Chapter 14
Beta: Old man of the mountain/Darklord331
Naruto and his brothers were a bit surprised to see the princess. Quite so, but at the same time Naruto figured maybe it was due to something else going on in the city. The Rebels are something to be concerned about but sending her? That seemed a little weird.
"Mai!"
The bubbly girl wearing the two piece and long ponytail ran over to Mai. She immediately started smothering her with a hug.
"Ty, good to see you." She moaned, but Naruto saw a faint smile. "I thought you ran off to the circus. Something about it being your true calling?"
"Well Azula called louder."
Both girls smiled while Azula walked over.
"It is good to see you Mai, how have things been?"
"Eh, could be worse someone attempted to kill me and my mother and brother."
"What?" Azula gained a dark gleam, "Who is it?"
"Oh, some earth benders that probably served Bumi. Don't worry, thanks to those three we are safe." She pointed her finger over at the brothers who looked on.
Azula turned her head and frowned. While she wasn't the same judge of character as her father, she could see just by looking at the three, they were strong. Stronger than any soldier she had seen.
No one in the army had the same level of strength these three had.
Maybe her uncle in his prime or even now could match them or even her father. But she thought that was ridiculous they were the greatest fire benders! There is no way.
Right?
"Is that so?" She walked to the three brothers.
Then she dropped down to one knee, shocking the room.
"I thank you for saving my friend Mai and her family. While we aren't as close as I would like, they are extended family to me. I appreciate you protecting them."
Naruto raised an eyebrow,
"There is no need for any of this. We just did what people should do: protect those who are guiltless other than being from the same nation."
Azula smiled and raised her head.
"Either way the Fire Nation owes you for this." Turning her head, "Now back to the reason I'm here. Mai, I'm planning on a little excursion to hunt down a specific target. I would appreciate your help."
Mai raised an eyebrow. In truth, while she was skilled with the knife and she had her own talents and abilities, she knew there were better. But the look in Azula's eyes were all that she needed to see. To see her real desire and intention for asking her.
"Sure, anything to get out of this gloomy city." She jumped to her feet and smiled, "Besides he be nice to travel with you two again."
Ty Lee jumped to Mai and pulled her into a hug,
"Yeah! It's just like old times only it is a road trip!"
Naruto snorted, while his brothers each held a smile.
"What?"
"Sorry Ms. Lee it wasn't meant to be disrespectful, but it is just ironic. I said the same thing before coming to the city." He smiled, "Just find it funny someone had the same idea as me, great minds no?"
The girl brightened,
"Yeah, I get what you're saying!" Then she tilted her head, "Interesting."
"What is it?"
"Oh, I'm just looking at you and I notice something different than most people."
"Like?"
"Oh, your aura; I mean the white hair guy has a really, really, Bright aura. The other guy has a dark aura, but it is more tamed I guess. You on the other hand, you seem to have a lot of light, but I can see some kind of dark tinges on the fringe."
Naruto raised an eyebrow, that was impressive. She could tell things about their chakra but calls it aura. Maybe she was someone that could see energy and read people's emotions?
"Your right about those assessments." Buddha smiled, while scarfing down some more food. "It is impressive you could talk about our specialties by looking at us. You might be one of the blessed people."
"Blessed?"
Mai waved her hand, "Wait your saying there is something she was telling us?"
"Yep." He smiled, "I can see the same thing, but it is usually a skill someone gets after years of training. The fact you can do it so easily shows that your naturally gifted."
Ty Lee was brimming, "Thanks!"
Naruto rolled his eyes,
"Don't let Buddha's praise go to your head. The man compliments everyone."
"Hey everyone needs encouragement to keep going forward."
Naruto rolled his eyes while Beelzebub just sighed.
"Yeah, yeah." Turning to the princess, "So, is this excursion something of a private affair or can we know what you're planning?"
She shrugged,
"It's not that big of a secret; we are planning on hunting the Avatar."
Buddha smiled,
"Woah so he really is here! Somewhere in this country!"
"Yes. Our spies report that he was seen flying near Omashu recently."
"Um, New Ozai."
Azula turned to the governor,
"Excuse me?"
"We are calling it New Ozai my princess."
Azula stared at the man. Did he honestly think her father cared that a city was named after him? Hell, there was one in the Fire Nation already, he did it because it was expected of people to name a city after him when he claimed the throne. She didn't want that but knew people would still do it.
New Ozai though? That was grade A ass kissing if she ever saw it. She knew why though, Mai's father really wanted to move up the social ladder. Given that he struggled to reach his current position of power and prominence he would do anything for the Fire Lord.
She understood why, after all her and Zuko had firsthand exposure to those that fail to live up to his expectations.
Suppressing a shudder, Azula continued.
"Anyway, we are looking for the Avatar as we think he might be coming here soon. Especially since some of the captured Earth Kingdom soldiers from this region tell us that the King and Aang seemed to be childhood friends from ages ago."
Naruto rubbed the back of his head,
"I wonder."
"Hm what is it?"
Naruto looked at Buddha, "You said that someone used a wall of ice to stop you?"
"Yeah."
Naruto turned to the princess, "It is possible they are in the city."
"Oh? How can you be sure-"
"Because I heard rumors that the Avatar was seen with a water bender and if he is really friends with this old king then that means he came to see him. Given he just finished up his stuff in the North Pole it stands to reason he came to the Earth Kingdom and specifically Omashu to ask for help in training Earth Bending."
Azula nodded, that was solid reasoning.
"Well, either way it is clear that he is with these rebels that attacked Mai's family Which means we need to address the issue."
The Governor frowned,
"Yes princess which is why our friends here stated they can get information out of them if given the time."
"Oh?" She turns to the brothers, "How would you do it?"
Beelzebub held his hand up and gave a ghostly smile, "I have my skills, trust me."
Azula weighed the options. On one hand, if she did do this then she might get more information this way but might anger the troops. Thinking they can't get this info from their captives.
On the other hand, this is a good chance for her troops and the Governor to prove themselves to her and her family. But she was curious about how they would get this information and how they would manage the interrogation. Also, how long it would take to get the info they needed.
"Very well Mr. Beelzebub you can interrogate the prisoners. You have 4 hours to complete this or your being replaced."
He stood up and wiped the remains of his food off his shirt, "I'll only need one." He then proceeded to walk out of the room and Buddha put his hands in a prayer.
"May he have mercy on their souls."
Azula raised an eyebrow,
"For the prisoners?"
"Yes." Naruto took a bite of his food, "If there is one thing you don't want to go through, it is the torture that Beelzebub can deal out. Trust me when I say that man might not come out intact after this."
The family frowned and the father gulped, Ty Lee just settled for shivering in fear, while Azula smirked.
"Interesting he sounds like a natural torturer."
Naruto shook his head, "No, he is just using what he learned from his enemies to his advantage."
Ty Lee raised an eyebrow but seeing the haunted look in their eyes she decided not to pry.
"Anyway," Naruto smiled, "The food is great we should enjoy it while we can."
The rest of the room sighed at the lighter mood but soon everyone began enjoying their dinner.
An hour later Beelzebub would return with the information that they need, and they were quite fascinated at what they learned.
"So, the rebels are hidden out underneath the city and most of the resistance are those that are die hard Earth Kingdom only supporters." She sighed, "That can be troublesome with fanatics."
"True." Naruto sighed, "Fanatics can be the most dangerous of people to encounter as logical reasoning or sound reasoning is lost to them. All that matters is accomplishing their goals no matter the cost." He turned to Beelzebub, "Did he tell you where they are hiding exactly? The entrance?"
"No, that is the one thing he wouldn't tell me and trust me I went all the way. Sadly, if I went any further he would end up dead from internal injuries."
Naruto shook his head,
"Well, it sounds like he is a loyal follower to the end."
Buddha sighed,
"I think we should be more worried what plans they have now I mean their attack failed. And with the princess in the city there isn't many options they can try."
Azula agreed. "They could try to take us all out."
"And risk dooming their entire city to endless death and torture? Even the most hardcore members would state how stupid that is."
Naruto nodded.
"Buddha is right, whether the Fire Lord cares or not, killing the princess, her friends who are nobles, the governor and his wife and son along with their daughter? That is just asking for genocide."
Azula sighed,
"True but you said it yourself fanatics will do whatever they can to achieve their goals."
"While true, there is one other thing we have failed to account for. They might try to leave the city."
"How? We have guards watching the gates and checking anyone trying to leave and making sure they are reported trying to smuggle people out."
"Governor," Beelzebub frowned, "There are many ways out of a city like this. These people, they have lived here for generations, I guarantee they know other ways to escape. Even if they must go through the front gate to do so."
"Plus, we have to imagine if the Avatar is with them, he will try to find a peaceful solution."
Buddha frowned, "That does sound about right." Turning to Naruto, "But how would they get out the front gate? I mean, they can't just smuggle large carts full of goods and hide in there. The troops would check them thoroughly given the recent attack."
"Another option is they could fake something to get out of the city. Like a plague or something."
The room stared at Naruto as if he was stupid. "Hey, you be surprised what people can do if they have the right means and right people acting the role."
Everyone was skeptical but Mai sighed,
"Man, if they want to leave the city I say let them. It means they are out there and must come through the walls. Meaning we have a better defensible position and maybe even some citizens that we don't treat like shit can help deal with them."
"Mai," her father frowned, "We can't afford to do that. It would look bad politically and if we have less citizens to work in the city it would mean more work for everyone else."
"Actually," Buddha finished off a lollipop he got from somewhere, seriously the room minus the two brothers where he was getting the food. "She does have a point; I mean if they leave the city then they are no longer an internal threat. You could focus on building the city up and having more workers and traders come in. Thus, helping to show peaceful unity between both the Fire Nation and the earth kingdom citizens. From here, it can be used a testament that you can get along no matter who is in charge. Also, going against a lot of the fire nation is evil propaganda."
Azula raised an eyebrow, "That does make sense. With them outside the city the only concern that there might be is the attacks on the road when doing trades or them trying to smuggle someone into the city. We can deal with that."
The governor started to sweat and nod,
"Yes absolutely the plan is nearly foolproof."
Naruto rolled his eyes; suck ups are some of the worst next to fanatics. Either you lack a spine and do what is said or you are too stuck in your ways and are just willing to do whatever it takes.
Personally, he hates both as they were a constant issue in the Shinobi world. A spy he can deal with at least their honor and code is somewhere and you know how they operate with uncertainty. On the other hand, those two groups are just so inflexible or too easy to break that they are more dangerous to keep.
Sighing,
"Well either way, you do what you think is best. My brothers and I are just in the city for a few more days and then we are going to head out."
"Where are you going?" Ty Lee leaned over on the table, "I mean, it must be pretty interesting if you are so invested in it."
"Actually, no direction in a sense." Naruto smiled, "We just travel where the winds take us and whatever direction we go before, then we travel in another direction. Hopefully we can see the entire Earth kingdom before maybe visiting the Fire Nation."
Azula smiled, "Well if you ever do make it to the Fire Nation do let the army know you know me, and they won't give you much lip."
"We appreciate it." Naruto stood up and stretched, "Well I guess we should find a hotel for the night."
"Please stay here! The least we can do is give you a room for the night."
Naruto stared at his brothers and both shrugged.
"Alright we'll take you up on the offer Governor."
The man smiled before showing them to the rooms while he would stay up and talk to Azula about her recent activities and what is planned.
Next day, late afternoon
Outskirts of Omashu
Kurenai couldn't believe this plan worked.
No, she really couldn't.
This whole thing was so stupid it made her question how the nations weren't just being duped by a giant wooden horse with soldiers inside of it.
In the Elemental Nations this planned wouldn't have worked, with the medical advances they have they would detect a lie in an instance.
Sokka had used the slugs in the sewer to cover the people in different purple sores and liquid. There, they started coughing, moving slowly, and acting weak. Tricking people into thinking a new plague had started in the village.
In less than a few hours more than a quarter of the citizens were in on this while the rest were staying clear.
She heard that the Governor had ordered all those ill out of the city in fear that they would infect the rest of the city.
From there, they were escorted out with her team using an illusion to blend into the crowd.
Once away the citizens rejoiced in their newfound freedom.
Everyone but the fanatical soldiers.
They were angry, angry about retreating and abandoning their home and their king. Stating it was the cowards way out, they should have stood and fought.
She understood where they were coming from, but at the same time she thought these men needed to realize that sometimes it is better to live and fight another day when the odds are in your favor.
Plus, they would have gotten more people killed with such a strategy.
Thankfully Aang was able to-,
"Wait a minute." Kurenai looked around, "Where's Aang?"
The citizens looked and couldn't find him or his pet lemur.
A flying lemur don't ask.
Sokka groaned,
"Please tell me that idiot didn't."
Katara was fidgeting with her hands,
"Yeah he did."
Sokka glared,
"When did you know he was going to do this?"
She returned the look,
"A few hours ago. Sokka, he is just worried about Bumi."
"And that is just it! He is worried about Bumi to the point that he is willing to dive headfirst into a city where the Fire Nation are camped out. Hello, the princess is there and who knows how many elites she brought with her? On top of that, we have just managed to avoid getting captured due to the plan. Or do I have to remind you of the failed assassination attempt? We are lucky they wanted us out or we could have been rounded up!"
Katara snorted,
"Your being paranoid."
"No, he is right."
Hinata walked up to Katara, "You and Aang are the ones putting people in danger with reckless actions. What would happen if someone from the Fire Nation saw him flying around and decided to shoot him down. Let's say they hit him, and he comes crashing into the city? You think the Fire Nation is just going to let him get away?"
"He's escaped before."
"Just because he did doesn't mean it will always be that way." Shino walked up to her, "You should have stopped him, he could have put all of this in jeopardy."
Sokka growled,
"You know this is just like you two." Katara turned to her brother, "Every time I ask you both to trust me and not do something, it is like you hear one thing and then do the exact opposite. I told you guys not to trust Jet so blindly and you both did."
"Well, we saw through it."
"Yeah only after he blew the dam and almost wiped out a town that never did anything to him."
Katara couldn't refute so she huffed.
"Aang will be back soon give him the riot act." She stopped away from her brother he slid his hand over his face.
"Damn it I'm the one looking after these two, how can I do that when they never listen?"
Kurenai put a hand on his shoulder.
"Leadership is a responsibility; in time they will come to see your advice was sound."
"I just don't want to lose either of them." He frowned, "Not after mom."
Kurenai nodded.
Sokka was the mature one of his groups; he looked out for his sister and Aang as if they were the only thing that mattered. He didn't want to go into the city, but they did, they didn't want to get mixed up with the politics going on, but they did. And Aang was told not to fly over the city, and he did it anyway with Katara not telling anyone.
He was just trying to keep them safe, but how can he when they are just out to do everything against his ideas?
An hour passed and Aang landed with Katara hugging him.
"I couldn't find Bumi."
"What did you expect?" Sokka was not in the mood, "It wasn't like they were just going to keep him out in the open for everyone to see Aang." He glared, "But then again when have you ever listened to me or anyone else?"
"Sokka enough!"
"No Katara he is right. I should have listened." Aang looked down, "Sorry Sokka, you were right, and I should try to listen to you more."
"Aang, I get it when we had the chance to find Dad I was excited and was willing to do whatever it took to see him. But I felt my obligation to you was more important and my father would understand. You need to start thinking about us rather than yourself. That is what the Avatar is supposed to do." He sighed, "But everything is fine so I guess we can chalk this up to emotions running high."
Aang nodded,
"Thanks, Sokka."
"Don't push it next time." He poked at the fire. "Now we need to figure out where to go from here."
"Captain!"
The group turned and saw a man rushing to them. He was wearing a tattered cloak, his body heavily bruised, and blood seeping out of different points of his body. He was carrying something in his arms hidden in the darkness.
The captain, the man leading the rebels, saw him.
"Hiro!"
The man stumbled into the camp and fell to his knees.
"Sir I've returned."
"Thank the Spirits how did you escape?"
"It wasn't easy sir. They had me chained up in one of the dungeons. While I was there a young black hair man with black eyes appeared. The same one that saved the Governor's family."
"What did you learn about him?"
"He has pointy ears and said his name was Beelzebub. Stating he would be my torturer. At first it wasn't too hard some small nerve hits. But then, I remember him putting his hand on my arm and I felt like it was going to explode. My nails rattled and soon my whole body felt numb."
He shivered, "It went on like this for an hour. I told him some stuff, but I never gave away our position or how to reach us."
"Good." He frowned, "But how did you escape?"
He smiled, "Thankfully I was released from my chains to be healed. I had enough strength knock out the guards and escape. But I grabbed us a bargaining chip to get Bumi back."
"Oh?"
The group frowned, where he removed the cloak in his arms and showed a tied-up baby.
"This is the Governor's brat."
The captain gained a dark smile,
"Oh, this will do nicely."
Sokka's eyes widened, and the group was in shock,
What hell was about to be unleashed?
Chapter End