Chapter Text
Ozai kept his eyes peeled on the blacken sky. Thunder clouds from the east rolled in bringing biting wind with them. Still, Ozai remained at his post undeterred. He’ll spot one soon enough.
“Still at it, Zai-Zai?”
"Stop calling me that! I'm 16 for Agni's sake!" Ozai hissed.
"Aww but you're still my baby brother!" Iroh hugged him. Ozai groaned frustratedly and shoved him off.
“I'm telling you there are more dragons out there!”
"Impossible. The Phoenix Clan did a full sweep from sea to sea. Nothing's left. If there was, we would have already found it.”
Ozai remained silent.
“Hello? Earth to Zai-Zai!” Iroh snatched his telescope.
“GIVE THAT BACK!!!”
“I know you wanna be like you awesome big brother but that time has passed.” Iroh dangled the telescope in front of him. “Hate to break it to you, but you're going to have to find a new hobby."
“I don’t want to be like you!" Ozai spat as snatched it back. “I’m going to be better.”
“And how do you plan on accomplishing that with no dragons left? Switch to deer hunting perhaps? Bunnies? Oh Father would love that." Iroh's voice dripped in sarcasm. "I can see it now. Son of the Great Dragon Hunter Azulon now pursues dainty forest creatures!”
Ozai angrily punched him causing Iroh to laugh.
“Shut up! I’ll kill the actual last dragon! It’s out there.” Ozai pointed to his computer screen. “See. The heat signatures are getting closer. And look how big they are. Only a dragon can make that.”
“Or a small plane.” Iroh shrugged.
“It’s a dragon!!!”
“Sure.” Iroh chuckled. “Just don’t break Dad’s stuff. You know he hates it when you play with it.”
He ruffled Ozai’s hair before heading back inside. Ozai hissed again. Stupid Iroh. He wasn’t a useless child anymore! He’ll prove once and for all that he’s worthy of the Phoenix’s crest.
The monitor suddenly glowed bright orange. Seconds later, a fiery figure streaked across the sky. Ozai gasped. He quickly grabbed the net launcher and heaved it over his shoulder. Through the spy glass, he could make out its sleek red figure and large wings. A fire dragon! Ozai racked his brain about what he read on the creature. Juvenile judging from the size. Attacks specialize in long range fire breath, acid spit, and disembowelment by claws.
Kill on sight.
Ozai took a deep breath then fired.
The impact knocked him back. Ozai scrambled to his feet just in time to see the dragon hurl out of control and crash land in the forest. Ozai’s jaw dropped.
“I did it…” He whispered. “I did it! I killed a dragon!”
Ozai ran inside calling for his family. “Father! Iroh! Wake up! I killed a dragon! Just now!”
“Do you know what hour it is?!” Iroh hissed.
Ozai gave him a smug look. “I told you. There was another dragon out there and I just killed it!”
"It was humoring earlier but you've gone too far. Just go to bed already."
"Iroh I'm serious! It was a fire dragon and it crashed in the west forest." Ozai started for the door. "If we hurry we can-"
“OZAI!”
He spun around excitedly. “Father! I killed a-“
Azulon stuck hard him across the face. “Enough! And what did I tell you about touching my equipment?!”
Ozai held back the angry tears. “There’s a dragon-“
“Oh? Then where is hide and skull to add to the collection? You’re still so clean and fresh. Are you certain there was a battle?”
Ozai tighten his fists. Azulon snatched the net launcher away.
“Children should not touch these.”
“You let Iroh when he was my age.”
“Iroh was a hunter at your age. You are useless brat still playing pretend!” Azulon spat. “Go to bed!"
Ozai gritted his teeth. Ignoring Iroh’s warnings, he grabbed a sword off the wall and ran outside. He knew what he saw. And he will have his prize.
~*~
Rainwater seeped into his worn booths as he trudged through the thick forest. It wasn’t hard to find where the dragon landed. There was a path of burned and broken trees that lead to a small crater. Scattered fires lined the way and the air became warmer the closer he got.
Ozai clutched the sword and braced himself. The skull and the hide. That’s all he needed.
His hands shook.
No. He can do this.
Ozai took a deep breath then charged with a mighty battle cry. Before him, was the dragon in human form hopelessly entangled in a net. Horns peaked from her messy hair and red scales lining her bare body that faded into a tail with the same ruby hue. She growled and bared sharp teeth as he drew closer. On instinct, Ozai raised his blade; prepared to drive it into the creature’s heart.
Lightning flashed, illuminating her silted golden eyes. Ozai faltered. Those were not the eyes of a bloodthirsty demon. They were wide and glassy and... scared. Ozai’s hands trembled. Isn't this what he dreamed and worked so hard for? What he waited his whole life for? So why...?
The dragon let out a pained whimper as she stared right through him.
He... He couldn't...
In one quick motion, Ozai cut through the net. The dragon girl pulled herself free; wincing at the cuts the wires left. She lingered for the briefest moment watching him before disappearing into the forest. Ozai fell to his knees.
He really was useless.
~*~
Ozai didn’t know why he came back the next morning. Maybe because he couldn't sleep a wink all night. Or maybe to prove to himself that he was brave enough to carry out the task this time. If Father or Iroh knew what he did, how he freed a dragon of all things, they’ll probably throw him to the streets.
He couldn’t be blamed though. Ozai’s never seen a dragon in human form look so… raw. They were monsters even while masquerading as humans. A gross mockery of humanity in every way; yet this girl…
No. Stop calling it a girl.
It was a dragon. A demon.
It needed to die.
Ozai found the crater. Leading from it were footsteps still fresh from last night’s storm. Something dragged along after it. The dragon's leg was injured. Ozai pulled out his sword and followed it. He’ll succeed this time.
He soon came across a river. The dragon rested at the bank clawing at her leg. From his position, Ozai could see the net’s metal balls wrapped tightly around her ankle. Now would be the perfect time to strike from behind. Ozai stood but made no move to go further. It was like he was frozen in time. He knew what he had to do, but it felt so wrong.
The dragon stopped clawing at her leg. Her pointed ear tilted back before she turned around to face him. Ozai flinched at the sudden eye contact then braced himself. Dragons can still be dangerous while in human form.
“You. Why did you save me?”
Ozai gasped. “Y-You can talk…?”
“Of course I can talk! We’re not mindless beasts, you know!”
“But… the texts say dragons only exist to kill! Nothing else matters to them. Only power and death.”
The dragon huffed. “I can say the same about humans.”
Ozai bristled. “That’s not fair! You dragons attacked our homes and burn our crops!”
“You humans poison our lands and wipe out our kind!” She shot back. “Yet, we’re the problem?!”
“You’re a threat! You deserve to die!”
“Then kill me!” She bared her teeth. “Like you did my mother! Like you did with everyone!”
The wind was knocked out of Ozai’s lungs. “Y-Your mother…?”
Heavy tears rolled down her face. “Do you have any idea what you humans put us through?! There’s no one left! They’re all dead!!!” The dragon buried her face in her clawed hands and wept.
Ozai felt lightheaded as the realization crushed him. All this time he thought dragons were mindless beasts uncapable of emotions or love.
“I’m sorry-“
“Shut up!” The dragon spat. “Kill me or leave!!!”
Ozai stuck his sword in the ground then approached the dragon. He had to know more. She spun around and growled lowly; prepared to pounce at any given second. Ozai raise his hands in surrender as he knelt down.
“I’m not going to hurt you. I…I lost my mother too. She died during a dragon fight.”
The dragon's expression grew somber. She looked like she was about to cry again. She quickly steeled herself when Ozai sat down on the river bank. "I thought joining the clan and becoming a hunter would avenge her and make my father... I don't know... proud of me, I guess."
"Then why didn't you kill me last night?"
Ozai glanced away. “I don’t know…”
“I think you do.” She said softly.
Ozai swallowed. “Because… you were scared.” He looked up at her. “Like me.”
Her eyes became glassy again. She quickly turned her attention to massaging her entrapped ankle. Guilt surged through Ozai.
"Here let me-" He reached for her ankle, making her flinch. "I'm just going to remove the net."
The dragon studied him a moment before giving in. Ozai pulled out his dagger and cut through the wires. Mangled red flesh was left behind. Ozai's stomach knotted.
“I-I’ll get you some medicine.”
“You've done enough. I already owe you for sparing my life. I don't need more debt or pity.”
“It’s not pity! I owe it to you for injuring you.”
The dragon hissed. “What makes you think I’ll still be here when you return?”
“I doubt you can walk anywhere on that leg, much less transform.”
She gave Ozai a dirty look, proving him right. Ozai stood.
“I’ll be back within the hour.”
The dragon scoffed and crossed her arms. Ozai grabbed his sword then ran back home. Thankfully, Father and Iroh had already left for the day. Ozai grabbed a bag and filled it with first aid supplies, medicine, food, and a blanket. When he returned, the dragon was still there.
She was surprised but quickly played it off. Ozai paid no mind as he treated her ankle.
“There. All done.”
He lifted his head then froze; suddenly realizing how close they were. The sun had risen more Ozai could really see her clearly.
Spirts. She was beautiful.
Even while dirt and filth covered most of her bare body, something about her was... otherworldly. The way the sunlight reflected her red scales. Her expressive sunlit eyes and long brown hair. Ozai didn't notice his eyes wandering further down.
"Shameless perv."
He jerked his head away. "No! I-I... I was...uh..."
The dragon smirked at his flustered state.
"Urgh here!" Ozai tossed her the blanket. "I swear you're worse than Iroh!"
"I'll take that as a compliment." The dragon said while wrapping herself in the blanket. She then sighed. “Now I owe you two things.”
Ozai flushed. “You don't have to-”
“What are you called? Or shall I just call you Shameless perv from now on?”
“I have a name! It's Ozai.” He cleared his throat. “Uh, do you have one? A name?”
“Ursa.”
Ozai lifted his head amazed. "Like the constellation?"
Ursa nodded. "And yours like the sacred flame?"
Ozai's mouth went dry. "Y-Yes."
A small smile grew on her face. "Still a shameless prev."
~*~
Ozai returned to the river every day.
It took some time for Ursa to heal fully. Much to his surprise he really enjoyed being in her company. Ursa was smart, witty, charming, and everything he was taught dragons wasn’t. Ozai also learned a lot from her.
“That never happened.” Ursa said as he showed one of the textbooks. “Dragons don’t eat entire villages. We don’t even hunt humans. It’s taboo.”
“What about burning crops?”
Ursa shook her head. “Dragons are elusive beings. We don’t seek out human villages. Merely stand guard of those that spring up in our land.”
“Stand guard?”
Ursa drew in the dirt. “A long time ago, Agni appointed the first dragons to watch over the Elder Spirits’ newest creation. Humans.”
Ozai gaped at her.
“Or at least, that’s what my mother told me.” She added quickly.
Ozai flipped to the back of the textbook and jotted down the new information. "What else do you know?"
Ursa gave him a surprised look before growing excited. "There are many types of dragons. But the largest and oldest species are fire dragons."
~*~
"You seem different."
Ozai rolled his eyes at his brother. "Could you be a little vaguer please?"
"I haven't heard a peep about dragon hunting in weeks."
"So?"
"So, you're not one to give up on something you set your mind to."
"Well maybe I did. Maybe it's a good thing we stopped hunting them!"
"Don't you dare let father hear that. People are already starting to lose respect for the Clan."
"Duh I'm not stupid! Outta the way!" Ozai brushed past him.
"So if it's not dragons, is it a girl?"
Ozai stopped dead in tracks. Iroh gasped.
"It is?! It's Raika isn't it?! She's had eyes on you since grade school!"
Ozai cringed. "...Yes?"
"Oh Zai-Zai this is wonderful! I may become an uncle yet!"
"Well you already have the annoying relative part down. Don't follow me!"
Ozai ran out the door before Iroh could make anymore jabs. He didn't stop until he was under the cover of the forest. Ozai let out a sigh of relief. He needed to be more careful. After a brief walk, he arrived to the river bank. Ursa stood on top of a boulder with her face towards the sun.
“It’s time.” She announced. “I’m ready to fly.”
Ozai swallowed. “Are you sure?”
Ursa gave him a firm nod. “The sunlight will hide my color. No one will see.”
“Alright.” He glanced towards the direction of his house. “Just not here-“
A bright light filled the area. When it cleared, a large ruby dragon stood in its place. Ozai gaped in complete awe. Ursa spread her wings then took off with a large gust of wind.
“Ursa!!!”
Ozai couldn’t help but smile at her up there. She was aching to return to the sky so badly. His heart suddenly pricked. It would be time to say goodbye soon. His thoughts were interrupted by Ursa landing. She lowered herself and motion for Ozai to climb on.
“Are you crazy?!”
Ursa exhaled smoke through her nose.
“I’m not riding you. That’s insane!”
Ursa gave him an amused look. Ozai huffed.
“I know what you’re doing. It’s not going to wor-“
He was suddenly tossed in the air then landed on Ursa’s neck. Ozai grabbed her horns as she took off.
“URSAAA!!! PUT ME DOWN YOU CRAZY LIZARD!!!”
The dragon rumbled in laughter. Ozai held on for dear life as they rose higher and higher. He soon felt the warm sun on his face. Ozai cracked open his eyes and saw the landscape open before him.
It was incredible!
Ursa gave him a smug side eye as Ozai laughed in disbelief. She then dove and did all sort of flips and tricks. Ozai’s hair was a wild windblown mess when they finally returned to the ground.
“You crazy lizard. You nearly killed me.” Ozai grinned.
Ursa shifted back human then smirked at him. “Admit it. You loved it.”
He took a step closer. “Hated every second.”
“Oh really? That’s why you were cheering so loud?”
“I’m surprised you noticed with all those fancy moves you were showing off.”
Ursa laugh. “Fancy huh?”
“For you.”
“Please, I’m the best dragon you’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing.”
Ozai’s eyes soften. “You are.”
Ursa’s stomach fluttered. Whatever witty comeback she had died on her lips. Instead, the two leaned closer and closer; lips aching to embrace. Ursa’s ear pricked up. Before any of them could react, she was thrown back by a wired net.
“URSA!” Ozai cried.
He rushed over to try and detangled her. The wires immediately cut his bare hands.
“Ozai.” Azulon emerged from the foliage carrying the gun and weapons with Iroh close behind. “Step away from that demon.”
“What are you doing here?!”
"You dropped one of your notebooks. I followed you to return it when I saw that." Iroh pointed his gun at Ursa with a hardness Ozai's never seen on him.
"I told you not to follow!"
"Seems you were right about one remaining. Well done.” Azulon tossed him a sword. “Do the honors. Finish it and you'll be a true dragon hunter.”
Ozai gripped the handle until his knuckles turned white. He waited for this moment his whole life. Ozai knew what he had to do. He turn towards Ursa and raised the blade.
“O-Ozai...?" Her voice cracked.
Heartbroken tears rolled down Ursa's face. She should have known it was all a rouze. Yet, she stupidly fell for it.
For him.
Ozai brought down the sword and sliced the wires in half. Ursa gasped. His eyes met hers for the briefest moment. Ursa immediately understood. Acting with precise speed, she created a fire barrier in front of the two men then transformed and escaped; narrowly dodging the gunfire. Ozai leapt through the fire and shoved Iroh’s gun throwing his aim off. Iroh roughly shoved him to the ground.
“What in Agni’s name do you think you’re doing?!”
Azulon swore. “It’s out of range! Iroh get the canon from the truck!”
“NO!” Ozai blocked their path. “I won’t let you hurt her!!!”
Azulon pointed the gun right at Ozai’s head. “Move boy.”
"Father!" Iroh exclaimed.
Ozai stood his ground. “We were wrong about the dragons! They’re not mindless beasts or demons! They just want to be left alone!”
“Are you insane?! Have you forgotten what they did to your mother?!"
“That demon has corrupted you! Don’t believe her lies, Zai-Zai!”
“I haven't forgotten! And they’re not lies! Think about it! Why are all the texts written by one person?! Why hasn’t there been a dragon attack in decades?! It’s all propaganda!”
“SILENCE!”
Azulon fired. Warm liquids ran down Ozai’s face. He brought a hand to his cheek. It came back red.
“The next one right through your brain.”
Ozai faltered. “Father…”
Azulon glared coldly at Ozai.
“Iroh…?”
He merely turned his head, ashamed. “Just move Ozai.”
Ozai gritted his teeth. “No.”
Azulon’s frown deepened. “Then you are no longer my son.” He reloaded the gun and aimed.
Ozai's eyes widen. He wouldn't.
Azulon and Iroh suddenly pointed their guns upwards and fired. A mighty roar knocked all of them off balance. Ozai was yanked up then thrown into the air for a brief terrifying moment. He landed on Ursa’s neck and grabbed her horns as she rapidly ascended into the sky. Azulon and Iroh opened fire but they were already out of range.
"You... You came back for me..."
Ursa closed her eyes and dipped her head. Ozai's eyes burn. He glanced back watched the only home he’d ever known disappear. Ursa let out a sad groan. Ozai rested his head against her neck as tears finally escaped.
“I guess that makes us even.”