Azula's Journey

Wanted

They had awoken to the stars shining above them. The two packed in silence, the weight of their previous conversation still weighing heavy on their minds. After one last check, they mounted Hira and set off across the desert.

There wasn't much to see in the desert. Only the occasional cactus or animal. Azula had heard during her time at the palace in Ba Sing Se that the Avatar and his friends had discovered a spirit library here. However, the spirit Wan Shi Tong who guarded it had taken library away after the Avatar and his friends had stolen information.

Azula looked up and saw the stars were starting to fade as the sun took its place in the morning sky. She could feel it's warmth spread through her body, bringing her bending back to full strength. She focused ahead of them, spotting the faint outline if the Oasis.

Hira slowed as they entered the small, populated area. Azula adjusted the scarf she had wrapped around her head. She had told Ro it was protection against the sand, but in truth it had a dual purpose. It also hid her identity.

Ro brought Hira to a stop in front of a bar. "I'm going in. The person I'm meeting should be here. You coming?"

It was the first time they'd spoken since they made camp. Azula shook her head. "I'll wait here. Just get what you need so we can go."

Ro sighed. "I'll try to be quick."

Azula watched as Ro entered the bar. Of all the places he had to bring her, it was the Oasis. She just hoped they could slip in and out before someone blew her cover.

A warm breeze ruffled her scarf and Azula looked up to see Fang perched on top of the bar. He watched her closely, his gaze wary.

"I don't like this place either." Azula said quietly. "

Inside the bar....

Ro made his way through the bar, weaving through tables and ignoring the stares of its rough looking patrons. He reached the back of the bar where a man was sitting, his form mostly covered by a cloak.

"What do the great masters teach us?" The man asked, watching Ro carefully.

Ro took a deep breath. "They teach us that fire is energy and life."

The man smiled beneath his cloak and produced a scroll. "You are wise for one so young. Many have forgotten where our true power comes from and what it represents."

Ro took the scroll. "I was taught the old ways since I was young. Thank you for your time."

The man bowed his head and Ro took that as his sign to leave. He tucked the scroll in his bag as he moved back through the bar. He would show Mai after they were away from the Oasis. Too many eyes and ears in a place like this.

Ro weaved through the tables back towards the entrance. He was about to walk out when an arm blocked his path.

"Hey kid."

Ro turned towards the guy. "Yeah?"

The man produced a poster. "Have you seen this girl? There's a high bounty on her head."

"I...." Ro's voice trailed off as he studied the image. The clothes and hair were different, but the face was unmistakable. Mai. Except that wasn't her name. The poster said she was Princess Azula of the Fire Nation. Ro knew little of the royal family since his grandmother had home schooled him and his village was far from the capital. But it didn't stop him from resenting them. They were the great leaders of their nation. The ones who were supposed to lead them to greatness. Instead, they used the people of their nation to further their power hungry driven agenda.

"I'm sorry." Ro finally spoke. "I don't know her. I wish you luck on your search."

The man nodded, tucking the poster away. "Well I appreciate your time. Good day to you."

"Good day." Ro nodded back before quickly walking out. He made his way over to Hira and Azula. Ro tucked his satchel away then climbed on Hira's back.

"Where are we headed?" Azula asked, climbing up behind him.

"Away from here." Ro replied, tensing as he felt her arms wrap around his middle.

Azula sighed quietly in relief. "Sounds like a good idea. Let's go."