Westorosi Farmer

Chapter 01

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The painting on the wall drew Azula's attention. A beautifully crafted scene of a ship crossing from one side to another, the ocean dominated the centre of the picture. While at the bottom was the sandy beach, small specks of what she assumed were people dotted the edges.

Its frame was also broken, as if something had struck it. Small stain marks littered the top side of it, where the clouds drifted lazily across the sky.

Azula frowned, rubbing her face. She didn't understand why there was a painting in her room. She did have a small fish tank in her quarters and a fridge for her drinks, which she picked up from the various planets she visited. But no painting, she had grown to dislike them.

"Where the hell am I?" Azula whispered, glancing around the room she was in. It was a mess. Scratch marks dotted the wall, chairs lay broken, and the remnants of some type of food littered the ground.

She stood, wincing as a wave of dizziness swept through her mind. She stumbled forward, one hand reaching out for the broken chair in front of her. Her muscles protested at the movement, a jolt of pain shooting up her calves. Her fingers gripped the headrest as she gazed back at the bed she had been sitting on.

An emblem was etched onto the covers, one that she had not seen in many years. The emblem of the Fire Nation. In the early days of her new life, she had knitted it a few times to remind her of home. But as the years passed, she gave up on the childish act.

Azula was never returning home.

"Think, where could I be?" Azula stumbled toward the windows. They were closed, but she was able to pry open the wooden latches and push the window open. Fresh air swept into the room, brushing past her. Azula sneezed as the sun shone through, her vision blurring slightly. When it cleared, she found metal bars along the outside of the window, blocking any would-be intruder from coming in.

Or someone from going outside, Azula thought. She turned her attention back to the room, slowly walking from the bedroom into a larger living area. The room was in better shape than her bedroom, but only slightly. There was a couch in the centre, and large windows dominated one end of the room. But they were again blocked by metal bars.

Azula's strides were now more confident. The pain had lessened but not entirely. She stopped by the couch, placing her hand on the smooth surface. She frowned, examining the unblemished skin on her hands. She had a few from her younger days, more when she joined the military, and her time with Cerberus meant her entire body was now littered with scars. "Something is very strange."

Azula's gaze landed on the half plate of food on the table, her stomach growling a moment later. She dove onto the couch, her muscles aching at the sudden movement, but she ignored them and ate the food. It was cold, but infinitely better than anything she ate during her bootcamp.

It took only a few minutes to eat all the food. She even ate the little bits that had fallen onto the table. No use in wasting it after all, she might not eat again for a while. The one annoying part was that her hair kept getting in the way. As if she hadn't been cutting it, now it was down to the small of her back, and small strands kept falling in front of her face as she had eaten.

Azula's immediate hunger dealt with her. She turned to her next problem. Why was she in some type of Fire Nation building? Her memories were foggy, but this was obviously some type of apartment in the style of the Fire Nation.

"Hello," Azula called out. She stood, feet wobbly for a moment before she moved away from the couch. She headed toward the only other door, pushing it open. More metal bars blocked her path. She could melt through them if she had wanted to, but what was beyond made her worry.

Two men stood before her, in Fire Nation regalia. They stood with their backs against the opposite wall, staring impassively down at her.

Azula narrowed her eyes and felt the familiar sensation of her inner fire rising within her. These men were prepared for battle. The silver colours showcased them as Imperial Firebenders. The best the Fire Nation had to offer.

"Is this some type of joke? Did someone piece this all together from my ramblings?" Azula said, a short laugh escaping her. Perhaps someone had requested a VI to create a realistic representation of her homeland. But they had obviously missed a few things out.

The men didn't move at all. No, she could feel their inner Fire responding to them. If Azula moved in the wrong way, she was sure they were prepared to fight her.

"Who's in charge here? Which pencil pusher set this all up?" Azula demanded, anger rising within her. Was it Cerberus? Did they still believe they had some type of ownership over her? She would quickly relieve them of that opinion if that was the case.

She was Azula. She had escaped from worse situations. And if someone else had captured her, then she would show them not to mess with a Shepherd.

"You two are not mute or deaf, tell your superior I want to talk," Azula said, gripping the metal bar. Steam started to rise from her hand. Metal was one of the easiest things for her to bend around. If she wanted to, then she would be out of here in no time, but first, she would find out who captured her. "Well, what are you waiting for? Get moving and find your superior!"

Azula knew there were likely numerous cameras on her, and the person in charge was likely scrambling to get themselves ready. But it seemed as if something had finally clicked in the guards. The one on the left glanced at his companion before leaving, disappearing down the hallway.

Azula sighed, letting go of the metal bar and moving back to the couch. Her Firebending hadn't come to her as easily as she expected. The small display of power took a lot out of her. She sat back down on the couch and waited.

Azula would get out. Whoever had created this partial simulation of her home would pay. The alternative didn't bear thinking about, that she could possibly be back on her home planet. After all the years of hardship and loss.

No, Azula would wait and find out. Then burn to a crisp whoever kept her here. She didn't find anything obvious out of place, no piece of advanced technology hidden away behind a cabinet. Or an item that she knew her old world hadn't developed, but would have been close to.

Azula lay back on the couch as she heard footsteps coming from the hallway. Followed by the gate being opened, some quiet muttering and finally a figure appearing in the doorway.

Azula had to give it to whoever was running the facility. They had chosen people of oriental descent when they were recruited.

"Who might you be?" Azula asked, idly picking up one of the last few grapes from the table and popping it into her mouth. She narrowed her eyes and popped another grape into her mouth. She enjoyed the sharp taste, taking her mind off the lingering ache in her limbs.

The man visibly winced, his eyes sweeping the room before landing back on her. He took a deep breath, glancing behind him quickly and then stepping into the room. He was followed by two new guards. They took positions on either side of the door.

"Lady Azula, it is good to see you up...and so cognizant," the man said, his voice wavering slightly. "My name is Okun. I lead the facility here."

"That is Princess Azula to you," Azula replied. Already, there was one mistake in their acting. Her superiors knew of her previous position back on her home planet.

"I suppose your mind may still be a little unclear, but your title was stripped from you to avoid any unnecessary succession issues."

"Succession issues?" Azula asked. What type of game were they playing? "Look, there is no point in us trying to figure each one out. I know what you are trying to do, and it won't work, Okun."

"You do, I guess it would explain why you are more lucid and…." Okun said, glancing down at the table.

"And?" Azula asked, not liking his tone of voice at all.

"Well, you haven't yet attacked me," Okun said. "That is progress. The last time, I didn't even take a step into the room before you threw a plate at me. It is great progress that we are conversing this way."

"What...sort of game are you playing?" Azula growled, leaning forward. Okun stepped backwards, eyes wide open. She ignored the look, instead focusing on his words. "It's almost like you are implying that I am mad. That is preposterous. I will be long gone before your superiors find me. If you are trying to extort information from me, then you will go back empty-handed to whichever mercenary company you owe your loyalties to."

"Lady Azula, you are not thinking straight," Okun said.

"Enough, you will let me out of this facility, or you will find out first-hand just how formidable a Spectre I can be." Azula stood, forcing herself not to wobble as she stared down Okun.

"Please, my lady, you are not making sense," Okun said, stepping backwards. His eyes wide with fear, the two guards stepped beside him. It was obvious that he was terrified of her.

"Who is your leader, the Red Suns or some corporate syndicate?" Azula barked, her body eager with anticipation. It still protested at her slight movements, and the hunger still gnawed away at her. But Azula knew she could fight, if briefly.

"You are in the Royal Asylum of Fire, and have been here for almost two years," Okun said. "Since the end of the war."

"What?"

"After the Hundred Year War ended, you were brought to this Asylum by your brother. The Fire Lord ordered that we provide you with the best care. Your mental health changes frequently. Some days are better than others." Okun said, rubbing his hands. "Though today you are far more lucid than I have ever seen you, we never had a full conversation before."

"My brother...is the Fire Lord?" Azula usually had a good read of a person, a skill that had continued into her career as a Spectre. Right now, Okun wasn't lying. He believed he was telling the truth.

"Yes, he defeated you in an Agni Kai and Avatar Aang stopped Fire Lord Ozai," Okun said, sympathy clear on his face.

"My father is dead," Azula sat down on the couch with a thump. Ozai was her father, but John was also her father. She didn't care about the former and was extremely attached to the latter. But was her entire second life a lie, made up by her imagination?

"No, he is imprisoned," Okun said. "My lady, I understand this is much to take in. But perhaps we can have a break for now while you think over things. We are making a lot of progress in such a short amount of time, and I don't want to waste this. I will get you some more food, and then perhaps afterwards we can have a walk around the courtyard."

Azula didn't listen to him, trying her best to ignore him as she placed her head in her hands. She massaged her scalp, her mind going a mile a minute.

Azula was somehow back on her home planet, without an idea of how that happened. It would explain why she had sensed the Imperial Firebenders calling on their inner fire. She had not encountered anyone in the Alliance with similar abilities. She giggled, it was suddenly funny. Azula had ended up in another hospital bed the last time she had been transported, without any memory of leaving her planet.

Azula frowned, glancing back up. Okun had left with his guards - or Firebenders. She had little time to prepare. She would not remain a prisoner for long.

Chapter 02

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Azula

I am Azula, daughter of Ozai. No, I am also the daughter of John. I am the sister of Zuko, but also Jane. I fought for the Fire Nation and also the System's Alliance. I am...was a tyrant, but also a hero.

Azula shook her head, trying to gather her thoughts. It was hard, her mind always going to the fact that she was back. Her scars were no longer there, which further drove the point home. Some scars Azula had expected to keep for the rest of her life, like the ones she gained after Cerberus was finished with her.

"It can't be true," Azula bit out. Spit flying out onto her unblemished hands. "Shit."

Azula stood, her mind spinning an instant later made her regret her decision. But she powered through it. She moved around the room, looking for anything out of place. She hoped to see a wire sticking out of the floorboard, or maybe an artificial lightsource somewhere. But as she continued her search she found no sign of advanced technology.

"Get a grip." Azula whispered, turning her attention to her body. She couldn't find any of the scars she had gained once she joined the military, or signs of the standard medical injections she had taken. Only the marks from when she was young and still on her home planet. "This is impossible, I went to Elysium. I joined the military, I wiped out the pirates...I joined-"

Azula's eyes widened, she needed to leave. If Zuko was Fire Lord then his opinion of her would be low. Azula had not been the best sister when she was younger, more cruel then loving. As he was Fire Lord he had the power to make her vanish.

He had likely been glad for her apparent madness, it allowed him to keep her locked away at the start of his reign. An easy way to deal with a rival claimant. The old Zuko she knew would not have been so bloodthirsty as to kill her outright, but she didn't know how this older version would act.

"But I am not MAD!" Azula would not die, she would survive and live. Even if the future she knew wasn't true, she would make her own life. Azula would always remember her father and sister - especially Jane. "I need to get out of here."

Azula couldn't force her way through the front door. Now that she knew it. The two Imperial Firebenders that guarded her door would be more then enough to subdue Azula in her weakened state. If she had time to prepare, and get her body back into good shape she might have a chance.

Azula moved to the window, her muscles protesting at the sudden action. She stepped up to the metal bars, sunshine flowing into the room. Azula stood there for a moment, eyes closed as she basked in the sunlight. Her body enjoyed the feeling, a great weight had been lifted by the replenishing strength of the sun.

As if Azula hadn't truly felt Agni's embrace in a long time.

"It makes a little bit of sense, all the windows were closed until just now." Azula's body was malnourished, as if she hadn't eaten anything in a long time. The food she ate earlier sat painfully in her stomach, making her feel bloated. She would need to eat more if she wanted to survive, it would take some time to get her body back into shape.

Azula breathed in deeply, trying to rouse her inner fire. She breathed in and out. It was a weird sensation, her fire didn't respond as wanted. Over the years she had trained her body to near perfection, to now find her bending sluggish made her worried.

"No more," Azula muttered. She opened her eyes, glaring at the metal bars. She wrapped her fingers around the bars, calling forth her fire. The wind rushed past her face, causing her hair to fly everywhere. Azula frowned, examining the scene before her.

Waves crashed onto a rocky shore far beneath her, the spray rising high into the arm before disappearing. The moss covered rocks bore the brunt of the sea's power.

"Shit." Azula couldn't escape this way. She could easily break through the bars, they would likely only be able to keep a Firebender of lesser skills at bay. But she couldn't risk it. She didn't know how long her body would last if she tried to climb down, or if she tried to Firebend her way to safety.

It did look like Azula was in a large fortress, she found a tower farther down one side and the other had a large wall with a rampart above.

Azula needed to find another way, without catching the guards attention or dying by falling from the side of the wall.

"I've escaped worse situations," Azula turned away from the window and examined the room. Beside the two doors in the living room, one which led out to the guards, she didn't have much to work with. She pulled aside the small rug on the floor, hoping to see a trap door beneath. She winced as she straightened her back, pain flaring up her spine. There was no trap door and now her back hurt.

Azula walked into the bedroom, ignoring the window as she pushed open the bathroom door. It was broken, its hinged barely keeping it attached to the door frame.

I must have been in a serious state, Azula thought. She stepped into the bathroom, idly noting the broken ceramic tiling. Even if the future she envisaged wasn't true, she would miss the showers. I can't think like that, I did live that life.

As much as the facts smacked her in the face, she couldn't give up on John or Jane. Azula would never forget them.

"What do I have here?"

Azula knelt against the bathtub, lowering herself as close to the floor as her body would allow. There was a small grate in the corner of the room, probably to drain out water if it overflowed from the bathtub. It would usually be something she would note down, but then ignore for some easier way to escape. Her armour would have been too bulky to allow her through. But right now she wasn't wearing any armour, and was in the body of her sixteen year old self which hadn't yet stopped growing. While wearing only undergarments and a flimsy robe.

Azula pulled the grate open, and peered inside. It looked better then she had expected, the surface was some type of metal plating. Even without a modern plumbing system, the tunnel was fairly clean.

Modern or just a figment of my imagination? Azula didn't fully trust Okun. But the facts spoke for themselves, she was in her old body and apparently back on her home world.

Voices from outside drew her attention. Azula frowned, it seemed like Okun was back. She couldn't stay here, not with Zuko likely making her disappear once he found out she was sane.

She lowered herself to the ground and started to crawl through the tunnel. Once her whole body was inside, which even with her smaller frame was a tight squeeze she heard shouting from behind her. It seemed like Okun had found out she had vanished, hopefully she would be out of the fortress before they found her escape method. She followed the tunnel, squeezing through a few corners until finally she saw another grate in front of her, on the otherside sunshine poured in. She pushed it open, the metal grate falling below.

Azula poked her head outside, finding a deserted rampart below her. She wiggled the rest of the body through. First her arms, which she then placed on either side of the opening, allowing her to pull herself out of the tunnel. As soon as most of her body was out she fell down, she cushioned her landing by moving into a roll. Even still, her back flared with more pain.

"Gods, that...is annoying." Azula gasped, laying on the floor. She didn't know how long she stayed there, only lifting herself onto her feet when her breathing returned to some normalcy.

"Fuck," Azula said. Every direction she looked she found the ocean, rough waves impacted against the cliffside. "How the hell am I going to get out of here?"

More shouts from above her drew Azula's attention. She turned back to the Fire Nation fortress and frowned. There must be a way out, the facility would have to get supplies from somewhere.

Then, as she turned she noticed a small smattering of buildings dotting the coastline in the distance. With a few ships in the bay.

"I'll find a way out," Azula whispered. Her body hurt, her muscles ached. Her firebending would take some time to recover. It didn't stop her from walking forward, intent on leaving the fortress.

None of her worries matterred. She was a Shepard, a Spectre and she would survive.

---

Zuko

"Shipments cannot continue indefinitely to the Republic, we must stop at some point." Minister Olai said, his bushy beard moving with his mouth. "Decolonisation means we must stop paying for them and move to a more business orientated relationship."

"I still suggest we keep a large naval presence in the bay, it would be our first point of defence against any would be attacker." Admiral Vai said.

"Yet that will cost more, who will pay for them." Minister Olai replied. "The Republic? No, it will be-"

"Gentleman, please calm down." Zuko said, cutting into any future remark by Admiral Vai. "Mayor Morishita has assured me he will comply with any tariffs we place on the Republic, for the continued presence of our navy. That is the end of the discussion, we must now move onto the next order of business. The removal of any non-key personal for the Republic lands, and finally a draw down to all other non-critical military personnel."

Zuko closed his eyes, the last few months had been a tumultuous time. With the Earth Kingdom and Fire Nation almost going back to full blown war. If it wasn't for friends timing, there likely would have been more deaths. Instead, it had been resolved and the Harmony Restoration Movement had turned into the United Republic.

"We just need King Kuei to play ball." Admiral Vai said, taking a sip of his water.

Zuko ignored what Minister Olai's reply was, turning his attention to the side door to the meeting room.

Mai had opened it quietly and now stood in the entrance way.

"He almost-" Minister Olai started, pausing when Zuko raised a hand.

"I thank you two joining me so late in the evening, but I will need to call an end to this meeting." Zuko said, standing as Mai disappeared from the doorway. "I will see you in the morning Minister Olai, Admiral Vai I expect the fleet to move into a ready position for any possible emergency."

"At once Fire Lord." They replied, bowing their heads as Zuko left the room.

Zuko found Mai in one of the side rooms, near the bay window. He frowned, it wasn't like her to disturb him from a meeting. He moved to the small table and started pouring some water into a glass.

"What's wrong Mai?" Zuko took a sip, her dry throat clearing.

"You won't like the news, Zuko. But we received a missive." Mai turned away from the window and narrowed her eyes.

Zuko sighed, not liking Mai's evasiveness. Most people found it hard to read Mai's expressions, but after years of being around the woman Zuko felt like he had a good idea. She was worried, and a little angry as well. Pursed lips and fingers clenched into fists were easy indicators.

"Tell me, it can't be as bad as what I have been facing in the meeting rooms over the last few days." Zuko took another sip of the water and offered Mai a small smile. "Thanks by the way, I don't think I could take Olai and Vai bickering for much longer."

"Azula escaped the asylum, we don't know where she is now." Mai said.

"What?" Zuko replied, his mind not catching up with Mai's words.

"Azula is no longer on the island, she escaped a few days ago." Mai said, walking toward him.

"She's..gone?" Zuko said, strength leaving his body as he stumbled onto the couch. The implications were staggering, if Azula was no longer in the asylum then - "How many people died?"

"None."

"What, how could no one die?" Zuko said, head snapping up to Mai. "Did anyone get injured, do we need to send healers to the island."

"No, Zuko. It seemed Azula escaped via a bathroom drainage tunnel, they didn't think to have it blocked because Azula didn't show signs of escaping before." Mai said, walking and sitting next to him. "She does need to be captured before she can hurt other people."

"Where is she?" Zuko said. "I need to go and find her before she can cause any trouble. The last time I saw her she wasn't in a healthy state."

"The letter didn't state. They closed the island, but they suspect she managed to get onto a boat and leave before the lockdown." Mai said. "They are checking the dockmaster for which ports the ships were headed to."

"I will take an airship to the island and start my search there." Zuko replied, it would be for the best.

"You're not going after Azula, you're needed here." Mai said, clutching his hand in hers.

"What? Obviously I am going after her, she is my responsibility." Zuko said, anger rising in his chest. "If I don't bring her in then she could harm other people, we have been lucky so far."

"She may be your responsibility, but you are also the Fire Lord and you lead a whole nation." Mai replied. "You need to look out for far more people then before, you cannot just go galavanting off when some new crisis appears. You need to sort this situation out with the Republic, it requires the attention of Fire Lord Zuko. While dealing with Azula only requires mine."

"Mai, I can't just let you go after her." Zuko said, frowning. Even if Azula hadn't killed anyone, it could've just been a way to lure them into a false sense of security.

"I'll be fine, you and I both saw the state she was in last time. She won't be able to get away from me. She will likely collapse after a little run." Mai said, a small smile forming on her otherwise stoic face.

"You will take some Firebenders with you, Imperial class." Zuko knew he couldn't stop Mai after she set her mind to a task.

"You don't trust my ability to capture her?" Mai asked.

"I don't trust Azula," Zuko sighed. "Take a team with you, they will be able to wear down Azula."

"Fine, but I think it's a little too much." Mai leaned in and kissed Zuko. "But I will take them for now."

Chapter 03

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Azula

Azula had spent almost a month in hospital when she woke up on Elysium. She had been confused at first, waking and being bed bound in a foregn place wasn't ideal. Azula had been shocked at her new family. From John, her father's gruff attitude to Jane, her new younger sister. She had feigned amnesia, which allowed her some time to think.

Their mannerisms and way of talking were different to what she was used to.

Jane was bubbly, and read numerous books or tablets as Azula had learned later. Jane read to her constantly, as Azula lay comfortably in bed. While she had feigned a slight boredom in that first month, she had used the time to gather as much information on where she was.

Azula had then been discharged from the hospital and spent the next month at home. Her body had atrophied after spending almost two years in a coma, which left her weak and her muscles sore. Luckily John had made sure she was eating a lot, and exercising.

Azula had bounced back quickly.

Once Azula was sufficiently well enough, Jane had forced her out shopping. Their first destination, a dye shop - or a hairstylist as she now knew. Jane wanted to change her hair colour for some strange reason. Which meant in Jane's eyes it was also the perfect time for Azula.

It had been the first time Azula had filled in a form with her 'new' name. After nearly two decades Jenni still sounded strange to her.

The dye now in her hands wasn't the same quality as the one Azula had bought all those years ago. But it would be enough to change her hair. Azula couldn't go too bright with the colour, as her sister said it would look weird and ruin her natural look. The closer to her natural hair colour she kept it the better, it would lead to less questions in the long run.

"Here you are, the last of the bottles I had." The shopkeeper said, appearing out from behind the counter. She was a portly lady, with a traditional Fire Nation hair-bun. She smiled as she showed Azula the dyes in her hand. "You have enough here to last a few months."

"Thank you, they will come in handy." Azula said, smiling as she took the offered bottles. "I am going travelling for a while and just need to keep topped up."

"Travelling? It seems like you are planning to join the circus Azane, not trying to escape a marriage gone wrong?" The shopkeeper said, smiling at Azula. "That's the only reason I could think of you needing so many."

Azula frowned, examining the bottles in her hand. The light brown colour would offset her jet black hair, plus the dye ingredients would also settle well into her silky hair. Azane had been a name she had thought up on the fly, she had only realised after she first spoke that it was a mash-up of her name and Jane's.

"Are you okay Azane?" The shopkeeper asked, tilting her head to the side. "I can get a bag for you?"

"Thank you," Azula nodded as the woman walked back behind the counter. She sighed, tightening her grip on the bottles. The name would do for now, she wanted to always keep Jane in her mind. She would be unable to use her sister's name fully as it was to foreign, this was as close as she could go. "The circus does sound like a good idea, do you know of any passing troupe?"

"Hah! None that come by here by choice, maybe at one of the larger islands you might find a professional group." The shopkeeper said, appearing from the back room. "You do have the figure for a performer, they might allow you to join but I don't see a future there for you."

"I don't really have any acrobatic skills to speak of, as you can see I can hardly move quickly." Azula wrapped her cloak tightly around her, her bag rattled against her back. "I do plan to leave the island, I am checking to see where the ships go before choosing a destination."

"Ah...want to see the world? I did that once in my youth" The woman said, shaking her head as she passed the bag full of hair dye. "The dockmasters will be the best place to investigate, if you offer to work on the ship most of them will allow you on board. You might be able to get on one of the newer ships, all made of metal and swift as anything I hear."

"I guess that is my next destination," Azula placed a few of her stolen coins in the woman's hand. Azula glanced down at the bag full of dye, she would spend some time tonight fixing her hair. "Do you have any red dye?"

"Red? Only the heavier versions which can't be used on something as delicate as your hair." The shopkeeper blinked, leaning forward. "Why would you want a colour like that for your hair?"

"Why do you think I was going to use it on my hair?" Azula asked, more annoyed at the question then anything. Even if she was fully correct. Jane had said a little tinge of red would look nice. Azula had been hesitant, but liked the look the first time she had dyed her hair, so much so that she never stopped using both colours.

"I know that look. The colour won't suit you." The shopkeeper frowned. "The dye I have will damage your hair while looking terrible. Just use the brown dyes, remember to dilute it in water before you apply."

"Thank you. " Azula turned and left the shop. She didn't want to get into an argument with the helpful lady over something so trivial. She couldn't have red highlights on her hair anyway, it would make her stand out too much.

Azula needed to stay incognito.

Azula walked out into the cool evening air. She took a deep breath, filling her lungs to the brim. Her stomach rumbled a moment later, causing her to grimace as pain spread through her body.

"First thing is to get some more food," Azula placed the dyes in her bag and then headed toward the market she found earlier in the day.

Azula reached the bustling market a few minutes later. If she squinted she could assume she was back in the market on Elysium or any other Citadel world. The stall owners advertised their wares, while shoppers browsed and bought. But reality was often more harsher then her wishes. Instead of people wearing jeans or other synthetic-fibre clothing, like Azula had hoped. The shoppers in the market wore simple red or maroon coloured robes, with trousers, skirts or dresses.

Azula was glad to see the old colours of the Fire Nation, but also sad that she wouldn't be able to shop with Jane again.

"Got to keep my head in gear," Azula whispered. She clenched her fingers and walked briskly through the market. The different aroma's wafted up her nose, making her stomach rumble again. Her body was slowly getting used to eating more regularly, her stomach no longer painfully protested each time she ate. Her nose led her through the market, something extremely nice was being roasted.

Azula stepped nimbly past a group of men, chatting amongst themselves. She found a large stall. On the side was the menu for roasted duck and chicken. She stepped up to the counter and placed her order, as she waited she examined the market.

It was the group of men that drew Azula's attention. She had noticed their armour and weapons as she passed them, but what she was most interested in was the Daichi the loudest man carried.

Azula wanted it.

They had no weapons to speak of, no guns or combat suite. They only wore flimsy robes with light padding.

"Fuck, can't think like that anymore." Azula took a bite out of her food and then sat down near a fountain as she examined the men. They were armed. The five of them had an array of swords, knives and general wilderness gear. They each carried an air of confidence about them as they chatted away, she didn't think they were Fire Nation troops. Perhaps they were a part of the Irregular force the army had used to garrison towns and forts.

Azula could cause a distraction, perhaps once they were fixated on something else she could swoop in and grab the weapon.

"Mmpm...I need something at least." Azula whispered, swallowing the last of the food. She was running low on the money she had pilfered from the smugglers ship she had used to flee the asylum. She hadn't been able to acquire enough to afford a weapon and only enough to stay tavern a couple more days. "They don't look like Firebenders, I could….what the hell?"

Azula surveyed the area warily as a low hum filled the air. It looked like she wasn't the only one that noticed it, numerous other people were reacting, glancing around. A group of kids ran through the market, laughing as they made their way to the small park that nestled the side of the square.

Azula frowned, it did seem like the thrum was coming from the other side of the park. She couldn't remember anything from her memories that gave off the same vibration and sounds. The nearest thing she could think of was the Great Drill she had commanded during her siege of Ba Sing Se.

"But that wasn't anything like this." Azula ran after the kids and toward the park. A few other people appeared to have the same idea as her. She kept her distance and aimed for a grouping of statues near the corner of the park. Older, lifeless figures judged her as she climbed up and onto the shoulders of the largest statue.

"Ah…" Azula winced as a jolt of pain shot up her back. She held herself on the shoulder of the statue, breathing deeply as the pain lessened. She glanced up into the sky as the thrum turned into a subtle rumble, until finally she could hear the unmistakable sound of engines.

Over the top of the roofs a spaceship sped through the air. It was bulky, and it's engines spewed out fumes as it made it's journey. Distant figures danced along the catwalk that framed the outside of the spaceship.

Azula's eyes widened, mouth agape as she watched it disappear over the top of the buildings. On second look it hadn't been a spaceship like she had hoped, but a basic airship. She saw brief glimpses of the sails and wings, along with the large combustion engine that allowed it to stay afloat in the air.

It wasn't a spaceship and it left Azula feeling annoyed. She remembered riding on the earlier airships before she woke up on Elysium. The original airships were bulky, and slow. Yet, this newer model appeared slim and it moved through the air gracefully.

"It's been a few years since I was last on an airship, the Fire Nation has likely updated their designs and built improved airships." Azula had kept up to date on the reports during her time leading the Fire Nation army, there had been numerous models for airships.

Certain things didn't add up with her apparent descent into madness. Azula had read numerous Alliance textbooks on past civilisations and their progress. She had always chalked her home planet's random technological innovations as just that. From the airships to the Great Drill she had commanded. Random spurts of ingenuity, on top of their bending.

Azula shook her head, she couldn't fully trust what she had likely dreamt up in her mad state.

"Airships are likely more...what?" Azula glanced down beneath her at the group of people they stopped nearby.

"I was there when the fleet took off for the Earth Kingdom, before I was discharged. The sight was something boys, seeing the power of the Fire Nation on full display." The man with broad shoulders said, Azula realised a moment later it was the one with the really nice Daichi. "This little tugboat is nothing special, can carry only a few people and doesn't have the firepower of the Airfleet."

"Have you ever been on one Teik?" A smaller figure said, looking up at Teik.

"Nope, never got the chance before the end of the war. Damned Avatar stopping the Fire Lord Ozai." Teik spat on the ground, kicking a nearby rock. "Then, Fire Lord Zuko started to demobilise after the war, which meant I never got my chance before I was forced out of the army."

Azula watched as the group continued to talk. She had ridden on numerous airships, but all of them were for the military. It seemed the designs had passed out of the hands of the government, so much so that private people could own them.didn't remember any airships being used in her memory. One thing was for certain, the war was nowhere close to being over even with Ba Sing Se in her hands.

Azula filed that information away and concentrated on the more important task. The Daichi was within easy reach. The group hadn't noticed her at all, their attention on the direction the airship went. She could now easily get the sword, and then be away in a quick moment.

This will hurt. Azula thought, gazing down on the two metre drop. She took a deep breath, waited until the group had their attention far away from her and jumped. She landed in a crouch, her knees impacting the ground a moment later. Azula winced as she reached up with her hand, a small blue fire dagger erupted out of her palm. She swiped at the holster, the Daichi falling from it's hook a moment later and into her outstretched hand.

"Agh!" Azula moaned as pain shot up her hand, the flame spluttered in her hand and disappeared. She pressed the hand against her chest as more pain jolted up her arm, with her other hand she clutched the Daichi and looked up as the group turned.

"What the hell?" Teik said, blinking down at her. "What do you think you are doing stealing from me, you have some sort of death sentence?"

Azula winced, and backed away. The pain dying down in her arm. Why had it hurt when she bent, she had never experienced anything like it before. It had only been sluggish and harder to call to her actions before.

"I'll just be leaving now." Azula leaped back up onto the statue.

"No, you don't." Teik said, trying to grab her.

Azula took purchase on the statue, before twisting her body round and sending a roundhouse kick into Teik's face.

"Fuck!" Teik screamed, stumbling backward.

Azula fell onto the floor a moment later, the bottles in her bag rattled. She needed to be careful, she also needed to escape.

Azula bolted as the group started to recover. The bottles rattled in her bag, her legs burned with exertion as she sped away. She made her way through the park, past the other travellers and back into the market.

"Keep up with her!" Teik said, his voice far behind her.

Azula weaved through the travellers, almost bumping into an older couple as she made her escape. She turned toward the north, the streets there crisscrossed in a maze-like fashion. Perfect area to lose her pursuers.

Azula darted along the narrow streets, her legs burning with exertion and her breathing haggard. She tried to increase her pace, every once in a while she would glance behind her and still find her pursuers. She jumped onto a bunch of crates, then again onto the roof of a cart travelling down the street. It gave her enough purchase to leap onto another cart going down a side road.

Azula breathed deeply as she glanced behind her. She jumped off the side of the cart as a bolt of fire nearly hit her. She landed onto the ground in a roll, pain flaring up her back.

"Get my sword!" Teik shouted. "Before she can try to pawn it!"

Azula pushed herself up, her body protesting at the movement. Pain shot up her arms, focusing around her elbows. She had been careless. She had thought she would be able to dodge and escape easily. But reality was much harder, her body wasn't anywhere near capable as before.

Azula stood on wobbly feet, glancing back at the men before turning and trying to her best to -

Another firebolt sped through the air, impacting the roof of a nearby building. Glass shattered, causing fragments to rain down on Azula. She ground her teeth as she sped through. Drainage pipes fell down, followed by the wooden panels on the roof. She ducked, weaved and dodged as much as she could.

But Azula's luck ran out, she began to tire. Her speed slowed as her body couldn't keep up with how hard she was pushing it. A drainage pipe that she should have been able to dodge fell in front of her, she tried to leap over it but her foot caught it just as she was almost over.

"Gah!" Azula screamed, tumbling onto the ground. Her back slammed against something hard, a barrel slammed into her body before rolling into the middle of the street.

Azula lay, gasping for breath. Her body hurt, from her toes to her head, pain shot through her.

"Finally got her, good. If she managed to escape then I would have to search all the pawn shops for my blade again." Teik said.

Azula opened her eyes and found Teik a few dozen feet from her, walking sedately down the street. She tried to pull herself up, her body felt afire and not in the normal way with her bending. The Daichi lay just within armsreach. All this trouble for one sword.

"Now give me my weapon," Teik said.

"Like hell I will." Azula said. She wheezed, her breathing haggard as she pulled herself up. She grabbed the Daichi with one hand, her other hand still felt weird after her earlier bout of Firebending.

It didn't matter if Azula had fallen into so much trouble because of a blade. She was a Shepard, and she would always win.

"A thief like you tried to rob the wrong person, I am going to take my sword off your cold hands." Teik said, stopping before her. Flames spewed out from his palms, small embers fell onto the ground.

Azula managed to get her breathing under control as she looked up at the stocky figure. If her Firebending worked properly then she could easily show these fools not to mess with her. If she was in her old body she wouldn't need her Bending to deal with them.

Azula didn't have either, so she needed to get more dirty. John always said that she might not have the advantage all the time when she faced off against someone, that she should use her smaller frame to deal with any attacker. If the attacker was a man then there was an easy way to even the odds.

Azula's gaze lowered and she grinned.

"You won't even touch me." Azula roared, moving into a crouch. She pulled the Daichi back, still sheathed in it's holster and slammed the end into Teik's crotch.

The man gasped, clutching at his nether regions. At the same time his clothing caught alight because fire Teik had started to bend.

"Argh!" Teik screamed, pulling his hands away.

Azula narrowed her eyes and unsheathed the Daichi. She didn't hesitate, slicing her Daichi into the side of Teik's knee. It wouldn't be enough to seriously injure him, but would allow her to leave. She pulled the sword away a moment later, standing up warily she kicked Teik away from her. The older man tumbled onto the ground, gasping for breath as he screamed. Blood poured out from the shallow wound in spurts, pooling around him.

"Well boys, as fun as this is I need to go." Azula said, grinning at the stunned men. They looked at her indecisively, as if not sure what had happened. She jumped onto the crates behind her, and then used a little burst of fire to propel her onto the roof. Pain shot up her body again, but she powered through it as she sprinted away.

"Blue fire?"

Azula heard as before she was out of earshot. A few minutes later she landed on another street, the few pedestrians on the road glanced at her before continuing on their way. They were obviously used to Benders going about their daily lives.

"Finally got away." Azula leaned against the building wall, the adrenaline fading from her body. The aches and pains that she had been able to ignore came back in full force. She was going to feel it in the morning, she needed to put some ice on her muscles to at least combat -

A dagger slammed into the wooden panel next to her head. Azula scrambled away from it, her attention turning to the woman casually strolling down the street. A familiar face, but one she hadn't seen in over two decades.

"Finally found you Azula. You can't resist finding trouble, come with me quietly." Mai said, pulling another dagger from her sleeve. A scowl on her face as she glared at Azula, her arm pulled back ready to throw another dagger.

Azula was a Shepard. She would go head first into most dangerous situations and expect to come out mostly unscathed.

But Azula wasn't suicidal.

Azula turned and sprinted down the street, doing her best to put some space between them.Last edited: 4/4/2020 Award ReplyReport257Trickery3/4/2020NewAdd bookmarkView discussionThreadmarks Chapter 04 New View contentTrickeryThe Unholy Guy5/4/2020Add bookmark#47Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar or Mass Effect franchises.

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Chapter 04

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Azula

Azula dashed through the street, past the startled pedestrians and back into the market. Her body burned, and not in the good way. Her muscles ached, each step harder to take then the last. Her form was slipping, as she haphazardly made her way through the crowded market.

The only thing keeping Azula ahead of Mai were the people. Azula weaved around the travellers, brushing past an angry woman. She ignored the disgruntled shouts, intent on losing Mai.

Azula couldn't believe Mai was here. The taller girl looked mostly the same as twenty years ago, or was it only a couple. Azula shook her head, stumbling into a cart as she made her way in between two stalls. Apart from a change of clothes, and longer hair. Mai looked exactly the same.

There was still the scowl on Mai's face that Azula had etched into her mind.

Azula turned a corner, hoping to lose Mai in amongst the crowd that dotted the jewelry section. She froze as a basket flew through the air in front of her. Azula glanced back at Mai, eyes widening as she ducked. A dagger sailed overhead, impacting against the metal pole holding a stall up.

"Shit, Mai! Are you trying to hurt everyone!" Azula shouted, scrambling back up to her feet. The crowd had dispersed a little, though the stall owner looked worriedly at the dagger.

Azula took the dagger, then flung herself over the stall counter. She landed on the other side with the woman, her legs aching as she leaped forward onto the next row of stalls.

"Get back here lunatic!" Mai shouted.

Azula grimaced, a wooden board narrowly missing her head as she sprinted down the aisle. She headed back out toward the main square in the market. A stiletto whizzed passed her head, embedding itself into a barrel in the distance.

Was Mai always this harsh? Azula thought, then shook her head as she knew the answer. Mai wasn't this bad usually, but Azula had always egged her on when they were a team. Together along with Ty Lee, the three of them would meticulously take down an opponent. They usually didn't care about bystanders.

Azula could tell Mai was holding back a little, if she didn't have a clear shot on Azula then Mai would throw a blunt object. But if she managed to get Azula in her sights, then she would throw a dagger or stiletto. Her guess proved correct as Azula darted toward the fountain at the centre of the market, a dagger flew past her head, striking the side of the fountain before falling into the water.

"Stop that!" Azula didn't want any bystander getting hurt, she couldn't allow it.

Azula needed to end this before some unlucky person was injured.

I need to find someplace quiet, Azula thought. But where, the sun had set a while ago. At this time of day most of the people would be on the streets, either heading home or to someplace to relax.

Azula's eyes widened as the large towering building of the temple rose above the roofs. She grinned, she now had a place to end this.

"Leave me alone -" Azula shouted, then stumbled over a broken piece of pavement.

"Like I will, you're coming back with me." Mai replied.

Azula grimaced, of all the things to slow her. She sprinted through the narrow streets, the temple growing larger as she neared. Another stiletto whizzed past her head, followed by a second.

Finally, she made it to the temple. The large terraced level of the building drew her attention, it was a similar style to the buddist temples.

Did my mind make that up? Azula thought, turning her attention to the courtyard. At this time of day it was deserted, there should be only a few worshipers left inside. There was a large column in the middle of the courtyard, that was a few metres tall. A few benches dotted the area, some in better condition then others.

Azula stopped by one of the benches, collapsing on top of it a moment later. It hurt to breath, her lungs had been pushed to their absolute limit. But as Mai's figure grew closer Azula knew she had a lot of work to do to get out of this. While she didn't think Mai would kill her, it didn't mean she wouldn't try to hurt Azula.

Another dagger sunk into the wood near her hand. Azula didn't flinch, to do so would show weakness to Mai. Right now Azula needed to show that she was confident in her skill.

It seemed to work as Mai slowed and glanced warily around the courtyard.

"Finally going to stop, turn yourself in?" Mai said, pulling another dagger from her pocket. "Or are you going to continue this fruitless chase, you lunatic?"

"Now is that anyway to speak to your friend?" Azula leaned back against the bench, stretching her muscles as much as her position allowed. She would never mention it aloud, but it felt good to hear Mai's voice properly, even if it was also weird.

"We are not friends." Mai narrowed her eyes, clenching her dagger tightly in her hands. "We were never truly close."

"Really, I appear to recall you coming to me on numerous nights. Specifically each time Zuzu -" Azula almost winced at the name, it was weird to even pronounce it after all these years. "You would swoon, even if it annoyed me you would always continue talking about Zuzu. Ty Lee would sit on the sidelines, egging you on."

"Misspent youth," Mai replied. "Surrender Azula, you are in no shape to fight me. You can't escape. I will take you back to the Asylum, where you belong."

"I won't be going back," Azula said. She raised her hand and shooed Mai away. She would never go back, the asylum wasn't a place she belonged in. "You can tell Zuzu I am quite comfortable being out of the nut house, it was cramping my style."

"You hardly have a choice in the matter. You can either come with me willingly, or I beat you and carry your unconscious body back to the Asylum." Mai said.

"No, I won't."

Azula frowned, biting her lip. She wouldn't second guess a fight between the two of them in a normal situation. Azula would win, they both knew that. But in her current state Azula wasn't so sure, she needed to be more wary. From her memories Azula knew Mai had twenty eight daggers and stilettos on her body. If she remembered correctly she had used eight of them already. Azula also had a dagger in her pocket, which gave her a small advantage. She just needed to tip the scales in her favour a little more.

Azula flipped over the back of the bench, narrowly avoiding the dagger that impacted the backrest. She hid behind the bench as another dagger struck it. She was at a disadvantage here, but it meant no bystander could accidentally get hurt.

I need to even the odds, Azula thought. She glanced around and found nothing really of note that she could use, no litter or any type of object she could use. Usually the cleaners weren't that attentive when on the job and would miss a spot. It seemed the public services in this town were better then she had expected.

Azula dared to peak above the bench and found Mai had closed the distance a little, but was still far enough away that she couldn't dare leave the safety of the bench. Azula couldn't use the Daichi against Mai, she was afraid she would hurt Mai. Against any other opponent Azula wouldn't hesitate, she would cut them down. She blinked, she reached into her pocket and retrieved the dagger that she took earlier.

Azula still wasn't at her best, she also couldn't rely on her firebending. Her hand still ached from her earlier actions, but there was still something she could do.

"Give up Azula!" Another thunk against the bench, followed by more footsteps.

Azula didn't reply back, she would only have a small chance of closing the gap. She cartwheeled over the bench, at the same time she flung the dagger at Mai. Mai stumbled backward, dodging out of the way. It gave Azula enough time to land and sprint toward the taller girl.

Even in her weakened state, Azula was fairly sure she was the superior close quarters fighter.

Azula closed the distance, not allowing Mai to backpedal. She dodged out of the way of another pair of stilettos, before Azula sent out a series of punches. None of Azula's strikes landed as Mai was able to weave around.

It hadn't been Azula's goal to land a punch yet, she just wanted Mai to stop throwing daggers.

Azula ducked underneath Mai's own attempt at striking back, dagger clutched in her hand. That was thankfully Azula's only danger now. Azula needed to stay one step ahead of Mai, before her body gave out on her.

"Is that the best you can do?" Azula said, swiping Mai's hand to the side as she moved inside her defensive guard. With Azula's freehand she struck Mai in the chest, sending her stumbling backward.

"Argh! You won't...get away!" Mai' said, flinging the dagger at Azula.

Azula ducked underneath. Eight down, only ten more to go.

"You and I both know what will happen." Azula grinned, she couldn't help it. Her body was a wreck, her limbs aching. And yet, she was being pushed to her limits. Her breathing was haggard, her lungs burned with exertion.

Azula was forced to work for her victory.

"Stay down you lunatic!" Mai said, flinging another dagger at Azula before pulling two out and charging at her.

Azula raised an eyebrow as she idly dodged out of the way of the blade. She picked the dagger out of the air as she twirled around Mai.

Nine left, Azula thought. She brought her hand down against Mai's exposed back, slamming the blunt part of the dagger into the spot between her shoulder blades. Her strike wasn't hard, she didn't want to actually hurt Mai. As Mai fell to the ground Azula followed, her legs finally giving out beneath her. She lay on her hands and knees, gasping for breath.

Luckily Mai appeared to be in a similar position to her.

"I just...want to leave." Azula said. Her chest hurt, it was hard to force air down her throat. She managed, if barely. Azula pulled herself up, first onto one foot and then the other. She was wobbly, as if she would fall over any moment. She stepped toward the Mai.

"You can't be trusted." Mai growled out, laying on her side. She attempted to get up, but she wasn't able to do much more then move onto her back and prop herself up by her elbows. She gazed up at Azula as she neared, hate clear in her eyes.

"I understand I was a bit of a brat when I was younger, perhaps not even the best of friends. But I assure you I have no intention of being made a prisoner, I just want to stay out of the way." Azula said, kicking a dagger out of Mai's reach. Mai still had a few more on her body, but Azula's wasn't going to risk getting too close to her.

"Screw you!" Mai said, reaching into her robes.

Azula kicked her hand, another stiletto went flying across the courtyard. Azula frowned, she couldn't stay here. Azula knew a hundred different ways to permanently maim someone, leaving them fully cognitive but unable to move. If Mai was a normal enemy like the Blue Suns or any other pirate group then she wouldn't have hesitated.

But Azula would never kill Mai.

I need to leave, Azula thought. She examined Mai once more, noting in her form. She looked the same as before, but still different. Another mole underneath her ear, slightly longer hair and darker complexion. Azula committed her form to memory. Then, she turned and ran out of the courtyard.

It was more of a hobble, but Azula made her way through the narrow streets and back onto the main thoroughfare of the town. She needed to get back to the tavern and get the few personal items she had managed to acquire. She kept a careful eye around her for Mai, but she neither found her on the rooftops or trailing behind her. Azula could leave in peace.

The issue was Azula wasn't sure where to go. She was heading toward the tavern, which was only a few streets away. What was her aim, why was she even here. Azula didn't have an idea of where to go when she left the asylum, just that she needed to leave. She had planned to travel around the Fire Nation, until she found somewhere to settle.The small machine shops that she noticed as she stumbled by interested her greatly. Even if her memories were wrong, being involved in some type of technological development excited her.

If starting a business fails then I can always join the militia or be a guard. Azula thought, walking toward the tavern.

As Azula walked up to the tavern, she circled it to the back. The window to her room was above her. Azula used a nearby ledge and scrambled up the side of the wall, pushing open the window and heaving herself inside.

Azula fell onto the floor in a thud, gasping for breath. She lay there, her breathing uneven. But for the first time since the early evening, she started to relax. The chase from the irregulars to finally seeing Mai took a lot out of her. Her body even more so.

Sweat dripped down Azula's brow, along the back of her neck and even on her limbs. She needed a shower. Azula grimaced, showers weren't a thing here, she would have to make do with a bath.

"Fuck, I can't." Azula pulled herself up, until she sat cross legged on her bedroom floor. She examined the room. It was small and just as she liked it. A simple cot to one side, the window she had just climbed through and a desk filled with fruit on the opposite side to the bed. Over the last few days she had made it her home. The money she had stolen from the cargo ship helped her, she wasn't going to lose sleep stealing from smugglers.

Azula needed to move. As much as her body protested, she needed to leave. Mai would soon find her, Azula had no doubt in her old friend's tracking skills. She quickly checked inside her bag and made sure all the bottles weren't cracked and then she started to pack the food inside.

Azula had intended to stay here for a few more days before finding transport to another island, but it looked like her time was up.

Azula glanced at the door to the room, and the sound that came from behind it. The family had been kind to let her stay, even if it was a storage cupboard that they had converted to a makeshift bedroom for her. She should've said goodbye to them, but it would have been too large of a risk.

Azula leaped out of the window a moment later, landing on the pavement before heading off into the town. Her muscles still ached, a slight shooting pain swept up her left hand. But had lessened and would ideally go away after some more rest. The sooner Azula's body condition improved the better, she couldn't stand being at a disadvantage.

Azula would not allow herself to be anything less then the best firebender in the room.

Azula headed toward the docks, two large harbors nestled opposite sides of the island. She hoped Mai had come from the one farthest away, which would allow Azula to go to the east docks and escape.

Azula moved at a more sedate pace then her earlier mad sprint, even still her breathing was heavy. She powered through, taking large gulps of air and resting for a few moments when necessary.. The faint taste of salt in the air told her she was getting close. A few more streets and she noticed the first fisherman, coming back to the island after a day out at sea.

Azula rounded one final corner and found her first ship docked in the pier, followed by more nestled farther along. Some were still being loaded, likely to set sail soon, while others were bereft of people. Most were made out of metal, though Azula did spot a few wooden sail ships.

"Just need to -" Azula stopped and hid behind a crate, peering around the side. "Shit, of all the luck."

A half dozen Imperial Firebenders marched down the dockyard, moving from crate to ship to person. They paused only a moment in their inspection, before moving forward.

They must have come with Mai, why else would they be here? Azula hadn't seen any Imperial Firebenders before on the island.

They were between her and the ships, but she couldn't fight them. There were far too many of them for her. Perhaps if she was a hundred percent she would have fought them as a warm up exercise, but not right now.

"Another way then, there are still other ships docked." Azula turned and left through a side street, she didn't have much of an idea of where to go, but she just followed the masts of the ships that showed above the buildings. She passed a few people, most dressed in simple clothing. A common tunic and trousers, while some wore gloves. Azula assumed they were the dockworkers, about to either head home or go back to work.

Azula walked out into another wharf, filled with ships. She spotted a number fully stocked with cargo, their decks lined with crates as a few people milled about.

Perfect, Azula thought. A smile spread through her lips as she made her way to the distant ships, soon enough she would be out of danger.

"You there, stop!" A voice shouted.

Azula turned and found a trio of Imperial Firebenders running toward her.

"It's lady Azula." Said the lead firebender, his large bead moved with his lips. "Please come in quietly my lady, we mean you no harm."

"Like hell you don't," Azula roared. She moved toward a crate and kicked the small bucket nestled beside it toward the firebenders.

The lead firebender merely swarted it out of his way, before sending a plume of fire toward her.

Azula backtracked, hiding behind the craft just as the fire swept past her. The roar of the fire was incredible to hear, along with its orange display. The feeling of power was one she had missed when serving in the alliance.

"Can't think of useless things like that now." Azula stayed behind the crate as another blast of fire struck the ground near her, the blaze sweeping around the corner and forcing her to leap away toward another crate.

As Azula landed she was met by one of the firebenders, striking toward her with a flame dagger. She ducked underneath the sipe, before hitting him in the stomach with her fist. She rolled away from his swing, fist curled in flame. The armour he wore made her attacks fruitless.

"You cannot win Lady Azula, please do not fight us." said the first firebender, standing to Azula's side, a whip of fire trailing from both hands. The fire curved behind his broad shoulders, like a cape made out of fire.

"You talk as if you have already won, I very much doubt that." Azula said, trying to keep all three in her field of vision.

"Have we not done so? You are already winded from such an insignificant scuffle, and Lady Mai stated your bout with her left you in a weakened state."

Azula frowned, she couldn't say he was wrong. Her lungs burned. She needed to finish this fight and quickly, before more firebenders arrived.

"I was going to leave without inflicting any lasting injury on any of you." Azula said, pulling the Daichi out of its sheath. "But you have forced my hand."

Azula dove toward the leader firebender, if she took him out first then the rest should fall quickly. The firebender moved out of the way of her thrust, sending a tendril of fire toward her. Azula ducked under the swing, the firebenders hand traveling above her with fire in its wake. She ground her teeth as a few strands of her hair were singed, then she slammed the hilt of her Daichi into the bender's armpit.

The Imperial Firebender stumbled backward, slamming into his comrade. Azula huffed, then stepped out of the way of the third's fire blast. It swept through the spot she had stood in, continuing on it's way down the dock. Apart from her robe catching fire slightly, which she quickly put out with a breath, she was mostly fine.

Azula smiled, and attacked the last firebender. If she took him down, she could then focus on the last two, then escape.

"Hiyah!" Azula shouted, charging the firebender. She was a few steps away from him when something cut into her robe, the momentum of the object sent her careening into a number of crates. Azula would have slammed head first into them if it wasn't for some quick thinking and vaulted over them.

Azula landed on top of the crates, she frowned as she turned. She pulled the dagger out of her robe, it had somehow missed her body and only cut into her clothes.

"You're back," Azula said. She palmed the dagger tightly in her hand, one more step and it would have hit her torso. Mai had likely been aiming to incapacitate, but it just showed how close she had come to a fatal injury.

I am too weak if something like this can hurt me, Azula thought. She had no power armour, or shielding. She would have liked to have them again, even if her delusions weren't real. All Azula wore now was some flimsy clothing. A robe now in tatters, some garments provided by the innkeeper and shoes. If Azula was to survive then she needed to get some better material.

"You're not leaving Azula, come with us quietly or this will end badly for you." Mai said, the firebenders flanking her.

"You make it seem like you can force me, yet everything you have tried has failed spectacularly." Azula said, a smile forming on her face. She was battered and beaten up badly, but she always liked it when she was able to one up someone.

"This is not a game!" Mai shouted, stepping forward. In her hands were another pair of daggers. Mai flung one at Azula, but she was able to easily dodge onto another crate. "You're not feeling well, you need help. The asylum is the best place for you, where you can't hurt anyone else."

"Please, don't insult my intelligence. I know what will happen when I go back there, I will not be drugged up again." Azula replied, it was the only explanation to her apparent madness. She had been free for almost a week now, without any medication. Yet, she felt more alive then she had when she awoke on the bed.

Azula's body was not in the best condition, but that was only because she hadn't eaten properly. It wouldn't take her long to get back into her old level of fitness.

"You're insane!" Mai retorted. "Take her down, we need to bring her back to Zuko."

"At once, lady Mai." The lead firebender said, he jumped forward and sent a plume of fire at Azula, followed by his comrades.

Azula's eyes widened, she jumped from one crate to another. The firebenders followed her movement, sending another wave to her.

"You're not sane, you need to stop fighting." Mai shouted.

"I am not insane." Azula whispered. She stood her ground on the crate, and moved into a defensive stance. Azula thrust her hands out before her, and then pulled the fire as it came toward her. She ground her teeth, parting the fire before her. The heat washed over her, but it was more invigorating then threatening.

Azula took control of the fire as it swept around her body and behind her. She poured her will into the fire, taking control of the blaze. Azula's arms twinged with a dull ache, that spread from her shoulders down to her hands. She was ready for it this time, unlike before with Teik and his Daichi.

Azula smirked as the fire turned from the orange-red hue to a light blue blaze. She twirled around, letting the fire flow freely around her. Once she had it firmly under her control she sent the jet of fire back at the Imperial Firebenders. The flame enveloped their position, turning from a jet of fire to a raging inferno.

"Back away my Lady!"

Azula heard above the roar of the fire. She continued her assault. She merely used the Imperial Firebenders flame, redirecting it while adding some of her own fire. It seemed to keep the pain at bay, but her control wasn't as good as she wished. Some of the fire fell onto the crates and boxes littered on the dockyard, it would soon spread if no one got it under control.

"Hah!" Azula gasped, letting go of the fire. The flame continued for a moment, before it spluttered and slowly died as there wasn't enough flammable material to keep it alive. "Fuck!"

Azula collapsed onto the crate, her elbows the only thing keeping her from smacking her head against the wood. The strength had all but left her body, her limbes ached and her lungs burned. She craned her head up and found Mai and the Imperial Firebenders scattered along the docks, one of the firebenders covered Mai with his body.

"Are you okay, my lady?" the firebender asked.

"I'm fine, just winded." Mai said, glaring at Azula.

"Leave...me...alone!" Azula said, her breathing haggard. She managed to pull herself to her feet, her legs threatening to lose their strength again. "I...will not go back with you!"

Azula glanced at the fires nearby, they hadn't spread much, but they would if left unattended. She raised her hands shakily in the air and pulled on the fires, slamming her hands back down to her sides. The fires in the dock died, even the streetlamps a few dozen metres away.

"Tell Zuzu...that he will have to drag me back kicking and screaming." Azula said, turning around, she paused at the edge of the crate and turned round. "Not that he could, I was always the better firebender then him."

Azula jumped down onto the ground, and hobbled away from the group. Her legs took her out of the docks, bumping along crates and walls. She didn't know where she was going, her mind incredibly fuzzy. Her vision was blurred, but she managed to not trip over anything as she walked into another dock.

BOOM

Azula was startled out of her daze at the horn, she glanced up and found a ship slowly leaving it's berth. The metal ship had just weighed anchor and was slowly making its way out of its berth.

"Wai....wait for me!" Azula whispered, even though she wanted to shout. She hobbled along, walking down the pier. There was a small rope that hung loosely off the edge of the ship, likely used to keep the vessel in place. Azula was almost at the edge of the pier when she jumped. She caught the rope. Azula hung there for a moment, before pulling herself up. She ground her teeth, her breathing haggard and her arms burned, but she finally pulled herself onto the deck of the ship.

Azula lay on the deck, the strength slowly returning to her body. She managed to look back at the quickly disappearing coastline and port. She knew for certain one thing.

Azula could never go back to the Fire Islands, this was no longer her home. Her future lay elsewhere.

END OF PROLOGUE.Last edited: 5/4/2020 Award ReplyReport256Trickery5/4/2020NewAdd bookmarkView discussionThreadmarks Chapter 05 New View contentTrickeryThe Unholy Guy11/4/2020Add bookmark#80New chapter here, bear with me in regards to any technical issues. I have done a bit of research, but nothing indepth.

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Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar or Mass Effect franchises.

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Chapter 05

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Azula

Azula placed the box of spare parts back on top of the crates, then grabbed the rope hanging beside the crates and left the supply room. It was filled with numerous boxes and bags, some filled with cargo while others were the supplies the merchant ship used.

"Come Azane, I don't have all day!" Renvi shouted.

"Don't rush me, or I won't come at all." Azula said, closing the door to the room. A click from the lock confirmed it wouldn't open unintentionally. Azula hefted the rope over her shoulders and headed down the hallway, leaning to the left and right with the sway of the ship.

Azula ducked underneath a support beam, walking into the large central room within the ship. The last few days had been enlightening, she had received a crash-course in how to work on a ship. While Azula had been on numerous ships before, she had never been one of the workers. She always stayed in a cabin assigned to her. Here, she slept in a bunk bed with three other crewmates.

Azula smiled as she found Renvi pulling at a tarp that covered one side of the wall, he waved her over when he noticed her.

"Come on Azane, it's almost going to fall." Renvi said, a wave slammed against the side of the ship, almost deafening them. "Get moving, or I can just get rid of you and find someone else."

"I'm coming," Azula said. She walked over and threaded the rope through the small hole in the tarp, once she had set a knot on it she pulled at the rope. Renvi joined her a moment later. The tarp rose back into the air, until it was firmly placed set against the ceiling. "We...are out...at sea, you got no one else!"

"Ungrateful girl, this...is the..thanks I get!" Renvi said, tying the end of the rope to a small hook by the wall. "Good, now we can rest and eat!"

"At last, this is the third time this has fallen down today." Azula said, wiping a bead of sweat from her forehead. Her stomach growled a moment later, causing her to smile. The food on the ship was much better then she had expected, Amra knew her recipes.

"Once we get back into port I will try to fix the hook, I don't have the material at the moment to do it or the time." Renvi said, pushing her away. "Get going, or I am going to find more work for you."

"Fine," Azula said. She headed out of the room, intent on going toward the canteen. She passed a few crewmembers, who either nodded to her or said a simple 'hello'. Azula knew how lucky she had, she had escaped the clutches of Mai. She had collapsed on the ship, unconscious for who knew how long before the crew found her.

Good thing they couldn't turn round, Azula thought. She walked toward the other end of -

Azula hit the wall as the ship rocked violently, the oil lamps in the hallway rattled wildly. A crash in the next room, followed by a scream echoed through the hallway. Azula held herself against the wall, as the ship rocked to the other side. She frowned, the waves must have been big to rock the ship this badly.

"Grab the -" Someone shouted from the kitchen.

Azula covered her face as a box flew through the hallway, narrowly missing her. Another scream, followed by a crash. She held her breath, trying to make her way to the kitchen. The metal itself above her groaned. Then something snapped, a loud pop that Azula swore was beside her.

"We lost control!" shouted someone, either the first mate or the captain. Azula wasn't sure over the roar of the waves. "We need to stabilise -"

"Shit, what's going on." Azula said, finally making it to the kitchen. It was a mess, food and ingredients were strewn all across the room. Azula was thrown back into the hall as the ship leaned heavily to one side, barely managing to grasp a door frame to stop her motion. "Amra! Are you okay?"

"Azane, stop the cooker!" Amra said, carrying a pot into the pantry.

Azula bit her lip, moving toward the oven. Ontop were two large pots, steam floating upward. It was large enough to cook meals for the entire crew in one go, almost forty people. She turned the fire off, then placed the lid back on. The ship rocked again, almost causing Azula to stumble back. She managed to grab the counter, and then reached for the harness and clicked it in place on the pot. She clicked the harness onto one side and then the other,

"We lost power to the engines, Greti get your arse in gear!" said the unmistakable voice of the captain. "Kaza needs to-"

Come on, get the ship in gear. Azula thought, she wasn't sure what to do. She had no experience with ships and how to fix them. Azula had been relegated to a gofer once they realised how few applicable skills she had.

The ship continued to rock back and forth, Azula placed the utensils back in their spot and then made sure the ingredients on the central table were secure in their baskets. She waited with them as the waves continued to crash against the ship, the storm must have been really bad if it affected the ship this much.

"We still have no power," Amra said. She walked out of the pantry, followed by Taka. The younger girl had a bandage wrapped around her arm, as she sat down in a chair her mother started to wrap another layer of bandage. Amra clicked her lips, tightening the bandage.

"It's hard in a situation like this to keep steady, even more so with knives. At least you didn't cut off a finger, that would mean having to work using less fingers." Amra said, standing and taking off her bloodied apron.

"I was fine, you didn't need to coddle me mum." Taka said, free hand tracing her bandaged arm.

"The bandage was loose, you don't want to end up like Azane on our deck." Amra said, smiling at Azula. "Are you okay Azane, not injured again?"

"I'm fine, thankfully I wasn't carrying my Daichi." Azula replied. "The hallway is a mess, I'm not looking forward to cleaning it afterward."

"Don't worry, I am sure you will have Renvi to keep you company." Amra said. "In this storm he will likely have everyone help get the ship back into shape again."

"So, it is a storm?" Azula asked.

"Yes, they can start in a heartbeat. Though I suspect our illustrious captain had an idea it was forming, and only now informed the main crew." Amra said, brushing a hand through her long hair. "He usually likes to surprise us, keep us on our feet y'know?"

"I know," Azula replied. She hadn't met the captain yet, but had heard from Renvi that he had wanted to throw her overboard. Azula was happy Renvi had won that argument, even if it meant that she had the most menial jobs on the ship.

"He should be able to steer us out of the storm, whatever the issue is I am sure here will have it fixed." Taka said, standing and moving toward the pantry. The girl towered over her mother as she moved past and dissapeared inside.

"Does it usually take this long to sort things out, I thought metal ships were less prone to losing control?" Azula asked, snacking on a small apple.

"We are, but I think something actually happened in the engine room." The Amra replied. "Kuza should have sorted the issue already."

Azula raised an eyebrow, glancing back at the door to the hallway. More waves crashed against the hull, audible even this far inside the ship. The metal groaned, and every so often she heard a thud as something fell. She hoped that damned tarp would stay up, she didn't want to fix it again.

Azula could wait it out in the kitchen, as she was pretty much useless if it was a technical issue. But the more time the ship spent with no power the more danger they would be in. Azula didn't know much about steamships, but she was fairly sure it shouldn't take this long to sort out whatever problem they were having.

"I'll go and check it out," Azula said. She stood and almost immediately fell over because the ship rocked violently. Azula ground her teeth as she stumbled out of the kitchen, using the walls as support as she made her way to the engine room. Periodically she would hear a shout from the upper deck, followed by the roar of the ocean.

Azula frowned as the doorway to the engine room was wide open. Heat wafted out of the room in waves. She stepped inside and breathed in the fire. Azula surveyed the room. The large furnace that dominated the backend of the room was softly glowing, the orange embers jumped out of the engine every few moments. A soft greyness blanketed the room, which must have been the burnt coal. To the side was a large amount of coal, it covered the entire side of the room. There were scratch marks on the floor, where the workers had likely used their equipment to pick up the coal.

All that didn't matter when Azula found the body on the floor.

"Are you okay?" Azula said, happy to note the person was still breathing. She grabbed his shoulder and pulled, moving him onto his back. His face was covered in soot, from his hair down to his beard.

"Gah," the Kuza mumbled.

"Hey!" Azula shook his shoulder but didn't get much of a response. Azula wasn't sure why he was allowed to have a long beard while working in the engine room, she could ask later. "Wake up, you need to fix the engine!"

Azula frowned as the man only mumbled and then fell silent. She cursed silently, turning her gaze to the boiler. Where was the rest of his crew, wasn't there usually a whole team of people in a boiler room. She walked toward the boiler. A normal person would have to wear protective clothing to be this near the boiler, but the heat was no issue for her.

"Is that the problem?" Azula whispered, examining the open end of the boiler. She noticed the black smudge which was likely the coal. The back of the boiler had a soft orange glow, but there was no fire. Nothing was burning the coal, the boiler should have then used the steam to power the ship. The pistons on the side were not moving, and likely no steam flowing up through the vent-like structure connected to the top of the engine.

"Did the storm douse the fire?" Azula whispered, glancing at the pistons that were attached to the side of the boiler and then at Kuza. Maybe he had to manually control the boiler and when he was knocked out the boiler lost power. Azula didn't know enough about steam power to know, her memories using the airships were foggy and she doubted the travelling she did in her delusions would help at all. There had to be another reason why the engine wasn't working, otherwise it was a stupid system with no failsafes. She couldn't trust her vague memories of the early steamships.

Azula closed the front of the boiler, locking it in place. She didn't know exactly what to do, but at least had an idea to get the fire going. She took a deep breath, then exhaled. Only to repeat the process. In and out. The embers inside responded to her actions. The fire that had almost been extinguished roared to life. At the same time the orange hue pouring through the small slits in the door brightened and then dimmed with each breath. The flame that had almost died within slowly came back to life, growing stronger with each passing moment.

In and out. Azula poured her will into her bending. She smiled as the red-orange hue took a slight bluish tint. She continued for a few more moments before raising her hands slowly until her palms were pointed at the boiler. The fire roared to life, a brilliant blue flame. Azula breathed in one final time, as the boiler components started to work. The thermometer on the side started to rise, showing the temperature increasing. She had no idea if it would fix the overall issue, but at least the fire was burning again.

Azula grinned, taking a step back. Around her more metal groaned, then a rumble swept through the room.

"Blue fire," Kuza mumbled.

Azula turned and walked to his fallen form, she pursed her lips. Kuza looked to be conscious, his eyes following her as she knelt down beside him. His face was covered with soot, with dark bags underneath his eyes.

"Are you okay Kuza?" Azula asked, placing a hand on Kuza's shoulder.

"Who are you?" Kuza replied, his eyes gaining focus as he stared past her at the boiler. "The engine, we need to keep the power going."

"Don't worry, I sorted it out." Azula said, glancing back at the boiler. She was happy to see her blue flames had been turned back to orange.

"You did?" Kuza said, rubbing his eyes. "Help me up, I need to check."

Azula nodded, pulling his arm over her shoulder and then standing. She grunted at his weight, but then led him to the boiler. Once they reached the boiler Kuza moved under his own power, starting to manipulate the controls.

"Kuza, what's wrong!" Renvi shouted, throwing the boiler room door wide open. "Are you….Azane? What are you doing here?"

"I came to help, luckily Kuza has everything under control." Azula said, stepping away from the boiler and allowing Renvi to come closer. "We lost power when the engine shut off, but I am not sure why."

Azula guessed it had something to do with how new steamships were, they hadn't yet worked out the fail safes yet.

"How?" Renvi said, before shaking his head. "Nevermind, Kuza what do you need me to do?"

"Just keep this lever pulled down, that's all." Kuza said, pointing to a handle on the farm end of the boiler.

"Fine." Renvi said.

"How is everything on the main deck," Azula asked. She sat down on the stool, watching the men work.

"We got hit hard by the storm, the captain spotted some land up ahead. Which shouldn't be there, but it just means we were taken far off course." Renvi said.

"Really, we don't know where we are?" Azula said.

"Not until we get closer." Renvi said, pulling the handle down.

"If everything is fine here I guess I will head onto the main deck and see for myself." Azula said, standing and leaving the room. She walked through the narrow hallway, the rocking of the ship had lessened but still persistent. She pulled herself up the rope ladder onto the main deck and found the sky dark with clouds.

"Azane, what are you doing here?" Ilem said, standing up with some rope over his shoulder.

"Just having a look at what's happened?" Azula said, glancing up as a light patter of rain hit her face.

"A storm happened, came upon us really quickly." Ilem said, pointing into the distance. "We are coming close to an island, we must have been forced off course by the storm."

"No idea what island it is?" Azula asked, stepping toward the railings. On the horizon she found a landmass. The coastline dotted with trees, though she did notice a small beach farther down. "Are we going to stop here?"

"We have to pick up supplies and do repairs at the very least." Ilem replied. "We can also find out where we are."

Azula stayed on the main deck, helping where she could. A number of the crates that had been on the top deck in restraints had been knocked, over the leather holds ripped apart. The ships steadily made its way toward the island, before dropping anchor near the shallows. The waves still struck the ship, but most of their power had disappeared.

Azula looked out to sea and found the remains of the storm, great dark clouds hung in the air, with arcs of lightning sweeping through the air. By mid evening the rain had finally stopped and a boat filled with crew set out to the island. She helped Renvi around the deck, securing the cargo as he directed.

"Someone's running through the edge of the forest," Azula said. She pointed toward the edge of the island, as a figure clad in green ran with a surprising amount of speed through the foliage. Soon the figure had disappeared, around the curve of the island.

"Thankfully means there is some civilisation on the island, hopefully we should be able to get some supplies." Renvi said, staring out into the distance.

"What if they are an island of cannibals, the crew sent out might get eaten." Azula said, a smile forming on her face. "Perhaps we should leave, before we all get eaten."

"Haha, don't joke about something like that. There are always stories of crew being shipwrecked and then being driven mad by the island or finding strange spirits." Renvi replied.

"Well, at the very least this person was clad in some type of green and black clothing, and not a loincloth." Azula said. "That does hopefully mean they are at least civilised."

"You would be surprised, there is a lot of weird shit in the world." Renvi said.

"I think I will go with the next boat, and I want to explore." Azula watched the trip while they loaded another row boat. They pushed it over the railings and down onto the choppy water below.

"We could use you on the ship rather then on the island, still a lot of work needed to be done here." Renvi said.

"I can fight, none of the crew that were sent had anything larger then a machete on them." Azula said, heading toward the entrance to the hold. "I can at least scout out and see if there are any issues with the island."

"Fine, but don't get into any trouble. I don't want to carry you inside again, once is enough with your weight." Renvi grinned, before heading toward the far side of the deck."I will inform the captain, I'm sure he will be happy to see you go.."

Azula smiled, then went to her cabin and retrieved her bag and Daichi from under the bed. Azula holstered it and headed back up to the main deck, the crew had lowered the boat to the water, the crew looking up at her expectantly from it.

"Be careful and report back if there is anything amiss." Renvi said, his lips pursed. "First sign of trouble you head back here, don't want to find you half eaten."

Azula nodded and leaped off the ship, landing deftly onto the boat. It rocked slightly at her entrance, but the crewmembers had a lot of experience and didn't appear fazed. Azula took up one of the oars and joined the crew in rowing the boat toward the coastline. She scanned the shoreline as their boat joined the one from earlier on the beach, there was no farther sign of the green clad person but she was sure they were being watched. Azula stepped out into the shallow water, the waves lapped at her knees as she walked alongside the boat. She hauled the boat along with the others until it was beached with the first one.

"I can scout -" Azula said, pausing as a figure approached from the forest. Azula grasped her Daichi as the person came into the view, one of the sailors that was in the first boat.

"Everyone, we know what island we are on!" Said the man - Dani, gasping for breath as he stopped in front of them.

"Good, is there a settlement nearby?" Nabira asked, stepping forward.

Azula didn't let go of the Daichi as she waited, if they were in a hostile area then she needed to keep her wits about her.

"It's Kyoshi island, it's located off the coast of the peninsula to the Earth Kingdom." Dani said, turning around and pointing in the distance. "The main town is just through the woods, we have already -"

Azula didn't hear the rest of his words, she remembered the Kyoshi warriors. They were an expertly traiined group of warrior women, the few times she had clashed with them she had been impressed. Azula would have recruited them if they hadn't been on separate sides of the war and they weren't so adamant in helping the Avatar.