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Yu Dao
When they had arrived at Yu Dao, the once bustling city had been transformed.
From the air it seemed the same, though in the distance Aang could see the emerald tents of the Earth King's army. He gulped a bit, also seeing the crimson tents of Zuko's forces not too far away. Having two centuries-long enemies this close to each other just when peace had broken out was practically an invitation for conflict.
To put it bluntly, things could not get much worse short of letting Ozai loose into the mix.
Things did not look up when they landed. For starters, they got a fully armed escort. According to the captain, things had gotten pretty worse ever since they left. A few more riots had broken out, each one ending with injuries both amongst the protestors and the guards. Plus, a curfew had taken place, restricting people from coming out at certain hours of the day. "Keeping the peace" they called it.
Aang saw things differently. Right now, there were more armored soldiers than people out and about. They went through a bazaar once bustling with merchants, now barren with a few stalls. What few people they did see rushed past, unwilling to look them in the eye.
Yet the biggest shock were the soldiers not dressed in crimson. There were a few men dressed in light armor with the jade colors and proud symbol of the Earth King.
"Earth Kingdom scouts…what in the name of Agni are they doing here?" Zuko demanded.
"Your advisors let them through when the Earth King's forces arrived. Those thugs said they wanted to make sure we weren't bullying the locals." one of their escort replied. "We've had some close calls, but things haven't broken out into fullout conflict yet. Everything's under control at the moment."
Every now and then though, there were signs that things were NOT under control. Just then, they passed a scene where scorch marks and ruined earth riddled the road. Some patches of ash resembled a fireball being thrown there, and broken pieces of rocks spoke of boulders being tossed around.
"Looks like a warzone," Sokka commented, seeing the sorry state of affairs.
The captain let out a weary sigh. "It's what this city's become. We keep trying to restore the peace, but nothing's working."
"Maybe it's because you're treating innocent people like criminals for one," Aang heard Kori bitterly note.
"We just had an assassination attempt on our Fire Lord by those so-called 'innocents'. Not to mention, they're the ones that keep riling up those maniacs King Kuei sent over. So forgive us if we're a bit on edge at the moment," the captain snapped back.
With that, silence fell over the group. Not even Kori made another jab, the realization dawning on her face. Aang understood though. Everyone here aside from him grew up in a world ruled by war. No doubt peace was just some dream people spoke of when seeing too much conflict. A light at the end of a long and dark tunnel one could easily get lost in.
Such a nagging thought made him drag his feet a little, which for an airbender was almost unheard of. Neither did it go unnoticed. Katara held out a hand and gave a concerned "Are you okay?" to her partner. Her concern drew the attention of the other members of Team Avatar to his state.
"Can we talk when we have a chance?" Aang asked, motioning towards their escort. Katara nodded, but never left his side. The Avatar felt nothing but gratitude for her, yet it still couldn't shake the feeling in his heart.
For everywhere he looked around him, he saw nothing but failure. Soldiers instead of joyful citizens who had a bright future. Empty stores where friends should've conversed. Some of those stores which proudly displayed Fire Nation heraldry had rocks and boulders smashed through their doors and windows. Even the drone of nothing that surrounded them. It made him queasy. How did it come to this? Of course he knew why, it was him. He was the Avatar. The Avatar's duty was to protect and ensure peace for all.
Yet he had hoped that peace would come too soon. If he had just seen the signs earlier, he could've stopped this. Maybe backed Zuko up against those snakes in court. Maybe fought harder for the colonies to be free of their conquerors. Something. ANYTHING.
Instead, he just assumed with Ozai gone and Zuko in charge, things would be fine. How could he have been so stupid? Was he just that desperate that everything would fall into place?
He was drawn out of his little swirling thoughts when he felt a pair of eyes sizing him up. Looking behind, he saw the golden-brown eyes of Azula staring right at him. Involuntarily he shuddered. Those were the eyes he saw before he almost died and took the Avatar cycle with him. Yet there didn't seem to be any predatory intent in that gaze. Only…pity? Could the Princess of the Fire Nation know pity?
Aang supposed she could. Still, he could hardly ignore her circumstances. Shortly after the war ended, Zuko spoke about how he was actually also the great-grandson of Roku. That also meant Azula carried the same blood in her veins. Maybe even had the same potential to be good just as her ancestor was. Was that why Mothra defended her? Her heritage?
No. No that couldn't be it. Aang pushed that dark cloud out of his mind. Bloodlines had nothing to do with it. Zuko may choose to believe that, but Aang knew better. The monks always said that heritage meant nothing. That what you did and how you acted mattered who you were. Iroh certainly proved that wrong. He was of pure Fire Lord descent, yet he was trying to do good.
Of course, trying and actually doing are two separate things. Aang just hoped he said the right things to prevent either the new Fire Lord or the Dragon of the West from doing anything more they would come to regret.
If not, then that would just be one more failure.
Eventually, they left the rather depressing empty streets and arrived at the camp of the Fire Lord. Yet this didn't mean the gloom was restricted. All around them, Fire Nation soldiers were making ready for battle and doing drills. Still, there was a sense of foreboding around them. Azula could feel it in the embers from the training grounds. When one is in tune with her element like her, they can sense a lot from the benders that spawned them.
What the embers told her was that training and drills weren't as lively and passionate as they should be. The maneuvers were being done out of obligation, not out of any true belief in their cause. Just something to pass the time and to keep their minds off the approaching emerald tents on the horizon.
She didn't say anything. Not out of courtesy, heaven's no. Rather, she didn't need to. Everyone was looking at the sorry state of the camp. All were silent, the apprehension written right on their faces. The only one who stood out was Zuko, who just looked as miserable as he always did. Maybe even more so.
Up ahead, the tent with the war table awaited. Past the flaps and in the lit interior, Zuko's inner circle awaited. Or rather, Ozai's cronies that weaseled their way into his circle awaited. Azula took stock, having become familiar with each one of them. Much to her misfortune.
First, there was General Shinu. A rather average-looking fellow, he somehow managed to get control of the forces deployed in the campaign against the Earth King following Uncle's blunder at Ba Sing Se. Rumor had it that he dedicated every military accomplishment to her father to get his favor. Basically a yes-man who approved every last maneuver, with each tailored to meet her father's approval.
Admiral Chan was his naval counterpart. Following Zhao's spectacular failure in the North, he was in the navy's overall charge. A bit spindly, his job was to build up their navy once more and got awarded leadership of the newly formed air fleet for his loyalty. Never did much in the way of actual command, and had a pretty idiotic son.
General Shugo was unimpressive, but his presence was surprising. She would've expected his head to be put on the chopping block given the staggering amount of prisons and POW camps he was in charge of.
Finally, there was War Minister Qin. Azula sneered at the sight of him. Following Zhao's death, she was supposed to have been his wife. Him. A spineless, idiotic coward who turned tail and fled in the face of the Avatar during the Day of the Black Sun. Didn't even put up a fight for his fiancee. Only reason she put up with this sycophant was because Father deemed their marriage to further tie the clans to the crown.
The clans. No doubt that's the big reason all of them were still here. Figured Zuzu would bend over backwards to placate them. Always the people pleaser he was.
Still, she kept her lips sealed. The sight of her alone without chains was enough to rattle Zuko's circle. "Fire Lord, you've returned! We…did not expect you to bring the Princess with you unbound," Shugo commented.
"She's to be unbound while in Yu Dao, but placed under guard. We have reason to believe she might know a few things about our monster problem." Azula felt Iroh's eyes watch her as Zuko said "guards". No doubt the so-called Grand Lotus already had some candidates in mind to oversee her movements. Very well. If they didn't get in her way, who was she to raise a fuss over an escort?
Interestingly, she also noticed Aang watching the older man. It was discrete, but there. Now what do we have here? she wondered. She would've assumed Iroh would've been the Avatar's mind until he was old enough to actually appreciate the responsibility of his position. If the latter was monitoring the former discretely…
Course her thoughts were rudely interrupted when Zuko slammed his fist on the table. "What I want to know is who's the idiot authorized Earth Kingdom scouts into our city? Are we trying to restart the war?" Azula had to resist hiding her face behind her hands. Calling one of your allies an "idiot"? Sure it was true, but she knew better than to say it out loud.
Qin stepped up to the table, undaunted by the Fire Lord's outburst. "I did, my lord. The Earth King wanted to know the state of his city and his people. Seeing as you've been pushing for further cooperation with the Earth Kingdom due to our predicament, I gave the go ahead. Rest assured, no skirmishes have erupted since his scouts arrived."
What he really said was "I let them in so there would be more violence in the streets and thus provoke the Earth King into attacking Yu Dao." Azula saw it in his eyes. An opportunity arose and he took it. Granted she'd probably do the same if she were in his position. It's just she didn't forget that there were currently four monsters on the loose. Possibly more. And people called her crazy?
Course, somebody else decided to have an outburst. "You're one to talk! We've got two more rogue army groups on the move and Ozai's chosen heir is walking around unbound. Forgive us for trying to keep the Earth King's dogs off our door," General Shugo spat back. Azula raised an eyebrow at that. Both at the complete lack of respect for their Fire Lord, and the news. Two more army groups? That's enough to raise a few possibilities.
Her brother on the other hand was less than pleased. "Wait. What do you mean two rogue armies?"
"We've just received word from our scouts to the northwest. Captain Nojon and his Iron Maws are approaching Yu Dao. What's more, we've just received word that the Children of the Sun have made contact with the refugees to the west," Shino reported.
Zuko grimaced, but Azula was taking the information all in. Now Captain Nojon. There was a man who wasn't too popular amongst her father's circle. No one could deny that he was a brilliant tank commander and had won multiple victories that broke through entrenched Earth Kingdom lines. Unfortunately, he also had a habit of going a bit overboard here and there in terms of barrages. He'd been known to wipe villages off the map, thus depriving them of food and wealth to keep an offensive going. The only reason he was kept around was that he could win battles handily.
The Children of the Sun though, there was a name she hadn't heard of before. Examining the war table before her, she noticed two blocks that had to have represented the refugees and the aforementioned rogue army. An expanse of dense jungle separated them from the borders of the colonies to the east.
Seeing that jungle jogged a few memories in the back of her mind. One was familiar. About how that particular area was designated a Territory of Unique Risk. Those were black marks on the military's record. Her father told her of areas where whole units would just flat out disappear due to unknown reasons, far from any Earth Kingdom lines.
Another memory was less familiar but certainly vivid. She saw ancient temples and workers slaving away to build huge monuments. An ancient empire long before the Earth Kingdom was even a dream. And a ferocious battle which brought it all down. For some reason, it brought a contemptuous sneer on her face.
The area certainly drew the attention of another. "Let me guess. They took them hostage and want to barter for immunity," Sokka concluded. To her displeasure, Azula did feel the savage made a reasonable assessment. If one found themselves in enemy territory and far from help, chances were they'd be desperate enough to resort to underhanded actions.
War Minister Qin though shook his head. "Surprisingly, no. They've sent us a message offering to escort the refugees through the jungle and want the Avatar to help them scout out a safe route."
"...well that's a first," Boomerang Boy mused.
The Avatar was more receptive. "Tell them we'd appreciate the assistance."
Suki then piped in. "Here's my question: do we know anything about that particular area? Any threats at all?"
"I've been working with the White Lotus on that," Iroh reported, stroking his beard to recall. "From what we know, people go missing in that area all the time. According to legend, it's supposed to be the former home of a lost civilization. Supposedly, they worshipped some kind of deity they referred to as the 'Storm King'. Does that ring a bell to our friends from Infant Island?"
Maina and Imana looked at one another. "Not that we know of," Imana answered. "We do know that our ancestors DID encounter this civilization at some point. But it was a very long time ago, and our history is incomplete. All we know is that it's a bad memory for our people."
"Sycophant. Always parroting your better, weren't you?" Azula snarled.
"...uh…what was that?" Ty Lee asked her former friend.
"What? I…I don't know," the Princess replied. She tried to check her memory, but her mind started to ache, causing her to become a bit woozy. One of her hands crept up to where the medallion hid beneath her breastplate which soothed her dizziness. It didn't stop Kori and Maina from looking at her in concern though.
Thankfully, it seemed everyone else had moved on to other matters. "That's not our only problem. Our scouts to the northwest report some kind of gigantic black worm tunneling right towards us," Shino reported.
"That's got to be Battra. Of course he'd be reborn in the Earth Kingdom! Earth is his native element," Maina exclaimed. She filled everyone in on the details, but the name was already familiar to Azula. Battra. The same monster that Mothra showed her in that vision. Silently, she wondered if the Goddess hadn't shared that memory for her own sake alone.
It did make her wonder why the Lord of the Earth was on its way to Yu Dao. She looked at the map. A lion-turtle that could only have symbolized Anguirus was in Cranefish to the south. To the north, an icon of a sea serpent was used to stand in for Battra.
"And then we have Godzilla to the east," Zuko said, pushing the dragon statue towards the coast. Everyone chilled. The charred earth and the roars of a maddened titan played out in their minds. Those very memories caused a chill to temper all the risen emotions.
The Fire Lord proceeded to glare at his subordinates. "I thought I told you to hold your fire in case you ran into him."
"We did!" Admiral Chan protested. "I made your orders pretty clear to the fleet. And even then, I don't think anybody would want to even try attacking him after that massacre."
"And it wasn't one of mine," Azula mused. "I gave the same order as your Fire Lord did."
"Well somebody had to tick him off. Doubt he's coming here just to say hi," Mai deadpanned.
It was enough for Azula to pause and examine the map herself. Gently, she traced a finger from Godzilla to the other two kaiju. Not all the pieces were there, but there was enough to make something of a conclusion.
"I think he's going to hit somewhere along this stretch of coast," the Princess declared, pointing to the coastline between Yu Dao and Cranefish.
Admiral Chan looked at her incredulously. "How can you be so sure?" he asked.
"We're not talking about some mindless beast here," Azula explained. "I've seen what happened at Aso. He seems to be some kind of 'king' to these things. Like an apex predator. Chances are, he's either going after one of these other kaiju or heading in the direction of the refugees. Which one, I'm not sure, but we have to expect a landing anywhere on this coast. It means we need to shore up our defenses at Yu Dao and Cranefish."
"Dad…" a tiny voice whispered behind her. The Princess had to check twice to see that yes, it was the blind earthbender who was uncharacteristically worried. Granted she hadn't known the latter for long, but it didn't sound like the brash carefree ruffian she had known from the war.
Still, she had other matters to attend to. Which at the moment, was a tent full of ambitious men. It didn't pass her that they were making jabs at Zuko not bringing her in as a prisoner. Such disrespect to their Fire Lord would never have been tolerated under her father's rule. Even her brother, soft as he was, wouldn't take their little snips lying down.
Certainly didn't help that dear Zuzu wasn't exactly her biggest fan. For one, it was open season. Admiral Chan folded his arms and caught her gaze. "How should we trust you of all people? You're the leader of a marauding band of pirates. For all we know, we could reinforce one position, leaving the others open to a marine assault. I expected a lot from you Azula, but I didn't think you'd be a traitor to the throne."
She bit her tongue but didn't back down from the barb. The lack of respect was appalling. Leaving out her title - who was this fool? Some blueblood who only just got to this position decided he was a big shot now? Azula could tolerate such arrogance if they at least had the skills to back it up.
Here though? She was an easy target. Didn't help that Zuko just stared as his subordinate verbally ripped her a new one. Fine. He wanted to leave her out for the wolves? They were going to regret it.
First, make them feel like they're in control. "Then by all means. What's your idea?" Azula offered.
Admiral Chan puffed out his chest, practically brimming with pride. He took a plotting rod and moved some model ships towards Godzilla. "We lure it with some of our scout ships. It follows whatever attacks it. Once we have its attention, we'll bring it over to an uninhabited area away from the colonies where we can set up an ambush-"
FWOOSH!
His bluster was gone when Azula shot out a small flame, incinerating the model ships.
"That's what's going to happen when you do that," Azula bluntly stated, blowing the smoke from her fingers. She stood up, looking each and every one of the men across from her in the eye. "When are you going to learn? You can't win in a military engagement with Godzilla. It'll just be a repeat of Yu Dao, only we'll be going at him with even less men than what we had before. You'd bleed our army completely dry before you even get past his hide.
"Not to mention, you'd be leaving Yu Dao completely exposed to Battra. So even if by some miracle Godzilla chokes on a bone or something, we'd be exposed wide open to another kaiju and the Iron Maws. Congrats! Traded a whole city for some glory. Hope you'll be able to sleep after that."
"Now you listen here-"
"I hate to admit it, but Azula's right!" Sokka interrupted, cutting an infuriated General Shino off. "We should only engage Godzilla when necessary. If he's going after another kaiju like she said, then maybe we can avoid having to fight him!" The Princess decided not to think too hardly about another former enemy backing her up. Save her some sanity for another time.
And examine the map closely. Specifically the model for Battra. She wondered what woke him up. Was it Rodan? For what reason? What's more, why was Battra heading here? Mothra's vision showed that he apparently mellowed out after their battle. Did the Iron Maws attack him? Or was there some other motive?
"Toph. Is Cranefish protected?"
The tiny earthbender flinched a little when Azula addressed her, being taken out of deep thought. "Uh. I mean, we have some tunnels in place in case of a monster attack. Plus we DO have a giant turtle thing and a huge stone soldier backing us up."
"So if Godzilla attacks there, he'd have both of them to deal with," Sokka realized. Azula saw the lights flicker to life in his eyes, her plan falling into place.
"Here's my recommendation: we keep our forces here. We know Battra's coming here so we'll be ready. Cranefish is covered. Avatar, you can dart into the east and have everyone batten down in case Godzilla is heading there. Maybe scout the jungles in the meantime to find a safe route." Aang pondered a bit before giving a visible nod to the Princess. His eyes were riveted between Godzilla's model and the eastern jungles. Seemed he was putting the pieces together as well.
Satisfied, she turned to the Generals. "Now here's the tricky bit. We send an invitation to the Earth King and get him to marshal our forces together-"
"And just when I thought you couldn't get any more insane," War Minister Qin proclaimed. "Scouts are one thing, but that's inviting the whole army right to our doorstep! What's to stop him from burying us with our backs turned?"
"We don't have a choice! With the losses we've taken, we can't even begin to form a defense against Battra if he attacks! Plus, we need earthbenders to dig tunnels if we're to protect the civilians," Sokka pointed out.
"Yes, but are we going to trust-"
"That's enough," Zuko declared, staring down and sizing each of his generals up. "Azula and Sokka are right. I'm not risking another assault on Godzilla unless we can avoid it. And we need the Earth King's forces to shore up our defenses. Yu Dao wasn't exactly built to withstand a kaiju attack, and we are short on men. General Shino, I want you to send an envoy to the Earth King so we can begin discussing some kind of battle plan. Additionally, no one is to try and make pull something without my permission. And if anybody gets any ideas of launching some pre-emptive attack on EITHER Battra or Godzilla, remember what Azula said about the last time we tried that. Understood?"
"Yes, Fire Lord," they all said in unison. Azula felt herself relax a bit. Seemed like her brother had some spine in him after all. A lot of things were still in question. Mainly about what defense strategy they should have for Battra and keeping everyone on a tight leash so they won't fly off the handle.
Speaking of, Iroh turned around and looked Azula dead in the eye. "As for you, I already have two guards picked out to watch your every movement. They've already been cleared and prepared, so don't even think about trying to weasel your way out of trouble."
"What? Like you did?" Azula snarked back.
"The point is," Zuko interrupted, getting between both Uncle Fatso and her, "if you want to go anywhere in this city, you'll have to get approval from me and go under escort. Got it?"
She flipped her bang nonchalantly. "Understood. I wish to go to the temple and meditate."
Zuko blinked. "That…was fast. For what purpose?"
In the back of her mind, she heard the whispers calling to her. They'd been back there ever since she heard about what lies in the east. What she had was risky. Yet the reward outweighed the risk.
So, she crossed her arms and played her card. "I think I know a way to find out what's waiting for your new friends. For that, I need some space. Got it?"
Maina gazed at her a bit worriedly, but she remained unmoved. For already, Aang turned towards her with a gleam in his eye. Good. He took the bait. As much as it pained her, she needed to make this temporary partnership work on her end just as much as they did on theirs. Maybe even a bit more. If she could provide knowledge that could protect them, then it wasn't an opportunity they couldn't afford to miss. Ergo, she'd make herself more useful as an ally up until this deal was through.
If that risked her sanity in the process, well she didn't have much at the moment anyway.
Zuzu knew it. He and Aang exchanged glances before he sighed. "Alright. You can go to the temple. Just see Iroh about your escort first. Go from there and back. Got it?"
"Got it."
"Alright." Then to her surprise, Zuko regarded the noble girl at her side. "Kori, was it? Could we speak for a moment?"
Kori seemed as flummoxed as she was, but then nodded her head and followed the Fire Lord out of the tent. Before she left, Azula grabbed her arm. "Be careful. Alright?"
"I will," the rebel reassured, before leaving her behind. Inwardly, Azula felt worried. Zuko had already turned one friend against her. Was he going to try the same thing twice?
They walked a good distance away from the war tent. Yet not once did Kori let her guard down. Zuko, Mai, and Ty Lee. Three names she had a lot of good reason to be wary of. One was the Fire Lord, obviously. It wasn't too long ago when he nearly got Yu Dao destroyed out of his own stupidity. The other two? Enigmas. They'd been awfully quiet when they landed. Give Iroh and Zuko credit, they at least voiced their issues. Then again, she understood wanting to keep a public face on. She was just worried about what thoughts were going on in their heads.
When they came to an abandoned training ground, Zuko turned around. "Alright. We're here."
"If you think you can get me to stab a knife in Azula's back-"
"Listen! I'm not here to talk about Azula. At all. I meant it when I said she's going around unbound. It's just…well, you know how she is! I can't trust her with such a political hot mess. Somebody's got to keep tabs on her," Zuko explained.
"Besides, we've got Mai here if Azula needs some knives thrown at - OW!" Ty Lee rubbed her arm after Mai gave her a swift and rather hard elbow.
Zuko simply sighed from their little spat. "The point is, if you can keep Azula in check, that's great. I only have the guards there so it can keep those generals off my back. And hers. They wanted her thrown back into that asylum."
"You could've just told her that, but whatever," Kori muttered. It amazed her. He says that he wants to do good, but then has some secret or leaves some lasting remark that invalidates it. No wonder he and Azula were so dysfunctional. Seemed like the only way they could even interact was through backstabbing, betrayals, and fighting. If this was what they were like when they were allies, she didn't want to see how they were when the pleasantries failed and fire was being thrown.
Agni help her no fire was thrown today yet. She certainly didn't see it in the Fire Lord's eyes right now. They were…well, dull. His shoulders were a bit slumped. It was as if he aged a few years in the span of a few days.
"Can we forget Azula for a few minutes? It's not why I called you out here." Zuko swallowed as he collected himself. "I know you're part of that movement the assassination attempt came from. Your father talked quite a bit about what you've been up to."
"I assure you, our movement was to protest and prevent innocents from being harassed by Fire Nation guards! None of us had any intention of murdering anybody!" Kori still couldn't believe it. Who'd be stupid enough to make an attempt on the Fire Lord's life? She wasn't a fan of his either, but nothing he did indicated he was personally overseeing what was going on in Yu Dao. A bit ignorant and heavy handed, but not responsible. It's one thing if he stepped in personally and started threatening people.
Yet an attempt at his life without any solid reason for? Aggravating Earth Kingdom scouts into open fights? That was inviting for the army to come in and stomp on their movement. Who knew how many civilians would be caught in such an escalation?
"I know. It's why I want you to look into it."
Kori, out of surprise or bafflement, let Zuko continue. "I get it. The Fire Nation hasn't done Yu Dao much good. I'd even wager you and your people have done more for the benefit of this city in a few months than my country has for over a hundred years." His eyes went downward for a moment, as he swallowed a lump in his throat.
Yet it only lasted for a moment before he took another breath. "Figure out what's going on and who sent that kill order. I'll do things on my end with the assassin. Maybe together we can bring whoever did this to justice."
The rebel wasn't sure what to say. It sounded too good to be true. Indeed, after running his proposal through her head, she saw the problem. "I appreciate the offer, Fire Lord. But as long as that captain and his thugs roam the streets, there's only going to be more violence. Whoever's doing this wouldn't be able to get away with it if the guards didn't build this pyre of theirs."
"They will be brought to justice," Zuko responded. "I'm going to try and override this curfew and get a tighter leash on the officers. If you can work on your end and help me bring this mastermind down, that'll give them less incentive to crack down on your people."
When he ended, he once again remained silent and waited for her response. Mai and Ty Lee stood on the sidelines watching the whole thing, giving Kori more eyes on her back. Truth be told, she still couldn't trust him. Who could? Everyone said he had the hallmarks of his father right down to how he ascended to the throne. And who could say they bring peace when they wear a crown drenched in blood?
Yet he didn't wear the crown now. No grandeur. Nothing. He was baring his true intentions out to her. If nothing else, she could trust that. "Alright. All I can say is there might be some Fiery Raptors within their ranks."
Ty Lee snorted. "Of course, Azula would pull something like that."
"It's not what you think," Kori interrupted, making sure they all had her attention. "I wanted some people to back us up in the protests in case things got violent. She offered to have some of her men to back us up and I said yes. I'll take responsibility if any of them caused problems."
"Can't say I blame you there. You go up against soldiers, you're going to need some muscle."
"Who's side are you on?!" Ty Lee yelled at Mai, her frustration with her reaching a boiling point.
The emotionless girl just gave a noncommittal shrug. "I'm just saying it as it is. From what I've heard, the Mayor hasn't exactly done a good job of keeping the peace on his end. Can't blame Azula for taking advantage of something that was already there. We certainly did." Ty Lee promptly shut up from Mai's assessment, looking a bit downcast herself.
Kori also had a harsh truth slapped in her face. Her father. Mayor Morishita, the one most responsible for Yu Dao's woes. He's the one who ultimately had control of the garrison and determined who was in charge. If it weren't for him, that captain and his goons probably wouldn't be able to run rampant and bully the citizens into submission. She couldn't even remember the last time she saw him. Her home for the past few months had been the hideout.
Still, it was a hard truth to swallow. Needless to say, his actions were part of the reason her mother left a long time ago. True, she made her peace with it when she saw what her father's cronies were willing to do. Yet it still hurt too much to ignore.
Something that Zuko noticed. "You know your father's going to have to go on trial for what he's done. Right?"
Forcing down her queasiness, Kori crossed her arms and tried not to look like she was hugging herself. "I understand."
"Good." Then, the Fire Lord did something rather unexpected. He walked up and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. It was…surprisingly warm. Kori wasn't sure what to make of it before she saw the scar on his face. Seemed as though she wasn't the only one who had issues with her parents.
A similar story was told with Mai and Ty Lee, who gazed at her with soft eyes. Kori wondered: what was it about the Fire Nation that equaled parental issues? She had her father. The girls had their parents. Agni help Azula and Zuko for getting stuck with Ozai as a father.
Azula.
"Before I agree to this, there's something you need to promise me," Kori declared.
Zuko looked a bit surprised but then gave an uneasy nod. Having got his attention, the rebel dropped the ultimatum. "Give Azula a chance. Stop treating her like she's the worst thing in the world. And stop treating her like a bomb about to go off."
"...you know I can't do that," he admitted with pain in his voice.
Yet Kori stood her ground. "Nobody's asking you to forget. I'm simply stating that if you want this thing to work out, you need to uphold your end. That means no threats. No harassments. No lies. And no dangling her over a cliff. Got it?"
He shuddered when she threw out that last demand, but that didn't soften her glare. Especially when she saw Mai and Ty Lee paralyzed in shock. Oh yeah. Azula told her about his little stunt that almost got him killed. She didn't care if it was a low blow or not. If it meant he wouldn't pull the same garbage twice, then so much is the better.
As for Zuko, he didn't say anything for white seemed like an eternity. Then he gave a defeated nod and said, "Alright. As long as she isn't a problem."
Satisfied, Kori turned to rejoin her friends. Since that's what friends do after all. Though not before she said one last thing. "I do mean it. You try anything without any incentive…just remember what happened with Godzilla. It won't end well."
And so she left, leaving the trio behind. Truth be told, she didn't enjoy having to lay out the cold truth. Yet Zuko struck her as somebody who needed to be slapped in the face and have a rock hammering into his skull in order to get the point across. Agni knows how many of those blockheads she had to put up with growing up.
Mentally she kicked herself for having to go from one blockhead to ANOTHER blockhead. If there was one thing Azula and her brother had in common, it was digging in and covering their ears when they didn't want whatever ideas they had in their head to be challenged. Sort of made things a bit depressing that it took a kaiju of all things to get them to cooperate.
Let's just hope they haven't killed each other by the end of this, Kori prayed.
Azula was not exactly impressed by Iroh's so-called "escort". A young man from the Earth Kingdom far removed from either Ba Sing Se or Omashu when either of those fell, and a woman who was stationed at the royal prison during Uncle Fatso's imprisonment. Ming, she believed the name was. Still, they were an odd couple. She'd figure he'd choose people who had every incentive not to believe in any of her words, truth or not. Or at the very least people who had some kind of grudge against her.
These two though? They just stood by and nodded their heads when Iroh gave their instructions. Maybe old age and tea were starting to affect his choices. Granted, she wasn't sure if tea could have the same effects as alcohol, but she wouldn't put it past the Dragon of the West's gut to discover some adverse condition the hard way.
So, with one last stern glare and a reminder to be a good girl or else she'd get the asylum (he didn't say it of course, but the threat was still there), she, Maina, and the Avatar's gang (minus the Kyoshi Warrior) went about their way to the temple. Typical.
However, they did get a pleasant surprise when Kori ran up to their little entourage. Said something about Zuzu taking her aside and wanting them to look into the rebel's movement. The Princess just flipped her bang. "Very well. I guess we can entertain our host for a little bit."
"You mean figure out what's going on from your end so you can protect your brother, right? Cause that's what normal people do after all," Katara piped up.
Azula scoffed. "Well, normal people don't have a sibling who'd rather cook your guts for dinner as a brother."
And not two minutes in, she could feel the heat of the group rising up. "Hey! You're the one who threw lightning at him!" Sokka snapped back.
"And he's the one who dangled me over a cliff, blamed everything wrong in his life on me, and threatened to burn my face off. Funny how the world works," Azula quipped. That was enough to shut everyone up, much to her satisfaction and lack of surprise. Of course, her brother wouldn't tell them his dirty little secret. Oops.
"Toph. Is she-?"
"I couldn't tell even if I wanted to," Toph interrupted, though the bite that was usually in her voice was curiously gone. Azula raised an eyebrow. Seemed like the loudmouth got quiet ever since they left the war tent. She wondered what happened in there. Did the mention of Cranefish Town really get under her skin?
Maina on the other hand was doing her best to play peacemaker. "Look! We all have our problems with each other and all-"
"Understatement of the century."
"-shut up," she told Sokka. "But can we please try to play nice for just a few days? That's all I'm asking for. The last thing I want to do is have to deal with all of you AND a couple of kaiju."
"Hey. Less work for us," the Earth Kingdom guard stated rather drily.
The Avatar just sighed as he walked up alongside Azula. "She's right. And we do appreciate your willingness to help us out with…whatever's out there. How do you plan on finding that out by the way?"
Azula sighed. "Call it an intuition. I examined some of the ruins and if you hadn't noticed, they had a lot of kaiju depicted. If I can work my mind a little bit, I might be able to find out more about what you're dealing with from my memory. Perks of growing up in royalty and all.
"Consider it upholding my end of our armistice," she chirped with a smirk. Everyone looked at her with nothing but skepticism in their eyes. Particularly Maina, who seemed so desperately trying to look past her bald-faced lie. Bless her heart.
Still, she was confident she could figure out their mystery foe. The problem was the truth of the matter. Those voices in her head had gotten awfully chatty and loud in that tent, and what she said about the "usurper" wasn't her own words. Simply put, they knew something. And she was going to find out why. As for not telling…well if she just came out and said "This could leave me a mental wreck with no hope of recovery," they probably throw her in a cell so she couldn't do anything stupid.
Not like she had much choice in the matter. It was either holding up her end or risk getting bound up. If she had to risk her sanity to keep those chains and straps off her body, then so be it.
Of course, the most immature had to press his luck. "Either way, we do appreciate the gesture Azula," the Avatar piped in. "And if it helps, I might've done some work on my end as well."
He proceeded to lean in and whisper how her guards were handpicked from some friends of his who DIDN'T see eye to eye with her Uncle. Azula had to admit that he was pretty sneaky for that. "Do more like that, and I might just start to respect you," she conceded.
Aang gave a semi-embarrassed smile and scratched the back of his bald head. "I mean, we kind of sort of had to fight dirty during the war a few times. Can't say I was the worst though. Ask Katara or Toph about the 'Blind Bandit' if you want a laugh." Indeed, the Princess did put it on her list of things to do. Katara did look a bit miffed her dear boyfriend just sold her out. Would Azula be petty over being frozen and chained up just to see her enemy squirm? Yes. Yes she would.
"With all honesty though," Aang continued, making sure she was paying attention (which she was, she always was), "I don't exactly want to be your enemy anymore. War's over, you know? Not much reason for us to fight anymore."
Now that, Azula couldn't help but scoff at. "You put my weak brother on the throne and look what happened. Trust me, we've still got some bad blood between us."
"Well…I mean, he's changed before. I think he'd be a great Fire Lord one day."
"Changed?" Azula spat out, causing everyone to stop. Even the Avatar seemed like he just hit a sensitive nerve. "He's going to gut us just to share the bed of those that want us dead," the Princess pointed out. "And if he changed, how come he still blames me for everything and STILL wants to pursue that grudge of his?"
"Wait, that's not fair! He feels awful about what happened!" Aang argued back.
"Right. And I guess that makes everything okay? Why doesn't he just say that to my face?"
Azula sighed, looking away. "Avatar, I understand what you're getting at. But some people…some people can't change without getting torn apart. Zuko understands that. Sure he says he wants to, but if it's a choice between being good and staying alive, he's going to choose the latter. Anybody with sense would."
Just look at me, she silently said.
"...if it helps, I had trust issues with Zuko myself."
She blinked as the words sunk in. "What did you say?" Azula asked.
The Avatar seemed a bit pensive, causing that flying rat he called a pet to land on his shoulder. He stroked its head before gathering her breath. "Zuko's betrayal hurt. A lot. Probably a lot more than you shooting me in the back. Nobody was willing to give him a chance when he came to us. So believe me, you're not the only one he's hurt."
A quick glance around confirmed this. Katara, Sokka, Toph. They all seemed downcast, no doubt remembering that day Zuko showed up. Azula understood. Her brother would probably say something along the lines of "I'm sorry I stabbed you all in the back. Please forgive me, I won't do it again until I can get ahead".
"So believe me when I say that Zuko is trying to change. You don't have to forgive him for what he did. But you don't be afraid of him hurting you again all the time. Who knows? Maybe you'd be better off for it." With that, Aang concluded his little speech. Now all eyes were drawn to Azula, seeing what she would say.
Truth be told, she wanted to believe it. By Agni, she wanted to believe it. It would mean one less dagger held against her back. More time to focus on other things. What other things those were, she wasn't sure of at the moment.
Yet the truth sunk in. She looked downcast as they continued to the temple. "I can't trust somebody who'd kill a dragon just to get one over me," she muttered.
Aang's eyes widened as the realization sunk in. There were a lot of things the prodigy was willing to forgive, but dragon slaying wasn't one of them. She never forgave Iroh and she'd never forgive her brother for doing the same thing.
And yet…
She looked at the blue flame that had come to life in her hand, crackling with power.
Maybe she didn't need to be afraid of betrayal if she could fight back.
Fire Nation War Camp
Finding Ty Lee wasn't too difficult. Suki just had to think of what somebody Azula had hurt would do if the latter came back. As it turned out, it was blowing off steam in the training ground. All around the acrobat were the broken pieces and limbs of practice dummies. They went unnoticed as she just propped another dummy to practice on.
Her movements were fluid and precise. Each one struck at what would've been a nerve center if wood were replaced by flesh and blood. In the span of a few seconds, the dummy was crippled. Not that it satisfied Ty Lee as she kicked it aside so hard the head came off. Snarling, she turned around to see if there were anything left she hadn't kicked into oblivion.
What she found was Suki staring at her. Her aggression suddenly evaporated as she gave a respectful bow. "Oh hey. Just practicing some of my techniques. Need to get used to wearing robes and armor, you know?"
"Right." Suki wasn't fooled. The bubbliness that usually masked Ty Lee's thoughts were gone, leaving a tired girl in their place. Even some of her makeup was starting to come off. Something the latter didn't seem to care about as she wiped some of it off on her sleeve.
"I thought you'd be with the Avatar," the acrobat observed. And ordinarily, that would be the case. Yet her weary state only confirmed to Suki that staying behind to check on her was the better course of action.
The leader of the Kyoshi Warriors put her hands on her hips, wondering how to approach this delicately. "I mean I would. I was just a bit worried about you is all. Can't exactly be a good leader if I don't look after my own girls, you know?"
"Yeah, I know," Ty Lee conceded, leaning against one of the posts she had half broken off. "Sorry. One thing they never taught us at the academy was how to share your issues with your superior."
With that, she pushed herself off and went into a stance, throwing air punches and kicks within mere inches of the broken post. Given how close some of those strikes were getting to the broken wood, Suki decided not to let up her little "chat".
"Understandable," she continued. "I'm just making sure you weren't training too hard or hurting yourself. Don't exactly want a repeat of what Zuko did back at the temple, now do we?"
"No…we…don't…" Ty Lee forced out, focusing more on her punches than anything else. Some of which were getting a bit too close to the wood for Suki's liking.
So much for the diplomatic approach, Suki thought. "Listen, I know you and Azula don't see eye to eye on everything-"
"She's going to try something. I know it. Bringing in the Earth Kingdom army? If she isn't trying to incite a war right here and now, then I don't know her. No. I need to stay focused. She's putting all of us in danger, and I won't let her hurt anybody else.
"It's like you told me. We all need to make amends, right? Well, this is my way." With that, Ty Lee turned once more to her practice as if the matter was settled.
Except Suki could see the sweat beginning to run down her face, and how splinters were beginning to fly off as the punches hit wood.
"Ty, Azula hasn't put anybody in danger yet. We're keeping an eye on her, and if she tries anything, we'll put a stop to it," Suki said, her worry increasing as the fists were getting dangerously close to the broken portion.
"You don't know her," the acrobat argued. "She hurt me once. I won't let her hurt anybody else. I won't let her get away-"
Suki grabbed her hand before it drove deep into the splintered wood. "This is what I mean about looking after my girls," she sternly lectured, her harsh tone finally causing Ty Lee's eyes to focus on her. "One needs to keep tabs on their friends because sometimes, they don't always know when they're about to self-implode."
Releasing the hand, she gestured to the splintered stump that Ty Lee was about to drive her fist into. The meaning of her words finally sunk into the acrobat, as she took a few steps back. Sure, she had the benefit of having armored gauntlets that would've protected them from the worst. But she imagined if she hadn't.
"I…I'm sorry. I…" she hugged herself for comfort. "I don't know what's going on with me. I've been a lot angrier than I've usually been, but I can't stop how I feel."
Feeling a pang of sympathy, Suki put a reassuring hand on Ty Lee's shoulder. "It's okay. You've got every right to be mad at Azula. And it's okay to be on edge around her. You need to be wary in case she tries anything. I just don't like seeing you getting hurt because of this thing between you two."
"But what am I supposed to do?" the other teen desperately asked. "I can't just forgive her! And when I get mad, the first thing that pops into my mind is punching it or chi-blocking it or something. I tried playing it off as something that didn't bother me, but that didn't work. I don't know what to do!"
That sympathy only got stronger seeing her beat herself up over this. "Listen, relax. You're not in trouble or anything," Suki reassured, making sure her fellow Warrior was looking right at her. "What you need to understand is that this isn't healthy for you or anyone else. Look, we have the Iron Maws coming our way from one direction and kaiju possibly coming from two more. We can't have you going berserk on Azula without good reason, alright?"
"But…I don't have anyone else to talk to," Ty Lee mumbled.
"What about Mai?" Suki asked.
"I mean, maybe, but I don't want to load this on her. Plus, she's not exactly the best person to confide stuff in. I don't think I could take her bluntness like Zuko."
"Iroh?"
Ty Lee scoffed. "Seriously? He'd probably say 'go play with dolls or find a man' or something. No thanks."
"Zuko - nevermind, scratch that one." Suki winced just from even suggesting the guy who hated Azula most of all was a good idea for confiding one's problems with her in. With that, she pursed her lips. Normally, she'd be the one to stay a bit and give some support over an extended period of time. Yet she knew she had to leave with the rest of Team Avatar for those refugees in the east. That would mean leaving Ty Lee alone.
"Look. I'm only going to be gone for a day or two. Alright? Can you hold it together until I get back? Not asking you to forgive Azula or anything. Just find a way to blow off steam without hurting yourself. Maybe, I don't know, practice your gymnastics or something. Or even give Zuko and Azula some space unless the former summons you for something. Could you do that?"
"I…I think I can," Ty Lee muttered, a small glimmer in her eye as something was reignited.
"Good. Do you want me to train along with you until I get called?"
"...I'd like that." Satisfied, Suki and Ty Lee trained along side one another, each watching the other's movements carefully. The more seasoned Warrior would show how to move within the bulky robes of her order. The acrobat would show some basic chi-blocking techniques. It was a bit uneasy at first, but eventually the both of them began to move in synch with one another.
It brought a smile to Suki's lips. Hopefully, their newest recruit would indeed hold out. Her advice was the least she could do. Heaven help what would happen if Azula did try something stupid.
Fire Temple of Yu Dao
Out of all the stupid things she's done in her life, this had to be right on top of the list. Depressingly, most of the list was dominated by events that happened in the last few weeks.
Still, she had a job to do. After a quick reassurance to both Aang and Maina that she had things under control, she came to the center of the room. Somewhere off to her side, she knew that a painting of Godzilla hung, as if watching over her. Holding out her hand, she conjured a blue flame. Quite possibly her only lifeline in case things went wrong.
Reluctantly, she removed the medallion and knife of Mothra, laying them to the side. Instantly, she heard the voice of her mother practically begging her, Don't do this! We don't know what "they're" capable of. This could go wrong so badly!
Azula ignored her. Her mother only knew how to drive a knife into somebody's back when they weren't looking. Not face her problems head-on. Yet Father joined Mother, albeit in a more accusatory tone. You stupid girl! Sticking your neck out for the AVATAR? No wonder you lost at the Agni Kai. You're going soft.
She ignored him too. That voice wasn't Father, and it never will be. If he were here, he'd be encouraging her. Feeding them what they desired and biding her time in the meanwhile. For enemies surrounded her, and she needed to wait for the moment to break out of this siege.
With that in mind, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
In.
Out.
In.
Out.
The prodigy felt the fire of the Temple sway with her, the blue flame in her soul bristle and strengthen. Every day, they were growing stronger. She couldn't even feel the ache of where she was bound anymore.
Yet there was another source, a bright spark that crackled along the edge of the comforting azure light. Gently, reluctantly, she allowed her flame to dim. Not die. Just dim. Letting the darkness come in.
Then, a crack of brilliant thunder, and all went white.
When she opened her eyes, she saw she was standing upon the outskirts of Yu Dao.
Or rather its ruins.
Where once stood proud buildings were now smoldering wrecks. All around the countryside, there was not a single blade of grass alive. There were…bones everywhere. Human. Animal. It made no difference.
And high above, a storm was brewing.
It has been a while, Princess. To what do we owe this pleasure? a voice said, backed by a thundering sky and flashes of golden lightning.
"You know what's out there to the East. Don't you?" Azula threw out.
Ah. So you show concern to your enemies now, don't you? another voice boomed somewhere to a patch of storm clouds off to the left, punctuated by more lightning.
"No. Think of it as watching my back," the Princess retorted, her voice cold as steel.
Laughter to the right heralded the third. Smart. Very smart. That's the first sensible thing you've said in a long time. For that, we'll illuminate you.
Images flashed before her eyes of a bloody battlefield, and ruins she did not recognize being set ablaze. In the midst of it all, a towering, serpentine figure stood roaring with triumph.
Axor is not like most kaiju, the first voice explained. He didn't just see humanity as a pestilence or another species. He saw them as a tool for his own conquest. Desire and envy ruled his heart. For he wanted to be worshipped and feared as nothing less but a god. From the ruins of his first conquests, he built an empire to rule over.
From the ruins, ancient stone temples arose, built by an army of slaves. Their eyes flashed with color, matching that of the coiling serpent sitting upon the grandest pyramid. All around them, a great hurricane arose, blowing apart any who dared to try and resist.
He enthralled those he conquered under his spell. An army that knew no boundaries or races. No free will existed in his domain, and he called it peace, the second voice continued.
Yet it was not to last. As the third voice spoke, the temples crumbled, and the serpent retreated into the ruins of his most grand temple. The eyes never wavered though. They watched, and waited as time and nations changed. Far away, Ba Sing Se rose, and all memories of the old king were forgotten.
For though he fancied himself a dragon, he was naught but a toothless worm groveling before his better. All he built around himself was a pale imitation of those he served. For that, his armies fell and he was defeated. But he survived in the ruins of his capital. And there he waits for his time.
One final image flashed before her, that of temples and pyramids being rebuilt, and the serpent gazing out to the west. As if expecting something. Beneath him, the drums of war beat as Axor let out a piercing challenge.
At last, Azula's eyes come to back to Yu Dao. Though in the distance, she could still hear the drums beating. "He's planning on rebuilding his empire," she realized.
And he will fail once more, the first voice spoke. For that is not your biggest danger. It lies within the walls of Yu Dao.
Again, she saw a flurry of images. A man deep within what she assumed to be the resistance movement of Yu Dao with piercing blue eyes and pale skin. A macabre mixture of human and kaiju flesh. And, perhaps the most disturbing of all, a more distant image. That of white tendrils snaking towards a dying giant.
A giant with mountains on its back and dying blue embers in its maw.
The Abomination is coming. And they seek to devour all within their path, the voices said in unison. Perhaps you might defeat it if all were to stand together. Yet we both know the chances of that.
"...why are you telling me this?" Azula muttered.
A piercing shriek brought her to her knees. The Abomination seeks to steal what is mine, the voices declared. This I CANNOT allow.
Azula grimaced, feeling the fury of the voices course through her being. But do not think this is for your own benefit, the first voice continued, that snarl vibrating in her head. You'd do well to watch after your own skin. Already, you've been betrayed by the ones you hold dear.
"I know about enough about betrayal, foul thing!" Azula snarled back, but a bolt of lightning struck through her heart. And with it, brought an image. That of ruins deep within the Fire Nation. Of…people dancing with dragons…
And…her brother and the Avatar being chosen by two of them…
Did you honestly believe that weakling could learn the secrets of the Dancing Dragon all on his own? the voices roared. The very beings you cherish betrayed you. Chose your pathetic failure of a brother over you. That blue fire you wield? It's an abomination. A corruption of true firebending. A sad reminder that no matter how hard you try, you'll NEVER understand your passion. And why fate chose your brother over you.
For who would ever follow or love a monster?
With that, Azula screamed, trying desperately to hold on to her dying flame. Yet between the laughter and thundering sky, it was a losing battle.
"AZULA! SNAP OUT OF IT!"
She opened her eyes with a start and lunged forward, clutching the dagger and medallion in her hands. Her heart pounded, and her palms sweated. All at once, the voices were silenced.
Rising up, she saw Imana, Maina, and Aang being worried sick over her.
"I…I thought…I'm sorry," Azula mumbled weakly. She would've said more, if Maina hadn't rushed over and hugged her tightly.
"Just don't do anything that stupid again. Okay?" the priestess begged.
"...okay." Azula clutched her friend tightly, with tears in her eyes. In time, she'd tell them all what she had learned. Of Axor. Of the threat within their midst.
Yet not of the voices. Something kept her from doing that.
All the while, the relics in her hands glowed dimly.
Infant Island
In a hidden cove, Mothra looked out to the sun. She felt her connection being thrown away. That alone was cause for concern.
What she felt on the other side hastened her into action.
The great worm dove into the depths of the sea, undulating her body as she swam through the crystal blue waters. For not was her brother making his move, but her chosen was in danger.
She needed to be there. For Azula was under her charge. And she won't allow her faith in the Princess simply fade away into the abyss.
A/N: …sorry for the hiatus. I swear I didn't plan this. I was on vacation (didn't go so well). I broke my foot (ALSO didn't go so well). And I had homework. Seems like the universe has it out for me or something.
Anyways, we return to Yu Dao for this chapter. Things have NOT improved at all. Turns out Zuko's advisors kind of sort of stabbed him in the back. Granted I doubt anybody didn't see this coming, but this is all part of the point. The Fire Nation isn't going to change over night and that includes who's in charge. This was something that was touched on in the comics and I wanted to dive more deeply into this. Just know that these guys are making things worse, and the "Abomination" that the Voices said is taking advantage of the whole mess.
I also hope to sort of expand on Kori and her relationship with her father in the coming chapters. I mean, this is her home city after all. Fitting she'd take somewhat of a center stage here. Almost like how the twins got a lot of development back on Infant Island.
It's also here where a lot of drama is coming to a head. Ty Lee's an example. Her characterization here I got a bit from Azula in the Spirit Temple. Mainly being set up as Azula's rival and striving to take the latter down. I wasn't really a huge fan with how she was written in the comics, so I wanted to deconstruct that here as well as Zuko's. I'm not trying to make her unsympathetic or anything. Just trying to reframe it in a way that exposes some of her flaws. She's not the sweet bubbly girl everyone thinks she is.
More development for Azula and Aang as well. Aang's mentioning of him having issues with Zuko actually comes from that nightmare early in Book 3. Mainly, Azula never showed up, but we did see Zuko standing menacingly over Aang who was beneath ice. That's a big indication of how deeply the betrayal hurt. I figured I would make the parallel between Aang's previous issues and Azula's insecurities around Zuko. Makes our two leads more of foils towards one another.
Finally, we get the vision. It was a stupid move on Azula's part, but she's not exactly well known for self-preservation (which WILL come to a head in this arc). Again, most of Axor's characterization came from the Hanna Barbara cartoon where he did enslave a populace to maintain a temple of his. And before anyone asks, I planned this BEFORE Godzilla x Kong came out. Any and all comparisons to Skar King are completely coincidental.
Yes, the Voices did quote Shao Kahn. Thank you.
Not much I can say about the Abomination without spoilers, but they are going to be the final villain for this part of the trilogy. All I can say is I kind of got inspiration from a few sci-fi horror stories. More on them in the next chapter.
Thank you all for reading and for your patience. I apologize again for the wait. Hopefully things won't go catastrophically wrong as we progress through hurricane season. Make sure to leave a review and feel free to follow and favorite to show your support. Thank you again for all the support, and I'll see you all next time. Soon. Hopefully soon. Somebody start praying it'll be soon.