This had to be one of the most awkward scenes/point of views I ever had to write. I swear I felt my cheeks burning when I wrote this... also Brianna is back to normal working conditions and she greatly appreciates the concern from those who left us reviews.
((Rebecca's P.O.V))
"Take him and get out of here," I said to Zuko as I pushed Aang over to him. Zuko took Aang's arm and restrained him from coming back to me. I could feel my knees shaking as I struggled to keep myself up. I didn't know how much longer I could last but I knew I couldn't risk Aang watching me cave in. I could recall Hikaru's message, telling me that I was important to my friends but it seemed her lesson didn't sink in as much as one would hope. I already failed to protect Aang from Zhao the least I could do was make sure he was able to leave here safely, but I wasn't as if I was giving up on life. I was going to try and escape then I would hopefully be able to meet up with the others. Although I knew that was easier said than done. The chances of me escape were close to none, but I had to try. While consumed in my thoughts I never noticed that someone had come to my side. My eyes shot open when I felt myself being lifted off my feet. Shocked, I looked up at the person who would be willing to touch my sweaty and bloodshed body. At first I thought it was Aang but the blue demon mask looking down at me proved my guess wrong. I couldn't grasp the thought that Zuko was holding me up in a bridal position, much less risk the chances of him and Aang getting out of here safely. My mind became blank due to shock, not realizing I was being carried out of the chamber in Zuko's strong warm arms.
"W-what are you doing?" I stammered when I was able to process what was going on. He didn't respond and just kept on running onward with Aang close behind us. I felt something in my chest tighten and my face burned up, the heat was escaping through my cheeks. Was it a side effect from traveling into the depth of my mind? I wasn't sure what it was, but the only thing that was clear to me was that I was nervous being in Zuko's arms. This was completely different from the time Sokka helped me out when Jet had left me to die that one time. I wasn't feeling nearly as nervous as I felt now. It was uncomfortable being in his arms not to mention nerve racking. After being able to calm myself down, just a bit, I felt myself tense up when I realized Gin was very uncomfortable with the situation. Knowing this it made me feel even more awkward knowing very well that Gin didn't like Zuko very much. Having me in his arms must have been very unpleasant for him.
"It's fine," I heard him say, noticing how unsettled I was getting. Even though he said that he was alright by his tone I could tell that he wasn't at all fine with it. I couldn't help but sigh as I tried to think of any reasons why he would be angry with Zuko helping me. It might have been because he wanted me to be stronger, but I knew Gin better than that. He wasn't at all like my parents, he wanted to make sure that I would become a stronger independent woman but also be able to live my life to the fullest and enjoy myself like a normal kid.
We soon came to a stopping point and Zuko handed me over to Aang for support. When he was sure I was okay he jumped down to what looked like a sewer system. Ignoring the disgusting waters he lifted his arms up, motioning for Aang to bring me down to him so that he could carry me once more. I felt like a helpless child as the two of them transferred me down to the sewer with great care, I hated to be waited on. If it weren't for my condition I would have refused them immediately, but we all knew that I had no such strength. After some effort we managed to get into the tunnel and crept through the sewer, trying to be quiet so that no one from above could hear us. Aang and Zuko had their backs to the wall, so no one would spot them, forcing Zuko to have to position me so that my side was leaned against his shoulder. I had to hold onto his neck for balance while trying to ignore the fact that our faces were extremely close to one another. Even if he was wearing a mask it was still awkward, made me feel simple minded for caring about something so stupid.
When we reached a certain barred covered area Zuko handed me back over to Aang as he carefully peeked his masked face through the gaps and scanned the area. When he was sure it was safe he dropped back to our level splashing some sewer water on us, and then jumped back up to the gap in attempt to get out of the tunnel. After he was able to slide his way out he reached down and Aang handed me back to him. He easily pulled me out of the sewer system and placed me back into the bridal position, since it was the most convenient for him. The two of them ran toward a nearby wall, where I guessed Zuko had used to climb down from since I spotted a rope there. Aang quickly started to climb up the rope while Zuko shifted me over to his back so that he would be able to climb the rope. After getting into the piggyback position Zuko began climbing up the rope when suddenly I heard the sound of a horn being blown as shouting soon followed.
"There, on the wall!" a soldier shouted as he pointed to the three of us. Another soldier who was patrolling the wall ran over to us and quickly cut the rope before Aang or Zuko could reach the top. I felt gravity pulling us down making me subconsciously tightened my grip around Zuko's neck, but Aang softened our landing by sending a pillow of air to cushion our fall. Zuko took out his Dao Swords then used them to point to a nearby exit which they started running towards.
"The Avatar and the Girl have escaped!" I heard Zhao shout out. "Close all the gates immediately!" I saw the gate slowly beginning to close at his signal. Aang quickened his pace so that he was now in front of Zuko and I.
"Stay close to me," he shouted out to Zuko just as I saw a line of soldiers appear, trying to block the gate. Aang easily sent a wave of air toward them knocking them all to the ground clearing the path for us. He failed to recall the fact that he and I were the only ones on earth that could run at a high speed. I made a mental note to scold him about it later that is if we lived through this. While Aang continued running at an abnormal pace several guards caught up with Zuko and started to attack him. Zuko easily defended himself but I noticed his movements were slow and I knew it must have been because my weight was holding him down. Sure he was doing fine now, but my body weight would catch up to him soon. The last thing I wanted was to be a burden to anyone. I released my legs from around his waist and tried to let go of Zuko's neck, but to my surprise he grabbed my hand before I was able to let go completely and forced me to hold onto him once more.
"You have to let me go," I told him as he blocked off an attack. "You can't defend yourself much longer if you have to be cautious of me." I tried letting go of his neck again, but my words didn't seem to get to him and he pulled my arms back around his neck. I let out a sigh but decided to accept it. I would only make things harder for him if I kept on trying. Seeing as how stubborn he could be, I knew I would lose in the end. Aang must have finally realized that we weren't behind him and came running back with a broken spear in his hand. He used the stick to fling all the soldiers that had surrounded us with his air bending allowing Zuko some time to catch his breath. After he cleared the area of the soldiers he used his air bending to fling Zuko over to the wall. Cautiously, Zuko did a flip in the air before landing on his feet to make sure that he wouldn't accidently crush me. Guards from both sides of the wall appeared blocking us off from the pathway but Aang appeared soon after, wrapped his legs around both our waists as he spun the spear in a spinning cycle above him like a propeller and flew us off the wall. I could see that Aang was struggling to keep all of us up in the air, and with Zuko breaking any spears that were being thrown at us with his swords, it make everything more difficult for Aang. Eventually exhaustion got the better of him and we all fell down onto a different wall, scattered from one another. They both dropped their weapons due to the fall leaving them venerable. While Aang tried to retrieve his replacement staff I had to force my body to sit up. Soldiers seemed to continue to pop out from nowhere in large numbers. Several of them spotted me on the ground and wasted no time to try and capture me, but I wasn't going to let them. I felt one of the men grab my left arm but I slapped his hand away and blew a current from my palm that was strong enough so that it was able to knock him to the ground. I felt my breathing start to become heavy and it was clear that I didn't have enough energy for another attack like that. I felt another hand grab at me by the neck as he hauled me up to his eye level. I quickly kicked his chest hard enough for him to release me but it wasn't enough to do any real damage.
"You little brat," I heard him shout as he lifted his spear and pointed it at me. I scooted backwards, my legs still too weak for me to walk, until I felt my back hit against the cold rock wall trapping me. I watched as the spear drew closer to my face and I shut my eyes, thinking that I would be stuck. I waited for the attack but for some reason I didn't feel any pain. I slowly opened my right eye to find the tall Blue Spirit stand before me. I still hadn't grasped the fact that he had helped me, not once but twice. It was a strange thing that I thought would never happen, at least not until the third season. When I snapped out of my daze I noticed that Zuko had offered me a hand to help me back up my feet. I hesitated and just stared at his gloved hand then back up at his masked face. Slowly I placed my hand onto his and I realize just how small my hand was compared to his, it made me feel tinier than I usually did. He helped me up to my feet and placed one arm around my waist, protectively. I looked up at his mask wondering what he could be thinking in that hot headed brain of his. All I knew for sure was that he was trying to protect the two of us from Zhao, but the only question was why? Why was he working so hard to protect me? Last time I checked Aang was the one thing he needed for him to return home, I was no part of the deal. Perhaps I was a bonus, but I wasn't enough to go through all this trouble for. While I continued to ponder over why Zuko would want to save me, Aang was busy clearing the long bamboo ladders that soldiers were using to get onto the wall in attempt to capture us. Their idea failed and Aang decided to take advantage of the ladders to escape. Aang took three of the ladders, ran to our side, and passed one of them to me.
"Here take this," he instructed me. Zuko swept me off my feet again while I continued to hold up the ladder Aang had given to me, not as bothered with the situation of being held by Zuko anymore. "Jump on my back," he shouted as he used a ladder to stand on. Zuko did as commanded and jumped onto Aang's back as he held onto me tightly. I could feel the ladder bending forward and become more unstable. Before the ladder completely lost it structure Aang placed the other ladder in his hands onto the ground and jumped onto it just as the other fell to the ground. As this one began to lean I could see that we were only a few yards away from escaping this horrible place. "Give me the next one," Aang shouted to me and I passed him the last ladder. Aang jumped onto the third ladder by when it was standing straight up in the air one of the guards set the bamboo leg on fire which quickly caused the whole thing to set into flames. Aang quickly jumped off the ladder toward the wall and managed to grab the edge of it, but because of all the weight he was holding he couldn't hold on for long and we all dropped back to the ground. Quickly Zuko picked himself up from the ground and drew his swords, guarding us protective, while Aang helped me up from the ground. Ours backs were against the doors and soldiers all around us, ready to attack. Without hesitation the men fired at us but Aang had pushed Zuko to the side and sent a shield of air around us that blocked off the flames.
"Hold your fire," Zhao shouted making his men cease their attack. "They're both to be captured alive!" Hearing this Zuko grabbed me by the shoulder and forcefully pulled me beside Aang as he took his swords and crossed them under our necks. Zhao glared over at the blue masked man and I could feel Zuko glaring back at him. "Open the gate," Zhao said in a low voice, but never took his eyes off Zuko.
"Admiral, what are you doing?" one of his man asked in disbelief.
"Let them out, now!" he shouted at his men. The men followed his orders and opened the gates as Zuko slowly began walking backwards out of the concealed area while forcefully dragged us with him. The pathway was surrounded by bare burnt trees and ash covered dirt, clearly not a good sign. He's guard was up and he cautiously stared up at the fortress. My mind was still rather unclear since I was concentrating more on keep my balance, and by the time I realized what was to happen next it was too late. I heard the sound of an impact on the Blue Spirit's mask caused by an arrow aimed by the skills archers no doubt. Zuko's body flew backwards just as the arrow came in contact with his metal mask, the force so great that it knocked him out cold. As my body dropped to the dirt ground I quickly crawled to his side and shook his body. I could see the edge of his face that wasn't hidden by the mask, his scarred face in clear view. Aang must have noticed too because his eyes widened when he saw the burnt marking.
"Hey wake up," I shouted to him as Aang created a dust cloud to cover us. "Zuko, wake up!" I shouted out. I turned to Aang ignoring his shocked expression, but I more concerned that Zuko might have a concussion. "We have to help him." Aang looked at me then looked back down at Zuko as if debating on what to do. "Aang, I think I have enough energy to run, so please" I begged him.
"Okay," Aang said with a small smile. He ran over to Zuko and pulled his arm over his shoulder then helped me to my feet. "Ready," Aang asked me.
"Yeah," I said with a small nod and with that we both took off.
((Zuko's P.O.V))
The sound of chirping birds from the treetops woke me up and I found myself in a forest. It took me a while to remember being knocked out and once I recalled it the pain suddenly return to my forehead. I turned my head to the side so that the sun's rays wouldn't blind me, my eyes not yet adjusted to the morning light. I taken by surprise when I saw someone sitting by me with their knees to their chest. My eyes finally came into focus and I realized it was the Avatar.
"You know what the worst part about being born over a hundred years ago is?" he asked me casually, like we were actually close or something. "I miss all the friends I used to hang out with. Before the war started I used to always visit my friend Kuzan. The two of us, we'd get in and out of so much trouble together. He was one of the best friends I ever had and he was from the Fire Nation, just like you." The twelve year old boy looked over at me with a curious face. "If we knew each other back then do you think we could have been friends too?" I really didn't know how to respond to that, but I knew that the reality we were living in we couldn't be friends and there was no reason to give him false hope. Instead of answering him I shot a fire ball at him which he easily dodged. As I picked myself up I watched the air bender jump from tree to tree until he was out of my sight. It was in my nature to chase after him. I probably would have if he hadn't just saved me, although I was still shaken by his words.
"Is it really okay to let him go?" I heard a voice from behind me ask. I slowly turned and saw the Avatar's body guard, fully recharged and healthy. I stood my ground, excepting to be attacked but was taken aback when I saw her let out a small chuckle, her soothing laugh that made me feel at ease. When she stopped laugh she stared into my eyes and gave me a gentle smile, making my heart skip a beat. I could hear my heart beating faster as she took a couple steps towards me.
"Why are you still here?" I asked her, trying to appear furious. It seemed to work because she hesitated to come any closer.
"I wanted to talk to you for a little bit," she said in a normal toned voice, trying to calm me down. She sat down on a large root as she motioned me to sit but I remained standing. "You don't have to worry I told Aang to go on ahead without me."
"Aren't you worried I'll capture you and use you to blackmail your master?" I asked her, suspiciously. It was strange that the two of them were treating me more as a friend than an enemy, but then again she had always treated me in this fashion. She shrugged her shoulders and smiled at me once more. I always seemed to get lost in her eyes when she looked at me in such a gentle manner, almost made me forget that we're enemies. No one had every treated me like the way she did, at least not since I was banished years ago. Now uncle was the only one who treated me with care, even though he had a really weird way of showing it. The girl looked up at the sky as her black hair blew in the wind.
"I already thought of that," she said in a distant voice "but since I've completely healed there's really nothing for me to worry about." She jumped back onto her feet and created a small tornado in her hands to prove to me she was alright. Honestly I felt relieved but I had already figured that she was in better conditions from her appearance. Her skin was back to its healthy cream color, her lips no longer were a frightening dead blue but a soft pink, but most importantly her eyes were no longer lifeless. "And besides," I heard her say, snapping me out of my gaze and made me realize I had been staring at her that whole time, but lucky she didn't seem to notice. "I don't think you'll try and capture me, after all you did just let Aang go." I avoided her gaze and looked at the ground. I felt myself freeze up at sound of her footsteps coming towards me. I glanced over and saw her place her hand onto my shoulder. "Thank you Prince Zuko," she said as she patted my shoulder "you know, for saving me and all." She gave me another gentle smile that caused something in stomach to flutter. I never realized how small her hands, yet they were so warm and soft. I felt somewhat disappointed when she took her hand off my shoulder. "I look forward to our next encounter," she shouted as she gave me a small wave then jumped up onto a nearby tree branch. She gave me another small wave before a white light flashed from her necklace and out appeared a white wolf with wings. She gracefully jumped onto him and the two flew off deeper into the forest in the direction the Avatar had left.
It wasn't until she was out of my sight did I realize I had been staring at her again. I looked down at my shoulder and placed my own hand there. I could still feel her warmth on me even now and a part of me didn't want it to ever go away. Meeting her time and time again always seemed to add more confused emotions. What was she to me? A question I never seemed to have an answer for whenever I saw her. I looked up at the sky then back towards the path she had flown off to. A part of me wanted to chase after them but I wasn't sure if it had anything to do with my mission. I let go of my shoulder and went to pick up my swords and mask. As I took the blue demon mask into my hand I heard her voice in my head.
"Thank you Prince Zuko," her voice echoed. I looked down at the mask and saw an image of her smiling at me. I felt happy whenever I thought of her, but the reasons for it remained unknown. Maybe it was because I didn't feel so unwanted when I was with her. I suddenly felt a burning drive to search for the Avatar which coursed throughout my entire body. I needed to get to the ship so that I could start the preparations for tomorrow, after I recharged that is. I got everything ready in order to return to my ship, but before I did I took one last look down the path, her voice still clear in my head. I looked at the path, taking in all I needed, and then turned away from it as I headed towards my ship. As I walked I couldn't help but see the image of her appear into my head once more. It was if she was still here by my side, but I knew she really wasn't. Although I knew that, it seemed as though my mind thought she was still beside me at this very moment. I placed my hand back on my shoulder, still bathed in her warmth as a small smile formed on my lips.
"You're welcome, Rebecca."
*died from fangirl bliss*
