|•|W I T 卄 E R||•| Zuko X Reader ⚠SLOWBURN⚠

Confrontation

"Huh. A water tribe peasant. Could it be...! You tried to save that water bender!"

"You said it was an older woman, yes? So perhaps..." Zhao walked towards you and kneeled down to your level.

"You thought you'd rescue your mother? Based on your facial expression, I'd say you know she's dead. That makes things a lot easier for me, you know?"

Zhao stood up and turned his back to you. "Execute her."

"You... As if I would lose to you. I hope you saw her burn."

You shook your head and focused on everything going on with Zuko and Iroh. "Prince Zuko, show Commander Zhao your respect. We would be honored to join you." Iroh hummed, "Do you have any ginseng tea? It's my favorite." Iroh and Zhao walked away with Zuko grunting in anger and following behind them, upset.

After a while, a guard entered the ship. "Alright. Take off your helmets, it's time for some questioning." The soldier said, walking past you. You gasped as you saw everyone taking off their helmets. You jumped off the ship when the guard's back was turned, and landed safely in a puddle of void.

You couldn't stay there, as you saw more guards entering the ship. You ran behind another ship and hid around the area Zuko and Iroh went to. You could hear a bit of what was going on, but you decided to see what was going on anyway, and focused on your surroundings.

"Don't underestimate me, Zhao! I will capture the Avatar before you!" Zuko yelled. Iroh stood up and tried to calm things. "Prince Zuko, that's enough." He said. "You can't compete with me. I have hundreds of war ships under my command. And you? You're just a banished prince. No home, no allies. Your own father doesn't even want you." Zhao laughed, amused by the situation.

You bit your thumb angrily.
You honestly wanted Zuko to attack Zhao, but you knew that would only make things worse.

"You're wrong! Once I deliver the Avatar to my father, he will welcome me home with honor and restore my rightful place on the throne!" Zuko yelled. So... That's why he's chasing Aang... "If your father really wanted you home, he would have let you return by now, Avatar or no Avatar."

"But in his eyes, you're a failure and a disgrace to the Fire Nation." Zhao stated. "That's not true." Zuko said. "You have the scar to prove it." With an enraged cry of anger, Zuko replied "Maybe you'd like one to match!"

"Is that a challenge?" Zhao smirked. "An Agni Kai. At sunset." Zuko gnarled. "Very well. It's a shame your father won't be here to watch me humiliate you. I guess your uncle will do." Zhao said, exiting the room. "Prince Zuko, have you forgotten what happened the last time you dueled a master?" Iroh asked, worried. "I will never forget." Zuko responded.

Zuko beating up Zhao? You were excited to see that, but worried about Zuko. What if Zhao won?

No... You were somewhat still upset at Zuko, but you could still remember how hard he tried when it came to firebending. He could definitely take Zhao.

§€———————————————∆§

"Remember your firebending basics, Prince Zuko. They are your greatest weapons!" Iroh said. "I refuse to let him win." Zuko muttered, determined.

You were hiding outside the arena, focusing on the inside of it. Zuko and Zhao were standing at opposite ends of it. As both of them rised up, their capes fell from their shoulders. A Fire Nation soldier who was standing above the two hit a gong as both Zhao and Zuko took on a firebending stance. The two glared at each other.

Zuko launched the first attack, sending two fire blasts towards Zhao. Moving left and backwards, Zhao dodged and dissipated Zuko's flames.
He swerved a wall of fire towards Zhao, who used his own fire as a shield. Zhao severed Zuko's attacks. "Basics, Zuko! Break his root!" Iroh yelled.

Zhao fought like a beast, directing a number fire blasts to Zuko, who diverted the flames away from him. Putting his wrists together, Zhao thrusted a strong wave of fire to Zuko, who was hit by the attack and was sent backwards. You clenched your fists.

Zhao leaped towards Zuko, landing at his feet. He shoved his fist forward, about to land the killing blow, but at just the right moment, Zuko rolled out of the way and spun around. As he turned, he knocked Zhao down from underneath him and landed with his feet firmly on the ground. A grin grew on both of your faces.

Zuko stepped forward and fired an attack at Zhao's feet. Caught off guard, Zhao wobbled away. Zuko had effectively broke Zhao's root like a twig. Zhao began to stagger backwards. Zuko sent a powerful kick towards Zhao, who could barely even dodge. Sending a final kick, the Prince had successfully made Zhao fall to the ground. "Do it!" Zhao yelled.
Grunting, Zuko launched a blast of fire.

But... He intentionally hit the ground with it instead, earning Zhao's disapproval. "That's it? Your father raised a coward." Zhao panted. You shook your head. By not killing Zhao, Zuko wasn't weak. He was... Strong.
"Next time you get in my way, I promise, I won't hold back." Zuko stated.

The two began to walk their separate ways, but Zhao sent a fire blast towards Zuko! You let out a sigh of relief as Iroh caught Zhao's foot and pushed him away. Zuko had a scowl on his face and was ready to lunge at Zhao, but Iroh stopped him. "No, Prince Zuko. Do not taint your victory." Iroh said sternly, as he turned to Zhao.

"So this is how the great Commander Zhao acts in defeat? Disgraceful." You held back a laugh. "Even in exile, my nephew is more honorable than you."
Iroh hummed. "Thanks again for the tea. It was delicious." Zuko and Iroh began to leave the arena, so you quickly dashed back to the ship.

You felt a strange feeling of euphoria from watching Zuko fight Zhao. You felt... Like your mother had been avenged, in a way.

You made it to the main deck and entered your room, changing back to your regular outfit as the ship began to move away from Ketu Harbor. You had a nosebleed from focusing for too long, so you cleaned yourself up and decided to rest.