Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction and is written for fun. Rights for Avatar The Last Airbender go to DiMartino, Konietzko, and Nickelodeon. Rights for Pokémon go to Nintendo, Game Freak, and Creatures. Any dialogue that matches or is similar to the original script is purely coincidental. I'm using the words that everybody else is using, I'm not capable of inventing a language like Dothraki. Enjoy the chapter!
Chapter 10
Making Sparks
Ty Lee's POV
The harbor was bustling with people who wanted to watch the Agni Kai. Zhao's staff had prepared a traditional Fire Feast in honor of the occasion and at the request of Princess Azula. We were already making our way to the stadium located in the center of Zhao's compound adjacent to the kitchens. Soldiers were already filing into the stands as the kitchen staff finished setting up large tables filled with traditional Fire Nation cuisine as well as local seafood. Thanks to Riolu I'd actually had a variety of seafood at various points on our journey. Riolu didn't seem to have a preference as long as it was from the ocean, I on the other hand favored Wishiwashi and Octillery.
Even with such an impressive spread of food I didn't have much of an appetite. I decided to take a few Pecha Berries, just something small and sweet. Looking further down I spotted Riolu already patiently waiting by all of the seafood.
"Oh Riolu, you're too cute," I remarked as I reached her with an empty plate. Petting behind her ears I started to pick a variety of sashimi slices for her.
"Any special requests, Riolu?" At my question Riolu's eyes shimmered, clearly excited to eat everything I'd put so far. She then started to point at pieces I hadn't placed on the plate yet.
"So a little bit of everything?" I chuckled as I finished picking the last few pieces. Once the plate was filled I handed the plate to Riolu, who excitedly took the plate with both paws and balanced it on top of her head as she fell behind me to follow us to our seats.
I made my way through the stadium slowly, peering out to the center of the battle stage, I felt a pit form in my stomach. Zuko would be having an Agni Kai against a firebending master and his Pokémon. Sitting down next to Iroh, I let out a slow breath to calm myself.
"Nervous Ty Lee?" Iroh piped up beside me.
"Is it that obvious?" I sighed. Our seats were front and center, as close to the stage as we could physically be without hindering the combatants. Riolu propped her plate on the slate bench and climbed up beside me, happily popping the sashimi into her mouth.
"I believe Zuko will be fine," Iroh reassured me. "His training has progressed in leaps and bounds since we left." He leaned towards me and brought his hand up to his mouth and spoke in a low voice. "And personally, I don't think Zhao's bending will give Zuko too much trouble. Zhao uses big motions and his stance is very vulnerable."
I smiled back at him. "Thank you Iroh, it's a relief that you seem so calm about this."
"Are you kidding me?" He exclaimed. "I'm super nervous, I can't believe he challenged Zhao to an Agni Kai! I can barely sit still knowing I can't help him."
For some reason Iroh's clear concern for Zuko was even more relieving. I reached my arms over to give Iroh a hug.
"I suppose you're feeling better then?" Iroh asked as he returned my embrace.
I pulled away and smiled back at him and nodded. "Yes, General Iroh. Much better."
"Ty Lee, I thought I told you that you could call me Uncle," He joked as he pointed at himself with both thumbs.
"Yes, Uncle. Thank you," I answered as I closed my eyes and flashed him my biggest smile. I've been truly blessed to have him to look after me since this journey began. He's been a fantastic mentor to Zuko and I, he's taught us so much about Pokémon and battling alongside them as partners.
He seemed to pause for a moment, a little surprised I imagined. That was the first time I had ever indulged in calling him Uncle. Seeing his reaction made me truly happy that I did, he was the closest thing I'd ever had to a father figure. I hadn't been especially close to my family. My own parents pushed many of my sisters and I to accept arranged marriages for political gain. We were constantly being tutored in ways of conduct, politics, and economics.
My early childhood was flooded by constant lessons and every family meal felt like a business exchange. The only time my father spoke to any of us was to ask how our lessons were progressing. I decided to escape that life when I enrolled for the academy, since my acceptance I hadn't heard from my family. The day I left, the only thing my parents said to me was, "Good luck, Ty Lee."
I don't know what I was expecting. But I at least thought that his stone cold demeanor would break for a moment when I left. After they bid me farewell, I embraced all of my sisters in tears and they squeezed me tight in a giant group hug. I never returned during my academy days and I didn't write any of my family. Not that I received word from them either, had they wrote me I would have written back immediately. So many days I spent checking the academy post office for letters that never came. Eventually, I stopped going and I stopped wanting to see them. They were probably in attendance when I was named Zuko's Royal Vassal, but they never approached me and I didn't search for them.
Iroh's gentle hand on my shoulder shook me from my reminiscing. I smiled back at him with genuine gratitude, trying to show him how much I appreciated everything he had done since I became Zuko's vassal. He seemed to nod in understanding then the drums to start the Agni Kai started to pulsate throughout the stadium. The steady rhythm keeping beat with the two combatants as they entered from the tunnels on either side of the stage. They came together at the center and there was a pause.
"This should be an interesting battle, wouldn't you agree Uncle?" A voice broke the silence just behind us. Iroh and I both turned. It was Azula.
"Yes, it will be," Iroh replied simply. Azula let out a huff, probably disappointed that Iroh and I hadn't reacted the way she wanted. Turning back to face the stage, he patted my lap in assurance and said in a low voice, "Zuko will be just fine."
I simply nodded in reply as I faced the stage as well. Zuko and Zhao bowed to each other and called their partners to their sides. Chimchar materializing upon Zuko's shoulder. A large energy next to Zhao taking the shape of a large and powerful Emboar. The size difference between both sides already shows a disparity. I prayed that would be the only edge that Zhao had.
The two sides entering into battle stances, anticipating the moment when stillness will become violent motion. With the sound of gong signaling the beginning of the Agni Kai, the combatants sprung to life with spurts of fire. I clenched my eyes shut and clasped my hands together, willing fate itself to favor Zuko's victory.
You can do it Zuko! I believe in you!
Zuko's POV
The ringing of the gong had barely dissipated as Zhao and his Emboar began their assault. Chimchar and I were bombarded with a series of powerful fireballs. I dipped and weaved underneath the attacks to work on closing the distance. Chimchar nimbly dodged side to side as the flames landed with explosions on either side of us.
They're trying to divide us in the chaos of the explosions so they can pick us off with a concentrated assault.
"Chimchar!" I called out over the sounds of the explosions. "Follow my voice! We have to stay together!"
Chim-char!
I heard Chimchar respond to my call. He was close, but the smoke clouded his precise location. Chimchar was covering my left side, so I needed to lay down covering fire until he could rejoin my side. The attacks from Zhao and Emboar paused, probably so they could assess the damage. That would leave me a brief moment when the smoke clears to counterattack and link up with Chimchar. Crouching into a low stance so Zhao wouldn't immediately spot me, I felt Chimchar climb up onto my left shoulder.
"Guess I didn't have to cover you, huh?" I whispered to Chimchar as I held up my left fist.
Chimchar! He replied as he gave me a fist bump. The smoke was almost cleared and we could finally make out Emboar's silhouette. Then a stream of fire came sailing over my head from my right side.
Shoot! Zhao's flanking us!
As soon as I spotted Zhao, I let out a flurry of fireballs at him and the immediate space around him to prevent him from avoiding all of them. Except he never planned to dodge them. As the fireballs came into range he struck them all down with strong waves of his arms. Then he loosed a large fireball at us from his left fist, while simultaneously taking steps towards us. Chimchar met the large fireball with a Fire Spin, the spinning flames intercepting and absorbing the resulting explosion. Zhao made a signal with his right hand as he continued his attack with a similar barrage of fireballs that I threw at him previously.
Just as I was about to dodge and counterattack, Chimchar leapt from my shoulder towards Emboar's last location. I turned in distress when I heard the crash of bodies, only to catch a glimpse of Chimchar's small frame sailing across the arena into the wall in front of the crowd. Emboar was right on top of us and Chimchar had just intercepted a flaming tackle from Emboar. Chimchar scrambled to his feet amidst the dust and debris, it's body covered in bruises after the exchange.
How did Emboar close the distance so quickly? Then it hit me as I refocused and struck down Zhao's fireballs with my own fire fists. Emboar must have started moving as soon as the initial explosions started putting up a smoke cover and Zhao slipped into our right flank to prevent us from noticing. If Chimchar wasn't on my left shoulder when I turned to defend Zhao's attack we would have been sitting Duckletts. Chimchar recovered quickly, moving unencumbered by the clear damage to it, and leapt at Emboar with a cloak of flames as Chimchar nailed Emboar's midsection with a spinning tackle. Forcing the larger Fire-type sliding back a few feet, giving us a little room to breathe for a moment.
I looked at the scorch marks and bruises Chimchar was already showing. Intercepting that Heat Crash was dangerous, but Chimchar moved without hesitation. Zhao and Emboar had blindsided us with their coordination, and Chimchar had paid the price. I clenched my fists in frustration at my oversight, I had underestimated their attack pattern and had overestimated our own speed to dodge and counter their attacks. I needed a new plan to handle the two-pronged assault they were executing.
I didn't have much time to ponder a new plan before another resurgence from Zhao as he bombarded us again with a similar barrage of fireballs from their first attack.
"I won't let you, Zhao!" I shouted as I aimed a combination of fire fists and fire kicks into the air to intercept the fireballs. My counter met his assault in midair as the shockwave from the blast forced all of us below to reflexively shield our eyes.
I met Zhao's eyes with a fierce glare and he simply smirked in what appeared to be… amusement?
That can't be good.
As soon as the thought crossed my mind Emboar's hulking form shot into the vision on my left flank. It's too late, I fell for Zhao's trap again! With a cry of triumph, Emboar's flaming fist accelerated toward me. Hastily firebending in response I formed a makeshift shield of flames as I brought my arms across my face to guard. Even through my guard, the contact was solid. I was launched across the stage like a rag doll, rolling helplessly next to my partner next to the crowd.
Struggling to my feet, I checked on my partner. Chimchar was still breathing steadily but I could feel it's distress after taking such a heavy hit from Emboar. I was careless and overconfident, and Chimchar had paid the price for my mistakes in this Agni Kai. I slammed the ground in frustration and eyed my adversaries with pure rage. There was no sound, all I could see was Emboar and Zhao smirking as if he'd already won.
Chiim-chaar…
Chimchar's cry was weak, but as soon as I heard my partner the clamor of the world snapped back into existence.
"Stay calm Zuko!" I heard my Uncle's shout above Zhao's soldiers boisterous cheering. "Don't fall for Zhao's tricks! Break his root!"
"You can do it Zuko!" Ty Lee shouted. "Don't give up!"
I rose to my feet and nodded my understanding without turning or taking my eyes off of Zhao. Chimchar tugged at my slacks and slowly pulled itself up to its own feet. Standing with a defiant face against stacked odds as we both fiercely gazed back at Zhao and Emboar.
Like I could give up after hearing both of you cheering for me.
"We're not done yet," I declared as I slipped into my bending stance. All of a sudden a piercing white glow enveloped Chimchar and illuminated the stadium. Chimchar's shape grew taller, it's hands growing larger, it's limbs longer, and a long tail formed tipped off with a magnificent flame. With a snap the glow dissipated, revealing my newly evolved partner, Monferno. And to my surprise it seemed that some of the damage Monferno had taken this fight had been recovered.
"Now it's our turn," I spoke to my partner as I launched a combination of fire attacks at our opponents from my fists and my legs. "Let's go, Monferno!
Monferno! Letting out a cry of acknowledgement, Monferno took off on all fours at a sprint towards Emboar and Zhao while my combination forced them to defend. Weaving in between my blasts and theirs Monferno closed the distance in seconds, and assaulted Emboar with a flurry of punches so fast I could barely see them.
Sprinting to join my partner, I continued my barrage of attacks and launched a sweeping fire kick at the feet of our opponents.
"Monferno!" I called out as my flames were about to connect. Without missing a beat, Monferno leapt into the air as my attack crashed into the legs of Zhao and Emboar. They both staggered and let out grunts of pain and frustration, and their defensive posture broke. Cloaked in fierce flames, Monferno spun into a spinning tackle and crashed into Emboar. This time Emboar was sent flying across the stage, barreling into Zhao as well. The pair landed in a crater formed by Emboar's weight and Zhao struggled helplessly beneath his dazed partner.
Pinned beneath Emboar, Zhao was defenseless and Emboar showed no signs of fighting back. I aimed my fists wreathed in flames at Zhao in a bending kata, as if to finish him. Monferno also took a similar stance to demonstrate that it could deliver the finishing blow as well.
"It's over Zhao," I stated calmly.
Still struggling beneath Emboar, Zhao spat back at me, "Do it! Finish it!"
After a pause I relaxed my posture and turned away, and started walking towards the crowd.
"You're not worth it Zhao," I replied as Monferno and I walked back as I noticed Uncle and Ty Lee leaping over the wall to rush towards us. Ty Lee crashed into me and I returned her embrace. The force from her sent us into a spin as I lifted her into the air twirling her around me in a circle before letting her down softly.
Even though there were tears in her eyes she smiled at me with her biggest smile and said, "We knew you could do it, Zuko." She released me with her cheeks slightly flushed, and stepped to the side as my Uncle approached us.
He was smiling proudly as he outstretched his arms about to embrace me. Then I saw his eyes look just behind me and his expression turned serious. With one fluid motion he gently brushed past me like a leaf in the wind and cleanly countered a fireball that had been thrown at me. I followed the trajectory back to Zhao, who had managed to free one of his arms. Said arm still outstretched from the attack he aimed at me.
"Is this how an Admiral conducts himself after losing an Agni Kai!" Uncle shouted, silencing the arena. He turned back to me, his face softer as he smiled proudly again. "Even in exile, my Nephew is more honorable."
"Then it would seem we agree on something then, Uncle," Azula's icy tone cut through the silence left by Uncle. "Father would surely be ecstatic to hear the news of Zuko's victory here today. And that his new Admiral fought valiantly against the Prince and yielded after he was shown mercy."
Zhao noticeably grimaced at Azula's barbs as he recalled Emboar to its Pokéball. He then faced us while kneeling, and bowed his head.
"My apologies Prince Zuko and Princess Azula. I humbly accept your mercy and I officially yield this Agni Kai."
"Good," Azula replied as she spun on her heels to walk back to us. "I think it prudent to continue the rest of the Feast in the mess hall. If you would be so kind, Admiral Zhao."
He rose to his feet and bowed his head, his face lit only by the light of the moon and the stars. And with a snap of his fingers small sparks flickered into the air to bathe the arena in a low orange glow. His subordinates moved quickly to start clearing the arena and the buffet table, ushering everyone back into the mess hall to continue the evening.
We followed suit, Ty Lee and Uncle flanking my sides as we followed the parade of soldiers and Uncle Iroh leaned towards me with one hand covering the side of his face.
"Tonight should be interesting," Uncle spoke quietly so only Ty Lee and I could hear. "Keep your wits about you. It's clear Zhao does not harbor good will to us. And your sister, Zuko. Who knows what she's thinking? But for now, let's get some food in you and Monferno's bellies. You both fought splendidly!"
"Thank you, Uncle," I replied proudly. Looking down at Monferno I continued. "It was a shaky start for sure, but you saved the day my friend." Monferno jumped up and down excitedly flexing its new muscles and waving its new tail around as if it had always had the tail.
We all chuckled at the display, comforted that Monferno was still very much a show-off. Although the shape of our Pokémon may change, it's nice to know that at their core they're still the partners we've come to know and love. Our small moment of reprieve was broken by none other than my sister, Azula.
"That was an impressive victory, Brother," she said simply. Even a compliment sounded like an insult coming from her. "A timely evolution, no doubt from your desire to win. I'll be sure to write back to Father about your victory and the resurfacing of the Avatar. Mai, be sure to placate Admiral Zhao. No need for him to become too involved with Zuko anymore."
"As you command, Milady," Mai answered flatly with no hint of emotion. Breaking off she headed in Zhao's direction.
"Mai, can I come with?" Ty Lee chimed in. She'd been pretty quiet since we came inside. It was a relief to hear her cheerful voice.
"Sure," Mai sighed, clearly not as thrilled as Ty Lee. "Just keep your aura away from my aura, or whatever."
"Okie dokie!" Ty Lee chirped as she spun around to lock eyes with me for a moment. Then she winked at me as she cartwheeled after Mai.
"In any case," Azula continued after the pair departed. "Father has big plans for us, Zuko. I'm sure Admiral Zhao will be able to accommodate your needs to continue the hunt for the Avatar. Meanwhile, I'll be sailing north for a mission of my own along the western coast of the Earth Kingdom. If your Zangoose chase brings you into the area in a few months time, you should stop by and say hello."
"Of course, Azula," I answered after a pause, making eye contact with Uncle, he slowly nodded in response. "I'll be sure to let you know if our pursuit of the Avatar brings us to the western coastline. Do you mind me asking what Father's mission is for you there?"
"Nothing grandiose or anything, more of a minor annoyance. Small insurgences in the Earth Kingdom Colonies and the prison camps. Instead of sending a larger force to silence a larger resistance later, I recommended a small force to quash the small uprisings. Unknowingly volunteering myself for the task, even so, it was good to see you, Zuzu."
Her expression seemed to soften when she called me Zuzu. It was only a brief moment, and then her steely persona returned in a flash.
"I'll be turning in for the night," she said as she yawned and stretched her arms overhead. "Uncle. Zuko. Goodnight."
She bowed to each of us in turn and we bowed and wished her goodnight as well. She was rejoined by Mai who gave her report out of earshot and they walked back towards their ship.
Making my way to the mess hall I found that I was actually quite hungry. I quickly stacked my plate with seafood for myself and berries for Monferno. Uncle stayed with me to have a cup of tea, both of us enjoying comfortable silence while Monferno proceeded to dig into the platter of berries.
Ty Lee slid next to me, her soft body brushing my shoulders as she settled into her seat.
"Not much from Mai or Zhao's officers," Ty Lee started her report. "Azula and Mai will be leaving tonight it seems. Repairs and resupply for our ship will start at first light, I'll oversee both. Repairs should be completed in 3 days time and we can depart immediately afterwards."
"Thank you for the update, Ty Lee," I answered. "Too bad about Mai, I wish we could find out more about Azula's presence in the Colonies."
"I'll reach out to some contacts I have in Harbor Town," Uncle offered. "We may have to be patient, and let things unfold in these coming weeks. Still, gathering any information we can will prove invaluable."
"Thank you, Uncle," I said as I let out a yawn. "Besides we should focus on the task at hand. The Avatar..." I let out another yawn, fatigue from the duel quickly catching up with me.
"I think your focus should be getting some sleep, Zuko," Ty Lee said with a giggle. She reached over and started to massage my shoulders a little bit. I could feel the knots and the fatigue as her hands gently dug into my muscles.
"Yeah you're right," I replied softly, fatigue weighing down on me. "Looks like someone already got a head start on me."
I pointed down to Monferno, who had managed to fall asleep with its face buried in a mountain of berries. A half eaten Rawst Berry clutched in its right hand and the flame on its tail dormant as Monferno slept soundly. We all chuckled quietly and I withdrew my Pokéball and recalled Monferno with a small red beam.
We all shuffled back to the ship for one last night before the repairs began. Uncle bid us goodnight as he turned in to sleep. Ty Lee and I walked to our rooms quietly, the rest of the ship already sound asleep. We opened our doors and both paused right before entering.
"Zuko would you…"
"Ty Lee I…"
We both spoke at the same time. Embarrassed, we averted our eyes for a moment before I cleared my throat to speak.
"Sorry, go ahead Ty Lee."
"I was going to ask if maybe you wanted a massage? I've been studying some medical scrolls from Chief Joy and she says I've got a talent for it."
"That actually does sound nice. Could I take you up on that tomorrow, Ty Lee? I think I'm about to fall asleep standing up."
She laughed a little before answering me.
"Sure, we can do it tomorrow. I'll see you bright and early. Goodnight Zuko."
"Right. Goodnight Ty Lee."
We slipped into our respective rooms and shut our doors. Only managing to remove my tunic and release my Pokémon from their Pokéballs so they could sleep comfortably in the open, before I collapsed onto my bed completely spent.
What a day...
I finally closed my eyes and surrendered to the fatigue. My thoughts were calm for once, but one final thought crept into my mind before I drifted into slumber.
That massage is going to feel so nice tomorrow morning...
A/N: So much has been happening, I apologize for the extended hiatus. So I wanted to get this chapter out to you guys tonight, to show you that I'm still invested and working on this story. If I want to update more regularly the chapters may start getting shorter, I considered cutting this into two separate chapters, but it's just been too long since my last update. Hope you guys liked our Agni Kai finish and our first evolution. I've DMed a few curious readers, but for all of my followers: I do have a roadmap of the teams for each of our characters and how they'll bond and develop going forward. I may actually decide to do a poll as well to see if maybe you want to influence what kinds of Pokemon some of our Warriors bond with (I have multiple ideas of Pokemon I want to write in for several characters). In any case, thank you for being so patient with me and for reading my work! The comments and messages mean a lot, and they really motivate me to keep writing! Not saying I'll be stopping, but I really do read each one and I truly appreciate all of you taking this journey with me!