Avatar Chapter 30

I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender

In a dark room deep in the Palace, two sisters sat across from each other and meditated. The balance of power in the world had not shifted, yet, but with the Avatars return it could very well do so.

This was not good, the reports coming in from Commander Zhao added on to the Fire Sages declaration. The Avatar was here, and could undo everything the Fire Nation had achieved over the last hundred years, and what was worse was that their enemy appeared to know that as well.

The spies now in the Capital were far more careful and experienced, they knew this from not being able to catch one. They had their suspicions but that the interlopers were simply establishing themselves, waiting for something, and it made sense now.

With news of the Avatars return they waited to see if their adversary would make move and as they suspected they did not. All activity from what that they now understood must be an enormous and far reaching organization had ceased. Fire Lord Ozai had been right, the Avatar was the only thing that could undo his hold on the world and this group appeared to be counting on that.

Their next move would be to contact and guide the Avatar, which meant Li and Lo could do nothing on their end. They would have to hope that Zhao or even the exiled Prince somehow managed to catch the Avatar, but they suspected the likely hood of that was slim.

What they could do however was teach Azula what she needed know to survive in the field. They suspected under any scenario that Azula would eventually be sent out in some manner and she would have to learn some necessary skills before that.

They would of course have to teach Ty Lee as well, though in time she would probably become Princess Ty Lee. The reveal of their relationship had sent shockwaves throughout the political landscape. Many noble families felt cheated, their sons conversely felt relieved, that a girl was to be the Crown Princess's future consort.

It went completely against tradition, not to say people with slanted orientations had not been in line to the throne before, but it was definitely not a public relationship. However one hundred years of war had caused Fire Nation culture to progress rapidly, people respected honor, strength and ability above all else now.

Old traditions and customs had been cast off and replaced, loyalty and service to the Fire Nation was the central pillar of people's lives. Deeds and accomplishments were the measure of power now.

Still, some groups felt uncomfortable that a potential female Fire Lord would have a Fire Lady at her side, they questioned how any heirs could come forth from such paring and were concerned about the viability of the royal line. But since the Fire Lord approved of it there was very little grumbling nobles could do, he had already made it law that when they had a child, people were still confused on the how, the bloodline would be traced back through him.

Thankfully no one had made the mistake of publically and loudly proclaiming any objections to Azula herself, the Princess was not one who took criticism well and they both knew that attacks on her relationship would cause her to become…violent.

Li and Lo had worried over their charges ability to commit to an actual relationship, but Azula and Ty Lee seemed to make it work. The overly flexible girl had no reservations about being physically affectionate, even in public she often embraced, kissed and practically clung to Azula.

Azula, bless the dear's heart, tried to respond in kind but more often than not, failed miserably. She was getting better, Azula now knew that writing a love poem based the combustibility of explosive jelly and its effects on people was not the ideal way to woo a partner. But it was still nailed to Ty Lee's wall so that was a good sign.

They seemed to bond well, Azula was content listening to Ty Lee's babble throughout the day. And Ty Lee somehow accepted Azula's violent personality traits, showing no fear or hesitation when Azula became frustrated or inpatient. In fact both of them had observed that Ty Lee was the only one that could calm the Princess down.

The Princess still took after her ancestors when it came to her personality and views, but it was tempered by the pink ball of joy in her life. They did not doubt that the two deeply cared for each other, which it made dangerous.

If Ty Lee were to ever betray Azula they feared what the Princess would become, thankfully the chances of that were practically nil. Much more likely and even more terrifying was what would happen if something were to happen to the girl.

"Ty Lee's safety must be of the highest priority."

"Agreed, if she were to come to harm I suspect nothing would console the Princess."

"Both of them have impressive skills, few of our volunteers can stand up to either of them now."

"True, but against the Avatar or an assassins blade nothing is certain."

"Also true, but we are in luck that the Fire Lord has provided such an effective deterrent."

Li and Lo were amazed by the creature Ozai had proved for his daughter, Arkrez was a better bodyguard than a whole squad of imperial Fire Bender's. They were concerned on how effective it would be at first, but as it grew they became more and more impressed.

He was well trained, obedient, disciplined and despite being only half grown their volunteers were wary of him when he sat in the training room's corner, watching them. He would no doubt prove to be an excellent deterrent against any disloyal factions opposed to the Princess.

Though with the Avatars return who was truly loyal to the nation would be made apparent.

"This will make future dealings difficult, some have become weak in their convictions."

"Yes, some will undoubtedly seek to undo what we have accomplished, we cannot allow this to burn out of control."

"The safety of the homeland and colonies must be of top priority, perhaps our Princess would be interested?"

"Likely, she is eager to put her skills to use on a large scale… tell me Lo, do you think it is time?"

"Mmmm, fate seems to have forced this, she has the skill and perhaps she now has the mind, our instruction must be clear".

They both nodded and rose to their feet, in step they walked out of the meditation chamber and into a room full of old scrolls, books and tomes. Among the collection stood a small secured chest, together they pulled out twin keys form their sleeves and placed them in the chest.

In unison they turned their keys and the box opened, revealing a single thick scroll that held the secrets of the Cold Blooded Fire.