A/N: Sorry, I got lost on the road of life... oh wait, wrong fandom. I got lost in the Spirit World?

Chapter Eight - A Razor's Edge

"Natsumi!"

At the call of her name she turned around, watching with a smile as Kazane approached her.

"So what, you were just going to leave without saying goodbye?" she grinned, giving her a flick on the forehead.

"Admiral Zhao wants us to get on the trail of the Avatar right away. I'm sorry, there wasn't much time," she apologised, rubbing at her newest bruise.

"That's okay. Duty calls and everything," she nodded, tilting her head to the side. "Speaking of duty, the Yuyan Archers are heading out from the Pohuai Stronghold."

"You are?"

"Isn't that great?" she beamed. "Finally an opportunity for us to show off our skills. I mean, we captured the Avatar when no one else could. We really have a lot of appreciation for Admiral Zhao recommending for us to be put to better use."

"Admiral Zhao ordered this?" Natsumi murmured, her eyes turning to the Admiral that was barking orders as they prepared to depart.

Natsumi frowned slightly, wondering if the Yuyan Archers were at risk of feeling his wrath. Everyone would surely be impressed that they accomplished what no one else could, but she couldn't help but wonder if they were being pushed aside to save the Admiral's credibility.

"Aren't you happy? We can finally make a contribution to this war."

Natsumi wondered if this was what it was like to stare into the eyes of herself. That was all she wanted, yet when it came to others, it seemed that she would rather make a case for them to stay out of harm's way.

'If he was here. Would he really want to see you like this? Would he agree that this is the right path?'

Natsumi shook her head. Painting a smile on her face as she tried to depart with her friend on good terms.

"Of course I'm happy. If this is your path, then you need to follow it. Just promise me you'll be careful. Look out for each other. Even that leader of yours," she advised, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"Don't worry, we will. You know, he's our leader for a reason. He may not be a ray of sunshine, or even speak to us for that matter, but his actions show us that he's the best and that he'd carry us, even in times of hardship," she explained. "He's dedicated to the Yuyan Archers. Kind of like how I imagine you would be, if you were in charge."

"Well, I wouldn't say I was the best…" Natsumi laughed, puffing out her chest, looking smug as her ego was boosted.

"I meant the dedication part, you idiot," Kazane laughed, punching her in the arm.

Natsumi smiled, rubbing her arm as she wondered how long that bruise was going to last. A while, she hoped.

"I better get going. Until we meet again, Kazane," Natsumi bowed, giving her respect.

"See you soon," Kazane murmured, embracing her in a big hug.

"See you soon," she echoed, nestling into her warm shoulder, gripping her as tightly as she could.

XxX

The slow chug of the rowboats was almost hypnotic as Natsumi kept her eyes on the surrounding forest. According to the Fire Nation soldiers they had interrogated, the Avatar could be found somewhere along the river. What troubled her was what she was going to do once she confronted him again. Natsumi suspected that, given how the situation had gone, the Avatar had never felt like there was no escape during their showdown. He was perfectly in control. Why he'd stuck around to preach like a monk she couldn't figure out, but what was clear was that this time she couldn't just hold back. If it came to a fight, she was just going to have to hope the Avatar could hold his own if he wanted to escape. At that thought, she grimaced, the situation more twisted than she could have ever dreamed.

"Sir, there are two figures on the water's edge," she called out, running to the bow of the ship to get a better view.

"Ready the fire cannons!" Admiral Zhao barked, a single hand lifted, ready to signal. "Aim. Fire."

Three giant meteors of pure fire shot overhead, each well aimed at the two figures at the water's edge. Natsumi's eyes narrowed as the two figures appeared unaffected. One had even seemed to take a stance and she made a sharp intake of breath as she realised her enemy may be Fire Nation. If it was Zuko again, she was going to burn him to ashes.

As more shots followed the first, the Admiral lifted his telescope to his eye, a smirk making his lips twitch upwards. Before Natsumi could even wonder what had caused the Admiral's reaction, a giant wall of fire rose up from the water, spanning the entire river width, as well as its banks. Her eyes widened at such a display of firebending, which told her that she was dealing with no mere soldier, or the Prince for that matter. This was a firebending Master. Slowly, the riverboats altered their course, heading towards the river bank, Natsumi following Zhao into the water as he approached the flaming wall.

"Don't worry men, my old Master gave up fighting a long time ago," he revealed, parting the fiery wall with his hands in order to pass through.

Natsumi followed, doing her best to guide the wildfires that raged and threatened to consume her as she passed.

"Haven't you, Master Jeong Jeong?"

She watched as Master Jeong Jeong released the wall of fire, the intense heat at her back now gone, making her shiver. Behind them, the soldiers entered the water to join them on dry land. Natsumi tensed, ready for a fight, but all the white haired old man did was stand there, regarding his former pupil with an impassive face.

"Look at you. You were once so great. I can't believe my former Master has become nothing more than a simple savage," Admiral Zhao said, one hand raised in disbelief.

"It is you who has embraced savagery, Zhao," Jeong Jeong told him, a calm fury on his face.

"It's Admiral Zhao, now."

"That title will not help you against the Avatar. Do not try to fight him! You are no match!" he warned sharply, his fists curled.

"I think I can handle a child," the Admiral mused.

"I have never seen such raw power…"

As Jeong Jeong turned away, Natsumi noted the growl of displeasure that sounded from the Admiral.

"Jeong Jeong!"

The youthful cry came from a distance, the Avatar himself approaching the scene.

"We'll see. Soldiers, take the deserter!"

Natsumi rushed in, arms raised as she prepared to take on a Master. She doubted he would underestimate her, but maybe she could catch him off guard? Lore him into a false sense of security before striking like a mink-snake. Her eyes narrowed as he gave the Avatar a mischievous smile before encompassing himself in a cocoon of fire.

Barely registering the Admiral's orders, she ran into the forest without hesitation. Immediately, her eyes found the white hair of the old man, which contrasted against the shadow of the forest. Slowly, she inched closer, launching a steady blast of fire in his direction. Natsumi blinked as her own flame was used against her, converted into a wall which she needed to pass through once again. Eyes narrowing, she hit out, this time ready for the fire wall. She bypassed it, kicking off a tree to land ahead of Jeong Jeong, her arms outstretched as she prepared to engage. The Master just regarded her carefully.

"It seems you still walk the razor's edge. My former pupil will edge you closer towards savagery. I suggest you leave this path, before it's too late to save your humanity," he advised, clasping his hands behind his straightened back.

"I know the path I need to walk," she replied, eyes hardening.

"You walk the path that others had set before you. Do not confuse them."

"Then what should I do? Abandon the Army? Join you?" she questioned, exasperated. "You're supposed to be a great Master, someone who actually has the power to make a difference in this war. So why are you hiding?"

For once, Natsumi wasn't angry with the person before her, she was disappointed. The Master's eyes dropped as he acknowledged her saddened face.

"The power that I held was an illusion. If you want to stop a rat-viper you must cut off its head."

The sounds of approaching feet could be heard as the soldiers finally caught up to them, brandishing their spears and taking a fighting stance. She held up a hand, signalling them to stay back. Jeong Jeong's eyes flicked to it in surprise. She launched herself forward, her leg kicking out to release an intense fire. The Master quelled the flame, grabbing her foot and spinning to send her flying outwards. She landed behind him, running back to fire rapid shots at his core which he caused to wither away with a sweep of his arms. It was entirely defensive and it made Natsumi rage, like he was insulting her abilities. She slid under his feet, hoping to kick them out from under him, only making contact with the ground as he jumped high to avoid her.

Turning back around, the soldiers at her back, she panted, her teeth clenched. She charged once again, transitioning into her natural state. Her mind calmed and she swept her hand in an arch, creating a wide line of fire that Jeong Jeong cut through. However, Natsumi caught at the remaining embers, rekindling them and pulling them towards herself, so that they were aimed at the Master's back. He spun, trying to quell them, but Natsumi took advantage of the distraction, jumping up and slashing her foot downwards, charged by the fire it held.

Jeong Jeong was overwhelmed, and it showed as he turned back, his arms rising to construct a defensive wall so powerful she was forced back to the ground, flat on her back. It was almost explosive, and completely terrifying. Natsumi hesitated to retaliate, watching as the firebending Master regained his composure, forcing the wall slowly towards her, which she commanded to wash over her. However, it seemed Jeong Jeong wasn't finished and the stretch of fire continued on, Natsumi spinning to see it launched towards her comrades.

"No!" she gasped, arms outstretched to pull the flames back towards herself.

Trying to curl the violent flames around herself into a cylinder of fire, their fuel seemed to die away and she was left kneeling on the ground, panting heavily. Looking around, she slumped when she realised Master Jeong Jeong had managed to escape.

"Private, you…"

A hand rested on her shoulder, which she shrugged off to stand up.

"It's fine. Let's get back to Admiral Zhao," she sighed, her face impassive as she stalked back towards the river's edge.

As their team approached the river, Natsumi's eyes began to water from the heavy smoke that filled the air and the stench of burning. It wasn't long before they came upon the source, the last of their water boats slowly sinking into the depths of the river. Admiral Zhao was standing in the water, his head bowed. Natsumi took a slow and calming breath, wading into the water to stand next to the Admiral.

"Jeong Jeong managed to escape, sir. They all have," she grimaced, bowing her head.

Natsumi's face heated as it was targeted with a scolding fire, stepping back, she slipped on the wet rock beneath her feet and collapsed into the water. Admiral Zhao loomed over her while she coughed and sputtered.

"Do you not think that I know that?" he spat, striking into the water to drag her up by her arm.

Natsumi twisted and whimpered as an intense pain could be felt on her skin. As the Admiral let her go, eyes wide, she fell back into the river, clenching her hand and placing it under the current. At first the pain seemed to retreat, but soon the cool water wasn't enough and the pain intensified. Looking at her skin, she could see the red welt building up on her arm as if she'd been scolded.

"You…" she gasped, trying to ease her hand back under the cooling water, managing to ease the main for a mere instant before it returned with vengeance.

As her eyes watered, she realised that she didn't have the right to blame the Admiral for burning her. She had done exactly the same thing in her own anger. Instead, she swallowed her pride and looked up to his unsure face.

"We need to start heading back, sir," she stated, trying not to grimace.

As their eyes met, he looked away, nodding as he headed out of the river. Natsumi clutched her arm, poorly attempting to breathe through the pain as she lifted her arm out of the water.

"Don't. Just keep it under," a soldier stated, bringing out his water skin to tip some running water over her arm.

"We need to go," she said through gritted teeth.

"He'll wait."

As Natsumi looked up, she met the soldier's narrowed eyes, his anger evident. Quickly, she looked away, wondering what she had done to earn such a reaction. Nevertheless, she let the soldier lead her to the water's bank, where every single soldier she had fought with stood waiting for her, water skins at the ready.

"Don't be an idiot and let us know when the pain gets too much. We'll take as many breaks as you need," he explained, supporting her as she came up on the shore.

"Thank you," she breathed, trying to focus on anything but the burning pain in her arm.

"Don't thank me yet. It's a long journey ahead," he grimaced.

XxX

Natsumi hummed, weaving small strands of fire between her fingers, watching as it flickered and entwined. It was beautiful, and yet the shiny skin on her arm reminded her just how deadly it could be as her skin protested against the movements.

"Private."

Natsumi stood up as Admiral Zhao approached her, eyes widening as she took in his impassive face.

"How's the arm?" he asked, an eyebrow raised.

"Well, sir," she commented, feeling uneasy.

"Walk with me, Private."

Natsumi opened her mouth, but decided against it. She was better off listening to what he had to say than trying to attempt any ease on the tension in their relationship. If she had realised anything over her time with him, it was that actions spoke louder than words, and if she wanted to give him some sort of reassurance to her loyalty, she was going to have to show him.

"When you came to me, you said you wanted to alter the course of this war. Is that still true?" he inquired, walking alongside the docks, giving her a serious look.

"Of course, sir," she replied, eyes narrowed in wonder.

"Then I wish to make you an offer," he began, the air becoming heavy with expectation. "Of our opposition, the Northern Water Tribe is a mighty enemy, one that is not to be underestimated. However, as we speak our forces are preparing to set out to finally dominate over their own."

Natsumi stalled slightly before walking on. She had always seen it coming, each and every time the Avatar escaped their grasp he grew nearer to the north, but to hear it announced that a great battle was looming truly chilled her to the core.

"I need you, Natsumi," he continued, stopping to regard her carefully. "I have the knowledge to turn the tide in this war, but to do it I must infiltrate deep into their territory. This is a mission of the utmost importance, and I only wish for a select few to be standing at my side when we can finally stand at the icy palace of the north to place our flags."

"It would be a pleasure, Admiral Zhao," she breathed, her eyes glassy as she envisioned the picture he painted.

At that the Admiral gave her a narrowed grin, his eyes sparking as he gained her commitment.

"On that day, your fallen comrades will stand at your side, and they will truly be proud of what you have accomplished."

"Yes, sir," she smiled, clasping her hands to give her respect. "Thank you."

"There is also one more thing I wish for you to help me with," he noted, beginning to move once again.

"Anything, sir," she promised, hurrying to catch up.

"As you can imagine, we need all the forces we can get, and I think you'll be most useful in helping me convince a certain General to come out of retirement."