ZUKO, UNDER THE NAME OF LEE FINDS HIMSELF TORN BETWEEN DOING WHAT IS RIGHT AND DOING WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE. HE MUST DECIDE BETWEEN HIS HONOR AND HIS DUTY TO SAVE THOSE AGAINST THE WRATH OF A DANGEROUS ENEMY.
I do not own ATLA.
Book 2: Dawn of War
Chapter 3: Fate of a Choice
KIOSHI ISLAND
"What do you mean you are leaving!?" Katara shouted feeling betrayed in her trust in Lee.
Lee was packing what was his to set sail, "This is not my fight Katara. I need to stay away from the Fire Nation."
Aang was just as disappointed in Lee as Katara was, "It's everyone's fight to stop the Fire Nation Lee. You may not bend like us, but you have great fighting skills."
Lee turned to them, "How long do you think you can stand against a ship like that? by Aang's description of that ship, it is a ship built for war and who knows what kind of elite fire benders they may have or how many there are in it!" Lee knew exactly who they were facing, but to give that away would be to risk exposing himself for who he really was, "If you have a sense of best interest for the people of this island, evacuate as many people off this Island as fast as you can now. any time after will be too late for any chance"
Suki, knowing who Lee truly was, could tell he knew that something or someone horrible and dangerous was coming in that ship and they meant to the burn this whole Island down, "Lee you have to do something. There is more to you that meets the eye and you know it too." Lee knew what she meant by that, but if he revealed himself right now, who knows how deep the consequences would be for everyone that comes in contact with him "From how long we have known each other on this Island, I know you wouldn't just abandon my people." she said secretly meaning of years before when they had first met.
Lee tightened his fists shut from the frustration of going against his honor, but he didn't want anyone else to suffer by dragging them into his destiny. Lee had to swallow his honor and pride for the greater good, "I am not that person you once thought I was. Suki your only hope is to get your people off this Island before it is too late. This is just an island, it won't be completely destroyed, but the people on it can."
Sokka was furious when he thought that Lee was willing to save himself rather than try and help, "Fine you coward. We will fight for Suki's home even if you won't help us."
Lee lost his temper at Sokak's ignorance and overconfidence. Lee raised Sokka up by the front collar of his shirt with one arm. Sokka was stunned with surprised fear to see Lee effortlessly lift him into the air by one arm, "Listen to yourself you arrogant asshole! That is what exactly gets people killed when they are outnumbered and out matched! I am telling you that you can't win this fight with or without the avatar!" Lee threw Sokka on his back and looked back to everyone else, "This is your last chance to save everyone on this island if you help them escape now." with that said he took off for his boat.
They went their separate ways to do what they thought was best. Lee could only feel pity for their false sense of hope.
Later Lee was coming out of a hut with the last of his supplies and placed it on the boat. He was ready to cast off, but then he looked back one last time regretting having to leave this Island to the fate of his sister and Zhao. Yet the fate of the world rested on the choices he made, and he knew this one had to be made even it went against nature. Zuko then casted off to open sea on his boat. it was just in time as he saw Azula's ship coming in by the time he came out from the bay of Kioshi, but Azula's ship was too far away to bother with a small ship than to land on this Island looking for the avatar. It was in the avatar's hands now to save the Island. As doubtful as he felt Aang making the right decision, he hoped they would do what was smarter. Zuko set the sails to catch the wind to head for the mainland of the Earth Kingdom
Aang shook his head, "Forget Lee, we can take on these fire benders if we work together. We just need to set up an ambush for them and scare them off."
Katara did not feel confident at all about staying to fight. If Lee thought the best and only thing was to get everyone off the island then maybe that was the better option, "But guys, what if Lee is right in evacuating everyone from this island? We might not be able to hold off every fire bender and risk getting some of these people killed. I think we should help everyone flee this island."
"Come on Katara. We have Suki and the Kioshi Warriors to help us." Sokka said convinced that luck was on their side. "We can easily take on whatever they throw at us. We could have the advantage on them this time."
Suki noticed the words he used. What did he mean by that? Who did they run into that threatened them? "What do you mean this time?" She asked worried about the answer they would give her.
Sokka spoke up first, "We were captured and attacked by Azula of the fire nation. but we were able to escape from her evil clutches no sweat." He gloated proudly.
Suki remembered and knew who they were talking about and how cruel and crazed she could be from when she last saw her.
Katara noticed the fear she saw in Suki's eyes when Sokka mentioned Azula's name, "Suki? what is it? Do you know who she is?"
Suki called to her warriors, "Get everyone ready to evacuate the island! I am going to scout ahead to see what we are up against!" She commanded before rushing off towards the bay.
"Suki!" Katara called after her as they tried to catch up to her.
The bow of the Fire nation ship's door opened to release a well-seasoned battalion of firebenders. All of them heavily armed and suited with dense armor. This was indeed an elite group of fire benders too well prepared for war. each one was able to fight in the heavy suits that they wore and Azula rode her mount from behind the first platoon, "So, we return to this forsaken island where we almost lost Zuzu because of those little warriors." she said to herself remembering the last time she was here, "March for the village! We will interrogate the villagers for the location of the avatar and burn this Island into an unmarked grave of ash!" she commanded.
The lead commander of the first platoon ordered to move out to begin the march to the village. Each step from the battalion of firebenders sent a tremor with each thunderous step. They were using no effort to be silent and hiding their presence from the island know. They wanted them to know they were coming. It was part of Azula's scare tactic to have her enemies know the godly might of her presence.
Zhao rode beside the princess, but slightly behind her as well, "What are my orders your highness?" he asked hoping for something of a cruel nature."
Azula smiled with a vile look, "You commander Zhao shall choose which victims will be used to force the interrogated prisoners to spill their guts."
"So, if they don't cooperate, then I get to spill my victim's guts?" Zhao asked in a pleasurable tone.
Azula chuckled cruelly, "Whatever fits your taste. then after we get what we want, I shall let you lead the charge to burn the island down. No survivors"
Zhao bowed, "Once again your highness, it will be my honor."
In the heavy thickness of the vegetation around them, Suki and the others spied out on the oncoming battalion led by the fire nation princess. Suki had heard of her and her brutality and cold heart. but nothing stood out more of her reputation than her blue intense flames as a firebender. Now she knew why Zuko tried to warn them to run. this was a battle that they were not going to win by any kind of given luck.
"It's not bad right Suki? We can take them on by surprise Kioshi style, right?" Sokka was asking for any sign of hope.
Katara hit the back of his head, "are you even listening to that? Are you even looking at them? what makes you think we have any chance against a force like that?"
Suki shook her head, "We should have evacuated the Island."
The others faces turned grim for a moment. But Aang, full of optimism, though for suggestions, "Well maybe we can have people get on boats and have Appa try to pull them out to sea."
Sokka, being the pessimist, only saw little hope in that, "For how long Aang? Even if we did, they would catch up to us in that ship of theirs. Appa isn't that strong to pull all that weight that fast across the sea."
Sokka was right though. the fire nation ship had powerful engines powered by who knows how many firebenders. Plus, they would have to go at a decent speed in order not to tire out Appa from the weight he would be pulling.
Suki placed a hand on their shoulders, "We may have a chance if we create a long enough diversion."
"Really? what is it!?" Aang asked excitedly.
Aang was too full of hope to notice the sad serious expression on Suki's face, But Sokka noticed it quickly, "Suki what are you thinking?" Sokka asked not really wanting to hear the answer.
Suki looked Sokka straight in the eyes trying not to shed a tear from the fear that was .consuming her heart, "Kioshi warriors are tasked with the duty of protecting the people of this Island." she said repeating her vows as a Kioshi Warrior, "The other warriors and I shall confront the army and draw them away deeper into the center of the Island in the mountains."
Sokka grabbed her arm, "Suki no! that's suicide!" he tried to talk her out of it.
Suki continued with her plan, "We will make them think we took refuge in the mountains in an old cavern. This will give you all a good start on getting away to the mainland of the Earth Kingdom."
Sokka didn't want to hear anymore, "Suki I can't let you! You are all going to die here! You know we won't be able to come back in time when we drop them off!" He warned her with tears threatening to be shed.
Suki smiled sadly cupping Sokka's cheek in her hand, "I know Sokka. But you know it's the only way now." she said in a shaky voice, "But you have another path in life and a bow to aid the avatar. You have to help the avatar and be there for your sister."
Katara hugged Suki sobbing knowing she was going to lose her friend, "I'm so sorry Suki. If only I was stronger..." she trailed off unable to find the words to speak.
Suki hugged her back for a while before she broke the hug, "Just live on for me Katara." she faced the others, "Get the people to safety. We'll give you as much time as we can. Now go." Suki then bowed to them and ran after the rest of the Kioshi warriors.
Sokka felt the urge to follow after Suki but Katara held onto him, "Sokka. we need to help her save her people. It's the only thing we can do for her now." she said regrettably.
Sokka gritted his teeth heart broken and feeling helpless. But Katara was right. Suki needed all their help to save the people she swore to protect. He took his sisters hand and led her back to the village, "lets hurry back to get the village to safety. we only bring clothes, medicine and food."
later, the village was being evacuated. people only brought enough clothes, food, and medicine to get by until they settled in a new town. the elder told them there was another dock on the other side of the island, they set their destination for the boats on the other end of the island. it won't take long for Azula's army to arrive, so they urged every villager to quicken their pace to leave a great distance between them and the fire nation.
An hour later, the thunderous sound of Azula's army had arrived in the village. objects on top of shelves or leaning against walls in the homes of the villagers fell over from the tremors that the army sent with each unison step in their march until they halted in their march. She could tell from the dead silence that they were either in hiding or they fled the village to try to leave the Island by boat.
She pointed to one of the Sergeants of a platoon, "You, have your men search the entire village inside and out!" The Sergeant saluted her and took his platoon into the village looking for any hiding places. She then pointed to another Sergeant, "You, take your platoon and search for any tracks or trails leading to a shore." that Sergeant saluted her and did what she commanded.
The other two platoons remained by her in case of any sort of ambush attack. She wouldn't think anything of such a foolish thing, but she didn't want to give the enemy any hope of a victory.
Suki and the other warriors hid in the brush near a mountain path. Suki was staring daggers at Azula remembering how ruthless she treated her own brother while he was in chains. even from a far distance she could feel that there was no soul in that girl's eyes. she was a monster that was cold blooded and heartless. If only the princess was alone away from her guard dogs, Suki would spring at her without hesitation or mercy to end the tyranny that festered inside that girl.
Suki then saw the other platoon heading toward the path the others took to the other shore. If they found the tracks to the others, then they would surely send soldiers after them. no doubt they would send word to Azula who would head back to their ship and hunt them down without giving them so much as a chance. They had to stop that at all costs. This was their time to be seen and chased. No hope of survival, but a good chance of saving lives. They took out some hunting bows and began firing randomly into the army. Suki made an attempt to hit Azula.
The sound of the arrows caught Zhao's ear as he turned towards the Kioshi warrior's direction, "Arrows!" he called out. the soldiers all at once turned and shot fire into the air burning the arrows. Some arrows that, by luck's chance, was able to get through the fire only scratched the armor of the one of the soldiers before the arrow snapped itself from the impact.
Azula caught the arrow meant for her without even turning to look, "Zhao, you have my permission to burn them to ash." she ordered.
Zhao nodded, "Battalion on me! The villagers took refuge in the mountains!" It was a logical guess that they made their way to the mountains since these people were part of the Earth Kingdom. They thought the mountain would protect them, but that would be their tomb. soon the scouting platoon returned to join the fight before they had the chance to find the footprints of the villagers that fled to the shore on the other side of the Island.
Suki saw that the plan had worked. Now all they had to do was slowly draw them up the mountain path and away from the others, "Don't let them reach the mountain!" Suki told her warriors. Hopefully if they were fighting them off as hard as they could the fire nation would believe that they were really trying to defend something in the mountain. so, they would hold the line as much as they could before heading up the trail to slow them down even more.
It was a difficult task now that the army was focusing in on them. there were a lot of close call hits and accurate strikes coming from the fire nation. these were very well trained firebenders. their armor was so tough that it gave them time to focus and aim carefully at what they were shooting at while not fearing being hit by the enemy. They were like immortals having no fear of fighting such primitive beings. Already some of the Kioshi Warriors were suffering small burns and hits from the firebenders as they drew nearer. they would be quickly overrun soon, but until then they would keep fighting till the last warrior's breath.
Finally, Sokka led the others to the shore where the fishing boats waited for them. people started getting into the boats while some of them tied ropes from the boats to Appa. This had to be done as fast as they can to get a far head start from the fire nation. Sokka could hear the faint sounds of fire blasts coming from the mountain. Suki must have started luring them away. Sokka felt heart ache knowing Suki was going to throw their lives away just to give everyone else a chance to escape. He would rush back, but he knew how disappointed Suki would be after she trusted him with the survival of her people. There was nothing he could do but accept fate.
They helped load the last of the villagers in boats one at a time as fast as they could. They only hoped it would be fast enough to give them a chance to make it off the island.
"Sokka I think..." Aang suddenly became dizzy and weak as if something was pulling on his soul, "Sokka... I..."
Sokka turned around wondering why Aang began to sound so strange. He then noticed the weary look on Aang's face before he collapsed on the ground. Sokka rushed to Aang trying to wake him. It was like the last time before they came to the Southern Air Temple, but this time Aang collapsed.
"Rrgh! Can this get any more complicated!" Sokka complained.
As if the fire nation and his lost sister was not enough, Aang happened to pass out at the worst time. Sokka had to try to get Aang on Appa and have the bison take off without him. Hopefully, the bison was smart enough to understand Sokka when he was going to try and tell Appa to head for the mainland.
After he placed Aang in the saddle, he hopped down to Appa to try to talk to him. But something caught Sokka's eye in the ground. For a minute he thought he saw the ground stir as if something was moving underneath, but that was impossible since the ground was almost as hard as stone.
Sokka was about to try and talk to Appa again until he saw a boat zoom in onto the shore. Sokka looked over to the boat in confusion to see that it was just a regular wooden boat. He was extremely puzzled to why and how that boat came to shore so fast. But to his amazement and relief, he saw Lee pick Katara up from the crash landing. He immediately ran to her and embraced her in a tight hug.
"Katara!" Sokka cheered in joy of finding his sister. Katara was stunned and confused to wonder what sickness came over her brother to act this weird than his normal self. Then Sokka pulled away having an expression of furious rage, "Where the hell were you!? Do you know how much I was freaking out not knowing where you were?!"
Katara knew she was mostly in the wrong for leaving without telling anyone and not confronting Lee sooner to try and get back to the Island faster, "I'm sorry Sokka. I was just trying to get Lee to change his mind to help us." she confessed, though she was honestly touched that her brother showed how much he cared, "I meant to try to get him back sooner but I was too nervous to have him get angry at me for sneaking on his boat."
Lee gave an irritated sigh that she was trying to get him to stay, "I told you all to leave this Island. You should have listened to me when I told you to..." he then noticed someone was missing, "Where is Suki and the others? Where is Aang?"
Katara then noticed they were missing as well, "Don't tell me they all went to fight the Fire Nation!" she said expecting the worst.
Sokka sighed sadly, "Aang passed out and is resting in Appa's saddle and Suki..." he paused trying to gain the strength to say it, "Suki and the others are sacrificing themselves to give us time to escape."
Katara gasped hearing this. She knew Sokka had feeling for her and that this was tearing him from the inside out. She embraced Sokka to give him emotional support.
Zuko felt it happening again. Everyone he meets suffers when he is around. But what could he do? It was already done and there was no way to save her without being exposed. He would have to abandon them; he would have to let them die.
"NEVER GIVE UP"
Zuko heard those words echo though his mind like a shout inside a cavern. he clenched his eyes shut trying to drown out the familiar voice still echoing inside his mind. when he opened his eyes, he saw his mother lying dead in his arms covered in blood. her skin began to turn pale and crack before blowing off her body to reveal Suki underneath his mother's skin. She was barely breathing as she weakly reached her hand up to his face in a far too familiar voice of someone he once knew, "Never give up without a fight Zuko." Zuko gasp and stumbled back into reality breathing and sweating excessively.
Katara and Sokka were in shock of Lee's sudden behavior, "Lee what is wrong?" Katara asked in deep concern.
Zuko looked to the mountain where he heard and sensed the flames of the fire bending army, "All on you get the people as far away as you can. Don't wait for anyone and Do not come back." Zuko ordered.
"Are you thinking you can take them on by yourself!?" Katara asked not liking what Lee may have been thinking.
"Look Lee I am glad to think you might try and help Suki, but you cannot do it alone. We are coming with you!" Sokka demanded.
Zuko whipped around, "Get your sister and the avatar to safety with these people now!" Zuko shouted scaring Katara and Sokka, "You have to take care of them now understand?!"
the two siblings nodded quickly not wanting to aggravate Zuko any more than he seemed. Zuko took the trail back to the village to reach the mountain. All hope that he was not too late.
Sokka and Katara began to get the people in the boats and tying the last rope ends to Appa. They were about to leave until they began to see mounds rise up from the water's surface on the shore and stone from the land and charge toward inland. Sokka and Katara were both frozen in shock after seeing such a bizarre thing happen. They soon shook themselves from their shock and rode Appa out to sea dragging the people behind them.
He cursed himself for what fate may bring for this choice, but he did not want someone else ash and blood in his hands again. this may not redeem his soul for his mother, but at least he will save whatever soul he has left. The only part that kept his mother alive. It was time to reveal the return of the Spirit of War's return. The fall of Ozai's empire would begin. But first he had to deal with his former sister. he had to get her attention away from Suki and her warriors.
Azula watched as Zhao led the siege against the resistance up the mountain path. There were extraordinarily little casualties on her side. She could already see the cavern where they assumed the villagers hid. the resistance put up a good fight, but Azula did see one or two of the warriors get dragged off by their own. It was good enough for her which meant she would take the mountain quicker than before. Azula grew very disinterested of the battle. She did not even want to waste her effort on these pathetic so-called warriors. The only satisfaction she would have was to step over their dead charred corpses.
"How long before we wipe them out Zhao?" Azula sighed very bored of the fight.
"They can't hold forever your highness. We can charge right in and finish them off if you wish." Zhao said with a smug overconfidence.
Azula waved her hand, "Whatever. I am bored of waiting. Just finish them."
Zhao signaled the final charge. The fire benders formed a tight line ready to rush the enemy.
Suki was hiding behind a boulder near the trail. By her side was a wounded warrior as well as a fallen one in her arms. She knew this was the last stand. they had nowhere to run and nothing more to give. But she could die with honor knowing she gave the others a new chance at life. She smiled accepting her fate as a tear fell from her cheek, "Goodbye Sokka." she said in thought. She hoped that her thoughts would somehow reach him to let him know he was the last thing she thought of.
Zhao gave the call to charge as they began to make the final push. The ground shook from the many feet of heavy armored soldiers stampeding up the mountain. Suki closed her eyes waiting for her swift death. Instead she was only given the sound of a sudden silence. the ground stopped shaking. but it the distance she heard a faint yet growing rumbling sound in the air. She came out from hiding to look in the direction that the fire nation army was now facing.
Swirling flames flew through the air heading towards them. Azula did not know what to make of this or how to react. The flying large swirling ball of flames did not move like a ball of fore that was launched at them like a catapult. It was seemed to actually soar straight across the sky and over the army. The soldiers began to shake in fear and whisper amongst themselves that a spirit has awakened and came to unleash it's wrath on all who stood in its presence.
As it flew just above everyone it made a sudden drop right towards Suki and her warriors. Suki braced herself for the falling swirling flames. The fire nation soldiers watched in fear as the flames came down over the Kioshi Warriors as the flames crashed down and swirled around them. Azula took this moment to boost the morale of her army.
"Take joy in our victory men! The Spirits of fire are pleased of the blood we shed from our enemies!" She shouted in triumph. The men slowly began to cheer believing in what their princess assumed.
Suki opened her eyes now thinking she was dead. But she could still feel heat of the flames around her and her remaining warriors. She gazed around to see that they were inside the swirling pillar of flames and right in front of her was a figure in pale white skin looking like a ghost. He only wore a loose pair of pants while his torso was exposed and covered in scars glowing in flames. The figure faced her making her gasp in fear and shock realizing it was Zuko as she had once seen him years ago, as the Spirit of War. the scar on his left eye was glowing bright as the eye he once had was now replaced by a burning flame. His hands once again had holes spewing out flames and had chains made of pure fire hanging out connected to a pair of dual swords he held in his hands.
Suki unable to naturally respond to the sight before her was only to speak one word, "Z-Zuko?" she stuttered.
Zuko spoke in the voices of his own and something that was immortal, "The judgement of Agni has come." he said in a tone that rattled the Kioshi Warrior's souls, "Take your wounded and flee to the cavern." he commanded.
Zuko raised his hand to a wall of the swirling flames to open a hole through the flames. Suki didn't not hesitate nor wish to speak more to the Spirit of War for not wishing to stall from his aid to help them. Suki and the other abled warriors carried the wounded and fallen to the mountain cave to seek shelter.
When the Kioshi Warriors were safely inside the cavern, Zuko turned back to the army just beyond the flames in front of him and made a slashing movement with his arm to cease the flames in an instant. The cheers from the army began to die out as the flames disappeared.
Azula was surprisingly stunned and in shock to see her brother once more as she last remembered him on the day of his execution. The day that still haunted her dreams of being face to face of the fires of the Great Spirit Agni. she could feel the searing pain of his flames as she once did when he easily overpowered her. For the second time in her life she felt the mad rush of fear as she stared back into the furious flames of his eyes.
Zhao requested Azula's new orders, "Your orders princess?" Azula was unable to speak while trying to find the words to deal with this, "Your highness, what are your orders!?" Zhao tried again raising his voice to snap her out of her trance.
Azula shook herself to gain a bit of self-control back, "Kill him! Kill him now!" she ordered. the army hesitated at her orders and even began to step back a bit from the Spirit of War.
Zuko raised a sword to them, "Show your allegiance now! You are either loyal to Agni, king of the Fire Nation or the traitor you call a fire lord!"
Zuko left the choice open for their answer. Azula outraged by Zuko trying to divide the loyalty of her father's army and shot a blue flame out her brother in defiance, "How dare you mock our father and fire lord! The fire nation will bring order to this world and our father will be its savior!"
Zuko lowered his sword, "Your answer will be decided by your actions. Fight me and die or fight Ozai and redeem your honor." he said ending it there for them to decide.
Azula smirked, "These men are loyal to father to the end. Even against the so-called Spirit of War. They will not listen to you." She laughed knowing she was in control.
But things never are quite the simple. Either out of fear or honor a small sum of the army fell out of ranks and fled from the fight. Azula saw this and was disgusted that her own men was betraying her. She would have set an example out of them right there, but her brother was the main focus she had to deal with.
"Don't just stand there kill the traitor prince!" Azula shriek her command.
Zuko readied his Blades of Agni gripping them tight and making them glow with a deep red flame of fury. His blades were thirsty for war and so was he, "Come face your judgement!"
The army began its assault on Zuko shooting burst of flames. Zuko didn't even need to lift a finger to have the flames blow right around him as if there were an invisible dome around him protecting him from the flames. He started off walking at them then soon increased his pace to a run and then a sprint towards Azula's forces. seeing that their fire bending attacks were useless, the drew their weapons and charged at Zuko with a battle cry. Zuko leaned forward in his sprint to gain more of an aerodynamic form. Zuko had also triggered an air bending trick using hot air to give his steps a boost by shooting hot air through his feet when he pushed off from the ground. Then both sides collided into battle.
On contact with the first person Zuko ran into, he gave a palm strike to his chest with a blast of hot air launching the soldier hard through the ranks of soldier behind him and knocking them both to the ground and in the air from the human made projectile.
"May my rage unleash the fires of Agni on my enemies." Zuko thought to himself. Zuko replayed all of the most horrifying moments of his life. From the moment he was rejected by his own father all the way to where his father's lightning struck his heart. Immediately Zuko became engulfed in roaring red flames that exploded from him blasting nearby soldiers away on fire.
Some soldiers even started running from the terrifying sight of the Spirit of War.
Zuko, then, began slashing out with his blades making clean blazing cuts through weapons, armor, and flesh of the soldiers. Zuko fought with the fury of a perfect storm of rage, ferocity, and brutality. Zuko could easily cut through a soldier either with the edge of his blade or the blazing heat from the chains that connected from his hands to his swords as he swung them out for long range attacks. Zuko also shot flamethrowers setting his enemies on fire, fireballs to send into a group of soldiers blasting them in the explosive impact and blasting balls of hot air to send soldier flying through the air. His more impressive stunt was using hit air to give his jumps more of a boost into the air and rapidly showing the soldiers with a rainstorm of explosive fireballs. When Zuko landed, the soldiers tried surrounding him to attack from all sides at once. Zuko quickly adapted to the attack to counter it by throwing his blades out into two soldiers and able to have his blades get stuck in them before lighting them on fire to use them like wielding two flaming ball n' chains. After this display of power, the soldiers lost all confidence and retreated on their own wills.
Azula was not at all satisfied by this turn of events. Zhao returned to her, "My princess, we are losing our numbers and the moral of the troops! We need to retreat and report this to your father!"
Azula kicked Zhao away, "I will not run like a coward!" She yelled leaping from her mount and running to face Zuko, "Dear Brother Zuzu!" she taunted him. Zuko finished off the last soldier in the fight before turning to his former sister, "That's right dear brother. I am calling you out to face me. See if you can match the wrath of a fire bending prodigy!"
Azula delivered overly complex and powerful blasts of fire at Zuko. Zuko began moving like an air bender to evade each blast with great agility while moving towards her. Azula saw this and became really agitated from missing over and over again as if he was mocking her. This began to enrage her. but unknown to Zuko, she had one trick up his sleeve.
Azula delivered a wall of flames at Zuko. Zuko waited for just the right moment to leap and strike the ground to have a blast of air shield him from her attack. but just when he focused back on her again, she had used the cover of her attack to deliver a bolt of lightning at Zuko. Not having much time to think he instinctively raised his swords to block the bolt of lightning. The lightning traveled through his blades and into his arms. Zuko felt the electricity surge through his body quickly weakening him.
Azula chuckled in her victory, "Sad. Even with all that power Zuzu, I am still able to beat you like I always did."
Zuko could see his past haunting him once again. His sister always showing him up as the superior sibling and fire bender. Even with all the power he has gained his sister was still the better strategist in combat. Zuko was still second to her.
"May the wings of Agni repel your foes!" A thunderous voice rang in Zuko's head.
Zuko could now feel the energy of the lighting in his body but did not feel it's pain. He felt it as if it was part of him ready to be controlled and released from his body like breath from his lungs. Zuko knew Agni was guiding him to understand his power more than he ever believed.
Azula began to charge another strike while Zuko was still down, "It's time to end this to show father how much of a prodigy I am!" she shot her bolt screaming at him. Timed slowed down for Zuko as the lightning traveled towards him. By instinct, as he began to raise his blades to block once more, he could feel a new surge of power run through his blades. His blades began to burst with flames in reaction of the lightning bolt coming straight for Zuko.
Azula was also seeing the same thing as her expression changed from victory to uncertainty. She saw this and had no idea of what was going to happen or how to react to whatever it was.
The bolt hit Zuko's blades once again, but as the lightning surged through his arms, it sent no pain through him. This time he could feel it as if he was in control of it as well as the lightning that was already in him. Zuko continued to act by instinct with a new technique that was acting out on its own. strangely as it performed for Zuko, he was able to feel and learn the technique as he went. The remnant of lightning that was still in him merged with the lightning that he came in contact with inside his blades and then Zuko swung out from his blocking stance in Azula's direction and shot the lightning right back at her. But this bolt of lightning Zuko repelled back at her was less scattered as normal lightning would strike. the lightning shot as straight as an arrow and much more condensed in itself.
Azula was paralyzed from shock and fear as she saw Zuko somehow was completely replenished with stamina and how he displayed an impossible technique to absorb and repel her bolt right back at her stronger than before. Just as she believed her life was at an end, the bolt made a slight sudden turn in direction almost close enough to singe her face. she could feel the static in her hairs stick up as the bolt struck passed her.
Zuko stood there with his blades at his sides from after swinging out the lightning from his swords. He picked up one blade to point at Azula and speak in as if in two voices at once, "That was a warning Azula. Take your loses now and leave."
Azula would not take orders from anyone much less someone who has always been weaker than her, but after her best gambit in battle has been turned against her, she had no choice but to retreat, regroup, and strategize. It looked like Zuko was gaining more power than she could expect. She would have to find a different approach to face her brother.
"Have your moment of victory Zuzu. Every immortal has a weakness." She spat before retreating with the rest of her men.
From the cavern's entrance, Suki saw everything. It was like seeing Zuko when he fought the Unagi as the Spirit of War. But it would seem Zuko was getting stronger after seeing what he did with that lightning.
One of the warriors startled Suki by placing a hand on her shoulder, "Who is he?" She asked referring to Zuko.
Suki could tell by the fear in her eyes that, despite Zuko saving what was left of their force, she didn't trust Zuko thinking he was possessed by dark spirits. Suki reassured the others, "He is for us against the fire lord's tyranny. The Great Spirits have finally heard our pleas to liberate the world from the Fire Nation."
Some of the warriors were still skeptic about Zuko, "Isn't he a fire bender? Why would he fight against his own nation?" another warrior asked.
Suki already knew the answer to that, "Because his father Ozai tried to kill him." that was all she said before walking out to Zuko leaving the others in shock at the revelation that the prince of the fire nation might be alive and standing before them defying the fire nation. Even though much more needed to be explained before they could be fully believing the rumors that the prince had indeed survived the Ozai's execution and brutally defeated him before escaping. it had been a year since that rumor was mentioned, but now it was closer to being true than ever before.
Suki cautiously approached Zuko fearing he might not be fully in control until the red flames surrounding him faded, the flaming scars on his skin healed themselves, and the great scar across his left eye was back to the way it looked before. Suki stood still in surprising wonder at the sudden transformation back to the way he once was.
Zuko had known she had been there the whole time. He felt her heat signature before he reverted back to the illusion of what he was not. He faced her, "You know who I am. What will you do now?" He asked not knowing what her reaction would be. He refused to tell her who he was from the beginning, he purposely deceived her on anything about his true self, and worst was even he had all that power he still tried to leave the Island without fighting. That was something he knew she would be rightfully angry at him. But then again, Zuko knew he was going to be hunted down by the other great spirits, so it was a lose-lose situation for him.
He was met with a slap to his face. He wasn't surprised she did that anyways, "How could you leave us to begin with!? You had all this power and chose now to come and use it!? Some of my warriors are dead now because of you!" She said slapping him one more time.
This time Zuko grabbed her wrist before she struck him again, "I told you to evacuate the Island and you didn't listen!" Zuko pushed her hand away, "You have no idea what I am up against and I can't have anyone getting caught up in it without more people dying because of me!"
Suki had no idea what Zuko was talking about but could only conclude with that he was talking about having to deal with more of the fire nation or something like that, "Oh really? after that display of power you shown everyone it's kind of hard to believe there is any force that you can't handle." she scoffed finding it hard to believe anything he was saying.
Zuko knew she didn't understand, but he didn't want her to get any more involved with what he was tasked to do, "Look I don't expect you to believe me, but I need to leave you all before something else happens."
Suki wasn't going to let it end like that without knowing more, "Just what are you up against that is so dangerous that you abandon friends?!"
There was a rumble felt in the ground they both felt. Spots in the ground opened up as humanoid creatures made of stone and dirt came crawling out surrounding them. Just after that, blobs of water swooshed in also surrounding them and forming into humanoid creatures made of water. The stone humanoids resembled badger moles and tigerdillos while the water humanoids resembled fish and crabs.
One of the stone tigerdillos stepped forward towards Suki, "Daughter of earth, leave yourself from this heretic of the Great Spirits." it commanded.
Suki was scared stiff from what she was seeing. Here she was standing in the presence of real spirits in physical form sent by the actual great spirits of the elements. Suki took a step back in fear.
The tigerdillo reassured her, "We are not here to harm you. This blasphemer has killed the Great Spirit Vayu of the air element." Suki was struck with shock and turned to look at Zuko trying to not believe what she was hearing. Zuko just gave a straight face and turned away from Suki. Now she knew it was true from his silence and refusal to look her straight into her eyes to say otherwise, "His judgement has been decided and the dark spirit realm awaits him."
Suki had no idea what to do. Everything she believed was shattered in front of her. But before she could decide anything, she found herself pulled up and felt the cold razor edge of his blades
Zuko held Suki hostage with his blades resting on her neck, "If you don't want your master to know you were unable to save of his children of earth, I suggest you stand down and let us through." Zuko threatened them.
The elemental creatures growled and screeched in angered frustration at the turn of events. If they thought Zuko was willing to kill a great spirit as well as his own countrymen, then he might not hesitate to kill off a mortal girl of a foreign nation.
"Zuko? Why are you doing this?" Suki asked crying in confusion.
Zuko jerked her a bit, "Do as I say if you want to survive." He said coldly.
Suki was not about to fight back at the Spirit of War. She could do nothing but do as he command.
Soon a path was made for them to move through the spirit forces. Zuko began to move them both through still holding Suki in a deadly grip with his blades.
"You said you didn't want anyone of us dying because of you." Suki growled at him in an angered sadness.
"What do you think I am doing?" Zuko whispered to her. Suki's eyes widened bewildered and confused once again. Before anything else was said, Zuko released her and carried her in his arms before speeding off using an air bending technique to increase his speed.
Suki heard the roars and screams of the elemental creatures that started to chase after them. Suki held tight not wanting to fall from Zuko's grip at the speed he was going. But as they rushed back, she began to think about Sokka and how she would be able to see him again, "What about my warrior's?" Suki remembered.
"The fire nation won't come back, and those spirits are only after me. they will be able to make it back to the village and recover. I can take my boat and escape from there after dropping you off with the others. You will all be safe after I am gone." Zuko told her. He continued to flee from the elemental creatures towards the shore. As to how he would escape these things he still had to work out.
REALM OF SPIRITS
Aang woke up in a strange yet familiar place to him. To him it felt as if something was out of balance and a deep twisted darkness hid beneath the surface in everything around him. It was no doubt the spirit world which he had a deep sure feeling of.
His surroundings were covered by an unnatural mist and the sky seemed to be set in a mystic twilight. Spiritual creatures were about but the presence they gave off seemed wild and unstable. The ground he walked on felt as solid as earth, but it was in the form of a flat undisturbed watery surface. Whenever he took a step there was only a single small ripple that quickly faded. There were also a different variety of trees and roots that sprang from the ground.
Aang began to wander around wondering and figuring out why and how he got here. It felt like a greater feeling he had before they left the southern water tribe. His element felt weaker and seemed to stop for a moment before coming back to him. But this time he was sent to the spirit world. As he entered deeper into the realm, roots rose from the ground to form some sort of doorway that filled up with the water from the ground.
"What is this?" Aang asked talking to himself.
The strange door began to ripple and show stilled images of a shadowed figure wielding flames while covered in flames. In the images that Aang saw, there was nothing but brutality, destruction, and fiery rage. Aang noticed the blades of flames the person wield. Also, Aang noticed the scars on the shadowed figure that were lit in flames as well. The one thing he noticed was the huge flaming scar on his eye. This, he assumed, was an immensely powerful fire bender.
"I-is this the fire lord?" Aang wondered.
"You are closer to the truth than you think." a dark chilling voice spoke out.
Aang jumped in alarm, "Who is that?"
The voice spoke once again, "Who I am is not important, yet. What is important is that you should meet this new threat."
Aang would have asked more about who he was speaking to, but hearing that there was a different threat to the world, he would have to wait until after hearing more the mysterious voice had to say, "Who is this person?" Aang asked.
"This is who is known as the Spirit of War. A fire bender who given power by the Spirit of fire, Agni." The voice explained to Aang.
"Power of Agni?" Aang asked astounded, "Why would he give this power to this person?"
"Power, control, or perhaps he simply wants to impose a new harsher rule for the Fire Nation seize. Either way, this man is the key for Agni to take his hold over this world. As the Avatar, it is your duty to bring the balance to this world. Stop this man anyway you see fit as long as he fails in Agni's quest. Can the Great Spirits trust you to keep the peace?" the chilling cold voice asked.
Aang, being naïve and young believed this spirit was speaking on behalf of the others. Not wanting to defy a spirit with such warnings of great threats to the world, he accepted with a bow. "If it brings peace, I will stop this spirit of war."
A grin could be heard in the tone of the voice. "Very well done, Avatar. I can see you are truly the one to set things right. I shall release you back to your body." With that being said, Aang vanished from the spirit realm. Koh then appeared from the darkness of the roots of the tree with a dark chuckle. "The one that will set things right for me and my vengeance."