*。☆。
★。＼｜／。★
˚ ₊ ♡ ❰ MIRACULUM ❱
*✧ ─── ❝ ❪ RISE OF THE SUN / FALL OF THE MOON ❫ ❞

⋆ 🌪. CHAPTER THIRTY TWO✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*
˚ ₊ ♡ 112 a.a ─── book two: earth

WORRY GNAWED AT UKI'S STOMACH LIKE A STARVED POLAR-DOG. ZUKO HAD NOT RETURNED, and even Iroh had been pacing the wooden floorboards of their apartment. He had bandaged her arm even after she had healed it—told her to keep it clean. She had wanted to protest, but it was clear to her quickly that Iroh just wanted to fuss over her. He had looked for a distraction as they awaited the firebender's return.

But Zuko did not return—and now destiny would recall her back to her previous path. Uki felt it deep within her like a faint whisper that grew louder each passing second. There was a shift in the air, a promise of change.

Uki had hoped, secretly even prayed, that when she would reunite with her friends again, Zuko would be beside her.

Now as she stood in front of beautiful house in the upper ring, it was instead with Iroh beside her. A part of her was still worried, worried that they had felt betrayed by her choice. One that felt so long ago, and yet so short.

The door opened, light filtering into the doorway—where Toph stood with a smile, more akin to a smirk on her face.

A second passed and Aang peered over the younger girl's shoulder, his eyes startled and wide. The grey of it shining with something akin to sparkling of sunlight that managed to escape through the clouds

"Uki!" He cried out, jumping into the older girl's arms without a moment of hesitation. "You're back."

Warmth immediately spread through her as she wrapped her own arms around the boy. "Aang...I'm so glad you are safe." She looked up, "all of you."

A faint smile touched her lips as she spotted Sokka lingering in the background. He was sniffing, clearly emotional—but when he caught her watching, he turned sharply and wiped at his eyes in a way that made it obvious he hoped no one had noticed.

Her smile, however, faltered when she noticed someone missing.

"Where's Katara?"

Aang stepped away from her, sorrow painting his face. "I think something happened to her." He whispered. "I had a vision while I was away."

Uki's heart skipped. Her eyes flicked to Iroh, who looked just as concerned. Tension crackled in the air.

The others stared cautiously at the old firebender beside her. Toph tilted her head, listening carefully—but surprisingly, she looked pleased.

"Do you two know each other?" She asked.

Toph nodded with a grin, and Uki hoped this would smooth over some displeasure. "I met him in the woods once and knocked him down."

Iroh rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "Then he gave me tea and some very good advice."

"May we come in?" Iroh asked softly, bowing his head.

Toph nodded.

"Princess Azula is here in Ba Sing Se." He announced and Uki clenched her jaw.

"She must have Katara." Aang said.

Iroh turned to face the boy, "She has captured my nephew as well."

"Then we'll work together to fight Azula and save Katara and Zuko."

"Whoa there—" Sokka waved his arms, "You lost me at Zuko."

"I know how you must feel about my nephew, but believe me when I tell you there is good inside him."

"Good inside him isn't enough." Sokka snapped, pushing away Iroh's hands form his shoulders. "Why don't you come back when it's on the outside of him too."

Uki moved closer, and tugged him away from Iroh, "I've seen it Sokka." She started softly, the blue of her eyes shining sharply. "please" She turned to Aang. "We have to help both of them."

Aang stayed silent for a moment, and Uki could only watch with a hopeful heart. "I trust you Uki. If you say he's changed."

"He has, I know it." She pressed, her heart so sure of it.

"All of Ba Sing Se is in trouble." Aang nodded. "working together is our best chance.

"I brought someone along who might be able to help us."

Uki smirked and motioned the others to follow them outside.

In the shadows of an alcove, hidden beside a stone fence, a tied up, shivering Dai Li agent sat.

Toph immediately stomped her feet on the ground, pushing the man up with strong, and perhaps sharp, jagged slabs of rocks.

Uki reached forward and tugged the rag in his mouth away.

"Azula and Long Feng are plotting a coup." He fessed up quickly, sweat dripping down his face. "they're going to overthrow the Earth King."

"My sister." Sokka held up his sword. "Where are they keeping Katara?"

"In the crystal catacombs of old Ba Sing Se." The Dai Li continued, "deep beneath the palace."

They moved quickly, Uki and Iroh following after Aang and the others. They went inside the garden of their home, where a familiar furry animal stood. Uki, despite her displeasure of anything remotely close to flying and the skybison, was happy to see him returned home.

"I have not missed this." She grumbled as she stood on ground her arms crossed over her chest in apprehension. The others had already climbed the giant animal and Sokka held his hand out for her.

She clasped their hands together and then she was hauled onto his back.

A shiver shuddered down her spine as Appa took flight. She clutched Sokka's arm liked a scared child. The wind rushing passed her cheeks.

"What happened to your hair?" Sokka suddenly asked, as if only now taking note of the short wispy strands of hair. There was not sight of her Water Tribe heritage to be found in it.

"A very unpleasant run-in with a sword." She grumbled out, touching the strand and shuddering with the memory.

"It doesn't look too bad—ouch!" Both Uki and Toph slammed their fists down on his head.

Uki huffed, opening her mouth to say Zuko had said she still looked nice, but she held back. A faint blush crawled up her cheeks, but Sokka remained oblivious.

Her heart thudded wildly for a moment at the memory, and she caught Toph looking at her questionably.

They arrived at the palace ground within minutes—and this time Uki was the first to stand up and slide down Appa's furry tail. Toph was next, already crouching down and touching the stone tiles with spread fingers.

"Well, what do you know. There is an ancient city down there." Toph announced. "But it is deep." She stood back up straight.

With a strong swipe of her arms, the ground grumbled before opening up into a path.

"We should split up." Sokka spoke up after a moment, "Aang, you go with Iroh and Uki to look for Katara and that angry jerk."

Uki frowned at the way he spoke about the firebender—but then again, the last memory they had of him was back in the desert where he nearly burned them to a crips for offering help.

"No offense." He added when he took note of Uki's angry frown and Iroh beside her.

"None taken." Iroh appeased.

"And I'll go with Toph to warn the Earth King of Azula's coup."

Uki nodded and everyone rushed away. The waterbender was pleased to see how much Aang had progressed with his earthbending as he carved away the rocks with easy moves, taking them deeper and deeper int the ground.

Iroh walked beside the avatar, his open palm faced upward, a small contained flame flickering and illuminating the way.

"SO Toph thinks you give pretty good advice." Aang started, breaking the silence. His gaze was shy as he peered at the older man. "And great tea." He added with a smile.

Uki hummed, placing a warm hand on his shoulder and leaning down. "He does—both."

"The key to both is proper aging." Iroh joked—but the words held true wisdom. "What's on your mind."

Aang broke the rocks down further, "Well, I met with this Guru—"

Uki's smile grew at that little snippet of information.

"—who was supposed to help me master the Avatar State." The boy continued, "and control this great power. But to do it, I had to let go of someone I love."

Katara.

Uki's heart broke a little for the young avatar.

"And I just couldn't" He admitted quietly.

"Perfection and power are overrated." Iroh spoke sagely, as they all stopped walking for a moment. "I think you are very wise to choose happiness and love."

Uki nodded in agreement. Wrapping her arm around his shoulder to give him a quick hug. "I'm proud of you Aang. You've accomplished so much in so little time."

"What happens if we can't safe everyone and beat Azula?" He murmured worriedly. "Without the Avatar State, what if I'm not powerful enough?"

"I don't know the answer." Iroh said honestly, "sometimes life is like this dark tunnel. You can't always see the light at the end of the tunnel. But if you just keep moving..."

Iroh had no time to finish his sentence, as with one last push, darkness was blown away by the eery yet awe-inspiring glow of the crystals scattered around the catacomb.

"...you will come to a better place."

THE CATACOMBS WERE LARGE, AND WIDE AND WITHOUT COMMON SENSE. AANG HAD CONTINUED TO BLAST TUNNELS through its structure as they searched for Katara and Zuko.

Smoke billowed around them, but then voices echoed from the other side and a smile erupted from her face.

Aang was the first to clear through the cloud of dust and rock fragments, the first to find Katara as she darted forward. "Aang!"

Uki wafted away the smoke from her face, and met familiar golden eyes at the end. Zuko looked both relieved and...something else. Uki couldn't quite place the sight, but she didn't think much of it.

Instead she pushed herself forward and dove to wrap her arms around him. "You idiot! Fighting Azula on your own." She scolded pushing his chest before wrapping her arms around him again. "I'm glad your are alright." She whispered in his ear.

Then Uki turned around, eyes turning to Katara who looked between her and the firebender with a strange look in her eyes. But Uki just shrugged and grinned at the young waterbender. "Come here." She waved her over.

Katara's blue eyes glistened with tears—they looked like sparkles upon the water of the ocean when the sun hit it just right.

Katara threw herself in her arms. "I'm so glad you're back Uki."

"Me too Katara." She pulled the girl closer.

"Uncle—" Zuko's voice broke through the tranquillity, but it sounded different, almost...angry. "I don't understand. What are you doing with the Avatar."

The accusation filled the air, bitterly.

"Saving you, that's what." Aang replied firmly.

"Zuko..." Uki called out as the boy lunged forward, only to be held back by Iroh.

"Zuko it's time we talked." Iroh spoke firmly before turning to the others. "Go help your other friends."

Aang and Katara nodded, but Uki lingered for a beat. Her ice-coloured eyes meeting Zuko's blazing ones. There was something silent in them, something solemn. Uki felt it press against her skin, against her heart.

"You know what's right Zuko." Her eyes drifting to the cord around his neck. The pendant was hidden beneath his green tunic.

Uki nodded one last time—her heart hammered inside her chest. She had to belief.

Zuko would have to choose his destiny today—it was written in the very air they breathed.

"We'll catch up with you." Iroh called after her.

Uki could only wish it was true.

The tunnel was darker now that Iroh was not there to light the way with his fire as they rushed back the way they had come from. They skidded around a corner, returning to the main catacomb with it's high ceilings and waterways.

"We've gotta find Toph and Sokka." Katara urged worriedly.

A beat—then something strange filled the air.

Aang turned just in time to raise a wall of earth. It splintered the moment lightning made contact with it. Smoke of dust and earth billowed around them and on the other side, with two fingers still outstretched Azula smirked at them.

Katara was the first to move, running along a canal and lifted the water to form into a wave. It flew at Azula with force, forcing the princess to dispel it with a burst of flames.

Steam hissed in the air, covering the princess.

Uki moved immediately into a defensive stance, calling the water to her side. It swirled around her like an infinite loop. A beat passed and then Azula burst from the fog like a hawk-bat from smoke, launching a fireblast straight toward them.

Uki leapt, her body arching gracefully as her arms flung forward. The water shot out in a powerful surge, meeting the flame midair. The collision exploded into steam again, scalding and thick, swallowing their vision.

Azula jumped onto a large jagged pillar of rocks that Aang broke down with a strong push of his arms. The firebender tumbled, but managed to gracefully land between the trio, her arms outstretched, ready to fire at any moment.

Before anyone could make a move, a large jet of fiery flames slammed into the ground— Uki instinctively shielded her face, the burn of it stinging her exposed skin.

Her eyes jumped away from Azula, and latched onto Zuko who stood high above. Her breath caught.

For a moment relief flooded her senses, but that fragile hope shattered when his face twisted in fury and he unleashed a feral cry, hurling flames toward Aang with terrifying force.

The boy barely managed to deflect it, air swirling around him in a shield-like spiral. The blast still hit hard enough to throw him back against a column, crumbling it at the base.

"Zuko..." Uki whispered, disbelief curling inside her like smoke from a dying fire.

Her heart pounded.

Zuko had chosen his fate—and now they stood on opposite sides once more.

She launched forward, sliding into position just as another volley of fireballs tore through the air toward Aang. Without thinking, she called the water from a nearby canal, freezing it mid-flight into sharp, glittering shards of ice that knocked the flames off course.

"Zuko!" she screamed, her voice cracking, thick with hurt. "Why?!"

He didn't answer.

His eyes met hers for a fraction of a second, golden, unreadable—and then narrowed as he sent a direct burst of flames in her direction.

Uki spun, water shielding her body in a tight spiral as she leapt backward. The heat brushed her leg, too close—too real.

"Zuko!" she yelled again, but this time her voice broke completely.

Still, he said nothing.

The flames spoke for him.

Katara launched a stream of water toward Azula, drawing her into a duel of their own across the courtyard. Sparks and mist filled the air, and still, Uki's focus remained tethered to the boy across from her.

Aang rose again from the rubble behind her, groaning as he steadied himself. The Avatar looked between Uki and Zuko, confusion and hurt shadowing his face.

"What's going on?" he asked, breathless.

Uki's voice was flat. Hollow. "He's made his choice."

Aang nodded, compassion in his eyes as he regarded the hurt in her own before jumping up and sending a large gust of wind at Zuko.

The firebender was thrown backwards, landing harshly on the ground.

With a growl, he spun low, the heel of his boot cutting through the air as a swirling wave of fire burst outward. The flames roared toward them like a living beast.

Uki didn't flinch.

She leapt high above the fire, twisting in the air. As she came down, she slammed her foot into the stone with force, calling water from the nearest canal. It surged behind her and snapped forward in a focused jet, icy and precise, aiming straight for Zuko's chest.

He raised both arms, creating a shield of flame to evaporate the water. Steam exploded between them, hissing violently as mist swallowed the courtyard.

Zuko roared, flames spinning around him in a furious arc. Uki countered, freezing the ground at his feet and forcing him to stumble. She rushed forward, using the opening to strike—

—but he caught her wrist mid-swing, his grip tight. Their faces were inches apart.

"Why?" she asked, her voice barely audible over the roar of the battle. "You were free. You were happy."

Zuko's jaw clenched. His eyes flickered with something unspoken, but then he threw her backward with a fiery push, sending her tumbling across the stone.

She hit the ground hard and rolled, breath knocked from her lungs.

Aang intercepted another blast send in her way and Zuko created ropes of fire that danced in the air like whips. The heat felt almost unbearable.

Uki grunted, pushing herself up with her elbows, breath heavy and tired. She watched as a large blast send Aang crashing into the ground. The earth shook with its impact.

Then Zuko turned, swiping an arc of Fire at Katara's stream of water that held Azula captive.

Her heart started racing as the two firebenders turned to the young waterbender.

Uki's pulse thundered in her ears. She didn't think.

She ran.

Feet barely finding purchase on the scorched stone, Uki bolted across the courtyard. Only one thought; Katara. Protect Katara.

Azula's grin curled wider, golden eyes tracking Katara like a predator. Both firebenders turned in tandem, hands raised, flames licking at their fingertips.

Too far— she thought. I won't reach her in time.

But she tried.

Uki dove, shielding Katara's smaller form just as Zuko's fire tore through the air.

It struck her full-on.

The heat exploded across her left side, knocking the breath from her lungs. The world went white with pain. She screamed, sharp, raw, instinctual—as fire licked across her arm and shoulder, her skin searing under the blast.

She collapsed hard beside Katara, the acrid smell of burned cloth and scorched skin surrounding her. The waterbender beside her shouted something. Her name, maybe, but it sounded distant, muffled.

Uki gasped, pain painting stars across her vision.

Her arm was blistered and red, parts of the fabric burned straight through. Katara scrambled beside her, frantically bending water from her flask, but Uki pushed her away. "Watch out!"

Lightning struck between them and the ground exploded, they were both blasted away.

Uki coughed, the room was spinning. Through the haze she noticed Katara battling Zuko again, and Aang stood further away, his clothes singed and dirtied. Azula looked perfect and unharmed across from the airbender. It made her grit her teeth in anger.

The light from Azula's flames was blinding and scorching. With a heaviness in her body, Uki tried to push herself up, but the pain that flared through her left arm was blinding.

She clenched her jaw and pushed through the pain. She staggered to her feet just as Aang was blasted into a wall. Both Azula and Zuko had turned to Katra again. One sharp blast send the young waterbender to the ground close to Uki.

Then they turned to her again.

Uki noticed Zuko gaze flicker to her side, the burns that crawled up her left arm and then latched onto her eyes.

And for one heartbeat, everything else fell away; the noise, the fire, the smoke. It was just them. Standing on opposite sides of a chasm. Her expression was torn, equal parts defiance and heartbreak. Enemies once more.

Uki did her best to fall into a defensive position, but her left side was practically useless.

Azula moved first. Striking at her with her blue flames.

Uki flinched back, raising a hasty wall of water that barely absorbed the brunt of it. The heat still stung her raw skin, forcing a cry from her lips.

But then an explosion echoed from close by, crystals and rocks collapsing in a heap below on the ground as Aang sprang forward, the ground broke and shook beneath him as he slammed his hands down on the ground.

He rode a wave of stone, face gleaming with determination.

Hope rose in her chest again, but it was quickly smashed to smithereens as a Dai Li agent appeared and knocked Aang over. More Dai Li agents appeared from all kind of crevices. Hundred men strong it seemed.

"There's too many." Uki heard Aang whisper. "I'm sorry Katara."

Uki frowned, unsure of what the avatar meant. She watched as a dome of crystals covered him. A moment passed and bright light erupted from the inside before bursting open. A shockwave followed.

Uki shielded her eyes with her arm as broken pieces were send flying. She blinked open her eyes to see Aang hovering high in the air, his eyes and tattoos glowing.

The Avatar State.

A small spark of hope lighted in her heart, but then her eyes fell on Azula. The girl wore a smirk of triumph. Then before Uki could blink, lightning shot from the fingertips of the firebender.

"No!"

Aang fell down lifeless, Katara who had been close by, barely caught him in her arms before he could crash into the earth. Uki pushed herself up and rushed to their side in worry.

Katara was cradling Aang in her arms, tears were streaming down her face. Uki stood before them, protective despite the pain that flared through her.

A wall of flames sliced between them, separating Aang, Katara and Uki from Azula and Zuko. Uki's head snapped sideways to find Iroh appearing.

"You got to get out of here." Iroh instructed, standing in front of Uki.

"Iroh..."

His gaze flickered to her for a moment, taking in the burns on her arm and the look of pain in her eyes and then to Aang and Katara.

"I'll hold them off as long as I can.."

Uki nodded solemnly, helping Katara gather Aang and pulling him up. Together they created a spiral of water that carried them upwards and away.

Uki did not look back at Zuko.

If she did, her heart would truly break.

⋆⋅ ━━━━ ‧ ༻✩༺ ‧ ━━━━ ⋅⋆
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AND THE BETRAYAL HAS HAPPENED. My poor bby Uki. I am so sorry for putting you through this, guess he did burn you in the end, metaphorically and literally. He has got so much grovelling to do in book three. I have so much cool plans for book/season 3 which I am very excited for. More will be revealed about Atka and Uki's tasks as Spiritual Guide. Plus Uki is gonna be so badass as always. I also am excited to write her with the gAang again heheh.

Please let me know your thoughts about this chapter and what you guys are looking forward to in the next act!