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
Thank you all who have been enjoying my story and I've decided that I'm going to be writing through many of the episodes going through Zuko's journey to season 2 through season 3 even though it will take time to finish the story I believe it will be the best outcome in the end and I hope you all continue to read and let me know what you think and thank you again for your feedback it means a lot to me thank you
Disclaimer I don't own anything related to ATLA
The next few days, Zuko had decided to contribute more around the camp, helping as much as he can. Especially with Suki's injury, he took it upon himself to go out hunting. He used what Suki had taught him with the bow and he easily brought in-game. And each of the Kyoshi warriors showed him their appreciation in their own way.
Ami began teaching the Blue Spirit about some herbs she used. She showed him what could be eaten or used as medicine. Zuko was a quick study, learning quickly from her, and almost becoming somewhat of an apprentice. Ami was happy to pass on what she knew, even teaching the Blue Spirit how to dress and suture wounds.
Tam and Kikki showed him their fan's, teaching him what they can do. They showed him how to strike, and parry, even how to throw as a weapon. For him, the bladed fans were a little awkward to wield, but he did his best to learn what he could from their lessons.
Aikio, on the other hand, did her best not to glare at him or treat him like some criminal, giving him some space. Though they didn't talk much, Aikio's words were still on his mind. He kept thinking of their little talk and started to realize more and more that she was right. Mercy can only get you so far, and sometimes firm and more permanent solutions are necessary. If he had done what he should have back at Chong Sheng, Suki may not have been hurt at all. Even if he wanted to accept Aikio's point of view, he was still conflicted. Apart of him still regretted what he did and the idea of killing made him uneasy. He knew he had much to think about and much to accept.
Then there was Suki. At night, when everyone else was asleep, Zuko would come to Suki's tent. They would unwind and just talk. Suki started asking him questions, wanting to learn more about the Fire Nation, and what it was really like. Zuko obliged, telling her all he could remember. He talked about the Palace, the Capital city where he was from, and even the summers when they visited Ember Island.
"You know, I always wanted to see a play," Suki admitted as she slurped up some rice from her bowl.
"You don't have those kinds of things on your island?" he asked, quizzically.
"Well, sort of, we have these shadow puppet shows sometimes. But they mainly just recount our history and tales of Avatar Kyoshi," Suki shrugged. "But to see a real play with actors, stunts, it sounds like it could be fun."
Zuko nodded as he ate from his bowl. "Yeah, when I was younger, we used to go to the theatre all the time when we visited Ember Island," he says with a soft sigh. "Back then I didn't really enjoy them, it was just something my mother wanted to do. But as I got older I started to appreciate them more, and what they meant to her."
Suki gently squeezed the Blue Spirit's hand, hearing the grief in his tone. "You know, Ba Sing Se is a big city, I bet they have stuff like plays there. Maybe we could see one together, just the two of us?" she suggested, bringing a smile to his lips.
"Yeah, I would like that," he said as she smiled back at him.
"Guess that's a date," she said with a mischievous grin that made Zuko blush. "Besides, the theatre is probably the only place you don't stand out in," she giggled and poked his side.
"Ha, yeah I suppose," he chuckled, shaking his head as he looked down at her. "How's your arm?" he asked as she snuggled up against him.
"Better, though still hurts when I move it too much," she admitted, stretching out her arm but jerked it back when she felt her muscle pinch.
"That's good, it's healing well."
"Yeah, which means soon I'll be getting my bow back, thank you very much," she grinned.
"Ha yeah, guess I have been stealing your thunder," He chuckled once more as she poked his side again.
"You think, hahaha?" Suki smiled up at him then glanced outside. Seeing how dark it has gotten, she let out a soft sigh. "I think it's time for bed, we have to get up early if we wanna reach that town tomorrow," she said, letting out a small yawn as she stretched herself out.
Zuko reluctantly nodded in agreement, even though he didn't want to leave. He knew what awaited him when he went to sleep and dreaded it every night. The nightmares that haunted him, only made him want to avoid sleep as long as possible. But he knew Suki needed her rest too, so he didn't argue. "Goodnight Suki," he whispered to her as he leaned in closer to her.
"Goodnight Blue," Suki smiled, wrapping her arms around the Blue Spirit as they kissed goodnight. Zuko let his lips linger on hers, wanting to delay the inevitable. To savour each moment he could as his restless mind was at war with itself.
Suki finally started to pull away, smiling warmly as she reached up to cup his cheek. "Night," she whispered once again, her thumb just gently caressing the edge of his scar.
Zuko sighed into her hand, leaning into her soft fingers, his mind at ease when he could feel her touch. But he knew it wouldn't last, it never did. He bit his lip, finally pulling away completely. He gave Suki one more uneasy smile as he left her tent to return to his own.
He groaned heavily as he approached his tent, feeling the twisting in his gut as he went to lay on his cot. His eyes already heavy as he pulled out a few leaves that Ami gave him. He placed one in his mouth chewing on it slowly as he rested his head. Ami told him how it would let him sleep and she was right, but it didn't stop the nightmares. It just made it where he wouldn't wake during the night because of them. Once his eyes finally shut, the images returned with the blood, the screaming, the pain, but he did sleep.
The next morning they all went through the motions like usual. Packing up, loading up the carts, and leading the caravan down the path. Zuko was used to this routine as they trotted down the road. But this time, what was once lush green forests was now replaced with vast wide open fields of tall grass or barren rock. And with the open fields came the heat, no more cover from the foliage to shield them from the sun.
Zuko was used to heat but even he couldn't deny the dry, arid climate was uncomfortable. And Zuko didn't even need to ask how the Kyoshi warriors were faring. He could already see them gulping down their water skins as they all donned their straw hats to stay cool. Luckily for them, it didn't take long for the next town to appear over the horizon as the massive rock walls came into view.
Suki had instructed them that Mao was mainly a military outpost and reminded everyone to be on their best behaviour. Zuko was a bit nervous as they approached the gates. He instinctively tightened his mask and pulled his straw hat to cover more of his face. He knew exactly what the Earth Kingdom military would do to him if he was found out and wasn't too keen on getting caught.
Once their caravan approached the gates, the massive doors began to swing open, inviting them. As they entered they were able to get a good look at the outpost. It was much larger than they expected, more comparable to a military base than a simple outpost. It also had a bustling market with rows of homes, and at the rear, there was a modest temple on a hill overlooking the settlement.
Zuko would be more impressed if he wasn't still on edge. And as a group of soldiers approached and the gates shut behind them, it didn't help his nerves. Zuko felt ready to bolt, but simply followed Suki's lead as they all dismounted and addressed the soldiers. "Greetings I am General Huang, welcome to the Mao outpost," the general said, stepping forward and bowing to the Kyoshi warriors.
"Hello, I am Captain Suki, and I am the leader of the Kyoshi warriors," Suki greeted as they bowed back to the general. Zuko followed Suki's led but remained cautious, keeping his eyes on the soldiers and his hand on his dagger.
"Greetings, what brings you here? You are a far way from the Kyoshi Isles," the general asked, curiously.
"Well we are headed to Ba Sing Se to provide aid to refugees," Suki answered, gesturing to the carts and the people behind her. "These are the residents of Chong Sheng, their village was destroyed by the Fire Nation. We hoped to get them behind the walls of Ba Sing Se soon."
"Hmmm, this is troubling, the Fire Nation so close to our borders," the general was deep in thought stroking his goatee. "We will have to up our defences," he said, speaking to the soldier at his side.
"Well, during our confrontation with the Fire Nation, we were able to beat them back, and we also eliminated their commander. So, for the time being, your border will be safe," Suki said formally as she addressed the general.
"That is wonderful news, we are truly in your debt, Captain!" the General smiled wide. "Come, you and your companions may stay in our barracks. Rooms will be arranged for each of you and accommodations will be made for the refugees," he said, glancing to his soldiers to go have the preparations dealt with.
"We happily accept your offer general," Suki said and bowed once more to him, the other Kyoshi warriors following along to a tee. "But before we settle in, we need time to resupply, so we can leave early the next morning. Do you have an armorsmith or tailor to help mend some of our uniforms or a marketplace where we can restock our supplies?"
"Yes to both," the general smiled. "You can see to our Quartermaster, he can have your requests finished in a timely manner. And while he does that, you can indeed head to our market; they may have what you need."
"Thank you general we will do just that," Suki smiled up at him as he and his soldiers finally departed.
"Well, that went well," Kikki says as they all felt more at ease. "So what's the plan, Captain?"
"Well, we need to start getting our supplies restocked and the refugees settled in," Suki says as she grabs her list of what they needed and turns to the Blue Spirit. "Blue, can you go to the market and get what we need," she said, handing him the list and her money pouch. "Whatever you can't carry just tell the store owner to have it brought to the barracks."
Zuko took the money and the list with no arguments. "Sure, what will you guys be doing?" he asked, and before Suki could answer, Aikio stepped in.
"We have to get the refugees settled in, then have our armour and weapons tended to. They have taken a beating lately," Aikio answered as Suki gave her a grateful smile.
"Yes and once we are all finished we will meet up and have dinner at the barracks, hopefully their cooks have something good to eat," Kikki said, not really up for the running around.
"Okay, sounds like a plan," Suki nodded in agreement.
"Okay, I'll go see to those supplies," Zuko said as he turned to head into the market. The Kyoshi warriors waving him off before making their way into the barracks.
Zuko managed to find a few vendors that had some of the supplies on Suki's list. Showing the vendors the list, he directed them to have everything delivered to the barracks. They didn't argue, taking the money and handing him a receipt of proof of purchase. Though he got a lot of the stuff, there were still a few things left on the list as he browsed a few more stores.
When Zuko entered another general store, the owner quickly perked up at the sight of a new customer. "Is there anything I can help you with, good sir?" he asked with a sleazy smile.
"Just browsing," Zuko replied, already rolling his eyes as the shop owner almost started following him around the store.
"You sure? I have plenty of things on sale," the shopkeeper says as he gets almost uncomfortably close to the Blue Spirit. "I can show you what I have in stock."
Zuko felt an extreme urge to punch the man as he clenched his fist. But just as he was about to knock the man out, he noticed some scrolls and books along one of the back shelves. "What are these?" he asked as he reached out for one of the scrolls.
"Oh, those are some charts we have in stock," the owner explains snatching one of the scrolls from the Blue Spirits hand. He took it and led Zuko over to a nearby table, unrolling the map for him to have a look.
Zuko immediately recognized the Earth Kingdom map from one similar to what Suki has, but as Zuko scanned the parchment and noticed more markings and trails, some that aren't on Suki's copy. "How old is this?" he asked curiously.
"This one is not even a year old," the shop owner explained his mouth twisting into a grin. "Got a shipment of these a few weeks back from Ba Sing Se herself."
Zuko pondered carefully knowing Suki's maps were nearly a hundred years old, she would definitely appreciate having a new one. "How much?" Zuko asked, almost regretfully as he watched the man nearly jump for joy.
"That would be fifty gold pieces," the shopkeeper said with a wide grin.
Zuko's eyes went wide at the outrageous price. "That's highway robbery! No way I'm paying that!" Zuko growled.
"Maps are expensive," the shopkeeper said nonchalantly, but he could see the Blue Spirit wasn't having any of it. "Okay, okay, here how about we make a deal... how about twenty-five gold pieces... that's reasonable isn't it, that's half off for my special customer."
Zuko groaned knowing full well he was being ripped off. He bit his lip glancing down at the map and back at the shopkeeper. "Fine," he groaned under his breath, pulling out his own money pouch to pay.
"Lovely doing business with you," the man smirked grabbing up the map to roll it up and bring it over to the front counter.
Zuko followed him to the counter as he started to layout the gold for him. The man eagerly started counting up the pieces. "So, is this for yourself or is it a gift?" the owner asked as he wanted to probe for another sale.
"A gift," Zuko said, eyeing the man suspiciously.
"A girl, I bet," the man smirked wider as he pushed the coins into a small chest on the counter. "Sure, a map is a nice gift as gifts go, but what girls truly appreciate are flowers and in fact," he says already eager to make another sale. "I got a fresh shipment of some this morning, the perfect gift for a pretty young lady," the man winked before turning to the shelves behind him.
Zuko was already regretting even saying anything to him, but as the man turned he noticed the chest was unguarded on the table. Zuko didn't even hesitate as he snatched up his gold pieces before the man even noticed. "Here I got these this morning... Panda Lily's. They say if you give these to a girl your love will last forever."
Zuko smirked as he slipped his gold back in his pouch, the shopkeeper none the wiser as he set the flower vase on the counter. "They're beautiful aren't they?" the man asked as Zuko examined the flowers, his fingers reaching up to touch the soft petals. Though the pedals were black and white, he couldn't help how they reminded him of the Fire Lily's from his mother's garden. The petals were soft and the smell was sweet with the smallest hint of ash. They reminded him so much of his home.
Zuko sighed softly as he picked one of the flowers up, taking in its scent. His mind easily wandering to the memories of his land, his home, his mother, and to a much simpler time. He wished so much to speak to her, to see her, he knew she would have the answers he sought. Then a thought came to mind that maybe he could speak to her. "How much?" he asked, turning to the salesman, his voice assured and determined.
The shopkeeper smirked wide. "That would be one gold each." When Zuko heard the price, he didn't argue. He pulled out the gold he just stole back. "I'll take five," he said, tossing the gold on the counter. The man nodded in agreement stuffing the gold away before grabbing five of the flowers and wrapping them in a bouquet.
"Happy doing business with you," he said handing the Blue Spirit the flowers. "Oh yes, it's been a pleasure," Zuko says, rolling his eyes but took the flowers, and turns to leave before the shopkeeper realizes he's been robbed.
While the Blue Spirit was getting their supplies, Suki was getting her surprise for him ready. The previous day when Blue was out hunting, she and the Kyoshi warriors had a team meeting. They discussed the Blue Spirit and to make him one of them. She wanted to thank Blue for everything he's done, and to do that, she wanted to give him what he had lost. A home, a place to call his own, a family with her and her sisters. She didn't know what to expect when she brought up the idea to her sisters, but knowing that they supported her decision made her eternally grateful.
Suki had just finished meeting with the Quartermaster and left to meet with her sisters who were waiting by the barracks. "Oh look, the Captain's back," Tam eagerly announced as she spotted Suki. "So, how did it go?" she asked as the Kyoshi warriors gathered.
"The Quartermaster said he will have the armour finished by tomorrow morning, but if we want the robes done, we will need to head into town," Suki said, smiling triumphantly as she showed her sisters the form she was given for her order.
"The Earth Kingdom sure does love their paperwork," Kikki commented, looking over the form.
"Yes, well one last thing and we will be ready for Blue's surprise," Tam said excitedly.
"Speaking of the surprise, how about you guys? Is everything ready?" Suki asked as she put the order form away.
"Yup, pretty much, me and Aikio just finished sharpening up the swords and Ami got the contract ready for Blue to sign," Kikki shrugged.
"What was Tam doing?" Suki asked curiously.
"She was the lookout," Kikki said simply.
"Ah, hahaha okay," Suki chuckled to herself. "Well, since you are all done, I'm gonna head into town and see if I can get those robes done. In the meantime, head to the mess hall and see if dinners ready. I won't be long," Suki said as her sisters all sighed in relief.
"Thanks, Cap," Kikki said as she handed the freshly sharpened Katanas over to Suki while her, Tam and Ami started to head to the mess hall.
Suki took the two swords gratefully and examined their sharpness. She ran her thumb over the blade and eyed its straightness. "Hope these are good enough replacements," Suki muttered to herself, happy with their work.
"So, you ready?" Aikio asks as she stands before Suki.
"Huh? Oh you wanna come?" Suki asked.
"Yeah, I need to stretch my legs. Besides, I'm not hungry," Aikio shrugged, stretching herself out as Suki let out a soft chuckle. "Okay yeah, let's go," Suki says as she sheathed the two swords, carrying them on her back as they headed to the market.
"So, do you think he will like them?" Aikio asked, eyeing Suki and the two katanas.
"Hm? Oh yeah, I think he will... they may not be like his old swords, but I do think they are indeed an improvement," Suki said as she smiled up at Aikio. "By the way, thank you for your help, I couldn't have done this without your support."
"You're just saying that," Aikio said, trying to wave it off, but Suki just shook her head. "No, really, it's true. I couldn't have done any of this without you," Suki said, stopping to face her friend. "I just wish I knew how to repay you."
"Well, there is something."
"Name it," Suki said smiling genuinely up at her.
"Tell me the real reason you want Blue to join us," Aikio said as she folded her arms.
"Huh? I... I told you the reason," Suki said, suddenly feeling nervous as a warmth rushed to her cheeks.
"No, you gave us a reason, but not the real reason," Aikio stated matter of factly. "You said you wanted to repay him for everything he's done. And I believe that is true, but you could have done just that by giving him the armour and swords alone, but to make him one of us. There has to be more to it."
"I don't..." Suki felt cornered as she tried to think up an excuse.
"Don't lie, you are a terrible liar," Aikio said seeing how Suki tried to ponder a reason, any reason without admitting the truth. "You love him," Aikio stated, watching her friend suddenly freeze up.
"No, I..." Suki started but stopped herself. She looked down, defeated and not able to meet Aikio's gaze. "Yes... I, I do... I love him," she said, already hearing Aikio's words in her head, how she was compromised, that she let her emotions sway her judgment. But she didn't hear either as she felt Aikio's arms wrap around her.
Aikio gave Suki a gentle hug and let out a soft sigh. "I'm happy for you," she whispered but couldn't deny the tightness she felt in her chest as she pulled away from the sudden embrace.
"Huh? I... I don't understand?" Suki said, genuinely confused.
"Look, ever since Blue joined, I noticed you've been... happier," Aikio admitted. "You spend so much time together even when you think none of us are noticing," she said rolling her eyes.
Suki couldn't help the heat rising to her cheek. Even now her make up was barely covering her blush. "We never..."
"Hahaha, oh I know, you definitely couldn't lie about that," Aikio chuckled as Suki sighed in relief. "But still, I've never seen you like this before and... I am happy for you."
"Thanks, Aikio I have no words on how much that means to me that you said that," Suki started to smile again, her heart warmed by her words.
"Don't worry about it, it's nothing," Aikio shrugged but jerked slightly as Suki was the one to hug her this time. Aikio was about to pull away but just sighed as she too wrapped her arms around her, hugging her tightly.
"Thank you, Aikio, so much," Suki smiled, holding her friend tightly.
"Welcome," Aikio whispered before finally parting from their embrace. "Look, ummm, how about you go find Blue and give him the news while I go get the robes done," she offered.
"Really? You wouldn't mind?" Suki asked, arching her brow but couldn't help smiling.
"Yeah, I'd rather not be around you when you get all gushy," she said, acting annoyed as she took the order form. "Go on, I'll see you back at the mess hall for dinner, I'll save you a seat," she said as Suki nodded.
"Thanks," she said as she walked off to go look for Blue. Not noticing as Aikio let out a soft yet heavy sigh before making her way to the seamstress. She wasn't truly happy how things were going. Deep down she hated it, but she was going to suck it up as best she could for Suki. In the end, she felt that's all she could do suck it up.
While Zuko finished up in the market and gathered up everything he needed, there was only one thing on his mind the entire time. His mother, he wanted to speak to her, to see her, to get her advice. His want, his need lead him to the only place that could help, at least, he hoped it did. As he trekked up the small hill, the smoky scent of burning incense wafted through the air. It guided him to the temple. As he approached and made his way inside, he spotted a bald monk facing away and tending to the shrine. At first, he thought the monk didn't notice him enter so he cleared his throat to get the monk's attention. "Excuse me, is this your shrine?" he asked politely.
"Yes, it is. How may I help you child?" the monk said, not even flinching at the new presence, almost like he was expecting someone to be there.
"Well, I was wondering if I could pray at your shrine?" Zuko asked softly, watching as the monk stood to face him. He was surprised the monk hadn't reacted to seeing a masked man standing before him, he just smiled at him almost understandingly.
The monk nodded solemnly as he went over to one of his shelves. He then plucked a small box off of it, inspecting carefully before returning. "You wish to commune with someone you lost haven't you?" he asked knowingly.
"Yes, I do," Zuko said simply with a twinge of sadness in his voice. The monk nodded in response as he handed the Blue Spirit the small box of incense he retrieved.
"I'm sorry for your loss," the monk said as he bowed his head. "You may pray at my shrine and I hope you get what you seek."
"Thank you," Zuko said, respectfully bowing back to him, but paused as he glanced from the shrine to the old monk. "I would like to be alone, could you leave for a moment? I'll let you know when I'm done," Zuko requested and the monk nodded in agreement.
"Of course, take your time my child, " He said as he bowed once more before leaving.
Zuko watched as the monk left the temple. Once he was finally alone, he let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. He took a long deep breath as he turned to face the shrine. he slowly approached and knelt before it. Zuko suddenly felt nervous, a shiver came over him as he started to remove his mask. Once it was off, he let it rest in the palm of his hands. His fingers tracing along the words etched into the brow. "To My Brave Little Soldier...Ursa."
This mask was the last thing he had of his mother, everything else was in the Fire Nation or at the bottom of the ocean. But he wouldn't put it past his father to have everything else burned away to erase her entirely. He shivered at the thought. Zuko then bit his lip as he rested the mask on the shrine, in place of a picture, and began lighting the incense.
The aroma was calming as it filled the room. But even it didn't settle his nerves as he took another long breath, breathing it in. He set the incense in the holder as he knelt before his mask. "Hello, Mom... it's been a long time."
"I'm sorry we haven't... talked in a while," he said with a twinge of guilt. "A lot has happened... and I lost your picture, but I guess that is no excuse," he said and pulled out the flower bouquet he bought earlier and placed them at the front of the shrine. "I got these for you... I know they're not like the Fire Lily's from home, but I thought you might like them."
"Mom... I wish you were here, I wish you could tell me what I'm supposed to do." Zuko stared up at the mask wishing to hear something, anything, but everything was silent except his own thumping heart. "There is someone... a girl and... I love her... I love her more than anything," Zuko admitted. "She's smart, brave, a good leader and... so beautiful," he said smiling weakly a small blush rising to his cheeks.
"But I'm afraid of what it might mean if I chose to be with her. That everything you did, everything you sacrificed for me would be for nothing... I tried to make you proud, to be the prince you always wanted me to be. But I failed you!" Zuko choked out, tears welling in his eyes. "I tried to make things right to get back home, but I failed again and again and now... if I chose to be with her... that means I've given up," he said, tears spilling down his cheeks. "Please, tell me what I'm supposed to do," he pleaded as he looked up at the hollow eyes of the mask waiting for an answer. But there was nothing, he heard nothing. He gritted his teeth and growled in anger, roaring as the flames around him rose and the incense burned away, until he was shrouded in darkness.
Suki had been searching all around town for Blue. But soon was directed to the temple by some merchants who had seen a masked man heading up the hill. As Suki made her way and approached the temple, she heard music being carried by the wind. Strings being plucked and strummed as she spotted an old monk playing a pipa near the entrance of the temple. "Excuse me, hello, I was wondering if you've seen a man in a mask walk by here recently?" she asked as she waved hello.
"Yes, I have," the monk said simply, still strumming away on his pipa as he smiled up at her. "Is he a friend of yours?"
"Yes he is, do you know where he went?" she asked smiling sweetly at the elderly man.
"He is inside, in prayer," the monk said pointing to the temple.
"Thank you," Suki said gratefully as she went to head inside, but the monk cleared his throat and stopped her in her tracks.
"He requested to be left alone," he said warily. "But maybe a friend is what he needs right now. So if you do enter, be respectful while inside."
"I will, thank you," Suki promised as she turned to head inside the temple. As she stepped inside, all she saw was darkness. All the candles were out, only small, flickering embers on their wicks. She squinted her eyes, trying to see through the dark as she heard only silence. "Blue? Are you in here?" she called out and almost instantly the candles around her started to light.
"Suki?" Zuko jerked at the sound of her voice. He was still on his knees in front of the shrine, his head hunched over to hide his face. "What are you doing here?" he asked, baffled.
"I came looking for you I wanted to..." Suki was about to step forward when her eyes went wide, seeing the mask on the shrine and then noticed him still facing away from her. "Oh, Blue... I'm...I'm sorry the monk said you wanted to be alone," she said as she turned, looking away from him. "I should go."
"No wait..." they both froze as he called out to her. He didn't know why he stopped her, he just didn't want her to go. He then bit his lip as he glanced up, his eyes landing on his mask. He was about to reach out to put it on but stopped himself. "Was this... was this your... is this what you wanted?" he whispered.
Suki was about to reply but realized that he wasn't talking to her, keeping herself silent. She didn't hear as the Blue Spirit started to stand up.
Zuko smiled down at the mask as he rubbed his eyes wiping away his tears. "Thank you..." he whispered thinking this was his mother's doing, her way of telling him what she wanted for him. "Suki you told me... that sometimes we have to take a leap of faith... and trust in people, do you remember that?"
"Of course I do."
Zuko smiled softly hearing her as he took in a deep breath and turned to face her, even as she continued to look away. "Do you remember when we first met?" he asked.
"Haha, how can I forget. We chased and fought you over a sack of rice," she chuckled at the memory, thinking how much has changed since then.
"No, we met before that," Zuko said which only confused Suki. "We were... on your island. I wasn't wearing my mask back then. I... I attacked you... I attacked your people and nearly burnt down your village," he confessed, ashamed of what he did.
At first, Suki had no idea what he was talking about. Then, slowly, her eyes went wide as she started to remember when the Fire Nation attacked her island. "You... you were there?" she said in shock.
"Yes, I was," he admitted as he watched Suki turning to face him, their eyes slowly meeting.
Suki had no idea what to expect when she turned to face the Blue Spirit. Her heart was already beating out of her chest. Once her eyes met his golden gaze, her breath hitched in her throat. She was seeing his face, his real face. She recognized him, she remembered him, but for some reason, she didn't fear him.
"My name is Zuko. Son of Ursa and Fire Lord Ozai. Prince of the Fire Nation," Zuko revealed, trying his best to remain strong even as his heart raced. He watched and waited for a response half expecting her to run, but gulped nervously as he saw her getting closer.
Suki bit her lip as she got closer to him step by step. Images of the man who attacked her people flashed in her mind. Though much of it was blurry what she remembered the most was his scar and his eyes. But as she looked up at Zuko now the only thing that matched was his scar, his eyes were different. It was not the colour, but what was behind them. She didn't see the anger or rage from before. She did not see the man that attacked her people, she only saw her Blue Spirit.
Zuko tried to pry his eyes away from her's as she got close, but she stopped him as she cupped his cheek. Keeping their eyes locked as her thumb ran over the edge of the scar. "You are not him," she declared, which only confused Zuko. "Suki I..."
She shook her head back, interrupting him. "I didn't know that man, the person who hurt me and my people, but I know you," she said, smiling weakly as her eyes watered. "You are kind, caring, a hero, someone I fought beside that I would gladly fight by again."
Zuko was quite stunned by her words, a part of him still wanted to argue that she is wrong, but she continued. "Just because I know your name doesn't change who you are to me," she said, letting her hand leave his face and resting it over his chest, easily feeling his beating heart.
"Suki..."
"Yes Blue-," she was cut off as she felt his lips crash against hers. She was stunned but melted into his kiss. Her hand reaching out and wrapping around his shoulders while his hands cupped her face, deepening the passionate embrace.
Zuko finally pulled away, letting them both catch their breaths. Their eyes locked together once more as their hearts swelled. "Suki... I love you," Zuko whispered to her as tears began to spill from her eyes.
Suki couldn't control herself as she smiled brightly at him even as she wiped the tears that rolled down her cheeks. "I love you, too," she confessed as she kissed him once more embracing the man she loved. Her Prince, her Blue Spirit, her Zuko.