(POV Lu Ten)
A sea of flames and explosions roared about me. Walls of earth rose and fell; while boulders were launched overhead. I could hear the screams and cries of allies and enemies alike. Truly, was there anything crueler in nature than war?
From my side, I heard a soldier shout,
"For the Fire Nation! For Captain Lu Ten-AUGH"
His war cry was unceremoniously cut short as a boulder descended and crushed him into a paste. Fuck! How many men had I lost? How long had we been fighting? What had we even accomplished? What would father say? What would he do? Should I withdraw?
So many questions, yet not a single answer in sight. Intense plumes of black smoke obscured my vision. Other than the occasional flash of light and explosion in the distance, I could barely see a few feet in front of me. Things were looking dire. The sound of something whistling through the air caught my attention, causing me to leap backward.
It was then that a hailstorm of rocks pelted the floor where I'd been standing previously. Turning my gaze upward, I could make out the silhouettes of two earth-benders. Seeing I had dodged their surprise attack they quickly began to besiege me. Splitting up the duo entered a pincer formation.
From my right, the earth-kin slid his foot across the ground causing the floor beneath my feet to become thick and sticky. A mud-bender? That instant of shock was enough for the other soldier to send multiple rock spears toward my back. Turning my arms into a whirlwind of flame, I broke through the projectiles before sending the miniature tornado hurling toward my assailant.
Unable to react he could only scream until his vocal cords had burnt beyond repair and his body crumpled to the ground. Not even responding to the death of his compatriot, the mud-bender continued to drag me further underneath the ground, the wet earth proving impossible to escape from.
Once all but my head was above ground, he began approaching me with a sneer. Drawing his blade with practiced skill, he prepared to deliver the killing blow only for his eyes to widen in fear. I returned his sneer three times over, as flames built within my mouth and exploded outward. Another set of screams filled the sky as the overconfident mud-bender was engulfed in my burning breath.
Releasing a sigh of relief, I couldn't help but send Father a quick mental thank you. His technique had saved my life after all. Bleeding, and bruised, I struggled to maintain my footing. Like it or not, I was at my limit. It was then that a childish voice reached my ears.
"Hello, is anyone there?"
With squinted eyes, I watched as from within the thick smoke, a small figure emerged. It was a boy, no older than 10, his clothes were torn and ragged, with small cuts and scorch marks on his flesh. Was he an earth-kingdom citizen? Did it even matter? I couldn't kill a child. Rushing forward, I reached a hand up to his shoulder and kneeled down to his level.
"Hey there little guy, its not safe here. If you keep going that direction, you'll be out of the warzone. I can't really guarantee your safety if you stay here. And you really shouldn't be giving away your location like that, there are some dangerous people out there." Giving him a sorrowful smile, I offered what little assistance I could. If another Fire Nation soldier found him, he most likely wouldn't live to see tomorrow.
Maybe it was the mixture of exhaustion. Maybe it was my collection of injuries. Maybe it was the fact that the child's plight moved my heart, but I had failed to notice the eerie glow in his eyes until it was too late. I never saw it coming, but my senses began blaring and my hair suddenly stood on end. My body was screaming one thing, my life was in peril. Unfortunately, it had warned me too late.
One moment my hand was on the child's shoulder ushering him away, and the next I heard him whisper to me.
"You should have taken your own advice."
Before I knew what had happened, a bright blood-red light had engulfed me completely. Glancing downward I found that the pool of blood beneath my feet had not only been set aflame but had skewered through various portions of my body. The flames didn't burn as they entered my torso and tore through the other side, instead, it felt like I'd been run through with cold steal.
With a sickening squelch, I coughed up a large amount of blood which instead of splattering on the ground below, floated upward and toward the young boy. I could only watch with dimming vision and a dumbfounded expression as he began to drink my blood like it was the most delicious thing he'd ever tasted.
What the hell was happening? Why was it happening? Who was this child?
"You were quite strong. I'm glad I got those two to attack you first or I more than likely would have failed my mission. Under normal circumstances, I would have loved to face you fairly. Goodbye, Captain Lu Ten." With a wave of his hand, the child spun on his heel and dashed away, vanishing into the thick smoke.
Consciousness waning, all I could think about was how his eyes and his mouth told two different stories. He acted calm, cool, and collected, showed sincere sympathy for me and what he had to do. Yet, those eyes of his looked at me like I was no more than a meal, like my life lacked any meaning other than to be taken by him.
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(POV Vlad)
The last year had been pretty uneventful if you ask me, aside from a certain task I had to complete. At least that was true until tonight. Lord Ozai had summoned me and informed me that his plans had moved up. He would be proposing a question to his father, and depending on the old man's answer, we would act accordingly.
Laying down on top of one of the rafters within Princess Azula's quarters, I glanced at the surprise guest who attempted to sneakily enter. It would seem the question didn't go over well. Debating on what I should do, the intruder stopped at the door's entrance, her eyes tracing every shadow within the room.
"I know you're in here, beast. Show yourself." Hearing her whisper, I raised an eyebrow in question and dropped down from above her.
"I assume you have a reason to be slinking around the Princess's quarters at this late hour Lady Ursa?" Landing silently, I observed the woman before me carefully. Surely, she wasn't here without Lord Ozai's knowledge. Right?
Perhaps sensing the dangerous place my thoughts had begun to shift; Lady Ursa rubbed her temples in exasperation.
"Look, I'm not here for trouble, Ozai didn't want me to stop by, but I couldn't help it. I know what you did and I know why this is all happening. Whatever your faults, whatever hold Ozai has over you, I hope you can promise me one thing. Keep the loves of my life safe, I cannot trust that he will. I'm not asking you to betray your lord, I just need to know that one single person in this godforsaken place, has their best interest at heart."
Hearing her cryptic way of speaking I couldn't help but wonder if Ozai had rubbed off on her. I guess it was a family thing. Before I could even respond, she brushed passed me, and toward the sleeping Azula. After a few moments of staring at her daughter, she brushed some hair out of her face and planted a kiss on her forehead.
"I'm off to visit Zuko as well before it's too late. Allow me to give you this piece of advice, boy. Ozai is not worthy of you. The control, the faith, the power you grant him, is undeserved. That mark on your arm proves it." Stopping at the doorway, she left with those parting words.
With a small frown, I watched her disappear into the palace courtyard. She didn't even let me get a word in. And what does she know of my mark? Does she know of the Lord of Blood? Tch, trying to sow seeds of doubt within me during such a crucial time. Damn you, woman. Anyway, there's a more pressing matter to deal with.
Glancing behind me, at the still Azula, I scoffed.
"You're not fooling anyone. Well, except your mother, I guess."
Seeing her body tense at my words, she seemed to think for a moment before sitting up in the bed. From those amber eyes of hers fell a sea of tears, she didn't even try to wipe them away, I wondered if she even knew they were there.
"S-She really... She really doesn't hate me?" Azula seemed to be looking to me for confirmation as if she didn't dare believe what she'd heard.
"Didn't I already tell you that? Now are you going to wipe those tears away and go to sleep, or do I have to inform Zuko that his sister is actually a big-" I hadn't even finished my threat before the girl hurriedly threw her blankets over her head, and pretended to snore.
Chuckling, I assumed my position in the rafters once more.
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(POV Fire Lord Ozai)
Had there been a greater moment in my existence? Had I ever felt as much joy as I did today? Sitting upon Azulons throne... my throne, I knew that the answer was no. No, I had not. For today, I had been proclaimed, recognized, and anointed as the one and only Fire Lord.
After the ceremony I had retired to the throne room by myself, I needed a moment or two to revel in the reality of my situation. To come down from my euphoric high. I couldn't afford to let the Generals or anyone else see me so overjoyed.
Once I had calmed down, I called for an audience with arguably the most important person within my arsenal. Vlad. Things had only gone so smoothly because he kicked things into motion. With Lu Ten's tragic demise, my brother's downward spiral was almost guaranteed. He was no longer a threat, barely even a shell of his former self. The greatest threat to my rule, the only being capable of challenging me, and he lacked the ability to even crawl out of bed. Truly, how delightful.
"Congratulations on your ascension, Fire Lord Ozai. How may I be of service?" Not even noticing Vlad's arrival, I glanced at his kneeling form and a small smile appeared on my face.
Rising to my feet, I slowly descended the throne and made my way toward his kneeling figure.
"You've served me well all this time. If not for you Iroh would be a thorn in my side. I know my request of you could be seen as treason by some, yet you completed the task without complaint. Leaving no trace of foul play to boot. Today we celebrate not only my ascension but yours as well."
Halting my steps before him. His eyes readily met my own, unwaveringly he stared down the most powerful being in the world. To have such a fearless soldier under my command, it nearly brought me to tears. If only Zuko could learn a thing or two from him. Azula really was the only hope for this nation.
"I have prepared two gifts for you. The first is a set of meteorite-forged forged arm-rings. They represent your loyalty and continued proof of allegiance to me. The second is a necklace created with the teeth of one of the last dragons to be killed by Fire Lord Azulon." After handing him the rings, I placed the necklace around his neck. Turning on my heel I once again took my seat on the throne.
Watching the boy don the rings, and inspect the dragon's teeth in awe, I nodded my head in satisfaction. Clearing my throat, I spoke up once more.
"You've spent your entire life within these walls and have yet to disappoint me. As a result, I'm giving you the opportunity to spread your name, and the fire nation's influence outside the palace. This is a test and a moment for you to prove yourself. Not to me, but to the rest of the nation. Earn your place within my ranks."
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(POV Vlad)
Arriving in my quarters to pack my things and go, I discovered that the Fire Lord had also prepared me a new outfit. Finally, I could take off this straightjacket they called servant's garb. Taking a look at what had been prepared, it seemed it was a sleeveless, red-trimmed, black waistcoat, with a black and red trimmed set of trousers to match.
Casually donning the outfit, I couldn't help but stretch my muscles and throw a few kicks and punches. Being granted the freedom to finally move was truly a blessing. Attaching a plaque to my belt that would get me through any checkpoints, and grabbing my waterskin, I exited the palace.
It was night so my departure went relatively unnoticed. Before long I was at the outskirts of the Fire Nation Capital. Entering the harbor, I was granted passage onto the next boat headed toward the Earth Kingdom.
After Iroh's departure, things were in chaos. It was the perfect place for a scavenger to feast. And feast I would. For the time being, I'd stick to the outskirts of the Earth Kingdom. Ozai didn't give me a time frame, so I'll just play things by ear. I'm not in a rush to die an early death, so I'll try not to go overboard. After all, I've never even fought an earth-bender before.
Baby steps. Babys steps.
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The last three weeks were agonizingly long. Much like my first time traveling to the Earth kingdom, I realized without a doubt that this method of transportation was abysmal. Was there truly no faster way to get around? Sometimes I wondered if I'd just be better off running. After departing the Fire Nation cruiser, I quickly asked for a map of the surrounding area.
Seeing as I was just a child, people were quite receptive to my wishes. I'd even managed to snag an Ostrich Horse, from an accommodating stableman. Before long I had a good idea of what was going on where, and what places to avoid. Nodding my head I made my decision and took off toward the nearest village.
I had left during the morning, and by the time I arrived, it was nightfall. I had pushed my poor steed to the limit, and the moment I ushered for it to stop, it crumpled to its knees in exhaustion. Patting it on the head, I thanked it for its hard work and assured it that I would compensate it well.
Tying him to a tree a ways away from the village entrance, and out of sight I began my approach. The village entrance wasn't anything too grand, just a small archway, and a wooden fence made of tree stumps surrounding the place. Seemed counter-intuitive to use wood as a defense...and not yknow, earth-bending. But whatever, I guess.
Stepping into the townlet, I instantly locked onto who I assumed were the village guards. They wore normal Earth Kingdom garbs but had blades holstered on their waists. Other than that there wasn't anything particularly remarkable about any of them.
Nonetheless, I was worried about being caught off guard or becoming overconfident. Seeing that no one was paying any attention to me, let alone acknowledging my entry to the village, I cracked my neck and began bouncing up and down.
After a few moments the sound of a loud thumping sound spread throughout the night sky. With most people in the vill being asleep, it was akin to a war drum being beaten. Gradually my veins began to squirm and wiggle beneath my skin, and before long they were protruding as if attempting to burst free. My once darkened skin had turned blood-red in color, and the white of my sclera parted, giving way to a pitch black. ~(IMAGE)~
With a large smile, I locked my gaze onto the guards who had been searching for the source of the loud booming sound. Making eye contact with my form, one of the guards attempted to scream in warning, however, it was too late.
Digging my heel into the ground, I blasted forward with the utmost speed I could muster. Like an oversized droplet of blood, I bulldozed into the guard in question. The collision of my fist against his face created a sickening crunch, followed by a violent thump as his head bounced off the ground.
Inhaling a deep breath, I glanced at the dozen guards who had only just reacted to their friend's death. With a violent exhale, a torrent of freezing cold air left my mouth, within moments it had covered the entire area in an unnatural fog.
Multiple shouts came from around me, and despite not being able to see either, I could feel their hearts beating, sense the blood within their bodies, and feel their movements before they made them. Without giving them a chance to defend themselves, I was upon them.
One body, two bodies, three bodies, four. Feeling the toll it was taking on my body to remain in this state, I pushed myself harder. I needed to finish this quickly. I couldn't afford for this to be a fair fight; I needed to crush them all. Their bodies, their spirits, and their souls.
With the addition of the fog, what could have been a difficult confrontation, was handled with relative ease. Not only were they some back-alley guards, but none of them were mentally prepared for the bloodborne beast that had attacked them. In no time, all that was left were two of the dozen guards, but I could no longer maintain my state without repercussions.
To top it off, all the noise had drawn the attention of the rest of the villagers. One by one they had left their homes and were staring in confusion at the small area covered in fog within the village square. Sprinting out of the fog's reach, the duo of guards screamed bloody murder, telling the villagers to escape before it was too late.
With a wave of my hand, I cleared away the fog, the horror within was laid bare before the village's eyes. It started slow, but one by one they began screaming. Some fell over, some attempted to sprint away, and some grabbed their children and tried to hide.
Glancing at the small hill of corpses beneath my feet, I raised my hand and as if responding to my call, the blood from their bodies began rising into the sky. All who had previously begun fleeing had frozen on the spot upon seeing my display. Whether it was shock or fear that had locked them in place was of no concern of mine.
"Rain Blood" With two words, the sea of blood floating above the village began to descend like droplets of rain, however, the moment before the first drop touched the ground it caught fire.
Pretty soon the sky was on fire, as flames flowed freely from heavens piercing and setting alight anything and anyone in their path. The entire ordeal was over before it had even begun, and by the time my rain had ceased, so had the lives of the villagers.
Nodding at my handiwork, I wondered how long my flame could remain burning. Hopefully long enough for my message to be seen and heard. Noticing some movement out of the corner of my eyes, I turned to find a boy no older than I, with spiky black hair and a piece of straw in his mouth.
Tears and rage flowed from his eyes, as he ran toward me with some makeshift weapon. Despite him attacking me, I hadn't killed any of the other children and didn't plan on letting him be the exception. Not sparing him a second glance, I blew a small gust of air that solidified around his feet, halting him in his tracks, and sending him toppling over.
Turning my back to the village, I took out my map and prepared to head to the next one.