It has been a long time since I blog and I have my reasons. I have been busy over at MAL writing reviews on anime and manga. As it turns out, I have somehow found a place in the "Most Helpful Reviewers" and still going up it appears: http://myanimelist.net/reviews.php?st=mosthelpful. Some of the reviews include anime like Code Geass R2 and the Full Metal Panic! series (which is certainly a great series by my thoughts).

*Anyway on to Chapter 8 of my fanfic.

(When morning came, the cell manage to lighten up from the sun. While lying, I suddenly open up my eyelids and gaze at the sunlight. Figures as much, might as well try to get up because it seems like the long night is over. Again, not something I bother to remember. At the moment, I decided to stare at the window to get a good view outside.)

(Eventually, a guard show up and hand me some utensils to keep myself clean. Obviously, I don't think anyone would want to have anyone smell in their cell. There was a mirror on the east side of the cell, so I used the razor and shaving cream to get the trimming of my face done. Don't think it would be necessary for myself getting a beard neither.)

Guard: Follow us to the bathing area.

(Following the order, I had one guard in front of me and the other behind me. While heading towards their, I notice several caretakers in the cell taking Azula to her own cleaning center as well. In the fear of her trying to break out, it probably doesn't surprise me she is being closely watched. Hmm, maybe Azula said something right about being humiliated living in that cell.)

(I eventually got in the bathing area and found myself in a crafted hand-made tub. At the moment of cleaning myself with a lot of steam in the area, I was heading in for some thoughts of what to do for this day. I finished and got dressed, then was escorted back to my cell. I guess this is the usual routine I have to get used to in a while, but it is very a similar one since taking part of the army. It is one example to show army men that they are well-coordinated and disciplined to follow orders as you would expect from a group.)

(At the time, I return to the cell it looks like Azula hasn't return quite yet so I decided to remain sitting for a while and bask in the quietness that is in the cell. Of course with the presense of Azula, one would think it is a fool to be quiet when she is around. She certainly seems chatty ever since I have been in her presense. I don't know if it involves showing off strength/pride or she is just trying to get my attention. Eventually, the Princess was brought back in her straightjacket carry by a couple of caretakers. The cell was then shut and we are both back in the very same place since this morning. What a merry-go-round it must be and it looks like the very routine we may spend every day. Oh joy, the wonders of spending this quality routine. *ugh* Not!!)

Azula: Well, this is quite a good morning I'm enjoying.

Tatsu: Same old caretakers, it must be.

Azula: Why, yes. Unfortunely I hope you are enjoying the information on what life is like in the cell for yours truly? I'm quite surprise to not see you laugh at all.

Tatsu: There is no point into it. It is not something I consider to be an accomplishment.

Azula: From all those visits to the time you are suddenly here, you are certainly an unusual person. I guess I'll take it as refreshing knowledge for myself.

(Ugh, the same tough talk that comes from Azula. I can't believe I'm suddenly bearing through it. Have I somehow gotten used to her approaches or I have been a little foolish?)

Azula: Alright, I did mention you last night on letting me speak out something that is worth my time. I'll waste the time to see if this can be a benefit.

(I stood silent for a second, ready as always in taking her words.)

Azula: What are your political feelings towards my brother?

Tatsu: Fire Lord Zuko?

Azula: Ugh, why yes. I'm quite surprised you figure it out.

(Ugh, I wonder if the steam from the tub has somehow been giving me these calm thoughts. Sometimes being calm can get you distracted in guessing things. Anyway, now back to my response. Political feelings towards the Fire Lord? Should I lie to her or tell the truth? No, I can't lie to Azula because it will end up throwing my chance in getting her to trust me.)

Tatsu: *sigh* It's hard to say to be honest. I don't tend to have a great trust to the current Fire Lord and I don't know if the Fire Nation heading for an era of peace or kindness is something I consider to be a solution. Still, it seems we are stuck in this current era.

Azula: Well if you don't trust the Fire Lord that much, would you dare attempt to overthrow him for someone you consider?

(A civil war? Someone like Azula is attempting to be pretty cunning it seems but then again royal families seem to have their struggles in gaining the throne.)

Tatsu: If I attempted to, I probably will be executed for treason. I'm well aware on how harsh the Fire Nation laws are.

(I was honest, but it felt like a gamble all of a sudden.)

Tatsu: However, I will not deny this action if there is a large amount of support and the new leader has good ideals.

(Sometimes a soldier could just be a fool or someone who wants pride on their actions. I had to learn a lot in making judgments in order to make gambles. Being educated and disciplined can result in many things to progress.)

Azula: Hmm?

(Uh-oh, did I give out the wrong type of response? No turning back now though, it has to be honest.)

Azula: I'll consider on what you said. Sounds like you are somewhat fair in what you meant.

(Whew, guess I manage to make a little progress.)

Azula: Go ahead and waste any information you want to say on yourself. It's funny enough I suddenly feel in the mood in listening to.........stories.

(Just at that moment, Azula must be shocked to herself in wanting to listen to my story. With this open opportunity, I took my chances. I decided at first to explain about my knowledge on Fire Nation History. Mostly, Fire Nation folk would like to take upon the information of the past as advice or something important. Obviously with the history of our nation being rich, individuals that are educated certainly have to know the information. With the high position of society I'm in, it is important to make a good standing once in a while. For the character that comes from Azula, I doubt by her personality I was going to impress her. Still, I have to make some ground and see how this goes. Still, I decided to not try too hard to impress her. It looks like Azula seems to be judging on what interests her.)

(After giving her a few pieces of my knowledge on Fire Nation history, I decided to start on areas of my personal life. I brought up the fact that when I was ten years old, my father allow me to take upon target practice in order to sharpen my firebending skills. Later on in my life, I was taught to learn hand-to-hand or weapons combat just in case I'm in a situation I can't escape using firebending.)

Azula: Being in a army, it is obvious you have to be well-trained. So show me a few moves then.

(I was sort of surprise, but I took my chances. It looks like no guards are around to notice my firebending so I stood near the cell door and set my position. I made a spin where I can twist and push a fist forward to let a flame out, then push my leg forward to let another flame out, then set my open palm out to let a flame swirl around in two directions while keeping both open palms in controlling the flame. I decided to end it in three movements since I didn't want to get caught on sight from any of the guards.)

Azula: (bringing up a eyebrow) That's it?

Tatsu: I wish I could show you other techniques, but I don't want to risk trouble here in the cell.

Azula: *sigh* Fair enough. I guess you show enough.

(It is unknown how I have made progress at this time, but I can only hope for the better at this time.)

Azula: Since you explain a bit about yourself, I guess I will let you know about a bit about myself.

(So at the moment, I decided to sit and take upon to listening and learning a bit about Azula. It looks like things will be interesting on what she wants to discuss. Azula started on the event of how her grandfather Fire Lord Azulon's sudden death caused her father to take over the throne. She managed to boast a bit on how it is a proud time for her being the daughter to the man who took over the throne. She also gave a few instances on how she manage to improve her firebending through training. It seems like she acknowledge my ability in combat, so she gave a little information on her training.)

Azula: The training was a bit of a challenge at times for myself. Even if I was acknowledge as a prodigy in the royal family, it doesn't mean I can't be a great firebender until I do well in my training. I will stop here for the moment.

(Since she surprise by letting me know about herself, I decided to give a polite bow.)

Tatsu: Appreciate your time.

Azula: *sigh* If you consider it a benefit, then fine. It's not like I'm all that interested.

(I decided to go near the window and bask in the light of the sun for a moment. It seems that progress is going alright at the moment. It will be interesting to see how it continues.)

End Chapter 8