- Bow -

Footfalls against the polished obsidian floor echoed across the throne room, drawing closer to the dais.

Fire Lord Azulon leaned forward on his cushion atop the throne, narrowing his eyes, straining them to see through the darkness at the end of the hall.

With a low grunt and a slight wave of his hand, the dull curtain of fire set before his throne grew, crackling with power, a strong light glinting off the gold dragon bas-reliefs snaking around the obsidian pillars, illuminating the space in front of him.

Three figures approached. Two were guards from the Royal Procession, their crimson armor resplendent in the firelight, facemasks as fearsome as the grimace of a dragon. They flanked an old and wiry man dressed in the gray robes of the Fire Nation's royal intelligence service, the Juntong, his graying hair tied back into a topknot adorned with a brass headpiece.

They came to a stop in front of the dais, the aged Fire Lord gazing over them with a grizzly countenance.

As one, they declared the longevity of his reign, their voices booming through the darkened hall.

"Great Fire Lord! Father of our nation! May you live and reign forever!"

Azulon's eyes glowed as the echoes faded, his drying lips twisting into a smirk. Something always stirred within him when he heard those words. He sat up straighter, held his head higher, and felt an old fiery power course through him, like a dragon roused from a long sleep.

The officer and the guards dropped to their knees, kowtowing before him, their palms and foreheads pressed firmly to the floor in total submission.

Azulon's faded yellow eyes raked over their backs and breathed contently. This was what it felt to be master of his people.

He raised a pale bony hand from his long dark crimson sleeve, twisting his palm upward.

"Rise," he commanded, his voice booming through the air.

As one they lifted their heads and remained kneeled, eyes cast down, hands resting on their laps. His smirk widened. He was their puppet master, and they his willing marionettes.

He studied the Juntong officer closely as he knelt, noting the gold uniform piping that ran along the cuffs of his loose fitting gray sleeves. He had the look of a calculating bureaucrat, with shrewd yellow eyes peering out from behind thick eyeglasses.

Azulon's smirk wrinkled into a hard frown. He knew this man from Iroh, a former peer from the Royal Military Academy with competing ambitions. Neither had seen eye-to-eye and Azulon was unimpressed by his wearisome personality.

"Xianhou," Azulon rasped, "To what do I owe such a rare visit from the Director of the Juntong? Have you found the last of my traitorous son's supporters?"

The man looked up toward the Fire Lord, unmoved by his tone. Azulon kept an irritated growl in check. He looked as somber as ever.

"Your Majesty," he said, bowing his head slightly, "I am here to give you the latest information regarding the Hukbong Bayan."

Azulon's eyes narrowed, glaring at the Director.

"What can you tell me about the rebels that Prince Iroh and army intelligence have not? He already made his report to the general staff less than a week ago."

The Director's lips tightened, his eyes narrowed, the look of calm professionalism subtlety shattered. Azulon took a measure of pride in accomplishing that.

"Yes, Your Majesty," The Director said, "I am aware of this. I was given a copy by the army a few days ago. My staff and I were still compiling our own report to present to you."

Azulon sniffed the air derisively, feigning sincerity as he addressed the Director.

"You effort is noted, Xianhou, and I regret that you were not able to attend the war council with us. I shall review your report, in good time, with the utmost interest. I am sure it will match the one made by army intelligence."

A pause. For a moment the Director's gaze faltered and he blinked in astonishment.

The Fire Lord's lips curled into a grim smile. The less he had to deal with him the better.

"Your Majesty, if I may express a concern," he said, his jaw tightening.

Azulon let out a small sigh. "If you must, Xianhou, but, do note, I have other matters needing my attention after we are done here."

"I believe the army's report was too optimistic regarding the rebels."

His words sank in and Azulon's eyes widened, anger flaring within him. He shot Xianhou a glare.

"Too optimistic? Well, by all means, Director, elaborate for me."

"Of course, Your Majesty," he answered monotonously, bowing his head slightly.

Azulon leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees as he stroked his thin beard, his quiet anger fanning the curtain of fire between him and Xianhou.

"As I said," he continued, "After reading the army's report, I believe Prince Iroh and the general staff may look upon this conflict with the rebels with an excess of optimism. Prince Iroh stated that the army's strategy of search-and-destroy, relying on enemy body count as a measure to our success, has proven effecti-"

"And I believe Prince Iroh on this, as do many of the general staff," Azulon interrupted, "Strongholds and villages in the highland wastes, harboring rebel fighters and sympathizers, have been wiped out thanks to his methods."

"Yes, Your Majesty, that much may be true, but it has not broken their will to fight. According to my information this strategy may be proving ineffective, convincing others to join-"

"Their will to fight? Director, they have no will left to fight with. This small force cannot withstand the pressure Iroh has placed upon them. Why else would they actively avoid battle with our forces?"

"Your Majesty, that is precisely the issue I have with the intelligence gathered by the army. Their conclusions do not match ours and it is entirely likely that the Hukbong Bayan are intentionally avoiding our forces, bidding their time, and gathering strength."

Azulon covered his mouth, stifling a laugh. "…What?"

The director continued, unmoved. "Your Majesty, my sources have gathered troubling evidence that indicate the rebel force is far larger than we originally thought."

Xianhou took a moment to glance beside him. Extending his right arm out, the royal guard took a thick scroll from his belt and handed it to him. Bowing his head, the Director laid the scroll in front of him with both hands.

"This is the report I mentioned. It contains our own analysis on the rebels' strength, capabilities, as well as possible intentions. Prince Iroh's report states that the enemy is only a few thousand strong, made up of local irregulars from the wastes. Our sources say they number in the tens of thousands, with highly motivated, well-disciplined fighters from multiple provinces augmented by army deserters."

Azulon shook his head in disbelief. " You must be joking, Director Xianhou. It is as if you are accusing my only son of incompetence in regards to intelligence gathering."

"My Lord, I accuse your son of nothing," the Director stated, shaking his head slowly, "I am only stating what my men have found. This is a dangerous and committed revolutionary force. We can not afford to underestimate them and let them spread through the Fire Nation."

"They are spreading?" asked Azulon, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes. Prince Iroh's forays into the highland wastes have forced the Hukbong Bayan to regroup in other provinces. My sources are still unsure of where they have spread, but we are certain they have created cells in dozens of locations. We suspect they will attempt to recruit fighters among the population… or worse."

Azulon sniffed incredulously. "Director, you make these rebels seem as dangerous as the Dai Li. You are exaggerating. Army intelligence has confirmed they do not have the capability to do what you may suggest. These are not trained specialists."

"Your Majesty, I beg to differ here," Xianhou said, choosing his next words more carefully, "You are the leader of the Fire Nation, the one who will carry us through these dark times. My men have worked tirelessly to compile this information and have made sure it is as accurate as we can make it. We only wish to aid you in this struggle."

Again, Xianhou bowed his head, touching his forehead and palms to the floor.

"I beg you, please consider this report, as you have considers Iroh's," he said, his voice almost trembling.

Silence settled across the vast hall. Azulon looked upon the Director, his gaze settling on his back like a lead weight.

"Director," he finally stated, "What you suggest is nonsense. My son, Prince Iroh, has been in the field far longer than you. He has seen the extent of this rebellion himself and assures me it can be ended decisively, so long as we pursue our current strategy. He would not lie to me and I am offended that you would even suggest such a thing."

Xianhou's head immediately shot up, panic in his eyes, his forehead permeated with sweat.

"No, Your Majesty!" he pleaded, "I did no such thing! I have no doubt Iroh's ability to conduct war is impressive, but this is not a conventional war we are fighting! We have not dealt with an enemy like this. These are not tribal raiders or pirates or even one of the many armies from the fractured Earth Kingdom. These are revolutionaries. If we are not careful, they may become the greatest threat the Fire Nation has seen in several generations!"

"Ridiculous!" Azulon exclaimed, "Under my rule, the Fire Nation has known prosperity and order! I have kept it from tearing itself apart as the Earth Kingdom has, rooted out enemies and traitors! That old air-bender, Avatar Aang, should be grateful for what I have done. I have spared him work! While the world descends into chaos, the Fire Nation stands strong!"

The room was briefly illuminated in a flash of blinding fire, its heat unbearable. Xianhou and the guards beside him cringed in the face of Azulon's outburst, their heads bowed, shielding themselves from the heat.

Azulon let those words sink in as echoes trailed across the room. The curtain of fire calmed, crackling feebly, the light in the room dimming.

Xianhou was quiet as his eyes focused on the floor, uncertain of how to respond. He could hear the old Fire Lord rasp as he caught his breath, trying to find his words.

"The Hukbong Bayan are nothing, Xianhou," Azulon finally said, sitting up straight, "Their message of 'uniting the oppressed workers and peasants' of the Fire Nation count for nothing against the superior firepower our army. We will crush them and their deluded notions of ending my family's divine right to rule this land."

Xianhou, gulped hard, tightening his lips.

"Of couse, Your Majesty," he said, his head cast down, "Please, forgive me. I only wished to be of service to you and this nation, as Director of the Juntong."

"Then you will redirect assets from monitoring the rebels and continue your search for any remnants of Ozai's supporters," Azulon ordered, "My traitorous son may have been executed, but there are still those who hide from me, escaping retribution."

His fists tightened in his lap, knuckles going white at the thought of his late son.

Ozai had always been jealous of his brother and it had corrupted his mind, convincing him to plot the unthinkable. He felt nothing when the executioner brought the blade down upon his neck and he felt nothing for his family when they were locked away in the Black Cage. He only felt anger for putting to death so many army officers that were willing to support him. It was a stain on his nation's honor.

"Mark my words, Director, the ones who escaped are still out there. They have to be. They will be brought to justice, as long as you double your efforts."

"…Of course, Your Majesty," Xianhou said, bowing his head, his tone laced with reluctance, "It will be done."

"Good. Now leave," Azulon ordered, waving a hand for the guards to show him out of the throne room.

They rose from their places on the floor, bowing their heads before turning on their heels and disappearing into the shadows at the far end of the hall, their footsteps fading away.

Alone, Azulon allowed himself to relax his body, slouching to relieve the tension plaguing his back, cracking his strained neck, his mind heavy with troubles.

"First Ozai and his foolish attempt to kill Iroh, and now this tiresome little rebellion," he muttered, rubbing his eyes with his fingers, "I suppose I should be fortunate his family have not attempted to cause me trouble…"

Fatigued, Azulon sighed heavily, slowly rising from his seat on the throne, and made his way out through a side entrance into a nearby hall.

The captain of the Royal Procession, flanked by four other guards, stood at attention waiting for him. Azulon briefly acknowledged them, causally motioning his hand for them to follow him. Taking their positions on either side of the Fire Lord, they made their way down the long hall.

The captain walked along side him. "Your Majesty, a messenger hawk arrived earlier while you were attending the meeting with Director Xianhou. It was from the Black Cage."

Dread shot through Azulon and he wished he had never said those words.

"I assume it is the usual monthly report then," he said, looking straight head, his hands folded behind him as they walked across the black marbled floor of the hallway.

"Yes, Your Majesty. Captain Suki of the mercenaries hired from Kyoshi Island reports the Black Cage remains secured. So far no attempts of a breakout have been made by any of the family members."

"Good. That's what I want to hear," Azulon stated, nodding approvingly, "It seems I made the right choice in hiring them to keep watch over the Black Cage. Chi-blockers seem to be a convenient deterrent against Ozai's children. What about the precautions she has implemented in regards to Zuko and Azula?"

"She reports that the chi-blocking gauntlets are still working fine, Your Majesty," the captain responded.

Azulon chuckled grimly.

"Very good. I must say this captain from Kyoshi Island is quite clever. She has effectively taken away their ability to bend, preventing the two people capable of escaping from ever doing so. I seem to recall the two brats made a fuss over this in a older message."

"Unfortunately they did, Your Majesty. Four of the guards were burned while attempting to put the gauntlets on Lady Azula. Lord Zuko was eventually talked into putting them on without much of a struggle, thanks to Lady Ursa's intervention."

"Ah, yes, now I remember. A shame to imprison one of Great Roku's descendants, but that was the price for being associated with a traitor. If it weren't for her lineage I would have executed her and her family along with Ozai. Luck has seen fit to smile upon her. Anything else she reports?"

"There is. Besides the usual ledger for payment due for their services, Captain Suki also mentioned the… special arrangement for the family's entertainment."

The tone in the captain's voice made Azulon slow his pace, looking toward him with a quizzical scowl.

And then he remembered, groaning as he pinched the bridge of his nose

"Oh. That," he sighed heavily, "What is it now?"

"She requests a slight increase in her pay in order to compensate the establishment she is hiring the entertainer from. The owner insisted on a higher price for their services."

Azulon stifled an urge to growl, keeping himself composed as best as he could.

"Agni's breath… clever as she may be, this was a poor choice on her part. Why she would hire a, uh… what are those deviants called again, captain?"

"Hosts, Your Majesty, from Fire Fountain City's Yukaku Quarter. The pleasure district?"

"Yes, I know the place, captain, I made districts just like it legal in our major cities," Azulom snapped, rubbing his forehead with his fingers, "On the chance they will bring the crown some bloody revenue…"

"I understand, my lord. Perhaps the owner is looking for an assurance from Captian Suki that he will not be charged with illegally allowing one his hosts to operate outside the district."

"Yes, yes, I know. The captain is looking for assurance as well. What she is asking for is nothing short of a crime against this nation's laws. Why can't we convince her to end this arrangement?"

"Your Majesty, apparently the family has come to appreciate this host's company. Captain Suki has noted that this young man has kept them distracted and made their conditions bearable. Based on her report, given the family's… tense relationships with one another, this could work to your benefit and may dissuade them from trying to escape."

Azulon folded his arms in front of his chest, contemplating his options. His brow was heavily furrowed and he had the look of a grizzled king weighed down by his own crown.

He sighed. "The Black Cage is palace unto itself. It has been a prison for this family's undesirables since I could remember. Sozin's father kept the wives that could not give him a son there, as well his royal bastards. There they would stay until the end of their lives. He made their stay as comfortable as possible, a mercy and luxury none of them deserved…"

He glanced toward the captain, his expression hard and reluctant.

"I will follow the example he has set. Tell Captain Suki she will get the increase she desires in order to compensate the owner. I must get an assurance from both of them that this arrangement will be left in the shadows."

"Yes, Your Majesty! It will be done," the captain said, bowing in acknowledgement before turning in the opposite direction down the hall.

Azulon looked on, pushing the issue from his mind as thoughts of other, more pressing matters that required his attention took priority.

With all that was happening in the Fire Nation and the world, he took comfort in the thought that Ozai's troublesome family, secluded far and away from him, was the least of his worries.

A/N:

Hope you enjoyed it! Thanks for reading and I'll see you next Saturday!