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           When Prince Zuko was banished he knew there was no Avatar. He knew his banishment was a laugh in his face on top of being scarred. Zuko knew there was no point in looking for someone who was long gone. So what could he do?

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   “Prince Zuko. Don’t you think we should take a break?” Zuko glanced back at his Uncle who was on the deck drinking tea calmly. He was calm . How was he so calm? “Uncle..I trust your judgment when it comes to your..friends. However, we’re walking straight in the Northern Watertribe and what’s left of the Southern Watertribe.” The thought made Zuko’s heart tighten slightly. He remembers when he had landed on the shores of the Southern Watertribe. Or what was supposed to be the Southern Watertribe. “Zuko..” Zuko stopped as he sighed walking over to Iroh and sitting next to him. “What if they don’t believe me and kill me on the spot?” “I doubt it, Prince Zuko.” Zuko watched as Iroh poured him a cup of Jasmine Tea. 

   “You’ve put great effort into showing them why you need their help.” “I’m still Fire Nation to them.” Iroh sighed as Zuko sipped on his tea closing his eyes. “Show them you’re more than that. More than our family's wrongdoings. I know you are. Your crew knows you are.” Zuko shook his head before staring at his Uncle. Who only stared at him kindly. “I know you can. We should be at Agna Qel’a by tomorrow night. If you wish I can help you with greetings.” “Please do..” Uncle laughed before drinking his tea quietly. “I heard Chen was making your favorite tonight..” Zuko’s eyes widened slightly before he shot up and ran towards the ship’s kitchen.

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   “Sokka you can’t actually believe this is a good idea. Firebenders. In what was supposed to be our new home.” Sokka sighed sharpening his boomerang as he shook his head. “No Katara. I don’t agree with it but I read what they had to say-” “And you believe them?! Sokka!” “Will you just..let me finish!” Sokka stopped as he turned to see Katara glaring at him. “If.. If they are telling the truth then we could go home . I talked to dad. I talked to everyone in the goddamn council. The amount of warriors in one spot is going to be insane. 3 days Katara. And then they leave.” “What is the plan Sokka? Since you know soo much..” Sokka sighed before mumbling. “Someone's going to fake being the Avatar.” “What?!” “Will you be quiet?” “Sokka do you know how fucking insane that sounds?” 

   “Ok, Katara. Let’s see if you think of something. Prince whatever his name is can't get back into the Fire Nation without the Avatar. What do you want him to look for an airbender? He already figured he couldn’t change the Fire Nation from the outside. At least not fully. He fakes bringing the Avatar. He gets back into the palace and fights his way to the top. What’s the problem?” Katara scoffed as she shook her head. “So what? Will he be Firelord by the end of everything? Great idea.” “Katara. I want to go home. If a fucking Firebender tearing the Fire Nation inside out is the only chance we have then I think we should take it.” “This is home.” “No, it’s not.” Sokka turned his head to glare at Katara who stared at him before storming off as he sighed. “Good job Sokka..totally not going to get in trouble for this.” 

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   “So..your fight with Katara.” Sokka let out a grunt not wanting to stare at his dad. “Let me guess..she stormed into the council room demanding an explanation. Got one. Still wasn’t happy. Stormed off.” Hakoda winced before sighing. “You shouldn’t have told her.” “What was I supposed to do? Brush her off? We should’ve told her from the start.” “I know..I also know her reaction wouldn’t have changed.” Sokka stayed quiet until Hakoda placed his hand on his shoulder. “Sokka..are you alright?” “Peachy. The entire Northern Watertribe is going to be on edge for what? The whole year? Pakku’s old friend or not..” 

   Hakoda sighed before gently rubbing Sokka’s back. “Not what I was talking about kid..” “Or how I want to go home? That part? Or having to put that hope into a Firebenders hands?” “Sokka.” “You and everyone else can act like this is home all you want but, it’s not . This isn’t my home. So I really fucking hope these Firebenders aren’t full of shit.” Sokka went quiet after taking a deep breath before he felt Hakoda squeeze his shoulder one more time. “I do too.” Sokka waited until Hakoda left his room before letting out a shaky sigh. “Tui and La..please, please, please bring us good Firebenders.”

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   Zuko sat next to Iroh as he ate Komodo Chicken smiling. “I put my soul into that kid so you’re welcome.” Zuko smiled at Chen as the crew let out slight laughs. “Thank you..” Zuko froze as a bowl of purple berries was placed in front of him. “Try them. You eat too many mangoes.” “I don’t..” Zuko picked up a berry before eating it slowly. Zuko jumped feeling a hand poke his side before glaring at Iroh who only smiled. “I’m sorry Nephew..” Zuko scoffed before standing up. “I think..I’m going to go to bed early.” “Whatever you want Prince Zuko.” Once the crew heard Zuko’s footsteps disappear there was a clear tension in the air. “General Iroh..we trust you with our lives you understand that right?” “Of course, Jee.” “And you’re..sure we can trust the Northern Watertribe?” “I do.” Jee stared at Iroh before taking a deep breath. “Iroh..” “I promise. If I am wrong you can punish me yourself.” Jee stared at Iroh shocked before nodding curtly. “Alright..”

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    Zuko lay in bed staring at the ceiling. Cold metal. He could hear the water hitting the ship with soft splashes. The crew had long gone to bed. Uncle had knocked on his door an hour ago to tell him he was going to bed. And Zuko was wide awake. Zuko sat up as he stared at the Fire Nation flag in front of his bed. He had no reason to keep it up. He could hang other things on the wall. Not that. Zuko closed his eyes before letting the back of his head hit his pillow. He would take it down tomorrow. He was loyal to his people. Not to his Father. Loyal to the Fire Nation. Not the Fire Lord. Zuko repeated that in his head until he finally felt his mind slip into darkness. 

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           Sokka could remember home. He was sick of everyone trying to forget it. The Northern Watertribe was nice. He was thankful that they opened their arms and actually helped them . Helped them when it was too late. Sokka wouldn’t call this place home. “Sokka you’re being ungrateful.” Sokka glared at Katara who crossed her arms. “I’m not. I’m so sorry I can’t forget the place I was born as easy as you can Katara.” That was the first argument he had gotten into with Katara about calling the North home . Sokka knew what home was. And he left it. 

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    Sokka woke up left alone under the many pelts. He heard faint singing and he smiled immediately sitting up and rubbing his eyes tiredly. “Mom?” The humming stopped before he giggled loudly when he got picked up. “In a few months little warrior I won’t be able to pick you up like this hm?” Sokka stopped laughing with slight giggles slipping out. “Why?” Sokka watched as Kya rubbed her hand over her pregnant belly. “Your sibling is getting bigger. It makes this harder for me. And you are getting bigger!” Kya pinched Sokka’s cheeks making him smile. “I want a little sister.” That made Kya freeze before she smiled. “Do you?” 

   Sokka nodded crossing his tiny arms. “What happened to wanting a brother?” “Mm..no. Anik has a little brother as he’s annoying.” “Oh really?” Sokka nodded as he sat next to his mother laying his head on her lap. “Aput has 2 younger sisters and they’re super nice! So..I want a little sister too!” “Hm..What do you think Hakoda? Do you think we’re having a girl?” Sokka sat up as his dad walked into their hut smiling. “What? Sokka doesn’t want a little brother anymore?” Kya shook her head as she smiled. “I guess not.” Kya ran her hand over Sokka’s head as he smiled looking up at his mother. His..

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  “Sokka?” Sokka flinched slightly before he wiped his tears and cleared his throat. “Y..Yea?” Sokka turned around to see Yue frowning softly. “Are you alright? Katara came to me earlier saying you two..had a small fight.” Sokka laughed quietly as he mumbled. “Yea..small.” Yue let out a hum before sitting next to Sokka. “Can you..explain? Katara said you hated it here-” “Hate? No. Yue the North is..beautiful. It is but..its..its not..” “The South.” Sokka smiled at Yue tightly as he nodded. “I..would say I understand but, I don’t think that would help. Would it?” Sokka shook his head as he sighed. “No..Not really. Thank you though..” 

    Yue and Sokka sat in silence before Yue sighed. “So..the fire Nation is going to be here tomorrow.” “Yep. Can’t wait.” Yue played with her hands nervously before letting out a breath. “Are you scared..?” “..No. Thought I was until yknow..council meetings. The plan is..rough but, that's why they’re coming right? Better planning.” “Sokka.” Sokka sighed staring at Yue. “Yea..ok yea. Maybe a little. I mean what if Firelord asshole-” “Sokka!” “What if he doesn’t believe him? Kills the person who’s going to fake the Avatar and then tosses Prince whatever his name is in some jail. Then what?” Yue hummed as she nodded placing her hand on top of Sokka’s. “My home or not Yue..its..this is it. Unless we fucking hide in the Earth Kingdom that gets attacked daily by the Fire Nation..” “I’m sure Prince Zuko has a backup plan. Even if he doesn't we can bring it up can’t we?”

    Sokka nodded before a guard coughed loudly. “Princess Yue..”  Yue sighed before smiling at Sokka. “Father wants me to head to bed early for preparations. Goodnight Sokka..” Yue stood up walking out of his room as he sighed slightly. “Tui and La fuck me..please..someone watch over me.” 

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    Hakoda knew his children were upset at each other. He had tried to reason with Katara. Telling her Sokka was just as upset as she was. He knew to give her space after she stormed off. Hakoda was..tired. The weeks of preparation that they’ve done to ensure the people will be safe with Firebenders in the city were intense. But Hakoda was tired. He wished he could make things right. He wished he..kept everyone home. Hakoda walked through the palace before making it to his room sighing. “You look like shit.” Hakoda smiled at Bato who was skimming through scrolls sent by the Firebenders. “Are those recent?” “As recent as they can be. Can you believe this?” “..No.” Hakoda sat on his bed before laying back with a sigh.

   The room was quiet before Bato cleared his throat. “Was hoping you’d say yea Koda..what’s wrong?” “Sokka and Katara got into another argument.” “Hm.” “I gave them their space. But I..don’t think it’ll help this time Bato.” Hakoda heard Bato stand up and walk over to him, only to put weight on his chest. “And why? They argue all the time.” “Bato..it just..” Hakoda closed his eyes feeling Bato rub his arm. “I know..trust me I know..” “.. Tomorrow night. The Firebenders are going to be here by tomorrow night.” “And then you and Chief Arnook will speak to them. I’ll be in the room with you Koda. So will your children. And every skilled waterbender in the city. Everything will be ok.” “Not worried about being safe..” Bato went quiet before whispering. “You think you'd be betraying your people..” “Worried? Bato I would be. Tui and La Katara probably won’t speak to me ever again. We had to leave everything behind because it would be safer here than in the South. At first, I didn’t want to believe it but, it did get worse. So much worse. How many of those men do you think slipped away to write to the Firelord to wipe the Southern Wtertribe off the map Bato?” “Koda-” “How many of them do you think showed up? Even if we left how many do you think showed up to kill every last one of them? Our tribe Bato-” “Hakoda.” 

    Hakoda felt a firm hand on his chest as he took deep and long breaths. “Good. Now calm down. Koda..our people know you’d make the right call. I don’t know what the Northerners would think but.. your people trust you Koda. I trust you.” Hakoda nodded opening his eyes to see Bato staring at him determined. “How about we go over the scrolls? From the start.” Hakoda closed his eyes again taking a deep breath. “Prince Zuko will be here tomorrow night to go over his plan to overthrow his Father.” “Keep going.” “The only way he can go back is to have the Avatar. One of our strongest waterbenders will pretend to be the Avatar and leave with him..Once he is back he will slowly gain the trust of his people. Along with people from the Earth Kingdom.” “And will write to us about everything he does.” Hakoda nodded as he grinded his teeth making Bato slap his arm. “Stop that. Koda everything will be alright..” “The dragon of the west is coming with him Bato.” “He’s the kid's uncle.” Hakoda rolled his eyes before staring at Bato who only stared back. “..I wanna go home.” “Koda..” 

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      Hakoda remembers his heart sinking when he saw how happy his kids were to see him. How happy everyone was. His kids were oblivious to what was going to happen. His mother was not. Kanna stared at him with a blank expression before walking to her hut. “Dad you said you wouldn’t be back for a long time! Now you’re back and we can-” “Sokka..give me a second bud. I need to go speak to Gran-Gran ok?” Hakoda smiled sadly as Sokka pouted. “Ok..” Hakoda gently cupped Sokka’s cheek as he placed Katara into Bato’s arms. “It’ll be quick ok?” Hakoda glanced at Bato before following Kanna to her hut. When he got inside Kanna was sitting quietly. “..Mom. We..we have to go.” “Go where Hakoda?” 

   Hakoda’s heart clenched at her harsh tone. “..The northern Water-” “No.” “Mom..” “No. I’m not leaving my home. Our home Hakoda. What will the people think?” “What people? The handful of people we have left? What do you think would happen if the Fire Nation has a raid again?” “Hakoda.” Hakoda took a deep breath closing his eyes. “..We have to. The Fire Nation knows who’s attacking their ships. And if going North would be the only thing keeping us safe then as Chief..” Hakoda heard his mother scoff before going quiet. “Do you know what you’re doing?” “I need to keep everyone safe.” The two sat in silence before Kanna spoke. “Fine.” He knew she was angry. His mother was rarely angry but..she was. She was angry.

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    “Koda?” “My mother barely speaks to me..” Bato winced as he rubbed Hakoda’s back. “Yea..I noticed.” Hakoda glared at Bato who only sighed. “She has a right to be upset.” “I never said she didn’t.” The two sat in silence as Hakoda closed his eyes. “You know she loves you right? She’s your mother.” “Mhm.” Bato sighed before holding onto Hakoda rocking them back and forth softly. “I have..shit to do and if you keep..” “Yea.” Hakoda felt his body go lax before he closed his eyes. 

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   Katara let out a huff as she finished training with a random warrior. “Katara.” When she turned around she saw Kanna watching her with a small smile. “Hi Gran-Gran..” Kanna walked closer before taking a deep breath. “I heard you and Sokka argued again.” Katara looked away before mumbling. “Yea..again.” Kanna sighed before gently taking Katara’s hand. “You know I hate when you two fight..sure when you where..smaller it was cute to see you argue over silly things. But I think you know it’s hiting a boiling point.” Katara let out a huff but stayed quiet. “Katara..what is really making you upset?” “Why can’t Sokka just accept the fact that this is home? Of course I miss home..but we can’t go back. The more he complains about it not being home the more he hates the North.” “Sokka doesn’t hate the North dear..” 

   “He does! All the time he says he’ll never call this place home and how much he wants to go back. And the..the fire nation Gran-Gran! He told me he thinks they’ll just..fix things! It’s their fault we even had to leave!” Katara felt Kanna rub her arm softly as she let out a quiet hum. “And if it doesn’t work? What Sokka’s going to be bitter the rest of his life?” “Not bitter. Stubborn.” Katara closed er eyes fighting the urge to say its the same thing with Sokka. Katara felt Kanna rub her back softly. “That’s how Sokka feels..but how do you feel?” Katara went quiet before taking a breath. “Angry. At..at everything. I’m angry we had to leave. I’m angry that dad agreed. I’m angry that he’s right. I’m angry that we’re just letting the Fire Nation walk in here. I..” Katara felt Kanna wipe tears that where rolling down her cheeks as she whispered. “Do you want my opinion now?” Katara nodded as she laid her head on Kanna’s shoulder. “I’d say I’m just as angry as Sokka.” “Why..” “Mm..same reason as Sokka’s I guess. But my reasons run a bit deeper than his. Both of you. Katara I’m asking yuo to give him time. Now when it comes to the Fire Nation..we can only hope what the prince says is true.” “Isn’t that too much of a risk?” 

   “We don’t have another option Katara..I’m not asking you to become friends with them. I’d never ask that from you. But I am asking to try and keep peace with the only royality who see’s that this war has to end.” Katara sighed before letting out a groan. “How about you go spend time with Yue before she has to go back to her Father hm? She was looking for you earlier.” Katara smiled before kissing Kanna’s cheek. “Thank you Gran-Gran.” Kanna smiled as Katara ran off to find Princess Yue glad she was able to make her smile.

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  It was late. The moon bright and shining. Nobody was sleeping. Warriors where too busy watching the Fire Nation ship slowly creep closer to the wall. Most of them ready to be attacked. Chief Arnook stood with Hakoda and Bato the three men tense. “Are we sure about this?” “We don’t have a choice.” The three watched the matal mass slowly creeped in. Red flag quietly waving in the wind.

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         Zuko let out a breath as he saw eyes on him. There was no hiding how nervous he was. He had waited and written hundreds of letters to prove he’d help them. He knows that won’t be enough. But at least he’s been given a chance. A chance he won’t ruin. Zuko felt his ship stop as he glanced at his Uncle who smiled at him nodding. Zuko walked off his ship slowly before standing in front of three men. He wasn’t sure what he expected meeting Chief Arnook and Chief Hakoda. Bato watched Zuko closely his face stern. “Chief Hakoda. Chief Arnook. Thank you for letting me be here.” Zuko nodded at Bato who only stared at him. “We’re all here for the same thing” Zuko tried to hold eye contact with at least one of the men. And he couldn’t. “Let’s go to the hall before the council thinks something happened..” Bato turned to walk away as Hakoda sighed following him. “Prince Zuko. I hope you don’t mind keeping your crew on your ship for now. Of course, after the meeting, they can come follow you but..” He turned back to see his Uncle smiling before waving him off. “Right..of course, Chief Arnook.” 

   The man nodded before walking as Zuko followed him trying to stand tall. He could feel the eyes of the people glaring at him. Some looked hopeful. Some had nothing but, pure hatred for him. And he couldn’t blame him. “Prince Zuko. Most of our council believes you’re a liar. You know this don’t you?” Zuko nodded glancing at Chief Arnook as they walked closer to the hall. “I will try to keep them from being..too hostile. But the rest is up to you.” Zuko closed his eyes before taking a deep breath. “Of course, Chief Arnook.” Zuko heard bustling inside before it went completely quiet when he walked in with Chief Arnook. Zuko felt his throat tighten as he felt eyes on him. Mostly angry. “It’s time. Go on then Prince Zuko..” Chief Arnook walked to where Hakoda and Bato sat sitting next to them. Zuko could hear his own heartbeat. And blood flowing through his ear. “I’m..grateful for this opportunity. From all of you.” “Get to the point.” Zuko took a deep breath before keeping his expression calm. “I need a waterbender to fake being the Avatar. I’ve..traveled since being banished. I now know what the Fire Nation is doing..and did was wrong. It was evil at heart. It’s clear changing the Fire Nation from the outside isn’t working so..” “You want to use one of us as a sacrifice.” Zuko turned his head to see a girl who was Azula’s age glaring at him. “No..I just need one of you to pretend to be my only way home. I’ve already had word with rebellions in the Fire Nation. In the Earth Kingdom. I wish there was another way but-” “Have you ever thought of other ways?” “Katara..” Zuko watched as the girl went quiet clearly shaking. He wasn’t sure if it was from anger or.. “ I have. I’ve thought of any way I could get back to the capital with no avatar and it won’t work.” “And what would happen if you just showed up?” “I’d be punished by death.” The room went quiet before he heard a scoff. “They wouldn’t kill their Prince.” “I’m not royalty as long as I’m banished according to my Father.” One of the council members turned to Chief Arnook clearly upset. “You can’t think this would work. Once they have one of our Waterbenders then what?” “Nanook.”

    Zuko took a shaky breath as he watched the men stare at each other. “Then what?” Zuko’s eyebrow raised slightly before he stared at a boy his age. “I’m sorry..?” “Once you go back to your oh so lovely palace then what? You’re going to kill your Father? And every other person who would stand by his side?” Zuko’s mind immediately flashed to Azula and his heart hurt thinking of fighting her. He hoped when he got back he could..save her. “..Yes.” “How? Because from what I’m hearing he could care less about you let alone your opinion.” Zuko watched as the girl- Katara glared at the boy muttering something he couldn’t hear. “The only way I know how. The man won’t look at me unless I basically kiss the ground he walks on..or I have to prove that through my banishment I learned about respect” “So become a suck-up. Got it.” “Sokka.” Zuko heard Sokka scoff before he mumbled. “Do you have a better plan?” “One that won’t get me or anyone else killed? No.” “Prince Zuko.” Zuko glanced at an older woman who stared at him with a blank expression. “Let me summarize your plan..you wish to have one of our waterbenders go back with you to the Fire Nation so you can go back home. And from there you will..slowly and carefully turn the people against your Father? And then get rid of him and his followers?” Zuko nodded carefully watching the woman. “And then after?” Zuko’s eyes widened slightly before mumbling. “..I hope I could..could try and fix everything my family has done. No matter how long it takes.” The room goes quiet making Zuko’s chest filled with anxiety. “Well then..Prince Zuko. Give us..some time to think. A guard will escort you to your room.” Zuko nodded as he let the guards walk him out trying to ignore the immediate borderline yelling that started. “You’ll always have a guard in your room.” 

    Zuko jumped slightly not expecting the guard's voice to be so deep. “Right..um..thank you..” “Anik.” “Thank you, Anik.” The man let out a grunt before walking into the room with Zuko. Zuko looked around before smiling slightly. “It’s warm..” “Had to make it comfy so an ashmaker won’t burn the room down.” Zuko froze as Anik sneered at him as he walked out another guard taking his spot. He almost forgot for a moment that these people hated him. Zuko sat on the bed taking a deep breath. “They should be done soon. Then you’ll leave with one of our warriors. Leading a man to his death. I knew you ashmakers were cruel but this..” The guard laughed bitterly as he shook his head. “As long as whoever the man is makes your life hell until he dies I don’t care.” Zuko wanted to leave. He knew he couldn’t but Agni he wished he could. “Stop making the room hot.” “I’m sorry..” 

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   Zuko jumped at the loud knock on his door as he stood up the guard glared at him before he opened the door. “The council wants you back.” Zuko nodded mutely as he followed the guards back to the hall. When he walked in the air was tense. He noticed that Katara was gone and was replaced with a girl with all-white hair. “Prince Zuko. We as a council..agree to your request. With a condition.” Zuko nodded feeling his chest fill with hope. “You do everything you can to keep our waterbender alive. And we mean everything.” Zuko nodded finally being able to hold eye contact with Chief Arnook and Chief Hakoda. “I understand.”

    The men nodded before standing. “Hakoda and his son Sokka will take you to the warrior we’ve picked.” Zuko nodded numbly still in shock before he felt a sharp push on his shoulder as he was being guided out of the room. “You looked stupid gaping at Arnook like that.” “Sokka..” “He did!” Zuko heard Hakoda sigh as he walked behind the two. “Don’t fuck this up. Kova is a huge ass when you piss him off. You being a firebender doesn’t help.” Zuko nodded slowly trying to take in all the information. “He definitely is going to act like you don’t exist. Probably all the way to the Fire Nation but-” “Sokka, knock it off.” 

   Sokka sighed before staring at Zuko and mumbling. “Do not fuck this up. This is more than whatever real reason you have. More than just your life. More than mine.” Zuko went to respond before a boy who looked his age walked out and glared at Zuko. “I’m guessing I have to go with you?” “Yes..we should head back to the Wani but, if you have anything you want to do before-” “I’d rather not.” Kova brushed past Zuko who stod frozen before sighing. “Told you.” Zuko sent Sokka a glance before feeling Hakoda place a hand on his shoulder. “Keep him safe.” With that Hakoda walked off as Sokka mouthed ‘Don’t fuck up’ one more time for good measure. Zuko quickly caught up with Kova who was getting his ear talked off by Iroh. “Is there anything you’re allergic to?” “What?” “Is there anything you’re allergic to? So I can tell our chef.” 

    Kova stared at Iroh before scoffing. “No.” Kova brushed past Iroh onto the ship as Zuko tried to hide the quick pang of anger. Zuko walked up to his Uncle who smiled proudly. “I’m glad the meeting went well.” “I guess so..” Iroh smiled before hugging Zuko who returned the hug his hands shaking. “We can go over how you plan to get your Father to trust you on the way to the Fire Nation. For now nephew how about you go rest.  Or make our guest feel more welcome.” Zuko groaned before looking back at the city before mumbling. “He’d probably tell me to fuck myself..” Iroh sighed not bothering to correct his nephews language. Zuko knew he had to watch his tongue once he went back to the palace. Which was going to be much harder than it is now. “Just tell him we’re are on his side. Assure him we won’t let him get hurt.” Zuko nodded before looking side to side. 

   “Alright.” Zuko walked in the direction Kova did before knocking on his door. “What.” “I wanted to make sure you found your room.” “I did. Now leave me alone.” Zuko stood at the door trying to keep his breathing quiet. “Are you just gonna sit there all day? What do you want.” Zuko swung the door open as Kova glared at him with a knife in his hand. “Listen, I understand you don’t want to go. If we had another option believe me we would’ve done it. But we don’t. So until we get to the Fire Nation can you just..act normal. I’m not telling you to kiss my ass and the ground I walk on but, for fucks sake just treat my crew like people. And watch your tone with my Uncle.” Zuko said the last part with smoke seeping out his mouth as he walked out slamming the door behind him. “Told him huh?” Zuko scoffed brushing past Jee mumbling a quick ‘fuck you’. Zuko hated how for a moment he heard his Father in his own voice. He tried to keep his voice as calm as possible but, he knew what he sounded like to Kova. Great introduction Zuko. Yell at him to shut up and act happy.  

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   Sokka watched as the hunk of metal slowly drift away as he let out a groan. “I still think you should’ve let me go with him..” “And let your sister barge imto the Fire Nation ready to kill someone? No.” Sokka turned to Yue who stared at him. “You could lie for me.” “And for how long? And your Father? I may be able to lie to mine but Chief Hakoda..” Sokka let out a laugh before going quiet. “It’ll work.” “Of course it will. I beileve Prince Zuko wouldn’t lie.” “Yea..Prince Zuko..” Sokka looked out to the sea before laughing bitterly. “He wouldn’t lie..Yue can you..do a tiny favor for me?” Yue raised one of her eyebrows straightening her back. “Ask our dad if I can get those Fire Nation letters. And any new ones that come in.” Yue stared before smiling. “I’ll see what I can do.”

Chapter Text

       Kova sat on the bed staring at the door that slammed close before he laughed. A bitter and empty one. Kova looked around to see a small desk with a Fire Nation flag dead center. A Fire Nation flag that had a clear tear across it. Kova let out a hum in confusion before standing up going to open his door and froze when he heard a knock. Play nice with his crew Kova. That’s all you have to do. “..Yes?” 

  “May I come in Kova?” Kova frowned at the voice before realizing it was the dragon of the west. Kova opened the door slowly as the man smiled waiting patiently. “I’m assuming my nephew already spoke to you?” “Uh huh..” 

“Good. I’d like to invite you to eat with us. Unfortunately, my nephew won’t be joining us. He tends to eat alone when he writes letters.” Kova scoffed as he observed the man carefully. “He’s writing letters? To who?” 

   The man only smiled before taking a deep breath. “Join us for dinner and I’ll tell you more.” Smart. Kova probably should’ve expected that. 

    “..Fine.” “Great. I’ll come back once the chef is done.” Iroh walked off as Kova closed his door again groaning. Zuko was writing more letters? To who? He wanted to ignore the pang of fear he had hoping Zuko wasn’t a liar. Hoping Zuko wasn’t writing to his Father saying he fooled the Northern Watertribe. Ask for more ships to attack them. He didn’t seem like a liar..a little shit sure. But not a liar. Kova went through his bag pulling out the only thing that was important to him. It was a heavy dagger. He liked the feeling of it and the carvings his brother put in them. If you looked closely you could see the slight red tint deep in the carving. Kova stared at the knife before letting out a breath and placing it down on the desk. 

“You’d probably think I’m an idiot..willingly turning myself into the Fire Nation. That’s crazy enough..but pretending to be the Avatar? You’d kill me yourself wouldn’t you Hanta?” Kova smiled at the dagger before laying on what was going to be his bed for almost a month with a loud thunk. “Fuck..” Kova flinched hearing a knock on his door. 

“Kova..can we..talk for a second?” Prince Zuko. Kova rolled his eyes before opening his door. 

“What do you want?” Kova watched the Prince avoid looking at him before finally glancing at him. “I wanted to apologize..for my outburst.” “Outburst? That was an outburst?” 

  Zuko raised his eyebrow at him his tone shifting. “Yes? What did you think it was?” “Being yourself.” Zuko stared at him shocked before his expression turned to anger.

   “I am not-” Zuko took a deep breath before lowering his tone. “I do not act like that. I’m just stressed.” 

    “You’re stressed? I gotta hope you can make up a good enough lie so your father doesn't burn me alive. Then you have to keep me alive spirits knows how long? But you’re stressed?” 

    Zuko scoffed before crossing his arms. “You try sneaking a letter to a rebellion in the Fire Nation. Deep in the Fire Nation. Not knowing if they’ve been found out or not. Or the rebellion in the Earth Kingdom. Specifically Omashu.” 

   “Surprised you don’t call it New Ozai.” 

    “It’s Omashu.” Kova watched Zuko’s jaw twitch before he took a breath. “Listen I just wanted to apologize. But I mean what I said.” 

   Kova rolled his eyes before nodding. “Yea. Treat the crew nicely. Treat your Uncle nicely. And what treat you nicely?” 

  “You don’t have to..but I’d appreciate it.” 

    Kova stared at Zuko before letting out a laugh. “I’ll think about it. Now if you’ll excuse me I’d like to be alone until dinner. The one your Uncle said you won’t join because of these precious letters.” Zuko scoffed before looking Kova up and down.

   “And? You’ll have other dinners that I..may join.” 

   “Right..might join?” Zuko rolled his eyes before walking away. Kova closed the door and laughed. Zuko was a little shit. Kova might enjoy his little ride to his possible death.

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  Zuko watched into the kitchen with a huff before leaning on the wall. Chen turned to him before going back to cooking humming a small toon. 

 “So you aren’t going to ask why I barged in here?” 

     “I know why. Zuko you’ve been on this ship for 4 years. Did it take you forever to open up? Yes. Could I still read you like a book before? Yes.” Zuko let out an offended noise making the chef smile. 

    “I’m making your favorite. Spirits only know how long you’ll be in that room..” Chen stared at the fish sizzling quietly before he let out a hiss as hot oil popped onto his arm. 

   “I promise not long..” 

     “So a day?” Zuko smiled at Chen before grabbing the apron he knew was his. Zuko over time learned Chen can’t make sweets for the life of him. But spirits did he crave them 24/7. Zuko learned a lot about his crew over time. How Captian Jee likes to meditate at night. Not even in his room no, he enjoys going onto the deck while the moon is bright. Zuko didn’t understand why a firebender would meditate at night. Not at first. Then he slowly started to join Jee. Meditation during the day felt great. Zuko felt his inner flame grow stronger during the day. During the night it was..quiet. Not small but not as big. But it was quiet. And Zuko..loved it. Jee never talked to him when he went to meditate with him. He didn’t say anything after either. Zuko appreciated that.

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   Zuko remembered finding out Li was 14 when he was forced onto the Wani. Zuko wasn’t sure how he didn’t notice before..too wrapped in what he wanted. Thought he wanted. Zuko found out when he turned 16 and everyone celebrated. Everyone but Zuko. After that night Zuko spent more time around Li. He knew it shocked the boy at first but, slowly he got used to Zuko just showing up. 

     Li let Zuko watch his clean. That was it at first until Zuko joined him. The crew thought it was silly at first but sweet. Li was quiet..Zuko criticized himself for not paying attention to his crew earlier. Not that he didn’t have time. 

   “Li. Has cleaning the kitchen always been this bad after music night?” Li only let out a small laugh as he nodded. 

   “Agni..I’m sorry.” Li shook his head smiling at Zuko. 

     It took longer for Zuko to realize that Li wasn’t just quiet. Li couldn’t talk. According to Jee and another crewman Toroh as long as they’ve known Li he didn’t talk. Zuko didn’t mind. Did he feel like he was talking to himself sometimes? No. Because he made sure Zuko knew he was listening. Subtle things really. 

    “Li, do you like mochi and agree its the best sweet the Fire Nation has?” Li let out a grunt before making a disgusted face towards Zuko. 

    “No?!” Li chuckled as he passed Zuko a plate of fruit making Zuko scoff. “I see.” 

       Li was fun to spar against. Of course, Zuko knew everyone on the ship could fight. But Li..Li made Zuko nervous. How was he only a year older than Zuko and so good at combat? Zuko wasn’t bad by all means but Zuko felt like he was fighting Azula when he fought Li. But, he did it every time Li asked him.

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   Chen hated Zuko. Truly he did. When Chen found out he was going to join the banished prince he’d rather join the front—being a man who barely knew how to fight. Chen hated Zuko for almost 2 years. The little shit did nothing but yell and command people around. Until one night he found the prince in his kitchen. 

    “Prince Zuko. Can I ask why you’re in the kitchen?” The boy jumped hiding something behind his back glaring at Chen. 

   “ ‘ats none of..your concern.” Chen raised one of his eyebrows noticing the Princes puffed out cheeks. 

   “..What did you eat?” Zuko scoffed clearly offended. He shook his head while trying to hide his chewing. Chen watched amused as Zuko tried to swallow what was in his mouth slowly.

    “You done?” Zuko stayed still before nodding slightly. 

     “You ate my mochi.” Zuko again nodded slowly as he looked to the side in shame. Chen watched Zuko before sighing. 

   “You’re helping me make a new set. All 12. Lose some weight spirits kid..” Zuko watched Chen confused as he moved around the kitchen effortlessly. Chen stopped to turn and stared at Zuko.

    “Well? Wash your hands. Gotta teach you to make mochi.” 

   Chen would call it a friendship. It was boring to cook alone. The crew would sit around with him while he cooked yes, but actually help him cook? No. Zuko did. It took him a while to learn how to cook properly but, once he learned he never stopped helping Chen. And Chen couldn’t appreciate him anymore. 

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   “Chen?” Chen flinched slightly before glancing at Zuko who had chopped all the vegetables needed. 

   “Yeah..put them in the hot pan. I need you to cut up some fruit, mostly for you.” Zuko smiled before slowly spilling the vegetables into the pan. The two stopped when they heard the kitchen door open both snapping their heads to look. 

   Kova stood still before smiling slightly. “Um..hi.” Zuko glanced at Chen before taking a deep breath. 

 “Kova. Did you need anything?” Kova shook his head rubbing the back of his neck. Chen didn’t know anything about the kid. Jee told him he annoyed Zuko on day one which wasn’t ideal. But, that wasn’t going to stop Chen from having his own opinion on Kova. 

   “Not really. I asked.. what's his name..Jee? I asked Jee where you went and he said check here so..” Kova shrugged as Zuko stared before sighing reaching for another apron. 

   “You might as well help..” Kova held the apron before struggling to put it on making Zuko laugh slightly. Kova glared at Zuko before giving the apron one last tug as it barely fit. 

   “There. Now what?” 

   “Now you help Chen with the meat.” Kova smiled at Chen slightly as Chen looked him up and down. Chen wasn’t sure how to feel about the kid. He understood why the kid probably hated everyone on this ship. Couldn’t blame him either. Chen gave Kova a quick explanation of what he needed and immediately went back to cooking. Chen glanced at Zuko a few times who was in his own little world. Then Chen glanced at Kova. Who watched Zuko closely. 

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   “Can I ask you somethin?” Zuko looked up for a moment to Kova who stood next to him cutting pieces of meat. 

  “Go on..” Kova looked at him before looking back to the cutting board. 

   “Why?” Zuko raised his eyebrow as he stared at Kova. 

   “Why what?” 

   “Turn your back on..I don’t know..your family?” Zuko went quiet as Kova winced realizing how he worded things. 

   “I mean..well of course your Uncle knows about this plan but-” 

    “I plan to get rid of my Father to save my sister. If I still can..other than that Uncle is the only family I have. Is that all?” Kova was shocked at the sharp tone before shaking his head.

   “No..no thats all. Sorry about..just sorry.” Zuko let out a hum as he placed the cut fruit in a separate bowl. 

   “Chen, I’m gonna start the desert. It gonna take longer than dinner- oh.” Zuko turned to see Chen leaving the kitchen with hot plates. Kova watched too before scoffing. 

  “Then what am I cutting this meat for?” Zuko ignored Kova before his eyes widened a bit. Asshole .

   “Kova..just put the meat in that pan he just used. I’m gonna use it to..well I don’t know. You should follow him.” 

   “And leave you to what?” 

  “Finish making dessert. He probably already left a plate in my room by now. Now go before you get lost and walk in on someone doing something embarrassing and they try to kill you.” Kova gave him a blank stare before sighing and placing the knife down. 

  “That’s not funny.” Zuko let out a snort as he shook his head. He nodded to himself muttering ‘it is.’ as Kova walked out rolling his eyes. Why did he try to bond with Zuko anyway? 

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   Zuko waited until he heard Kova’s footsteps completely disappear before he sighed. He wasn’t sure what Kova really wanted to do. He refused to think Kova came here to be friends . Did he want something? He didn’t have to butter him up to ask for something. He knew that didn’t he? Zuko sighed before lazily spreading a jam on the breading. Did Kova really want something? Zuko put the tarts above a fire as he sat on the counter. 

  “Get your ass off my counter Zuko.” Zuko groaned before sliding off. Chen walked back in wiping his hands on his apron before taking it off. 

   “Your plate is in your room. Your Uncle also dropped off some tea in there.” 

   “The tarts only take 30 minutes. They aren’t big. If..any of you need anything you know what to do.” 

     Zuko walked out the kitchen patting Chen on his shoulder softly. Zuko walked through the corridors quickly before reaching his room sighing. He walked inside and smiled at the plate and tea next to it. He knew it was Jasmine. Thank you Uncle.. Zuko walked around the room grabbing scrolls and ink before sitting in front of his food. He placed the scrolls on the ground as he ate with one hand and read with the other. His mood soured at the update with the rebellion in the Fire Nation. Agni help me.

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  It had been hours. He heard the crew laughing earlier in the night. Now there was nothing but silence and the sound of the engine. Zuko’s plate was empty and his teapot had been emptied hours ago. He was currently writing multiple letters to multiple bases. Zuko heard a knock on his door as he glanced up before mumbling. 

   “Come in..” Zuko kept writing not looking to see who walked in before he heard a loud and obnoxious cough. He looked up to see Kova standing with his hands behind his back. 

  “You still in here.. writing ?” Zuko sighed as he stared down at the scroll. 

   “Yes Kova.” Kova let out a hum walking around the much bigger room before grabbing one of Zuko’s scrolls. He was half expecting the firebender to yell at him. Spit fire at him. Anything. All he got was a annoyed huff in return. 

  “Unless you like reading about how many people have been executed or thrown into jail I’d pick a different scroll.” Kova winced placing the scroll down. 

 “Uh huh..you do this all day?” 

  “I will for a few more days. Why..?” Zuko knew why. Kova didn’t trust him. Kova probably would never trust him. 

   “Seems boring.” 

   “Kova what do you really want?” Kova went quiet before whispering. 

   “I want to know exactly what you’re writing. Word for word.” 

   “Then come over here.” Kova sat next to him as the ari stayed tense as Zuko began to write again. Zuko hated how close Kova was. 

   “The rebellion in Caldera? You’re writing to Caldera?” 

   “The rebellion sits in the mountains. It’s technically still Caldera.” Kova let out a grunt as he read the scroll before grabbing it. 

   “Why are you telling them about the Northern Watertribe.” 

   “Do you know nothing or did they just make you join?” Kova glared at him before Zuko snatched the scroll again setting it aside. 

   “Everyone on our side knows about the plan. Do they know I have to keep you alive? No. Which is why I’m writing to them.” Kova's nostrils flared as he glared at Zuko. 

   “I’m just some pawn to you..” 

   “If that’s how you see it Kova..” 

      Kova stormed out of the room slamming his door shut and making Zuko sigh. He fucked up .

Chapter Text

         When Zuko first met with the rebellions it was the ones in the Earth Kingdom. Of course, it wasn’t with kindness which was good. It meant they were going to defend themselves no matter what. They also weren’t going to kill a 14-year-old boy. Fire Nation Prince or not. Zuko was bad with words when faced with hundreds of men and women glaring at him. But he knew he had to get one point across. 

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    Zuko stood in front of a rebellion leader trying to put on a brave face which was hard. The man was glaring at him and Uncle. 

   “Can I ask..why the banished Prince requested to speak to me? The banished prince of..the fire nation.” Zuko glanced at his Uncle who only smiled at the man before speaking.

  “Prince Zuko has an idea he wants to..propose.” The man raised one of his eyebrows as he looked the pair up and down before scoffing. 

  “Go on.” Zuko cleared his throat as he stepped forward before bowing as low as he could. He heard quiet murmurs before he lifted his head. 

 “I’m..sorry for what my family has done to your Nation. I understand if you..don’t want to listen to a word I say but I swear what I’m going to say will help.” 

   The crowd let out murmurs as they stared at the Prince. Zuko turned to look at their leader who only stared at Zuko before sighing. 

   “And what? You aren’t the first ashmaker to come and promise information if we let them live.” 

   “Yu..” Yu turned his head to see his second-in-command staring at him sternly. Yu looked back at the Prince who only stared before he glanced at the boy's Uncle who watched him carefully. 

  “..What do you have for us kid.” Yu rolled his eyes as the Prince smiled slightly.

  “I want to help your rebellion. I have a..rough plan. But still a plan! I heard of..rebellions inside the Fire Nation as well and..If I can travel letters between you two would..you let me?” 

  “Why? What’s your plan?” Yu watched the Prince grow quiet before taking a deep breath. 

  “I plan to overthrow my Father and take the Dragon throne. And then I can..fix everything my family has done.” 

   The room was quiet before it erupted. Some in disbelief. Some in anger. But all of them looked at Yu expectantly. 

  “And if we kill him? Will you care?” 

   Zuko shook his head before glancing at his Uncle who smiled gently at him. Yu watched the interaction with a raised eyebrow. Yu glanced at Gia who was already staring at him before he sighed standing up. 

 “How long can you stay here?” 

  “Um..as long as you’ll let us?” 

  Yu le tout a grunt as he stared at the young Prince and his crew. He had a lot to think about. He had heard stories of how cruel Firelord Ozai was. Even to his firstborn. He heard about how he dueled the boy and burned his face. But it was worse than he thought. 

 “Me and my second in command have some things to..go over. Until then stay here. Rest if your crew needs it.”

   Yu looked at Zuko and General Iroh one last time before nodding at Gia as they walked off.

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    Zuko remembered how long it took for Yu and the other rebellion leaders to trust him. And he was glad they did. He could stop this war. He would stop this war. Even if it.. Zuko shook his head as he watched his hawk fly off before leaning on the railing of the boat. He knows its only been 2 days since they’d left the Northern Watertribe but, it felt like a week. He understood Kova didn’t want to be on this ship but spirits was he trying to drill that into everyone's head. 

  “Good morning, Prince Zuko.” Zuko turned to see his Uncle who clearly just woke up. 

   “Morning Uncle..” The man hummed before he yawned standing next to Zuko. The two stood in silence before Iroh cleared his throat. 

   “Our friend seems to..be very active.” 

    “He thinks its funny to get a rise out of me.” Iroh lets out a laugh as he places a hand on Zuko’s shoulder. Zuko rolls his eyes as he pinches the bridge of his nose. 

   “If it makes you feel better he hasn’t bothered me.”

   “Good.” Zuko leaned into his uncle's touch making the man let out a deep chuckle. 

   “I came here to tell you Jee got a letter. I should’ve told you before you sent out..the others.” Zuko glanced at his Uncle raising his eyebrow. 

  “It seemed..slightly serious. But he said not to stress. Knowing you, however..” Zuko let out a scoff before moving away from his Uncle and headed towards Jee’s quarters. 

   “I’ll go see for myself.” 

      Iroh waved him off with a small helping Zuko’s stress slightly. Slightly. Zuko would like to argue that he knew this ship better than he knew the palace at this point. Every hidden spot. Every room and who it belonged to. He would argue that he’d rather stay on this ship than the palace. Most people wouldn’t understand why he hated the palace when it’s what children dream of.   Zuko shook his head at the thought before knocking on Jee’s door. Zuko heard a quiet ‘come in’ as he quickly opened the door. 

  “What happened?” 

  “Hello to you too,” Zuko scoffed as he crossed his arms, his expression softening when Jee held out a scroll. Zuko scanned through it before staring at Jee in shock and worry.

    “They..pushed the Fire Nation out of Gaoling?”

    “So it seems. Convenient our dear friend Zhao sent us a letter as well.” 

     Zuko’s mood soured as he grabbed the second scroll, eyes scanning through it. He let out a scoff as he burned the paper. 

     “He’s just complaining and demanding our help.” 

     “And? If we ignore him he’ll come looking for us..and truly Zuko I hate the man on my ship.” 

     Zuko let out a hum of acknowledgment before reviewing the rebellion's letter again. They’re asking for help..how was he supposed to help if Zhao would be there?  He couldn't- wouldn’t send one of his crew there. Not with Zhao possibly showing up. 

     “Jee..go tell Kova we’re taking a little..detour.” 

    Jee raised one of his eyebrows before smiling. 

   “And change course?” 

    Zuko nodded before smiling slightly at Jee. He had to do something. Leaving the already small rebellion in Goaling to fight the Fire Nation alone wasn’t an option.

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   Kova was slightly upset. He couldn’t believe they were heading towards the Earth kingdom. For what? Kova watched as Jee explained to him that an emergency came up in Gaoling they had to help with. Help who? A part of him wants to believe this is what he gets for trusting ashmakers. The other half is telling him Zuko didn’t lie about the rebellions and that's who he’s going to help. Tui and La Kova hope it's the second. 

   “So..we aren’t going to the Fire Nation because..they need Prince Scarface’s help?” 

    Kova smirked as Jee’s eyebrow twitched and the man sighed. 

   “Yes. And please do not call Prince Zuko that.”

    Kova waved him off as Jee let out a scoff leaving his room. They weren’t going to the Fire Nation. Going to the Earth Kingdom wasn’t any better. He wants to go back home. He felt safe at home. Spirits I sound like my mother.. Kova felt so..uncertain about everything. It's been barely 3 days. At least in the Northern Watertribe, he knew that he was safe. He knew the Fire Nation wouldn’t try to break their wall. They tried it with Ba Sing Se..why wouldn’t they try it with your home? Kova shook the thought away as he grabbed his knife deciding now was the perfect time to sharpen it. He needed a distraction..a distraction from the shit the Prince of the Fire Nation is putting him through.

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   “So how did he react?” 

    “Like shit.” 

     Zuko let out a small snort as he shook his head gently running his finger over his Dao blades. 

     “So how are we going to help them without Zhao realizing it's us..or well you .” 

     Zuko tilted his head pointing to the blue spirit mask sitting on his wall. Jee raised one of his eyebrows before staring at the back of Zuko’s head. 

   “You think that’s all it’s going to take? Zuko you know Zhao..” 

   “Which is why I got Li making one for all of you. Including Kova.” 

   “We’re letting him off the ship?” 

     Zuko sighed before turning to look at Jee with a tired expression. In fact he turned all the way around to stare at Jee. 

   “Whatever you’re about to say I agree. But, Uncle convinced me that Kova needed to stretch his legs. See the world. He promised he’ll keep an eye on him the entire time we’re in Gaoling.” 

   Jee let out a sigh before pinching the bridge of his nose. He should’ve known it had something to do with Iroh. He loved that man but, so help him Agni..

   “I hope he does. The last thing we need is to be chasing that kid around while also keeping our identities hidden.” 

   Zuko opened his mouth to say something before he heard a gentle knock on his door before Li walked in holding a box. A box filled with unpainted masks. Zuko smiled patting the spot on his desk as Li nodded. Jee glanced at the box curious.

      “Thank you, Li..I'm guessing you want me to paint them?”

     Li nodded before holding up 3 fingers and shrugging. For as long as Jee knew Li he sometimes couldn’t understand a thing the kid was trying to tell him or the crew. Zuko did, however. He always did. 

     “I can do..something with 3 colors. Li all of the masks are different designs 3 colors won’t change anything.” 

    Li shrugged before holding a finger up leaving the room for a moment and then coming back with a smaller box. Zuko looked into the box smiling. 

   “Not going to ask how you got these but, thank you Li.” 

    The kid nodded as he waved at Jee before leaving the room. Jee could only assume he went to the kitchen with Chen. Or simply to go clean what hasn’t already been cleaned. 

    “Jee?”

    “Yes, Prince Zuko?” 

     “Do you want to help me?”

       Jee winced as he shook his head.

   “I’d love to help but, my art skills are..something.” 

    “Then just try one? Please?” Jee looked up at the ceiling letting out a sigh.

    “Alright..but just one. The rest you’ll have to ask Li or Kova.” 

    “I doubt Kova wants to talk to me right now..” 

   Jee shook his head before sitting next to Zuko picking out a mask that looked identical to a dragon and sighing. 

   “Give me the fucking paint.” Jee ignored Zuko’s smile and tried to stop his. 

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   Lo knew there was no break for him after they pushed the Fire Nation out. He was walking around Gaoling making sure everything he just got back was..safe. Solid. That’s when he caught a glimpse of a little girl walking. Why is there just a kid..this late?

   “Hey!”

   The girl stopped and Lo saw her tap her foot against the ground clearly annoyed. He caught up to her rather quickly as he placed a hand on her shoulder gently. 

   “Kid, why are you out this late? Do your parents know-” 

    “No. And I’d like to keep it that way. So if you’ll excuse me.” 

    The girl shrugged his hand off before walking away again with more haste. Lo watched her carefully trying to ignore the fact that she was walking straight to the Beifong estate. Maybe she was a servant's child who simply wanted to walk out? Lo noticed the girl refused to look at him..she didn’t even turn her head. He watched as she used Earth bending to hop over the wall. 

   “What a weird kid..”

Chapter Text

      Toph knew sneaking out right now would make her parents worry. Sneaking out period would make them flip out. Probably go on some rant about how they just want to protect her because she was just a blind little girl . She scoffed at the thought as she slipped back into her room making sure the guards didn’t hear her. They never did. She could make the entire estate shake and the idiots wouldn’t know what to do. She hid her Earth Rumble outfit under her bed before slipping into bed thinking about the man she ran into. 

   She heard her parents talking about some rebellion and how they weren’t fixing anything only making them a huge target. Sometimes the things her parents said truly irked her. At least they actually did something. Toph closed her eyes hearing footsteps headed towards her door and her mother's voice

  “Toph?” 

   She stayed quiet before letting out a sigh hearing her mother's footsteps disappear. Getting sloppy Toph? You’ll be locked away for good if one of them catches you . Shut up . 

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  She couldn’t believe them. This is the shit she has to wake up to? Had her parents gotten that tired of her?

  “Of course, they won’t be married now but, I think with her..problem our family can take her off your hands. She’ll be safer than ever.”

   Oh, fuck this. Toph stood up as the room went quiet before she spoke quietly. 

  “I need some air.” 

  “ Sweetie I know this is a lot for you but it’s what's best for you.” 

   Toph clenched her hand into a fist before she stormed out of the room ignoring her Mother calling her name. How could they? Sure she knew her parents probably hated that she was blind but..selling her off to some snobby person's kid? Fuck. She was 13! I’m their child, not some.. Toph shook her head as she ran. She didn’t know where she was going but she just kept running. 

   She stopped when she realized she was in a cave. She raised one of her eyebrows before smirking hearing the familiar rumble. 

  “Hey.” 

  She felt a giant tongue lick her cheek as she scoffed wiping off the slober. 

 “Yea yea..didn’t think you’d remember me.”

   She got a louder rumble in return as she sat down sighing heavily.

   “Can you believe it? They want me to be courted by some..snobby rich kid and then want the kid's parents to just..take me. Spirits knows where! And they didn’t even try to argue! They had no issue throwing me away!” 

  Toph felt tears building up in her eyes as she hit the ground hearing another badger mole show up gently poking her back. 

  “Sorry..I..would’ve thought my mom would at least say something. But nope.” 

    Toph felt the ground shake before she was thrown into the air to stand up. They were pushing her somewhere. Then she felt a breeze.

   “What? Wanted to show me a cool view?” 

    She knew joking with a badger mole was stupid but, she did it anyway. She felt another nudge on her back as she sighed closing her eyes trying to listen for..anything. She heard a horn. A loud horn at that. 

  “A boat? What you telling me to run away for real this time?” 

    She felt a gush of hot air as she stuck her tongue out before ‘looking’ back out towards the sound of the boat. 

  “..It’s probably just a merchant ship or somethin..” 

  Toph froze hearing a growl before turning around confused. 

  “What? Do you still want me to go?” 

   She felt the ground shake which gave her the answer. Toph stayed quiet before sitting back down with a huff.

  “Ok and if I do leave then what? Sure I can show people I’m not just some blind little girl but still..do you two know something I don’t?” 

   The badger moles let out a soft groan making Toph smile. 

   “Guess you do. Alright. I’m putting my faith in you two. I better not die.” 

    It was a morbid joke but, she was serious as she walked out of the cave and towards the sound of the ship. Spirits she hoped that was her way out..

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.

  Kova stared down at the mask in his hands before raising one of his eyebrows and staring at Zuko and Iroh. He couldn’t believe he was being let off the ship with a mask at that. It became less important when he noticed everyone had a mask on. 

  “So..what’s the catch?”

    “You’re staying attached to my Uncle. The entire time we’re here.” 

    Kova rolled his eyes before inspecting the mask closely. It had a great design. Someone took their time with each curve. But he didn’t know what it was.

  “What even is this?”

   “A donkey. Now put it on.” 

   “You aren’t funny.”

   Zuko ignored him making Kova scoff as he put on the mask and threw his hands up.

  “Happy?” 

  “When we get into the city don’t talk. Not until we reach the rebellion’s base.” 

    Kova rolled his eyes smiling knowing Zuko couldn’t see it before he nodded. He could do this. All he had to do was hang around fatso and then..get back on the ship. Kova tuned out whatever Zuko was saying to his Uncle before he felt something wrap around his waist. He looked down to see a thick rope before glaring at Zuko. 

  “The fuck is this?” 

  “A rope. The crew doesn’t trust you to not run away and we already are on high alert being here. So..”

   Kova moved his mask as he glared at Zuko before staring at Iroh who smiled having the other half of his rope around his belly. You have to be fucking kidding .. Kova shook his head before giving Zuko his best smile. A sweet one with a sweet tone. 

  “You don’t trust me?” Kova felt his lip twitch trying not to smirk as Zuko’s face wavered a bit before it went back to a blank stare. 

   “No. No Kova I don’t. I’m not sure I will by the time we reach the Fire Nation.” 

      Ow. Kova’s smile disappeared before he placed the mask back on with a deep sigh. He knows he couldn’t take on Iroh even if he somehow got him to split away from the group. He knew drawing a knife on the man would get him into some shit. Crew or just the people of Gaoling. 

   “Let’s just go.” 

   Kova stared at Zuko a bit longer than he’d like to admit before tilting his head back groaning. This is going to be a long trip .

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.

.

   Zuko looked back to see Kova walking closely to his Uncle before he looked forward again. Good. He didn’t need to deal with extra shit while he was here. Especially not from Kova. They walked through the busy street careful not to get too much attention. Sure the masks were slightly confusing but anyone who noticed didn’t call them out for it. 

      The base was close. If Lo wasn’t there, he had to be at the Fire Nation base they took over. He fucking hoped Lo was here. He felt a small tap on his wrist as he turned to see Li staring at him concerned. Zuko shook his head making Li let out a small grunt before moving a bit closer to Zuko. At least one person made him feel slightly relaxed. Or he tried to. 

   “We’re here Prince Zuko.”

    Zuko stared at the base before taking a deep breath and walking inside. He thanked the gods for Lo being there. Lo turned his head raising one eyebrow before he scoffed. 

   “You actually showed up. I assume the mask is so you don’t get caught if the bastards return?” 

   Zuko nods before taking off his mask and taking a deep breath.

    “Have they come back? Or tried?”

    “Yup. Found out they went looking for the Yuhan archers. Knowing them we have maybe 2 nights of peace left.” 

    Zuko let out a deep sigh as he pinched the bridge of his nose. Knowing Zhao he wouldn’t stop until he got Gaoling back. He’d cry to his Father about ‘peasants’ taking over the city. Blame whatever Admiral he put in charge for a fuck up this huge. 

    “It’s Zhao. He’ll probably be here by morning. What’s your plan?” 

     “He’s probably going to head into the city. To catch us off guard really..I don’t want the people of Gaoling to get hurt. None of us do. He’d attack the people then head to the base we took.” 

  Zuko nodded before looking back at Kova who was already staring at him. He kept the mask on? Lo cleared his throat making Zuko flinch.

   “Half of my rebellion is at that base Zuko. I know there isn’t..a lot of you, but I’d appreciate if you could..help.” 

    “Of course. I..can split us up as we need to be. Just tell me what you need Lo.” 

    Lo sighed before explaining exactly who he had sent to the base and their strengths: 6 non-bending and 2 earth-bending. Zuko could work with that. Send most of his benders to the base and keep Uncle and Kova with him here. Protecting the town. And Li..

    “What about your supplies? I’m sure after taking over you started to run out. And during the fight any weapons that broke? Injuries? Li could help you with..all of that actually.” 

    Zuko felt a pang in his chest thinking about sending Li off not knowing why. Yes, he was his friend but what was the difference between sending him or Jee out? Zuko shook his head before tilting his head towards Li.

   “He doesn’t speak. But he’s good with his hands. He..could do anything if you ask him. I’m trusting you to keep him safe.” 

   Lo nodded as he looked Li up and down before scoffing. Zuko watched him carefully before turning to Li who stared at him with a raised eyebrow. He dropped his voice to a whisper turning all the way around. 

  “I’m sorry..I know you hate it when I just sell you off to someone like that. But I know you’re better off here than helping me guard Uncle and Kova. While making sure Zhao doesn’t show up.” 

   Li rolled his eyes before shrugging. He looked around for a moment before looking back at Zuko. The two stared at each other before Zuko sighed grabbing Li’s shoulders and squeezing slightly. 

  “Yell for me if you need it ok?” 

    Li smiled as he nodded before slapping Zuko’s arm. When Zuko pulls away Li walks over to Lo motioning toward the weapons on the wall making Lo nod as Li walks over. He’ll be fine . Zuko watched Lo’s men move around Li carefully before clearing his throat. 

   “I’ll take the rest of my men to the base. Be prepared. Zhao won’t stop unless you force him out.” 

 “Trust me. I know.”

  Zuko nodded before nodding at Jee taking the crew that could firebend to the base. Zuko felt a tap on his back as he turned his head sighing. His Uncle was smiling at him as he dragged Kova behind him. This might be a long day .

.

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   “Nephew you have to relax. I understand Zhao is a big threat but with how much you’re stressing I fear you won’t be ready to fight him.” 

   “I’ll be fine Uncle..I’m just making sure everything is..” 

   Zuko sighed heavily before glancing at his Uncle who only smiled softly at him. It was late. Far too late to be pacing the base and watching the water. The water and waiting to see Zhao’s fleet show. Or the sound of Rhino’s headed straight towards the base. Anything to wake up the entire base and ease his anxiety. Kova was barely awake watching the two with one open eye. He let out a yawn before groaning.

  “Listen as fun as it is to watch you stress I’m getting tired by just watching you walk around..so there's no way you aren’t tired. Your Uncle is right..you keep this up when they get here you won’t be able to fight even the weakest soldier. So sit down for..just a minute..”

   Zuko sighed watching Kova close his eyes and lay his head down. Zuko sighed before actually sitting down. He felt Iroh’s hand on his back and rubbing small circles.

   “Nephew..I do think it is important we stay ready but a warrior needs his rest.”

    “Uncle..while I believe you’ll always be on my side..you staying up is..impossible.”

    His Uncle laughed before patting Zuko’s back. 

    “Get some rest. I’ll wake you when you need to be awake.”

     Zuko nodded as he laid his head down trying to relax. A little rest wouldn’t hurt..

.

.

    Zuko woke up to the smell of smoke as he blinked slowly. He blinked before sitting up quickly going to grab his dao blades before freezing feeling a hand on his chest.

   “Relax. Pretty sure your Uncle took care of it. Gods those ships stink..” 

   Zuko turned his head to see Kova looking down at him clearly just woke up. Zuko tried to sit up as Kova scoffed pushing him back down.

   “Spirits..he said you’d be stubborn but this is bad. Calm down. Once he’s back I’m sure he’ll explain everything.”

   “What..”

   “He told me to get you back to sleep if you did wake up but I don’t know how. Give me a hint.”

   Zuko glared at Kova before mumbling. 

    “We’re is everyone then?”

     “Hell if I know. Think Uncle went there by himself. Said he could handle it. He also said it wasn’t Zhao so not to worry about it. The base is basically awake. Everyone but us. No siren. So we’re fine. Anything else?” 

   Zuko shook his head before laying back down and relaxing. 

    “Good. He’ll be back and then you can get your precious sleep. I can hear you talk in your sleep. It's annoying.” 

   “You cannot. Fucking liar.” 

   Kova laughs shaking his head before watching the door carefully. The two sat in silence before Zuko slowly felt his eyes grow heavy again. The last thing he heard was the door open and Kova took a deep breath. 

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    Zuko woke up again to his Uncle shaking him gently. Zuko woke up slowly before groaning. How long was I sleeping? Iroh waited patiently as Zuko adjusted to the light. 

  “Prince Zuko..We must go back to Gaoling.”

   “What happened?” 

  Zuko sat up quickly before stopping as his Uncle rubbed his arm. It was clear he was trying to calm him down. Zuko looked over to see Kova putting on his shirt and shaking his head yawning. Zuko then glanced at his Uncle who only smiled at him.

  “Is everyone safe?”

   “From the sounds of it? Yes. But they do want us back there.”

   Kova scoffed as he turned his head to glance at Zuko.

   “Your little boyfriend misses you.” 

    Zuko felt his face grow hot before he tried to think of a comeback. Kova smiled as he watched Zuko struggle before standing up. Zuko watched Kova walk over and playfully shove him.

  “Let's go sleeping beauty. I just cant wait to go to the Fire Nation. Gives me an excuse to complain on a piece of paper to Sokka.” 

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   Once they made it back to Gaoling Zuko was immediately tackled into a hug by Li making him sigh. Zhao did show up. But instead of holding ground, he circled around before leaving sending a few foot soldiers and then leaving. Other than that he didn’t..attack them. Coward . Zuko helped Lo secure the town a bit more before heading back to his ship. 

  He got the supplies he needed or whatever Kova wanted. Threatening to make Zuko’s life hell before they even hit Fire Nation waters. Which he already has but, Zuko wasn’t going to risk it being worse. He watched the town grow smaller and smaller as they sailed away. Everything was calm until he heard screaming and yelling. Fuck me.

“Put me down you ass!” 

  Zuko turned to see Li holding a small girl who was kicking at his middle. Li looked at him desperately making Zuko sigh. 

  “Li put her down..who are you?” 

    The girl scoffed as she crossed her arms before.. ’looking’ at him. 

  “Toph.”

Chapter Text

               This was bad—horrible even. Zuko was trying not to freak out about having a 13-year-old blind girl on his ship who clearly wasn’t as stressed as him. He left her with Li and Chen as he paced his room, tugging at his hair. He couldn't just leave the girl anywhere. He definitely wasn’t going to leave her in the Fire Nation. And she made it very clear she was not leaving this ship anytime soon. Zuko wanted to scream. And he could having everyone on the other side of the ship. Zuko stopped pacing when he heard a knock on his door. 

   “..Come in.” 

   When the door opened Zuko saw Kova and immediately scoffed going back to pacing.

    “Our new friend is a little asshole yknow that?”

    “Please do not try and fight a 13-year-old girl Kova.”

     “Fight her? I’d never. Bully her? Yes.”

     Zuko scoffed as he let Kova throw himself onto his bed.

     “I doubt it’d work. From the looks of it, she’d bully you first.” 

       Kova let out a groan before going quiet and asking the obvious question. 

      “What are you gonna do with her?” 

       Zuko stopped before taking a deep breath. He truly had no idea what he was going to do. He knew keeping her on the ship wasn’t a good idea, but part of him wanted to argue that he was on this ship at 13—by force, yes, but still. She was stuck if he kept her on the ship to the Fire Nation. She was stuck until he ended the war in Caldera of all places. Having Kova in the palace was enough but, trying to have a 13-year-old girl who clearly had an attitude in the palace? It wasn’t going to work. He was not going to let her be thrown into a dungeon either. 

     “I..don’t know Kova.”

     “I hope you figure it out. Not sure how your lovely father would feel having her running around the palace.” 

     Zuko glared at Kova, who threw his hands up in surrender before letting out a quiet laugh. The two sat in silence before Kova finally said something. 

   “Seriously Zuko..what are we going to do about her?”

   Zuko ignored the ‘we’ part as he shook his head before holding his head in his hands and screaming. He screamed for a while. Zuko was sure Kova was just watching him with either a frown or a smile. And he didn’t want to check. He had to keep her. Toph . He’d never forgive himself if she got hurt. Sure he barely knew her but, why would he let her get hurt? 

   “We’ll keep her until we get to Caldera.”

   “Ok but, then what Zuko? You can’t think that bringing her to the palace would be a good idea. Unless you have some secret place she could-”

   They both freeze as Kova sits up and Zuko turns to stare at him. Kova shook his head before mumbling. 

   “You cannot be thinking about leaving her with your little rebellion.” 

    “I am.” 

    “Zuko.” 

     Zuko ignored him as he quickly brought out his ink and quill. He pushed Kova aside as he looked for some type of paper to write on. Hell he’d use a piece of his own clothes if he has to. He had to tell them. He had to tell them now.

  “Zuko think about this for a second-” 

   “What other option do we have Kova? Let her just..get taken? No. I trust these people.”

    “I’m sure you do pretty boy but, don’t you think leaving her with a group of people who have a huge target on their backs?”

   “And we don’t?”

     Kova scoffed before grabbing Zuko’s wrist quickly.

   “Slow down. Just..just think for a second. There has..gotta be a way to sneak her into the palace. Right? Sneak her in with me right?”

   “How? What lie and say you adopted her?” 

    Kova scoffed before shaking his head. Zuko could tell he was getting frustrated. With him? Probably. 

  “No. Don’t fuck with me Zuko. I’m serious..what happens when they get caught-” 

   “They won’t. Don't say shit like that..” 

    Kova froze before taking a deep breath and dropping his voice to a whisper. 

     “Ok..I’m sorry..just..before we immediately jump to them what about..you had friends right? Surely they have a summer home or..what do rich kids have?”

   “Not really.”

    Kova’s eyes widened before he nodded letting go of Zuko’s wrist but gently held his hand. Zuko wouldn’t call it hand holding Kova just..barely grazed his hand. And Zuko wasn’t pulling his hand away. Kova went to say something but stopped when they heard a soft knock at the door. Zuko raised one of his eyebrows before clearing his throat. 

  “Come in..”

   Zuko smiled when he saw Li walk in even though he looked exhausted. He had bruises on his arms and his hair was completely disheveled. Li looked at Kova letting out a grunt before throwing himself onto Zuko’s bed. 

  “Fuck man, I only left for 5 minutes. The hell did she do to you?”

     Li shook his head rolling his eyes at Kova before sitting on Zuko’s bed with his head in his hands. He looked absolutely wiped. Zuko smiled walking over to Li ignoring the feeling of Kova trying to grip his hand before laying a hand on Li’s shoulder. 

  “Are you alright?” 

    Li nodded before finally laying back with a deep sigh. Zuko didn’t think Toph was that bad. Sure she had..a small attitude but, Li looked like he had been tossed around. In dirt. And Zuko was sure there wasn’t an ounce of dirt on this metal ship. Zuko looked back at Kova who was already staring at him with an unreadable expression. He felt someone grab his hand as he looked down and saw Li’s scarred hands. Zuko turned his attention back to Li who motioned towards the Ink and Quill on his desk but no paper. Right .

    “Me and Kova were..thinking of where to put Toph while we’re in Caldera. We ruled out sneaking her into the palace.” 

   Kova scoffed muttering under his breath making Zuko shoot him a quick glare before smiling at Li. The same smile he knew calmed him down. But Li was just..staring at Kova. Zuko wasn’t sure what expression Li had but he was sure it offended Kova. Zuko glanced at Kova again who only stared at him before clearing his throat. 

   “It was your idea. I’m gonna go..check on the rest of the crew. Make sure Toph didn’t kill them.” 

   When Kova left the room closing his door with a gentle click Zuko turned to look at Li who was smiling sheepishly at him. He knew what he was doing. Zuko shook his head letting out a small sigh. 

   “I don’t get why you still don’t like him Li. He isn’t..that bad. Sure he can be a bit snappy but other than that he’s fine. He’s..fun to be around if you give him a chance.” 

   Li let out a low and long groan as he looked off to the side. Zuko knew Li was stubborn but by the spirits this was bad.

   “I’ll lock you two in my room until you two are best friends. Don’t test me Li.” 

   Li let out a little huff before giving Zuko a forced smile. Zuko hated it. And Li knew that. 

  “Will you..please try being his friend? Please? He likes baking bread the most..catch him while Chen is making dinner tonight and just..say hi.” 

   Li nodded as Zuko smiled giving Li a gentle hug before pushing him out his room. 

   “Now go! I have a letter to write. A long one at that. And if you tun into Toph tell her to come here, please. Have someone take her here. I don’t want her to get lost..now shoo!” 

   Li leaves with a groan feeling himself get pushed out before rubbing the back of his neck and sighing. He was screwed. 

.

.

. 

   Kova was having a great morning. He spent most of his morning with Toph, which he initially hated but grew to like the kid. She was funny but, spirits did she hit hard . Then Kova went to ‘bother’ Zuko. Truly Kova saw him tear off looking like he was 10 seconds from breaking down. Kova could get it. As fun as it was to have Toph on the ship he couldn’t keep her. She explained how she ran away and wouldn’t tell anyone more than that. Kova wasn’t going to ask her either. Some people have their secrets, Toph is no different. 

   He spent his time with Zuko, and it felt nice. Sure, he was pacing back and forth most of the time, ensuring he got wrinkles early, but he was fine. He calmed him down. He held his hand for a solid five minutes before Li showed up, and well, he did nothing. Kova had no issue with Li, but he could tell Li clearly had an issue with him, for whatever reason. Kova wasn’t lying when he said he was going to make sure Toph didn’t kill any of the crew. He didn’t expect her to be in the kitchen with Chen. He didn’t expect Chen to even let her in his kitchen. 

    “How did you even get your hands on beef this good? Definitely not Gaoling.” 

     “No. A friend of mine in a small village is the best butcher I know.”

   Kova watched the two interact silently with a slight smile. Chen didn’t talk much but, when it came to food the man could talk for hours. 

  “What’s it like? Yknow the rest of the Earth Kingdom.” 

   “Mm..depends on where you go. Omashu is a burst of different cultures. Food is amazing might I add. There’s this small village called Mang Mi and truly I thought it was just a run-down town but..we showed up conveniently during a festival.” 

   “Festival for what?”

   “.. Surviving the war.”

   Kova watched Toph’s shoulders sag as he finally decided to announce his presence. He cleared his throat making Chen look back and roll his eyes.

   “Finally piss off Zuko?” 

  “No but, I did piss off Li.”

   Chen scoffed before going back to what Kova can only assume is stew. Toph smirked moving from her position to quickly punch his arm. He was never going to get used to that. 

  “When is Prince Charming going to show himself again huh?”

   “Gotta get used to him being here but not being here kid.” 

    Toph raised one of her eyebrows before shrugging and sitting on Chen’s counter. If he did that he’d have to worry about a knife getting thrown straight at him. 

   “Ok so..when is he going to show up? I mean I saw him once he freaked out and then left. He isn’t scared of a little 13 year old is he?”

   Kova let out a laugh before shaking his head. 

     “Nah. At least I fucking hope not.” 

   The three stood in silence before they heard quiet footsteps and a knock on the doorframe. Kova turned first to see Li staring at him and only him. Kova raised one eyebrow as Li motioned for him to follow. Great. Kova gently shoved Toph as he walked off towards Li ignoring how she tried to kick him. The two walked quietly before Kova relaized they where headed to Li’s room. 

  “Ok now wait a minute..”

   Li looked back clearly irritated and confused with a raised eyebrow. 

    “While I have no issue with you talking to me –really I dont..why are we going to your room?”

     Li motioned to his mouth before walking inside his room leaving Kova confused before he let out a sigh walking in. Kova froze looking around the room. You could barely tell it was nothing but a metal bow really. The walls were covered in blankets and chimes hanging off the ceiling. Everything in the room was a different color. It was clear every port they went to Li made it certain he bought something. 

   “Nice room..very..warm.” 

   Li nodded before rubbing his arm slightly and opening his mouth only to let out a sigh. Kova watched him carefully a slight smile finding the corner of his mouth. It was clear Zuko put him up to whatever this was. 

   “Zuko sent you didn’t he?” 

    Li nodded letting out a grunt and rolling his eyes slightly.

   “So..what would Zuko want you to say?” 

      Li stopped for a moment before he went to his desk and and bringing out a piece of paper and ink. Ah . Kova’s eyes widened a bit as he watched Li write on the piece of paper faster than he thought. He hoped his writing wasn’t messy. He was just figuring out Fire Nation writing Zuko’s way. Li stopped and let out a breath before handing Kova the paper looking away. Is he.. embarrassed? Kova smiled before he looked down at the paper and began reading..and oh was it sweet. 

    ‘I can’t talk to you the way Zuko would. I wish I could though. And yes Zuko sent me to get you and..apologize. I’ll admit I’ve been treating you..like shit. Part of me wants to say it because you’ve been a dick towards Zuko but, seeing you two interact I see that it’s your dynamic. So I don’t know why I don’t like you. And it..upsets me. I’d like to slowly become your friend from now on if you’ll let me. I promise I’m not just some..scowling mean kid I’m nice.’  

    Kova looked up with a blank stare before he let out a quiet chuckle and he handed the letter back to Li. There was something he didn’t put in the letter and Kova knew what it was. It was a sweet letter and he would’ve never thought Li would write a letter from him. The grunts and the hums would’ve worked. He could’ve figured it out. 

  “Thank you Li really..this is sweet. Cute letter. Might take it and frame it..I’d like to be friends with you. On one condition..”

   Li tilted his head leaning forward slightly.

    “Stop getting jealous when I’m with Zuko yea? Listen Zuko is a sweetheart really but, I don’t know him. He doesn’t know me. Harmless teasing is what we do. Or what I do. If you plan on being my friend you’ll get your end of it too..deal?” 

    Li froze before nodding slowly still clearly confused before holding his hand out to shake. Kova smiled taking his hand and squeezing it gently. 

   “Good shit. Chen was making dinner. Looked almost done. You eating with the crew or with Zuko?” 

   Li motioned towards his bed shaking his head. Kova’s eyebrows furrowed before reading Li’s expression. He was staying in his room by himself? Li motioned to his window and Kova walked out looking outside confused. All he saw was the moon and the stars before turning back to Li. 

  “I don’t..get it. Shit is this something important to you? Look you gotta-” 

     Li pointed to the tattoo on his arm of the moon and then pointed back outside with a sad smile. Kova stared at Li’s arm noticing a name before looking back outside and then realizing. 

    “Oh..alright I get it. Be safe.” 

       Kova placed his hand on Li’s shoulder before going to leave his room and stopping. He should invite him. He really should..

   “If you want..later you could come to my room. Still not used to sleeping while on a ship..I’m up for a while. Prince Charming will probably pass out at his desk. I usually throw him on his bed and make sure he doesn’t freeze his ass off. Just a thought yeah?” 

     Kova quickly walked out of the room mentally slapping himself for trying to invite Li to his room. Why didn't he just lie? He could’ve said he could join him in Zuko’s room because they go through letters together. His room? Tui and La save him..

.

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.

   Zuko walked out his room to run straight into Kova’s chest with a grunt. 

    “Spirits Kova..why are you a fucking brick wall?” 

     “Haha. We need to talk about something.” 

        Zuko raised his eyebrow before opening his door again inviting Kova in clearly confused about why he was so tense. Had he seen something? 

  “Kova..?”

   “When are you going to write to the Northern Watertribe?” 

     Oh .

Chapter Text

      Zuko looked Kova in the eyes as he stared into his soul. He wasn’t avoiding writing to the North on purpose, he simply didn’t want anything to get caught. It was easy to send letters to the Earth Kingdom and to the Fire Nation without people getting suspicious. But so far North? 

   “Kova..you know why. On top of me promising them only to write once we make it to the Fire Nation, I can’t.”

  “Waiting until we’re in the Fire Nation is a bit risky isn’t it?”

   “I won’t be the one sending it, really. It’ll be sent to Gaoling or Omashu before, and from there, it will go North.”

    Zuko watched as Kova rolled his eyes muttering under his breath irritated. Zuko let out a sigh before reaching out and grabbing Kova’s hand. 

   “Listen..how about I send ONE letter now. You can help me write it.”

     Kova eyed him carefully before a slight smile reached his lips. Zuko smiled back before making his way to his desk eyeing Kova. He heard him walk closer as he started to bring out things to write the letter. 

     “Now..tell me what you want to say.” 

     “I..tell them that I’m fine. Make it seem like it's just a check-in so they know I’m halfway to the Fire Nation..trips been nice and quiet or whatever..”

     “Kova. What do you want to say to them?”

    Kova took a shaky breath before whispering.

     “Tell Sokka I’ll know if he hasn't trained properly when I return home..And tell Katara I’ll know if she hasn't worked on her water bending. I always know. And tell him I’ll kill him if he hasn’t been taking care of my weapons. All of them. He fucking promised me he’d take care of them. Tell them I’ll make it back home..” 

    Zuko wrote everything down, occasionally glancing at Kova, who had tears building up in his eyes. He reached out and held Kova’s hand gently, still focused on the letter. He stopped once he realized he had written everything he needed before signing it. He held his hand out to hand Kova the quill smiling.

   “You too..I don’t care where you put it.”

     Kova smiled before signing his name right next to Zuko’s. The two sat silently for a moment before Zuko sealed the letter and set it down. The room was quiet before Kova let out a laugh shaking his head. 

   “Spirits..they’re going to think I’m so stupid. Who writes about taking care of weapons when they want to tell someone they're ok?”

  “ You do..” 

   “I do.”

     The two laughed slightly before Kova laid his head on Zuko’s shoulder mumbling. 

     “Thank you..”

     “Don’t mention it.”

       Zuko wrapped his arm around Kova’s shoulders before standing up with a groan and grabbing the letter. 

   “I’m going to go send this. Yes, from the ship instead of a port which would take too much time. You can stay here if you like. I was going to eat in here anyway. I have maps to go over and things to make sure my plan is foolproof…Toph.”

   Kova smiled before standing up with a loud groan and shaking his head. 

    “I was going to ask you actually to join the crew tonight. Dine with Toph while she bullies Li and Kozue. Which might I add Kozue is a little shit.”

   “Did you call him little? The man is built like a fucking mountain.”

    “Does it matter? He’s an ass.” 

    “Mm..say what you want but he’s the only man who can sharpen my swords the way I like them when I get busy.”

   Kova rolled his eyes as he began to walk out of the room before looking back.

     “Join us for dinner, just for a little bit. Then you can come and work until the sun comes up. I’m not gonna let you though. If I don’t, Li definitely won’t let you. See you in a bit.”

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     Kova sat in between Li and Kozue as he glanced between his bowl and the doorway expecting Zuko to walk through any moment. Dinner was great. The crew had a great time telling Toph stories that seemed tame enough. And the girl listened to everything and occasionally put her 2 cents in. Laughing loudly she let Li give her half his bread. 

   “Kova! Snap out of it dork. Tell me a story.”

       Kova raised one of his eyebrows before clearing his throat and looking around the table.

     “I’ve been on this ship for barely a month kid..any story I got is from the Northern Watertribe.”

      “Spill.”

     “Yeah alright..I have a huge scar on my back. Fucking huge. It’s tradition for a father to take his kid on a hunt when he turns of age so that’s what we did. And me being the stupid 14 year old I decided to..wander off a bit. Wandered right into a leopard's den.”

      Kova heard someone scoff and call him an idiot under their breath before letting out a laugh.

        “Leopard didn’t even hurt me. The amount of fucking bones did. I walked back to the place my father set up and spirits was he mad..I tried to keep a straight face while my back was bleeding profusely. He finally noticed when the snow turned red under me.  He was still made while making sure I was ok.”

     “Can I see?”

    “Yea sure-...you aren’t funny.”

      Toph laughed as she finished her stew before letting out a loud belch. Kova rolled his eyes as Li shoved her shoulder. They shoved each other around a bit before going back to eating and sharing stories. Kova gave one more glance at the doorway before sighing and standing up filling his bowl again and grabbing bread. 

   “And where are you going?”

   “Feeding someone.” 

      Kova left the room before hearing a response as he held the hot bowl carefully. When he made it to Zuko’s door he knocked softly before opening the door not waiting for an answer. He froze when he saw Zuko sleeping at his desk paper scattered all over the desk and floor. Idiot. Kova made his way over placing the bowl down softly before grabbing one of Zuko’s blankets and wrapping it around his shoulders.

  “Night Zuko..”

    Kova left the bowl and bread on his desk before closing the door behind him softly and making his way to his room. He swung his door open with a huff before almost slamming it knowing his room was far enough for nobody to question it. He reached under his bed bringing out his knife deciding to take it out. His fingers grazed the carvings on the handle and metal and letting out a bitter laugh. 

    “I’ll come back..”

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     Sokka sighed as he finished cleaning Kova’s daggers sitting on his bed. Everything seemed so quiet without him and at first he didn’t notice. It was never this quiet. Sokka was never this quiet. He knew everyone was starting to notice. He didn’t think he’d miss Kova this bad..he had other friends! Other older kids to practice with. Even if he didn’t his dad would practice with him with no problem but he..just hasn’t. 

     Of course, he took care of his and Kova’s weapons, but he hasn’t used them. He hated having to wait for a single letter from the prince just so he could hear about Kova. Not from . Sokka walked out of the room running his hands over his face and groaning to himself.

   “Sokka?” 

      When he turned around he saw Yue smiling at him clearly worried. 

      “Hey..did you need something?”

       “Not..exactly. I just wanted to ask if you wanted to come to the kitchens with me? I wanted to help the cooks make dinner..of course, you don't have to!” 

       Sokka thought about it before nodding. He needed to do something other than sharpen and clean weapons all day. Then eat. Barely speak to his dad or sister. It wasn’t healthy and Sokka knew that. 

     “I invited Katara as well. She was mid-practice, so she wasn’t too talkative, but she said she’d show up! We can make anything you like. Promise.”

     “Yue I was already going to say yes. Regardless of who you invited.”

     “Even if it was Hahn?”

         Sokka scoffed, rolling his eyes before walking with Yue back towards the kitchens. It felt nice interacting with Yue again. He hated to admit it, but in the few weeks Kova had been gone, he distanced himself from her. Sokka smiled at the workers in the kitchen before whispering to Yue.

  “They looked..shocked to see me.”

  “You’ve been in your room more than you’ve thought Sokka. But you’re here now. That’s all that matters to me..to everyone.”

     Sokka’s nose scrunched up slightly before he turned his attention to the pastries Yue was making. Everything in the kitchen smelled amazing. It made him feel warm. Sokka glanced up to see Katara making her way over as he gave her a small smile before clearing his throat.

   “How was practice?”

    “Same as always.”

       Sokka winced slightly before smiling as Katara shoved his shoulder playfully. At least she wasn’t totally mad at me..

      “Glad you got out of your room. Promise to visit GranGran next?”

      “Promise. Now help me with this filling..mine always look like shit.”

            Katara smiled before the three of them started to bake in silence. They occasionally said a few words but, they mostly stood quietly. That was until Sokka caught a glimpse of Hahn running down the hall thinking he was being sneaky. Sokka tilted his head before walking towards the exit. 

        “Sokka?”

         “I’ll be right back..promise. Yell if you need something.” 

                Sokka quickly made his way out, keeping his steps quiet before staying around the corner and hearing hushed voices.

          “I still say this is a bad idea Hahn. Regardless if you’re marrying Yue..following the Fire Prince claiming you don’t trust him? The council clearly trusted him enough.”

         “Do you have a better plan then? Just leave?”

         “Hahn. I understand what you’re doing but..Kova is probably all the way in Fire Nation waters by now. Saving him isn’t an option. Not with our boats..” 

            Sokka froze before peeking around the wall slightly seeing a map in Hahn’s hand. A map of Prince Zuko’s plans. A map to Kova.

Chapter Text

       Azula was bored—she always was. Training had become boring. Studies had become dreadful. Zuko was gone. And as far as she’s concerned he was never coming back and sending him to look for the Avatar? She knew her Father was cruel with his punishments but she didn’t think he’d let Zuko live. Azula remembers the Agni Kai. Zuko should be dead. Maybe he prayed to Agni the night before just right. Azula walked through the palace halls before stopping in front of the throne room door and letting the guards open it. 

     Her Father was sitting—bright flames raging behind him. He seemed calm. He was smiling . 

    “Azula..sit. I have news of importance.”

         Azula sat quickly, trying to keep her eyes closed, wanting to study her Father’s face longer. Was he happy? No.

     “Your brother is going to return in 3 days. With the Avatar.” 

       Azula felt her muscles tense before she spoke in a clear tone. All she had to do was act surprised. Excited even. 

     “That’s good news then. We can end the Avatar for good.”

      The room was quiet momentarily, and Azula held her breath, fearing she was breathing too loud. She almost flinched when she heard her father chuckle quickly and sharply. 

     “Your brother suggests we break his..character. Make him his servant. He claims traditional Fire Nation tactics don’t work. The savage is not afraid of fire..a shame. I’m sure he can fix that once he is back home. And if he can’t..keep an eye on the boy while he is here Azula. Regardless if he is around Zuko..Dismissed.” 

      Azula walked out quietly before letting out a breath she didn’t know she was holding. Zuko was coming back. With the avatar? Don’t make me laugh . How could Zuko find what their Great Grandfather couldn’t? In 3 years at that. She would entertain Zuko in whatever he was doing for now. Truly the only people she felt deserved to know her brother was coming back were Ty Lee and Mai. They both occasionally decided to visit her whenever Ozai didn't care. Though over the years they’ve shown up less and less..

      Azula shook her head before walking to the training ground hearing Ty Lee’s enthusiastic voice bounce off the walls. This was one of the days Mai and Ty Lee showed up. She watched Ty Lee and Mai dance around, clearly not trying to hurt each other. Azula watched for a moment before getting bored and clearing her throat. The two stopped as Ty Lee ran at Azula before stopping in front of her and bowing. 

     “Azula! I’m glad you could join us. Me and Mai were just-”

  “Zuko is returning. With a Waterbender.”

   “So?”

   “He claims its the Avatar.”

     The two stay quiet before Ty Lee quickly recovers giving Azula her softest smile. 

    “That’s great! Isn’t it..?”

       Azula laughed sharply, trying to ignore the tug seeing Ty Lee’s smile drop. Azula should be happy her brother is coming home. He’s her brother . 

    “He’s not even here yet and I can tell he’s going to ruin everything. Father wants me to watch the peasant he’s bringing back. It’s clear Zuko can’t..break him in.” 

   “Oh don’t be like that Azula. Maybe..he just needs to be home and he’ll fix it himself! Right, Mai?”

    Mai shrugged as she twirled one of her daggers. When she stopped she let out a long sigh deciding to step closer to Azula.  

   “Why did you tell me he was coming back? I’m sure everyone in the Fire Nation would’ve found out anyway..” 

    “I thought you of all people would have cared. You might not be the little girl who somehow had a crush on my stupid brother but-”

    Mai scoffed before leaving the training grounds leaving Ty Lee to stare at her back confused. Azula scoffed before turning to leave.

    “Go follow her. I know you want to. That is all I wanted to speak to you about. I will see you again when Zuko is back.” 

    Azula left before hearing Ty Lee’s response making her way back to her room. She stood in her room feeling her palms grow hot. She should be happy her brother would be home. Why wasn’t she? Father will stop caring for you. Azula shook her head before going to her mirror and staring at herself. It’s true. Everyone will focus on how Zuko will kill the Avatar. And you? Just the princess-  

    Azula quickly stood up turning away from the mirror. She will not get left behind. Not by anyone. Especially not by Zuko. 

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.

    Ty Lee caught up to Mai who was sitting in the gardens tossing her knives in the air. Ty Lee stopped before letting out a sigh and sitting next to her. The two sat in silence before Mai let out a breath.

    “I never thought he’d come back..I wouldn’t.” 

    “Mai..you can’t say stuff like that-”

    “Why not? Ty Lee, what does he have here that is so important? His Father burned half his face off. And Azula..” 

       Ty Lee frowned seeing Mai’s composure change. Ty Lee loved being Azula’s friend but she could be..intense at times. Said or did things that weren’t right. And nobody would stand up to her. Rightfully so she was the Princess however it grew tiring. It grew tiring being friends with Azula. 

    “She cares for Zuko..I think. In her own way! Then again..”

    “I get it. Her Father is a the FIrelord before being her Father. He shouldn’t be called a Father-”

     “Mai!” 

        Mai rolled her eyes before the two sat in silence. At times, Ty Lee had no idea how to make Mai happy, especially not when she was this upset. Ty Lee was excited that Zuko would come back. She wasn’t sure how he felt about her but, Ty Lee always enjoyed being around Zuko. Sure he was a prickly kid but, when she did get his attention long enough he was..nice. 

   “There's nothing we can do I guess..the next time we see each other will be when Zuko is back” 

     Mai walked past Ty Lee who only let out a deep sigh. She looked up at the sky before whispering. 

    “Hope you can fix this Zuko..or Agni. He’s an option too.” 

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   Kova rolled his neck before wiping the sweat from his brow letting out a irritated groan. 

   “I told you it would be getting warmer the closer we got to the Fire Nation..”

    He glared at Zuko who was smiling at him. Smiling while he is dying.

   “This..this heat is vile. And why are you watching me train?”

       Zuko froze before shrugging slightly. Kova let out a huff with a smile before turning back to the wooden figure slashing at it. My knife is getting dull. Again . 

      “It’s..interesting. Seeing you train.”

      “What?”

      “I’m so used to seeing Fire Nation fighting styles I..when I see different ones I get curious. That’s all. But if I’m bothering you I can-”

       “You're rambling. I don’t care if you watch or not. Just don’t.. interrupt me.”

    Zuko nodded before sitting and watching Kova closely. Kova stared before letting out a huff from his nose and going back to attacking the wooden dummy. He should’ve brought more than a dagger. He’s good with any weapon, sure, but having a small blade can cause problems. He was a decent waterbender. He was no Katara but he could hold his own in a fight if he only had Waterbending. 

    “I’ve never seen you waterbend.” 

   Kova stopped before turning to Zuko raising one of his eyebrows. He had the nerve to look embarrassed knowing he interrupted him mid-swing. 

     “Sorry..I know what you said, but it’s true. I’ve never seen you Waterbend. At least not in combat.” 

      “Are you asking me to show you?”

      “..Yes.”

    Kova rolled his eyes while laughing before grabbing Zuko’s water. He would do something simple. Something..small. He quickly made small ice daggers and threw them at the dummy. He walked closer before turning them back to water and back into Zuko’s cup before bowing dramatically. 

    “That good enough for you?”

    “Perfect. Show out more when I have to prove to my Father you’re the Avatar. And..say something snarky. I hate to say play into the roll he see’s you as but..I may have..lied a bit in that letter.”

   “Lied? Lied how?”

   “I might have told him you were..basically a pain in my ass. All the stuff that would butter him up. Trying toture but, it didn’t work. Threats on my life blah blah blah. Finally got you to stop for now. Just things that sound..”

   “Like him?” 

  Zuko froze at that before whispering. 

   “I guess you could..say that. Though I’d rather..not..call it that.”

   Kova stares at him confused before he realizes what he said. His expression softens lightly before going back to tossing his knife in the air. The two stayed silent before Kova cleared his throat. 

   “How..was your home life? Yknow being..Prince of the Fire Nation and all.” 

   Zuko let out a laugh before letting out a hum.

     “Not as good as you think. I had a family until well... I’m not sure when it all stopped. I remember when my father actually was around me. He tolerated me, I’m sure. I don’t think he is capable of love, at least not love for me. I have my Uncle. I used to..have others. How was your life?”

    “..I’m from the Southern Watertribe. Not the North. If you ask Sokka and Katara I was one of the older kids when Hakoda told us we had to leave. Spirits I was angry..angry at the Fire Nation. I can’t imagine what it looks like now..with nobody taking care of it. When you first sent the letters I almost told Arnook and Hakoda to burn the letters. Katara beat me to it but, I never thought in a million years I’d be with the Prince of the Fire Nation..playing prisoner.” 

     Zuko smiled slightly before pinching the skin on the side of his thumb. 

   “I’m sorry..”

   “What are you sorry for?”

   “For the Fire Nation destroying..your home.”

   “Zuko..you aren’t the Fire Nation. You know that right?”

      Zuko paused before taking a deep breath. No.

    “Yes..I just feel the need to apologize.”

   “You’re gonna fix everything though, aren’t you? A coup or whatever you call it. Then when you become Firelord..”

   “I’ll fix everything. I’ll try until..”

    “It won’t reach that point. I know you can rally the good people. There are already rebellions. I’m sure more people would join if it wasn’t fear. When they see you end the war and do good to the world or whatever they’ll speak up.”

    “Or try to kill me.”

    “Right..”

     Zuko looked out at the see seeing more reds show up feeling his stomach tighten. I guess I’m home..