Ladies and gentleman, after thinking it over these past few weeks, I have a huge announcement at the end of this chapter.
So stick around for that. :P
But first a big thanks to HammerTide for beta reading this chapter and providing good critic and feedback.
With that said, let's get into it.
The walk to Hira'a took a bit longer than expected, but it was rather peaceful all things considered, they had actually brought along Serenity in order to help ferry back more supplies in one trip. The sun was shining down on them and the forest actually seemed at peace. It could almost make one forget that this was literally a forest where people go to kill themselves.
Their very small group walked in comfortable silence through the forest, Kazumi giving a few headpats to Serenity as they walked leaving Azula to her own thoughts.
As they got closer and closer to Hira'a, Azula could not deny a growing feeling of anxiety in her stomach. Going back to the place where she last saw her mother was...something she had been unsure about, she had convinced herself that she would be okay with it, but she could not deny a certain level of trepidation from going back to that place. Where her mother continued to spit lies about loving her.
It made Azula wonder if she was still there at that house ? Or if she had went back to the palace with Zuko ?
" Azula ? You okay ?" Kazumi's voice broke through her train of thought.
" I'm fine Kazumi just...thinking " Azula didn't tell a lie technically.
" Don't worry, we're just going to pick up good load of supplies and we'll be back home in no time " Kazumi smiled, seeming to understand.
Home...
Azula thought about the word longer than she should have.
Kazumi's house has essentially become her home by this point, has it not ? She's felt more at home with Kazumi than she ever did at the palace. Was the palace ever really a home for her ? Maybe it was once, when she was a child and didn't understand how cruel the world could be. But then it became nothing more than a place for Father to continuously train her and build her up as his crown heir to the Throne. And after that it became a prison( or perhaps it always was under Father's rule) when Zuko became Fire Lord. She was under no delusions that he had actually trusted her when he pulled her out of that hellhole of an asylum to find mother, even when she was back at the palace she was still under watch by guards and she wouldn't be surprised if he had planned to put her back in that asylum once she served her purpose.
Just another tool to him, like Father.
Thoughts about her former brother angered her so much, that she decidedly put those thoughts away. She didn't want to be simmering with anger while they were on a shopping trip.
But returning to the original point, yes , Azula is certain that Kazumi's house has become her home. Even if she will never say it out loud.
" Look Azula, Hira'a coming into view " Kazumi called out as they stepped out of the forest, for Azula it was the first time in a long time since she had left the forest.
She could see Hira'a village and...strangely enough, there weren't any anger or sadness left inside her when she saw that village. Simply tiredness.
" Come on, we don't want to be late. I want to get some of the good meat and produce " Kazumi said as she pulled both Azula and Serenity along.
Perhaps this trip wouldn't be so bad.
Shin haphazardly watched the small crowds of people walking the market, talking to shopkeepers and buying things. Hira'a wasn't an especially big village but it wasn't small either, so the market was pretty sizeable
The captain didn't even really know why he was here, perhaps he just wanted to go out to blow off some steam. He still hasn't figured out how he's going to explain his failure to the Fire Lord on how he has found no clues on what happened to the princess.
He just wanted-no needed some time to think.
Shin observed families walking the street, mothers keeping an eye on their children to keep them from running off while the father was busy arguing with some vender over the absurd prices of a fruits and veggies. And even he himself had to admit in private, that the economy wasn't doing well, with the price that farmers were putting on food now these days. There were even less people coming out to the market these days because of how hard it was to scrounge up money to buy food.
Moving his mind away from complicated socio-economical issues, he looked back at the few families that did come out and it made him think back to his own wife. They had talked about it more than once about starting a proper family, but Shin was always on the fence about it, because his work tended for him to be away for long periods of time. He didn't want his son or daughter growing up their lives with their daddy only visiting a few times every couple of months.
Shin let out a sigh as he leaned up against a stone wall, maybe it was time to retire. He's served his nation and done his time in the military. Maybe it was about time for him to pack up and retire once and for all.
As he stood up straight and looked up at the warm sun beaming down on him, he thought to himself.
I gotta admit...I am going to miss the chase.
But just as he was about to head back to the inn, his sharp eyes caught sight of a woman in the very thin crowd of people. And he could see her face.
No disrespect towards his own wife...but she was incredibly beautiful, she had looks that would put noblewomen to shame and bring their envy. There were more than a few men glancing at her every so often. He couldn't really blame them because of how beautiful she was.
But there was something...mysterious about her. He couldn't quite put his finger on it but there was something weird about her.
Shin also caught sight of a girl, younger than the woman following her around. She looked to be around her teens, and she looked like a younger version of the woman she was following.
Mother and daughter maybe ? Odd. I've never seen them before.
Shin decided to go to one of the nearby shop vendors, a safe distance away from the woman and kept his head down.
" Excuse me sir, but do you anything about that beautiful woman over there ? The one with the girl. I've never seen her around before " Shin asked politely, the old man selling fruits.
" Oh her ? " The old man seemed to need a minute to check his eyes before answering " She is a beautiful woman that lives in the Forgetful Valley that comes every once in a while to buy food."
She LIVES in the Forgetful Valley ?!
Shin was shocked. He and his team spent months combing the forest and they couldn't find any trace of any spot in that hellhole of a forest that would be considered liveable. With all the pissed off plants and animals trying to kill them constantly, he had no idea how a woman could live in that forest with her daughter.
" She doesn't really speak or talk to anyone here all that much, though I hear she sometimes goes to the tavern to get a drink and such " The old man explained without being prompted. He eyed the young girl that was following the older woman " The girl is new though. Don't think she's ever brought anyone except that ostrich horse of hers here, but don't take my word for it, my memory ain't what it used to be..."
Shin thanked the man before stalking off, keeping a good distance away from the woman.
As if Agni himself blessed Shin with a new lead...perhaps he wouldn't have to go back to the Fire Lord empty handed.
At the very least, he seems to have found a new lead to follow up on.
" Those are unbelievable prices, how is anybody supposed to be fed in this nation ? " Kazumi argued with the shopkeep, a middle aged man selling meat.
" Sorry miss, but with the taxes rising and price on produce increasing, we don't have a choice " The man explained with a sorrowful expression.
" Very well " Kazumi shrugged as she handed him the money.
Azula had to admit that she was reasonably surprised that Kazumi wasn't having any problems paying for any of the food and supplies she bought, which she was buying a lot of, enough to catch the attention of more than a few onlookers and vendors.
Pushing that aside, Azula couldn't help but notice how high some of the prices of goods are now, along with the rate of taxes. It would seem that Zuko hasn't been managing his nation's finances very well...
A small petty part of her relishes in the fact that Zuko is now finding out how dreadfully unprepared he was to take the Throne, but she pushes that aside. She has more important matters to attend to.
" How do you have so much money ? " Azula whispered to her.
" Did you think the Spirit Navigators survived all these years without having a level of wealth to our name ? " Kazumi said with a smirk " We would often be commissioned by local lords and even noblemen on occasion to deal with spirits. They were very generous with their payment, so I have more than enough money saved up from the Spirit Navigators of past along with my money I made myself "
Beauty, wealth, skill, talent, is there anything that this woman does not have ?
" You know, you probably could have negotiated for a better price " Azula commented " With how many looks you're getting from the men here, most of these vendors would probably give you their goods for free "
" I'd prefer not to use my beauty as a weapon...if I can help it "
" Oh ? You've never seduced somebody before Kazumi ? " Azula asked with a mischievous smirk.
" N-No, I mean...not on purpose at least, I mean...I've had a few men in my life but..." Kazumi turned to Azula and saw her smirk " Oh you cheeky girl..."
Azula laughed as Kazumi lightly pulled on her cheeks playfully.
The rest of the shopping in all honesty wasn't really that eventful, just buying supplies and loading them onto Serenity. The most noteworthy thing that happened were a few vendors hitting on Kazumi but she politely turned them down when she pretended that she was married. She handled it much better than Ty Lee did when they were at that party on Ember Island once.
Not once during their entire time there did she see her former mother even once. Maybe they really did leave Hira'a...maybe it was all behind her now.
Sounded nice.
" Is that everything Kazumi ? " Azula asked as they loaded up the rest of the supplies onto Tira.
" Yes, that should be everything. We can go back now " Kazumi nodded as she patted the ostrich horse's head.
Azula and Kazumi were about to head back to the forest, content with how the day had turned out.
" Excuse me, miss can I talk to you for a minute ? "
A voice coming from behind them alerted them instantly, they turned to see a middle aged man. Maybe just a few years older than Kazumi standing there.
Oh great, another wannabe ladies man wanting to woo Kazumi.
Azula thought with an eye roll, before she noticed something about the man.
He was dressed lightly and for ease of movement...and Azula noticed a sword at his hip. His face was grizzled and his eyes were sharp...like those of an archer or tracker.
It put Azula on edge.
Kazumi was completely calm as she spoke " Yes ? "
" I would just like to ask you a few questions ma'am..." The man got a bit closer but kept a safe distance away. Be it for his sake or theirs, Azula wasn't sure." May I have your name first miss ? "
"...What for ? " Kazumi replied suspiciously.
" Okay, so we'll just skip the names. Mine is Shin " Shin told them his name " I heard from some of the locals here that you live in the Forgetful Valley ? "
"...Yes, what is your business with that ? "
" Nothing I just wanted to inquire with you about some things..." Shin asked politely " You see, I'm looking for somebody, a girl who may have...ran away into the forest...her family is worried about her..."
Azula's heart dropped at that. Gulping silently at the realization
Was he...talking about me ? Is this one of the trackers that Zuko sent after me ? Is his team hanging around, waiting for the moment to strike ?
A dozen question ran through her head and she was certain her breathing would have become erratic if she hadn't taken a moment to calm herself.
Stay calm. You have a new face, he can't possibly know who you are.
Azula glanced at Kazumi, whose face was passive but eyes betrayed a whirlwind of emotions. But despite it all, she managed to keep calm under the circumstances.
" I don't know anything about a girl who ran away. Its just been me and my daughter staying in the forest " Kazumi said calmly " What business do you have with a lost girl in a forest like this ? "
" Well...to be perfectly blunt, her family sent me to locate her and bring her back " Shin said vaguely " They're very worried about her and want her to come home is all "
Azula resisted the urge to snort at that, that her mother would want her come home.
Zuko locks me up for a year. Mother forgets willingly forgets about me to have her own little family...and now they wanna pretend they care about me ?
Its almost enough to make her laugh.
Azula kept her cool though as she watched how Kazumi was going to handle this.
For now though, Kazumi seemed to be keeping quiet as the man explained his situation.
" Is that so ? "
" Yes, it is...but what is strange to me miss, is that I've been scouring that hellhole of a forest for Agni knows how many months and have not come across a single spot that would be considered habitable, much less liveable by a woman and her daughter to stay in a place like that without constantly being on attack from wild animals and plants " Shin pondered out loud.
" I have my ways..." Kazumi said.
" I'm sure you do...which is why I wanted to ask, if it wasn't too much trouble, if I could follow you to your home ? Just so I could mark it off my map and be on my way " Shin said slowly
Azula felt a fear build up in her stomach. If they bring this tracker back to the house, then he will know where they are and if he reports back to Zuko...
Well, short of killing him, there's not much else to be done.
"...No " Kazumi's answer cut off her pondering.
" Wait, what ? "
" I said no. I'm sorry to inform you but I do not like the idea of disclosing the location of my place of residence, much less bringing a man I just met a few minutes ago into my home who won't even give me an honest response about what his true objective is " Kazumi said dangerously " I have already told you that I do not know anything about your 'missing girl', so I don't see the point in telling you where I live, much less bringing you there "
" B-But it could help find her ! If I could narrow down where she went-"
" Perhaps the girl does not want to be found " Kazumi said out loud " If her family truly cared about her, than maybe she would have went back to them of her own volition...but instead she has chosen to remain hidden "
Azula was shocked by what Kazumi said...and from the way she talked, it seemed she knew that this man was looking for her.
" Come on, let's go " Kazumi gestured for them to go and Azula didn't have any disagreements following Kazumi into the forest with Serenity.
Leaving behind the tracker, who watched them with a dumbfounded expression.
" Are you okay Azula ? " Kazumi whispered to her as they made it a couple dozen steps from where they left the tracker.
" I'm fine its just...that man from just now..." Azula was about to say when she noticed that they were on the wrong path to head home " Why are we going this way ? "
" Try not to talk too loudly and act normal " Kazumi whispered again.
" What do you mean...and why are you whispering anyway ? " Azula said quietly.
" Because the tracker we left behind in Hira'a is trying to tail us " Kazumi said calmly.
Azula's eyes widened and she was about to turn around quickly, when Kazumi grabbed her shoulder and pulled her, surprising the princess.
" Don't turn around, you'll tip him off " Kazumi whispered.
" What do we do ? " Azula asked, a slight bit of worry and fear in her heart.
" Act casual and throw him off our trail. We can't lead him back to the house "
" How do we do that ? We can't leave the supplies behind and I'm not sure Serenity can sneak her way back to the house"
" Serenity is smarter than you think...she knows her way back home" Kazumi smirked " The real problem is throwing him off our tail "
" What do you think ? Should we transverse away ? " Azula suggested.
" No, he can't see us using our powers...we need to disorient him and confuse him...without letting him see us "
" How do we do that ? "
Kazumi didn't answer right away, rather she looked at their surroundings-studying the trees, the branches, the big stones and more.
" On my mark, walk behind that big tree to your right and transverse up to the branches, I'll go left with Serenity " Kazumi gave her the plan.
Azula didn't have time to argue, but simply nod as she got ready for the signal.
" One, two, three...mark " Kazumi said in a hush tone, but Azula quickly walked behind the tree as she was told.
Without wasting a second, she focused the power and transversed up to the tree branch, which was big and wide enough that it could support her weight.
Azula looked at the ground where her master was just a moment ago...only to find that she had disappeared from sight completely.
What the ? Where in Agni did she-
" Azula "
The princess almost screamed and fell off the branch were it not for Kazumi quickly clamping her hand over her mouth and grabbing her before she could fall. The woman having appeared next to her out of thin air and without a single sound, put a finger to her own lip and shushing her to stay quiet.
" How did you do that ? " Azula asked in surprise. " You went left and I would have noticed you teleport up here "
Kazumi just gave her a smirk " I only allow you to follow my movements if I wish...now hush Azula, our would be tailer is down below "
Azula recentered and looked down at the ground...to see the same tracker from before move forward from his cover from the bushes onto the path
" Where did they go ?! Damnit !" The tracker cursed out loud.
Azula couldn't help but feel a hint of amusement seeing the man's reactions. Based on Kazumi's face, she held a similar expression.
The man looked around the path they had been on for a few minutes, before cursing something and walking back to Hira'a.
Azula let out a sigh as he left the area behind.
" Come on, lets go before he comes back " Kazumi said " I told Serenity to head back to the house, so she should be waiting for us there "
No arguments there.
It didn't take long for the two of them to make it back to the forest to find a waiting Serenity.
It was the biggest relief of her day seeing Kazumi's house.
Needless to say, that by the time they arrived back home, Azula's nerves were haywire. Her breathing was somewhat erratic and she was certain that her fear had increased. She shifted uncomfortable on the leather chair in Kazumi's living room.
She hadn't expected to run into a tracker sent by Zuko...she had honestly hoped he had long given up the chase for her. But it appears not.
This could be a problem.
Her pondering was cut off when Kazumi laid down a tray with a pot of tea and cups on it, on the table in front of her.
" Here Azula drink this, it should calm your nerves " Kazumi handed her a cup of tea.
" Thank you..." Azula nodded in gratitude as she took a sip of her tea. It barely did anything to actually calm her nerves or fears, but it was something if nothing else.
" So...Azula about the tracker from earlier...he was sent by your family wasn't he ? "
Azula didn't reply but simply nod in confirmation.
Kazumi sighed " I hoped this was behind us honestly...its been months already, what would even be the point of trying to bring you back be ? "
" Probably to throw me back into that hellhole asylum again..." Azula says spitefully " Or maybe they just want to bring me back to quell their own guilt..."
Kazumi's expression darkened, not that Azula could see since her head was downward towards the floor.
" I won't let them take you Azula..." Kazumi said firmly as she held Azula's hand " Whether they try to put you back into that asylum or actually want you back, I won't let them take you again...if they only wish to take you back to sate their own guilty consciences than to oblivion to all of them then "
Azula didn't respond right away, but she found herself agreeing with her mentor.
" But what if they find this place ? If my family finds out that I'm here than they will tear this place apart to get to me...I won't let that happen to you Kazumi, I won't " Azula said with determination.
Kazumi on the other hand, seemed less than worried. In fact, she looked rather calm.
" Azula...don't you think that tracker's statement was weird ? He said he had been scouring this forest for months and hadn't found our little safe haven...why do you think that is ?" Kazumi posed the question.
Azula paused and thought it over...it was strange, if he had been scouring this forest for months looking for her, he would have found this place eventually. Assuming he's not just massively incompetent at his job.
" Come with me, Azula and I will show you the secret for keeping my little home a secret..." Kazumi said as she walked outside, with Azula following after her.
They walked a few meters from the house when Kazumi stopped and looked at the sky.
" What are you doing ? " Azula asked.
" The sky Azula...look at the sky..." Kazumi muttered as her left hand started to glow and smoke, before she held it out to Azula " Hold my hand Azula...and I shall show you the veil that hides this place "
Azula didn't totally understand what Kazumi was getting at, but took her hand all the same...at that moment, she felt a surge of spiritual power go through her body and to her eyes, energizing them in a sese.
In that moment, she saw it.
There...trees and leaves in the sky? But they weren't...actually there, they were transparent as if they didn't actually exist.
Azula looked at her surroundings and saw huge trees all around them that encompassed the small area.
They were there...but they were not at the same time. They didn't even exist.
She waved her hand across the fake tree...and it passed right by it and out.
It didn't exist.
" What the...are those-"
" Yes Azula...this whole place is covered by an illusion, from the sky it looks like just another patch of tall trees and forest...and only those who know the way here can actually come here " Kazumi explains as she ends the little vision sharing" It was requested by one of my ancestors to the Mother of Faces to cover this safe haven in an illusion to better safeguard our security and secrecy here. And this is not an easy place to find, those who are not allowed in this section of the forest are met with...heavy resistance "
" But...they could still find this place..."
" If they do, I'll be sure to greet whoever comes with the most polite or forceful arguments imaginable " Kazumi said calmly as she looked into Azula's eyes " I promise you Azula...we're safe here "
The princess didn't respond right away, but instead hugged the older woman surprising her.
"...Thank you Kazumi " Azula muttered.
Kazumi smiled and hugged back " You're welcome Azula..."
The two enjoyed the moment while it lasted, because after this they both knew they had some very important work to do.
The preparations were at last made. The training had more or less been completed. Their blades and tools sharpened to perfection.
Now it was time to hunt some spirits.
You all have no idea how long I've been waiting to do this chapter. Kazumi and Shin meeting face to face.
Admittedly, I had to take some time to figure out how exactly Kazumi would have handled this situation. And I think the end result turned out well, where she more or less diplomatically took care and out stealthed Shin. This will not be the last they meet, I can tell you that much.
Now for the announcement I talked about: I have finally decided to crosspost this story to AO3 !
It will be under the same 'Make Me Feel' and my username on there is DarkLight1506. If you can't find either just look up the Azula Redemption tag and you should be able to find it.
I will be taking some time off from this story to post some of the chapters, so bear with me.
Now let's answer some reviews shall we ?
To zanlorenzi17:
Admittedly, while I haven't quite decided on how Azula's reunion with Ursa and Zuko will go, I can guarantee you that she will not forgive them instantly or even be on good civil terms. I do agree that Azula works best as a Lawful Evil character or at worst, Chaotic Neutral.
Thank you so much for your kind words ! And I hope you continue to enjoy this story.
:)
To tacaloking:
Yes, my biggest problem is that people always think of Iroh as some genius wise sage who can never do anything wrong and is always right
My biggest peeve is how people use his ' Azula's crazy and needs to go down ' as some sort of gospel of truth that Azula is irredeemable. Because if Iroh says it than it has to be true right ?
You can't tell right now but I'm rolling my eyes.
To st4t1c sh0ck:
I'm glad it was worth the wait. Azula and Kazumi now truly do look like mother and daughter.
:P
To rem:
Thank you for being so understanding. Yeah, it is hard to balance real life stuff with writing. But I'll try my best to keep updating as frequently as I can.
To Lord 770:
Yes, the idea of Azula changing her face to look more like Kazumi's daughter has been an idea ever since I added the idea of Spirit Powers to the story.
I really wanted to make it a point that while Azula was changing her, she would not forget her past like Ursa did. For better or worse.
Funny enough in the original draft of this story, Kazumi was going to erase Azula's memories and make her think she was her daughter as a sorta mercy from all the pain Azula felt from her past. But me and Hammer decided to cut it since that would be just taking the easy way out and before long Azula's past would catch up to her eventually as shown in this chapter.
Kazumi's daughter really would have been beautiful. And yes, I think this is deserved in a sense since Kazumi has been more of a mother to Azula than Ursa ever was.
Azula gaining the Bend Time power is actually I've considered before and is on the fence about. If I do give it to her, it will probably be a modified version to keep it from being too powerful or I will give it to her in the endgame of the story so she doesn't have too much time to play around with it and make every fight a breeze.
To Phoenix Fist:
Thank you so much for your kind words ! And yes, I very much agree that Azula's character( Among others) was handled very very poorly after the series. My own problems regarding the comics aside, I do agree that Azula doesn't need to be 'redeemed' like Zuko, but rather she requires guidance and a purpose to help her discover who she is in life.
I'm glad that you're enjoying the relationship Kazumi is building with Azula and I'm so touched by your kind words. I never really thought I had a talent writing, I've mostly just been improvising for the most. But thank you anyway for saying that !
:P
I already answered this in the announcement, but my username on AO3 is DarkLight1506 and I have already started posting this story to AO3 starting today.
:)
Next chapter we will finally get into, you guessed it : Spirit Hunting.
With all that said, I will see you all in the next one.
Angel Out.
