The Stone Cold Bender *ATLA Fanfic*

*Chapter 10*The Winter Solstice*

We had left Chip on the boat so that he wouldn't get hurt, also so that I can't free him and go with Team Avatar... Yeah, mainly the second one. Zuko and I are currently hiding behind a pillar at the top of the temple, as the fire sages open the chamber.

"Now, Aang!" One of the five fire sages says as he holds another one down.

"Aang, now's your chance!" Katara exclaims from where she sits, holding down another sage.

Zuko steps out from behind the pillar, holding Aangs arms behind his back. "The Avatar's coming with me." The prince states. The sages take Team Avatar's shock as the opportunity to turn the tables and grab ahold of the team.

"Close the doors, quickly!" Zuko orders. I stay hidden behind the pillar, not wanting anyone to see me in fear they'll hate me for being 'aligned' with the Fire Nation.

The sages' chain Sokka and Katara to the pillar next to mine. I see Aang look back to his friends and I try and stay out of his sight line.

Aang maneuvers his way out of Zuko's grip. He then uses his airbending to kick the prince down the stairs.

Aang starts running to his friends before Katara shouts for him to go into the room. He changes direction and speeds to the closing door, just barely making it.

"He made it." Katara smiles. As she finishes her statement, a bright blue light shines from the room. "Wow." I mutter. And just as soon it was there, the light is gone.

Zuko comes stomping back up the stairs. Once back up he and sages (minus the one that helped Aang) shot fire at the five dragon heads on the door. Smoak seeps out of the cracks but it doesn't open. "Why isn't it working? It's sealed shut." Zuko questions angerly.

'I believe you just answered your own question.' I deadpan.

"It must have been the light." One of the sages suggest. "Avatar Roku doesn't want us inside." He continues.

Unable to get in, Zuko moves onto something else. He turns to the 'traitor' sage, who is tied up. "Why did you help the Avatar?" He interrogates.

"Because it was once the sage's duty. It is still our duty." The sage replies, unfazed by Zuko's anger.

Everyone's attention is redirected to the sound of clapping. Walking towards us is Commander Zhao with several soldiers behind him. 'Shit! He followed us.'

"What a moving heartfelt performance. I'm certain the Fire Lord will understand when you explain why you betrayed him." Zhao smirks.

"Commander Zhao." One of the sages bow in respect.

"And Prince Zuko. It was a noble effort, but your little smokescreen didn't work." He states, his voice low and threating. "Two traitors in one day. The Fire lord will please." He smiles curtly.

One of the soldiers come up behind Zuko, grabbing his arms and holding behind his back. "You're too late, Zhao!" Zuko growls. "The Avatar's inside, and the doors are sealed."

Zhao unfazed, continues. "No matter. Sooner or later, he has to come out."

The water tribe siblings look at each other nervously. I share this feeling. While yes, I am with Zuko. I rather Aang stay out of both his and Zhao's hands.

One of the men standing beside the Commander, turns his head in my direction. 'Did I make a sound?' I think panicked. Much to my relief, he turns his head back to his Commander.

The soldier holding Zuko and another are ordered to chain the prince to a pillar, luckily not the one I am hidden behind. After he is chained, I look in his direction and we make eye contact. He glares at me while I give a sheepish smile. He looks away before anyone can catch on that there is another person.