Avatar: The Flames of Kaiya

Azula stood in the palace room, tapping her foot impatiently. The room, adorned with intricate Fire Nation decor, glowed warmly from the braziers. "Are you nearly done with her yet?" she demanded, her voice sharp and commanding.

From a separate chamber, Kaiya emerged, flanked by two female servants who had just helped her change into her new battle attire. The servants stepped back, allowing Azula an unobstructed view of Kaiya. Azula's eyes traveled from Kaiya's head to toe, a slight smirk forming on her lips.

Kaiya, catching Azula's gaze, asked, "Well, Master?"

Azula gestured towards the long mirror by the wall, urging Kaiya to take a look at herself. Kaiya stepped in front of the mirror and raised her eyebrows in surprise.

"It certainly leaves no room for doubt as to my allegiance," Kaiya remarked, noticing the flame symbol prominently displayed on her waist. "The deep crimson is brilliant, Master."

Azula stepped closer, her voice filled with pride. "It was custom-made just for you by the finest the Fire Nation has to offer. As the youngest officer, you must project an air of intimidation, and this look will ensure it."

Kaiya nodded, appreciating the craftsmanship. "It's certainly not as loose as your outfit," she remarked, testing the fit of the fabric.

Azula smirked. "You don't have much use for mobility, so leaning towards style was the obvious choice." She reached into her robes and pulled out a golden flame hair ornament. "And there's one final surprise. For your top knot," she said, handing it to Kaiya.

Kaiya's eyes lit up as she took the ornament. "Thank you," she said, her tone filled with genuine gratitude. She carefully placed the ornament in her hair, completing her new look with a sense of pride and determination.

* * *

Azula and Kaiya stood at the bustling dockyard, surrounded by crates, ropes, and the ever-present Fire Nation flags fluttering in the breeze. The air was thick with the scent of saltwater, mingling with the noise of workers and seagulls. Azula, dressed in her elegant Fire Nation attire, stood confidently in front of Kaiya, who wore her newly gifted crimson battle attire. The lack of guards signified the deep trust and comfort Azula felt around her protégé.

Azula's voice cut through the noise, commanding yet composed. "You will be catching the next ship to the colonies. With any luck, you'll spend the rest of this war in utter boredom."

Kaiya nodded, her tone respectful. "Certainly, Master. The less attention I draw, the fewer eyes there will be upon you."

Azula gave a curt nod, her lips curving into a faint smile. "Good girl. Just remember to—"

Before she could finish, Kaiya stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Azula in a surprising hug. Azula's eyes widened in shock, her body stiffening at the unexpected warmth. A blush spread across her cheeks, stark against her usual composed demeanor. She quickly regained her composure, her eyes narrowing slightly as she processed the gesture.

"Don't think I don't see through your flattery," Azula said, a slight smirk forming. "You just see me as a stepping stone to your firebending sanctuary."

Kaiya's expression softened, her eyes reflecting a rare sincerity as she looked up at Azula. "I've never hugged anyone but my parents before."

Azula turned her head slightly, attempting an indifferent expression, but her hand betrayed her as she patted Kaiya on the back during the hug. There was a moment of silence, the embrace lingering longer than either expected. Azula's lips pressed into a thin line as she tried to maintain her aloof exterior.

"There you go, deflecting as usual," Azula said quietly, almost tenderly.

The two separated, but the connection lingered in the air, an unspoken bond formed in that brief moment. Kaiya looked at Azula with a mixture of respect and hope.

"Promise you'll be the first to visit when I have a new technique to show," Kaiya requested.

Azula's eyes narrowed slightly, a playful glint in her gaze. "Oh, sure, I'll bring the whole circus with me too."

They exchanged a slight smirk, a silent understanding passing between them. The camaraderie was palpable, yet tinged with the underlying tension of their respective ambitions. They performed the traditional Fire Nation bow, a gesture of mutual respect and acknowledgment. The dockyard's noise faded into the background as they focused on each other, the moment becoming almost intimate.

Azula turned to board the ship, her posture straight and regal. Kaiya watched her, a mixture of admiration and determination in her eyes.

As Azula stepped onto the gangplank, a ship crewman approached the captain. "Hawk came in. Tides aren't looking good ahead."

The captain, undeterred, replied, "Continue as planned, I'll deal with her later."

* * *

The dockyard was still bustling with activity, but now, a few dozen minutes had passed since Azula's ship had departed. Workers continued to load and unload cargo, their shouts mingling with the cries of seagulls. The sound of waves lapping against the wooden docks created a calming rhythm. The ship waiting for Kaiya was a large, imposing vessel, its dark hull and crimson sails bearing the emblem of the Fire Nation. The gangplank was down, ready for boarding.

Kaiya stood near the edge of the dock, her eyes fixed on the ship. Her mother stood beside her, a gentle hand resting on Kaiya's shoulder. She wore a simple but elegant robe, her face lined with worry and love.

"I understand how much this opportunity means to you, and how restless you felt, unable to reach your full potential at home," her mother said, her eyes glistening with unshed tears and a tender smile on her lips. "Promise you'll write to me, won't you?"

"I'll have to undertake certain tasks, things that must remain unsaid," Kaiya said, her voice calm but edged with a sinister note.

Her mother lifted Kaiya's chin gently, her voice soft and emotional. "I see, my dear. Your father often withheld details as well. But unlike him, you will not be laying siege to great cities." She embraced Kaiya tightly, her voice trembling. "Stay safe and remember that you are all I have left."

As they hugged, Kaiya's eyes welled up with tears. She buried her face in her mother's shoulder, holding onto her tightly. The bustling activity of the dockyard seemed to fade into the background, leaving only the two of them in this heartfelt moment. The ship's crew began final preparations for departure, the sound of a distant horn signaling the time to board.