Avatar Aang overlooked the ocean beyond the rocky cliff, his heart heavy as he breathed in the fresh air. The sun had just barely risen over the waters, leaving less than forty-eight hours until the Day of Black Sun. Less than forty-eight hours until he had to face the Firelord. His hands trembled at the very thought. He bowed his head and prayed to his past lives to give him the courage to accomplish what was expected of him.
"Aang? How are you?" The young monk felt a gentle hand rest on his shoulder, turning around to meet the concerned eyes of Katara. Toph and Sokka were stationed behind her, oddly silent as they looked on their friend with equal apprehension. What was to be said to a twelve-year-old child who was soon to face the most feared man in the entire world?
"I've seen better days," Aang admitted, his eyes fixed on the rising sun. "There's so much resting on this invasion."
"I wouldn't worry too much about it, Twinkletoes," Toph piped up, folding her hands behind her head with a carefree smirk. "The Fire Nation doesn't have a clue about the eclipse, or about you!"
Aang could only nod, his expression terribly pale. He would have an eight minute window of time to defeat the most powerful man in the world. Firebending or not, Lord Ozai would not be taken down easily. Gyatso always mentioned that, in an event where combat was inevitable, it was important not to underestimate one's opponent. Was charging into battle thinking that a solar eclipse would solve everything an underestimation of the Fire Nation's power? Things were never as easy as they seemed. The airbender sighed, half-smiling as Momo leapt atop his shoulder and curled up on his shaven head. So many lives were at risk, and only one chance at defeating the Firelord was thereby feasible.
Toph leaned back on her heels, her eyebrows furrowing into a grimace. "Guys? We have company."
Sokka's hand went to his sword as the element benders took their stances. "An enemy?" he asked, his eyes narrowing at the slowly advancing figure making its way up the incline of the cliff.
"I don't recognize him," Toph muttered, cracking her knuckles in anticipation. The four of them grew deathly silent as they were approached.
"Identify yourself!" Aang called out to the black-clad man, whose hooded face could hint neither at his nationality or his intentions.
The man paused a few feet away and surrendered his hands, palms facing upward, to show he was unarmed. "I mean no harm; I'm here as a friend. Would you happen to be Avatar?"
"That depends on who's asking." Aang's hand tightened around his staff.
"Please, hear me out. The Fire Nation knows about the eclipse that you plan to utilize to strike down their defenses. If you continue as you planned, you will be led into a trap and find that the entire palace city has been evacuated. If you come with me, my friends and I can help you launch a successful counterattack. We can-"
"Sorry, but we don't take advice from strangers," Sokka called, inclining his head daringly. "For all we know, you could be the one leading us into a trap!"
"He's not lying, Sokka." All attention was turned toward Toph. "His pulse is steady; I think he really means to help us."
Every pair of eyes turned to Aang, who stood quiet for a long while. When he raised his head, there was nothing less than determination in his eyes. He could sense no maliciousness from this man, though he did have a voice that sounded somewhat familiar. "Toph is right. If this guy is our ally, he may be our only chance. The invasion can't fail; not at these stakes." Begrudgingly, Sokka and Katara seemed to shrug. It wouldn't be the first time help had come from unexpected places.
The figure seemed to expel a deep sigh of relief. "Thank you. I promise that you will not regret trusting me." A pale hand motioned for them to follow, though none of them threw down their guards just yet. The man led the four down into an underground bunker, coaxing a flame from his left palm to guide them. Immediately the group began to tense and Katara's hand twitched above her canteen.
"You're a firebender," Sokka accused, his arms crossed at his chest as he refused to go any further.
"I'm also a rogue." Aang could sense the faintest trace of amusement underlying the mysterious man's voice. "Don't worry. If I wanted any of you dead, I would have slit your throats while you were sleeping." Sokka paled considerably, keeping his mouth shut as they descended into the volcanic tunnels.
"Something is strange about this place," Toph spoke up as they winded through the deserted corridors. "I can feel the vibrations of human figures in the distance, but I can't sense their heartbeats."
"No, I suppose you wouldn't be able to," came the cryptic response. After what seemed to be twenty minutes of navigating their way through the corridors, the cloaked man stopped and knocked three times on a steel door within the cavern. Without receiving an audible response, he swung the door open to reveal an office-like room with a desk, shelving, and bookshelves galore.
Aang's heart skipped a beat when he saw the man seated behind the desk, his mouth agape. Without so much as a moment's hesitance, he dashed into the room and leaned over the desk to make strict eye contact with him. "Is that… Is that really you, Setsuya?"
The vampire lord smiled, standing and offering a hand to the baffled monk. "It's been a long time, my friend. Over a hundred years, yes? And to think you haven't changed a bit."
Aang ignored the attempt at a handshake and leapt over the desk to embrace Setsuya. He then jumped back, his body stricken with gooseflesh. "I could say the same about you! Except, you're a lot colder than I remember. All of this time… Where have you been? How did you know where to find me? You just disappeared one day and nobody ever saw you again!"
Setsuya chuckled, patting the boy's bald head affectionately. "Yes, I have some explaining to do, don't I? I suppose we have some time to catch up." As though on cue, the man who led them beneath the ground laid out four mats across from the floor before the desk, gesturing to them invitingly. He then took his place behind a now-seated Setsuya, as the four children sat on the mats by Aang's example.
"You know this guy, Aang?" Sokka breathed, his eyes betraying his mistrust.
"Of course! This is Setsuya, from the Fire Nation. He was one of my good friends before the war!" Aang fell onto his mat lotus-style, his excitement not at all shielded. "Is it true, Setsuya? Are you going to help us with the invasion?"
"That's right. My people and I have been collecting information that I think may be advantageous to you." Setsuya smiled, casting a glance at the man behind him. "We have a few rather thorough spies. Truth be told, we want this war to end as much as you do. Firelord Ozai has been oppressing my people and violating our contract. He must be stopped if we are to survive."
"Your people?" Toph raised an eyebrow. "You mean the other guys with no heartbeats?"
"Yes. We belong to the ancient clan known as the Kyuuketsuki."
Silence flooded the room before- "You mean… you're a vampire?!" Aang's eyes went wide, a mixture of excitement and awe present in his eyes.
"Be logical, Aang," Sokka scoffed, shaking his head. "There's no such this as… as…" His jaw dropped open as Setsuya bared his incisors at his guests, a smile still present on his face. Katara and her brother exchanged shocked glances, while Aang could only beam.
"I assure you, vampires do in fact exist. They have for over a century now. I happen to be the leader of my coven, and I want to see this war end as soon as possible."
"So, if you're a vampire…" Sokka swallowed uneasily. "Does that mean you do that blood-sucking thing?"
Before Setsuya could respond, the man from behind him came up and wrapped his arms around the vampire's neck as he spoke, "Don't worry. Setsuya and the rest of the vampire population are strictly forbidden from feeding off of humans. There hasn't been a human death by the hands of this population for a few years now." He leant back and his hood tipped, revealing a pair of beautiful golden eyes.
"Kuzon?! Did you get turned into a vampire too?!" Aang cried, his expression somewhere between amusement and amazement.
"Well, not exactly." Setsuya and his mortal partner exchanged smiles.
xXxBloodlustxXx
Perhaps three hours went by of exchanging stories and information. Among the most important of conversations was Setsuya offering the four heroes a basic outline of the vampires' role in the upcoming invasion. The underground tunnels of the population could lead them into the underground bunker where Firelord Ozai was planning to wait out the invasion. With the help of the troops gathered by Water Tribe siblings' father, the palace city could be secured while the Avatar faced the Firelord directly. The vampire people could serve as minor aid, as their goal was still to keep as inconspicuous as possible.
Zuko sat by silently, observing the four young ones as they spoke and listened. They all looked so young, so innocent to have to go through all of this. It simply wasn't fair for them to have had to mature so quickly. After being introduced as a prince of the Fire Nation, he was sent suspicious glares by the one named Sokka. This he could understand, yet he did not quite comprehend the cheerful winks he kept receiving from the Avatar child. Aang, was it? The Water Tribe girl seemed to be the most observant, serving as a cautionary figure. The blind girl, in contrast, was the most out-spoken and the least hesitant. They seemed somewhat of an unlikely combination.
"We should go send word to dad about the change of plans," Sokka determined, rising to stretch his legs. "We'll use Hawky. Thanks, erm, Lord Setsuya. Prince Zuko."
"It's our pleasure," the vampire lord assured him, standing as their guests made their way for the door. "Do you need help finding the exit?"
"I think we can manage," Toph said with a smirk, leading the Water Tribe siblings into the narrow corridors.
"Aang? Are you coming?" Katara asked, casting a glance back at the monk who still stood in the center of the room.
"I'll catch up." He smiled at the girl before turning back to his old friend as the door clicked shut. Setsuya and Zuko rounded the desk and sat near the boy. The airbender observed both Setsuya and the prince beside him, his lips pursed in thought. "So are you two… you know, together?" He blinked innocently.
Setsuya hid a smile as redness flushed Zuko's cheeks. "As a matter of fact," the mortal teenager began, twiddling his thumbs together. "We are 'together'."
Aang's expression split into a wide smile. "I knew it." His attention turned back to Zuko. "You know, the differences between you and Kuzon are subtle. You have a bit gentler of an aura, though. Do you do artwork?"
"I do. Painting, mostly." The teenager graced the monk with a smile. He felt almost instantly attached to this young man, as though he was meeting with an old friend.
"He's very good at it," Setsuya added, wrapping an arm around the waist of his lover. "A professional, if you ask me."
I knew those two had some chemistry! "Gee, Setsuya. I turn my back for a hundred years and you're a vampire, you're leading an entire populace, and you've got the man of your dreams on your arm. Who knew things could change so much in a mere century?"
"And what of you? The Avatar! I would never have guessed it. You can't imagine how heartbroken I was when I was told that the Air Temples had been eradicated. And yet here you stand before me, ready to face the Firelord. It's so good to see you again."
Zuko stood, resolving to give the two friends some time to chat among themselves. He departed with a kiss to Setsuya's cheek. "I'm going to take a walk," he whispered, stroking a hand through the man's hair. The vampire lord nodded, returning the affectionate gesture. The teenager smiled once more at the young monk and bowed, making his way out of the office and down the western corridors. He knew his way through the tunnels by heart now, and allowed his feet to carry him wherever his subconscious deemed him needed.
He came to the sanctuary of his thoughts and emotions, a place left untouched by his own request- an old friend's room, a room he visited at least once a day. He sat on the edge of the bed, his head bowed and his hands folded. "Hello again, Ryu. I hope you're well. I finished that sword I was telling you about the other day, the one with the crimson blade. I'm going to enter it in the next tournament. Takuya and his new boyfriend are really working out well- I have a feeling he's a keeper. Akane and Rohan are still doing alright. They're even raising Khai to be a semi-gentleman, if you can imagine that. Oh, and Setsuya and I are coordinating a counterstrike against the Fire Nation alongside the Avatar. You know, protecting the world peace and such." He swallowed roughly.
"I miss you, you know. Always. I can only pray that you can hear me day after day. Things are never really easy here. Setsuya has gone through a lot of trouble to ensure no humans have been killed over these past few years. He's a good leader, though, and he manages. Ever since Ravindra's capture, everyone has been a lot more at ease. My seventeenth birthday is in a week, you know. Setsuya is going to turn me into a vampire then, like he promised. I'm a little scared, I'll admit- I want to be with Setsuya, but I worry that I might not be able to handle an eternity on earth. Nor do I handle the prospect of dying very well, you understand. Well… at least I have a choice, right? Not many victims of a bloodlust's kiss can say that. I suppose fate will work itself out in the end. I just wanted to remind you how grateful I am for your courage and sacrifices. Hopefully you're in a place right now where things are better. Living can be so overrated." Zuko smiled, lying back on the man's bed and blowing a kiss toward the ceiling. "I love you, Ryuichi." He shut his eyes and opened his heart in meditation. Sometimes, just barely, he was able to feel that slender, comforting embrace…
It wasn't long before an expected knock on the door sounded. Setsuya came peering through the entrance, a sad smile on his face. "You bolted out so quickly." He seated himself on the bed next to his lover, giving him a tender kiss on the cheek.
"I didn't want to intrude," Zuko explained without need. "It must be amazing, seeing a friend after over a century. I always thought that his preservation in the ice was a rumor."
Setsuya inclined his head in an attempt to discover if his lover was more troubled than he let on. "Did the talk of Kuzon upset you?"
"No, of course not. You know that doesn't bother me. Not anymore." Zuko sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Seeing the Avatar here makes this all too real. I really don't want to face my family again." I don't want to meet the eyes of my father, knowing that I helped plan his downfall.
"I understand," Setsuya whispered, his eyes flickering downward. I may disagree with his hesitance, but I understand. "I wouldn't worry too much. If we're lucky, Lord Ozai will be detained before you even have the chance to blink." They clasped hands as a dreaded, knowing silence passed over the room.
"This could change a lot, Setsuya." Zuko pursed his lips and inhaled a shaky breath. "If my father and sister are arrested on counts of tyranny, there will be no one left to lead our nation. Without leadership, the entire Fire Nation may succumb to its downfall. It will be chaos. Right now, we're the most hated people in the entire world."
"You mean… there's no one else?" Setsuya's heart fell to his stomach. He should have expected this. Somewhere deeper in his mind, he had. But hearing the words from his lover's mouth was too real.
"No one. The royal family tree ends with me. As long as I live beyond this war, I am obligated to preside over the Fire Nation. I was never 'banished' or 'disowned' legally. It is my birthright." Zuko's brave façade gave way to his anxiety. Law was everything to the people of the Fire Nation. Law along with superiority had been drilled into every citizen's mind since birth. Law dictated that he was to resume control of the Fire Nation as a healthy young man, capable of producing offspring. "I don't think I'm fit to rule, Setsuya. And even if I was, how could they accept me? I've been gone for nearly three years. And what about you and I? I couldn't leave your side if I was offered eternal grace by the Spirits. A Firelord can't have a male lover, let alone a vampiric one."
"Maybe you shouldn't worry about the details just yet." Setsuya winced, wondering if he was saying such things for Zuko's sake or for his own. "I have faith in whatever decision you make, and I happen to think you'd be a righteous leader of the Fire Nation. Let me be your last concern; one only has a single, irrevocable chance to save the world. Relationships have a little more leeway. Do whatever is best for the Fire Nation. You and I can work around the circumstances." Still, Setsuya grew sick to his stomach to think that Zuko might take on a mistress or even a wife to bear offspring for the throne. The man would lead a double life- a respectable Firelord, and a vampire's lover. The pressure wasn't fair for any involved.
"Yes." Zuko sighed, shaking his head. It was going to be a bloody battle… "I hope we can help heal the scars that our nation has imprinted upon this earth."
"Well, one thing is for sure- the world is never going to be the same. The Fire Nation is going to be at odds with a lot of people for a long time. They'll need a strong leader with a noble heart. I only worry that it puts you in an unnecessary amount of danger." Setsuya's hands clasped around the shoulders of his beloved, forcing himself not to express the fear they both knew was coursing beneath his flesh.
"I'm sure everything will work out. It has to, lest it be the end of this world." And everyone on it.
They shared a kiss, bracing themselves with their combined courage. Setsuya looked on his lover with pride, fostering a deep admiration for the young man. Zuko had changed over the past three years- he'd grown stronger in so many ways. His strategic mind was sharpened from years of training with vampires, and his physical strength was nothing to scoff at. He was taller now, his slender form now complimented by defined muscles that paid tribute to his daily training. He was more level-headed, as well as serene. His youthful beauty had reached its peak, no longer adorable and innocent, but handsome and shrewd. His features were balanced between those of a tender lover, and those of a young man coming of age. His hair had reached his shoulders, now long enough to pin up in a bun save for a single rogue strand that dangled over his left cheek. Setsuya felt that calling him beautiful could hardly sustain as a proper description.
The vampire lord's grip tightened around his soul mate, whispers floating beneath the stream of his consciousness that wanted the Firelord to pay for throwing away a person with the potential to be… this. Zuko smiled softly when he caught onto the man's thoughts, pressing a kiss against his cheek. "You know, if it wasn't for my father, you and I would never have met. I probably wouldn't be the same person I am today if it hadn't been for him giving me up. It was in my best interest."
"Yes, but he didn't consider that. Handing your firstborn son off to a vampire doesn't seem like the most compassionate of actions." Setsuya sighed, combing a lazy hand through the boy's hair. He decided not to press the matter any further. He kept silent, a single thought replaying over and over again in his head. Soon enough, the world won't have to suffer any longer for that twisted man's mistakes.
xXxBloodlustxXx
Zuko shifted somewhat uncomfortably. He really didn't like being stared at, not even by Setsuya. But there were five pairs of eyes fixed on him, four belonging to the Avatar and his friends and one belonging to their flying lemur. The rat with wings had already tried to attack Shu, making Zuko wary of its huge, bloodlusty eyes. Seated in the privacy of Setsuya's office, the five adolescents and the monkey consumed the dinner that Setsuya's subordinates had been kind enough to throw together. However, Zuko knew the staring had to stop soon or he would be driven to pulling out his hair and running out of the room. Katara, whom Zuko decided had some sort of sensitivity to other's emotions, tried to steer the conversation lightly as not to make him feel uncomfortable.
"So… You're the prince of the Fire Nation?" Katara asked with a half-smile, her eyes shifting nervously. They knew nothing of this rogue prince other than the fact that he was in league with vampires- not an altogether comforting profile.
"That's right. My father disowned me when I was about fourteen, and Setsuya took me under his wing." The prince's eyes flickered downward, not quite willing to spill the entire truth. "I'm thankful for that. I would be a very different person if I had remained in the Fire Nation."
"Disowned?" Sokka's eyes widened. "That's… That's awful." He couldn't imagine what a fourteen-year-old son could possibly do to be disowned by his father. What could possibly merit exile to the most dishonest, immoral man on the planet?
"I understand what that's like," Aang consoled, his grin fading a bit. "Children of the Air Temples are relinquished to the authority of the monks when they are known to be airbenders. I can't even remember what my mother looked like. Parents can do the oddest things to show they care."
Zuko shot the boy a smile, appreciative of the young Avatar's attempts to lighten the circumstances. "Yes, that's true isn't it?"
"Even so, I'm sure you can't wait to kick some firebender butt!" Toph's left fist met her right palm with a smack. "You must be anxious to show your dad you care."
The eldest teenager laughed, rubbing his neck somewhat nervously. "Considering the circumstances under which my father and I parted, I think I'll leave the 'butt-kicking' to you all. Setsuya and I know our way through these tunnels forward and backward, every nook and crevice. The terrain is to our own advantage. Your troops will be arriving tomorrow morning, correct?'
Sokka nodded, his smirk one of pride. "We've got some of the best fighters in the world on our side."
Katara raised an amused eyebrow at her brother, turning to Zuko to correct his claims. "It's a bit of a ragtag team, but there's a great diversity of talents. We have a few tricks up our sleeve."
"I'm glad to hear it." Zuko looked onto the Avatar in wonder, his mind still processing that the last airbender on earth was sitting before him. The Firelord's tyranny must be stopped before all other nations were wiped out and the Fire Nation raped the earth of its resources. "I'll help in any way I can, and so will the vampire population. Though we'd like to stay as low-key as possible. A recovering world doesn't need any disturbing revelations to bear. The last thing we want to see is the entire world ganging up on the innocent people here underground." The firebender coughed suddenly, standing with a courteous bow. "Please excuse me for a moment."
Zuko walked out of the room as swiftly as he could without seeming urgent. He weaved his way through the corridors effortlessly, making his way toward the library where Setsuya and Hayate were waiting for him. "What's wrong?" he asked, his eyes dodging along the papers spread about the low table in the center of the room. His breath caught in his chest when he saw the look on Setsuya's face.
"There's been a complication," Hayate said, strain clearly written across his face. "This scroll was left at the base of the courtyard entrance." He handed the parchment to Zuko, who tore it open and read it word-for-word. His heart sunk- he recognized that official script immediately. It was addressed to the 'current lord of the vampires'.
Zuko's fingers trembled as his eyes progressed line by line. It was… "A warning," the teenager said, paling significantly. It demanded that the 'residual scum' of the vampire population would 'withhold from participating' from the upcoming invasion lest they suffer 'severe consequences'. "He must have realized that we were in the perfect position to strike against the Fire Nation. If the Avatar finds his way to the Firelord's bunker, he'll know we assisted him. And if the invasion fails-"
"We're left with one pissed-off Firelord to deal with," Hayate finished. "He claims the only way to ensure the entire Fire Nation remains oblivious to our existence is if we stand by quietly. Of course, we must take into consideration the Firelord's overwhelming arrogance. He is assuming that his armies will be able to fight off the invasion."
"Supposing they are," Zuko whispered with a nervous swallow. "If the invasion fails and the Firelord suddenly decides keeping us a secret isn't worth the trouble, he'll have the strength to overtake the population."
"Which is the reason we can't let the invasion fail," Setsuya said quietly, his hand wrapping around his lover's. "We have to make sure the Avatar has a chance to face the Firelord during the eclipse."
Zuko sighed, giving the vampire's hand a gentle squeeze. "Let's keep quiet about this. The kid doesn't need any extra pressure. He's already got the world's wellbeing to worry about." He couldn't describe the mixture of confusion and hesitation he felt. Here he was, plotting the downfall of his own father. Sensing his doubt, Setsuya enveloped him in his arms with solemnity.
I'm sorry my love. I understand how difficult this is for you.
I shouldn't let my reluctance get in the way. Given the chance, Ozai would relinquish me to certain death all over again.
Not after seeing the man you've become, my love. He'll be regretting it for the rest of his miserable life.
Zuko departed from his soul mate with a kiss and returned back to Setsuya's office, his hand freezing above the door handle when he heard his name. He recognized the voice as Katara's.
"…about trusting Zuko? I mean, he is Fire Nation."
"So was Jeong Jeong!" Aang protested vehemently. "We can't judge him by his nationality. Being Fire Nation doesn't make him evil. He was raised with a whole different perspective!"
"Twinkletoes is right. He could have turned us over by now. Not to point out the obvious, but we don't exactly have the time to establish a mutual bond of trust. The invasion is tomorrow."
"Let's not forget that he's Ozai's son!" Sokka spoke up with caution. "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. He's being forced to make a choice between goodness and blood."
Zuko backed away, his body trembling. The words seemed to repeat over and over and over again in his mind.
The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
Zuko lay in bed that evening, continuously running a hand through his hair (a nervous habit of his.) It was true. The royal family tree was full of apples, all with the same bitter taste of vengeance and domination. What if his destiny was no farther from the tree? What if he was to suffer the same fate as the generations before him?
"You're not really worried about that, are you?" Setsuya appeared standing by his bedside, his smile soft. "Beloved, you fret over nothing."
"The apple doesn't fall far from the tree," Zuko whispered, closing his eyes as a hand caressed his cheek.
"Oh, my love. That spoiled tree bore one fruit of value." Setsuya crawled atop the teenager, straddling his form with a smile. "Pay no heed to such troubles, my sweet apple."
Zuko allowed himself to be swept away, braced only by the reassurance of his lover. He would make the right choices, come the time. Or, so he hoped.
xXxBloodlustxXx
"Hayate and his group have taken care of the extraneous guards." Setsuya glanced down the adjacent corridors, inhaling deeply into the air. "It's time to get moving."
Zuko nodded, motioning for Aang and Toph. "We'll lead you to the Firelord. Just stick close to us. If we have to separate, Aang- you need to make sure you trail Setsuya." The Avatar nodded, determination pervading his aura. With the Water Tribe siblings leading the invasion above, there was limited time to waste to ensure that everything went smoothly. Setsuya led Aang and Toph throughout the caverns, Zuko close behind.
The teenager frowned, his sight set on the earthbender in front of him. Even as anxiety knotted his stomach, a question tugged at the tongue that simply would not go away. He just had to know. "Erm, Lady Bei Fong?"
The girl snorted. "Call me 'Toph', Sparky."
Sparky? Oh well. Better than 'Twinkletoes'. "Alright, Toph. I was just wondering, erm… Forgive me if I'm forward-"
"You wanna know how I get around being blind?" Toph asked, somewhat amused.
"Yeah, that's the idea." Zuko blushed. This girl was a bit… blunt.
"Don't be modest, Toph!" Aang said with a laugh. "You don't just get around. You kick serious butt."
"You got that right!" the girl barked. "You see, Sparky, I use earthbending to sense the vibrations in the earth and the structure of the land. Helps me identify people, objects, and their motions. It makes long-range combat a breeze."
"That's pretty cool," Zuko muttered, raising an eyebrow. He didn't like the idea of being blind, but to tune your senses in such a manner was surely desirable. His sight rested on Aang, whose strained movements made the eldest teenager want to comfort him. He didn't know much about the airbender way of life, but he did understand that violence was a last resort, and used only as a defense mechanism. He couldn't imagine what was going through the poor boy's head as he sprinted straight into the battle of his life. Zuko sighed, wiping the sweat from his forehead. He couldn't deny that he was pretty nervous as well. Not to mention it kept getting hotter all around them…
Setsuya came to a screeching halt with a curse. Zuko peered around his comrades to see a vast lake of boiling lava settled in their path. "Can we get through it?" he asked his lover, who affirmed him with a nod.
Zuko turned to the others. "I can part the lava if you two bend us a pathway." Receiving a positive response, the teenager faced the molten liquid and steadied his breath. Concentrating solely on the recurring movements of his arms, he managed to give the earthbending masters enough time to raise up a sturdy bridge over the lava.
"Whoa! Can you teach me how to bend lava?!" Aang's wide eyes were fixed on Zuko as the teenager relaxed his stance. The older couldn't help but smile at the Avatar's enthusiasm, gracing him with a shrug before continuing their sprint down the tunnels.
"I suppose when this is all finished... You've mastered waterbending, right? It'll be a cinch as long as you learn some basic firebending."
"Awesome." And with that, Aang's eyes narrowed once again, his demeanor reverted to that of a hero rather than a curious child. Zuko smiled. It was hard not to grow fond of that kid.
"The eclipse starts in six minutes!" Setsuya called over his shoulder. How are you feeling? he silently asked Zuko.
I can feel the impending eclipse; it's starting to drain my energy.
"Hold it, Avatar! You're not going anywhere."
Zuko's blood froze, and his first instinct was to draw the hood of his cloak over his head. Instead, he shed the garment and took his stance, his heart pounding in his chest. He could hear Aang call the name, the cursed name he hadn't heard for years.
"Azula!"
The group had come to a stop, all eyes focused on the young woman dressed in royal armor blocking their way. Her eyes were now fixed on Setsuya, her polished fingernails glimmering as she ground them into her palms. Her eyes were set, a sneer on her face. She had singled him out as the most dangerous of them all. "Your little servants may have gotten rid of those mediocre soldiers, Bloodsucker, but you won't find me so easy to defeat."
Zuko paled, his stolen breath reeled back in with a gasp. She knows.
With this, the princess drew her left arm around her torso and flung a stream of blue fire at the vampire. Before anyone could flinch Zuko was standing between them, a hand extended to intercept the flame. "I'll take care of this," he whispered, his eyes meeting those of his sister for the first time in years. "Follow Setsuya, Aang. It's not far now."
I'll be back as soon as I can, Setsuya promised, making his dash as Zuko sent a fireball toward the unsuspecting princess.
Azula dodged the fire in an attempt to follow the Avatar, only to be blocked by Zuko's figure and his hands grasping her wrists. "Your battle is with me," he hissed. Finally she froze, inclining her head as she met his gaze.
Her mouth curved to form his name, disbelief tainting her expression. Slowly, she managed to cover up her shock with a wicked smile. "Well, well, well. If it isn't my long lost brother. Allying with the Avatar, now? Father will be so surprised. He thought that blood-sucking monster had stolen you off the streets and made a meal out of you."
Zuko clenched his fists, his temper flaring. "Is that what he told you? He's the monster! He'd do anything to save his own skin, even sacrifice his own son. He'd do it to you in a heartbeat, Azula!"
He could see it, that flicker of doubt in the girl's eyes. Azula's sneer deepened as she growled, "No. No, he could spare you. You were worthless! You were expendable!" Before she could even shift, she was engulfed by three earthen tablets emerging from the ground and pinning her in place.
"I've got your back, Sparky!" Toph called, the frown evident on her face. Thank the Spirits I'm an only child.
Zuko fell back next to the girl with a mutter, "Thanks. We have to be careful. She's tough."
"Yeah, I've had the pleasure of meeting her more than once." Toph flinched and before Zuko could question her, Azula had broken through the barriers that held her with ease. Electric sparks singed the earth and dissipated into the air, a malicious smirk on her face.
Zuko couldn't stop his jaw from dropping as Azula came charging toward him. Lightning? She learned how to bend lightning?! He'd only ever seen his uncle manage that. Shaking himself out of his shock, he wheeled back and attempted to block the oncoming blow. I have to get back on the offensive. He darted right and attempted to sweep her feet from beneath her, making no contact. Azula flipped into the air, using the leverage from her firebending to steady herself. Zuko spun around, not to be outdone. Though he knew this Azula was more nimble, resourceful, and tactic-clever than he was… he was faster and more resilient.
Toph rounded the princess and thrust her arms forward, causing the ground beneath the enemy to quake. Zuko used the disturbance in her footing to engage in abrupt short-range combat. He lunged forward and delivered a string of physical blows, all that came as a blur to Azula. Contact. She was thrown to the ground, but recovered quickly; no doubt her pride was the ultimate drive in her recuperation. Azula drew her arms together and sent a wall of fire lurching for her brother, her aim distorted by a series of rocks forcing her to duck and dodge.
Azula's eyes narrowed, shifting from her left to her right at the poised fighters. She couldn't handle them both at the same time, as was becoming apparent. She would have to rid of the blind one first. She gathered herself and leapt into the air. Out of the corner of her eye she could see Zuko sprinting toward her. He seemed furious, as though he knew what she was planning. There's no way he'll reach me in time. She jetted off of the walls, once more using her firebending as a force to propel herself over the earthbending girl. Her peripheral vision caught Toph's head swing from left to right, worry crossing her expression.
Meanwhile, Zuko was panicking. In the span of one second, the second between dashing toward Azula and the second upon realizing what she was planning, Zuko's heart fell to his stomach. Toph couldn't see the airborne attack coming toward her… "Toph!" But before he was able to utter her name, half of the motions had been completed. The teenager, knowing he had but a moment, relied on his motor skills before his verbal comprehension. He lunged forward that final step and (apologetically) body-slammed the girl into the dirt.
"What the-?" Toph was immediately silenced by the bolt of lightning she heard whizz over their heads. "Oh. Heh. Thanks."
"No problem," Zuko grunted, leaping to his feet and helping the girl up. "That was a low blow, Azula!"
"What are you going to do about it? Go tell mommy on me?" Azula taunted, turning around only to find a pair of broadswords crossed at her throat.
"I'm not afraid to fight dirty too." He smiled, a hint of sadness in his gaze. "The eclipse has begun."
He saw the fear and anger melt her cool demeanor, glazing over her eyes in some form of regret. "Going to kill me, brother?"
"Don't you dare call me brother. Not after what you've done." Zuko's heart tightened in his chest. "Consider yourself disowned."
"You've wasted any chance you have of redeeming yourself. You have betrayed your nation and your lord."
"I am a rogue. I have no nation, no lord. I owe loyalty only to myself and the people I love." His grip around his weapons loosened in shock as her eyes began to glisten with tears.
"You loved me once, didn't you Zuko?"
"I…" Zuko's shoulders lurched forward as a sharp pain shot through his stomach. Blood dripped down his lips, and Azula dodged back as his broadswords fell to the floor. He glanced down in shock at the stab wound afflicting his abdomen, tracing the bloody trail on the floor to the dagger Azula was holding. Toph cried out, detecting the shift just a second too late as a slab of earth went plummeting toward the princess, knocking her unconscious and sending her flying back several feet. But the damage had been done.
The teenager collapsed to the floor, holding the wound as he gasped for breath. He should have known; how foolish of him. Freeze him with words of pleading sentiment before plunging a knife into his gut and letting the blood flow. Would his family never cease attempts to murder him? Curled up on the floor, he felt Toph roll him over to examine the injury, fretting over him with fearful whispers. He wanted to tell her that it was alright and not to worry. It wasn't her fault, after all. He didn't want a near-stranger to be too troubled over him. But his mouth was dry, clenched in shock and pain as the warmth of his blood flooded over his chest.
Zuko?! Zuko?!
Setsuya's voice rang through his head, immeasurable terror woven into his tone. But the vampire had his own battle to fight.
"Don't…" Zuko whispered. No, no. He remembered now. All he had to do was think the words, not speak them. Pain jolted through him in waves as Toph wrapped his own sash around the wound and pressured it firmly. Still, he fought for the clarity of mind to speak to Setsuya. Don't come. Stay with Aang. His eyes fluttered. Don't let it all be for nothing. His head slumped to the side.
"No, Zuko! Don't fall asleep!" Toph pleaded, the girl's tears intermingling with his blood. "Hang on, we'll…" She sobbed. "We'll find you some help."
Blood soaked the crimson rag at his abdomen. He blessed Setsuya for listening to his instructions, even as he felt the man's horror and heartache. Minutes passed, every second draining him. Every time he would start to drift into unconsciousness, a wave of Setsuya's strength would wash over him and force him to remain awake, despite his headache and desire to sleep. One thing Setsuya could not replace was the blood. Stay awake, Beloved! Stay awake until I get to you.
"Don't...want…" Zuko coughed, a splatter of blood surging into his mouth that he was forced to swallow down once again. Cold hands cupped his face, his mind fogged but his heart relieved. Setsuya.
"Zuko? Listen to me." A sweet voice spoke, though it was sharp and urgent now. Zuko loved that voice. "It won't hurt to give you your birthday present a little early. Don't try to speak! Let me know through your thoughts, love- is this what you want?"
Zuko's lips parted with a whisper before his heart beat for the last time.