Within Shadows (Zuko x Reader)

Chapter 9

"He's not wrong Zuko... Maybe this walk would be best for you." You spoke in a quiet tone and received no response. You frowned and sighed. "...Have a good night then, Zuko..." You trailed and left him be. You caught up with Iroh who hummed a song with a smile but stopped when you approached.

"Any luck with convincing him?" He asked you.

"No... Unfortunately not." You pouted.

"Odd. Would have thought his one weakness would-" an explosion went off in the direction of the ship. The both of you whipped around and saw the ship to be on fire. Your heart dropped to your toes and could feel yourself pale.

"Zuko!" You and Iroh cried out and made a mad dash to the ship in absolute ruin. You fell to your knees and stared at the flames with defeat.

"Zuko..." Iroh's voice rasped and he looked down, fighting back tears.

"I have a good idea as to who did this..." Your voice trembled.

"Zhao..." Iroh spoke with venom in his tone. You wiped your eyes with your sleeves and stood up. You and Iroh looked at each other with a nod and set to find Zhao.

~~~(Ugh so many time skips. Sorry!)~~~

Zhao poured tea for you and Iroh. You remained quiet and held an emotionless expression. "I'm devistated to hear about prince Zuko. Just devistated." You could hear the hint of sarcasm in his tone and you had to resist the urge to lash out at the man and kick the shit out of him.

"The Fire Lord will not be pleased when he finds out who was responsible." Iroh spoke coldly.

"You know who is behind the attack?" Zhao sounded somewhat surprised but with a hint of worry.

"Yes. Pirates." Iroh slammed his hand down and glanced away like it was painful to think about. "We had a run-in with them a while back. They wanted revenge." You caught the small and momentary smirk on Zhaos lips and he covered it with him sipping his tea.

"So. Have you two considered my offer?" He asked.

"Yes. We accept." Iroh bowed and so did you. "It would he an honor to serve as your general."

"And it would be an honor to serve as a personal guard. However a guard to Iroh. But I will be at your service if absolutely needed." You added and bowed lightly too.

"To the Fire Nation!" Iroh exclaimed raising his cup.

"To victory!" Zhao added and raised his cup. You doing the same though felt dirty doing so. The two of you were dismissed and were headed to your rooms. But stopped by a guard. Not facing them at all.

"Our plan is working perfectly. Zhao doesn't suspect a thing." Iroh whispered. You could hear the mask of the helm being removed and you couldn't help but look at him and wince a little at his wounds.

"You two didn't have to do this." Zuko replied.

"We aren't letting you stowaway on a ship without backup. I for one refuse to give up on you." You replied firmly.

"Thank you..." Zuko trailed. You sent him a smile and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder.

"Someone's coming." Iroh earned. Zuko put the mask on and you removed your hand and looked forward once again. "Stay hidden until we get to the North Pole and the Avatar will be yours. Good luck." And with that you all parted ways and decided to rest up until you've all reached the North Pole.