Archive of Our Own

I Will Bring Honour To Us All (and i will bring you home)

To be a perfect son is to be strong, respectful, graceful, and polite. You must remember your place and always honour the ones above you and aid those below you. You must think before speaking and always do as you are told, never raise your voice or contradict what those above you say. What is most important to be the perfect son is to always have your family’s best interest in mind, since you were born to honour them. 

The perfect son must follow all precepts to be considered an honour.

He should be educated and eloquent. He should have enough knowledge to maintain an insightful conversation about all topics, such as mathematics, astronomy, history, current events, geography… literature… music?... uhm... history…

“You already said history, dumb dumb.” Azula rolled her eyes as she was leaning at the door, with her usual air of disinterest, looking at her nails. “You should already know all those things, Zuzu.”

“Stop calling me that!” He glanced at the notes on his arm. “And I know everything.” He quickly pulled down the sleeve. “I'm just… practising!” He turned around to face her. “What are you doing here?”

With a smirk on her lips, she briefly glanced up at her brother. “Oh, I was told to come and get you, since someone hasn’t checked the time…” She dragged that last syllable with a singing tone.

Zuko quickly stood up to check the sun. “Oh for Agni’s sake, I’m late!” He checked his arm and blew at the ink so it dried faster as he left a mess behind him while looking for his things, with Azula’s laughter ringing in the background.

“How about instead of just standing there, you actually help me!”

Azula sneered at him and crossed her arms. “I don’t have to help you, it’s your special day… Besides, I have to go and pray with mom,” she added with disdain. “As if the spirits of the ancestors can help, being dead and all.”

Zuko ran past her, putting on his shirt as he jumped the stairs, quickly grabbed the pot of tea from the servants, and ran to his mother.

“Mom! I brought your tea! Remember, you have to drink it.” He poured some of it. “I know it smells awful, but it’s supposed to be good so you have to drink it, Uncle Iroh said this blend will–” 

“Zuko, Zuko dear, breathe,” Ursa cut her son’s rambling. “Thank you but shouldn't you be in town already? You know it is a very important da–” 

“–Important day! Got it! I know! I’m right on my way! Just wanted to make sure you drank your tea.” Zuko smiled at her, and Ursa sighed softly “I appreciate your concern, now off you go.” She gestured for him to move along. “You cannot be late.” Zuko nodded quickly, and kissed her cheek, still having to stand on his tiptoes to reach it.

“Don't you worry! I will bring honour to our family!” He said cheerily as he rushed to town.

Ursa stared at the place where her son was just standing, then looked at Azula, who just shrugged and walked to the temple. “I guess we will have to pray extra hard for Zuzu… He definitely needs it.” She smirked softly as she sprinted to the temple. Ursa sighed quietly, knowing she was probably right.

\\\

“Where is he? How is he not here yet? The matchmaker is not a patient woman,” Piandao said to Iroh, who was looking around for his nephew.

“He must be on his way, old friend.”

Jeong Jeong looked at him. “Of course, he would be late today,” he muttered. Iroh just gave him a look and looked back outside… Come on my dear nephew, where are you? ...

Iroh took a deep breath and stepped outside, looked up and down the street and then back inside. It was such an important day, a crucial one even. Iroh asked himself whether he should have actually brought Zuko here himself. He looked over again, to see if any carriages, horse, or anything that could even look like it could carry his very dear and beloved nephew who decided to be late just today. Iroh looked up to beg the spirits for help and …oh of course.

He sighed relieved when he saw Zuko… who was jumping off a roof. Thanks to the spirits he is the one here and not his brother.

Zuko landed in front of Iroh with a huge smile on his face, creating a cloud of dust around them “I'm here!” He announced as Iroh rushed him inside.

“Quickly, nephew, we are very late,” he said as they quickly helped him undress, and pushed him into a tub with soapy water.

“It’s freezing!” Zuko said with clattering teeth.

“Well,” Iroh dumped more water on him, “it would be warm if you had been here on time, dear nephew.” He worked on his hair, made sure to use extra soap to get off all the dirt.

…how does Zuko get this dirty? He will never know. He was pulling out leaves of plants he didn't even know existed off his hair!

Finally clean, he was brought to the next room, where they would dress him up.

“I forgot there were so many… layers.” Zuko glanced down at himself and then at the rest of the clothes he still had to put on.

Iroh smiled softly. “Lu Ten said the same thing.” 

Oh, how time flies, Iroh thought, it felt like it was just yesterday that he was doing this exact same thing with his 13-year-old Lu ten. And now he was doing it again, with his beloved nephew.

…a passing bitter thought… about how this should be a father-son moment did cross his mind..but it was brief, very brief. There was still too much to do and it was a joyous day, in such occasions one has to focus on joyous thoughts.

So he reminisced about his son, who was bravely fighting in the war, just as he finished tying the final knot. “You know, some of these pieces are the same ones that he wore at his ceremony.” 

Zuko looked at Iroh with wide eyes. “Really?” 

“Indeed, and it is good luck to rewear clothes that carry good memories.”

“Even if we had to have it all retailored,” muttered Jeong Jeong, passing them the final layer.,  Both Piandao and Iroh ignored the comment.

With the clothes done, hair was the next part, as Iroh brushed it, he smiled softly at a fidgety Zuko.

“You are pulling again, Uncle.”

Iroh laughed softly. “I'm sorry, we are almost done, nephew.” He gathered all his hair, once again remembering doing this whole thing with Lu Ten, and did the traditional top knot. “Almost done… Just one thing missing.” 

Out of his pocket, he pulled out with great reverence an old family heirloom, a flame hairpin. He smiled at Zuko as he put it on his top knot “...and you are ready,” he smiled at him and patted his left cheek gently.

As Zuko was about to answer, Bumi broke in. “Not yet! We are still missing a few final touches!” He pushed his way through, as Jeong Jeong looked at the ceiling, muttering “Spirits”.

Zuko looked at Bumi, a bit nervous like he always was when he was around. He was very cool and very crazy. He had known him his whole life and Zuko still didn't know what to expect from him.

Bumi grinned at him as if he knew all of Zuko’s internal rambling. “I brought an apple! For prosperity..." Zuko bit it and smiled. “...and maybe help you grow.”

Zuko frowned “Hey!”

Bumi ignored him and just kept grinning. “This talisman, for strength and to keep you grounded.” Zuko glanced down at the earth sign on the talisman, Iroh just knew Ozai would throw a fit if he saw it, so he hid it under Zuko’s many layers of clothes. 

“Thank you very much, Bumi…” Iroh tried to be polite, and hoped this would be all.

“And one more thing!” Bumi added, pulling something from his sleeve.

“A small cricket! Gives luck, that way you won't have any problems! And everything will go swimmingly, you will see.'' He tied it to Zuko’s sash, hiding it under the layers of clothes.

Zuko smiled at the little cricket. Well, now Iroh knew he couldn't take it away… oh his dear nephew and his weakness for all animals.

“Thank you, Bumi.” Zuko bowed at him. Bumi patted his back, making him stumble. “Go there and get that honour, kiddo.”

Zuko giggled as he rushed outside, to join the rest of the kids from all high class families.

Zuko took a deep breath as they got closer … You are prepared for this... You can do it… You studied... You know your forms... He looked around the crowd, found his mother and Azula, just being joined by Iroh.

Azula noticed him first, she stuck her tongue out at him, and out of pure instinct he did the same, his face fell when he noticed his father was just behind Azula, a disappointed look clear on his face.

Zuko quickly looked to the front, his father was there and grandfather too. They were there, to witness, to witness him bring honour to the family…like Lu Ten did..like they did …he can do it…you can do it…you studied…you know your forms…you..you studi-

“Zuko from Lord Azulon’s house.”

Zuko looked up and stood up, When did he sit down? “Here!”

The matchmaker looked at him, raising her long thin eyebrow, let out a sigh and turned around, writing “Stands and speaks without asking permission”.

…dammit…

“Someone overdid it with the spicy food,” Bumi muttered under his breath, and Azula giggled “Wow”.

Ursa watched her beloved son enter the matchmaker’s house. Please spirits … She dared to glance at her husband, tried to convince herself that the hatred of his look is just worry…

Spirits…please…

Zuko blushed softly and cursed himself, following the matchmaker . You studied… He briefly glances at his wrist. O h Agni, it smudged! He was startled when the door closed.

\\\

The matchmaker made him stand in the middle of the room and circle around him.

“How old are you?”

“I’m thirteen, ma’am”

She hummed “You are short…” Despite that, Zuko stood straighter, but did flinch when she poked his side with the end of her brush “Too skinny, doesn't seem you will grow enough to be a proper warrior”

Zuko clenched his fists, tried to remember how Lu ten looked at his age …whatever, mom says he will have a growth spurt any day now so whatever the weird old lady sa-

A loud clack got him out of his head “Are you even paying attention, Mister Zuko?” 

“Of course I am”

“Then why aren't you pouring the tea?”

Zuko glanced down at the pot “Right” He went to pour two cups while the lady kept talking, well more like rambling.

“...Tea is a tradition because it requires patience…” 

The matchmaker kept talking, while Zuko fought with his clothes, why are the sleeves so long? He always cut his long-sleeves a bit shorter, they just always got in the way…this is impossible…

“...just as with the leaves and water…a clear mind is essential..”

This stupid sash is choking him to death…why does this tea smell so funny…Uncle Iroh’s tea doesn't look like that..why is suddenly everything so itchy!... 

Lost in thoughts, he moved a bit too fast, almost knocking a cup but managed to catch it, then again, those damn spirits must have closed their eyes because cricket's cage opened up 

“...and that’s why, the ritual of tea is such an essential part of this assessment, young man”

The matchmaker grabbed one of the cups, completely oblivious of Zuko’s rambling mind.

He was, however, pulled out of his head once again when he saw the cricket on the cup of the matchmaker. And just as she was smelling the tea with such delight…why? He wouldn't know, that thing smells weird. Oh shit the cricket.

“Oh uh, may I have..the cup..” Zuko reached for it “The cup, just for a minute” He went to grab it but the matchmaker pulled it away, looked at him like HE was the madman “just for a minute!” And his impatience got the best of him.

Everything happened so quickly, the table tilted, the teapot spilled, the cup broke and the supposedly good luck cricket decided to jump around, scaring the old matchmaker and making her fall.

Zuko tried to grab her, but it was so hard to move with all the clothes on the way! 

The matchmaker quickly recovered and stood up “You..you are so stupid!” And just before she went to grab him, she felt the..heat

\\\

Iroh took a calming breath, everything must be going smoothly.

A loud crack, things falling and the sounds of a struggle did make his optimism flattered a bit.

Azula glanced up at them “I think that rice is done, don't you?” She whispered.

Oh spirits, you sure work in mysterious ways…

Because what a disaster.

“Put it out! Put it out!” The matchmaker came out screaming, half her dress on fire with Zuko hot on her heels, teapot in hand.

“PUT IT OU-” On his defence, he did put the fire out, throwing the whole pot at the distinguished matchmaker, Zuko gave her a sheepish smile as he handed her the teapot. 

She narrowed her eyes.

For Azula, this was hilarious, Zuzu screwing up always was. For Iroh, this was a problem, but he was good at solving those. For Ursa, this was a nightmare. She stood there, back straight, not daring to see the look of her husband. She knew Azulon left the moment Zuko stood up without permission, but her husband, she could practically feel the disappointment …oh spirit please…

“YOU ARE A DISGRACE!” The matchmaker threw the pot to the grow, it cracked into a million pieces right in front of Zuko who shrinked a bit but no, he stood tall “YOU MIGHT LOOK LIKE A WARRIOR, A GENTLEMAN, A LORD, YOU CAN PUT ON ALL THE PARAPHERNALIA YOU WANT!” She stepped closer “But you will NEVER bring honour to your family!” She turned around and slapped the doors shut.

Zuko stood there, he could take the screaming and the door banging, he did deserve that…burning her butt and all…he can take her screaming because well, she was weird and old anyways…He tried to save the little cricket…He could take her screaming because…because he knew the moment he turned around he would have to face what he truly deserved…which was the disappointment of his family, they had to witness his disgrace…his disrespect…his..his public display of dishonour … What has he done? What have you done?…not enough… that’s what you did… not enough….never good enough.

He stayed facing the doors a bit longer, gathering the strength to face his family. He slowly turned around and walked to them, glaze fixed on a far away wall.

“Let's go home” Ursa held Azula’s hand and with her free one, gently guided Zuko back to the house, Iroh escorted them since his brother decided he was too good to support his own family.

\\\

Once back at the state, Ursa went to find both Ozai and Azulon. She and Iroh decided it was best for her to assess the damage and then regroup to see what to do.

Azula decided to see where Zuko had disappeared to and would you have guessed it? The turtleduck pond! Always so predictable.

However, as she went closer, she got this strange feeling on her stomach and it got worse the closer she got to Zuko.

Who was kneeling in front of the pond, staring at nothing, still in the ceremonial outfit.

“You are going to ruin them and you will get in even more trouble, Zuzu” She said with a smirk.

But got no reaction, the pain got sharper ...must be something she ate….

“You forgot the bread, dumb dumb, the turtleducks won't come unless you have bread” Still no reaction “Even you must remember that, prince of dumb dumbs”

The sharp pain of her stomach just kept getting worse, the longer she teased and got no reaction at all.

Not even a twitch! And she was using all the things that always made Zuko spark.

But he just stayed there, still in his ceremonial clothes, staring at nothing, kneeling in front of the pond, with that empty gaze that made Azula’s stomach hurt.

“Whatever, get all muddy or…whatever” She turned around and did her best to not run to the house, rubbing her stomach a bit. The pain did lessen when she saw Uncle Iroh.

“Uncle, you might want to check the turtleduck pond” She said, with her signature air of disinterest, as she passed Uncle Iroh.

Who smiled and nodded “I will go right away, dear niece” With a smirk he added “Don't worry, I will make sure he is okay” He walked away while Azula stopped dead on her tracks “...whatever, it’s not like I care about Zuz-” She turned around but Uncle Iroh was already passed the bridge.

“Uh, crazy old man” She muttered to herself as she walked back to the house, her stomach stopped hurting, must have been something she ate.

\\\

Iroh walked to the pond and spotted his nephew, he looked so small, swallowed by the ceremonial clothes. Lu ten was at least a head taller at that age…well, Zuko still had a growth spurt on him.

“The flowers look lovely today, don't they nephew?” Iroh sat down next to him, pulled out a loaf of bread and gently threw a few pieces to the water.

When the first turtleduck appeared, Zuko seem to wake up from his trance, grabbed some bread and, with such care, feed the turtleducks, it always warmed Iroh’s heart how Zuko counted how much each turtleduck ate, to make sure everyone got enough.

“But would you look at that, there is a flower that hasn’t blossom yet…you know, it is said that when they do, they are the most beautiful ones” He looked down at his nephew, who was still carefully feeding each turtleduck “A flower that blooms in adversity, it’s the strongest and most beautiful of all”

Zuko stopped feeding them, wrinkled his nose in confusion “...are..are you comparing me to a flower?” He pouted and went back to methodically feeding each turtleduck. “..I'm not a stupid flower..” He mumbled.

“We grow, we bloom, we thrive and cooperate with everyone around us”

“...Uncle…” He whined “I don't understand any of your riddles!” He crushed the pieces of bread on his hand “What does that have to do with the fact that I ruined everything! I failed!” He threw the crumbs far away, the group of turtle ducks followed the crumbs. 

Iroh put a hand on his shoulder while Zuko tried his best not to sob on the sleeves made out of expensive silks. He always tried so hard, Ursa was right, everything he did, he put his whole heart into it.

“I failed, I brought disgrace to the family, I wasn’t enough and failed”

“Honour doesn't come from an old fashioned ceremony, dear nephew…it comes from our actions and the way we treat those who are around us” He gently lifted his chin and wiped the tears off his cheeks “Are flowers less honourable because they can't recite our history? Is a mother turtleduck less honourable because she can't pour the right amount of tea?” For Iroh, it was actually endearing how Zuko actually thought before answering that question, a surprising feat knowing how impulsive he could be.

“Of course not, they…mom says they keep balance..they can't be honorless if they help to bring balance to the world” He frowned a bit “Wait! Are you still comparing me to a flower?!”

Iroh laughed softly “Think about your place in nature and how you can bring honour through your actions and not some old fashioned ceremony”

Zuko looked back at the pond and muttered “...she smelt weird anyways” He hugged his knees and rested his chin on the top of them “...honour through my actions…” He whispered to himself.

Iroh smiled and stood up, everything will be alright “You can stay a while longer but remember to change before dinner” He walked away after Zuko just nodded.

The spirits worked in mysterious ways.

Everything will be fine.

\\\

Everything…went as good as it could have been.

The yelling of Ozai, well, was probably heard all the way to the great wall. But it was just yelling, Zuko seemed sad about not being able to leave the house and it was sweet to see Azula try to cheer him up….in her own questionable way.

Ursa sighed softly as she saw them run around the courtyard. 

“It’s the best compromise I could get,” She said softly.

Iroh nodded “It is good enough, he has plenty of space to grow, everything will be fine”

Ursa looked up at the sky, she looked pale, too skinny to be healthy and tired, always so..so tired.

“I’m begging the spirits for that”

\\\

Everything isn't getting better.

Soon after the notice of Lu ten’s death came, Azulon died of old age. Iroh was too heartbroken to take the lead of the state so Ozai wasted no time in taking control of it.

It was difficult but they tried to look at the bright side of things, Zuko was getting taller, he was training hard and studying even harder, but smiled less with each passing year. Something…slowly burning off inside him. 

Azula’s ceremony was a success, she was a remarkable young girl, everyone knew that.

At least the kids had something going on for them, Ursa was grateful for that, she was fighting with all her strength but the illness was too much to bear. She passed away one night, quietly and peacefully.

And so Zuko trained harder, and Azula with him, she wasn't going to be left behind, it was still endearing to see. After three years, she still did whatever her older brother did…of course she would rather eat a frog than admitting it.

\\\

The spirits truly worked in mysterious…sometimes cruel…ways because things just weren't getting better.

They came one afternoon, it was such a normal day, nothing could have warned him about what would happen later that day.

The war kept going, the Rough Rhinos led by Ex-Admiral Zhao kept fighting and the crown needed soldiers.

Everyone gathered at the plaza. A young man, who must have been around what Lu ten would be if he was still with them, started speaking.

“The Rough Rhinos have invaded the northern regions” He looked around at the shock faces “As a royal order, one person of each family must come to fight”

As usual, Azula and Zuko were eavesdropping, Zuko’s eyes widened and looked at Uncle Iroh “No….” Azula gave him a weird look.

As the man called out the different families, Azula’s stomach started hurting again, sensing that something bad would happen ..but what?

“Lord Ozai’s family”

Iroh took a step forward, his brother would never go to the army, he was the ruler of the state, with Lu ten gone…It was up to him, he walked over there and took the scroll “It is an honour to protect the nation and my family”

Azula’s eyes widened, of course! Zuko was going to do something stup-

“You cannot go!” He jumped off the roof, stupid, and ran to them, stupider , put himself between Uncle and the weird man, and, ...oh spirits… did the stupidest thing of all … he spoke.

“Please sir! He has already served the army, he gave them his son! You cannot-”

The guy moved his horse harshly, Zuko didn't flinch, surprisingly.

“You should teach the kid to not open his mouth without permission” The weird man sneered. 

“Zuko, you are dishonouring us even more” Ozai’s deep harsh voice cut through the tense air, and just then, Zuko’s posture faltered, he looked back at his father.

Azula’s stomach turned, but she didn't look away.

“A month to prepare, a week to arrive to South Water Camp” 

Uncle Iroh bowed “Of course, sir” He quickly turned around, Ozai was still there? This can't be good , he held Zuko’s shoulders and rushed him inside.

Everything…well, is in the hands of the spirits now.

\\\

“How dare you disobey an order! You were strictly forbidden to set foot outside this house!”

Azula sat under the window, father scolding at Zuko was always funny …why isn't it funny now? Why was she clenching her teeth? Why did she feel frozen in place?

“Father, I only had the family’s interest in min-”

A hard slap, something hit the floor.

“Do not talk back to me! You are a disgrace! You do not learn, your mother was wrong, you don't need time to grow, you need a strong hand, someone to finally put you in your place, you need a reminder to never disrespect me again! Patience and care does no good….from now on suffering will be your teacher, and I will make sure you always remember the failure you have become”

The scream, she thought the worst part was the scream, until the smell hit her.

Help..get help..Uncle Iroh! She stood up and ran as fast and quietly as she could.

\\\

Iroh thought the worst thing that has ever happened to him was reading the death notice of his son….but he had the frightening feeling that this might be just as bad…if not.. worse..

Azula looked like a ghost, shivering and with tears running down her cheeks, it took too long to calm her down, rubbing her back and holding her hair as she threw up.

What happened? Oh Agni, what happened?

When she was finally able to speak, it took all of his strength, all those years of meditation paid off. He left her wrapped around in a blanket  and with a cup of tea.

His dear nephew…his beloved nephew… he was briefly grateful Ursa wasn't here to witness such horror.

He needed to remain calm and see how to work this. First things first, taking Zuko somewhere safe.

He might have gotten taller but he still feels so small on his arms. He carried him to his house inside the state, his heart felt so heavy and the walk felt so long. 

Making sure Azula didn't see his brother like this, he laid down in his room and got to work.

It would leave a scar….it would leave a big scar…

\\\

The rest was fairly easy in comparison, Zuko would stay with him, Azula would come to train. That took some convincing but with Jeong Jeong saying he would train her, well, Ozai would never say no to that, Jeong jeong denied him for years and Ozai enjoyed winning so much it clouded his judgement, that flaw was useful from time to time.

Pulling a few strings, he managed to push his due date for the military. It pained him to go but at least he knew they would be well taken care of by his friends.

Zuko healed, well, the fever stopped and the infection did not spread, he could move around now but…but it’s different.

He hadn't taken off the bandages yet, but Iroh knew, Zuko wouldn’t say, but his hearing was affected, same with his eyesight, he just knew.

It would be a long journey, but Zuko was strong, persistent and stubborn.

He would be alright.

Another thing he needed to keep an eye on is Azula, she wouldn't talk about that night, she acted like nothing happened, like nothing was different. That’s not good either.

And what’s worse? He only had a few days left before he had to leave them.

Will everything be fine?

Only the spirits knew the answer.

\\\

Uncle was leaving, he was leaving. This couldn't happen, not after everything…

Zuko walked late at night, the night before Uncle had to leave them. He couldn't sleep …how could he? Knowing his uncle would leave them and never return.

He found himself reaching the temple, he hated that he did that, he couldn't remember telling his body to walk there. Stupid body.

He still went inside, he didn’t come here that often if at all, but recognized the smell, Azula smelt like that sometimes. The incense she liked still burns there ….funny for someone who claimed the dead spirits couldn’t help.

Everything was polished to perfection, like everything in the state, so shiny they looked almost like mirrors, Zuko sighed softly as he kneeled, still not daring to raise his eyes.

He hadn't taken the bandage yet…he hadn't..look.

Would he recognize himself? Would he ever?

Like with everything in life, he decided to do this quickly, no point on kept pushing it, he faced the stone table….that reflection was him apparently...his pale skin, his inky black hair..whatever is left…they always said he has..had his mother’s hair…and just one gold eye, the left half of his face still hidden by the bandages.

With shaky hands… stop shaking …he slowly took off… stop shaking! ...the bandages.

And like the coward he was, he closed his eyes at the end, took a deep breath…weirdly, the smell of incense calmed him down a bit.

Would he recognize himself? Would it show who he is now? This is who he was now… Just..Just look at yourself.

He finally took off the bandage, his stupid hands still shook, and he didn't flinch…and he wasn't crying.

Oh spirits…

Who is that?

\\\

Azula hid just before Zuko could see her, it was no one's business whether she visited the stupid temple or not.

The scar…was..big, and father did that . She didn’t look away, not this time, if Zuzu could live with it, so could she. The scar was…big …father did that… It’s such a bright red, and..and it went all the way from his forehead pass his..his cheekbone. Azula absentmindedly traced the places on her own face. It went over his eyes and his whole left ear …father did that…father did that… She wanted to look away but..bu-

Azula narrowed his eyes, Zuzu had ..oh no… the face he did before doing something stupid. She watched him walk away and, like the good sister she was, followed him to make sure he didn't do something too stupid. That’s just how good of a sister she was.

She was not snooping around. This wasn’t spying.

Zuko sneaked back into Uncle Iroh’s house, a bit clumsily, he relied mostly on his right side. He must not be able to see very well from his left side now.

She hid in a corner, watching him move with way too much confidence for someone who was clearly about to do something very stupid.

Zuko opened up Uncle Iroh’s closet, where his armour and Lu ten’s armour was. Kinda of an odd moment to play soldier.

She covered her mouth and her eyes widened, he must not hear well from his left ear because she definitely gasped.

He had mother’s hair, she loved his hair… What on Agni’s name was he thinking?

Just when she didn't think Zuko’s stupidity could surprise her…

He was putting on the armour, he was packing up a bag, he was loading up one of the ostrich horses.

And apparently stupidity came in the family because she now found herself hidden in the bed roll.

Well someone had to keep him alive.

\\\

It was strange to have no hair, he was used to having it long …mother loved his hair… people said it was just like hers.

Zuko bowed in front of Uncle Iroh’s room, exchanging the fire pin for the letter. And before he could think it through, he climbed onto the ostrich horse and rode away.

I will bring honour to all of us.

\\\

Bumi woke up startled. He quickly stood up and looked around. Something was happening.

He looked around each house, Iroh’s… His armour missing, an ostrich horse missing… it didn’t take a genius to figure it out…

“Oh spirits…”

He opened up Iroh’s door “The kids are gone!” 

And hell broke loose. It took him, Piandao and Jeong Jeong to held Iroh down, stopping him from reaching the door.

“Use your head, Iroh!” Jeong Jeong said.

“They could get killed!” Iroh cried out, put up quite a fight, maybe he wouldn't have died in battle after all.

Piandao held his face firmly “If anyone else finds out, they'll be in even more danger"” He sighed, Iroh stopped struggling “Old friend…We cannot go after them…”

Jeong Jeong let him go “We can cover for them” He looked at the other two “Ozai cannot find out”

Iroh kneeled on the mud in defeat because …his friends were right…He could only pray and beg to the spirits…to keep them safe.

But the spirits work in mysterious ways he couldn't understand.

Everything has to be fine.

\\\ 

Okay, you got this far…But did you think this through? Of course the fuck no.

Zuko looked at the camp from far away, bit his lower lip “How do I do this…” He paced around “How would Azula do this…” He put one hand on his hip “Listen here whoever you think you are..” He said to himself, mimicking her voice “You will let me in or else you will be in for a world of pai-”

“I do not sound like that at all, Zuzu”

He was sure, he saw his soul leave his body and jumped higher than humanly possible. Once he recovered from almost dying, again , he frowned. 

“Stop following me around!” He stopped and gave her a weird look. “Wait, what are you doing here? HOW are you here?”

Azula rolled her eyes “Because I can”

“That’s not an answer!”

“Well, It is the only answer you will get” She crossed her arms “You should be grateful, there is no way you thought this through”

“Hey!”

“Oh, have you thought this through?” She raised one eyebrow.

“...well…uhm…Not THAT through…But I did think about it!”

“Of course” Azula checked her nails, leaning against a rock “But really, Zuzu, what is your big plan?”

After what it felt like hours,  Azula just stared at the disaster that was her brother, how were they even related? A mystery, if they didn't look so similar she would be sure he was adopted or something.

“... and something like that” Zuko looked at her, waiting for some type of reaction.

She sighed softly, looked at her brother up and down “Might as well execute you right here, get it over with” To which Zuko answered with a growl, dramatic much.

“Then what do you suggest!? Since you are fucking smart” Zuko crossed his arms and sat down, somehow, managed to do that both grumpily and gracefully. What a drama queen.

Azula fixed her already perfect hair “You have been away from society for way too long, Zuzu” She looked at him  “You forgot how to act like a person” She stood up “Just follow my lead, nobody will discover us and you will bring honour to the family” Azula made a vague waving gesture with her hand ”and all of that” …and I will bring you home safe.

Zuko hesitated but …everything always worked out for Azula…so might as well, trust her? Because that always worked out for you...But you don't have any better ideas, do you?

“...Fine”

\\\

Azula was fucking crazy, how could he always fall for her lies?

“Azula, everyone is staring at me” Zuko said between his teeth as he walked in the exact way Azula said guys his age do. What a liar, Azula always lies, that should be the first precept, the only damn precept really.

Azula always lies.

“You are doing great, Zuzu, ignore them”

“Stop calling me that!” He loudly whispered.

That’s why people should never trust Azula. Never ever trust Azula. Nothing good comes from trusting Azula. Why? Well because he trusted her and now he is in the middle of a camp fight.

Great way to start the fucking day.

\\\ Presenting Sokka

“The Rough Rhinos have been seen here… here… and here” Hakoda pointed at the map. “Captain Yue will take the 5th battalion to the Serpent Path to stop them from crossing”

Jet smirked “Excellent strategy, nothing like a good surprise” 

“Uhm, yeah” Hakoda just glanced at Jet but then looked back at the map “Meanwhile General Bato and I will take 5th and 6th companies to the imperial city” He stood up 

“You will stay here with captain Suki training the new troupes, when Jet believes you are ready, you will join us,....captain” With a smirk on his lips Hakoda passed a sword to a shocked Sokka. “Captain…” Sokka stared at the sword with such reverence.

Jet was shocked, him? A captain? “This is an enormous responsibility, General…” he moved closer and whispered “Maybe someone…” Who isn't a moron, a softie, honestly, anyone “Maybe someone with more expertise?”

“Top of his class, extensive knowledge of training techniques from all four nations, praised by several masters including Piandao…and an impressive military lineage, i’m confident that wolf warrior Sokka is the perfect choice and will do an excellent job”

“Oh I will!” Sokka nodded, clenching the sword close to his chest “I won’t let you down, this is- i mean- it is just-” 

Hakoda couldn’t shake off the smile of his face, seeing his son so excited always warmed his heart, and he meant what he said, Sokka was more than ready for the challenge. Both Captain Yue and Captain Suki giggled a bit.

Sokka cleared his throat and straightened up “Yes, sir” he bowed, very clumsily according to Jet.

Hakoda nodded “Well, we will all toast for our victory in the imperial city” He walked out of the tent, Yue following him, Hakoda looked at Jet “I expect a full report in three months”

Jet narrowed his eyes at Sokka “And I wont leave anything out” He got out.

Suki smirked at Sokka. “Nice, Captain Sokka” Sokka smirked “Captain Sokka, the wolf warrior, captain of the best troupe of all four nations… no! The best troupes of all time!” He was about to laugh but it got caught on his throat

The whole group got to witness the fight that was happening when they exited the tent.

Jet smirked “Most impressive…”

Hakoda just snorted and walked to his ostrich horse, Captain Yue looked at Sokka “Good luck” She followed Hakoda, separating with her group to go to the Serpent Path.

“Good luck…” Sokka watched them ride away, Suki patted his back. A loud crash brought him back to the present. He sighed softly at the mess he had to train, Suki was trying not to laugh.

“Day one” Jet said, way too cockily.

\\\ 

“Soldiers!” Sokka’s voice cut through the chaos that was made during the petty fights. Everyone stopped mid-punch and stared at Sokka, quickly dropping what they were doing to point at Zuko who was about to kick a soldier.

“He started it!”

Zuko stood up straight, Azula right behind him. Sokka walked straight to them, moving closer to Zuko who moved a bit back, hoping the scar was well covered under the layers of white paint. He considered bowing but didn’t have the space …why was he so close? Were people usually this close to others? Oh shit, he was talking…

“I do not like fights in my camp!” Sokka narrowed his eyes.

“I apologise…” Zuko said but Azula pinched him without anybody noticing, an art she had perfected over the years, “Uhm! I mean, you know how we are…us…uhm wanting to hit something..” Another pinch “..built stuff..?” Pinch “..cook outsid-” A harsher pinch and Zuko was about to elbow her back.

“What’s your name, soldier?” Sokka raised one eyebrow, looking at both new recruits, what an odd pair… must be related from what he can tell with all the paint on their faces . And he recognized the older-brother-death-stare he was giving, what he assumed was his sister.

“..Uhm….” Zuko glanced at Azula because, how did they not think of that before. “..uh-”

Jet moved closer “Your commander officer asked you a direct question, recruit” He narrowed his eyes.

“I have a name….which…is…” Zuko glanced at Azula who just smirked softly. “It is…”

“I’m waiting… or I will just have to make up a name for you” Sokka shrugged nonchalantly, a weird pair indeed , but it was kinda fun seeing the poor guy squirming by just asking for his name, must be the new armour, Captain Sokka of the best Army of all four nations...

“How about Ping?”

“No!”

“Haru?”

“That guy’s name is Haru” The raven soldier answered with way too much attitude for someone who was supposed to be intimidated.

“Good to know you are learning your classmates names, but I asked for your name” 

“Lee!” He finally answered, looking relieved that he actually… remembered his own name?

Sokka raised one eyebrow “Your name is Lee?”

“..very well, Lee…” Azul whispered.

“Yes, my name is Lee” he stepped to the side “And she is Bao” Zuko did make a shallow bow, pushing Azula to the side, also an art he had perfected over time. Being both of a rather fancy upbringing, you tend to find ways to annoy your siblings without anyone noticing. Azula swore revenge and did the shallow bow with him.

Sokka just gave them a weird look “Well… Do you have your recruit notice?” Zuko quickly gave him the scroll, Sokka read it and just…knew that pair would cause problems, somehow he could sense it. “From the Ozai’s household?”

“Why would he send you two?” Jet narrowed his eyes and looked at them with distrust.

“We volunteered to represent the household. To come instead since the general is retired, sir” Azula stepped in, her posture loose, relaxed and dragging almost every last letter of each word, Zuko could almost feel the sting of the ruler on the back of his hands. Their tutors tended to use it when he didn't pronounce words properly. “..they..doesn't..talk many about us?..” Azula did her best to not punch her beloved and devoted brother on his face… the paint would smudge.

Jet snorted, glancing at Sokka “No wonder why, that boy is a lunatic. '' He rolled his eyes “Get your troupes in order…if you can” He walked away, looking around with disgust. Jet didn't trust them at all, they looked like trouble, like this whole camp full of new recruits, kids playing to be soldiers just like their captain.

Sokka looked at them for a while longer, they were…weird, especially the male one, Lee…what a common name, he definitely didn't look like a Lee, nothing about him looked common and the girl, Bao, looked more at ease with the situation which was also weird…

He shook his head and looked at his troupe “Soldiers, listen up! Thanks to your new friend Lee” He looked at him “You will spend the rest of the day picking up every grain of rice” He turned around, maybe he should keep the cape, that spin must have looked majestic “And tomorrow, the real work will start” He walked away, ignoring the protest groans of the new recruits.

Zuko let out a breath he didn't know he was holding, that was…not a punishment , that was okay. Well, everyone hated him but that wasn't new and some rice picking wasn't hard either. And Azula hated her name. So overall, not a bad first day.

Azula did not share that thought “You need to improve your people skills, Lee” 

“Isn't that what you came here to do for me, Bao?” Zuko kneeled and started picking rice off the grass, ignoring the grains that others kept throwing at him.

“I'm going to get my revenge for that”

Zuko smiled a bit to himself.

“I cannot wait”

\\\ First day of training

Zuko had always woken up earlier than Azula. It used to bother her until she realised he did it because he was always behind on his chores, so for her, it was a win that she never had to get up earlier. Now it was just annoying because they were sharing a tent, outside of the camp, obviously and Zuko just had to wake up to train apparently, before official training. It would be impressive if it wasn't annoying. Typical Zuko.

Azula quickly got ready and got out of the tent. She was glad Zuko didn't notice because reality hit her in the face. 

Zuko was doing his forms, trying at least, his balance was way off and he couldn't measure distance that well. He did try though, again and again, getting up every time he fell, starting the forms all over

For Azula, it was painful to watch but moreover, it was getting late.

“You forgot to breathe dumb dumb”

Zuko lost his balance but gained his footing quickly…only to lose it again when he turned around “Stop sneaking up on me!”

Azula shrugged “I just came to tell you that we are already running late…but If you don't care about th-”

“What?!” He started running, grabbing her hand and dragging her to the main camp.

\\\ 

Sokka did his wolf tail for the 5th time, it had to be perfect, his first day training his troupes! His own regiment… Dad trusted him to do the best job, and he wouldn't let him down.

He glanced at the sun, checking for the time. Time to gather up the recruits to see what he had to work with.

Sokka’s bestest of all armies! ...still working that name… Is time to go!

He walked out, feeling confident, this would go great!

Sokka looked around his camp, the sun was bright but still pleasant, one thing about the Earth Kingdom, it was hot for sure. He walked to the centre of the camp, thanking Tu and La that Jet hadn't come yet, because what an annoying piece of shit.

“Soldiers! Form a line” He felt a thrilled down his spine, seeing everyone follow his command, he was going to make everyone proud. He did feel a bit flushed with everyone staring so took off his shirt to start.

Everyone was counting on you. You are ready.

“You will gather and form a line here every morning after the second gong” He walked across from them “Whoever fails to do so, will have to answer to me”

A recruit muttered to themselves “oh scaaaary…”

“Soldier.” Sokka grabbed one boomerang and threw it, it circled around the troupe and ended up sticking to the top of a large post “Thank you for volunteering, go and retrieve the boomerang”

The guy walked over, dusting off his hands “I will go and get it, pretty boy” He stretched a bit, looking up “And with shirt on and all” As he was gathering momentum to climb, Sokka stopped him.

“Wait, you are forgetting something” With a soft smirk on his lips, he held one of the guy’s wrist “This represents discipline” He put a weight on the guy’s wrist, letting it go and it hit the ground, taking the guy’s arm with it “And this...” The guy looks at both his wrists nervously “This represent strength” A loud thump sound as the way hit the ground “And you will need both to fetch the boomerang”

The boomerang now seemed miles away, the guy swallowed, he tried, they tried and failed…It was the goal of the task but it was kinda embarrassing how very not far up they got. The one that got the furthest up was the weird alledgeled sister of gold eye boy, Lee …he just didn't look like a Lee at all! And they said he is bad with names.

Sokka shook his head and sighed softly “There is a long way…long way to go” He grabbed some staff and threw them at the group…and less than half of them caught them…

A long way indeed.

\\\

Thank the spirits the white paint was opaque because Zuko must be blushing bright red underneath the paint.

Azula pinched him and Zuko startled, and had at least to the decency to look embarrassed about it… Thank the spirits Father didn't know about that either.

…father did that…

She looked back to their commanding officer and she could respect a good power move when she saw one, the boomerang seemed a bit unorthodox but it did the trick well enough. The weights were an expected twist that was actually exciting.

An impossible challenge to humble the troupes, well done captain whatever your name was.

Zuko tried and failed, like he always did, just glared at the post like it just offended his entire family and some. He walked back next to Azula that, well, also fell so …It wasn't that bad then.

He tried to grab the staff but someone caught it before him, he went to take it away but someone from his left side made him trip. He grinded his teeth and took one…two…a million calming breaths, grabbed the staff and stood up, ignoring the giggles around him.

He decided to stand more in the back, still keeping an eye on Azula, more to ground himself than to actually keep an eye on her.

\\\

Sokka moved to the side, Suki stepped in.

“This is Captain Suki”

Suki looked at the group “I will be helping with training you, I’m with the Kyoshi warriors, at the end of training, a group of you will earn our title or, Captain Sokka’s title, Wolf Warrior”

Sokka nodded “It is a high honour to earn either of the titles, so take this seriously, this is real life, war. We train together, fight together and win together”

Suki clapped, grabbing one of the staff. “We will start with easy warming exercises, they will be getting more difficult as you improve” She looked at the whole group “Now! Attention! One..”

Suki guided them through a series of easy exercises, it was a sad thing to watch …everyone was…bad.

\\\

Zuko followed as best as he could, it was difficult, maintaining balance and he was out of shape but he refused to stop.

Until he felt something crawling down his back, he tried to ignore it but everyone had a breaking point. He started to squirm, what the fuck!

And everyone around was laughing, Azula was too far away to help and something was crawling down his back! He did manage to get a few accidental hits on some people around it… He would take the win.

He felt someone grabbing him by the neck of his shirt, and the bug fell down. Some piece of sh-

“Get a grip, soldier!” Sokka held him up.

Zuko did move away, too close! He could notice the scar , he just nodded. Sokka let him go and walked away, shaking his head “Everyone! Ten laps around the camp! Go!”

Everyone followed his command, he went to Suki 

“So….”

“They are kinda pathetic…and scrawny” She put a hand on her hips 

“They really don't got a clue” He facepalmed and sighed “But, we will make warriors out of them” He knew “We will” Suki laughed softly and patted his back 

“We sure will”

\\\ Back at Ozai’s state

Distracting Ozai was too simple, way too simple in Iroh’s opinion. He did not deserve those kids , he didn't deserve them nor the state.

It’s his fault the kids left, his dear nephew and niece. Ozai should have volunteered. Iroh looked down… and I should have kept a closer eye on them.

Distracting Ozai was simple. He thought Azula was training in the prestigious program from Pakku. Selling him the idea that she would be the first woman to enter the program was the key for him accepting the lie without even asking questions. Using his greed and pride against him was easy.

He did not ask about Zuko.

Iroh decided to give him the benefit of the doubt. Mostly because he didn't want to believe his own blood could be so …inhuman. How could a father do that to his son?

He tried to give him the benefit of the doubt, it was his baby brother after all.

But a day turned into a week, and he never once wondered where his son was. He truly didn't care at all.

The drop that tipped over the glass happened at dinner. Iroh went to visit his brother, see what he was doing and give him some news about his kids, not that he even asked but Iroh was still trying to give him the benefit of the doubt.

“Pakku says Azula has been improving quickly” Iroh was playing with fire, what to do if Ozai demanded to see his daughter? He never did.

“She is a prodigy, worthy of her grandfather’s name” Ozai commented, it might have been a praise but he didn't sound proud, it sounded more like bragging to Iroh’s ears.

He couldn't wait any longer “And Zuko” He did not miss the grimace on Ozai’s face “Piandao says that he is a prodigy with his daos, he has surp-”

“A peasant’s weapon” He spat with such venom “Do not muddy the concept of a prodigy with him” He took a sip of wine, Iroh clenched his cup “Zuko was lucky to be born and should be grateful he is still alive…such a disgrace…” Ozai kept talking but Iroh did not register the words, everything felt static around him. 

He did not deserve them. And he…he would pay for what he had done.

So he met up with his old friends to plan Ozai’s downfall. Iroh did not consider himself a vengeful person but every man had his breaking point.

Iroh took a chip “We need to take what he loves the most” He placed it on the board “The state”

Piandao did the next move “You need to be quite sure about this, old friend” Jeong Jeong nodded “Once we start, there is no turning back” Iroh took a moment to consider it, but he already made up his mind.

“It is the right thing to do”

Bumi smirked, playing the next turn. 

“Let's bring that tyrant down” 

\\\ Back at the camp

The training was brutal, not for Azula obviously, she did have to play it down to not call attention to them, it was important to remain hidden.

Maybe she shouldn't try so hard to keep it down since Zuko might as well carry a sign saying please oh please notice me! . He managed to get everyone around him to hate him. 

She sat down next to him and passed him a bowl of rice. 

“Thank you” He started eating and she ate with him.

\\\

Jet watched the group from a distance, he worked hard to get to where he was…and now he was babysitting idiots. All of those pathetic excuses of wannabe soldiers. Unlike his Freedom Fighters, an elite group, the Kyoshis were alright, he guessed… The wolf warrior title? Incredibly silly according to him. 

From the whole group, those two raven haired ones were the most strange ones. The girl held back, he was sure, probably because her companion wasn't as good? 

He gave him a proper look as they ate…odd. They were so…proper, especially compared to the animals around them. He could understand the girls having better manners but the boy? Even from a distance he could see none of the pair made a single sound with their chopsticks, they ate small bites but kept up with the speed of the group…they looked so…graceful and proper. 

He went back to the list, Lee and Bao from Ozai’s state…just mere servants. He looked back at them, especially at the boy, it was hard to see how he truly looked like under the face paint, they really stuck to the dress code. He had heard Ozai’s state was very strict so that was probably why. 

Jet didn't know why he kept looking , the boy..Lee, the short hair was an unusual choice, a bit skinny but you could see some muscle, even with the face paint that covered his face, Jet could see the defined cheekbones, regal nose and intriguing gold eyes. Okay, Jet knew why he kept looking. The girl looked like she would eat him alive but the boy…Lee… Jet smirked, he will keep an eye out for an opening there.

\\\ First month of training

Suki watched the recruits running, and they had completed their first week of training.

She knew the new recruits wouldnt be like her warriors, most if not all have no formal training. She knew that…but… wow.

They could barely do 5 laps around the camp, most of them could not use bow and arrow… two recruits actually punched themselves? She still couldn’t figure out how that even happened. Hand to hand combat, well she had seen bar fights more coordinated than what she had to witness. 

She knew they were working out with amateurs but… but some of them didn't even know how to swim!

Suki sighed softly “Well…well, it is just the first week, Sokka” She sat down next to him. 

Sokka, whose forehead was bright red from all the facepalms he had done that day, felt utterly disappointed “I..I just…ugh”

“It is just the first week, it will be okay” She poured him some tea, it was supposed to be a calming blend from that famous shop, Jasmine Dragon. It did smell divine. “Give them time, they have us training them” She smirked “We will have them in shape in no time”

Sokka just gave her a look, grabbed the cup of tea and drank some …actually nice… He sighed “Yeah yeah thanks for being positive” He put the cup down “But we have to be realistic, I think there are a few recruits we just have to let go”

Suki did take a minute to think about that “Lets circle back to that in two weeks or at the end of the month, seriously Sokka, it has been just a week”

“I know! Is Jet’s constant comments that just ugh!” Sokka drank some of the tea again …you better work and calm me down you little shit… “I just knows he is enjoying watching me fail”

“Ugh, don't let him get into your head” Suki rolled her eyes “Ever since he got that job with the emperor…he has become unbearable”

“He had always been unbearable” He mumbled.

She laughed at that. “Well! With that established, let's give them two weeks more and then we can assess who stays and who leaves, okay?”

Sokka sighed dramatically “Fine”

“Come on, is your turn with the group, I think is….canon training, aiming exercise”

Sokka flinched “...I will take them far away from the camp”

“Sounds very reasonable” She nodded “Good luck”

He sighed dramatically and stood up, he finished up the supposedly calming tea and walked out to gather the troops.

\\\

It’d been three hours and NOT ONE of them had hit the target. Not even near any of the enemy figures he made. And they looked great, very realistic .

Sokka sighed softly as he saw the group reload again. Just…Just hit something!

Zuko grabbed another cannon, it was hard to aim, he just followed what the rest did but apparently no one knew what they were doing. He used the sparkling rocks to light it up when one of the assholes kicked the stand of his cannon, he went to catch it and it fired. He flinched, hard, moving away …you are okay…you are okay… Everyone was looking at the failed shot. It took him some time to calm down, he felt like his heart was about to beat out of his chest, oh shit, oh sh-

“Nice shot, Lee '' Azula smirked, laughing softly. He raised one eyebrow and looked over, oh…they weren’t laughing at him.

“Good one,” another of the recruits said.

Zuko gave up and laughed, it was funny.

When Sokka begged for any of his recruits to hit something, that wasn't what he had in mind. He almost drew blood from biting his lip, it wasn't professional for him to laugh.

But Jet’s face! Looking at his destroyed tent and covered in ash? It’s an exercise of restraint not to laugh!

He looked over to see who did it and…It actually warmed his heart to see the group laugh, it’s good to have a sense of camaraderie. His eyes were drawn to Lee, the one who did the shot , nice laugh , everyone looked good when laughing, that’s just his personal opinion…about everyone, everyone looked good with a smile.

He cleared his throat “Soldiers!” Everyone froze in place, he smirked “Reload!” They all moved fast to reload.

He wasn't even upset that they kept missing.

He was in too much of a good mood now.

\\\

Fishing was disgusting . 

Azula glared at the water, she could do the laps, the stretches, whatever fighting related thing they wanted her to do.

But fishing? It’s gross . Fish were gross .

And by hand? Weren't there supposed to be things to use to fish? She was pretty sure there are. Why did she have to touch them?

Disgusting.

“Ugh” She refused to catch another one “So gross”

Zuko shrugged “That’s just how they are” 

Azula rolled her eyes. “You and your love for animals”

“They are nice”

“They are gross”

“They are pretty, I like the colours” Azula looked at him, like the puzzle he was. 

“Still gross”

He just rolled his eyes and tried to catch another one, if aiming was difficult, this was worse. He grabbed something and pulled it out of the water…but it was another recruit’s foot, he put it back in the water. “....sorry”

Azula just sighed, glared at the water and caught a new fish, and threw it to Zuko.

Gross.

\\\

He used to be able to do things like that effortlessly …It used to be so simple… Doesn't matter, he is used to working hard, he is used to falling, he is used to standing back up, he is used…used to not being good enough .

And thanks to Agni the paint was waterproof. He stood up and went back to the line. 

Azula watched her brother fall, it was simple enough, a row of sticks on a low river, just to keep balance to go across.

He could have done that…effortlessly…well he..he could..before…

…father did that…

She shook her head and went to do it, it was easy, similar to a game they did back at home. Zuko taught her how to stay in balance on the edge of the fences…and now he fell.

…father did that…

She hit the water and frowns, well at least that helped her keep their cover. She went back to the line.

\\\

“What a pair of weirdos” One guy said to another. They looked at Azula and Zuko. “They think they are better than everyone else.” He played with one of the rocks.

The other guy shrugged “I don't really care, the rice shit was annoying but” He threw the rock up in the air and caught it “That was days ago”

The guy smirked when Zuko went to stand in the front, a bucket of water on top of his head and holding a staff.

They all threw rocks, Zuko managed to hit back a few, he knew he could do better. The bucket fell and thanks to Agni the paint is waterproof, he took a deep breath before lifting the damn bucket. Azula deeply enjoyed throwing rocks at everyone, made sure to leave bruises.

Sokka dodged the few rocks the soldiers managed to hit, and did his best not to sigh…Their time is running out, they have to improve faster.

\\\

He woke up before sunrise every day. Training before training. Uncle said it would take time but …it was taking so long.

The dizziness was a problem, but it was getting better the more he trained. Uncle was right, breathing was key. 

His balance…it was taking time. He went through the scrolls Piandao and Jeong Jeong fixed for him, with adapted training techniques from all four nations, they were way more fun than what the teachers his father hired made them do. These mixed techniques from all four nations and also the philosophy behind each movement. 

He went through all his kanas with his eyes covered. First the normal ones, then the sword ones without swords and soon he will do them with swords.

He was feeling better, his body remembering how to move.

Now he was practising balance, first just doing a few positions standing on one foot. Then the same positions over a mountain of rocks. Now he was doing it over a stick and it was working.

He lost track of time.

“Dumb dumb! You missed breakfast and are going to be late! I won't call again!” Azula called for him, he missed her first call, he jumped off the stick and rushed to the line. 

He didn't need breakfast

\\\

…maybe he did need breakfast.

They were running uphill, with weights and under the sun. It wouldn't have been bad if he had eaten or at least drunk something before. He was staying behind the group, he tried to keep up but everything started to get blurry around the edges.

He pushed through.

And he was now on the ground, when did he fall? He took a deep breath and was about to stand up when the Captain went over and picked up the weights and looked at him with…disappointment… .fuck … and just walked away, leaving him on the ground.

Always a disappointment, never enough.

\\\

Sokka looked at Suki and then back at the list “It’s been two weeks”

“I know”

“I will tell them, It was my idea”

Suki nodded and blew so the ink could dry faster. She rolled it and passed it to him.

“The list of recruits who can't go on”

\\\ 

Zuko went back to the camp at nightfall, he felt better after eating and drinking something. He could hear Uncle’s voice in his head.

You need to take care of your body, dear nephew, just like our minds need knowledge to grow, our bodies need food to evolve…a flower needs to be watered to thrive… and some other shit like that.

“...I am not a fucking flower…” He mumbled to himself.

He was stopped by the captain, his eyes looked so blue even in the dark. He did a quick bow.

“Sir”

Sokka swallowed “Soldier…” He shifted from side to side a bit, did his best to maintain some form of eye contact or spirits, at least look at his face “The war is cruel and is not your place…” And with a weird tone he said “so pack up and go home” He gave him a scroll, probably some fucking pity letter . The captain just nodded and left him there.

Zuko clenched the pitiful letter…he…he would not fail again, he wouldn't go home defeated…

He would come home with honour.

Zuko, filled with fierce determination, walked to the captain’s tent to demand that he let him stay. When he reached the pole, he looked up, the boomerang was still there. He smirked softly and threw the damn scroll away.

With the weights in hand he tried to climb it, but fell …it wouldn’t work like this… He narrowed his eyes at the weights.

Picture a scene, Zuko, is dark and you need to climb a fence and your hands are full…the post is slippery…like… He smirked, like the fence at the edge of the state. 

Grabbing each weight, he swung them forward so they wrapped around each other, tested the tension and started climbing.

The pole was tall and slippery but it worked, he had climbed higher than anyone in the group. He kept his eyes on his target. The boomerang.

The sun slowly rose as he climbed.

His arms burnt, the fabric dug into his hands and his knees must be all purple from each time he slipped but wouldn't fall. He wouldn't fail.

For Uncle, because he deserved a nephew that made him proud.

For Piandao and Jeong Jeong, so he could be a worthy apprentice.

For the state, because they deserved an heir worthy of them.

He slipped, grabbed the weights tighter and pulled up, feeling a drop of sweat ran down his forehead. Thanks to Agni the paint was waterproof.

He slipped, focus Zuko .

For mom…so you were worthy of the love she gave you.

For…For Azula…so she could have the older brother she deserved.

To bring honour to us all.

He reached the edge and pulled himself up, the sunrise looked beautiful from there …he did it. He pulled out the boomerang and smirked.

He will be worthy. 

\\\

Azula got to the tent first, she knew Zuzu would be licking his wounded pride somewhere so she got ready to sleep and went to bed.

Woke up not long after because Zuzu had not arrived yet…not that she cared what dumb dumb did.

But it was late.

She stayed awake, because dumb dumb would not arrive. Such a dumb, prince of dumb dumbs. 

“Ugh” She got up and got ready quickly, went out to find him and get her revenge for keeping her awake. Thinking about what she will do as reveng- 

She stopped dead in her tracks and looked up.

There he was…half way up the pole, higher than what she managed to climb. He had always been better at things like that…with all the Blue Spirit things he did. She, of course, would rather cut off her topknot and eat it before telling him that.

He slipped and she clenched her fists.

…come on Zuzu…you can do it…

The sun rose and more people gathered, almost the whole camp, everyone held their breath, everyone encouraging him, everyone wanting him to succeed.

…come on Zuzu…you can do it…

She smiled.

Uncle Iroh would be so proud.

Mom too.

\\\

Sokka felt terrible…telling those recruits to leave. But it was for the best…he was saving lifes. War did not have virtue.

He turned and tossed all night. The shocked faces, the disappointment and almost heartbreak hardly hidden even at night and under all that paint …those expressive gold ey-

He sat up fast and shook his head, he gave up and got ready, he heard some commotion outside but it was probably just the camp waking up.

“Sokka! You need to see this” Suki called him from outside, he raised one eyebrow and walked out. “What is i-”

His boomerang hitting the ground right in front of him stopped him.

His boomerang…that..that was at the top of the pole…that was impossible to climb.

He looked up and narrowed his eyes and they immediately went wide.

“Dips on him and Bao” Suki smirked “They will make great Kyoshis”

Sokka felt his cheeks burn, looking at Lee there, his back at the sun, casually sitting at the top of the pole like it was the most comfortable place in the whole world.

And then he just effortlessly slided down the pole as if it is something he did every day …wow.

Sokka swallowed and tried to act as if that didn't take his breath away. Suki snorted and he glared at her, clearing his throat since, Oh shit, he was walking to him.

“Sir” Zuko bowed and smirked softly, the weights casually thrown over his shoulder, he straighten up “I come to request to stay and complete the training, sir”

Before Sokka could even attempt to answer, Suki cut in “Oh you sure can, Lee” She patted his shoulder “Well done, I knew someone here would surprise us, right Captain Sokka?”

Sokka cleared his throat and nodded “Of course, uhm, very impressive…you can stay” Zuko nodded, gave him the weights, bows again and turned around to leave, Sokka watched him walk away until he felt Suki elbowed him ...hard.

“What the hell?!”

“Eyes up, captain, everyone is looking” She tried not to laugh.

And Sokka’s face went redder.

“Okay, camp! Show is over, breakfast and then laps” Suki ordered and everyone followed.

Sokka picked up the boomerang.

\\\ Back at Ozai’s state

They had to be patient and sneaky. Been able to take down Ozai without harming the state.

But Iroh was good with strategy and his brother…was not. 

It started with gathering information. Anything, even the smallest detail could be crucial to bring him down.

Even one grain of rice could tip the scale.

So they had Theo as a spy, he was able to be invisible to Ozai, and that was perfect for the job. Now they had ears inside.

“He is waiting a shipment for the state, grains and such” 

Pakku moved a chip “We can use that” 

Jeong Jeong nodded “Once everything is accounted for, we can forge the papers” He made the next move.

Piandao looked at the board “And remove a few of the bags, work on undermining  his abilities” He made a move “Use his paranoia in our favour”

Bumi smirked “Making him crazy? I know a few people that can help from the inside” He looked at them “Moving things out of place, messing up his papers, driving him…” He made his move “...insane”

Iroh sipped his tea and looked at the board. He, very briefly, felt a pinch of guilt which quickly vanished as soon as he remembered why he was doing this.

“A good next step” Iroh put the chip down. 

\\\

They had to go late at night, under the cover of the dark.

Azula liked to be clean obviously, but she was quick with it, they were always on a time crunch.

Zuzu didn't seem to think so.

“Zuzu, we don't have all night, someone could see you”

Zuzu had the audacity to glare at her as he stayed in the water. “I refuse to be filthy” He hated to feel itchy and the paint made his face dry …and itchy! Besides, after everything, he deserved a decent bath. “Is unbecoming.”

Azula sighed softly “They have always said you were more of a fire lily, Zuzu” She finished up fixing her hair.

“What is that supposed to mean?!” 

Azula wasn't actually sure what they meant by that, but she would rather cut her topknot and eat it before admitting she didn’t know something, specially to her brother “That you are high maintenance”

“...why do people keep comparing to flowers…” He rubbed the soap harder “..Im not a fucking flower..” He muttered to himself.

Azula fixed her uniform and looked up “Zuzu, we have compan-”

A group of soldiers jumped into the water, Zuzu’s eyes widened and he quickly moved away.

And Azula decided to let him get himself out of that situation. His fault for being a slow dumb dumb.

\\\ Month 2

Suki was right, like always. They were improving. After Lee’s climbing the pole and getting the boomerang, it was like that inspired the whole camp.

“You were right! They have improved a lot” Sokka watched them go through their basic forms.

Suki smirked softly. “Of course I was right, I’m always right” She shrugged “Like that guy said, flowers need time to bloom”

“You will have to take me to that tea shop”

“We will toast our victory there” She moved forward “Pair up! Fighting stance”

Out of pure coincidence, he ended up with Lee. It’s not like he looked for him or anything and well, it was his responsibility to make sure everyone is doing well…excelling even.

“Ready, Lee?”

Oh, spirits, he smirked. “Are you ready?”

Sokka striked first, and Zuko dodged effortlessly and went with his left fist. Sokka caught it and was about to correct him when Zuko went with his right, making Sokka have to step back. With a quick move, Sokka was on the ground, shocked and…kinda amazed. He sat up and rubbed his chin. Zuko held his hand to help him stand.

“Nice move” Sokka went back into position.

“Thanks, Captain” Zuko did the first strike, Sokka dodge the kick and the two punches that followed.

“Sokka”

“Uhm?”  Zuko’s stand flattered, he recovered quickly but Sokka took that opening and managed to flip him on his back, Zuko landing with a gruff on the ground.

“Call me-” 

Zuko moved his leg on the ground, tripping Sokka, so both were now laying on their backs on the ground.

“Ugh… Call me Sokka…”

Zuko blushed under the white paint.

“...okay…Sokka”

\\\ Back at Ozai’s state

Bumi had a good relationship with most servants at the state, and most of them were on Iroh’s side since he wasn't as asshole like his good-for-nothing brother.

So, asking them to move a few things, misplacing some stuff and such, well, it wasn't as difficult.

The evil spirit is in the details.

First move each furniture about 1 centimetre from their place each week, so he would start stumbling with them. Always a booming success in prank wars.

Patience was key.

Combining that with some itchy powder on certain robes and products, fidgeting is very unbecoming for someone as grand as the mighty Ozai.

Bumi’s personal favourite? Switching the shoes to a size too small, then a size too big and then the correct size, and repeat.

Then came the following part of the plan, a thing that both high society and regular folks love: Gossip.

A few loose comments from servants to other servants that reached the merchants and spread throughout the town .

Iroh’s womaniser tendencies attracted a lot of ladies to the tea shop, ladies craved entertainment.

The waiters supposedly commented things silently  and then served the ladies with a smile.

A seemingly innocent game of pai sho with a chat just loud enough for eager ears to pick up.

And of course, Iroh’s stelar ability to show compassion.

“...I am a bit worried for my brother, he hasn't been himself lately…”

“Oh, Lord Ozai? Being clumsy lately, he had broken three vases already! I have been glueing them back all week and to add on that…”

“...and It’s the fourth time this week he has made me go over the state papers. According to him the numbers change but every time I go they are all the same! It is getting ridiculous…”

“...and did you see him at the last dinner party? He would not stop moving, all twitchy, you know, the aunt of the grandmother of a friend started with that before going crazy and well…”

Bumi smirked softly as he looked at the board.

“The trick is to wait for the right moment to strike “

\\\ Back at the camp

He had missed this. It was one of the few things he was actually good at, actually proud of.

Zuko went through the set once again, moved his daos through the normal exercises and then added his own spin. 

It was fun. It was exciting. It was…

It was a relief.

Maybe he was not completely broken . Maybe he was still worth something . Maybe still had a chance… maybe, maybe father would…would…

He cut the grass in a perfect straight line, letting out a breath. 

“Nice swing, soldier” Suki smiled, Zuko startled a bit, why did people always come from the left? “It’s Lee, right?”

Zuko stood up, back straight as an arrow and bowed “Yes, Captain Suki”

Suki raised one eyebrow and laughed a bit “You can just call me Suki” She smirked a bit “I see you are good with a sword” She unshredded hers “Would you like to spar?”

Zuko smirked “Sure” Suki smiled and they walked to the training ground, one at each end, Zuko bowed and then went into position.

Suki raised one eyebrow, bowed and moved into her position. Wondering how a supposed servant knew the formal etiquette of a match. She swinged first, testing him.

Zuko dodged her effortlessly, used his whole body, out of nowhere his sword were actually two. Suki jumped back to get some space between them, she blocked a swing, how did a servant know dual swords?! 

“You have been hiding this from us!”

Zuko tensed up, blocking her swing “I haven't! You didn't ask what we knew!” Suki turned around to try and make him drop his sword but he just rolled and stood back up, keeping a distance.

“That’s true, I take it back” She noticed him relaxing, she smiled softly, braced herself as Zuko picked up some speed and oh shit jumps and attacked from above.

She hadn't fought someone like that in a while, the only one she could compare Lee to was…Sokka.

“Who taught you? You must have had formal training” 

“uhm…” They swinged and blocked each other, fast yet smooth, like a dance “A..friend of my uncle?”

“Is that a question or an answer?” Suki went to break his stance, testing his speed and flexibility.

And he did not disappoint, he did lead mostly to his right, but he was fast and creative. She could see the potential.

“An answer, a friend of my uncle” He did a flip and landed at the top of a stick, balancing on one foot “It was to teach me about balance” He stayed balancing, showing the swords “You cannot see them as separate swords, they are two different parts of a whole'' He joined them and jumped back to the arena “uhm it was something about..accepting parts of something? That everything makes a whole…something...” He looked at his swords “Uncle says it better, I can't remember the whole thing”

Endearing, she could see why Sokka was smitten with the awkward guy. 

“It makes sense, a nice philosophy” Suki changed her stance and Zuko moved into position, …oh, definitely has formal training…

They went back and forth, he actually defeated Suki a few times and she worked quite a sweat.

“Wow, Lee” She helped him stand. “That was fun! You should help us during practice, we are starting with weapons and I can see you don't need much teaching”

“Uhm…”

“Feel free to say no” She put her sword away “But, think about it” Suki shrugged “You never know, might be fun” She bowed, he bowed back “Just think about it” She patted his right shoulder, notices he didn't flinch …sensitive only about his left side… “Good night, Lee” 

“Good night, Ca- uhm Suki”

Zuko watched her walk away, glanced at his swords and put them away.

He smiled a bit to himself as he walked back to the camp. This has been one of the few people outside of Piandao and Uncle … to actually be surprised? Pleased? By something he can do, a skill he is actually…kinda…proud of?

Maybe he could help, he will talk to Azula about it. And with that in mind, he made his way back to the camp. Actually more than mildly content for himself for once.

\\\

It was dark at night, just after dinner and Jet saw his opening.

He walked over to Zuko, a soft smirk on his face. Not in the open of the camp, just behind a tent, Lee was always walking through the shadows, making him hard to find, the slippery guy, especially alone, always with the girl or a group of friends.

Well, Jet liked a challenge.

“Lee…nice finding you here”

He looked startled, glancing around as if Jet was talking to someone else, cute.

“...is the camp, I'm always here”

Jet snorted and nodded “Indeed, Lee, indeed” He stepped closer, making the other step back, back almost against the tent. “I have been seeing you…you have improved a lot”

“Thanks?” He looked around, he was shy …how cute.

“Since the first time I saw you, I knew who you were” 

Zuko tensed up, looking on edge.

Jet twirled his brush “You are like me, you are the underdog, we have fought our way to the top, we are fighters”

Jet could see him relaxing a touch.

“We are different, from that group, they were born at the top”

Truly adorable to see the other soldier look away, he used his brush to move his chin.

“You should join me, and the Freedom Fighters, we are the elite, a group of true survivors…and you would fit right in with them” Jet smirked and whispered “With me” He leaned a bit closer.

And that made Zuko snapped and almost gagged at the guy’s audacity, who the fuck did this guy think he is? He swiftly moved away from him, seriously this guy had him almost pinned to the tent! 

“I will pass.'' Zuko didn't want to give respect to him but he had a part to maintain, so he did a quick and a stiff bow, more than that guy deserved , and walked away quickly.

Jet was shocked, one second he had the cutie on his hook and in a blink he was gone ? He said no ? He turned around and the slippery bastard had disappeared. 

He gave him the opportunity of his life and he disregarded him like he was …like he was filth. Jet frowns, a mere house servant would have jumped at the opportunity, even if they worked at some fancy house. Jet glared at the spot Zuko used to be.

That’s no servant, no farmer’s boy…Too proper, too graceful…He spat…Too fancy, delicate and pretty, walking like he owned the place, like he was better than the rest, looking at him like those high class assholes, looking at him like how he dared to even breathe the same air as him. Something was wrong there, he just knew. 

He was hiding something, and it was dangerous.

\\\

Zuzu grumpily sat next to her, pulled his swords and angrily cleaned them.

“Stay away from the wheat-mouth peasant” Zuzu spat, followed by a harsh swipe. 

Azula just raised one eyebrow. “As if I would actually interact with the likes of him, Zuzu” She rolled her eyes and continued to brush her hair, glancing at Zuzu, after what was probably the billionth growl, so dramatic , she finally asked.

Not that she cared that Zuzu is clearly upset, she just wanted some peace for herself.

“What happened, Zuzu?”

He stopped mid swipe, and stayed silent for a bit. “I'm not quite sure…just stay away from him” He sheathed his swords. “I’m going to sleep” He stood up and went inside the tent. She glanced back at him.

She would keep an eye on that ridiculous excuse of a counsellor. Why would the emperor have someone like that by his side? She could not understand. Just a quick glance at his pitiful handwriting and she knew he was not that educated and clearly did not want to learn, just hearing him talk proved it, that pronunciation just made her head hurt. Oh, and the gaudy clothes he wore, taste and poise could be taught and he clearly had not learnt about it.

And that puny bush-league social climber made Zuzu uncomfortable.

Unacceptable, that vulgar unremarkable grassroots low-life had the gall to make Zuzu, her brother, uncomfortable.

Un-a-ccep-ta-ble.

\\\ Back at Ozai’s state

“...well” Jeong Jeong muttered.

“Well indeed…” Piandao answered.

“Pretty impressive, right?” Bumi smirked, hands on his hips.

“It…well, It does cause an impression” Piandao glanced at Jeong Jeong.

“It sure does”

“If something is worth doing, it is worth doing it right,” Iroh nodded, pleased.

Ozai’s reputation has been decaying, which pleased Iroh immensely. And the more Ozai tried to fix it, the worse it got. 

So, what did a high class family do when their reputation was decaying?

A gathering, to show off their wealth and prosperity.

However, Ozai had always been known for keeping the doors under three locks, but with desperate times came desperate actions. So he decided to hold the gathering in the state.

Which was gorgeous, Ursa loved gardens and made sure to make one of the most beautiful ones Iroh had ever seen. And with Zuko’s love for small animals, turtleducks and koi fishes were in abundance. Truly a sight to be seen and appreciated.

And a large gathering where everyone who was someone would come, well that just was a great opportunity to solidify Ozai’s downfall.

Iroh’s revenge.

He didn't like to consider himself a vengeful person, or even someone to hold a grudge. He had always thought feelings like that make the soul rot and bring nothing good. But with each passing day his beloved niece and nephew didn't come back, the more he craved his brother’s downfall.

Nevertheless, Iroh liked to balance the dark feelings with the immense gratitude he felt towards his old friends. They brought balance to his life. Jeong Jeong's cautiousness helped keep the plan well hidden. Piandao’s elegant cunningness kept their moves undetectable and matched perfectly with Bumi’s contradictory chaotic patience,and, adding Pakku's strict and unwavering focus to the mix, everything was falling into place.

Balance is key. Each part, however different, made you whole.

So here they were, staring at their next move, one of the biggest ones. 

Bumi formulated a carefully crafted ,do excuse my language, shit show.

He decided on a shoe too small and one too big. The itchy powder on strategic places on Ozai’s robes. Pakku’s addition, which he learnt from his students, is changing Ozai’s oils and soaps, the greasy hair and strange aroma did scream ‘something is not quite right with this man’.

The evil spirit is in the details.

A disheaved Ozai proudly displayed for everyone to see.

For everyone to witness.

For everyone to see him fall.

\\\ Back at the camp

Jet’s disdain for the pair of raven-haired duo grew the more they improved.

The girl, Bao or something like that, was watching him like a hawk and did everything in her power to keep him from getting close to that ungrateful Lee.

They were hiding something, he knew that, he was sure of it as he was sure the sky was blue. So they were wary of everyone in the camp and out of nowhere, they were friends with everyone? An extreme change that happened overnight.

Extremely suspicious.

Just look at them! Playing, in full uniform, sticking out like a sore thumb in the group who had disregarded their tops and such as they played.

He could respect Suki, she was alright, she worked her way to the top. Unlike Sokka whose main trait was being the son of a General. He didn't earn his position.

Jet put his things down and stretched, time to show them who was the best.

\\\

They needed the break, they were ahead of schedule and building a sense of camaraderie was important.

That’s why Sokka gave them the evening free, just a small treat in the middle of the chaos and with the war looming over them, a break was more than necessary.

Besides, Suki insisted that balance was key. He really needed to meet this famous tea guy.

“Come on! Focus!” Suki cheered, she cheered for both teams, of course, but she had her money on where Lee and Bao were, she always took bets she could win.

Sokka sat next to her, clapping. “Watch your right! Your right! Nooo! Your other right! AAAGH!” He stood up and gave directions, Suki just couldn’t help but laugh.

The game ended and some soldiers just gave up, almost passing out, Suki glanced at Sokka and smirked when he nodded, both standing up.

“Need more players?”

Azula smirked “Pick a team”

“I will join too” Jet walked over, taking off his shirt. Before he could pick a team, Azula picked Sokka and Suki to be with them, forcing Jet to pick the other team.

Jet glared at her and Azula glared back. She was going to bring that peasant down.

They gathered up their respective groups, and Azula took the lead.

“The girl with the pigtails leans slightly to her right, my guess is that is because of an old childhood injury” She looked at the group “We must focus on attacking the right but do the killer shot on the left” She looked at Suki and Sokka “What do you know about the emperor’s adviser?”

Suki was surprised to say the least, a bit bossy, considering Sokka and she were supposed to be their superiors, but oh well , it is just a friendly game. “He is quick, good reflexes, aggressive, always on the defensive”

“He is from the Earth Kingdom, right?” Lee asked.

Sokka nodded, raised one eyebrow “Yeah, why?”

“Earth Kingdom style relies a lot on keeping a solid stance”

Azula nodded “Mmm..Balance, we can use that aggressiveness against him” She glanced at the field “We aim high but kick low, focus on the right, you two” She gestured to Suki and Sokka “Stay at the front, defence and low hits” She looked at Zuko “I will be at your left, we will do the last left hit,” She looked at the rest.”understood?” 

Zuko nodded, Sokka and Suki just exchanged glances with each other and nodded, weird girl but this was about fun. Sokka offered a high five, Suki accepted it right away while Zuko and Azula looked at him like he grew a third head but did high fived back, a bit hesitant thought.

They moved to their respective positions and the game started.

And what a brutal game, those two are insane! Suki was glad to have them on her side and was curious to watch them on the battlefield.

Sokka and Suki covered for them, the strategy worked, the other team looked confused, rushing to stop the fierce combine kicks of Azula and Zuko, while also trying to block the counter attacks of Suki and Sokka, and all while Zuko worked with Azula so she could land the final kick.

Which landed just in front of Jet’s face as he threw himself in a last pathetic and desperate attempt to stop the kick. Azula smirked, he didn't stand a chance.

She put him in his place, he should never rise from the ashes of shame and humiliation.

He learnt to never mess with her or her brother again.

“That was amazing! Go tea-”

“Please do not name the team. '' Suki laughed as she dusted off her clothes “That was fun! I haven't played in forever”

Sokka sticked his tongue out at her but nodded “It was fun!” He high fived them again, Zuko smiled a bit and high fived him. Azula looked at her brother but did high five Sokka back, a bit too harshly but hey, he was used to tough girls.

“It was pretty fun” 

Zuko nodded at Azula. Jet spat some sand, standing up “Mmm, a fun warm up”

Zuko frowned, and was about to answer but Azula stopped him. “You call that a warm up? To each their own I suppose, you do what you can handle…sir” She walked away with Zuko, the dinner gong a second later.

Sokka glanced at Suki, who just kept a neutral face, which meant she was about to pee herself laughing. “Im starving” She walked away, Sokka followed her “Oh yeah, I'm about to eat a whole pot of rice”

Jet was fuming.

\\\

Training was almost over!

Sokka and Suki were proud of the skills of their group. Soon they would be naming their honoured warriors and Jet would send the letter saying they were ready.

Everything was going great!

Until it wasn't, because that’s just Sokka’s luck.

\\\ this was nenu’s fault

Zuko was walking back from bathing, face paint on, of course, but man it felt good to be clean.

Out of nowhere he was all full on pressed against a tent.

“I am here to give you a second chance” Jet said, pointing at him with the brush “You have had time to think about this, and it’s the opportunity of a lifetime”

Jet was both used and not used to rejection. He had worked hard to get to where he was and his Freedom Fighters knew it, he gave them a reason to believe in him, to follow him.

How could Lee not see that?

“You deserve more, more than what they can offer, I know you, I know what you are” He stepped closer “And I know what you need and I can give it to yo-”

Zuko hated people coming close to him, he hated the smell of most people, especially combined with some perfumes or oils, and the odd herbal scent that clung to that prat was unbearable. He couldn’t even listen to what the asshole was saying.

He kept stepping back, controlling his breath, counting to a million, imagining a calm place, and doing all the bullshit Uncle taught him to control his temper.

Just when his patience was about to run out, the tent gave out and he found himself on someone’s lap, someone’s hands were on his waist, steading him.

“Wow shit! What the fu-” That familiar voice.

He looked around, oh for fucking Agni’s sake.

Of course it would be Sokka’s tent.

He looked up and saw the confused face of Sokka who then turned around …the anger on his face? …he looked…

“Jet, what are you doing? What is happening here?!”

Jet just shrugged, he threw a threatening look at Lee “I was walking and saw the recruit trip, how clumsy of hi-”

“Cut the crap, Jet, what happened?”

“That’s what happened, you believe whatever you want, it’s late and I have things to do” Jet stepped back “I don't have to explain myself to anyone” He walked away.

Zuko glared at Jet, he was glad the paint was opaque enough to cover his blushed cheeks, that definitely got brighter when he realised his situation.

“Hey…are you okay? What really happened?” 

The look of concern on his face just did something to Zuko’s heart, the concern looked so honest, it was too much, Jet’s words, Sokka’s warm hands still on his waist and that honest look of concern.

“Uhm nothing, is fine, I’m fine” He tried to stand up, but just kept tripping with the fabrics, he felt those strong hands lifting him up, steading him.

“Hey…is okay” His voice was so soft and soothing… he wondered when was the last time someone treated him with that much care. 

Agni, he was pathetic.

“Sorry for the tent” Zuko stepped back, rubbing the back of his head.

But Sokka just smiled “Is fine, I needed the breeze anyways, so thanks”

Zuko couldn't help but to shyly smile back. And oh wow Sokka liked that smile.

He cleared his throat “It’s late, better go to sleep, we got an early start tomorrow”

“Good night…Sokka” Zuko did a quick bow and walked away, Sokka just watched him go.

“...night, Lee” He indulged in a bit more staring before looking around the tent, the grass, the marks of someone being backed up against the tent, the shocked look on Lee and he for sure noticed the ink stain on his jaw.

He found himself walking towards Jet's tent.

\\\

Azula always minded her own business, she didn’t really care about the rest.

But she was observant.

She noticed the panicky way Zuzu walked back to their tent, and the angry look on the low-life peasant who was walking the other way. She, of course, noticed the way the Captain angrily stumped his way to that sad attempt of a social-climber's tent.

So, if it involved Zuzu, it involved her. 

Therefore, she sneaked to the tent, to gather intel, to keep herself up to date. It was not snooping around.

She always minded her own business.

\\\

“What the hell truly happened, Jet?” Sokka entered the tent, manners and protocol be damned. The guy was sitting on his desk, writing something.

He didn't even glance his way. “What truly happened is what I said , Captain, did you not pay attention?” He blew at the ink “Wouldn't surprise me” Jet admired his work, smirking “Done with the report” He handed it to Sokka.

Sokka’s eyebrows furrowed and he read it. “What?! What do you mean they are not ready?”

“You think your troops are ready to fight?” Jet snorted “They wouldn't last a minute against Zhao and the Rough Rhinos”

Sokka glared at Jet. “They completed their training”

“Those kids are no more fit to be soldiers than you are to be a captain” Jet took the letter back “When the General reads my letter, your troops won't see the battlefield” He walked to the entrance of the tent.

“Hey! We are not done!”

“Careful there, Captain ” Jet might as well have spit his title “The General might be your father, but I am the emperor’s adviser” He opened the tent flap “Oh, and by the way, I won that title because of my merits” He gestured to the entrance “You are dismissed”

Sokka used all his strength not to punch him as he walked out, but went to complain to Suki.

He needed to vent, blow off some steam because…

Ugh! FUCK

\\\

Azula frowned, hidden in the shadows.

That peasant was going to ruin everything! She had worked hard to get Zuzu here and she wouldn’t let some upstart low-life ruin her plans.

So, she took the matter into her own hands. She liked the captain well enough, but she needed to make sure this worked.

Azula got some parchment; brush and ink. It was easy enough to copy the handwriting and trick that fool of the advisor.

Bulky armour, a good helmet, one of the ostrich horses and a commanding voice.

“Important news of Captain Yue” She pushed the message on his chest, Jet looked confused.

“...who are you?” The pathetic guy narrowed his eyes.

“Who am I? The question here is who are you?” She moved the ostrich horse “There is no time for stupid questions. There is a war going on” She pointed at the camp “Get going! I should report this insubordination! But im feeling gracious today” She started riding away “So carry on before i report you” And left.

Jet looked down at the paper and read it, his eyes widened and he ran to Suki’s tent.

“-just want to grabbed his stupid neck an-”

Jet interrupted Sokka as he ran inside “Captains! Urgent news from Captain Yue! We are needed at the front”

Both captains looked surprised, but their shock lasted only a moment, they needed to get going.

Azula smirked softly as she watched the whole scene unfold.

Perfect, as always.

\\\Back at Ozai’s state

It was working, but Iroh did not look happy. At all.

Piandao understood that. It’s been three months since the kids left. There was no way of getting any news without raising suspicion. Even having tried with all their network, nothing came up. 

The closest thing to a lead was a letter from one of his old students, who is now a Captain, asking for some advice about twin swords. But looking into it would raise too many suspicions. And it was a stretch anyways. Not worth the risk.

Coincidences like that didn't happen in real life.

He smiled at Jeong Jeong and accepted the cup of tea, his partner sighed “Still hasn’t talked? ”

Piandao shook his head “Today marks the third month” He blew on his tea gently and took a sip “We can only take comfort in the fact that the plan is working flawlessly”

“For him it isn't enough”

“I know”

\\\

They have been walking for hours.

The group sounded like cattle. Their poor feet, probably useless by now.

One of the recruits groaned “I am dying here” All the others agreed. Except for one who smirked.

“Guys! Come on! We gotta keep in mind” He wrapped an arm around the guy and Zuko “There is a girl worth fighting for” Zuko blushed “What?” Azula laughed.

“I told you, a girl worth fighting for!” The guy smirked “You know, pale skin and with a shine in her eyes…” He kept his arm around a very uncomfortable Zuko as he talked.

“Well, my girl has to admire my strength” Another guy flexed “And my courage!”

“I don't really care what she wears or how she looks” He looked at them “It depends on how she cooks! Beef, chicken or pork? Yum!”

“A lot of girls believe you are the man” Guy flexed at one of the girl warriors.

Azula rolled her eyes “They only love the uniform” The girls giggled.

“Well! If we have to fight, my girl is the reason of why I’m fighting for”

The three guys cornered Zuko. Who just looked like he would rather be anywhere else but there, Agni this is supposed to be friendly! Act normal!

“My girl will think I have no faults” A guy said. “That Im a major find” They all looked at Zuko expectantly. Sokka might have also been listening. Not that he cared about his troops types or anything.

“Uhm…How about someone who is funny?” Zuko said hesitantly. ”That could always cheer me up? But is also very smart?...” He shrugged awkwardly, his discomfort could be felt from miles away.

They rolled their eyes. “Nah!”

“Oh… my manly ways are some to thrilled her” The recruits leaned against the cart, flexing.

Azula glanced at Zuko, who still looked uncomfortable. “Pssst, he thinks he is such a lady killer” She rolled her eyes, moved the ostrich horse and made the recruit fall onto the snow, and Zuko laughed.

Jet smirked and cockily said “I have a girl back home, who is not like any other”

Azula raised one eyebrow “His mother, the only one who could love him” She glared at him but smirked at the guys snickering. Sokka and Suki shared a knowing look, just holding their laughter.

“Well! We all got someone worth fighting for!” The soldiers started messing around in the snow. The mood was lifted.

…but not for long…

They all stopped dead in their tracks.

The first thing that hit Zuko was the smell. And then, the horrific scene.

The burned bones of what used to be a town.

Sokka looked at Suki, who looked just as distressed. “Look for survivors!” He rode inside the town and the soldiers followed his command.

It was horrible, all burnt down to ashes. All remains unrecognisable. Zuko kneeled down to pick up a doll. It looked well loved… he hoped the owner is with the spirits now.

Sokka got off his horse, looked around “I don't understand…they should be here” He looked at Zuko who could only look back at him, he just didn’t know what to say. 

“Ca- Captain!” Someone yelled. Both of them quickly headed there, Azula not far behind.

“Oh spirits…”

The whole battalion, everyone. Suki walked over to Sokka “...Yue…” She showed him her helmet. Sokka made a sound as if he was trying to stifle a gasp. He took the helmet from her.

Zuko walked over to him, taking in the scene. For him, the smell was the worst part, it triggered memories that he had tried very hard to bury. It was horrible, the smell and the sight of what used to be a buzzing town, filled with people, with life… how all of that life that had probably been growing and developing for years, it just burnt in…What? A day? An afternoon? How long did it take to burn existence to the ground? To erase and leave nothing but the skeleton of what used to be there, a vague echo.

He knew the cold feeling that reached his bones and even the deep parts of his soul was not from the snow or the sharp wind. Under the face paint, his scar burns and aches.

A noise brought him back to reality.

Sokka was sticking Yue’s sword on the snow, and then gently placed the helmet on the hilt. He kneeled, took a deep breath and stood up.

Hesitantly, Zuko walked over “...I’m sorry for your loss…” Sokka glanced at him, nodded and squeezed his shoulder as he passed by him. Zuko stared at the sword and gently laid the doll against the blade, he recited a quick prayer to the spirits.

“Zhao is moving quickly, we will make better time through the mountains” Sokka climbed on his horse “We are the emperor’s only hope, let's get moving” And rode away, the troops followed him.

\\\

The mood was down, obviously . The group marched quietly through the mountains, the calmness uncomfortable.

A loud canon blast broke through the silence.

Zuko was guiding the cart with the canons, he looked back and rolled his eyes at the recruits that were handling the lamp.

“What happened?” Sokka rode there, Zuko hesitated.

 “Uhm..”

“You just gave away our positi-” An arrow hit his shoulder and dropped him off his horse.

Arrows rained from the sky.

“Scatter!” Suki yelled. Sokka took off the arrow, standing up.

Zuko and Azula tried moving the ostrich horse,but fire arrows hit the cart.

“Save the canons!” Sokka ordered, the soldiers rushed to take them out, Zuko cut the reins and put Azula on top of the ostrich horse, running behind it as the cart exploded. 

The whole group took cover at the edge of the mountain, shooting the canons in hope of stopping the attack.

“Fire!” Sokka screamed as they shot the cannons, after a few shots, there were no more arrows, Suki stopped one of the soldiers, the one with the last cannon.

“Don’t light this one yet”

They stood there, the air cold and tense, for what seemed like hours but was probably only seconds, they watched the smoke blow away.

And in the smoke, stood Zhao, behind him the Rough Rhinos and following them, a whole army.

“Be ready to fight,” Said Suki, holding her sword.

“If we die, we die with honour” Said Sokka. He narrowed his eyes.

“Aim the cannon at Zhao”

Zuko took out his twin swords. In their reflection he saw Azula, a strong and determined look on her face. She was ready to fight, he knew that.

If he must die for the honour he owes his family, he will. 

But she shouldn't, mustn't. She owed no one, she didn't deserve this.

The battle cry of the enemy brought him back to the present. Without giving it a second thought, he put his twin swords away, elbowed Azula hard in the stomach and grabbed the canon.

He would not let her pay what he owes.

So he ran, fast and determined to his target.

Zhao, ex-admiral, full of pride and greed. Always wanting more than what he has earnt. Zuko remembered seeing him at the state, in the few dinners his grandfather held. Mother didn't let them stay near him, Uncle Iroh always seemed tense when he was around, saying to just do a quick greeting and stay away from him, he would not tell him and Azula why. He didn't understand why.

He understood now. He understood their intention. The odd way he would look at them, the gifts he would bring to try to win them over, how he tried to get closer by standing or sitting near, and what those wandering hands wanted when he managed to get past mom or Uncle Iroh or in those brief greetings…

Snapping back into the present, come on Zuko, think!... a quick way to stop them, stop them all… He glanced up at the mountain and smirked.

He dropped to his knees, sticking the cannon and aiming … Agni, spirits, ancestors, anyone! Let this piece of shit hit the damn target. He felt like he was fighting for his damn life with those damned spark stones.

Zhao was getting closer.

\\\

Azula fell back and gasped for air. Did he just- That piece of sh-

“Lee!” She heard Sokka scream. She stood up quickly, still trying to catch her breath and saw what was probably the most stupid thing Zuzu has ever done . So, she ran after him, with Sokka just before her.

“Lee! Come back!” Sokka ran as fast as he could.

“Light that thing already!” Azula yelled at him, her desperation crystal clear on her voice.

He shot the canon.

He missed…

He missed and that creep Zhao was close!

He missed an-

He did not miss…

Whatever, he was still the prince of dumb dumbs.

\\\

Zhao smirked at the small soldier running towards him with the little canon, failing to light it up. He could taste the victory already.

He grinned when he saw the soldier missed. “Bad luck today” But the soldier looked at him, those eyes … he knew those eyes and that smug little smirk? “What is so fucking funny?!” He raised his sword and heard the crash, turned around to see what the little shit was looking up that had him looking so smug.

…That little piece of shit…

The snow moved fast, he turned around and swung at the soldier, who moved back just enough not to die, the little shit ran fast.

So he charged at him. 

\\\

Azula whistled and the ostrich horse came fast, she pointed at Zuko and it rode there. She would never get there in time.

The ostrich horse got to Zuko who climbed up quickly and rode fast away from the snow, feeling a tad calmer when the snow swallowed Zhao. But it was so close.

“Sokka!” Zuko reached out to him and held him, the snow catching up to them. He held as hard as he could but he slipped away. “Fuck! Sokka!” He went after him. 

Azula watches him get caught in the snow. Not even bothering to try and hide that she was worried. 

…Oh spirits, mom!, mom please! Bring him back alive…please…

Suki pulled her behind a rock with the rest of the recruits. Azula struggled a bit against Suki’s grip, but without much strength, she knew that there was nothing she could do to help.

…please…Agni..mom…please…

So..so she prayed, prayed harder than ever before, clenching Suki’s arm hard like it was the only thing holding her together. She took a deep breath and prayed.

…not that they can help, being dead and all…

She did not let herself tear up, took one last deep breath before turning back to see if..if Zuko… The sound she made when he saw him sounded way too much like a sob for her taste but…

…thank you, mom…

\\\

Zuko looked frantically around in the snow. He saw a flash of brown and rode there.

“...come on, come you can do it…” He reached down and pulled Sokka to the horse. Oh shit he felt so cold. Sokka coughed some snow “..we need help..”

The spirits must have heard him. An arrow fell on his lap,and it had a rope tied to the end. Zuko worked quickly as they were falling down the cliff. If they reached the end, there would be no way of going back up, so he tied the rope around the horse, securing it.

“Now!”

\\\

Azula pulled hard, the whole group did, slowly managing to pull a whole horse and two men. Suki was quick to pull Sokka off the horse, once on solid ground, Zuko got down.

“Give them space to breathe” Suki moved the group away, the adrenaline rush going down and the shock almost settling. “Give them space…”

Azula just stared, quietly catching her breath.

…thank you…mom…

“Lee…” Sokka caught his breath “You are the craziest guy i have ever met” He put a hand on his shoulder “And I owe you my life… from now on.. You have my full trust”

Zuko smiled at him, didn't know such words would make him feel so… so … A sharp pain in his stomach made him flinch, he saw blood on his hand.

“...hurt! Bring help!” Someone said, Sokka? Deep blue eyes were looking down at him.

“Stay with me, Lee”

Who is Lee?

“Stay with me…”

All faded to black.

\\\

Azula had not felt this way since… since…

…his father did that…

Somehow, he did this too. She was doing that meditation technique Uncle taught her. Agni, she was going to throw up.

This was his fault, father did this too.

\\\ Back at Ozai’s state

While watching his brother break, Iroh felt numb. It was a pale victory, it wasn't even a victory. It was just fair, not even that.

It was not enough.

He wanted them back, in his arms, safe. His dear nephew and niece.

Watching Ozai break and destroy himself? He should have done this years ago. This was just catching up, paying for his own old mistakes.

It was not enough.

“It doesn't feel like a victory” Jeong Jeong wasn't asking, it was a statement.

“No,” Iroh said softly. “Because is not one” 

It was not enough.

\\\

The doctor came out of the tent and went straight to Sokka and Jet. Both went inside the tent fast.

Zuko heard the noise and sat up, he saw Sokka first, he wanted to smile but he looked so… oh shit… He touched his face, the face paint was gone.

“I-I.. I can explain”

Jet laughed hysterically. “I knew it! I knew there was something wrong with you!” He grabbed him and pushed him outside. Sokka was confused, the adrenaline wore off leaving him drained and it took him too long to realise …. This was bad. He quickly got out.

“The dishonoured son of Ozai!” He threw him to the snow. “Lying imposter, a punishable offence”

“My name is Zuko” He glared at him. “I did it to save my uncle”

“Another dishonourable act! But what could we expect? Your dishonour is marked on your face”

Zuko flinched but looked up “It was the only way.”

Jet looked at Sokka “Captain?”

Sokka swallowed and took out the twin swords.

For Tu and La, what am I going to do?

\\\

Azula watched this whole shit show happen. She stood up quickly, everything happening so fast. She rushed forward.

“No!”

Jet glared at her “Stop her”

Some soldiers hesitated but followed his command, she did put up a fight though.

“He saved you!”

Suki was about to step in, Jet looked at her “You know the law” It hurt her , but it was true.

“He risked his life to save you! Don’t touch me you, filth , He saved you!” Azula had five soldiers hold her down, she tried to reach Zuko, tears definitely ran down her cheeks.

Zuko couldn't look at her, how could he? He dishonoured her too. 

“..don't let her watch…” He pleaded softly at Sokka and lowered his head. “...please, don’t let her watch…”

Tu and La, those words felt like a kick to the stomach. Sokka was exhausted. The adrenaline of the battle had completely worn off, leaving him drained and now this?. For Tu and La, what do I do? Sokka stepped forward, looking down at Lee…Zuko, that name fit him better, a very useful part of his mind added, deciding that was an appropriate thought for this shitty situation.

“...please… don’t let her watch…”

He wasn't even begging to be spared? The words resonated loudly inside Sokka’s mind.

Tu and La, what do I do?

“… don’t let her wa-”

Sokka dropped the swords in front of Zuko.

“A life for a life, my debt is paid” He turned around to his horse. “We are leaving!”

“Bu-but…But captai-” Sokka glared at Jet “I said, we are leaving” He climbed onto his horse and started riding away as fast as he could, without it being strange. 

Suki let out a breath she didn’t know she was holding and followed Sokka. And the minute the soldiers let go of Azula she rushed to Zuko.

Who was just staring at his swords.

For the first time, Azula didn't know what to say.

\\\

Once redressed and warmed up, both siblings sat there, stared at the fire.

“...I should have never ran away…” Zuko broke the silence.

“Yes”

“...I just...just wanted to save Uncle…” He took a deep breath “I..I didn't mean to dishonour us even more…”

Azula was again without words, she hated it.

Zuko glared at the fire. “...maybe...I..I didn't just do it to save Uncle” 

“What do you mean?”

“I..I just needed to prove myself, prove that I was worthy…” He touched the scar, barely gracing it “So..so when I looked in the mirror..I..I could see..see myself…with honour…worthy…of you..of Uncle…of fathe-” 

“That monster doesn't deserve an ounce of thought, Zuko” She cut him off. “He is a monster that doesnt deserve to be called father, and this is all his fault” She stated firmly “All his fault.”

“Zula… I dishonoured him, the family, I disrespected him, went against him, I deser-”

“No, you did not! Just think, Zuzu, think” She turned to face him. 

“He should have volunteered to fight! Not Uncle or us!” 

“He should have been the one to hold us after mom died! He should have protected us, cared for us, loved us!” She had tears in her eyes but did not care, she could not care less , Zuzu needed to understand this. Zuko was shocked, he had never seen her like this.

“He is a monster and all… all of this!” She gestured around “It cannot be for him, all of this cant be for him!” She held him by the shoulders “All that time you were at the medic’s tent, all I could think was…was how could father let this happen to us, all of the effort, all of the pain…It cannot be for him! He doesn’t deserve it, Zuko! This cannot be for him!” Her tone held all that pent up emotion she had been keeping locked for too long.

“What he did is unforgivable…” She looked at the scar, took a shaky breath. “That monster is not my father…and it is not yours either!” She was crying but so was Zuko. “This cannot be for him” Her voice cracked slightly.

Zuko hugged tightly, nodding “...okay…” He said softly, pulled away slightly and swallowed a bit. They stared at each other for a while, Zuko wiped her cheeks with all the care and gentleness he had.

“...we still have to face him” Zuko broke the silence again.

“We will, together”

“...and uncle”

“Let's just go home, Zuzu”

\\\

They packed up their things and were about to leave when a yell broke through the icy mountain. They glanced at each other and looked over the edge. Zuko gasped.

Like the bad weed that he was, Zhao rose from the snow, some guys from his army and a few Rough Rhinos with him.

“The bastard survived…” Azula muttered. Zuko grabbed his twin sword and climbed onto the ostrich horse, Azula followed him, thinking he would head home but he started riding in the wrong direction.

“The house is the other way, Zuzu”

“I have to let Sokka know!”

Azula stared at him, took the reins off his hands “You are not doing this for Ozai, right?” Zuko looked back at her.

“No,” He said with honesty, she let go of the reins.

“Then let's go and finish the job”

Both smirked at each other and rode to the Imperial City.

 \\\

The coloured lights, the music, the dancing, the parade, the food…

It should make Sokka feel proud, happy and excited.

It did not.

He felt awful, and not even the proud look on his father's face helped. And the troops were not much better. The only one who looked contemptuous was Jet.

His mood did not improve when he saw the reason that made him feel like shit.

“Zuko?”

“Sokka, Zhao survived and some of the Rough Rhinos too. They are here, in the city”

Well, that was a desperate lie . “You cannot be here. Zuko” He looked at them both “Both of you can't, just go home” He looked away but Zuko cut him off. “I saw them at the mountains, you have to believe me”

“Why would I believe you?!” Sokka snapped. Ugh, this hurt, is too soon, he hasn't… hasn't had time to process all of this! 

“Why would we come back if not? You said you trusted Lee” Azula narrowed her eyes “Why is Zuko any different?”

Sokka looked at Zuko , was he the same? He could not handle it , so he just rode past them. Azula looked at Suki “Keep your eyes open, they are here” She pulled the reins, Zuko snapped back to reality and rode away.

“So? What now?” Azula got off the ostrich horse, Zuko followed and with his characteristic fierce determination said:

“We protect the emperor”

\\\

They reached the door of the palace. It was beautiful. Sokka felt empty. The emperor was talking, he knew that and he should be paying attention. Suki elbowed him and the fog cleared, he cleared his throat.

“Your majesty, I present to you… Zhao’s sword” Sokka bowed and presented the sword.

“I know how much this means to you…The four nations thank you for your sacrifices” As the emperor was about to reach for the sword, hell broke fucking lose.

Sokka was on the ground, the emperor was being dragged to the palace and the whole place shut down. He felt a cold shiver down his spine when he heard Zhao’s laughter ring through the place.

No…

\\\

The whole palace was sealed shut, Hakoda and his soldiers could not pass through. His son and Captain Suki were the emperor’s only hope.

“Tu and La, spirits… help them”

You could say a certain spirit might have listened to his plea.

\\\

Breaking into a fancy house was something they were used to. 

Zuzu, being dramatic as usual , wore a mask he found, she remembered seeing it in one of their favourite plays. But whatever made him feel better.

Breaking into a fancy house was something they were used to. Passing over the walls, balancing on the decor, easy enough. It did not take them long to reach Suki and Sokka, who were desperately trying to open the palace’s door.

“Captains!”

Both startled, Sokka recognized the raspy tone right away, both of them turned around. Somehow, Suki was not surprised to see those two there.

“We can help”

Suki smirked.

“Lead the way”

\\\

Zhao’s men dragged the emperor to the highest balcony so everyone could see, so everyone could see his greatness.

“Your wall…” Zhao walked “Your army…they all failed” He smirked “I won” He stepped closer “Now bow before me”

“You once were on a path of greatness” The emperor glanced at him “Oh how low you have fallen”

Zhao glared at him “Bow before me!”

“Wind might blow hard, yet the mountain does not bow”

“Then..” Zhao growled “then you will bow in pieces!” He raised his sword.

\\\

The four of them rushed inside. They climbed the pillars and reached the last floor. It would have taken them forever if they had managed to go through the door and tried to run through the labyrinth that was the palace.

They would have been too late.

Suki, oh the amazing Suki , was taking care of the remaining of Zhao’s men. With Zuko and Azula by her side, they cleared the path and Sokka ran, just in time to stop Zhao’s blade from reaching the emperor.

“Go and help him! I got them!” Suki knocked out another of Zhao’s men. Zuko and Azula quickly followed Sokka.

Azula was quick to get the emperor out of the way. “Your majesty” She looked around and Zuko pointed at a string of lights, she went over and with Suki joining her, they helped the emperor slide down with them.

Azula hates making mistakes. And she made one. She did not make sure that Zuzu did not do something stupid.

Like staying behind.

\\\

Sokka was good, but Zhao was desperate. Sokka gave them enough time to run away before Zhao hit him hard enough to make him fall. Zuko could not leave him behind.

Zhao noticed the emperor was missing and rushed to catch them, but Zuko was quicker, he cut the string, getting rid of the only way to follow the emperor. The look of Zhao’s face was almost worth this whole shit show. While Zhao was distracted trying to grab the falling string and coming to the realisation that he had lost his chance, Zuko rushed to Sokka’s side.

“Sokka… are you okay?” He helped him sit up. Sokka looked confused “You…you stayed…”

Zhao’s scream covered Zuko’s answer, Sokka was quick to push him aside when he came charging towards them, a hard punch on the stomach knocked all of Sokka’s air out.

He picked Sokka off the ground by the throat.

“You!…you stole my glory!”

“No.” A voice said from behind, Zhao turned to look at the black figure with the blue mask.

The figure took off the mask “I did it”

Those fucking gold eyes , even with the scar, he knew who it was . He carelessly tossed Sokka aside. And rushed to get Zuko. That little shit will pay for this.

Zuko ran, he had to distract him long enough… enough to think of something . Sokka managed to recover and catch up with him. Both closed the door and locked it but it wouldn’t  hold for long.

“What’s the plan?!” Sokka looked at him, and oh shit the look on Zuko’s face . “You don't have one?!”

“Well, no! I just, I just make it up as I go!”

The door broke. Zuko looked around and saw the fireworks tower. “Sokka”

Sokka looked over and nodded “Got it! Roof?” Zuko nodded “I’ll keep him occupied” Sokka nodded and rushed to the tower.

Zuko braced himself and the door gave in, once Zhao saw him, Zuko ran away, making sure Zhao was following him.

“Word on the street is that your father disowned you! Marked you up so everyone could see your dishonour” 

Zuko stayed focused, climbing one of the pillars that Zhao broke with one swing of his sword. It broke through the wall but Zuko kept his balance, glared at him.

“You used to be great! Now, you are just pathetic, you filth!” Zuko baited him, Zhao growled and went after him, what an idiot , just before he could grab him, Zuko jumped up, climbing onto the ceiling.

Sokka better hurry the fuck up.

\\\

Sokka ran faster than ever, feeling as if the moon was guiding his way.

“I need the biggest one you have!” He did not wait for the workers to answer him, he just went through all of the fireworks and picked the biggest one. “Leave this tower!” He jumped off the roof, looked around and saw Zuko, just as Zhao broke the ceiling.

Shit! He was running out of time! Could he make it?

He had to.

He would not let Zhao take someone away from him again . 

Zhao would not take Zuko away from him.

So he ran faster than he ever had.

\\\ 

Zuko held his ground, keeping Zhao in position, a clear shot for Sokka, any fucking time now.

“You are still pretty though, even with that scar” Zhao blocked one of Zuko’s attacks “Might not kill you and keep you around” He smirked and used his height to loom over him, Zuko did not faltered “Kind of a pity to waste what’s left of you!” That did make Zuko lose his footing, allowing Zhao to unarmed him. 

“Out of tricks?” Zhao could taste this victory. Zuko glared, he could swear he heard his Uncle’s voice inside his head.

…break his stance…break his balance…

So he did that with a quick swipe, he had Zhao on his back. And with his own sword, he pinned him to the roof.

“Not really” Zuko smirked “Sokka!”

“Ready! Go!” Sokka lit up the firework and ran away, Zuko waved at Zhao who tried to grab him. But Zuko was quick, too quick.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck, get out of the roof, fuck, fuck…” Zuko kept muttering as he ran through the roof, he heard the bang of the firework and just jumped to the nearest light string, slipping down but the blast made him let go.

Luckily, Sokka was there to soften his fall.

\\\

Both Azula and Suki finally reached their respective idiots. Suki hugged Sokka, Azula was about to kill Zuko.

Of course, the annoying wheat-mouth jerk appeared to interrupt the moment.

“This! This was a crime! A deliberate attempt on my life!” He said with that voice that just never failed to give her a headache. “Where is he?”

Instinctively, everyone moved in front of Zuko, which actually both surprised and pleased Azula.

“Just look at the mess! Stand aside” He pointed at Zuko “That creature is not worth protecting!”

“He is a hero!” Sokka beated her to it.

“He has been dishonoured, he will never be worth anything” Jet spat with as much poison as possible, Zuko pushed right through the group and grabbed Jet by the edge of his clothes.

“Listen here you filthy-”

"That is enough” The emperor’s voice broke the fight, Zuko let go of Jet. Sokka stepped forward.

“Your majesty, I can explain everything…” But the emperor raised his hand and stopped him, everyone had to move aside, Suki pulled Azula out of the way.

Zuko bowed quickly.

“I have heard quite a lot about you, Zuko.” He took a deep breath “You stole General Iroh’s armour, ran away from home, impersonated a soldier, deceived your commanding officer, dishonoured the army, destroyed my palace…”

Zuko flinched at every accusation, because they were all true and he was willing to pay for it.

“And!” The emperor added, Zuko braced himself “And you saved us all” He said softly.

Zuko blinked and looked up. The emperor’s face softened up and bowed at Zuko, Zuko stood up straight, shocked.

Jet gasped and got on his knees and bowed, Suki and Sokka smiled at Zuko, also bowed down, all the way down. Even Azula, even…

Zuko looked around, even the whole public, everyone, bowed… at him.

“Jet, make sure this honourable soldier has a position in my council”

Jet’s eyes widened “The council? Uhm, I'm afraid there is none spot left”

“Very well, you can take Jet’s position” To which Jet just might as well have passed out.

Zuko bowed to the emperor “With all due respect, your majesty, I think I have been away from home for way too long.”

The emperor nodded “Very well then” He took off his pendant “Take this…” He put it on his neck “So your family knows what you have done for me” Zuko accepted it with reverence. “And take this…” he gave him Zhao’s sword “So the world knows what you have done for the four nations.” Zuko accepted it, looking down at his reflection on the sword. He saw… he saw himself…and it wasn't repulsive.

“You have brought honour to your name and your family”

Zuko looked up and bowed “Thank you.. Your majesty” He swallowed a bit and turned around, Suki went right for a hug “It was an honour to fight next to you” She pulled Azula into the hug as well “Both of you” 

Azula held Zuko tightly. “You are still a dumb dumb” She whispered to him as she pulled away.

Suki pushed a very stunned Sokka forward, Zuko regretted not having either the face paint or mask to cover his blushing cheeks.

“You…” Sokka started “You are…brave” He glanced at Azula “You both are” He gave them a very awkward thumbs up.

Zuko raised one eyebrow “Uhm…thank you…” He walked to their ostrich horse, Azula walked past Sokka and shook her head. Suki just facepalmed because …wow.

Zuko glanced back at Azula “Time to go home?”

“Let's go home, Zuzu” 

And with that they both rode away. 

Sokka stared at them. Suki walked to him.

“The flower that blooms in adversity, is the most rare and beautiful of all”

“What?”

“You do not meet someone like that in every dynasty, silly”

\\\

Iroh stared at the turtleduck pond, like he did everyday after Ozai was taken away. 

He took care of the state, his good friends helped him. They helped him keep himself busy. However, he still sat by the pond every day to feed the turtleducks. To think about his dear niece and nephew.

He cried every time.

\\\

They got there and Zuko was a mess. Azula took the ostrich horse.

“Zuzu, you cannot chicken out now.”

“I am not!”

Bumi was the first to hear them, to see them. He walked over. 

“He is at the pond” 

Both siblings were startled, that crazy old man never failed to freak them out.

“Let me take the horse, oh we missed you here, yes we did, did you have fu…” His weird chatter faded away as he took the ostrich horse to the stables.

Great, now Azula felt nervous too.

It took them both way too long to reach the pond.

Zuko took a deep breath and stepped forward “Uncle” He kneeled.

Iroh’s eyes opened wide “Zuko..? Azula..?” 

“Uncle, I brought you Zhao’s sword” He rushed and handed it over “And..And the emperor’s pendant” he gently placed it on his lap, bowed down all the way, the grass tickling his forehead.

“They are gifts, to honour our household”

Iroh was still frozen in shock.

Azula looked at them and shifted her weight from foot to foot “And I brought Zuzu back”

That broke him off his shock, he dropped the gifts, pulled them both into a tight embrace.

“The greatest..” Iroh sobbed “The greatest honour and gift of all is having you both back and safe in my arms” He hugged them tightly “Oh Agni, I missed you both so much” he cried.

Zuko hugged him back and Azula melted into the hug as well.

But something was still in the back of Zuko’s mind, so he pulled away.

“Fath-” 

Iroh gently held his and his sister’s cheek “He will never harm you two again” He pulled them back into a hug, not wanting to ever let them go.

\\\

Pakku, Piandao, Jeong Jeong and Bumi watched them from afar. 

“Uhm, left for three months and all he brought was a sword, a partner” Bumi looked at the group “That’s what he should have brought”

“Uhm… excuse…” A voice startled them.They all turned around and looked at the soldier in front of them.

“Uhm… does Zuko live here? and uhm Azula of course...” His voice cracked a bit at the end, the poor thing.

All of them pointed at the pod. 

“Mmm… would you look at that…” Pakku muttered.

“Good for him,” Jeong Jeong smirked. “Well, the best way to find a partner is on the battlefield” He smiled at Piandao.

\\\

Sokka reached the pond, Iroh saw him coming and stood up to block Zuko and Azula from this young man. If he wanted to take them away, well…spirits would have to help him go through Iroh first . Iroh schooled his features into a neutral expression, eyed Sokka with guarded curiosity.

So Sokka stood straight and bowed “Honourable General Iroh, I- Zuko!” Zuko peaked over Iroh’s shoulder and blushed.

Oh, the young man was no danger afterall, so Iroh relaxed.

“Uhm you… you forgot your swords! Or uhm yours?” Sokka glanced at Azula and then back at Iroh “Or are they uhm yours? It’s not very…very clear and...” Zuko took the swords.

“...they are mine,” Zuko answered shyly.

Iroh stepped back, smiled softly and gave Azula a knowing look and she just shrugged.

“So yeah…I..I also well, wanted to ask.. Since I came all this way…” Sokka rubbed the back of his neck “Maybe you… would like to like…to.. Do uhm” Sokka blushed more , shit come on, just ask! “Would you like to do an activity? With me?” He rushed to ask.

Zuko just looked confused “An activity? Like an assignment?”

“Not like an assignment… just uhm..like some activity, like uhm… like…an activi-”

Azula could not stand this any longer.

“Would you like to stay for dinner?” She cut him off or they would be there all day.

“Would you like to stay forever?” Bumi yelled.

This, smarten Sokka up.

“To dinner, would be my pleasure”

The Fucking End