RadiantPhoenix
Trudging up the Hill
- Location
- USA, Earth
- Pronouns
- She/Her
Akane has already had a fight to the death with a family member, and Ozai is bad for her mental health alive.
Deep Red (Avatar: The Last Airbender)
- Thread starter kosm
- Start date
True.
It didn't do her any favors, though.
I would actually be all for Ozai to be put out of everyone's misery, but knowing kosm's writing and Akane already being concerned about her sanity, I do expect her killing Ozai to have Consequences.
This said, so is Ozai staying alive. We will have to choose our poison, I just want to warn people that killing off Ozai will not be "one and done" kind of deal.
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Agree as well, but with Iroh and her being supervised all the time by Ozai's agents this will not be easy.
Akane communicating with Mitsuko and Azula about important things only in writing was not just out of paranoia, but quite necessary in my opinion.
- Location
- Here & There
Honestly one thing I think would be the hardest caper for Akane to do is have an honest conversation with Iroh without Ozai ruining that. Fortunately Akane is a smart girl and Iroh is a man of fortitude and wisdom. If anyone can figure out how to set up a meeting in the viper's nest they call home it's them.
- Location
- Philippines
It is not just good advice it's genius and very much machiavellian. Mr. Lao was able to push his agenda (make Kori become more open to "ideas") without forcing it down Kori's throat. He did that by responding to Kori as if she already agrees to it.
I really hope so, it is just common courtesy to help out a someone that help you. Specially when it costs you nothing, but, I find it unlikely to happen. Kori seems enamored by the fact that she is penpals with her idol. Its seems she likes to keep that knowledge to herself.
One of the thing I am most afraid of. The moment you realize that your heroes as human and fallible as you.
Want this so much to happen. You do know that the East India Company in its heights was richer and more powerful than some countries.
Still better than leaving Killmonger in the throne
But then she can't be called "King Killer". Wait, I just realize she already it. Now she only need to learn the name of fire and find a female spirit named felurian to become her waifu
Concerning sanity, is it a family trait with these people
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- Location
- Here & There
I would hazard mainly stress. I think it'd be more devastating if it turns out for Akane "uneasy lies the head that wears the crown" her her just means that it's the job that turns one mad, not genetics. That would mean taking the crown isn't just some mission, it's a sacrifice and fear of ending up like Azulon, going so blind with grief you try to kill your own grandkid.
- Location
- Philippines
It would be too sad but poetic if at the story ends with her being killed by Mitsuko because she turned as crazy as azula in the end of canon.
e tu Mitsuko?
RadiantPhoenix
Trudging up the Hill
- Location
- USA, Earth
- Pronouns
- She/Her
I think the crazy probably has a lot to do with drinking Sozin's kool-aid, as exemplified by his firebending, which is completely dependent on being an angry hateful ball of rage.
Zuko, who uses Sun Warrior firebending and rejects a lot of Sozin's stuff, remains mentally healthy long enough to retire.
- Location
- Massachusetts
That's exactly why I thought of that idea. The wealth and power of the East India Company was insane at it's peak:
Value of $7.9 Trillion 2017 dollars.
Private Army of 260,000, twice the size of the British Army.
https://www.visualcapitalist.com/most-valuable-companies-all-time/
East India Company - Wikipedia
- Location
- United Kingdom
- Pronouns
- She/Her
I mean, the EIC was also a wretched monstrosity that committed vicious atrocities as part of a brutal colonial regime.
So I'm not super excited about that being something for Akane to emulate.
So I'm not super excited about that being something for Akane to emulate.
- Location
- Massachusetts
Ironically enough, if anything can defeat Ozai's surveillance, it's the Order of the White Lotus. They could be very helpful in that regard.
Well, since Akane is already on the path of being a kinder and gentler ruler, I don't think we have to be worried about emulating atrocities.
With the invention of the steam engine and the imminent industrialization, I was thinking about emulating the Rockefeller and Carnegie as well as a kinder and gentler East India Company. The power of massive horizontal and vertically integrated monopolies combined with government sanction.
- Location
- Germany
If the rules are based on culture before the Fire Nation flourished under Sozin, isn't it Akane's duty to write an equally well researched rules expansion? Let her introduce a 'Leader/Ruler' tile that allows one to harmonize disharmonious patterns to a limited degree.
Since I don't know what "relationships of tiles" there are, I can only guess for specific examples, but if tiles can be too similar to harmonize (e.g. fire+fire) then the new tile could counter that mechanic, like a ruler can unite quarreling tribes into a nation.
Otherwise, it could be a flat "one step closer" bonus. Nothing overpowered, but certainly worth basing a strategy/playstyle on.
This would subvert the message and philosophy of "harmony without unity" the White Lotus wants to spread with the game, declaring it outdated by the advent of capable leaders.
We should introduce Azula to the parts of airbending which we adapted to our firebending. If the theory that the cycle of elements can only be learned in one direction is true, then our little sister is probably frustrated that she couldn't get anything from Kori's demonstrations of Earth while we learned a new style from it.
She basically declared her loyalty to us over Ozai when he was ordered to kill us and reaffirmed it when she replied "So what is our plan?" after we revealed the situation with Azulon and Ursa.
She deserves our help in becoming the best she can be.
Thoughts? Are these ideas worth suggesting over on fiction.live?
RadiantPhoenix
Trudging up the Hill
- Location
- USA, Earth
- Pronouns
- She/Her
The Fire Nation was flourishing before Sozin. That was his entire argument to Roku about why the Fire Nation should conquer the world. "We're so rich and awesome, we should take over the world and share it with people!
"... then shit happened and Sozin remade the Fire Nation is his own bitter image.
The White Lotus is an organization about sharing ancient knowledge across national boundaries. They're not that far off from uniting the four nations, ideologically speaking, we just probably wouldn't be the sole ruler of the whole thing if we went the OWL route.
- Location
- Germany
So regardless of our definitions of flourishing, you agree that Sozin had a major impact on the culture of the Fire Nation, correct? Which means Pai Sho probably doesn't properly take the current culture of the FN into account.
I think what you're forgetting is our viewpoint. Akane was raised to see Sozin's actions as just and prosperous to the FN, so that is how we should treat it IC.
... which is why they were so insistent on reconquering Ba Sing Se and later pushing all colonists out from the continent.
Again, from Akane's perspective, they and the Avatar want to reduce the FN's power be returning to the old status quo.
First, cuddle ≠ tutor.
Second, that was five months ago.
Third, Akane didn't really act on it.
Thanks for the feedback, especially on Sozin's motivations, but... I don't really see an argument against my suggestions?
Random Member
Gardener of Human Happiness
- Location
- Behind You
The White Lotus can't share ancient knowledge if a victorious Fire Nation destroys everything it considers to be "propaganda" and replaces it with its own drivel.... which is why they were so insistent on reconquering Ba Sing Se and later pushing all colonists out from the continent.
- Location
- Leeds
Re: The Rules of Pai Sho
While no canon details are ever given (Unless you count the nickelodeon flash game, which I wouldn't) there are quite a few fan rules for it.
kosm is likely drawing inspiration from this one Skud Pai Sho based on the talk of harmonies and what nothttps://skudpaisho.com/site/games/skud-pai-sho/
While no canon details are ever given (Unless you count the nickelodeon flash game, which I wouldn't) there are quite a few fan rules for it.
kosm is likely drawing inspiration from this one Skud Pai Sho based on the talk of harmonies and what nothttps://skudpaisho.com/site/games/skud-pai-sho/
- Location
- Germany
Ah, thanks!
So my idea would be basically the Lion Turtle tile from the ancient oasis expansion. Sounds like a great tile for Akane to either use (if it already exists) or introduce. Bonus points if she learns about the lion turtles because of it.
Assuming your guess is right, of course, but it is indeed similar to kosm's description.
Chapter 6: Sunstroke (Part 4)
Here's the results of today's live session. I didn't get nearly as much done as I hoped, I sort of got too tired to keep writing. Sorry! DX I hope you all enjoy it. Let me know what you think!
-----
97 AC (15 years old)
Royal Palace Training Grounds
Osamu brags on your behalf at dinner that day, telling both your fathers what an inventive and ingenious and powerful firebender you are. And Father apparently takes note. By the time your practice has concluded the next day and you're supposed to spar with Azula, your muscles are already exhausted and burning in protest. You have a pulsing headache. Azula and her back-up look fresh by contrast. Father allows you to get some water before the spar, but not much.
"You will not always have the luxury of fighting while fresh," Father tells you levelly. "You must be pushed to your limits to expand them. Do not hold back."
"Father," Azula says, "I can face her without the guards -"
"No," Father tells her. "She requires practice facing multiple opponents. Prepare yourselves."
You face Azula and two guards down from across the field. You're exhausted. Very exhausted. Your back hurts. Everything is sore.
This may be it. She might finally beat you.
"Do not hold back," Father repeats.
What does he expect you to do? Use lightning? That would be insane. And you haven't tried using other bending styles against Azula in years, not in front of Father. Maybe you could take her by surprise, but...
What do you do?
If he wants you to hold nothing back, then fine. You won't. You take a steadying breath and get ready to move. Your muscles are going to hate you after this.
"Begin."
You break to the left as all three of them go on the attack. The fireball that comes closest to you gets snatched out of the air and sent back in a more productive direction - towards the guard on the right's legs. He blocks it without difficulty, and Azula counters with a wave of flame that nearly burns white-hot. You stumble back a step as it washes over you, your block not quite stable enough, but you don't let it fade - you feed into it as it passes you, and pull it back around again. The wave of flame that you return back her way is larger than the one she sent in the first place, if a little dimmer.
The two Imperial Firebenders jump in front of Azula and disperse the wave. She leaps over them, sending another column of fire your way.
Of course they'd choose today to start working together more effectively.
You spin out of the way as the flame hammers down where you were standing, and snatch what you can from the explosion to send it sweeping back at the three of them. Azula disperses it herself. And smirks at you.
Fine.
The guards send fireballs your way again, and this time you redirect one of them directly into the ground. The resultant burst of smoke and dust gives you cover as you sprint in closer. The three keep launching fireballs at you, Azula most aggressively at all, and you direct whichever ones you can into the ground to give yourself more cover. And as you slide under a column of flame your sister sends your way, you bring your hands around to start charging a bolt of lightning. The guard closest to you is the first to notice.
"Oh, spirits -"
No one attacks to disrupt the lightning - shock paralyzes them all for the precious moment you need. Funny how that works out. As you surge to your feet, all three of them dive out of the way. The lightning streaks over them and just barely avoids hitting any buildings.
You're already charging up a second bolt as you close in, ignoring the black spots swimming in your vision. You very, very nearly blow yourself up when you split your focus to kick the closest guard in the jaw as he tries to stand - feels like you're being split in half. You feel the pain like it's coming from miles away, though, and it's a solid kick. He goes down. Azula sends a fireball your way as she jumps to her feet - you try to duck, but frankly it's luck alone that keeps her from hitting you. She seems a little off her game all of a sudden. She and the remaining guard dive out of the way as you bring your hands around again, but they needn't have bothered - the bolt is weak and goes wide, and a small burst of concussive force from your fingertips sends you staggering back into a crouch.
Your vision is swimming. Your body feels very far away, and you're distantly aware that it's in pain. But the second guard stays down - you think he's partially outside the ring. Don't know why he's counting that as a loss.
You lock eyes with your sister as you both climb to your feet. You have nothing left. You're not sure how long you can force yourself to stay standing. You don't think you can bend at all. You're only a few feet apart.
You charge her.
She hits you with a fireball to the shoulder, but some last gasp of energy lets you lessen the impact enough to avoid getting thrown back - you get turned to the side, but it doesn't stop your momentum. You crash into her shoulder first.
Azula is three years younger than you. Prodigy or no, the weight of your tackle knocks her over. You don't bother trying to pin her - you don't need to. You just hold your fist over her head, pretending that you can still bend.
"Yield," you whisper, your expression blank.
Please. Please yield.
Azula glares up at you for several long seconds.
"I yield," she mutters.
You sag, and not just in relief.
Azula pushes you off of her, and scoffs in disgust when she realizes just how easy it is to do. You lay on your back on the ground for a few seconds, trying to catch your breath.
And suddenly you're getting jerked off the ground by the front of your shirt.
"Wake up," Father snarls, lifting you one-handed.
"Yes, Father," you manage.
You sway on your feet as a servant rushes to bring you water. All that pain you were feeling so distantly before is starting to feel rather less distant now. Were you unconscious? How long?
Father looks down at you, distinctly unimpressed.
"You held back."
You stare at him. Your body feels like it's on fire.
"I held back, Father?" you ask.
"You used lightning against the guards," he says. "And not against your sister, who was the greater threat."
Is he insane?
"I was able to use lightning to intimidate the guards," you say slowly, trying to keep your voice level. "It would not have worked on Azula. She is too strong-willed -"
"Too strong-willed for lightning to harm her?" Father snaps, glaring down at you.
"Lightning could have killed her!" Your voice comes out more vehement than you intend; you fight your expression back down into neutrality. "It would be a glaring mistake to endanger a princess during a routine sparring match," you grind out.
"And yet," Father says coolly, "That was not your reasoning."
What? What is he talking about?
"I beg your pardon, Father?" you say stiffly.
"What matters is not that you refrained from using lightning against her, but your reasoning for doing so." he says, voice low, "Your excuses notwithstanding, you did not hold back for practical purposes."
"It would not have been practical to use lightning against Azula under these circumstances -" you protest -
"And would you be any more willing to use lightning against your sister if she had a knife to your throat?" Father demands. "Would you?"
You didn't last time. You don't think Father has room to complain about that night's outcome.
"Azula is not my enemy, Father," you say quietly, unclenching your fists as you do.
Father leans in closer, looming over you.
"Naivety," he says, "Breeds hesitation. Fire is the element of will, Akane. There is no room for hesitation."
When have you ever hesitated? When? Does he think he's on the throne because you hesitated?
"I understand that, Father," you say quietly.
"Do you?" he asks, voice just as quiet. "Because I think we can agree that you have consistently shown yourself to have an unfortunate naivety when it comes to trusting family."
Uncle. He knows. Does he know? How much does he know?
"My decision not to use lightning against my sister in a spar was not naivety," you tell him.
He shakes his head as he straightens, disdain written across his features.
"You forget that I know you, daughter," he tells you. "No matter how you hide your weakness from yourself, it is still obvious to me. And it will be obvious to your enemies, as well."
Weakness? Your firebending is perfect. Your decorum is perfect. You've studied and learned everything he ever asked you to and more. You're the youngest wielder of lightning in history. You murdered your grandfather. You cut ties with your mother. What more does he want from you? What does he want? What does he want? Didn't you prove you were a good enough heir when you killed his father? Why wasn't that enough? Why is there always something more? Why is something always wrong?
Father turns away from you before you can manage to put together an answer.
"Azula," he says. Azula stiffens. "If you were the Fire Lord, and your sister held a knife to your throat, what would you do? Tell Akane."
Azula hesitates. She glances at you.
You hold still, watching Azula. She only spares you a second's glance. She holds her head high and meets Father's eyes as she gives her answer. There's no doubt in her voice.
"If my sister ever betrayed me, of course I would kill her."
For whatever reason, your lips twitch. Of course. You'd expect nothing less. Doesn't she have that right?
Father seems mollified by her answer. He turns back to face you.
"This is the reality of rulership, Akane," Father tells you. "Use the allies you have, and cultivate new ones when possible. But never assume that their loyalty will last longer than is convenient. You must never allow sentimentality to interfere with the exercise of your will, or with your duties to your Nation."
"I understand, Father."
"Do you?" he challenges. "You have misplaced your trust before."
Maybe you have.
"I will strive to do better, Father," you say quietly.
"See that you do," he commands. "When your will is no longer held back by naivety and hesitation, your fire will reflect it."
Father leaves you to clean yourself up. When you bow, you nearly fall over. Everything hurts. Your head is splitting.
It's been a painful day.
* * * * *
97 AC (15 years old)
Royal Palace: Sitting Room
Azula brushes you off after training. The guards seem a little wary of you when you check on them, but they seem a little reassured after you tell them that of course you had no intention of actually hitting them. You suspect the two of them might have words with Sergeant Zhang about who gets assigned to spar with you in the future, though.
You're incredibly sore the next day, though at least you have the day off from serious training. And, due to a coincidence in your schedules, you now get to spend your recovery day with your soon-to-be betrothed.
Joy.
"These are delicious," Osamu says. "Here, Princess."
He holds a grape directly in front of your face. You delicately take it from his hand. "Thank you," you say politely.
"Are you going to eat it?" he asks.
You don't like other people touching your food.
"Of course," you lie. "In a moment. I can hardly speak to you with my mouth full."
"Sure," he says, grinning. "I am told I'm a pretty great conversationalist." By whom? "What's on your mind?"
Pain, mostly. But you suppose you should try talking about something more productive.
It turns out to be incredibly easy to get him talking about business. You're almost starting to get the impression it's easy to get him talking about anything. Most of it is information you already know; it's not like you've neglected to stay up to date on his family's activities. They're trying to expand production, as the merchant families always do. You pay attention regardless, though you do hand the grape to the servant standing behind you when he looks away.
Rei is one of the few servants who has been here since you were a toddler. She understands.
"...of course, that's only if the Hu stop price gouging," Osamu says, bringing your attention abruptly back to him. "No one can afford to expand with them driving the price of ore so high."
You frown. You've read about the price of ore increasing slightly due to security concerns in some areas, but it's hardly enough to be called price gouging. "The situation is that severe?"
He shrugs. "Maybe not yet," he allows. "But the signs are there. It's getting close to time for us to negotiate a new contract, and they're being a lot cagier than usual. Like they don't even want to sell. They're gonna mess up the whole market acting like this."
Why wouldn't they want to sell? Is it only the Tanaka they don't want to sell to? Is any of this even true?
"It sounds like a delicate situation," you murmur. "Is that what our fathers are discussing?"
"Among other things, probably," Osamu says. He grins and leans forward. "It's definitely not the most exciting thing they're discussing."
"Really?" Is he a fool, or does he just act like one?
"Yeah, really," he says. "My father's trying to get license to operate in the Earth Kingdom."
Your eyebrows go up despite yourself. Did he actually just say that? "Selling ships to the Earth Kingdom?"
"Oh, no no no no no," Osamu hastily backpedals, almost panicked. As he should be; selling ships to the enemy would be practically treasonous. "Just operating there. Buying up businesses, buying up mines - we'd be conquering with money instead of troops."
"You think people in the Earth Kingdom would sell to a Fire Nation merchant lord?" you ask.
"Well, think about it," he says, leaning closer. Uncomfortably close. He has no sense of personal space. "There's always someone who wants to make a profit. We go in, offer some mud-man a high price for his ore, offer him private security at a discount... before long, nobody's willing to do business with him except for us. And come on. It's not like this isn't something people have been doing under the table the whole war." He smirks conspiratorially. "This is old news. We're just gonna be the first to have the Crown's authority on our side while we do it. And if the savages start destroying anyone who takes our money..." He shrugs, grinning again. "Then they're just doing their part for our war effort. It's win-win."
It's the sort of practice that Fire Lord Azulon outlawed after the Hu Xin rebellion - he thought trading with the enemy would always result in betrayal sooner or later, and more importantly he thought that the betrayal would always come too soon and too violently for the Fire Nation to make a profit. He wanted the Fire Nation's wealth to stay inside its borders, building up its colonies rather than flowing out to unconquered lands. But Father...
"And you think you can convince my Father of this?" you ask.
"I think the Fire Lord will do what's best for the Nation, like he always does," Osamu says, grinning.
Interesting. He's quite a font of information, isn't he? You have to wonder how much of it is true. What do you make of this?
You're not certain whether the plan would actually be economically beneficial, but the more important question is how it can be used to change the Tanaka's position - one way or another. If the Tanaka family gained control of their own cheap supply of ore, they could build a monopoly over every step of the production of weapons and ships - and with their existing monopoly on merchant vessels, they could easily drive their competitors -
They'd have control over the entire war economy.
Father can't possibly have missed that. He can't intend to allow it. Osamu practically admitted to under-the-table deals - does Father intend to lure them into exposing evidence of illegal activities so he can seize their assets? He can't intend to just let them consolidate power and then merge your families, he can't possibly think that a political marriage would be enough to retain control of a merchant family with that much economic power.
What are you missing here? And how does the Hu family play into this?
You continue talking with Osamu for a couple hours more. He seems delighted to finally have your interest, but doesn't provide much more information of use. You may want to get more information from an additional source - War Minister Qin, maybe, or Father if he's willing to tell you anything.
Whatever Father is planning, it's obviously something big.
* * * * *
97 AC (15 years old)
Royal Palace
There are too many things going on at once, too many plots crisscrossing with you tangled in the intersections. Father keeps you so busy you rarely have time to be proactive. With what little time to yourself you have, what you should make your first priority?
-----
I stopped there for the night. Sorry it's such a short update! We'll continue next week. Thank you all for reading!
-----
97 AC (15 years old)
Royal Palace Training Grounds
Osamu brags on your behalf at dinner that day, telling both your fathers what an inventive and ingenious and powerful firebender you are. And Father apparently takes note. By the time your practice has concluded the next day and you're supposed to spar with Azula, your muscles are already exhausted and burning in protest. You have a pulsing headache. Azula and her back-up look fresh by contrast. Father allows you to get some water before the spar, but not much.
"You will not always have the luxury of fighting while fresh," Father tells you levelly. "You must be pushed to your limits to expand them. Do not hold back."
"Father," Azula says, "I can face her without the guards -"
"No," Father tells her. "She requires practice facing multiple opponents. Prepare yourselves."
You face Azula and two guards down from across the field. You're exhausted. Very exhausted. Your back hurts. Everything is sore.
This may be it. She might finally beat you.
"Do not hold back," Father repeats.
What does he expect you to do? Use lightning? That would be insane. And you haven't tried using other bending styles against Azula in years, not in front of Father. Maybe you could take her by surprise, but...
What do you do?
Try using your waterbending-based moves to turn their fire against them, to conserve energy. (29)
+ Fight dirty, if need be. (24)
+ Use lightning on the guards if you need to and have a chance. (15)
Use evasion and stamina conserving moves while the two Imperials are on the field, concentrate on letting Azula take them out for you by maneuvering them in her way. Once they are gone, use the same earth-style strategy as before to make Azula get frustrated and sloppy (and us save energy by using only little movement), then take her down with as much force as we can muster in one go. (7)
Use the Earth bending technique and wait for an opening. You know fire bending techniques like the back of your hand. Dodge and block until you have an opening. (3)
Fight as hard as you can using your normal techniques. (1)
+ Fight dirty, if need be. (24)
+ Use lightning on the guards if you need to and have a chance. (15)
Use evasion and stamina conserving moves while the two Imperials are on the field, concentrate on letting Azula take them out for you by maneuvering them in her way. Once they are gone, use the same earth-style strategy as before to make Azula get frustrated and sloppy (and us save energy by using only little movement), then take her down with as much force as we can muster in one go. (7)
Use the Earth bending technique and wait for an opening. You know fire bending techniques like the back of your hand. Dodge and block until you have an opening. (3)
Fight as hard as you can using your normal techniques. (1)
If he wants you to hold nothing back, then fine. You won't. You take a steadying breath and get ready to move. Your muscles are going to hate you after this.
"Begin."
You break to the left as all three of them go on the attack. The fireball that comes closest to you gets snatched out of the air and sent back in a more productive direction - towards the guard on the right's legs. He blocks it without difficulty, and Azula counters with a wave of flame that nearly burns white-hot. You stumble back a step as it washes over you, your block not quite stable enough, but you don't let it fade - you feed into it as it passes you, and pull it back around again. The wave of flame that you return back her way is larger than the one she sent in the first place, if a little dimmer.
The two Imperial Firebenders jump in front of Azula and disperse the wave. She leaps over them, sending another column of fire your way.
Of course they'd choose today to start working together more effectively.
You spin out of the way as the flame hammers down where you were standing, and snatch what you can from the explosion to send it sweeping back at the three of them. Azula disperses it herself. And smirks at you.
Fine.
The guards send fireballs your way again, and this time you redirect one of them directly into the ground. The resultant burst of smoke and dust gives you cover as you sprint in closer. The three keep launching fireballs at you, Azula most aggressively at all, and you direct whichever ones you can into the ground to give yourself more cover. And as you slide under a column of flame your sister sends your way, you bring your hands around to start charging a bolt of lightning. The guard closest to you is the first to notice.
"Oh, spirits -"
No one attacks to disrupt the lightning - shock paralyzes them all for the precious moment you need. Funny how that works out. As you surge to your feet, all three of them dive out of the way. The lightning streaks over them and just barely avoids hitting any buildings.
You're already charging up a second bolt as you close in, ignoring the black spots swimming in your vision. You very, very nearly blow yourself up when you split your focus to kick the closest guard in the jaw as he tries to stand - feels like you're being split in half. You feel the pain like it's coming from miles away, though, and it's a solid kick. He goes down. Azula sends a fireball your way as she jumps to her feet - you try to duck, but frankly it's luck alone that keeps her from hitting you. She seems a little off her game all of a sudden. She and the remaining guard dive out of the way as you bring your hands around again, but they needn't have bothered - the bolt is weak and goes wide, and a small burst of concussive force from your fingertips sends you staggering back into a crouch.
Your vision is swimming. Your body feels very far away, and you're distantly aware that it's in pain. But the second guard stays down - you think he's partially outside the ring. Don't know why he's counting that as a loss.
You lock eyes with your sister as you both climb to your feet. You have nothing left. You're not sure how long you can force yourself to stay standing. You don't think you can bend at all. You're only a few feet apart.
You charge her.
She hits you with a fireball to the shoulder, but some last gasp of energy lets you lessen the impact enough to avoid getting thrown back - you get turned to the side, but it doesn't stop your momentum. You crash into her shoulder first.
Azula is three years younger than you. Prodigy or no, the weight of your tackle knocks her over. You don't bother trying to pin her - you don't need to. You just hold your fist over her head, pretending that you can still bend.
"Yield," you whisper, your expression blank.
Please. Please yield.
Azula glares up at you for several long seconds.
"I yield," she mutters.
You sag, and not just in relief.
Azula pushes you off of her, and scoffs in disgust when she realizes just how easy it is to do. You lay on your back on the ground for a few seconds, trying to catch your breath.
And suddenly you're getting jerked off the ground by the front of your shirt.
"Wake up," Father snarls, lifting you one-handed.
"Yes, Father," you manage.
You sway on your feet as a servant rushes to bring you water. All that pain you were feeling so distantly before is starting to feel rather less distant now. Were you unconscious? How long?
Father looks down at you, distinctly unimpressed.
"You held back."
You stare at him. Your body feels like it's on fire.
"I held back, Father?" you ask.
"You used lightning against the guards," he says. "And not against your sister, who was the greater threat."
Is he insane?
Azula is far too strong-willed to be afraid of mere lightning. Contrarily, to the imperial guards that were terrorized by your display of power. They were therefore the far better tactical target. (45)
+Insist that the risk of long term damage to your sister far outweighs the benefit of an immediate victory. Being a princess is about winning wars, not battles. (35)
Tell Father that of course you would never use lightning on your sister, the princess. (27)
Tell Father that you did not need to use lightning against Azula; the first two strikes had been enough to create your opening. (15)
Tell Father that you were too exhausted to use lightning against Azula. (2)
+Insist that the risk of long term damage to your sister far outweighs the benefit of an immediate victory. Being a princess is about winning wars, not battles. (35)
Tell Father that of course you would never use lightning on your sister, the princess. (27)
Tell Father that you did not need to use lightning against Azula; the first two strikes had been enough to create your opening. (15)
Tell Father that you were too exhausted to use lightning against Azula. (2)
"I was able to use lightning to intimidate the guards," you say slowly, trying to keep your voice level. "It would not have worked on Azula. She is too strong-willed -"
"Too strong-willed for lightning to harm her?" Father snaps, glaring down at you.
"Lightning could have killed her!" Your voice comes out more vehement than you intend; you fight your expression back down into neutrality. "It would be a glaring mistake to endanger a princess during a routine sparring match," you grind out.
"And yet," Father says coolly, "That was not your reasoning."
What? What is he talking about?
"I beg your pardon, Father?" you say stiffly.
"What matters is not that you refrained from using lightning against her, but your reasoning for doing so." he says, voice low, "Your excuses notwithstanding, you did not hold back for practical purposes."
"It would not have been practical to use lightning against Azula under these circumstances -" you protest -
"And would you be any more willing to use lightning against your sister if she had a knife to your throat?" Father demands. "Would you?"
Tell him Azula is not your enemy. (39)
No. If Azula meant to kill me, it wouldn't be with a knife. It would be with fire and heat, like a firebender. And if she ever actually had reason to kill me that way, I would know she is ready to take on my lightning too. (34)
"If she had a knife to my throat then it would already be far too late" (25)
Tell him that it would depend on the circumstances. (16)
Already happened before, I did not. (13)
Tell him you would. (0)
No. If Azula meant to kill me, it wouldn't be with a knife. It would be with fire and heat, like a firebender. And if she ever actually had reason to kill me that way, I would know she is ready to take on my lightning too. (34)
"If she had a knife to my throat then it would already be far too late" (25)
Tell him that it would depend on the circumstances. (16)
Already happened before, I did not. (13)
Tell him you would. (0)
You didn't last time. You don't think Father has room to complain about that night's outcome.
"Azula is not my enemy, Father," you say quietly, unclenching your fists as you do.
Father leans in closer, looming over you.
"Naivety," he says, "Breeds hesitation. Fire is the element of will, Akane. There is no room for hesitation."
When have you ever hesitated? When? Does he think he's on the throne because you hesitated?
"I understand that, Father," you say quietly.
"Do you?" he asks, voice just as quiet. "Because I think we can agree that you have consistently shown yourself to have an unfortunate naivety when it comes to trusting family."
Uncle. He knows. Does he know? How much does he know?
"My decision not to use lightning against my sister in a spar was not naivety," you tell him.
He shakes his head as he straightens, disdain written across his features.
"You forget that I know you, daughter," he tells you. "No matter how you hide your weakness from yourself, it is still obvious to me. And it will be obvious to your enemies, as well."
Weakness? Your firebending is perfect. Your decorum is perfect. You've studied and learned everything he ever asked you to and more. You're the youngest wielder of lightning in history. You murdered your grandfather. You cut ties with your mother. What more does he want from you? What does he want? What does he want? Didn't you prove you were a good enough heir when you killed his father? Why wasn't that enough? Why is there always something more? Why is something always wrong?
Father turns away from you before you can manage to put together an answer.
"Azula," he says. Azula stiffens. "If you were the Fire Lord, and your sister held a knife to your throat, what would you do? Tell Akane."
Azula hesitates. She glances at you.
Hold still. Let her answer. (47)
+Whatever her answer, she's still your sister and you trust her. (29)
Nod to her. She shouldn't make Father angry at her, too. (16)
Shake your head. She shouldn't tell him what he wants to hear. (0)
+Whatever her answer, she's still your sister and you trust her. (29)
Nod to her. She shouldn't make Father angry at her, too. (16)
Shake your head. She shouldn't tell him what he wants to hear. (0)
You hold still, watching Azula. She only spares you a second's glance. She holds her head high and meets Father's eyes as she gives her answer. There's no doubt in her voice.
"If my sister ever betrayed me, of course I would kill her."
For whatever reason, your lips twitch. Of course. You'd expect nothing less. Doesn't she have that right?
Father seems mollified by her answer. He turns back to face you.
"This is the reality of rulership, Akane," Father tells you. "Use the allies you have, and cultivate new ones when possible. But never assume that their loyalty will last longer than is convenient. You must never allow sentimentality to interfere with the exercise of your will, or with your duties to your Nation."
"I understand, Father."
"Do you?" he challenges. "You have misplaced your trust before."
Maybe you have.
"I will strive to do better, Father," you say quietly.
"See that you do," he commands. "When your will is no longer held back by naivety and hesitation, your fire will reflect it."
Father leaves you to clean yourself up. When you bow, you nearly fall over. Everything hurts. Your head is splitting.
It's been a painful day.
* * * * *
97 AC (15 years old)
Royal Palace: Sitting Room
Azula brushes you off after training. The guards seem a little wary of you when you check on them, but they seem a little reassured after you tell them that of course you had no intention of actually hitting them. You suspect the two of them might have words with Sergeant Zhang about who gets assigned to spar with you in the future, though.
You're incredibly sore the next day, though at least you have the day off from serious training. And, due to a coincidence in your schedules, you now get to spend your recovery day with your soon-to-be betrothed.
Joy.
"These are delicious," Osamu says. "Here, Princess."
He holds a grape directly in front of your face. You delicately take it from his hand. "Thank you," you say politely.
"Are you going to eat it?" he asks.
You don't like other people touching your food.
"Of course," you lie. "In a moment. I can hardly speak to you with my mouth full."
"Sure," he says, grinning. "I am told I'm a pretty great conversationalist." By whom? "What's on your mind?"
Pain, mostly. But you suppose you should try talking about something more productive.
Steer the conversation towards the Tanaka family's business ventures. (43)
+ Ask him about his immediate family as well. (24)
Steer the conversation towards the Tanaka family's relationships with other merchant houses. (33)
+ Don't eat the grape (19)
+eat the grape (4)
+ Ask him about his immediate family as well. (24)
Steer the conversation towards the Tanaka family's relationships with other merchant houses. (33)
+ Don't eat the grape (19)
+eat the grape (4)
It turns out to be incredibly easy to get him talking about business. You're almost starting to get the impression it's easy to get him talking about anything. Most of it is information you already know; it's not like you've neglected to stay up to date on his family's activities. They're trying to expand production, as the merchant families always do. You pay attention regardless, though you do hand the grape to the servant standing behind you when he looks away.
Rei is one of the few servants who has been here since you were a toddler. She understands.
"...of course, that's only if the Hu stop price gouging," Osamu says, bringing your attention abruptly back to him. "No one can afford to expand with them driving the price of ore so high."
You frown. You've read about the price of ore increasing slightly due to security concerns in some areas, but it's hardly enough to be called price gouging. "The situation is that severe?"
He shrugs. "Maybe not yet," he allows. "But the signs are there. It's getting close to time for us to negotiate a new contract, and they're being a lot cagier than usual. Like they don't even want to sell. They're gonna mess up the whole market acting like this."
Why wouldn't they want to sell? Is it only the Tanaka they don't want to sell to? Is any of this even true?
"It sounds like a delicate situation," you murmur. "Is that what our fathers are discussing?"
"Among other things, probably," Osamu says. He grins and leans forward. "It's definitely not the most exciting thing they're discussing."
"Really?" Is he a fool, or does he just act like one?
"Yeah, really," he says. "My father's trying to get license to operate in the Earth Kingdom."
Your eyebrows go up despite yourself. Did he actually just say that? "Selling ships to the Earth Kingdom?"
"Oh, no no no no no," Osamu hastily backpedals, almost panicked. As he should be; selling ships to the enemy would be practically treasonous. "Just operating there. Buying up businesses, buying up mines - we'd be conquering with money instead of troops."
"You think people in the Earth Kingdom would sell to a Fire Nation merchant lord?" you ask.
"Well, think about it," he says, leaning closer. Uncomfortably close. He has no sense of personal space. "There's always someone who wants to make a profit. We go in, offer some mud-man a high price for his ore, offer him private security at a discount... before long, nobody's willing to do business with him except for us. And come on. It's not like this isn't something people have been doing under the table the whole war." He smirks conspiratorially. "This is old news. We're just gonna be the first to have the Crown's authority on our side while we do it. And if the savages start destroying anyone who takes our money..." He shrugs, grinning again. "Then they're just doing their part for our war effort. It's win-win."
It's the sort of practice that Fire Lord Azulon outlawed after the Hu Xin rebellion - he thought trading with the enemy would always result in betrayal sooner or later, and more importantly he thought that the betrayal would always come too soon and too violently for the Fire Nation to make a profit. He wanted the Fire Nation's wealth to stay inside its borders, building up its colonies rather than flowing out to unconquered lands. But Father...
"And you think you can convince my Father of this?" you ask.
"I think the Fire Lord will do what's best for the Nation, like he always does," Osamu says, grinning.
Interesting. He's quite a font of information, isn't he? You have to wonder how much of it is true. What do you make of this?
- Inquire about any other "Under the table" dealings he knows about by other merchant houses. Gaining leverage on them could prove useful.
- An intriguing strategy to be sure, but the problem is that we're at war right now. I'm certain that private investment into the occupied territories and colonies is reasonable, but dealing directly with EK leaders is a risky proposition. On the other hand, the idea has merit, but our focus should be on eliminating any potential threats to our supply lines and potential investments. Finally, this does open up some opportunities for us to potentially neutralize house Tanaka. If the Fire Nation discovers Tanaka merchants dealing with potential EK adversaries without authorization, they could easily be accused of treason.
- This is an opportunity, legal business focused in the southern earth kingdom with the fleet as support is a great idea and we have the strength to enforce our rules, we could even put the southern raiders to use.
- This is finally something juicy. Keep going this path of conversation. If this is something you can cross-reference with Father you will have caught the Tanakas in something that can be labeled "treason", and Father can seize all that is theirs without a political mess or silly marriage contracts to merchant lords.
- This idea is pretty good. Unfortunately, father is the type of man that confuses brutality for strength, and he's very much against any idea that is perceived as kindness or softness towards the colonies. (OOC: also see my "East India Company idea" in the long term plans topic). Also, supporting the ideas to draw out this conversation to see if he spills anything that can give us leverage. Like if we keep talking, maybe he can detail the "light" treason some more so we can prove it.
- He seemed a little too distressed by the idea of selling ships to the enemy, make a note of it to tell father later
- If your father was so against even treating Fire Nation citizens descended from the Earth Kingdom population with respect, it should be incredibly clear that he'd never approve of trade with still unconquered areas. But how can you use this information for your own benefit, instead of Ozai's?
- We need to figure out whether Ozai is "in" on the under-the-table trade with the EK or not before using it as blackmail. The Tanaka side is probably less opaque than Ozai himself.
- "The idea may have merit, but I have some concerns. Firstly, what will the impact be on the Fire Nation's own production? I could see the Hu, if their actions are as you say, retaliating further in light of such policy, because to allow easy access to Earth Kingdom mines may vastly reduce their own monetary might. Secondly, would it not be more straightforward to invest in the expansion of the colonies and their own extraction efforts? After all, the people there are citizens of the Fire Nation and may feel themselves more deserving of its wealth than outsiders. Finally, whatever my thoughts on nonviolent integration and conquest, my father has historically been opposed. I can't help but wonder what your family is offering him that would have even a chance of changing his mind."
- An intriguing strategy to be sure, but the problem is that we're at war right now. I'm certain that private investment into the occupied territories and colonies is reasonable, but dealing directly with EK leaders is a risky proposition. On the other hand, the idea has merit, but our focus should be on eliminating any potential threats to our supply lines and potential investments. Finally, this does open up some opportunities for us to potentially neutralize house Tanaka. If the Fire Nation discovers Tanaka merchants dealing with potential EK adversaries without authorization, they could easily be accused of treason.
- This is an opportunity, legal business focused in the southern earth kingdom with the fleet as support is a great idea and we have the strength to enforce our rules, we could even put the southern raiders to use.
- This is finally something juicy. Keep going this path of conversation. If this is something you can cross-reference with Father you will have caught the Tanakas in something that can be labeled "treason", and Father can seize all that is theirs without a political mess or silly marriage contracts to merchant lords.
- This idea is pretty good. Unfortunately, father is the type of man that confuses brutality for strength, and he's very much against any idea that is perceived as kindness or softness towards the colonies. (OOC: also see my "East India Company idea" in the long term plans topic). Also, supporting the ideas to draw out this conversation to see if he spills anything that can give us leverage. Like if we keep talking, maybe he can detail the "light" treason some more so we can prove it.
- He seemed a little too distressed by the idea of selling ships to the enemy, make a note of it to tell father later
- If your father was so against even treating Fire Nation citizens descended from the Earth Kingdom population with respect, it should be incredibly clear that he'd never approve of trade with still unconquered areas. But how can you use this information for your own benefit, instead of Ozai's?
- We need to figure out whether Ozai is "in" on the under-the-table trade with the EK or not before using it as blackmail. The Tanaka side is probably less opaque than Ozai himself.
- "The idea may have merit, but I have some concerns. Firstly, what will the impact be on the Fire Nation's own production? I could see the Hu, if their actions are as you say, retaliating further in light of such policy, because to allow easy access to Earth Kingdom mines may vastly reduce their own monetary might. Secondly, would it not be more straightforward to invest in the expansion of the colonies and their own extraction efforts? After all, the people there are citizens of the Fire Nation and may feel themselves more deserving of its wealth than outsiders. Finally, whatever my thoughts on nonviolent integration and conquest, my father has historically been opposed. I can't help but wonder what your family is offering him that would have even a chance of changing his mind."
You're not certain whether the plan would actually be economically beneficial, but the more important question is how it can be used to change the Tanaka's position - one way or another. If the Tanaka family gained control of their own cheap supply of ore, they could build a monopoly over every step of the production of weapons and ships - and with their existing monopoly on merchant vessels, they could easily drive their competitors -
They'd have control over the entire war economy.
Father can't possibly have missed that. He can't intend to allow it. Osamu practically admitted to under-the-table deals - does Father intend to lure them into exposing evidence of illegal activities so he can seize their assets? He can't intend to just let them consolidate power and then merge your families, he can't possibly think that a political marriage would be enough to retain control of a merchant family with that much economic power.
What are you missing here? And how does the Hu family play into this?
You continue talking with Osamu for a couple hours more. He seems delighted to finally have your interest, but doesn't provide much more information of use. You may want to get more information from an additional source - War Minister Qin, maybe, or Father if he's willing to tell you anything.
Whatever Father is planning, it's obviously something big.
* * * * *
97 AC (15 years old)
Royal Palace
There are too many things going on at once, too many plots crisscrossing with you tangled in the intersections. Father keeps you so busy you rarely have time to be proactive. With what little time to yourself you have, what you should make your first priority?
Speak to War Minister Qin to gather more information on the economic situation. (40)
+Make sure you don't neglect Mitsuko. (32)
+While at the War Ministry, do some research into potentially establishing our new guard unit. Nothing too big yet, just some initially groundwork and networking. (31)
Study the book Uncle gave you and follow up on the scholarly leads it offers. Use it to learn more about waterbending philosophy, to continue improving. (20)
Work with Azula to hunt down Mother's letter besmirching your legitimacy, and steal or destroy it if it still exists. (13)
+Make sure you don't neglect Mitsuko. (32)
+While at the War Ministry, do some research into potentially establishing our new guard unit. Nothing too big yet, just some initially groundwork and networking. (31)
Study the book Uncle gave you and follow up on the scholarly leads it offers. Use it to learn more about waterbending philosophy, to continue improving. (20)
Work with Azula to hunt down Mother's letter besmirching your legitimacy, and steal or destroy it if it still exists. (13)
-----
I stopped there for the night. Sorry it's such a short update! We'll continue next week. Thank you all for reading!
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- Location
- Massachusetts
I said it in the chat, but Ozai is fucking psychotic.
- Location
- Site 19A4
Don't worry Abyssinian. No King reigns forever, and the reign of the second son of Azulon will conclude soon enough by our hands. In the meantime, I'm just happy to see us establishing the foundations for our Commando Guard unit along with our Military Powerbase. It's pleasant.
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- Location
- madison
ouch. though, to be fair to azula, I think she finds the thought of her sister betraying her at most a disconcerting hypothetical. Which may be why she would not hesitate.
this entire scene was pretty clearly ozai trying to drive a wedge between Akane and Azula. He likely finds the thought of two of his kids working together a threat. Honestly, that has likely been the entire point of the unfair spars where Akane continue to dunk on Azula, he's trying to use the frustration to drive a wedge. I think that he's this blatant means he realized it wasn't working.
It doesn't seem like Ozai noticed these answers were not actually mutually exclusive. (Why is Azula so much better at phrasing things in a way Ozai will accept?)
He really shot himself in the foot with this particular choice of example, though of course he had no way of knowing. You know Azula was flashing back to her little sociopathic boundary-testing, to which Akane responded by demonstrating total trust. She also now knows that the proper Ozai-approved response to that harmless joke of hers was lethal violence.