Howdy yall! Welcome to the next chapter of AWTF! Not much to say in this AN so I'll just jump straight into the story. Hope yall enjoy the chapter! I would really appreciate reviews since they give me feedback on how I'm doing. So PLEASE Review, Follow, and Favorite!
I do not own ATLA
~~ Previously on A Walk Through Fire ~~
Eventually, she did reach the Fire Lord's chamber and sighed. She flattened her tunic over her stomach and lightly cringed. Oh, Agni, I hope he doesn't notice I've gained some weight. I seriously need to talk to Aang about this.
"I am here to see Fire Lord Ozai," she proclaimed to the door. She knew that there were guards listening and was slightly relieved when the door opened and revealed the dimly lit room that was Fire Lord Ozai's chamber. She slowly walked in and the doors closed behind her.
"Come, daughter - we have much to discuss."
To say that Azula was scared out of her mind was like saying that Aang was a bad Airbender. She was shaking lightly and could hear her own heartbeat in her ears. She tried to wipe her sweating palms onto her pants, but that only seemed to make things worse for her.
"Yes, father," she finally responded as she started walking towards the room. It was a large and dark area. The throne was on a pedestal shrouded in orange flames made by Ozai himself. There were numerous tables and cushions leading up to the steps where the generals and officials would meet to have briefings with the Fire Lord.
Ozai watched his daughter make her way towards his throne and smiled. He had already been told that she was in the Capital and that she had an extra guest with her as well. So she did bring the Avatar. This is most interesting, he thought to himself. He did not want to give away the fact that Azula had, in fact, brought Aang to the Fire Nation.
"How were your travels?" he asked as he leaned forward slightly. He watched her take calming breaths before she began to reply.
"They were as expected, father. My time in the Earth Kingdom proved fruitful for the Fire Nation," she said in a normal tone of voice.
He stared at her for a moment and smirked. "And how would you define fruitful?"
"Well, the Avatar has been killed, Iroh has been killed, Ba Sing Se is under our control, and the Avatar's gaggle of friends has been weakened. I would say that it was a great mission." She prayed to Agni that he bought all the nonsense she just pulled out of her ass.
Ozai was quiet for a few moments and simply observed his right-hand commander. He looked her over for any discrepancies or faults and internally cackled. She's gained weight signaling a lack of proper training and excess sweets. That means that her will has changed. It also means that she isn't the same "Iron Grip" Azula anymore. She's grown soft, both figuratively and literally. Her posture is also much less refined. She has been quite relaxed as of late. Pathetic.
"I see," he finally said aloud. "How was Ba Sing Se?" Let's test how traitorous she really is, he mused to himself.
"It was as expected," Azula replied as calmly as she could. "They put up a weak resistance and fell easily. I murdered the king of Ba Sing Se and his bear, locked up the leader of the Dai Lee like you told me to, and I was able to fight and gather information on the Avatar's group, all of which has been reported in the reports I sent while in the city." She smirked minutely as she realized what he was trying to do. Two can play at this game...and I won't lose!
"I'm glad that you were able to accomplish all of the things that I told you to do. Now, what about the things you did in your downtime?" Ozai continued, leaning back on his throne in a seemingly bored manner.
He's trying to show that he's disinterested so that I can let down my guard. Well, father, I'm not that dumb. "What would you like to know, father?" Azula asked in a confused tone in an attempt to throw off her father.
I trained her well, it seems, Ozai thought. It's a shame that I have to be doing this with my own daughter. I would have thought she wouldn't openly betray me. I will have to go as planned, then. "Did you explore the city? Did you shop? How did the citizens react to your presence there?"
Azula was becoming a mess internally. Shit, what do I say? I didn't do anything like that except for when I went shopping with Aang and the girls. Whelp, let's keep this train of lies rolling then. "I went out to shop with Ty Lee and Mai," she recalled to her father. "We needed to purchase some new clothing, so we took it upon ourselves to go to a store and buy them. I would say that our presence went mostly unnoticed. We had just captured the city and didn't want to make a scene, so we decided that we needed to keep a low profile." She carefully watched Ozai's reaction to the story.
"And why didn't you want to cause a scene? It's not like anything that would have happened could have inhibited your ability to force upon them the will of the Fire Nation. Or did you not want to do that?"
SHIT! "No, father. I simply did not want to cause people to recognize me and start a fight." Azula moved her hands behind her, becoming slightly more uncomfortable with the way that this conversation was going.
"So you didn't want to fight? I have never known you to shy away from a fight, Azula," said Ozai. He paused to gauge her reaction and, as expected, her face didn't portray any change of emotions. Let's see how she takes that, he thought smugly.
"No, father, I did not want to fight because I thought that it would not be beneficial to start one with the people who just concurred. But I will say that I will never and have never shied away from a fight," she answered with defiance in her voice.
"Good. Though, it doesn't seem like you have been fighting based on how much weight you have gained in your absence," he quipped without hesitation, which made Azula blush. Well, that's new. I didn't think she could get embarrassed.
"I-I do not know what you mean," she replied with indifference in her voice as she attempted to mask the embarrassment she was feeling.
Ozai rolled his eyes impatiently. "Azula, please. You look like you're pregnant. I know for a fact you would not have sex unprotected. Hell, I did not think you would have sex at all."
"I did not have sex, father," Azula reassured him, caught slightly off guard.
"Well then, how have you not noticed the amount of weight you have gained in the last five months? Have you ever seen yourself in the mirror? You blew up. No wonder why you had to buy new clothing." Alright, that should get a reaction out of her.
"Now wait a minute, father," Azula began, beginning to heat. "I may have gained some weight, but I can promise you that I am still in fighting condition."
"I never said that you weren't. But with the amount of your physical gain, I would be surprised that you are still able to move effectively," said Ozai with a dark undertone.
This did not go unnoticed by Azula. "What are you getting at, father?" she asked with suspicion.
"Well, I was just saying that to be catty. Come now, daughter. You know I would never doubt your skills. Unless, of course, you have gotten soft," added Ozai with a smirk.
"I most definitely have not gotten soft!" Azula raised her tone a bit, causing Ozai to glare at her.
"Watch your tone, daughter," he ordered authoritatively.
"Yes, father. I apologize," she replied whilst trying to rein in her temper.
"Good," responded Ozai. "Now, I went ahead and called for a banquet to be held in your honor due to your many accomplishments in the Earth Kingdom. It will be held in three days' time and all of the most important people in the Fire Nation will be attending. I expect you to be dressed appropriately." He tossed a scroll to her. "All of the details are in this scroll."
"Thank you, father. You are most generous," Azula stated as she turned to exit the room.
"Did I dismiss you?" questioned Ozai.
Azula suddenly stopped in her tracks. I thought that would be the last thing that he would want to say to me, she thought as she turned back around and bowed. "I'm sorry, father. I did not realize you had more to discuss with me."
"Of course I have things to discuss with you. You have been gone for more than five months. Many events have happened in your absence."
"Such as what, exactly?" Azula pried tentatively.
"Well, I activated the Snuffers...that's one thing," Ozai said as he smiled. I guess I can give her some information. It's not like it's going to get out anyway.
"The Snuffers? Who are they?" Azula queried as she stood up properly.
"They are a secret group of black ops soldiers I made to hunt down and capture the Avatar's group of friends," Ozai explained, which got a nod from Azula.
"What information have they been able to gather?" she asked.
"Well, they are split up. Your traitorous brother got injured by something and had to go with that Waterbender. The other three were last seen heading towards the Capital. For all we know, they very well could be in here," Ozai explained honestly.
I have to ask Aang if he felt any family presence when he was walking around, Azula noted to herself as she nodded her head. "That is most fortunate. It means that we can possibly capture and interrogate them, thus ending the war."
"Now, Azula, no need to get impatient. We will get them eventually. However, we need to talk about the Avatar," Ozai stated as he leaned forward.
"What would you like to know about him?" she asked with a slight hesitation in her voice.
"So you've met him before?" he asked with a hidden smirk. "We didn't know his gender due to the information not being trustworthy."
"What made the information from the Northern Water Tribe untrustworthy?"
"Let's just say that we had some...disagreement with the people who came back from that battle."
"Ah...but yes, I have met him."
"What do you think of him?"
"Do you mean what DID I think of him?" Azula asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Yes, yes...since you DID kill the Avatar," Ozai replied suspiciously.
Shit, does he possibly know that he isn't dead? I can't let him get to Aang. I promised that I would protect him. "Yes, the Avatar is, in fact, dead."
"So then why didn't you get any evidence of his body and send it back here?" he questioned with an eyebrow raised.
Shit, shit, shit, shit! "Well, you see, I was fighting him and burned his corpse. I'm sorry I did not get any evidence of his death." Azula bowed again and prayed that he bought the lie.
Well, I must say her lie is convincing. I'll humor for the time being. "Good. I'm glad that you are such a good asset to this country. I know you wouldn't be lying to me... would you, Azula?" he asked in an innocent tone of voice.
"No, father," Azula answered as normally as she could. "I would never lie to you."
"Good. I'm glad you would not think to do that. You know what the penalty is for doing such a thing."
Azula slightly paled as she remembered executing hundreds of people to be accused of high treason. I'm so fucked if I fail. "Yes, father: death by execution. I remember the penalty for it."
"Then you wouldn't even think about committing it."
"Where is this coming from?" Azula asked suspiciously.
"Nowhere, my dear daughter. I was just making sure you remember, that's all."
"Oh, okay," she responded, still not entirely convinced.
"I do have a question for you." Ozai paused and looked straight at his daughter again. "What do you think of this war?"
Silence soon followed the trap question. Azula was shaking lightly. No matter how she answered that question, she would be found out and led to even more questions that would eventually expose her relationship with Aang. No matter how she was to answer, it would always lead back to her committing treason against the Fire Nation.
Shit, I'm screwed. Think, Azula. You can't be found out. You cannot put Aang in danger. After everything that he has done for you, you CAN NOT betray him. Not here. We've come too far. "I think that this way has gone on for too long," she replied carefully. "I think that the Fire Nation has been fighting for far too long. I think it's time for us to win this war."
Ozai remained silent for a few moments. He was watching Azula slowly shift on her feet, awaiting his response. She locked eyes with him for what seemed like ages. Her golden eyes bore deep into his own. Finally, he spoke to her.
"You are right," he said as he stood up and began to walk towards her. "The Fire Nation has been fighting in this war for too long. I think that it is about time for it to end. It's about time for the world to truly see the true power of the Fire Nation. With you back home, we will truly be able to flex our military muscles. Azula, it is time to start the final preparations for Project Phoenix. We have already received the first round of airships from the engineers. Now we will be able to launch attacks on all fronts. We can rain bombs upon the last fortress on this planet: the Northern Water Tribe. With this, we will be able to truly rule the world. Doesn't that sound fantastic? The world under one leader. I will be that leader. I will be the king of the world." He wore a crazed smile on his face. He had been pacing around the room while he was ranting and raving about his plans.
Azula merely watched him. I have to get out of here. He's gone crazy with lust for power. Is this what I would have been? Aang, we need to end this war. This is getting out of hand. Who knows what's going to happen next? "Yes, father," she concurred to her father aloud. "I agree with you. The world needs to be put under one banner. The Fire Nation must reign supreme over all the countries of the world!"
"I'm glad that you agree with me, Azula," he said with a smile on his face, which made Azula lightly shudder. "You may go now. I hope you have a good night."
"Thank you, father," she stated as she walked out of the throne room and immediately started jogging back to her room. She ran to her door and knocked on it.
Aang was taking a nap when he heard a knock on the door. He groaned and got up to open it, putting on his headband before heading to the door. He opened it and immediately started his scripted speech.
"This is Lee, Princess Azula's personal servant. She is currently at a meeting and will re-" He was suddenly cut off when a pair of lips pressed onto his own. His eyes widened when he saw Azula kissing him and quickly brought her inside the room, quickly closing the door.
"Hey," he whispered as he hugged her. After a beat, he broke the hug to look at her. "Are you crying?" He had never seen her so scared and broken before and it truly saddened him. "Zu, what's wrong?" he asked as he wiped her tears away.
"J-just hold me," she whispered as she grabbed him and held him close. "Please."
Aang simply kissed her on the forehead and led her to the bed.
"Don't worry," he reassured her. "I'll never let you go."
As soon as Azula left the throne room, Sango and Haki entered it and kneeled in front of the Fire Lord. They were dressed in all black attire and had on metal chest plates. They removed their masks and bowed to Ozai.
"We have returned from our mission to spy on the Princess, my Lord," Haki spoke.
"Yeah, how come we didn't get a welcome home party?" Sango queried before he was hit in the arm by Haki.
"Shut up, you idiot, before you get us both killed!" Haki whisper yelled, which made Ozai chuckle lightly.
"I'm sure I can offer you some kind of welcome home gift, Sango. Name it and it will be yours," said Ozai as he made his way back to his throne.
"I want...WOMEN!" the spy proclaimed, making the other two occupants in the room sweatdrop.
"How many?" Haki asked hesitantly.
"A man can never have too much pussy, Haki," Sango wittily remarked as he rose and gave a fist pump in the air.
"I will deliver you a harem of five women to your room. Now, I want information and I want it NOW!" Ozai as he sat down.
"Err...right," Sango said as his personality did a total 180. "We have been observing the Princess and her friends for the past two and a half months. We can, with full certainty, say that she is a traitor to the Fire Nation."
"I see," Ozai said through gritted teeth. "How far do her actions decree that she is a traitor?"
"She has taught the Avatar how to bend lightning. She has also taught him Firebending to the point where they are both equal. Even with her...current physique, she is still the best Firebender besides you," Haki added to the report.
"How strong would you say the Avatar is at this point in time?" Ozai asked with caution. While he would never admit it, he was slightly worried about an all-out battle between himself and the Avatar.
"He is a master Airbender, master Waterbender, Sudo master Firebender, subpar Earthbender, and creator of Metalbending," Sango replied. "I, along with most of the Fire Nation, would lose if we were to fight him, especially in an area that has all elements available to him. I would recommend that if you were to take care of him, assassination is the best option."
"Is he actually here?" Ozai questioned, as he just wanted to reassure his suspicions.
"Yes," both spies replied in unison.
"Where is he?"
"Sir, he is currently staying with Princess Azula in her personal room," Haki reported. "They have been sharing a room since they were both transported to the Stronghold in the Earth Kingdom."
Ozai wrinkled his chin in irritation. "I see...Has she had sex with him?" he asked cautiously.
"That would be a negative, sir."
Ozai let out a breath of relief at the news. "Good. Even if that bitch is a traitor, I will never have any daughter of mine spread her legs for an Airbender." He spat the title with disgust and venom.
"Sir, you should also be aware that the Avatar has asked for your daughter's hand in marriage and even went as far as to ask for her to have his children," Sango continued.
Immediately, the temperature of the room dropped by at least twenty degrees, a thing that one would assume was not possible due to how much fire was in the room.
"What...did...she...say?" the Fire Lord pried angrily through gritted teeth.
"She replied with agreement, my Lord," spoke Haki, immediately praying to whoever was listening that he would live to see another day. "I am sorry."
Suddenly, bright orange columns of fire shot out of Fire Lord Ozai's mouth and hands. He screamed and lashed out at his throne, causing the tapestries in the room to immediately burn to ashes.
"SHE DID WHAT?!" he boomed at the two spies.
"Avatar Aang asked for her hand in marriage and she implied that she would accept after the war was over, assuming that she lived to see the end of it," explained Sango.
"Are we in a position to dispose of either of them?"
"No. The Snuffers are currently preparing for the Avatar's friends to make their move. That should happen in the coming days. They should only be in the Capital for three or four more days. Then you can start the plan to have her imprisoned in the Boiling Rock."
"It's only for how many days?" Ozai asked with a smirk.
"Three or four, my Lord," Haki replied quickly.
"Perfect. We must be ready for them. Keep watching them closely, but do not reveal that you are there. Is that understood?"
The spies simply kneeled again and shouted: "For the Fire Nation!" before immediately rushing out of the room and disappearing into the night, leaving Fire Lord Ozai alone in his chamber.
"Yes," he said as he began to walk towards a secret door in the corner of the room. "For the Fire Nation indeed."