Republic City was growing on her. Soft rays of orange lights warmed the princess's face from her seated position near the apartment's balcony edge. Beneath her, she used the streetlights to scan each face that walked by in hopes of catching a glimpse of a blue arrow within the sea of busy pedestrians beginning their early dawn routines. The week's ending did not seem to slow the everyday lives of the people as many continued on foot or in horse-drawn taxis towards their mundane occupations.
Azula briefly pondered on the lives of the peasants she encountered, many of which she had begun to recognize by face though they had no clue as to her true identity, nor did they seem to care. To them, she was just another person, not the former conqueror of The Impenetrable City, worshipped by thousands in the once universally feared Fire Nation. She found herself reminiscing often of the days of old.
Naturally, one would feel relieved in peaceful times. The war had been long and detrimental to her nation's finances and reputation. Her elder brother had quite the task at hand to rebuild. She had pledged to help in any way she could to restore their nation's glory. Despite the world's obscured view of her, Azula wanted peace. It was a new venture, yet required an equal amount of effort to that of the war. Tensions were high around the world, especially in the melting pot of this newly found republic.
Aang, like many others, was initially hesitant during the early stages of forming Republic City. His shift in attitude was thus brought about thanks to his first wife, avidly agreeing with Zuko that unification was needed. The rift between the couple only widened away from the public eye, leading to the present situation they were in. Despite rumors that the "mad" princess had seduced the avatar and coaxed him away from his "innocent" wife, in truth, the couple had already become as distant as possible emotionally.
"So, this is what the conqueror has been reduced to?"
Azula clutched her slightly protruding belly as she shot a look behind her towards the voice that dared to send insults her way. Her nose flared with anger and her eyes became slits of golden cross fire as she grimaced further at her old comrade's unannounced presence.
How did I not sense her? She slightly reprimanded herself.
Zirin barely flinched, waving away Azula's aggressive look with a manicured hand as she continued.
"You're worse than I thought," she tapped her chin, glaring back. "For a moment, I thought this was another one of your ridiculous schemes to gain the trust of our enemies by making the avatar fall for you. To think that you actually gave birth for him. Avatar or not, even I was surprised at that move".
Azula was quick to respond. "I'm done scheming, Zirin. If you idiots had waited, things would have turned out differently. I surrendered so that my brother would pardon all of you. You could have had a better chance at life rather than being here in this piss smelling pit," she shot back, with venom.
It was Zirin's turn to send angry eyes her way.
"Oh? A glamorous life of kowtowing and being glorified guardians of the fire nation? How we regret taking our lives into our own hands. Personally, I wanted nothing more," she answered, sarcasm oozing from her voice with an eye-roll. "Surely, owning a hotel and living freely is so much more insulting?"
Azula's look softened despite Zirin's condescension. Putting her hand to her chest in a show of true sincerity, she stated, "I tried, Zirin, all you had to do was trust me. Fighting The Fire Lord and his friends would have gotten us no where".
Zirin cooed back in fake sympathy, "Trust is for fools. I remember someone saying. Or have you forgotten? Speaking of, how is the search for lover going?"
Azula felt the pang of old venom, but swallowed it. She was different person now. If only Aang was here to see her. Perhaps he would view her as he did his first wife.
Azula spoke poignantly, "The times of old are behind us. The world hasn't seen this time of peace in over 100 years. We can create an era of peace and prosperity for ourselves and our children".
For a brief moment, Azula thought she had her, yet Zirin only let out a chuckle.
"Motherhood has softened you," said the woman flipping her braid over her shoulder. "What a shame".
With that, she turned to leave. Normally, Azula would have retaliated with words that could cut steel. Instead, she watched Zirin's back until the woman disappeared from view.
#
A single, green glare brought the avatar from what seemed like a short dream. Aang felt his neck twitch. On high alert, he did not feel as rested as one who had slept though his mind felt foggy, as if he was emerging from the iceberg once again. Only this time, it wasn't Katara's face greeting him or Sokka aiming his boomerang. Instead, Long Feng's wrinkled face was in full view, making the avatar reel back at once. He didn't get far, however, as two, silent Dai Li agents restrained him by taking each of his arms in hand.
His first reaction was flight, but at Long Feng's smug grin, he knew the effort would be futile. Azula's life could be at stake. He had not seen his love since his capture. He wondered if she and Zaheer were in Republic City? Were they safe?
"You are late, Avatar," spoke the elder man. "I'm sure the people of Republic City are anxious for your appearance at town hall this evening".
Aang's eyes widened. Of course, he and Azula had come to the earth kingdom to attend the city hall event. There he had planned to official name her as his consort.
Azula. His mind raced. What did these fools do to you?
There was little doubt that if Long Feng and his fellow conspirators had captured him, they surely wouldn't have allowed the princess to roam freely.
"Where is she?" He asked, calmly.
Long Feng gave a chuckle that made the hairs on the avatar's neck stand up.
"Who?" He asked. "Your whore?" Aang gave a low growl as Long Feng added, "She's in good hands. So long as you cooperate. Though, I'm sure she is growing more anxious by the day. It is only a matter of time before she needs to be handled".
"Listen," spoke Aang. "Azula has been through enough. You have me. Leave her out of this".
The statement was enough to trigger the old fool as he grimaced deeply.
"Her suffering has only begun". He insisted. With a rub of his beard, he added. "You children have been playing a slippery game of thrones for long enough".
Seething, Aang kept his attitude in check, hoping to reach the old fool with reason.
"Killing a royal member of the Fire Nation will definitely bring problems for King Kuei," he explained. "The fire lord will not appreciate this treatment of his sister".
Long Feng's smirk returned, sinister as ever. "Perhaps the earth king will grow a spine as a result".
A swift flick of the old man's wrist caused Aang to tense his muscles, straining the hold in his limbs. Instead of an anticipated attack, a table made of earth formed in front of him, along with a chair. Long Feng gave a sigh of obvious straining exertion.
That small move was too much. Aang noted.
With a careless plop, Long Feng fell into the earth chair he formed and gestured towards one of his loyal agents.
One of the Dai Li immediately brought a glass and two bottles of strong wine, placing them on the table.
"Care for a drink, Avatar?" Asked the old man.
Aang said nothing, yet felt relief when his bonds were released. The agent who brought the spirits created a chair, sliding it beneath his knees, forcing him to sit. Before he could react, his legs were restrained with metal cuffs around his ankles.
"No rash moves, Avatar. You wouldn't want to make me angry. That could cause serious harm to your...concubine".
Aang clenched his teeth. "She's not my-"
"Yes, of course, let's not be so crass," said Long Feng with a simple wave. "The princess deserves some respect, in a manner of speaking". After pouring a tall glass of red wine, he took a satisfying gulp before adding, "I'm sure you enjoy her talented tongue enough to make you leave your waterbender".
Aang grit his teeth, snarling. "Get to the point! What do you want from us?"
Long Feng stopped mid sip of his wine. He licked his lips with another smirk that Aang really wanted to smack right off his face. His anger was evident and the man seemed to get off on it, disgusting.
"Such a turn of events. What a difference a few years make".
"Yea, I'm sure you're not the bender you used to be," snapped Aang.
He caught the slight irritation in Long Feng's grip on the glass he held, followed by a slightly forceful slam of the glass to the table.
"This may be true. But one can compensate for age when he has a fully realized avatar at his whim," he pointed out. "You see, I don't wish to harm you, Avatar. You managed to complicate things by...getting in my way of the princess. You two have a son, correct?"
At the mention of Zaheer, Aang lunged. With a calm voice, Long Feng spoke, "The earth king has invited you to Lake Laogai".
Aang stopped mid strike of the man's face, with a slump unto the table. His son was there, directly in front of him.
"Zaheer!" He yelled out at the child. Zaheer turned, running as fast his little legs could carry him before being swooped up by none other than Zuko.
Aang sensed tension from the fire lord that he did not understand. "Release him!" He yelled to his long time friend.
Fire Lord Zuko shook his head. "It is time you realized the weight of the crown, Brother," said the man, with that he created a barrier of fire. "Nothing will stand in the way of my legacy. Right, Azula?"
The princess, suddenly appearing at the fire lord's right side bowed her head, her eyes filling with tears.
"No!" Screamed Aang.
"You abandoned us". She spoke, fading with her brother into the unknown.
Long Feng watched with fervor as the avatar's fists clenched, his eyelids closed with a furrowed forehead. He waged the battle that the man was fighting was a result of his tireless work. The avatar was his to control now. My had the times changed in his favor.
Taking another gulp to finish his drink, he looked to his agents. "Contact our benefactor, I want the princess here by morning. It is time for the next phase".