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Post by zilong on May 14, 2008 21:11:39 GMT -5
Zilong’s head turned halfway around, emotion getting the better of him. This child was infuriating! Nostril’s flaring and his gaze matching it, snarled at the girl and immediately retorted.
“I know exactly why I’m fighting! And I know exactly what I’m…”
He trailed off as his thoughts finally caught up to his emotions. She had said her village had been attacked, but her village was on an island in the southern seas, wasn’t it? That’s what some of the soldiers had said. Kyoshi Island was historically important after all, so even educated Fire Nation men might know of it. The fire slowly left Zilong’s features as he began to put it all together. As a veteran soldier, he was aware of the general movements of the Fire Nation military, and they hadn’t had an active battle group in that region for almost a decade.
He turned his head to the side, staring at nothing with furrowed brows. The Fire Nation military could not have attacked her village, but firebenders must have. Why else would she think it was the Fire Nation? But what other firebenders were there? A rogue unit pillaging the coasts for their own profit? It was possible, it happened now and again. Still, there was a chance it was something else…
He turned back to the girl with a grim expression, “Our army could not have attacked your village. There hasn’t been a battle in the southern seas in years.”
He stepped forward, stopping just a few feet from the cage, glaring down at the girl.
“Who attacked your village? What did they look like? Did you hear their names?” he said, his voice raising a little, and then paused briefly. “Answer me and you may get vengeance on them.”
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Post by prodigy on May 15, 2008 23:35:27 GMT -5
Hmm... The Princess mused in her head as her golden eyes narrowed as her gaze left Mai's and instead looked out. Her lips curled up like a cheshire cat's grin. "A smaller party would be less noticeable...." She repeated as they walked along, the three girls. The drill, a top secret weapon of the Fire Nation was also currently heading towards Ba Seng Sei. That was what they were waiting on. The drill would need a massive protection force if they were to make it to the wall but once they were there.. just getting through those walls would make Ba Seng Sei theirs.
Azula stopped in her walk and turned to face the other girls. "We also have the secondary mission my Father sent us here for. Zuko... as you know. Father's not pleased at all with the shameful performance he and Uncle gave at the North Pole.." She glanced around the camp, turning her elegant profile to the girls. The camp was running smoothly.. the Princess's command wasn't needed other than a moral booster and given their winning strength these men did not need it.
"Ladies..what would you think if we took a side vacation..? Did some... " Her lips curled at the delicious thought as she raised those claws under her chin, crossing her fingers under her chin ever so delicately.. "Hunting?"
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Post by suki on May 17, 2008 22:32:59 GMT -5
To be honest, Suki was a bit taken aback that the soldier seemed to completely reverse the tables. A moment ago he was calling her and the other warriors puppets of the Earth Kingdom, and now he was ready to go on a hunt for the men who attacked Kyoshi Island. It seemed a little inconsistent to say the least, and Suki was not yet willing to believe that this man would turn on his own people for no other reason than honor.
"Don't patronize me," she said, staring hard back at the soldier. Suki released the bars and folded her arms across her chest, turning slightly aside. "I don't believe for a second that you'll try and reprimand your own crown Prince..." And it was true. The leader of the Kyoshi Warriors was aware that it was a member of the Fire nation royal family who had personally led the attack. From what she knew, the soldiers and citizens of the Fire Nation revered their monarchs as nearly divine beings. Honorable or not, this soldier could offer no retribution for the wrongs that were done to her people.
"Try and be honorable now," Suki muttered, stealing a quick, spiteful glance at the guard.
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Post by mab on May 18, 2008 8:16:25 GMT -5
The smile that formed on her princess's lips was unmistakable. She always seemed to acquire some look that showed she had happily decided on what their course of action was to be. Mai was slightly pleased to see Azula agreed with her thoughts. It meant the girl still held her in enough esteem to actually listen to what Mai said. And once they began moving on their own perhaps her parents would give up writing to her.
Zuko. Of course Mai hadn't forgotten that "secondary mission". The banished prince's betrayal was wide known, especially among the military personal they traveled with. It had been years since she had seen Zuko and she could still remember that crush she had on him as a child. A silly feeling of a silly little girl. Being a member of Azula's team put her in a different league. Besides, she highly doubted he would remember her.
A breeze ruffled Mai's thick bangs. "Sounds like fun." She replied slowly. Indeed she had no doubt it would be interesting; and would allow them to check one more thing off their "to-do" list. "I'm sure these men can manage without you for a time." Her voice had an edge of disdain, as she did not think fondly of the men working in the camp. "When should we leave?"
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Post by prodigy on May 18, 2008 21:45:19 GMT -5
"A vacation would be wonderful, Azula! We could go to that famous spa up in the Northern Peninsula!" Ty lee exclaimed in excitement as she clasped her hands together, listening to the Princess and to Mai. She ignored the hunting comment and obviously didn't care too much about finding Prince Zuko. She tilted her head to the side with a giggle at the thought of the fabulous manicures and pedicures that awaited them at the Spa. Royal guests were after all treated like.. well Royalty. "Everywhere you go, Azula, you only get the best!"
She scoffed and rolled her eyes, removing her head from her hands and letting them fall apart. She kept one up so that she might examine her nails. Golden eyes narrowed as she scrutinized the French tips, filed to points. Rarely, if at all, did her nails break, they were made strong by supplements and mineral brushed onto them. She lifted her voice into the higher range as she addressed Ty Lee, sounding a bit more peppy in response to her obvious observation. "But of course, Ty Lee. I'm the Princess of the Most Powerful Nation in the world. They should honored I even know that their little spa exists." Her lower lip pouted forward, darkening the coral of her upper lip as she dropped her hand down to her side.
"So.. we have a plan. Leave the army here to await the arrival of the Drill and we will go find my dear Brother meanwhile to stave away the utter boredom of waiting. Meanwhile.. I'd like to have the prisoners moved from here and back to the Fire Nation. It doesn't do them any good to have them together and potentially plotting.." Azula may have seen herself as the Spirit's Gift to Military Men everywhere, or not, but there was one thing the young woman knew and that was to never underestimate your enemies. Make it seem as if you are, but never underestimate them. The Kyoshi Warriors had an reputation that reached even the Fire Nation. They were not to be doubted for a minute. "I want them seperated as soon as possible." Divide and Conquer. "Meanwhile, we may have a use for those hideous uniforms that were seized. "
She began walking again, another leisurely pace through the camp of small tents, observing the men in their relaxation. Many, nearly all of them immediately dropped to their knees and prostrated themselves at her feet as she passed. Only the highest ranking sufficed with a deep and low bow lest they receive a tongue lashing.
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Post by mab on May 21, 2008 14:48:09 GMT -5
How could Ty Lee be so dense? Mai made no remark on the other girl's excitement. Everything meant fun and enjoyment to Ty Lee, it seemed. Breathing out slowly through her nose Mal simply shook her head, smirking slightly at Azula's reaction. Ty Lee did have a point, however; for even while traveling with the army they received the best treatment.
"A very good idea, Princess." Mai complimented. A little praise never hurt anyone and helped to solidify how she trusted Azula. Drumming her fingers against her thigh she glanced over her shoulder to the prisoners tents. No doubt they thought they were crafty enough to escape the Fire Nations hold on them. They had already been defeated once but Mai knew that was not enough to teach them how weak they were in comparison.
Using their uniforms, though, left a bad taste on Mai's tongue. "They're too horrid to use even for cleaning rags." She muttered, shaking her head. But Azula's plan seemed clear to her. In the Kyoshi disguises they'd be much less recognizable and be able to get closer to groups they might not be able to otherwise. What I do for my nation.
The day was clear enough, making their stroll tolerable. The sun's brightness made her lower her head to see better and keep an eye on the bowing figures. "The sooner we leave here, the better."
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Post by zilong on May 21, 2008 15:13:18 GMT -5
Subtlety was not Zilong’s forte, to say the least, and so he made no effort to stop the widening of his eyes or the slackening of his jaw at the reply of the Kyoshi Warrior.
“The Prince?” he breathed in disbelief. “The Prince is alive…”
He turned his head to the side, staring with wide eyes at nothing as he thought this over. The Prince had been thought dead. There had been two conflicting reports, one that he had been assassinated by pirates, and another, less believed report that he had shown up during Admiral Zhao’s siege of the Northern Water Tribe but disappeared in the chaos afterward.
Rumors about the Prince had spread through the military ever since the report came in that the Avatar had returned. Zilong was among those who had fervently believed that he was pursuing the Avatar, and that he’d even battled him several times, according to the rumors. Though exiled, Zuko was still the Prince of the Fire Nation, and reportedly his uncle, General Iroh was guiding him. Having served under Iroh, Zilong trusted his wisdom, and if the Prince were under his wing, surely his loyalty, his honor, and his nobility were intact. If those rumors were true, then if these Kyoshi Warriors had been attacked by the Prince, there was only one explanation: they had been in league with the Avatar.
Focus returned to Zilong’s gaze and he turned back to the girls, a grim look etched across his craggy features. These children had no idea what they had been caught up in, but he could not pity them. The news they carried overwhelmed any sliver of empathy he may have felt.
He turned away from the cage and walked towards the entrance to the makeshift prison before shouting out, “Messenger! I need a messenger!” a soldier soon appeared, and Zilong quickly relayed his message. “Send word to the Princess and the Generals: these girls have been in contact with the Prince…and the Avatar.”
The soldier’s eyes widened, and for a moment he stood speechless. He glanced past Zilong into the prison with wide eyes, looked back at Zilong, and then scurried off to deliver the news.
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Post by zhi on May 22, 2008 18:28:15 GMT -5
Having left his Warspear with his belongings in the small tent he'd been provided, Zhi took some time to stroll around the camp.
The platoon he was assigned to had recently reached the encampment, just the day before, and Zhi had not found the time to scout out the area to any great extent. He was quite surprised by just how many troops were assembled, though Ba Sing Se would be no easy target.
Walking casually along, the young soldier planned to make his way over to the clearing where the armored divisions were located; he'd always been interested in the mechanical crawler tanks.
As he made he way across the camp a shout caught his attention, someone was calling for a messenger. Zhi turned his head to listen, it was clearly something important.
He set aside his plans to see the crawlers and jogged toward the source of the shouts; the large tent, near the edge of the camp, where the Kyoshis were being kept.
Zhi reached the tent and was confronted by a man wearing a uniform that denoted him as holding the rank of Sergeant. He'd never met the man before but bowed immediately in respect and stood at attention.
“Send word to the Princess and the Generals: these girls have been in contact with the Prince…and the Avatar.” Said the Sergeant quickly.
Zhi stood before the Sergeant, his mouth hanging half open in shock, his large brown eyes becoming wider as he peered past, into the tent at the prisoners. After a time, he shut his mouth, gave a quick nod, and broke off into a run to deliver the shocking news.
He wasn't quite sure where the Princess was, he figured she'd be in the royal tent and made this his destination. As he sprinted through the crowded camp the news truly began to sink in.
He was going to relay a message to the Princess herself! He had never even seen her up close before and then there was the message itself. The Avatar, the Kyoshis had met with him? Could that really be true? Thought Zhi, a shiver going down his spine.
He'd heard the tales, the 'North Sea Massacre'; how the Avatar had sent nearly an entire fleet to the bottom and it scared him.
Zhi reached the royal tent only to find it empty. He felt a slight feeling of relief at first; he would have a bit more time to compose himself before going before the Princess. Just where was she, though? He thought.
He turned and sprinted down a row of tents, the soldiers relaxing and lying about giving him confused looks as he ran by.
Just up ahead he spotted her, flanked by her two friends. As he approached, he considered what to say; finally blurting out, "P-princess Azula.. I have a message for you from a Sergeant g-guarding the prisoners!"
Zhi immediately cringed at the sound of his own nervous voice and slowed to a trot.
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Post by prodigy on May 27, 2008 12:53:52 GMT -5
" I agree, Mai. I grow tired of these sniveling men.." And Speak of the devil, as the Princess's voice trailed off, another's interrupted. A young solider was calling. Slowly, she turned her head, her sculptured cat like features towards the voice, as if she truly was unconcerned and preoccupied. Her shoulder followed, the sunlight glittering on the gold that encircled her thin neck, and then the rest of her slim form. Jogging towards the three Noble Women was a short man, no taller than herself. He looked fairly neat, save for the fly-aways of hair that encircled his face... and she found the splotchy mustache laughable inside her mind. What a silly boy..
The Princess lifted her chin, narrowing her brightly colored, golden eyes to look down her gentle slop of a nose at him. She pressed her lips together tightly as she sought to remind him of his place silently, subtly. A rank of private was nothing to the Princess of the Fire Nation, heiress presumptive. Respect could be right out of the question if she wanted it to. Silently, she crossed her arms across her chest, one hang drumming her nails on the stiff umber colored fabric of her undershirt. Kneel at the very least you sniveling peasant.. She thought in her mind, rocking her weight back onto her right foot as she waited in silence for this message.
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Post by zhi on May 27, 2008 17:57:46 GMT -5
Zhi was within three feet of the girls when the Princess turned gracefully to face him. His knees seemed to buckle beneath him. Half out of instinct and half out of custom and respect, he dropped into the respectful crouched position at her feet.
He knew she was looking down upon him and felt gripped by fear. What was it I was supposed to tell her? He thought, desperately, fully aware he was within the presence of divinity.
The message quickly returned to the forefront of his mind. How could I have forgotten that? He thought, a feeling of relief washing over him.
"Y-your Highness, I bring word from the Sergeant guarding the Kyoshi Warriors... He has discovered something very important. T-the Kyoshis were in contact with the Avatar himself. He believes they may have encountered your brother as well." Zhi said, remaining in the crouched position, not daring to raise his head.
It was then he wished the Sergeant had given him more information, but he realized it was urgent news and a lengthy explanation would have taken up more time.
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Post by prodigy on May 31, 2008 20:20:46 GMT -5
So, Zuzu was still alive and kicking. Dandy. Her lips curled into a smile as she stared down at the kneeling soldier, his face a deathly palor. How did he ever become a soldier with that weak face? It was almost enough to make her chuckle. She glanced upward towards the tree line and the smoke that still smoldered from the battle field days ago. So the Kyoshi Warriors had been in contact with the Avatar. That was little help for for her as to the location of the Avatar. When had they encountered the Avatar? Where had they encountered the Avatar? That was what she needed! Not... this dribble that the soldier spewed.
"..Quit your mumbling." The Princess commanded, glancing down at him, the back of his head with her usual scowl. "Dismissed." She muttered away from him and back towards her two 'friends'. Really.. such exciting news... not really. She sighed heavily, lifting her eyebrows discouragingly at Ty lee and Mai. "..It seems dear Zuzu is still as unsuccessful as ever.."
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Post by mab on Jun 1, 2008 10:18:55 GMT -5
Since the young guard had approached the three ladies Mai had simply watched him out of the corner of her eye. His bumbling way of going about things was an all too familiar scene to her, as even more senior officers did not always know what to do with themselves around Azula. But if they wanted to make a good impression, as she was sure they did, they would do better to put on a calmer front.
"I'm sure all our minds can be put at ease now." was her aloof response. Placing her delicate hands on her hips, manicured nails settling into the folds of her pants, Mai looked to the princess. "It would have been nicer to know where or when all this happened." She saw no reason to put off the Kyoshi's questioning to see what exactly could be extracted from them. Why they weren't being pushed now was a mystery to Mai and she had to assume it would happen in good time. "Should we go see if the Sergeant has anything else to add?"
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Post by zhi on Jun 1, 2008 14:06:29 GMT -5
Zhi stared at the dirt just inches from his face, waiting. He could not help feeling disappointed with the answer he received. The Princess did not seem particularly pleased with the limited information he'd brought her. He wished he'd asked more from the Sergeant and considered saying something, but at this point that could be considered an excuse.
At "Dismissed." Zhi knew the best course of action was to remain silent and continue with the task the Sergeant had presented him with.
Zhi carefully rose to his feet, dusted off his uniform and backed away slowly, bowing deeply. Before he’d turned completely to make his way off in search of the camp's Generals he caught a remark voiced by the Princess's willowy friend.
The young soldier frowned slightly. Really should've asked for more information. He thought, feeling as if he'd let the Princess down.
He took off at a jog in the direction of the General's "War Tent", the location where the higher-ups made tactical decisions and the like.
Few things could keep Zhi feeling down for long, and soon he was trotting proudly up to the guards at the front of the tent. The guards looked at him skeptically but after a quick explanation the bored men let the young soldier into the tent.
Zhi was pleased to see that all of the camp's Generals were present, including the fellow who was in command of the tank battalion.
The higher-ups gave Zhi the same looks the guards had and quickly demanded an explanation which Zhi was happy to provide.
The young soldier was soon dismissed and strolled from the tent wondering what to do next. I probably ought to head back and let the Sergeant know the message was delivered. Thought Zhi, as he turned down a row of tents.
He passed a few men struggling to saddle a stubborn Komodo Rhino and made certain to stay out of the beast’s way. Zhi had never actually ridden one of the creatures and preferred not to be trampled by one either.
He soon caught sight of the tent containing the prisoners and approached slowly. "Sergeant? Are you still about?" asked Zhi, peering around one of the tent flaps.
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Post by prodigy on Jun 9, 2008 22:32:03 GMT -5
The Princess pressed her lips together at Mai's words. She narrowed her eyes, looking away from both Mai and Ty Lee. Her lower lip curled downward as she stared out across the fields of men sitting at their tents, playing games back and forth with each other and merely shooting the wind. They were so... useless.
"...Fine." She acknowledged, turning her golden eyes towards the dull ambers of Mai's, hidden behind the shadows of her dark hair. It was not something Azula wanted to do. She did not want to face those prisoners again.. she wanted to let them stew. And certainly did not want them to know what they were up to in the slightest matter. "We will go see the Sergeant and hear what we has to say but I do not want to waste any time. We must plan.. The Drill is not expected to arrive within the next two weeks so we have time to go on a hunt." She sighed, crossing her arms across her bosom as she turned on her heels, and began to retrace their steps.
"..really I have no interest in the Avatar as of right now.. if our paths cross, so be it but a mere child as the Avatar is reported to be could not possibly stop us." The princess mused, a slight laughter of disbelief in her voice as she moved, turning her head ever so slightly towards her 'friends'. "We shall redeem my Uncle's embarrassing failure years ago and the walls shall crumble at our feet. I doubt we'll meet much resistance.. after all.. the Great City of Omashu fell so easily. Like the Phoenix, Agni, New Ozai has risen from it's ashes. We shall do the same with Ba Seng Sei.. I will claim it in the name of Fire Lord Sozin.."
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Post by aoru on Jun 10, 2008 10:33:09 GMT -5
Aoru had been drifting between peaceful meditation and very light dozing, knowing that conserving her strength was about the only thing they could do, until they could finally escape the cage and the Fire Nation encampment. Had being the keyword there, as she had been jolted by Azula's electricity, just as all the others had. Her meditating interrupted, her mind was beginning to swirl with thoughts regarding their situation. There was talk that they would be seperated....and as such, it would make any chance of escaping nigh impossible. They needed to get out....somehow.
The normal hairstyle she normally wore, with two braids swept up into a bun, leaving some length for them to loop, had long since been taken down. Her hair was simply pulled into a loose braid trailing down her back for the time being. Her make up was gone, and she, along with the rest of the Warriors in the cage, certainly didn't look like Kyoshi Warriors now. Asparagus shaded eyes cut over to Zilong on occasion. While Aoi and Suki smarted off, she just regarded the man coldly. He'd been the one who'd taken down herself and Hana. Though she didn't hold any particular grudge against the man, inwardly she was hoping that there would be a chance she could meet him in battle again...and next time the end result would be different. She remained silent through it all, though to her fellow warriors, this wasn't so much of a shock. Aoru rarely said anything, and when she did it was to say something...well, worth saying.
Aoru looked up to Suki as their leader grabbed the bars, speaking angrily to their guard. Perhaps the days they had spent in captivity had slowed her reflexes, but before Aoru could do anything to calm her, Suki was telling Zilong that it had been the Fire Nation's Crown Prince that had attacked their village...and that they had made contact with the avatar. She rose to her feet and placed a hand on Suki's shoulder...and with a shake of her head silently bade the leader of the Kyoshi Warriors to say nothing else.
Unfortunately, the situation wasn't looking any better, as a young messenger was sent off to deliver the information to the Princess. It wouldn't be long before the firebending prima donna returned.
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