Avatar The Last Airbender Fan Fiction ❯ Breathe Again ❯ Taking Sides ( Chapter 7 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

The time has come, the groups have collided and choices must be made. Faced with endangering Katara or giving her back to her returning friends, can Zuko choose to let her go? Or will he fall once again into his vindictive sisters outstretched hand?

Non Anime: Avatar The Last Airbender Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Hentai | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 03.16.2007 | Pages: 2 | Words: 2.1K | Visits: 744 | Status: Completed

Sadly I do not own Avatar the Last Airbender :D It belongs to Nick and its Original creators.

Breathe Again

~Chapter 7: Taking Sides~

“You're sick of feeling numb,

You're not the only one,

I'll take you by the hand,

And show you a world that you can understand…”

Iroh peeked his head around the gate warily only to come face to face with one of the Dai Le, “Old man, you were told not to come out here…” He growled, Iroh smiled up at him dully. “But sir! I haven't found the little boy!” He wailed, the taller man glared down at his nose at the old grey beard, “That's not really what you're here for… Is it?” He had barely finished the question when Iroh unleashed several well aimed strikes to major pressure points causing the man to crumple to the ground unconscious.

“Why are you out here, and what does my Nephew have to do with it?” He asked the Dai Le that were now circling around him, “We were given orders to capture or eliminate four people, the water tribe brat, the Fire Prince, the Dragon of the East… Which would be you I'm guessing? What a joke…” Iroh's eyes narrowed, “You said four… Who's the other one?” He said flatly taking a stance, the man smirked. “She's already been apprehended, and it's really none of your business old man!” Iroh's battle had begun, he breathed deep as he readied himself for one of his signature moves. The Dai Le had little time to react as the old general began to spout huge waves of fire from his open mouth.

Zuko glared at Azula who stood triumphantly a mere six yards from him, a malevolent smirk plastered across her lips. “Come now, big brother… Join me now and bring down the Earth King and I'll put in a good word with Daddy…”

“You're lying Azula; don't think I'll be tricked again so easily.” She frowned slightly moving towards him, “But… Zuzu, we're family!” She smiled at him winningly, “I can only do it with your help, we can only accomplish it, together.”

Her eyes widened as Zuko shook his head, “No, Father won't take me back; I've decided to take my own path in life!” Zuko pushed Katara out of the way as Azula began her furious onslaught of attacks, flames made the cavern walls dance as they're light reflected off of the crystals.

Katara was snapped out of her daze as two sharp blades flew passed her nose, Ms Tall Dark and Creepy was challenging her. “Come on!” Katara cried with gusto, bending the water off of the cavern floor where it had pooled slightly. She became slightly worried as acrobatic girl decided that she wanted in on the action as well, and if she lost her bending Katara knew she would be done for.

Biding her time Katara waited until the smaller girl was just in front of her before freezing her where she stood. Ty Lee struggled to break free in vain; her head and hands had been spared the cold sting of the ice.

Mei glared at Katara, now the odds were against the non Fire Bender, she smirked, “No cheating…” Her sarcastic words were cut short as she was thrown painfully by a powerful earth bending attack, she had managed to block most of the force with her own bending but there was still more than enough to send her flying.

Katara rose from the ground slowly, she could feel the bruises forming along the right side of her body. Taking a stance she readied herself for the Earth Bender's attacks. But just as she was focusing her chi, she noticed Iroh helping Mei to her feet just behind Long Feng.

“What, giving up already?” Long Feng said incredulously as she lowered her arms, he gasped as his head was forced back by his braid. “You, me outside… NOW.” Iroh growled setting the tip of the Dai Le leader's braid a flame. The old general smiled at Katara as Long Feng attempted to put out the flame. “Go help Zuko, I can handle this buffoon.” He said offering Katara a small smile, she smiled back and did as he said.

“Thank you.” He grinned at her as she backed away slowly, “Anything for a pretty young lady like you.” Zuko glared at his uncle, “No! I don't need any help, get her out of here!” He barked angrily, his anger was quickly snuffed out as Azula took advantage of his diverted attention.

Her claw- like nails digging into the soft flesh of his neck, “Oh… Really? Don't get cocky Zuko.” She purred, her eyes danced as blood began to creep over her fingertips. Zuko gasped as he struggled for air, his sister chuckled as she continued to apply pressure and slowly adding heat to her iron grip.

Iroh fired a well aimed blast at his deranged niece's head, she hissed as the flame caught her retreating bangs. “Long Feng, Mei, move yourselves, NOW!” She shrieked, her voice was silenced abruptly as Katara landed a powerful water whip to the back of her skull. She glared at Katara, one hand to her head, her shoulders shaking in silent rage.

“Zuko… You cannot fight alone; this is the crossroad of your destiny! Do not die because you're being a stubborn fool!” Giving the still winded Prince a soft smile Iroh turned to the mouth of the cavern to see a furious Long Feng ready to fight.

Zuko clutched his bruised throat gingerly as he watched Azula who was slinking slowly towards Katara, the water bender's hair was now down and wild from her fight, she was bending the water around her so that it rose off of the stone floor like several arms; mimicking an octopus.

His sister stopped suddenly, her limbs moving gracefully through the steps of an intricate pose. His eyes widened as he saw the whitish blue flames that began to swirl at her feet, he started after her as recognition of the move dawned on him.

Zuko covered his face as hot water rained down on him, the hiss of the steam echoing against the stone walls. When he looked again he was surprised to see that Azula had been thrown back, her wet clothes clinging to her lithe but curved form.

The Fire Nation Princess let out a shriek of surprise as Long Feng was sent crashing into her by a strong gust of wind, Zuko and Katara turned in to see Aang smiling triumphantly in the mouth of the cave. Zuko could feel bile rising up in his throat; no matter how much he had changed or would change he doubted he could ever really like the cocky and immature Avatar.

His heart sank further in his chest as Katara and Aang rushed towards each other and embraced warmly, the young Air bender glared at him from over Katara's shoulder. Without a second thought, Zuko pulled the two apart rather roughly. “Stay back or the girl gets it,” He growled taking note that their other friends were now appearing at the threshold of the cave, he made a point to not look anywhere near his uncle who was most likely disappointed in his actions.

“Lead my sister and I to the Earth King safely, and maybe we can work out a bargain…” Aang and the others watched him warily as they did his bidding, Azula smiled at him silkily. “Oh… This is a pleasant surprise, what made you change your mind… Zuzu?” He ignored her, keeping one of his small fire daggers close to the furious Katara's throat. “I thought you said you had changed…?!” She hissed, he felt a pang of regret at the returned malice in her voice, “I have.” He stated flatly, moving her rigid form forward with his own…