And we are back at it again with another chapter ! I actually wanted to get this one out before the end of last year , but some stuff came up that prevented me from doing so. This is still pretty early by my standards though.

That being said , Happy New Year ! Hope 2022 doesn't end up being a complete failure.

:P

Also one other thing before we get into this chapter , I'm sorry to say that my semester break is coming to an end soon. By the week after next week , I'll be back at college so ...I'm aiming to get at least one more chapter out before that ... and you can all say goodbye to these frequent updates.

I'll still try to update as soon as I can but no promises.

Big thanks to HammerTide for beta reading this chapter and important good feedback.

With nothing more to say , let's get into it !


Kazumi felt as though she was drifting into an endless sea ...and yet she felt no fear. Like her whole body and mind were at ease and peace.

And then she opened her eyes and sat up. She was dressed in the armor of the Spirit Navigators once again ...and looked around her to see that she was in the Forest again as well but this was no dream , rather it felt too ...real and there was still strangely calm feeling over her.

She then saw the pool not too far from her and she instinctively knew she was not in her world anymore.

The Spirit World had an odd way of making one feel at ease.

Kazumi stood up straight and walked to the pool in front of her , already knowing who she was about to meet...

The pool glowed a bright white light ...and emerging from it , a gigantic wood woman like spirit stood tall from it.

" Mother of Faces...it is an honor to see you again " Kazumi bowed in respect.

" At ease my child ..." The Mother of Faces said gently making the older woman feel at ease.

This had not been the first time Kazumi had been visited in her sleep by the the Mother of Faces. That was one of the things her own mother had explained to her so long ago when she was young. That spirits who grant their gifts to mortals can also pull them into the spirit world in a sense and converse with them , mostly to have a discussion with their acolytes or even give orders for their acolytes to follow.

Whatever the case , when the Mother of Faces contacts her ...she knows it to be serious.

" I know you have taken a young girl into your care ..."The Mother of Faces says in her calm and beautiful voice.

" Azula yes ...I've been caring for her these past few months and have been helping her heal from her pain ..." Kazumi explained .

" I see...your compassion still burns bright even after all the pain the mortal and spirit world has done to you ..." The Mother of Faces says with a tone of proudness in it " But you have gone much further than merely comfort and heal the girl , have you not ? "

Kazumi flinched slightly , knowing there was no point in trying to hide or lie the Mother of Faces.

" Yes ..."

" You have protected her from the men who have been roaming my forest for these past few months ...and have even used your gifts to scare them away " The Mother of Faces says calmly " For that I must thank you ..."

" I was simply doing what I had to..." Kazumi said.

" Were you ? Or were you doing it because you wanted to protect the girl ? "

The Mother of Faces question left Kazumi silent.

" You need not answer. Just think about it by your own will ..." The Mother of Faces spoke with compassion in her tone " You walk a dangerous line Kazumi ...after abandoning your lineage as a Spirit Navigator..."

"You know why I did what I did Mother ..." Kazumi said in self disappointment " After my failure... my weakness ...I could hardly go on , let alone continue the line of Spirit Navigators..."

" ...I see. Just remember to tread carefully my child ..." The Mother of Faces warned " The girl you harbor is still a long way from healing ..."

" I know ..." Kazumi nodded before remembering she had a question to ask " May I ask you something ? "

" I do not refrain from answering the questions of my acolytes "The Mother of Faces nodded slightly.

" Why have you let me keep my gifts ? " Kazumi asked " You could have easily taken them when I forsake my duty as a Spirit Navigator so ...why ? "

Kazumi had heard from her mother before that spirits that give gifts to mortals ...they can just as easily take them back. And she has no doubts that the only reason she has kept her gifts was because of the Mother of Faces allowed it so ...why then ?

" ...Perhaps it is because I thought you had suffered enough at that point ... and taking away your gifts would have done nothing but add to it " The Mother of Faces said calmly " I may be firm ...but I am not cruel "

Kazumi felt as though she got punched in the gut by that admittance. Of course the Mother of Faces would not wish to add to her pain during such a time.

" And ...perhaps I had hoped that one day you might continue the line of Spirit Navigators ...and find yourself an apprentice to train..." The Mother of Faces admitted as well.

Kazumi's eyes widen a little " Are you suggesting that Azula-"

" That is for you to decide ..." The Mother of Faces interrupted " All I can do is advise and give counsel ...take care Kazumi "

That was all the Mother of Faces said ...before the world turned black on Kazumi and she felt herself drifting once more.


Kazumi woke up with gasp as she found herself looking up at the ceiling of her room. She turned her head and saw that she was now in her room at her house in the Forgotten Forest. Now no longer speaking with the Mother of Faces or in the Spirit World.

It has been quite some time since I last went there...

Kazumi had been brought into the spirit world a number of times in her youth by the Mother of Faces ...but ever since she had abandoned being a Spirit Navigator ,it had been quite a long time since she had been there.

And one of her most 'recent' journeys to the Spirit World was ...less than pleasant. She didn't want to dwell on it so much.

Kazumi got up and saw that it was already morning , she had to get dressed and start on breakfast. Hopefully Azula hadn't already awoken just yet.

She did some light stretching , got dressed and after combing her hair and tying it up to make sure it was properly combed she stepped out of her room and headed for the kitchen.

But as she entered the kitchen she saw something she had never thought she would see...

Azula standing there by the kitchen preparing what looks to be breakfast.

Kazumi went through shock , proudness and happiness all in the span of a few seconds. It had been over a week since Azula decided to stay with Kazumi ...and the older woman was glad to see the younger girl was starting to grow more and more.

Her presence as she stepped forward did not go unnoticed as Azula turned her head to look at her surprise.

" Kazumi I um ... I got started on breakfast first " Azula said , clearly surprised to see the older woman.

" Its alright ...in fact thank you Azula for helping " Kazumi smiled at the younger girl as she started to help. It was always Kazumi who would prepare meals and Azula would help. But this time it was her who was helping.

" I just ...thought it would be nice " Azula said nervously.

" It is ..." Kazumi chuckled a little " I actually didn't think you knew how to cook "

" I didn't spend every waking moment during breakfast just staring off into space while you cooked " Azula deadpanned " I just used some of the recipes that you used "

Kazumi only smiled as the two finished up and began their breakfast.

She was happy that things were going well for them.


" Kazumi ... I want you to fight me for real "

It took Kazumi a few seconds to fully register what Azula had just asked her. They had been doing their routine practice of sword dueling and such , the more advanced forms here and there. But after taking a short break , Azula had asked her that of all things.

" May I ask why ? " Kazumi asked with a raised eyebrow.

" It's been a while since our last spar and ..." Azula looked away in nervousness " I want to spar you for real..."

Kazumi was...very quickly thinking about this. On the one hand , she doesn't want to hurt Azula ...but on the other , she feels as though if she does hold back she would be insulting Azula's pride as a warrior.

There was only one choice to make here.

" Very well Azula ...take your stance " Kazumi nodded as she picked up her wooden sword. Azula doing the same.

" This obviously won't be a duel to the death so ...how about first to land a hit or pin the other to the ground wins ? " Kazumi suggested. She genuinely didn't want either of them being hurt and from the looks of it , neither did Azula.

" Fine by me " Azula shrugged as she took stance.

Kazumi took a deep breath as they both felt the cool breeze pass them by.

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Neither of them move ...waiting for the other to make the first move.

Until Azula springs forward and charges at her. The young girl begins hitting her wooden blade against Kazumi's , the older woman very easily standing her ground against the girl as Azula continues her assault.

A frontal attack ? Too reckless even for Azula.

Kazumi is quick to make a counter attack by parrying Azula's sword away to go in for a light smack on the arm. Azula was quicker though as she dodged it by moving her shoulder back...right before spinning around on the ground with her leg to go for a leg sweep to knock Kazumi off balance.

The former spirit navigator barely had time to react as she jumped up to avoid the leg sweep and performed a downward slash onto Azula , but was quickly blocked when Azula held her sword horizontally to block it. The girl quickly pushed her sword away and jumped back to create some distance between them.

" No spirit power tricks this time ? " Azula almost looked disappointed " I thought I told you not to hold back "

Kazumi shrugged " If I used my gifts than that would be an unfair advantage , no ? "

" Firebending is off-limits , but spirit powers aren't " Azula tightened the grip on her sword " Don't hold back on me Kazumi ..."

Kazumi let out a sigh...Azula almost reminded her of herself when she was young.

Well she'd hate to disappoint.

" Okay ..." Kazumi said as she focused the power ...and suddenly appeared right next to Azula " Let's do this "

Azula's eyes widened as she tried to turn her sword onto her , only for Kazumi to grab and stop it. She wasted no time by attempting to go for a leg sweep that caused Azula to fall to the ground a bit roughly.

But the younger girl didn't stop and quickly performed a kick towards Kazumi from the ground that the older woman simply backpedaled against. Azula was fast to get back on her feet ...but that didn't stop Kazumi's next trick.

Kazumi held out her hand and pointed it at Azula...and she felt the power come to her as the green force seemed to suddenly start pulling Azula to her.

" What the-" Azula shouted as she was suddenly pulled towards Kazumi. The girl was so taken off balance that she didn't have the time to react as Azula grabbed her and ...

Very gently tapped her on the shoulder with her wooden sword. Wouldn't even really call it a hit.

" I believe ... that is game ..." Kazumi said calmly as the green force went away and her hand stopped smoking.

Azula didn't look disappointed or angry , but rather she simply let out a tired sigh " I guess I did ask you not to hold back "

" Yes , my spirit powers do have a tendency to make things a little ...unfair "

"Perhaps ...but you can't deny their usefulness..." Azula mused.

" I suppose..."

Azula couldn't help but stare a little at Kazumi's hand.

" How does it feel actually ? To use those ...supernatural gifts of yours ? " Azula asked.

Kazumi wasn't surprised Azula asked that and looked at her hand thoughtfully " I guess ...you could say that its kinda like reaching out and using the power of the spirit world and using it to empower yourself and bend it to your will... its almost ...invigorating in a sense "

" Must be nice..." Azula mused.

" But they can be dangerous as well ...to yourself and others ...and if you aren't careful you could end up hurting both " Kazumi warned.

Azula couldn't help but notice how she looked when she said that. Almost as if she was warning herself.

"Anyway that's enough training for now ...let's head back inside " Kazumi changed the subject as she started walking back to the house.

Azula still didn't get to know what she meant by that.


Kazumi laid on her bed as she once again ended up staring at her ceiling in contemplation. It was an hour after dinner and Kazumi still had far too many thoughts to go to sleep just yet.

She thinks about her current situation with Azula ...she thought about the Mother of Faces words of wisdom to here last night ...and most importantly...

She thinks about herself and what she intends to do.

The Mother of Faces all but said that Azula could be the apprentice she needs to continue the line of Spirit Navigators ...but is that what she really wants ?

She left that life long behind her for very good reasons ...and yet at the same time she can't help but feel as though she abandoned her duty and took the cowards way out.

She could not help but think sometimes about how many unrested spirits have wreaked havoc on the mortal world because of her abandonment ...her family's line has existed for generations...and she might damn well be the last of her line if things continue.

But that's not my duty anymore.

A small calm voice in her head told her. Kazumi wasn't foolish enough to believe that it was solely her family that had kept the malicious and unrested spirits of the mortal world in check. She knows that there are other families that are similar to hers that serve some benevolent spirit that gives them gifts similar to hers and her family... and of course the Avatar that is intended to be the bridge between the mortal and spirit realm.

But she still felt like a coward... for just leaving it all behind and still continues to abuse the gifts the Mother of Faces gifted to her for her own ends. And even the training her own mother has taught her has been misused in a sense.

But it was to protect Azula wasn't it ?

Another voice spoke up in her head. This one ...different , darker than the other one.

Get out of my head.

You've protected Azula...you've sheltered her ...you shared your past with her and even showed her your gifts ...you've went well above and beyond for what any sane person would've done for some random girl they found in the forest.

Shut up. Azula isn't-

She isn't a replacement right so you say ...for the daughter you lost. But maybe she can be the apprentice you've always wanted. The protege you dreamed of raising and training when you were still but an apprentice yourself.

Shut up. I can't do that to Azula , she needs to heal and-

Oh please ...the girl clearly has the skill of fully seasoned and trained fighter. With a little bit more training ...and you forming the pact with her , you may finally be able to continue the Spirit Navigator line-

SHUT UP !

Kazumi shouts in her head and the voice finally stops ...but some part of her still remains conflicted.

Forming a pact with Azula wouldn't go against all tradition ... it would be blasphemy ...the pact is only meant to be made between mother and daughter. Master and Apprentice.

But isn't that what we already are ?

Kazumi feels the need to slap herself to prevent from answering that question but she held herself back. Specifically whether it was the former or the latter.

She truly is horrible.

Kazumi lets out a sigh before getting up and exiting her room. No point wallowing in her self conflict in her room , hopefully a short walk outside will do her good.

But as she walks outside and heads towards the lake ...she sees that she is not alone.

" Azula ? " Kazumi says in surprise at seeing the young girl sitting by the lake , looking out at it with a contemplative look on her face.

" Kazumi ? " Azula turned her head in surprise as well " I um ...didn't expect to see you out here "

" I couldn't sleep so I came out here..." Kazumi said as she took a seat next to Azula.

" That makes two of us ..."

"... Did you have a nightmare ? " Kazumi calmly asked.

Azula was undisturbed by the question as she shook her head " No just ...needed to think "

Kazumi almost chuckled in amusement. They really did think alike.

The two sat in silence for a few minutes , both of them just staring out into the lake that was beautifully reflecting off the light of the moon making it look as though it was shimmering.

Kazumi was the one to break the silence " Were you thinking about your family ...Azula ? "

Azula was silent for a moment before nodding.

" I was just...thinking about what might be happening with them right now ...whether they even care if I'm alive or dead ...or if they just upped and stopped caring the second I ran off into this forest and declared me dead " Azula gave a rueful chuckle " My dear brother already did that when he stuck in an asylum for a year and forgot about me..."

" I see ..." Kazumi said and things went back to silent before she spoke up again " Azula can I ask you something ? "

" Ask away ..."

" Why did you choose to stay with me ? " Kazumi asked. She wanted to know why Azula decided to stay , even if she very likely could make it on her own.

A flash of guilt seem to pass over Azula's face as she looked away " Honest answer ? It wasn't like I had anywhere else to go. Even if I went back , my brother would likely stick me back into that asylum ...and I would have to deal with my mother and her stupid family too even if that didn't happen..."

Kazumi couldn't help but nod her head. So staying with her is the only good option Azula had...

" But ... I think I decided to stay with you because I wanted to ..." Azula admitted which shocked Kazumi " You've always taken care of me...and helped me ...and put up with my episodes and nightmares ... and I kinda like it here ... so I guess that would be the reason I decided to stay "

Kazumi was honestly touched by this confession.

" Thank you for saying that Azula ..." Kazumi said with a smile.

Azula smiled a little too as there was a pleasant wave come over them.

" Now can I ask you a question ? " Azula posed.

" It would only be fair ..." Kazumi nodded.

" Why did you stop being a spirit navigator ? " Azula asked.

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Things were silent between them as Kazumi looked away just as Azula did to hide her pain.

" ...The life of a Spirit Navigator is a dangerous one Azula...it is not all fun and amazing powers given by the spirits that you get to play with ..." Kazumi said sadly " We are tasked with laying restless spirits to peace ...and to banish the malevolent ones back into oblivion ... but there is always the danger of being hurt or killed in our line of work ...and when our line of work involves spirits..."

" You learn very quickly that some spirits can be more vengeful than others..." Kazumi finished as she turned her hands into fists.

" ...Your daughter ? " Azula said softly.

" Yes ...I'd rather not discuss it but ... I could no longer go on as a Spirit Navigator after she died..." Kazumi said slowly " Plus ...it wasn't like I could even if I wanted to , considering that my heir and apprentice had ...passed away..."

" I see..." Azula said before she realized what Kazumi said " Wait a second , apprentice ? "

" That is the tradition of the Spirit Navigators in my family " Kazumi explained calmly " Each generation one child is born. Always a daughter . And they are trained by their mother in the ways of the Spirit Navigators. They would act as both Master and Apprentice until such a time came that the Apprentice would become the Master and the cycle would repeat..."

" I couldn't have another after that ...not like I could even I wanted to " Kazumi said as she looked down at the grass with sad eyes.

" I see ... and the father-"

" Oh , I was never married Azula..." Kazumi quickly clarified " The Mother of Faces blessed each of us to carry a child without needing to...procreate with another man "

" Oh ..." Azula wasn't sure how to feel about a spirit blessing a woman with a child.

" Technically speaking we are allowed to get married and have our own children...but due to our work it is ...difficult to find a good man " Kazumi said somewhat awkwardly " So most of us tend to get blessed by the Mother..."

" I see ... so you ...couldn't do it after that ? "

" We are only allowed to be blessed with one child from the Mother of Faces. No more than that..." Kazumi said sadly.

" I see..."

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Things were once again quiet between them for some time , with Kazumi fidgeting on her spot on the grass and Azula staring off into the lake.

" Actually Azula..." Kazumi started " There's something that I wanted to ask you..."

The young girl shifted as she looked at the older woman.

She knew deep down in her bones why she was doing this in reality. Not because she wanted to continue the line of Spirit Navigators ...

But because she wants to protect and care for this girl.

Which is why she was asking this now.

" There's ...something I wanted to propose since you are staying with me..." Kazumi started slowly , hearing the nervousness in her own voice.

" What is it ? "

" ... Would you like for me to share my powers with you ? " Kazumi just comes right out and say it.

" ...Wait what ? " Azula looked more confused and perplexed than annoyed by the question.

" I have a power called Apprentice that allows to share some of my gifts with a person whom I form a bond with..." Kazumi explained " It was typically used to train apprentices to get them used to using Spiritual Powers before they are given their own ..."

" And ...you want to share them with me ? " Azula said , surprised at the offer Kazumi was making.

" Well ...when we were sparring earlier you said it yourself that it was unmatched...so by sharing some of my gifts it can improve your training and well..." Kazumi knows that she's just making excuses at this point but she can't help herself. Even she can tell that she's just lying to herself.

" If you accept ... I can better help you and train you better ..."

Azula considered the opportunity Kazumi was presenting her... she would essentially be tossing herself into an unknown power previously unheard of by her...but on the other...

If she does this...she might be able to truly be strong again.

" I understand if you refuse and-"

" I accept "

Azula's quick response surprised Kazumi and the older woman looked at the girl incredulously.

" Are you sure Azula ? "

" Yes I'm sure ... I want to be strong again ...and improve myself bit by bit ..." Azula nodded " And I trust you Kazumi..."

Kazumi was once again touched by the girl's confession as she smiled at her.

" Very well ...let's do this " Kazumi said as she stood up.

" So ...how does this work actually ? " Azula asked.

" Very simple , just sit on your knees and face me " Kazumi instructed and Azula did as she was told " Good. Now close your eyes..."

Azula hesitated for a moment but then closed her eyes. She trusted Kazumi.

Kazumi looked up at the moon to see that it was full tonight ...perfect.

" I call upon the forces beyond the world and within... "

Kazumi took out a knife and cut her finger on it.

" Mortal and Spiritual ..."

She approached Azula and pressed her bloody finger against her forehead.

" I form a bond with this girl ... from the end of life to the brink of oblivion... I take her as my own "

" Apprentice"

As Kazumi finished her chant ...her hand glowed and smoked ...and it travelled from her hand to Azula's . Which started smoking and glowing as well.

Azula opened her eyes with a gasp , looking at her hand in shock.

Its like its ...burning from within me.

Azula thought as she looked at her hand...and she could practically feel the power flow through her.

She looked up at Kazumi who was looking at her with a content.

" Rise my ...apprentice..." Kazumi said.

And like a phoenix rising from the ashes of defeat...

Azula rose.

And she knew that her life would never be the same again after this.


My dear readers ... I am happy to say that this fic is really starting to come together. And I think this chapter has really solidified it.

:)

Now I would like us all to give a round of applause Ares26 who basically guessed the plot of this chapter. Good on ya man.

:P

Now to get into the beef of this chapter , I will say that the idea of Azula gaining supernatural abilities has been on my mind since I first came up with the idea of giving supernatural abilities to Kazumi. Originally , Kazumi wasn't actually supposed to have any sort of spiritual powers...but you all know how much of an idiotic fanboy I am when it comes to Dishonored so I ended up giving her powers from it.

I actually considered having Azula get her powers from the Mother of Faces but then I thought it would be more thematically fitting for her to gain them through Kazumi. Fun fact: The Apprentice is a real power in Dishonored and is used by Granny Rags.

With nothing more to say ,I'll see you all in the next one.

Angel Out.