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matcha-kisses · 23 days

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It had been one year since Gramma had abandoned the Shang family. It was an incident that changed Yao and Bai forever. Their lives were so different now that Ming left.

Bai tried to keep her optimistic attitude for her Papa's sake. Yao started to act differently when Ming left. He didn't smile anymore, and he didn't talk unless it was absolutely necessary. He would never tell it, but Yao was hurting deeply. He understood why Ming wanted to leave, but he couldn't help but feel betrayed. He risked everything for her just to have her leave him. But, deep down, he knew what she needed. It just hurt him knowing he wasn't enough for his wife.

During this hard time, Bai began working at the palace full time. As Firelord Ozai said, he believed there was nothing holding Bai back from working. It was true, but it hurt Bai knowing he didn't even considered how she was feeling. But, he's the firelord; what is she to do?

Bai began taking on more tasks at the palace. She was still Zuko's and Azula's personal servant, but she also began to take on more duties. It felt a little overwhelming at times, but there was one person that kept her sane through it all.

Zuko

Zuko had been Bai's rock during her time of hardship. No matter how many times she told him to leaver her alone or that she was fine, Zuko was always there for Bai. Even though she's never told him, Bai is grateful for Zuko's encouragement and support. He helped find the light during such a dark place in life.

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"Hey, are you crying?"

Bai lifted her head from her lap to see Zuko was standing over her.

"I-I um.... yeah. But don't worry about it." Bai mumbled. The last thing she wants right mow is Zuko to see her like this- a crying, blotchy mess.

Zuko felt a piece of his heart break seeing Bai like this. He's always seen her happy and radiate. So, it's so hard seeing her so broken. Especially, when he knows the same kind of brokenness she's feeling.

When his father told him what happened, Zuko felt sick to his stomach. Memories of his own mother disappearing flooded his mind again. The pain of loosing a family member is unbearable and is so hard to heal from. You may never heal from it. Zuko knew exactly what Bai was feeling. He wanted to see her immediately. He bolted to the garden because he knew how much Bai loved it there. If she was anywhere, she'd be there.

And Zuko was right. He wanted nothing more in that moment to take away the pain he knew she was feeling.

Zuko didn't say anything. He figured that Bai didn't want to talk about what happened. Instead, he sat down beside her- not leaving until she does.

The two sat in peaceful silence until Bai broke it.

"Thank you."

She leaned towards Zuko, resting her head on his shoulder. Zuko felt his heart racing. Bai started smiling because she could feel it too. She's learned Zuko has a hard time receiving affection. But, he's learning that he doesn't mind it- as long as it's from Bai.

The two sat there like that for hours. The world didn't exist in that moment. It was only Zuko and Bai.

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"Hello, Bai!"

Bai snapped out of her thoughts and smiled. She knew that kind voice anywhere. It was General Iroh! Although, he tells her just to call him Iroh.

"Iroh!" Bai bowed. "I'm so happy to see you!"

"As well as I!" He said, pulling her into a hug. Bai was grateful for Iroh. He helped her papa out so much during the past year, which she was grateful for. She wanted to feel like she could help out her papa more, but it's hard to help someone out when you feel just as broken as they do. But, Iroh stepped in and made everything better. He understood what Yao was feeling since he lost someone as well- his son, Lu Ten. Plus, Yao and Iroh got along very well, considering they have the same taste of terrible jokes.

"Now, what is it that you wanted to talk about?" Iroh asked, although he has a feeling he knows what it's about. His nephew's birthday is coming up. It's no surprise that the young teens has feelings for each other and he's sure Bai is going to ask for the "perfect gift."

"Well, you know that Prince Zuko's birthday is coming up." She started.

Called it, Iroh thought to himself.

"And you and Zuko are very close. So, I was wondering, what do you think I should get him for his birthday?"

"Bai, why would you feel the need to get Prince Zuko a gift? He has everything he could ever dream of! Unless, you're hoping this gift could win over his affection?" Iroh teased.

Bai felt her cheeks turn blood red and could feel them getting hotter as every second passed by. She wanted to deny Iroh's assumptions but she couldn't find the words.

He let out a loud laugh seeing how Bai reacted. He didn't mean to make her feel so embarrassed!

"Don't worry, I'm only teasing, Bai."

"Of course." Bai said, hesitantly.

"But in all honesty, Bai, I don't think it'll matter what you get Prince Zuko for his birthday. I'm sure he'll like whatever you get him."

"But Iroh," Bai started. "He's a prince. He's probably use to getting these swords and armor for his birthday! And I just want to be able to get him something that he'll love, but I'll never be able to get him something like that."

Iroh smiled at the young girl. If only she could see that his nephew loves her, even if he won't admit it. He would be ecstatic that she would even consider to get him a gift.

"Bai, it doesn't matter if you get him an iron sword or a handwritten note. I have complete faith knowing that Prince Zuko will be happy with whatever you get him. Just look inside your heart. There, you will find the perfect gift for Zuko."

Bai felt a small relief wash over her, and she felt a little hopeful. Maybe she is worrying for nothing.

"You really think so, Iroh?" Bai asked.

"I know so, Bai. Now, I'm heading to the kitchen to get some tea. Would you like to join me?"

Bai laughed at Iroh's response. Of course he's getting tea. She never knew anyone to drink so much tea.

"I think I'm good, Iroh. I have my own duties to attend to, but thank you so much."

"Well, okay! But I hope you don't change your mind; there may not be any left." Iroh chuckled.

Bai shook her head in amusement. Iroh never failed to keep an upbeat attitude. She walked in the opposite direction, heading to tidy up the Firelord's wing.

Bai was so caught up in her thoughts that she wasn't even paying attention where she was walking.

"Woah! Better be careful, Bai."

Bai lifted her head and gazed upon the young prince. No matter how much Bai saw Zuko, he never failed to make her heart skip a beat. During the past year, Zuko gotten taller and his voice grew raspier. He'd also been training abundantly so his body became more fit. Bai's cheeks heated up after remembering catching Zuko without a shirt on. He didn't notice her, and Bai was thankful for that; she would've died on the spot.

He's so handsome, Bai thought to herself.

"S-Sorry, Prince Zuko." Bai stuttered.

Zuko couldn't help but smile at Bai's nervousness. She was so sweet and adorable, although he wouldn't tell her that; she'd get mad at him. Bai had turned very beautiful over the past year she'd stayed at the palace. Of course, Zuko thought she was beautiful when they first met. But somehow she turned even prettier as her face matured. Of course, she still seemed to get nervous around him whenever he came around.

"Bai, I've told you a thousand times, call me Zuko, please. There's no reason to be proper when it's just us two."

"I-I know, but it's just a habit. And I don't want to get in trouble." Bai said, mumbling the last part. Once, she thought her and Zuko was alone until she was called into the Firelord's throne room. He screamed at Bai for treating Zuko with such disrespect. Bai couldn't understand what he meant, considering she always tried treating the royal family with respect. But, somehow, Firelord Ozai heard Bai call Zuko by just his regular name and the consequences were dire for Bai. Ever since then, Bai had made a very conscious effort to address Zuko only as Prince Zuko.

Zuko nodded his head in agreement. He knew exactly what she was talking about. He felt like it was his fault Bai got in trouble that day. He wanted to tell his father it wasn't Bai's fault and that he had no business to yell at her, but he knew it would end terribly.

"Well, anyways, what were you and Uncle talking about?" Zuko asked, changing the subject.

Bai felt her heartbeat quicken upon hearing his question. She doesn't let him know that she was talking about him! It'd ruin everything.

"Oh, um... you know, tea." Bai said, unsure of herself.

Zuko felt like Bai was lying but of course, he wouldn't push it. He wouldn't want to make Bai feel more nervous that what she already does.

"Oh, okay. Well, I had a question I wanted to ask you."

What, Bai thought to herself. Why would Zuko want to ask me anything?

"Sure... what is it Prin- I mean, Zuko."

"Well, I was wondering-"

"Bai! You are needed in the Firelord's wing! It's best that you not keep him waiting!" Leang shouted.

Bai felt panic settling in her heart. Her palms grew sweaty and her heart was beating out of her chest.

"I-I've got to go Prince Zuko." Bai said, running away.

Zuko felt defeated as he watched Bai run to his father's room. He knew it was more important that she was at his father's hand instead- considering her father is not a man of mercy- but he hated how they were so brutally interrupted.

I guess I'll have to ask later.

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"What a day!" Bai thought aloud.

After tidying up the Firelord's room, she was all over the palace. She had to help Azula find an outfit for the party, serve the admirals and members of the counsel during the war meeting, and had to clean the entire ballroom by herself. Bai felt exhausted and wanted nothing more to fall into her bed. Luckily, she didn't have to walk far anymore since she sleeps at the palace now. Of course, it isn't a luxurious room. It was a lot smaller than the other room in the palace. It used to be an old storage room but the Firelord turned it into a bedroom for Bai. She'll admit, it felt a little nice feeling independent. But more than anything, Bai wanted to stay with her papa like old times. However, she understands why he won't let her.

After Ming left Bai and Yao, Yao became so frightened that everyone would leave him. He even stopped sleeping in his room and slept in the kitchen. So that way, he could see if Ming would come back and make sure Bai wouldn't leave. Eventually, Yao realized it was unhealthy to do so. So, he talked to his friend, Ozai, and he welcomed Bai in with open arms. Yao was grateful but shocked at the Firelord's choice. He never knew Ozai to be a compassionate man, but whenever he mentioned Bai, he was very merciful. It was weird to Yao, but nevertheless, he was grateful. Bai and him both knew he needed to start sleeping peacefully Shein. So now, Yao could see Bai everyday while feeling well rested.

Bai was ready to crash, but she knew she needed to do something more important first. She grabbed the empty bowl that sat beside her bed and ran to the bathroom to fill it up with water. After it was full, she sat it down on the table and began to do the same routine she always does before bed.

Bai kept her promise to Ming by practicing waterbending. Bai didn't want to at first. She didn't want to be reminded about her gramma who left her and Yao. But, once Bai started bending like Ming taught her, she felt at ease and at home, surprisingly. Waterbending was now how Bai felt connected with Ming. So, every night she practiced before bed. It was very risky, but it was one Bai was willing to take.

As Bai bended the water above her head, she heard a loud knock on the door. The knock scared her, causing Bai to drop the water all over her head.

Great! How am I going to explain this?

Bai tried finding a spare cloth quickly so she could dry her hair before she answered but the knocks wouldn't stop. They only became louder.

Who on Earth would want to see me? No one ever comes to see me.

Bai ran to the door, curious to know who was at her door. She figured it would be Zuko, since they've talked late many nights. Bai smiled softly at all those nights they spent talking. One night, Bai even confused her deepest secret to Zuko- that she was a waterbender. She thought he would hate her when she told him, but he didn't, actually. Bai never could've imagined Zuko to react the way he did that night.

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"Wait, you can what!" Zuko screamed.

"Shh! Be careful! Someone might hear you!" Bai whispered.

Zuko couldn't believe what Bai had told him. She could waterbend. He knew he should've guessed, considering when you looked into her eyes you could tell she was from Water Tribe decent. But to hear her say it was shocking.

"Bai... that's.... I just can't believe it!" Zuko said, excitedly.

"You're not mad?" Bai asked.

"What! No! I could never be mad at you. I think it's amazing you can bend. Of course, it'd be cooler if you could bend fire, but water is okay too."

"Hey! Don't hate on my waterbending!" She giggled.

Zuko smiled at the giggly girl beside him. It was moments like this he loved. The times where neither one of them are busy with duties. Where they're able to be free and true.

Although Zuko's smile faded when he realized the seriousness of Bai's confession. If Firelord Ozai found out the truth, he would banish Bai, or worse, kill her. He would think she's leading an invasion. Of course, Zuko knows Bai would never plan that, and she doesn't have the resources. But his father wouldn't.

"What's wrong, Zuko?" Bai asked, snapping Zuko from his terrible thoughts.

"Oh... um.... you haven't told anyone else about this, have you?"

"No." Bai started. "You're the only person I've ever told. You're the only one I've felt like I could trust."

Zuko couldn't help the smile growing on his face. Bai's words kept ringing in his ears over and over again.

"Really? I'm the only one that you could trust?" Zuko asked.

"Yes. I knew I could tell you because you wouldn't tell anyone."

Zuko grabbed Bai's smaller, smoother hand and looked her in the eyes. Bai worried Zuko would feel sweat growing on her hand due to how nervous she was now, but that wasn't important at the moment.

"Bai, I promise I will never ever share this secret."

"I know Zuko."

"No I mean it, Bai. I promise that I will never give you a reason why you can't trust me. I will always be the person you can come to about anything. No matter how big or small." Zuko affirmed.

Bai felt her heart pounding and ears ringing. She has never seen Zuko so affirming. It made the butterflies dance in her stomach. Whether Zuko felt the same way or not, Bai knew from that moment that she wanted to spend forever with him.

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The increasingly loud knocks snapped Bai from her memory. She ran to the door, figuring it would be best not to keep the other person waiting.

But to Bai's surprise, no one was at the door. She looked left and right to see if anyone was there, but no one was. She was about to close the door when something at her doorstep caught her eye.

It was a scroll wrapped up by a red and black ribbon. Bai picked it up quickly and shut her door.

Who would want to send me a note? Especially at this hour?

Bai thought maybe it was gramma, but she knew better than to think that. She knew that gramma was very happy back at home and wasn't worried about her or papa.

It's probably just some warning from Azula, she thought to herself. Azula had sent her notes like this before when she thought Bai did a poor job. But it wasn't from Azula either.

Dear Bai,

It is no surprise that you've made quite an impression on everyone at the palace. You fit right in and are adored by everyone. To be honest, you caught my attention the night of Princess Azula's party. You're a very sticking woman. But I feel as if you have more potential than to be a servant girl. You are able to do so much more than what you're doing now. Which is why I want to help you reach higher places. If you want to know more of what you can do, then please see me during Zuko's party. I hope to see you there.

Firelord Ozai

Bai gasped loudly and dropped the paper. The Firelord was the last person she would've ever thought would write to her.

Does Firelord Ozai really think I'm cable of doing more, Bai thought to herself. She remembered how he spoke lowly of her when she first started working. But now, he thinks she's capable of doing more. And he even thinks she should be doing more!

But things aren't usually so simple with it comes to Firelord Ozai. He's a complicated man; it's hard to tell his motives.

But what if he's being serious?

Bai decided she wouldn't worry about it anymore. It was late after all. A good nights rest would help ease her mind.

Bai slipped out of her work clothes and into her night gown before jumping in the bed. She tried to calm her overactive mind, but she couldn't. Thoughts of new possibilities flooded her mind. There was so much she could do and she could make a difference here. And who would've thought the Firelord is giving her this chance!

But what if there's more to it, Bai questioned again. Bai sighed in annoyance at her indecisiveness. This is going to be a long night.

Bai decided she'd talk to Zuko about it first thing tomorrow morning. If there was anyone that could help her out, it was Zuko. Besides, she trusts him with all of her heart. She knows he'll point her in the right path.

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"Absolutely not!" Zuko yelled.

"Prince Zuko, let’s be reasonable about this." Iroh calmly stated- quite the opposite tone from his hotheaded nephew. "We've sat here and thought of all the different choices; this is the only possible way."

"Uncle, I'm not sure I can do it!" Zuko screamed.

"Prince Zuko, you must! It's what is right! Deep down you know it's the truth."

"No! I won't do it! I asked for your help so-"

"And I am helping you!" Iroh interrupted. "There is no other possible way!"

Zuko let out a scream of frustration, hot flames leaving his mouth. He knows his Uncle Iroh is right. There is no other way, which is why it makes Zuko so angry. He has to do this. It's the right move to make.

But why does it feel so wrong?

"Prince Zuko, I know this feels wrong to you." Iroh started, answering Zuko's thoughts. "But it's the only way. You and I both know this."

"But what if something happens to-"

"Prince Zuko." Iroh interrupted. "You know that this is your only choice."

Zuko let out a sigh of disappointment. He know Iroh means well. His uncle has never steered anyone in the wrong direction so he knows he's probably right.

He just wishes he wasn't.

"I know it is, Uncle."

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#atla #atla zuko #atla sokka #avatar aang #avatar the last airbender #prince zuko #zuko x oc #fanfic #katara #sokka

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moonlitxeuphoria · 1 month

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14, 17, and 18 for Zutara asks please!

Hello there, kind stranger!! Thanks for submitting!

(This was a lengthy response so I apologize in advance)

14. How do you feel about “The Southern Raiders”?

- So many intense feelings, that’s for sure haha. That episode is just one of my favorites from the show overall, and not just because of the obvious showcasing of how good Zuko and Katara work together as a pair (though it does play a major part), or them finally having that moment of reconciliation after what happened in the catacombs, but mainly because of the highlighting of Katara’s internal battle over coming to terms with deep seated grief caused by the traumatic loss of her mother. Obvi, that loss is a big part of her character, considering it’s consistently referenced throughout the show but in ‘The Southern Raiders,’ we finally get to see and hear from Katara first hand about that awful day. The episode gives her the room to rage - to feel her and express those dark, ugly feelings - and delve into just how she’s been baring the pain of being the reason why Kya is no longer with them (them - referring to Sokka/Hakoda/Herself). It’s messy and cathartic and just great writing all around on the very real topic of how consuming grief can be; of how you can end up hurting others, be it purposefully or inadvertently, while navigating through it. With that, there’s also the flip side of being able to eventually find peace with the help of someone who truly understands that pain you’re carrying. That with the right person, that load can be lightened until it doesn’t feel as heavy anymore.

17. How do you think Iroh and Hakoda would react to Zutara?

- Iroh is zutara’s #1 cheerleader aside from Toph and Suki, and that’s just facts. There would be fireworks, music, and endless rounds of tea and food in celebration over the news. That sweet old man would be overjoyed at his nephew/adopted son having found someone who pushes and makes him into a better person and vice versa. Not to mention the endless supply of dad jokes, like come on. DAD JOKES.

- I feel like Hakoda - as easy going as the guy is - would be a little skeptical about zutara at first. Not just from general fatherly concern, but because of the stories Sokka and Katara more than likely filled him in on regarding Zuko during the aftermath of the battle in the crystal catacombs. He eventually comes around though, especially with the added help of getting broken out of prison by his son and the aforementioned ‘Prince of all jerkbenders’ and then later hearing about how the kid put his own life on the line to save his daughter from certain death. Needless to say, Hakoda cashes in on his own set of dad jokes later on at their expense alongside Iroh because seeing Zuko and Katara’s slightly mortified but amused expressions are absolutely worth it.

18. How do you think the Gaang would react to Zutara?

- Toph: this girl would be absolutely unsurprised. She’s the first one to find out and tell them straight up that it “took you guys long enough to figure it out” cuz she’s a walking, talking lie detector and those heartbeats never lie. She clocked them from the get go and takes every opportunity to tease them over it because how is it that the literal blind girl could ‘see’ they clearly liked each other but these two dunces couldn’t. (Deep down they know it’s her way of saying she’s happy for them without sounding too sappy about it).

- Suki: would absolutely be the second one to figure it out and is immediately onboard with it because who doesn’t love a good enemies to friends to lovers storyline. (One of us, one of us) She obviously teams up with Toph in teasing the hell out of them whenever the opportunity arises and the two end up bonding over how equally dense their friends were to the blatantly obvious fact that they’re so into each other. It’s borderline comical, really.

- Side note: In my head, Suki, Toph, and Iroh are the official but unofficial zutara council who get together every so often and gossip about whatever new updates on their favorite couple they may have over tea and cakes. It’s a grand old time for all of them and they all would absolutely lose it when Zuko finally proposes to Katara.

- Sokka: Ah my over dramatic water tribe boy. His reaction is just a thing of beauty, really. He would basically go through the five stages of grief because first off, that’s his little sister and second, that’s his best friend and third, what do you mean they’re together now???!! (I picture it to be like a Ross from ‘Friends’ type of reaction, specifically when he finds out about Monica and Chandler) It’s only made worse when Suki and Toph just say ‘called it’ and continue on like this isn’t the most earth shattering news to ever be released. After he’s processed it though, he’s 100% on board and later joins in on the zutara council meetings with Suki/Toph/Iroh.

- Aang: Oooh, our little flighty boy. This one was a tough one to settle on, let me tell you, buuut I think I figured it out. In my head, I think that Aang would obviously hurt for a little while over the news because Katara is his special person. This girl literally saved his life more than once, has seen him grow up, has supported him through so much, and seeing that person you so deeply love end up with someone else isn’t easy. Never is. He would more than likely keep his distance while he works through his feelings. But then one day, he starts really paying attention to how they interact with each other and Aang feels something in his brain click. Zuko understands Katara, and I mean truly understands her. He thought he understood Katara, that’s why he knew in his heart that he loved her, but seeing the two of them together makes him realize that maybe he doesn’t. His perception of her - her wants and needs - are vastly different from his and that’s probably why nothing ever truly developed between them. Sure there was maybe a spark or two but never anything big enough for a full on flame to burn, ya know. And that realization is what eventually pushes him to be in full, genuine support of their relationship. Because how could he deny her that deep understanding that Zuko is more than capable of providing? (To end on a happy note, he later joins the weekly zutara council meetings and full out cries happy tears when Zuko finally proposes to Katara because oh my god two of his favorite people love each other so much and they’re making it official.) Now keep in mind, this is how I think his reaction would be once he’s had some time to grow and actually understand (and I mean understand) that Katara is her own person and doesn’t belong to him (she’s not an object that someone can simply say is theirs).

This was so long oh my goodness but what a fun set of questions!!! Really got my brain’s gears working overtime to think up of some eloquent-esque answers for each of them 😊💗

#random babbles #zutara asks #zutara

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peony-pearl · 1 year

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OOOOOOH I always LOVE reading your tags & if you ever decide to expand on your "what if" scenarios let me know, I'm certainly intrigued!

AHHH thank you!! ok so I might just add what I have thought out here but like

It absolutely makes sense that Zuko would be unhappy in the Fire Nation; it's poetic for his manic desire to return home. But like imagine if, probably after The Beach, he ends up warming up (hehe) to everything.

It starts with Azula talking about how she believed Ursa thought she was a monster, and that she was right - everything goes silent until Zuko says 'well maybe she was wrong'; then putting a strain on his memory of Ursa because now Azua and Ozai were all he had left. Azula is surprised, and Zuko sees how this affects her, and... things just start slowly thawing out between them.

They return to the Palace, Iroh sends the letter about 'Zuko's great-grandfather', and it goes as normal. Zuko is only feeling stressed from Iroh's 'meddling' when he's trying to give Zuko the peace of mind he thought his nephew needed, since due to his previous visits, he was so unhappy. However, after this episode, we don't see Iroh again until the finale; so imagine that Zuko finally takes Azula's advice to heart and... stops seeing him.

His relationship with Mai flourishes; Ozai even seeks him out more often for some 'father/son' time (and when Zuko finds out Azula concocted the outing, he's actually happy). He finally has a family.

But then when he goes to the War Room and he's told to talk about the Earth Kingdom... it all comes back to him. All of the faces and fellow refugees he'd once dismissed; he hears his father and sister and the soldiers laugh about the misfortune they'll eventually endure of their homes being burned to the ground, and something wells inside of Zuko. He's confused... and suddenly he's angry again. Especially when he's told that he will have nothing to do on Day of Black Sun. Ozai tells him that, as his heir, he needs to stay safe and out of danger; so he will remain in his chambers until further notice.

Later as Azula goes to see him after they get out of their armor and she tries to insist he join her in sneaking some of Li and Lo's tarts, he's back to being crabby and short with her. Azula asks him what his problem is, and all he can think about is Iroh telling him about Avatar Roku being his great-grandfather alongside Sozin. How Zuko's disdain for the idea for Sozin's Comet is fueling him to understand what his Uncle was telling him. Zuko really does have the capability to choose his own path... but at what cost? Zuko has continuously lost things that have mattered to him.

He looks at Azula, the closest they've ever been. If he left... he'd destroy everything they'd created. This was the first time they'd ever had a bond. He couldn't just throw that away. But if he took her to the Avatar... if she didn't destroy them first, then his friends would do just that to her.

Maybe he could just... look away. The Earth Kingdom wasn't his home anyway... but in a way it was. The name 'Lee' still resonated in his mind. He would hear the name in the streets and would jump. Azula would tease him and ask 'who's Lee? Was that your boyfriend in Ba Sing Se?'. A part of that Kingdom still resonated inside of his mind and his heart. They had taken him in when Azula was willing to hunt him and Iroh down (granted... the Earth Kingdom had no idea he was prince of the Fire Nation so... yeah maybe he DIDN'T owe them that much? he definitely used that to try and look away from the subject).

Either way, he tells Azula he's tired and he's going to bed early. Azula shrugs and knocks him on the head and is like 'fine, go clear your brain.' and he hates that he's missing out on spending more time with her; but... everything is suddenly turning on it's head, like it always does. He panics, sitting in his room and hyperventilating as he can't see a way out.

He's going to continue to fail someone he loves. But hasn't he done so already? To so many people. He's just a failure; but maybe he can change it; or maybe there's no point; can a failure still be loved?

So many thoughts run through his mind.

Until he has to realize... this isn't about him.

He thinks about Song and her burns. He thinks about when he used his Firebending to make Jin happy.

He thinks about Jet. What had happened to him when Azula took down the city?

If Zuko was going to be a prince, even a Fire Lord, he had to look beyond himself.

But he was thinking about Earth Kingdom subjects. But even so... hadn't he once been one of their own?

The Avatar is one of all elements. Zuko could be a ruler mindful of his fellow elements as well.

His family was going to destroy the Earth Kingdom. They'd already reduced the Air Nomads and the Water tribes to ashes. He'd laughed about their misery once. His Uncle had once led these efforts.

'You alone can cleanse the sins of our family.'

Agni, he'd already been so alone for so long. Why alone, uncle?

He thought about Azula again. He thought about telling her what he'd learned about Roku.

But every time he thought about telling her, about how she would feel about his growing idea to leave... he felt that distance again. He was falling from his sister's side.

He thought about Ursa. No, his sister wasn't a monster. But... she was so firmly attached to their father's teachings that, the moment she were to notice Zuko's waning involvement with the war, it was going to be over.

Zuko looks at his hands.

He was going to hurt them all.

Azula, Mai, Ozai...

He remembered Iroh's face when his own heart had been broken by his nephew.

Zuko's gut twists. It seems all he's good for is hurting people.

But maybe he can get to Azula before it's too late. Maybe he can work to eventually telling her about Roku; he can reveal who 'Lee' is... or was. Or is? He doesn't know anymore. His head hurts. All he knows is the horrible truth that he'll let his loved ones down.

It's going to be so hard.

But ultimately, he hears his mother alongside Iroh.

'That's who you are. Someone who keeps fighting even though it's hard.'

He knows his mind is made up. He sighs. There are still a few days until the Eclipse. Until then... all he can do is his best; maybe he can manage to get Azula to join him... until she finds out his true motive to join the Avatar and she fries him.

But he tries to keep a positive outlook (as positive as Zuko can maintain) ... after all, he'll need one for when he tries to convince Team Avatar to let him join.

#this wasn't entirely what I'd originally thought out but it's close XDD #Zuko #Azula #atla

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stella-facem-ducens · 11 months

Text

Katara's Betrayal Ch3

Katara has to choose between saving Zuko or betraying the rebellion

Katara can complain about many things, and freeing people is hardly one of those, but today she is not sure. sometimes even the purest actions can lead to horrible consequences. freeing those earthbenders became Katara’s worst nightmares. as soon katara gave them rocks from the coal deposit, instead of freeing themselves they went on a slaughter rampage, killing as many fire soldiers as possible and the fire soldiers were doing the same: a clash between fire and earth, fighting until the very last man. Katara is helpless. she finally understands a simple fact; something she is trying to avoid thinking but it remains an unavoidable truth: the nation she is helping, the nation Jet is a part of, the nation those soldiers are from, the people of the Earth Kingdom are not that innocent. they eager for blood innocent or not.

Katara can’t keep watching, she can’t watch Haru die in front of her, burned by fire. but it was his choice. he chose this, so Katara won’t intervene.

Katara has no reason to stay there. she runs between allies and foes, sometimes wondering who the allies are and who are the foes. She is searching for her only true ally on this platform: the ocean. In this maze she remembers there is a deck nearby for arriving ships. that is the way for freedom. her only obstacle is a massive bulky metal door. Katara is about to open it but she stops. there is a familiar voice behind it:

“What in Agni are you thinking?! arresting all the earthbenders, separating families?

“Do you know this land belongs to the Fire Nation? The nation I am destined to rule . and guess what I find… my future land empty, with rebels spawning like rats.

“Sozin's goal was to bring order and peace to the world. I am sure you remember the history; the Earth Kingdom was a chaotic place after Avatar Kyoshi killed Chin, the ruler who almost conquered the entire Earth Kingdom. the power vacuum left behind by the avatar lead to endless civil wars. wars Kyoshi refused to tackle and so did Roku. it was up to my family to bring a little order to a land plagued with corruption.

“And what do I see? my future land empty, sacked and impoverished. my father will hear about this.

“I will not tolerate you harming my future people, hear my command and obey it.

“I order you to release anyone here who were unfairly arrested and then the soldiers under your command will deal with the famine caused by your reckless behavior . you arrested half this region's workers.”

The sounds of the massive revolt finally reach the prince´s ears behind that door. the soldiers rush and open the metal door only to find a full revolt on their hands, one they are clearly losing. some of the rebels recognize the crown prince and rush head on towards him. Katara quickly reacts and hides behind a pillar. she doesn’t want to face Zuko, the rebels, or the soldiers. she retreats even further into the shadows where she can’t see. Katara just doesn’t want to see the carnage. her entire world stops, something in her is calling her, calls her to do something.

As she steps out from the shadows, she faces the carnage around her. she also sees and hears a screaming Zuko. She sees something unforgettable: a massive boulder hits Zuko´s side, then another,but this time heading towards his head: a killing blow, too fast to dodge. And Zuko hasn’t seen it, but his uncle does.

Small tears come from Iroh, his face expressing sadness, pain, despair, and then agony.

First Lu Ten and now right in front of him Zuko is going to die. from Iroh´s mouth comes the name of his deceased son and his nephew.

“Please , Lu Ten, don’t go . please , Zuko , don’t go . ”

Katara is not that fast. Katara can’t warn Zuko. Katara can’t earthbend, but she can do better. she can command the sea, and the ocean is happy to obey her command. the personification of the ocean´s wrath is asking for help and the ocean is more than happy to lend a hand. a massive whip of water rises from the ocean behind the deck and finds its way toward the massive boulder to change its course. while doing it, Katara keeps running. her legs ache, but she must go and be with Zuko. he needs her help. he can’t die. not while she is there to help.

she runs so fast but linear momentum is a bitch and so Katara trips and lands next to Iroh, who at this point is more than confused. it confuses him even more to see the girl (now with glowing hands) is somehow healing Zuko–but clearly not fast enough. the prince coughs blood: blood coming from his lungs. Iroh recognizes this kind of deadly wound. Zuko has punctured lung, and blood is also bursting like a river from Zuko’s side: an exposed rib fracture.

during this whole time the earth rebels are still pushing, trying to find a way to finish the job. the Dragon of the West closes the door with a swift movement, separating them from the rebels, and then he proceeds to burn the handle until its melting point, completely shutting down the door.

“Please tell me, can you help him?” Iroh doesn’t want to ask or say more because he knows who this girl is. she is helping her enemy.

“Is that the avatar’s girl?” a soldier next to Iroh asks.

“Yeah, she is . why is she here? why is she helping us? should we arrest her?’”

“I don’t know, sir, what should we do?”

Iroh is puzzled and those questions are valid, but there is no way they are going to throw her in jail. Iroh doesn't want to scare this girl. his nephew still needs her, but if she is here that means the avatar is also nearby, Iroh assumes.

Because Zuko is no longer bleeding, Katara can pay attention to her surroundings. She hears the soldiers talking about her. are they going to kill her? She tries to bury her worries because even now Zuko is still one step from death. Katara’s instincts tell her this big man with a beard is trustworthy.

“Never trust the Fire Nation.” the voice of her father from an old memory comes to her mind.“my dear daughter, why are you helping an ashmaker when you can end what the earth bender started? “Do it, my child. end him.”

For Katara it doesn’t matter what Iroh is saying or what the memories of her father are suggesting; she had already made her decision. she is going to save Zuko regardless of whether people want it or not. but is not going to be easy. Zuko’s wounds are deep. she cannot fix the open fracture, not here. she also cannot completely heal his lungs, not now.

There is no way out, no other alternative. it is a crossroad she must take; but sometimes not choosing anything is also a choice.

“I can’t heal Zuko,” she says. “not here. but I have to leave. my friends are waiting for me… unless you take me with you.”

Iroh is not sure what the young lady means. then it became obvious: she feels guilty. she can’t choose. she wants to return to her friends but she also wants to help Zuko and in this critical moment somebody has to choose something.

“Soldiers,” says Iroh, “take the young lady to our ship. we must depart to….”

Katara answers him: “The port next to Seilin Village. that is my rendezvous point. I was supposed to help the nearby villages and then meet with my friends there.”

“We depart to Seillin.” Iroh owes a debt to this lady. she gave him 3 days, 3 days to heal his nephew. the least they can do for her is giving her safe passage.

Carefully, they lift an unconscious Zuko and move him to the ship, to his room where Katara and the on-board doctor can help him.the horn of the ship indicate it is about to depart.

Katara bears the burden of her “not-choice.” she was supposed to help the villages. she was supposed to liberate them with the rebels, but now she is on an enemy ship with zero news about if the rebels succeed or not, or what happened to the villages: if they are free or not. the only thing she knows is…

She chose Zuko over the insurgence.

“Excuse me, what is your name?” says Katara, trying to sound as imposing as possible. she plans to make herself a respectable healer, to show those barbaric Fire Nation soldiers the might and power of the child of the South Pole.

“You can call me Master Iroh . I am Zuko's uncle and his teacher . may I ask your name , young lady ? ”

“You can call me Katara. I need some help. do you have some sleep-inducing herbs? we need to keep your prince unconscious because this is going to hurt . ”

Iroh just looks at the doctor beside Katara and nods. the subordinate quickly understands the indication. it doesn’t take him long to bring back the herbs and brew them into a sleeping potion, which carefully they make Zuko drink. drop by drop, after 20 minutes, the cup is empty and the fire prince sleeps soundly.

What Iroh and the doctor see is beyond the imagination: using the bowl of water next to her, Katara covers her hands and presses them on Zuko broken rib, but unlike before it is not just light. the water is freezing, changing into a block of ice. she pushes it with her bending, pushing gently. soon the exposed fracture is gone, the rib back where it belongs and at the same time around the ice liquid water is healing the wound. the entire procedure takes Katara almost one hour of full concentration.

“Master Iroh, I am finally done,” says katara, trying to find strength because even talk is challenging. she has barely any energy left.

“We have to wait for Zuko to wake up, I can’t do more.

“sadly I can't fix his lungs cause his chi. the chi in his chest is depleted.

“ I think it a good idea if we spend next day making sure Zuko is confortable . ”

Katara can’t take it anymore, she is just too tired–so tired her aim is compromised. instead of sitting in the chair nearby, she sits next to Zuko on his bed.

Iroh, after everything was done, can finally digest what happened. his dear nephew Zuko almost died just like Lu Ten and this young lady, the avatar´s girl, the girl from a devastated South Pole, helped Zuko.

“Girl, do you understand what you just did ? ”

“I don’t understand, Master Iroh. I just healed him. what is wrong with that?”

“No, Lady Katara, you chose him above the rebels. you chose him above the villagers you were supposed to free.

“if they ever find out, in their eyes, in the eyes of those rebels … you betrayed them. ”

Katara tries to defend herself, defend her actions or at least try to find a decent justification, but she can’t find her voice or the energy to keep blocking the memories of the battle, expunge from her head the look of those prisoners eager for royal blood.

“Lady Katara, it is okay. you can rest, even among your so-called enemies you will find no harm from us,” Iroh says.

“I will personally arrange your stay and your comfort during your travel. if you wish, I will prepare one of our men’s room, a high-ranking officer´s room, don’t worry.

“I will let him know he must provide it for you to use.”

While the Dragon of the West and the child of the South Pole discuss her future arrangements in a Fire Nation officer´s room, Zuko is waking up, the words “katara, men, and room” make his body come to full awareness by instinct his body will never allow Katara to sleep in another man’s room and like a dragon with his massive claw, Zuko grabs Katara and secures her in with a strong hold. feeling her close to him, feeling she is not leaving his side, Zuko can fall asleep once more. his instincts are satisfied.

“Lady Katara, if you don’t mind can you stay there for a while?” says Iroh.

“It appears my nephew has no intention of letting you go; I have no idea why. maybe it is because since you healed him his instincts are telling him: don’t let go the girl who can bring him back to a full health.

“I will retrieve you in an hour or so, please be patient . ”

without further explanation, the general of the Fire Nation retreats, leaving a confused Katara in the arms of the prince, on his bed.

In Zuko's arms, Katara finds some rest from all the emotions, from the death, from the blood spilled, from Haru the brave boy whose future is an uncertain, is he alive? Katara doesn’t know.

In Zuko's arms, Katara allows herself to rest, changing her position a little, trying not to wake up Zuko. She is face to face with him.

Finally, after everything, she has the luxury of watching the crown prince so close. The prince is always angry, yelling, usually at people who dare to challenge his command, but somehow Katara finds that endearing, because under that yelling, passion hides. certainly, even some angry outburst can´t harm his charm.

Katara can vaguely recollect from her memories a smile from him, but she finds one memory when he smiles. he did it during her fight with Jet, a beautiful smile adorning his face. she also took notice of how manly and perfect his jawline is.

Katara gets a little more curious as she touches Zuko’s ponytail–or wolf's tail, as her brother calls it. Zuko's hair is like silk. Everything about Zuko is noble, regal, and royal.

Katara also notices the prince is buff. not like the typical earthbender; they are “bulky” like a rock. in a funny description many Earth Kingdom soldiers look like giant square rocks. the prince is more like a mighty flame: strong and buff in the right places. there is no place on earth where she will tell Zuko his enemies look like square rocks.

Katara touches the prince´s scar. it is rough, for her it is clear the burn was not immediately cured, like if they wanted the wound to scar this badly, everyone knows the first few minutes are important. if you want to heal a burn properly, you have to take away the dead skin, clean the wound; but it appears that was not done. maybe she can help him.

Katara wonders if she really can. she is sure Zuko will never allow her to help him. he is a narcissistic, self-absorbed, proud jerk who doesn’t need help and won’t ask for it,that is part of his charming personality, yet katara doesn’t seem to mind because that is just a part of Zuko. When Katara saw him that day in the South Pole then in Kyoshi, it was obvious there is more to him., he is not just a jerk; he is so much more, and she must be deliberate if she takes a risk to try to understand him.

Like before Katara’s hands glow blue. the energy around his scar feels twisted, dark, painful. it is clear Katara won’t be able to heal it, but she can make it better.

The rough skin is now smothered. his eye obviously was affected by the fire. It heals a little. katara is certain the wound won’t hurt or itch and he can finally see maybe eighty percent., his wound won’t be a daily burden.

After proudly watching her results and how everything looks healthier, Katara deliberates what kind of monster would allow a wound to be this bad. to allow it to heal so poorly.

The last healing, her last attempt to make this prince, her enemy, a jerk, who Katara wants to know better, be more complete, less twisted by wounds made by a monster.

exhausted from the healing, the last remnants of her energy gone, she finally falls asleep next to Zuko. for a moment Katara could swear the prince holds her tighter, making her feel more secure. finally Katara goes to the land of dreams.

A few hours later, Iroh opens the door only to find what at first sight seems to be a couple holding each other after a passionate night. that worries Iroh. they cannot be together and that should not be allowed Katara is the avatar’s girl.

“Lady Katara, wake up. your room is ready. let me help you. I will release the hold my nephew has on you so you can move a little. I am sure you are not happy with him holding you this close.”

Katara doesn’t reply because it is the opposite. her being here in Zuko’s arms feels almost natural.

“Thank you, Master Iroh. if you can show me my room I will be more than happy.

“Please wake me up when your prince is awake. I must give him a quick check-up.”

“Certainly. now you must go. sleep well, Katara. let Agni bless your dreams. ”

A few hours later the prince is finally awake and shouting as usual, but this time he has a valid reason: something feels off, like there is something that should be here with him but it is not.

That is not the only thing that bothers Zuko. he is sure a boulder hit him hard. he saw the exposed fracture. he saw his rib outside his body. he saw the blood. yet nothing is there now; not even a scar. the one he has, the one on his face, it doesn’t itch like usual. Zuko can see better. his skin feels smoother. but that is not possible; nobody on board has those abilities or could be that powerful. only a waterbender can heal and only a prodigy can heal scars to such a degree.

Only a strong bender can achieve those things, and Zuko only knows two benders with those characteristics: the avatar himself and the peasant girl.

The obvious answer hits him hard: this is all Katara´s work. she is here.

Zuko promptly stands and leaves his bed. He is almost naked, only wearing his pants. at that moment he is not quite aware of how naked he is. He has other and more important things in mind Katara.

The yelling alerts the soldiers outside their prince's room. they think their liege could be in trouble. they rush in, and as soon Zuko sees them he demands an explanation: what happened yesterday?

of course his soldiers explain to him the recent events. they explain to him how the waterbender healed his wound on the battlefield. they explain to him how the peasant was able to push his rib and put it back inside his body. the lewd soldier decides to tell the kinky part: how their prince pulled her into his embrace and slept with her, which it was quickly corrected by the other soldier: they only slept and nothing more. they don’t want to push it further and tell their prince the other kind of rumors the waterbender and their prince are the subject of.

“Where is she, soldier ? ” Zuko asks.

“Your highness, he is in deck 2 in Gef´s room…. you know him, Gef comes from an important scribe’s family in your palace.”

Zuko doesn’t need any more directions. now he knows where he must go. still half naked, Zuko marches toward Katara. Zuko does not expect to find Katara wearing red. instead of her usual clothes she is wearing traditional Fire Nation traveling garments for cold weather. before his arrival a maid has taken Katara’s Water Tribe clothes and sent them to the laundry room. the robes were filthy: covered in blood, dust, and coal certainly not suitable if she wishes to see the general of the Fire Nation and their crown prince.

Both of them blush, a blush so red it can rival the Fire Nation banner. Katara looks so good in red. Zuko indulges his lust with a perfect scene of Katara wearing red. before Katara can do the same with the hot prince her instincts kick in.

“What the hell, Zuko. I told your people they must tell me when woke .

“You can’t go running around like you’re well again. I still have to heal the rest of your wound,” says Katara placing her tender hand on Zuko side’s, trying to find any scar–but she did a good job.

Zuko just stands there unable to do anything. what to do? a girl is just touching him so tenderly, worrying about his health. Zuko wonders if the girl fully grasps what she did. she made him more powerful. it will make his job capturing the avatar easier.

Is his health worth more to her than the avatar's chances of getting away from him? Zuko doesn’t want to ask. he doesn’t need to hear the answer. he doesn’t want to be disappointed because it is perfectly clear she is the avatar´s girl. why would she choose him? but it’s not like he cares.

A soft cough interrupts them. it’s the maid.

“My lord, if I may interrupt you, I am not sure if Lady Katara is comfortable with seeing the prince half naked. I am sure his excellency, now knowing the prisoner is okay, can rest and wear something more decent.”

A part of Zuko wants to be annoyed. another part knows this maid is right. so he leaves saying not a single word, leaving behind a quite confused Katara alone in her room

The prince has no idea how to interact with people at all.

“Lady Katara,” the maid says respectfully. “General Iroh requested your presence. he is waiting for you in the imperial dining room for lunch. Please follow me.”

“Yes,” Katara replies, trying not to sound timid but the word “imperial dining room” sounds not just important but also fancy. Katara follows the maid and she finds Iroh waiting for her, lunch already served.

“Katara, you have my deepest gratitude, I am not sure about your motives but for me it doesn’t matter. you saved a life deeply important to me, so I have to ask: What is your price? you have to understand Prince Zuko will persist in his hunt, but I am sure I can do something for you in repayment for your service to the Fire Nation.”

Iroh is accustomed to people’s greed. he is not expecting Katara doing this for free. he is sure Katara is not the exception, but what Katara does and says shocks him.

“I’m not starving anymore . if you think I did it for money, for a favor or security, you are far from right.

“I am Katara of the Southern Water Tribe. I do as I please and I wanted to save Zuko. my reasons are my own and that is all you have to know.

“Now if you ’d excuse me, General, I must leave. I lost my appetite.”

Iroh stares at the young waterbender. it is extremely rare to find another person driven by her own desires, not by material things.

it reminds him of Zuko. this girl and his nephew are proud people. they are willing to fight for what they believe is correct and never take a no for an answer.

Katara curses for almost four hours. her stomach keeps growling at her. maybe it was not the best idea leaving without eating before.

before she could get any angrier, three knocks alert her of a new “visit” in “her bedroom.” katara hasn’t forgotten she is on an enemy vessel. this new visitor is none other than that same maid who is in charge of her well-being. the old lady is carrying a small table and diligently place it in the middle of the room. then she brings two chairs and finally some plates. at first look, those are high-quality dishes. Katara tries to ask what on earth is going on but the entire time the maid refuses to answer Katara´s questions.

“My liege, dinner is ready. may his royal highness enjoy it,” the maid says as her prince walks in.

“Thank you,” says Zuko. “you can leave now.”

“As you wish, my lord,” the maid responds.

The fire prince looks at Katara with a small smile and starts the conversation:

“I must apologize for my uncle's behavior; he is worried about things he must not interfere with.

“As I told him, you don’t like those earth peasants. you are not driven by riches, that is obvious.

“It was rude of him to imply such a thing.

“As the crown prince, I cannot allow our guests to starve to death. if you allow me why don’t we dine together?”

Katara knows there is no room for debate. this is his way of apologizing and not taking a no for an answer. the whole “you are a guest” made it clear.

A good guest always honors the host. He is testing her. he wants to know if she has manners and Katara is not going to back down. she will show the prince she is not a peasant, not a barbarian. she is Katara.

Katara is amazed. she was not expecting her dish be this good.

“Zuko, I have to say I was expecting spicy fish, not smoked fish, lightly seasoned. ”

“Well if you want to know, I requested the cook make your dish more suitable for your tastes. I assumed a Water Tribe girl like yourself would not enjoy spicy food.”

“I don't expect for you to enjoy civilized food, but this is close enough.”

Katara just giggles. this is Zuko attempt to be nice: he called her “almost civilized” and he took his time and personally requested a dish just for her.

“Well if I must say,” she puts in, “fish is my favorite dish, and for your information in the south we season our fish too, but not with spices like yours.

“It is quite a shocking surprise because unlike food in the S outh P ole and in your nation, the food in the E arth K ingdom is…”

Zuko interrupts her, smiling: “bland. Food here, in this nation, is bland: tasteless, like licking a rock. I am glad you enjoy fish as much as I do.

“My nation is an island. the ocean for generations has provided us with food. our land is rich in nutrients because of its volcanic soil. it is natural for us to eat spicy fish in all its forms; smoked, grilled and so on.”

“Well, your highness, I do not totally support how you like your ‘flamy’ dishes, but I do agree with you. the Earth Kingdom food is bland. they prefer high-quality ingredients.

“The meat, the salads, everything is high-quality but at the end is just meat. it is just a salad nothing more.

“What can I expect for an unseasoned grilled meat with beans…..for once your nation, the F ire N ation is right about something… food in the Earth Kingdom is bad . ”

for an outsider, the conversation may sound aggressive or impetuous, but for Zuko and Katara this is their own way of finding common ground at the expense of the Earth Kingdom’s cuisine. what amuses Zuko the most are Katara’s high expectations when it comes to cuisine, how each of them is proud their own culture. maybe Zuko one day will try Southern Water Tribe cuisine.

after the last dish, they are on more favorable terms, considering Katara is not angry anymore.

“waterbender, I haven’t expressed my deepest thanks to you.

“I am not sure of your reasons, but that doesn’t matter. in the end, I am alive.

“I promise you when the time come, I will help you too.”

A small smile appears on Katara's face. what makes her even happier is the small smile on Zuko's face, the warm light highlighting it, also making Zuko’s beautiful gold glittering eyes spark.

After some more trash-talking Earth Kingdom food and somehow bonding over it, another topic pops up. Katara remembers Zuko is still weak. the problem is that she can’t do much because of Zuko´s chi; the chi in his chest is depleted and is not recovering. Zuko is like wounded animal avoiding using his leg, but in Zuko’s case it is his chest.

if her assumption is right, if fire comes from the breath, the only way to fix him is firebending.

“You know, Zuko, I think you should practice your firebending now.”

Zuko mood changes in a instant.

“Are you saying I am not powerful? that I need to be better if I want to take down the avatar?

“if you want power I can show you what real power look like. ”

Before Zuko could end his rant, Katara raises her hand and stops him. she doesn’t want to break the light nature of the conversation.

“I know you are powerful. don’t get grumpy. what I meant is your chi, the chi in your chest, is highly depleted. you have to to replenish it.

“I was thinking since fire comes from breath, maybe firebending can speed things up.

“I understand if you don’t want to. you know, back in that drill station, I met a guy named Haru. he is super powerful even wounded he could earthbend so well. earth bending is powerful.”

How Zuko´s posture changes from angry to resolute: it tells Katara her strategy worked. nothing works better when it comes to motivating a man than a good rivalry. what Katara doesn’t know is that Zuko took her words differently. for him it sounded more like a personal attack to his bending and element.

“Are you implying a mere earthbender can compare to me, the wielder of the element of power?” he says. “I didn’t know girls in the poles are that naïve. if you want to see power, I will show you power…and you will like it.”

The last part Zuko says self-confidently, with some arrogance in the mix.

“This waterbender soon will recognize how mighty fire is and no other men can show her power like I can.” that is what Zuko was thinking during his talk. he can be better than any man Katara will ever encounter.

“Follow me, girl,” he says.

During their trip towards the upper deck, Zuko hears some of his men talking, whispering about how having the waterbender on board would speed up things. she could heal so many men, tired men all. also all of them heard the rumors about this girl’s power.

On the upper deck, the prince commands the nearby soldier to practice with him. Zuko’s fire is weak during his first punches, only short bursts of fire come., his kick barely sparks, but at the mere sight of Katara, knowing she is looking at him, something happens. instead of anger powering his fire, there is something else: passion. someone notices that too.

his flames grow in intensity, like a dragon showing off his might. the flames grow hotter and hotter as the chi inside him once more flows towards his chest like a dam breaking apart flooding the valley below.

“You, soldiers, join the training,” Zuko commands. now he is fighting several soldiers, the air around them heated. some of the soldiers are unable to withstand the high temperatures and have to leave, surrender. they are no match. it is obvious their prince´s fire is stronger.

For anyone on deck, the battlefield is turning into an inferno, ropes catching on fire. everything that can burn is burning.

When the last man falls to the ground, Zuko looks back but he doesn’t see Katara, which pisses him off. is the girl playing with him? How dare she? the captain, reaching his prince, answers a question that has not been asked: where is Katara?

“My lord, I sent the girl to the bridge deck. she is watching you from afar. her request was clear: she wanted to have a better look at your fight.”

Zuko looks up and sees her waving towards him. he could swear he sees delight in the waterbender´s face.

He gets an idea: what if he can convince her to join them as the ship's doctor? she can help them so much. the training can be even more intense because there is someone who can heal them. she can surely make his nation's army stronger.

But how? Maybe if he impresses her and shows her it is a good idea to join them.

Zuko remembers his days in the imperial fire academy. a vague memory comes to his mind. he remembers a conversation his upper-class classmates had.

how to impress a girl. what zuko forgot is they were exchanging tips on how to flirt with girls.

Zuko struggled to remember what they said. it was something about a candle.

“Soldier, tell Katara she must go to my room . there is something important I must say to her . ”

“Yes, my liege,” the soldier says, and bows.

Zuko goes around the ship trying to find wax candles. sooner rather than later some veteran soldiers start spreading a rumor about their prince is going to flirt with the waterbender, like a typical boy would do in the academy.

Zuko with not one, or two, or even three but four candles in his hand, presents himself to Katara.

The trick to impress the girl, according to Zuko's classmates, is to light the candles with fire breath but control the fire so they won’t melt. only powerful bender can control the flames to the point the candle wax doesn’t melt at all.

Awkwardly, mumbling words, failing to express what in Agni he is about to do or why, he says, “Waterbender, behold what I can do/”

Zuko lights the four candles at once, a proud cocky smile on his face, proud of his achievement: a perfect control of fire, not a single drop of wax coming from the tip of the candle. what Zuko did not expect was his eagerness; he didn’t calculate how much power he put in his fire breath.

his desires to show off, make her see how amazing he is, how mighty his power is. it made those small bursts of flames incredibly hot and far away papers in front of him caught on fire.

From Katara’s perspective, she sees a bender with fire breath so powerful he is capable of burning papers on the other side of the room, a fire breath so strong that it is literally burning everything. she sees Zuko with an arrogant but cute smile turning into frenzy trying to put the fire out.

everything catches on fire. everything is a mess. instead of Katara leaving the room, she giggles. the entire situation brings her happiness.

A humiliated Zuko, with his hand black from the ashes, turns his head and looks at her reaction. he doesn’t find anger or disappointment; he sees a happy girl enjoying the mess they are both in. maybe the goal of impressing her was a total fiasco, but certainly he is achieving something better: she is happy.

“I certainly wasn’t expecting this, Zuko, but if your goal was to make me laugh, I appreciate it.

“I didn’t tell you, but I feel stressed. it is my first time doing everything; it was my first time enjoying fire nation food; it was my first time watching a Fire Nation training session; and it was my first time healing these kinds of wounds.

“I am afraid I am not able to heal you complete ly. I know we are enemies , but somehow it feels right helping you . it feel s right making you feel proud . ”

Before Katara could continue in her self-loathing speech, Zuko does something surprising: he hugs her, and it was a brief hug.

“Never underestimate your own power,” he says.

The whole thing is too awkward for Zuko. he failed to impress her, now he is hugging her. this is too much for him, so instead of facing whatever it is happening, he sends Katara away.

“Katara, go to your room and rest. in three hours come back and you will heal me,” says Zuko using his natural but imposing “royal commanding voice.” he always uses it when he tries to sound serious.

As the sun goes down, the moon rises. this night is a full moon night, empowering Katara's bending abilities. the doctor and Iroh are waiting for her in Zuko’s room, supervising the whole thing, while zuko rests on his bed knowing Katara will surprise everyone.

Like before, Katara commands the water to do her bidding and again her hands glow in light blue. But something is different, Katara feels something is calling her, saying to her “you can do more.” the light turn purple and then finally deep red. she has no idea what she is doing. instead of controlling the water in her hands, she is controlling the water inside Zuko´s core. something deep inside him. like a good waterbender, she follows the flow. she may not know what is going on, but she will trust the flow of the water.

Katara finds the rhythm, the tempo, the pull and push. she is following zuko´s respiration…

in and out, push and pull, in and out, push and pull.

until Zuko’s respiration finally becomes normal. his lungs completely heal. the red light dies. neither Zuko nor Katara saw it, but Iroh and the doctor did. Iroh knows how water healing is; so does the doctor. what this girl did was something nobody has ever done, a display of power never seen.

Before Katara could request some help, Iroh interrupts, “doctor, send Katara to her room. she must sleep tonight. she will need all her strength for tomorrow.” while the doctor is passing next to the general, the general whispers, “tell to the captain full speed, we must reach port before dawn.”

Zuko and Katara sleep, both of them finally feeling complete. Katara had shown the world she is not a mere girl following the avatar. she showed her supposed enemies she is a foe to be feared.

Zuko feels he is finally healed: not only his lungs but also his scar. it finally doesn’t bother him, he can see better now, he can breathe better, and all thanks to a single girl, a girl who looks at him not with disappointment but with kindness.

A more cheerful Zuko, now dressed with his formal regalia, proceeds to walk to the waterbender´s room and greet her. Maybe she could accompany him to breakfast. Maybe they can talk about Fire Nation food, about firebending. Zuko is always proud of his nation's traditions and culture.

He doesn’t find her in her room. he doesn’t find her anywhere, but why is the ship docked? they are a full day ahead of schedule.

Iroh gives him the answer.

“I let her go. I know you were trying to impress her, but she will never say yes.

“She is the avatar´s girl. she is meant to be his, his to take and be with.

“I doubt she will ever see you with eyes other than animosity . it is better for her to leave . ”

Zuko doesn’t reply. she is the avatar’s girl. everyone always made it clear. she is the enemy.

“Uncle, you seem to believe I care what other people think or say. I am Prince Zuko, I don’t care what other people think. I only care what I think and I think this girl is different.”

“Different?” asks Iroh.

“Yeah, Uncle, she is different from any other girl.”

Zuko didn’t need to explain himself further. he will succeed in showing her his nation's cuisine is not bad, his nation’s bending is something amazing to behold, and now, unlike what everyone thinks, she will see he is not bad.

Katara, I will make you see who the real crown prince is of the Fire Nation.

#zutara #zutara fanfiction

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hantheheart · 5 months

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what i just rant about my Avatar the Last Airbender OC

Micha was born in a fire nation colony full of farmers who were outspoken against the war and because you cant just outright banish like 30 people for disagreeing, they were sent to a colony that was promptly abandoned by the soldiers. She was 9 when the village was wiped out but Earth Kingdom mercenaries dressed as soldiers on the day of her village's harvest festival, and the day after her little brother was born. She buried every member of the village then marched all the way to Ba Sing Se over the course of a year, arriving during the later part of Iroh's Siege of the Earth Kingdom Capital. Lu Ten picked her up from the battlefield and he and Iroh decided they'd let her stay until they returned to the Fire Nation. Her year trek to the capital had instilled a knack for fighting so she did her best to help during the battles until Lu Ten died. Iroh sent her back to the Fire Nation with his letters breaking the bad news with a note for Queen Ursa that he wanted to put the girl to work as a bodyguard/companion for Zuko, knowing his nephew didn't have any friends to confide in.

Zuko of course wasn't too happy about being assigned someone only a year older than him as a bodyguard, but it didn't take long for the two of them to become good friends, sneaking out to explore the city or to a tree that sat on a hill overlooking the Fire Nation Capital. They spent many evenings at that tree, especially after Ursa vanished. Ozai, who had initially been against having some colony farmer girl in the palace at all, made a deal with Micah that if she kept Zuko out of his sight, she could continue to be his bodyguard. So she kept Zuko busy; they practiced fire bending together, spent most of their free time together slipping out of the palace to explore the capital or around the palace kitchen to sneak treats.

When Zuko was banished, a handful of Ozai's Generals approached Micah with offers of sponsoring her into military school, with promises of high rankings when she graduated, praising her loyalty. What they didn't know was her loyalty wasn't to the nation but to Zuko, so she turned the offers down and followed Zuko and Iroh into their hunt for the Avatar.

When they were in Ba Sing Se years later, during the "Episode of" time period, Micah would admit to Zuko that she had feelings for him and probably had for awhile, thought she wasn't too sure of herself. The only reason she hadn't said before was because she was aware of his feelings for Mai but with how it seemed their lives were changing to something peaceful, she wanted to be truthful with him, with the addition that she just wanted to be honest with him, with no intention of it changing things between them if he didn't feel the same.

There was hardly time to dwell as Azula would show up to Siege the city only days later, but the feelings would linger even as Micah expressed disappointment in Zuko for aiding his sister with defeating the Avatar and followed Iroh into prison for betraying the orders of the royal family. She'd escape with Iroh but turn back for Zuko and go with him to join Team Avatar.

She'd leave the Fire Nation on the day of Zuko's coronation, leaving only a letter for Zuko that she had a promise to fulfill and would return after her own journey of self discovery.

She'd return to her old colony to rebuild it into a place free from the scars of the war, only to discover refugees of the war had already settled in, rebuilding the old houses and even caring for the makeshift graveyard in the hopes a survivor of what had happened would return to help them put names to each grave. Micah would be grateful to the people of the village for the care they put into rebuilding, nostalgia for a home she thought she'd never see again as she settled into helping with the village. She'd keep her fire bending a secret for a time before coming clean to explain the history of the village to the new residents, from how it was founded as a colony of forgotten farmers to how they were silenced by mercenaries who discovered the hidden fire nation memorabilia they kept on the chance Fire Nation soldiers would ever return and the lone person who lived long enough to ask her to not hate the whole nation for the actions of so few.

Some would be wary, others would remain open but she would continue to help the village until the literal ghosts of her family pestered her into moving on. The world had changed and they wanted her to see it.

#atla #alta oc #han rants #uhhh #death mention #mention of child death #its like one sentence but ill tag it anyways #atla zuko #atla iroh #readmore

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amelietheauthor04 · 2 years

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Angelic light pt.2 - Firelord Zuko x fem!Reader

Summary: After Zuko and his wife get up, they get ready for a day outside of the palace. Y/n doesn‘t know what Zuko has planned for her. ;)

Warnings: again, none, beware of dying because of soft Zuko

A/n: so yeah, here we go again. This is wayyyyyy too much fun for me. Who wants to finish their thesis if they can write Zuko fluff instead?!!

„Okay, so I was thinking, maybe we could get away from the palace for today,“ Zuko said. He was sitting on the edge of the gigantic bed, his chest still bare and his eyes remaining on the figure of his wife y/n, who currently tried to manage the many strings on her flowing dress. She had taken up her long hair in a bun, so that it wouldn‘t hinder her in getting dressed.

„I like the idea, but if you don‘t stop staring now and start helping me, we won‘t make it out of this room until next month.“

Zuko sighed and whined, „You should have told me that getting yourself dressed would require special training, before I sent away that maid.“ He crossed the room and came to stand before her. His face twisted in an desperate stare, he asked, „Where are all these pieces even supposed to go?“

Y/n grinned. „You brought this all on yourself, all mighty Fire Lord.“

„Maybe this was my plan after all, to stay here forever. We could always go back to bed. Undressing you is always more fun, love,“ he said and gave her a quick kiss on the lips.

His wife shoved him away ever so lightly and watched the content smile that formed around the corners of Zuko‘s mouth. „You were the one to suggest leaving the palace, now deal with the consequences.“ She reached out her hand to lovingly ruffle his hair, so that it turned into something even messier than before.

„Devious little lady,“ he whispered, the gentle smile still resting upon his face.

Y/n just flashed him a cheeky grin and turned around, so her back was facing him. „It‘s no that bad, Zu, you only need to gather them all and tie them into a bow. I‘m sure even you can do this.“

Then, she felt his warm hands taking all the silken pieces that were hanging from her shoulders and sides to tie them together. Zuko struggled only for a few moments before he said, „See? I did it.“ Before y/n got a chance to turn around he slid his arms around her body and pulled her into his chest where he held her in a soft embrace. She could feel his breath against her neck, his hair tickling her sensitive skin. Y/n closed her eyes and leaned into his touch even more.

„You‘re beautiful, y/n,“ Zuko breathed. „So beautiful, it makes me lose my mind.“ A shiver ran down her spine. „But if that‘s the price for being with you, I will pay it a thousand times.“

Zuko never thought he could lose himself to someone as much as he did to y/n. And he was glad. Was glad that it was her that stood beside him. She would always take care of his every being, his very soul. Y/n was his lantern in the dark, his saving grace, the oxygen in his lungs. She was his wife and Fire Lady and sometimes he wondered how he got to be so lucky to finally have someone to call his and his only.

„I love you, Zuko,“ she said and placed a gentle kiss along his jawline. He closed his eyes and sighed peacefully. Because that‘s what he was - at peace. Whenever y/n was in his arms, all the stress and responsibilities that came with being the ruler of a nation fell off of him as if they were dust upon his shoulders.

„Uncle Iroh is waiting for us. We should get ready,“ he murmured, not wanting to let go of his wife.

But y/n cried out in happiness and broke out of their embrace. „Iroh? You didn‘t tell me, he would be back!“

Zuko smiled warmly. „That‘s because I wanted to surprise you. And apparently, it worked,“ he said. Iroh had been in Ba Sing Se for the last couple of weeks since his tea shop the Jasmin Dragon would not look after itself all on his own. However, he had missed his nephew and his wife y/n terribly, so he decided to come back to the Capital City for a much needed visit. He adored y/n with all his heart ever since the first time he had set eyes on her.

It had been a warm summer night, when Zuko had decided that he wanted his new girlfriend to meet his uncle. He had taken her to his uncle‘s tea shop in Ba Sing Se and watched in content as she seemingly exploded out of pure joy when she smelled the delicious scent of the shop. Y/n had immediately after meeting Iroh pestered the man with all kinds of questions about his favourite tea leaves and way to brew tea and ever since Iroh was more than invested in Zuko‘s new girlfriend. „Don‘t you ever let her get away, my dear nephew,“ he had said, grinning as widely as the sun before nearly crushing the two of them in his hug.

Y/n hopped in joy from toe to toe and pressed a rushed kiss on her husband‘s cheek. „This is the best surprise ever. Thank you, thank you, thank you!“ she squeaked. As if someone had turned the energy-button on, she grabbed Zuko‘s arm and ushered him in the direction where his clothes were draped over a chair. „Come on, get dressed! We don‘t want to keep him waiting!“

He laughed, the sound of y/n‘s happiness almost making him drunk. And so it only took him a few moments to get dressed while his wife tried to cope with the mess she made of his hair. When they thought that they both looked faintly presentable, they left their room and entered the never ending hallways of the palace. Even from the end of the hallways their giggling could be heard and earned them hidden smiles from everyone they passed on their way outside. It was like watching two kids rushing outside to cause their next mischief.

A/n 2: I freakin‘ LOVE Iroh. Definitely gonna write a next part. Also: does anyone know how to link a previous part to another one? I‘m obviously too dumb for that.

Also: part 3 is already up

#fire lord zuko #zuko fanfic #zuko x reader #zuko fluff #uncle iroh #zuko x y/n #avatar zuko #avatar the last airbender #avatar

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sokkastyles · 3 years

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I’ve talked about this before, but I need to emphasize that Zuko working in the tea shop is a huge part of his arc and development. It wasn’t just something that lasted only a few episodes that he hated and then moved on from, it’s something that is threaded throughout his arc and into the finale.

Of course he’s not happy for a large part of the time he’s working there in book two. He’s a traumatized teenager who is desperately trying to achieve the approval of his father so that he can go back to the home he was banished from. Iroh tries to make the best of things in part because Iroh genuinely enjoys it and making the best of a bad situation is just who he is, but he also wants Zuko to be happy and wants to make the best life for his nephew that he can, and he knows that Zuko needs positivity and security in his life, as well as tries to nurture in Zuko an appreciation for the small things in life and an attitude of service. It is hardly surprising that Zuko is resistant to this, though.

Zuko complains even more when he and Iroh are presented with new opportunities, because he doesn’t want to accept the possibility of growth in this new life.

Iroh: Did you hear, nephew? This man wants to give us our own tea shop in the Upper Ring of the city!

Quon: That's right, young man, your life is about to change for the better!

Zuko: [Sarcastically.] I'll try to contain my joy. [Walks outside, slams door shut.]

Zuko spends seven episodes working in the tea shop in a twenty episode season. It runs through his entire Ba Sing Se arc. He grumbles, groans, and complains through most of it.

Iroh: So, I was thinking about names for my new tea shop. How about the Jasmine Dragon? It's dramatic, poetic, has a nice ring to it.

Zuko: [Shows Iroh the flyer.] The Avatar is here in Ba Sing Se and he's lost his bison.

Iroh: [Grabs the flyer.] We have a chance for a new life here. [Cut to Zuko looking out a window.] If you start stirring up trouble, we could lose all the good things that are happening for us.

Zuko: [Turns to Iroh.] Good things that are happening for you! Have you ever thought that I want more from life than a nice apartment and a job serving tea?

Iroh: There is nothing wrong with a life of peace and prosperity. I suggest you think about what it is that you want from your life and why.

Zuko: I want my destiny.

Iroh: What that means is up to you.

Zuko’s time in the tea shop is part of his arc of discovering that he can choose his own destiny, and although he didn’t choose to live as a refugee, he can choose what he makes of it, which is what Iroh is trying to teach him here. Part of that is choosing to accept Iroh’s love, choosing to appreciate the good things instead of wishing for something that he doesn’t have, and we know that Zuko’s desire to go back to being the prince of the Fire Nation and earn his father’s affection is ultimately empty, and part of a life where he was abused, as well as where he was a part of a system that was oppressing others.

Then Zuko refuses Iroh’s advice about accepting a simple life in favor of pursuing Appa as the Blue Spirit - an identity that represents Zuko’s internal conflict between his fractured self image, which in book two involves him using the Blue Spirit identity to steal, to get back a part of the old life which he’s lost. It is extremely painful for him to admit that trying to get back to who he was before his banishment is causing him to engage in self-destructive behaviors that are stagnating his growth. Iroh just wants him to be safe and happy but he also knows that Zuko has to confront this conflict within himself.

That’s why, after he frees Appa, he must throw away the Blue Spirit mask once and for all, symbolically letting go of his desire to go back to the Fire Nation.

Iroh: You did the right thing, nephew. Leave it behind.

Giving up the past is never easy. Especially giving up the ideas he’s held onto for so long, the idea of what he can one day get back that, as Iroh said in book one, had kept Zuko going through his banishment, that gave him hope. But part of creating your own destiny is realizing that you can find hope in places you didn’t think you could find it. Zuko has to find something else to put his hope in and that’s represented physically by the sickness he suffers after freeing Appa. His entire sense of self has been shaken to the core, because change, real change, is hard.

Iroh: You should know that this is not a natural sickness, but that shouldn't stop you from enjoying tea.

Zuko: What's happening?

Iroh: Your critical decision. What you did beneath that lake. It was in such conflict with our image of yourself that you are now at war within your own mind and body.

Zuko: What's that mean?

Iroh: You are going through a metamorphosis, my nephew. It will not be a pleasant experience, but when you come out of it, you will be the beautiful prince you were always meant to be.

Tea even makes an appearance during Zuko’s “metamorphosis,” because the tea is symbolic, y’all. Then when Zuko wakes up from his sickness, we see an immediate change in him.

Iroh: Now that your fever is gone, you seem different somehow.

Zuko: [Optimistically.] It's a new day. We've got a new apartment, new furniture, and today's the grand opening of your new tea shop. Things are looking up, Uncle.

This doesn’t necessarily mean that Zuko has suddenly decided that he loves serving tea and working customer service, but the change he’s experienced is about choosing to find the good, to accept change into his life, to accept humility, and love. And this is the most happy we’ve ever seen Zuko be. We also see him emotionally supporting Iroh and working on his relationship with his uncle because he knows that seeing Zuko happy makes Iroh happy. Before, Zuko made a big show of his unhappiness, slamming doors and frowning and shouting and generally acting like a spoiled teenager with major authority issues, which made Iroh visibly upset. Iroh constantly tries to get Zuko to change his attitude but in the end it’s something that Zuko has to choose himself.

Iroh: Who thought when we came to this city as refugees, that I'd end up owning my own tea shop? Follow your passion, Zuko, and life will reward you.

Zuko: Congratulations, Uncle.

Iroh: I am very thankful.

Zuko: You deserve it. The Jasmine Dragon will be the best tea shop in the city.

Iroh: No. I'm thankful because you decided to share this special day with me. It means more than you know.

Zuko: Now let's make these people some tea!

This is more than just Zuko being happy for Iroh or trying to be happy because Iroh wants him to be happy. We see the idea repeated here that you can choose your own destiny, and that those who do are rewarded by life. This is also echoed in Zuko’s conversation with Katara in which he tells her that lately he has realized that he is free to choose what he makes of the scars of his past, and his future. We also see him practicing what Iroh told him, he lets go of shame by letting go of pride. Instead of talking about what he thinks he deserves, he talks about what Iroh deserves. The dialogue also indicates that Zuko chose to be there.

This development is emphasized when Zuko and Iroh are invited to serve tea to the Earth King.

Iroh: I ... I can't believe it!

Zuko: What is it, Uncle?

Iroh: Great news! We've been invited to serve tea to the Earth King!

Zuko goes from “step aside, filth!” and complaining about doing work to smiling about serving tea to the king of a rival nation. That’s character development. And as I said before, it was essential to Zuko’s development in becoming the kind of Fire Lord that he is supposed to be.

The dramatic irony of Katara finding them and unintentionally ratting them out to Azula is that when Katara enters the tea shop, she finds not only a Zuko in a tea apron, but a happy one enthusiastically taking people’s orders.

Zuko: Uncle! I need two jasmine, one green, and one lychee!

Iroh: I'm brewing as fast as I can!

I love this scene so much because it’s like, imagine that you decide to go to Panera Bread and you find Kylo Ren working at the counter, cheerfully asking you if you want chips or an apple with that. It’s also hilarious that Katara’s immediate thought is they’re infiltrating the city when she knows that there’s an evil force of brainwashing government agents lurking about.

That Zuko genuinely found peace with his life in Ba Sing Se is narratively important because it makes what happens next even harder for him. “The Crossroads of Destiny” is a true crossroads because he’s fought hard to find happiness and hope in his new life, but then it’s all ripped away and he’s put to the test. That he fails it this time just emphasizes how hard it is to break free of old destructive habits.

This is why when he does go back to the Fire Nation, we’re shown his doubts, and how uncomfortable he is. He tries to be happy and to accept his role as prince, but he already knows that this is not the destiny he wants for himself. The excessive opulence of the Fire Nation is meant to show this. We see this in scenes like Zuko constantly being unhappy during the beach episode and becoming angry when he is told to relax and do nothing, and his insecurity at the party in a room full of rich kids.

In particular, we see him being uncomfortable being waited on by servants in “Nightmares and Daydreams”:

Servant #1: Fresh fruit, Prince Zuko?

Zuko puts out his hand and shakes his head respectfully.

Servant #2: May I wash your feet, sir?

Zuko respectfully puts his hand out and shakes his head again.

Servant #1: Head massage?

Zuko shakes his head again.

Servant #2: Hot towel?

Zuko looks at the towels for a moment and takes one. He is seen wiping his forehead before walking out of the room. The two servants bow behind him. Zuko walks out the palace gates, with Fire Nation citizens waiting for him.

Servant #1: Prince Zuko, is something wrong? You didn't take the palanquin.

Zuko: I'm just going to Mai's house. It's not far.

Servant #1: It's not a prince's place to walk anywhere, sir.

Zuko looks to the distance, walks over, and gets into the palanquin.

We see him trying to fit in with Mai because he’s a sixteen year old who has a girlfriend for the first time in his life and he wants to impress her, but what this scene actually shows is their differing values.

Zuko: Tell me, if you could have anything you want right now, what would it be?

Mai: Hm ... A big fancy fruit tart, with rose petals on top.

Zuko: You know, being a prince and all, I might just be able to make that happen.

Mai: That would be impressive.

Zuko: [To the servants.] Do you think you could find a fresh fruit tart for the lady, with rose petals on top?

Servant: Excellent choice, sir.

Mai: I guess there's some nice perks that come with being royalty. [Pushing Zuko to lay down with her.] Though there's annoying stuff, too. Like that all-day war meeting coming up.

Zuko: [Sitting up, followed by Mai.] War meeting? What are you talking about?

Mai: Azula mentioned something. I-I assumed you were going, too.

Zuko: I guess I wasn't invited.

The two look away from each other.

Zuko asks Mai what she would want if she could have anything and what she comes up with is fruit tarts. This doesn’t necessarily mean that Mai is shallow, but what it does mean is that she’s never had to worry about what she wants in terms of the big picture.

“Who are you, and what do you want?”

She’s also never had to go hungry like Zuko has, and never had to serve others like Zuko has.

And then she brings up the war meeting, which to her is only an annoyance. Zuko doesn’t care about fruit tarts and palanquin rides, but this is something he cares about. It’s also funny to me that Mai is like “make out time,” and let’s be real, nobody would fault Zuko, a sixteen year old boy, for enjoying a little hanky panky, but Zuko is like “no, anxiety time!” Which shows how much he’s changed and how much he is struggling to be happy despite all the fruit tarts and hot towels and having a girlfriend who is all over him.

It is NOT a coincidence that when Zuko joins the gaang, we see him genuinely happy and among friends and making and serving tea.

Zuko had to go back to the Fire Nation to really understand how much he had changed and to really be able to choose his own destiny, but we know which one he chooses, between a life of empty riches and a life helping others. Even when we see him addressing the people as Fire Lord, his speech is all about service and humility. When the crowd cheers for him, he does this:

Zuko: Please. The real hero is the Avatar.

Which shows how far he’s come from the boy who so desperately wanted recognition, who was repulsed by the idea of serving others or lowering himself to the status of a “peasant,” who only thought of himself and what he deserved. His last scene is not his coronation, not his triumphant moment of standing in front of a crowd as Fire Lord, or even confronting his father, but a quiet moment, serving tea to his friends.

#zuko #atla #atla meta #iroh #mai #the blue spirit #the tea is symbolic

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zuko-always-lies · 3 years

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“Lake Laogi”:

Iroh: (excitedly) Did you hear nephew? This man wants to give us our own tea shop in the upper ring of the city. Quon: That's right young man. Your life is about to change for the better. (Zuko continues to walk away towards the front door, setting down the tray of cups) Zuko: (gravely) I'll try to contain my joy. (steps outside)

Iroh: So, I was thinking about names for my new tea shop. How about the Jasmine Dragon? It's dramatic, poetic, has a nice ring to it. Zuko: The Avatar's here in Ba Sing Se. (holds out the leaflet) And he's lost his bison. Iroh: (takes the leaflet) We have a chance for a new life here. (Zuko walks to stare out a window) If you start stirring up trouble, we could lose all the good things that are happening for us. Zuko: (spins around to face Iroh, clearly irate) Good things that are happening for you. Have you ever thought that I want more from life than a nice apartment and a job serving tea? Iroh: (earnestly) There is nothing wrong with a life of peace and prosperity. I suggest you think about what it is that you want for your life, and why. Zuko: (turning to look outside again) I want my destiny. Iroh: What that means is up to you. (Zuko walks away from the window) The Tea Weevil! (shakes his head in disgust) No, that's stupid.

“The Guru”:

Iroh: Who thought when we came to this city as refugees, that I'd end up owning my own tea shop. Follow your passion Zuko, and life will reward you. Zuko: (cheerfully) Congratulations Uncle.

Even as late as the fourth to last and second to last episodes in Book 2, Iroh was telling Zuko to accept living a quiet, peaceful, and inconsequential life. He very clearly was not pushing for Zuko to “redeem” himself and fight against the Fire Nation to save the world; Iroh only appears to have developed that idea in “The Crossroads of Destiny.”

In general, across the first two books, it is clear that Iroh is not pushing for Zuko to redeem himself and turn against the Fire Nation. Iroh wants Zuko to find peace, happiness, safety, and form healthy relationships, things that require Zuko to some degree reject the Fire Nation’s toxic norms, but there’s no signs that Iroh is pushing for Zuko to turn against the Fire Nation or to reject Fire imperialism.

Instead, Book 1 and 2 Iroh wants to turn Zuko into a copy of Iroh, wants to turn him into someone who, just like Iroh, can find joy in fiddling while the world burns.

#Iroh #Zuko #anti-Iroh #canon vs fanon

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melzula · 3 years

Text

Refined Taste

pairing: Zuko x Princess!reader

notes: an anon requested some more Iroh and Princess content so I delivered hehe

~ part of the fire lilies series ~

The soft whistle of the boiling tea pot is a welcomed sound that brings you a great sense of peace and comfort as you work in the kitchen of the Jasmine Dragon. Few customers occupy the shop as they sit and chat over cups of tea and mini cakes— a limited time only delicacy curtesy of the Chief of the Southern Water Tribe— and with a lull in the crowd after a very busy day at work, you’re happy to spend your free time chatting away with Iroh.

Today marked the fourth day of Zuko’s much needed slumber, so while you waited for him to wake you spent your time revisiting old friends and places in Ba Sing Se. You said hello to Miss Tai and bought three new dresses to help support her small business, you went out for a pleasant lunch date with Jin, and, something you were admittedly embarrassed about doing, you spent your evenings wistfully gazing out your window in hopes of spotting the Blue Spirit. It was odd being back in the place that held some of your happiest and some of your darkest memories, but you loved it all the same. During the day you made sure to check on Zuko as he slept, and when your presence was no longer needed you made yourself useful by helping Iroh run the Jasmine Dragon.

The events that had occurred in Yu Dao had almost been disastrous, but with the help of Katara and the residents of the colony Aang was finally able to see that Zuko had been right all along. You stayed on the sidelines just as you had told Zuko you would, it wasn’t your place to interfere, but now that things had settled and King Kue was willing to negotiate you would be attending the meeting as a representative for the South and to offer any aid you could. However, such a council could not take place until Zuko awoke, and so you found yourself in the company of Uncle Iroh.

“I don’t even want to imagine what my nephew’s life would be like without your courage and support,” Iroh says over the boiling water. “Thank you again for bringing him to me, y/n. Spirits know he wouldn’t have come on his own, he’s too stubborn.”

“Well, I did have some help from Aang,” you admit with a quiet laugh, “but you don’t need to thank me. I love Zuko, and I’ll always look out for his best interests.”

“So you’ve proven time and time again. He is lucky to have you, you know. Very lucky.”

“Thank you, Uncle,” you smile, gazing down bashfully at the sleeves of your dress. “But Zuko’s also lucky to have you.”

“He is lucky to have both of us. I mean, we are an excellent team,” Iroh says with a wink. Your shared laughter quiets at the sound of careful footsteps making their way into the room, and you feel your heart swell with love and adoration at the sight of a sleepy Zuko standing in the kitchen doorway.

“Well, look who finally decided to wake up!”

“Hi sleepyhead,” you say with a smile, rising from your seat to meet him halfway. Zuko is grateful for your touch as you rest a hand upon his cheek and press your lips against his own in a delicate kiss. You taste of honey and ginger, your intoxicating scent of fire lilies invading his senses, and though Zuko wishes he could kiss you with fervency, he settles for one last lingering kiss before finally parting from you; making out in front of his Uncle is something he’d rather not do, so he composes himself.

“How are you feeling?” Iroh asks, watching with an amused smile on his face as you and Zuko immediately cling to each other. Your arms wind around one another and hold each other close, and the love you share is enough to warm the old man’s heart. Yes, Zuko is in very good hands.

“Better,” Zuko notes faintly, “but tired.”

“I’ll make you a nice cup of green tea to wake you up a bit,” the man says as he immediately gets to work.

“Let’s go sit down,” you suggest, taking Zuko’s hand and guiding him towards one of the empty tables in the shop. He seats himself with a yawn and smiles gratefully as you take off your warm shawl and drape it over his shoulders before pressing a chaste kiss to his cheek. “Hungry? There’s still some mini cakes left over.”

“Are there any strawberry cakes?” He asks with a meek smile.

“But of course! What kind of girlfriend would I be if I didn’t make my boyfriend his favorite kind of mini cakes? I’ll be right back.”

“Thank you,” Zuko calls after your retreating form, hearts in his eyes as he watches you disappear behind the curtains. Would it be selfish of him to ask you to be his Fire Lady right now?

Iroh leaves the kitchen with a pot of tea just as you walk in to fetch Zuko his cake. You make sure to grab the one with the most strawberries and extra frosting, the way he likes it, and set it neatly onto a plate before returning to your beloved. Aang is now seated across from him, and so you say nothing as you place his food before him and sit down beside Zuko.

“—Since Roku’s my past life, in a way you’re my family, Zuko. And no matter how hard I’ve tried, I’ve never been able to detach myself from those sorts of bonds,” Aang laments. “It’s a flaw, I know, but it’s one I’ve decided to accept, for this life at least.”

“You’re not the one who’s flawed, Aang,” Zuko sighs. “Why can’t the struggle get easier for me? Even just a little? Sometimes I wonder how long I’ll last.”

He doesn’t meet your gaze when the confession leave his lips, but the way in which Zuko reaches over and tightly grabs hold of your hand is enough. Your heart breaks at his words and you desperately wish you could ease his pain and worries, but you know that being here by his side is enough for now. And you’ll be by his side whenever he needs you to be.

“You know, in that dream, a woman stood with us on that mountaintop watching from the shadows. I think she was my mother...”

“Sometimes, dreams are the way a person’s spirit reveals the answer to his own problems,” Iroh notes wisely. Then, with a humorous smile on his face, “but, then again, sometimes they are just the result of eating spicy food before going to bed.”

“Maybe finding my mother would connect me to a part of my heritage that isn’t so murky and confusing,” Zuko notes thoughtfully. “Maybe then I’d finally find peace. I’ve never told anyone this, but right after I became Fire Lord I sent out search party after search party looking for her. I even hired June and her shirshu. They all came back empty handed. What can I do now that I haven already tried?”

“It’s a new world, Zuko. You need to take some new risks,” Aang says wisely.

“We all do,” you agree, your mind already beginning to drift elsewhere as you calculate how long you can stay away from home without being missed too much.

“Speaking of risks,” Iroh cuts in with a smile as he presents three glass of odd looking to your trio, “why don’t you all try this brand-new beverage I invented?”

“What is it?” You ask curiously, taking the glass Zuko hands to you and swirling the odd looking balls at the bottom of it with your straw.

“Well first, I cook tapioca balls until they’re soft and tender. Then I put them in the tea, where they sit like little pearl-sized snacks at the bottom of each cup! Add a little milk and— ta-da!— a revolution in tea is born!”

Zuko and Aang share uneasy glances with each other before slowly taking sips from their glasses only to immediately cringe the moment the tapioca balls hit their their tongues.

“What is that trying to sneak into my mouth?!” Zuko exclaims after promptly spitting out the pearls.

“Wow,” Aang chuckles nervously, “I’ve never had tea that’s quite so... chewy.”

“It seems I am a man ahead of my time,” Iroh says sadly, his eyes casted downward to the floor. However, the noisy sound of a straw directs all attention towards the smiling Princess and interrupts his bout of sadness. Oblivious to the gazes of your friends set upon you, you happily suck the last of your tea from the glass until it’s completely empty. It’s only once your drink is gone do you finally notice the strange looks sent your way by Zuko and Aang.

“What?” You retort with furrowed brows. “It’s really good.”

“Finally, someone with taste!” Iroh exclaims happily at your praise. “It appears I am a revolutionary after all.”

“You actually like that stuff?” Zuko says flabbergasted.

“It’s just tea, but different,” you shrug, grinning when Zuko hands you his leftover drink to finish for him. “However, the only thing I would add is some ice. It tastes better cold.”

“Genius!” The tea maker compliments, watching in awe as you bend ice cubes of your own to plop into the glass. “Y/n, you must come to the Jasmine Dragon more often, I could use your refined taste.”

“‘Refined’ is a strong word,” Zuko murmurs only for you to elbow his side. “Ow! What did I say?”

“I’d be happy to, Uncle,” you say with a sweet smile.

“I think I know who the new favorite is,” Aang jokes only for Zuko to roll his eyes. However, he can’t help the smile that grows on his face as he watches you and his Uncle interact together. It was safe to say you hadn’t made a good impression on his sister or his father, but the only thing Zuko really cared about was his Uncle, and from what he could see the two of you were like peas in a pod. Faintly, Zuko wondered if you would be the same way with his mother.

“What are you thinking about?” You whisper to the Fire Lord, immediately taking notice of his far off look.

“About you,” Zuko admits to your surprise, “and how much I love you. And how I’m really glad you’re here.”

Heat spreads its way across your face and you smile bashfully at his profession, resting your head upon his shoulder as you converse with Aang. Though Zuko hates to keep you away from home longer than you need to be, he knows he’ll need your help with something else. But before he can ask you, there’s one person he still needs to see before he can begin his next journey.

He needs to talk to Azula.

| tags: @rainteslerrrr @simpinforsukka @sirkekselord @protect-remus @oddment-niwit-blubber-tweak @thebluelcdy @royahllty @the-firebender-girl @coldlilheart @ilovespideyyy @yiyibetch @eridanuswave @lammello @a-monsters-love @knaite-solo @draqondance @taeeemin @user12345321 @just--artemis--with--ghost @titaniafire @dekahg @emberislandplayers @kikaninchen-2 @lozzybowe @izzieserra @melacholy @music-geek19 @thia-aep @thyunnamed @haylaansmi @nataliahaslosthershit @idkdude776 @aangsupremacy @thirstyforsometea @ihaveaproblem98 @brown-eyed-thang @djskfkdkkf @xapham @yeetletzgetitjae @misnmatchedsox @chewymoustachio @that-bucket-hat-gal @chilifrylizard2 @kyomihann @kaylove12 @kiwihoee @freggietale @neighborhoodpansexualdisaster @noodlesfluffy @moon-spirit-yue @bubblegum-bee-otch

#avatar: the last airbender #zuko #prince zuko #zuko x reader #prince zuko x reader #zuko imagine #prince zuko imagine #uncle iroh #iroh #aang #aang x reader #zuko and the princess #avatar the last airbender #atla #atla x reader #atla imagine #the promise #fire lilies

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hella1975 · 3 years

Note

Zuko fake dies at the oasis spirit au?!!! ma’am pls elaborate

omg gladly this got longer than expected because i am me but here you go:

So if you asked me where this idea came from i would not be able to tell you. One moment it didn’t exist and the next it was just in my head. Nothing triggered it. Nothing inspired it. It was just there. Now i’m gonna try and not talk too much about this on tumblr, because it’s looking to have quite a complicated premise and i’m actually v excited about it and want it to be a surprise.

But the basic gist of it is that during the siege of the north, in that scene with everyone at the spirit oasis, something diverts from canon that leads to Zuko saving Sokka’s life, and Zuko gets killed in the process. Sokka feels so bad about it that he starts subtly doing a bit of a background check on Zuko (just Sokka things like reading up on the FN royal family, asking people etc) because hey this guy fully died for him and Sokka has done nothing but hate on him?? But Sokka is a very clever little bastard, and sees the potential of this. The Fire Prince died saving a water tribesman. What does that say about the war? Ozai? The Fire Nation? This makes a brilliant story, and he’s going to manipulate that. So Sokka does what he does best; he starts talking. Everywhere the gaang goes, he tells people about Zuko, and it works. Zuko inadvertently becomes a whole martyr for the cause. People are obsessed with the thought that even the Fire Nation are tired of this war, that there might be hope. The Ember Island players have a field day.

But see, Sokka is nothing if not thorough, and he starts researching Zuko a bit more. You know, just to get his facts right for when he’s telling the story. he already knows Zuko had to be a good guy beneath it all to have saved him, but he’s still the Fire Prince, so Sokka doesn’t mind that he’s been capitalising off his death. It doesn’t sit well with him, but he can get by with it because it helps the much bigger picture. Except the more he finds out about Zuko, the more he likes him.

And when Iroh - intrigued by this boy so vehemently keeping his nephew’s name alive - becomes Aang’s firebending teacher and they have stories of Zuko on tap that absolutely confirm that the posterboy Sokka has moulded is actually an awkward, bookish idiot with a soft spot for turtleducks, Sokka spirals a bit. Because he’s starting to actually like the guy, and he’s dead, and there’s nothing Sokka can do about that.

Except.... Zuko isn’t dead.

I’m keeping the details of this part to myself while i still hash them out, but the main gist is that Zuko survives and spends some more time at the Northern Water Tribe - enough time for him to realise that the fire nation are in the wrong. Unable to singlehandedly go up against Ozai, Zuko decides to just do what he can. Even if it’s just little acts to weaken the Fire Nation, it’ll be enough.

So he goes back to the Fire Nation as the Blue Spirit, and he is perfectly happy committing treason in peace, and actually this is the most at ease he’s been in a while because he’s finally given up on his quest for the avatar and he’s not tirelessly trying to please his dad etc. He’s happy to just let ‘Prince Zuko’ become a forgotten name. And it should be easy, because he’s been ‘dead’ for a while now, and one body in a war - royal or not - is not enough to hold headlines.

So why the fuck aren’t people forgetting his name? It’s reached the Fire Nation by now. He hears whispers of himself on the street. There’s conspiracy theories about him for gods sake. And Zuko can’t for the life of him figure out why, so he decides to get answers, and long story short, he manages to trace it back all the way to one mouthy Water Tribe boy who refuses to let him be forgotten in peace.

shenanigans ensue <3

#this sounds so dumb i promise it makes sense in my head kinda #most of this fic will be zukka being miscommunicating IDIOTS #like yes sokka why don't you bump into the blue spirit several times on your hunt for information on prince zuko #yes zuko make sokka fall in love with you in your attempts to make him shut up about you #also i haven't written a single word of this yet but the moment sokka finds out that zuko is in fact zuko i want it to be like #in spiderman when aunt may (the version where's she's really hot for no good reason the tom holland one) sees him in the spiderman outfit #and she's just like '........... what the FUCK'#that <3 #this idea may never come to fruition but it's fun to think about #also it's currently titled 'that song you sing for the dead' because sufjan stevens my beloved and bc it sounds edgy as fuck #but then just becomes funny with the context #not sure though #omg im gonna shut up now i'm nervous damn #ask #writing ig #sysftd #EW horrible acronym i might change the title just for a nicer acronym

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cienie-isengardu · 2 days

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Zuko’s stealing habits: Additional observation

I have already talked about Zuko’s stealing habits in second Book and came to the conclusion that, narrative and visually speaking, he stole food and money primarily for Iroh’s sake. Even stealing the ostrich horse from the kind Earth family that fed Zuko and Iroh seen at the beginning of the season (something I did not include in the previous part) was done for pragmatic reasons rather than out of spite or for fun. As in, the ostrich horse gave them additional advantage to avoid or run away from pursuit. Iroh was not happy about Zuko’s choice but he ultimately accepted it and never again scorned his nephew for taking that animal - the later episode showed the ostrich horse was vital for their escape from Rough Rhinos.

Interestingly, Zuko wasn’t that much prone to stealing and/or appropriating someone’s property in the previous season either. Especially not for a petty reason. The three examples (or as close to stealing it could be) that comes to my mind happened in:

Avatar Return, when Zuko took Aang’s staff that the young airbender used in fight against him and then offered willingly as a token of his surrender in exchange for leaving Katara and Sokka’s people in peace.

On his ship, the Banished Prince said:

This staff will make an excellent gift for my father.

What A) shows he didn’t think of keeping the last airbender’s weapon for himself and B) is a similar gesture done by Iroh, who sent little Zuko a knife of an Earth Kingdom's General that surrendered to him during the siege of Ba Sing Sai.

The Waterbender Scroll, during confrontation between captured Katara and Zuko:

Zuko: Tell me where he is and I won't hurt you or your brother. Katara: Go jump in the river! Zuko: Try to understand. I need to capture him to restore something I've lost, my honor. Perhaps in exchange I can restore something you've lost. Katara: My mother's necklace! How did you get that? Zuko: I didn't steal it, if that's what you're wondering. Tell me where he is.

And yes, Zuko did not steal the necklace, as Katara lost it when she helped imprisoned earthbenders to free themselves and Zuko found it in ruins of the workcamp. But he was willing to use it as a bargain chip and later, to track Aang with the help of June. From this episode he knew the necklace meant a great deal to Katara but for him it was a tool to fulfill his mission.

The Blue Spirit, we can assume Zuko, as the Blue Spirit, was infiltrating Fire Natin’s stronghold to steal information about Avatar and/or Zhao’s plans, as said knowledge was denied to the banished prince. And mind you, the first time we saw Blue Spirit at the fortress was long before Zhao’s people managed to capture Aang.

During the first season, Zuko may not have a strong moral opposition to destroying other people’s villages or pursuing Aang from one end of the world to another, or keeping Katara’s necklace but in general he does not steal unless it is necessary. He does not even take trophies from defeated enemies and/or attacked villages (Water Tribe and Kyoshi Island were left immediately once Aang either surrender or escape) with the exception of Aang’s staff that Zuko wished to give his father, no doubt to earn his respect. Which is something fitting the theme of the second Book.

But the most ironic thing about Zuko’s stealing habits? Iroh’s reaction. Our dear uncle Iroh was not happy that his nephew has no problem stealing - and is stealing to either provide them food and comfort to the level Iroh was used to (book II) or to fulfill his mission of capturing Avatar (book I). I mean, that is a reaction we should expect from a responsible adult and the fatherly figure, right? However in "Bato of the Water Tribe", Iroh himself was shown stealing perfumes while everyone was busy fighting

just because it smelled nice and there was no one to stop him. And from “Waterbender Scroll” episode we know Iroh had money to buy himself nice things on whim.

But nope, stealing from people that he helped Zuko and June to attack is all right yet he will be upset that his nephew is desperately trying to please his father by capturing Avatar by any means AND Iroh, by providing him food and comfort the older man was used to.

#atla #avatar: the last airbender #prince zuko #zuko #uncle iroh #i love iroh but he can be sometimes such a hypocrite #i'm not defending zuko's stealing habits but at least he operated on some moral sense #yeah stealing the ostrich horse was a bastard move when the strangers showed him and iroh such kindness but i believe the stealing #was a pragmatic choice and helped them survive #iroh stealing perfumes because no one is watching and like not giving a crap what is happening aroung him? yeah very responsible adult act #i know iroh was a good influence on zuko and father figure but we should be glad zuko didn't pick up iroh's worse traits lol

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kigozula · 2 years

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True Love: Sokkla Saturdays 2021

Day 8: Prince Sokka, "peasant" Azula

The Northern Water Tribe was a peaceful place. A lovely Royal Family was ruling with utmost respect and care towards their people. Family had a quite different meaning in this tribe. Family came first. They treated each other with love and respect.

Romance wasn't perfect in everyone's life, but it was very important. The view to love was respective, which wasn't usual everywhere around the world. People wanted their children to marry, to settle down and make their own family. Yet no one ever arranged anything if the children were strictly against it.

Of course, this was a work of the King and the Queen. Hakoda and Kya loved each other since her childhood. They counted themselves lucky to have found each other and have fallen in love. 22 years of marriage and their romance never vanished. They achieved many things together. The best ones were their firstborn Prince Sokka and their beloved daughter Princess Katara.

Katara, an affectionate Princess loved by their people and every child in their Tribe. She was responsible, caring and has never let people down who needed her help. Despite enjoying her responsibilities as Princess, she liked taking a break from time to time and go on adventures with her best friend Aang.

Aang, the Avatar became as good as a part of the Tribe. He was still learning water bending from Katara.

The handsome Prince had a good l life. But happiness wasn't part of it. He always gave his best at everything he did as the Prince. Never did he feel a spark with any girl. No matter how many of them tried to approach him and wished to catch his eye, no one ever did.

There was almost nothing he wouldn't do for his family since he was a family-oriented person. Loyalty and a good heart were his remarkable traits. He was talented, a good warrior and a responsible man. Yet he looked melancholic often.

His mother would catch him watching the stars every night. Every time she saw him like that she hoped and deep down knew one day someone would make his son happy. If only that day would arrive soon…

..........................................................................................

She underestimated the coldness. She also underestimated the nice architecture and the largeness of the Northern Water Tribe. Would they succeed? She had her father's trust, she always did. But this was a huge mission beyond anything she ever experienced.

How could a Princess act like a Peasant?

The possibility to pull it off was high, since she was confident even if a small fear was dwelling inside of her. But when she looked at her companion who was shivering and making weird faces she just sighed. Lu Ten’s been a Prince far longer than Azula’s been a Princess. How was he supposed to act like a commoner?

Unlike the Northern Water Tribe, the Fire Nation was problematic at the moment. Their people had different views and different understandings of the world. Their education and developments were excellent. But the hundred-year war ruined the trust of many people.

After Azulon's death, Iroh became Fire Lord. He ended the war and things were slowly going into the right path. Until a group of people rebelled against the Royal Family. Said rebellions happened quite often these days. It wasn't easy to find out who was friend and who was an enemy anymore.

Prince Zuko, Azula’s brother, the nephew of the Fire Lord got wounded in a fight. After days of meetings, the Fire Lord made a dire decision.

The Fire Nation needed help as soon as possible. Iroh decided to get their help from other nations. Ozai and Zhao had the mission to travel to the Earth Kingdom and meet the Earth King.

Whereas the only Princess and her cousin Prince Lu Ten, son of Fire Lord Iroh, had the task to travel to North. Both were incredibly young Royals. It was Azula’s first mission. A dangerous one too boot. Yet she knew it was smart, even if dangerous, to form a friendship with other nations. She's been given an important task, and she would do her best to succeed at it.

The Northern Water Tribe wasn't likely to trust everyone from the Fire Nation blindly, even if there hasn't been any complication since the war ended. But not long ago Admiral Zhao tried to invade this Tribe.

So, the two young Royals no one ever saw before, were sent into the cold icy territories to get help from the King of the Northern Water Tribe and to gain their trust and friendship. They also needed the Avatar's help.

Another reason was the spirit Oasis. Zhao informed the Royal family about the power of the Oasis, which could heal Zuko’s wounds.

The big problem was of course that no matter what Azula and Lu Ten had to enter the Tribe in disguise first. They both didn't know the people here. They didn't know what they would do if they knew they're the Royals of the Fire Nation. But how are they going to trust them if they find out later they have been lying all the time?

Lu Ten had a friend named Koda who lived in the Water Tribe. Destiny made them form a friendship. Koda used to live in the Earth Kingdom, where Lu Ten went to a university years ago. Koda didn't judge him, instead he tried to understand him and saw his good heart. Lu Ten once saved him from an attack from the Fire Nation, and Koda promised that no matter when and no matter what, he would pay it back one day.

Later, Lu Ten returned to his own Nation. Koda was of Southern Water Tribe origin, but he fell in love with a waterbender from North. So, they married, and he moved to his wife's Tribe.

He was one of the most trusted members of the Northern Water Tribe.

Without any forewarning, he met Azula and Lu Ten near the Tribe's waters. It was too late to talk with King Hakoda, so he also had to keep his mouth shut and play along.

..........................................................................................

Three days have passed since they entered the Northern Water Tribe. Thanks to Koda, they could go inside the Tribe as his friends without any complications.

During their first week Azula noticed people here were completely different from the one's in her own Nation. People here were friendly, open and… happy? It's been a long time ago since she remembered happiness in her own family. She felt welcome here. There was warmth within this cold Tribe. What an irony she thought to herself.

Walking side by side with her cousin, they saw a man with soldiers walking towards them. No doubt he was the most important person in this Tribe. The King was indeed also very friendly and smiled at them. She didn't think her first expression of him would be so positive.

“You two must be the friends of Koda, welcome to our Tribe” he said smiling.

Azula and Lu Ten half bowed as respect to King Hakoda.

“My name is Lu Ten, and this is my cousin Azula” Lu Ten introduced themselves.

Thrice a week, Hakoda would take a walk with his son to watch how their people were doing and communicate with them. Today he has been unusually silent.

“Where is Prince Sokka?” asked Hakoda his soldiers.

He finally appeared from behind the soldiers, walking to his father.

“I’m here dad, I’m … “

And then he saw her.

Long dark hair, glowing amber eyes, beautiful shape of lips caught his breath away. He loved the night sky, he thought it's beautiful. But this, this was a beauty beyond anything, anyone he has seen or known. He forgot his surroundings while he looked at her, without bating a single eyelash.

The people around him were confused, looking from him to Azula.

Azula was ... she didn't really know what she felt. She just knew the way the Prince was looking at her wasn't annoying somehow. He was handsome and the powerful focus of his eyes on her made her freeze on spot.

“Sokka?” Hakoda finally broke the silence.

Sokka shook his head promptly after hearing his father's voice and neared the most beautiful woman in the world.

“I’m Sokka” he said, extending his arm, waiting for her to do the same with a big smile and eyes.

Azula was startled. She looked at his hand briefly but took it anyway. The brush of their skin felt extremely pleasant.

Since when was shaking hands such a remarkable good feeling?

..........................................................................................

Azula decided to go out for a short walk. She ended up on a nice spot, watching the night sky deep in thoughts when she heard someone nearing her. She turned around swiftly and saw him.

“Hey” Sokka smiled and gave her a lovestruck look like the one from earlier today. He didn't expect to see her today again, but he was thankful that it happened.

“Are you following me?” Azula asked an eyebrow furrowing.

“Wha… No!” Sokka immediately replied. He wouldn’t have anything against following her though. He couldn’t get her face out of his mind the entire day and hoped to see her soon again. “I come here every night”

“You have a nice view here” Azula said, turning around to look at the sky again.

“Yeah, but the northern lights are even nicer. I am waiting for it to come” he told her, walking to stand by her side.

“The northern lights?” she asked.

“You never heard of them?” he chuckled slightly.

“I’ve once read something about it but never actually saw one” she replied.

“Well, it's a matter of days until they appear. When they do I would gladly show you”

She turned around at his words and smiled a little.

“You would?”

“Why not?” he smiled, looking at her.

He wanted to lose himself in those eyes.

..........................................................................................

Weeks passed by. Azula and Sokka met on a daily basis. At the beginning it's been a "coincidence", but after some time they purposely planned on meeting. All they did was spend almost the entire day together and watch the night sky. Although she was pleased to spend time with him, she felt worse every time their bond strengthened.

She was sure the Prince liked her. The interest was mutual without a doubt. But she had a mission to complete. She was here for a reason.

No one ever asked them if they were really commoners. It was almost unbelievable of how much the Tribe got used to their presence. Honestly, they got used to the Tribe too.

Sokka shared his whole life story with Azula. His childhood experiences, his relationship with his family and his role as Prince. There were things she understood as a Princess herself so good but couldn't agree since she was supposed to be a commoner for now.

She shared many things with him too. But every time he asked about what happened to her family, she didn’t answer. And he didn’t push her, giving her the space, she needed. Accepting that she might not be ready to share things she felt uncomfortable with.

Lu Ten felt good in the North Pole, yet guilty too. Like his cosuind, he also saw how nice people here were. He helped Koda in his work and made some friends. But how are they supposed to tell them the truth now? The whole situation was complicated and not easy for both of them. Things developed very differently, out of their, especially out of Azula's control. They were settling in this Tribe.

“We should have told them from the beginning” he said with a sigh.

They were given a small house. It was different from what both of them were used to. Big huge luxury rooms were only in the Royal Palace, even if it was still nothing compared to the luxury of the Fire Nation. But the small houses were nice anyway. They were bright and warm.

“Yes we should have. But how were we supposed to know? These people won't trust the Fire Nation, let alone us Royals. Only three years ago Admiral Zhao attacked this very Tribe. No matter how much they accepted and liked us, I still don't think they will just let us get away with it.” Azula said.

She closed her eyes for a moment.

“I will talk with him this evening. I'm going to tell him everything. I have to do this Lu Ten”

Lu Ten gave her a sad look and nodded in her direction.

..........................................................................................

“Are you ready?” he asked.

“Yes” she answered and smiled.

“Just a few minutes” he said.

They met at their place like they did every night, since they saw each other for the first time.

The day Sokka waited eagerly for arrived. When they first met at this place under the night sky, when they had their first conversation, he promised Azula, that he would show her the northern lights. Here they were now. Waiting for the lights to show up.

It was like this every time. Azula would feel bad and guilty, but then Sokka would show up and would give her this beautiful smile of his. Then she couldn't help it, smiled back, and felt safe with him. She just couldn't break his heart. No one ever told her emotions could take over so many things.

Lights showed up and Azula looked at the sky, amazed by it. The sky looked even more incredible and romantic.

Sokka on the other hand looked at her. Now that she looked so happy, so innocent while watching the sky, he was fascinated by her even more.

He walked away from her side and hugged her from behind tenderly. Azula was startled at first, so Sokka waited before hugging her tighter. But she smiled and let her back press into his chest. Sokka smiled again and hugged her tighter pressing his cheek to hers. She held onto his hands, their fingers intertwining while resting on her belly.

And right there they could stop time. Right here they felt happy. Especially Azula would really like to stop time now badly. Suddenly she turned around and put her hands on his shoulder looking worried, while his fell on her waist.

“Azula” he started before she could say anything.

He took her face into his hands.

“Azula, I'm so happy with you. It feels like my life gained purpose and a future since you’ve entered it”

She wanted to cry now. Since when was the closeness to tears so common for her? How was she supposed to tell him the truth now? How to tell him she's been lying since a month?

“Azula, I love you! I want to spend the rest of my life with you. By your side. I... I always imagine going to bed with you and waking up next to you"

"I love you”

Words spoken by his heart made him feel free. He wanted her to know all the feelings he had for her. It wouldn’t be enough to describe the fire burning inside of him for her. But he felt happy. Happy that this moment was real.

Now Azula held his face between her hands. The moonlight shined into her eyes, making her small tears visible.

They neared and started kissing slowly, sensually. His arms surrounded her waist, while her’s surrounded his neck, one of her hands reaching for his hair while their meaningful kiss grew more enthusiastic.

..........................................................................................

“Today I’m really going to tell him”

Azula paced in the room, while Lu Ten was sitting. They were in a mess. A mess they couldn’t get out so easily. Lu Ten saw the spark in his cousin’s eyes. He knew the Prince and Azula were in love. Which made the whole situation more difficult for everyone.

“Azula, we need to go inside the Spirit Oasis. Zuko needs the water direly. We…”

“Ha, I knew it!”

The voice of a stranger startled both Azula and Lu Ten. They jumped at the voice.

Hahn, son of Master Pakku, was following Lu Ten very often. But he didn’t believe Hahn was smart enough to find anything out about them.

Master Pakku had already forewarned King Hakoda many times, that these two strangers were up to no good. Yet Hakoda told him to not come to him with accusations about people, without any evidence.

Well, Hahn and Pakku had their evidence now…

..........................................................................................

He held the brush firmly in his hand, his mind completely fixed on his almost finished painting.

Hopefully, she would like it. Everyday he worked on the painting to make it as perfect as possible. Azula didn't deserve less after all. His painting skills weren't that of an artist, but he put his heart into it.

The peaceful silence was broken abruptly when his sister and Aang were running towards him in a rush.

"Sokka!" Katara yelled.

He turned his head around, looking at her confused.

"What happened?" he asked.

"Two people were taken by our soldiers and are arrested now" Katara told him out of breath.

"Okay..." he said, unsure of how to react. His good mood fell slightly "Why?"

"Because... because they've been spying on us! They wanted to steal water from our Spirit Oasis!" Katara replied.

"Who Katara?" Sokka stood up, his face a mask of fear. He had a bad feeling about this.

Katara waited for a short moment and looked at Aang, who gave her a sad nod.

Sokka waited eagerly for an answer. So she turned to him again, her eyebrows furrowed.

"Prince Lu Ten and Princess Azula from the Fire Nation"

The brush in Sokka's hand fell on the ground, spreading the color on spot. He immediately started running out of the room as fast as he could...

..........................................................................................

The chamber as well as the cell inside, where they were kept wasn't scary. The ice was shining everywhere and brightening everything in the Water Tribe. Another thing that was completely different from her nation.

Suddenly, the light grew brighter, when the door to the chamber was opened.

He entered the room slowly and closed the door behind him.

Heartbroken as he was, he just stood there.

Even from distance, as short as it was, his blue eyes were completely locked into her amber one's. Azula never saw such a strict face on him. He's been always smiling, goofy and friendly.

Sokka had hoped everything was a misunderstanding, that they mistaken Azula and Lu Ten with other people. But that hope vanished, alongside his serious facade, replaced by sorrow and disappointment now, when he saw the apologizing look in her eyes.

Azula took some steps forward and put her hands around the railings, looking at him from between them.

"Sokka..." his name was the only thing she could utter at the moment.

He walked towards her. Their face inches away, the railings the only thing that separated them. His eyes were intent and burning as always. Her's were glowing and breathtaking as always.

"Is it true Azula? Are you the Princess of the Fire Nation? Did you and your cousin plan on stealing water from the Oasis?" his voice grave.

She nodded. He twitched at that. Her admitting it hurt him too much.

"So, I was just... a tool? You tried to distract..."

"No Sokka of course not!" she interrupted him "I know I should’ve told you from the very beginning, but every time I wanted to it's just... my brother is wounded and we..."

She was too emotional to talk. What good was it to tell him everything now, after having lied to him as they did? She just looked away, unable to see the pain and anger in his eyes any longer.

Sokka turned around and walked away.

He felt betrayed and hurt. But part of him, his heart knew she had feelings for him. As smart as Azula was, no one could fake glances and emotions right? How could he misread those beautiful and honest amber eyes.

Yes, he was angry, she lied to him. But he didn't really believe she played with him. He was madly in love, that much was clear. She never told him she loved him, but he's been sure she liked him.

He held back his tears, blinking several times. She said her brother was wounded. Would he go to the ends of the world to save his own sister? He didn't need to think twice: he would.

His legs carried him to the throne room.

"Father!" he entered it determined and desperate. Master Pakku and his son Hahn were there too.

"Sokka" Hakoda said.

"Father we should..."

"Sokka, you stay out of this!" his father said firmly. Sokka stopped walking.

"What? Why?" he asked him.

"You are lovestruck and can't think rationally. She used you to..."

"No! I won't stay out, cause she didn't use me! They both deserve to be listened to!"

Kya, watching the scene worriedly now stepped in.

"Hakoda, what they did was terrible indeed. But I do not believe they had any bad motives. Azula and Lu Ten are good children. What about Koda? He would never betray us. For him at least, you should be kinder with them."

If anyone could influence Hakoda's decisions and thoughts, then it was his wife. He would always listen to her and estimate her opinion.

"I hate them for what they did" Katara who was watching the others talk, joined them now. She turned towards her brother "But I also believe she loves you Sokka."

Sokka's eyes gleamed. His mother and sister siding up with him and also seeing Azula had feelings for him as well, made him gain hope again.

"Father, I saw it. I saw the way Azula and Sokka looked at each other. They look at each other the way mom and you do"

And that seemed to do it. The mood in the room changed and Hakoda gave thought to what his daughter said. Sokka stepped infront of his father and waited eagerly for his decision.

A loud chuckle disrupted them.

"That arrogant Princess just played with you and you think it's love. Just because she is hot, doesn't mean she isn't enemy!"

Sokka's blood boiled at Hahn’s bold comment.

"Keep your mouth shut and never ever talk about her! This isn't any of your business!" he snarled, standing in a position as if he would fight him.

If feeling betrayed by his loved one's made Sokka angry, hearing anyone else saying or doing something bad to his loved one's made him see red. The monster inside of him would awake and nothing could stop his wrath.

"We are members of this Tribe Prince Sokka" Pakku said.

"King Hakoda, the Princess and the Prince should rot in prison. That b..." Hahn couldn't finish his sentence when he felt the hardest punch ever on his chin, followed by more.

The only goal in the throne room now was to keep a feral Sokka away from Hahn.

..........................................................................................

Lu Ten tried to soothe his cousin. Both were sitting in their cell, Lu Ten had his hand around Azula's shoulder. He was always been loving and protective when it came to his little cousin. It was why he was eagerly to go on this mission, so that he would stay by her side.

He hated himself for not having made things better. Now Azula was sad, and both were in prison, not knowing what would happen. But he would see to it, that his cousin would get out of here safe and sound. He would fight anyone who would try to harm her.

This time, the door swung open hurriedly.

"Azula!" Sokka marched inside.

"Sokka?" Azula stood up alongside Lu Ten and rushed to the railings.

Lu Ten was at loss for a while earlier. But now he collected himself and would give his best to talk with Sokka and King Hakoda

"Prince Sokka, listen, it's not Azula's fault. It's my fault first and foremost, so let us clear things together as men and..."

The soldier next to Sokka opened the cell door which confused Lu Ten.

Sokka just nodded kindly to Lu Ten, took Azula's hand, pulled her out of the cell and made her look into his eyes.

"You tell me everything!" he said "Everything from the beginning! My father will listen to you both"

The soldier already guided Lu Ten out of the chamber.

Azula pulled at Sokka's hand before he could start walking again and he turned around at that.

"I..." she started.

Sokka waited.

"I love you Sokka!" she said and crushed her lips to his. He didn't need a second to reply.

..........................................................................................

Azula and Lu Ten told the Royal Family everything. Master Pakku was there to listen as well. He was an important member of the Tribe, even if his now injured son wasn't best friends with the Prince.

After the chaos was over, Hakoda invited Prince Ozai to his Tribe. The security was held high still. He might trust his daughter and nephew, but he had no idea of how Ozai himself was like. So he would be on the safe side for the beginning.

Prince Zuko, alongside Ozai's wife Ursa, would come to the Tribe too. Water from the Oasis alone wouldn't be enough to heal his wounds, he needed a waterbender.

Two weeks have passed and they arrived at the North Pole.

Azula and Sokka talked about everything at that time and bonded even stronger. Azula couldn't believe how amazing this man was. He trusted her fully even after what happened and treated her like his Queen. She has already been pretty astonished before everything that everyone was okay with a Prince to be so close with a peasant. Such thing would be unthinkable in the Fire Nation

Standing on the balcony of the palace, they watched their father's conversation. After back and forth, they've finally reached an agreement. The Northern Water Tribe and the Avatar would help the Fire Nation and hopefully be friends form now on..

The two lovers were tightly cuddled together, Azula was pressed to Sokka's chest.

She looked up at him and he looked at her. She had apologized for not being honest from the beginning, but he understood her. It wasn't her fault. He was happy that everything was real. They were lovers and they were in love. His fear was long gone and replaced by a greater happiness than before.

Sokka pulled out something from his pocket and Azula looked at it confused first.

"I made this for you" he said smiling.

It was a blue necklace, she saw similar one's around some married women's necks... it was a betrothal necklace.

Her eyes got big and she turned her gaze from the necklace to him.

"Will you marry me Azula?" he asked her ever so earnestly and lovely.

She jumped into his arms. The necklace around her neck soon, they didn't stop hugging tightly.

Under the balcony, Kya and Hakoda saw them.

"Look at them dear. Our son has finally found happiness. I always waited for this day to come" Kya said.

Hakoda smiled at that. Indeed, they always wished for their children to find happiness and true love just like they did.

Unlike Hakoda, another father wasn't particular pleased by the situation. Ozai didn't like the weird Prince and the closeness of his beloved daughter with him, but kept his mouth shut for now. He would never approve of any man. His daughter was too perfect for anyone.

In the evening, Azula and Sokka watched the night sky from the balcony in Sokka's room. He surprised her with another gift.

"Look! I have drawn this for you!" he gave her his painting.

She took it from him. She started laughing and he blushed.

"What's so funny Princess?" he asked.

"It's just.. Sokka" she tried to talk in between laughter.

He laughed too and the night faded away with their happiness.

Prince Sokka and Princess Azula.

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