Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The avatar was entering the avatar state. In the catacombs under Ba Sing Sa where there are thousands of sharp, heavy crystals hanging from the ceiling. Also, Azula was there.

Things were not the greatest.

”Nephew, you must choose now! You are at your crossroads of destiny, and you must choose!” Iron exclaimed as he blasted fire at the Dai Li that Azula had under her control.

”Yes, brother. You must choose your side now,” Azula smirked. “You can finally return home.”

Home...

Father...

”You can receive father’s love again.” Hook. Line. And sinker. Azula knew what her brother’s weakness was and how to exploit it so that he will be her little puppet. When will he ever learn that she always manipulates those who are weak?

Right now, apparently.

‘Father’s love,’ Zuko thought. He froze as his mind raced with memories of his father. It started out with good memories from the beach where they went on vacation. That was some of the few times their family was happy, but those happy memories were replaced by the verbal abuse. Being told that he was useless. That he was lucky to be born and his sister was born lucky. How his father implies that he’s the reason his mom left, that he was a mistake, and he should have killed him.

Ozai never did love him, and he never will.

Zuko made his decision.

He quickly punched a blast of fire at his sister and ran towards her in order to capture her. He was tired of her always winning when they go head-to-head. Not this time and not again.

”So, you are now a traitor to our people!” Azula yelled in frustration. How could she have been wrong? How could she have miscalculated how her brother would react?

”No, you became a traitor to our people when you became a blood thirsty maniac!” That seemed to get the desired effect because Azula screamed with increasing frustration and blasted blue flames at him, but Zuko jumped up and spun around as flames burst forth from his feet.

Azula put her hands together and used her flames to push Zuko’s flames apart. She couldn’t do this. She was up against the avatar, his groupies, and her own blood. The Dai Li were useless to that blind earth bender and her kooky uncle, so the Fire Nation princess was backed into a corner.

She turned towards the avatar and gave a smirk.

Iroh wanted to run over in order to hug his nephew. The former general wanted to tell Zuko know how proud of him he was, but he couldn’t, He was too busy keeping the Dai Li at bay with the young earth bender while the avatar and his friends took down his niece.

As the Final member of Azula’s Dai Li were out for the count, he grabbed some rope that a member of the guards was carrying, and he quickly tied at least twenty guards up with it.

Suddenly, he felt. The static in the air before lightning comes. Then he heard the crackling in the air.

Iroh turned around quickly and was just in time to witness his worst nightmare play out in front of him. His eyes followed the flow of lightning as it was aimed at the young avatar, but the child wasn’t the one who got hit.

It was Zuko.

His nephew had quickly run from his spot besides the young water bender and jumped up to gain leverage against the leaning pillars of crystal. Zuko pushed the glowing boy before the bolt of light struck him, but as a result the banished prince got struck instead.

Iroh could smell the scent of burnt flesh before he saw his nephew plummet towards the ground. He tried to run towards His nephew, but the avatar decided to aim his attack at Azula so he could barely get past with the debris flying everywhere. He could only see his nephew twitching on the ground. Hopefully, he’s unconscious so that he’s not in any pain.  It was the lesser of the two evils.

He did see both the water bender and that young earth bender that had helped him with the Dai Li rush over to Zuko. The water bender yelled at someone, possibly her brother due to the similar type of clothing. They boy hesitated but picked up his pseudo-son and they cried for the avatar to retreat.

They young boy seemed to gather his bearings once the female water bender got close enough to grab his wrist. Iroh couldn’t make out what she said because He felt a small hand wrap around his wrist. He looked down and saw it was the earth bender.

”Come on! We have to get outta here!” She yelled and ran with him towards the exit. Ba Sing Sa had fallen, and his nephew with it.

Aang felt tears running down his face as he flew Appa away from Ba Sing Sa. In the saddle, Katara was trying to heal Zuko from the lightning that was meant for him. Zuko was fighting for his life with his uncle sobbing for his boy to survive. Katara was trying her best but she needed supplies that they simply did not have at this moment. Without them, the Spirit Water can only do so much.

”Come up Zuko,” Katara begged the former prince as she started crying. They had to cut off the poor boy’s tunic so that they can get to the wound faster and she had to softly wash the scrapes of the shirt that was burnt to his chest. The skin was charred black and peeling from the point of contact. The further from the wound the skin was blistering, and pus was pooling around it.

”Un...cle...” Zuko choked out. Iroh quickly rushed over to his nephew and took his nephew’s hand in his.

”I’m here,” he whispered as his thumbs streaked Zuko’s knuckles. Zuko didn’t respond to him as his eyes close and he went eerily still, like death.

Katara’s eyes widen in fear and quickly started chest compressions. Zuko’s heart had stopped, and she had to restart it in order to heal him. 

When they two benders were in the catacombs, they bonded over losing their mothers and he proved her inner thoughts that he was a good person deep down. Now, he was fighting for his life. He sacrificed himself for someone he could have let die, so she felt that he had the right to live, even if her brother disagreed.

”He’s fire nation! Why are you saving him?!” Sokka exclaimed. “Did you also forget the part where he chased us around the world?!”

”Did you forget that he saved Aang and fought his crazy sister?!” Why was she protective of their former enemy? Was it because she saw him for what he really was? A scared child who only wanted to be loved.

Katara shook her head and continued the compressions that would get his heart beating again. “Come! On!”

Toph was holding onto Uncle as she heard Katara trying to revive the nephew of the man she met on the road a while ago. He was shaking due to him holding in his sobs as he watched.

For what seemed like forever, Zuko gasped for air and then he cried out in pain.

”How long?!” Katara yelled at Aang. “Do you see land?”

”I’m trying Katara! But-“ Aang was cut off when he saw some familiar blue and wooden ships that was docked at the shore of a small earth kingdom port. “I see Water Tribe ships!”

”Dad?!”

Aang gently lowered Appa besides the water tribe ships and ran towards the ship in a hurry. He yelled at those on duty to get the healing supplies.

”Young Avatar!” Aang looked up and gave a smile of relief when he saw Bato.

”Bato! We need help! Our friend is severely injured, and we need supplies!” Before Bato could respond, a man with shoulder-length hair appeared next to him.

”Any friend of my children’s is-“

”Chief!” One of the crew members helping Katara with the injured Zuko. “They are fire nation!”

All of the tribesmen got into a fighting position while the two closest to Katara pushed her away from Zuko and then grabbed Zuko and flipped him over onto his injured stomach. The next thing they knew, the injured ex-prince gave out a wail that rivaled an elephant-seal when it was on the verge of death.

”Get away from him!” Katara yelled and pushed the tribesmen off of Zuko. When she got to him, she gently rolled him over and washed away any dirt that got on his chest.

”They are not the enemy! Zuko saved my life and now we must save his!” Aang pleaded.

Hakoda stared at all of the children. The savior of the world was begging for his enemy’s life, his daughter caring for the enemy, and his son looking back between his friend and his enemy as if he’s confused on which path to follow. 

“Father, please!” His daughter begged. “They aren’t our enemy anymore!”

”Bring him aboard.” His tribesmen nodded hesitantly. They brought out a tarp that they used to carry their wounded, while Katara followed next to them to make sure they didn’t jostle him.

Before the older fire bender could board the ship, Hakoda held up his hand. “You will not board my ship unless you are bound. If you refuse, then you’ll have to stay here.”

Sokka looked uneasy while the earth bender and Aang started to protest, but the old general held out his wrists.

”Good choice,” replied Hakoda and then turned around to make sure his daughter is safe. Injured or not, an alive fire bender is a dangerous fire bender.

Agni wasn’t happy. He wasn’t happy at all. His chosen was flickering between life and death because one of his children tried to kill the bridge between the Spirits and the living. 

“You are worried for your chosen,” La stated as she stood behind him. Agni just ignored the Ocean Spirit and continued watching the young man. La just continued speaking as they watched Zuko fight for his life. “My chosen can only do so much-“

“My chosen is not weak-willed,” he snapped. “But I fear he feels as he no purpose.”

”Do you need to intervene?” Tui asked when he walked up next to La.

”We’ll see,” Agni sighed.

...

Zuko had fallen unconscious due to the extreme pain he was in. That was the better option because this gave Agni a chance to speak to his chosen.

”Where am I...?” Zuko muttered as he woke up to a dark room surrounding him.

”You are on the edge of death.” Agni huffed a flame from his mouth. “And you must make a choice.”

”I’m...dead?”

”Not quite. That is why I must ask you a question.” Zuko nodded while the rest of his body felt numb. What about Uncle Iroh? He already lost Lu Ten.

Agni gave a small smile. He shouldn’t be surprised that his chosen would worry more for his uncle than himself. He knew Zuko was a special one when he felt his spark came to life.

”Your body is too far damaged to come back on its own.” Before Zuko could interrupt, Agni held up his hand. “That is why I’m going to help you.”

”How?”

”By gifting you with part of my life force, but after you finish your destiny and if I need you...”

”I will become the Sun Spirit,” Zuko whispered breathlessly, and Agni nodded. “But why me?”

”You are my chosen. It is your destiny to spread my greatness to my children. For you to die while darkness is on the throne...”

Zuko looked down in sadness. He knew that his father was evil now, but it hit different when Agni himself when he said that his father was evil. The Sun Spirit gave Zuko a sympathetic look.

”Will you accept these conditions?”

Chapter Text

Iroh sat in the meeting room in chains as the men of the Water Tribe glared at him. Lady Katara, who he learned her name from Avatar Aang, has yet to emerge from the healing room with any news on the boy he thought as a son.

”You are General Iroh, Dragon of the West.” Iroh nodded to confirm the question. “Why are you turning your back on the Fire Nation?”

”They turned their back on my nephew. My nephew was just a child-“

”Since when do Fire Nation care about children,” one of the allies of Chief Hakoda yelled. “Why would we feel bad for one Fire Nation brat if they don’t care for ours?!”

”I am not excusing what has happened. I was blinded by the lies my family told me and I will do anything to make it up, but right now my only priority is the boy I think of as my son.” Iroh held his head high despite the angry stares of those surrounding him.

”Why you..!”

”Enough!”

All of the men from the Water Tribe snapped their heads towards Chief Hakoda. He told his men that it was enough, there was no point in arguing with him. He did, however, sit across from the old general.

”General Iroh,” Hakoda stated. “If you plan to betray us-“

”I’m not.” Hakoda took a deep breath to steady himself from snapping at the man.

”We need your help, and you need ours. A mutual understanding, you could say” The Dragon of the West raised an eyebrow and waited for Hakoda to continue. “We are planning to hijack a Fire Nation ship.”

”Bold move but why?”

”We-“

”Hakoda!” Bato called out. “We can’t just tell him about our plans!”

”If we want to trust him, then he must trust us. trust goes both ways,” Hakoda explained to the others. “I don’t like it either, but it is a necessary evil.”

The men of the Water Tribe gave nervous looks to each other. They knew deep down that their chief was right but to inform the brother of the Fire Lord of their plan to defeat said Fire Lord.

Hakoda tuned towards Iroh and waited for his answer. Iroh looked at Hakoda and nodded.

”Do you have a map of a Fire Nation ship? What do you all have?” Iroh asked him. Hakoda gave him all the scrolls they have at the moment, which they said they were confusing blueprints of both the ships and the war balloons, basic maps of the Fire Nation, and the tanks.

”Now, let me explain how the ships work.”

Katara has yet to sleep since before they were run out of Ba Sing Sa. Zuko’s heart kept stopping and she kept reviving him.

”Katara,” Aang called from the doorway. “You need some rest...”

”I can’t Aang! What if his heart stops?! I’m the one who can-“

”Sugar Queen,” Toph said as she entered the room from the hallway. “I’ll make sure his heart is still beating.”

”Yeah, and if you want, you can sleep in that cot next to Zuko.” Katara gave a small smile to her friends and finally relented. She couldn’t heal him the best she could if she were running on fumes.

Katara gently lowered herself on the spare cot and within two seconds she fell into a deep sleep.

...

The water bender’s eyes slowly blinked open as she came to from her quick nap. That must be a good thing since her friends didn’t wake her up at all during her nap.

As she sat up and stretched out her muscles, she realized she didn’t hear anything. No rustling of clothes or hushed whispers. Just the staggered breathing from Zuko. Fear gripped her heart and quickly turned around to see neither Toph nor Aang sitting by Zuko’s side as promised.

’Those idiots!’ Katara thought angrily as she scrambled towards the injured older teen. She checked the wound and determined that she needed to leave the wound breathe before she changed his bandages. 

“This is going to hurt,” Katara whispered as she mentally prepared herself. It was a good thing that the fire bender was still unconscious from when she wrapped his wounds the first time.

The lightning wound contact point was black, and blisters started to develop. There are areas where the skin was completely burned off and blood was pouring from the wound. The surrounding areas are lighter, but they also had an equal chance at getting infected.

”I think I know why I’m so protective of you,” Katara whispered as she stared at the young fire bender. “You’re like us, my brother and me. You’re what we would have become. Surrounded by others but you’re still lonely tears started to leak out of the sides of her eyes. “Why?! Why couldn’t you have just stayed evil?!”

As her tears dripped onto Zuko’s face, a choice had been made.

Sokka stood next to his father as the plan to hijack a Fire Nation ship. They needed the ship in order to enter Fire Nation controlled waters, but he was still hesitant to trust Iroh. Sure, they helped the GAang against Azula and helped save the Earth Kind, but they also chased them around the world.

Toph and Aang were standing there anxiously like they were waiting for the meeting to end. It’s not like they were doing anything. They were just sitting there, watching Zuko. Sure, they did put up a fight when he told them that they have to come to the meeting room. They only stopped when Bato told them that it was about a plan to hijack a Fire Nation ship that they were key players in.

When they got to the meeting room, Iroh went up to Aang and Toph to ask how his nephew was doing but they had no idea. All they knew was what Katara told them, but before Iroh could ask them to elaborate the meeting had started. 

“Everyone understand their positions?” Sokka was quickly pulled from his inner thoughts and watched as the others nodded. They were planning to overwhelm a small campsite close to their landing point by having Toph surround them with an earth wall while Aang uses his water bending to push the ship out to sea while the rest of the others on the ships will reel it in. after they trap the Fire Benders within the earth walls that is when Iroh will be the bait. The warriors will then ambush them from behind.

This insane plan was to be put into action in two days.

...

Katara was yelling at Toph and Aang for leaving Zuko alone, although Sokka wasn’t really paying attention since he was helping the other men of his tribe weave the nets together.

”Sokka,” one of the tribesmen, Nataq, asked. “Do you think that we can really trust those two?”

The non-bender pursed his lips and thought about it. Azula did call Zuko and Iroh traitors but she does seem to be an amazing actor and could have lured them into an elaborate trap. Although, to take lightning for Aang and becoming severely injured? Helping to hijack a Fire Nation ship?

It makes no sense.

”I think...we can,” he replied. “I am just as confused as you but let us face the facts. Zuko is on the brink of death because he took an attack meant for Aang.”

”I guess...” Nataq grumbled. “But to rely on two royals from the nation who caused us so much pain...”

The others nodded in agreement and Sokka gave them an understanding smile.

Iroh took a deep breath and walked through the opening of the rock wall Young Toph created once Chief Hakoda gave the signal. He was the bait and while he was hesitant to be chased, he would do anything to end this war and save his nephew. The only family he had left that he genuinely loved.

As Iroh stepped through the entrance, he gave the soldiers a sweet smile before they realized who he was and started chasing him.

”Is that...?"

”it’s the Dragon of the West!” He really hated being chased and he wasn’t as young as he once was. Also, he might have ate a few extra tea cakes while he played Pai Sho. Don’t tell his nephew though because he did promise Zuko that he would cut back.

As he ran past the rendezvous point, he turned around and saw a bright light coming from the Water tribe ship that his nephew and Lady Katara were on. The light reminded him of when he met the Sun Warriors and the Old Masters, two closest beings to Agni himself.

The lights in the sky started to form into a golden dragon and launched itself towards the fire benders in a blaze of glory. It consumed the ten fire benders within itself and the screams were deafening. The skin seemed to melt off first, like it was fresh pain that is being washed away. The muscles were quite different because they were falling off in chunks while the bones of the other hand started to fracture as they were compressed into ash.

However, once the ashes of the former fire benders fell towards the ground, the light dragon turns its sights on Iroh.

’Sweet Agni,’ Iroh though as it lunged at him, but when he was enveloped in the flames he didn’t meet his demise like the soldiers. No, instead of scorching heat, it warmed his skin like a hug from a loved one.

”Iroh...You raised your nephew right and you didn’t let his inner flame become black with evil...”

”Agni...”

And just as quickly as the light appeared, it vanished.

”General Iroh!” The retired general was pulled out of his confused state by Chief Hakoda running towards him. “What in Tui and La was that?!”

”I have...no idea...”

”How,” Bato asked as he walked up to them. “Did you survive being engulfed by that thing and how did you survive?! We checked the ship and none of it was on fire! How did it engulf the enemy but leave us be?”

”I heard a voice and the warmth of an embrace,” Iroh whispered as he explained. “It...seemed happy to see me...”

”Could it have been a spirit?” Hakoda stroked his beard. “Whatever it was can wait. We need to board the ship and leave. That light could have alerted others.”

Iroh nodded and boarded the ship belonging to the deceased crew.

Katara huffed as she washed her hands of the blood that seeped through the bandages that were wrapped around Zuko’s torso. She was about to ground up some herbs when her former enemy started to shake. His head kept jerking as his body seemed like it as fighting off something.

”Zuko!” Katara tried to hold him still, but the force of his shaking was too much for her and she had to call one of the warriors left on the ship, Konok, to help hold him still.

Suddenly, Zuko’s eyes snapped open as well as his mouth dropped open. Bright, golden light started to glow from his as the shaking stopped. “Zuko...?”

A beam of light shot out from both his eyes and mouth. The southern water tribe girl covered her eyes due to the brightness while Konok covered his. As soon as the light appeared, it disappeared.

”What was that...?” Konok whispered to Katara.

”I have no idea..."

Her thoughts jumped back to Zuko, who was withering in agony. He started to sweat profusely as he started muttered things that did not make no sense and tossing and turning in the cot. His bandages had ripped during the commotion and the blisters on his chest had popped as well.

”Tui and La, help me,” sighed Katara. It seems no matter what she did, the universe was trying to take Zuko away from the living world. 

Good thing her brother always said she was stubborn.

Chapter Text

Zuko didn’t like the feeling of receiving a spirit’s life force. It reminded him of the burning sensation of when his father set his face on fire, but throughout is entire body. His arms and legs felt like they were being held down by rocks, and it felt like his head would explode.

’Uncle...’ Zuko thought as he struggled against the invisible force. ’I want my uncle!’

Suddenly his body felt like it was floating. The invisible force had been lifted and it was warm. Warm heat like...a blanket, like the heat of Uncle’s tea.

”Make sure my life force has not been wasted on you...”

”Uncle...” Right when he let himself close his eyes, the pain came back full force. He screamed in against, yet no sound came out. The order Fire Nation prince is now stuck in an endless, silent screaming match with the darkness surrounding him.

Iroh sat in the corner of the healing chambers as Lady Katara explained the sever ness of his nephew’s injuries. She told him that his nephew has a high fever that is probably caused by an infection from when Zuko was flipped on the ground, and that his heart had stopped a few times but now it seemed to be becoming stable. She also told him that something interesting had happened when they were all off of the ship.

”His eyes started to glow, like Aang’s did when he entered the Avatar State.”

There also was that appearance of Agni. Could...could there be a chance that the Sun Spirit had blessed his nephew? Like Moon Spirit blessed the Water Tribe princess? His nephew could...no. It’s better to not think like that right now. For all he knew, Agni wouldn’t take his nephew before his time and his nephew will die an old man like Sozin did. No outside forces will take his nephew from him, not like it took Lu Ten. He couldn’t bare losing another son in this lifetime. 

A grunt from beside Iroh pulled him out of his thoughts as he snapped his head towards his nephew. Zuko’s golden eyes slowly blinked awake and seemed to gather in information. His eyes seemed to widen when he noticed the decor of the healing chamber, and he started to freak out. The commotion of Zuko’s panicking quickly got Katara’s attention from grinding herbs, and she ran to his side while Iroh tried to help his nephew calm down. 

”Zuko!”

”Nephew! Calm down!” Iroh pleaded as Zuko’s eyes shot around the room, trying to find a way to escape. Iroh had to grab his nephew’s face and made the ex-prince look at him. One the golden eyes caught sight of his uncle, his body loosened up and stopped struggling.

”Uncle...” Hearing his nephew’s voice after fearing the worse made the old general start to sob. Iroh leaned down and rested his forehead against Zuko’s and whispered to him not to worry an old man ever again. That his old heart couldn’t take it.

Katara did reassure Iroh that Zuko didn’t tear any of his bandages and helped Zuko have a drink of water. “I have to inform my father of Zuko’s awakening.” Katara gave him a small smile and made her way down the hallway of the hijacked Fire Nation ship.

”It hurts...” Zuko mumbled.

”Well, you did take a direct hit from Azula only a week ago.” His nephew’s eyes dimmed, and he gave a small sigh.

”I am now officially a traitor...”

”But you did the right thing, and I couldn’t be prouder of you.” Iroh kissed Zuko’s forehead and stroked his ebony locks until Chief Hakoda entered the room.

”I need to interrogate the ex-prince.”

Iroh almost attacked a man.

”I need to interrogate the ex-prince,” Hakoda told the two ex-princes. The General seemed to grow angry at him while Zuko seemed to be understanding, which is good since the young fire bender calmed down General Iroh.

”Uncle, it’s okay. I’ll be fine,” Zuko gave his uncle a small smile and nodded when his father-figure got up to leave. As the Dragon of the West walked past Hakoda, he gave the Southern Water tribe chief a look that said, ‘If you hurt my child, I will kill you and only Agni will know where your body is’.

Hakoda gave him a nod of understanding since he was also a father.

”Hello...umm...” Zuko tried to sit but Hakoda put his hand up in order to stop the boy from straining himself too much. Both Katara and Iroh would most likely kill him.

”I’m Chief Hakoda, Sokka and Katara’s father,” Hakoda explained a mental not of the face of embarrassment when he mentions his children.

”Are you going to kill me?”

”Why would you think that?” Hakoda’s eyes slightly widen.

”You are the leader of your people, so your children are royalty and...I’ve done a horrible injustice to you and your people.” Hakoda stared at the boy who seemed to accept his death. His eyes were the same as the Earth Kingdom soldier who knew he wasn’t going to make it home. The eyes that didn’t belong on a boy who was around his son’s age. Zuko had seen so much at such a young age.

”Tell me Zuko,” Hakoda said as he kept an analyzing eye on him. “Sokka told how you attacked our village and threatened my children’s grandmother. Is that true?“ The scarred boy hesitated before confirming that he did. “He also said that if the avatar came with you quietly you would spare our village, yet when he broke that promise you didn’t go back and destroyed it. Why?”

Zuko sighed and stared up at the ceiling. “My uncle always told me that there is no honor is attacking those who can’t defend themselves. That village consisted of children and the elderly, and I never really planned to harm them, until your son attacked me first.”

Hakoda gave a proud smirk at that. His son had a protective streak like him.

”Another question, how did you get that scar?” That seemed to get the boy into a defensive state.

”Why do you want to know?”

”Just humor me,” he shrugged. “To betray you father and you action must have been difficult, so tell me...how did you get the scar?

Zuko seemed to take a shaken breath to steady himself and sighed. “I was thirteen and asked Uncle Iroh if I could come into the war meeting with him...I just wanted my father to acknowledge me. Man, I was so stupid! I’m such an idiot! Then, they were going over a plan to trap an Earth Kingdom army, but they wanted to sacrifice a whole batch of new recruits. I...I spoke out against the plan and the general didn’t like it...father even less. I wouldn’t back down and neither would that general, so there was only one way to put an ed to it.”

”A fire duel...” Hakoda whispered.

Zuko swallowed a lump in his throat and let out a shaky breath. “I was young, and I knew I had the upper hand against the old general, but I had misunderstood.

”Since I spoke out in the Fire Lord’s meeting room...I had disrespected the Fire Lord.” He paused his story to let out a sob. “When I saw my father on the opposite side of the area, I immediately yielded but my father didn’t accept that. He came up to me and cupped my face, and he said, ‘You will learn respect and...’”

The boy couldn’t even finish what he was saying before turning on his side and laughing while tears ran down his face. he then started doing a low chuckle as he called himself a fool for ever honking he deserved love, that even his own mother didn’t love him since she left, and that his uncle shouldn’t have to deal with him.

”Hey,” Hakoda whispered as he bent down. “I’ve seen you uncle risked his own life to make sure you were safe. No matter what Ozai has told you, there are people who care for you. You have a good heart Prince Zuko, and you can’t let that low-life tell you otherwise.”

Hakoda gave the crying child a rag so that he could dry his tears. He told Zuko that he will send Katara and Iroh in before they break down the door.

...

The non-bender leader entered the captain’s quarters and saw Bato waiting for him to return. “Did you interrogate the prince?”

Hakoda nodded and informed his close friend about the information he gathered from Zuko. He told Bato that the rumor they heard in the Earth Kingdom was true. “It wasn’t just a story to show how barbaric the Fire Nation is that was made up by the Earth Kingdom. That bastard Fire Lord really did burn his own son...For speaking out of turn!”

Bato listened to his old friend rant and insult both of the young teen’s parents for making the poor boy think that he doesn’t deserve love and studied Hakoda. This reminded him of the time that the village found out about how one of their warriors was hitting his child after the death of his wife at the hands of the Fire Nation. They banished the man and the village decided to see who would take in the boy. The child was taken in and treated just like he was a member of that family since he was born.

Bato is still grateful of his family taking him in.

”You sound like you’re about to take the banished prince in and raise him as your own,” he chuckled softly. Bato kept chuckling until he noticed a look on his best friend’s face that he knew would lead to trouble. “Hakoda, no.”

”Hakoda, yes!”

Katara covered her hands with water and pressed them against Zuko’s chest. Zuko gave a low grunt of pain but didn’t complain. Iroh had left the room in order to get them something to eat.

”Thank you,” Zuko whispered so softly that Katara almost didn’t hear him.

”For what?”

”For healing me, for trusting me...Everything really.” That seemed to confuse the water bender. She wasn’t expecting to be thanked by the one who was her former enemy.

”You don’t have to thank me.”

”Still, I never did thank you for saving my uncle. I am in your debt.” Katara gave him a small smile.

”I think you’re the first one to thank me for healing them...” Zuko’s eyes widen in shock.

”Where I come from,” the fire bender explained. “It is an honor to be healed because the healers could have let you die.” Katara let the teen ramble about all the times the royal healer pulled his ears every time he got injured playing at the palace. He told her about the turtleducks and how he would try to sneak the waterfowl into his room, but the mother turtleduck nipped at his hands.

”Want to know how Sokka got two fishing hooks stuck in his thumb?” Zuko raised an eyebrow and Katara gave him a large grin and told the story to someone who will probably be her best friend.

...

”Katara, can I speak with you?” Aang asked awkwardly when the fourteen-year-old left the healing chambers so that Zuko could rest.

”Sure Aang, but let’s go somewhere else. Zuko needs to rest,” Katara explained but noticed a weird look on Aang’s face when she mentioned the fire bender’s name. She’ll probably bring it up once they got away from Zuko.

Aang led Katara to an empty room and closed the door behind her. he looked nervous and when she asked him what he wanted to talk to her about.

”Um...” Aang looked down at his shoes and his voice seemed hesitant to continue. “Do you...have feelings for Zuko?”

Chapter Text

Katara stared at Aang in shock when she processed the question he asked her. Why would he think that she had feelings for Zuko? Was he still hesitant that because Zuko chased him around the world? They were spending a lot of time together, so it must have seemed weird. “No Aang. I just understand him, that’s all. You don’t have to worry.”

A smile broke out across the young air bender’s face, and he gave a small hop of excitement. “Okay, that’s good!”

Katara grabbed the avatar’s wrist before he hopped out of the secluded room. “Aang, I know you are hesitant to talk to Zuko because of the past, but I truly believe that Zuko is on our side now.”

”I know that!” Aang said, dumbfounded. “Why would you think that?”

”Umm...because you asked me if I liked Zuko?” Katara raised an eyebrow and folded her arms in agitation. “Aang, what aren’t you telling me?”

”Nothing! I-“ Aang was interrupted when he heard Bato call for Aang to help weave nets with Sokka. “Sorry Katara! I have to get going!”

The boy whipped up an air scooter and rode it to the top deck before Katara could stop him.

”Aang!”

Zuko was trying not to laugh too loudly as Katara told him some hilarious jokes. He was glad she was here since Uncle Iroh is getting busier these days, although Chief Hakoda did visit him from time to time.

”Ugh, those jokes aren’t good!” Sokka huffed as he sat next to Toph. Katara stuck her tongue out at her from, and Zuko made a note that avatar was nowhere to be found, probably helping his uncle of helping with chores. 

“You’re just jealous that Zuko finds my jokes funny!” Sokka sputtered while he quickly denied that he wasn’t jealous, just stating the facts.

”Sorry, Sugar Queen,” Toph interrupted. “But your jokes could use some work.”

”Zuko likes them!”

”Sparky has the social skills of an armadillo-rat!” Toph sighed as she pointed to the prince who laid on the cot.

“Hey!”

Iroh looked out over the bow of the ship with his hands clasped behind his back. He was thinking about the invasion plan that Chief had informed him about when the Chief came up and leaned against the ship’s railing. “Hello, Chief Hakoda.”

”Please, call me Hakoda, General Iroh.”

”Then the same goes to you.” Hakoda gave the shorter man a small smile before talking to the man about the banished Prince that is located below deck.

”I would like to talk to you about you nephew.” Iroh’s eyes widen in panic.

”My nephew-“

”He’s fine! I just wanted to talk about him.” Iroh visibly calmed down when he was reassured of his nephew’s condition.

”What is it that you wanted to talk about?” Hakoda hesitated.

”I would like to make your nephew an honorary member of my family.” Iroh raised an eyebrow in confusion and Hakoda took that as a sign to explain. “In the Southern Water Tribe, when a child’s parents are...incompetent, the village lol let a family take in that child. I was thinking...I could take in Zuko.”

Iroh took a deep breath as he turned back towards the ocean as he thought about the offer Chief Hakoda had given him. From what he saw Hakoda loved his children and his children loved him back. He wished for Zuko to have that, but Iroh can only do so much since he was not Zuko’s biological father.

”Hakoda,” Iroh said after a moment of silence. “Why do you want him to become a part of your family?”

Hakoda sighed and looked up towards the moonlit sky. “I...I heard a rumor when my men and I were docked at an earth Kingdom port. That he Fire Lord had burnt off half of his son’s face, but I thought it was just a rumor. A horrible rumor that Earth Kingdom came up with to show other’s the ruthlessness of the Fire Nation...When I saw you nephew...I knew it wasn’t a rumor, but to burn off half you child’s face because he spoke out of turn...”

Iroh nodded in understanding. “Even after it happened, Zuko thought he deserved it...My nephew has a big heart, but he’s been hurt by those who use it to their own advantage. So, you only have my blessing if you ask my nephew first and you take in the fact I’m now his official guardian, so if you overstep your binaries of make him feel like he is nothing...”

Hakoda froze as Iroh got close to him and the air around him start to heat up to an uncomfortable level. “I believe that Young Sokka is too young to become Chief.”

With that, the old general turned around and went to his sleeping chamber, leaving Hakoda in a state of silence as he looked at the spot Iroh was before. He gave a low chuckle when he finally processed what was said to him.

”Never underestimate the Dragon of the West.”

Agni stared through the pool that can spy on the mortal world as his chosen finally had enough strength to sit up without difficulty, as long as he had help. It is longer than he wanted it to be, but why do humans heal that slow? He’ll probably have to speak to Yue about it when he saw her.

”Still watching our chosen?” The Earth Spirit, Prithvi, asked as she sat down next to him. “And I thought La was the worrier when it came to her chosen.”

”Well,” Agni huffed in agitation. “Her chosen didn’t just get a chest full of lightning.”

”But Tui’s chosen died for him,” Prithvi sighed. “Look we all worry about our chosen, but you can’t interfere with the lives of those who tried to kill the other spirits.

Agni knew this. He knew this. Their chosen are those who are to spread their word and that they cannot interfere with Their lives. No matter how much they want to. Just like how the others had to hold him back when that darkened flame tries to extinguish the spark inside of Zuko.

”You must understand, and you must let them figure this out on their own.” With that, Prithvi got up and left the Sun Spirit to contemplate his next move.

Zuko awoken to soft humming coming from beside him, but he wasn’t in the fire ship’s healing chambers. He was in a strange place that reminded him of a child’s story book. The sky was a light green with large trees that looked like lily pads on top with a field of flowers covering the ground, but that wasn’t the weirdest thing. No, the weirdest thing was the girl with white hair who was humming and playing with weird animals that he has never seen before.

”Where am I...?” The girl looked up and gave Zuko a timid smile.

”The Spirit World. I summoned you, Prince Zuko.”

”How did you know...?” The girl laughed softly.

”I’m Yue. Moon Spirit in training!” Zuko’s eyes widen in recognition. “I wanted to speak with the one who will become the new Agni.”

”The new Agni?” Yue clapped her hands together.

”I take it Agni didn’t explain much. Well, I’m here now.” Zuko sat up and crossed his legs together. “Now, let me start from the beginning. The elemental spirits are a different type of spirit.”

”Elemental spirits?”

”The ones who blessed the Lion Turtles’ power to give that power to the carriers of our element. Fire to the Dragons, Earth to the Badgermoles, Air to the Sky Bison, and Water to the moon and ocean. The concept of them is as old as time itself,” Yue explained.

”Concept?” The scarred prince asked.

”Just like the changing of the seasons, the elemental spirits forever change. Take Tui and I for example. I was Tui’s chosen so that I could spread the word of Tui but because I was close to death he gave me his life force.”

”So,” Zuko interrupted. “The elemental spirit’s pick their chosen to spread their word but...”

”The chosen’s who have been granted their life force will become the successors to their spirits. Most of the chosen’s that have their life force don’t start their training until after their destined deaths, but when the spirit’s need their life force before their chosen’s destined deaths...” Yue trailed off.

“We must sacrifice our lives to save the elemental spirits,” Zuko filled in. Yue nodded in response.

”Yes, and once it is time for the trainees to take over the spirit’s energy will transfer from them. Luckily, the process takes forever. Unlikely, once the process is done the new elemental spirit will never be united with their loved ones again, unless they become spirits...” Yue looked down at a carved...bear? Fish...?

”Sound’s lonely....” Zuko whispered and Yue gave a small nod.

”That is why the spirit’s stick together, and I hope we’ll become close friends.” The ex-prince gave her a small smile in return.

”Me too.”

...

When Zuko opened his eyes again, he noticed that instead of the Spirit World it was the healing chamber on the Fire Nation ship. He was alone in the room since he was able to sit up with help, but he still has a few more healing sessions to go before Katara would clear him for light duties. He was antsy to get up and move.

Zuko listened to his surroundings before he decided that he couldn’t standing being in this room for a moment longer. As a result, the fire bender used his arms to push himself up into a sitting position, but it made him a little winded and I little lightheaded. After, he caught his breath and gave a sigh in frustration once he realized that he would have the most trouble standing up without help, but he refuses to admit defeat.

He scooted over to the metal door and reached above his head in order to grab the handle, and he pulled himself until he was able to sit on his knees. “Uncle...is so...going to kill me,” he wheezed before he continued his journey. He just wanted to escape this room and get some fresh air.

As Zuko pulled himself up until he was finally standing. Yeah, he was holding onto the door frame, but he didn’t have any help, so that was a plus. “Now to get to the deck...”

Each step felt like his feet was dragging a bag of stone. After a while, probably longer than Zuko would like to admit, he finally got to the steps that led to the deck. The prince glared at the stairs, and he grabbed the railing, but after stumbling a bit, he lifted his foot.

’Yes!’ So far, Zuko was able to get his foot on the first step, now his second foot.

”Okay just keep calm...” He whispered to himself as he lifted the second foot slowly. When he put foot down he stood still so that he could steady himself. That wasn’t too bad, then he did the same thing until he finally reached the top of the stairs.

The sky was black, only illuminated by the stars and the moon. Zuko gave the moon a small smile and he limped to the bow of the deck. He always loved this area of the ship. The wind blowing in his face with the scent of saltwater flowing through the air. He truly felt free here. No responsibilities, no stress that is trying to drown him more than when Zhao tried to kill him. True freedom.

He saw movement in the corner of his good eyes and his head snapped towards it. It was glowing and quite long for something so small.

Is that...?

”Dragon!” Zuko whispered in awe as the golden dragon landed on the railing in front of him. “But how...?”

”Hello little flame.” Zuko’s eyes widen at the familiar voice that somehow was coming from the tiny dragon. Before Zuko could say anything, the dragon blew a flame from its tiny mouth. “Do not speak my name for I could get into a lot of trouble with the others for interfering, but I have to ask you to do me one more favor.” Zuko nodded and the tiny dragon gave a happy flap of his wings. “Find and protect my dragons.”

With that, the spirit flew away before disappearing into the horizon.

Chapter Text

Zuko leaned giants the ship’s railing before he felt a sharp blade press against his neck. His body tensed up as he felt a drop of blood trickle down his neck. He couldn’t turn his head so that he can face his attacker. All he knew, is that his attacker pulled him back and then slammed him against the railing.

”Stupid Fire Nation,” a male voice hissed. “You can trick the chief and the avatar, but not me.

Zuko grunted in pain and grabbed his attacker’s hands that was holding the knife to his neck, and he heated his hands until his attacked yowled in pain. As his attacker yelled curses at him, Zuko turned around and stumbled towards the lower deck where people can hear the commotion. right before he reached the stairs, the water tribesman grabbed Zuko by his hair that he would need to ask his uncle to cut when he gets a chance.

”You won’t get away...!” Zuko couldn't shake him Off since he still didn’t have his full strength back, and it didn’t help that his attacker punched him where the lightning had hit him. Zuko had the air knocked out of his lungs.

”Stop...!” Zuko gasped as he tried to use his inner flame, but something was blocking him from using anything more advanced than heating his body up. Since, he already used that to get the upper hand and the attacker learned from his mistakes.

”I will destroy you influence on my chief!” Again, Zuko was slammed against the ship’s railing and put the knife against his would. “Your destiny will end right here, right now.”

Zuko felt himself losses his footing as his attacker tried to stab him. His eyes widen as he fumbled to grab onto the railing, but his hands became loose when the knife that was held in the attacker’s hand entered his chest.

Suddenly, he saw many colors float with him as he fell towards the unforgiving ocean below, but he didn’t feel afraid. No, he felt comforted as his back hit the water, like he was being embraced. 

‘Wait,’ Zuko thought as his brow furrowed. ‘Last time this happened I was on the brink of death. Dammit...’

Being swallowed by the unforgiving waters was not the greatest felling in the world. He felt surrounded on all sides and couldn’t move his limbs. Zuko’s vision was blurry, but he could see the shakes image of the moon. Hi lungs were burning because they begged for air that he could not obtained. He couldn’t hold on anymore and had to gasp for any oxygen, but all he got was water.

Water was his complete opposite, and he was going to die by its hand. To survive a chest full of lightning to only drown with a stab wound to his injury.

Must everything try to kill him?

...

Zuko felt air enter his lungs as he was yanked out of the water by hi collar. He could hear tiny wings flapping against the strong winds and the brutal waves that tried to suck Zuko in. “Little flame! Wake up!”

He coughed up water and started to splash around in order to keep his head above water. He couldn’t keep up with the thrashing of the waves and kept submerging under the water, while Agni kept trying to pull him above the surface.

’Must stay awake!’ Zuko thought as he felt around for anything that would keep him afloat.

”I found something! Hold on!” A ‘plop’ in the water gave Zuko a ray of hope and he flailed around until He grabbed onto a piece of driftwood Agni had found. The piece of driftwood wasn’t the greatest at keeping him dry, but it was big and sturdy enough that he didn’t need to swim. That was good enough for Zuko to breathe a sigh of relief and gave the tired form of Agni’s dragon form a smile.

”Thanks....” Zuko’s eyes were feeling heavy, and he could hear Agni calling for him, but he just needed five minutes to rest.

When Katara woke up, she felt something was wrong. However, she couldn’t put her finger on it. Maybe she’ll check on Zuko before she goes to the dining hall on the ship. He might be on the mend, but it still couldn’t hurt to check, and maybe she’ll bring him to the dining hall if he’s up to it. He does need to move around a bit.

She got to the healing chambers aboard the fire nation ship and listened for any motion that indicated that the fire bender was awake, since he was always awake when she visited him in the morning. She didn’t hear anything which is strange, but the healing session yesterday did tire him out.

”Zuko? Are you up?” No answer. She knocked again and still there was no answer. She was starting to being worried. ”Zuko, I’m coming in.”

Katara froze when she saw the empty cot that belonged to Zuko, and a lump formed in her throat. She couldn’t panic right away. There are many possibilities of why Zuko isn’t here, like someone might have taken him above deck. Iroh did inform her that fire benders do need some daily sunlight and Zuko hasn’t had much fresh air since before they found their father.

She quickly ran up the stairs to the deck and searched for the young ex-prince, but to no avail. Her next stop was the dining hall, where she found her father, Zuko’s uncle, and the rest of the GAang eating together, but no Zuko.

”Is something wrong, Katara?” Hakoda asked as he chewed his food. “You seemed troubled.”

”Have any of you seen Zuko?” Katara asked frantically. “I can’t find him anywhere!”

Iroh dropped his chopsticks when the young water bender informed him that his child was missing in the middle of the sea with almost every available nation out for his nephew’s blood. “He...he couldn't have gotten far, right?”

Everyone got up from their seats, leaving their breakfast uneaten, so that they could look for Zuko. Hakoda and Iroh took to the captains’ quarters, Toph and Aang took to the cargo hold, and Sokka and Katara searched the living quarters. Sokka was rambling to his sister about his theories about what happened to Zuko.

“I’m just saying, Appa could have totally ate Zuko! It’s only a matter of time before he turned on us!”

”Sokka, Appa didn’t eat Zuko. That would require Zuko to get up and go downstairs be himself. Even then, Aang and Toph would have found him.”

”But not if Appa ate all the evidence!” Katara rolled her eyes and let her brother continue telling his crazy conspiracy theories. At least she had another reasonable me beer of the teams who would understand her frustrations.

However, their search was fruitless, and they met up with the others on the deck, and their searches were just as fruitless. No Zuko. He was not of the shop and that made them start to panic, because if he wasn’t on the ship then where was Zuko? They were in the middle of the sea!

”We have to search for him!” Aang cried. “We have no idea how long he’s been gone! He could...” He didn’t finish that sentence because of the implications. They had seemed to care for the young fire bender in the short time that they had known him.

Iroh couldn’t stop the overflow of tears as he came to terms. Why must Agni be so cruel to him by taking his child again? Has he not suffered enough with the death of Lu Ten? Must he outlive another young flame? “My boy...” He dropped to his knees in order to cry into his hands. He didn’t care that everyone is looking at him because why did anything matter anymore? He couldn’t live without his child. He couldn’t see Zuko's small smile that he tried to hide whenever he caught him feeding stray animals or watching him get extremely flustered whenever a girl flirts with his nephew.

”Iroh...” Katara knelt down and wrapped her arms around the grieving old man.

Toph and Aang were holding onto Sokka, who was frozen in place. The non-bender to a shaker breath before he spoke. “Why are we...just giving up? He could still be alive..!”

”He can’t be.” They all turned their heads to see Koadak, smirking. Koadak was only a few years older than Sokka and lost both of his parents during the raid that killed Kya. His hatred for the Fire Nation was greater than Hakoda and his children combined. “I made sure of it.”

Hakoda stalked over to the young man with a thunderous expression forming onto his face. “What. Did. You. Do?!”

Koadak growled at his chief. “I did what you were too cowardly to do! I get rid of that evil spawn! I don’t know how he got into your head, but have you forgotten?! They are the enemy!”

Everyone who was on the deck looked at him in shock. He called the chief a coward. That was basically challenging Hakoda’s right to rule, and Hakoda acknowledged it. “Are you challenging me. Koadak?”

”Yes, I am! You obviously care for these ash maker’s than your own people!”

”You dare say I don’t care about my people? If I didn’t care for my people then why would I sacrificed my life in order to get herbs for Nataq’s mother when she got the Seal Pox? Or when I hunted down the Tiger-Walrus when it threatened our village? Do not say I do not care when you have no proof of such ridiculous claims!” Hakoda snapped.

The other members of the crew started to surround Koadak with weapons drawn. Bato, who was behind the traitor, grabbed him and tied his wrists with rope. Koadak fought like a cornered platypus-bear when it knows it’s going to be killed.

”What did you do to Zuko?!” Katara snapped. “Where is he?!”

”I took care of him,” Koadak snapped.

”He’s telling the truth,” Toph gave a water sigh.

”Where is he?!” Katara screamed, controlling water so that it would point at his neck.

”He fell overboard with my knife in his chest,” he sneered. “He flails around for a bit before finally going under the water. Besides, even if you do look for his corpse, he is far away from here since it happened last night. I did have such sweet dreams after I went to bed.”

Everyone turned towards Toph for confirmation, but the tears that are profusely falling from her face was telling enough. “He...He’s telling the truth...”

Aang clenched his fists in anger. Sure, he hasn’t gotten to know Zuko as well as the others, but he did save his life, and for that he can never repay that debt. However, someone already decided to act against the man by punching him.

It was Sokka.

”You monster...” Bato and the crew had to hold Koadak back from attacking the son of the chief of the Southern Water Tribe.

Hakoda shook his head in shame and put his hand on Iroh’s shaking shoulder in order to give his silent condolences. He felt like he had lost a member of the family again, but Iroh lost his child. If he lost Sokka and Katara...? he would absolutely cease to function.

”I...I need to...” Iroh tried to stop his sobs long enough to state that he needs to perform a funeral pyre so that Zuko’s soul will find its way to Agni, but he was just so drained.

His boy...

Azula was sitting on the throne of Ba Sing Sa with an annoyed look on her face. She had informed her father that she had killed Zuko so that she was now officially the heir to the throne, but her father reprimanded her for failing to kill the avatar.

’I’m not useless like Zuzu,’ she thought darkly. Her dark mood was obvious to everyone in the palace since they, including Mai and Ty Lee, were avoiding her. It’s a shame because she wanted to light something or something on fire.

Too bad she already killed Zuko.

Chapter Text

One year before that fateful Agni Kai...

Zuko sat in front of the small turtleduck pandas he threw bread to the waterfowl. It’s been two years since his mom left and his grandfather passed away, and the whole nation was in mourning. He was able to get away from his music lessons as a result.

”You sure do love the turtleducks.” Zuko’s head snapped to the side and a huge grin broke out across the young man’s face.

”Uncle!” The you prince jumped to his feet and ran into his uncle’s outstretched arms. “I missed you!”

”I missed you too, Prince Zuko.” General Iroh wrapped his arms around his nephew. After a few moments he pulled away and clapped his hands on Zuko’s shoulders. “My how you’ve grown! You’ll be taller than me soon!”

Zuko nodded and asked his uncle if he would join him in feeding the spoiled turtleducks, although Iroh did tell Zuko that he would count so that all the turtleducks were accounted for when they left. The boy gave a small pout and nodded.

Iroh tore up some of the bread that Zuko gifted him and threw it. It was nice to just sit and relax without any troubles. Then, he heard an awfully familiar song being sung so softly that it was almost carried away with the early spring breeze.

”Leave from the vine

Falling so slow

Like tiny fragile shells...”

Iroh froze as he listened to his young nephew sang he song he used to sing to Lu Ten when he was just a boy, but he never sang it to Zuko. Once the young boy stopped singing, Iroh asked him where he heard that song.

”Lu Ten...” The prince hesitated at the mention of his deceased cousin. “Lu Ten sang it to me when I have a nightmare and mother and father were off visiting the colonies.”

”He did?” Iroh whispered in shock before a small smile wormed its way across his face. “How come you were singing it right now?”

”You looked upset, and that song always cheered me up...” A blush broke out across the boy’s face and Iroh chuckled happily.

”And you thought it would cheer me up.” Zuko gave a small nod. “Thank you nephew. May I sing with you?”

Zuko leaned on his uncle before they both started to sing.

”Leave from the vine...”

...

Current day...

Iroh sat cross-legged as he flew with the avatar and his friends to locate his nephew. His tears had left dried tracks on his cheek, and he has yet to make a peep. He just couldn’t.

Katara kept glancing over to him but yet said nothing. What could she say? I’m sorry the boy you think of as a son is dead and you can’t bring him back? That everyone is going to die someday so it shouldn’t be as painful?

She was pulled out of her thoughts when Aang yelled. “I think... I see something coming towards us!”

Before anyone could react however, the thing Aang saw had crash landed inside Appa’s saddle. The others were on edge and were in their battle stances, but Iroh held his hand. “Wait! It’s a dragon!”

”I thought dragons were extinct,” Sokka said. “How-?”

”Shush.” Everyone froze when they heard the deep voice. 

“Um... Did that thing just speak?” Katara stared at that sky diving creature.

”Yes, now I know where your lost fire bender is, but we must hurry!”

”You know where my nephew is?” Iroh whispered. 

“Yes, now hurry up Avatar and follow me, or he won’t live anymore!” The Dragon flapped around in a panic and flew ahead.

Should we follow him?” Sokka asked. “This could be a trap.”

”If that dragon knows where Sparky is then we have to follow him!” Toph snapped. “Besides, he knows what it’s like to deal with rich snobs and I need to vent about that.”

With that, Aang had Appa follow the tiny creature until it stopped in mid-air. Everyone looked over the side of Appa to search for Zuko (well, except for Toph for obvious reasons). They searched for what seemed like hours, before Aang called out in happiness.

”I found him!”

Zuko felt... cold. Very cold. His inner fire was barely lit, and it was concerning. Once a fire bender’s inner fire went out then that was it... but Agni used his life force for him and yet he wasted it by being unable to fight off his attacker. Why was he so useless...? Can’t even die correctly…

”So, this is the boy that Agni has chosen?” A melodic voice asked. “He does look worthy...”

”He looks pathetic. How many times has he-“

”Tui! Stop being rude! He has saved Vayu’s chosen many times!”

”La, the boy only saved Vayu’s chosen for his personal gain the first time!”

”And the second time...?” The melodic voice returned.

 Zuko wanted to speak but right before he could, he was pulled back.

...

”Z—o! Zu-o!” Ugh, why were they shouting? It was too early for music night.

”Five...’ore...minutes,” mumbled the ex-prince and tried to pull his blanket up but he couldn’t find it. His whole body started to shake, and he buried himself into the heat source near him. “Un...cle...’m cold.”

He heard movement around him, but he paid no attention to it. He felt relaxed but he was still cold. His body tensed up when he heard a familiar voice spoke to him.

”My own son has betrayed me. I guess you still haven’t learned your lesson.” Ozai formed from the shadows of Zuko’s confused mind and had his hand become covered in flame. “Now you must be punished Zuko. Just like your mother.”

But before the flame went flying towards Zuko’s face, Ozai turned into his Uncle Iroh. “You will learn respect...”

”No!” Zuko screamed in agony as Iroh’s hand lit his face on fire. “Uncle, I’m sorry! Please!”

Hands held him hold Zuko down as he felt helpless. He wanted his mom. He wanted his uncle. Why? Why would his uncle hurt him? What did he do deserve his uncle’s wrath? Nothing he could do would help him with this. Not even Agni could save him from his mind.

His whimpering overcame the pain that he felt, and the drowning sensation didn’t help him either. 

“Mom...”

Toph had to help hold Zuko down as he started to freak out due to the infection caused by his wounds. His fever has come back tenfold and this time he was actively hallucinating. He kept screaming for someone to stop as well as whimpering to his uncle that he was sorry.

”Why is he apologizing?” The blind earth bender asked Katara with worry laced through her voice.

”He is seeing something from the past,” Iroh explained but he didn’t elaborate. He knew what the boy was seeing, and it broke his heart.

His worry for his nephew grew tenfold when he heard the soft begging. He wanted to comfort his pseudo-son, but he couldn’t. All he could do was hold Zuko’s hand and let the Southern water bender do her job. He should really brew her a cup of calming tea once his nephew is alright. A cup of tea is always the best thing after a hard and tiring job.

”Hey,” Toph said. “Tell us some stories about Sparky.”

”Yeah! I would love to hear about some stories about Zuko!” Aang exclaimed. “Any fun stories from his childhood?”

Iroh gave a soft chuckle and nodded. He told them of Zuko kidnapping turtleducks from the palace’s pond and sneaking them to his room. That him and Lady Ursa had to count all of the turtleducks before Zuko went to bed. another story he told was the one where Zuko and his son were playing when Zuko was only a few months old. Lu Ten dressed up his nephew as a dragon from the play, “Love Among the Dragons”.

”My nephew also loves the theatre. Every year, Zuko would join his mother to watch any play, but his favorite was “Love Among the dragons”. I still hear my nephew use quotes from the play when he feels overwhelmed since his social interactions are...lacking.”

”Oh?” Sokka was intrigued. “What were these quotes?”

”’You rise with the moon; I rise with the sun’ and ‘Perhaps in exchange I can restore something you’ve lost’. Oh! And ‘I’ll save you from the pirates. All quotes from Zuko’s favorite play.” Iroh chuckled at that softly.

”Tui and La,” Katara breathed. “He... is such a theatre nerd. How could I have ever though he was scary? He’s...”

”A dork!” Sokka laughed. “he’s such a dork!”

Iroh laughed and nodded. “Ask him anything about theatre and he’ll talk for hours but ask him how his day was, and he’ll only use one word.”

”Wow...” Toph whistled. “Did he have a ponytail? Sokka called him a jerk with a ponytail.” Iroh corrected her and explained it was a phoenix tail, and that it was a sign of royalty.

...

Toph was on Zuko duty. They would take turns watching the unconscious boy, and she had taken over for Aang. He might be the avatar, but he doesn’t really pay attention to his surroundings. Toph is blind and she pays better attention than Aang. Although her senses weren’t expecting to feel...free. She felt no restrictions and a calmness she couldn’t quite place.

She heard shuffling and felt Zuko start to move around. “Sparky?” She called out as she fumbled around for a hand. She felt Zuko get up, but she didn’t hear any shuffling of any blankets that indicate anyone getting up.

”Sparky?!” She grabbed ahold of his hand and squeezed it. She breathed a sigh of relief. “Don’t scare me like that, Sparky.”

Nothing.

She heard nothing but the breathing coming from Zuko.

What was that? 

Chapter Text

Zuko eyes fluttered awake as he felt like he weighed nothing. He sat up and noticed Toph was calling his name. When he responded she didn’t acknowledge that she had heard him, so he tried again but louder this time. Like before, she acted like he didn’t hear him. He watched as she fumbled around until she was able to grab his hand. “Toph? Are you okay?”

He pulled his hand up, and he was expecting to pull Toph’s hand up with his but what he got was his blue hand.

Blue hand.

Time to start freaking out.

Zuko jumped to his feet in a panic an almost yelled when he was saw still asleep on the ground. ”Agni! Am I...?”

”You aren’t dead,” a melodic voice said. “I just wanted to meet you, and you are such a cute, little thing!” The Spirit exclaimed and pinched the ex-prince’s cheeks.

”Thank... you...?” Zuko rubbed his cheek once The spirit let go.

”Oh! Where are my manners?” She slapped her forehead. “I’m Prithvi! The earth spirit!”

”Um...no offense but I’m a fire bender.” Prithvi just waved her hand in response.

”Well, this is a test. The other’s and I have came up with a test to see if you are worthy of having Agni intervene with your life. Yes, your destined death will not happen until your eighties, but people sure do want you dead.”

”But I can’t die until my destined death,” Zuko said and Prithvi nodded.

”That doesn’t mean that those won’t cause lasting damage. Death is very complicated. Now, are you ready for your test? We won’t return you to your body until it is complete,” Prithvi explained to the scared boy. 

“I guess I don’t have a choice,” Zuko said. The earth spirit nodded and snapped her fingers that caused her to disappear. “Hey! Wait! What is my test? How can I-?

His yelling was cut of when he noticed that his surroundings had changed. He was no longer on the ex-Fire Nation ship but in a remote earth kingdom village that had homes and stalls falling apart at the seams. It could take a small breeze and the whole village would be leveled. Just like Lee’s village. 

“What is this place...?” Zuko whispered.

”This is where you’ll have your test,” the melodic voice belonging to Prithvi said from behind him. The suddenness of it made Zuko jumped in fright. The earth spirit laughed and slapped him on the back. “You are to bring this impoverish village relief.”

”But how?! I’m human-“

”Right now, you are not quite a spirit but you aren’t human either. You are in between worlds and to prove that you e worthy of being the next Agni.”

”How do I-?”

”You already took up a spirit’s identity as the Blue Spirit,” she snapped. “Now take up the mantel again!” With that, Prithvi faded from view, leaving Zuko alone.

How does he just become the Blue Spirit? He doesn’t see a mask cart that he can swipe a mask from. if he did this task without a mask then people would think of him of nothing more than a common criminal. He must think about things first.

He sighed and went to pinch the bridge of his nose but was met with the feeling of wood insects of skin. Zuko’s eyes widen and ran over to a bucket that was supposed to collect rain water. The sight that greeted him was that of the mask that he used to wear but how? Unless when he had left his body he had already had it on his face.

he was pulled from his inner thoughts by a creaking sounds that were coming from one of the doors. Zuko quickly ran from sight and hid within a bush and waited for the person who made the sound to come within sight.

After what seemed like hours, the person who made the sound came into view. She was only a small child who couldn’t be older then six years and she was talking to herself. “Okay, I have to pull in the fish traps since daddy got sick.“

Zuko gave a small smile to the little girl and started to follow her so that she made it to the fishing traps safely. She kept mumbling about how her mom old be so proud of her for being a good girl and helping out her father. She reminded the ex-prince of his younger self before everything that had happen over the years. How he would want his parents approval and their love.

”What are you doing up?!” A venomous voice snapped at the little girl. “You know that no one is to be outta bed until the sun rises!”

the teen looked up and his eyes narrowed when he saw two Fire Nation soldiers standing in from of her. The older one was sneering at the child and held his staff at the base of her neck. This scared her so badly that she had wet herself in fear, and the soldiers laughed at her misfortune.

Zuko’s anger started to boil over when she started to cry. He noticed that the younger of the two had Dao swords and that caused him to smirk. He’ll make sure that their actions have consequences and that he’ll protect this village from those corrupt soldiers.

He left the bushes and shuffled behind the two soldiers. The girl noticed and put his finger up to his lips, indicating for her to be quiet. She wiped away her tears, but didn’t give away that she saw Zuko. after waiting until the olde one removed the staff from the girl’s neck was when Zuko made his move.

Zuko kicked the younger one in the inside of his of his knees causing the guard to fall to his knees in shock. The ex-prince grabbed the duel swords and kicked the owner away. The other one tried to strike Zuko, but the scarred teen swiftly dodged the aim that had meant to kill. He punched up and broke the wooden staff in half. The older one stared dumbly at the broke weapon and he didn’t see that Zuko held both swords to his neck.

”You will leave these people alone,” Zuko hissed. “or you’l have me to deal with. Understand?”

The two guards nodded their heads in fear and they trembled. “Who.... Who are you...?”

”I am the Blue Spirit.” With that, he remove the swords and let them run off with their tails tucked between their legs. Zuko kept his eyes on them until they disappeared from sight.

”Are...Are you a spirit...?” Zuko turned and saw that the little girl was fidgeting once she entered his gaze. He nodded and bent down so that he was eye level with the small child. He raised his hand and placed it gently on top of the Girl’s head in a comforting way. She smiled in response and wrapped her arms around the middle of her savior. “Thank you!”

Zuko nodded and picked her up in his arms. She fidgeted and tried to push herself out of his arms. “Mr. Spirit, I’m sorry but I peed myself! My clothes aren’t clean!”

The teen just patted the small child and carried her back to her village. She introduced herself to ZUko, informing him that her name was Kyo. That she had an older brother who was in the army and that her father was the only man left since he got hurt a few years ago. Before she could tell Zuko more, a voice rang out.

”Kyo!”

”Mommy!”

Kyo jumped out of his arms and ran to two people who looked ready to cry in life. The scarred prince to notice of the missing arm the male had lost.

”Where were you?!” Kyo’s mom sobbed. “We thought that those soldiers kidnapped you!”

Kyo smiled with a wide, toothy grin. “But mommy! Mr. Spirit saved me from the bad men! He’s right here!” She turned around to introduce her savior to her parents, but the reunited family didn’t notice that Zuko had slipped away from view. “Where’d he go...?”

”Are you sure he was a spirit? He could have been just a nice man who was passing through,” Kyo’s mom suggested but Kyo shook days her head.

”He told the bad guys that his name was the Blue Spirit! And! And he flew around like a bird as he beat them up! He even told me that he was one!” She huffed at her parents. 

The two adults looked at each other in worry, but before they could say anything the father started to cough heavily. Kyo and her mom put the spirt savior I the back of their minds, and the led her father back inside so that he could rest.

Unbeknownst to the small family, their child’s hero sat upon a roof, high enough that no one could see him but he could see them. Zuko had given the family some privacy due to the scare and his thoughts overwhelmed him.

’My own people,’ he though. ‘My own people tried o harm an innocent little girl... I need to fix this.’

...

He made a quick mental map as he maneuvered through the thick forest that surrounded the small village. He was walking down the path Kyo had walked down in order to find the river that held the fishing traps that fed the poor town. he also needed to find the camp grounds that held the soldiers, because from what he could gather The soldiers had all the money the inhabitants had given it to the fire nation soldiers in order to pay them off. So that a song as the villagers followed the fulls then the soldiers will leave the villagers alone.

”Okay, so their should be a river around here...AH!” Zuko exclaimed once he noticed the river traps. They seemed to be bursting at the seams due to them being full of fish. Zuko huffed and started emptying the traps. Once he was done, his mood wasn’t the greatest due to him now smelling like fish (or at least his spirit form. Zuko still isn’t quite sure what he is at the moment).

After putting the traps back into their places, Zuko started to haul the captured fish back to the village. By the ice the scarred teen got back to the village it was almost completely dark out, which is a good thing since the means that one wolf here. Notice being the key word here.

”Mr. Spirit! You came back!” Zuko turned around and saw it was Kyo, the girl who he had saved earlier. “You you brought the fishies! I’ll go tell my mommy and-“

Zuko shook his head. Kyo looked at him in confusion and Zuko explained to the young girl in a way that she could understand. “If too many people know about me then I’ll loose my powers.” he begged Agni for the child to buy it. Apparently, Agni was listening.

”Okay, Mr. Spirit!” Kyo smiled. “I’ll see-“

”Begone Spirit!” The student yelling spooked her and she grabbed onto Zuko. The former prince held the little girl close to him as he grabbed one of his duel swords. The commotion seemed to attracted those hidden within their walls and they gathered around he yelling old women and them.

”Kyo!” Kyo’s did yelled as he Mae his way through the hoards of people.

”Daddy!” The small child ran to her father. “Mr. Spirit brought the fish to us!”

This caused the villagers to stare at Zuko with less tension in their shoulders. If this was the person who saved Kyo then they couldn’t be so bad. At least that’s what Kyo’s mom thought as she ran to give Zuko a hug but she ran right though him. Those who were watching gasped in surprise as Kyo’s mom stumbled around in order to regain balance, and that caused Kyo to laugh happily.

”I told you that Mr. Spirit is a spirit!” the townsfolk ignored her and watched the fore spirit/human hybrid just stand there. They waited for him to make his move but Zuko was too caught up in is mind. He kept thinking about the feeling of the woman falling though him. Let’s say... It was an unusual and uncomfortable feeling and that he would rather not have it happen again.

”Begone!” The old women screamed again but no one joined in or told her to stop. After a few moments, Zuko started to walk away from the trembling crowd and disappeared within the thick forest.

...

”Did you hear that one of the senior officers met a real spirit?” A female guard told her male counterpart. The male just snorted in response and told her that it was probably just a story that the senior officer made up so that he won’t be a laughing stock. That he was probably beat up by one of those weak villagers. 

“And the rookie that was with him?”

”He used his higher rank to intimidate the rookie.” The female officer hummed in response and her partner’s explanation. 

Zuko leaped from the trees and landed behind the two guards and placed one of his swords to the male’s throat and pointed the other one at the female. “You will get me some rope and medicine or your partner will bear a new mark on his neck. NOW!”

The female guards scrambled to get the materials that Zuko had demanded while the male struggled in his capture’s tight grip. The man kept yelling curses at the teen and saying quite rude things about Zuko’s mother. When he leaves, he might have to shove a bar of soap down the inside of this man’s throat. 

“Here,” the female guard hissed and threw the supplied at Zuko’s feet. “Now let my partner go.”

Zuko was a man of his word and let the male go so that he could grab the materials he demanded, but felt that unusual and uncomfortable feeling of someone fazing through him again. It would seem that the female had alerted the other’s of Zuko’s presence. Great.

”By Agni...” The female guard whispered in response. “he really is a spirit...” He could work with this and put on his best acting persona.

”You will leave this village alone. It is under my protection. Now... LEAVE!” All of the Fire Nation soldiers got up ad ran to their ostrich horses and they rode away from their campsite.

Zuko gave a smirk in response and he rode off towards Kyo’s village. 

Chapter Text

He left the medicine outside of the window of Kyo’s house. Luckily, no one had seen him as he delivered the medicine so that he didn’t make such a big stir like last time he was her. Although, seeing little Kyo through the window made the scarred teen give a little smile.

With that, Zuko climbed upon the roof and he ran across them as he made his way to the tree branches so that he could keep watch. The Fire Nation might have left their camp but there is still the threat that they will come back. So, he watched. He watched until it was down, and yet he didn’t feel exhausted. He hasn’t slept since he was on the ship, but no tiredness tried to grab ahold of him.

Do spirits sleep? Do they eat? What do they do to pass the time? He’ll have to ask Yue once they meet up again.

Iroh listened to the argument that come from the Water Tribe siblings. They were arguing about their next move once Zuko woke up. Sokka was arguing that they should say with their father as he gathered others for the invasion while Katara argued that they should go with Aang to the Fire Nation.

The Avatar was trying to calm the siblings but Iroh couldn’t hear him due to the loud voices.

”I’m just saying Katara! We might be friends with Zuko and Iroh, but if they find out who we are,” Sokka said. “They will kill us! Also, it doesn’t help we have two of the most wanted and recognizable people in the world. It would be hard not to notice their “beauty marks”.”

”Sokka!” Katara snapped. “Don’t say that!”

”What? It’s true!”

”He’s right, Lady Katara. Avatar Aang and my nephew are quite noticeable. Yes, there if the chance that the Fire Nation think that Zuko is dead because surviving a direct lightning attack is almost unheard of, even with a master healer,” Iroh explained. “But if Avatar Aang says that Avatar Roku told him to learn about my former home then he must.”

”I told you, Sokka!” Katara huffed and her brother stuck his tongue out at her.

Suddenly, a large gust of wind stopped them in their tracks. The port hole wasn’t open and Aang denied using air bending to his friends.

”Then what was that?” Toph, who has been silent all this time, asked. “Actually... it kinda reminds me of the other day when I was watching Sparky.”

”What happened, Toph?” Katara asked the blind girl.

”I thought I heard Sparky move around but he was still laying there, and I felt a weird feeling.” Everyone looked at her in silence before Sokka after a few moments.

”That’s it?”

”It’s not like I saw anything weird!” The non-bender blushed at the implication. He stuttered out that he didn’t mean it like that but the other’s ignored him.

”Why didn’t you tell us?” Aang asked his earth bending teacher. Toph told them that she didn’t think it was important since Zuko was okay and that no one had entered the room. They couldn’t fault her for that logic.

”Could it be a spirit things?” Katara asked Aang, who shrugged in response. None of his past lives had tried to contact him or he didn’t enter the avatar state since Roku told him what he’d have to do.

”You’re needed on the deck,” Bato interrupted. “Hakoda wants to go over it with the rest of-“

“Tell dad that we will go over once Zuko wakes up!” Katara snapped at the man who was like an uncle to her. Bato just blinked at her before nodding slowly and went back upstairs. The others just stared at Katara as she applied healing creams to the scarred prince’s stab wound. They all decided not to touch that problem with a ten foot pole.

”Do you think that Zuko will be all enough to travel with us?” Aang asked, hoping to change the subject. Just as fast as lightning, Katara’s foul mood changed and she nodded.

”he will be quiet sure and he won’t be able to move that fast,” she explained to them. “But he should be fine as long as he doesn’t push himself that much. He is also healing from that lightning wound which is now infected due to the sea water and cold.”

”Can’t you heal that?” Sokka raised an eyebrow. Katara cut her eyes at him.

”Healing takes time. I might be able to help the process,” she explained. “But doing that could negatively effect the body.” 

“Iroh just sat there and listened to the arguing. He sat there and took his nephew’s hand in his.

By the time the sun had set, Zuko had started to meditate. He felt the bright sun beat own on him as his inner fire grew. Nothing ha happened from sun up to sun down, so he Was left to his inner thought and he best was to rid himself of those thoughts was to meditate (Uncle Iroh taught him that).

”Help!” His eyes snapped open and he crouched down on the tree branch as he hid from view.

”Shut! Up!” Great, it was the commander of those guards he scared off, and it seemed that he held a captive with his sword’s blade pressed against the captive’s throat. The commander sneered and demanded for everyone to gather in the square.

The guards just stood there silently as they trembled in fear. If the fear is from the thought of punishment of the fear of messing with spirits. It also seems that their commander thought their stories of spirits were nothing but takes to keep their dignity, like that male guard last night.

“Now,” the commander said as he paced in front of the terrified villagers. “Who wants to come clean? Who is the pest who is defeating my pathetic excuses of soldiers? If you come forward that I will not burn down this disgusting village and I’ll even let you join my personal ranks.”

He was met with an uncomfortable silence from the crowd. That seemed to make the commander even angrier.

”Tell me!!” His eyes caught sight of Kyo hiding behind her mother’s leg and he smirked, and then he grabbed the young girl. The crowd gasped in fear and held Kyo’s mom back from making things worse “tell me or this little brat will meet her end at the end of my sword! I won’t wait any longer! Tell me where he is?!”

That was when Zuko attacked. 

he leaped from the branched that he had crouched upon and silently knocked out the two guards that stood by their commander’s side. The drop of their bodies seemed to alert the commander because he started to turn around, but Zuko crossed his swords above the commander’s neck. “Let her go and you won’t meet your end.”

”You bast-“ The blade pressed against the commander’s throat and drew a single drop of blood from his neck. The commander tensed up and dropped both Kyo and his weapon. Kyo, who was terrified, ran to her mom with tears in her eyes.

”Now,” Zuko seethed. “Leave these people alone!”

”Or what?” The commander huffed. “You’ll kill me? If I die then my friends will arrive and burn you and this whole village down. It’s a win-lose situation, and I’ll be the one who comes out on-“

”Shut up!” Zuko’s breath started to spark and everyone watching had become frozen in place.

”You’re a fire bender,” the commander whispered and then his face contorted to rage. “You traitor! You dare betray your country for these nobodies?!”

Zuko flinched at that but didn’t dignify that with a response. He knew that he was technically fighting his people but they have been led astray by power.

”He’s not Fire Nation!” Kyo yelled from the crowd. “Mr. Spirit is a spirit!” 

“If he is really a spirit then he’ll show it in a fight.” Zuko knew he shouldn't fall for this obvious trap, but if he didn’t prove anything then Kyo and her village will suffer, and he can’t let that happen.

”Fine, but if I win then you’ll leave this village alone or you’ll seriously regret it.” The commander just scoffed but nodded. The former prince growled and pressed the swords harder against the evil man’s throat. This caused the man to panic.

”Okay! I’ll leave them alone!” That seemed to satisfy Zuko since he let the commander go. The man rubbed his throat and his eyes widened when he caught sight of Zuko’s appearance. “You’re... You’re the Blue Spirit! You are wanted by the Fire Nation!”

Zuko just got into a fighting stance and held his swords in a position that was meant to strike. The commander glared and got up with his own sword in hand. The two males circled each other silently, waiting for the other to strike. Zuko, who was always impatient, surprisingly did not strike first.

It was the commander.

Like the swift flow of a river, Zuko side stepped the attack and kicked the man in the middle of his back, causing him to stumble Neil he fell flat on his face. This enraged the commander and made sloppy mistakes. The swipe of his sword was slow and predictable. His fast foot work caused him to stumble on a sword’s man most important parts.

The man screamed in rage and that was when Zuko made his move. The man struck again and missed again, Zuko leaped behind the commander and raised the handle of the swords, and he swung down on top of the man’s head And he immediately crumpled towards the ground.

The silence afterwards was deafening after he knocked the man down. After a few moments, the commander got up and held his head in pain. “Do you yield?”

”No,” he spat and then aimed a fire ball at the watching crowd in an act of cowardice. Zuko ran to the crowd in order to deflect the flames but that wasn’t the true intention of the commander. No, it was stabbing Zuko in the back with his weapon. Unbeknownst to the commander but known to everyone else, the weapon went right through the former prince.

Horror started to sketch upon the commander’s face as he realized what happened. “You are... You are a spirit!”

Zuko nodded and took a threatening step towards the trembling man. The man cried out in alarm and he scrambled to his feet in an attempt to run away, but the scarred once kicked the man’s legs from underneath him. “You dishonorable ox-chicken! Now, leave before I’ll kill you!” Zuko seethed.

All of the fire nation guards and soldiers nodded before running away in fear of angering the spirits more. Everyone watched as they disappeared from view. “Mr. Spirit! Thank you for saving us!”

Zuko turned around and smiled when Kyo hugged him. He petted her on her head and hugged her back. At least now she’ll live in relative peace now since the ire nation knows he’ll protect this village.

Suddenly, he felt a pulling that called him to the forest. Like he was being summoned back to Prithvi.

”I have to go now,” Zuko explained to the young child. “I will see you again.”

”Don’t leave Mr. Spirit!” I...I have’s shown you my dolly yet! And! And we haven’t had a tea party yet...!” tears started to trail down the little girl’s cheeks. The teen smiled softly and bent down to look her in the eye.”

I swear that we’ll have a tea party next time I see you.” His hand wide away the weeping child’s tears. “You think you can keep your parents safe until your brother gets back?”

She nodded and looked at him sadly as he walked to the forest.

”Bye Mr. Spirit...”

...

”It seems you passed, Young Zuko,” Prithvi exclaimed. “You are- Why do you look so down?”

”Because I feel I left things unfinished,” he sighed. Prithvi gave a sad smile to the teen and told him that Spirits can only do so much. That they must let humans smile their own decisions and mistakes, but that is what makes Zuko so special.

”You can help them by leading them. You are special because you can do what we can’t!”

”But the Avatar-“

”Is a bridge between us, yes, but you can be the only known spirit to lead instead of guide them!” Prithvi smiled and pinched Zuko’s cheeks. “Now, come. we have many things to discuss about your test.”

Sun Spirit Zuko:

https://nerdkenz01.tumblr.com/post/622862021046714368/the-day-the-sun-turned-black-chapter-1

Chapter Text

“So, Kyo was only able to actually touch me because I didn’t feel threatened by her?” Zuko asked the earth spirit. She nodded and explained that spirits have the ability to faze through objects and living creatures, which was a good thing since many will threaten or attack a spirit that they do not know.

“Now, follow your destiny and hopefully we won’t see you anytime soon.” With that, they were engulfed in a dark gray fog that when it Finally disappeared, Zuko was back in his body.

...

Zuko’s eyes squinted in order for his eyes to adjusted to awoken after being unconscious for who knows how long*. He could hear muffled sounds coming from beside him. He felt comforting hands push him back down and one started to stroke his hair. “Uncle...?”

”Nephew...” Why did he feel drops of water falling onto his face. Was it raining? No, he should be inside. Does that mean uncle is crying?”

”Don’t cry... Uncle...” He whispered as his eyes begun to adjust. Blurry shapes started to form into objects and the faces above him started to stand out. He noticed everyone in Aang’s group, plus Hakoda and Iroh looking at him.

”Zuko...” Katara called softly. Her face was contorted to portray her worry for the Fire Nation’s former prince. “Can you hear me?”

The ebony haired teen gave a slight nod and asked for some water. Katara gave him a small sip of a cup of water before removing it from his still dry lips. He wanted more bu he didn’t ask for more since she gave him a look.

”How are you feeling?” Hakoda asked. Zuko tried to answer but he grimaced in pain.

”Like I’ve been stabbed...again,” he grunted. Some of them laughed while His uncle flinched at being reminded of that one incident two years ago. Aang seemed to notice and he looked at Zuko with wide eyes.

“What do you means... again...? Aang asked slowly. Everyone stopped laughing and they stared at the injured teen with wide eyes. Zuko sighed because he really didn’t want to have a story time so soon after awakening.

”One of my crewmen... When we were docked, found a bar. He got drunk,” Zuko explained.

”He stabbed you?!” Sokka exclaimed. Zuko gave him a frustrated look and Sokka made a zipping motion with his fingers.

”No, I went to get him since Uncle was resting... and somehow be got into a bar fight.. I went to break it up but the man my crew member was fighting had a knife, but my crew member didn’t see it.“

”But you did,” Hakoda whispered. Zuko nodded while Iroh took his hand in his when Zuko made a grunt of pain.

”Dang Sparky,” Toph said. “You're always saving others.”

”Not fun when you end up injured because of it.”

”Like when you rescued me from Zhao at Pohuai Stronghold!” Aang smile, hoping to add more to the situation. However, Katara and Sokka yelled at him.

”You were what?!”

Zuko sighed and wished he was unconscious.

...

After a lot of yelling and thank you’re, Zuko was able to receive Katara’s healing session. The water bender had kicked everyone out (including Iroh) in order to focus on the teen. Silence had engulfed the two benders until Katara broke it with a small smile adorning her face. 

“Iroh told us someone stories about your childhood.” The ex-prince gave a huff and asked her which ones. “Oh, how you always played with your cousin when he was there. How you love the theatre and quote them when you feel uncomfortable. Take for example, ‘You rise with the moon, I rise with the sun’.”

Heat rose to Zuko’s cheeks and he groaned in embarrassment. Katara laughed at Zuko’s misery and after a while he joined in too.

”Thank you,” the male whispered.

”Zuko, I told you-“

”Not for healing me, but I’m still grateful for that you treat me like... I matter. Not many do,” he confessed.

”Your uncle-“

”My Uncle has always treated me like I mattered. My mother too but other then those two...” Zuko trailed off.

”But you were a prince!” She stated and he gave a dark chuckle in response. 

“My father tried to kill me because I didn’t have the Spark when I was born. If my own father didn’t want me or treated me like I matter then why would anyone? They might not have done it publicly but...” Katara knew what he meant and she hugged him from behind due to him sitting with his back to her. The scarred teen tensed up from the student contact from her since the only human contact he’s had was from his uncle, so he’s a little uncomfortable/

“You’re a good person Zuko,” she stated as her hug tightened around Zuko. “Never forget that.”

He placed his hand on top of her arm an gave it a squeeze. They stayed there in realities silence until Katara let go. The silently agreed that there was nothing left to say on that matter, so the water bender asked Zuko if he wanted to go above deck.

”I don’t know,” Zuko gave a soft laugh. “Last time I was, I was almost killed.”

Katara gave him a look.

”Too soon?”

...

Nobody could take their eyes off of him. The Gaang plus Hakoda and Iroh kept staring like he might die any second. The other water triber’s kept watching him like he was going to kill them all but no one said anything to Hakoda.

He had to keep his anger in check because if he lashed out, he doesn’t want to end up stabbed in the ocean again. He wants some real food in his stomach before that happens again.

”Here, have mine,” Katara said and pushed her bowl into his hands. “You need to eat. You’re skin a bones.”

Zuko sighed and shook his head. He tried to push her bowl back. “I’m fine from my portion.”

”Zuko...” She trailed.

”I said I’m fine!” He snapped. He had enough of this and decided to go back to the healing chambers. He needed to be alone.

”That was rude!” Katara huffed in frustration. Toph sighed.

”Sugar Queen, you were smothering him!” She grunted. “From what I could tell he’s not the type to discuss his feelings, or like when people try and coddle him. He needs to be left alone.”

”But he’s injured!”

”You have to understand,” Iroh started to explain. “My br... I mean, Ozai, raised my nephew to believe that requiring aide and assistance is a sign of weakness. That those who’ll help will eventually betray you.” 

“That’s... horrible,” whispered Katara.

”It is...” Aang was horrified.

Iroh nodded and asked them to be patient with the teen. To let him come to them instead of the other way.

”That’s gonna be hard for Sugar Queen!” Toph laughed. “And twinkle toes!”

”If you push then he will shut down and lash out,” Iroh explained. “If you want to befriend my nephew then you must respect this.”

All of them nodded and continued eating their food.

...

Toph walked past the healing room and stopped when she heard Zuko singing to himself.

’Leave From the Vine

Falling so Slow

Like Tiny Fragile Shells

Drifting in the foam...’

As the song went one, the more Zuko’s voice became watery. Like he was on the verge of tears. When the final line of the song was sung was when she could feel Zuko’s body to shake as if he was keeping his sobbing. 

That’s it.

She burst open the door and plopped down next to the teen. Zuko flinched and quickly wiped away her tears, and he looked at the tiny earth bender. “‘Sup Sparky! Can I rant about those rich snobs my parents invited over?”

The scarred teen, whose voice was still laced with sadness, just whispered in response. She grinned and started to inform the nephew of Uncle about her previous life as the daughter of a nobleman and noblewoman. She told him of how her parents wanted to marry her off to some nobleman’s son, like she was only useful if she is someone else’s problem.

”That’s rough, buddy,” Zuko said with earnest. Toph grinned and punched Zuko in the arm. “Ow! What was that for?”

”That’s how I show affection.” 

“Oh.”

”Tell me about your experiences with nobility.” Zuko nodded and went into detail about how he was forced to dance with the daughters of nobles that were in hope of marrying into the royal family. That all the girl’s stepped on his feet and that the only one he really liked to dance with was Mai and his mother.

”Knife girl?”

”Yeah.”

Toph just hummed and listened to her friend as he prattled on about Fire Nation court and nobility. They just stayed like that for what seems like forever, until a knock at the close door signaled them that it was time to eat. “Come on Sparky.”

”But won’t the others be mad at me for losing my temper,” he asked nervously.

”Not if I have any say.” Zuko gave a timid smile at the blind girl that she couldn’t see before agreeing.

Score One for the Toph.

She walked ahead while the scarred teen walked a few paces behind since he was still terrified of the other water triber's. Understandable since he was almost killed by one of them.

As they walked onto the deck, she could feel all eyes were on Zuko and she could sense the teen who had the social skills of a rat chicken tense behind her, so she did something that would draw attention to her.

She let out a large burp.

Everyone took their attention off of Zuko and onto her. She gave everyone an evil grin and they quickly looked away.

”Thanks,” Zuko whispered.

”No prob Sparky!”

They sat down in the little group, Zuko between Iroh and Toph, and they seemed to be telling stories from their childhoods. Toph listened and laugh when she heard something funny. She could sense Zuko holding back his laughter and she interrupted so that Zuko could tell some childhood stories.

Without realizing it, both Hakoda and Iroh tensed up. “Well... um... oh! There used to be a swing in the royal gardens and I used to love climbing that tree it was on when I was little. One day Zuko untied the rope for the swing while I was up there and wrapped it around my neck, then she pushed me off! After I burnt the rope we both started to laugh so hard I thought my sides would burst! It was funny how she got the drop of me!”

Zuko was laughing at the memory while the others had horrified looks on their faces, but Zuko thought they didn’t find they didn’t find it funny. He swallowed a lump in his throat and decided to tell them another memory.

“Um... this one time I climbed to the top of the roof of the palace and I got stuck so my mother called my father to get me down. My father stood under me and told me to jump. I did and he didn’t catch me, and he told me that it was my daughter for getting stuck up there. Said that if I really wanted to get down then I would have found a way. Well, I learned my lesson. I learned to get own and climb up without anyone noticing.” Zuko smiled proudly.

Silence.

The water tribesmen stared at the teen in horror while the Gaang looked like they were on the verge of tears. Hakoda looked absolutely livid while Iroh looked horrified since he was on the war front and didn’t now of these stories. “Did I... Do something wrong...?”

”No!” They all yelled in unison. The teen flinched at the sound and backed up in fear.

”What they mean Sparky, is that your childhood is fucked up and that’s coming from me!” Toph stated.

”I thought my childhood was pretty okay, besides my fire bending lessons,” Zuko said.

”It could have been besides those two incidents!” Aang tried to reason

”True,” Katara said.

”Okay, I can tell more stories.” The others gave each other a look before agreeing.

Chapter Text

Sokka wanted to fly over to the jerk lord and beat him up with his trusty boomerang. From what he could see, the others wanted to pay a visit to our favorite Fire Lord and have a long visit. To have some tea, talk about the good times, and beat him up. His father looked like he was about to head to the Southern Water Tribe and give the scarred teen to their Gran Gran. He didn’t disagree with that and Katara looked like she would also agree. Toph seemed to want to punt Ozai across the world or probably crush him under tons of rocks. She seemed to  be contemplating on how to do both. Katara and Aang both looked like they from the cruel family  that Zuko thought was normal. Iroh... Iroh looked haunted.

Zuko was looking around and Sokka thought he looked like a scared seal otter pup. Sokka couldn't blame him since his father’s men looked at the scarRed teen with sadness in their eyes.

The teenaged fire bender tried pulling into himself like a scared turtleduck when it was frightened. Man, he really needs to beat up the jerk lord. Could Aang give him a scar like Zuko’s father gave Zuko? Meh, he’ll think about that later once the They have some long needed therapy sessions with the former prince.

”Son?” Hakoda whispered from beside him. “Can I ask you something?”

”What is it, dad?”

”How would you feel about General Iroh and Zuko joining our family?”

”Just those two?” The teen from the Southern Water Tribe asked. Hakoda nodded and a grin broke out on his son’s face. “Yes! Gran Gran would love the both of them! We can introduce them to Water Tribe food. gran Gran would probably me Zuko eat at least five bowls of whale bone soup. I think Iroh and her would get along great!Oh! An-“

”Sokka,” Hakoda laughed. “I’m glaD you like the idea. Now...”

The chief turned towards the former prince and Asked him if he had any good memories with his family. Zuko nodded and informed them of the fun times he had with his uncle and his cousin. He was on his third uncle and cousin story before Hakoda asked the teen about his mom. His daughter gave him a glare and Zuko’s eyes dimmed, but he humored the warrior. 

“Um...” Zuko looked down. “My mom disappeared when I was ten. I’m pretty sure she disappeared because she murdered my grandfather.”

Everyone stared at Zuko as the teen continued telling them about his mom. About how his mom loved theatre and turtleducks, but people stopped listening after he dropped the bombshell that he thought his mom murdered Fire Lord Azulon.

”Hold up,” Bato interrupted from next to his other tribesmen. “Why do you think that your mother murdered your grandfather?”

”Oh, after my cousin passed, my father tried to convince my grandfather that he should become heir. My grandfather said that he would learn the pain of losing a first born. Azula told Me that out father would kill me, and then my mother said goodbye. The next morning, my mom is gone and my grandfather is dead.

Silence. Then...

”What is wrong with your family?!” A random voice called out and the ship broke out in chaos. Katara grabbed ahold of Zuko and held him in her arms. He tensed up at the sudden contact and stared lie that until Katara felt like he had enough. She will protect the awkward otter penguin from the evils of the world. Oh, and she’ll kill that evil man who hurt her friend.

”I think my nephew needs to go and rest,” Iroh stated as he noticed that Zuko’s face was drained of blood. His hands were trembling and he seemed to be holding in his emotions.

”You guys,” Aang looked around worriedly. “Come on and let’s help Zuko.”

The rest of the GAang nodded and Sokka and Hakoda helped the former prince to his feet. Zuko staye silent the whole way back to the healing chambers and the others looked at the teen in concern.

hakoda sat at the desk that resided in the captain’s quarters and rubbed his temples in frustration. About what, he could not tell exactly. Was it that they only had a few weeks until the invasion? That his children were heading into Fire Nation territory? That his children ere heading into Fire Nation territory? Or...was it because of the mistreatment of the young Fire Nation prince? To hurt your own child and his own people celebrated the disfigurement. The Fire Nation doesn't deserve the young man.

”Hakoda?” Bato asked as he walked into the captain’s quarters. “What’s on your mind?”

”Everything,” the chief replied. Bato nodded in understanding. They sat in silence as they waited for the to rise into the sky. They were good enough friends to just stop in silence and not feel awkward.

Agni sighed as Tui yelled at him for the fifth time that day. It has been the same thing since he saved his chosen from drowning. Yes, he probably should have waited until his little flame was found, but La’s water was unforgiving that night.

”You always do this! You always interfere with humans!” Tui huffed. “Let them run their course!”

”Now, Tyi..”

”La, you can’t just let him-“

”His chosen passed our test,” the ocean spirit explained calmly. “Yes, he broke our rules but so did I. You have to let this go.”

Tui sighed and reluctantly nodded. There was no point in arguing because he knew that she was right. They all have interfered with the lives of humans. “alright.” His gave returned to Agni. “Just try and not to do it again. Your chosen now has spirit essence running through his veins and he will have to learn how to become one with his element in order to fully fulfill his destiny in aiding the Avatar.”

”Not one of my predecessors has ever done that before!” Agni exclaimed. “How can I-“

”Well, none of us have either!” Tui fumed. “But If he doesn’t learn how, then all of this has been for naught!”

La just stood next to her beloved and Agni knew this. He knew that this was his punishment. One that can harm the bridge between the two worlds.

”Very well. I will teach him.”

”You aren’t near death this time, right?” Yue giggled as Zuko woke up back in the field of flowers.

”Not that I’m aware of.” The scarred teen sat up and rubbed his aching temples. “But I’ve had enough social interaction for one lifetime. You know, the one thing I liked about my banishment was that I didn’t Have to deal with nobles that had personal space issues.”

”Is it bad that I prefer the company of the spirits than humans?” Yue giggled and Zuko laughed in response. Surprising, they had. A lot in common and got along well. Yue would introduce Zuko to the small spirits that hung around the moon spirit in training. They liked him because he is warm due to his fire bending.

”How has Sokka been doing?” He princess of the Northern Water Tribe asked.

”Haven’t you been watching him every night,” Zuko teased. Yue blushed and covered her face with her hands.

”I do not! That’s Tui!” She pouted and smacked him on his arm.”Besides he doesn’t always watch them! One eye watched them while the other doesn’t!”

”Does Agni have that ability?” She nodded and explained that all elemental sprits have it, and that he’ll learn about it once his training starts. He tried to ask her more about the training but she shook her head. She told him that he will need to learn about his own Since training elemental’s vary from elemental.

”So,” Zuko started after Yue stopped explaining. “What do you do here for fun?”

Yue grinned and pulled him up by his hands. Why does he have a feeling that this is the start of a wonderful friendship?

Iroh tried falling asleep but not matter how much he tossed and turned in his bed, he just couldn’t find relief.He stayed like that way for a few hours until he gave up. The former general got up from the bed and decided to take a stroll around the ship like he did on the Wani. Just like on the Wani, he unconsciously ended up in front of his nephews door.

“Iroh...” That voice again. The voice of the dragons. Were the spirits summoning him? Well, the oil lamps answered that for him. They started to flicker that painted a path towards the upper deck. Iroh, who knew better then to argue with the spirits, followed the flickering path towards his destined destination.

He saw a glowing ball of light punched on top of the railing as it waited for him. As he approached it, the voice returned. “I see that you are worried for your nephew... as am I.”

”Agni...?” Iroh whispered in awe before bowing in respect.

”Rise.”Iroh listened due to the fact that the little, glowing dragon was the one who blessed them with the sun. “tell me what’s on your mind.”

”Your grace?”

”Your inner flame flickers with worry. Why is that?”

”Iroh sighed and told the sun spirit about howhe’s or ride about his nephew's future. That he’ll probably always worry for the boy he thinks of as a son until the the end of days. Agni chuckled and told him he knew this feeling well. 

“I have chosen’s that spread  my word but I cannot help them until it is too late. I will not make this mistake with Zuko.”

”May I ask you, my lord,” Iroh faultered before continuing. “How is my son...?”

Agni gave a soft smile and decided to humor the rightful heir of the Fire Nation. ‘he’s doing alright. He missed you and your nephew.”

The sun spirit didn’t have to look next to him to know that tears were falling down the old general’s face. He knew Iroh’s like the back of his hand because he’s been watching the man for four years now, as well as Zuko. He saw it all. The Agni Kai, the banishment, the three years they spent at sea. 

Iroh quietly dismissedhimself and left the company of the sun spirit, with droplets falling to the ground in his wake. Agni didn’t ind it though. For he has seen many grieve for his chosen’s, and for his predecessors. He remembers all of their memories, including the original Agni. While it’s frowned upon, Agni couldn’t help but watch over his current holder’s family. 

“Don’t worry...”  A tear rolled down the sun spirit’s cheek. “I’m doing just fine father...”

Chapter Text

Zuko’s eyes slowly opened as he woke up from his dream visit to the spirit world. Once he woke up, he saw Agni’s dragon form sitting on a shelf. “Agni?”

“Good morning, little flame,” Agni chuckled. “Did you have a nice trip?”

The teen nodded and the little dragon’s wings fluttered in glee. “Great! Now, I have something I need to-“

“Zuko!” Sokka burst though the entrance, causing the tiny dragon to quickly hide himself from the sight. “Glad to see you’re already awake, buddy! We need ya on the deck!”

The male from the Southern Water Tribe didn’t wait for Zuko to respond because Sokka grabbed the scarred teen by his wrist. Zuko couldn’t even put on his shoes before he was dragged away by a rambling Sokka, while Agni poked his head out from his hiding place and chuckled at Zuko.

”Zuko!” Aang called out once he noticed Sokka dragging the former prince. Everyone turned and paid attention to the teen with pity in their eyes. Katara yelled at her brother for pulling Zuko while he was still injured.

”Morning Sparky!” Toph called out while he mouth was full of food. Iroh smiled from next to Hakoda but stayed usually silent.

”Good morning,” Hakoda said with a smile and handed Zuko some breakfast as Sokka started to go into detail about the invasion plan he has yet to hear.

”We crosses into the serpent’s pass a few days ago,” he explained while pointing to a map. “We’ve seen a few Fire Nation ships but none have bothered us.”

Aang piped up. “So what now?”

”We’ve been working on a modified version of the invasion plan.” Katara glared at her father.

”It’s Sokka’s invasion plan.” The chief frowned but said nothing while Zuko slightly tensed up. Toph seemed to noticed and patted the other noble’s hand in a comforting way. 

”We won’t be able to mount a massive invasion without the Earth King’s armies, but the solar eclipse will leave the Fire Nation vulnerable.” Zuko looked away when Hakoda explained this.

”So, we’re planning a smaller invasion,” Sokka explained. “Just a ragtag team of out friends and allies from around the Earth Kingdom. We already ran into Pipsqueak and the Duke!”

A big...boy? Teen? Replied. “Glad to meet ya!”

“And,” Sokka smiled. “The best part is, the eclipse isn’t even our biggest advantage! You see, Pipsqueak and the Duke told us that there have been whispers of a martyr prince who died to stop his country!”

Everyone shot a glance at Zuko, who went pale at the revelation that his people thought him dead. “Isn’t that great?!”

”Nephew...?” Iroh called out as the teen’s already pale complexion became paler. Zuko swallowed a lump in his throat and asked for a cup of water, but before that could happen. A foghorn started to blare.

”Everyone, just stay calm. Iroh and Zuko, you’ll hide with Aang under the deck as to not-“

”All things considered, Chief Hakoda,” Iroh interrupted. “I know how to speak to navel officers so that they won’t suspect anything.” 

Hakoda pursed his lips but agreed since Iroh knew more about the Fire Nation war forced than they. “Alright, Bato, Iroh, and I will take care of this.”

”Come on Zuko,” Aang gently took the former prince’s hand. “Let’s get out of their way.”

Everyone started getting into positions. The Pipsqueak and the Duke covered up Appa with a tarp and they had to help Zuko back downstairs because Sokka pulled something when he dragged Zuko.

A board was lowered from the other ship so that their captain could cross between the ships. Hakoda bowed as the captain spoke. “Commander, why are you off course? All western fleet ships are supposed to be moving toward Ba Sing Se to support the occupation.”

”Actually-“ 

“We are deliver today supplies to the colony of New Ozai. We have decided to cut through the serpant’s pass due to the rumor’s of rebels hiding out on the coast of Chameleon Bay.” Iroh explained with out missing a beat. The captain raised an eyebrow at this.

”And you are?”

”I’m from the department of trade. Fire Lord Ozai personally sent me to help the governor due to a pet apocalypse outbreak that caused many able bodied men to be escorted out.”

”Ah yes,” the man said. “It’s truly a shame. Well, I’ll leave you to it.”

The three older men bowed and turned away, but not before one of the men with the captain recognized Iroh. “Sir... that’s the  Dragon of the West.”

”I think this might be a captured ship...” The captain pursed his lips and nodded towards their ship, and they walked towards it.

”Just stay quiet until we’re safely across the ramp. Then we’ll sink it.”

Toph gasped and jumped up. “They know!” She grabbed the floor of the ship to aim towards the three men on the ramp,  abusing them to fall into the unforgiving waters.

Katara raised her arms up to cause a giant wave to put as much distance between the two ships as possible. She then turned around, causing the wave to shove the ship and get water on the enemy’s deck.

Hakoda ordered for the ship to move as fast as they can but they were already being fired at. Luckily, The first shot missed them but only be a hair. The next one, however, grazed the side of their ship. Everyone had to fight for balance as the shop rocked from the force of the impact.

”Load the Toph!” The young girl exclaimed as she got into a position as Pipsqueak picked up a giant boulder. She shoved the boulder, causing it to break into disks as she threw* them. One hit one of the catapult while the other one hit a flaming boulder midair. 

Zuko grunted in pain as he fell into a pole on the wall that caused his stitches to be ripped open. Today was supposed to be his final day for his stitches, but life decided it loved tormenting him.

The scarred teen said nothing though as the navel battle continued.

A giant spear was launched at the bottom of the ship causing water to start pouring in. Katara, with her master water bending skills quickly put on an end to that and yelled. “I’m gonna give us some cover!” She slammed her foot down that formed a giant whirlpool to form in order to create a giant cloud of fog to engulf their ship. This didn’t stop the Fire Nation to stop firing at them however.

”Ugh!” Katara tried to put out as many fire’s as she could but they were quickly becoming too much for even her.

”How we doing?” Toph called out.

”Things couldn’t get much worse,” Sokka huffed but tensed up when the serpent that the pass was named after decided to make its appearance. “The universe just loves proving me wrong, doesn’t it?”

”You make it too easy!” The serpent screamed until it was hit by the flaming boulders. It locked eyes on the source of its pain and attacked it.

”Thank you universe!” But it was too soon to be celebrating because another Fire Nation ship appeared suddenly from their other side. “Why universe?!”

Zuko has enough of hiding but before he could do anything, he suddenly felt a warmth and his vision became white.

The glowing dragon was back but the light was admitting from his nephew. The boy’s outfit had also changed. His hair was floating as the flames from the boulder’s were summoned to lift the boy up and caused Zuko and the glowing dragon to merge together.

Flames erupted from his nephew’s mouth as his arms started to move as fluidly as the trickling of a mountain river. The flames that he created were t like his normal flames. The color had changed completely that it reminded Iroh of the flames of the last two dragons that still lived.

”What is happening to Zuko?!” Aang called as the rainbow flames shot towards the serpent wrapped ship, and engulfed them both into flames, those on board screamed in agony as their metal armor caused the heat to intensify. Their skin melted off as chunks of their muscle fell off as the flames waited for their screamed of agony to be silenced by the abyss of death.

”What is happening?!” Katara exclaimed as Zuko’s wrath turned towards the other ship, but Iroh’s widened in horror in realization. His nephew... is a spirit... So that meant that he was too far gone that even Katara couldn’t save him. That the spirit’s had to interfere.

”My dear nephew...”

‘Shit!’ Agni thought as his chosen’s spirit powers blew out of proportion. He flew as fast as he could but the swirling flames caused the air surrounding Zuko to whip back and forth. ‘Tui’s never going to let me live this down!’

The second Fire Nation ship was reduce to nothing but ash, which worried him since steal doesn’t melt easily.

“Little flame!” Agni yelled as he used his claws to grab ahold of the teen. “Stop this madness!”

But Zuko didn’t listen. At this point, the flames were causing the teen’s fingers to burn because of the extreme heat. His chosen hasn’t trained himself to adapt to the powers.

“I guess I have no choice,” Agni grunted and used a nickname that his current holder gave Zuko when he was alive. “Little Turtleduck! I’m begging you! Stop this!”

Zuko pauses his rampage as he remembered the nickname his cousin used to call him. “Lu...Ten...?”

“Yes, little brother! It’s me! You must calm down!” The flames started to slow down as Zuko was lowered down slowly. His appearance changed back to normal, and he fell back down to the ship.

”Zuko!” The avatar and his friends yelled as they rushed towards the falling teen. The water bender raised her arms for the water to freeze into a slide so they could catch him once he reaches the bottom of the slide.

”Nephew!” Iroh rushed towards Zuko and picked him up in his arms. Agni watched with a soft smile as the Dragon of the West check his nephew for severe injuries.

...

”You know your chosen?!” Tui yelled.

”In my defense, my chosen was actually my predecessor’s chosen.” Tui glared at the sun spirit in frustration.

”Agni,” La pinched the bridge of her nose. “Why did you chose your current holder’s cousin?”

”I could tell he was wise,” he answered with sass.

”Agni, you know the rules. You know that you can’t choose your holder’s family as your chosen’s,” La sighed. “Your holder’s emotional attachment could corrupt your judgement.”

”Like I told you,” Agni snapped. “My previous holder chose him. You know full well that I can’t get rid of my previous holder’s chosen’s!

”You have him your life force!” Tui yelled.

”I gave him my life force because of his role in the avatar’s journey! Look at the boy’s life! You think my holder would have agreed with having the boy suffer?” Tui looked away at the uncomfortable topic that his complete opposite brought up.

”You still should have told us,” La sighed. Agni nodded and apologized for withholding information. “I do hope you have nothing else to hide Agni.”

the sun spirit grinned. “I have to keep you on your toes somehow.”

They didn’t find that funny.

Azul paced around her room as she picked her brain. She had a feeling that she had made a mistake, but that can’t be true. She doesn’t make mistakes! She’s perfect. That’s why Zuko died. Zuzu wasn’t perfect and that’s why!”

“You killed me, ‘Zulu,” she snapped her head towards her mirror that showed her brother in his Earth Kingdom attire. He gave her a small smile, “I never wanted to hurt you. I love you.”

“You aren’t real! I killed you!”

“You did, but I’m not angry at you. Father is not a good man-“

“That!” She snapped. “That is why you’re weak! You were always too soft! Like mother!”

A knock at the door took her attention off of the mirror, causing Zuzu to disappear. “Princess Azula? The Fire Lord is demanding your appearance in the throne room.”

But she didn’t pay attention. She looked at the mirror with sadness and confusion laced throughout her eyes. “Zuzu? Where did you go...?”

Chapter Text

Iroh watched nervously as Katara examined his nephew for any negative effects from... whatever had happened. Zuko hasn’t regained consciousness so he couldn’t really explain what had happened. Not even Aang, the bridge between the spirit world and the human world, had no idea what had happened.

”Well, whatever happened had something to do with Spirits,” Iroh sighed. 

“I could contact the Spirit World,” Aang suggested with a shrug. “That could help us find the answers we need.”

”That’s if the Spirits know themselves,” Katara offered. “What we saw... could it have had happened before?”

Everyone became quiet after that. What happened to Zuko that gave him those powers?

”I swear I find myself here more often then in the human would,” Zuko grunted as he stood up from his laid out position.

”Stop getting into trouble,” Yue responded.

”Last time I was asleep!” Zuko exclaimed but Yue waved him off.

”So what happened now?” The older teen sighed and explained what has happened since he last saw her. How they were attacked by his own people and a sea monster. That he felt anger and next thing he heard was his deceased cousin’s voice, and now he’s back in the Spirit World.

”Hmmm... interesting...” Yue had a thoughtful expression on her face for a few moments before offering to get him a meeting with Agni in the Spirit World. Zuko was at a lost. Normally, Agni contacts him, so would it be bad to contact the Sun Spirit? However, the former prince did want answers. After a while of thinking, Zuko nodded.

The new ‘Tui’ trainee grabbed her friend’s arms and yanked him to his feet. It did take him a few moments to get up since he was embarrassed that he fell in front of his friend. 

The princess giggled softly before helping the blushing teen up. “Sorry about that. Now come one. Even Spirit’s sleep.”

The teen nodded and followed the white haired female as they walked through the other parts of the Spirit World. They journeyed through a swamp-like place that seriously unnerved Zuko. He had to be pulled forward by Yue when the scarred teen noticed a faceless animal sitting by a hole in a tree. “What was that?!”

”That poor creature came into contact with Koh, the face stealer.”

”You mean that evil spirit from stories that parents used to tell their kids whenever they made faces? I thought it was just a myth.” Zuko was tense because how many of the spirits from the stories were real?

”Remember... All myths stem from something.” He shuddered and decided to not put too much thoughts into it.

The two members of royalty continued their trick through the constantly changing landscapes until they came upon four doors. One of them had the symbol of the Air Nomads, another with the Earth Kingdom. As well as the Water Tribe and Fire Nation.

”Each door leads to that elemental spirit,” Yue explained. “Come and find me when your questions are answered.”

Before Zuko could ask her what she meant, the white haired spirit vanished as he was sucked into the vacuum from the door that belongs to Agni.

Heat greeted him. Sure, he’s a fire bender and heat doesn’t normally bother him, but this was intense. It was hotter than the hottest day on record back at the palace.

”Intense... isn’t it?” The sight of Agni standing a few steps in front of him with a smirk adorning his face made Zuko fall to his knees. He might have met the Sun Spirit many of times, but he still deserves respect. The last few times he was a little... preoccupied.

Agni chuckled and told the teen to rise. That one day he will be him. Zuko’s face contorted with uncertainty but obeyed the spirit that everyone in the Fire Nation worshipped.

”Lord Agni?”

”You have many questions but before I answer them... Tell me what makes the Fire Nation so great to you.:

”I have been taught-“

”No. Tell me why you think the Fire Nation is so great.” Zuko’s eyes stared at his feet while he pondered the question. Why does he think the Fire Nation so great?

”It’s not.”

”Oh?” That surprised Agni. “Why is that?”

”No one nation is greater than the other. Right now, the Fire Nation is hurting innocent people because we want to share our greatness.”

”Don’t you want to show some patriotism?” Zuko’s eyes become sad.

”Don’t get me wrong,” he sighed. “I love my nation. I love the sandy beaches that I used to bury Lu Ten in with Azula. I love the summer solstice festivals that sell fire flakes and volcano spice ramen. The view from Sifu Piandao’s academy.”

”But...?”

”Our nation is flawed. Broken. For too long have my people been led astray by my family and I will fix this injustice.” The Sun Spirit stared at the former prince before a satisfied smirk broke out across his face.

”Wonderful. It seems you have been listening to General Iroh, but that wasn’t him. No, you spoke from the experiences that have engraved themselves into your heart.” Agni placed his hand on top of the teen’s head. “You’ve grown up so much, little turtleduck.”

The Fire Bender’s mouth dropped. “Cousin...”

Agni smiled cheekily that made Zuko’s throat tighten up since he thought of his cousin like he was a brother. “Hello-“

The spirit was soon cut off by his chosen throwing himself into his arms while he shook slightly. Zuko kept mumbling into his side but Agni could make out a few things.

”I’m sorry for leaving you and father so early but don’t doubt that I haven’t been watching over you,” Agni stated while he grabbed the young boy by his shoulders. “I am so proud of you.”

The teen tried to wipe away his tears (which surprisingly didn’t evaporate due to the heat) but he couldn’t stop. This continued for a few moments until he finally ran out of tears to cry. “Cousin...! I have so much to ask you...!”

”All in due time...” Agni smiled. “But for now, you must help the Avatar defeat Ozai before he destroys the world.”

The scarred teen raised his head but before the words could surface, Agni pushed him back into the mortal realm.

Toph might not be able to see, but she isn’t so blind that she didn’t notice that something was going on with her fellow high society member. The other’s were trying to carry on as normal but nothing will be normal now. She could feel that Sparky’s presence had both changed and stayed the same. 

“Ugh...” The blind earth bender scrambled to her feet and rushed over to Zuko’s side. 

“Sparky?”

”Water...?” He croaked as Toph helped him sit up. She reached around for the glass of water Katara left in case the boy woke up while she wasn’t there. 

“Here.” Zuko thanked her and gulped the liquid down. Toph just waited for a few moments before asking her friend what happened earlier.

Zuko sighed and he decided that he could tell her. That she wouldn’t coddle him and for that he was thankful for. “Just... don’t say anything to the others. I’ll... I’ll tel them when I’m ready.”

”Sparky,” Toph huffed out a laugh. “I know how it feels to be pushed by the others. Your secret is safe with my!”

She punched his arm and this time the fire bender didn’t flinch back but he did rub his arm in response. Progress.

Imagine her surprise when her personally heater started telling her a story of near-death , spirits, and fire. That he had actually died and that by the mercy of Agni-cousin was why Zuko was still alive and kicking. That he now has powers that far reached the limits of other fire benders can and only wish they could achieve.

”Wow...just...wow.” For the first time since joining, Toph was speechless.

”Yeah... Wait, does this mean that laws don’t apply to me since I’m technically dead?”

”Sparky, you’re my favorite member of our group.” Zuko looked at her with confusion etched across his face. “Idea! How do you feel about scamming people?”

”Hmm...” The two upper class teens gave each other a look that would have caused most people to run away.

...

They had more in common then people would have thought. Sure, they were basically rich kids but they both loved doing some criminal activities. Although they would adamantly deny it if they were questioned about it.”

”Toph! Why didn’t you inform me that Zuko was awake?” Katara scolded but the master earth bender just grunted in response.

”I was keeping Sparky company, Sugar Queen!”

”Toph, he’s till injured! I need to exam-“

”I asked her not to inform you, Katara,” Zuko explained and Katara, who’s motherly side was coming out, decided not to push it. 

“Fine, but I still need to examine you.” The Fire Nation native nodded and pushed himself up into a sitting position. He did flinch a little but otherwise he didn’t do anything.

”So... are we still going to travel the Fire Nation?” Toph asked after a few moments.

”I thought the invasion was in a few weeks...?” Zuko asked softly. Katara nodded her head and explained to him that Aang felt that he should travel the Fire Nation in order to understand their enemy.

The teen fire bender became quiet at the thought of finally returning to the Fire Nation in order to understand their enemy.

The teen fire bender became quiet at the thought of finally returning to his homeland after three years. He... he didn’t know what to think or feel that the moment. Should he feel excited because he’ll be returning home? Or should he feel nervous about they fact that he’ll be returning home? How much has changed? How much Ed has stayed the same?

”Sparky!” The blind earth bender called out from next to him. “You there?”

”Yeah... Yeah I’m here.” Katara gave him a soft look in response.

Aang sat off to the side, hoping to come into contact with some of his past lives. Maybe they’ll know what is happening with Zuko. Was he cursed? Only those unseen by humans know the true reason, or so he hoped anyway.

”Hello Aang.” The young boy opened his eyes and gave Avatar Roku a small smile. “You summoned me?”

”It’s-“

”About your young fire bending friend?” Roku’s face looked grim. “I can’t explain what is truely going on with my great grandson for that is his story to tell.”

”But Avatar Roku-“

”Spirits are a fickle thing, Aang. You most learn to co-exist with them and to understand their choices. I will tell you this... Zuko isn’t cursed but just like you... he is on a journey that can determine the fate of others.: With that, the previous Avatar disappeared into a thick fog.

”Great, now I have more questions than answers!” Aang flapped back onto his back and groaned before something popped up in his head. “Wait... Great grandson...?”

Chapter Text

“Aang ran off!” Zuko’s head snapped up to look at Sokka as he ran into the medical chambers.

”Are you serious?” The teen grunted as Katara stopped healing him. “We’re in the middle of Fire Nation waters! He’ll be captured!”

”I know that!” Sokka huffed. “But I have no idea where he could have gone!”

Zuko held out his hand and demanded a map. That most likely he went to one of the smaller islands around. That they better get going. “I guess our trip to the Fire Nation is now.”

The fire bender grabbed onto Sokka and pulled himself up. He flinched at the pain that moving suddenly brought him but said nothing. They needed to find Aang before something bad happened to him.

”Are you sure we should let you come?” The non-bender asked. “You’re still-“

”Doesn’t matter.” Zuko limped towards the upper deck. “I’m the only one besides uncle who knows these waters. I know them like the back of my hand.”

”Zuko-“ But he wouldn’t listen. He just told them to get ready. He explained that he’ll be fine because he hasn’t died yet. That made them quiet but they decided not to push it.

...

”Anyone see him?” Katara asked as she sat next to Zuko as he directed her on where to go. Zuko was terrified as he tried to keep what little lunch he had consumed in his stomach. The previous times he was on Appa he was unconscious so don’t say anything.

”No, but I see this cool island with that looks like an active volcano!” Sokka replied.

”Knowing Twinkletoes, that’s probably where he ended up,” Toph joked but went silent before she sighed. “He’s there, isn’t he?”

Katara maneuvered Appa to fly lower towards the island. They searched for what seemed like hours before Momo started screeching. The flying lemur jumped off of Sokka’s shoulder and flew towards the island. The others knew he must have found the young Avatar and followed the flying mammal towards the shore.

The island was very hot and humid due to the recently erupted volcano so hopefully that wouldn’t be there too long. 

Katara gasped in relief and both she and Sokka jumped off of Appa, leaving Zuko and Toph still on the sky bison. Zuko, who was still injured and sore, slid down Appa slowly as not to injure himself more. Once his feet landed in the solid ground, he held his hand up for Toph to get down. The blind girl said nothing as she got down as she ran over to the newly found monk.

Zuko watched from afar as the original GAang gave each other a group hug. Even Appa and Momo joined in on the group hug. Just watching all of them made Zuko’s chest tighten in response. He never had friends before. Wait... are they his friends? Do they consider him a friend?

”Zuko! Get over here!” Sokka called out with his arms reaching out towards him.

”Um... I- well-“ Toph reaches up and grabbed Zuko’s arm to pull him into the group hug. He grunted in slight pain and tensed up when he felt arms being wrapped around him.

”I have so much to do,” Aang whispered. 

”I know,” Katara replied. “But you’ll have our help.”

”You didn’t think you could get out of training just by coming to the Fire Nation, did you?” Aang gave a soft smile in return before it slipped from his face.

”What about the invasion?”

”We'll join up with my dad and the invasion force on the day of the eclipse.” Toph turned around when she felt something brush up against her bare feet. It was the destroyed remains of Aang’s glider.

”Oh,” Toph whispered. “It’s your glider.”

Aang looked down and said that it was okay because if someone saw it then it would give away his identity. That it’s better for people to think he was hiding in the Earth Kingdom.

With that, Aang jumped up to the top of the active volcano and placed it within a crack that had molten lava flowing through it. Soon after, the glider caught fire.

”Vayu...” Tui whispered as he looked at the Wind Spirit with sadness laced throughout his voice.

”He must continue his duties... no matter the cost. Even if that means giving up his sense of identity.” The other spirits looked on sadly as Vayu left to return to his room.

Sokka was “sneakily” running around and pressed himself against a large rock that called the beach its home. “Great job with the cloud camo, but next time... Let’s disguise ourselves as the kind of cloud who knows how to keep it’s mouth shut!”

Zuko gave a small smile at the parrot puffin as it hopped around on the boulder. He even out his hand up so that he could pet it, but Sokka smacked his hand away.

”Yeah, we wouldn’t want a bird to hear us chatting up there and turn us in!” Toph jabbed in response.

”Hey, we’re in enemy territory! Those are enemy birds!” The parrot puffin hopped up on Sokka’s head and squawked in response.

They all laughed while the former prince picked up the bird and placed it on his shoulder. Sokka groaned and frowned as the other’s started walking away. He hopped to his feet and did a running jump, and ended up falling flat on his face. 

The loud noise scared the animal on Zuko’s shoulder, causing it to fly away in fear. He frowned at the loss of his new animal friend and raised an eyebrow at the Southern Water Tribe warrior. He held back a laugh as Sokka scrambled to his feet and ran ahead of everyone into the cave.

”Well, this is it! This is how we’ll be living until the invasion begins!” Sokka’s face fell. “Hiding in cave after cave... After cave after cave...”

”Reminds me of the caves Uncle and I used to stay in after we landed in the Earth Kingdom after the siege of the North Pole.” They stared at him but said nothing. They’ll probably bring it up later though.

”Sokka, we don’t need to become cave people. What we need is some new clothes.” Aang nodded his head in agreement.

”Yeah, blending in is better than hiding out! If we get Fire Nation disguises we’ll be just as safe as we would be hiding in a cave.”

”Plus, they have real food out there,” Toph piped up. “Does anyone wanna sit in the dirt and eat cave-hoppers?” To make a point, she then hit the wall which ended up revealing the insects.

Momo appreciated the gesture.

”Wait! We still need Zuko’s vote!” Sokka exclaimed and they all stared at the scarred prince. Heat rose up and settled in the prince’s checks. 

”It’s not like I can go out,” he muttered. “I’m kind of recognizable.”

”But the good thing is that everyone thinks you’re dead!” Aang explained. Zuko shot his a look.

”How is that a good thing?!”

”Because they aren’t expecting you to show up in the middle of a Fire Nation city!” Katara pointed out. “How could someone they think is dead just show up? Besides, your sister made the announcement so it must be true!” 

”Still one obvious problem...” He gestured towards his face. Aang put his fingers to his chin before snapping them in an ‘aha’ moment. He started to dig around in their bags before he pulled out a roll of bandages.

”We’ll just wrap up your scar!”

”Looks like we got outvoted, sport. Let’s get some new clothes.”

...

All five of them, plus Momo, hid behind some tall rocks as they stared at drying Fire Nation clothes.

”I don’t know about this... these clothes belong to somebody.”

”I call the silk robe!” Katara called out as she jumped from behind the rock.

”But of it’s essential to our survival... then I call the suit!” And just like Katara, both Toph and aaang ran out and grabbed clothes while Sokka took his time picking his outfit.

”I wouldn’t pick that one,” aZuko said as he started dressing himself in a red tunic and black pants. He also took a dark yellow sleeveless vest.

”How come?”

”It’s a dress.” Sokka quickly dropped it and continued searching but this time showing Zuko his choices. Finally, Sokka picked an appropriate outfit after he kept picking children’s and women’s clothes. 

”Ta-dah! Normal kid!”

But Aang’s outfit looked very familiar to Zuko, but he couldn’t quite place his finger on it. Oh well.

”Hmm... I should probably wear shoes...”

”Well, in coastal cities like this, it’s quite normal to wear sandals or no shoes at all. Especially with school aged kids, but I would still have a pair just in case.

”Sweet!” Toph grabbed the straps of the shoes and pushed the bottom of them off. Zuko’s hand quickly flew to his mouth as an attempt to hold his laughter in as the bottom of the shoes hit Sokka square in the face. “Finally, a stylish shoe for the blind Earth Bender!”

”How do I look?” Katara asked as she walked up.

”You’re necklace.” Zuko pointed towards his neck. “Too Water Tribe.”

”Oh, yeah...”

”Don’t worry,” he said as he put his hand on Katara’s shoulder. “Uncle gave me some money so we can get your something to cover it up, so you don’t have to take it off.”

”Thanks Zuko!” Katara wrapped her arms around the Fire Nation native. Blood rushes to his check again since he barely ever had physical affection and being thanked is something he is still not used to.

Aang frowned from behind them while Sokka just face palmed at his friend’s obvious crush on his sister.

...

”Thank you for your purchase!” The merchant exclaimed cheerfully as Katara picked out the choker that she’ll use to cover up her Water Tribe necklace.

Zuko gave the man a polite smile and handed the currency over as he watched Sokka and Toph also put on their purchases.

”I used to visit my friend Kuzon here 100 years ago!” Zuko raised his eyebrow in surprise. 

”Kuzon the famous scholar?” Aang’s mouth dropped open.

”Kuzon because a scholar? But he hated school!” Aang breathed out. “Wow Bumi became a king and Kuzon be an a scholar... Anyway, everyone just follow my lead and stay cool.”

”But isn’t Zuko from the Fire Nation?” Katara whispered.

”No, no. Let him do this. I have full faith in him.” Aang smiled and thanked his new friend.

”You want to watch him fail,” Toph snickered to Zuko.

”Very much so.”

”Greetings, my good hotman!”

”This is so much better than I expected!” Zuko wheezed as Aang kept greeting Fire Nation citizens as ‘hotman’.

”Zuko!” Katara hissed. “That’s mean!”

”Lighten up Sugar Queen!” Toph laughed. The Water Bender frowned but said nothing as they walked to a place that sells food.

”Oh, we’re going to a meet place?”

”Here, go over to that stall over there as ask for some dried seaweed chips,” Zuko muttered and handed him some money. Aang’s face lit up and waved goodbye as the others went into the meat restaurant.

”What are dried seaweed chips?” Katara asked when they sat down at a table.

”Seaweed that has been dried, salted, and fried,” Zuko explained to the members of the GAang that ate meat, “Actually pretty good. Uncle likes them.”

”Oh! We got to try them! What other things should we try?” Sokka was drooling at the thought of trying new dishes.

”The hippopotamus cow ramen is amazing, but you’ll probably want the one without red chili flakes. Those can be... a little overwhelming for first timers,” Zuko explained.

”Pssh! I can handle a little spice!” Sokka laughed. Zuko looked unsure but just ordered the ramen anyway. Toph and Katara were smart and listened to Zuko, and ordered theirs without red chili flakes.

”Why is it red?” Sokka asked hesitantly once it was placed down in front of him. He could swear the steam formed into the shape of a skull and crossbones.

”The seasoning.” Zuko was already halfway done with his bowl. Sure, he liked his uncle’s food but Fire Nation food made with real spices will always be his favorite. 

”Oh.” Sokka swallowed a lump in his throat. No backing out now. He took his chopsticks and picked up the noodles in the bowl. The spices invaded his noise and his eyes started to water, but he marched on. The non-bender quickly stuffed the noodles in his mouth and swallowed. Nothing. “Huh. I expected-“

The sound of Sokka’s stomach rumbling cut him off and Zuko sighed. He knew this would happen.

”Hot!” Sokka’s hands started to fan his mouth in an attempt to cool his burning mouth.

”Here.” Zuko’s shoved a roll from the bread basket on the table into his burning mouth. “Bread helps.”

The teen quickly ate the whole basket before his mouth finally found relief.

”Here,” the waiter laugh, “I guess coming from the colonies your probably wouldn’t be used to our spices.”

”How-“ Katara started.

”Your accents. I can also tell your friend here is from the Capital!” They waited festered towards Zuko. “You guys on leave?”

”Yes, sir.” Zuko replied hastily. If he thinks they are from the army then he better play it up so that it doesn’t seem strange he has a bandage around his eye.

”Well, we appreciate our soldiers around here, so you get our military discount! Fifty percent off!”

”That’s too kind!” Katara smiled when the waiter waved her off in response.

”I wasn’t expecting that,” Toph mumbled around her face full of food. The siblings agreed while Zuko took Sokka’s unfinished bowl of ramen at eat. Can’t let it go to waste after all.

Chapter Text

"That was great!" Sokka patted his stomach in satisfaction. He finished his hippopotamus cow ramen and Zuko nodded in agreement. "Well, we better find Aang and explore some more!"

"Yeah, we better find him before he finds trouble," Katara sighed. "He always seems to find trouble."

The group quickly paid and left the restaurant. They went around to the different snack stalls looking for the Avatar, but they couldn't find the last air bender.

"Where could he have gone to ?!" Sokka huffed. "He shouldn't have gone far!"

"We're in the middle of the Fire Nation, and the Avatar is missing! This isn't good!" Zuko placed his hand on Katara's shoulder.

"We'll find him. Unless he air bent, then he should be somewhere. Probably went to that petting zoo over by the market."

Katara nodded and she and the others followed the fire bender to the holding area. Aang does love animals after all.

"Sparky," Toph started. "What was it like growing up in the capital?"

"I grew up in the palace," Zuko muttered. "After my mom disappeared, both Azula and I were forbidden to step foot outside the palace."

"But you said your mom left when you were ten," Katara breathed out. Zuko nodded sadly.

"Until my banishment when I was thirteen, I only had access to the outside via the garden and the training area." Toph thumped Zuko on the back.

"Same! Got to love parents right?"

"At least yours never burned half of your face off," he grumbled. That stopped the interrogation of his tragic backstory. They had to focus on finding Aang.

Iroh was in the control room of the captured Fire Nation ship as Hakoda and him planned out their route for gathering supporters for the invasion force. However, Iroh's mind was somewhere else. He was worried about his nephew. The two haven't been truly separated since Zuko was a young boy. He always kept an eye on his pseudo-son and not knowing where he was concerns him.

"Something on your mind?" Hakoda asked.

"Ah, just worrying about my nephew. Normally, when I'm away from him for too long, he gets the retired general he knew what he means. That he also worries for his children.

"My bro- I mean... Ozai never cared for his children. He uses them as if they are pieces in Pai Sho," Iroh hissed. "Especially my nephew. He almost threw him from the balcony when Zuko never showed the spark."

"Spark?"

"How we tell if an infant will be a strong fire bender," the former Fire Nation heir explained. "My son and Azula had it. Zuko on the other hand..."

"But to kill...?"

"My brother didn't want a non-bender for a first born. he thought of it as an embarrassment..."

Hakoda pursed his lips and looked horror stricken. Just the thought of killing his son just because he was a non-bender made him absolutely sick to his stomach. To hurt the physical manifestation of his wife and his love...

"Did... were Ozai and his wife in love...?" Iroh stayed silent before shrugging his shoulders.

"Their marriage was an arranged one. If their was any love they did not show it, but I believe that neither held any love for the other."

"But their-"

"Zuko and Azula were nothing but things to gain out father's favor. Azula thinks Ozai loves her but if she loses her purpose then she'll be married off to some noblemen's son. Ozai holds no love in his heart." Hakoda ran his hand over his face. He had nothing to say. How could he?

"Where have you been?!" Katara exclaimed once she saw the Avatar walk into their cave. "We've been worried sick!"

To 'help' her point, Zuko took a bite out of the dinner he and Katara made. The water bender shot the former prince as exasperated look but turned her attention back to Aang.

"I got invited to play with some kids after school!"

"After what?!" Sokka screeched right next to Zuko's good ear.

"Ow." But no one paid him any mind.

"I enrolled in a Fire Nation school! And I'm going back tomorrow!"

So that's why the outfit looked so familiar. It's a uniform for an academy. Oops.

"Enrolled in what?!" Sokka looked at the fire bender. "Shouldn't you've known that his outfit was a uniform?!"

"Private tutors." That was all Zuko said as he continued eating. He really wasn't too bothered by Aang going to school. What better way to learn about the Fire Nation then getting a Fire Nation education?

"Aang, I'm trying to be mature and not immediately shoot down your idea. But it sounds... really terrible." Sokka was trying his best, but can you blame him for being apprehensive?

"Yeah, we got our outfits. What do you need to go to school for?" Toph said with a deadpan look on her face.

"Every minute I'm in that classroom. I'm learning new things about the Fire Nation."

"Aang," Zuko spoke up. "You have to take into consideration that the history they teach is full of Fire Nation propaganda. They teach about how great our nation is. Very few people know the truth."

"I know that! But to truly understand your people, I must think like them!" Aang pulled out a picture of Zuko's father. " i already have a picture of Fire Lord Ozai!"

The scarred prince flinched at the sight of his father. The Water Tribe siblings seemed to notice, but Aang continued.

"And here's one that I made out of noodles!"

"Aang-"

"Impressive, I admit." Katara elbowed her brother and motioned over to the shaken fire bender. "But I still think it's too dangerous!" 

"I guess we'll never find out about the secret river then. It goes right to the Fire Lord's palace!" Zuko snorted in response.

"No there isn't. When the palace was built they made sure that only the royal family knowns where the secret entrances are," he explained.

"Aang!"

"Please let me stay! Please!" The avatar begged his friends.

"I think we should let him," Zuko piped up. "It could be useful."

"If Zuko think it's okay..." Katara trailed off.

"Yeah, Sparky does know a lot about the Fire Nation," Toph added. "Why not?"

"Seems you're outvoted Sokka!" Aang exclaimed.

"Great!" Sokka huffed. "What could possibly go wrong?!"

...

"Thank you for coming, Mr. and Mrs..."

"Seezek. I'm... Sazi and this is my wife Neizon," Zuko said as he scratched his cheek. Man was this fake beard itchy.

"Neizon Seezek, nice to meet you."

"Your son has been enrolled here for two days and he's already causing problems. He's argued with his history teacher, disrupted music class, and roughed up my star pupil. Zuko pretended to sigh in disappointment while Katara acted shocked. 

"That's what any mother would say, ma'am."

"I sincerlly apologize about my... son's actions," Zuko said. "It's no excuse, but our move hhere has been hard on our son. Once we get home I will make sure he understands that as a proud citizen's under the Fire Lord that we must act like it."

"That's what I'd liked to here. Hopefully the next time we meet will be under better circumstances."

"Like wise."

...

"That settle it! No more school!" Sokka yelled. Zuko had to get Katara to help him remove his fake beard because Sokka insisted on using glue on his face.

"I'm not ready to leave," Aang huffed. "I'm having fun for one. Just being a normal kid."

"If you haven't noticed," Zuko hissed as Katara ripped off the last chuck of his fake beard off. "None of us are 'normal' kids. If you can't keep a low profile then we'll have to no choice."

"That isn't fair!"

"Life isn't fair!"

"Life isn't fair!" Zuko snapped. "The sooner you accept that nothing will ever be normal that the better you'll feel."

"Zuko! Don't yell at him!" Katara yelled. "He's trying his best!"

"His best won't save others from Ozai's control! He will slaughter anyone who opposes him! Ozai is a heartless man who won't stop until everyone is crushed beneath his shoe!"

"Like you're any better!" Katara hissed.

"What's that suppose to mean?" Zuko's eyes narrowed.

"It means you tried to kill us multiple times!"

"One, I never tried to kill you all ! And I did it to return home! You know that!"

"Return home to a family that never wanted you!" As soon as those words exited her mouth, Katara regretted it. 'Zuko, I-"

Zuko stood up quickly and hastily walked out of the cave without saying a word. Katara was about to run after him, but Toph earth bended a wall of rock in front of her. "Don't Sugar Queen. Let him be alone for a while."

Azula was sitting at the empty pond of the former royal garden. Once Zuko was banished, the garden was no longer cared for. Why keep it nice when no one went there? Well, now it's not like her brother would ever return anyway.

"It's a shame that no one is taking care of this place..." Dammit. He's returned.

"Why can't you leave?!" Azula snapped. "You're dead!"

"And yet I'm spending my afterlife with you,"  the ghost (?) Zuko chuckled. "I do love you. 'Zula. More then you think."

"You betrayed me!"

"'Zula," Zuko sighed. "You know that deep down what father is doing is wrong."

"Father is never wrong!" Azula picked up a rock and threw it at her brother. "Leave me!"

The nice thing about caves is that caves is that caves have land above it. Places the others probably can't reach because he climbed the sides of the steep cliff. Well, maybe Toph could.

"Guess I got my answer," he muttered bitterly. They never saw him as a friend. No matter. He didn't need them anyway. He'll stick with them until they defeat his father then he'll wash his hands of them. He didn't need them before and he didn't need them now.

Where was Yue when he needed her? At least she'll  still be his friend.

The fire bender stared up at the full moon and sighed. Why was he upset? Katara was right. The only members of his family that truly cared for him are either dead or left him. His uncle only loves him because he misses Lu Ten. He'll leave him eventually.

"Stop it," Yue huffed. "That's a message Agni told me to tell you, and I second it. You had a fight with them. Fights with friends happen." 

"Well, I never had friends before-"

"You never had any friends?" Zuko turned around and saw Toph walking up behind him. Once she reached him she plopped down. "Even my parents made some people be my friends."

"Well, Azula had friends. I was just tolerated by them. That's why I get so overwhelmed," Zuko muttered and laid down.

"Tell me about it. Katara..."

"Acts like a mom? At least, I think?" Toph laughed and agreed with him.

"At least we understand each other. How about this... whenever we feel overwhelmed, you and I go to each other." Zuko hummed and out of the corner of his eye, he saw Yue smiling. 

"Just like her, I'll always be here for you, and remember to train your powers. They will come in handy."

With that, the new Tui disappeared. Leaving Zuko and Toph alone as they talked about everything and nothing at all.

Chapter Text

Zuko only talked to Toph. The other three he ignored. Even if they talked to him, he just pretended that he didn’t hear them.

“I mean… He’s so mature giving us the silent treatment!” Katara huffed to her brother and Aang. “Why not just yell at me? Something!”

“Can you blame him?” Sokka asked. “You did say his whole family hated him> We’re lucky he came back.”

“Don’t remind me,” muttered the water bender. “I tried to apologize but he’s ignoring me!”

“He’ll come around,” Aang added, trying to be helpful. “Anyway… we better get ready for a dance party!”

…

Katara was amazed at the musical talent of the Fire Nation youth, however the name could use some work.

“Why would they agree to that name?” Zuko asked Toph as he snickered.

The water bender frowned. How did Toph get to be such friends with Zuko? She healed him. She’s the reason her dad let him on the ship.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” Sokka asked his baby sister. “I also have my doubts but…”

“It’s not about the party,” she huffed. “It’s just… Zuko talks to Top the most out of all of us.”

“Well, Toph didn’t know him before. She only knew his uncle which I doubt talked bad about his nephew.” Her brother had a point. “Maybe it’s because she’s a blank slate.”

“I try to show him that I think of him as apart of the group! I include him with the chores and-“

“Katara,” Sokka interrupted. “Zuko… he’s complicated. He’s been through and seen things that we have been lucky to have avoided. I can’t say I understand what goes on in his head. Honestly, I don’t think that he really does either.”

“How…?”

“You’ll have to ask him.” She nodded and slowly made her way over to where the two members of high society sat.

“Um… May I sit here?”

“Sure, Sugar Queen! Have a seat next to Sparky!” Both Zuko and Katara tensed up, but the fire bender didn’t complain so she guessed that he didn’t mind.

The trio sat in awkward silence, well, Zuko and Katara did while Toph felt the vibrations of the earth as the Avatar danced.

“Who knew Twinkle Toes could dance?” Toph asked. Katara just smiled.

…

“And this is how they do it in the ballrooms of Ba Sing Se,” Aang explained as he started to demonstrate to the others.

“Wow, they look pretty good together.” Zuko paid no attention as he watched with fascination. So, this is what dancing is. How could Sozin ban this? It’s amazing! It’s-

Zuko’s head snapped towards the entrance of the cave to see that headmaster and some guards standing there. “Shit…”

It seemed that the banished prince wasn’t the only one to notice because the other students froze in fear. Aang, who was still dancing, stopped when the headmaster called out. “He’s the one you want! The boy with headband!”

Thankfully, the students Aang befriended all worked together to help the GAang escape through the tunnels.

As they flew away on Appa, Toph congratulated the young Avatar for his kindness but Zuko couldn’t help but have an uneasy feeling about what that headmaster will do to those kids. He knows the harshness of punishment in the Fire Nation and all those kids will bare the brunt of it.

‘Once we free them…’ Zuko thought. ‘I’ll ask Uncle to bring back dancing…’

Agni watched silently as his chosen and his friends flew away from the port city. As the day of the eclipse drew closer, his nerves grew worse. He will lose his abilities to go to the mortal realm and will lose sight of what will happen.

“You worry for your subjects.” Agni tensed up and ignored the voice of the trespassing spirit. “My lord…”

“Kiyoko,” he snarled. “Shouldn’t you be protecting a river or something?”

Kiyoko, of The Painted Lady as the humans call her, chuckled. “Shouldn’t you be watching your other subjects, and not just you family from a life that has long passed?”

The sun spirit clenched his hands as the room grew hotter in response to Kiyoko’s taunts. “What do you want?”

“The spirits are uneasy. They can sense a great power that will cause mass destruction if left unchecked.”

“Since when do the spirits care about what happens in the mortal realm?”

“Since that boy was blessed by you because you can’t let go of the past!” The Painted Lady yelled. “Your inability to let go has but us all in danger! To have a human that can use spirit abilities and is not the Avatar has caused imbalance! Yue was only given the life force of a spirit! You gave this boy unnatural pow-“

“Silence!” Agni bellowed. “The other elementals have agreed with me on this matter and we will not be questioned by second rate spirits like you!”

His booming voice caused to lower spirit to be quiet in fear of angering the elemental spirit any farther. No matter. The elementals might be satisfied, but she is not.

Zuko didn’t feel right. It’s like his inner fire was dimming. He tried to fire breathe in order to warm himself up, but nothing came of it. He wasn’t running a fever or a cough. His wounds have long been healed, yet he felt weak.

“Momo?” Aang called out in the sludge filled water of the river they were in. “Hey, guys, I think this river is polluted…”

The rest of the group groaned in response when the young boy air bent the sludge off. Toph spit out what got in her mouth and Zuko wiped it from his eyes before Aang got rid of that.

“Well, that explains why I can’t catch a fish around here,” the non-bender huffed. “Because normally my fishing skills are… off the hook!”

Zuko snorted in response while the others just stared at him.

“Too bad your skills aren’t on the hook.” Sokka frowned while the others laughed at Toph’s quip.

“It looks like we’ll need to go somewhere else to get food as well as some medicine for Zuko… Assuming that’ll fit into Sokka’s master schedule.”

“Hmm… It’s doable, but that means only two potty breaks today.” Sokka pointed at Zuko. “You just had to get sick.”

Luckily, the scarred prince had just enough energy to give the non-bender a not so nice gesture.

“Hey, maybe we can get food there!” Aang pointed over to a small river village, although Zuko just had to trust him.

Appa climbed out of the river and walked behind a couple of hills. In order to hide the giant beast, they had to cover the sky bison will most. That means that Zuko had to get off the flying animals. Sokka and Katara had to help him down due to how weak he felt. He only made it to the edge of the cliff by leaning on both of the sibling’s shoulders. The man that stood underneath them and called out to them seemed weird to him.

“My name’s Dock! Mind if I ask who you are?”

“We’re, um, from the Earth Kingdom colonies,” Katara answered quickly.

“Wow, colonials. No offense but your friend doesn’t look too good.” Dock pointed at the trembling Zuko.

“What…what gave you that idea?!” He snapped.

“Well,” Dock continued like Zuko said nothing. “Hop on, I’ll give you a ride into town.”

As the semi-smooth boat ride made its way into town, Zuko thought he saw… something. It looked like a flying rat but for some reason it looked transparent. It flew above their heads, but it seemed like the others either didn’t see it or didn’t notice it. Agni, he hopes he’s not going insane, or is he already insane? Why is it always him that gets tortured? Sure, he’s made some mistakes but he’s now doing go-

“Zuko!” The older teen’s eyes snapped open. “You scared us!”

Katara helped Zuko sit up as they made their first unsteady steps open upon the rotting wood that somehow hasn’t collapsed underneath their weight. To think, this village had not help when his nation preached about sharing greatness with the world when they won’t share their greatness with it’s own citizens. He couldn’t stomach the thought…Or was that his sickness?

“Thanks for the ride,” Aang called out.

Starving. His people were starving while those in the capital got fat and wasted food. All because his father and those before him were selfish and greedy. It broke his heart.

Behind the group, the sludge started to bubble. Normally, a bubble here or there wouldn’t cause a second glance, but the entire river started to bubble, and the air became dry.

“What’s…happening…?” Katara panted as her throat started to feel dry, like she hasn’t drunk water in ages. The others seemed to notice as it reminded them of their time in the desert.

The villagers of the river seemed to also notice as they started to shift around uncomfortably.

“Calm down,” Agni’s voice spoke to him. “You are hurting those around you.”

“What…?” He whispered and looked around in confusion. By letting go of his anger, the stifling heat instantly let up. However, the action had left over results were still there. The villagers had no clean water to sooth their throat.

“What just happened…?” Toph questioned.

“I… don’t know,” Aang replied but his locked onto the fire bender’s trembling form. “Let’s just get what we need and go.”

“I’ll just stay here,” Zuko grunted and sat down by the edge of the pier. Katara eyes lingered on the weakened prince but went with the others anyway.

“Wha happened to ya eye?” The banished prince turned his head and saw a young boy looking at him. “Did you get a boo boo?”

“Izu!” The boy’s mother scolded.

“It’s okay,” Zuko assured her weakly. As he took in the sight of the two, his chest went tight. The boy was too skinny. A child his age should be plumper than that yet none of his baby fat was visible.

“We don’t normally get visitors here,” she explained. “Not since the army set up their factory.”

His hands clenched in anger but before an inferno, he took a deep breath and let it all go. “I’m… sorry this has happened to you.”

The mother smiled sadly, and she said that there was nothing to apologize for. For he is just a child in her eyes.

“Come on, Lee,” Sokka called. “We got to get going.”

He was reluctant to leave the small family, but he could feel that his knees would not hold him up for much longer.

…

“Our detour into town today has completely thrown off out schedule,” muttered the blue eyes male as he took a bowl from the pot. “It’s gonna take some serious finagling to get up back on track.”

“Finagle away, O schedule master!”

“Well, for starters, it looks like we’ll need to wake up forty-three minutes earlier every day.” Sokka turned towards his friend. “You’ll have to wake us up when you wake up.”

The fire bender pursed his lips but decided not to say anything. Instead, he started to zone out. He’s exhausted from today’s events but yet sleep alluded him.

He heard everyone go to bed as sleep decided to stay out of his reach after a few hours of trying to fall asleep, yet he heard the soft whispers of the group’s water bender as she talked to the sky bison.

“What are you doing?” Katara jumped slightly and whipped around with her hands raised. She breathed out once she saw who it was, but her face morphed into a guilty expression.

“I… those villagers need help!” He raised his eyebrow and she started on a tangent about helping those who need her.

“Are you done?” She visually deflated and nodded. “Good because I’m not going to stop you. However, you do need a plan.”

Her face immediately lit up and they started to plan on how to help the villagers.

Chapter Text

“You want to heal the villagers that are worst off,” Zuko repeated as they made their way to the docked boat.

“Unfortunately, it’ll take a few sessions to fully heal them.”

“That will be a problem since your brother is going to want to stick to his schedule.” Once they made it to the boat, the banished prince paused to cough.

“I can do this by myself, Zuko.” The water bender looked at the fire bender with concern covering her face, but the older teen shook his head.

“These are my people. It is my duty to help them, no matter how small, and no matter how I feel.” Katara looked at him in shock.

“Zuko-“

“Come on,” he stated as he got into the boat and held out his hand in order to help her into it. Once Katara was safely settled in the boat, she used her water bending to push them to the island village.

“Okay, so children and the elderly  should be healed first since they are the most vulnerable.” Katara explained as they silently made their way to them. Zuko nodded and followed the younger female. He did feel useless as he really couldn’t help healing his people and could only watch as his friend(?) healed them. He really wasn’t sure where they stood with each other.

“Zuko!” Katara hissed, causing him to snap out of his thoughts. “I can’t seem to heal her…”

The scarred prince looked at the young child who looks like she was on the verge of death. Not even a master healer like Katara could heal malnutrition. “We need food and water.”

“How…? The water and land surrounding land has nothing!” She was right to an extent .

“But the factory does.”

“you can’t be suggesting what I think you are.” The fire bender smirked at her before he nodded.

“time for some ‘spirit’ intervention.”

…

“I can’t believe you talked me into this,” mumbled Katara as she painted her face in order to look like The Painted Lady.

“I can’t believe you let me talk you into this,” he replied. She glared at him while he laughed, but her glare turned into concern when his laugh turned into a coughing fit.

“I can do this by myself,” Katara stated worriedly.

“I know you can, but we’re pressed for time and I know where they keep their supplies,” he panted as he wiped his mouth. “We have until sunrise to help them, then we have not figure out how to convince the others we have to stay.”

Katara knew he was right, but she was still worried about him. He was still very weak from everything he has went through the last few months, and not he was sick. “Just… don’t overdo it.”

“he nodded in response and they made their way towards the factory. . While Katara was dressed as The Painted Lady, Zuko was dressed as the Blue Spirit. His uncle thought he had thrown away the mask, but he couldn’t. The mask belonged to his mother, and he refused to rid himself of the only thing that he had left of his mother.

“The storage room that is dedicated to food and medical supplies is always located on the left side from the entrance. If there is one thing that is very flawed about the military is their rotations. These are the same rotations they used when Uncle was my age.”

“But wouldn’t that change since you were banished?”

“Like Sokka said on the ship. The Fire Nation thinks I’m dead. Let’s keep it that way.” Katara nodded and followed Zuko into the factory.

“I expected more guards.” They ducked behind a large crate when they heard some movement near them. It was just a couple of rats scurrying around.

“This is a factory in the Fire Nation. No one expects the Fire Nation to be robbed in the Fire Nation.” She really couldn’t believe the level cockiness.

Thankfully, Zuko’s information hasn’t changed at all. Both the storage room and the guard rotations were just as he said they were.

The banished prince informed her that they can’t take much since a large number of missing supplies would cast suspicion onto the downtrodden town. That would be the very thing that they were trying to avoid.

They grabbed some cans that won’t spoil so  easily. They might not be much, but it’s better than nothing. If it were possible, they would take everything stored here and give it to those who needed it.

“Thank you, Zuko,” Katara said as they made their way out of the factory and back to the village.

“really?” Katara looked confused at Zuko’s surprised face.

“Yeah? Come one, we need to get this food to other quickly.”

…

Zuko had thankfully been able to fall asleep before being awakened by Sokka. “What, Appa’s sick? That’s awful.”

Ugh, why couldn’t he just have some quiet? Agni, he felt worse than he did yesterday.

“Wow, Sokka,” Toph said. “I didn’t realize you cared so much.”

“Of course, I care!” He exclaimed. “I might as well just throw our schedule away now!” He then turned to a now shivering Zuko. “You just had to  get our mode of transportation sick!”

“Sokka!” His siter huffed as she made her way to Zuko, but as she reached to touch his forehead, the Fire Nation native told her not to touch him. “Zuko, I need to-“

“If you touch me,” he panted. “You’ll get burned. Fire… benders run hot… already. Add a fever…”

“Oh. Well, I’ll try to find medicine when we go into town again.”

“Will he be okay if we leave him here?” Aang asked. Katara bit her lip as she thought about it.

“I’ll be fine,” Zuko mumbled.

“If you’re sure…”

Everyone was asleep when Katara got up to feed Appa the berries that would stain the sky bison’s tongue. She froze before Appa finished eating when she heard movement. “You can’t go by yourself.”

“Zuko, I’m just going to finish healing sessions.” The fire bender raised his eyebrow.

“Katara, if these villagers find out that you aren’t The Painted Lady they will turn on you. Let me come.” Before she could respond, the former prince felt dizzy and took some deep breaths in order to focus.

“Zuko, you’re still sick. I’ll be in and out.”

“Katara…”

“I promise I’ll be in no time.” Zuko sighed. He really couldn’t do anything right now, o he just agreed. He told the water bender to be safe.

Katara smiled and made her way to the docked boat after she dressed up as The Painted Lady. It felt good that the fire bender trusted her to handle this by herself.

The Southern Water Tribe native made her way to the main bed hall so that she could heal those that needed more help. Those who needed more help were adults rather then children. Like the think looking women who slept next to her child. She reached out and placed her hand on the sickly women’s forehead. A soft blue glow illuminated the sleeping hall. Thankfully, the light didn’t cause anyone to awake, at least that’s what she thought.

“Thank you, Painted Lady.” Now, couldn’t use the bat since she was a ‘spirit’. Katara jumped onto the surface of the river and made her way back to camp. Zuko is going to be made. She told him that she would be careful.

That made her pause. Since when did Zuko become such an important person in her life. He acted like Sokka at times, but he let her do her crazy plans. ‘He ‘s like another older brother…’

He was their awkward older brother who hasn’t had any interaction with those his age. Her face scrunched up and made a silent promise like she did when her dad left. She was going to protect her fire bender brother.

…

“Hi, Dock, is Shoe around?” Sokka asked.

“Let me check!” Dock exclaimed as he whistled as he went around back in order to change his hat.

“Hey there!” Back again, are you?” Toph shoved Sokka out of the way. “Our friends are still sick, and we can’t leave until  they’re better!”

“Oh, well… That’s too bad.” Shoe stated and placed a plate with four mutated clams in front of them. “Maybe if you guys are lucky The Painted Lady will visit you in the night and heal your friend.”

Sokka looked at the sludge dripping out of the clam’s mouth in disgust. “And maybe she’ll cook us a midnight snack and we’ll have a sing-along!”

“Yeah, maybe!” He looked at them excitedly. “You know, last night she visited up again!”

This caused the water bender to tense slightly at that. She looked at the others and hopefully they didn’t notice.

“Healed most of our sick folks!”

“Is that why this place seems so festive?” Aang asked as he noticed the locals pulling up a statue of the spirit.

“Yep,” Shoe confirmed. “It’s all because of The Painted Lady.”

“Can you believe how much an entire village can be affected by one lady? I mean… spirit.”

“Well, I hope she returned every night. Otherwise, this place would go right back to the way it was,” Sokka said to his sister.

“Why would you say that?!” Katara snapped. “Look how much better off these people are!”

“Yeah, now, but without her, they wouldn’t to fend for themselves. If she really wanted to help she would use her spirit magic to blow up that factory.” Katara stopped listening. Her brother gave her a wonderful idea. Hopefully, Zuko felt up to it to help her blow up the factory.

…

Zuko was not feeling well enough to help her blow up the factory. In fact, he was both asleep and steaming from a fever.  It looks like she’ll have to go on her own. She knows he’ll be mad at her for going by herself but if she doesn’t go now then the others will find out soon enough.

She was running slightly when she heard Aang’s voice call out to her. “Hello, painted Lady Spirit!”

‘Oh, Tui and La!’ She thought as she picked up  the pace. That didn’t seem to deter the Avatar as he used air bending to gain some ground. Katara couldn’t let herself be caught or this whole plan would be shut down. ‘The one night I really needed Zuko he just had to be sick!’

“Excuse me! I don’t mean to bother you, but my friends are sick and we’re  on kind of a tight schedule! Wait, but I’m the great bridge between your world and mine!”

‘Why can’t he just stop following me?’  Katara thought angrily.

“I knew Hei Bei, we’re close personal friends!” Great, now’s he’s followed her to the village. “Hey!”

The water bender had to fight her instincts when she heard Aang grunt in pain. She had to finish her duties first. She didn’t hear any footsteps following her now, so Katara guesses that he finally gave up chasing her.

“My name’s Aang!” She hasped in surprised before quickly trying to hide her face.

Zuko felt him being  poked with a stick. His eyes snapped open annoyance, before the fire bender grabbed the stick and lit it on fire. “Will you stop that?!”

“Morning to you too, Sparky,” Toph called over near Appa. His assailant, Sokka, looked at him with a serious expression.

“What is it?”

“Aang and Katara are gone, and I believe I know where they are.” A surge of panic flow through Zuko’s veins as Sokka told him that they most likely were at the factory. “I think my sister is this Painted Lady  and she took my suggestion of blowing the factory up as a good idea.”

The former prince placed  his head into his hands and sighed in annoyance. “I told her to stay away from the factory.”

“You knew?!”

“Yeah.”

“Are you even sick?!”

“I can sneeze on you if you want,” the scarred teen muttered. “Yes, I’m  sick. Appa’s not. She’s been overfeeding him  purple-izing-tongue berries to dye his tongue purple.”

“How can I believe you?!”

“Feed them to Toph. They’re over there.” He weakly pointed at those that were still on the bush. Sokka looked at him suspiciously before going over and handing the blind girl some freshly picked berries.

Toph, who knew Zuko was telling the truth, shoved the evidence in her mouth and chewed them. She stuck her tongue out right before they heard two pairs of footsteps.

“Shh… we don’t want to wake Sokka.” The non-bender gave a little cough, grabbing the duo’s attention. “Hi… Sokka. We were just on a morning walk.”

“Oh, really?” Sokka huffed. “A morning walk?”

Zuko snorted when Sokka took Katara’s sleeping bag and shock it, revealing all of the grass she shoved in it.

“I know you’re the Painted Lady. I know you’ve been sneaking out at night. I know you’ve been lying about Appa and feeding him purple-izing tongue berries, and I know Zuko’s been in on it since the start!” Sokka pointed at Toph who showed them her purple tongue, but Katara focused on Zuko.

“You told!”

“One, Sokka figured it out on his own. Two, Katara, I told you to not to go to the factory by yourself!”

“I didn’t! I had Aang!”

“Katara,” Sokka huffed . “What you did put our whole mission in jeopardy. We’re leaving right now.”

“That wouldn’t be a good idea,” Zuko piped up.

“Why?”

“That factory you attacked?” The banished prince pinched the bridge of his nose. “They’re going to believe the prisoners did that and charge them with treason, and treason in the Fire Nation warrants the death penalty. So, all those villagers you were trying to save? They’re all going to die because you two didn’t think things through.”

Chapter Text

Before anyone could say anything, the sound of fast movement caught their attention. Zuko knew what that meant and stood up slowly, so that he won’t topple over sick. The villagers were just handed a death sentence that they didn’t know about.

“What’s going on?” Toph asked the others.

“Fire Nation soldiers are heading to the village,” Aang explained.

Zuko glared at Katara and Aang. “You caused this.”

“I just wanted to help!”

“Did you even think your plan through?!” Did you ever stop and think that the soldiers don’t believe in spirits like those innocent people down there do? That once they find evidence of tampering that the soldiers would look at the closest group of people?” The fire bender snapped. At least the two of them looked ashamed of their actions. Good. They deserve to feel bad.

Zuko went to his bag and got some supplies out.

“Where are you going?” Sokka asked.

“To fix this mess.” With that, Zuko left the others to argue amongst themselves. He couldn’t be around them right now. Right now, he was going to deal with the guards.

Unbeknownst to Zuko, smoke started to surround his feet as a bright light illuminated around him. The fire inside him started to boil under his skin. He won’t let anyone, even his own people, kill innocents.

His golden eyes turned a bright red and started to glow so intense that the light was comparable to glowing embers. The smoke at his feet and wrapped itself around Zuko’s body like a cocoon engulfing a caterpillar. The light that illuminated him didn’t diminish as the black smoke surrounded him. It actually became brighter.

Zuko could feel something was different about himself. Something warm and inviting, and not unwelcomed.

“I thought we could live as neighbors in peace,” the Fire Nation commander grunted. “But  I guess I was wrong. You steal our food, our medicine, and then you destroy our factor.”

“We didn’t do any of that!” The crazy old man yelled.  “Yeah! The Painted Lady brought us food! She’s the one that healed our sick, not your medicine!”

“Oh, right, the mysterious Painted Lady did it. I suppose she drew the army emblem on your containers, too.” The snared commander threw the little statue he was holding through the supplies. “This is a town of thieves and liars. Just like that little village south of Omashu. That a spirit beat up a bunch of weak soldiers. They were so convincing that they tricked our own!”

He punched a blast of fire at a building, but before it made contact, the fire was taken away from it’s original course. Everyone gasped in shock as they followed the blast to the hands of a young man with the face of the Blue Dragon from Love Amongst the Dragons. The commander knew who he was, however.

“Well, isn’t this a surprise?” The commander sneered. “It’s the ‘Blue Spirit’. You are a wanted man.

The Blue Spirit said nothing and slowly made his way to in front of the cowering villagers. He reached behind him and grabbed two Dao swords.

“Don’t just stand there!” The scarred man snapped at his inferior soldiers. “Kill him!”

They nodded in response and all four of them blasted a strong ball of fire towards the young man. Their target gripped his swords tighter before swinging on that generated a tiny flame that cut through the fire ball, causing it to disperse. It startled the guards a bit that such a small flame blocked that attack.

The small pause gave the Blue Spirit an opening to switch from a defensive position to offensive. He lifted his Dao Swords to look like an ‘x’ and started generating heat in his hands. Once the heat became hit enough, he was ready. The Blue Spirit placed his right foot down firming  in order to keep balance, as he lifted his left leg up before slamming down. Flames generated from his left foot, and he used his heated-up swords to swing the flames in a horizontal line between him and the soldiers.

“You missed,” the commander howled. However, this move was calculated. The flames that were swung into a line were burning through the wood of the deck. It wasn’t until it was too late when the guards felt the piece of deck they stood on was moving.

“What…?” They were plunged into the sludge below them.

The villagers that were behind the Blue Spirit were frozen, and then they started to cheer.

“Wow! Another spirit!” Dock called out.

The Blue Spirit knew better. Those soldiers weren’t finished. Not by a long shot. He was correct because the soldiers pulled themselves up on their boats, and they were both dirty and pissed. Especially the commander.

“You will pay for that!”

The Blue Spirit stayed quiet and changed his stance into a defensive one. It only the commander didn’t let his anger cloud his judgement then he would realize that the Blue Spirit had the advantage.

Zuko let the power flow through him as his movements came to him without think8ng. He was on high alert as he noticed the commander grow unstable. He was reckless, and that came to a head when the man blew a ball of fire close to his underling.

“I will kill you! I don’t care how.” The man jumped back on the floating village and aimed his attack at those Zuko was too far away to protect. The children in the group screamed in fear and buried themselves into their parents’ side.

“No!” Fire. Fire engulfed Zuko and he pushed it out. The massive burst of flame attracted the blast aimed for the innocents and it started to take form of a dragon. The fire dragon roared to life  as it flew at top speed at the commander. It grabbed the man’s arm and threw him up in the air. As the man fell, the dragon met him mid-air with it’s mouth open wide. As the man was engulfed in flames. The scarred man screamed I agony as his skin was melted off his body. He felt every single nerve in his body became flooded with a seething pain.

Once the flame dragon had left nothing but the bones of the commander, it returned to Zuko’s body.

Silence overcame everyone. They were all horrified at the actions of the young man in front of them, but not as horrified as the young man himself. Zuko knew he had gained spirit powers, but he had just…

The soldiers screamed in terror and terror and started up their water speeders. They wanted to get away as soon  as possible. They didn’t want to end up like their commander.

“Zuko…?” The scarred prince ignored the Sun Spirit as he turned towards the villagers. They all trembled in fear at him before bowing down.

“Please, o Great Spirit!” The villagers begged. “Please spare us!”

“No… I never meant to,” Zuko whispered in horror, but they kept begging for their lives.

“He’s not an evil spirit!” A commanding voice called out to the villagers. Everyone stared as fog engulfed the river. The once terrified villagers’ attitude changed quickly.

“It’s the Painted Lady!’

“The Blue Spirit is a protector of the innocents!” Zuko narrowed his eyes in concentrations.

‘Katara…? The scarred prince thought.

“You should be thinking him, for he saved you all from being executed!” The crowd gasped in shock as Katara finally walked onto the deck. “He has helped me take care of you all and yet you treat him like he is a monster. He did what he had to do in order to save-“

“Wait a minute!” Dock exclaimed. “I know you! You’re not the Painted Lady! You’re that colonial girl!””

“Yeah, you’re that lady that gave me a fish!”

“You’ve been tricking us, and your friend over there is a murderer!” Dock stated and the others started to get mad. How could they have been so blind? They stalked towards the pair before Sokka got into the middle of it.

“Maybe they aren’t spirits, but they were just trying to help you! Because of them that factory won’t be polluting your water and that man won’t hurt you! That man was about to kill innocent people before Zu- Lee stepped in! You should be down on your knees thanking them!” The non-bender snapped.

“Sokka…”  Zuko sighed and took off his mask.

“It’s the prince!” Someone cried and Zuko froze in terror. However, the villagers didn’t attack him. No, they bowed to him.

 “I don’t…”

You, my prince,” the mother that Zuko met on the dock. “You have been the only royal to care for us as common folk. That you tried to save over children when you were only a child.”

“When we heard of your death we thought that the Fire Nation would be forever be cloaked in darkness, but now you’re here and now we have hope,” someone from the crowd said.

“May Agni shine bright on Prince Zuko!” Another cried before everyone joined in.

He scarred teen was frozen in shock. He’d always thought that his people saw his as cowardly and weak, but these villagers saw him as someone to worship.

“I…”

“How could we ever thank you?” Dock asked. Before he could answer, Zuko saw Toph move through the crowd and yelled out.

“Maybe we can clean the river!”

“Yeah! We can clean the river!”

The crowed dispersed and Dock walked up to the GAang. He looked at Katara first. “You’re pretty okay for a water bender and he’s pretty okay for a not dead prince.”

“You wouldn’t mind keeping that a secret , by the way, would you?” Sokka asked.

“No problem! Keeping my mouth shit is a personal specialty! Dock touched his chin. “My brother Show, on the other hand, ho, he’s a blabbermouth!”

Sokka groaned and hit his hand on his forehead. Zuko chuckled softly before noticing the water bender staring at him. The scarred teen raised an eyebrow at her. The scarred teen raised an eyebrow at her.

“Zuko, I… I want to apologize for everything. I should have listened to you about not going to the factor, and about what I said to you when we were in the cave,” Katara apologized. “I know it’s no excuse, but sometimes when I care for someone or something I try to do everything in my power to keep them safe. I-“

The female water bender was cut off when she was suddenly pulled into Zuko’s embrace. He said nothing to her as she hesitantly returned the embrace. Then Zuko said something.

“Thank you.” With that, the banished prince let go and went over to Aang and Sokka, who were both annoyed at Dock who had changed his hate and calling himself Bushi.       

Katara smiled at the Fire Nation native with fondness in her eyes. Maybe everything will be fine.

…

Zuko was sitting by the edge of the river when he heard a familiar set of footprints. “Can’t sleep either?”

Katara laughed softly and nodded. “It’s just… I know spirits act weirdly but those people prayed and begged to the Painted Lady for help, yet she never same. Why?”

 “Because it was a test.” Both benders’ heads snapped up to see the very spirit they’ve been talking about. “A test for both Agni’s chosen and La’s chosen. You’ve both exceeded my expectations. Thank you.”

Both stared as the spirit disappeared into the fog. They stayed frozen before turning to each other and smiling.

In the Spirit World, Agni watched as his chosen talked with his friend.

“You’ve picked well,” Kiyoko stated. “I guessed I judged him too soon.”

“He has a good heart,” Agni stated, unamused. Kiyoko just snorted in response.

“A good heart can only get one so far.” With that, The Painted Lady disappeared leaving an annoyed elemental spirit by himself.

Chapter Text

“Wow…” Katara whispered in amazement. “This is amazing to watch.”

“Kind of makes you realize how insignificant we are,” Sokka pondered.

“Eh, you’ve seen nothing once, you’ve seen it a thousand times.” Zuko snorted at the young blind girl. Although, the teen loved meteor showers. Lu Ten would take him and Azula to view them whenever he could. Azula would always say that if they could harness the fire from them then the Fire Nation would be unstoppable.

“Oh, man. You’ve never seen anything like this!” Sokka exclaimed as one of the meteors flew close to them and crashed near a town.

“The fire is gonna destroy that town!” Katara panicked while the fire bender stared at the town as it was illuminated by the light of the fire. It looked familiar.

Appa landed as close as he could without getting burned. The group slid off the sky bison. Katara, however, stayed on Appa and explained that she’ll bend the creek water onto the fire, but the banished prince was already diminishing the flame. Zuko raised his hands up as he felt around for the life force of the flame.

‘There!’ The fire bender grabbed ahold of the life force emitting from the flame and lowered his hands down, causing the heated space rock to go out. It was still smoldering but the risk of the fire spreading had disappeared.

The rest of the GAang stared in awe at how easy the flames were put out. Unfortunately, the benders of the group all told Zuko how awesome his bending was and left the non-bender of the group by himself. It’s not like Sokka could’ve done anything. He was powerless unlike the others.

…

“These people have no idea how close they were to getting toasted last night,” Aang commented.

“Yeah,” Toph said as she swallowed her rice ball. “The worst thing about being in disguise is we don’t get the hero worship anymore. I miss the love.”

“Aren’t people who save the world suppose to be humble?” Zuko asked. Toph shrugged and shoved the rest of the rice ball into her mouth.

“Boo-hoo, poor heroes.” Sokka snapped.

“What’s your problem? You haven’t even touched your smoked sea slug,” Katara pointed out. Zuko spilled slightly. Sokka is always hungry.

“It’s just, all you guys can do this awesome ending stuff, like putting out forest fire, and flying around, and making other stuff fly around,” Sokka huffed.

Everyone stared at each other as they listened to the teen saying how useless he is compared to them.

“That’s not true!” Katara stated. “no one can read a map like you!”

“I can’t read at all!”

Zuko sighed as he got up and sat down next to Sokka. He put his hand on the younger teen’s shoulder. “You are useful. You’re the one who came up with the invasion plan. You’re the one who stood up fro me when your people didn’t want me there. You might not be a bender, but you are more than a power you might or might not have.”

“Easy for you to say! You are a fire bender!”

“My father tried to kill me when I was first born because he believed I wasn’t a fire bender,” Zuko explained. “I didn’t develop fire bending until I was eight years old.”

“Look, I appreciate the effort, but the fact is each of you is amazing and so special, and I’m not.” Zuko pursed his lips before an idea came to him.

“Come on.” The banished prince pulled the non-bender to his feet. “I know what’ll make you feel better, Uncle used to do this when I was upset.”

…

“Shopping!” Sokka squealed. “Maybe a little something to reinvigorate my battling!”

“Maybe we can spar once we get back to camp,” Zuko suggested. Sokka grinned and nodded.

“Hey, what about this?” Sokka grabbed a pair of nunchucks.

“Um… I wouldn’t-“ But his objection was muted when the non-bender swung the weapon around. Zuko stepped back because he knew what would happen.

“Ugh!” The scarred prince winced in sympathy as the nunchucks made contact with his friend’s head. As Toph laughed at Sokka’s misfortune, the young teen noticed a curved blade sword.

‘This was a mistake,’ Zuko thought as he smiled awkwardly at the shop keeper. The shop keeper shrugged in reps once as they both watched the non-bender try new weapons. Although, Zuko had to laugh as he watched his friend get wrapped up in a throwing chain.

“Your friends seem to be… enthusiastic about my selection,” the shop keeper observed.

“Their hearts are in the right places.” Both of the Fire Nation natives notice Sokka taking interest with the sword mounted on the wall. The shop keeper hummed and walked over to Zuko’s friend.

“You have a good eye. That’s an original from Piandao. The greatest sword master and sword maker in Fire Nation history.” The man explained. He seemed to notice Zuko’s expression. “Seems like your friend here knows who he is.”

“I’ve… heard stories…”

“He lives in the big mansion up the road from here.”

“That’s it!” Aang exclaimed. “That’s what you needed all along, Sokka!”

“A sword?”

“Not the sword. A master! We’ve all had masters to help us get better! You should see if you can study with Piandao!” Sokka picked up the mounted sword and though about it. The others agreed with the Avatar.

“You’ll have to be careful though,” Zuko interrupted. “He’s stubborn and Master Piandao hasn’t taken in another pupil for the last few years.”

“Do you know him?” Katara asked before her face lightened up. “Maybe you can ask him to train Sokka!”

“I’m dead,” he reminded them. “Can’t go up and say ‘Hey, I’m not dead! Can you train my friend?’”

Azula wasn’t hiding. She doesn’t hide like some pitiful child. No, she’s the heir to the Fire Nation’s throne.

‘You know…’ Spirit Zuko started. ‘Father will most likely arrange for you to marry someone.’

“I will not married off to some boy who is weaker than me!”

‘Then either you find a way to make yourself immortal,’ Spirit Zuko sang. ‘It’s not like any man would willingly fall in love with you. I mean, come one! Your own mother didn’t love you and the only one who did, you killed him!’

“Shut up!” The fire princess snapped. “The real Zuko wouldn’t have said that!”

“The spirit offer dead brother chuckled. ‘How would you know? You killed me!’

Azula cried out in anger and blasted a fire ball at the spirit, causing him to disappear into nothing ness. What was left was scorch marks from where her fire singed the wall of her room.

“Princess Azula?” A terrified guard asked hesitantly. “Fire Lord Ozai has summoned you to the throne room.”

Azula wasn’t in the mood to deal with the guard and just made her way to through the corridor of the palace. She’s been summoned to the throne room constantly, but she doesn’t want to right now.

“Princess Azula,” Ozai stated once she entered the room and didn’t wait until she bowed. “Your behavior has been unacceptable. Fire bending and shouts littering the halls of our home! Not only that, you are neglecting your duties! What do you have to say for yourself?”

“Forgive me, Fire Lord Ozai.” Azula tried to keep her composure. “My behavior has been unacceptable.”

“Hmph. If you were anyone else you would have been severely punished, but since you took care of your traitor of a brother then I will me merciful and let you off with a warning. Now leave my sight until I found use for your.”

Azula bowed and quickly left her father’s throne room. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Zuko’s spirit. ‘Wow, even father can’t stand you!’

Iroh has been held at sword point at least six times since he’s last seen Zuko. It’s not the most amount of times he’s been held up in suck a short amount of time. Chief Hakoda and Bato find it amusing. 

They had come in contact with one of the parents of Avatar Aang’s friend. The man’s name is Tyro and he’s an earth bender, and he didn’t appreciate being held captive on a rig by Iroh’s nation.

“I’m surprised that the Water Tribe decided to team up with the Dragon of the West. The older brother of the current fire lord is going against his family,” Tyro observed. “I guess there is no loyalty in family. I should have known, since the fire princess killed her brother.”

Iroh’s lip twitched at the obvious bait at the mention of his nephew but he wasn’t a high ranking general for nothing. “Indeed. It’s a shame when not even family can be trusted.”

The two water tribe natives awkwardly watched as the two older men had a battle of words. Bato leaned over to his longtime friend. “I have a feeling they are plotting the other’s death.”

Hakoda nodded. He knew that there would be hesitant due to the fact the Dragon of the West joined their cause. Many have tried to kill the older man and spat on him. They knew of his achievements in battle and his ruthlessness to those that opposed him.

“Hopefully we will be able to get out of this situation with some more allies,” the Southern Water Tribe chief sighed. “Maybe we should leave Iroh on the boat.”

Zuko was meditating by the Avatar’s sky bison. His uncle had always told him that the best time to meditate was when the sun rose in the morning and at noon when the sun was at it’s highest .

“Did you enjoy my gift?” Yum asked as he appeared next to the scarred prince. “Tui showed me how to send rocks from space to earth! It’s like I’m an earth bender!”

“I though you were supposed to be a water bender,” Zuko replied. “You know, being the moon spirit and all… Wait a minute, how are you here when the sun is up?”

“Normally, yes. However, but that space rock is connected to my spiritual powers so I can visit, but only a little bit.” Yue smiled at him. “How are your spirit abilities coming along?”

“I got seventy sick due to my people getting sick from a polluted river, I lost control and killed someone, and I keeping having the universe trying to kill me,” Zuko ranted. “So take a guess.”

“You sound like you need some help. I might not be a fire bender, but I can teach you how to control it. Besides, we’re basically siblings!” Zuko huffed a laugh.

“I guess in a way we are. So, how are we doing this?”

Yue grinned and took her spirit brother’s hand in hers. They couldn’t be too far away from the space rock because of the spiritual powers emitting from it.

“I’ve never trained someone before! Is this what Master Pakku felt like?” Yue stopped talking before she squared her shoulders. “‘I am a master water bender and friends with the water tribe chief! Even if my facial hair is dumb!’”

The scarred fire bender chuckled. “They way the others talk about you made you sound super serious.”

The apprentice moon spirit give a small a small smile. “I was a water tribe princess. Now that I’m a spirit I can do things I could never do before!”

“Sounds nice,” Zuko smiled. “I think you would have been friends with Toph. She understands the excitement of being a noble.”

“I love my people, but I would’ve liked more freedom. I wanted to marry for love, not obligation. Where you in an arranged marriage?” Zuko nodded before mumbling that the engagement ended when he was banished. “I was engaged to someone who only cared for power, and not for me.”

“Sounds like he missed out. I think you’re pretty awesome,” Zuko stated. The former princess smiled in response. Who knew that she would’ve found her closest friend in the Fire Nation prince?

Chapter Text

Zuko stood off to the side of the space rock as he listened to Yue explain how to channel the flow of spiritual energy, and hold it without having it explode outwards. “Tui told me that spiritual energy is like bending. You have to feel the energy in your body and pull at it.”

The teen nodded and reached down into his inner flame, however, it felt different than before. The inner flame felt lighter and brighter than it used to. It felt familiar. Like the flames that are around when Agni is near. The flames that are filled with happiness.

He could feel the energy that had intertwined with his inner flame as it slowly made It flow through not only his chi paths, but through his veins. As he focused on controlling the flowing energy, he became lost In his surroundings.

“Hey, Zuko!”

“Ah!” The smooth flowing energy burst out of the scarred fire bender, causing a semi-large explosion.

“Zuko!” His vision was blurry from being thrown back a few feet. Three figures stood over him as he felt the burn marks from the explosions start to cool down and become less painful.

“You always did have a way of losing yourself when it comes to your inner flame, little turtleduck,” Agni laughed in response at his chosen’s mishap. “I would have thought Iroh would have helped you with that slight set back.”

“Besides some superficial injures, Zuko’s fine.” The two youngest breathed a sigh of relief.

“Did you need something , Aang?” Zuko asked as he pushed himself off the ground.

“Yeah! Sokka’s back!” Zuko nodded at the other’s excitement and walked slowly back to camp.

“Hey Zuko! I need some help!” Sokka explained how he wanted to use the space rock to make a sword. Zuko smiled and patted the non-bender on the back.

“Congratulations. It seems that Master Piandao deems you worthy for sword training.” Sokka nodded happily and told them all about his training as they walked back to the mansion. Of course, since Zuko was ‘dead’, he wore a hood over his head to hid his identity.

“Who’s this?” Zuko tensed up as he heard a familiar voice.

“Oh! These are my friends! Just other good Fire Nation folks!” The others waved while Zuko placed his fist against his open palm and bowed. Piandao looked at all of them briefly before his eyes fell on the former prince. The older man’s stare unnerved the others but Zuko stood tall.

“Do you think we can make a sword out of meteorite?”

“We’ll make a sword unlike any other in the world.” Sokka smiled and they all walked in.

…

“A word,” Piandao stated as the others were near Sokka as the moon rose in the sky. Zuko was hesitant but followed the older swordsman. They walked towards a cliff that overlooked a gorgeous valley. A cliff and valley that he spent so much time at.

Piandao stopped and turned towards Zuko. “Will you not remove your hood?”

“I’d rather not,” Zuko stated.

“Very well. Now would you like to hear a story?” Piandao stood with his back towards Zuko and he didn’t wait for an answer before starting his story. “I had a student. He was promising and I was friends with his father. One day, my student came to me and begged for me to take in his cousin, who he thought of as his younger brother, as a student.”

Zuko swallowed a lump that formed in his throat.

“I was hesitant at first, until I met the child. He was as skittish as an owlcat. He had no self worth at all. Was thought to be weak due to his bending, but when it came to his swordsmanship he was a prodigy. He easily surpassed my student. As time went by, just like the child’s cousin, I came to care for the boy like he was my own family.” Piandao clenched his trembling hands as he refused to look at Zuko.

“I was horrified when I heard that the boy was burned and banished. Horrified… but proud. Proud that he stood up for his people. However, I knew he was alive then. Now, I heard that the boy’s own sister killed him. Normally I wouldn’t have believed it, but no one has ever survived a direct lightning bolt to the heart.”

“Why are you telling me this?” The scarred prince’s voice was raspy.

“Because I need to know.” The master swordsman turned around with the moon that is at it’s highest point in the sky illuminating him. “Are you who I think you are? Are the boy who I promised Prince Lu Ten that I would teach how to sword fight? Are you Prince Zuko?”

Silence engulfed those two as Zuko removed his hood, revealing the definable scare that half of his face bore. His former master took in a sharp breath. The scarred and formerly thought dead prince smiled sadly.

“I am Prince Zuko.”

Ozai had hated his son ever since he was born. If it wasn’t for his weak father taking pity on Avatar Roku’s granddaughter then he would have been rid of the disappointment. Azula was the superior heir. She was as blood thirsty and cruel as him. If only she had been born first, then the Avatar would be dead. Oh well, at least now his joke of a son is dead.

“My Lord? You wished to speak to me?” A trembling general bowed.

“Yes, gather the other generals so that I can reveal the plans for Sozin’s comet. Now leave!” The general scrambled to his feet and made his way out of the throne room. The Fire Lord smirked. Soon the world would be his and Zuko’s death would have been for nothing.

Agni clenched his fists in anger as he watched the current Fire Lord celebrate his chosen’s supposed death. That was his son and yet the boy meant nothing to him. He wanted to kill Zuko the second he was born.

“Dammit!“ Agni yelled and blasted a fire ball at his one way mirror to the human world.

“Anger is not good for you, you know,” Prithvi sighed as she stood behind the sun spirit.

“That boy has been through so much,” Agni sighed and looked at the earth spirit. Prithvi smiled at the spirit.

“Human’s are always growing and changing. Even the strongest of mountains have braced the horrible onslaught of storms.”

“You sound like my current self’s father. He was always speaking in proverbs. My current chosen has a hard time understanding them.” Prithvi laughed and shook her head.

“Smart man.” Agni grinned at the earth spirit.

“He is indeed.”

“I am Prince Zuko.” Piandao was an old man. Maybe not as old as Iroh, Jeong Jeong, or Pakku, but he was still old. He never settled down with a woman and had a child. At least, a biological child. He considered his pupils as his own. That’s why he was so picky with them. The last pupil he had before Sokka was Prince Zuko.

Piandao had written to General Iroh about the rumors that the boy had died, yet the Grandmaster of the Order of the White Lotus never responded. That was basically confirmation enough for the old sword master. Iroh loved Zuko like he was his own, so his death must have taken a toll on the former crown prince.

Yet, here is Prince Zuko.

“Master Piandao?” The sword master was snapped out of his inner thoughts from Zuko’s voice. The scarred prince wasn’t able to say anything before Piandao engulfed the boy into a hug.

Zuko froze at the sudden contact. Yes, he was still getting used to the GAang’s overly affectionate ways, but to be hugged by someone he thought was invincible is another thing entirely.

“You foolish boy,” Piandao said into the teen’s hair. “You foolish and strong boy. You’ve made me so proud, but how? No one has survived a direct lightning bolt to the heart before!”

“It’s…a long story…” Zuko rubbed the back of his neck, a habit he has since before he was Piandao’s student. The non-bender smiled.

“I’ll have Fat make us some tea then.”

“Ugh!” Zuko rolled his eyes. “What’s with old masters liking tea so much?”

Piandao chuckled and patted the former prince on his back. Somethings never change.

…

“Sokka, when you first arrived, you were so unsure.” Piandao shot a glance at his former pupil trying to keep a neutral face since he was once where Sokka sat. “You even seemed down on yourself, but I saw something in you right away. I saw a heart as strong as a lion turtle and twice as big, and as we trained, it wasn’t your skills that impressed me. No, it certainly wasn’t your skills. You showed something beyond that. Creativity, versatility, intelligence. These are the traits that define a great swordsman, and these are the traits that define you. You told me you didn’t know if you were worthy.”

Zuko gave a sad smile. Sokka and he were too similar now that he thought about it.

“But I believe that you are more worthy than any man that has thought themselves a master.” Sokka looked down in shame.

“I’m sorry, master. You’re wrong. I am not worthy.” Piandao looked at the young boy. “I’m not who you think I am. I’m not from the Fire Nation. I’m from the Southern Water Tribe. I lied so that I could learn swordsmanship from you. I’m sorry.”

Piandao made eye contact with the Fire Nation native behind Sokka, and Zuko gave a slight nod in response. “I’m sorry, too.”

He grabbed the sword that he had hidden on his person and slashed at the boy. The time for the final exam has begun.

Chapter Text

Zuko knew this was coming since last night. Piandao was known for his unorthodox final exams and that was one of the things that they had talked about last night. He did ask what exactly what Piandao had planned for the exam, because he didn’t want his friends to attack his former master.

“No! This is my fight alone!”

The scarred prince smiled as he knew that his friend had grown in the last two days. He has become more confident and his movements more fluid. The sounds of metal clashing against metal became an unspoken argument. While Sokka wasn’t winning the fight, he was holding his own. Piandao seemed to notice this as well.

“Using your superior agility against an older opponent. Smart.” To be complimented by Piandao means that Sokka must be really impressing the older man. The swordsman ended up chasing the teen into the bamboo and Zuko smirked with glee. He was correct, this is quite entertaining.

However, all things must come to an end. While Zuko’s friend was good, he didn’t have much experience compared to the older non-bender. The others saw that Sokka needed help and jumped up to protect him from Piandao, but Zuko just walked down the stairs at his usual pace.

“I knew from the beginning that Sokka was Water Tribe. You might want to think of a better Fire Nation cover name. Try ‘Lee’. There’s a million Lees.”

“But that Zuko’s cover-“ The blind earth bender elbowed the young Avatar in his side to get him to stop talking. They didn’t know that the swordsman already knew who he was.

“But why would you agree to train someone from the water tribe?” Katara asked.

“‘The way of the sword doesn’t belong to any one nation,’” Zuko quoted his former master. Piandao smiled and nodded in agreement.

“Knowledge of the arts belong to us all.”  He held out Sokka’s sword. “Sokka, you must continue your training on your own. If you stay on this path, I know that one day you will become a great master.”

Sokka bowed with a smile adoring his face.

“Both you and Prince Zuko are now brothers in arms. Look out for each other and always trust each other.”

“Wait,” Sokka said and turned to the fire bender. “You studied under Master Piandao?!”

“I told you that.”

“No! You said that you knew him!”

“How else would I know him?!” Piandao watched as his two former pupils started bickering with each other. Brothers indeed.

Iroh sat in the sun as he meditated. The invasion force was coming along nicely and they were busier then ever, but the former general still took time to return to the basics.

“You seem more stressed as of late.” A golden eye opened and caught a glimpse of the Water Tribe Chief.

“You would be too if you were the one worrying about my nephew.” Hakoda informed the Dragon of the West that Zuko would be safe with his children. “I am not worried about that. I am worried about what will happen once Ozai is defeated.”

“Oh, yes,” Hakoda mused. “Your plans to have Zuko take the throne. Are you sure that is wise? I mean, he is still a young boy.”

“That is exactly why he needs to be put on the throne. I know my nephew is young but he has been through many hardships. He has seen first hand the suffering that our family has caused. He understands the pain.” Iroh wished it wasn’t true but Zuko was dealt a horrible hand in life. At least Zuko can be the Fire Lord the nation needs.

Zuko winced when he saw Katara get knocked over by one of Toph’s attacks that was meant for Aang. The fire bender sat next to Sokka as he planned their route after stopping to get supplies. At the fire bender’s wince, the non-bender looked up from the maps.

“Oh no… not again.”

“This happens often?” The former prince raised an eyebrow. Sokka nodded and explained that both of the girls are on completely different sides of the personality scale. That they get along must of the time, but when they get into it… that’s when you run. “What do we do then?”

Sokka smirked before running towards a blindfolded Aang. Zuko huffed out a laugh when Aang blocked his friend with a boulder. He really couldn’t believe that this group gave him such difficulties.

“Hey, Zuko!” Aang smiled when he noticed the older teen walking towards them. Zuko nodded as a greeting before motioning towards the two females.

“How long should we let them continue this?” Aang shrugged before making his way to the fighting female benders.

“Uh, guys, I thought we were supposed to be training me.” At least they looked embarrassed as their scrabble stopped.

“While Katara cleans up, let’s go have some fun!” Toph exclaimed as she bent the mud off of her. The other two yelled in excitement and Zuko just nodded, because leaving those three alone will only lead to trouble.

…

“Look at all those messenger hawks,” Sokka pointed out. “You know, I’ve been thinking about getting one myself! That way, I wouldn’t have to talk to anyone. I could just send them messages.”

“Messenger hawks are both expensive and take a lot of work to care for,” Zuko explained as he gave some fire flakes to a hawk that was off to the side. The hawk squawked in excitement before happily pecked at the fire bender’s hand.

“Why is it, whenever we come to a town, you can sniff out fire flakes like a polar bear dog?” Sokka asked.

“I was on a ship for three years without food from home. If I want fire flakes then I will get fire flakes,” the older teen huffed.

“So, guys, what are we gonna get with our last silver piece?”

“I would recommend saving-“

“We can get more money.” Toph caught their attention. She panted over to some men gambling and Zuko raised an eyebrow. “This is where you see people are at a disadvantage. Everyone guesses wrong because the dealer moves the rock at the last minute, but I can feel it with my earth bending.”

“So you what to hustle the hustler. I’m in.” Toph grinned and punched her fellow noble in his arm. If Zuko was okay with it then the others will come around.

“You there,” the hustler called out to the group. “Want to play a friendly game?”

“How could I possibly play? I’m blind.” Hook. Line. Sinker. The man fell for the act. The man congratulated Toph during the first ‘game’, and offered to make the game more interesting. He wanted Sokka’s sword as a bet, while the non-bender started to protest, Toph offered it up for double.

“Sorry little lady-“ The man gasped in shock and before he could react, the group grabbed their winnings and ran away as far as possible.

“That was amazing!” Zuko grinned with glee.

“While this was fun,” Aang piped up. “We need to head back to camp. Sokka nodded in agreement while stating they should also stock up on supplies.

…

“Where did you guys get the money to buy all this stuff?” Katara asked as she cooked lunch.

“Toph got us money!” Aang explained. “She scammed one of those guys in town who moves shells around all sneaky-like.”

“She used earth bending to win the game! Classic!” Zuko noticed Katara growing annoyed as the others told her what happened. He would gave thought time would have calmed both of their tempers, but Zuko should have known better with his luck.

“I’m just saying, this isn’t something we should make a habit of doing,” the water bender said. “And Zuko! Why didn’t you stop them?!”

“Sparky can’t tell me what to do!” Toph yelled while Zuko stepped back. He knew better then to get in the middle. Aang probably didn’t know because he made an ‘Avatar Promise’ to not to do scams.

That meant nothing apparently, because the next thing Zuko knew they were back up town scamming street gamblers. Should he stop this because he was scamming his people? Sure, but in his defense his people were cheating first.

“I think we should take a break from scamming people on the street,” Zuko mumbled with a mouth full of sashimi. “We’ll get caught and no one will allow us to play.”

“Don’t tell me you’re mouse-chickening out!” Toph grunted as she stabbed her food with some chopsticks.

“I didn’t. How would you feel about scamming some nobles?” His little earth bending sister grinned and punched the teen in his arm again.

“I knew I liked you for a reason, Sparky!” It didn’t take much to convince Sokka and Aang to scam a noble. In fact, it was pretty easy. Sokka agreed to play the guard that the noble will bribe, Toph is the ‘injured’, and both Aang and Zuko will switch out during the next scam. Well, that’s if there is a next one due to how much Sokka was able to extort, or depending If Katara will let them continue.

“Guys, I think these scams have gone on far enough. If you keep doing them, something bad is gonna happen!”

“Only if you get caught,” the former prince grumbled. The water bender glared at him.

“Sparky’s right! Could you for once stop being such a sourpuss and just lighten up?” Dear Agni, please set the rest of him on fire. This is gonna be a disaster.

“Ah, I see!” Oh no. “You’re acting like this because of your parents!”

Maybe Prithvi could swallow him up in the earth? Or Tui and La could do moon and ocean magic. Maybe Vayu could create a strong gust to blow him off the cliff. Anything.

“They were controlling over you, so you ran away, and now you act like your parents don’t exist!” Katara analyzed. “You act like you have them, but you don’t. You just feel guilty.”

“I do hate them!”

“I don’t think you do. I think you miss them, but you just don’t want to deal with that, so instead, you act like this crazy person.” Toph’s face contorted into a scowl. The blind earth bender had enough to of Katara nagging and decided to leave.

“Katara, you took it too far,” Zuko said and got to his feet.

“Oh, so you’re taking her side?!” Katara snapped at the teen.

“I’m not taking anyone’s side!” He snapped. “We all participated, not just Toph. You bringing her parents into this is a low blow and you know it! I’m going to talk to Toph and calm both of us down.”

Zuko left the rest of the group to go and find Toph. The young earth bender went over to the wall of rock and made herself an earth tent. He knocked on a side of the earth to signal that he was there.

“You don’t have to knock. I could sense that you were coming,” she mumbled, reminding the scarred prince that while Toph was a master bender, she was also still a child.

“It’s nice to have privacy,” he sighed. “We were all in the wrong. We shouldn’t have continued, and Katara shouldn’t have said what she said.”

“It’s just-ugh! She doesn’t understand! She never had parents who hid her existence! Who thought that if she so as much stepped wrong then she would fall apart! Who would have married her off to some other noble who would treat her the same! I just… why didn’t they get to know me? Why couldn’t they see what I was going through!”

Zuko placed his hand on Toph’s head in response. “They missed out on knowing a pretty great girl. They missed out on knowing someone who didn’t let her blindness set her back. Who, out of pure stubbornness, created a bender style that let her bend one of the things that would hinder other earth benders.”

“You think I’m great?” Toph asked, causing Zuko to huff out a laugh.

“I think you’re pretty great.”

“Thanks, Sparky.”

“Anytime.”

Chapter Text

Toph and Zuko were counting all of their winnings when Sokka returned with a messenger hawk riding on his shoulders. “Toph, when I was in town, I found something that you’re not gonna like.”

“Shit,” Zuko hissed.

“Well, it sounds like a sheet of paper.”

“It’s a wanted poster,” Sokka explained. “Of you! They’ve nicknamed you ‘The Runaway”.”

“A wanted poster? That’s so great. The Runaway. I love my new nickname! Is there a picture of me? Does it look good?” She snatched it from the non-bender and shoved it in her fire bender’s face. “Tell me what it looks like!”

“It…” Zuko paused. “It captures you pretty well.”

“Toph, you’re missing the point,” Sokka sighed. “Maybe Katara was right. These scams are drawing too much attention to us.”

“Don’t be such a worrywart like your sister. Think of it this way. Now you have plenty of money to help with the invasion plan.” Now that he thought about it, Toph was like his actual sister, just with less murder intent. Due to this, Sokka fell for it. How can the non-bender be smart with plans, but can he be so easily fooled? He was obviously being bribed.

Toph left the two older teens in a confused state until Katara and Aang walked up. While Sokka told them about his bird, Zuko went after Toph.

“’Sup, Sparky!” Toph greeted.

“Toph, we really need to talk about this.”

“What’s there to talk about?” The young girl was growing more agitated by the second. “There is nothing to worry about! Its just a little wanted poster! It’ll be gone in a few days!”

“Not in the Fire Nation!” The scarred fire bender snapped. “There are still wanted posters of criminals that were active during Sozin’s reign! My nation knows how to hold a grudge, no matter how small!”

“Stop being like Sugar Queen! You can’t tell me what to do!”

“Toph, I’m just trying to protect you!”

“I don’t need your or anyone else’s protection! Now leave me alone!” With that, the master earth bender threw a rock at Zuko in order to separate them. The teen was able to dodge the projectile and stared at the young girl. His face contorted into a scowl before storming off.

Katara watched with confusion adorning her features as Zuko stormed off. She was about to go after the fire bender, but her brother grabbed her shoulder.

“Let him be. It’s better to let him calm down.” The water bender looked uncertain but finally relented. She decided to continue making lunch as she has been getting to distracted to actually finish it. This is the longest she took to cook because of all of this. Although, her mind was elsewhere. She knew there was something that is being kept from her.

Katara was so busy in her head, that she didn’t notice her brother leaving camp again.

“Where’s Sokka? I need to talk to him.” Zuko inquired as he walked up next to her. She looked around their campsite before realizing her brother went into town again.

“Ugh! Why does it seem I’m the last to know about everything here?!” Zuko stared as the master of his opposite element ranted about secrets and that they should trust each other. He let her rant and rave until she felt satisfied enough to be a functioning human.

“You feel better?” Katara nodded and thanked Zuko for letting her express her frustrations. “Anytime. Sometimes we all need someone to listen to us.”

“Speaking of,” Katara piped up. “Are you okay? I saw Toph and you get into a fight. You guys never fight!”

Zuko grimaced and sighed. “Toph… I understand her. She believes people think her weak due to her blindness, so when someone wants to help her she thinks that they are looking down at her. She thinks that others pity her, and she doesn’t want their pity.”

“Why would she think that we pity her?” Katara asked. “She’s an important member of the group!”

“Years of being made to feel useless doesn’t go away overnight.”

“So, you got into a fight over that?”

“I want her to be safe, and she didn’t like it.” Katara nodded in understanding. “Thanks for listening to my rambling. I’ll get out of your hair. I’ll help clean up afterwards.”

With that, the former prince stood up and went over to do some katas Although, those weren’t like any of his usual ones. Oh well. Fire bending is still new to her, so she thought nothing of it.

…

“Well, look who decided to join us. Where have you two been?” Katara huffed. She glanced at Zuko to notice that his face had a mix of betrayal and anger. Most likely because they left him. “Off scamming again?”

“Yes, we were.”

“And I suppose you don’t think what you’ve doing is dangerous at all?” Toph’s face was unreadable. She looked guilty and upset, yet she didn’t say anything.

“No, I don’t.”

“Really?”

“Yes, really.”

“Well then, what’s this?” Katara pulled out a scroll she found while searching for “dirty clothes”. She was totally not snooping. Nope. Not her.

“I don’t know! Toph exclaimed. “I mean, seriously, what’s wrong with you people? I’m blind!”

“Trying to save herself from embarrassment, the water bender explained to the blind girl. “It’s a wanted poster of you. The Runaway. Is that what you’re called now? Is that why you and Zuko were fighting? Are you proud of this?”

“Where did you get that?!”

“It doesn’t matter where I got it. The fact is-“

“You went through my stuff! You had no right!”

“Your stuff was messy, and I was just straightening up, and I happened to stumble across it.” Katara must have forgotten that Toph is a human lie detector because the earth bender yelled that she was lying. “Fine! It’s a lie, but you’ve been so out of control lately! I knew something was up! I knew you were hiding something, and you were!”

Toph ripped the poster out of Katara’s hand and went to walk away with the older girl yelling to not walk away from her. Toph didn’t like that and tormented Katara.

The three boys watched awkwardly as the two females continued to argue.

“You think it’s your job to boss everyone around, but it’s not! You’re just a regular kid like the rest of us, so stop acting like you can tell me what to do! I can do whatever I want!” Katara glared at the younger girl. She looked over at the boys and asked if it was true. The boys wanted nothing to do with this. “I can’t be around you right now!”

“Well. I can’t be around you!”

Zuko moved his spirit energy around his body as easily as breathing. The energy was intertwining with his inner flame. He could feel his chi paths pulsing with each breath he took. In fact, he could feel outside chi all around him swirling and twisting around every living thing. It was weird, yet not unwelcome. Nothing could break his concentration, well, that was until…

“I know this is from you, Sokka!” Katara yelled. “Toph can’t write!”

The fire bender sighed in annoyance. Why did he have trouble catching them again? Whatever. This was between Toph and Katara, although the noise was getting to him. So, scarred teen opened his eyes and nearly yelled in shock when he saw the wind spirit, Vayu, staring at him.

“I see you are learning about your spiritual energies early. Good, that gives us less work to do once you have permanent residence in the spirit world.” Zuko continued to look at the spirit with a dumbfounded look. “Hello? I really hope I didn’t break you or Agni will kill me. Wait, can spirits kill other spirits? I don’t have someone to take my place! Oh me. Where is La when you need her-“

“No, you don’t need to do that.” Zuko snapped out of his shocked state. “I just wasn’t expecting you.”

“No one ever does!” That snapped Vayu out of his muttering state. “So, you might want to know why I appear now! Well-“

“Zuko! You aren’t going to believe this!” Aang ran up towards his new friend. “Katara agreed to do a scam with Toph!”

Zuko looked at the Avatar like he grew a second head. “Are we talking about the same Katara here? The one, who has told us all day, that scams are dangerous? That Katara?”

“Yes,” Aang huffed. “How man Katara’s do you know?!”

“How many do you know?”

“Well, our Katara agreed! In fact, she suggested it! They are planning to give Toph up tomorrow!” Zuko’s mouth dropped in shock, before his face became red in anger.

“I told Toph that the Fire Nation criminal system is not a joke!” Aang grabbed the fire bender before he went after the two girls.

“Wait! Toph and Katara are finally getting along! Just let them do this before we leave! I promise that I’ll keep an eye on them!” Dammit. Why don’t they ever listen to him? He knows how the Fire Nation prison works! He knows that Toph is a good earth bender, but that doesn’t mean that the Fire Nation will just roll over with their bellies up.

“Fine! Do what you want.” Zuko just wanted to be left alone. He didn’t want to deal with this right now.

…

“Zuko!” Sokka came running towards him the next day. Just like he predicted, something went wrong. “Toph and Katara haven’t come back yet! We need to find them!”

“I told Toph not to do it,” he muttered. Sokka groaned.

“You can tell them ‘I told you so’ when we find them! Now come on! Appa! You’re in charge!”

Zuko followed the two younger males towards the town. He was silent the whole way there because he heard someone following them. The question is who? And who sent them. Well, it doesn’t matter right now. What matters now is trying to get away from their pursuers.

“Look out!” Aang yelled and grabbed both Zuko and Sokka in order to hide them behind a statue of his father that was probably trying to compensate for something.

“Who’s that?!” Sokka asked. The man stared at them with a neutral face, and Zuko noticed the symbol on the man’s forehead.

“Shit.”

“What?” Aang asked.

“It’s Reezem. One of the nation best bounty hunters… and one of a few who can combustion bend. We need to find Toph and Katara. Now.” The fire bender grabbed the other two and pushed them away. “I’ll take care of him.”

“But-“ Sokka didn’t let Aang continue as he grabbed the Avatar.

“Now,” Zuko grunted as he got into a fire bending fighting stance. He left his Dual Dao at camp. “Let’s dance, Reezem.”

Reezem said nothing as he took a deep breath as to ready his attack. Zuko wouldn’t give him a chance. The prince blasted a ball of fire at the man as he wrapped his fists in flames. Zuko noticed that Reezem can’t fight in close combat, as his explosions would hurt him as well. So, what’s the best way of fighting in close combat? Why, fist fighting of course.

Zuko was glad that after he had been stabbed, one of the Wani’s crew members taught him out to fist fight. While Zuko learned how to fight ‘properly’ when he was a prince, that education won’t keep him alive in a fight to the death. No move is beneath you when it comes to your life.

Reezem dodged the blast and jumped off the rooftops in order to go after Sokka and Aang. Zuko ran in front of him to block him off and threw his flame covered fist towards Reezem’s face. Of course, since the bounty hunter was the other fist, but that was also caught. That left them at a stalemate, until Zuko smirked.

“Thank you for letting me win.” Reezem raised an eyebrow in confusion before realizing his mistake. It was too late for him to block Zuko’s next attack.

A swift kick to the nether regions.

Chapter Text

Azula was not going crazy. She wasn’t. Spirit Zuko us wrong. Zuko just couldn’t die properly! However, that’s beside the point. She needed to take care of the Avatar and his lackeys

“I’m surprised!” Spirit Zuko exclaimed with surprise. “The great Azula, the crown princess of the Fire Nation, has fallen so low that she hires a hit man to carry out her dirty work!”

“Shut up, Zuzu!” She snapped. As she fought with her dead brother, Reezem stared at the princess. Azula noticed him and glared. “You should be grateful that I need you to kill the Avatar instead of having you executed. Of course, I’ll pay you. Whatever you want.”

It was an easy enough job. A great bounty hunter like Reezem had no problem with killing, so he shouldn’t have too much of a problem.

Zuko quickly jumped out of the way in order to avoid a blast from the man’s head. How long did it take to find the local guard station? The station was huge, and it resided on the edge of town. Not even Toph could have missed it.

‘When this is over,’ Zuko thought as he dodged another blast. ‘I am making them all run laps from sunrise to sunset.’

Before Reezem could make another move, water went flying and hardened into ice around his head. Zuko’s eyes widen when the bounty hunter stumbled around. “Come on, Zuko!”

The fire prince didn’t need to be told twice and followed his friends back to their campsite. Toph had to bed a large chunk of earth to hold Reezem back. A piece of rock broke off and hit the bounty hunter in his weak spot. As a result, the man felt excruciating pain.

“When we get out of here,” Zuko hissed. “I am making your slow butts run.”

The others groaned in response.

Yue watched through Tui’s portal as her spirit brother dodges a blast from the bounty hunter. While she was impressed with Zuko’s combat skills, she was also worried for him. The apprentice Agni was reckless with his life, and it seemed that they other elemental spirits noticed this too.

“Yeah,” Tui muttered. “I can see why Agni picked the boy. Just as hot headed and impatient. Tell me why I agreed again…”

“Because when it comes to your brother, you are soft on him,” Yue explained. Tui looked at his apprentice and huffed. She was correct, but she didn’t need to answer.

“Hopefully, the elemental chosen are able to knock some sense into him. I just… I have a bad feeling about the future.”

“Oh? Yue was curious. “What do you mean?”

“The day of the black sun. I feel…uneasy the closer we get to it. Like something will happen to all life on the mortal world. “Yue’s brow furrowed in thought. Horrible for all life? Like what happened to the Air Nomads? This all leads to more questions than answers.

“Have you informed the elementals?”

“I have, but we can only do some much when it comes to the lives of mortals. Smaller spirits can do what the please. Us on the other hand? We must have mortal forms. If those forms die…” Tui paused, but Yue didn’t need him to continue. She knew well enough what happens when the elemental spirits mortal form dies.

“So, what do we do?”

“Hope that my feeling is wrong.”

“And if it isn’t?

“Only the Great Spirit will know.”

Yue pursed her lips. She had a feeling that Tui was withholding information from her, but she also knew that whatever is happening will most likely change the course of history.

Zuko’s eyes watered as he tried to keep his eyes open as the rest of the group slept peacefully. Ever since they landed on this island southwest of Caldera, he’s felt like he’s being watched. Not the whole group. Just him. Every movement he’s made, the forest stills. The others think him paranoid, but he’s not. Something, or someone, is watching him.

The Fire Nation teen stayed awake all night as the feeling stayed.

“Dang, Sparky!” Toph yawned as she sat up. “Did you even go to bed?”

“No.”

“Sparky, I told you! I can sense if there is anyone near us, and there isn’t! Not, go to sleep or I’ll pound you into the ground!” Zuko huffed with annoyance laced through his voice but obeyed the small earth bender. He still felt like he was being watched, but he trusted Toph and the others. Even if they are easily distracted.

…

When Zuko woke up from his nap, there was a note next to him that told him that the others had went into town. Grumbling, Zuko balled up the note and got up to find his friends. Why wasn’t he surprised that they had left him to go shopping?

“Young man?” A voice called out, startling the former prince.

“Yes? May I help you…?” An elderly woman stood a few paces away from him. She was holding a bag of groceries that she seemed to be struggling with. The hair on the back of his neck stood up slightly, but his manners that his mother, and his tutors, instilled into him wouldn’t let him let an old woman struggle. “May I help you with those groceries?”

“Oh, yes!” She smiled and handed the bag to him. “Thank you. My name is Hama.”

“Lee.” Zuko followed the older woman towards the inn that was settled on the edge of town. She opened the door and pointed towards the table in the kitchen. Hama’s eyes wouldn’t leave him as he maneuvered around the place.

“Thank you again. May I make you something for your troubles?” Zuko smiled awkwardly at her.

“Maybe later. I have to go and find my friends.” Hama’s brow slightly farrowed but her eerie smile didn’t budge an inch.

“That’s too bad,” she said. “Well, I hope you find your friends.”

That smile really creeped the banished Fire Nation prince out. It’s like she was staring into his soul. He really had to leave this inn before he drops dead.

“Have a good day,” Zuko mumbled and before she could answer, he all but ran out the door. He’ll just wait for the others at camp. He doesn’t want to deal with this. The others can keep calling him paranoid, but he had a feeling that woman isn’t who she acts like.

“There you are, Zuko!” Aang called out cheerfully. “We almost went looking for you!”

“I… went looking for you,” Zuko confessed as he plopped down on the ground next to Sokka.

“You alright, Sparky?” Toph asked. “Your heat’s beating super-fast.”

“It’s nothing.”

“Zuko-“

“I said its nothing! Just drop it!” The campfire flared up to where it almost touched the lowest tree branches. The others decided to leave the fire bender alone about that. So, they decided to change subjects.

“It’s almost noon,” Katara observed. “Zuko, when do you think you’ll start training Aang in fire bending?”

“The day of the black sun is in the two weeks, so I will teach Aang as much as I can,” the scarred teen explained. “He won’t be as strong as he is with the other elements, but he’ll be okay. I’ll start training him at dusk, but it’s not like he’ll need it during the invasion.”

“But wouldn’t it make more sense to train him when the sun is at its highest?”

“Aang, how did your first fire bending lesson turn out?” Zuko raised an eyebrow. Aang’s face became red, and he looked down in shame.

“I burned Katara.”

“By teaching you at dusk, your fire won’t be as strong, and I’ll be able to put it out if need be.” Aang nodded in understanding. So, that means the others can have you until then.”

Toph grinned evilly at the air bender. “Better get read twinkle toes!”

…

Aang was groaning in pain as he dragged himself back to the camp after an entire afternoon of earth and water bending training. Now, he had to get ready to start fire bending training. All he wanted was some dinner. Zuko had other plans.

“Do fifty hot squats.”

“But I just-“

“You won’t get dinner if you don’t,” Zuko explained as he shoved a spoonful into his mouth. “It’ll be better if you start now before dinner gets cold, because I won’t warm it up for you.”

Aang pouted before attempting to do a hot squat. The scarred prince swiped out the Avatar’s leg from under him. The boy fell onto his back, and he let out a grunt of pain.

“This reminds me of Jeong Jeong.”

“Jeong Jeong is a master. Now do them correctly.” What that, Zuko shoved another spoonful into his mouth.

“Dang,” Sokka chuckled. “And I thought Toph was hard on him.”

“He needs to learn- Just because I’m talking to Sokka doesn’t mean I can’t see you not doing them correctly! Restart! Anyway, he needs to learn that he needs absolute control,” Zuko explained. “Every warmup. Every kata. One wrong move could mean getting yourself and someone else burned.”

“Aren’t you being a little harsh?” Katara asks. The scarred prince chuckled darkly.

“Compared to my tutors, I’m being super kind.” Silence took over the camp for a few moments before Sokka decided to change the subject.

“Who wants to tell scary stories?!” Okay, his change of subjects was a little random, but it was better than awkward silence.

“I do!” Aang cheered. Zuko decided to let this distraction go this time because he didn’t want to answer any questions. Since Sokka was the one who suggested it, he would go first. The first story he told was pretty good, but the second…

“Suddenly, they heard something down the hall, in the dark. Ooh~! It came into the torchlight, and they knew the blade of wing-fun was haunted!” Sokka stood up with his sword and continued to make spooky sounds.

Aang, who seemed to lose all of his excitement, mumbled about how much he liked the first story better. Toph was no better and made commentary about water tribe slumber parties.

“Let’s see Zuko tell a better story!” Sokka exclaimed and pointed at the former prince.

“Why me? I didn’t even say anything!”

“I want to hear some Fire Nation scary stories!”

“My whole life is a Fire Nation scary story,” Zuko muttered. “Fine. I’ll tell you the story of Fire Lord Zairu. He’s known as the damned Fire Lord because of what happened.”

The group became quiet as they listened.

“Zairu wasn’t the most pleasant of people, but the people of the Fire Nation loved him. Their love for him would come to backfire horribly,” Zuko told them as he kept his eyes on the fire in front of him. “Many servants had worked under him, and no one ever questioned it. Zairu was obsessed with immortality so that he couldn’t age, and , in his mind, he found it.”

“In his mind?” Katara whispered.

Zuko nodded. “He believed that by using the blood that flowed through those blessed by Agni’s flames that he will be like a spirit. The blood of servants who were able to fire bend was what he decided to use. Zairu would torture them. Denying the people who loyally served him a glimpse of the sun. Those who survived the whipping, cutting, hand crushing, and element denial would be those he used. Zairu drained the survivors of their blood and bathed in it.”

Aang looked like he was going to be sick, the water tribe siblings gripped each other’s hands tightly, and Toph scooted a little hit closer to Zuko.

“The blood bathing happened for many years, and Agni grew angry. Having someone hurt his children was a crime itself, but for it to be someone who came from a line that was blessed by him? That was blasphemy, so the sun spirit took it into his own hands. The sun went dim, and it froze everywhere. The Fire Nation experienced snow, the salty waters that surrounded all bodies of land froze over.” A rustling of some bushes made the group jump in fear.

“That’s when the Dragons intervened. They invaded the nation of their fellow benders in order to find Zairu. Once they found him, they ripped him to shreds. Blood covered the snow buried islands.” Zuko was finished and looked up at the trembling group. They seemed to be ready for the twist, but Zuko didn’t have one.

“What happened then?” Sokka whispered.

“That’s it. Zairu’s first born took his place on the dragon throne,” Zuko explained with his head tilted.

“Boo!” Toph put her thumbs down. “Katara, trying and save the time that we wasted!”

“Fine by me!”

Chapter Text

“This is a true Southern Water Tribe story,” Katara whispered. Sokka sighed and asked her if it is one of those ‘I know a guy, who knows a guy’ story. “No, it happened to mom. One winter, when mom was a girl a snowstorm buried the whole village for weeks. A month later, mom realized she hadn’t seen her friend Nini since the storm. So, mom and some others went to check on Nini’s family. When they got there, no one was home. Just a fire flickering in the fireplace. While the men went out to search, mom stayed in the house. When she was alone, she heard a voice! ‘It’s so cold, and I can’t get warm!’ Mom turned and saw Nini standing by the fire. She was blue, like she was frozen. Mom ran outside for help, but when everyone came back, Nini was gone.”

Sokka was hiding behind a tree root, Toph was pinching Zuko’s shirt, the former fire prince was still staring into the flames, but he was more tense, and Aang was looking at Katara.

“No one knows what happened to her. Nini’s house stands empty to this day, but sometimes, people see smoke coming up from the chimney. It’s like Nini’s still trying to get warm…”

“Wait!” Toph gasped. “Guys, did you hear that?!”

Aang, Sokka, and Katara ran to Zuko. They were looking at Zuko to protect them, while said protector felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. They were being watched again.

“I hear people under the mountain, and they’re screaming,” Toph whispered. Sokka tried to act like nothing was wrong, but he didn’t let go of Zuko. “No, I’m serious. I hear something.”

“You’re probably just jumpy from the ghost stories.”

“It just stopped…” Aang gulped at his earth bending teacher’s voice. He admitted to being scarred.

“Hello, children.” Zuko’s whole body tensed up. That voice belongs to the older woman he helped out. What was she doing this far away from her inn? He didn’t get to ask because everyone grabbed on to him again. “Sorry to frighten you my name is- Oh? Hello again, Lee.”

“Hi Hama,” the Fire Nation native mumbled. “What are you doing so far away from your inn?”

“I heard voices, so I came to investigate. You children shouldn’t be out in the forest by yourselves at night,” Hama warned. “I have an inn nearby, why don’t you come back there for some spiced tea and warm beds?”

Zuko was about to decline the offer when Sokka agreed to it. Hama looked at the teenage fire bender with a large smile and left to lead the group to her inn.

“Sokka,” Zuko grabbed the non-bender’s arm. “Be on your guard. Hama gives me an uneasy feeling.”

“She’s just a harmless old woman,” Sokka snorted. “Now come one, I want to sleep in an actual bed.”

Zuko scowled as he watched his friends follow the suspicious old woman. Why aren’t they taking him seriously? He started noticing this when they were doing scams. They don’t take his suggestions seriously. They just write him off as him being paranoid. They don’t listen to his concerns.

‘Why does this bother me?’ Zuko thought. ‘I’m used to being ignored so why…?’

He shook his head and followed them to Hama’s inn. The old woman showed the others to their rooms, leaving him alone with her. She explained that the only room left would be the one next to hers. Zuko decided to keep his protests to himself and just nodded his thanks. Once the door close, Zuko slid down it to the floor.

“Dammit…” The feeling came back full force, however, the feeling changed into something dark. It reminded Zuko of the time he was near an Earth Kingdom soldier who attacked his crew. The hatred and killing intent were something that he could never forget.

The window was covered with curtains, so no one could see him. He wanted to sleep but his nerves wouldn’t let him.

…

The first thing Sokka said to Zuko in the morning that he looked awful. He wasn’t wrong. His already pale skin was even paler. If it wasn’t for the bandage covering half of his face than his scar would’ve stuck out even more. The bags under his eyes could rival the bags the Fire Nation women carry. Even his scar from his sister’s lightening decided to kick him when he was already down.

“I know,” he grunted as he followed the rest to go shopping. Katara and Hama got along like a flame to coal.

“You won’t have any ash bananas till next week?” Zuko stopped in his tracks as he listened to the two men.

“Well, I have to send the boy to Hing-Wa Island to get them, and it’s a two-day trip,” the merchant explained.

“Oh, right. Tomorrow’s the full moon.” Full moon? Is that what Hama was talking about last night?

“Exactly, I can’t lose another delivery boy-“

“Excuse me?” The two men looked up at Zuko. “What is this about disappearances?”

“You must not be from around here. Whenever the full moon arrives, people out of their homes at night disappear. It’s been happening for years,” the merchant explained.

“Lee!” Hama called out. “Come on! I need you guys to return to the inn. I just have to run a couple more errands.”

Zuko decided to listen to the old inn keeper and went with his friends to drop off the groceries. Sokka and Aang were stating theories about why the spirits are angry with the village.

“Don’t trust who the moon touches…” His head snaps to the side and his eyes widen when he saw a transparent Dragon Bird spirit. Before Zuko could say anything the spirit disappeared. Okay, why do spirits bother him more than Aang? The literal bridge between humans and spirits.

“That Hama seems a little strange,” Sokka commented once they retuned to the inn. Zuko’s eye twitched in anger.

“Oh? What happened to thinking that she’s a harmless old woman?”

Heat spread through the non-bender’s face. “She either knows something, or she’s hiding something.”

Katara frowned and hid them they were both paranoid. That Hama reminded her of her grandmother. The two Southern Water Tribe natives started to bicker until Sokka claims that he’s going to look around.

“Zuko!” Katara exclaimed. “Tell him to stop!”

“What am I supposed to do?” Zuko snapped. “None of you ever listen to me! I’ll say something then you guys ignore it!”

Katara glared at him before going after her brother. Aang looked between him and his water bending teacher, before deciding to go after her. Toph decided to follow the drama.

Zuko huffed out a puff a black smoke. He decided to leave the inn to go and see Appa. At least the flying bison listened to him.

Tui walked towards his brother in a hurry. How could he have been so blind? How could he not have noticed the bastardization of his gift to humans? Not only that, but its being used to hurt Agni’s children. Yes, his children are being misguided… Well, all of their children are being misguided by this century long war.

“Brother!” He called out as he burst into Agni’s place. The scorching heat he was met with told the moon spirit that his brother already knew about the situation. Fire ensnared the sun spirit in an inferno.

“I already know!” Agni roared. “It’s times like these I wish I could interfere with humans!”

“Brother, you must calm down!”

“I am calm!”

It was suffocating in there, yet Tui walked further in. “Agni, your chosen will hep the Avatar stop this woman. Doing this won’t help anyone, I promise.”

Agni knew Tui was right, but that doesn’t mean the spirit had to like it. Letting the inferno subsided, Agni summoned a chair so that he could plop down on.

Hopefully justice will happen soon.

Zuko rubbed the sky bison’s nose as he fed him a cabbage. Why are animals easier to talk to than humans? Appa, who seemed to understand his mood, muzzled against Zuko’s hand.

The calm he felt with Appa was destroyed when he heard a branch being stepped on. He motioned for Appa to hide before turning towards the sound. “Who’s there?”

He was met with silence and the setting sun didn’t help his uneasiness. He reached to the hidden knife that he kept on his waist as the bushes started to rustle. His eyes narrowed as he got into a fighting stance.

“Oh! Hello, Lee!” Hama gave him a wide smile that showed off too many teeth. “Your friends are worried for you! I offered to come and get you since you missed dinner.”

“Oh? He forced a smile at the older woman and walked with her towards her inn.

“Don’t trust who the moon touches…” His eyes caught a glimpse at the same Dragon Bird spirit that he saw on the edge of town.

“You know, Lee,” Hama started. “I’m from the Southern Water Tribe.”

‘Wait…’ Zuko’s eyes widened in shock as he connected the dots.

“So that’s why I can’t let you ashmakers get in the way,” she hissed as his body locked up. He tried to move his arms but doing so caused him extremely pain. Crying out in pain, Zuko lifted his head just enough to see Hama smirking.

“My friends will look for me,” he grunted as his body forced himself to the ground. Her already wide grin widened into something terrifying.

“You really think they would care for an ashmaker like you?” She hissed. Zuko glared at the old woman with every once of his anger pooled into it.

“They brought a monster back to his land; it would only be a matter of time before you betrayed them. Although, even if I was wrong and they do go after you… Well, they won’t be able to find you.”. She cackled as her fingers twitched, causing his body to stand up. With every step his body took, the pain he felt as he tried to fight back was horrible. By the time they reached her destination, he was exhausted.

“You… you won’t… get away with this…” he panted as his legs finally gave out on him. Zuko grunted as he fell face first into the ground.

“I’ve been doing this since before you were born, and I’ll continue to do this until I die. So, enjoy the other prisoner’s company because they’ll be the last people you’ll ever see.” To hammer in the fact, she took a large rock and swiftly swung it down on one of his hands.

“Ugh!” The pain was blinding. The fire bender felt his fingers crack underneath the force of the rock. He barely had a moments peace before the rock was lifted up and slammed it down again. The sound that was released from his lips could only be compared to a dying animal. Once she though his one hand was crushed enough. She started with his other hand. He tried to kick his legs, but his limbs wouldn’t obey him.

“Tui and La,” Hama panted. “This would have been so much easier if I had an earth bender.”

…

Zuko must have blacked out because the next time he opened his eyes he was changed to a cave wall by his arms. Using his last bit of strength, he lifted his head up, and he was greeted with the sight of others in the same position as him

“Hey, he’s awake,” a voice rasped from in the front of him. “Kid, how are you feeling?”

All the former prince did was grunt in response. He needed to save his energy to escape. He couldn’t fire bend, but he had to do something. He moved his head around and noticed that they were lit torches on the wall. ‘Wait… I could… Would it even work?’

“It’s not like you have any other option, Zuzu!” Great. Now his inner voice sounds like his younger sister. This day just couldn’t have gotten any better, could it?

Taking a deep breath, Zuko focused on both the lit torches and beat of his inner flame. Pulling at it, the energy flowed through his chi paths. Pooling all of his spiritual energy in his hands, the muscle tissue started to stitch itself back into place. The crushed finger bones crackled back into place.

“Wow…” One of the prisoners whispered in awe. The torch fires were pooling around the teen as his fingers fixed themselves. It was rumored that only Agni himself could use flames to fix severe injuries. Does that mean this kid…?

Due to all of the prisoners watching Zuko with awe, they didn’t notice that the metal door had been opened again. Unfortunately, Zuko’s bad luck decided to make its ugly appearance.

“My… My… What do we have here?” Zuko’s whole body froze up. Hama had returned and she grabbed his face between her sharp claw-like nails. “You know, your friends caused me some trouble because they were worried for you, but lucky me when it turned out you had a fight with them. However, you have been very naughty, and naughty prisoners go into the hole.”

The scarred teen’s body tensed up as Hama bended his blood. She controlled him until they came to a large hole with a large slab next to it. The hole was about as tall as two of him combined. Thankfully, it was wide enough so that he could lay down without being too uncomfortable.

Landing in the dirty hole wasn’t as horrible. No, what was horrible was the sight of the multiple corpses of his people rotting away in front of him before he was met with total darkness.

Chapter Text

“I hope you enjoy your roommates,” Hama snarled through the slab. “You’ll get to know them soon enough.”

He pressed himself the edge of the hole in order to get away from the maggot infested bodies. His half-healed crushed hands trembled with his whole body. This woman murdered innocent people for so many years and he’ll end up just like them. Zuko has faced death many times but Agni’s influence can only help him so much.

“I’m going to find Sparky. He must have calmed down by now,” Toph stated after breakfast as the others separated from Katara.

“I say we discover why they spirits are mad,” Aang suggested. “Zu- Lee likes to collect his thoughts after he gets angry. Besides, he’s fine! He’s with Appa!”

“Yeah, we can save this town! We do like the praise!” Sokka smiled.

“I suppose,” she huffed. She won’t admit it, but she’s worried about their traveling heater.

“I mean, this has gotta be the nicest, natural setting in the Fire Nation!” Aang pointed out. “I don’t see anything that would make a spirit made around here!

“Maybe the moon spirit just turned mean,” Toph suggested.

“The moon spirit is a gentle, loving lady! She rules the sky with compassion, and … Lunar goodness!” Sokka exclaimed, leaving the two younger benders confused. It wasn’t until a random Fire Nation citizen passed that Aang lost his confusion.

“Only one man ever saw it and lived, and that’s old man Ding!” The man explained after being about the spirit.

…

“We wanted to ask you about that,” Sokka mentioned as he picked up a hammer for Ding. Aang asked the old man said that he didn’t see any spirit, but he felt something come over him and the next thing he knew his body started moving on its own. He was being controlled and that if it wasn’t for the grace of Agni he would have disappeared.

“Oh, no!” Toph put two and two together. Those screams she heard that first night and Ding being led to the mountain. She voiced her concerns to her friends. They looked at the mountain with concern until she remembered something. “Guys…”

“What is it?” Sokka asked.

“Sparky’s on that mountain.” Both boys welt the blood rush away from their face and they tensed up in fear, before they all booked it to their old campsite.

“Zuko!” Aang called once they reached their desired destination. Appa lifted his head up in confusion while Momo chirped. The fire that was once burning has died out long ago, but there was no sigh of a struggle. That means that Zuko had left here willingly.

“Dammit!” Sokka cursed. “We’re too late!”

The icy hands of dread gripped the blind earth bender’s heart tightly as she thought of the fate of her pseudo big brother. She could sense that the others were thinking just like her.

“We need to get Katara,” Aang stated.

“No time,” Sokka sighed. “Toph can you find where you heard the voices?”

Not trusting her voice, she nodded and focused on the seismic energy in the earth. “I can hear them, they’re this way!”

The trio rain with new vigor. They were going to save the villagers, but now they have a personal stake in this. They continued running until they found a cave deep in the forest. Taking the plunge down was something Toph thought nothing about as she could navigate this easily.

“Toph?” Aang asked once they reached a metal door. She nodded curtly and made quickly work of it. After she destroyed it, she continued the charge until she could feel the presence of multiple people in front of her. However, none of them were her Sparky.

“We’re saved,” a man rasped out.

“I didn’t know that spirits made prisons like this. Who brought you here?” Aang asked as Toph went to break the locks.

“It was no spirit,” another prisoner hissed. “It was a witch!”

“A witch? What do you mean?” Sokka asked.

“She seems like a normal old woman,” a female prisoner said. “But she controls people like some dark puppet master.”

“Hama!” Sokka hissed.

“Yes! The innkeeper! She recently brought in a young man and crushed his hands because he was a fire bender!” This caused the trio to freeze in their tracks.

“She put him in the hole!”

“The hole?”

“Yes, its over in another area,” the female prisoner explained as she runned her wrists. “Those who go there never return.”

Sokka couldn’t take it anymore. He ran towards the direction that they indicated the hole was. Dammit! Why did he believe Hama about Zuko? He should have investigated her claim! ‘But you did believe her because she was from the Southern Water Tribe.’

He was so deep in his thoughts that he nearly tripped over a large slab in the middle of the tunnel. Stopping to inspect it, he saw that he would be able to move it via a lever.

“Hold on,” Sokka reassured. “I’m coming, jerk bender.”

Using the light of his torch, Sokka found a small lever hidden between two rocks. Pressing it caused the slab to suddenly fly open.

“Zuko!” Sokka called as he scrambled towards the covered pit. Peering down, the non-bender’s eyes widen at what he saw. His friend was pressed up against the wall of the pit trying to get away from the corpse ridden hole. “Zuko!”

“Sokka…?” The fire teen’s voice was shaky at best. He stood up and the water tribe teen down. Zuko looked at the stretched-out hand nervously. “Sokka, she crushed my hands.”

“Shit,” the non-bender cursed. Toph and Aang were busy getting those trapped to the service. “Is there anyway you could use your weird spirit mumbo jumbo?”

“I’ll… I’ll try,” Zuko relented. He pulled at his inner flame to continue his healing, but there wasn’t much fire in this hole he could use to sap the energy from. Unlike earlier when he was surrounded by the multiple torches that hung on the wall, there was only one torch that he was in range of. He did pull at it, but for some reason the flames came to him much slower and this time he could feel everything start to shift into place. He had to hold back his screams as it was very painful.

‘Probably due to the full moon,’ he though bitterly. Don’t get him wrong, he loved Yue, but this has to be the worst timing ever.

Suddenly, he felt more heat as the flames engulfed him, and the pain subsided. His inner flame burst to life and caused his chi paths to explode with life. His crushed hands stitched together faster and easier than before, but it left his seriously drained of energy.

“Wow…” Sokka breathed. His friend had absorbed the lit torch in order to do spirit things. “The others are not going to believe this.”

His hands were fully healed. Zuko clenched them a few times to make sure that everything was okay, before reaching toward the blue-eyed teen. He couldn’t reach his friend though. The hole was too big. “Sokka, go get Aang and get stop Hama. I’ll wait for Toph.”

“But-“

“Go and stop her before she has the chance to hurt anymore people!” Zuko snapped. Sokka, who knew that his friend was right, ran and grabbed Aang. He told Toph where Zuko was and then booked it towards the inn.

Not too long after Sokka left, Toph appeared, and she slammed her foot down to the ground. Zuko shot up out of the hole and landed on his feet. At least, he did for a few minutes before pure exhaustion set in, causing the scarred teen to collapse.

“Sparky!”

“Don’t fret,” a male prisoner reassured. “We got you, Prince Zuko!”

“What…?” Both high class children tensed up at the mention of the scarred teen’s real name.

“Do not worry,” an elderly female prisoner smiled. “You are Agni’s chosen. We all say you use the torch fire to heal your hands. To be in the presence of the prince and Agni’s chosen champion is an honor.”

The other prisoners, with shakey movements, bowed before the teen. Staring at the former prisoners in shock, Zuko’s ran ramped. He still couldn’t believe that his people still respected him/

“As much as this is touching,” Toph interrupted. “We have to stop Hama!”

She was right. Hama needed to be apprehended before she hurts more people. Although, he wished he didn’t have to be carried out by his people. He was supposed to be a symbol to them, but maybe, just this once, he’ll be a human.

Katara was sobbing while Sokka and Aang comforted her, and Hama was cackling. Without missing a beat, one of the prisoners cuffed Hama with the same cuffs that she had restrained them with. She didn’t resist, but she did snarl at the young fire bender.

“Ashmaker!” She spat. “I should have stopped your heart when I had the chance!”

“Do not talk to our prince like that!” The male, who was carrying Zuko snapped. “You’re going to be locked away until our prince decides your fate.”

“Oh well,” Hama hissed as she watched Zuko be put down next to his friends. “My work here is done. Congratulations Katara. You’re now a blood bender!”

The young Southern Water Tribe female fell to her knees as her sobs grew in intensity. Zuko glared at Hama and yelled at the old woman. “Katara will be nothing like you. She is kind and helps those with her abilities. You may have created a bastardization of Tui’s gift, but she will bring honor to it. That, I am certain of.”

Hama tried to lunge at Zuko but was held back by the towns people. She was screaming that he knew nothing and that some one like him would never understand true pain. He decided to not satisfy the old water bender with a response and went to calm Katara down. Imagine his surprise when he was met with Katara smiling at him. He didn’t get to talk to her when she wrapped her arms around his neck.

“Thank you,” she whispered. “Thank you for being my friend… And for being you.”

Heat rushed to the fire prince’s cheeks as he awkwardly pats her back. He was confused because he was just telling the truth, so he looked at Sokka for help. The non-bender just smiled at Zuko. Aang and Toph were no help either. The Avatar just puffed out his cheeks while Toph slapped him on the back. Yeah, girls are weird.

Iroh was a patient man. He had to be in order for him to lay siege on Ba Sing Se for six hundred days, as well as deal with a hormonal teenage burn victim.

Yet his patience was tested when they met up with General Fong. He could forgive him and his soldiers attacking him. Almost everyone in the invasion force has. What he couldn’t forgive is this chicken pig piss that Fong called tea. Even his nephew, whose own tea skills were… less than subpar, is better than this.

“I’m just surprised,” Fong seethed as he watched the Dragon of the West carefully. “That both Water Tribes, the Earth King, and the King of Omashu, would team up with not only the man who attacked Ba Sing Se for six hundred days straight. Also, don’t forget the spawn of the ruler of the ashmakers.”

“What do you mean by that?” Hakoda raised an eyebrow.

“I mean, I can understand General Iroh attacking his brother, who stole his throne, but the kid with bacon for a face? I say you kill him as well. He’s prob-“

Surprisingly, it wasn’t Iroh or Hakoda that attacked Fong for insulting Zuko. No.

It was Bato.

Hakoda’s right hand man socked General Fond of the Earth Kingdom right in the jaw. Hakoda had never seen his brother in all but blood attack someone like that. Yes, he’s seen Bato fight but just straight up attacking a man?

“Bato!” The Southern Water Tribe chief called and pulled his friend off the Earth Kingdom general. “Stop this!”

Hearing his friend seemed to snap Bato of his haze, but he did glare at the general. “You will not insult someone who is a friend of Hakoda’s children, nor will you insult the young man who nearly paid the ultimate price for that Avatar!”

“Why would you care for him anyway, snow savage. He’s just like-“ But Iroh wouldn’t let the man continue.

“I’ll stop you right there. My nephew is nothing like his father…” Iroh spat the last word like Ozai didn’t even deserve to be called that. The three other men flinched at the sudden flare up of the torches on the walls of the meeting room. “If you ever even think of my nephew as another Ozai then I’ll personally see to it that your mission ends right then and there. Permanently.”

The three other men felt their hearts stop at the threatening aura from Iroh. Despite Iroh acting like a harmless old man, he is the first-born son of Fire Lord Azulon and Fire Lord Ozai’s older brother.

Chapter Text

“Okay, it’s Zuko’s turn to pick where we go!” Aang cheered as he sat on Appa’s head. Zuko, who was trying to recharge from healing his hands, just grunted in response. He was laying in the middle of the saddle in order to soak up the most sun.

“Um, Aang, I think Zuko needs a minute of two before deciding where we should go next,” Katara explained. “He used up a lot of energy during the whole Hama incident.”

“Doesn’t take much energy to think of a place,” Sokka deadpanned as he stared at the maps. He then yelped in pain when Toph elbowed him in the side. “What? It’s true!”

“Fine!” Zuko snapped. “I’ve always wanted to visit Sun Warrior Island.”

“Sun Warrior Island?”

“The island is North of the Fire Nation mainland,” he explained. “There are ruins of the old civilization of fire bender’s that worshiped Agni and his dragons.”

“But why there?” Sokka whined. “We could be going to other places!”

“I’ve always wanted to go there, but recently… I don’t know. I feel like something has been calling me there,” explained the fire prince. Sokka just sighed about weird feelings and a waste of planning.

“Well, to Sun Warrior Island it is then!” Aang replied and steered Appa towards the north.

…

“Wow…” Aang breathed when they finally arrived at Sun Warrior Island. The water tribe siblings also thought the ruins were amazing. Toph just sat close to the almost fully charge fire bender.

“I know! Toph exclaimed with fake enthusiasm. “They look beautiful!”

“They do-“ Sokka caught himself. “Why do you do that?!”

Zuko was silently chuckling while Toph cackled. He had to admit that Toph’s blind jokes were funny.

Appa landed and the GAang disembarked. Seeing this place of the ground was much more memorizing. His facial expressions must have showed it because Aang seemed to stop in his tracks.

“Is something wrong, Aang?” Katara asked when she noticed that her friend had stopped walking.

“Oh,” Aang whispered as he shook his head. “It’s nothing! Just got distracted!”

“If you’re sure,” she trailed off and continued down the path.

His friend’s eyes just changed color. Zuko’s very noticeable golden eyes that identified the teen as a fire bender changed to something that reminded Aang of a rainbow. He knew something had happened to Zuko spiritually. Iroh and Roku both alluded to the fact that the scarred fire nation prince had come in contact with spirits.

“Aang!” The Avatar was once again snapped out of the confines of his mind and ran towards the others. Zuko raised an eyebrow in response before talking to them.

“Even though these buildings are ancient, there’s something eerily familiar about them. I can tell the fire sages’ temples are somehow descended from these.” Sokka snorted and folded his arms.

“Yay, architecture!” Zuko glared at his friend. Sokka was about to say something but was cut off when he tripped on a wire. His high-pitched squeal was cut short when he felt someone grab ahold of his shirt. Although his savior almost came to late because his face was dangerously close to the metal spikes. “Never mind! Zuko can continue!”

“Wow, Snoozles,” Toph laughed. “You sure know how to make an entrance!”

Sokka, who was now standing on his own two feet thanks to Zuko, grunted and crossed his arms to hide his embarrassment.

“Zuko, I think the past is trying to kill us!” Aang cried.

“This booby trap must be centuries old, and yet it still works,” he observed.

“Maybe we shouldn’t be here,” Katara fretted. Zuko sighed before taking a few steps backwards. Getting into position, he launched himself, and ran on the wall until he got past the trap.

“Show off,” Sokka grunted. “I can do that!”

“No, you can’t.”

“Oh, come on!” Sokka snapped at his sister. “At least let me try and look cool!”

“I can’t stop you from doing the impossible!” The water bender retorted. Zuko, ignored the bickering siblings, looked ta the large temple that was looming over them.

“People don’t make traps unless they’ve got something worth protecting…” The banished prince ignored the sounds of Toph throwing Sokka across the trap and started walking towards the temple.

Zuko’s eyebrow twitched as Sokka complained about climbing the many stairs of the temple. Don’t get him wrong. He cares for his friend, but can the non-bender just stop complaining for five minutes? Oh well, at least they came across a mural once they had reached their destination.

“Well,” Aang cut off his friend’s complaining. “This seemed promising!”

“Is this the origins of fire bending?” Katara asked as she leaned closer to it. “Although, I’m not sure what this tells us.”

“It shows dragons attacking the Sun Warriors,” Sokka piped up.

“I thought dragons were friends with fire benders,” Toph added.

“Something happened to the dragons in the last hundred years.” Aang said as he looked at the fire bender. Zuko clenched his fists and looked away.

“My great-grandfather Sozin happened,” he hissed. The others followed him as he started walking away from the mural. “He started the tradition of hunting dragons for glory. They were the ultimate fire benders and if you could conquer one, your fire bending talents would become legendary, and you’d earn the honorary title, Dragon. The last great dragon was conquered long before I was born… but my uncle.”

“But I though your uncle was, I don’t know, good?” Aang mentioned awkwardly.

“He had a complicated past,” Zuko sighed. “We both do. Family tradition, I guess. Let’s just move on.”

“Still,” Toph shrugged. “I just can’t imagine him killing a creature like a dragon. I mean, this is the same man who was telling us about how much he adores his nephew.”

Heat rushed to the former prince’s cheeks as the others chuckled at that. She was right after all. Iroh loved bragging about his nephew.

…

Aang ran in front of a circular gate that seemed to have no handles. Both him and Sokka tried to pry the door open before Aang gave up and informed the group that it was locked.

“Wait,” the fire bender said as he saw a light out of the corner of his eye. “It’s a celestial calendar. Just like the fire sages have in their temples. I bet that sunstone opens the door. But on when the sunlight hits it at just the right angle… on the solstice.”

“Monkey feathers.”

“I really wanted to see what was behind it,” Sokka huffed.

“We might be able to speed time up.” Taking one of his dao, Zuko used the reflection to line up the sunlight with the sunstone.”

For a few moments, nothing happened. It wasn’t until Aang said something that the doors moved.

“I could have earth bended the doors opened,” Toph huffed. Zuko told her that it wasn’t a good idea incase the door was also a booby trap. She muttered that she could’ve protected them while her earth bending student ran ahead of the group.

“Aang , be careful!”

“AH!” Toph, Sokka, and Katara dopped into a fighting stance, but Zuko huffed out a laugh.

“Relax, they’re just statues. This island is completely deserted.” That helped calm the others down just enough for them to explore around the room.

“It says this is something called the Dancing Dragon.” Aang took a good look at the statue and copied it. He tried to regain his balance when he felt a tile descending into the ground. Looking around the room, it seemed to have connected something in his mind. Running over to his fire bending teacher, he latched onto the older teen’s arm. “Zuko, come here! I want you to dance with me!”

“What?” Toph and Sokka laughed at the two benders. Even Katara was chuckling at them.

“Just do it!” Zuko groaned in annoyance as he humored the young monk. Aang explained that they had to follow the statues in order to activate something. “These statues are giving us a lesson. I think this is some kind of Sun Warrior fire bending form!”

“I guess twinkletoes corrupted Sparky with his dance moves,” Toph teased.

“I didn’t know jerk bending was dance bend- Hey!” Sokka whined when his sister elbowed him.

“Shush! Let them concentrate!” Katara huffed. At least someone understands how to be quiet.

“This better teach us some really good fire bending,” Zuko huffed. At least now they both could focus on this and not be distracted by talking.

They finally made it to the end and what was revealed made everyone freeze in their tracks. From what the former fire prince could gather, it looked like a golden egg. However, once Zuko’s eyes fell upon the egg something seemed to click inside of his mind. The egg seemed… familiar somehow. He could see the fire the radiated from it.

“Zuko?” Someone called, but he ignored them as he walked towards the egg. It was calling him, and he needed to answer the call. He heard his friends’ voices become more frantic ad even of them grabbed his arm, but it was too late. He already picked it up.

“It feels… alive…”

Next thing he knew, a giant fountain of green goo shot him up towards the ceiling. He was trapped to the ceiling and the others tried to bend it away, but it was too sticky. Aang air bent at the others so that they could reach higher ground, but this caused them to also be trapped on the ceiling with the fire bender.

“You just had to touch the thing, didn’t you, Sparky?” Toph grunted.

“How was supposed to know it was booby trapped?” The scarred former prince snapped.

“Well,” Sokka interjected. “We did try to warn you, but you ignored us!”

“Yeah, what was with that?” Katara asked. “You were acting like you were processed!”

“I don’t know,” he huffed. “It… was calling to me.”

“Oh great! Move over Toph! Zuko can speak to rocks now!” Sokka grumbled.

“If I could move my legs then I would kick you right now.”

…

“Who are you yelling to?” Zuko huffed as Aang yelled for what seemed like the millionth time. “Nobody’s lived here for centuries!”

“Well then, what do you think we should do?” Aang asked.

“Think about our place in the universe?”

“Guys, is this a bad time to mention that I need to use the little warriors room?” Sokka whined.

“Yes!” They all shouted.

“Who is down there?” A booming voice called out before revealing himself to the group.

“Hi!” Katara exclaimed before the others dig them into a deeper hole. “Do you think you can help us out of here?”

The unknown man narrowed his eyes before snapping his fingers. A couple of others revealed themselves and pulled the GAang out of the green goo. However, they didn’t get a moment to breathe before being surrounded.

“Why do they have the same hair style as Zuko when we first met him?”

“Sokka!”

“What? It’s true!”

“For trying to take out sunstone, you must be severely punished,” the chief grunted at them.

“Why do people keep thinking it’s a stone?” The fire bender huffed. “It’s an egg!”

“Not now, Zuko!” Katara hissed, but Zuko ignored her.

“And we didn’t come here to take your sunstone!” However, the chief stared straight at Zuko.

“No one has ever though that the sunstone was an egg,” he explained. “The only ones who have ever said that would been the Sun Warrior’s leaders and the masters. How do you know that?”

“It felt alive when I touched it, besides it was calling to me.” Gasps littered the other Sun Warriors while the chief stared at the scared teen with his mouth agape.

“You’re lying!” A man next to the chief called. “An egg? This sunstone has been passed down the succession of chiefs for many decades. If it was an egg then it would have hatched by now!”

“Silence!” The chief roared than looked straight at Zuko. “You will have a chance to prove yourself. You must go to Ran and Shao.”

“Ran and Shao?” Aang asked.

“You will present yourselves to them, they will examine you and the air bender. They’ll read your hearts, your souls, and your ancestry. If they deemed you worthy then you all will live, and if they don’t, you’ll be destroyed on the spot.” All of the young members of the group swallowed a lump in their throat and nodded.

…

“If you’re going to see the masters, you must bring them a piece of the eternal flame,” the chief explained as they all stood in front of a large fire. “This fire is the very first one. It was given to man by the dragons. We have kept it going for thousands of years.”

“I don’t believe it…”

“You will each take a piece of it to the masters to show your commitment to the sacred art of fire bending.” Aang looked at the large fire nervously since he isn’t really a fire bender yet. Je voiced his concerns and asked if Zuko could do it for him. He was shot down immediately. “This ritual illustrates the essence of Sun Warrior philosophy. You must contain a constant heat and the flame will do out if you make it too small. Make it too big, and you might lose control.”

While Zuko took the flame, Aang did not. He was scared because if he didn’t maintain the flame, he and his friends would most likely die. However, if he didn’t then his friends would surely die.

Chapter Text

“Fire is life, not just destruction,” the sun chief explained once Aang finally took the flickering flame. “You will take your flames up there. The cave of the masters is beneath the rock.”

The others came up to the two with concern laced throughout their faces. Katara asked if they were sure about this and that they could find a way to escape. Aang thanked the water bender while Zuko shot her down. With that, they both made their way up hill.

They didn’t talk the whole journey there. The journey took them through tough terrain. Forests with dense trees covering the land. A path that wasn’t the easiest to walk across. Yet, Zuko had no trouble traveling trough all of that and still maintained the piece of eternal flame. In fact, could feel the flame and his inner flame start to mix together, causing a few extra colors to be mixed in for only a fraction of a moment.

“Hurry up,” Zuko called to Aang.

“I can’t,” the Avatar groaned in frustration. “If I walk too fast , my flame will go out!”

“Your flame’s gonna go out because it’s too small. You’re too timid. Give it more juice.” Aang frowned at his friend.

“Easy for you to say! You with your special rainbow fire! Besides! You’ve had years of fire bending and I don’t! All of my fire bending has consisted of hot squats and breathing! What if I can’t control it?” Aang exclaimed with worry, but Zuko gave the young kid a small smile.

“You can do it. I know you can because you’re a talented kid.” Finding new found energy at his friends words, Aang started climbing the mountain a bit faster.

By the time they reached the final stairs, the sun was setting once again and the others were there waiting for them.

“Facing the judgment of the fire bending masters will be very dangerous for you,” the chief said as he came up to the two. He turned his sights onto Zuko first. “Your ancestors are directly responsible for the Dragons’ disappearance, however, you knew the true secret of the sun stone as well as your eternal flame reacting well with your inner flame. It added other colors in it, something no other has done before. Even so, the masters might no be so happy to see you.”

“I know, I-“ But the sun warrior stopped talking when he saw the former heir to the Dragon Throne’s eyes started to flash multiple colors. He looked towards his chief for guidance, but it seemed the chief was also at a lost.

“Sire?” The other sun warrior piped up. “His eyes…  look just like…”

“Ahem,” the chief cleared his throat after collecting himself. “Yes, let’s begin with the ceremony.”

As the two benders walked to the stairs, the group of sun warriors got into their respective positions. Their friends stood on the sidelines as they watched their friends start to ascend the stairs. Luckily, the climb went relatively smooth.

“Those who wish to meet the masters Ran and Shao will now present their fire!” Once both bowed with their hands out was when the ancient civilization alerted the masters. It seemed that it was going to be smooth sailing form now on.

However, nothing came easy to this group.

When Aang heard the rumbling, he started to panic and ended up losing his eternal flame. Aang begged for his friend to give him some of his. After denying the kid, Aang tried to forcefully take some.

“Are they seriously fighting right now?!” Katara asked with her head in her hands.

We are going to be killed, aren’t we?” Sokka groaned. Suddenly, the ground started shaking.

“Something’s coming!” Toph exclaimed as the two water tribe siblings lost their balance.

The sound that erupted from the mountain was one they never heard before. While the three others tensed up, Aang ducked and covered himself. Zuko, on the other hand, stared at the arrival of the dragons. The original fire benders surrounded the two, yet he felt no fear. He felt… a sort of kinship with them.

“These are the masters…?” He wondered. As the red dragon flew past him, Zuko locked eyes with it. It’s eyes widened as the dragon felt its soul being pulled forward.

Ran opened his eyes and realized that he and his ,aye were in a pitch black space with one of the human’s who presented himself to him. However, the human looked different. The human was dressed in a large red tunic that went to his mid-thigh with a yellow sash tied around his waist. Around his shoulders was a golden cover that had a sun in the middle of it. It reminded Ran of what the sun warriors wore around their shoulder.

“My love,” Shao spoke as she started circling the human. “He reminds me of our dear Agni. Don’t you feel it?”

He nodded and copied his mate. Most would be intimidated, yet the human stood tall. His eyes glowed the same color as their fire and his pitch black hair had streaks of red that flickered like dying embers. He was Agni’s chosen successor.

“Such beautiful scales…” Agni’s successor, who Ran learned was name Zuko, reached out to run his hands across their scales as they moved past him. Shao landed in front of the male and nuzzled her snout into his palm. “I am truly blessed to be in your company.”

“We are honored to be in the presence of the next Agni,” Shao explained, but Zuko shook his head.

“My blood is the reason there are no more dragons,” he whispered as he pressed his forehead against Shao’s snout. “I am not a good person. I believe Agni chose wrong.”

Ran landed next to Shao and pressed his snout again the teen. “You were chosen by Agni himself. You were misled, but you saved the Avater. You saved many people. Agni chose correctly.”

“Do not worry for our kind,” Shao started. “The egg that the sun warriors call the Sun Stone is that of our son. He was waiting for his brother to finally join him.”

“Brother?”

“All dragons had a human that they were bonded with. Our siblings risked their lives in order to keep up a secret from Sozin. We wished for our child to remain unmatched until he came into contact with his human.” The teen’s eyes widen in realization before he smiled softly. Tears appeared in the corners of his eyes and the two master’s wrapped themselves around the next Agni. He thanked the original fire bending masters before Ran felt himself and his mate be pulled away from Agni’s chosen.

“Zuko…?” Aang called out, yet the fire bender ignored him. I t was like the teen was lost in his own world. “Zuko, I think we’re supposed to do the dragon dance with them?”

The Avater turned around to face the former prince, but froze as he saw his friends eyes chasing from their standard golden color to many different colors.

“What…?”

“I think they want us to do something. Let’s just try the dragon dance.” The scarred teen nodded absentmindedly and got into position. Each position came to both of him naturally and followed the steps. Once they reached the finals step, the two benders.looked back at the now idle dragons.

The flames surrounding them reminded Aang of Zuko’s eyes. He was amazed by the warmth the flames gave off. The flames didn’t come into contact with him, as if they had a mind of their own.

Zuko was amazed by the flames. He could also feel the warmth the radiated from them, but he reached out to touch them. As his fingers got closer, he saw a small flame separate from the funnel and start to coils around his outstretched arm. Yet, his skin did not burn. No, the flame continued to travel up his arm until he felt something fully engulf his body.

“Zuko…?” Aang breathed as he watched as his friend change in front of him. It wasn’t much. His completely black hair had highlights of red throughout it and his eyes were still shining multiple colors.

Aang was reminded of Yue suddenly. Yue’s presence was something he never felt before. It was unique to her and it reminded him of the spirit world. Probably because she was blessed by Tui. Only Yue felt like that.

His heart froze when he finally put two and two together.

‘Zuko… died…’

Agni had to step in to save his friend. Zuko died protecting him. He lost another person he cared about. He was the cause of someone he cared about dying.

That was last thing he remembered before he blacked out.

Aang was in the Avatar State, Zuko was next to him on a platform that could kill him if he fell off of it, and they were both surrounded by two dragons.

Sokka wasn’t worried. He wasn’t worried one bit. Okay, he was worrying a bit.

The rest of the GAang stared in shock. They ran towards the stairs, but the sun warriors stopped them.

“If you go up those stairs, then you will also be subjected to Ran and Shao’s judgement. You might also-“ The chief was cut off by tow different things. One was Sokka starting to yell that he didn’t care and the other one was both of the fire bending master’s letting out a loud roar. The sound caused the ground to shake like a whole army of earth benders wresting under the ground.

Looking up, the sight that met their eyes was one that caused them all to freeze up. The raised platform was now engulfed in a large vortex that caused both dragons to land on the narrow bridges connecting to the platform. The body language of the two animals was relaxed as they observed the fire vortex wrap flame tentacles around the sphere of air surrounding Aang.

The fire pulled the young air bended into the confines of the vortex until nothing could be seen by the outsiders.

“What happened?!” Toph exclaimed after a few minutes of deafening silence.

“I… Zuko… Someone tell me what’s going on!” Sokka yelled at whoever would listen.

“This…  I only heard stories…” The chief rasped out as his sight never left the swirling vortex.

“Sir…?” The smaller sun warrior asked hesitantly.

“My fellow warriors!” The chief bellowed so that all could hear. “I believe we are witnessing Agni choosing his heir!”

Murmuring broke out amongst the one thought dead civilization. Agni was choosing someone who’s family was responsible for the extinction of his children? It couldn’t be possible.

“But, wait,” Katara called. “Wouldn’t that make Zuko like Yue? Wouldn’t that mean…”

The young water bending master’s eyes widened as she covered her lower face with her hands. He brother caught on not much long after and tears welled up in his eyes.

“What? What does it mean? Hello! I wasn’t there for your crazy adventures at first!” Toph huffed. “And why didn’t your hearts start beating faster? I’m in the dark both figuratively and literally!”

“The great elemental spirits choose their heirs when one of their chosen has died before completing their duties,” the chief explained. “They give a piece of themselves to the departed so that one day, their heirs will return their gifts and rule as the new great elemental spirts.”

“But Sparky has had these weird powers since he was- Oh…” Toph finally caught on to what it meant. That Sparky had to have died. Sparky, who she has grown attached to had died. The one person who she felt truly comfortable confiding it. He understood what it was like being from a noble family and having said family being super dysfunctional. She might now admit it, but while she loves the others, Sparky holds a special place in her heart.

Aang felt warm as he opened his eyes. Looking around, he noticed that he wasn’t surrounded by the dragon’s flames. No, these flames were familiar.

“Hello, Avatar Aang. We meet again.” The young monk snapped his head towards the voice and his eyes widened when he saw his fire bending teacher.

Zuko was wearing a long wrapped tunic that went down to his knees. A yellow sash that matched his collar was wrapped around his waist. A shoulder piece laid across his upper chest with a red sun in the middle. He wore a cape across his shoulders that have his friend a sense of importance. His arms and legs were adorning bracelets made of pure gold.

“Zuko…?” The former fire prince gave a soft chuckle and shook his head.

“Not quite.” Aang raised an eyebrow in confusion.

“Then who are you?”

“I go by a plethora of names from many people throughout thousands of years,” Not Zuko started. “But the most common name people call by is Agni.”

“Agni?! Aang exclaimed. “I- What are you doing to my friend?!”

Chapter Text

“Nothing really,” the sun spirit shrugged. ”I’m just controlling his body. However, that’s beside the point. I’m here because your friend is worried about you.”

“My friend died because of me!” Aang snapped. “How many people that I care about will die protecting me?!”

“But Aang… You were people’s hope. From Monk Gyatso to my chosen. Even now, my chosen would do it all again for you or any of your friends. Would you do the same?”

“Of course, I would! They are my friends!”

“Even Zuko? He did chase you halfway around the world. Would you say that you would sacrifice yourself for someone who was once your enemy?”

“Zuko was never bad in the first place! Just-“

“Misguided?” Agni narrowed Zuko’s eyes, reminding Aang of what he once looked like a few months ago. “Tell me, Avatar… What would you have felt if I had not chosen Zuko to be my chosen? If I have decided not to make him Agnika (1)?”

The last air bender tensed up and he could feel his heartbeat pumping so hard he was pretty sure that it would soon burst out of his chest. Aang knew that Zuko wasn’t their biggest fan at the time of his sacrifice, and if it wasn’t for Katara and Iroh then would they have saved him?

“Answer the question. What would you have done if I didn’t make Zuko an Agnika? Would you even care if I took it away right now? How many times has he voiced his concern but they were brushed away by you and your companions? Would you even care if I commanded Ran and Shao to devour your friend?”

“Zuko is my friend! He’s important to me!” Aang exclaimed with unshed tears forming in his eyes. Agni's smile widened, showing all of his teeth. That expression was unnerving on his friend’s face. “I care about his concerns and I care about him!”

“You must understand… my chosen has been constantly told that he was a mistake and that he was a waste of space. Those feelings don’t go away overnight,” Agni sighed as tears started to descend the air bender’s face. Aang frowned and sniffled. “Look don’t cry-“

Flames started to surround Agni, causing the elemental spirit to sigh in annoyance. He told Aang that they could continue this conversation later because he was being called away. Once he was done talking, the flames engulfed his friend as Agni was pulled away from his body. Aang ran towards his friend’s unconscious body and caught him right before he hit the ground. “Zuko?!”

“Ugh…” Pushing himself off of the younger teen. “Why do I feel like Appa sat on me?”

The young monk let out a wet chuckle, catching Zuko’s attention, and the scarred teen’s face contorted into worry.

“Aang?” The fire bender pushed himself up on his unsteady legs and gave him a quick once-over before hitting the young teen with a smack on the back of his head. “What in the name of Agni-“

Aang wrapped his arms around Zuko and buried his face into his friend’s chest. Due to his face being buried into the older male’s chest, Aang couldn’t see the blood rushing to Zuko’s face.

“Umm… Aang…?”

The flame vortex surrounding them started to disappear. As the flames were going out, Zuko’s eyes caught sight of both Ran and Shao staring at him. Even stationary, the fire bending masters were still a sight to behold.

Zuko gave them a nod as a greeting to them, but what they did next shocked all those around. The last two children of Agni lowered their heads in their attempt at a bow.

The sun warriors gasped and quickly lowered themselves to the ground. Agni has chosen the former prince as his heir and they must show him the respect he deserves.

“Did I miss something?”

“Just enjoy it.”

…

The chief of the sun warriors greeted the pair as they descended the stairs. Before he could the Avatar and the heir of the sun spirit, the rest of the GAang. While Katara embraced the young monk, both Toph and Sokka embraced Zuko.

“Umm….” Zuko patted Toph on the top of her head and Soka on his arm. “Hi…?”

The chief his throat and began speaking. “Yes, they judged you and gave you visions of the meaning of fire bending. As well as accept your friend here as Agni’s heir.”

Ang gave a melancholy smile in return and listened half-heartedly as the chief told them the story of how Iroh ‘killed’ the last dragon.

“All this time, I thought fire bending was destruction. Since I hurt Katara, I’ve been too afraid and hesitant, but now I know what it is.” At the mention of her name, the water bender tightened her grip just a little bit. “Its energy, and life.”

“Yes, it is.” The chief smiled in response before bowing to Zuko. “Young Agnika, your humble servants will hereby aid you when the time comes.

“I… Well… Thanks?” The awkwardness that originated from Zuko caused everyone around him to laugh.

Iroh stood at the top of the bow of the former Fire Nation war vessel and looked out towards the horizon. His mind was filled with the thoughts of his nephew as each minute crept closer to the invasion.

“Think of Zuko again?” The former general turned his head towards the owner of the voice and nodded.

“That I am,” Iroh sighed. “That I am Chief Hakoda.”

“I thought I told you to just call me Hakoda, General Iroh.”

“Only if you call me Iroh. I’m afraid that ‘Uncle’ is reserved for a certain group of people only, and I’m afraid that my nephew is quite possessive of me.” Iroh pinched his chin with his pointer finger and thumb. “My son always encouraged him because he always wanted a younger sibling.”

This caused the Southern Water Tribe chief to let out a boisterous laugh. “Sokka was only a toddler when Katara was born, so I wish I could say that I understand but I don’t.”

“My Lu Ten loved his cousins with his entire being. Zuko would follow him around like a little turtleduck baby with its mother. He even taught Zuko a few sword Fighting lessons before my father sent him to learn from Piandao.”

Hakoda let out a low whistle at that. He’s heard of the master swordsman from his years at sea. To say the non-bender was highly dangerous would be an understatement.

“Zuko trained under a non-bender? Doesn’t the Fire Nation focus on bending?” The former crown prince shook his head in response.

“While benders are held to a higher standard, as long as you can be put to work then you can be useful. Men or women, bender or non-bender, or even old or young. The Fire Nation uses all of their available cards if it’ll give them an advantage.” Nodding his head, the two men stood in silence as the sea parted in front of them.

The endless sea did nothing to calm Zuko’s nerves, as well as the constant coddling from the others. Actually, Toph didn’t really coddle him but she did stand a bit closer to him. He knew that Agni? Lu Ten? Talked to his friend and announced to the world that he was Agnika. Well, just the Sun Warriors, but still. He also knows that his friends refuse to acknowledge what him being Agnika implies.

It wasn’t until nightfall that they landed at the rendezvous point. They had arrived four days ahead of schedule, giving them plenty of time to catch up on some rest. Maybe he’ll focus on Aang’s fire bending? Aang might not be able to fire bend at a master’s level in four days, but better to be safe than sorry. Or he could catch up with Yue. He hasn’t talked with her in a while. 

Zuko never did figure out what he would do as his eyes closed and his thoughts were lulled into a deep sleep.

…

The former prince slowly blinked open his eyes as he felt the first few brushes of sunlight against his face. Groaning, Zuko stretched his arms out wide to shake off the last remnants of sleep. He looked up and his eyes widened when he noticed Aang punching a tree.

“Aang…?” If Aang’s reaction of jumping slightly was anything to go off of, the Avatar wasn’t expecting him to be awake.

“Zuko! What are you doing up so late?”

“Aang, it's sunrise.” The reveal caused the Avatar to widen his eyes and started to look around.

“Oh, I guess it is.”

“Aang? Did you get any sleep last night?” The young monk grinned sheepishly and rubbed the back of his neck. That action was all Zuko needed to get to answer his question. Pinching the bridge of his nose, the fire bender took in a long, drawn-out breath.

“I’m going to train again.” The older team decided not to argue with Aang and he went off to meditate. Maybe Katara would have better luck getting through to him.

A Zuko sat down away from the rest of the GAang, he felt the spiritual energy start to flow through him. Lights started to swirl into a blend of colors until the blend started to take the shape of the meadow he would often meet Yue in.

“You’re training is coming along nicely!” Yue chimed in from next to him. “You can visit me without being asleep or injured!”

“I did not think this would work,” Zuko admitted, a light dusting of pinking adoring his face as he avoided Yue’s knowing gaze.

“How’s everything going down there?” Yue chuckled softly. Zuko leaned back on his hands and let out a heavy sigh. She nodded and patted him on the shoulder in understanding.

“That bad?”

“I mean, the others act like I’m-“

“A fragile doll who might have its strings cut?”

“I was going to say drop dead at any moment, but I guess that works too.” He shrugged. “Ever since I was named ‘Agnika’, the others have had something on their minds.

“Yue pursed her lips and looked down at her lap. “I….I think it was because of me. While I wasn’t declared Tuika (2) officially, it was well known I was blessed with the moon spirit. When Zhao killed Tui… The others were there when I traded my life for the moon spirit. I… I believe they are afraid the same thing will happen to you.”

The fire bender bit the inside of his mouth before letting out a steady stream of air from his nose. “For so long, I could count the number of people who truly cared for me on one hand. I… Something… no, everything is going to change soon. I don’t want to lose my new friends.”

“You won’t-“

“Can you guarantee they won’t leave?” The Fire Nation prince interrupted. “I…”

“Zuko…?”

“Sometimes…” Zuko swallowed a lump in his throat. “When I protected Aang I felt relief. I knew I would have died, but at least I would have died doing something good. Imagine my surprise when I came too and realized that I didn’t want to die. I woke up, and some people wanted to be okay. Yue… I don’t know what’ll happen to me if I lose them.”

“Oh, Zuko…” The former Northern Water Tribe princess wrapped her arms around her spirit brother. She could feel his body tense up before he resigned himself to his fate. “No matter what happens… I’ll always be there for you.”

The fire bender nodded and held onto her until he felt himself be pulled back into the human world. As he started to leave, she placed her hand on his cheeks. Yue pulled Zuko down to place a kiss on his forehead as a silent goodbye.

…

“It’s about time you woke up, Sparky,” Toph huffed with an ounce of worry coming through. “it's time for food, but Sugar Queen won’t let us eat without you.”

Zuko looked past the small earth bender and then back at her when he noticed Aang wasn’t there, He brought this up with Toph, but she shrugged her shoulders in response.

“He was acting weird then left. Now come on.” Not waiting for a response, Toph left the newest of the GAang. Zuko huffed and stood up to follow his friend to eat breakfast.

Agni watched his chosen as he made his way toward his friends. He was alone in his room as many things swirled around in his mind. The yelling he received from the other elementals for not only scaring the Avatar but threatening his heir. In his defense, he needed to know that Zuko was cared for. There was also the confession the young fire bender made to Yue.

“We’re in the endgame now. In three human days, the fate of the world will be decided. 

Chapter Text

The days went by relatively quickly and before the GAang knew it, the day of the invasion arrived. The others packed up their makeshift camp and talked about what was on their mind. Zuko was too busy being drowned out by his thoughts to add anything to the meaningless idle chatter. Today, his father was going down and the war ended. Sounds easy.

It was anything but.

First of all, there was the matter of succession. While Iroh was Azulon’s heir, Ozai was crowned, so that means those from Ozai’s line would be crowned. Zuko was thought dead, so legally that meant that Azula was his heir. However, Zuko wasn’t removed from the line of succession when he was banished and labeled a traitor.

If Zuko was honest, it was because his father never learned much about the laws pertaining to the royal family. He could see why his grandfather never even considered Ozai as a contender for Fire Lord.

“Sparky!” Toph shouted, snapping the fire bender out of his thoughts. “Come one. Snoozles and Sugar Queen’s dad and Uncle are here!”

Heart thumping widely in his chest, the scarred teen followed the others toward the shore. Fog covered the sea and if he didn’t know any better, he would have thought that the earth bender was messing with him. However, he did know better.

Ships started to appear through the fog and Zuko’s eye widened in surprise upon seeing the majority of water tribe ships surrounding a singular Fire Nation ship. It was a nice difference to see, but seeing his uncle was what he was waiting for.

Katara and Sokka ran to embrace their father as he disembarked with Bato and Iroh not too far behind him. The two Southern Water Tribe Natives all started to catch up when the two former princes of the Fire Nation locked eyes with each other.”

“Nephew…” Iroh breathed as he took in the sight of his second son. Zuko gave the older man a small smile.

“Long time no- “The teen was cut off when the shorter man ran towards him and enveloped him in a hug.

“I missed you. So much.” Zuko squeezed his uncle and buried his face into Iroh’s neck. He didn’t need to reply to him for Iroh to know he felt the same.

The former general pulled back and cupped Zuko’s face in his hands. He eyed over his second son and his eyes made contact with the young fire bender’s eyes. The once molten gold eyes were now a multitude of colors that reminded Iroh of dragon fire.

‘He’s…He’s becoming one with his spirit side…’ Iroh thought sadly. ‘He truly is Agni’s successor…”

His mind reminded him of the young Water Tribe princess who gave her life for the moon spirit. The thought of his second son having his life cut short for others reminded him of his Lu Ten. His firstborn being sacrificed for the ‘great’ Fire Nation.

“Uncle…?” Snapping him out of his thoughts, Iroh squeezed his nephew’s shoulder.

“Come. Let’s meet the others.” Zuko raised his eyebrow and looked over at the swamp benders. The older man rubbed the back of his neck and smiled awkwardly.

…

Zuko felt embarrassment consume his whole body as he watched Sokka drop the scrolls in his arms. Then his friend started rambling awkwardly. It wasn’t until Hakoda took mercy on his son that the briefing went on as planned, but Sokka’s head dropped in shame. In order to silently support Sokka, the scarred prince placed his hand on the non-benders shoulder.

“Thanks,” his friend whispered.

“The eclipse only lasts eight minutes. Not enough time for the whole invasion and the royal palace is heavily guarded by fire benders. That’s where we’ll need the eclipse advantage the most. When this is finished, the Avatar will have defeated the Fire Lord.”

“What about the underground bunker?” Zuko asked. Hakoda’s head snapped towards the young fire bender and asked him what he meant. “The underground bunker? Fire Lord Azulon started construction on it eight years ago and they were completed six years ago. It’s where everyone who lives in the Capital goes in case of an invasion. Did…Did you not know about that…?”

Silence.

Then all hell broke loose.

Accusations of Zuko lying and Iroh betraying them were thrown at the two fire benders. Their biggest oppressors were the loudest in denying their credibility, and some even called for their heads.

“Enough!” Sokka snapped, pulling everyone’s attention toward him. “Zuko and his uncle have been nothing but helpful since they joined us! Zuko has proven his worth to us more than many who sit here with us. He was willing to die to make sure that Aang survived long enough to face his father. Now, you will all be quiet and sit back down!”

Grumbling, all of them listened to the young man and returned to their spots. The Chief of the Southern Water Tribe was impressed with his son and gave him an approving nod. He turned his sights on the young prince after his son beamed at him. “How difficult is it to enter these bunkers?”

“They are supposed to be impenetrable, but I do know a way. However, the problem is the Wards of Sozins.”

“Wards of Sozin?”

“Like the Yuyan Archers, they are a highly trained group of assassins that can quickly dispose of any bender and non-bender without anyone noticing until it is too late,” Iroh explained. “But nephew, they are supposed to be unbeatable.”

“Zuko broke into Pohuai Stronghold one time!” Aang chirped. Surprise murmurings broke out amongst the invasion force upon learning that fit of information. They heard rumors of how difficult it was to even get close to the stronghold, but to break in? That was unheard of.

“That’s why I can get into it quickly and efficiently. They will let their guard down because of the protection from that group. Luckily for us, I know a few of their secrets. I just need you all to trust me.” He stood firm as he refused to back down from the hundreds of eyes watching him with an analyzing look.

“Why should we trust you?” General Fong snapped. “You are Ozai’s son!”

“Because right now,” Zuko started without missing a beat. “I am the only one who can get you all to Ozai. The whole point of this invasion is to defeat the Fire Lord, and we can’t go that without someone to free the entrances. If you really want to, General Fong, then be my guest. Tell me this though. What’s more important to you? Your ego, of the end of the spirit’s damned war?”

Another blanket of silence engulfed those who didn’t speak as they decided to let Fong make a fool of himself. The air around the young teen left room for no arguments, but Fong never learned.

“You are nothing but a pampered, spoiled, obnoxious brat and a traitor. You think you can tell me what to-“

“I was personally trained by Piandao and the Wards of Sozin,” he confessed with a pointed stare at the Earth Kingdom general. “Unlike you, General Fong, I know how highly skilled warriors think. Are you prepared to fight against those who fight without a code? Those who will not hesitate to slaughter you without even blinking?”

Fong started to stutter. “I- Well-“

“You might be older than me, but I faced death many times. Can I say the same for you? Safe in your little fortress and was willing to try and anger the Avatar so that you can keep yourself out of the actual fighting?” Blood rushed to the general’s face as he returned to his spot. Taking a few deep breaths to steady himself, Zuko continued. “The Wards of Sozin run my constant check-in calls every twenty minutes. When I take them out, it’ll be enough time for Aang to get in and defeat Ozai.”

“He pointed to a spot on the map of Caldera. The young fire bender explained that the closest entrance to the royal family chambers is the west entrance at the base of the volcano. That he’ll take those out by himself before rejoining afterward to make sure to help those as a distraction.

“Alright,” Hakoda started. “Zuko, we’ll go over the extra plan and polish it up. Everyone! It’s time to end this war!”

…

“You were trained by these warriors?” Zuko turned around and saw Bato coming up next to him.

“Somewhat. They helped me hide more efficiently so that my father wouldn’t find me. I guess they ended up growing attached to me because they taught me a lot about how they worked.” This admission caused Hakoda’s best friend to chuckle. Furrowing his brow, the fire bender asked why Bato was laughing, but the man only put his hand on the young teen’s shoulder.

“Don’t worry about it.” Clapping him on the shoulder, the non-bender returned to his friend and Chief. Not long after the older male left, his spot was replaced with Iroh.

“Uncle?”

“Today will change the future. If it’s for the better, then I do not know. I can tell you that I will always protect you- “

He embraced his uncle, cutting the man off. Iroh quickly returned the gesture and hoped that it could tell Zuko that he was so proud that the young fire bender found himself on the right path.

…

“There they are, the Great Gates of Azulon,’ Hakoda announced.

“I don’t see any gates?” Katara stated with confusion laced through her voice.

“They aren’t activated,” Zuko explained. “Although if my hunch is correct then they will be soon.”

“That’s why Katara and the swamp benders will whip up a fog cover.”

“Then we’ll sneak by them statues!” Zuko stared at the outspoken swamp bender. “Just like we sneaked by that Fire Navy blockade!

Hakoda made a bird call with his hand so that the water benders could start with their part. Slowly, to make it look natural, the water benders started to bend a thick fog around the invasion force.

As the Chief encouraged them to keep it up, the former Fire Nation heir stared at the carved face of his grandfather. The permanent scowl engraved into metal reminded Zuko of the day his mother disappeared. The same scowl that his father inherited.

That’s when the alarm sounded.

“Great,” Zuko huffed. “The gates are being activated.”

The hidden ropes revealed themselves as they were pulled out of the water. The sound of the ocean trying to pull the ropes back underneath her surface was deafening. He knew what would happen next, but he took a step back when the underwater ropes were engulfed with flames.  

Chapter Text

“Here come the guards…” Zuko loved riding on the motorboats when he was younger. Lu Ten would take him and Azula to ride them around Ember Island.

“Everyone below deck!” Hakoda commanded and the scarred firebender felt his uncle grab him by his arm and led him down below.

Zuko had to admit, Sokka’s invention was impressive. Not even the Fire Nation’s greatest engineers could have thought of having submerging ships. Considering that having firebenders in a space with limited air supply and knowing that fire can use air to exist…Plus add in the fact that they would be surrounded by water. It would probably be for the best that they didn’t.

”This is amazing, Sokka.” The non-bender gave a soft smile at the firebender. This caused Hakoda and everyone else on the ship to congratulate the young teen. Well, almost everyone. Toph wasn’t having a good time.

The former fire prince placed his hand on top of his earthbending pseudo-sister’s head. She weakly punched his leg in response, but the sudden movement made her start gagging. The Duke quickly removed his helmet and gave it to Toph.

Taking pity on her, Zuko pulled back and held her loose strands of hair. He had to look away as she emptied her stomach into the helmet.

“Alright, we need to surface soon,” Zuko nodded absentmindedly at Hakoda’s statement as he rubbed Toph’s back.

…

Zuko sat on the edge of the ship with his feet submerged in the sea. Even after traveling the Fire Nation for the last few weeks, he would never tire of the seas surrounding his homeland.

“How come you’re over here by yourself?” Looking up, his golden eyes met the blue of Hakoda and Bato. He shrugged in response.

“I’m wondering what would happen,” he hummed as he looked at his reflection in the water. Hakoda made eye contact with his best friend before sitting down next to the fire prince.

”What do you mean?”

“Ozai will try and kill Aang.” The shaky breaths that the two older men let out indicated that they knew that could be a possibility. “Aang… He won’t be able to go through with it. He won’t truly stop Ozai.”

”You need to have some faith in the Avatar,” Bato stated. Zuko looked up at his friends talking a bit away and then hugging a knee he brought up to rest on the ship.

”I do…But the finishing blow will never be from Aang. So… this is my penance.” With that, the scarred teen returned to the submerging ships, leaving Bato and Hakoda to tense up.

”You don’t think?”

”My nephew wishes for the Avatar to not lose the ways of his people. Making it up for what our family has done to the Air Nomads. He will kill Ozai. Zuko will be the one to land the killing blow.” The two Water Tribe warriors turned and looked at Iroh in shock.

”Zuko is a child!”

”In the eyes of our people, he is an adult. In the eyes of all, he is an adult. My nephew knows the risks going in, and he will do what he must.”

“How could-“ Hakoda placed his hand on his best friend’s shoulder.

”Bato…”

”Hakoda,” Bato hissed. “That boy has been through-“

”My nephew will be the next Fire Lord so-“

”I thought you were going to be the next Fire Lord,” Sokka’s voice interrupted. Toph nodded next to her friend and waited for the former Fire Nation general to continue.

“I always planned for Zuko to take the throne. He has experienced firsthand the horrors of this war. I would be more sympathetic to the people and their strife as well as the other nations. Tell me, would you trust the former Dragon of the West with peace negotiations?” Iroh asked with a hum, his eyes downward with sadness in his eyes. “I am a well-known war general that many tremble at the mere mention of my name. He is what the Fire Nation needs in times of peace.”

A melancholy silence fell over them all for a few moments before Hakoda announced that it was time for them to depart.

Azula paced around her underground bunker as Zuko sat on her throne. His leg crossed over the other as he rested his cheek against his fist. “Why don’t you sit down? Or is the Great Princess Azula worried about something?’”

”Shut up ZuZu! You don’t know anything!” Azula shouted. “But if you must know… The Avatar is coming home and then I’ll finally have my revenge on those who made me look like a fool!”

”Is that all?” He muttered as he maneuvered to drop himself across the throne. “Or is it because you want to blame them for my death even though it was your lightning that caused me to die?”

“Shut up!” She screeched, throwing a blast of fire at him, causing him to dissipate.

Breathing heavily, the Fire Nation princess clenched her fists tightly as a strand of hair fell in front of her eyes.

”Everyone in position!” Hakoda declared as he looked up from the scope. “This is gonna be a rough ride!”

Toph and the other earthbenders scrambled to get on the lower level of the sub while Zuko went up to the front with the Water Tribe’s non-benders. He pulled his dual day out of the scabbard that was strapped to his waist and took a deep breath.

The subs maneuvered through the water as spears were launched in the water. They almost lost one of them if it weren't for Katara.

Zuko knew that the Fire Nation prepared for the invasions well enough, but how did they know they were coming from underneath the water? Unless…

“Sokka!” The prince called to the Southern Water Tribe native

”Zuko? What-?”

”They know.”

“What?!”

”Launch the torpedoes!” Hakoda’s voice rang out. Sokka’s eyes widened before biting his bottom lip.

”Tell no one,” Sokka decided. “Right now we need to keep all focus on the plan. I need you to be my backup. Wear your mask and keep everyone safe.”

”Alright. Be safe…my friend,” the non-bender grasped his newest friend’s forearm and Zuko gave him a nod in response.

”You too.”

Zuko left his friend before moving towards the back. They weren’t going to reveal that he was alive just yet, so he would be dawning the Blue Spirit mask.

’Alright, it’s showtime,’ he thought as the familiar feel of polished wood settled on his face.

Feeling the metal subs come into contact with the merchant dock that led to a road into Caldera. He grabbed a hold of one of the earth bender trains and rode into the sunlight.

A large fire blast aimed at him and he placed his hands in front of him. Splitting the blast down the middle before jumping off of the train. He sprinted up the wall towards the guard posts.

”Get him!” One of the nameless guards commanded. The secret prince revealed his dual dao before launching himself at them. He slid on his knees under their outstretched arms before kicking their feet from underneath them. He flipped his swords around to where the handles were upward facing. Before they could steady themselves, the former prince swung upwards.

Zuko looked up towards the one guard that was left, but he held up his arms in defeat. Standing up, Zuko hopped over the walls and started running towards the base of the volcano.

Trees and other greenery passed by him in a blur as he felt a familiar presence wrapped around him. His surroundings passed by faster as he let out a whisper under his breath.

”Thank you…Lu Ten.”

”You’re welcome, little turtleduck.”

…

Zuko looked up at the two iron doors that led to the underground tunnels and let out an annoyed huff. He didn't have time to waste. His friends were relying on him.

These tunnels were set to lock from the inside once all of the citizens of Caldera were safely inside, but there was one weak spot that was well hidden to prying eyes.

’Always check for the ventilation system,’ Zuko thought snuggly as he scaled the rocky outside of the volcano. Climbing in her than the iron doors until he came across a perturbing rock covered in moss. With a smirk adorning his face, the firebender wiggled it until it came out with a ‘pop’. Behind it is a single red button.

Pushing it, an opening hidden by native plants became viable. That was one of many hidden ventilation shafts in the surrounding area. Unless you were actively looking for a vent then it would go unnoticed.

Zuko made his way down and ripped the vent grate and yanked it out of the hole, then dropped down it. As he crawled through the metal tunnels, the teen came across the tunnel going upwards. Smirking, Zuko placed his hands on the walls of the vent and slithered upwards awkwardly.

However, before he could reach the top, a large fan blocked the way. The fan was large enough to climb between the blades, but only if it was stopped.

“You’re Agnika,” Yue’s voice rang out in his head. That was when the teenage firebender’s eyes widened in realization.

”I am Agnika…” Zuko’s chest rose as he steadied himself. His eyes not moving away from the fan, he pulled from the inner flame inside of him and bent it through his veins and chi paths. His body temperature rising and heart beating against his chest at an almost alarming rate, he waited until he felt the time was right. 

Taking a deep breath, Zuko pushed off of the walls and towards the fan. 

To be honest, he expected to have pain greet him, but to his surprise, there was none. In fact, he didn’t expect this to work completely, but here he was. On the other side of the spinning blades. 

“Don’t question it,” he muttered as he turned towards the flat area of the vent tunnels. He quickly started to crawl through the metal maze until he found what he was looking for. Taking a knife out from the belt he had wrapped around his waist, he started to unscrew the bolts from the covering.

Pushing the cover to the side, he launched himself out from the vent and landed on all fours without a sound. He then pushed himself up and sprinted down the hallway towards the palace entrance.

BAMM! BAMM! BAMM!

The sounds of the pounded drum echoed through the tunnel, causing Zuko to smirk. He now has exactly twenty minutes until the next call.

Sliding around a corner, the teen continued towards his destination.

Ran shot up from his place on the ground as he felt Agni’s presence let out a few pulses of dark energy. The red dragon turned his head towards his mate. Shao’s eyes were open and her brow furrowed in concern.

”This is not the result of the eclipse,” Shao said. Ron nodded and laid back down. Whatever happens, it is as Agni wills it.

Zuko was lucky that he was able to avoid The Wards of Sozin because he had one more corner to turn before reaching the Royal Palace entrance.

However, the scarred teen spoke too soon.

He quickly caught himself before he turned the corner. There were two voices up ahead and they could only belong to those we wished to avoid. Oh well. He only had a few moments before the next signal went off. So either he waited until they signaled back, or he had to do it himself.

’Time to choose,’ Zuko inwardly sighed and already knew that he had to do it himself. Making sure that his mask was on tight, he took his dao swords out and revealed himself after taking a deep breath.

“Who’s there- Ah. I’ve heard of you,” The taller of two wards revealed as he took out a curved dagger that was held tightly by its owner that stood in the Agnika’s way. 

“The Blue Spirit. Many soldiers from our nation fear you. That your flames run so hot that you can melt a human down to ash. Even the higher-ups are worried about you to the point they would send us to dispose of you, but I see nothing impressive. A supposedly angry spirit, but you're only human.”

Zuko said nothing and he moved into an attack ready stance. The shorter ward followed suit, but his partner held out his arm.

”Do you want to know how I know you're human? The Blue Spirit is the Dark Water Spirit, so how would he be a fire-“ The teen launched himself at the taller ward. The two didn’t process that his time-wasting monologue was cut off until Zuko landed a quick punch to his face. Effectively knocking the talkative one out.

The other jumped to his feet as soon as he regained his bearings and swung his dagger at Zuko’s throat and the prince didn’t wait for it to make contact.