A Young Princess's Guide To Usurping The Throne | Chapter 13 (Patreon)

Fire Lord Azulon welcomed each general approaching him with a warm smile and a slight nod of respect. Though he held a higher rank, he understood the importance of acknowledging these men; they were the vital cogs in the machinery of the nation, enabling it to rise to heights previously unimaginable. He felt a deep sense of gratitude for having lived long enough to witness the monumental fall of Ba Sing Se, a pivotal moment in their history.

His son Iroh had consistently made him proud, and it seemed that his sons were on a path of greatness, each achievement filling him with even more pride. Ozai, blessed with the extraordinary talent of Azula, was a prodigy unlike any other, possessing an intellect that was a true gift. Azula's brilliance shone brightly, promising a future filled with potential and power.

Zuko, on the other hand, wasn't on that level, but Azulon could see it: the boy grabbed at every opportunity, refusing to be left behind by his sister, and pushed himself to near exhaustion in order to be the best he could be. It was a valid effort, but his sister was blessed, so of the two, Azula would stand at the top, but Zuko, in his own way, would be a dragon that would stand above the clouds, and Azulon couldn't help but feel a swell of hope for the legacy he would leave behind.

Iroh not only honored him but also Lu Ten, a brilliant military strategist and the second-in-command during the siege that secured the Fire Nation's victory; both men fought alongside their troops, forging bonds of loyalty that would endure for generations.

Life appeared exceptionally bright; during his time as Fire Lord, few could dispute his excellence. With a lineage destined to usher in an era of prosperity for his nation, he could face death tomorrow with a sense of fulfillment.

"Consider the implications, General. This could rival your triumph at Ba Sing Se. We have the potential to swiftly overpower the Northern Water Tribe in a single, decisive strike. All I require is your endorsement and the necessary troops to execute this plan." Commander Zhao's fervent declaration drew unwanted attention, much to Iroh's growing irritation.

'A man driven by insatiable ambition,' Iroh mused, rubbing his temple in frustration. He had come to this gathering to savor the delightful food and drinks, to reconnect with old comrades and family, only to be disrupted by Zhao's relentless pursuit of conquest.

"Zhao, I implore you to abandon such notions. The path you envision is drenched in the cries of the fallen and the blood of the innocent, something I cannot condone. I am weary, both in body and spirit, and I long to relish the simple joys of life surrounded by friends and family. The pursuit of conquest no longer holds any appeal for me," Iroh pleaded, his voice tinged with a deep sense of longing for peace.

His jaw tightened, and Zhao felt a surge of rage coursing through him. Deep down, he was convinced that his plan was infallible. He had a trusted source, one that revealed the very weakness of the waterbenders; their greatest strength could easily become their undoing. If only this cow-pig of a man would grant him command of the navy to advance, he would not have to turn to Prince Ozai for support. The prince had distanced himself from military affairs, preferring the comfort of scrolls and ink over the glory of conquest. It was utterly pathetic; Zhao had mastered the art of firebending not to settle for mediocrity but to strive for greatness. Here lay an opportunity, presented to him on a silver platter, and yet this man refused to even entertain the thought.

"I implore you, General," Zhao urged, his voice laced with urgency. "You are making a grave mistake. Allow the Dragon of the West to rest, but let him be reborn as Iroh the Moon Slayer." In truth, Zhao would never permit Iroh to claim a title that he believed was rightfully his. He had already envisioned the possibilities. If Iroh could only see reason, the North would become his graveyard, and Zhao would reap the rewards, not just in avenging the prince but also in conquering the Northern Water Tribe. The thought of victory fueled his ambition, and he could almost taste the triumph that awaited him.

Iroh waved his hand dismissively, a server gliding by with a tray of grilled meats and vibrant vegetables. He selected a few pieces, offering the young lady a warm compliment that brightened her smile. "Commander Zhao," he began, his tone firm yet measured, "I will choose not to discuss your recent behavior with my father, but I urge you to leave at once. I am weary of your relentless calls for bloodshed, especially when the Northern Water Tribe offers us nothing in return."

Zhao's temper flared, his voice rising as he retorted, "You short, gluttonous—" but his words were cut off as a strong hand gripped his shoulder. "Watch your words, Commander," a deep voice warned. "Your ambitions could very well end here and now."

Disgusted by the touch, Zhao turned to confront the source of the voice, only to freeze in shock. Lu Ten stood before him, his expression neutral yet imposing. Scars marred his face, a testament to the battles he had endured, and one of his sleeves hung loosely, a stark reminder of the arm he had lost during the siege of Ba Sing Se.

Zhao swallowed hard, the lump in his throat a mix of fear and regret.

"Speak quickly, Commander," Lu Ten commanded, his voice steady and unwavering. "Though my father may wish to avoid violence, I do not share that sentiment. If you do not heed his advice and leave, your blood will stain these floors." Lu Ten had overheard the entire exchange; he had trusted his father to handle the situation, but he could not allow Zhao to insult him further.

"Y-yes, sir. I truly apologize. The wine has clouded my judgment," Zhao stammered, beads of sweat forming on his brow as he hastily excused himself.

Lu Ten snorted in disdain. "That man has no shame. How he managed to rise through the ranks so quickly is beyond me." Iroh chuckled softly, a glimmer of amusement in his eyes. "You frightened him beyond anything I could've done. I had expected him to start quacking like a turtle-duck because of how scared he was. We need not concern ourselves with any more of his bluster; I simply wish to enjoy this evening."

Lu Ten nodded but was taken aback when his father enveloped him in a heartfelt embrace. "It is a joy to see you safe, my son. Even with your injuries, the spirits have deemed it fit for you to remain with your family." Iroh's voice trembled with emotion, a single tear escaping his eye.

With his remaining arm, Lu Ten returned the embrace, his voice filled with sincerity. "I would never have left you, Father. I would have fought tooth and nail to return to you."

"I love you, son," Iroh whispered, his heart swelling with pride.

"I love you too, Dad," Lu Ten replied.

Somewhere else, the cold bit deeper than usual, as shadows cloaked figures huddled together, their forms wrapped in layers of fur and cloth. They listened intently, the weight of the news settling heavily upon them: Ba Sing Se had succumbed to the relentless might of the Fire Nation.

The devastation was profound, signaling what could soon be the war's final chapter. With the Fire Nation now in control of the Earth Kingdom's capital, only the water tribes remained to stand against their advance.

"We find ourselves in dire circumstances; we must act swiftly," one figure declared with unwavering resolve. "They threaten to disrupt the delicate balance that countless generations have fought to maintain. We can no longer afford the luxury of ignorance; the Southern Water Tribe and Northern Water Tribe must unite as one if we are to survive."

"I wholeheartedly agree," another voice chimed in, filled with urgency. "Tradition has dictated our actions for far too long. It is time to break those chains. Women, who have proven themselves as skilled healers, should also be allowed to delve deeper into the bending arts. We need warriors, not just healers, if we are to halt the Fire Nation's relentless march."

"We may lack their technological advancements, but we possess the vast ocean that serves as our shield," a third figure added, determination etched on their face. "We must establish our own naval power, a force capable of holding back the fire-spitting machines of our enemies."

Nods of agreement rippled through the group, each member recognizing the singular path that lay before them. "Many will oppose this course of action, but if it means the survival of our people, we must forge ahead."

"Ba Sing Se was once revered as the Impenetrable City; a bastion that once showed strength has been brought down. But from its remains, we shall unite; all who seek to fight against the Fire Nation will be welcome and usher in the creation of the Immovable Fortress of the North."

\o/

Short chapter, but one that expands slightly on the consequences of taking Ba Sing Se. What do you think? People weren't going to shit bricks and notice a stronghold suddenly got sieged? Tbh, imagine if the Water Tribes truly had their own navy? in the show? They quite literally would be overpowered...and boom, here it is.