Author's Note:Hi all! Boo it took forever to get this done, so sorry! My condo basically flooded and I got a steph infection. But I am back into my more frequent updates and apologize for my disappearance! I hope to have the start of Book Three: Fire tomorrow.
P.S. I'm sorry/not sorry about this chapter :P
~Chapter 10 Start~
Iroh was making breakfast as I set the table. I was floating on air after having spent the night with Zuko. If Iroh knew or was bothered by it, he didn't show it. Instead he smiled and offered me some breakfast with a twinkle in his eye. Zuko came walking out of the room not long after I did with a yawn. I smiled when I saw him, brightening like a flower in the sun as I stood to give him a hug. Everything felt brighter and brand new. Eating breakfast seemed like an exciting activity because now I was having it with Zuko, someone I loved.
"What's that smell?" He asked, surprising me with a peck on the lips.
I was so stunned by his sudden affection that I stood there while Zuko kissed my unresponsive lips. My mind snapped to reality and I soon responded before taking a step back towards the table. Zuko smiled at me warmly as he stepped around me to look at Iroh. I was the absolute opposite of smooth and felt my cheeks heat up at my absolute airy response to Zuko's sweet greeting.
"It's jook," Iroh explained as he smiled at us. "I'm sure you wouldn't like it."
Zuko walked over and took a deep breath. His eyes closed and I watched as his chest rose reminding me of his heavy pants from last night. With a small blush I cleared my throat, turning to look at the pot Iroh was still stirring. Zuko's eyes opened as he took a step back, the smile on his face widening. I didn't actually know what jook was, but it reminded me of porridge. Taking a sniff I took in the scent of rice and realized what it reminded me of.
Congee.
This must be a more traditional word for the rice porridge; or at least an alternate word. A piece of my old life warmed my gut in a way I wasn't sure was still possible anymore. The memories of going out for Dim Sum with my friends and partaking in the many cuisines a large city offered. In a way, going to University far away was my own chosen banishment, an escape from a family who...
"Actually, it smells delicious. I'd love a bowl, Uncle." Zuko said with a smile, startling me from my thoughts.
"Ok, who are you and what have you done with Zuko." I accused, coming in close to inspect him.
I mockingly placed my hand on Zuko's forehead, inspecting for a fever. I poked his cheeks and gave him appraising looks as I confirmed he was in good health. Zuko let out a rumbling chuckle as he watched me, a loving smile twitching at his lips. I couldn't help the warmth spreading through my chest as I stepped back finding Iroh watching us both with a fond look.
"Now that Mira mentions it, since your fever is gone, you seem different, somehow." Iroh said, looking suspicious as he filled Zuko's bowl.
"It's a new day. We've got a new apartment, new furniture, and today is the grand opening of your new tea shop. Things are looking up, Uncle." Zuko said as he sat beside me and kissed the top of my head.
Iroh gave us a warm smile as he handed me a bowl. Warmth began to spread across my bones as I took a seat at the table unable to hide my wide smile. This felt normal, living with a small family, enjoying eachother's company.
"Thank you, Iroh." I smiled as I started eating.
"You're very welcome, Mira." Iroh said as he picked up his spoon with a soft smile.
~Break~
The opening of Iroh's tea show was a booming success. People were lined up outside just to get in. We were packed full ever since opening, but Zuko's new attitude seemed to help draw people in as well. He was more engaging and pleasant, even laughing with some of the customers. It was wonderful to see him so free and happy. His looks didn't hurt either judging by the young girls' raucous laughter. I couldn't stop my own smile from spreading. It was unbelievably easily to pretend everything was okay, the way it was meant to be. Everytime he turned to find where I was to give me a beaming smile, he kept that nagging little voice at bay.
Searching him out myself this time I pecked him on the cheek as I passed him by to clean up a table. I wasn't who I said I was, and I wasn't sure how much longer I could afford to keep ignoring that. Zuko gave me a confused look, unable to stop his lips from grinning as he gave me his full attention.
"What was that for?" He asked as he placed his hand against his cheek.
"Just for being you." I winked as I started doing some of the dishes.
His face turned red and I laughed, feeling satisfied. He wandered off quickly to help someone else to avoid my enjoyment of his embarrassment. Staring into the soapy water I began to vigorously wash the dirtied dishes, trying to ignore the feeling that what we were doing was simply playing pretend in someone else's house.
"Who thought when we came to this city as refugees that I'd end up owning my own tea shop?" Iroh chuckled as he walked over to us.
"It is amazing." I agreed as Zuko walked back over.
"Follow your passion, you two, and life will reward you." Iroh said.
"Congratulations, Uncle." Zuko agreed as he stood next to us, tucking his hands in his sleeves.
"I'm very thankful." Iroh said as he closed his eyes, content.
"You deserve it. The Jasmine Dragon will be the best tea shop in the city." Zuko agreed.
"No, I'm thankful because you decided to share this special day with me. Both of you." Iroh said as he hugged us.
"Aww, I'm thankful to share this special day with you too." I said, hugging Iroh back.
"It means more than you know." Iroh said into my hair.
"Now, let's make these people some more tea." Zuko said as he withdrew from the hug.
"Yes! Let's make some tea!" Iroh cheered.
I laughed as the two of them went off to start another batch of tea, as I went to help another customer. Oh how I loved those two, but it wasn't enough to slay my worries, nor that tickling voice in the back of my head. It was amazing what was happening for us here, but that voice kept uttering one thing. Like a record stuck on a single track.
'You're running away from your destiny.'
~Break~
"Uncle, I need two jasmine, one green, and one lychee." Zuko shouted as he carried over a tray of empty cups.
"I need another cherry!" I motioned as I finished taking another order.
My worries had abated as the day grew busier. Caught up in the whirlwind of work, I rushed around on aching feet delivering cups of hot tea. I turned to find Iroh leaning over several pots and furrowed my brow.
"I'm brewing as fast as I can." Iroh responded.
"It will just be a moment, is there anything else I can get you?" I asked with a bow.
"No, the cherry sounds lovely, thank you." The woman motioned with a wave.
I headed towards Iroh and began to help with the dishes and set him up with fresh cups. Zuko was running the orders back to their tables as fast as he could. I caught his eye for a moment as I turned to step around the counter. Starting on the already soaking cups, I began to rinse the first one off and set it upon a small tea towel.
"Man, today is shaping up to be a success." I sighed, wiping my brow.
"That it is. Thank you so much for helping out, I wouldn't have been able to do this without yours and Zuko's help." Iroh smiled.
I smiled back, the echo aching in my chest remaining the same. I was here for him, I would always be. I wanted to anyway, but I knew the longer I stayed here the more in danger Aang and the world was. One day, I wouldn't be here to help him with his tea shop and I just hoped he would forgive me for wanting to be selfish and have him a little while longer.
Both him and Zuko really, that is if Zuko wouldn't go with me. Sure, he had given up on hunting the Avatar, but there was always the possibility he wanted a quiet life, no more war, no more fighting, no more Fire Nation. I wouldn't blame him either if he chose to stay. But, the least I could do was tell them both the truth before I did leave, let him have a choice.
~Break~
It was finally closing time. Zuko was sweeping as Iroh and I were stacking chairs. A man came walking in, wearing official looking clothing. I stopped as he gave Iroh a smile, looking towards Zuko I noticed he had stopped sweeping to listen to what was going on.
"A message from the royal palace." The man said as he handed a letter to Iroh with a half-bow.
Iroh opened the letter as the man left with a bow. He read it and his brows went high into his hair. I moved towards him, trying to get a look at the letter. Surely it was good news, Iroh looked pleased, not upset.
"I...I can't believe it." Iroh gaped.
"What is it, Uncle?" Zuko asked, finally abandoning his sweeping as he stepped towards us.
"Great news! We've been invited to serve tea to the Earth King!" Iroh explained as he ran towards the back of the shop.
"Wow, that's amazing." I smiled as Zuko nudged me.
"Come on, back to work." He chuckled as he helped me finish stacking the chairs.
It was curious though, we had only been open for one day, how did the King hear about us so fast?
~Break~
Lying in bed that night, sleep didn't find Zuko and I easily. Although, I'm sure that our earlier activities were to blame, at least for Zuko anyways. My mind was still a flurry of worries and the inability to act, and so I followed. It was a welcome distraction, one I found myself slick with sweat still from. Tracing designs on his chest, I found myself lost in my own thoughts. His arm woven around my waist, holding the blankets tightly against us both to block out the chill.
In moments like this I usually found myself missing the simple amenities of my time, like central heating. But this time, I found myself lost in different thoughts. I was happy and content where I was, the chill of the air an excuse to press myself against his impossibly warm and hard body. I was thankful for the excuse, despite never really needing one lately to be close to Zuko. No, my mind was a mess of the words that had been dancing across my tongue all day.
I wanted to tell him the truth, rip off the bandaid and try to move forward. But they kept getting lodged behind my teeth whenever I tried. The fear and the unknown paralyzing me as Zuko rubbed his thumb across my own skin reverently. To break this peace was something I couldn't seem to do. To break this place of acceptance and happiness for Zuko felt selfish.
But that was merely an excuse. As his fingers brushed against my skin, his breath in my hair as he left electric tingles in his wake. The stirrings in my chest, and somewhere lower, hit like a gasping breath. My back elongated, my chin turning upwards towards his to catch the skin underneath with my lips. A rumble of laughter vibrated against my lips as I felt him curl around me, his other hand brushing the skin of my back. The truth of my own feelings ringing clearly in my head like a lighthouse in the fog.
His hands delved further from my back and waist, moving to tease along different lines. Continuing to press my lips against his skin, I felt his fingers pull me underneath him until he was looming over me, a proud grin splayed across his lips. I looked up into his eyes, my own thoughts cast away for the moment where only the two of us seemed to exist. Dipping down he kissed me deeply, pulling a small moan from my throat as I wound my own hands into his hair. A deep chuckle was my response, as his hand ghosted towards my waist, lightly brushing above my pubic hair.
"You mean more to me than anything, you know that right?" I found myself admitting it against his lips.
The words once again hit my teeth, sticking like toffee and unable to move. The truth looming over us, a piece of it slipped out as a harmless admission. Zuko froze for a moment, pulling away to look into my eyes. I knew without a doubt I was blushing, but I was thankful I could give him at least. The truth, even if it wasn't the one I needed to say.
"Now what have I done to deserve such praise." Zuko whispered, moving down the length of my body.
"By being an absolutely fantastic lover obviously." I grinned, my hand still playing with his hair as his chin hit my navel.
"Well then I shouldn't disappoint you then." He said smugly, his tongue delving out to play with my navel.
My back arched and I felt his hands warm against my hips, an intentional act no doubt. He knew I ran cold and loved playing with the heat of his body against me. My hands lost his head as his tongue moved towards my hips. He began to kiss the bones he found there, thinly covered by muscle and skin now. I had only a moment to think that couldn't be healthy and that I probably needed a better diet when his kisses ghosted over my clit and I let out a gasp.
"Again? What if Iroh comes back?" I said in a hoarse whisper.
"He is preparing the perfect tea blend for the King, I don't think he's coming home tonight." Zuko grinned, his mouth returning to my nethers, his tongue peaking out to play with my lower lips.
The faint thought that I was forgetting to say something was lost as I arched into Zuko's tough and lost myself in him. The last coherent thought I had was that his tongue was abnormally hot, and as it slipped into me I knew it was.
~Break~
We arrived at the palace by carriage that afternoon. Iroh had packed the tea and everything we needed in a small porcelain box. He gave us one last once over, ensuring our finest, and newest, clothing was still in proper care. Much like a mother hen, Iroh fretted over us before turning towards the sprawling grounds of the palace.
"Many times I imagined myself here. At the threshold of the palace. But I always thought I would be here as a conqueror. Instead, we are the Earth King's personal guests here to serve him tea. Destiny is a funny thing." Iroh mused.
"It sure is, Uncle." Zuko agreed.
It felt surreal as we entered the palace. There were less people than I had assumed there would be. We ended up being shown where to set up for the king by a rather blank looking servant who kept smiling even when we stopped looking at him. Despite that though, everything was happening smoothly. It was a lovely decorated room with a small throne at the end of a low long table. This must be some sort of royal tea ceremony room. Which meant that both Iroh and Zuko were familiar with a room like this. It showed as Iroh set down the box and began to boil the water, setting everything up on the table. Zuko and I sat down to his left and waited. My eyes strayed, looking at all the different pictures of what I assumed were the palace grounds and various royalty.
"What's taking so long?" Zuko asked.
I turned back to Zuko wanting to frown at his rudeness, but then realized he was right. What was taking so long? Preparing the tea was meant to be part of the ceremony, so where was he? Where was anyone at that matter.
"Maybe the Earth King overslept." Iroh said with a shrug.
"Did Ozai ever oversleep?" I asked with a raised brow.
"No...although if he was late it was usually intentional." Iroh mused.
It was then we were interrupted by the door banging open as a bunch of the agents, like the one we had kidnapped, entered the room. They lined up on either side of us as they kept their eyes downcast. Were they the king's entourage? No, that didn't seem right either, where was the king?
"Something's not right." Zuko whispered, doing little to dissuade my anxiety.
If Zuko felt this was wrong, then this most definitely wasn't normal for a tea ceremony at a palace.
"Yes, something is very wrong." I agreed, eyeballing the rows of ferocious earthbenders.
"It's tea time." I heard a familiar voice say.
I looked up and saw Azula walking in wearing regal Earth Kingdom clothing. It startled me for a moment and I almost didn't recognize her. Her hair, however, was done up as usual, as were her sharpened nails. Although, I suppose they were more akin to claws and that was the intent. God help us if they had fake nails in this time, her hands would be an even worse weapon.
"Azula!" Zuko shouted as he stood up.
"Well, shit." I hissed as I joined him.
If she was here, we were pretty much fucked. We were going to have to fight our way out of here, run away and...what? What else was there we could do, but where else could we go? This was the last untouched place from the Fire Nation, well it was. Now, Azula had her nasty little claws in it. Was this all we had left, running?
"Have you met the Dai Li? They're earthbenders, but they have a killer instinct that's so firebender. I just love it." Azula bragged as she inspected her nails.
"Did I ever tell you how I got the nickname, 'The Dragon of the West'?" Iroh asked as he raised a teacup to his mouth.
"I'm not interested in a lengthy anecdote, Uncle." Azula said, clearly bored as she shot him a nasty look.
"It's more of a demonstration, really. " Iroh explained, taking a deep sip of his tea.
Zuko and I grinned as we ducked behind Iroh as he let out a shout of fire from his mouth. He twisted in a circle knocking everyone back as Zuko and I fled the room and down the hall through a hole Iroh had caused. Iroh sent out another breath as we bolted, before racing after us.
The Dai Li sent out tiny stones at us, I heard them ricochet against the stone wall as we turned the corner. They reminded me of bullets and I let out a wince, how terrible of an attack. Iroh sent out a blast of lightning opening up a hole in the wall so we could escape. He jumped through it, landing on a hedge with a small grunt. He looked back up at us and raised his hand, motioning for us to follow him.
"Come on, you'll be fine!" Iroh shouted.
"No. I'm tired of running. It's time I faced Azula." Zuko said as he turned to me.
"You already know what my answer is going to be." I smiled.
He nodded as we turned back down the hall to find Azula. I couldn't keep running anymore, not when I knew Aang was here. Not when I could stop Azula and make an actual difference. I was the Avatar and I was tired of running.
"You're so dramatic. What, are you going to challenge me to an Agni Kai?" Azula mocked.
"Yes. I challenge you." Zuko declared.
Zuko stared at her, his decision resolute. He was finally willing to face his past, to fight Azula without fear. Her eyes flickered towards us, a prideful and arrogant look spread across her face. Her eyes moved back towards her nails, her lips holding the grin.
"No, thanks." Azula shrugged.
Zuko brought his hands up his body and sent out a wave of flame at Azula. I almost jumped back, watching as Zuko challenged her anyways. The Dai Li intercepted it with a block of stone, before sending out their stone hands and trapping Zuko to the floor. I shot out a blast of fire, hitting one in the shoulder. It seemed to glance off his armor, but I didn't care as I attempted to reach Zuko and free him.
I dodged their attempts at trapping me, sending out another burst of my own fire, and the agents flew backwards. Two others sent out four more hands, catching one of my legs and both my hands. I fell to the ground and looked over to find I had only managed to make half the small distance between us. I wasn't going to be rescuing anybody. If only I had told Zuko the truth, maybe I could have stood a chance against the Dai Li.
Azula walked away as the agents finished binding us, slamming our heads into the stone until we were unconscious. My last image was of her taking one last look at us, pleasure heavily apparent in her eyes. Not only did she not give a shit about us, we were truly less than her, not even worth the trouble of dealing with herself.
~Break~
I woke up to find that we were being dragged towards a hole. I started to struggle as Zuko regained consciousness and started to look around. I let out a choked snarl, as the hand over my mouth tightened and shook my head until I saw stars. My chin stung as I felt no doubt blood dripping from where I had fallen earlier.
"Let me go you stone freaks!" I screamed as they pulled me towards the rocky hole.
Unable to brute strength my way out the Dai Li agent tossed me into the hole. I landed with a painful thud as Zuko was tossed in after me. I heard his body hit the ground not far from me, the only light cascading down from the hole we had been tossed down. Looking up through bleary eyes and an aching head I saw the agent give me one last grin.
"You've got company." One of the Dai Li said.
The hole slowly closed up and we were bathed in darkness for a mere moment before my eyes adjusted to the low glow of the caves. Zuko rushed over to me, helping me sit up as I rubbed my head. I looked around and saw that we were in a room of glowing crystals, it wasn't the cave itself that was glowing. But we weren't alone; Katara was walking over to us with a startled and less than pleased look on her face.
"Zuko! Mira!" She shouted in surprise.
"Katara?" I asked, still holding my head.
I winced as my eyes tried to focus on her, before my vision cleared. I touched my chin to find the bleeding had stopped. Wincing as it stung, I stood up with Zuko. I wasn't sure if Katara was going to be a friend or foe here. She had every right to regard us as enemies, I just hoped we could change her mind. If she was here, Aang was in danger and it would take all of us to stop Azula.
"What are you two doing here?" She demanded as she stepped back.
"What do you think?" Zuko shot back.
"Well, we got caught obviously." I sighed, irritated that Zuko's response was to be biting.
"I'm serious, why did they throw you in here? Oh, wait, let me guess, it's a trap. So that when Aang shows up to help me, you can finally have him in your little Fire Nation clutches!" She growled as she made clawing motions.
Zuko said nothing further as he turned away. He looked tired, truly tired. He didn't respond as Katara continued to shoot accusations at him, her vitriol working her up at each word. I watched as Zuko's back sagged, never denying any of it and my heart ached.
"Hey, that's enough. This isn't a trap, we got thrown in here the same as you." I sighed as I put a hand on Zuko's back.
"Like I'd believe that." Katara scoffed.
"I'm serious." I glared, turning to give her a 'stfu' look.
"You're both terrible people, you know that? Always following us, hunting the Avatar, trying to capture the world's last hope for peace," She said as she began to pace. "But what do you care? You're just the Fire Lord's son and his little soldier. Spreading war and violence and hatred is in your blood."
"Hey, that's enough!" I yelled, standing up.
"You don't know what you're talking about." Zuko ground back in a soft tone.
I turned back to Zuko, startled that he had even bothered to respond at all. My words were lost as Zuko took the brunt of Katara's anger for us both.
"I don't? How dare you?! You have no idea what this war has put me through. Me, personally. The Fire Nation took my mother away from me." She snarled, turning away as she began to cry.
"I'm sorry." Zuko said, turning to face her.
Katara was crying now and I walked over to her and placed a hand on her shoulder. Despite how I felt, she didn't deserve what had happened to her and she was still right to distrust us. She didn't know anything outside of us hunting her, as well as Aang. I couldn't even imagine what she had gone through, all those constant raiding of her village for waterbenders. It reminded me of the holocuast in some ways, but I felt it inappropriate to compare either since I hadn't experienced either.
"I'm sorry, that's awful. They never should have done that." I whispered.
Human beings could be horrible, no matter what time you were in.
"That's something we have in common." Zuko whispered.
"What?" Katara asked as she wiped away her tears.
"I lost my mother when I was very young. Just so my father could secure the throne. So if anyone understands your loss, it's me." Zuko admitted as he walked over to us.
"We got thrown down here when we tried to take Azula down. We're on your side." I added, glancing at Zuko to ensure he agreed.
He didn't really respond to my words, but neither did he deny them so I took that as a good sign. For once, Zuko and I were truly on the same side.
"I'm sorry I yelled at you before." Katara said as she wrapped her arms around herself.
"It doesn't matter." Zuko waved off.
"It's all good. Zuko and I yell at each other all the time. It's kind of our thing." I winked, trying to stop her from withdrawing into herself.
"It's just that...for so long now, whenever I would imagine the face of the enemy, it was the face of you." Katara admitted.
It wasn't lost on either of us that she was looking straight at Zuko when she said that. I watched as Zuko's face twisted in realization.
"My face...I see." Zuko said self consciously as he touched his scar.
"No, no, that's, that's not what I meant." Katara tried to soothe as she stepped closer.
"It's okay. I used to think this scar marked me, the mark of the banished prince, cursed to chase the Avatar forever. But lately, I've realized I'm free to determine my own destiny, even if I'll never be free of my mark." Zuko said as he turned away.
"Maybe you could be free of it..." Katara whispered.
"What?" Zuko asked.
"You can do that?" I inquired, becoming curious.
"I have healing abilities." Katara admitted.
"It's a scar, it can't be healed." Zuko scoffed.
Katara reached into her tunic and pulled out a small vial of water. Holding it up, it shone in the glow of the crystals, twinkling at us.
"This is water from the Spirit Oasis at the North Pole. It has special properties, so I've been saving it for something important. I don't know if it would work, but..." Katara trailed off as she touched his scar, inspecting it.
As she drew closer, we were interrupted by a loud crash from behind us. I twisted to find rubble clearing from where several figures started to emerge from. As they drew nearer I realized it was Aang and Iroh. I gaped, unable to believe my eyes as Iroh stepped towards us.
"Aang!" Katara shouted as she rushed over to him and gave him a hug.
"Iroh!" I cheered, rushing over to give him a hug of his own.
"Hello my dear." Iroh said as he dragged me over and grabbed onto Zuko.
"Aang, I knew you would come." Katara said as she pulled away from him.
"Uncle, I don't understand. What are you doing with the Avatar?" Zuko demanded to know.
"Saving you, that's what," Aang glared as he turned towards me. "Also, don't you owe me an explanation?" He asked with a grin.
"That I do, once we're out of here I'll answer anything you want to know." I smiled as Zuko shot me a perplexed look.
"What are you two talking about?" Zuko hissed.
"Zuko's it's time we talked," Iroh interrupted as he grabbed Zuko's shoulder. "Go help your other friends. We'll catch up to you."
I was thankful for Iroh's interruption, while I was ready to tell Aang the truth, I was hardly ready to tell Zuko the truth. Aang bowed as he ran off. I rushed over to give Katara a quick hug. I looked at her softly as Aang gave me a curious look as he disappeared down another tunnel.
"Stay safe." I whispered into her hair.
"I will." She whispered back.
I watched as she followed Aang before turning back towards Zuko and Iroh. Zuko was looking angry as Iroh looked tired. Zuko's anger, a remnant of a time he had hunted the Avatar, felt misdirected and I pursed my lips as I watched Zuko.
"Why, Uncle?" Zuko asked once they had left.
"You're not the man you used to be, Zuko. You are stronger and wiser and freer than you have ever been. And now you have come to the crossroads of your destiny. It's time for you to choose. It's time for you to choose good." Iroh answered.
Before Zuko could respond, there was an explosion. I grabbed onto the wall for support as I looked at the pair. These caves sure were busy for a place they tossed prisoners. A few stones and pieces of rubble fell into my hair. I shook it out, casting Zuko a look.
"We need to get going before this whole place comes crashing down." I spoke, rushing towards them.
We were interrupted by another rumble as the crystals grew around us, capturing Iroh and Me. I struggled as I looked at Zuko to see if he was okay, only to find him free of the crystals. He stepped over to us, attempting to break the gems holding us hostage.
"I expected this kind of treachery from Uncle and Mira. But Zuko, Prince Zuko. You're a lot of things, but you're not a traitor, are you?" Azula asked as she walked towards us.
"Release them immediately." Zuko demanded with a snarl.
I watched as Azula sauntered towards us, not even looking at Iroh and I. She was grinning like a cat who had finally caught the canary. I struggled as the crystals surrounding me gripped me even tighter.
"It's not too late for you, Zuko. You can still redeem yourself." Azula continued.
"The kind of redemption she offers is not for you!" Iroh shouted.
"Don't do it, she's a liar! You aren't that man anymore." I pleaded.
"Why don't you let him decide, huh?" Azula asked as she glared at Iroh and I. "I need you, Zuko. I've plotted every movement of this day, this glorious day in Fire Nation history, and the only way we win is together. At the end of this day, you will have your honour back. You will have father's love. You will have everything you want."
"Zuko, I'm begging you. Look into your heart and see what it is that you truly want." Iroh pleaded.
"You are free to choose." Azula said as she signaled to her agents.
"Please..." I whispered to Zuko.
Azula walked away as the Dai Li agents left. She was heading after Aang now. Zuko looked down before he sighed, summoning his fire and letting out a fierce yell. He shattered the rocks around us and I rushed to him with a hug.
"I knew you wouldn't listen to her." I sobbed as I pulled him into a kiss
He held me tenderly, as if he were afraid to hurt me, and kissed me feather light. Pulling away he tucked my hair behind my ear and stepped back. He cleared his throat as he avoided looking at me, turning his face down the tunnel Aang and Katara had rushed down.
"We need to go after Azula." Zuko declared as Iroh dusted himself off.
"I agree." Iroh said.
We all took off in a run, Zuko leading the way. I was in such a hurry I missed the pained gasp of Iroh as one of the Dai Li agents attacked him. But I did notice how withdrawn Zuko suddenly seemed. Just what was going through his head?
~Break~
We found Aang and Katara squaring off against Azula as soon as we exited the cave. We found a large cavern filled with trickling water sparkling around us, along with several bursts of fire from Azula. Zuko let out a shot of fire preventing her from her attack and everyone turned to face us. We walked towards Aang and Katara, standing beside them as we stared down at Azula. Zuko was staring at her now, before giving me a small look and turning to Aang. He started to build up his fire towards Azula, the heat echoing around us. I got myself ready to fight, feeling relieved that what was happening was finally right. I could be with Zuko and help Aang at the same time, it was possible.
But, as if fate was dealing me a cruel and ironic hand, Zuko turned at the last second and shot out fire at Aang. Aang deflected it with air and jumped away as I turned towards Zuko with a shocked expression. My hair whipped around my head, obscuring Zuko's fierce gaze as he advanced on Aang.
"What are you..." I whispered as Azula began to attack Katara.
Everything was happening in slow motion around me as I tried to wrap my head around what was happening. I watched as Zuko sent a torrent of attacks at Aang who avoided them all. Aang sent out a human shaped just of air that sent Zuko flying. I was frozen, unable to figure out what was going on. The blood in my head was pounding at extremes now, my heart starting to stall and shatter as I watched Zuko fight with a ferocity I had never seen before.
"Stop it, Zuko! What are you doing?!" I shouted, the tears beginning to build.
He didn't stop his attack, avoiding me completely now. I felt my heart breaking into a million pieces. All his promises echoing around me in a mocking song. He had lied. Why had he lied? Why had he freed me and Iroh then? Did he expect me to join him, or did he just not care? The better question though, was if I was going to be able to fight Zuko.
I turned to catch the end of Zuko unleashing a huge wave of flame at Aang. It hit him before he could fully earthbend a shield and now he was plummeting to the ground. Zuko summoned two fire whips and began attacking Aang again, who dodged. He managed to keep a fair distance between him and Zuko as he danced around his flames.I turned to see Katara struggling with Azula so I rushed over and sent out a kick catching her off guard. She twisted and shot out a burst of flame at me as I grabbed her arm, pinning it behind her back before kicking her away.
Katara sent out a blade of water which Azula barely managed to avoid as it cut her hair. She went to rush towards Katara as I blocked her with a wall of flame. Katara took that distraction to smash her with a wave knocking her over. I heard Zuko getting knocked to the ground not far from me as Aang jumped from the ceiling and onto a rock he bent to send tremors. The whole thing felt surreal, I didn't even feel like I was in my own body anymore. Moving on autopilot, I found Azula as my burning tears fueled me.
Katara covered herself with water as Azula stood up. Tentacle-like arms shot upwards as Azula shot out another burst of blue flame, only for the tentable to suck up the attack and wrap around her arm. Katara sent out another one catching Azula's leg this time. She gasped and shrieked as Katara lifted her off the ground ready to slam her down. Zuko sent out an attack of fire causing Katara to drop Azula. I twisted around to find he was avoiding looking at me, so I stepped between the two swallowing up the next few of his attacks as I rushed him. Sending out a perfectly timed kick, I managed to push him backwards even if I hadn't managed to hit him. He dodged once more before hitting me in the ribs, sending me flying. I groaned as I caught myself and surrounded myself in flame. II gave him one last look, before rushing at him, forgetting most of my lessons as I got caught up in my pain and rage. He caught me with one of his whips, moving to pull my leg out from under me.
I responded by summoning water up my leg burning off his whip as I leapt away. I drew more of the water up and around myself as I glared at Zuko. I was done playing, everything that we were was burned to a crisp the moment he attacked Aang. I couldn't stand by him, by this, any longer. My own petty rage pleased that this was how he was finding out who I was.
"What?" Zuko gasped, surprised.
He stepped back, trying to grasp what I had just done. His mouth opened once, then twice, before he sent out another whip as I bent up a wave to swallow it. I knew how Zuko fought, and he knew how I swordfought and firebended. This was new territory and I reveled in the fact he wasn't sure what to do with me as I summoned similar tentacles as Katara and started striking at him.
"You lied to me!" He shouted, a burst of flame springing up around him.
"I never lied, I am a firebender, you've seen me bend. Please stop this." I begged as I continued to parry him.
"Stop playing with me! No more games, how are you able to bend water!" He yelled, sending out a flaming torrent at me.
I diffused it and sent it back as he dodged. Despite my own upset and anger, I still desperately didn't want to fight him. Feelings and emotions weren't easy to just turn off, but my anger helped me press forward in my attacks. It felt safer than admitting that Zuko hadn't changed, not really. But, I still couldn't give up on him, I still clung to that desperate hope I could have my cake and eat it too. Life is rarely like that though.
"Please, stop this! I can explain if we just stop fighting." I begged, my own tears mixing with the water of the caves that I bent.
Aang was now fighting Azula alone as Katara moved to my rear. It appeared we had traded enemies while I was desperately trying to plead with one. I felt truly powerless, not even when I had been caught by Sadar did I ever feel this low. My whole world had been flipped on its head and I had lost sight of what would come after, so focused on this one naive hope that Zuko would stop and join us, join me.
"I thought you had changed!" Katara yelled, sending out her own tentacles.
"I have changed." Zuko growled, his eyes flickering to me and showing such a fury I winced.
We continued to fight as Azula went to attack Katara. I stepped into the way sending a flurry of icicles at her. My pleas fell on deaf ears, there was no longer a part of me that could reach Zuko anymore and I felt that piece of myself break into dust at the realization.
"What the hell?" Azula hissed as she dodged my attack.
"Let's play my favourite game, it's called 'Guess Who'." I hissed as I sent a huge blast of fire at her.
My attack threw her into a pillar where she bounced off. I advanced on her with a flaming kick she dodged, twirling over my head almost cornering me. Behind me I heard Zuko knocking Katara down and made the mistake of looking back to see if she was okay. Azula sent me flying as I felt the heat sear my shoulder. I landed in the rubble leaving a dent as I groaned. My world was spinning as I attempted to gather myself to my feet.
"I guess I will get the honour of killing two Avatars today." Azula laughed.
The room began to shake causing me to fall back to the ground. I heard a distant rumble growing closer as my body quaked. Aang appeared from below the ground, jumping up and smashing into the cavern floor causing a giant tremor. He came rushing towards Azula only to be intercepted by a Dai Li agent.
I spat blood onto the ground as I stood back up, wiping the hair from my brow. I got ready again, summoning my water as I dodged a flurry of attacking from the Fire Nation siblings. Several dozen Dai Li agents then leapt to the cavern floor, and began attacking. I dodged the best that I could, but I got knocked into a stalagmite with a painful howl. I struggled to stand up once more as I watched Aang look around and realize we were surrounded. I stood up feeling a most definitely broken rib, but readied my water anyways, taking out several Dai Li agents. I was wincing at every movement, barely able to stand. Fueled only by my fervent want to live.
"I'm sorry, Katara." I heard Aang whisper as I was hit by another stoned hand in the shoulder.
I let out a grunt, but continued to fight the men off, refusing to give up. I felt Aang begin to connect with the spirit world as the bright glow began to descend up the cave, shattering out in a violent echo. Everyone stopped fighting as we shielded our eyes. Aang began to float up in the Avatar State. I stared in awe until I felt the worst pain I had ever felt ripped through me. I turned to see Aang had been hit by Azula's lightning and had crumbled to the ground as well, Katara rushing towards him with a cry.
I let out a shriek as I writhed on the ground, clawing at my chest as I tried to catch my breath. Katara shouted my name as a prism of colours covered my vision. I continued seizing as I gasped for breath, clawing at my chest and throat. I felt cool rushing water pick me up as the last thing I remember was Iroh standing in front of us, speaking to Katara. Tears continued to stream down my face as I locked eyes with Zuko's. He was staring at me with an open mouth gape, horrified. His look almost seemed pained and I attempted to reach out to him.
I fell into a deep unconsciousness after that.
~Break~
I awoke back in my dream glen. Aang was facing me now with a sorrowful expression. I walked towards him and stared in complete confusion. The flowers were dim now, a reflection of their previous bright colour. I couldn't smell their scent anymore as I looked at Aang.
"I don't understand." I croaked as tears began to fall.
Aang said nothing as he gathered me into his arms and hugged.
"I'm sorry..." He whispered as he pulled away.
"What happened? Am I dead?" I asked.
"You were, for a moment. But Katara was able to save me and in turn, you. Now you're recuperating from the damage. Azula hit me with lightning during the Avatar State killing me." Aang explained.
"And Katara saved you...that's good. But...I don't understand, Zuko?" I managed to choke out.
"Betrayed you, his uncle, and us. I know. I'm sorry." Aang sighed.
"Did you know this was going to happen?" I demanded.
"I..." Aang started to say.
"Oh my god, you did. You did and you let me get close to him, fall in love with him!" I shouted as I took a step backwards.
"I cannot control your feelings, Mira. The choices you made were your own. Trust me when I say I'm sorry it played out this way, but you need to trust that things will be okay in the end." Aang explained.
"Trust things will be okay? How could they be? We are still at war, Zuko betrayed me, Iroh has been captured, and I'm alone...again." I sobbed.
I could feel my anxiety building now, my throat tightening to painful levels. I sobbed again, my chest heaving as my heart clenched so tightly I spammed. My head was starting to pound as I felt my hands weave into my hair and sink in.
"No, you aren't alone. You have me, you have Katara, Toph, Sokka, everyone. You were never going to end up alone." Aang soothed as he enveloped me in a hug.
"How, they probably hate me." I continued to sob.
"You helped out Toph, you fought alongside Katara, and you were always there to help me, it would be impossible for us to hate you."
My echoing cries were the only response he got.
~Chapter 10 End~
~Book Two: Earth End~