Hello Readers!
I must say I'm not too happy with this chapter, but I wanted to post something for you all! Please enjoy 😊
Hurried footsteps echoed through the corridor of the Fire Nation Palace as the middle age man made his way towards General Ozai's office. It was late at night, almost too late for a meeting with the General, but he insisted in meeting this late. It made it easier to not be overheard. The councilman had finally reached the dark wooden doors of the Generals Office and took a deep breath before knocking.
A deep gruff "Come in" was the only thing heard from the other side.
Opening the door he was met face to face with General Ozai who sat behind a large dark wooden desk, his hands clasped in front of him. The office was dim, a roaring fireplace being the only source of light gave an eerie feeling to the room, there wasn't much decorations except a Fire Nation tapestry on the wall above the Fire Place. The General was very intimidating and it didn't help that he was one of the most powerful benders in the world. Gulping the councilman walked in making sure to close the door behind him.
Ozai rose to his feet, his lips slightly turned up "Councilman Jiro, thank you for meeting with me Come have a seat." He gestures to the chairs placed in front to the desk.
"Of-of course General but may I ask Sir, why did you want to meet with me?" Jiro asks with a stutter.
Ozai moves around his large desk and clasps his hands behind his back and began to pace in front of his desk "I have heard a few rumors about you Councilman. You've been planning a rebellion haven't you? You want to rid of my brother, your Fire Lord along with my one and only nephew?"
Jiro visibly paled, his heart began beating wildly "N-n-no general! You've been misunderstood. Those are just rumors, I don't have that kind of power sir!" He pleads.
Ozai smirks "Oh but you do Councilman, you have your own group of followers, Fire Nation citizens are ready for a change. Ready to prove that the Fire Nation is the greatest nation in the world."
"General Ozai-"
Ozai holds a hand up silencing him "You have gained my interest and I believe I may have use for you."
"Sir?" Jiro questions with a risen eyebrow.
"My buffoon of a brother had held the throne for far too long. The Fire Nation is destined for greatness and He is holding us back. Now, what was your plan for ridding my brother and nephew?" Ozai asks.
Jiro pulled at the collar of his top still unsure about the whole situation "To assassinate the Crown Prince sir. Fire Lord Iroh has already lost his wife, losing his only Son will be his downfall. We'd expect him to renounce his title as Fire Lord."
A sinister smile formed on the Generals face "Very well. We shall proceed with that plan. Any accommodations you need will be met."
Before Jiro could reply, a soft knock was heard from the door before it was opened to reveal Princess Ursa "Oh, I didn't know you had a meeting this late." She says softly.
A soft smile came onto Ozai's face "It's quite alright Ursa. What do you need?"
"I just wanted to come bring you to bed but I see you are busy. Don't stay up too late dear." Ursa says her eyes flickering to the councilman "Very nice to see you again Councilman Jiro." The man nodded his head in acknowledgement but said nothing.
Ozai nodded his head towards the door "You may leave now Ursa." He orders.
Ursa quickly and quietly left the office, her heart beating out of her chest. Had she heard what she thought she did? She knew better than to eavesdrop but when her husband didn't come to their chambers she grew worried. Her curiosity got the best of her when she heard the two voices coming from his office and leaned her ear on the door hearing what the two men were discussing about.
She was utterly disgusted that the man who shares her bed could easily want to rid of his family. With her children gone, she was utterly alone and knew she couldn't lose her nephew and brother in-law as well. Something had to be done and quick.
"Are we there yet." Azula asks for what felt like the thousandth time. Zuko knew she was doing it on purpose and he was really trying not to let her get under his skin.
"We're nearly there, no thanks to you." He replies angrily staring at head as the form of mountains had finally came from the horizon.
"But Zuzu you have done and amazing job at doing everything yourself. I am merely here to make sure you don't get killed." Azula says studying her long nails.
Zuko sighed and ran a hand through his long shaggy hair, gone was his top knot due to the fact he was trying to keep a low profile. No one needed to know that the Fire Prince and Princess were out of the Fire Nation.
Azula suddenly stood as the island came to view, high mountains that looked almost impossible to climb were the first thing to see. "Where's this temple anyways? And how do we know that the Avatar is even here?" She questions as the Zuko maneuvered the boat past through the rocky waters.
"We don't but it's our best chance at finding out what happened to the Southern Water Tribe." Zuko says at the boat reached the sandy shore. His eyes traveled up the mountain where it's peak was hidden by clouds, he guessed that's where the temple was located. Now to find a way up there.
"Come on, let's get moving." He says jumping off the side onto the beach, throwing his back behind his back.
With a long bored sigh Azula followed her brother as they walked towards the mountain.
They trekked through the thick forest, Zuko using his duo swords to cut through the foliage. If only they had a sky bison of their own, getting to the temple wouldn't be so much of a hassle.
"Agni damn these pesky insects!" Azula yells while smacking her neck killing yet another bug that seemed to only be around her.
Zuko smirked and continued leading the way.
It had taken them nearly half the day to reach the base of the mountain where they were met with thousands of steps that led to the top of the mountain. It took all of Zuko's self control to not let out a groan of annoyance.
Azula on the other hand didn't bother to hide her annoyed sigh "This Avatar better be there or I will roast you like a turtle duck." She states before pushing past him and making her way up the steps.
"Agni I hope he's here." He mutters to himself.
It was when they were a quarter of a way there when they heard the loud groan of a sky bison. Turning around Zuko quickly grabbed his sister and ducked as the beast flew nearly right over their heads. Then another and another and suddenly it was a whole herd of sky bison flying towards the peak of the mountain. "We're close" Zuko says.
Azula pushed him away from her, fixing her clothing and hair and continued up the steps. No amount of Fire Bending training had prepared her for going up all these steps. She had hoped her brother was right about the water tribe or he'd have to face her rath. Of course it was her choice to come with him but that wouldn't stop her from releasing her frustration on him.
The sun had begun to set when the Temple came into view, the large stone building was magnificent. Tall towers seemed to reach the sky, some of the towers even sat on the edge of cliffs. It was no wonder not many people had come to visit the Southern Air Temple, it was almost impossible to get there. But they had somehow did it.
As they reach the top of the steps they were met with a young monk wearing orange robes and sporting a tattoo on his head and large smile on his face "Prince Zuko and Azula! We have been waiting for you! Come! Avatar Aang has asked me to escort you to the temple!" With that the child formed a ball of air and scooted down the pathway
The siblings eyes met briefly before quickly following the young energetic monk.
Their eyes wandered as they followed the child. Zuko couldn't deny that the Southern Air Temple was beautiful. Green grass surrounded them, flowers sprouting every few feet, wild creaturesfreely walking throughout the temple and court yards, flying lemurs jumped from tree to tree chattering as they did so. . His eyes moved to a group of young airbenders a few yards away practicing their air bending. On the other side some meditated.
He could see why the monks rarely leave this place, it's peaceful and free.
It didn't take them long to reach two double wooden doors where the Avatar awaited them. The young monk smiled as he used air bending to open the door. Slowly and with a loud groan the door opens to reveal who they had to assume to be Avatar Aang.
His back was to them and he sat in a lotus position and his fists pressed together indicating he was meditating. "Should we be in here?" Zuko quietly asks.
The young monk nods his head rapidly "Yes Avatar Aang ask that you were brought here as soon as you arrived to the temple!"
He then pushed the siblings into the room, earning a dark glare from Azula, and left, shutting the doors behind him.
Zuko took in a deep breath and walked towards the airbender followed by his sister who walked with caution. They had never met the Avatar and didn't really know what to expect.
"Welcome Prince Zuko, Princess Azula! Come and sit!" The Avatar invites never moving.
Glancing at each other and sat in front of the Avatar. Zuko's eyes widened slightly at the sight of him, this was not some 100 year old monk! He seemed to be middle aged, barely having any grey hairs on his goatee, his head was bald along with the tell tale arrow tattooed on it. Was this really the Avatar?
Aang chuckled before opening his grey eyes to see the sibling's shocked expression. "Seems like I have a lot to explain."
yay Aang is here!
Hope you enjoyed this chapter!
I am looking for someone to do a cover photo for this story since I'm TERRIBLE at making these. If anyone would like to, PM me!
Until next time dear readers!
