Morning in the Fire Nation capital arrived with ceremonial gongs rather than the gentle bells of the previous day.
I woke to find Barbara already up, dressed in Fire Nation attire that had been provided during the night - deep crimson robes with gold trim that complemented her red hair beautifully.
"Someone's been busy," I observed, sitting up in the massive canopied bed.
Barbara turned from the window, an amused expression on her face. "You should see what they left for you, 'Great Agni.'"
She gestured toward an ornate wooden stand where elaborate robes of black and gold hung, adorned with flame patterns that seemed to shimmer in the morning light.
"They're really leaning into this deity narrative," I noted, examining the garments.
"Can you blame them?" Barbara replied, her voice taking on that analytical edge I'd come to recognize.
"You showed up with white hair and red eyes, transformed into a literal fire being, and somehow supercharged their bending abilities. From their perspective, what else could you be but their god?"
I dressed in the provided robes, finding them surprisingly comfortable despite their formal appearance. "We need to be careful with this misunderstanding. Religious fervor can be unpredictable."
"Says the man who's being worshipped as a fire god," Barbara quipped, her eyes dancing with mischief.
"You know, most guys just buy flowers when they take a girl on a trip. You take me to another dimension and get deified. Talk about overachieving."
Her lighthearted teasing caught me off guard, and I found myself laughing. This was a side of Barbara I hadn't seen much since the Joker incident - the quick wit and playful banter that had first drawn me to her during our "strategic alliance" at Gotham Academy.
"Only the best for you," I replied, moving to her side and drawing her into my arms. "How are you feeling about all this? It's a lot to take in."
Barbara's expression grew more thoughtful. "Honestly? It's exhilarating. Everything here is so different, yet strangely familiar.
The power dynamics, the cultural norms, the way they structure their society around bending abilities - it's like seeing political theory textbooks come to life in technicolor."
She turned to face the window again, gazing out at the city spreading below the palace. "And the way they're handling their conquered territories...
Dad would have a conniption if he knew I was observing an actual empire's colonial practices firsthand."
"Is that a good thing or a bad thing?" I asked, curious about her emerging perspective.
"That's exactly what I'm here to figure out," she replied, her voice taking on that passionate quality I loved. "Back home, we have such rigid definitions of right and wrong, just and unjust.
The Fire Nation's expansion would be condemned outright in our world. But here? It's their manifest destiny, their natural right as the superior nation."
She turned back to me, eyes bright with intellectual curiosity. "What if our moral framework isn't universal?
What if justice looks different depending on the world you're in, the circumstances you face? That's what I want to understand."
Before I could respond, a knock at the door interrupted us. A servant entered, bowing so deeply her forehead nearly touched the floor.
"Divine Agni, Princess Azula requests your presence in the war chamber. The Fire Lord's generals have assembled to receive your blessing before today's military council."
I exchanged glances with Barbara. This was moving faster than anticipated - from honored guest to divine participant in military planning in less than a day.
"We will attend shortly," I replied, adopting the formal, slightly resonant tone I'd used with the ministers.
The servant backed out of the room, still bowing, closing the door behind her.
"Well," Barbara said, raising an eyebrow, "that escalated quickly. From observer to military advisor in one day."
"It's an opportunity," I pointed out. "We'll see firsthand how the Fire Nation plans its conquests and administers its territories."
Barbara nodded, though her expression had grown more serious. "Just remember we're here to observe, not to change their world. Your 'divine guidance' could have real consequences for the people living here."
Her concern was valid. The religious authority I'd accidentally acquired came with significant responsibility.
Whatever counsel I provided could affect military decisions, potentially altering the course of this world's history.
"I'll be careful," I assured her. "Vague enough to maintain the cover, but not specific enough to significantly alter their plans."
We made our way through the palace corridors, now lined with kneeling servants and guards whenever we passed.
The atmosphere had shifted dramatically from the previous day - what had been respectful deference was now outright worship.
The war chamber proved to be a large circular room dominated by a massive table where a detailed map of the world was carved in stone, with movable pieces representing military units.
Around it stood a dozen elderly men in ornate military uniforms, their chests heavy with medals and insignia of rank.
Azula waited at the head of the table, dressed in formal military attire rather than her usual practical outfit. When we entered, every general immediately dropped to one knee.
"Divine Agni honors us with his presence," Azula announced, her voice carrying the perfect blend of reverence and authority.
Though she remained standing, she bowed deeply in my direction. "And his chosen advisor graces us as well."
I moved to the position clearly intended for me - a slightly elevated platform at the table's head, with Azula's position just below it to the right. Barbara was guided to a seat at my left.
"Rise," I said to the kneeling generals, keeping my tone measured and authoritative. "I have come to observe, not to disrupt your council."
The generals rose but remained deferential, their eyes rarely meeting mine directly. One elderly general with particularly elaborate insignia stepped forward.
"Great Agni, I am General Bujing, chief military advisor to Fire Lord Ozai. We seek your divine guidance as we plan the next phase of the Fire Nation's destined expansion."
I nodded solemnly, studying the map before us. The Fire Nation territories were marked in red, covering nearly half the known world.
The recently conquered Ba Sing Se was highlighted with a golden flame marker.
"Show me your current strategies," I instructed, curious to see their plans without my input.
General Bujing gestured to various points on the map, explaining their three-pronged approach to securing the Earth Kingdom's remaining territories.
Their strategy was ruthlessly efficient - cutting supply lines, isolating resistance pockets, and systematically dismantling opposition leadership.
Throughout his explanation, I noticed Barbara taking mental notes, her sharp eyes missing nothing.
Occasionally she would glance at me, gauging my reaction to particularly aggressive tactics.
"And the civilian populations in these regions?" Barbara asked suddenly, her voice calm but pointed. "What provisions are made for them during these operations?"
The generals looked startled, both at her question and the fact that she had spoken at all. They looked to me, clearly uncertain how to respond to my companion's inquiry.
"Answer her," I said simply. "Barbara Gordon speaks with my authority."
General Bujing cleared his throat. "The civilian populations are given the opportunity to pledge loyalty to the Fire Nation.
Those who do are protected and integrated into our systems. Those who resist..." He trailed off, his implication clear.
"Are eliminated," Barbara finished flatly.
"It is the way of war," another general stated defensively. "Those who oppose the Fire Nation's manifest destiny choose their fate."
I could see Barbara's jaw tighten slightly - the only outward sign of her emotional response. Her voice, however, remained analytical when she spoke again.
"And what of those who neither resist nor actively support? The farmers, merchants, children? What system exists for their protection during military operations?"
The generals exchanged uncomfortable glances. Clearly, civilian casualties were considered an acceptable cost in their calculations.
Azula stepped in smoothly. "Perhaps this highlights an area where our administration could be improved.
The Fire Nation seeks not to destroy, but to elevate all peoples under our superior guidance. Unnecessary civilian losses represent wasted resources."
Her framing was coldly pragmatic rather than moral, but it redirected the conversation effectively.
The generals began discussing potential modifications to their approach - not out of compassion, but efficiency.
Throughout the council, I maintained my role as divine observer, offering occasional cryptic guidance that could be interpreted multiple ways.
Barbara continued to ask pointed questions about governance, integration, and justice in conquered territories.
The most fascinating aspect was watching how Azula navigated between military pragmatism and the new religious authority I represented.
She skillfully used my presence to advance her own agenda, framing her proposals as interpretations of my divine will.
When the council concluded, the generals departed with new orders and a sense of divine blessing for their campaigns. As the doors closed behind them, Azula's formal demeanor relaxed slightly.
"That was... illuminating," she said, studying me with renewed interest. "Your companion asks unexpected questions."
"Barbara has unique insight into governance and justice," I replied. "Her perspective is valuable."
"Clearly," Azula agreed, though her eyes suggested she was reassessing Barbara's role. "Your intervention has already shifted our military approach.
General Bujing rarely reconsiders his strategies, yet today he left with new orders specifically designed to minimize civilian disruption."
"Is that a problem?" Barbara asked directly, meeting Azula's gaze without deference.
A flicker of surprise crossed Azula's features before her composed mask returned. "Not at all. Efficiency in conquest and administration serves the Fire Nation's interests.
Unnecessary destruction creates resistance and wastes potential resources."
"Resources," Barbara repeated, her tone neutral but her eyes sharp. "You mean people."
"People, infrastructure, cultural knowledge - all resources to be harnessed for the Fire Nation's glory," Azula confirmed without hesitation.
"Is that not how your world views conquered territories?"
"Our world has a complicated history with conquest and colonization," Barbara replied carefully. "Different perspectives exist on whether such actions can ever be just."
Azula's eyebrow raised slightly. "And your perspective, Barbara Gordon? Do you believe conquest can be just?"
I watched Barbara navigate this delicate question, impressed by her thoughtful consideration before answering.
"I believe that justice is not a fixed point but a process," she said finally. "The same action might be just or unjust depending on its context, its execution, and its outcomes.
Conquest that brings genuine improvement to people's lives might be justified differently than conquest for mere territorial expansion."
"An interesting philosophy," Azula mused. "And remarkably aligned with how I view the Fire Nation's divine mandate.
We bring progress, technology, and superior governance to primitive peoples. Their lives improve under our rule, even if they initially resist the change."
The parallels to colonial justifications in our own world's history weren't lost on Barbara or me, but this was precisely the kind of moral complexity she had come to explore.
"Perhaps you would like to see how this philosophy manifests in practice," Azula suggested.
"I'm conducting an inspection of recently integrated territories tomorrow. You could accompany me and observe firsthand how the Fire Nation administers its conquests."
"We would appreciate that opportunity," I replied before Barbara could answer, seeing the value in direct observation.
Azula nodded, seemingly pleased. "Excellent. For today, however, there is another matter requiring divine attention.
The Fire Sages have requested an audience. They're... quite eager to confirm your identity through their ancient rituals."
This was an unexpected complication. Religious authorities might have more specific expectations of their deity than political leaders did.
"What kind of rituals?" I asked cautiously.
"Nothing invasive," Azula assured me. "Primarily ceremonial.
The High Sage will present the sacred flame, and you will be asked to demonstrate your connection to it. Given your abilities, I don't anticipate any difficulties."
She glanced at Barbara. "They've also expressed interest in your companion's role. In our traditions, Agni's chosen consorts have specific ceremonial significance."
"Consort?" Barbara repeated, her eyebrows rising.
"A term of high honor," Azula clarified smoothly. "It denotes a divine partner who shares in Agni's wisdom and power."
I could see Barbara processing this new dimension of our cover story, her analytical mind already adapting to the implications.
"When is this audience scheduled?" I asked.
"This afternoon, in the Royal Temple," Azula replied. "Until then, you're welcome to explore the palace grounds. The gardens are particularly beautiful this time of year."
After Azula departed, Barbara turned to me with a mixture of amusement and concern in her expression.
"Consort, huh? My ceremonial title just got a significant upgrade."
"Are you comfortable with that role?" I asked, genuinely concerned about how she felt about this development.
Barbara considered the question seriously. "Professionally, it's fascinating - a direct window into how religious and political authority intersect in their culture.
Personally..." She shrugged, a small smile playing at her lips. "It's not like it's much different from how you already treat me."
"What do you mean?" I asked, curious about her perception.
"The possessiveness, the protectiveness, the way you're always making sure everyone knows I'm yours," she explained, her tone more observational than critical.
"In some ways, 'divine consort' just formalizes what's already true between us."
Her perception was remarkably accurate, though she didn't yet understand the full depth of my possessive nature or my longer-term intentions.
For now, her acceptance of this aspect of our relationship was enough.
"Then let's explore those gardens Azula mentioned," I suggested. "We have a few hours before we need to convince the Fire Sages of our divine status."
The palace gardens proved to be a study in controlled beauty - every plant, rock, and water feature precisely placed to create an impression of natural harmony that was anything but natural.
Fire lilies bloomed in geometric patterns, and even the pond's turtle-ducks seemed to swim in orderly formation.
"It's beautiful," Barbara observed as we walked along a stone path, "but in such a regimented way. Everything here is about control, isn't it? Even their concept of beauty."
"The Fire Nation values order and precision," I agreed. "Their entire society is structured around hierarchy and control."
"And yet they worship fire - the most chaotic, unpredictable element," Barbara noted thoughtfully. "There's an interesting contradiction there."
As we continued through the gardens, I noticed how servants and groundskeepers fell to their knees as we passed, their foreheads touching the ground in complete submission.
The divine status that had seemed advantageous yesterday was becoming increasingly uncomfortable.
"They're afraid of you," Barbara observed quietly. "Not just reverent - actually afraid."
"Fear and worship often go hand in hand," I replied, keeping my voice low. "Especially with deities associated with destructive power."
Barbara nodded, her expression troubled. "I'm starting to understand why you were concerned about this misunderstanding. Being seen as a god carries a weight beyond just political influence."
We found a secluded spot near a small waterfall, far enough from any observers to speak freely.
Barbara sat on an ornate stone bench, her crimson robes spreading around her like a pool of blood against the dark stone.
"So far, we've seen their military planning and their approach to conquered territories," she said, slipping into analysis mode. "What's your impression?"
"Ruthlessly efficient," I replied honestly. "Their conquest strategy is sound from a purely military perspective, though their disregard for civilian welfare is troubling."
"More than troubling," Barbara said, a hint of anger flashing in her eyes. "They talk about people like they're furniture to be rearranged. 'Resources to be harnessed.' It's dehumanizing."
"And yet," I pointed out, "Azula immediately adapted when you raised concerns - not out of compassion, but because she recognized the pragmatic value in minimizing civilian casualties."
Barbara nodded slowly. "That's what makes this so complex. In our world, we'd condemn their conquest outright as immoral imperialism.
But here, working within their value system, I might actually have more impact by framing humanitarian concerns in terms of efficiency and resource management."
"Exactly," I agreed. "Different moral frameworks require different approaches to achieve similar outcomes."
"Which brings me back to my original questions about justice," Barbara continued, her passion for the subject evident.
"If I can achieve better treatment for civilians by working within a system I fundamentally disagree with, rather than condemning it outright, what does that say about absolute moral positions?"
Before I could respond, a servant appeared at the garden path, bowing deeply. "Divine Agni, the Fire Sages await your presence at the Royal Temple."
Our philosophical discussion would have to wait. It was time to convince religious authorities of my divine nature - a task that felt increasingly problematic the more I considered it.
The Royal Temple was a massive structure of red stone and gold, with towering flame-shaped spires that reached toward the sky.
Inside, the air was heavy with incense, and massive fire pits burned along the central aisle leading to an elevated altar.
Five elderly men in elaborate crimson robes and tall headdresses awaited us, their faces solemn beneath long white beards.
Behind them stood a golden statue of Agni - depicted as a regal figure wreathed in flames, with features that bore an unsettling resemblance to my human self.
"They've been busy," Barbara whispered, noting the statue. "That wasn't created overnight."
She was right - the statue was clearly ancient, which meant my coincidental resemblance to their deity was more than just superficial.
Something deeper was at work here, perhaps related to how the System had selected this particular Avatar world for me to connect to?
"Divine Agni," the central sage intoned, his voice carrying through the temple. "We, your humble servants, welcome you to your sacred dwelling.
We have awaited your manifestation for a thousand years, as foretold in the ancient scrolls."
The five sages prostrated themselves, touching their foreheads to the stone floor. When they rose, the central figure - presumably the High Sage - approached with a golden bowl containing a small, intensely blue flame.
"The Eternal Flame, kept alive since the first Fire Lord received your blessing," he explained. "Only one with divine connection to fire can command it to reveal the truth of their nature."
This was clearly the test Azula had mentioned. I would need to use Heatblast's abilities, but in a way that appeared more mystical than technological.
I reached toward the flame, activating the Ultimatrix beneath my robes but not completing the transformation.
Instead, I channeled just enough of Heatblast's energy - a new trick I learned these past weeks - through my human form to connect with the fire.
The blue flame responded immediately, rising from the bowl and swirling around my arm like a living serpent.
It changed color as it moved, shifting through blue to purple to white, growing in intensity until the entire temple was bathed in its brilliant light.
The Fire Sages gasped in unison, their expressions transforming from solemn reverence to awestruck wonder.
"The prophecy is fulfilled," the High Sage declared, his voice trembling. "Agni walks among us in the hour of the Fire Nation's greatest triumph!"
The flame returned to the bowl, now burning white instead of blue.
As it settled, I felt a strange resonance - as if something in this world's spiritual energy had genuinely connected with the Ultimatrix.
It wasn't just showmanship; something real had happened during that interaction.
"And his divine consort," the High Sage continued, turning to Barbara with deep reverence.
"The Scrolls speak of Agni's chosen one, who would bring balance to his divine fire with wisdom and justice."
Barbara maintained remarkable composure as the sages bowed to her as well. She inclined her head with perfect dignity, as if she'd been receiving religious veneration all her life.
"The divine couple must be honored with the Sacred Rituals," another sage declared. "The Blessing of Union must be performed to ensure Agni's favor continues to empower our nation's bending."
"Blessing of Union?" I inquired, sensing a potential complication.
"The ancient ceremony that binds Agni to his consort," the High Sage explained. "It has not been performed in a thousand years, but the texts preserve the rituals.
It will be conducted at the night of the full moon, three days hence."
Barbara and I exchanged glances. Whatever this "Blessing of Union" entailed, it was clearly significant in their religious tradition.
Refusing would undermine our cover, but agreeing meant committing to a ceremony whose details we didn't understand.
"We would be honored," I said carefully, "though we would wish to understand the nature of this ritual beforehand."
The High Sage nodded deeply. "Of course, Divine One. The sacred scrolls will be brought to your chambers for your review.
The ceremony celebrates the union of fire's power with wisdom's guidance - a balance that brings harmony to the world."
The rest of the audience consisted of various ceremonial presentations - sacred oils, ancient texts, ritual garments - all offered with profound reverence.
Throughout it all, I maintained the dignified bearing expected of a deity, while Barbara played her role as divine consort with impressive adaptability.
When we finally returned to our chambers that evening, exhausted from hours of religious ceremony, Barbara collapsed onto a cushioned bench with an uncharacteristic lack of grace.
"Well, that was intense," she said, removing the elaborate headdress the Fire Sages had insisted she wear.
"I've gone from girlfriend to divine consort in less than forty-eight hours. At this rate, I'll be ruling the universe by next week." she joked, her amusement used to hide her contemplation.
'Oh you have no idea.' I thought to myself amused, for in a sense, that is what she will eventually be at my side.
"The Fire Sages believe in us completely," I observed, removing my own ceremonial garments. "More than the generals or even Azula. Their faith is absolute."
"That's what makes this so uncomfortable," Barbara replied, her expression growing serious.
"Playing political advisor is one thing. Accepting religious worship feels... wrong, somehow. These people genuinely believe you're their god."
"I know," I agreed, sitting beside her. "I didn't anticipate this level of religious fervor. The enhancement effect on their bending abilities seems to have convinced them beyond any doubt."
Barbara was quiet for a moment, then asked, "What was that, by the way? When you touched the flame in the temple? Something real happened there - I could feel it."
I considered how to explain what I'd experienced. "The Ultimatrix responded to something in this world's spiritual energy.
There was a genuine connection, not just a performance. It's as if this world's metaphysical structure recognizes the Ultimatrix in some fundamental way."
"Could that be why your dimensional technology brought us to this particular world?" Barbara suggested, running her fingers through her hair as she often did when working through a complex problem.
"Because there's some compatibility between your abilities and their spiritual framework?"
I kept my expression carefully neutral, not wanting to delve too deeply into the actual mechanics of our journey.
Barbara believed we were here through an adaptation of my dimensional research at GSI - a convenient explanation that protected certain truths.
"The resonance patterns are... unpredictable," I replied, choosing my words with care.
"But the connection between Heatblast's abilities and this world's fire manipulation is remarkable. It goes beyond simple compatibility."
Barbara's eyes lit with the intellectual curiosity I'd always found so captivating. "It's like your transformation tapped into something fundamental in their world's structure - like you're channeling their version of fire rather than creating your own."
"That's an astute observation," I acknowledged, genuinely impressed by her perception. "The interaction feels different here. More... connected to the environment."
It's bringing up theories in my mind. Are we somehow adapting to this reality's laws? It altering itself to place us into its fundemental framework?
She crossed the room to examine the ceremonial robes we'd been given, her fingers tracing the flame patterns embroidered in gold thread. "These Fire Sages still worry me, Samael.
The generals see you as a powerful ally, Azula sees you as a tool for her ambitions, but the Sages... they believe in you completely."
"I know," I said quietly. "Religious fervor is more dangerous than political calculation. Believers can't be reasoned with the same way opportunists can."
"And this 'Blessing of Union' ceremony..." Barbara turned back to me, her expression troubled. "What exactly are we committing to?"
"We'll know more when they bring the sacred scrolls," I assured her. "But whatever it is, we'll approach it as observers participating in their cultural rituals, nothing more."
Barbara nodded, though her eyes remained thoughtful. "It's fascinating how quickly they've integrated us into their belief system. One demonstration, and suddenly I'm a divine consort with ceremonial significance."
"Their religious framework was primed for this," I observed. "According to Azula, there were prophecies about Agni's return during their period of expansion.
We happened to arrive at exactly the right moment for those prophecies to seem fulfilled."
"Convenient timing," Barbara said with a slight smile, though her eyes remained sharp. "Almost too convenient."
I moved to join her by the window, where the capital city spread below us, now illuminated by thousands of lanterns against the night sky.
The Fire Nation's orderly streets formed precise patterns - even their urban planning reflected their cultural values of control and hierarchy.
"Tomorrow will be revealing," I said, changing the subject. "Seeing how they actually implement their colonial policies on the ground."
Barbara nodded, her expression growing more serious. "That's what I really came here to understand.
Not just how they justify their actions, but how those justifications translate into real impact on people's lives."
I placed my hand on her shoulder, feeling the familiar surge of protectiveness. "Just remember - we're here to observe, not intervene. This world has its own path to follow."
"I know," she replied, leaning slightly into my touch. "But observation itself can change things. We've already seen that with the military council. Just by asking questions, I altered their approach to civilian populations."
"A small change within their existing framework," I pointed out. "Not a fundamental challenge to their worldview."
Barbara turned to face me fully, her green eyes reflecting the lamplight. "Maybe that's the most effective kind of change - working within a system's own logic to guide it toward better outcomes."
The philosophical implications weren't lost on me.
Barbara was processing her own actions at the Monarch Theater through this lens - questioning whether working within flawed systems might sometimes achieve more good than rejecting them outright.
She's well on the path to my views, but she needs to understand that at the end, when the flawed system's usefulness has outweighed its stay, that it needs to be removed and replaced with the perfect one.
"Get some rest," I said softly as we both began preparing the bed. "Tomorrow will be demanding."
"Mhmm." She stated with a nod as we both layed down and she placed her face against my chest, as we then both closed our eyes, waiting for darkness to take us.
---------------------------------
(Author note: Hello everyone! I hope you all enjoyed the chapter!
Do tell me how you found it? Personally I find it fun.
Also, do tell me your theories, is Samael's observation right, or is this all just a coincidence?
Also, just wished to get this out there - Samael is a yandere. And it is logical.
He really has 1) Never been in love, and Barbara is his one lifeline where he isn't completely fake. His actions and emotions geniune with her.
2) He's also since the loss of his family from his previous world - which he is still intending on reaching, is afraid of feeling that loss and pain again that he buried with cold logic,
since the pain of losing your entire reality is incredibely immense - and Barbara is currently the very reason he cares for anything beyond his ideals.
So yeah, I hope to see you all later,
Bye!)