Author's Notes :I will try my best to be consistent with uploads.
Just a few side notes to start off, this is an Alternate Timeline/Universe set within the Avatar The Last Airbender/ Legend of Korra verse. A lot of the main cast and locations stay relatively the same aside from slight tweaks. The lore on the other hand has been substantially altered to fit the story. I apologize ahead of time for doing so but I will do my best to give notes on certain changes at the end of the chapters or if any questions arise. In future chapters I will be crossing over some characters from different shows but only taking their likeness. The biggest difference I will say comes in the form of the Avatar itself as instead of the new avatar being reincarnated after the old one passes, it takes a significant amount of time for the cycle to begin a new. To a point there is little to no recorded history of it ever existing causing some to speculate its existence.
For now, this story is written in first person following the story of my O/C Goh. The idea sparked one day while I was working a few moths back and I've been working out the details since as I had always been interested in the show. Growing up I never understood it's story and only saw it for the action but as I grew older I learned to appreciate its message. Becoming one of my all time favorite shows I've always wanted to write some sort of story surrounding it. Hopefully you all will enjoy it as I continue to write and plan this story out. Thank you and enjoy the first chapter.
The following is a fan-based story. Avatar The Last Airbender and The Ledgend of Korra are owned by Nickelodeon, Michael DiMartion, Bryan Konietzko, Paramount Media Network, and MTV Networks. Please support the official release.
[Chapter rated M for depictions of violence, small amount of language, references to abuse.]
Chapter One: A Butler's Duty
Being thrown to the ground as the grinding of metal would pierce my eardrums wasn't the worst way I've been woken up. I've been doused with freezing cold water several times, violently launched into the air, and had the anchors supporting a hammock give way while I was napping cliff side. All came down to one factor with that being my fault. During my training as an earthbender, there was a strict no napping policy; I never adhered to it. My academy training with the Ba Sing Se City Police I stepped out of line once and only once for talking back. I've since given up on free climbing on my down time but for this particular instance, one thing could only cross my mind. Bandits. The stretch of track through the mountain the train traveled on was known as the Qiang Pass, a stretch of land that connected the two fronts of the Earth Kingdom as each side were surrounded by a body of water. Getting it's name from General Jin Qiang that spent decades of his life connection the two pieces of land, tearing through the mountain range in order to shorten the distance traveled. Now it was sadly known for it's increased rate of robberies and drug smuggling. Over the years thankfully the city of Ba Sing Se has cracked down on the crime, sending specialized units to watch over the pass. Criminals tend to get more creative backed into a corner and seeing as this particular train housed royal cargo, I'm sure this had been planned out weeks in advance.
Grunting as I rose to me feet the sound of what I presumed to be chunks of rock slamming against the steel walls of the cabin rang in my ear. No matter how hard they tried, it would take more than a few rocks to get through the beast and they knew that, this was more of a way of saying 'Get the hell out of there or we're coming in.' With a roll of my eyes, I would exit my quarters and walk towards the back of the cart. Normally my job would be to check in on my guests but with the circumstances and status of said guest, I would be the one to take charge. My time as a Ba Sing Se Officer was rather short, only spanning two years. Alongside my dear friend, her and I easily climbed through the ranks before being contacted by a pristine group known as the Ever Watchful. Acting as a royal families personal bodyguard in disguise so to say. Some posed as regular patrol guards, maids, chefs, and etc. They would keep close to the family at all times in plain sight and rarely a few knew of their intended purpose unless told specifically. My unit consisted of only me on this journey. A butler. Born and raised in Ba Sing Se, a decorated officer turned secret service to the Fire Nation's King and his family. Mostly due to the fact that there weren't many attempts at the Fire Lord's life, I was the only one needed for this trip. The rest stayed behind at the palace to keep watch over the meeting between Lord Ozai himself and Monk Chen-Choi of the Northern Air temple. Having proved my resourcefulness and loyalty over time, I was asked to keep watch over Princess Azula, at her personal request, as she would be the sole representative for the Fire Nation during the bending championships. A Nationwide event only held once every half decade bringing the world's finest benders together to compete in various events. A time to celebrate the nations cultures, traditions, and spirits that would all come together for the opening festival. This time being held in Ba Sing Se it would showcase Earth Kingdom's finest traditions and celebrate the rich history.
The banging became louder as I made my way towards the exit, more impatient with each shaking thud. They knew exactly whose train this belonged too yet still chose to go through with the ambush. It's rather annoying as I had not only been awoken abruptly but my dream was just getting good too. My annoyance towards the situation only grew once I saw the sky still full of the spirits finest work. A canvas of black painted with their sparkling eyes watching over everyone. On top of this we were still hours away from the destination, I would have to stay awake rather than drift off back to the land of dreams. Watching over whomever decided to interrupt the journey while my mind ached for just the tiniest amount of rest, I could feel the dread surround me already. It only fed my temper as I would open the door and step down to the earth below, looking towards the commotion caused by the culprits. From what I could gather the left side of the train were five members of this coordinated attack, surely there had to be more on the other side. Raising my foot the sole of my steel shoe would retract as I stamped my foot against terra, my eyes closing as the vibrations would feed my sight. I could see it all as the image of the landscape painted itself for me. The slightest raise in elevation, every single crack in the ground, thousands of broken pieces of boulder, anthills, everything.
I was correct in my assumption, five to the side I was on as four others would lie and wait on the left. A cliché ambush. The sound of doors opening from the other cabins alerted my attention as the Fire Nation soldiers would await for my signal. None would be needed as I would stamp my foot again causing the earth from under me to launch me upwards and towards the top of the train. This altercation could easily be avoided but I'd have to wait and see. The noise of the pillar launching me upward caught the attention of one of the bandits, his head turning towards me, tattered cloth covered his face. Walking towards the group it was clear by just how they stood they were nervous except cloth face. As easy as this would be, I wanted no trouble. It was late, I had somewhere to be.
"I'll only tell you this once so listen carefully. Leave and you may just get to walk free. Do I make myself clear?" My tone was eerily calm as the words rumbled from my chest. I would watch as the four that surrounded what I assumed to be the leader try and bail but were halted in place as a laugh rang out. It was a guttural laugh that was proudly boasted by the one in the middle.
"I'm sorry mate, you must not know who yer talkin' to." The man with his face hidden would speak up as his arms would spread wide as the goons that surrounded him flinched as he moved. Confidence rang from his voice like church bell that was soon drowned out by the same hearty laugh. I would only stare down at him in defiance, my eyes narrowing at the man. He towered over everyone around him easily. A behemoth of a man where I guessed him to be at least well over six foot four, a good four inches on me already. Hair covered his chiseled chest like an overgrown forest as his massive forearm slammed into it with an authoritative thud. "I am Li Jing and that train here is now my property. Everything of value, I own it. Your soldiers 'ere work for me now and that Princess is my ticket to a life of luxury... So you best run along before it's too late, boy."
The last word spat pure venom in an attempt to scare me. Every mannerism about the guy spoke just who he was. Someone who took advantage of others by scaring them with his size alone. This was a man who had would take anything from anyone because of that alone. A pure muscle over brains type of individual. No redeeming quality other than the promise of riches if one were to follow him. It was apparent that the members that followed were just here for the money and would most likely dip after this score. This was a man with false promises and little care for others well being. All he had was his size, nothing else. And frankly it pissed me off. Someone a low on the totem pole as him thought that he would ever think I would just allow this to even happen. This man was beneath me. Scum. Vile filth that couldn't even be compared to a sky bison's putrid dung. Everything about this man I despised. A long exhale escaped my nostrils as I peered down upon the poor souls that could have ran. I gave them ample time and warning. They all were given a chance to leave yet here they are. Here I am. "For your crimes against the Royal Family of the Fire Nation, you will now be placed under arrest."
More laughing would follow as if, no...This was to mock me. Raising my foot up, I would make the first move by stamping it hard against the roof of the cart, pushing down on a secret pressure plate. Four panels would quickly slide open as the sound of metal chunking could be heard followed by the piercing screech of metal wire through the air as it shot towards the five targets. Each cabin was equipped with this hidden mechanism but varied on what it shot out. This cart would be equipped with a metal wire that acted much like a snare once wound taught around its prey. Pivoting the back of my heel as the wires shot towards the group, they would snag hold the four that surrounded the behemoth. The leader on the other hand reacted fast enough to block this by shifting his left foot whilst raising both arms as a slab of earth would rise in front of him to counter it. Metal rung against soil as it would ricochet off like a whip and then skip off the ground. My foot rose off the pressure plate as the whir of electricity filled the air. Those wrapped in the wire would be shocked into submission for a few seconds to incapacitate them. Nothing harmful but surely it's just enough to put them out for the time being.
A sharp herding whistle would come from me in three short bursts signaling the guards to ready themselves. "Left side, detain." With that I could hear the clanking of armor as the guards would file off the backside of the cart. I expected this ordeal to wrap up quickly and my unit understood just that.
Normally I was more laid back when it came to my duty as a 'Butler', opting to go towards a more peaceful and swift compromise when I saw necessary. I've built quite a reputation among my colleagues as most would harshly scrutinize my ways at first. Doubting my ability that I was ever sought after for the position of Ever Watchful in the first place. Saying I was too nice and that I trusted others too easily as if they knew me. I've always been a kind soul at heart as my mother taught me from a young age to treat others as you would wish to be treated. Giving most others trust when they don't even deserve it, I took what was taught to heart and for that I was easy prey. I would often come home with bruises, cuts, and torn clothes for standing up against those that were being bullied. Over time I became their main target for how easy it was for them. Compared to most my young age, I was smaller than those below average. My parents of course disproved of my actions as they feared for my safety but I kept to my word. One thing about me was I never stayed down. No matter how many beatings I took, no matter how many times I was picked on, no matter how many times I was relentlessly harassed, I got back up and stood my ground. Over the years I hit a growth spurt. I learned to fend for myself. I taught myself how to fight. My punches became faster and my kicks landed harder with each passing fight. I learned what parts of the body to target when going against those taller than me to bring them to my level. On the streets I learned there were no rules so I took whatever chance I could to play dirty. The beatings became less and less severe over time. Instead of my lips being busted and a bloodied shirt, my knuckles soon became the only thing stained. The target over my head faded away and the bullying stopped. My reputation to those I stood up for would be that of a hero yet tales always would be twisted. Those that relentlessly beat me strewn the timeline of events and trashed my reputation because their family held some form of power. Soon I was known as what I sought after to fight against. Those parents fought to have me put in a correctional facility for youth. No matter how many had stepped up for me, it was rigged against my favor. Ultimately, they won. All because they held some form of power, be it apart of a council, to even being an esteemed judge who just so happened to be the one handling my case. At just the age of ten I was sent off with an unjust record to my name. The years following my name was stung through the dirt to a point my reputation plummeted. I was branded a monster for my actions even after I was let back out to society.
This is why I give others a second chance as I was never given one. Yet for my line of work that way of thinking can be risky and I knew this going into it. I've experienced my consequences plenty of times. With each passing decision led to my ways being questioned by those around me time after time. As always, I would prove them wrong. My results spoke louder than their words. Those that would disregard my chance would soon come to regret it but I wouldn't care. And why would I?
The wires would begin to retract, dragging the knocked out goons towards the cabin and out of the way between the two of us. Without hesitation I would jump down to the ground below as I would make the dirt soften my impact. There was little time for him to react and I wanted to keep it that way. I took a wide stance with my landing as the earth between me and cloth face would crack open farther apart as it grew closer towards him. My intention was clear, I wanted to trap him from running.
Though it would be for not as he was quicker to react than I thought. As his earth shield would lower, the crumbling of earth would alert him as he would lift the earth below him to raise up. Though causing the small platform to split, it wouldn't cause it to crumble. Jumping from his platform, the man would flip head over heel while twisting to pull the split pillar off the ground. Landing with his back turned to me, he would twist his entire body to face me as his right foot would glide across the ground to send the two projectiles towards me. He was in a low stance with both feet shoulder width apart, his arms to his side as he continued the onslaught of attacks. Stepping forward with his left foot immediately after, it would stamp against the ground to raise a bowling ball size rock as his right arm punching outward would send it flying forward.
Thinking on my feet I would raise my arms up in front of me, my palms outstretched outwards as two flat slabs would rise at an angle to meet at a point much like a triangle to act as a shield. Closing my eyes as the projectiles would slam against my makeshift tent, the vibrations painted the canvas for me. I could see exactly what that criminal was up to next and predict would would happen next thanks to my ability to sense vibrations. By the time I had lifted up my shield, he had launched three more rocks my way and was on his way to send a forth. This was my time to strike as I spun my body like a top before he could even send the last projectile.
Earth crashing into earth filled the night sky as the violent thud of the rocks caused the shield to break under the weight. In his eyes no one would be getting up from that and that same laugh belted out from him. "I told yah, run while you can. This is MY train!"
Yet again I was counted out. The crumbling of earth would take him by surprise but this time he would be too late to react. Before the shield would collapse I was already tunneling my way underground. Rising up behind the behemoth I would sift my foot to the right causing the earth to crack from under him as he fell into the tunnel I dug. Sifting it back in place it would close around him just above chest level so only his shoulders and head were above ground. He was completely trapped, nothing he could do would get him out of this situation. Certainly he would struggle and he did. Only I would allow him to be let go. He knew this and it only caused him to struggle more. "Let me GO YOU SUN'UVA BITCH!" His cries meant nothing. "I AM LI JING! YOUR HEAD WILL BE MOUNTED FOR THIS!" His threats meant less. "YOU WO-" The satisfying crack of metal meeting skull would fill my ears as the man's head slumped over upon impact. It wasn't enough to kill him but surely it was enough to let him know he was beneath my foot either way.
Looking at the slumped over man I would notice the cloth became slightly untangled. What underlying reason would they possibly have to cover their entire face I wondered. My guess would've been that as brute such as himself would possibly have some sort of battle scar. Kneeling down it appeared that there was only a half truth as in reality the mans entire left side of his face was covered in hellish burns. Parts of skin clung to the cloth as pus would secrete from the charred wounds. Under his left eye appeared to be a small insignia carved into place but I couldn't be sure, I couldn't tell from this angle. My stomach quickly churned as my face turned in a grimace as I finally caught a whiff of the pungent odor. Its stench would grab hold of my nostrils which caused a visceral retch. Dead and mushy flesh, infection, rags that surely have yet to be changed, I almost felt a sense of sympathy for the man. Standing I would gather myself before letting out a loud whistle and motion towards the guards closest to me as I would scoot my right foot over to raise the man out of the hole.
There wasn't a lot that got to me. I've seen my fair share of work related injuries, battle scars, things I will not speak of again but it never affected me. Though smell. That's what set it off. The white of bone poking though flesh doesn't turn my head but curdling milk, I can barely hold my lunch. I needed water and to sit down for now, my team could take care of this. That's the way it always seemed to be. Many of my closest colleagues would look at me strange for not turning the cheek at such horrific sights but would crumble at the slightest unpleasant smell. All I could offer in return was a simple shrug. I couldn't explain it either in all honestly, I've learned to live with it.
"Get him to the medical wing and hurry." Nearly gagging over my words I would walk past the guards jogging towards the downed mountain, the rest of the unit knew what to do. Right now I would take a breather as I sat down on the first rung of the steps, letting out a long and drawn out exhale as I tilted my head from side to side. Over time I've learned this is what best worked for me. Never would it fully clear up but it did just enough so I could walk around without the constant dread of needing to hurl. The next few minutes were for me and everyone else to wrap it all up before we embark back on the journey. By the time I compose myself, the tracks should be cleared of any obstacle, the prisoners should be locked away, and everyone should return to their duty. They knew this well.
From my seat I would watch as the members of the failed robbery would be shuttled into the train, most still recovering from the shock given to them. Nearly falling over themselves as the stumbled through the entrance, soon to be guided then thrown into a special cart that was heavily secured located near the back section of carts. This would be their home for the next several hours before we would reach Ba Sing Se. Sadly, mine as well. Another restless night as I would get up to board. I would watch on as my unit would return to their quarters one by one as I took my time venturing from cart to cart. Before I spent the rest of my night on prisoner watch, a certain matter would need to be taken care of.
It would take a few minutes before I had reached Azula's personal cart before the hiss of steam would indicate the train would soon be rolling. Only myself and the guards posted on either end would be allowed to enter unless the circumstance would call for it. On the outside it would look just like every other section of the train but was greatly reinforced beyond my comprehension. Gently I would knock with four quick taps on the slate colored mahogany door, admiring the décor of a dragon etched elegantly around the frame. Gold accents would compliment the angel wing lotus art that was carved into the center of the door. The door itself was custom made at the request of Ursa to be given as a gift to Princess Azula on her eighteenth birthday. The lotus flower is recognized among the Fire Nation as a symbol of purity and peace. A new era of change as they adopted it under the rule of Lord Ojin over two centuries ago as the nation itself once housed a history or bloodshed. Adopting new practices and forming better relations with not only its people but the surrounding nations, the lotus sparked an age of reformation. A new beginning which was fitting for such a gift. Azula and her mother's relationship has always been distant. From many sessions of venting, Zuko seemed to be their mother's world. Not to say Azula wasn't loved, far from it actually but their was an over abundance of favoritism. I never understood why but this was a genuine attempt to reconnect with kin. Sadly a few months later, Ursa would pass peacefully during the night days before their planned trip to the Ember Islands. Azula cherished this door more than she would ever admit and I would make sure to always be gentle around it.
"You may enter." Her words were dampened by the door but I could still hear the slightest hint of annoyance in her voice.
I would enter the room and take in the scenery, still in awe at how luxurious a room could be. Even for being just a sleeper on a train, it spoke royalty. Normally it would be fitted with beds aligned to either side that would fill the cart with little to no privacy for its guest. This particular cart would only recognize one inhabitant. The clack of my shoe against the tiled floor filled the air as I gazed upon the soothing ivory colored walls with hints of a floral design could be faintly seen. Across from her bed, Azula would sit on the cushioned window sill as one leg would be held against her chest. Her body was facing at an angle towards the window as her gaze never left the outside world.
Closing the door behind me I would walk over to her and kneel as a sign of respect. "I'm sorry for the delay, we'll be leaving shortly."
"I'm not my father, you know? You can drop the formalities, Go-Go." To most, Azula can come off as cold and off putting. Her tone could be described as ominously calm as her silver tongue could cut even a king down with her words. Cunning, calculated, perfectionist. To me, greatly misunderstood as everyone would have this perception of a cold and heartless individual yet it was far from the truth. The tear in relationship between mother and daughter caused her to be distant in nature.
Standing, I would take my seat across from her as I would rest my back against the wall. I've worked with her for nearly ten years now, ever since I was seventeen. At first our relationship was strictly work related. In fact, my thoughts of her were that of everyone else. I didn't care much for her as the first handful of interactions weren't the most pleasant. I could still remember the vile names I was called to this day, never had my pride been hurt so again. It only would get worse with the passing of her mother as she would lash out with harsher venom. So much anger and fear and all I could do was judge, blinded by my own hypocrisy. "Just a force of habit, are you alright?"
"Now that I can actually head back to bed, I'd say my mood has improved." Her expression remained stoic as her amber gaze never left the night sky. The slight jolt signified we were finally on the move. Her jet black hair was let down as it rested over her left shoulder as the only source of lighting would be that of an overhead recessed light. "What was it this time? Some hopeless lowlife betting their last hope for riches?"
"You were to be used as ransom." My response would finally invoke a reaction as she chuckled to herself before turning her attention towards me. Her brow raised as a playful smirk would slide across her face.
"Is that why you used such barbaric force? Did something strike a nerve?" She would ask. I would only roll my eyes in response with a smile.
"He's been sent to the medical unit, the entire left side of his face is severely burned and infected." Saying as I would place my hands behind my head.
"Has Zu-Zu finally gone off the rails?" She would jokingly jest, covering her mouth as she smiled. "My, my, who would have thought brother turning rouge?"
"If only, it would be nice to catch up sometime. How is Zuko doing, have you heard anything?" It's been over half a year since both he and his uncle Iroh were to be stationed at Adelie Peak, a maximum security institution for the nation's most heinous criminals. The Southern Pole housed horrid weather conditions along with its treacherous terrain making any form of escape nigh impossible without a form of transportation.
"Not recently. The last I heard was only a month ago and even then it was short." Taking her hand away from her face, she would observe her maroon painted nails. "Both father and I have rarely gotten a chance to speak with them for more than a few minutes."
I would only nod in response. "We should be about a few hours from Ba Sing Se. Even with this setback, we're right on schedule still."
"It's been quite sometime since I've set foot in Earth Kingdom's finest city." She would say stretching out her tucked leg before folding it neatly over her other. "I don't remember much about my visit really as I was only six at the time. You'll show me around won't you."
"You truly don't want to attend any of this do you?" I would ask. She would only look at me as if the answer should be obvious.
"You would rather talk to King Zhou about his cats than actually enjoy the festivities, is that so?" Her words full of sarcasm as she kept her amber eyes trained on me.
"If there was a way around it, I would gladly suggest it." Frankly I was right with her. I would much rather enjoy what the festival had to offer and explore the city rather than oversee every single event in a designated are with other high ranking members of the other nations.
"Can we at least skip out on the gala tonight? I can stand watching a rowing competition but having to dress up and socialize with snobby political figures, money grubbing tycoons, and Zhou's cat speak, it drives me insane just thinking about it." She asked as if I had some sort of say due to my position. Holding on to some form of hope that wasn't there.
"Again, I would have already suggested it." I would shrug and shake my head no. "Besides, I already ordered my suit and it's too late to return it."
"You're no help sometimes, you know?" Her response would be followed with a short sigh. "If only Ty Lee or Mai were here."
"Mai would want nothing to do with the party and slip away to leave you to fend for your own while Ty Lee would be swarmed by more old men than one would want." I would retort back.
"Both of them at least know how to properly dance." She would respond quicker with an eyebrow raised.
"It seems like you would rather not want to be seen with me." I would say with a chuckle.
"You can at least hold a conversation but I'd rather not have my feet be stepped on constantly." A teasing smile fell into place as she would wave me off. "You give Mai too little credit, she would at least try and sneak me out as well."
"Didn't she sneak off during one of Zuko's birthday parties to sit under a tree and read?" I would calmly say, my arms crossed.
"Didn't you try and sneak off once during our stay at the Northern Air Temple instead of keeping watch that night?" Her words cut deep, ever quick to strike back.
"Like I said, I swear I saw someone through the bamboo forest line." Till this day I would stick with that defense until I died.
"And is that someone here with us now by chance?"
"Now I'm purposely going to step on your feet."
"You can try Go-Go, but you'll never improve at all if you do."
Her golden globes would meet my hazel pitched eyes as the tension could be cut with a knife until finally we both would laugh. This was the part I could lay back and relax when doing my job. I grew fairly close to Azula and Zuko during times we were all able to separate work from life.
"I do wish Mai and Ty Lee were here to at least enjoy this, I haven't had quality time with them in ages." Azula would say as she stretched her hands above her head with a small yawn. Taking her hair, she would pull and tie it back into a ponytail. "I tried inviting them both as my guests but Mai is unfortunately wrapped up with her father's quote on quote, governing affairs and Ty Lee, well… She's Ty Lee. Some life calling for the hundredth time."
"Truly they're missing out. If you need anything more, please send for me." I would say before attempting to get up. Azula would place her palm upon my knee causing me to halt in my place.
"You know you don't have to be the one to always watch over the prisoners right? You can take the night off, you've had little to no sleep." A look of boredom plastered on her face, clearly trying to guilt me to stay and talk. As much as I would love to, she needed her rest.
"I know but as much as I trust these guards, its something I have to do." Azula would only wave me off disappointingly as I stood. "Try to get some rest, you'll need it." I would say with a smile before taking my leave.
As I would make my way towards the opposite door, I would feel something softly hit my back as I turned my head to peer over my shoulder. Azula had tossed a throw pillow to garner my attention before she would flip me off. It was her way specifically of saying thanks as it was an inside joke between us. Naturally I would return the favor before heading out, the door locking behind me.
Author's Notes: As one could guess, the Air Nation is still going strong as they are an integral plot to this story which will come later during future chapters. During this timeline there was no 100 year war that split the nations apart and they all thrive to stay at peace with one another. Seemingly to embrace one another's cultures and values which is why I chose to start off the story with my take on T.L.O.K bending games. The Bending Championships can be seen sort of like the modern day Olympics which is what I'm mainly going for here.
As for Goh and my writing, hopefully I'm not over explaining/ underexplaining anything. I'm not the best when it comes to writing so I apologize if it can be hard to follow and the pacing can be off. I wanted to showcase Goh's overprotective nature as he tends to regard other's higher than himself at points along with how he balances his work life and actual life. Hopefully you all enjoy him just as much as I do. Now for Azula, I kept a lot of it simple and the same but over time I want to show a much more softer side to her than was depicted. She can and will still be ruthless but I felt to flesh out her character's vulnerabilities more rather than lead down the same path. Along with her family, Ozai isn't as much as an asshole but still isn't the best father.
A lot of new names and places spanning from important locations to political figures, I wanted to paint a new world. Qiang Pass and Adelie Peak both replace locations in the original story. I based Qiang Pass after the actual real life story of Dashrath Manjhi. Adelie come from the penguin of the same name but its description can fit that much like the prison from Kung Fu Panda that house Tai Lung.
Lastly, Ever Watchful. Much like I had explained, they are essentially secret service but hidden in plain sight which I will hint is a huge motif in this story. During my original brainstorm I started out with a simple story that involved Azula and one of her guards that hid the fact he was the avatar. Soon it evolved to what I have made now. I wanted to include some form of personal bodyguard for the family and this is what I came up with. Seeing as all nations work well with one another, the guards can and will come from different parts of the world, not just their rescinding nation. You would expect a fire nation guard to fire bend, right? Even during peaceful times, there are still instances of disruption.