The waters of the Fire Nation.
A solitary ship sailed in the direction it was headed, cutting through the sea, knowing no obstacles on its path. It was a dark night; only the lamps and the distant stars illuminated the sea along with the ship's deck. The wind howled, and the waves crashed loudly against its sides. It was an unremarkable night on a Fire Nation ship.
Li was calmly performing his duty. Walking through the corridors, moving from deck to deck, patrolling the edges of the railings, he glanced out at the sea, searching for potential enemies. Li knew the ship was close enough to the Fire Nation's lands that there shouldn't be any enemies here. However, he feared not them, but rather the wrath of the princess, whose ship he had been ordered to guard. The patrol soldier took his duties very seriously, not without a hint of fear of the terrifying princess.
Continuing to patrol his assigned territory, Li counted the minutes until dawn, when his shift would end. Turning left, he expected to soon meet a familiar face from the group of soldiers who were the first to start the night patrol shift. So it happened; soon Li saw another soldier approaching him from around a corner.
— How's the situation?— Chan, Li's friend and acquaintance, spoke first.
—All clear. Yours?— Li replied calmly to his friend.
—All clear.
—Shall we continue patrolling?
—Yes, there's still a long way until dawn. Li, you know, be careful, especially when you pass by the princess's cabin,— Chan decided to share some important information.
—What is it?
—Just, she hasn't gone to bed yet. Be on your guard. Don't get on her bad side. I wouldn't want to test if she'd throw a person overboard for any offense,— Chan explained to his friend, worried about his fate.
Rumors among the people varied, but all spoke of the princess's harshness and, at times, terrible cruelty. Azula only confirmed these rumors with her dreadful speech to the entire ship's crew when they were about to set sail. Li had met stern superiors and was accustomed to many things, but the princess made him want to get away as far as possible; the young girl made too frightening and unsettling an impression.
—Do you think she was serious then?— the ominous silence was Li's only answer.
—I understand. See you at the gathering.
—See you. And take care.
Li continued his patrol, now heading to a different part of the ship. Everything was calm: the same sea, the same wind, the familiar corridors of the ship. However, upon reaching the corridor leading to the princess's cabin, he stopped and remembered his friend's words. In the small window of the door that blocked the entrance to the princess's chambers, a light could be seen. It was impossible not to notice, as all the other windows were dark. Pondering the situation once more, he shook his head, trying to dismiss intrusive thoughts. He was a soldier, he was on duty, he would do his duty!
Making a decision, he continued on his way. He needed to reach the last door of the corridor and then turn back.
—R-r-r-r…— hearing a low growl, he froze.
His heart pounded loudly, he felt an urge to swallow, and a bead of sweat rolled down his forehead, hidden by his helmet. Freezing and listening to the silence, he didn't know what to do next.
No, this was all foolishness. There was no one to growl in the princess's cabin; he must have imagined it. It was the rocking, yes, that was it. Convincing himself of this, he moved on quietly, trying to make as little noise as possible. Approaching the door, he quickly examined it; it was locked. Turning around, he also quietly walked back.
—Slap!— Li heard a slap right behind the door to the princess's cabin. Freezing in place again, holding his breath, he tried to quickly think through the situation and decide the best course of action.
"Perhaps someone has snuck into the princess's cabin and is doing something. I could knock and check, but what if no one is there, and the princess is busy with her own affairs? No, that's silly. The door is locked from the inside; no one could have gotten in. Unless it was someone trusted… a traitor? No, no, better not to think about it. If there's a traitor, then the princess is dead, and I'll be killed as a witness. No, there's probably… her lover!.. Or she's doing something definitely important! Yes, that's it! I shouldn't disturb her. And if there's an enemy, and the princess is dead, I still won't open the door; I'll just make a scene, maybe the traitor will be executed, but I'll get it too. And if it's a secret lover? Or something that a common soldier is better off not knowing, then I'll be eliminated as an unwanted witness! It's better to leave. Maybe someone else will try to wake the princess up in the morning and everything will become clear. Of course, I'll get it either way, but at least not now, but later. Later is better than now!" The lightning-fast flow of patrolman Li's thoughts was interrupted by another terrifying sound.
—R-r-r-r…
"Oh hell no! The army didn't prepare me for this!"— these were Li's last thoughts before he left the creepy corridor leading to the terrifying princess's cabin, remaining unnoticed.
Returning to his patrol of the ship, he no longer wished to go near Azula's cabin.
***
The same day, a few hours before midnight.
The red rays of the sunset reflected off the sea's surface, across which a solitary ship was making its way. It stood out from its brethren with its rich decoration and some pompous details that screamed, "A very important person is traveling on this ship!"
It was Princess Azula's ship, and now, after a tiring day of training mixed with study, she had locked herself in her cabin for a much-deserved rest. That's what everyone on board thought, but in reality, the princess continued her own affairs, not thinking about sleep at all.
I sincerely ask for forgiveness,
For all the offenses that sometimes,
In the daily grind I have caused,
Having no malice in my soul.
I sincerely ask for forgiveness,
For all intentional harm,
For everything that wounded your heart
And brought sorrow.
—Not bad, but I don't feel remorse. You've just inserted lines from various poems without grasping the feelings they carry. This isn't enough for my forgiveness!— the demon replied in an arrogant voice, causing the princess to frown angrily.
—Which one of these didn't you like? I've already reread a third of the book! I've come up with a fourth poem! How much longer do I have to engage in such foolishness to beg for your forgiveness?! Is it so difficult for you to just forgive?!— the princess replied furiously, feeling with every fiber of her soul that she was wasting precious time on the whim of one demon. And Azula hated wasting time that could be used to improve her talents.
Closing the book, the princess irritably threw it onto the table, falling onto her bed, exhausted. This vile parasite that had settled in her body knew how to drain all her strength, leaving her morally devastated. Perhaps she hated him more than anything else in the world! With all her cruel heart, Azula wished the spirit to know all the bad and evil in the world!
—I already said you're an excellent actress, but it's not enough for me. Your poems lack emotion; they don't touch my heart, but I am pleasantly surprised that you managed to get through a third of the book. I think you can be rewarded for your efforts,— the demon said with satisfaction.
—Rewarded? What are you planning?— the girl became wary of the spirit's pleased tone.
—Nothing to be so wary about. It's just that I'm willing to answer some of your questions. I think you've accumulated quite a few during our acquaintance. But, only some, not all. We have plenty of time, so don't rush, and ask,— the spirit explained in a calm voice, making the girl get up from the bed with its words.
Azula quickly realized that this was her chance to learn more necessary information about her opponent, but asking overly direct questions could be risky. Therefore, she decided to start from afar, as far as possible. After all, even the slightest detail about the demon's personality could play a crucial role in her game.
—Why me? Why did you possess me?
—You don't want to waste time reading poems, but you use time for questions like these? Don't try to act stupid; you're not good at it,— the spirit replied with displeasure, but then continued more calmly.
—Well, alright, I promised to answer. It's simple: strong genes, social status, powerful bending, and a young body. The only thing I don't like about you is your femininity. Besides, I didn't have many choices, and time was running out, but I'll keep that quiet for now. I hope I've answered your question?— the spirit concluded in a calm tone, revealing a minimum of safe information about itself. Azula was glad, especially after so much humiliation and wasted time.
—Femininity?— the princess became interested, or was she just pretending not to fully understand the problem?
—You see, I'm used to considering myself a man and want to remain so. Therefore, a female body is not the best option for me. Don't consider me a sexist; women have enough advantages, but I don't want to live in a woman's body, because with the advantages come disadvantages. You should know this well, shouldn't you?— the hint in the spirit's words was significant enough that there was no way to misunderstand it.
—It's comforting to hear that such a minor thing has helped me in life…— the girl replied dryly, indulging in not-so-pleasant memories.
Yes, she was well acquainted with such disadvantages. In the Fire Nation, a woman had never become Fire Lord, and there were no women among the highest military ranks. She lived in a patriarchal society where men, rather than women, played the primary role in any endeavor. She had to work harder than anyone else to gain the reputation she now held. Her gender had hindered her in many things, so she had to be stronger, faster, smarter, and much tougher than the men around her.
—What else are you interested in?— the spirit's voice pulled her out of her thoughts. Azula instantly remembered her goals, forcefully pushing foolish reflections and memories out of her mind. She composed herself and asked a very important question.
—Blue firebending,— the girl enunciated, inwardly hoping that the spirit was not connected to this in any way.
—This has nothing to do with me. Your fire is a combination of your diligence, studies, good genes, higher quality Chi, and a bit of genius. And that ritual helped you reach your full potential, although, in my opinion, you are still far from your desired ideal, but you already surpass most firebenders of the modern era. Of course, I can only judge by your sparring matches with other masters. After all, I already said that they didn't show any special skills and were rather mediocre to me?— the spirit replied as if nothing had happened, downplaying the skill level of the firebenders, but Azula heard something very important for herself in its words.
In the week following the ritual, when her fire had just changed color, turning blue, in numerous sparring matches, she had repeatedly confirmed firsthand that her fire had become significantly stronger than that of other firebenders. In a direct confrontation, blue fire always won, overpowering normal fire and stunning opponents with its explosion, even if they managed to defend themselves with their own fire.
Blue fire set her apart from all other firebenders and was significantly stronger than normal fire. It would be unpleasant for Azula to give it up. It was a source of pride, uniqueness, and genius that set the princess apart from all other firebenders. The girl did not want to abandon this factor that elevated her above all other benders.
Now that the spirit admitted it had nothing to do with this fact, she could plan its destruction without hesitation or looking back, without fear of consequences. The latter particularly pleased the princess. However, she did not allow the spirit to even guess her thoughts in any way. She controlled both her body and her own emotions completely.
—Anything else?— the spirit continued lazily, awaiting her questions.
—Yes, why poems? Why poetry?— the girl continued the conversation in an indifferent tone of a master intriguer.
—Oh, it's simple. I wanted your forgiveness to be special to you. That's why I chose the most difficult method possible, guiding you into the completely unfamiliar world of poetry. The world of beautiful words and rhymes.
—I must admit, spirit. This is the most useless pastime I've engaged in my life. Do you perhaps pity me and didn't come up with a more… sophisticated punishment?— the princess replied with a touch of sarcasm, wanting to provoke her interlocutor.
—Are you asking for it? Poetry is the mastery of words, sentences, and the shaping of thought. The beautiful, multifaceted language of people speaks of a developed culture and complex interactions, thanks to which humanity can surprise even gods. People who don't master words are disgusting. It seems your people call them barbarians? In any case, this is your punishment for bad behavior; accept it with dignity!— he replied, slightly irritated.
—Ha… ah, yes. You can't see me from the outside, so allow me to say: I rolled my eyes,— the girl replied, actually rolling her eyes.
—Good sarcasm, well done. But we've strayed from the topic. Do you have any more questions for me?— her interlocutor was not offended at all, remaining completely calm.
—Who are you?
—I think I've already said, to answer this question, you need my forgiveness. For now, I am simply a spirit or a punishment for your sinful deeds, as well as those of your relatives. It doesn't matter,— the interlocutor brazenly evaded the answer, disregarding all written and unwritten rules of decency. However, Azula could not call him to account or punish him in any way for such insolence, purely physically.
—Why Piandao?— followed the princess's next question, as she maintained her composure, carrying out her plan—to study her enemy as thoroughly as possible.
—Hmm…— the spirit pondered, likely contemplating its answer. —I know him relatively well, but he doesn't know me. And so… it's just a whim, with a desire to make you leave the palace. You've already figured that out, haven't you? But the reasons for my actions lie somewhat deeper than you think; I doubt you'll understand if I tell you about them now,— the spirit spoke in an extremely strange way, formulating its thoughts into words that were practically impossible to understand the essence of.
—If you want to say something, say it. Don't spin philosophical intrigues; you're not good at it. You remind me of my uncle, a real loser and fantasist.
—You've become more natural in your behavior; sarcasm, insults… that's good. As for your question, the environment of servants and your upbringing in the palace have harmed you greatly; I want to correct that,— the spirit explained the possible reasons.
Possible reasons, precisely. Azula didn't particularly believe the spirit's words, thinking it simply wanted the princess to be alone so it would be easier to deal with her. But even this theory was in doubt; the lack of information about the spirit, its goals, personality, and desires was evident. However, the latter was clear to the girl; he didn't even hide it. But was it intentional?
—Our views differ on this,— the girl answered without much emotion, taking the new information from the spirit into account.
—Really? I don't think so. The environment of only servants and intrigues, along with your abhorrent upbringing, has made you extremely uneducated in any social sphere of interaction. Your hopes based on lies and fear are foolish and empty; with such an approach, only defeat awaits you.
—Funny. This approach has never failed me before. It's doubly funny to hear this from a disembodied being. Perhaps if you used similar methods, you wouldn't have ended up in such a pitiful situation, trapped in my body?— Azula said the main question, hiding the true goal with sarcasm and light mockery.
The spirit was silent for a moment, then replied:
—Interesting opinion, but I think you've strayed too far from the topic, or do you enjoy chatting with me that much?
He didn't notice the double meaning in the sentence.
For the princess, this was a stunning success. With a few phrases, she understood that her interlocutor was not very strong in verbal sparring, and if she could get him talking, he would reveal a bit of extra information about himself.
Specifically, with his answer to her sarcasm, the spirit directly implied that he could not leave her body, while also stating that he was not skilled in intrigues and instilling fear. This added to the profile of his personality that she was already building. Weak in verbal sparring, unable to subtly manipulate, not strong in intrigues, but quickly finds the weaknesses of his opponents, using them rudely and brazenly, taking advantage of his superiority.
—You haven't proven yourself a worthy conversationalist,— continuing the conversation, she didn't give the spirit even an extra second to realize its mistake, skillfully diverting the topic.
—Ah yes, perhaps I behaved too disrespectfully towards someone of your station, but you deserved a slap on the wrist. Excessive arrogance for a mortal who will inevitably die. I couldn't resist. I should apologize, but not now. I assume you have no more questions for me this evening?— the interlocutor replied, irritating Azula with his arrogance and a more joyful tone than usual.
—Perhaps… no,— the girl replied, pondering subtle ways to extract more information from the spirit. And such ways were found!
—Are you going to bed?
—No, I plan to read something truly useful before bed,— the girl got up from the bed and headed to her desk, near which lay a chest with various books.
—What other books did you bring besides poetry?— the spirit became interested, unaware of Azula's true intentions.
—Keep watching, and you'll find out yourself.
—Too suspicious, did I make such a good impression on you? Or are you planning something?
—Don't flatter yourself; you don't know how to make the right impression…
Azula sat down at the table, taking several books from the chest. These were very valuable books: advanced mathematics, an in-depth course in physics, mechanics, chemistry… and other books she studied from, striving to be the best in everything.
Azula's goals were simple. She wanted to test how educated the spirit was, while also finding out more details about its personality. As the best student at the capital's academy for girls, in the most progressive country in the world, she was confident in both her genius and her education. Her belief that she would easily deceive the spirit, being smarter than it in everything, was absolute. After all, how could the spirit know about the progress her country had made? All of this made the princess too self-confident. When she encountered the truth… she couldn't accept it.