Hello all Storm here with a new chapter! Here we'll be seeing some interactions between the characters as well as seeing Azula going through some changes and learning some things, along with some new characters appearing. So, without further ado.
I own nothing
Four days have passed since the royal sloop had left port near Omashu, with it having made its way to Pohuai Stronghold in the western Earth Kingdom, where the legendary Yuyan Archers resided. The ship having arrived and dropped anchor just outside the fortress, with Naruto having left to meet with Colonel Shinu.
While back on the ship, Mai sat on the steps of the top deck, watching her brother crawl around and play with his toys. Having brought his favorites with them from Omashu and managed to get a few new ones, whenever they found a place to dock. Something she was thankful for, as she saw Tom-Tom start to act like how he always did, before the battle. Though the knife-thrower could still see an underlying sadness in him, even looking around occasionally as if looking for their parents before remembering they're gone.
'I can at least make sure he'll still know and remember them.' Thought Mai, planning to tell Tom-Tom everything about their parents when he's older, making sure he would at least know them and hold onto the memories he still has.
Before she saw Azula and Ty Lee walk up behind her and sat down beside her, the Chi-Blocker smiling at her while the Fire Princess nodded.
"Hey Mai. How are…how are you?" Ty Lee asked hesitantly, with Mai giving a shrug in response.
"Been better, I'll be even better as we put more distance in between us and that pile of rocks." Replied Mai, hoping to never see Omashu again.
"I also sent letters to mine and Tom-Tom's aunt and uncle, letting them know what happened and that we're okay. They sent their condolences and that we were always welcome to stay with them, whenever we're ready." Mai added, having wanted to make sure they knew that she and her brother were safe, not wanting them to think they were dead as well.
"That's good and we're always here, if you ever need anything." Said Ty Lee, putting a hand on her shoulder, as the knife-thrower nodded before smiling slightly as her brother came up to her with a piece of paper as ink stained his face, hands and clothes.
With Tom-Tom holding the paper out to his sister, which she took and saw it was a painting of them and their parents. Her smile growing slightly at seeing her drawing-self looked more angry than bored and held several knives in her hands, though they looked more like flames than knives.
"Good job, just keep at it a little more." Mai said while patting Tom-Tom on the head, making him smile before going back over to his toys.
"I was unaware you were a Firebender, Mai. You haven't been keeping any other secrets have you?" Azula asked with a smirk as she looked at the drawing, making Mai roll her eyes.
"Yeah, I'm really a snail sloth in disguise, that's also capable of Firebending." Said Mai, with Ty Lee gasping and looking at her with wide eyes.
"I knew it! That's why you're always so grumpy and your aura is gray, you're upset that everything is moving so fast and you're so slow!" Ty Lee said with a teasing smile.
"Yep, you really figured it out. Whatever will I do with my secret exposed." Mai said, feigning worry at her "secret" being revealed.
"Don't worry Mai, we still care about you, no matter how slow you are." Azula assured before the trio laughed after a moment, making Tom-Tom laugh as well despite not knowing what they were laughing about.
"Thanks. I…I actually needed that." Mai said, enjoying the moment and teasing from her friends.
"No problem, I'm just glad to see you actually can laugh at something." Ty Lee said teasingly, with Mai rolling her eyes again.
"Yes. But perhaps…perhaps we could also try…being more…honest as well…with each other." Azula said hesitantly, getting Ty Lee and Mai to look at her.
"Honest about what, Azula?" Questioned Ty Lee, wondering what she wanted them to be honest about.
"About…each other. That…we aren't really…friends." Azula said while looking away, with the acrobat and knife-thrower looking at her in surprise.
"What're you talking about? We are friends, we have been since we were little." Ty Lee said, Mai nodding in agreement.
"Yeah, we've known each other for years, we even agreed to help you hunt down the Avatar. That's not exactly something someone would do if they weren't friends." Added Mai, feeling her anger spike at mentioning the Avatar.
"Perhaps, but can we please just be honest? You two are friends with each other, you care about each other, and you can say we're friends as well, but it's only because you're afraid of me. I was the Princess of the Fire Nation, not someone you could really say no to, and I was…mean to both of you. I was jealous that you were always better than me at gymnastics Ty Lee and I pushed you around for it. While I made fun of you for liking Zuzu and the time I made you both fall into a fountain, Mai. Just…be honest, please?" Azula asked, still not looking at them.
While Mai and Ty Lee were further shocked at her admittance before looking at each other, the brunette looking unsure. And the ravenette feeling unsure as well, but also feeling a chance to let out a lot of her feelings regarding the Fire Princess.
"You want honesty? Okay. You were a terrible friend, you manipulated us, pushed us around whenever we did something better than you at anything. There was also that time you made us steal the mochi that my mother made for my grandmother, something that gave me nightmares about the Kemurikage coming after me. Truthfully, I was always disgusted by how you disregarded others as nothing but pawns or playthings to torment. You being "mean" is being extremely mild with how you treated us." Said Mai with a frown, but also feeling relieved to get all of that out in the open, while Azula wrapped her arms around her legs tightly as Ty Lee bit her lip.
"You…you were pretty mean Azula, but I do consider you a friend as much as Mai!" Ty Lee said, admitting that the ravenette had been a bad friend and that she'd started being scared of her.
Azula let out a shaky breath at their words, knowing she couldn't deny anything they said as it was all true. But it still hurt to hear from them, having always believed she was a good friend, just not in the conventional sense, but in the way she believed what being a friend was like.
"Th-thank you…for being honest. And…while I know I never really showed it, I did genuinely care about both of you and considered you my closest friends, my only friends really. Even if you were scared of me, you still stayed around, played with me, talked with me, and I…I really enjoyed those times. It felt nice…being able to act like anyone else, even with you both knowing who I was, and how I always acted. And it…it probably doesn't mean much, but…I'm sorry for how I treated you both and…and not being a better friend." Azula said before looking back at them, with Ty Lee and Mai looking at her with wide eyes, not believing what they were actually hearing.
"Ty Lee, I really…I very much did enjoy the show you put on at the circus, it was…it was amazing and something I know only you could pull off so effortlessly, as well as something you'd do for someone you care about, even if it's me. Mai, I'm truly sorry for trying to go back on the deal to get your brother back and…for everything that happened during the battle. And I want to…thank you both, that despite how I've treated acted and treated you, you've still stuck by me even if it's out of fear, it…means a lot." Said Azula, taking a deep breath before exhaling.
"And…if you both are willing…I would like to start over to…really be friends. No fear, no manipulation, just…real friends." Azula said hesitantly, while Mai and Ty Lee still looked at her in disbelief and shock.
"What…exactly brought this on?" Mai asked, unable to help but feel skeptical and suspicious at Azula's strange behavior.
"I've just…had a lot to think about recently. And…I want to try being…a better friend, a real friend to both of you, after everything you've both done for me. So…could we?" Said Azula, having been thinking over everything that's happened and everything Naruto's told her, making her want to try and change.
Before she was surprised when Ty Lee smiled brightly and flipped over her and Mai, landing on the Fire Princess's other side.
"Of course we can! I already said I cared about as much as Mai and I knew you loved my show! And I promise the next one I give you will be so much better!" Ty Lee said happily as she hugged Azula, touched at hearing how much she cared about them and wanted to start over.
"Well…this is something I never could have even dreamed about, so it has to be real." Mai stated with a faint smirk before wrapping her arm around Azula's shoulder.
"Just don't start going too soft on us, I think the idea of you being nice is honestly more terrifying than you are now." Mai added, willing to start over as well and see how Azula wants to start being a real friend.
Azula looked at them in surprise, having actually not expected them to be willing to give her another chance, but was also thankful they did.
"Thank you…both of you, it really means a lot." Azula replied with a small smile before she narrowed her eyes at them.
"But I swear, if you tell anyone about this, I'll have you both thrown into the sea with metal shoes." Threatened Azula, making Ty Lee and Mai smile and laugh slightly.
"That's the Azula we know and love." Said Ty Lee, only for them to immediately stop laughing when they looked at Tom-Tom, only to see he was missing.
"Tom-Tom!" Mai said, shooting up and looked around for her brother, freaking out when she couldn't see him anywhere.
The knife-thrower began running around the deck of the ship, looking for her brother as she looked for any sign of him or hearing where he could be. Only to not see him anywhere, making her panic only grow before she ran to the sides of the ship, mentally pleading that he didn't try climbing over the sides and fell into the water. Feeling slight relief at not seeing any sign of anything having fallen into the water, but still panicked that he wasn't on the ship.
"Mai, hey! Relax, I'm sure he couldn't-" Ty Lee said to try and get her friend to calm down.
"Don't you dare tell me to relax when my little brother is missing again!" Shouted Mai, making the acrobat flinch in surprise, while Mai ran past her towards the gangplank, running down it towards the guards.
"Did you see a two-year-old go past you?!" Mai demanded, surprising the guards at her appearance and question.
"A two-year-old?" Asked one of the guards, making Mai scowl and nearly reach for her knives.
"Did you or did you not see a toddler come down here?!" Mai questioned again, with the guards quickly shaking their heads.
"No, we haven't seen anyone leave the ship." The second guard replied, with the knife-thrower glaring at them before turning back to the ship, only to see Azula and Ty Lee.
"Mai, enough! Panicking won't solve anything, you need to relax and just calm down, alright." Said Azula, knowing that freaking out won't help.
"Yeah, just relax and think for a moment. He couldn't have gotten far nor could he have gotten off the ship without being spotted. So he should still be here, if we split up we'll have a better chance at finding him. And we will find him." Ty Lee assured, causing Mai to stop for a moment, taking a few deep breaths before nodding.
"R-right, okay. Let's see where he got off to." Mai said before the three girls quickly split up and began searching the entire ship to see where Tom-Tom could have gone.
*With Naruto*
Meanwhile, Naruto was meeting with Colonel Shinu, the two watching as the Yuyan Archers practiced in the archery range down below. Seeing every arrow hit the bullseye and every following arrow splitting the prior one from before down the middle.
"I've only heard about the Yuyan Archers' skills, but seeing it firsthand, I believe anything I've heard is an understatement. You've certainly done an amazing job with their training Colonel." Said Naruto while nodding at Shinu, amazed at the skill the Yuyan Archers had, knowing they've definitely earned their reputation of being the Fire Nation's secret weapons.
"Thank you General Naruto, I make it my personal mission to ensure everything said about the Yuyan Archers is true and proven. Unfortunately, some have begun to doubt them after the incident with the Avatar and the Blue Spirit escaping." Shinu replied, scowling in annoyance at how Zhao took control of the Archers, only to make them look like fools when the Avatar and Blue Spirit escaped the stronghold.
"Anyone who doubts the Yuyan Archers' abilities are fools. The fact remains that they alone are the only ones who have actually succeeded in defeating and capturing the Avatar. And I'm sure they'll be able to do so again." Naruto stated, with Shinu nodding in agreement, not minding that the High General requesting the use of the Yuyan Archers,
"Of course, you have my word they will not fail. And I've already assembled the team you requested, nine of the best Yuyan Archers, led by the three who's skills are unrivaled." Said Shinu before motioning Naruto to follow him, with the whiskered Firebender doing so.
Following the colonel down into a large courtyard, Naruto looking around in surprise at seeing a much more complex archery range, one that looked like it had been converted into a massive obstacle course. While seeing nine Yuyan Archers running around, dodging obstacles, jumping over pits, scaling walls, and shooting moving targets, while some of them didn't even need to look at the targets as they fired arrows.
"These nine are some of the best Archers you'll see, having pushed themselves harder than any others, training themselves to track, locate, hunt, and capture or kill their targets. They can shoot a moving target a thousand yards away through even the densest jungles and vanished just as quickly. And those three over there, they're unlike anything you'll ever see." Shinu said, motioning to three of the Archers, with Naruto looking over at them.
Seeing that one was a seventeen-year-old boy with fair skin, long brown hair and wearing a sleeveless dark black bodysuit with pieces of dark red leather armor on his legs, chest and back, while a quiver of arrows was strapped to his back.
While the other two were both girls, one being fifteen-years-old and the other being seventeen as well. The first girl also had fair skin and long brown hair with a strand hanging between her eyes, and wearing a sleeveless black and dark purple uniform, while her own quiver was strapped horizontally across her lower back.
And the second girl had fair skin, dark-brown hair held in two buns and brown eyes, while wearing a black suit with gold-edging, a hood, armor on her arms and legs, and two quivers strapped on her back. As well as numerous weapons strapped to her uniform, such throwing knives, shuriken, stilettos and even a sword beneath her quivers.
Naruto looked on in amazement as the boy stood in the middle of several pendulum blades swinging around him, while dozens of targets swung back and forth around as well. With the boy moving around the blades without hesitation and shooting arrow after arrow at all the targets, without even looking at a single one, with each arrow hitting the center of each target. Before then drawing four arrows and aiming them into the air, releasing one after the other, each one flying up into the air and then descending where they hit four switches around him, causing the blades the stop moving.
While the younger girl was actually hanging upside down, aiming three arrows at a spinning wheel filled with targets blocked by numerous moving obstacles. The girl released all three arrows at once, with all three being embedded in three different targets. Repeating this until all the targets had an arrow in them, before doing it again and splitting all the first arrows down the center.
While the final girl was standing on top of a platform that was spinning around before several targets were thrown into the air around her. As she was seen aiming her bow at them before rapidly drawing and shooting arrows, hitting each target before any of them could even begin their decent. Followed by her then taking out multiple shuriken and threw them through the air, slicing each target in half as they fell.
"That's…unreal honestly. Were any of them among the Archers sent after the Avatar?" Naruto asked, only for Shinu to scoff.
"No, they were off on another assignment, thankfully. I wasn't going to let Admiral Zhao get his hands on the best Yuyan Archers in the world, not for his personal vanity project. You on the other hand, have been ordered to hunt down the Avatar and now have a legitimate feud with him, rather than doing it for personal glory." Replied Shinu, with Naruto nodding in response.
"True and understandable. But after having some time to clear our heads and think rationally after the tragedy at Omashu, it's safe to say the Avatar wasn't involved in Yung's treachery. But I also can't forgive the Avatar for not doing more to stop him, despite Yung clearly being in the wrong and the one who instigated the conflict. The fact that if it had been the Fire Nation who instigated the double-cross, they would have fought tooth and nail against us." Naruto said, disgusted at the hypocrisy and bias the Avatar and his friends had shown, even if it had been subconscious on their part.
As even if they were enemies, Naruto saw everyone as equals, regardless of rank, status, which nation they hailed from, or if they were a bender or non-bender.
"If you don't mind me asking General, what was done with them? Were they sent to a rig out at sea?" Shinu asked, knowing that's what's usually done with Earthbenders, being sent to a rig in the sea where they can't bend and are put to work.
"No, they not only broke a deal, but also got good men and women killed, as well as getting their own king killed. They were given a punishment that fit their crimes, execution." Said Naruto, remembering how Yung and his men had been executed.
*Flashback*
Naruto looked at Yung and the members of his resistance, all of them bound in chains in a way that kept them from being able to Earthbend. Along with them being forced onto their knees on a wooden stage in front of all the citizens of Omashu.
"Captain Yung, you and your men stand accused of treason, the murder of Governor Ukano and his wife Michi, the murder of King Bumi, as well as betrayal. The punishment for your crimes is execution, if you have any last words, speak now." Said Naruto, looking at the former captain blankly, with Yung having his head bowed low before lifting it up to look at the crowd.
"Everything…everything we did, what I did, it had only ever been for the good of Omashu. I didn't mean for King Bumi to die nor did I wish it. I'm sorry." Yung said, wanting to at least let the people of Omashu know he didn't mean for this to happen, only for the crowd to glare at him and his men, booing as them loudly.
"Justice for King Bumi!"
"Death to the traitors!"
"Betrayers!"
"King Killers!"
"Murderers!"
Hearing the shouts made Yung and his men lower their heads, seeing that people they fought for had fully turned against them, now only seeing them as murderers and traitors.
"Normally, execution within the Fire Nation is death by fire. But given the nature of your crimes, there's someone else who will be carrying out your sentence." Said Naruto before stepping aside as Mai walked up onto the stage, glaring at the resistance members hatefully.
"You know, the funny thing is, I don't like needlessly killing. I think its wasteful, pointless, and just unnecessarily cruel. It's why I prefer incapacitating enemies than simply going for an easy kill, only really aiming to injure or kill when I'm upset. And you all, you helped orchestrate my parents death, taking them away from me and my baby brother." Said Mai, walking down the line of prisoners until she reached the end, before slipping a knife into her hand.
"So, you'll understand if I enjoy this far, far more than I should." Mai stated before immediately turning and threw her knife, the blade flying through the air and slicing all their throats open,
Cutting deep enough that they bled out within seconds before falling over dead, with Naruto catching the now blood-stained knife once it was close enough. Going over to Mai, the blonde Firebender held out the knife for her, with Mai taking it only to throw it off into the distance.
"I don't want any reminders of this city." Said Mai, with Naruto nodding before motioning the guards to take the bodies away.
*End Flashback*
"Good riddance, then. If they can't be trusted to keep their word, then they aren't even worth being put to work." Shinu said, having no tolerance for betrayal or treachery of any kind, with Naruto nodding in agreement.
"So the leaders of this team, what're their names?" Naruto asked, wanting to know the leaders since he'd likely be interacting with them often.
"The boy is Neji Hyūga, the younger girl is his cousin Hanabi Hyūga, while the older one is Tenten." Replied Shinu, the High General nodded again before he looked at Neji and Hanabi, his eyes widening slightly when he noticed something else about them.
Their eyes were completely white with a lavender tint to them.
"Neji and Hanabi, are they…" Said Naruto, not wanting to make any assumptions.
"Blind? Yes they are. But don't let that fool you, they've proven time and time again that they don't need eyesight in order to hit their target. In fact, I'd say it makes them even better as all they need is to hear or feel where their target is and arrows will be flying in seconds." Shinu said, having had his doubts about letting them join the Yuyan Archers, but after getting a demonstration of what they could already do, he had them begin training immediately afterwards.
"I don't doubt it." Naruto stated, given what he just saw them do, he wasn't going to assume either of them would be any less dangerous.
"Line up!" Shinu yelled, getting all the Yuyan Archers to immediately stop their training, jumping back to the ground if they weren't already there before getting into a single line, with Neji, Hanabi and Tenten standing in front of them.
"General Naruto, it's an honor to meet you sir." Said Neji as they all gave a bow, which Naruto turned.
"The honor is mine, especially after the displays I saw you all put on, you all certainly surpass the legends of the Yuyan Archers. Though are you aware of what your mission will be while under me?" Naruto asked, with all the Archers nodding in response.
"We're to assist you in hunting down and capturing the Avatar. Seems easy enough, he was already taken down and captured by Yuyan Archers before. This time he won't be escaping." Replied Tenten, confident they'll be able to capture the Avatar again.
"I'm sure you all are more than capable, but I want you all to be aware of the danger. You all may have heard of the battle at Omashu, resulting in the deaths of Governor Ukano, his wife, King Bumi, and many others. What I don't think you've heard is near the end, the Avatar entered the Avatar State and for the short time in it he displayed enough power that if he hadn't been rendered unconscious, I have no doubt he would have destroyed Omashu entirely. The Avatar may be a child, but make no mistake, he is still the most powerful bender in the world as well as an Airbending Master, he is not to be underestimated. Which is why, while I know you all are very skilled, you will continue training under my command as well as learning chi-blocking, allowing us to be able to fight in close quarters and take away a benders bending. As I have doubt it will just be the Avatar we will need to face, but others as well and I intend to make sure all of us are prepared for anything. If any of you have any doubts about accepting this mission, back out now and know it will not be held against you. There's no shame in refusing to risk your own life." Said Naruto, wanting to give them all a chance to back out and letting them know the full extent of what they'll be doing and what he's expecting of them.
With none of the Yuyan Archers looking unsure or hesitating, all of them remaining determined and ready to fulfill their mission.
"Don't expect us to run away like scared children, any mission we receive we fulfill, no matter what it is." Hanabi said while looking directly at Naruto, despite not actually seeing him, making the whiskered Firebender nod.
"Then I look forward to seeing you all perform in the field." Naruto stated before bowing to Shinu, who returned it.
"Colonel, I'll be sure to bring all the Archers back once our mission is completed. Good luck with the training and holding the stronghold." Said Naruto, with Shinu nodding in response.
"You have my thanks General and best of luck on your mission. And congratulations on your engagement to Princess Azula." Shinu replied, with Naruto nodding before he and the Yuyan Archers took their leave to return to the royal sloop.
*With Azula*
Back on the ship, Azula had begun searching the lower levels of the royal sloop for Tom-Tom, soon finding herself in the prison cells, stopping when she heard her uncle talking to someone.
"And the white lotus tile is perhaps one of the most important pieces in the game, a set is never complete without one." Iroh said, making Azula narrow her eyes at who he could be talking to.
Assuming he may be conspiring with someone, Azula moved quietly to see who he was talking to, only for her eyes to widen at seeing Tom-Tom sitting in front of Iroh's cell. With The Dragon of the West having a large Pai Sho table in front of him. As while he was a prisoner, Naruto had also pulled a few strings to make things more comfortable for Iroh. Like having an actual bed, regular meals and tea, as well as a Pai Sho table and set of tiles.
Relaxing at having found Tom-Tom and seeing her uncle wasn't conspiring with anyone, Azula stepped forward, getting Iroh's attention.
"Ah, Azula. Nice of you to visit again, I was just explaining to this young one the rules of Pai Sho." Iroh said while smiling at Tom-Tom, who reached through the bars to try and take one of the tiles.
"You realize you're trying to explain the rules of a complicated board game that involves strategy and quick thinking to a two-year-old. One, who I believe, seems more interested in trying to eat the tiles than what they mean." Stated Azula while looking at him with a raised brow.
"Perhaps, but I believe it's never too early or too late for one to learn new skills. Maybe you would be interested in playing a game." Said Iroh, making Azula scoff as she moved to pick up Tom-Tim to take him back to Mai.
"I don't have time to waste on games, when I'm busy hunting the Avatar." Azula retorted, with Iroh nodding slightly.
"Of course. And I've heard about what's happened at Omashu, please pass on my condolences to Mai, it's never easy losing someone you care about, especially a family member." Iroh said before gaining a far off look in his eyes, while Azula stopped before she could grab Tom-Tom.
Remembering the battle at Omashu, the fighting, the destruction, the death, the Fire Princess was still reeling from everything she saw. And seeing firsthand the power the Avatar possessed over just one element, not wanting to imagine him mastering all four. Before looking at her uncle, knowing he has far more experience on the battlefield.
"What…what was it like for you? At Ba Sing Se?" Questioned Azula, wanting to know what it had been like for Iroh during his siege.
With the former general now having a haunted look in his eyes, while memories of the siege began returning to him. Hammering away at the Outer Wall with trebuchets, the Earthbenders launching dozens of rocks at them without pause, those that had been crushed and injured by their impact. Before finally gaining a foothold after bringing the wall down, but by then his forces were tired, weary, and wanted to stop, but couldn't, not with how far they've gotten.
Until the news came to him of Lu Ten being mortally wounded during the battle, but by the time he learned of it, his son was already dead. Remembering how he rushed to where he was, wanting to at least be with his son in his final moments, only to be too late. Arriving only to see his body being prepared to be returned to the Fire Nation for a burial. With that having been the moment when he finally looked around and saw that there would be no end for the siege. It would continue, no matter what they did, no matter how many losses either side suffered, it would never end.
That had put an end to any desire Iroh had for battle or glory, all he wanted was to return home with his men, none of whom wanted to continue fighting either after all the losses they already suffered. And while many saw him as a coward, a failure, and weak for letting his emotions interfere with the outcome, he still remembered the relief in the eyes of those who served under him. All of them relieved that they could finally go home rather than throwing their lives away in a siege that wouldn't end.
Then learning how his father suddenly died, Iroh lost any desire to even try and fight Ozai for the throne, no longer caring for power or status anymore. But the memories stayed with him, they were things that Iroh would never be able to forget.
"…cle…un…uncle?!" Azula called out, looking at him in annoyance at how he's just sat there without saying anything, with Iroh being pulled from his thoughts and memories.
"…It was dark. Even during the day, the sky was covered by an endless sea of smoke and fire, most of the siege had been spent breaking through the Outer Wall. I lost count of how men and women I lost during that time, until we finally broke through and gained a foothold, but…then I learned your cousin had been mortally wounded. But, by the time I found out…he was gone. That's when I learned…the siege never would have ended, we could continue hammering away at their walls but they would keep fighting. It would only lead to more death, more destruction, more violence, and my men were tired and weary, their morale was wavering, and all of us…we merely wished to see home again." Said Iroh, looking down, while Azula looked at him with wide eyes, having never actually thought of how Lu Ten died or how he learned about it.
"It…it wasn't anywhere as bad at Omashu, but it was still…like nothing I've heard. It wasn't glorious, there was no honor, it was just…survive or die. Even if we won in the end, so many still died that…it didn't even feel like a victory." Azula said, leaning back against the wall before sliding down it.
"Yes, I have had my share of victories in battle, only for them to still feel empty when you see the cost they came at. But I never really saw it, believing those that died did so to help win the war, it was only after Ba Sing Se that I truly saw the cost of battle." Iroh stated, thinking of the hollow victories he had won.
"But it also helped me learn and grow as well. I used to think that failures were a shame that could never be wiped away, something that you would never be able to forget, no matter how much you wished to. Only now, I see that failures are not something to be ashamed of, they are merely another opportunity to begin again, this time more wisely. I was able to grow from my experiences and believe I have grown to be a better person. It's something I believe you can do as well, Azula. You may have failed, but they are your chances to try again and eventually you will find your way to molding your own destiny." Said Iroh, with Azula looking away before glancing at him.
"And what if I've already run out of chances?" Azula asked lowly.
"Then keep believing in yourself and hope that you still have a chance to be better. But a little help from others can be a great blessing as well, such as your friends and future husband." Iroh replied, making the ravenette turn back to him, seeming to contemplate his words before standing up and picking up Tom-Tom.
"I suppose you can say something wise every now and again. It's only a shame you chose to be an old pervert to June, rather than a wise old man." Azula stated, causing Iroh falter and look embarrassed at his past attempt to flirt with June and pretend to be paralyzed.
"Yes, well…I simply see the beauty in everything, even one as dangerous as June, and merely wished for her to know there are those who appreciate her beauty. Which I will not be doing from in here, thankfully." Said Iroh sheepishly, muttering the last part to himself with a shudder.
Given that June had come here to give him a piece of her mind while pelting him with Shirshu-spit darts and leaving him paralyzed, it made Iroh thankful he was locked away. Not doubting she would have done a lot more than yell at him and leave him temporarily paralyzed if she could actually reach him.
With Azula looking away in annoyance, but having a small smile on her face while trying not to laugh, before covering it up as a smirk.
"Well, I better be getting this child back to Mai before she tears the ship apart searching for him. Perhaps I'll visit again whenever I need to annoy someone." Azula said before taking her leave with Tom-Tom.
"I will look forward to when you visit again and the offer stands for a game of Pai Sho." Said Iroh, before watching his niece leave.
Once she was gone, Iroh looked up at the ceiling with a frown on his face, thinking over what's happened at Omashu.
'The Avatar may not know it, but he has lost the respect of several members of the White Lotus with King Bumi's death.' Thought Iroh, saddened at having learned of Bumi's death.
While knowing several members of the White Lotus wouldn't take to kindly to the loss of one of their oldest and wisest, if not most eccentric, members.
'But perhaps…it is time that we also stop being so reliant on the Avatar as well.' Iroh thought, remembering a conversation he once had with Naruto on the subject, during his brief time with him and Zuko.
*Flashback*
"Any luck in locating the Avatar, yet?" Naruto asked as he and Iroh sat across from each other, playing a game of Pai Sho.
"Unfortunately, no, we have traveled to many locations where the Avatar could be hiding, or where he could have spent time to master his bending. But I fear that my brother has only sent Prince Zuko on a futile mission, finding someone that may have long since passed and been reincarnated as a Waterbender. Though he is convinced the Avatar is still out there, hiding away for the moment to strike." Replied Iroh while shaking his head sadly, believing this was a fools' errand and simply a way for Ozai to get rid of Zuko without actually killing him.
"Perhaps it'd be better if the Avatar didn't return." Stated Naruto, making Iroh look up at him with a frown.
"You believe the world is better off without the Avatar?" Questioned Iroh, only for Naruto to shake his head.
"You misunderstand General Iroh, I respect the Avatar and their duty to keeping balance in the Physical World and Spirit World. But I don't believe they should be the one to solve all the world's problems, only intervening when they are truly needed. And when they do, they must never doubt their decisions and go through with everything they intend to accomplish. The Avatar believes the Four Nations should remain separated, believing it keeps everything balanced, but that also prevents them from growing. You've heard of Yu Dao, right?" Naruto asked, confusing The Dragon of the West for a moment before nodding.
"Of course, one of the first colonies created and they make the finest metal in the world." Iroh said, having even commissioned weapons and armor to be made there, back when he was still a general.
"I've been there a few times, it's an amazing city, having grown from a poor backwater city to having a thriving metalworking industry. And it was done by Fire Nation and Earth Kingdom citizens working together, combining their cultures to create something even better. Mayor Morishita has even married an Earthbender and they have a daughter, Kori Morishita, who's also an Earthbender and a skilled one, the last time I saw her. Especially when she uses her spiked meteor hammer. That's something that could have never happened with the Avatar around, not being able to blend and mix the Four Nations together to create something new and even better, as well as everyone depending on them alone to solve their problems, rather than learning to solve them on their own." Explained Naruto, making Iroh gain a thoughtful look since he couldn't fault that thinking.
"Well…I can't truly fault such beliefs, but I believe no matter what the Avatar will always be needed." Stated Iroh, with the High General nodding in agreement.
"I do as well, but the Avatar needs to accept that things change, that they need to change if they're ever going to improve. And the rest of the world needs to accept the idea that there won't always be someone for them to run to for help, either." Said Naruto, with The Dragon of the West nodding as well, knowing that was true before he smirked at the blonde Firebender.
"Now perhaps you can tell me about Mayor Morishita's daughter, who you seem to hold in such high regard. Not planning to settle down so soon, are you?" Iroh asked, causing Naruto to blush lightly and give him an annoyed look.
"Just focus on the game, I don't want to beat you too quickly." Said Naruto, making Iroh laugh at how he didn't answer him.
*End Flashback*
'Perhaps it is time for the world to change.' Thought Iroh, contemplating what will happen in the coming days.
*With Azula*
Meanwhile, Azula was making her way back to Mai to return Tom-Tom to her, though she was having a hard time paying attention as the toddler kept trying to grab her hair.
"Stop it." Azula said, grabbing Tom-Tom's hand again as he tried pulling on her hair.
Only for him to try again, this time trying to reach to pull at her hairpiece, making Azula hold him out while narrowing her eyes at him.
"Don't touch that either. Just…try to behave yourself…little person. You can bother Mai and Ty Lee all you want, once I find them." Said Azula, only for Tom-Tom to try and reach towards her while cooing happily.
"Stop it. Stop doing…whatever it is you're doing." Azula said, trying to remain indifferent and cold, but found it difficult, starting to think he actually looked…cute and somehow…happy with her.
"Just…wait until we find Mai, so you can bother her instead." Said Azula as she kept walking while holding Tom-Tom away from her, doing her best to not look at him, hoping they'll find Mai soon so she can take her brother back.
Before her eyes widened when she heard Tom-Tom start whimpering, making her look at him only to see tears in his eyes.
"No, no, no, no, no! Don't even think about-" Said Azula, only to flinch when Tom-Tom started crying loudly, making the Fire Princess panic.
"Alright, fine! Here, see I'm holding you so you can stop crying!" Azula said, knowing that Mai would kill her for making Tom-Tom cry, before holding Tom-Tom closer while hoping that'll get him to stop, only for it to not work.
"Okay um…children enjoy stupid and foolish things, uh…" Said Azula before looking around to make sure no one was around before looking back at Tom-Tom and began making faces at him.
"See, it's funny because it's stupid, right? You can stop crying now!" Said Azula, only to see that didn't work either, with her panic growing that nothing seemed to work.
Before the Fire Princess stopped as she remembered something, one of the few good memories she had of her mother when she was still very young and actually received attention from her.
"Don't cry little one." Azula said softly while wiping away Tom-Tom's tears, making him stop for a moment and look at her.
"There's no need to cry anymore, nothing will be able to hurt you as long as I'm here, alright. As long as I'm here, you only need to laugh and smile, can you do that?" Said Azula before poking Tom-Tom lightly in the stomach, making the toddler giggle.
"See, isn't that much better? Always remember, as long as I'm around, you'll never have to cry again, do you know why? Because you are safe and you are loved, always. Never forget that." Azula said softly, not even noticing Tom-Tom had stopped crying and was smiling again, along with grabbing a strand of her hair as well.
With the ravenette being too lost in thought to notice, not sure if she'd even remembered that or if it was just something she imagined to make up for never having her mother's attention, like Zuko.
"You're really good at that." Naruto stated, snapping Azula from her thoughts as she looked at him with wide eyes, seeing the High General leaning against the wall and smiling at her.
"How long were you standing there?! And when did you get back?!" Azula demanded, not wanting anyone to see her like this.
"Just a few minutes ago, along with the team of Yuyan Archers that'll be joining us. I ran into Ty Lee and learned Tom-Tom wandered off, so I came to help search, but it seems that's no longer needed." Said Naruto while walking up to them, patting Tom-Tom on the head making the toddle look at him.
"And you did pretty good in getting him to settle down." Naruto added before Azula quickly handed Tom-Tom to him and turned away.
"I-it was n-no-nothing! I-I was just…saying nonsense, anything to get him to stop!" Retorted Azula while crossing her arms, before she heard Tom-Tom giggling making her curious as she glanced back at them.
Seeing Naruto smiling at the toddler and bouncing him lightly before creating several small flames that danced over Tom-Tom's head, much to his amazement and fascination. The Fire Princess feeling herself turn full towards them, taking in the sight of Naruto holding the young child as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
"It didn't sound like nothing or nonsense. Was that something your mother used to say to you?" Asked Naruto, making Azula scowl.
"No! She was too busy focusing all her attention on Zuzu, the only attention she gave me was to scold me or send me to my room. She never loved for me…she never even cared for me…not that I cared for her, either. Zuzu could have all her attention for all I care, it would explain why he's so weak, too busy being coddled and sheltered." Azula said, acting like she didn't care what her mother did, not admitting how angry and hurt she really was.
Only to suddenly feel Naruto take her hand in his, making Azula look at him to see he was looking at her now.
"It's alright if you want to be upset Azula, you can try to hide it. But I can see it does hurt that your mother didn't give you as much attention as your brother. And that's normal, you should be hurt and you should express that, not keep it bottled up all the time. But after what I saw, maybe she did care about you in the beginning and you've just forgotten those moments, only remembering her scolding you and sending you to your room." Naruto said, making Azula frown and take her hand back.
"What would you know? You didn't know her and you barely know me. Besides, you don't even know what it's like to have a mother." Azula said, hoping that'll get him to leave her alone.
"You're right, I don't know what it's like and I don't know anything about Princess Ursa. But I have seen other families, how mothers take care of their children, I saw how Michi ran out into the middle of a battle to try and save Tom-Tom, I've even seen regular civilians willing to give their lives to protect their children. While I don't personally know what it's like, if there's one thing I've learned, it's that one thing you can never doubt is a mothers love for her children and the lengths she'd go to, to keep them safe. And maybe your own mother simply saw how strong you already were and didn't think you'd need her, anymore." Said Naruto, with Azula looking away from him.
"And I do want to get to know you better, Azula. To know more about who I'm going to marry, so we can have an actual relationship." Naruto added, making the ravenette glance at him.
"…Why? Why do you care? Why do you want to know me?" Azula muttered, not sure why he was trying to be nice with how she's treated him before and still did, occasionally.
"Because you deserve someone that cares about you and you deserve to be happy." Stated Naruto, causing Azula to look at him with wide eyes.
"By the way, with how you handled Tom-Tom. I think you'll make an amazing mother yourself one day." Naruto said, smiling at the Fire Princess, making her blush and quickly look at away again.
"Wh-whatever! L-l-le-let's just go find Mai!" Said Azula before quickly walking past Naruto, with the High General laughing slightly as he followed her.
Though he was surprised a little, when Azula slowed down to walk beside him and held his hand.
"I…I think you'd…make a good parent as well." Azula said lowly without looking at him, making Naruto smile and squeezed her hand gently.
So, what did you think, good. Yep we see Azula, Ty Lee, and Mai bonding with each other, with Azula also wishing to start being a better friend and starting over, which surprises Ty Lee and Mai but they agree, while feeling happy at her wanting to be better, before noticing Tom-Tom's wandered off, much to Mai's panic and worry before they go search for him. Then we see Naruto meeting with Colonel Shinu to recruit some Yuyan Archers, with it being a team of nine of the best Archers and lead by Neji, Hanabi, and Tenten, the former two being blind but also being even better with their enhanced senses, we also get a flashback to seeing the Omashu resistance members being executed with Mai being the one to carry it out. We then go back to the ship where Azula finds Tom-Tom with Iroh, leading to her bonding with her uncle and asking him about his siege of Ba Sing Se along with getting some advice, before Azula mentions him flirting with June, much to Iroh's embarrassment along with how June gave him a piece of her mind and really paralyzed him this time as payback. We also get another flashback of Naruto and Iroh, learning Naruto's views on the Avatar and their role in the world. Finally we see Azula taking Tom-Tom back to Mai before he starts crying leading her to try and comfort him, remembering one of the few good memories she has of her mother to get him to stop, before Naruto arrives leading to them bonding together and growing closer. So, for those that like the story, thanks for your support. For those that don't or at least don't like the direction taken, you're more than welcomed to drop the story. But thanks for giving the story a chance anyway.
Storm out