Choose your own Azuladventure

[burnedbrighter]

Who: Azula and you
What: Azula's in a great mood, last call to train with her, get advice or just have some lunch before the next arena.
Where: Around the Capitol and Tribute Tower.
When: After Enjolras Expose
Notes: It's Azula, she's in a good mood. That can't be good.



There were few things in life she liked better then watching those she hated suffer.

And knowing that Enjolras was no longer going to be comfortable in the Capitol while their tributes were fighting and dying in the arena made her so happy she was practically glowing.

And so she went about her business in this joyful and buzzing manner, a nice healthy and balanced breakfast, followed by the training hall.

Lunch in a trendy cafe where she could take meetings, followed by a casual stroll through a botanical garden.

Today would be a good day.

And hopefully the start of many good days to come.

Comments

Breakfast in District Five's quarters

[burnedbrighter]

Azula had never learned to cook more then what she needed to survive in the field. That sort of work was reserved for staff. Hired help and Avox servants. Not battle hardened warriors or perfectionist princesses like herself.

And so she sat in her District's dining area with a spread of options in front of her. She'd hoped to encourage some of the other tributes to join her either by enticing them with the scent of a fresh cooked meal, or the sight of fresh fruit and baked goods.

A ornate butter knife glittered in her hand as she slit open a steaming fresh roll so she could apply some jam to it.

She was even humming a cheerful little tune. The Avox looked unsure of how to handle this cheerful mood.

Re: Breakfast in District Five's quarters

[keep_surviving]

"I've arrived." Diana announces as she steps into the dining area, obviously lured by the smell and here to claim anything she can.

She sends a a smirk flashing in Azula's direction before moving behind her and out of her line of sight. There's warm breath on the back of her neck, slender hands sliding around her and a press of soft lips to Azula's cheek.

"Hey Zula. Is that for me?"

A pointless question. Any spare or unguarded food in their Districts' quarters was automatically Diana's.

Re: Breakfast in District Five's quarters

[burnedbrighter]

Azula greeted her with a similar smile and stiffened as the more physical contact was established. She was still getting used to the idea of letting anyone touch her.

At least she trusted Diana to some extent.

As her pale cheeks blazed red she coughed to clear her voice and prevent any embarrassed stammering.

"Of course it is, have a seat and enjoy. It's a wonderful day full of possibility." She chuckled to herself "Though I fear if I get any more pleased with things I may start to sound sappy."

Re: Breakfast in District Five's quarters

[keep_surviving]

"Ooo." Came Diana's reply as she sat down to start eating.

"What's got you in such a peppy mood?"

Re: Breakfast in District Five's quarters

[burnedbrighter]

She took a moment to finish spreading a topping on her muffin before she took a bite and savored it before answering with a happy sigh.

"It would seem that those in charge either are as fed up with Enjolras as I was, or they think he's more interesting when he's fighting for his life. Either way he will be returning to the arena as a tribute. His status as mentor has been revoked."

She was positively beaming with this news.

"The fool never acted as a proper mentor. Would it have really been so hard to learn when was the right time to express his opinion? Would it have killed him to support the tributes outside of his own personal preferences?"

Re: Breakfast in District Five's quarters

[keep_surviving]

"Really?" It was strange how her last conversation with Enjolras had just been about his own view on the arena's and how people reacted to them. Time to see if he could practise what he preached.

"They can do that?" Diana realized upon reflection that the Capitol and its overseers could do pretty much whatever they wanted. "I mean, I have they done things like this before? Just told someone they can't be a mentor and kicked them back into the hot seat?"

She hoped not, kind of killed some of the motivation to win really.

Training Montage in the Training hall.

[burnedbrighter]

The training hall was as familiar and comfortable to her as if she'd been trained here herself when she was little. Her daily trips were so much a part of her person that she couldn't imagine what she would do with her mornings if she wasn't here.

Going through her warm up exercises she wondered if any of the tributes would join her today, and if they did how many of them would want to avoid weapon training. She had found herself working more in the non-lethal skills lately.

It didn't bother her, if she was teaching her tributes first aid or camouflage instead of hand to hand or ranged attacking so be it. So long as they were learning something.

Once the warm ups were through she felt particularly light thinking upon the pleasant turn things had taken. And so she moved over to the gymnastic area for some flipping and springing.

Re: Training Montage in the Training hall.

[hit_girl_mindy]

Every once and awhile, Mindy would encounter Azula here and the two would exchange barbs, or be stiffly cordial to each other. It was just the game they played, when it was clear the two did not care for each other. Today, fresh from the loss of her dad (again) Mindy was ignoring everything. She was simply choosing to massacre the dummy before her, to the point now that her knuckles were in fact getting quite bruised.

The sad thing was, this barely registered. The past few days had been her recovering from Guy, and now her own dad was gone. Oh, no, sorry, safe. Safe her ass. They were all gone back again, and that meant that her dad was back in the and of the dead again. No grandiose bullshit by the Capitol would convince her of anything nicer.

She knew they were liars and now, through Guy, she knew they were pretty much fucking thugs too. Say something to piss someone off, they stormed into your shit and made you pay. Now, of all times, she could see why Eponine had been like a viper to Ian. She couldn't be to the Capitol. They were untouchable.

SHUCK. There went the head, neat and clean. Mindy flexed her fingers, unsatisfied.

Re: Training Montage in the Training hall.

[burnedbrighter]

Azula had ceased her celebratory spring routine and was sipping water from a bottle as she watched Mindy destroy the helpless dummy. There was a tiny part of her that wondered if she should be taking so much pleasure in watching someone so much younger then her in clear emotional turmoil.

Then she remembered how irritating Mindy could be and the question was answered for her.

So instead she decided to let her warmed up muscles cool off while she watched Mindy attempt to (And likely fail) and dealing with her feelings.

Re: Training Montage in the Training hall.

[hit_girl_mindy]

Azula.

By now she'd gotten used to her enough to know when she was around, and now that she knew that, it was just as clear she knew she was in pain and watching. She ate it with relish, of course: that was their game, wasn't it? A tug of war with words, Azula's cruelty in mind games and her flippant refusal to accept her warped, evil world view. Azula was the last person she wanted to see, because she knew how angry she was and remembered that she was one of the people that last Guy before she learned about the real superbitch, the one in power that made her hate with Azula seem so small now.

Of course, she also knew she could be set off here. That she was, for all intense purposes, being scrutinized. That her pain was someone's pleasure. Recklessness was her enemy, and Azula was the queen of it. So Mindy hacked away, suppression pain for what she knew best: destruction. Something she could do, a hand she had never truly shown the extend of in the Arena. Dummy heads rolled on the ground, stuffing was falling at her feet.

Dad's last wish was to have her channel her pain into a passion, a hobby. Ironic, since she wouldn't ever get o show him what she could do with it in the first place.

Re: Training Montage in the Training hall.

[burnedbrighter]

She found the progression of Mindy curious, particularly how it contrasted with some of the other tributes turned mentors.

Unlike most tributes, Mindy started off with the skills she needed to win. The only thing she required to win after that was for the odds to be in her favor. And as soon as she was out she set about trying to insert herself into her new role as mentor. Not only to her tributes but to others as well.

But at her core she was still a child wasn't she? And this was how a child thought a responsible person dealt with their feelings. This was how a child who was not comfortable with her emotions behaved.

This was how Azula would deal with her issues before she found the sweet release of Morphling and wine.

Oh what to do? She could interfere and make good on her promise to spar with her, or she could stand back and watch Mindy exhaust herself. She could lob cruel commentary and enjoy being a distraction or she could simply leave and let the girl rip herself apart.

It all depended on just how cruel she wanted to be.

For now she would watch and see if Mindy would be too stubborn to stop.

Lunch at Rainbow Gardens

[burnedbrighter]

The latest trend as the spring weather washed over the Capitol was to dine at the beautiful and slick cafe "Rainbow Gardens."

Black and white tiled floors and the smooth white walls and pillars played perfectly with splashes of colorful light projected along them. This gave the Rainbow effect where views of colorful flowers spread out from every window seat.

Azula was seated at one such window on the side of the restaurant facing the lilies. She wasn't close enough to inspect them for perfection but that would come later.

For now it was a peaceful place where she would be visible to the right people. A light salad to start her meal before something more substantial. Maybe a nice soup.

And since this was such a nice day? Some cheese cake for dessert.

Re: Lunch at Rainbow Gardens

[carnagecarnival]

Rainbow Gardens. If it weren't for all the light and brightness-- daywalker creepy in such amount-- he'd be reminded of home. The place is brimming with color. It is beautiful.

He's not particularly fanciful of places serving meals, when all he could retrieve such himself, but at this point he is a little used to it. Just as he is used to the faint half-hearted cries asking him to let them seated as he goes his own damn way.

"Give pause to the Demoness and on her name she shall arrive," He says as he approaches. "SAW A BLADE FOR PURCHASE WHAT ALL REMINDED HIM OF YOU. Flame along the side and iridescence all of it. SHINING IN THE MOTHERFUCKING LIGHT LIKE SOMETHING JOYOUS. As you look to be. MAY HE?" He gestures to the seat by her.

Re: Lunch at Rainbow Gardens

[burnedbrighter]

It was impossible not to see him coming with his unique appearance, let alone how the locals would swarm him in attempts to serve a local celebrity.

This thought was enough to give Azula pause and imagine how horrific it would be if he actually had crept up behind someone in the dark. Like something from a nightmare lurking just out of sight.

The thought amused her and she took another bite of salad, chewing thoroughly and swallowing before she gave him permission to sit with a nod of her head.

"It sounds lovely." She agreed once her mouth was clear of food and she could speak like a civilized person "I shall have to go see it for myself and perhaps add it to my collection."

Not that she was allowed many real blades. She may be a well behaved mentor with a solid record of support, but this was still the Capitol and precautions had to be taken. Likely she'd just have to send the thing back home if it was an actual functioning blade. If it was however just for show she could display it in her room.

"It's so nice to know how you think of me though." She gestured for a waiter to bring her lanky tribute a menu and to take a drink order.

Re: Lunch at Rainbow Gardens

[carnagecarnival]

What she imagines of nightmares is exactly right. Not a single miss in his design and function back on his nocturnal homeworld.

"You're an interesting conversationalist and make for good company. HE AIN'T HAVE TO PRETEND SHIT WITH YOU AND IT BE A BREATH OF AIR IN FREEDOM FROM ASPHYXIATIONS LASTING," He says, continuing to flatter, but with no lie. "Believe the blade was two blocks down, not far at all."

He barely acknowledges the waiter-- he only seemed to watch the muted serfs around the tower, and if she's seen his stitch-lipped alternate (as well as his over-eager descendant) around district five in these recent days, she likely gained an understanding of why. It hasn't been easy to gain his own time between the two of them, and his lusus outside, but he's managed enough to be here having an order taken. Naturally, he orders a soda, never able to resist the fizzing confection.

"QUITE THE MOOD NEAR INCANDESCENT HAS WRAPPED UP A SISTER'S BEING. What news came to her that has her like to be so motherfucking mirth touched?"

Re: Lunch at Rainbow Gardens

[burnedbrighter]

Finishing her salad with one final satisfied crunch of croutons she sent the bowl away so she may take a few minutes with him before the soup arrives.

"I do love the way you have with words, not nearly enough people use incandescent anymore." She purred happily "But you're observational skills have not betrayed you, I am in a particularly good mood having received word of justice having finally been seen to among our district." To clarify with a wicked smirk she added "Enjolras has been stripped of his mentor status and will be a tribute once more."

Unfortunately...for Azula at least, only half of that was true. She had received some bad information and while Enjolras was indeed returning to the arena...he still held the title of mentor. For now however she was practically floating in her seat from delight.

Being zen in the garden

[burnedbrighter]

Azula couldn't remember the last time she'd felt so mellow in public.

Of course the paths of the garden were designed in such a way that people were not inclined to run into one another on accident. As she padded almost silently along the soft grass she admired the way that the flowers had been arranged so the colors complimented one another in a pleasing way.

"So beautiful, but ultimately useless." She remarked to one particular flower. "Unlike some of your friends who can be transformed into medicines or poisons. How does it feel to know you were specifically created to be attractive and nothing more?"

Her cruel taunting of the flower did not seem to cause the pretty pink petals any particular pain. But she chuckled never the less.

Re: Being zen in the garden

[president_evil]

"Some would say beauty isn't without its purpose."

The purr came from nearby. Wesker, standing amongst the brilliant trumpeting blooms of some red-and-white striped creation. The head of one was tucked into the button of his lapel, like a trophy, as he worked his way through the patch, cutting more from their stems and slipping them into a heavy, crystal vase resting by his heels.

"After all, if not for its looks, it wouldn't be alive."

Re: Being zen in the garden

[burnedbrighter]

Her lips curled into an even more malicious smile and she nodded in acknowledgment, "Why of course you're right Mr. Wesker."

Her thoughts drifted to her own tributes and one in particular who had only survived as long as she did by being beautiful but discreet.

"It lives it's charmed life being fed and fawned over all because it's color is appealing then others to our eyes."

"And what makes it's color so appealing to us exactly? Experience? Personal preference? Or something deeper?"

[president_evil]

"'If I said fire, if I said blood welling from a cut--'" Wesker murmured, the silver of his knife flashing as he pressed the the thick stem of another flower against his thumb, cutting through the green with a soft, wet snap. "'Or flecks of poppy in the tar-grass scented air...'"

He turned, glancing at Azula briefly over the lenses of his glasses.

"You would say Red."

His mouth pulled and he slipped his striped bloom into the vase with the others.

[burnedbrighter]

Poetic, grim but poetic. She could appreciate that.

"I've always enjoyed red, crimson. It blends so beautifully with gold and offers a regal appearance." She mused. "But strangely enough, my favorite color has always been blue."

Unexpected given how she usually adorned herself in red and gold. It brought out the color of her eyes and gave her a more fierce and powerful appearance.

"Red reminds me of my home, father enjoyed it as well. But blue reminds me of the power plant. The cool smooth steel and the scent of burning ozone. The white hot glow of electricity puts off a blue hue behind the safety glass."

She knew every inch of her fathers power plant, she had been exploring it since she was a child.

Re: Being zen in the garden

[sithcretapprentice]

Perhaps Starkiller was well hidden, meditating within the garden, or perhaps Azula was so fixated on the flowers that she hadn't noticed him. He was inclined to try ignoring her, so that he could focus on meditating. The roof had proven to be a fairly decent place to meditate and clear his thoughts, even though it got more foot traffic than he would like. It was better than a few of the alternatives, at any rate.

He was doing well ignoring her general presence, until she decided to speak to the flowers. He opened his eyes, looking her way with a mixed expression of annoyed and amused.

"And do they usually talk back?" he asked, brow raising slightly.

Re: Being zen in the garden

[burnedbrighter]

"Not yet." She disgused her surprise with a chuckle. "But if they do I think it would be an indication that I need to make some serious adjustments in my life."

The idea that she might lose her mind was a very real possibility and one she was constantly keeping vigilant for in case she needed to make adjustments to her medications.

"I hope I didn't disturb you."

[sithcretapprentice]

If Starkiller were a more lighthearted person, he might've laughed at her reply. "That's very true." The last thing he needed was to associate with someone who had conversations with flowers. That would ruin his image. Except he wasn't really concerned with his image, he just didn't want to associate with crazy people, dammit.

At her latter remark, he shrugged. "You did." He was blunt, you had to appreciate it. "But it's you, so I'm less inclined to feel annoyed by it." She was one of the more tolerable people, he'd found. "Did you come up here specifically to talk to the flowers?"

[burnedbrighter]

"Then I will take pride in knowing I am less irritating to you." She only cared a little. It did show she wasn't losing sight of who she was if other more serious people found her tolerable.

"I did not, I was having lunch at the restaurant and thought a nice stroll through the flowers would be an additional pleasant memory to this lovely day. I was given some very good news and am making the most of it you see."