Agni's disease

Chapter 3: Loyal Love and Facing Fears!

Palace hospital

"H-Hiten?!" Azula asked receiving a nod and the most beautiful smile Azula had ever seen, from the young man.

"At your service your highness."

"what happened? Where am I?" Azula asked.

"You are at the palace hospital princess. You got caught into the inferno that was being contained within the prince his chambers. You obtained several third to first degree burns." Hiten said as he stood up and saluted her.

"What?!" Azula screamed as she tried to sit up. However her injuries kept her from doing so.

"princess you mustn't you aren't…" Hiten began. "Mirror!" Azula spoke. "Bring me a mirror! Now!" she commanded, screaming louder.

Hiten moved to a desk in the room and opened one of the drawers. Taking out a small silver decorated handheld mirror he moved back to the princess. Handing over the mirror Hiten clenched his jaw. Fearing how the princess would react.

Azula grabbed the mirror and slowly raised the mirror up towards her face. she could see the burns underneath the bandages on her stomach, her breasts. A smaller burn on her shoulder, one on the side of her throat and neck. And then her face…

When she looked at herself in the mirror she gasped deeply. Her mouth half open her lower lip started shaking, her eyes wide like dining plates.

Her face, her beautiful face. her entire face was covered with bandages and burned skin, scars already forming. Then the pain started right below her eyes. She looked closer and realized her salty tears where the reason for the pain. When she realized she had started crying she broke down. throwing the mirror away, shattering against the wall, she brought her knees up then buried her face into her hands.

She had nothing left, her beauty, her confidence, her throne. There was no way she was ever going to be able to have any of it ever again.

She stopped crying as she suddenly felt two strong arms wrap around her gently, making sure not to hurt her. Looking up she noticed Hiten looking down at her. "Don't cry Princess. It isn't like you. You are AZULA." He said her name with such emotion she started to believe him. But then she broke down again throwing herself into his arms.

"How can you say that?! LOOK AT ME!" she screamed. "I'm hideous! I can't even look at myself! I'm scarred like my useless brother! A shame to my family and to myself!" she cried and cried and then cried some more.

"You are right you are hideous." Hiten spoke. The crying stopped "And above all you have become pathetic." Hiten said, he was about to continue but was too slow as Azula pushed him away and stood up all of a sudden saying "How dare you! I am crown princess Azula daughter of fire lord Ozai and Ursa. You will show respect or you will BURN!" she screamed at him.

During her burst of anger her skin had started to glow beneath her wounds and bandages, revealing a light that had been reignited inside of her. Her fiery character had returned.

Picking himself off of the ground Hiten walked up to her and stared her right in the face. When Azula showed no sign of being intimidated or backing off he smiled. A smile that confused her.

"This… princess Azula… is where your true beauty and strength lies. You are always so confident and powerful the people can't help but look up to you, it isn't your beauty or fair skin. Even though nobody is as beautiful as you." Hiten said as he kneeled before her. "There are plenty of women in the fire nation who are considered beautiful, but none have the same power running through their veins. In this you are unique it is this and this alone that defines who you are."

Azula couldn't help but blink at the man kneeling in front of her. The way he looked at her, he adored her, he would give her life for her, and he wasn't afraid of her power. No he respected her power. It was in this moment that her hart no longer became her own. She wouldn't give herself to this man, no, she wouldn't have to. She would make this man her own. Hiten would be her husband and she would be in charge like a queen scorbee.

(=scorpion and bee, the avatar world is filled with strange mixed animals.)

(if someone has a better animal to mix with a queen bee let me know okay?)

Azula then placed her hands at the side of Hiten's face and pulled him up to her eye level. "Hiten! From this day forward you are mine and mine alone. Do you swear, your loyalty, your body and your soul to me?" she asked as she looked into his eyes.

"I swear to you. My loyalty, my body and soul, my life. Everything I am and everything I own is yours and yours alone." He said as he looked back into her eyes.

"Then Hiten, kiss me!" Azula commanded as she brought her lips closer to his. She expected him to hesitate or pull away from her but instead he wrapped his arms around her and smacked his lips onto hers. But not too aggressive, just the way she liked it. a strong kiss from a strong man, but one she had full control over. She decided how strong, how long and how far this kiss would go. As if Hiten could read her mind or mood or whatever… it didn't matter.

She pushed her tongue forward and entered his mouth which he immediately opened for her. But then she stopped and broke the kiss. Tilting his head in confusion asking her what was wrong she pulled on his vest and threw him on the bed she had laid in several minutes ago. Then she climbed on top off him and grabbed his hands bringing them to her waist then she bent over grabbing his face as she kissed him fully on the mouth.

Hiten understood that she wanted him to caress her body, to move his hands up and down. When he moved his hands over one of her bandages she gasped in slight pain and then before he could stop or apologize she whispered into his ear "don't stop. The pain is part of the pleasure. KEEP GOING!" she hissed the last part into his ear in an 'or else' kind of tone.

While Azula was enjoying herself with her new toy, Zuko was paying a visit to the spirit world.

Spirit world

When Zuko woke up he had found himself in an unfamiliar place. He had woken up in the middle of a misty jungle… or a swamp… he didn't really know the difference and he really couldn't care. The point was that he was in a strange place and he had no idea where he was or how he got here. And that was several hours ago.

Now Zuko was tired, sweaty and covered in mud. And to make matters worse, he discovered that his bending didn't work which caused him to panic.

'What could have happened? Why can't I use my bending?' he thought for the hundredth time. Suddenly an idea hit him. well… it was more like he remembered something he had read when he was a child.

The darkest day in fire-nation history! An event where all fire-benders lost their bending. But it only happens during an eclipse, when the moon blocks the sun. looking up towards the sky through the trees he dropped his shoulders as he could clearly see the sun, but no moon anywhere.

Without an answer to the loss of his bending he kept trudging along, making his way between the trees. He had spotted some ruins a couple hours ago when he had climbed one of the trees to figure out where he was. He was now heading towards those ruins. He couldn't be too far away by now.

After several minutes he was rewarded as he finally reached the ruins he had spotted earlier that morning. Looking up at the stone building it reminded him of a temple. (Mayan style temple)

He could see two entrances to the temple. One on the bottom, going down leading underground. Above the entrance there was a depiction of a skull that appeared to be screaming. The skull was cut into the stone and had been painted to make it stand out even more. The second entrance was about three quarters up the temple at the top of some weathered stairs. From his current location he could vaguely make out a carving of what appeared to be the sun.

During the time he had taken to admire the temple he noticed that it had become increasingly hotter and brighter. (in the spirit world would Zuko still have his scar?)

Looking up, his good eye widened in disbelief as he noticed the reason why, the sun was flying down towards him. Knowing that he wouldn't be able to escape in time he closed both eyes and waited for the end. He could hear the flames roaring as the sun kept coming towards him. But then, suddenly, the roaring stopped and everything was quiet. However, he could still feel the heat of the flames. Becoming confused he wondered if he should open his eyes to see what was going on.

Before Zuko could do that however he heard a voice. Not just any voice, no! This voice had a roaring in it as if it spoke with fire. Also the voice seemed powerful yet kind, noble yet compassionate. "Welcome, my child. It took you long enough to find me. But I believe it's quite rude to close your eyes when talking to someone." The voice spoke.

Opening his eyes Zuko was met with the sight of a man made of and dressed in fire. The man himself was made of a bright yellow flame, while his robes where made of darker orange and red flames. The man was wearing an orange robe and above that a red royal dress. In fact he seemed to be wearing the traditional outfit for the fire lord. With some changes here and there.

Suddenly realization hit Zuko as he stared at the man in front of him "Agni?" he whispered in surprise. "Agni, the spirit of fire and the father to all fire-benders? Lord of the sun?" Zuko asked louder this time. When Agni nodded his head to acknowledge his identity, Zuko fell to his knees saying "Almighty lord Agni, father of my father's fathers, I am your child, your servant, I'm honored by your presence. Is there anything you desire of me?" Zuko said, trying to show the proper respect towards the god of the fire-nation.

"You can start by getting up Zuko." Agni calmly stated. "You know my name?" Zuko asked in disbelief as he slowly stood up. "Of course I know your name. And look at me when I speak to you! it's quite rude." Agni answered with a hint of irritation in his voice.

"Forgive me, lord Agni, I didn't mean to…" Zuko started. "I know… Zuko. I know. You didn't mean to offend me or be rude. But I've brought you hear for something very important and I need you to stop worshipping and admiring me so I can get you started on your path." Agni answered.

"You brought me here? Why? What could I possible do what others cannot?" Zuko asked.

"Patience Zuko. I've chosen you because you are the best candidate, or do you suggest that I, Agni, a god made a mistake?!" Agni demanded in a tone that inquired that he was feeling insulted right now.

"No! lord Agni, I didn't mean it like that. It's just that my feeble mind can't comprehend the greatness that is yours. I was merely trying to find understanding" Zuko begged as he was ready to beg for mercy.

"Then be silent so I might explain!" Agni commanded. When Zuko didn't speak anymore Agni took that as a sign to begin. "I have chosen YOU Zuko to receive a gift, however I must make sure that you are worthy of this gift. Now, before we begin you must know that it is my greatest wish to be able to present this gift to you. HOWEVER! I do not want you to accept this gift because I am commanding you to. I want you to accept this gift because you wish to receive it. I will not tell you what this gift is, only that it will help you to achieve your destiny. Do you understand?"

"Yes, lord Agni." Zuko said still slightly confused as to why he was chosen above all others.

"Then answer me Zuko do you wish to take my trials and prove to me that you are worthy? I must warn you these trials are difficult and dangerous even!" Agni inquired.

"Lord Agni, my life has always been filled with difficulties and to me there is no greater danger than my own sister. I wish to accept you trials!" Zuko said as he stood up straight and looked Agni in the eyes. Or at least he tried, Agni's face was so bright it was hard to distinguish his features such as his eyes, nose and mouth. But in that moment Zuko could have sworn that Agni had smiled at his response.

"Good for your first trial…" Agni said as he took out a knife from his robes and held it out towards Zuko. "…you must cut your bonds to the royal family! If you are to receive my gift you must not be allowed to stand above the common man. This gift is not meant for the arrogant who believe themselves better than others because of they were born into a more powerful and richer family." Agni stated.

Slowly Zuko reached for the knife, he knew what Agni desired of him. He wanted him to give up his right to the throne. Zuko hesitated, the throne had always been everything he wanted. But the words of Agni still echoed through his head. 'Just because I am my father's first born doesn't mean I am the right person to lead a nation and become fire-lord.' Zuko thought.

Coming to this realization he grabbed tail of hair on his head in his left hand and used his right to cut off the symbol of his royal standing.

"Good. I am very pleased Zuko, you have learned humility." Agni stated. "Now for your next trial, you must enter the temple." Agni said as he pointed to the lower entrance.

Zuko looked at the skull and swallowed. Once more he hesitated, slightly longer. But when Agni didn't lower his finger Zuko slowly walked towards the entrance trying to keep his composure. Looking down into the darkness that lies bellow he grabbed one of the torches burning at the entrance and made his way down.

Agni's temple / underground

Several minutes later Zuko had navigated himself through the dark passages of the temple when he arrived at a large open area. The little light that his torch provided him wasn't nearly enough to light up the room. Zuko took several more steps before the torch suddenly went out, casting him into complete darkness.

Zuko's breathing started to become heavy as he tried to control his increasing panic. Would he have to fight some kind of animal or monster in the dark? Would he die and be eaten? Before his mind could come up with any more situations the room was suddenly lit as torches sprang to life on the sides of the walls.

Then he felt something push him from behind forcing him to one knee and his hands on the ground. That was when he could hear the laughter and the cheering. Looking around he saw that he was somewhere familiar and that he was on a raised platform which was surrounded by people he thought he knew, people that lived in the fire-nation. Nobles and generals, people who had successful businesses and ladies who were raised to be escorts. To his left he could see his uncle and his sister. 'What are they doing here?' he thought. Azula seemed younger somehow, much younger and she had a sadistic look on her face while his uncle seemed to be pained by what he was looking at.

"Prince Zuko are you ready?" a voice asked to his right. He looked over to see a man he recognized and immediately he understood what was going on and where he was. The man seeing Zuko's eyes widen took that as a sign that the prince was ready. "Let the Agni-kai… begin!" he declared and the room grew silent.

Zuko took a quick look at himself and noticed that he was in his younger body, he had lost most of his clothes, his ponytail was back onto his head and his scar had disappeared. Slowly standing up and turning around, casting the red ceremonial Agni-kai cloth of his shoulders he now stood facing his father… again.

Behind one of the pillars out of Zuko's sight Agni was hiding observing the young man while mumbling to himself "The second trial, conquer your greatest fear!"

Zuko stood there silently not speaking a word as he once again watched his father walk up to him, insulting him, urging him to fight. He trembled in fear as he remembered what happened the last time.

"You WILL fight for your honor!" Zuko's father now stood directly in front of him. "Very well if you won't fight then you will learn respect and suffering will be your teacher!" Ozai said as he pulled his fist back.

Zuko still standing still watched as the fire blast was coming towards his face. instantly he snapped out of his paralyzed state. He dodged underneath his father's arm and stepped around his body now looking at Ozai's back. "So have you decided to fight or are you going to dodge and run away like a little girl?" Ozai demanded as he turned around.

Clenching his teeth together Zuko made a decision. He decided to fight. He didn't care if he would lose and get scarred again or even worse die. He would fight, he'd no longer be afraid.

"No! I'm going to fight, and I'm not going to take your bullshit ANYMORE!" Zuko yelled causing the torches on the wall to increase in intensity. The entire room immediately went silent, Ozai himself, Azula, Iroh and all others that had been witness to Zuko's outburst were SHOCKED! They just couldn't believe it. No one had ever spoken to the fire lord like that.

Zuko took a deep breath and spread his feet further apart getting into a solid fighting stance. A stance that belonged to a fire bending style which neither he nor Azula, had even heard of at this point. However he had, years later from now he would master this style. 'thank goodness.' he thought as for the first time since he got to the spirit world he could feel his bending return to him.

Ozai still being shocked at his attitude was caught by surprise as Zuko blasted a fire ball at him. Ozai brought his right arm up by reflex to protect his face. He closed his eyes as he could feel the heat of the blast burning the hairs covering his lower arms.

Zuko punched again, sending another fire blast at his father. And again, and again, slowly with each thrust of his arms taking one step forward. However Ozai had quickly recovered from Zuko's first attack.

Ozai was now swatting away Zuko's attacks like they were nothing more than flies. However he was still surprised by the intensity of Zuko's flames and the way the boy moved through his stances. The boy had clearly mastered the Rhino-style of fire bending. A style that was even too advanced for Azula at this point. Ozai had fought his daughter many times to improve her fire bending, being her tutor to bring out her full potential. He knew that each time Azula would fight him with everything she had, just like he'd taught her to. But Zuko's flames were bigger, faster, hotter and more solid than Azula's had ever been.

11 year old Azula was well aware of this as well as her eyes first widened at Zuko's display and then narrowed in a venomous glare. Many others were impressed at the abilities the young prince possessed. Jeong Jeong for example had moved next to Iroh, whispering in his ear. "The young prince has more potential than I thought. Perhaps it would be wise for us to provide him with some personal training in the way of the white lotus?!" Jeong Jeong suggested.

"Yes, you may be right. The fire nation has been walking the wrong path for too long, if we implant our knowledge into Zuko and persuade him to follow our ways he'd surely bring balance once he takes the throne." Iroh whispered back. His face transformed into an expression of deep thought.

Zuko was now breathing hard, sweat running down his thirteen year old face and torso. He was exhausted. 'I can't throw another fire blast at him anymore I'm done for.' He thought. Hunched over with his arms hanging next to his body, too heavy for him to lift, he watched as Ozai brought both of his arms back saying "You've fought well Zuko. Maybe you aren't useless after all." And then punched both arms forward sending a large fire ball towards Zuko.

Too tired to move, Zuko stood there as the fire ball hit him and consumed him before everything went dark.

Agni's temple / outside

When Zuko regained his consciousness he found himself back outside the temple.

"You're awake at last." The voice of Agni said behind him. "The trial of fear! My gift is not meant for those who are unable to face their fears." Agni explained while Zuko got off the ground.

"What was that? How is that even possible?" Zuko asked.

"That… was a memory. … an illusion created by the spiritual energy around this place and your own mind." Agni explained. Zuko couldn't take his eyes off of the ground. "That was intense." He whispered. 'Are all these trials going to be like this? If they are… what have I gotten myself into?!' He thought before looking again.

"Congratulations you've passed the second trial! Are you ready for your third and final trial?" Agni asked, a slight smirk barely visible upon his blindingly bright visage.

End chapter 3: Loyal Love and Facing Fears!

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