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Into The Burning Night	By : Jayrich Category: Avatar - The Last Airbender > Het - Male/Female > Mai/Zuko Views: 14918 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 1-Into The Burning Night
- 2-Burning Night Part 2
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- 2
(Author's Note: If you have not seen both 'Boiling Rock' episodes, please do not read, for this story does contain Spoilers!)

Into the Burning Night

“Make sure your body is aligned correctly…”

Zuko performs a flawless stance, as he demonstrates a new Fire-Bending technique to the Avatar, Aang. The sun is just about halfway set over the horizon as the two finish up their training.

“Now…imagine the flame as an extension of your arm…”

Zuko demonstrates his request by holding his right arm out in front of him, with his hand in a fist. Focusing his fire-bending skill, he draws upon a flame and extends it to a length longer than his arm. He then uses this newly created long flame as a whip, and cracks it against the air, before extinguishing it.

“Now you try.”

Taking a deep breath, Aang begins to mimic Zuko’s actions from earlier in an attempt to duplicate his success. Unfortunately, as he holds out his fist in front of him, he can only generate a fireball, which rises into the air before burning out quickly.

“Heh-heh…” Aang’s able to laugh at his futile first attempt, but Zuko can tell the Avatar is exhausted.

“We’ve had enough for today.” He says, breaking his stance. “I think your sister should be done setting up dinner.”

The thought of food in his belly is enough to encourage Aang, as he rushes back over to the central area of camp. Zuko walks behind at his own leisurely pace, not feeling the need to rush. On the way, he passes by the leader of the Kyoshi Warriors, Suki, who he recently helped free from Boiling Rock, the Fire Nation’s strongest prison. But even with that fact, it doesn’t stop her muscles from tightening and her defenses from rising. Zuko stops in mid-step, noticing the change almost immediately. The two have met before in their lives, with Zuko leading a Fire Nation attack that resulted in her village burning down. He’s not sure if she’s forgiven him for it, and decides not to even inquire about it. He walks away, knowingly leaving himself open for a rear attack, but it’s one Suki does not make. Sighing hard, she sits down on a large rock and hangs her head. This experience is still uneasy for her; teaming up with the ‘disgraced’ prince of the Fire Nation, after he unquestionably played a major role in leading this war to where it is today.

Thinking it over, she finds herself joined by Sokka. “Suki, you OK?” He sits down beside her. “I…saw you and Zuko looking at each other. I wasn’t sure if I had to break it up or join the staring contest.”

Sokka’s jokes are as lame as ever, and it brings a smile to Suki’s face. “I’m sorry…it’s just…hard, to trust him.” Sokka nods his head in agreement as she continues. “I know he says he’s reformed, and I know he helped us escape Boiling Rock but…after all he’s done I…”

“I know, Suki.” Sokka puts his arm around the Kyoshi Warrior Leader. “Katara’s having a hard time with it too, and so did I. I didn’t really buy into the ‘my destiny has changed’ thing until he helped me at the prison. I mean, if it wasn’t for him, I don’t think I would’ve freed my father…or you…”

Suki nods her head in agreement, but her heart still has doubts about the Fire Prince’s loyalties. Sokka can see that in her eyes, and decides to change the subject. “Come on; let’s go get some grub before Toph gets to it first…”

Later That Night…

The sky is now the darkest hue of blue as nightfall has descended on the land. Barely a few stars can be seen twinkling, as the new moon makes it pitch black out. A gentle breeze is swaying, which is a reason why Aang has chosen this night to sleep outside. Lying with Momo on his chest, the young Avatar slumbers, dreaming peaceful dreams. In fact, everyone in the Western Air Temple sleeps soundly in their rooms except one…Zuko.

Lying on his cot, he rests by meditating, something he’s been doing for days now. He can’t sleep, and he doesn’t want to. For every time he tries, her face appears in his dreams.

Mai.

Since the Boiling Rock breakout, he’s been mentally beating himself up for leaving her there. “I should’ve gone back…” He thinks. “I should’ve tried to save her…”

He knows the prison guards would’ve cut the line if he had, hell, the warden told them to. If not for Mai’s dire intervention, he would’ve been boiled alive. But that act was treason, and Zuko can’t bear to leave his love there, potentially alone with Azula. It took all of his fire-bending skill to match up against her on the lift, and even then, he…

“What was that?”

A rock crumbles from almost a half-mile away, but with Zuko in a meditative state, he can here it as clear as day. Jumping off of his cot, he rushes out of his room and down the hall, until he reaches the Air Temple’s entrance. There, he slows down and calmly walks towards Aang, intending to wake him up so they can investigate. But as he reaches the Avatar, he notices a strange mark on his forehead inside of his blue arrow tattoo. A dot, one that appears to almost be glowing. Zuko traces it back to its source, and finds it coming from a man standing on the nearby cliffs. A large, familiar man, who seems to have the same dot on his forehead.

Instinctively, Zuko steps in front of Aang, so that the dot appears aimed at his chest. He then slowly nods his head no, indicating he will let no harm come to Aang on this night. The man responds by pointing right at Zuko, indicating the Fire prince must take Aang’s place. Zuko nods his head in agreement, and points towards the forest above and to the left of the Air Temple. Zuko then narrows his eyes, and is able to see the man nodding his head in agreement. It’s done…Aang is spared.

With a now potential duel on his hands, Zuko rushes back to his room. Looking behind his door, he picks up his signature weapons of choice, dual Dao Blades. Sheathing them on his back, he closes his door and rushes back down the hall, heading for battle. But the sound of the door closing jostles another out of his sleep.

“Wh-wha…?”

Sokka, who’s lying on a cot with Suki in his arms, opens his eyes as he awakens, just in time to hear hurried footsteps clamor past his room. “What the…”

Carefully sliding Suki out of his arm and onto the cot, he gets up and cracks his door open. Looking down the hall, he spots Zuko’s silhouette as he makes his exit. “Zuko? Where’s he going at this time of night?”

Concern fills Sokka’s face as well as his mind. Was Suki right? Is Zuko untrustworthy? Determined to find out, Sokka grabs his meteorite sword and, taking one last look at his resting Suki, leaves the room and hightails it after Zuko.

The moonlight is barely noticeable through the trees, giving the Western Forest an even darker ambience. Still, Zuko waits in the middle of the forest, swords drawn. He takes a deep breath, and then exhales a decent-sized flame. Breathing fire helps to keep fire-benders warm in even the coldest climates, and it’s no different for Zuko, as he also does it to calm himself. Suddenly, a rustle is heard from a nearby bush behind the Fire prince. Zuko’s muscles tighten as he prepares for an impromptu battle, but what happens next is something he didn’t expect.

“HEY, ZUKO!!!”

It’s Sokka’s voice, much to his disappointment. “Aw no, not you.”

A moment later, Sokka emerges from the bush and approaches. “What are you doing out here? It’s the middle of the night and…wait, this isn’t a Fire Nation trap…is it?”

Zuko sighs heavily and drops his head, having had enough accusations from Katara. “No Sokka, it’s not. And I’d appreciate it if you left right now.”

Sokka becomes even more puzzled. “But why are you out here, then?”

“Look, it’s just something I have to handle.” Zuko explains. “Alone!”

“But what is it you have to handle?” Sokka asks. “I mean, you’re part of the group, you got help, man.”

Zuko starts to become steamed over Sokka’s refusal to leave. “Sokka for the last time will you just…Duck.”

Sokka looks at Zuko strangely, unaware that a glowing yellow dot is now on the right side of his forehead. “Duck? First you want me to leave, now you want me to—!”

“DUCK!!!”

With all his quickness, Zuko lunges forward and tackles Sokka to the ground, and just in time as a small, condensed blast of heat passes above them. The blast misses the two, but hits the tree right beside them, engulfing it in flames immediately. The two immediately jump back to their feet, and Zuko uses his bending to snuff out the tree. Their attention is then turned as they spot a large man emerging into the clearing in the forest. The man looks to be missing part of his right arm, but is still recognizable, especially by Sokka & Zuko.

“Watch out, it’s Sparky Sparky Boom Man!” Sokka yells in shock.

Zuko turns to him with a look of befuddlement. “Sparky…what?”

“Oh that’s right, you weren’t with us when we named him.” Sokka remembers. “Although now we call him Combustion Man.”

“His name isn’t Sparky Boom or Combustion. It’s…never mind!” Zuko turns his attention to the ‘Combustion Man’ and the task at hand. “Look, I don’t know why you returned, but I won’t let you kill the Avatar!”

Sokka’s face fills with shock. “He was trying to kill Aang tonight?”

Zuko nods his head. “I promise you, once the Avatar ends the war, I will give you triple your pay, straight from the royal vault. That is my word as the Fire Prince.”

Unfortunately, the ‘Combustion Man’ rejects the offer, shaking his head no. “Oh come on!” Sokka chimes in. “How can you top that offer?”

The ‘Combustion Man’ responds by tossing an object at the feet of the two. Zuko ignites his hand to bring in light…and becomes angered by what the object is. It’s a crown headpiece, only given to royalty of the Fire Nation. But it’s not his…

“Hey…” Sokka notices. “…isn’t that thing worn by…?”

“I know.” Zuko coldly interrupts. The crown headpiece belongs to Azula, his sister. “She must’ve found out about him and given him a wealthier contract.”

“So, just ask him what he’s getting and up the price.” Sokka suggests.

“It’s not that simple!” Zuko explains. “I’m a traitor to my nation! Azula can guarantee him the money I can’t.”

“Then…how do we stop him?”

“You don’t…I do.” Sheathing his swords, Zuko stretches into a traditional Fire Nation battle stance. The ‘Combustion Man’ responds in kind.

“Wait…you’re not really gonna fight this guy, are you?” Sokka asks.

“No choice.” Zuko answers. “And this isn’t your battle. I want you to get out of here. Warn Aang and the others so they can escape.”

“But, but what if you don’t survive?”

“Then go with Aang to the ruins near the Air Temple!” Zuko orders. “The Sun Warriors can complete his fire bending training!”

Sokka is still hesitant to leave, though. “Zuko, I just can’t…”

“SOKKA!” Zuko turns to the young Water Tribe Warrior in anger. “THIS IS NOT UP FOR DEBATE! I’M ORDERING YOU TO GET OUT OF HERE AND SAVE THE AVATAR!!!”

The harsh scolding takes Sokka back. For a moment, Zuko sounded like his old, Fire Nation loyal self. The tone alone would be enough for Sokka to turn his back if it wasn’t for the words he spoke. ‘Save the Avatar’. Zuko helped him save two important people in his life…and he isn’t about to forget that.

“No.”

Zuko turns back to Sokka, enraged. “I said…”

“You must’ve forgot, Zuko…” Sokka explains. “…I’m not a member of the Fire Nation…I’m Water Tribe. And in the Water Tribe, we leave no one behind.” He then stretches into a traditional Water Tribe fighting stance, standing back to back with Zuko. “You helped save my father & Suki on Boiling Rock…I’m not about to turn my back on you.”

Zuko’s taken aback by the show of camaraderie from Sokka, so much so he relents and accepts it. “Heh, you’re right. Besides, you’d never make it in the Fire Nation. You’re too stubborn.”

“Yeah, that’s the same thing Katara says.” Sokka agrees, before realizing what was said. “Hey! Was that a shot?”

Zuko doesn’t get the chance to answer, as the Combustion Man fires another condensed blast at the duo. Simultaneously they duck down to avoid it. Zuko then stands up and blasts a fireball right at him. The Combustion easily deflects it, but finds himself back peddling as Sokka charges with a jump kick, Zuko’s fireball being the diversion. They trade blows in close-quarters combat for almost a minute, before Sokka is driven back by double fists to the chest. The Combustion Man doesn’t get a chance to breathe though, as Zuko comes in with a leg sweep that takes him off his feet.

He looks to finish the fight with another fire blast, but The Combustion Man rolls clear, avoiding it. He fires back with a condensed blast of his own, one Zuko is barely able to avoid. He can feel the intense heat from the air blast passing by. Hot enough to cook skin if it made contact. Zuko shakes off the effect and continues his battle, keeping the fight close. The Combustion Man is eventually able to push him back, but Sokka rejoins the fray by tossing his war boomerang. Dodging the weapon, he seeks a counter attack, but receives a jump kick to the face from Sokka. Zuko then follows up with a fire blast to the face.

It’s enough to push The Combustion Man back, and disrupt his chi. He realizes this and doesn’t attempt another blast. Instead, he slowly walks back into the heavily wooded area, leaving the clearing.

“OK, did he just retreat?” Sokka asks.

“I think so…” Zuko answers. “…but I don’t think we’re done yet.”

Zuko’s right. A moment later, over a dozen members of the Fire Nation Royal Procession emerge from the darkness. Each one is armored and armed with a sword. “Under order of Princess Azula, Prince Zuko, you and your accomplice are under arrest.” The leader says. “And make no mistake; we have been authorized to use force.”

“No, you make no mistake…” Zuko counters, as he draws his twin Dao blades and sets them ablaze. “…The only choice you have, is using force.”

Sokka responds in kind, drawing his meteor sword and preparing for battle. As they stand back to back, Zuko can’t help but to question the situation. “You sure you know how to use that thing?”

“Hey, I’ll have you know I was trained by the best Fire Nation Swordsman.” Sokka informs his partner. “He even helped me make this blade.”

Zuko raises a curious eyebrow, believing to know who Sokka’s referring to. “You mean Piandao?”

A look of slight shock fills Sokka’s face. “Yeah, how do you know him?”

Zuko grins deviously as he turns to his foes. “Who do you think trained me?”

And with those words, the duo charge forward fearlessly. The sounds of several swords clashing echo throughout the forest, as the Royal Procession surround the two young warriors, attempting to subdue them. Unfortunately, their attempts are futile, as Sokka & Zuko ward them off, and go on the offense. Piandao’s training shines through in both pupils, as with each stab, each swipe and each slash, they disarm or disable a foe. They work together creating a whirlwind of blades, each one too strong to deflect and to fast to avoid. Within moments, the once dangerous Royal Procession is reduced to unarmed foot soldiers, either injured or unconscious. Deeming this a losing battle, they quickly retreat back into the darkness of the forest…or at least, most of them.

“Yeah that’s right, you better run!” Sokka threatens, happy with their victory. But unbeknownst to the Water Tribesman, above him, a Royal Guardsman awaits perched on a tree branch, ready to pounce. He patiently waits for the right moment, when suddenly, a pair of hands appear from within the leaves. They pinch and poke the Guardsman on both sides several times, and render him paralyzed. Unable to move, he falls off the branch and lands behind Sokka & Zuko, startling them.

“What the…?” Sokka walks over to the Guardsman, and closely examines him. “Looks like he fell out of the tree. But, why can’t he…ZUKO!!!”

Sokka points behind the Fire Prince, who turns to see another Guardsman in the air, sword above his head, ready to strike him down. But he doesn’t get the chance. Out of the darkness, four throwing knives capture the cloth of the Guardsman’s uniform, and propel him backwards. He hits a nearby tree with a loud ‘thud’, and is pinned there as he drifts into unconsciousness. Zuko runs over to the guardsman and pulls out one of the knives, recognizing it almost immediately.

“What is it, Zuko?” Sokka asks.

“We got help.” Zuko answers, staring at the knife. “I knew it wasn’t a coincidence the Royal Procession was here.”

Sokka grows confused. “What are you talking about?”

“They’re only used in the transport of Fire Nation Royalty, or Fire Nation Prisoners.” Zuko explains.

“So…either your sister is nearby or…”

Sokka & Zuko get the answer when again, from the darkness, more throwing knives emerge, this time with Zuko as their target. They hit with precise accuracy, pinning the Fire Prince to the adjacent tree, leaving him unable to move.

“Or it’s someone more dangerous.” A figure appears out of the darkness, a silhouette that Zuko could recognize even in the darkest of regions…Mai. As she comes into the clearing, the moonlight reflects off her. And though her face shows no palpable expression, Zuko can see that deep in her eyes, she still harbors some hate towards him.

Feeling the resentment radiating from her, Zuko decides to play it nice. “Mai, I’m so glad to see you. I thought…”

Zuko is silenced when Mai puts her hand over his mouth. “No, don’t bother. I don’t even want to hear your voice right now, Zuko.”

Sokka grows even more perplexed by the development. “Wait a minute, if the gloomy girl is here, then that must mean…”

“Hi, cutie!”

Sokka turns around and is shocked to see Ty Lee behind him…upside down. She hangs from a low tree branch and grins widely, as Sokka tries to slow his heartbeat. “DON’T DO THAT!!!”

Mai removes her hand from Zuko’s mouth, granting him a chance to speak. “Mai, I saw what you did back on Boiling Rock. I would’ve come back…”

“You could’ve taken me with you.” She utters coldly. “You didn’t have to lock me up; you could’ve taken me along!”

“No I couldn’t!” Zuko snaps back. “Do you know how my life is now? I’m on the run, hiding out with the Avatar, getting ready to end a war my nation helped start. I can’t have that kind of life for—!”

She silences him again. “It’s not your choice, Zuko!” She interrupts. “And if you think that I’d rather be stuck with your stupid sister than here with you…then, you don’t know me at all.”

It’s a revelation that hits Zuko hard as she removes her hand. Knowing Mai as well as he does, he knows that she detests any kind of boredom; and the life he’s lived since his self-exile from the Fire Nation has been anything but. With regret overwhelming him, he drops his head and utters two familiar words.

“I’m sorry…”

Mai begins to soften her position towards Zuko and steps closer, putting their faces an inch from each other. “I know it was wrong for me to just leave a note.” He continues. “I know it was wrong for me to lock you in that cell at Boiling Rock…”

“Wait, he locked her in a cell?” Sokka’s comment earns a nudge from Ty Lee’s elbow, which silences him.

“I did it for your protection…but I should’ve just came out and told you.” He confesses.

“Yeah…you should’ve.” She agrees.

The two share a warm smile, but it’s short-lived as Zuko remembers something. “Wait, what are you doing out here? Escorting a prisoner?”

“Actually, we were the prisoners.” Ty Lee explains. “Thanks to your sister.”

Zuko grows a look of shock on his face from that admission. “Azula didn’t take to kindly to me helping you escape.” Mai explains. “We were about to fight, when Ty Lee was able to paralyze her.”

Zuko turns to the excitable girl and grins. “Nice work, Ty Lee.”

She grins widely and giggles as Mai continues. “She then ordered her soldiers to lock us up at another prison…”

“But they forgot to check Mai for all her weapons.” Ty Lee finishes slyly.

That brings a devious grin to Zuko’s face. He knows how many throwing knives, stars, darts and other projectiles Mai can hide on her body. Giving her access to one, they never stood a chance. Mai reaches over and removes the throwing knives, freeing Zuko from the tree. Zuko then wraps his arm around her and goes in for a thankful kiss…but is denied when Mai covers his mouth, yet again.

“No way, I still haven’t forgiven you.” She tells him. “You’ve lost that privilege.”

That statement causes Zuko’s jaw to drop, as he’s now left hanging out there, almost in the literal of sense. He shakes it off though, as Sokka comes up with an idea.

“This is great! Now we can add you two to the team!” He says. “You can help us when we plan the attack. Come on, we’ll head back to the Temple and…”

“HEY! I THINK THEY WENT THIS WAY!!!!”

The voice of a nearby Royal Guardsman spoils those plans. “We can’t, we’ll risk leading the Procession back to the Temple.” Zuko says. “We gotta find a way to lose them first.”

“Mai & I saw a nearby town while they were taking us to prison.” Ty Lee suggests.

“That’ll work.” Zuko replies. “Ty Lee, lead the way!”

“No problem!” She answers, grabbing Sokka by the wrist. “Come on, cutie!”

“Hey wait—WHOOOOOOAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!”

And with Ty Lee leading the way, the four scramble through the forest in their escape from Fire Nation forces. They run through the densely wooded area for minutes, until they finally spot lights from a nearby small town, the one Ty Lee informed them of. They make a dash toward it, and soon find themselves on the main road running right through the center of town. But as they stop for a breather, Sokka spots the Royal Guardsmen emerging from the forest, hot on their trail. Thinking fast, Sokka looks around for any building large enough for them to duck into. It doesn’t take him long…

“There!”

Sokka points at a large, two-story building and the four quickly retreat inside. They rush past the front desk at the entrance, which is vacant, and into a long hallway, with over a dozen doors on each side. Slowing down, they examine their surroundings, as Zuko begins to question Sokka’s choice in hideout.

“Sokka, where exactly did you lead us?” He asks, unable to recognize the hallway.

“Here…right here.” Sokka answers, feeling a little wary himself. “Look, I had to plan quickly. They were right on our tail.”

“Are you sure you planned, or did you just play it by ear?” Zuko inquires.

“Don’t start that again.” Sokka counters. The mini-debate is cut short though, as they hear the Royal Procession entering the building. Thinking fast, Sokka grabs Ty Lee and leaps through a nearby open door into a vacant room. Zuko follows suit with Mai, occupying the next room over.

Sokka shuts the door behind him, when he hears a loud hissing-like sound. Turning around, he discovers just what kind of building he’s lead the four into…a Bath House. And he currently resides with Ty Lee inside of an Onsen Room.

“A Steam Bath?!” He says. “This place is a Steam Bath? They really need to have bigger signs for these!”

“SHHHH!!!” Ty Lee silences the Water Tribesman as they hear the Guardsmen roaming the halls. Spying out through the door’s mini-window, they see the guards raiding every room, kicking the door down and forcing the occupants out, regardless of if they’re sans towel or not.

“Looks like we’re gonna have to fight after all…” Sokka utters, to which Ty Lee agrees. They stand on opposite sides of the door, ready to jump whoever comes through, when…

“OH, MAN!!!”

Those words draw their attention, and as they look through the door, they see why they were spoken. A guardsman stands outside of a door two rooms away, shaking his head. “I’m not going in there.”

Another guardsman approaches. “What is wrong with you? We’re searching for escaped prisoners!”

“They’re having sex in there.” The first one says, showing the second one through the window. “And I’ve heard the stories. Do you wanna tell Fire Lord Ozai you busted in on people having sex while looking for prisoners?”

The second guardsman thinks it over for a brief second. “You got a point there. Let’s just move on.”

And move on they do, to the room right next to Ty Lee & Sokka’s. As they raid the room, Sokka begins a thought process of what to do. Fight, and he risks being caught, imprisoned, and most likely tortured. And while the other option is considerably safer, it also means he’ll be unfaithful to Suki, the very young woman he risked his life at Boiling Rock to save. Turning to Ty Lee, he sees what choice she’s willing to go with. The seduction in her eyes and her smile is unmistakable, and it only leads Sokka to feel worse about his choices.

“This is so not fair…”
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Into The Burning Night