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The Blue Spirit

Early Version

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Prolog – Agni's Judgement

(First person POV)

In the Old Days, there was an ancient ritual used to solve disputes over the title of Fire Lord; Agni's Judgement. To find the heir favored by Agni, a member of the royal family was chosen to undergo the ritual, sacrificing all their earthly attachments to become the Voice of Agni. The ritual didn't always work, but, when it did, a half spirit would be born, and no new Fire Lord could be crowned without their blessing. The spirit was seen as the Fire Nation's Guardian Spirit, but the ritual has not been used for nearly a thousand years.

Until I was chosen to undergo it.

I was born 4th in line for the Throne of Fire. Niece to the Crown Prince, and my father's Firstborn. I am two years older than my brother, yet, Father has never acknowledged me as anything other than a failure. I was a late bloomer when it came to Firebending, and I was never able to keep up with my prodigy brother. My Grandfather, the Fire Lord, saw what my father couldn't, and I spent years training with him in secret. Then, when I was nine, the direct line of succession was broken when my cousin, Lu Ten, was killed in a failed siege of the Earth Kingdom's capital, Ba Sing Se. My father wasted no time in asking for his older brother's birthright, and Grandfather was furious at his complete and utter lack of sympathy. He had just lost his only nephew, and couldn't care less about the loss.

That night, my family of four were kept in separate rooms, and isolated from one another until we were all gathered in the Throne Room the next day at noon. I was told to come forth, to stand in front of my grandfather, and a he took a cup from a tray held by a trembling servant. Grandfather held the cub out to me, and I could see my reflection in the liquid inside. My hair is black, but my reflection had hair as bright as the sun; that's when I knew. Agni's Judgement is the name of a poison that stops the heart in seconds. It is said to be infused with Agni's blood, and was granted to the Fire Sages by Agni himself, that's why it's used for the ritual. However, like I said earlier, the ritual hasn't been used for centuries. My mother, an expert in Herbology, realizes that's it's poison, but doesn't know what kind and panics. She begs and screams until Father knocks her out; his face is cold, he doesn't care. I return my gaze to my grandfather as he asks if I have a request. I do.

"I wish for my brother to be free to live his life as he pleases." I say.

I wish I could ask the same for my mother, but I know she's strong enough to take care of herself; she only stays for my brother and I, but my brother doesn't have that option. This is also the point where my young brother realizes why Mother panicked. I heard my brother's breath hitch and choke, but my gaze is firmly on my grandfather. His eyes soften and grants my wish. I smile in relief and look back at the liquid in the cup, taking it in my hand, and drank. I don't remember dropping the up, but I remember the sound of it shattering on the floor as my heart stops cold.

That was seven years ago now.

After the ritual, I was resurrected by Agni and woke up on an altar surrounded by the Fire Sages. My hair was as bright as the sun for almost three days as my body grew accustomed to its new form. After those three day, my body returned to physical form and my hair turned back to black. However, I had little to no time to get used to my new life before Shu, one of the Sages, woke me up in the middle of the night and rushed me down to a small boat that was waiting for me. My belongings, which I had neglected to unpack, had already been brought down by the other sages. The explanation was quick and to the point; my grandfather had suddenly, and suspiciously passed away in his sleep, and my father was demanding that I be brought back to the palace.

I had just awakened as a half spirit; we all knew what would happen if I were to face him now. Like my predecessors, I was to go on a spiritual journey to find myself, and to find my strength as the Voice of Agni, before any judgement could be made as to who gets to be the next Fire Lord, but I should've received spiritual training from the Sages before that time came. Now, I'm leaving with no other choice but to start my journey early. The Sages made sure to pack scrolls along with my belongings, however, so I managed as best as I could without their assistance. During my travels, I never quite found a place to belong, as my heart is still with my people, with the Fire Nation. I've met many great people during my travels; friends I will treasure to the rest of my life, but the more I see of the world, the more I realize how sheltered I've been; my people are suffering. Fire Lord Sozin destroyed what was once truly a great nation, and twisted it to fit his own perverted views. He murdered our dragons, the original firebenders, and took away our freedom to love whom we wish. My nation lies in ruins, but doesn't even know it; and I have sworn to rebuild it.

That's why I became the Blue Spirit. I am the Voice of Agni, and, through me, his voice will be heard.

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