Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or Avatar The Last Airbender
There was a saying that was common, whether for royalty or commoner.
Be careful what you wish for.
Ursa felt the weight of those words as she observed the scene, her tired yet anxious eyes taking it all in. Surrounding her were the royal tutors, their eyes shining with pride, along with her royal guard, assigned to her in light of the not so recent events.
Not to mention the Crown Prince, who was alone, watching with an expressionless gaze, not having said much from the minute he came.
No one questioned him.
She did not know whether this was better than the status quo she had before with her exiled husband but she was determined to see it out to the end.
Her heart raced as she inhaled deeply, anxiety coursing through her veins.
The source of her apprehension, Fire Lord Azulon, entered the room with an imposing presence, even with the cast that encased his arm. There was something unsettling about witnessing him so active, so different from the man she had always known seated regally on his throne.
"Rise," he commanded, his voice cutting through the hushed whispers that filled the chamber. All eyes shifted towards the two children kneeling before him, their forms looking so small compared to the moment.
Zuko and Azula.
Dressed in vibrant orange and red tunics adorned with gold accents respectively. Their short sleeves revealed sturdy forearm guards, and they wore dark trousers.
The children shifted from their crouched, deferential positions and Ursa couldn't help her bitter pang of proudness to see the somewhat collected and determined look on Zuko's face despite everything.
They looked to be ready to fight and Ursa knew it to be true. Unfortunately.
"It has been four months since the spiritual calamity that befell us all. You know this." He turned around from his inspection walking away once more before stopping.
"Grandfather."
"Yes grandfather."
The man paused.
"In three months this is the first time you've set foot in the royal palace. Your mother came to me one day and requested that you be relocated temporarily from the capital. Away from the heart of our land. The fruit of our labor."
Ursa felt the trail of liquid drip down her face at the increased heat and her own audacity. She knew she had come very close to death that day but when she had heard what had happened to the fleet-
She had nearly gone insane in panic.
"Tell me, what do you think that means?" The man sounded genuinely curious but nothing was ever easy with him.
"She doesn't believe in the fire nation to keep us safe with its power." Azula responded quickly and without emotion, causing Ursa's heart to nearly explode.
'This child… she has mellowed out so much but that mouth of hers is as sharp as ever!' Ursa thought in exasperation looking at her son who also went pale at the words spoken.
He wasn't the only with such an extreme reaction, the tutors and her own guard flinched minutely at the callousness of how the words were spoken.
And the crown prince finally looked to be interested in the conversation.
"Oh? And what do you think about it?" He turned towards Zuko who stiffened his back as if defiant.
'Oh no, Zuko please!' She begged for once for him to even pretend-
"She did it because she loves us!"
Ursa's bloodshot eyes were focused on the fire lord's face trying to find anything that indicated his displeasure akin to Ozai but the man was never easy to read like his son. He simply nodded once glancing between the children with a stone face.
"Your answers while I won't comment on them do satisfy me. Why? Because, in the end, it doesn't truly matter. What matters are the facts and what I choose to believe. Do you know what I believe? That the woman's concerns arise from our weaknesses, and she is right to be worried. We are weak." The man spoke with a chilling calmness, as if he hadn't just uttered something so profoundly unsettling.
Ursa's mind went blank. To put things into perspective, this was the Fire Lord, the man who inherited the mantle to expand the Fire Nation's influence across every corner of the world. He embodied the pinnacle of power, a living symbol of authority that commanded respect and fear alike.
"In a single moment, my entire lineage was nearly wiped out. Not through a glorious battle, not by infighting, and certainly not by the hand of the long-dead Avatar." As he spoke, the flames flickering behind him shifted to a faint blue, drawing apprehensive glances from those present.
The gravity in his voice silenced all other thoughts. Rarely did anyone catch a glimpse into the Fire Lord's mind.
He spoke quietly.
"Rather, it was a measly assassin who slipped past all my guards that nearly led to the extinction of my bloodline. They injured me severely, allowing a real threat to nearly submerge our entire homeland."
"A single moment, had that being turned their blade on us instead of fleeing, save for Iroh, we would all be dead." He took a deep breath, and the blue flames behind him receded, returning to their usual fierce orange.
He looked down at her nervous children and even from here she could see the wild look in his eye.
"Do you understand that?"
They didn't reply.
"I said, do you understand?" He didn't shout, yell, nor did his voice raise, but his anger was conveyed all the same.
"Y-yes grandfather!"
"Yes!"
"...good children. The first step to winning a battle is understanding your own capabilities." His severe tone lightened and it was as if the last minutes never happened.
"That is why, despite granting her request, I never allowed any of you to rest. Absolute power is the only thing that can ward off the same. You are the finest jewels of our nation, stemming from my lineage, and you both have a duty to protect it. You can no longer be children. I will extract every last morsel of potential from you, so that when the time comes to confront this danger again, we will be prepared, united, and powerful. That is the only way we will ensure the sun rises on our nation tomorrow."
Ursa's eyes widened in horror with each passing second. He couldn't possibly be saying-
"Now that you have returned, you will no longer keep company with the royal tutors. No, whenever I have the time, I will personally oversee your training. At other times, Iroh will take up my duties. Your tutors will find their hands full with their new pupils, my army, and the fresh minds that must awaken to defend our nation."
In that moment, a pin drop could be heard in the suffocating silence that followed.
"With that said, prepare yourselves for our first sparring session." The man said as the children quickly turned towards each other moving away but-
"It seems I wasn't clear." Everyone's eyes, even Iroh's, went wide when the man's top dropped and the lanky but wiry form shone.
He pulled one single hand upwards showing the palm.
"From this day forth you both shall face me until you are able to satisfy me. Begin."
(Break)
'Father... I see now why he never dared to defy grandfather publicly,' Azula mused, a sly yet pain filled smile creeping across her face. The pain in her abdomen, face and shoulder were a mere distraction as she limped towards her room, her mind racing with excitement despite a quarter of her clothing being singed.
While Zuzu seemed to truly dread having to go back and confront the beast that was their grandfather, Azula thrived. Oh how she had longed for this, longed for more power. This was exactly what she needed. Unlike her brother she had begun to outpace her tutors rapidly and while she couldn't dominate them like she wanted, she was already looking past them in hunger for more.
The girl was already looking to the highest ceiling in the world. She wouldn't be satisfied until she smashed through it headfirst and pulled that golden haired boy down by his feet.
It was as if Agni himself had heard her silent prayers. Her grandfather, so terrified of her consort, was resorting to relying on children to preserve their crumbling image of power.
As if the morale of the army wasn't already at rock bottom with the recent wreckage discovered. Even now, they were still sifting through the waters, searching for more bodies…those that hadn't already sunk to the depths.
At first it was believed that the earth nation had somehow struck a counter attack, pursuing the naval fleet as they retreated; however that was quickly struck down by the tales of those who survived.
Azula didn't know how it would be taken by the commoners but she was sure a stranglehold of fear had them in its icy grip.
Azula grinned savagely. She didn't blame him a bit. Not one bit. It was only granted that he would be so afraid. From what she heard of the aftermath Azula deeply respected her grandfather morso that he didn't just roll over and bare his neck in mercy to a greater power.
He still wanted to fight back though he knew it was futile and she thanked him, for the last thing she wanted was to meet him again and still be so weak. He had bested some of the best benders to ever live and she couldn't take being so far behind.
Hopefully they had enough fodder to keep him busy, he swept up quite a bit-
"Azula?"
"Azula! You look terrible!" The girl came out of her evil self monologuing and sighed hearing the rapid set of footsteps along with the other sagging ones.
"Ty Lee, Mai you two seem-" The girl's words were swallowed when she was hugged by a worried Ty Lee, unable to react due to her sore body. Not that she could have done anything if it hadn't been. The girl was far more nimble than her on her best days.
Azula's eye twitched as she looked over the worried girl's shoulders to Mai who was leaning back uneasily, clearly sensing something wrong.
"-it's been so long Azula! I missed you and ah- SORRY!" Ty Lee who had been babbling stilled before the girl was already 10 feet away waving her hands frantically.
'…'
Azula's face shifted to a neutral stern as she remembered the blonde, not forgetting what she promised to do. She had already…apologized in her own way, she supposed it wouldn't hurt to try a bit more.
She made her move.
"N-no. It's alright T-Ty Lee. I-I'm sure you w-were worried." Azula felt proud that she was able to get that out genuinely however the results were less than stellar.
Ty Lee stopped shaking and Mai stilled before they both looked at each with wide eyes.
Mai took a huge step back.
Ty Lee took 3 steps back and hid behind Mai.
They then looked at Azula in numb horror.
"...wow. Did that hurt as much as it looked?" Mai commented blandly after a few seconds getting the forced smile on Azula's face to twitch.
"...I-Its certainly a bit strange…." Ty Lee mumbled, as she peeked from behind the dour girl.
Azula glared at them before walking past them without a word. Whatever, she did her best, she already had to play nice with Zuko so she could keep her mother and now she had to take this?
They quickly caught up and they (Ty Lee) bombarded her with many questions that she ignored completely on her way to her room until she just couldn't take it.
"Hah. Enough Ty Lee. My wounds are of no concern, these are simply from my dear grandfather's love, I left because my mother was worried, I didn't message you because it was forbidden and no I do not know where your little friend is." She glared at her at the last one as the monke- … no the girl looked away quickly putting her hands up in surrender.
"Sorry." She mumbled and Azula rolled her eyes before breathing out to release anger she didn't really feel. It felt like she was working automatically more than anything else.
"Still I had thought you came to ask about my condition but it seems you still have more in mind." Azula teased trying to regain her former demeanor as she reached her room pushing open the door.
"Of course not Azula! I'm just worried about what happened after…" She trailed off in horror and only a fool wouldn't know what she was thinking about by now.
Azula held in her snort.
"You don't need to worry. I left him in the crowd that day, so he should have been more than safe. You know this already don't you? Trust me he'll be safe." Azula told the lie with a straight face not knowing why she was going so far when she could just dismiss it.
She wasn't inclined to compete if she was honest. She understood on a base level that Ty Lee could threaten her here even if she didn't acknowledge it. She had seen how those two acted after all.
Secondly, why would she spread news that she knew more about him? If grandfather found out she wouldn't even know how she died. Azula did not let sentimentality rule her.
And finally, she didn't like that the final thing he told her before leaving was to make another girl feel better. It was that simple.
"I know but…hah okay I'll stop. I doubt we'd meet again anyway. Thank you for answering me, Azula." Ty Lee pouted, throwing herself onto the bed like she did back at the academy.
The academy that was closed due to the attack that is.
Azula, who heard the sadness, decided it would be prudent to use the carrot now. If only to endear her towards her further.
"It's all right, he wasn't too bad and who knows? If you can find him I won't say anything else about it. Maybe I could ask grandfather to sponsor him. He was a talented bender afterall." Azula watched as the girl's head shot up while looking at her in surprise.
She shot towards her.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you-!"
'So easy to please.' Azula barely held the urge to roll her eyes as she felt the arms wrapped around her.
Pathetic.
She didn't acknowledge how warm the hug felt.
"Besides your…change, what's the real reason you called us here, Azula? You were pretty vague about it, and that's not like you," the more level-headed member of the duo asked, her dark eyes filled with curiosity as they locked onto Azula's piercing gold gaze.
Azula leaned back slightly, a smirk playing on her lips as she spread her arms wide. "Well~" she began, her tone teasing and playful. As she laid out her plan, their reactions unfolded just as she had anticipated.
After all, what other response could one expect when someone boldly declared their intention to dominate a spirit that had once threatened to destroy them all?
(Break)
Nukok had done it. He has infiltrated the order of the false spirit. After months of trying and being rejected he had finally been approved by the weighted gaze of the Priestess Hama.
Only after learning the tells and quirks of those brainwashed fools and being able to emulate them was he able to pass the powerful woman's evaluation. He had thought most of this was a sham but it would seem that at least she was the real deal.
They called him an initiate now. He had very basic duties that nearly made him mad. Cleaning the shrine and the temple regularly, guard duty, hunting or even offering up daily prayers to the fake spirit. Maybe sometimes break up a rowdy crowd but that was rarer.
The training was hell as well, hours upon hours of training his bending and physical form just to get sweeped away like a small stream when the demon Hama came to test them out.
Unfortunately none of this put him anywhere near the spirit like he needed to expose the fool. He was getting anxious too, his backer hadn't been pleased when he relayed that information. They had both been out of the tribe when the incident happened and were basically in the dark to what happened.
Of course they didn't believe the radish that a child spirit had nearly sunk the fire nation or that he was responsible for the new constructs on their walls.
So this morning he had arrived ansty, hoping to find an opportunity to get closer because forcing his way in was not an option.
And it seemed the ocean and moon spirits answered his calls!
"Hey newbie!" Nukok who had been changing into his gear for guard duty stiffened thinking he was found out before he quickly relaxed
"Ah yes sir?!" He tried looking stoic but his face was sweating and his hands were clammy with nerves.
"Follow along with us today. The Great Spirit is going to be expanding our territory again and it's mandatory for all members to be present."
Nukok's eyes widened.
'Finally!'
(Break)
Naruto yawned. It was way too early for this crap. Actually, it was always too early for this crap. Why did he allow himself to be dragged into these things he didn't know.
"Is this really necessary mom? I think the northern tribe is already big enough for everyone." Naruto grumbled annoyed as he was dragged out of bed again by his enthusiastic mother as she placed his so-called 'ceremonial clothing' in his hands.
"Of course it is Naruto. Don't be silly dear. For one, anytime you have to reaffirm your status should be taken!" The woman ruffled his hair, pushing him in front of the mirror, fixing his hair as if it wasn't going to get messed up right after.
"But if I do it too much won't the uhhh….novelty wear off? That's usually how it is for me…" Naruto scratched his head wondering.
There was only so many times you could create giant blocks of ice until it was just boring honestly. He would rather go train some more or go tease (bully) Yue than go make some ice in the middle of nowhere.
"I suppose it would wear off for you considering your power but for people who worship you it's like balm to the soul. Every display of your power lures them deeper and deeper into the wells of fanaticism. Soon they'll stop questioning things and will simply accept you not as their spirit but as their god! Hehehehe-" Naruto sweat dropped hearing his mother laugh in a creepy manner as he got dressed.
She got waaaay too into this kinda stuff. He wondered if she got pleasure from it.
"And secondly, you know there are many tribes that live further away from the northern tribe due to the lack of space, correct? With your help they can find new homes to settle in far safer areas, they'll be oh so thankful to you that you won't have to worry much about converting them."
"...well at least half of that sounded nice. This will be the last time though." Naruto sighed as he tried to justify his mother's crazy plan to himself. He was doing that a lot, he realized.
"Right? Now stop complaining, your people wait for your guidance." She patted his head.
Naruto nodded lazily as he put his polar bear head on his head and the fur over his back. Apparently he needed to keep most of his face covered to keep up the mystery.
Naruto didn't mind. It was pretty cool.
"So mom I hear you're planning an expedition to the earth kingdom?" Naruto asked suddenly.
"...yes I am. Where did you hear Naruto? Not that I meant to keep it from you."
'...' Naruto thought back to Yue who had barged in the room excitedly to tell him the news.
"I have my sources. You're not leaving without me, you know that right?" Naruto asked curiously as he glanced back to her surprised face.
"Is that so? You're ordering me now, Naruto?" She looked bemused but Naruto simply finished fastening his little white fur getup and went over to her.
"Of course. As your great spirit you have to listen to me mom! And I've always wanted to see the earth kingdom!" Naruto smiled at her as he took her by the hand and began leading her out of the room.
"...you know what? That's a great idea, we can have a nice family vacation while I spread our influence! I'll speed up the planning right away!" She seemed excited and Naruto stopped feeling it all click.
"Mom…"
"Yes dear?"
"Did you wait for me to find out so I could tell you I want to come and so that you didn't have to ask me to?! Was this all your plan?!" Naruto looked up with confused eyes.
She patted his head again.
"I did say that I have no wish to use you for my own gain anymore, correct?"
"Oh….it still feels weird."
"Good weird?"
When he didn't answer, the woman simply chuckled and scratched his scalp in that way she knew he liked.
(Break)
The icy winds of the Water Tribe carried whispers of anticipation as Yue stood among the gathering of followers outside Naruto's temple doors, all of them in two even lines that reached more than 100 before the rest couldn't be seen.
Draped in her flowing white tunic, she smoothed the fabric, feeling embarrassed. The attire, though beautiful, had garnered some teasing from Naruto, and she couldn't help but agree, it was a bit too much for her taste especially when she came to like the tight robes for combat Naruto wore.
Suddenly, the great ice doors creaked open, and the crowd that was already quiet observed.
Out stepped Naruto, his face partially obscured by a bearskin, leaving only his mouth and nose visible. He wore a traditional water tribe garment, thin yet vibrant, unmistakably marking him as an member yet only a fool would mistake him as so. A glint of blonde hair peeked from beneath the fur, and she stifled a giggle as his bear-clad visage turned toward her, playfully alert like a bloodhound.
Beside him stood Priestess Hama, radiant in her sea-blue robes that cascaded gracefully to the ground. Her gown shimmered a pure white, accentuating her long brown hair and unblemished skin. The priestess was slender, graceful, and taller than most Yue had noticed long ago. She exuded an aura of tranquility, embodying the spirit of order perfectly.
As they both came to a stop, a profound silence enveloped the gathering. Yue's heart steadied and she took a deep breath before with graceful, deliberate steps, she moved forward, positioning herself in front of them as she bowed.
"It is my honor to welcome the great spirit and his chosen to the Northern Water Tribe."
In that instant, a loud sound resonated through the air as many others followed her lead, their knees impacting the ice in unison, creating a powerful chorus.
"It is our honor to welcome the great spirit and his chosen to the Northern Water Tribe!"
There was silence and Yue peaked up at Naruto's face seeing the horrified shock as he glared up at the Priestess before looking horrified once more.
"Was this your plan all along mom?!"
"Would you believe me if I said no?"
"No!"
"Then it was in fact my plan. You should have seen this coming long ago."
"Haaah? The last thing I want-"
"Sorry dear but you should probably let them stand now, no?"
Yue looked down, biting her lips as she heard the cute little growl come from his throat before he coughed.
"Stand up! I don't want to see this happening again!" Yue shivered, feeling his voice nearly bowing her over as it echoed all the way down the path.
Everyone got up on their feet in a rush and Yue found herself tugged up like a weightless sack and staring at glowing blue eyes.
"Let's get this over with." He told her as they began walking by the stationary people and she followed quietly knowing it wasn't the time to talk.
Yue glanced at her hand being held then to Priestess Hama's as they were tugged forward.
As one the two lines began falling in step behind them as they marched over to the waters where the dock was stationed.
(Break)
Nukok had done it.
He finally was able to glimpse the pretender's form. A boy who couldn't be more than 11 or 12 was somehow leading the largest faction in the entire tribe.
He didn't know how they hadn't uncovered the little shit yet. After forcing himself to kneel to avoid suspicion, he held back laughter at the squeaky voice shouting orders. A boy on the cusp of puberty really thought he sounded intimidating, it was pure comedy, and yet somehow, it got everyone scrambling.
It was sad and pitiful.
That was why Nukok was on his own cruiser with the squad he had been assigned to, following the massive ship that undoubtedly housed the boy, the priestess, and the princess whom his backer wanted to marry his son to get more control over the water tribes affairs.
They had been trailing the larger ship for what felt like ages, and Nukok noticed other vessels from the tribe trailing behind, eager to witness whatever spectacle was promised.
"Helm to port! Turn the wheel to the left and prepare to come to a stop! Bring the sails in and secure the helm. Ready the anchor for dropping!" The captain's loud shout made Nukok flinch. He quickly glanced at his captain before looking back at the main ship.
He saw the priestess raising a hand from the deck, signaling for them to stop. Nukok gritted his teeth, focusing on the wheel, steering as commanded.
'Let's see how they fake it this time.' he thought, as their ship slowed and finally came to a halt. The crew rushed to the front of the deck, eager to get a better view.
"There he is!" one of his squadmates shouted, pointing. Nukok squinted, spotting the kid stepping onto the deck, where the boy stood tall, an odd mix of boredom and innocence.
Suddenly, for some reason he felt as if the wind picked up when the boy raised his hand into the air.
'What trick does he have up his sleeve?' Nukok thought, narrowing his eyes. He could almost laugh at the absurdity of it all, yet a part of him felt the creeping dread of something far beyond mere theatrics as he watched the rough waters calming down completely.
There was not even a ripple.
He blinked in disbelief.
Something shifted in the air, something that made his skin crawl and he looked to the water again shivering as he saw the unnatural rippling.
The ripples expanded outward, each wave more pronounced than the last, as if something massive lurked beneath the surface.
His heart raced and he looked around for an explanation but all he got were blank faces and wide eyes as they all looked to where the anomaly was originating.
The anomaly soon took shape, in the form of a small piece of ice that broke through the surface and Nukok watched on blankly as the waves of water began raising higher and higher causing the boats to rock unsteadily.
Nukok's chin raised silently when the massive iceberg emerged from the depths of the ocean, looming over them. As it broke the surface, waves surged dramatically, causing the boats to rock perilously as the sea roared.
Nearby, the surrounding wildlife sensed the disturbance. Seal lions and fish scattered, while seabirds screeched in alarm, retreating from the chaotic waters. Waves that threatened to flood everything with how high they were, seemed like they would kill everything close and far as they marched towards the gathering of boats.
And yet there wasn't a single scream of panic or terror.
…then it stopped.
Nukok didn't even realize when he dropped to his knees, his pupils in the back of his head, as the tsunami became nothing more than a small wave that simply splashed against the multitude of boats.
His ears were ringing watching as the boy went back to his cabin and all he could see was black right after but what he could remember was what he said in the moment he blacked out causing a chain reaction.
"All hail the Great Spirit!"
(Break)
Naruto scratched his ass.
"So you're saying this guy tried breaking into my room mom? I'm surprised it took this long." Naruto looked over to the woman who sat on his bed as the overzealous members brought the wild eyed man to his knees, placing knives at his throat.
"It would seem so dear. He apparently had something he needed to relay to us as soon as possible." She crossed her legs before putting her arms under her bust looking quite amused at the turn of events.
Naruto looked at her expecting her to say something else but she simply smiled at him, getting him to sigh in annoyance.
He looked back to the man and frowned when he saw the blood on his neck.
"Thanks guys but you can go now. I got this." Naruto said, feeling bad when the guards looked like puppy squirrels soaked in the rain.
"Ehm- you can stand in the corner of the room I guess." Their reactions were like night and day.
Nearly groaning knowing he only made the problem worse, Naruto looked to the man who was prostrating on the ground.
"Well sir? I hope you have a good reason for trying what you did. My room is the only private place I have left." Naruto frowned at him when the man whipped his head up looking eager to please.
"Great Spirit! Please listen to my plea and forgive my unsightly ways!"
And so Naruto sat and listened, feeling angrier and angrier at each word he was hearing.
They wanted to do what with his friend?!
"Mom."
"Don't worry sweetie. Mommy will take care of everything. You can keep your toy."
"...thanks mom and she isn't a toy."
"Ufufufu!"
What a lovely family.
(Break)
A certain wealthy family of the Northern water tribe soon found their influence waning rapidly in the course of a few days. None of their businesses were thriving and it seemed like the very tribe itself agreed to turn against them one night.
Their workers who also went underpaid were soon swooped up by unknown forces leaving them speechless, even moreso when they couldn't hire anyone else.
And so came the very short rule of said family. They became just another small family in the Water Tribe and lived a relatively peaceful life after resorting to honest work.
And their son Hahn went on to be one of the best hunters in the tribe bringing glory to their name but that was a story for another time.