ATLA: Azlua

Cause and Effect

100 AG the year of the raising Dragon. Three Months after the war.

Azula lounges in her study, engaged in a card game with Ty Lee who appears to be on the losing side. The door swings open abruptly, and Mai strides in with an unmistakable air of irritation. Azula shoots her a sidelong glance before returning her attention to the game. Before she can make her move, however, Mai slams her hand down on the cards.

"It's been months, and you're sitting here playing cards? Even I, who cares little for the Fire Nation, know that now is not the time for playing card games.

"You're quite cute when you're angry, Mai," Azula smirks, playfully poking Mai's nose. She rises and heads to the balcony.

"Zuko must be stressing you out if I'm the one telling you to relax. And it's not like I've been idle. Plans are in motion to revive our economy, and I've shifted soldiers to more economic roles. Not everything demands my personal intervention."

Mai attempts to speak, but Azula cuts her off.

"I know that's not what you meant. The truth is, I've been waiting."

Mai takes a deep breath to calm herself. "Waiting for what?"

A knock interrupts the conversation. Azula signals for them to enter. Lieutenant General Zhen, a man of reserved demeanor despite his imposing appearance, presents a scroll.

"The recent Fire Hawk has revealed an uprising in the former colonies. Spies indicate civil war has erupted, with one faction of the Earth Kingdom attempting to suppress another that refuses allegiance. Many hail the Fire Nation as their only home. Reports are flooding in."

Azula covers her face, suppressing a manic smile. "It's finally started! Lieutenant, gather the war council. Girls, follow me. It's time to act."

With a nod, Lieutenant General Zhen departs.

"What's the plan?" Ty Lee asks as she stretches.

"If we try to intervene, the Avatar won't stay still," Mai warns.

"Do you know what the Fire Nation brought to the colonies?" Azula asks the girls.

They both tilt their heads inquisitively, awaiting Azula's answer.

"Order. After a century of occupation, the colonies are a melting pot of ideologies. Some embrace Fire Nation rule, while others demand justice and independence. It's not just the Earth Kingdom; the North and South Poles are likely reaching their breaking points. Old leaders clash with the new, and warriors bear the scars of my father's tyranny. There's resentment even towards their own leaders who pay tribute to the ones who caused their suffering."

As Azula concludes her speech, she swings open the war room door, revealing the remaining members of the general staff.

"Isn't that bad for us? What if they decide to attack us once they've recovered enough?" Ty Lee questions, to which Azula responds with a chuckle.

"Trade might be an issue, but war? Again? Ha! The deep scars they've suffered will haunt them for years. The real danger lies with the Avatar and a united Earth Kingdom. That's why I plan to provide aid to the colonies, but only to those who praise us."

Seated at the map, Azula highlights the coastal cities with red and green, along with Earth Kingdom symbols.

"We can supply them with medicine, food, and weapons. However, direct military support would likely provoke the Avatar's intervention," Lieutenant General Zhen adds, moving a box of weapons on the map.

"If we're going to act, it has to be now. It'll be a week before word reaches the capital, and then another two weeks to gather enough troops and lead them to the rebellious cities. Public opinion of the Earth King is low, and the nation's morale is poor. It won't be a massive force, but they'll move with a single army, quelling rebellion one city at a time," General Zaina explains, moving metal fist pieces across several cities.

Azula grins as she stabs one of Mai's daggers into a city.

"We will supply them with weapons and military advisors. Mai, you will fan the flames for our supporters. Destroy food depots, clinics, and eliminate key individuals of the anti-Fire Nation faction."

"Not even going to ask me first?" Mai raises an eyebrow.

"Nope," Azula replies, and Mai rolls her eyes.

"Glad we agree. Ty Lee, it seems the Avatar is in the South Pole. Go and request that he talks to the Earth King about disbanding his army. It doesn't matter what his response is, as long as he goes to the Earth King. We need them distracted and divided. Play to the Avatar's sense of peace and justice. If he believes it's a path to unity, he'll likely take the bait. Mai will then spread rumors of the Avatar siding with the Earth King."

Ty Lee nods confidently, her agile form ready for the diplomatic mission. 

Azula orchestrates each move by manipulating the pieces on the map. Lieutenant General Mei, who has been silent, clears her throat to speak.

"Shall I work with the serpent to minimize pushback from the nobles?"

Azula growls at the mention of the serpent but contemplates for a moment before responding.

"Yes, but be on guard. We may have a truce, but that doesn't mean he can't find a workaround."

"And what will you be doing, Azula?" Ty Lee asks.

"Staying here, of course. Now that I'm Fire Lord, I'll attract too much attention if I involve myself directly. Lieutenant General Zhen will keep me in the loop."

"It must be nice to have such confidence. But what happens if we're discovered?" Ty Lee asks, the question itself causing everyone to stop in place.

Azula frowns then it disappears as she gently touches Ty lee's cheek with a condescending smile.

"That's cute, the truth is Ty Lee it won't matter. You think the people over there care whose at fault? They just want to keep what little culture they've cultivated. By time I'm done with them they'll be screaming for earth kings head. So just play your part and we'll be fine." 

Lieutenant General Zhen exits the war room to gather the war council, leaving Azula to further outline her plans with the remaining staff.

"Continuing from before, Lieutenant General Mei," Azula addresses the seasoned officer, "coordinate with the serpent and ensure that our noble allies remain unaware of our involvement in the colonies. I want to minimize any complications from that front."

Mei nods in acknowledgment, her stoic expression unwavering. Azula shifts her focus back to the map, calculating potential moves and consequences.

"General Zaina, make sure our forces are prepared to deploy swiftly. We need to be strategic about where we provide aid and ensure we tip the balance in our favor."

Zaina responds with a crisp salute, her fire nation attire reflecting her readiness for action. 

With roles assigned, the team disperses to execute their respective tasks. Azula watches them go, her mind already calculating outcomes and contingencies.