even knew what was happening a mighty wind began to blow throughout the ice valley.
While the redhead's brown eyes widened ever so slightly in awareness as she calmly glanced around her.
All the while as the wind began to pick up as it swept the hair of the four highborn women.
While Azula halted in mid stomp as her boot stepped on the man's blooded face
All the while as her fists clenched at her imposing hips as she glared around with terrifying golden eyes.
Just as her ruthless eyes widened as she glanced around her with her dark hair swaying about in the rising winds.
While Zoi spun around her with her katana gripped in her fist as she glanced around in surprise.
"Is that…airbending?" The captain questioned in a taken aback voice while her companions gazed on in shared shock.
All the while as the princess stared on with her golden eyes agape in puzzlement.
Only for an intense blast of air to send her body soaring backwards while she roared in rage.
While the three noblewomen were also blown away as they landed on their feet beside their leader.
All the while as the acrobat held the teenager in her arms as they gazed back with widened eyes to see the colonel floating in the air before them.
And standing behind him was a woman in glistening armor with a long green cape swaying in the breeze behind her.
While the young woman now stared back at them with sharp gray eyes as her coffee brown hair blew in the wind behind her.
'An airbender! Here!?' The princess thought as she slid back on her booted feet with her elbows shielding her seething ace.
All the while as she furrowed her enrages brows as she glared back at the smiling woman.
While her subordinates stood defensively beside her as they stared furiously back at the woman for intruding on avenging their little sister's parents.
All while as Elle stared out of the acrobat's arms with her amber eyes gazing back at the woman in confusion.
"I don't know who you are airbender but I wasn't finished with him. I was only just getting started. Now move aside. Or you will find yourself joining him soon enough." Azula hissed in a wrathful voice as her golden eyes glared back at the other woman's smirking face.
"It's…. Air Force Commander Andromeda of Lord Rieko's battalion!" Kane exclaimed in a rightfully alarmed voice as he stared back at the woman with wary hazel eyes.
While Team Azula bristled with even further anger in their narrowed eyes after hearing that the woman was a subordinate of the emperor that they have heard so much about.
"This isn't your kill…savage." Andromeda answered in a dismissive voice as she stared back into the royal woman's now enraged golden eyes.
All the while as the tension on the battlefield had just gotten thicker by tenfold.
"What…did you just call me?" The princess demanded with rage in her voice as she gritted her teeth in her fury.
While the acrobat and the markswoman stood around their leader with their eyes gazing back at the woman in shock.
All the while as the captain stared on with furiously insulted golden eyes.
"I called you a savage…as in a person that is from a technologically primitive nation that is dreadfully behind the times." The air force commander insulted with a wide smirk on her conceited lips that only grew when the princess's face contorted in outrage.
While the Fire Princess now stood with fire spewing from her lips as her golden eyes narrowed into murderous slits.
And just like that her motivation to acquire the technologies of this foreign land had increased by a hundred-fold.
"I don't think I care for the way that you are disrespecting my crown princess!" Zoi snapped as she stepped up beside her leader while Azula's golden eyes gazed at her in approval.
"I don't think I care for the sound of your voice." Andromeda retorted in an arrogant undertone as she waved her hand in the air.
Just as all of Team Azula was blown backwards across the ice once more as they glared out with narrowed looks in their eyes.
All the while as Azula now rose back up to her full tall height as she glared on with callous golden eyes that never left the colonel's face.
While she clenched her fists at her hips as she clenched her jaw in her fury.
There was no way that she could just jump into another fight with a bender of unknown skill.
Not after having just fought both Katsu and Naoki in rapid succession.
And yet there was no way that she could allow this man to get away with what he did to her little girlfriend's parents!
Just as Reynolds raised his bloodied face to gaze back at Azula with a smirk on his lips while her golden eyes burned with the flames of war.
Before he turned to gaze back at Andromeda's caped back.
"Air…Commander Andromeda. You saved me." Reynolds remarked as he lay in the winds with his burned stump at his hip while the highborn women trembled in rage.
Only for Team Azula's eyes to flash with joy when a spark of fear returned to the man's eyes when the woman turned to stare back at him.
"Saved you? I didn't save you. I came for our gifts. Where are our gifts?" The air force commander inquired in a demanding voice as she stared down at the now pale faced man.
While Team Azula listened warily with paranoia in their eyes over the way that the woman had said the word 'gifts'.
All the while as the redhead stared coldly back at the caped woman.
"I…I had them all subdued! Even Number Three and Twenty-One! They…. they were all on their knees!" The colonel replied in a hastened voice as sweat dripped down his cheek while woman stared back with icy gray eyes.
Just as the airbender waved her hand about at the faces of the glaring Team Azula and then back to the two exhausted supersoldiers.
"And yet…they are not subdued. I see no chains…no bonds. They are free. Which means that you reneged. And that means that you have nothing to offer the Apostles. And you…are completely and utterly worthless." Andromeda ranted with her hand gesturing in the air before her while the man shook in renewed fear.
While the four highborn women stared on with widened expressions in their eyes.
All the while as the princess glared ruthlessly back at the colonel's frightened face.
So, that's what this was.
The worm made a deal and now he couldn't follow up on his end of the bargain.
'How sad for him.' Azula thought with her cruel regal eyes still glaring forward while she glanced about the frozen landscape.
"I…I can explain! If you…just give me a chance!" Reynolds insisted in a frantic voice as he flinched while staring up into arrogant gray eyes.
Only for the man to scream in pain not a moment later as he was thrown unceremoniously across the battlefield.
Until the maimed colonel slammed into a slab of ice with his lone hand clutching at his chest while the princess's bloodthirsty golden eyes had already landed on him like a predator seeking her prey.
"Save your breath. What little remains of it anyhow." The air force commander responded in a cold voice as she began to walk forward with her snakelike eyes staring back at the four Fire Nation women.
All the while as they stared furiously back at her with their young friend shivering between them.
Just as her eyes landed on the young girl while a smile returned to her lips once more.
While Elle shivered once more as she stared back into Andromeda's eyes as the woman held a thoughtful finger under her chin.
"Take your eyes off of her. She's mine." The princess declared in a possessive voice as she stepped forward to loom over her trembling girlfriend with her golden eyes taking on a monstrous glare.
Only for her eyes to spark in anger once more when the woman let out an amused laugh.
"This woman is aggravating." The markswoman snapped with her tawny eyes glaring back at the caped woman.
All the while as Andromeda stepped past them with her gray eyes lingering on Elle's overwhelmed face.
Before she turned her eyes to Katsu's absentminded countenance before she turned away to gaze back at the group of mercenaries that surrounded the emotionless redhead.
And not a second after that Kane and his comrades shouted as they were thrown back onto the ice by a powerful blast of airbending.
While the supersoldier held her arm over her face as she stood rooted to her spot on the ice.
All the while as the four highborn women and their teenage friend watched the woman approach their previous opponent.
"And you…must be Naoki. I have heard…so many fascinating stories about you." Andromeda quipped as she strode towards the teenager with her gray eyes gazing back into the girl's unfeeling brown eyes.
While Naoki stood with her robes fluttering about as she fearlessly met the airbender's gaze.
"You are of no interest to me. Get lost." The assassin stated in a glacial voice as she held her head high while the air force commander's gray eyes flashed with rage.
And then not an instant after that Team Azula gazed on with widened expressions in their eyes when the wind began to pick up on all sides of the apathetic redhead.
All the while as blades of wind began to whip into the supersoldier's flesh as she stood unflinching in the cage of wind.
And then the older female raised her hand into the air as the wind began to rapidly circulate around the teenager's exhausted face.
While the colonel watched from where he sat against the ice wall with a returning flicker of delight in his sadistic eyes.
All the while as Katsu began to growl as she pushed forward through the winds with her golden eyes glaring at the woman's caped back.
"Naoki!" The mercenary shouted as he struggled to get through the cyclone of destructive winds with his comrades standing dutifully at his back.
All the while as Elle's gentle amber eyes began to widen in worry for her childhood friend's wellbeing.
"N-Naoki! What are you doing to her!" The handmaid cried out as she struggled to stand up as she held her arms over her pained belly.
While her highborn friends once again stared at her back with disbelieving expressions in their eyes.
All the while as the supersoldier stood with her scarlet hair blowing in her eyes as the woman tried to pull the air from her lungs.
'She's…trying to use airbending to suffocate her!' Azula thought with her golden eyes expressing her astonishment.
It was oddly something that she had never previously considered that the Avatar would or could do.
And yet watching this woman made it evident that airbending could be used to strip the air from a person's lungs.
"Naoki!" Katsu howled as she attempted to leap through the cyclone while her growls echoed into the air.
All the while as Andromeda smiled down into Naoki's expressionless brown eyes.
Only for her gray eyes to widen when she felt a distinctly recognizable chill travel down her spine.
And just like that she froze up with her eyes widened as she silently resisted the urge to openly curse.
While Naoki's emotionless brown eyes now stared up in the direction of the ice cavern just as she panted when the cage of wind was released from her body.
All while she glanced up with her lips still forming a smile as she stared tauntingly back into Andromeda's proudly glaring gray eyes.
All the while as all of Team Azula now gazed on with their eyes widening in vigilance when they felt a suffocating chi sweep over the ice valley.
While the Fire Nation women gazed around with searching looks in their eyes as they took note that every soldier was now staring up the ice slope in terror.
And that was all it took for the soldiers to begin to back away with their fearful eyes still staring upward.
While Elle gulped as she shook in front of Ty Lee with her amber eyes trembling as she felt the heavy chi barrel down on her.
All the while as her Fire Nation friends turned to gaze at her when she turned to timidly peer up in the direction of the ice cavern.
Only for her amber eyes to swell up in intimidation when saw who was standing up on an ice overlook.
While Reynolds once again began to sweat in terror as he felt the air become even colder.
All the while as his blue eyes were now stricken with fright as he turned to gaze up at the figure standing above them.
Only for the fear in his eyes to grow when he found himself staring up into blue eyes that gleamed with an ocean of cruelty.
Just as all of Team Azula turned to follow the direction of everyone else's gazes while ice cold blue eyes now stared back down at them.
All the while as Rieko now stared back down at all of them with her pony tail hanging ominously behind her.
While her lips were creased in a displeased scowl as she stared imposingly down into the eyes of her perplexed audience.
All while as the four highborn women stared up at the woman with expressions of disbelief in their eyes.
Her chi…it was simply enormous!
And then the princess glowered as she stood unflinching with her callous eyes glaring up at the emperor's frigid face.
While the princess and the emperor stared back into one another's eyes.
And in that very moment a titanic rivalry was born of fire and ice.
One that was bound to shake all life in both worlds and beyond as we know.
AN:
Alright, so I submitted another small edit recently. I read on an Avatar lore page that is comprised of facts from the old Nickelodeon site. That Fire Nation commoners are not allowed to enter the caldera (Royal Caldera City) without the permission of the Fire Lord.
At the same time, the canon contradicts itself by stating that there are many shops in the caldera that cater to the Fire Nation elite. I don't recall this being mentioned in the show, and I can only conclude that it must be a fact that they added afterwards.
That is a huge contradiction, as the wealthy and the powerful need the lower class to run their shops, restaurants and other entertainment. They aren't going to do it themselves, and I cannot see wealthy Fire Nation nobles doing what they would consider peasant labor. Think about it, how often in real life do you see the ruling class working in grocery stores and vendor food stands.
So, I went back and made slight edits in the first few chapters. Now, all of Azula and Elle's interactions happen outside of the caldera until Azula brings her back with her in chapter three.
And I have decided to go with the following explanation for commoners inside the caldera. Commoners are ONLY allowed to enter when they have a royal permit from the Fire Lord to serve the Royal Family and the Fire Nation nobility as house servants, or in the royal shopping district. Under any other condition commoners, no matter how loyal, are not permitted to enter.
And much like Ba Sing Se making people live in rings that are divided by social class, the Fire Nation elite discriminates against their commoners and views them as less.
And ultimately, this will be one of many issues that Elle will discover and confront her highborn Fire Nation friends over.
And to the answer the question from the guest reviewer asking about when the team will learn to up their power.
The answer is that Azula and Zoe are already learning to do so. It is much harder for Mai and Ty Lee to do so, since they were born as nonbenders.
I have a power up in mind for Ty Lee and Mai, but it isn't likely to happen in book one. Because right now Mava is still weary of Azula, and she won't reveal that information until the princess proves herself to her.
As for the afterword, in this chapter we saw that Naoki was going to continue to pursue capturing Elle until Katsu called out for her help. Naoki going back to save Katsu, shows that she has a sense of comradery.
And we also saw that even after all that happened between them, Elle still views them as her friends, and that she was willing to throw herself back into danger without a second thought to help them. Elle's action, earned Naoki's respect and prompted her to help her in turn.
This was the turning point that somewhere down the road may result in Team Azula being on better terms with Naoki.
And we got to briefly meet Naoki's small band of mercenaries, when they came to her aid.
And we learned a huge revelation in this chapter, Reynolds was the military commander who oversaw the extermination of Elle's village. I tried to foreshadow this back in chapter 98 when Elle wondered why Reynolds looked so familiar to her.
Basically, Reynolds was the highest ranked officer present, and Strados, was the sadistic butcher that burned the town down.
And for the first time since Elle attacked Felix in the flashback, we got to see a true demonstration of Elle's wrath when she attacked and almost killed Reynolds.
Elle has the power to cut through the chi of spiritual beings and mystical barriers, and that also means that her power can cut through physical barriers as well.
This was a massive moment for Elle's character, her beliefs were put to the test. She faced someone that she hates possibly even more than her brother, and she had every reason in the world to kill him.
Yet, Elle spared his life. Not because she thinks he deserves it, but because Elle believes that if she takes a life, that her mother's spirit will forever leave her. In other words, she believes that her mother would be ashamed of her.
And we also saw that Azula no longer wants Elle to kill. She now wants Elle to stay as she is, untainted by bloodshed.
Also, Rieko's second in command has arrived on the battlefield, and if it wasn't clear before. We learned that she is without doubt an airbender, and unlike Aang, she is exceedingly cruel. The reason why she tried to kill Naoki is because she doesn't want her position at Rieko's side to be threatened.
And more importantly than that, Rieko has finally arrived on the scene.
Since the people of the Avatar world have enlightened spiritual senses, I wanted her chi to feel utterly monstrous to people who are sensitive to auras like Ty Lee, and of course Elle as well.
She is a tremendous force of power to be reckoned with, and she has all the reason in the world to be confident. And we are going to see Rieko and Azula, meet for the first time next chapter.
We are at the end of this arc, and Team Azula can no longer fight. And over the next couple chapters, we have to see how they will escape Rieko, and we will also see what becomes of Reynolds.
Anyhow, that will be it for now.
Stay tuned for next time.
For one-hundred-twelve! The Terrifying Power of the Emperor!