It's only at night that she is alone. Long Feng is attentive in caring for his new ward. He ensures she is fed and bathed. He even assists her with dressing and undressing. The eager eyes and even more eager hands make Azula cringe inwardly but she must obey. She barely escaped with her life after the fight with Ozai. It wasn't so much a fight but an attempt on her part to just not die. For now Azula must play the part she is given.
Obediently she lifts her arms while Long Feng unwinds the elaborate dress. The pleats and folds hide her condition well and once he has her stripped he pauses to admire the skin he has uncovered.
"You are healing quickly." Long Feng murmurs with keen eyes.
She resists the urge to show him just how Ozai managed to burn her without burning her. Instead she stands still and calculates the next move. Being a prisoner, and a rigidly controlled one at that, makes it difficult for the sort of espionage she is so gifted with. Focusing on even breaths she doesn't recoil when Long Feng begins to dress her for the night being extra attentive to ensure a proper fit across her expanding chest.
"Soon we will have to get you some new clothing, Azula." He smiles as he tugs the straining fabric across her breasts. It's a tight fit.
At his order she lies back in bed and he tucks her in like he would a child. With a kiss on her forehead, Long Feng orders her to sleep and her eyes close as if on their own accord. Part of it frightens her that the mind control must be having some effect on her. As he leaves out the tent, she orders her eyes to open. They are sluggish as she blinks them open as if they belong to someone else. Unbidden tears spring to her eyes. She can't let Ozai win. He can't have this victory.
A soft sound draws her attention and soon she can feel the bed dip with weight.
"Azula?" Ty Lee whispers. "I don't have much time."
Azula's heart soars with hope but she knows better than to waste time with asking how, instead she quickly whispers into the acrobat's ear the careful instructions.
"Are you sure?" Ty Lee's voice is filled with doubt and worry. "Why can't we just get you out now? Mai's outside standing guard."
Azula shakes her head. "I can't." The words are doused with tears as she knows her body won't respond. Long Feng has spent a great deal of time laying the groundwork. It's only a matter of time before he will have her totally under his thumb.
Ty Lee wants to argue but time is up so with a quick hug she flees the same way she came and once again Azula is alone in the dark.
Well, nearly alone, she thinks as the ghost-like voice of Ursa begins her nightly whispers. Ursa's spirit no longer needs the benefit of water or reflective surfaces to mock her about the downward spiral her life is taking. Of course she can't help but think of what she has played reluctant witness to today and it hurts. As if seeing it with her own eyes weren't enough! Ozai's taunts cut her deep and the truth stings more than she would like. She meant nothing to the Avatar. She gave up everything. Seeing that Water Tribe peasant offering herself so wantonly disgusts her. She knows men are fickle creatures but she held out hope that perhaps she had meant something more to him. Azula's wrong. She hates being wrong. The tears are hot on her skin as she stifles a sob. She mustn't let Ozai know. A broken heart is a small thing. It is inconsequential and will do little to effect the outcome. Stopping the Fire Lord is all that matters. Azula knows all of this to be true but that does little to stop the ache in her chest.
"I still love you, Azula." Ursa coos to her in the dark and Azula feels herself sinking into the comfort of those words. It would seem this is all Azula has left.
Oooooooo
Chief Hakoda is exhausted. He's not felt this tired since a ten day skirmish they fought with an elite group of Fire Benders. In the end the Water Tribe was victorious but Hakoda had slept for a week after the situation was secured.
The palace is luxurious and he is grateful to have his own room, at least until the city falls. It is sad to think that before too long the entire thing will be razed to the ground and trod underneath the feet of the Fire Lord.
Opening the door to his room, the sweet scent of incense washes over him. He ignores the plate of fruit laid out and goes straight for the bed, stripping off his gear as he does. The scroll on his pillow makes him frown and look around to see if there is a sign of anything else out of place. Seeing nothing, he picks the scroll up and unfurls it.
The wording is short and sweet. It is as abrupt as Azula is known to be but the handwriting is not hers. Carefully he rereads it looking for clues. He has been concerned about Azula but not able to do anything about it. She insisted on her part in this being a secret and he has done his best to uphold his promise.
It could be a trap he considers. It would be a cunning trap at that and could be the devastating blow needed to end the war once and for all. Hakoda ponders if he should bring this to the notice of the others and let them debate it out. The iron fist of the Fire Nation is wrapping around the throat of Ba Sing Se and time is of the essence. Hakoda quickly redresses and with the scroll tucked away in his tunic makes his way out the door.
Oooo
Katara's skin is warm to the touch but she doesn't burn with the sort of heat Aang is seeking. Her lips are soft as she kisses his neck and he waits for the bite that never comes. Her hands are insistent but her nails are short. Azula would have torn him to shreds by now. Her legs hit the edge of the bed and they both fall onto the soft mattress.
It's an inelegant tumble and Katara is momentarily shocked by just how heavy Aang is as they land on the bed. She struggles under him and breathes in relief when he manages to balance his weight above her. For a moment the only sound in the room is their heavy breathing as they stare at one another in the low light. She can see it in his eyes even before he speaks.
"Katara, I can't." There is genuine regret in those gray depths. "I'm sorry." With that the heavy weight is gone and she is left blinking up at the canopy of his bed.
Slowly she sits up and searches him out in the dark. The blue line of his tattoo shines in the moonlight as he stands a few paces away, hands on his hips, breathing deeply. She wants to say something to soothe the obvious tension but all she can manage to do is readjust her clothes.
A few feet away, Aang focuses on his breathing and calming the fire in his veins. Inside his head, beats the constant refrain of self-loathing that has haunted him ever since he stepped from a prison of ice into a world of chaos.
"Aang, I don't understand." Katara says. "What's wrong?"
He shakes his head as he looks down. "It's not you, Katara, please don't think that."
The weight of guilt at the line he has nearly crossed is heavy. Even though Azula has betrayed him, he can't help but feel he would be betraying her. It's ludicrous to hold a shred of loyalty to the Princess that so easily turned on him.
Katara slides her feet to the floor using the post of the bed for balance. Her forehead is furrowed with confusion. "I don't get it. Is there someone else?"
Her mind runs through the last several months and the people they have encountered. Being the Avatar has been good for Aang in that people, especially women, seem to be drawn to him yet not one of pretty faces they have met sticks out as someone to whom he returned the attention.
He's looking at her with such an open expression of despair that it breaks her heart. "I won't use you to make myself feel better. I'm sorry. I really am. You deserve better than this." He makes a frustrated gesture towards the bed as he looks away from her again.
Katara isn't sure what to say though she feels she should say something. "Just remember I'm your friend okay? No matter what I'm here for you."
Aang nods and gives a half choked laugh. Something tells him that the bonds of friendship will soon be put to the test.
A brisk knock at the door breaks some of the tension. Suki's face is curious at the sight of Katara's watery eyes and the half dressed Avatar in the room beyond.
"I hope I'm not interrupting" Suki says with a shy smile. She knows Katara's feelings, perhaps better than the Water Bender herself. "Um, your Dad has something to tell us. He asked everyone to meet in the war room."
Katara casts a wary glance to Aang but the Avatar is already pulling on a shirt, having suddenly slipped back into the weighty role of his station. Before either woman can react he is out the door.
Suki turns to Katara with a questioning look.
"Don't, just don't." She says tiredly feeling the exhaustion creeping in.
Suki shrugs and smiles as she takes Katara's hand pulling her into the hallway.
"Good thing I told Sokka I'd get everyone else. He'd have ended the war right then and there."
Katara groans. "Nothing happened and don't you dare say anything!"
Suki just giggles feeling a more light hearted than she has in some time.
Oooo
All eyes are on Toph.
"Well," She drawls, partly out of exhaustion and partly out of making everyone wait, "It makes sense."
Hakoda's inside track on the Fire Nation's next move has set the group in a bit of a panic.
"Of course it makes sense," Zuko snaps. "What we need to know is can you tell where they will come through?"
The news that the Fire Nation is planning to come up under the city creates a whole new set of problems.
"I might be able to tell but I would have to be close, like down in the catacombs close." Toph allows. The action beyond the walls is creating a lot of static that is hard to sort through at times.
"The river is close enough to be of use." Hakoda reminds them.
Zuko fixes his golden eyes on the Chief and Hakoda feels the pierce of their stare. "You want us to drown the invaders."
Hakoda knows it is a dirty move but it seems to be a hallmark of Azula's planning. "The tunnel will flood with the water and stop them cold."
"These things are necessary." Iroh reminds them sagely. "The Fire Nation will show no mercy once they breach the walls."
They can't afford to play by the rules.
There is still hesitation in the air so Hakoda opts to mention the other point. "Fire Lord Ozai is expected to lead the underground assault."
"We could end it all at once." Sokka offers hopefully.
"We would need his body to prove it." Zuko scowls. Even after everything that has happened, the thought of his father dead is a distasteful one. "That's the only way to stop them."
He leaves it unsaid that Ozai's corpse would allow for the succession of the next Fire Lord. Only the Fire Lord and the rightful one at that could give the order to cease the attack.
"What if this is a trap?" Suki plays devil's advocate.
"Then the war ends one way or another." Sokka says with a sort of eerie confidence. "Either we die or Ozai does."
His eyes flit to the two that have been quiet through the whole exchange.
Aang is silent and contemplative. The Air Bender is still as broody as ever but there is a cautious look of optimism in his eye. Katara looks small next to the confident pose of Suki. Sokka considers that his sister has not once met anyone's eyes during their meeting.
"Aang? Katara?" Sokka prompts. "Anything? Guys come on!"
Katara sullenly meets his gaze. "The sooner this war is over the better." Her voice lacks the strength that has been a hallmark of hers for as long as he can remember.
Aang sighs. "Even if it is a trap, we can't afford to miss this chance to take out Ozai or let them in the city." There is a heavy reluctance in his eyes. "We really have no choice."
"Maybe that's the idea." Zuko says softly. "Make it too important to miss out on so they have us right where they want us." The prince fixes Hakoda with a penetrating stare. "I am curious to know how you came across this information."
Hakoda wants to tell them but he somehow feels that Azula's help may be less than welcome. In the back of his mind Hakoda considers this could indeed be a trap but it seems to have the complexity that Azula craves. Still, one does not leave his children behind and wage years of war without a little faith.
"I trust my source. I've yet to be steered wrong." Hakoda says simply but volunteering nothing more.
He trusts Azula. He has little choice otherwise. For better or worse, he has thrown in his lot and chosen his side.
Zuko holds his gaze and Hakoda can tell the while the Prince may drop the subject for now that he won't forget it.
"Well, if you girls are done staring each other down, I've got some catacombs to explore." Toph says bouncing to her feet. "Come on, Twinkles! Let me show you how the pros do it!"
As the group breaks up, some following the overeager Earthbender and some returning to catch what snippets of rest they can, Zuko steadily stares Hakoda down until it is just the two of them.
Hakoda studies the boy, no, the man before him. Boys do not speak of their father's death with such rationality and if this man is meant to be the next Fire Lord then he needs to be as rational as any of them can be. Also, Hakoda is not unfamiliar to the lingering gazes Zuko casts Katara's direction, even if she is blissfully unaware.
"Something on your mind?" Hakoda asks casually giving Zuko a chance to rise to the challenge.
Zuko doesn't flinch away from the steely blue eyes; after all, he faces Katara down on a daily basis. "I know every man on my father's council. I know how they think, how they were trained. I even know the name of their family dogs and not a one of them would give up Ozai like this."
Hakoda stands his ground. This is less an inquisition about his source and more of a test of the other. "You've not been home for many years, Prince Zuko. Much has changed."
Zuko can see the other man weighing his worth. It's a mental balancing act to which he has become accustomed. Heirs to the throne are often subjected to such scrutiny. Zuko is tired of being found wanting.
Zuko's eyes narrow and smoke rises from his fingers. "Not as much as you would think. I will ask you one more time, Hakoda. Who is your source?"
It's a bold move to challenge the older man and incidentally the father of the girl he has shown an interest in but instinct tells him that something about this is out of place. They can't afford to walk into a trap, not at this point.
Hakoda considers his promise to Azula. Keeping her confidence is important. For whatever reason Azula did not want her hand tipped in assisting them in the fight against the Fire Lord. However, Zuko may have the insight that Hakoda seeks.
"This remains between us." Hakoda looks to the Prince for confirmation and receives a brisk nod. "My information did not come in the usual way."
It's a cryptic response as Azula and he have only ever spoken face to face. After her quick disappearance, Hakoda has been left pondering the fate of the Princess. Receiving this information has in a way confirmed she is out there but still leaves him uncertain as to her circumstances.
"How so?" Zuko asks patiently though his golden eyes say otherwise.
With a sigh, Hakoda holds out the scroll whose existence he has kept to himself thus far.
Zuko unfurls the paper and reads, his scowl deepening with each line.
"Tell me how you came to be acquainted with my sister." Zuko demands quietly though the torches in the room flare brightly.
"So the message is indeed from her?" Hakoda clarifies as he has been concerned since the handwriting was obviously not Azula's even if the words were.
"I would recognize Ty Lee's handwriting anywhere. She's one of Azula's friends. More like a minion." Zuko practically snarls. "But I can see Azula's handiwork in this plan."
It reeks of her.
Hakoda breathes a sigh of relief. He has been concerned for Azula but unable to do anything for it. The idea she could still help and would be willing to do so still, has inspired hope in him though he has worried it could only be a set up. Hakoda takes his seat and tells his part of the story.
Oooo
"If I were going to use some big fancy drill to invade a city, this is where I would come through." Toph announces.
Aang glances at the tiny Metal Bender. Her back is stiff and straight and her face is graced with a half-cocked smile. He places his hand on the walls of the crystal catacombs and feels the pulsing water of the river running underneath his fingertips.
"If we time this right, we can stop them and maybe give us time to clear the city." Aang's voice is distant with thought.
Toph frowns. If her eyes could see, she would be squinting at him. "Hey, these are the bad guys remember?"
Aang swallows as he nods. It's not the idea of killing that stops him. He's killed before and he knows he will have to again. He feels little regret for Zhao's death but the faceless masses of the Fire Nation sailors that died haunt him. Now he is contemplating the deaths of a Fire Nation army, never mind that they are an invasion force intent on committing their own atrocities. Death should always have a face.
Some part of him, some distant lovesick part of him, wonders what Azula would think about the Avatar agonizing over killing men from a distance rather than face to face.
Toph is perceptive. "The Fire Lord will be there. We have to do this."
Aang sighs as he stands to face his friend. Toph is only twelve; too young to already have blood on her hands.
These things are necessary, Azula's voice hisses in his head.
Truth rings in those words. A truth that clenches and twists at the gentle nature of an Air Bender…but Aang's not just an Air Bender is he? He's the last, the final, but if his vision is true then there may be another. How much would he give to breathe life into a dead people?
Ending the war is a step in the right direction. Finding Azula would be another. Stopping the invasion is the first, the most important, the step that could change the course of everything.
Aang looks to Toph, really looks at her. From the dirt that smears her cheek to the rips in her once rich silk dress, he sees the toll the war takes and how it tears the innocence from everything it touches.
"I'll do it."
Toph blinks at him. "You aren't doing this without me." The stubborn streak creeps back into her voice.
"No, Toph. This is my responsibility."
"No, nothing," she cuts him off. "Don't get all noble on me here, Twinkles. I don't mind drowning a nation of jerks. I'll be happy to do it. You just worry about getting his Fire Lordiness's corpse out of the water so we can put an end to this nonsense once and for all."
Aang narrows his eyes, well aware she can't see the expression but knowing she can sense the tension. "You do know it won't be that easy?"
Toph makes an indignant sound. "Like any of it has been yet?" She cocks her head at him. "You do know Princess could just as easily be holding Daddy's hand right?"
Aang does know. It would only make sense for Azula to have turned on them and stand on the side that has the best chance of winning. He has no delusions that she is an opportunist and part of him wonders if he was just another opportunity that she took advantage of. He hasn't mentioned his vision of a pregnant Azula to anyone. Zuko would spit fire and Toph would relentlessly tease him.
"Yeah, she could." Aang has already thought about this. If Azula is with Ozai, if she is helping the Fire Nation, then she has to be stopped as well. "I can't let personal feelings get in the way, Toph, too much is at stake."
Toph understands, perhaps too much for her years. "Let's just hope that she stays hidden away wherever she is then. It's not like you're going to find anyone else to put up with all that Avatar, Last Air Bender nonsense."
Aang laughs. "I'm not even sure she could put up with it."
Toph shrugs unconcerned as she walks off. "Meh, it was better than me saying she's the only one that would want to see you naked."
Oooo
"Azula," Long Feng kneels by the bed where Azula sits. Gentle fingers trace the line of her jaw, winding in a loose strand of her hair curling down her shoulder. "Tomorrow Ba Sing Se will fall and the Fire Lord will reward me for my part." Like a doll, Azula says nothing but faithfully meets his gaze. "We shall rule the Fire Nation together and one day the world."
Long Feng has hope that Ozai will grant him a place in his family and on his throne. The Earth Bender has been very clear about his expectations for their future together.
"Play your part, Azula." In her periphery, Azula sees the black skirts of Ursa's ghost as she paces the room around them.
Before her, Long Feng prattles on, unaware of Ursa's whispers. He is shocked into silence when her dainty fingers close around his wrist stilling its journey down her arm.
"Do you love me?" Azula asks with her eyes wide, honest, and gleaming with intent.
Long Feng offers a smile as he closes his fingers around hers. "Of course, I do. You are beautiful and perfect and soon you will be all mine."
Azula returns the smile. Feeling encouraged by her response, Long Feng leans forward and places a soft kiss on her lips.
"It is time to rest now, Azula. Tomorrow will be busy. Sleep now."
Obediently, Azula slides under the covers and Long Feng follows his routine of tucking her in and placing a kiss on her forehead before leaving.
Her eyes flutter close and soon she is alone though not for long.
Ozai smirks at the sight of his daughter, his obedient, perfect daughter. With a soft touch to her cheek, her eyes open and she sits up in bed. He pulls the chair near the bed and fixes her with his piercing stare.
"Tomorrow we accomplish what the Fire Nation has not been able to accomplish for a century." Ozai says in that languid tone he uses when he feels a sense of satisfaction with himself. Reaching forward he tips her chin. "We must not let certain others think they are our equals though, Azula."
Azula watches him with her unwavering gaze.
"In a way, it was a wise decision for you to take the Avatar as a mate." His tone sours as he grips her chin in his hand gently appraising her. "There are no others worthy of your breeding and I would not waste you on peasants, no matter how useful they are." Ursa's ghost kneels beside Ozai and for a moment Azula feels she is a child again having an audience with her parents. Ozai continues unaware of the scene he presents. "However, only a Fire Bender will sit on the Dragon throne."
Ghostly golden eyes sparkle at her. "One must keep up appearances, Azula."
The feel of his daughter's fingers on his forearm surprises Ozai and he scowls at her touch but Azula cannot be bothered by this now. She takes her father's hand in hers.
"Father, do you love me?" Azula's voice is quiet and slightly pleading.
The look on Ozai's face falters but the Fire Lord quickly recovers. With his other hand he gently caresses her cheek.
"I love you as much as a father could love a daughter." He smiles as his lips drip lies. "Sleep now, daughter. Tomorrow everything changes."
At her father's words, she lies back in bed and is once again plunged into the darkness of her tent.
Ursa's eyes glow in the dark of the room and her teeth gleam with a shine as she leans over Azula, hovering like a specter.
"Lies, all lies. No one really loves you, Azula. Not the Fire Lord, not the Avatar, certainly not that peasant. I'm the only one that loves you."
Azula swallows back tears. "Yes, Mother, only you."
Ursa smiles. "Tomorrow, Azula. Tomorrow you will have your revenge and take your throne. Your crown will drip with their blood."
Azula closes her eyes and dreams that night of rivers of red.