This is my first Avatar The Last Airbender fanfiction thank you to LunaStar07 for helping out with my writing and beta reading my work hope you enjoy the next chapter
I also just wanted to thank you all those that are following and favoriting my fic I really appreciate you all and that are enjoying my work and continue to do so now please enjoy
Disclaimer I don't own anything related to ATLA
When Zuko returned to camp, the sun was already rising over the trees, shining down on their settlement. As he approached, he could see all the Kyoshi warriors were already awake, packing up their supplies. None of them wasted any time getting ready to head out on the road. Zuko had managed to get changed and his bandages redressed before they set off. Though his chest was still sore, a few ribs were still broken, the swelling had gone down due to Ami's ointments. He knew he had to thank her when he got the chance.
Suki had a little more difficulty when she tried to get herself changed. The entire time she felt small jolts of pain, and stinging pinches when she moved her arm. She finally had given up and just sloppily wrapped and tied her robe around her body. She sighed defeated as she could barely get herself dressed. She forwent putting on her makeup or her armor and just had it all packed in the carts. She knew she was going to get strange looks, but she had no idea most of them would be coming from the masked warrior.
Zuko could not take his eyes off Suki when he saw her. He'd never seen her without her makeup, at least in the daylight. Even in her disheveled state, she was beautiful. Then, he got flashes of them race through his thoughts, about their kiss, something he never experienced before. Even now he had trouble believing it really happened. He knew he had to talk to her, but now wasn't the time. He sighed and went to finish packing his stuff seeing everyone getting ready to leave.
"Okay guys we are heading out to a few more stops before we reach the next village," Aikio calls out to everyone, already taking command. "At the next stop, there is supposed to be a military outpost and possible shelters for refugees. So once we reach it, you can either stay there or continue with us as we head to Ba Sing Se," Aikio explains to the refugees, who begin chattering among themselves about their options.
"Now, let's move out!" Aikio orders before turning to Suki. "How was that?" she asked with a heavy sigh.
"Perfect," Suki giggled as she climbed up onto the cart and took the reins.
Aikio was about to protest as she watched Suki take control of the cart but kept quiet "Thanks, how is your arm, can you move it at all?" Aikio asks as she joined her in the seat.
"Yeah, a bit, though it still hurts when I try and raise it up," she explains as she tugs on the reins with her uninjured arm, driving the cart as the caravan starts to ride down the road.
"If you want, I can drive and you can rest. Maybe have Ami check it out again, she has other meds that could help-,"
"I'm fine, really," Suki said, cutting her off.
"You sure?"
"Aikio, you know I don't like lying. When I say I'm fine, I'm fine," she said, trying to wave it off.
"Yeah, I know. That's why I know you are a terrible liar, and you should be resting," Aikio said, giving Suki a knowing look.
"Yeah hahaha, I guess," Suki chuckled. Soon, they got quiet as Suki was deep in thought. After a few moments, she then turned and faced her friend. "Aikio do you trust me?"
"Huh, where is this coming from?" Aikio asked, confused at the sudden question.
"Just answer, please. Do you trust me... do you trust my judgment?" she asked again, sincerely.
Aikio started to get an idea of what was on Suki's mind. She sighed softly as she leaned herself back on her seat " Sometimes I question you or challenge you on things you decide, but I always trust you have the best intentions, the instincts knowing the right thing to do even when I don't see it," she said just as honestly.
Suki nods quietly, pondering Aikio's words.
"But more importantly, I trust you have my back. That in a fight, you'll be there with me through thick or thin," Aikio said with a small smirk. "I once heard from an earth kingdom soldier that you find your true friends on the battlefield, and if that's true, then you are a true friend. We all are,"
As she said this, Suki began to think about the Blue Spirit and the battles they faced together. She remembered how through it all, he stood by her side and fought hard tooth and nail to protect her. "Thanks, Aikio."
"Welcome," she smiled, glad to see she put Suki's mind at ease as she leaned further, back closing her eyes. She took a small nap as Suki continued to snap the reins, driving and leading the caravan.
Meanwhile, as the caravan was trotting along, Zuko rode at the rear. As he followed along, his eyes were heavy and he could barely keep hold of the reins. His sleep-deprived mind was still flooded with images at what he had done. Seeing so much blood and Akechi's dead eyes staring back sent him chills. He tried his best to distract himself, focusing on anything from the Avatar to Suki, but the images just returned. Soon, his heavy eyes could barely stay open any longer and began to drift off to sleep.
"You think you can get rid of me that easy, traitor," a vile, dark voice echoed in his ears. He could almost feel the warm breath on his skin. Zuko's eyes shot open as he jerked awake. He nearly threw himself off and scaring his beast.
"Whoa, Blue, you okay?" Tam quickly grabbed hold of him, pulling him forward before he fell off his Ostrich horse. Her hand tightly gripping his arm as he instinctively grabbed hold of hers too.
"Huh, what, what, who?!" Zuko said, a bit dazed as he tried to figure out where he was before finally realizing what was going on. "Oh yeah, I'm fine... I'm fine, guess I dozed off," Zuko said, trying his best to catch his breath. His grip on Tam's arm only tightening, trying to support himself.
Though his grip was painful, Tam didn't complain knowing he needed to calm down. "You okay? Want me to get Ami," she asked, worried.
"I'm fine... just didn't get any sleep last night. It's nothing really, I'm fine," he said trying to convince her, even as he didn't believe his own words.
"Blue, I know somethings wrong, but I won't press you," she said as she knew all too well that he was having a panic attack. The best thing she could do was help him calm down. She let him hold on to her till she felt his shaking grip loosen. He straightened himself till he finally let go of her. Ami sighed, her arm was sore but didn't say anything "You really should see Ami after, she does have some herbs that could probably help you."
He sighed and nodded as he tugged on his reins. "Maybe, I'll think about it," he said thankfully to Tam, though he didn't verbally say it. But as they rode along, he couldn't shake off the sense of dread he felt in his chest. And the lingering tingle at the back of his mind, like someone was watching him.
When they finally stopped to make for camp, everyone set up their tents. Suki stood to the side, unable to help in her condition. She sighed heavily, deciding that they needed to talk about yesterday. This time, the full truth, but first she needed to talk to Blue. She bit the inside of her cheek as she walked over to him, once he finished setting up his tent. "Blue we need to talk,"
"Ummm, yeah okay. What is it, Suki?" He said, turning to face her.
"Blue I thought about it long and hard and we need to tell the others about yesterday, the truth this time."
"I understand," he said a little disheartened.
"I can't lie to them, they trust me and I can't abuse that trust, besides they deserve to know," Suki said, trying to convince him of the struggle she's dealing with.
Zuko sighed "What if they reject me?"
"They won't."
"How do you know?" He asked, honestly worried. He didn't want to leave them to leave Suki, especially after yesterday. Especially after their kiss, something that he had not expected, nor the feeling twisting in his chest right now.
Suki understood very well he was worried, so was she. She didn't want him to leave, and the thought of him going was agonizing. But she knew she had to do the right thing for them both. "I don't Blue..." she admitted before taking a long deep breath. "When we first met, I had every reason to reject you, to turn my back on you, but I didn't. I took a leap of faith, believing you could be an ally, a friend. I put my trust in you because I believed in you... isn't it time for you to do the same for me, to take a chance, a leap of faith."
"A leap of faith," he mumbled to himself, still unsure.
"Yeah Blue, I promise if you give them a chance, they will surprise you. My sisters can be very understanding when you put your trust in them," Suki said with a soft, warm smile, hoping to convince him.
Zuko was reluctant but nodded. Knowing full well Suki was going to tell them regardless if he agreed or not.
"Thanks Blue," she said, smiling warmly, and even though she couldn't see it, he was smiling back.
"Hey guys, team meeting," she said, calling out to the others. Zuko groaned softly to himself as he watched her head to the campfire. He then slowly marched after her, joining the others as they all took their seats around the fire.
"What's up captain? What's this about?" Kikki was the first to inquire as she slumped down on the ground.
"Everything alright?" Tam asked next as she glanced over at the Blue Spirit. She saw him and Suki talking and wondered if this was about his panic attack.
As they asked what this was about, Aikio remained silent. Her eyes on the Blue Spirit, silently waiting for Suki to speak, knowing this had to do with their little talk.
"Well there is something we need to discuss, it was about yesterday, about the ambush," Suki began after clearing her throat.
"Are you okay? You are not quitting are you?" Tam blurted out with honest concern.
"Ughhhh!" everyone groaned hearing Tam's outburst. Aikio rubbing the bridge of her nose in annoyance as Tam sunk down, a bit embarrassed by her question.
But Suki just chuckled "hahaha, no, no I'm not quitting, but it is something important we need to talk about," she said, getting a bit serious. Everyone went silent wanting to listen intently.
"Yesterday, when we were attacked by those Fire Nation soldiers, they tried to kill me, they almost did" Suki began feeling anxious now as she spoke.
"I'm only standing here today because of the Blue Spirit," She said giving him a small hopeful smile as she continued. "He risked everything to save my life... even his secret," Zuko began to brace himself, already feeling cornered as she spoke, only that small smile keeping him from running.
"He is a firebender..."
That one word made everyone fix their gaze on the Blue Spirit. Their eyes filled with confusion and almost betrayal. Zuko did his best to shut his eyes, not wanting to meet theirs.
Suki sighed as she continued. "he used his bending to shield me from an attack. An attack that could have ended me right there... Then he fought off their commander by himself, even doing what was necessary... something I know was hard for him to do, but he did it to protect us."
Even as she praised and thanked his actions he only felt an empty pit in his stomach. He didn't see his actions as something noble, but something unfortunate that he wished he never had to do, something that he regretted.
They each gave strange glances over to him with a mixture of emotions. Emotions they couldn't really put into words.
"So... if he's a firebender, does that mean he is from the fire nation?" Tam asked, though the rest felt the urge to groan in annoyance at the obvious question, they didn't as they too were curious of the answer.
Suki nodded "Yes he is... we talked afterwards and he told everything," she said as she glanced over at the Blue Spirit, apologizing silently. "He was banished and ... was marked, he lost his family, his name, his titles, everything."
Each felt a mixture of sympathy and curiosity as they wanted to hear more "What do you mean by titles?" Kikki asked.
"He was the son of a lord or some high ranking politician, I believe," Suki said, not sure herself. She wanted to turn to ask the Blue Spirit to clarify but decided against it.
"So, he's like a prince or something," Tam asked, confused, not sure about the nomenclature, though Zuko inwardly groaned, knowing that they were not far off.
"What did you do?" Kikki finally asked turning to face, almost like she finally acknowledged he was there.
"I... I dishonored my family... spoke out of turn... showed weakness," he said simply but would not go into details, feeling uncomfortable already with all this attention now on him. And bringing up what is one of his greatest shames once was enough for him.
They did not press him, seeing his body tense, knowing whatever it was, it was something that he would not repeat even if asked. And Suki was only filled with guilt, bringing up something she knew was painful for him. She just wanted them to understand, and she wanted him to stay.
Soon everyone fell into an uncomfortable silence, only the crackling of the fire could be heard as no one knew what to say or do. Then, suddenly, Aikio rose from her seat, drawing all their attention.
"Blue can I talk to you alone for a second," Aikio said and without a word, walked off, expecting him to follow.
Zuko arched his brow as he watched Aikio walked off. "Sure," He said as he pushed himself onto his feet. Slowly following behind her as Suki and the others sat silently, watching as they left.
Once Aikio led the Blue Spirit over behind the carts, out of sight and out of earshot, she crossed her arms and stood silently in front of him. Zuko stood there waiting as well, both of them standing in silence till someone spoke first. Zuko growing impatient decided to speak. "What is it-," without warning, he was cut off as Aikio punched his face with all her might.
"Owwww!" they yowled in unison. Zuko fell on his back, gripping his face while Aikio was hunched over, shaking and gripping her hand almost feeling like she broke it.
"Dammit, owwww that hurt," Aikio said, her hand throbbing in pain as she tried to shake it off. But seeing the Blue Spirit on the ground in just as much pain made her smirk. "So worth it," she grinned.
Zuko groaned after reaching under his mask making sure his nose wasn't broken before sitting up a bit. "What was that-,"
"Payback... for that dirt in the eye thing," she said, cutting him off once again. "You have no idea how long I wanted to do that," she said before reaching down and offering him her hand.
He looked at her hand then to her and reluctantly took it as she helped pull him back to his feet.
"You know, I should have known you were a fire bender... there were so many clues I can't believe I didn't put two and two together," She said, a little annoyed with herself as she let his hand go.
"Oh, like what?" he asked as he adjusted his mask, his nose still sore.
"Like the way you fight. You are aggressive, headstrong, you like to overwhelm your opponents. But you also flow, you are really light on your feet, you don't stay rooted in a fight unlike earth kingdom fighters and I seriously doubt you were from the water tribes," she admitted as she leaned her back on the cart next to her, slumping over a bit.
"I suppose so," Zuko was a little surprised that Aikio was watching his fighting so closely.
"Then there was Chong Sheng, now that should have definitely tipped us off," she said knowingly.
Zuko then went silent wondering where she was going with this.
"I mean the walking through fire thing, I can't believe none of us saw what you were even then," Aikio chuckled at her own stupidity. "To be completely honest, we all thought you had some spiritual powers or something. That the name Blue Spirit was more than just a name... guess the real answer was staring right at us."
"Is this all you wanted to talk about... how you should have known who I was earlier," Zuko said wanting to get straight to the point and no more run around.
"No... I just wanted to say... that I understand you," Aikio said softly turning to him.
"Huh?" was Zuko's only response as he was genuinely confused.
"At Chong Sheng, when you stopped me from killing those soldiers and then when you refused to kill them yourself. For so long it bugged me, but now I understand... they were your people," she said and seeing the Blue Spirit grow silent once more made her know she was on the right track.
"I understand, that's what I wanted to say, but I also want you to understand something Blue. We are in the middle of a war and in war, you have to be decisive. You have to be willing to make the hard choices even if it means going against everything you believe in." Aikio said sternly.
"So what, am I just supposed to do... become a monster, kill without remorse," Zuko growled back at her, not about to back down or be lectured.
"No, but sometimes we don't get the luxury of having a soul, Blue. That's the sacrifice you make when you have to protect others. The sacrifice you make so others don't... that is the reality Blue."
"I don't believe that," Zuko shot back at her.
"Remember those soldiers you spared, every soldier you stopped me from killing?" She asked, getting right up in his face. "How many of them did you think were part of that ambush, huh!? How many that nearly killed you and Suki? Was it one, two, five, ten!?" she questioned, yelling in his face. He couldn't respond, he had no idea how many were there that he had fought.
"Everyone you spared was another soldier that could have killed us, could have killed Suki," she said, knowing that mentioning her would get through to him.
And it worked. He became silent, his heart feeling heavy as he listened to her. "I know it's difficult to take a life. Sometimes I can barely sleep at night for the things I've done to protect my sisters. But sometimes, we don't have a choice, we have to make the hard decisions, if we want to protect the ones we love," as she spoke the last part, Zuko could sense something as he watched her body tense.
"What about mercy?" he asked softly.
"Mercy can be good, but it can also be a weakness, remember that Blue," Aikio sighed as she stared up at him, seeing he didn't argue with her. "And now I think you understand..." she said, then paused slightly biting into her cheek as she looked at him and he started to turn away. "Just one more thing... thank you," she said simply, but there was nothing simple about those words.
He didn't know which had surprised him more; the punch to the face or her thanking him. "You acted decisively. In that moment, you made a choice, a choice that I know must have been difficult, almost impossibly hard. Choosing between us... choosing between Suki and your people."
Zuko was definitely not expecting this. "I'm just... glad you chose us and if you want to talk I'm... here," Aikio said, not believing she was able to muster the words.
"I... thank you Aikio," Zuko said, still stunned.
"Don't mention it. Seriously, don't mention it or I'll clock you again," she said, raising her fist to his chin and they both couldn't help the chuckle that escaped their lips.
"So you are okay with... what I am?" he asked and Aikio just snorted.
"Oh hell no, I still don't trust you and honestly, I don't think I ever will," she said, brutally honest. Zuko simply rolled his eyes.
"But Suki trusts you, and it seems she was right to put her faith in you," she admitted, against her better judgment. "So I guess I'm willing to give you a chance, though personally, I'd prefer you to shove it and never come back, but I guess we all don't get what we want."
Zuko chuckled again, shaking his head, knowing that would be her response "Thanks."
"Welcome."
Aikio and Zuko then started to slowly walk back to camp still, talking as they did. "You know, honestly, it is kinda underwhelming finding out that you are just some fire bender," she said ,a bit teasingly.
"Underwhelming, what do you mean?" he asked, raising his brow.
"Well, honestly, I thought you were some monster, or a killer hiding his identity or something," she started to explain. "The others thought you were some chosen hero, given spirit powers or you are an actual spirit or some other bull, but nah, you are just a fire bender, not very impressive."
"I'm not sure if I should feel insulted or not."
"Oh, you definitely should hahaha."
Once they both returned to the camp, they both could hear soft whispering between the group, but it went dead once they arrive. "See, Tam, told you she didn't murder him," Kikki said as the two warriors approached.
"Yet," Aikio corrected with a knowing smirk. They let out a light chuckle at what they hope is a joke as Aikio and the Blue Spirit take their seats.
"Soooooo, what did you guys talk about?" Tam asked.
"Nothing really, just wanted to clear the air," Aikio replied with a slight shrug. "So, what's the verdict? Is he staying or do we finally get to kick him to the side of the road," she said again, only half-joking.
"We were actually waiting on you before we decide," Suki replied, though still nervous of what the answer will be.
"So what do you think, will Blue stay or go?" Kikki asked, really just wanting to go to bed at this point, not caring for the answer.
Aikio thought long and hard, stroking her chin. She glanced up at the Blue Spirit, then turned her gaze to Suki. Seeing the genuine concern in Suki's eyes, she knew what she had to decide even if she didn't like it. "I think he should stay."
Those simple words made everyone turn to Aikio like she just grew a tail. No one, not even Zuko, expected that as her decision. Seeing everyone shocked, Aikio knew she had to explain, letting out a long sigh. "Look, Suki trusts him, and Suki is our captain. She is our captain because we trust her and trust her judgment for better or worse. Look, don't get me wrong, I don't trust him... like at all. But when the chips were down, he had our backs and that is enough for me."
Suki couldn't help but smile at her friend. That she had so much faith in her, she was glad she decided to tell them the truth. And hearing Aikio's voucher encouraged others to vote the same.
"If Aikio is willing to give him a chance, then so am I," Ami said, announcing her vote.
"Yeah, we all know how much she hated his guts and if she is willing, then me too," Kikki voted next, giving an encouraging thumbs-up.
"Yeah, he can stay. At least now I don't have to be the one to start the fires anymore, we have our own walking spark rock to do that," Tam said, patting the Blue Spirit on the back.
Zuko smiled gratefully under his mask, seeing all of them welcoming him. "Thank you... I... I hope I deserve this."
"Oh definitely not, guess that means you owe us," Aikio chimed in, making everyone laugh, even Zuko let out a soft chuckle.
Dinner was soon served and they all seem to get a little more comfortable. The tension had finally dissipated along with the flickering light of the fire. Kikki and Tam even encouraged the Blue Spirit to show them some firebending. He reluctantly showed them a bit, conjuring a small flame in the palm of his hands before snuffing it out.
"Okay, guys, that's enough excitement for one day, time to settle in," Suki said, standing up as they all started to clean up and collect their dishes.
"Hey Blue, you mind putting out the fire? Tam asked, wanting to see another trick.
Zuko rolled his eyes but decided to humor her anyway. Raising his hand, the flames lifted and leaped off the charred wood, and swirled into his palm, before crushing it. There was nothing left, not even the embers, just darkness that now covered the camp.
"Okay, you know what, that was kind of cool," Tam admitted, which actually made Zuko feel a little better and gave her a nod.
"Thanks."
"Night, Blue, see you tomorrow," Tam said as she and the rest of the Kyoshi warriors headed off to their tents. Once everyone was gone, Zuko decided to visit Suki, to thank and tell her how she was right about everything. As he headed over to her tent, he could hear mumbling and cursing as he approached the tent. "Suki, is everything alright?"
"Oh, Blue, oh yes everything is... no ummm could you come in," she said with a frustrated tone. Zuko hesitated but slowly entered her tent. Suki was sat on her cot, groaning as she struggled with the knot of her sash, trying her best to undo her robes, but she only managed to tighten the knot. "Come on you stupid, ughhh," she said, defeated as she rested her face in her hand. "Blue, can you give me a hand with this?" she said, gesturing to her sash.
Zuko nodded as he approached her. He carefully reached down and took hold of the knot, tugging at the cloth till it started to comet undone. She smiled in relief as the sash loosened. "Thanks, Blue."
"Least I could do," he replied as the sash was now completely undone, letting her robes free. Once done, he stood up and turned around without needing to be asked.
Suki chuckled as she saw him "Very honorable of you," she teased as she let her robes slip off. She grabbed her sheet to wrap around her body, covering herself up.
"You can turn back now," she said as Zuko let out a breath before slowly turning back to face her "So you wanted to talk or something?" she asked as she saw the Blue Spirit take a seat in front of her.
"Yeah, just... just wanted to say... you were right," he said softly, watching as Suki's face light up.
"See, was that hard," Suki chuckled. "I know it can be difficult, but people can surprise you when you put your faith in them."
"Yeah," Zuko softly agreed.
Suki smiled warmly at him but could see something else was on his mind. "Is that all you wanted to say?"
He shook his head "No, that's not just it."
"Oh, what else?" Suki asked, quite curious.
"It's about yesterday and that...that kiss," he began, but his breath hitched in his throat making him stumble on his words nervously. "Did it ...did it mean?" he groaned as his cheeks turned red, jerking his head away from her gaze.
Suki just smiled, feeling her own cheeks warm up. She tentatively reached her hand out, placing it on his masked cheek. She turned his head to face her and met his golden gaze. "It... it meant something to me too," she confessed.
Zuko hoped that was her answer. Though a small part wanted a way out, a way to pull away. He drove that part of him down and let himself enjoy this moment. All his fear, all his pain seemed to drift away as he stared into Suki's eyes.
Suki then bit her lip and slowly curled her fingers around the edge of the mask. She slowly pulled and lifted it. Zuko remained still, not stopping her like he was frozen in place. He gulped nervously, feeling his mask slide up his face, but to his relief, she had stopped only lifting his mask over his mouth. But what surprised him more was that he hadn't attempted to stop her from going further.
As Suki leaned forward, she could feel the Blue Spirit leaning into her. This time, there was no hesitation as their lips met. Zuko kissing slowly, savoring her lips as Suki embraced his warmth. In that moment, nothing mattered, nothing else existed outside her tent, it was just him and her. And in that moment, Zuko knew what he wanted, what he truly wanted, and it frightened him.
Thanks for being patient and hoped you all enjoyed this new chapter