Within Shadows (Zuko x Reader)

End

"What do you think it is?" Iroh questioned.

"I think that... Even though we don't know where Aang is, we need to do everything we can to stop the airship fleet." Sokka replied slamming his fist into his palm.

"And that means when Aang does defeat the Fire Lord, we'll be right there if he needs us." Toph added with a smirk. You stood up from your spot.

"Well. If we're going to act, we better act now and quick while we still have sunrise." You spoke determined. The others nodded and you all split. Sokka, Toph and Suki going on an eel hound to the airship fleet, you Zuko and Katara making way to the Fire Nation on Appa. You sat next to Zuko on Appa's head. Zuko looked to Iroh.

"So if I'm going to be Fire Lord, what are you going to do?" He asked his uncle.

"After I reconquer Ba Sing Se, I'm going to reconquer my tea shop. And I'm going to play Pai Sho everyday!" He replied. You let out a small laugh.

"I'll be sure to visit whenever I can." You replied with a smirk. "Goodbye, General Iroh." You added.

"Goodbye everyone. Today, destiny is our friend. I know it." And with that you all took off. Your heart thudding in your chest but you were still determined to end this war. You felt a hand grab yours and you turned to Zuko who held a reassuring smile. You returned it and gave his hand a small squeeze. As you all traveled, you felt a surge of power and you gulped harshly.

"Don't worry you two. We can handle Azula." Katara spoke from behind you and Zuko.

"I'm not worried about that, I'm worried about Aang." Zuko replied. "What if he doesn't have the guts to take down my father? What if he loses?"

"Aang won't lose. He's going to come back... He has to."

"He may have also found a different way to take him down. We don't know what he's been doing since he left after all." You assured as well. The conversation stopped though when the Fire Nation capital came into view in the distance. You all landed in front of Azula about to be crowned Fire Lord.

"Sorry, but you're not going to become Fire Lord today." Zuko spoke as he hopped down Appa. You following beside him. "I am." Azula just laughed. You noticed her hair was a mess and poorly cut. Something was seriously wrong.

"You're hilarious." Was all she said.

"And you're going down." Katara spoke glaring at Azula. One of the Fire Sages was going to crown her but she stopped him.

"You want to be Fire Lord? Fine, let's settle this. Just you and me brother. The show down that was always meant to be. Agni Kai!" She exclaimed. Her gaze intense.

"You're on." Zuko replied. Katara glanced over worryingly but you gave her an assured gaze.

"What are you-"

"We'll be on the sidelines ready to come in if something goes wrong. He knows Azula's playing him but we'll just have to be a step ahead." You whispered to Katara.

"But even he even admitted that he'd need help facing her." Katara whispered back.

"There's something off about her. I can't explain it but she's slipping." Zuko added. You nodded in agreement. "And this way, no one else needs to get hurt." He added.

"If someone does, this is why we have you." You looked at her and she gave a nod. You were all lead to the very arena that Zuko was banished in. The nostalgia hitting you all at once. You stopped Zuko before he went toe to toe with Azula. His golden eyes were intense when they met your eyes. "Good luck... Katara and I will be here to jump in whenever you need us." You spoke softly and even kissed his cheek to calm his nerves. He sent you a small smile and a nod before turning to Azula. His gaze back to being intense, ready and determined.