This is my first Avatar The Last Airbender fanfiction this chapter was not Beta read and if any are interested in beta reading my work before it's post PM
I would like to thank all my patient readers and hope you enjoy this next chapter
Disclaimer I don't own anything related to ATLA
Suki felt her head spinning as her almost limp body was dragged out of her cell. Ever since she was forced onto the ship and sailed—spirits know where—she had been interrogated and beaten almost daily. She could feel the fresh bruises on her stomach sting as she breathed in and out. She wanted this to be over with. But Azula would have other things in mind.
"Careful, we can't show her off if she's damaged goods," Azula mocked as the two Dai Li agents held Suki's arms, dragging her between them, scraping her knees along the iron floor panels.
"Yes, Princess," both guards immediately spoke out in unison as they held Suki still, allowing Azula to examine her.
"Why do you look so down?" Azula asked as she yanked the back of Suki's head, forcing the young woman to look up at her. Their eyes met, and Suki was greeted with a familiar golden gaze. But seeing those eyes and knowing who they belong to made Suki's blood boil. "We are practically sisters after all. Why not give me a little smile so I know you are glad to see me," Azula said as her fingers twisted in Suki's hair, locking her head in place.
Suki didn't answer, instead, she sucked up all the saliva she could muster and spat in Azula's face. Even though her throat was dry and raw, she felt satisfied watching the loogie hit the Princess's cheek.
Azula didn't even flinch, her eyes still locked on Suki's, before calmly wiping the saliva off her face. The guards glanced at each other before looking back down at their charge. They never knew which was scarier: an angry Azula or a calm Azula. Both had their downsides, but a calm Azula had an unnerving chill in her gaze that made everyone uneasy. And as if on cue, Azula grabbed Suki by the throat, her thumb digging into her neck, making the young woman gasp and choke, but still, that calm demeanor remained. "Come now, you shouldn't be so rude. I mean, I am your host after all. You should be thanking me for treating you so well," Azula retorted, almost strangling Suki.
"Princess Azula, your father is still expecting you."
"Do you wish to delay him further?" two voices cut through the wheezing sounds Suki made, making Azula groan in annoyance.
"Of course not," Azula groaned, hearing Lo and Li interrupting her. Azula's fingers remained around Suki's neck for a few seconds longer, watching the girl's face turn blue, before finally letting her go. Suki immediately coughed and struggled to catch her breath while Azula stood once more, towering over her. "Can't keep Father waiting, can we?" she said, turning on her heel. "Come now, we can't be late," she said as she stepped forward, ushering the guards to follow while joining the rest of her entourage.
"It's so good to be finally home," Azula smirked as she stepped out onto the deck of the ship. She watched as the massive metal vessel was pulled into port.
"Yeah, I haven't been home in years. I probably should pay my family a visit," Ty Lee answered as she walked across the railing, balancing skillfully on her tippy toes.
"Why would you do that? I thought you hated your family?" Mai asked, her stony expression remained unchanged as she cut into an apple with her knife, slicing a piece and slipping it into her mouth.
"I don't hate my family... I just... needed a break from them, that's all," Ty Lee replied as she flipped on the railing, now standing on her hands, holding herself upright majestically.
"Right... because people who need a break flee the country and join a traveling circus," Mai said sarcastically, not buying her excuse while dining on her apple and taking another slice from the juicy fruit. "So Azula, have you told your father yet about your brother?" Mai asked, a twinge of pain leaked from her tone, but she kept it bottled up. In truth, even though she wasn't open about it, she hated Azula. Ever so often, she felt like gutting her. Knowing she killed the only person she ever truly cared about made her eager to drive a knife into her. But she knew she'd just end up dead instead, and she might be in pain, but she wasn't suicidal.
"Yes, I sent a letter ahead to inform my father of my victories," Azula said proudly, oblivious to her friend's homicidal thoughts. "I've done what my uncle and my father both failed to do. I single-handedly conquered Ba Sing Se. I brought the Earth Kingdom to its knees. I've won the war."
"What about the Avatar? He's still out there," Ty Lee corrected, though she immediately regretted saying it, fearing Azula would lash out at her.
"So what? There is nothing he can do to stop the Fire Nation from becoming the Empire it was always meant to be," Azula pointed out. "Besides, the Avatar is nothing more than a child. Sooner or later, he will run out of allies and places to hide. In the end, I will kill him as well," she said with a cocky grin, feeling on top of the world. Soon the ship finally docked, and her adoring citizens were already cheering for her arrival.
Suki was once again dragged along, her ankles and knees still rubbing across the rough metal. Fresh and old cuts and bruises stung painfully as she was hauled off the ship. Once they reached the dock, Suki was forced up onto her feet. Her legs struggled to stand as metal cuffs were slapped tightly around her limbs. "In case you got any ideas," the Fire Nation guard uttered, locking the heavy iron shackles as they dug into her skin.
Suki then was paraded through the city, pulled along as the crowds cheered for their Princess. Azula got the hero's welcome she believed she always deserved. Her victory in conquering Ba Sing Se made her legendary. Azula couldn't help but imagine her name echoed through the centuries. She was the first person to ever conquer the impenetrable city. She basked in the reverence she was shown while she was carried in her palanquin.
While they were trotting along, Suki glanced around and peered through the marching soldiers. She tried fruitlessly to get a glimpse of her friends. But when she turned to look behind her, the guard at her back shoved her forward. "Keep moving," he growled under his breath, grabbing at her collar to keep her from falling and keeping pace with the envoy. She eagerly wanted to shove him off and pull away from his grasp, but she didn't have any energy left to fight him off. She just submitted and fell in line, at least for now.
Once they entered the palace, a place Suki never thought she would ever step foot in, most of the soldiers that had paraded with them had departed. Leaving them with only the elite palace guard in their stead. With now only a few keeping them in line, Suki was able to look around even more. Just as she turned, her heart leaped as she saw her sisters being marched behind her. Tears welling with joy in her eyes, seeing her sisters for the first time in spirits know how long. "Sisters!"
Hearing her voice, the girl's eyes shot up, meeting Suki's gaze. They too teared up seeing their Captain alive and well. "Suki! Captain! You're alive!" the Kyoshi warriors cheered, trying to push themselves to reach her, but the guards kept them at bay. Chains clashed as the warriors were restrained.
Aikio, on the other hand, wouldn't let herself be held back without a fight. The young woman elbowed and slammed her fist into the soldiers. She fought with all her might to reach Suki. She even managed to throw a guard that grappled her from behind, and she even managed to pull out his knife. But just before Aikio could reach her Captain, pointed jabs struck her side, making the proud warrior fall limp to the ground.
"What is the meaning of this!" Azula shouted as she turned to see the guards trying to keep the prisoners under control. "I will not be embarrassed by such foolishness in front of my father!" she roared as she saw the Kyoshi warriors still struggling against their shackles while Suki was held away from them. "Ty Lee, Mai, help escort these prisoners to the holding cells. I will deal with them once I'm done with my father," she ordered.
"Of course, Azula," Ty Lee answered obediently, standing over Aikio's limp body. Her pointed fists had immobilized the charging warrior.
"Sure, whatever," Mai retorted, biting her tongue as she followed orders. She fell in line with the guards.
"Get your hands off of me!" Aikio shouted, thrashing around with what little movement she could muster as the guards picked her off the ground. As she continued to struggle, Ty Lee stood in front of her, delivering another jab to the girl's neck, making her fall unconscious.
Seeing this, Suki became enraged. "Aikio!" she shouted back, watching her sister being manhandled. "Don't stop fighting! Don't give these bastards an inch!" Suki called out, trying to break free of her bonds. "I'll find you! I'll come for you all!" she roared as she too was restrained, watching her sisters being escorted away.
"Don't worry, you will be joining them soon," Azula mocked, almost giddy seeing how broken this girl had become. She then motioned the guards to bring Suki along as she made her way off toward the throne room. She couldn't wait to see her father; she already pictured in her mind how proud he would be of her.
When they finally arrived at the throne room, the heavy doors were opened for them. Suki's eyes remained fixated on the ground; she wouldn't give the Fire Lord the satisfaction of meeting her eyes. She did whatever small thing she could to show her defiance. "Greetings, father," Azula smirked, walking into the room with the guards hauling in her prisoner. The Princess gazed up at her father, his silhouette shrouded in the intense flames that surrounded the throne.
Azula walked towards the center of the room with Suki and the guards in tow. As she bowed down before her father, the guards kicked the back of Suki's legs, forcing her down on her knees. The guards restrained her as they too bowed before their Fire Lord. "I have won the Fire Nation a great victory. I have conquered Ba Sing Se and brought the Earth Kingdom to its knees. I even killed my traitorous brother and hauled Uncle Iroh home in chains. Our victory is assured," she bellowed with pride in her voice, but with every boastful word, Ozai didn't react. No words were spoken, and soon the silence from him was almost deafening. Though Azula did not notice, Suki did. Whether that was a good thing or not, Suki couldn't say, but it did make her uneasy.
Finally, Ozai did rise from his throne and approach the flames. The fires parted as if even the flames feared to touch him as he walked toward his daughter. Azula looked up at her father, expecting him to praise her, shower her with gratitude, to reward her for her deeds. But as Ozai stood in front of her, he still said nothing, he stood towering over her. Azula finally became confused; she looked up to him to speak. "Father what is-."
Smack!
The slap across Azula's face ripped through the entire room. Everyone's eyes were wide in shock, at seeing Ozai strike Azula. A bright red mark already appeared on her flawless skin. Azula blinked, confused; her eyes stung with a tear welling. She turned to look at her father once more, questioningly. "Father why did you-?" he smacked her again with the back of his hand, making her almost fall to the floor.
"Silence!" Ozai's voice dripped with venom and disdain. "I gave you one order! Find and bring back your brother and uncle. Willingly or in chains," he spat as he now circled her like a snake circling its prey. "And even with such a simple task, you failed. I expected more from you."
Azula tried to speak in her defense, but Ozai had none of it. He struck her again, making her fall to the ground on her face. Suki looked on in shock. A part of her felt bad for the Princess, but a bigger part of her wanted to laugh in her face. She thought the girl deserved worse. "Not only did you fail to bring in your brother and uncle as ordered, but you took command of my forces to seek out your own glory," Ozai growled lowly as he scolded her.
"I only did-," Azula tried to speak again, but flinched when Ozai raised his hand to her, threatening to silence her once more.
"You are just like your brother. Both failures, and both thinking they know better than I, and you both lacking respect," Ozai continued to let out his disappointment and anger. "And even with you taking my armies under your command, you still failed to capture the Avatar. You let him slip from your fingers again and again. To think I thought highly of you. But I was wrong," he berated her.
"Do you even know why I wanted you to retrieve your brother?" Ozai asked, but Azula didn't answer, fearing speaking would make him strike her again. "Of course, you don't. Even with him being a disappointment, he had his uses. I planned to have him married off to Ukano's daughter, at least then he could produce an heir that may someday take the throne. An heir with a connection with one of the wealthiest and most influential families in the Fire Nation. But with him dead, all those plans are dust, all thanks to you."
Ozai began to pace back and forth, not looking at Azula as she cowered below him. "Father... please, I... won the war for us... for the Fire Nation," she pleaded, but Ozai only shook his head.
"No. All you did was make us waste resources in holding Ba Sing Se. Now thousands of our troops will be pulled from all over the Earth Kingdom to keep the city under our control. And if we lose control of the city, the rest of the Earth Kingdom will see us as weak and strike back more viciously than ever before," Ozai corrected. "If you even had the slightest idea what I had planned, you would know there was a reason I hadn't attacked the city. But no, you knew better."
"I'm sorry, Father. I'm sorry," she pleaded, and as she did, Ozai couldn't help but see Zuko in her place, groveling for mercy. Begging not to be burned. But Ozai knew now more than ever he had to stay his hand, at least for now.
Ever since Ozai got the letter of Azula's victory over Ba Sing Se, he had been seething with rage. For years he had planned what he dubbed his ultimate triumph. He would have turned the Earth Kingdom's mightiest city into his perfect trap. He planned everything.
He had his forces and generals attacking cities all over the Earth Kingdom. Driving refugees and Earth Kingdom forces toward Ba Sing Se. He was forcing them to flee and cower behind the impenetrable walls. And now with his airship project completed, all he needed to do was wait till the comet arrived during the winter solstice. Then with one strike, he would burn the city to the ground, raining fire from above. And with one move, he would have wiped out the Earth Kingdom, dawning his new empire. But thanks to Azula, she had ruined his masterpiece.
Shaking his head, he turned his eyes to Suki. She immediately averted her gaze, fearing what he might do to her. Especially knowing what he was willing to do to his own flesh and blood. "Now, who is this?" Ozai asked, narrowing his eyes as he stared down at her.
"She... she's the trollop that was galavanting with Zuzu. She was the one that turned him against us. She's the one that made bringing him back home impossible," Azula argued, shifting the blame onto her.
Ozai eyed Suki, looking her up and down, before turning back to his throne. "Get her out of my sight," he snapped, walking past Azula toward the flames.
Azula watched her father walk away; she had never disappointed him before. She never felt his ire. She knew more than ever she couldn't disappoint him again. She pushed herself to her feet and bowed to him before snapping her fingers for the guards to follow and bring Suki along with them.
Suki sighed in relief that she was being taken away from the Fire Lord. She half expected him to kill her right there. Although, Azula could still finish the job right after leaving.
When they exited the throne room, Azula paused just outside the massive doors. She took a few deep breaths as she stood still for a moment. "Princess?" the guard asked softly, confused about what to do or where to go. Suddenly unprompted, Azula roared in rage and slammed her fist into a wooden pillar. A burst of blue fire erupted, nearly exploding it into splinters. The guards went silent, gulping, knowing not to enrage her further. "None of you will speak of this! Understand?!" she snapped, turning to them, blades of blue fire licking across her fists.
Both guards quickly nodded and promised that they will say nothing. Azula's eyes then shifted to Suki. She could almost see the girl giving her a smug look back, which made her blood boil. "You think this is funny, don't you?" Azula snarled.
"Yes, I do," Suki replied with a small smirk. After seeing that little display in the throne room, it washed away any sort of intimidation Azula had. Even with all the beatings and threats of violence and death, all Suki will see now is a sad little girl that will do anything to seek Daddy's approval.
Azula hissed in rage, seeing no fear in Suki's eyes. She then turned away. "Have her shipped off on the first vessel headed for the Boiling Rock. Let's see if you are still smug there," Azula snapped and started to march off as Suki began to be dragged away. She could hear her struggling, kicking, and screaming, but she didn't care. All that ran through Azula's mind now is making sure she didn't disappoint her father further. And just like that, her brother crossed her mind. She began to worry if maybe he could be a loose end. If he was alive, if she failed to kill him. And if he was, she couldn't let her father find out.
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