The Boiling Rock was just as Zuko remembered it, a metal fortress surrounded by steaming water and overhanging cliffs. Inescapable by lesser men and only reachable by gondola, or air. Not that there was ever a chance of the Avatar coming here. Still, the enemy knew about airships, or soon would; perhaps they should prepare the Capital and all bases against the possibility of assault by air.
Like back in the Dragon Raids.
It was an amusing notion. Once again the skies could fill with enemies, too high to reach, able to rain fire down upon all they held dear. This time though, they had the advantage. No dragons, only one Bison, and they held the skies alone. At least for now. Soon enough the earth kingdom, what was left of it, and then maybe even the northern water tribe would devote themselves to joining them in the heavens.
That was not for quite some time, and Sozin's Comet would be upon them soon. No need to get paranoid. Yet.
The gondola took the Fire Nation royalty down to the prison complex, along with their friends, guards, injured assassin,and two of Azula's Dai Li agents who held their professional curiosity in check through years of conditioning. It was not everyday one saw the inside of a maximum security prison built by firebenders, designed to hold the most dangerous of firebenders.
Maybe they'd learn a few things.
The journey was made in silence after Ty Lee grew bored and ran along ahead of them, heedless of the boiling death awaiting should she slip. Not that she would ever slip. Mai alternated between practising her quick draws and her bored expression. At least she'd pulled out of her funk at not dating Zuko. It was hard to be more sullen then her usual, but she had managed.
oOo
When they arrived they were greeted by a battered warden. Unexpected visit from royalty aside, today was not going so well for the warden. Hakoda of the Southern Water Tribe had almost escaped after less than a month in his custody, and made it further than any other to date. The man had earned his respect as an absolute troublemaker and cunning opponent, but also earned his ire. And much more of it.
Being knocked out, taken as hostage and dragged halfway to the gondola before the guards finally managed to stop the water tribe chief and the criminals he'd rounded up was not exactly the best start to the day. Then he'd had to deal with the troublemakers and settle the other prisoners down from their riot. A riot he just knew was Hakoda's fault.
Now the prince and princess were here unheralded and unexpected. Nothing good could come of this. But at least he got to see his favourite niece again.
"Your Highnesses," damned if that didn't sound plain awkward, "Welcome to the Boiling Rock." He stayed kneeling; the rumours around the prince were lacking details, but those related to the princess were not. And he liked his face unmelted, thankyouverymuch.
"Warden. We have need of your medical facilities, for my brother's hands and this man's life. He is to be treated quickly and by the best; he has proven useful and will continue to be so. Am I clear?"
They came here for medical treatment? "Yes, of course, Princess." He rose at her gesture, and hesitated as they walked past him. He fell in behind her and ordered one of the guards to lead the injured man to the sick bay. "May I ask why you have chosen us? Surely there are better facilities."
Zuko almost snorted. "We battled the Avatar at the Western Air temple and he managed to escape us. You are closest, and that man well worth the time lost. Make sure my man recovers as quickly as possible." Else you regret know regret.
The prince? "Of course, Prince Zuko." The Avatar, so close? And it looked like Mai hadn't picked up where they had left off. Poor girl. Oh well, there were plenty of noble boys out there, if none so high born. Besides, the prince didn't seem like his old self from Mai's letters. He felt a little... too cold. Hard. His niece could do better.
Damned if he didn't match the princess perfectly though.