Chapter 4: Negotiations

If Danny were being honest, he wasn't a fan of this new agreement. He was almost tempted to abandon everything and make his way towards one of the other nations in this world. Maybe one of the Water Tribes, he had a feeling he would fit in there with his ice core. As a part of Danny's new job, he had been given Fire Nation armour for him to wear as he guarded Azula. Danny didn't like the armour but for the sake of not angering the flamethrowers he decided to wear it, not before making a few modifications.

The armour plating itself was worn on top of Danny's usual human outfit and the shoulder pads and collar had been removed. That made the outfit way more breathable and comfortable even if it did look out of place. He also refused to wear a top knot. It may have been culturally significant to the Fire Nation but Danny wasn't a Fire Nation citizen. Xiaomei, who had now moved into the Royal Palace with Danny, had recommended against changing the armour but had ultimately allowed the Halfa to do what he pleased.

Danny had to admit that he found the situation weird. Although he appreciated Xiaomei being around, he did find it odd that she had been told to move into the Palace alongside him. Danny assumed that she was being treated as his caretaker but he felt like there was another reason. She may not have been the highest-ranked sage, but, her position as the Dragon Priestess certainly meant that she was important. It was likely that she was here to assist with increased spiritual knowledge. Regardless Danny was happy to have her around. She was the one who was teaching him about the world as well as how to read and write the language.

Speaking of which, over the past two days since the two had been given their new roles, Xiaomei had ensured to teach Danny how to read the names of Fire Lord Ozai as well as Princess Azula and any other important words he would have to know. She also made sure that he knew the royal seal. As a personal guard of the princess, there would likely be times when he would have to retrieve letters. Danny appreciated the lessons although that still didn't particularly make him interested in being the Princess's personal guard.

"Would it be bad if I ran away to the Northern Water Tribe?" Danny asked. "I don't think they would make me guard any princesses over there."

Danny didn't realise that if he had run off to the Northern Watertribe he would have been met with similar results just for a different and kinder Princess.

"I don't think it would be a good idea to speak loudly about ideas like that," Xiaomei laughed at her young ward. "How would you even reach the Northern Watertribe?"

"I can fly." Danny shrugged. "A few days of travel and I should reach it."

Xiaomei seemed to realise that was a very real possibility.

"Please don't. I have nothing against the people of the Northern Water Tribe, however I would prefer to be the first to learn about the wonders of the spirit world before they do. When the world is united, either by Fire Nation Rule or as a result of the other nations ending the war, I would like to publish a book based on everything you tell me," Xiaomei spoke, causing Danny to laugh.

"Sure, I'll stick around to help you with your book," Danny laughed. "Still not too happy about having to babysit the princess."

"Don't consider it as babysitting. Princess Azula is renowned in the Fire Nation for her skill. She is a prodigy whose firebending prowess is on par with many high-ranking military personnel," Xiaomei explained. "It is a great honour to be able to guard the princess."

"It sounds like she doesn't need a guard," Danny deadpanned.

"It may not seem like it, but even the greatest warriors can't face every challenge by themselves. You proved to have a unique skill set, so much so that Fire Lord Ozai saw you as fit to protect his daughter from any danger she might not be strong enough to face by herself. It's not common for an outsider to get a role such as this," Xiaomei further elaborated.

Danny relented on his complaining. He figured there wasn't much he could do unless he decided to leave the palace. Although it would be easy, Danny didn't particularly feel like flying in random directions until he found a better place to live.

"I guess," Danny sighed. "Alright, I am going to go meet with the princess. See ya later Ms Xiaomei."

"Enjoy yourself, Danny," Xiaomei said as the Halfa departed.

She wondered briefly if she should have tried harder to neaten his unruly hair to make it presentable for the princess, however, she was also aware that his hair was a force of its own that would not bow to any comb. Maybe she should have tried harder to encourage Danny to wear the topknot.

~00000~

Azula was not happy. She was kneeling in front of the throne where her father sat comfortably. Today was one of the rare days when he didn't have his usual wall of flames. It was something only she had the advantage of seeing. As the crown princess of the nation, she was the only person her father never attempted to intimidate, although if she were being honest, she was already intimidated by him despite the fact.

Now however she was simply not happy with him or his decision.

"Father? Why am I being given a guard, let alone a peasant and outsider?" Azula demanded as respectfully as she could manage.

"Azula there are many who seek to take power from me. As you are my only heir, you are the likely target for any would-be aggressors," Ozai explained. "This boy's presence will act as additional deterrence against any who would try."

"Father, I can take care of myself," Azula said.

"That may be so, but my decision is final," Ozai said before a small glare appeared on his face. "You'd do well to respect my decision as you would not want to end up like your brother."

Azula bit back her remark. That was something she wanted far less than a peasant following her around and pretending to be a fitting guard for her.

"Very well," Azula relented.

"Good. Besides, I have another objective. This boy has a power unlike any I have ever seen. His ability to change forms, create ice from nothing, fly and that green fire bending, put him in a league of his own. A perfect weapon to use against the Water Tribes and Earth Kingdom. Despite that, he is a complication. He has no loyalties. By spending time with you he will be within range to turn into my weapon," Ozai explained. "Do what you can to turn him into a loyal Fire Nation Soldier. Befriend him if you must, convince him to see the light."

"I understand Father," Azula spoke through grit teeth.

Azula left the throne room shortly after that. She wasn't the type to get jealous, especially as she had held her father's affection since she had first exhibited her bending. She did not appreciate being treated as anything less than the best. It was one year ago when her blue fire bending was described in the same way, nothing like he had ever seen. She had been refining it since then, ideally turning her power into something that would make all fear her. It was still in the process of refinement, but Azula had made leaps and bounds, becoming the youngest Fire Bender in history to achieve the rank of master. She wasn't the best yet, but she was on her way. Eventually, she would eclipse even her father. That had been the reality she had known and what she expected for her future.

Now a peasant with a strange name and strange clothes was being treated like her personal guard as if he were superior to her. Azula didn't get jealous, her natural talent didn't allow for any jealousy, but she did feel incredible animosity towards her new guard.

As she exited the throne room she saw her new guard standing outside the door casually. Next to him was the captain of the guards. Azula scoffed as she looked at Danny. The outsider hardly looked like a guard. With his hair a mess and his armour incomplete, he looked like a disgrace. His posture was all wrong. He leaned back on the wall while his icy blue eyes showed nothing but casual indifference.

"Good morning Princess Azula." The guard's captain bowed like a good soldier should.

"Hi," Danny said with a wave.

He didn't bow and it made Azula seethe with anger. Such disrespect shouldn't be tolerated. She was about to retort however she recalled her father's words and decided to give him one free pass.

"Don't forget your place, peasant. You are in the presence of the future Fire Lord and you should act accordingly." Azula spoke.

Danny paused upon hearing her voice. It was weird. She sounded exactly like Sam, like they literally had the exact same voice even if Azula's was filled with a stronger superiority complex. Hearing the voice made Danny unconsciously smile, he hadn't seen Sam in over three months. Last he heard from Clockwork she survived to see the end of the war back home, which was good. He missed her so much that He just couldn't help but smile even if the voice was coming from her polar opposite.

"Sorry Princess," Danny said with a shrug.

Azula couldn't help but be annoyed at his nonchalance. She found it disrespectful and she was tempted to correct his behaviour but she decided against it. Her father had instructed her to make friends with him after all and secure his loyalty. She couldn't do the same with him as she did with her other friends, Mai and Ty Lee. One look at the older boy told her that he wouldn't easily succumb to fear, so she'd have to change her strategy to get him to submit. That wasn't to say that she couldn't attempt the fear tactic if all else failed, but it wouldn't be wise to rely on it.

"We shall work on your performance later," Azula said as she inspected Danny.

~00000~

Present Day

Aang couldn't formulate enough words to describe his confusion. Why did the Fire Nation Princess want to overthrow her father?

"You don't expect us to believe that, do you?" Sokka asked. "Why would you overthrow your father?"

He was just as dumbfounded as the rest but at least he was able to express his thoughts. Azula simply gave her usual calm smile. It told the members of Team Avatar and Earth King Kuei that she was confident in her words and actions.

"Suffice to say, I've had my eyes opened over the past year and a half," Azula answered. "And I realised that my father doesn't care about me any more than he does Zuko or my mother, I'm just a weapon he could use to flaunt his power."

Despite everything Zuko had been through, he felt a small amount of hope die within him. Danny seemed to notice before he lightly tapped on Azula's shoulders.

"Hey, no need to be rude." He said.

Azula sighed as she realised her mistake.

"Apologies, Zuko, empathy is still new to me." She said.

Genuine wasn't a term people would often associate with Azula but even though she had to be reminded to show empathy, her words actually sounded genuine. Zuko softened his guard only a bit, he still wasn't entirely sure he could trust Azula.

"And so I want to be rid of my father. And this foolish war." Azula said.

"Why come to us?" Katara asked. "You two have his trust, why not take him out yourself?"

"Wouldn't work," Danny said with a shrug. " When you guys get the chance you should look up the Camellia-Peony war from the Era of Kyoshi. Something similar would happen here. Like sure, I can beat Ozai in a fight easily and we can place Azula on the throne but the Fire Nation would become divided pretty quickly and the war wouldn't stop. Other nations would try to get back at the Fire Nation, especially since the Fire Nation would be fractured."

"But if the Avatar were to defeat Fire Lord Ozai alongside the Fire Princess as well as declare the end of the war, many of the people in the world would be willing to listen and negotiate," Azula added. "Although there would still be political tension, the war would be over."

The logic was solid, none of the members of Team Avatar could argue against it.

"Although I feel I must reveal the terms of this alliance." Azula continued. "Regardless of what you choose, we will go forward with our plans to remove Fire Lord Ozai from the throne. But if you choose to ally with us then I shall personally train Avatar Aang in Firebending."

Another stunned silence filled the room.

"As Fire Lord, I shall decree the end of Zuko's banishment and Uncle's treachery and personally restore your honour, and you will be able to do as you please, whether it be to remain here and serve tea or return home." Azula continued. "But bear in mind Zuko you wouldn't be the crown prince anymore. I would be the Fire Lord, not you."

"I… Azula…" Zuko couldn't seem to get the words out.

"That is very generous of you Azula," Iroh said before he turned his attention to Danny. "Do I have you to thank for this?"

"Me no, she decided that herself," Danny said with a wink.

"And lastly I would return all recent Fire Nation colonies, no older than twenty years old to the Earth King, including Ba Sing Se and Omashu," Azula concluded. "Any older colonies would remain under Fire Nation control."

"You can't do that!" Aang said. "The Fire Nation cannot keep occupying Earth Kingdom territory after the war ends."

"Sorry, Aang," Danny said. "But this isn't really a discussion. And you guys aren't really in the position to make demands."

Because of his American history, Danny understood all too well how hard it was to adjust from living in a colony to returning to one's ancestral home. The United States had after all started out as a colony for the British and the French. And the Americans couldn't bring themselves to call themselves European after a while. African Americans and Asian Americans were a different story though but Danny wasn't going to talk about them. Ancestrally speaking Danny was British and Italian but that part of his family was generations and generations away that he only ever saw himself as an American. And that logic could be applied to many of the Fire Nation citizens within the colonies, at least the ones who had been living away from the Fire Nation islands for over eighty-five years.

During his travels, he and Azula had encountered more than a few Fire Nation/Earth Kingdom marriages. Hell, there had also been a few Fire Nation/Water Tribe marriages. Danny spared a glance at Ty Lee, someone who he had learnt had air nomad heritage as well.

"What do you mean? You can't expect us to work with you if you will keep all the territory you conquered," Katara resorted. "At the very least the Fire Nation should be making amends to the rest of the world."

"We will but we won't give up any territory that has been in the Fire Nation for longer than twenty years," Azula responded.

"I accept your terms," Earth King Kuei spoke up, much to the surprise of his allies.

"Earth King Kuei…" Aang began but the Earth King raised a palm.

"I haven't been the best king to my people but I was still trained in political affairs," The Earth King spoke. "I don't know their reasons, but I understand that we don't have a choice in the matter."

"What do you mean?" Aang almost demanded.

"Look at what happened here," Kuei explained. "With no less than four people, Princess Azula was able to infiltrate the city and turn the Dai Lee against me and the generals of the city. In a few hours, they orchestrated a coup and arrested all the high-ranking officials of Ba Sing Se. Should I assume you also have soldiers outside ready to take the city?"

"Yes, we do," Azula answered. "But I have no real interest in taking this city anymore."

"Ba Sing Se had already fallen before this conversation began," Kuei concluded.

"Yes," Azula said.

"Then I accept. We hold none of the cards but if this can bring relative peace back to the Earth Kingdom then we will ally with the Fire Nation Princess." Earth King Kuei said.

"I need to think," Zuko muttered.

"Great and take your time," Danny said with a grin. "We'll also want to set up embassies and trade between the nations. It makes our alliance more permanent after the war's end."

Danny turned his attention back to the members of Team Avatar.

"What about you guys? We won't be chasing you around anymore so you can rest easy at the very least." Danny said. "I'm just saying it's a good deal."

"Can you give us time to decide among ourselves?" Aang asked.

"Yes," Azula said. "We shall stay in the city longer so you can approach us with your answer whenever you desire.

CyberActors15: Hello there. That's four chapters done now. If it isn't abundantly clear I will be jumping between the past and the present a few times. I'm mostly doing that so that I stay interested in writing this Fanfiction but also to try the dual time point storyline thing. Let's see how it works for this fanfic. The Next chapter will be posted on the 24th of Feb 2024. If you enjoyed it, feel free to leave a review also check out my Linktree (linktr dot ee /CyberActors15) for more of my story content. If you didn't like it, feel free to leave a review and tell me why. Feedback is always appreciated, and Criticism only makes me a better writer. Until next time, peace!