The entire world is on fire. Or it at least looks that way. As Zuko and I soar to the Fire Nation's capital, the comet streaks across the sky, bathing everything in sight in a deep orange glow. I look at Sozin's Comet as long as I can before my eyes start to water; it's so powerful. Zuko and I feel the pull it has on Fire bending. He's already singed some of Appa's fur just by breathing.
"How much longer?" I ask as I bring tiny flames to light on my fingertips.
"About 2 hours…maybe faster." He takes a deep breath, but lets it out carefully. Appa already roared his displeasure at being burned, even a little.
"Zuko, don't worry," I reassure. "We can take Azula."
"I'm not worried about her," Zuko replies. "I'm worried about Aang. What if he doesn't have the guts to take out my father? What if he loses?"
"Aang won't lose," I say firmly. "He's going to come back…he has to."
I can tell that my words have little effect on Zuko, though. What he says is true: what if Aang is defeated? What would become of the world? I would be safe; the Spirits would take me back. But what about everyone else?