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Kingdom of War	By : Jayrich Category: Avatar - The Last Airbender > Het - Male/Female Views: 28040 -:- 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
- 6
- 7
- 8
Kingdom of War 7
Testing their Metal…
“What is the meaning of this!?”
Chief Oyaji marched out of his hut in a huff, visibly upset by the presence of the Dai Li in his village, on his island. The Agents remained perfectly still as Suki’s fellow Kyoshi Warriors exited out of their huts, looking to see what was all the commotion. With his staff in hand, Aang stepped out and walked towards the Dai Li, showing no fear as their leader answered the Village Chief.
“Like I said old man, we are the welcoming committee for the Avatar.” Lo repeated. “And it will be the last welcome he ever receives.”
“Look, I don’t want any trouble here.” Aang announced. “There are innocent people here. How about we just talk this—!”
“Quiet, baldy!” Lo interrupted. “My Master has given me the honor of seeing you fall along with your friends, and I don’t care who gets in my way!”
“Fine!” Aang replied. “But we fight somewhere else, not here!”
“You don’t make the rules, kid!” Lo barked back. “I’ll fight you wherever I feel like! Don’t you know who I am!?”
“A fat guy who needs to cut down on his dinners?” Sokka yelled from back in his hut. The Water Tribesman was now fully dressed, as were Ty Lee & Suki. The two quickly rushed out behind Aang, and the rest of the Kyoshi Warriors followed suit.
“Who said that!?” Lo demanded. “My weight is part of my training! My might prevents me from ever being knocked down!”
“No, your fat prevents you from being knocked down.” Mai quipped as she joined Zuko’s side. The Fire Lord couldn’t help but to laugh at his lady’s snipe remark, but Lo grew even angrier.
“THAT IS IT! I shall destroy the Avatar, and burn this Village to the ground!” He yelled. “And when I am done, you shall ALL remember the name…”
“Load.”
That last word was spoken by a female’s voice, one that perplexed the Dai Li Captain. “Huh?”
“As in ‘Wide Load’.” Turning to his left, Lo spotted the source of the voice, Toph. “Oh, and about you not being able to be knocked down, I doubt that fatty.”
“Why…you little GUPHAWWWWWWW!!!”
The impact of a large rock driving into Lo’s stomach knocked the words from his mouth, as well as him off of his feet. He landed on his back, but quickly rolled over and climbed to his feet. He clutched his stomach in pain, as hatred burned in his eyes. Not even two minutes there and he had been completely embarrassed. He wasn’t about to stand for it, though.
“Last chance, Lo…” Aang warned. “We don’t have to do this here!”
Lo didn’t listen. “Yes…yes we do…DESTROY THE AVATAR!!!!!!”
And with that order, the Dai Li agents charged forward, step for step, ready to execute Lo’s command. But as they stormed closer, Aang remained perfectly still. He had dealt with enemy soldiers before; be they from the Fire Nation or the Earth Kingdom, and he knew patience was the key in a battle like this. Closer they came, and Aang tightened his grip on his staff, waiting for them to reach the right distance; the perfect distance where he could strike.
A moment passed, they reached the spot, and he did.
With jaw-dropping quickness Aang used his Airbending to rocket forward, meeting the Dai Li in the middle of the village, where he unleashed a violent gust of wind which floored every attacking body. The Earth Warriors were quick to rise though, and they went on the offensive.
With graceful but powerful movements, they summoned up chunk after chunk of Earth to kick, punch & hurl at the Avatar, all of which Aang deflected utilizing his Airbending as he spun his staff at wind-ripping speeds, creating a makeshift shield for protection. But as the Terra Firma onslaught continued, it was clear to everyone that Aang wouldn’t be able to fight them off alone, especially to Katara, which was the reason she grabbed her water pouch and charged towards his position, despite Sokka’s disapproval.
“Katara!”
She ignored her brother’s voice and leapt right into the fray. Back to back with her beloved, she used the water from her pouch to create a roaming ice barrier, one that was sturdy enough to ward off all earthly debris. The couple move with beautiful synchronization, guarding each other’s back as they continued to fend off everything thrown at them. But it still was a solely defensive effort, strong as it might have been. Offense was sorely needed to stop the Dai Li agents. Zuko & Mai knew that, which is why they ran forward towards the battle.
Using his Firebending, Zuko jet-propelled himself high into the air, right over the Avatar & his love. They spotted him up there, and immediately recognized his actions. As he began to descend, the two held back their defense, drawing the Dai Li closer. Once they had them close enough, Aang put his arm around Katara and used his Airbending to provide an extra boost as they leaped over the surrounding circle. A moment later, Zuko hit the very center of the circle with the force of an erupting volcano, sending fire high up into the sky.
The flames died down, and as visibility cleared witnesses saw the Dai Li now going on the offensive. Zuko didn’t bother holding back with his technique. They were benders after all, and they had the gall to attack him as the Fire Lord, and his friend the Avatar. By their actions it was basically a declaration that they could be defeated, and Zuko was hell-bent on showing them the error of their ways. His movements were forceful & violent, the very core of a good Firebending technique. Flames shot out from his arms & legs with every punch & kick. The ground started to become jagged with the hurried response of the Dai Li as they popped up makeshift shields & mini-blockades to cover themselves from the intense heat continuously fired at them.
Outside the ‘blast-area’, Mai literally ran a circle around the battle, flinging her throwing knives & stilettos with deadly accuracy. Each one connected with a Dai Li, disabling them, even if only for a moment, long enough for Zuko to put them on their backs.
The Kyoshi Warriors then found their way into the battle and soon enough, the Dai Li Agents were outnumbered 3 to 1 with fighters sending their full fury at them. Ty Lee & Suki led the charge nobly, as the Kyoshi women sliced through the ranks, separating the Agents from each other and allowing Aang and the other benders to dispatch with them easier. Sokka brought up the rear, boomerang in his hand. Though he was without his space sword, it didn’t mean he was defenseless. With a mighty throw he flung the boomerang all the way across the battlefield. The arched throwing stick curved in the air, and successfully made contact with not one, but three Dai Li heads, knocking them down.
“YEAH!!!” The Water Tribesman cheered, pumping his fist. His cheering wouldn’t last long though, as the last Agent to feel the impact of his boomerang rose up, very angry. With a quick shuffle and a stomp, he sent a wave through the ground right towards Sokka; one that generated a pillar that shot up in front of him, hitting him square in the chest and launching him in the air. He came to a painful landing, right between his two favorite young women, Suki & Ty Lee.
“SOKKA!!!”
The image of their man down on the ground, writhing in pain set off an explosion of anger inside of them. Immediately their eyes scanned the battlefield to see who could’ve done it. They found the culprit, as he was immediately beginning to regret the form of action he took.
Suki reacted first. She made a beeline towards the visibly shaken agent, who proceeded to bend the earth around him for protection. It was of no use though, as Suki effortlessly hurdled every terra obstacle that sprung up in front of her. She was determined to make him pay, and nothing would stop her. She closed the gap, and once at point blank range she unleashed a flurry of kicks which connected with his chest & face. The final attack was a jumping spin kick which spun around the enemy Earthbender, inducing dizziness; but it didn’t stop there. Suki’s attack allowed for Ty Lee to get in close, and she followed up with almost a dozen well-placed fingertip strikes before finishing with a spin kick of her own. The Dai Li Agent fell to the floor, having felt the complete fury of Ty Lee’s paralyzing attacks. He was left completely unable to move from the neck down, and much to his horror, barely able to breathe.
The two women then retreated back to check on Sokka, as the rest of the group mopped up the other attackers. Within moments, every Dai Li Agent was either incapacitated or unconsciousness, save one…Lo.
“My…my men!” He said in shock. “How is this possible!? You’re just kids! Lousy little snot-nosed kids & teens! How could you defeat my Dai Li!?”
“It’s over, Lo.” Aang told him. “We beat the Dai Li. Now go back and tell Long Feng that he’s next…”
To Aang’s surprise, what he got in response was laughter from the rotund leader of the Dai Li. “Foolish Avatar…” He lamented. “…You may have defeated my Agents, but now you face the master. The Elite Earthbender, second to only Master Long Feng himself! YOU KNOW FACE THE MIGHTY LO!!!”
With that blunt declaration, Lo called upon his own Earthbending skills and began to control the terra firma around him. Chunks of rock began to shoot up from the ground, and encased the brash Dai Li leader. Within seconds his normal garb was completely covered in dense rock, giving him a makeshift suit of armor; one that made him even larger, though it did take away from his roundness.
Lo cackled with confidence. “Let’s see you pathetic benders break through my armor! LO WILL NOT BE DEFEATED!!!”
Katara & Zuko were the first to step to the front line to accept the challenge, but they halted their actions when they saw Toph holding her arm up. “Don’t bother, I got this.” She told them. “Impressive armor you got there. It’ll be hard to break something like that. Tell me something though…how fast can you move?”
Lo growled in response to Toph’s question, but as he tried to demonstrate his speed to answer her, he made a rather upsetting discovery. “I…I can’t move.”
“Knew it.” Toph said. “I could feel it in the way he was Earthbending. The armor’s strong, but it leaves him as a sitting duck. You’re an amateur at best, Lo…and you’re a joke compared to me.”
“I…am no JOKE!!!” Lo screamed with rage. “I AM LO, the FINEST Earthbender the Dai Li has to offer. My skills are world-renowned and feared in ALL the lands. My abilities…”
“Blah-blah-blah-blah-blah…” Toph uttered, ignoring her enemy’s rant. Instead, she called on her own Earthbending and shot a small rock into the air. She waited for it to reach her neck-level, and then punched the rock directly at the still ranting Lo. It made impact dead center in the boastful Dai Li’s armor…and reduced it to mere pebbles as it crumbled from his body.
“What…n-no…I can’t—GUUUHHHH!!!!”
The time for talking was over, as evident by striking Lo in the stomach with an air-assisted punch. Katara added a water whip attack to his face, sending him stumbling backwards. Zuko followed up with a fire kick to Lo’s chest, which had him reeling…which left the final blow for Toph, as she kicked a bowling ball-sized rock that connected right under his chin, and sent him off his feet.
The villagers cheered loudly, the battle was over, and the Avatar & his friends were victorious. “Well done, Aang.” Oyaji told the Avatar. “We are thankful for your actions today.”
The Kyoshi Warriors all gathered up behind their leader & second-in-command, as the still-conscious Dai Li Agents crawled towards their leader, who was barely able to sit up himself.
“Well, well, well…” Sokka said, jumping to the front line before folding his arms over his chest. “…it looks like you guys were on the receiving end of this butt-kicking! But, we’re reasonable people. We won’t capture you and lock you up.”
“Because this island doesn’t have anything strong enough to hold an Earthbender.” Toph added, to which Sokka shushed her.
“Anyway, we’ll let you got back to your ‘Master’ Feng with a message.” Sokka continued. “Tell him to stop taking over the providences and turn himself in…or the Avatar will have some words with him.”
The fallen Agents all nodded their heads, agreeing the Sokka’s terms. Except for Lo, who growled in disapproval. “And since we’re in such a giving mood, we’ll even give you a choice!” Sokka added. “You can either leave this island via Earth, Fire, Air, or Water…”
The ponytailed teen stepped aside to show Toph, Zuko, Aang & Katara all standing in a line, each ready to administer their own way to send the unwelcome guests from Kyoshi Island. Lo took a moment to ponder Sokka’s choices, as he struggled to climb to his feet. “I…select…Water…” He finally chose. “Heh…what can a simple water maiden do besides move water around in the air…”
He began to laugh at his own insult, but it also blinded him to the anger that was in Katara’s eyes. Water Maiden was the LAST thing to call her, especially with what she has learned over the past year and a half. Holding her hands out in front of her, she drew them in close, while also using her waterbending to draw forth a near tidal wave; one that crashed down on her fallen foes with such force they disappeared under the waves. She then pushed her arms outward, and pushed the wave back into the sea, sending the Dai Li Agents & Lo with it as they struggled to stay above water.
The villagers laughed at the outcome, as Aang simply put her arm around his love. “Wow, remind me never to get on your bad side.”
Katara turned to the Avatar and smiled warmly. “You don’t ever have to worry about that…”
“And that’s that!” Sokka declared, brushing his hands. “Looks like we showed those Dai Li dummies what we can do.”
“Did we, Sokka?” Zuko debated, his militaristic side taking over. “We let them go, after they discovered we were on this island. Who’s to stop Feng from sending even more Dai Li after us? Or coming himself? I say we track down the agents in the water and force them to tell us of his location…”
“And I say you need to remember when to just take a victory and be happy with it.” Mai suggested as she approached the Fire Lord.
Zuko sighed, and quelled his fiery temper. “You’re right…we can’t just go charging into battle recklessly. We gotta use our heads.”
“And speaking of using our heads, I’ve got a plan.” Sokka announced. “Now, Long Feng’s been able to stay one step ahead of us. Wonder why?”
“Because he broke out of jail and started his plan almost a week before we even found out?” Toph replied.
Sokka took a moment to register the young Earthbending girl’s answer. “Well, besides that. He’s stayed ahead of us because he had a plan. A plan that’s most likely back at his jail cell in The Cactus!”
“You sure about this, Sokka?” Katara asked.
“Hey, I know my diabolical, power-hungry mad men.” Sokka assured his sister. “He had to have left some kind of clue behind before his escape. Secret notes, a map scratched onto his wall, something! I say we check the Prison.”
“I second it.” Aang added.
“Me too.” Ty Lee chimed in. “And this will give us a perfect chance to check in on Azula. She probably could use a friendly face right now.”
Zuko turned away from the jubilant Kyoshi and sighed. “Oh joy, a family visit.” He lamented sarcastically. “What fun…”
“This won’t end well…” Mai added.
It was a little after noon as the sun shun overhead on the desert prison ‘affectionately’ known as The Cactus. Most of the inmates who were able were already outside enjoying the small amount of freedom that came with not being holed up in their cells. Two particular prisoners though didn’t care to get any fresh air today. They were both pleasantly consent with staying in a cell and lying on a cot in each other’s arms.
Azula & Jet.
It had almost been a week since their violent, emotional explosion which began with an all-out brawl, and ended with a passionate night of make-up sex. Jet had shown Azula a whole new light on the world, as since their coupling, she expressed absolutely no anger. No sign of malice, no presence of hatred. No…she was happy. More than that, she was elated. There were no pressures here in this holding. No overbearing father, distant mother or treacherous brother. There was only Jet, holding her in his arms as they stared out through the iron-barred window of the cell at the birds in the sky.
“You know…I’ve always hated doves…” The Fire Princess revealed suddenly.
It caught Jet by surprise. “Really? What did those little white birds do to you?”
“Nothing…it’s just their nature.” Azula explained. “They’re like pessimists; attack them and all they do is fly away, as if battle were their worst fear. It’s not the same with Ravens. Attack them, and you should prepare for a fight.”
Jet chuckled a little. “Well you got a point there, but then again Ravens can be peaceful as well if you leave them alone.”
Azula was about to counter right back with a strong opinion of her own. The only problem was she had none, as Jet was completely right by his statement. “…whatever.” She sniped, not wanting to continue that conversation. Jet only smiled in response though, and kept his arm around her. Though as his response continued to resonate in her head, she couldn’t help but focus on that one aspect.
“Peace…” She uttered, her look softening. “Do…you believe in it?”
Jet looked back at her with mixed confusion. “Of course I believe in it.” He answered. “You can’t go to war forever.”
“My father would have a different opinion…” Azula said, remembering how much of a warmonger Ozai was.
“Well, thank god you’re not like him.” Jet told her. “You’re not the monster he was, you’re a strong woman who takes the initiative. In fact…you’re a woman I think I love.”
Those words shook Azula down to her very core. She hadn’t heard them spoken since her mother said them to her when she was still a young child, just days before Azulon’s death and her disappearance. “Jet…I…I…”
“Azula…”
Their moment was broken as they turned their gaze towards the doorway of the cell, where the head doctor of the Infirmary stood. “I am sorry to interrupt you two, but I need your help in the Infirmary. A prison riot has sent in several injured.”
It was the story of her life as of late. Her happiness had to be put on delay only to attend to the well-being of convicts. “…I…gotta go.” She said as she stood up. Her footsteps quickly carried her out of the room as she followed the doctor down the hall. Her face was almost bright red; she was close to saying those words right back to him. But it was so impromptu, so out of the blue. She was somewhat thankful for the doctor’s interference, so she could ready herself for saying those words back to Jet later. Maybe it was fate than intervened…
…but fate can be like a double-edged sword, as downstairs at the front entrance of the prison lounged almost a dozen guards, several of them on loan from the Fire Nation to compensate for the rogue Dai Li who abandoned their posts in Long Feng’s escape. They all would receive a surprise when several figures stepped into the room.
“Sorry buddy, there no visiting today. We’re still patching up and…” The guard wisely stopped his sentence as he looked up and found himself eye-to-eye with Fire Lord Zuko. “…oh crap. GUARDS, ATTENTION!!!”
And with trained promptness, every Fire Nation guard quickly rose to their feet and saluted the royalty present in the room. The Earth Kingdom guards simply remained at attention. “Sire, it is an honor to have you here.” The lead guard announced. “But if I may ask, why was news of your arrival not given to us earlier?”
“Because this is a quick visit.” Zuko revealed. “We’re just here to gather some information about a former prisoner here, and then we’re gone.”
The guard nodded his head, but it was clear that he was visibly shaken by the presence of the Fire Lord. And it didn’t help matters that the Avatar was standing right behind him with the rest of the group. The guard had already heard about the destruction they caused in defense of Kyoshi Island several days ago…and he felt that it didn’t bode well them being here at this moment.
Speaking of moments, Sokka took this one to step up to the front. “OK, Aang, Katara, Suki and I will check Feng’s cell for any clues about his plan.”
“And we’ll get some information from the prisoners in the yard.” Toph said, cracking her knuckles.
“Think you can get them to talk?” Mai asked.
And to that, Toph grinned. “Oh, I can be very persuasive…”
“Trust me, she really can.” Sokka added, before venturing off into the prison block, accompanied by a fleet of guards. Another fleet arrived shortly after to escort Zuko, Mai, Ty Lee and Toph out into the prison yard, where most of the inmates were out enjoying the sun. All around the grounds sparring sessions were going on, with some of them escalating into full-out brawls. The guards made no attempt to stop the fights, feeling it would be easier to let the combatant cons tire themselves out before locking them up again.
As the large group passed a bench area though, a familiar voice called out. “Hey, what’s with the entourage? Some high & mighty Earth Official visiting again?”
One of the guards replied back. “Shut your mouth, dog! You’re in the presence of the Fire Lord.”
“Fire Lord!?”
The voice began to ring familiar in Zuko & Toph’s ear, and as they turned towards the source, they saw what they would’ve first explained as a ghost. “YOU!!!”
Jet had decided to step out for some air since Azula was busy in the ward. He never expected to see two people from his past out in the yard, though. “What are you doing here?”
“What are you doing alive?” Zuko asked. “I heard that…under Lake Laogai…”
“He did.” Toph said. “I was there; you had no chance to make it. Longshot & Smellerbee even remained behind to—!”
“It’s a long story.” Jet interrupted. “But my question still stands. Why are you here?”
Zuko could instantly recognize the authority in Jet’s voice. “It has nothing to do with you. We’re just here for some information on an inmate and—!”
“Oh, I think I know which inmate you’re talking about.” Jet said, cutting them off again. “And you’re not getting her!”
“This doesn’t concern you!” Zuko barked. “I don’t know how you’re still alive and frankly, I don’t care right now!”
“Nice to see you still sound the same, Zuko!” Jet sniped back. “You should be concerned, since you’re the reason why I’m here!”
Toph was taken aback by that statement. “Zuko…what’s he talking about?”
“You didn’t tell her?” Jet asked. “I’m not shocked. The mighty Fire Lord here is the reason why I was brainwashed by the Dai Li at Lake Laogai.”
“You tried to expose me and my uncle!” Zuko shot back. “You tried to out us as Fire Nation!”
“YOU ARE FIRE NATION!!!” Jet yelled. “Now, more than ever, ‘Fire Lord’.”
“I don’t have to stand here and listen to this…” Zuko said, dismissing the former freedom fighter as he started to walk off. Jet wasn’t so willing to let go though, as he leapt into their path.
“STAND ASIDE, MAGGOT!!!” A guard ordered. “Or we will—!”
“No.”
That simple one-word command was enough to persuade the guards to step aside, as Zuko removed his ceremonial royal robe, signaling the time for talk was over. Before a single move could be made though, Toph stepped between them.
“OK, while I love a good fight as much as the next girl…well, more than the next girl, I think we need to talk this out.” She suggested.
“No Toph, it’s obvious that Jet doesn’t feel like talking today.” Zuko said.
“Well look at that, Prince Fire’s a psychic.” Jet quipped.
Upon hearing that, Toph shrugged her shoulders. “Well, I tried. I’m not Katara. Go at it, boys!”
She stepped aside, giving the two young men their space as they readied themselves for battle. “You’re not taking her, Zuko.” Jet told him.
“I don’t know who you’re talking about, but you’re gonna move out of My WAY!!!”
One first step was all it took as Zuko charged forward, ready to make good on his statement. But as the fight was about to ensue, Ty Lee thought over the words Jet spoke to Zuko, and called out to them. “WAIT! ZUKO, DON’T! HE’S TALKING ABOUT—!”
The noise from the brawl was loud enough even for the Infirmary Ward to hear, and it annoyed Azula as she attended to the cuts on one unconscious prisoners. “Lousy brutes.” She commented to herself. “If they’re gonna fight, at least do it with some skill. All they’re doing are beating each other’s bones and…”
KRRRRRRRRUUUUUUUUUUUUNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNCHHHH!!!!!!
That sound was all too clear as the wooden door to the Infirmary exploded into splinters, causing the Fire Princess to turn away. When she looked back though, she saw, to her horror, Jet lying on the floor on top of the wreckage. His skin was lightly singed, indicating someone used a fire blast to send him into the ward unannounced. As she rushed to his side, she saw the shadow of the culprit who did the deed, and looked up to see his face, which shocked her even more.
“Azula?” Zuko said in shock, standing in the doorway.
An explosion erupted inside of Azula right then. The sight of her brother standing over her lover’s fallen body triggered it, and also ignited a skill she believed long gone as her hands became engulfed in flames. She could Firebend again, and she would put it to good use.
FWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!
The stream of white-hot flames swallowed Zuko as he was blown from the doorway far out into the courtyard of the prison, coming to a stop at the feet of Mai & Ty Lee. He struggled to rise up to his feet, but as he did, he was greeted by a near-maniacal Azula, who looked the same as she did in their Agni Kai.
“Peace…I have no peace!” She ranted. “Not as long as YOU are still in my life! You will NEVER let me be happy, even here! Well, it ends Zuko! IT ALL ENDS RIGHT HERE!!!”
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Kingdom of War