A/N: I had a feeling so peculiar that this pain would be for evermore. Love and be loved. Read… and review!
Warmth
[Late Fall/Early Winter 138 AG - 145 AG]
[Late Fall/Early Winter 138 AG]
My friend, Katara,
We have once discussed in the underbelly of our city how I divide my life into chapters of a book. Given your most recent letter, I'm afraid this may be the last chapter in which we call ourselves friends.
I have already freely admit that I knew by 116 AG that my sister was alive. She feared, and apparently rightfully so, this exact outcome. She also feared for her life from enemies unnamed and untold.
Your rage blinds you and drives you. I beg you to come down from your mountaintop and look at what good she has done for those around her. I should hope that Agni does not judge us for our worst days, but the sum of all of our days.
Should you not wish to speak rationally on this topic, then this chapter is over between us. I wish you good fortune in the hunt to come.
Your friend,
Zuko
[Late Fall/Early Winter 138 AG]
Wanted: Azula of Caldera
Known Alias: The Dragon Empress
Numerous crimes including murder and treason, assault of the Avatar's family
She has black hair, gold eyes, short, wields blue fire. Current whereabouts unknown, but last seen near Linlhao Island. Permission is granted to kill her on sight.
Wanted: Ty Lee of Caldera
Known Alias: The Ghost
Numerous crimes including treason, harboring a terrorist, and assault of the Avatar's family
She has brown hair, grey eyes, tall, and acrobatic. Current whereabouts unknown, but last seen near Linlhao Island. Disregard the rumor that she is actually a ghost. Permission is granted to kill her on sight.
Both wanted posters bear the mark of the Chief of the Southern Water Tribe, Sokka, and the Northern Water Tribe. They both also feature crude, rather unimpressive, and inaccurate drawings of the women.
[Early Winter 139 AG]
VILLAGE DECREE
By decree of Chairperson Po Boh, representing the voice of the Council of the Elders, the wanted fugitives known as "Azula of Caldera" and "Ty Lee of Caldera" are henceforth granted asylum should they seek it in Lanxi.
These outcasts have a long and storied history with Lanxi, one which will not be ignored by current or future Lanxian citizens.
By the power of the Queen, afforded to the Council by way of Lanxi being an incorporated village of the Earth Kingdom, no charges will be brought against either woman while they are present in Lanxi. Those found to not be cooperating with this decree will meet with consequences most fatal.
By the Queen's Hand!
[Early Winter 139 AG]
To:
Lomin of Kyoshi Island
Leader of the Kyoshi Warriors
Dear Madam Lomin,
Subject: Alleged Involvement in Aiding and Abetting the Dragon Empress
Ref: Sanction No. Z6001224729
This letter is in reference to the above referred sanction number for your role and the role of your predecessor, Suki of Kyoshi Island, in the alleged efforts of aiding and abetting the wanted criminal Azula of Caldera, commonly referred to as 'The Dragon Empress.' Documents, interviews, reference checks, and reports were reviewed for the period spanning 116 AG to as recently as 133 AG. In consultation with the Earth Queen, the Avatar, and the Chiefs of the Southern and Northern Water Tribe, we have come to the difficult decision to sanction Kyoshi Island and its collection of the Kyoshi Warriors for their involvement. The terms and conditions of such sanctions are as follows:
[Early Winter 139 AG]
Dear (?) Diary (?),
Truth be told I'm not sure how long I'll keep this up. I'm 54 for the love of Yue, and this is my first time doing something like this. I've never kept a diary, but I thought it might be good to have a record of this time.
A (not sure I should be using her full name in case this ends up in the wrong hands) and I settled into Honan Bay. It's about a day's travel to Kyoshi, by foot, and much faster with any kind of motorized vehicle or creature powered carrier.
We found yet another nowhere village to crash in, but this time feels different. Our home is out of sight/out of mind, on the outskirts, hidden amongst the woods. The realtor was a shady fellow and we bought the house straight coin, above market value, no questions asked. It almost feels like we've retired here, but it just feels. Im not sure. A is different. She's been mumbling in her sleep. I can't tell if she's sleeping lightly or still awake. Things are hard.
That's where I'll leave it for now. Maybe forever. We'll see!
— T
[Early Winter 139 AG]
NEW AGE OF TECHNOLOGY: GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY HELD FOR FUTURE INDUSTRIES FACTORY
A groundbreaking ceremony was held for newly formed Future Industries in Republic City this past week. The company's multi-million yuan project will add approximately 250-300 new jobs to the area and create the first real challenge to the Cabbage Corporation's grip over motorized vehicles.
The recently funded company's President, Hiroshi Sato, 18, says they are excited to celebrate this commitment to Republic City…
[Late Winter/Early Spring 139 AG]
To: Azula of Caldera
CC: Fire Lord Zuko of Caldera
Greetings Ms. Azula,
We'd like to first congratulate you on your continued success of helping those who are in need. We at the Cabbage Corporation know that at your core, this is, has been, and always will be the very ethos of the 'Dragon Empress' persona. From our own beginnings when Mr. Lee Gan-Lan was but a humble cabbage merchant, we strongly believe in practicing what we preach. Which is why we have done exactly that over the last twenty-six plus years as the Cabbage Corporation.
As you may recall, none of what we've been able to accomplish would be possible without your belief in us and commitment when we were at our lowest moment. With that in mind, at the insistence of Mr. Gan-Lan, we would like to invite you to sit down with our Board of Trustees to further discuss our potential working relationship.
This will be a great chance for you to learn more about our company and…
[Late Winter/Early Spring 139 AG]
To: Suki of Kyoshi Island
My Wife,
I have resisted the urge to write this letter for several moons. Many nights my hands did wander with a quill over a blank parchment but never did I spill the ink until now. Enough time has passed that I believe I now have the perspective needed to organize my thoughts into words. I have envisioned writing it and thought about what I would say many times. The prospect of it feels more like a memory than the reality of me currently writing it. I suppose I'm just procrastinating with this rambling; simply delaying the inevitable.
We have seen each other many times since that fateful day late last year. Hana, our miracle 10 year old girl, I hear has sensed the tension between us when we've been afforded the opportunity to be together. I'm writing now to say that I am not just disappointed but frankly furious with you over this matter.
Perhaps the most dangerous person to ever live and you kept her secret from me for more than 20 years? There are secrets of mine that I know you have not kept as long - and I'm your husband! What made her special? Why did she deserve more reverence? Why was it that…
[Late Winter/Early Spring 139 AG]
To: Sokka of the Wolf's Cove
Chief of the Southern Water Tribe
My Husband,
I have waited a long time for this letter from you. A little surprised it took you as long as it did. Please never lose sight of the fact that I love you dearly. Hana loves you dearly. We need you in our lives and will never stop seeking you.
But also know that I have no regrets with regards to my protecting of Ty Lee and Azula. And I never will.
No amount of scolding letters, scornful tones, or eyes of disappointment will ever change that. I did what I thought was best at the time. It did not adversely impact your life, or the lives of others. She simply was a woman 'dead' to the world and lost to time.
My keeping Azula alive did not kill you. Nor was it the reason Katara started a fight she was ill prepared for.
On the contrary, Zuko, Mai, and I kept her secret, and as a result many lives were saved in Lonlhai and Ba Sing Se and elsewhere.
I can go to my grave knowing that keeping Azula's secret was for the betterment of the world. No matter how much your fury may try to convince me (or yourself) otherwise. Her ousting leaves Lonlhai in a precarious place, and I, for one, pray to Kyoshi that you do all that you can to defend it in her honor.
Love,
Suki
[Early Spring 139 AG]
LONLHAI VILLAGE LEFT IN RUIN: WATER TRIBE SAYS ALL LIVING THINGS SEARED TO DEATH
The terrific events of the destruction of Lonlhai Village on Linlhao Island were admitted by Water Tribe radio yesterday when it reported that all living things, both human and animal, were seared to death by the small army of ravagers who invaded the island overnight just two days ago, The Republic Times' has learned.
They were burned beyond recognition, it added, and authorities were unable to assess casualties because the village was a disastrous ruin.
Those found outdoors were burned to death and those indoors were killed by indescribable pressure and heat, while houses and buildings were crushed, including emergency medical facilities.
[139 AG]
Dear Diary,
We've been here at Honan Bay for almost half a year now. I wanted to celebrate, little milestones and such, but A wasn't feeling up for it. Per usual. Any more she is a shell of herself. She's not the woman she used to be. So filled with anger, like she hasn't been in years. Not since before…
Anyway, best not to dwell on it. We've made a few friends. The other day A went into town, an extreme rarity for her, and went to the town pub. No one has been by the village looking for us in a few weeks, so it felt safe. The sheriff in town is gullible and easy to pull information from, that's how I've stayed up to date. A heard things through the vine while at the pub so she may go back to see if it continues to bear fruit.
She still hasn't heard about the island. Or if she has, she hasn't reacted to it. I'm honestly not sure which would be worse. Right now I'm just stuck with my own grief about it all. So many loved ones and young ones. My heart aches and I weep at night while A sleeps.
The townsfolk have begun dubbing us a nickname. Not our first title, maybe not even our last. Just the latest.
— T
[139 AG]
CLEARANCE LEVEL: 6+
TO: CHIEF SOKKA OF WOLF'S COVE
FROM: YOMA OF WOLF'S COVE
Chief Sokka,
I am writing to you on behalf of the military's team of botanists tasked with analyzing the fallout of Lonlhai Village. We encourage you to read the entirety of our report, however the below brief will provide you with a summary of the full report. We are readily available for any and all questions.
BRIEF:
The incident devastated vegetation in the village during the attack
In the aftermath, the flames reached such a point that they caused a cataclysmic event with an underground volcano line, creating a massive noxious gas release
The result was the largest noxious gas release into the environment ever recorded for any civilian operation, and the largest amounts of noxious substances were released into the air for about 10 days
This caused serious social and economic disruption for large populations on Linlaho Island, Gako Island, Kudao Island, and Jaohu Island.
Most of the released material was deposited close by as a dust and debris, but the lighter material was carried by wind over Gaxia Island, Western Hudayao Islands, and to some extent over Huwan
Plant life is unlikely to survive, grow, or thrive for many years, upwards of decades from now…
[140 AG]
To: Azula of Caldera
CC: Ty Lee of Caldera, Ty Lee of Kyoshi Island
Greetings Mrs. Azula of Caldera, and Mrs. Ty Lee of Caldera,
We'd like to begin this letter by first extending congratulations to both you and your spouse, Ty Lee of Caldera! Our recent investigative work into your background uncovered documents registered with the Royal Palace of Caldera detailing your lawful marriage through the Fire Nation completed in Spring 118 AG. According to the records unearthed, it was administered by a registered Fire Sage with Fire Lord Zuko and Fire Lady Mai as the witnesses and performed in the Earth Kingdom incorporated village of Lanxi. This, in the eyes of the law and to our Board of Trustees, makes Ty Lee of Caldera your dependent and thus entitled to the fortune afforded to you by our founding and governing documents.
We would like to once again invite you, both, to…
[140 AG]
Aunt Ukuyi,
You were not there for my youth so it makes sense why you do not understand. Growing up in Lanxi was formative in making me who I am today. Above all else, my father and the Secret Princess had an indelible impact on me, but they were hardly alone. The fellow villagers, my father's friends, the Council Members, and so many others. They all contributed to making me who I am in my 24 years alive — far more than you or Aunt Zirin. Perhaps above all else was my work ethic and drive. My motivation. The never ending chase for perfection.
The way that Aunt Zirin has been acting, increasingly so in the last 6 years, since the move to the Dreaming City and her involvement with the less savory individuals? It's like she doesn't even know me. Like she never knew this core aspect of me. She showers me, and yourself, with gifts and boons. None of it earned. None of it gained. All in an effort for her to buy my affection. It has forced me to try and reckon my own personal successes with her status.
Did I really gain my employment at this company, or was my hiring predetermined? Have I truly earned the respect of my peers, or was that purchased? Will I really see my successes as fruits of my labor, or has Zirin bullied all of my obstacles out of the way? I fear that…
[140 AG]
Zolt,
Our efforts to capture Yu Dao have proven successful. You can now confidently report that your dynasty expands into the Earth Kingdom's north-west. Within a few weeks, months at the worst, we should have the port repaired and ready for ferries.
I shall remain on sight, upon the throne of this dilapidated ward, beneath the boiling throes of an active volcano, to extend your will and testament.
Under your eye, we shall smite the earth.
— The Unbroken
[141 AG]
LONLHAI AREA TO BE ECOLOGICAL RESERVE
The Water Tribe has decided to designate the lost village of Lonlhai on Linlhao Island to be an ecological reserve that will be used to carry out scientific studies of the impact of noxious gasses on the natural environment.
Following the massacre of the village just over 2 years ago, Water Tribe scientists argue that this information, which will be gathered by a number of special laboratories in the reserve and will involve, for example, tracking the behavior of animals and the growth of plants, and could eventually be useful in helping to increase the yield of crops and their resistance to disease.
"It would not be possible to reproduce the ecological situation which has been created in the Lonlhai area by experiment," said Yan of Wolf's Cove, chairman of…
[142 AG]
"CASE NUMBER: 08/05/142/0506
Incident: Attempted theft
Reporting Officer: Police Officer Lin Beifong
Date of Report: [Redacted]
At about 1210 hours on [redacted], Police Officer Lin Beifong was traveling northbound on Howl Boulevard in the Unit 3 vehicle. Dispatch relayed that a robbery had been reported "on the corner of 5th [Street] and Harbor [Avenue]," with reference to suspects heading "south on Howl." At this time, Officer Beifong was only four blocks south of the reported incident and witnessed a high speeding vehicle going in the opposite direction. Believing the vehicle to be the reported car, Officer Beifong quickly turned her vehicle around to pursue the fleeing vehicle.
Officer Beifong pursued the suspects at high speeds through the streets of Downtown Republic City. At the soonest opportunity, Officer Beifong performed a Class 2A takedown metal bending cable to remove the driver's side rear wheel. The vehicle subsequently spun out and crashed on the side of Evergreen Rd. Officer Beifong exited her vehicle and witnessed two unidentified males exiting their vehicle and fleeing the scene. Officer Beifong pursued them and subdued them by performing a Class 3 takedown.
While retracting her cables on the suspects, Officer Beifong was interrupted by a then unidentified female from the vehicle stepping out and demanding that Officer Beifong stop. Officer Beifong turned her attention to the unidentified female and came to learn that it was Civilian Suyin Beifong.
During the course of the ensuing conversation, Civilian Beifong admitted that the unidentified males were indeed her accomplices in the robbery, stating that Civilian Beifong was "just driving the car" because Civilian Beifong "owed [the unidentified males] a favor." Officer Beifong then realized that the unidentified males were gang members of the group that Officer Beifong knows from her training and experience as the Terra Triads. Civilian Beifong then attempted to leave the scene. Officer Beifong gave a final warning to Civilian Beifong to not attempt to leave the scene, but Civilian Beifong still continued to walk away. Officer Beifong then performed a Class 1B metalbending maneuver to lock the right wrist of Civilian Beifong. Civilian Beifong then metal bent a blade from her left wrist and sliced the cable, which retracted and sliced Officer Beifong across the face. Thereafter,
…"
— Arrest report destroyed by Police Chief Toph Beifong
[142 AG]
Zolt,
I am writing to you to inform you of an important development out here in Yu Dao. We were made aware by our local CI among the civilians that there was a rare type of bender living among them. You may be familiar with the exceedingly rare combustion benders? A young girl, just 3+ years old, has displayed early signs of this ability.
As such, under my direction, we have forcibly relocated the girl from her family and into our facility. I am certain she is young enough that she will not remember them given enough time. While we did not receive this directive from you, I know you would support it and wanted to write to you to inform you.
Under your eye, we shall smite the earth.
— The Unbroken
[143 AG]
REPUBLIC CITY POLICE CHIEF TOPH BEIFONG ABRUPTLY RESIGNS
Republic City police Chief Toph Beifong has abruptly resigned, a spokesperson for the city said yesterday.
Beifong was the first Chief of the Republic City Police Department, being named as such in 113 AG. Beifong went on to found the Metal Bending police force and utilized Kyoshi Warriors to teach chi-blocking to non-bending members of the force.
Chief Beifong is most famous for inventing Metal Bending, being the Earth Bending mentor to Avatar Aang, a crucial member of the efforts to end the Hundred Year's War, the arrest of notorious bloodbender Yakone, and many other achievements.
"My time with the RCPD has been rewarding both professionally and personally," said Beifong in a statement about her departure…
[143 AG]
WHERE IN THE WORLD IS THE DRAGON EMPRESS?: EXAMINING THE DISCOVERY AND DISAPPEARING ACT OF THE FORMER PRINCESS AZULA
What was once a deafening roar has been subdued into nothing more than a whimper after five years of fruitless efforts. What was once a global sensation of a headline has turned into a forgotten footnote. Every powerful person on the planet was at one point united under a common cause. Now, listless and limp, they are all left wondering the same thing:
Where is the Dragon Empress?
Today's Times' article will attempt to answer this question, which has perplexed authorities the world over. We will review the known facts, the accepted facts, examine all of the figures who have made various efforts to scavenge the Earth for the Princess, as well as attempt to dispel the myths and urban legends surrounding her hidden life.
[144 AG]
MISSING CHILD
MISSING FROM: NORTHERN WATER TRIBE
LAST SEEN: FIRST WEEK OF THE NEW MONTH
OTHER:
AGE: 13
HEIGHT: 5'4"
WEIGHT: 112
HAIR: BROWN
EYES: BLUE
SKIN: TAN
Exceptional water bending skills. Introverted personality. Wears his hair in a high ponytail.
NOATAK
AGE 13
PLEASE CONTACT THE WARDEN WITH ANY INFORMATION
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Went out for hunting trip with father and brother, lost in the white out. Limited survival skills. Please contact Warden, as well as Mother and Father if found
The missing poster features a rushed painting of the teenage boy, completed with haste by his mother.
[144 AG]
Zirin,
I will keep this letter short because I know if I belabor it, if I allow myself the grace to hear you out or talk about it more, then I know my defenses will falter.
It is over. We are finished. I wish to never again speak with you and if I ever see you again I will have no choice but to alert proper authorities to your location. If it comes to this, I will not hesitate to use physical force to restrain you.
When Ukuyi finally came clean to me almost 6 years ago with the truth of the matter, of your secrets and her secrets and how you had hunted and betrayed and tried to kill the woman who raised me, I was able to forgive you. I was able to move on and accept that who you were before I knew you was different from the person you were when we were together.
It was foolish, childish even, in hindsight, to think I held such an influence on you. Your claims of loving me and wanting to do 'the best' for me and that you had changed from what you were, who you were before. You swore to me that the days of the Dragon Slayer, the Last Kemurikage, the Unbroken were all behind you. That you were "just Zirin." You said that you were "only woman."
I had blinders on for so long. Ukuyi left you and I spent years - years! - convincing myself and failing to convince her that you were worth saving. It turns out, I was wrong all along.
Thank you for all that you did. When my father died, I was lost in this world. You found me fifteen years ago. You saved me. I needed you then more than anything in the world.
But I don't need you anymore. And I hope that in severing this tie between us, you come to realize why I am doing this: Because I am trying to save you this time.
When you decide to leave Yu Dao and abandon Zolt and all your various underhanded dealings, perhaps then, and only then, may we once again be a family.
Cordially,
Yasuko
[Early Spring 145 AG]
Aang,
I'm afraid I won't be able to make it to dinner next week. It's my annual pilgrimage to the Lonlhai Village Reserve — my 5th one. I know you don't need reminding, but every year around the anniversary I make a solo trip out to pay homage to all those who were lost. If I'm being honest, it feels like I'm atoning for past sins — not being able to save the village and all the people. My heart is heavy with the weight of their lost lives.
On a more positive note, I recently pushed through some political crap at WC. We're going to commission a memorial to be made both at the Capital as well as at the sight of the village, amongst the reserve. I'll work with an artist on some ideas I have, but tentatively we had some internal discussions about a person reaching its hand out. The one at the Capital will reach out in the direction of the village, and the one in the village will reach out to Wolf's Cove.
That's a whole lot of bluster and such that you didn't ask about, but that I felt I had to unload nonetheless. Get some of it off of my conscience, perhaps.
In any event, Suki, Hana, and I can make a trek to you, Katara, and co. the following week. Talk to them about it, write back the day, and I'll let them know so we can plan to travel.
Love,
Sokka
[145 AG]
To: Azula of Caldera
CC: Ty Lee of Caldera, Ty Lee of Kyoshi Island
Greetings Mrs. Azula of Caldera, and Mrs. Ty Lee of Caldera,
We hope that this letter finds you in good health and good fortune.
We at the Cabbage Corporation are dedicated to loyalty and tradition. We believe that it is crucial to never forget the past that brought us to the present, so that it may help guide us towards the future. As such, we are steadfast in our determination to connect with a quintessential founding member for our company, Mrs. Azula of Caldera. It was the dying wish of our founder, Lee Gan-Lan, and one which is continued to this day by his son, Lua Gan-Lan, to expel all efforts to contact you.
This letter serves as yet another in our semi-annual attempts to contact you. We would like to discuss with you what is owed…
[145 AG]
REPUBLIC CITY INVENTOR SEES WEALTH RISES TO OVER ONE MILLION YUAN
One of Republic City's richest persons earlier this month eclipsed an noteworthy milestone. Hiroshi Sato, 25, founder of Future Industries and inventor of the Satomobile, passed one million yuans earned. He is the youngest millionaire in modern recorded history and the youngest self-made millionaire in recorded history.
Mr. Sato did not respond to a request for comment by The Republic Times', however the following was provided by a spokesperson for Future Industries…
[145 AG]
Journal,
It's finally happened. I have found my fire bending teacher.
Well, they haven't agreed yet. But I've found them!
The village hasn't seen a fire bender, beside me of course, in many lifetimes. But yesterday I saw it. One of the Sisters of the Forest - she was fire bending. She didn't know I saw it, I was hiding from Father, running out into the woods to get away. I realized I was close to their propertyline and was trying to be safe. I had somehow ended up in their backyard and when she thought no one was looking, I saw the smaller, ugly sister light a flame in her hand. That's the Sister that spends all that time at the alcohol place.
Most of the villagers, especially my friends, are scared of her. I was too.
But not anymore.
Now, she's going to be my mentor!
— Sayaka
[145 AG]
Master Bau,
I write to you today regarding our latest Lotus flower on the verge of blooming. I had a most encouraging conversation with him last night, here in his quarters in the Northern Water Tribe. Unalaq, bless his spirit, is still but a teenager who thinks he can and has outsmarted me and us. It's good. It's healthy to covet things, even those things beyond our reach.
His reach stretches towards the Spirit that only you have communed with, Master. His ambition will prove useful, his positioning invaluable, but always keep in mind his goal. He aims for the sun, so be careful to let him burn up on his own and not follow him out too far yourself.
If I may, on a personal note my friend: I am now in my 80th year and I am not long for this world. When I pass I hope to be buried in our homeland, where we began this journey so long ago. It has been the privilege of my life to have spent most of that time in service beside you. We have remade the world with our bare hands and unquenchable desire. My only wish is that I had another 80 years to give, so that I may see how far we go.
Yours, truly,
Zaso
[Fall 145 AG]
AUDIBLE SPEECH CONVEYED TWO MILES BY TELEGRAPH
Reports by first-hand sources have come forward about a successful scientific experiment in the Tiger Ward of Republic City. The reports state that the individuals carried out a conversation by word of mouth over telegraph wires. Telephones were placed at either end of a telegraph line, extending from their office in the Tiger Ward to their factory in Midtown, a distance of about two miles.
The company's battery was removed from the circuit and another of ten carbon elements substituted. Articulate conversation then took place through the wires. The sounds, at first faint and indistinct, became suddenly loud and intelligible. Speakers took notes of what was said and heard, and the comparison of the two records shows that the transmission was almost perfectly accurate. Conversation was carried out for about a half hour, generally in an ordinary tone of voice, but often in whispers. The credit of this important discovery is due to…
[Late Fall/Winter 145 AG]
The wooded forest that surrounds Honan Bay is a most haunting place. Wind blows tree branches that extend out and seem to reach for travelers. In the winter, the density and any fallen snow seems to doom those unaccustomed to its trails. In the summer heat, dangerous vegetation crops up and threatens the uninitiated with far worse fates than simply being lost. Most terrifying of all though are the ghosts and spirits that are said to live amongst the trees. The Sisters of the Forest, as they have become known to the townsfolk. The legend of the Sisters has warped and changed over the years, but the fear remains the same for all of the people of Honan Bay.
All except one.
"Hello Sister!" A teenage girl calls as she approaches.
She is 13 and of average height, but lesser body development than one might expect. Her weight and womanly features have not come in due to her impoverished background resulting in a malnourished diet. Her eyes are gold and her hair is blacker than midnight itself. With time, she will assuredly grow into a stunning beauty with Fire Nation genes and Earth Kingdom roots. However, at this exact moment, she is simply a teenage girl who is pissing off the resident middle-aged, grumpy woman.
"Yue above, give it a rest, kid." Azula grumbles as she puts her book down and watches the girl approach.
"I will never, ever rest until you-"
"Stop."
"-agree to be my Master!"
A few months ago, Azula had thought she was alone in the lot of land behind her home. She lit a tiny spark so she could save herself some time in trimming a tree. It was poorly timed and happened to have been witnessed by this incessant and annoying teenager from the village. In the nearly seven years since they moved here, she was never before and never again caught firebending by anyone in the town. She had taken great care to disappear for good after everything that happened after Lonlhai.
The world had searched for her, turning over every rock in pursuit of The Guardian. Turns out, they could've just found her in the local pub in Honan Bay, or snuck into the woods and snuck a peak at one of the Sisters of the Forest. They would've found her to be slightly different than they may remember, with more gray in her hair than when she first arrived. Rather than finely kept straight hair that she was remembered for, they would find her disheveled and with long hair all the way down to her shoulder blades. Most prominently though they would find an alcoholic, who can't stay off the juice, wine, or anything else she can get her hands on.
To both her relief and dismay, this girl had no interest in sharing this information with anyone else on Earth. The dismay came from the girl begging endlessly for Azula to teach her firebending. It turns out she has some late blooming skills, but no one in the town can teach her. No one, that is, until she discovered that one of the Sisters could be her master.
A few days after the incident, the girl came knocking at the door. Azula turned her away with haste, insisting on wanting nothing to do with her or being her master. Azula sees it as a gateway to being discovered by the rest of the world. She is certain that Katara and Xai Bau and the rest of the rotten lot are still searching for her. Actively practicing her skills and teaching young Sayaka would be a miscalculation.
"Don't sit." The now 60 year old Azula tries to protest.
Sayaka ignores her as she sits down in Ty Lee's chair out front of their hidden home. The young girl smiles from ear to ear, "So, how's your day going, Creepy Old Lady? You keeping it Creepy?"
"Shut up, you little brat. Leave me alone to die."
"Now why would I do that? When you still have some good to give to the world-"
"Don't say it!"
"-like by becoming my Master!"
"If I told you once, I've told you a hundred times. The answer is no."
"Why not?"
"Because."
"Because why?"
"Because!"
"But because why?"
"Yue, shut up!" Azula shouts at the girl.
"Why do you say that?" Sayaka asks.
"Say what?"
"'Yue.' Don't all the Fire Nation believe in Agni? I thought Yue was for the Water Tribe?"
"What do you know? Hmm?" Azula challenges her. "I can believe whatever I want to believe."
"Yeah, but. I don't know. Seems dumb. My Mom is Fire Nation and she believes in Agni."
"You should learn to think on your own for a change." Azula scolds her with a scowl and narrowed eyes.
"Oh?" Sayaka's lush black hair swings with her head as she turns to look at Azula. "Is that your first lesson, Master?"
"Never."
"C'mon!"
This is their dance. Azula doesn't actually hate Sayaka, it's a welcomed reprieve from the solitude she's lived in for so long. Sayaka believes, really believes, that she can break Azula with enough effort and a plucky attitude. Just like all the other times before they'll do this back-and-forth for a few hours. Sayaka will ask Azula about her life and, to protect herself, Azula outright lies about many things. She tells some half-truths and omits almost everything. She answers all questions, but never asks Sayaka about herself.
The other Sister, who is not her sister at all, will return at some point and insist on feeding Sayaka. The poor, hungry girl will accept without condition and eventually head home with a belly full and her faith unshaken that she will crack Azula eventually.
Today, though, something is different. A question nags at the older woman. She has wondered about it for some time, but as with all of her questions for the young woman she never asks any of them. As they settle into their usual silence though, Azula decides to finally chase the dragon. She clears her throat to set the stage for her to speak. Sayaka looks up at her with brimming eyes.
"Why is it so important to you to learn fire bending?"
Sayaka, sensing blood in the water, attacks the question with ferocity. Her reply is sincere and disarming, "So I can feel warm!"
"You can feel that way without bending, girl." Azula chides her in earnest.
"Not that kind of warm," Sayaka laughs. She grows more stern as she explains, "The other kind."
"Hmm?"
"I don't get much warmth from my family. My mother is just trying to survive. My father loves me very much."
"He does?"
"That's what he tells me. Because he knows how much we fear him. He says we must love him so much to care as much as we do about how he feels."
Azula is put off by this comment. It's been a couple of months now. Sayaka comes every few days. She has not asked about her home life before this moment. As the girl's background takes shape in Azula's mind she begins to ruminate on what it all means. She doesn't say anything, even as the obvious question sits on her lips.
Now it is Sayaka's turn to take on a new role in the conversation. She becomes more somber, more serious. Her eyes gloss over as she thinks about her parents and every day at home. She thinks about the other young boys in town. She thinks of the adults and the older people. Before she found the Sisters, she felt entirely alone in the world. It's part of what makes it so great to come out here. It's her own little escape from reality where she is seen, heard, and can feel warm. She tries to explain her life in Honan Bay to the Sister of the Forest.
"I just… wish people would show that kind of affection towards me? I've watched from afar as people loved each other. I want that. I wish I had that. The warmth."
Azula feels like she has been thrown backwards in time. The words are so familiar, but from another lifetime. They echo across generations and international borders. Once upon a time, in the woods of Jingchan, before she even became a mother to a ragtag group of practically orphaned girls, Zirin had told Azula about her family. She can see the freckled face speaking to her now. Amongst the heat and the summer sun, surrounded by trees, bugs, nature, and Earth, just as she is now, she shared that conversation.
Zirin had told Azula that she would "burn them all down to finally feel their warmth." She felt that she was watching it happen again in real time. History repeating itself right in front of her. This 13 year old girl was becoming the next Zirin, or the next Kemurikage, or worse, the next Azula. It touches a nerve so deep down that Azula feels called to action. She abandons decorum. She asks the probing question she was thinking earlier.
"Answer me one more question."
"Okay?"
"Does he hurt you?"
Sayaka is silent. She knows exactly what the Sister means. She doesn't know how she knows, but she knows if she answers honestly, it can only bring ruin and devastation to her life. She simply looks into the golden eyed staring back at her and gulps.
"I understand," Azula says while shifting in her seat. "Alright then. I'll do it."
Hope blooms in full force, and not just for the younger one.
"You will?"
"I will. Sayaka of Honan Bay, I will be your fire bending master."
A/N: This chapter's OST is "Up the Wolves" by The Mountain Goats.
Love always. Tyzula forever.
Notorious