Probably two more chapters after this one... Thanks again for reading!
Chapter 70: Destiny
As the sky started to lighten from the approach of dawn, I opened my eyes to find I was still resting in Zuko's arms against Zan from the night before. Zuko was awake, his eyes staring out into the distance as he was lost to his thoughts. His hand was brushing through my hair absentmindedly, and while the sensation was very soothing and I welcomed his touch, I was concerned about him. I was certain he had a lot on his mind: He had to fight his sister today to take back his home... He would lead a whole nation as Fire Lord once we defeated Azula and Ozai... I was certain he was both excited and scared of the unforeseeable future ahead.
"Did you sleep?"
My soft voice broke through his deep thought, and he looked down at me with surprise. He hadn't felt me wake up, distracted by what was to come.
"Yeah," he finally answered after a breath. "I just woke up a few minutes ago. I didn't want to move and wake you. Sokka came over and let me know we'll all be heading out in an hour."
I nodded. Pulling from him slightly, I brushed my fingers on his cheek taking in his warmth. "You seemed lost in your thoughts just now… anything you want to talk about?"
He gave a half-smile, brushing a strand of my hair behind my ear. "Just thinking about what will happen when we defeat my father and sister today. I'll be Fire Lord… it's a big responsibility."
I nodded. I dropped my head back against his chest, and he hugged me again. "You are going to be amazing, Zuko… and I'll be there to support you anyway I can… I don't know much about the Fire Nation, or how to lead, but I'm willing to learn so I can help you in the years to come."
He sighed. "You don't need to worry about that, Crystal... I don't expect you to change who you are, or to try to learn everything about the Fire Nation. As long as you're by my side, I'll be strong enough to handle any trial brought our way. But, I know without a doubt that you will be a wonderful Fire Lady and the Fire Nation will adore you."
My heart warmed by his reassurance. I nodded against him. "I'm ready to face anything if it means we can be together. I don't want this to end… I want to spend so many more years with you."
"This won't be the end," he spoke with confidence. "I've come too far to lose you now. Once this war ends today, you and I can finally start our life together... Nothing will come between us again..." He slowly released me. "We should probably get ready though. We have a long day of flying ahead of us."
I nodded. Getting on my knees, I turned and cupped his cheek. My thumb brushed the area where his scar began. "Today, the people who have hurt you will pay for their cruelty."
He moved his head towards me. His gold eyes burned into my azure with determination. "And those same people will never harm you again."
He pressed his lips against my own, and I took in his touch. As our breaths mixed together, I felt my fears and uncertainties fade away. Today would not be the end. I felt hopeful that this was only the beginning.
Once Zuko and I finally got up, and Zan walked off to go find some breakfast, I headed to the stream outside of camp to wash my face, make sure my pouch was filled, and try to calm my pounding heart.
I was determined… but I was also nervous. Despite the hope I felt a few moments before, there was still part of me that feared something could go wrong. Today was our last chance to end this war. If we did not succeed, chaos would ensue across the land. Many would die. Our people would be slaughtered. The Fire Lord planned to wipe out anyone who resisted him, and if Aang did not stop him then he would surely destroy everything.
I prayed this would not be the case. I had faith Aang would appear. I just hoped that whatever journey he had gone on, he had found all of the answers he needed to defeat Fire Lord Ozai once and for all. With Ozai's reign brought to an end, Aang would finally be able to bring balance to the world.
Shutting my eyes, I took in a deep breath to calm my pounding heart. I was ready though… I was ready to help Zuko take back his home and his throne. I was ready to finally give Azula everything she deserved. I was ready to fight for my family, friends, and my husband.
Turning from the stream, I headed back towards camp. The area was silent as people prepared for battle. The Order of the White Lotus were going to take back Ba Sing Se today. They all sounded hopeful the day before, and their confidence gave our group determination.
We had all come too far to lose. We would win: I could feel victory ahead. Aang would appear today and defeat Ozai. My brother, Suki, and Toph would stop the air fleet. And Zuko, Katara, and I would beat Azula once and for all.
Today, we would all save the world. Then tomorrow, we would begin to rebuild.
The group was gathered for breakfast near Appa by the time I arrived. Zan came over to me on my way and I pet him tenderly. "You have to stay buddy. But hopefully I'll see you again soon."
He shut his eyes and whined, sad we were parting. I hugged him around his neck, brushing a hand through his dark feathers. "Yeah… I'll miss you too. But they'll take care of you here until I see you again."
Once I was done saying my goodbye to Zan, I came over to the others who were eating their eggs and cow-pig jerky with angst. Sitting beside Zuko, I was handed a plate by Iroh. He smiled at me with encouragement. I smiled back to let him know I was ready.
"I know you all are quite anxious about today," Iroh spoke. "But have faith, my young friends. You have all grown so much over this year. Each one of you has become stronger and wiser. I see so much courage and determination amongst your team. Every single one of you has the heart of a fighter. You will win today, and once the battle is over you will become legends. This war will end before the sun sets. I just know it."
I smiled and looked around at the group. "As long as we work together, Team Avatar can do anything. Today, we all fight to help Aang defeat the Fire Lord and restore peace."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
Sokka spoke with confidence. "We've conquered many battles already. How hard can taking down an air fleet be?"
Toph smirked. "Yeah. A bunch of metal flying machines... I don't think they'll stand a chance once I start bending pieces off."
I looked at the three who I would not be with today, and felt my heart ache at the coming separation. "Just be careful," I spoke. "If anything happens to you all-"
"Look who's talking," Toph interrupted. "You're miss danger prone. If I were Zuko then I'd leave you tied up in a tent here away from the fight. But he said he promised you'd fight your next battle together, so I guess there's no stopping you. Just try not to get captured, Princess. I don't have time to be saving you again."
I rolled my eyes and pouted, taking a bite of my food. I muttered after I swallowed, "I don't get captured that much."
Sokka argued, counting off on his fingers. "Let's see… First Zuko. Then Zhao. Plus Kona and Jaka in the Earth Kingdom. The Dai Li. Then of course the Assassin who took you to Azula an—"
"Okay!" I cut him off, putting my plate down and covering my face in embarrassment. "I have bad luck! It's not my fault!"
Toph scoffed. "Not your fault?! You're the one that runs into every battle you see!"
I defended myself. "Usually the battles I get into are because people are trying to capture me!"
Zuko brushed a hand through my hair. "Don't worry… Today, no one is getting captured but Azula. We're going to defeat my sister and lock her up in a cell where she belongs."
Katara agreed. "She's never hurting you again, Crystal. She's going to wish she never messed with us by the time we're through with her."
I nodded. My hand went to my shoulder where I could remember the pain from her Dai Li agent dislocating it. Azula had laughed at my pain. She had laughed at my humiliation. She had burned me in Ba Sing Se. She had hurt me the day she came to imprison her brother and uncle.
She had tried to kill Iroh... She almost killed Aang...
Azula would pay today for everything she had done to us. She would never hurt my family and friends again. It was time to put that sadistic spoiled princess in her place. Her days of torturing others were about to come to an end.
Once we were done eating, we started to say our goodbyes to everyone. I hugged Iroh, thanking him for everything. He hugged me back, letting me know that I had become a daughter to him and he was so proud of me. After I said goodbye to Iroh, I hugged Pakku again. He told me that he was a proud grandfather and ready to see me take my place at Zuko's side as Fire Lady. I promised him I would do my best to bring the Fire Nation and Water Nation together with this union.
After I broke away from Pakku, I said my goodbyes to Piandao and King Bumi. They both offered encouragement, and King Bumi handed me some genemite to snack on during our trip. I took it with gratitude, although I was certain none of us would eat it. When I was done saying good-bye to the White Lotus members, I turned to Sokka, Toph, and Suki.
I hugged Suki first, who accepted my embrace. "Take care of them."
She nodded. "I'll keep them out of trouble as much as I can. You all be careful today. Give Azula a big smack for me."
I smiled. "I will. And then once we defeat her and the war ends, we'll free the other Kyoshi Warriors from their prison at last."
She liked the sound of that. We broke apart then so Suki could hug Katara goodbye. While they embraced, I stepped over to Toph next.
"I know you don't like hugs, but-"
She jumped forward, cutting me off. She hugged me around the waist and I saw that tears were falling down her cheeks. I hugged her back, feeling my own tears start to fall as well.
I spoke with sincerity to the earthbender I had come to cherish as a sister. "Be careful, Toph. You drive me crazy, but I love you so much."
She sniffled. "I love you too, Crystal. Stay safe. Take care of Sparky and Sugar Queen."
I smiled. "You know I will, sis."
We pulled away, and Katara took my place to hug Toph goodbye. As they embraced, I turned to Sokka who was just getting done shaking Zuko's hand. My brother turned to me and held his arms out. I rushed over to him, and his arms encircled me immediately. I hugged him back tightly, scared to let him go. More tears fell down my cheeks as I feared for my brother's safety.
"Please… be careful, Sokka… I can't lose you," I whispered.
He hugged me closer, pressing his face into my hair. "We've got this, Crys. That fleet is going down." His hand brushed through my hair tenderly. "You take care of Katara. Watch each other's backs." He pulled away slightly and cupped his hand on my scarred cheek. "We all are going to win, and once we do, you are going to be one badass Fire Lady. And I'll be a proud brother."
I placed my hand over his and gave it a squeeze. "I love you, Sokka. You're the best twin a sister could ever ask for."
"I know," he smirked. "I'm pretty amazing."
I laughed and hugged him again. Then we broke apart. The sun was rising. It was time to go.
We all headed to the edge of camp where Appa was rested and ready for our long flight. Iroh walked with us to see us off. As we reached the end of the tents, a grunt was suddenly heard, and we looked over to see Piandao and two other White Lotus members walking towards us with a giant creature following behind them. From drawings in books I had read from Iroh's collection back on the ship, I knew this green scaly creature was known as an eel-hound. It had a long serpent-like head, but a strong four-legged frame. It's long tail was flexible to help it steer through the water. The animal could survive on land and in the sea. It was known for its speed and agility. They were rare, but harmless creatures.
"We're riding on that thing?" Suki asked. She was slightly hesitant as she took in the strange creature.
Toph pouted. "I am going to be completely blind on this trip, aren't I?"
Katara, Zuko, and I were starting to get on Appa. I looked over at Toph before I did to speak with encouragement. "Suki and Sokka won't let you fall off, Toph. They need your amazing metalbending to take down those airships. You're their secret weapon."
Toph grinned. "Secret weapon? I do like the sound of that."
She walked over to the creature. Suki was already mounted, and helped Toph up behind her. Toph immediately wrapped her arms around Suki's waist so she didn't fall. Once I saw Toph was settled, I climbed up Appa's tail and moved beside Katara on the saddle. I put my hand on her shoulder to comfort her as I saw her face show slight angst. She squeezed my hand in return, letting out a deep breath.
Piandao stepped up to my brother as Suki and Toph were trying to adjust themselves on the giant creature. The sword master spoke to his pupil with reassurance. "Nothing runs faster over land or swims quicker than a giant eel-hound." He handed a scroll to my brother who opened it and looked at it thoroughly. "The airship base is on a small island just off the Earth Kingdom shore. You should be able to intercept the fleet within a day's journey.
Sokka looked at Piandao with gratitude. "Thank you, Master." He gave a hug to the man, which was quite amusing since Piandao was a lot taller than him. Piandao smiled and hugged his pupil back. Once their embrace broke, Sokka mounted the front of the giant creature and grabbed the reins.
Zuko suddenly spoke to Iroh, drawing my attention back to the Grand Lotus below who was watching us all prepare to leave with pride. "So if I'm going to be Fire Lord after the war is over, what are you going to do?"
Iroh grinned and pulled out his white lotus tile from a pocket on his belt. "After I reconquer Ba Sing Se, I'm going to reconquer my tea shop, and I'm going to play Pai Sho everyday." He flipped the tile and caught it with delight.
I smiled at his enthusiasm. "My next goal after ending this war and becoming Fire Lady is to beat you at that game just once."
Iroh laughed. "Yes. I look forward to that day, my dear."
Katara spoke with kindness. "Goodbye, General Iroh."
Iroh looked at our two groups with resolve. "Goodbye, everyone." His gaze returned to Zuko then. "Today, destiny is our friend. I know it."
We all smiled down at him. Then my eyes shot to Sokka, Suki, and Toph. Sokka met my gaze and gave me a nod. I nodded back.
It was time to be the heroes we were all destined to be. It was time to end a hundred years of fighting and bloodshed. It was time to save the world.
"Appa, yip yip!" Zuko shouted. He held the reins as Appa took off into the sky. I heard the eel-hound in the distance running off on land. As we left Ba Sing Se behind, I shut my eyes and prayed to the spirits that Iroh and The Order of the White Lotus would succeed. I prayed to the spirits that Sokka, Toph, and Suki would be okay. I prayed we would defeat Azula. And I prayed Aang would stop Fire Lord Ozai once and for all.
The flight to the Fire Nation Capital took all day. I was still amazed that we were able to fly from the Earth Kingdom to the Fire Nation so quickly, especially when it had taken weeks to travel when I was first taken from the South Pole. However, I suppose flying was different than traveling in a boat or on land. Plus, we had made a lot of stops during our journey.
As we flew over Fire Nation territory, Zuko told us the hardest part would be getting past the Gates of Azulon. I knew he was right. I remembered that heavily guarded area on the sea. I was certain the Fire Navy guarding the large barricade would be shooting some flames our way as soon as we were spotted.
It was just reaching evening by the time we approached the blazing gates. As we got closer, the mass of ships lined in front of the gates started flinging fire and flaming boulders at us from numerous trebuchets. We felt the heat as their attacks approached, but Zuko knew how to steer Appa well. He was pretty good at guiding animals having had a lot of experience in the past with rough-rhinos and Zan.
"Hang on," Zuko shouted. He gripped Appa's reins and we started to dodge the attacks. Katara and I held onto the side of the saddle to keep from falling off. Zuko managed to guide Appa easily around the projectiles, and thankfully we were high enough that most of them missed anyway. Once we got over the burning gates, we knew our next destination would be the palace.
Zuko looked back at Katara and I as Appa flew us straight. "Watch each other's backs. I promised Sokka I'd look out for you both. Azula will be powerful once the comet appears, so if things get too out of hand I want you both to escape on Appa."
I argued. "There is no way I'm leaving until she is stopped. I swore I would be there to support you, Zuko. I will not abandon you."
Katara agreed. "We stick together. We've got this."
Zuko released Appa's reins and maneuvered into the saddle. He came over to place a brotherly hand on Katara's shoulder. "Thanks for coming with us. I really appreciate it, Katara."
She smiled. "Of course. Anything to help… you're family now, Zuko. Family sticks together." She moved to her knees and hugged Zuko as he knelt in front of her. "Plus, I need to make sure Crystal doesn't do anything rash."
I rolled my eyes. "I'm not that rash..."
Zuko and Katara broke apart, and then Zuko moved over to me pulling me into his embrace. "Just please be careful," he whispered. "Azula's always had you as her target since the day she found out my feelings for you… She'll probably try to hit you more than Katara and I."
"I know… I'll be careful," I promised. I hugged him back, pressing my ear against his chest so I could listen to his heart for a moment. The sound was soothing. He placed his face against my hair, taking in my warmth just as I was taking in his. "We're going to beat her," I whispered.
He nodded against me. "We will. We all have something to fight for today."
Katara suddenly gasped, and we looked over at her with concern. Her eyes were staring off at the horizon. A flash of light appeared in our sight. We looked out across the ocean to see a ball of fire moving across the sky. The comet had arrived, and it lit the whole sky with an orange glow. If the Fire Lord wasn't about to use it as a weapon of mass destruction then it would've been beautiful. However, today it was a terrifying sight to see.
Zuko breathed in, and let out a heavy breath. "I feel the power. Everything inside me is growing in strength." He hugged me closer. "Sozin's Comet is here."
"I just hope the others reached the fleet in time," I whispered. "And I hope Aang is okay."
Zuko sounded certain. "That fleet doesn't stand a chance, and my father is going to be defeated. We are not going to lose today. I believe Uncle… destiny is on our side. We've got this."
Appa groaned suddenly, letting us know that he saw land approaching. Zuko kissed me on the lips tenderly, whispering as he broke away, "I love you. I can't wait to spend a long life with you." He pressed his forehead against my own, and his hand cupped my scarred cheek.
I shut my eyes, wishing we could just stay like we were. I knew we couldn't though. We had to fight. "I love you too, Zuko... I look forward to our future together. And the many animals you're going to let me have at the palace."
He laughed. I smiled, glad I had given some small relief from the tension inside us. I opened my eyes and met his golden orbs. He smiled, kissed me on my scarred cheek, and then broke away. He returned to Appa's head to grab the reins again.
As his warmth left me, I felt my anxiety return for a moment. I had gone into battle before… but this fight would be different. This was our last chance… The whole world was depending on us to win.
We had to win… I did not want to lose anyone else to this war...
We flew over the Capital Harbor, then the Capital City, and finally saw the palace in the distance. As we approached the center of the island, and the familiar palace that I had been at only a few weeks before, images of my time as a prisoner to Ozai and Azula filled my mind. As I remembered the nightmare I was put through, a new surge of determination filled inside me.
Today, the only one who would feel pain and humiliation would be Azula. It was time for some revenge.
As we got closer to the palace plaza, we were surprised by the lack of security and staff. The whole place felt like a ghost town. We had been expecting Dai Li agents, or palace guards. But there was nothing. It was almost like everyone was forced to leave. As we flew towards the wall and got closer to the front of the palace, we saw a small group of people gathered in the plaza at the top of the stone stairs leading into the inner palace chambers.
"I don't believe it," Zuko spoke. "Azula's about to be crowned Fire Lord!"
His statement shocked me.
Katara was bewildered. "What? What happened to Fire Lord Ozai?"
"I don't know," Zuko said. He tightened his grip on Appa's reins. "But I'm definitely putting a stop to this."
As we got closer, we could see five fire sages standing behind Princess Azula at the top of the palace stairs. She was kneeling as she faced the empty space before her. There were no guards or people in the plaza to witness her coronation. I was confused by what I was seeing. What happened to Fire Lord Ozai? Why was Azula being crowned Fire Lord? Why was the palace so empty? I had a feeling we were missing some important information as we approached the scene.
"By decree of Phoenix King Ozai, I now crown you Fire Lord…"
The head sage stopped speaking and drew the headpiece-crown back as he saw Appa coming towards them. His words had confused me though: Phoenix King? Ozai had given himself a new title?
Azula shouted at the sage, "What are you waiting for? Do it!"
Appa growled as we landed a few meters from the steps in the plaza. Zuko stood from where he released the reins and shouted with determination, "Sorry, but you're not going to become Fire Lord today." He jumped off, while Katara and I slid down Appa's side to join him. As we stepped beside him, Zuko spoke with resolve, "I am."
Azula cackled loudly as if Zuko spoke the most absurd thing she had ever heard. "You're hilarious!" Her eyes shot over to me, and then to my sister. She grinned. "I see you brought reinforcements. Too scared to fight me alone, Zuzu? I'm not surprised. You've always been too weak to fight your own battles. Mommy was always saving you. Then she left and you became helpless. Father banished you because of the embarrassment you brought upon our family."
I scowled and spoke to defend him. "You're wrong! Zuko isn't weak! He's stronger than any man I know! He's overcome more trials in the last three years than you ever will, Azula! And at least he has a heart! You're sick in the head, just like your father! You're going to be stopped today after all the hurt you've caused me and my family!"
She growled. "You have no right to speak to me, you wench!"
Zuko stepped forward, putting his arm defensively in front of me, while yelling, "And you have no right to insult my wife!"
Azula was stunned. Her eyes widened. She then cackled minically. "No! You… you married this Water Tribe peasant?! Oh Zuzu… You have truly sunken lower than you can go." She narrowed her eyes and sneered. "When I become Fire Lord, I will make sure you two never see each other again!"
He spoke with a firm tone. "You won't become Fire Lord! That crown belongs to me just as it always has!"
"Yeah! Zuko is the rightful heir to the throne!" Katara agreed. "You're going down today, Azula!"
The fire sage moved to crown Azula again, deciding he was more scared of her than us. She raised her hand though, signalling him to stop.
"Wait," she spoke. Her eyes shot to the three of us sporadically. I could sense she had completely lost her senses in that moment. She had hit a deep point of insanity. The fact that her bangs looked sliced in a strange way, and her robe and hair were a mess, indicated to me that she was losing her mind. The Fire Lord had turned his daughter psychotic.
She stood unsteadily and stared at Zuko with a wide grin. "You want to be Fire Lord. Fine. Let's settle this. Just you and me, brother. The showdown that was always meant to be. Agni Kai!"
My eyes widened in horror.
Zuko spoke with confidence. "You're on."
I looked at him with trepidation. Grabbing his arm, I argued, "No. You know she's just trying to separate us from you. She knows if we all take her on then she will lose."
Katara agreed. "Crystal's right. She's playing you, Zuko. Let us fight with you."
Zuko shook his head. "I know that's what she's trying to do... But I can take her this time."
Katara tried again. She was concerned about his safety as much as I was. "But even you admitted to your Uncle that you would need help facing Azula."
My hand shook against his arm. "You said we were fighting this one together, Zuko. I don't want you to do this alone."
He turned towards me and brushed his hand on my cheek. "I know… but there's something off about her... I can't explain it but she's slipping. And this way, you and your sister won't get hurt. I've got this, Crystal. Trust me."
Tears burned in my eyes. I shot my gaze back to Azula who was grinning still with a twisted face. She looked unsteady as she stood up. She looked like she was losing control of herself.
"Okay…" I spoke with agony. "But Katara and I aren't going to stand back if something goes wrong. I will not lose you, Zuko."
He brushed a tear that fell from my eye. His amber orbs burned into my azure with love. "I'm not going anywhere. I won't leave you, Crystal." He kissed me on the lips to seal his promise, and then pulled away to face his sister again. "Let's get this over with!"
Katara placed a hand on my shoulder for my comfort and her own. As Zuko and Azula took opposite ends of the plaza, Katara moved Appa away from the area out of the battle zone. When she got back to where I stood by the wall closest to the front of the plaza, she took my hand and gave it a squeeze. My eyes stayed on Zuko the whole time, and I felt when she grabbed my hand that my body was trembling. This wasn't how it was supposed to go down. We were supposed to fight together.
However, I knew I had to let Zuko do this. He had long suffered from the cruelty and spite of his sister, and it was time for him to finally have his revenge. Azula had caused Zuko so much pain in the past. She had taunted him when Fire Lord Azulon ordered Zuko to be killed. She had tried to kill Iroh, knowing how much the man meant to Zuko. She had tortured me, knowing that it would anger him. She had caused Zuko fear, pain, and hurt from childhood to now. He was ready for her to face justice for every wrong act she had committed against him.
The comet still hovered in the air as the two firebenders knelt with their backs to one another. As they waited for the gong to sound, I said a thousand prayers to the spirits that Zuko would win. Azula had strength in her bending, but Zuko had control.
"He's got this," Katara whispered.
"I know," I spoke softly. "I just hate not helping him. It feels like mom all over again… me being forced to watch as the person I love faces possible death..."
Katara hugged me from the side. "He won't die… You two are going to be together for a long time, Crystal. I can feel it."
The gong in the plaza near the palace entrance suddenly sounded. My heart jumped. A sage had hit the golden plate with a large mallet. Zuko stood from his kneeling position and turned around. Azula did the same, ripping off her Fire Nation robes. She was definitely unsteady on her feet, but her face showed she was ready to kill.
As the two stood across the plaza from one another, Azula spoke with feigned sadness. "I'm sorry it has to end this way, brother… I hate to end your marriage with your darling waterbender so soon. When you die, and I become Fire Lord, I'll be sure your dear wife and her sister are given the greatest hospitality. I'm a generous person."
Zuko scowled. "No, you're not. And you won't ever touch Crystal again!"
Azula smiled and spread her body out in an awkward stance. She then spun and thrusted her palm out, shooting a blast of blue flames at Zuko. Zuko was ready to counter her attack. He brought his hands up quickly, jumped forward, and then brought his arms down in front of him, bending two waves of flames from each hand. The flames came together and shot forward towards Azula's own fire. Her blue and his orange collided in the center of the plaza, causing the two blasts to push back at one another and shoot out to the sides creating a large blazing wall. The flames dissipated after a moment.
Azula was ready for her next attack, and leaped forward sending three flames with her feet towards Zuko. However, she completely missed him and hit a piece of the plaza's wall instead. Fire started to burn the wood and smoke rose to the sky.
As the two fought, I watched the blue and orange flames with a pounding heart. Every part of me wanted to jump in and stop Azula. Katara looked eager to help as well. However, we both knew that this was Zuko's fight. We would only distract him if we tried to assist. As much as I wanted to protect my husband, I knew me jumping into the battle would do more harm than good. He would be concerned for my safety, and possibly get hurt. I also knew this was his one chance to prove to his sister once and for all that he was a better firebender than her. I stayed where I was, anxiously watching the battle before me.
My hand clutched my necklace as I saw the duel continue. My heart pounded painfully as I feared something could go wrong. Azula was very unpredictable at the moment. She was also so twisted that I knew she wouldn't think twice about killing her brother if she was given the chance.
Azula suddenly shot fire at Zuko again, but this time her flames missed him completely and hit another piece of the plaza wall. Azula had no aim or control. She seemed to be just shooting blue fire in every direction. Another flame shot towards Zuko, who easily dodged the attack again and another area of the wall caught on fire.
"Azula has no control," Katara whispered.
I spoke, although my voice was weak with worry. "She's clearly lost her mind… she's gone into a state of insanity…"
"Guess being raised by a power hungry father does that to a person," Katara whispered. "Thank goodness Zuko stayed slightly sane." She said the last part as a joke. I did not smile at her humor though. I was too worried about the fight that was only growing by the second.
As Zuko and Azula continued to shoot fire at one another, I could indeed see that the comet was giving them both an increase in strength. Their blasts were larger and more powerful than any firebending I had seen in the past. The fire was hotter too, and Katara and I inched back further to get away from the heat.
Zuko punched his fists forward, releasing a powerful stream of fire. It collided with a stream of blue fire from Azula, and both of their attacks pushed against each other for a moment before Azula's slipped to his side. Zuko blasted his stream continuously, keeping Azula's fire from hitting him. However, the force from her blast caused his feet to slide back slightly. There was a mass amount of light from the fire, so it was hard to see everything, but I could tell Zuko had the upper hand. He was in control, and Azula was losing her strength by the minute. Her arms and legs were becoming less steady with each attack.
Their endless streams of fire stopped at last. Azula looked back at the palace plaza to see Zuko's attack had caused the front entrance of the palace to catch fire. She looked back at Zuko with fury and fear mixed on her expression. She hadn't expected Zuko to actually be able to beat her. She hadn't expected her brother would truly be more powerful than her.
"He's definitely one of the most powerful firebenders I've ever seen," Katara whispered from where we stood at a distance.
I gave a nod. "Yeah... He had a great teacher. As a kid, he always wanted to be a firebending master… he's finally gotten his wish."
Azula suddenly charged forward and leaped upward on a blast of fire, then she swung down at Zuko shooting another powerful stream of blue flames. Just before the attack hit him, Zuko spun his body in a circle and thrust his palms out to the sides, creating a wall of flames that split the blue fire in half, missing Zuko completely.
Azula stumbled for a moment as she went to attack again, and ended up crouching on the ground trying to catch her breath. I could see she was panting heavily, but I knew from the fury in her gaze she was not giving up. She grit her teeth and narrowed her eyes in determination. As she tried to collect herself, Zuko shot two immense fireballs towards Azula with both of his fists, and the separate streams formed together to create one massive fireball. Azula's eyes widened with fear as she saw the blast approaching. She used a jet of blue fire to dodge to the right, just narrowly avoiding the fireball. She started to thrust herself across the plaza by jets of fire from her hands and feet, and she shot two huge fire blasts towards Zuko.
Zuko placed his hands near the ground and shot a blast of his own fire, thrusting himself into the air to avoid Azula's first attack. While he was in the air, he spun around and swung his heel downward, creating an arc of flames that blocked the second attack. As Zuko dropped back to the ground, he swung his arms down at the same time, creating a blast of fire that divided Azula's new oncoming flames so her attack would not hit him. The fire he shot broke through the blue flames and headed straight towards Azula. She gasped and used a blast from her feet to jet to the right and avoid his attack.
Azula shot another blast of blue fire at Zuko and began to circle him with her jet stream pushing her along. Zuko created a sphere of fire around him to defend himself, and then started to shoot more fireballs at the crazed princess. Azula was still circling him and creating a blue ring of fire around him.
She was too fast for him to hit, and I started to fear that he would tire out soon. I moved forward in a panic, my heart pounding painfully in my chest. I stopped myself though, trying to calm down. I had only moved about three meters from Katara. It was so hard to restrain myself from running forward to help him.
To my relief, he finally figured out a strategy. He stopped shooting fire blasts at Azula with his hands, and instead crouched on the ground to spin and perform several sweeping kicks. A powerful ring of fire expanded outward from him, and the blast went Azula's way as she charged towards him on her hot blue jet. She was unable to dodge this time, and the fire hit her causing her to lose her balance.
She fell forward on the ground hard and rolled across the stone of the plaza floor, gasping in pain. She picked herself up with exhaustion, breathing heavily. Her hair had come undone from the messy topknot it had once been in, and she was full of anger and contempt, baring her teeth.
Zuko shouted out with confidence, "No lightning, today?! What's the matter?! Afraid I'll redirect it?!" He got into a stance, ready to do just that. He knew if she shot lightning and he redirected it towards her then the blast would be enough to defeat her.
Azula was in a panic, but her insanity had her filled with rage and determination. "OH, I'LL SHOW YOU LIGHTNING!"
She started to wave her hand around and pointed two fingers out. As her fingertips and arm started to spark with blue electricity, she stared at Zuko with determination. However, as she prepared to shoot the electric current towards Zuko who was ready to redirect the attack, her eyes darted towards me. She grinned and her fingers moved in my direction.
The blue flash of lightning shot towards me. Time seemed to slow. I heard Katara cry out my name from nearby... I heard my breathing as I stood frozen, not sure what to do… And I heard Zuko, shouting out in terror...
"CRYSTAL! NO!"
Time resumed as Zuko suddenly appeared in my path, and I watched with terror as he tried to catch the bolt. He wasn't fast enough. His fingers missed the strike, and I saw his body convulse as the current shot through him. He immediately fell to the ground, and curled up. I could see his body convulse more as the shocks ran through him.
My heart thudded painfully.
No… no…
It couldn't end like this. We had come too far. We had found each other again. We had survived so many obstacles. We had a future to live…
No… this wasn't happening...
My cry of agony came out, and my voice echoed across the plaza. "ZUKO!"
My mind took me back to the past. I thought back to everything that had happened between us. The love… the sacrifice… the pain… the joy…
No… it couldn't end this way. I couldn't lose him. I wouldn't lose him!
"NO!"
I raced forward to go to his aid. Azula cackled and threw fire towards my direction. Katara threw water at the crazed princess, knocking her back, while I threw water from my pouch to block the fire that was still coming my way and Zuko's. As Azula landed on her back hard from Katara's hit and was distracted, I darted through the steam created by my element and hers and reached Zuko who was groaning in pain.
"Urgh…" Zuko convulsed again as another shock raced through him. I dropped beside him on my knees, my eyes watering as I took in his state. His eyes opened only slightly as he laid on his side. "Crys…" He shut them again as his body surged with pain once more.
"Zuko! I'm here," I cried. Tears filled my eyes as I rolled him on his back. The terror rose when I saw the gash in his chest through the rip in his shirt. The wound was burned and bleeding. It was similar to the wound Aang had received and almost died from. His face grimaced and I heard his labored breathing. He was gravely wounded, and I knew my healing alone would not be enough. I was still only a novice healer. Katara… I needed Katara…
My eyes were blinded by tears, and my voice was cracked as I stared at the man I loved feeling helpless. "I'm here, love… Don't leave me. Please… Just hang on."
Katara came beside me suddenly. "Crys! Is he okay?"
I looked at her with pleading eyes. "No! He's wounded, Katara! Please help him! Heal him! Please! You're the best healer I know! I can't lose him!"
Katara shook her head. She glanced back at our opponent who was trying to get back to her feet. "I can't right now. I have to stop Azula. Otherwise we'll all die. I told Zuko I'd take over if he failed so you would be okay."
Her words meant nothing to me. Because as I stared at the teenage girl, who was cackling and returning to her unsteady feet, all I could think of was how much I hated the monster before me. My panic stopped as rage filled inside me.
I thought back to all of the pain and humiliation she had put me through: Her nails digging into my back when we first became fugitives in the Earth Kingdom; Her attack on Iroh at the ghost town which almost killed him; The burn she inflicted on me at Ba Sing Se; Her torture during my imprisonment at the Fire Nation Palace; her recent attempt to kill me with lightning, and the lack of remorse on her expression as her brother lay dying on the ground...
As I thought back to everything Azula had done to me, I knew I had to go against Zuko and my sister's desire. It was my turn to win something for a change. It was my turn for revenge.
"No, Katara," I spoke with firmness. I looked over at my sister with a fire building inside me. My heart pounded, sending my blood racing through me. "You heal Zuko." I grit my teeth and clenched my fists. "I'll handle this psychotic bitch once and for all!"
My sister was shocked. She met my gaze and could see the determination building within me. She narrowed her eyes, nodded, and pulled her water out. "You can do it, Crystal. You're the strongest fighter I know. You are, and have always been a powerful waterbender in my eyes."
"I'll win. She's not hurting anyone again," I promised. "I'll be sure of that."
"Show her what a Chief's daughter is made of, sis," Katara said. Her hand not bending the water grabbed my own, giving it a squeeze. "Zuko's in good hands."
I nodded, squeezing her hand back. "Thank you, Katara."
"You filthy peasants! Get away from Zuzu! He should see our family physician!" Azula screamed out in rage, having finally gotten back to her feet. I heard a blast come our way.
Standing quickly, I grabbed water from the long fountain stretched down the side of the plaza, and threw my hands towards her attack. Her fire and my water met in the middle causing steam to fill the air again from the collision. As this happened, I raced forward picking up more water from the fountain. She jumped through the steam, and swung her fist towards me sending an arc of flames. I shot my water up at the powerful blast, spreading the element out in my own arc to hit each part of her blast, causing the blue flames to dissipate.
She growled and shot another powerful burst towards me. I knew I had to get her away from Katara and Zuko before one of her blasts went their way. I quickly shot water that had fallen to the ground at her new attack to stop it, causing more steam to rise in the air. Then I took off towards the other side of the plaza, hoping Azula would pursue me.
She did.
As she screamed behind me, I looked back to see she was jetting towards me with a blast of fire from her feet. Grabbing water from the storm drains I saw in the distance, I shot a wall of ice in between us right as I passed the metal grate. She shot her hands forward, shooting a blast of hot flames to break a hole through my ice barrier. As she jumped through the opening, I grabbed more water from the drain below. As soon as she appeared on the other side, I shot a stream up at her stomach. She was hit hard and forced back. She smacked back against what remained of my ice wall, and fell to her knees with pain shooting across her expression.
Her pain satisfied me.
She breathed heavily, and her expression showed she was not happy with this turn of events. She had underestimated me. The adrenaline was pumping inside me, and this was bringing out my greatest strength.
She tried to get to her feet, shouting, "You fool! You really think you can beat me?! I am all powerful from the comet! You will lose, you filthy wench!"
I turned the ice behind her back into liquid, but Azula was on her feet again and managed to jump over the attack just as it went to hit her. The water came towards me, and I quickly spun it around my body as it returned. Then I shot it back at her again.
She dodged my vortex and shot an intense blast of blue flames my way. I quickly rushed behind a pillar knowing that I didn't have time to use water to block the attack, and fire shot by me on both sides. As I stayed behind the crackling pillar to avoid the blast, I waited for her fire to stop. When the last of the flames streamed past me, I jumped back out into the open and shot more water from the drain towards her in a powerful current.
This time she didn't stop my attack. She was tired from the long battle she had already endured. As I hit her in the chest, she flew back and rolled a few times. She laid on the ground for a moment, and then shakily tried to get back to her feet. Once she found her footing, she started to stalk towards me again with an unsteady walk.
Her face said it all. She was furious that a waterbender was beating her while Sozin's Comet still hovered in the air. She felt she should've been more powerful than me. However, she didn't realize just how motivated I was to win.
"I'm going to kill you," she yelled with fury. "Then I'll kill your sister. And then I'll kill your people! And Zuzu can die too, knowing he failed to protect his darling waterbender!"
She lunged another flame my way, but this one was weaker than the rest. I threw water from the drain up at her blue fire and smoke spread around us.
"No, Azula," I snapped through the haze. "No one's dying by your hands! You'll never hurt anyone again after today! And you'll pay for hurting Zuko!"
The smoke faded and I saw Azula was breathing heavily. Sweat covered her face. Her eyes were crazed. She spat, "Zuko is a fool for falling in love with someone as weak as you! You are the worst waterbender I've ever seen! Your skills are nothing compared to others! It's your weakness that makes me want to kill you more! You and Zuko will both die today, because you are too pathetic to save anyone!"
I grit my teeth. My fists tightened. My heart pounded in my ears. I knew what I had to do… and this time I would have no regrets. She had just insulted me and Zuko. She was going to feel my wrath. It was time to shut her up.
As a new strength built within me, I relaxed my rage and focused on my next move. Taking in a heavy breath, I let my pounding heart calm. Then I lifted my head. My lips turned up and a smirk formed on my face.
Azula was shocked by my smug expression. She narrowed her eyes at me, not liking that I was suddenly so confident. She wanted me to be afraid. I wasn't afraid anymore though. She was the weak one compared to me. And I was about to prove it to her.
"What's so amusing, wench?!"
I answered with resolve. "I may not be a waterbending master like my sister, but there is one thing I am good at…" My fists tightened. "I thought you would've learned just how dangerous I am the day Zuko came to save me from you and your father. Clearly you need a reminder! You messed with the wrong waterbender, Azula!"
She was weakened. Her body was tired. Despite the strength from the comet, I had managed to draw the last of her energy from her with my previous attacks. It was time to show her what a Chief's daughter was made of.
"I should've killed you the first time I saw you," she spat. "Today will be your last!"
She went to shoot another blast my way, but I didn't give her the chance. I shot my hands towards her and concentrated on the water and blood inside her. She gasped as her whole body went still. She was horrified as she lost control of her limbs. "Wha… what's happening?"
As much as I wasn't in favor of bloodbending, I hated Azula, and seeing her under my control filled me with delight. This time I would gladly use the skill that I often feared. It was time for this battle to end… It was time for the pain and violence to stop...
It was time to knock some sense into this psychotic princess once and for all.
She gasped as she found she couldn't move. Her arms were pinned to her sides, and her legs were immobile. "Wha… What are you doing to me?! Stop!" She was able to speak, but her voice was strained as she had a hard time moving her jaw. I kept my control on her, fire coursing through me as I finally was about to get some much overdue revenge. She asked with horror, "Ho… how are you doing this?"
Stepping closer to her, I spoke with a leveled tone. "There's one thing you need to understand about me, Azula... I love Zuko and my family more than anything. My strength does not come from years of training… it comes from my heart. The moment you hurt the man I love is the moment you see the true fighter I am."
I lifted her body slightly off the ground, and she gasped with terror. Her eyes were wide and her gaze stayed on me with fear. She hovered in the air about four feet from the stone below.
She cried out in a panic. Her fear satisfied me. She had plagued my nightmares for so long. It was time for me to plague hers. I wanted her to feel what I had felt. I wanted to give her a taste of her own medicine.
"You know," I spoke again. "I remember the first day I met you, Azula. You were as heartless then as you are now. I remember the pain you caused me then... The pain you caused me in Ba Sing Se... Not to mention the humiliation you put me through when I was brought to your father a few weeks ago... Every time you tried to break me with your cruelty and abuse, you only made me stronger. You thought you could tear me down, but I only became more determined to one day stop you. And after what you just did to my husband, I will make sure you pay!"
She gasped, terrified as I started to lift her body higher. I moved her towards a pillar, and pushed her back against the wood. My eyes stared into her terrified golden orbs as I kept control of every molecule in her body. Tears of relief fell down my cheeks as I felt myself finally winning for a change.
I moved her body further up the pillar. She was about ten feet off the ground now. She was crying. Even though I hated her, some part inside my heart did pity her. A very small part.
"You've truly lost everything, Azula… your family... friends… even your sanity. From the moment I met you I could see your mind was already far from this world. You are truly a sad sight to see... You're the weak one, Azula."
"No! Release me you freak!" She tried to move but couldn't. "Yo… you can't do this to me! I… I am the new Fire Lord! You can't kill me!" She started to sob.
I shoved her harder into the pillar, and I could see her wince in pain. As her body was pinned hard into the wood, she screamed in fear.
I spoke again with spite. "After what you just did to Zuko, it wouldn't make me lose any sleep at night to end you right now!"
I slowed the blood flow inside her. Her scream cut off as her heart slowed. The lack of circulation caused her breathing to become constricted. She looked at me with terror. She truly thought I was going to kill her. For a second, I honestly considered it. The world would probably be better off without her. She would no longer be a threat.
However, my heart told me it was not the right thing to do. I didn't have it in me to destroy another life. The killing and fighting had to end. I followed my heart, and my rage started to simmer.
My voice softened as my pounding heart slowed. I knew I had won, and this calmed me. "Don't worry, Azula… I won't kill you. I'm not a heartless savage like you and your father… " I stared at her eyes which were becoming unfocused as she started to lose consciousness from the lack of blood flow. "You're just going to take a little nap," I explained. "When you wake up, you'll be nice and comfortable inside a well guarded cell where you belong. Then maybe, after you've had some time to calm down, we'll find you a good physician to see if anything can be done about your mental health."
Tears fell down her face as she lost control. She knew she was defeated. I stopped her blood flow long enough for her consciousness to finally leave her. As her circulation was cut off, her eyes rolled back and she passed out. Her head slumped over. I released her body, and she fell to the ground crashing down on her back. She laid limp on the stone plaza floor, out cold. Walking over to her, I saw she was still breathing as her blood began to circulate again. I sighed with relief. I had been a little worried I did kill her. I didn't want to kill… no matter how much I hated her, I would not sink to her level...
Looking around, I found a chain that was hanging on one of the torches on a pillar nearby. Managing to drag Azula's body over to the drain, I quickly grabbed the chains and restrained her hands with it, locking her against the metal drain nice and tight. I also froze the chains to add some extra force in case she came to any time soon. I had a feeling she wouldn't wake up for a while, but I was done fighting for the day and didn't want to take chances.
Turning, I ran back across the plaza and saw Zuko was still laying on his back. However, he was conscious and already looking over at me with relief. Katara helped him sit up. She had healed him enough to renew some of his strength. The bleeding in the wound had stopped. There would be a scar, but Zuko would live.
He was alive… he was okay… the last of my adrenaline faded.
"Crystal…" Katara spoke. She moved from Zuko and gave me a hug, tears streaming down her face. "That was amazing. You were so strong… I'm so proud of you."
I sighed, relieved that both Zuko and Katara were okay. "Thank you, Katara… thank you for saving him."
"Of course," she whispered. "He's family."
"Crystal," Zuko spoke softly. "We talked about this… you being rash is going to give me gray hairs."
I pulled from Katara and looked over him with elation. His eyes met my own, and I could see he was relieved that I was okay. Leaving Katara's side, I moved over to Zuko grabbing his hand with tears streaming down my face. I wanted to hug him, but I was scared that would cause him pain.
My agony from before came out of me. "You idiot! I didn't give you permission to sacrifice yourself for me!"
He smiled, his eyes full of adoration. His free hand brushed a tear from my cheek. "Marriage is all about sacrifices, Crystal. I'll jump in front of anything that threatens to take you away from me."
I calmed down as I felt his touch. Then I placed my hand against his cheek, saying softly, "I… I was so worried… I thought I was going to lose you."
He smirked. "You can't get rid of me that easily. Plus, Katara is definitely an amazing healer. The pain is so much better. Glad we brought her."
Katara sighed. "You'll need another healing session tomorrow once you've rested though, Zuko."
He nodded, but didn't break his gaze from my own. He moved towards me, saying, "I saw you fight… you are truly an amazing waterbender, Crystal."
I sighed. "I didn't want to use bloodbending again, but I knew it was the best option. Her fire was still too powerful from the comet. It was the only way to stop her."
Katara spoke from behind me with reassurance. "I think in life threatening situations bloodbending can be an exception."
Zuko agreed. "She needed to be stopped. You beat her, Crystal. I'm so proud of you."
I shook my head. "We beat her, Zuko… together." I moved forward and pressed my lips against his. He kissed me back, his eyes shut as he felt relief.
Relief… I was so relieved. We had defeated Azula. The comet was fading away. Our battle was over.
I just prayed the others had succeeded as well.
