Within Shadows (Zuko x Reader)

Chapter 4

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"So you're saying you saw your parents in the spirit realm?" Iroh asked, stroking his beard in thought.

"Yes I did. And they tried giving me advice due to all these questions swarming my mind." You replied. "The main advice they told me was to 'Follow my motives' and to 'follow my gut' if what I was doing was wrong or not..."

"What questions did you ask? What are you having troubles with?" You hesitated with his question and glanced around the room. Luckily it was just you and Iroh.

"...Promise me this conversation won't leave this room?" You asked softly. The man gave you a kind smile and a nod. "I've been questioning on if I should continue following Zuko. If I'm not following the right side in all of this. Sure I said that I'm loyal to the fire nation. But that was obviously a lie to keep Ozai off of me." You stated. Iroh hummed in thought and fell silent for a bit before he leaned forward and kept his eyes on you.

"I understand where you are coming from. You certainly haven't been living an easy life. And now all of that is swirling your mind." He paused briefly. "And although I believe you are good for Zuko, I have to agree with your parents. It is up to you to decide what path you should take. Wether you chose to continue to follow Zuko's past, or follow the path of the Avatar, that is entirely your choice. But as you've stated yourself, follow your morals and your heart, listen to your gut and go from there. Just know whichever path you choose, I will support you." He gave you his wise words yet you felt even more unsatisfied by his answer. You frowned but let out a tired sigh.

"I should've expected that answer... But, thank you anyway. I think I've now calmed down but it is hard to tell."

"Of course. We should probably check up on Zuko now. I'm confident he must be up to something." And with that, the two of you got up and searched for Zuko, only to find him looking into a telescope. Though neither you or Iroh didn't need one to tell where he was going. "Sailing right into Fire Nation territory... Of all the foolish things you've done in all of your 16 years, Prince Zuko this is the most foolish!"

"I have no choice uncle." Zuko simply spoke. Not once looking over to either you or Iroh.

"Prince Zuko... The fire lord banished you. Banished both of us. Do you have any idea how bad it could be if we were to step into Fire Nation territory? I don't know about you but I'd rather not be thrown in prison by your father." You even tried to convince.

"I need to chase the Avatar! My father would understand why I need to return home to do so!" Zuko exclaimed as he now turned to you and Iroh. You crossed your arms and sent a small glare his way.

"You give him too much credit. My brother isn't the understanding type." Spoke Iroh. But Zuko ignored his words and went back to keeping his eye on the flying bison.

"There they are." He muttered as his eye followed them. You glanced over to see them too and swallowed harshly. "Helmsmen! Full steam ahead!" Zuko ordered for the ship to go faster than it already was. He then ordered for a catapult to be brought up with a nasty smelling cannon ball. You gagged at the sent and plugged your nose with your shirt over it while Iroh fanned the sent away from him. Zuko set the ball on fire making it smell even worse. "On my mark." He said with his arm raised. He then brought his hand down and one of the guards sliced the rope, sending the fire ball hurtling toward gaang. The bison dodged the attack and you looked out ahead to make sure the ship wouldn't crash into anything but your breath hitched a little.