Previously on Bolt out of the Blue
Iroh's Tea Shop,
"We've been summoned to the palace to serve tea to the Earth King!" Iroh said. Zuko smiled as he went back to sweeping up the now empty shop.
Aang,
The Avatar had seen Katara's capture. Sasuke was MIA, and now he had to gather the GAang to try to save Katara.
"Urgent news! A pair of men in black cloaks with red clouds have turned up in the Lower Ring! They're fighting with counterpart of Huo Ling, the Avatar's pet firebender."
"I was soaring ever higher. But I flew too high." "Carry on my Wayward Son." -Kansas.
Chapter 21: Ripple Effect Part 3, The Crossroads of Destiny
Aang and Sokka,
"So what kind of trouble is Katara in?"
"I don't know. I just know in my vision she needed help."
"It'd be nice if your avatar powers could be a little more specific from time to time. What is that!"
Aang and Sokka were on Appa, and below them was something moving across the rocky terrain leaving a pile of dust. Upon further investigation it revealed it was Toph (with Sakura riding on her shoulders) "skating" across the ground with bending.
"Need a ride!"
"AHHH!"
"WhHOA AHH!" The crash wasn't pretty.
Lower Ring, Ba Sing Se,
Sasuke had been trying to make head way against Itachi, but that Man simply decided to toy with him. He just knew it. It was whenever ice daggers appeared nearly pinning Sasuke to wall that he discovered his reinforcements. Amongst those being.
"What the hell were you thinking, Bastard!"
"Stay out of this!" Sasuke said.
"At last, you've finally proved useful," Itachi said, "Thank you for drawing out the Target." Naruto narrowed his eyes at the missing-nin but it was Fengdao who appeared in time to intercept the attack from the prodigy.
"You'll find your fight is with me, kin slayer," Fengdao said.
"Lady Fengdao! The pretenders have breached the wall near the hole!"
"Xia Ling, go deal with that! Niao clan, stay and contain these two criminals," Fengdao said.
"Go join them, I think you'll find that we can handle these men," Jiraya said as he and Minato took positions next to Naruto.
"I'll join the others at the wall," Gaara said before he used his sand to fly away.
"Hey! I'm not done with you yet!" Kisame said. The man-shark tried to follow only to be blocked by Jiraya shunshining into his path.
"Hey now, your fight is with me," Jiraya said.
"Naruto, join your friend at the wall," Minato said.
"No way!" Naruto said, "If this is the guy that made Sasuke into such a bastard then I have to help!"
"He's out of your league!" Sasuke said.
"He's out of yours too!" Naruto said.
"Hong, get them to safety!" Fengdao said. Hong dragged them away before they could even blink.
"Let's see how well the Yellow Flash lives up to his reputation," Kisame said as he regarded his new opponents.
"Same to you "Tailess Biju."" Jiraya said.
Aang, Sokka, and Toph,
"So, how did go with the guru, did you master the Avatar State?" Toph said. Aang frowned,
"Eh, uh,"
"If you leave now, you won't be able to go into the Avatar State at all!"
"Aang are you ok?" Sokka said.
"I'm great! It went great, I completely mastered the Avatar state, eh heh heh. Yeah."
Earth King's Palace,
"What's taking so long?" Zuko said. The Firnation duo was in an ornate tea room waiting for the one who summoned them.
"Maybe the Earth King overslept?"
"Something not right," Zuko said as the dai li filed in and surrounded them.
"It's tea time."
"Azula!"
"Have you met the Dai Li? They're earth benders but they have a killer instinct that's so fire bender I just love it."
"Did I ever tell you how I got the nickname the dragon of the West." Iroh said as he joined Zuko in standing, tea in hand.
"I don't have time for a lengthy anecdote Uncle." Azula said.
"It's more of a demonstration, really," Iroh said before he drank his tea and literally breathed fire.
One chase scene later, filled with stone hands, a burst of lightning and fire, and a crushed statue later Iroh had made it out of the grasp of the Dai Li. Zuko on the other hand.
"Jump, you'll be fine!"
"No. I'm tired of running, Uncle. I'm going to fight Azula."
"You're always so dramatic." Azula said as she caught up with Zuko. Iroh ran for it.
"What, are you going to challenge me to an Angi Kai?" Azula said.
"Yes." Zuko said.
"No thanks." Azula said bored. With that her henchmen captured Zuko with a few well placed stone hands.
Throne Room of the Earth King,
"Katara is fine. She spent all day with the generals planning the invasion and then went off with her friends the Kyoshi Warriors."
"See, she's with Suki. They're probably back at the apartment right now talking about make-up or something." Sokka said.
"Ok, maybe you're right." Aang said.
"Believe me, if there was any danger at all, Bosco's animal instincts would sense it."
Crystal Catacombs,
Katara was surprised whenever, of all people, Prince Zuko was flung into her prison.
"What are you doing here? Oh, I wait, it's a trap so when Aang comes to rescue me, you can get your little fire nation clutches! You're a terrible following us, hunting the Avatar, trying to capture the World's last hope for Peace. But what do you care? You're the Fire Lord's Son. Spreading violence and hatred is in your blood."
"You don't know what you're talking about."
"I DON'T?! HOW DARE YOU! You have NO IDEA what this was HAS put me through! What is has cost me personally. The Firenation took my mother away!"
"That's something we have in common."
Upper Ring, Avatar's House,
"There's no one here," Toph said, "But there is someone at the door, and I know this person." to the shock of Sokka and Aang the door opened to reveal General Iroh.
Wall Hole, Outer Wall, Ba Sing Se,
Whatever Fengdao expected whenever she arrived, was not what she found. Surrounded by massive snakes was a snake like man in command of the abominations her people had been putting down for weeks.
"Ah, so if it isn't the lovely leader of the Air Warriors," he said, "You look almost like your counterpart."
"How do you know about that?" Fengdao said pulling out a few shuriken from her sleeves. The snake like man girl smirked at her before their battle began in earnest. A Fist to the face prevented a snake from biting the Grand Mistress, and another woman had entered the fight.
"Well, it looks like we can even this out after all," Tsunade said whenever she observed the snake summons helping her treacherous teammate. The Fifth Hokage bit her thumb and her partner Katsuyu joined the fray, a small piece broke off and wiggled away.
Minato & Jiraya vs Itachi and Kisame,
Even with TWO Kage level ninja's together, Kisame and Itachi were not to be considered pushovers by a long shot.
"Hey, Jiraya! Mistress Tsunade sent me to let you know you can summon!" The piece of Kastuyu jumped up on Jiraya's shoulder as he and Minato exchanged looks.
"So, who gets Gamabunta?" Minato said.
"You take him, I've got something else up my sleeve," Jiraya said. Dodging fire and a sword swipe from the skilled missing nins, the pair summoned aid. Gamabunta towered over Itachi and one Jiraya's shoulders sat Ma and Pa.
Aang, Toph, Sokka, and Iroh,
After getting the Dai Li to talk the group knew they needed to head back to the palace. Pronto.
"Ok, you go with Aang to save Katara and Jerk face. No offense."
"None taken."
"Toph and I will warn the Earth King about the coup."
Aang and Iroh made their way down the tunnel.
"So, you give pretty good advice and great tea!"
"The key to both is proper aging. What's on your mind?"
"Well, met with this guru who was suppose to help me master the Avatar state and control this great power, but to do so I have to let go of someone I love. I couldn't do it."
"Perfection and power are overrated. I think you were wise to choose happiness and love."
"What happens if we can't save everyone and beat Azula? What if, without the Avatar State, I'm not strong enough?"
"I don't know the answer. Sometimes life is like this dark tunnel. You can't always see the light at the end of it but if you just keep moving, you will come to a better place," Iroh said once he and Aang made it to the Crystal Catacombs.
Palace Entrance,
Sokka and Toph made it to the top.
"It's General Hao!" he said before he dragged Toph behind a pillar. It was too late. The coup had begun.
They raced to warn the Earth King but there was one problem, the Kyoshi warriors were fakes! Before the pair could rally, Azula had them stopped cold by holding the Earth King hostage with a flaming finger. Ty Lee quickly took them down.
Long Feng arrived,
"This is where I double cross you. Dai Li, take Princess Azula into custody." the men did nothing.
"I said arrest her! What is wrong with you?"
"It's because they haven't made up their minds. They're waiting to see how this is going to end. I can see your whole history in your eyes. You were born with nothing, so you had to struggle and connive and have claw your way to power. Yet, true power, the divine right to rule, is something you're born with. The fact is, they don't know which is going to be sitting on this throne and who is going to bow down. But you know and I know. Well?"
"You've beaten me at my own game."
"Don't flatter yourself. You weren't even a player."
Crystal Catacombs-Katara and Zuko,
"I'm sorry I yelled at you, but for so long, whenever I imagined the face of the enemy, I pictured yours."
"My face. I can see why," Zuko said touching his scar.
"No, I didn't mean that," Katara said.
"I used to think this scar marked me. The mark of the banished Prince. Cursed to chase the Avatar forever, but lately, I'm free to determine my own destiny, even if I'll never be free of my mark."
"Maybe you could be free of it. I have healing abilities."
"It's a scar. It can't be healed."
"This is water from the Spirit Oasis at the North Pole. It has special properties so I've been saving it for a special purpose, I don't know if it'll work But-."
The moment was figuratively shattered by Aang literally shattering part of the crystalline prison.
The boys shot each other dirty looks from the embraces of those they cared about.
"Why are you with the Avatar?"
"Saving you that's what!" Aang said. Zuko growled and lunged, only to be held back by Iroh.
"Zuko we need to talk. You two had better go help your other friends."
"Why Uncle?" Zuko said.
"You are not the man you used to be. Now you are stronger and wiser and freer than you've ever been. Now, you've come to the crossroads of your destiny. It's time for you to choose. It's time for you to choose, good." Before Zuko could even fully comprehend his Uncle's words, the moment was ruined again by earth(crystal) bending.
"I expected this treachery from Uncle, but Prince Zuko. You're a lot of things, but you're not a traitor, are you?"
"Release him, immediately." Zuko said Azula.
"It's not too late for you Zuko. You can still redeem yourself." Azula said.
"The kind of redemption she offers is not for you!" Iroh said.
"Why don't you let him decide, Uncle. I need you, Zuko. I've plotted every move of this day, this glorious day in Firenation history, and the only way we win is together. At the end of this day, you will have your honor back, you will have father's love. You will have everything you want." Azula said.
"Zuko, I am begging you. Look into your heart and see what it is you truly want."
"You are free to choose." Azula said signaling her men to stand down before she walked off.
Aang and Katara were almost out, but Azula struck. Though she was powerful, the combined might of two masters in an environment more suited to them even had the fire prodigy pinned. Until fire blasted and Zuko arrived. His gaze flickered between his sister and his target of the last two years of his life. With a choice, the fire was aimed at the Avatar. The battle began anew.
Wall of Ba Sing Se,
Tsunade and Oorouchimaru were locked in battle, and neither was conceded any ground. The damage around them was breathtaking and terrifying. Fengdao had to pause mid strike to admire the raw power of these other dimensional "ninjas" so like themselves. This nearly cost her dearly, forcing her to re-engage in the fight.
Lower Ring,
The fight between the four extremely powerful ninjas had wreaked havoc on the surrounding areas. The only plus side was everyone had managed to escape during the fighting, meaning there were no collateral deaths.
Location Unknown,
"LET ME GO!" Sasuke used substitution with a rock to get away from Hong only to find a chain of energy binding him.
"Don't think I'm letting you go that easily," Hong said crossing his arms. Hianta and Naruto saw they had similar bindings.
"Why?!" Naruto said.
"Because, I can't let any versions of those snot nosed kids get hurt," Hong said pointing to the huddled corner of children. Clearly made out were a mini Hinata in blue and a mini Sasuke in red next to the mini Naruto.
"We can protect ourselves!" Naruto said.
"Not against those men," Hong said, "Fengdao is a sensor. She knows how much power someone has at their disposal by feeling them. None of you children are yet able to fight."
"But-."
"Enough."
Minato and Jiraya vs Itachi and Kisame,
The former Konoha non was making things difficult. Because of his eyes, he had a slightly preparation for Minato's next moves an devastating fire bending to hurl at him whenever he countered Minato. The blond hadn't had time to even attempt to make a rasengan or summon a clone. Gamabunta was also having trouble trying to contain Kisame who was fighting Jiraya in sage mode.
"I think it's time you guys were done with him." All eyes turned to see a man in an Akastuki cloak with an orange swirl mask.
"Tobi," Itachi said.
"Tobi?" Minato said.
"But it was just starting to get interesting!" Kisame said before the Akatsuki disengaged and fled.
"Damn it!"
"We kept them from whatever they wanted," Minato said.
"For now. They'll be back. They're after Jinchuriki!" Jiraya said.
"Mistress Tsunade could use your help," mini-Katsuyu said.
Wall of Ba Sing Se,
Oorouchimaru, playing on a few old wounds had begun to drive back the Slug Princess. Then her cavalry arrived.
"Did you start without me?" Jiraya said before he jumped on the Toad Boss's head and joined the clash in earnest. Minato nodded to his teacher before he joined his student, Guy and his team, Hana and her dogs, and their tag along Sai on the field to try to stop the veritable army of malformed cursed ninja. Fortunately, being the Yellow Flash did have it's advantages when it came to turning the tide.
Crystal Caverns,
After figuring out what the Guru really meant, Aang was finally able to reach the Avatar state after being confined to a crystalline tent. He arose triumphant until, he wasn't.
Agony seized his whole being as Azula struck him down with lightning. Katara's reaction was nothing short of amazing: a wave of water sweeping away her foes as she rushed to the Avatar's side. But she was trapped with a badly hurt Aang. Until a flash of fire forced people back. Iroh was free.
"Go! I will buy you as much time as I can!" he said.
Katara nodded before she used her bending to flee.
Cavern of the Shadow Assassins,
The mass evacuation led to an underground river. Hong dragged the still chakra chained trio to a boat. Gaara and Temari joined them along with the rest of the retrieval team plus Sai.
"What happened up there?" Naruto said.
"We drove them back but more kept coming. It was all we could do to stall for time to escape," Ten-Ten said, "We nearly lost Jiraya and the Fourth Hokage today. The Fifth Hokage nearly went down too. She saved the rear flank after it was determined we had to retreat and well." Tsunade was unconscious in the boat with Jiraya looking worse for the were covered in blood and dirt.
"The city has fallen."
Outside Ba Sing Se airspace,
Everyone was rescued from the throne room and as they flew away, Katara desperately used her spirit water to save Aang's life. A flicker of the arrows let her know that she'd succeeded. But Ba Sing Se had been lost.
The Firenation had finally brought down the last great strong hold of the Earth Kingdom. There was no one left to oppose them now.
End Book 2, Ripple Effect.
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