The naturally formed crater wall looked extremely towering in Haji's perspective, he wondered what the enemy would feel once they saw the nation's crater wall, would it be overwhelming? In his opinion, he'd rather run between his tails than besiege this city overwhelmed with defenses.
Looking around, buildings of all sizes could be seen outside his carriage, they were exquisitely designed, similar to the buildings of old imperial japan. The first time he laid eyes upon them, Haji remarked that someone probably dragged him somewhere in japan. To which he laughed at himself, stating that he wasn't even on earth anymore.
The road leading towards the academy was quite filled with citizens and carriages, to which belonged to fellow noble students from the academy. Theirs were also pulled by dragon mooses, much to Haji's irritation, as the bellows of the moose coincide with the loud banters of the citizens outside.
While overwhelmed by his thoughts, a carriage ran beside his, and a boy of his age waved at him from the carriage's window. "Good morning, Haji! Last night's duel was splendid!" Said Ban enthusiastically, "Let me hop on your carriage, please?"
"We'd be jailed if you keep on acting like this, Ban, and I don't hit that way." Haji playfully said, awakened from deep in his thoughts. "But since you're my friend, I'd take the risks."
Both carriages stopped at the command of the two, and Ban exited his carriage to enter Haji's. He talked to the coachman and ordered him to go back to their family's mansion, which the coachman obliged. While sitting inside Haji's carriage, Ban said, "There were talks about princess Azula's loud cheering while you were fighting, man, I wish i was the one being cheered by a princess."
"Then at least have the courage to participate in an Agni kai." Said Haji in a sarcastic tone, "Also, princess Azula would cheer in any duel as long as there is bloodshed."
Ban shamelessly laughed at Haji's remark, "Ha! I'd rather die than be in one." Then his expression turned into a questioning one, with his eyes squinting and such, "Haven't you seen Princess Azula's longing gaze for you whenever we hang out with Zuko?"
"Even if that's true, she's just a little kid. It's normal to idolize someone, especially me who's the best in our generation." Haji said nonchalantly, while shrugging with an arrogant look, "So how's your preparation for the exam?"
His face paled when the question was brought up, and nervously said, "I forgot to prepare for it! Pass me the answers later, please." Ban would have begged on his knees if it weren't for his aristocratic pride.
"Fool, I didn't say it was today." Haji chuckled.
Ban sulked, crossing his arms in protest, "You should have said so, everyone knows I don't memorize things that well."
"I'll remind you the day prior, next week." Haji winked at him, showing a suspicious smile as if stating that he'd probably forget about what he said.
Their conversation then went to casual chatter, things two young boys would mostly converse about. It went on until the carriage had stopped in front of a large gate with words written on it's large sign, Royal Fire Academy, it says. The way the characters were written was masterfully sharp, giving off a feeling of discipline.
"We're here, young master." The coachman's voice drifted from outside, and the door opened by him. The amiable looking middle-aged man had a warm smile, awaiting at the side for the two boys to step out.
Haji smiled at him, reciprocating the warm reception the man had always shown him, "Thank you once again, sir." He said, walking away after nodding his head to the man.
"I'll be here after school, young master." Replied the coachman before leaving.
"You're really polite to everyone, man... I wish you were that polite to me too." Said Ban, with his hands around the back of his head while walking in a casual manner beside Haji.
Haji's eye slitted and he weirdly gazed at Ban with the man doing the same to him, it continued for less than ten seconds before the two laughed, "I guess, it would be weird if you start treating me nicely." Ban said.
"Yeah, so don't go bringing a topic this weird, it would corrupt my mind." Haji chuckingly said, "Anyway, let's hurry our pace, it would suck to get punished again by the instructor."
The pathway to the academy would take around a minute or two to traverse and reach the academy buildings. Haji blamed the designer, couldn't the man just place the buildings near the entrance? It's a torture to do a two minute walk basked in the sun before eventually reaching the actual academy.
Soon, a large majestic building could be seen from afar, it was made of wood and stone, intricately designed and looked far better than an old japanese building. The roof had a spiky design, looking like a crown, one would probably be wowed, the first time they see such a building. There were also two more smaller buildings, their design wasn't as intricate as the main one but still, it looked far more extraordinary than a normal school building.
The two entered the main building with many students entering as well, and they walked into their respective classrooms. School atmosphere in the fire nation wasn't all happy go lucky, instead it cultivates discipline, deeply etching it into the marrows of their students. However, the rules would be eased once it's breaktime, letting the students interact with their circles. Of course, the nation's noble wouldn't want their children not to interact with their contemporaries, building relationships is a must in the aristocracy. Having a circle would not only help you in your career, but one can also garner his prospective partners.
Boring, a word Haji would say to define the lessons in class, the indoctrination of this nation would be the same as other countries on earth, Although they were milder though in terms of how intense the fire nation would emphasize its justification of their war-time acts and the way they burnt their history prior to Sozin's reign, father of the current reigning fire lord, Azulon. Nonetheless, Haji would study hard, never asking why he must learn these. "I would be no one in the future if I don't support this nation's acts, and I'd also suffer if the nation were to fall." He once said back then, fiercely slapping himself, and discarding the last remaining thoughts that go against his morals.
And so, the man continued to absorb every knowledge like a sponge, expanding his understanding of this world and the fire nation's current standing. "Lucky me!" Delightedly he had said when he found out how superior their nation was.
As the bell rings, breaktime was synonymous with it and everyone rejoiced, the tense atmosphere eased up once the instructor in front declared dismissal. On the grassy field at the open field of the academy sat Haji and Ban, eating both their extravagant lunches prepared by the cooks. Their meal was better compared to some due to them having a higher lineage, yet none looked dissatisfied at this kind of special treatment as it is a normal instance in the royal academy to prioritize those scions of high nobility.
"Damn! I can't get over how delicious this is." Ban praised, loudly chewing his food and looked very uncouth with the remains hurling off around him. A slight stain was left on the side of his lips after swallowing the meat in his mouth.
Haji, however, ate very elegantly, the two looked very incompatible like fire and ice. One composed of elegance and another looking quite barbaric. A part of meat flew on his cheeks, Haji touched it and felt very disgusted at such a thing. Pissed off, he shouted, "Stop eating like a barbarian! Look at this piece of shit on my finger, I've already told you to watch it when you eat."
"I'm sorry! Come on, Haji, forgive me. I'd treat you to a meal later." Said Ban, letting Haji's finger wipe the dirt on his clothes. He was instantly forgiven as Haji could not stay angry at this sidekick of his, they continued to eat after this with Ban trying to eat quietly.
While looking around, Ban saw a familiar figure, he waved and shouted, "Zuko! Come over here and eat with us!" His shout easily attracted the gazes of fellow students in the field. Zuko, who was walking alone, looked very annoyed when he heard Ban, still, he went over to Haji and Ban.
"It's 'Prince' Zuko, Ban. You'd lose your head if you weren't my friend." Said Zuko, emphasizing the word, prince, while putting a facade as he glared at Ban.
Ban didn't mind Zuko's attitude and continued to speak, "Aren't we too close for such honorifics? At Least give me this privilege for being your closest friend."
"Hello, Haji, you've fought great as always, moreover you won flawlessly yesterday." Zuko ignored Ban's shameless words and greeted Haji with an admiring gaze.
Ban sulked and said, "Don't just ignore me. Haji being the best in fighting doesn't mean you should treat me less than him."
"I'd treat you better if you weren't annoying." Said Zuko, then he continued looking at Haji.
"Thanks for coming to watch me yesterday, Zuko." Said Haji, "We'll be going to the palace again, right?"
It had almost been two years since the three became friends, and their bond became deeper as time passed by. The palace turned into their favorite hangout place, given that they were close with Zuko, and their statues being higher, they were allowed to enter the palace as long as Zuko was with them. The three became a solid circle and it stayed the same till this day.
"Yeah, let's celebrate your victory. Azula also wanted to congratulate you, she's bringing Mai and Ty lee as well." Zuko said with his tone became forced at the mention of his sister, Princess Azula.
"I'd finally get to see Ty lee again!" Ban cheered, his expression turning expectant. The two didn't give him any attention, letting him go wild with his excitement.
"Alright, let's meet at the academy gate after class and use my carriage to go there." Said Haji, Zuko nodded at him then started to munch on his food. The three continued to chat, Haji and Ban laid on the ground, making it easier for them to digest their food. They looked very happy until the bell rang, and their expression turned into someone who's about to enter hell once more.
"Let's just skip afternoon class! It's too boring, anyway." Ban complained, staying at his spot.
Haji walked behind him and gently kicked his butt, forcing him to stand up and caress his butt. "The instructor's stick would hurt more if we were to do that." Haji said, walking towards the building with Zuko, leaving behind Ban. They bid farewell to Zuko after entering the main building and they split up in the hallway since Zuko's classroom was on the other side.
The royal palace gardens had a variety of flowers, with large trees in the surroundings and having a grassy layout. Everyone was beside the wide lake at the center, watching the different species of animals in it. Behind them was a long table, filled with extravagant foods that only the royalty and nobility could afford. The gazebo by the lake side was left unused, as they preferred the current set up more.
"You looked as marvelous as a ferocious dragon yesterday. I wonder if you could teach me the moves you used?" Said Azula, princess of the fire nation and sister to Prince Zuko. She stood beside Haji as they talked, and she sweetly looked at him.
Donning a Royal Academy for girls uniform, and her black hair tied up, Azula looked very lovely. Haji felt sucked by her golden eyes, and they both stared at each other for a moment. A passionate kiss would be shared already if she wasn't a little too young, Haji controlled his impulses.
He extended his arm around her shoulders and said, "Thank you, Azula, being cheered on by such a pretty princess probably caused me to win yesterday's match. And I'd gladly teach you, alone."
"Can we do it tomorrow?" Azula blushed at his touch, she had a wide grin and held his arm that was on hers. The people around them did not give mind to Haji's intimate advances on the princess as they had been ordered by her to stand down prior to the party's start. Their circle of friends was also used to this kind of act between the two, and they were also busy interacting with each other.
Haji showed a reluctant look, and answered, "How about the day after? I have plans with Ban tomorrow." When Azula heard this, she secretly glared at Ban before nodding at Haji. The victim himself did not know that he garnered the princess' ire.
While chatting up with Ty Lee, Ban glanced at the two, looking very intimate, and he couldn't help but mumble, "Just a little kid, he says…" Then continued buttering up Ty Lee. This was the only thing he'd find Haji a hypocrite on, the man would disregard Azula's feelings for him but he would foster intimacy with her every time they meet.
Azula and Haji walked towards the table full of meals, Azula's hand sneakily touched Ban's buttocks while she passed by him. Not noticing anything, Ban continued to talk until he smelt something burning. "Hey, smoke is coming from behind you!" Ty Lee exclaimed, her hands were placed on her lips.
"Ow, ow, ow!" Ban touched his butt and felt a searing pain from it, he shouted in pain and tried to put out the fire by patting it. In panic, he ran to the lake and jumped, making a loud splash that attracted everyone's attention. Zuko and the others knew the culprit already since they were once a victim of Azula's so called pranks. They could only look at Ban with concern and help him. Meanwhile, Ty Lee assisted him in standing up while Zuko passed on a towel to him.
"I'm sorry, Ban, Azula's pranks are really too excessive." Zuko said, looking at his sister who was laughing very loudly. "I'll try to talk to her later."
Ban shook his head and said, "It's fine, I just wish to know why she did this."
"She might have been jealous of you due to your closeness with Haji, who knows." Ty lee answered, to which Ban replied with an, I see, look.
Haji's eyebrows furrowed at the sight of Ban's humiliation. Azula's laughter annoyed him so much, he would have shouted at the princess if the guards were not to pounce at him. "That was too much, princess." He said, clenching his fist in anger.
Her laughter stopped when she felt Haji's anger in his tone, looking at him innocently, she asked, "What do you mean?"
"You know what I mean, please, I hope this won't happen ever again." Said Haji calmly, he stared at her with indifference, contrary to his warm gaze earlier.
Still, Azula gazed at him innocently but her next words proved her offense, "Go out on a date with me tomorrow and I promise, this won't happen to him again." She had a fatal, attractive smile while awaiting Haji's answer.
The request bewildered Haji, he had an 'are you kidding me' look. Racking his brains for a bit, he said, "Apologize to Ban later and I'd even spend the whole day with you tomorrow."
Azula looked very reluctant but nonetheless agreed, having her wish granted, she stayed silent and watched as Haji stood from his seat to console Ban from this humiliation. Ban couldn't be angry at the princess, nor was he qualified to voice his complaints. He agreed when Haji cancelled their plans tomorrow, with the man bringing up the deal he just had with Azula.
"Don't worry, this won't happen again. I'll make sure she'll apologize later, as well." Haji assured him, and patted his back. Ban smiled, then followed Haji, sitting at his right side while Azula sat on the seat left of Haji.
After all the pranks and such, everyone ate happily but the two, Ban and Azula, were a bit awkward with each other, with Ban avoiding the glares she would send from time to time. Haji knew what was going on but acted oblivious to it. Zuko's attention was fully focused on Mai, causing Azula to tease the both of them, making them blush fiercely.
I should have known this would happen one day, knowing her sadistic and possessive personality... Haji sighed, immersing himself in the food to ease his stress.
After the meal, everyone was full and they comfortably sat on their chairs, chatting amidst one another. The sun had almost set, making the guards light the torches, illuminating the garden, making it a tranquil scenery.
"Everyone, let's call it a day, we don't want our parents worrying since it's almost night time." Said Haji, then he looked consequently at both Ban and Azula, "You two come with me first." Grabbing their arms and dragging them away from the group.
"I wonder what Haji would say to them." Ty lee said, her arms were placed behind her head, "Do you think Azula would get angry at him, Mai?"
"Probably, never." Mai answered, looking at the three that were far away from them.
At the same time, Ban felt uncomfortable being near Azula, how he wished to leave right after they finish this business.
"Apologize, Azula." Haji sternly said, gazing piercely at Azula.
When Ban heard him, he wanted to beg the guy to stop, but Haji extended his hand, forcing him to stay silent. He could only look at Azula and observe her face, hoping that she wouldn't lash out at them.
Azula's face distorted and she reluctantly said, "I'm sorry, Ban." It was a very short apology with a forceful tone, but it was enough, considering her personality and stature.
"It's fine, princess, it was just a harmless prank." Ban said while shaking his head, wanting to not spend any more time with her presence.
Haji sighed at Ban's pushover nature against the princess. I should teach him how to act strong next time, he thought.
"Very well, I guess everything's fine now." He said, and the three of them returned to the table. Although Azula's glare at Ban intensified, she kept silent since their return and everyone felt her restraint. The four visitors bade their farewells to Zuko and Azula, and the two walked them off until the palace gate, where they saw the carriages that belonged to the four. Before stepping inside his carriage, Haji felt a hand tugging behind his clothes, he looked behind and saw Azula.
"Goodnight, Haji, I'm looking forward to our date tomorrow." She said, "I'll be at your house tomorrow morning."
Haji nodded and smiled sweetly at her, "I feel the same way. I'll make it a day to remember for you." He felt very weird going on a date with an eleven years old, but a man must uphold his promise, in case the princess does something excessive again. Sadly, this situation was something he had wanted to avoid, being too involved with Azula would restrict his movements very much and he thought to brainstorm later in his room on how to prevent this.
With that, the carriages set off, and the silhouette of the two royalty had left his sight. After reaching an intersection, he saw Ban's carriage and Ban was sitting outside. Ban waved at him when he saw Haji's face at the carriage's window.
Apparently, Ban waited there for Haji so that he could enter his carriage and talk with him. Inside Haji's carriage, he hugged him and said, "Thank you for earlier, I'd feel like crying if you weren't there."
"No problem, Ban, I wouldn't let a friend be humiliated to that point." Haji patted Ban's back, and Ban had let go off him, and returned to his seat opposite of Haji. Haji jokingly said, "Why must I be so handsome that a princess is so infatuated with me."
"What a narcissist! You won't be able to ogle at girls when you're with the princess, gouging your eyes is probably the least amount of damage she'd do." Ban said, gazing slit eyed at Haji.
They then conversed about the party earlier. Of course, his main topic would revolve around Ty Lee and how far they had talked about. This went on until they reached Ban's family manor, where he bade his goodbye to his friend, and the carriage became silent once more.
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