Chapter 8: Keosho vs Saowon A centuries-long Rivalry
"So Avatar Szeto is a traitor," Ozai said. "You have done well to deliver this information Azula."
After Szeto's appearance, Azula reported the nature of their conversation to her father. Danny tagged along because he was sure the Fire Lord would have questions for him on how he was able to detect the spirit.
"Thank you, father," Azula responded.
"This does confirm that the current avatar, Aang, is still alive," Ozai muttered. "Tell me, Danny, how did you detect the presence of Avatar Szeto?"
"One of my powers allows me to detect any spirits in the vicinity," Danny answered.
"Can you teach this power to our sages?" Ozai asked.
"No," Danny responded. "This is a result of the ectoplasm that's been infused into my body. Ectoplasm, being the energy and substance that makes up the spirits and the Spirit World. But if you want I could take a look to see if I can make a device to detect spirits for you?"
That made the Fire Lord pause.
"You can make a device?" He asked.
"Yeah, my parents were inventors. Before they died they gave me many of their blueprints," Danny lied smoothly.
Ozai regarded him for a moment.
"Very well. I'd like to see what technological innovations came from living in the Spirit World." Ozai said. "Whatever resources you need, I will see to them that they get delivered."
Danny was shocked to hear that. He didn't expect that the Fire Lord would care about technological innovations but here he was offering funding and resources. Danny gave his thanks and Ozai returned to his deliberation.
"This information about Szeto concerns me," Ozai admitted before he stood. "This information does not leave this room, call for the… Dragon Priestess, this concerns her as well. And send a call to the front lines. If the Avatar is truly alive I want the soldiers to double down on their search for Avatar Aang."
"Yes sir," One of the soldiers standing guard at the door responded with a bow before he swiftly exited the room.
Danny didn't miss the hesitation in Ozai's voice when he said 'Dragon Priestess.' He had been getting this sense before, but now he was convinced that Ozai didn't like Xiaomei for some reason.
"Avatar Szeto may be a traitor but he is still an important figure in Fire Nation history," Ozai said. "It would not do well for him to be revealed as a traitor now, especially with the upcoming Festival of Szeto. As Fire Lord, I must ensure all my citizens remain loyal to me, including the devout worshipers of the spirits."
Danny couldn't say he expected that either but at the same time he understood it. From what he understood, although the Fire Nation as a whole didn't revere the spirits and the spiritual nature of the world, it made sense that there was still a large following of the spiritual side of the Nation. Ozai was clever. By not alienating the people from their faith in the spirits even though He didn't seem to care particularly much about them himself.
When Danny had been told by Clockwork that he should stay with the Fire Nazis of this world he was worried that he'd have to deal with a true tyrant of a leader who cared about nothing but his gain. Frustratingly, Ozai was a good ruler. Sure he ruled by fear and propaganda but he still had the sense not to alienate his people. Danny hated that. He was reminded of the fact that Vlad, for all his many failings, was an incredibly competent mayor and an even more competent businessman. What was up with these villains and being good at everything except being a decent human being?
Within a few minutes, Xiaomei entered the throne room and bowed before the Fire Lord.
"You called for me, Fire Lord Ozai?" She asked.
"My daughter and your charge discovered Avatar Szeto's spirit in the palace. He was simply visiting," Ozai said. "It is possible that there are other spirits who decide to visit the Fire Nation. If and when that happens I want you to be at the forefront. I am now making you the new head of Spiritual Affairs within the Fire Nation. You shall report to me and me alone and your successors shall report to future Fire Lords. You shall also have a place in my council. The Sages will report to you. Any who fail to comply will be removed from their position. Rise Phoenix Priestess Xiaomei."
Xiaomei was shocked, to say the least. She didn't respond for a moment as she processed this turn of events.
"Thank you Fire Lord Ozai," She managed to say once she regained her composure. "It will be my honour to serve as Phoenix Priestess."
Many people in the Fire Nation saw phoenixes as sacred animals. Even more so than Dragons. Agni the great spirit of Fire was said to take on the form of a Phoenix when she descended on the world in the past. It wasn't just anyone who got the title of Phoenix.
~00000~
Later that day, Danny could only stare out into the rain from his room in the Palace. Today it was pouring as dark grey clouds sat in the sky as if to give an ominous warning. Now Danny, despite being half ghost, wasn't the superstitious type but something about how the clouds looked angry made him think that the next few days wouldn't be a lot of fun. Of course, he was right but he didn't know that yet.
"I can't believe you met with Avatar Szeto," Xiaomei commented causing Danny to turn and face her.
The newly ordained Phoenix Priestess sat at her table with several books and scrolls open about the life of Avatar Szeto. The woman may have been in her late thirties but she looked a lot like a college student who was cramming before their next exam. Danny could relate to that, even if he hadn't lived long enough to get to college before Clockwork resurrected and stuck him in this world.
Of course, much of Szeto's life was well-documented, he was to the Fire Nation as Yangchen was to the rest of the world after all. But Ozai hoped for more information about him, and his legacy and so this was what Xiaomei focused her efforts on. As he put it this was a good use of her talents.
"Did you know that Szeto has a living descendant?" Xiaomei added. "A young man about a year older than you. He's allegedly a skilled bender."
She continued to ramble, off information as she read through her notes.
"Hey Madam Phoenix Priestess, can I ask a question?" Danny said.
"Please don't call me that," Xiaomei deadpanned. "I'm not sure how I feel about this new responsibility that I've been given."
"You'll do great," Danny responded with a grin. "Anyway I wanted to ask, Fire Lord Ozai doesn't seem to like you but he also gave you the promotion of the century? What's up with that?"
Xiaomei sighed and closed the book which she was looking at.
"It's a bit of a complicated story," She said.
"I've got time," Danny said and he took a seat across from her.
The room the two of them stayed in was one of the palace's luxurious suites which was typically reserved for guests. Technically each of them had their own rooms but the rooms were connected with a simple casual space between them. This space included a small table in the centre of the room, a bookshelf, a sea set, a Pai Sho board and cushions for them to sit on.
"I have had an interesting life compared to most other noble women in the Fire Nation," Xiaomei explained. "When I was Princess Azula's age I graduated at the top of my class from the Royal Fire Academy for girls."
"Wait but Azula is thirteen," Danny remarked.
"Most girls graduate at fourteen or fifteen. I was ahead of the curve," Xiaomei said. "What age does school finish in Amity?"
"Eighteen!" Danny exclaimed. "And that's only if students don't go to college or university. Some students finish school at twenty-eight."
"Wow," Xiaomei muttered. "Anyway, I still had time before I would be required to marry and I wanted to learn from the Fire Sages. One of our instructors was one of the sages and she allowed me to follow her to a temple to continue my studies.
"She was the Dragon Priestess before me. And she mentored me about the spirits and Pai Sho." Xiaomei explained. "She had a massive worldview and eventually decided that I should share her worldview. By the time I was twenty, I was certain that I wanted to dedicate my life to being a sage, but she had other ideas.
"I was twenty-five at the time, a proud citizen of the Fire Nation and a dedicated priestess when she decided to send me to the front lines to serve under General Iroh, Fire Lord Ozai's older brother," Xiaomei said before she smiled. "Back then he was Prince Iroh. Because of my stellar grades, I was recommended as a highly proficient soldier and I fought alongside General Iroh and Admiral Jeong Jeong.
"It was only for a few years and it gave me more perspective on the world. Admiral Jeong Jeong had already deserted from the Military by the time I decided to leave," She added. "My reasons were more personal as my mentor fell ill. Regardless it was seen as weak to leave the military and return to a life of learning about the spirits. That's one of the reasons Fire Lord Ozai doesn't like me."
"As for the other," Xiaomei paused. "Many of the noble families in the Fire Nation are descendants of the various clans that used to populate the nation. Although many of the clans no longer exist as they once did, there are two that retain prominence to this day. The Keosho Clan and the Saowon clan."
"Ever since Fire Lord Chaeryu married Sulan of the Keosho Clan, it's been common for the Fire Lords to find their spouses within the Keosho Clan and because of that they have retained a lot of prominence in the political world," Xiaomei said. "As for my family the Saowon Clan, we have had a rivalry with the Keosho since Chaejin was passed up as the Fire Lord.
"I don't care for my clan's history. Nor their rivalry with the Keosho Clan. It's been going on for too long and I think it should be forgotten. Others aren't quick to forget our different clans' bad blood." Xiaomei concluded.
"Soawon?" Danny asked. "The same clan that Saiijin comes from."
"Yes, her family produces the heirs to the clan whereas my family is simply prominent within the clan," Xiaomei said. "I just hope she isn't harbouring any hatred for Princess Azula for their clan's rival history."
~00000~
Danny could tell that Saiijin hated Azula for their clan's rival history. It was all too obvious now. And unfortunately, Azula seemed to hate Saiijin for probabaly the same reason.
Danny sat with his face resting in his hand as he stared at the two girls as they spoke through fake smiles and barely concealed social threats. He was once again reminded of Sam and Paulina when they had to pretend to be amicable. Saiijin seemed to be more competent than Azula at playing the part of a noble. Her fake smile was more believable and her forked tongue might as well have been sliver. While it was clear that Azula didn't like Saiijin it looked like Saiijin was just trying to be friendly.
They acted as if their rivalry was between them as benders instead of between their families. Admittedly it could also be between them as benders. Saiijin was easily one of the most skilled students at the school, just like Azula. It was a coin toss on who could be considered the strongest of the two.
"Ty Lee, be real with me, is it always like this with those two?" Danny asked.
"Yeah," Ty Lee said. "They've been at each other's throats since we first started at the academy."
"Even Zuko gave up on getting them to make peace," Mai added.
"Zuko is Azula's brother right?" Danny asked. "The one Ozai kicked out?"
There was a pause before Mai answered. Danny noticed her surprise at the way Danny spoke about the Fire Lord.
"Yes," she said after her surprise faded.
"Yikes, you know it's sad when even your siblings give up on you," Danny muttered.
"Do you have any siblings Danny?" Ty Lee asked.
"I had a sister before I moved here," Danny responded with a sad smile. "She was a pain but she was my older sister."
"Despite your words, you sound like you love her a lot?" Ty Lee said.
"Yeah, she was great," Danny said. "What about you guys? Any siblings?"
"Six identical septuplet sisters," Ty Lee said.
"I'm sorry what?" Danny asked incredulously.
"All my sisters are here but they're in different classes," Ty Lee said.
"Can we go back to you being a septuplet?" Danny asked. "Like all seven of you were born on the same day?"
"Yes. Why?" Ty Lee asked.
"Your poor mother," Danny commented as a look of horror crossed his features.
"Saiijin, is there something you want?" Azula demanded. You have been bothering me for ten minutes without getting to the point."
Danny's attention returned to Azula and Saiijin.
"Oh nothing," Saiijin said with a devious smile. "I just want to know, do you really think you'll be a good Fire Lord in the future?"
Danny could almost hear the alarm bells going off. He felt a strange energy coming from Azula. Almost as if the power she contained within was going to burst out with her rising emotions.
"What was that?" Azula growled.
"All I'm saying is that to be a good Fire Lord you need to have good social skills." Saiijin cooed. "And last I checked you have no friends or allies. No one here respects you they just respect your father. But what about you?"
"I have earned the respect of everyone around me," Azula said. "Except a snivelling second-rate noble like you."
"Respect? Really? You're a decent Fire Bender but everyone thinks you're special because you can make your fire blue." Saiijin lied.
It was no secret that Azula was a prodigy and easily one of the best students in the Royal Fire Academy for Girls. But she was also a teenager whose sense of self was built on her skill and her desire to be the best. Saiijin was the only student who could rival and even surpass Azula's strength. And she also knew the right buttons to press to reach the hidden insecurities within Azula.
"And your social skills? Let's face it, Mei and Ty Lee aren't your friends, they're your pawns. And Danny, he just works for your father," Saiijin responded. "I heard that your mother didn't even stick around because she didn't love you, clearly you don't have any friends."
"How dare you…" Azula began but she didn't get a chance to say more as Danny was between her and Saiijin and his eyes glowed a dangerous green.
"Cool it you two!" he demanded with a forcefulness that the princess had never heard from Danny.
His voice had an unnatural echo and his presence demanded attention and focus. Both Azula and Saiijin fell silent from the order from the commoner from the other world.
"Saiijin, stop speaking to Azula like that!" Danny demanded with enough sternness as he could muster and it was more than enough to get the girl to back off.
He then turned back to Azula who stared at him wide-eyed.
"Azula don't let her get under your skin or you will be playing right into her grubby little hands," Danny said quietly.
Azula glanced at Danny and had to take a deep breath to realign herself. She gave a fierce glare to Danny that seemed to mask the feelings of gratefulness that she had for her bodyguard.
"Do not order me around peasant," Azula responded before she turned her attention back to Saiijin. "As for you, I won't tolerate your disrespect. I am the princess of the Fire Nation and if you intend to disrespect me with your words, then you had best defend your words with your flames. I challenge you to an Agni Kai!"
Danny found himself groaning loudly. The damn princess fell for the bait. Saiijin smirked to herself.
"I accept," Saiijin said. "But let's make this an exhibition match. At the end of this month, our parents will visit the academy. Let's duel then."
"Fine," Azula said. "Take the time you need to prepare. It won't matter to me as I will crush you regardless."
~00000~
"You know you're going to lose the Agni Kai right?" Danny muttered as he watched Azula train.
Azula halted her training and glared at Danny.
"You played right into her hands," Danny muttered. "Did you see the way she grinned from ear to ear? She trapped you and now she'll humiliate you in front of an audience."
"I'm not concerned about whether we have an audience or not," Azula said. "And she only thinks she's trapped me. I will win and she will be disgraced. Perhaps that pathetic clan of hers might just die of dishonour."
Danny sighed loudly before his eyes began to grow green. Azula was stubborn so he'd have to show her why she'd lose this fight. Danny stepped into the Arena and faced Azula with his own glare.
"Fine if you think you can beat Saiijin, prove it to me," Danny said as he adopted the same stance that Saiijin liked to use.
Even before the war had consumed Amity Park, Danny had realised that he had the uncanny ability to mimic fighting styles and abilities. He learnt how to create an ecto shield simply by watching Vlad do it the first time after all. His mimicry skills had sharpened during the war and because of that, he was able to study his opponents with a keen eye and adopt their techniques.
He had been going to the Royal Fire Academy for Girls with Azula for a month now and he had known Azula for two months on top of that. Over that time he had come to understand how Azula and Saiijin liked to fight. Obviously, he wouldn't be able to perfectly replicate Saiijin. He was significantly taller and stronger than she was so he had more reach. But he could hold back enough that he could appear to have a normal human's speed, reaction and strength.
Copying her bending style would be incredibly easy. She liked to get in close with daggers made of fire and attack as if she held knives and when forced to fight at range she liked to use whips of fire. It was like she mixed weapon combat into fire-bending and Danny could do that just as easily.
"Very well, I suppose you'll make a good training dummy," Azula said she she got into her form.
Danny didn't hesitate and ran in. As he had come to understand, firebenders used something known as positive jing. Their fighting style was built around being aggressive and being the first to strike. Saiijin was always aggressive and liked to get in before her opponent had a chance to think so Danny matched that energy.
He bobbed and weaved between Azula's fire that she sent at him before he got close and performed a sweeping kick with ecto energy aimed at Azula's ankles. Saiijin had used that very move against Mai in an earlier spar, but Azula, just like Mai, proved her prowess and dodged out of the way, right into a spinning heal kick to her side.
"What's the matter princess you didn't see that coming?" Danny responded as he laced his tone with a sarcastic edge. "Get up and fight me like a soldier, or you can fight like a child if that helps you."
It didn't take long after that for Azula's temper to flare up. Wow he and her really were more alike than either cared to admit. Azula rose from her position and attempted to attack Danny but had to halt her advance to narrowly avoid the glowing green energy dagger that passed in front of her.
Danny kept up Saiijin's style and kept up the up-close combat to keep Azula on edge while he tossed insults her way. This wasn't to say that he was dominating the fight entirely. Azula more than held her own and created openings for her to strike but the angrier she got the more she found herself slipping up and making sloppy mistakes. Before too long she had been beaten by Danny as he held the glowing green dagger to her throat.
Azula couldn't help but glare at Danny.
"So what went wrong?" Danny asked with a cocky grin. The serious expression on his face was gone and instead, he looked down on Azula like she was the child he knew she was.
"You got the better of me by making me angry," Azula admitted causing Danny to become surprised which allowed the princess to smirk. "I know when I make my mistakes."
"Well then. Let's get to work and make sure you don't lose your cool again. Let's go again, and when you lose, I'm going to throw ice in your face," Danny remarked as he offered a hand to help the princess up.
Azula swatted the hand away and stood up and adopted a fighting pose.
"You will do no such thing," She said.
Danny would proceed to throw ice in her face seven times that day and eight times the next.
CyberActors15: Another day another chapter posted. This time we got to see more of the rivalry between the Keosho and Saowon clans. And we will see how this all blows over soon enough. And don't worry I didn't forget about that little spiritual tease from two chapters ago. We'll get there soon enough. If you enjoyed this chapter, 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!