Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

I KNOW THIS ISNT THE ACTUALLY FIC BUT PLEASE READ!!!!!

 

Hi!!!!!!!! Welcome to my fic!!!!!! Thank you for clicking on this, but be warned: I’ve got a vague idea of what I’m doing, my only guideline is the transcripts for the episodes, this is my first fic ever, I’m AuDHD so updates are random, so please be kind!!!!

If you’re still here, great!!! Welcome to my little slice of the internet!!!!! I’m really excited to put this out for you guys cause I really need to get this out of my system!!!!! I absolutely love Zuko and Zukka and the whole sun blessed and dragon Zuko has been eating away at my brain and perusal I committed to this off of impulse.

Also this is a hate free zone, if you have an opinions I’d love to hear them but please don’t be mean about it to me or anyone else ok? Constructive criticism is really really appreciated!!

With that all out of the way, buckle up for a wild ride and enjoy!!!!!!!!

 

Explanation:

 

(I’m sorry I have a mad habit of over explaining things!)

 

Kind of what Zuko’s blessing did for him:

It saved his life (duh) but I feel like if the Spirts are like gods of the ATLA universe, then shouldn’t their blessed ones be more akin to Demigods from Percy Jackson? Especially if it was one of the major spirits that blessed someone. If the blessed person wasn’t a bender I think they would be equivalent to Athena’s kids. In my fic, spirt blessed that are born non-benders will have no apparent powers, but their body heals faster, their faster, stronger, have better senses and smarter then the average human. For the sake of ATLA, they’ll be able to enter the spirt world, see/communicate with spirits, and be more connected to whatever element or place their spirt is connected too. If they’re a bender, all listed for non-bending would apply, but their bending becomes more powerful depending on the power of the spirt and they can pick up bending quicker. They will be able to hone the ancient and original ways of their respective bending much faster, almost naturally, but have trouble with modern bending if said modern bending isn’t based off the old ways. Depending on how detached the modern bending is to the original bending, the more the spirt blessed will struggle.

For physical appearance, I feel like cannon Yue should have gotten more than white hair, especially since she was blessed by one of the oldest and most powerful sprits. Zuko being blessed by Agni will be on similar terms with Yue. They’ll have this “fight or flight” mode that when they’re pushed into a situation of great emotional distress, experiencing very strong emotions (anger, sadness, sometimes joy etc.), in active danger, in the spirt world or heavily wounded, their blessing will shine through. If they’re heavily injured it’s so the blessing can heal them but if it’s the panic or distress situation, it’s for 1. Intimation, kind of like saying “yeah you better fear me I’ve been blessed by Tui and La” 2. Being pushed in this state increases senses, strength, speed and bending and 3. If the spirt blessed revolves around an element it can make any benders of that element a bit stronger.

 

I am actually going to make Yue blessed by the ocean spirit in this fic. Instead of white hair she’s going to have ombré blue, darkest blue at the roots and continuously fade to lighter blues till it turns white for the sea foam. If Yue were pushed into fight-or-flight, (in this fic) her finger tips would start glowing blue and her hair and eyes would glow along with them, the ends of her hair would float and turn into water, a crown made of ice and water will appear glowing in her hair, a wave marking will appear over her eye and she would become incredibly cold to the touch. Touching her might give you frostbite. Her blessing makes her more energized at night.

 

For Zuko, instead of having full-on blond hair, his hair will start its normal black till the halfway point before fading then to golds, yellows, oranges to little reds and pinks at the end like flames to cinders (Ozia made him dye it to the best he could to over it up). When Zuko is pushed into the “fight or flight” survival mode, his fingertips will start glowing an orange/gold/yellow, a sun marking will appear over his eye, his hair will start glowing and floating,  the ends will turn into actual flames, his eyes (which constantly change different warm colors like fire) would glow, a sun shaped crown would appear wrapping around his head. Touching him while in this mode would get you at least a second degree burn. He gets much more energized in the morning and during the day. Oh, and Ozai forced Zuko to die his hair as a kid the best they could. He stopped dying it after he was banished, the dye came out pretty quick cause they didn’t really have his dye back then.

 

This fight or flight appearance showing up when they’re in the spirt world is the equivalent of Aang’s tattoos glowing when he goes into the spirt world, it just happens. Zuko will eventually be able to control when his blessing shines through and be able to do it on command but that’s not till book three.

 

 

When Zuko and Yue are in fight-or-flight mode, they can take little pieces out of their head pieces without breaking the head piece and give it to people, like a token of trust giving a shred of spiritual energy. The light that Zuko and Yue pull from their head piece can manifest a physical form of their choice, and only they can do that. No one can try to take some of the blessing without getting burned or frostbite.

 

Here’s like a time line of major events in Zuko’s life as well as an overview of Zuko’s relationships with other characters:

Azula: Zuko and Azula go wayyyyyyy off cannon in this. Instead of being at each other’s throats all the time, they actually really understood each other and are the family they have to one another. They acted like friends around other people but assumed cannon personalities around Ozai and other nobles. They are the sibling duo. If these two are working together on anything you might as well admit defeat cause there’s no way in hell you’re going to win against these two. Azula always did what she was told she had to do and that was becoming a carbon copy of her father, she never realized that Ozai was abusive or a bad man until Zuko got burned, so she truly believed that the way Ozai acted (like a lying asshole) was how you were supposed to act. Azula was never physically harmed by Ozai, but was mentally abused and had so much pressure on her. Zuko understood that Ozai was a piece of shit and always protected Azula from Ozai’s abuse for as long as he could. He also understood that Azula didn’t know any better then to become a carbon copy of her father so he tired his best to teach her the difference between just and unjust, right and wrong, polite way to great people and be around people, to greet all people as equal and use manners, be kind, all that good stuff. In turn, Azula ran katas with Zuko to help him get better. Despite this, Zuko still struggled modern firebending because it wasn’t the way it was supposed to be and all wrong compared to the original firebending (he was still very advanced to the average firebender though). Azula never saw Zuko as weak or less compared to her, she really looked up to him. Their favorite things to do together was practicing breathing exercises via playing a wind instruments (the tsungi horn for Zuko and the flute for Azula), feeding the turtle ducks, running around the places and discovering all the hiding spots and secret passageways. When they snuck into town, Zuko would give Azula piggy back rides through the market, Zuko would buy a bunch of different street food snacks for them to try that was considered “peasant food” and wasn’t allowed to be served at the palace, they would feed the turtle ducks at the community park, explore abandoned tunnels and haunted houses, play Pai Sho with the older villagers at the park, and watch street performers and puppet shows. Azula is still quick witted and sassy, but there’s no real harm behind it all.

 

Mai and Ty Lee: They were Zuko’s other little sisters. It took him a week and a half to fully accept them into his little family. They met Azula young and when they were introduced to Zuko, he actually accepted them, took into account what they wanted and how they felt, and truly made them feel seen whereas previously, they were both looked over. Zuko paid attention to them just as much as he did to Azula which was the deal sealer for Mai and Ty Lee. They quickly joined the little city runs that the Fire siblings did, joined in all their activities, and were even shown all the good hiding places of the palace. The only condition that Zuko ever had was that they treat everyone as equals and be polite to all the servants. Mai and Ty Lee, much like Azula, didn’t know about Ozai’s abuse until the Agni Kai. Mai doesn’t have a nickname cause hers is short enough, but Ty Lee goes by “Ty” often and sometimes “Lee”. Zuko often calls Mai “Mai-Mai” (meaning “little sister” in Chinese) much to Mai’s adoration

Lu Ten: Was legitimately the older sibling of Azula and Zuko. He spent a lot of time around the fire siblings and really loved them, he loved them back. He had a ten year age gap with Zuko and a 12 year gap with Azula but he stilled played and loved them. He was the one that showed Zuko how to be a big bother. He was also oblivious to Ozai’s abuses and never found out about it. He died when Zuko was seven and he was 17. His nickname was Ten Ten, Zuko’s was Zuzu, and Azula’s was ‘Zula.

Ursa: Obviously Zuko and Azula’s mom. She was much more wary of Azula because Azula was the carbon copy of her father that Azula thought she was supposed to be when no one told her otherwise. Ursa didn’t teach Azula that that was wrong, but instead poured almost all her attention onto Zuko. She was the one to introduce him to theater. Unfortunately, as time went on, especially after Azula was born Ursa’s mental state really took a nose dive. She was so stressed and scared from Ozai’s abuse and became so scared of him that when Azula and Zuko started hanging out more often and Ursa could never spend time alone with her son anymore without the looming shadow of Ozai and Azula, she kind of lost it. Ozai was hurting Zuko too and that caused her to deteriorate slowly. Azula thought that her mom’s decreasing mental state ment she hated Azula. Ursa would often space out for hours at a time or seem completely out of it especially after Ozai would hurt her. She was almost completely gone by the time she’d left.

Master Piandao: Started training Zuko when he was six. At first, Piandao was like “oh great a spoiled brat, I’m not training this kid” so when Zuko came to Piandao and Piandao gave the whole “what did you bring to prove your worth” spiel Zuko told him that he didn’t really know what he was worthy of and was sent to Piandao because he was a bad firebender Piandao was like “oh shit that seems familiar” cause when Piandao was born as a non-bender to two very good firebenders, he was orphaned. Piandao didn’t train him right off the bat but Zuko wormed his way into Piandao’s heart and got trained. Piandao helped make Zuko’s dual broadswords but never got the chance to give them to Zuko. Piandao became Zuko’s unofficial parental figure like month into his stay with Piandao.

Guards/Servants/City folks of the Fire Nation: Zuko, Azula and eventually Ty Lee and Mai grew on them very quickly. The people would do anything for these kids and if they were out in the city and someone was looking at the kids in the wrong way, they would have to deal with half the market ready to beat their ass.

41st Division: Would die for Zuko. They knew that they were seen as cannon fodders, but when they found out that Zuko had burned for them, they basically decided “yep, I will forever be loyal to that kid and I will kill anyone that hurts him”

 

Time line explanation thing sort of:

When Zuko was born, he was born he was incredibly sick and slowly dying. Ozai, being the asshole he is, wouldn’t let anyone treat Zuko and even went as far as burning him and leaving his wounds untreated so that a fever would hopefully take Zuko in the night. Iroh took Ursa to the ancient civilization of the Sun Warriors where Ursa pleaded with Agni to save her child. Agni responded by blessing Zuko having already decided that Zuko would be her champion. Ozai, naturally, was pissed off when Zuko came back healthy.

The first time that Oazi hurt Zuko and he actually remembered it was when Zuko was three. He knew he had been hurt before, he had some small scars to prove it.

Zuko started basic tanning with Master Piandao when he was six and stayed with him for one full year before leaving and returning every other month or so.

Zuko was seven when Lu Ten died. Iroh left for five years after that on a spiritual retreat and cut all contact.

When Ozai became Firelord, Zuko was seven. He lost his mother the same night. Zuko took the burden of Ozai’s anger that his mother once carried upon himself to save Azula.

Azula, Mai, and Ty Lee all left for schooling a month after Ozai became Fire Lord.

 

Zuko was 12 when he was burned and banished. The day that Zuko was banished was the day Azula finally understood why Zuko was so scared of their father and that Ozai was truly a vile person. That was the day Iroh finally realized that Oazi was abusive too.

Mai, Ty Lee, and Azula were all pulled from their studies to watch the dual and were returned a week later.

Zuko had fallen ill again after the Agni Kai. His burn scar started at his eye in the shape of a hand then continued down his neck, covered half his collar bone area and continued in wisps and steaks down to his hand (Ozai thought he would go the extra mile believing that if Zuko was blessed by Agni he would survive, and if not, then boo hoo) had all become infected and bloody. He stayed conscious long enough to bid Azula, Mai, and Ty Lee goodbye, but after that Zuko became unmoving and unresponsive for a weeks. Soon, he began to lose more color, his breaths became shorter and more shallow, he was far too cold for a firebender and still, he remained unconscious. His heart beat was slowly getting slower, his body was failing him.

Zuko ended up surviving. Iroh knew better than to question the will of the spirits, but he still asked Zuko what happened. Zuko claimed that he didn’t know, he dreamt of a sunny flower field by a river before waking up.

Zuko became half blind, half deaf, and had to constantly work his left arm to rebuild the fired nerves in it. He had to learn how to read brail, he had to learn how to firebend and fight all over again because of his burn. It took weeks for him to be able to move his left arm again.

Zuko and Iroh stayed with his crew for around a year. They traveled aimlessly around the world with no real destination. Iroh taught him how to read brail, helped him firebend again and taught him several advanced moves, taught him the secrets of firebending, helped him use his old swords again. Yet, Zuko remained locked in a sense. He was having trouble improving past what he knew. He could do the katanas, he knew the movements, but it didn’t make him any more powerful, he couldn’t execute the flames. But that was fine. He had Iroh. He had his crew who was also benefiting from Iron’s teachings.

After a year though, the crew had traveled the whole world. Zuko knew that it was inevitable that that day were to come, the day he told his crew that he and Iroh were leaving. That they all knew it was pointless to even try looking for the Avatar and that he was dead. The day when he would tell the crew to go back to the Fire nation and their families and tell his father that Zuko had betrayed his country and that Iroh was on a spiritual retreat. The crew had grown to really like Zuko and Iroh, they were devastated that the pair had to leave.

Once Zuko and Iroh left, they began looking for places together go. The two simultaneously worked in several different tea shops all over the Earth Kingdom, and after a a while, things were going fine. Then things got messy. Everywhere they went more and more Fire Nation Colonies appeared. It got harder to avoid them, and if Zuko was caught in one, he would be killed. Staying together was no longer an option. Not when both got separated during a Fire Nation raid. Iroh found sanctuary in the safe houses of the White Lotus, having since accepted that looking for Zuko would only hurt the boy. He later returned to the Fire Nation. Zuko continued to always be on the move, unsure is he would ever see his uncle again.

A month or so after Zuko and Iroh’s separation, reports of the Blue Sprit started popping up. The Blue Spirt quickly became the bane of the Fire Nation. They’d cut supplies lines, give important info to other kingdoms, sabotage all Fire Nation operations they came across, free workers, do everything they’d could to keep the Fire Nation at bay. Oh, and if you came across them, they would steal stuff from the rich for you (they didn’t kill though). They never talked, and they never showed their face. The only time they stopped their attacks was strangely, when faced with people from or the 41st division.

Very few know who the Blue Spirt really was, and if they did, they’d never tell. Some speculate that they are a spirt from the ethereal aura they gave off and their outmatched strength and speed. Whoever or whatever they were, one thing was for certain. They were a living legend. Leaders from all over the world knew of them. Chief Arnook of the Northern Water Tribe recognized their talents after they tipped off the Northern Water Trip about an upcoming raid. King Bumi has been rumored to hire the sprit too and deeply respect them. Even residents of the Southern Water Tribe know of him. Chief Hakoda knew of the Spirt, although he had never met him.

FireLord Ozai, however, hated them. The Blue Spirt’s bounty broke the records of the largest bounty to be placed on an individual in the Fire Nation. It didn’t take long for Iroh to find out who it was— come on, who else has essentially ninja training, hates Ozai, and does all their crimes in a theater mask?—when Iroh came to the conclusion, he started hiring the Blue Spirt to spy and steal for the White Lotus. The Spirt always accepted and Iroh always paid them far more then what every the job was worth, and he always threw in free tea leaves (it didn’t take long for the other members of the White Lots to figure out who the Sprit long after that).

Zuko spent his Blue Spirt days camping out in the Spirit world when he couldn’t find a place in the mortal world to stay and usually stayed after he’d close rips the fabrics that separated the mortal world from the Spirit one as well as the solstice days. Zuko met various spirits that he became acquaintances and friends with in those two years including but not limited to: Agni, Tui and La, Oma and Shu the earth spirits, Father Glowworm, General Old Iron, Fruithog, the Shi Shi spirits, Bum-jun, Wan Shi Tong, the Aye-aye spirit, and the little soot balls Zuko named “soot sprites”

Chapter Text

Zuko sighed and pulled up his face mask and hood before sneaking onto Argo ll headed for Kyoshi Island. He needed to get to the Kyoshi Warriors and hand off a bunch of charts and papers regarding the ship patterns of a near by Fire Nation post that he stole.

 

It was nearing nighttime and Zuko could feel his energy deplete the father away the sun became. Pushing off his dreariness, he hopped on the ship—he winced a little when he accidentally slammed his cut arm on a pole—and made his way to the captains cabin. Sneaking in through the window, he saw Captain Zhang, a long time friend of Iroh and forever Zuko’s favorite ferry man filling out some paper. He was a retired Earth Kingdom soldier, a non bender married to Hazel Zhang, an Earth Bender that specialized in jewels. Zuko and his Uncle had tea with them once during a visit once. He was fairly certain Zhang had other bender friends, he just couldn’t remember their names. Zuko hopped down from the ceiling and pulled off his hood and mask allowing his longer, sun touched layered hair to hang limply at his shoulders.

 

“When will you ever use the door?” Zhang asked with a small smile.

 

“I don’t know, when I’m no longer on the run I guess.” Zuko answered.

 

“We’re all on the run from him.” Zhang sighed.

 

Zuko nodded solemnly and placed five silver pieces on the table. Although Zuko never paid the way other members of the ferry did, it felt wrong not too. Zuko made it his routine that if he were to ever travel anywhere on this side of the world, he would travel with Captain Zhang and pay him secretly despite the Captains insistence that he didn’t have to.

 

“Are those bandages bloody?” Zhang asked suddenly and in the tone Ozai always used. Zuko felt a surge of panic jolt his body when he saw that his sleeve had rolled up while exchanging the money.

 

Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck

 

“N-no.” Zuko stuttered, defensively covering his wounded arm.

 

Fuckfuckfuckheknowsheknow im weak he’s going to hurt me fuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuck I have to get out of here NOW

 

Panic flooded Zuko’s systems and sent him into fight or flight mode. He couldn’t be weak to strangers, not to anyone. But he couldn’t show it either.

 

“Let me see.” Zhang said in a soft but assertive tone. He got up from his seat and slowly walked to Zuko.

 

“Nonono it’s fine I’m fine I’ll be ok I-“ Zuko said backing up a little. Soon, the familiar, stinging, cloud-headed adrenaline pumped through his veins. The ends of his hair started glowing slightly.

 

Zhang looked confused before it dawned on him what he did. “Zuko, it’s ok. You’re allowed to be hurt. I’m not going to hurt you. You’re not in the Fire Nation anymore.” Zhang soothed. Zuko’s eyes kept darting to the window. “Please, at least let me see it.”

 

Zuko took more steps to the window.

 

“I just want to make sure you’re ok. Iroh would want me to make sure you’re ok.” Zhang said.

 

At the mention of his uncle’s name, Zuko was thrust back into reality.

 

“Please,” Zhang pleaded.

 

“F-fine.” Zuko stuttered again. He internally scolded himself for talking like that.

 

Zhang gestured for Zuko to sit down. Zuko did as he was told and sat down in front of Zhang.

 

“Let me see, son.” Zhang said softly.

 

Zuko hesitated before bringing up a trembling arm to the light in front of Zhang.

 

Zhang observed the wraps. “I’m going to change the bandaids, ok?” I’m said.

 

Zuko jerked his hand away from the light.

 

“Kid, I really want to help you but I need you to let me touch your arm.” Zhang said.

 

Zuko froze for a little before bringing his hand to the table and forcing it to stay there. Locks of his hair fell in his face, (the ends still glowing ominously) so it was hard to tell what the boy was thinking.

 

Zhang said nothing as he cleaned, washed, and re-wrapped Zuko’s cut. Zuko didn’t show any reaction to the pain.

 

Zhang sighed. “I don’t know where you got this from, or what you’re doing or going, but please, be careful. I know that this is your only way to help in the war, but you have to be able to take care of yourself. Your health should come first.” Zhang said.

 

“No.” Zuko said, pleased that he could get that word out. “People are dying, a small cut shouldn’t matter.”

 

Zhang sighed sadly and looked at Zuko. The poor child, he carried so much pain and suffering in him but still found a way to help people, helping them no matter the toll it would take on his own self. The child that was abused to the point he was wary of every and all adults, the kid who hid his pain so often. The kid that endured so many years of abuse to save his sister from the horrors.

 

“I understand.” Zhang sighed.

 

When Zhang finished wrapping the bandages, Zuko made a movement to leave. “Thank you for all your help.” He said bowing before he started walking to the window.

 

“Oh no you don’t.” Zhang said.

 

“What?” Zuko asked

 

“Did you seriously think I was going to let an injured child hide out in the cargo hold? Not happening. There’s a bunch of extra bunks in the ferry. As captain of this ship, I order you to take one. People have long since gone to bed and I know you’ll be up with the sun tomorrow.” Zhang said.

 

“It’s a bit risk-“

 

“There are extra bunks available. Take one.” Zhang said in his no-nonsense tone.

 

“Thank you Captain.” Zuko said bowing. And with that Zuko jumped out the window and gripped onto the hull of the ship. It was a bit slippery considering the ship was already on the water, but Zuko made it work. He eventually found the little window leading into the sleeping chambers and snuck in. From there, he shifted around people before he found a nice secluded bed to collapse in.

 

The sun had set now and Zuko could feel exhaustion creeping into his bones and trying to drag him down to sleep. Maybe skipping out on it for the last few days wasn’t the best idea. Heh. That’s probably why he was so quick to dive into panic mode when Zhang spoke like his father.

 

I should probably sleep. Zuko thought dimly. It takes a full day to get to Kyoshi Island, I should be fine.

 

The second Zuko’s head touched the pillow, he was out in a dreamless sleep. He didn’t even take his swords off.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Perusal, Zuko awoke when the sun was rising, conveniently when the ship was in sight of Kyoshi Island. He quickly packed his things and pulled his hood up again. When the ship hit the pier, Zuko immediately jumped out the window to avoid the people getting up. He climbed onto the bottom of the dock before darting off into the village. He threw on a civilian beige overcoat to hide the whole Blue Spirt uniform and tucked his swords away before walking into the town, hood drawn up to cover his hair and ever changing eye.

 

Zuko walked past the Kyoshi statue to see that it had been cleaned and repainted.

 

Huh. Well, it’s about time they fixed that. Zuko thought.

 

“Ah! Lee! Welcome back! What can we get for you?” Asked an older farmer that Zuko always bought from whenever he was around.

 

Not feeling hungry at the moment, Zuko answered, “Nothing right now, but thank you.”

 

“Alright son! We’re open anytime!” The man cheerfully. Zuko smiled and continued his journey up the hill to the Kyoshi dojo.

 

Inside, the Kyoshi Warriors were practicing their katas.

 

“Good morning ladies.” Zuko said bowing, one hand balled in a fist underneath the other flat vertical one.

 

“Zuko!” Suki said walking up and giving Zuko a hug. “We missed you!”

 

Zuko laughed and hugged Suki back. “Trust me, I missed you too! But now I’m back, and I’ve got some information on the ship patterns of that nearby outpost.”

 

“Perfect! We were about to end soon anyway. Please, let us know what you’ve got.” Suki said. Zuko smiled and pulled off his hood. He then pulled the papers out of his bag and followed Suki to their meeting room.

 

 

…………..

 

 

 

Zuko went over everything he saw and obtained to Suki who was happy to take the papers of Zuko’s hands.

 

“Oh, and one more thing.” Zuko said

 

“Yeah?” Suki asked

 

“I don’t know if this will ever apply to you, but I’ve heard word that the Avatar has returned and knowing the Fire Nation, it won’t be long until they come for him. Considering this is Kyoshi’s island, they might come here. It’s up to you to decide who you let on this island, but be careful.“ Zuko said

 

“Really!?” Suki asked

 

“Yeah the Avatar is rumored to be-“

 

“No, we know that the Avatar is back, he came to Kyoshi Island yesterday. He was trying to ride the Elephant Koi. The fact that he’s being hunted is concerning. But our island is secluded, as long as no one knows he’s here we’ll be fine.” Suki said

 

“Wait—hold on. The Avatar came to Kyoshi-“ Zuko asked. Suki nodded. “-to ride the Elephant Koi?” Suki nodded again. “Not for any, like, spiritual thing?” Suki shook her head.

 

“What?” Zuko asked in disbelief.

 

“Yeah, I was confused too. One would think the Avatar is a super wise master, but this Avatar is 12.” Suki said

 

“What?” Zuko asked again.

 

“This kid-this 12-year-old kid had been frozen in ice for 100 apparently. He left just before the genocide of the Air Benders. We’ve got to cut him some slack, he’s 12. His only companions are two kids from the Southern Water Tribe. Can you image having that burden at such a young age?” Suki said.

 

“No. That-that must be horrible. Having your whole family and culture wiped out and be the last one. Then have to stop a war. He should be allowed to be a kid.” Zuko agreed.

 

“Yeah.” Suki said.

 

Zuko sighed and put his head in his hands. “Everywhere I go, I keep hearing horror stories about the things people of my linage have done.”

 

“Do you want to meet the Avatar?” Suki asked.

 

“No. I don’t think he’d want to see me, my linage is responsible for the war, the extinction of dragons, the mass slaughter of the Southern Water Tribe, and the death of the Airbenders. I don’t think I would talk to him knowing that.” Zuko said.

 

“Zuko, you’re not your linage. You didn’t hunt dragons for sport, you didn’t kill all the Airbenders, you didn’t start the war, you didn’t kill the people of the Southern Water Tribe. You’re not them. You’ve left that behind, you’re actively fighting them now. If that doesn’t mean anything, I don’t know what does.” Suki said

 

Zuko sighed. “Thanks Suki.”

 

Neither of them talked for a while.

 

“You know what you need?” Suki said

 

“What?” Zuko asked

 

“A training session with the girls.” Suki said smiling

 

“Ok. Let me take this overcoat off-” Zuko started

 

“Oh no! We’re going full Kyoshi Warrior!!” Suki said pulling Zuko away.

 

 

 

 

It took a ridiculous amount of makup but eventually Suki managed to get Zuko to look like a real Kyoshi Warrior.

 

“I forgot how much of a girl you look in our uniform.” Suki laughed.

 

“Well it’s not like I have a fragile masculinity or anything. To wear the uniform of Kyoshi is an honor.” Zuko said

 

“Alright Zuko, let’s see how many of our katas you remember.” Suki said pulling out her fan.

 

Zuko and five other Kyoshi Warriors were following Suki’s movements in perfect unison. It was refreshing to Zuko. The strong movements and quick jabs left a comforting ache in his muscles. Learning new, non-bending ways to fight was always nice to Zuko. It proved he didn’t need his bending. Then, in the mist of their lovely practice, a kid around Zuko’s age in a Water Tribe get up came in with the smuggest smile that Zuko had ever seen.

 

“Sorry ladies, didn’t mean to interrupt your dance lesson.” The boy said. The other Kyoshi Warriors stopped and closed their fan, Zuko used his to hide his face.

 

The boy started doing some obnoxious stretches. “I was just looking for somewhere to get a little workout?”

 

“Well, you’re in the right place. Sorry about yesterday. I didn’t know that you were friends with the Avatar.” Suki said as she eyed the boys stretches.

 

“It’s all right. I mean, normally I’d hold a grudge, but seeing as you guys are a bunch of girls, I’ll make an exception.” The boy said mockingly while trying to suppressed his laughter. Zuko froze. What kind of sexiest asshole was this?

 

“I should hope so. A big strong man like you? We wouldn’t stand a chance.” Suki said with mock sweetness

 

“True. But don’t feel bad. After all, I’m the best warrior in my village.” The boy said smugly. Zuko chuckled behind his fan. This kid was going to get the beat down of a lifetime.

 

Suki leaned into the boy. “Wow! Best warrior, huh?” She said sarcastically. Suki looked back at the other warriors and grinned. “In your whole village?” She continued as she looked back to the boy. “Maybe you’d be king enough to give us a little demonstration.”

 

The boys eyes widened. “Oh…. Well…. I mean… I-“

 

“Come on, girls! Wouldn’t you like him to show us some moves?” Suki asked.

 

All the Kyoshi warriors started giggling and nodding their heads.

 

“Well, it’s that’s what you want, I’d be happy too.” The boy said. He put his hand on Suki’s shoulder in a vain effort to push her back a little, but she didn’t move. “All right, you stand over there. Now,  this may be a little tough, but try to block me.”

 

The boy took on a fighting stance while Suki remained stoic and unmoving from the position the kid put her in. The kid bent and tired to punch Suki, but Suki, still unmoving, defended herself easily by bringing up her left arm and thrusting her fan against the boys shoulder. The boy yelped in pain and staggered backwards.

 

“Aw! Heh heh…. Good. Of course, I was going easy on you.” The boy said rubbing his shoulder.

 

“Of course.” Suki said with a confident face. The boy looked increasingly annoyed and angered by Suki’s expressions.

 

The boy stared to mumble, tone rising with each word. “Let’s see if you can—“ he attempted to hit Suki with a roundhouse kick “—handle this!!”

 

Suki quickly dodged under the boys leg and pushed him off balance. When the water tribe boy landed flat on his back with a loud thud, Suki sassily opened her fan and began to fan herself some air.

 

The kid looked downright outraged now. “That does it!!” He cried, voice cracking with anger.

 

The water tribe boy madly charged at Suki. Suki, completely calm, quickly closed her fan and moved out of the way. Suki grabbed the boys arm with her right hand while she pushed against his shoulder with her left and spun him around. After two turns, Suki’s switched position and spun the boy in the other direction. Suki spun him two more times before suddenly stopping and causing the boy to topple forward. Before he hit the ground, Suki loosened his belt and tied his left hand to his right foot behind his back in one swift movement. The boy desperately tried to maintain balance one foot but ultimately failed and face planted to the ground.

 

“Anything else you want to teach us?” Suki asked mockingly.

 

The boy blushed in humiliation as the Kyoshi Warriors laugh at him. The boy helplessly flayed around, trying to get untied. Zuko rolled his eyes and threw one of his fans to cut the belt. The second he was free, the boy fled the scene.

 

“I cannot believe the nerve of that kid.” Zuko said retrieving the fan.

 

“I think his name is Sokka. A downright sexist asshole, that’s what he is.” Suki huffed.

 

“Well, I think you humbled him real good.” Zuko laughed. The other girls giggled too.

 

“Alright ladies, that’s enough for today.” Suki said dismissing the other Warriors, all whom bowed before they left.

 

“Alright hot shot, let’s see what you got.” Suki’s said smiling and unfolding her fan.

 

“As long as you’re ready to lose.” Zuko said copying Suki’s stance. Suki smiled at the challenge and charged.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The fight ended with Suki pinned to the ground by Zuko.

 

“Nice *pant* job.” Suki said through breathes.

 

“You *pant* didn’t make it too *pant* easy.” Zuko said smiling. He got off of Suki and helped her up.

 

The water tribe boy—Sokka, if Zuko was remembering correctly walked back I got the dojo. “Uh…. Hey, Suki.” He said timidly.

 

“Hoping for another dance lesson?” Suki asked hostilely.

 

Sokka began fumbling his words. “No…..I…. well, let me explain.”

 

“Spit it out! What do you want!?” Suki demanded.

 

Sokka actually looked hurt from Suki’s hostility. He humbly dropped to his knees in front of Suki. “I would be honored if you would teach me.” He said.

 

“Even if I’m a girl?” Suki challenged.

 

“I’m sorry if I insulted you earlier. I was wrong. I was an entitled, sexist prick. I’m sorry.” Sokka said.

 

“We normally don’t teach outsiders, let alone boys.” Suki said. Zuko raised an eyebrow. It had taken a while for him to gain their trust and teach him.

 

“Please, make an exception.” Sokka pleaded bowing again. “I won’t let you down.”

 

“All right. But you have to follow all of our traditions.” Suki said in a lighter, more friendly tone.

 

“Of course!” Sokka said eagerly.

 

“And I mean all of them.” Suki smirked. She shared a glance with Zuko, an equally as devilish grin on his face.

 

20 minutes later and Sokka looked like a real Kyoshi Warrior.

 

“Do I really have to wear this? It feels a little….girly.” Sokka said.

 

“Yeah, and? I’m wearing it and I’m a guy too.” Zuko said finally speaking.

 

“YOURE A GUY!?!?!?” Sokka shouted.

 

“Yeah? You got a problem with that?” Zuko asked defensively.

 

“No, no not at all!! Just, this kinda feels like a dress.” Sokka said picking up the helm of his skirt.

 

“It’s a warrior’s uniform, you should be proud. The silk threads symbolize the brave blood that flows through our veins. The gold insignia represents the honor of the warrior’s heart.” Suki explained.

 

“Bravery and honor.” Sokka said proudly.

 

“Hey Sokka! Nice dress!” Said a bald kid that popped their head in, a large air bender arrow tattooed on it.

 

The avatar. Zuko’s mind supplied. The kid was about to leave when they came back in. The stared at Zuko for a while.

 

“Can I help you?” Zuko asked

 

“You feel like a sprit.” The Avatar said.

 

Shit

 

“Are you a sprit?” The kid asked

 

“Uh, no. I was blessed by one.” Zuko said desperately trying to leave the conversation.

 

“Oh cool!!!! Which one!?” The kid said excitedly

 

“Agni.” Zuko mumbled.

 

“I’m sorry I couldn’t catch that.” The kid said.

 

“Agni.” Zuko answered a bit louder

 

“As in Agni Agni!? The holy sun sprit!? The reason firebenders exist!?” The Avatar said excitedly. Zuko nodded

 

“That’s so cool!!!!” The Avatar said

 

“Wait, so you’re a firebender?” Sokka asked suddenly very wary.

 

“Yeah. I, uh, come from the Fire Nation but I left a long time ago.” Zuko said taking a step back. He really wanted to get out of this awkward conversation

 

“This is great! Now you can teach me firebending when I’m ready!!” The kid said excitedly.

 

“Whoa, whoa, hold on. This guy is Fire Nation. How do we know we can trust him?” Sokka asked.

 

“He’s right. You can’t fully trust me. Because I’m Fire Nation.” Zuko said.

 

“Well I know you can. Zuko here, he’s been smuggling shipping patterns and important documents from that Fire Navy outpost to us for two years now. You can trust him.” Suki said confidently placing a hand on Zuko’s shoulder.

 

“No, no it’s ok. Thank you Suki, this was a lot of fun but I should really be going now.” Zuko said bowing and heading to the changing room.

 

When he was secure in said changing room, he heard Sokka arguing with the Avatar. It was a little muddy with his one eared hearing but Zuko strained to hear.

 

“Listen Aang-“ Ah. So the kids name was Aang. “-we know next to nothing about this guy. What if he’s a spy for the Fire Nation? Then what? The point is, no matter how badly you need a teacher, this guy is Fire Nation. We can’t trust him. What if he kills us in our sleep or something?”

 

“Sokka are you hearing yourself!? Every. Single. Fire. Bender. Is. From. The. Fire Nation!!!!! It doesn’t matter who my teacher is, they WILL have come from the Fire Nation!!!! Aang argued.

 

“Yeah! Zuko might be a spy but a spy against the Fire Nation! Ever since he left three years ago, he has done nothing but sabotage the Fire Nation! We trust him enough to train in as a Kyoshi Warrior! You can trust him!” Suki argued.

 

“Yeah Sokka! Besides, I’ve had friends in the Fire Nation before and they are trust worthy!” Aang said.

 

“That was 100 years ago!!” Sokka shot back.

 

“Even if that’s so, this person was blessed by Agni. Y’know, the Holy Sun Spirt? The direct opposite and equivalent of Tui and La? Agni would never bless a mortal and get themselves involved in mortal affairs if not for a good reason! If Agni trusts them, one of the oldest sprits, who’s been here since the dawn of time and has infinite knowledge, shouldn’t we?” Aang argued.

 

The silence that followed was sickening.

 

 

Sokka sighed. “Fine. It’s your call kid. But if they show any hint of distrust, we will end them. And for the record, I’m only allowing it because Suki trusts them!!”

 

“Great!!!” Aang said. “I’ll go tell Katara!”

 

“Alright, let’s get to training.” Zuko heard Suki say.

 

 

Zuko sighed and began wiping off his makeup and changing out of the Kyoshi Warrior uniform. He grabbed his small bag and made sure he had everything. Is supplies, change of clothes, dark cloak, his swords he strapped to his back, blue spirt mask and outfit was all there.

 

When he got out, Sokka had knocked Suki to the ground.

 

“Ha! Admit it! I got you!” Sokka cheered.

 

“Fine. You got me. Let’s see if you can do it again!” Suki said pulling her fan out.

 

“Nice hit Sokka.” Zuko commented

 

“Oh, wow.” Sokka said softly when he saw Zuko.

 

“Yeah?” Zuko asked.

 

“Nothing. It’s just. Your, um, scar.” Sokka said fiddling with the helm of his outfit.

 

“Oh, yeah.” Zuko said subconsciously touching it.

 

Suki coughed awkwardly.

 

“Oh! Right! Our training! I’m going to destroy you Suki!” Sokka said.

 

“In your dreams.” Suki said smiling.

 

“It was nice seeing you again Suki.” Zuko said. Suki walked up and hugged Zuko.

 

“You better stop by next time you’re in town.” Suki said.

 

“Of course.” Zuko said smiling before he left the dojo.

 

 

 

Not even a minute after Zuko had walked into town he regretted it.

 

“What’s going on?” Zuko asked some shop keeper.

 

“General Zhao is back to ‘trade’.” The person said.

 

Zuko sucked in a breath. General Zhao!? He hated Zhao so fucking much. But still, if Zhao caught him, he would die.

 

I gotta hide Zuko thought.

 

 

Zuko ran to some alleyway and hid on one of the roofs.

 

“What’s going on?!?” He heard Sokka yell as he ran behind Suki.

 

“General Zhou. Kyoshi island has stayed out of the war for the past century but after Zhou was thrown into the mix, we now have to give some of our supplies to his troops to stay out of it.” Suki explained.

 

“That’s so unfair!!” Sokka said.

 

“Yeah.” Suki gritted out.

 

“Ah, Kyoshi Island! Such a wonderful surplus of supplies. Men, grab what you need!” Zhou said snapping his fingers.

 

“That’s not our deal Zhou. We give you our extras.” Suki said.

 

“Well, yes. But today, we here for more than supplies.” Zhou said grinning. Suki glared down the soldiers that were taking full baskets of food.

 

“What do you want?” Suki asked.

 

“We heard rumors. Rumors that you were hiding the Avatar.” Zhou said with a smile.

 

“He’s not here!” Suki said.

 

“Now come on girl, we both know that’s not true. Men! Search the place for the Avatar at all costs!” Zhou shouted.

 

As soon as the words left Zhou’s mouth, the panic set in. Soldiers started burning down houses and ransacking the market.

 

“Protect Kyoshi!!!!!” Suki screamed as she and her warriors jumped into the fight.

 

Zuko tapped his foot nervously. He had to help, he couldn’t just stand by and do nothing but Zhou was here! What if he carted him back to Ozai? Zuko wasn’t technically breaking any rules of his banishment, he wasn’t on Fire Nation territory but what if—

 

A panicked scream cut off his thoughts. A bunch of kids were being cornered by a soldier. He was raising his fist with fire on it and—

 

Zuko jumped from his hiding spot and disarmed the soldier with his dual broadswords. The soldier got back up, but Zuko struck them down just as fast. He felt a large gust of wind overhead and looked up to see the Avatar—Aang, is name was Aang— flying towards Zhou.

 

“Thank you so much-“ A girl started

 

“Get inside!! Take yourself and all the other children to the Kyoshi dojo and hide out in their safe room!!!! Do not come out for anyone!!!!” Zuko said

 

“Thank y-“ the girl said

 

“GO!!!!” Zuko snapped

 

The girl didn’t need to be told again as she grabbed her group and ran off.

 

Zuko took a deep breath and charged back into the battle.

 

Zuko hadn’t fought this openly in a long time, yet it was quite refreshing. Throughout the fight, he kept out of the sight of Zhou. Just a fast, untouchable blur of color as he took down soldier after soldier. He craftily blocked and re-directed some fire blasts here and there, nothing far too noticeable.

 

As the fight raged on, the soldiers kept coming. They weren’t backing down and neither was Zhao. But, there was only so many Kyoshi Warriors and consequently, they were being quickly overwhelmed.

 

“YOU CANT AVOID ME FOREVER, AVATAR!!!!” He heard Zhou scream.

 

Zuko looked over his shoulder to see a water tribe girl (that must be Katara) trying to convince Aang to do something. Zuko turned his attention back to the soldier he was fighting and knocked him down before looking for The Avatar. Zuko smirked in satisfaction when he saw the Avatar and Co flying away on the bison.

 

Zhou immediately called for a retreat to fetch the Avatar. Zuko put his swords back in their scabbard and tried to catch his breath.

 

That would have been a lot easier if he wasn’t suddenly suspended 40 feet in the air and his only support being a previously considered extinct flying air bison.

 

“OH WHAT THE FUCK!?!?!? PUT ME DOWN NOW!!!!!!!!” Zuko screamed as he held on tight to the feet of the bison. The bison suddenly stopped mid-air as its pilot jumped off the saddle. Zuko watched as Aang dived right into the lake where the Unagi rested.

 

Suddenly, Aang had breached the surface of the water again, holding on tightly to the whiskers of the Unagi (or, that’s what Zuko assumed he was holding on too, his vision wasn’t the best). Aang pulled tight, and the Unagi sprayed water over Kyoshi Island to put out the fires caused by Zhao and his troops. The Avatar then used Airbending to get back up to his bison.

 

“I know what you’re going to say, that was incredibly stupid of me and I should never do it again.” Zuko heard Aang said.

 

“You’re right. It was.” Said a lighter female voice, most likely Katara. “But it was also very brave.” Zuko heard Katara kiss Aang on the cheek and Aang sigh in happiness.

 

“So, when you guys are done making out, what are we going to do with the rando that Aang kidnapped?” Said Sokka.

 

Zuko looked up and saw the faces of the Avatar and Sokka along with a new water tribe girl staring at him in confusion.

 

“PUT ME DOWN!!!!!!!!!” Zuko screamed.

 

“I dunno, Appa, fly higher!!!” Aang said.

 

To Zuko’s horror, the bison rose 20 feet.

 

“WHAT!? NO, PUT ME DOWN NOW!!!!! I DO NOT CONSENT TO THIS!!!!” Zuko screamed, thrashing in the bisons hold.

 

“Alright, you heard him Appa! Let go!” Aang said far too cheerful for someone who just told their pet to kill someone else.

 

“WAIT HOLD ON-“

 

‘Appa’ grumbled and dropped Zuko.

 

“I DIDNT MEAN LITERALLY!!!!!!!” Zuko screamed as he fell. The bison started flying at Zuko full speed before catching him on his saddle….right into Sokka’s lap (Water tribe had to be a little hot if his cheeks were turning a faint red). Zuko pushed himself off and flew to the edge of the saddle. They were above the clouds now, and he couldn’t see the ocean. Zuko lost all color in his face. He’d never been up this high before.

 

“Welcome to the team Zuko!” Aang said cheerfully when he suddenly appeared in Zuko’s face. Zuko yelped in shock and stumbled back.

 

“Aww is someone a little jumpy?” Sokka teased.

 

“Well excuse me for not acting completely calm after I was just kidnapped AND dropped out of the SKY by a ten-ton FLYING BISON that is supposed to be EXTINC!!!!!” Zuko screamed.

 

“Eh, fair.” Sokka shrugged.

 

“So you’re the firebender blessed by Agni, right?” Katara asked.

 

“Yeah, and what is it to you?” Zuko said, annoyance laced in his voice, eyes still flickering to the edge of Appa’s saddle.

 

“And Suki says that she’s trusts you and you’ve left the Fire Nation. So now you can teach Aang firebending.” Katara said.

 

“Whoa, whoa. Hold up. I never agreed to teach Aang fire bending. You guys kidnapped me and expect me to do it.” Zuko argued.

 

“Come on, you are blessed by Agni, you’ve got to be an amazing firebender!! You can teach me, I know you can.” Aang said turning on the polar seal wolf eyes.

 

“Everyone has to do their part in this war, and yours is to teach Aang fire bending!” Sokka said

 

“Do my part!?!? Do my part!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!” Zuko screamed in outrage. “I have been doing my part! I’ve been running around for the past two years sabotaging and fucking over the Fire Nation! That’s what I need to do! You can find another teacher, I’m not joining you.”

 

“Wait. Are you the Blue Spirt?” Katara asked.

 

Zuko groaned. “Yeah.” Zuko pulled out the mask.

 

“We’ve heard of so many stories of you! You’d be the perfect addition to our team!” Aang said excitedly.

 

“Fuck no! One, I don’t want to and two, I’d only get you in trouble!”  Zuko said

 

“Why? Know one knows your the Blue Spirt.” Sokka said.

 

“No. But I don’t just come from the Fire Nation, I’m the representatives of it. Or, at least, I was.” Zuko said.

 

“What do you mean?” Katara asked

 

Zuko groaned again and pressed the heels of his hands to his eyes. “I’m Prince Zuko of the Fire Nation. But left a long time ago. My linage is responsible for the loss of the dragons, the Airbenders, the murder of the Southern Water Tribe and the war in general. You don’t want me on your team.” Zuko looked away.

 

Sokka and Katara looked at each other. The pulled Aang to join in on their hushed conversation. Zuko only caught snippets of it but it was definitely about him, the word mom was thrown around a lot along with Fire Nation and protect.

 

After a brief discussion between the trio, Katara spoke again.

 

“We—we get that. But, Gran-Gran always told us that our nation never defined who we are. I you’ve been actively fighting the Fire Nation for years and I suppose that’s worth something. And we saw you defend Kyoshi with us.” Katara said

 

“You can stay with us, but one slip up, one mistake, and you won’t be breathing.” Sokka threatened

 

“Thank you, that really means a lot, but who’s to say I’ll stay?” Zuko asked

 

“What?” Sokka asked, dumbfounded. “We-we just accepted you! Power of friendship and all the stuff, why wouldn’t you stay!? That’s how it always works!”

 

“Not always! The second the bison lands I’m out of here!!” Zuko said.

 

Aang pulled out the polar seal wolf eyes.

 

“Please?” Aang wined. “We’ll never find someone as good as you again.” Aang begged with those eyes for a little longer.

 

“How do you even know if I’m good?” Zuko asked.

 

“But you, well, you know.” Aang stuttered.

 

“To tell you the honest truth, I’m not much of a firebender anymore. The most I can show you is the positions and the movements for advance and basic katanas and some basic breathing exercises. I can’t get it myself, so you’d be better off finding another teacher that can actually produce flames.” Zuko huffed.

 

“Ok, but you said you still have the moves memorized.” Katara pointed out.

 

“Come on Zuko.” Sokka said.

 

Zuko looked up at the sun, as if it would give him some guidance.

 

Go with them Agni seemed to whisper.

 

“Ugggggggg, fine.” Zuko said finally caving. The trio cheered.

 

“Great!!! Omashu, here we come!!” Aang declared.

 

“Uhhh, shouldn’t we be heading to the North Pole?” Zuko asked.

 

“We’re just going to stop by to see where to go to find an Earthbending teacher for when I’m ready. That’s all!” Aang said. Zuko got the feeling that that wasn’t all, but he didn’t comment.

 

“By the way, I like your earrings.” Katara said.

 

“Oh, thanks.” Said in slight shock as he raised a hand to touch the sun earrings he had forgotten he was wearing.

 

“Where did you get them?” Katara asked.

 

“My mom gave them to me before she disappeared, probably died in all honesty. It’s the only thing I have left of her.” Zuko said.

 

“Oh….. I’m so sorry.” Katara said. Zuko shrugged.

 

Katara fiddled around. “You see this necklace?”

 

“Yeah?” Zuko asked

 

“My mom gave it to me before she died in a Fire Nation raid. It’s the only thing I have left of her.” Katara said

 

“I’m so sorry.” Zuko said sympathetically.

 

Katara nodded.

 

“Your mom leave cause she hated you?” Sokka asked

 

“Sokka!” Aang shouted.

 

“I don’t know why.” Zuko said. “She just disappeared and was presumed dead.”

 

No one said anything for a long while after that.

 

 

………………

 

 

“Wait. You’re a Firebender, so can you, like, create fire anywhere?”

 

“Yeah?”

 

“That means you can cook meat while flying on Appa.”

 

“I guess.”

 

“Dude, you just became my favorite person.”

Chapter Text

After a few days of flying, the finally made it to Omashu. The fly wasn’t particularly horrible, Zuko gave Sokka a few heart attacks when Sokka stumbled upon Zuko’s morning meditation, nothing to sever.

“The Earth Kingdom city of Omashu!” Said Aang, grinning wildly as he gestured to the mountain city. “I used to always come here to visit my friend, Bumi.”

“Aang, that was 100 years ago. Things might be different.” Zuko said.

“Have you been before?” Aang asked

“Once. Twice. It’s pretty impressive, I’ll give it that.” Zuko said.

“I’ll say!!! We don’t have cities like this in the South Pole!” Katara said excitedly.

“They have buildings that don’t melt!!” Sokka cried.

“Most buildings don’t melt.” Zuko said deadpanned.

“Well let's go, slow pokes! The real fun's inside the city!” Aang said jumping up off a hill and towards the gates.

“Wait, Aang. It could be dangerous if people find out you’re the Avatar.” Katara said.

“And it’s dangerous for me if people find out I’m the Prince. I’m staying back.” Zuko said.

“No! You guys don’t need to! You both just need good disguise!” Sokka said.

“What am I supposed to do, grow a mustache?” Aang asked sarcastically.

Sokka and Katara looked at each other.

 

A bit of Appa fur later, and Aang looked somewhat like an old man.

“Ugh. This is so itchy.” Aang said scratching his head. “How do you live in this stuff?” Aang turned to Appa. Appa snorted air to Aang as if scoffing.

“Great! Now you look just like my grandfather.” Sokka said.

“Technically, Aang is 112 years old.” Katara remarked.

“Ok, well good for Aang but I’m still staying back.” Zuko said.

“Nope! You’re coming! Just throw your hood on!” Sokka said.

“And what? Never look anyone in the eye? If you can’t tell, I’m a pretty noticeable face.” Zuko said

“I mean that could work.” Sokka said.

“Come on Zuko, you said you’ve been here before, shouldn’t they let you in?” Aang asked.

Zuko rubbed his temples. “I’m wanted by the Fire Nation and hated by all other nations. How in the spirits names do you think I got in?”

“Oh……” Sokka said.

“Will you please come with us Zuko? You’ve at least been here in the past 100 years and Aang hasn’t so following his lead could dangerous.” Katara reasoned

“Hey!” Aang barked

“It’s just the truth, kid.” Sokka said

“Fine, but only to make sure you guys don’t get the cops called on us.” Zuko said accusingly.

“What? I would never!” Aang gasped, placing a dramatic hand over his chest.

“He would never!” Sokka echoed.

Zuko rolled his eyes. “Let’s just go, we can’t lose anymore time.”

Aang smiled and kicked his staff up. He spun it around a few times before placing it on the ground and leaning into it like a walking stick, back hunched and all to mimic an older person.

“No let’s get to skippin’, you do whipped-snappers! The big city awaits!” Aang said in an old voice before beginning his descent down the hill.

“I regret this already.” Zuko whined.

 

After a bit of a a walk, the group finally made it to the walls of Omashu.

“You guys are going to love Omashu,” Aang whispered in his normal voice. “The people here are the friendliest in the world.”

“You sure about that guru-goodie-goodie?” Zuko whispered as he pointed to the scene in front of them.

Near the entrance to the gates was a guard yelling at some merchant.

“Rotten cabbages!?” The guard said angrily. “What kind of slum do you think this is!?” The guard smashed the cabbage in their hand and used earth bending to throw it over the narrow bridge they were on.

“No! My cabbages!” The merchant cried in despair.

Zuko, Katara, Aang and Sokka all looked down to where the impact of the cabbages could be heard.

“Just keep smiling!” Aang urged as they got closer.

When they were close enough, guard lifted a bolder over Aang’s head. “State your business!” He demanded aggressively.

Aang took immediate offense to this. He ran quickly out from underneath the guard and got up in the guards face, poking him while he spoke.

“My business is my business, young man, and none of yours! I've got half a mind to bend you over my knee and paddle your backside!” Aang said in his old man voice. Zuko suppressed his shock while Katara looked as if she had just been run over by a carriage and Sokka was still trying to pick his jaw up off the floor.

“Settle down, old timer! Just tell me who you are.” The guard said in a much calmer voice.

“Name’s Bonzu Pippinpaddleopsicopolis and these are my grandkids.” Aang said in his old man voice.

Katara walked up and smiled to the guard. “Hi. June Pippinpaddleopsicopolis. Nice to meet you.” She said waving.

“Lee Pippinpaddleopsicopolis.“ Zuko said bowing.

The guard rubbed his beard and looked at the three kids in front of him.

“You seem like a responsible young lady.” The guard said pointing at Katara, “See that your grandfather stays out of trouble. Enjoy Omashu!”

“We will!” Katara said cheerfully.

The quartet walked silently past the guard, except for Sokka who never let the guard out of his sight.

The guard eyed Sokka as he passed. “Wait a minute!” The guard said. Sokka froze in his tracks, eyes widening in fear. Zuko, Aang, and Katara looked back to see what was going on. “You’re a strong young boy! Show some respect for the elderly and carry your grandfathers bag!” The guard said.

Sokka’s expressions went from fear, to disbelief and then annoyance.

“Good idea!” Aang said in his old man voice. He threw the bag at the back of Sokka’s head. Sokka shot Aang an annoyed glare as the two continued to walk to the gates.

The guards opened all three gates and let the quartet through.

“Oh my spirits.” Katara said as she and Sokka ran up to the rim of the ledge they were on, taking in the view of the city.

“It really is something, isn’t it?” Aang mused, Momo’s head popping out of his wig.

“I’ve never seen anything like it.” Sokka said.

“You’ve never left the South Pole until a few weeks ago, Water Tribe. There’s a lot of things you haven’t seen before.” Zuko said smirking.

Sokka glared at Zuko.

“This is the Omashu delivery system.” Aang said gesturing to the mail tubes. “Miles and miles of tubes and chutes.”

As Aang started to explain the delivery system to Sokka and Katara, Zuko’s mind wandered to the various scorch marks on a few trees. The sight made him uneasy.

“Great, they get their mail on time.” Sokka said unimpressed.

“It is great Sokka! But my friend Bumi found a better use for these chutes.” Aang said with a mischievous glint in his eye.

“Why do I get the feeling something bad is about to happen?” Zuko asked.

 

A few minutes of climbing and Aang refusing to tell anyone about what they were doing, the reached the top of one of the tallest cutes.

“You going to tell us what’s so great about this?” Katara asked.

“The world’s greatest super slide!” Aang said, hands spread out in the air.

“Oh hell no.” Zuko said

“Come on! Just one ride then we’ll leave for the North Pole! Airbender’s honor!” Aang said.

“I came to keep you out of trouble but this, this will certainly get you in deep shit! And I thought we were coming here to look for a potential earthbending teacher!” Zuko said.

“I kinda want to try it.” Sokka said.

“It sounds kinda fun.” Katara said.

“Fine, if you want to endorse this, go for it! But don’t rely on me to bust you out of jail!” Zuko said with a huff.

“Alright, hop in!” Aang said gesturing to an empty cart.

Once Katara and Sokka were in, Katara started looking around with uneasiness.

“It sounded like fun at first,” Katara said, “but now that I'm here, I'm starting to have second-“ Aang sunk up to Zuko and used airbending to push him right into the cart before jumping in himself, “-th-o-o-oughts!!” Katara had to scream the last word of her sentence.

“WHAT THE HELL AANG!?!?!?” Zuko screamed as the quartet flew down the ramp at unbelievable speeds. Zuko was desperately trying to push himself off from Sokka who was unfortunate enough to have been Zuko’s landing pad after he got pushed.

“Hahahhaha!!!!!! I told you this would be fun!!!!” Aang laughed as he moved to the front of the cart. Katara, who was behind Aang, continued to do nothing but scream the whole time and Sokka was surprisingly silent. Probably from fear, Zuko assumed. His eyes were far too wide and mouth slightly agape. Petrified shock, Zuko understood that.

At what felt like the millionth turn, Zuko finally managed to pull himself up and off Sokka. Not even a second later, Zuko became painfully aware of the spears in a separate cart behind them and approaching rather quickly.

“GET DOWN!!!!” Sokka shouted and pulled Zuko down to the bottom of the cart.

Aang turned around to see what the fuss was. “I’m on it!” He said and began rocking the cart causing it to go flying off its trakcs and onto a roof. Then the cart landed in a court yard where a commanded was giving his soldiers a speech.

With its newly acquired force, the cart bounced off the ground and smashed onto another track which was conveniently in the path of several other carts that got knocked over. This caused them to smash into another chute.

“Aang, do something! Use your airbending!!!” Katara urged

“Yeah!!! Good idea!!! That’ll make us go even faster!!!” Aang said excitedly. Aang started airbending behind him causing the cart to reach alarming speeds.

“AANG!!!!!!!!!” Zuko screamed as they dropped down another slope

“TOLD YOU THIS WAS FUN!!!!!!” Aang screamed back. The quartet passed a restaurant and speed down past a few more crowds of people before they started speeding an incredibly steep slope and right to an earthbender waiting for the next cart. The slope started flatting out making them closer and closer to the motionless cart in front of them.

“OH FUCK OH FUCK WERE GOING TO HIT IT!!!!!!!” Sokka screamed.

“HOLD ON THEIR SENDING IT BACK UP!!!!!” Katara shouted out.

The group sighed in relief

……until they saw the second cart coming up.

“Well, we’re fucked.” Zuko said.

“IM TO CUTE TO BE SQUASHED!!!!” Sokka cried.

“BRACE FOR IMAPCT!!!!!” Aang cried.

The collision caused them to go flying high above the city.

“AANG!!!!! AANG!!!!!!” Sokka screeched. Aang used his airbending to force everyone back into the cart and go sliding down several roofs, leaving nothing but a trail of broken tiles in their wake.

“GET US BACK ON A CHUTE!!!!!!” Katara screamed.

“WERE HEADING FOR A WALL!!!!!!!!” Sokka screamed as they flew right into a window and through some potters house.

“SORRY!!!!” Aang called back as the potter looked over his broken vase.

The next thing Zuko knew, they were flying through a parapet, Momo was fighting with some cat thing in Aang’s wig, and they were suddenly dropping right onto a merchants cabbage cart.

“My cabbages!!!” Merchant said grasping his head in despair at the sight of his produce crushed under the juveniles. “You’re going to pay for this!!!!”

Aang sat up and was faced with a circle of guards.

“Nice going Mr. Pippinpaddleopsicopolis.” Zuko growled.

“Uh, two cabbages please?” Aang said sheepishly.

 

10 minutes later and the group was lined up in front of the King of Omashu.

“Your majesty, these juveniles were arrested for vandalism, traveling under false pretenses, and malicious destruction of cabbages.” The guard that was escorting them said.

“Off with their heads! One for each head of cabbage!!” The cabbage merchant said while jumping up and down and angrily waving his fist,

“Silence!” The guard said waving a hand at the merchant. “Only the king can pass down judgment. What is your judgment, sire?”

The king squinted at the group. Zuko tired to keep his head down in hope that the king wouldn’t recognize him as the Blue Spirt, Katara was smiling hopefully, Sokka looked around awkwardly, and Aang was looking away with his eyebrows arched.

“Throw them-“ The king said raising his hand, the group gasped, “-a feast!”

The guard and merchant gasped at the verdict. Sokka smiled, but Katara looked questioningly at Aang and Zuko, who were both as equally confused. Instead of being thrown in some dungeon, the group was lead to a different room with a richly-filled table of different Earth Kingdom foods.

The kids were practically shoved in their chairs by the guard. The king came up behind the group and started talking to Aang.

“The people in my city have gotten fat from to many feasts, so I hope you like you chicken with no skin.” The king said leaning over Aang’s seat.

“Thanks, but I don’t eat meat.” Aang said. Momo, on the other hand, had jumped off of Aang’s shoulders and was stuffing his face.

“How about you? I bet you like meat.” The king jeered, stuffing the chicken into Sokka’s mouth (whom enjoyed it very much and ate it gratefully) before heading back to his own seat.

“Is it just me, or is this guys crown a little crooked?” Katara whispered while drawing circles around her head. Zuko shrugged in response.

“So tell me, young bald one, where are you from?” The kind asked sitting down.

“I’m from…..-“ A sly grin formed on Aang’s face, “-Kangaroo Island!”

“Oh, Kangaroo Island, eh? I hear that place is really hopping!” The king said trying to crack a joke.

The joke was followed by a thick silence and a cough before Sokka burst out laughing. The rest of the group looked at him with blank faces.

“What? It was pretty funny.” Sokka said sounding a little unsure of himself.

The king started lazily stretching his arms and yawned. “Well, all these good jokes are making me tired. Guess it’s time to hit the hay.” The king started eyeing the children strangely as he leaned to the left on his chair. Then, out of seemingly nowhere, he hurled a chicken leg at Aang.

Aang nearly fell out of his chair before catching the chicken out of reflex with an air ball.

“Aang!!” Zuko hissed.

“There’s an airbender in our presence, and not just any airbender. The Avatar!” The king professed as he stood up.

Zuko elbowed Aang harshly in the side to get him to drop the leg, but it was too late.

“Now, what do you have to say for yourself, Mr. Pippinpaddleopsicopolis?” The king said with a sly smile.

Anna stoped up and threw his hands in the air. “Okay, you caught me. I'm the Avatar. Doing my Avatar thing, keeping the world safe. Everything checks out.” Aang looked under the table. “No firebenders here. So, good work, everybody!” Aang pulled Katara, Sokka and Zuko into a hug and picked up Momo . “Love each other, respect all life, and don't run with your spears. We'll see you next time!” Aang tired to guide he and his companions to the exit.

The guards at the exit door blocked it with their spears. Momo chirped and climbed onto Aang’s shoulders.

“You can't keep us here! Let us leave!” Katara said accusingly.

The king looked at Katara questioning before waving lettuce leaf in the air. “Lettuce leaf?” He asked quizzically before munching on the leaf.

“We're in serious trouble. This guy is nuts.” Sokka whispered to the group, covering his mouth.

“No, really?” Zuko said sarcastically.

“Tomorrow, the Avatar will face three deadly challenges. But for now, the guards will show you to your chamber.” The king decreed

One of the chamberlains leaned into the king. “My liege, do you mean the good chamber or the bad chamber?” He asked.

“The newly refurbished chamber.” The king said, turning to the chamberlain.

“Wait, which one are we talking about?” The chamberlain asked, reading a finger in the air.

“The one that used to be the bad chamber, until the recent refurbishing, that is. Of course, we've been calling it the new chamber, but we really should number them.” The king said rubbing his chin. “Uh, take them to the refurbished chamber that was once bad!”

The group was escorted out of the room and down the winding halls of the palace.

“Nice going Avatar! Now you’re going to have to face three deadly challenges tomorrow! I knew that something bad would come out of that stupid cart ride!” Zuko hissed as they walked.

“Well how was I supposed to know that was going to happen!? I didn’t get in trouble last time I did it!” Aang said

“That was 100 years ago! Did you think that things would be exactly the same!?” Zuko demanded

“Well no but-“

“But what?” Zuko snapped in annoyance.

Aang was at a loss for words.

“Leave him alone!” Katara said defensively.

“Katara, you gotta admit, Zuko sorta in the right. We all have the right to be a little ticked off.” Sokka said

“Hey, hold on, you chose to do that with me! You’re part of the blame too! Zuko was the one that was forced!” Aang accused.

“Oh, so you’re on my side now?” Zuko asked sarcastically

“No! Kind of!? I don’t know!” Aang pouted.

“It was still Aang’s idea.” Sokka said.

“Yeah, I do get the blame for that. I didn’t know it would end the way it did.” Aang said

Zuko sighed. He was about to apologize when a guard said,

“We’re here.”

The two guards earthbent a hole in the wall and forcefully pushed the quartet into the room.

The room had four very nice, silk, green beds in the center with three green drapes hanging from the ceiling above.

“This is a prison cell? But it's so nice.” Katara said as she observed the room. Zuko nodded in agreement as he pulled off his hood.

Momo jumped off Aang's shoulders and onto a bed.

“He did say it was newly refurbished.” Aang said shrugging.

“Nice or not, we're prisoners!” Sokka said angrily. Aang flinched at his tone.

Zuko sighed and ran his fingers through his sun touched hair. He walked over to Aang.

“Aang, I’m sorry for snapping at you. I guess I’m just a little scared that someone is going to recognize me and send me back got the Fire nation. I’m just a little ticked off that we’re even here.” Zuko apologized.

“No, it’s ok. You have the right to be upset. I jeopardized all of our safeties’ for nothing.” Aang said. The group really didn’t say anything after that.

“I wonder what these challenges are gonna to be.” Sokka said after a bit.

“We're not sticking around to find out. There's got to be some way out of here.” Katara said determinedly.

“The air vents!” Aang said excitedly pointing to a whole on the other side of the room.

“If you think we're going to fit through there, you're crazier than that king.” Sokka said harshly.

Aang turned to Sokka. “We can't, but Momo can!”

The group turned to pot-bellied Momo who was lazily lying on a bed, licking a half-eaten apple.

“Momo, I need you to find Appa and bust us outta here!” Aang said hopefully. Momo blinked in surprise and chittered softly.

“You got this bud!” Aang said gleefully picking up Momo and shoving him in the vent.

“Go on, boy, get Appa!” Aang said trying and failing to force Appa into the vent.

After a few more tries, Aang quit and walked over to flop on a bed. Realizing Momo was still stuck in the vent, Zuko walked over and started pulling the round lemur out. Momo chirped in appreciation and draped himself over the firebenders shoulders, absorbing Zuko’s warmth.

“Eh, how was Appa supposed to save us anyway?” Sokka asked while lounging on a bed.

“Appa's a ten-ton flying bison; I think he could figure something out.” Aang said.

“Well, no point arguing about it now. Get some rest, Aang. Looks like you'll need it for tomorrow.” Katara said climbing into her own bed.

Zuko sighed and climbed into his own bed. He ladies for a while until Agni had finally slept before he could finally doze off.

………….

The next morning, Zuko awoke at his usual ass-crack-of-dawn to a delightful little dart paralyzing him. A bunch of guards moved into the room and gagged Zuko, assumingely gagging Katara and Sokka as well.

The trio were picked up and brought to a separate holding room.

“I know you can’t talk right now, but don’t even think of using any kind of bending or trying to do anything. The toxins in those darts will keep you paralyzed until we give you the antidote and those crystals are impossible to melt ashmaker.” The guard explained, spitting the last word at Zuko. Zuko simply looked down.

 

The group stayed in that room for a while until the guards finally struck them all with a second dart. Slowly, Zuko found he could use his fingers again.

By the time the group was in another hallway, they could all move again.

“Let go of me!” Katara said thrashing in the hold of the guard.

A wall of earth dropped to reveal Aang talking to the king who was sporting a new purple outfit.

“-so I will give your friends some special souvenirs.” The king said

/He must have been in the middle of a monologue/Zuko thought

The guard holding Zuko pulled out a purple ring made of crystal and slid it on Zuko’s finger. The second the guard let go, the crystal tightened around Zuko’s finger.

Panicking, Zuko immediately tired to wrench the ring off, but to no avail. Zuko looked back to Katara and Sokka who were both trying to pull their own rings off, blue and green respectively.

“This stupid thing won’t budge!” Sokka said with panic stricken eyes.

“Those delightful rings are made of pure jennamite, also known as creeping crystal. It's a crystal that grows remarkably fast.” The king said sinisterly. “By nightfall your friends will be completely covered in it. Terrible thing, really. I can stop it, but only if you cooperate.”

The king glanced toward the trio. Zuko watched with mild fear as Sokka's ring glowed and expander toward his hand.

“Oh fuck, oh fuck!!!!!! It's already creeping!!!!” Sokka panicked.

“I'll do what you want.” Aang said

The king grinned maliciously.

 

The group was lead to a large rock cavern with a waterfall. The jennamite ring had already expanded to engulf part of Zuko, Katara and Sokka’s forearm.

Aang stood on a flat rock at the bottle of the cavern facing the waterfall.

“It seems I've lost my lunch box key and I'm hungry.” The king said in a voice akin to a pouting child. “Ooh, there it is!” The king pointed to waterfall that had a key in it (Zuko couldn’t actually see the key, being half blind and all, he just assumed it was there) “Would you mind fetching it for me?”

Aang nodded in determination and airbent himself to the base of the fall before plunging in. With the assistance of an airbending shield, he managed to climb up the rock face to the base of the ladder and grasp it with one hand. Before he could get any further, his shield broke from the pressure and the torrent of water pushed him away and out.

“Ooh, climbing the ladder. No one's thought of that before.” The king said sarcastically.

Panting, Aang rested a moment between two stalagmites, leapt from them to the stalactites above, and closer to the waterfall, still high on the roof of the cavern. He dove into the fall above the key and tried to grab the key as he falls with the water; but the rush of the water carried him past and in a moment he shoots out again, keyless.

“That's right. Keep diving head in. I'm sure it'll work eventually.” The king said

Sokka watched for a moment. “We’re domed, aren’t we?” He asked in a defeated tone.

“Hey, don’t give up on Aang! We need to be strong for him!” Katara said.

“Well he better hurry up soon!” Sokka said.

“You’re just scared you’ll fall over from the weight balance.” Zuko said.

“Am not!” Sokka squeaked.

“Are too~” Katara taunted.

“We don’t have to worry. Aang can do this.” Zuko confidentially.

“How can you be so su-“ Sokka was cut us by a large stalagmite being thrown into the rock above him with the key hanging off it.

“What did I say?” Zuko said with a grin.

“There! Enjoy your lunch! I want my friends back now!” Aang shouted, his voice challenging the echo of the waterfall.

“Ah, not yet. I need help with another matter. It seems I've lost my pet, Flopsie.” The king said.

Another few hallways later the group was in a room with a large sunken enclosure.

Aang looked around for a moment before finding a large lop-eared bunny.

“Okay! Found him!” Aang said

“Bring him to me. Daddy wants a kiss from Flopsie!” King said.

“Come here, Flopsie.” Aang said bending down and patting his knees in an attempt to get the bunny to come to him. A large rabbit thing jumped down behind Aang, startling both him and the bunny.

“Huh?” Aang asked.

Squealing with terror, the bunny bolted across the arena with Aang in pursuit before diving into a hole. Aang put his arm in the hole up to his shoulder trying to grab hold of the frightened rabbit.

“Flopsie, wait! Flopsie!” Aang pleaded. The king started laughing hysterically. “Flopsie!” Aang cried again.

Aang put his arm in the hole again, only to be chased away by the goat gorilla thing. After running for a bit Aang stopped.

“Wait a minute. Flopsie?” Aang asked turning around.

The snarling goat gorilla bounds toward Aang—Zuko heard Katara suck in a worried breath—but instead of attacking, the goat gorilla picked him up and licked him.

“Flopsie!” Aang said happily hugging the goat thing back.

Flopsie put Aang down and, obeying a whistle from the king, climbed up from the arena to him and rolled onto his back, offering his belly.

“Oh, that's a good boy. Yes, who has a soft belly?” The king asked in a baby voice.

Aang flew up and jumped in front of the trio. The crystal had made it to their shoulders.

“Guys, are you okay?” He asked.

“Other than the crystals slowly encasing my entire body, doing great!” Katara said enthusiastically.

“I’ll-I’ll manage.” Zuko said.

“Speak for self! I’m about-“ Sokka started before the crystal grew more on one side and caused him to fall over.

“HA! I knew it!!” Zuko laughed

Aang stared, worried. “I’ll go talk to the king.” He said

“Oh, yes~” the king cooed as he rubbed his pet’s belly.

“Come on! I'm ready for the next challenge.” Aang said.

The king laughed evilly before leading them down another hall. The crystals had grown past Zuko’s head and was pressing uncomfortably against his burn.

The entered another room, an arena.

Zuko sucked in a breath. It was an Agni Kai arena.

It was so goddam familiar. Down to the fucking length.

/CheeringandscreamsandcryingandburningaandPAINPAINPAINPAINandthesmellofburningfleshand—/

“Your final test is a duel. And as a special treat, you may choose your opponent.” The king said

Two tough-looking men came out, standing next to the king. Aang looked at them uncertainly.

“Point and choose.” The king said.

“So ... you're saying whoever I point to, that's the person I get to fight?” Aang asked quizzically.

“Choose wisely!” The king jeered.

“I ... choose ... you!” Aang said pointing at the king.

The king laughed. “Wrong choice!”

The king straightened up and removes his outer robe, and reviled a powerfully built body.

“Well, Aang’s fucked.” Sokka murmured.

The king smiled and earthbent Aang off the balcony making him fly into the arena.

The king laughed. “You thought I was a frail old man, but I'm the most powerful earthbender you'll ever see!”

“Can I fight the guy with the axe instead?” Aang asked.

“There are no take-backsies in my kingdom. You might need this.“ the king said.

The guard that was escorting Katara, Sokka and Zuko tossed Aang his staff.

The king struck first. Aang dodged and jumped around, avoid and evade. Katara and Sokka seemed entrapped by the fight, but Zuko couldn’t watch.

Zuko took a breath and closed his eyes. He needed to calm down, calm down calm down.

/But it’s just like the fight, just like the fight just like the fight!!! Aang’s going to get hurt!!/

/ThesmellofburningfleshwaftingintheairandthecriesofhorrorandthecheersandthepainthepainpainpainTHEPAIN/

The crystal creeping up Zuko’s arm that stiffed his burned side suddenly felt a lot less uncomfortable and much more harsh. He couldn’t move his arm and he couldn’t feel anything. Anything.

/That’s how his arm felt after the fight. Limp and unmoving and resisting to any sort of movement-/

Zuko started breathing a bit deeper. He couldn’t panic now. Not now, not in front of everyone.

“Hey, Zuko, you good? Your hair is kinda glowing.” Sokka said turning to Zuko. Zuko whimpered in response. He needed to CALM DOWN. He could not bring going into fight or flight right now! Not in front of everyone!!

/Fuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuck for the love of AGNI Zuko just calm the FUCK down!!!!/

/Aang was going to get hurt he was going to be burned and Zuko couldn’t do anything he was going to be burned—/

“Well done, Avatar. You fight with much fire in your heart.” The king said, snapping Zuko back to reality.
The boulder that was looming over the king and Aang was tossed to the side.

The king did some kind of earthbending move and suddenly appeared back on the balcony. Aang flew up to join them.

“You've passed all my tests. Now, you must answer one question.” The king said.

“That's not fair! You said you would release my friends if I finished your tests.” Aang argued.

“Oh, but what's the point of tests if you don't learn anything?” The king said with a sly smile.

“Oh, come on!” Sokka exclaimed.

“Answer this one question and I will set your friends free. What ... is my name? From the looks of your friends I'd say you only have a few minutes.” The king said before walking away.

“How am I supposed to know his name?” Aang asked scared

“Think about the challenges. Maybe it's some kind of riddle.” Katara offered.

“I got it!” Sokka said.

“Yeah?” Aang asked.

“He's an earthbender, right? Rocky. You know, because of all the rocks.” Sokka said.

“We're going to keep trying, but that is a good back-up.” Katara said

“Any idea Zuko?” Aang asked. Zuko slowly shook his head but didn’t say anything.

“Okay. So back to the challenges. I got a key from the waterfall, I saved his pet, and I had a duel.” Aang recalled.

“And what did you learn?” Katara asked.

“Well, everything was different than I expected.” Aang said thoughtfully.

“And?” Katara asked worry creeping into her voice as the crystal grew.

“Well, they weren't straight forward. To solve each test, I had to think differently than I usually would.” Aang said rubbing his chin. “I know his name.” He suddenly said snapping his fingers.

The group was lead back to the throne room.

“I solved the question the same way I solved the challenges. As you said a long time ago, I had to open my brain to the possibilities.” Aang said. “Bumi, you're a mad genius.” Tears started forming in Aang’s eyes as he ran up to Bumi for a hug. Bumi hugged back.

“Oh Aang, it's good to see you. You haven't changed a bit. Literally.” Bumi said,

“Uh, over here!” Katara called as the crystal covered her eye

“Little help?” Sokka asked as the crystal grew to leave only his mouth.

Bumi smiled and used earthbending to break the crystals, shards flying everywhere.

Almost instantly, Zuko relaxed from his constricting bonds and did a few stretches to get the feeling back into his arms.

Bumi caught a piece of the flying crystal. “Jennamite is made of rock candy.” Bumi proclaimed taking a bite of the crystal. “Delicious!”

Next to him, Zuko saw Sokka pick up a piece of the crystal and bring it to his mouth. Zuko swatted the crystal out of his hand and onto the floor.

“Hey!” Sokka wined.

“Please don’t eat that.” Zuko said

“So this crazy king is your old friend Bumi?” Katara asked.

“Who are you calling old?” Bumi asked. “Okay, I'm old.” He admitted.

“Why did you do all of this instead of just telling Aang who you were?” Sokka asked.

“First of all, it's pretty fun messing with people.” Biko said snorting. “But I do have a reason. Aang, you have a difficult task ahead. The world has changed in the hundred years that you've been gone. It's the duty of the Avatar to restore balance to the world by defeating Fire Lord Ozai. You have much to learn. You must master the four elements and confront the Fire Lord. And when you do, I hope you will think like a mad genius. And it looks like you're in good hands. You'll need your friends to help you defeat the Fire Nation. And you'll need Momo, too.”

“Thank you for your wisdom, but before we leave, I have a challenge for you.” Aang said mischievously.

Aang and Bumi went off to go ride in the chutes of the city mail. Not before Bumi stopped to talk to Zuko though.

“Hello, sir. Do you need my assistance?” Zuko asked politely.

“No. But I just wanted to say Prince Zuko, it’s an honor to meet you. Not because of your blessing, but because you stood up for what’s right. I heard of your banishment.” Bumi’s tone dropped one of sorrow, “You were punished for thinking like a true leader, for thinking of your people before power. For so long the Fire Nation has been soiled by the greed and corruption of your predecessors, but you have the chance to change it. You have shown in one day that you have more honor and humanity the all of your line before you combined. And I know of the Blue Spirt, too. Going against your nation, speaking out to the leaders all for what you believe in, all for the little people? That takes guts and I am so relieved that you are here to help guide the Fire Nation back to an honorable nation it once was.”

Zuko didn’t speak for a moment, he simply looked at Bumi with wonder in his eyes. “I-I don’t know what to say. Thank you.” He finally mustered out

Bumi smiled before turning back to Aang and walking away.

 

………..

As Zuko, Katara, and Sokka were packing up Appa, they all heard a distant cry of “MY CABBAGES!!!!”

“Aang?” Zuko asked.

“Aang.” Katara and Sokka said in unison.

Chapter Text

The Gaang had landed in a forest for the time being. Katara was folding one of their blankets, Aang was lounging lazily on a tree root and Zuko was practicing some of his sword katas.

Momo chittering was the only indication that Sokka had returned.

“Great, you're back!” Aang said enthusiastically. He jumped off the tree root using airbending. Zuko put his swords away and Katara paced her folded blanket back on Appa.

“What's for dinner?” Aang asked.

“We’ve got a few options.” Sokka said digging in the bag. “First; round nuts. And some kind of oval shaped nuts? And some rock-shaped nuts, that might just be rocks.” Sokka unconsciously threw the rock at Momo. “Dig in!” Sokka said proudly.

Katara, Aang and Zuko looked at each other.

“You want me to light a fire to cook them….?” Zuko asked half-heartedly.

“Seriously ... what else you got?” Katara asked.

A large /BOOM/! cut off Sokka’s response.

“What was that?” Sokka asked on high alert. Zuko drew his swords and stood up.

The ground shook again and with a much, much larger quake this time.

“It's coming from over there!” Aang said. He and Katara started running right for the noise.

“Shouldn't we run /away/ from huge booms? Not toward them?” Sokka reasoned.

“Usually, but let’s make sure they don’t get killed of get the cops called on them.” Zuko said before sprinting off to join the two run-aways.

The group hid behind some rocks to discover that the quaking was coming from a boy, around the same age as Zuko, bending rocks into the air and throwing them into the ravine.

“An earthbender!” Katara said in awe.

“Let's go meet him!” Said enthusiastically.

“We don’t know if he’s dangerous, so we better approach cautiously.” Sokka warned. Zuko nodded in agreement as he pulled his hood on.

“Hello there! I'm Katara! What's your name?” Katara shouted as she jumped from the hiding spot.

The kid gasped in surprise, dropped the rock he was bending into the ground and fled, leaving a nice little avalanche in his wake.

“Nice to meet you!” Aang yelled after the bender as he and the rest of the group walked out from their spot.

“I just wanted to say hi.” Katara muttered, a little hurt.

“Hey! That guy's gotta be running somewhere. Maybe we're near a village? And I bet that village has a market!” Aang concluded.

“Which means no nuts for dinner!” Katara said excitedly.

“Hey! I worked hard to get those nuts!” Sokka shouted after Katara and Aang who were already following the boy.

“You tired.” Zuko shrugged.

“It’s fine, I hate 'em too.” Sokka sighed as he and Zuko followed the two kids.

 

They walked into the village that the kid was in, and despite its size, had very few people on the street. Zuko glanced to Aang who was trading the nuts for a hat before his gaze wandered back go the layout of the town.

“It’s a miners town overtaken by the fire nation.” Zuko mumbled, pulling his hood down more.

“How can you tell?” Sokka asked.

Zuko gestured to the men covered in soot that were walking back from something, the abundance of blacksmiths and stalks selling pickaxes and other cave tools, and the Fire Nation symbol hanging on one of the walls.

“Ohhhhh…..” Sokka said.

“I swear your blinder then me.” Zuko huffed.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Sokka jeered.

“Dear Agni you are blind.” Zuko said in bewilderment.

“What?!” Sokka demanded.

“In case you can’t tell from my scar, which clearly you can’t I’m completely blind in my left eye and deaf in my left ear.” Zuko said.

“Oh shit,” Sokka cursed. Zuko glanced at him. “I-mean- uh, you. hear really well for that though!”

“Gee, thanks.” Zuko said sarcastically.

“Sorry.” Sokka winced.

Zuko watched as Katara eyed something before walking into a shop followed by Aang. Zuko elbowed Sokka sharply in the side and pointed to the shop.

“Hey! What was that fo- oh.”

“Come on.” Zuko said walking off with Sokka in tow.

“No, she doesn't. We saw you earthbending.” Aang said as he and the other boys walked into the shop.

The women at the counter gasped in horror and promptly shut the door and windows.

“They saw you doing what?!” The women demanded.

“They're crazy, Mom! I mean, look at how they're dressed.” The boy said. The Gaang looked self consciously at their clothes. “That one’s even got swords that are probably for show anyway!”

“Show, huh?” Zuko challenged. Aang stepped on Zuko’s foot. Zuko grumbled but dropped his aggressions.

“You /know/ how dangerous that is! You know what would happen if /they/ caught you earthbending!” The women said.

The conversation was put on hold when loud, heavy knocks hit the door.

“Open up!” Demanded a low voice.

“Fire Nation!” Sokka said peaking through the blinds. “Act natural!”

Zuko moved and quickly positioned himself in one of the shadow covered corners of the roof.

The women opened the door, allowing the Fire Nation tax collector to walk inside. He stared awkwardly at the four children in front of him. The boy grasped his chin and stared toward Katara, cross-eyed. Sokka eyeballed an apple. Katara was hunched forward with her eyes wide open, having stuffed her mouth with berries. Aang had his hand atop a barrel, beaming a toothy smile. His pose was short-lived as when barrel's lid spun, dunking Aang's hand into the barrel of water and causing him to fall down.

“What do you want? I've already paid you this week!” The women demanded.

“The tax just doubled.” The tax collector said arrogantly. “And we wouldn't want an accident, would we?” The collector made a ball of fire between his hands causing everyone in the room to instinctively back away. “Fire is sometimes so hard to control.”

Zuko had to restrain himself from jumping down on the man and making him eat his own fire. These were the kind of people Zuko messed with as the Blue Spirit and habits like that weren’t easily dropped.

The woman lead the tax collector to the store’s counter where she pulled out a small chest and passed a handful of Earth Kingdom currency to the tax collector.

The man laughed hollowly. “You can keep the copper ones.” He said dropping four copper pieces on the ground before walking out.

“Nice guy. How long has the Fire Nation been here?” Sokka asked

“Five years. Fire Lord Ozai uses our town's coal mines to fuel his ships.” The women said.

“I want to punch that fuckers teeth in.” Zuko said bitterly as he jumped from his hiding spot and right next to Sokka.

“AUGGGGG!!!!!!!!” Sokka screamed as he fell back having being startled. “Don’t scare me like that!” Sokka said.

Zuko rolled his eyes and pulled Sokka up with one sharp gesture. Sokka tripped on his feet when he got up and fell right into Zuko. Sokka froze for a moment and looked up at Zuko, completely red in the face. He quickly repositioned turned away.

/Dam, he must be really embarrassed/ Zuko thought.

“They're thugs. They steal from us. And everyone here's too much of a coward to do anything about it.” The boy said angrily, queuing Zuko to listen back in on the conversation.

“Quiet, Haru! Don't talk like that.” The women hissed.

“Why not? He has every right to talk like that.” Zuko said dropping down from his hiding spot.

“Big words from you Mr. Fire Nation Eyes.” The kid jeered.

“Listen,-“ Zuko started, “Haru.” Katara supplied, “/Haru/ I understand your hate for the Fire Nation. It’s flailed me. Ozai failed me. But I’ve left the Fire Nation. It’s done nothing but hurt me. I’m not on their side anymore.”

“Well regardless it’s not like there’s much we can do.” Haru’s mother said.

“But, Haru's an earthbender? He can help!” Katara said curiously.

“Earthbending is forbidden. It's caused nothing but misery for this village! He must never use his abilities.” Haru’s mother said.

“How can you say that? Haru has a gift! Asking him not to earthbend is like asking me not to waterbend. It's a part of who we are.” Katara protested.

Haru’s mother shook her head in dismay. “You don't understand.” She said.

“I understand that Haru can help you fight back. What can the Fire Nation do to you that they haven't done already?” Katara asked,

“They could take Haru away! Like they took his father.” Haru’s mother said.

Haru looked away from the group with a pained expression. After a while of no one saying anything, Haru’s mother finally spoke up.

“You can sleep in the grain storage tonight, but you should leave in the morning. Haru will show you where it is.”

“Thank you.” Zuko said bowing.

Haru’s mother appeared a little taken back.

“You’re welcome, child.” She said bowing back.

“This way.” Haru sighed.

 

“Well, here it is.” Haru said gesturing to a large hay filled room.

“Thanks. I'll make sure Appa doesn't eat all your hay.” Aang said smiling.

Appa turned to look at the group with a mouthful of hay. He paused for a moment before he went back to eating.

Haru started walking out to the forest. Katara followed and gestured for Zuko to come with her.

“I'm sorry about what I said earlier. I didn't know about your father.” Katara apologized.

“That's okay. It's funny, the way you were talking back in the store? It reminded me of him.” Haru said.

“Thanks.” Katara said flattered.

“My father was very courageous. When the Fire Nation invaded, he and the other earthbenders were outnumbered ten to one. But they fought back anyway.” Haru said.

“Sounds like one hell of a leader.” Zuko said. “We need more people like him running the world.”

Haru laughed dryly. “Yeah.” He said.

The three approached the ledge of a steep cliff giving them a perfect view of the sunset.

Haru stopped walking. “After the attack, they rounded up my father and every other earthbender, and took them away.” Haru kneeled to the ground and picked up some rocks. “We haven't seen them since”

“So /that's/ why you hide your earthbending.” Katara realized.

“Yeah. Problem is ...the only way I can feel close to my father now is when I practice my bending. He taught me everything I know.” Haru said.

Katara and Zuko sat down next to Haru. “See this necklace? My mother gave it to me.” She said.

“It’s beautiful.” Haru admitted.

“I lost my mother in a Fire Nation raid.” Katara said turning away. “This necklace is all I have left of her.”

“It's not enough, is it?” Haru asked.

“No.“ Katara said.

“What about you?” Haru asked Zuko.

Zuko sighed. “Much like Katara, my mother’s earrings are all I have left of her. The Fire Nation drove my mother to the point of near insanity and caused her to disappear—presumed dead—when I was seven. It killed my cousin during the siege of Ba Sing Se and cause my uncle to disappear for years out of grief. It left my sister and I alone with cruel man. I left because I couldn’t take it.” Zuko said

Haru winced. “Ouch.”

“Yeah.” Zuko said with glossy eyes.

“…….Can you pull off your hood?” Haru asked. “I haven’t seen what you look like. It would be nice to put a name to a face.”

Zuko shrugged and let his hood fall to his shoulders. His sun kissed hair was still pinned up in a low bun on the back of his head.

“Your hair….” Haru said.

“Yeah.” Zuko said without elaborating.

“And /Spirts/ your scar.” Haru said.

“Yeah.” Zuko said again.

“The earrings are very pretty.” Haru commented.

“Came from her hometown, supposedly they were made by my mom’s grandfather for his wife.” Zuko said.

“Just like my necklace! My grandmother passed it down to my father who gave it to my mother who gave it to me.” Katara said.

“Small world, huh?” Zuko said.

“Yeah.” Katara said smiling.

No one spoke for a bit, they simply sat watching the sunset.

“Can you show us the mines Haru?” Katara asked randomly.

“Sure, this way.” Haru said leading Zuko and Katara off into the woods.

As they were walking their heard and old man crying out.

“Help, help!” He cried.

“The mine!” Haru said with urgency as he, Katara and Zuko ran off. Zuko pulled up his hood on the way

They discovered that the mine has caved in on top of the old man mixed with sand that was slowly suffocating the man.

“Help me!” The old man cried.

The trio scrambled to help the old man, Katara trying to pull him out while Zuko and Haru tried to move the rocks, but it wasn’t working.

“Ugh! It's not working! We have to get help!” Katara said.

“There's no time, pull harder!” Haru said.

“I’m pushing as hard as I can!!” Zuko growled.

“Haru. There's a way you can help him.” Katara said in her “I-have-a-crazy-idea-that-might-work” voice.

“I /can't/.” Haru said his voice dripping with guilty fear.

“Please, there's no one around to see you. It's the only way!” Katara begged.

“Yeah? And what if the old man turns him in!?” Zuko asked as he continued pushing on the rocks.

“He won’t!” Katara argued.

“You’d be surprised what people do to help their family!” Zuko shot back. “We should at least blindfold him or knock him out or-“

“That’s enough!!!” Haru said as he dropped his weight burden on Zuko, stepped back, and earthbent the rocks back into the cave.

“Haru! You did it!” Katara said excitedly.

“I’ve got a bad feeling about this.” Zuko mumbled as he, Haru and Katara helped the old man back to his house.

 

It had been a been a while since Agni had set, all Zuko wanted to do was sleep and hope things wouldn’t go as he suspected, but the rest of the group /would not shut up/.

“It was so brave of Haru to use his earthbending to help that old man.” Katara said smiling.

“You must have /really/ inspired him.” Aang said

“I guess so.” Katara said sounding a bit pleased with herself.

“Well let’s hope the man doesn’t turn Haru in.” Zuko said.

“Why would he do that!? Haru saved his life!” Katara argued.

“Sure, he saved his life, but like I said; you don’t know how far someone is willing to go to get in the good graces of a stronger force or to help their family.” Zuko said.

“Alright well, everyone should get some sleep, we're leaving at dawn.” Sokka said.

“Dawn?! Can't we sleep in for once?” Katara argued.

“I don’t see a problem with it.” Zuko said.

“Of course /you/ don’t ‘Mr. Firebenders rise with the sun’.” Katara huffed.

“It’s for the same reason you don’t go to bed till late at night when there’s a full moon!” Zuko snapped before rolling over and facing away from Katara, good ear facing up.

“Come on, Sokka! Just this once!” Aang pleaded.

“Absolutely not!” Sokka said in a commanding tone. “This village is crawling with Fire Nation troops. If they discover you're here, Aang, we'll be eating fireballs for breakfast. Goodnight.”

“I'd rather eat fireballs than nuts.” Katara said with a wry smirk.

“/Goodnight/!” Sokka said.

Katara and Aang exchanged a few playful chuckles before Katara blew out the lamp and went to bed herself.

 

Zuko was helping roll bed rolls after his morning meditation he heard something shattering.

“They took him! They took Haru away!” Katara cried hysterically as she entered the barn.

“What?” Aang asked in surprise.

“The old man turned him in to the Fire Nation - it's all my fault - I forced him into earthbending!” Katara cried.

“I told you this would happen!! Now Haru is gone!” Zuko said.

“Oh and what? You just expected us to leave that old man!?” Katara snapped back.

“No! Of course not! But we could have handled it a bit better! Blindfolded the man so he didn’t know who it was or knock him out so he wouldn’t remember but no we had to earthbend for him to see and now Haru’s gone!” Zuko snapped.

“Alright, everyone /calm down/. When did this happen Katara?” Sokka asked.

“Haru's mother said they came for him at midnight.” Katara said.

“Then it's too late to track him, he's long gone.” Sokka said remorsefully.

“We don't need to track him. The Fire Nation is going to take me right to Haru.” Katara said with closed fists.

“And ... why would they do that?” Aang asked

“Cause they’re going to arrest her for earthbending.” Zuko said in realization. Katara nodded.

Aang and Sokka exchanged horrified looks.

 

The water tribe siblings and Zuko were working to push a heavy bolder over an air vent.

“I thought you were crazy at first, Katara, but this might work. There are ventilation shafts throughout these mines. All Aang has to do is send an air current from that vent to this one right here. The boulder levitates and ta-da! Fake earthbending.” Sokka said.

“Let’s hope it’s that easy.” Zuko said.

“Aang? Did you get all that?” Katara asked with her hand on her hips

“Sure, sure. I got it.” Aang said dismissively as he was blowing puffs of air at a butter fly in front of him.

“Do you remember your cue?” Sokka asked.

“Yeah, yeah. Just relax. You're taking all the fun out of this.” Aang said continuing to play with the butterfly.

“By /this/, do you mean intentionally being captured by a group of firebenders?” Zuko asked aggravated.

“Exactly! That's fun stuff!” Aang said with a humorous undertone to his voice.

“Here they come! Get in your places!” Sokka said hurriedly as a group of Fire Nation soldiers approached. Aang stopped playing with his butterfly as Zuko joined him behind the rock.

Zuko didn’t see what was going on, but he could hear it.

“Get out of my way, pipsqueak!” Zuko heard Sokka shout in fake anger.

“How /dare/ you call me pipsqueak, you giant-eared cretin!” Katara shot back.

“What did you call me?” Sokka asked angrily.

“A giant-eared cretin! Look at those things! Do herds of animals use them for shade?!” Katara mocked.

“You better back off!” Sokka shouted. Zuko was somewhat sure he said coming else, but Zuko couldn’t catch it.

“I will not back off! I bet elephants get together and make fun of how large /your/ ears are!” Katara mocked again.

“That's it! You're going down!” Sokka said angrily.

“I'll show you who's boss! Earthbending style!”
Katara shouted. “I said, /earthbending style/!”

Zuko elbowed Aang harshly in the side which was all the cue he needed to send an strong jet of air into the vent and lifting the boulder,

“That lemur! He's earthbending!” Zuko heard a guard shout in surprise.

“No, you idiot, it's the girl!” Sokka shouted.

“Oh. Of course.” The guard said sheepishly.

“I'll hold her!” Sokka said.

When Zuko heard the footsteps of the guards disappear, he walked out from behind the boulder.

“I told Katara she’s got 12 hours to find Haru and then we’re outta here. Let’s get on Appa and track them.” Sokka said.

Zuko nodded and left back to the barn.

 

Following Katara was surprisingly easy. They followed her to a a ship making port in the middle of the ocean. When night had finally fallen, they left to retrieve Katara and possibly Haru too.

Aang had successfully retrieved Katara and lead her to the group.

“Your twelve hours are up; where's Haru? We've gotta get outta here!” Sokka said.

“I can't.” Katara said.

“We don't have much time. There are guards everywhere. Get on!” Sokka urged.

“Katara, what's wrong?” Zuko asked

“I'm not leaving. I'm not giving up on these people.” Katara said.

“What do you mean you're not leaving?” Sokka demanded.

“We can't abandon these people! There has to be a way to help them.” Katara said.

“Katara’s right, if we have a chance to help, we should.” Zuko said.

“What do you think, Sokka?” Aang asked.

“I think you're all crazy!” Sokka said before they had to duck under a spotlight. “Last chance! We need to leave, now!”

“No!” Katara said sternly.

Sokka shook his head in dismay. “I hate when you get like this. Come on, we better hide.”

Zuko and Sokka hopped of Appa and onto the prison before running off.

“Go hide.” Aang whispered to his pets.

“Ok, now where to?” Zuko whispered as he slipped on his Blue Spirt mask and pulled up the large hood built into his black gi that he normally adorned when posing as the Blue Spirt.

“There,” Katara said pointing to some boxes “we can make up a plan behind there.”

 

The group managed to make it to the boxes without being stopped.

“We don't have much time. What are we gonna do?” Sokka asked.

“I wish I knew how to make a hurricane!” And whined.

The group looked at Aang, unamused.

“The warden would run away and we'd steal his keys!” Aang reasoned.

“Wouldn't he just take his keys with him?” Zuko countered.

“I'm just tossing ideas around.” Aang shrugged.

“I tried talking the earthbenders into fighting back but, it didn't work! If there was just a way to help them help themselves.” Katara said.

“For that they'd need some kind of earth, or some rock. Something they can bend.” Sokka said.

“But this entire place is made of metal!” Katara said.

“No, it's not.” Zuko said. He pointed to the smokestacks. Look at the smoke! I bet they're burning coal, in other words,”

“/Earth/.” Aang finished.

 

The morning had arrived and Sokka, Katara and Zuko were all standing by an air duct.

“It's almost dawn. We're running out of time! You sure this is gonna work?” Katara asked.

“It should. These vents reminded me of our little trick back at the village. We're gonna do the same thing, but on a much bigger scale. There's a huge deposit of coal at the base of the silo. And the whole system is ventilated. Aang closed off all the vents except one. When he does his airbending the coal only has one place to go, right back here.” Sokka explained.

“Ok, but if we get spotted and questioned or you get questioned in general, say that you hired me to help you.” Zuko whispered.

“Why?” Katara whispered.

“I’m a wanted man, I can’t get caught and it comes out that I’m a prince too!” Zuko whisper-shouted

“There's the intruders!” A guard shouted. The trio was suddenly surrounded by spear-wielding Fire Nation guards.

“And the Blue Spirt!” Cried another soldier

“Well, well, I didn’t think the Blue Spirt worked with other people.” The Warden said laughing.

“He’s not, we hired him to help us kick your butt!!!” Katara cried. The Warden laughed as the circle of guards got closer to the trio. The prisoners had stepped back to observe the stare down from afar.

“Well, I hope they’re paying you well, Blue Spirt because you’re about to go to prison for life.” The Warden said.

“Stay back! I'm warning you!” Sokka said pulling out his boomerang. Zuko drew his swords and the trio back into each other in a protective circle.

“Katara, stop! You can't win this fight!” Said an old man that Zuko assumed to be the Tyro guy Katara told them about.

“Listen to him well, child. You're one mistake away from dying where you stand.” The Warden said.

A rush of air blew around them and stung the eyes of Zuko. The ventilation shaft burst beside them and a surplus of coal flew out of the shaft before crashing down into a gathered pile. Everyone froze in response. Zuko grinned under his mask.

Aang leaped out from the ventilation shaft and onto the pile of coal, covered head to toe in soot and dirt. He began coughing and brushing himself off.

Katara ran to the tip of the pile and held up a piece of coal. “Here's your chance, earthbenders! Take it! Your fate is in your own hands!” She shouted in a desperate attempt to rally the other earthbenders.

Haru bolted ahead without hesitation to use the coal as a weapon but was stopped harshly by his father who had thrown his hand in front of Haru.

The Warden staring laughing manically. “Foolish girl. You thought a few inspirational words and some coal would change these people? Look at these blank, hopeless faces. Their spirits were broken a long time ago. Oh, but you still believe in them. How sweet. They're a waste of your energy little girl. You /failed/.”

Katara looked down sadly, her spirt dimmed. The Warden turned on his heel to leave, but as she was walking away, he was hit in the back of the head by a piece of coal. Turning around furiously, the Warden was met with the scowling face of Haru, levitating three spinning pieces of coal in his hand as if daring to attack. The Warden sent a blast of fire towards Haru but his blast was blocked by a newly motivated Tyro.

The guards around them lined up in preparation for battle.

“Show no mercy!!” The Warden commanded. A jet of fire from three guards was shot at Tyro who blocked it with large a wall of coal, assisted by two other esrthbenders.

”For the Earth Kingdom, attack!” Tyro shouted

At those words, all hell broke loose. Zuko smiled under his mask and jumped into the fight. He dashed in and out, cutting down spears and disarming soldiers. He would sneakily redirect fire blasts and rapidly cool coal so it would stop burning (a little trick his uncle taught him).

A large crash snapped him out of his fighting mode.

“Get to the ships! We'll hold them off!” Shouted Tyro.

“Do not let them escape!” The Warden cried.

Zuko finished cutting down a few more soldiers before running up to the Gaang. Aang was generating some kind of air funnel and having the Water Tribe siblings drop coal to shoot it out.

Zuko dumped a a large amount into the funnel. When it shot out, it knocked down the Warden and his other captains. Underneath them, Tyro and some other earthbenders used the coal they had fallen on to hover them over the sea and away from the rig.

“No, please! I can't swim!” The Warden pleaded.

“Don't worry. I hear cowards float.” Tyro said smugly as he dropped the firebenders in the ocean. Zuko gave them a sassy wave before they left.

Zuko turned around and ran up to Katara, Aang, and Sokka.

“Get everyone on the ship. Once everyone is in the water, waterbed a sprout in the air. I’ve got a plan.” Zuko whispered in her ear.

Katara nodded without hesitation and ran off.

Zuko ran the other direction, straight to the boiler room where the coal was being burned. On his way he passed a storage of blasting jelly and flaming powder.

/Perfect/ Zuko smiled. Grabbing some powder and stuffing it in a little sack he picked up, he grabbed a barrel of blasting jelly and ran to the boiler room. Setting the barrel down, he closed off all the airways and sealed in the hot air. He made a small trail of fire powder from the engine to the barrel and traced it to the room full of blasting jelly. He then grabbed more powder and trailed it to follow him out.

Once on the deck of the prison, Zuko waited. The second the column of water splashed in the air, he lit the fuse. It took only a few seconds before the whole ship blew up. Using the momentum of the explosion and his own fire, he shot off to the boat Appa was near.

For a few seconds, Zuko felt like he was flying. It was strangely invigorating.

He got closer and closer to the ship so he stopped bending. He landed on the ship, did a roll to absorb the impact and stood back up. Zuko grinned in satisfaction when he saw the prison up in a blaze. Turning back to the group, Zuko was faced with a sputtering and red faced Sokka.

“Holy /shit/.” Sokka said.

“Y-you blew up the prison.” Aang said in disbelief.

Zuko nodded.

“Now no one on this side of the world can ever be carted back to that place again.” Tyro said.

Zuko nodded.

“Thank you, Blue Spirt. Not just for your actions today, but for all you have done against the Fire Nation. It is an honor to be in your presence.” Tyro said bowing. Zuko nodded and bowed back. Haru turned to Katara.

“I want to thank you for saving me. For saving us.” Haru said.

“All it took was a little coal.” Katara said modestly.

“It wasn't the coal, Katara. It was /you/.” Tyro said. Katara blushed at the praise.

“Thank you for helping me find my courage, Katara of the Water Tribe. My family and everyone here owes you much.” Tyro said.

“So, I guess you're going home now.” Katara guessed.

“Yes. To take back my village.” Tyro raised his voice so that all could hear, “To take back all of our villages! The Fire Nation will regret the day they set foot on our land!“ The prisoners started cheering.

“Come with us.” Haru pleaded.

“I can't. Your mission is to take back your home. Ours is to get Aang to the North Pole.” Katara said as she gazed over to see Momo playing with Aang.

“That's him, isn't it? The Avatar.” Haru said. Zuko nodded. “Katara, thank you for bringing my father back to me. I never thought I'd see him again. I only wish there was some way ...”

“I know.” Katara reached for her mother’s neckless only to realize it was gone. “My mother's necklace! It's gone!”

Haru looked at her with sympathetic eyes. “I’m so sorry Katara.” He said.

“It’s-it’s- it’s all I have left of her!” Katara cried, tears threatening to pour down her eyes.

“Hey, what’s going on?” Sokka asked walking up to the group. Upon seeing Katara on the verge of tears, he opened his arms for a hug. Katara rushed into her bothers embrace. Sokka lead Katara back to Appa to leave. Zuko as about to join them when he was stopped by Haru.

“Zuko?” He whispered lowly, low enough for no one else to hear. Zuko turned around. He stared at Haru before opening his hand to reveal two sun earrings. Haru’s eyes widened in shock. Zuko placed a finger over his mouth and shook his head before walking off to Appa.

 

Far off, back at the prison, Commander Zhao fished a water tribe necklace out of the water.

Chapter Text

The Gaang had been flying for a day or so now after the whole prison incident. Sokka was carving something, Aang was messing around with his bending, Katara was staring over the edge, and Zuko was watching the clouds while basking in the warmth of Agni’s rays.

 

“Those clouds look so soft, don't they? Like you could just jump down and you'd land in a big, soft, cottony heap?” Katara said somewhat dreamily.

 

“Maybe you should give it a try.” Sokka said with a mocking smile.

 

“You should go first.” Zuko said.

 

Sokka rolled his eyes.

 

“I'll try it!” Aang said excitedly, jumping off of Appa with his staff and a cry of “YAAH!!!!”

 

The trio on the saddle peered over the edge, looking for Aang. Katara looked a little worried. After a bit, the group heard the tell-tale sign of Aang’s glider snapping shut as he plopped onto the saddle dripping wet.

 

“Turns out, clouds are made of water.” Aang said sheepishly as he obsersved his soaked robes. He took a deep breath and made a ball of air around him to get the water off.

 

“Do you really feel the need to do that?” Zuko asked trying to brush some water that fell on his clothes.

 

“Oh, sorry.” Aang said awkwardly scratching the back of his bald head. “You want me too….?” Zuko waved his hand dismissively and laid back down on the saddle.

 

“Hey, what is that?” Katara asked as she shifted to get a better view of something below them. Zuko stood up and walked to her to see what she was looking at.

 

A dark hunk of burned wood and ash stood out against the brilliant green of the surrounding landscape.

 

“It's like a scar…” Sokka whispered. Zuko raised a tentative hand to his own burned flesh.

 

“Let’s get closer look.” Aang said. “Appa, yip, yip!”

 

No one spoke on the decent down.

 

“Listen.” Sokka said. “It's so quiet. There's no life anywhere.”

 

Zuko shifted uncomfortably from foot to foot. “The spirt of these woods must be so hurt right now.” He said.

 

“Aang? Are you okay?” Katara asked.

 

“Fire Nation!” Sokka shouted as he gestured widely to the foot prints on hr ground.

 

“You’re kidding.” Zuko said walking over to where Sokka was.

 

“No.” Sokka said pointing to the footprints.

 

“I can’t believe these fucking commanders!!” Zuko said angrily.

 

“Those evil savages make me sick! They have no respect for—“ Sokka started.

 

“Shhh!” Katara scolded.

 

“What? I'm not allowed to be angry?” Sokka whispered angrily.

 

Katara pointed to Aang with an upset expression on her face. Aang was sitting on the ground running ash through his fingers.

 

“Why would anyone do this? How could I let this happen?” Aang wondered.

 

“Aang, you didn't let this happen. It has nothing to do with you.” Katara reasoned.

 

“Yes, it does. It's the Avatar's job to protect nature. But I don't know how to do my job.” Aang said sadly.

 

“That's why we're going to the North Pole.” Katara said smiling softly. “To find you a teacher.”

 

“Yeah. A waterbending teacher. But there's no one who can teach me how to be the Avatar. Monk Gyatso said that Avatar Roku would help me.” Aang said.

 

“The Avatar before you? He died over a hundred years ago; how are you supposed to talk to him?” Sokka asked

 

“We could dig up his corpse and resurrect him or something.” Zuko offered. Katara and Sokka stared at Zuko.

 

“It’s just a suggestion,” Zuko said shrugging.

 

“I don’t know how to talk to him but I do know that we’re not digging up anyone’s corpse.” Aang said watching Momo settle in his lap.

 

 

After a minute of waiting around, Katara finally disrupted the silence.

 

“Hey, Aang! You ready to be cheered up?” Katara asked.

 

“No.” Aang said sadly. Katara chucked an acorn at his head. “Ow! Hey, how is that cheering me up?”

 

“Cheered me up.” Sokka said chuckling. An acorn got thrown at him. “Ow!!”

 

“Ha! That made me feel better.” Zuko said laughing.

 

“Yeah, I probably deserved that.” Sokka said rubbing his head.

 

“These acorns are everywhere, Aang. That means the forest will grow back! Every one of these will be a tall oak tree someday, and all the birds and animals that lived here will come back.” Katara said placing the acorn in Aang’s hand and closing it.

 

“Thanks, Katara.” Aang said smiling. Katara smiled back before gasping at the sight of an old man walking up to them.

 

“Who are you!?” Zuko demanded as he drew his swords.

 

“When I saw the flying bison, I thought it was impossible! But, those markings ... are you the Avatar, child?” The man asked. Aang looked at Katara who nodded before nodding himself.My village desperately needs your help!” The man said.

 

“Who are you?” Sokka asked.

 

“I am Kay-fon and my village desperately needs your help.” The man pleaded.

 

“Alright.” Aang said walking off to follow the man. Katara and Sokka were next followed by a wary Zuko.

 

“Are we seriously going to follow this strange man off to who knows where because he claimed he needed help? It’s that a bit dangerous?” Zuko whispered to Sokka. Sokka shrugged.

 

When the group got the village, they found that it was partly destroyed. Kay-fon led the quartet to the center building.

 

“This young person is the Avatar!” Kay-fon announced.

 

“So, the rumors of your return are true! It is the greatest honor of a lifetime to be in your presence.” Said the assumed village leader.

 

“Nice to meet you too! So ... is there something I can help you with?” Aang asked.

 

“I'm not sure…” The village leader said.

 

“Our village is in crisis, he's our only hope!“ Kay-fon said. He turned to face Aang. “For the last few days at sunset, a spirit monster comes and attacks our village. He is Hei Bai, the black and white spirit.”

 

“Why is it attacking you?” Sokka asked

 

“We do not know, but each of the last three nights, he has abducted one of our own. We are especially fearful because the winter solstice draws near.” Said the assumingely village leader.

 

“What happens then?” Katara asked.

 

“It means that the separation between our world and the spirt world weaken to the point of near nonexistent on the solstice.” Zuko explained.

 

“Hei Bai is already causing devastation and destruction. Once the solstice is here, there's no telling what will happen.” The Villager explained.

 

“So, what do you want me to do, exactly?” Aang asked.

 

“Who better to resolve a crisis between our world and the Spirit World than the Avatar himself? You are the great bridge between man and spirits.” The villager said.

 

“Right ... that's me.” Aang said uncertainly.

 

“Hey great bridge guy, could I talk to you over here for a second?” Katara asked leaning Aang to the window. “Aang, you seem a little unsure about all of this.”

 

“Yeah, that might be because I don't know anything at all about the Spirit World. It's not like there's someone to teach me this stuff!” Aang said.

 

“What about Zuko? You were blessed by Agni, shouldn’t you have a grasp on this?” Sokka asked

 

“I mean sure, I visit the Spirt World when Agni calls me there or when I have to repair rifts and stuff and sometimes I talk to spirits but I don’t know everything. Nothing that the spirits do make sense right away.” Zuko said.

 

“What are rifts?” Aang asked

 

“When the little veil between our world and their tears, I use Agni’s blessing to fix it. Don’t confuse them with gates though, those are specifically for entering the Spirit World.” Zuko explained

 

“So ... can you help these people?” Katara asked.

 

“I don’t know if it’s in my place to. This could be something just for Aang to understand how this works for him. I can come in as a backup but I don’t think I should try to solve it for him.” Zuko said.

 

Katara looked at Aang.

 

“I have to try, don't I? Maybe whatever I have to do will just ... come to me.” Aang said.

 

“I think you can do it, Aang.” Katara said with a reassuring smile.

 

“Yeah. We're all going to get eaten by a spirit monster.“ Sokka said. Zuko stepped harshly on Sokka’s foot.

 

 

 

 

“Ok, before we send Aang out there, did anyone do anything to upset this spirt? They could be the spirt of the forest and you upset them.” Zuko said. The townspeople shook their heads. Zuko sighed. “Well, good luck, Aang.”

 

“Thanks.” Aang said walking outside. “Hello, Spirit? Can you hear me? This is the Avatar speaking. I'm here to try to help stuff.”

 

“This isn't right. We can't sit here and cower while Aang waits for some monster to show up.” Sokka said.

 

“No, it’s really not.” Zuko agreed.

 

“If anyone can save us, he can.” Kay-fon said reassuringly.

 

“He still shouldn't have to face this alone.” Sokka said. The trio watched in dismay as the sun set.

 

Zuko watched as Aang walked around the village. He stopped to say something before spinning his staff and slamming it on the ground in an authoritarian manner. Aang started walking back until a spirit, assumingely Hei Bai, appeared behind him.

 

Aang turned around to see the spirt and tired talking again. The spirit releases a burst of energy at Aang before moving past him.

 

Hei Bai started wreaking havoc in the town despite Aang’s attempts to communicate.

 

“The Avatar's methods are ... unusual.” The village leader said.

 

“It doesn't seem too interested in what he's saying. Maybe we should go help him.” Sokka suggested.

 

“No. Only the Avatar stands a chance against the Hei Bai.” Kay-fon.

 

“Aang will figure out the right thing to do, Sokka.”

Katara said.

 

“I don’t know. It’s making me nervous.” Zuko said.

 

Aang tired communicating as Hei Bai smashed another building.

 

Zuko heard Aang shout something along the lines of “I command you to turn around now!” The spirt turned around and hit Aang right off the building.

 

”That's it. He needs help.” Sokka decided as he left the building.

 

“Sokka, wait!” Katara said shouted after her bother.

 

“Sokka, think this through!!! Let me go instead!!” Zuko reasoned. He tired to run out to stop Sokka but he was suddenly hit with a wave of nausea and lightheadedness.

 

“Ooooooo……” Zuko moaned as he leaned against the door frame.

 

“Zuko!?” Katara asked panicky.

 

“I feel…. I feel a little light headed…….” Zuko mumbled.

 

“Zuko!? ZUKO!? Why is your hair glowing!?!?!?” Katara shrieked.

 

“Agni…….Agni……pull…Spirt World………” Zuko mumbled before he dropped like a sack of bricks.

 

 

 

……………………

 

When Zuko awoke, he was in the familiar grassy fields that Agni usually talked to him in.

 

“Hello my child.” Agni said. Zuko turned around to face Agni.

 

“Hello Agni.” Zuko said bowing. “It always nice to see you, but right now I think the Avatar might need me, and I mean this in no disrespect, but can we make this quick please? Why did you bring me here?”

 

“Unfortunately, the Avatar’s issue with Hai Bei is something he must resolve himself. I could not allow you to interfere.” Agni said.

 

“Oh, my apologies.” Zuko said. “Is there any other reason I’m here right now or…..?”

 

“Yes, actually. I want to give you a warning. You are going to have to head to the crescent island in the Fire Nation. You already know that your arrest has been issued along with your execution, but be warned. I have heard rumors that a few commanders, such as that idiot Zhao, have come to believe that sacrificing you would be the equivalent of killing a dragon to increase their firebending. You must be careful.” Agni warned.

 

“Oh.” Zuko took a moment to mull over their words. So he was going to be hunted more vigorously now. Yay.

 

“Would sacrificing me actually make a firebender more powerful?” Zuko asked.

 

“Unfortunately, yes. I do believe so.” Agni said.

 

“Lovely.” Zuko said with no enthusiasm in his words.

 

“Oh, and one more thing. I believe some spirits were hoping that you would still uphold your solstice tradition and come and visit them. And your little friend, Sokka, has been dragged into the Spirit World. He is still under Hai Bai’s control but has become fast friends with your Pai Sho friends.” Agni said.

 

“Oh!” Zuko said, momentarily shocked. “Well, if maybe you could send me there? I’d love to visit and  I also need to make sure Sokka stays out of trouble.”

 

Agni smiled. “Of course.” Waving their hand, Zuko’s vision went a little blurry before he was spit out in a bamboo forest. He walked for a bit before he entered a clearing with to see Sokka talking to Fruithog, some Shi Shi spirits, Bum-jun, some soot sprites were sitting on the Pai Sho board and the Aye-aye spirt was playing Pai Sho against Fruithog.

 

“Oh, hello Zuko. How nice of you to join us.” The Aye-aye spirit said.

 

“The pleasure is mine.” Zuko said bowing.

 

“Wait, Zuko!?!?” Sokka screamed as he whipped around to face him. “How’d you get in here!?!? And why do you look so….sunny?”

 

“Well, when you very stupidly ran off to go fight Hai Bai even though no one was supposed to interfere, I ran out after you but before I could make it Agni pulled me into the spirit world to basically say no I wasn’t allowed to help. They were kind enough to send me here to make sure you didn’t get yourself killed here until either Aang or Hai Bai brings you back.” Zuko explained.

 

“Well I couldn’t just let Aang get hurt!” Sokka said.

 

“That’s fair but that was also really stupid of you!” Zuko shot back. “You should have let me go first!”

 

“Fine!!! But why are you glowing!?” Sokka demanded

 

“It’s part of Agni’s blessing, when I enter the Spirit world, I look like this.” Zuko said plainly.

 

“Tui and La this whole thing is so confusing.” Sokka said.

 

“Yeah, you’ll get used to it though!” Zuko said smiling.

 

“I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the spirits.” Sokka mumbled.

 

“I win!” Said Aye-aye happily. “Would you like to play, Zuko?”

 

“Sure.” Zuko said taking Fruithog’s spot.

 

 

 

…………….

 

 

 

 

Zuko won every single game.

 

“I win! But you’re all improving! I’m certain if you….maybe play again, you’ll win!” Zuko said cheerily as he pocketed the money he’d won.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

_____________________________________________

 

 

So Katara was panicking. Full on panicking. Sokka was gone, Aang was gone, and Zuko had fucking passed out and was glowing on the floor. The sun halo and markings was freaky enough but of course no one could touch him without burning themselves and absolutely no one knew what to do.

 

“Tui and La what the fuck am I supposed to do!?!?” Katara muttered in a frantic haze as she paced back and forth.

 

Katara looked out to the sky and saw Aang flying back on his glider.

 

“AANG!!!!!!” Katara cried as she ran to embrace him.

 

“Katara!” Aang said happily.

 

“You’re back!!!! Where’s Sokka!?” Katara asked

 

“I'm not sure ...” Aang said.

 

“Well maybe you can help with Zuko?” Katara asked.

 

“What’s wrong with Zuko?” Aang asked with an undertone of worry.

 

“See for yourself.” Katara said leading Aang inside. Zuko was still passed out on the floor in the same position he had originally.

 

“Why is he….?” Aang asked.

 

“I don’t know.” Katara said, brow pinched in worry. “He tired running out after Sokka and then he just dropped.”

 

Aang reached down to touch Zuko.

 

“No, don’t touch him!!” Katara said grabbing Aang’s hand.

 

“Why not? We can’t just leave him here!” Aang said. Katara grabbed a cup of water and splashed it on  Zuko. The water evaporated on his skin.

 

“I don’t know why, but he’s giving off enough heat to evaporate water instantly so I really don’t think we should be touching him.” Katara said.

 

“Ok. Maybe this has something to do with the Winter Solstice and Hei Bai. Maybe stopping Hei Bai will bring him back.” Aang said half-heartedly.

 

“Well, it’s the only chance we got.” Katara said as she watched the sun go down.

 

Aang nodded and walked out to the entrance of the village for Hei Bai. He eventually gives up and turns to leave, only for Hei Bai to appear to his left. Aang quickly threw up an air shield to stop their attack.

 

“Avatar, what are you doing?! Run!” One of the villagers urged.

 

The spirit was about to attack again when Aang jumped in front of it and touched its forehead.

 

“You're the spirit of this forest! Now I understand. You're upset and angry because your home was burned down. When I saw the forest had burned, I was sad and upset, but my friend gave me hope that the forest would grow back.” Aang said. He held out and acorn and put it at his feet. Hei Bai picked it up before leaving, turning back into a panda. At the entrance, a cove of bamboo grew and out walked Sokka and all the other missing villagers.

 

“Sokka!“ Katara cried.

 

“What happened?” Sokka asked.

 

“You were trapped in the Spirit World for 24 hours! How are you feeling?” Katara asked worriedly.

 

“Like I seriously need to use the bathroom.” Sokka said walking away.

 

“Thank you, Avatar. If only there were a way to repay you for what you've done.” The village leader said.

 

“You could give us some supplies, and some money.” Sokka said walking back from wherever he went.

 

“Sokka!” Katara scolded.

 

“We do really need stuff though.” Zuko said walking out from building rubbing his eye. The sun stuff was slowly fading away.

 

“Zuko!!” Katara cried running up to give Zuko a hug. He flinched a little at the touch causing Katara to back away. She didn’t comment though.

 

“What in the name of the spirits was that glowing thing!?” Aang asked.

 

“When I go into the spirit world, I look like that as a way to get spirits to not try to kill me I guess? I can also look like that if I’m really panicked or in a fight for flight position.” Zuko said.

 

“Well, that’s not freaky at all.” Sokka said sarcastically.

 

“You’ll get used to it. By the way, do you remember t what happened to you in the spirit world? Agni pulled me there to stop me from interfering before sending me to you. Do you remember anything?” Zuko asked.

 

“No, not really. What happened?” Sokka answered.

 

“You were playing Pai Sho with a bunch of spirits. I kicked all of your asses and you now owe me 40 silver pieces.” Zuko said grinning.

 

“I’m not paying for something I don’t remember!” Sokka argued.

 

“Avatar Aang, it would be an honor to help you prepare for your journey.” The village leader said butting into the conversation.

 

“I'm so proud of you, Aang. You figured out what to do, all on your own.”

 

“Actually, I did have a little help and there's something else.” Aang said.

 

“What is it?” Zuko asked.

 

“I need to talk to Roku and I think I found a way to contact his spirit.” Aang said

 

“That's great!” Katara said cheerfully

 

“Creepy, but great.” Sokka said.

 

“You’ll think everything you can’t understand is creepy.” Zuko scoffed.

 

“There's a temple on a crescent-shaped island and if I go there on the solstice, I'll be able to speak with him.” Aang said.

 

“But the solstice is tomorrow!” Katara cried.

 

“Yeah, and there's one more problem. The island is in the Fire Nation.” Aang said. The group looked at an each other with dismay.

 

 

 

____________________________

 

 

 

After that conversation, the group went inside the main building to prepare for their journey as quickly as they could.

 

“Is Aang trying to leave without us?” Zuko asked.

 

“Let’s catch him.” Katara said.

 

The trio went outside.

 

“I think his big butt is trying to tell ya something.” Sokka said with a sly grin.

 

“Please don't go, Aang. The world can't afford to lose you to the Fire Nation. Neither can I.” Katara said.

 

“And even if you are going, you’re not going to my homeland without us.” Zuko said.

 

“But I have to talk to Avatar Roku to find out what my vision means! I need to get to the Fire Temple before the sun sets on the solstice. That's today!” Aang said airbending himself on top of Appa and grabbing the reins. Aang was trying to get Appa to take off when Katara, Zuko, and Sokka jumped in front of the bison to stop Appa from going any further.

 

“We're not letting you go into the Fire Nation, Aang.” Katara said.

 

“At least, not without your friends. We got your back.“ Sokka said.

 

“Most doors that lead somewhere important in the Fire Nation are opened by fire. You’re going to need a firebender.” Zuko said. Aang smiled gratefully. The rest of the Gaang climbed upon onto Appa’s saddle.

 

“It's a long journey to the Crescent Island.” The village leader said handing Aang a small bundle of supplies. “You'll have to fly fast to have any chance of making it before sundown. Good luck.”

 

“Thank you for your-“ Aang started.

 

“Go!” The village leader interrupted sharply, pointing to the ocean.

 

 

 

The Gaang flew for a while, long into day break. Aang was piloting Appa, Sokka was looking around warily, Katara was fiddling with some water out of nervous energy, and Zuko was meditating.

 

“Come on, boy, we've got a long way to go. Faster!” Aang urged.

 

Suddenly, Katara yelled “FIREBALL!!!!!!!” Zuko snapped out of his meditation to see a fiery ball flying right their direction.

 

“I'm on it!” Aang yelled knocking the fireball out of place.

 

“Where are they coming from!?” Zuko asked.

 

“Does it matter!?!? We need to get out of whatever’s rang!!! Can’t you make Appa fly any faster!?” Sokka asked

 

“Yeah! But there's just one little problem!” Aang said.

 

“A blockade.” Zuko said as the wall of Fire Navy ships came into view.

 

“If we fly north, we can go around the Fire Nation ships and avoid the blockade! It's the /only/ way.” Aang said.

 

“There's no time! We have to punch through!!” Zuko said.

 

“This is exactly why I didn't want you to come! It's too dangerous!” Aang said.

 

“And that's /exactly/ why we're here.” Katara said.

 

“Let's run this blockade!“ Sokka said, grinning confidently.

 

“YEAH!!!!!!” The quartet shouted.

 

“Appa, yip-yip!” Aang said causing Appa to fly even faster.

 

“INCOMING!!!!!!” Zuko screeched as fireballs littered the sky, some that could explode, too. Appa started evading several fireballs, his riders screaming the whole time. The Gaang flew directly through an exploded fireball causing Appa’s fur to become darkened by the embers. Sokka, Katara, Momo and Zuko all frantically batted embers out of Appa’s fur.

 

“Appa, are you okay?!?” Aang asked. Appa roared in response and flew higher in the sky.

 

The amount of fireballs tracing the sky got thicker and Appa was flying wildly to avoid getting hit by one of them. Apparently too wildly as Sokka got thrown off the saddle.

 

“HOLY SHITTTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!” Sokka screamed as he fell.

 

“SOKKA!!!! Zuko cried. Aang whipped the reins down to try and catch Sokka. Aang reached Sokka just in time and Zuko managed to pull Sokka back into the saddle. Appa skimmed the ocean surface allowing for a fish to jump out and slap Sokka in the face knocking him into the saddle. Momo leaped up to grab the fish as Appa continued weaving through fireballs that had exploded all around them.

 

As they got closer to the ships, all firing halted. Then, one devastating fireball flew out from the ships. Aang airbent himself off Appa’s head and used an airbending kick to explode the boulder. Aang fell back into Appa’s head and was grabbed by the rest of the Gaang to make sure he wouldn’t fall out.

 

The lack of fireballs allowed Appa to fly safely over the blockade.

 

“We made it!” Aang said ecstatically

 

“I can’t believe we made it!!!!!” Zuko said with equal enthusiasm. “HAHAAH!!!!! TAKE THAT COMMANDER FUCKFACE!!!!” Zuko flipped off the blockade.

 

“We made it into the Fire Nation. Yay.” Sokka said meekly, he and Katara both grimacing in fear.

 

 

The group flew for a bit longer, long enough to allow the sky to change into a beautiful sunset-filled evening. The Gaang had all but collapsed in the saddle, aside from Zuko who was still watching around them.

 

“There it is! Crescent Island!!!” Zuko said pointing in the distance.

 

“That’s the island Roku’s dragon took me!!” Aang said eagerly. Appa grumbled in relief and descended to the volcano island. The second Appa hit the ground, he collapsed.

 

“You did it, buddy. Nice flying.” Aang complimented as he rubbed Appa’s head. Appa bellowed in satisfaction before rolling over.

 

“You must be so tired.” Zuko cooed as he rubbed Appa’s belly.

 

“No! I'm good. Refreshed and ready to fight some firebenders!” Sokka said cheerily as he did a couple stretches.

 

“I was talking to Appa.” Zuko said unamused.

 

“Well ... I was talking to Momo.” Sokka said, stopping his workout.

 

“Let’s get a move on.” Aang said grabbing his staff and walking off at an alarming pace. The group followed and soon they were only a yard away from the Fire Temple.

 

“I don't see any guards.” Sokka said.

 

“The Fire Nation must have abandoned the temple when Avatar Roku died.” Katara concluded

 

“No, they wouldn’t have done that. I’ve been here once, they did not abandon the place. They could be doing some ritual for the solstice, but they wouldn’t abandon it.” Zuko said.

 

“Guards or not, it’s almost sundown. We better hurry!” Aang said jumping over the rock they were crouched behind.

 

“Wait. I think I heard something.” Zuko said stopping the Gaang sneak through the halls. The Gaang turned around to see five men standing in a hallway wearing the clothes of the Great Fire Sages.

 

“We are the Fire Sages. Guardians of the temple of the Avatar.” One of them said.

 

“Great! I am the Avatar!” Aang said cheerily.

 

“We know.“ The sage said before inhaling and sending a large ball of fire to the Gaang. Zuko’s eyes widened and he jumped in front of the flames to absorb them.

 

“I'll hold them off. Run!” Zuko urged.

 

“But-“ Aang started

 

“You need to see Roku! Now run!!!” Zuko said. He sent a bright, but not very hot arch of fire at Aang to get him to leave. Zuko continued to deflect fireball and send them back to the sages.

 

“If the Avatar contacts Roku, there's no telling how powerful the boy will become! Split up and find him!” One of the sages said before abandoning the fight. Zuko spun on his heels and ran after the water tribe siblings and the Avatar.

 

“Follow me!” Zuko heard Aang say.

 

“Do you know where you're going?!” He heard Sokka yell back. Zuko smiled and caught up with the group.

 

Aang rounded a corner and disappeared from sight. “Nope!” Zuko heard Aang say. A moment passed before Aang skidded back into view. “Wrong way!” He said fearfully before running past the group.

 

”Come back!” Shouted a sage. Zuko hesitated for a second. Sokka grabbed his arm and pulled him down the hall where Katara and Aang had fled.

 

As it turns out, the hallway lead to a dead end and they were corned by the sage. Zuko stood in front of his friends, hands raised and ready to fight.

 

“I don't want to fight you! I am a friend.” The Sage said.

 

“Firebenders aren't our friends!” Sokka said angrily.

 

“I’m right here.” Zuko scoffed.

 

“Sorry.” Sokka winced. Aang moved to be on the other side of Zuko and assumed an airbending stance.

 

The sage stepped towards Aang before dropping to his knees and pressing his palms on the floor. The Gaang stared at the sage in shock and confusion.

 

“I know why you're here, Avatar.” The sage said

 

“You do?” Aang asked surprised.

 

“Yes.” The sage said rising from the floor. “You wish to speak to Avatar Roku. I can take you to him.”

 

“How?” Aang asked hesitantly.

 

The sage slid back a lamplight on the wall and sent a controlled jet of flames to open a secret passage. “This way.” The sage said

 

“Find him!” Echoed the Great Fire Sage from somewhere in the distance.

 

“Time is running out! Quickly!” The sage urged. The group exchanged looks with one another before entering the sage who closed the passageway behind him.

 

The sage lead the group through the tunnels.

 

“Thank you mister……?” Aang said

 

“Shyu.” The sage said smiling.

 

“So, Shyu, what’s with the tunnels?” Sokka asked.

 

“They were created by Avatar Roku who once called this temple his home. He formed these secret passages out of the magma.” Shyu said

 

“Did you know Avatar Roku?” Aang asked.

 

“Spirits, Aang! Does this guy look over 100 years old?” Sokka asked.

 

Shyu laughed. “No. But my grandfather knew him. Many generations of Fire Sages guarded this temple long before me. We all have a strong spiritual connection to this place.”

 

“Is that how you knew I was coming?” Aang asked.

 

“A few weeks ago, an amazing thing occurred. The statue of Avatar Roku; its eyes began to glow!” Shyu  said.

 

“That's when we were at the Air Temple. Avatar Roku's eyes were glowing there, too!” Katara said

 

“At that moment, we knew you had returned to the world.” The Sage said.

 

“If this is the Avatar's temple, why did the sages attack me?” Aang asked.

 

“They could have been after me.” Zuko mumbled.

 

“Why would they be after you?” Sokka asked.

 

“The rules of my banishment. If I were ever to return to the Fire Nation without the Avatar in chains, I was to be killed. Either that or they wanted to sacrifice me to make their firebending stronger.” Zuko said.

 

“What!?!? Why didn’t you mention that before!?” Aang demanded. Zuko shrugged.

 

“Speaking of which, why aren’t you attacking me right now?” Zuko asked. Shyu turned to face Zuko.

 

“You are the sun child, blessed by Agni. It is an honor to be in your presence, banished or not.” Shyu said bowing. Zuko bowed back.

 

“Ok, well, if there aren’t after Zuko, then why would they be after Aang?” Sokka asked.

 

“Things have changed. In the past, the sages were loyal only to the Avatar. When Roku died, the sages eagerly awaited for the next Avatar to return. But he never came.” Shyu said.

 

“They were waiting for me.” Aang said with a guilt-ridden tone.

 

“Hey, don't feel bad. You're only a hundred years late!” Sokka laughed humorously. Zuko and Aang scowled at Sokka.

 

“They lost hope the Avatar would ever return. When Fire Lord Sozin began the War, my grandfather and the other sages were forced to follow him.” Shyu explained, shaking his head sadly. “I never wanted to serve the Fire Lord. When I learned you were coming, I knew I would have to betray the other sages.”

 

“Thank you for helping me.” Aang said. Shyu smiled.

 

“We'll follow these stairs to the sanctuary. Once you're inside, wait for the light to hit Avatar Roku's statue. Only then will you be able to speak with him.” Shyu directed as they climbed the winding steps.

 

At the end of the staircase, the secret tile slid back and lead them to the sanctuary doors.

 

“No!” Shyu gasped.

 

“Shyu, what's wrong?” Aang asked.

 

“The sanctuary doors, they're closed!” Shyu cried.

 

“Can't you just open them with firebending? Like you opened that other door?” Katara asked.

 

“No. Only a fully realized Avatar is powerful enough to open this door alone. Otherwise, the sages must open this door together, with five simultaneous fire blasts.” Shyu said.

 

“You and Zuko are here though, can’t you do two fire blasts from each hand?” Aang asked.

 

“Yeah, but we need five, we’d only have four.” Zuko said.

 

“Five fire blasts, huh?” Sokka asked. “I think I can help you out.”

 

“This is a little trick I picked up from my father.” Sokka said. He pulled out a few bags and some powder, keening on the ground as he poured oil into the bag. “I seal the lamp oil inside an animal skin casing, Shyu lights the oil soaked twine and, ta-da! Fake firebending!”

 

“You've really outdone yourself this time, Sokka.” Zuko said impressed.

 

“This might actually work.” Shyu said.

 

“Alrighty let’s put these babies into place and light ‘em up!” Sokka said handing two of the pouches to Zuko. Zuko smiled.

 

 

 

 

“The sages will hear the explosion, so as soon as they go off, you rush in!” Shyu instructed to Aang as Sokka positioned the last explosive into place.

 

“It's almost sunset. Are you ready?” Katara asked as she, Sokka and Zuko ducked behind a pillar.

 

“Definitely.” Aang said determinedly.

 

Shyu created a small flare of fire to light all of the bags at once before he hurried to take cover as well. Zuko ducked and covered his ears when the large explosion fired off producing a lot of smoke. Aang ran out from his hiding spot and to the door in a desperate attempt to get it open.

 

“They're still locked!” Aang shouted in surprise.

 

“It didn't work.” Shyu said sadly. Aang fell to his knees. Katara looked down, Sokka glared at the door as if it had personally offended him and Zuko let out a string of curses that his mother would definitely ring his neck for.

 

“Why, won't, it, open?!” Aang cried in anger as he hit the door with air slice after air slice.

 

“Aang! Stop!” Katara said grabbing Aang’s arm. “There's nothing else we can do ...”

 

“I'm sorry I put you through all of this for nothing.” Aang said glumly.

 

“I don't get it! That firebending looked as strong as any firebending I've seen but this stupid fucking door won’t open!!” Sokka growled.

 

“Sokka!!” Katara scolded covering Aang’s ears.

 

“Wait, Sokka I think you solved it!” Zuko said

 

“Wait. How did Sokka solve it? His plan didn't even work.” Aang said.

 

“Come on, Aang. Let him dream.” Sokka said smugly.

 

“You're right. Sokka's plan didn't work. But it looks like it did.” Zuko said.

 

“Did the definition of “solved” change over the last hundred years?” Aang asked raising and eyebrow.

 

“I get it!” Katara said. Zuko and Katara shared a sly grin.

 

 

 

 

 

“Come quickly! The Avatar has entered the sanctuary!” Shyu said with urgency as he was followed by the other sages.

 

“How did he get in?” The Great Sage asked.

 

“I don't know. But look at the scorch marks! And down there!” Shyu said pointing to the scorches and a shadow moving around inside.

 

“He's inside! Open the doors, immediately! Before he contacts Avatar Roku!” The Great Sage.

 

Behind the columns where the Gaang was hiding, Aang slid into position to run. The five sages firebent at the doors till they opened, only to reveal Momo.

 

“It's the Avatar's lemur. He must have crawled through the pipes! We've been tricked!” The Great Sage said.

 

Zuko heard a yelp of surprise before he and the Water Tribe siblings jumped the sages and immobilized them.

 

“Now, Aang!” Shyu urged.

 

“Aang! Now's your chance!” Katara cried after a beat of silence.

 

“The Avatar will not contact Roku!” Cried a Sage that had Aang pinned after stepping out from behind a column. The Sages took advantage of the momentarily surprise of their captors and managed to pin down Sokka and Katara. Zuko, who had the most training and experience in hand-to-hand combat, was much harder to pin down.

 

“Close the doors! Quickly!” The Sage that had Aang cried. Aang’s face scrunched up in determination before he used airbending to break free of the Sages hold and jump through the doors.

 

“He made it!” Katara said in relief despite being chained up.

 

“We’re not out of the woods yet!” Zuko cried as he continued to fight off the sages that were trying to capture him. It wasn’t very hard too, he trained under Piandao for this very situation and the sages weren’t much fighters. Zuko was momentarily stunned at the blinding flash of white light, but he recovered quickly enough.

 

“We must open the door!!” One of the sages called. The other sages abandoned the fight and tried to open the door.

 

“Why isn't it working? It's sealed shut!” One of the sages cried in frustration.

 

“It must have been the light. Avatar Roku doesn't want us inside.” The Great Fire Sage said.

 

“I think you should be more worried about what’s on the other side of the doors.” Zuko said with a grin as he got back into fighting stance. He wasn’t going to go out like this.

 

 

The sound of slow clapping echoed through the halls Zhou approached with six firebender guards. “Well, well, well. Prince Zuko. What a bold statement for someone who is clearly outnumbered. This will be a fascinating story to tell to the Fire Lord.” Zhao said with a sick smile.

 

“Commander Zhao.” The Great Fire Sage said bowing.

 

Zuko sighed, balled up his fists, before he held up his hands in surrender.

 

Zhao laughed. “Oh, just like that? You were saying mer seconds ago how you could take down the fire sages but surrender to me! You’re more of a coward than I thought.” Zhao snapped his fingers and three of the guards moved to chain Zuko.

 

“There is a difference in knowing when you are outmatched and being a coward, Zhao. I’d rather save my energy for later than waste it on the likes of you.” Zuko said.

 

“Oh, I’m sure.” Zhao said with a sick smile.

 

“Now to you, traitor.” Zhao said turning to Shyu. “Why did you help the Avatar!?”

 

“Because it was once the sages' duty. It is still our duty.” Shyu said with a mix of pride and sadness.

 

“Oh, what a moving and heartfelt performance. I'm certain the Fire Lord will understand, when you explain why you betrayed him.” Zhao said smiling. “My, my, two traitors in one day, the Fire Lord will be pleased.”

 

“You're too late, Zhao! The Avatar's inside and the doors are sealed.” Zuko snapped.

 

“No matter. Sooner or later, he has to come out.” Zhao said confidently. The remaining Gaang traded worried glances.

 

“Now, what to do with this golden opportunity that has been presented to me.” Zhao said grinning as he walked up to Zuko.

 

“What do you mean?” Zuko asked trying to mask the fact that he knew exactly what Zhao ment.

 

“You of course!” Zhao said walking up to Zuko and grabbing his face. Zhao moved his head back and forth, looking over him like he was nothing more than livestock. Then he squeezed. Hard. “There are no dragons left for me to slay and claim my title as Dragon but I will earn the title of something much greater! I will sacrifice you, the child of the sun, and gain fire bending powers beyond that of Agni!” Zhao boasted. Sokka shot a worried glance to Zuko. Zuko tired to give Sokka some reassurance through a squished expression. He then looked back to Zhao, scowled, and bit the baster’s hand. His sharper-than-average canines broke the skin and would hopefully leave a bruise too.

 

“You fucking bitch!!!” Zhao cried angrily as he clutched his bleeding hand. “Oh you’re going to pay for that!!” Zhao brought up his hand and punched Zuko in the face.

 

“I’m going to kill you ungrateful bitch. I’m going to sacrifice you and make myself stronger!” Zhao said.

 

“Killing me wont make you stronger!” Zuko insisted as he spat blood out of his mouth. His nose was definitely sprained at best, and he was going to have plenty of bruising. His hair began to glow slightly.

 

“Oh, but it will. I know it will, after all, Wan Shi Tong’s collection doesn’t lie. I read exactly how to kill you and become more powerful myself.” Zhao said smiling. Zuko paled as the sun marking glowed faintly over his eye. “But first, I must force you into fight for flight to be able to truly harness your spiritual energy.”

 

“You can’t do that to him!!” Sokka protested.

 

“Quiet boy!!” Zhao said.

 

“Zuko, Zuko look at me. Focus on me, don’t panic. Everything will be fine.” Sokka said.

 

“You’re not alone in this Zuko, we’re here too.” Katara said. Zuko drew a shaky breath and calmed himself down to the point that he looked normal.

 

Zhao snarled. “This might take a bit longer than anticipated. “Men, when those doors open, unleash all your firepower!”

 

“How's Aang and Zuko gonna make it out of this?” Katara asked worriedly.

 

“How are we gonna make it out of this?” Sokka asked in fear. His eyes drifted to a terrified Zuko who was trying so hard to keep himself together. His composure was slowly waning the longer that creep Zhao stared at him like a piece of meat.

 

“Let’s start simple.” Zhao said rolling up Zuko’s right sleeve and placing a red-hot hand on his bear skin. Zuko winced and but didn’t make any noise. The sickening scent of brunt flesh wafted through the air but Zuko made no motion that he had even noticed it. Zhao grunted angrily when he got no reaction and pulled his hand back. The skin was red and irritated.

 

“You call that a burn oh commander side burns? A child could go hotter than that.” Zuko taunted. Zhao growled in frustration and struck Zuko again. This time, it was a hot hand over his scared eye. Zuko winced in pain before reassuming his confident demeanor.

 

“I can’t believe how pathetic you are!!” Zuko laughed. Zhao raised his hand to strike Zuko, but Zuko moved his head and dodged just in time. The few seconds that Zhao’s arm was next to his face was all the time Zuko needed to exhale a little fire and set Zhao’s sleeve on fire. Zhao jumped back in shock and started frantically (and frankly rather embarrassingly) trying to put the fire out that spread up his arm. Zuko laughed hysterically.

 

“Awwww, is the little baby upset his sleeve is on fire?” Zuko taunted

 

Zhao screamed in anger and charged at Zuko. He was about to strike when the doors glowed bright white again. Zhao stopped his attack and turned to face the doors. Smoke poured out of the doors and the light caused all present to look away.

 

“Men!! Get in positions!!!” Zhao shouted. “Ready….” A pair of white eyes glowed in the darkness after the light had passed.

 

“No! Aang!” Katara cried as the Gaang struggled against their chains.

 

“Fire!” Zhao cried. His men shot fire at the unsee target before a wall of fire amassed, circling Aang in the form of Avatar Roku.

 

“Avatar Roku….” Shyu said in awe.

 

Avatar Roku drew the circling fire together in one motion. He sent it forward in one powerful wave that seared the room, blasting the offenders off their feet and melting the chains binding Katara, Sokka, Shyu, and Zuko with precision. Katara, Sokka, and Shyu walked gracefully and Zuko managed to stumble and nearly fall on his ass. The sages panicked, all turning to run from Rokus wrath when the attacks had been turned on them.

 

“Avatar Roku is going to destroy the temple! We have to get out of here!” Implored Shyu.

 

“Not without Aang!” Katara insisted.

 

Roku kneeled into a forward strike, melting the floor with a molten firebending trail. He steadily lifted his hand, causing the stream of lava below to erupt into maddened explosions. The lava soared through the temple, tearing it apart. Zhao and his firebenders fled the temples exits, but Sokka, Katara and Zuko were huddled behind a pillar. The destruction ceased momentarily as Roku lowered his hands, exhaling soundly. Zuko watched as all smoke in the room drew in upon Avatar Roku, his form disappearing to leave behind a weary Aang.

 

Aang moaned and dropped to his knees. The trio rushed over and helped Aang up. “We got your back.” Sokka said.

 

“Thanks. Where's Shyu?” Aang asked.

 

“I don't know.” Katara admitted.

 

“I think Zhao took him to the Fire Lord.” Zuko said.

 

“Oh my spirits Zuko what happened to you!?” Aang cried when get caught a glance of Zuko’s bloody and bruised face.

 

“I’ll explain later but right now we need to get out of here as soon as we can.” Zuko’s said picking up Aang in a piggy back and running out of the temple, Katara and Sokka in tow.

 

“The path is blocked!!!” Zuko yelled when he came upon the lava filled stairwell.

 

“Fuck!!” Sokka cursed angrily.

 

“Appa!!!” Aang cried happily when the bison came into view. The Gaang jumped onto Appa’s saddle.

 

“Well, let’s never do that again.” Sokka decided as the Gaang flew away on Appa.

 

“Yeah.” Zuko said. Zuko dropped to his knees and leaned against the edges of the saddle.

 

“You good Zuko?” Sokka asked worriedly.

 

“My head kinda hurts.” Zuko mumbled. “And Agnis gone so now I’m really tired. Ima lay down.” Zuko crumbled and fell to the ground. “Wake me up when we land……” was the last thing Zuko said before world was eloped in darkness.

Chapter Text

Zuko heard the distinct sound of footsteps. Prying open his eyes, he was met with Aang’s feet pacing back and forth and the sound of heavy breaths.

 

“Would you sit down?” Sokka said somewhere to he left of Zuko. “If we hit a bump, you'll go flying off. What's bugging you anyway?”

 

“It's what Avatar Roku said. I'm supposed to master all four elements before that comet arrives.” Aang said worriedly.

 

“Well, let's see. You pretty much mastered airbending and that only took you a hundred and twelve years. I'm sure you can master three more elements by next summer.” Sokka said sarcastically.

 

“I haven't even started waterbending and we're still weeks away from the North Pole! What am I gonna do?!” Aang asked frightfully.

 

“Calm down, it's going to be okay.”

A new voice, Katara said. Aang sat down in Zuko’s line of sight. “If you want, I can try to teach you some of the stuff I know.”

 

“You'd do that?” Aang asked

 

“Of course!” Katara said.

 

“And I can teach you what I know when you’re ready.” Zuko said as he pushed himself up.

 

“You’re awake!!!” Katara said happily.

 

“ZUKO!!!!!” Sokka cried jumping off of Appa’s head and into the saddle. “Don’t ever do that to us again!!!” Sokka practically jumped on Zuko and pulled him into a hug.

 

Zuko flinched in panic at the sudden touch. “Don’t touch me!” He said frantically. Sokka immediately pulled back.

 

Zuko took a few seconds to compose himself. When he looked back up, it was too a guilty looking Sokka. “Oh shit, Sokka, I’m so sorry.” Zuko said. “I’m really, really sorry but I don’t like being touched without permission. Can you not do that without warning again?”

 

“Y-yeah.” Sokka said.

 

“So, um, what day is it?” Zuko asked rubbing his head.

 

“It’s been a day and a half since the solstice. How do you feel?” Katara asked.

 

“Not bad actually. I don’t even have a headache. What happened?” Zuko asked.

 

“Well you passed out and we decided to keep flying till we were in Earth Kingdom territory. We camped out in a forest and tired to tend to your wounds. We got some burn oil and wrapped your hand, put some ice on your bruises, thankfully your nose wasn’t broken, and prayed you wouldn’t have a concussion. The next morning your burn was gone along with most of your bruising. I don’t really understand why but as long as you’re ok.” Katara explained.

 

“Wow. Ok. Thanks. Guess Zhao doesn’t hit as hard as he thought.” Zuko said.

 

“I’m sorry I got you hurt, Zuko.” Aang said.

 

“What? No! You didn’t get me hurt. I knew that it was a possibility that what happened could happen and I was ready to take the risk. Don’t blame yourself for that, please.” Zuko said.

 

“Alright.” Aang said.

 

“Well Aang, I think we should find a good source of water to start your waterbending training.” Katara decided.

 

“Maybe we can find a puddle for you to splash in.” Sokka said grinning sarcastically. He seemed to have resumed his old personality in a worrisome amount of time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Nice puddle.” Sokka said as they stared down the massive waterfall in front of them. Appa flew down into the river and created a huge splash, almost washing Momo away.

 

“Yeah! Don't start without me, boy!” Aang said taking off his shirt and running toward the water.

 

“Remember the reason we're here.” Katara said somewhat blankly.

 

“Oh right. Time to practice waterbending.” Aang said as he stopped and put his clothes back on.

 

“Great. So what am I supposed to do?” Sokka asked sarcastically.

 

“You could ... clean the gunk out of Appa's toes.” Aang offered, handing Sokka a branch with a bunch of leaves at the end.

 

Sokka frowned and crossed his arms. “So, while you guys are playing in the water, I'm supposed to be hard at work picking mud out of a giant bison's feet?”

 

“Mud and bugs!” Aang said cheerfully.

 

“Okay.” Sokka said taking the stick and walking over to Appa who was floating in the river.

 

“What are you going to do, Zuko?” Katara asked.

 

“I’m going to do some breathing exercises, I didn’t get to do that this morning.” Zuko said. He took off his shoes and hopped over to a bunch of smooth rocks sticking out in the river.

 

“You’re doing it there?” Sokka asked.

 

Zuko shrugged. “It seems right.”

 

Sokka shrugged and went back to his work. Zuko heard Appa moaning in happiness when Sokka cleaned a particularly bad toe. “Yeah, don't get too happy. You've got to do me next.” Sokka said.

 

Not even ten minutes had passed before something blocked out the sun. Zuko opened his eyes and found himself face to face with a massive wave.

 

“AANG!?!?!?!?” Sokka screamed as the wave crashed down on him. Zuko created a temporary wall of fire to avoid getting wet.

 

“You ok Sokka?” Zuko asked when the wave had passed.

 

“Barely.” Sokka grumbled.

 

“Looks like I got the hang of that move! What else do you got?” Aang asked smiling

 

“That's enough practicing for today.” Katara said, clearly angry at Aang’s immediate success.

 

“Yeah, I'll say! You just "practiced" our supplies down the river!” Sokka said angrily.

 

“Yeah, can we be a bit more careful next time?” Zuko asked.

 

“Uh, sorry. I'm sure we can find somewhere to replace all this stuff.” Aang said sheepishly.

 

“My life was hard enough when you were just an airbender.“ Sokka said bitterly.

 

“Soon he’s going to have to firebend too.” Zuko reminded Sokka.

 

“Hang on! How come you’re not wet!?!? You were in the blast range of the wave too!!” Sokka demanded.

 

“I used a little trick my uncle taught me by using my fire to create a temporary sheilddaaaAUUGGG !!!!!!!!” Zuko screamed as he was pulled into the river by Sokka. When he surfaced, he was met with a grinning Sokka.

 

“What the fuck Sokka!?!?” Zuko said angrily as he splashed Sokka.

 

“Hey, if I’m getting wet, you’re getting wet.” Sokka said smugly splashing Zuko back. Zuko splashed Sokka who splashed back.

 

“YEAH!!!! Water fight!!!!!” Aang shouted happily as he took off his clothes and jumped into the river.

 

“You all are disgusting.” Katara said.

 

“Come on Katara, don’t you wanna join in?” Sokka asked as he splashed at Aang.

 

“I’m not going to get into this pointless argumennnnn—AUHGGGGGGG!!!!!” Katara screamed as she too was pulled into the water in the middle of her sentence by Sokka.

 

“SOKKA!!!!” Katara screamed. She used water bending to send a gust of water at his face.

 

“Hey that’s cheating!!!!” Sokka protested.

 

“Not if you don’t get caught!” Zuko said dunking Sokka back into the water.

 

“Oh it’s on.” Sokka said grinning.

 

“Yeah!! Let’s play chicken-hen!!!!” Aang said. “I call Zuko!!!!”

 

“What’s chicken-hen?” Katara asked.

 

“It’s this really fun game played in water! One person sits on another persons shoulders and they try to push another two people off!!! It’s super fun!!!” Aang explained.

 

“Fine. One game then we have to go to the market.” Katara said.

 

“Oh yeah!!!!” Aang said cheerily. “Zuko I’m going to climb onto your shoulders.”

 

“Ok but mind the hair.” Zuko said. Aang smiled and used airbending to get onto Zuko’s shoulders.

 

“Katara you’re with me. Let’s show ‘em not to mess with the water tribe!” Sokka said.

 

“Fine.” Katara said rolling her eyes. She climbed onto her brother’s shoulders.

 

“First one down wins!!!!” Aang declared.

 

“WATER TRIBE!!!!!” Sokka screamed running at Aang and Zuko the best he could.

 

“We can do this Zuko!!!!” Aang said starting a fist fight with Katara.

 

Zuko smirked at Sokka and lunged.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aang and Zuko won. Despite Katara’s water bending prowess, it didn’t do much.

 

“That—that was actually a lot of fun.” Katara said wringing out her hair.

 

“I told you!!” Aang said using airbending to get all the water off him.

 

“What did you think Zuko?” Sokka asked.

 

“It was fun. I don’t think I’ve enjoyed myself or allowed my self to do something that mundane in a long time.” Zuko said. “Uggg, wet bangs.” Zuko grumbled before pushing his hair back. He failed to notice Sokka’s faint blush at the motion.

 

“Alright, let’s get to town.” Sokka decided.

 

 

———————————-

 

“We've got exactly three copper pieces left from the money that King Bumi gave us. Let's spend it wisely.” Sokka said.

 

“Uh, make that two copper pieces, Sokka. I couldn't say no to this whistle!” Aang said happily. Zuko sighed and rubbed his temples. When Aang blew sharply into the whistle, no sound came out.

 

“It doesn't even work.” Zuko said. Momo squawked  in annoyance at Aang.

 

“Even Momo thinks it's a piece of junk.” Sokka added.

 

“No offense Aang, but I'll hold the money from now on.“ Katara decided.

 

“Let’s just get going.” Zuko sighed. “I think the produce section is down here.”

 

As the grouped walked to the food part of the market, they passed my a man in green shouting by his boat.   

 

“Earth Nation! Fire Nation! Water Nation! So long as bargains are your inclination, you're welcome here! Don't be shy, come on by!” The man said. Upon spotting the group, the man ran up to them. Zuko pulled his hood over his head more. “Oh! You there, I can see from your clothing that you're world-traveling types. Perhaps I can interest you in some exotic curios?”

 

“Sure! What are curios?” Aang asked.

 

“I'm not entirely sure. But we got 'em!” The man said putting a hand over Aang’s shoulder and leading him to his ship.

 

“Come on, we gotta follow Aang.” Zuko said walking back to the ship. He heard Sokka groan behind him.

 

The inside of the boat was just about how Zuko had expected it. Strange collectibles lined up on shelves on the walls.

 

“I've never seen such a fine specimen of lemur. That beast would fetch me a hefty sum if you'd be interested in bartering.” Said the assumed Captain of the ship who had a reptile bird on their shoulders.

 

“Momo's not for sale.” Aang said hastily grabbing Momo.

 

Zuko walked over to see what Katara was looking at in the scroll section.

 

“Look at this, Aang. It's a waterbending scroll!” Katara said excitedly. Aang walked over to where Zuko and Katara were. “Check out these crazy moves.”

 

“Where did you get a waterbending scroll?” Aang asked the captain excitedly.

 

The Captain slammed his hand down on the scroll and pulled it away. “Let's just say I got it up North, at a most reasonable price, free.” The captain boasted as he rolled the scroll back up and put it away.

 

“Wait a minute ... Sea loving traders, with suspiciously acquired merchandise, and pet reptile birds? You guys are pirates!” Sokka concluded.

 

“We prefer to think of ourselves as "high risk traders."” The man from earlier said.

 

“So, how much for the, uh, traded scroll?” Katara asked holding the two copper pieces in her hand.

 

“I've already got a buyer, a nobleman in the Earth Kingdom. Unless of course, you kids have two hundred gold pieces on you right now.” The Captain said.

 

Aang whispered something to Katara and grabbed the coins.

 

“Two silver pieces says we’re going to be running out of here with swords at our throats.” Zuko whispered as he watched Aang try to “barter” with the Captain.

 

“Deal.” Sokka whispered back

 

“It's not as amusing the second time, boy!” The captain said agitated.

 

Katara whispered something to Aang. “Aye, we be casting off now!” Aang said before walking away.

 

 

 

“What was that all about, Katara?” Aang asked.

 

“Yeah, I was just starting to browse through their boomerang collection.” Sokka said.

 

“Don’t trust anything you buy from pirates, it’s either fake, cheap, fragile, or if you’re caught with it you’ll go to prison for life.” Zuko said.

 

“I'll just feel a lot better once we get away from here.” Katara said worriedly holding her arms.

 

 

“Hey you! Get back here!” Shouted the bartering man from earlier.

 

“Well, well. Look who's come to their senses. Told you the haggling would pay off.” Aang said. Right after that statement, a group of armed pirates jumped out of the boat and started running to the Gaang swinging various weapons.

 

“I don't think these pirates are here to trade with us!” Katara said already turning around to run.

 

“RUN!!!” Zuko said, dragging a confused Avatar with him.

 

“Hey, where’s the rest of the group!?” Sokka asked.

 

“They’re probably trying to cut us off!! We need to outsmart them!!” Zuko said.

 

The group kept running from the pirates, Katara froze a puddle of water behind them but it only slowed down a single pirate. The rest were gaining on them. They wove around a cabbage cart, and shortly after Aang jumped through Zuko heard a massive crash, presumably Aang sending the cart at the pirates.

 

Unfortunately, the Gaang’s luck kicked in and the second group of pirates jumped out from another street and corned the Gaang.

 

“I hope that lemur of yours has nine lives!” Jeered a pirate.

 

“Now, who gets to taste the steel of my blade first?” Asked the trading man from earlier.

 

“You wanna try mine?” Zuko asked drawing his own swords.

 

“No one’s eating any metal today!” Aang said hurling a blast of air at the pirates to knock them back. He then ran at them with his glider out, providing the very detailed explanation of “HOLD ON!!!”

 

“Aang! I thought we were running away from the pirates!“ Katara cried as she, Sokka and Zuko grabbed onto Aang’s glider.

 

“Just hang on!” Aang said. By some miracle, the group flew over the pirates and back to camp in one piece.

 

 

 

“I used to kind of look up to pirates, but those guys are terrible.” Aang said putting his glider away.

 

“Well they had to be chasing us for some reason. Or they really were just terrible people.” Zuko said pulling off his hood.

 

“I know. That's why I took this.” Katara said mischievously, her hand holding the Waterbending scroll that they found in the shop.

 

“No way!” Aang said in surprise.

 

“Isn't it great?!” Katara asked.

 

“No wonder they were trying to hack us up! You stole their waterbending scroll!” Sokka accused.

 

“I prefer to think of it as high risk trading.” Katara said jokingly.

 

“Good one, Katara.” Aang laughed.

 

“Sokka, where do you think they got it? They stole it from a waterbender!” Katara argued.

 

“It doesn't matter. You put all of our lives in danger just so you could learn some stupid, fancy splashes.” Sokka said.

 

“These are real waterbending forms. You know how crucial it is for Aang to learn waterbending!” Katara argued.

 

“Zuko, back me up!” Sokka pleaded.

 

“I completely agree with Sokka that what you did was incredibly stupid and risked all of our lives. But, I also agree with Katara that they didn’t deserve to have it. If you were planning on stealing it, you could have just asked me, I wouldn’t have said no! I have experience stealing from Fire Nation strong holds, I think I can break into a pirate ship.” Zuko said.

 

“Whatever.” Sokka said walking away.

 

“Well, what's done is done. We have it, we might as well learn from it.” Aang said.

 

 

 

Zuko managed to coax Sokka into coming back to watch the training so that he could learn to defend different bending moves and so Zuko could learn different bending moves himself.

 

“I just want to try this one move first and then it's all yours.” Katara said handing Aang the scroll. “Here, hold it open for me. The single water whip. Looks doable.” Katara attempted the move but only managed to hit herself in the forehead. “Ow!” She cried.

 

“Ha, ha, ha!” Sokka laughed.

 

“What's so funny?” Katara asked, glaring at Sokka.

 

“I'm sorry, but you deserved that.” Sokka said.

 

“Yeah, you kinda do.” Zuko said.

 

“Aang, my good man, you’ve been duped; she's only interested in teaching herself.” Sokka said to Aang.

 

“Aang will get his turn once I figure out the water whip!” Katara said angrily. When she tried again, she ended up hitting Momo who screeched and ran up to Zuko, hiding behind Zuko’s leg while hissing.

 

“Ugh, why can't I get this stupid move?” Katara asked angrily.

 

“You'll get it.” Aang said, completely oblivious to Katara’s anger. “You just gotta shift your weight through the stances.” When Aang attempted the move, he did it perfectly. “There, see, the key to bending is—“

 

“Will you please shut your air hole!? Believe it or not your infinite wisdom gets a little old sometimes! Why don't we just throw the scroll away since you're so naturally gifted!” Katara snapped.

 

“What the hell Katara!?” Sokka demanded.

 

“What?” Katara demanded. She looked back at Aang who had tears forming in his eyes. “Oh my gosh, Aang, I am so sorry, I don't know what came over me. But you know what, it won't happen again. Here, this is yours. I don't want to have anything to do with it anymore.”

 

“It's okay Katara.” Aang said.

 

“What about Momo? He's the real victim here.” Sokka said.

 

“I'm sorry, Momo.” Katara said to Momo who was still clinging to Zuko’s leg.

 

“And what about me? There was that time you—“

Sokka started.

 

“No more apologies!” Katara said angrily. She left the clearing and moved up river.

 

“I’ll go talk to her.” Zuko said before following.

 

Zuko found Katara kicking at the water angrily and cursing.

 

“Hey.” Zuko said.

 

“What? You’re here to tell me all about what a horrible person I am and that I need to apologize more?” Katara demanded. She sat down on the bank of the river.

 

“No, I’m here to say that I get it.” Zuko said.

 

“Huh?” Katara asked, clearly shocked at what Zuko said.

 

“When I was growing up, being Agni’s chosen one ment that everyone assumed I would be the most amazing and perfect firebender. When I was born with a weak spark-“ Zuko started

 

“Spark?” Katara asked

 

“It’s like your inner flame. Those with stronger sparks are better firebenders. It’s what the Fire Nation calls Chi.” Zuko explained.

 

“Oh.” Katara asked.

 

“Yeah. When I was born without a strong spark, my value dropped. When my sister, Azula, was born with an incredibly strong spark and just being so quick at everything that she attempted with her firebending, I was frustrated with myself. I couldn’t really hate on ‘Zula, I love her too much for that but I was upset with my self for not being able to get things right. I’m still not at her level and even under my uncles training I wasn’t. But I found that I got better through not just through patience and practice, by not letting it get to me too often. You can’t blame Aang for his talent, he’s mastered waterbending over in a thousand life times, but you can be patient with yourself. Anger won’t get you anywhere and it won’t help you.“ Zuko said.

 

“Even if it doesn’t, I’m still not a good enough waterbender.” Katara said.

 

“Katara, you’re one of the best waterbenders I’ve ever seen.” Zuko said.

 

“Huh?” Katara asked.

 

“Katara, you taught yourself Waterbending without any formal training at all. You know how to defend yourself with it, how to create waves and tunnels with it, with no formal training, no outside influence, that’s amazing. Even with great teachers, some people would be lucky to be able to float water, much less use it for combat purposes with instruction training. Heck, most benders don’t even know their benders till later in their life. What you’re doing Katara? It’s exceptional. You’re a prodigy, and when we get to the Northern Water Tribe, you’re bound to become one of the best waterbenders out there.” Zuko said.

 

Katara stared at the water. “Thanks Zuko. I needed to hear that.” She finally said.

 

“Of course. I’m going to help set up camp, do you need a minute or are you good?” Zuko asked.

 

“I’m good.” Katara said smiling faintly.

 

“Then let’s go make sure Sokka doesn’t eat the rest of our reserve supplies.” Zuko joked, offering a hand up. Katara smiled and took it.

 

 

 

 

Zuko had been hoping to get an uninterrupted sleep, but such a thing didn’t seem to happen in the Gaang.

 

Zuko was awoken to Aang poking him with his staff.

 

“What in the name of Agni is going on now?” Zuko asked exasperatedly.

 

“Katara’s gone!!” Aang said frantically.

 

“And she took the scroll!!” Sokka said.

 

“I’m sure she’s fine.” Zuko said.

 

“I’m telling you she’s obsessed with that thing! Can you believe—AUGGGGGG!!!!!!!” Sokka yelped as a rope from a pirate was thrown at him and dragged him forward in the middle of his rant.

 

“Pirates!!!” Aang said.

 

“No, really!?” Zuko asked, sarcasm dripping from his voice. He dodged a net that came flying his way. He didn’t turn around fast enough to doge the pirate that came up behind him and wrapped his tightly in chains. To his left, he heard Aang yelp as he was captured too.

 

“I got him, come on!” One of the pirates said.

 

“Oh, what? I'm not good enough to kidnap?” Sokka asked. “AH!” Sokka shouted when a pirate shot another net at Sokka and dragged him away too.

 

“You should really learn to shut your mouth.” Zuko said.

 

“Oh shut it.” Sokka grumbled.

 

 

 

They were dragged to a clearing where Katara was tied to a tree and Commander Side Burns was standing, flanked by four other guards.

 

“Nice to see you again, brat.” Zhao said with a sick smile.

 

“Fuck you.” Zuko growled.

 

Zhao laughed. “Nice work, pirates.” When Zhao raised his hand, Zuko felt a rush of stratification that it was wrapped in bandages and had clear evidence of bruising.

 

“Aang, this is all my fault.” Katara said.

 

“No Katara, it isn't.” Aang countered.

 

“Yeah, it kind of is.” Zuko said. Katara shot Zuko a glare.

 

“Give me the bald child and the Fire Nation spawn.” Zhao commanded to the pirate captain.

 

“You give us the scroll.” The captain said.

 

“You're really gonna hand over the Avatar AND Agni’s chosen one for a stupid piece of parchment?” Sokka asked skeptically.

 

“Don't listen to him, he's trying to turn us against each other!” Zhao said.

 

“Your friend is the Avatar, and the other one is Agni’s blessed one?” The Captain asked.

 

“The blessed one is the Prince!” Concluded a pirate

 

“They sure are, and I'll bet they’ll fetch a lot more on the black market than that fancy scroll.” Sokka said.

 

“Shut your mouth, Water Tribe peasant!” Zhao shouted.

 

“Yeah, Sokka, you really should shut your mouth.”

Aang said

 

“Seriously, shut up!!” Zuko hissed.

 

“I'm just sayin' it's bad business sense. Think how much the Fire Lord would pay for the Avatar and his son. You guys would be set for life.” Sokka said. The pirates eyes winded.

 

“Keep the scroll; we can buy a hundred with the reward we'll get for the kids.” The pirate captain said. The pirates turned to leave.

 

“You'll regret breaking a deal with me.” Zhao growled. He and two of the guards sent fire blasts in the way of the pirates. The pirates jumped back before charging into the fight throwing smoke bombs. Some of the soldiers ran to Zuko, Sokka, and Aang who were struggling with their ropes but are blocked by pirates.

 

“Let’s try and get out of here!” Zuko said burning the chains off his hands.

 

“You could do that the whole time!?!?!?” Sokka demanded. Zuko shrugged and was about to burn the ropes of Sokka and Aang when a large bolt of fire from Zhao threw the trio apart and into the smoke cloud.

 

“Aang, Zuko, are you there?” Zuko heard Sokka shout.

 

“I’m here!!!” Zuko shouted, disarming a pirate.

 

“And I'm over here! Follow my voice guys!!” Aang said.

 

“Where? I can't find you!” Sokka shouted.

 

“I'm right here!” Aang shouted. A gust of air blew past Aang and all the smoke cleared. Zuko found himself surrounded by a bunch of pirates and soldiers, and from what Zuko could see Aang was surrounded by pirates.

 

“Uh, never mind! I'll find you!” Aang shouted as he pulled the smoke back.

 

“Oh for the love of Agni!!! Head south and out of the cloud!!!” Zuko shouted, abandoning his own fight and running.

 

When he breached the cloud, Aang and Sokka were right behind him.

 

“RUN!!!!” Aang shouted. They ran over to Katara who was trying to push the pirate boat back in the water.

 

“Katara, you're okay!” Aang said in relief.

 

“Help me get this boat back in the water so we can get outta here!” Katara said. The group nodded and joined Katara in trying to push it back in the water. Despite their best efforts, the boat doesn’t move.

 

“We'd need a team of rhinos to budge this ship!” Sokka said.

 

“A team of rhinos, or two waterbenders.” Aang said.

 

“I don’t know if I can-“ Katara started.

 

“Katara, you can do this. I know you can. Sokka and I got your backs while you get this thing into the water.” Zuko said.

 

Katara smiled and nodded. It took a few minutes of Katara and Aang pushing and pulling the water, but the boat eventually made it into the river.

 

“Everybody in!” Katara said. Zuko nodded and climbed onto the ship. He pulled Sokka up once he was on.

 

“Sokka, can't you make it go any faster?!” Aang asked worriedly once they were in the water, Zhao’s ship having been highjacked by pirates and gaining on theirs’.

 

“I don't know how. This thing wasn't made by the Water Tribe!” Sokka said.

 

Zuko’s jumped onto the deck when the pirates had docked on it. He was down his swords and wasn’t going to use his fire on a wooden ship, so he had to stick with hand-to-hand combat. He disarmed and knocked off two pirates when Aang started yelling.

 

“Zuko, jump!!!!” Aang shouted. Zuko jumped up to higher ground just in time for Aang to wash most of the pirates off with a large wave.

 

Katara looked around determined before performing the water whip perfectly and knocking off the last pirate.

 

“You did the water whip!!” Aang said.

 

“I couldn't have done it without your help!” Katara said, a little breathlessly at her success.

 

“Would you two quit congratulating each other and help me out!?” Sokka shouted with an undertone of panic.

 

“Hold on.” Zuko said calmly, running up to Sokka and disarming the two pirates. Aang came up behind Zuko and blew the pirates off the ship.

 

“Guys, look!!!” Katara said factually to a large waterfall that their ship was steadily heading for.

 

“Oh no….” Aang said, eyes wide with fear. The bartering pirate came up behind Aang with a knife. Zuko moved and swiftly knocked the pirate off the ship. Aang looked around and sharply blew his bison whistle.

 

“Have you lost your mind? This is no time for flute practice!!!” Zuko scolded.

 

“We can stop the boat! Aang, together, push and pull the water!” Katara urged. Aang ran to Katara in the middle of the ship and joined her. “It's working, it's slowing down! We're doing it!!” Katara cried gleefully as two whirlpools were crated under the ship and stoped it.   

 

“But we have another problem!!!” Sokka said pointing to Zhao’s ship that was coming very close to ramming theirs.

 

Zuko ran to the rails of the ship to get a better look.“Fucking Zhao!!!!!” He cried angrily

 

“We’re going to have to jump when it rams!!!” Sokka said.

 

“Are you out of your mind!?!?!?” Katara cried.

 

“It’s our only option!!” Zuko argued.

 

“On three!!!!” Aang said. “One….two…..three JUMP!!!!!” The group jumped over the rials as Zhao’s ship collided with the pirate one.

 

As Zuko was falling, he briefly wondered what dying would feel like. He never did get to ponder on the thought, for at the last second, Appa’s caught them all.

 

“I knew a bison whistle would come in handy!Thanks Appa.” Aang said patting the bisons head.

 

“Yeah, we owe you one.” Zuko said. Appa roared in pride.

 

“What would we do without Appa, seriously?” Sokka asked.

 

“Walk to the North Pole?” Zuko asked.

 

“Aang, I still owe you an apology. You were just so good at waterbending without really trying. I got so competitive that I put us all in danger, I'm sorry.” Katara said.

 

“That's okay Katara.” Aang said smiling.

 

“Besides, who needs that stupid scroll anyway?” Katara huffed.

 

“Is that really how you feel?” Sokka asked sarcastically, having produced the scroll In his hands.

 

“The scroll!” Katara shouted in disbelief.

 

“First, what did you learn?” Sokka asked holding out his hand to stop Katara from getting the scroll.

 

“Stealing is wrong.” Katara said, snatching the scroll. “Unless it's from pirates!”

 

“Good one, Katara.” Aang laughed.

 

“We’re going to get chased down by another mob of angry pirates, aren’t we?” Zuko asked exasperatedly.

 

“Yup.” Sokka said, popping the ‘p’.

 

Zuko sighed. “Let’s fly back to camp and pack up. I’m not leaving my mask.”

 

“Appa, yip yip!!” Aang said.

Chapter Text

TW: Non-consensual kissing

 

 

 

 

“Hey, where’s Momo?” Aang asked looking around while the group was in the middle of packing up.

 

“I saw him changing a bug earlier, I think he went that way.” Zuko said pointing to the left with a jab of his thumb.

 

“Come on we gotta find him!” Aang said walking off in the direction Zuko was pointing.

 

“There he is!” Katara said pointing to Momo who was suspended in handing cage with two other hanging cages.

 

“Hang on, Momo!” Aang said. Aang used airbending to fly to the top of the tree, jumping from trunk-to-trunk to gain altitude. Zuko couldn’t see much more after that, (the trees were tall damit!) but eventually Momo’s cage was lowered to the ground. Sokka and Zuko helped maneuver the cage to let Momo out. Momo scamped up onto Zuko’s shoulders and started eating is lychee nuts as if nothing had ever happened.

 

“Seriously? No reaction at all?” Zuko asked Momo, perched on his shoulders. Momo chattered before he went back to eating. When Aang landed, the two other animals cried out for help.

 

“All right, you too.” Aang said smiling before repeating his ascent up the trees.   

 

“This is gonna take forever.” Sokka groaned. He threw his boomerang and cut something, causing the two traps to fall back to the ground.

 

The hog monkeys ran away and Aang slid back down the tree dirt flying from the ground as he landed. Sokka knelt down to examine the traps.

 

“These are Fire Nation traps. You can tell from the metalwork. We'd better pack up camp and get moving.” Sokka said.

 

“Alright.” Zuko agreed walking back to camp.

 

 

 

 

 

“Uh-uh! No flying this time.” Sokka said while they were packing up Appa’s saddle.

 

“What? Why wouldn't we fly?” Aang asked confused.

 

“Think about it: Somehow Sideburns and the Fire Nation keep finding us. It's because they spot Appa, he's just too noticeable.” Sokka said.

 

“What? Appa's not too noticeable!” Katara argued.

 

“He's a gigantic fluffy monster with an arrow on his head! It's kinda hard to miss him!” Sokka said

 

“Sokka’s just jealous 'cause he doesn’t have arrow.” Aang said to Appa while rubbing his head.

 

“I know you all wanna fly, but my instincts tell me we should play it safe this time and walk.” Sokka said.

 

“I’m going to have to go with Sokka on this one. Especially since there’s fire nation traps around, it might be better to lie low.” Zuko said.

 

“Who made you the boss?” Katara asked her brother, completely ignoring Zuko.

 

“I'm not the boss, I'm the leader.” Sokka said pointing to himself.

 

“You're the leader? But your voice still cracks!” Katara laughed.

 

“I'm the oldest, and I'm a warrior! So-“ Sokka deepened his voice “-I'm the leader!

 

“If anyone's the leader, it's Aang. I mean, he is the Avatar.” Katara said

 

“Are you kidding? He's just a goofy kid!” Sokka argued.

 

“He's right.” Aang said while handing upside down from Appa’s horns.

 

“Why do boys always think someone has to be the leader? I bet you wouldn't be so bossy if you kissed a girl.” Katara retorted.

 

“I've kissed a girl, you just haven't met her!” Sokka said defensively.

 

“Who? Gran-Gran? I've met Gran-Gran.” Katara said mockingly.

 

“No! Besides Gran-Gran. Look, my instincts tell me we have a better chance of slipping through on foot, and a leader has to trust his instincts.” Sokka said.

 

“Who’s leader and who’s not aside, I’m going to have to go with Sokka on this one. Especially since there’s fire nation traps around, it might be better to lie low.” Zuko said tying his Blue Spirit mask on his hip to make room in his bag.

 

“Okay, we'll try it your way, oh wise leader.” Katara said sarcastically.

 

“Who knows? Walking might be fun.” Aang said enthusiastically, already wearing his backpack.

 

 

 

It took Aang ten minutes to start complaining.

 

“Walking stinks! How do people go anywhere without a flying bison?” Aang asked.

 

“Well I don't know, Aang. Why don't you ask Sokka's instincts? They seem to know everything.” Katara said.

 

“Ha ha, very funny.” Sokka retorted.

 

“How in the name of the Spirits did you do this all the time, Zuko?” Katara asked.

 

“Spite.” Zuko answered. Katara snorted.

 

“I'm tired of carrying this pack.” Aang complained.

 

“You know who you should ask to carry it for a while? Sokka's instincts.”

Katara mocked.

 

“That's a great idea. Hey, Sokka's instincts, would you mind--“ Aang started.

 

“Okay, okay, I get it! Look, guys, I'm tired too. But the important thing is that we're safe from the..” Sokka walked through a bush and sees something “..Fire ... Nation.” He finished. Zuko pushed then the bush and was met with a Fire Nation camp. They seemed to have been interrupted mid meal, as many were in more relaxed attire and eating. When they noticed the group they got up and reached for their weapons.

 

“Run!” Sokka cried. The group abandoned their bags and turned to run back to the bush behind them, only to find that it had been set on fire.

 

“We're cut off!” Sokka said.

 

“Really? I never would’ve guessed!” Zuko said with bitting sarcasm.

 

“Sokka, your shirt!” Aang said pointing to the flames creeping up Sokka’s sleeve. Sokka yelped and Katara out the flames with Waterbending.

 

“If you let us pass, we promise not to hurt you.” Sokka said. Zuko picked up on this and clashed his swords together before falling into a fighting stance.

 

“What are you doing?” Katara whispered.

 

“Bluffing.” Sokka whispered back.

 

“You, promise not to hurt us?” Laughed a solider. A whooshing sound followed that statement and a dart from an unknown source struck the guard in the back. The guard groaned and collapsed.

 

“Nice work, Sokka! How'd you do that?” Aang asked enthusiastically.

 

“Uh, instinct?” Sokka said shrugging.

 

“Look!” Katara said pointing to a tree. There, a boy with shaggy brown hair stood. He unsheathed two hook swords and jumped down, taking two soldiers with him.

 

“Down you go.” The boy said. Katara looked at him amazed, Aang shocked, Sokka confused, and Zuko simply stared. Another soldier charged at the boy, but Zuko intervened and threw one of his swords at the soldiers helmet before rushing up, trading a few blows and knocking a soldier out.

 

“They're in the trees!” Cried a solider. Out of the corner of his eye, Zuko saw a kid jump down on a solder and blind him, laughing while he rode the solider. A few arrows shot past Zuko and to an unsuspecting soldier.

 

Zuko charged into the fight. He slit a few spears down their shaft, knocked plenty of guys out and landed a few good kicks. After knocking out a few more guys, he saw some soldier trying to sneak up on Katara. Zuko ran up to the soldier and knocked them out, too.

 

“How you doing?” Zuko asked.

 

“Great, how about you?” Katara asked

 

“Eh, you know.” Zuko’s shrugged. He grabbed the end of a charging spear with his right arm, broke it on his left elbow, spun again to grab the soldiers wrists, knee them in the stomach and hit a nerve on their neck to knock them out. When Zuko was finished, he turned back to Katara to see the boy with the hook swords running up to them.

 

“Hey.” The boy said.

 

“Hi.” Katara said bashfully.

 

“Hello.” Zuko said, thoroughly unamused.

 

“You just took out a whole army almost single-handed!” Aang said in amazement, eyes grazing through now empty camp.

 

“Army?! Pfft! There were only like, twenty guys.” Sokka scoffed.

 

“My name is Jet, and these are my Freedom Fighters. Sneers, Longshot, Smellerbee, The Duke, and Pipsqueak.” The now-named-Jet said.

 

“Ha ha! Pipsqueak, that's a funny name.” Aang said laughing

 

‘Pipsqueak’ loomed over Aang in a threatening manner. “You think my name is funny?” He asked in a deep voice.

 

“It's hilarious!” Aang said with an upbeat tone. Pipsqueak started laughing along with the Duke and slapped Aang on is back an onto the ground.

 

“I’m Katara, and this is Aang, Sokka, and Zuko.” Katara said.

 

“Zuko. That’s a pretty name.” Jet said.

 

“Thanks.” Zuko mumbled.

 

 

 

 

 

“Umm, thanks for saving us, Jet. We're lucky you were there.” Katara said after a bit. The rest of the group was raiding the camp.

 

“I should be thanking you. We were waiting to ambush those soldiers all morning. We just needed the right distraction, and then you guys stumbled in.” Jet said.

 

“We were relying on instincts.” Katara said eyeing Sokka.

 

“And reason,” Zuko added.

 

“You'll get yourself killed doing that.” Jet said.

 

“Hey, Jet, these barrels are filled of blasting jelly.”

Called The Duke.

 

“That's a great score.” Jet smiled.

 

“And these boxes are filled with jelly candy!” Pipsqueak said holding up a wooden box.

 

“Also good. Let's not get those mixed up.” Jet said.

 

“We'll take this stuff back to the hideout.” The Duke said

 

“You guys have a hideout?” Aang said excitedly.

 

“No Aang they live in dirt holes and dig new ones everyday.” Zuko said sarcastically.

 

“Really? That’s a bit odd but I can’t be one to judge.” Aang said. Katara face palmed. Jet laughed.

 

“No, we have a real idea out. You wanna see it?” Jet asked

 

“Yes, we wanna see it!” Katara said excitedly.

 

“Well then, come with us.” Jet said leading them deeper into the forest.

 

____________________

 

“We're here.” Jet announced.

 

“Where? There's nothing here.” Sokka said.

 

“Not yet. Watch.” Jet said handing The Duke a rope. They were immediately sucked into the trees.

 

“Care for a ride up?” Jet asked, holding a hand out in front of Zuko.

 

“Sure.” Zuko shrugged.

 

“You gotta take your hood off first.” Jet said. Zuko shrugged and let his hood drop to his shoulders, his sun kissed hair to flowing freely at his neck.

 

Jet winced, most likely at the scar, before gasping softly. “You’re, you’re beautiful.” He whispered

 

“What?” Zuko said knowing dam well what Jet said.

 

“I said to take my hand.” Jet said with a soft smile. Zuko took it and Jet pulled him in close.

 

“You might want to hold on.” Jet said grinning. Zuko wrapped his arm around Jet’s shoulder and neck, and Jet put an arm around Zuko’s waist. They used the same thing the Duke used to get up into the tree, only much slower so that the forest views could be seen.

 

“It’s beautiful.” Zuko said.

 

“Not as pretty as you.” Jet whispered softly.

 

“Pardon?” Zuko asked.

 

“Nothing.” Jet said smiling.

 

When the ride finished, Zuko was met with a large and interconnected tree house.

 

“Nice place you got!” Aang said zipping through the trees.

 

“It's beautiful up here!” Katara said having gotten up on her own.

 

“It’s beautiful, and more importantly, the Fire Nation can't find us.” Jet said.

 

“They would love to find you. Wouldn't they, Jet?” Asked a girl, Smellerbee, Zuko thought her name was.

 

“It's not gonna happen, Smellerbee.” Jet said grinning. The Freedom Fighters, Katara, Zuko, and Sokka followed Jet across a bridge.

 

“Redwood trees, it’s a good idea. Some of the tallest trees in the world.” Zuko said, it finally clicking why the trees were so big.

 

“You’ve seen bigger?” Jet asked, raising an eyebrow.

 

“Heard. Supposedly the trees in the world forest located in the spirit world are supposed to be over 300 feet tall.” Zuko said

 

“So why does the Fire Nation want to find you?” Katara asked.

 

“I guess you could say I've been causing them a little trouble. See, they took over a nearby Earth Kingdom town a few years back.” Jet said.

 

“We've been ambushin' their troops, cutting off their supply lines, and doing anything we can to mess with 'em.” Pipsqueak said.

 

“One day, we'll drive the Fire Nation out of here for good and free that town.” Jet said grinning.

 

“That's so brave.” Katara said.

 

“Yeah.” Zuko agreed.

 

“Thanks, that means a lot coming from the Blue Spirit.” Jet said smiling. Zuko’s hand instinctively reached for his mask he had forgotten was tied to his waist. “Don’t worry, we won’t tell. It’s an honor to finally meet you.”

 

“Likewise.” Zuko said. “So, you’ve heard about me?”

 

“Heard about you!?” Smellerbee asked. “Dude, you’re a legend! Everyone here has heard of the tales of the Blue Spirit! You’re amazing!”

 

“Oh, thanks.” Zuko said, his cheeks flushing. He tried to move some of his hair to cover his blush.

 

“You guys are so brave here.” Katara said dreamily.

 

“Yeah, nothing's braver than a guy in a tree house.” Sokka said sarcastically.

 

“Don't pay any attention to my brother.” Katara retorted.

 

“No problem. He probably had a rough day.” Jet said shrugging.

 

“So, you all live here?” Zuko asked. Sokka walked behind them, getting the message that he was behind ignored.

 

“That's right. Longshot over there? His town got burned down by the Fire Nation. And we found The Duke trying to steal our food. I don't think he ever really had a home.” Jet said.

 

“What about you?” Katara asked. Zuko, Jet, and Katara all stopped walking.

 

“The Fire Nation killed my parents. I was only eight years old. That day changed me forever.” Jet said.

 

“Sokka and I lost our mother to the Fire Nation.” Katara said.

 

“I'm so sorry, Katara.” Jet said.

 

“I’m sorry for your loss, Jet.” Zuko said.

 

“Has the Fire Nation hurt you? To spite them in the way you do, they must’ve done something.” Jet said.

 

Zuko laughed horsey and gestured to his scar.“Besides that, yeah. My town was run by the Fire Nation. It drove my mother to the point of near insanity before she was killed, my uncle and cousin were drafted of to the siege of Ba Sing Se, killing my cousin and causing my uncle to disappear for years. My sister and I were left in foster care before we were dumped in the hands of an Ozai loyalist. I was kicked out of my town, and as far as I know, my sister is still there.” Zuko said.

 

“I’m so sorry, Zuko.” Jet said sympathetically. Zuko hummed in response.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was during Jets dinner speech that Zuko started getting some….off vibes from Jet.

 

“Today, we struck another blow against the Fire Nation swine.” Jet said victoriously. Everyone started cheering at that. “I got a special joy from the look on one soldier's face, when The Duke dropped down on his helmet and rode him like a wild hog monkey!” The Duke, now without his helmet, marched on the table in celebration. “Now, the Fire Nation thinks they don't have to worry about a couple of kids hiding in the trees. Maybe they're right.” Jet said. A loud boo followed his words, “Or maybe ... they're dead wrong.” A loud cheer followed that. The way Jet delivered that last statement, it made Zuko uneasy. Like he was actually considering death.

 

“Hey, Jet, nice speech.” Katara said smiling.

 

“Thanks. By the way, I was really impressed with you and Aang. That was some great bending I saw out there today.” Jet complemented.

 

“Well, he's great. He's the Avatar. I could use some more training.” Katara said blushing.

 

“Avatar, huh? Very nice.” Jet said.

 

“Thanks, Jet.” Aang said smiling.

 

“And Zuko, I’ve never seen someone so good with the dual broadswords.” Jet said.

 

“Shuang niuweidao is a more accurate name, but thanks.” Zuko said.

 

“So I might know a way that guys can help in our struggle.” Jet said.

 

“Unfortunately, we have to leave tonight.”

Sokka said.

 

“Sokka, you're kidding me! I needed you and Zuko on an important mission tomorrow.” Jet said in an effort to win Sokka over.

 

“What mission?” Sokka demanded.

 

 

 

 

 

A scouting mission, apparently. That’s what Jet said. They would have to wait for the morning, so the group was shown to their rooms for the night.

 

“Hey, can I talk to you?” Sokka asked Zuko as they were setting up.

 

“Sure.” Zuko said following him.

 

Once they were outside, Sokka asked, “Does something feel off to you about Jet?”

 

Zuko bit his lip. “Yeah, something does. Like he’ll do anything for what he believes is right. No matter how extreme.”

 

“I know that Katara and Aang are head over heels with this, but somethings really not right here.” Sokka said.

 

“Yeah, I agree. We’ve got that thing that we’re doing with Jet tomorrow, we can learn more then.” Zuko said.

 

“Yeah. Ok.” Sokka said. He walked back into the tent with Zuko behind him. Zuko spared one last glance at the darkening forest before he left to sleep.

 

 

 

Zuko awoke with the sun again. Being in the forest, there wasn’t much places for optimal light from the sun, so Zuko climbed to the top of the trees for his morning meditation.

 

Zuko was left alone for a good 20 minutes as the sun rose before he heard the crunching of leaves behind him.

 

“Hey.” It was Jet.

 

“Hello.” Zuko said stiffly, mildly annoyed that he was being interrupted.

 

“Whatcha doing?” Jet asked sitting next to Zuko.

 

“Meditating.” Zuko answered.

 

“Oh, I’m not interrupting, am I?” Jet asked.

 

“No it’s fine. I’ve been up here a while.” Zuko said letting his hands go lax.

 

“Soooooo, this scouting mission, your ready?” Jet asked.

 

“I’ve been breaking into Fire Nation strong holds for years. I think I can handle a scouting mission.” Zuko joked.

 

“Of course, of course.” Jet said. Zuko hummed.

 

“Why is your hair like that?” Jet asked. Zuko reached up to stroke his hair.

 

“I’m not sure.” Zuko lied. “My mother always thought it had something to do with the spirits. The Fire Nation forced me to hide it. Said it made me look like a freak show.”

 

“I think it’s beautiful.” Jet said.

 

“Thanks.” Zuko said. Jet reached up to touch it. Zuko flinched away at the touch, it was too close to his scar.

 

“Let’s get ready for the scouting mission.” Zuko said hastily. He got up and left, leaving Jet in the leaves.

 

 

 

 

 

The scouting mission was a simple one. An ambush. It started out innocently. Jet made a bird call, and Smellerbee and Pipsqueak made a returning one.

 

Sokka handed his jawbone knife into the trunk of the tree.

 

“What are you doing?” Jet asked

 

“Shh ... It amplifies vibrations.” Sokka said pressing his ear against the hilt of the sword.

 

“Good trick.” Jet said, impressed.

 

“Nothing yet.” Sokka whispered. “Wait! Yes, someone's approaching.”

 

“How many?” Jet whispered.

 

“I think there's just one.” Sokka said.

 

Jet made another bird call. “Good work, Sokka. Ready your weapon.”

 

Sokka pulled his knife out of the trees and Zuko drew his broadswords.

 

“Wait! It’s just an old man.” Zuko said up on spotting who their “target” was. Jet ignored Zuko and proceeded to draw his own swords and jump down to the man.

 

Zuko watched in horror as Jet knocked the old man’s cane from his hand. The man bumped into Pipsqueak next, falling to the ground. He was then pinned down by Pipsqueak.

 

“We have to help!!” Zuko said frantically, jumping down and running up to Jet. Jet was about to strike the old man when Sokka intervened by hooking Jet’s foot with his club.

 

“For fucks sake Jet, he's just an old man!” Sokka said.

 

“He's Fire Nation! Search him!” Jet demanded.

 

“No.” Zuko said. The group stopped what they were doing. “I won’t let you hurt the innocent.” Zuko stood defensively in front of the old man.

 

“Zuko’s right! He’s not hurting anyone!”

 

“Have you forgotten that the Fire Nation killed your mother? Remember why you fight!” Jet said angrily.

 

“That doesn’t excuse it!!! The Fire Nation has hurt me, but I refuse to let you hurt the innocent!!” Zuko said.

 

“We’ll take his things and leave him.” Jet decided. Zuko turned around and helped the man up. Smellerbee stole the man’s bag.

 

“This doesn’t feel right.” Sokka said.

 

“It’s what needs to be done. Come on, we’re outta here!” Jet said walking off.

 

“P-Prince Zuko?” The man asked hesitantly.

 

Zuko out a finger over his lips.

 

“T-thank you, my prince.” The man said bowing.

 

“Please, just Zuko. I am so sorry for the torment of you and your town.” Zuko said.

 

“Why did you help?” The man asked.

 

“Because I will always stand up for my people and for what’s right. And besides, I’m not welcome back in the Fire Nation, but the Fire Nation is its people, not its rulers.” Zuko said.

 

“Thank you. I will forever be in your debt.” The man said.

 

“You don’t owe me anything. But, could you not tell people that I’m here?” Zuko asked. The man nodded.

 

“Come on, Sokka! Zuko!” Jet shouted. Zuko bowled and followed Jet. Sokka looked at the man with pity before he too, ran off.

 

 

 

Back at the hideout, Sokka and Zuko were sitting against a tree, mulling over the mission.

 

Aang zip lined down to where Sokka and Zuko were sitting.

 

“Guys! Look what The Duke gave me!” Aang said excitedly. He pulled some small pellets out of the bag he was wearing. Grinning slyly, Aang threw the pellets to Momo, exploding with a pop. Momo puffed up and hissed like a startled mouse-cat. He climbed onto Aang’s shoulders, grabbed some of the pellets out of the bag and started throwing several of the explosives at Aang’s feet. This cause Aang to dance around wildly.

 

“Ow! Quit it!” Aang said frantically.

 

“Hey, guys. Is Jet back?” Katara asked, walking up to the tree. Sokka was still glaring at the ground and Zuko was looking at the ground uncomfortably.

 

“Yeah, he's back. But we're leaving.” Sokka said

 

“What?” Aang asked.

 

"But I made him this hat.” Katara said showing them a cap made out of leaves and flowers.

 

”Your boyfriend Jet's a thug.” Sokka said.

 

“What?! No, he's not.” Katara said shocked.

 

“He's messed up, Katara.” Zuko said, finally speaking.

 

“He's not messed up, he's just got a different way of life, a really fun way of life.” Aang said enthusiastically, the sweet summer child he was.

 

“He beat and robbed a harmless old man!” Sokka argued.

 

“I wanna hear Jet's side of the story.” Katara said crossing her arms doubtfully.

 

 

 

 

 

“You guys  told them what happened, but you didn't mention that the guy was Fire Nation?” Jet asked.

 

“No, they conveniently left that part out.” Katara said.

 

“Fine! But even if he was Fire Nation, he was a harmless civilian!” Sokka argued.

 

“He was an assassin, Sokka.” Jet said. He pulled out a knife and thrust it directly into a nearby stump.

 

“See? There's a compartment for poison in the knife.” Jet said twisting the butt of the knife to reveal a compartment for poison. “He was sent to eliminate me. You guys helped save my life.”

 

“I knew there was an explanation.” Katara said smiling.

 

“I didn't see any knife!” Sokka said.

 

“Nor did I!” Zuko shot.

 

“That's because he was concealing it.” Jet explained.

 

“See you two? I'm sure you just didn't notice the knife.” Katara said smiling.

 

“There was no knife! I'm going back to the hut and packing my things.” Sokka said stomping away.

 

“Tell me you guys aren't leaving yet. I really need your help.” Jet said.

 

“What can we do?” Aang asked.

 

“The Fire Nation is planning on burning down our forest. If you both use waterbending to fill the reservoir, we could fight the fires. But if you leave now, they'll destroy the whole valley.” Jet explained.

 

Aang and Katara looked at each other and nodded.

 

“We’ll go talk to Sokka.” Katara said. She and Aang left the hut. Zuko tried to follow.

 

“Zuko, wait.” Jet said. “Please, just listen to me.”

 

“Fine.” Zuko growled.

 

“I know what you think I did was crazy, but I hope that you’ll eventually understand me.”

 

“Why?” Zuko asked.

 

“Why what? Told you that they guy was an-“

 

“No. You didn’t try to get Sokka to understand you! Why me?” Zuko asked

 

“I don’t know. I’ve looked up to you for a long time. You’ve done more by yourself against the fire nation in a week than us Freedom Fighters have done in two months. When I met you, my literal idol, I was so happy.” Jet said fidgeting. He moved closer to Zuko. “Then I found out that you and I’ve have lost much and have felt similar pain. You fight for the same reason we do. I never really thought I would find someone so much like me, someone who could understand me to the fullest. And then you came along, blunt and beautiful, and I suppose, I’ve always liked the Blue Spirit, more than normal. Now that I know who’s behind the mask, I guess I-” when Jet put an arm around Zuko’s waist and pulled him closer, Zuko panicked.

 

“I’m going to pack my things, Jet.” Zuko said standing up suddenly and leaving.

 

 

 

“-Well, my instincts tell me we need to stay here a little longer and help Jet. Come on, Aang.” Zuko heard Katara say before she stopped out of the tent with Aang.

 

“Sorry, Sokka.” Aang said.

 

Zuko walked into the tent to find Sokka sulking.

 

“Apparently the Fire Nation is going to burn down their forest and Katara and Aang are going to help Jet to stop it by using Waterbending to fill a reservoir.” Sokka said.

 

Zuko sighed. “Who knows if he’s lying at this point. But, we should at least stay till that’s done to watch over Katara and Aang.”

 

“Yeah. Zuko, are you ok?” Sokka asked.

 

“I’m fine.” Zuko mumbled.

 

“You wanna talk about it?” Sokka offered.

 

“It’s just Jet. He’s so-well—smooth and very touchy. I don’t like being touched without knowing, especially by a stranger, and Jet just doesn’t seem to get it. And he keeps complimenting me all the time, I just don’t understand why. And the way he’s touching me feels a lot more out there than normal…….” Zuko said trailing off.

 

Sokka twiddled his thumbs, thinking of what to say. “Can I hug you?” Sokka asked. Zuko shook his head. “Listen, we’ll be out of here soon. Then he’ll never be here to bother you again. And if he’s does, I’ll beat the bad boy out of him.”

 

“Thanks, Sokka.” Zuko said.

 

“You sure you don’t want that hug….?” Sokka asked.

 

“Not right now.” Zuko said turning to pack up his things. “And don’t tell Katara and Aang.”

 

“If you don’t want me too I swear I won’t, but I’m always here to listen if you needed it.” Sokka said. Zuko hummed and nodded.

 

He wasn’t getting attached. No, we wasn’t. Not at all. He had to be ready to bail at any moment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sokka kept watch. He couldn’t shake the feeling that something was going to happen.

 

“Let's go.” He heard Jet whispering. Sokka got up and pulled the door flap aside enough to see some of Jets followers descending on the ropes.

 

“What do you think they’re doing?” Zuko asked. Sokka had to stop himself from screaming.

 

“How’d you know!? You were asleep!” Sokka whispered shouted.

 

“You’re not as stealthy as you think you are.” Zuko said. “Now come on, let’s go see where they’re going.”

 

Sokka and Zuko jumped down to the tree that they were at earlier and saw Jet along with some of the other Freedom Fighters pushing a cart full of blasting jelly down the path.

 

“What would they need blasting jelly for?” Zuko whispered.

 

“I don’t know.” Sokka said. He jumped down from the tree and into the bushes. Zuko and Sokka trailed after Jet down the path and into the early morning. When Jet finally stopped, they on a cliff over looking the down and the half filled reservoir, the sun finally rising.

 

“Now listen, you are not to blow the dam until I give the signal. If the reservoir isn't full, the Fire Nation troops could survive.” Jet commanded.

 

“But what about the people in the town? Won't they get wiped out, too?” The Duke asked, jumping off the wagon.

 

Jet placed a hand on The Duke’s shoulder. “Look, Duke, that's the price of ridding this area of the Fire Nation.” Jet said. “Now don't blow the dam until I give the signal. Got it?” Jet commanded to Longshot.

 

“We have to go warn Katara and Aan-“ Sokka started, but is volume got him and Zuko pulled out of the bush by Pipsqueak.

 

“Where do you think you're going, ponytail?” Smellerbee taunted.

 

“Zuko, Sokka, I'm glad you two decided to join us.” Jet said. Pipsqueak and Smellerbee pushed Zuko and Sokka to the ground. Sokka made an attempt to fight back, but Zuko pulled him back.

 

“We heard your plan to destroy the Earth Kingdom town.” Sokka growled.

 

“Our plan is to rid the valley of the Fire Nation.” Jet said.

 

“There are people living there, Jet; mothers and fathers and children!” Zuko protested.

 

“We can't win without making some sacrifices.” Jet said.

 

“You lied to Aang and Katara about the forest fire!” Sokka accused, pointing a finger at Jet.

 

“Because they don't understand the demands of war. Not like we do.” Jet said smiling.

 

“I do understand. I understand that there's nothing you won't do to get what you want.” Sokka said.

 

“I was hoping you'd have an open mind, but I can see you've made your choice.” Jet said disappointed. “Zuko?” He asked. “Will you stand with me on this?”

 

“No.” Zuko growled.

 

“What?” Jet asked.

 

“You heard me. No! You are going to kill the innocent! I can’t allow you to do that!” Zuko said.

 

“Think about what they’ve done! To you, your uncle and cousin and mom! They’ve hurt you!” Jet said.

 

“That doesn’t mean I’ll allow a town being destroyed!!” Zuko shot back.

 

“Please, Zuko. You need to understand.” Jet said, advancing on Zuko.

 

“I do understand! I understand that you don’t care!” Zuko shouted.

 

“I do care!!!” Jet said defensively.

 

“About who!?!? Who do you really care about if you’re willing to let the innocent die!?!?” Zuko roared.

 

“You!!! I care about you!!!!” Jet cried. The forest went silent. “I care about you a lot!! I had a crush on you as the Blue Spirit and I love you now more than ever!!! You can understand me and I understand you!!! You just need to listen!!” Jet begged.

 

Zuko was stunned to silence.

 

“W-what? No! How can you-“ Zuko was cut off by Jet’s lips being pressed against his.

 

 

When Jet kissed Zuko, Sokka saw RED. The look of confusion and terror on Zuko’s face as Jet’s hands were tightly grasping his face and scar, Zuko, the guy that was so startled at any unwarranted and surprising touch, the guy who was so jumpy to any physical affection, seeing him like this made Sokka livid.

 

Sokka wasn’t entirely sure why he was immediately  so protective over Zuko, but he couldn’t let what was happening slide

 

“GET OFF HIM!!!!!” Sokka screamed, punching Jet in the side of the head. Jet stumbled back, startled. Zuko was still frozen, horrified.

 

“Zuko? Zuko?” Sokka asked. He wanted to hug Zuko, to shake his shoulders, to knock some sense into him, but he wasn’t going to touch Zuko without his consent.

 

“Zuko, you’ve got to understand, if we are together then-“ Jet started.

 

“Back the fuck up!!!” Sokka yelled.

 

“Zuko, please-“

 

Zuko snapped himself out of his trance. “Together!? How do you even know if I like you back!? Or does that not matter to you!?”

 

“Zuko-“ Jet said walking up to Zuko, hand out. Zuko, completely fed up, sent a bright arch of fire at Jet.

 

“Back. The. Fuck. Up.” Zuko snarled. Jet frozen in shock and stared at Zuko. Even Pipsqueak and Smellerbee were still.

 

“Y-you’re a firebender.” Jet whispered. “You’re a firebender!” He said louder. “I-I can’t believe it! I can’t believe you! Your Fire Nation!!!!”

 

“Yeah. I am.” Zuko said.

 

“Who are you, really!?” Jet demanded, thrashing his shuang gou.

 

“My name is Zuko. Crown Prince of the Fire Nation, heir to the Dragon Throne, firstborn son of Fire Lord Ozai and Lady Ursa.” Zuko said.

 

Jet stopped.

 

“The Prince?” He whispered. “You’re the Prince.”

 

“Yeah.” Zuko said.

 

“You could have stopped this all from happening!!! The war, the pain, all of it!!!” Jet screamed in outrage.

 

“I FUCKING TRIED JET!!!! WHY DO YOU THINK IM HERE INSTED OF THE FIRE NATION!?!? BECAUSE I WAS FUCKING BANISHED FOR TELLING A GENRAL THAT SACRIFICE A GROUP OF NEW RECRUITS WAS WRONG!!!! MY FATHER DOESNT CARE AND NEITHER DOES THE FUCKING FIRE NATION!!!!!” Zuko screamed.

 

 

….Wait, did he say banished?

 

 

Jet turned around to face the town. “Take them for a walk. A long walk. They can’t warn Katara and Aang.”

 

“Jet-“ Smellerbee started

 

“Just do it ok!?” Jet snapped. Sokka saw a glint of a tear trailing down his face. “We’re gonna win a great victory against the Fire Nation today.” Jet sounded like he was trying to convince himself more than anything.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zuko and Sokka walked for a bit, both Smellerbee and Pipsqueak cursing out and shaming Zuko the whole way.

 

“Come on, move along!” Smellerbee said, pushing Zuko.

 

“How can you stand by and do nothing while Jet wipes out a whole town?” Sokka asked.

 

“Hey, listen, Sokka, Jet's a great leader. We follow what he says, and things always turn out okay. We’re not the ones hanging with the ashmaker prince.” Pipsqueak said. Zuko visibly flinched at the name.

 

Sokka’s eyes trailed to the lychee nut traps. He gestured subtly to Zuko, who gave a short nod of understanding.

 

“If that's how Jet leads ... then he's got a lot to learn!” Sokka said before breaking off into a sprint, Zuko not far behind. Smellerbee made a grab for them, but missed.

 

“Hey!” Smellerbee shouted. The two Freedom Fighters chased after Zuko and Sokka. Zuko and Sokka lead them to the traps and jumped over them, but Smellerbee and Pipsqueak weren’t as quick and ended up snared and hung up in the trees.

 

“While you two are up there, you might want to practice your knot work.” Sokka said holding up his knots. Zuko burned his and left them on the ground.

 

“Come on, we gotta run!!” Zuko’s said running off to the dam, Sokka following close behind.

 

“What should we do!? We can’t stop the dam and evacuate the village at the same time!” Sokka said.

 

“We can if we split up!” Zuko said.

 

“Ok. I’ll head to the village and try to get them to leave, it would be dangerous for you to come. You head to the dam and see if you can stop it from blowing up!!” Sokka said.

 

“You got it!!” Zuko said. He changed course are ran for the dam.

 

 

 

Please spirits, let Zuko be ok Sokka prayed.

 

 

 

________________

 

Zuko couldn’t afford to stop running. He passed by the river briefly, and to his horror, it was full.

 

 

 

 

When Zuko finally made it to the dam, he noticed the most of the other Freedom Fighters were stashed in trees, all out of the way.

 

Several axes and knives were thrown at him. Zuko tried his best to avid them, but in the process, he failed to stop the flaming arrow the launched from the sky

 

“NO!!!” Zuko screamed. The bombs went off only a mere foot or two away from Zuko, Zuko was thrown back.

 

The sound from the explosion was unbearable, the heat and force of the blast even more so. Zuko’s front stung from the explosion, it was most definitely going to scar and bruise or more. He was launched a good ten feet in the air before colliding with the ground. He only had a moment to gather his bearings over his searing headache before he saw the terrifying wave of water looming over him.

 

Zuko made a shield of fire in a vain attempt to protect himself, but he could feel its power waning almost as quickly as he had fired it up.

 

 

 

The shield broke, and Zuko was whisked away.

 

 

 

 

Oxygen was leaving Zuko’s lunged and behind replaced with water.

 

 

 

 

 

He didn’t remember opening his mouth

 

 

 

 

 

He didn’t remember screaming

 

 

 

 

 

He didn’t remember being thrown around or hitting different rocks and trees, gaining new cuts and bruises.

 

 

 

Zuko’s mind drifted elsewhere.

 

 

 

 

To his mother who died for him.

 

 

 

 

To Azula, Mai, and Ty Lee asking to play Pai Sho with him.

 

 

 

To Uncle who made them stop in almost every port for tea.

 

 

 

To the Gaang that had accepted him.

 

 

 

To Sokka who was willing to pick a fight with Jet while completely outnumbered and weaponless, for him.

 

 

 

I can’t die now Zuko thought fiercely. they still need me

 

 

 

 

Agni’s blessing rushed through his veins, the heat of a thousand suns. Zuko seemed to work on autopilot, channeling his chi and moving it around him in a shield. The water evaporated around him, and he could breathe again.

 

 

Zuko opened his eyes, he was at the bottom of the river.

 

Coughing painfully, all of the water he swallowed flowed out of his mouth and turned to vapor.

 

He moved.

 

 

Slowly

 

 

One foot in front of the other

 

 

 

Up to the river bank

 

 

 

 

Concentration

 

 

 

 

 

Zuko breached the surface.

 

 

 

His shield fell.

 

 

He coughed and hacked and fell to the ground.

 

 

Things were blurry

 

 

 

His head was pounding

 

 

His ears were ringing

 

 

 

Everything burned

 

 

 

 

Everything felt heavy

 

 

 

 

 

Like he was being dragged underwater again.

 

 

 

 

“-KO!!!!!!!”

 

 

 

Was someone yelling?

 

 

 

“-wh—ZU!!!!!!”

 

 

 

Was that Sokka?

 

 

“ZUKO!!!!!!!”

 

 

 

Zuko opened his eyes to blur of blue.

 

 

 

Sokka

 

 

 

 

_________________

 

 

“ZUKO!!!!!!!!”  Sokka screamed, desperately looking of any sign him.

 

“WHERE ARE YOU ZUKO!?!?!?” Sokka screamed again. He ran up the new river before spotting a body with unnatural hair lying by the bank.

 

“ZUKO!!!!” Sokka shouted running as fast as he could to him.

 

The absolute last situation Sokka wanted to find Zuko in was the one he was in now, burnt to the crisp and passed out in the grass by the river, but at least he was found.

 

“ZUKO!!! ZUKO ARE YOU OK!?!?” Sokka asked frantically. “OH MY SPIRITS YOUR BURNED!!!! YOUR BRUNED SO FUCKING BAD HOLY SHIT!!!!”

 

Zuko looked really bad. He was burnt on his arms and legs like he had tired to use them to shield his face, his face had bruises and cuts, there were some cuts in his torso, legs, face and arm, AND he was pale. Like wayyyyyyyyyy paler than normal.

 

Zuko groaned. “Mmm’kinda alive…….” He slurred

 

“Thank the high spirits.” Sokka said, relief washing over him.

 

“Help up….?” Zuko slurred again

 

“Oh! Right!” Sokka said. When Sokka went to pick Zuko up, he hissed in pain.

 

Worry flashed across Sokka’s face. “Let’s get you back to Appa. We seriously need to treat those burns.”

 

“M’kay.” Zuko slurred. Sokka tried to press forward but seemed to have under estimated Zuko’s injuries.

 

“Can’t walk……” Zuko mumbled.

 

“Ok. I’ll carry you.” Sokka decided. He put an arm under Zuko’s and tried to hoist the prince up. When he couldn’t pick him up all the way, Sokka flushed with guilt.

 

“I’m not strong enough to carry you on my own.” Sokka said guiltily.

 

“M’sfine…….” Zuko mumbled. Sokka bit down his tears at seeing Zuko this way and pressed on. Every time Zuko winced in pain he wanted nothing more to die right there and then.

 

“We’re going to get you to Appa’s head, and you sit there with me while we find Aang and Katara. Ok?” Sokka said, voice laced with worry.

 

“Mmmmm.” Zuko hummed.

 

Appa lowered his head to the ground and Sokka was forced drag Zuko up. Once Zuko was on Appa, Sokka positioned him next to him on Appa’s head so he could monitor him. The Prince was still limp in his grip and his head fell into the nook of Sokka’s neck.

 

“Yip yip.” Sokka said, trying hard not to blush over the fact that Zuko was practically cuddling into him of all people. He would never normally do this, and Sokka hated the fact that his first real physical contact with Zuko’s other than punches and the occasional pat on the back, was because Zuko had been in an explosion.

 

Soon, the warm afternoon air was blowing on Zuko, hopefully drying the princes wet clothes.

 

Zuko was still very sluggish and tired from the explosion, and was having a hard time staying in the present. Sokka wrapped an arm around Zuko’s to stop him from falling.

 

“You good there?” Sokka asked worriedly. Zuko hummed. His head sunk lower into Sokka neck and Sokka couldn’t help but stare. He was hurt real bad, but he also looked so beautiful. Well, he always looked beautiful, but in the afternoon sun, the light breeze blowing on his face and his relaxed expression, he looked like an angel.

 

When Zuko flinched in pain when Appa made too harsh of a turn, the reality set back in. He needed to help Zuko and he needed to do it fast.

 

 

 

 

 

Sokka saw the cliff that Katara, Aang, and Jet were on. He decided to cook up a little surprise.

 

“This was a victory, Katara. Remember that. The Fire Nation is gone and this valley will be safe.” Zuko heard Jet say.

 

“It will be safe, without you.” Sokka said as Appa rose dramatically over the cliff.

 

“Sokka!” Katara cried overjoyed. “Zuko!!” She said, less overjoyed and more worried.

 

“What happened!?” Aang asked frantically.

 

“Zuko got caught in the blast. Thankfully, he was the only one that got hurt. I warned the villagers of your plan, just in time.” Sokka said.

 

“What?!” Jet said in outrage

 

“At first they didn't believe me. The Fire Nation soldiers assumed I was a spy. But one man vouched for me, the old man you attacked. He urged them to trust me, and we got everyone out in time.” Sokka explained. “Zuko went to stop the dam. But he was caught in it instead.”

 

“Sokka, you fool! We could've freed this valley!” Jet shouted.

 

“Who would be free? Everyone would be dead. Zuko almost died trying to stop the dam.” Sokka said. Zuko, who had opened his eyes Sokka noted, had was glaring at an ice covered Jet.

 

“You traitor!” Jet shouted spitefully.

 

“No, Jet. You became the traitor when you stopped protecting innocent people.” Sokka said.

 

“Katara. Please, help me.” Jet begged.

 

“Goodbye, Jet.” Katara said.

 

“Zuko….?” Jet tried.

 

“'F-fuck you.” Zuko said to the best of his ability.

 

“Guys, help me move Zuko to the back of the saddle.” Sokka said.

 

“I can airbend him.” Aang offered. Sokka nodded and using the support of air and of Sokka’s own muscle, they maneuvered the prince to the back of the saddle.

 

“Yip yip.” Aang said, giving Appa’s reigns a flick of his wrist.

 

“Zuko? Are you ok?” Katara asked worriedly.

 

“Alive.” Zuko said.

 

Katara nodded sucked all the water off him and dumped it over the edge.

 

“I’m going take off your shirt ok?” Katara asked. Zuko gave a short nod.

 

When Sokka glanced on the new scars he winced. They were red, irritated, and looked ungodly painful.  Had he been in a different mindset, he would have taken noticed to the numerous other scars littering his body.

 

“Zuko…..” Sokka said trailing off.

 

“Sokka, hand me the burn gel and some bandages.” Katara said assuming full medical mode.

 

Sokka went to work and started searching their stuff for the medical materials. He heard Zuko groan in pain behind him as Katara used waterbending to clean the burns and cuts his wounds.

 

“Here.” Sokka said handing over the supplies.

 

“Thanks. I need you to help me prop him up, ok?” Katara asked. Sokka nodded and they both moved him to the edge of the saddle. Katara went to work, wrapping his bandages and applying the gel. By the time she was done, almost both of Zuko’s arms and his left calf were completely covered in bandages with a few on his torso for the cuts.

 

“How’s he doing?” Aang asked.

 

“I did what I could. I have no idea how he will heal considering he is a firebender and Agni’s chosen. The burns look to be second degree at worst, first at best but that is onto the surface level, again, he doesn’t burn as easily so it’s hard to tell. The best we can do is let him rest.” Katara said. She was helping Zuko put his top back on.

 

“Alright.” Sokka said. Sokka moved over to Zuko and sat down next to him.

 

“Hey Zuko. How you feeling?” Sokka asked.

 

“M’cold.” Zuko muttered.

 

“You’re never cold.” Sokka said unable to keep the worry out of his voice.

 

“Firebending lets me keep warm but don’t have energy right now….” Zuko said sluggishly.

 

“Oh.” Sokka said. “Katara, pass me my parka.”

 

Katara nodded and handed over the blue, fur lined coat. Sokka took it gratefully and slid it onto Zuko’s frame, pulling the hood on.

 

“Thanks.” Zuko mumbled, leaning back into the bed rolls they’d propped him on.

 

 

 

“Sokka?” Zuko whispered

 

“Yeah?” Sokka asked, still sitting next to Zuko. They were far enough that they weren’t touching but close enough that if Zuko fell Sokka could catch him.

 

“Thanks. For hitting Jet earlier. For standing up for me.” Zuko said.

 

“Of course.” Sokka said smiling. Zuko smiled softly. Sokka decided right then and there that Zuko had the prettiest smile he’d ever seen.

 

 

 

Zuko wasn’t getting attached to Sokka. No, not at all.

Chapter Text

The past few days had been a little sluggish for Zuko. When he first awoke, it was to yelling.

 

_____________________________

 

 

Zuko opened one eye to the glaring sun above. He heard some voices in the distance. What were they talking about? He heard some voices in the distance. What were they talking about? 

 

Zuko tried to sit up, only to whine in pain at his body’s protest to the moment and the near immediate headache, dizziness and nausea that followed. His mind was foggy and he couldn’t seem to fully grasp what was going on. He tried to bring a hand to his head, only to wince at the burned flesh of his hand and arm and the stiffness of the wrappings. Or, he assumed they were wrappings, he couldn’t see much other than blobs of color. His spinning vision wasn’t helping either.

 

“Zu——-your—awake!!!” Cried something. 

 

“Zuko!!” Shouted a voice that sounded familiar. What was the source? Who was that? All Zuko saw was a fast, blue blurb running up to where he was. 

 

“Zuko!” Cried the blob. “Wait, what are you doing up!?” 

 

Who…….?

 

“M’nfffff……” Zuko groaned. 

 

“Oh, shit, right. Ok, ok. Can you stay still for me please? I don’t think this much movement is good for you.” Said the blue blob, who Zuko now guessed was Sokka (it finally clicked in his head).

 

“My brother’s right. I don’t want you moving too much until you heal, ok?” Said a lighter feminine voice. This blob was a lighter blue. What was the name of the sister again?

 

“Mmmmnnnn……” Zuko grumbled.

 

“Ok. Because you’re awake, I’m going to change your bandages.” Said Kya…….Kanna….. no, Katara! That’s who was speaking, Katara. She was the light blue color. “Aang! Bring me the burn gel!” 

 

“Why?” Shouted a new voice belonging to a person that must have just walked into the area. 

 

“Zuko’s awake and I need to re-apply!” Shouted Katara. 

 

“ZUKOS AWAKE!? I'M COMING!!!” Shouted the voice. A few short seconds later, a gust of wind flew over and an orange blob flew next to Zuko with something. 

 

“Zuko! Hi! Oh my spirits, are you ok!?” Asked the orange blob. Aang right? Or was it Appa? Who was Appa again? He was important, wasn’t he? Zuko felt something remove his bandages and gently rub a thick smelling gel onto the burns. 

 

“M’fime……” Zuko slurred. 

 

“Did you just try to say you're fine? Zuko, bud, you can barely talk or get up. You're not fine.” Said Sokka. Zuko hummed weakly. 

 

“Ok, Zuko. I think you deserve to know your condition.” Said Katara as she changed Zuko’s bandages. “As far as I can tell, you have a mild concussion, I’m giving it a week minimum for it to heal. You’ve got burns up your arms, although they’re more prominent on your left side as well as some mild burns on your legs. You also have a few cuts. If we keep up the burn treatment, they shouldn’t scar too badly. We’ll keep up with the wrappings for a few more days, but after that I want you to keep applying the gel onto them. We're passing over the Great Divide today to make it to some village for meds. We should be there in three days. We’re also going to stop at a herbalist institute that’s about a week's trip from here. Hopefully, your concussion will be healed by then, but we’ll still stop by even if it is.” By the time Katara had finished explaining, all of Zuko’s bandages had been changed. 

 

“You hear that Zuko? You’ll be all better in a week.” Sokka said. 

 

“Mhmmmmmnn…..” Zuko hummed 

 

“Zuko, I want you to try to get some rest. Your body needs time to heal itself.” Katara said. “Sokka, see if you can get him to sleep. It’s day, so it might be harder for him to sleep.”

 

“Will do.” Sokka said. “Alrighty my prince, get ready for Sokka’s Story time!” Zuko tired to protest that he didn’t need a story to sleep, but it came out as a weak groan. “That’s the spirit! Now, let’s start with the biggest story in the South Pole! The Great Blubber Fiasco!!!!!”

 

 

 

Zuko fell asleep within minutes. The next time he awoke, it was to Sokka saying that he would have to be flown across the divide on Appa and make sure that these two warring tribes didn’t fight too often.

 

Zuko’s headache increased exponentially after that, he barely got any sleep over all the fights.

 

 

 

 

The next few days were looking up for Zuko. He wasn’t constantly passing out from the concussion and could actually stay awake for longer without being assaulted by dizziness of nausea. His bruises and cuts were healing nicely, too. He wasn’t forgetting things too often, but Katara still wouldn’t let him walk and forced him to stay back in the cave with that old lady during the storm.

 

Turns out, Sokka almost fucking died in that storm. On the way to the herbalist institute, Zuko was finally able to stand and get around without help, but, of course, Sokka had become so incredibly sick and delirious that they had to stop. Zuko started getting sick too, along with Katara! Fun times!

 

Aang was supposed to be back with medicine by now. Zuko swore to himself that he would beat the arrow off Aang if he didn’t hurry up, for the love Agni he couldn’t listen to Sokka ramble about the ancient bison gods much longer.

 

 

“How you holding up, Zuko?” Katara asked hoarsely.

 

“I’m going to beat Aang to a pulp when he gets back for making us wait so long.” Zuko grumbled.

 

“Yeah…” Katara sighed

 

“I’m going to try to sleep……” Zuko mumbled before turning over and passing out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zuko’s dream started innocently. He was five, with his mom by the turtle duck pond, chucking bread into the water.

 

“Hey mom?” Zuko asked

 

“Yes my dear?” Ursa asked

 

“Why do the Sages keep watching me? They keep whispering and calling me special.” Zuko said.

 

Ursa smiled and pulled Zuko onto her lap. “It’s because of a very special thing that happened to you. When you were just a little babe, you were very sick. Your Uncle Iroh and I took you to Avatar Roku’s temple on Crescent Island. There, we begged for the Spirits to save you. Agni, the Holy Sun Spirit responded and blessed you. That is why you are so special. The Fire Nation has never had a Spirit-Touched before, and because of that, they think that you will do great things.” Ursa explained.

 

“Why me?” Zuko asked.

 

“I don’t know. The spirits work in mysterious ways, but no matter what, you’ll always be my child. I love you Zuko.” Ursa said, kissing her son on the head.

 

“I love you too, mom.” Zuko said hugging Ursa back.

 

 

 

__________________________________

 

“You are a pathetic, weak excuse for a Firebender. You should be strong! You were blessed by Agni!!! How can you not get this!?” Ozai snapped.

 

“I-I’m sorry! I’m sorry! I’m trying! It just doesn’t feel right to do it this way!” Zuko said, frantically trying to save himself.

 

“It doesn’t feel right!? DOESNT FEEL RIGHT!?!!? YOUR PREDECESSORS HAVE SPENT GENERATIONS LEARNING THIS SACRED FORM AND BECOMING MASTERS BUT YOU REFUSE BECAUSE IT ‘DOESNT FEEL RIGHT’!?!?!?” Ozai boomed. Ozai slapped Zuko.

 

“I’m sorry I will work harder-“ Zuko’s started, voice breaking and tears threatening to spill.

 

“Your work has done nothing! You are a disgrace to our linage, to our throne, to the Fire Nation!!!” Ozai screamed.

 

“I’m sorry!!” Zuko pleaded

 

“You are to train with Master Piandao in the art of the sword for a year. Maybe you’ll actually make yourself useful, even if it is by learning a peasant’s craft.” Ozai spat.

 

“Y-yes father.” Zuko said bowing. Ozai left the room with a huff. Zuko walked back to his room in a trance. Azual was already there, messing around with his plush dragon.

 

“Zuzu, are you ok?” Azula asked.

 

“Father’s sending me away.” Zuko said, his voice barely audible.

 

“What?” Azula asked.

 

“He’s sending me away.” Zuko repeated. “When you go to school, I’m going to learn how to sword fight with Master Piandao.”

 

“Oh.” Azula said. She fidgeted before running up and giving Zuko a hug.

 

“I’m sure you’ll eventually like it. At least you’ll get to leave the palace.” Azula said.

 

“Yeah…..” Zuko muttered trailing off.

 

__________________________________

 

What did you bring to prove your worth?

 

I-I was supposed to bring something?

 

How else did you expect to prove that you are worthy enough to learn the art of the sword?

 

I don’t think I really am worthy. I was sent here as a last resort. M-my father says I’m a disgrace because I can’t firebend well

 

Really?

 

Yeah

 

You may stay with me Zuko, but I have yet to decide if I will train you

 

thank you sir

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What are we doing today Master Piandao?

 

Today you will chose your sword

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The shuang niuweidao. Created by the commoners and fringes of society for common street violence and rebellion. Associated with thugs and rebels, not used in the Imperial Army. Quite the interesting choice. Any particular reason?

 

my favorite character in Love Amongst the Dragons dual wields!

 

You like theater?

 

My mom was an actor!!/

 

 

 

_________________________________

 

 

 

 

 

“Azula, Zuko, come in here please.” Ursa said, her voice ringing out in the hall.

 

“Coming mom!!” Zuko called. “Let’s go Azula!”

 

“Alright!” Azula said smiling.

 

When they entered mom’s room, she was sitting on the bed, something hanging heavy in the air.

 

“What’s going on mom?” Zuko asked.

 

Ursa sighed. “Your cousin Lu Ten has passed away during the siege of Ba Sing Se.” Ursa said.

 

“…what?” Zuko asked.

 

“Ten Ten’s….dead?” Azula asked, tears forming in her eyes.

 

“I’m afraid so.” Ursa said remorsefully. Azula started crying and pulled Zuko into a tight hug. Zuko reminded unmoving.

 

Ten Ten was dead? He was never going to come over ever again? He was never going to play Pai Show or sneak into the city or feed the turtle ducks?

 

 

Ten Ten was dead………………

 

 

 

Oh Spirits, how was Uncle taking this?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

__________________________________

 

Azula came running into Zuko’s room. Zuko looked up from his calligraphy.

 

“Dad’s going to kill you!” She said frantically.

 

“What?” Zuko asked.

 

“I-I heard it! With my own ears! Dad saying that he was going to kill you!!” Azula cried. Zuko froze. There were a few ways he could go on about this. He could panic too, but that wasn’t going to help. He had to reman calm and panic later.

 

“I’m sure it’s didn’t mean it ‘Zula. Father wouldn’t have a reason to hurt me. Now come on, it’s getting late. Let’s get you to bed. You must be tired from training today.” Zuko said, coaxing his sister out of his room and to her chambers.

 

“Yeah, it was nothing. You’ll be fine. Dad can’t kill you!” Azula said, trying to reassure her self more than anything.

 

Zuko turned to one of Azula’s hand maidens. Her name was Harumi, she was one of Azula’s oldest hand maidens (all the other ones couldn’t take Azula’s intensity), notorious for being the only one to keep up with the princess energy and stay calm when she was firebending. Other than Zuko, Mai, Ty Lee and Uncle, of course. It was no secret nor surprise that Harumi was Azula’s favorite hand maiden either.

 

“Harumi, could you please get my sister into bed? She’s had quite a long day.” Zuko asked.

 

“Of course my prince.” Harumi said bowing. She guided Azula away and spared one last look at Zuko before shutting the doors.

 

Zuko walked back to his room and started panicking.

 

Would he be killed!? His father never really liked him and was being a lot harsher lately so could he be killed!?

 

No Zuko thought. No, no father wouldn’t. And mom wouldn’t let him! Mom would keep him safe. Yeah. Mom would….keep him safe……..

 

 

 

 

__________________________________

 

 

“Lady Ursa is gone and Fire Lord Azulon is dead. It is time to welcome a new Fire Lord to the throne, Fire Lord Ozai!!!”

 

______________

 

 

 

“Zuzu, is mom really gone?” Azula asked after the coronation.

 

 

“Yeah. I think so.” Zuko answered

 

“So, she’s never coming back?” Azula asked hesitantly, tears brimming her eyes.

 

“I don’t think she will.” Zuko said, his own tears threatening to pour.

 

“Oh.” Was all Azula said before she broke down crying. Zuko walked up and hugged her, his own tears staining her hair as the two fire siblings cried for their mother.

 

“Mom isn’t here anymore.” Azula muttered. “Mom’s never going to take care of us again.”

 

 

Zuko was silent. “Mom might never take care of you again, but I will always be here. I’ll take care of you and I will protect you. I promise Azula.”

 

 

“Promise?” Azula asked timidly.

 

“I promise. I will protect you.” Zuko said.

 

 

At whatever means necessary

 

 

 

 

The world melted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You must promise you won’t speak

 

 

Of course Uncle!!! Thank you!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can’t sacrifice a group of soldiers like that! They have fought hard and love the Fire Nation!! To do so would be betraying the soldiers!!!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m not scared of you!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please!!! I am your loyal son!!! I ment no disrespect!!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

You will learn respect, and suffering will be your teacher!!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The world exploded in hazy, burning pain.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Painpainpainpainlainpainpainpianpainpainpainpain

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ithurtsgurtshurtshurts HURTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HewantstothrowupthrowuothowuoitsmellsitbrunsutBURNS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Burningburningburningburningsmokefireitburnsitnhurtshursthusrrshurts——-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He wants to cry why can’t he cry!? Why can’t he feel!?!?!?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Burnburning……….burn………..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

__________________________________

 

 

 

 

 

Please, Zuko. Stay with us

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I love you, my Fire Starters. Please, be safe

 

 

 

 

 

 

I love you too Zuzu

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“-uko?”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Zuko?”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Hey, Zuko! Wake up!!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zuko woke up to a frog in his mouth and Aang standing over him.

 

 

“Hey Zuko! You feeling better?” Aang asked innocently.

 

 

Zuko immediately started coughing and hacking in a vain attempt to get the frog out of his mouth. He stumbled forward, coughing. His burns stung in protest, but Zuko couldn’t care less.

 

“Zuko, are you ok?” Came Katara’s worried voice.

 

Zuko kept coughing.

 

“Zuko?” Asked Sokka

 

 

 

 

Air. He just needed some nice, fresh air he’d be fine.

 

Zuko stumbled to the edge of the ruins they were in.

 

 

“Zuko!?”

 

 

 

you can’t do that! That’s betraying the soldiers!

 

 

 

 

Breath. Breath in and out and in and out and in and out—-

 

 

 

 

Zuko leaned against a pillar.

 

 

 

not here, not now

 

 

 

 

He started to feel lightheaded, or was it a headache? Was his concussion coming back?

 

 

 

 

 

Nononononono please, please not right now I can’t-

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zuko started shaking. The weight of the world started pressing on his shoulders, begging for him to sit down.

 

 

No. collapsing was weak he could not be weak

 

 

His knees buckled, as if standing was now impossible. Zuko finally complained to the pressure and fell to his knees, never abandoning the pillar of support. His burns on his legs screamed in pure, utter agony when Zuko fell on them.

 

 

 

Im not scared of you!

 

 

 

Zuko coughs turned into gags. His stomach started churning, knotting itself tighter and tighter—

 

 

 

Everything he had eaten felt sludgy. His hands became clammy and the back of his neck formed cold beads of sweat.

 

 

Please, please, please stop I can’t break down I can’t be weak I can’t loose control please get it under control!

 

 

 

Hair fell in front of Zuko’s eyes, clouding his already blurry vision. His stomach lurched, Zuko’s hands flew to his mouth, desperately trying to keep the threat of bile down.

 

 

 

 

Tears stung Zuko’s face, he curled in on himself out of embarrassment

 

 

 

 

His mouth went dry and then too wet

 

 

 

I ment no disrespect! I am your loyal son!

 

 

 

His vision was going blurry and his throat burned. A sicking heat bloomed in Zuko’s chest and face.

 

 

hes fine he’s fine he just needs to breath, breath breathe—

 

 

You will fight for your honor!!

 

 

Zuko tired breathing, it was becoming worryingly  conscious, only sharp, shallow breaths escaping.

 

 

 

 

 

Fuck this was so embarrassing

 

 

he was breaking down like a child in front of his friends peers

 

but he wasn’t getting attached. No sir, he couldn’t

 

 

 

 

Zuko kept gulping. He couldn’t—he wouldn’t—throw up in front of his friends. His dream kept looping, over and over and over and over again

 

 

 

He could feel someone coming up to him, he could feel their inner flame or qi or whatever approaching.

 

 

He was fine he’s was fine he just needed to breathe and breathe and breathe

 

 

 

Don’t lose control don’t lose control don’t loose control.

 

You can’t show weakness don’t show weakness you’re not allowed to show weakness

 

 

 

 

The discomfort increased

 

 

 

Don’t show weakness

 

 

 

The knot was getting tighter and tighter to the point it felt like knives

 

 

Your faults and fears must never be seen

 

 

 

 

His stomach felt so wrong and was rebelling against Zuko’s will to keep everything down

 

 

 

 

Vulnerability is weak

 

 

 

His throat burned like the first time he’s ever breathed fire

 

 

 

 

No real master EVER looses control

 

 

 

 

His vision kept getting blurrier and blurrier and the tears started pouring

 

 

 

 

Don’t loose control don’t loose control

 

 

 

The heat in his chest was so, so uncomfortable

 

 

 

 

 

 

YOU WILL LEARN RESPECT AND SUFFERING WILL BE YOUR TEACHER!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zuko threw up his stomach out and over the balcony. The world seemed to slow down as the burning laid siege on his throat and a pounding hammered his head.

 

 

 

 

_____________________________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zuko felt empty, made sense, he’d pretty much thrown up his entire stomach. And shaky. He felt really shaky. And he couldn’t see straight. His head was still pounding, tears still fresh on his face, lungs desperately gasping for breath.

 

 

“Zuko?” Asked a softer voice.

 

 

Zuko looked out of a teary eye and saw Sokka, his hands hovered over Zuko but not touching him.

 

 

 

Fuck I must look like hell

 

 

Zuko pulled himself up the pillar despite his body’s resistance to the movement and his burns protests.

 

“I’m going to get water at the river.” Zuko mumbled before stumbling away.

 

 

 

__________________________________

 

 

 

Zuko wasn’t sure how long he walked or how he even got to the clean part of the river, but when he did, the first thing he did was splash water on his face.

 

 

Zuko stared down at his reflection. His good eye was red from crying and sunken in. He was much paler than normal with a heavy eye bag. Zuko sighed, splashed more water on his faced and washed out his mouth in a vain attempt to get sour taste out.

 

Zuko fell back onto the cold river bank. He took several deep breaths trying to collect himself.

 

 

Zuko wasn’t sure when the tears started, but when they did, he did nothing to stop the gut wrenching sobs that racked his body.

 

 

 

Why am I like this!? Why can’t I be perfect!? Why am I weak and vulnerable!? I shouldn’t have reacted like that!!!!

 

 

And now I’ve embarrassed the fuck out of myself. I’ve shown vulnerability, I fucking cried over nothing! Just a bad fucking dream and now I’ve run and now their going to see me as weak and kick me out cause I can’t be weak and I’ll go back to being isolated because I’m weak-

 

 

CRUNCH

 

 

Zuko shat up sharply, head whipping to see Sokka walking to him. He turned back away, glaring at the river, knees pulled up to his chest.

 

 

 

 

“Hey.” Sokka started.

 

Zuko hummed in acknowledgment. Sokka sat down a good foot away from him. Zuko appreciated the space. He felt strangely seen when Sokka remembered how much he valued his space.

 

“Are you ok? You kinda-“ Sokka started.

 

“Do I look ok!?” Zuko snapped.

 

“I didn’t mean—I’m sorry that was stupid let me try again-“ Sokka stumbled

 

“Whatever. It doesn’t matter. You can go back to the group. I’d assume that you’d be leaving soon?” Zuko interrupted.

 

“Yeah actually—wait, what? Why are you taking like we’re going to leave you?” Sokka asked.

 

“I’ve shown weakness and vulnerability. I am a hindrance to the team. It’s better if you leave me, you don’t need dead weight.” Zuko explained. “I can’t keep my composure over a fucking dream. I’ll do nothing but hurt you in the end.”

 

Sokka was stunned to silence.

 

“W-why would you think like that? Why would you think that being vulnerable would get you cut out?” Sokka asked.

 

Zuko shrugged.

 

“O-Ozai made you believe that, didn’t he? He raised you like that.” Sokka guessed.

 

Zuko shrugged again.

 

“Th—that’s not how things are supposed to work, it’s not how they normally work!“ Sokka professed. Zuko raised a skeptical eyebrow.

 

“So what? You had an episode. That’s ok. You’re reacting to it like a human. You’re allowed to be flawed, Zuko. You’re allowed to show flaws and feelings. Please, don’t ever think that doing something as human as crying would get you kicked from our group.” Sokka said. Zuko looked away.

 

“Can I move closer?” Sokka asked. Zuko nodded slowly. He heard the crunch of rocks as Sokka sat down next to him. He wasn’t close enough to be touching Zuko, but it was close enough to encourage physical touch.

 

The two watched the river.

 

“…….what did you dream about?” Sokka asked.

 

Zuko shorted. “You first.” He said

 

Sokka chuckled. “I was an earthbender and Appa selling cabbage. And Momo was a sailor of some kind. I’m not entirely sure what went down but we went to this like demon world? Like it was kind of the spirit world but not really. Like people there were real effing witches and demons. And there was this super cranky witch that had a dog pet thing? And the whole island was colonized and put into imperialism? And like the leader was an emperor of some kind then he became the island and then died because some girl got super powerful. Oh, but before the dude became the island this child god had turned everyone into puppets? I don’t know it was weird as fuck.”

 

“Yeah that does sound weird.” Zuko snorted.

 

“You?” Sokka asked.

 

“I was watching the day I got this.” Zuko said, gesturing to his scar.

 

“Zuko….”

 

“I don’t wanna talk about it, ok?” Zuko snapped.

 

“Alright, alright. We don’t have to talk about it. If you’re ready, we should head back to Katara and Aang. They’re probably worried.” Sokka said.

 

Zuko nodded and stood up.

 

“Ok, let’s go.” Sokka said, leading Zuko away from the river.

 

 

___________________

 

The walk back was silent. Sokka was silent. He didn’t try to speak or pry, something Zuko was very grateful for.

 

 

When the pair entered the ruins, everything was already packed (they never really unpacked to begin with) and Katara and Aang were both looking over a map.

 

“We’re back!” Sokka said cheerfully. Katara and Aang both whipped their heads up, equal looks of concern and sorrow on their faces.

 

“So, have we decided which port or forest we’re going to stop in next?” Zuko asked.

 

“Zuko-“ Aang started

 

Zuko cut Aang off. “Have we decided what area we’re going to stop in next?” He asked

 

“Uh, yeah. We can make it there by tonight if we get a move on now.” Aang said.

 

“Then let’s get going.” Zuko said, climbing up onto Appa’s saddle.

 

“Zuko-“ Katara started.

 

“I don’t want to talk about it ok? Let’s just get moving.” Zuko snapped.

 

“Ok. Let’s go.” Katara said.

Chapter Text

The Gaang was camping out in near a river in the woods.

 

“Look!!” Katara said excitedly, pointing to a large fish that was jumping in and out of the water

 

“He is taunting us!” Sokka said annoyed. “You are so going to be dinner!” Sokka ran to grab the fishing pole from the tent and ran to cast it in the water, unsuccessfully.

 

“Hey, where's the fishing line?” Sokka asked.

 

“Oh, I didn't think you would need it, Sokka.” Aang said sheepishly. He held up a woven necklace with a red flower.

 

“Aw, it's all tangled!” Sokka groaned.

 

“Check again.” Zuko scoffed.

 

“Not tangled. Woven! I made you a necklace, Katara.” Aang said rising to his feet. “I thought since you lost your other one…” Aang held up the necklace with a smile.

 

“Thanks, Aang. I love it.” Katara said taking the necklace.

 

“Great, Aang. Maybe instead of saving the world, you can go into the jewelry-making business.” Sokka said sarcastically.

 

“I don't see why I can't do both.” Aang shrugged.

 

“Maybe you and weave a beautiful necklace that’ll convince Ozai to see the beauty of the world and end the war.” Zuko said sarcastically

 

“You think that could work!?” Aang asked hopefully.

 

“Wha- did you think I was serious? No!” Zuko said. Sokka and Katara snickered.

 

Sokka was behind Aang and Zuko, throwing his fishing pole in an attempt to spear the fish.

 

“Stop taunting me!” Sokka growled. He pulled his dagger and ran into the water.

 

“So, how do I look?” Katara asked.

 

 

“You mean, all of you or just your neck?! I mean, because both look great!” Aang said.

 

Zuko cringed. This kid could not hide his crush any worse.

 

“Smoochie, smoochie, someone's in love!” Sokka teased, emerging from the water with the fish. The fish broke free from his grasp, slapped Sokka in the face and disappeared under the water.

 

“Ha!!” Zuko laughed upon seeing Sokka’s dumbfounded expression

 

“I ... well, uh ...” Aang stumbled, embarrassed.

 

“Stop teasing him, Sokka. Aang's just a good friend.” Katara said patting his head. “A sweet, little guy! Just like Momo.” Katara pet Momo who had landed on Aang’s head.

 

“Thanks.” Aang said in dismay.

 

 

Sokka emerged from the river empty handed and soaking wet.

 

“It gave you a hard time?” Zuko asked innocently.

 

“It was taunting me! And very smart! It was not normal!” Sokka said defensively.

 

“Of course. Because you would never be bested by your average se tu fish.” Zuko said.

 

“I would not!” Sokka defended.

 

Katara snickered.

 

“What’s so funny?” Sokka demanded.

 

“Nothing, nothing.” Katara said.

 

Suddenly, the group heard a large growl. Momo flew off Aang’s shoulder and landed on a large rock. Momo was followed by the Gaang, who were met with the sight of a platypus bear attacking some old man.

 

“Someone's being attacked by a platypus bear!” Aang said urgently.

 

“Well, hello there!” Said the man, surprisingly calm for his situation. He dogded as swift attack from the bears claws. “Nice day, isn't it?”

 

“Make noise! He'll run off!” Aang urged.

 

“No, play dead! He'll lose interest!” Sokka shouted.

 

“Whoa, close one!” The man said dodging the bear again.

 

“Run downhill, then climb a tree!” Katara said, making wild gestures with her hands.

 

“No, punch him in the bill!” Zuko urged.

 

“And then run in zig-zags!” Aang added.

 

“No need, it's going to be fine!” The man said calmly.

 

The platypus bear swung again, this time cutting a large hunk of wood out of a tree. Aang leaped into the air and landed in between the man and the bear. He used an air blast to send the bear back slightly.

 

“Whoa there!” Aang said, assuming a fighting stance.

 

The bear reared up on its hind legs further and letting out a large cry. Appa suddenly appeared behind the bear and made his own bellow, causing the bear to lay an egg out of fear and swim away, down the river.

 

“Mmm, lunch!” Sokka said eagerly, sniffing the egg.

 

“Seriously?” Zuko asked.

 

Sokka nodded. He turned to the old man and said, “Lucky for you, we came along.”

 

“Thanks, but everything was already under control. Not to worry. Aunt Wu predicted I'd have a safe journey.” The man said folding his hand together and bowing slightly.

 

“Aunt who?” Aang asked.

 

“No, Aunt Wu.” The man corrected. “She's the fortuneteller from my village. Awful nice knowing your future.”

 

“Wow, it must be.” Katara said in awe. “That explains why you were so calm!”

 

“But the fortuneteller was wrong! You didn't have a safe journey; you were almost killed!” Sokka insisted.

 

“But I wasn't! All right, have a good one!” He said. He bid them farewell before turning back to them again. “Oh, and Aunt Wu said if I met any travelers to give them this.” He handed Aang a long, thin package.

 

“Maybe we should go see Aunt Wu and learn our fortunes. It could be fun.” Katara said excitedly.

 

“Oh, come on. Fortune telling is nonsense!” Sokka scoffed.

 

Aang quickly unwrapped the parcel, reveling a red umbrella.

 

“What do you know? An umbrella!” Aang said. At that very moment, it started raining. Katara bended a shield of water over her head before ducking under the umbrella. Zuko used his firebending to increase the temperature of his body and the air around him, causing water to evaporate before it hit him. He did let some of the water wash over the new burns on his hands and arms, it felt soothingly refreshing.

 

“That proves it!” Katara said gleefully.

 

“No, it doesn't! You can't really tell the future!” Sokka insisted, holding the egg over his head like a shield.

 

“I guess you're not really getting wet then.” Katara said smugly.

 

“Some Spirits are known for being able to accurately tell the future.” Zuko commented. He was still standing out in the rain, his clothes devoid of any water.

 

“That’s spirit stuff that doesn’t count!” Sokka insisted. “And even if it did, it’s impossible to tell the future!” Sokka suddenly lost grip on the egg. It flew through the air, and despite Sokka’s vain attempts to catch it, it landed on his head and cracked, causing the eggs yoke to flow down his face.

 

Zuko inhaled sharply. “Ouch. Instant karma.” He said not-so-sympathetically.

 

Sokka grumbled and they started walking off to the village.

 

“Of course she predicted it was going to rain. The sky's been gray all day!” Sokka grumbled.

 

“Just admit you might be wrong, and you can come under the umbrella.” Katara said.

 

“Look, I'm going to predict the future now.” Sokka declared. Moving exaggeratedly from foot to foot, he said, “It's going to keep drizzling.” The rain continued to pour. “See?”

 

The rain stopped falling the sky lightened up slightly.

 

“Not everyone has the gift, Sokka.” Aang said.

 

Sokka grumbled under is breath as a breeze blew through the woods. Appa shook out his wet fur next to Sokka, who recoiled in disgust.

 

“Come on. We don’t wanna loose them.” Zuko said gesturing for Sokka to follow, Sokka, who was still fighting with Appa.

 

“Fine. Let’s go get our ‘future’ read.” Sokka said unenthusiastically.

 

 

 

When the Gaang made it to the village and Aunt Wu’s place, they were greeted by a strange man with white hair.

 

“Aunt Wu is expecting you.” The man said.

 

“Really?” Katara said excitedly. The group walked through the door way, Sokka not trying to hide his disgust.

 

When they entered the room, they were met with four pillows on the floor, assumingely for them to sit on. A girl in a pink robe and hair sticking out of her head walked into the room.

 

“My name is Meng and I'm Aunt Wu's assistant.” She said. Upon looking at the group her eyes widened and she zeroed in on Aang.

 

“Well, hello there.” Meng said flirtatiously.

 

“Hello.” Aang said, completely disinterested.

 

The group sat themselves down on the pillows.

 

“Can I get you some tea or some of Aunt Wu's special bean curd puffs?” Meng asked.

 

“I'll try a curd puff.” Sokka said brighting a little.

 

“Just a second.” Meng said holding up an index finger to Sokka’s face. “So what's your name?” She asked Aang.

 

“Aang.” Aang said flatly.

 

“That rhymes with Meng! And you've got some pretty big ears, don't you?” Meng said delightfully.

 

“I guess.” Aang said awkwardly.

 

“Don't be modest! They're huge!” Sokka said, widening his arms in exaggeration. Aang covered his ears in embarrassment.

 

“Takes big ears to know big ears, huh?” Zuko quipped. Katara and Aang snickered, and Sokka deflated a little, glaring playfully at Zuko.

 

“Well, Aang, it was very nice to meet you.” Meng said smiling slyly. She turned out and walked away.

 

“Likewise.” Aang said.

 

“I can't believe we're here in the house of nonsense.” Sokka groaned.

 

“Try to keep an open mind, Sokka. There are things in this world that just can't be explained. Wouldn't it be nice to have some insight into your future?” Katara asked.

 

“It would be nice to have some bean curd puffs.” Sokka said nonchalantly.

 

“Honestly, unless this ‘Wu’ lady has a deep spiritual connection to the high spirits, then she probably won’t be able to tell the future accurately.” Zuko said.

 

“Why would she need to be connected to the high spirits?” Katara asked.

 

“They’re the only ones with the ability to see the real future. They can predict it, sure, but any one can predict the future. What makes them so special is that they can actually see into the future.” Zuko explained.

 

“Can you get your future read by them?” Katara asked.

 

Zuko shrugged. “Maybe? You’d have to give them one hell of an offering, they really only do it for other high spirits. It is dangerous to see an exact replica of your future. Knowing too much can be dangerous. Predictions, on the other hand, can swing any way.”

 

“Oh.” Katara said.

 

The door to Aunt Wu’s room opened and out came a woman in green who ran up to Meng, carrying the curd puffs.

 

“Oh, Meng! Aunt Wu says I'm going to meet my true love. He's going to give me a rare panda lily.” The woman said excitedly.

 

“That's so romantic!” Meng said. “I wonder if my true love will give me a rare flower.” Meng cast a look to Aang.

 

“Good luck with that!” Aang said breezily.

 

“Is that the big-eared guy who Aunt Wu predicted you'd marry?” The woman asked.

 

Meng flushed and pushed the woman aside. When continued her way across the room, eyes never leaving Aang. She suddenly tripped in front of the Aang who helped her catch the tray and recovered, accidentally grabbing Meng’s hands in the process. To two stared for a moment and Meng flushed again.

 

“Enjoy your snack!” Meng said nervously, bolting out of the room.

 

Sokka took the tray from Aang and was about to sample the puffs, only to be interrupted by an elderly woman in a yellow robe entering the room.

 

“Welcome, young travelers. Now, who's next? Don't be shy.” She said. Sokka looked away uninterested, Zuko fiddled with his hands, and Aang cast a look at Katara.

 

“I guess that's me.” Katara said getting up and walking to Aunt Wu excitedly.   

 

Sokka popped a puff in his mouth. “Mm, not bad, not bad!” He said through a full mouth. He held the bowl out to Zuko and Aang. “Mhm?”

 

“I’m ok.” Zuko said.

 

“Yeah, I'm good on puffs.” Aang said.

 

Sokka shrugged and continued eating.

 

“So, what do you think they're talking about back there?” Aang asked through a poor attempt to act casual.

 

“Boring stuff I'm sure. Love, who she's going to marry, how many babies she's going to have.” Sokka said casually.

 

“Yeah, dumb stuff like that ...” Aang said. He tensed and bit his fingers nervously. “Well, I've got to find a bathroom.”

 

Aang got up and left.

 

“He’s going to listen in on conversation, isn’t he?” Sokka asked.

 

“With how much of a fool he was acting over Katara this morning? Of course.” Zuko agreed.

 

“Welp, more space for me!” Sokka said draping himself over Aang and Katara’s pillows. Sokka set the bowl down in front of him. He reached to grab another puff, only to find that Momo had snuck the bowl away

 

“My puffs!” Sokka said sadly.

 

“Mmmm, these aren’t that bad.” Zuko commented, trying a puff. Momo had stationed himself on Zuko’s shoulder and was quickly clearing out the bowl.

 

“I thought you didn’t want them!” Sokka whined.

 

“I changed my mind.” Zuko said smugly. Momo chirped in pleasure. “Good work, Admiral Momo.” Zuko rubbed the lemurs head.

 

Sokka huffed and began picking his teeth. Aang strutted back into the room happily.

 

“Looks like someone had a pretty good bathroom break.” Sokka commented.

 

“Yeah ... when I was in there ...” Aang trailed off.

 

“I don't even want to know!” Sokka said disgusted, holding up a hand to get Aang to shut up.

 

“Who's next?” Aunt Wu asked as she entered the room with Katara.

 

“Okay, let's get this over with.” Sokka said rising.

 

“Your future is full of struggle and anguish. Most of it, self-inflicted.” Aunt Wu said dryly.

 

“But you didn't read my palms or anything!” Sokka said holding up his hands in disgust.

 

“I don't need to. It's written all over your face.” Aunt Wu said.

 

“Oh, so I’m not good enough to get to know about my love line or any of that other stuff?” Sokka huffed.

 

“You want to know about that?” Wu asked.

 

“Hey, I’m just saying.” Sokka scoffed.

 

Aunt Wu looked at Sokka quizzically. “You are going to marry someone of great power, a match not heard of in the last hundred years.”

 

“Oh great.” Sokka huffed. He sat back down and continued to pick at his teeth.

 

Aunt Wu pointed to Aang. “You there, come with me.” She said.

 

 

 

 

 

After a bit, Wu came back out with Aang who was smiling.

 

“Next.” Wu said. Zuko sighed and followed Aunt Wu. She lead him to her room and had him sit down on one of the pillows.

 

“So, what would you like to know?” Aunt Wu asked.

 

“Whatever they wanted to, I guess.” Zuko shrugged.

 

“Love?” Aunt Wu asked.

 

“Pardon?” Zuko said

 

“That’s what your friends came to me for. Love.” Aunt Wu said smiling.

 

“Uh, sure, I guess.” Zuko said shrugging.

 

“Hmmmm.” Aunt Wu hummed. She grabbed Zuko’s palm and started tracing it.

 

“What is it?” Zuko asked, slightly inquired.

 

“Your path, it’s complicated and a little muddy from the scars, thankfully they aren’t that bad or I wouldn’t be able to do the reading. Your internal conflicts run deeper the beliefs, extend father than life times. You’ve struggled to find who you are and what you want to believe in, but you will. I can already sense that your walls of fake identity are being actively pulled down, allowing for emotion in its purest form to make way and warm your heart. You’ll find your love hiding in plain sight, and although you might not see it now, when you do it will form an unbreakable bond that not even a century old war can destroy.” Aunt Wu said as she traced Zuko’s palm.

 

“Ok?” Zuko said. “Thanks? For the reading.”

 

“Of course dear. Enjoy our village.” Aunt Wu said sweetly, dismissing Zuko.

 

“So, how’d it go?” Katara asked once they were out of the building.

 

“Rule number one of telling the future: you don’t tell other people what you saw.” Zuko said.

 

“Well, now you got to see for yourselves how fortune telling is just a big, stupid hoax.” Sokka said.

 

“You're just saying that because you're going to make yourself unhappy your whole life.” Katara snarked.

 

“That woman is crazy! My life will calm and happy and joyful!” Sokka said, his voice rising in anger. He kicked a nearby stone, which ricocheted off a metal hanging sign, and smacking Sokka in the head. Sokka covered his head and fell to the ground.

 

“That doesn't prove anything!”Sokka said, easing a finger. Zuko snorted and pulled Sokka up.

 

“Well, I liked my predictions.” Katara said satisfied. She clasped her hands together. “Certain things are going to turn out very well.”

 

“They sure are…” Aang said, crossing his own arms and leaning towards Katara.

 

“Why? What did she tell you?” Katara asked interested.

 

“Some stuff. You'll find out.” Aang said ambiguously

 

“What about you Zuko?” Katara asked. Zuko shrugged.

 

The group walked out to the village plaza with a pagoda-like thing in the center. The villagers were gathered near it, all watching the sky.

 

“What's with the sky?” Katara asked.

 

“We are waiting for Aunt Wu to come and read the clouds to predict the fate of the whole village.”

Said the same man that was attacked by the platypus bear

 

“That cloud kind of looks like a fluffy bunny.” Aang said innocently, pointing at the sky.

 

“You better hope that's not a bunny! The fluffy bunny cloud forecasts doom and destruction.” The man said, slightly worried.

 

“Do you even hear yourself?” Sokka asked disgustedly.

 

“The cloud reading will tell us if Mt. Makapu will remain dormant for another year or if it will erupt.” Said a village woman, pointing to the mountain in the distance.

 

“We used to have a tradition once a year of going up the mountain to check the volcano ourselves. But ever since Aunt Wu moved to the village twenty years ago, we have a tradition of not doing that.” The man from earlier said.

 

“I can't believe you would trust your lives to that crazy, old woman's superstition!” Sokka shouted.

 

“Sokka, shut up. She’s coming and we don’t want to make a scene.” Zuko hissed.

 

“Fine.” Sokka grumbled.

 

Aunt Wu arrived with the guy that had directed them to her, assumingely a guard of some kind. The townsfolk were cheering and clapping for her as she walked by.

 

Meng slid up to Aang. “Hey, Aang, don’t you think that cloud looks like a flower?” She asked, pointing at the sky.

 

“Huh? Sure, I guess.” Aang said awkwardly. He pushed her away and turned to Katara. “Hey, Katara, don't you think that cloud look like a flower?”

 

“Shhh!” Hushed Katara, clearly annoyed.

 

“Dam, that’s gotta hurt.” Sokka hissed when Meng stalked away, embarrassed.

 

“I can imagine.” Zuko agreed.

 

Aunt Wu studied her book. “Bending arrow cloud ... good crops this year. Nice big harvest.”

 

“Darn good news!” Said someone, assumingely a farmer

 

“Wavy, moon-shaped cloud ... let's see.Gonna be a great year for twins!” Aunt Wu said smiling.

 

“Yes!” Shouted two voices, undoubtedly twins.

 

“And a cumulus cloud with a twisted nob coming off the end of it ...” Wu said thoughtfully. She spewed her arms out the villagers. “The village will not be destroyed by the volcano this year!”

 

The crowed started cheering and hugging each other. The noise was a bit much. Zuko looked over to Aang and Katara. Aang was trying to tell her something, but Katara wasn’t listening and ran off with the other villagers to Aunt Wu.

 

Aang turned back to Sokka and Zuko, seemingly a little crushed.

 

 

 

“I can't believe all these saps!” Sokka growled as he walked alongside Zuko and Aang. “Someone really needs to scream some sense into them.”

 

“They seem happy, Sokka.” Aang said.

 

“Yeah, but what happens when they hurt themselves off of the false beliefs they’rere being fed?” Zuko asked.

 

“See! Zuko gets it. They’re not going to be happy for long. I'm going to prove Aunt Wu's predictions are nonsense.” Sokka declared. He looked around and pulled a man wearing bright red shoes to him. “Hey you, I bet Aunt Wu told you to wear those red shoes, didn't she?” Sokka asked.

 

“Yeah! She said I'd be wearing red shoes when I met my true love.” The man said.

 

“Uh huh ... And how many times have you worn those shoes since you got that fortune?” Sokka asked, rubbing his chin in thought.

 

“Everyday.” The man said sheepishly.

 

“Then of course it's gonna come true!” Sokka yelled, enraged.

 

“Really? You think so?” The man said delightfully. “I'm so excited!”

 

In blind rage, Sokka kicked a nearby stone, it flew at hit a turkey duck which flew over and started attacking Sokka.

 

“Think we would have learned our lesson about kicking stones by now, huh Sokka?” Zuko asked flatly.

 

Sokka hoisted himself up and mumbled something along the lines of “stupid fucking fortune” before storming off to go find some else to interrogate.

 

“We should follow, huh?” Aang asked.

 

“Probably, before he indirectly hurts himself again.” Zuko agreed, following Sokka.

 

“I don't care what Aunt Wu told you! You have to take a bath sometime!” Sokka said in crazed rage when Zuko and Aang approached. The man that Sokka was talking to laughed through all the dirt on him and left.

 

“I can’t believe these people!!!” Sokka growled.

 

“So, Sokka, you know some stuff about ladies, right?” Aang asked timidly.

 

“Some stuff?” Sokka asked placing an arm over Aang’s shoulder. “You've come to the right place. What can I do you for?”

 

“Well, there's this girl.” Aang said. Zuko’s eyes trailed to Meng who hiding behind a barrel, laughing.

 

“I think I know who you mean.” Sokka asked, oblivious to the fact that Aang mentioned is sister and not Meng.

 

“You do? And you're okay with it?” Aang asked, surprised.

 

“Of course I am. And to tell you the truth, I've been picking up a subtle vibe that she likes you, too.” Sokka said.

 

“She does?” Aang asked nervously, a blind eye turned to Meng who was trying to catch Aang’s

attention.

 

“Oh yeah, she's crazy about you. All you have to do now is not mess it up.” Sokka advised.

 

“Well, how do I do that?” Aang asked.

 

“The number one mistake nice guys like you make: being too nice.” Sokka said. Zuko raised a quizzical eyebrow.

 

“You can be too nice?” Aang asked in shock.

 

“Yep. If you want to keep her interested, you have to act aloof, like you don't really care one way or the other.” Sokka said.

 

“I am seriously doubting your judgment.” Zuko said.

 

“Well, okay ... aloof it is…” Aang said.

 

Ment slowly approached the trio shyly.

 

“Hey, Aang, I was wondering ...” Meng started.

 

“See you later,” Aang said with a casually wave of his hand as he walked away. Meng sighed and seemed to droop before walking off.

 

“Wow, that kid is good.” Sokka said impressed.

 

“He obviously ment Katara!” Zuko said

 

“What? No he didn’t!” Sokka said.

 

“Why else would he ask you if you were ok with it? If you weren’t related, why should you care?” Zuko asked.

 

“Oh my god he ment Katara!” Sokka said with a sudden rise in panic.

 

“Uh huh.” Zuko said.

 

“And I just told him to act aloof to a girl that doesn’t have a lot of interest in him!!” Sokka said.

 

“Yup.” Zuko said.

 

“I set him up for failure.” Sokka said.

 

“And what gave that away?” Zuko asked.

 

“We’ve gotta find him!!!” Sokka said.

 

“And save him from your bad advice.” Zuko said.

 

“Ok, yes, fine! Tease me all you want later! Let’s go!!!!” Sokka said, speeding off to where Aang left. Zuko rolled his eyes and followed.

 

 

 

 

They did eventually find Aang, only from him to start rambling about a rare flower and insist that they needed to get it.

 

 

 

 

“I can't believe you're dragging us all the way up here for a stupid flower.” Sokka grumbled as he climbed up the volcano.

 

“Not just any flower, a panda lily. I've seen it in action and boy, does it work.” Aang said.

 

“And where did you see it ‘work’?” Zuko asked as he grabbed Sokka’s arm and hoisted him up. Sokka clasped a burn and Zuko winced a little.

 

“I saw someone in town give it to a girl and she was so happy.” Aang explained.

 

“The same girl who was told that her true love would give her a panda lily?” Zuko asked, brow raised.

 

“Maybe?” Aang said sheepishly.

 

“Regardless, I think that this is pointless. Flowers are fine once you're married, but at this early stage, it's critical that you maintain maximum aloofness.” Sokka said.

 

“Flowers are a common gift to give to lovers, married or not in the Fire Nation.” Zuko said.

 

“Not in the poles!” Sokka said.

 

“Have you considered that’s because flowers can’t grow there?” Zuko asked. Sokka opened his mouth before closing it, defeated.

 

“What kind of flowers grow in the Fire Nation?” Aang asked.

 

“A bunch, but my favorite are called Fire Lilies. They only bloom a few times out of the year for only a month or so and they only bloom in the Fire Nation. I haven’t seen one in years.” Zuko said with a nostalgic smile. “My mom used to take us to the Fire Lille fields when they bloomed.”

 

“That’s sweet and all, but I still think you should be going for maximum aloofness.” Sokka said.

 

“But my heart is telling me to get this flower, and Aunt Wu said if I trusted in my heart, I will be with the one I love.” Aang said.

 

“What? Don't tell me you believe in that stuff, too.” Sokka asked irritated.

 

“Well, Aunt Wu hasn't been wrong yet. Why should she be wrong about love?” Aang asked. “There! On the rim!” He suddenly shouted.

 

“Ok, yay, we made it. Here’s your flower.” Sokka said picking a random panda lily off the ground and holding it out to Aang.

 

“I can’t just pick any flower, it has to be perfect!” Aang said refusing the flower. Zuko didn’t see Sokka pocket it delicately.

 

“How about that one?” Zuko asked pointing to farther flower.

 

“That’s the one!” Aang said gleefully. He picked it up and smelled it, but when he opened his eyes again, he gasped in horror.

 

Zuko and Sokka walked up to see what Aang was gawking at and found their faces masked with horror. The lava from the volcano had nearly reached the brim and was on the brink of eruption. Zuko tentatively rubbed his fresh scars that were still sensitive to the temperature.

 

“Oh no.” Aang said. “Aunt Wu was wrong.”

 

“All those people!!!” Zuko said.

 

“They think they're safe! We've got to warn them!” Sokka shouted.

 

“There's no time to walk!” Aang said whipping out his glider. “Grab on!” Sokka and Zuko both shouted in surprise at the sudden take off.

 

 

 

 

Once they landed, they found Katara standing outside of Aunt Wu’s building, clearly irritated.

 

“Hi, Katara.” Aang said shyly raising his hand.

 

“Can you believe she won't let me in? And after all the business I've given her?” Katara asked annoyed

 

“She doesn't even charge.” Zuko said.

 

“I know, but still...” Katara said.

 

“Well, we have other things to worry about. Aunt Wu was wrong about the volcano.” Sokka said.

 

“Sokka, you tried to convince me she was wrong before. It's going to take an awful lot to change my mind—“ Katara said, only to be cut off when the volcano rumbled violently. The group looked up to the volcano that had a steady pillar of gray smoke emitting from its peak.

 

“Oh no.” Katara said worriedly.

 

“Come on!! We have to go tell the villagers!!” Sokka said. He ran off to the courtyard, followed closely by the rest of the Gaang.

 

“Everyone, that volcano is gonna blow any second! Aunt Wu was wrong!” Sokka shouted trying to get the villagers to move.

 

“Yeah, yeah, we know you don't believe in Aunt Wu, Mr. science and reason lover.” Said a woman, clearly not buying his claim.

 

“If you won't listen to him, maybe you'll listen to me. I want to believe Aunt Wu and her predictions as much as you do, but my brother and Aang saw the lava with their own eyes.” Katara said.

 

“Well, I heard Aunt Wu's prediction with my own ears.” Said the man that was attacked by the platypus bear.

 

“Can you hear that!?” Zuko said, pointing to the gurgling volcano.

 

Aang used airbending to jump up onto a building roof.

 

“Please listen to us! You are all in danger! And we have to get out of here! You can't rely on Aunt Wu's prediction, you have to take fate into your own hands!” Aang said.

 

Another explosion sounded, causing the villagers to look up in slight alarm.

 

“Look! Can your fortune telling explain that?” Sokka asked pointing to the smoke bellowing out of the volcano.

 

“Can your science explain why it rains?” Asked the man with the red shoes, amused.

 

“Yes! Yes, it can!” Sokka yelled angrily. The villagers chuckled and walked away, completely oblivious to the fact that they were going to die.

 

“They just won't listen to reason.” Katara said in dismay.

 

“But they will listen to Aunt Wu!” Aang said brightly.

 

“I know that's the problem.” Sokka grumbled.

 

“Well, it's about to become the solution. We're taking fate in our own hands.” Aang said.

 

“So what’s your plan?” Zuko asked.

 

“First, we need to borrow Aunt Wu's cloud reading book.” Aang said.

 

“As in steal it?” Katara asked. Aang nodded.

 

“Don’t you think I should-“ Zuko started

 

“I’m smaller and less noticeable! I got this. Now come on, we’re burning daylight!” Aang said. He sped off to Aunt Wu’s building and hopped onto the roof. Sokka, Katara, and Zuko stationed themselves as lookout below.

 

 

After a bit, Aang came out with the book.

 

“I got it!!” He said

 

“Well don’t waste anymore time! Sokka and I will stay down here but you and Katara need to get to Appa now!” Zuko said, pushing them both to the bison.

 

“Zuko’s right. Let’s go!” Katara said jumping onto the saddle.

 

“Yip, yip!” Aang said. The bison flew off into the sky, leaving Sokka and Zuko below.

 

“How long do you think this will take?” Zuko asked.

 

“Hopefully not long.” Sokka said.

 

After a minute or two, the sky started to change.

 

“Look! It’s working!!” Zuko said.

 

“Let’s go get Aunt Wu!” Sokka said. He and Zuko barged into Aunt Wu’s place and dragged her out to look at the sky

 

“Aunt Wu, look! Something is happening in the clouds!” Sokka said as he dragged her to the town center.

 

“That's very strange. It shouldn't…—“ A shadow fell over Aunt Wu’s face, her tone suddenly terrified “— Oh my!” She cried. Floating in the sky was a skull shaped cloud that Katara and Aang formed.

 

Katara and Aang flew down and hopped off Appa. Now having the attention of the whole town, they started planning.

 

“We still can save the village if we act fast. Sokka has a plan.” Aang said gesturing to the water tribe warrior.

 

“Lava is gonna flow downhill to this spot. If we can dig a deep enough trench we can channel all the lava away from the village to the river.” Sokka explained.

 

“If any of you are earthbenders, come with me.” Aang said.

 

“I'm an earthbender!” Said one twin.

 

“I'm not!” Said the other.

 

“Everybody else grab a shovel!” Sokka said. Another explosion caused the village to stumble and loosen their balance momentarily. “Come on! We've gotta hurry!” Sokka said. The village cried in urgency and rushed for the shovels.

 

The townsfolk acted fast, the earthbenders made a solid path that everyone else followed with their shovel. Appa was hauling big and loose rocks, the earthbenders were clearing out more of the path with every new minute. Zuko was digging with Sokka when another explosion caused the barrage to stumble.   

 

“Dig faster! Dig faster!” Sokka shouted. Zuko spared a glance to the volcano that was already spewing lava.

 

They could only dig for a few minutes longer before it became clear that they needed to leave.

 

“Everyone needs to evacuate! We'll come for you when it's safe!” Aang shouted, having positioned himself on the edge of the trench. The townsfolk ran for it and to the exit of the village.

 

“Come on, let’s see if we can help Aang!!!” Zuko shouted. Sokka nodded and the two ran off to Aang and Katara. They were at what would hopefully be an origin of the lava flow around the village, by the village gate.

 

The lava cast an eerie reddish light from the forest, fires starting on the trees. The lava burned the gate and caused it to crumble, as well as destroying the headstones of the village cemetery. The lava flowed into the trench, but the sheer amount of lava was proving to be too much for the trench.

 

“It's too much! It's gonna overflow!” Katara shouted.

 

Another explosion spewed rocks from the volcano and started falling into the lava. Zuko’s scars started burning uncomfortably, old or not.

 

“We have to go!!!!” Zuko shouted. He and the Water Tribe siblings ran down and to the exit of the village.

 

“WAIT!!!” Sokka shouted. “Where’s Aang!?”

 

Panic flooded Zuko’s system and he glanced back to the edge of the trench. Aang was still standing there, looking down at the lava.

 

“What is he doing!?” Katara cried.

 

A massive wave of lava was moving towards the village. Aang rushed forward and propelled himself into the air, gathering the air around him. The lava started to overflow, but when Aang landed, he bent the lava straight up. With one finally intake of air, he blew on the lava and cooled it all to stone. Aang exhaled and brought his arms down in a cool down motion. The rest of the Gaang watched in shock.

 

“Man, sometimes I forget what a powerful bender that kid is.” Sokka said in almost awe.

 

“Wait, what did you just say?” Katara asked.

 

“Nothing, just that Aang is one powerful bender.” Sokka said casually.

 

“I suppose he is.” Katara said, eyes wide.

 

“The kid didn’t even have to go into the Avatar State.” Zuko said, whistling in appreciation.

 

 

 

 

When all the villagers had been brought back into the village, Aunt Wu confronted them.

 

“By the way, we kind of borrowed your book.” Aang said sheepishly.

 

“So you messed with the clouds, did you?” Aunt Wu asked angrily. Wu grabbed the book and spared a glance to Sokka who was pointing to Katara, suggesting that she helped manipulate the clouds, too.

 

Aunt Wu laughed in amusement. “Very clever!”

 

“No offense, but I hope this taught everyone a lesson about not relying too much on fortune telling.” Sokka said.

 

“But Aunt Wu predicted the village wouldn't be destroyed and it wasn't. She was right, after all.” Said the calm man from earlier.

 

“I hate you.” Sokka said through gritted teeth, having gotten up in the man’s face.

 

“Come on Sokka. You can curse all you want later.” Zuko said pulling Sokka away.

 

“Can I ask you something?” Aang asked Aunt Wu.

 

“Of course, honey.” Aunt Wu

 

“You didn't really see love in my fortune, did you? You just told me what I wanted to hear.” Aang said disappointedly

 

“I'll tell you a little secret, young airbender. Just as you reshaped those clouds, you have the power to shape your own destiny.” Aunt Wu said.

 

You have the power to shape your own destiny

 

The quote stuck with Zuko. Shape your own destiny

Sounded like the kind of thing that uncle had been feeding Zuko for years.

 

 

The Gaang had all boarded Appa, Katara at the reigns.

 

“Goodbye everyone! It was so nice to meet you!” Katara said brightly. “Take care, Meng.”

 

“Take care!” Meng said equally as cheerful. Appa turned away and flew off into the sky.

 

“Oh, hey, Zuko,” Sokka said, trying to catch the attention of the firebender.

 

“Yeah?” Zuko asked.

 

“Here.” Sokka said handing Zuko the Panda Lilly he picked. “I forgot to drop it off, I know it’s not a Fire Lilly like you were talking about, and it’d be a same to throw it away.”

 

Zuko was taken back for a moment. “Thanks, Sokka.” He said smiling.

 

“You have to let me braid that into your hair!” Katara said eagerly. “Come on! I haven’t been able to do anyone’s hair in forever!”

 

“Um, sure. I guess.” Zuko said.

 

“Don’t let her do your hair! It’s not manly!” Sokka said.

 

“In my culture, extravagant hair styles and long hair on both men and women is not uncommon.” Zuko said. He pulled his hair out of the hair tie.

 

 

 

 

By the end of it, Katara had done a replica of her hair style, just tight braids instead of hair loopies, and left the rest of Zuko’s hair out of the main braid that it should have been in. She tucked the Lilly into Zuko’s braids.

 

“How do I look?” Zuko asked.

 

“Perfect.” Sokka whispered.

 

“Huh?” Zuko asked.

 

“You look nice, man.” Sokka said, coughing awkwardly.