Hey I'm back finally, sorry if you were waiting for a long ass time. I was too busy working on my other crossover, but hey I'm back now, the writers block is gone and I'm ready to continue. The only thing is, are you guys ready?
Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars or ATLA blah blah blah.
Chapter Two: Confusion, Infiltration, Decimation
Toph sneezed into the clouds as she and the rest of team avatar flew through the clouds above. The white puffs flying past them as they rode atop Aang's flying bison. Toph reached out into the blackness that she assumed was the sky and felt the cool water vapor rush against her skin. Sadly not even the thrill of flying could wade off her appetite, which let itself be known by the constant grumbling of her stomach.
" Geeze Toph, is there no way for you to quiet that monster? " Sokka moaned as he lay limp against the left side of Appa's saddle.
" You aren't sounding much better smart guy. " Toph said as a grumble erupted forth from Sokka's stomach.
" As I am a man and a warrior I require proper subsistence. "
" Then you must be the laziest warrior I've ever seen Sokka, cause you haven't moved from that spot in ages. " Katara said from her makeshift bed, her stomach growling just as loudly.
" I'm sorry guys I promise we'll stop for food when we get to the next village. " Aang told them as he sat atop Appa's head. Even the giant sky bison was beginning to feel the hunger pains, as Appa had slowed down considerably. " Come on buddy just a bit further. " Aang mumbled as Appa inched his way through the next bunch of clouds. Thankfully though it seemed that luck was on their side; as when they exited the clouds a small port town came into view on the horizon.
" Do my eyes deceive me? Or are we saved? " Sokka said as he clambered up next to Aang. Katara got up at her brother's sudden movement.
" Did you find a town Aang? " She asked as she took her spot atop Appa's head.
" Yeah, thanks buddy for getting us this far. I promise we'll get you something to eat. " Aang said as he patted Appa's head. Appa let out a grunt and began it's decent towards the outskirts of the town. The second they landed Toph jumped up and bolted off of the sky bison; almost hugging the earth when her feet landed on the grassy plain.
" Finally! Sweet, sweet ground! " Toph yelled out as she cracked her knuckles. The rest of team avatar soon followed suit, and it wasn't long before all of them were laying in the grass. Glad to be back down to earth level.
" Now then, shall we go get something to eat? " Sokka said as he bolted up and began to run towards the town.
" Hey Sokka wait up! " Katara yelled.
" It's no use Katara, when it comes to food Sokka wont stop for anything. " Aang said as he watched Katara's brother trip on a vine.
" Well Twinkletoes, are you going into the town or are the two of you just going to stand there? " Toph asked as she walked past Aang and Katara towards the town. Toph was answered by the sound of two grumbling stomachs, Aang and Katara giggled and followed Toph towards Sokka.
" Oh Aang, you might need this. " Katara said as she pulled out a simple hat from her bag.
" Why? We are in the Earth Nation are we not? " Aang wondered as he slipped it over his bald head.
" Well there have been reports of some Fire Nation soldiers near here; just keep it on, its better to be safe than sorry. " Aang nodded at her words and walked up to the fallen Sokka.
" Why'd there have to be a vine there? " Sokka mumbled as he rubbed his bruised back.
" It's your fault for charging on ahead of the group. " Aang laughed out and offered Sokka a hand, which he gladly took. After dusting himself off Sokka perked up and jogged into the town, Aang and the others hot on his heels. However, when they got to the town square they all stopped dead in their tracks. As the town square was completely empty.
" Hello! Anybody in there? We'd like to buy some supplies! " Katara yelled into a nearby merchant stand, only to be met with silence. " Where do you think they could've gone to? " Katara asked them.
" I'm not sure... maybe they- hey Sokka! What are you doing?! " Aang yelled at his friend who was carrying a now full bag of supplies.
" Don't worry guys I left money on the counter. But seriously though, where is everyone? " Sokka said as he tossed the three of them an apple. The four of them sat there thinking for a few minutes before Katara snapped her fingers.
" I got it, Aang, use your glider and see if you can find anyone. " Aang nodded and soon he was flying high above the village.
" Do you see anyone Aang! " Katara yelled.
" No, wait, I found them! " Aang yelled back at her before landing the glider in front of his friends.
" Well Aang, where is everybody? " Aang turned and pointed north at Katara's words.
" They're all gathered at a small building just beyond the square; I couldn't really get a good look, but it looks like an Earth Kingdom post office. " Everyone's eyebrows rose at Aang's news.
" Something big must have happened. " Toph mumbled with her eyes closed, the crowd was quite antsy, and their movements were quick and sudden.
" Well what are we doing just standing around here for? Let's go find out what's happening! " Sokka yelled as he jogged out of the town's square. Toph and Katara soon followed him; however, Aang couldn't help but stare at the many deserted houses. The air was still and felt almost sickly.
" Aang! Come on! Toph and my brother have already gone on ahead! " Katara yelled.
" I'm coming! " Aang yelled before jogging back towards Katara. From ground level Aang could now clearly see the post station. It was utter chaos, every family was huddled around a copy, their eyes scanning over every inch of the cheap parchment. Soon after Aang saw Toph and Sokka claw their way out of the crowd.
" Aang! Katara! You guys need to see this! " Sokka yelled out as he ran towards them, a paper in hand.
" What? What's wrong Sokka? What does it say? " Katara asked her brother as he caught his breath. Sokka didn't say anything and just lifted up the parchment for her and Aang to see.
" I already told Toph, but just read it. " Sokka wheezed out. Katara was the first one to grab the parchment; she and Aang gasped as she read the headline out loud.
" Brutal slaughter in Tiben village? The Avatar brutally massacres a platoon of fire nation soldiers? "
" That doesn't sound like the one we're hunting at all, Azula. "
" True, but there aren't that many people who can bend all of the elements. Maybe the Avatar finally realized that being a missionary of peace doesn't pay. "
" Or this story is completely false. "
" I thought about that too, Mai, but sadly my father wants to be absolutely certain. " Azula said as she tapped a finger on the wooden floor of her transport.
" Princess, we are approaching Tiben village! " A soldier told them from the outside. At his words Ty Lee jumped up and clambered up on top of Azula's transport.
" Oooh, what a pretty little town. " Ty Lee mumbled out as she stared at the small mountain village. The convoy passed multiple tall trees as they entered the village. Though it was quiet and beautiful, the rosy sun which stained the sky above ran red with blood. Soon the convoy arrived in the square, all of the villagers were round up in the center of the square. All of their faces were pale, there was no doubt that each of them were filled with dread at the sight of the royal transport. Azula turned to her soldiers as she stepped down from her transport.
" Have you found the village's leader yet? " Azula asked.
" Yes Princess. " The soldiers bowed and brought forth an old man, no doubt terrified for the lives of him and his people.
" I'm sure you know why we're here? " Azula asked the man.
" Yes, you're here for the Avatar are you not? "
" Well yes, and a bit of information. "
" Information? " The man wondered. " What information could we possibly have? " Azula smirked at the man's words and scanned over the rest of the villagers.
" Well I know that the Avatar has skipped town already, all I want from you is a brief description; and if you could point us in the right direction that would be great. " When the man didn't respond Azula sighed and snapped her fingers. Immediately all of the soldiers summoned a ball of flame and pointed it towards the citizens of Tiben village.
" Wait stop! What are you doing?! " Azula just rested her chin on the back of her hand at the village leader's words.
" Let me get this straight, I'm not asking, I'm ordering you to give me the information. But if you don't want to cooperate I cant guarantee the safety of your villagers. "
" Alright! Alright! I'll talk! Just don't hurt anyone. " The man begged.
" Well I'm listening. " Azula said, the man was hesitant for a moment but soon opened up. It was amazing how a person just needed a little push before they'd spill out their darkest secrets. Luckily this man was no different; however, the information he did have was... odd... to say the least. " The Avatar wore a black robe? "
" Yes! I was on the other side of the village when your soldiers attacked, so I didn't really get a good look at him. But I'm positive that he wore a black robe! " Azula scratched her chin at the man's description.
" And you're sure that he was alone? "
" Yes! I know that for a fact! One of my citizens told me that he ran into him two days ago in his rice patch. Even then the boy was alone. " Azula continued to scratch her chin, she would have to think this over.
" Okay then I think we're done here. " Azula said as she turned to Ty Lee and Mai.
" Princess, what should we do about the villagers? " A soldier asked her, Azula just shrugged and waved him off.
" Let them go, we have the information we need and they aren't worth the effort. " The man nodded at her words and ordered the other soldiers to pack up. Soon Azula, Ty Lee and Mai were all once again sitting in Azula's transport.
" You're pretty merciful aren't you Azula? " Ty Lee said as she watched the mountains pass her by.
" I try to be when I can. "
" The information that man gave was odd, not only did the Avatar look completely different. But he's apparently moving alone and in the exact opposite direction he should be. " Mai said as she sharpened one of her knives.
" That's true Mai, but what worries me is how the Avatar dispatched our troops. That one isn't known for brutal killings. " Azula said, her finger still tapping the hard wooden floor of her transport.
" I'd say he was a completely different person but that's impossible. " Ty Lee said as she hopped back down into her seat.
" There can only be one avatar. " Mai mumbled out, silence soon took over the cabin as each of them were enthralled in their own thoughts. It didn't take long before night fell, and soon the only light they could see were the small flickers of the soldiers bending outside.
" Princess, do you think we should set up camp? " An officer asked from outside the cabin. " The Avatar couldn't have gotten far in two days with this mountain range, and honestly neither can we. "
Azula just nodded and rubbed her temples, things were getting more and more complicated by the second. The trees stretched for the blue sky above, almost as if they were trying to grab the stars. What little red and orange left was far into the horizon, but the small licks of that horizon's flames gave them just enough light to find a place to rest. Said resting spot was a parting in the mountains, a small flat forest stuffed between the bases of two ginormous piles of stone and grass. Azula's convoy ended up in a small clearing next to a ginormous oak tree; its roots wrapping around many of the smaller trees on the edge of the clearing.
" Wow~ What a beautiful view! " Ty Lee said as she stared out at the mountainous range below them. The sun had finally decided to dip over the horizon; making way for the moon which now hung high in that dark sea of stars. It wasn't long before the soldiers set up a few campfires and their tents. Azula's lay at the base of the giant tree, overlooking the entire clearing.
" Ty Lee, would you please come inside? " Azula asked her. Ty Lee nodded and skipped into Azula's tent. Besides her, Azula and Mai a few ranking officers also filled the tent, everyone was gathered around a small table which had a map of the entire area splayed across it.
" Princess, he might have gone down this north pass towards Ba Sing Se. "
" No, if the avatar was headed for the capital then he wouldn't be here in the first place. What do you two think? " Azula said as she turned her head to Mai and Ty Lee.
" You're overthinking this, he can't get very far without his flying bison. " Mai mumbled out as she yawned into her left sleeve.
" Hmmm... If I were the avatar what would I do? " Ty Lee wondered out loud as Azula pinched the bridge of her nose.
" Go order the soldiers to patrol the woods, we can never be too careful. "
" As you wish Princess, " the officer said. Giving her a quick bow before running off to tell his soldiers. Azula sighed and turned her attention back to the map.
" Is something wrong Azula? " Ty Lee asked as she skipped up to her. Mai soon joined the two staring at the map and both of them watched as they saw Azula's eyes wander towards the north.
" You still don't think we're chasing the real avatar do you? " Mai said as she placed her finger on the map where Azula was staring.
" No I don't, sadly I don't put much stock in the words of the enemy. " Azula told the them, and she really didn't. She needed to chase the avatar, but now do to an earth kingdom rumor here she was. Chasing after a cloaked figure who didn't bear any resemblance to the one they were chasing.
" Do you think we should turn around? " Ty Lee asked her.
" Not yet, it would harm our image if we went against the words of my father. But all we are hunting is a man in a black cloak, and the only proof we have that the man is the avatar are the words of a small town of paranoid earth kingdom citizens. We'll scour the mountain pass and if we find nothing I'll send a message to my father. "
" Well then, if you're that ready to leave maybe we should join the search too. After all this area is quite a sight, it'd be a shame if we just leave without seeing any of it. " Ty Lee said as she toyed with the map's copper compass.
" I might as well come with you two then, a hunt's no fun when your by yourself. " Azula said as she looked up from the map. She came all the way out here, might as well catch the prey she was sent for. Avatar or not.
" I might as well come with you two then... "
Kel looked down at the large tent below at those words. He had been listening in to the princess's little meeting for quite some time now; and with every word he couldn't help but feel even more agitated.
" I've grown too soft, I should have killed everyone in that village. " Kel mumbled to himself from atop the giant oak tree. Thanks to his carelessness he now had an entire platoon on his tail, thank the force he'd managed to sense them all before they got to the clearing.
" Ugh... this will be a pain if I don't stop this search here. " Kel mumbled as he stared into the unfamiliar night sky. Living on the run was something he grew accustomed to as a sith, but then he'd have a jedi or two to look forward to. But here it felt akin to being chased down by a swarm of flies. " Still though... what an familiar swarm it is. " Kel said as he stared at the beautifully made tents and weapons. Even though he was appalled by the fire nation's useless killings, the young sith lord would be lying to himself if he said that he'd feel more at home on the other side. After all, he'd participated in quite a few massacres during his training with Dooku; and as a sith he had a natural lust for power, and it appeared the fire nation harbored similar feelings for the concept. While there would be perks on the other side of this world's war, he couldn't help but relish the idea of fighting the world's strongest: The avatar. Plus, the fire nation seemed to know their way around this world and that was information he desperately needed.
" Princess Azula has commanded us to search the woods men, remember to report anybody you find wearing a black cloak! " Yelled one of the officers. Kel's eyes wandered down to his sith garment before moving back towards the patrolling soldiers, a large grin surfaced onto his face. Quickly, he folded up his sith robe and slipped it into a pocket in his grey gi. His golden eyes pierced the night, almost as if he were a hawk scanning for prey. Specifically he was searching for the presence of another group of soldiers. These ones baring the mantel of the Earth Nation, honestly he was quite impressed with the finesse of the earth benders. It wouldn't be long before the Princess and her compatriots were caught in an ambush.
" It seems like it is time for me to introduce myself. " The stars twinkled in the sky above, almost as if they were stage lights shining upon the balcony that was this world. Quiet as a snake, the young sith lord hopped off of the giant oak tree and into the forest below. It was time to go to work.
Ty Lee yawned as she walked through the dense forest. The flames of Azula's soldiers flickered all around her, lighting up the shadowy trees and thickets as their party walked along the dense brush. Little critters scurried about in the cracks of the mountain rock, and with every step the shadows seemed to get larger and larger.
" Ugh... Why do I feel like we're in for a long night? " Mai sighed as she pushed a branch out of her way. The jagged rocks of the mountains protruded from every crack of the trees long finger-like roots. However, even though the scenery was beautiful under the moonlight. The quiet and dark night weighed upon the three almost as if some transcendental entity stared down at them from above, and none of them could shake the odd sense of foreboding that now washed over their being. Luckily the crushing silence was broken for a moment when Ty Lee burst out into a fit of girlish giggles.
" Awww~ the creatures up here are adorable! " She squeaked as she stared at two squirrel-like creatures nibble on some chestnuts. Mai and Azula just rolled their eyes and continued on searching the forest. Shadows flickered every which way with the flames of the others permeating the dark woods. Soon, the forest was completely alight, almost as if daylight had came early. Though even with the light one couldn't say that the search was going any better. Azula's left eyebrow twitched as she burned a leaf to ash in her hands, it was nearly midnight and none of her soldiers had found anything useful yet. Honestly she would have just burnt the entire forest down if it wasn't for their camp in the middle of it. Azula sighed and rubbed the dark circles under her eyes, she'd have to call it a night soon. Mai and Ty Lee were in a similar condition, Ty Lee looked like she was about to fall over, Azula yawned and turned around; after all, a princess needed her beauty sleep.
" Come on Mai, Ty Lee, we're heading back to the camp. " Azula told the two and waved a hand to the soldiers. Soon they were all marching back to camp, much to the joy of the three girls.
" Well this is disappointing! We looked all night and we couldn't find a thing! Maybe the villagers gave us false information. " Ty Lee said as she skipped in front of the group.
" Honestly it wouldn't surprise me in the least, I knew this lead was flimsy. Odds are whoever killed those soldiers was just a renegade group of benders. Those villagers were probably too busy being paralyzed with fear to notice the other benders. " Azula said as she cracked her fingers.
"..."
" What was that? " Mai said as she turned her head towards the direction of their camp. A mysterious noise whistled through the mountain pass, sadly, the source was too far away for any of them to deduce what it was.
" It was probably just some animal, we'll ask the guards when we get back. " Azula told them with her eyes fixed on the horizon. The march back to the camp was mostly silent after that, save Ty Lee's occasional quip, it was only as their group finally approached the clearing did they notice the shouting.
" Get him on his knees! " A soldier's voice rang from the center of the clearing. Azula quickly ran up to the mass of soldiers to find them forcing a boy down to his knees. The boy looked to be about her age, and was wearing a slightly tattered grey gi.
" Commander, do you mind telling me who this boy is? " Azula asked the commanding officer. At her words the man quickly turned to her and bowed.
" Princess Azula, we found this boy wandering near the base of the giant tree. It took us a while to catch him but we believe he might be an earth nation spy from the village. " The man said from his place on the ground, Azula rolled her eyes and told the man to stand up. Quickly scanning the boy over Azula turned back to the commander.
" Have you searched him yet? If he really is a spy then he'd have ink and parchment for a carrier raven. "
" Uh, no we haven't yet Princess, we were just about to search him right before you returned. "
" Then what do you think you should be doing? " Azula said as she stared at the men and his soldiers. Thankfully they all got the message and the commander shot next to his men.
" Men! Hurry up and search the boy! If he has something incriminating we might be able to get some useful information out of him! " The commander said, the soldiers nodded and soon went to work. Azula, Ty Lee and Mai watched as the soldiers began to pat the boy down. Each of them were ready to strike at a moment's notice, after all when dealing with the enemy one can never be too careful.
Kel struggled to keep his temper under check as the soldiers began to check his pockets. If this were a normal situation he would have slashed them all to pieces by now, but sadly that wasn't an option. When it came to infiltrating a faction in this manner, one had to take care not to seem suspicious. But that didn't make the process any less infuriating.
" Nothing here... Okay keep him steady. " A soldier said as he reached into the inside of Kel's gi. " Nothing here, or here, maybe if I- " The soldier suddenly stopped when his hands landed upon something cold and metallic, taking a closer look the soldier found an odd cylindrical mechanism; and to the left was what looked to be a folded up pitch black cloak. The soldier froze when he happened upon that little article. " Uh Sir... " The soldier mumbled, his eyes still glued to the cloak.
" Yes soldier, did you find something? " The soldier's hand trembled slightly as he got up from his position. However, before he could say a word something odd happened. The soldier could almost feel a type of force luring him back to the boy, and as the soldier's eyes wandered back to the boy's face. All he found was two golden eyes staring back at him.
" Shhh... " The man froze for a second as those words surfaced in his mind. Suddenly it seemed like an eraser had scrubbed through his memories, and it wasn't long before the man found himself in a daze.
" Soldier! Did you find anything? " The commanding officer yelled at the man. At his commander's words the soldier snapped out of his trance and turned back to face his commander.
" No Sir, nothing, all the boy has on him are the clothes he's wearing. " The soldier said with a slight bow. But for some reason he just couldn't shake the feeling that he'd forgotten something. Kel smiled as he watched the intruding soldier step away. The mind trick also came in handy in situations like this, now he could finally move onto the next step. Quickly Kel reached out with the force and probed the nearby mountains for life signs. The earth benders were drawing near, he would have to be fast.
" Princess, what should we do? He doesn't seem to be dangerous. " The commander asked Azula.
" You could start with letting me go. " The boy said, the commander was about to smack to boy for his rudeness but Azula raised a hand to stop him.
" Please commander we aren't barbarians. Now then how about some questions, let's start with a name. " Azula asked the boy with narrowed eyes.
" Kel, what's yours? " The boy, Kel, asked her. At this question Azula's, and quite a few others, eyebrows rose. There weren't that many people who didn't know her name. After all, as royalty of the Fire Nation her name was common knowledge.
" Why you insolent! She's- " A commander started, only to be silenced by Azula's risen palm.
" I'm Azula, princess of the Fire Nation; these two are my friends Ty Lee and Mai. So now that you know our names why don't you tell us what you're doing all the way up here. " Kel grinned at these words, she took the bait all that was left was to reel her in.
" If you must know I'm a bender. Me and my master live and train together up here. "
" Do you mind telling us where this 'master' of yours is. " Azula said, Kel only pointed towards the giant tree overlooking the clearing.
" He passed away a few months back, neither of us really went down to ground level that often, so forgive me if I seem a bit confused. This is my first time seeing other people up here in a while. " Kel said as he secretly scanned over Azula's and the soldiers formation.
" You didn't happen to see a man with a black cloak run through did you? " Azula asked Kel as she walked over to a nearby stump to sit on. Azula sighed when she saw him shake his head.
" Well that sucks, he must have already gotten off of the mountain. Do you think we should pursue, Azula? " Ty Lee asked her as she hung from a large branch.
" No, at this point I'm certain that the one we're chasing isn't the avatar. None of the descriptions match his profile, and if wanted to leave this mountain he would've used that flying bison of his. " Azula said as she tapped her chin, after pondering for a few minutes she turned back to the boy, still pinned down by her soldiers. " You said you were practicing bending with your master. What element would that happen to be? "
" Fire if you must know, " Kel answered her instantly.
" Oh, fire you say? Interesting... " Azula mumbled as she went back to tapping her chin. The stars twinkled above in the dark night sky and with every twinkle it seemed like Kel's golden eyes got a little bit brighter.
" It seems like they're almost ready. " Kel thought to himself as he watched the Earth Nation soldiers set up a position on the cliffside above. There were about fifty of them in total, a good number considering that Azula only had about twenty five soldiers at hand. Now was the time for him to shine.
" Those guys friends of yours? " Kel asked Azula from his position on the ground.
" Guys? "
" Up there, " Kel said as he pointed to the cliffside above. With a raised eyebrow Azula looked up towards where he was pointing and she did so just at the right time. As she only just managed to dodge the rock that was about to come falling down on her head.
" Tch! It's the Earth Nation! Prepare for battle men! " The commander yelled as he and his soldiers dived behind cover, thankfully that meant that Kel could finally move again. Soon an entire volley of rocks shot down from the mountain side, almost as if they were stuck in an avalanche.
" Azula they're too far away to hit with my knives! " Mai yelled as she downed a few rocks heading in her direction. Azula was also busy shooting down the near endless barrage of rocks with her blue flame. Much to her anger she never had enough time to shoot off some lightning, as with every rock she shot down three more popped up in its place. Ty Lee was also tied up in the rock storm, and since she was useless at range could only dodge and weave in between the endless barrage.
" Commander why aren't your men shooting them down?! " Azula yelled at the man, who was busy cowering behind the debris of what was once his tent.
" Most of my men have already been downed Princess, none of us can peek our heads out without a rock getting shot at it! " At his words Azula's eyebrow twitched, sometimes you really can't trust anybody but yourself. Her anger was magnified by the cheers of the Earth Nation soldiers above, already they seemed like they knew they would win this fight.
" Keep up the barrage men! We almost got them all! Soon the Fire Nation will be down a princess! " Their commander yelled from high above. The organic thunks of rocks hitting her soldiers heads could be heard from all around her; and it wasn't long before the barrage focused squarely on her, Ty Lee and Mai.
" Jeez! What a time to be caught in an ambush! " Ty Lee mumbled from her position behind a rock, glancing over she saw Azula and Mai doing their best to shoot down every rock. " Azula and Mai are really giving it their all out there. " She thought as the sky had turned almost entirely into a sea of rocks, knives and fire. Sadly they were at a stalemate and it wouldn't be long before Azula and Mai reached their limit. Ty Lee bit her thumb as she tried to think of a way to down the enemy soldiers, but sadly they just had the better position. There was no way she could get to them without taking some hits. " Ugh, what should we do? "
" Need some help? " Ty Lee was broken out of her thoughts by the voice of their recent captive. Looking up Ty Lee found the boy known as Kel sitting on top of a tree with his chin resting on his knee. When she didn't respond Kel sighed and hopped down in front of her. " I told you that I can fire bend, I can help out if you ask. " The boy said.
" How can you help? I'm not sure if you missed the fifty unconscious fire benders on your way over here, but one more wouldn't really change anything. " Ty Lee said as she lowered her head behind cover to dodge another rock.
" Are you sure? That princess and, Mai was it? Seem to be having a pretty hard time. " Kel said as he stared at the two girls with uncaring eyes. Ty Lee, too busy dodging rocks didn't seem to notice his odd gaze.
" Go ahead if you want to, I'm just warning you though. If you jump in there you probably won't come out unscathed. " Kel smiled at her words and began to walk towards where Azula and Mai were fighting. After dodging a few rocks Kel was soon standing next to Azula and Mai, both of whom seemed to be at death's door.
" Hey princess! " Kel yelled.
" Why are you here! " Azula yelled as she shot down another batch of marble bullets.
" I'm here to help, " Kel said as he walked in front of the two girls.
" Sorry but I don't think another fire bender will be much help. " Azula told him as she finally managed to shoot a bolt of lightning towards the soldiers above. Thankfully it seemed to grant them a few seconds rest as the rocks stopped flying for a few seconds.
" That's exactly what your friend told me, but honestly you need all the help you can get, plus I still have a question that I need to ask. " Azula twinged as she pulled a small piece of rock out of one of her many cuts and bruises.
" I'll answer any question you have if you could get us out of this. " Azula said as she shot another bolt of lightning at the head of a peeking Earth Nation soldier. Kel grinned at that and walked forward, much to the confusion of Azula and Mai.
" I'll hold you to that promise then princess, " Kel said as he opened his right hand, if one looked closely he could see several small arcs of electricity sparkling in between his fingertips. Kel cracked his knuckles as he walked forward, this move was something he was working on for a while. A replacement if you will, after all he obviously couldn't use his lightsaber without drawing some unwanted attention from the princess. Which meant he'd have to improvise.
" Well are you going to do something or are you just going to stand there? " Azula griped as she continued to fire flames at the soldiers above. Instead of answering Kel just lifted his sparking right hand and summoned a torrent of force lightning. But instead of shooting it towards the enemy, Kel used the force to focus the lightning into a blade of energy.
" Ah good it works, " Kel mumbled to himself as he gave his new sword a few practice swings. It definitely wouldn't last as long as a regular lightsaber, or be nearly as reliable; but he hoped this blade of lightning would more than make up for it in sheer power.
" Wha-? " Kel smiled as he heard the combined voices of Azula, Mai, Ty Lee and the soldiers above. That was something he loved about being a sith, the surprise on an enemy's face when they realize who they are dealing with. Grinning to his ears Kel looked up at the soldiers above, all of whom were now focused on his new blade. But not for long as their commander soon started up his attack with a whole new barrage of rocks, fear of the unknown always did have a knack at snapping a man into action. As the rocks began to fall down from above Kel smiled and poured more power into his blade.
" Fall. " With that word Kel raised up his blade of lightning and forced it into the mountain, he released his grip on the tip of the sword causing a massive blade of lightning that shot through the entire base of the cliffside. With a feral grin as wide as possible, Kel sent his blade through the entire base of the cliff; the lightning melted every inch of the rock. Cutting smoothly until the cliffside was completely detached from the mountain. One could almost hear the sound of dropping jaws as Ty Lee, the Fire Nation and Earth Nation soldiers, and even Mai and Azula watched as the cliffside began to fall off the mountain. The screams of the soldiers drowned out by the sound of a mountain-sized cliff falling off into the abyss below. Soon the clearing went dead silent, and the only sound that could be heard was the crackling of Kel's lightning sword; and that to went silent after a few more seconds.
" Did he just cut the mountain in half? " Whispered several now conscious soldiers. The edges of the freshly-cut cliff were still glowing orange, the earth still molten from the severe heat of the lightning. Even Azula was dead silent as Kel walked up to her, only to be broken out of her shock by the sound of his snapping fingers.
" Hello~ Princess? You promised that if I helped you, you would answer one of my questions. "
" Oh that... Yeah... Ask away... " Azula mumbled as she stared at the mountain-sized cut.
" Do you mind if I join you and your little band? " His words took a few seconds to sink in but it wasn't long before everyone's jaws once again found themselves reacquainted with the ground.
" What?! "
Three hours later
" Princess do you honestly think it's safe to allow a monster like him to journey with us? " A commander asked Azula as he trotted up next to her personal transport.
" We can't allow someone like him to fall into enemy hands commander, I'm sure you understand that right? " Azula said as she took a sip of tea.
" Yes but... "
" As I see it all he wants is to explore the world, and he's agreed to help us with the hunt for the avatar if we take him with us. Don't you think this is an advantageous situation commander? " Azula said as her eyes moved to the back of their little caravan where Kel was walking next to the supply cart. No matter how much Ty Lee seemed to badger him the boy would not accept the offer to ride in Azula's transport.
" I'm just saying we should keep an eye on him Princess, someone so powerful shouldn't be taken lightly. " The commander said.
" True, but at the same time we can't let him think that we're watching him. After all the last thing we want to do is sow the seeds of distrust in someone like him. " The commander nodded at her words and returned to his position near the front. The sun soon spilled out into the transport, casting long shadows over the tall rocks of the valley.
" Have the scouts already sent the news to your father? " Mai asked Azula as the passed over a bridge.
" Yes they have, my father should have the message in hand by sundown. " Azula said as she watched a hawk fly through the sky. Almost as if its wings were cutting the very light of the horizon.
" You know he looks pretty cute in the morning sun. " Ty Lee giggled out as she stared at the boy, Azula and Mai just rolled their eyes at Ty Lee's comments. But while the sun did project Kel in a beautiful light, it did manage to block his golden eyes in shadow. Which were glowing like the eyes of a bloodthirsty predator, and this world was his prey. Kel yawned and fixed his golden gaze on the blood-red horizon which shone over the green forests below.
" This world is a beautiful one, I can't wait to see it shrouded in darkness. "
Author's note
Oh f #$ing yes! I finally found the time to write the next chapter for this bitch! I am sooooooo sorry for the long ass wait guys. But I was too busy being tied up with my other crossover (Plus writers block doesn't help at all). Anyway I promise that I'll get the next chapter out NOT a half year from now. I'm going to be working on the next chapter for my other crossover next which should be out late August. So expect the next chapter soon after that!
Anyway damn I love writing anti heroes! They're so fun to write, anyway guys thanks a bunch for the support and I'll promise I'll get the next chapter out sooner!
P.S Feel free to ask me questions in the reviews! I'll do my best to answer them at the beginning of the next chapter.
Next chapter: A Waltz Through the Bloody Horizon