The room was unexpectedly spacious, the bed big and freshly made. Outside the window, Azula could glimpse banks of clouds, chasing one another across the shiny full moon orb. For some reason, the sight was decidedly disturbing. Azula turned away determinedly to finish unpacking. She could sense her image mimicking her movements in the large mirror behind her.
Well, that's all. Bless Agni for the graces of travelling light. As soon as this awful weather clears, we're out of here! The sooner the better. That blasted Watertribesman had better…
The sudden movement caught her attention. A dark shadow momentarily obscured the bright moon, dropping vertically from the sky.
Azula frowned and moved over to the window. Outside, the scenery was just the same. The full moon gleamed like a large coin in the sky. Wisps of purple clouds billowed in an endless succession. The wind howled plaintively, grating on her ears.
Turning away decisively, she focused on undoing her topknot and brushing out her hair to get ready for the night. The act was a calming habit; one that soothed her and reassured her that she was in control and that everything remained normal.
The vertical movement appeared in her left side of vision, causing her to start. Another falling object blocked the moon out for an instant, just to vanish.
Spirits! What the blazes was…
She shifted towards the window. Outside, the eerie vista remained the same. Azula shook her head and tugged the curtains closed, blocking out the distracting view. Lit candles enveloped the room in a warm, cozy atmosphere. Taking a deep breath, she sat down in front of the mirror to brush out her hair. The repetitive movements had a calming effect on her jangling nerves. The sensations made her settle comfortably into relaxation.
AAAAAAAHHH! NO! NO!
The desperate screams startled Azula badly, causing her to jump.
Fuck! That sounded like June!
Unheeding of possible threats, she pulled her boots back on and turned towards the door with lightning speed. She reached it in a flash, but not before catching the brief image of a dark shadow appearing in the mirror. Sheer terror caught her heart like an icy hand. For a split second, she hesitated. Then, she tore the door open and ran out of the room. Collecting the bounty for the murderous innkeeper some weeks before, had taught her that no host was to be trusted, polite appearances notwithstanding.
"AAAAAAAHHH! Get off... G... Get…." The screams increased in volume as she hurried down the corridor, checking the right side. Three doors to go. One. Two. Three…
She kicked the door in with her steel capped boot. Of course, her colleague kept it locked as usual, as a privacy and safety precaution. However, this was an emergency. Azula examined the room, her eyes widening at the sight that met her.
"June! What's going on? Did those bastards poison you? Please talk to me!"
The bounty hunter was lying on the bed as stiff as a board, staring up into the ceiling with dilated pupils. Her lips were moving spasmodically, the veins on her neck standing out.
"Az… Azula… Please… Please help me… Get him off… His hands… !"
The stark panic in her eyes shook Azula to the core. Kneeling on the bed, she scooped the paralyzed woman up in her arms and embraced her, stroking her dark hair. Heart racing with panic, she fought a calming tone into her voice.
"June! June, please listen to me. This is Azula. We're at the inn, and we're both safe. Were you having a fit of night terror?" She stroked and rocked the bounty hunter in a soothing fashion, simultaneously checking for signs of injury or poison. However, there were none. As the strange paralysis subsided gradually, June was able to move her hands and lean her chin on her colleague's shoulder. Her back and forehead were damp with sweat.
"I… Oh spirits… You're real, aren't you?"
Having ensured that the other woman was recovering on a physical level, Azula rose and searched her packing for the emergency water bottle and flask of spirits. Wiping her colleague's forehead, she forced her to swallow several several swigs from both. After a while, June showed signs of recovery, moving around and checking her limbs carefully, as if they belonged to an alien body. She swung her legs over the side of the bed and sat up, covering her face in her hands.
"Oh shit! Thank you, Azula! I'd forgotten how terrible shirshu paralysis is. That and…"
Azula frowned. "You mean Nyla? I told you that beast was unreliable! Did you go out to feed him just now?"
"No, no…" June shook her head ruefully. "Of course I didn't. He should be grazing peacefully nearby. I just laid down on this bed and closed my eyes. The next moment, I was paralyzed and… Well, it was horrible! Just like that incident during the War, when your brother and uncle… Well, they hired me and we got caught in a confrontation with some rebels. Nyla was confused and mistakenly paralysed your brother and me. Your uncle was unharmed, so he… well, helped us out. Except he…" Her voice caught suspiciously. "Well, he's a dirty old man, isn't he? He took the opportunity to… grope me…"
Azula's eyes flared up. "WHAT!? That fat bastard molested you!? Oh, I always knew he was a self-righteous hypocrite! But a pervert to boot? By the rod of Agni, I swear I'll track him down and blast him dead! He'll live to regret this!"
June shrugged. "Don't bother, Azula! He's not worth it. I haven't thought about all that in years. I don't have insomnia or nightmares about it. It's just that something about this place… It tends to brings things out, you know? Bad things…"
Azula shook her head and composed her face into indifference.
"All the more reason to pack up and leave at daybreak, June!" She rose decisively. "Are you okay with…"
A dark silhouette fell from the sky, blocking out the moon momentarily. This time, Azula had the distinct sensation of a human cry. A human cry and pain.
She rushed over to the window. "Did you see that, June, or am I having hallucinations?" Fears of losing control of mental horrors rose up in her mind.
The bounty hunter frowned. "Yes, Azula! Something crashed off of the roof. Some kind of mechanical structure? Rather small and… well, wasn't there a…"
Their eyes met in realization. Azula started into action. "Hurry, June! We need to get up on the roof. There's an accident about to happen! Where are the stairs?"
"I think I saw a security door at the far end of the corridor. Let's hope it isn't locked!"
They were sprinting down the corridor to reach the other end in four seconds flat. It opened to reveal a short set of stairs, ending in a second door. Azula tore it open.
The roof lay bare, bathed in pristine white moonlight. Above them, the pale full moon hung like a giant pearl. Purple whisps floated gracefully across it, giving the light a sinister tint. The wind whispered softly in their ears.
June examined the roof and pointed to a lone figure facing the moon. It seemed to be diminishing quickly, moving gradually away.
Azula's eyes sharpened. "What in Agni's name is he doing? Is he rolling towards the edge? We have to stop him!"
She took action unhesitatingly, sprinting forward with an explosion of speed. Ahead of her, the figure in the dark object kept rolling forward ominously. Then, it stopped abruptly. Azula reached it at the ledge edging the roof.
"What… What the fuck are you doing, Teo? Are you trying to kill yourself!?"
The young man stared dreamily up at the moon. "Don't you see her, Azula? She keeps calling me, like she does every night. Look, my, dad's there too! He wants me to join them. I failed you Father, didn't I? You wanted me to reach the sun, to fly like Icarus! But I can't even walk." He shook his head ruefully.
Azula approached carefully. "That's not true, Teo! Just consider the splendid things you could accomplish! Your father was a great scientist. He served the Fire Nation well, at least for… errm… But what about Sokka? He relies on your cleverness and knowledge. Don't betray him just because the night is bringing out your worst fears! Believe me, it's getting to all of us!" With a quick glance, she gestured for June to move in and stand by to intervene.
Teo shook his head. "Sokka doesn't need me, Azula! His first girlfriend was a Princess, for heaven's sake! He needs a strong girl, someone exceptional that can match him in every aspect. He needs you, Azula! Didn't you notice how hard he was trying to capture your attention at dinner?"
Azula backed off, taken aback. "I… I'm sure you're mistaken, Teo! Sokka isn't…" At the edge of her vision, June was circling them, crouched into fighting position.
Teo's eyes were alight with an otherworldly shine. His face softened into a beatific look. "No. I know I'm right. The two of you need each other. As for me…" He reached down to grasp the twin wheels of his wheeler. "I just need my dream to come true. To fly to the moon and cross the sky. A final journey. I'll get to meet my parents. They'll hug me and tell me I'm their best boy. Then, we'll spend eternity together in the Spirit World."
The metal wheels spun into motion with a whizz. It kicked up speed with shocking force, moving towards the edge. Teo's eyes widened in excitement.
"NOOOOO!" Jumping up, Azula hurled herself forward and caught him by the wrists, preventing him from crashing to the ground below. The wheeler dropped vertically off the roof, crashing into the gravel with a thud. Panting, Azula remained hanging from the roof ledge by the sharp points of her boots. The joints of her arms were tearing with effort of holding on to Teo's wrists.
"June! Where in the blazes are you!? I need a hand here, thank you very much!"
The bounty hunter reached them with alacrity to catch Azula by the ankles. Bracing herself, she dragged the two unfortunates up by means of her superior strength. Teo was panting, staring rapturously up into the sky.
"Oh man! That was the single best adrenaline rush ever. Wait till I tell Sokka!" His despair seemed to have vanished miraculously.
Azula dusted herself off, rolling her eyes at June. "Well, that was an interesting experience! At least he seems to be fine. As well as someone with a death wish could be, I mean!"
June leaned down to support the young man and assist him into vertical position. She was giving him a quick examination without locating any serious injuries. "His heartrate's off the chart and his pulse is racing. I can't spot any signs of injury apart from that."
As they set off for the stairs leading down into the inn, Azula gestured. "I think he needs some taking care of, June! Would you mind finding Sokka and make sure he deals with it?"
The bounty hunter nodded, clasping her semi-conscious load to her side. "Sure! I don't think he's suffered any significant damage, but he's clearly confused."
"Fine. You find the Watertribesman. I'm going to have a wash. See you at breakfast." Azula turned the handle to her bedroom.
The room was an empty haven of calm and restfulness. Azula sank down on the seat before the mirror with a sigh. She was weary to the core after the day's events. Brushing out the tangled mess of her hair, she clipped it back and washed her face with the fresh towels placed next to a porcelain pitcher and basin. With a sigh, she realized that she hadn't worn makeup since the unfortunate incident at the Long Necked Turtle. Her mind firmly blocked out the details of that.
June and I need to stock up on new assignments! Preferably some lucrative ones. I can't believe we lost the payment for that last one!
She shook her head at her reflection. Looking up, she recoiled and jumped back, upsetting the seat with a bang
Spirits!
The dark shape of a woman was standing behind her. Her eyes were dark holes in an indistinct white face. As Azula checked the empty space behind her to discover nothing, long hands reached out of the mirror frame towards her. The figure was approaching, moving closer to the glass.
"N… No…" Azula was frozen, unable to move. Staring at the mirror, she saw the creature approaching her. The long hands freed themselves from the confinement, reaching out to touch her. The face split into a ghastly smile.
Staring in horror, Azula watched the image of her greatest fears advancing. The pale face emerged from the mirror surface, causing her mind to unravel bit by bit. Holding onto her sanity by the last available thread, she rushed over to the door to tug it open and escape. All to no avail. Like the door to June's room, it remained stubbornly shut.
Blast!
Blue fire erupted in Azula's mind. She could hear something approaching slowly, reaching out to touch her...
NOOOO!
With blue flames erupting from her bare feet, she jumped up to kick the door forcefully. It splintered down the centre with a satisfying thud. Reaching relative safety in the corridor outside, Azula turned to look at the horror behind her. She just couldn't help herself.
Nothing.
Inside the broken door, the room was just as before. Neat, clean and tidy. There was absolutely no sign of anything unusual. The sight caused the fire in Azula's mind to blaze into blue rage.
By the Cauldron of Agni! I'll fucking annihilate you, you spirit freak…
She turned and rushed back into the room, not even thinking. If this was the enemy, she needed to…
Tearing the object clear off the wall, she ran out into the corridor and hurled it down, smashing it into a thousand pieces with a satisfying thud. Her heart was thumping painfully in her chest.
The echoing whispers caught her unawares.
Azula… Azula… You're nothing, useless… Little weakling… Ugly monster… Demon child…
Around her, the corridor was littered with mirror shards. They were all reflecting tiny blue flames, hidden in their depths. Then, they changed. Hands were emerging from each one of them, ready to…
No!
They were going to burn her. Burn her with her own fire.
Taking a deep breath, Azula caused her flames to flare from fingertips and feet. Targeting the burning hands erupting from the gleaming splinters, she somersaulted backwards towards the stairs that led to the first floor. The burning hands responded by sizzling into puffs of smoke. Azula was fighting to calm her mind deliberately and succeeding. No need to alert her companions. In the far recesses of her mind, she realized that this illusion was a private message for her, and a significant one. Maybe…
Running through the dining room, she noticed that the innkeeper and his wife were of course nowhere to be seen. However, the lack of an exit was worse. She searched the walls, examining every surface in bewilderment.
What? I swear we entered this way. But…
Panicking, she ended up at the back of the dining room, staring at an unobtrusive door. There really wasn't any options. She took a deep breath and opened it carefully.
The fresh air greeted her with a soft caress. The full moon lit up the backyard garden. Azula's breath hitched in her throat at the sight. She was staring at thousands of white, five petalled flowers. A broad shouldered figure was leaning back on his elbows at the centre of the meadow, staring up at the moon.
Azula took a deep breath and approached him gingerly on bare feet. "Hello? Are you…" She was suddenly at a loss for words.
The Watertribesman turned his head towards her with a melancholy smile. "My first girlfriend's name was Yue. She died."
"Oh. I'm sorry."
Sokka seemed mesmerized by the glowing orb above. "She had a… special connection to the moon. Sometimes, I sit down at the full moon to reminisce about her." He wiped his cheek surreptitiously.
Is he crying? Ah, I really don't know how to deal with these Water Tribe people! She sat down next to him and attempted another line of conversation.
"How's Teo? June was supposed to bring him down to your room. We were really worried."
Sokka nodded. "Oh, she did! He's fine. We've packed our things and will be leaving as soon as possible after daybreak. Your colleague seemed a bit shaken as well. She mentioned something about… Visions? Or was it spirits?"
Azula tensed and shivered in her sleeveless shift. Briefly, she considered lying. Then, she just let go."They were both affected by bad memories of the past. So… Well, so was I. It was fairly awful. That's why I cracked the back door open to escape out here."
The sea blue eyes widened. The Watertribesman embraced her, pulling her close for comfort."Azula! You should have told me, and I would have… Believe me, I understand! I'll never be free of the past. Everywhere I look, I see Yue's face! Even in the moon, and in these flowers. Look! Don't you see her? She's reaching out for me, calling for me…" His arm tightened around her.
Azula's eyes sharpened. She leaned out to grasp his shoulders. "Sokka! Sokka, you need to listen! That's not real! Your dead girlfriend's not really in these flowers! That's just an illusion, caused by the full moon and this place. This isn't really her! It's all in your mind! Listen, this is dangerous for real! Teo tried to drive his wheeler off the roof. June lay paralyzed in bed as invisible hands groped her. I had a spirit breaking out of a mirror and reaching out to burn me! It's this place, Sokka! And this particular time!"
Sokka shook his head in protest. "No, Azula! It's Yue. Or something truly beautiful! Something that defies death. Look! Look at their tiny faces! They're looking at me, calling out to me! They're…"
Azula caught his arm and dragged him up with superhuman effort. In front of them, the meadow was alight with the tiny faces of white flowers, illuminated by the moonlight.
"NO! You need to snap the blazes out of this, Sokka! It isn't real! Don't you see? It's affecting all of us! You think you're immune to spirit influence?"
He faltered, blue eyes wide. "Well…It's the Moon Spirit, isn't it? It's her! Even this in s called the Moon Flower!"
Azula gritted her teeth. A sound of impending doom was pounding on her eardrums. "Yes! But it isn't Princess Yue though, is it? You idiot! You need to back off out of here, or face getting stuck in the spirit realm!"
Pushing him out of the way, she reached out and directed her hands at the tiny, white, starshaped faces that covered the fragrant meadow. Blue flames blazed out of her fingertips. The meadow ignited with a whoosh, going up in a massive bonfire. Blue sparks flashed like fireflies, caught in the wind. Azula tugged Sokka away from the conflagration determinedly.
"Come on, Sokka! I mean it! We need to find June and Teo and get out of here as soon as possible."
He stared down helplessly at her. "But… but you're not dressed, Azula… And what about the innkeepers?"
"Hey!" June rounded the corner and was running towards them. "What the fuck's going on, Azula? I was packing up our stuff and helping Teo downstairs when I spotted the fire. We've got your luggage. Now, what's this? Another emergency?"
Azula shrugged and walked away from the fire. "Consider it a case of necessity, June! Those bloody flowers had to be extinguished. They were hosting a malevolent spirit."
Sokka reached out and gave her an unexpected hug. Azula's eyes widened, but she didn't push him away. "Okay. Maybe they weren't a life vessel for Yue. Maybe I was being a dumbass, okay? Teo! Are you alright?"
The young mechanic was looking tired, but his eyes were back to their normal guileless look. "Yeah, I guess so, Sokka! Damn, that was terrifying. And it's still barely daybreak. Now, what do we do?"
"Well, I know what she's doing!" Sokka smirked at Azula, who had opened her bag and was getting dressed right next to him. She shot him an offended look and turned away.
"Nyla's fine and rested. He's good to go." June indicated the giant shirshu.
"And we did manage to untangle the paraglider after the crash. It's parked right by. What do you say, Sokka? Any suggestions?"
The Watertribesman's eyes gleamed as he reached out to assist Azula gallantly in clasping her cloak.
"Well, I don't know what you people think, but Fire Lord Zuko did offer to lend me his mansion at Ember Island for ten weeks. As a reward for services done. If we bring an additional pair of guests, he doesn't need to know."
"Ten weeks!?" Azula stared at him incredulously.
Sokka shrugged modestly. "Well, I might have given him no choice. Besides, it's the perfect vacation spot at this time of the year, isn't it? It's only fitting that the Fire Nation Princess should get to enjoy it."
Her eyes narrowed, causing her companions to look around for suitable places to dive into shelter. Then, a radiant smile spread across her features.
"Why, I think it's a brilliant idea, Sokka! What are we waiting for? Let's go!"
THE END