Wandering Firebender

Eighty Five: Offensive

"My lord, Elio has requested to see you." A guard reported to Fire Lord Zuko, kneeling before his throne out of respect.

"Let him in." Zuko nodded. The guard opened the door for Elio. He approached the throne and knelt down before it like the guard had.

"Good morning, my lord." Elio greeted him.

"Good morning, Elio. I had just sent for you, but it seems you came here first. What do you want to speak to me about?" Zuko asked curiously.

"I wanted to ask about how Azula is doing. Has there been any updates on her treatment?" He questioned. Zuko's eyebrows furrowed and he turned his head strangely at this question.

"What makes you so concerned?" He asked now.

"Azula and I did a lot of talking on the way back here. That is why you sent me, isn't it? To see how I could get through to her?" Elio reminded him.

"Yes...I haven't heard anything. I didn't think that you would want updates after bringing her back." Zuko expressed.

"More than that, I think that it would be best for her condition that I try to help out with her treatment where I can." Elio stated.

"And how do you expect to do that?" Zuko questioned.

"Well, I made some progress by speaking to her. I'm sure there's something I can do to get her to open up, make her less resistant." Elio suggested. However, Zuko shook his head at this.

"I don't think that's a good idea. You did well on this mission and I'm grateful that you brought my sister back home, but now I need you to refocus. I have other missions for you to attend to now." Zuko said.

"Alright...it doesn't have to be all the time either. I'm just wondering if there is a way I can do both." Elio tried to reason with him.

"Elio...I know that you mean well, but you don't know my sister the way I do. If I let you keep speaking to her the way you're asking, you'll eventually find out the hard way that Azula always lies." Zuko said, shaking his head.

"Not to me." Elio responded defensively.

A strange silence swept over the room filled only by the gentle flickering of the fire. Elio swallowed nervously, realizing that he had spoken out of turn. He wanted to apologize, but he also didn't want to appear like he was backtracking, so he lowered his head and awaited a response.

"Elio, put my sister out of your mind for right now. I don't know what she's told you, but I don't like seeing you like this. I have an assignment that I need you on today." Zuko said, saying his piece before changing the subject.

"Yes, sir. Sorry, sir. What do you need me to do?" Elio asked.

"I need you and your team over at Fire Foundation City today. I've ordered that the statue of my father be taken down this afternoon. I want you to keep an eye on the area, make sure things go smoothly and nothing breaks out." Zuko explained.

"Do you expect that there would be pushback?" Elio asked curiously.

"I do. Unfortunately, there are those who still sympathize with my father and the old regime. I'm hoping that you'll only have to deal with some stray hecklers, but I want to play it safe – so you and your team will be there for extra security." Zuko continued.

"I see. I understand. I'll round up my team right now and fill them in." Elio said, standing up now.

"Be careful, Elio. And please...think about what I said. If you need to talk about it more, let me know. My door is open for you." Zuko offered.