Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar the Last Airbender.
Water, earth, fire, air… Long ago, the four nations lived together in harmony. Then, everything changed when the Fire Nation attacked. Only the Avatar, master of all four elements, could stop them. But, when the world needed him most, he vanished.
A hundred years passed and the new Avatar, and air-bender named Aang, was discovered. Now travelling by his side are Katara and Sokka of the southern water tribe, the blind earth-bender, Toph, and Ashlynn: an ex-member of the Fire Nation, and Prince Zuko's lifelong companion…
Author's Note: This marks the finale of Book 2. I'd like to thank all old readers who've stayed, and all new readers who have taken interest and have stuck with this story through its ups and downs. I appreciate it and cannot thank each of you enough. I'd like to make two statements, as I seem to get comments on them often. Firstly, I apologize for my lack of line breakers that indicate a time gap. When I write the stories, I add them in there, but apparently they don't make it onto Fanfiction. Secondly, I have a similar problem with formatting. I apologize for any flaws in the alignment of my chapters. I align it all to be centered, but, like the first problem, it doesn't make it into the final draft. My sincerest apologies. Regardless, enjoy this chapter.
Ashlynn looked down at her card, and then up at the building that loomed before her. She frowned as she gazed back down at the card, and confirmed that she was in the right place. She sighed, and stuffed the card into the confinements of her clothing. Then, she walked forward.
It was early in the morning, and The Jasmine Dragon was closed. Ashlynn peered in through one window and stared down at the small tables and counter within the back of the shop. The lights were off, and the doors were locked. "Now what am I to do?" Ashlynn muttered to herself as she stepped away from the window. There was no telling when The Jasmine Dragon would open, let alone whether or not the 'grand opening' was even on the same day. It had appeared, however, that it had been used, and it was likely the invitation had been sent out days ago.
Ashlynn groaned as she sat down on a white stone bench that was positioned outside of the tea shop. Luckily, it was in the shade, and so she was able to keep cool. She doubted she would even have a cup of tea; all she wanted was to find out why someone would invite her to a tea shop, and not the rest of her friends. Why just her? It hardly made sense to Ashlynn, but that's why she was there.
Time seemed to go by slowly. Ashlynn began to wonder if perhaps she should join Katara and help plan out the invasion of the Fire Nation. After several more minutes, she finally stood up, and threw the card on the ground after looking at it one last time. Deciding to depart, at last, she looked up from the ground and at the horizon before her. That's when she saw two figures walking towards The Jasmine Dragon.
The two figures stopped dead in their tracks as they saw her standing in front of the shop. One was short, and chubby, the other slightly taller and much thinner. She shook her head as she thought of Zuko and Iroh, ridiculing herself for thinking of such nonsense. That would be far too coincidental, and as far as she knew, Zuko hated her for her ability to air bend. For that reason, she was marked a traitor and enemy of his nation. Their last encounter together hadn't helped their relationship in anyway. She scowled as she recalled watching Zuko try to master the element of conjuring lightning. No, there was no way he would welcome her with open arms now.
She peered over at the two figures, but groaned and looked away as the sun blinded her and prevented her from getting a better look. She turned around, and retreated to the shade. She spun about once more when she heard one of the two people run towards her. She gasped as the one who approached her took her in his arms, wrapping one arm about her waist and placing his hand upon the back of her head, holding her close. She pushed away, shocked, and looked right up into the face of Zuko.
"Ashlynn!" he cried out as he looked down at her. Ashlynn felt her jaw drop slightly, but she could not find the words to say to him. He did not wait for her to speak before embracing her once more in a soft, yet strong hug. "You're actually here!" he exclaimed with such enthusiasm that Ashlynn began to doubt whether it was really Zuko.
"It's great to see you again, Ashlynn," said Iroh as he approached the pair. Zuko released Ashlynn again, so that she may greet Iroh. Iroh beamed at her happily as she looked back and forth from him to Zuko. A single tear ran down Zuko's face, and he quickly swept it away. He blushed, and looked away from Ashlynn for a moment.
"This is… Your tea shop?" Ashlynn stammered after more moments of silence. Iroh grinned broadly at her, and nodded in response. "I don't believe it! What are you two doing in Ba Sing Se? Do you live in the upper ring? How did all this happen?" she questioned swiftly.
"It hardly matters, Ash. We're happy, we live a good life. We're blessed to own such a place! Uncle produces the greatest tea around. We're here out of a pure blessing! But you- what are YOU doing here?" Zuko queried. He grasped both Ashlynn's hands in his own and looked down at her with a soft smile.
Ashlynn looked down at their hands as she tried to find words once more. How was it that Zuko suddenly forgave her for all the things he'd once hated her for? Why was he so cheery? Why hadn't he asked her about Aang? What had happened to make him like he was? "I… I got an invitation! It had directions leading here," she stuttered finally and looked back up at Zuko.
"Uncle, you invited her here?" he asked as he turned to look at Iroh.
"I, well, I invited her to the grand opening! When you told me there was news of the Avatar being in Ba Sing Se I figured she must be here as well. It would have been wonderful for her to have seen the opening of The Jasmine Dragon," Iroh quickly replied. Something about his tone of voice led Ashlynn to believe that what he said wasn't being entirely truthful.
"Is it true, Ash?" Zuko turned back to look down at her. She looked up at him curiously, and he said, "Is the Avatar here? Are you with him?"
Ashlynn felt her face drop as she realized that, despite his cheerful mood and optimism, he still clung to the hope of finding Aang and bringing him back to his father. "We split up," she said matter-of-factly, and tugged her hands away from Zuko's. He kept a stern gaze on her for a moment, and then his face softened into a sweet smile.
"Come on, I want to show you how to brew some of the finest tea!" he laughed lightly, and grasped Ashlynn's hand once more. He tugged her behind him, and opened the door to the shop. Ashlynn could hear Iroh laughing as he followed them. He was, no doubt, thrilled that his nephew was in such high spirits.
"What… happened, Iroh?" Ashlynn inquired once she'd managed to get Iroh aside while Zuko was distracted. She watched as Zuko happily walked to each table, serving every customer with care and ease. She was happy for him, but desired to know what had happened to cause such a change. "Don't get me wrong, I'm happy for him. I haven't seen him this way in so long. It's just, based on our last meeting…" Ashlynn trailed off, not wishing to recall, again, their previous reunion.
"Zuko was presented with a life-altering opportunity. I am proud to say that he chose the path of good. However, once he had done so, he became very ill. I sat by his side until he was well again. This morning, when he awoke, he was a changed man. He was… Like this," Iroh said softly, and motioned towards Zuko. "I believe that he is now willing to forgive you, and that he looks past what you are, and accepts who you are with a grateful heart. He needs you, Ashlynn. That invitation… I mailed it out to you while he was ill, hoping you would make it here and be by his side. He needed you most, then. He cried out your name in his sleep as his mind became clouded with nightmares. But, luckily, he made it out okay," Iroh finished calmly, and then walked away to serve another customer tea.
Zuko paced back over to the counter and set his empty pot of tea down. He slowly walked over to Ashlynn, and stood directly beside her. "Isn't this great? Uncle is happier than ever. He deserves something such as this," he said, just loud enough for Ashlynn to hear.
Ashlynn smiled up at him and nodded in agreement. "This place is wonderful, Zuko. I'm glad you've found a place that's made you so happy," she responded tenderly. She looked up at Zuko and smiled delicately. She blushed as Zuko returned a smile, and she looked away. Zuko reached down and grasped her hand, intertwining her fingers with hers. She grasped his hand in return, and together they stood in silence, watching the customers pour in, and file out.
When it was midday, Zuko approached Ashlynn again. She stood behind the counter, washing the teacups as she hummed merrily to herself. She set down the cup she currently held, and turned about to face Zuko. She gazed up at him curiously, wondering what he wanted to say.
"Ash… I… I want you stay with us. We're happy here. You could be happy here, too. I want you here… With me…" Zuko muttered, choking on every other word as he tried to force his feelings out. He blushed, but stayed strong as he refused to look away from his friend.
"Oh, Zuko…" Ashlynn replied quietly, and sighed as she thought of a way to respond. True, she wanted to stay here with Zuko. He had always been her closest friend, and he was finally the way he should've always been. But, she also knew that she was loyal to Aang, and had no desire to betray him, or Katara and Sokka, nor Toph. Unsure of what to say, she placed a hand flat upon Zuko's chest.
Zuko stared down at her hand, and then grasped it tightly with his own. Ashlynn stepped forward and hugged him about his neck. After a moment, he embraced her as well. As they hugged, Ashlynn stared out over Zuko's shoulder at the customers that sat happily at their tables before them. She felt her face drop, and her arms loosen, however, as she recognized Katara entering the shop.
Likewise, Katara recognized Ashlynn. However, not only did she recognize Ashlynn, but she also recognized Iroh and Zuko. Katara shot Ashlynn a look of loathing, and then took off towards the Earth King's palace.
"Oh no," Ashlynn muttered and pushed herself away from Zuko.
"What is it?" Zuko asked worriedly. He looked up at the door, and Ashlynn saw the look of recognition spread across his face as he watched Katara run away. He rapidly turned his head to look down at Ashlynn as he began to panic. Ashlynn could see clearly that he was desperate for her to not leave his side.
"I'll be back, I promise. Just let me take care of this," she explained, and then without another word she began to run after Katara.
"Katara!" Ashlynn shouted after her friend as she watched her rush away towards the palace. What would Katara tell the King? Would she just rat out Zuko and Iroh and uproot their small, happy life? Or would she go further, and make Ashlynn out to be an enemy as well? Either way, the outcome was sure to not be so good. Ashlynn stopped suddenly, and created a ball of air. Remembering Aang's techniques, she balanced herself upon the ball and used it to pursue Katara at a quicker speed.
Much to her surprise, however, Katara stopped and turned to face Ashlynn for a second. Before Ashlynn could comprehend what was occurring, Katara drew up a whip of water from a nearby barrel and cast it at Ashlynn. The cool water wrapped tightly about one of her ankles, and Katara brought one arm down fiercely, forcing Ashlynn to stumble off her ball of air and collapse upon the stone floor. She felt the water around her ankle form into an encasement of ice, holding her there. Then, Katara began to continue on her way to the palace.
Ashlynn punched the ground with one fist in frustration. She wriggled her ankle about, trying to free herself. Katara had gone easy on her she realized as she took note that the ice was thin. Perhaps Katara didn't blame her so much after-all.
Finally, the thin ice broke clean, and Ashlynn jumped to her feet. Once again she summoned the swirling ball of air, and sped off towards the palace. As she neared the palace she saw Katara darting up the stairs. "Katara!" she called after her. She began to charge up the stairs as well, shouting, "I can explain. Would you please just… Katara!"
Katara burst through the front doors of the palace and began to race down to the throne-room. Ashlynn followed closely behind her, and was grateful that Katara had chosen not to cast more water at her. Soon enough, though, she entered the throne-room. Inside, the King was missing, but three Kioshi warriors stood inside. Ashlynn slowed her running down to a soft pace as she tried to remember the names of the warriors. None of them appeared to be Suki. She stopped as subtle recognition clouded her mind.
"Thank goodness you're here, Suki. Something awful is going on! The Fire Nation has invaded Ba Sing Se. We need to tell the Earth King! I just saw Prince Zuko and I…" Katara began to explain, but Ashlynn stopped her. Ashlynn gripped Katara's shoulder tightly and tried to pull her back.
"Katara we need to get out of here!" Ashlynn hissed. Her eyes narrowed as she saw Azula, clad in the uniform of a Kioshi warrior step from the nearby shadows.
"Don't worry. We can deliver the message right away!" she sneered, and released a hearty yet malicious chuckle to follow.
Ashlynn shoved Katara out of the way just as Mai shot several throwing knives in their direction. Now, a gap stood between the two of them, but they had both successfully narrowly escaped a cut upon their bodies. However, that didn't stop Tai Li, for she leapt right in towards Katara. Ashlynn shot forth a gust of wind in her direction, but she bounded away from it. Before Katara would react, Tai Li struck her in the side and both her arms. Her chi became instantly blocked, and she collapsed to the floor.
Tai Li bounded over to Ashlynn next. However, Ashlynn was just as agile as Tai Li now. Ashlynn ducked, and rolled to the side as Tai Li moved to strike her as well. As Ashlynn rolled upon the floor, she kicked her legs out in an attempt to trip Tai Li. However, Tai Li hopped right over her legs.
"Tai Li!" Azula called out, and Tai Li paused. Ashlynn took the opportunity to regain a standing posture. She looked over at Azula, and watched as she called Tai Li to her side. Tai Li bounded away without so much as a glance in Ashlynn's direction. Ashlynn exhaled abruptly, and swept the sweat from her forehead as she tucked a lock of hair behind one ear.
"Seeing as you're a traitor, Ashlynn, I should kill you right here. There's nothing for me to gain by locking you up in a prison, aside my father's praise. But, he'll grant me higher praise if I just bring you back dead," Azula declared wickedly as she casually stepped down from the stage that the King's throne sat upon.
Ashlynn held her arms out in welcoming as she said, "So come on and get on with it, Azula!"
Azula stopped and pondered the suggestion for a moment. "No, I think not. See, my brother cares too much about your life. I can easily use that against him," she sighed, and yawned as she looked away from Ashlynn.
Flashbacks of Azula tormenting her and Zuko throughout their lives began to floor Ashlynn's mind. She screamed in rage, finally, and charged at Azula. She couldn't do much with air bending, but she wasn't about to let Azula have her way with her. How dare she suggest using Ashlynn to get to Zuko! No, Ashlynn wouldn't allow such a thing.
Azula scowled as she saw Ashlynn charge towards her. She thrust an arm out before her and sent a line of fire soaring at Ashlynn. Ashlynn stopped, and thrust her arms out before her. A gust of wind the size of the flame shot forward. The two collided, and caused one another's destruction, leaving the two women unharmed. Ashlynn closed in on Azula and moved to punch her across the face. Azula ducked to one side, and thrust a hand at Ashlynn's ribs. Ashlynn summoned a current of air between the two, and sent them flying in opposite directions of one another.
Azula did several back flips to keep herself from falling flat on her behind. Ashlynn collided directly into a wall, but quickly regained her fighting stance. Together, they charged at one another. Azula's hand lit up with blue flame, while a small breeze began to form in one of Ashlynn's palms. When they neared one another, they swiped at each other's faces once more. Azula ducked away from Ashlynn's hand, but continued to swing her hand across the side of Ashlynn's face.
Ashlynn cried out in pain and rage as she felt Azula's nails, imbued with a soft flame, tear across her skin from the base of her ear over to the side of her nose. While she was taken off guard, Azula kicked her in the gut, and she tumbled over. While she was down, Tai Li cart wheeled over to her and placed metal cuffs about her wrists. Her hands were instantly bound behind her back, and Ashlynn could barely hear the sound of a chain being attach to the metal cuffs.
"Keep her here. Throw the other girl elsewhere. While you're at it, send an invitation to my brother. Since he's in the city, we might as well have… A family reunion," Azula said to Tai Li and Mai.
Ashlynn fixated her eyes upon Katara, but couldn't muster the strength to call after her or attempt to rescue her. Katara, still paralyzed, could do nothing as Tai Li and Mai dragged her away. When she was out of sight, Ashlynn gazed up at Azula, and waited for her to do something.
"You look ridiculous with those scratch marks on your face. I hope they scar," Azula spat, and kicked Ashlynn in the gut once more. Ashlynn groaned from the pain, and then inhaled sharply and bit her lip as the wound upon her face flared up. "Oh, get up you fool," Azula said, and tugged Ashlynn to her feet. "My brother will be here soon."
There was a split moment in which Ashlynn was presented with the opportunity to escape. Azula, having malevolently covered control of the Dai Li, departed from the palace to go speak with them. Ashlynn was left un-guarded, and merely in chains. Yet, she refused to set herself free, because she was afraid for Zuko. Instead, she waited patiently for Azula to return.
Ashlynn could only guess that Azula had predicted Ashlynn's lack of actions to be thus. Azula was too much of a people-person; she knew their motives, and what sparked an emotion in each of them. She knew their strengths and weaknesses. Azula knew that Ashlynn was Zuko's weakness, and vice versa. She was cunning, and she was smart. To Ashlynn, Azula was everything that the face of the enemy should be.
Azula returned shortly after her departure with a dozen Dai Li agents. She casually introduced them to Ashlynn, although they remained silent.
"My brother and Uncle will be here any moment. You men are to help me with their capture. Understood?" Azula commanded, and they each nodded their head in unison.
Ashlynn perked up as she heard Zuko's voice coming from the room beside them. "Zu-" she began to scream, but Azula swiftly clamped a hand about her mouth. She glared down at Ashlynn, and gave the Dai Li the 'okay' to go and greet her family. They filed out, one by one, leaving Azula with Ashlynn.
"Get up, you swine," Azula muttered angrily as she grasped the chain that was attached to Ashlynn's cuffs. She tugged Ashlynn to her feet once more, and dragged her out to greet Zuko and Iroh. Ashlynn trailed silently behind her, wincing from the pain in her face.
"Hello there, Zu-Zu" Azula greeted sweetly. Ashlynn's head remained bowed as she tried to think of some way to escape, or of some way to help Zuko.
"Azula!" Zuko barked as he stood up. Iroh stood up with them, although neither could reach Azula. The Dai Li stood between them, remaining as a protective barrier for Azula.
"Have you met the Dai Li, brother? They have a killer instinct that seems so much like the Fire Nation," Azula scoffed with a slight snicker. The Dai Li remained immobile.
Ashlynn's head snapped up suddenly as she stared directly at Zuko. "Zuko, get out of here! Run!" she yelled at him hastily. It was all she could get out before Azula turned around and slapped her clear across the face. Ashlynn cried out as her scratch marks burst out in more pain than before.
"Ash!" Zuko cried out and tried to step towards her. The Dai Li, however, stepped in-between them, creating a tighter formation of protection. Ashlynn felt Azula place two fingertips, ablaze with a blue flame, near her neck threateningly.
"Step down, brother, or she dies!" Azula screamed as she pressed her fingers closer. Ashlynn could feel herself choking on tears- not out of fear for herself, but of fear for Zuko. He'd come so far and had finally accomplished obtaining a normal life. It would hardly be fair for Azula to come and destroy everything good for him.
Ashlynn gazed up at Zuko as she sobbed, and watched as he involuntarily brought one of his hands to his own scar as he stared at her. Now, Ashlynn had a mark of pain of her own, although it lay across the opposite side. Not to mention hers were only four lines that stretched across one side of her face, and not an entire burn mark that lapped over one eye. Yet, they were close to matching.
"Did I ever tell you how I was nicknamed 'The Dragon of the West'?" Iroh asked suddenly, interrupting the brief moment that Ashlynn and Zuko had held.
Ashlynn stopped sobbing for a moment, trying to predict Iroh's next move. Zuko, realizing what it was, smiled softly at Ashlynn. Ashlynn nodded in understanding, and prepared to make a run for it. Iroh picked up a cup of tea, and took a sip. Then, Zuko ducked down just as a roaring fire began to shoot right from Iroh's mouth, causing each Dai Li agent to either duck or flee.
Seizing the opportunity, Ashlynn ripped herself away from Azula's grasp. As Azula snatched through the air, trying desperately to grab hold of Ashlynn once more, Ashlynn allowed herself to roll onto her back. She curled up into a ball, and then shot her legs forward forcefully, and sent a large wind directly at Azula. Azula cried out in rage as she lost balance and toppled over.
Zuko ran over to Ashlynn and helped her stand up. "Go!" he yelled at her, pushing her forward. Although Ashlynn's hands were still bound, she ran forward after Iroh, who was in the process of bursting through a wall in an attempt to escape. Zuko followed closely behind Ashlynn.
As they ran, Ashlynn heard Zuko let out a fierce cry, and then felt him bring a single hand down upon the chain. Using his brawn and his fire, he broke clear through the metal cuffs, freeing Ashlynn's hands. Zuko urged her to run faster, and so she did.
Soon, Iroh burst through a final wall that led to the outside. He leapt down, and motioned for Zuko and Ashlynn to follow. "You'll be fine!" he reassured them.
Ashlynn looked up at Zuko, and he shook his head at her. "No, I'm tired of running! It's time I faced Azula," he declared, and turned away from Ashlynn and his Uncle. He stepped forward, but Ashlynn stopped him.
Ashlynn grasped his hand firmly, reassuringly, and gazed up at him with a small smile. "I'll stay with you," she whispered. Zuko nodded, and pulled his hand away from hers. He held his hands out before him as he waited for Azula. Ashlynn did the same.
Azula approached slowly after a moment, followed by the Dai Li. However, they stopped in front of Zuko and Ashlynn, and did not attack. "You're so dramatic," Azula groaned in annoyance as she eyed Zuko up and down. She frowned as she saw Ashlynn standing by his side. Her plan to use her against Zuko had failed, and that irritated her, Ashlynn could tell. Azula shot her gaze at Zuko once more as she questioned, "What, Zuko? Are you going to challenge me to an Agni-Kai?"
"Yes! I challenge you," Zuko declared without a moments thought.
"No thanks," Azula yawned carelessly, and turned her back on her brother. In frustration, Zuko cast a large wall of fire at Azula. However, the Dai Li stepped forward, and bended a wall of earth to disperse the flame and protect Azula. Then, before he or Ashlynn could react, they cast forth the earthen hands that instantly bound their hands and feet.
Then, one agent stepped forward and blind-folded them both. Ashlynn could feel herself being lifted, but was unable to do anything about it while her hands and feet were bound. She struggled to be free, but they kept a firm grip on her. Nearby, she could hear Zuko struggling as well. Yet, they were forcefully pulled away.
"You've got company," one Dai Li agent spoke harshly. The sound of rock sliding against rock could be heard, and then Ashlynn's bonds were released. Still blindfolded, Ashlynn was thrust forward, and she screamed as she felt herself tumble down an earthen tunnel. She sat up instantly, and tugged her blindfold off.
Ashlynn was forced to squint when she was greeted by bright lights that radiated off what appeared to be crystals in the surrounding area. She blinked several times, trying to adjust to the light in the cavern. She looked behind her, and saw the Dai Li throw Zuko down the earthly tunnel as well. Zuko rolled down with a cry, and collapsed beside Ashlynn.
Ashlynn, now crying out of frustration, fear, and worry, crawled over to Zuko. She brought his head into her lap and pulled his blindfold off for him. "Are you alright?" she managed to say as she choked on some tears. Zuko instantly sat up and nodded at Ashlynn. His gaze formed into a frown as he surveyed Ashlynn's facial wound once more. He stretched a hand out at her and touched her cheek, careful to not touch the scratches.
"Zuko? Ashlynn?" came a familiar voice.
Ashlynn looked up beside her and recognized Katara. "Katara!" Ashlynn cried out as she stood up. She grinned at her friend, but Katara did not return it. Katara, instead, glowered angrily at Ashlynn as she backed away.
"Why did they put you two in here?" Katara spat as she backed away. Ashlynn opened her mouth, but Katara spoke first, "This is a trap, isn't it? You're here to help Zuko capture Aang! You both know he'll come to rescue me, so Zuko can finally get him! You traitor, Ashlynn! How dare you betray us! How dare you betray my brother!"
Ashlynn stopped walking towards Katara as she thought about Sokka. She began to wonder if perhaps Katara had overheard them that one evening. What had she thought about them, then? And, what did she think of Ashlynn now? Ashlynn realized Katara's perspective as she thought of this, and was instantly at a loss for words.
"You're a terrible person!" Katara spat in Zuko's direction.
"Leave him alone Katara," Ashlynn snarled.
Ignoring her, Katara walked closer to Zuko. "You're always following us, and hunting us down. Why would you even try to capture what is the world's last hope for peace? What a selfish thing to try and do! I get it though- you don't care. Spreading war and violence is in your blood, being the son of the Fire Lord and all," Katara growled, and paced away from Zuko.
"You don't know what you're talking about," Zuko muttered solemnly.
"Oh, don't I?" Katara quarreled.
"Katara, stop it!" Ashlynn screamed at Katara. Defending Zuko wouldn't help her, but at least it might help Zuko.
Katara drew her stern gaze upon Ashlynn. "And what about you, Ashlynn? Are you really with Zuko- part of his whole plot to catch Aang? Have you been given him tips on where to find us? Is that how he ended up in Ba Sing Se? I don't get it, Ashlynn! You give my brother all the affection in the world, train to be an air bender under Aang, and spend plenty of time with Toph and I. All this time… It was a lie?" Katara accused without a second to pause and think.
"Katara, listen to yourself! Think about what you're saying! How can any of this be true?" Ashlynn stammered in disbelief. Zuko, now, stood up to be by Ashlynn's side.
"Ashlynn left me, and for good reason. She's never betrayed you," Zuko said, and Ashlynn took note of a hint of sadness. She wondered if Zuko had read too much into Katara's statement about she and Sokka.
"And you say I have no idea what I'm talking about? Listen, Prince Zuko- you have no idea what this war has put me through! You don't know anything about me! Your beloved nation took my mother away!" Katara cried out, and finally turned around to kneel upon the floor and begin to release her frustration in the form of tears. Ashlynn backed away, and sat down in a corner in silence. She had no desire to harm Katara- not after all they'd been through, and especially not as she cried whilst trying to cope with the death of her mother.
"I'm sorry. But you see, that's something we have in common," Zuko said softly, and he sat down on the ground where he stood. Katara stopped crying suddenly, and looked over at Zuko with a slight sense of belief and trust. She stood up, and walked slightly closer to him, but still stayed a short distance away. Zuko stood up as well.
Katara looked from Zuko, to Ashlynn, then back to Zuko. Her face softened, and she said, "I'm sorry I yelled at you. Both of you."
"It doesn't matter," Zuko muttered in response. He walked over to Ashlynn and offered her a hand. She gave him a gentle smile, and took his hand. He tugged her up onto her feet, and nodded at her reassuringly.
Katara, ignoring their small moment, pressed onward, "It's just- For so long now, I realize, whenever I picture the face of the enemy, I see your face, Zuko."
Zuko turned to face her, and pondered what she had said before reacting. He brought a hand up to his scar and, almost as if he were speaking to himself, he said, "My face…"
"That's- no, I'm sorry. That's not what I meant," Katara spluttered clumsily in an attempt to apologize to Zuko. Ashlynn, like Zuko, brought a hand up to her own face. She winced as she lightly ran her fingertips across the jagged lines that stretched from her cheek to her ear, and wished there was a reflective surface nearby for her to see how it appeared. It, likely, looked horrific, but she would grow used to it.
Zuko's voice brought Ashlynn's attention back to the current moment. "It's okay," he said, "I used to think that this scar marked me. Like it were the mark of the banished prince, whom was cursed to chase the Avatar forever. Lately, though, I've realized that I'm free to determine my own destiny- even though I'll never be free of this mark."
Ashlynn smiled up at Zuko proudly. She was delighted, and thankful, that he had finally seen that small light that she and Iroh had been waiting for him to see. Finally, he had chosen the right path- the path of good.
Zuko smiled down at her, and in that small smile Ashlynn was able to see all the affection and care that Zuko held for her. Her heart swelled with happiness, and she felt as though she were going to burst. Zuko, however, turned back towards Katara as she suggested, "Perhaps you could be free of your scar." Katara stepped towards Zuko and said, "I have healing abilities."
"It's a scar," he exacted doubtfully. Even Ashlynn couldn't think of a way for his scar to heal over. "It can't be healed," he trailed off disappointedly.
Katara reached into the confinements of her garments and pulled out a small vial. Ashlynn recognized it as a gift she'd received at the North Pole. "This is water from the spirit oasis at the North Pole. It has special properties, so I've been waiting for the right moment to use it," Katara explained to Zuko. Zuko's face lit up with such hope and energy that Ashlynn couldn't help but feel hopeful as well.
Then, however, Ashlynn jumped clear out of her skin from fright as a nearby wall burst open. Crystal and rock flew in every direction, and the sound that was made could have been loud enough to be considered a real explosion. She stood up as a reaction, and prepared to be attack. However, she recognized Iroh and Aang as they stepped through the rubble. "Aang!" Katara exclaimed happily, and ran to hug Aang tightly. Likewise, Iroh ran for Zuko.
"Uncle, I don't understand! What are you doing with the Avatar?" Zuko snapped scornfully at his Uncle. Iroh shook his head in disbelief, and looked over at Aang. Iroh and Ashlynn, both, grasped Zuko's arm as he tried to charge after Aang.
"We were saving you!" Aang spat in annoyance. Zuko growled at him, but Iroh and Ashlynn prevented him from moving forward.
"Zuko!" Ashlynn hissed, and stepped in front of him. Zuko stared down at her incredulously, unable to comprehend why now, of all times, she'd choose to prevent him from capturing what he most desired.
Iroh motioned for Aang and Katara to leave. "Go, I'll catch up," Ashlynn followed with a quick smile. Aang and Katara nodded, and swiftly departed from the prison hold.
"Why? Why, Uncle?" Zuko pondered aloud to Iroh, although he did not turn to face him. Instead, he turned his body to the side, keeping himself turned away from Iroh. Ashlynn could not tell if he was upset, or angry with his Uncle.
"You are not the man you used to be, Zuko. Now, you are stronger and wiser and freer than you have ever been!" Iroh claimed, and Ashlynn smiled lightly as he said this. She realized that everything he was saying was, in fact, true of Zuko. For this, she was deeply proud of her friend and greatly happy for his Uncle. "Now, you have come to the crossroads of your destiny. It's time for you to chose, my nephew. It's time for you to choose the path of good," Iroh declared softly, and gazed sternly at Zuko, even though he did not turn to face Iroh.
The ground beneath them suddenly rumbled, and Ashlynn saw how a trail of crystal began to rise up from the ground before them. No, it was rising towards them. It avoided Zuko completely, and rose up around Iroh. Next, a similar crystallized prison escalated about Ashlynn, and she cried out in surprise as it jutted up and closed her in tightly. She wriggled about, but could not get a single bit of the formation to budge.
Zuko took a step towards her and grasped the crystal. He pulled on it roughly, but to no avail. He groaned fiercely in frustration and punched at the crystal. Then, he turned about quickly as he heard Azula say, "I expected this kind of treachery from Uncle. But… Zuko- Prince Zuko… You're a lot of things, but I know you're not a traitor- right?"
"Release them! Immediately!" Zuko demanded, and waved a hand back at Iroh and Ashlynn in swift indication.
Azula ignored his commands entirely. Instead, she continued, "It's not too late for you, Zuko. You can still redeem yourself and reclaim your honor!" her face turned into a malicious grin. The blood in Ashlynn's veins began to boil as she grew angrier and more desperate to take out Azula.
"Don't listen to her Zuko!" Ashlynn cried out in rage, as well as panic. Zuko did not turn back around to face her, although his body language read that he had heard her. Azula frowned at her, but did not make a move to shut her up in any way.
"Zuko, the kind of redemption that she offers is not for you," Iroh responded, and sounded almost as though he were begging. If he were, Ashlynn could hardly blame him. They cared about Zuko equally, and knew what was best for him.
"Let him decide, Uncle!" Azula retorted bitterly. The hint of irritation clung subtly to her lips, and Ashlynn smirked as she recognized it. Azula brought her gaze back to her brother as she said, "I need you, Zuko. I've plotted every move of this glorious day! But, the only way we win, is together. By the end of today, you'll have your honor back! You'll have father's love, and everything you ever wanted."
"Zuko, listen to me. Look into your heart. See what it is you truly want," Iroh uttered quietly. Azula frowned upon him once more, but Iroh ignored her. After a moment, Zuko turned around and stared directly at Ashlynn. He appeared sad, and held the look of longing. Ashlynn begged him with her eyes, pleading for him to choose the right thing. Zuko turned, and looked down at the floor as he thought long and hard.
"You are free to choose," Azula said. She raised a single hand, and the Dai Li agents she'd brought with her bended their way up and out of the crystal cavern. Azula walked away and down a dark tunnel, and ceased to be seen.
When Azula had left, Ashlynn brought her gaze upon Zuko. "Zuko, please!" she begged. Iroh, however, said nothing. He remained silent as he stared at his nephew. Zuko remained immobile as he pondered everything. Then, he finally straightened up, and turned to face Ashlynn and Iroh. He stared at each of them in turn, and then walked after Azula.
Ashlynn's eyes widened with fear and disbelief as he walked past Iroh and Ashlynn. "Zuko, no! Wait!" she yelled after him. She tried to break the crystal about her, but she hardly had the strength to do so. She screamed in agony and anger, trying to call Zuko back to them. But he never came.
"Iroh, what are we to do?" Ashlynn stammered as she turned her head to look at Iroh. She could see several tears fall down his face, and as she watched them she realized that she'd begun to cry as well. "Iroh there must be something we can do!" she shouted again.
"No, Ashlynn. He has chosen for himself. There is nothing we can do now," he answered quietly. Ashlynn hadn't heard him sound so sad since the day Zuko was burned and banished. It broke her heart to hear him in such a way, but she knew that now was not the time to express sympathy.
Ashlynn, desperate, looked closely at the crystal around her. She bit her lip as she thought about what to do, and then inhaled deeply. She shut her eyes, and tried to feel the small bit of air that surrounded them underground. After a moment, she felt calmed, for she could sense the air currents and the oxygen flowing about them. She inhaled deeply once more, bringing in some more of the currents. She exhaled through her nose once, and could feel the air being released upon her body.
Then, she cried out loudly as she summoned a massive shield of air about her. The winds were the strongest she'd ever managed to create. As the bubble of air grew larger and stronger, they burst through the crystal, shattering the prison instantly, and throwing pieces of rock and gemstone in every direction. She collapsed upon the floor once she was freed, but swiftly stood up. She ran over to Iroh, and began to pull roughly at the crystal surrounding him.
"Go after your friends. I'll be right behind you," he told her. Ashlynn released her grip on the crystal, and nodded at Iroh. Without another word, she darted down the tunnel that Zuko and Azula had gone through.
Ashlynn came in full view of an epic battle between Zuko, Azula, Katara and Aang. However, Aang was collapsed on the other side of the crystal cavern, and Katara was forced to face Azula and Zuko alone. Ashlynn screamed in rage as she charged after Azula and Zuko. However, she was too late, for just as she drew in on them, their fires combined threw Katara backwards off her feet. She collided with the crystal in a nearby wall, and crumpled to the floor unconscious.
"Zuko!" Ashlynn screamed at him. He turned around to face her, and Azula merely smirked. Azula yawned, and sat back, as though it were to be a short-lived battle. Flames burst from Zuko's hands as he watched Ashlynn run towards him. Ashlynn half expected him to back down, but she figured it was too late for that.
As she drew closer to him, he cast a line of fire at her. She screamed as she bended a gust of wind to deflect the pitiful flame. In return, she thrust an arm forward and sent a large wind after Zuko. He raised his hands up before him, and deflected that with his own fire.
A rumbling came from nearby, and Aang rose from the earth. Azula stood up, then, and fumed as she saw Aang coming right towards her. Thus, she decided to take Aang on her own while her brother was busy with Ashlynn, who was now nearing in on Zuko.
Ashlynn thrust a punch towards Zuko's gut, but he swiftly leapt to the side. He brought a leg upward and cast it towards Ashlynn, trying to send more flames at her. She brought an arm up and sent another wind at it, although this time it overpowered the fire so greatly that the winds travelled after Zuko. He was instantly knocked down to the floor, and he cried out as he collided with the hard ground.
"How could you betray me? How could you betray your Uncle? You fool, Zuko!" Ashlynn raged as she charged after Zuko again. Zuko rolled away from her, and stood back onto his feet. The words had ceased to change him at all, for he began to rapidly cast some fireballs in Ashlynn's direction. She deflected them with her hands, keeping her fists enclosed by air. When Zuko stopped for a moment to catch his breath, Ashlynn shot forth yet another gust of air at him. He was struck again, and screamed with fury as he hit the ground.
Ashlynn ran after him, now, and prepared to kick him in the gut. However, a Dai Li agent jumped in from the shadows and moved the ground beneath her feet. She cried out in surprise as she was sent flying in another direction. Once she collided with the floor, she rolled several times until her body struck an earthen wall. She howled with pain as every muscle and bone in her body began to ache.
She looked up, now, and saw dozens of Dai Li agents leap in from above. They surrounded the area, and joined forces with Azula and Zuko. Now, there was hardly any hope, despite the fact that Katara had regained consciousness and was attempting to fend off some of the agents. Aang, however, was nowhere to be seen.
Ashlynn groaned as she stood up, and blinked several times to try and keep her vision clear. She could feel herself drifting off, but she attempted to remain strong. She shook her head, and held her hands out before her in an offensive position. Zuko stepped forward, with several Dai Li agents behind him. "You've lost this battle, Ashlynn," he stated seriously.
Yet, something drew the attention of them both. Ashlynn's eyes darted to the side as she saw Aang, entirely in the Avatar state, rise from the ground. She smiled up at him, knowing now they at least had some hope. Aang could take down everyone in the area with ease.
Suddenly, Aang was struck with lightning. Ashlynn's jaw dropped with fear and worry, and she saw that the lightning bolt had come directly from Azula. Aang twitched, and writhed, and fell to the floor. Katara and Ashlynn ran after him, and Ashlynn ignored and avoided the bolts of fire that Zuko was casting after her. Katara reached Aang first, and caught him before he hit the ground.
Ashlynn knelt down beside them, and saw that Katara, like her, had tears streaming down her face. The glow from Aang's body had stopped, and he had ceased to move. Ashlynn, now, feared the worst. She noticed Zuko and Azula closing in on them, and she stood up to act as a shield for Katara and Aang. "Don't you dare touch either of them," she snarled angrily.
Then, large streams of fire came in from the side, and Iroh stepped in between Zuko, Azula, and Ashlynn. "Go!" he shouted. He thrust more fire at his niece and nephew as he said, "I will hold them off as long as I can. Leave, now!"
Ashlynn turned around, and helped Katara lift Aang up. They ran off towards a waterfall, where Katara managed to bend an 'elevator' of water. They rose up and above the surface, where the night sky greeted them. Now that they were safe, for the moment, they collapsed upon the cool stone floors of the upper ring of Ba Sing Se. "Oh, Aang," Katara sobbed as she brought the Avatar's head into her lap. Ashlynn crawled over to them, and placed her ear against Aang's chest.
Her heart leapt as she failed to hear a heartbeat. She began to sob just as Katara was, but could not think of what to do. Just then, though, the roar of Appa was heard. Ashlynn looked up and saw the furry bison flying towards them. He landed softly on the ground nearby, and Sokka and Toph leapt from his back.
"What happened?" Sokka questioned as he saw Aang. He fell to the ground beside them, and examined Aang as well.
"He… Was attacked… In the Avatar state!" Ashlynn choked. Sokka's jaw dropped as he realized what it could've meant- that the Avatar might cease to exist, now.
"Come on," he muttered, and lifted Aang. Katara and Ashlynn stood up with him. Ashlynn grasped Katara's hand reassuringly, and Katara, without looking at Ashlynn, did the same. They followed Sokka back to Appa, and mounted upon his back, where the Earth King and Basco were perched as well.
"Is he going to be okay?" Toph asked a half of an hour later.
Appa soared through the night sky, while Katara examined Aang's wound. Ashlynn had curled herself into Sokka's chest, sobbing uncontrollably. He ran a hand over her hair, trying to comfort her. She hadn't told him everything that happened with Zuko, but she had explained how she got the scratches on her face when he'd asked. He'd then proceeded to hand her her staff, explaining how they'd made a stop at their apartment to gather the necessary belongings before going to find her, Katara, and Aang.
"We'll have to see," Katara responded. She pulled out the vial of water that she'd received from the spirit oasis, and inhaled deeply. She propped Aang up, and brought him forward so that he leaned against her. She peered down at the clear hole in his back where Azula had struck him, and used the water, combined with her healing powers, to place it into his wound.
Suddenly, Aang awoke, and groaned, and coughed. Everyone, including Ashlynn, looked up to confirm what they'd heard. Everyone cheered as they realized that Aang was going to be okay, and Katara brought Aang forward in a hug. Ashlynn smiled at Aang and Katara, and Sokka brought her into a tighter hug.
Hope had been rekindled.