Capítulo 29: Destiny in flames part 1
Pov: Kai
With the revelation of the awakening of a new Airbender, I knew I would need the help of none other than Ty Lee, who had been practicing this extinct element for over two years. Now I was once again sailing across the sea to the Capital of Fire.
To make the process easier, I sent a letter to Azula asking for his help in this case and revealing about me adopting Jeph. Frankly, it was the only detail I avoided telling her in my letters, as it was too delicate a subject not to be discussed in letters.
When my ship finally docked at the port, I was greeted by none other than my girlfriend, who had a slightly frightening smile on her face, escorted by hundreds of soldiers who were awaiting my arrival.
- Hello, Princess Azula. - I speak politely, but a little nervously.
- Welcome, General Kai. - Azula replied without showing any emotion.
- Why is the princess bothering to greet me? - I continued, knowing that such conversations would be overheard by the soldiers.
- What a silly question, since you're a renowned general, it's only fair that you're greeted properly, not to mention that you've traveled a long way to take part in the annual strategic meeting with all the Fire Nation generals.
Kai's expression changed when he realized that he had completely forgotten about this extremely important event that always welcomed the nation's most important military ranks.
- You forgot? How could you forget? - Azula whispered, coming out of her performance.
Kai's eyes confirmed the young princess's suspicion, and she became even more irritated with her boyfriend.
- I've been very busy... - I whispered back.
Keeping up appearances, Kai and Azula were escorted to the palace in the same carriage, due to its speed and practicality. As the carriage was almost entirely lined with wood, it allowed for a more intimate and private conversation for the couple.
Inside the carriage, Azula held Kai, practically interrogating him on a matter of importance to the princess.
- Let me get this straight: you adopted an orphan, argued with a spirit and caused the awakening of a new Airbender? - Azula asked, still holding Kai.
- Pretty much... - I replied, pretending to be immobilized.
- Why didn't you tell me? - Azula reversed the "immobilization". - We didn't promise to be honest in our relationship.
- I didn't tell you because of that, but because of another matter that wouldn't be right to talk about in letters.
Azula was confused by the delicate subject until Kai told her what he had seen in the cave and his vision of Katsu. The princess wasn't expecting any news about her mysterious mother-in-law, but she pushed those thoughts aside when she saw her boyfriend standing fearfully in front of her for the first time.
Azula hugged Kai and tried to calm him down, spending a few minutes in each other's comfort. Without bothering with cordialities, the princess laid Kai on her legs while she massaged his albino hair.
- That doesn't make sense, we didn't see anything in the Ritual of Heavenly Embers to indicate that you had a brother. - Azula commented, worried.
- This darkness is frightening, I don't know what it is, but it didn't just kill my brother. - I took one of Azula's hands and stroked her skin. - I think the darkness must have taken my brother's soul.
- How can you be so sure?
- I could feel it clearly. When someone dies, I feel the spiritual energy draining from their body without resistance, as if it were something natural. But the feeling I had with Jun was as if the darkness had devoured parts of his soul, tearing it apart. - I recounted with dread. - As if someone was torturing every bit of his existence and controlling his actions as if he were a puppet.
The description managed to affect Azula herself, who began to better understand the kind of fear Kai felt at seeing his older brother's death. Still, Azula turned Kai's face so that he could look into his eyes and kissed him on the lips.
- Kai, you saved me before, now it's my turn to save you, I'll be there for you no matter what. - Azula comforts Kai, hoping to improve his mood.
- Thank you, Azula, for letting me vent. - I stroke one of his cheeks, feeling a little better.
- If that's better, we can make the most of the few minutes we have before we get to the palace. - Azula smiled teasingly.
Immediately, Kai got up and sat on the carriage seat, pulling his girlfriend onto his lap, wrapping an arm around Azula's small waist and pulling her into a passionate kiss.
The couple tried hard to dominate each other, showing how much they missed each other. However, their display of love was interrupted when they realized that the carriage had stopped moving.
Both were frustrated by the interruption, their faces turned completely red and their breathing changed. The couple realized that they had gotten a little carried away, as their hair was a little disheveled, but nothing that a few touch-ups couldn't fix.
Azula got out of the carriage first, her expression serious and disciplined, a perfect portrait of her upbringing as a princess. Shortly afterwards, Kai stepped out of the carriage, his expression impassive, his presence subtly imposing due to his exotic appearance.
As we walked through the palace, we noticed the unusual number of guards, many of whom looked like private soldiers or from the army itself. The annual strategy meeting takes place once a year, or when the Fire Lord intends to carry out a major operation somewhere in the world. However, my thoughts were elsewhere.
It had been six months since I had defeated Ozai in our last duel, using only ⅘ of my maximum strength. After that event, I had only practiced enough to control and stabilize my strength, without making any significant progress in increasing my power.
The sight of Jun's death still haunted me, but the thought of losing Azula was much worse. It was a fact that I had to push my limits again with Firebending.
I had no idea how to achieve the golden state that my mother used in my vision, so I had to improve the weapons I had already mastered.
A memory came back to me that made me feel frustrated with myself: it was the first time Azula and I had faced each other. I don't like to think that I hurt her then, but something very strange happened in that duel.
When Azula tried to kill me, she broke the limits of the Blue Fire Fold and managed to overcome me for a brief moment. That was the power of the White Flames.
Perhaps this kind of power could be a first step towards unlocking new abilities, maybe even perfecting "Solar Fusion".
- Kai? Is there a problem? - Azula asked, noticing how thoughtful Kai was.
- Nothing special, I'm just thinking about how to increase my strength.
- Stronger than you already are?
- If I'm going to protect you, I'm going to need more. - I whispered, making Azula blush a little.
Azula and Kai finally reached the war room after getting permission from the royal guards who were guarding the door. When they entered, they noticed that there were only two people waiting in silence.
- Azula, are you sure this is the annual meeting? - I asked, surprised at how few generals there were.
- Yes, you were lucky enough to come on this day. I just made sure you arrived early.
- Why was that? We could have taken the opportunity to go to the restaurant.
- As much as I like the idea, you're practically irresponsible, I'd rather make sure my boyfriend gets to the meeting without being late and with his honor intact. - Azula whispered. - That would be considered blasphemy.
The two generals in the royal hall noticed the presence of the princess and the greatest prodigy the nation had to offer.
- Princess Azula and General Kai, it is an honor to attend this meeting in your presence. - Said the general, bowing.
- It's a pleasure to see you again, General Li. - Azula saluted.
General Li was at least 40 years old, with a long black beard and hair, golden eyes and a solid build.
- Princess Azula and General Kai, how is your day going? - said the general, imitating Li's curtsy.
- General Cho, it's an honor to meet you, your tactics in the north are to be admired. - I said, recognizing the woman.
General Cho, one of the few women to reach the rank of General, appears to be around 50, with gray hair, golden eyes and a scar on her forehead.
- General Kai, I apologize for my lack of faith in your abilities when we met two years ago.
General Li had been present at the meeting where Kai had infiltrated and suggested a solution for one of the most difficult fortresses to destroy at the time.
- There's no need to apologize, General Li. Any sensible man wouldn't give a child like me a chance. - I reply politely.
- You can call me Li when we're alone, you've already earned my respect and don't belittle yourself. You're already a man, you've grown up fast for someone your age. - Li praised with satisfaction. - I'm glad the new generation is in good hands.
- I'm sorry to bother you, but I wanted to congratulate you on your work in renovating Jang Hui Village. - Cho said.
- I'm glad your soldiers liked it. -I thanked him, happy that everyone's efforts were appreciated even by the generals.
Azula watched the conversation with relief; the fact that the generals respected her boyfriend was proof of how important he had become to the nation.
We had a relatively casual conversation, taking advantage of the fact that there was no need for so much cordiality until the other high-ranking military personnel arrived.
- So, General Kai, do you intend to return to the battlefields? - Cho asked. - As far as I know, you have the largest number of Benders in the nation under your command.
- Obviously, Kai has the ability to grant powers to soldiers, which has given him a considerable amount of power. - Azula answered for Kai with pride in his voice.
- I thought those were rumors. - Cho commented with surprise.
- With such an ability, Kai could strengthen all the nation's troops. - Li analyzed and thought of new possibilities.
- I have more than 2,000 soldiers, and I've only awakened more than half of them, mainly due to lack of time. - I made a serious report. - Not to mention my daily limit on how many times I can use this skill.
- What's your daily limit? - Azula asked curiously.
- At least 20 to 21 people, but before my limit was 2 people a day.
- Impressive, if I used this power every day, you could supply more than 5,000 Dominators a year. - Li looked stunned.
- A power like that must have some side effects. - said Cho worriedly.
- Don't tell me... - I said, discouraged.
The door opened, attracting the attention of everyone present and revealing two people Kai knew very well.
- General Rozo and Captain Tizo? - I was surprised to see Tizo after two years.
- Did you really think we wouldn't see each other again? - Tizo scoffed.
- What are you doing here, Tizo? - I asked in surprise, noticing Zoho's indifference.
- Tizo is going to be my successor, I've already been training him for a few months. - said Zoho proudly. - In a few years, I'll finally be able to retire.
Azula approached me, curious about my relaxed and casual relationship with the newcomers. I quickly explained my friendly relationship with them, especially with Tizo, since she didn't know him personally.
- So you're retiring, Zoho? - commented Cho.
- It's about time, working non-stop for decades has its rewards and consequences. - said Zoho neutrally, glancing quickly around the room. - I realize I'm early.
- We've been here for a while. - Azula commented, crossing her arms a little annoyed. - The Fire Lord set a time for the meeting, we're the ones who arrived early.
- What surprises me is that Kai wasn't late for the meeting. - Zoho commented, amused to see his friend's indignant reaction.
We talked for more than half an hour until Ozai finally appeared, along with a dozen generals and a few admirals in the war room.
Ozai seemed a little surprised that so many people had gathered before his arrival, especially with the presence of Kai and Azula chatting nonchalantly with the generals who were already there.
- All right, let's start the meeting. - Ozai ordered as he bent his fire to illuminate the entire war room with its blue flames.
Ozai's action was a simple and clear demonstration of power, I must admit I was surprised that he had managed to control those flames in just six months, he must have been training for a rematch against me.
Without delay, everyone settled down and sat around the table, which had a replica of the world map, Seiza style.
There was a silent rule that only the generals knew among themselves: it was the rule of power. Only those who stood out in terms of raw power and contribution to the nation could sit closest to the Fire Lord.
Zoho, Li and Cho had the right to sit next to Ozai, even if there were other generals of the same age, these three were the most important in their positions.
I sat on the right side of the table, next to Zoho. Azula sat silently next to me, and I could see a subtle smile on her beautiful face.
I looked around and saw that Li and Cho were on the other side of the table, with a completely different expression when I spoke to them, as if they had switched personalities.
The meeting was about to start when Zuko entered with Iroh. The Crown Prince seemed happy until he saw Kai and Azula, and his expression quickly changed.
Zuko, seeing that he couldn't sit any closer to his father, sat down at the end of the table, realizing that he was being watched by everyone. Iroh didn't even mind being watched, he just sat down next to his nephew and pretended not to notice.
Ozai let out a sigh of disappointment and focused his attention on starting the meeting properly.
After more than two hours of planning attacks and defenses, the discussion turned to an annoying squadron of Earth Benders, one of the strongest and most formidable enemies since the fall of Fong.
This squadron was ruthlessly coordinated and together they were able to stop the advance along the southern coast of the Earth Kingdom's territory.
The real problem in defeating them was that they were protected by a cliff, making it difficult for our troops to flank them.
General Li explained the situation in detail, demonstrating his vast experience on the battlefield. I had quickly grasped the situation and, to be honest, Huzo and I could handle that squad alone in an hour.
My two years against General Fong testified to how dangerous his tactics were, the strategy of this enemy squadron is simply a blatant copy of Fong's contingency plans.
- What would you do? - Ozai asked, looking at Zuko.
- Your Highness, I suggest... - Li was interrupted by Ozai.
- Not you, General. Zuko, what would you do? - Ozai asked.
All those present turned to the prince, some with expectations of the heir to the throne and others who didn't care about his opinion.
Ozai was an observant man. He quickly noticed that Kai and Azula were nonchalantly observing the situation that General Li had described, a sign that they had formulated a plan in their minds. So he decided to test Zuko's strategic abilities, to see how he would behave in a combat situation.
Zuko was stunned; he hadn't expected his father to ask him for his opinion at this meeting.
- The tactic of the horns, flanking the soldiers and leaving an escape route as a trap. - said Zuko, without realizing what an idiot he had just made.
- Didn't you hear what the general said? - Ozai said indignantly. - They're protected by cliffs on the sides.
In his ignorance, Zuko tried to think of another strategy to please his father.
- Tundra tanks, they can climb up to the target.
- They're earthbenders, our tanks would be buried in seconds. - Ozai said in utter disappointment, not believing his firstborn's incompetence.
Zuko didn't know what to say, he was embarrassed and noticed that most people were looking at him with disappointment.
Ozai turned his face to Azula, who was looking seriously at the map.
- Azula, how would you like to plan the attack?
- If we put a division in this position. - Azula said, pointing at the map. - With the enemy firepower concentrated, it would be easier to flank and destroy the enemy quickly. Isn't that your plan, General Li?
Everyone turned to look at the general, who was surprised by the princess's intelligence.
- Exactly, my plan is based on one of the divisions taking all the enemy fire. - Li continued to explain.
Ozai was satisfied with his daughter's quick response without showing any reaction. The other generals were surprised by their princess's skill, some questioning Azula's bad luck at not being the Fire Lord's firstborn.
Tizo was a little perplexed by the cruelty in front of him, the idea of simply discarding soldiers would never be put into practice in his command, he himself had experienced how soldiers could be mere pawns of war. Without hiding his curiosity, he turned to look at Kai and Zoho, who had a serious expression on their faces, understanding that sacrifice would never be an option for them.
Kai and Zoho were people who would rather fight their own battles against various enemies than simply abandon or betray their subordinates, a simple question of character. However, they understood that they could not interfere or speak out directly against them, as they were not responsible for the attacks on those regions.
Azula noticed that Kai had his fist clenched tightly under the table and quickly put her hand over his to calm him down.
I quickly turned to Azula, who had a pleading look on her face, telling me not to do anything rash. In response, I held her hand under the table to calm her down.
Zuko looked at the map in confusion, unable to see an escape route for the soldiers who would be the bait for the earthbenders.
- Wait, how are they going to escape? - Zuko asked innocently.
- They won't. - said Li cruelly.
- But... they're going to die. - Zuko was perplexed. - You're going to sacrifice them?
- Sacrifices are part of war. - Ozai answered seriously.
Zuko couldn't say anything because, for the first time, he understood how cruel war can be.
- Which division do you propose? - Ozai asked General Li.
- The 41st Division, Your Highness. They're all recruits, nothing more than disposable.
- Very well. - Ozai signaled the end of the meeting and allowed everyone to stand up.
I was frustrated by the decision to sacrifice soldiers, but I also understood that such decisions inevitably had to be made.
- Are you all right? - Azula whispered.
- I'm fine... do you want to go to a restaurant to relieve this tense atmosphere? - I whispered to Azula.
- I'd love to. - whispered Azula, smiling softly.
While Azula and Kai whispered to each other to plan their meeting, Zuko looked at the map, trying to find a viable solution. General Li approached the Prince, a certain disappointment in his eyes.
- You're pathetic, Zuko. - whispered Li with contempt. - Your sister is two years younger and is capable of understanding the true meaning of war.
Zuko looked at the general with astonishment, incredulous that he was being treated like a piece of garbage.
- To make matters worse, Kai is the same age as you, but he seems to have already reached the top, while you haven't even taken a single step. - Li said cruelly. - Even though you're the same age, you're still just a little boy playing at war. I can't imagine how much you embarrass your father.
General Li turned away from Zuko, heading towards the other generals to talk about possible alliances, but stopped when he heard something that deeply angered him.
- This is a bad plan! - said Zuko quickly.
- What did you say? - General Li raised his voice.
Unconsciously, everyone turned to look at the discussion that had begun. Ozai was seriously observing what was going on.
- I said it's a bad plan! - Zuko shouted. - These soldiers are fighting for the Fire Nation, you can't just betray them! This is beneath a Fire Nation officer!
- Zuko! - said Iroh in alarm!
- How dare you question my methods! - shouted Li.
- That's enough! - Ozai shouted. - There's only one way to solve this, Agni Kai!
Next chapter: Destiny on Fire Part 2
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