Naya and the Last Airbender

x. The Southern Raiders

          THE PAST few days, while still consisting of tons of training, were more relaxing than usual. The birds happily sang their morning song, causing Aang and me to wake. Everyone else was gathered around the campfire, still asleep.

"Good morning," Aang said to me, as soon as the birds began to part from the fountain.

For a moment, I glanced at him with a smile. But then, someone was launched into the blue sky, right at the plaza. My eyes widened as Aang was able to redirect it upwards, just before the bomb hit the ground. It exploded above us, causing me to scream and the rest of my friends to wake up.

Three Fire Nation airships came into view. Before they could unleash the bombs on us tenfold, Aang air bent the plaza doors closed, giving us protection for only a few moments.

"Naya, watch out!" Zuko gasped and tackled me to the ground.

I blinked, trying to process what was happening. Part of the ceiling came crashing down next to us. I glanced at the Prince, who was already examining my face and looked away with a blush.

"I'm okay Zuko," I said, climbing to my feet and trying to get away from the Prince.

"I was just trying to help," he said quickly, but I ran away before either of us could say another word.

Toph and Haru soon created a giant passageway through the wall. "Come on, we can get out through here," Toph told.

Everyone ran forward, heading towards the tunnel. Aang and I struggled to get our animals into the tunnels. I looked ahead, only to see Zuko facing the canyon.

"Zuko, what are you doing?" I shouted at him.

"Go ahead, I'll hold them off. I think this is a family visit," Zuko said.

"Zuko, no!" Aang and I shouted simultaneously. This was not the time for heroics. Zuko would never be able to defeat Azula in this setting, so the best thing all of us could do was flee.

Sokka and Katara rushed to our sides, noticing our hesitation.

"Come on, we've got to get out of here," Sokka said. He helped me pull Bonbi's reigns, while Katara helped out Aang. 

The plaza doors collapsed in front of us, and Zuko took the opening to hop the ruins and dart towards his sister. More bombs were sent his way, but he was able to maneuver past them.

Meanwhile, the four of us struggled tremendously against the giant animals that pulled against us. Appa and Bonbi would much rather stay by the bombs than go into the dark tunnel, especially after what happened while we were heading to Omashu.

"Aang, Naya, there's no way we can fly out of here," Katara warned.

"We'll have to find a way," Aang said.

"We need to split up," Sokka told. He ran towards the others. "Take the tunnel and get to the stolen airship."

Katara's eyes widened. "No. The Fire Nation can't separate our family again," she protested.

Hakoda placed a firm hand on her shoulder. "It'll be okay. It's not forever," he reassured.

I knew Katara was not happy with our options, but she gave a curt nod at him anyways. Her father embraced her one last time, for the time being. Hakoda looked over at me and send a nod, which I happened to return.

I hopped onto the Bonbi, and Aang and the others mounted on Appa.

"I can clear that away and we can fly out through there," Toph said as she got on the saddle.