My fastest update yet! Okay, this is a really long chapter. I don't like half of it, but I'm not sure which half. Anyways, everyone kept telling me how much they didn't want Zuko to die…. So please don't hate me.
I walk down a long dirt path. The town is completely empty, so I don't have to worry about being seen. Though, I probably wouldn't have to worry about that anyways. There are few people who would dare to challenge me after my little display. Seeing me incinerate that child really cut deep in the audience. Another man attacked me. He was barely fit to wear the label rebel though. The weakling couldn't even throw a bunch without following the boy in death.
I have no regrets though. I know it was either the boy or my brethren. There's no doubt about it. Children of this rebel nation will grow up to kill fire nation soldiers, so by killing them before they learn to kill fire solider I'm limiting future casualties.
Trying not to sigh, I continue to look through the village. This place is a maze, and the second I find my way out of here I'm going to burn this place to the ground.
I turn the corner, and it's another dead end! The easiest way to get out of here is to be an earth bender. Undoubtedly they created it like this so intruders or prisoners couldn't leave and tell others about this hideout easily.
I walk forward to the walk. Maybe I can burn down the wall, and it will lead to the exit. My fist self engulfs itself in flame as I swing my fist back ready to attack.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you." Called out a voice that I loathed. I turn around to see none other than Zhao.
"And why would that be?" I extinguish the flame and turn to look at Zhao.
"It's filled with blasting jelly," He said stoically. My eyes widen, note to self don't blow holes threw random walls. Zhao begins to grin, "I'm happy to see you though. It tore me apart when I heard Jet killed you." I smirk a little, I win, Uncle, Zhao is gay. "Hearing that weakling defeat you, when it obviously should have been me."
"Tell me, Zhao, why have you joined a rebel group? Have you truly turned your back on the fire nation?"
Zhao smirks a little, "No, not at all. I'm only keeping the nation's best interest at heart. With you exile and Azula too young to take the throne they will have quite a dilemma if sometime tragic were to happen to the fire lord. Because of times of war, they will need to find a new fire lord fast, and who better than the person who has presented the fire nation with the wonderful gift of our traitorous Prince Zuko's head. They'll be begging me to take the throne." He starts to laugh, it disgusts me.
"You'll never be fire lord! I'll make sure of that!" I go into my fighting stance, and Zhao does the same.
We circle each other a few times before he launches the first attack. I easily dodge it, but it hits the wall behind me. The wall instantly explodes and the blast causes me to fly forward giving Zhao the advantage. He rapidly fires random blasts of fire at me. I notice my arm is bleeding from the impact of the fall. However, I fight through the pain and create a fire wall in front of me blocking most of the blasts.
The fire from the blast starts to spread and the next thing I know we're fighting in a blaze of fire. I charge him with a rash set of punches. This takes him by surprise and he tries to back up but ends up toppling over.
I create a sword of flame and rush him. He shoots fire out of his feet causing me to jump back. This gives him enough time to get back up. He claps his hands together making the flame around us even higher. He's going to burn us both alive if this doesn't end soon. Zhao realizes my distraction and sends another huge flame at me. When I realize how close the flame is, it's too close to me to avoid. I try to set up another flame wall but it fails and I fly back into the flame siding. I scream in pain as I knee down.
"Haha, you finally figured out what you were meant to do." He kicks my face and roll over. "I'm heartless but I'm not cruel. I won't prolong the pain, Prince Zuko." He takes out a knife from his back pocket and holds me by my ponytail. I take a deep breath. I blow fire from my mouth causing him to back away shocked. I took this to my advantage and punch him in the stomach with a fist of flame.
Zhao lays before me panting rapidly. I smirk, finally I can get revenge. I lift my flaming fist to plant the final blow. With my fist inches away from his face, a huge gust of wind extinguishes my fist along the wall of flame with were with the voice, "Stop, Zuko!"
A boy swoops down on a brown staff and lands in front of me. He turns to me and I instantly recognize him.
"Zuko, what are you doing!" The Avatar seems more serious then usual.
"I'm about to crease the crest of the fire nation and honor my nation with the blood of a traitor." I pick up Zhao again, grinning at the horrid look on his face.
The Avatar uses his stick to swipe me off my feet. I land on my back, but before I can get up again the Avatar uses earth bending to pin me down the ground. "Zuko, do you really want to act like this? Taking lives of helpless people. You're turning into your father!"
My father…. His comment struck me. Am I really turning that vicious? No, these are more lies! "Release me Avatar!"
"Avatar…" He repeats. "Are we really back to this now?" There were hints of sadness in his voice.
"What are do you mean?" Back to what?
"For a while there, I thought we could almost be considered, on some odd level, friends."
My eyes widen, he knows. There's nothing else it could possibly be. I did so much to hide it though. When Katara was captured, I was so scared. I had no idea where she was, so I let them go hoping they would find her. "We were never, nor could we ever be friends."
The Avatar sighs with a look of disappointment on his face. "Zuko you have to listen to me." His voice is dripping with sadness. "The earth nation… they're almost extinct now. The fire nation is about to secure it's victory. They're approaching the area as we speak."
"How does this concern me? My nation is going to win. I will not try to stop them. Now release me before I kill you!" His talking is starting to bore me.
"You're only going to win lemons with that attitude. Besides you're in no place to command orders." The avatar sighs, "Please Zuko I really need your help. If your nation wins the war then it will all be fire nation, you'll be killed on the spot. You know your father will never take you back with or without me."
"Shut up Avatar! My father will accept me the day I come with you in my hands!" I believe it with my whole heart, I have to.
"What about Katara then?"
"She can go to hell for all I care." I said it half heartedly. I don't mean that.
"You don't mean that. She might have hurt you but how would you feel if she was in the arms of Jet, Zhao?"
"Shut up! They won't touch her! I'll… I'll help."
"Good. Last time, Jet tried to flood a whole village just to get a few fire nation soldiers. They've probably already reach Kyoshi by now. Please, Zuko, help me protect them."
"There are no fire soldiers in Kyo…. Uncle." My eyes went wide with horror. My entire crew is in Kyoshi. I have to help. "Fine… for now, I'll help."
The Avatar smiles, "That's great!"
The Avatar slowly begins to release me. I guess he thinks I might still attack him. Please, I have more honor then that, Avatar. When the he finally let go, I got up slowly. If I jump up quickly then he'll probably pin me again.
We stand in a moment of silence. The Avatar glares at me then he begins to smile, "Let's go."
"We're still not friends." I state bluntly. I don't want him getting any ideas. Turning away I take a glance at his face and still see that goofy smile on his face. Though, he's a little disappointed I can tell he's thinking just for now. I'm not going to ruin his hope, not yet anyway.
The Avatar walks over to me and places his hand on my shoulder, "It's going to be hard to get out of here on foot. Grab on, and I'll guild us out of here."
I stare at him a little with caution, what if he drops me. The thought quickly passes as I hold onto the Avatar's waist. "Let's go… Aang."
I could sense his obnoxious smile. "Right." He takes a few steps forward before launching us into the air. We hit a few tree branches, and I tighten my grip.
We reach Kyoshi fairly soon. Aang was right, gliding is faster. The town is still intact. "Aang, I'm going to go check on my crew, I'll have them prepare for the battle." I turn away and begin to run.
"Don't have them kill anyone!" Aang calls out.
I am a bit surprise he said that. We're in a war, casualties are necessary. However, he is the avatar. "I'll have them secure the safety of the villagers." That should make him happy enough.
I reach my ship, it's been over three weeks, and everyone seems to be enjoying the break. The guard, who is supposing to be making sure no one gets on the ship, has actually fallen asleep. I don't have time for this. Pushing him over, he lands on his head still in a relax manner. "You could just told me lunch is ready, you didn't have to push me over."
"Get up, you worthless bastard!" I say as I storm by him.
"Prince Zuko!" He screeches and stands up instantly.
"Gather all the men on deck," I yell back at him, "And no more sleeping on duty!"
I head straight to my room to gear up for the battle. Aang might not want me to kill, but I have no choice. We're in the middle of a war, deaths are inevitable. I begin to take off my wore out armor. I make a face, it reeks a moldy smell. I need to remember to bathe when I get back. I place some wrap where blood is bleeding, and some lotion on my back to help the fire wounds.
As I begin to place my armor on, memories of when I first met Katara flood my mind. I shake my head, I need to forget about her. However, the thought of forgetting Katara makes me even sadder. "I'll deal with it later." I say to myself as I finish by placing my helmet on.
Uncle will most like be in the captain's coop, so I decide to head that direction, "Uncle!"
"Good day, Prince Zuko. I'm glad you came back. I was starting to worry that something might have happen to you." He says before he takes a sip from his tea while continuing his game of Pai Sho.
"Uncle, a rebel group is about to attack this town!" I look out the window seeing men on the deck, and most of them are drunk. I growl this isn't going to be easy.
"Oh, how tragic, Prince Zuko. What shall we do?" He is still more focus on his game with the captain to really care about the situation. I sigh, I would have preferred a more enthusiastic response.
"We're going to help! Gather all the men then scatter them across the town. Protect these people at any cost!"
Uncle seems a little surprise at my comment. However , he smile and says, "Good plan, Prince Zuko." It's odd, for a moment there I think I see something in his eyes. Almost like he's proud of me. I'm probably reading too much into it though. "Zuko, I'll tell the crew, why don't you go warn the Kyoshi warriors." I nod as I head out the door. "Oh and Katara…"
"Enough, Uncle." I don't want to hear her name anymore. "It's done. I'm through with her." I can sense the room become a little colder along with my heart. I knew we were over but hearing me say it out loud again made me sad. I leave before he can say anything else.
As I pass the deck, the crew seems to sober up all at once. They all seem to look at me awaiting orders. "Protect the town." I yell as I storm off the ship.
I head to the building at the end of the town. That's where I ran into a warrior last time. She was a lot stronger then I had thought. I notice the villagers back away into their houses as I pass by. Aang is right, acting like my father isn't going to win me any congeniality pageants. I try not to let their glares get to me, but I feel sad again: alone, an outcast from the rest of society. Katara…. she never made me feel like this. Even after hearing about my exile she stood by me. I reach into my pocket and feel two things. I try to contain myself from screaming. Both of them are necklaces: one is Katara's necklace that she had receive from her mother before she died, and the other… the other was a necklace I made. I was going to give it to her when I propose to her once the war ended. However, I guess I never will though. I still remember the thousands of times I tried to carve the prefect engraving on her necklace.
I take the necklace out of my pocket and look at it. It's has a luminous crimson glow to it. On it shows a picture of half the sun and half the moon. It's suppose to symbolize a little of yin and yang. Both can only exist when one another…. I think I need her.
I look up to see that I'm right in front of the warrior's dojo, I guess you could say. I am about to enter the front door when I hear voices inside. "He didn't believe you?"
"Yea… Can't say I didn't deserve it though." My eyes widen, that's Katara's voice. I can't face her. I should have to listen to what uncle had to say.
"So, what are you going to do?" I lean towards the door way as I hide behind the door frame.
"Honestly, I have no idea." Katara seems so sad. "I'll probably visit Aunt Woo. She's a psychic and probably doubles as a midwife, so she can deliver my baby. From there I guess I'll become a healer. Maybe I'll move back to the South Pole."
"Katara, you can always stay here. Our village has yet to be engage in the war; you're child would be safe here."
"I'm sorry, the baby might be a fire bender. If he is then I'd be putting the entire village at risk. If anyone knew that a fire bender, the son of Prince Zuko no less, is here Kyoshi will no longer be safe for anyone." Does she know I'm here? Could she just be sticking with a false story in hopes that someone will believe her? No, she'd be putting herself at too much risk. Then.. I stood there speechless, it is my child.
There's a large crash behind me follow by loud screaming. "What's that?" I look in the direction of the dojo. They're coming out! I have to hide, I can't bare to face Katara now. Quickly but stealthy I jump into a bush on the side of the building. I hold my breath until they pass. For a second, I think the warrior notice me.
"We're being attacked!" Screech Katara.
"Oh no, I'll go alert the other girls!" Suki runs to another building leaving Katara all alone.
Go talk to her, I'm sure she'll understand. Who knows, maybe you're even be able to give her the necklace today.
No! You're better off without her. All she does is lie and cause drama. You can do so much better then her. Why are you even here? To keep some promise to the avatar? Round up your crew and leave, you owe nothing to this town!
By the time my little debate ended Katara is gone from my view. I slowly get out of the bush. I better go find Aang.
I run across the town seeing patches of my men scatter about the town. Apparently they aren't having much luck getting there cooperation. I decide to step in. "Attention! Anyone who does not flee the town will get burned to a crisp. I don't care where you go, just leave if you don't want to be killed!" The few who didn't heed my warning I dealt with personally. One included a punk kid who's left hand I a third degree burn. Aang would have gotten mad at me if I killed him.
After exploring the town a little, I found Aang standing right in front of Sokka in a little show down. "Why are you here, Sokka?"
"Fire soldiers are here. They need to die!" Sokka screams back. I look back and forth at the two of them wondering if I should interfere. Out of the corner of my eye I notice Katara watching the very same scene in front of me. What is she doing? It's dangerous out here!
"Sokka, there's no need to kill everyone in this village in doing so!"
"You're so naïve, Aang. If I don't kill everyone they will continue to live on letting the fire nation step on them, which is only making the problem worse!"
They stare at each other in a moment of silence. "I'm sorry, Aang, but it must be done." Sokka lifts his hand and snaps it. Hundreds of rebels coming from every direction appear ready to fight.
"Get ready to fight your freedom!" Sokka screams punching the air above him.
Just then, even more fire nation troops appear at the edge of town. A few fire at the rebels knocking them down. Katara runs out with her skin. She can't get involve in this! I start to run towards her and fight begins.
Many rebels fire at me; I dodge as many as I can, only firing at those who stand in my way. The entire town seems to be burning up in flames.
It's a very bloody scene and Katara is working as fast as she can. When I finally reach her a man appears behind her about to attack her. I jump over her and tackle the man, bring back my arm to punch him in the face I hit something. I turn around and if time stops I see Katara;s shocked expression. I hit her in the stomach.
"Z- Zuko," It's official now, the entire fight has stop for us, "do you really hate me that much?" Katara turns away and starts to cry as she runs.
"Wait!" I run after her as fast as I can, but it still feels like I'm moving in slow motion. I see a man pull something out of his pocket and throw it towards Katara.
"No, Katara!"
---
I place both necklaces on a stick in front of a pond. This entire island has turned into a graveyard. Both sides paid hefty casualties. Oblivion lost over one third of their entire army along with one of it's leaders, Sokka. Fire soldiers, on the other hand, lost every single member of there troop that marched into this town, with the exception of my men. Suki died along with a few of her comrades. The others left with the Kyoshi citizens.
One death however cut me the deepest. Katara…. Too many people died that day. No one could identify one person from the next. When I saw her fall, I couldn't take it anymore. I slaughtered everyone in the entire village.
Aang, he tried to stop me that day. I couldn't stop myself. My ticket to the throne, it was never really there. I realize that now. The avatar is gone. He could be dead, no one knows. I attacked him that day. I can still remember his exacts words after I attacked him, "Maybe you were right. Maybe we can't ever be friends." That was the last time I saw him.
I stood there in front of the stick with the two necklaces, "I will come back to you one day, my love. I'll give you a proper burial. But first I have to rule the fire nation. I will become a benevolent king. Then things like this will never have to happen again. Never… never again."
So I didn't kill Zuko. You guys should thank me. Anyone? Maybe? Anyway, I think I could have done a better job with the ending, but I keep thinking and nothing's coming to me. Oh, and I hope you don't mind, but that poll was to just hear what you thought. It wasn't really going to effect anything from the start. Wait no, that should be affect right. No, effect. I don't know I'm not good with effect and affect. Oh well. The story's ending fast as the final two chapters are about to lead this stunning story to a tragic close. Did that sound as cool as I thought? Oh and if you didn't get that whole he hit her stomach thing, it means he might have killed it. Which kind of doesn't matter anymore. Till then!
