I can definitely tell that my writing started to shift to my style now in the last two chapters. These edits may become less and less, but just bear with me as I continue to edit and post the chapters up to where I originally was. I really want to do justice for this story.
Chapter 17: No Turning Back
(Crystal POV)
"Hey! Wake up!"
A foot nudged against me and I groaned from the soreness of my body. I'd been in my prison cell forever, and my body was dying to move around and be free. Opening my eyes slowly, I saw before me was a soldier dressed in full armor. I couldn't see his face behind his helmet vent. As I stared at the man before me, I realized then that the ship had come to a stop. How long had I been asleep for?
"Let's go. Admiral Zhao's waiting for you," he ordered.
Glaring over at him, I sat up and managed to cross my legs. Running a hand through my tangled hair, I muttered, "I think I'd rather stay down here. I don't mind my prison cell."
He ignored my wish and jerked his hand down towards me. I cringed as soon as his fingers wrapped around my forearm. He yanked me up and forced me roughly out of the cell, back down the hall, up some stairs, and onto the freezing deck. The whole way up, I struggled and tried to escape his grasp. In all honesty, I had no desire to watch my people suffer and die before my eyes. Zhao wanted this to be my punishment, and I knew it would be horrifying to me. What if I saw Aang, Sokka, or Katara dead from the invasion? The possibility made me sick.
"Stop!" The soldier kicked my shin and I fell forward onto the freezing cold deck. "I didn't sign up to have some brat kick at me like a wild hogmonkey!"
"Soldier! Is there a problem here?"
A familiar voice echoed from across the deck, and I was utterly amazed when I heard it. Looking up from where I was sprawled on the deck, I saw my good friend Hul. Hul had been the man who I saved from falling overboard so long ago, and now he looked ready to rescue me. I knew he had joined Zhao's fleet, but I could tell he still cared about me as much as he had under Iroh's command.
"None of your business soldier! This is strictly Zhao's order," the man who dragged me from my cell snapped. "Go back to your duties."
"The girl is my duty," Hul snapped. "I'll take her from here."
The soldier scowled. "I was instructed to bring her straight to Zhao and nothing else. Unless you have evidence of a direct order, I suggest you keep walking!"
Hul stepped over and helped me up from the ground. The soldier growled at Hul's defiance.
"I do have evidence." Once I was up, Hul took something out of his armor that appeared to be a rolled up scroll. He handed it over to the soldier who snatched it with irritation. "It's all there in writing. You got an issue, take it up with General Iroh."
The soldier read over the orders from the light of the moon. He then scowled and shoved the scroll back into Hul's waiting hand. "Fine! The brat was beginning to irritate me anyway." He turned on his heel and stomped away.
Once the soldier was out of earshot, I felt Hul pull me close to him. "Listen closely, Crystal. Iroh wanted me to give you a message. I'll only say this once and then you run. The water is cold enough that your ice won't melt immediately. You're to jump off the ship and run to shore without looking back. Once you're on land, bend an opening in the wall of snow and break into the city. Then go find your family and help the Avatar."
His words surprised me. "But what about you… If you just let me go you'll be seen as a traitor." He began to pull me along so he could pretend he was taking me to where he was supposed to be. "That's why you're going to attack me. I have a canteen on my side that already has the cap off. Take the water and freeze me to the deck. Then dash for the ocean."
As he spoke, I could sense the water he spoke of on the right side of his body next to his hip.
I felt relief at this turn of events. I would be free from Zhao's hold. Although I was a bit nervous about walking around barefoot in the snow... Hopefully, I could find shoes in the city.
I spoke softly, keeping my head down to try not to let others see me talk to my restrainer. "Thank you, Hul… I owe you one."
"No… This is my thanks for saving my life during the storm. Just get to safety. That's all I ask."
"I will." My hand clenched as I grasped the water from his canteen. "Be safe, Hul."
"You too, kid. Take care of yourself. It was wonderful knowing you."
My hand shot up then and the water flew out of his canteen. Then slamming it down, the water crashed around his feet. Freezing the water to the point where ice covered up to his shins, he released me and I took off running towards the side of the ship. As I ran, I heard Hul keep his cover by shouting, "HEY! STOP!" His false rage only encouraged me to run faster.
Reaching the rail, I could hear the patter of boots as men darted towards my direction due to Hul's distress. Without hesitating, I quickly climbed up on the top of the rail and then jumped feet first. My hand shot up at the same time to bring the water from below up towards me. Creating a slide like I had once long ago, felt my body make contact with the sloped ice and I slid towards the waves of the ocean. As my slide came to its end, I managed to create a bridge of ice in front of me.
"FIRE!"
Flames were thrust towards me in all directions from behind, but I tried to pay no attention to the burning element. Instead, I focused on trying to get off my side and onto my legs. My body was no longer sliding since the angle had leveled out. With slippery barefeet, I managed to stand up only sliding a little. The waves rocked against my bridge, and from the dark of the night the sight was terrifying. If I fell in, I would most likely catch hypothermia or drown.
Keeping focus, I thrusted my hand forward creating more to my icy bridge and heading a straight beeline towards land. Although land wasn't more than two hundred yards, it felt like the longest two hundred yards of my life. My feet were bare so they were starting to go numb and I had no coat on so I was freezing. Water from the waves and mist from the sea kept getting into my eyes, and it was hard for me to keep visual on the bridge I was continuously making. The fire I could see from my peripheral vision didn't make me feel any better.
Somehow, by both a miracle and adrenaline, I made it to the snowy bank of the North Pole. As my bare feet sunk into the freezing cold land, I looked back to see my icy bridge was breaking up and the fire had ceased. The soldiers must've realized their energy was being wasted, and returned to more important things.
My eyes shot towards the snow wall before me then, and I saw it towered a good fifty feet over me. The wall was indeed a huge protective barrier from anyone who wasn't able to waterbend through. Stepping up to the compacted surface, I pressed my hand to the freezing barrier so I could lean against it and catch my breath. Running from a ship full of war raged firebenders had definitely taken my strength and energy away. The adrenaline was wearing off, and with it my legs began to feel like jello-berry.
"Asok! Circle around the perimeter! Make sure none of those demons have breached our southern wall!"
Shouts could be heard on the other side of the wall I stood at. The words were echoing through the air and fifty feet above like a wave crashing over. The snow beside me began to shift suddenly, and I gasped stumbling back. Only a moment later an arched doorway was formed and a young man emerged outside. He was in heavy blue-dyed furs, with dark pants, and had white war-paint on his face. His hands were gloved, and he had no weapon which revealed to me he was a waterbender.
The man, probably in his mid-twenties, turned his head in the direction away from me scouting out for the enemy. When he turned his head in my direction, it looked like he was seeing the most surprising sight in the world. His dark blue eyes looked over at me with fascination and disbelief. "Tui and La! What the moon spirits are you doing out here girl? Are you insa-"
He stopped, his eyes looking over my features with sudden realization He took in my bare feet, unkempt hair, freezing body, and panicked eyes. He also saw the faded Fire Nation shirt and dark trousers I was wearing. My water tribe clothing had been destroyed during the explosion, and Iroh had found me the change of clothes on Zhao's ship.
He spoke with bewilderment. "Wait a second… Are you Chief Hakoda's daughter…? Your brother and sister told us about you… Crystal right? You're from the South Pole!"
At the mention of my brother and sister, I was both amazed and excited. "You know my family?! Are they inside? Are they safe?"
"Asok! What's going on out there?!" A voice echoed through the tunnel that Asok had created to get to the outside of the wall. "Are their firebenders? What do you see?"
Asok didn't answer his comrade on the other side of the wall. Instead, he grabbed my arm and yanked me over to him. "Quick! Get inside!" He shoved me into the dark tunnel and I had no choice but to move my frozen legs. Everything was happening so fast. All I could gauge was that I was off of Zhao's ship, no longer a prisoner to the Fire Nation, and a kind waterbender from the Northern Water Tribe was getting me to safety.
The tunnel shut behind me only leaving light in the path in front of me. Asok shoved me along from behind, so I had no choice but to keep moving forward. As soon as I emerged from the tunnel, I felt my bare feet slip on flat paved ice and I fell back. Asok caught me from behind before I could crash into the hard ground.
"Close the tunnel!" Asok ordered. "It's all clear on the Southern perimeter! The ships are headed toward the wall to the west! Head there for backup!"
Shouts were heard, and I caught the sight of fifty men with whale tooth spears and steel swords running away from us to go obey Asok's orders. While this occurred, Asok lowered me to the ground so I was able to sit and catch my breath. Once he no longer needed to hold me up, he turned to an older man with white hair that had beads decorating throughout. The man was tall and strong, and he looked like he held some manner of authority.
"Master Pakku! We need to prepare to defend inside the perimeter. I don't know how much longer our walls will hold."
The man responded, "Very well. Go round up the men at the palace. Prepare them for battle immediately."
The water tribe warrior nodded. Then he turned back to me. "Come on. I'll get you to safety until we can find your family."
"Who's this?" The older man stepped over to me and knelt so he could get a better look at me. "What was she doing on the outer walls?"
His accusing tone only made me defensive. "Hey! I'm not the enemy here! I'm a victim! I just escaped a ship trying to kill me!"
Asok was curious. "Escaped…? How?"
"Waterbending," I answered. My voice sounded weak from exhaustion. "I jumped overboard and created a bridge of ice to reach shore."
Pakku was surprised when I spoke this. Then realization came to him. "You're her… Crystal… Your brother and sister told me about you. You were Prince Zuko's prisoner from what I understand."
When he mentioned Zuko, I had to fight the urge to cringe with worry and agony. Was he okay? I hadn't seen him since his last visit. What if Zhao had caught him and killed him? What if the water tribe had caught him and killed him? I shook the thought. I needed to focus.
I asked softly, "Do you know where my family is?"
He shook his head. "I'm afraid not. They were going to assist the Avatar. That was the last I heard."
"I have to find them," I spoke with eagerness. I somehow found my arms moving and I used my hands to help me off the ground. Standing, I felt my bare feet burn in the snow but I ignored the pain.
Pakku ignored my request. Instead, he stood to his full height and took off his outer fur coat. Draping it over my shoulders, I was surprised by the sudden warmth. "Asok! Take Crystal to Chief Arnook. Make sure she's safe. Then get the troops together. We don't have much time." He looked down at me with determination. "You're safe now. You'll be reunited with your family very soon." He turned and took off then, heading a straight beeline towards the direction where the other men had run.
"Come on! We better hurry," Asok eagerly stated. He looked down at my feet which were turning blue from frostbite. "We won't get anywhere with you losing your toes." He turned and crouched slightly. "Hop on my back. Quick!"
I was astounded. This guy was going to give me a piggyback ride to the palace. Not disagreeing though, I quickly grabbed onto his shoulders. He found the bend of my knees on both sides and lifted me from the snow. As soon as my feet left the freezing cold earth, I had to grit my teeth at the pain that followed. The ice had caused my skin to blister over, and the pain from the damage made me almost miss my cell back on Zhao's ship. It made me miss Zuko's warmth also...
As Asok began to carry me across the North Pole's inner city, I heard him try to make conversation with me. "Geez. You weigh nothing! Did those monsters feed you?"
I pressed my face into the hood of his coat as the wind pounded against me.
"Your brother Sokka told me about your captor some. That cruel Prince must've done a number on you. You look like you've been through war and back already. You're definitely a brave young lass."
"Prince Zuko didn't do this to me," I said, my voice broken as I missed the one young man I'd come to care for more than anything. "Zhao's the culprit."
My defensive statement towards Zuko caused Asok to fall quiet in thought.
Asok seemed to carry me for a good ten minutes across the enormous village. There were buildings made out of snow and ice that towered all around us, and the bridges stretching across an endless canal were elaborate in design. These people seemed to have it all, while my people back at the South Pole could barely hold up our tents half the time.
A harsh explosion suddenly sounded to the left of us, and screams were heard from the direction. Asok gasped, and I looked over at what he was seeing. Steam soared up towards the sky, and the giant wall was crumbled into nothing but a pile of snow. Men in dark Fire Nation armor were climbing over the massive pile with their spears ready, while others were already at the top shooting fire down at the warriors who had formed a line of protection.
"We have to hurry!" Asok sped up, but I knew he wouldn't get there fast enough with me on his back. "I have to get reinforcements."
"Put me down!" I ordered. "You won't make it in time."
Asok kept walking, ignoring my suggestion. "I promised I'd get you to safety!"
He wouldn't get me to safety if the Fire Nation broke through the fleet. "I won't be safe if the Fire Nation gets deeper into the tribe. Place me down. I can take care of myself. I've been doing it for three months now."
He was stumped, but he must've decided there were more important things to worry about. He placed me back down on the ground, and turned towards me. "Get to safety kid." Before I gave him false promises, he took off in the direction of the palace leaving me in the middle of the Northern Water Tribe. As he rushed off to get backup, I looked back towards the western wall that had been breached. I knew I had a choice…
Find my family, or help fight?
The Fire Nation soldiers shouted as they raced down the hill with their spears ready for battle. They ran towards the Water Tribe warriors who brandished their spears, clubs, swords, and other sharp tools. The firebending soldiers darted towards the men who were preparing to fight with the snow around them. Soon fire and water was being flung back and forth, and the sound of metal smashing into each other echoed across the air. The sight made me think back to my childhood, and I felt my hand press to my cheekbone where the scar decorated it clearly. The moonlight sent power through me as I knew what I had to do.
Ignoring the freezing of my feet, I threw off Arnook's heavy coat and raced across the smooth flat icy path before me. Racing over the bridge that extended across the canal, I brought up water from below and forced it to follow me as I rushed into the battle ahead.
My father would kill me if he saw what I was about to do. My brother would freak and force me to stop. My sister would call me insane and plead for me to turn away. Zuko would be furious and hurt that I went against his wishes and joined the fight. None of them were there to stop me though.
There was no way I could stand aside and watch my people die. I couldn't just stand back and do nothing to help. I'd had enough life and death situations already. If I died in battle, at least I knew I'd be dying for a good cause.
The waterbenders were managing to keep the firebenders occupied with constant water whips and ice spears. The firebenders were trying all they could to melt and dodge the attacks, while shooting some of their own. As the waterbenders flung another round of water at the enemy, I joined in this time shooting a large stream at the Fire Nation soldier nearest to me. My blast was from the side, so the soldier hadn't been expecting it. The water crashed hard into his side and made him knock into the man beside him. Both of the soldiers dropped into the snow beneath their feet. While they were down, I took the snow around them and forced it to move over their bodies. Then I tightened my hands into fists bringing the water molecules tight together to trap the men by an icy dome.
The Water Tribe warriors were amazed at my sudden assistance, and so were the Fire Nation soldiers. They all looked in my direction with bewilderment. The Fire Nation men quickly recovered though and prepared their blasts.
"Look out!"
My warning snapped the Water Tribe warriors out of their astonished states. The men quickly blocked the fire with icy shields, and the battle continued. As fire and water crashed harshly into one another in constant streams, I tried to assist the men as much as I could. The Fire Nation soldiers however continued to run over the desecrated wall and our enemies started to outnumber us. As this occurred, some of the firebenders decided to direct their attacks towards me, seeing I was the weakest link.
It was as the flames shot towards me, I quickly realized I had no clue how to fight. I was good at the offense, but when it came to defense against three firebenders I really had no clue what to do. A few of the warriors noticed I was struggling, especially when one of the harsh blasts of flames hit my ice shield and I fell backward with an 'Oof' onto the snow. As the one who knocked me down lit another flame, I saw Master Pakku appear out of nowhere and bury the three men under a heavy layer of snow. As the men were buried alive, Master Pakku rushed over to me with irritation.
"What are you doing here?!"
I knew he was only outraged because I was a young teenage woman who shouldn't have been in such a battle ground. Looking around, it was clear to me they had no female warriors amongst them. Standing up from the snow, I held my ground. "I was helping! You all looked like you could use some extra help."
Pakku looked like he wanted to argue. A shout rang from nearby, and he turned sharply, throwing a stream of water at a soldier headed straight towards us. The soldier was knocked back hard into a pile of snow. I thought maybe Pakku would forget about me and return to the fight. He wasn't done though. He pointed at me sharply. "You're supposed to be with Asok headed to the palace!"
"I was slowing him down, so I told him to go without me. You all need the reinforcements."
Pakku looked like he wanted to yell at me some more. Instead, he snapped, "Get out of here! Last thing I need is you getting killed or captured again!" He turned and rushed back into the battle.
I watched him go with surprise. Why was he so concerned about my wellbeing?
"Kid! Watch out!"
By the warning from one of the warriors, I turned sharply and shot up a wall of ice blocking another blast of flames. I knew it would be a long battle, and I was ready to fight until I no longer could.
Zuko POV
Staring down at the unconscious air bender, I felt as if my world was closing in on me. After fighting Crystal's sister and barely winning, I was lucky enough to escape with the Avatar while I had the chance. The waterbender had the advantage when the moon was up, but as the rising sun hit me I felt power flow through me. Attacking Crystal's sister was the only way I could get out of the oasis room without losing my chance. I felt horrible for knocking the waterbender unconscious, but Crystal hadn't been there to see so my guilt was eased just a little. And I also knew the girl Katara was not greatly harmed. I had checked to make sure...
Staring out of the cave towards the blizzard beyond, I wondered if Uncle had done as I requested. I told him to take Crystal and steal one of the dinghies before Zhao forced her onto land. Uncle was supposed to be rowing Crystal somewhere safe where I could somehow meet up with them. The plan had seemed great to begin with, but thinking upon it some more I realized one thing: It would take me forever to find Uncle and her on this giant stretch of land.
My worries only made me pace back and forth. I could feel the sun had set, and I knew exactly what that meant: the Fire Nation were most likely getting pounded by the waterbenders. The Fire Nation's advantage was sunrise to sunset, while the waterbenders had the night. I knew staying hidden until the sun returned was my only option for getting out of the North Pole.
"I finally have you. But I can't get you home because of this blizzard," I mutter in irritation. "There's always something. Not that you would understand. You're like my sister. Everything always...came easy to her. She's a firebending prodigy – and everyone adores her." My fist tightened. "My father says she was born lucky. He says I was lucky to be born. I don't need luck though, I don't want it. I've always had to struggle and fight and that's made me strong. It's made me who I am." Turning back to the unconscious boy, I narrowed my eyes. "I'll finally earn back the respect I deserve. You will be my ticket home."
As I spoke, the image of Crystal suddenly entered my mind. What about Crystal? My eyes shot out towards the blizzard raging beyond the cave. I hung my head, wishing I had an answer. I honestly didn't know what my father would do when I brought him Crystal with the Avatar. I could convince him to let me have her as a servant, but even then my father would never trust her.
I recalled a conversation my uncle and I had a few weeks ago. He'd asked me that exact same question…
"What about Crystal? You honestly think she'll be safe in the Fire Nation. Your father will have her imprisoned on the spot."
My back was turned to Iroh as I stared at the dark water below. Crystal was asleep below deck in our room, and Uncle and I had been out for a late night stroll. It was three days after failing to capture the Avatar with June's help. We were headed north still, trying to catch up to the Avatar's trail.
"I'll convince father," I said softly. "He'll understand when I tell him how I feel."
My Uncle sighed behind me. "You give your father too much credit, Zuko. I've seen what he does to waterbenders. Crystal will be locked in a dark cell chained up for the rest of her days if you go through with this. Or… used for other purposes I don't even want to think of..."
I shook my head, shutting my eyes tight. I refused to believe him that my father could be so cruel. "He'll listen to me. Once I give him the Avatar, he'll give me anything I want. He'll have no choice but to allow Crystal to work for me."
"Work for you?" Iroh stood beside me and I could see him shake his head. "You know Crystal would never go for that Prince Zuko. That girl is too strong willed to be tied down as some servant girl. Plus, you care about her too much. If your father sees the feelings you two have for one another, he'll pull her away from you immediately. She will end up in a cell or as someone's slave one way or the other."
I scowled. "Then what do you propose I do?"
My Uncle hung his head. "Zuko… You have to make a choice. You must choose between your honor and your heart. When the time comes, you must decide which of the two is more important to you."
I frowned, and then gripped the rail hard. "No… I can have both. I'll find a way to have both."
"If you find a way," Iroh began, "I will definitely be impressed."
Letting out a heavy breath, I sat down on a rock jutting up beside the Avatar. With frustration, I dropped my head down into my hands wishing I had answers.
At least Crystal was safe though. Uncle wouldn't have let me down. She was on a boat with Iroh, and they were away from the battle. That thought could at least ease my worries.
Crystal POV
Another sharp blast of flames shot towards me, and I gasped darting to the side. The fire hit the spot I'd been standing in and turned to steam. Sweat dripped down my forehead and I felt my limbs shake from fatigue. The soldiers wouldn't stop. They just kept coming and coming. The sun had set, and we had the advantage, but there were too many.
"Master Pakku! There are too many!" Asok's frantic shout could be heard over the battlefield as he voiced my concerns. "What's your call?!"
Master Pakku smashed another stream of water towards three soldiers dashing towards him. They all were forced back and covered with a sheet of ice. "Keep up the guard! We can't allow them to break deeper into the city!" He then turned to me to order me to leave once again. "If you're going to disobey my orders then at least make sure the elderly, women, and children are all safe. After you do go find your family. You've done enough here!"
His orders made me feel an urge to protest, but I knew he was right. I wasn't doing much in this fight compared to the rest of the waterbenders around me. Out of the warriors who fought, I was the least experienced one. I'd only taken down maybe ten soldiers, and that was just by pure luck for the most part. I knew if I left the battle no one would really know or care I was gone.
"I'll go make sure everyone's safe!" My promise was more of a motivation towards myself. I knew if I didn't leave the battlefield soon then I would probably just get in the way. The fighting was growing by the second, and with it so was the violence. Pakku had already saved my butt three times in the last twenty-minutes, so I knew I was only causing more of a burden.
Why had I joined the fight in the first place?
To save my people…? A distraction…? Or maybe it was a way for me to redeem myself after betraying my people and falling for the enemy? Whatever the reason, I knew the situation was becoming more than I could physically handle. If making sure the others in the city were safe was a way to help, then I would do as Pakku asked.
Turning on my heel, I raced away from the battle which raged behind me. I could hear the sound of shouts, cries of rage, and clashing spears as the fight between fire and water continued. As I raced through the snow, past numerous icy buildings that towered over me, and deeper into the Northern Water Tribe, I couldn't help but think about the sight around me for a brief moment. As I took in the massive tribe of the North, a feeling built inside that I immediately recognized as hurt.
Why hadn't the Northern tribe sent people down to assist our own tribe in the South? Father had sent in numerous requests for assistance over the years, and all we ever received was a ship with new supplies. Did the North not care about our people? They clearly were advanced enough to send some help to us in our time of need.
"Mommy! Mommy!" A small cry rang out from across the canal in front of me, bringing me out of my reverie. A young girl no older than six was walking around a building completely alone. She looked cold, and her shoulder length dark hair was uncovered and disheveled. Her eyes searched frantically for the one she was calling out for. What was she doing out on her own in the middle of the city?
Without hesitating, I rushed over to the child who had tears falling down her cheeks and a runny nose. She saw me race towards her, and looked both surprised and cautious. Her eyes shot down to my bare feet and then up to my messy hair puzzled. My body had gone numb from the cold a long time ago, but the child's awareness of my missing warmth was noted.
"What are you doing out here? Where's your mom?"
The little girl's big green eyes were tear-filled when I addressed her. "We were going to the palace. Mommy said we'd be safe there. Mommy was taking me there, but then some scary men arrived and mommy had to fight. She used waterbending, and told me to run. I ran to hide and lost her."
Her words caused me to worry. If her mom was fighting the Fire Nation, there was no telling what happened. Flashes of my own mother shot through my head. I shook the thoughts away. I needed to focus on the child before me.
My eyes searched the area around us, but there was no one to be seen. Everyone must've closed themselves off in their homes or ran to the palace for protection. I knew the only thing I could do was get the girl to safety. Someone else would have to help her find her mom.
"What's your name sweetie?"
She sniffled. "Jana."
Holding my hand out, I said, "That's a pretty name. My name's Crystal. I'm a friend from the South Pole. Let's get you somewhere warm for now."
She nodded, and her gloved hand took my own. The sudden warmth stung my skin from frostbite, but I tried to ignore it. As I guided Jana through the snow, I was aware that if I were back in the South Pole this would be exactly what I'd do. Anytime the Fire Nation threatened to come to our village, father would leave me and my sister in charge of making sure the children and elderly were safe. Even if the North Pole wasn't my home, we were all part of the same nation. Even if the North abandoned my people to the cruelty of the Fire Nation, I wouldn't abandon them.
As we kept to the shadows of the snowy streets, and hid whenever we heard shouts from Fire Nation soldiers and Water Tribe warriors, I noticed something started to feel strange. It was only as we rounded a corner and headed towards an icy bridge that I understood. The moon above had changed color, and the color took some of my strength away. The dark red moon reflected on the buildings and snowy ground creating a blood stained world around us. The sight was horrifying, and also unsettling.
"The moon! The moon is red!" Jana jerked on my hand with astonishment. My eyes stared at the sky above in terror. Zhao's words came back to my mind.
"This battle will go down in history. I, Admiral Zhao, will make history! I will be a hero! I will wipe out the Water Tribe completely."
Zhao had something to do with this turn of events, and I knew whatever it was could not be at all good.
"Jana!" An elderly voice shouted from nearby, and my eyes darted over to a building not too far from us. A kind looking woman with white hair and heavy wrinkles stepped out of the building which had a thick blanket draped over the doorway to block the wind. "Jana! What are you doing out here? Where's your mother?!"
The little girl let go of my hand and ran over to the elderly woman with relief. "Hatana! The moon is red! The moon is red!" She raced into the elderly woman's arms, and then hugged the woman tightly.
Hatana gazed towards where I stood a few feet away. She was amazed by my appearance, and immediately felt concerned. "You shouldn't be out in such a dangerous scene, young lady. Get inside. You can return to your family once the battle is over."
I shook my head, stepping back. "No... Take care of her. I have to find my family now."
The woman protested, but I ignored her taking off towards the icy bridge I'd originally been headed. The moon was still red as I rushed in a direction I hoped would take me towards Katara and Sokka. Of course, they could've been anywhere in this huge place, but I knew standing around wouldn't help me find them any sooner.
When the moon turned white again though, I stumbled in my step staring above in astonishment. Something strange was happening, and I had a feeling Zhao had his hands all over it. I knew from the myths of my tribe that the moon was a spiritual essence, and it was in harmony with the ocean. If Zhao was messing with the moon, then that meant he was somehow messing with spiritual forces. The thought made me sick. Could a man truly be so evil as to fiddle with the spirits? Of course, I knew the answer to my question.
The moon being white again strengthened me once more, and I hoped maybe the worst of it was over. Maybe Zhao had been defeated... Maybe whatever he was trying to do had been stopped, and everything was back to the way it was... However, just as I started on my way again thinking so optimistically, the world suddenly went black and I felt my strength leave me entirely.
The dark world around me made me gasp in terror. The moon was gone, and with it so was the light. There were some torches lit on certain buildings or canals, but the small amount of light did little to help me visualize my path. What was going on? What happened to the moon?
A hundred possibilities shot through my thoughts, but all of them were too far-fetched to be true. However, I was aware of one thing that I knew to be a fact: Zhao was behind the moon's disappearance. The thought made me sick to my stomach. To make the whole moon disappear, Zhao must've done something beyond horrible. He had a motive though… Without the moon, the waterbenders would be powerless. Lifting my hand, I tried to feel the snow beneath my feet, but my connection to the water was gone. Without the moon, snow was just snow to me. The moon was where I drew power, and without it I felt weak.
Somehow, I managed to move forward through the dark world. For the first time ever, I longed for the sun to show itself and give some light. All I could see in front of me was illuminated buildings from torchlight, and the dark snow covered ground at my path.
It seemed as if I wandered through the dark tribe for hours, but I knew it was only minutes. At some point during my steps, I saw the canal beside me illuminate briefly with a shimmering bright blue light similar to the one I had seen long ago at the South Pole. Stepping over to the canal, I watched as a huge shining blue water creature maneuvered through the canal towards the direction where the ocean expanded outside the village. As the blue light turned a corner and disappeared from sight, I guessed what had happened.
The Avatar had somehow created a blue water monster that was heading to destroy the enemy. From tales of my tribe, I knew the Avatar was one who had the power to connect to the spiritual energy of the world. Whatever Aang was doing, he had gone into the Avatar state. Aang was at his fullest strength, and the Fire Nation was about to fall. I really hoped Iroh was off the ship, as well as the rest of the old crew. Whatever Aang had turned into, I knew he wouldn't think twice about smashing the enemy down.
"Well... this is a surprise," a cold voice hissed from some feet behind me. The voice belonged to the one man I thought I'd never have to see again. My eyes widened and my blood ran cold.
No! Why?! Out of all the rotten luck!
Turning around slowly and with dread, I stared at my enemy while shivers coursed through my spine. Sure enough, Zhao stood a few paces from me. His armor was disheveled and his eyes from what was visible by the torch light looked slightly frantic. He however seemed pleased to discover me out alone in the North Pole. "I thought maybe I'd lost my prize, but it looks like it just came back to me."
Scowling, I lifted my hand to shoot water at the man before me. However, the connection between me and my element was gone. My eyes widened when I realized this. I was done for... I had no weapon against the psychotic man before me. Zhao grinned when he saw I was defenseless.
"You have no power anymore. The moon spirit is dead, and with it so is waterbending."
My heart skipped a beat. What... No...
"The moon spirit... Dead?" I stepped back in horror. "That can't be..."
Zhao took a step toward me. He was pleased by my disbelief. "It's true. I killed the moon spirit with my own hands! I have defeated your people!"
I shook my head. "No! The Avatar's still out there! We still have a chance!"
Zhao laughed hard. "A chance? Your hope is amusing."
I held my ground. I tried to sound strong, but I knew my voice only showed I was scared. "It's over Zhao. Even if you head back to the ship now, the warriors will stop you."
He ignored my false hope, and headed towards me. I backed away with fear not wanting to be his prisoner. At the moment I just wanted to be with my family, or in Zuko's arms...
My heart accelerated as I suddenly realized my predicament. My foot met air, and I was forced to stumble forward with surprise. Turning my head to see what lay behind me, I saw the canal's ice cold water streaming below. I was trapped between Zhao and drowning.
"Yes. You make a good point," he calmly said. "I was worried I'd have trouble getting past the water tribe warriors, but with you they'll have to let me through. They wouldn't risk hurting their own. You're my ticket out of here."
Zhao took a few more steps towards me, and I did the only thing I could do. Darting to the right, I took off as fast as my bare feet could carry me. However, I didn't make it far. Flames shot from behind me, and only a moment later I felt the burning element eat through my shirt into the skin on my back. Falling in the snow from the blinding pain, I pressed my face into the cold powder trying to muffle the scream that wanted to escape. The searing pain on my back felt like a thousand knives were slicing along the surface.
Zhao laughed hard at my attempt. "Your foolish to think that would've worked." He grabbed my shirt collar, and I gasped as he forced me up. The movement sent more fire through my back. Without much choice, I found my feet again and stood straight. My hair was soaked from the snow, and my shirt was heavy from the cold wet ground. My back ached but was becoming numb from the icy chill of the wind. "Come on! We have a Fire Lord to get back to! You're my ticket to honor!"
He started to shove me roughly through the snow in the direction I'd just come. As we went I struggled and kicked back at him, but his strong grip was unbreakable. He had me, and I knew he wouldn't risk letting me go.
"Let go of me!" I tried to dig my bare feet into the snow, but I just slid forward helplessly. "I'm not your prize! I can't even waterbend anymore! Why would the Fire Lord want me?! I'm just a girl!" I tried to knock some sense into the man that clearly had lost what little mind he had. "There are plenty of other waterbenders out there! You won't gain anything by taking me prisoner!"
Zhao growled. "Shut up! As long as you get me out of this place, I don't care!"
I kicked back at him again. "These people don't care what happens to me! They don't even know me!"
"I said shut up, you brat!" He threw his hand over my mouth to try and shut me up. I did the next thing that crossed my mind. Opening my mouth, I bit down hard breaking skin between his thumb and index finger. He yelped and jerked his hand away, then smashed his fist on the back of my head. My skull pulsed, my vision blurred, and I stumbled as the wind was knocked out of me. "You'll regret that!"
Somehow I managed to catch myself from falling, and with a splitting head I tried to struggle once more in Zhao's grip.
"No. You'll regret that!"
The voice I suddenly heard was music to my ears. I felt my heart skip a beat as I realized my hero had come. A powerful flame shot in front of us which forced Zhao's shoving to stop. He yanked me back as a dark silhouette jumped swiftly in our path. Only a second later, a flame was lit illuminating a very furious prince.
Zhao was horrified, and I felt his grip loosen slightly as he saw the ghost of his past. "What? Impossible! You're alive?!"
Zuko looked infuriated, and I could only guess why. He cared about me, and Zhao had just assaulted me. "You tried to have me and Crystal killed!"
My body was pulled back as Zhao tried to gain us some distance from the infuriated prince with the flame. "Of course I did! You're the Blue Spirit! An enemy to the Fire Nation. You freed the Avatar! And as for the girl… I had no clue she'd be with you on the ship. I wanted her alive! I thought she would be with your uncle."
Zuko's flame only intensified. "You think I care! You still almost killed us both!" He stepped forward, his shining eyes burning with determination. "And I had no choice but to free the Avatar! There was no way I'd let you take away my only chance at going home!"
"You should've chosen to accept your failure – your disgrace! Then, at least you could've lived!"
Zhao threw me to the side then, and I fell hard into the snow. As I sunk into the cold liquid, I immediately saw flames shoot back and forth across the dark air. Coming out of my daze, I scrambled to try and find my feet. Zhao tried to make a run for it, but Zuko was hot at his heels. They both ended up on the bridge that crossed the canal, and I could see that Zuko definitely had the advantage.
While they fought, I stared up at the sky praying the moon would return. I felt useless and wanted to help. Although my body was exhausted, I couldn't bear the thought of seeing Zuko get hurt. I knew Zuko was confident he could win, but I still wanted to help him fight. To my luck, my prayers were answered. The moon illuminated the sky once more, shining brightly as if it were a beacon of hope. My strength felt renewed as my connection to the water beneath me was returned. My head still pulsed from where Zhao knocked it, but I tried to ignore the pain.
Getting to my feet, I took a moment to steady myself and catch my breath. Then racing forward, I grabbed a long stream of water from the canal, flinging the element up towards the bridge and smashing it into Zhao's back. The water crashed into him hard: he hadn't seen it coming. He was forced onto his belly with a painful thud. I rushed over towards the bridge, watching as he managed to recover. By the time I reached the start of the bridge, he was back to his feet.
"What…" He glanced over at me in shock. "How did you-" He looked up at the moon above as he got to his feet. "No! It can't be!"
Zuko held his hand out, palm towards me, which forced me to stop my advance up the bridge. His gaze met my own, and I understood what he wanted. Nodding, I stayed my distance to let Zuko have his revenge. He turned back to Zhao and stepped towards the disheveled man. Zhao had staggered back and clutched the side of the bridge in defeat.
"Looks like you failed..." Zuko stepped over to him. "Now who's the one who needs to accept their disgrace?"
Zhao grit his teeth and glared daggers at Zuko. Zuko took another step, ready to give Zhao everything he deserved. However, the water beside us shined blue again and a huge form began to rise from the canal. The shape of a hand, made completely out of glowing water, stretched up towards the bridge that Zhao and Zuko stood on. I watched in silent amazement and horror as the watery hand inched towards the two firebenders. Two my relief, the hand grabbed onto a very surprised Zhao lifting him up in the air.
Zhao screamed, thrashing and trying to escape the spiritual force that had grabbed hold of him. As Zhao struggled, Zuko's humanity came out as he rushed forward holding his hand out towards the man. "Take my hand!" Zhao stared down at Zuko's hand as if debating what to do. At first he looked like he would take it, but then he yanked his hand away. Zhao hung his head in knowing defeat, and in the blink of an eye the glowing hand dropped back into the canal. Zhao was dragged into the water, and the blue glow disappeared taking its victim with it.
Silence fell over the air, and Zuko and I stood in amazement at what had just occurred. However, Zuko recovered and turned to me quickly. Racing back down the bridge, he suddenly grabbed my shoulders with disbelief. "What are you doing here?! I thought you were going to be with Uncle waiting for me!"
His questioning knocked me out of my shock. Staring into his ember eyes speechlessly, I could see he was completely tired and beaten. He looked like he'd been through as much as I had, and I knew we were both at our limits.
"Iroh sent Hul to help me escape... He wanted me out of Zhao's reach. I made an icy bridge to reach land and then got through the walls of the city."
I tried to explain it to him, but I could tell he wasn't pleased. However, he let out a heavy sigh and dropped his hands from my shoulder. "I guess all that matters is you're okay." His hand caressed my cheek, and he lowered his forehead with exhaustion against my own. He shut his eyes, and I felt his warm breath on my frost bitten face. "Are you hurting?"
I frowned, leaning against him more as his question rekindled the burning sensation in my back and feet, and dull pain in my head. "I'm okay... Just sore..."
Zuko shut his eyes tighter, hating the thought of me being hurt. He however knew there were other things to worry about. "We need to go... Uncle will meet up with us outside of the tribe."
Nodding, I went to say something else but stopped. A commotion occurred behind me, and I knew immediately Zuko would be targeted by our pursuers. The both of us looked at the intruders with shock. Five Water Tribe warriors were rushing forward towards us, and I watched them approach with horror. They stopped a few paces away, and Zuko grabbed my arm pulling me behind as if to protect me.
To my surprise, Asok was one of the men in the group. He stepped forward with a tightened fist. "Surrender Firebender! You're outnumbered! Your people have lost!"
The young man before me didn't waver in his strength. "The Fire Nation will never lose."
The warrior scowled, but then realization hit him. He saw Zuko's hand holding firm to my arm, and understanding flashed across his expression. "Wait... You're Prince Zuko! The Fire Lord's son." He seemed to express such thrill as if the Northern Water Tribe had just won the war. "You're just what we need to stop this war." His eyes shot over to me then. "I suggest you let the girl go, and we won't hurt you too terribly."
Zuko's own fist tightened, and I knew he was ready to fight until his last breath. "I'm not surrendering to anyone. And she stays with me."
Asok narrowed his eyes. "It's over. Let go of the girl. You have nowhere to run!"
"I don't give up that easily."
Zuko let me go and got into a stance ready to fight. My eyes widened at what was about to transpire. The warriors grabbed their spears and water ready to attack Zuko with all their might. I could only imagine the horrible things they would do to Zuko. They'd torture him... They'd chain him up... They'd maybe even kill him…
He was the Fire Lord's son… a firebender… an enemy to the Water Tribe… and I loved him too much to stand aside and let them take him.
"No!" Rushing around Zuko, I stood between him and the men with horror. My heart rate accelerated as I prepared to do what I knew would mark me as a traitor. I refused to let Zuko be taken by these men though... I refused to let someone I cared deeply about be captured by my own people.
I chose my heart…
"Leave him alone!"
Asok and the other Water Tribe warriors were amazed by my defense. A few of the waterbenders who had prepared to fight seemed to waver in their stance. Asok stared at me with bewilderment. He snapped, "What are you doing?! Step aside, kid! He's the enemy!"
I stepped back as if to block Zuko from my own people. I knew I couldn't block him completely because he was taller than me. I could still get my point across though. They weren't taking him unless they went through me.
"I won't let you hurt him!"
"Crystal… It's okay," Zuko said softly. "I can handle this."
His words didn't make me waver. I stood my ground. The thought of Zuko being captured by the Water Tribe was too awful for me to bear. I wouldn't let them destroy the one guy I'd come to love.
"No one's getting to him without going through me first!" My heart quickened. My hands shook as my blood accelerated. "You'll have to fight me for him."
Asok narrowed his eyes. "Have you lost your mind! What would your brother or sister say if they saw you now? You're aiding the very Prince that has kept you prisoner for months!"
He was trying to make me guilty, but I refused to waver in my pose. "Keep my family out of this! What I do has nothing to do with them!"
I knew that was wrong though... When Katara and Sokka discovered my treachery, they would be truly disappointed.
"I thought you were Chief Hakoda's kid?! You would betray your father by helping this firebender... this monster?! You would betray your people by helping the enemy's Prince?! Get some sense in your head!" Asok was trying to convince me, but my mind was already set. "You help the enemy now, and you'll be a traitor to your people. There will be no turning back, Crystal!"
Frowning, I hung my head for a slight moment. My stance didn't waver though. Then lifting my eyes back to Asok, I stated, "Looks like I'm a traitor then..." With an abrupt fling of my hand, a wave of snow lifted from beside the men and fell over them. They gasped as they were avalanched in a pile of cold wet mush. As they were momentarily stunned, I grabbed Zuko's hand and yanked him in the direction away from the men. He ran behind, able to keep up without trouble.
We ran for what felt like an eternity, turning corner after corner to try and gain distance from the men I had buried under snow. Eventually we reached the south wall of the Northern Water Tribe, and I managed to push the snow around to create a tunnel for us to walk through. We quickly escaped to the outside perimeter, and then the both of us froze in bewilderment at the sight before us. Every Fire Nation ship from the fleet was destroyed or fleeing from the city. It appeared that the blue glowing spiritual force had attacked more than just Zhao.
Zuko was the first to speak, his eyes scanning over the debris before him in horror. "What happened…?"
I answered knowing immediately. "Aang… He did it. He stopped the invasion..."
The ships on fire began to sink into the ocean, while the fleeing ships grew smaller as they rushed back to the Fire Nation where they belonged. I wondered if Zuko's old crew had survived the battle. I couldn't picture any of those kind men dead. The thought of it made me sick. It was strange that I was concerned for the well being of those who were supposed to be my enemy. I had truly become a traitor...
"Come on… We should go find somewhere warm until we figure out where Uncle is." Zuko stepped in front of me to try and bring my focus back to what was important. Then his eyes shot down to my feet, as if noticing them for the first time. The moon had started to set, but Zuko could see my pale bare feet sunken in the snow.
"Where are your shoes?!"
I smiled weakly. "I haven't had any since Zhao took me prisoner. He didn't want me to be comfortable. Don't worry though... They went numb hours ago."
"That's not a good sign!"
He looked worried, and I immediately tried to reassure him. "It's okay... I'm from the South Pole. I can deal with the cold."
He looked like he wanted to scold me some more, but he must've decided there were more important things to do. His hand suddenly went behind my back, and his other arm scooped under my knees. I gasped when I was suddenly lifted from the snow and cradled in Zuko's arms. "Zuko! What are you-"
He cut me off. "I think we should head along the perimeter. Hopefully there's a cave somewhere we can sit in." He started to walk, and I blushed heavily as his warm arms held me close to him. He didn't seem to falter at all as he carried me across the snow. I pressed my ice-cold cheek into his warm shirt so glad to be with him again. I'd missed his warmth. I'd missed him.
Eventually we found a cave a good distance from the city. Zuko placed me down before we approached, and my feet burned as the cold snow hit my blistered skin again. We both stepped towards the cave, only to hear a voice from behind.
"Zuko! Crystal!" Our eyes widened, and we turned towards the owner of the voice in astonishment. Iroh was headed our way on a makeshift raft with a small bag of supplies. Where he got it all I would never know. How he found us I would never know. But I did know that Zuko and I were so glad to see a familiar face. Zuko beamed with relief, while I let out a heavy sigh.
Iroh managed to use a rope attached to a small sail to guide the raft our way. When he finally hit shore, he gestured for us to get on. Neither of us questioned him. Where he got the raft would remain a mystery. He may have found it inside the city. He may have found it outside the city. Only Iroh would know the original whereabouts of his wooden flotation device. All I cared about was we had a way to get Zuko away from my people.
Once we were on the raft, Iroh began to steer us away from shore. As we headed south, I couldn't help but stare back at the icy land before me. As we grew further away from my family, I shut my eyes knowing I'd just made the biggest decision of my life.
I was a traitor, and my family would soon know of my betrayal.
Would I ever see them again...? Even if I did, there was no telling what they'd say...
I'd chosen Zuko over my family... My own flesh and blood...
There was no turning back.