A/N: Alright ladies and gentlmen, good news and bad news. Good news first. I'm fresh out of my SECOND surgery-hurts like hell!-and I managed to put this up here at points between the forced anesthetic. Bad news is I still have more surgeries ahead. Still, I'm feeling a bit better now. Really. I'm hanging tough though, having just come out of my first surgery...with two more to go! UUUUUGH! I'm on painkillers almost daily and I feel like crap, as to that effect. But nevertheless, despite this pesky little hiccup-I wanted to get word out any way I could, and since for some strange reason the site is being buggy, I wasnt able to work on this anywhere near as much as I would've liked. Still...
I love you guys so much! *Cries*
And apparently, Random Review didn't take kindly to me calling him out. He's sworn to post his nasty flames on every chapter as "payback" for not taking his cruel words into consideration. And why should they be considered? This is FICTION, man! Reality does not always apply! Please stop being so angry and kindly leave me alone. I'm asking nicely for crissakes here! Alright...sorry for that little rant there, but this guy is just getting on my nerves...
Now, this chapter might be a bit confusing with the whole bodyswap jargin thingy, but I'll do my best for you to tell who is who. I apologize if the site doesnt let you view this chapter, its been glitching since yesterday for some reason. This was REALLY had to write with being ill; exhausting, actually. But I'm proud of it, and I hope you enjoy it as I finally get some rest...
Well...here ya go! =D
"Give my body back this instant, you filthy peasant!"
~Azula.
Swap
Yeah, not my finest moment.
As it turned out, some crazy forest spirit -I believe Aang later told me his name was Heibai- was responsible for the two of us swapping bodies. In all likelihood, it happened becase Azula tried to burn down the forest I restored. As to why I was attacked? That remains a mystery, even to me. Regardless of the who what when where or why, that evening almost proved lethal for the both of us. The fire Azula had started nearly enough in its own right but with the two of us in unfamiliar bodies, well...for most, that would've been a death sentence right then and there.
It was horrible; not only was I forced to watch as everything I'd grown burned down around me, but I had to share the experience with an irate ex-princess. Thankfully, Heibai had turned its attention to the village, this battle would be Aang's not mine. I had problems of my own!
She couldn't use any of my abilities, but I found myself beginning to get a handle on hers within an hour of exchanging bodies. Hey, when you spend a lifetime observing the finest benders in the Fire Nation-long before was before Sozen's little stunt, mind you-ya pick up a thing or two.
There was one more perk to being trapped in her body, however...
"Stop that this instant!"
Naruto-in Azula's body-paused in what he was doing, shirt poised just over his midsection, exposing the pale flesh of his-her-stomach for all the moonlight to see. This hesitation was only momentary however, and with a flick of the wrist sent the soaked garment flying to join the rest in the pile. All the armor and trappings she had worn had been cast aside onto the riverbank, her boots and gloves removed, leaving the shinobi-turned-firebender clad only in a pair of battered breeches and mere moments before, the tattered remains of a shirt torn by brambles and briars.
"I'm sorry, was that important?" He grinned, golden eyes flashing in the night as he hooked his thumbs in the broken waisband of her pants. "In that case, you won't mind if I-
"Stop!"
"It's your fault we're both sopping wet to begin with." Naruto pointed out at last, slinging her-technically now his-wet clothes over a nearby branch. "We had to dive into the lake to get away from the flames, remember that? Just be thankful it didn't spread any further." He risked a pointed glance to the charred remnants of the forest, a forest he'd only just restored. "Which reminds me...
"No!"
Azula grabbed for him, but she was still unaccustomed to this new, tall, bulky body. She overeached in her attempt to stop Naruto's treacherous stripping, and in doing so, found the pants flung in her face. Her balance sufficiently sundered, the former princess was sent tumbling backward to land facefirst in the drink. Naruto's lilting laughter-the laughter of her body, the scoundrel!-echoed after her, mocking the once proud bender for her tiny and feeble attempt to stop him. Azula growled, ripped the leathers off her face, and pushed her body back into off the shallows, propping herself up on her hands and knees.
"I swear...when I catch you...
"Not much to catch here, darling."
Azula froze as she caught sight of Naruto again. And promptly started spluttering.
"I...you...what?!"
Now he stood before her clad only in her under garments; adding insult to injury, he'd even struck a pose! Were it not for that black lace bra and underwear...well, Azula didn't want to complete that thought. And then, just when she was certain matters could not prove any worse, that the fates themselves could no mock her anymore than they already had...
They did.
"Wow, these girls are a lot bigger than I'd thought they'd be, Azula." Naruto mused, fondling them between those -her!- delicate hands. "Nice body, too. And you're only what, seventeen? Gotta admit-whoa!" His head dipped backwards abruptly; a heartbeat later Azula crashed into the ground, her arms closing around nothingness as the shinobi cartwheeled away with an almost efortless ease. In that instant, he almost reminded her of Ty Lee, the way he spun gracefully, deceptively delicate, then darted back towards her with sudden, straightforward power.
"You've been keeping in shape, I see." he trilled pleasantly, mocking with her own voice. "I had to admit, I was a little worried about swapping bodies for a bit there, but I think this is a nice trade, don't you? I may not have any chakra to work with, but I'm nimble as ever. And you...hahaha! Nice try!" This time, she managed to get a handful of his hair before he escaped-her large, rough hands snatching a few stray strands before he lashed up and out with his heel and struck upward. At first, Azula didnt understand what he was doing. Yes the blow would certainly sting a little, but why was he aiming so high-
Pain.
That was Azula's only thought as she crumpled to the ground. Stars-whole planets!-detonated before her vision, leaving her blinded to all else except the pain between her legs. Naruto chuckled mirthlessly, and, before the pompous princcess had a much-needed chance to recover, he threw her back into the water. Facefirst. The once proud royal gasped as water flooded her nostrils, her-his!-body floundering helplessly in the drink for a heartstopping instant of pure terror before finally finally she managed to get the arms back under her control. One thought dominated her mind. Vengeance. Swift and certain.
'When I get out of this, I am going to kill him!'
Strong hands pushed up against the riverbed, levering her head up just enough to voice her complaint-followed by a mouthful of water. Anger painted her every feature, her mouth was contorted in a rictus of white-hot fury so intense that the water itself seemed to steam off her face. That was as much as her powers seemed to amounted to in this...body. Steam. Naruto was waiting for her there on the bank when she finally clamored back to the bank; legs crossed and arms folded, looking every inch the lady in her body. Hell, he'd even managed to redress himself while she'd been busy trying not to drown, havingow n taken her hair out of the bun-content to run his-her!-finger through the dark tresses."
"Did you enjoy your bath?" He asked mildly with her voice. "Oh, you have such soft hair!" this was added with grin, "I'll have to consider growing mine out sometime...
Azula growled.
"Bath?" she hissed, low and fierce.
"Yes, I believe that's what I said." Naruto's golden eyes glittered back at her.
"Then how about I give you one?!"
Enreaged, both by her impromptu soak and what the Avatar was putting her through, Azula tried to fling a fireball at him. All that emerged was a harmless puff of feeble smoke; not even the tiniest ember would obey her. Naruto looked at her for a long moment, full lips twitching in bemusment's grand gaze. Then he frowned, and his voice became like death; the same death she'd doled out to more than a few servants in her childhood for failing to please her. He rose from the long in one smooth movement, his now golden eyes regarding her coldly, cooly. More than one guard had been on the receving end of that awful glare, and although it was still her face, Azula felt herself quail a bit when she looked into those hazel eyes.
Then Naruto's newfound visage hardened and she realized what he was about to say; the same thing she herself had often said to those she considered to be beneath her.
"I believe someone needs a lesson in humility." He stepped forward and struck like a viper, sending her sprawling back into the water with a deceptively swift swing of his heel. That was all it took. Another swing swept her visage into the muck, eliciting an impromptu shriek of surprise from her new body.
Azula choked out a desperate gasping breath, rose on those quavering hands and knees, only to find her head ruthlessly taken hold of and driven back under yet again, her nose pressed up the muck of the riverbed. Her body thrashed and floundered but even in this form even in her body, Naruto was simply too strong for her. The more she struggled the more it hurt, her body refusing to respond with the awesome strength he had displayed-this body had displayed-during their previous clashes. It was...frightening.
'What's going on here?!'
Growing ever more frantic, losing oxygen with each passing second, Azula tried to call upon her bending, only to remember once more that this body lacked any sort of chi. Without it, she was as helpless as a newborn and twice as fragile. Powerless. Her strength meant nothing to her in this body. Somehow, that thought terrified her even more; weakness was her greatest fear. Without her bending, without her agility, without any of was she, Nothing.
Her mind worked frantically, scrabbling for a solution-anything at all-but in her panic she couldn't get her arms around to grapple with him, and with his knees pinning her legs...
Abruptly, Naruto stood up and pulled at the last minute, freeing her from a watery grave. Azula gasped and inhaled, sweet, glorious air flooding her lungs as Naruto held her head out of the water. His visage came back into focus as she blinked the pain away from her eyes, her own face staring down at her with chilling dispassion.
"Are you quite done?" His tone was light, but she could hear the steel beneath, utterly uncaring that he'd nearly drowned her in his own body. "I'll do this as many times as I have-oof!"
His words ended in a startled grunt as Azula bucked, using her larger body to rear back and kick him in the face. Hard. To her surprise Naruto made no move to dodge, even when the back of her boot slammed into his chin with all its might. There was a silence, the princess unable to believe she'd actually struck him, the shiniboi startled to find he'd actually felt it. A trickle of blood trickled down from his mouth, trailing across a cheek and down his chin.
Suddenly and without warning, Naruto's grin folded in on itself, his expression thunderous, golden eyes full of murder. He turned, spat out a tooth, clicked his jaw, and to her horror...smiled. It was not a pleasant thing, that smile, not by any means.
"Ohhhhh," he hissed, the words veritably dripping with venom, "A little fight in ya, eh? I like that. And I'm going to love this."
In the time it took for those words to pass between them, for Azula to shudder in fear, Naruto did not attack. Instead, he simply moved.
First, much to her infinite dismay, the blond-turned-blackette reared back and spat, launching a scarlet gob of spittle and blood back in Azula's face, blinding her-preventing her from attacking again. In that split second of hesitation as she flailed he struck again his forehead slamming hers like a barreling platapus bear; sending several stars of agony detonating before her sight one by one by one. Even as she struggled to reocver, she felt those slim hands wrap round her throat and force her into the murky lake once more.
"Aaaaaand down we go."
Azula barely had tme to suck in a breath before he shoved her visage into the shallows again. She thrashed and flailed, knowing she was using up her air, but to no avail. Every fiber of her being-her very soul-screamed that he wouldn't let her up for air this time; that he'd honest-to-Agni kill her inside his body and consequences be damned. And, she fought, lamenting her inability to prevent her own demise, cursing herself for seeking out this cruel creature, cursing fate for taking her body away and leaving her powerless, but above all, cursing the man known as Uzumaki Naruto.
When he let her up for air again, she wanted to weep at her own powerlessness. When she tried to gouge his eyes out, he simply put her under again. He did this time after time-bringing her up, waiting for her to lunge and summarily to allow her a shallow gasp of air, only to push her under for her impudence each time. With each reprimand her strikes grew weaker and weaker, until at last she recognized the futility of her efforts, for the moment. To struggle any further was to risk her own life by drowning.
At long last Naruto let her up for air. This time, Azula did not resist.
"Are you done?" he asked again.
"Yes," she replied meekly.
"Good." he grunted and tossed back onto the bank. She didn't even have the strength to make a sound as her body struck the dirt. Not yet.
"This is humiliating." Azula said with bleakness in her voice. "First I get banished, then my ship sinks, then I swap bodies with the buffoon, and now this..."
"Speak for yourself." he shot back. "This body has speed and strength, but no endurance whatsoever." He flexed a wrist for emphasis. "See? Pretty sure I fractured this damn thing hitting you. Not to mention losing a tooth back there. And on top of that, my face is swelling from that kick of yours! Shit, If it weren't for these assets, I'd-
Somehow, Azula almost produced a fireball at that remark.
"Careful now!" Naruto chortled as he danced away. "Wouldn't want ya to hurt yourself!"
Azula snarled, a glimmer of her old self rising to the fore, summoned by his words. "You say that...and yet you're the one hurting in the end." If she'd expected to rile him, she would be sorely dissapointed. Naruto gave a very unladylike snort and pranced past her, utterly uncaring for the threat his own body posed.
"Puh-lease." the blackette snorted. "I know for a fact that my body is far more durable than that. You simply lack the will to control it, is all. Give it a day or two, it'll heal right up, ya know?"
"Stop speaking that slang with my mouth!"
Before she could aim for Naruto, the nimble fighter was already onto her.
A first uppercut made her lose her footing, her fist frantically hit nothing but void and the air around her. An elbow then came smashing directly against her face, further destabilizing her as hse backed several steps away under the impact. Angered, she wiped away a trickle of blood that was flowing from the corner of her lips as she stared down at Naruto, holding his guard up, but with an ironic grin that screamed invitation for more. And more she would give him!
Rushing him with a shriek, Azula drew upon all her skill, all she knew of combat. Bending or not, he was just as disadvantaged as she was. If she could just get close-
Naruto surprised her then. He stood his ground, features clenched tight in concentration, and thrust a fist outward. Azula didn't slow. There was no way he could bend in her body, just no...way. The hairs on the back of her neck stood at sudden attention as the temperature spiked. No. She rolled aside just in time; a split second before a stream of blue fire enveloped where she'd been standing. She gazed at Naruto, baffled. At first he seemed just as surprised as she, but then that shock settled into steely resolve.
"Finally." he hissed. "I've figured out how your body works!"
"What-
Azula never finished that sentenece as Naruto struck again, punching the air even as she clamored to her feet. This time there was no thin flickering stream of fire. It was so much more. That shouldn't be...she faltered, her charge stalling as a massive blast of blue fire erupted into existence, the fireball bearing down on her with ruthless intent. Too fast! I won't make it in time! Azula threw herself aside, but too little late; she screamed as she rolled aside, the fires glancing her arm before she could to escape. And then it was past, the scorching heat roaring onward, detonating harmlessly in the lake.
"I...but...you...how?!" Azula spluttered, clutching at her arm.
Naruto snickered wordlesslny, grinning as he twirled a tongue of bue fire in his palm.
"How are you firebending?!"
"I've had an entire liftime to study you firebenders, did you really think I wouldn't figure it out once I gained accesss to Chi?" His grin inexplicably grew. "Now, how did Iroh create lightning? Something about separating the chi and allowing to flow through you, hey!" He laughed, replicating the movements. "My fingers are sparking! I think I've almost got it-
"Will you stop it?! You're going to fry us-
BZZZZT!
A deafening crackle ended her complaint, as a stream of black lightning erupted from Naruto's fingertips and scorched a crater between them. Naruto whistled at he beheld his handiwork.
"Not bad for my first try."
Azula was baffled; how could she be so clumsy in this body while he remained so nimble? Her every skill felt impeded, she couldn't even summon up the rage-nor the agility-needed to capture him. It was infuriating! As if something were actively blocking her. Impeding her every movement. Almost as if...as if...
"Right you are," Naruto replied sagely, as though he'd somehow read her very mind. "I've had someone try to take my body once before; it wasn't entirely pleasant. Yessirree, when you're as paranoid as I am...you learn to place a few limiters on yourself. They were set to trigger in case my spirit ever left my body against its will. All you've access to now is an awkward, uncoordinated shell. Hell, you probably can't even use my chakra. I, on the other hand, find no such block, in this body of yours. I'm curious to learn what its capable of but...I'm kinda focused on this nice body right now! Not to mention the tattoo I gave you earlier...
Azula paled.
"T-Tattoo...
"That's a secret!" Naruto cupped her breast for emphasis.
"Stop touching them or by Agni, I will BURN you to ashes!"
There was a silence.
His lips curled into a smile as he watched her seethe.
"Wouldn't you just be burning your own body?"
"Aaaaargh!"
Five minutes of failed attempts later on her part, and they were right back where they started; she lay flopped on the bank, only this her right arm-his arm?-was screaming in pain, badly burned at the shoulder. Naruto didn't even bother to help her, though it was techinically his body that had been scorched.
"What are you waiting for?!" Azula cried out, clucthing her wound. "Help me!"
"You brought this upon yourself." His visage remained stern. "I may play the prankster, but that doesn't mean I can't be serious." He rose from his crouch and started toward her at a gait. "I've fought worse villains the like of which you'll never know; some I converted, forced them to see the error of their ways. Others...well, I'm sure you can guess." He stood over her now, contemplating her in his body. "It would be so easy to finish what I started with you now, don't you think? With this body of yours ,I could wreak all kinds of havoc." He reached down, cupping her whiskered chin in hand. "So, the question remains; what the devil should I do with ya now? Decisons, decisions. So...
"What'll it be?"
"Bite me!"
"Oh, no." he feigned horror. "Is that your best? Ha! Although...you should be careful."
"Hah?" Azula gulped as he moved to stradle her; a look then that sent small shivers shooting down her spine and not necessarily bad ones.
"I'm not above screwing myself, Azula."
That sent her face-or was it Naruto's? Gah!-burning brighter than Sozen's Comet. How could he be so brazen like that?!
...did you think I was serious?" He snickered, pulling away. "But fun and games aside, this is a good chance for the two of us to talk.
"Why on earth would I speak to you, Avatar-
A blast of fire scorched the earth mere millmeters from her head.
"That's why." Naruto lowered his hand, smiling serenely.
Azula weighed her options. With this body in such a sorry state, she really had no way of counteracting his-her!-own bending in an way. If she resisted, she was done for. If she stayed her tongue however, she might be able to discover more information on the Avatar, and thereby a way to take him down. It galled her to yield like this, but she truly had no choice.
...fine."
"Good girl." Naruto patted her-his?-forehead with a benign palm, but there was a distant, misty glint in those eyes as his fingers grazed over her forehead. "I'll be frank with you, princcess. It was never my intention to have you banished as you were. Believe what you will, but trust me when I say I know what you're going through." He chuckled bitterly. "It's ironic, isn't it? We both know what its like to lose everything...and be left with nothing." that expression, on her face, was suddenly dour. Almost somber, even. "I've had to watch as my friends-family-even the land I once dwelled upon were taken from me-devoured by the progress of time and mankind. Likewise you've had everything taken from you, not by time, but by your royal prick of a father."
"You don't know anything about me." Azula hissed. "And my father is a great man!"
"A great flaming asshole is what he is." Naruto snapped back. "I bet he's never once told you he loves you." Her pained expression-however slight-must've given it away, for he smirked. "Didn't think so. And, as to your earlier statement, I know more than you think, girl. You're an open book to me. For starters you have an inferiority complex because of Ozai, you fear rejection so you see to control others with fear and intimidation as your sword and shield, never allowing any close enough to care." His fingers brushed her forehead again and this time Azula could feel him probing within her mind. Was he...regaining his strength? Did his power derive from the body, instead of the spirit? If that was the case, she was in dire straits indeed. She bristled as his mind brushed her once again, helpless to do anything but quiver.
"Socially awkward, too. It seems Mai and Ty Lee are the closest thing to actual friends. Wonder how they feel about you being banished?"
Azula froze at the mention of her "friends" in question, a cold hand of fear gripping her heart. The things Naruto might do to them...
"Stop it." But the avatar did not stop.
"Not to mention the whole thing with your mother thinking you're a monster-
"Stop it!"
"And you're jealous of Zuko because she paid more attention to him? Wow. But in any case, that's why-
"I TOLD YOU TO STOP!" Azula begged with tears in her eyes. She didn't think she could take anymore of this!
...I'd like you to join us." Naruto finished.
Subsuquently, the silence was deafening.
"Join you?!"
"Did I stutter?" Golden eyes flashed in warning, and once more Azula found herself cowed. Even in her own body, the blond knew how to put her in place. "Not just as a firebender, but as a person, I think you would be a fine addition to the team. 'Sides, for all our disagreements, we're more alike than you'd care to admit. You're not pure evil. Just misunderstood. It might be the old me speaking here, but I still think there maybe hope for you yet..." he blanched at her unreadable expression. "A slim hope, but still..."
Azula actually flushed.
"Why?"
"Hmm?"
"Why are you being so kind to me?"
Naruto chuckled, coming from Azula's mouth, it sounded oddly girlish.
"I told you, there's potential in ya. You could do great things for this world with your power and influence. Wonderful things." At that, his visage took on a contemplative expression. "Lets say for example, once I've beat and butchered your father, you became the next Firelord. Say you actually ruled with a steady hand? Of course, you'd have to overcome your complex first...
"The fire," she began-
"-also your fault-"
"I know!" Azula snapped back. "I'm sorry! Forget I said anything! Just...just shut up!"
"Once you've considered my offer, I will."
For a moment, Azula actually considered it.
She recalled Uzumaki Naruto defeating her so effortless back on Kiyoshi, ending her life only to revive her again. "Maybe you'll come back as a different person." The Avatar had spoke softly to her then, those words a gentle trickle of compassion so different from the rapidity of hatred and fear she had encountered all her life. Just now, he'd spoken to her the same way. She hung her head at these words, trying to decipher the feelings churning through her chest. I've really lost, haven't I...She could feel the immediate and familiar rise of contempt for her opponent at the mere concept of this Avatar pitying her. Azula could also sense the rusty emotion of respect for Naruto, for this fighter who was fueled by love rather than rage.And, almost completely eclipsed by these two other emotions, Azula could feel the longing for a companion, for someone to talk to, for someone to help her off the ground when she's down...where's the happiness in that?
Perhaps for someone to love her, even when she fails.
...like hell!
The sudden realization that she was even considering herself weak brought a wave of rage to her mind with the ferocity of a great and dark tempest. Despite her opponent's mercy towards him, Naruto looking down in her eyes, pleading for him to stop, the anger won over Azula and she yanked her arm out of the Avatar's gentle grip.
"Don't you fuck with me, you bastard!" she roared, swarming up against him with her good arm, her fingers finding his throat. "You took everything from me! I'll never work with you! I'd sooner see you dead!"
"Is that so?"
For a genuine moment, the avatar actually seemed sad.
"Well then, if you insist on being uncooperative, I suppose I'll have to elminate you for good this time...
It took everything she had not to scream as he ignited his foremost finger and pushed it to her forehead, the heat of that lone fingertip sizzling into her flesh. Odd. Why were his fingers glow-
...ing?
Naruto cringed as the world between him and Azula blurred once more; boundries his vision doing a one eighty. Instead of standing he found himself on the ground, eyes rolling back in his head, wincing as pain flooded his body and soul. His mind brushed against Azula's for a terrifying instant-all her anger, fear and hatred were communicated to him in that instant. And then, as swiftly and inexplicably as it had begun, their brief union was done,
Naruto found himself peeering up at Azula, and she down at him, each torn between confusion and exultation. Somehow, someway, They were back in their bodies again. He himself nearly laughed all the while fighting the urge to scream as his wounds made themselves evident. His body remained covered in small burns, but it was his shoulder that ached the worst, the charred flesh protesting, to even the slightest rise and fall of his chest. Ah, crap. He silently swore as he rolled his aching joint in its socket; it wouldn't heal until tomorrow at the earliest but now, it was only a liability to him. He could feel it healing but much too slowly...
"Well." Naruto coughed up at her. "Looks like the tables have turned."
"Indeed they have." Azula's smile ranked right up there with his top three fears, superceded only by the terror of all things ghostly and a world without ramen. "Such a shame. A few more minutes and you might've had me there." Despite himself, Naruto feigned a smile at those words. In his present state, she might actually be able to capture him or worse, end him right here and now. But his hand was still on her throat, something a veteran like Azula should've noticed. And yet she hadn't. It would be so easy just to snap her neck and be done with it...
As such, it came as a complete surprise when she jerked her head around and bit him. Bit! Him! Naruto blinked in surprise, recoiled from the unexpected move.
"Don't worry," Azula purred, "I'm not going to kill you. First, I'm going to make you suffer. Starting with those hussies you hold so dear."
Naruto snorted. "Those 'hussies' could kick your ass seven ways to sunday." His gaze suddenly hardened. And, on the off chance you did harm them...I'd kill you. I don't take kindly to those who threaten my precious people, you'd to well
"I won't hurt you unless you make it necessary." She tilted her head to the side in question. "Will it be necessary?"
"Probably."
Before she could level a retort of her own the blond levered himself upward on his good arm and spun with his feet, striking not at Azula but at everyting around her. The blast was nothing short of spectacular, currents of wind chaka erupting from his legs, windmilling forcing Azula to take a step backwards as a current of wind chakra propelling him bodily backwards towards the lake. Even as he flew he righted himself, pouring chakra into the soles of his boots, gaining traction where there was none to be found. There was distance between them now, and distance was all he needed. Thank kami he'd mastered one-handed seals all those years ago. I never thought I'd be more grateful to Haku! Besides...
I can't die here.
Something strange happened then. His charred shoulder, the one he was certain he'd never regain full functionality with, began to heal. It rapidly mended before his eyes, burned flesh stitched itself back together in an instance; all the burns his body had accumulated dissapearing in the blink of an eye. Both blond and blackette blinked, baffled by this turnaround.
"Huh." Naruto flexed his newly healed limb. "Looks like my regeneration isn't ready to quit on me just yet, after all. Which means...
Azula blanched.
"Can't we talk about this?"
"No."
Naruto's golden aura leapt back to life, his cloak larger and more intense than ever. The rapidly-darkening skies lit up with the unearthly light, this golden radiance trembling at the return of the Avatar. An Avatar of the Gods. The next thing Azula knew, she was flying back, her face now adorned by something best described, as a dent in her cheeks. The next thing she knew, she was knocked upwards. A blinking gold light was growing larger at the end of his vision.
The next, she was knocked back down.
And the next thing Azula knew, for quite some time after that, was pain.
"Did you hear something?"
"Hear what?" Suki perked up, her attention drawn not by Katara's voice, by the sound of a thunderclap in the distance. Naruto had been gone for several hours now and in that time, much had occurred. The village they had taken refuge in had been attacked by a spirit, Sokka and Haru had been kidnapped by said spirit, forcing Aang to go after them, only to vanish into the forest, never to return. The sky had grown horribly dark since then and although morning was fast approaching, no sign of the sun could be seen. Spirits, where were they...?
"Hear what?"
"That." the waterbender turned her gaze toward the skies as thunder roared through the heavens. Suki flinched as a dull rumble rippled through the earth; evidently Naruto's battle with Azula had resumed in earnest or worse; for them to feel the effects of their battle even from here was truly a feat of wonder.
Momo cringed, whimpering as lightning split the sky. Appa covered his head with a paw. Katara sympathized. The fear she felt was not just for herself but for that of Naruto as well, if not moreson. She knew he was capable of world shattering feats, and yet if this continued...
"I hope he's alright...
Azula reeled from yet another impossibly-strong blow. She's lost count. her opponent was an unstoppable force of nature, it seemed, and defeat was growing near. To think...he'd been holding back this entire time! But no longer she realized, as another blow dropped her into the earth, only for a second to launch her into the skies moments later. A third sent her body carroming off the soil once again-mercifully putting her body out of range from the deadly and almost unseen strikes.
Yes, she was back in her body, for all the good it had done her. Naruto was dominating her, proving his superioty once more. Kami, to think she almost missed having him in her-ohchristthatcameoutsowrong...
"Why are you standing there?" Naruto called down to her; striding down upon the air itself. "Aren't you going to fight back"
Azula scrambled away, putting some distance between herself and this impossible fighter. "You..." she stared at Naruto's defiant figure, almost unable to believe what she'd been put through because of this one simple avatar, this mere man. "I...will not...stand for this...!"
"Tood bad." Naruto's voice whispered in her ear-when had he gotten behind her?!-causing the princess to start in surprise. "You don't get a say; not anymore."
BAKRAM!
Her face kissed the soil-that'd bruise-with enough force to make her bounce. Before she could recover Naruto was there, trapping her in a prison of earth, binding her arms and legs before could even think to fling both at him and escape.
"Congratulations, you're my prisoner at the moment."
"Now, I'm going to present you with one of two choices." he said slowly. "Join us, or die. For good this time." For emphasis he held up a hand, revealing a small yet rapidly growing Rasenshuriken held in his palm. Azula bristled at the sight of that technique, trying to skitter backwards despite her bonds and failing miserably. It swelled with each passing second-rapidly expanding- the keening shriek of its sour note threatening to drown out everything else and end her life.
"Well?" Naruto asked. "What's it going to be?"
"I...!"
(Several minutes later...)
"Naruto!"
The mismatched blond turned as he strode into the village, Azula slung over his shoulder like a rag doll. Not quite the way he'd intended to introduce her to the group, but it'd have to do. Now he paused at the sound of Suki's voice. Mere seconds later the Kiyoshi Warrior slammed into him, nearly bowling the blond over, causing him to drop his charge in favor of embracing his assailant. Slender arms wrapped round his chest and drew him to her, her face all but buried in his burnt shirt. Any attempt to extricate himself proved pointless, she simply moved with him.
"H-Hey!" Naruto grunted his surprise and managed to wriggle his way free and hold her at arm's lenght. "I'm fine Suki! Why're ya crying?!" Had she been wearing her warrior makeup it would've been horribly smudged by now. As it were those hazel orbs remained red and puffy, the poor thing looked as though she'd been bawling her eyes out.
"Ya know I'm perfectly fine-Mmmph!"
His mind exploded into white as her mouth struck his, her lips connecting with a suddeness he hadn't expected. It was his first kiss in over a century.
His eyes shot open in surprise; her kiss was cool but gentle, her two lips caging his upper lip between them. Part of him wanted to balk, to ask why she was doing this, but he was completely overwhelmed by her as she released her wrist and cupped his cheek with her hand. He soon found himself returning the kiss, deepening it as she opened her mouth and slid her tongue out and against his. She reached upwards with her arms and wrapped them around his neck, a soft whimper fleeing their coupled mouths as he pulled her body closer to his.
How long had it been since he'd felt this? A part of him knew it was foolish to have feelings for a teenager, especially when he himself had lived for hundreds of years, but he found it impossible to resist, his arms taking matters into their own hands-ha!-refusing to relinquish their hold upon the young maiden before him. What was it about her that attracted him so? There were no words, nothing to explain how he felt, how his heart all but soared in his chest from their liplock. It was like having something live for again, no longer would he shuffle from place to place while wearing the mask of jester. Now he actually had something, something to fight for, something...something...
For a moment it was just that, just the two of them. Just-
"Ahem!"
At the sound of Katara's voice, Suki jerked back as if she'd been burned.
"Sorry," she whispered, her lips leaving his, but refusing to release his arms.
"Don't be." Naruto replied, catching the slight shiver his words elicited in her.
"I...I thought you were...
"She's been like that ever since you left." Katara said, coming up beside him. Thankfully she made no move to embrace him; contenting herself to a slight smile at his return. "Good to have you back." Ah, but there was a touch of steel in her eyes, a quite anger he'd come to know all to well. He'd have some explaining to do... but for now, he offered a grin of his own, relieved to find his charges unharmed. But th
"Where have you been?"
Naruto explained what had happened at length, careful to ommit the "interesting" parts as he informed his students of what had ocurred.
"Seriously?!" Suki balked. "You guys...swapped? I thought that only happened in cartoons."
"Suki, this is a cartoon."
"What?! No it isn't."
"Actually-
"If the two of you are quite done breaking the fourth wall," Katara interrupted, her gaze straying to the prone princes, "What is she doing here?"
"She's going to teach Aang Firebending." Naruto replied simply.
Their combined deadpann was barely concealed, momentarily united by their shared confusion. "What?"
Azula groaned at that, stirring from her slumber at last.
"Ah, she's awake." Naruto commented mildly. "Good, good. This makes things easier...?"
He trailed off as Azula bolted to her feet and shoved a finger in his face. Katara and Suki bristled, well aware she could easily blow his head off with lightning, but Naruto didn't so much as bat an eyelash.
"Did you want something?" the blond blinked.
Azula growled.
"Listen, Avatar. I can join your group, or I can do something unspeakably horrible to you and your friends. Your choice." Coming from her mouth those words sounded quite strange. Most strange indeed. She was likely trying to save face in front of Katara and Suki, but when faced with such a threat, he simply burst out laughing.
"What's so funny!"
Naruto managed to explain between bouts of delirious snickering.
"You...really need to work on your people skills, Azula." A final chuckle and he straightened, his blue eyes adopting a semi-serious expression. "And besides, you're asking the wrong person."
The ex-princess offered a soft sound that only made hre expression even more priceless.
"You mean...you're not the Avatar?"
"An avatar, yes. But the Avatar?" Naruto grinned as he revealed the ruse. "Nope! But thanks for joining us!"
The slow-coloring of Azula's face was possibly the most priceless thing in the world.
"You damned cheeky-!"
"Speaking of cheeky, where's Aang?" Naruto frowned. "I haven't seen him. Or Sokka. Or Haru...
Katara told him.
"A spirit? Seriously?"
"Well...yes."
"This is why I don't leave you guys alone!"
A/N: Aaand there you have it! The focus was on almost everyone this chapter, although Azula stole more of the spotlight than most. She's such a tragic character; I can't help but enjoy writing her character out sometimes. I just really get into it. Naruto can be a saddistic bastard when he wants to be, but at least we finally see a serious side of him in this chapter, alongside his motivations, as well as his resolve to protect those dear to him. It also proves that age is truly nothing but a number to him when it comes to his friends/loved ones...
Next chapter we skip ahead a few episodes, and get right down to the nitty gritty! It'll be out soon, providing my health holds, so look forward to it ya know!
Anywho, I worked extremely hard on this one, so I hope to hear what you think! Pairing is up in the air! YOU DECIDE! And on a final note, thank you to everyone offering emotional support in regard to my health woes. Its greatly appreciated! An awful lot is going to change in this story soon! Look forward to an epic prank next chapter...provided my health holds out.
So...in the immortal words of Atlas...
...Review, Would You Kindly? And of course, enjoy the preview!
(Preivew)
Azula paled as she finally caught sight of Naruto's "tattoo" he'd left. There, on her left ass cheek, carved by fire...
Juicy.
"BY AGNI I WILL BURN YOU!"
Admiral Zhao could scarcely contain himself.
"Riiiiiight." Even here in chain's deadpann was barely concealed. "So you must be the asshole in charge of those Yuu-Yan archers, hmm? Gonna enjoy breaking you."
"Break me? Zhao scoffed. "You're bound and in chains. You could never-YEEEEAAAARGH!"
Naruto stood over him, grinning like the devil himself.
"You were saying something, shithead?"
Hope you enjoyed! R&R! =D