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Chapter 50: Burning Flame
Third person Pov
The fisher village was lively as children ran back and forth across the docks. Men repaired the wooden boards that had become rotted and withered, while women caught fish offshore in the crystal clear river. Smoke still lingered from the factory in the distance, which was charred and beyond recognition on the edge of the cliff. The fish had returned to the water and could be seen jumping out of the flowing stream. There were still a few mutated creatures wading around beneath the pier, but things were finally returning to normal for the villagers.
However, the sound of heavy steps pounding against the wooden planks of the pier caused the children to stop running and look at an approaching stranger with wide eyes. Their gaze shot to his giant metal boot and then traveled up his body to the third eye on his forehead. He walked past them as if they were twigs, and headed up to the merchant stand where Dock was chopping up some slimy eels. As he passed by the men hammering at the wood with rusted nails, they looked up at him with question and uncertainty. Dock saw him approach from the corner of his eye and then grinned.
"Hey there traveler! What can I do you for? My brother Dock should be back soon with some fresh fishies. Until then, I- Xu- can be of service."
The man stepped up to him seeming to be twice the older man's height. His shadow fell over the table as if to send dread over the already dead and sliced fish. Jerking a scroll from inside his tan shirt, he slammed it down on the table sending a few fish hopping off the counter. He unrolled it and pointed down at the image.
Dock looked down at the wanted poster before him with curiosity. The image on the paper was a sketch of a teenager with long hair and fine features. On the sketch was an outline of a scar extending from her cheekbone to her collarbone. Dock immediately recognized the young lady on the drawing, and then tapped his chin.
"Hmm… Can't say I've seen this drawing before. Fine detail though." He grinned mischievously.
"The girl," the man growled, his tone dark.
Dock looked up at the man with laughter in his eyes. "I may have seen someone with these features before. A pretty gal at that. Left town a while ago."
The large man glared down at the merchantman and smashed his finger on the image. He then grabbed the man's collar and yanked him down towards the drawing so his eyes were inches from the paper. "Where?!"
Sweat started to bead down Dock's forehead, but he didn't give in. "You know… With that attitude, it's no wonder this sweet gal ran off from you."
He growled and yanked the man back up. Then he jerked the man towards him and hissed with a gruff voice, "Which way?"
Dock grimaced more do from the spit coming his way. "Not much with words, eh stranger?"
The metal booted man brought Dock closer to his face showing nothing but impatience. Realizing his predicament, Dock finally held his hands up in surrender and answered, "Alright. If she means that much to you… My brother Dock saw them leave west down the river a day ago. I-if you go now you should be able to catch up to the girl and her colonial friends."
The man released Dock with a shove, and then grabbed the scroll back up. Turning on his heel, he headed back the way he came shoving a child out of the way who fell on his butt and cried. Shoving the scroll back in his shirt, the metal booted man stepped to the edge of the pier and looked west at the winding river before him. His eyes narrowed and his fist clenched in determination.
Crystal POV
The stream before me flowed back and forth as it followed the movement of my hands. As the others got their last few winks of sleep, I continued to practice with the element I struggled to master. Katara and Aang made it seem so easy when they used their waterbending, and there were times I thought maybe I was getting it. Then one wrong move and the water would escape my control and fall back into the river we were camped a quarter of a mile from.
The moon had started to lower in the sky, and I knew soon the sun would rise. Once the sun arrived, we would continue on our journey towards the spot we were to meet dad and the others for the invasion. My time for practice was short. As much as I loved Katara teaching me what she knew, I wanted to practice when I could to improve myself.
I wanted to make my family, Zuko, and my friends proud.
Yesterday, after we'd left the fisher village in the morning, Sokka stated that he had been overreacting about the schedule thing. We were a good three weeks from the invasion, and Zuko said we were only about a week from the meeting spot. We had little to worry about.
Of course, we had a lot to worry about battle-wise. Which is why I knew I had to get my skills up to par with the others. I wanted to help them fight the enemy.
Breaking the water into two different streams, I made them move into two swirling spheres. As I did so, I focused on freezing the molecules in the air at the same time. Sweat formed on my brow as my arms strained and my back started to hurt. I couldn't give in though. I had to get this right.
A bright light suddenly shot over my head and fire circled around the water I was trying to freeze. Shocked by the fire's sudden presence, I lost control and my water fell back into the river. The fire in the air simmered into smoke.
Sighing heavily, I muttered, "I almost had it that time."
Zuko came towards me from the spot he'd been standing and watching me without my knowledge. "You're too tense… I may not know much about waterbending, but I know that you're not going to become one with the element in that way." He stopped beside me and turned towards me. I kept my gaze down at the water embarrassed by my fail.
"I just want to get this right," I said softly. "I promised Katara yesterday that I'd get the move down."
He grabbed my shoulder and made me turn to face him. "Everyone learns at their own pace… You don't have to get it immediately. These things take time."
I shook my head. "That's easy for you to say… you're a master… You all are..."
He frowned. "Stop putting yourself down… your abilities have improved so much since the day I first met you. And it's not your fault for being behind your sister skill-wise… you didn't get to train with a master like she did. I've learned firebending and sword fighting from masters too. For someone who had to learn on your own, you prove every day that your strong."
His kind words uplifted me enough to meet his gaze.
"I just don't want to slow the group down," I spoke softly. "I want to help end this war too."
A small smile showed on Zuko's face. "You managed to convince the Fire Nation Prince to switch sides of the war. I think you've done plenty."
His reassurance made me relax. I lifted the corners of my lips as his words sunk in. "Yeah… That wasn't easy."
He smirked and then came behind me. Grabbing both of my shoulders, he made me turn towards the river and face the current. "If you insist on practicing and not sleeping, the least I can do is help."
His hands slid down my arms grabbing my wrists. I was shocked by the heat of his body against me, but then relaxed by his gentle touch.
"Uncle told me once that if you let the element control you then you're never going to take control yourself. You have to make the water do your bidding." As he spoke, I looked down at the liquid and took his advice.
With the warmth of his hands on my wrists, I lifted the water once more in a single stream. Lifting it up to my eye level, I breathed in and let my hands separate the water again. Zuko released my wrists, but stayed behind me with his hands resting on my forearms as I made the water swirl once more in the air. Then with an exhale, I made the molecules within the swirling orbs harden and two balls of ice formed in front of me.
Zuko let go then, and stepped back to give me some room. I smiled as I held the ice in the air and then brought the two balls together. Making the molecules do my will, I made the ice converge into one giant ball. Then I made the ice turn back into water and drop into the river below.
With a sigh of relief, I turned to Zuko who nodded in approval. "See," he spoke. "There's no need to be so stiff."
I rubbed the back of my neck embarrassed still. "Thanks...I guess I'm just anxious about everything."
He stepped up to me with knowing. "Well stop being so worried. We're going to win," he promised. "My father and sister think the Avatar is dead. They won't expect anything on the day of the eclipse."
I wanted his words to be true, but I still felt unsettled. "It's just… Azula is pretty persuasive. What if she managed to get the information out of King Kuei's council? If she tortured them enough in Ba Sing Se there's no way she didn't get something out of them. I want to hope for the best, but I guess after all we've been through I can't get away from my uncertainties."
His arms suddenly pulled me to him, and I hugged him back. "I'm worried too…" He sighed. ""But there's no turning back now. All we can do is prepare for the best or worst. No matter what the outcome though, I'm not going to betray you again."
The promise behind his words made my heart fill with joy and relief. The thought of Zuko turning against me again was too painful to bear.
As I leaned against his chest sinking into his embrace, I asked softly, "Are you nervous… about seeing your father again?"
He hugged me closer as his mind filled with images of the man who had burned and banished him. "Yes… But I'm also ready to face him. I want to tell him how I feel about everything he put me through: How his cruelty made me open my eyes to the truth, and made me stronger."
I nodded. "He doesn't deserve a son like you. He's taken so much from you, and after all you've done to try and earn his love he's given you nothing in return. You found the Avatar. That's something he and the Fire Lord before him failed to accomplish. You did the impossible."
"It's strange how my achievement had nothing to do with capturing the Avatar."
"Your right... Your achievement was happiness." I smiled. "The best of all. Your laughter and enjoyment is something your father will never understand."
He smiled. "I couldn't have found that without you…" He pulled away then, and his gaze traveled to the brightening sky which grew lighter by the rising sun beyond the mountains. "Everything changed when you came into my life…" He paused. "It's strange… Before this past year, sunrise would mean to me another day had passed that I had yet to accomplish my goal… I kept that mindset for three years as if it were an unshakable chain around me. Then when I found the Avatar, the sunrise was just a reminder that I'd have to spend another endless day chasing some kid to regain my honor. At the time, I thought that was all I needed… To regain the status I'd lost… My hopes dimmed the longer my journey became and I felt more and more like a failure."
He turned his gaze back to me.
"But then one morning this annoying waterbender came up on deck and watched the sunrise with a joy I hadn't seen since my mother left. Every time I'd see her out on deck mesmerized by the morning light on the horizon, I'd start to see the beauty I'd been missing… You helped me remember the beauty of the world and how to enjoy each new day."
I ran a hand through my hair flustered. "I was just being a friend to you. You found your happiness all on your own."
He grabbed my hand and pressed it against his soft lips. "You're just too humble to admit you saved me from my ignorance… You can take credit."
My cheeks burned red. "I think we've both saved each other equally these last few months. Let's just call it a draw."
He smirked. "Alright… I can live with that." He put his other hand behind me then and pulled me forward. Kissing me on the lips, I melted into his touch as our breaths intertwined. When we pulled apart, my head was light and my lips were tingling. "I'm going to go get cleaned up," Zuko spoke. "I'll let you finish practice." He kissed me again on the forehead, and then released me. "Don't be gone too long though. The others will worry."
Zuko turned and left me then, while I watched him go. As he disappeared over the hill back towards camp, I touched my cheeks to try and calm the blood rushing through them from my moment of ecstasy. My hand grabbed the necklace that stayed on my person at all times as I looked over at the sun's rays shining among the clouds and shooting off a rainbow of colors.
I was glad Zuko had found the beauty he'd been missing. It was always a relief to see him smile.
After a few more moments of practicing my bending, I decided to wash up and then rejoin the others. I knew Zuko was right about them worrying. They always worried about me. I couldn't blame them of course… I was prone to getting into pretty cruddy situations. But those situations were the reason I was so eager to become stronger. Instead of people coming to my aid continuously, I wanted to do the same for them in return. I wanted to protect my friends and family like they had done for me so many times in the past. I wanted to protect Zuko too...
Taking off my outer clothes and leaving on my under wrappings, I stepped into the river and let the rushing water run past my body. Keeping to the shallows, I sunk enough to let the water surround my upper body.
A breath of relief escaped me as my muscles relaxed from the gentle touch around me. Shutting my eyes, I let the rising sun lather me with warmth as I replayed the kiss in my head. I was a lucky girl for sure to be given such a wonderful fiance.
Third Person
Stepping to the bank of the river, the giant man with the metal boot narrowed his eyes as he saw the girl duck under the water and reemerge a moment later. He'd arrived to the campsite almost half an hour earlier to find in the dark a group of kids asleep with one sleeping mat empty. He knew from the trail he'd been following it was the girl he was after who was unaccounted for. Making his way around the campsite in silence, he found a crossing and went to the other side of the river to plan his approach.
The light of dawn soon helped him to see the girl across the river. He stayed behind some brush as the girl practiced with the young man who had interrupted her solitude. He'd watched as the two embraced and kissed. He waited for the young man to disappear backup the hill and leave the girl alone. He remained stealth as she took her outer layers off and waded into the water. As the light from the rising sun settled on her face, he saw the discolored flesh that lined her skin.
His target had been acquired.
The raven-eagle that rested on his shoulder thrust itself into flight and headed towards the girl with a loud caw. While the bird headed towards their target, the metal booted man stepped out of the shadows and towards the bank of the river.
The girl had jumped at the sound of the bird and stood up in the stream looking at the creature flying towards her. She gasped and ducked as the bird swooped down on her, and then returned to her position in shock at the abrupt attack. The bird flew back to his master and perched on his shoulder with satisfaction. She had followed the bird's direction and looked across the river at the man before her. Her eyes widened when she realized she was not alone.
Taking in a deep breath, the metal booted man let energy flow through his body up to his head. As the energy flowed through him, he built the pressure within his front lobe, and heat immediately shot out of his tattoo of an eye towards the girl before him. As the blast of fire raged towards his target, she gasped and shot water up at the attack. The raven-eagle took back off into the sky to let his master acquire the prize.
Crystal POV
Smoke surrounded me as my water stopped the attack that had just come my way. As smoke surrounded me, I dropped my shield and took my chance to get back onto the bank. Scrambling out of the river, I stumbled up the stones and back onto the earth. Another blast shot towards me, and this time I darted to the side to avoid the hit. As rocks flew everywhere, and an explosion rang in my ears, I reclaimed my footing and turned back to the man at the river bank.
He was just about to shoot another blast of fire at me from his head when I yanked up a large amount of water from the river and shot it at him. The water traveled fast towards the man who quickly shot his fire at it causing smoke to surround him this time. As smoke surrounded him, he took his opportunity again to shoot another line of fire towards me. Seeing the fire coming, I took up more water and shot a large stream towards the attack. Our elements collided halfway across the river causing an explosion in the air. I was soaked from my recent swim and the weight of the water on me caused difficulty, but I kept strong as adrenaline rushed through me.
My mind was full of thoughts as I saved my skin. This metal booted man had come out of nowhere. How long had he been standing on the river bank? Who was he? Why on earth was he attacking me?
As smoke continued to hang in the air, I could no longer see his giant figure from across the river. However, I could see light from behind the smoke as he prepared to shoot at me again with his abnormal bending. Part of me wanted to shout for help, but the other side of me desired to save myself. I didn't want the others to see me as weak anymore. I wanted to be brave.
I listened to my desire and kept my focus on the enemy before me. I would not yield to fear. I would defeat this man.
The bright hot burst of energy projected towards me again, and I darted to the side once more dodging the attack. Catching myself, I finally gained the offensive and yanked up some water shooting it towards the man quickly. The smoke had settled and I could finally see him again. My forceful attack was wide enough that he couldn't dodge the oncoming stream and it knocked him backward hard enough to throw him off balance. As he stumbled to try and catch himself, I rushed towards the water with my heart pounding in my ears. Freezing a platform for me to stand on, I boosted myself across the river to get closer to my opponent.
The river was a good hundred yards wide, so he had enough time to get back to his stance and shoot at me again. I pushed my platform out of the way and felt the water splash violently beside me from the attack. Crossing the river at last, I jumped on land and grabbed some more water throwing it harshly at the man.
"Who are you?!"
My question rang between us as he hopped to the side to dodge my attack. His answer to me was another inhale and then discharge of fire. I grabbed more water and met his attack just like before. This time when our elements collided, the force caused me to stumble back and shield my eyes as smoke blinded me.
"Crystal! What's going on?"
The dim voice of Sokka cried out to me from beyond the smoke. I tried to keep alert, and as I did a shadow emerged from the blinding dark cloud. The man stood before me and looked down at me with three eyes. His tattoo still had steam coming out from his previous attack. I backed away, but he grabbed my arm to stop me. His hand was enormous, like a giant cuff. He went to restrain my other one too, but I was a step ahead.
With quick thinking, I grabbed the water from the stream beside us and flung it up at him right in his eyes. He howled in pain and released me. As soon as he did, I brought more water up and shot it at him. As it hit his side, he was knocked away and disappeared beyond the smoke.
Not letting my guard down, I gathered up more water ready to attack. Looking around, I snapped, "Why are you attacking me?! Who sent you!"
My arms shook, and I prepared to defend myself again from the relentless giant. Looking around, I stayed alert as I searched the dark air for my attacker. I'd be ready for him when he emerged.
I didn't have to search long though. Air suddenly shot around me and the smoke was pushed away. My water dropped as my body felt the force of the heavy gust. Then a moment later everything settled, I could see again, and I found Aang had landed in front of me with concern. The others were on the other side of the river looking anxious, while Katara was carrying herself across with water in a similar way I had. While Katara approached, and Aang started to question me, I looked around the area in confusion. The metal booted man was nowhere to be seen. The giant of a guy had disappeared without a trace.
"Hey! Talk to me! What happened?" Aang grabbed both of my arms and shook me. "We heard explosions and saw smoke! Were you attacked?"
Katara joined us, saying, "I don't see anyone! Was it explosions in the ground maybe?"
"No. There was a giant…" I answered, still looking around with confusion. "He was here only a moment ago."
Aang looked around with question, letting me go in the process. Katara grabbed my shoulder and looked me over with concern. "Are you alright?"
Nodding slowly, I answered, "I think so… I just don't get it. How can he just… vanish…?"
My sister grew more concerned. "He? Who? Someone did attack you then?"
Looking between her and Aang, I responded, "I don't know… I've never seen him before… He just started shooting at me with his head."
They both were puzzled by my reveal. "Uh…" Aang rubbed the back of his neck. "Crys… You're not still hallucinating are you? People don't just shoot fire out of their head."
Looking between the two of them, I felt my heart rate was finally starting to calm. As I gathered my thoughts, I shook my head in disbelief. "It all happened so fast… I know what I saw though. He had a tattoo of an eye on his forehead. For some reason he was after me, and I have no clue why."
Katara didn't like my last statement. "We better move along from this spot then. We need to cover our tracks so he doesn't follow."
"Whoever he is," Aang muttered.
Third Person POV
Crouching at a distance behind some brush, the man growled as his work had been compromised. He watched as the three kids made their way back across the river on an icy bridge, and his fist tightened in irritation. He'd been so close to getting his target, but he knew he couldn't with her pals all coming to assist her.
His raven-eagle landed on his shoulder and picked at its feathers absently as the man continued to watch the teenagers make their retreat. A lot of money was on the line for this girl. His job would be ten times easier if he could actually kill the girl like his first employer had wanted, but the Fire Lord made it clear that she was to be brought back alive.
From the skill of the girl, he could see she wasn't a master waterbender but she did know how to fight. He'd hoped catching the girl would be a breeze, but clearly, he was wrong. As long as she had water and friends to her advantage, he would have difficulty obtaining her.
He'd have to wait until she was alone or get her alone somehow.
The pay was too good to fail though.
Crystal POV
Getting back to the others, I was immediately bombarded with questions similar to the ones that Aang and Katara had thrown at me. When I told them the same thing I told my sister and Aang, they were shocked and worried. However, one person from the group turned pale at the mention of the tattoo of an eye on my attackers head.
Zuko looked at me with horror, and then his fists clenched with fury. "Azula," he hissed.
We all looked over at him with question. "Azula?" Sokka raised his brow. "What does your crazy sister have to do with our three-eyed Sparky-Sparky Boom Man?"
Katara shook her head in disbelief. "Really… Sparky-Sparky Boom Man?"
Sokka shrugged. "The guy clearly causes explosions with his mind. Someone unique like that deserves a nickname."
"Here." Toph suddenly handed me my clothes which I took with gratitude. "Instead of thinking up nicknames and scenarios everyone, why don't we get some distance from this place. The river makes it difficult for me to see if anyone is still out there, so we better not wait to find out."
Once I was dressed, I told everyone we should head back to camp and make distance like Toph suggested. "I really don't want to fight this guy anymore today."
Once we were packed up and on Appa, we took off in the air to get far from the guy who had started blasting at me. Zuko explained when we were safe how he knew him, and why he was so concerned.
"He's a well-known assassin," Zuko spoke, his tone heavy as thoughts raced through him. My blood went cold, as did everyone else's. "And he's good at what he does. I've heard he always gets his target, and he always gets away. He's been hired by numerous noblemen and council members to take out traitors and spies in the Fire Nation." He sighed heavily. "There's only one reason I can possibly think he's after Crystal, and that's because of my sister." He met my gaze. "Azula wants you dead because she knows as long as you're by my side I have something to fight for. She's terrified that I will overthrow her and reclaim my birth right, so she's trying to take you from me so I'll lose."
Sokka growled. "That psychotic bitc-"
"No," I spoke cutting off Sokka's curse. "I don't think he's trying to kill me..." There was a silence that fell around us as my statement hung in the air. I decided to break the silence. "He had every opportunity to end me… He clearly was powerful enough to do so. He didn't though." I breathed heavily. "There was a moment when we were inside all that smoke that he grabbed me. If he wanted me dead he would've killed me at that moment. He made no indication of doing that though. He was trying to apprehend me."
Toph scoffed. "So what crazy chick really wants is to kill you herself. What fun would it be torturing Sparky if it's not by his sister's actual hands." She shook her head. "First the Dai Lee. Now this… Sheesh. We just can't catch a break."
Shaking his head, Sokka snapped. "If this is any indication it's that from now on we need to stick together like glue. From this point forward we use a buddy system." He looked over at me. "Especially you. I don't want you running off alone. I don't want anything happening to you with Sparky Sparky Boom Man out there."
Quickly I defended myself. "I was holding my ground just fine. Katara's training has helped me improve so much. Next time he comes for me I will be ready. Besides… I don't want any of you getting hurt at my expense."
My words hit Zuko's ear with disapproval. He snapped at me, "Are you saying you'd rather face him alone?!"
I cringed. I didn't want to lie though. "I'm just saying that… Well... I feel I can handle this. You all have fought your own battles in the past. I can fight my own too."
Aang, who was seated on Appa's head with Momo perched on his shoulder, turned his eyes back to me to argue. "That's crazy! What's going on in your head?!"
Katara wasn't happy either. "Now I get why you didn't call for help when you were being attacked! You were being stubborn! Do you have a death wish?"
Letting out a heavy breath, I responded, "I was doing fine. I didn't see a reason to bring you all in the middle of it. If I'm going to help you win this war I can't be the weak link who needs protect-"
"Stop." Zuko cut me off. He was trying to calm down, but I could tell he was frustrated by my desire for independence. "I thought I went over this with you this morning. You've done enough to help with this war. Stop trying to prove yourself."
Sokka added with a much calmer tone. "Crystal… We're your family. As much as I understand how you feel, there is no way any of us are going to stand aside when you're in danger. I promised dad I'd protect you, and I'm not going to break that."
Aang nodded. "Yeah. We're a team! We stick together."
Toph sighed. "Unfortunately since Princess is feeling suicidal I do agree that she needs a chaperone. Looks like you and Zuko really will be inseparable these next few days."
"I'm not suicidal," I promised. "I'm being reasonable! You all shouldn't have to protect me every-"
"Crys…" Katara spoke with plea. "We know you're strong… You've survived every trial thrown your way. Stop feeling like you have to prove it to us… Please don't be stubborn and let us help you."
I went to argue, but the plea in her tone and expression made me stop. Hanging my head, I nodded to let her know I would.
Third Person POV
The group was camped in a small clearing, the moon high above. A fire danced in the center while a few members of the group slept from the journey they'd just taken. They'd flown as long as they could to get distance between themself and the river. They weren't sure how the metal man had found them, but they had a suspicion he'd guessed they were following the river. To break from being followed, the group decided it was best to fly away from the river and find coverage in the wooded areas of the Fire Nation.
Zuko and Sokka sat by the fire as the rest of the group slept. Crystal had passed out as soon as the group had settled, her body exhausted from the fight she'd had earlier that morning. Zuko cleaned his dual blades by the fire as Sokka examined the map he kept at his side. As Sokka's eyes traced over the drawn out landscape of the Fire Nation, his mind wandered towards other things.
Looking back at his two sisters, he saw Katara was muttering in her sleep like she had done since she was a child. Then his eyes trailed over to his twin sister whose scarred face reflected in the firelight. His eyes trailed over the discolored flesh, and his heart twinged at the memory of the day she received her scar.
"Hey…" Zuko's voice spoke up between the crackles of the Fire. "Can I ask you something?"
Sokka looked over at Zuko who stared down at the sword in his lap.
"Shoot," Sokka insisted.
Zuko sighed heavily. "You've known her your whole life, Sokka…" He paused, and shut his eyes. "Why do you think she's being so stubborn about all of this? Does she really have a death wish?"
His question didn't surprise Sokka. It only made him let out a heavy breath. "No…" He watched the fire before him. "She's just always been like this… even before mom died. She's always put others before herself. She's a lot like Mom in that way…. Mom would drop everything to help someone in need. Crys would put her life on the line to do the same."
He ran a hand through his hair in disbelief.
"I had suspected she was going to be rash the day we met you so long ago. I told her to stay with Gran Gran and let me handle everything because I knew she would try and save everyone. When she attacked you on the ramp to free Aang, I was more so surprised by her waterbending than her actual actions. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw her attack you…" He shook his head. "She had hidden from us for so long. I never guessed she could waterbend... Now part of me understands why she never told me or anyone else in the tribe. She wanted Katara to be happy… to believe she had a gift that no one else did. She sacrificed her chance to train and grow so Katara could feel special."
Sokka picked up a stick and threw it in the fire.
"Crys is putting us before her like she always does. She doesn't want us to get hurt and that's why she is so eager to fight this crazy man on her own. This isn't as much about proving herself as it is about protecting us." Sokka looked into Zuko's gaze with plea. "That's why I want you to protect her, Zuko… Not just now or during this war… I want you to protect her for as long as you both live. She'll always be stubborn like this. She'll always risk her life for those who need help."
Zuko nodded, his eyes staring deeply into the dancing flames. "You know I will… After everything she's done for me, it's only fair that I protect her in return." He sheathed his swords and then stood. "Everything happening to her right now is because of me anyway."
Sokka looked back at the map, saying, "Not everything. Don't give yourself all the credit."
Zuko smiled weakly, knowing Sokka was just trying to make him feel better.
"In all honesty though, I'm really glad you two ended up falling head over heels for one another. You two are the link we'll need once we defeat your father. I mean, I don't mean to make your relationship all about politics and stuff, but you two being born of two nations divided… well, it will show the world that our relationship with the Fire Nation is something that can be mended."
Zuko stared at the Fire as Sokka spoke, and then his eyes traveled over to his fiance who slept peacefully.
"Political or not…" Zuko started. "She's the only girl who's looked past my title and scar and loved me for the man I truly am… she saw me as a determined teenager, trying to reclaim something I'd lost." He smiled. "Turns out the thing I'd lost was actually who I truly was. She helped me find myself again. I had gone through such a dark time, and she returned the light… she taught me how to smile again."
Sokka nodded, and his eyes wandered up to the moon. "I felt that way when I lost Yue so long ago. I went through a dark moment where I never thought I'd find happiness again. Then I found suki..." He sighed. "Or at least I had found suki."
Zuko frowned as he saw the heartbreak in Sokka's expression. He placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "I owe you for helping to convince your people that I had pure intentions… In return, I will help you find the Kyoshi warriors Sokka."
Sokka smiled weakly. "I'd appreciate the help, but you don't owe me. I convinced the warriors because I trusted my sister. She believed you when you said you wanted to help us. Her trust in you, and your determination to help us save Crystal from the Dai Lee… that was all enough to convince me. Even though it took me a lot of self-convincing, I could finally see you had good in you like Crys said."
Zuko took in another heavy breath. "I put you all through so much… and you took me in with kindness and trust… I'll never be able to repay you all in full."
Sokka smirked. "Sure you can. I'm sure the fire nation has a hidden bank account."
Zuko rolled his eyes.
"Kidding," Sokka promised. He then turned serious. "Look Zuko... knowing my sister is in good hands is repayment enough. Make her happy, and you won't owe me anything."
Zuko smiled weakly. "Making her happy is all I've ever wanted since the day I fell for her, Sokka… I love her smile… the way her eyes shine… she's so beautiful and-"
"Eh! Enough with the loverboy chatting! I'm trying to sleep," Toph hissed from her rock cave.
Both Sokka and Zuko jumped at the sudden voice and then rolled their eyes.
Sokka muttered, "Ignore Toph. She's just jealous cause she's a recluse."
The ground shook suddenly, and Sokka was knocked back off his log as it rolled out from under him. As he landed on his back, Zuko looked down at him with disbelief. Then he shrugged and turned back to the fire, stating, "You dug yourself into that one buddy."
Sokka muttered under his breath from the ground as Zuko stared at the flames. His eyes shot to Crystal again, who had shifted only slightly in the time he'd looked away. As he did, a fire raged inside him at the thought of someone trying to take her from him again. Whether Azula truly was the reason the assassin was after Crystal or not, he wouldn't break his promise to Sokka.
He would do everything in his power to protect the woman he loved.
Authors Notes
So this chapter was not in the series on tv. But that is the point of fanfiction right? Anyway... Sokka's Master will be the next chapter. I just kind of wanted to give Crystal a big fight scene. Of course, her family and friends had to have their worry moment, but family and love is an important theme in this story. I want to make Crystal stronger, especially after reading feedback from you wonderful readers! I just can't have her become crazy strong overnight. So here is a small taste of her strength, and I will try and make her grow in endurance and agility through the rest of the story. Thanks for reading, and please let me know what you think!