now or never || an atla fanfic

𝔪𝔦𝔰𝔰𝔦𝔬𝔫 𝐈𝐈 𝔠𝔬𝔫𝔱𝔦𝔫𝔲𝔢𝔡

The taste of gravel and dust had coated her mouth as she sat up, searching the area for the rest of their friends. Her throat was so dry that it itched, and she wanted nothing more than to go back home and sleep in her bed.

Suki could hardly remember what happened once they were separated--heck, she didn't even know if she was alone or not. She heard the footsteps of dozens of Dai Li Agents receding in the distance--leaving them with one less problem.

Unfortunately, the other problem left was Azula, who happened to be locked in a furious battle with her elder brother. The princess ducked, dodging another wave of fire sent from the prince, as they ping ponged between each other, showing no signs of defeat.

The temperature of the room rose with each wave of attack, a degree hotter than the next.

Behind the pair of siblings, Mai and Ty Lee stood, one leaning against the wall while brandishing her knives with a typical blank stare. If she was confused, she didn't show it. Ty Lee folded her arms, concerned for the Fire Nation princess.

"I want you to join me," Azula called out. "We need your help to overthrow the Earth Kingdom!"

"Um, I don't think that was part of the script," Ty Lee chirped, turning to Mai, who nodded in return.

Zuko sneered, sending a wave of fire in her direction. "Like I'd ever help you. You're just another one of father's puppets," he shot back.

Azula froze at her brother's words, hitting her harder than the countless blows of fire thrown at her.

A puppet?

Her fingers buzzed, the familiar spark of lightning gathering in her hands, preparing to end this all with one strike.

Then the avatar would be next.

She gathered all her emotions, her hate and distrust of her brother, the golden boy, the center of attention, the one that soaked up all of their mother's love. His banishment wasn't enough for her--he needed to be removed--permanently.

Somewhere amongst the pile of rocks and debris, Sokka's head perked up, coughing aggressively.

Suki stood up immediately, starting to head towards him when she saw Ty Lee running towards them in her peripheral vision. She pivoted on her heels, grabbing Ty Lee's hand and sharply twisting it while simultaneously kicking her in the kneecaps.

Ty Lee stumbled to the ground, and Suki nearly turned back to Sokka before seeing one of Mai's knives shoot just past her.

I can't catch a break here, can I?

Ty Lee zeroed in on her, attempting to hit one of her joints to block her chi. Suki already predicted every move, narrowly dodging each one.

The Fire Nation princess raised her right hand, two fingers pointed straight ahead. Her amber eyes flickered to Sokka, who was lying on the ground several feet behind Zuko.

She could end this all with one strike. Azula pointed her fingers, ready to direct it to the already immobilized Water Tribe prince.

Suki's eyes followed Azula's line of gaze, her eyes widening in realization.

"Sokka!" Suki shrieked, planting her fist directly in Ty Lee's stomach to push her away, stealing the element of surprise to knock her off her feet.

"What? Are you scared?" Zuko taunted, holding his hands up.

Azula moved her fingers just a fraction, ready to deliver the final blow upon Zuko instead. But before she could, a small dagger grazed the side of her cheek, and then another lodged in her stomach.