AN: The actual skirmish on the Day of Darkness. Enjoy and review please.
Encounter with Embers
ZUKO FOUND HIMSELF somewhat uncomfortable with the fact that his Firebending abilities had been taken away from him by the moon. But he knew that Azula's abilities and Ozai's abilities would be taken away as well, so it would render them all equal. That knowledge offered him a little peace of mind.
He accompanied Aang, leading the army throughout the terrain he knew so well. He had maps handy, but he knew the Fire Nation like the back of his hand, and was not worried about getting lost.
When he consulted with Iroh, they had decided to land at the port closest to the palace. Defeating the thousands and thousands of soldiers wasn't the main concern; defeating Ozai and Azula was. If there was a coup d' etat, all of the useless fighting could end. Thus, as he and Aang and all the others battled the Fire Nation soldiers that rushed to oppose them, they disabled many more than they actually killed. Zuko loved his people, and didn't want them to die unnecessarily.
He noticed that Katara and her division of Waterbenders seemed unstoppable. Perhaps, because the moon had eclipsed the sun, the moon stole the sun's powers thus lending them to the Waterbenders in the most crucial battle in the history of this planet?
That was fine by him. He glanced at Mai, Iroh, and Ursa, who all fought close beside him. Each had insisted on coming to battle. He couldn't even argue with any of them. Mai was useful with her small darts, Iroh knew martial arts, and Ursa was skilled in various forms of weaponry. He smiled when he discovered his mother favored the broadswords as well.
Zuko knew his heart would break if he lost any of them during the battles on this day. And he fervently hoped he wouldn't. He needed them all. He needed Mai's gentle touch and calming presence. He needed Iroh's words of wisdom and warm tea. And he needed his mother's powerful love and strong assurances.
He brought his attention back to the battle as balls of burning coal were being flung in their direction. Aang tried to Airbend most of them back to the enemy, but he simply couldn't get them all. The Earth and Waterbenders also did their best.
"I guess they've realized they can't Firebend today." Jet commented dryly.
Zuko fought a smirk. "I guess so."
"Let's go sabotage their stupid catapults." Jet nodded.
"Let's." Zuko agreed, pressing forward with Sokka's Tribesmen's assistance.
Unacquainted with the catapult's mechanical abilities, Jet learned from Zuko how to disable them. Once taught, he quickly moved onward to handicap most of them. Ty Lee stayed close by his side, fighting off soldiers, making them useless by striking their pressure points.
Zuko fought onward, smiling as Jet, Sokka, Sokka's army, and Karida joined Jeong Jeong's squad. Whoever said non-Benders were useless was a brainless idiot. They marched onward, fighting with relative ease, and Zuko felt almost relieved with how painless this was.
Until arrows from the Yu Yan archers flew with swift death towards them. Cries of pain and anguish roared from the make-shift Omashu Army.
Sokka had been doing his part in battle, using all the skills he'd acquired since leaving his simple Southern home. His blood sang with the adrenaline of war and he reveled in the long coming revenge against the Fire Nation. Each blow was revenge for his mother's death, for Yue's death, and for Suki's death.
He knew in the back of his mind that all of this was so wrong, but he cared not. The sweet knowledge of knowing he made a difference in this grand scheme of things was more important. Karida was nearby, and it gave him some comfort.
Arrows sung through the air, and Sokka heard his father's scream. He turned abruptly, to see his father holding up a warrior. Upon further inspection, he saw that it was Bato, his father's loyal and trusting friend.
It fueled his anger, and he continued to fight. The fighting escalated immediately because of the arrows, Katara and her Benders jumping up to extract revenge.
They were knocked back, unexpectedly, by the Earthbending of the rouge Dai Li that had turned to Azula's side.
Toph's army was commanded to fight Earth with Earth, attempting to disable the Dai Li. Even though she was commanding a small army of Earthbenders, she kept Sokka on the back of her mind, making sure he was still alive. She could see him, even now, battling amongst the thousands of men.
Haru's army also jumped up to assist them, and he fought his concern for Katara's well being. She was so easy to pick out of the troops of Waterbenders, considering she was the only female among them.
Zuko grimaced. Perhaps they had more on their hands than he had given himself credit for. He turned to Aang. "We should sneak ahead and confront my father and Azula."
Aang nodded in agreement. "You're right; we only have until dusk to accomplish our goals."
Less than fourteen hours. Was it enough time? Zuko could only hope so. He turned to Mai, Ursa, and Iroh. "I'm going to confront my father, with Aang."
"We're coming with you!" they immediately shouted in unison.
He did not argue, and felt he needed their strength. He signaled for all the non-Benders to keep the throng of Firebending soldiers occupied, since they were evenly pitted against one another now that the Firebenders lost their abilities. Katara, Haru, and Toph's individual Bending Armies viciously fought against the Yu Yan Archers and the treacherous Dai Li.
Zuko mounted a Komodo Rhino, its owner apparently having abandoned it. Ursa, Iroh, and Mai all grabbed Rhinos themselves, whether it be through force or luck. Aang arched a brow and Zuko pulled him up onto his own Rhino. They were not the friendliest of animals, and he didn't want the young Avatar to be victim of its vicious horns.
"To the palace." Zuko commanded.
The journey wasn't long, but would take an hour or so to reach. Aang used his Bending whenever they were assaulted.
Zuko felt his mind racing, and he knew that this was it. This was a moment when he was at the true crossroads of his destiny. Today, hopefully, his father and sister would be slain. If not…then his father would utilize the coming comet, and he would throw the entire world into fire and darkness.
Zuko grit his teeth at the thought. No way. He would never willingly allow that to happen.
After what seemed to be an eternity, the palace of Zuko's birth loomed before his eyes. They all remained silent and slid off of their mounts. The rhinos were tied off, so they would be accessible after this epic battle with Ozai.
The sight of the pristine halls of the palace, the familiar smell of smoke, and the sound of his own echoing footsteps brought back the memories of the life he had lived here for fourteen years. Strange, it seemed like it had been decades ago, instead of three years ago. It was shocking to believe he had done more living of his life in the past three years than his whole life as the Prince of the Fire Nation. But he had learned so much and would never forgo the experience of being banished. All that had occurred had made him into the man he was today, at this very moment.
And so he entered the throne room of his father and his eyes fell upon him for the first time in three years. His blood ran cold with fear and his feelings of worthlessness. And then it ran hot with rage and hate. This man, standing before him, was not his father. By blood, yes, Ozai was. But not by heart, he was merely a cruel and hateful man.
"You dare to enter my palace, you traitors?" Ozai demanded as his eyes fell upon his son, his wife, his brother, and his daughter's friend. And, the Avatar.
Aang shuddered as Ozai's eyes burned straight through him.
"I am here to stop this war, and you." Zuko announced vehemently. He made note of Azula's absence, and searched the room discreetly for her form. Iroh, Ursa, and Mai stood alertly, waiting for anything that could jeopardize their mission.
Ozai studied his son and laughed.
A soft, feminine chuckle echoed throughout the room to compliment Ozai's and Azula stepped from the shadows. "Father, would you like me to put an end to these traitors?" she inquired in a honeyed tone. She stood at his right hand, arms crossed, looking lovely in all her evil splendor.
Ozai raised a hand to stall his daughter. "Not yet. Let me get some answers out of them first, before we kill them for their treason." He smirked manically, and Zuko felt chilled to know that this man before him was his sire.
"What answers could you possibly need?" Ursa questioned.
"Shut up, mother, if you know what's good for you." Azula hissed.
Ursa scowled at her impudent daughter, so like her father.
"Now, Azula, please cool your temper." Ozai soothed.
"Father, we don't have time for their annoyances. There's a war happening right on our soil." Azula reminded her father. She stepped down from the rise of her father's throne to walk around the newcomers with such noble intentions.
"Yes, that is true." Ozai agreed. He watched his daughter make her rounds about their guests.
Mai scowled as Azula studied her intently.
"Mai, how good to see you again." Azula's fists clenched and resisted striking her once trusted companion.
Mai grit her teeth in reply.
"What? Nothing to say after you so quickly betrayed me, just so you could play house with our beloved Zuzu?" Azula smirked, and a hand rose to flip a strand of hair from her face. But, it was a practiced move, and was not what it appeared to be.
Quickly, and without warning, twin arrows flew from a concealed Yu Yan Archer's bow. Iroh quickly stepped before Ursa to take the arrow that was meant for her. Mai shifted and the arrow that was meant for her heart struck her in her shoulder instead.
"Uncle! Mai!" Zuko cried, torn between whom he should run to aide.
"Iroh!" Ursa cried. She kneeling beside the man, no, the brother who had selflessly saved her life.
Mai broke off the arrow and proceeded to attack Azula. Now was no time to cry over an injury. The two girls danced in the ancient arts of battle with one another as Zuko fell to his knees by his Uncle's side.
"Uncle Iroh, I'm here. It's going to be okay." He pressed his hands to Iroh's wound. The arrow had struck right beside his heart, a wound not meant to instantly kill, but instead make the death prolonged and painfully.
Iroh clasped his nephew's hands in his own, coating them inadvertently with his blood. "Zuko." He whispered, fighting a watery cough.
Ursa began to sob softly.
Mai and Azula continued to circle one another, striking when opportunity presented itself.
"Filthy traitor!" Azula snapped, dodging an attack.
"Heartless bitch!" Mai replied, landing a strike.
"It's going to be okay, Uncle, you're going to be fine." Zuko went to break off the arrow, but Iroh's hands stopped him.
"No, don't." he weakly protested. He had broken out in a cold sweat, and had become pale.
"Don't be stupid, I'm going to fix you-" Zuko protested, coming close to hysteria.
"There's no hope for me, son." Iroh explained gently as Ozai watched his daughter fight and his son grieve with a smirk.
"Don't talk like that." Zuko's voice cracked and the image of his Uncle blurred. He wiped at his eyes, pulling his uncle into his arms. "Don't go, I need you." He didn't care how pathetic or weak he sounded at the moment.
"You foolish boy," Iroh chuckled, "I'll always be with you."
Zuko held his Uncle tighter, not knowing what to say. It was almost ironic that the most crucial moments were the ones where you lost all sensibilities.
"You were a son to me, Zuko." Iroh informed his nephew. "Now, live your life in happiness, whether it be as Fire Lord or as a simple peasant."
Zuko squeezed his uncle's hands as the once brilliant life Iroh had slipped away. "No…" his breath hitched, and he let out a wail of grief. "Uncle Iroh!"
Ursa rested a comforting hand on Zuko's shoulder, but he shrugged it off and rose. "Watch over him." He ordered, turning to face his hateful father.
Ozai rose as well, seeing the bloody rage burning in his son's eyes. "So now you want to duel?"
"Shut. Up!" Zuko lunged, drawing his broadswords, ready to slay his father in cold blood.
Before he could even reach his father, the earth rose and struck him, hard. He went flying and struck the floor.
Ursa fought the urge to run to Zuko's side. He was a grown man now, and nobody could protect him but himself.
"Stupid boy, you've lost your chance. Three years ago." Ozai taunted. He stood, strong and tall before his son.
Zuko feebly rose, facing the rouge Dai Li that had chosen to present himself. He stood beside the Yu Yan Archer, both wearing smirks upon their faces.
"What have I ever done to you?!" Zuko cried. He gripped his crushed arm, forcing himself to stay conscious. "Just tell me that!"
Ozai watched his son, disgusted to have borne such a weakling. "It wasn't what you've done; it's what you haven't been."
And Zuko knew then that he'd never been considered good enough. That his father loved Azula more. It was just as it was. There were no reasons, only truths. And Spirits, it hurt more than his crushed arm, his broken ribs, and whatever else was going to come his way in the form of physical pain.
"Kill him." Ozai ordered. As much as he wanted the pleasure of slaying his son to be his own, he had a more pressing matter to attend to: his wife. He strode over to her, somewhat delighted to see her just as lovely as she'd always been.
"Kill him Aang!" Zuko screamed, begging almost. Because he knew he couldn't. Not just physically, but emotionally. He'd never be able to slay his own father.
The Yu Yan archer strung his bow, and aimed it at Zuko. If the man had any reservations about killing the banished prince of the Fire Nation, he didn't show it.
Ozai raised a hand to kill his wife as she fiercely stood up to him. She wouldn't allow him to desecrate Iroh's body, and she wouldn't allow him to kill her and cause Zuko anymore pain.
Aang Airbended Ozai into a wall, his body hitting it with a sick thud. He wasn't going by his teachings, but now was not a time when he could. His duties as Avatar outweighed his duties as a monk.
Mai screamed Zuko's name as Azula struck her across the face. She was caught between the desire to kill Azula and the desire to save Zuko. Spirits, please keep him safe!
The arrow flew across the room, plunging into Zuko's chest. He cried out in pain, clutching the wound. The whole world began to spin for him. Perhaps he was going into shock? That was probably it…
Mai buried one of her fletched darts into Azula's breast, knocking her down. She ran to Zuko's side, tears flowing down her ivory face.
Aang took out the Yu Yan Archer and the Dai Li Agent seconds later. He wouldn't allow them to harm anymore innocent people. They lay on the floor, their deaths quick and painless. And more than they deserved.
Ozai's body slumped, blood pouring from the back of his head. He didn't move. Ursa fought the hysteria rising within her.
And Zuko's world went dark, the last thing his eyes falling upon were Mai's tears.
HARU FOUGHT TO stand. The battle was over and exhaustion was quickly claiming him. The bodies lay strewn everywhere, the battle field colored in green, red, and blue. Not all were dead, some merely injured or unconscious. All the soldiers of the Omashu Army were commended for all of their efforts on this day.
The medics rushed forward. The last ship that had sailed from the Earth Kingdom to the Fire Nation had been nothing but healers. They had waited patiently until they received the signal of a large, man-made fire.
Katara found him amongst the chaos, and wrapped him up in a soul searing kiss. She pulled away as quickly as she had come, and dragged him with her. "Come on, we need to make sure our friends are accounted for."
Sokka, who was limping, came over, leaning on Karida for support. "Katara."
The two siblings shared a deep hug, and Hakoda found them and joined them.
Toph came running along with Ty Lee and Jet. They all shared a collective sigh of relief. Embraces were passed around.
"Come on, we need to go check on Aang, Zuko, and the others." Sokka urged them.
Ostrich-horses were gathered and carried them all to the palace of the Fire Nation. They were closer to the palace than Zuko and Aang had been when they departed for it, simply because the battle had taken them mile by mile closer to it.
They entered it, quickly locating the throne room from maps Zuko had bestowed upon them before the battle's commencement.
The scene before them brought both relief and anxiety.
Aang threw himself into the arms of his friends, relieved to see them alive.
"Katara, please, help Zuko!" Mai shrieked. Her face was red and stained with tears as she knelt over Zuko's form.
Katara raced over and pulled water from her satchel. She pressed her healing hands to his chest. "Oh Spirits…" she murmured, noting how bad the injury appeared.
"What happened here?" Ty Lee's voice inquired.
Ursa raised her head, tears rolling freely down her face as she left her injured son's body. "Aang killed Ozai, the Yu Yan Archer, and the Dai Li agent, but not before they killed Iroh, and injured Mai and Zuko." She wiped at her face. "And Azula-"
"Where is Azula?" Haru interrupted, looking around the room.
In all the commotion, she had escaped, and Ursa cried in fury. "That damn girl!"
The knowledge that Azula could possibly live to fight another day chilled them all.