𝔸𝕖𝕪𝕖𝕟𝕟𝕒 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕊𝕚𝕝𝕖𝕟𝕥 𝔸𝕤𝕤𝕒𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕟: ℤ𝕦𝕜𝕠 𝕩 𝕆𝕔

ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝟛- 𝔸𝕘𝕟𝕚 𝕂𝕒𝕚 𝔻𝕠 𝕆𝕧𝕖𝕣

Aeyenna's breath quickened, her heart pounding in her chest as the present moment triggered a haunting memory. She could feel the weight of Firelord Ozai's gaze upon her, his unwavering attention a constant pressure on her shoulders. She stood in the center of a training arena, surrounded by flickering torchlight, her muscles tense and her senses heightened.

"Again!" Ozai's commanding voice echoed through the air, his tone leaving no room for hesitation.

Aeyenna's grip tightened around the hilt of her dual short blades, her palms slightly sweaty as she focused on her opponent. Before her stood a training dummy, a lifeless representation of her enemies, yet every swing, every strike she delivered was implanted with the memory of the pain she had endured to reach this point.

She lunged forward, her blades slicing through the air with precision, striking the dummy's torso and limbs in rapid succession. Each movement was calculated, each strike a testament to her intense training. The clashing of metal against metal resonated in the arena as she fend off imaginary opponents, her mind replaying the countless battles she had been forced to simulate.

"Again!" Ozai's voice resonated, urging her to push herself further.

Aeyenna's body moved on autopilot, her instincts and muscle memory taking over. She spun, delivering a powerful roundhouse kick to an imaginary assailant's head, her movements fluid and graceful. She somersaulted backward, landing in a crouch, blades ready for whatever challenge awaited her next.

In the midst of her training, she could feel Ozai's presence, his watchful eyes analyzing every aspect of her performance. The pressure was palpable, a constant reminder of the expectations that had been placed upon her. Every strike had to be perfect, every move executed flawlessly to earn the Firelord's approval.

As sweat formed on her brow and adrenaline coursed through her veins, Aeyenna's mind remained locked in that arena, reliving the grueling drills and brutal exercises that had shaped her into the skilled warrior she had become. She had fought through pain, exhaustion, and doubt, all in pursuit of the recognition she sought from the man who held her fate in his hands.

"Again!"

Zuko stormed into Aeyenna's room while she was playing with Sunny.

"You helped the Avatar escape!"

"I didn't," she replied.

"You definitely did!" Zuko retorted.

"If you expect me to help you in hurting my siblings, you're truly mistaken," Aeyenna softly stated.

Zuko scoffed and left the room but lingered by the doorway. "Are you mad at me?"

Aeyenna glanced up and shook her head. "No, I'm not mad."

Zuko nodded. "Alright, we're heading to Ketu Harbor for repairs. Are you coming?"

Sunny leaped from Aeyenna's arms to Zuko's. He picked up the cub. "I'll take that as a yes."

Aeyenna smiled, draping a cape over her shoulders, and followed Zuko to the harbor.

At the naval base, multiple Fire Nation ships were docked side by side. The walkway was lowered and Aeyenna, Zuko and Iroh stepped off their ship.

As they stepped onto the dock, Zuko spoke. "Uncle, I want the repairs made as quickly as possible. I don't want to stay too long and risk losing his trail."