Wandering Firebender

One Hundred One: Wishful Thinking

"You have a visitor! Up on your feet!"

Azula scoffed at the command, paying it no mind. She stayed sitting on the floor with her legs crossed. The door swung open and Elio walked into her room. His expression was unreadable, which Azula was not used to seeing from him.

"Strange time for a formal visit, captain." She commented. She wasn't sure exactly what time it was but considering she had already had her dinner a little while ago, it was certainly dark out.

Her eyes looked him up and down. She immediately noticed that he wasn't fully dressed in his uniform this time. He only had on pants and a long-sleeve shirt. This wasn't a sanctioned visit nor was it a formal one. He was here for personal reasons.

"This isn't something that can wait." Elio said, taking it upon himself to close the cell door.

"Hm...something's happened." She observed.

"You haven't heard?"

"Do you see any newsletters in here?" She asked sarcastically.

"You didn't renew your subscription?" Elio matched her tone, letting out a grunt as he sat down on the floor in front of her.

Azula's nose scrunched up for a moment before she cracked a smirk, "Touchy." She said slowly, dragging out each syllable.

"Where have I heard that one before?" Elio scoffed to himself. He got comfortable in his new seated position then changed the subject, "Has the treatment improved at all since the last time I was here?" He asked.

"Based on the attitude of that guard? You tell me. You should make sure that he isn't eavesdropping." She commented.

Elio paused for a moment and looked back at the door again. They didn't speak. They stayed completely still. After not hearing anything for a few moments, Elio returned his attention to the princess.

"I think we're clear." He said.

"It's your position on the line not mine." She responded with a shrug.

"So no one told you what's happened at all?" He asked again, surprised that word haven't traveled to her in any way. Azula shook her head.

"Of course not. If I'm not being pressed with idiotic questions, they leave me to my own devices in here. I'm effectively cut off from the outside world here." She explained to him bluntly. Elio looked to the side and sighed.

"Sorry. I'm not blaming you for it...just...your brother was attacked last night. Somehow an assassin managed to get into his bedroom. I wanted to send word to you after it happened but-"

"Wait, someone tried to kill Zuzu last night? Who?" Azula asked, her eyes widening. Her tone didn't seem to indicate any concern nor joy, simply shock from the news.

"We weren't able to get his identity." Elio shook his head.

"He got away? Unbelievable," She shook her head in disappointment. "Those guards should be executed for their failure. What a disgrace."

"This really upsets you." He observed.

"Please. If I were the Fire Lord right now, this would have never happened. No one would dare...and even if they tried they certainly wouldn't be allowed to get away alive." She stated.

"We're looking into it."

"What do you know?" She immediately asked.

"Right now, based on what the guy was saying last night, all fingers are pointing towards the 'New Ozai Society'. That's where I plan on starting." Elio informed her of the current speculation.