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Merchant Vessel
"Earth Kingdom silks?"
"Check."
"Tea?"
"Check."
"Porcelain?"
"Check. Looks like everything's here Captain," Kori stated, managing to go through everything on the checklist yet again. What was he expecting? It's not like some thief was going to pitch everything on the ship and leave smackdab in the middle of the night. She swore he was just keeping her and Maina cooped up in the stuffy cargo hold of the ironclad ship so nobody questioned why there were two teenage girls walking around as part of the crew.
The captain nodded, no doubt satisfied that he managed to keep them busy and out of sight for a few more hours. "Alright. You two stand by till I find something else for you to do." He then turned and left them behind to go bark orders to whatever poor sap happened to be strolling by.
That was most certainly fine by Kori, who took a breather and leaned on one of the crates. She swore she was going to see that cargo list in her nightmares. "This has to be the dullest 24 hours I've had to put myself through."
"Hang on, you throw yourself at Fire Nation guards and this is painful?"
"Hey, at least we were doing something productive…somewhat productive anyways," the rebel sheepishly added.
Maina wasn't exactly impressed, and gave her a blank stare while leaning on a crate across from her. "Look, chances are there's going to be some veterans or ex-soldiers on Aso! Maybe I could convince them to join our cause or spread the word around if nothing else. You know, so we don't get creamed in the demonstrations."
"I mean, fair enough I suppose. Though that can't be the only reason you're coming along, right?"
Having been cornered forced a sigh from Kori's lips. "What do you want me to say? You heard Azula. She was the one who came up with that plan to burn the Earth Kingdom and my home!"
"...and?"
"And she hasn't exactly been the most amicable person in the world-"
"And?"
"Hey! I'm just following your lead, alright? Honestly, the only reason I hadn't blown my top sooner is because you're the one who keeps giving her the benefit of the doubt! She doesn't want us around, and if she wants to go run off with a bunch of lunatics that's fine by me!"
She readjusted her quiver of arrows, feeling the weight settle down in a more comfortable spot. "Besides, what's bringing her to Infant Island going to do anyway? You heard her! Do you really think seeing a mother who didn't care about her is going to help matters?"
"First off, I made a promise in case I ever ran into either of Lady Ursa's kids. Second, she told me she loved Azula despite everything!"
"Uh-huh. She loves Azula, but do you think Azula knows it? I've been around noble kids long enough to know when one of them isn't exactly on good terms with their parents."
"I mean…fair," Maina admitted in defeat. She leaned on her staff, gripping it rather tensely.
Seeing that the priestess was not at all satisfied, Kori just crossed her arms. "Look, sometimes you need to draw a line in the sand. There's just no reasoning with some people. I mean her brother is the Fire Lord. Hardheadedness probably runs in the family."
"Says the person who's still organizing protests despite said Fire Lord withdrawing from the colonies," Maina said a little snidely.
Kori threw her arms up at this. "Look, I heard a lot of horror stories about what the Earth Kingdom does to Fire Nation folk once they get their hands on them. That and I can't imagine the Earth King is going to be too gentle if he thinks marching an army into the colonies was a good idea. There's got to be some people willing to push back if his thugs start getting bright ideas."
Her speech trailed off, letting the words die in the air between them. To take her mind off of things, she started examining the string on her bow, making sure it was in good condition. "It's just…somebody's got to do something. Yu Dao's my home, and I don't want to see any more soldiers messing things up."
"Fair. It couldn't have been easy growing up under Fire Lord Ozai."
"Oh, like you wouldn't believe. Always had to show up at parades with my father, seeing who I was supposed to be and admire. Couldn't say anything about the few you knew were pushing around your countrymen. My dad just saw the promise they brought, and ignored the people they trampled."
"Huh. Never thought I'd see a Fire Nation noble admit the war wasn't righteous," Maina commented.
"Well, I am born of two nations. No one talkd about how much you're torn between both when they're at war and you need to choose one. Especially when you grow up and things just aren't easy anymore."
Her words trailed off, remembering the fights her parents used to have all the time before they got divorced. Now that was a nightmare. Especially the tearful goodbye Kori had with her mother before she was cast out into the countryside.
"What about you? Azula's not going to want to go to Infant Island now even if we find her."
Maina just gave one of those magnetically genuine smiles. "Well everyone's got to have somebody looking out for them. Even if they can be a pain in the ass."
A chuckle erupted from Kori's lips. Satisfied, she pushed herself off the crate and began to make her rounds so they wouldn't be caught slacking off too much. She wondered if the priestess was talking about watching her back as much as she was watching the Princess's. It was refreshing to have somebody that honest. No lies or anything.
And it made her wonder why this goodwill was wasted on Azula of all people. Must've been a thing on Infant Island or something.
Aso Island
Princess Azula settled on the saddle of her Mongoose Dragon, graciously provided to her by Admiral Ryuui. The reptile was in great shape, with a few scars along her sides. Flame Runner was her name, and the Princess was told she was stalwart and dependable.
That was assuming that wasn't just another lie the "Admiral" told her. She eyed the back of his head as their group made their way through the jungle. He was riding a much less elegant Komodo Rhino, making himself appear less ornate than the Princess. His words from on the ship weren't wrong, but she couldn't get that meeting with Lord Jozain (who was riding behind them on an Ostrich Horse, no doubt a prize taken back in the Earth Kingdom) out of her head either. There were only so much goodwill that gifts like her armor and her mount could only buy him a bit of fleeting goodwill. True loyalty would not be so easily bought.
She looked around at their escort, wondering how loyal they were to him right now. They had their eyes on the jungle, looking for any threats. Not just disgruntled locals, mind you. From what the Admiral told her, there were far worse things than some rebels out here…
A flutter of feathers and a crunch drew her attention to a branch above. There sat what might've been the strangest bird she had ever seen, its toothed beak snapping and tearing apart a large insect. It had red feathers, but its tail was too long, and its clawed hands were not the talons of a bird. Even its wings weren't as large or powerful looking as you'd expect from a bird. They looked better suited to gliding than flying.
The bird looked back at Azula, cocking its head in curiosity at the newcomer.
This left it distracted as a truly massive dragonfly burst from nowhere, spearing the bird in the back and beginning to tear into its flesh.
Azula watched, not used to seeing a bird being on the receiving end of the usual predator-prey dynamic. What kind of place was this island if bugs devoured birds?
Her thoughts were turned towards more familiar matters when the forest gave way to farmland. In the distance awaited Aso Village, where the First Temple of the Firebird awaited. She could see the ornate flames from the distance, though it was nowhere near the opulence of the Great Temple back at Caldera.
Around the temple sprawled the small village, and from its outskirts the vast rice fields and terraces their escort marched through. Farmers soaked in sweat stood up and watched in awe at the procession. Most of the eyes were drawn towards her, reminding her of the position she once had. They bowed in reverence, no one batting an eye at her somewhat disheveled appearance.
Azula just looked back, not sure how genuine the sudden looks of awe and respect being directed her way truly were. From all appearances, though, either these people never heard about her downfall, or they didn't care. She wasn't sure what answer she wanted to hear.
The procession made their way through the rice fields and into the village proper. Around them were simple dwellings, but each had some motif of flame to them. Whether it was a simple wooden symbol or an engraving of a fiery bird on their door, the Phoenix's presence was everywhere.
So too were the posters. To Azula's surprise, they were propaganda posters from the war, all depicting both her AND her father leading their people under the watchful eyes of the fiery bird from the heavens. The posters with her stood out the most. There she stood on the familiar ringed walls of Ba Sing Se, clad in full armor and proudly holding the banner of her fatherland. Beneath her regal image was the following phrase in Fire Nation script.
Glory to those who do Agni's will!
May they live in our hearts for eternity!
"You really pulled out all the stops for me, didn't you? Not too many people have the guts to display my face with my brother in charge," she mused.
Admiral Ryuui shrugged. "We wanted a proper welcome for the true Fire Lord. Good thing we kept some of those posters from the war, eh?"
"The true Fire Lord." Azula settled in her saddle, the words setting something alight in her heart. Those were the last orders her father ever gave to her. To take the throne and become the Fire Lord. She was so stunned by this sudden turn of events, that she was blinded both by the weight of a country and the shock of abandonment by the Phoenix King. So much so that she failed when everyone needed her the most.
Neither did she tell anyone that she failed to take the crown again when it was lying in the ash in front of her. Maybe if she had taken the crown right then and there, and finished her brother off while she was at it, Aso wouldn't need to be dragged into this campaign against an unstoppable force.
And the people that came out in droves to meet her, cheering her name, calling her "Conqueror of Ba Sing Se"...they wouldn't have needed to worry about death. To think that she had come to save them all by awakening the one who slumbered in the distant volcano. The one they had lived with all their lives and whose adorned their buildings.
She tried not to think about how the fires surrounding the great wings of Rodan could so easily consume them once he was awakened.
The procession finally arrived in the shadows of the temple at the beating heart of Aso. Azula squinted her eyes, seeing the rays of the sun filter through the ornate flames and figures dancing along the rooftops. She recognized more than a few of the statues. Dragons. Qilin. Shishi.
Perched on every corner, with wings spread and flames spewing from its beak was the Phoenix. Or Rodan rather. She noted that they also carried the flaming feathers that the altered image carried. Certainly, they didn't resemble the strange bat-lizard bird…thing that Ryuui's tablet depicted. No doubt there were some "revisions" made to better fit what Fire Lord Sozin had envisioned the avatar of Agni to be.
Before the gates were the temple priests. They were garbed in the stuffy, overdone robes of the Fire Sages, with some additional flourishes resembling bird feathers. "Greetings, Princess Azula!" the head monk called out, giving an acknowledging bow to Azula's station. "We see that Admiral Ryuui was successful in his expedition to bring you here to our humble abode."
"The pleasure's all mine," Azula greeted politely, not exactly knowing what part of any of this te priests thought could be called 'humble'. She swung herself off of Flame Runner's back and let her armored boots hit the flagstones of the stone courtyard. Behind her, Admiral Ryuui motioned for a group of soldiers to march past with a crate.
"We've brought back your treasures, just as you've requested." The head monk smiled in gratitude, motioning for his servants to take the crate back into the temple. Azula had to admit that whatever he was in private, Ryuui certainly knew how to play to a person's preferences and disposition. No wonder he managed to get this far.
Turning around on his rhino, he looked out over the crowd that had followed them to the foot of the temple. It almost seemed like the entire village was crammed together to see the parade, and to see her in particular. Azula felt herself stiffen from all the eyes holding her in their gaze. She adopted the formal stance, swinging her arms behind her and looking regal and aloof. Letting them all know where they lay in the social order.
"My fellow countrymen!" Admiral Ryuui began. "Today is a great day for us! For Princess Azula, daughter of Phoenix King Ozai and heir to the throne has graced us all with her presence this day! At long last, a descendant of Fire Lord Sozin has come to your village in search of Rodan, the great Phoenix himself! Truly, we have been blessed by Agni herself!"
The peasants erupted in cheers. For her. Given all the indignities she had been subjected to, something even resembling admiration seemed straight out of a dream. At first, she wondered if this was some kind of hallucination, but the stones beneath her feet were real enough. The Admiral and priests were real enough. She let herself revel in it.
When the crowd died down, Ryuui stood back and beckoned the Princess to walk forward. Blinking, Azula walked forward and stared out over the crowd, seeing the stares of awe and wonder. She also looked to see the soldiers standing before the peasants, half of them looking back at her wondering what she was going to say.
A small smirk crept on her crimson lips. She already had her speech planned.
"People of Aso Village. I am honored that you would receive me as your humble guest. But I do not come here solely on pilgrimage. I am here on a mission that will determine the survival of us all. As you know, Godzilla, the 'Fire from the Depths' as you call him, has awakened and laid ruin to my brother's army. I've seen with my own eyes what this monster can do. It nearly killed not only my brother but myself and the Avatar. The very same Avatar that took down my father, the strongest firebender in the world, was almost crushed under its might.
"No mere man can stand up against this creature. Luckily, the Admiral Ryuui has introduced me to the true Phoenix. The very same bird that adorned my father's armor on the day of the Comet. According to legend, Rodan is very much Godzilla's equal, and did battle with him once in the past. If we are to have any chance of survival, any way out of this nightmare that is plaguing our Nation, I must awaken the 'Fire from the Sky' to do battle on our behalf. And only someone that has been chosen by Agni, one of royal blood, is capable of doing this. My brother is too weak-willed to do what needs to be done.
"I know that undertaking such an endeavor will not be easy for any of us. I've seen just what one kaiju is capable of. A battle between two of them has the potential to destroy us all. But this is a risk we must take. And one I will willingly face. For this is not the first time I've put my life on the line for the sake of our country. For I understand sacrifice. Something that our people have forgotten when they set the crown on my brother's head. As Rodan's priests have put it, there can be no salvation without sacrifice. And our sacrifice will be remembered for all time!"
Once more, the crowd cheered with ecstasy. Even more so than with the Admiral's speech. On some level, it both amused and disturbed her a little about how easily she was able to sway them. She wondered if Zuko said the same thing to convince his own men to die for his honor.
But the important bit was the looks on the soldiers' faces. She hit the right notes, seeing the faces of dread.
Azula let herself smirk once more at the crowd's adulations. Ryuui thought of himself as a player since he knows how to play a group of monks. She'll show him how to play a group of soldiers.
Cranefish Town
Aang stepped out of the rowboat, turning back to make sure that Toph was able to get off all right. She looked sick, though whether it was because she was on a piece of wood where she couldn't see or her little run-in with her father, he wasn't sure.
"I'm fine, Twinkle Toes!" she barked, showing that she was NOT in fact fine.
The airbender shared a knowing glance with Momo, who was sitting on his shoulder. This was basically the reason why he wanted her to come with them instead of surveying the refinery with Katara, Sokka, and Suki. Besides, Miana (or Imana, spirits he was going to have to get used to that) said that there was a temple on this island with depictions of Anguirus. That way he would know what he was dealing with.
Besides, everything about this place seemed…familiar. In fact, he thought he even knew which Avatar had visited this palace before him.
As they walked up the steps of the grassy hill towards the great statue, Aang had to ask. "Imana. Did Yangchen visit here?"
"As a matter of fact, yes," the priestess confirmed. "She was the last Avatar to have come in contact with Anguirus. They have quite the history with this place."
With that out of the way, Aang had to ask the obvious. "Are you an airbender too?! How many of you are there?! How did you survive-?!"
"Easy. One question at a time," Toph said, managing to rein him in a little.
Imana didn't really give any indication that she minded all the questions. "Yes. I am an airbender, though my skills are…pretty rudimentary. Outside of the tribe back home though, I haven't heard of any others…"
Aang swallowed, knowing that was a possibility. He guessed it was a miracle that one airbending society survived the purge.
With that, Imana told him the story of how they survived. Mainly how their deity saved them from destruction at the Fire Nation's hands. It left Aang with a little hope. Maybe…somehow…
That hope seemed to grow as they ascended the last of the steps. Aang felt his heart rate begin to soar. There, in front of the statue, was a group of men and women dressed in familiar robes. Momo cried out with surprise at the sight, causing their leader, a young girl, to turn towards them.
"Greetings Avatar Aang!" she said, bowing in respect. "I am Hei Wan, leader of the Air Acolytes!" The others joined her in a bow that resembled the Air Nomad way.
Aang just looked at Imana. "Are…are they…?"
His hopes were dashed when she looked, a bit apologetically. "I'm sorry Avatar. They…aren't descendants of Air Nomads. I know, I've talked with them myself."
Hei Wan straightened herself up. "Forgive me, Avatar. Ever since you've returned, we were inspired to take up the ways of your people. We've done everything we could to abide by your ways though! Avatar Yangchen wrote extensively on her people in the tomes stored in her temple!" she added cheerfully as if somehow that could make things a bit better.
For the last Air Nomad though, he felt himself go a bit lightheaded. He had hoped, prayed beyond hope that somehow some of his people had survived. All he found was another reminder.
He was the last Air Nomad.
"...Aang. You okay?"
"Yeah just…I'm honored to have made your acquaintance. Though your bows need a little work," Aang said to Toph. He swallowed down his disappointment a bit. It wasn't their fault that they weren't Air Nomads by blood. And these Acolytes looked like they genuinely wanted to adopt his people's ways. Even if they could use some work.
Not wanting to hover around such a touchy subject for too long, he turned his attention to the statue of the woman overlooking the bay. "Who's she?" he asked. It was a genuine question since nothing about the attire she was depicted wearing seemed to be from any of the Four Nations. They seemed pretty regal and whoever built this statue obviously held her in high regard.
The question did perk Hei Wan up. "This is a statue of Lady Tienhai. According to legend, she was once a spirit who helped set up a city not too far from here."
"A spirit?"
"Yes, though she took human form in order to live amongst us. Unfortunately…something happened. It's detailed in the temple proper. Follow us!"
Aang let Hei Wan and the acolytes lead them away from the statue. His mind wandered instantly to the refinery. A spirit used to reside here? Then this had to have been spirit territory long ago. Just like Jang Hui River as a matter of fact! Looking over Cranefish Town, he saw the ugly plumes of smoke drifting from the refinery. This was starting to sound more and more like a repeat.
They came to a grove of trees, where a small temple made of stone stood. Aang recognized it as Air Nomad masonry, though without the grandeur of the great Air Temples where he grew up. Their footsteps rang inside, the history of the place came rushing forward. Thick tree roots pushed through the stone, and small plants grew where sunlight beamed down from holes in the roof.
"How did this manage to survive for so long?" Aang wondered.
"We believe it's because it was so small that the Fire Nation overlooked it. Nobody really worshipped Lady Tienhai before Cranefish Town was erected either, so the statue was left alone," Hei Wan explained, coming to the first mural. Here, carved in stone was Lady Tienhai overlooking the construction of a city with a man by her side. A mortal human. Aang felt himself remember the Moon and Ocean Spirits, and how they took mortal forms in order to better interact with mankind. This spirit must've taken things to the next level.
"She must've loved humans," he wondered.
"Unfortunately, some humans didn't love her back," another acolyte explained. "They saw her as an aberration, never really one of us. And so, in the dead of night, they assassinated her for fear of what she was capable of."
Aang got a bad feeling as they moved on to the next mural on the opposite side, illuminated by sunlight. It showcased two massive figures standing over the ruins of a city.
"This act of violence enraged an old friend of Lady Tienhai. His name was General Old Iron, and he vowed to destroy the city and everyone who lived within it for their treachery," Hei Wan elaborated, pointing to the figure on the left. It was a gargantuan figure, clad in stony-looking armor befitting an ancient warrior, with his huge fists raised before him. He wore a scowling mask that covered his face, along with a large helmet.
"But he was not unopposed."
Imana's words drew him to the other figure on the mural. This one was far more beastial. At first he thought it was a dragon from its crocodilian maw and snarling fangs of a boar. Yet it lacked wings or the serpentine body of the ones he saw. Instead, its body was bulky, with what looked to be some kind of shell on its back lined with jagged spikes. A long tail thrashed behind it, also covered in thorny spikes. On the front, a large horn sat on its snout while a row of smaller ones sat on the crown of its head.
Aang knew at once what this thing was.
"This is Anguirus," Imana confirmed. "The Guardian Beast. Some have even called him the Dragon of the Earth. He arose from his slumber and challenged General Old Iron, hoping to buy the people enough time to evacuate."
"Wait…so we have one giant monster fighting another one?" Toph asked, suddenly now interested. Indeed, the mural depicted both figures facing one another, ready for battle.
"I wouldn't be too excited. While Anguirus was able to hold General Old Iron off, their out-of-control fighting threatened the civilians."
"Oh. I mean, yeah. I guess nobody's really safe when two really big guys go at it," the blind girl quickly added upon hearing Imana's words. Though Aang knew for a fact that Toph still would've given everything to be there to witness such a titanic battle, regardless of safety.
He understood the destruction such a conflict would've wrought. It was so easy for him to hurt people in the Avatar State alone. What would happen when two extremely powerful forces went at each other?
"There was hope, however," Hei Wan continued, going to the final mural at the back of the temple. Here was a very familiar figure with long flowing robes and a prominent arrow tattooed on her forehead.
"Yangchen."
"Indeed, Avatar. Your predecessor Yangchen arrived and succeeded in calming the warring titans down. They came to an agreement that the ruins of Tienhai's city were to be deemed the territory of the local spirits. It's said that the site of her grave still resides there to this day. According to legend, if this territory were to be disturbed by human influences, then General Old Iron would reawaken and wreak havoc once more on the countryside."
"And Anguirus would once more return to face him," Imana finished off for the acolyte. On the mural, Aang saw the one they called General Old Iron and Anguirus kneeling and bowing in reverence to Yangchen.
Aang stood spellbound, all the memories beginning to come rushing back. The refinery. Anguirus. This story about spirits. It all began to come back to him, but he needed to make sure.
He looked again upon Yangchen's visage. And he knew that he had to talk with her. "Could you guys stand outside for a second? I need a moment."
Imana and the Air Acolytes dutifully nodded and made their way out of the temple. Toph followed along with, though not before pausing. Aang understood, not even knowing that he didn't need to see the blind girl's face to know her concern. A lot had just been thrown in his face and honestly, he needed a little help trying to digest it all.
Maybe the previous Avatar of the Air Nomads could give him guidance.
Aso Island
The inside of the temple was just as grand and ornate as the outside. Okay, maybe "ornate" was a bit of a stretch since it still didn't compare to the majesty of the Great Temple back home, but it definitely was a step above what she would've expected from a bunch of island yokels.
Not that she'd say that of course. She just busied herself examining some of the tapestries and iconography around her. Over and over again, she saw Rodan's image engraved in the very foundation of this place. Emerging from a volcano in a painting. A gold statue of him overlooking the altar.
Yet it all felt fake. All images resembled the Phoenix she had grown up with, not the old tablet of what she knew had to have been the real deal. She wouldn't mind so much except everyone here seemed to revere it. Which was fair enough. The Phoenix was the embodiment of everything that a good citizen of the Fire Nation should aspire to be.
But at the planning table the monks had set up where Admiral Ryuui had a map spread out of the island? He wasn't talking about a symbol. He was talking about something that Azula knew was capable of wiping them all out. Didn't matter if it would kill Godzilla or not, it had the potential to eradicate everyone in its way. Did she really want to take a gamble that big?
Sometimes, sacrifices are necessary for the greater good, her father's voice whispered. She almost had to bite her own tongue to keep from asking whether she was one of those sacrifices.
Sighing to herself, she turned to meet with her "allies" at the impromptu war table. Ryuui was at the head of the table, obviously. By his side was Jozain overlooking the map, which was a bit interesting in itself. She never pegged him as somebody who'd be interested in the planning process. All around them were the Admiral's staff, the officers and the captains who kept the Fiery Raptors running.
Their attention was drawn to the map of Aso before them. On the area designated as the bay, somebody had put out several ship pieces surrounding a statuette of a dragon, which was supposed to be Godzilla. On the top of the volcano sat a Phoenix figure, a stand-in for Rodan.
"Alright, here's the plan," began Ryuui. "We already have several scout ships patrolling the waters between Odo Island and the shores of Yu Dao. Right now, we're waiting for a message via messenger hawk to confirm that they've made contact with Godzilla. Once we do, we're going to make our way up to the mountain where Rodan is roosting via a series of old abandoned mines while our scouts lure Godzilla to the bay. We already have a number of barrels full of explosives and black powder at the heart of the mine waiting to be detonated so the Phoenix will be awakened. Now we're going to have to time this right so we wake Rodan up just as Godzilla enters the bay, which is why we're waiting for the signal."
With a plotter rod, the admiral pushed the Phoenix towards the dragon in the bay. "Once he's awake, he's going to make a beeline for Godzilla. We'll have our ships on standby to provide any support and exploit any wounds inflicted. Princess, since you're the only one among us who's had any experience with this beast, we could use any advice you have to offer."
Azula stroked her chin, seeing the plan play out in her mind. Already she'd deduced some of the problems. "Well for starters, Godzilla's already going to be enraged. That means he's going to attack the closest thing that has a Fire Nation symbol on it. I've seen what this thing can do to ships firsthand, so we should hold our ships in reserve and only engage when Rodan has gotten his attention. And only aim for wounds when you're absolutely sure you can hit them. His hide's too thick and anyone who draws his ire is a dead man walking. So make every shot count.
"I'd also recommend luring Godzilla here." She picked up a rod before her and pushed the ships and Godzilla's figure toward the northwestern waters surrounding the island. "If you lure Godzilla too close to the village, Rodan's going to come right over us. Head sage, is it true that his wingbeats whip up winds as strong as a hurricane?"
"I…yes. Indeed," the sage said with a dawning realization. Good. He was starting to understand the magnitude of the forthcoming clash. Hopefully, some of the others around the table would begin to see what the Princess saw.
"If we lure Godzilla here in the northwest," Azula continued, "we can minimize the risk to the village. I'd also recommend setting up some shelters away from the village, because if things go south and Rodan loses, we can weather Godzilla's rampage and safeguard ourselves."
"That's a lot of concern for civilian life. Shouldn't we focus more on killing Godzilla?" one of the officers asked.
"Aso is going to be where we make our stand if Rodan loses and Godzilla's still strong enough to put up a fight. You can't face Godzilla head-to-head like my brother. It's best to keep your head down and wait till he leaves. Everyone knows you need a plan in case things go south," Azula explained, wondering if she was the only one who had bothered to envision what a worst-case scenario would be like. "Besides, I'd rather we end this thing with some troops rather than no troops at all."
"Good point, Princess Azula. If we're to recapture the throne, we're going to need as many men as we can spare." Azula blinked about Lord Jozain agreeing with her, but if she could get him on her side for now, then she could cover her backside on that front.
Ryuui, on the other hand, didn't seem so convinced. "Forgive me Princess, but we need to commit our forces if we have a chance. As you said, we need to be in range at all times to take advantage of any injuries. While I do respect your concern for the civilians, the best chance for them is if we take Godzilla down as fast as possible with all the fury we can muster."
His officers nodded in agreement. Azula didn't back down though. She just stared him right in the eye. "My brother said the same thing, and he nearly died. I don't know about you, but if we want to actually accomplish something, we need to be smart about this. When Zuko catches wind of what we're doing, he's going to come after us. And trust me, I know full well what his 'mercy' is like. This isn't just about one battle. It's about the one after that. Believe me, I know this is our best chance at taking Godzilla down. And everything we're gambling on is going to rely on our success here.
"But Godzilla isn't something you can just throw fire at. Admiral…don't make the same mistake my uncle and father did."
She looked straight at Ryuui, daring him to challenge her on this. That was her trump card. Azula dared him to learn from the mistakes of others and throw away everything that they were all taught back at the Academy about how to win a campaign. Was he daring enough to throw out the rulebook and risk everything for what could be his finest hour?
The admiral looked back…and sighed. "Very well. Your counsel is noted, Princess Azula. I'll see what I can do about sparing some men to put a few shelters up."
Azula smirked. She couldn't tell what the others were thinking, but she'd gotten both of her chief rivals to see her way. It almost made her want to gloat about how she was back after all this time.
However, she also remembered a key rule from Uncle as well. Never celebrate too early lest you squander it all. And seeing the unreadable faces of the officers around her, she was going to need to stay on top of things to get out ahead. Their underlings may have been easy, but could she influence his most fervent supporters?
That was a question she'd have to answer when the time came.
Temple of Yangchen
Time almost seemed to stop, and the world came to a halt as Aang sat in a meditative pose calling to the past.
The past responded. When he opened his eyes, he saw the humble yet elegant form of an Air Nomad sitting across from him, her body glowing a blue light.
"Avatar Yangchen. It's an honor to speak with you again," Aang greeted.
"The pleasure's all mine. And you can let go of the formalities Aang. I mean it's not like we haven't spoken with each other before," Yangchen said with a smile.
Aang felt his anxiety blow away from the breezy aura his predecessor possessed. "Thanks. I swear, I don't know how you managed to do the 'keep the delicate balance of the world' thing without going insane."
"It gets easier. Just make sure you leave some time to yourself. Besides, between you and me…I think some people could use a little bit of time to goof off every now and then." Both airbenders shared a small laugh, the pressures of the world a distant tempest here in this humble place.
"Though I'm guessing you haven't just come here to chat with an old Avatar, have you?"
With that, the brief respite was over. Aang took a deep breath. "It's just a lot has happened in the past few days. First another kaiju appears, then I find out that these…acolytes are trying to adopt our way of life. Then it turns out there's another spirit I have to worry about. In between all that, I found out there are other airbenders that managed to survive!"
"Yes. I could imagine that's a lot to take in."
"I was just…I was hopeful. You know? That some Air Nomads could've survived. But these acolytes, these other airbenders…they're not Nomads. I mean, I understand wanting to adopt our ways, but they didn't grow up with our ideals. And this tribe…"
"You got your hopes up. Just try not to be too hard on them. They're not Nomads, but that doesn't mean they can learn to be like us. What they need is guidance. And if you can teach a whole class of Fire Nation children to have fun, I think you can teach these acolytes. They're willing to learn, they just need a teacher."
"I know. I just hope I'm up to it," Aang admitted.
Yanghcen just placed a hand on his shoulder. "You will. Trust me. And I'll be here if you need any help."
"Thank you. Now then." Aang took a deep breath and felt the fresh air fill his lungs. "I need to know about what I'm walking into."
"Very well."
Images flashed before Aang, shifting the scenery. The temple had crumbled away to a burning city. Above them, two great figures battled amidst the flames. Their blows sounded like crumbling mountains, and their cries of rage were a storm.
"When I arrived in Tienhaishi, the city was in ruins. The screams of the innocent rang in the air, only drowned out by the roars of the titans. General Old Iron had come to wreak his vengeance, and Anguirus rose to meet him. Both threatened to ravage the land and the survivors."
Aang watched as Anguirus's tail lashed out, smashing through buildings and tearing up forests. General Old Iron met in kind, his great feet destroying the landscape and trampling all who got in his way. The spirit's destruction made sense; the Avatar knew just how monstrous spirits could be when they were enraged.
It was Anguirus's actions that shocked him most. "Hang on. Wasn't Anguirus trying to save the city's people?"
"He was, but Anguirus is also a being of great destruction. His very size threatens anyone who comes too close. Battles like these ravage the countryside, and it takes more than a kaiju to bring peace."
A familiar light appeared, and Aang bore witness to Yangchen floating between the two in the Avatar State. Both stared at her, neither one making a move.
"Together though, Anguirus and I were able to quell General Old Iron's wrath. He wore him down. I calmed his spirit. I told him that the ruins could remain in the domain of the spirits, for it was their land first and they should have a say in who lives there."
A wind shifted the scene, showing the armored spirit marching his way back into the territory of the spirits. Anguirus returned to the jungle, leaving Yangchen to watch as both of them returned to their rest.
"And so the conflict ended. As long as the boundaries of the spirits are respected, General Old Iron would return to his vigil. Anguirus would be the first to warn the people if something was done to disrespect the spirits. And I, or one of my future lives, would return to maintain the peace."
Around them, the temple was built up once more. "That is your duty, Aang," Yangchen advised. "Quell the coming chaos and restore the delicate balance between man, spirit, and beast. Only then will peace once again reign."
Aang nodded, feeling the present catch back up to him and Yangchen's visage faded back into the mural. When he opened his eyes and came out of his meditative state, he knew what must be done.
And he needed to talk to everyone about how insane his plan was.
Cranefish Town,
Earthen Fire Refinery
To say that Katara was initially unimpressed with Loban was the equivalent of saying water was wet. One knew it was an old proverb, but the result was so obvious, how could anyone expect differently? This was, after all, a guy who thought installing a refinery was a good thing for the populace.
Their tour of the refinery didn't exactly do a whole lot to calm her nerves. All around her, she could see various safety hazards and signs that screamed: "I'M POISONING THE ENVIRONMENT". Even if it was closed down thanks to the kaiju, she could still see improper ventilation there. Creaky catwalks and rusting steel frames there. And the mines where they harvested the raw material for the refinery looked like they were about to collapse with a single shift.
It depressed her to know what shoddy infrastructure looked like given that she practically became a master waterbender by tearing such shoddy edifices down. It stung even more to think that this was the best the people who nearly conquered the world could do. Well, nobody said that the Fire Nation was the best at keeping their people safe.
She wanted to talk with Suki about how in the world somebody like Lao Beifong could get roped into such a project, but the Kyoshi Warrior was busy talking with Sokka filling him in on the situation. Apparently right before the war ended, the patriarch of the Beifong family had indeed made an investment in the refinery in an attempt to curry favor with their newfound rulers. No wonder Toph was upset.
Especially since said patriarch was now strutting around with Loban up ahead, who was giving them a charming tour of the rickety mines. Like they were something to be shown off. "It's these mines which funnel wealth and opportunity to the people of Cranefish," he went on. "Every man who carries a pickaxe or carves out a tunnel with his earthbending comes out a richer man."
"It's impressive how much work you've put into this place," Katara breezily said. She didn't mean that, but honestly, it was taking all of her effort not to just storm. "I bet your workers must really look up to you."
"You'd think that, wouldn't you?" Loban erupted in laughter at his little jest. "But, everyone's a bit too concerned with that monster of yours to come back to work. I understand that you want to stay away from danger, but we have quotas to fill, and we're certainly not keeping what breathes life into this town flowing."
Before her patience ran out, Sokka thankfully ran in front of her and walked alongside Loban. "Actually, we were wondering about that. If this kaiju's been lurking around the refinery, maybe there's something it's doing that's causing it to get upset. Like, maybe a leaky pipeline or something."
"I've already had an inspection team look over the facility," Lao chipped in. "It follows all up-to-date safety standards and shouldn't pose an immediate threat to the surrounding areas. We wouldn't have people living here if we were spewing toxic waste into the bay, now would we?"
Katara had to hang back lest she explode from all this posturing. What did they know about health standards and caring about people? She saw what Cranefish was like. The people weren't living in filth but they weren't exactly the healthiest either. Some of them were far too pallid to be considered anything near healthy. And here they were talking about how they were above the bar.
Her frustration didn't go unnoticed. Sokka looked back at her with concern, but Suki waved him off to keep the two owners talking about what other "successes" they had under their belts. "You okay, Katara?" the Kyoshi Warrior asked.
"...no. I'm not."
"Look, I know it seems bad but-"
"Bad? Suki, I look around and I'm just seeing that factory all over again. How can they stand there and justify putting their own people through this nightmare? And we're supposed to be defending them?"
Her outburst left her feeling drained, and she slumped against the wall of the mine. "I don't get it. We used to blow up places like this during the war. Now we're taking tours through them like it's just another day."
Suki looked at her, watching as she took a few deep breaths to calm herself down. "I'm sorry. I just-"
"No. I get it," the warrior interrupted. "It's all happening so fast, and now we're just trying to catch up. To be perfectly honest, I came out here with the rest of the Kyoshi Warriors 'cause fighting Fire Nation and protecting people is what we know how to do best."
"Really?" Katara asked. She knew that Suki had been chasing after rogue army groups, but she didn't think this was the reason why.
The young leader just nodded her head. "Yeah. We're not really good with peace talks or whatever. So we do what we do best. And trust me, I got a little stir-crazy too having to work with Loban. But he's not as bad as he looks. I'd almost wager that Earth Kingdom and Fire Nation citizens are a bit more equal here in some places like Yu Dao."
Katara blinked. She did have to admit she hadn't noticed a real difference in terms of wealth between the two peoples here. Granted, neither really seemed to have much to begin with, but it was a stark difference when compared to Yu Dao.
"I've done everything I could to alleviate some of the issues the people have here." The voice of Loban interrupted their little conversation, who with Sokka and Lao Beifong had wheeled around to check up on them. His demeanor though was…different. His suddenly somber tone caught Katara off guard.
Loban sighed. "I know my refinery isn't the safest place to work. But the Fire Nation's standards during the war were low. Particularly if one were to work with earthbenders like I did. And they were already looking for reasons to get me out so somebody else could come in and exploit the workers in the name of better results'."
Katara almost expected him to spit on the ground just to get the word out of his mouth. Not that she blamed him. She knew what the Fire Nation considered to be 'better results'.
The owner continued. "Quite frankly, a lot of us didn't have much, and bought into the promises of a better life. It took us some time to realize that we weren't any richer than we were back home. I tried to make things work as best I could. Even if that meant supporting the war machine. If we stopped producing...well, none of us wanted to stop to find out."
A shiver ran down Katara's spine. She knew well what happened to earthbenders who were captured in Fire Nation lands.
"I understand if you don't forgive me for what I've done. I can't forgive myself. But please understand, I am trying to make things better. I just…I don't know how anymore," Loban completed with a forlorn look on his face.
Seeing that his partner was done, Lao stepped forward. "It's why I joined up with him. He had some sympathy for us, which is more than what I can say for some other Fire Nation nobles. Now if my daughter could understand…"
Both Water Tribe siblings exchanged a glance. Before either could say a thing, Suki stepped forward. "She's one of the bravest people I've ever met. And honestly, you should be proud of her."
"Proud?" Lao started. "This war turned her into a rebel is what it did. She used to be so sweet. Now, I don't even know her anymore. Do you know what that's like?!"
"Or maybe you never really got to know her in the first place," Katara said coldly. "And you know what? Despite everything, she still cares about you. Tell me, who sounds like the weaker one here?"
Lao just glared before turning away to continue on down the mines. "We should probably continue this at another time then," Loban stated, reading the room like an open book.
All three teens just stared at Lao, silently agreeing that maybe it was best to leave the tour aside. They had found what they were looking for. And a lot more.
Twinkle Toes had been silent ever since they returned from the island.
It wasn't like he had nothing to say. Toph could sense through her earthbending that his heart was racing and his steps were slow and methodical. Not exactly the happy-go-lucky goofball she knew him to be.
They were making their way through the streets of Cranefish. The sheer amount of footsteps and chatter told her that. She thought she heard some Fire Nation dialect intermixed with Earth Kingdom here and there, but it didn't really matter to her all that much. Not like she could actually see anyone. They were all just footsteps, voices, and heartbeats to her.
The two of them stopped by what she sensed to be a quiet corner. A woosh of wings and the chittering of Momo told her that he had perched himself on the roof. No doubt going to preen himself or something.
As for Toph, she flicked a pebble at the wall of a house with her foot. "I know what you're going to say. That I need to get along with my dad-"
"No. I get it."
She stopped in her tracks when she felt his hand pat her shoulder. "I…thanks Aang."
"No problem!" said the chipper voice. "It's just, I get the history between you two. And you're not alone in having a few unpleasant surprises being thrust on you."
"Right. The Air Acolytes."
"Yeah. I mean, I do understand what they're trying to do and I DO appreciate that some people want to adopt my culture."
"It's just you think they're treating it like a toy. Just like that Mechanist guy at the temple. Right?"
"Basically." Aang had told her all about what had happened at one of the temples of the Air Nomads. Now, she wasn't the spiritual type, and she wouldn't say she knew what it was like to have your home ravaged. That being said, she did understand what it was like to have someone disrespect who you were and where you came from.
"I don't think these people are like that, Twinkle Toes. Doesn't mean you're not wrong, but try not to be angry with them," she reassured.
A sigh was heard. "I know. I know. Heck, you've got more of a reason to be mad at your dad right now."
Toph snorted. "Ain't that the truth? It's like you barely know the guy. You think he can't stoop any lower, but then he does."
"Guess we BOTH have a lot on our plates right now."
"To be fair, what you're suggesting is probably the stupidest thing I've ever heard in my life."
She heard him slump against the wall of the house. "Well, somebody's got to go out there and find him. The problem is trying to convince everyone that talking to a giant spiky dragon is a good idea."
Toph couldn't argue against him with that. The blind earthbender just joined him leaning against the wall. Odd. Somehow even that idea didn't sound so bad as facing her father again. Then again, if somebody could face down the Fire Lord, armies, and a kaiju, then who's to say she couldn't face her own problems in the same way?
After all, she couldn't let the Avatar have the most guts on the team, now could she?
Aso Island
Breathe in. Breathe out.
Azula sat seated on the soft floor of the bedroom that was graciously lent to her in the mayor's house. Certainly a step up from sleeping on a creaking boat, that's for sure. It felt good knowing that she finally had a bed that wouldn't rock with the tides.
Or a bed at all.
Honestly, she should've felt content. Finally, after all this time, after being pushed around and treated like some kind of rabid animal, finally she had some respect. She had a foolproof plan in place that would guarantee that she didn't have to watch her back in the immediate future. And she was doing what she was born to do: serve her country.
Then…why couldn't she meditate in peace?
She breathed in and out, feeling the flame at her heart wax and wane. Yet still a question kept being asked to her over and over. One that she simply didn't have an answer for.
Is this what you truly want?
Azula sighed in defeat at her mother's voice. Looking up, she saw the tall and regal figure of Fire Lady Ursa standing before her. Only it wasn't her. The Princess knew that her real mother wouldn't have that look of pity in her eyes.
"I know what I'm doing. I'm not an idiot, Mother," she almost barked out, though she kept it to a low hiss so nobody would hear her and call her mad.
My love, I understand. But you know none of these men truly want to help you. Why else are you still wearing your armor this late? And are you really going to throw yourself into danger just to prove yourself?
"I'm not Zuzu, Mother. Of course I know what I'm getting into." If Father's spectre were here, he would've smiled with pride. For now though, he remained absent.
Her mother's eyes narrowed. Azula, I don't think you do. You know what just one of these things are capable of. It's what you've been telling everyone. Why don't you take your own advice and not go through with this?
"Oh, now you're concerned?" Azula snapped. "Last I checked, you just stood by and watched me lose my own mind! Why on earth should I listen to you when you just left me to rot?"
I couldn't do anything then. I…wasn't strong enough. And I'm sorry. But for once in your life, LISTEN to me. Don't throw your life away because of some duty. Nothing is worth that!
The flame within flared up, causing Azula to get up on her feet and return the iron gaze Ursa was giving her right now. "You were never there for me. Ever. You thought I was nothing but a monster, and you only had room in your heart for one child. The easy one. Well, guess what? If I'm going to die, I want you to watch, knowing that at the end of the day, you're just a spineless coward who wouldn't lift a finger to help either of her children when they needed you. That way when Zuzu bawls his eyes out at my death, you won't be there to comfort him. Because deep down, you'll know what a complete failure you've been."
That should've been enough to shut her up, to make her go away for good. Instead, Ursa just placed a hand on her cheek. No matter what happens, I just want you to know that I love you Azula. I always have and always will. And you have a lot more to offer this world than just your life.
Azula felt a tear roll down her cheek despite her best effort, overcome the desperate desire for that hand to be real. "I know. I just don't know how."
The strength in her legs failed her as she imagined her mother embracing her in a hug that would never come.
For the tears wouldn't stop…and neither would the other voices in her head saying the same thing over and over again.
At first they started out as "Glory to the Phoenix King and he who sits on the throne," in the voices of Ty Lee, Mai, and the voices she could identify as human.
Until they started degenerating into inhuman growls, with a chant that reeked of absolute hatred.
"Death to Godzilla. Death to Godzilla."
The Jungles Outside of Cranefish Town
They were huddled around a campfire as the sun fell, weapons at their sides and rhinos tied up on the trees surrounding them. The smell of cooked meat permeated through the air, making some of those assigned to keep watch turn their heads eagerly.
Colonel Mongke just shot them a glare as he distributed dinner to his officers, not really in the mood to get into yet another argument about food rations.
It was pitiful. Once the Rough Rhinos were feared warriors. Freelancers whose ties with the Fire Lords of old were well respected. The very name used to strike fear in the hearts of the Earth Kingdom. And their pockets were full of loot and plunder.
Now all they had left were a few coins. Ever since that boy Zuko took the throne, they were on the run. All attempts to hire themselves out for mercenary work fell short. Turns out that once you've burned down a number of villages, people see you as a bunch of murderous thugs. Right now, all they were focused on was trying to stay ahead of the Kyoshi Warriors for a few more days.
Well, they wouldn't be on the run for much longer. Already they could hear the snorting of a Komodo Rhino charging its way through the brush. The face paint of its rider marked him out as Vachir, their former Yuyan archer. "Report", Mongke barked out.
"Bad news, Colonel. I spotted the Avatar's Bison just outside of town." A wave of apprehension and frustration infected the group. Cranefish Town. One of the Fire Nation's key refineries during the war, it was said to be unguarded following the downsizing of the army. It would've been ripe for them to march on it, demand protection money, and set up shop there for the foreseeable future.
With the Avatar in town though, they had a big problem. They had run into him before, and they didn't want a repeat of Chin Village.
One of their newest members, Utor just threw up his hands and said, "Well, there goes that plan. Want me to get the rhinos ready so we can beat it?"
"Woah woah woah. Nobody said we're leaving just yet," Ogodei, one of Mongke's oldest members. "And besides, did you forget about that giant thing in the jungle you idiot?! I don't want to become monster food! Colonel's orders. We're staying put and waiting for that thing to go back to sleep."
"We can't just stay here either!" somebody pointed out. "The Avatar's gonna find us in no time and we can't outrun a bison!"
Mongke grimaced as he stood up, bringing the arguing in the camp to a crawl. "If we move now, they're certain to spot us. The best we can do now is hunker down and wait for this to blow over. I don't like it either, but we're trapped between a rock and a hard place."
"And what if someone were to tell you there was a way out of this predicament."
Everyone got up and drew their weapons while Mongke brought fire to his fist at the stranger who had just stepped out of the bushes. He gave a nasty glare to the lookout guards for managing to miss an intruder, but they just gave him a pathetic shrug. The Colonel made a mental note to give them a dressing down for managing to miss a cloaked figure when they had the most obvious routes of approach covered.
As for the cloaked figure, there was something…odd about him. He had pale skin, but it seemed a bit too pale even for Fire Nation. Especially not with those deep blue eyes of his. A hood obscured the rest of his features, but those blue eyes just stared at him.
"Okay, who are you and what exactly do you want with us?" He motioned for Ogodei and Kahchi to come behind him, readying their weapons for the slightest hint of treachery.
If the stranger gave any indication of being threatened, he certainly hid it well. "I am willing to offer you a chance to get your people to safety, Colonel Mongke. One that not only will deal with the Avatar, but also your little problem with the Guardian Beast."
Mongke stared at him, not sure of his angle. "Fine. Speak, but if you so much as suggest turning ourselves in-"
"That will not be necessary," the stranger assured. "Long story short, there is a grave at the heart of this jungle. It lies within an ancient city and is considered sacred territory by the spirits. If someone were to disturb this site, that would unleash its guardian upon the people of Cranefish Town and he would do battle with the Beast. Which, in turn, would open for you a way to escape."
The Rough Rhinos looked at each other, not sure whether or not to believe his words. They were willing to do a lot of things, but angering a spirit? Admiral Zhao did that, and look where it got him.
"And what's in it for you? Why help us out?" Mongke asked.
Those blue eyes just stared at him from beneath the hood. "We have a common enemy, Colonel. And I want to see him dead. Nothing more. Besides, you face death or imprisonment either way. What more do you have left to lose?"
Cautiously, Mongke motioned for his men to lower their weapons, but keep them to hand. He didn't like the aura around this guy, but neither did he have any ideas for a way out of their problem.
"Alright. What did you have in mind?"
A/N: I'm back. Life happens.
Like I've said before, a lot of the elements from Aang's story here were taken from The Rift trilogy. This includes the Air Acolytes. Now originally they were more of a fan club for Aang, but I wanted to ground them a bit more. I could foresee some people wanting to take up the Air Nomad ways considering Aang's return AND the history that Yangchen has with Cranefish Town.
It's going to be of a recurring theme with Aang's arc, but I wanted to reiterate that he is indeed the last Air Nomad. Sure he's not technically the last airbender, but he's the last one to have grown up in the ways of his people. Him dealing with the Acolytes and Imana's tribe is going to be something he has to grapple with.
Now for Yangchen. I haven't admittedly read the novel featuring her yet, so forgive me if my depiction isn't accurate. I'm going off what was shown to us in the series. Her vision and story with General Old Iron and Anguirus though is something that dates a bit back to Godzilla Raids Again or Godzilla (2014). Simply put, giant monster battles while awe-inspiring, can also wreak so much destruction. Something that I want to emphasize here, even though Anguirus is technically a good guy. He's a giant ankylosaur, that alone is going to cause some damage.
His status as the Guardian Beast also is a reference to his original role in GMK before he got replaced. It's going to be expanded on his portrayal in the coming chapters, but he's not going to be as violent as Godzilla.
General Old Iron is another thing taken from the comics. Simply put, he's a giant stone warrior who serves as the guardian of the spiritual territory surrounding Cranefish. I'd almost compare him to Daimajin, only less of a slasher villain.
Back to Cranefish, I'll admit that I originally intended Loban to be more of a clear-cut villain. Then I realized that we could explore a bit more of Fire Nation colonialization. Instead of those who came over and benefited, the people here basically are in the same position they were when they left home. Except now they're in foreign territory. It's something I want to explore, about how the common man who wasn't a soldier fared under the Fire Nation.
We'll be focusing a bit on Aang's side of the story and the stuff with Anguirus before swinging over to Azula's side. Not saying she's going to have some scenes. I just wanted for the climax of her arc to stand out.
Speaking of our…protagonist (I wouldn't say "heroine" at this point), I gave her a monologue with Ursa which Hallucination!Ozai wasn't a part of. I didn't want this to be a carbon copy of the mirror scene, mainly just to get her motivations across and humanize her. Well, more than I already have. Plus it's a way to see what she really feels behind the closed doors and out of view of the Fiery Raptors.
As for Aso Island, that's a reference to the original Rodan film, the home of our protagonist and where the mine that unwittingly unleashed Rodan onto the world is located. The temple itself was actually based on a real-world location: Lungshan Temple in Japan which has some phoenix imagery in its architecture. Obviously, it's not a complete parallel since I wouldn't imagine it would be used for battle preparations, but I used it as a bit of a framework for how a temple dedicated to Rodan would look like.
The bird that Azula encounters is also related to a few-Rodan-like characters and themes: his original concept as a prehistoric bird, the Firebird from the Hanna Barbara cartoon, and Quetzalcoatl from the Tri-Star cartoon. The dragonfly that kills it and eats it is also a reference to a real-world animal that existed during the Carboniferous Period: the Meganuera.
That should probably be a warning for what's in story for Azula. Particularly for anyone who watched the original film.
Anyways, thank you all for waiting and a big thanks to Selpharia for proofreading. Hopefully, I can get the next chapter out before the Netflix ATLA series comes out (kind of on the fence about that one). Feel free to leave a comment to share your thoughts. Follow and favorite if you want to see more. And as always, have a great day and see you next time!
Also congrats to Godzilla: Minus One for getting nominated for several Oscars.