Despite the fact that Ozai's favourite was undoubtedly planning all the nefarious ways in which she could make me pay for my lack of respect, I nonetheless found myself enjoying the rather tense atmosphere that had come about after I had made it clear that I would be joining Azula's party.
Most people in my position would probably be unnerved at having the full, albeit wary, attention of a prodigal knife thrower and a girl who could paralyze a full grown man in one blow. But since these two couldn't stand a chance against their fire bending friend, who had already proven that she was incapable of intimidating me, I found myself only smirking at their admirable, if entirely pointless, attempts to try and make me leave.
"I'm not sure if your mothers have ever bothered to tell you this, but glaring isn't considered to be an attractive trait for women to possess. Azula might be able to pull it off if she happens to keep that sadistic smile of hers, but I suspect that might cause more people to tremble in terror rather than reverence. What do you think your highness"?
Fighting the urge to chuckle as my comment caused the Fire Nation princess to scowl at me, I was rather surprised by her acrobatic friend rather frantic attempt to change the topic before something more energetic happened.
"Sooo Ketsueki, from what I heard, you're a pretty powerful fighter, being able to go up against the Avatar AND Prince Zuko and nearly win. You must be pretty strong if you're able to do something like that".
Not sure if I should feel more annoyed at her unwarranted familiarity in using my name, or at the reminder that I had been unable to accomplish what I had set out to do, I allowed my tone to become a tad less cheerful as I replied to the princesses more bubbly companion.
"Firstly, I would appreciate it if you use my title when addressing me. Unlike the princess and your knife throwing friend, I have put in a substantial amount of effort to obtain my current position, and I will not have all my hard work tarnished during a rather clumsy attempt to steer the conversation. Is that clear"?
Satisfied by the nervous, but nonetheless swift nod of compliance I received from the pink wearing girl, and ignoring the glares I was receiving from her less than pleased compatriots, I allowed my tone to become more congenial as I answered her question.
"But you are correct in your assumption. While I doubt that I could hope to match the raw power of the Avatar when he's channelling the power of all his past incarnations, I believe I could stand against almost any bender of this world and triumph".
Hearing a scoff from the Fire Nation princess, I was largely unsurprised by the less than respectful tone that Azula was currently using to reply to by admittedly boastful claim.
"Is that a fact Ketsueki? Cause I recall from our little adventure in the village that you preferred to strike your opponents in the back rather than taking them head on. Hardly the approach of someone who believes themselves to be an experienced bender, let alone a man of your talents".
Allowing a slightly sadistic grin to spread across my face as I turned my attention towards a sneering Azula, I proceeded to deliver a comeback that I knew would put her back on the defensive.
"And yet it was my very approach to combat that managed to break that little stalmate you were having with the monk and your brother. And while I am confident in my abilities, I am not so foolish as to act before I have information about my opponent. Perhaps if you weren't too busy basking in your supposed superiority, you could have defeated both your brother and the monk before my timely arrival".
There is something deeply satisfying to be in a position to mock a human dragon without worrying about the potential consequences of doing so. Though I suppose I should probably do something to calm her down before she explodes.
But what would be a suitable peace off…
Ah I got it.
"Tell you what Azula. If your able to beat me in a little friendly spar, I will retract all of my previous statements and will hold my tongue until we get to our next destination".
…
Eye's widening before narrowing in suspicion at the smirking assassin's offer, Azula adopted a wary tone as she sought to clarify what her father's agent would claim for his prize.
"And if you were to somehow defeat me, what would you have me do"?
In truth, she had no intention of keeping her word, and she suspected that Ketuseki also knew this. However, it would be quite beneficial if she used this opportunity to discover the assassin's mindset. Cause after all, if he said something treasonous, then she might be presented with the chance to convince her father to exterminate this infuriating pest.
Sadly however, not only was his answer devoid of anything that would cast him in an unfavorable light with her father, but she found herself actually agreeing with his suggestion.
"How about if I win, you have to roast some incompetent official of the Fire Nation of my choice. Doesn't matter if they belong to the administrative or the military branch, an example just has to be made to show that an individual has to hold themselves to a certain standard if they wish to avoid a terrible fate. I trust that this is agreeable"?
Though her face betrayed none of her agreement with his mindset, Azula nevertheless nodded her head to show that his price was acceptable. And without another word, gestured the now smirking assassin to follow her some distance away from the make shift camp.
"Before we begin princess, I believe it would be prudent to lay down some ground rules. Unless of course you prefer to rely on my own unique brand of mercy when it comes to the rules of combat"?
Fighting the urge to launch a stream of flame at the mocking face of her opponent, Azula merely settled for shooting him a glare as she proceeded to give him her answer.
"As long as neither of us are killed, or permanently incapacitated by this little duel, I believe that any means to achieve victory is permissible".
Receiving a nod of agreement from her smirking opponent, and taking a moment to recall what she had witnessed of his combat style, the princess of the Fire Nation launched herself at her father's agent.
…..
Though her mother's teachings had ensured that she didn't share Ty Lee's penchant for openly expressing her emotions, the black haired knife thrower nevertheless found herself agreeing with the worried expression that was currently adorning acrobatic girl's face.
While she lacked Ty Lee's ability to forgive the blue flamed fire bender for her less than savory nature, though she doubted that the pony tailed girl ever let herself forget what Azula was truly capable of, Mai nevertheless felt growing worried for her so called friend.
For while it was undeniable that the royal fire bender was incredibly skilled in the art of combat, it was clear from the get go that her opponent was no push over as well.
For although he had yet to launch an attack on the aggressive princess, the blacked hair assassin was proving just as agile at their air bending target.
The only difference that she could see was that unlike the passive fighting style of the Avatar, Ketuskei was more than willing to provoke his clearly violent opponent into further displays of aggression.
"Is that really all that you have princess? Would have thought that Ozai's favourite would show a little more finesse when she's trying to defeat her opponent. But as far as I can see, your simply acting like a more focused version of your beloved sibling".
As expected, comparing Azula's fighting skills to that of her fugitive brother merely served to increase the intensity of her attacks. Something that was quickly commented on by her acrobatic friend.
"Should...we do something to stop this? I know Azula's aura has never been the brightest, but I'm concerned that this match will cause it to become far darker than normal".
Shaking her head at Ty Lee's understandably nervous observation, for she could clearly see that Azula was not coping well with an opponent of this nature, Mai took a moment to ponder the question before voicing her answer.
"I think it would be wiser for us to let this fight run its course. If we interfere, Azula might decide to take out her frustrations on us. And I don't know about you, but I am not able to avoid a fireball with the same level of skills as our new...companion".
Watching the black clad assassin easily leap over yet another jet of blue flames before turning her attention back to her expressionless companion, Ty Lee had to admit that Mai had a point.
"I don't even think I can do that, at least for as long as Ketsueki's doing. And he hasn't even tried to land a hit on Azula. If he was the Avatar it would make sense since his culture stresses the whole flight over fight mentality. But I somehow doubt that's the reason why Ketsueki hasn't gone over to the offensive".
Though she knew that Ty Lee was far from stupid, though it was sometimes hard to believe it considering her slightly ditsy nature, Mai still found herself surprised by the thoughtful insight of the pink wearing girl.
However, before she comment on it, the unmistakable sound of a body crashing to the ground drew her attention. And in all honesty she was shocked by what she saw.
Azula. A firebending prodigy, and the daughter of the most ambitious man in the Fire Nation, had been defeated.
"Well that was fun. Don't you think princess? I trust that despite your unexpected loss you will honour your end of the bargain"?
Though she had been rendered speechless by the sight of the blue firebender lying on her back in obvious defeat, Ty Lee suffered under no such restriction.
"How on earth did you do that? I was watching the entire time, and you never even launched a single attack on her".
Receiving a chuckle from the smirking black haired assassin, and more than a little fearful at the fact that Azula was currently sporting an express that had undoubtedly been displayed on all of Ketsueki's victims, Mai found herself growing thankful for her mother's strict upbringing as she heard the assassin's answer.
"It's simply a more hands off version of what you do to your opponents my dear. And since I didn't want to risk scratching that pretty face of hers, I opted for using this method".
...
Doing my best not to chuckle at the expressions of fear and confusion I was receiving from the knife thrower and the acrobat, I turned my attention back towards the defeated royal with a smirk that had managed to even unnerve Ozai during those odd occasions where he preferred to utilize a less bloody approach to solving a difficult problem.
"Oh I'm terribly sorry princess. Was not my intention to leave you in the dirt for this long. Here. Allow me".
Waving my hand to restore the flow of the chi in her body, I relished the look of both anger and grudging respect that was now clearly present on the defeated royal's face.
"Very considerate of you. I trust that you'll have no trouble utilizing THAT particular skill set in the future? Cause even if it makes me question how focused your mind is, I cannot deny that it is useful".
Though I nodded my head to show that I such a request, for we both knew that she currently had no way to ensure that I followed her orders, I still couldn't keep myself from scowling at what she was insinuating.
"I assure you princess that my mind is always focused on the task at hand. Besides, I think you're far too...inexperienced to make accusations of that nature. Or has the Fire Lord decided to advance your lessons on how to create the next generation of royal firebenders"?
Laughing at the shocked expressions that had come over all of the girl's faces for daring to question the purity of Ozai's brat, I left the trio of women to enjoy some me time.
For as fun as it was to see how far I could push the so called prodigy, I knew that I had to take the occasional break from it to ensure it remains entertaining.
...
And I think thats enough for now. Apologies for the wait, but you know how it is...other stories need more attention cause their more popular sooo...I spend more time on that XD.
Anyways...Hope you all enjoyed this. And will start the next chapter when inspiration strikes. Already got an idea of what I intend to write, but you know...finding the time is hard lol.
As always...Reviews make me happy.