Azula, Flames Of Change

Chapter 33: dilemma

The group, still reeling from their experiences in the city, decided to return to the city leader, Governor Fei, for more answers. They found him in his office once again, calm and composed, as if their previous conversation hadn't been anything out of the ordinary. This time, however, the air between them was more tense, the weight of their discovery pressing down on all of them.

Aang approached first, his voice laced with both curiosity and determination. "Governor Fei, we need to know more about Azula's influence. How far has she spread beyond the Earth Kingdom?"

Fei didn't hesitate. "Aside from the settlements here, she has been offering assistance to several smaller water tribes in both the north and south poles. The southern tribes, though more numerous, are relatively less prosperous than their northern counterparts. In the north, Azula has established a foothold in a few smaller tribes beyond the main one you're familiar with."

Zuko frowned, his brow furrowing deeper. "You're saying there are more water tribes in the north than just the one we visited?"

Fei nodded. "Yes. Though they're smaller and more isolated, Azula has managed to influence them, offering technology and resources in exchange for loyalty and, of course, minerals and supplies. Many of them have accepted her offer, seeing the benefit of what she brings."

Sokka's face tightened as he exchanged a look with Katara. "The tribes in the south... you said they were less prosperous?"

Fei sighed, as if explaining an obvious fact. "Yes, but more numerous. The southern water tribes have been struggling for years, even before Azula's interference. She's only now beginning to turn her attention to them, but the northern tribes are far more receptive. They see the advantages she offers, especially with the resources the Fire Nation now controls."

Katara, her fists clenched, stepped forward. "Why didn't the southern tribes get the same treatment? Why hasn't she helped them like she's helped the north?"

Fei leaned back in his chair, his expression neutral. "It's not a matter of neglect, but strategy. The north holds more significant resources, and their alliances with Azula have been more productive. The south, being scattered and less organized, has naturally been slower to benefit."

Zuko interjected, clearly still torn about the entire situation. "So, Azula's influence isn't just limited to the Earth Kingdom. She's spreading beyond, into both poles. The more resources she controls, the more powerful she becomes."

Aang's eyes flickered with uncertainty, but his voice remained steady. "If she's managing to control smaller water tribes and offer them prosperity, then what's stopping her from taking full control over the poles?"

The weight of the question hung heavy in the air. After a long pause, Sokka broke the silence. "We need to decide our next move."

The group stepped outside of Fei's office, retreating to a quiet part of the city where they could speak freely. The once-unified purpose they had felt seemed to falter under the weight of what they had discovered.

"We should go to the southern tribes," Katara suggested firmly. "They're more vulnerable, and if Azula is starting to reach them, we need to protect them before it's too late."

Sokka looked conflicted. "Yeah, but the southern tribes are scattered, Katara. Even if we went there, it would take time to unite them. And right now, the north is where Azula's already making progress. We might be too late by the time we get to the south."

Toph, leaning against a wall with her arms crossed, chimed in. "The north is where the real threat is right now. If Azula's already got her foot in the door with the northern tribes, we need to shut it before it gets any wider."

Zuko was silent for a moment, deep in thought. "Master Pakku is in the north. He's one of the few people who can help us protect the tribes there. We need to tell him what's been happening and get him ready for what's coming."

Aang nodded slowly, clearly troubled. "If Azula's influence has spread to the north, Pakku needs to know. We can't let her take control of the water tribes the way she's taken control of the cities here."

Katara, though still hesitant, agreed with a sigh. "I don't like leaving the south vulnerable, but you're right. The north needs our help first."

After a lengthy discussion, the group made their decision. They would travel to the Northern Water Tribe and inform Pakku of everything they had learned over the past few months. He needed to know the extent of Azula's reach in order to protect his people—and they needed to stop her before her grip on the north grew any stronger.

Meanwhile, back in the Fire Nation, Azula was continuing to consolidate her power. With her new technology advancing at a rapid pace, the Fire Nation's infrastructure was changing by the day. Electricity had been successfully introduced to several major cities, and with it came light bulbs, electrical grids, and smaller electronics. The factories were humming with productivity, churning out the tools of her new world.

Suki watched in amazement as the Fire Nation transformed before her eyes. Though she still harbored doubts about Azula, the scale of the changes was undeniable. What shocked her most was how swiftly the technology was being integrated. Light bulbs illuminated the streets at night, the hum of electrical generators filled the air, and plans for mass production were well underway.

One evening, as Suki walked through the capital, observing the construction and transformation of the Fire Nation, she couldn't help but feel conflicted. Azula's rule, for all its ruthlessness, was bringing undeniable change. But at what cost?

The following morning, the group prepared to set off for the Northern Water Tribe. As they gathered their supplies and readied Appa for the long journey, Sokka's face remained grim. "The north is just the beginning. If Azula's managed to get her claws into them, who knows how far she'll go."

"We'll stop her," Aang said confidently, though the uncertainty in his eyes was still present.

Zuko, standing at the edge of the group, stared at the horizon. "If we don't stop her in the north, it'll only be a matter of time before the rest of the world falls in line."

With that, they took to the sky, the weight of their mission pressing down on them as they soared northward, toward a future that seemed more uncertain with every passing day.