Book I, Act VI: Lost and Found, Chapter VI

Edited by: Bieverdog AO3: GalavantingGoose

Book I, Imbalance

Act VI: Lost and Found

Music:

Beware The Weeping Angel - Murray Gold

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4mJZgyQg7k

Azula's Theme - ATLA OST

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hibCUpImCL8

Requiem of Silence - Suehiro Kenichiro https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-LQqnyNYiQ&list=RDGMEMCMFH2exzjBeE_zAHHJOdxg&start_radio=1&rv=NhKJhPSBFWs

Chapter VI:

Azula had not taken into account how long they had been on the road; but for sure, it was already getting dark. The man had told her that there was not much time left to get to the farm. She couldn't wait to be alone to study the map. Heading for the nearest town would be dangerous; but if she kept a low profile, she might make it. Then, Jin Lin would be her next stop.

The light was already fading when the cart stopped. "Here we are. We're a little late, I think. Come; I'm sure Nari has already prepared dinner." The man took the reins of the animal and led him to the stable while she headed for the house.

As she approached the house, she could hear laughter from inside; so, she hesitated a bit before opening the door, trying to listen. But she could only hear murmuring. As she slid open the door, she saw Nari sitting in the kitchen, who turned to see her in surprise and welcomed her with open hands.

"Akari! I thought I wouldn't see you again! How did it go?"

She would have replied if it weren't for the person sitting next to Nari.

"Ah. So, you are the famous Akari." He stood up, and her eyes went wide. A soldier in full armor waiting for her. She clenched her fists, ready to fight.

Nari smiled, holding out her hands in address. "This is Shan, a friend, we've known each other for years."

Shan smiled cheerily. "I'd say more like all my life. When we were kids, we used to mess all over town; but now, it's my turn to keep order..." He stared at Azula, and she tensed up, preparing herself. "This is going to sound strange; but you look familiar. Where did you say you are from?"

Before she could answer, the door behind her opened.

"Shan! What are you doing here? It's good to see you, friend." Yong nearly rushed to embrace the man.

"It's good to see you too. My unit was on patrol nearby, and I couldn't pass up the opportunity to pay my old friends a visit."

Yong looked at him in confusion. "On patrol here? Weren't you all in the capital?"

He shrugged. "New orders. It's odd, I know. Seems like everything's upside down nowadays, isn't it? I guess you've heard about it by now." Nari only stared in confusion. "Well, someone wants the Fire Lord's head; everyone in the capital is upset; then it turns out that we're recalled at a noble's whim. And here we are hunting ghosts."

"I didn't know..."

"That's old news now…" He breathed a laugh. "Agni knows what's going on in the city of the high and mighty."

Yong put a hand on his shoulder. "And how long will you stay?"

He shrugged. "I don't know. Apparently, they still haven't told us how long this job'll last."

His friend smiled cheekily. "Well, tomorrow you can join your comrades; but today, you have to stay for dinner."

The man groaned jokingly. "Come on... You know how the army is."

"And who cares? We're not at war anymore; it's not like they'll need you."

He looked up and smiled. "You know what? I'm getting too old for this. They should cut me some slack already."

"That's the spirit!" Yong and Shan sat at the table while Nari set about preparing some extra dishes. Azula tried to slip away to her room.

Shan looked up. "Not hungry?"

"No. Just that I wouldn't want to get in your way."

"Nonsense! Come sit down." He pulled out one of the chairs for her.

"Nari told me something about your parents. Is there anything I can help you with? Maybe I can get in touch with other units in the area."

"That's very kind of you. I'd appreciate it."

"It's the least I can do. Hey, you're from the capital, right? I'd recognize that accent anywhere." He smiled.

"He knows who you are. Run."

She tried to tamp down her sarcasm. "How observant."

"You're a long way from home, aren't you? What brought you to Kokuyoseki?"

"...It's along my father's trade route. Then he had a detour to another city ('higher porcelain prices,' he said) and I was left here. At least, he'll have extra money to buy me a shakuhachi. I've been wanting one for a while."

"Oh, is that so? Not a busy route this one. You must be one of the very few." His surprise sounded fake.

"Give the girl a rest, Shan; she went through a lot."

"Don't worry, my friend; she doesn't mind. Right, Akari?"

She tapped into her Academy drama lessons. "Of course. As I was saying, I am afraid the storm didn't give us much choice."

He tapped his fingers against the table. "Last fall's hurricane? Yeah, that was a terrible year. So many repairs; too many funerals." He stopped to think. "What did you say your father's name was?" His voice became distant. "Maybe we can check the tax records to see when he came by."

"That's a great idea… It's Lee."

"Lee… Hmm. Pretty common name. Of where?" He narrowed his eyes.

That was a mistake. "Crystal Talons."

His stare relaxed, and a smile curved on his lips as he took her hand reassuringly. "A Lee from Crystal Talons trading porcelain. Don't you worry, girl; we'll find your family in no time."

"I feel more reassured already. I appreciate it."

The man got up, grabbing his head. He could have fitted right in with the Ember Island Players. "Oh, silly me! Nari, Yong, young lady, you'll have to excuse me. I just remembered the commander ordered me to carry a message into town. He must be furious I haven't sent word back already."

Nari looked at him, bewildered. "But it's late already. Are you–"

He waved it off with a disarming smile. "Why don't you save that for tomorrow, Nari? I'll surely come over after my rounds."

She huffed. "What happened to the old Shan?"

"Sorry, army life beat that out of me. Anyway, duty calls." The man took his helmet, and his pace quickened as he neared the door. As soon as he left, she left her food and bolted for her room. The couple, still confused about their friend's behavior, barely even noticed Azula had left.

Nari walked after her. "Akari, aren't you going to finish your dinner?"

She had no time for that. "Not hungry." She looked out her paltry window. Shan was walking quickly. She fixed her eyes on him. He would surely get back-up; she couldn't linger a second more. She felt a hand on her shoulder, and Nari looked at her. It was evident something was off to her; but she managed to put up a smile.

"Hey, is everything alright?"

"Yes, everything is fine." She turned back to look for Shan. He had already vanished.

Nari looked askance at her. "It doesn't look like it…"

Azula furrowed her brow. "Look, I said I am fine. It's been a long day. I just want to rest."

The woman smiled uneasily. "Sure… I didn't mean to bother. Just if there's something going on–"

"Really, I'm fine; may I have some privacy?" Nari took a few steps back, her head hunched. But not after a minute, she left. The voices inside her head began to roar louder than ever, so much so it made her skin crawl.

The voice no longer asked; it commanded. "They will betray us! They know! End them now." She grabbed her head in pain and threw out her hands as she reached for the few valuables she still carried, trying to gather them all together.

She could see the room getting darker and darker, clouded in shadow. Growing desperate by the second, she knew what would come next, for it all had happened before. She tried to resist the urge to destroy. She wanted none of it. Only wanted to escape, to be free of that nightmare. Having finally wrestled back control, or at least a semblance of it, she carried her half-packed bag out into the corridor. Everything felt abnormally quiet, dead even.

She peeked into the kitchen. To her surprise, there was no one, yet the stove still burned. Her eyes widened. Looking for answers, she shook her head. Now was no time to dally. She slid open the door and was blinded by the light. This time she was alone. The brisk sea air whispered against her skin. The royal sloop? How was it possible? On the horizon, she could see the Gates of Azulon. Even from that distance, she could see the marble walls and the entrance to the city coated in red. It was a throng of people. The wind carried the voices of thousands cheering her name, "Azula! Azula! Azula!"

The captain bowed to her. "They are waiting for you, Your Highness; let's not keep them waiting."

She looked back, and they were already making it into port. From up close, the deafening cheers of the crowd stunned her. Every inch of the harbor was packed with people, and only a thin strip still showed the white marble floor. Petals rained from the sky onto the walkway.

A platform was lowered; and under the escort of her soldiers, she descended from the ship as people rushed to see her. They threw flowers at her feet and extended their hands towards her. They were ecstatic. The guards struggled to hold back the captivated crowd. She could not help but feel happy, waving left and right, precise as a metronome. Up ahead, her father stood on a stage with hands outstretched.

"Welcome home, my daughter. Your achievements will be remembered throughout history. I always knew you would achieve greatness. I never doubted it for a moment." He extended his hand and helped her up. Together, they looked out into the crowd. It was indeed a glorious day. She could sense her ancestors looking down on her proudly. She swore they were right beside her, and indeed they were there. They had all come out to give her a heroine's reception.

Her father raised his hands, and the clamoring mass of people fell into absolute silence. Only the fluttering of hundreds of flags could be heard, as everyone held their breath in expectation.

"Today is a day that will remain forever in the memory of our people. Your princess put an end to the scourge that has plagued us for a century. She brings with her the end of our quest to share our prosperity with the world. We will bring a new era of peace to our nation and our new empire." People shouted her name, and the stage trembled at the rising voices. Again, her father raised his hand, and silence fell anew at his command.

"It fills me with joy to announce that Azula will soon take her rightful place as heir. It is my conviction that her reign will take us to heights we cannot fathom."

He nodded slightly to the side, and the master of ceremonies shouted, "All hail Azula!" Just when she thought the clamoring voices had reached their zenith, their voices rose in unison. Now she felt proud of herself; now she had proven her worth. She looked into the faces of those strangers. They loved her, would give their lives for her. She could not wish for more, and a smile curved on her lips. She felt lighter, at peace.

Her father grabbed her arm. She looked at him.

His–no, her–voice sent chills down her spine. "Wake up…" The crowds screamed as they faded into ashes, and the flower petals rotted in seconds, giving off a repugnant smell. The cold breeze turned into a torrent of scorching heat and ashes as it all turned to dust. Her hands were blackened with ashes. At her feet were two charred people reaching for her. She fell back at their sight, crashing onto a badly burnt soldier. The man wheezed, struggling for every breath, and his eyes stared blankly forward. His skin had melted, fusing with his armor.

She shook her head. This can't be happening. A nightmare, just a nightmare. She ignored the man. He softly muttered something before his breath gave out.

"No, wait! Tell me what is going on, please." Deep inside she knew. She couldn't admit it, couldn't accept it.

"You slaughtered them all, daughter." The voice of her mother startled her, and the apparition stood beside the dying man.

Azula stood there in shock and fear. "No! I was– I was home… just now. It can't be."

Mother only gazed at her sadly. "I warned you before–"

"No, no! Shut up! You are a liar! I– I am– This is all you! You're just making me sick! You are trying to confuse me! But I'll always be above your tricks, mother."

The liar held out her hands. "No, Azula, I'm the only one showing you the truth. See what you have done. I can't let you go down this path."

Beside her, the shadow lurked, whispering, "She always lies… You were attacked. Their lives–worthless. Yours is far more precious. She pretends to care, but there is only one she cares for. Everyone else is dispensable."

"So, I-It was me…" The memories that appeared lost flowed right through her. She could vividly remember their cries of agony.

It hummed nonchalantly. "A small price to pay, an insignificant obstacle in your path. They crossed you."

Mother looked desperate; her words barely registered. "This isn't who you are, Azula. You are not a killer; you are not a monster."

The shadow stood at her shoulder, gazing down at her like a fond teacher. "Even now, she tries to dissuade you. She is an insolent traitor. Only lies come out of her mouth. I have shown you what you are capable of. I will help you reach your potential. There will be no one to stop us; she knows. They will always be terrified of us."

Mother's eyes were pleading. "Don't you see, Azula? He's using you. You are only a means to an end. He doesn't care for anyone but himself."

She turned her back on them, her eyes focused on what had happened. The forest was unrecognizable, a blazing inferno. The house had disappeared from the face of the earth. In its place, there were only burning ruins. There were at least a dozen soldiers scattered around, and... there were two unrecognizable bodies, the ones she had seen at her feet… Unarmed and unarmored, burned beyond recognition. She was stricken with regret, dropping a tear. Their quarreling ceased.

The shadow shimmered with indignation. "What do you think you're doing? You're crying for those peasants? Get up at once. The weak are beneath our concern."

Azula looked down numbly. "They didn't do anything…"

"They all stood in our way and paid the price. I've always done what is better for you."

Azula turned, and her eyes hardened at it. "You are just like her..."

It hissed menacingly, "After all I've done? I gave you everything. She shunned you because of your potential; I embraced you, molded you into a true heir of Sozin. Where she sees a monster, I see greatness."

Azula only saw death and ashes. "Is this what you call greatness? Senseless killing?"

"Senseless? If you wish to retake the throne and become a great Fire Lord, you must be ready to remove anyone who does not follow your every command, even if you tell them to die. Disobeying the Fire Lord is treason, and you know the penalty for that. Don't be foolish, child, you know how things must be. Together, we can undo the damage the usurpers have done and restore our family's vision for the world."

She stood rooted then calmly walked away. "Go find yourself another monster to do your bidding."

"Do not turn your back on me!"

She continued to march away in sullen silence.

"Azula, get back here now!"

Its voice was drowned in her mind, for she only felt the pain of what she had done. She could have avoided it all. Perhaps she really was too dangerous to be set out free; for if she had stayed, none of it would have happened. She looked back into the raging fire; the shadows that had tormented her were already gone. A feeling of emptiness rushed over her. Now she was truly alone.

She cried, gripping the ashen soil. What difference would it make if she burnt everything down? They were all ashes in the end. She stared at the field, listening to the soft screams in her head. It was weird; they sounded oddly familiar. She felt something grab her, and she seemed to float away as the sound of the flames coaxed her to sleep.

Azula woke up from her first dreamless night in a year, her lungs filled with dust. She coughed and rose up but felt stiff. The room was white and cold. She looked down; she was wearing a straitjacket.