Azula's First Date
Chapter 3
Disclaimer: Avatar belongs to Nickelodeon, nothing belongs to me. This is for fun.
The guards came for their rounds of the special prisoners. You always had to be very careful about the ones in these cells. There was no paperwork on them, they weren't sentenced, and officially they didn't exist. Still, for non-existing they gave the guards a lot of trouble. Begging; pleading; threats; offering bribes of money, goods, their own bodies; and of course there were the silent ones who were the worst of all. The guard always felt a little chill when another cell went quiet. Today, two more had gone silent. Still he performed his job as only someone who, when judgment or the courts calls, blinks and recites that they were merely following orders, as if that excused one of all wrong doing. Ozai had made sure that those kinds of people were the ones who patrolled this prison. He half suspected that even after he was gone there would still be guards patrolling those cells, keeping those people locked up in there forever out of force of habit as long as no one told them differently. He wrote a poem about it. It's not bad, a solid B in any English class.
The guard left a little early that day. His daughter's first day of school was today and he wanted to be there to walk her home. When he left the two quiet cells became a hub of activity. Shi slid up next to the bars and cleared his throat.
She responded by coughing in a staccato manner.
A moment of silence as they waited to make absolutely sure that they would not be interrupted. She wondered why she had to go through all of this, it wasn't as if talking to another prisoner was a crime. She doubted the others here cared, or in some cases were capable of understanding…or even hearing. Still, it was exciting, and it kept her mind occupied and, when the danger of discovery did occur, sent adrenaline through her system. Listening to Shi's story had become a survival technique for her spirit.
Not to mention it was just starting to get good.
"So, what did you guys do?"
"I didn't do a damn thing." Shi said. "He was the one taking her out on a date, he got to figure out what he was gonna do. I just had to come along and help him, when he asked for it."
"Why would you help him anyway? You'd be helping him win the bet, wouldn't you?" She asked.
"Yeah, but it keeps us from cheating and it's not like I have to go out of my way to help him." He shrugged. "Besides, it's fun to watch each other fail. Anyway, so while Chou was panicking, Azula was planning."
"We back to Ty Lee's story?"
"No actually, her brother's." He shrugged. "While I was waiting for Chou he came and…"
"Gloat like Ty Lee did?"
"No actually he shook my hand and congratulated me on pulling our prank on his sister."
"Zuko…Prince Zuko…scar on his face, lousy haircut?"
"Yeah." Shi cleared his voice and did a fairly decent impression of Zuko. "I just wanted to shake the hand of one of the guys who taught my sister a lesson while it's still attached to your body."
She blinked and let out a quick laugh.
"Glad you think it's funny." Shi mumbled. "It wasn't so encouraging for me."
"Did Mai say anything?"
"Who?"
"Sulky looking woman, serious face?"
"Oh yeah, she was with the Prince. Didn't say anything, just smirked."
"The Fire Lord didn't come to give good tidings to you, did he?" She grinned.
"No, and I thank the spirits for that. I don't even want to think what her parents would do to us." He looked at the sleeping, still huddled, form of his best friend. "I still don't know what Azula did to him."
"Alright, alright." She sighed. "We're getting off topic. Go back to the story."
"Fine, so the night before the date…"
---
"So…" Azula narrowed her eyes at Ty Lee. "I am expected to find his company and attentions…pleasant?"
"Yeah!" Ty Lee grinned. "It's fun."
"Why?"
Ty Lee shrugged. "I dunno…you get to go out, and the guys do nice things for you."
Zuko just smirked.
Azula shot him a glare that could have melted marble. "I suppose you would be the expert on dating wouldn't you Zuzu? After all, you had plenty of practice with all those Earth Nation girls didn't you? What was the last one named…Jin was it? "
Mai shot Zuko a dirty look and stormed out of the room. Zuko followed suit with requests for an audience, forgiveness, and an offer to jump in the fountain again.
---
"Jump in the fountain?"
"Ty Lee didn't elaborate."
"Oh…did he end up in the fountain?"
"Just because I like the image of his highness sopping wet…and with the possibility of a concussion if he hit his head, I'm going to say yes." Shi smiled.
She chuckled. "You're very good at telling 'true' stories aren't you?"
"My family has been the official scribes of the Fire Nation's library for generations, twisting the truth is in our blood. May I continue?"
"Sorry."
---
"So," Azula turned back to Ty Lee. "The female receives all these free offerings. What does the male receive? What is the entire purpose of this ritual?"
Ty Lee blinked. "Don't you know? The guys do that so…well…hopefully…" Ty Lee blushed.
Azula blinked, gained a look of startled realization, and then actually blushed. "Oh. That."
"Yeah." Ty Lee grinned. "Like when the guy messenger birds go and puff up their feathers so the girl birds will go a-"
"I KNOW!" She said holing up her hand. "I had…the talk…with Lo and Li." She shuddered involuntarily at the memory of THAT lecture. She also became inspired for a new way to torture people. She suddenly looked up, eyes wide. "Surely that boy doesn't expect to go and have r-"
"Nononono!" Ty Lee waved her hands. "I'm sure he doesn't, like it said in his letter, he just wants to get to know you."
"Ah." Azula nodded. "I see, this is a way to gauge compatibility with another so see if their relationship with each other is both suitable and strong." She smiled nodding. "Well, I seem to have a proper understanding of the situation." She stood up. "Now, I need something proper to wear and nothing I currently have will do."
"Yay! We're going shopping!" Ty Lee squealed.
---
The day of the date was beautiful, not a cloud in the sky. A peaceful day that made even the most troubled heart lighter.
Chou's heart was not troubled. Chou's heart was not saddened, stressed, worried, or at ill ease. It was focused, focused with mind numbing panic. Still, for a person literally hours away from a date with destiny…a short, painful, violent destiny. He was surprisingly calm.
Shi did not share his level of composure. They sat in their Pai Sho parlor, Shi trying not to hyperventilate, and Chou serenely staring at the Pai Sho board as if the mysteries of the universe could be found within.
"How can you be so calm?!" Shi gasped. "I think I might have a heart attack at any moment!"
"I've got it all figured out my friend." Chou didn't so much as twitch. His voice had that soft waver in it. The kind of tone that screams 'if you make a sudden move around this person the management will not be responsible for whatever part of your body you lose.' He smiled. "First there's an Agni Kai tonight. We're going there. Then I've got reservations for Madusara."
Shi let out a low whistle. "Madusara's? That place takes reservations months in advance. Nice."
Chou nodded.
"Oh, what's the Agni Kai about?" Shi asked. "Are we putting down bets as usual?"
Chou answered that last question with a 'You're kidding me' look. He shrugged. "I have no idea who…I think some father is trying to kill some boy for being found having…relations with his child."
Shi frowned. "Isn't that normally something for the court?"
Chou shrugged. "Both children were legal and they both say that they wanted to do it."
Shi scoffed. "Then what's the problem? Daddy too protective of his little girl?"
"You need to change that statement."
"Huh? What part?"
"The last word."
"What? Gi-oooohhhhhhh." Shi nodded. "Oh. Oh yeah, that makes a lot more sense now." He sighed. "Stupid for the kid to get caught though." A slight grin started to form on Shi's face.
"Not. The. Time." Chou shoot him a look of death.
---
"WHAT?!" She gasped. "You…you're not saying that…"
"I'm not saying a damn thing." Shi snapped. "You're gonna stop what you're thinking right now, or else we're no longer talking."
She couldn't help it. She let out a small giggle. "Sorry. Sorry. You're right. It's not important. Keep going."
Shi knew she couldn't see him that well, but if looks could bend fire, She would be a pile of ashes.
"Anyway…"
---
"I also rented a private, engraved, rickshaw." He smiled, a look bordering on hysteria. "I think I've cashed in every favor and spent I have no idea how much."
"Sounds about normal for a date." Shi grinned. "So, how will I be assisting you tonight?"
Chou grinned. "I managed to save a little money actually."
"How?"
"I didn't hire someone to pull the rickshaw."
"Then how…oh…you son of a sky bison."
"I also got you a suit."
"I hope she burns your face off." Shi grumbled.
"It'll be my face if I'm lucky." Chou moaned. "Well…we better get started."
At dusk Azula stepped out of the palace to see Chou standing there with his rickshaw, a uniformed driver, and a bouquet of red lilies. "You look amazing." Chou said.
That Azula did, she was dressed in a custom made red evening dress with a very tasteful slit up the side, with a gold trim done in a flame pattern. She had her make-up on as usual and her hair was done in a long single braid laid across her shoulder and tied with a red ribbon. Completing the outfit was a pair of black sandals and a small piece of paper full of advice that Ty Lee had written up for her. She took a quick glance at her cheat sheet.
Compliment him on how he looks.
---
"I managed to get my hands on it later in the evening when she dropped it." Shi explained. "To answer your oncoming question."
"Fine, fine. Keep going." She said.
---
"You…" Azula searched her mind. "Appear to be not suffering from any illness." There, she checked that obligation off the list in her mind.
Chou blinked. "Thank you?" He recovered quickly and held out his hand to help Azula into the rickshaw.
"You didn't get me a palanquin, or a carriage?" She gave Chou a slightly annoyed look.
"I…umm…well…" Chou scrambled for something, anything to say in response.
Relief washed over him in a tsunami as she sighed. "I suppose it is barely adequate. Where are we going on this date?"
"To the Agni Kai that is scheduled tonight." He said.
She raised an eyebrow. "Really? Who's fighting?"
"An enraged father and a young man filled with pride and self-confidence." Chou said. He was actually looking forward to it actually. He and Shi always liked making commentary on the battles.
Azula tilted her head and pursed her lips in interest. "That should be entertaining. They are both benders of course."
"Of course." He smiled. "What kind of Agni Kai would it be if they weren't?"
Azula extended her hand and let Chou help her into her seat. "Not one at all." She proceeded to make herself comfortable. "I don't even understand why people who can't Firebend even consider the idea that they can participate."
Chou carefully sat down next to Azula, pressing himself against the opposite side as much as possible. He still managed to keep his composure. "Bending is a truly impressive art. You are one of the best there is, correct?"
"I AM the best." Azula said looking at Chou. "You can Firebend too of course, so I expect you already know all about its power."
"Oh of course." Chou nodded. Internally he was panicking. He couldn't Firebend. Shi could, and was adequately trained. He had come from a life of privilege, so there wasn't any real need for him to be able to Firebend. He was in deep deep trouble. "I'm nowhere near as good as you though."
"Of course you aren't. Now, let us go to the Agni Kai."
"Certainly. Servant!" He yelled at Shi. "Take us to the Agni Kai arena. Quickly, or I'll take it out of your hide!"
Shi shot Chou a glare and grumbled under his breath. "If she doesn't kill you buddy, I'm going to." He took up the reigns of the rickshaw and pulled.
Azula looked at her cheat sheet.
Ask him about himself.
You don't HAVE to listen.
"So…what exactly do you do?" Azula turned to Chou and forced what she thought was a sincere smile. It looked like she was in pain.
"Well, I'm studying under my father. I hope to become as great a man as he is."
"What does he do?"
"He owns the shipyard here." Chou nodded. "He's ordered the construction of nearly every ship in the fleet."
"Really?"
"Oh yes, he helped build the Imperial Frigate, as well as the custom work of Prince Zuko's ship."
"My brother's ship?" She smirked.
Chou shook his head frowning. "He nearly had a heart attack when he heard what had happened to it. He took all that time, found the best planners and architects, and had his workers and slaves work all day and night on it. Then what happens to it?" Chou scoffed. "But I will not speak ill of your brother."
"Good." Azula said. She meant it too, no one was allowed to insult Zuzu but her. "Tell me," Idle curiosity played across her mind. "Has your father ever served on a ship?"
"No, to tell you the truth, he can't even swim." Chou rolled his eyes. "He hates the ocean, and gets sea sick all the time." Chou nodded. "That doesn't stop my father from making fine ships. He just finds the best people to draw up the plans, since he found them, and his workers and slaves built the ships, then they are his ships. You never make money by working, you make money by using other people to work for you."
Azula smiled and nodded. "Your father is a wise man."
"I hope to do him proud," Chou smiled. "You should visit his office. I know he has some special schematics set away for special people. He'd make you the greatest ship in the fleet."
"I may do that." Azula said. She had stopped listening. The boy was from a rich family and his father apparently had a brain. Fine, good, whatever.
They soon arrived at the arena for the fight. There was a bit of a crowd as the rumors of scandal and deviancy were always a good draw. However, there were no real big names in the Fire Nation involved, so it wasn't too big.
Chou helped Azula out from the rickshaw and escorted her to their 'seats.' They were fairly easy to get. Chou went to the Agni Kai officials and explained WHO was coming that evening, WHO he was going to blame if she didn't get good seats, and left it to their imaginations WHAT she would do to them if she was displeased.
So, at the edge of the ring, with a clear view of everything, as well as a good three foot radius from all around them, sat their seats. Well, two silken pillows of the highest quality with a slip of parchment placed upon each. One saying 'reserved' the other 'reserved for royalty.'
"Pillows?" She raised an eyebrow. "That's all you offer me? Pillows on the dirt?"
Chou was still running on a few threads of adrenaline fueled intelligence by this point and didn't need to think twice about this one.
"They had chairs but they were either stone or just bare wood. I would have ordered them to bring in something suitable, but it would have delayed the fight this evening." He said in one breath.
"Well then." She put on her best 'cheerfully haughty, and by the way guess which one of your limbs I'm going to burn off' face and smiled at Chou. "I suppose it will do, I don't want them to have time to rethink fighting or else this would be a very…disappointing evening."
---
"For the record." Shi held up a hand. "I think all people should have a limit on the number of those damn significant pauses they can use in their life."
"What ever do you…mean?" She said, in a rather good imitation of the Fire Princess.
The pair burst into laughter for a moment.
"Okay okay," Shi took a breath. "Sorry, I got distracted. Where were we? Ah right."
---
Azula looked at her cheat sheet card as she and whoever she was with sat down on their cushions.
POLITELY ask for him to get refreshments
"Boy." She said, not turning her head. "I require a drink. Go fetch me something." She took a deep breath and bit the bullet. "Please…do so, so I wont have to be upset."
"At once your highness." Chou snapped his fingers at Shi. "Servant! Drinks at once for the both of us!" Shi gave his best friend yet another death glare before he went to find a stand selling them…or barring that a fruit stand, a glass, and a big rock, first he'd squeeze a cup of fresh fruit juice for Azula, then he'd use the rock to smash in his friend's skull.
The two contenders were brought out onto the field. The older man had that muddy look in his eye that spoke of that certain kind of violence you'd normally see in the eye of someone who just doesn't really care who is under his fist. Just so long as there is a face under it when it lands. He was not handsome, his was a body designed for work. His face was the same mask worn by those who throughout the years decided to use force to silence what they did not understand or thought could embarrass them.
The boy's eyes shown with courage and resolve, his handsome, almost effeminate face portraying an honesty that can only come from those who are pure in their spirit and conviction. His body was lithe and well cared for, gleaming in the setting sun. Truly he was a champion of discovery and the expansion of ideals.
Azula, Chou, and Shi all hoped the old man would snap the little punk it two.
The fight began, slightly slower than normal. Neither fighter had seen recent combat and they were also unfamiliar with their opponent's style as well. A few quick grapples and escapes, a few fireballs thrown back and forth, nothing serious, just enough to properly gauge each other.
Shi returned with the pair's drinks, fresh FirePapaya juice with actual ice in the cups. They took them without sparing Shi a second glance even though he had gone out of his way to find the drinks. Also he had paid with them with his own money, not to mention the arduous task of getting them back before the ice melted. Those ungrateful-
---
"Hey!" She snapped her fingers. "Not bitter are we?"
"Well it wasn't easy!" Shi snapped.
"Well now you should feel some empathy for those poor serving girls who you've just disregarded all these years." She said smugly.
Shi sighed. "Fine, fine. So, they're watching the fight, and at some point Chou decided to put his arm around Azula's shoulder."
"What?! Why? Did he want to die then and there!?"
---
Well…if he was going to die, at least he could be remember going out…like a crazy lunatic who dared touch the princess.
He had decided to pull out when he found that his traitorous bastard of an arm was already around Azula's shoulder.
His brain just shut down at that point and he stared straight forward, awaiting the pain that was about to come.
Azula was furious. How DARE this…boy, touch HER! She could have him executed for this. In fact, she wasn't even going to bother having to ask someone else to kill him, or set a date for it. Right here, right now, her date was going to end. Wait…didn't Ty Lee mention something about this? She went back to the list.
Don't hurt him for putting his arm on your shoulder.
She frowned and shot Chou a glare. He was still staring out at the fight. She went back to the cheat sheet.
No. Seriously, I mean it about the shoulder thing.
She growled in the back of her throat.
I MADE you PROMISE this back at the palace!
Fine. She HAD promised…and it wasn't as if he was attempting any sort of attack. Also, Ty Lee had explained this was normal behavior on a date, so she decided to let it slide and attempted to relax a little. The hand was soon withdrawn and Chou seemed to make no motion to try it again. He couldn't, all feeling had left his arm in a mass panic to try and avoid the searing pain that was going to be vested upon it.
The fight continued and the young man was faring badly. He was clearly out classed in both firebending skill and fighting skill. The only things that had kept this from being a very short match were that he was extremely quick and the old man seemed determined to make his opponent suffer as much as possible before ending the match.
It pleased Azula to no end. However, she was a little mystified at her date's face. When the old man would attack and maneuver he would light up animatedly and shout encouragement. When the young man failed in his assaults, which were often, he would just roll his eyes and scowl.
"Is something the matter?" She asked.
"It just amazes me on how stupid people can be in battle. That boy has had seven different opportunities to cripple the old man." Chou fumed. "The elder is obviously favoring his right side. The slight scarring on his face indicates that he had damage to his face and eyes at some point."
Azula raised an eyebrow. "Go on."
"Well, the old man is aware of his limitations and is making sure that his dominant side is always facing forward, however that leaves his observations of the arena drastically limited." Chou smiled as he gestured, lost in the thrill of explaining his tactical genius. "All one has to do is, by using a diagonal Tiger-Swan stance you could force him against the wall."
"Ah but that would leave you open to a stance of Jumping Swallow." Azula said.
"No," Chou shook his head. "You forget that our friend is aware of his own weakness. The Jumping Swallow leaves wide angle attacks open." Chou smiles. "Even if he did, Tiger-Swan can be changed into…"
Azula nodded. "Spitting frog, which would end the match then and there if it hit a weak spot."
Chou nodded. "Exactly, so you drop to Duck-Turtle and allow yourself to be pushed back."
"But once you get to the wall, Duck-Turtle gains such an advantage."
"Which is why when the eventual charge happens you simply dodge, being in Tiger-Swan." Chou smiles. "Basic move."
"Then what? All you have managed to do, if I follow you correctly, is position it so your right hand is about…here." She gestured to her hip. "On your opponent. Hardly a weak spot, and for just two seconds."
"If you're using fire." Chou grinned. "Everyone forgets that there is one more weapon on this field."
"Oh?" Azula frowned. "What's that?"
Chou pointed at the ground. "These pieces of shale are rather brittle, and could never be used as a full on weapon. But…" He picked it up and held one by the side. "At the right speed, held at a sight angle, you could slash your opponent's stomach open."
Azula's eyes lit up. "Oh, I never considered that. And you could repeat the process as well, as long as you positioned yourself accordingly. You opponent would be literally covered in lacerations by the end of the fight."
"Exactly, there's just…so much pointless posturing." Chou scowled. "In every competition you should seek to dominate your opponent in the most efficient way. That's the whole POINT of competition isn't it? To have that wonderful feeling in your stomach when you've twisted the rules to your advantage and smirking as your opponent has to choke back his defeat." Chou shot Shi a look of smug satisfaction.
Azula actually found herself nodding and smiling. "It does seem that the younger fighter is a rank amateur. It shouldn't be long until he's dead."
Just as she said that the boy on the field suffered another hard punch to his abdomen and went sprawling across the field.
"Ugh, I can't stand this." Chou sat back with a look of disgust. "I swear that old man would be dead on the ground already if that boy followed my instructions."
Azula raised an eyebrow and smiled. "Oh really?" She turned to the pair, returning to that awkward motion where one waits for the other to attack. "You! Boy!"
The kid, along with the old man, both turned to look. The boy pointed to himself a questioning look on his face.
"Yes, you. Come here. Now." She motioned with a finger. The boy dutifully obeyed and walked over to the pair.
Azula smiled and gestured to Chou. "Here he is. Advise." She turned to him. "You are to do exactly as he says. Understand?"
The boy nodded, eyes full of fear, and turned to Chou.
Chou didn't ever feel nervous as he stood up and began whispering into the boy's ear, detailing the strategy he had just explained to Azula. The boy asked a few questions, and Chou pointed out positions on the field. After about five minutes the boy seemed to understand what he needed to do. The pair returned to the middle of the field, and the battle resumed.
After only five minuets the old man had several gashes on his body and was starting to falter.
Azula raised and eyebrow. She was slightly impressed. Maybe he wasn't one for battle, but there was always something to be said about a good tactician.
After only five minutes more the elder competitor was on the ground, and the boy was preparing the killing blow. His hand holding a large rock, the older man at his feet. All he had to do, to win his love and their acceptance would be to bring his hand down.
He paused.
Azula's face went into a scowl as she knew what was coming.
"Oh…no…please no." Chou stood up, a disgusted look on his face. "That brat isn't going to do what I think he is, is he?"
"No." He dropped the rock to his feet. "I can't do it. Not like this…" He took a deep breath and turned to the crowd, but before he could get one word out of his touching and rousing speech on the nature of love and mercy that would bet written down and retold for ages, he was interrupted.
"YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!" Azula and Chou exclaimed at the same time.
"Come on." Chou stood up and motioned for Azula to follow. His anger over riding his other thoughts of self-preservation. "Let's leave before we're forced to watch any more of this saccharine nonsense."
Azula blinked. Was he fool enough to be ORDERING her what to do? Strangely though…she didn't seem to mind. After all, he seemed to be just as disappointed as she was at the lack of bloodshed. She stood and actually gave…oh…what was his name…Chow was it? No matter. She gave her 'date' a brief actual smile…well…as close to one she could manage anyway.
"Yes, let's go to dinner before I lose my appetite." She walked past him towards the arena exit, Chou and Shi right behind her.
---
"What happened to the fighters?" She asked.
Shi blinked. "Oh, when everyone was distracted by the two of them the old man grabbed the rock and smashed the kid's face in."
"What?!"
"Yeah. Didn't kill him…well…he didn't die on the Agni Kai field anyway." He blinked at her shocked face. "Oh not like that, the old man showed SOME mercy. His 'true love' dumped him when he saw his disfigured face. What happened after that…" Shi shrugged. "Well, people do stupid things with a broken heart."
Again the two prisoners took a moment of silent contemplation on how some people could be even crueler than Azula. She cleared her throat. "So…dinner was next correct? I assume that was fun."
"More fun than you'd might expect. You see, there was a little bit of information that Chou left out when he said he had reservations at Madusara's."
"What was that?" She grinned.
"That he didn't have them."