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Kingdom of War	By : Jayrich Category: Avatar - The Last Airbender > Het - Male/Female Views: 28040 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 13
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Kingdom of War 13
The Origins of Betrayal…
“Ah, Si Wong Desert!”
Sokka was the first to hop out and experience the desert air, his arms outstretched as he soaked it in. “Hmm, does it seem a little drier to you?”
Zuko was the next to climb down the ladder and hit the sand. The Colossus had reached a Sandbender settlement, and had more than gained the attention of everyone in the vicinity. But all eyes were focused on Zuko & Azula. The Sandbenders were distrustful of all foreigners, but the son & daughter of the former Fire Lord especially drew their ire. Several years ago, Ozai made it public his disdain of Sandbenders, and his desire to use Si Wong for more profitable purposes. Unfortunately, they see Zuko & Azula in the same light.
The two of them could hear the whispers; why are they here? Wasn’t she locked up in prison? He’s following after his father’s footsteps! Lousy Fire Nation Scum! Zuko balled up his fist in anger, but kept it quelled for the sake of diplomacy. As they & the others walked towards the Sand settlement, Sha-Mo greeted them at the entrance.
“Why have you come back here?” He asked sternly.
Sokka put his hands up as a sign of peace. “Look, I know the last time we met…Aang nearly buried you all under the desert…”
“And from what I heard, it was your son that started it.” Azula added.
“GAH! Did we REALLY need to remind him of that!?” Sokka said to her through his teeth.
“It is not enough that the last time we met, the Avatar destroyed most of our Sailers, but you come here…bringing them.” Sha-Mo pointed to Zuko & Azula.
“Hey, come on! They haven’t—!”
“Sokka, let me handle this.” Zuko interrupted as he walked up to the Sand Tribe Leader. “I know what you have heard about the former Fire Lord, but we are not him. He may be our father, but that is where it ends. I know I can’t say anything that would change your opinion…so I’ll just do this.” Taking one step back…Zuko respectfully stooped down to one knee, and lowered his head. “I ask you to let us stay here, so that we may help the Earth Kingdom from being taken over and possibly preventing another Great War”
Sha-Mo was a man of few words, but he was left speechless after seeing the action Zuko took. It was definitely something his father would have never done. But, it was what Zuko said that intrigued him more. “Fire Lord…”
Zuko slowly stood up to face him. “You…talk of preventing another Great War. But…who would start it if not the Fire Nation?”
“That’s what we’re here to find out.” Sokka interjected as he stepped up beside Zuko.
The Fire Lord was then joined by Mai & Azula, the latter wearing a smirk. “Well I must say you do have a way with diplomacy.”
Zuko smirked back. “Not everything involves invasions and violent explosions…”
“Yes, but my way is more fun.” Azula commented.
“Is there a problem here?”
Sokka was the first to hear the woman’s voice, and as he looked to his left, he found the source. She was standing right there, flanked by seven Dai LI agents, standing fearlessly as if the presence of the Fire Lord and his notorious sister didn’t warrant any kind of reaction. Kyoko received one anyway, a hostile reaction.
“DAI LI!!!”
Pulling out his space sword, Sokka prepared himself for battle, as did Zuko & Azula. The rest of the group followed suit, and the Dai Li responded in kind. Kyoko remained motionless though, unfazed by the threat in front of her.
“No! Not here!” Sha-Mo quickly stepped between the two groups with his hands up as he turned to Sokka & Zuko. “If you really wish to prevent another Great War, you will stand down.”
“But there the reason for the war!” Sokka debated.
Kyoko’s second-in-command stood firm in his stance, ready for any attack. “Captain, just give us the word and we—!”
“You will stand down.” Kyoko ordered, to her agents’ shock. “If the Avatar is not with them, then I see no threat.”
“But, they have the Fire Lord…and his sister—!”
“And you will not fight them.” Kyoko repeated, this time with ire. “We are here to ensure the prosperity of the Earth Kingdom.”
“That’s funny, considering you’re working for the man trying to take it over!” Sokka debated.
In the midst of the standoff, Suki stepped to the forefront and approached the Sand Tribe Leader. “Sha-Mo, my name is Suki, leader of the Kyoshi Warriors. When I was escorting refugees to Ba Sing Se, I helped several of you Sand Tribesmen make it back here.”
“It’s true!” Sha-Mo turned to see one of his men raise his hand. “I remember her, and her warriors. They and the Avatar helped us through The Serpent’s Pass.”
“You have to believe us, sir.” Suki continued. “Long Feng is out to conquer the Earth Kingdom. He sent his Dai Li to Kyoshi Island and attacked us, and he wants to do the same with your people. He can’t be trusted.”
The Dai Li second-in-command scoffed. “Kyoshi bitch. You watch your tongue or I will—!”
“You better be careful with the next words that leave your mouth.” Unbeknownst to the arrogant agent, Sokka had moved to his side, and currently had his space sword pointed an inch from his neck. He wasn’t pleased hearing those words come from his mouth, and he wouldn’t stand for it. The agent was wary, but unflinching.
“You think you scare me, Water Tribesman?” He asked. “You’re not even a Bender.”
“But I am…”
It was at that moment that Zuko made his presence known; standing opposite of Sokka with a flaming Dao blade pointed an inch from the agent’s neck as well. And it was enough to make him sweat. He turned to his Captain, only to find Kyoko unconcerned with his present state, not even looking at him.
Fortunately, Sha-Mo stepped in. “Enough! I will not have a War break out within this settlement!” Sokka & Zuko lowered their weapons as the Sand Tribe Leader turned to them. “Even though our past is torrid, you are guests here as are the Dai Li. You should rest from your journey, and later we will speak of matters of the Earth Kingdom.”
Reluctantly they all agreed, and the two groups followed Sha-Mo and his men deeper into the settlement. As they walked, Azula found herself unable to take her eyes from Kyoko. Her demeanor, the way she exhibited the same expression, never changing, never wavering…it reminded Azula of herself. She could even tell that Kyoko knew she was watching her. She would definitely be someone to keep an eye on in this war.
Early morning in the Si Wong Desert began with a picturesque sunrise; one that turns the sky a beautiful shade of orange before it delved into the blue hue it would show for the rest of the day. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky, and the wind barely was able to pick up the loose grains of sand on the landscape. It was still early though, as everyone slept in their tents, resting up for what the day had planned for them. Everyone except one…
Kyoko sat Indian-style, motionless as she gazed out at the sunrise. She was in a meditative state, gathering her thoughts about her mission. In truth, beneath her cold exterior she was glad to be home…it had been so long.
She grew up an orphan with the Sandbenders, unaware of who her parents were or what family she belonged to. At a young age she was considered one of the finest Sandbenders throughout the entire Tribe, even earning the nickname Mistress of the Grains. But even with her renowned abilities she never felt like she was a part of the Tribe, or even a part of this world. She never knew her place, and even when the Tribe Elders told her she must have patience to learn it, Kyoko was skeptical at best about her words. She was always cold towards others even as a child, but it was from her natural shyness. Unfortunately it would evolve to her emotions for many others being frozen over.
At the age of 12 her tribe happened by a battle in Si Wong between Fire Nation Soldiers and the Terra Team, Earth Kingdom’s Infantry. The Elders warned her to stay close, but fate had other plans. In a last ditch effort to drive back forces, several Earthbenders created a sand torrent which swallowed the Fire Nation Soldiers whole. But it grew out too large, and their limited understanding of Sandbending caused them to lose control. Soon, the storm engulfed the entire area, making it impossible to even see your hand in front of you. The last thing Kyoko remembered was losing grip of her protector’s hand, and flying high into the air.
She awoke to the sight of several Infantrymen standing over her, all puzzled to see her here. Immediately she hopped to her feet and into a bending stance, startling the men.
“What the—this little Sand Scrub knows how to bend?” One of them asked.
“She’s bluffing!” Another one answered. “Who cares anyway? Go on home, ya brat!”
Kyoko instantly looked around herself, searching the area for any sign of her fellow Sand Tribesmen, but saw no one else but the soldiers. It was one of the few moments she expressed intense emotion…fear. She was alone, and surely the Terra Team didn’t care about anyone from Si Wong. Or did they?
One man continued to watch Kyoko, almost with concern. He had a long, thin mustache with a goatee to match, and his hair was braided into a long ponytail. As the other Earthbenders moved back towards the rest of their infantry, he slowly approached her.
“Hey, what’re you doing!?” A soldier asked him.
“I don’t think her Tribe members survived what happened here.” He responded.
“Who cares?”
The ponytailed man simply ignored his fellow soldier’s words and stooped down to meet Kyoko at eye level. “You don’t have a family, do you?”
Kyoko remained quiet and defensive, as she kept her eyes trained on him.
The man didn’t waver, though. “Ah, the strong, silent type. Allow me to—!”
He reached out his hand, and Kyoko jumped back. Calling on her Sandbending, she worked up a mini-whirlwind to protect herself, but brought it down when she saw the man wasn’t about to attack. The other soldiers felt offended by her actions, but the man was actually impressed, to the point where he laughed about it.
“Amazing!” He said. “So young, but with such skill! It would be wasted out here alone, searching for a Tribe that roams with its own agenda. Allow me to help you find purpose.”
“…Purpose?” Kyoko responded. Was this the man who could give her the answers she needed? Could he help her find her place?
She looked him in the eyes; he didn’t appear to be the most trustworthy man in the world, but his generous actions showed nothing of him having ulterior motives. And she needed to know her place; she needed to know her purpose. And with curiosity winning out, she took his hand; something that didn’t sit well with the others.
“Feng, are you insane!?” One barked out. “You can’t take that Sand Scrub with us! General Sung will hear about—!”
“THEN GO TELL THE GENERAL!!!” Feng barked back. “Go run to his side and report this like a good little obedient worm!”
Having no answer for Feng’s verbal attack, the soldiers simply grunted in disapproval and marched back towards their infantry. Feng slowly followed behind them, still holding onto Kyoko’s hand. “That idiotic General doesn’t know what’s best for the Earth Kingdom anyway. Our Nation needs someone with true purpose in power!”
“Like…you?” Kyoko asked.
Feng looked back at her and smiled. “Exactly. And you my dear will help me get there. What’s your name?”
“Kyoko.” She promptly answered.
“Hmm, a strong name. Well, you can call me Long Feng.”
And ever since that day, she did. Feng would encounter punishment in the form of dismissal from the Terra Team. He didn’t care though, for he had bigger plans. He enrolled Kyoko in the finest schools the Upper Ring had to offer, and her Earthbending skill blossomed and prospered. She effortlessly shot to the head of her class, and was considered a natural prodigy by all of her instructors. As she worked hard in school, Long Feng worked his way up the political ranks in Ba Sing Se, eventually becoming leader of the most powerful Military group in the Kingdom…The Dai Li. By the time Kyoko enrolled in Ba Sing Se University, Feng was appointed Grand Secretariat, and advisor to the Earth King himself. Still, she saw herself just as she was with her Sand Tribesmen, not knowing her place.
And on the eve of her first semester, and Feng’s inauguration into his new position, she confronted him outside of the Royal Palace.
She bowed down to one knee, and lowered her head in respect. “Master Feng, I wish to speak with you.”
“And I wish for you to stop calling me that.” He replied as he put both hands on her shoulders to raise her. “I only expect that kind of obedience from my men.”
“That is why I wish to speak with you.” Kyoko continued. “I am ready! My instructors say I am the finest Earthbender they have ever taught. I feel I can be an asset by your side and…”
“I know what you can do, Kyoko.” Feng interrupted. “Your instructors have all told me about their praise for you. But now is not the right time.”
“But when IS the right time?” She asked, almost sounding desperate. “You told me that I will have purpose.”
“And you do.” Feng assured her. “But it must be shown at the right time. We are close to giving this Kingdom the rightful ruler it deserves. Your skills are very valuable to me, as are you.” Still holding her shoulders, he brought her closer and gently kissed her on the forehead. “You will see your purpose Kyoko, by my side as we help the Earth Kingdom to prosper like it never before! Patience is required, and I know it’s hard…but it will pay off.”
Kyoko nodded slowly in agreement. “Yes, Master Feng.”
“Kyoko, we talked about this…”
She nodded again, and corrected herself. “Yes, Father.”
And she would wait. Enrolled in BSSU she would watch from the outside the events the Earth Kingdom experienced play out. Feng’s first meeting with the Avatar, the deception by the Fire Nation Princess and her cohorts, Long Feng’s jailing, the siege of Ba Sing Se by the Fire Nation, and its liberation by the White Lotus Society. Through it all she remained on the outside watching, waiting, showing patience as her father figure requested.
And then it came, Long Feng’s escape.
She remembered the day Feng introduced her to the underground Dai Li agents still loyal to him; it was in the Crystal Catacombs beneath the palace, an area which seemed damaged, as if a battle took place there in the past. She remembered the outrage some of the agents felt upon hearing their announcement.
“Master Feng, with all due respect…she is just a woman!” One of them said out of turn.
Feng raised his eyebrow, intrigued about that remark. “Am I hearing disagreement about my selection for Lieutenant of the Dai Li? Because if I am…” Long Feng raised his hand and clenched his fist. A moment later, the disruptive agent felt several pebbles hit his shoulder. Looking up, he saw a giant stalactite trembling, ready to drop at a moment’s notice. “I have no problem putting an end to the argument. Now please…tell me I’m wrong.”
“Y-y-y-you’re wrong, M-Master Feng!” The agent stuttered nervously. “S-She is a worthy choice! The Best!”
Feng simply scoffed before continuing. “As I was saying, Kyoko will lead you all Stone Valley Base. Once there you will take a defensive position there and await my further orders. I’ve chosen you warriors because you are the finest Benders the Earth Kingdom has to offer. I will not accept less that perfection, because if you fail me, you fail her. And may the spirits help you if you fail her.”
Their orders given, the agents respectfully dropped to one knee and saluted their leader and his Lieutenant as they turned away from them. “This is it, my dear. This is where you will fulfill your purpose.” Feng told her. “This is where we march to a new régime, a strong régime worthy of the Earth Kingdom!”
“I will not fail you, father.” Kyoko told him.
“You could never fail me, Kyoko.” He told her in turn. “Because the moment I met you, I knew you had the skill, the potential to help me achieve my greatest victory!”
Kyoko recalled those words, and swore to herself she would do all she could to ensure that the man who took her in and gave her purpose would indeed achieve that victory. The sun was now free of the horizon, and Kyoko overheard footsteps in the sand approaching her. Turning her head, she saw that they belonged to the very woman who imprisoned her father figure, Azula.
“I expected you to be out here alone.” She said, dressed in the garb she wore at Ember Island to deal with the heat. “The peacefulness of the desert is something that can’t easily be matched.”
Kyoko turned her head away, and focused her gaze forward. “And what would you know about an Earth Kingdom Desert, Fire Princess?”
“More than you think I know.” Azula replied, stopping just a few feet short of Kyoko. “In a past life I used this desert with my convoy as a shortcut. I never missed a sunrise while traveling through here.”
“Your past life?” Kyoko asked.
Azula chuckled. “I guess you haven’t heard of my moment of clarity.”
“You mean the mental breakdown you suffered in Agni Kai with your Brother? I’m aware of that.” Kyoko told her.
It was a jarring verbal shot, one that would’ve sent the old Azula into a fiery rage. But the Fire Princess knew she was anticipating a reaction like that, and kept her composure. “Many have called it that. Not one of my proudest moments, obviously.”
“From what I’ve heard, you had many moments that you should not be proud of.” Kyoko sniped.
“Yes, but it is better to experience those moments than to stand on the sidelines with all the other helpless peasants.” Azula shot back, a remark which stung the Dai Li Lieutenant.
After a moment of silence, Kyoko issued the bottom line. “Why are you out here, Fire Princess?”
“We both know the answer to that.” Azula answered. “You’re Long Feng’s best weapon, his proverbial Ace to ensure his plans achieve complete success.”
“And you’re the woman who jailed him and took control over the Dai Li, while handing the Earth Kingdom over to your father.” Kyoko surmised.
“Yes, a mistake on my part.” Azula confessed. Kyoko, intrigued, turned her head towards the Princess as she continued. “I know see my father for the utter failure that he is. And while in my past life I was loyal to him, my new beginning deems me able to find someone else to align with.”
They looked into each other’s eyes, both looking for any sign of weakness in the other. Any flinch, any twitch, or even a simple blink could reveal their true intentions. But after a while, neither wavered, and a devious grin crept onto Azula’s face.
“I’m glad we could have this chat.”
And with that, she turned and walked back towards the settlement, leaving Kyoko alone again with her thoughts. But this time, she was mulling over the offer the Fire Princess proposed to her; and its potential benefits.
“Where’s Azula?”
That was the question Zuko asked as he searched the scorching landscape. It was high noon as the sun blazed directly above the group. They stood in the middle of the settlement, ready to speak with Sha-Mo about Long Feng’s actions. It was then that Zuko noticed his sister was missing.
“I haven’t seen her since last night.” Ty Lee answered.
“Same with me.” Jet added.
Zuko continued to look for any sign of his sister, but Sokka’s was focused on other matters. As he gazed out onto the endless dunes and the light blue sky, Suki approached him. “Sokka, everything OK?”
“They were supposed to be here by now.” He told her. “Katara, Aang, Toph…in fact, they should’ve beaten us here.”
“I’m sure they’ll get here soon.” Suki assured him. “My warriors know almost every inch of the Earth Kingdom, they’ll guide them here.”
“I don’t know…” Sokka said, scratching the back of his head. “I just…I have a feeling something’s not right. That something big’s about to happen…and bad for us.”
“SOKKA!!!”
The Water Tribesman turned around to see Zuko walking up. “Have you seen Azula today?”
“What’s with all the yelling, ZuZu?”
Zuko turned towards a row of tents where he spotted, apparently out of nowhere, his younger sister. “You act as if I stole your crown…”
“Where’ve you been?” Zuko asked her. “We were supposed to speak with the Tribe Leader a while ago!”
“Unfortunately, that won’t happen anytime soon.”
The whole group turned back towards camp to see Kyoko approaching them, flanked by several Dai Li. “His headman informed me that he hasn’t been seen since early this morning.”
“Then we should go look for him.” Sokka suggested. “Something might’ve happened…”
Kyoko was hoping to hear someone say that, as evident by the smirk that grew on her face. “Exactly what I was about to recommend. We should search in the Northern Desert, first. With our numbers we can cover more ground and—!”
“Ah, actually, I think it would be better if we split up.” Sokka interrupted. “Your Dai Li can search one half while my group searches—!”
“Sokka, wait!” Zuko said, grabbing him by the wrist as they walked a few steps away from the group. “I think we should go with her plan.”
“WHAT!?!? Has your brain been baked!?” Sokka whispered loudly. “She’s probably leading us right into a trap!”
“Yeah, but if we remain close to her, we’ll at least have a chance to fight back.” Zuko countered. “Remember, Azula and I are the only Benders here, and there are over several dozen Dai Li agents.”
“…you got a point.” Sokka agreed, before turning back to the group. “OK, we’ll go with your plan.”
“Excellent. We’ll leave immediately.” Kyoko ordered. “Finding the Tribe Chief is of high priority.”
It was a priority Sokka & Zuko doubted she believed in, but nevertheless they proceeded out of the settlement and into fiery landscape. For almost 2 hours they traversed the desert sand, searching for any sign of Sha-Mo. The heat began to take its toll, as the men in the group used their shirts as sweat catchers, wrapping them around their heads to help shade them from the heat. Suki & Mai would follow suit, however Ty Lee felt even more at home with the humidity not fazing her at all. The group stayed back as Kyoko and her agents were on point, searching the area for any sign of the Tribe Leader…until she turned and glanced back to her men.
“We’re far enough…it’s time.”
The Dai Li nodded, before quickly dropping down to one knee and turning back towards the group. Before anyone could respond, Kyoko planted her feet, swirled her hands in front of her and then pushed them to the sky. A moment later, a wall of swirling sand surrounded the entire group, and collapsed it.
“I knew it! It was a trap!” Sokka shouted. “EVERYONE, BACK TO BACK!!!”
The howling winds made it hard to project his voice though, and within moments, visibility was all but taken away. However, Sokka did hear one loud thump, making him think the Dai Li had started their attack. Amidst the chaos, he was able to find Zuko, and they stood back to back as another thump crossed his ears, and more.
“MAI!!!”
Zuko spotted his love falling limply to the sand, just before two more thumps echoed around them, and two more bodies hit the floor.
“TY LEE! SUKI!!!”
They were now the last men standing, and Zuko was ready to go down swinging. Igniting his fists in flames, he gritted his teeth and welcomed the attack.
“BRING IT ON!!!”
He would get a response as a silhouette appeared in the sand, charging him. He reared back for an intense Fire Blast, but the attacker’s speed overwhelmed him. He was hit with a spinning kick that extinguished his flames and sent him crashing face first into the sand. Sokka had had enough. Sensing the figure behind him, he unsheathed his space sword and unleashed a violent spinning slash. Unfortunately the attacker ducked the attack, and countered with a vicious kick to his gut which sent him reeling.
He dropped down to one knee as the sandstorm was diminished. With a clear view now, Sokka was able to see his attacker right in front of his face.
“Oh no…not you…”
And his attacker, the same one who wiped out all of his friends in one fell swoop, was Azula.
“I’m REAL sorry about this, Sokka.”
THWACK!!!
“Uhhhnnn…”
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Kingdom of War