Book 5 Water
Chapter 9 Secrecy
Firm footsteps were heard as the sight of two black boots came into view walking across the red carpet. Draping behind the figure was a cloak with a silver crest etched into the ink black fabric. Servants bowed to their feet at the sight of the man as he made his way down the royal hall of the palace.
Ahead up the hallway General Jee was seen reviewing recent paperwork. The man turned his head to see the figure coming his way. The general gasped as he saw the man before him.
"Colonel Ryo…" Jee said with shock as the man formed into a short bow before speaking in a low tone.
"Surprised to see me, General Jee? You should be." The man said ruthlessly as he then spoke again a more stern tone.
Jee narrowed his eyes as he recalled the man's former history in his thoughts.
'Colonel Ryo was the commanding officer for Lieutenant Huo's men. He was dismissed from his position; due to the Lieutenant's reckless instructions from keeping Azula's escape private, costing both the Avatar and Fire Lord Zuko himself to be in mortal danger.
Such information was inexcusable to the Fire Lord and his councils. Thus Huo and his men were removed from their title and status as official commanders of the Royal State.'
General Jee never heard from the Huo, Ryo or any of the other men in the previous service. To see the ex-Colonel now was indeed a surprise and judging from the man's strict expression, he means business.
"I have arrived from the Earth Kingdom to bring news to your Liege." Ryo said in a wryly voice.
General Jee brushed aside discourteous tone from the man as he kept a professional appearance.
"And what news do you bring?" Jee asked as Ryo smirked slightly.
His grin appeared almost malicious as he spoke in a smooth tone, "A letter from Lieutenant Huo, grandmaster of the Black Lotus Society." Ryo said as Jee's eyes widen as he gasped out.
'Impossible…' Jee thought to himself as he kept his blank facade up, seemly unaffected by the shocking information.
"Be sure to give this to the Fire Lord…" Ryo said enigmatically as he reached into his robe and pulled out a scroll with a white ribbon sealing the paper. Ryo then dropped the letter on the ground by Jee's feet before smirking.
Jee continued to ignore the man's relentlessly disrespectful actions towards both his honor and station as he bent down to picked up the scroll.
He was not looking for any unnecessary contradictions.
Especially since the institute was in such a delicate state. He couldn't afford any problems for his majesty. Keeping his head low, Jee steady himself up while he kept his gaze away from the ex-Colonel.
Ryo smirked with satisfaction as he watched the gaucheness display from the general. He knew Jee's position and personality were at sake, going against everything he was trained to do.
It was a disgrace for a man of high rank to lower himself to such a level. Thus it made this situation rather pleasant in Ryo's eyes, to witness such humiliation from the man. It was becoming a sweet revenge for the ex-Colonel.
Ryo always disliked the general; Jee was, after all favored by the Fire Lord. It only seemed reasonable to make him pay for what he has done with this embarrassing act.
Even though, Jee has nothing to do with the Fire Lord's decision of Ryo's banishment. He still loathed the man nevertheless…Jee was simply a victim in this cruel twist of unwelcomed requirements.
As Jee stood up, Ryo closed his eyes before turning the other way and leaving down the hall.
"We'll meet again…" Ryo said pompously as he continued down the hallway while Jee narrowed his eyes with an unsettling expression. As soon as Ryo was out of Jee's sight.
The general grinded his teeth while his mind thought of the outcome.
'This is bad…I must inform Lord Zuko.' Jee thought as he then paced down the hall and to the Royal chambers.
"I have sent my brigade to the Southern West boarders…With this new route we should arrive in the Southern Water Tribe in less than two weeks. After we gather supplies Hing Wa Island." The commander said as he reported the news to Hakoda.
The Water Tribesman Chief nodded his head in understanding as he reviewed the map.
"Alright then…Commander, I leave you to your work." Hakoda said as he left the cabin and entered into the metal hallway of the ship. The man soon exited out of the doorway and out into the deck. A cool breeze caressed his face as he stepped forward.
Looking ahead, Hakoda saw a lone figure standing by the rail. A long red cloak swayed in the wind as the figure continued to stare off into the open sea.
Hakoda walked up to the woman, slowly stopping in his tacks he heard his daughter speak.
"It's been so long, since I returned home…What-What if they hate me?" Katara said aware of her father's presence as the man blinked in confusion from the woman's concern.
"Who would hate you?" Hakoda asked surprised to hear such doubt in his daughter's voice.
"For betraying my people…I should have been there. Rebuilding our village. I-I could have done something!" Katara said as she held back her tears as her voice choked into an unspoken sob of regret and fear.
Hakoda lightly smiled as he took a step closer to his daughter. The man placed his hand on her shoulder as he turned her around to face him.
"Katara…You have done something. You've helped our people by traveling with the Avatar. Training him and protecting during the time of war. You also accomplished a remarkable result by forming a union with Fire Lord Zuko. Because of your sacrifice you have done so much to help restore our village." Hakoda said warmly as Katara kept her head down.
"Dad..." Katara said as she then lifted her head up at the wise leader of the Water Tribe.
Hakoda smiled as his daughter beamed back a soft smile as she embraced the tall man.
The scene backed away by a bird's eye view as the sun shone on the open sea like sparkling crystals.
Entering into the noble district, a figure was seen dressed in a long vermillion robe. The figure stepped to the front gates of the Royal Fire Nation Palace.
Two guards gazed at the person with suspicion as the first guard spoke out. "State your validation for presenting at the Royal gates of Fire Lord Zuko." The guard said as order by the councils.
The figure lifted her head revealing her face towards the men. The guard gasped as they recognized the woman.
"Princess Azula…" the second guard said as the men then bowed deeply to the former princess.
The woman simply nodded her head as she spoke in a low tone. "Open the gates…I wish to see the Fire Lord." Azula said as the men quickly turned and opened the large metal doors.
Once Azula entered into the courtyard, she noticed something different. Two large white marble fountains one either side of the center of the lotus titled floor. The fresh water sprouted from the top of the fountainheads, pouring outward in a fan-like reflection before drizzling down into the bottom. Narrowing her eyes slightly, the woman continued on into the palace.
The sight of the nursery came into view as the nanny tended to the crying baby while Kya was seen sitting by the fireplace.
The little girl was fascinated by the blazing flames as they danced in a brilliant display of grace and power. Her blue eyes glistened wildly as she remembered her father present the wonderful demonstration of the dragon dance.
Looking down at her hands, the girl tried to mimic her father's flickering wrists and gentle movements. Swaying her hands back and forth, the girl felt a strange pull on the fire. Sticking her tongue out on the side of her lips with concentration, Kya felt a magnetic grip on the flames inches from her fingertips. The child beamed a smile as she watched the small flame came forth into her hand.
The little ball of warmth tickled her fingers as it felt like a tiny heart beat pounding inches above her palm. Then Kya's eyes widen slightly with awe as the orange ball slowly turned into a bright golden color before blending into a solid lime green and then into an enchanting blue. Kya was amazed at the different colors before her eyes as she then laughed lightly with contentment.
Just then the nanny stepped in, "Miss Kya would you like som-Oh my Agni!" the woman cried out as she saw the little girl holding a blue flame.
'The wicked blue fire…' the nanny thought in horror as she then stomped over and grabbed the child away from the fire place.
The quick action caused the girl to release the small flame from her grasp, fading away into the air.
"Away child!" the nanny shouted out as Kya cried with confusion and panic.
As the nanny tried to hold back the girl from breaking free, a servant woman came in to find the alarming sight.
"Mrs. Fae what are you doing?" the servant asked in disbelief as Kya whimpered out to be freed.
"Miki! Grab the child, she possesses the blue fire! Hurry!" the woman called out as she struggled with the girl.
Miki gasped in surprise as Kuzon then entered into the room.
"Ah! What are you doing to my sister?!" Kuzon demanded as Miki then held him back from charging at the woman.
"Call for the Imperial!" Miki shouted at the doorway alerting the guards outside.
"Let me go! Let me go!" Kuzon cried out as Miki held him in her arms. Kya started to whimper out again as the nanny lifted her off the ground. Kya started to kick and fuss as two guards entered into the nursery.
In the background, baby Lee wailed from the loud commotion.
"Kya!" Kuzon shouted as he reached for his sister as she was taken away from one of the guardsmen.
"Kuzu! Kuzu!" the little girl cried out with fear as she was led out of the room.
"Release me!" Kuzon yelled as he pushed Miki back before he was caught again by the guard.
"Let me go! Kya! Kya!!" Kuzon yelled out as the scene backed away with the guard carrying Kya in his arms.
Azula is back home! Kya discovered she is a firebender…But oh no, she has the powerful blue flame! What will happen to the siblings? Stay tune and review to find out more!