Hello fanfic readers; turns out that this edition of Book 4 is going to be shorter than I thought. Exodus is going to be ending in four or five chapters. Don't fret because Zuko's story Book 4: Air: Out of the Ashes will be coming out shortly. Impatient, read "The Talk" which is a sneak preview of Out of the Ashes.
Special thanks to The Great One1 for promoting my fic, Passionworks, who has helped me and whose fic you should read and review "Beautiful Dawn Revisited", To all of the reviewers, readers, visitors, thank you.
So did anyone guess what Ursa did to Azula that has her so angry? The truth comes out in this chapter and the person who guessed correctly will be mentioned at the end.
Judel returns and so does another fanfic challenge. Judel was adopted by a Water Tribe couple, however his biological mother is Water Tribe and his father is Fire Nation. One of his biological parents is cannon. Who is his cannon parent?
Okay enough shameless promotion, Let the story begin!
I do not own ATLA but I do own my vivid dreams and OC's
Book 4: Air: Exodus
Chapter 6
She took a vow of silence. She didn't want to be bothered after the turmoil and somersaults her heart did. Her already restless mind was filled with more questions. There were only a few things she knew for sure: Han-Lien is her little brother; Ursa used her for a purpose, she didn't know what. Zuko didn't truly care about her; if he could rehabilitate Azula, he would get all assortments of accolades: what a risk for world peace. There was a glimmer of hope left for her father; she yearned for his appreciation of her loyalty to him. Nevertheless, there was no one she could truly trust: no one in fact cared either. She wouldn't speak to her benefactor Aura. There was no excuse on the planet for what happened with her and her to mother occur. She was at a true crossroads.
As soon as Azula awoke she took a bath. It was the only soothing part of her day where her world was silent and settled. There wasn't going to be time for anymore weak emotions. Azula was a strong tower. It was time to start being the soldier she was trained to be.
She got dressed in her earth kingdom clothes; a light green pants and a beige lightweight shirt. She walked to the front of the house, but Aura stepped in front of her. "Azula I just wanted to say that I am so sorry. Ursa has been reprimanded for her behavior. Please talk to me I'm not your enemy. I'm here to protect you."
Azula wanted so badly to scream, rant and rave at Aura, but she wouldn't. If Aura was going to learn a lesson, she had to make sure not to speak. After all quiet was the worse punishment.
Aura was trying really hard to impress her for breakfast was overdone with rose petals. She was considering Aura an acquaintance but that stunt last night was all Azula needed. She was fine with this thought.
Azula took her plate and washed it out in the well sink. She picked up her the scrolls and books she acquired at the market that she coerced Judel to purchase and went outside.
Judel, she thought of the young man and wondered where he was; how he was doing. Come to think of it, he never formally said goodbye just gave a smile with his sapphire orbs and left. She had tried to forget about the man; nothing ever came of it. She finally conceded to her infatuation although gave it a boundary, presuming he did not reciprocate, so she stowed the feeling away.
Azula picked up a scroll of the Earth Kingdom, specifically of the village and the surrounding towns. She studied the land on the map and surveyed the land in front of her. She then picked up a scroll that was based on the Kyoshi form. Normally, she wouldn't lower herself, but she was not going to be defeated. Azula told herself that she had to adapt even if that meant learning foreign styles. She glanced at the pictures and mirrored the moves.
Each step had been so unfamiliar to her. Fire was element of passion, fluidity and extension of the human body. These sets were murder on the knees and ankles. Every step was a stomp: she had to remain steady and firm. She took two tree branches and fashioned them as fans moving forward sideways, almost like a spider-crab. She scuttled to the left using the fans as if it were the wind. She kicked forward and her foot sunk into a patch of mud. Frustrated she pulled her foot out as the shoe flew into the air and landed on her head. She grunted, took a deep breath and began the set of steps again. Everyday this was Azula's routine. She was fortunate to be a prodigy for she learned very quickly. Though as exciting as all of this was, her firebending was still nowhere to be found. She would not give up.
It had officially been three months. Azula was engrossed in the Earth Kingdom map. She made sure to know any escape route in case they tried an ambush attack. She even looked around the land trying to find a way to strategize and set traps. Suddenly, a small pair of feet kicked up dust on her reading materials. Azula looked up seeing Ming-Na. Azula stood up meeting the elder woman's gaze. They stared at each other. "I trust everything is well," spoke Ming-Na.
Azula wasn't in the mood for this lady so she took her things and proceeded inside, but paused when she saw Aura; the rock and the hard place, which was the lesser evil? Azula glared at both women and made her way to a nearby clearing. She was far away, but close enough to be within earshot. Aura was going to get severely punished. "Mistress Ming─"
"What happened?" the elder asked harshly.
"Listen I can explain."
"There is nothing to explain. People were reporting a disturbance; a young girl was seen assaulting a middle aged woman. Do you have any idea the danger you put this village in?"
"Ms. Ursa─"
"You should have known that Ursa would lie she is a mother, desperate for her family. All the years in exile has made her an accomplish liar. You were reckless. I have no choice, you will be reported to the authorities of Firelord Zuko and the princess must be removed from your custody immediately."
"You can't do that: you know I need this: I have to make this work. I─," Aura took a breath and composed herself, "I haven't seen my son since his birth and Ursa took advantage of that. I have also been Azula, alone forgotten and abandoned. That young lady needs protection, which I will surely provide. Any other person who has Azula is only looking out for their wealth and interest. The Firelord chose me and I will uphold my duty. So before you go and report me think about the life your putting in danger."
"Your past actions have shown that you have bad behavior."
"But−"
"Let me finish. I see no ill intent. I'm afraid there is no alternative. She is officially your responsibility."
"Thank you Mistress Ming-Na"
"Do not disappoint me."
Both women shook hands and left. Azula was disappointed she expected a fight; it was nothing more than a squabble. She felt passed around, like a bad behaving pet. She wouldn't let this bother her. After all, mistreatment is a part of her life. Azula was going to find a way to take advantage of the situation especially now that she discovered Aura is a mother. She stored Aura and Ming-Na's conversation in her memory; it would come in handy for later.
The past six months created a chasm between the young ladies. Azula would do everything to push Aura's buttons, from keeping silent to disappearing for long lengths of time. Azula was surprised how long she could keep up not talking to Aura; nonetheless, it was starting to get boring. She continued this practice however.
Azula had quickly mastered all the moves in the Kyoshi scroll and acquired some fans and metal to make her own weapons. She taught herself how to sow and fashioned herself battle under armor. Azula had been relieved to see that she had gained weight and the fullness was returning to her face. Her hair had grown past her ears. She let a hairdresser take care of her split ends. She bought hairpins and whittled them down, sharpening the edges to make darts.
Azula felt like she was on Ember Island; the anonymity was refreshing and dull all at the same time. She performed the task of washing dishes and going to the market for supplies. Gratefully, she never encountered her mother again. She had arrived at the house punctually this time, when she heard a hideous noise. It sounded like two saber-tooth moose lion mauling each other. Azula took a peek inside; much to her chagrin Aura and Ping were kissing and began to do other things she didn't want to talk about. Ping picked up Aura and carried her to a back room. Those two take firebending is passion too far. Then that scent hit her with its potency. She glanced more and saw Judel rubbing the back of his head awkwardly. She begun to examine her appearance; her clothes were unkempt from practicing: she was perspiring. She couldn't dare go inside. Think Azula think. She kept an extra pair of clothes outside; there was a bucket of clean water with a sponge and clean towel. Good not much time. With quick reflexes she simultaneously sponged, dried herself and put on an article of clothing. She applied the new cardamom oil she bought. She walked to the front of the house casually as Judel stepped forward and greeted her. "Hi Rae"
Rae, that accursed name she wishes he only knew her name. "As you imagine those two are having a "reunion" so we're going to have to eat out."
Azula completely ignored him. Just once she wanted him to say her name: no one could hear. She fastened the pearl clips to her hair and walked ahead of him folding her arms in a juvenile tantrum.
They arrived at the Blossom Inn, which was better than the seedy tavern she was first introduced to. For one the people were a little more civilized and certainly weren't eating with their hands. Judel had pulled out a seat for Azula, who wasn't sure how to take this behavior. She slowly, wearily sat. Judel sat in the chair in front of her. The candles were lit creating an ambiance of romance. Before them was a hot pot of tea and biscuits. "I've taken the liberty of ordering bifun noodle stew. Is that okay?"
Azula still being crossed hadn't said a word. "Tell you what tap once on the kettle for yes and twice for no." Judel joked.
Now he's making a fool of me. "You know I've been doing research on you. I heard you could wield blue flames and generate lightning. I was thinking it would be interesting to challenge you in battle."
He was good that almost got her. She would hold out longer and bite her tongue. "Did I tell you I met your Uncle?"
Azula paused, was this guy joking?
"I was in Ba Sing Se visiting my father. My mother and I visited the Jasmine Dragon expecting only tea. I knew him then by the name of Mushi. Your uncle was so gracious and full of advice. He's the reason why I became a guardian."
"I know men like you. You're always trying to be social to mask your insecurities. Your father was absent often, thus the lack of masculine influence. Being raised by water peasant's makes you soft. Why do you even bother engaging in conversation?"
"You're pretty good at that. Want to know what I think of you?"
"Go on, I'll indulge you."
"I think you're highly misunderstood; you're all façade; always trying to prove how powerful you are. You instill fear when you mean to assert respect. With the right direction you can become someone great."
Azula was in shock how is it that a perfect stranger understood her better than her own family? This man intrigued Azula in a way that made her feel at ease. Yet, her stubborn pride thought he was trying to call her weak. "You're not obligated to talk to me!"
"Sorry if I offended you; it was just an opinion."
"You're my guardian not an analyst."
"I apologize, I was out of line."
Great, Azula thought, how could she be mean with a perfect gentleman? What was wrong with her? How could she be entranced with someone she was sparsely acquainted with? There was something about Judel, was it his sapphire eyes; his messy black hair? No, she wouldn't fantasize. She would force herself to think of him as a protector at maximum; with strong arms and the right amount of chest hair. Stop it Azula! You have to focus; he's probably betrothed anyway. "How is it that your wife doesn't mind you protecting other women?"
"I don't have a woman in my life; I wish I did though."
He's single Azula now you have a chance: no, no you just met this man: wonderful, I'm talking to myself. Am I trying to go back to the mental facility?
"Are you feeling well?"
"What authority do you have to judge me!" squawked Azula.
"Hey relax, it's a simple question."
Azula was feeling too many things at once. She was feeling happy and sick all at the same time. This was too much for her. Just then, a barmaid approached them with a tea kettle, the scent of vanilla wafted through the air. The feeling of anxiety surged through Azula once again. Never in her life had she felt such terror. She couldn't get ahold of herself. "Here is your favorite Judel vanilla and pomegranate desert tea," said the barmaid with a smile.
The realization hit Azula all at once, choking the life out of her: the dream made sense: It was clear, the memory came suddenly. Azula became claustrophobic and ran outside. She grasped a nearby tree and slid down on the base of it. She needed to get herself together. She couldn't hear anything, but the pounding of her heart. She felt something warm against her body. She looked into blue flame eyes. She didn't care about anything, but his embrace. "What happened? What's wrong?"
She couldn't form words, it was too difficult. "It's okay Azula. Tell me what's wrong?"
Her name rolled off his tongue so fluently. She was in a daze attempting, managing to speak. "She…used…me"
"Who used you?"
"She…didn't say goodbye."
"I don't understand."
She was only a child when the event happened. When she came to the realization of what was done she told her father. He said to never speak of the event. Yet, holding onto the family secret was such a burden it became toxic. No one should hate their mother, unless they have done the unforgivable. Azula pulled Judel's ear closer to her lips. Azula's tear-filled amber eyes glowed like the dusk sun; she flicked the mist away. Judel held her waist closer. She almost seemed to transform into a child. Quietly, she began to unravel the tale. "I tried to please her, but she didn't look in my direction; she said for me to give Grandfather his morning tea. Those were her last words.I disliked the man…I never wanted him dead. If I had known I would have never─"
"Your mother had you kill your grandfather!" Judel said at the shocking revelation,"What a terrible burden for a child to carry."
Azula's eyes met Judel's. They were so dangerously close to the others lips. "Poor dear you haven't a friend in the world."
"It doesn't matter, I'm not hurt by it anymore," said Azula rejecting the memory.
Judel laid a comforting hand to Azula's cheek."It's okay Azula I'm here and give my word that I will always be by your side."
Azula placed her hand on top of his and pulled it away. "Please, proclamations are only good to impress nobility."
"I propose a more honorable deed." Judel moved Azula back a little and unsheathed a gold dragon dagger. He pricked his finger and let blood drip on the knife and repeated the same action on Azula's finger. "This is a blood promise. I am indebted to you and you to me. If we break this vow it will be our blood."
Azula was in awe: how could one make such a lofty promise? She felt like someone truly cared. Perhaps she was overcome or it was the heat of the moment. The next she knew, her lips were touching his. Her body felt such ecstasy. His kiss was more than she imagine. His lips were like soft fire lilies. She recoiled when she saw the shock look on Judel's face. No, she miscalculated. Azula was dejected, stupid why did you take that risk? Judel wouldn't say anything: Azula felt even more rejected. Before Azula could respond the earth beneath them quaked. Both of them stood up from their embrace, they would certainly discuss this later. A pair of rock gloved hands pinned Judel to the ground: the other pair pinned Azula in a kneeling position. She heard the steps of boots unable to see her opponent. "Well, well if it isn't the fledgling Princess!" That voice was familiar.
"Leave her to me lieutenant Ruon-Jian." Azula crinkled her nose, she knew the next voice. "She's all your Chan."
"That's Captain Chan of the Phoenix battalion. My betrothed why are you sullying yourself with that water savage," he said stroking her cheek.
"My name is Rae Ng I've lived in this village peacefully."
"Nice try princess; fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me, fool me thrice−"
"Dude there's no thrice in the expression," Ruon-Jian whispered to Chan.
"I'm a visionary Ruon-Jian I go with my own flow. Now where was I? Fool me thrice…uh…great now I forgot."
This man was an buffoon: what did she see in him? "I've brought some Dai Li friends with me you should remember them."
A group of men stepped forward. She got a limited view, it was obvious though, and they were the men she had banished almost three years ago. "You see my father and your father want things back the way they were. So the next generation can continue Sozin's dream of Fire Nation dominance."
"What if I refuse?"
"Well, then we've been ordered by the Phoenix King to take you by force or kill you."
Azula's eyes widened. No, this was a trick her father would never make an order. She is his daughter, prodigy, general. She is his most trusted ally. "You are nothing more than a pawn in the grand scheme of things. Do you honestly think my father would choose a well-groomed soldier over his blood?"
"Was that before or after you went crazy for cocoa flakes?"
"I am perfectly sane enough to know you two are being used and will be equally discarded, once fathers plan is over."
"Well it looks like I have no other choice; Dai Li could you please show the princess proof?"
One of the agents stepped forward placing a paper on the ground with the former Firelord Ozai's seal. Azula was in shock, there was no refuting what they said; she laughed. "I'm not any use to you. I'm mentally unstable and in poor health: entering into a marriage agreement is tactical suicide. Your military career will be over before it starts."
Chan kneeled down stroking Azula's face moving slowly downward."Your brother has failed to produce an heir. Once we join in matrimony we can make children the old fashion way or─"
Suddenly, a stream of blue fire hit Chan's feet. He moved back just in time to escape being only singed. Azula broke the stone shackles. That was enough. Azula wasn't going to be anyone's play thing and housewife. She looked back for Judel and he was gone. She hoped he had a plan. "Dai Li, take her down: I want her alive!" commanded Chan
The Dai Li rolled on the ground encasing them in earth. Sapphire flames licked around Azula's hands as she lit the darts in her sleeves, which she threw, each exploding on impact.
Judel arrived from a nearby tree and pounced on Chan and Ruon-Jian. Both men unsheathed their swords. They stood back and looked at the other. They attacked Judel relentlessly. Judel dodged the strikes and released ice shards from his sleeves. He kept up the assault until both men lunged forward. Judel waited patiently and breathed smoke in their faces. Both men dazed and confused ran a short distance from the scene expelling the fumes from their lungs.
Azula on the other hand battled fiercely. She obstructed the Dai Li agent's barrage of boulders with her fiery fist; when her flames abruptly transformed to an orange color and dimmed to smoke; No not now. Judel leaped by her side. They stood back to back. He used a gold barrier of fire to protect them. "We have to get out of here!"
"No, we stand and fight!"
"Will you put away your foolish Fire Nation pride: we are grossly outnumbered; we won't win!"
"What do you propose?"
"I'll create a diversion that will allow me to make one strong attack and then you will leave down the path behind us."
"No, it is my name and honor−"
"I will gladly defend your honor; when I give you the signal, you must retreat!"
Azula wasn't happy with this prospect, however, her firebending was erratic. They created a 360 attack: he thrust fire balls in every direction: Azula twirled throwing fire darts. Judel nudged Azula back giving her the signal to run. She didn't feel right about leaving. Something was boiling in the air and it was simmering with a vengeance. She looked to a nearby tree and saw a silver glint. She realized just what was occurring. There wasn't enough time she had to get back to the scene. She sprinted back to Judel in what seemed like slow motion. She pushed him to the ground as an arrow pierced her right side. The pain stung as her insides inflamed with excruciating pain; blood oozed soaking her shirt. As she lay on the ground gripping at her side she realized she forgot to put on her corset under armor. Her vision was a series of smeared blurs. "Azula!" Judel screamed.
"You idiot, I said don't kill her!" yelled Chan to the Yu Yan Archer.
Judel placed her body on nearby tree. "Forgive me I didn't protect you!" whispered Judel.
Azula's vision began to fade; she heard Judel grunting and felt an explosion. She saw a series of shadows topple over.
All that remained was the sound of her heart beating and her exhausted breaths. A pair of warm arms embraced her; Judel's blue flame eyes were the last thing she saw. All was peaceful even in the tumultuous situation. Then there was nothing but silence.
Congratulation modman33 for guessing correctly you assessed the situation down to the very detail. YAY! Until next chapter keep reading, keep reviewing.