Beta Read by APigInRollerSkates. A huge shoutout and thanks to them!
The click of the wooden piece on the board proved satisfying for the young princess. This new game created by her brother, Zuko, called Shōgi is a technical but fun game that is just up her alley. Each piece is artistically crafted by a wood artisan, including the large board and the "hands" that came with it. While simple, the lacquered finish of both pieces and the board proved otherwise.
Currently, her brother Zuko is teaching her, as the set only arrived today, weeks from when he had the idea of the new game. There also came some spectators of the game, those being her friends Mai and Ty Lee. She couldn't keep rolling her eyes when she saw the two of them blushing at the sight of the serious face of her brother. Azula swore that her eye might pop out of the sockets at this rate.
But the way he teaches her these tactics resonated with her. Even a simple pawn drop can change the course of a game, and the harsher truth that she realized is that anyone can switch sides. As long as you capture a piece, it can be dropped anywhere on the board except for the pawn. Even weak pawns can become a game-changing piece as they can become as strong as a gold general when promoted.
The strongest of pieces when standing alone and non-synergistic to the other pieces will lead to their downfall. A well-coordinated attack and a strong defensive line are the keys to victory, well as far as she can tell. One thing is being hammered into her that not even her father taught her, strength alone is not enough to win a battle. A dragon's breath can be negated by disruptive pawns and an angle mover's defying movement. Even in a sticky situation, one's brilliance can shine through.
Both she and Mai are playing the game currently while Zuzu is in the middle presiding over the match, making sure the rules were followed. Azula being Sente and Mai being Gote. She could see the hint of an innocent smile on his face while patiently correcting them both on the rules. "You can't drop a pawn there, Mai. A pawn is on your side of the board." Predictably Mai blushed and she just raised her eyebrows. Zuzu, of course, noticed her and chuckled but didn't give any comment and moved on with the game.
Azula's pieces then breached the lines of Mai, promoting her Flying Chariot into a Dragon King. Mai didn't respond well as her Golden General was still guarding the king while leaving the Silver General undefended. However, instead of responding to defend, Mai dealt with it with a threat of a drop of the Angle Mover, a line of sight to both her King and Dragon King. Even with this, Azula came out on top, with a serious but fun match of beginners of this new game.
Soon, the four of them lounged with the set in the gardens where turtle ducks swam on the pond. "It's cloudy, why aren't we lying more in the open?" Ty Lee asked while she stared at the mother turtle duck.
"Turtle ducks are fun to watch mindlessly, I feel like my head is going to explode after a few more matches," Azula groaned as she massaged her temple. On a corner, though her brother is looking up at the sky, almost in deep contemplation but she didn't mind it. This has been happening in the past few months. Before, his eyes were buried beneath books and scrolls, now he just is staring at nowhere.
"Though I did beat you a few times," Mai smirked at Ty Lee.
"Hey! I'm an expert at flexibility, not brain stuff!" Ty Lee protested.
"Then you could become part of a circus crew, become a jester for us to enjoy," Azula joked and Mai laughed with her. Ty Lee blushed in embarrassment however that soon came to a halt when one of her grandfather's courtiers came rushing into the palace gardens with a concerned look on her face. Quickly they stopped what they were doing and stared at her as this was quite unusual.
The courtier quickly kowtowed in front of her brother, "Your Highness, Prince Zuko, and Princess Azula," That got her brother's attention as he looked at the servant. "His Royal Majesty, Fire Lord Azulon, summons both of, Your Highness."
The two siblings stared at each other for a bit but Zuko got up quietly, "Tell grandfather and we will be there shortly. Along the way, escort our guests into one of our pavilions. If we take too long, please lead them back home."
It was a bit peculiar they were both being called, and Itachi had no idea why they both would be needed. His training sessions with his father are still being held, but it is now to a far more intense degree. Ever since the death of Lu Ten a month ago, training had been almost every day with separate sessions from Azula. Even with perfect form, Ozai still lets Itachi repeat it multiple times until he is satisfied. Perhaps it was all a preparation for a demonstration.
Throne Room is ornate, and decadent, but also hot, yet bizarrely cold. The polish of the floors acts as mirrors and he can see Azula's worried face. The two then looked ahead to see that their parents were already kneeling in the presence of the Fire Lord. Azulon's face is already shrouded in shadows and Itachi couldn't get a read on them. Their steps resonated throughout the hall, only the flames that lined the walls produced any other noise.
Behind their father, both of them kowtowed to the Fire Lord. "Father," Ozai bowed deeply, "These two are the hopes of the Fire Nation, two proteges, my son and daughter." Itachi then sat beside him, with his sister at the right. "These two graduated early at the Academy, earning top marks and even the greatest of their teachers are astounded by their performance."
"Hnnn..." Azulon just grunted within his seat.
"Tell me, Zuko," Ozai spoke fondly, "how did Fire Lord Sozin achieve victory at the Battle of Han Tui?"
Without emotion, Itachi spoke, "He perfectly calculated the humidity of the wind, sensing it was dry. With only this knowledge and his outnumbered army, he set the city on fire, leaving everyone to perish and the city to fall." He flicked his eyes toward Azulon and noticed his impatience grow every second they were in there.
"Excellent," Ozai replied. "You see, grandfather? He even made a game in honor of our household. Game of the Generals, my son calls it, a game where one uses wit and cunning to strike down and defeat the enemy king!" Ozai proclaimed.
"That wasn't the purpose of it," Itachi mentally replied. This was to teach Azula in terms of tactics and long-term strategy.
"Zuko, demonstrate the Risen Kūjinkyaku."
Itachi bowed and rose, quietly doing his stance, legs wide and arms open with his right close to his head. He could already feel the scrutinizing gaze of his grandfather, noticing each muscle and detail of the kata. Without delay, he jumped forward and kicked his right leg forward, and using its momentum, he kicked with his left leg midair, both kicks came screaming with surging fire. Itachi then landed on the same stance as before. This was the move Ozai had been drilling them both, an advanced technique that focuses on chi control, movement, and balance. From his peripheral view, he could also see the amazement and slight jealousy that his sister now wears on her face. On Ozai's were that of being pleased but Ursa that of a stone.
"Azula," Ozai gestured with his hands. "Demonstrate it as well for your grandfather."
Without question, Azula stood up quickly and went into the stance. She leapt into the air threw two surging kicks and landed without any flaws. But before she bowed, Itachi noticed that Azulon growled as fire surged through the air from the fires of the throne.
"Prince Ozai, why are you wasting my time with this nonsense?" Azulon growled.
Ozai paused and stammered, "Fa-"
"Just tell me what you want!" Azulon shouted, "Everyone else, go!"
Ozai bowed as the three of them exited the throne room with haste but not before Itachi went to the side with the carpets but noticed Azula following him. "Zuzu! What are you-"
Itachi put his index finger on top of his mouth. "A hunch," he mouthed to a bewildered Azula.
"Not this about hunches again!" Azula hissed but nonetheless, she followed him.
The two noticed a gap within the curtains and silently watched. "Father. You must have realized as I have, that with Lu Ten gone, Iroh's line has ended. After his death, my brother abandoned the siege, and who knows when he will return?" Itachi noticed the condescending tone of Ozai. "But I am here father! My children are alive, two prodigies of their own right!"
"Say what it is that you want," Azulon growled.
"Father," Ozai started, "Revoke Iroh's birthright, I am your humble servant, here to serve you and our nation. Use me."
"You dare suggest, I betray Iroh!?" Azulon stood as fires from the throne erupted in fury, "Directly after the demise of his beloved son?! I think Iroh has suffered enough… but you! Your punishment for this insolence has scarcely begun!"
Azula tried to leave but Itachi held her arm firmly. Azula was scared but Itachi knew something big was about to happen and if he tried to change his mistakes, this kind of secret must be known to her. "You want to sit on this throne? Then you must know the pain of losing your child!" Azulon paused, "But not just any child," Azulon growled as the fire continued to slowly sear the ceiling, even the once cold feeling of the room vanished, replacing it with heat.
"Prince Ozai, Princess Ursa can still bear a child can she not?" Azulon snarled. "Answer me!"
"Y-Yes," Ozai stammered.
"Then it is settled. Sacrifice both of your children!" Itachi's hands quickly had gotten cold letting go of Azula. This... this reminds him of something, the time of his greatest failure that turned Sasuke's world upside down. It didn't matter what Azulon and Ozai said after that, those emotions quickly got to him, and their voices blurred out. His mistakes, his failures, and being put in a situation like this when he was a thirteen-year-old child. But from experience, Itachi knew delicate situations, one move, and everything would change.
Nevertheless, he felt his hands draping within the confines of his pocket and brandished a kunai. If they move a muscle, he will not hesitate to strike them down.
"It will be done, Your Majesty," Ozai spoke with conviction.
Azula thought that by being the best, she could get away with almost anything. That's why she followed in her father and brother's footsteps, both of which are prodigies. Her brother was the youngest to graduate from the academy, and she was the youngest female to graduate. Her father pushed her to the point of destruction, and even Zuzu got concerned.
Now, however, that backfires on her that no matter what she sought to achieve, nothing mattered. No matter how hard she worked, the nights she spent studying, and the sweat, blood, bruises, and burns that brandished in her body, all of it was for nothing. That fate of being irrelevant, and unloved was the worst fate imaginable, yet here she is.
She knew that she didn't compare to her brother. Zuko is dutiful to the family, perfect for her mother and father. She feels like she is the wrong piece in the puzzle despite her tremendous talent in fire bending. She constantly burned anyone that she was displeased with, and her mother considered her a monster. Her father tired her with constant lessons, never giving an ounce of praise.
But worst of all, the person she knew that loved her without question ever since she was born, was going to die with her. Those training sessions that they had, late night readings, playing together with their toys, playing hide and seek, him teaching her, tales of a bygone era of heroes, that flick in her forehead, and that reassuring smile.
That smile assured her that no matter what is going to happen, he will love her.
Always.
And they were both going to die, at the hands of her father.
Azula took a step back as she heard those words muttered by her father and didn't notice that tears were already streaming from her face. She silently begged in her mind that her father reconsider those words, that this was all a farce. Her hopes died down when Azulon summoned servants into the room and called for her and her brother.
A pit of despair formed within her stomach, even if she could try to fight, her father is still strong and who knows what will happen after it? There was no point in fighting. Silently, she left the room, not even noticing her brother calling for her. Everything became a blur. She walked about in the palace, not as to admire the scenery or the ornery of it. She wanders like a ghost, a dead person walking about, not minding the time or who she encounters.
When she felt a hand on her shoulder, she flinched. This was it. This was the last moment that she would ever see. It wasn't until the one that held the shoulder appeared in front of her. It was her brother, Zuko, and that reassuring smile again adorning his face. That smile that told her everything was going to be alright as long as he was here.
No amount of trickery can fake it, she knew what it was like. But how? How could he make this sort of face when they are going to be dead? Does he secretly hate her? All those years of training her and bonding amounting to this sort of betrayal? But before she could delve into that Zuko shook her and wore a worried face.
"Azula! Snap out of it!" Zuko shook her again.
"Zuzu," Azula muttered weakly. "Why?"
Zuko looked down and sighed, "Grandfather and father were very cruel to begin with. I should have seen this coming. I should have dealt with him sooner rather than later." She didn't notice the cold glare that he gave once she mentioned both of them.
"Do you want me gone... Zuzu?" Azula blurted out but she didn't hesitate and looked into his eyes, "I was always disturbing you, pestering you with playing with me. Dealing with the teachers and dealing with the mother for me. I was... awful. Maybe Mom was right, I am a monster. And a monster deserves-"
Quickly she felt Zuko's finger on her lips, silencing her, "You are not and you never were," he paused, "You are my sister." He then carefully placed his two fingers on her forehead, "No matter what, I will love you. Always."
That broke the dam for Azula and hugged her brother as if her life depended on it. She doesn't care that she looked pathetic, or disheveled while crying. She and Zuko will die, and these are their final moments. Those hands soothing her back were comforting for her. Azula needed this now, but there was one question in her mind. "How are you not alarmed by this, Zuzu? We're... we're going to d-die."
"We are, aren't we?" Zuko gave a sad smile. "But I'm going to find- no- we are going to find a way to escape such a fate."
Azula wanted to believe those words so badly, she truly did. Any hope that she wants she desperately clung to it, but now it is far too late. She knows that while Zuko is a prodigy, he is not a god or a spirit. Maybe even a person such as him when faced with such a predicament will deny it, "Don't be a dumdum, Zuzu. There is no way of escaping it, this is a checkmate for us. There is no point in fighting anymore."
"There is still a move, Azula," Zuko said with conviction, "Believe me that there is. Grandfather and Father might think that there are no more moves left and Father takes the throne, but there is one move left that I can give to stop this madness, once and for all."
Both of them hadn't noticed, but Ursa was listening behind a corner with a face full of terror.
Azulon is a tired man. For more than half of his life, he continued the conquest inherited from him by his father, Sozin, spreading Fire Nation ideals and prosperity toward the four corners of the world. As much as others berate him as an emotionless monster, even to his own family, he did have a soft spot for them, but only for those that prove worthy enough of his attention. The news on the frontline did not please him; it only made him more upset.
From his spies all over the palace, he already noticed the prospect of a prodigy with that of his grandson, Zuko. His perfect grades, graduating early, innovations in firebending, and mastering every firebending tutor are not achievements; it is expected of anyone who has the blood of a previous Avatar and that of royalty.
News that his other grandson, Lu Ten, was killed on the frontlines of Ba Sing Se, struck him with grief not only with his grandson but that of Iroh too. Losing a son is a grief that no parent, no matter the status within the Fire Nation, should experience. He was so upset that the period of mourning was extended for another week that this happened, not even letting any other courtiers or ministers come to his attention.
Ozai, that scheming son of his, always wanting to have his attention on his displays of firebending prowess only further annoys him. He knew he would take advantage of him as he had been waiting for an opportunity like this. He is power without control, and Iroh only proves Ozai inferior with his ruthlessness in battle but softness in the heart. He knew he made the right choice by making Iroh the General of the siege. Ba Sing Se will finally be under their control even after this great setback.
He worries that Ozai will do something drastic. He even named his granddaughter after him in some sort of display of loyalty. This makes him mistrust the man more but if killing both Zuko and Azula were the solutions for this, then he is adamant that this could work. Having Ozai arrested after and letting Ursa remarry to Iroh, she can still bear children who would also be prodigies and continue the dominance of the Fire Nation.
Azulon was surprised, however, to see his grandson here.
Zuko did not speak even after sitting down in front of him. Years of experience honed Azulon upon noticing the faces of people and Zuko is one of the best even at his young age. His expression did not bear fruit on anything, only motionless like a soldier waiting to be ordered, or a magistrate hiding their schemes behind his back. For a person so young, to have emotional control of this level is nothing but a talent in itself. That left him impressed.
"What concerns you, grandfather?" Zuko asks him while his eyes remain expressionless.
Azulon sighs and leans back in his chair, "Nothing." Zuko poured tea on the two cups prepared by his servants and Azulon drank it for a bit, his eyes not leaving Zuko. "How goes the creation of your game? Has it been finished?"
Zuko bowed slowly, "It's done."
"A game about battle tactics?" Azulon questioned, "Do you have any plans to go in the military, grandson?"
"I am not considering it at the moment," Zuko succinctly answered, "It was just a game to teach Azula about planning and analytical thinking."
"Then why not teach her historical battles and battle tactics? It seems to me that this game is just a time waster for her instead of improving it," Azulon provided.
"I do," Zuko remained practically expressionless, "Application of those tactics is presented as a game. While it is indeed good to teach tactics, application and experience provide further growth."
"Smart," Azulon spoke promptly as he drank a sip of the tea, now he was entertained by this conversation, "But what makes this distinct to Pai Sho? Isn't that game enough to teach about planning and the chaos of battle?"
Zuko paused for a moment and Azulon studied him. It seems that this grandson of his is the only thing Ozai is worth, to the point that in his spare time, he is teaching his younger sister things he learned, "Pai Sho is about territorial control, while Shogi is all about capturing the enemy king and leaving no retreat. While Pai Sho is a method, Shogi is about attrition."
"Game of Generals?" Azulon pondered while stroking his beard. He then raised his hand. "Servant!"
Quickly, a servant entered and bowed to him, though he felt there was something odd about the servant, he paid it no mind. "Your servant is here, Your Majesty."
"Bring Prince Zuko's Shōgi here. I want to see it," His eyes again not leaving his grandson, but it is full of pride and contemplation.
The servant left but he knew Zuko knew of his intentions. There was a pregnant pause between the two, as a standoff ensued to see who would give in. Normally, Iroh would have told tales of his prowess at this point or Ozai would've stammered trying to show more of his exploits, further embarrassing himself. Yet his grandson stood still, quiet, and kept looking at him. That is the respect he wanted. Only speaks when asked and does not try to curry any favor. It's almost as if he is deep in thought, "Grandson, what do you think will happen with Ba Sing Se?"
Now, that got out a reaction from Zuko. His eyes widened for a moment until he quickly focused, "I am not an expert on matters such as grand strategy, grandfather."
Azulon then held a scowl, "Speak. I will not punish you for anything that is spoken within these walls, even if you speak insolence."
Zuko again gave a pause and answered, "They will retreat. Sieges are often costly and heavy losses are incurred when there is no decisive strike. The only thing that pushes this all together is Uncle, Crown Prince Iroh," Azulon noticed for a brief moment a dark look within Zuko. "And now that my cousin, Prince Lu Ten, has died, it will collapse."
This is what Azulon feared, retreat. They are often hard and always result in wasted resources that could be further achieved elsewhere. And now his favored son is the one retreating. Azulon does not want to take this news as gospel from the spirits but with the continued intuition of his grandson, he will take precaution, "And do you have no grief that a member of our family died?"
"I do, grandfather," Zuko answered but Azulon noticed again the lack of expression, even if it was discussing grief, "But Lu Ten and I weren't close. I focused on my studies and firebending while he went on to the military. My grief is that the war cost us one member of the household."
Azulon sighed as he leaned back in his chair, carefully grasping the armrest. "And do you believe that one day, you also will be put into the frontlines?"
"It is inevitable, grandfather," Zuko bowed slightly.
"Yet you also harbor sentiments that would have put one to death," Azulon raised his chin, but still Zuko did not flinch. Azulon chuckled as he reached for his teacup for another sip, "You are young grandson. Too simple, but all so naive. Do you think that this conversation will change your fate?"
Zuko did not move, flinch, or even make any face and that impressed Azulon, only the stoic face of his grandson greeted him upon uttering those words, "You and your sister's deaths will serve a purpose for me, Ozai will finally be out of the picture of the court. I seem to recall that you had a conversation with him, Grandson, that ended unpleasantly."
"It did, Grandfather."
"Make no mistake, it is with no joy that I ordered your deaths. After all, you are becoming quite the prospect for the Fire Nation," Azulon spoke with regret, "I am sure a person such as you would understand, after all, you made a game about strategy, and sometimes, you need a sacrifice in order to achieve a greater goal. Ozai is a dangerous person. Don't worry, Iroh, the rightful heir will care for your mother once I am gone."
Azulon is surprised that his grandson is taking this well. Normally, when a person faces death they would beg for their life or be depressed, unable to talk coherently. Zuko, however, is stoic and unmoving, with an edge to his expression as well. That... made Azulon feel that indeed something was wrong. Slowly looking at the sky outside, once he took a full gaze at it, the teacup that he had been holding dropped to the floor, spilling its contents.
The sky is colored that of blood, with the clouds dark grey. The sun was replaced by the moon overlayed by three spiraling curves that loomed over the entire city. Suddenly, everything from the city to the room is pitch black with white outlines that separate them, almost like a drawing.
"I thought you were something different," he heard the voice of Zuko, but this time it was filled with venom. He quickly looked at him, and the only thing that made him stand out was his glowing eyes which brought fear that he had not felt for a long time. With a quick punch, flames surged from Azulon's fist that hit Zuko dead center, but a murder of crows seemingly dispersed and then combined near him, forming his supposedly dead grandson.
Azulon trembled in fear, but he still swiftly punched with his fist. To his surprise and horror, no flame erupted from it. "But instead, you care nothing for your family, only your pride. You are like Shimura Danzō, and the Sandaime Hokage's mistake was keeping him alive."
"What insolence are you speaking, Prince Zuko?!" Azulon screamed, but Zuko kept judging gaze on him, "Guards!"
"You are under my Tsukuyomi (月詠), Fire Lord Azulon," Zuko interrupted him. "This world is that of my creation. Space, time, everything, all of it is under my command. You cannot escape," Zuko spoke with venom. The world twisted and shifted until they were in the Throne Room, but the roof was exposed to the moon with three spinning blades that loomed and the floor was replaced by a shallow pool of blood.
Azulon struggled to make sense of anything that was happening. For the first time in his life, he felt utterly powerless, "Are you a spirit disguised as my grandson?" He asked.
"I am still Zuko, Prince of the Fire Nation," Zuko then changed into a man that Azulon did not recognize. The man is tall and wears tunic pants and slippers. His hair is tied back to a low ponytail with center-parted bangs. The most striking of all are tear troughs that were prominent on his face, "I am also Uchiha Itachi, of Konoha. I am one and the same, no matter how you take it, Fire Lord Azulon." Gone was the voice of a child laced with maturity, now it is replaced by a deep voice dripping with malice.
"A doppelgänger disguising as my grandson," Azulon spat but he then reluctantly uttered words, demands just to save his life, "Name what you want and stop this nonsense Uchiha Itachi, maybe then I will even let you live as my grandson, and forget this happened. Your life will be spared."
"Your fate was sealed the moment you decided to kill us, Azulon. I will deal with Ozai next if he tries to do your bidding." Azulon with all his might tried to bend anything, but again, nothing came of it. Itachi narrowed his eyes at this attempt, "You desire fire, then fire I will give you."
"Amaterasu (天照)"
In a flash, black flames, searing in their heat, erupted from his foot. Firebenders are used to the heat of fire, after all, they are trained to do so. These flames, however, were entirely different. Its heat is that of the sun and thus it is agonizingly painful. The color is unusual in its pitch blackness. No firebender, or even Avatar, in history can manifest such color of a flame.
Azulon could feel each flame consuming his skin and muscles, and he could not help but scream. The flames dug into his bones, producing an excruciating amount of agony, "RRAAAAAAGGGGHHHHHH-! Grand- URAAGGHHHHHH!" He shouted and tried to plead almost anything just to escape this pain but all his mouth uttered were screams of pain. In a desperate move, and he knew that this couldn't be done but he hoped it would, tried to control the flames that were slowly spreading but to no avail.
"Roam in the nightmare, Azulon, for what eternity has left for you."
Azulon wanted this to be over. Each time the darkest of the flames devoured his body, only for it to be revitalized, until the fire consumed it again, and again, and again, and again, and again. At this point days, weeks, or years have lasted, but he couldn't escape. Azulon is stuck suffering upon the flames of hell itself, and it feels everlasting. He couldn't do anything, not even think. All Azulon could feel was pain, and all he could hear were the raging flames that continued to consume him and his screams.
He tried to fight the pain, but it was so great that he couldn't bear it any longer. Agony finally consumed him, and the last thing he saw was the sight of his bedroom lit in the moonlight. On top of him was Zuko, his eyes glowing red with the three spiraling curves around his pupils, blood flowing out from the corner of his eyes, and a blade pointed at his throat.
The final purification of the poison is done at last. All Ursa has to do is put the concoction in a bottle and administer it to Azulon herself. She was appalled by what she heard from the lips of her two children when they were in the corridors of the palace. She honestly couldn't believe that she confronted her husband about it, and that news filled her with dread.
Now, she made a deal with Ozai, spare the children of their incoming fate and she will poison the Fire Lord, giving him the Throne. In exchange, Ozai wanted her banished, fearing that such a poison would, in turn, be used against him. Ursa wanted the children to come with her, but Ozai would have none of it. He threatened that if he wouldn't have the children, then none would, and he'd have all of them hunted down.
Reluctantly, she agreed, and now the poison is made. Quietly, she poured the poison into a bottle and wore a cloak, heading straight to the bedroom of Azulon. Going towards the bedroom of the Fire Lord has heavy security around, especially with the moon shining light unto the corridors of the palace. But she is used to sneaking about in the palace to deliver letters to Hira'a until she stopped years before.
Ursa successfully infiltrated the bedroom undetected, but what she saw shocked her. It was Azulon silently screaming with terror clear on his face. Slowly, he calmed down as his eyes stared at the ceiling, lifeless. And finally, it was her son Zuko, with his kunai aimed at Azulon's throat. His eyes were not their normal color, gone were the golden eyes, and instead, they were blood red and had three spiraling curves in them. From the corner of his right eye, blood is flowing out.
She saw her son slowly roll his eyelids back and pass out. Before he could fall onto the floor, she caught him and slowly caressed his face. "What have you done, Zuko?" She whispered, trembling in fear. Ursa carefully placed Zuko on the bedside and felt for Azulon's pulse. Her eyes widened in shock as there was none. Promptly she checked for any wounds caused by her son, but her search bore no fruit, the only evidence left was the now-dead Fire Lord's expression of agony.
Ursa slowly closed the eyes and mouth of Azulon and placed him as if he died in his sleep. There was no point in using the poison now.
She slowly lifted her son and placed his kunai back into his pouch. She then opened his eyes and saw that, once again, they were golden, unlike the ones she had seen earlier. Her son, Zuko, full of mystery and intrigue, revealed that he would not hesitate to kill a member of the family when backed into a corner, but how he did it without even inflicting a wound terrified Ursa.
From what she knew, Zuko never delved into poisons or botany and only focused on firebending, the sword, and throwing objects with deadly precision. But now she saw something that Zuko hid from everyone, those red eyes with three spinning blades, all joined together. Those eyes must have done something that led to Azulon's demise.
"But understand that if any harm comes to our family, I will not hesitate. I will do what I must."
Ursa shivered as she remembered those words uttered by her son months before. They aren't simply him being protective, no, it was a clear threat to those who wanted to harm him or his sister. She tried to deny it, that something must have killed Azulon, or simply it was natural causes but no. Her son Zuko, murdered Fire Lord Azulon through means unknown.
How could a boy of ten have the guts to kill? What did those three-bladed eyes mean? Perhaps Zuko is touched by the spirits, enacting revenge towards the Fire Nation? She wanted to scream at her son for doing this sort of thing but the hypocrisy soon hit her. Ursa was about to assassinate Azulon, but her son beat her to it.
Carefully, she sneaked out of the room carrying Zuko, heading towards his room. Ursa silently mulled her thoughts, and honestly, she didn't know what to do or even feel. She knew that her son just murdered Azulon, but he did it for a good reason. Maybe that book, Samidare, was so traumatic that it gave Zuko the resolve to kill.
The steps to his room were heavy, as she knew this may be the last time she would see her children. She slowed her pace to cherish the last moments she had with her son. Ursa would leave to protect Zuko from further ramifications of what he did, acting as if she is the one that killed Azulon, and to protect Azula from the fate that besets her. This act would protect them both from Ozai's wrath, as he would believe she stuck to her side of their deal.
When she arrived, she was not surprised that Azula was on his bed, sleeping soundly with no care in the world. Ursa then let Zuko down on the bed. She wants to wake him, to ask him questions but she knows time is running out until the guards discover Azulon's body. Instead, she kissed him on his forehead and whispered in his ear. "No matter what you did, you will always be my son. And with that, I love you."
Finally, she shook Azula awake, upon which she stirred. She was about to say something only to notice the sheer terror on her face, "Azula, my love, it's me! Your mom."
"Is grandfather calling us?" Azula asked, confused as she backed away slightly.
"No, not anymore," Ursa spoke sadly, her tone filled with guilt. Quickly, she hugged Azula tightly and held her shoulders, facing her daughter. Azula began getting annoyed.
"Then I'm going back to bed," Azula said, expressionless.
"Don't," Ursa spat out urgently and held her firmly, locking Azula in place, "This may be the last time we get to talk." Ursa struggled to find any words, and it formed an awkward silence between the two.
"What are you talking about?" Azula questioned harshly.
"Look, I am sorry for being a terrible mother. I know that I have neglected you, and I am so sorry. It's all my fault."
"Oh you know and you're sorry?" Azula snapped back. "You told me I'm a monster." Her voice filled with resentment.
"No, you aren't, my lo-" Ursa tried to caress Azula's face, but she was swatted away.
"I don't care what you have to say. You're leaving, aren't you? You're dressed to go and now you're saying your goodbyes," Azula narrowed her eyes, "Where are you going?"
"Somewhere far from here, to keep you two safe," Ursa smiled sadly, hurt that her affections were rejected, "Azula, believe me, that I love you. I always will."
Azula's face morphed into scorn. "Yet you coddle Zuko?" Her voice was laced with jealousy. "Instead of treating me like him, I get constant scolding like I am not doing anything right! I'm a monster, right, Mom? You told me that. Zuzu was wrong and you are right, aren't you? Monsters do everything wrong. I am wrong, that's what you think, right? I know you do!"
Ursa's heart felt as if a deep pit formed in it, struggling to find any words to form. Sorrow, self-hatred, regret, and horror, all those emotions mixed into a poison, "I am sorry, I told you that, my love. But it isn't true! You are my wonderful little daughter!" Ursa choked trying to hold back her tears.
Azula laughed, scowling in return, "You know what's funny, Mom? It was Zuko that is always there for me. Even if I annoy my brother, or even torment him, he is the one who is there, no matter what! My brother is by my side, every time! He cared! He stayed! Not out of fear, not out of any circumstance! No, he loves me because I am his sister! Yet here you are saying you love me just because you are leaving!"
"Azula-"
"Just leave!" Azula shouted with fury in her eyes as she held back tears, "That's what you are good at anyway! You're just trying to clear your conscience! You never loved me! You call me a monster! You're a coward! Liar! Say it again! Say that I'm a monster!"
Ursa couldn't hold herself, letting the tears flow from her eyes, and forcefully hugged her daughter, even though she resisted, "Forgive me, Azula, for everything I have done! I beg you, please believe me! I have always loved you!"
"Liar! You're a LIAR!" Azula struggled as a downpour of resentment finally came crashing down from her eyes, "You never did!"
"Azula, my love, please-!"
Azula then broke off from Ursa's forceful hug and looked into her eyes full of hate and tears, her face morphing into a scowl, "I want nothing to do with you! You are as good as dead to me!"
Ursa's heart shattered when she heard those words, as she honestly couldn't believe it. She was silent for a moment. Those crying hateful eyes her daughter adorns, directed towards her, skewered her heart. Each second looking into those eyes was a stab to her heart that threatened to incinerate what was left of her.
"Leave!" Azula shouted at her as she trembled.
Slowly, Ursa stood up from the bed and took a final look at her son and her daughter, "I am sorry that I did not love you enough, Azula." Ursa whimpered, getting out of the cold room as quickly as possible, and wiping away her tears. She wanted to stay so badly, to comfort her daughter, to prove her wrong, but time was running out.
Her thoughts are a mixture of anguish, pain, and finally, regret. It was so loud that she didn't hear the words uttered by Azula as she closed the door and headed towards the docks.
"Mom, wait, please don't leave me."
Finally done! This chapter has been a work in progress since 2022 and from the bottom of my heart, I apologize for the very long delay. The reasons for the long delay are first and foremost, medschool. It has been hell and I still am struggling on it. Second is some real life stuff that really took a toll on my mood. But with struggle and strife, I finished this chapter!
This is really REALLY difficult to write as this chapter is plot heavy and subsequent chapters after this are also going to be too. The ending scene also is extremely difficult to write but surprisingly took me two days as that scene hit quite close to home.
I honestly would like to thank you, dear readers, for the support this fanfic has gotten. It has been long since the update but I read reviews occasionally and always come back and try to write something, anything, with substance. It's all due to your support and with my beta-reader APigInRollerSkates that this chapter had come to be. So please, enjoy!
As I have said before and I will say it again and again. If you have any ideas regarding this story or if there is something you want to discuss with me, please, don't be afraid to reach out on the reviews or pms whether it's something you like or don't like about the story! I'm open to any kind of criticism except flames which obviously do no good.
So what do you think of this new chapter guys? If you have any suggestions, constructive criticism, or kind words, please I urge you to leave a review! It helps and motivates me to write another chapter of this story. If you have any criticism please also reach out to me or leave a review as it helps me improve as a writer! Any flames are unwelcome.
Thank you all and have a good day!