EDIT: Renamed Kuraudia into Kura. Just...yeah...at least that sounds better.
The island of Sairento Hiruzu.
The airship descended through the thick cloudy skies, and there in front of everyone's view is where all of them will be staying for now. They see land ahead, along with three mountainous hills and a small lake in the center of it, which were all off in the distance, the whole island littered around with green trees. Below them, there was a yellow sand beach that seemed to stretch for miles, probably around the whole island. A little way from the left side of the beach was the harbor and several landing pads, where the ships and airships would dock and unload people. The vessel soon maneuvered its way to the left, making its way to the landing pads as it descended even further.
"We have officially arrived, everyone," Vucen announced, shifting gears as he prepared to land the airship.
"Finally. I'm tired of flying for practically three days straight," Meira remarked with a mutter.
Edi grunted in agreement, while Jemusu and Anjera were silent. Ozai and Azula were also silent, but Azula's eyes narrowed at the windshield window.
"It looks...a little foggy," Azula stated.
Outside, there was a small fog that made itself known on the beaches as it seeps through the trees and into the forest. It carried an almost odd calm to it...
"We have a good amount of rain here," Vucen commented to Azula, "and since it is Spring and we're on an island away from the mainland, it gets a little cool here as well, so there are slight temperature drops and highs at this time of the season," Vucen smiled, "I like to believe it has a certain ambiance that adds to this majestic island."
"Ambiance? What kind?" Azula asked with a raised brow.
"Well...it just feels...calming," Vucen said with a shrug as he still kept his smile.
"Hmm..." Azula hummed, not saying anything else to that.
Waten, who was standing next to the row of seats where the prisoners are sitting, came up to Azula's side and spoke up, "It really is a beautiful island. Even if you and your father are hiding from your brother, we do hope you'll all enjoy your stay here in our town of Silent Hills for now."
Azula turned her head to look at Waten, eyeing him cautiously. Ever since he introduced himself, he seems to be trying to get closer to the Fire Nation princess as best as he can. That in itself made Azula feel a little on guard. Of course, she can take care of herself, she knows how to lightning-bend, and even though Wasu did an impressive job with his fire-bending, she considers herself more the superior fire-bender...next to her father...
She turned her head to glance at her father, who was cold-faced as usual. Upon thinking of who the real superior fire-bender once was, she actually felt...ashamed for thinking that. Looking down at the floor, she frowned. Honestly, if she ever used empathy on anyone, she would use it on her father. In fact, she pities him...but she wouldn't let him know that. He told her that feeling pity for others will weigh her down, and that she should focus on her inner fire, where her true emotions lie.
Still, she really does feel for her father. If she ever lost her fire-bending...she shuddered to even think about it. It certainly must be a huge blow to her father who stood tall and proud of it. Fire-bending was a part of one's soul, and if they took that away...then what else would there be to live for?
It was then her father's voice interrupted her thoughts, "We will...take our time here, thank you," he said to Waten as he turned his gaze on him for a brief moment.
Waten respectively bowed to him. "You are most welcome. And thank you."
Edi scoffed, "Whatever. I just want some real food."
"Is that all you ever think about?" the woman named Meira asked in irritation as she turned her head to him from her seat.
"Hey, I'm hungry!" Edi retorted back, "The food they stole at those small villages back at our stops wasn't filling enough!
Meira rolled her eyes at him and scoffed as she turned her head back forward, "Sheep-pig."
"Hey, say that to my face!" Edi exclaimed in anger.
"Guys, we don't need this right now..." Jemusu said, trying to ease the tension between them, but he was ignored.
"I would, but you're too repulsively fat to be looked upon," muttered Meira.
"I heard that! You know, just cause I'm not chiseled or handsome or anything like that, doesn't mean you can make insults at me!" Edi retorted.
"Oh, so you can hear me? Sorry, I thought you had fat in your ears as well," Meira mocked.
Edi was fuming, "Damn, what have I done to you, ya bitch?"
"You two quiet down," Maikera warned them from the other side of the row of seats with his arms crossed, "We're about to land. Besides, I don't think our king here would appreciate all the noise."
Ozai turned his head to Maikera with an affirmed nod, "Yes, thank you. It was starting to get rather annoying."
Maikera nodded as well, while Edi's and Meira's eyes widened in realization as they remembered who else was in the airship. They both kept their mouths shut altogether.
Everyone was silent at that point...
"...Aaand...we've landed!" Vucen said with a slight buoyancy as the airship landed.
Maikera unfolded his arms and went over to the back cargo door and used a lever to lower the door to open it.
"Alright everyone, follow Waten. We're going to head into town on foot," Vucen told the escapees. He smiled at Azula and Ozai, "Royalty first."
"Thank you," Ozai said as he stood up from his seat along with Azula. They walked around the row of seats, which the other escapees got up from their seats and began to follow them as well, with Jemusu, Edi, Meira, and Anjera respectively following the pair.
"Alright then, let us make our way to our home," Waten advised with a smile at everyone. With that, he turned around to the exit and led them out of the airship, with Maikera and Vucen following close behind.
As soon as they exited the airship, they made their way over to the ramp and onto land. The fog, however, didn't let up. Azula looked at her surroundings, seeing that they were now on the beach.
'Hmm...' she mused as she looked up at the sky as she walked.
There were no birds flying in the air.
She looked at the surface of the sandy beaches to see if there was any sea crustacean wildlife around, but the fog almost obstructs that.
It was then she realized...
'...It's too quiet here.'
"The beaches are certainly nice during the summer," Waten commented, interrupting her train of thought as she glanced at the man. Waten glanced back at Azula with that same smile, "Right now though, the foggy season has started. It may give off a dreary feel to it, but like my brother said, it carries off a calming and relaxing presence onto the island."
"That it does, Waten," Vucen said as he came up to his younger brother, "Now, which way are we taking, little brother? You do happen to know the way back, do you?"
"Oh yes, of course," Waten nodded, "we go through one of the hiking trails into the town. I know which one too! I memorized it before we went off."
Ozai raised a brow, "You make it sound like you all haven't left the island for some time."
"Well..." Vucen was silent for a moment as he stopped, "We...haven't. This is the first time my brother and I left the island to go to the mainland. However, I think this was Maikera's second time leaving the island."
"It is," Maikera grunted.
Ozai looked at Vucen oddly, "Really?"
"Oh yes, indeed. We...well, we keep up with certain events from Mother. She's the only one that knows what's going on at the Nation," Waten tells them.
Ozai, Azula, and the other escapees looked at them in confusion.
"Wait a minute..." Azula spoke up, "Are you telling me all of you on this island besides your...mother, haven't been to the Fire Nation mainland? Not even the Earth Kingdom? Water Tribes even?"
Waten smiled slightly, "I am afraid we haven't, your majesty. But Mother hasn't really been-"
"Waten, I think you should let your mother tell them how she knows of recent events," Maikera said firmly.
"Um, yes, Waten, I, uh...think Mother is best suited to tell them that, along with telling them why they're here," Vucen also said.
The younger man blinked as his eyes widened in realization, "Oh, right. Of course."
Jemusu looked even more confused. "Why we're here on the island?"
"Yes," Vucen nodded, "but not now though. When we meet her, she will tell you. Now, Waten, if you can light the way?"
"Certainly," and with that Waten ignited a flame with his hand.
"I might need to light the way as well," Vucen said as he ignites the flame in his hand.
"I might as well help," Maikera summoned fire from his fingers.
"Alright then, follow me, and don't get separated," Watu advised them.
As soon as the three men were walking ahead, the escapees followed them. Jemusu and Edi were next to each other, along with Meira and Anjera, and Ozai and Azula, who were first and foremost in front of the other four escapees. However, some of them were all expressing concerns...
Jemusu mumbled to Edi, "That's odd. I wonder what they have in store for us?"
"Who knows? As long as they have food here, then I'm okay with it."
"Yeah...I am a little hungry." Jemusu remarked as his stomach gurgled.
Meanwhile, with Meira and Anjera, the older woman glanced at the younger girl next to her. Meira sees that Anjera looked to be quite nervous, so she decided to quietly say to her, "You alright?"
Anjera, startled, glanced at the woman next to her, and stuttered, "W-What?"
"Just wondering if you're alright," Meira asked with a shrug.
"Oh..." Anjera murmured, "Yeah, I, um...there's just a lot of...people around here."
Meira raised an eyebrow, "Does that bother you?"
...Anjera stayed silent as she turned her attention forward to the group. "...A little."
Meira stared at her a bit as they walked and then looked forward at their group as well. "...What to know what I was in prison for?"
Taking another glance at Meira, Anjera looked at her in curiosity. "...What?"
"...Simply put, some..." she looked down as she walked, thinking of a better term, "...well-paid client decided he wanted to be a little rough with me...a little too rough." she frowned, "The sick bastard," he mumbled in disdain.
Anjera kept quiet, listening intently to what she had to say.
"You probably know what I do from the way I look, right?" Meira asked the younger woman.
Not saying anything as she looked away a bit, Anjera still remained silent. Meira thinks the girl already knows by the uncomfortable silence they're having.
"...Either way, the little slime-ball wanted to live out his fetish and beat me...I wasn't going to let that happen, so...as he was choking me above the kitchen counter...I grabbed a knife and stabbed him in the eye..." Meira looked forward as she recalled that memory, "He screamed...I just harmed a client who had a lot of money. I couldn't explain it to my owner at the brothel...and quite frankly, I didn't care...so I kept stabbing him and stabbing him."
Anjera glanced slightly at the older woman.
"The client was a Fire Nation noble's son...it actually worked out, because if I didn't kill him, then I wouldn't be able to get arrested. Meaning I never had to go back to that brothel...and face my pimp. They asked me where my operation was located...funny thing is, I never told them. I didn't want another beating, this time from my pimp if I ever went back there. So...they lock me up in prison...only because I murdered a noble's son..."
Looking at her, Anjera felt inclined to ask, "How many years did you get?"
"...Twenty."
The younger woman hummed as the silence stretched for a bit when looking forward once more.
"...I guess at that moment, I was free from that lifestyle...for now," Meira solemnly said.
"...Then...why did you escape with the rest of us?" Anjera asked her.
"...I guess...I wanted a change. Maybe I could escape the Fire Nation and go to the Earth Kingdom to start a new life there...who knows? I just...wanted to be free."
"...I think you made the right decision," Anjera muttered.
Meira turned to her, her expression neutral...until she said, "Thanks..." she looked forward once more as they were walking...she shifted her gaze to Anjera, "What were you in for?"
"...I...rather not say," Anjera said to her.
Meira kept her gaze on her for a bit and shrugged, "Okay then...just know that I won't judge you for it."
Anjera said nothing as they kept walking, unknown to them that a male was listening in on their conversation.
Jemusu frowned, feeling pity for the two women as he kept on walking. He wondered what happened to Anjera that made her get into prison in the first place. She was still just a teenager, her whole life was ahead of her...
"Hey, you alright?" Edi broke out of his thoughts.
"Oh, um...yeah," Jemusu said, shaking his head.
"You know, you do that a lot, spacing out," Edi commented.
"Uh...sorry. I guess it's just a habit of mine," Jemusu said sheepishly as he rubbed the back of her head.
Edi shrugged, "Hey, I'm not judging you. You're a cool guy so far...you haven't really judged me either," he said with a small smile back at him.
Jemusu smiled back, "Just know that your weight doesn't define who you are, it's your character."
Edi nodded with the same smile on his face, "I'll keep that in mind, Jemusu."
Azula and Ozai, meanwhile, walked in silence...
...until Azula murmurs to Ozai, "Father, this all seems very suspicious."
"If you want to say you're skeptical about this whole thing, then go ahead and say it, Azula," Ozai murmured back which made Azula's eyes widen.
'Damn...well, I might as well fess up,' "Alright Father, I confess. This...all seems too good to be true," she chose her next words carefully, "How do you know these people will grant you your fire-bending back?"
"My fool of a brother once said an old saying, 'Desperate affairs make for desperate measures'," Ozai narrowed his eyes at the thought of his older brother, "...I suppose he was right on that aspect."
Azula raised a brow at what her father was saying. "Do you happen to know how you'll get your bending back?"
"Admittedly, no. But Iroh also did say, 'Desperate people can make themselves believe in anything'," Ozai humphed, "No matter how much of a failure my older brother is, he seemed precise on his sayings."
"But...what if what they're offering won't work?" Azula asked the important question.
Ozai turned his gaze to Azula, "Then we will make due to what we have. Perhaps we can convince these fire-benders to join our side, create an uprising even. Although, if what they offer doesn't work, it will be...a waste to say the least." he turned his head forward, "But at least we are out of your brother's strict surveillance."
Azula looked at her father for a moment before looking back at the path Waten was leading them. She glanced around her surroundings once more as she tries to see through the fog. They were away from the beach and are walking on a path that was said to be a hiking trail that goes through the forest. It was still morning, and a small amount of light shone through the cloudy skies. The eerie fog enveloped the trees and covered the path they were walking on, the mist soon dematerializing out of existence.
Everything was...really quiet.
It was then Azula realized something else...
...No animals were scurrying around. No birds were chirping. Not even insects were buzzing around.
There was no animal life...
It was all...silent.
Azula frowned. She's starting to grow mildly cautious. She has to admit to herself, this struck her as a little creepy in its own way. What kind of island doesn't have sounds of wildlife...and are people really here on this island? She recalled her father and Vucen saying this land was a sacred place...
She decided to ask Wasu, "What kind of town is...Silent Hills?"
Waten glanced behind him and said "Oh, well, Silent Hills used to be, and we like to think it still is, a resort town. It was the very first one of its kind in the Fire Nation."
The princess raised an eyebrow at that, "Is that so?"
"Indeed it is, your majesty," Vucen answered for her, "Silent Hills and this island used to be a grand resort full of attractions and amusement," he glanced around his environment as his expression softened a bit, "...I bet the people enjoyed it here during its heyday."
Curious, Azula asked, "What happened to this island?"
Vucen's and Waten's walk slowed down a bit. The latter answered, "It became too popular..."
Azula can guess what the slight undertone meant. But it was then Vucen muttered, "They were disrespecting the land too much..."
Interested by that statement, she asked Vucen, "Like, desecrating it?"
"Hmm," Vucen nodded, his eyes concentrating on the path.
"But we're changing that," Wasu said as he glanced at Azula with a slight smile, "We plan to make Silent Hills and this island go back to its former glory."
"Hm," The girl then directs her attention to Maikera, "So what's your story?"
Maikera grunted, "I'm basically with the cause too," was all he said.
Azula stared at him for a second until she accepted that answer with a hum. However, it didn't give her any answers about the island's vacant wildlife. Surely her father must've noticed all of this as well...
She took one last look at her father, who was silent during her conversations. He looked determined, dead-set on his goal, to get his fire-bending back by unknown means, no matter the cost.
'...I only hope Father will get what he wants.'
For now, she decided to keep the questions to a minimum. She doesn't want anyone to think that she was afraid. Of course not. She just has a weird feeling about this whole island. She doesn't do fear. She's the daughter of Ozai, as well as the true Fire Lord...however, she'll be keeping her guard up when things don't look as they seem.
She briefly remembered when she almost went insane...that was a trip down memory lane she doesn't want to relive. That's when Zuko was helping her at that time...
She scowled. 'Tch, I didn't need his help. He's a traitor and a fool...he's no brother of mine.
Until then, they kept walking until they reached the town...
The town of Silent Hills.
They see it. The town.
The group ventured through the fog for several more minutes. As they walked, they see that there were fewer trees out now. In the short distance away from them, they now see shapes appearing. Getting ever close to the town, they see that there was a grand entrance that welcomes the people inside. It was like a traditional gate entrance seen in the Fire Nation Temples, the large torii gate welcoming the people into the town, but also indicating that they are reaching a place of importance.
There was a sign above the gate, and upon closer inspection, it reads:
(Welcome to Silent Hills)
Where memories are made!
"Well, here we are!" Vucen said with a slight smile to the group.
"Man, this fog hasn't let up," Edi complained as his squinted eyes tried to see through the mist.
Jemusu looked around the area, "Yeah...the fog must be strong during this time of the season, huh?"
"Oh yes, it certainly is," Vucen nodded back to Jemusu.
Meira sighed, "I just like to have a nap right now."
Azula actually couldn't agree more. She was tired of traveling on an airship and resting on the hard metal floor. She wanted to get into a nice comfy bed, let it be average or queen-size.
"Ah, there's mother and Kura up ahead," Vucen said in what sounded like delight as they entered and passed the gate.
Everyone's attention was on two figures that seem to make themselves known as they were walking up to them. As soon as they are out of the fog, there was one older woman and a younger woman.
The younger woman, who they all think is Kura, is an attractive woman who looks to be in her mid-twenties, with long black hair which stopped at her upper back. She was wearing a black long-sleeved outfit along with a long flowing black skirt. But the most interesting thing about this woman was that she was barefoot.
The older woman, however, was in dark red robes and has a white veil over her raven-colored shoulder-length haired head. She looked to be close to fifty, as her face was showing her age. It also seemed that she was also barefoot.
Ozai and Azula remained quiet as the two women approached them. The rest of the escapees looked on, while the three men who brought them here stood straight and bowed before the older woman.
"Good afternoon, mother," Vucen and Watu both said as they stood straight back up, as well as Maikera. Vucen also looked back at the young woman and gave her a warm smile, his eyes gazing at her with such love and affection, while the young woman looked back at him with the same loving expression.
The older woman, who was obviously the two younger men's mother, nodded, "You boys and Maikera did well on bringing the famed Fire Lord and Phoenix King to Silent Hills...as well as his daughter."
Vucen turned his attention to his mother when she spoke, "Thank you, mother," he said in a tone that is meant to give respect.
"We aim to please our mother, the High Priestess," Waten said that gave out the same tone.
Azula, bewildered by what she was experiencing, looked at this with a raised eyebrow. Even Ozai had to blink at it.
Maikera turned to the young woman named Kura. "Good afternoon, Kura."
Kura nodded to the man with a slight smile. "Good afternoon, father."
'Okay, so that young woman is Maikera's daughter.' Azula thought. However, she can't help but think that the greeting exchange from both Maikera and Kura was very brief and reserved. She would think each of them would act familial toward each other if they were father and daughter...they kind of acted like how she would act with her father.
She frowned softly at that, but she clicked back into full-observation mode as she studied their rescuers.
Maikera turned to the older woman, "Good afternoon as well, Mother Daria. We've also brought more escapees onto the island," Maikera said as he motioned to them, "They came with Fire Lord Ozai."
"Hmm. Yes, I see," the older woman, who apparently was named Daria, said with another nod and with a smile. "Well then, in that case, everyone, welcome to our town of Silent Hills." She addressed everyone. "We hope you'll enjoy your stay here."
Azula frowned in suspicion, furrowing her brows at Daria.
Ozai, on the other hand, said to her, "As much as I would like to relax, we are still in danger. My fool son will probably catch up to us sooner or later, and chances are we may have been spotted. I think we need some sort of tactic just in case his soldiers catch up to us."
Daria's smile then turned...knowing. Almost as if she predicted that he would say that. "Ah, yes...actually, I don't think you need to worry too much about your son's armies. This island has a thing for leading others...astray."
Ozai raised a brow, "Meaning...?"
"It has a way of not letting people...interfere with our plans."
"...Interesting. You seem to have faith in this island of yours." Ozai says.
"Oh, believe me, my lord, we have more faith than you know..." Daria said with a somewhat unsettling smile.
Azula took note of it.
Something wasn't right...the princess would make those smiles herself when she was planning something. Like a counterattack or...a scheme.
Daria continued as she directed her sons, "Vucen, Waten, meet us back at the town hall. We will be there in a little bit."
Vucen and Walteru bowed, both saying in unison, "Yes, mother."
With that, they walked past the two women, Waten walking past his mother, and Vucen walking past Kuraudia. When passing the younger woman though, Vucen gave her a passing glance, which he expressed a warm smile to her, and briefly touched her hand, which the woman gave him a tender smile back. The two men then walked off into the mist to go to their destination.
Azula watched Vucen's and Kura's interaction with interest. 'Hmm...they must be in love.'
Daria, also seeing her oldest son's exchange with Kura, said nothing. Maikera, who also saw, said nothing as well. Daria addressed the older man, "Now, Maikera, why don't you show our visitors to the hotel so they can properly rest?"
Maikera nodded, "Certainly, Mother Daria."
"Hotel?" Jemusu asked surprised.
"A hotel? Don't we, uh...have to pay to stay?" asked Edi.
Daria chuckled, "You don't have to. It's free."
"Free?" Meira said, pleasantly surprised. She smirked, "Well now, that's not a bad deal."
"Heh, yeah," Edi said with a satisfied grin, "I love to sleep in a nice cozy room. I'm sure anything you got here will be paradise compared to the prison."
Daria smiled in a strange way, "Yes...it will be indeed paradise."
Azula blinked as she sensed a somewhat ominous overtone in her words. Her father seemed to notice too, as he looked at her suspiciously.
"Maikera, if you will show our guests to the Lakeview Hotel," Daria told the older man.
Maikera nodded and turn to everyone saying, "It will take us a while to get there so we'll walk there on foot."
"We're still walking?" Edi asked out loud in disbelief, "Whatever happened to transportation?"
"Afraid to shed some pounds?" Meira said with a droll.
Edi turned to her with a glare, not coming up with a retort.
"It's not very far," Maikera stated, "You'll all have some rest once we get there."
Edi grumbled while Meira rolled her eyes and Anjera just said nothing. Jemusu just smiled and said, "That's fine with me. I'm sure it'll be better than our rooms back at the prison."
Maikera hummed in affirmation, "Alright then. Follow me," he said to them. As he was about to pass Kura, he stopped and softly told her, "I'll see you and her at the shrine tomorrow, Kura."
Kura simply nodded. "Yes, father."
The man shortly nodded as well. He motioned all six of them to follow him, as they went further down a street and into the town.
Azula was next to Ozai as she kept walking...
"...Father...you do know something's not right here, do you?" Azula mumbled to him.
Ozai turned his gaze at his daughter, "Are you afraid, Azula?"
Azula's eyes widened at the outlandish notion. "What? No Father, of course not."
"Then what are you doubting?" he firmly asked her.
The princess looked at him in surprise.
Ozai then mumbled back to her, "I'll admit, this Daria character acts a little off. But as of right now, this is a blessing from Agni himself, so we will try to win their favor," he paused for a second, "And perhaps there's more to this island then we think. There could be benevolent spirits here that guard this place...perhaps that's who they worship. Either way, do not show any sign of weakness, Azula."
"...Yes, Father. Forgive me," Azula said, her head lowered down in shame as she walked.
"You are forgiven," Ozai plainly states, "Until then, we should rest for the day at this hotel."
Azula nodded...however, she still can't get the feeling that something larger is happening here...
Daria looked on at the group fading into the mist, along with Kura.
It was then Kura turned her head to the older woman, "Mother Daria, we have the Fire Lord at last...but what about his daughter? Did God say anything to you about her coming to the island?"
"Hmm...not particularly..." It was then Daria smiled almost in a disturbing way, "Perhaps God is keeping a secret from us...we shall know soon enough tomorrow either way...when more will come," she turned to Kura, "Never doubt God, my child."
"That I won't, Mother Daria," Kura nodded. She turned to the mist that the group had entered, "Until then, waiting is all we can do."
"Yes...and perhaps they'll come sooner than we think," Daria turned to the entrance of the town and smiled in an evil fashion, "Soon...very soon...thirteen people is all that it takes for God to be pleased in one day...and when that day comes, God just has to choose which one."
End of Chapter 4
What do you all think? ;) I hope it catches your interest still! The next chapter will be focused on the Gaang! And you know, I'm thinking the chapter count for this story will be...I'm thinking maybe 40? Cause really, by this point, my word count on each chapter is pretty short compared to my other stories, and I hope that's okay. This is just to not exhaust myself from writing too much, and I want to update a lot quicker than I usually do. I hope you all understand. :(
But other than that, I hope you're all enjoying this story so far! :D
As for me, I'm doing pretty good! Still doing online classes in my community college until I go to the bigger online campus of my dreams! Keep wishing(or praying, either one) me luck on this journey everyone! X)
So again, what did you all think of this chapter? If you like to leave a review, go ahead! Maybe leave a fave and a follow! Maybe all three! I love them all! ;D
Thank you all for reading, and until then, keep on rocking everybody! ^_^
-TSP