Work Text:
Kyoshi Island had always been safe, even during the war. (Well, besides petty thefts). So when Fire Lord Zuko had to travel there for political reasons, Suki wasn't worried one bit. It was her home town, the place she grew up in. Part of Suki was excited to show Zuko the places she and her friends would spend time in. Like the training hut.
After all of Zuko's meetings for the day, Suki, still wearing her warrior uniform, led Zuko up the path towards Kyoshi's museum. It was a bit of a hike, but it was nothing they couldn't do.
"I know there is some old Fire Nation armor in the building." Suki said as she and Zuko continued down the path.
"Oh, who did it belong to?" Zuko asked, slightly turning his head to look at her. Her eyes lit up and he couldn't help but smile. "The set was Lieutenant Rangi's. She was Avatar Kyoshi's girlfriend. Not many people outside of Kyoshi Island are aware of her existence." While training to become a Kyoshi Warrior, it was an option to take classes on the history of Avatar Kyoshi. While it was not mandatory, many warriors often felt obligated to learn the history of their founder.
Seconds later, Suki felt a chill go up her spine. The warrior peered over her own shoulder, and in the tree line, a shadow figure stood.Suki squinted her eyes to get a better look, and the figure squatted down into a fighting stance. Their arms raised and a chunk of earth began to quickly fly towards the pair. "Zuko! Get down!" Suki shoved Zuko to the floor and hovered over him before he could react. The rock struck Suki right in her lower back. She remained standing, but the feeling in her legs was gone.
"S-Suki!" Zuko sputtered, staring at the girl in disbelief. His gaze went over her shoulder and he spotted the same person. The person lowered themselves into another bending stance, this time a smaller, sharper rock came up from the earth. Zuko struggled to keep his panic low, not wanting Suki to move from her position. Whatever damage the first rock had done to her could be permanent. But Suki again looked over her shoulder, just as the blade made of stone was moved towards them. It was aimed at the small space between Suki that was open. Zuko's neck was the only thing visible. Suki's Armor could surely stop it so she stuck out her arm.
When the dagger struck the metal plate on Suki's arm, it almost fell to the ground. But the bender kept it steady, and this time thrust it straight through the armor into her arm. Suki shrieks. "Suki!" She falls forward, into the Fire Lord. If his life wasn't in danger, maybe Suki would have enjoyed his embrace. "Shit." Zuko looked upwards. The bender was gone. But three Kyoshi Warriors ran around the bend and to them.
"Fire Lord Zuko! Are you guys okay?" One of the Warriors, who Zuko believes her name was Cai. "Suki was struck in the lower back and arm." One of the other Warriors crouched and flipped Suki to her back.
"Suki, can you hear us?" Suki's eyes fluttered open, her gaze immediately landing on Zuko. "Y-yes. You guys need to get Zuko out of here." She pauses to catch her breath, sweat dripping from her forehead. "There's an assassin." Cai nodded her head, "The other girls are on his tail. What's important is getting you to a doctor."
Suki shook her head, but stopped and moaned in pain. "I can't feel my legs." Suki turned to Zuko, eyes now wide, "Zuko, I can't feel my legs!" Zuko squeezed her hand, "You're gonna be okay." Suki's breathing quickened, and Cai yelled for help. "Suki, you need to calm down!" Zuko leaned closer to her face, but the girl did not stop.
"What's wrong with her?!" Zuko looked at the three Warriors who only shrugged. It wasn't a panic attack. Something else was wrong.
A minute passed and Suki finally stopped. But to the small group's horror, she was no longer conscious.
Rangi knew the group of daofei would be dangerous, but Kyoshi had tried to reassure her it would be fine. Rangi knew Kyoshi would do something dumb and dangerous and nearly get herself killed.
So when the criminal's sword was coming close to Kyoshi, Rangi blasted Fire from her fist as she ran in front of the blade. Her armor was thick enough it only scraped her side. That doesn't mean it didn't sting though. She sucked in through her teeth to hold in her yelp.
"Rangi!" Kyoshi wanted to aid Rangi, but first she needed to get the Daofei off their backs. She lowered her stance and made a small wall. She pushed it towards the group of daofei, and they were all knocked off their feet. She dropped the rocks over their bodies, trapping them in the earth. "Rangi, let me see your side." Kyoshi pulled some water from the nearby pond, separating the mud.
"I'm fine! It's just a light scratch. Are the Earth Kingdom police almost here? They were supposed to be helping us." Rangi dusted off her pants, and approached the downed daofei. She lightly kicked the rock, "You should've done this at the start."
Kyoshi shook her head and grabbed Rangi's hands. "Jumping in front of me like that was dangerous!" Kyoshi wasn't mad, just worried, and Rangi knew that. "I'm not sorry I did that, Kyoshi. The guy's sword was getting too close to you."
"I know I could've been hurt, but what about you?" Kyoshi gave Rangi her polar bear puppy eyes. Rangi smiled ever so slightly, "Okay fine. I'm sorry. But I can't promise I won't do that again." Kyoshi dropped her hands and placed both hands on her hips. Before she could reprimand Rangi, the Earth Kingdom police entered the clearing on their ostrich horses.
"Zuko!" Katara and Aang entered the small hospital on Kyoshi Island. "We came as soon as we received the messenger hawk!" Katara walked towards the bed and bended the water from her water canister. Aang pulled a chair to sit next to Zuko while Katara pushed the water over Suki's sleeping form.
"How long has she been out?" Katara asked. Zuko looked up from where he was gazing at Suki's face, "Almost a week." Katara's brows furrowed but she said no more.
"How are you doing, Zuko?" Aang was sure he would already know the answer. Zuko had deep bags under his eye. Even on her scarred side you could see a slight purplish tint. "I'm fine. Just worried about her." Zuko slowly blinked, not really moving. "I'm sure Suki will be fine, she's tough. I'm sure she appreciates you staying by her side. That's what friends do." Katara rolled her eyes. Aang had always been a little oblivious when it came to romantic moments. Everytime Katara had seen Suki and Zuko together, the pair couldn't keep their eyes off of one another.
"Have you been taking care of yourself, Zuko?" Katara questioned as she continued using the water to check over Suki. It was clear he hadn't been, but Katara asked anyway. "Uhm, yes."
Minutes later, Katara gasped. The other two quickly stood from their chairs. "What's wrong?" Aang rushed to Katara's side as she put the water away. "Bothing, Aang, can I speak to you in the hall," She glanced at Zuko, "Alone." The two quickly exited the room, leaving behind a very concerned Zuko.
"Aang somethings very wrong with Suki." Katara whispered. "For one, her spine is at an angle to where her mobility is limited. It's fixable but it's gonna take a lot of healing sessions." Aang's frowned, concerned. "The other thing is, she's in a coma. I mean it was clear when we got here and usually healing can shorten them. But her conscience was giving off a strange energy. It wasn't like anything evil, it was just strange."
"What do we do?" Aang glanced back to the door. "What do we tell Zuko?" Katara bit her lip, "I can begin healing her spine, but I don't know what to do about the strange energy. We might need to try different herbs."
Katara and Aang spent some time planning on what to tell Zuko. Meanwhile, Zuko remained next to Suki, still watching her face for any signs of improvement. Zuko knew he needed to return to the Fire Nation soon. He supposed he could bring Suki back on the ship but he was afraid to move her. Some of the medics on Kyoshi Island said her back was possibly broken, and it would take time and a water healer to get her back to full strength. Zuko could have Suki sent to the Northern Water tribe healing centers, but he wanted to stay by her side.
Zuko's advisor that had come with was desperately trying to get him to return to the Fire Nation. His name was Ga-eul, and he did not understand the Fire Lord's want to stay with a simple bodyguard.
Later, Katara reentered the room with a serious face. Zuko anxiously awaited the news she would bring. "Zuko, Suki is in a coma." Zuko's eyes widened in horror, but Katara continued on speaking. "The damage done to her physically I can heal, but it will take time. Her mind, however, Aang and I am not sure how to fix. Aang said it may have something to do with spirits, but I'm not sure." Zuko stayed quiet, not sure what to say. Katara placed a hand on his shoulder and squeezed, "We'll figure this out. For now though, you should rest. I can keep an eye on her." Zuko grudgingly nodded, and agreed to rest. He wasn't sure how much he could get though knowing Suki was in a coma.
Rangi pulled her hair into a tight topknot. The mirror she looked into had gold lining with jade carvings. It was quite pretty. Her and Kyoshi had been staying in the upper ring of Ba Sing Se for meetings with the Earth King. Rangi found the job exciting to experience the politics behind the Earth Kingdom, but Kyoshi found the whole situation to be a drag. She'd rather be off fighting the crimes of the Earth Kingdom on a larger scale.
Kyoshi entered the washroom with severe bed head, and Rangi had to stifle a laugh. "You better get that fixed before you meet with his majesty."
"Actually, I was thinking of taking a walk around the lower ring today." The Avatar yawned as she walked to the basin. "What?" I thought he wanted to meet with you today."
"That was the plan, but his secretary alerted Jinpa that he was having an emergency meeting with the sages." Kyoshi patted her face with some water, "Those sneaky bastards are probably planning something to go behind my back." It was true that Avatar Kyoshi wasn't liked much by the Earth Kingdom sages, but she didn't mind. She didn't like them either. "Alright then, what do we need to do in the lower ring?" Rangi asked before putting on a light lip tint. "I was thinking of looking into the street gangs. Jinpa said that he was infor.ed of a rather large operation." The women finished getting ready for their day and took the train down to the lower ring.
Kyoshi wore a basic attire, and ditched the face paint. As much as she loved wearing it, she wanted to keep a low profile. Rangi also sported more simple armor, it was still imposing but didn't draw too much attention. The pair wasn't there that long before loud shouts drew their attention to an old apartment building. It was rickety and looked like it was one harsh spring breeze away from completely collapsing.
"Help! Someone please!" A young man with a bloodied face came running from building. Kyoshi instantly ran towards the man. "What's the matter?" The man, through breaths spoke, "There- there's someone in there freezing people! She was insane!" Kyoshi glanced back at Rangi who nodded. They knew what to do.
"You're safe. Just hang tight." Kyoshi and Rangi crept into the building. The hallways were baren and there was no sign of anybody.
"Do you think he lied?" Rangi whispered as she followed behind Kyoshi's looming form. "No, but something is off."
Right as Kyoshi finished speaking, a blast of water drenched the Avatar and swiftly froze. Kyoshi's stunned face remained frozen, and Rangi felt her own heart hammer. She crouched behind the frozen Kyoshi and began to melt the ice. It was going slowly but she needed to remain unseen. Her main objective was to get the Avatar to safety.
"I know you're in here!" A harsh voice spoke from down the corridor. The person wasn't approaching, but Rangi made the fire warmer. Kyoshi's hand broke from the ice, sending a cascade of glittering ice everywhere. Kyoshi bent the ice off of herself and began attacking the water bender. Kyoshi moved from side to side, allowing Rangi to get a few hits in.
The two worked beautifully and were completely in sync with one another. But the rouge water bender was growing more unruly. Rangi noticed the woman look up at the rafter above Kyoshi and it clicked. This woman was going to bring the building down.
"Kyoshi! Move!" The smaller woman shoved the taller one out of the way just as the water bender sliced the beam in half. The thunderous crashing was the last thing that echoed in Rangi's ears as her vision began to fog.
It had been four days since they had left Kyoshi Island and they were finally back in the Fire Nation. Suki still remained unconscious and Zuko was beginning to become uncertain if she'd ever wake up.
Katara and Aang had told them they would meet them in the palace. Since they had a bison, they arrived two days earlier.
The medical staff in the palace were prepared for Zuko and Suki's arrival, and a whole area was set up just for Suki. Zuko wanted her to be as comfortable as possible. Some palace staff were suspicious of Zuko's care for his guard. But they chalked it up to just the Fire Lord caring for his personal bodyguard.
"Fire Lord Zuko, Iroh is requesting to be let in." One of the guards said. Zuko only waved a hand in response, seconds later his uncle entered the palace hospital.
"Zuko, I received your letters and came as fast as I could." Iroh looked at the sleeping Suki. He had gotten to know the Kyoshi Warriors quite well when he had stayed in the Fire Nation. It was saddening to see a fighter downed. "How are you doing?" Zuko shook his head, "Not well. I'm worried she won't ever wake up. Katara just left to take a break, and she said her spine is almost healed."
"You said in your letters that Katara had said her energy was off." Iroh prodded as he pulled up a chair to sit next to his nephew. "Yeah, Aang thought it may be spirit related. When he walked in the room today he said the energy was familiar. So we think it is the doing of a spirit." Iroh contemplated the words. He had been in the Spirit World and had seen all sorts of different spirits.
"Do you think the spirit is friendly?" Zuko shrugged his shoulders, "Aang said it was, but I don't believe that. Why would a friendly spirit keep Suki in a coma?"
"Spirits work in mysterious ways. Perhaps this one is helping her." Iroh's reassurances seemed to do nothing. Zuko bawled his fits, "Yeah perhaps. We don't know for sure though! I need," Zuko choked on his words, "I need her, uncle. I can't do this without her." Iroh was surprised by Zuko's confession. He knew his nephew tended to stray away from emotional connections. But he clearly cared for Suki. Wordlessly, he pulled Zuko into his arms and the duo hugged.
The next morning, Aang went to the med bay alone. Katara was still resting, and Ty Lee had made sure Zuko would rest a bit. He made his way to the curtained off area. Sure enough, Suki was still asleep. Sokka and Toph had been told through letters about Suki. Sadly, both were too caught up in Cranefish Town.
Aang knew that whatever it was that was happening to Suki was spirit related. He had tried to call on his past lives for help but none were answering his call. He was frustrated that he couldn't do anything to solve this problem. "I'm sorry Suki." Aang mumbled as he touched her hand.
Suddenly, Aang's eyes filled with bright white light. When his vision cleared, he found that he was in the Spirit World. Or at least a version of it. Around him purple and blue lights danced and in front of him was himself. He raised his hand to touch his reflection and it felt like water. As he pulled away, his reflection swirled and he was greeted with the sight of his past life. Avatar Kyoshi. "Avatar Kyoshi!" Aang smiled.
"Hello, Aang." Kyoshi smiled back at him, "I brought you here to tell you that your friend Suki is in safe hands." Aang opened his mouth to ask questions but Kyoshi spoke again, "All will be revealed soon. So please be patient." Just like that, his reflection warped back into himself.
"Aang!" A voice rang in his head. Katara's voice. "Aang!" He blinked, and when he opened his eyes, he was surrounded by palace doctors, Katara and Zuko. "Aang! You're okay!" Katara urgently wrapped her arms around him.
"What happened?" Zuko asked quickly, ushering the doctors away. "I saw Avatar Kyoshi." Katara and Zuko stiffened. "She told me Suki was in good hands and that 'all would be revealed soon.'" Katara grinned, "That means Suki's okay!" Zuko pursed his lips, "That's so vague." Katara punched him in the shoulder, "Don't disregard an Avatar's word!" Aang looked back to Suki, her hand no longer in his. "He's right though. It is vague. "
Rangi opened her eyes slowly, her sight readjusting to the light around her. Her limbs hurt and they felt heavy. Rangi wasn't sure where she was. She was in bed though?
A crash pulled Rangi's attention to the doorway. There Kyoshi stood with her hands clutching the air. "Rangi!" She rushed towards the fire bender and tears fell down her face. "You're awake!" She kissed Rangi's forehead.
"What happened?" Rangi's voice was hoarse and scratchy. Kyoshi quickly grabbed the cup next to the bed and helped her drink some. "You were hurt really badly. Don't you remember being-" Kyoshi stopped and set down the cup. "Rangi you pushed me out of the way and were crushed by a building. You've been out for two weeks." A look of panic crossed her face.
"I was what?" Rangi leaned back into the bed, staring at the ceiling. "Will I be okay?" She asked timidly. Kyoshi had only seen Rangi look this small when she had been struck by Yun. "The healers said it might take a while for you to be able to walk again, but it will happen." Kyoshi's lips quivered, "I'm just glad you're awake." Rangi's own eyes started to water.
The next day, after Rangi had gotten to see her mom and Jinpa, Kyoshi and her were left alone. Rangi expected Kyoshi to cuddle her, not be reprimanded.
"Rangi, I thought I told you to stop acting like my bodyguard." Kyoshi was giving Rangi her "Avatar Stare."
"I am your bodyguard." Rangi crossed her arms, even though it hurt to do so. Kyoshi stood from the chair she sat in. "Yeah you are, but you're also my girlfriend. Remember when you told me to stop blindingly throwing myself into danger? I need you to take that advice too." Rangi's hard expression softened. "Kyoshi, I'm sorry."
"I don't know what I would do without you Rangi! I need you and I'm going to need you for the rest of my life." Kyoshi sobbed and Rangi motioned for her to come closer. The fire bender pulled Kyoshi into a kiss.
Suki didn't know where she was. The memories she had just lived through were clearly not hers. They belonged to Lieutenant Rangi. Why did the master fire bender show these to Suki?
Whatever the reason was, Suki wanted to figure out where she was. So she slowly stood from her spot. Her legs didn't hurt, and she could feel them. Leaves flying in a brisk breeze caught her attention. They danced around her for a moment before picking up speed and gliding down the path. Suki ran after them, avoiding the roots that protrude from the ground.
When Suki came to a clearing, a woman who was wearing a red and gold hanbok stood by a bush of mugunghwa flowers. "Uhm, hello?" Suki shyly called to the woman.
The woman turned around, and Suki recognized her face. It was Lieutenant Rangi. Suki immediately bowed, "Lieutenant Rangi! I, uh, I'm sorry to intrude, but do you know where I am?"
Rangi grinned, "Yes. You do not need to bow." She came closer to Suki, and as she did, the surroundings warped into a different field, a blanket sat in the middle. Rangi beckoned Suki to join her and sit. "You're in the Spirit World, well a version of it. Usually this place is limited to just Avatar's and their romantic or close platonic partners." Suki' mouth popped open to ask exactly what that meant. Rangi continued, "When an Avatar's soul passes on, same with those partners, they come here."
"Am I dead?!" Suki gripped her own arms. "No, no! You aren't dead. I brought you here." Rangi quickly rushed in, hoping not to distress Suki too much. "Why am I here then?"
"I noticed a pattern you were digging yourself into." The Warrior only cooked her head to the side. "The self sacrificing bodyguard. I thought if I brought you here and showed you some of my own memories you would understand that yes, it's okay to fight for the ones you love. Especially when they're important figures in the world, but that you also need to make sure you're safe as well." Suki thinks back to the memories Rangi had shown her. Huh, she guessed she could see herself in Rangi. "But that's my duty I was sworn to. I was sworn to protect Zuko with my life. I made all Kyoshi Warriors that were in the Fire Nation take that oath."
Rangi shook her head, "You may have sworn an oath, but would Fire Lord Zuko really want you taking every possible bullet for him? I'm not saying to not protect him, but think about yourself." The women stared at each other for a moment. "What would Fire Lord Zuko do without you? I think he cares deeply for you." Suki flushed. "I care for him too, that's why I do what I do."
"What would Zuko do without you?" Rangi asked again. The question made Suki look up from the ground straight into Rangi's eyes. It caught her off guard. "I don't know, I would hope move on." Suki had never thought about that before. Maybe she would want him to move on, but she didn't want to be forgotten.
"Suki, I apologize for keeping you here so long, so I'll let you return to your friends. But I hope you realize how much Zuko needs you. You should value yourself, even when protecting others." Rangi gave Suki a soft smile, before fading away.
The warrior sat alone for a minute, rethinking every moment she'd spent with Zuko. Was it true that he truly needed her as more than a bodyguard? Even possibly more than a friend? She herself began to fade and her vision darkened.
Suki's back hurt. It was a dull throbbing pain. Her eyes felt stuck together with crystallized debris. She had clearly been injured, and as she recalled, a rock had struck her lower back. Her eyelids parted, allowing dull reds to fill her vision. A light pink sheet covered her form.
"Warrior Suki!" A doctor stood in the between two curtains. She looked over her shoulder to call out to someone, "She's awake! Tell Fire Lord Zuko and Master Katara and Avatar Aang she's awake!" The doctor exited but returned with a pitcher of water and a cup. "Here, let me help you sit up. You're probably a little bit dehydrated." The woman helped Suki into a sitting position and put the small glass to her lip. The cool liquid felt soothing on her dry throat. Just as she finished the cup, the curtain was thrown open by three people. Zuko, Katara and Aang. Katara pushed the men out of the way and made her way to the opposite side of the bed. She started water bending over Suki's forehead.
"Suki." The doctor moved away so Zuko could come closer. She closed the curtains behind her. "Suki you're- you're awake!" Zuko squeezed her hand and bit his lip. "Her mind feels clear. Aang?" Katara let Aang come closer and he stared at Suki for a small moment before breaking out into a grin, "The energy is gone!" Zuko sighed with relief, glad she wouldn't drop into a coma again. "How are you feeling? Does your back hurt at all?" Katara asked.
"I-" Suki cleared her throat, "I'm a little sore but it's tolerable." Katara nodded, taking a mental note. "Can you wiggle your toes for me?" She peeled back the blankets to look. Suki seemed to be struggling a bit but her toes moved. Katara smiled.
"How long have I been out?" Suki looked at Zuko, but he glanced back at Katara and Aang. They remained silent so he responded, "Almost two weeks." Suki's eyes widened. That was a long time. Before she could spiral, Aang spoke, "Did you experience anything weird while you were asleep? Your mind was giving off a spiritual energy."
"Uh, no." Suki lied. She wanted to keep the memories to herself. Maybe later she would share them, but for now, she was just glad to be awake. Aang looked confused, but Katara kicked him in the leg to stop him from thinking about it too much. "Well, we'll let you two be." She dragged him out of the infirmary, leaving Zuko and Suki alone.
Zuko pulled up a chair and sat as close as he could to the bed. The two watched each other in silence. Both weren't sure what to say.
"I'm sorry Zuko." Suki broke that silence with a soft whisper. Zuko looked at her like she was a two headed goat cow. "Why are you apologizing? It should be me. I let you get hurt and I'm supposed to be the Fire Lord, the strongest in the Fire Nation." Zuko looked away from her to gaze at his shoes. "Zuko, are you insane? I'm your bodyguard! It's my job to keep you from getting hurt! Not the other way around."
"Yeah, but," Zuko sighed, "I can't stand seeing you get hurt. I've hardly been sleeping. I've been so worried about you." He didn't meet her eyes, too embarrassed to. "You took a rock to your spine, and now you can't walk for months. You shouldn't have done it. You should have let it hit me."
Suki moved closer to Zuko and took his face in her hands. "Zuko, someone told me that I need to value myself even when protecting others. If I have to do that, so do you." Zuko's eyes glistened and Suki couldn't help but think that he was adorable. "I love you Zuko." She confessed in one breath. The fire bender's face turned bright red, it almost matched his scar. "I- I love you too."
Suki brought his forehead to hers and held it there. Suki did love him. She loved Zuko more than anything else in the world. With him here in arms reach, she felt like she could protect him from anything in the world. Zuko felt similarly, and he tugged the girl into his arms, breaking the gap.