Here it is! The update you have been waiting for! And better yet... Part 1 and Part 2! Enjoy!
Third Person POV
A giant Fire Nation ship loomed on the horizon as the Water Tribe warriors made their return from the battle they'd won. A wooden vessel crafted by the Southern Water Tribe was already anchored offshore and five water tribe warriors stood beside Kona having delivered their message to him about the enemy ship's capture. Sokka and Katara stood by the water anxious to see their father and the other men of the tribe. While this occurred, Toph and Zuko kept their distance uncomfortably by the simmering fire feeling out of place.
Sitting on the large log beside Zuko, Toph sensed his frustration. Not to mention the sound of his tapping foot was driving her insane.
"What's up with you Sparky?"
Her question brought Zuko out of his thoughts, and he shut his eyes to calm the sudden anger that boiled inside him.
"I'm blocked from my injured girlfriend." He stared at the fire with intensity. "Jerk One and Two are using pointy weapons to ward me off."
Toph was astonished. "Wait! They seriously won't let you see her?"
Zuko scowled, tightening his fist as he recalled the events of before. He'd awoke from a much needed sleep in the tent he and Sokka were staying in an hour ago. He'd then gone to visit Crystal, having immediately thought about her and wanting to make sure her fever was down. He hastily approached the tent only to find Jaka and Areto were at the entrance. They refused to let him pass, and he didn't want to fight them too tired from the events that had recently occurred the night before. In defeat, he shot them both a nasty remark and stomped off.
He replied to Toph in a tense tone. "No. And of course she's unconscious so she has no say."
The earthbender felt defensive for her new Firebending buddy. "What about Sokka? Did you tell him?"
Zuko let out a deep sigh of frustration. "No… He's too distracted with the return of his father and the other warriors. So is Katara... I get it, I guess… They've waited years to be reunited with their father."
Toph shook her head. "Still… It's not right that you can't see her. If she wakes up soon, she'll be disappointed you're not with her."
He ran a hand through his hair, and shut his eyes in defeat. "If I were as hotheaded as I was before I met Crystal, I'd have gotten through those dolts by now... But I don't want to cause conflict… If I anger any of these people, I'll be forbidden to ever see her again."
She scowled. "They can't stop you two from seeing each other though. I know Princess… If she were herself right now, she'd be fighting those two off with water whips to be with you."
He hung his head, and a pain filled his heart. "I can't let her attack her people to protect me again… She's already done that once, and I hated the guilt she bore on her shoulders. I won't ask her to betray her family."
Toph growled. "So what? You're giving up. That doesn't sound like the Prince I've heard about all these months!" She jabbed him in the arm with her elbow, and he yelped in pain. She then stood with tight fists. "Look sparky! If there's one thing I know about Princess, it's this: She would choose you over her tribe any day. She won't give up on being with you, so you shouldn't give up on being with her." Toph grabbed his shirt sleeve and jerked him up to his feet. She then yanked him away from the fire. "Come on!"
Zuko was astonished by the small earthbender's bravery. As she jerked him through the crowded area of tents, they approached the tinted blue tent that was guarded by two men looking in deep conversation. When Jaka saw the two approaching figures, he nudged Areto with his elbow and they both stood firm.
Toph shouted with determination as she pulled Zuko along. "Hey! Boneheads! We've come to check on sleeping beauty!"
Areto was stunned by the young earthbender's bold actions, but when he saw the firebender being pulled behind her he quickly grew defensive and stood his ground. "Toph, right? I don't think now's the best time for anyone to see her. Katara checked on her a little while ago and said she still has a fever." He shot his eyes to Zuko with a scowl. "You two should just head back to the fire before trouble ensues. I can take care of her just fine until Katara gets back. I've done it before."
His last words made Zuko defensive. "What's up with you? Why are you so worried about me seeing her? Are you really trying to stake a claim on her? She's not an object to be possessed for your personal gain!"
Areto was baffled by his accusation and then outraged. "Personal gain?! You think I want to be chief?! It doesn't even work that way in our tribe! Sokka will be the next chief most likely! And I have no desire for that role! The only thing I want at the moment is to ensure Crystal doesn't spend the rest of her life with one of the monster's that took so many of our people from us!"
"I've never once hurt any of your people! Don't tie me as a murderer or raiding savage! The only time I've ever stepped foot on your freezing snowy land is when the Avatar made his appearance."
"And then you kidnapped Crystal taking her as your prisoner! You are still the enemy in my book, and I will not let you anywhere near her!"
Zuko growled. "From what I see you all are the ones keeping her prisoner! You're locking her away from me! Let me through!"
Jaka stepped forward to stop Zuko's advance, pointing his sword at him from a few inches away. "My cousin needs rest. You can see her when she's awake. Get lost!"
Zuko went to speak, but Toph was one step ahead of them. "You all are going to get an ear full when Princess wakes up." Her foot stomped on the ground then, and the earth beneath Jaka and Areto's feet lifted up sending them both sprawling to the side on their backs with yelps. As they were momentarily dazed, Toph snapped, "And just wait until Sokka finds out you both are being idiots again." She then yanked Zuko into the tent and they both stepped into the small space letting the flap close behind.
"Alright, Sparky. You chill with Princess. I'll go keep those two in line," Toph stated.
Zuko was astonished by her actions, but he smiled weakly with gratitude. "Thanks Toph… I owe you one."
Toph smirked. "Yeah. Don't forget it."
She turned and stepped back out of the tent letting the flap fall behind her. Once she was gone, Zuko let out a deep sigh and looked over to where Crystal lay on some layers of furs. She was on her side, and her face was tightened in discomfort. He could see that she indeed still had a fever from the flushed cheeks and beads of sweat. Stepping over to her, he knelt so he was beside her. His hand reached over to the bowl and rag beside him, and he brought the damp fabric to her face to alleviate the heat of her skin. As the coolness touched her skin, her heavy breathing slowed and she relaxed into the furs.
"Sorry it took me so long… I had to get past your dad's henchmen…"
As Zuko spoke, he brushed a strand of hair from her sweat covered face to cool her skin more. The heat of her flesh concerned him, and he placed the back of his hand on her forehead feeling the fever was still strong.
"I wish I could stop the pain for you," he whispered, inching down so his face was near her. "I should've tried harder to stop Azula… This is all my fault." He shut his eyes tight as he kissed her cheek, and then when he pulled away he sat back up with a deep sigh. "Some prince I am, huh…? I couldn't protect you from pirates or Zhao… I let the Dai Li snatch you from under me… And the moment you needed me most, my sister overpowered me and hurt you…"
He pulled the blanket Sokka had placed on her the night before back over her shoulder. "I'll never understand why you still love me after all of the pain I've caused you… Any other girl would've given up on me, but you still keep fighting to be with me…" He pressed the rag to her forehead again. "You're one strange woman…" He smiled weakly when he saw the crystal charm he'd given her so long ago was still rested on her collarbone. "But that's why I love you…"
As Zuko continued to be with Crystal, Toph stood outside the tent with her arms crossed and narrowed glazed eyes. Areto stood across from her with irritation. After a moment, he spoke with annoyance. "You can't stand guard all day! Let me in!"
Toph kept her composure. "Go run along with the other guy going to get back up. I'm not moving."
"What's your issue kid?! You're an earthbender, but act like this Fire Nation prince is your best bud. What's your beef with me?"
Her nose twitched. "You want to know why I don't like you? Fine. It's because you remind me of the people from my past. When I was little, everyone told me what to do every day of my life. They controlled me and kept me from the outside world. They kept me from my happiness." She shut her eyes. "You want to control Crystal and keep her from her happiness. That's why I don't like you."
Areto growled. "I only want to take care of her! I promised her father I'd look out for her!"
Toph scoffed. "She doesn't need nor want your protection. She's stronger than you and her father give her credit for."
He stepped forward. "She may have grown strong over the years we've been gone, but she still needs guidance. And she needs that guidance from someone of her tribe, not some banished prince!"
She shook her head in disbelief. "Crystal doesn't listen to her brother. What makes you think she'd ever listen to you?"
Areto went to argue, but he didn't get the chance. For at that moment a voice broke in. "The warriors are back, Areto. You may want to go help them unload the spoils of war instead of harassing my friends."
Sokka headed over, having only a moment earlier overheard Jaka tell Kona that there was trouble brewing at the tent Crystal was in with his brother and the outsiders. Sokka had been distracted by his father's return and felt awful for leaving Toph and Zuko on their own. As Katara embraced her father who had just been brought to shore on a dinghy, Sokka turned and headed through the encampment worried for Toph and Zuko. They were both outsiders in this place, and he knew he had to go make sure they were alright. When he arrived and saw Areto yelling at Toph, he knew he needed to step in before violence broke out.
"Hey Sokka. Thanks for leaving Sparky and I hanging. Don't worry, though. I'm handling the situation," Toph promised.
Areto growled. "No! You're getting in my way and helping the Fire Lord's son! What's wrong with all of you?! He's the enemy!"
Toph smiled. "Not from what I see. He's not the one pointing insults at people continuously."
"I don't have to be nice to that royal prick! Move!"
He stepped forward, but Sokka was already two steps ahead. Grabbing him tight by the arm, he snapped, "Areto! Knock it off!"
Areto glared at Sokka. "Let me go! What would your father say?!"
"I don't care," Sokka snapped. "You're starting to get on my nerves. And from what Kona told me you were originally against being promised to Crys! What changed?"
Areto jerked his finger towards the tent. "That thing in there with your sister is what changed! I don't know what I was thinking when I said she should have the right to be with who she chooses. When I saw her defend that beast last night, I couldn't stand it! She can't fall for one of the monsters that have destroyed this world! And he kidnapped her? How can she love the guy who ripped her from her home?! It makes no sense!"
Zuko who had heard the commotion outside, suddenly emerged from the tent with disbelief.
Sokka shoved Areto's hand down. "It's not your business! This is between Crystal and Zuko! Give it a rest!"
"No! I won't! She's promised to me! I won't lose her to him!" Areto shoved Sokka off and then turned looking at Zuko. "You want her, huh? Then let's fight! Me and you! Here and now! We'll do it like they did in the past. The winner gets the chief's daughter!"
Sokka was baffled. "What? That's the most ridiculous thing I've heard! This isn't the rock age again! Get yourself together Areto!"
Zuko crossed his arms. "I'm not fighting you. Crystal isn't something to be won!"
Toph added in an insult at the water tribe warrior she wanted to bury in sand. "And I doubt you'd be a match for him bonehead."
"Sounds like you're a coward to me,"Areto snapped. "If you want to prove you're better for her, then let's go!"
"No! There won't be any fighting," Sokka demanded. "Get lost, Areto! Go cool off!"
Areto shook his head. "I'm not going anywhere!"
Sokka tried to pull him from the tent. "I wasn't asking!"
"Gentlemen! That is enough!"
The deep but powerful voice that shouted from behind brought everyone's attention to the group coming towards them. Katara walked beside her father with worry, while Hakoda approached the four that stood in front of his injured daughter's dwelling with narrowed eyes. Behind them followed Kona, Bato, and Jaka.
As the group approached, Zuko stared at the leader that had just spoken with sudden anxiety. Crystal's father stopped in front of the four, and his eyes scanned the group before him with disapproval. Sokka released Areto who immediately stepped back. Toph stepped beside Zuko ready to defend him if he was ganged up on. Katara looked over at Sokka with knowing eyes, and he jerked his head to the tent. She nodded and walked around the group heading inside to check on her sister.
"Dad… I can handle this," Sokka promised.
Hakoda stepped closer to the group, and his eyes met Zuko's with malice. "Handle it… That wasn't what it looked like to me." He shot his eyes toward his nephew Jaka, who met his gaze with question. "Go help Katara." Jaka wanted to argue, but he understood what Hakoda really wanted. As he went into the tent to ensure his cousins didn't interfere, Sokka looked at his father with disbelief.
"Prince Zuko… We meet at last," Hakoda spoke, but his voice wasn't at all inviting. He stepped up to Zuko who was trying his best to keep composed. Zuko however felt sweat bead down his forehead as he came face to face with the father of the woman he loved.
Zuko went to speak, but his voice was lost to him as he struggled for what to say.
Hakoda spoke anyway, not giving him the chance. His next words were packed with spite. "I've heard much about you from not just my children, but from my own people. You're the one who invaded my village, attacked my son, kidnapped my daughter throwing her in a cell, hurt Katara at the North Pole, and almost captured the Avatar-the world's last hope… I've longed to meet the one that caused my children and people so much pain and trouble! The Fire Lord's son in the flesh. This is the moment of a lifetime."
"Dad! Stop!" Sokka took a step, but Kona intercepted by rushing forward and grabbing Sokka's arms to restrain him. Bato stepped over to Areto who watched the scene with both surprise and relief. Sokka shouted out again, "You promised you'd be cool! Zuko isn't the bad guy anymore."
Toph observed the scene with disapproval, and her feet stayed firm on the ground in case she needed to intervene.
"Sokka! Silence!"
Hakoda's order made Sokka snap his mouth shut in shock. Hakoda turned his attention back to Zuko. "I have much I want to say to you, but at this moment I will only say this. You may have my daughter's heart, and you may be a new member of the Avatar's team, but you will never be a guest to the Southern Water Tribe. As long as you are here, I will have you under surveillance. You may claim to be good, but I know your past. You are nothing but the banished prince of the Fire Nation. You could turn on my people in a second, and I will not let my guard down because of it." He crossed his arms and stood firm. "As for my daughter. This relationship ends now. Once Crystal has recovered, we will go forward with what should be. She will marry Areto, and then he will escort her back to the South Pole and away from you."
Zuko couldn't stay silent any longer. The rage within him reached its peak. "I won't allow that, Sir. And she won't either."
Bato spoke up. "You have no say in the Chief's decisions for his daughter. My son and Crystal are a match that has long been chosen by us. Your relationship with her ended the moment you stepped foot in our camp."
The Fire Prince stood straight and tightened his fists. He looked over at Sokka, who was blown away with disbelief by the actions of his father and the other men. He then looked over at Toph, who looked ready to start an earthquake from frustration. Looking back at Hakoda who glared at him with animosity, he shook his head.
"Your daughter and I have a bond that can't be broken that easily, Chief Hakoda. Fate is strange, but it has paired us together. I won't let you or any of your men tear us apart." He shot his eyes over to Areto then, and sudden confidence fell over him. "You want to battle still? Fine. I accept your challenge. A sword fight. Me and you. If I win, this promise of Crystal being yours is forgotten. If I lose, I'll be the Southern Water Tribe's prisoner just as you really desire. Do we have a deal?"
Areto was stunned by the young man's confidence, but he knew what he had to do. "Deal."
Hakoda watched the exchange with irritation, but he could see this was the best solution. "Very well… As chief, I promote this challenge. This fight will take place in an hour. I will add only one thing. If you lose Prince Zuko, you will never speak to my little girl again."
Zuko was stunned by Chief Hakoda's addition to the wager. Sokka protested and struggled in Kona's grip. Areto nodded in approval. Toph scowled in disbelief.
After a moment of thought, Zuko let out a deep breath and shut his eyes. He was confident he could win the fight, but he also felt sick at the thought of never speaking to Crystal again. The pause passed, and he gave in. He nodded in agreement. Meeting the Chief's gaze, he spoke once more. "I accept your conditions, Chief Hakoda."
Sokka shook his head, snapping, "This is foolish! I object to all of this!"
Hakoda met his son's gaze. "You have no say in this matter, Sokka. This is between Areto and Prince Zuko. Worry about your sister's health, and leave this matter to me."
Toph spoke up at last. "Yeah… I definitely understand why Crystal didn't want to see you men when we were in Ba Sing Se. You guys are control freaks."
Hakoda looked over at Toph. "Toph BeiFong, correct? It is best to stay out of these matters. You are a welcomed guest here. Don't make me regret that." He moved his gaze to Areto. "Prepare yourself. Your father and I have faith in you. I chose you for my daughter for a reason." He turned then, saying to Bato, "Let's leave these young men to prepare for their battle." He and Bato headed away then, and as they did Kona released Sokka and grabbed his younger brother by the sleeve pulling him away to help him prepare. Once it was just Sokka, Toph, and Zuko a silence fell over the three of them.
After a long pause, Sokka spoke up directing his words to the Fire Prince. "Zuko… Are you certain you can do this? Areto may look like an idiot, but I've seen him fight… He know's how to handle a sword well."
Zuko met Sokka's gaze with confidence. "I've been trained since I was six to hold a sword, Sokka... I won't lose."
Toph smirked. "I like your determination, Sparky. If anyone can save Crystal from that possessive jerk, it's definitely her prince charming."