Chapter 21: A Royal Entrance
The narrow street of the colonial town buzzed with tension. Villagers were hurriedly ushered aside by domestic forces in dark uniforms. Above, deep red banners emblazoned with the Fire Nation emblem fluttered in the breeze. Soldiers moved with disciplined precision, their boots clicking against the stone path as they established a strict perimeter.
The royal carriage, a formidable presence with its intricate carvings and gleaming surface, rolled to a halt. The lieutenant stepped forward, opening the door.
Azula emerged, her movements fluid and graceful, yet exuding an undeniable authority. Her royal armor, a striking combination of gold and black, caught the sunlight, casting a radiant glow around her.
Her booted feet touched the ground with a decisive thud. The lieutenant immediately dropped to his hands and knees, his forehead almost touching the ground in a gesture of absolute reverence.
A few meters away, Kaiya stood tall, her eyes fixed on Azula. She wore the deep crimson battle attire bestowed upon her by the princess, her master. With measured grace, Kaiya executed the Fire Nation salute. As protégé reunited with master, a silent acknowledgment passed between them. Azula's eyes fixated on Kaiya, a sly smirk forming on her lips.
The lieutenant, still bowing but raising his head slightly, spoke with a mix of reverence and eagerness. "Your timely arrival honors us, Princess. The strategic genius you displayed in capturing Ba Sing Se remains unparalleled."
Azula did not respond, her gaze unwaveringly fixed on Kaiya.
Standing up, the lieutenant attempted an optimistic comment, his voice carrying a hint of forced cheerfulness. "With the Earth Kingdom vanquished, we stand on the brink of peace. Only remnants of rebel scum remain."
Azula turned her head slowly towards him, her voice a chilling whisper. "Rebel scum? From what I understand, you allowed earthbenders to flourish in this town, and possibly others as well. Tell me why I shouldn't have you hauled before my father for treason?"
The lieutenant turned pale, his posture stiffening. He began to stammer incoherently, unable to articulate any response.
Azula's yellow eyes blazed with a chilling intensity that sent a shiver down the lieutenant's spine. "Kaiya had to rectify your failure. Utter another word in my presence, and you'll find your head beneath a komodo rhino's hoof."
He slowly nodded in response, hanging his head low in shame.
Azula then walked towards Kaiya, stopping just short of her. She smirked, a playful glint in her eyes.
"And here I was thinking you could have managed to stay unnoticed," Azula remarked, her tone light.
Kaiya responded with equal playfulness, her eyes sparkling. "It seems the princess has been rather occupied herself with the conquest of the Earth Kingdom's grandest city."
Azula's smirk widened.
Kaiya gestured ahead, and the two began walking towards the garrison, escorted by a mixture of domestic forces and Azula's Royal Guards.
As the two walked side-by-side, their royal guards following close behind and flanking them in front, Azula's sharp eyes scanned the surroundings. She noted with satisfaction how the citizens bowed deeply, their eyes averted in a display of submission and respect. The sight of Kaiya and Azula instilled a visible wave of discipline among the Earth Kingdom citizens, who dared not raise their heads.
Azula's lips curved into a twisted smile as she addressed her protégé. "You've certainly instilled discipline in these peasants," her remark clearly directed at the Earth Kingdom citizens.
Kaiya acknowledged Azula's words with a slight nod, her expression impassive yet alert. The pair continued their walk until they reached the imposing entrance of the garrison. The stone structure loomed before them, a symbol of Fire Nation strength and authority.
As they approached the garrison, the air grew heavier with anticipation. The soldiers guarding the entrance snapped to attention, their eyes fixed straight ahead. Azula stopped in front of the imposing building, turning to face the lieutenant.
"I will speak with Kaiya alone," Azula commanded, her voice leaving no room for objection.
The lieutenant hesitated, his eyes darting between Azula and Kaiya before he reluctantly nodded and stepped back. He waited outside, his posture stiff with tension as Azula and Kaiya entered the garrison.
* * *
Inside, the air was cool and quiet. The walls, adorned with Fire Nation insignias, seemed to absorb the tension that hung between master and protégé. Azula's eyes darted around the room before settling on Kaiya, a calculating look in her gaze.
Azula crossed her arms, her gaze cold and unyielding as she scoffed at the news of the impending invasion by rebel Earth Nation forces. "So, they think they can just march here and do as they please. They're in for a rude awakening."
Kaiya, standing a few paces away, observed Azula with a mixture of respect and caution. "What do you have in mind, master?" she inquired, her voice calm and composed, though a hint of curiosity lingered.
Azula's eyes narrowed, her expression calculating as she considered their options. "We can't allow this town to fall. It's under your command, and by extension, my command. So that isn't an option. We will decimate them completely." Her words were absolute, leaving no room for doubt.
Kaiya frowned, a touch of concern crossing her features. "But we do not know when they plan on attacking or their movements." Her voice was steady, but the uncertainty of the situation was evident.
For a moment, the room fell into a heavy silence, the weight of their predicament hanging in the air. Azula turned on her heel, striding towards the entrance of the garrison with purposeful steps. She opened the door a crack and called out sharply, "Bring him in!"
Kaiya's confusion deepened, her brow furrowing as she watched Azula's actions. The command was clear and concise, yet its implications were shrouded in mystery.
The door to the garrison creaked open as the royal guards dragged in a man dressed in an Earth Kingdom military uniform. His face was bruised, a testament to his resistance, and he glared defiantly at his captors. Forced to his knees before Azula and Kaiya, his spirit seemed unbroken despite the rough treatment.
Azula stood over him, her presence menacing and authoritative. Leaning down slightly, she spoke, her voice dripping with malice. "He knows."
Kaiya's eyes flicked to Azula, her curiosity piqued. "Who is he?" she asked.
Azula's response was cold and detached. "A souvenir gifted by one of the mayors on my way here."
With deliberate steps, Azula walked up to Kaiya and leaned in, her breath warm against Kaiya's ear. Her whisper was filled with a twisted smile. "He's a stubborn one. Good luck."
Azula then settled into a chair, crossing her legs with an air of anticipation, her eyes never leaving the scene.
Kaiya knelt to the man's level, her voice calm and gentle. "I know what you must be thinking, but I assure you, not all of us are the same. Prisoners are treated well under my command. Let's get you bathed, fed, and a warm room to sleep in for the night."
She extended her hand out to the man, offering a gentle smile. The man's eyes filled with suspicion and fear, but he hesitantly took her hand. As soon as their hands touched, smoke began to seep from between Kaiya's fingers, causing the man to cry out in pain.
"Hold him," Kaiya ordered, her voice emotionless, her eyes cold.
The royal guards grabbed the man, preventing him from escaping. His screams echoed through the room, but Kaiya's grip remained firm, her expression unchanging.
"I'll talk! I'll talk! Just stop, please!" the man screamed, his desperation palpable.
Kaiya released him, and he collapsed in pain, clutching his hand. She stood up coolly, a hint of satisfaction playing on her lips. "Please, do continue."
The man, still writhing in pain, began to spill everything he knew. He detailed the troop numbers, their formations, and the timing and location of their planned attack. Azula listened intently, her smirk growing wider with each piece of information.
When the man finished, Azula stood up, clearly satisfied. "Excellent. Take him away."
The royal guards dragged the man out, leaving Kaiya and Azula alone once more. The air in the room felt heavier with the weight of the secrets revealed and the plans solidified.
Azula's sinister smile returned as she spoke. "A narrow crossing, we will be able to destroy them with just the two of us."
Kaiya's eyes gleamed with excitement as she returned the smirk. "Then let's destroy them, master."
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone