Avatar: The Flames of Kaiya

Tense Alliances

Kaiya sat on a couch, attended by Lin and another servant. An ice pack rested on her head, her feet soaked in a warm water bucket, while Lin massaged her shoulders. The scene was peaceful, filled with the sound of water and the soft murmurs of the servants.

Azula entered the spa, her presence commanding. She beckoned Lin over, her expression serious. "How is she?"

Lin, looking concerned but composed, responded respectfully. "Her head is bruised, and she's shaken, but we've kept her calm."

Azula's eyes narrowed slightly, showing a flicker of concern. "Leave us. I need to speak with her alone."

Lin glanced at Azula's forehead, noting the cleaned wound. "Of course, Princess, but what of your cut?"

"I'm fine!" Azula barked.

The servants bowed and quietly exited the spa, leaving Azula and Kaiya alone. Azula sat on the couch opposite Kaiya, who kept her eyes closed, her face serene despite her injuries.

"Kaiya, I—"

Kaiya interrupted, her voice steady and calm. "Master, I must inform you that I'll be returning to my mother at dawn. I'm considering aiding a firebending academy outside the Capitol. I regret any inconvenience this may cause."

Azula lowered her head, gritting her teeth in frustration and guilt. "Don't leave." Her tone softened, revealing her vulnerability. "I lost control. My father demands your swift preparation, and these headaches... they cloud my judgment. I wasn't myself."

Kaiya opened her eyes, looking directly at Azula. "I pose you a question, Master. Reflect well before you reply. Is my presence requested or demanded?"

Azula contemplated the question, clenching her fist as she struggled with her pride and need for control. "I need you to stay. I promise to respect your family and your firebending approach."

Kaiya stood up, towering over Azula, her presence commanding. "If you ever speak of my father again or endanger my well-being, I will leave without hesitation. There will be no second chances. Do you understand, Master?"

Azula's eyes widened, but she eventually nodded, recognizing the gravity of Kaiya's words.

"I will retire for the night now," Kaiya stated.

Azula glanced at Kaiya, her expression shifting. "I'll escort you to your room," she offered, her tone unexpectedly soft. Azula linked arms with Kaiya as they left the spa. Kaiya looked slightly surprised but did not resist.

"Master, there's no need—" Kaiya began.

"Consider this a fresh start," Azula interrupted, her tone insistent.

The two walked down the hallway, encountering Lo and Li, who observed them closely.

"A bruised head," Lo commented.

"A disheveled room," Li added.

"Unbecoming of a princess to treat her protégé in such a manner," they both concluded.

Azula responded with a dismissive wave, her tone authoritative. "It was merely a spirited discussion between girls. Kaiya has a fiery spirit, and she'll use it to bring glory to our nation."

Lo and Li looked unimpressed and turned their attention to Kaiya. "We want to hear from Kaiya herself," Lo said.

"Do you feel safe? Is there anything you would like us to report to the Fire Lord?" Li inquired.

Azula looked worried, her composure slipping.

Kaiya, maintaining her calm demeanor, responded diplomatically. "It wasn't easy, but the princess and I have come to a mutual understanding. I look forward to beginning my specialized training soon."

Kaiya grabbed Azula's arm and guided them through the hallway, with Lo and Li stepping aside.

Outside Kaiya's room, Azula forced a smile, trying to regain control of the situation. "I'll devise a specialized training regimen for you. Firebending only, of course."

Kaiya separated herself from Azula, her face blank. "If a smile is to be shared, let it carry sincerity. Goodnight, Azula." She slammed the door in Azula's face, the sound echoing in the hallway.

Azula stood there, shocked and humiliated. She clenched her fist, her frustration palpable. Turning away, she muttered insults under her breath, her steps echoing in the empty hallway.

*   *   *

Azula's personal war room was a cluttered, dimly lit space filled with maps, scrolls, and various strategic artifacts. The room's intense atmosphere was accentuated by the bags under Azula's eyes, a testament to sleepless nights. Crumpled scrolls littered the floor, and bowls of fire flakes were scattered around. In the middle of the room, a table displayed a detailed war map with pieces representing a flame symbol, likely Kaiya, and pieces with Earth Nation symbols.

Azula paced around her war room, her expression tense and focused. She glanced at the war map on the table, the flame and Earth Nation pieces positioned strategically.

"No matter the strategy, even with reinforcements, she meets her end," Azula muttered to herself.

She arranged the pieces so that Kaiya faced Earth Nation pieces on the table. With a flick of her hand, she toppled the pieces directly in front of Kaiya, leaving several pieces still standing on Kaiya's sides.

"Her opening attack is devastating, but she's not of much use afterward," she mused.

Azula stared at the pieces still standing, her mind racing with possibilities.

"Unless..." she trailed off.

She arranged the Earth Nation pieces in a narrow formation, with Kaiya standing near them. With another flick of her wrist, she toppled all the pieces in one swoop.

"But why would they position themselves like this..." Azula's eyes widened as a look of realization dawned on her face.

"That's it!" she exclaimed.

Azula stood over the table, her eyes gleaming with newfound understanding.