A LifeWorthLiving
Thank you all for your reviews, favoriting, and following! And thanks for your patience! I had my wisdom teeth taken out so I was not able to write for a few days. Something I did do was read all the past chapters. I cringed so much at all the grammar mistakes. It was painful haha. No worries. Once I finish the whole story I'll go back through and fix them.Amanda (Guest): Thank you! Glad you liked last chapter and enjoying the story! Hope you like this chapter.
Weirdo (Guest): Yeah, sorry about that. I know it's a lot of the actual story. That chapter was hard to add my stuff, especially since Mikaila can't interact for most of it. Glad you still like it. Thanks as always!
Guest (January 27th 2018): sorry this took a while but here it is! Enjoy.
Znkp: Nice use of the "O" key ;) glad you think it's that good haha
Guest (February 4th 2018): Don't worry. I have no intension of stopping this story. Sometimes it might take me a bit longer than expected to update though. Thank you so much for review! Here's the update you asked for. Thanks!
Sorry if I missed anyone. So here's the next chapter. I combined the two parts because otherwise they're too short. ENJOY!
Disclaimer: I don't own Avatar the Last Airbender. But that would be so freaking cool! Also, I use a quote from a Disney movie in here. That doesn't belong to me. Not my original words at all! Don't sue me. I just love it.
Which Wolf Wins? The One You Feed
(The Day of Black Sun Part 1&2)
IROH POV
They didn't have to tell me what day it was, didn't have to threaten me to behave more than usual either. I knew what today was. Any fire bender could feel it. Could feel the sun slowly fade. Today, the sun would hide behind the moon for a very short time, but in that time no bending of fire was allowed.
Some people felt powerless, useless without their bending. I had an idea that most of the island was hidden under in the secret bunker. Surely, someone found out the Fire Nation's dark secret and would come with a strategy to stop them. I could feel it in my gut though. The Avatar and his friends would not win today, they weren't ready.
Both sides would win something, both sides would lose something. Today was the day I will escape. With the chaos of the possible invasion and lack of bending, my strength would allow me to leave. Once out of prison, I would assemble the White Lotus and rendezvous at Ba Sing Se. Together we would find a way to take the city back.
Warden Poon came early that day and sat just outside my cell. Without a word, he took a nail file from his pocket and began filing them. He hummed to himself for quite a while. The warden seemed in a particularly good mood today.
After some time, he finally spoke to me.
"I can't imagine what it's like for you," Warden Poon stated. "One day you're up at the top, Crown Prince of the Fire Nation. Ruler of all the world."
Warden Poon stopped his filing for a moment to scoff. As if it was too hard to process.
"One failure and tragedy later, you've lost everything," Warden Poon continued I imagined with a smirk. "Your brother takes everything that used to be yours."
"I was never interested in being Fire Lord," I said softly.
Warden Poon stopped again.
"So you do talk. I was wondering when you'd speak. You used to be someone. Now you're no one," Warden Poon stated. "Just the old man who followed in his brother's shadow and chased the Avatar with his angry nephew. Betrayed his own country over and over."
Where was he going with this? Why share this with me at all? Warden Poon got up and went to the cell.
"I bet you never guessed you would end up here, rotting in a cell slowly chasing death. I bet you're tired of being in this cell old man. Well too bad. You're never getting outside these walls again," Warden Poon stated.
Warden Poon pounded on the cell bars. I jumped a little. The warden smirked a little before sitting back down. We sit in silence for a few moments.
"Breakfast," Ming announced walking into the cell.
Warden Poon stands from his spot.
"Careful Ming, don't get too close. His stench will knock you right out," Warden Poon laughed as he exited.
Ming approached my cell.
"I snuck in some white jade tea. I know you like rare teas," Ming said sweetly.
She squatted down and slipped the tray through my cell.
"Thank you Ming. Ever since I was put in here, you have been very kind to me," I thanked.
Ming titled her head.
"You were always kind to me when you were a leader. I owe you that much," Ming stated standing back up. "Enjoy your meal."
Ming left and closed the big door behind her. I finished my lunch and put all the dishes back on the tray. As the day went on, the eclipse drew closer. My plan would have to take action. I knew Ming was the type of solider to battle, even with awkward situations. I don't want to fight her, I'd need to get her to leave somehow.
At lunch, I was fortunate to have Ming bring my meal.
"Lunchtime General Iroh," Ming said then whispered. "And this time, I brought you an extra bowl of rice."
"Thank you Ming. Your little gestures of kindness have made my days in prison bearable," I said before smiling. "I think you should take the rest of the day off."
"What?" Ming asked confused.
"You don't look well. Maybe you should go home and rest," I hinted at.
"No, I feel fine," Ming insisted.
"Trust me. It is better that you are not here this afternoon," I stated more clearly.
Ming nods then stands up to leave. She looks back before going to the door and stopping.
"The front will be heavily guarded. The port to the north east will be mostly empty," Ming stated.
I smiled.
"You shouldn't say such things to a prisoner," I warned.
"What does it matter?" Ming asked. "You're never getting out of these walls again."
She winked before leaving the cell. She had caught on that I would be escaping, and she was going to let me. It was still a few hours before the eclipse would start. I'd take this time to train the last minute and with the chaos of the eclipse I will break out of prison.
ZUKO POV
Today was the day, the day of black sun. By last night, everything was in place at the secret bunker. Even if the actual eclipse lasted only a few minutes, the Fire Nation wasn't one to be underprepared. Early this morning, every citizen in the Fire Nation was moved into the bunker. There they would sit and wait in the common room. It would be crowded and smell, but the citizens enjoyed the safety.
I felt bad for the soldiers that had to stay on duty during the attack. Usually all they did was stand at their post and nothing would happened. This year Azula received information from the Earth King that there would be an attack.
It didn't seem to be a real threat. Without the army of Ba Sing Se, how could they hope to defeat us? I imagined the Avatar would still have something planned. It was late morning now and everyone was done in the bunker. I was taking my time getting there. This would be the last time I'd see this place for a while, maybe ever.
I knew I was doing the right thing. I just wish it didn't take me so long to see it. There was no way I could tell Mai in person that I was leaving. She would be angry and tell. But I can't imagine how angry she'll be when she finds me gone. Even if she were to forgive me I wouldn't stay with her. I had four goals now.
My Uncle. I owed him a big apology. Not a big one, a HUGE one. He's always been there for me. My Uncle is loving and caring. He enjoyed being with me when he was at home at the palace. After mother had gone, he got me through it because he knew loss. Even when I was banished from the Fire Nation to search for someone thought to be dead. He advised me, was patient with me, and believed in me when no one else did. My Uncle is more of a father to me than Ozai, and I betrayed him. I didn't know if he would forgive me, he shouldn't, but Uncle was the greatest man I knew. Whether he opened his arms wide for me again or not, I will apologize and try to make up for my mistakes.
The Avatar. I know he's alive. There's no way Azula just killed him. He came close or maybe for a brief moment he was, but Katara had that special healing water. I'd bet anything she used it successfully on the Avatar. If the Avatar and his friends came to attack today, I feared they wouldn't be efficacious. They didn't know about the bunker, and I doubted they would get there in time to stop my father. Once they retreat, I'll follow them and ask to join. Of course, that could be impossible. They may not accept me for chasing them across the world. The Avatar seemed forgiving, wise. After all, to master all the elements the Avatar would need a fire bender. There weren't many willing to teach him. I might be the only one that can help him.
My father. Fire Lord Ozai will be no more. Not to say to kill him perhaps. That did sound extreme and unlike the Avatar. I didn't know of another choice though. I'll help the Avatar take down my father. I'd do anything to stop him. How could I not see so clearly how truly wicked he was? Maybe I did but just ignored it. I didn't know if I would take his place. I would by far be the youngest Fire Lord to take reign. And I wasn't sure how everything would end. If the people would want me on the throne. Or what would happen to the Fire Nation after the war.
Mikaila. I have no idea where she is. If she's even at the capital. Sadly, all the guards were more afraid of crossing Azula than answering to me. It didn't matter. I'll find her. I can't stop thinking about her. How badly I messed up. She loved me. I mean she actually LOVED me. I didn't have many people in my life who did. After breaking her heart by betraying her, I continued to let Azula torture her. Who knows what happened to her?! It made my stomach sick just thinking about it. When I find her, I'm never letting her go again. I'll apologize till she forgives me, beg her to give me another chance. The chance of her loving me again was slim, but I'd stop at nothing. I love her and I'm going to get her back.
Everyone was gone to the bunker. I was still in my room. The armored clothes I wore ceremonially were heavy. Looking myself in the mirror, I could see the image of the Fire Lord's son. I walked to the foot of my bed and took out my hair. It fell. My hair had grown long, deciding not to cut it again after I did so at the river. Taking off my armor next, I set it on the bed. Then I went over to my desk and flattened a piece of paper. And I began to write.
"Dear Mai, I'm sorry you have to find out this way, but I'm leaving. For a long time I didn't know what side I was on. I've made a lot of mistakes, but I finally know who I am and what I'm supposed to do. It's not here. Mai, you're a good friend, but that's all we can ever be. I love Mikaila. Take care, Zuko."
I finished the letter and rolled it up. After grabbing a casual robe and some other supplies in bags I packed, I was off. Sneaking into Mai's house was easy. With no guards around, I just walked in through the front door. My feet carried me directly to her room. I see a painting of us on the wall. We look serious. I remember that day. I didn't really want to be in that painting but Mai demanded it… in her own way.
I close my eyes looking away from the painting.
"I'm sorry Mai," I say even if no one will hear.
I left the letter on her bed. It was a coward thing to do, but I couldn't do anything else. I left Mai's house and made my way to the bunker. If I didn't show soon, guards would come look for me. I didn't need that. The doors were still opened when I arrived. Someone stood at the door with a clipboard.
"Prince Zuko! Where have you been? You're the last on my list," the man stated.
"Was caught up in something. My apologies," I stated.
The man nodded.
"No worries," the man said. "Come in. You remember where the high officials' room is at?"
"Yes, I remember," I replied.
"Alright," the man said turning to some guards. "That's everyone. Close the doors."
I turned the corner just as the big doors were being shut and locked. I went down a few halls, and decided to avoid the room for a while. I was building confidence to face my father.
MIKAILA POV
There was something about today. True to the guard's word yesterday, no one ever came to bring me food or even check on me. I'm glad I decided to listen to the guard and save some food. It wasn't much, as always, but at least it was something. They gave me two water containers. That would be enough water to use a plan and break out. But… I didn't have a plan. There wasn't anything I could do in here while in isolation.
Is this how I would spend the rest of my life? Sitting in a small, dark room? Barely eating enough? Never seeing the sun? Never talking to another being for long? Going crazy? Maybe that was the plan. Break my spirit. Break my mind. Make me go insane.
It would be a slow process surely. I've already forgotten how long I've been in here. Days? Weeks? Couldn't be months could it?
My body was weak too. There wasn't enough room to exercise. Sometimes I stood but my legs gave in eventually. Most of the time I leaned against a corner or laid down. I was starting to smell bad too. Like really bad.
Worst of all, I think I was starting to get sick. I would use some of my drinking water to heal myself, except sickness was different than injury. It was impossible to heal that way.
My head was starting to hurt again. I tried to lie down and fall asleep, but it was pounding too much.
"Please… just let me sleep. What else is there to do?" I say aloud.
I talk to myself a lot. It helps I think. But even with my plead, most of the time I couldn't sleep well. Even when I was so tired and couldn't hold my eyes open, sleep wouldn't take over.
If I couldn't sleep, then all I could do was think. My thoughts wanted to go to my home, but I was too tired to worry about them. They would be fine. The Fire Nation hasn't found us in decades. They weren't about to find us now. My thoughts traveled to the Aang's friends. How they were getting by without him. Iroh. How he was holding out in prison. Zu– no Mikaila, don't even go there.
I wondered how sick I looked. If anyone would recognize me if they saw me. But who would ever see me now? Suki must be worried, wondering if I'm alive or maybe she thinks that I'm dead. If Sokka came to save her, would they look for me? I was afraid of never leaving here.
SUKI POV
Ever since our escape attempt, I haven't managed to find the bright side. We were so close to the other side. How did they know so quickly that we were gone? Guards don't typically check on the prisoners this late. Or maybe they saw some of the passed out guards. One might have woken up, I didn't knock him out hard enough. Whichever it was, they found us. They found us and punished us.
Why did they treat Mikaila more harshly than me? Maybe they blamed her for the plan, even though it was both our idea. Azula was more obsessed with her. Speaking of Azula, ever since her visit I couldn't shake away negative thoughts. As I sat in my cell, I thought about that day.
I had been in the cooler for a couple of hours. Typical before interrogating someone when they tried to escape. Except Mikaila wasn't in one of the coolers. Who knows where she was sent. Heavy footsteps down the hall indicated someone was coming for me. The doors opened and two guards dragged me away.
My limps were frozen but it wasn't as bad as it could have been. They throw me into a room on the ground. It was small and empty. Feeling started coming back so I managed to sit up. Then someone else came into the room.
"It's been a while hasn't it? Enjoying your stay?" a female asked.
I recognized her voice. It was Azula. I turned my head and glared at her.
"What are you doing here?" I asked rudely.
"I can go wherever I want whenever I want. I am the princess," Azula answered twirling a strand of her hair. "And I received news that my two favorite prisoners tried to escape."
Azula walked over to me and squatted so she was closer to my face.
"I brought you here to rot. People like you deserve a painful life till they're dead. That's just what I plan to happen to you. Your attempt to escape will cost you," Azula stated cruelly.
"I'm not afraid of you. I will be rescued. Sokka will come for me," I said confidently.
Azula laughed.
"He doesn't even know where you are. No one does. No one is coming for you," Azula stated.
I tried not to show that her words got to me, but I'm sure she could tell anyway. Azula smiled before standing.
"I think you learned your lesson right? No more escape attempts. You stay here till you die," Azula said making her way to the door.
"Wait," I demanded making her stop. "What did you do to Mikaila?"
She turned to me smiling.
"The dual bender? Well, I saw no point in keeping her anymore. She was a fun tool, but I got everything I needed out of her," Azula said.
I was so shocked. My heart stopped.
"No. You wouldn't kill her," I said shaking.
"I told you before, your escape attempt cost you and that's the price you've paid," Azula said seriously. "Knowing you cost that girl her life."
I sat there in shock trying not to cry.
"One dual bender down, a whole island to go," Azula said then left.
No, she couldn't be dead right? It's not my fault.
At first I didn't truly believe Azula's words, but as days went by into a week, Mikaila never came back. When I asked some guards they all said the same thing 'haven't seen her in some time', 'Azula finished her off', 'not sure, she just isn't here'. It made me sick knowing that she was gone.
At yard time I could never sit by that wall again, it was our place and now it was lonely without her. I sat on a rock most of the time. It was surrounded by people but I still felt isolated.
IROH POV
It was only minutes away from the eclipse. I was ready. No one would come check on me that I knew of. They had no reason to. After all, with the eclipse every fire bender that was in here was useless. They would think I'm useless too. Especially Warden Poon. He thinks I've turn crazy, weak. Why would I break out? Won't he be surprised to see that I will.
Heavy footsteps walking down the hall disprove my theory. Someone was coming and they would be here during the eclipse. Warden Poon smirked through the slot of the door before opening it slowly.
Without a word, he stepped into the room and towards my cell. I watched his every move. What was he playing at?
"Well, well, well. If it isn't my favorite prisoner. I just came to check on you. With the eclipse about to start, I didn't know if you would be too weak to stand," Warden Poon chuckled. "But I see you're already in that state!"
He stopped his laughter and walked closer.
"I bet you can feel the fire slowly to start to burn out inside you. An old man like you might not survive this short time of darkness," Warden Poon stated.
"You won't be able to call fire either," I stated.
If Warden Poon was surprised he did not show it.
"True. I can't fire bend. No one will be able to. At least I still have my freedom, my health, my family, and my life. You have nothing. And for eight minutes you truly will have absolutely nothing," Warden Poon stated.
The sky got a little darker. And I could feel no fire anymore. I smiled. Not saying anything, I stood to my feet. Warden Poon looked surprised and took a step back. With my hands on the bars, I screamed in determination as I tore the bars. Bar after bar was taken off. The more I did, the easier it got.
Warden Poon was standing there, terrified and bewildered. I could see him shaking. Once I was free, I stepped outside the cell and stood right before the warden.
"I am free… now. My health, well I may be old, but it's still good. I do have a family. And I have a life. It's just not here anymore. Goodbye Warden Poon," I stated victoriously.
Warden Poon narrowed his eyes and stepped forward, probably to restrain me. Faster than he could see, I moved my hand in front of him and pushed him against the wall. He was knocked out. Effortlessly, I walked out of that room and out of the prison while taking out all the guards who tried to stop me. They all looked surprised and terrified. I made my way to the boats.
It was sad to leave the Fire Nation, but I knew for now where I was supposed to be.
ZUKO POV
The eclipse was about to start. It was now or never. For real. Truthfully, I was scared. More scared than I've probably ever been. I mean I was going against the Fire Lord. Yes I was scared, but I was also confident. When you believe in something so strongly, you can gather all this confidence you never knew you had. Real confidence. The one that gives you strength because you can rely on others.
I wasn't sure how long I had roamed the halls of the bunker. Not wanting to see any people, I spent my time gathering my thoughts. What I would say to him. I only had eight minutes. There was no way I wanted to be there when he would fire bend. That seemed dangerous.
But now the eclipse was about to start. Going down the secret staircase, where I knew where my father was hiding, I stared at the small metal door. The eclipse was seconds away from starting. The fire inside me was becoming dormant. This was it. There was no turning back now. My heart raced and pounded into my chest. I closed my eyes and slightly bowed.
"I'm ready to face you," I told myself.
Then I opened the door with a bang. Of course numerous guards lined in front of my father. What use were they if they wouldn't be able to fire bend. My father looked up from his tea and was a little shocked to see it was me.
"Prince Zuko, what are you doing here?" Fire Lord Ozai asked surprised and mad.
I gave no answer as I walked closer to where he was sitting. The guards never moved but seemed to hold their spears tighter.
"Why are you here?" Fire Lord Ozai asked again.
"I'm here to tell the truth," I stated determined.
"Telling the truth during the middle of an eclipse. This should be interesting," Fire Lord Ozai stated rather amused.
He waved his hand slightly and the guards dashed out of the room. Good. I just wanted it to be the two of us. Even if the guards made a nice buffer between us. Once they were all the way out I began.
"First of all, in Ba Sing Se, it was Azula who took down the Avatar. Not me," I clarified.
"Why would she lie to me about that?" Fire Lord Ozai asked slightly confused.
Besides that she always lies?
"Because the Avatar's not dead. He survived," I said.
"What?!" Fire Lord Ozai replied shocked and horrified.
He clenched his teeth and became angry.
"In fact, he's probably leading this invasion. He could be on his way here right now," I stated.
My father stood and pointed at the door.
"Get out! Get out of my sight right now if you know what's good for you!" Fire Lord Ozai ordered angrily.
"That's another thing. I'm not taking orders from you anymore," I said firmly.
"You will obey me, or this defiant breath will be your last!" Fire Lord Ozai threatened.
He started walking forward but I pulled out my swords.
"Think again. I am going to speak my mind, and you are going to listen," I ordered.
My father sat down, clearly upset by the events that were happening. It was odd that he chose to listen to me, but he could have been curious to what I was going to say. I took a deep breath before speaking.
"For so long, all I wanted was for you to love me, to accept me. I thought it was my honor I wanted, but really I was just trying to please you. You, my father, who banished me just for talking out of turn," I stated and pointed my sword at him. "My father, who challenged me, a thirteen-year-old boy, to an Agni Kai. How could you possibly justify a duel with a child?"
As I spoke words became easier to say and my voice rose and stood firm. My father looked angry.
"It was to teach you respect!" Fire Lord Ozai stated cutting me off.
"It was cruel! And it was wrong!" I argued loudly.
"Then you have learned nothing!" Fire Lord Ozai scornfully stated back.
"No I've learned everything! And I've had to learn it on my own! Growing up, we were taught that the Fire Nation was the greatest civilization in history. And somehow, the war was our way of sharing our greatness with the rest of the world. What an amazing lie that was," I scoffed. "The people of the world are terrified by the Fire Nation. They don't see our greatness. They hate us! And we deserve it! We've created an era of fear in the world. And if we don't want the world to destroy itself, we need to replace it with an era of peace and kindness."
My speech's tone had started bold and loud, but it began soft and gentle. This was a conversation, and I wanted to try to reason with my father. Maybe make him see the mistakes the Fire Nation has made. Father had listened to me with narrowed eyes, but now he laughed.
"Your uncle has gotten to you, hasn't he?" Fire Lord Ozai asked amused.
How sad he couldn't even call him his brother.
"Yes," I said smiling proudly. "He has."
My father looked upset again.
"After I leave here today, I'm gonna free Uncle Iroh from his prison and I'm gonna beg for his forgiveness. He's the one who's been a real father to me," I continued.
"Oh, that's just beautiful," Fire Lord Ozai chuckled. "And maybe he can pass down to you the ways of tea and failure."
I ignored his statement.
"But I've come to an even more important decision," I stated pausing momentarily. "I'm going to join the Avatar and I'm going to help him defeat you."
"Really? Since you're a full-blown traitor now and you want me gone, why wait? I'm powerless, you've got your swords. Why don't you just do it now?" Fire Lord Ozai said smug.
Like I would believe it would be that easy.
"Because I know my own destiny. Taking you down in the Avatar's destiny," I said putting away my swords. "Goodbye."
With nothing left to say, I began to walk back down the hall to the door. I heard my father stand.
"Coward! You think you're brave enough to face me, but you'll only do it during the eclipse. If you have any real courage, you'll stick around until the sun comes out," Fire Lord Ozai said angry.
I didn't stop.
"That dual-bender girl you seemed fond of is dead. She was sent to a prison and tried to escape, so Azula killed her," my father stated.
"I don't believe you. Azula would have said so," I replied without turning back around.
There was no way I'd believe that. Mikaila wasn't dead. Maybe she is at a prison, but she isn't dead. Azula would have rubbed that in my face to torment me. No. I would free Uncle and then the two of us would find Mikaila. We would all join the Avatar.
When that didn't stop me, he quickly said something that did.
"Don't you want to know what happened to your mother?" Fire Lord Ozai asked.
I stopped immediately. When I turned around, he was smiling in victory. He had something that had my interest. I could feel it. The fire inside was awakening slowly. Time was almost up, but I had to know.
"What happened that night?" I asked.
"My father, Fire Lord Azulon, had commanded me to do the unthinkable to you, my own son, and I was going to do it," Fire Lord Ozai retold.
I wasn't surprised. Azula had told me and though I didn't believe her completely, there seemed to be truth there. This just confirmed it. And I wasn't surprised my father would go along with it.
"Your mother found out and swore she would protect you at any cost. She knew I wanted the throne and she proposed a plan, a plan in which I would become Fire Lord and your life would be spared," Fire Lord Ozai continued. "Your mother did vicious, treasonous things that night. She knew the consequences and accepted them. For her treason, she was banished."
Treason? What could she have done? Wait. That night. Fire Lord Azulon died that night as well. Is my father saying my mother killed him? She did that for me?
"So she's alive?" I asked with tears in my eyes.
"Perhaps," Fire Lord Ozai answered calmly. "Now I realize that banishment is far too merciful a penalty for treason. Your penalty will be far steeper."
And then I felt it. The eclipse was over. I had grown careless and not left in time. My father leapt had the chance and generated lightning and aimed it right at me. Remembering what Uncle had taught me, I slid back and redirected lightning right back to in front of him. The explosion caused him to fly back and hit the wall with a grunt. Before he got up again, I was gone.
From the bunker, I ran all the way to the prison. There still weren't any soldiers on the streets so it wasn't hard to get there quickly. Though, the prison looked rather beaten. I didn't let it stop me as I ran inside. There were some guards lying around who ducked when I passed.
"Uncle!" I shouted as I got to his room.
It was empty. Well the cell was different. The bars were broken and missing. The warden was lying on the ground against the wall. What happened? Where was my Uncle?
I went up to the warden and pulled him by the collar.
"Where's my Uncle?" I demanded to know.
"He's gone," the warden answered dazed then frightened. "He busted himself out. I've never seen anything like it, he was a one-man army!"
That wasn't any help. I continued to hold his collar tightly.
"Where's Mikaila? The dual bender?" I asked.
"She was never here," Warden Poon replied still slightly dazed.
"I know! I asked where she is!" I answered rather loudly.
"She was at a prison off the capital. But… rumor has it she's dead," the warden said.
I got angrier.
"Where did you hear that from?" I asked boiling.
The warden started sweating and panicking.
"From a guard who went with Azula! He escorted her a few times to the prison! But he wouldn't tell me where. Last time he came back, Azula said she tried to escape so she finished her off," the warden explained.
"She's not dead," I said trying to myself mostly.
"It's just what I heard," the warden said sinking back away from me.
Mikaila couldn't be dead. That's not possible. I let him go and left. Where would my Uncle go? I raced to the only place I could think of. There was a secret beach dock. When I got there, it looked like a battle had happened recently. There were things destroyed, fire burns, and unconscious soldiers. It seemed my Uncle had been here. But he was gone. I was too late. Uncle escaped without me. It would be harder to find him now.
The Avatar never showed up, and I doubt he was going to face my father now. It would be better to join him before finding Uncle and Mikaila. I would need the Avatar's help. I had watched the airships heading to the main beach. That's where he must be. Not for long I'm sure. They had the flying bison, Appa I believe.
Taking my supplies, I obtained a hot air balloon. I took off to the sky and hid near the clouds. I spotted the bison flying to the east. I followed them and if my guess was right. They were heading to the Eastern Air Temple. It wasn't too far away, and it was a good place to rest and regroup. Luckily, I knew just how to get there. Hold on, I'm coming.
MIKAILA POV
I managed to get myself to sleep. Even against the smells, pain, and cold floor. I don't know how much later, but someone slowly opened the door. It was dark but there was some light from a lantern. I stared at the man before me. He was wearing prisoner clothes. He was tall and had short brown hair and a small beard on his chin. I blinked my eyes to adjust. In his hands was a tray. He set it down on the ground. There was food and water on it. I was confused.
"Why are you here?" I asked hoarsely.
"They're a bit scared still," the man scoffed. "Ordered me to give this to you."
"Scared?" I asked.
"The eclipse just ended a little bit ago," the man stated. "Prisoners haven't left their cells all day."
Eclipse? I must have still looked confused because the man continued.
"They can't fire bend on the eclipse," he stated.
That made sense. I nodded.
"If you find Suki, can you tell her I'm alright?" I asked.
He nodded and stood.
"Thank you," I said.
Then I was again in darkness. I crawled over to the tray and felt around for food. I ate slowly, but my stomach was in knots so I didn't eat much. I laid back down and closed my eyes. An eclipse that stops fire benders from fire bending. I wonder if anything interesting happened today.
A little time later, the door opened again. I blinked my eyes to see who it was. My heart nearly leapt out of my chest. It was Azula. She looked seething. The angriest I've ever seen her.
"No more games. I'm not through with you," Azula stated fuming before walking away.
Two guards stepped in my view. They were going to take me somewhere. Why was Azula here? Why was she so mad? I felt so conflicted on how I was supposed to feel. My grandmother used to tell me this quote her mother taught her. Problem was, I didn't know which I was doing.
"There are two wolves who are always fighting. One is darkness and despair. The other is light and hope. The question is: which wolf wins? The one you feed."
THANKS FOR READING! If you're confused about the title, look at the quote at the end of the story. It comes from there. Remember, I don't own that quote from the Disney movie. Not claiming it to be my own. Thanks again for reading, I'll see you soon. Hope you enjoyed this chapter. PLEASE REVIEW!