Hey, guys!

Back with another chapter of the story. To all my fellow American readers, hope you had a great holiday and to all outside of the US I hope you are safe and sound given the circumstances.

To start off, I knew from the get go this story wouldn't quite as popular as the one I originally wrote. Nevertheless, I have noticed a trend of views and reviews dropping off a bit in the last couple of chapters. That's okay. I will always update if nothing else because I love writing for the sake of it and hope people enjoy regardless. To those who have kept up with it thus far, thank you.

So this week, due to other things going on and limited time, I cannot respond to the reviews though I will try to in the next round. Planning this story and putting my own spin on it has actually been trickier than the last one. Azula is not done being tempted let's just put it that way but I have an endgame already in story for what's to come. Anyway, enjoy:)

Chapter 9. Double Crossed

The following morning was quite lovely, as though the slate had been wiped clean from the complications of the previous day. There was no sign of Onoda or that anyone among them had secretly met with him during the night, a fact Azula made no attempt to reveal to anyone. Thankfully, a night's sleep appeared to have tempered ill feelings from the previous day with the embodiment of peace and balance leading the way in the day's plans, twirling his staff enthusiastically, airbender robes flowing in the light breeze.

"Rise and shine everyone! I say it's time we move forward with a new strategy and a positive attitude."

"I'll take the new strategy and leave the rest," Azula barbed as she finished placing her hair in the usual topknot. "The mayor is probably wondering where we are actually. We were supposed to sleep at his home last night. Would have been better than that tarp."

"Meh, nothing like the great outdoors," Sokka shrugged. "It was like old times. Speaking of strategies though, I think I have a good one."

Zuko and Aang gave each other knowing, amused looks.

"Please enlighten us then," Azula said. The warrior definitely had his share of useful ideas though his zany antics were still a tad offputting at times.

Sokka pulled out a map and laid it out on a tree stump nearby as the group gathered around.

"Fire Nation maps are so much easier to get now. Especially when you're personal friends with the Fire Lord and the princess, am I right?"

"Sokka, just get to the plan," his sister admonished.

"Right, sorry."

He traced his finger upwards and east towards the forest.

"Alright so we know that Onoda is currently somewhere in the Forgetful Valley and that there's supposedly a spirit that haunts the place. Given that he attacks this location pretty frequently and the other soldiers are afraid to go within the forest itself, he's likely near here. I propose we find out what we can about this spirit, have Aang do a little field trip inside, solve the problem and then just get rid of Onoda ourselves."

"You're forgetting one thing. It's not just the general, he has hundreds of troops with him," Zuko reminded him. "Even I would be reluctant to send Aang in there."

"He's fully mastered the Avatar state," Katara pointed out. "Unless Onoda is a lightning bender...is he?" she asked Azula, who shook her head.

"No, he isn't. There are only five confirmed lightning benders in the world and one of them stands before you. The others are my father...formerly anyway….my uncle, and two of the Fire Sages."

"Then what's the hesitation?" Sokka aksed.

"It's not about how many men he has," Aang said with clear apprehension on his face. "The Forgetful Valley, whatever the legends surrounding it, is a spiritual place. That's the last place anyone should be fighting."

"For once, I agree with the Avatar," the princess remarked. "Not because of any spiritual hang ups mind you, but it's better to try and eliminate Onoda in the open as opposed to a forest full of trees and branches that we know almost nothing about. We still have the element of surprise."

"What do you mean?" Ty Lee asked, scratching her head. "He probably knows we're here by now right?"

It occurred to Azula that while she, Zuko, and Captain Li knew of the plan against Onoda, the others did not. Debating on whether it was a good idea to tell them, the Fire Lord looked at her with a curt nod to indicate the whole group should be informed.

"Zuko and I have a contingency already in place. The original idea was to lure the traitor out into the open using light security forces as a bait for him to attack us. In reality, the army is camped just two miles outside of Hira'a. All we have to do is send a messenger hawk and we can trap him."

"Why weren't we informed?" Katara asked a bit testily.

"It was on a 'need to know' basis. I only came up with it two days ago."

"We may not have that long," Sokka pointed out. "We're only in Hira'a for today and then half a day tomorrow before we go to the next town. And we still haven't found any more clues about your mom or what's his face."

"Ikem," Zuko corrected. "We can always amend the timeline of the trip if need be. What do you think, Azula?"

The princess was surprised given the heated argument the previous night that her brother would so readily accept her advice. But she didn't question it, merely shrugging and giving her honest opinion.

"As I said last night, this is all connected somehow. We solve the problem of Onoda we find my mother and vice versa. It's time to do whatever it takes."

Zuko nodded.

"Then it's settled. The festival is today so both Azula and I have to be there for that. But I agree with Sokka that we need to know more about this spirit."

"I don't suppose there's a town library around?" Aang inquired.

"Not in a place like this," Azula stated as a matter of factly. "Every town requires a records keeper but certainly not anything more than that. The nearest library is back at Yan."

"Then that's where we'll go," Sokka declared. "Aang, Katara and I will head over on Appa to find information on the Forgetful Valley. Everyone else can scour for more information at the festival."

"Agreed," Zuko said, rolling up the map and handing it back to the water tribesman. "We have a plan then."

The team began making preparations for the day, including breakfast (Azula hated the taste of seal jerky) but the princess felt a tap on her shoulder and saw Ty Lee walking alongside her with those usual bright, inquisitive eyes.

"Are you sure you don't want Aang around?" she said.

"Why would we need him here?"

"Just in case something...ya know...happens."

The implication was easy to discern. Ty Lee wasn't one for subtlety.

"Ty Lee, I'm a prodigious firbender with the capability of taking down multiple opponents at once. My brother is almost as good. You can block chi. Not to mention we have an entire army at our disposal. I'm quite certain we'll be fine."

"If you say so."

Azula had always been a good actor and therefore showed no lines of concern. It was a good thing too. For she had never felt more conflicted and worse yet...guilty.

The town festival was actually one that took place simultaneously around the Fire Nation during the summer. It was known as the 'Taiyo Saiten' or simply the Festival of the Sun in which games, sports, food, and general merriment was celebrated all across the country. Prior to Sozin, the event was in order to mark deference to the spirit of the sun, something that Iroh later learned was directly descended from the Sun Warrior civilization. Afterwards the theme of the festival was changed in order to spread the ideas of Fire Nation superiority and propaganda. This too had been reversed by Zuko and the grand issues of his father and grandfather disappeared overnight.

Mayor Kim had been worried out of his wits he'd been a bad host by allowing the Fire Lord and Princess and practically prostrated himself before them as a means of apology. This made Zuko deeply uncomfortable. Once upon a time Azula might have laughed or cruelly asserted her authority in light of such an act, but the grovelling only served to remind her of the times her father used to the same and any such temptation was snuffed out. Now it was simply pathetic to witness.

Aang, Katara, and Sokka were gone and would not be back until the mid-afternoon which was calmly explained away as 'Avatar business' to the Mayor who accepted it without question. Though the celebration of this occasion was normally done back at the palace annually, each town chose a different day around the summer solstice depending on their personal circumstances.

Hira'a being a small town, definitely did not have the most grand display. The recent attacks by Onoda's men certainly dampered the atmosphere a bit. But overall, Azula thought the celebrations quaint enough. Children were laughing in the streets as they played, shop vendors were out in force with their cuisine, games were being held, and fireworks were being prepped for later detonation. The Mayor led the way with Zuko and the princess trailing behind, Captain Li and bodyguards on all sides as was custom.

"It is the highest honor to have you hear for our Taiyo Saiten," Kim thanked them. "Naturally we have many things prepared on short notice given the circumstances but we thought a bit of competition would be nice to start things off."

They came to a clearing in the middle of the village where two firebenders, one male, and one female were squaring off in a very simple trial: hit the target thirty feet away as accurately as you can.

"Two of our best," Mayor Kim explained as the crowd gathered around. "Let's see which one wins."

A gong sounded and the male went first, breathing deeply, twisting his arms and sending a jet of flame towards the target which struck just below the bullseye.

"A wonderful shot. Now it is Ling's turn."

The female bender performed the same motion and her jet of flame struck paydirt, incinerating not only the bullseye but the entire prop target itself.

The crowd cheered and clapped as both benders bowed, ending the competition.

"I'm getting a major sense of deja vu," Azula said, giving a teasing glance to her brother, who rolled his eyes.

"Yes, the irony isn't lost on me."

"If it makes you feel better, you were far better than him before you were even ten."

Azula knew that by now Zuko did not take offense to such remarks anymore. It was akin to sibling teasing but it also came with mutual understanding and respect. She was the better firebender but he carried a work ethic that narrowed the gap so thinly one could hardly call him 'inferior'. Not anymore. The princess had long recognized just how far he'd come.

As the mayor steered them away towards one of the cuisine shops that served local spicy noodles, Azula suddenly felt her stomach drop as the contradictions of her thoughts became apparent. She respected, even loved her brother, swearing herself to protecting his rule. So why was she currently undermining it? Onoda was a traitor and yet by withholding information about his whereabouts, that made her one by definition as well. An army lay outside in wait at her beck and call and yet she had not put them on alert for imminent attack which was almost certain while they stayed here.

What am I doing?

The fact that she internally asked that question was a mark of just how conflicted the princess was. She had not felt this unsure since…

Mother...the beach

Azula looked over and saw that her train of thought had separated her from the main entourage where Zuko was now sampling the noodles and roasted chicken duck. Mentally slapping herself, she moved to rejoin them when another unexpected surprise hit her.

"Excuse- oh, princess Azula, we did not see you, forgive us."

It was Noren, who had Noriko and Kiyi by his side. His expression was friendly enough but the princess did not return it.

"No offense taken. I take it you're enjoying the festival then?"

"Very much so. It's one of our favorite events. Especially Kiyi here, she loves firebending."

Azula shifted her gaze downwards to the small five year old, who clung tightly to her mother's dress and shyly averted her eyes. But not before that same sense of familiarity struck again. It was almost uncanny how similar the child looked to her when she was a young girl and to someone else…

"Does she now?"

"Very much so," Noriko said brightly, soothing her daughter's head. "To the point where she wishes to bend herself. But of course we love her just the way she is. Less likely something gets hurt," she added with a laugh.

Something about the remark, the lighthearted laugh triggered a surge of raw anger in her so great Azula almost let loose a blast right then and there. But, she managed to maintain control and give a forced smile in response.

"Of course. You know what they say: play with fire...and you get burned."

She hadn't intended it to sound intimidating, but her expression must have seemed more like a grimace than an actual smile because a flicker of fear passed through Noren and Noriko's eyes and their body posture stiffened.

"Yes of course...uh...good day."

The family moved away into the background but Azula did not take her eyes off of them. On the contrary more than ever she was convinced this family was hiding something. That remained to be seen but the determination to find out remained as strong as ever.

"Hey, was that Noren, Noriko, and Kiyi?" Ty Lee asked, interrupting her train of thought. Far from her Kyoshi outfit, she donned her usual pink top that exposed her midriff, matching pants and ballet flats.

"Yes," came the dull answer.

"Oh, nice! The little one is so cute...she seems kind of familiar somehow. Can't place my finger on it."

Moments such as these made Azula question if Ty Lee was being genuine or if she was just that naive. In this case it seemed to be a mixture of both.

"Anyway, I'm going to go say hi. Let me know if you need me."

She thanked Agni for the departure because all of a sudden the weight of her travels suddenly bore down like a Fire Nation starclass battleship. Ducking out of the crowd, Azula practically ran to and behind of the buildings, willing her mind not to go overboard, sinking into a crouch on the ground.

This is getting to be too much...Onoda, Noriko, Noren, Kiyi...they're all related to each other somehow, yet I'm no closer to figuring out the mystery and I can barely keep my temper in check

"That tends to happen when one is in severe turmoil," said a familiar voice, one she was well versed with by now.

"Only because none of this makes sense!" Azula hissed to the hallucination of her mother that stood above. "How am I supposed to find you when I'm constantly being diverted at every turn?"

"I don't have the answer to that any more than you do," her fake mother spoke frankly. "I do know that the longer this lingers, the worst your mindset becomes."

"Thank Agni you're so perceptive," she snarled back. "Funny how it was absent my entire childhood!"

A saddened look crossed the beautiful vision of Ursa.

"You again refer to your believed preference of Zuko over yourself. Is that why you are debating on whether to turn against him?"

"What kind of nonsense are you speaking?"

Azula spoke as though she had no idea what she was talking about but could feel the pillars of her own lie collapse as it was spoken as Ursa regarded her with a knowing gaze.

"There is no secret you can hide from me daughter. Remember I am part of you and therefore no matter how deep secrets are hidden, I am always aware of them. The anger, resentment towards Zuko...towards me….is quite palpable."

"Zuko is…" she struggled to find the proper adjectives. "I don't hate him. He's my brother. I put that behind me a long time ago."

"Then why have you failed to inform him of your meeting with Onoda or his location? Why have you not warned the army that an attack is likely imminent? Are these the actions of someone devoted to protecting his rule?"

"Do you offer anything except condemnation, mother?" Azula couldn't help but sneer. "I have a plan. I have everything under control."

"We both know that's not true," the shadow Ursa replied sadly. "I only wish to see you happy. Conspiring with Onoda is not the way to achieve that."

"Then how do I achieve it then?!" the princess lashed out. "For my entire life I've devoted myself to being the best at what I do only to find out that it's not good enough! Not for me, not for father…..not for you. It never was. Don't I deserve something?!"

A rare lump formed in the back of her throat threatening to overwhelm her senses.

Of all the agni ridden things...why do I get like this when she shows up?

"Because you are still hurt, my daughter. Hurt from your past that you struggle to make sense of in the present. You want many things Azula- power, recognition, and love, yes love especially. Which matters most, however, is still up to you."

Before she could reply however there was an ominous boom that sounded off in the background. Screaming could be heard in the streets.

"Something you must attend to," Ursa said beckoning back towards the source of the commotion. "Go."

Azula did not waste a second speeding off towards the fray practically spoiling for a fight. The black feeling of guilt in her gut only grew worse at the hunch of what was going on.

"Get behind me!" Zuko shouted as fire blasts rained around them, trying to make himself heard above the noise. "Captain Li!"

"Yes, sir!"

"Protect the civilians at all costs! Have the archers fire at will!"

"Right away, sir!"

The captain issued a burst of fire to protect himself from the attackers while rallying the rest of the dozen or so men to form a vanguard around the commoners. The problem was the chaos surrounding them. The town layout offered no natural barriers besides the highly flammable buildings and they seem to be surrounded on all sides.

"Mayor get out of here!" he told the man. "I'll handle this!"

He did not need to be told twice as Kim fled sideways and ducked underneath one of the vendors, a fireball just missing him.

Zuko tore off his robes for better movement. The projectiles were coming in fast and hot and dodging them would require all of his strength and agility. It was the one weakness of firebending and the second rule (other than proper breath): never be on the defensive.

Two men from his left bull rushed him, but they were too slow, the Fire Lord tripped one and blocked a strike with his left, knocking him out with his right.

"Sir! We're surrounded on all sides. Fifty men are approaching from the north!" Li called out.

Zuko looked up and saw his top commander wasn't lying. The men were lined up in a classic attack formation, shooting bursts of fire with precision and aim. He noticed the men were almost all wearing the classic armor and masks and so their identities were hidden. Summoning a great wall of fire in front of his body, he managed to diverge the blasts, but so many jets of fire at once was an enormous strain. Flames were ricocheting and catching onto many of the shops, including those untouched thus far.

"Get those archers in place!" he shouted. "Where is the princess?"

"Unaccounted for, your highness!" Captain Li shouted.

This was turning into a disaster. Onoda was officially out into the open but where was the army just outside of town to assist them? The archers? Better, yet where was his sister?

Come on, Azula! I need you!

But it was too late. Disaster struck when a man holding his son's hand was struck squarely in the chest by one of the blasts sending him crumpling to ground in a heap.

"NO!"

Zuko summoned all his power and issued an enormous blast towards the first line of men in front, scattering their formation while killing at least a few. He did not enjoy taking life, but this was all too necessary. At least it bought them some time.

"Sire, look!"

Suddenly without warning two figures leaped in from the west, attacking with such ferocity and grace the identities were unmistakable. Azula and Ty Lee had arrived.

"Hold off on those archers captain!"

The smell of battle was enough to induce some people to retch. For the Fire Nation princess the experience was exhilarating. She adored the sweat and physicality of exercising her bending, flying through the air, punching blast after blast of blue flame towards her opponents. And unlike most who fought in combat, the unflattering smells did not bother her.

Twisting and turning in the air, Azula struck out and knocked out of the men easily, ducking underneath and knocking the next with a single blow. She heard the faint sound of a *crack as the man's head hit the ground but who lived or died at this point hardly mattered. It was either them or Onoda and dying was not on the schedule.

Ty Lee meanwhile made short work of her cluster of five to six men, quick jabs applied with precision and timing. Like dominos the soldiers fell.

Azula did notice however, that these men far from being pushovers were fighting with a tenacity that surprised her. They were still no match for the dynamic duo but even so that little detail was a bit disturbing.

"Look out!" Ty Lee shouted.

Azula sidestepped the blast of fire from a soldier directly behind her she'd not seen. Raising herself in the hair, the issued another blast from her foot and incinerated the man's mask with another fireball causing him to scream in agony. Turning around she issued an enormous burst of blue flame that set another soldier on fire, burning him to a crisp inside of his own armor.

Before she could swing around to take on the next challenger, Ty Lee swooped in and with a few short jabs disabled him in a drooling heap. The princess had to admire just how agile and swift the former acrobat was, never doubting for a second why she added her to the team all those years ago.

She proceeded to knock out another adversary with a solid elbow to the helmet but on the inside Azula began to feel indescribable rage.

That two bit liar...he said he'd give me time to answer…

The indignation wasn't merely at Onoda but at herself. How could she have not expected an attack while they were right next to his hideout? No, that was incorrect, an attack was the only logical conclusion to be had. So was she inadvertently allowing Zuko to be under siege by her own inaction?

Azula gave a roar of frustration and subsequently took it out on the next poor soul who tried to challenge her, blasting him backwards with another issue of fire. Onoda had not been lying about those loyal to him, they were coming in like ants. Looking over her shoulder she saw that Zuko and his men were narrowly holding their own against an onslaught of men that were attacking them on three sides. The Fire Lord could hold his own and defeat multiple opponents, but even he couldn't hold out indefinitely against such odds.

"Ty Lee! Head a course towards Zuko!"

The acrobat nodded and the two girls set off straight away with Azula taking out two more soldiers in front of them. Ty Lee leapt in the air to avoid another but what followed next could only have been described as a purely lucky shot. Fire made contact with flesh as the Kyoshi Warrior cried out in obvious pain.

"TY LEE!"

The princess's rage threatened to overwhelm her senses as she summoned a blast of fire so powerful it virtually disintegrated the head of the soldier in question leaving nothing but limbs and a torso. Tossing the body aside, Azula came up towards her best friend who had tears in her eyes from the pain.

"Where did he get you?!" she shouted above the din of the battle.

"The shoulder," Ty Lee replied weakly. "It's not bad but it's definitely more than a first degree burn."

"Where's the Agni forsaken waterbender when you need her?" Azula muttered as she searched for anything she could wrap the wound with. The irony of the statement was not lost on her.

"A-Azula, you need to help Zuko.."

But Ty Lee's protests were immediately silenced.

"Hush. I'm getting you out of here."

"There's n-no time. He's surrounded."

Azula picked up her friend (she barely weighed anything) bridle style and peered towards the center part of town and realized her wounded best friend was right. Zuko was boxed in. And there was a new challenger in their midst.

I've got to get there fast

Zuko was fighting a losing battle and he knew it. He was one of the best firebenders in the world and an expert in sword fighting, but surrounded on all sides by an enemy intent on killing him...well he'd never have the chance to make Mai a widow.

"Captain Li! Try to organize the men! We need to push them back."

"Three are already injured or dead, sire. We're going to have to make a final stand."

Suddenly without warning, Li was sent sprawling through the air as a blast of fire hit him dead center in the back.

"Captain!" Zuko cried as he rushed over to his trusted aide.

"I'm a-alright, sir," Li said faintly. "L-look behind y-you."

Standing in the flesh was General Onoda himself. The daylight revealed him to be a tall man, taller than the average man in the Fire Nation but Zuko was focused more on his expression. In full military garb, the man's eyes gleamed with passionate idealism, the look of someone who knew themselves to be right without fail or exception. His goatee was set along a thin mouth which otherwise remained neutral.

"General Onoda," the Fire Lord spoke as he stood up from his fallen companion.

"Fire Lord, Zuko," the deep baritone rang out in very similar fashion to the mocking tone of Admiral Zhao.

"You made a mistake by revealing yourself."

"On the contrary, this is the perfect time. My nation needs me."

Zuko pulled out his dual swords threateningly.

"Your services are no longer required," Zuko snarled. "I saw to that. Turn back now and I won't have to execute you for treason."

"I am afraid that is not possible. You see there is something dreadfully wrong with our glorious country. A weakness sits on a throne where it does not belong. And it's standing right in front of me."

Onoda wasted no time in issuing two quick blasts which Zuko dodged. Scraping his swords on the ground he leapt in the air, sending wreaths of fire which put the general back on the defensive. He struck out with his right fist before having to duck underneath one of the swords before being caught underneath his arm.

"GAH!"

He leapt back up and struck back with two more successive strikes which Zuko blocked with ease. The Fire Lord retaliated, sending a kick strike alongside a somersault power blast which Onoda barely avoided. The General tried to overpower his adversary but the youth was too quick and much more skilled.

The Fire Lord dropped down to avoid another blast and twisted in the air creating an impressive whirlwind of fire that rained down on his adversary like a hurricane, toppling him back towards the ground. Onoda popped back up but he was barely given time to adjust as another blast of fire reigned down upon him. He blocked one volley but failed to dodge the other and dropped to one knee in pain.

Zuko took the opportunity to send another kick blast knocking the General another five feet and onto his back.

"You can't beat me, Onoda," Zuko told him, pointing his sword at the general's chest. "I learned from the Dragon of the West himself. I come from generations of fire benders. Surrender, and show some honor. "

But the manic gleam in Onoda's eyes did not dissipate, if anything it grew stronger as he picked himself off the ground, wiping the blood from his lip.

"You are the last to speak of honor, Fire Lord," he said. "A true soldier fights to the last breath until victory or death claims him. You sullied the name of our country by giving into our enemies…"

Zuko suddenly realized that the rest of Onoda's men were closing in around him. This was no Agni Kai...it was an assassination.

…but I do not give up so easily. And that is the difference between you and me. I'm willing to do whatever it takes in order to do what's necessary."

The Fire Lord braced himself as about thirty soldiers closed in around him, moving in a constant circle as the only means of protection. But far from being the most powerful man on their island home the feeling was much more akin to a cornered animal. Taking a breath, he thought of Mai, his friends, his uncle, sister, and his mother, the memory of her last words to him echoing in his mind.

'Never forget who you are, Zuko.'

Getting his teeth, the eighteen year old focused all his energy on his breath as his uncle always instructed.

I'm not dying today

Onoda spoke only one word, cold and true.

"Fire."

Almost all at once, dozens of fire blasts issued out.

Azula almost didn't believe what she was seeing. No one would dare attack the Fire Lord in this manner.

Except for General Onoda apparently

From the alleyway where she placed Ty Lee she could see that Zuko was doing just fine in handling the rogue rebel giving her the impression the duel was merely an Agni Kai. No one could interfere in one of those. But now it was clear the rules did not apply in this situation. Captain Li was down for the count as were everyone assigned to guard him. Her best friend was now also severely injured leaving the princess as the only able bodied person capable of saving her brother.

"Don't move," she told Ty Lee, who gave no indication she wanted to go anywhere.

Rushing towards the battle, she could see that Zuko had managed to conjure an impressive ring of fire that was currently keeping Onoda and his men at bay. He really had come a long way since his prior banishment all those years ago.

But old, dark whispers began to enter the back of her mind.

Do you really believe Zuko to be a capable ruler? Is truly fit to wear the crown on his head?

You are worth much more than living second rate to an unworthy sibling

Your brother is weak, Azula. He has no place among us

My only consolation is our son Zuko, when I look into his eyes it's as if I'm looking in yours….

Azula did her best to ignore such sentiment that roiled her very spirit, shaking her head as she ran.

You are the true heir to the throne. You would not have been caught in such a compromising position as Fire Lord. Once he again he holds you back

"SHUT UP!" she roared aloud.

The princess prepared to leap into the air and issue a lightning strike so deadly it would incinerate at least a dozen of the men currently trying to kill her brother but she need not have worried because suddenly powerful winds began ripping through the town like the sudden arrival of a deadly twister. Looking up in the air, it only took seconds to realize that salvation was at hand.

Floating in the air was a fourteen year old bow with glowing Air Nomad tattoos and eyes. The Avatar had returned. So strong the winds were, Azula had to shield her eyes.

This was enough to scatter the soldiers, who were nowhere near brave enough to take on Aang's unlimited power, but many of them were not quick enough. With a quick curling of his fists, at least a dozen or more were immediately encased in earth rendering them unable to move or bend.

A couple did try to fruitlessly aim fire blasts but they disappeared harmlessly off the air shield drawing the Avatar's ire. With a huge gust of wind, the soldiers were blown backwards through one of the town buildings. Lowering himself to the ground, he completed the rest of the work with ease, earthbending the remaining soldiers into encasements or sending them flying into heaps on the ground.

His work completed, the wind eased up and Appa landed on the ground beside him with Katara and Sokka jumping out of the saddle. At long last the battle was over and the tattoo's returned to normal, leaving only the concerned gray eyes of the airbender and company who rushed over as quickly as they could.

"Zuko."

"I have healing water," Katara told him.

Thankfully the Fire Lord had defended himself well and wasn't hurt, only slightly shaken up.

"I'm fine, guys," he said truthfully. "The concern shouldn't be with me. Numerous civilians are hurt or…"

He cut off unable to speak further the tragedy of the situation spoke clearly in his golden irises.

"Ty Lee is wounded," interrupted Azula's voice, her tone uncharacteristically solemn. "So is Captain Li. They both need medical attention."

"I'll do what I can," Katara nodded, fierce resolve flooding her bright, blue eyes. She took healing as seriously as fighting and everyone knew that once you became her patient, you were practically guaranteed to survive...most of the time.

"Sokka, grab some bandages. Aang, see if you can transport the wounded on Appa. Everyone should try to find as many survivors as possible."

The waterbender rushed off to attend to Ty Lee first while the boys did as told.

Zuko nodded and looked towards his sister, the groans of Onoda's soldiers suddenly filling the air.

"Take these men prisoner and call in the rest of the army. Feel free to interrogate but don't kill them."

Azula could not fathom why Zuko clung to any idea of mercy for the men who had just tried to kill him and the rest of his entourage but kept such thoughts to herself. She was far too concerned with the health of Ty Lee to argue but one thing remained a constant.

The desire for answers burned ever brighter, her loyalties were officially dubious and it was pushing her mind towards the edge like never before.

Seems like Azula, Zuko and everyone is being led astray. What could possibly come of such an attack?

Find out soon!

~The Wasp