Hello everyone! I am speaking to you at the beginning instead of the end where you least expect it, because I have someting to say! Not long ago, I came across an absolutely epic story called: "When Things go Horribly Wrong" by LeanhaunShee98, and I wanted to give him a good boost!

Anyway, please also join the discord: /hMhms7mh As I love chatting with you guys and hearing your ideas! (Some of which may be included if I think they'd fit)

Now, onto the chapter!

It had been a day since the end of the protest, and now that the city was secure, thanks in large part to the newly promoted General Secretariat Hei, Nikolai could finally move on to other matters. Yesterday evening, an envoy arrived from General Xang carrying a letter for Azula, though she had yet to share the contents with him. As for Ivan, while he continued to speak with Azula, it seemed he'd returned to form, focusing on his new duties as he tried to keep the Zlachny Regiment combat-ready, which was a struggle due to the lack of available personnel. While many died that night, including almost all the senior officers, the majority of the junior officers were either wounded or weren't present, while most enlisted were far worse off. The unit had shrunk from 1211, of whom 106 were officers, down to 870 as the 1st battalion had the strength of a company able to bear arms and the 2nd, while not nearly as battered, still suffered the death of its commander, Major Bolkvadze. Of course, the third battalion wasn't present due to the sheer amount of men lost during the assault at Bylowa. But regardless, if he wanted to ensure the unit would carry on the campaign, he would need to strengthen it, but he could only do that in Ruskia. But, if he were to do that, Nikolai knew he would also have to hand the bodies of the dead over to their families, and in the case of those who were some of the closest to his family, he needed to attend personally, including Ivan. He'd always planned on returning eventually, but he hadn't accounted for such a terrifying enemy to appear out of nowhere and murder some of his and his family's closest friends. "Hm... I doubt that would be good for him. Ivan's still getting over their deaths, and I don't think attending their funerals would help," he pondered as he continued stroking the bear sitting at his side. But, as he did, an idea came to him. "Yes, that is a possibility," he began, standing from the desk as the bear watched. "Of course, I don't know how her Father would react, but I think it would be best if she came with us, even if I have to give her my gift early. At least that way Ivan would have someone to distract him from..." the Grand Duke sighed deeply. "From the deaths of those he loved, and help him to recover from the horrors he's borne witness to."

Azula read over the letter for the third time, just to be positive she hadn't misread:

"Azula, while I am displeased with this development, I cannot deny what you've explained, considering General Chi's message expressed the same. If the situation is as you and the General have stated, then Azula, I am entrusting you to gather as much information as possible. I do not care how. I only care about what you do and report your findings. Leave out no critical details. I am relying on you.

Signed: His Majesty, Firelord Ozai."

Even though it felt polite, she could feel Father's anger. She had disappointed him. However, if she could prove what she said beyond doubt, then Father would forgive her. But, aside from giving him more bad news, she needed something else he would find genuinely interesting, but what? Suddenly, the Princess snapped her head up when she heard someone knock on the door. "Enter."

Not long after, a young woman wearing a plain beige hanfu entered the room. "Your Highness, the Grand Duke wishes to speak with you in an hour. He is in the Royal Study."

Curious, Azula nodded her head. "Very well, and who might you be?"

Interestingly, she noted the woman flinching, but she recomposed herself. "I am Ju-" She quickly shook her head. "Apologies. I am Lady Wu of house Julong, Your Highness," she said with a polite bow, though when she rose, she wore a slight frown. "Or at least, I used to be," But before Azula could question what that meant, the woman bowed again. "I am sorry for the disturbance. I will inform the Grand Duke," she said before departing and closing the door behind her.

When she had left, Azula continued staring at the door. "What in Agni's name did she mean by that?" She questioned aloud.

Nikolai sat in his office, awaiting the return of the woman he'd dispatched to inform Azula of his intentions. Of course, he didn't fully understand where they had come from, but shortly after Hei returned, several hundred young women had turned up escorted by men of the Dai Li. The Grand Duke tried to inquire who they were and why they had brought them to him, but there hadn't been the opportunity to ask any of them directly. He tried to question Hei, but the man told him they would be "leverage" against the great houses of Ba Sing Se and left it at that. Another strange aspect was that, at least initially, they all responded to the same name, but thankfully, that had begun to change, even if the Grand Duke didn't understand it. Once the Senior Inspector had fully recovered, Nikolai would have him look into the Dai Li's activities. In the meantime, he and Galong had continued looking over the city's affairs, which wasn't difficult, at least for the time being. Then he heard a knock. "Come in."

Of course, it was Wu, at least, if he remembered her name correctly. "She is coming as we speak, Grand Duke," the woman stated once she'd entered and bowed to him before turning and closing the door as she left.

"Hm, a Ju-Dee," Galong commented in mild surprise.

Nikolai raised an eyebrow at the General's comment. "I beg your pardon?"

The man turned to him, his expression disbelieving. "Wait, you mean to tell me you don't know?"

The Grand Duke turned to him, a slight frown on his features. "Know what?" Nikolai questioned.

Galong seemed taken aback. "Well, surely you can see something is wrong with them, can't you?"

Nikolai nodded. Of course, he'd noticed, but he still wanted to understand why that was. "Obviously. But why are they like that?"

Suddenly, the General looked slightly nervous. "Well, you see..." He began, only to be interrupted as Azula opened the door and entered.

"I apologize if I was interrupting anything, but you wished to speak with me?" She asked as she turned to Nikolai with a cocked brow.

Nikolai nodded as he stood up. "Yes, I did," he began before turning to Galong. "I apologize, General. Could you excuse us?" The man appeared confused but nodded and quickly stood up before bowing to the Grand Duke and taking his leave. After waiting for his steps to grow distant, he turned to Azula. "Come, I have a present for you."

Following the train ride, Pyotr returned to his quarters and, once he awoke, tried desperately to learn the local language since the morning, but with no success. "Ugh, why did I never take Ivan's invatation seriously?" He lamented. Of course, it wasn't as though he had any language books he could use, at least not ones he could understand. "This is giving me a headache," He sighed before shaking his head. "Perhaps Ivan could help me? I think I could at least learn the basics," with this in mind, he put down the book written in native characters and prepared to visit Ivan.

Not long after arriving at Nikolai's office, he led her into an adjacent room filled with cabinets stuffed with scrolls and other paperwork, the heart of Earth Kingdom bureaucracy. As they passed these, they eventually reached another room, which Nikolai opened to reveal his study, or at least what she presumed it to be. The center stood dominated by an ornate desk of sturdy construction backlit by a fireplace with a green flame. However, the Grand Duke continued and eventually stopped when he reached a large chest. "Took a look, Your Highness. I hope you are pleased."

Azula cocked a brow at him before walking up and opening it, and when she did, her eyes widened, and her mouth fell open. Inside this small chest was a very familiar style of headdress, which she pulled out to examine further. It was a Ruskian helmet, and when she looked back, she saw the uniform, plume, and even the belts to go with it. "I-I don't know what to say," she began as she examined it, especially the skull badge in the center, which caused her to narrow her eyes in confusion. Why, of all symbols, did it have to be a skull?

"I ordered this for you after what you did on the battlefield as a token of my appreciation," he began. "Perhaps you will come to see it's not as impractal as you may have thought."

The Princess wanted to retort, but before she could, a light glint caught her eye from inside, and she placed down the helmet before pulling out a long curved leather and brass scabbard, with the hilt of a sword at the end, which she drew to reveal a long, slender blade, almost too long to pull out. She had always wanted a sword, and this was even better than Zuko's butterfly blades or the dagger Uncle gifted to him. It had an oblong cord handle backed by brass down to the lizard-shaped pommel and a thin brass guard for the hands. Carefully, she tested it and found it had a fair bit of weight toward the striking end. "I'm sorry, could you step back for a moment?" She asked, turning to the Grand Duke, who nodded before doing as she'd asked. Once he was out of the way, she began swinging it but soon found her wrist growing tired, as she was unused to using such weapons, let alone one so large. Still, she liked it all the same and figured she would have plenty of time to familiarize herself when the time came.

Satisfied, she stowed it back in its sheath and turned to Nikolai. "Do you like it?"

"Indeed I do. It is a fine gift," Azula replied before resting a hand on her chin. Of course, she hadn't thought of it, but while the uniform she could understand, the sword was another matter. "However, I'm curious where you got that blade."

At this, Nikolai subdued his expression slightly. "To be honest, it belonged to a cavalryman who doesn't need it anymore," he explained mournfully as Azula's eyes widened.

"And... You're giving it to me?" She asked, conflicted. Of course, she appreciated it, but to know it came from a dead man was disquieting.

The Grand Duke walked up and, shockingly, patted her shoulder before kneeling to her level. "Azula, you have already done so much that you do not even know," he began, a slight smile forming as his deep gaze pierced hers. "I am sure this man would want someone worthy to hold onto it. At least until I can get one made for you. After all, I'm sure his family will want it back."

Azula nodded despite herself, a growing weight on her shoulders as she clutched the weapon close to her chest. She didn't understand why, yet there was a slight trembling. Never could she have imagined anything like this. But, here she was, being honoured by a foreign royal and wielding the sword of a dead soldier as a gift. "I don't know what to say."

Nikolai smiled at her and patted her shoulder again. "Then don't say anything," he said before standing up. "Now, I'll leave you to try it on... Полковник." (Colonel)

Once he was gone, Azula stripped out her boots, regal yet practical travel clothes, and undergarments and began trying the Ruskian clothes piece by piece. First came their version of underwear, which was far more modest than her wraps, with a full undershirt and knee-length bottoms. Next, she adorned the pants, which came with a pair of straps which went over her shoulders. They were grey trousers, which clung to her legs, hips, and the lower portion of her belly. They also had a series of brass buttons on the sides going from top to bottom. "Hm, not quite my taste. But I'll have to see," Azula sighed before continuing with the rest. Next came the jacket, which was black with silver tape and a single row of buttons going down the center. It also had a red collar and cuffs with silver highlights, and the cuffs had an ornate knotted pattern and a small silver tassel on the left shoulder. The final article of clothing, apart from the headdress, was the over-jacket she'd seen so many times already: It matched the jacket, with the primary difference being the white fur on the cuffs, jacket edges, and collar, and it also came with cords attached to the neck, presumably to fasten it to the uniform. However, before she did that, she noticed the belt, which was composed of many cords in an alternating red and white pattern, and another belt of leather she knew went over the shoulder. Once she finished, Azula affixed the over-jacket, clipped her sword to the leather straps hanging from the belt, and took out the last thing in the box: A short pair of leather boots. After putting them on and finding them to be a perfect fit, it suddenly came to mind that everything did save the collar, which was a little wider than it should've been. But where would they have gotten her measurements? Shaking her head, she put on the headdress, which she found somewhat uncomfortable due to her crown. "Ugh, that's annoying," she sighed, taking off the helmet before pulling out her crown, causing her immaculate hair to fall down her back like a river flowing through a cracked dam. Thinking quickly, she checked the interior pocket in her blouse and pulled out a hair tie before quickly fixing her hair as best she could. With that done, she stowed her crown in the same pocket and knocked at the door. "You may come in now."

Nikolai opened the door, and when he saw her, his eyes shone approvingly. "My-my, what a beautiful soldier," he stated with a teasing smirk as she blushed. "I'm certain everyone would approve," he clapped.

Upon hearing his last statement, she quickly recomposed herself. "Who is everyone?" she questioned, her eyebrow raised from under her visor.

"Why, my family and the court of Ruskia," he explained, causing her to pause as he shook his head, that pensive smile from earlier returning. "I am planning to return to Ruskia. To deliver the bodies of those who perished in the campaign, including my friends," he explained. "As for the uniform. While I had planned to give it to you later, I thought it best to do so in case you wished to join us."

Suddenly, the Fire Princess felt faint as she tried to comprehend what he'd expressed. He wanted her to come to his homeland. Really? "You surely jest-"

But the Grand Duke shook his head. "No, I am serious," he began. "You have made so many concessions. The least I could do is give you a good helping of Ruskian hospitality. No?" He asked. "Of course, if you want, now that you are recovered, I could send someone to bring you and your allies back-"

Thinking it was now or never, she acted: "No, I would love to come with you," she stated a tad too forcefully. Of course, on the one hand, she'd always been curious about it. But now, with Father breathing down her neck to give him some tangible intelligence, she figured this would be the best way to do so. However, in expressing herself the way she had, she feared he would catch on and refuse-

"Very well. I'll make the necessary arrangments," the Grand Duke replied.

"Arrangments for what?" she asked carefully.

Then, without warning, he began laughing, which lasted a full minute as she stood there waiting for his response. "For you to come of course! You don't think I could hope to have everything ready today did you?" He questioned with a cocked brow.

Azula shook her head, a slight smile etching itself onto her features. "I suppose not," she replied sheepishly.

"Indeed," the Grand Duke stated with a firm clap. "So, I will go to my old headquarters and contact my brother and my wife," he said as he made for the door. But, before exiting, he turned back. "By the way, should I arrange for your friends and guards to come? I would be happy to host them."

Azula nodded, as she'd nearly forgotten to ask about that in the heat of the moment. "Indeed. Everywhere I go, they will follow."

Nikolai nodded. "Very well, Your Highness. It will be done," he replied. "And you should go show Ivan before you change back," he said before gesturing for her to leave. She grabbed her things, then quickly did as the Grand Duke asked before he shut the door. After leaving his study, she quickly found a servant and had her take the clothes to her room, including her crown.

"Ugh, none of this is working!" Pyotr lamented as Ivan pinched his nose.

"Not with that attitude its not. Repeat!" The Grand Duke ordered.

"Ne-Nah-Ni-" Pyotr fumbled.

"There you go!" Ivan began. "Now the next part."

"Hwo, hui, hau, hao?" The Grand Duke nodded. "So, it's ni hao?"

Ivan smiled. "Congratulations, you just said hello in Pogyinese! Now, repeat!"

"Ni hao?" Pyotr said as Ivan gestured for him to continue. "Ni hao. Ni hao. Ni hao-" He suddenly paused when they heard knocking at the door.

"Your Imperial Highness, the Fire Princess is here to see you," the guard stated through the door.

Ivan sighed. "I'm sorry my friend, we might have to continue later," he expressed before turning to the door. "Send her in!"

Pyotr shook his head. "Ah, it's fine," he replied before turning to the door, only for his jaw to drop as none other than Azula entered, wearing a uniform based on that of the infamous black hussars, sword and shako included. "Oh my," he said at last, his eyes appraising her.

Ivan did the same, though his cheeks lit up as he did before shaking his head and giving an approving smile. "It looks wonderful on you," he began. "But where did you get it?"

"Your Father gave it to me," she replied as she sat across the desk from them.

"I see..." Ivan began as he became distracted by her full epaulette. "Colonel?" He questioned as she cocked a brow.

"Colonel?" She asked, her confusion evident. "What do you mean, I am a Princess! You know that!" She spat back.

Ivan raised his hands in surrender. "I meant no disrespect, Your Highness. But you wear the shoulder boards of a Colonel," he explained. "Did Father give you a regiment as well?"

Azula cocked a brow. "No, he said nothing of the sort. Why?"

The younger Grand Duke sighed. "Never mind."

She appeared confused but didn't say anything. "Alright then," she began. "Anyway, I just wanted to show you this," she said, gesturing to the uniform. "But I should be going," Then she stood up and left, leaving both young men. But they shrugged and quickly went back to their lessons. All the while, the image of Azula in uniform remained at the forefront of Ivan's mind.

Even though it had been a week, Mai found she couldn't forget how Zuko looked when he saw her beside Sergei and the others. The pain in his face was immense. Possibly only surpassed by, of all things, him watching the death of the one he'd spent so long pursuing. She didn't understand what he was doing there, though she guessed he might've teamed up with them if Ivan's comments from the other day were about him. Of course, she hadn't asked Sergei about it, as she'd felt so conflicted. But considering the circumstances, she could only hope Zuko was alright- Now, as Mai thought about all of this, she'd been lounging on the couch in the common room of the suite she shared with Ty Lee and Azula. Of course, she recalled narrowing her eyes at a servant passing through with what looked like Azula's clothes, but now she understood why as the Princess entered the room. She was wearing a Ruskian military uniform, including the headdress held in the crux of her arm, her hair held in a loose ponytail and her central bangs out of place, with her crown noticeably absent. "Hello Mai, still bored I see?" She questioned as the dower girl sat up. "I know it's not my usual attire. But what do you think?"

Mai didn't know what to think. Of course, she'd seen Azula in her ceremonial armour at least once, but she felt it looked fitting for her. "It looks alright I guess," she replied, not wishing to give her the satisfaction.

Azula's eyes narrowed, but she shook her head. "It doesn't matter. Now, where's Ty Lee?"

Suddenly, as though she heard her name, Ty Lee appeared from her bedroom and stretched. "Ahh!" she yawned before turning to Azula, at which point her half-asleep eyes widened, and she covered her mouth.

"What?" Azula questioned.

Quickly, Ty Lee shook herself from her stupor. "Azula you- Wow, you should wear your hair like that more often!" She shouted.

The Princess cocked a brow. "Really?" She questioned. "I mean, it's not even done up properly."

Ty Lee's eyes widened further, something Azula didn't think possible, as the girl appraised her. "You did that yourself!?"

"Yes? So what. I only need help with my crown," she retorted, even though they all knew that wasn't entirely true. Since as long as she had hair, Azula had been notoriously bad at doing it by herself, with some notable highlights that stood above the rest, but she refused to get into that. Besides, she had more important things to discuss than fashion and hairstyling. "Anyway, I suggest you two begin packing."

Both girls looked at her in confusion. "What? Why?" Ty Lee asked. "A-Are we going home?"

Mai sighed. "Please tell me we're not."

Azula shook her head. "No. We're going to Ruskia."

And there we have it, the third chapter of the year, and just before the end of the month! Anyway, I hope everyone is doning well, and I am so excited that we're getting close to the goal! As always, please review and if you enjoyed, please give a fav and follow, as it hopefully means more people will consider reading this story.