Chapter 10
Azula awoke feeling more rested than she has ever felt in the past few years. Her mind felt at ease, at least for now but her body was incredibly sore. She recalled the events of meeting the Mystic however everything was hazy, he was so strange, stranger than the other beings she has met thus far. Surely he had to have been a dream, the Ke'Kuvon were not a warm and inviting people so they most likely wouldn't allow someone like him in their community.
She decided it wasn't worth thinking about and got ready to leave. She's had enough of these people and would rather be around the menagerie of creatures on the home base instead.
After preparing herself for the day she exited the tent putting the translator back in her ear and made her way to the main encampment. The sun was rising just beyond the horizon turning the sky pink, its light making the red vegetation beneath it take on a purplish hue with the ring streaking the sky in pure white.
The camp wasn't as lively as it had been last night with many of its inhabitants still asleep and only a few hunters keeping watch whether it be in the camp or on the back of a rhino patrolling the outskirts. Most didn't pay her any mind as she strolled by looking for Angara while the rest glared at her.
"You have joined the waking realm, Serpent of Blue." The haunting voice of the Mystic startled her into a fighting stance.
The Mystic stood outside the rhino stables stroking the head of one of the creatures while clutching a tall walking stick wrapped in beads, "I am glad to see you, and glad of the choice made."
She was frozen in place as the realization that he was not a dream at all. This man, no, this creature did something to her, something that allowed him to know everything about her, the plan to take the storm, her history and even the voices in her head. She even began to wonder how she got back to her tent as she doesn't remember returning herself, in which case, what did he do to her?
"You! How did- what did you do to me last night?"
"I apologize for what occurred." He spoke slowly as he fully turned to her, "I should have taken better precaution to prevent contact with your mind. I did not mean to pry into your subconscious."
"You read my mind? How is that even possible?" She eased out of her stance after deeming that he was not a threat.
"Contact through touch is the easiest manner in which to do so."
"So does that mean you read that creature's mind just now?" She pointed to the rhino.
"No, through great effort I can silence this ability." He continued to pat the rhino's head as it grunted in appreciation, "But that is not why you are here. Is it, Serpent of Blue?"
She grunted in annoyance, "That's not my name. You know things about me, things I can't have anyone else know."
The Mystic stayed silent for a moment as if pondering her words, "Yes, but do not fear. I have no intention of sharing what I know with others."
"Forgive me if I don't believe you."
"The transfer of information between minds is a sacred and intimate process, to share such things is the ultimate violation. I have taken a vow of silence against speaking of such things unless given consent by the one who was read."
She decided to test the resolve of that statement, "Even if I hold information that could endanger you and this camp?"
"If you are referring to Angara's status as a wanted princess, yes. However, that is a secret that I do not need to keep as many in the camp are aware that you know and they do not approve."
"All the more reason for me to leave."
"Leave you should. An attempt was made on your life last night, but thankfully I was able to persuade them to make a different choice."
Azula couldn't say she was surprised at that, she suspected it was Angara who would have done the attempt, but was confused as to why he would intervene, "Why save me? What do you gain from my survival?"
"Nothing. All life is sacred, even the lives of the wicked. One day we all shall venture into the outer world and become one of its many voices, but there is no need to rush or send others before they are ready."
She rolled her eyes at that, "Speaking of this outer world, is there anything those voices would like to share?"
"The outer world remains silent in regards to you, for now."
"If that's the case then tell me where I can find Angara."
He pointed to his right with his mighty walking stick, "Red Cap will be in the center of camp within the chieftains war horse."
She assumes he means the giant vehicle the chieftain stayed in and turned to take her leave but the voice of the Mystic stopped her, "I have something for you, Serpent of Blue." He dug into his cloak and pulled out a small bracelet made of wooden beads. Reluctantly she took the bracelet from his spindly fingers, taking extra caution to not touch him. She looked at the bracelet and found a wooden pendant of some strange serpentine creature curled in a spiral with swirling patterns running along its body.
"What is this?"
"A charm carved from steel wood. A wood that is notorious for its difficulty to burn. May it help guide you down the path you choose to follow and bring you good fortune." The Mystic turned back to the rhino and patted its head.
She thought nothing of his words as she pocketed the tacky bracelet and followed the direction he pointed towards. When she arrived she found Angara was already awake standing at the top of the vehicle no longer dressed in her armor leaning against the railing at the top of the vehicle, seeming to be watching the sunrise while contemplating something deeply.
"Hey!" Azula called out to her with the former Ke'Kuvon princess who gave her a scornful look, "Are we ready to leave yet?"
"I just woke up, give me a few minutes!" she shouted, "And why are you awake so early? I'd expect you to be sleeping in after the beating I gave ya."
"I don't waste time sleeping in. Fire benders rise with the sun after all." Azula responded.
Angara rolled her eyes and muttered under her breath, "Of course you'd have some dumb saying like that. Anyway, I talked to My'Rell last night, they're still working things out with planet security so we might need to catch a ride from either someone here."
She rolled her eyes, "As long as we leave, I don't care."
"Hang on, pup. There's something you and I need to talk about." Angara leapt from the railing and landed close to her, "You know something about me that I can't let get out."
"You mean the fact that you're a princess?" Azula asked as if she didn't know what she was talking about.
"Yeah that." Angara growled, "You knowing that is a really big problem and I don't trust you to keep your mouth shut."
"Really? And here I thought our little experience out in the wilderness helped us to grow closer as friends." Azula purred sarcastically, "So what are you going to do about it. Strike a deal with me? You don't seem the negotiating type. But…" she tapped her chin as a smile creeped up her face, "I would still like to have the best bounty hunter in the Crimson Storm to show me the ropes."
Angara made an annoyed face, "You're still on about that?"
"Like I said, I only accept the best. Agree to that and maybe I'll consider keeping quiet."
"No."
Azula was taken aback from how quick that response was, right when she thought she had her.
"No? You do realize I have some very valuable information?"
"Yup."
"So why refuse such a simple request?"
"Like I said before. When I look at you all I see is a liar and a schemer. Someone like that can't be trusted to keep her mouth shut even if a deal is struck." The defiance returned to Angara's cat like eyes, "I spent all night thinking of how to deal with that problem and I think I've got a solution that'll make everyone happy."
"Really then? Well don't keep me in suspense." she responded in a sardonic manner.
With Angara's gaze hardening she spoke clearly and confidently loud enough for several of the passing hunters to hear, "I challenge you to a fight to the death!"
Azula wasn't expecting this, especially so suddenly but with her strength back and better knowledge of her environment and opponent, a devilish smile spread across her face at the prospect of a battle to the death with the woman she hated, "I accept."
After the two princesses ate breakfast and geared up, Angara back in her armor minus her helmet and needle cannon while Azula remained in her jumpsuit, they met outside the camp with almost the whole camp circling around them, cheering Angara on while shouting for Azula's death.
"Break her legs big sis!" Teo shouted while clinging to his grandfather's leg along with his twin.
"Beat her up!" Tia cheered.
Tekhan patted both of their heads, "Now remember you two this is a battle of honor between warriors, not some common street brawl meant to gawk at for cheap spectacle. A battle to the death like this should be witnessed not for the sake of watching two people beat each other senseless, but by virtue of bravery in the face of adversity and-"
"Smash her face in and send her to the outer world!" Tyto cheered on in glee, disregarding any lesson his uncle was trying to impart with his cousins cheering with him.
"Maybe I should stop letting you three watch those fights on the omni-net." Tekhan said flatly.
While side eyeing his nephew disapprovingly he noticed the tall cloaked form of the Mystic appear next to them spectating with the rest of the crowd, "Mystic, I didn't think you'd be interested in witnessing an event like this. You're normally indifferent to our warrior ways."
The Mystic murmured, "A choice was made, one that has spared the life of another. However, another was made that may end with a similar grim outcome. Choices I helped initiate. Regardless of outcome I must bear witness and accept responsibility."
Tekhan turned his attention back to the makeshift arena, "Always so cryptic. Aren't you?"
Chief Kowari pushed past the crowd still in a drowsy state after being woken up, "What is going on out here?"
"It would seem our princess came to her senses and challenged our guest in honorable combat." Tekhan answered.
"What!?" Kowari shot his gaze to the makeshift arena, his eyes widening seeing Azula still alive stretching and ignoring the crowd's boos, "Why is she still alive?"
"Come now Kowari, you shouldn't be surprised. This is our way after all." Tekhan gave him a judgemental look.
"You disapprove of my orders?"
"Greatly."
"Then you know why I gave them. That girl knows too much."
"She's a fighter like us. She deserves to die on her feet facing her opponent, unless you don't think Angara can defeat her."
Kowari shot the older man a hard look taking great offense to that statement, "You think I doubt her abilities? I taught her everything she knows."
"Which makes it even more insulting to her that you would have her shoot a girl in her sleep."
Kowari's glare tightened at his words.
"A choice made in fear is a choice made in ignorance." The Mystic murmured.
"You! You had something to do with this didn't you?" The chief accused. He never did care for the Mystic but he was vital in keeping morale up in the camp along with advising many in their day to day lives, it helped that he also shared in their beliefs of the outer world.
"Red Cap was at a crossroads, unsure of which path to take. I merely helped guide someone who was lost."
Tekhan softened his own gaze not wanting another fight to break out, "Let us not argue on this matter here old friend. Let's see just how much our princess has grown since we last saw her fight."
Coming out of another stretching position Azula spoke to her opponent as she began stretching her legs, "I know I agreed to this little death battle quite quickly but what exactly are the terms for our duel?"
Angara cracked her knuckles against her chin before cracking her neck, "Simple, if I win you die so you can't leak me being alive out. You win, I die giving no reason for anyone to bring harm to the people I care about." Angara looked to Kowari as she said this, her words resonating with him as he knew that this could potentially save the clan no matter the outcome but would result in losing the girl he raised as his own, "If that is alright with you chief."
Kowari huffed, "Kill her and be done with it, Angara."
She nodded in affirmation before activating her shield and unsheathing her blade, "That sit well with you, pup?"
Azula, now in a fighting stance, responds as confidently as ever, "The terms sound fair. Now why don't we stop wasting time and get on with it." A cocky smile came to her face.
"Are you sure you're not going to need a weapon?" Tekhan asked, "This is supposed to be a fair fight after all."
"I already have my weapon." She felt the heat of the rising sun filling her with his strength.
The two combatants eyed each other looking for an opening to attack, neither willing to make the first move now that they have a better understanding of each other's skill, Azula now adjusting herself to the heavier gravity.
Their circling of each other continued until Angara activated her jet thrusters, propelling her forward using her shield as a battering ram. Azula used her bending to propel herself out of the way and followed with a blast to her side. The crowd ceased their boos and call's for her death after witnessing her blue flames, their obscenities replaced with gasps and whispered speculations.
The blast bounced off the backplate of her armor harmlessly as she rolled out of her charge and lunged at her while swinging her blade. Azula jumped back as the blade almost severed the other strands of hair she allowed to hang freely, she wouldn't allow Angara to further ruin her hair.
Azula shot a blast of fire at the ground between them, throwing up dirt and forcing Angara back, then threw a series of blasts at her that she blocked with her shield but kept her from engaging further. Azula knew that Angara was at her most dangerous up close, she had the advantage when it came to range and needed to keep her opponent at a distance if she had any chance of winning.
Angara was pushed back, almost to the ground, as an intense and constant blast of fire coated her shield, almost as if she was blocking the flames of a dragon. The heat was so intense she was struggling to keep her eyes open, for her next move she needed to rely on luck.
Angara retracted her blade then swung her free arm low, firing her grappling hook in a swinging motion low to the ground. The wire wrapped around Azula's legs and pulled them together throwing her off balance before Angara pulled her feet out from under her.
Now that the flames were gone Angara closed the distance once more attempting to slam the edge of her shield down on Azula's stomach.
The firebender managed to roll out of the way in time only for her opponent to bring it back down on her again. Azula managed to catch the edge of the shield before it could collide and struggled to hold the shield back making her very aware of the difference in physical strength Ke'Kuvon had over humans.
She could barely move, she was using most of her strength to keep the shield from her abdomen and her legs were still bound in cable being held in place by Angara.
On the gauntlet that housed the grappling hook Angara summoned the wrist blade once more and made a jab for her legs.
Thinking quickly Azula took a deep breath and breathed out a small blast narrowly missing her face but enough to make her miss her mark. Azula was able to push the shield away and saw the cable had gotten wrapped around the blade. She yanked her legs as hard as she could, pulling the cable against its edge severing it and freeing her legs. She tossed the hook and cable aside before sweeping her legs in a spiraling motion that sent flames everywhere pushing her opponent back far enough for her to recover. The crowd backed away as well in fear of getting hit with the flames.
Angara swiped at her with the blade managing to leave a laceration on Azula's arm. This weapon was becoming a nuisance to her, one lucky strike from it could end it all for her. Azula noticed the cut cable and grappling hook and dove towards it while dodging another swing. She held it between her hands ready for Angara's next move.
Angara swung downward but Azula held out the cable, managing to catch her arm before wrapping it around her gauntlet and redirecting the blade into the ground. She repeatedly hammered her foot down against the blade until it snapped then sent a knee into Angara's face.
The crowd winced at the blow. A look of concern appeared on Kowari's face as he watched on, Angara had indeed improved in her close quarters fighting skills however her opponent was just as skilled and more resourceful than he had anticipated.
As angry as he was with Angara not killing her in her sleep he allowed the duel fully believing in her ability to handle this problem but now seeing this manipulation of fire and the skill that it was being used with brought worry to him. Angara still had the advantage when it came to defense with her suit of armor and shield where Azula was a glass cannon. Kowari knew Angara only needed one lucky shot and this fight is as good as over. He just hopes Azula doesn't get a lucky shot of her own.
Angara continued to hold her shield before her as blast after blast of fire forced her on the defensive. She could barely get close to her long enough to do any damage. She then remembered a gadget she hadn't used yet but it would require her to retract her shield.
Angara activated her jetpack and put as much distance from her and Azula before ascending into the air.
"Running away? I thought you were braver than that!" Azula taunted sending more blasts into the air.
Angara retracted her shield and with the same gauntlet a small compartment opened with two small missiles flying out. Azula wasn't expecting that and jumped out of the way as the first one exploded where she stood and the other tailed behind it exploding just inches away from her, the shockwave momentarily disorienting. Once she got her bearings back she couldn't find Angara in the air or on the ground.
She spun around just in time to find Angara barreling through the smoke with her jetpack and shield already open delivering an upward backhanded swing that collided with Azula's chest and chin, the force of which sent her flying back into the crowd that caught her only to throw her back into the arena.
Kowari's worry eased, this was the opening he was waiting for. Now Angara could finish her off and they can be done with this.
On a watch tower just outside the camp two Ke'Kuvon hunters watched the fight from a distance, one using the zoom-in feature of his helmet to get a closer look while the other used a pair of binoculars.
"Angara's really giving it to her, ain't she." The helmeted one said.
"Of course she is. It's Angara we're talking about." The binocular one responded, "Holding back isn't her specialty."
"Ten units says she breaks her neck." The helmeted one said.
The other one chuckled, "Fifteen says she bludgeons her to death with her bare hands."
"Deal!"
They both continued to watch the fight from their tower and in doing so failed to notice the long range scanner flashing red indicating several ships were coming straight towards them from Horizon city.
Azula had not recovered yet from the shield bash but just as she did a fist collided with her face, then a hand grabbed her by the collar of her shirt before she felt the familiar sting of Angara's head spikes collide with her forehead as she delivered another headbutt.
The crowd's cheers grew louder as Angara delivered a flurry of blows before ending it with a hard jab to the stomach with the edge of her shield sending her stumbling back.
Azula was now on her knees holding her stomach as Angara stood over her regaining her breath.
"Got nothing else to say?" Angara taunted her, "You're usually a chatterbox, can't get you to shut up!" She then delivered a swift kick to her side then grabbed her by the hair forcing her up, "Normally I'd try to get this done quick and easy but I think I'm gonna drag this out a little bit longer. Just for the fun of it!" A malicious smile spread across her face, a smile Azula was all too familiar with.
The crowd continued to cheer Angara on however Kowari grew restless.
Tekhan groaned, "She's showboating again."
"Why does she always feel the need to do this?" Kowari facepalmed.
The Mystic only looked on in silence.
Angara pulled her up higher by the hair forcing Azula to cry out as she raised a fist. Azula thought quickly on how to get out of this situation and remembered the burn on Angara's side. It wouldn't have healed fully so quickly.
Just as Angara was going to hammer down her fist Azula grabbed a hold of the second degree burn and squeezed with all of her might, stopping Angara's attack and making her howl in pain. Now open for an attack Azula sent an open palm into the side of her face pushing her back and disorienting her. Now it was Azula's turn to deliver a flurry of blows to her face and exploited the weakness of her burnt side by delivering a sweeping kick to it every time she attempted to retaliate.
Angara managed to catch her leg with her right arm and with her left to grab her and attempt another headbutt, a seemingly favored move.
Azula was prepared for this and just as she was pulled closer to deliver the blow she countered by flinging her elbow into Angara's face striking the bridge of her nose.
The strike was enough to make Angara lose her grip allowing Azula to send a blast directly into her chest plate making her fly back before beginning another assault of fireballs, this time her attacks becoming more savage and relentless.
Angara struggled to defend against the assault with the reawakened pain in her side. The blasts of blue flame became too quick to follow with several blasts colliding with her armor and almost knocking her over.
Azula was growing tired of this shield And decided it was time for it to be destroyed and to further demonstrate her power. With her right two fingers she drew them into a circular motion generating a crackling of lightning swinging it in the air and catching it with her other hand further charging it up.
The crowd grew silent at this display in shock and horror. Kowari especially.
Once satisfied with the charge Azula flexed her fingers towards her opponent's energy shield generating an explosion that sent Angara flying back so far the crowd had to leap out of the way in hopes of dodging her.
Silence now filled the arena as Azula stalked up to Angara who laid in a small crater, her armor covered in glowing scorch marks, smoke rising from her, her energy shield damaged beyond repair as sparks shot out of it but she was still alive.
Angara looked up trying to regain her bearings, a numbness coming to her shield arm, and saw Azula standing over her with a malicious and triumphant smile plastered across her bruised face.
"I win."
Angara could give her a glare of defiance and spat out some blood. She could barely move and if she could her body screamed in pain. She was right, she had been beaten.
Angara pulled herself up into a sitting position, "Alright… get on with it." She accepted her defeat with grace, she won't let it be said that she was a sore loser in her final fight.
Azula's smirk faltered a bit, "What, no remark? No insults? Not even gonna beg for your life?"
"Nah, I don't beg. I said that if you win I die. So just do it already before I find some way of killing you first." Angara gave her the most arrogant smile she'd ever seen.
There was no fear in Angara's eyes, no hint of regret either and this only made Azula's victory feel bitter. This wasn't what she wanted. She had beaten her, humiliated her before her own people and proved her weakness, yet she still holds that defiance that sapped away any joy she could have obtained from this moment.
She raised a hand drawing up a sapphire flame and was ready to make her final strike, until the voice of the Mystic shot through her mind, "Is this the path you wish to continue down?"
She froze as he stood far away in the crowd yet his voice was so clear, it was as if he was standing inches away from her.
"A choice can be made here, your choice. Free of the influence of others, and one that may shape your future. Choose wisely." His voice echoed to her and deaf to all other ears.
"Well? You gonna finish it or what?" Angara said impatiently.
Azula, now drawn back to the situation, looked down on her hoping seeing her defeated form would reignite her fire but it did nothing. She wanted to see Angara broken but instead she sat there accepting what is to come with the same defiance as ever unafraid of the bite of her fire. Unlike her who faced defeat ungracefully, sobbing and screaming like a child. The shame of that memory still haunts her.
She couldn't understand this feeling, there was anger that she couldn't break her but behind that lay a sense of admiration for Angara's calm disposition in what should be her final moments.
Was this respect for someone she defeated, someone that she proved was weaker than her and unworthy of her admiration?
Kowari noticed the hesitation in Azula and activated the blaster on his gauntlet to end this himself.
A hand grabbed him by his arm. It was Tekhan holding him back with a pained and saddened look on his face, "Kowari don't!"
"I can't stand by and allow this to happen!"
"She knew the risks when she initiated the challenge!" Tekhan urged, "You'd do nothing but dishonor her by intervening."
Kowari growled before pushing him out of the way and taking aim, "To hell with honor!"
As Kowari lined up his shot the two watchtower guards looked on, fully absorbed in the matter until one heard the sounds of engines roaring. He turned his binoculars to the horizon and saw several ships incoming.
"Ships! Ships on the horizon!"
The alarm came too late as several black and white ships sored overhead stopping everyone from what they were doing. The crowd dispersed as they circled the area, the winds generated by their engines kicked up clouds of dirt and threw loose objects into the air, said winds extinguished the flame in Azula's hand along with throwing her off balance with Angara pulling herself back to her feet as one ship landed before them all. Azula recognized these ships as belonging to planetary security mainly because of the flashing red and blue lights.
Kowari approached the landed craft with several other hunters following behind preparing for a fight as the door opened and Proxly's round frame sauntered out followed by several other security officers.
"Chief Kowari! How are you this fine morning? Well rested I imagine." Proxly greeted sarcastically.
"What is the meaning of this Proxly?"
Proxly pulled out a tablet, "I'm here because I'm looking for your little red head hunter Angara and this new girl…" he squinted at the tablet, "A-zuuul-a. Think that's how you pronounce it. Anyway, these two are wanted for disorderly conduct, destruction of public property and resisting arrest. And given how this camp is the closest location from the badlands where we lost them this is where they'd likely be." With a glance to his right he saw the two individuals he was looking for battered and bruised, "Would you look at that. The girls of the hour. Cuff em."
A pair of officers approached them with cuffs in hand until several hunters stepped between them.
"You have no right to just come here and make arrests!" Kowari growled.
"Actually I do. You see, as a member of planetary security I can arrive at any settlement on Kazima and neighboring territories to make arrests and do searches if I suspect threats to security, smuggling, foul play or in this case, harboring criminal fugitives. And given how two law breakers have been found here, maybe I should do a search of the whole camp just in case I find something else that shouldn't be here, like say some water filters that went missing a few days ago."
Kowari said nothing and only growled at him.
"But given how I found what I came here for, I can just take them and be on my way. Less files I have to fill out."
Angara pushed past the crowd until she was before Proxly, "If I come willingly you'll leave?"
"You and your fire breathing friend."
"Fine." She held out her hands allowing one of the other officers to cuff her.
"Don't fight them, pup. Not unless you want to leave unconscious." She said over her shoulder to Azula as the crowd parted for the officers to make their way to her.
Azula would rather not be bound but this seems to be her only option out of the camp at the moment and she'd rather not live as a fugitive again.
"Let's just get this over with." She too held out her hands.
"Angara no!" Kowari said coming to her side, "This is foolish!"
"You see any other option? I'll be fine, My'Rell will pay my bail and I'll be out in no time."
"But what of her?" Kowari pointed to Azula as two officers escorted her into the ship.
"I-I don't know." She admitted refusing to look him in the eye out of shame and thinking that maybe she should have just followed his orders.
The officers pulled her to the ship, "I'll figure something out."
She was shoved onto a bench in the center compartment of the ship a few seats away from Azula with several officers in between them.
"Been a pleasure seeing you again chief." Proxly said as he waddled back onto the ship, "Make sure you and your people stay out of trouble. I'm always watching."
After all the officers returned the doors closed and the vehicle ascended back into the air returning to Horizon city.
Kowari watched as it left with his adopted daughter hoping that she would find some way of dealing with Azula.
He turned to the crowd, "Fight is over! Go back to your business!" He glanced over to the Mystic whose robes flapped to the winds as he too watched the ship's fly off, "The girl hesitated. Did you have something to do with that?"
The Mystic's sky blue eyes met his, "I only asked her a question. One she does not seem to be ready to answer yet." He turned and began walking back to his hut.
His words had always confused Kowari. For now he decided to forget about the cloaked man and turn his attention to a more pressing matter, "Who was in charge of the watchtower?!"
The two Youngblood hunters tried to disappear into the crowd after seeing his glare land on them.
After having her hand prints scanned, mugshot taken and all the few personal belongings she had with her confiscated, Azula sat isolated in a glass cube in a hallway lined with other cubes, several of which housed various aliens in cuffs like her. The cells had nothing in them save for their occupants meaning they were only temporary housing until planetary security figured out what to do with her.
She took the time to try and meditate and refocus her mind so she could get out of this unscathed however she was aggravated that her duel was interrupted right as she was going to deliver the final blow but also of her strange feelings of respect for that abhorrent woman and the intervention of the Mystic didn't help.
The sound of a cell near her opening pulled her from her thoughts as Angara, now stripped of her armor and only dressed in a mesh suit, was shoved into the cell hissing at the guards who left her cuffed before leaving.
Once Angara noticed her stare she glared at her before taking a seat on the cold floor.
"Well… This is quite the predicament we find ourselves in." Azula said aloud.
Angara ignored her.
"So, how long will it take for My'Rell to get us out of this?"
"No clue, so shut up." Clearly she was in no mood to speak so Azula didn't push the matter and went back to meditating, however Angara decided to ask her something, "Why didn't you finish me off? You won the duel so you had the right to end my life then and there, but you didn't. Why?"
Azula wasn't sure if she should mention the voice of the Mystic and she would rather die than letting her know she might have developed some modicum of respect for her, but he did have strange abilities, perhaps the truth may be the best answer, "I heard a voice speak to me from within my head, the voice of the Mystic."
Angara rolled her eyes and scoffed, "Of course. Figured he would have done something like that."
Azula felt more at ease knowing that Angara believed her, "He mentioned that there was an attempt on my life last night and that he was able to talk them out of it. That was you wasn't it?"
Angara remained silent confirming her hunch.
"So we both hesitated because of interference from this Mystic friend of yours."
"It wasn't just him! Something else got in the way."
Azula snorted, "Like what?"
Angara sighed as she spoke in a calmer tone, "It would have been an honorless death. As much as I hate you I respect you as a warrior and know that if you are to die by my hands it should be as an equal in combat."
Their eyes met, Angara's remained defiant as ever while Azula's face was blank and expressionless until she started snickering until it turned into full blown laughter. She laughed so hard that she fell over on her side cackling uncontrollably.
"You didn't… kill me b-because of honor?" She gasped in-between breaths, "That's so stupid! You could have easily taken me out and never have to worry about me again! You really are like Zuko!" she continued laughing, filling the detention center with her erratic howls.
Her laughs struck a nerve in Angara as her eye twitched at the ridicule making her jump to her feet and start slamming her cuffed fists against the wall of her cell shouting threats, "When I get out of here I'm gonna strangle the life out of you!"
"That wouldn't be very honorable of you. Now would it?" Azula said mockingly, still laughing.
Angara roared in frustration as she kicked at the walls until a guard opened the door to Azula's cell, "On your feet." He grabbed her and pushed her down The hallway.
Azula was led into a small gray room that only housed a table, a chair for her to sit and Proxly who sat at the opposite end reading something on his tablet. He motioned for the guard to seat her and leave.
"Cuffs over the magnet." Proxly said pointing to the black circular plate on her end of the table.
She did as instructed with the magnet pulling her arms against the table catching her by surprise with the force it grabbed her with. She tugged her hands away but the magnet was powerful and didn't allow her even an inch.
Proxly didn't say anything to her, only continued to read his tablet in silence as if she wasn't there. She knew this tactic, using silence as a weapon to be in control of the situation. A favored tactic her father used for intimidation and one she used often. She took the time to look around and noticed a mechanical eye in the corner of the room watching them.
"So, Azula. Am I pronouncing that correctly?" He finally said looking up at her.
"Correct." She said flatly.
"First day as a citizen of Kazima and already you're causing trouble." He put the tablet down and reached into his pocket pulling out what seemed to be a pack of cigarettes and ignited one in his mouth with a lighter taking a deep inhale before breathing a puff of smoke into her face, "Got reports from a dozen different people about you chasing after some Ke'Kuvon brats and spewing fire out like some Kavidarian, only you weren't breathing it out your mouth like one and instead they were shooting out your hands like a jet."
He flipped the tablet over to her tapping the screen with a dull claw at the video of her using her firebending.
"That's a neat trick but a very dangerous one. I could put you behind bars for a good while for that alone; add in you hopping on a train without a ticket, your fight with Angara, the damages to the train and fleeing arrest. I've got enough evidence to kick you off Kazima permanently." He took another drag from his cigarette and released the smoke from his four nostrils, "Gotta say it's not looking good for you."
"Did those reports mention the fact that I was robbed by those brats and was only trying to get back what was stolen?" She said accusingly.
"Is that right?" He shook some ash onto a trey, "What else happened?"
"I ran into a gang of them, fought them all and chased the ones that stole from me to the train."
"And that's where you had the confrontation with Angara. Can't say I don't believe you, those Ke'Kuvon are nothing but trouble, but if that's the case you should have contacted one of our officers and we would have taken care of it."
She scoffed, "And wait for someone to come so the thieves have just enough time to get away? I don't think so. Where I come from, thievery isn't tolerated."
"And where is it that you come from?" he put the cigarette back in his mouth as he went back to his tablet, "Says here you're an unregistered species from an unregistered planet, we have nothing on your background and no information on this fire thing you do."
"Fire bending." She corrected.
He gave her a look indicating that he didn't like being interrupted, "Right. Fire bending. Your species, what is it?"
"Human."
"And your homeworld?"
"Earth."
"Where is this Earth exactly?"
Azula smirked, "Honestly I'm not sure. I haven't had a chance to ask My'Rell for the exact location yet."
He tapped some more ash out onto the trey, "That makes you a part of the Crimson Storm, correct?"
"I suppose it does."
"You look a little young to be part of a mercenary crew, sixteen years if what I'm reading is correct. How did you get involved with them?"
"I'm sorry, but I don't see how this is relevant to the crimes I'm being accused of."
"I believe it's relevant which means it is." He punctuated by smashing his cigarette bud hard on the ashtray, "You're a complete mystery to us and if there's one thing I hate more than anything else in the galaxy it's mysteries. So, you are gonna answer all my questions or I'm gonna kick you off my planet."
He was losing his patience and Azula could see it.
Azula kept an indifferent gaze, "Has My'Rell been informed that I am here? I would much like to speak with her first before I proceed any further."
Proxly gave out a snorty chuckle, "That ain't how things work around here. You are in my domain where I ask you questions and you give me answers."
"I believe I'd be able to answer more clearly if I had someone present who has a better understanding of the law here."
Proxly's thick brows tightened as his scarlet eyes bore into her, "I am the law here."
Azula gave him just as hard a gaze. They both glared at each other like two predatory animals trying to intimidate the other into submission.
"You sure you're not Tivanti's bastard child."
Azula's gaze hardened even further at such a rude remark, "You mean My'Rell?"
"Yeah, you've got that same look in your eyes as her. Cold arrogance that says you think you can do whatever you want." He lit another cigarette, "Those imperial types never change."
Azula raised a brow, "She left the empire though. That must count for something?"
The round alien only snorted, "A Pendaren can leave the empire but the empire never leaves a Pendaren."
"Perhaps, but from my observation she seems to have gone through a change in world view."
Proxly laughed further, "Listen little girl, I've worked this job for over forty three years and you know what I've learned? People don't change and if they do it's never for the better. I'll always be who I am, the Ke'Kuvon will always be nothing but a bunch of savage raiders and My'Rell will always be an arrogant imperial no matter how much she pretends she isn't. And you…" he took another long drag of his cigarette and breathed out another cloud of smoke into her face causing her to wince and cough a bit, "You look like some stuck up, spoiled rotten brat who thinks the universe revolves around her, and that's all you'll ever be."
Azula now had a clear picture as to who the head of security was; a self righteous and rude man who uses the law and possibly abuses it to his advantage, he has no care of protecting lives but instead coasting off the benefits his position provides and treats anyone at the opposite end of the law as trash.
A hard knock came from the door causing Proxly to replace his self righteous grin with a look of annoyance, "I'm in the middle of an interrogation here!"
An officer entered the room, "Apologies sir but it's My'Rell. She's here demanding to speak to you again."
"Tell her I'm busy."
"We did sir but…" he trailed off for a moment noticing Azula's attention on him so he went to tell Proxly in a hushed whisper.
Proxly sighed and snuffed out his cigarette, "Bring her in."
Within minutes My'Rell stormed into the room, "Why was I not informed that Azula was in your custody? As her legal guardian I was to be informed that you had her immediately and no interrogations were to be made until I was told of her status and well being."
This caught Azula by surprise, "Legal guardian?"
"Yes." She turned to her, "You are only sixteen and because you are considered a Pendaren adjacent species that would make you a minor in the eyes of Kazima's law therefore I made myself your legal guardian." She turned back to Proxly, "Which is why she should have stayed in a cell and not be probed with questions."
Proxly waved for the guard to leave, "She's an unregistered species, we have a little more leeway. She could be saying she's sixteen but she could be a hundred for all we know."
"That wasn't recognized when her ID was being made. You just don't want to admit negligence on your part."
"That doesn't erase the crimes she and Angara caused."
My'Rell positioned herself next to Azula and blocking the view of the camera before reaching into her jacket and putting a stack of units on the table and spoke in a hushed whisper, "Consider this payment for the damages." She then pulled out another stack, "And this for letting my people go."
Proxly's brows raised at the sight of the bribe. He covered the stacks with his tablet, "Get your brats out of my sight, just this once."
With that the magnet keeping Azula's hands to the table shut off allowing her to pull them free. Without another word the two left Proxly and were escorted by an officer to the main office where Azula's cuffs were removed and her personal belongings returned. Mainly her communicator, crown and the serpent bracelet she had forgotten to discard.
It took a little while longer for Angara to join them as she put all her armor back on and was still recovering from their fight.
After leaving the police station they took a cab back to the spaceport riding in silence before My'Rell broke it, "You have any idea how much of a pain in the ass you two were?"
They both remained silent.
My'Rell turned to Azula who sat beside her watching the buildings go by, "You're still new here and don't really understand how things work so I'll be lenient with you. But you," She directed a critical look to Angara who sat across from them, "You know better than to flee from planetary security and cause damage to public property."
Angara looked away like a child being scolded.
"Proxly is the last person any of us wants to deal with, I get that, but that stunt you pulled on the train was reckless. Remember the governor is allowing us to remain on Kazima and if we become too much trouble he can and will use planetary security to get rid of us."
Azula snorted, "Won't do them much good since their security force couldn't handle a small time syndicate."
"That was years ago Azula, Proxly has been building up his defenses and armaments since then. He actually has the resources to go toe to toe with us and he's just waiting for an excuse to use it."
The cab entered the space port.
"I'll let this whole fiasco slide for now. Don't let anything like this happen again." Her orders were absolute with an authoritarian edge that kept both of them silent as she exited the vehicle.
The words of the Mystic came to Azula's mind, "You are but a large fish who has escaped her small pond into an ocean of leviathans."
As much as she hated to admit it he was right. This whole experience has taught her that she was overestimating herself and getting in over her head. She would never have done this two years ago in her prime but now she keeps making little mistakes. It's time she started to change strategies.
She needed to try and predict the unpredictable, keep an open mind to anything and expect that any encounter could be her last. After all she is in a setting that is truly alien to her. My'Rell is an obstacle to her but perhaps she could use this obstacle to her favor. She has had years, maybe even decades, of experience as a leader so perhaps it would prove useful to maybe take some notes.
They exited the vehicle where their shuttle awaited in the same landing pad, clampless and unmoved since its arrival. Sev sat within the compartment with Gax at his side fiddling with a piece of tech, both waiting on the return of the rest of their party.
"There y'all are!" Sev greeted, his smile fading seeing the bruises and scratches on both Azula and Angara, "What happened to you two?"
"Got into a fight." Angara answered, taking a seat next to Sev.
"CHOON GARI?" Gax asked as Azula sat next to him.
"He's asking who won." Sev translated.
"I did." They both answered at the same time, which followed with them glaring at each other.
"I won round one, though." Angara scoffed.
"And I, round two." Azula responded.
"So when's round three?" Sev asked with a cheeky grin.
"Never!" My'Rell announced from the seat behind them as the compartment doors closed and the shuttle began to levitate, "And that's the last I want to hear of it."
Sev leaned over Gax towards Azula, "Pretty eventful first day, huh firespitter?"
Azula rubbed her tired eyes, "You have no idea."
"The pup ruined my day off." Angara growled from her spot.
"PUP?" Gax repeated.
Azula shot her another glare.
"It's my new nickname for her, because she's like a lost puppy." She said with a sneer, as if to drive the humiliation knife further.
"Daw that's cute." Sev laughed, "Got one more nickname under your belt, huh pup."
"Call me that again and you'll need a prosthetic tongue!"
Sev's smile faltered quickly, "Okay, I can take a hint."
Everyone remained silent after this exchange and it continued as the shuttle broke atmosphere and went towards the ring.
Azula could feel the strength of her firebending fade as they ascended. It seems the Mystic was right about her bending's balance being disrupted in space.
The shuttle reentered the hangar and allowed the passengers to disembark.
"You two." The captain addressed the two bruised fighters, "Go to Bevel and get patched up."
Azula followed after Sev and Gax who agreed to lead her to the medical bay while Angara hobbled to My'Rell before she could leave, "Captain, we've got to talk."
"What about?"
"Azula knows."
My'Rell gave her a perturbed look, "Get patched up first, then report to my office. We'll discuss this further there."
"Honestly!" Dr. Bevel announced with a look of disappointment as she treated Azula and Angara with Sev and Gax hanging about, "Fighting like a bunch of children in the school yard! Should I expect to see you two in my medical bay every time you interact?" Azula winced as Bevel sprayed a healing mist on the cut of her arm.
"We're fine, Bevel." Angara stated nonchalantly.
"You have a second degree burn on your hip. You are not fine." She then applied a patch to her burned side making her cringe in pain, "And you have suffered a severe concussion." She pointed to Azula.
"I'm recommending you two stay away from each other for the time being so you don't do anymore damage to one another. At least until you learn to get along."
"Better listen to her." Sev said, "The doc will bang you up even worse than you are now if you don't listen."
Gax giggled.
"And he speaks from personal experience." Bevel stated shooting the cyborg a glare.
As she continued to lecture them Azula dozed off looking towards the window displaying the hallway outside until the scaled face of Lectro slapped against it startling her as his eyes darted around searching until they landed on her with his face lighting up.
"There you are!" He said enthusiastically before tripping over as he ran to the door and ran to her side, "I've been looking everywhere for you! Then I heard that you went to the planet's surface without me! Then I heard you went to one of the Ke'Kuvon camps! Which, why would you do that? Those people are savages!" He turned to a now glaring Angara, "Not that I think you're a savage or anything, and jeez what happened to your face it's all bruised and-"
"Doctor!" Bevel cut off his rambling before it could go on any longer, "I understand your concern and interest in Azula but right now she's a patient of mine and I won't allow you to bombard her with your rambling."
"Oh! Sorry, my bad." He apologized, scratching his head before turning to Azula, "Just don't forget lab time after you recover and relax in whatever quarters you are assigned too."
It was then she realized something, "Where am I sleeping?"
She felt a nudge from her side where she found Gax standing there, "CHANI KA ISHNI!"
Azula looked up to Sev, "Care to translate?"
"He says that Chani volunteered to have you as her roommate."
"Why would she volunteer? She barely even knows me."
Gax spoke in his native gibberish with Sev continuing to translate, "Think of it as thanks for saving the SeCore and by extension him."
"Then I'll go thank her myself. Where is she?"
Gax and Sev led the way with Lectro returning to his lab after reminding Azula to stop by his lab yet again with Angara remaining behind in the med bay. They took her to one of the smaller asteroids attached to the homebase through a series of pipes and wires, the gravity going between the two rocks fluctuating until they were on the main structure. This smaller asteroid was mainly used as a storage depot for ship and vehicle parts with some spare space used as barracks.
Sev gently knocked on the door where it slid open with Chani on the other end.
"Good morning and welcome!" She greeted them happily with her brother and Sev greeting her in a similar fashion. Azula however made no attempt at pleasantries.
"Azula, welcome! I hope you don't mind sharing a room. I figured you would prefer having one roommate rather than be stuck in the barracks with a dozen other people and no privacy." She was as bubbly as ever, too much so for Azula's liking.
Azula put on her best appreciated smile she could muster, "Yes, that does sound like a better option. May I?"
"Oh yes, come right in." The pink girl stepped aside and allowed her to enter with Sev and Gax leaving.
Inside Azula was met with a small room with a set of bunk beds against one wall and a desk at the opposite end, with a circular window on the ceiling displaying Kazima's majestic view. It was a serviceable room, nothing fancy but gave her a bed to sleep in, a small closet to put her recently purchased clothes and a roof over her head. There was only one problem, the decor. There was so much pink everywhere; pink pillows, pink blankets, pink carpets, pink everything. All of which reminded Azula of Ty Lee to a disgusting degree.
"It's so… pink."
"Oh yes, pink complements my inner thalm so much." She beamed, "I hope it's not a bother."
"No, it just… reminds me of someone."
"Oh, like a good friend?"
"I did consider her my friend once, but then she betrayed me and helped pave the way for my downfall."
Chani's smile faltered, "O-oh…"
Azula turned to her, "You wouldn't happen to be a contortionist, would you?"
Chani was confused by the question, "Uh… no, I don't think I'm flexible enough for that. Why?"
A genuine smile came to her, "Oh, good. You would have reminded me too much of her and I'd probably have to kill you."
Chani's already large eyes grew wider in concern.
Azula noticed the mood of the room shift after her words and the growing discomfort Chani was showing, so she decided to salvage the situation by letting out a light hearted laugh, "You're so tense. I was only joking."
"Right! Joking… that was all." Chani gave an awkward laugh.
Azula smiled to herself triumphantly as she expertly maneuvered out of an awkward situation, or at least that's what she thought.
Chani however couldn't shake the feeling that what she had said wasn't entirely a joke so she changed the subject, "Make yourself comfortable. We don't have a bathroom so you'll have to use the locker rooms down the hall-" Azula tossed her bag on the top bunk and began to climb it, "Um, that's actually my-"
"You don't snore, do you?" Azula cut her off, "I'm a light sleeper and I don't enjoy being awoken."
"Not really."
Azula then noticed a round device in the corner of the room that was spraying steam into the air, "What is that?"
"That's my humidifier, I need it to keep my skin moist."
"I can turn that off when you're not here, right? The room feels too humid."
"Well, actually I would prefer it to stay on for health reasons as too dry of an environment could cause problems for my health and-"
"Can this window close?" She points to the ceiling.
Chani was starting to grow annoyed with how often she was being cut off, "Yes."
She hit a switch on the wall with a metal curtain closing over it.
"Well then, I think I'm going to take a short nap. That fight with Angara drained me. Turn out the lights for me, would you?" Azula pulled out her translator before Chani could give any type of response and threw a blanket over herself.
"Oh… uh… okay. That's fine I have to get to work on our budgets anyway."
Azula didn't respond.
"And… you can't understand anything I say right now… can you?"
Azula still didn't respond.
"I'll just let you sleep then." She cut the lights off as Azula asked and left the room.
Chani was a kind person who didn't mind sharing her space with another but now she couldn't shake the feeling that her space had just been hijacked by her new roommate. Suddenly she doesn't know if volunteering her room was a good idea.