Two years have passed since the failed exploits of Admiral Zhao and the Rough Rhinos. Two years since Zuko saved the city and defeated Zhao. The Blue Spirit, now, wasn't regarded that much of a menace to Ba Sing Se anymore. He was an accepted vigilante. As the Blue Spirit, Zuko had found a way to stay connected with Commissioner Sokka. He would nightly trips to the Police Building, and he would be informed of what was happened. Zuko never spoke, he only let Sokka speak, which was sometimes a big mistake. Other times, Kyoshi Chief Suki would be there as well. She was hesitant about Sokka working with the Blue Spirit, but knew that Sokka was smart enough to stay out of trouble.
Things have progressed smoothly with Katara. She was right when Aang knew, as the bald monk had no problem with Katara and Zuko dating. Sokka had moved into Zuko's apartment, which was now located behind the Jasmine Dragon, so they could have their own privacy from Uncle Iroh, who was still always coming over to talk with Zuko anyways. It was a nice feeling for Zuko, as now he had a new family he could call home.
Toph had also moved back to Ba Sing Se, moving out from Gaoling and becoming roommates with Aang. Zuko was beginning to suspect something was going on between Aang and Toph, but he just let it go. It wasn't something he wanted to pry, and Katara would scold him for it as well.
This was Zuko's life now.
And as he stood on top of the Police Building, he had a content smile on his face. He was waiting for Sokka to come out and tell him what was going on within the city, as Zuko couldn't be everywhere. He felt bad for lying to the brother of his girlfriend, but it was needed. He needed to make sure that everyone was protected.
"You're here early."
Zuko was startled, but you couldn't tell with the mask covering his face. Sokka walked out, holding two folders in his hands that carried all the information that Zuko had requested.
The blue mask nodded, the black abysses for eyes staring at Sokka.
"I tried and this was all I found about this figure in red you mentioned," Sokka added.
Zuko smirked, amused how Sokka made it seem like it wasn't a lot of information. He came down from the ledge, making his way to Sokka and taking one of the folders. He flipped through it, seeing pictures of the red figure on buildings, in the street, jumping across buildings. He read the witness reports, some people thinking it was the Blue Spirit taking on another costume. Others thought it was a copycat with no life.
"He just keeps coming in and disappearing with no real pattern," Sokka added.
"He?"
"Oh, so now you wanna talk to me?"
Zuko rolled his eyes underneath the mask.
"What makes you sure it's a male?" Zuko asked in his disguised voice.
"Just the way it moves, and the way it took down three of my men," Sokka snapped. "Tough, quick and precise attacks. Reminded me of you, for a bit."
"Why did the red figure attack your men?"
"Well, my men may have attacked first," Sokka said, scratching the back of his head.
Zuko kept an inaudible sigh underneath his mask. He looked back through the reports, reading how the people describe the red figure.
"It was like a spirit, straight from Strife."
"I thought it was Koh himself."
"Stupid copycat, and stupid Blue Spirit. Let the police do the job and save the vigilante justice for the real heroes."
"I guess people like me," Zuko snickered.
"And you have a sense of humor? Wow."
Don't make me tell you how I had sex with your sister three times before I came here last night.
"I don't get why you wanna get into this," Sokka continued. "I mean, we're in peace now, real peace. It's been two years since Zhao was killed, let's not worry about it."
The blue mask shook its face back and forth.
"It's always calm before the storm."
"I knew you were going to say that," Sokka sighed.
"That's enough for tonight, Commissioner Sokka. Let's continue this tomorrow night."
Before Sokka could even say anything, Zuko took off. He was already jumping from building to building, remembering the moments when he first donned the mask. The way the wind nipped at his body and the cold, crisp air swallowed him whole.
If only it was that same peaceful night.
From the corner of his eye, he saw it.
The figure in red.
Zuko knew that the figure was watching him too. He narrowed his eyes behind the mask, feeling as if the figure in red was smirking at him. And when the figure took off, Zuko was right off and running. The two leapt from building to building, kicking up dust and dingy tiles as they ran across the city.
With sweat dripping down his face, Zuko was beginning to see just how fast this figure was. He always prided himself on his speed, but Zuko now felt slow as this figure was always two steps ahead of him.
"Wait," Zuko yelled.
He was surprised when the figure stopped, turning around and facing him. They were staring at each other now. Zuko couldn't make out any particular features. Only the red eyes stood out, and the red strips painted on the forehead that was exposed. It made Zuko frustrated that this mystery was still out there.
"Who are you?"
The figure in red stayed silent, only tilting its head.
"Why did you save me that day two years ago at the Tunnels?"
Still, only silence greeted Zuko's questions.
"Damn it, say something!"
The figure in red only shook its head. It turned around again, taking off into the night. Zuko cursed under his breath, turning back around and heading home. He knew Katara would be worried that he was taking so long. He took his usual route back home, coming into the window that was in the back alley where it was very dark and hard for see Zuko enter his apartment.
So when he landed inside the window, he was shocked to see Katara jump on him.
"Hey," Zuko chuckled, reaching up and taking the mask off.
"I was worried about you," Katara whispered.
"It's been two years, I'm fine, Kat," Zuko said, kissing her on the forehead.
She pulled back, rising on her toes and kissing Zuko on his lips. She did her usual check on his face, running her soft hands over his pale face, taking care to add a tender touch when she passed over his scar.
"How was it with Sokka? Did he find you anything?"
Zuko shook his head, turning around and taking off his swords, sticking them in the hidden closet with his mask as well.
"No, just witness reports and blurry pictures," Zuko grumbled.
"This figure in red, as you call it, seems more mysterious than you."
Zuko snickered. "Is that a compliment?"
"Take it as you want."
Zuko chuckled, taking off his shozoku and stuffing it in the closet. He was down to black sleep pants and no shirt. He walked back towards Katara, taking her in his arms and leaning down and kissing her lips softly.
"I'm thinking maybe uncle has some information," Zuko added. "It may just be a copycat like some of the reports said."
"Do you want it to be a copycat?"
"No," Zuko said, his face stoic. "A copycat doesn't move that fast."
"What?"
"Oh, yeah," Zuko mumbled. "I found the figure, stalking me, probably. I chased it around the city after speaking to Sokka."
"Is that why you took longer than usual?"
Zuko nodded, laying down in bed. Katara joined him, resting her head on his chest.
"Oh," Katara continued. "Piandao sent a message to Iroh and said your armor is ready."
"Finally," Zuko drawled. "Didn't we ask him about a year ago?"
She playfully slapped him on the chest, earning a chuckle from Zuko.
"I'll go tomorrow with Iroh and pick it up. It'd be nice to actually test it out once before anything bad happens."
"It seems like you want something bad to happen."
He shook his head. "It's not that. I just want to be prepared, that way you don't have to worry so much."
There were no more words. Zuko peeked down, seeing Katara's eyes closed, and her breathing had begun to steady. He smiled, kissing the top of her head as her stroked her chocolate tresses. And soon, he had fallen into a sleep with her as well.
