This is my first Avatar The Last Airbender fanfiction thank you to LunaStar07 for helping out with my writing and beta reading my work hope you enjoy the next chapter of Blades and Fans
Disclaimer I don't own anything related to ATLA
Zuko and the Kyoshi Warriors returned to the Inn where Kikki finally awoke from her nap. They then headed to the dining hall to eat before heading off to their rooms for the night, but Zuko did not join them. Taking what food he was given and heading up to his room to eat alone. Suki did protest, asking him to join them, but Zuko shook his head, he couldn't risk it, he couldn't let them see who he was. When he reached his room, he made sure the door was secured and that he was alone before removing his mask, tossing it on the bed. Zuko rubbed his face, trying to soothe the soreness that spread across his cheeks and forehead from the mask being on all day. He wasn't sure if he would ever get used to wearing the mask all the time, but it seemed for the time being he had no choice. He let out a long breath as he sat on the bed and started eating the meaty stew he was given. He sighed in relief as he tastes the meat and vegetables, finally something with a little flavour, he didn't realize how much he missed it until he started eating. Sure, the food the Kyoshi Warriors had were filling but lacked taste. Though when you're hungry you can't really complain what you get.
Zuko continued to eat, slurping down the rest of the bowl before resting it on the nightstand next to his bed. He then reached over to his bag, opening it up and dumping what was left on the bed checking what he had left. All that fell out were two rings, a bracelet, some loose gold pieces, and a silver flute. He had already stashed most of his money on his Ostrich horse so he picked up the few pieces left and stuffed them away. He then grabbed the rings and the bracelet and put them back in the bag reminding himself to sell these later if possible. His eyes then gazed at the small silver instrument picking it up and fiddling with it between his fingers; it reminded him of his uncle.
Whenever they had music night on the ship, Iroh had forced him to join in on a few occasions. Zuko knew his uncle wouldn't stop nagging and pestering him, so he had compromised once in awhile and played the flute. He never thought he was very good, but it pleased his uncle so he couldn't really complain. Though the flute he had was a wooden one he had never played one that was metal. Zuko pursed his lips and pressed it to the mouthpiece as he shifted his fingers over the blowholes. He took a soft breath and blew into the flute, it gave off a higher pitch than he thought. Taken a bit back he readjusted his fingers over the blowholes and blew a bit softer into the pipe. He started to play a soft melody the words of his uncle's song played on his mind along with the tone.
"Winter, spring, summer and fall. Winter, spring, summer and fall. Four seasons, four loves. Four seasons, for love."
Suki had finished her meal a bit later than everyone else, as she had had seconds maybe thirds. She thanked the Innkeeper as she left the dining hall and decided to check in on her sisters, making sure everyone was in bed before heading to bed herself. As she walked the halls she started to hear something peculiar which made her arched her brow. "Is that...music," Suki said to herself as she scanned the rooms peeking in each one as she passed them. The music got a bit louder and clearer as she roamed further down the hall until she found the source. She stood in front of the door the music was coming from enjoying the pleasant tone. The melody made her smile, it was a lovely song she thought as she pressed her ear to the door to listen. Soon she found her fingers reaching for the doorknob, turning it slowly as she wanted to see who was playing.
Zuko didn't notice the door slightly opening as his mind was focused on playing. His mind lost into the song of his homeland, his fingers dancing along the instrument. Suki peered into the dark room barely seeing anything as her eyes scanned the darkness. Her eyes finally spotted the dark-clad figure sitting crossed legged on the bed who sat shrouded in the dark. She was about to speak out and announce her presence but bit her tongue, her eyes widened now locked on to the mask that laid on the sheets. "The Blue Spirits masks... but that would mean," she thought silently to herself as her gaze shifted to the figure playing the flute.
Suki's mind raced as she argued with herself whether or not she should look in or turn away as her curiosity was killing her. Her eyes then looked up to his face trying to get a slight look at who the Blue Spirit might look like. Her curiosity winning out as she stared at him wanting to get even the smallest glimpse. She could see his chin and strong jawline with the limited light in the room, and as her eyes trailed up his face her heart sank. She spotted a jagged angry burn along his cheek and ear which was burned and misshapen. She felt a pang of guilt flood her chest as she looked away quickly. She knew he must have had a reason to hide his face behind a mask, but this made her regret her decision to pry. Especially since he's done nothing to earn her invading his privacy. Suki started to step away till she heard him stop playing and she froze in place not wanting to be caught. "I wish you were still here," Her eyes shot open as she looked back in the room, hearing his voice.
Zuko had finished playing and set the flute down as he reached for his mask. He let his fingers trace over the engraving on the inside of the mask picturing his mother's face as he traced over her name. "I wish you were still here," he said again as he rested his forehead against the brow of the demon's face. When Suki heard his voice, she thought it sounded familiar, it was soft but with a strong tone. when she heard it the second time it sounded almost broken and sad. Suki stepped back as quietly as she could, not wanting to alert him as she slowly pulled the door closed. When the door was about to shut the hinges squeaked almost deafeningly. "Crap," she cursed to herself as Zuko's head shot up, hearing the noise as he quickly tried to tie the mask on before being seen.
Suki quickly ran down the hall as quietly as she could, speeding off around the corner. She heard the door behind her thrust open as the Blue Spirit emerged from the doorway. He glanced up and down the hallway looking for anyone who could have been trying to enter his room. The hall was silent Suki had pressed herself against the wall covering her mouth as Zuko walked down the hall. She could hear him getting closer, but before he approached her a loud bang could be heard coming from outside.
Suki and Zuko both turned and looked towards the window, neither of them moving from where they stood before another blast could be heard. Then suddenly the windows and walls burst forth, as a concussive blast of fire sent Zuko and Suki flying back. Zuko hurled against the wall while Suki was thrown to the ground. Zuko groaned as he fell to the ground, as he tried to crawl back to his feet his ears began ringing out. Suki had a similar feeling as she grabbed at the wall to help her stand up pushing against it. Zuko shook his head of the dizziness he felt and walked over to the blown-out wall, the fire still blazing up the edges. Zuko could see a fight breaking out down below, Fire Nation soldiers clashing with the townspeople. Suki could see the fighting as well and before she could speak or even give an order, she watched as the Blue Spirit leapt out the window dashing towards the battle.
Zuko jumped from roof to roof dashing across the ceramic tile rooftops, before finally making it towards the town square where the bulk of the fighting was taken place. Zuko gazed down at the Fire Nation soldiers below, spotting their red banners of a claw-like hand with the Fire Nation insignia on its palm. "The Dragon's Fist," He instantly recognized the banners. They were a squadron of soldiers that did only one thing: burn down and clear villages before the main bulk of forces come through. Zuko had heard of them and seen their handy work, they rarely left survivors and if they did it was only to warn others and spread fear.
Zuko knew he had to stop them but he couldn't kill them, they were still people even if he was labeled a traitor. He drew his broadswords but flipped them around so he would strike with the blunt and flat end of his blades. He then leapt down from the rooftop twirling in the air as he sliced down at a Fire Nation soldier, who was about to attack a villager with a spear. He slammed the blunted blade against his head stunning him, before stepping down on the spear snapping the weapon in half. He then swung the blade upwards smacking the steel against the soldier's face whipping him backward to the ground. "Thank you... Blue Spirit," the villager said gratefully as he stumbled back to his feet. Zuko just gave a nod as his reply as he dashed towards the soldiers brandishing his blades as he attacked.
Suki and the Kyoshi Warriors shortly joined the battle, providing cover for the villagers to escape as they raised their shields and drew their fans. "Ami, Tam you two escort the villagers away from the battle. Aikio and Kikki you two will follow me and we will draw the fighting towards us. The priority is to get these people to safety," Suki ordered and all the girls agreed their expressions hardened as they went to battle. They attacked swiftly slicing away at the Fire Nation soldiers that confronted them, the edges of their golden fans became stained red as they hammered through the enemy.
Zuko knocked out several soldiers, bashing through the enemy line as he swung and twirled his twin blades. A few firebenders spotted the blue demon slicing away at their comrades. Enraged they balled their fist igniting them in orange flame, as they shot out quick bolts of fire. Zuko could feel the flames coming towards him and turned to face his attackers as he spun his swords deflecting the fiery bolts with his steel. The firebenders weren't discouraged by his display, as they quickened their assault sending a barrage of flames towards their enemy.
Zuko advanced using his blades to slice away and parry the flames that flew towards him, as he dashed towards the firebenders. One of them then rushed forward, striking at the Blue Spirit with a flaming fist, but Zuko easily bobbed away from the strike. He then interlocked his arm around the firebender's and easily snapped it, breaking it at the elbow. The soldier screamed in pain as he felt the arm break and soon, he was flying through the air as Zuko flipped the man over his shoulder. Zuko throwing him into the other soldiers sending them all collapsing to the ground while he went in for the attack.
In the distance, the commander of the Fire Nation squadron watched in anger as his men were being pushed back. The commander wore a dragon skull-like helmet made of blackened steel as he sat up top a Komodo rhino. "This is unacceptable!" he roared as the soldiers around looked to him for orders. "I will not let some little girls and this Blue Spirit stop us from taking Chong Sheng!" he said lighting his fists on fire. "The princess and Minister Qin need this place cleared for them to bring their new weapon in to take Ba Sing Se. And we will not fail them!" he said to his awaiting men."What are your orders sir?" the soldier next to him asked as him and the other men stood in formation. The commander then smirked wickedly. "Burn it. Burn it all!" he roared raising his fists.
Zuko continued to fight on disabling and taking out as many soldiers as he could. His blades remained clean not a drop of blood spilt as he slashed down at the Fire Nation soldiers each one falling victim to his powerful attacks. Though many of them should consider themselves lucky, as those that fell at the hands of the townspeople or the Kyoshi Warriors found a more permanent end. Every time Zuko saw one of the Fire Nation soldiers being struck down, killed his heart twinged in pain. He was their prince, these were his people, but he was helping the enemy, he might as well be staining his blades in their blood himself. But no matter what he couldn't, he couldn't take their lives, the only way to save them now is to fight them.
The Fire Nation soldiers were now pushed back near the edge of the town. The Kyoshi Warriors joining up with the Blue Spirit in their defense of Chong Sheng. Many of the soldiers actually began retreating as they saw the Blue Spirit and the female warriors approaching. Aikio saw a soldier trying to limp away from them and he tripped and fell to the ground he turned to her and pleaded as she raised her katana to strike him down. "Please... mercy!" he cried out as she brought the blade down on him, but both of them became stunned as her blade rang as it clashed with steel. Her blade had struck another sword instead, and as she turned to see the owner of the weapon she saw a familiar blue mask.
"Blue, what are you doing?" Aikio asked outraged as she tried to push harder on the blade, trying, even more, to strike the Fire Nation soldier down. Zuko just shook his head and grunted, as he shoved his sword up shoving her back. She growled as she glared at the masked man raising her blade to strike him instead. "What's wrong with you? He's the enemy!" she shouted as she raised up her blade. Zuko was unfazed by her shouting and glanced down at the whimpering Fire Nation soldier. He was gripping his side which was bleeding profusely into his hand. Zuko cocked his head and pointed for the man to leave which he quickly nodded in thanks. "Thank you, thank you Blue Spirit," he said as he awkwardly pushed himself off the ground to try and run away.
Seeing the soldier run made Aikio grit her teeth as she went to go strike him again, but Zuko clashed his blade with hers again pushing her back a second time. "Why are you stopping me?! Answer me, dammit!" She growled but Zuko did not budge as he let the man escape. He knew never to strike a fleeing opponent, especially if they are wounded, it was cowardly and shameful. When Aikio saw him remain silent it angered her even more, swiping her katana at him which he easily blocked with his own swords.
Suki saw this and rushed over to them and pushed them apart. "What are you two doing?!" she asked glaring at them both as the fighting was still going on, yet they would fight each other. "He let that Fire Nation soldier go, he let him escape!" Aikio accused as she pointed her sword at his chest. Suki then turned to the Blue Spirit and back to her fellow Kyoshi Warrior conflicted what to say. She shook her head 'no time to scold anyone' she thought as she turned to them both. "We have to defend the town, I'll deal with you this later okay," she said calmly, but this only enraged Aikio as she stared down the Blue Spirit." This isn't over," she spoke gravely as she returned to the battle.
Suki shook her head, glancing apologetically at the Blue Spirit knowing full well Aikio could be a tad over aggressive. "Let's go, people are still in danger," she said and Zuko nodded in agreement as they turned back towards the oncoming forces. As they returned to the fighting a large group of firebenders approached, as a massive barrage of fireballs began raining down on them. Everyone ran to take cover but the fire wasn't aimed at them, it was being aimed at the buildings themselves. The firebenders took a line formation as they let out continuous blasts of fire, shooting torrents of flame. "They are trying to trap us and watch us burn," Kikki said as everyone began to panic the townspeople screaming begging to be saved. Suki remained calm and so did her warriors as she tried to come up with a plan. "Blue, Aik- I mean Kikki and me are gonna scale one of the buildings and see if we can get over the fire to stop the firebenders," she ordered but Aikio snapped. "You are taking him, but not me!" she yelled making the girls a bit uneasy. "I need you to stay here and protect townspeople," Suki said touching her shoulder but Aikio smacked the hand away. "Fine, go with the traitor but don't say it's because you want me to protect the people. You just want to protect your precious Blue Spirit," Aikio growled which pissed Suki off her face red with anger and embarrassment. "No... I... I Errrrr let's go!" Suki shouted turning her back on Aikio, while all the girls became silent as she brushed passed the Blue Spirit and Kikki. They both glanced to each other before looking back at Aikio, whose arms were crossed and they both turned to follow Suki.
They found a building closest to the firebenders, as they have formed a towering firewall with their bending. "Okay let's go," Suki said as the three of them scaled up the nearly smooth surface and climbed up on the roof. They dashed across the roof, charging towards the firebenders when, suddenly, two fireballs were launched at them. Zuko saw the balls of fire and grabbed Suki and Kikki, pulling them towards him. He knew they wouldn't have enough time to jump, so he tried to shield them as best as he could. The blast of fire destroyed the rooftop blasting them clear off the roof, and they crashed onto the street below.
"You guys okay?" Kikki asked, groaning as she tried to sit up rubbing the back of her head. "Yeah, just peachy," Suki said rubbing her sore neck. Zuko simply groaned as the two girls were sitting on top of him. They frantically got off the Blue Spirit as they went to help him up. "Sorry about that," Suki said her cheeks flushed red. Zuko nodded as he stretched out his back and turned towards the firebenders. His gaze following where the fireballs came from and spotted a dragon helmeted man on a Komodo rhino, obviously the leader. "Dammit, how are we suppose to stop them now. If they see us on the rooftops, they will blast us off again," Kikki complained hopelessly. Suki shook her head. "We will find a way, we have to." Kikki sighed. "Hope you come up with one soon because I got nothing." Suki tried to think of something, anything they could do.
Zuko stared down at the towering inferno and at the leader of the Dragon's fist. He thought of a plan, though it'll be reckless and probably very painful. He then turned to Suki and grabbed her shoulder to get her attention. "Hmm, what is it Blue? Do you have an idea?" She asked and he gave a nod and he pointed her towards the Inn and before he could continue she cut him off. "Blue, we aren't running and hiding we need to protect these people. And furthermore just because we are girls doesn't mean-" Zuko groaned loudly cutting her off, kind of annoyed he can't just tell her his plan. He then shook his head and he pointed back to the Inn, and then he did a gesture mimicking shooting a bow and arrow with his hands. Suki finally clued in "Oh, you wanted us to get our bows and arrows. Haha sorry continue your plan," She said embarrassed and let him continue.
Zuko then drew a line in the dirt and point from her to the ground where he marked. "Okay, so you want us to line up here with our bows and shoot at the firebenders?" Suki asked to clarify and he nodded. "Wouldn't they just shoot us?" Kikki commented and he shook his head. He then grabbed her shield from her and pointed to the townsfolk. "Okay, so we line up here and shoot and while some of the townspeople use our shields to protect us from any fire attacks?" Suki asked again and Zuko nodded. "Well if that's the only plan we have, let's do it," Suki smiled but Zuko felt a bit offended by the way she said that. Suki then called over the others to tell them about the plan and she ordered Tam and Ami to get the bows and arrows. Kikki grabbed a few townspeople willing to help them hold up their shields. "Okay, seems like we are ready," Suki smiles as they got in position. She then raises her brow as she turns and sees the Blue Spirit approaching the fiery wall in front of them. "Blue, what are you doing?"
Zuko took a deep breath as he stared down at the towering inferno, as he drew his broadswords and stepped towards the flames. Suki reached for his arm to stop him. "Blue, what are you doing?" she asked again but he simply tugged his arm away as he stepped forward. Her eyes widened in horror watching. "Blue..." she said horrified as he stepped into the flames. Zuko remembered a fire bending technique his uncle taught him, that allowed a firebender to bend the fire around their body without getting burned. He remembered using the same technique about two months ago, when those pirates tried to kill him. It was the only way he could escape the ship's wreckage, walking through the fire. Now it was time to use that technique again, it was the only to get to the other side of the fire without being blasted by fireballs. Though it wasn't through much he wasn't much of thinking things through.
Zuko walked into the fire as everyone watched in horror, each step he took was agonizing. As he tried to keep his breath steady letting the fire wrap and coil around his body, he may not be getting burned but his blood was boiling. Each step each movement was painful which made him growl and groan in pain. He instantly regretted this plan of his and mentally cursed himself again and again.
The Commander smirked as the flames his firebenders created were slowly consuming the town. "Once the town is burned down, send the men in to find any survivors and make sure they are dealt with. We can't have them suffering can we," he chuckled darkly. "Commander Akechi," one of the foot soldiers called out his voice shaky. "What is it?" Akechi said with an annoyed glare. "Something... something is coming through the fire," he said, frightened, and all of the Fire Nation soldiers gazed at the inferno and their eyes went wide in shock.
In the middle of the wall of fire there, floating amits the flames, was the face of a blue demon. The Blue Spirits growls and groans sounded inhuman being muffled by the mask. The firebenders stopped their attack as they backed away from the flames. "He is... he is a spirit or maybe... a demon," one of the firebenders spoke in terror as he stared at the face of the blue demon, flames licking across the wooden mask. And soon the flames seemed to peel and melt away revealing the Blue Spirits blackened body and glowing hot blades. Zuko finally stepped through the fire, standing on the other side of the wall, and he let out a loud deafening roar letting out all the pain he endured. The roar sent shivers down their spines even the townsfolk and the Kyoshi Warriors felt a twinge of fear. Several soldiers just ran seeing the Blue Spirit emerge, others took wavering fighting stances preparing to fight.
Commander Akechi grunted in anger seeing the fear the Blue Spirit instilled in his men. "Attack him you fools!" he roared and the Fire Nation soldiers went for the attack charging towards the Blue Spirit. Zuko gritted his teeth and advanced, slashing his glowing hot blades down at the soldiers who tried to attack him. Even the slightest slash of his blades sent each soldier he fought down on the ground in pain. Zuko bobbed and weaved through the soldiers as he twirled around their attacks by fire or steel, he couldn't be touched as he danced through them. And since there were no firebenders keeping the firewall growing, it started to waver and die down, just enough for the Kyoshi Warriors to see through the fire.
Suki was actually stunned seeing the Blue Spirit fighting the Fire Nation soldiers after walking through fire. It seemed to her that he was a living myth, but this myth could use her help. "Sisters, nock... draw... shoot," Suki ordered as the Kyoshi Warriors began firing their arrows at her command. Each arrow that shot through fire became ignited in flame before each arrow struck down their target.
In a single moment, the tide of battle had turned. Soldier after soldier either fell by the blazing arrows or struck down by the glowing blades of the blue demon. Commander Akechi gritted his teeth as he dismounted his Komodo rhino and stepped into battle. He would not lose, he would not be bested by a criminal in a mask and a few girls, he would not have it. He charged at the Blue Spirit, his fists ablaze as he shot quick blasts of fire towards the masked man. Zuko slashed down another soldier when he was hit by the quick fireballs coming towards him. He was thrown to the ground as the Fire Nation commander charged at him, sending a fiery kick toward Zuko's head. Zuko leapt back to his feet, rolling backward to avoid the strike as he slashed his blunted blades towards the commander's head. Akechi arched his back letting the blade swipe over his head as he spun around and sent a fiery kick towards the Blue Spirit's chest. Zuko was knocked back by the attack but quickly got to his feet. Slashing his swords at the commander who dodged the attacks just as quickly as Zuko made them.
They were evenly matched, and Zuko was feeling his breath start to become ragged and slow. His arms shaking as he tried to keep up the fight, but Akechi wasn't gonna give him any breaks. Suki saw the Blue Spirit struggling to hold his own against his opponent and she knew she had to help. She grabbed one of her last remaining arrows and drew it back and taking aim, waiting for a single opening. Zuko continued fighting, striking at the commander with no success. Akechi was not gonna let this battle be prolonged much longer, fearing he may falter himself as his ragged breath weakened his firebending.
Akechi finally got an opening and parried Zuko's left arm as he went to strike. He slammed his flaming fist into Zuko's chest, sending him flying back throwing him to the ground. Zuko's groaned in pain from the unexpected strike and watched as the commander stood over him in triumph. "Let it be known that the great Commander Akechi defeated the vile Blue Spirit!" he cheered an early victory as he raised up a ball of fire to strike the Blue Spirit down. "Any last-," he was cut off as a blazing arrow struck his shoulder, sending him stumbling back. Zuko didn't waste any time and got to his feet and swung both his swords in unison, striking at the commander's head. The dragon helm went flying as the commander screamed in pain, gripping his face as he fell to the ground in agony. Zuko twirled the blades in his hands, still red hot as he stood over the commander, who was squealing in pain.
Zuko was about to make a move to strike again when he saw the commander pushing himself to his feet, but he froze completely he was stunned as he stared down at the commander's face. The right side of Akechi's face was burned severely, the mark almost identical to the one he wore. Even the commander himself was youthful, Zuko's senior probably by a couple of years. But nonetheless, it was staring in a mirror of a dark shadow of himself. Zuko was taken back-stepping away from the man in front of him, terrified of what he looked like and what Zuko had done.