Chapter 9 - Fire Lord's Harbor

Laid down on his bed, Haji had his hands behind his head, a nonchalant smile as he daydreams. Time surely flies so fast, autumn's about to end, and the weekends that were spent with Azula will long be but memories. The most memorable day this season was his birthday; celebrated two weeks after Zuko's. Everyone close to him attended that party, their unrestrained laughter deeply imprinted in his mind. He hoped to once again celebrate his birthday alongside them, especially with his best pal, Ban. Light footsteps could be heard outside, the sound stopping right in front of his door, and he heard a gentle knock on it.

"I've brought hotcakes and watermelon juice." Came a soft voice, maybe the most affected by this is his beloved mother. She'd barely ate these past few days and one time, she sat alone in the living room with a tear-stained face, his heart clenched at such a sight. If only words could assure her worries, he'd gladly shower her with it.

Moving his body to stand up, he walked towards the door and opened it. "Come in, mother, let me help you with those." Grabbing the tray from his mother, Haji placed it on a nearby table. Cheon entered the room and sat on a chair, she gestured for Haji to sit beside her.

"Let's eat together." Said Cheon but her body didn't move to partake. Haji greedily took a bite since he was craving hotcakes coated with sweet cream, unaware that his mother was watching him full of loving affection, and with the sweetest smile a mother could show her son. A part of her wants him to stay even if going to the army was the best for him, just the thought of him suffering made her frantic with worry. My child... Cheon hugged her son, tears trickling down her cheeks.

Haji was caught in surprise, this soft side of her was Haji's weakness, he doesn't know how to properly convey his feelings to her during these moments. Nonetheless, out of instinct, his body moved and reciprocated Cheon's hug. It was a different kind of warmth, better than the women he embraced in both his past and current life. My mother... hm-mhm. She's his Achilles heel, but even if he's aware of it, he'll never get rid of her. Indeed, he can't because she's also someone that makes him feel safe. Someone he could seek whenever he's drowned in sorrow. Haji whispered in her ears. "Don't worry too much, mother, I'll make sure to come back here every time I'm off duty."

"Mhmm. Tell me if your grandfather turns a blind eye when you're treated unfairly there, I'm not going to let him be impartial even to his own grandson," She scoffed.

Haji stifled a giggle, Bujing would be tongue-tied if he heard Cheon's words, she sounded like the head of their house. To assure his mother, Haji flexed his biceps and bragged. "No one's gonna bully me there, they'd be scared of my strength, mother."

"I trust your strength... I just can't help worry about you, it was already expected for you to join the army since birth, and now that the time came… Just thinking of parting with you breaks my heart." She leaned at him, her forehead against his, and spoke in a quivering voice.

"This war would be over once the Fire Lord conquers everything, and when that time comes, I will be staying with you here," Haji promised.

Cheon pinched his cheeks and said with firm conviction. "At the news of our nation's victory, I'll be at the Royal Plaza to await your arrival, my champion."

Haji understood the more he thought of it during these past few weeks that chances are, he'll be sent at the frontline against the earth kingdom. A lot of lives have been lost and fresh blood is greatly needed, a relative of a high general won't be excused from this duty. A faint fear touched upon his thoughts, death brings terror for someone who had already died once, and this current life wasn't something he wants to lose. He'll do everything to live until the end, even craving for eternity. he's ready to gamble it all to escape death, and this fear shall be his drive. In the moment of his thoughts, he saw in his eyes the most beautiful woman a man could hold. Her features were illuminated by the moon, and in her deep brown eyes was his reflection. He had forgotten for a second that Cheon was his mother, Haji spoke in a quiet voice to alleviate the guilt in his heart. "You've barely eaten during dinner, please finish this hotcake to make up for it."

The next day. Haji arrived at the Royal Capital Harbor accompanied by his Grandfather and their personal guards. Ships, both military and non-military, were docked in an orderly manner. Soldiers, especially from the navy could be seen strolling around, and some were busy with their tasks, however, civilians could also be seen from the passenger ships.

The sea air contained a briny smell, a fresh experience since it was Haji's first time being near the sea in this life, and he's also used to the air in Caldera city, the center of the capital located in the crater of the volcano he could see from afar. The mighty volcano stood oppressively and his previous conjecture in the past proves true, not one general would be wise enough to launch a siege in the capital city unless he diverts from the norm, and enacts unusual strategies.

Bujing and his aides entered the frigate-class ship they will use to travel through the sea, while Haji stood at the pier, right outside the ship. Behind him were his friends, Ban and Zuko, along with Azula, Mai, and Ty Lee, they wouldn't want to miss the chance to see him one more time, especially, Azula whose face held a touch of gloom and reluctance. Cheon stood afar, the loneliness would be too much if she were to speak with her child now, the exchange of words last night was enough, and she knew he understands her sentiments.

"I will follow you after I graduate from the academy!" Declared Ban, before proceeding to hug Haji, and didn't care the least bit about what others would think. There wasn't any special meaning behind it, only the loneliness of parting ways with the man he treats as his brother.

Azula interjected with her straight ruthless words. "Get it over with, you're taking all the time left with Haji." Hearing her made Ban let go of Haji in frantic, and he stepped backward not before Haji patted him on his back. "I'll be waiting for you, Ban."

Ban happily nodded and went to stand in his previous spot. "Let's meet again when you come back, and be safe," said Zuko.

"Thank you, and I'll make sure to spend time with you and Ban at the usual spot again," Haji spoke in an awkward tone. Though Zuko greatly respects Haji's strength and values the friendship the three of them have forged. It was due to his relationship with Azula and the time Ban and Zuko overheard Haji's conversation with Yue, that made their friendship a little bit strained. They nodded at each other and spoke no more words, Zuko gave way to his sister, letting her say farewell the longest. If he didn't, who knows what she would do once Haji left.

Princess Azula stepped forward, her hands behind her back, and she stood in front of him, staring at his face with her golden eyes. "How long will it be until you come back?" She asked, awaiting his answer that won't bring disappointment.

"Maybe in a few months, or a year. I don't know but you'll be the first one to receive a letter where I will write the date of my return," Haji answered.

Her clear gold eyes held no pleasure from what she'd heard, an answer she didn't expect he'll say, and something she doesn't want to hear. Still, she showed a smiling front. "Prepare to be dragged back by a party of Imperial Firebenders if you break your words."

"Don't go abusing your power, Azula," Said Haji. "I have never —"

Before he could finish his words, he was interrupted by a guard's shout from the ship's deck. "It's time to depart, Sir Haji!"

Haji placed his hands on both Azula's cheeks, and kissed her forehead, surprising everyone. "Goodbye, Azula." He said and then left towards the ship.

Everyone watched as the man who has great influence in their lives step aboard the ship, not knowing if he will still be the same on the day of his return. Azula stood still, feeling a stinging pain on her chest as she looked at Haji who was gazing at her with a sorrowful touch. If only she had more power, he'll be able to stay by her side, unconcerned by everything around them. Her hair swayed along with the breeze, she bit her lips and whispered. "Goodbye…"

"Bye-bye!"

"Goodbye, Haji!"

Ty Lee and Ban shouted as the ship go farther from their sights, everyone waved at the ship and they could see Haji's silhouette waving back at them. Maybe from now on both their lives and Haji's will have a tremendous change.

"Farewell, my dear," muttered Cheon, she left right after, and wailed loudly inside her carriage. Unknowingly, the day after, news spread of a carriage where they heard a heart-breaking cry of a mother that lost her child in the war.