Avatar, In A Darker World

This is Probably Very Late, but ... Merry Christmas Everyone.

....

Fire Nation

Fire Islands ….

The Navy Blockade spanning across the Mo Ce Sea served as the Fire Nation's first line of defense.

Hundreds of warships constantly patrolling the waters essentially destroyed any possibility of moving a large number of forces through sea transportation.

Of course, there were no absolutes.

It wasn't unpassable, neither was it impossible to breach forcefully.

If enough troops were invested, The Earth Kingdom could certainly achieve a breakthrough using brute force.

But regardless whether they succeeded, the end result wouldn't change.

The Earth Kingdom invasion would ultimately end with their forces being slaughtered before they could reach Fire Nation Shores.

Forget about reaching The Capital, it was nearly impossible to make it past the many towns and islands that stood on the way to Capital City.

The Lord's Harbor …. It was the only way to officially get in and out of the Fire Nation Capital in any way.

To get there required getting past the Great Gates Of Azulon. Getting past that required getting through the islands that stood in the way after the Fire Navy Blockade.

So throughout the Hundred-Year War, the capital of the Fire Nation had remained untouched by enemy forces.

It was even harder to breach than Agna Qel'a, the majestic capital of the Northern Water Tribe.

(Hold on …. where am I going with this? ..... Oh! right).

But like earlier stated, there were no absolutes.

Especially when the enemy forces were nothing but three unsuspecting bounty hunters.

A week ago, The Three Headhunters of the Yu Dao Guild snuck onto a Navy cruiser and successfully infiltrated the Fire Nation.

Tonight, a week later, they made their move.

The Geographic location of The Capital was on a volcanic mountain. An area underneath the royal palace was filled with actual flowing Lava while above ground was a magnificently tiled earth, housing fine architecture that made the Capital breathtaking from a high vantage point.

Situated at the center of this dormant volcanic mountain, the palace of the royal family was circled by tall impenetrable gates, patrolled strictly by the most dutiful of guards.

The heavy security made it quite impossible for anyone to break into the palace without getting caught and sounding the alarm.

However ..... The goal of these mercenaries was never the impenetrable palace to begin with.

Instead, another location would be the object of their attention.

The High Temple.

That night, three mercenaries from the Yu Dao Guild of bounty hunters infiltrated the temple just north of the Royal palace.

Unlike the residence of the royal family, the security in this area was incredibly lax. Almost to the point of there being no security at all.

In a corner of the rooftops, hidden by the darkness of night, a silhouette observed the area beneath her expressionlessly.

'…. Indistinct timing …. No patrol order. Little …'. Her brows furrowed intensely the next moment.

Her arm trembled slightly and a small, unnoticeable dagger made its way down her sleeve to her palm.

With a slight twist and shift, sh flicked her wrist and the poisoned weapons was sent flying out.

The dagger shot through the darkness …. However ….

Clang!

The blade was sent flying backwards at a faster speed, embedding itself to the edge of the very edge of the rooftop.

An inch further, and it would have fallen below.

"Is that how you treat an old friend?"

A distance away was another figure, hidden in the shadows. The light voice was rich in a tone that would have passed for a standard British accent in a world they knew nothing about.

His figure was tall, and his features were hard to make out as there was no moonlight.

In his hand was a whip. No doubt, it was what he used to repel the blade.

"Hmph!" The female didn't speak. Just sorted coldly and turned to continue her observation.

".... How tight is it …?" The male didn't seem to mind.

Instead, he crouched beside her and asked.

"... It's loose". She replied apathetically. "No patrols, no guards. From the looks of it, the Fire Sages are what pass for security here ….".

From what she could analyze, a fifteen-year-old could sneak in here if he were careful enough.

"Excellent. That will only make our jobs easier". Another voice interrupted their discussion.

They both turned their gazes behind yet again, not in the slightest bit surprised that there was another.

"Claw".

The new arrival was another man. The color of his clothes couldn't be discerned, but both knew who he was just from the metal mask on his face.

And of course, the distinctive four-pronged metal claw covering his arm.

The BountyMaster

Princess Deathbat

The Claw

Each one there was a headhunter of the Yu Dao Guild with a considerable amount of fame.

Hence, they more or less knew each other and their collective purpose tonight.

No one was surprised by the other's appearance here as any bounty was accessible to all guild members. But for such a task that carried high risk, regular members would usually steer clear.

Less than ten people had the required reputation to attempt this, as well as the means to infiltrate the Capital.

"And here I thought I could involve myself in another massacre".

The Claw appeared beside them with silent steps. Those eyes behind the metal mask showing a bloodthirsty gleam.

Little was known about him. Except for his ruthlessness and his profound love for his job.

".... Do not cause a ruckus claw". The BountyMaster uttered without turning his head.

"We can easily get what we need without drawing attention to ourselves. The Fire Sages are all master benders in their own right. Killing them is an extremely difficult task, much more doing it silently".

He paused and continued. "And If they're killed, the Capital will be locked down immediately. I don't know how you snuck in here, but we will all be in a lot of trouble if our respective exit points are sealed".

This was the truth. The silent slaughtering of the Fire Sages was not feasible. Even if it was, it would take time for them to escape.

Although the temple was remote, people in their line of work always had to account for unexpected circumstances.

Once someone noticed, then they would all be in a hell of trouble.

At least, the BountyMaster thought so. Unfortunately ….

"Speak for yourself". Princess Deathbat scoffed. "I can get out of here just fine".

Her tone was brimming with confidence, which she was completely qualified to have.

The claw was known for his metal claw, mask and ruthless demeanor. The BountyMaster had exquisite skills with the whip.

While she was well versed in hidden weapons. But that wasn't what earned her her name.

The Moniker, Princess Deathbat was obtained due to the personal flight suit she had engineered for herself.

That's right. A flight suit. Somewhat similar to the Air Nomad's gliders, her clothes could turn into a standard wing suit enabling her to fly for short periods.

She had snuck aboard a cruiser because it was impossible to fly all the way from the Earth Kingdom to the Fire Islands.

Long-distance travels wasn't possible, but for quick getaways, no one here could match her.

This advantage of flight coupled with her throwing skills earned her the name.

'The Claw' turned his gaze towards them. The creepy feeling of being eyed sent goosebumps all over their skin, making them very uncomfortable.

But the Claw took his gaze away just when they were about to react.

"So how does this bounty target work? How do we decide who gets what?"

He asked in a hoarse, raspy tone.

The three had infiltrated the Fire Nation separately for the same target.

Although they were headhunters of the same guild, they weren't teammates. And on normal occasions, there was only one way to settle the issue of one target and three pursuers.

Fight for your prize.

Unless of course, the situation didn't call for it.

No one wanted to incur additional trouble for themselves at this point. Fighting here and now could be fatal.

In that case, another more peaceful method was required.

"Three of us brought the same information. Depending on who submits it first. If we all do it at the same time, we split the gold equally".

The BountyMaster replied.

Princess Deathbat frowned but ultimately sad nothing.

"...". There was a long silence. Until …

"Fine then". Claw spoke. It couldn't be helped. The situation was really too unfavorable. "But do not expect me to help if things go South".

No one had any objections. It would be a fools dream to expect anyone of them to help the other in any unexpected circumstances occurred.

This was the life of a mercenary.

The higher up you are, the better your skills, the more you understand that …. You can trust no one.

The High Temple was a religious institution of the Fire Nation.

Meant to lead and spread the word of the glory of the Fire Nation to its citizens. Glorifying the works of the Fire Lord and deifying everything he does as the will of Agni itself.

It was so in Sozin's reign. In Azulon's reign, it grew even more preposterous.

News flew around that the Fire Lord was basically the Incarnation of Agni itself.

To question him was to question the will of the Fire Nation and all it symbolized.

(Damn! And I thought The Dai Li took brainwashing to the extreme. This is simply taking it to a higher efficiency)

As a result, even the vast majority of soldiers on the frontline believed that they were fighting for a greater cause.

For the good of the world.

However, unlike the rest of the ignorant citizens, the sages were well aware of the damage their nation had inflicted on the natural order.

They well fully informed of the Fire Nation's War crimes and the public outrage it would instill if word ever reached the common populace.

Hence, they were tasked with making sure this information never got out.

To ensure this, there were two layers of protection. One, only sages were allowed in the High Temple.

Two, all information pertaining to such wasn't stored in the High Temple itself, but below it.

In the burial grounds of the past Fire Lords.

The Dragon Catacombs.

This was where the true archives of the Fire Nation's history were stored. And this was the goal of the three mercenaries.

As within this treasure trove of knowledge, was a piece of information worth more than a thousand gold coins.

On the rooftops of the High Temple. Three Bounty hunters waited patiently for their time to act.

Time elapsed, and eventually .....

In an open square, a scene that attracted their attention came into view. A Fire Sage, dressed in red robes, made his way to the center of the square.

Stopping in a position where the tiles were exquisitely designed.

Then, he bent down and Fire bent at the center circle.

His actions caused a chain reaction, causing the floor to open up.

A secret passage was revealed. The man walked into the passage as it closed behind him.

The bounty hunters watched attentively in no hurry to make a move.

Nearly Ten minutes later, the passage reopened again, and the Fire Sage stepped out, walking into the distance.

The square was silent again, yet neither of the three moved.

"That should be the entrance to the catacombs. But … It requires Firebending to open". Deathbat uttered with a frown.

"Indeed". BountyMaster was sporting a similar expression.

'How troublesome'.

Unless you were a firebender, it was impossible to gain access to the passage without destroying it.

Just when they both felt they had fallen into a dilemma …

"20% More". A voice came from the mask of The Claw.

'Huh?'

'Huh?'

Before they could understand, they saw claw leaping downwards and landing quietly. Following which, he made his way to the platform and imitated the Sage's posture.

A blast of fire emerged from his hands and the flames did the trick, opening up the passageway once again. 

Without another word, he walked in, leaving both bounty hunters shocked.

"He's a Fire bender". It couldn't be helped. Very little was known about the claw. Who would have expected him to actually be a Firebender?

Of course, that thought as pushed aside as the two immediately rushed forwards.

If the entrance closed while they were daydreaming, they would definitely regret it.

'So that's what he meant by 20% more'.

Apparently, he wanted to gain more from the bounty task.

Both slipped in before the entrance closed. It instantly grew dark, but the darkness only lasted for a moment as the sight of torches quickly lit up the path.

The long hall was lined with the skulls of dragons and the walls carried depicted murals of the past fire lords as well as the past history of the Fire Nation.

"So, this is what the tomb of the Fire Lords looks like".

BountyMaster uttered with an apathetic look. It seemed that nothing in the world could make his facial expressions change.

Princess Deathbat didn't pay him any attention. His gaze was fully focused as she scanned the surroundings.

"He's gone far ahead". She frowned before moving forward, ignoring the one behind her.

Assuming that they had come together. Hence they would work together, would be a fatal mistake.

Yet despite claw being one step ahead, she didn't rush forward. Who knows if this area might have any traps.

The BountyMaster followed behind her. Less than two minutes later, they appeared in a corridor.

Before them was a path that split into two directions. However, right at the center of this path was a chamber with a carved image of Fire Lord Sozin on the door.

This should be the burial chamber of the Fire Lord who started this damn war. And standing at the door was'The Claw'.

"What? Did you finally decide to wait for us?"

The BountyMaster asked.

"Is it there?" Claw paid no heed to the man. His question directed at the female.

In response, she nodded.

"It should be. The information states that the last bloodline was from the descendants of Earth King Jialun. That was Sozin's time as Fire Lord".

Transactions between kingdoms were usually recorded in the royal archives during the Ruler's rule.

Sozin was very much still alive after Jialun's death and the death of his immediate descendants.

During that time, the Earth Kingdom grew increasingly chaotic and corrupted.

But that wasn't the focus.

In the political circle, there were no eternal enemies. Only eternal interests. And with the state Jialun left the Earth Kingdom in, the subsequent chaos was fully understandable.

These things weren't something these bounty hunters knew of now did they care to.

Currently, they only had one mission. To retrieve the Transcripts of Sozin's Negotiations with the 49th and 50th Earth Kings.

Hearing her answer, the eyes behind the mask narrowed. Seeing the fire nation emblem on the carved image, Claw placed his hand on the emblem and released his Firebending.

The emblem lit up and Fire emerged from Sozin's mouth and eyes. Following which, the door separated into two, revealing what was within.

The mercenaries took two steps forward ..... Then froze. .

Not for anything apart from the fact that …. Someone was inside.

The room was lit up with a small fire lamp. A well-made table and chair was the first thing that came into view.

What followed was the dozens of scrolls sprawled all over it, the lantern on the side and of course …. The person sitting on the chair.

"My … My …". A pair of amber gold eyes narrowed sharply at the unexpected encounter. Those thin red lips pursed together, showing no sign of fear or shock while the eyes glistened with amusement and curiosity.

".... I never expected that my Great Grandfather's tomb would have visitors besides me ….". A dark-haired female uttered, her lips curling up to form a delightful smile.

"… Although, you aren't the Fire Sage, I sent to fetch me some snacks and freshly brewed tea now, are you?'

The Bounty Hunters had their bodies tense up immediately.

As for Azula, well, she slowly stood from her seat and drawled with a predatory smile.

"Father will be so pleased when I bring to him three little spies snooping around where they shouldn't".