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The Duel of the Prodigies - Chapter One Hundred-Ten

The bomber hit the ice with a yelp when she found herself rolling further down the hillside on her ass.

While Azula and Zoe stood side by side with their palms held out before their shivering faces.

All the while as another chilling wind swept through the air.

Only for the two firebenders to turn to gaze over their shoulders in returning astonishment while they assessed their young friend's new power.

While Elle's construct of energy crackled as she panted behind it while the redhead's gloved fist impacted from above with her shield.

All the while as her two big sisters stood behind her in a state of shock.

While the princess and her captain gazed on with a mutually fascinated look in their widened eyes.

All while as Naoki stared down at the younger girl with ruthlessly emotionless brown eyes.

While her fist continued to push back against the construct as sparks of energy flared before her machinelike eyes.

All the while as the older girls stared at their friend in amazement.

"If you stand as my comrade then I will fight by your side. But if you are going to stand as my enemy…then stay out of my way." Naoki stated in a machinelike voice with her brown eyes staring chillingly through the sparking construct into Elle's defiant amber eyes.

"No! You get out of my way Naoki! You are the one trying tell me what to do! I'm going back home and you can't stop me!" Elle shouted in a highly emboldened voice as sweat dripped down her forehead while she stared up into the redhead's eerie brown eyes.

While the highborn women gazed on with fixated expressions in their eyes as they marveled over their young friend's growth.

All the while as the princess found herself smiling down at the younger girl in prideful approval.

Only for her golden eyes start to widen a fraction in concern when she saw the construct start to waver under the girl's gloved fist.

While the captain stared on with widened golden eyes as she clutched her katana as the young warrior began to force her way through.

All the while as Mai and Ty Lee stood supportively behind the teenager as they gazed on with increasingly widened eyes.

While Katsu coughed up snow as she pushed herself up from the ice as she stared on with widening golden eyes.

All the while as the small girl gazed back out from behind her new weapon with her innocent eyes rapidly widening in alarm.

"Give up Elle!" Katsu called out with a grimace forming on her features while the shield began to crack under the redhead's fist.

And not a second after that the supersoldier's fist plunged straight through the shield while Team Azula's mouths fell open in shock.

All the while as a terrifying scarlet blur now dropped down above the frightened teenager through the shattered shield!

It was just unthinkable that the Component was capable of taking on even the likes of the Avatar Cycle and yet this girl was still somehow able to break through!

"I said. Get out of my way." The assassin spoke in a compassionless voice as she mercilessly slammed her fist into the smaller girl's belly.

And that was all it took for Elle's inexperienced amber eyes to enlarge in indescribable as she fell forward on the older girl's fist.

And the teenager's aura of Component energy dissipated just as soon as she took the savage blow to the belly.

All the while as a pained scream now echoed horrifically over the frigid arctic battlefield.

While all of Team Azula now stared on with absolute outrage in their eyes as they sprung forward to help their friend.

Only to find themselves gazing on in disbelief when the girl sped through the snow with horrifying speed right past the enraged Ty Lee and Mai before they could even finish making their move to attack her.

All the while as Naoki slid down the slope with Elle collapsing onto her gloved fist as spit flew from the girl's mouth and into the frozen air.

And then seconds later she skidded to a sudden stop while Elle cried out in pain as she flew hard off her fist.

And right into the painfully cold air while the four older girls watched with a newfound murderous rage in their widened eyes.

While the sound of Elle's howls soon split over the horizon as she painfully rolled down the hillside.

Until she rolled to a stop with her hands clutching her pained belly while her cries pulled at the chords of her friends' hearts.

All the while as they stared on in shock to see that the handmaid's Component State had been effectively rendered null in the wake of the redhead's brutal blow!

"M-my belly…it…it hurt so…b-bad!" The handmaid moaned with her wide amber eyes tearing up while she knelt cradling her belly.

"I told you that I was pulling my punches Elle. While your power is undeniably impressive…as you are right now you are no match for me. Until then…it is pointless for you to try and oppose me." Naoki commented in a casually cold voice with an unsettling smile on her lips while Elle shook in a ball in the snow.

"Elle!" Ty Lee yelled in a furious voice as she bounded down the hillside with her fists clenched at her hips while she glowered down at the redhead.

"This kid…I have had enough of her! She's really pissing me off!" Mai exclaimed with her blades gripped in her fist as she glared icily at the redhead as she slid down the slope.

All the while as the princess skidded vengefully down the ice with her callous golden eyes practically bulging out of her eye sockets in wrath.

'Does this mean that the Component can be shattered with enough physical force?' Azula thought with her burning golden eyes assessing her girlfriend's condition as she snarled while diving down the hill.

If so then that meant that the rebel army could do the same!

That meant that regardless of how mighty the power is that there was no way that she could risk sending the girl to the battlefield by herself without backup!

While the captain sprang down after her with her battle-focused golden eyes never leaving the young assassin as she stared down at wailing blonde with a pitiless gaze.

All the while as the smaller girl tried desperately to push herself up from the ice only to collapse into the snow.

"I suggest you stay down…while the blow I dealt you is not fatal you will be in considerable pain for some time until the impact wears off." The assassin remarked in an expressionless voice as her red hair blew in the wind behind her.

While she her brown eyes still stared down at the little blonde's pain-stricken face.

'I gave you ample chances to choose to come with me without violence. You are the one who made it come to this…. Elle.' Naoki thought as she began to turn away from the curled-up girl while she listened to the sound of four pairs of feet sliding down the ice.

All the while as she gazed out of the corner of her emotionless eye back at Katsu's conflicted face.

While the berserker growled as she clenched her fists over the ice but nonetheless turned her feral gaze back to the enraged princess.

And not a moment after that the furious acrobat dropped down behind the assassin as she made an unusually ruthless swing at the younger girl's back.

Only for her brown-gray eyes to widen in shock when the redhead swiftly leaped out of the way of her swing.

All the while as Azula, Zoe and Mai stared on with astonishment in their eyes as they watched earthen material form on the supersoldier's gloved fists.

And before they had a chance to react the redhead swung her fist into the acrobat's belly.

While spit now flew from Ty Lee's stunned mouth as she backpedaled on her feet only for another blow to rapidly connect with her chest.

Which was followed up by a third brutal strike to the older female's gut while the three other Fire Nation women observed in shock.

All the while as the sound of numerous blurring punches resonated into the air as they connected with the noblewoman's brutalized body.

And then the prodigy delivered a shattering kick that sent the acrobat soaring backwards with her braided hair swinging in front of her humiliated eyes.

While Elle watched from her position on their ice with her agonized amber eyes agape in worry for her big sister.

"T-Ty Lee!" Elle coughed as she shivered in her coat on the ice while her friends stared on in disbelief.

And then the noble landed on her ass in the snow as she cradled her belly with her entire face grimacing in stinging pain.

Only for a boot to stomp down on her chest while she glared angrily up at the redhead's strikingly cold face.

While unfeeling brown eyes gazed back down at her.

"Now you know your place in this world rich girl. I was engineered to be the best and this is the result of what happens when you think that you can cut off my energy flow so easily." The assassin stated with her emotionless brown eyes staring tauntingly back down at the older female's glaring face.

While the acrobat angrily wiped blood of her split lip as she balled up her fists in the snow.

All the while as the princess scowled with a begrudgingly impressed gleam in her harsh golden eyes.

"This girl is no lightweight. They truly managed to create a near perfect soldier…I suppose the only flaw is that they failed to account for how they would control her." Zoe commented in a stony voice with her golden eyes staring back at the redhead's emotionless face.

"Obviously Zoe." The princess snapped under her breath with fire spewing from her pissed off nostrils.

While Mai stared on with hair blowing before her stunned tawny eyes as she quickly run forward to assist her two friends.

Only to find herself halting in her tracks when she turned to her adopted sister in shock to see her chi was starting to flare back to life.

All the while as Azula and Zoe turned to gaze back at the young girl with taken aback expressions in their eyes.

While Elle fought to pull herself to her feet as she stared back at the redhead with uncharacteristic anger in her amber eyes.

Just as Naoki turned to glance back in her direction with faintly widened brown eyes as she studied the petite girl closely.

While Katsu watched from above with renewed surprise in her eyes as her worried gaze swept about below.

"Get off my big sister! Or I'll make you sorry Naoki!" The handmaid hollered in a protective voice while her friends gazed back at her in amazement.

While the acrobat lay on her back with her brown-gray eyes expressing a sentimental emotion.

"Little sister…" The acrobat whispered with love in her voice as a slight smiled pulled at her lips.

"And what if I refuse? What will you do Elle? Give me another lecture on peace?" Naoki countered in a mechanical voice as she ground her boot in the acrobat's pained chest for emphasis.

While Ty Lee shuddered as she was ground into the snow all the while as Naoki smiled eerily over her.

The most terrifying thing about the girl was how the girl behaved even more ruthlessly than even Azula and Zoe.

The girl didn't think twice about going out of her way to kill her opponents in as gruesome manner possible!

All the while as the three other Fire Nation women glanced back and forth with uncertainty in their eyes.

Unsure if they should intervene or the teenager surprise them yet again with another show of her mysterious power.

Only for their eyes to widen once more as they observed the small girl growl with her mitten covered hands clenched in anger.

"I said get off Ty Lee! Now!" Elle yelled out with conviction in her voice as her body glowed with chi once more while the acrobat stared on in awe.

And then the highborn women watched with concern in their eyes when the girl started to half-run and half-stumble towards the emotionless redhead.

Just as Elle roared as she threw her mitten clad fist forward while another small construct formed before her gloved fingers.

And not a second later she threw it towards the supersoldier while her friends gazed on with widened looks in their eyes.

All the while as Naoki stared back with piercing brown eyes as she watched the chi fly towards her.

Only for Elle's angered amber eyes to widen when it dissipated before it even hit the redhead.

While the teenager now panted for air as she fell down to her pained knees.

As Ty Lee gazed back at the younger girl with an expression of gratitude in her tender eyes.

While Azula let out a sigh as she removed her fist from her hip as she glared back at the younger prodigy's smiling face.

All the while as Naoki now laughed softly as Elle glared back at her from where she panted in the snow.

"It would seem as if you used up all your day's energy Elle. In the future I recommend you learn to not be so emotional." The assassin spoke in a chilling voice with her hair whipping about in the winds while the older girls glared back at her.

All the while as her childhood friend slumped into the snow with humiliation in her exhausted amber eyes.

Just as the prodigy removed her boot from the acrobat's chest as the older female still scowled up at her.

"But…as a token of my appreciation for your efforts. You can have your beloved 'big sister' back…catch." Naoki announced in a heartless voice as her foot impacted with the noblewoman's back while Ty Lee howled in pain.

And then Elle gazed on with emotional amber eyes as Ty Lee flew into the air towards her.

While the other three highborn women stared back at the redhead with their patience long past pushed to their limits.

All the while as Mai scowled back at Naoki in disgust.

Only for Ty Lee to gracefully right her course as she managed to land in a pained crouch beside the smaller girl.

While the noblewoman turned to smile over her shoulder at the younger girl's emotionally loyal face.

Just before she threw her arm around the teenager's shoulder while she hugged her into her side.

"Thank you…Elle. I won't forget that little sister." Ty Lee assured in a sisterly voice as Elle blushed under her arm.

"O-oneesan." The handmaid mumbled while she still gazed warily back at the redhead's frighteningly emotionless face.

Only for the two girls to turn around when their three companions jumped down in front of them.

While Mai landed in front of the two injured girls as she cast a cold glare in Naoki's direction.

All the while as Azula and Zoe dropped down in the front with their imposing eyes also glaring back at the unfeeling girl.

Just before the mighty princess turned to gaze over her armored shoulder and back down at her serving girl's sensitive face.

"You fought well Elle. Now leave the rest to me." Azula declared in a strict voice with her arms folded over her armored breasts.

While Mai and Zoe nodded their determined heads in agreement.

All the while as the small girl's heart raced as she found herself swelling with pride over having earned her master's praise.

"Y-yes Azula-sama. As you say…" Elle stammered in a worn-out voice as she held a tired hand over her chest while Ty Lee still held an arm over her shoulder as they shivered together in the snow.

While the princess narrowed her golden eyes into a tyrannically merciless glare as she stared balefully back at the younger prodigy's smiling face.

All the while as she entrenched her boots in the ice with her dangerous golden glare never leaving the girl's grating face.

While Zoe and Mai readied themselves in combat stances with their weapons held out before their faces as they glared back at the girl.

Only for the shout of the berserker to ring out into the air as the trio glanced over their shoulders with widened eyes.

All the while as the bomber sprinted at them as her boots tore through the snow with her body once again emitting a lethal green glow!

And not a second after that lightning started to churn ominously at the princess's furious fingertips.

While her beautiful lips pursed into an absolutely enraged regal glower.

"No more leniency for you girl! You made your bed! Now perish in the wake of my lightning!" The princess boomed in a frightening voice while her companions shuddered as they watched her closely.

And then she hurled the lightning bolt into the air while her murderous golden eyes gazed up as it flew towards her target.

"Bakudan!" The bomber called out in a rampaging voice as she charged right towards the lightning bolt with her pony tail flapping about in the wind behind her.

While the blinding light of the rapid energy sparked before her excited golden eyes.

All the while as the princess and her comrades gazed up from below in disbelief when it looked as if the girl wasn't even going to try to dodge.

While Naoki gazed up from below with her ruthless brown eyes widening in incredulity over her comrade's idiocy.

While Elle's gentle eyes grew wide with worry for the older girl's life as the lightning closed in on the supersoldier before she could even so much as shout out the girl's name.

It all happened in the span of mere seconds.

But to her…it almost felt as if she was frozen in time.

The last thing she wanted to see was for one of her friends from one group to kill the other!

And just when she thought the unthinkable was about to happen a voice urgently cut into the air.

"What are you doing Katsu! Get out of the way! That lightning is going to kill you!" The assassin yelled in a glacial voice while the bomber's golden eyes widened in recognition.

And then just before the lightning bolt connected with the girl she jumped out of the way of its trajectory.

All the while as the lightning exploded into the ice hill above while Team Azula now gazed back at Naoki in shock.

Their shock wasn't just from how the redhead had to tell her comrade to evade the princess's lightning.

But also, because that was the first time that they had seen the girl so much as even raise her voice in the slightest since they met her.

Chunks of ice now rained down the hillside from above while the five girls from Team Azula now glanced back up at the naïve bomber in disbelief.

While the combustionbender now blinked as she stared blankly up at the massive gaping hole in the ice that had been created from the princess's assault.

All the while as Naoki just stared up at her comrade with her merciless brown eyes expressing great disapproval.

While the princess gazed up with callous golden eyes as her smoking fingers lowered back down to her womanly hip.

All the while as she found herself uncertain of what disappointed her more.

That the girl survived her attack.

Or that she was stupid enough to run right into a bolt of lightning!

"You can't be serious…she really wasn't going to try to dodge that?" The markswoman asked in a disbelieving voice while she gazed up at the clueless girl.

"It would appear not." The captain stated in an equally baffled voice while she gazed between the two girls.

It was apparent that despite Katsu's high durability and abnormal output of chi that Naoki was the more dangerous of the duo.

"I…I thought I could run through it like the fire." Katsu commented in a puzzled voice while the others gazed on incredulously from their positions on the battlefield.

All the while as the princess now held her palm over her face as she groaned under her breath.

"Fool. You almost died. If there was even a small semblance of intelligence in that brainless head of yours you would have realized that you could not." Naoki stated in an emotionless voice with her expressionless eyes staring up at the other girl's confused face.

"Huh? Semblance?" The bomber replied in a dense voice while the princess cast her a disbelieving stare.

"Never mind. Resume your previous position Katsu. I will handle the direct combat from here on out." The assassin spoke in a sanguine voice with her gloved hand resting on her right hip.

While the Fire Nation women stared back at the redhead in astonishment over her claim that she would take them all on at once.

"B-but I wanted to blow the princess up with pretty green fireworks…" The bomber protested in a hopeful voice as while the princess glared up at her with cold golden eyes.

All the while as the three noblewomen listened in bewilderment.

And the small blonde could only stare at her princess's tall armored back with a lovable look of horror in her amber eyes.

"I-I won't allow anyone to do that to Azula-sama! She's too gorgeous to get blown up!" The handmaid cried out in a devoted voice while her companions listened in amusement.

All the while as the princess held her head high with her lips curving in a gratified smirk once more as she gazed back at her pet in approval.

"It will be okay Elle. No one is going to blow Azula up." The acrobat consoled in a loving voice with her arm wrapped around the smaller girl's shivering shoulder.

While the bomber still gazed back down with wild golden eyes that were locked on Azula's imposing countenance.

And then she moved to slide down the slope while Team Azula watched her warily.

Only to find herself freezing up when her leader's frigid gaze landed on her.

"Are you defying me Katsu? Are you really going to make me come up there? Because I don't need an energy collar to make you fall in line." Naoki remarked in a voice of effortless poise while the bomber instantly halted in her tracks.

And just like that the berserker was now as still as a statue while the highborn women stared up in disbelief.

"No! There's…there's no need to for that Naoki. I'll…I'll resume my prior position." Katsu responded with clear intimidation in her voice as she backed down while the team listened in astonishment.

While Elle gulped from where she sat in the snow while Naoki turned back to gaze there way with her usual haunting smile.

All the while as Azula let out a derisive sound of disgust over watching such a firebender take orders from an earthbender.

"And you call yourself a firebender." Azula scoffed in a haughty voice as she turned her cruel gaze back to her young opponent.

All the while as Mai and Zoe stood on guard beside her while Elle and Ty Lee remained crouched on the ice.

While another freezing wind blew through the air as all five of them shivered in the biting winds.

Even the two mighty firebenders found that they were unable to ignore the arctic climate.

All the while as Naoki stood with her scarlet hair swaying in the wind with her brown eyes staring intently back at them.

'We can't do this for much longer. Even Azula and Zoe will eventually succumb to the cold if they continue to fight like this.' Mai thought with her tawny eyes glaring back at Naoki's face as the girl clenched a gloved fist before her smiling face.

"You can't truly believe that you can take us on all at once…can you?" Zoe inquired with a curious tilt of her head while her ruler glared back at the girl.

Only for the princess's scowl to deepen when the young prodigy released a soft laugh.

While her gloved fingers extended out before her confidently smiling face.

And then she began to stretch her legs while her feet stamped on the frozen ground.

All the while as her boots began to blur while the older girls stared on in amazement.

While the acrobat shivered from where she knelt on the ice both from the brutal climate and from a growing fear of the emotionless void in Naoki's eyes.

"I really have to hand it to you aristocrats. You rich girls are something else. This is the first time that I have ever had to put this much effort into a battle. Everyone else that I fought before now died squealing like a pig after my first strike. And yet…you're all still alive. It's impressive!" The assassin admitted in an eager voice as she hopped on one foot while she smiled back at her opponents taken aback faces.

All the while as Ty Lee shuddered once more with Elle shivering under her arm.

While Mai stared on with a monotone gaze in her tawny eyes.

And Zoe allowed a small smile to form on her stoic lips.

While Azula smirked proudly with her arms crossed over her armored breasts as she watched the girl stand back up on both feet.

"It pleases me that you begin to see me for the mighty conqueror that I am. And I suppose that you aren't half bad yourself…peasant." The princess purred in a hubristic voice with her lips adorning a confident smirk while the young assassin smiled back at her.

While she arched an elegant brow when she girl lowered her hand to her thick white sash.

"You are all worthy to fight…and worthy to die. Which is why I am going to do something for you that I have never done for any other opponent." Naoki stated with her hand falling to her sash while she began to untie the knot.

All the while as the Fire Nation women stared on with a puzzled expression in their amber eyes.

While the bomber watched from above with her lips parting in an expression of surprise as she observed her comrade as she untied her sash.

"I hadn't planned on taking these off until I fought Sayomi and Strados…" The assassin trailed off as the sash came undone from her waist while she held it in her fist.

All while as the older girls and their young friend stared on with confusion in their eyes.

And before they could get a chance to ask the girl what she meant by her statement.

They watched the redhead toss the thick sash over her shoulder.

Crack!

The sound of a heavy thud resounded into the air when the sash hit the ice as the ice cracked beneath its weight.

While Team Azula stared on with their eyes as wide as can be in disbelief as they stared down at the cracked ice in shock.

All the while as Azula and Zoe now gazed on with their eyes agape in astonishment as their opponent smiled knowingly back at them.

"That…that's a training weight!" The captain exclaimed in a taken aback voice while her comrades stared on in marvelment beside her.

'She's…. been wearing weights all this time?' Azula thought with a look of incredulity overcoming her stony eyes while the girl raised a hand to her heavy white scarf.

While she gazed on with a grudgingly impressed expression in her widened golden eyes.

Only for the scarf to get thrown to the ground not a moment later.

And just like that the ice cracked once more beneath the weight of the dense scarf while the older girls took a step back in their shock.

While Naoki's lips still adorned a chilling smile as she stared back at her disbelieving opponents with her red hair being blow about in the harsh winds.

"No…way." The markswoman breathed with her knives under her sleeves as her jaw dropped in a rare show of surprise.

"W-woah. S-so that's why she felt heavier when I was carrying her." Elle stammered in a nervous voice with Ty Lee gaping on in awe from over her shoulder.

While the two firebenders stood with their mouths ajar in fascination as they stared back at their young opponent.

"The…scarf came off! She only takes that off when she's serious!" The bomber called out in an excited voice while Team Azula still stood silent in shock.

"Now I will honor you by fighting you with my unrestricted speed." Naoki announced in an utterly devilish voice as she held her head up while she enjoyed the look of disbelief that flashed before her opponent's eyes.

While the Fire Nation women could only gaze on with incredulous looks in their widened eyes.

All the while as Mai, Ty Lee and Elle now stared on in aghast horror.

"Unrestricted speed? You mean to tell me that you were holding back all this time?" The princess snarled with fire spewing from her constricting nostrils while her hand fell to her sheathed sword.

"Of course. Did you think that I was going to use my full power against Elle? I want her alive…not dismembered." The assassin answered as she raised her gloved fingers to the collar of her long-sleeved shirt.

While the petite girl quivered as she swallowed in fear after hearing the older girl's blunt words.

While her highborn friends frowned back at the supersoldier.

Yet at the same time they were oddly relieved that the girl showed their sensitive friend an odd gesture of compassion.

"Then in turn…we shall also honor you by not holding back." Zoe stated with recognition in her stoic voice while she stood ready to fight beside her leader.

"Do you want to know the difference between me and you Azula? Watch closely and I will show you." Naoki questioned in a calm voice while Azula glared back at her with imposing golden eyes.

Only for the princess to watch with a curious sense of intrigue in her ruthless eyes while she observed the redhead slide her arms out of her white long-sleeved shirt.

Before her mouth opened up in shock once more when the girl pulled the shirt over her head.

And then she tossed the balled-up shirt to the ice below where it landed beside the two training weights.

All the while as the highborn women stared on in astoundment while they gazed back at the redhead's body.

The supersoldier now stood to her full height with her fine red vest swaying rapidly in the frozen winds.

While she never once even flinched from the chilling air as it stung against her skin.

All the while as her arms now hung mostly bared at her sides as she stared back at her astonished foes.

While the four older girls took in numerous scars that showed beneath the redhead's vest.

And then their gazes shifted to the black numbered tattoo in English print on the young assassin's right bicep.

It was something that Azula, Mai and Ty Lee could make out thanks to the time that they spent reading their young friend's foreign writings.

The girl had a crossed-out tattoo on her arm that said number three.

And written over it was a new tattoo that said number one!

The only one unable to read the numbering was Zoe but the warrior understood the meaning of the message clearly.

"Naoki…" The handmaid trailed off in a saddened voice once more while the redhead stood emotionless with the wind biting at her bare arms.

"This is not a game to me Azula. This is a way of life. It's something that you spoiled aristocrats would never comprehend. Go back to your lush palace and lap in decadence. We're going to Elysium and you're not…. because you haven't earned the right to be there." The assassin disparaged in a voice that was as cold as the arctic winds while the princess's golden eyes now boiled in rage.

While Ty Lee and Mai fell silent behind their angered leader.

All the while as Elle grasped at the sleeves of her coat as she bit her lip in rising nervousness.

"How dare you…speak to me about rights. My right is a divine right to rule…forged in the flames of Agni and centuries of conquest. I am the descendent of thousands of years of a distinguished royal lineage and you…are nothing more than an escaped slave. I am more deserving of this power and any other than you will ever be." Azula hissed in a voice of boundless pride as she stood tall with her intimidating eyes glaring ruthlessly through the girl's emotionless face.

While the two noblewomen sighed behind their friend over how big her ego has become.

"To the contrary…I understand perfectly young warrior." The captain assured in a more respectful voice while her ruler gazed at her icily through the corner of her eye.

Only for Naoki to laugh softly once more while Azula's golden eyes burned with the infernos of war.

"No princess…no you are not. But at any rate it won't matter soon enough because I am going to pierce your heart soon enough." Naoki retorted as she began to tap her foot on the ground while Azula glowered back at her.

While Elle's warm eyes brewed with worry for her master's well being as she stared at her armored back.

"I…I believe in you Azula-sama." The handmaid murmured as the acrobat smiled softly beside her.

While the imposing princess turned to glance back at her with callous golden eyes as she swelled in pride under her master's powerful golden gaze.

Before the princess turned her glacial attention back to her young opponent.

While she watched sternly as the younger prodigy set her gloved palm on the hilt of her sheathed sword.

"If it is divinity that you desire princess…then I will show you divinity…with the power of my technique." The assassin declared as she sunk into a dangerous crouch with her gloved hands in flawless formation over her sword.

While the princess watched with brilliant golden eyes as she glared back at her young foe.

All the while as the three noblewomen remained silent with their eyes never leaving the lethal young warrior's face.

While the small girl sat loyally behind her princess as she clasped her hands together with her amber eyes expressing limitless faith in the older woman.

"You a slave…show me divinity?" The princess mocked with a pompous edge to her ruthless voice while the assassin smiled sanguinely back at her.

"I was originally saving this technique for when I fight Sayomi and Strados respectively. Would you like to hear the name?" Naoki remarked in a smooth voice as she stood with her legs bent while Azula rolled her golden eyes.

"Just spit it out already girl." Azula snorted in a stern voice while she closely eyed the girl's posture.

All the while as she once again found herself recalling words that the old woman spoke to her about that name.

Sayomi.

A hero from a faraway land may be able to help guide the way. If you and your friends can form an alliance with this one then your cause will grow stronger.

While a flicker of intrigue to learn more about the mysterious woman flashed before her conquering eyes.

'This woman must be another renowned warrior. Perhaps…another bender?' The princess thought with a contemplative gleam in her undaunted golden eyes.

While she made a mental note that the first thing that she would do once she launched a more thorough expedition into this new world was find and recruit this 'hero' into her service.

"It's my assassination technique. I like to call it…Divine Flash Kill. It is a sword strike with speed so fast that most human eyes are unable to detect. It is the highest honor that I have to give and you should all feel flattered to die by it." The assassin explained in a nonchalant voice with a terrifying smile on her lips while her foes listened in astonishment.

And then she dropped into a lower crouch with her booted feet entrenching into the ice.

While Elle swallowed in fright as she clenched her fists in worry for her friend's safety on both sides.

While Ty Lee gazed on worriedly with her arm around her little sister's back.

All the while as Mai warily stared back at the redhead's feet with a flicker of fear that she rarely showed for anyone but Azula.

While Zoe and Azula both exchanged an amazed glance through the corners of their eyes.

All the while as the two powerful firebenders prepared themselves for the final round of combat.

"Immortality by the sword…now that is indeed a high honor." Zoe spoke as she drew her katana while a smirk formed on her eager lips.

Needless to say, that it was a sentiment that was unshared by Mai and Ty Lee both who would by all means prefer to stay alive.

"Please…. don't get ahead of yourself commoner. My eyes are by no means average." Azula spoke in a voice of endless voice as she held herself in a firebending stance.

All the while as a regal smile graced her proud lips as she stared intently back at her smiling opponent.

"Here I go…are you ready?" Naoki called out with a lethal smile on her features as she slid her feet sideways on the ice.

And then before any of the highborn women knew what was happening, she broke out into a high velocity run.

All the while as the Fire Nation women stared on in a shocked silence as they watched the girl rapidly gain momentum.

And then they heard the ice start to burst beneath the girl's blurring feet!

While even Azula and Zoe gaped on with absolute disbelief in their astonished eyes.

And then they all spun around as they gazed through the frigid air when the girl almost seemed to vanish before their eyes!

Only for Azula, Zoe, Ty Lee and Elle to quickly turn to Mai when they heard the weapons expert shout in alarm.

While they watched with widened eyes as Naoki connected with Mai's knives while the noblewoman gazed up with shock in her tawny eyes.

"Impressive! But that isn't anywhere near good enough noble!" The assassin exclaimed as she leaped backwards while she evaded a strike to her throat.

And then Mai jumped back while she scowled as she stared back with stunned eyes when the girl departed in yet another lethal flicker!

"Mai!" Elle shouted with sisterly worry in her voice while Ty Lee stared on in a petrified state beside her.

While the two firebenders jumped closer to their companion as they all reeled around to glare through the icy winds.

Only the warrior to throw her body into the markswoman's when she caught the barest hint of a blurring blade.

While Mai's eyes were wide in disbelief as she was tackled to the ground by Zoe.

All the while as the weapons expert gazed over her shoulder in fright to see the girl making a dangerous pass over the ground that she had just been standing on!

While Azula stared over her shoulder with utterly astonished golden eyes.

All the while as the two noblewomen briefly gazed back into each other's eyes as Mai understood the meaning behind the silent message.

It was Zoe's way of stating that she was now in her debt.

The noblewoman could only scowl before she quickly such thoughts aside in favor of being glad that she was alive.

All the while finding herself feeling even more ashamed than before for her previous attempt to assassinate the captain.

"Look out! And whatever you do don't stop moving! This girl is death on two feet!" The captain shouted to her compatriots' while they listened in shock to the sound of ice shattering all around them.

"What…what a demon! How can she move this fast!" The markswoman yelled out in disbelief as she leaped back onto her feet beside the captain.

While all three of the highborn women continued to spun around as they caught momentary glimpses of a flashing scarlet blur!

All the while as Elle's amber eyes shook with horror as she tried in vain to follow the prodigy's movements.

Naoki could have killed her at any point in their battle if she had truly wanted to!

Now she saw why the governments of the world were so desperate to get their hands-on Naoki!

Whoever gains her allegiance will gain a massive advantage over every other side!

Only for the princess to rapidly spin around with her sword now sparking with blue fire.

While the princess and the assassin now clashed blades as the redhead smiled up into the princess's imperious golden gaze.

All the while as the others watched from the sidelines in amazement as their leader pushed back on the shorter girl's blade.

"Of course, I am. After all…I am the fastest human alive. Nobody can compete with my speed." Naoki boasted as she gazed up into Azula's ruthless golden eyes while the taller female snarled over her.

While all of Team Azula stared on in as state of shock to hear the girl proclaim herself the fastest human alive!

And the truly terrifying thing was that they didn't doubt her boast!

"It will take more than speed to defeat me girl." The princess snarled in a ferocious voice as she threw all of her weight into her sword.

While the redhead's feet began to slide back on the icy ground.

All the while as their auras began to glow as they exchanged in a rapid series of blows with their swords.

While the heat from the searing blue flames burned brightly in the assassin's face as she still smiled all the while.

And not a second later the princess's body began to burn with brilliantly over her armored form.

All the while as her companions gazed on wide eyed in awe!

And then the princess released a howl as she slammed her blade into the redhead's once more.

Before she swung her boot at the girl's belly only for the young assassin to leap away in yet another rapid flash.

While Azula now exhaled air before her heated face as she tried not to let her exhaustion show.

All the while as she spun in a circle in search of her deadly target.

Only for her frigid eyes to widen ever so marginally as she sidestepped when a burst of scarlet tore through the snow to her left.

While she watched with astonishment in her eyes as Naoki landed opposite from her in a crouch with her back turned to her.

All the while as even Zoe gazed on with a profoundly impressed expression in her eyes.

And the two other noblewomen and their little sister still gaped in with wonder from their respective positions.

While Katsu watched from above on the slope with her golden eyes paying close attention to the action below.

All the while as Naoki stood up with her smiling lips glancing over her shoulder at Azula's blue fire covered face.

"You're still alive I see. Not many people can survive past the first few strikes. I commend you…but sooner or later I will impale you princess." The assassin commented in a scarily relaxed voice as the princess glared monstrously back at her.

All the while as the tension in the air grew by a hundred-fold as the princess's intense flames melted the ice beneath her booted foot.

While the princess struggled to keep her flames burning in the frigid arctic weather.

And then just like that the assassin vanished in yet another frightening burst of speed.

All the while as Azula continued to turn in a circle with her ruthless golden eyes trying to follow every blur.

'How many movements was that? Six? Seven? Eight? Damn this girl! I have never seen anyone with such speed before!' Azula thought with her vigilant eyes spinning about while she glared on murderously.

"T-this is insane! My eyes hurt from trying to follow her movements!" Ty Lee exclaimed in a stunned voice as she swallowed while she held her worried little sister under her arm.

"Azula-sama!" Elle cried out with her fists gripped at her hips while she watched her girlfriend spin in a guarded circle.

"She's…so fast! She doesn't give the princess even the slightest moment to relax!" Zoe called out in a marveled voice from where she stood by the astonished Mai.

"Diminished Earth…" Mai muttered with blood dripping from her shoulder as she gazed on in fascination.

And then seconds after that they all watched in shock when Naoki impacted with Azula's sword once more!

While the princess leaped away with her flames still melting the snow beneath her booted feet as glared on with conquering golden eyes.

All the while as she gazed out of the corner of her ruthless eye when she cold sweat dripping down her cheek.

And then a drop of liquid dropped to the melting ice below as she gazed down with widened eyes to see that the girl had managed to clip the flesh on her left arm!

"Princess!" The handmaid sputtered in a fraught voice while her mighty princess stood exhaling a controlled volume of air while her flames burned over her entire body.

While the acrobat clenched her fist at her hip as she silently hoped that her friend would be okay.

All the while as Naoki smiled dangerously back at Azula's enraged face as the older girl glared her down.

Just before the mighty woman pursed her lips in a wrathful snarl as she stood tall with her merciless eyes meeting the redhead's emotionless gaze.

True to her earlier assessments she was unable to detect any emotion at all in the girl's eyes.

It was almost as if…she was more machine than human!

"Let's go peasant." The princess growled as she imposingly stomped forward with her feet running across the ice.

While she focused every ounce of her chi into keeping her cloak afire as she roared while she swung her sword in the air.

And just then the redhead clashed with her blade while she glared back into the girl's unfeeling brown eyes.

All the while as the others gazed on in a stunned state as they watched the two swordswomen exchange a flurry of swings.

And then the princess let out a bellow as she forced all of her superior weight into her blade once more!

While the lighter combatant slid back under the older female's greater body mass.

All the while as the teenager agilely leaped away onto her booted feet.

And then not an instant later she vanished in another blinding blur!

'Now I understand what the princess is doing…she is using her flames as a shield to force the girl to keep her distance!' The captain thought as she watched with great reverence in her eyes.

Just before the two connected in yet another devastating clash while their respective auras flared mightily over the frozen battlefield.

While the heat from Azula's azure flames burned oppressively in Naoki's machinelike face.

All the while as the emotionless girl stared back up at the princess as they endured another flurried clash of blows.

Just before they locked blades once again while the two combatants stared defiantly back in each other's eyes.

Neither one of them willing to give in to the other.

While the princess gritted her teeth as she glared imposingly down into the supersoldier's expressionless brown eyes.

Only for the sound of Azula's roaring battle cry to boom out over the frozen battleground not a second later as her companions watched in a shell shocked silence.

While the heat from the princess's flames splashed in the redhead's emotionless face as she blocked a blow from the older female's burning sword.

And then the furious princess swung her flame fused fist through her cloak at the younger girl's face.

Only for her callous eyes to widen a fraction in recognition when earthen material rapidly poured out from underneath the redhead's vest.

And just like that earthen gauntlets formed upon the young prodigy's fists once more!

Just as Naoki caught the princess's burning fist under her arm as she rapidly swung her blurring boot upward!

Before Azula kicked her flaming boot above her head while a dangerous scowl graced her enraged lips.

And the two fighters' boots connected in passing as they stared back into each other's eyes yet again as they jumped past one another.

And just then after that the two warriors back flipped into the air while all of the onlookers found themselves unable to tear their eyes away from the stunning duel.

All the while as the two now soared past each other in the air above the slope.

While Azula's flame covered sword passed by Naoki's blinding blade as the earth started to crumble from the girl's fist.

And then the princess dropped to the ice on her booted feet all the while as beads of sweat trailed down her forehead.

Only for her body to spin around with unrivaled ferocity not even seconds later as she roared while the smiling killer reappeared overhead.

Just as their blades collided once again while she glared up into the redhead's eyes.

While she let out a low growl as she stumbled backwards on her tired feet.

And then seconds after that she hissed when the armored plating on her shoulder was partially broken off when the redhead swung at her from behind.

All the while as the rest of Team Azula gazed on with widened eyes as they watched their mighty princess just barely react in time to block the girl from slicing through her crumbled armor.

While Elle watched with her eyes wide in tremendous emotion as she squeezed her fists at her hips.

"I praise your reaction timing princess…but it still won't save you." Naoki spoke in a taunting voice as she smiled while she gazed back into Azula's boiling golden eyes.

Only for the inferno of azure fire to spark up once more as she leaped away with great finesse.

Before she landed on her feet in a crouch with her machinelike brown eyes watching the older woman glare back at her from behind her shield of blue fire.

All the while as the princess panted ever so slightly with sweat dripping down her cheek.

While drops of sweat started to drip down the young assassin's brow as she stared on with a calculating gleam in her eyes.

"If I wasn't seeing this…I wouldn't believe it. This girl…is actually Azula's equal." The markswoman stated in a stunned voice.

While the captain grimaced as she nodded her head in agreement with her golden eyes wishing to duel the girl herself.

Yet she knew that her princess would surely punish her if she were to interfere with her battle.

All the while as Naoki bent her knees in a deadly formation once more as she held her lethal blade out before her focused face.

While her merciless eyes never left the princess's narrowed golden gaze.

All the while as Azula's murderous eyes took on a wrathful glare as she steadied herself on her exhausted boots.

'As much as I hate to admit I can't compete with her speed! There is no way that we can out run her to the gateway. She'll stab us in the back and I am bound to lose at least one of my subordinates!' Azula thought with her lips creasing into a displeased scowl.

For reasons that she couldn't explain the thought of any one of her subordinates made her cold heart twist up in some foreign emotion.

Even Mai.

Which was to say nothing of her little tiger monkey.

Under no circumstances could she lose any of her subjects.

And she wouldn't allow this girl to take away her servant!

Just the thought of that alone was enough to fuel her tired body back into action as she let out a malicious snarl.

No matter what way that she chose to confront the girl she posed a risk of facing further injury in the next pass.

Or even worse…her limbs.

So…

'I may as well take the risk head on!' The princess thought with a ferociously violent stare taking over her domineering eyes as she watched the girl slink into her attack position.

All the while as her flames almost began to give out before her seething face as her subordinates watched in speechlessness behind her.

While Naoki's pitiless brown eyes were just as determined as she readied herself for her next charge.

And then she sprinted forward with her feet rushing along the ice beneath her as she began to blur before the team's stunned eyes.

All the while as she glared out of the corner of her brown eye just in the same moment as she vanished.

While her eyes quickly passed over Katsu's face as the bomber still sat in a crouch over the battlefield with her wild eyes gazing down at them.

And then one fleeting second later the princess held her head up as she glared about with a steely stare in her tyrannical golden eyes in search of her target.

All the while as she watched with widened eyes as many scarlet blurs rapidly danced before her astonished eyes.

Just before she caught an even so slight glimpse of metal shimmering in the corner of her eye.

And then in that very moment she put every last drop of her titanic aura into flaring her blue cloak to life even bigger than before.

While the assassin dropped down overhead with her brown eyes widening every so faintly.

Only for a storm of azure fire to burst in her face as she was sent several feet backwards into the air above.

While sparks of lightning flashed before her eye as she swiftly shielded herself with her eroding gauntlets.

While the blue fire and the sparks of lightning intermingled to form a temporary shroud that concealed Azula's location.

All the while as Team Azula stared on with excitedly impressed expressions in their widened eyes.

Only for Azula's fist to swiftly seize a hold of Naoki's foot as she stared down with her red hair flowing before her widened eyes.

"I've got you! You're mine!" Azula bellowed as her burning fist seared through Naoki's pant leg while the younger girl hung in shock in the air above her.

Just as the redhead swung her other foot down to kick the older female in the face.

And not a second after that the princess blocked the kick with the edge of her lightning infused sword.

All the while as the young assassin's earthen covered boot now crumbled under the force of the lethal lightning current!

And then the supersoldier swung her wakizashi down with terrifying agility before it connected with the princess's preoccupied blade!

While the princess clenched her jaw as she growled while their blades impacted yet again.

All the while as they pushed back on each other with amazing force while sweat dripped down their resolute faces.

While the princess's sword buckled under the combined force of the redhead's sword and kick.

And not a second after that….

The royal woman's katana flew from her hand as she stared up with her fierce eyes widened in surprise when the girl wrenched it free from her hand.

All the while as Team Azula gaped in in worry as they watched their leader's katana spin dangerously threw the air.

Before it rolled to a stop with a clang on the ice below.

And not another moment later the princess roared as her inferno sparked once more while the redhead's brown eyes widened.

Just as sparks of lightning crackled before Azula's fist while she directed the current up in the redhead's taken aback face.

And then the lethal electricity licked Naoki's wrist as stoically endured the pain while she watched through the corner of her eye as it was knocked from her grip!

While the wakizashi now flew through the air as Team Azula watched with widened eyes as it embedded in the ice with a metallic clang.

All the while as the princess still clutched her by the boot while her hair blew in her eyes as she hoisted through the air!

Only for the princess's heated palm to strike her in the cheek not a second afterward while her brown eyes were still expressing her surprise.

While Naoki flew backwards with her brown eyes widened as the older girl's palm collided mightily with her face.

'That one is for punching Elle in the face you little brat!' The princess thought with her angered nostrils releasing a protective snort of blue fire as she bared her lips like a wrathful dragon.

And right after that her head swung backwards when the teenager's palm connected with her own cheek.

While the two warriors now flew away from each other with their eyes wide in recognition of the other's strength.

And for the briefest of moments a look of respect flashed before each of their eyes.

Just as they rolled to the ice below while the rest of Team Azula observed with their jaws dropping in shock.

"You can do it Azula-sama!" Elle cheered with her mitten covered palms over her mouth while Ty Lee watched in wonderment from over her shoulder.

All the while as Azula righted herself as she grasped at the ice with a reddened fist while she panted for air.

While more sweat made its way down her furious brow as she took in controlled intakes of air with her cloak of fire rapidly waning.

All while her visible breath now poured out before her exhausted face as she forced herself to stand up on her booted feet.

While Naoki crouched opposite of her with her left hand grasping at her chest as she breathed heavily.

All the while as sweat dripped down between her emotionless eyes with numerous cuts now adorning her wounded cheek.

And then the assassin arose with her hand still clutching her vest as she gazed coldly back into the princess's enraged golden eyes.

Just as the princess charged towards her while she began to sprint speedily towards the older woman.

All the while as they pulled back their fists to strike each other in the face once more!

While the four other girls still gazed on with impressed expressions in their eyes when the two warriors' fists connected with their cheeks.

And then they skidded backwards while Azula panted at a greater rate with her flames starting to flicker out.

All the while as the supersoldier began to finally show exhaustion from fighting her way through numerous military forces.

As she exhaled with her cold brown eyes staring back at the princess as she made another vengeful lunge towards her.

"You can win Azula!" Ty Lee yelled out in a supportive voice while Azula jumped at Naoki as the redhead began to push herself off the ice.

While Mai stonily nodded her monotone face in agreement with her tawny eyes never once leaving the two dueling warriors.

While Zoe watched the battle with her golden eyes expressing her amazement as the cold air bit at her skin.

Only for her stoic gaze to widen a fraction when she caught an emerald glow shining down from above.

Just as she turned her gaze upward with her eyes widening in panic as she saw the bomber plummeting down above with a green coat of chi covering her explosive body!

Charge it Katsu.

Resume your previous position Katsu.

I'll…I'll resume my prior position.

'So…that's their plan! If they succeed, we're done for!' The captain thought with her golden eyes still wide in realization as she broke out into a rapid run.

While Mai's eyes also grew wide as she stared up as the berserker dropped down over the princess.

Just as Naoki jumped away from Azula with her ruthless brown gaze staring back at the princess's vengeful face.

And then both Elle and Ty Lee gazed above only for their eyes to fill with horror when they saw Katsu descending above Azula's armored back!

While the princess's golden eyes widened when she turned to gaze over her shoulder to see the bomber soaring down at her.

All the while as she stared through the corner of her eye in rage back at the younger prodigy's smiling face.

Only to find herself letting out a shout of surprise when her captain's body slammed into her as they flew through the air with a jet of fire bursting forth from the noblewoman's boots!

"Now Katsu." The assassin commanded with her hair swaying before her emotionless eyes.

All the while as she gazed up as the bomber's green aura shined brightly over them.

"I am bakudan!" Katsu called out in a feral voice as her body lit up with a bright green glow.

While Azula and Zoe gazed over their shoulders with widened expressions in their eyes.

All the while as they gazed back at Naoki in disbelief as the redhead fell to the ice in range of the oncoming blast.

"Azula! Zoe!" The acrobat shouted in a panicked voice while she took hold of her little sister's wrist.

And then she began to run as fast as she could in the opposite direction while the teenager yelled out over her shoulder.

"N-no! Azula-sama! Oneesan!" The handmaid cried out with her backpack shaking over her shoulders.

While the markswoman jumped away with her tawny eyes wide in mutual shock.

All the while as the two firebenders propelled themselves as swiftly as they could away from the combustionbender.

While the redhead began to leap away with her fist still clutching her chest.

And before anyone could even so much as get out another word a thunderous explosion detonated above the battlefield!

All the while as Mai, Ty Lee and Elle stared into the sky with their eyes wide in fright.

While green light blinded their eyes as chunks of ice flew through the air past their astonished eyes.

Just before they were blown onto their backs from the rumbling explosion.

"No…" The markswoman murmured with anger in her voice as she clenched her fist at her hip from where she sat up on the ice.

And then the smoke began to clear while she stared in disbelief at the sight of a vast crater in the ice.

Only for the image of two figures falling from the ice to appear not a moment afterward.

And just like that Azula and Zoe rolled through the ice with their armor badly damaged from the powerful blast.

While the princess lay on her stomach with her hands furiously grasping at the hardened ice as she panted for air.

All the while as her face was now covered in sweat while her captain dropped down beside her.

While she gazed back at the warrior with newfound appreciation for her loyalty in her eyes.

All while the captain tried to push herself up with her broken armor crumbling to the ice.

"You…saved my life soldier…" Azula spoke in an exhausted voice as she hissed while collapsed onto the ice.

"Damn them!" Zoe snapped as she pounded her furious fist into the ice with her wounded body struggling to push herself up from the ice.

While the princess seethed in agreement as they panted on all fours with their beyond enraged eyes staring into the clearing pit.

While they were still alive.

Now they were both on the verge of chi exhaustion!

And they were both broken and injured on top of it!

It was then that they made out the bomber's kneeling form in the crater as the teenager also panted for air with her pony tail clinging to her face.

And then their gazes shifted to the final figure that was now becoming visible in the clearing snow cloud.

The supersoldier stood with her hand on her chest as she panted with her body injured but less so than her enemies.

While she gazed back at their utterly enraged faces with a smile still present on her lips as she began to stumble forward.

"We…win. You lose." The assassin stated in a victorious voice as she walked forward.

While the two firebenders glared back at her as they shakily pushed themselves up with sweat stinging in their furious eyes.

'Curse this girl! She planned this from the start of our duel!' Azula thought as her body trembled in rage as she pushed herself up off the ice.

While her hair clung to her face as she glared back into Naoki's emotionless eyes as the assassin stumbled towards them.

All the while as the combustionbender still panted on all fours in the crater.

Just as a compassionate shout rang out into the air while they turned their heads to see Elle darting towards them.

While Mai ran behind her with her knives drawn as she glared back at Naoki's remorseless face.

All the while as Ty Lee ran with her brown eyes staring ahead in unconcealed worry.

For the first time since this battle began it now appeared as if they stood a high chance of losing!

And not a second after that Elle came to a stop in front of the two astonished firebenders with her own exhausted arms held out to shield them.

While the small girl panted with her golden hair clinging to her tired face as she glared back into her childhood friend's expressionless eyes.

"Get…get away from them Naoki!" Elle hollered in an emboldened voice as the two highborn women knelt in a moved silence behind her.

Just as the redhead stopped a short distance away from the three with her wakizashi once again clasped in her right hand.

"We leave now…Elle." Naoki spoke in a machinelike voice with her words provoking an emotional chord in Elle's distraught amber eyes.

While Azula seethed in fury with her teeth clenched as her two lifelong friends slid to a stop in front of them.

"No…no you don't!" Ty Lee exclaimed as she stepped up to face the redhead while Naoki's cold eyes met her gaze.

And not a second after that the acrobat fell forward when the redhead's fist connected with her stomach.

While Mai glared on with enraged tawny eyes as she prepared to fight to the death as Naoki continued to walk towards them.

All the while as the sound of ice crumbling down the side of the pit resounded into the air.

Only for the markswoman to gaze out of the corner of her eye in fright when she saw the bomber stumbling out with her pony tail swaying in the wind behind her.

"I'll kill you both!" The princess roared as she stumbled to her feet with her sweat soaked golden eyes glaring back between the two supersoldiers.

"I-I'm not going! This…this is my home!" The handmaid stuttered in a deeply sentimental voice when a wakizashi was pointed her way.

"You will…or I will start to kill them one by one starting with the princess." The assassin announced in a ruthless voice while the smaller girl stared back with horrified amber eyes.

"If we must fight to the death to protect young Elle…then so be it." The captain stated as she stumbled to her feet with her sword gripped in her fist and her new rifle in the other.

All the while as she rasped for air while the redhead unflinchingly met her stony gaze.

While her enraged princess clenched her fists as she stomped forward beside her.

All the while as Azula's wrathful golden eyes conveyed a murderously possessive gleam.

While she exhaled what little fire she had left through her seething nostrils.

While Ty Lee knelt on the ice clutching her bruised belly as she clenched her fists in her anger.

"Damn right we will. You're not taking the kid as long as we still draw breath!" Mai exclaimed with unnatural anger in her voice while the young girl shook in a heartfelt silence.

Just as Katsu staggered to a halt behind Naoki with her wild golden eyes glancing back at them.

While the combustionbender pulled herself forward as she stared between her two warring friends.

All the while as Naoki's emotionless brown eyes stared right back into Elle's sensitive amber gaze.

While both Team Azula and Team Naoki stared fiercely back at each other.

"Very well then. If that is what we must do then let us finish this." Naoki commented in a detached voice with her glacial brown eyes staring back into Elle's horribly overwhelmed face.

All the while as her sword still pointed in the other girl's direction as she made her way closer while the four older females stared furiously back at her.

While her comrade stood quiet behind her with her golden eyes briefly flashing with a remorseful glimmer when she saw a tear drip from the smaller girl's innocent eye.

Just as the mighty princess found the energy to jump forward with her fist pulling her girlfriend back by the collar of her coat.

All the while as Azula drew the trembling petite girl back before her armored chest with her murderous golden eyes practically daring the redhead to try to make a grab for her pet.

"If you so much as even try to touch Elle again, I will immolate you!" Azula boomed in a voice of supreme authority as her domineering eyes narrowed into savage slits.

While she held the girl under her armpit as she glowered violently with the smaller female clinging to her belly.

"A-Azula-sama…" Elle whispered with her face under her master's armpit as she wrapped an arm around the princess's belly while helped the statuesque woman stand.

While her princess bared her lips in a devastating snarl as she towered over her exhausted body.

All the while as she engaged in a deadly stare down with Naoki while her subordinates all pulled themselves up to their feet behind her.

While the redhead's hair blew in her stoic eyes as she stared back at the group with her wakizashi clenched in her fist.

And just when it seemed as if the supersoldier was about to move forward to attack.

The two teams froze up when they heard the sound of artillery fire from down the frozen hillside.

Just as they all turned to gaze over their shoulders with widened eyes to see many tanks rolling up the mountain of ice!

While their eyes grew even wider when they saw who was riding at the top of an armored truck.

It was none other than Reynolds!

The muscular uniformed man now stood with his monstrous blue eyes glaring back at them while he held up a rocket launcher over his shoulder.

Just before he fired the explosive shell with his sole remaining as it soared into the air.

Only to narrowly miss the two groups as it exploded on the icy hillside while he roared at the top of his lungs.

"Kill that red demon! And subdue the others! I don't fucking care if they lose limbs! Just get them!" Reynold screamed out in an absolutely insane voice while his blue eyes almost seemed to burst from his enraged eye sockets.

All the while as Team Azula stared back at the man with widened eyes.

While the highborn women stared hatefully back at the barbaric colonel.

All while the tanks rolled up the slope with the heavily fortified trucks driving up in the front.

While Elle shook in fright under Azula's toned arm as she gazed up in worry at her master's bloodied yet beautiful face.

While the older woman let out an imposing growl as she glared out of the corner through her eye at the distracted redhead.

All the while as the three noblewomen stood on their worn-out feet as they watched the man ride up in disbelief.

While Naoki gazed after the military man with ruthless brown eyes as she gripped her wakizashi.

All the while as Katsu stared on with wide golden eyes as she turned to the redhead for direction.

"We need to run!" Zoe shouted as she pointed up at the slope above while her companions hurried nodded in affirmative.

Just as the five girls broke out into a run with Naoki's merciless eyes glaring after their backs.

While Azula pulled Elle along in her dominant fist as she rapidly collected her sword in her free hand as they sprinted away.

Only for the Fire Nation women to gaze over their shoulders in incredulity when the supersoldier began to rush towards them!

All the while as the assassin's booted feet began to blur in a slower motion than before.

As the powerful princess roared as she spun around to push her serving girl's quivering little body behind her armored back.

While the two fighters stared defiantly back into each other's eyes as the redhead continued her unrelenting sprint towards them!

And just when it seemed as if the two teams were about to clash against in the midst of the chaotic artillery fire.

All seven of them froze up in their tracks when they saw a bright light emanating across the sky miles away.

And back at the site of the destroyed military base.

Rieko stood with her gloved palm held out casually before her unfathomably hubristic face while an enormous blast of frozen energy was released from her open hand.

All the while as she watched with cruel delight in her blue eyes as Nero released an agonizing shriek as he was hurled away on top of her blast.

"Rieko!" Nero protested in an enraged scream as he was sent hurtling back with his gloved hands pushing back on the mighty ice formation.

And soon after that his roars of pain resounded into the air as he was sent soaring by the pulsating blast of ice and chi.

While the massive ice meteor flew up into the sky as he howled from his position above it.

All the while as his face was torn up when countless shards of ice sprayed into his bleeding skin.

And then the emperor calmly raised her gloved fist above her head as she clenched it as if she was squashing a bug.

And not even seconds after that the monstrous scientist's screams split into the air in unison with the mighty explosion.

All the while as a predatory smirk now adorned her lips as she stared up into the skies at the fading light.

And then without so much as even saying a word she began to walk confidently towards the frozen battlefield several miles away.

All the while as the light from the explosion shined brilliantly over the frigid battleground as everyone present gazed up in shock into the sky.

And that was all it took for the climate to get even colder.

While Azula and Zoe stared up over the cold horizon with their eyes wide in disbelief.

All the while as Elle trembled under the princess's arm with her arm holding up the wounded princess.

While Mai and Ty Lee stood speechless with their widened eyes lingering on the light in the distance.

"W-was…that huge power Heika?" The handmaid questioned in a terrified voice while her highborn friends struggled to stay on their feet as they gazed up with stunned expressions in their eyes.

And Katsu halted in her tracks with her mouth open in amazement as sweat dripped down her forehead.

And even Naoki stood paused before the two firebenders with her widened eyes gazing up into the sky.

Before the supersoldier coldly shook her head as she turned to stare icily back into her childhood friend's wide amber eyes.

"It was. Rieko's coming. And none of you stand a chance in hell at defeating her as you are now." The assassin stated in an emotionless voice as she stared back at the exhausted faces of the incredulous team.

While the four Fire Nation women fought to refrain from collapsing in the snow.

All the while as Azula's golden eyes bubbled with indescribable rage as she clenched her jaw.

And not a moment after that they all spun around once more when the tanks began to pull their way up onto the slope.

All the while as Reynolds maddened roars resounded in their ears in unison with the artillery fire.

And then both teams broke out into as fast a sprint as they could manage toward higher ground.

While Naoki ran at the forefront with her machinelike brown eyes gazing back at Azula's murderous face through the corner of her eye.

While Azula met the redhead's stare with her tyrannical golden eyes glaring back at the assassin.

All the while as she pulled her little girlfriend under her arm with her lips pursed in a possessive snarl.

'I won't let anyone take my Elle away from me!' The princess thought with her golden eyes taking on an unimaginably violent death stare.

While she ran with her handmaid stumbling at her heels as she somehow found the strength to bound her body up the icy hill.

All the while as the light from the ancient gateway shined brightly from the ice cave above.

No matter the cost!

She vowed that she is going to bring her girl home!

And that was a promise born in blue fire and blood!

And it was one that she intended to keep.

Even if she has to kill every last living thing in this entire country to do it!

AN:

Just a quick note before I get to the afterword. I changed Zoe/Yoko's eye color from hazel to gold. I was under the mistaken impression that hazel eyes were the same as amber. eyes When I realized that it did not, I changed it in order to keep up with the canon theme of all firebenders in the Fire Nation having golden eyes.

I also removed all mentions of Azula being referred to as a monarch. I was under the impression that all members of a royal family were monarchs. But after looking into it, the monarch is the ruling royal and for the moment that is Ozai. So, I patched that.

As for the afterword.

Naoki punching Elle out of the Component State showed us that the Component can be disabled with enough force.

Also, when Naoki took down Ty Lee with her rapid boxing technique. Just like with Zoe and Mai earlier in the story. Naoki showed us that there is a difference between someone who spends every moment learning to fight like a machine, versus a skilled noblewoman who only fights when the situation calls for it.

Eventually, Ty Lee and Mai will discover ways to better compete with benders like Azula, Zoe, Naoki and Katsu like Mava alluded to. But that won't happen until later.

Elle also showed us that once again her power grows stronger when her friends are in danger.

And Katsu's wild behavior also confirmed that Azula was right when she mused that she could have likely killed Katsu with her lightning if she had tried earlier. While Katsu is extremely powerful, she is erratic and she doesn't think. Which is why she almost ran straight into Azula's lightning.

Also, Katsu showed us that she fears Naoki to an extent like Mai and Ty Lee fear Azula. That's because Naoki has known her for a long time, and she knows how to reign her in.

As for Naoki's weighted clothing, my inspiration for that came from Piccolo from Dragon Ball as well as other characters in various series.

Also, Azula feels that Naoki is inferior because of her belief in her divine right to rule and that power is something that you are born with. Whereas Naoki feels that Azula is inferior because in her mind Azula didn't work for it. Azula did work for it, just in a different way but Naoki still views the spoiled as less worthy.

We also learned that Naoki wasn't bluffing when she stated that she was the fasted human being. Basically, every character has their strengths and weakness. And when it comes to speed, if Azula and Zoe are a 7, Naoki is a 10. However, Azula and Zoe have an edge over Naoki in other respects.

I also hope that everyone enjoyed the duel between Azula and Naoki. I wanted to portray that they were both for the most part evenly matched.

Azula was able to counter Naoki's true speed with her flames and when she was able to catch Naoki's foot.

However, Naoki revealed that she had no intentions of letting the fight drag on, and that she had planned from the start of their battle to have Katsu explode herself above them. Thereby disabling Azula and Zoe both.

This showed us that even when Katsu is in her weakened state. That she is far more dangerous when Naoki is there to direct her.

And Naoki showed us just how far she is willing to go to win. Even to the point of subjecting herself to a point blank explosion that will injure her, as long as it will injure her opponents just as much if not more so. It also showed that she is also willing to subject Katsu to crippling exhaustion by forcing her to expend the rest of her energy.

I also really wanted to highly Azula's strategic mind in this fight, and show that she is quick to adapt in battle just like we saw in her fight with Silah.

However, while Azula was able to strategize her way around Naoki's speed, she had limited options in the frozen arctic climate. If this fight had occurred in the tropical Fire Nation, she likely would not have been caught up within Katsu's explosion.

And finally, they are all too exhausted to fight any further and Reynolds has them cornered.

And as for Rieko dispatching Nero. I realize that we might could jokingly call her 'one swat' Rieko. But I wanted to show that he never stood a chance from the start, and that the whole encounter was over in a matter of minutes.

And now Rieko is enclosing in on everyone, and that Rieko's approach is something that even Naoki takes very seriously.

For awhile I was considering splitting this into two chapters, but I chose to release it as one as originally intended because I don't want the fight to feel like it is dragging on longer than it shoulder. It was a brief, brutal duel in the snow and I feel that this chapter conveyed that.

Anyhow, that will be all for now.

Stay tuned for next time.

For one-hundred-eleven! The Mercy of an Angel!