Ming Ue
Haru
MingZula: The one true ship!
Posts: 341
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Post by Ming Ue on Jan 17, 2007 20:11:41 GMT -5
Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar or this would be Zutara.
Previously on Avatar: The Last Air Bender
The Fire Nation Prince, Zuko, came to his final decision on what he wanted his destiny to be. As a result he betrayed Iroh and shot down any redemption he gained from Katara or the Gaang. Now, teamed up with Azula, Zuko, along with Iroh, who is now Azula's prisoner, return home to the Fire Nation with the Fire Nation Army already in Ba Sing Se. On that note our story begins.
Chapter One
(Fire Lord's War Chamber)
Fire Lord Ozai sat in throne room of his infamous war chamber. He along with the generals and noblemen of the Fire Nation were trying to come up with a plot to try and stop the Solar Eclipse. So far he had only had blank minds to work with today.
“Fire Lord Ozai, what you are asking of us is impossible. We can not stop something that comes naturally, it's the same reason the Avatar can't stop the comet from coming,” said one of the generals.
“And besides,” another one piped up, “with Ba Sing Se conquered who will stop us?”
The men started to nod until the Fire Lord himself decided to speak.
“The Avatar.”
The room was silent as the Fire Lord stroked his beard while he spoke, “Despite the advantages we now have it won't matter when the time comes and we are at our weakest point. The Avatar will still be able to use his other three elements. We must stop this event,” he said. Ozai's words were calm, but you could hear the venomous tone inside of them.
Then, a nobleman stood up and bowed. He was an old man with a regal bearing that almost made him look like a Lord himself. “Permission to speak My Lord?”
The Fire Lord looked at him, “Of course Nobleman Tao. You always have something good to say when you speak.”
Tao bowed and stood at the front of the room, “I have told my daughter about this event and she has told me of a way we can settle this event before the Solar Eclipse.”
A general snorted, “We are to take the advice of a child. A female no less, what a ridiculous...”
The Fire Lord raised his hand to silence the general, “Amaterasu, is not a normal female teenager. Continue Tao.”
“Yes, My Lord. She had told me over the perfect day to attack and wipe out the Northern Water Tribe. We must attack at, Xiazhi .”
An older general nodded tugging at his mustache. “Xiazhi?”
“Xiazhi, is the longest day of the year. On this day we will have enough time to fight and conquer the Northern Water Tribe, before they can attack us at the Solar Eclipse.”
Fire Lord Ozai clapped his hands, this led to everyone in the room being startled. The Fire Lord never commended anyone, except Azula. He stood up from his throne, a dark smirk painted on his face. “Gentlemen, by summer's end we will rule the world.”
The entire war room erupted into a loud cheer. After one hundred long years this war would be over, and the Fire Nation would have achieved complete global victory.
(Meanwhile on Azula's ship)
Zuko sat quietly in his room, it had been a week since he teamed up with Azula and betrayed his beloved Uncle. He even felt bad about hurting the waterbender girl since she had offered to heal his scar. His hand began to move toward the cursed mark. As much as he tried to fight it, his desire to have his honor and his father's love had consumed him. Zuko knew he had two options: Embrace it or right it. Right now the latter was winning.
“Good morning ZuZu,” said a familiar female voice. Zuko turned to see Azula standing there. She was already in her usual attire, her golden hairpiece sparkling in the sunlight.
Zuko, ignoring the fact she called him ZuZu, nodded, “Good morning Azula.”
Azula frowned lightly from his lack of a reaction, then smiled. “Will you be joining the girls and me for breakfast?”
“I'm not hungry,” he responded turning his head away from his sister.
“As you wish Prince Zuko,” Azula said walking out of the room closing the door behind her.
Zuko closed his eyes and all he could see was Iroh, the hurt, the betrayal, the shame. Zuko sat up in frustration, “This is my destiny! I am supposed to be a Prince! I'm supposed to be...”
Evil!
Zuko gripped his head in frustration. “I'm not evil!”
He needed to clear his thoughts, maybe he should go eat with Azula. Zuko thought about it, him, Azula, Mai and Ty Lee. He sighed, “I think it would be healthier to stay in here.”
Laying back down, he decided to finally try and think about his father. The father he hadn't seen in three years. He left him a banished prince and was coming back a war hero. He had to be proud of him. And Ursa, his mother, she must have been proud. Now he was the person he had always been and had the means to find her.
He remembered the dream he had while he was ill, his mother calling out for help. Zuko had felt so helpless, what would he have done. He was just a tea boy, not he was a prince again. Now, he could help. He had made the right choice...didn't he? Iroh's face flashed through his head once again.
“Uncle...I hope nothing bad happens to him,” Zuko whispered to himself. As soon as those words left his lips, he knew it would never be. Azula and his father would punish his beloved Uncle without a doubt.
There was a soft knock on the door.
“Come in.”
It was Mai. She slid into the room quietly, her cheeks tinted red, “Prince Zuko, Azula sent me to tell you that we are docking in twenty minutes.”
Zuko sat up and stretched, “Thanks Mai, you can go now.”
Mai blushed harder, “Oh! Yes...um...later.” She exited much faster than she came.
Zuko blinked and shook his head, “Girls are crazy.”
(Meanwhile, again, Fire Nation Palace)
The extra rooms in the Fire Nation Palace were for very high ranking nobles who had earned great favor with Fire Lord Ozai. Two of those families were the Tao and the Dashu, which where given fairly big rooms in the palace. Renji Dashu was currently rushing to Amaterasu Tao's room. Renji was a fairly tall teen-age boy of sixteen. He hair long dark brown hair that was in a topknot, however he left a few long strands as bangs over his dark Grey eyes.
Renji reached Amaterasu's room, “AMA!!!” he yelled with a healthy hint of hyperness in his voice. Amaterasu, who had been sitting peacefully reading let out a scream as Renji stormed into her room.
“For Agni's sake! Can you be anymore childish?” Amaterasu asked brushing off her sari.
Renji put a hand on his chin and thought. “Maybe if I wanted to, but I don't think...”
“It was a rhetorical question,” Amaterasu said rolling her golden eyes.
“Oops, hehe sorry Red,” Renji said rubbing the back of his head.
Yes, Amaterasu had been born with fire red hair from birth, it was because she had been born on the birthday of Agni, the birth of fire, which no one is supposed to be born on. The result was she had a bit of fire in her, which was shown by her dark red hair. This hair was now tied back in a simple piece of cloth.
“Yeah whatever Renji. What are you doing here anyway?” she asked putting her hand on her hip.
“I have a surprise that is gonna excite you,” He said, a big grin plastered across his face.
Amaterasu sat down on her pillow, “What is it Renji? I don't have all day to spend with you.”
“Eh, rudeness. Anyway ZUKO IS COMING HOME TODAY!”
Amaterasu almost dropped to the floor stunned, Zuko was coming here! Today! “So he captured the Avatar?”
“Nope.”
“Well what did he do then?”
“Well, the guard told me that he teamed up with Azula to defeat and almost kill the Avatar. He helped conquer Ba Sing Se, he's a WAR HERO!” Renji held out his hands expecting a look or sound of awe or shock from his red-headed friend, but got nothing, “Ama?”
The red-haired woman shook her head and smiled, “I'm just shocked it had been three years since he left.”
“Yeah,” Renji responded crossing his arms, “and we never got to see his scar.”
Amaterasu found herself rolling her eyes again, “I don't think he's going to want to talk about that of all things.”
“Yeah, plus Azula and her two friends are back together again,” Renji said with a grin on his face. He thought about the Fire Nation Princess and felt a blush rise to his cheeks.
Amaterasu saw this and pinched her friend on the cheek. “Twit, stop while your ahead. Your never gonna get that girl.”
'Whatever, I'm a dreamer so I dream.”
Another eye-roll at the cliché. “So when is Zuko arriving? We have to go see him.”
“Um, well you see...”
“Yes?”
“They will be here in about five minutes,” Renji said sheepishly.
For a second it was quiet then all the fire from the candles started to erupt like little volcano's. Renji started to back away slowly.
“Ama...”
“YOU IDIOT!!!!”
End of Chapter One
Next Time on Xiazhi: Zuko is back at home with his friend, father and honor ready and waiting for him. It seems everything is going together smoothly. That is until Iroh is being put on trail for treason, Zuko will have testify against Uncle. Will he do it or will he continue down the path he has decided to follow. 0o0o00 A/N
Hello and thank you for reading my new Fan fiction Xiazhi. There are two original (main) characters in this story that have been seen so far:
Renji Dashu and Amaterasu Tao. Renji is the Ty Lee of Zuko's group and Amaterasu is the crossover Azula/Mai person and Zuko is his own wonderful self. I hope you like them.
Notes:
Amaterasu: Japanese Goddess of the Sun
Xiazhi: The longest day of the year
Sari: is the traditional garment worn by many women in the Indian subcontinent.
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Jenny Lee
Ba Sing Se Azula
Icon by me, sig by Catalyst
Posts: 2,765
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Post by Jenny Lee on Jan 17, 2007 20:26:40 GMT -5
Great story. The plot seems very original. Good job, I can't wait to read the rest.
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Ming Ue
Haru
MingZula: The one true ship!
Posts: 341
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Post by Ming Ue on Jan 21, 2007 19:07:02 GMT -5
A/N: Hello and welcome to the second chapter of Xiazhi. I hope you enjoy this chapter with Iroh's trial. The next chapter should be up in a few days. Notes: Dupatta-Indian Headdress Lehnga-Long skirt
00o0o0o0o0oo0oo00 Previously on Xiazhi: Zuko is returning home to his beloved Fire Nation, where he hopes that his father has accepted him at long last. Two friends of his Renji and Amaterasu have been informed of his arrival and are getting ready to meet him at Redwood bay. Meanwhile, Fire Lord Ozai and his generals prepare for the Attack on the Northern Water Tribe on the morning of Xiazhi. On that note our story continues.
Chapter Two
Redwood Bay-Port
Amaterasu stood restlessly on the docks of Redwood Bay. Every few second she was fixing her Dupatta or adjusting her lehnga or pulling up her choli. The red outfit seemed to be the only thing that was of any concern to her at the moment. Her red hair was braided in the middle then was free down to her waist. Renji could see his friends restlessness and but a gently hand on her shoulder. His red army uniform was shining bright enough to blind innocent bystanders.
“Don't worry Ama. Zuko will be excited to see us.” Renji said with a smile.
Amaterasu gave him a look from the corner of her eye. “It's not that I'm worried about. Zuko is a catalyst for trouble; I doubt his first day back will go so smoothly.”
Renji nodded and looked around. “Where is Fire Lord Ozai?”
Amaterasu gave out a chuckle. “You expect him to be here?”
“Well it's not just Zuko. It's Azula as well.”
“Ozai probably has some party going on in the palace in his daughter's honor no doubt. I just can not wait to see Iroh.”
Renji grinned, “Well I can't wait to see Azula.”
Amaterasu felt a migraine as soon as he said that, “I swear you are more love-sick than your cousin Mai.”
Azula's Ship
Zuko felt the painful anxiety in his stomach get worse and worse as the ship got closer to Redwood Port. He had been standing on the deck of ship for last legs of the trip. He kept wondering what had changed in the time he had been away. What happened in the palace, to his friends, to his father?
Zuko let out a sigh when he felt a cold hand on his shoulder. “Don't worry brother. Everything will go according to plan,” Azula said with as much of a gently smile as she could muster.
Zuko looked at his sister, the sister who had been the greatest torn in his side. He could remember the times when they ran around the palace and played together, those days where long gone, but they were siblings. He would always love his little sister.
“Thanks Azula, I'm just anxious how much longer?”
“About two minutes,” Azula said. For a moment she turned to look at her brother and suddenly ran a hand through his hair. “You’re a mess.”
Zuko smiled and looked back at the port coming better into view. Home at last. Then it came once again, the guilt. The closer they got to home. The closer Iroh was getting to his fate at the hands of his brother.
“Azula, what do think will happen to Uncle?” he asked almost in a whisper of a voice.
“He will most likely be executed,” she responded nonchalantly.
Zuko eyes closed tightly.
Uncle, I'm sorry.
Redwood Bay-Port
The ship docked at the port, Renji and Amaterasu stood still as the hull of the ship lowered itself. Renji gabbed Amaterasu's hand, which she grabbed back immediately.
“Idiot,” she mumbled.
First, out was Azula being lifted up by her carriage. She was lowered to the ground and stepped out; her eyes glanced in the direction of Renji and Amaterasu.
“Well my brother’s old friends are here to see him,” she said with a smirk.
Renji was about to speak when he felt a sharp pain in his foot. Amaterasu looked at the princess with cool eyes.
“Well Azula, someone had to come.”
Azula just smirked and went on her way into the palace, where the guards escorted her into her father's quarters.
Next, were Ty Lee and Mai. They came out at once and Mai approached her cousin.
“You've gotten taller, Renji,” Mai said sarcastically.
“And you have gotten prettier, Mai,” he responded.
Ty Lee giggled and hugged Amaterasu. “Oh! Dear sister, it is wonderful to see you again!”
Amaterasu reluctantly hugged her back. “Ty Lee, I'm not your sister.”
Ty Lee smiled and released the red-haired girl. “I know, but one can pretend can't she.”
“I...suppose.”
Ty Lee grabbed Mai before she and Renji could get into a fight and walked off into the palace. Renji growled at his cousin. “Great Agni above I can't stand her!”
“Oh, relax she is not so bad.”
Renji snorted, “Whatever you say Ama.”
Then, Zuko came out dressed in the Fire Nation uniform. He stepped down the platform and walk towards his two friends. “Amaterasu...Renji.”
“Wow Zuko, what an enthusiastic response,” Amaterasu said crossing her arms. Her eyes widened when she felts someone pull her into a hug.
“I'm sorry Ama. I'm just shocked to be home,” he said holding his friend closely. “You smell nice,” he told her then let her go.
“You sniffed me?”
Zuko just laughed then gave Renji a manly-hug and back pat. “How have you been man?”
“Same-old, same-old, Got to keep the ladies off with a stick.”
Amaterasu just snorted and thought, I wonder why I've never seen these ladies...or this stick. She watched her two males chat and simply sighed. It was nothing new; she was always to mature for their conversation.
She failed to notice the fact that Zuko was looking at her slightly from the corner of his good eye. He was surprised how she had grown up in the past three years. She wasn't little book-worm, flame princess Ama. Renji tapped him on the shoulder.
“Dude you listening to me?” Renji asked.
“Oh...sorry Ren, I was distracted,” the scar prince responded. “But guys where is my father?”
“I would assume he's on that big fancy throne of his inside the palace,” Amaterasu told him. “Sorry to disappoint.”
“You know Ama. For a woman with fire-red hair, you sure are cold blooded,” Zuko stated a light glare directed towards her.
“Well this is a nation of cold-blooded people. A fact you should be well aware of,” she retorted matching Zuko's glare.
Renji gulped and bravely came between the two friends, “Hey! So Zuko where is Iroh?”
“Yes, how is my favorite General?” Amaterasu asked. Her face lighted up slightly at the thought of seeing Iroh again.
Zuko was about to respond when two solders brought out Iroh. The aged general was still entombed with the same green mineral from his original captor. His face had thinned during the three month voyage with only bread and water too eat.
Zuko's head was down as he was brought out. Renji kept his head in another direction, but Amaterasu felt her blood boiling. Her beloved general and her father-figure, a prisoner?
She picked up her lehnga and ran towards Iroh. She placed her hands on the cold stone and looked at him.
“General Iroh? General are you aright?” Her voice had lost that serious, cool tone and had become gentle and child-like.
Iroh's warm amber eyes opened slowly as he looked down and the young woman, “Ah, little Amaterasu Tao. You look more like your dear mother everyday.”
Amaterasu reached out to touch him when she felt a hand grab her.
“It would not be wise to touch a prisoner of the Fire Nation,” said Azula as she held onto the other's hand firmly.
“Unhand me Azula,” Amaterasu said that coldness returning.
“It's Princess Azula.”
“You’re not my princess.”
Azula's eyes narrowed as she stepped closer to Amaterasu, “Your lucky Amaterasu. Your lucky you are an important part of my father's plans or else you would be eliminated.”
“Azula you’re not worth my time. What is happening to Iroh?”
“Ask my brother. He can tell you. Or better yet, let's go inside, my fuddy-duddy uncle is about to put on trial.”
Azula snapped her fingers and the soldiers carried Iroh into the palace hall. Amaterasu glared at Zuko and followed the soldiers inside. “What have you done Zuko?” she asked before walking away.
Zuko looked at Renji. “She's gonna hate me now.”
“Don't worry about it, Ama has always been attached to Iroh,” Renji told him putting a comforting hand on his shoulder. “Lets go inside to see what’s gonna happen to the old guy.”
Zuko nodded as he and Renji walked into the palace grand hall. There stood his father in his royal attire along with the court advisor at his side. Zuko gulped and bowed.
“H...hello Father.”
Ozai turned and looked at his son. His face was expressionless, but those cold-golden eyes spoke for him. He was judging him.
“Zuko, my son, come your uncle's trial is about to begin.”
Zuko stood up straight and nodded, “Yes, father.” Inwardly Zuko smiled. He had called him son; this meant that he was proud of him. His honor was as good as returned. At least it was for the moment.
Azula was standing near the door and came to join the rest of her immediate family into the court room. She and Zuko separated from their father and went up to the royal box.
“I hope you remember to keep quiet Zuko. You are on the road to getting your honor back. Don't mess it up,” Azula said coldly before looking at her father.
Iroh had been lifted into the center of the room. The room was in the form of a circle with seats all around the area, much like an opera house. A table with five seats, Ozai stepped passed his brother and took his place in the middle of the four other seats. With a bang of his gavel the Fire Lord illuminated the room with hundreds of light and the four men who were standing were seated.
“The court is now in session,” Ozai proclaimed. “Prince Iroh of the Fire Nation is accused of treason against his country.” Ozai looked at his brother. “Older brother how to you plead?”
Iroh raised his aged head proudly, “Not guilty.”
A smirk formed on Ozai's lips. “Fine, then let the trial begin,” he said with another bang of his gavel.
Up a few boxes up from the royal one Amaterasu slid into the Tao box and sat beside her father. As she entered her father stiffened in fear.
“Father, what is going on?” she asked coldly.
“Former General Iroh is on trail for treason,” he responded looking ahead of him.
“I can see that buffoon!” Amaterasu exclaimed. “How can they put him on trail for that? He is one of the greatest hero's over our nation!”
“Well it seems the mighty have fallen, hasn't it dear daughter?” Tao responded with a smug look.
Amaterasu looked at her father and placed a hand on his shoulder in a moment he felt a painful sensation in his shoulder, “You had better hope that I can think of a way to stop this or else you will be wishing you were Iroh.”
Lord Tao nodded and the painful feeling went away in an instant.
“You’re a good father daddy,” she smiled and patted his arm.
Back on the floor of the courtroom Ozai was giving his statement to the fellow judges. “My brother, who I am ashamed to call my brother, is guilty of treason against this glorious nation of ours. He helped the Avatar at the North Pole, which killed our great warrior Zhao...”
Amaterasu snorted from up in her box, “Good riddance.”
“...this resulted in our loss. He also helped the Avatar escape death in the Avatar state and his capture if he were to survive.”
The fire nation nobles in the boxes started to mumble among themselves. They had heard of all of these things, but until now they were never officially acknowledged. Iroh just looked around and saw the face of his nephew. His eyes tried to reach out to Zuko. But, Zuko unable to take the heat of the gaze looked down; Iroh sighed and looked at his younger brother.
“If you call those acts treason then it only shows how little you care for the balance of our world brother. We need the moon spirit it acts as a whole when with the spirits of all the nations. To destroy one would lead to the destruction of them all,” Iroh took a breath. “And as for the Avatar, he is a twelve year old boy. You expect me to watch a young boy die after I have experienced the death of my own young son?”
Ozai chuckled, “There you go putting your own personal feelings ahead of the good of our nation. Your son died because of you, so you save the Avatar as a part of some foolish redemption?”
“All I want is that when I die my son can forgive me. I love my son. But I suppose loving your children is something you have never understood.” The nobles when into uproar over Iroh's words.
“...How dare him...”
“...Who does he think he is...?”
“...His fate is sealed...”
Azula smirked, “His fate is sealed. I can practically see the nose around his neck.”
Zuko was silent as he looked at his uncle. Was he mad? His chances of freedom were already slim to none. Why go and make his situation worse? To prove a point?
Uncle please, be silent. I can not save you.
No, you can save him you just don't want to.
That's crazy I love my uncle!
But you love your father more.
Zuko was silent, his mind had won that fight. He did love his father more, but still. Uncle.
Ozai banged his gavel telling the room to return to it's eerie silence once again.
“Well brother you seem to take family seriously so lets hear what our best witness has to say on your behalf,” he looked towards his children, “Zuko take the stand it's time to answer some questions.”
Zuko sat there in shock.
“What are you waiting for? Go!” Azula exclaimed pushing him out of his seat. Zuko slowly got up and suddenly it felt like he was taking a death march.
Renji came into the Tao box in a rush; he was adjusting his pants as he walked. He elder man didn't seem to notice this but Amaterasu did.
“What the hell are you doing? Where have you been for that matter? You were right behind Zuko.”
“Sorry, I was, but I had to take a crap.” he said with a grin.
Amaterasu grimaced and moved over. “Don't touch me.”
Renji sighed and sat on the floor. “What did I miss?”
“This isn't a play you imbecile! Iroh is on trial for treason! Zuko is about to testify against him!!!” She nearly screamed.
Renji looked down and saw Zuko sit in the witness chair. “dang. Iroh is as good as dead now.”
“Thank you for rays of sunshine Renji,” she replied glaring daggers at the dark-haired teen.
“Hey, you a realist yourself so you should know there is no way they're letting him live.”
As soon as that sentence was uttered he felt a flame on his foot. He yelped and spat on his foot repeatedly to get it out. “Hey non-bender here watch it!”
Amaterasu pointed a finger nearly in his face, “Shut up.”
Renji backed up. “Agni! Ama, relax a little would you.”
She growled then folded her arms as she looked down now that Zuko had taken the stand. Ozai looked down at his son and smiled.
“Please state your name and title.”
“I...I am Zuko, Prince of the Fire Nation.”
Zuko sat uncomfortably on the metal chair. His short black hair covered his eyes a bit, giving him some protection from the heated gazes of the room. His father looked at him and grinned.
“Prince Zuko, your uncle, Iroh, is charged with treason. As his companion for the last three years you are the best witness of what happened. So, did Iroh help the Avatar in the North Pole?” Ozai asked.
Zuko looked at Iroh then looked up at Amaterasu and Renji. With a sigh, he raised his head and faced his father. “Yes, he did. He said that the Fire Nation needed the moon spirit and would attack Zhao if he harmed it.”
From above Amaterasu pressed her head on the metal bar of the viewing box. This was bad and if Ozai got his way, Iroh would be put to death. Renji sighed softly to himself, “Zuko is an idiot. Nothing is gonna change whether or not he testifies against Iroh or not. Even I know that.”
Amaterasu was quiet eerily quiet, her father and Renji tensed at this knowledge. When she wasn’t talking she was thinking and you did not want her thinking.
“Daughter are you…?”
“Quiet old man, don’t you see me thinking?” she said lowly. Her father flinched and sat down deeper into his seat.
Below again Ozai had a slight smirk of victory on his lips. “Thank you Prince Zuko. Now did he not also help the Avatar again when Princess Azula was about to capture him?”
“Yes, he attacked us and stopped us from capturing the Avatar and the Water Tribe Girl.” Zuko kept a monotone voice and looked at his father with a cold expression that rivaled his own.
Ozai stood up and smirked. “There we go a purely un-biased opinion.”
“You have got to be kidding me,” Amaterasu said with a frown, before turning to her father. “Father it’s time for you to use that authority I’ve don’t so much work to arm you with.”
Ozai looked at the other judges and gave them a look. “Now that we have heard the testimony it is clear that Iroh is guilty. As for the punishment treason is death at sunrise…”
“WAIT!” Lord Tao called out.
Ozai and the judges looked the nobleman. Ozai frowned, “What have you interrupted us for? Do you think this traitor deserves mercy?”
Lord Tao looked at his daughter and saw her nod; he raised his head and spoke, “Oh the contrary Milord I would love to see him dead, but I am looking at this from a different point of view. He has helped the Avatar and without a doubt they know that he would be put to death for that. So, they will try and save him leading the Avatar to us.”
The other nobles started to mumble amongst themselves; even Ozai seemed to be thinking this over. Renji bent down to Amaterasu’s ear, “You’re good.”
Ozai raised his hand and looked at Lord Tao, “How can you be so sure of this?”
“Because Milord the pure of heart are always predictable, they would not let Iroh die because of them.”
Ozai stroked his beard the spoke, “What Lord Tao says makes sense. Iroh will be spared, but we will announce his execution to be on the day before Xiazhi. If the Avatar does come, we can kill two birds with one stone,” he snapped his fingers. “Guards, take him to the prison underneath the palace. I want him well taken cared of; he is my brother after all.”
Iroh bowed his head as he was being taken by the guards, he looked up for a moment at Zuko and shook his head, “My nephew, I will pray for you.”
“You should pray for yourself Uncle, you are on the dead man’s path.”
“Dead men don’t need paths Zuko, they already know where they are. It is the living who need to be guided.”
As he was being pulled away, Iroh looked up at Amaterasu and mouthed, “Thank you.”
She smiled back warmly and waved. I haven’t saved you yet Iroh. But I’m working on it, as for my friend Zuko. She looked down at him. He is walking the lost man’s path.
Azula patted Zuko’s shoulder. “You did well brother, you will make us proud after all.”
“Yes, I know my place this time. I will prove my honor,” he said closing his eyes.
Next Time on Xiazhi:
Zuko had proven his loyalty to his father, but his relationship with Uncle and Amaterasu is suffering for it. As Renji tries to mend things between his two best friends. Lord Tao and Fire Lord Ozai meet about their children’s futures and the futures of their bloodline.
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Ming Ue
Haru
MingZula: The one true ship!
Posts: 341
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Post by Ming Ue on Jan 26, 2007 20:10:18 GMT -5
A/N: Thank you to my readers and this is the third chapter of Xiazhi. I slightly altered this chapter than what it should have been.
Previously of Xiazhi: Zuko has returned home to the nation that cast him out three years ago. Iroh was put on trial for treason against the Fire Nation. Zuko was put on the witness stand and testified against Iroh, so that he could somehow gain his father’s love and respect again. Iroh is sentenced to death, but due to Amaterasu’s quick thinking his death is held off.
Chapter Three
Amaterasu climbed into the Tao carriage and closed her eyes waiting for her father to join her. She felt the fire in her blood acting up, she wasn’t just angry she was ticked off to the point of wanting to burn the other side of Zuko’s stupid face. Fortunately, for Zuko she didn’t get the opportunity.
Her father entered the carriage quietly, not wanting to antagonize his already irate child. His eyes were closed and he crossed his arms into a still pose until Amaterasu addressed him.
“So what did Ozai call you for?” she asked.
Lord Tao opened his eyes. “He wishes to discuss annulling your engagement towards Zhao officially.”
A cold smile came across her lips at the mention of her dead fiancé. “Ah yes, the monkey-fool is dead. I suppose it’s time the Fire Lord annulled the deal between Zhao’s family and ours.”
The nobleman shifted in his seat, nervous about what he was about to say. “But there is a problem.”
The red-haired woman slowly opened her eyes in a narrow glare towards her father. “What kind of a problem?”
“They wish to take back the money that they gave us as payment for the marriage,” he said slowly inching away slowly from his child.
A low chuckle was heard from her. “Oh father the only problem that will occur is one of their own, as if I’m going to give them back anything. It’s not the Tao family’s fault their son was weak enough to get killed.”
The man relaxed and let out a sigh. “Well we are returning to the Tao mansion for now. But you and your sister are returning tomorrow.”
Amaterasu’s smile was genuine this time as she thought about her younger sister. “Nia hasn’t been around the palace in awhile.”
*Fire Nation Palace*
As the Tao carriage drifted of beyond the falling sun Zuko and Renji sat together inside of the fallen prince’s room watching their friend leave. Zuko had a look of deep turmoil in his eyes. Renji sighed his friends always had problems.
“Look Zuko, stop worrying about this. You did what you had to do man,” he said putting a hand on his shoulder. “She will understand that.”
Zuko shrugged Renji’s hand off. “What makes you think I care what she thinks of me? My only concern is my father and my sister, my real family.”
The coldness of his words confused Renji. His friend had changed drastically in the last three years; this was the boy who was afraid of the dark until he was ten.
“Look nobody is telling you what you should care about, but Ama and I have always been there for you…”
“The only person who has always been there for me is me. So you and Ama can think and say whatever you want about the choices I’ve mad today, but the point is I’m not losing my father’s love again,” Zuko told Renji.
Renji’s brown eyes saddened a bit and he bowed, “Whatever you say Prince Zuko. Just remember that you have real friends and that we are here for you.”
Renji left the prince and went to his own room. With the privacy of his room returned to himself, Zuko removed his shirt and as sat down cross legged in the middle of the room. Since the day he went on the path of bedrail, his thoughts had been plagued with faces.
Most of the time it was Iroh, but other times it would that water tribe girl. He remembered talking to her about their mother’s and how she showed him kindness, almost healing his scar before the blasted Avatar interrupted.
The candles along the room rose as he thought about the bald monk who time and time again escaped his grasp. He remembered the tears in her eyes as the bald monk fell to what should have been his death.
Guilt suddenly raised his throat like bile. Why did he even allow himself to care about someone so unimportant? He pushed her out of his mind and someone quickly replaced the water tribe girl. Amaterasu’s face as she saw Iroh earlier today. The pain that she usually hid was shown clearly.
“What have you done Zuko?”
Was what she had asked him and it hurt somewhere in his soul that had stung.
“You did well brother, you will make us proud after all.”
The words Azula told him; those words somehow justified all the things he has done. He will sacrifice all that he had to make his father proud again. Iroh, the water tribe girl and Amaterasu they were sacrifices that he had to make.
Zuko opened his eyes and allowed himself to relax on his bed.
“No matter what never forget who you are.”
Don’t worry mother I have finally remembered who I am.
Are you sure that’s what she was talking about?
Zuko didn’t respond to his conscience. If he didn’t respond he didn’t have to feel guilty.
*Tao Mansion*
Lord Jen Tao was a strong man, but he did have one great fear. His child, Amaterasu, was his version of Azula. She was not a master bender, but she had talent that was the equivalent of any master.
Since her mother left, she had taken over ruling the Tao clan behind the scenes. Jen Tao knew he needed his daughter’s tacit skills for his meeting with the Fire Lord. But, he had an idea to free himself from his daughter.
*Earlier Today at the Fire Nation Palace*
Lord Tao bowed in front of the Fire Lord’s throne. “Thank you Milord for seeing me today.”
Ozai sat down and looked at his subject with apathy. “Never mind it just tell me what you have to say.”
Lord Tao stood up, but kept his head down. “My daughter, as you know was engaged to the late, Admiral Zhao. I would like to have the marriage annulled.”
“Is that all you want? Don’t tell me you have wasted my time with that?” he asked his flames rose slightly in agitation.
“No, I wish to offer my daughter to your son.”
The Fire Lord raised his eyebrow and leaned on his throne. “Your daughter and my son, why would I fix them together? Zuko will not be my heir.”
“I do know that Milord, but can you imagine what it would be like with a woman on the throne? While Azula is a prodigy and a powerful bender she is a woman and will face more turmoil than a male heir,” the noble man responded. He kept his words polite and to the point.
Ozai looked at him and thought deeply. “Your words are of use to me, I shall think about your offer. If I accept it, you shall know.”
*Lord Tao bowed, “Thank you Milord, much obliged.”*
*Tao Mansion*
As Amaterasu walked down the halls of the Tao Mansion the servants backed away from her. A smirk was inside of her mind as she reached her room door.
“Me Lin,” she called and a short pudgy woman with a heavy set of red rouge on her face ran up to her and bowed.
“Yes, Lady Amaterasu?”
“Call me when Nia wakes up from her nap. I will be up all night,” she said then entering her room.
As she closed the door she felt something furry rub against her foot, she looked down to see a white fox and smiled.
“Well hello Tsuki,” she said with a rare warm smile. “You got anything for mommy today?”
The fox ran off into a brown bag in the corner and pulled out an green Emerald and handed it to her master. Amaterasu picked it up and looked at it.
“Well I think you’ve found it Tsuki,” she said and sat on her bed. She removed her headdress and pulled out a silver box from underneath her bed; reaching into her coli she pulled out a small key.
Inside of the box was five scrolls and a white case, opening the box inside was already a red Ruby.
“So now we have Salamander and Golem, only two left,” she said placing the gem inside and returning the items into their places. Stroking her pet fox she let herself think about what was going on.
“So my darling pet, Iroh is on death row and Zuko is being an Equus asinus,” she said letting out a sigh and sat up slightly. “If my plan works, as they usually do, we will be able to break Iroh out and help Zuko gain some common sense.” She closed her eyes and started to meditate lying on her back.
“Well, I guess I’ll take to Yue about this, she always has good advice.”
*Fire Nation Palace, Zuko’s room.*
Zuko had fallen asleep in his room. His thoughts were clouded and filled with the people that he refused to see.
*Zuko saw himself standing in the witness chair a judge’s face covered in darkness.*
“What is this?” he asked himself.
“You’re a terrible person do you know that!” a familiar voice yelled at him. The face of the water tribe girl appearing in front of him
“You don’t know what you’re talking about!” he said yelling at her, confused about what was around him.
“Doesn’t she Zuko, you’re a coward! You won’t even stand up to your father!” said another voice. Amaterasu appeared behind him from the shadows.
Zuko felt his anger rise. “Who are you to judge me? Who are you to call me a coward?”
The water peasant crossed her arms. “We have every right to judge you. You betrayed our trust!”
“I never asked you to trust you trust me PEASANT!” he roared.
Iroh stepped up next to the water tribe girl. “They are right Prince Zuko. You have chosen the path that will cost you your sanity, the path that had betrayed the four of us.”
Zuko narrowed his eyes at the judge. “The four of you?”
The judge stood up and Ursa’s face was reveled.
Zuko’s eyes widened in shock. “M…mom?”
“You betrayed us Zuko.”
He turned and saw the water peasant walk of. “I…I thought you had changed.”
Amaterasu sighed and followed Katara off. “I thought…you finally grew a backbone.”
Iroh put his hands together and shook his head. “I thought…you were finally going to live the life you should.”
As they all vanished it was only Zuko and his mother. She looked down at him.
“Zuko, my love, you have failed me.”
He tried to get up, but he was stuck to his seat. “I did this for you mom! I did this to save you!”
She smiled and kissed Zuko’s cheek. “You have failed me and I still love you and I still have faith in you. So do they, you have to realize Zuko, only you can love yourself,” Ursa smiled and put her hood over her head and stepped away. “Never forget who you are Zuko, it’s slipping away slowly, catch it.”
As his mother vanished, Zuko felt tears roll from his good eye. The eye that marked him, the one thing he could never free himself of.
*“AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!”*
Zuko jumped out of bed gasping for air and grabbing his head. Why did they have to haunt him? Why now when everything was right did they need to torment him until he went mad? Why can’t they just let him sleep?
Next time on Xiazhi:
Zuko confronts his uncle for what might be their last time together. As Ozai tries to decide to marry Zuko and Amaterasu, Ama and her sister, Nia arrive back at the palace to stay for the next three weeks. Zuko and Amaterasu have to meet sometime.
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Ming Ue
Haru
MingZula: The one true ship!
Posts: 341
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Post by Ming Ue on Mar 4, 2007 17:51:02 GMT -5
A/N: Hello I would like to thank the following people for reviewing my story on here and on other sites. I hope I was able to improve with describing. Atmos Yong Wing Kai Yamagata Zuko4ever2 The Cookie Thief Lady-Rukia Star Flicker Waterbending Katara
Previously on Xiazhi: Zuko is being haunted by the people he has hurt on his way to returning into his father’s favor again. Amaterasu has received a gem from her pet fox, the purpose of which has yet to be seen; Lord Tao is trying to give his daughter away to Prince Zuko without Amaterasu’s knowledge.
Chapter Four
Renji was seated on a black pillow and took a deep sip of some Jasmine Tea. His long brown hair was loose and fell over his shoulders. He was having a head-ache too early in the morning for him to deal with it properly. The stress of knowing that Ama and Zuko were going to be at each other’s throats had been plaguing him all night. His grey eyes were a bit dark under the lids due to lack of sleep.
“I don’t know what to do Mai,” he said softly turning to his cousin.
The dark-haired girl sighed and placed herself on a neighboring pillow. “I don’t think it makes a difference what you do Renji,” she told him taking a sip of her own tea; her long hair was down this morning. “Amaterasu is like Azula on a good day and Zuko is like a mindless puppet in times of pressure.”
Renji chuckled. “That’s true. Zuko cracks up under pressure, especially when having to do with his father.”
“Exactly and since her mother went missing, Ama has looked upon Iroh as a surrogate mother figure.”
“Mai, Iroh is a man.”
Mai took another sip of her tea. “Yeah, when he’s not acting like a tea-high woman.”
The two cousins shared a short laugh about this before letting out unison sighs. Mai placed her cup to the side and picked up a plate of food.
“But, the fact of the matter is, Zuko and Ama will have to get over their differences on their own time. Don’t stress yourself out over childish games.”
Renji sighed and slid his hair threw his raven hair. “I know, but I’m their best friend. I can’t just let them be mad at each other.”
“Look a wise man knows when and when not to get involved. If you wanna help them stay as neutral as you can.”
Renji looked at his dark cousin and smirked. “Is that what you do with Ty Lee and Azula?”
Mai snorted into her cup. “In this “friendship” its follow what Azula says and you won’t get hurt.” Mai smirked. “Of course I don’t always follow this rule.”
Renji and Mai laughed at each other’s relationships with their friends. Mai sat up and wiped the dirt off her black skirt. “Well cousin and you please go away so I can put on my face?” Renji sighed and got up scratching his head. “Sure I was getting sick of the one you had on,” he said with a laugh exiting and barely avoiding Mai’s tea cup.
Heading down into the Dashu’s chambers Renji tied up his long black hair into a fancy topknot and yawned.
“It’s gonna be a long day.”
Tao Mansion-Amaterasu’s Room
The red-head youth sat stilly in the center of her room, her long red hair was tied into a messy braid and her eyes seemed expressionless as they gazed into the air. Her dreamy disposition made it easy for a young girl to creep inside the room. The young girl smirked slyly and tip-toped across the room, careful not to make any loud sounds to upset the trance.
As the girl was about to tap on Amaterasu’s shoulder she felt her arm being grabbed by warm fire. The girl yelped and fell on her backside.
“Don’t you know you’re supposed to knock Nia?” Amaterasu said with a smirk.
The girl called Nia pouted and fixed her dark brown hair back into a bun. “Sorry big sister. I wanted to frighten to you a little. That’s all.”
Amaterasu smiled and patted the dark haired girl on the head warmly. “It’s fine little one. Just don’t do it again, it’s annoying.”
Nia nodded her head vigorously in agreement. “Yes, yes I understand sister.” Amaterasu stood up slowly wiping of her skirt and looked at her sister. She had grown up since the last time she took a really good look at her.
Nia was about her height now at a firm five-foot three; she had a light, very light, tan complexion which made the light patch of freckles on her nose stands out. Her hair was the shade of a normal Fire Nation citizen, which Amaterasu was very thankful for, at a light brown color. It was currently pulled up into a bun and adorned with a fire nation ornament.
Amaterasu laughed lightly to herself. Her sister was growing up so quickly, it was good and bad. Shaking the whole thing of her mind she turned to Nia.
“What are you doing here anyways?” she asked softly as she let her hands start to unbraid her red mane.
The pre-teen sat up and clapped her hands in excitement. “Zhao’s family will be coming to visit us before we go to the Palace. I heard the servant say that they should be arriving soon.” Nia’s brown eyes locked with her sister’s. “What are we gonna do?”
Amaterasu stopped undoing her hair, letting it fall in waves down her back; placing her hand on her chin she thought.
“Well, it looks as though I’m going to have to…act.”
“Act sister?” Nia questioned.
The redhead got on the floor and started to pull up her skirt up to her thigh. She brushed her fingers across the pale skin; it felt smooth under her fingertips. “Nia, bring me my Sais; the ones I keep under my bed.”
Nia, obeyed reaching under the fold of the sheets and bring the dagger-sized swords to her sister.
“What are you going to do with those?”
The response was seeing the blade heated up so that the tip of it was a white. Amaterasu looked at her sister. “Bring me some water and bandages. If we want this to look right we have to be precise. Make sure you are ready to do exactly as I say. Alright?”
“Yes sister,” Nia replied and got up to the cabinet taking the bandages down and using the water bowl that the servants left for facial washing. She placed the bowl next to her sister.
“Are you ready Nia?”
The brunette nodded and bit her lip, her mind was screaming as she saw her sister drag the white hot blade into her flesh. Nia’s hands flew to her face to cover up any tears from her sister. She knew not to cover her ears, her sister would not scream.
Fire Nation Palace-Zuko’s Room
The Fire Nation prince sat awake in his room, it was dark except for the dancing fire in his fireplace. His nightmare’s plaguing him each time he closed his eyes. Zuko rolled over trying to hide from his element when the door knocked.
“Enter,” he said coldly.
A young servant girl entered the room, her head bowed in the proper respect for her prince. “Prince Zuko, your father the esteemed Fire Lord Ozai has ordered your presence at the breakfast table.”
Zuko’s normal eye widened as he shot out of bed. “Are you sure about that? Did Azula put you up to it?” he asked.
The girl shrunk back at the mention of the Fire Princess. “No, my prince your father has ordered your presence immediately to help before the Trinity Ball.”
Zuko nodded raking his hair with his fingers. “Alright, tell my father that I shall be dressed in appropriate attire and come down.”
The girl nodded quickly and speed out the room not wanting to spend any more time with the dark Fire Nation Prince. Zuko slid out of bed and headed to the closet and started to put on his red and gold dress robes.
The Sword, Soul and Brain, The Trinity, how long has it since I’ve head of that, he thought to himself as he fixed his collar. His fingers combed through his hair, a comb was not yet needed, trying to make it as neat as can be.
“The last thing I need is for him to say I look like a peasant,” he mumbled to himself.
He started down the hallway; he tried to remember his way around the palace, three years changes a lot of things including home.
But home should always stay the same, no matter how long you leave it.
He saw guards all around, but it would be shameful for him to be the Prince and not know his way around his own palace.
This isn’t your palace. This isn’t your home! The voice in his head yelled.
Shut up! I know my place in this world. It is here just go away! Zuko yelled at himself pushing all doubt away. Uncle told him that to master lighting he had to rid of all his inner conflict. This was just another barrier keeping him from being the best.
Zuko felt his body wandering down the hall until he came to the dinning room door. The door was as regal as it was intimating, almost like a sleeping lion. Zuko slowly knocked on the door, then watched it slowly open.
The Fire Lord sat on the head of the long oak table with Azula seated on his left side; surprisingly Renji was also there with his father, Lord Bason Dashu, who glared coldly at the prince with dark golden eyes.
Ozai cleared his throat. “Welcome Prince Zuko. We have been expecting you,” he raised his hand slightly signaling for him to take his place beside Azula.
Zuko bowed deeply before sitting next to Azula, who smirked a little.
Lord Dashu spoke up. “Well now all we need is those infernal Taos to arrive.”
“Be patient, the Tao’s are having a meeting with the late Admiral Zhao’s family.”
A smirk suddenly appeared on Azula’s lips. “I would love to see how Amaterasu handle’s them.”
The Tao Mansion- Meeting Room
“We want our bloody money!” The elderly man yelled as his wife held his arm back.
“Please dear your blood pressure,” she said before her husband pulled his arm away slamming them on the table.
Lord Tao had his arms folded and spoke nothing. He had gotten orders from Amaterasu to say nothing to them until she arrived.
Uruyu, the elderly man, growled and created fire in his hand. “If you do not give us the blasted money I will…”
“You will do what?” spoke a cold voice.
Uruyu turned to see Amaterasu standing there with Nia by her side. Uruyu let the fire in his hands vanish; he could feel his old heart pounding. He didn’t wish to anger that woman.
“I did not mean to be so vulgar. I only wish to have what is rightfully ours,” he said calmly bowing his head.
The fire-haired girl’s eyes narrowed as she walked towards the man. “You come into my home, yell vulgarities around my younger sister, threaten my father and now you want money?” she chuckled. “You are lucky to still have your face,” she said her fingers tracing over his face like a whisper, she felt him tremble under her finger tips.
“P...Please we are not nobility like you Milady,” the old woman said. “Without Zhao to support us we will surly go into poverty.”
Amaterasu removed her fingers from the man’s face. “I understand that, but why should I have to pay for you to survive. I am the one who is husbandless and has suffered through the white period (time of mourning).”
“I doubt you have mourned for my son,” the man said in a spiteful whisper.
“Really?” she asked. “You think I didn’t care for him?”
She pulled up her red lehnga up to her thigh. Deep red cuts decorated the skin; they looked old and raw as if they had been there for along period of time. All the marks shaped Z’s. The couple gasped and Lord Tao, who had been quiet as he was ordered, looked at them in surprise.
Did she actually morn his death in such away? He asked himself.
Nia on the other hand kept her head down to hide a small smile. Sister is such an actress. She’s almost as good as the Princess.
Zhao’s parents bowed deeply in shame.
“We are deeply sorry Milady. We didn’t know you felt so deeply for Zhao,” Uruyu said softly keeping his head low.
“It seems that you didn’t you simpleton,” Amaterasu’s voice slowly became gently. “But since your wife seems to be softer spoken than you. I shall allow your family to become a part of the lesser Tao family household.”
The elation in their eyes was clear; the woman gripped her hand and kissed it gently. “Thank you oh kind one, oh gently one…”
“Yeah, yeah. I know all that stuff already. Now go, before I change my mind,” she responded coldly.
The elderly couple bowed and walked away quickly afraid to deal with the wrath of The Tao lady.
Nia closed the door and took her place next to her sister. “So what now father?” the young girl asked.
The lord looked at his eldest. “Well we do have to make it for the meeting of the Fire Trinity, and there is supposed to be a ball to set it off.”
“Well then let us get going,” Amaterasu said with a smirk. “I know someone at that ball wants to see me.”
Fire Nation Palace-Dining Hall ~an hour later~
Zuko was silent in his father’s presence. The air was warm and thick, almost as if smoke was pouring in through an invisible fire. In fact Zuko was almost sure that it was his father’s essence.
Ozai took a sip from his goblet and then looked ahead. “This evening in honor on the 78th meeting of the Fire Trinity we shall have a palace ball. I expect both my children to attend and to dance.”
Internally both Azula and Zuko grimaced; they knew this meant a night of smiling and dancing with the giddy teenage boys and girls that wanted to be part of the “elite” group. It was going to be hell.
Lord Dashu let out a cough. “Well Fire Lord since all these minute issues can be discussed another time could I suggest we speak in private?”
The Fire Lord nodded and raised his hands signaling for Zuko, Azula and Renji to leave. The three teens bowed and left, as the doors closed Renji sighed.
“Great a blasted ball,” he groaned pressing his fingers to his eyes.
“Looks like it. Another wonderful evening of prancing around like idiots,” Azula said frowning. “Never the less we shall have to deal with it.”
Zuko had stayed silent for roughly the entire hour he had been with his father. “Azula?” he asked softly.
The princess was slightly shocked to hear his voice. “I almost forgot you were here. What is it?”
“Uncle…where is he?”
Her eyes narrowed slightly. “The lower level prison.” As she saw he brother walk away she grabbed his shoulder, her nails scratching him a bit. “Your doing well Zuko don’t mess it up,” she warned.
Zuko shrugged his hand away and looked at her from narrowed eyes. “I’m merely going to say goodbye. I owe him at least that much.” He walked away slowly leaving the two teens looking back at him.
“Don’t worry Azula,” Renji said putting his arm around her shoulder, “he won’t mess up.”
Azula closed her eyes and reached up grasping Renji’s hand and twisting it. “Don’t. Touch. Me.” She landed a firm kick to the shins and walked off leaving.
Renji gripped his shin and groaned. “dang it!” then he smiled. “She only injured me, she didn’t kill me. She must like me!”
Dinning Hall ~Meanwhile~
“I’m impressed,” Lord Dashu said moving closer to the Fire Lord. “Your son has learned to keep his mouth shut.”
Ozai had a smug look on his face. “Well I doubt he wants another scar.” Then his mouth turned into a frown. “Now what matter did you exactly want to discuss old friend?”
“Permission to speak freely, Milord?”
“Granted Bason.”
“Jen Tao is an old friend, but he is also a sneaky little worm,” Lord Dashu said with an aggravated tone. “He only wants to make his family take over by asking for his engagement between Amaterasu and Zuko.”
“I am fully aware of Jen’s sneaky ways, but I can assure you he will never take other his family. He would never even try to.”
“Oh and why is that?”
“His wife was one of the loyalist soldiers I have ever known she gave her life for the royal family, the last thing he would do was try to destroy what his wife loved,” Ozai responded calmly.
“Well what of Amaterasu?” the lord said. “Surly she is a threat; she is a prodigy when it comes to strategies and things of that nature. She is also cruel and…”
“This is exactly why she would make a wonderful match for my son. He needs someone to teach him how to be cruel, how to think like a leader.”
“So, you are approving this engagement?”
“No,” Ozai leaned back and started to stroke his bead, “not just yet.”
Lower Prison Holding
The air was almost like the prison itself, metallic, cold and rusty. Zuko’s eyes scanned the dark surroundings for a familiar face or smell. His golden eyes managed to make out one bloated figure among the other emaciated prisoners.
“Uncle,” he whispered as he came closer.
“You have come Prince Zuko,” said the soft voice of the old man.
“I have come to say my goodbye’s uncle,” Zuko’s voice was low and strained. It almost sounded like he was going to cry.
Iroh sat up and came closer to Zuko. He was now visible, despite the dimly lit cavern. His hand reached out and grabbed Zuko’s shoulder.
“This is far from goodbye,” Iroh said softly.
Zuko reluctantly pulled away, he couldn’t allow himself to be weakened by this old man’s love for him. “It has to be, now we are walking on different paths,” he’s head was down and turned away.
“You may think that Zuko, but if that was really true you would not be here right now.”
Zuko’s head slowly rose and he looked back at his uncle.
“My darling Zuko, just by coming here you have giving me hope,” the former general said softly before closing his eyes.
“I’m sorry uncle,” Zuko looked up at the old man with sadness. “I’m sorry to have given you false hope.” The young prince ran away from his uncle, before he could allow the depths of his guilt to overwhelm him.
Iroh tilted his head towards the ceiling of his murky prison. “I’m sorry Ursa I tried.”
Next Time of Xiazhi:
The ball is here and the nobles of the Fire Nation are celebrating. A scandalous dance and a meeting between Zuko and Amaterasu are coming up, but someone is lurking amongst them. Someone with a vendetta against Zuko.
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Atmos
Casual Zuko
Tame the Flame
Posts: 946
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Post by Atmos on Mar 4, 2007 22:50:11 GMT -5
The 4th chapter was excellent. The dialouge was good and your description is getting better. I totally cringed when Ama was burning herself with the swords. And the plot still has me clung to. Keep up the great work.
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