The moon and The tide (and their sacred dance)

Posted originally on the Archive of Our Own at http://archiveofourown.org/works/48842815.

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Categories: F/F, F/M, Gen, M/M
Fandom: Avatar: The Last Airbender
Relationships: Katara/Yue (Avatar), Sokka/Zuko (Avatar), Mai/Ty Lee (Avatar)
Characters: Yue (Avatar), Arnook (Avatar), Katara (Avatar), Sokka (Avatar), Zuko
(Avatar), Toph Beifong, Suki (Avatar), Iroh (Avatar), The Gaang
(Avatar), Other Character Tags to Be Added
Additional Tags: Slow Burn, Friends to Lovers, Lesbian Yue (Avatar), Avatar Yue
(Avatar), Bisexual Katara (Avatar), Everyone Is Gay, Canon Compliant,
sorta - Freeform, i love yue sm she has so much potential, im so excited
to write this bro, Everyone Has Issues, Bad Things Happen Bingo, yue
causes problems on purpose, non-canon animal species, but not really,
they just take a while to actually get together yk, Angst, Found Family,
Canon-Typical Violence
Language: English
Stats: Published: 2023-07-25 Updated: 2024-01-25 Words: 11,311 Chapters:
6/?
 The moon and The tide (and their sacred dance)
by stupidslugs

Summary

Yue's journey to becoming a full fledged avatar.

or, If Yue's sickness at birth had been healed by both the Moon and the Avatar spirit.

Notes

HIII okay so this fic may be slow to updates, but ill do my best to be consistent !!
 Prologue

stray pieces of brown hair stuck to the small babes forehead and cheeks, her small body
laying still in the soft blue blanket. she did not wail, nor did she stir, not as she should have.
her father, a heartbroken shell of who he once had been mere moments ago, took her in his
arms- nearly breaking in two at the sight of her.

He knew what her state meant. He knew that it was unlikely she would make it much longer.
Yue, her name would’ve been. Brushing the pad of his thumb over her hand, which sat curled
against her chest, the king choked back a sob. “Shall i?” the head midwife asked, out
stretching a hand toward the queen. She did not want him to have to bear looking at her any
longer. The chief nodded, shoulders shaking.

She nodded in turn, motioning the two other women that had stood by to help her. Solemnly,
they placed a spare sheet over her, making sure the king was ushered away- making sure he
didn’t see her like that any longer.

His wife and child, they would be gone together.

——————————————

The moon spirit was still, a gleaming presence that watched as Arnook sat against a cold
white wall, his child still curled against his chest. He hadn’t let her go, and it was unlikely he
planned to anytime soon. No one dared to try and pry her from him.

The avatar spirit was restless, a vibrant and prominent presence that watched as Arnook
prayed for this to be nothing more than a painful dream. Her attachment grew weaker and
weaker to Aang with each passing moment, and at this moment she thought perhaps that was
a good thing. Aang was letting her go, willfully releasing her as he sensed the birth of the
next line. Something toward the south shifted, a powerful and devastating quake that would
split open the ice berg where the past avatar had resided.

The moon spirit reached for the avatar spirit, their auras tangling together in a beautiful
dance, a show of colors and a symphony of souls outstretching their arms toward Yue.

The avatar spirit guided the moon spirit toward the still child, and fell into her, their souls
tangling together. The moon spirit bowed her head, and placed a chaste kiss to the babes
forehead- a blessing, that would save her.

and suddenly, Yue let out a cry so loud it rang through the halls of the entire palace.
 Tidepools
Chapter Notes

not the BEST chapter, but i wanted to get this out quickly !!

Yue had always been told she was special- a miracle, a gift from the spirits. But she did not
like being special. She did not enjoy the secrets that came with such an 'honor'. She felt that
everything about her borderline miserable existence was meant to be perfectly average, and
she hated that she would likely not be able to fulfil that.

She knew how awful it all sounded, even in her own head. She was a princess, born into a life
of what most would consider luxury. And yet, She did not.

Everyday was the same, nothing was ever out of order. She was to get up, and be pampered
and preened by women who barely spoke a word to her, and then spend her day at her fathers
side, learning to serve her people.

She was to serve selflessly, give them everything she could give without complaint, no matter
how difficult it became to bear. She was to make sure everyone’s problems were taken care
of, every soul in the north pole was fed and warm. She was to marry someone who the people
could love, and who would uphold their traditions and values, no matter how she felt about
him, as long as he would be a good leader. She was supposed to use her bending to heal, and
only ever to heal no matter her own wishes, just as she was constantly reminded the spirits
had done for her- and she was supposed to do it all, without a second thought, or single
regret.

But spirits, it was exhausting. Never having a say, having mountains of expectations set on
her shoulders, all of it was so tiring. Her whole life, from the moment she could form her
own opinions, she longed for a change, for something to happen that would give her some
semblance of freedom. Evenas a small child, she longed to be able to make a difference in her
own life.

She longed to be her own person.

But spirit above, whoever had heard her plea had an awful and cruel sense of humor.

Her handmaiden had left her side, just for a moment to get some more navy blue cream to
make her kakiniit appear more pronounced for dinner with her father and their ambassadors-
no doubt to discuss the upcoming wedding, and an owlferret had snuck up on her. It must've
come through the window, curious of the warmth that emanated from the room.

But Yue wasn't thinking of how the small creature made its way into the palace. Her only
thoughts were occupied with how she could possibly hide the smell of smoke that lingered on
her breath. She had been so careful. She had promised herself long ago that no one could ever
find out, and she was not going to ruin it after nine long years of hiding.

The owlferret had chittered, an adorable noise they were known to make when content, but
Yue had been startled. Her vanity chair fell out from under her, and it hissed at her. And with
her anxiety already at a peak from her already stressful day, she let out a scream.

With the sound, scalding blue flames made their way up and out her throat, tingling in the
same way a spicy broth would. Only, in reverse. They spread out above her, a show of beauty,
and danger all the same. She did not firebend often, she couldn't bring herself to without
feeling an overwhelming sense of guilt and dread, but she had. Fuck.

The owlferret crawled into her lap, setting its front paws on her arm- though she paid it no
mind.

“Your highness?” a careful voice called from the hall, in time with a soft rhythmic knocking.
“May I come in?”

Panic flashed across Yue’s face. “Yes, of course! Just a moment please,” she scooped up the
owlferret, her eyes flashing around the room before she decided- like a fool, to stuff the thing
into her sleeve. She quickly picked up her chair and slipped on her white muff, before sitting
down. She tried to compose herself, to look like the leader she was to be, but she felt like she
was failing miserably. “You may come in!” Her voice was steady and calm, no noticeable
trace of fright or panic left at all. She thanked the stars for that.

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵︵‿︵‿︵‿︵︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

Large white marble doors stood tall and proud infront of Yue, her teeth gnawing at her
bottom lip as she waited for them to be opened for her. Her father had asked that she make an
entrance tonight, meaning they had guests- and while she would usually welcome a
distraction from the expected wedding planning, she did not feel up to seeing anyone that she
did not know. The last thing she wanted right now, with a rodent in her dress, and with breath
that smelled like a campfire, was to meet more people she would no doubt detest.

She cracked her knuckles beneath her muff- an unladylike habit her father hated. She listened
to the echoes of quiet chatter from the dining hall, barely distinguishable talk of alliances,
and trades, and gifts of welcoming, accompanied by the soft steps of servants retreating
toward the kitchen.

She looked to her side, her handmaiden waiting on her que to open the door now that food
had been served. Yue nodded, a hesitant smile that didn't quite meet her eyes playing at her
lips. Pana nodded, stepping in front of the princess before opening both grand doors at once
and quickly ushering herself to the left. It was often that Pana spoke, but her voice had
always carried well. She announced their arrival gracefully, before excusing herself entirely
from the setting.
“Your highness,” called general Atka, his large grin brightening the room. There were bits of
fish stuck in his unruly beard. His eyes crinkled at the edges, a soft and delicate feature that
made the veteran look much kinder than he let on. “We are so lucky to be graced by your
presence!” He chuckled. He had always been more of an uncle to Yue than anything else.

Yue took her seat at her fathers left, exchanging a half-hearted grin with him before he
quickly resumed his conversation with his comrades, and her expression fell flat and neutral
again. Arnook did not often care to have small talk, or idle chatter with his daughter. It wasn't
that he didn't care for her, anyone with eyes could see he loved her more than the stars in this
sky and the next, but the loss of his wife had hardened him.

He covered his true feelings with a callous, and it affected their relationship greatly. Though,
Yue knew he was doing everything he could given how thinly stretched he was.

Her attention was drawn away from her thoughts at the sound of her name. “Princess Yue,
this is Sokka, the son of the southern water tribes chief.” An advisor spoke, Cupun his name
was. He was old, to put it gently, and with his age came some rather unsavory qualities. He
outstretched a hand toward the young man, paying no mind at all to the girl of similar age
that sat to his right.

She was lovely. The most heavenly thing that Yue had ever seen, the very definition of grace-
with eyes like never ending tidepools, and dimples so defined the princess could practically
feel them against her own cheeks. She was paler than Yue by a fair bit, and nine adorable
freckles dotted her skin. She had her own kakiniit, though slightly different than the
princesses. Three lines below her bottom lip, all the same thickness and length, and a pair of
ornate triangles on her forehead. "He is to stay here, to learn our ways of bending, so he may
better protect his people."

“It is a pleasure to meet you, prince Sokka of the south. We are honored to have you." Yue
bowed her head, before directing her gaze to his side and speaking again, "And you are?” The
girl smiled at her, her smile so beautiful it made Yue feel weak in the knees.

Sokka grinned. The teenager seemed much more relaxed now, his posture changing
drastically in a few moments. He seemed to hold a sense of pride, and perhaps playfulness
that Yue wasn't sure she minded. She didnt often meet people her own age, and certainly not
ones that were not incredibly boring. Perhaps this would be a welcome change.

“I am Katara,” The girl finally answered, her voice warm with the cadence of soft wind. She
smiled a bit, not quite shy but not quite certain. “I am his sister.”

“Then it is a pleasure to meet you too, princess Katara,” Yue breathed, the name sticking to
her tongue like a candy, melting against her mouth. “I hope to get to know you well during
your time here.”
 Graden of spirits
Chapter Notes

RAHHHHHHH CHAPTER 2

this took me way too long to write but its fine?? this is the first fic ive gotten past
chapter one with and had the motivation to write, so im excited man

this chapter is a lot of descriptions, and world building so idk how happy i am with it???
if you have any criticism, negative or positive, pls let me know /srs

See the end of the chapter for more notes

“Why don’t you show the southerners around the gardens?” Master Pakku asked Princess
Yue once dinner had concluded. Chief Arnook was leading the group of men toward his
personal study, and he made it clear that Yue was not to follow them tonight. So, the old
master (who Katara was trying very hard not to overwhelm with a million questions about
bending, out of respect, and of course to keep the facade up) had taken it upon himself to find
a solution for the teenagers boredom before joining the adults. “I’m sure our guests would
like to see it very much. Perhaps you will even have some time to help them learn some
things about our customs, and culture before your birthday celebration, your highness.”

There seemed to be resounding agreement from all three, Katara and Sokka both eager to see
more of the north pole, though Yue was a bit hesitant. Walking around for spirits knows how
long with a rodent in her dress seemed less than appealing, but seeing her guests' excitement
she quickly relented.

“I will see you in the morning, your highness. Enjoy the rest of your evening.” The man
bowed briefly, just long enough to be polite, before he turned on his heel and rushed to catch
up with the others, leaving the trio alone in the dining hall.

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵︵‿︵‿︵‿︵︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

Soft footsteps echoed against the stone walls of the courtyard, an almost melodic sound that
rang in Katara's head as she tried to gather her bearings. Every inch of her vision was filled
with beautiful plants, walls of ivy and flowers. Sokka and Yue were lost in a conversation
about something that Katara didn't quite care to pay attention to, no matter how many times
the girl tried to include her, but it didn't matter. It gave her the chance to take in the beauty
before them.
Pale beams of moonlight streamed through the leaves of dogwood trees above their heads,
casting an almost mesmerizing glow against the pavement below them. She was certain the
moon had never shown that brightly back home.

Katara followed the stone path forward, her pace quickening just slightly, entranced by the
small blue flowers that grew through the cracks, until she stepped against a wooden bridge to
a small patch of secluded greenery. She paid no mind to the growing distance between herself
and Yue and her brother as she walked, not stopping until she reached a small pond in the
center. Lily pads sat on the surface, petals of pink flowers outstretched toward the sky as their
roots swayed gently in the water below them. A marble bench sat on the bank, between two
identical bridges, strands of ivy wrapping one side almost entirely in a beautiful deep green.

Foregoing the empty seat, the girl kneeled at the edge of the water. She watched as two fish
swam in unison, their bodies shaping a circle as they mirrored each other's movements
perfectly- as if they were two halves. A perfect pair, in tune with each other, balanced just so.

Katara isn't sure how long she spends watching them. She feels a connection to them, a
strange sense of yearning and comfort.

She catches a glimpse of her reflection in the water, twisting and distorting with the lapping
against the shore. She smiles at herself, a brief feeling of warmth taking hold of her. She feels
the addition of a presence at her side, and the warmth and sense of comfort both build for just
a second before completely fading back to normal.

“They are Tui and La,” the princess says, kneeling at Katara's side. She looks up, and
watches as Yue takes a strand of snow white hair in her hand, playing with it mindlessly as
she speaks. “The spirits of the moon, and the ocean. This is a sacred place for them, very few
are allowed here.”

Sokka takes a seat on the bench behind the pair, allowing them space to speak, the cold
marble sending a shock through him for just a moment as his bare hands fell flat against it.
He listens as Yue speaks again, her voice carrying through the garden with ease.

“This is the center of all spiritual energy and connection here.” Katara watches the girls face,
the simple dot tattoos at the corners of her eyes crinkling when Yue smiles at her. “Tui gives
us our strength; and La gives us our life.”

Katara grins, just barely. “They're beautiful.”

“When I was born, I was very sick.” The princess started, “The midwives didn't think I would
make it through the night. I did not cry, or move. I just laid there. Our healers tried
everything, but it was no use. Nothing took.” Sokka sat up straighter, careful not to make any
noise lest he disrupt the pair, but now very interested in what was being said. “I was close to
death, but something happened. Suddenly, I was fine- like nothing had ever happened. It is
said that Tui blessed me. That is why my hair is white.”

Her fingers tangled into the waves, and Katara's eyes followed them ever so carefully. “I
think the white suits you.” Her tone was bashful, and Yue couldn't help the grin that broke
free at the girls words.
“Do you have somewhere like this, in the south?” Yue leans her head to the side. She
watched as sadness clouded the brunettes eyes, and her face dropped. The realization of what
her look meant hit the young princess almost instantly.

Katara starts, and her voice is solemn, “We did, when I was young. I am told it was beautiful,
and serene.” Her fists curl into her soft blue coat, the dyed fabric rippling between her fingers
as she fiddles with it. “The fire nation destroyed it, during a siege. That is what they do. They
destroy peace, and ruin beautiful things,” She pauses, eyes welling up, a tsunami behind her
dark lashes, waiting to spill free.

The north pole had been luckier than their sister tribe. While they had countless sieges that
resulted in a complete depletion of benders, the north only had one. It lasted six days and
seven nights. Countless lives were lost in hopes of finding the avatar, hundreds of benders
taken into captivity, and never seen again. And while the north was a great nation, they did
not have the weaponry that the fire nations militia had brought to their front doors. Their
bending, as grand as it was, was not a match for their unrelenting power.

It didn't stop until Arnook had made a deal with the commander that led the attack- if he ever
caught wind of the avatar, he was to turn them over immediately. And Yue had no doubt he
would stand firm in that agreement. Arnook would do anything for his people.

It made the princess sick to think about. It was one of the biggest reasons she had said
nothing to anyone of her bending since she had found out. It was a secret she hoped to keep
for as long as possible. She was scared, she was only a child still- no matter what her father
and his gaggle had to say about the matter. She didn't want to die, not yet. Not before she ever
got the chance to truly live.

As if sensing the now solemn mood, the owlferret she had concealed made its way out her
neckhole, and began nuzzling Yue’s face. Its furry face rubbed against her cheek, the feathers
at the top of its head that went down its back raising as it chittered softly, small wings
flapping happily.

“Who is this?” Katara asked, wiping at her face with her gloved hands. The owlferret was
quick to jump onto her, licking at the tip of her nose excitedly. It wrapped its long body
around her head, stopping at the top for just a moment to flap its wings, before jumping down
and settling in her arms, letting the girl pet its soft white fur. “He's just adorable”

“I’m not sure,” Yue answered honestly, watching the interaction with a smile. “He found me
this morning. I haven't named him yet.”

“Well, whatever you choose,” Katara giggled as the creature grabbed onto her glove, its paws
digging in just slightly as he tried to steal it from her hand. “I’m sure it will be perfect.”

Yue looked at the pair, eyes flickering around the small creature's white body.

“Maybe Pirta?” she asked, reaching out to stroke the bridge of his nose.

The brunette smiled, blue eyes twinkling. “Blizzard! I like it.”

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵︵‿︵‿︵‿︵︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

Two voices echoed through the ice and marble palace, moonbeams shining through the
opaque material, creating a glow along the floor that illuminated the trio's way perfectly.
They were loud, filled with laughter and warmth. Sokka now stood behind the two girls, at
just enough of a distance. The pair were lost in conversation, and the boy was utterly lost in
thought. The whole of the north pole was beautiful, a collection of grand structures and
buildings, it left him in awe. Perhaps, one day, he could raise the south to compare when he
was chief.

Yue laughed as she looked at Katara's face, her tongue lulling from her mouth and eyes
crossed. The end of a hilarious story, only made better by Kataras over the top reenactment,
and characterization of the people she was speaking about.

Pirta mocked the sound as best he could, which made Katara join her in her uproar of giggles
and snorting. Sokka looked on, memorizing the way the pair bounced off each other in a
beautiful harmony. It reminded him of something.

The small owlferret crawled up Yues arm, where he had been laying happily, to rest across
her shoulders, his wings flapping for a moment in excitement before he promptly dozed off,
tuckered out from a long day no doubt. The girls smiled at his actions, before their
conversation resumed, now turned to a topic of their differences of clothing. How the colors,
and styles varied drastically from the two sister tribes. It then moved to the food that was
served over dinner, and how it reminded Katara of her gran-grans cooking. Their meal had
been one of Yues favorites.

Finally, it moved to Yue’s upcoming birthday, and Yue offering Katara to join her in getting
ready, as she and her brother were now her personal honored guests, and, of course, her
friends as well. The brunette agreed happily, and they fell into a comfortable silence.

Yue had never had many friends her own age before, and she was quick to learn she truly
loved it. She loved the feeling of being with Katara, specifically. Being by her side felt easy,
and needed, like taking a deep breath after being submerged in water. It felt natural, and safe.
Being with her, talking to her, it felt like her lungs were filled with new found oxygen and
like her limbs were light.

The group's walking came to a halt in front of a large set of doors, decorated with bears, and
koi like the rest of the ones in this hall. It was beautiful, and ornate- exactly what you would
expect in a palace.

Sokka bid the pair a fast goodnight, excited to be able to crawl into bed, and eager to get
some rest without fearing waking up sea sick. He was exhausted, and was sure to pass out the
moment his head hit the pillow. Katara promised to join him in a moment, though it fell on
deaf ears, as he closed the door and promptly fell asleep, just as he suspected he would.
 “Just so you know,” Katara voiced, “I’m not technically a princess. I grew up in an ice hut.”

“Well, you could have fooled me.” Yue breathed, watching as her companion leaned against
the doors. The moon cast a beautiful glow across her face, illuminating her eyes and beautiful
smile.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, Princess Yue.”

“See you tomorrow,” Katara turned to open the doors, ready to get some rest herself, “Rest
well, Princess Katara.”

Chapter End Notes

owlferrets do not exist in canon theyre my own thing, so i dont have any references for
Pirta- so just a quick description of him/owlferrets in general

Pirta is a white/cream color, with his small bandit mask being a very light shade of
brown. His feathers start at the top of his head, and go down a strip of his back into his
wings and tail. His wings and tail both resemble that of a snowy owl. The rest of his
body is covered in fur.

Owlferrets are native to the north pole, and most of the earth kingdom- though earth
kingdom owlferrets look more like the classic ferret, with wings and a tail that resemble
great horned owls instead.
 The Beginning
Chapter Notes

OKAY I DIDNT EXPLAIN THIS BEFORE SO I WILL NOW

a lot of things might seem different than in the series (layouts, more inuit traditions, stuff
like that) and thats purely how i wanted to write this. i will do my best to follow the
storylines of the show after the nest few chapters, however this will still very much be a
kind of rewrite almost? just tweaking a few things here and there- im not so much taking
away, as i am adding a few new elements to something already really amazing.

See the end of the chapter for more notes

“Admiral Zhao,” A deep voice called. A man with graying black hair, and adorned in gold
and red fabrics sat on a throne, three men standing on either side of him. His features were
sharp, and his stare matched it well. He looked smug, and his very aura leaked a sense of
arrogance that was usually only found in a child spoiled rotten. Though, Firelord Ozai fit the
bill rather well. He was childlike and spoiled in a sense that he was likely to throw a tantrum
if things didn't go his way, or if something were not to his liking. Most referred to him as
particular- but all were aware of his fits, and many called him a buffoon in kings clothing for
it, behind closed doors of course. “Thank you kindly for gracing us with your presence before
your departure.” The man finished, taping his fingers rhythmically on the arm of his seat. His
nails were long, and sharpened into talon like claws.

Another man bowed stiffly, bending at the waist at his Lord's words. “It is I who should thank
you, My Lord, for such an interesting opportunity.” The firelord chuckled, an unsettling
sound that most would shiver at. Admiral Zhao, however, smiled at the sound- relished in it
even.

The firelord stood, and two men were quick to move closer to him- lest he need something.
“I'm sure you are well aware of your mission, Admiral?” The man nodded, grinning. “Good.
Find the avatar, and bring them to me.”

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵︵‿︵‿︵‿︵︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

Zuko’s ears perked up at the mention of a title, and he subconsciously pulled the hood of his
cloak a bit closer as he pretended to examine produce. “Did you hear?” A gossiping merchant
whispered, all too loudly, her jewelry jingling as she moved. “A Fire Nation fleet was seen
heading toward the north pole- my husband says it's being led by Admiral Zhao!”
“Oh please, how could he know!” another woman said, with a laugh. “It’s not as if he saw
him.”

“No, but he saw his ship at the head of the fleet!” Zukos breath caught in his chest. He would
recognize the name Zhao anywhere, the way he had laughed as his father burned him forever
welded into his memory- but he had not been aware of his promotion. Why the hell was he
heading to the north pole?

The women continued to chatter, several other men and women joining in curiously, but Zuko
had heard all he needed to hear. He needed to inform his uncle of what their next destination
would be.

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵︵‿︵‿︵‿︵︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

Days passed by quickly, and soon they turned into drawn out weeks, and eventually an entire
month. Katara and Sokka's ruse was going absolutely perfectly. They had found the perfect
spot to hide Katara in the training yard, so when it was just Sokka and master Pakku, she
could stand off at a distance and bend in Sokka's place. And, as long as master Pakku spoke
up- as he usually did, seeming to have a fondness for listening to his own voice carry, she had
absolutely no problem following instructions. It was the perfect plan.

Now, all they had to do was keep up with it. It proved to be a harder challenge than expected.
Sokka would often act confused, or downright lost when someone brought up his bending
and how extraordinary it was. And with no way for anyone to see him use bending in
practical situations, it gave him the affectionate nickname of ‘the non-bender bender’.

Katara, however, was having the opposite issue. She had gotten better as time passed, as did
her brother, but for a while she would almost use her bending to catch a cup of water, or to
stop something from moving. And sometimes, when no one was looking, she would catch
herself simply bending to bend. Making a sphere of water float in front of her, or something
of the like. She learned it was very frustrating to be a non-bender- even if it was all a show.

It got easier when she was distracted though. Like when she was with Yue. The two would go
on walks almost every night, just talking, enjoying eachothers company. Sometimes, Katara
even considered telling her the truth. And, it wasn’t as if female waterbenders were shunned
completely- maybe Yue would even understand. But that was just childish thinking, a hopeful
outlook that made little sense, Katara knew what she was doing would immediately be seen
as a form of disrespect for their entire culture. She couldn't risk Yue thinking that of her.

All she wanted was to be able to protect herself, and her family. She didn't understand why
that was such a bad thing.

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵︵‿︵‿︵‿︵︵‿︵‿︵‿︵
Yue awoke to the sun shining through her grand windows, the beams covering her left side in
a warmth that made it so hard to want to get up. Her long white lashes fluttered open,
revealing her blue eyes, which scanned the room slowly, carefully, as if something might
have changed in the night. She took in the shadows across her bedchamber. She watched as
her newfound animal friend slept soundly, wrapped in an old hide that no longer covered her
enough to be comfortable.

Pirta let out what the princess could only assume was the owlferret equivalent of a snore, and
she chuckled before throwing her covers to the side, careful not to stir the creature. Her long
satin nightgown fell at her ankles, the long sleeves pooling just past her wrists as she sat at
the edge of her bed. She stretched her toes for her slippers, not wanting to face the cold floor
just yet, before realizing it was futile and giving up on them completely.

Her back cracked as she stood, her body swaying for a moment to rid herself of any remnants
of sleep. Yue walked toward her vanity, staring at her reflection as she sat on the fur covered
stool. She inspected every inch of her face, her freckles, her lips, the bridge of her nose, as if
something had changed. It felt like something had.

A soft knock came from her door, releasing her from her endless stream of thoughts- Pana
was waiting to get her ready for the day, filled with countless appointments, and what was
sure to be boring tasks that were useful only to fill time.

“Come in!” the princess called, voice still husky with sleep.

Her door creaked open, and several women stepped inside along with Pana. They held ornate
jewelry, her best pair of fancy boots, a lovely woolen dress, and a beautifully embroidered
coat. It was long and fluffy, looking like it would fall at about mid calf on her. There were
speckles of black and deep brown scattered around the lovely creme surface, and the hood
and edge were both lined with a soft looking black fur. There was a single line toward the
bottom of the coat, and a single matching one on each sleeve, a lovely design of her tribe's
creation- a soft blue and pure white thread sewn into repeating triangles. It was beautiful.

Yue had seen it before, in a painting of her mother, standing tall and proud beside her father.
She had worn it the night they were betrothed, and several other times for very special
occasions. Her mother before her had done the very same, after sewing it herself. When she
was very young, her father had promised her that she could wear it on her sixteenth birthday.
Today was her birthday.

“We have sent Cupun to gather Lady Katara and her things, as you requested. She will join us
shortly.”

Yue nodded, taking her seat again as two women began to do her hair. Careful hands tied in
wooden and clay beads, adorning it with jewels, and putting it all into neat twin braids- aside
from two thick strands which were pulled to the top of her head, and pinned into a pair of
loops, finished with a beret she adored. “Thank you, Pana.” The woman smiled at her, setting
the coat on her bed and reaching to stroke Pirtas fur.
“How is the little one this morning?”

“Lazy as always.” One of the women fussing over her hair- Ajij, chuckled at her musing. In
the month since Pirta had joined the royal family, he had captured the hearts of everyone who
met him. “Maybe he’ll perk up a bit once we are allowed breakfast.” On cue, the small
owlferrets head shot up, eyes wide as he stared at Yue. The room flooded with giggles,
spilling out into the hall.

“Your highness?” A soft voice asked with a rhythmic knock, waiting for Yues reply before
entering. Cupun walked in, Katara in tow- looking groggy. She set the brunettes coat and
dress beside Yue’s own, before bowing and seeing herself out. She was always very polite,
and sweet, but Cupun never enjoyed making idle chatter, or staying very long unless she
needed to. She was always busying herself with something, and most everyone took notice of
just how much she did.

“Morning Yue,” Katara muttered sleepily, before throwing herself down on top of her
clothing.

“Good morning, Katara.” Yue replied happily, taking the girl in as she watched her do her
best not to doze off again. Her hair was wild, knotted and frizzy from sleep, and sticking to
her face with sweat. Her face was flush, and her eyes were watery from yawning. By all
accounts she was a mess of tiredness, but spirits, she looked as beautiful as she always did.
The sun hit her tanned skin beautifully, pooling against her cheeks and in the crook of her
cupids bow, casting her in a soft glow.

“Your highness,” Pana placed a hand on her shoulder, ushering the other three women to get
started on Katara and give the two of them some room. Yue got up, following the older
woman toward her platform so she could start to rid her of her pajamas, and allowing them to
sit her friend in front of the vanity. “Come, let's get you dressed.”

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵︵‿︵‿︵‿︵︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

Katara grinned as a handmaid tugged at a knot- the last of several that had found their way
into her hair in the night. She had been told that her hair would be styled rather fashionably,
in three uniform braids, her usual style of qilliqti forgone. “It suits your face.” Said one of the
maids as they finished, two of them beginning to adorn her in some simple beaded jewelry.

She simply smiled, feeling quite out of place in the whole situation. She had never had
someone that wasn’t family pamper her like this, or help her get ready for important events. It
felt strange. Her hand found its way to her mothers necklace, fingers tracing the carved out
grooves in the pendant as she had so many times before. Memories of her mother braiding
her hair, and calling her beautiful girl flooded her mind, for just a moment, before she shook
them away and forced herself to relax.
“Who's the lucky person?” Another woman asked, finishing outlining the kakiniit that
covered her left hand and moving to start on the right. They had been tracing it in a blue
creme with fine paintbrushes, to make it more pronounced they had said.

“Sorry?”

“Your betrothal necklace- who’s the lucky one who caught your eye?” Kataras eyes darted
toward Yue, watching as Pana buttoned her coat and straightened the beads that hung from it.
She looked like a gift from the spirits as she stood tall, so ethereal.

She looked back just as quickly as her attention had been diverted, and shook her head, brow
furrowed. “I’m not engaged, the necklace was my mothers. I started wearing it when she
passed.”

The maid nodded solemnly, “I see. I apologize.”

“No please don’t! You’re alright, I swear.”

The woman smiled at her, teeth on a bright display. The room was silent now, aside from the
occasional comment from Pana about how lovely both of the girls looked as she helped ready
them. She helped Katara tie the teal laces of her boots, making sure the loops were uniform.
She and another woman helped her into her dress, and Katara was sure she saw Yue staring
with a dopey smile as she twirled for a moment.

“Perhaps you two would like to break your fasts in the garden this morning while we prepare
the other southerner? It will be much faster, so he may even have time to join the two of
you.”

“That sounds lovely! Thank you.” Yue said, helping Katara step down carefully. The friends
shared a smile, before they followed the other women out, Pirta pouncing along after them,
and climbing his way up to Katara's shoulder once she bent down and outstretched her arm
for him.

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵︵‿︵‿︵‿︵︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

Night came much faster than anticipated. Warm sun quickly faded into a clear, star filled sky,
and before Yue knew it it was time for the festivities of the night to begin.

Yues lips turned up just slightly in a tight grin, her eyes meeting her fathers as she stepped
through the grand doors she wasn't quite sure how long she had been staring at, before they
danced around her surroundings to take it all in. The cold nipped at her cheeks, painting them
in a soft red that was barely noticeable unless you were looking for it.

It was lovely out, soft winds picking up bits of snow from the ground and carrying them
across the freshly cleared paths. The full moon was bright overhead, illuminating the long
tables and wooden chairs in blue light. All around, it was a truly beautiful night for such a
grand celebration.

All eyes were on the princess, waiting for her to speak before taking her seat at her fathers
side. “Thank you all for coming tonight,” Yue’s voice carried clearly, and she tried to
straighten her posture and lift her chin higher, as though it were possible. She looked out at
the three dozen or so guests, her simile falling more genuine now as her nerves settled. “I am
honored by your presence, and eternally grateful for the gift of being your princess. The
people have been my life, and with my coming of age I hope to bring prosperity and safety,
above all else, to our people. May the evening be filled with joy, laughter, and love, and may
Tui and La bless us all! We thank the spirits for tonight, and every night to come.”

Applause erupted, and Yue bowed gracefully, before gliding toward her seat. To her left sat
her father, poised and joyful, and to her right, Katara. She looked absolutely stunning,
dawning a pale blue coat, with feathers on the shoulders and embroidery across the arms and
collar, that she had shown Yue days earlier- it was her nicest one, she had said. Beside Katara
sat Sokka, who was holding Pirta and indulging in fresh caribou. He looked positively giddy
at the sight of all the food in front of them.

Yue couldn’t blame him either- the cooks had truly prepared everything. Many assortments of
fish, and their eggs were on display, beside gorgeously presented platters of bowhead whale
and seal meat, and several trays of various birds. It was like this at every table- the food
paired with lit candles and identical table cloths used only on the most special of occasions.
Each place setting had its own ulu, and several spoons, though no forks like you would see in
places like the earth kingdom, as most everyone would eat everything but the broths and
stews with their hands.

Everything was beautiful, and exactly as expected.

“You were great,” Katara said, placing her hand on Yues arm. Her smile was warm, and her
voice worked to calm the princess entirely.

“Thank you,” Yue found herself drowning in her eyes once again, desperate to find solace in
them. A childish thought that she should not let herself indulge in. This was a small crush,
nothing more. She could not let it be. She cleared her throat, and set her hand on top of her
friends. “I hope you enjoy the party! The dancing will start soon.”

Moments passed and Yue made polite conversation with everyone who spoke to her, seeking
out conversation with several people herself- especially Sokka. While this was a joyous
occasion, yes, it was still somehow stiff, and she adored his loud jokes. He made her laugh.

“And so I said, ‘That's not a whale bone’!” Sokka smiled cheesily, concluding yet another
story that Yue had stirred from him. The pair erupted into laughter.

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵︵‿︵‿︵‿︵︵‿︵‿︵‿︵
After many hours of eating, and dancing, and speeches, and several beautiful performances of
throat singing- each song full of hope and love, it was finally time for the festivities to end.
Sokka had already retired, taking Pirta along with him so the pair could fall into their well
deserved food coma. The sun had started to rise now, and even the brightest of stars had
nearly faded from sight. It had even started to snow a bit.

Yue smiled, reaching her now gloved hand out to catch some of the falling specs, before
Katara called for her. “Don’t,” She said, rushing to throw her friend's arm back to her side. “I
recognize this. It isn't snow, it's soot- from coal powered ships. Big ones probably, the shits
everywhere.”

“What do you-,” the princess was cut off by a violent rumbling, shaking the ground where
she stood. She braced herself against Katara for balance, the other girl doing the same.
Candles clattered to the ground, and Yue began to hear screaming from all angles- people, her
people, were terrified.

“The Fire Nation is here.”

The chief was quick to action, his feet carrying him swiftly as he ran to shout orders to
guards, not wasting a second of time. “Daughter!” Arnook yelled, reaching for Yue as soon as
every guard had left to carry out their action. “Go, quickly. You two need to get into the
palace, find somewhere to hide.”

“Absolutely not!” Katara stared at her, already shrugging off her coat to prepare to fight.
“You have raised me to love my people, to live and breathe for my people. And if it is my
fate to die defending my people, then so be it Father. I will fight today, and there is nothing
you or anyone else can do to stop me, so I advise you not to try.”

Chief Arnook was silent for a moment, a pause of nothing being drawn out so stiffly the air
became thick, before he relented, nodding. Not another word was exchanged before he ran
off again, likely to gather anyone who was willing to fight- as he had so many years ago. Yue
smiled for a brief moment at her success, before she too shed her coat, leaving her in her
short sleeve dress and tights. She ripped the hem of it, letting it fall just above mid thigh now,
before she motioned for Katara to turn around.

She used the fabric to tie her three braids back, keeping them from falling into her face, and
Katara smiled at her briefly over her shoulder, before linking their hands and taking off down
a snowy hill toward the city. Yue was quick to bend some ice into their path for them to glide
down, their boots stopping them once it ended and they once again met stone pavement.

The smell of smoke was heavy in the air now, and Yue fought back the urge to cough as she
made her way through swarms of people feeling toward the palace. Children clung to their
parents, countless people nearly being trampled in the crowd as everyone made a desperate
dash to shelter. The princess saw desperation, and horror on every face. It fueled a
determination in her, to end this war. She knew what she needed to do now, when everything
was all said and done.

“Go!” She screamed, her voice hoarse as she tried to bellow over the chaos. “Get to the
palace, help each other!” She watched as Katara took off again, throwing her a look over her
 shoulder- their eyes locking for just a moment before she disappeared into a wave of soldiers,
fire nation and water tribe alike.

Yue stopped in her tracks entirely and turned on her heel as she heard something flying
overhead. She barely had time to breathe, let alone think as she saw a fireball hurling from
the sky. Its shadow covered the crowd of people in front of her, and without thinking she
reached toward a canal to her left.

Her hands outstretched and her fingers splayed, she used every ounce of her strength to send
as much water as she could shooting up toward the fireball. She caught it in spikes of ice, just
barely, and Yue watched as it bubbled and boiled the frozen water, before completely
relenting in its path to destruction. She let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding in,
and tried her best to drown out her heartbeat that hammered around her skull.

She whipped around, hair hitting her back and heels hitting the pavement as she made a mad
dash for the wall ahead of her. Her breath was ragged and heavy as she ran, her arms
stretched to her right to reach for the water around her. An onslaught of soldiers were ahead
of her, their red uniforms making them perfectly visible against the ice they fought against.
Several benders were doing their best to take them all down, but most focused their attention
outside the wall.

Yue propelled herself forward on a stream of water, before gliding back to the ground once
she had reached a suitable distance, and enclosing nearly a dozen fire nation men in solid ice,
the movements frozen in an eternal state of horrific action.

She sent a nod to the water benders that sat breathing, allowing themselves a moment of rest,
before they rushed off, the battle not yet relenting. Yue rushed up the stairs of one of the
center towers, skipping as many steps as she could as she tried her best to reach the top of the
wall as quickly as she possibly could. She nearly slipped, before she managed to throw open
the door and fling herself onto the landing.

Her eyes widened as she looked over the horizon, the benders and guards around her paying
her no mind as she stumbled to the edge, her hands grasping at the ice bricks that formed the
railing.

She felt sick. Her head felt light, aching at the temples. As far as the princess could see, Fire
Nation ships sat, waiting, in plain view- each holding countless more guards, countless more
fireballs, countless more ways to slaughter her people and destroy their home.

Chapter End Notes

i SUCK at writing battle scenes oh my god????? but practice is good ig

 The Banished Prince
Chapter Summary

A ZUKO CENTRIC CHAPTER?????? WHAT

Chapter Notes

obviously this one will be much more sad and angst filled than any chapter so far

it will also have a few graphic descriptions of burns/trauma and the like

this chapter is not necessary for the plot for the most part, and instead is simply my own
interpretation of canon events for this AU- though the agni kai was left pretty much the
same, it is just more graphicly described

Zuko watches as his father walks toward him in careful strides, his face stoick. The room is
quiet, no one daring to do so much as breathe. The young prince falls to his knees, salt water
beginning to spill from his eyes as his shoulders shake. “Father,” His voice wobbles, like a
small toddler, scared to be scolded. “Please, father, I'm sorry. I am your loyal son.”

Ozai says nothing, inching closer at a pace that feels like an eternity. As he stands in front of
his son, he stretches out his arm, and cups the side of his face. Zuko looks up at him through
clouded eyes, and lets out a shaky breath. He searches the firelord's eyes for any sign of
emotion. Perhaps, this is it- the moment Lord Ozai shows some sign of mortality, of
humanity, of mercy.

But when he scowls darkly, the crowd knows that is not the case. The young prince tries to
flinch away, tries to pull his head back to no avail, his father now gripping him tightly. Ozai
moves his hand up, to cover his son's eye, his fingers covering his ear. He presses his palm
down, so hard that it alone causes the boy pain. “Consequences must be dealt.” A fire flares
in his eyes, and it is matched with the reflection that begins to seep from his fingertips. “You
will learn respect.”

The young boy's screams echoed off the walls of the entire palace.

Most looked on, horrified, mouths agape and eyes wide. Others, cruel men of court, laughed
at the poor prince's state. They said he deserved it, a lesson taught not soon enough. But all
were transfixed, unable to look away until healers had guards physically removed everyone
from the arena. All but one. Iroh trembled as he tucked his chin to his chest, fists gripping his
garments tightly as he had no choice but to listen to his poor boy's wails.

It was a terrifying sight. The boy's skin bubbled against now exposed muscle. The smell of
charred bone and seared flesh was a strange thing, and it was wholly unforgettable.

The only one allowed to stay was the prince's uncle, who clung to him tightly, soft whispers
falling from his lips as he wept against the child's head. He wept for him, for the pain he had
been dealt so cruelly, and with him.

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵︵‿︵‿︵‿︵︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

Zuko was quick to wake as the sun rose, beams creeping through the small window of his
bunk slowly. He sat in silence for what felt like hours, contemplating the dreams that had
passed him and feeling the ocean rock the boat gently, the storm of the night before now long
gone. Once he was ready, joints aching and stomach churning, he sat up, his foot padding
around the floor before he got up.

He had memorized the layout of this room in the first few weeks he had been on the ship-
there wasn't much else to do. Healing had been a long process, and he found himself filling
the time with anything he could. For a few days, he was in too much pain to stand, so instead
he kept his good eye welded shut- imagining that he was far away.

In his mind, he was not a prince. He had not been cast aside like he was worthless, because
he was not worthless in his mind. His father loved him, his mother had not left, his sister
could stand him again. He found himself picturing this life more often than he would like to
admit, even now. It was a soft escape, a door away from the sea spray and cold sting of
banishment.

Once he could stand, he began wandering below the ships decks, memorizing every door,
every crack in the metal flooring. He found quickly that the difference in having one eye was
drastic, so he was advised to start learning his way around without having to rely on sight.
Iroh helped at first, or tried, but there wasn't much he could do. Zuko was stubborn, and
refused to admit his needs.

The teenager sighed at the memories, rubbing the crust from his good eye as he stumbled to
the bathroom. His sleep had been restless, his head filled with visions of past events that
haunted him. Zuko stared at his reflection for a moment, taking in what was left of his eye
socket and the left side of his face. His fingers traced it, gently, ghost pains still melting his
nerves under the surface.

He hated it. A constant reminder of his failures as a son that he was forced to bear. His hand
trailed up, fingers stretching until he reached the small bit of hair he was left with- similar to
his dignity. It had been done intentionally, before he left, a way to add insult to injury. He
supposed he could grow it out, no one would ever know- but him. And he could not bear his
father thinking him more dishonorable than he already was. So he left it. Another constant
reminder that he could never escape.

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵︵‿︵‿︵‿︵︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

Blasts of fire spread across the deck, hot air falling off them in waves. Several crew members
had paused their various tasks to watch the spar in progress, now standing leaning against the
ship's railing. Iroh sat near them, at a small tea table, a half finished game board in front of
him and a cup of steaming liquid in his hands. He was smiling warmly, watching as his
nephew dodged yet another attack from his opposite.

The boy was sweating, heaving labored breaths as he motioned for the guard he was training
with to continue, unwilling to stop until he was satisfied- which he never truly was. The
sweet child he had been before his father ruined him had long faded, a husk of him now
standing in his place, filled with grief, and anger, and hatred, and spite. “Prince Zuko,
perhaps you would like to take a break?”

Uncle Iroh's voice barely reached his ears, drowned out by the hammering of his heartbeat, a
drum in an echoing chamber. Zuko kept his fists raised, wiping the sweat from his brow with
his arm before lunging forward, shooting a bright burst of red fire at the guards center. He
dodged it swiftly, almost tripping over his feet as he hurried to shuffle away, careful to keep
his stance open to counter-attack.

“Prince Zuko,” Iroh called again, though he was drowned out by intense grunts. Zuko kicked
a small blast at the guard, before rolling to the left, shooting another two at him rapidly. His
stance was sloppy from exhaustion, hours of fighting weighing on his shoulders, but he
refused to let it deter him. He would not stop until he was satisfied.

Another blast of fire, this time sent toward the prince's shoulder. It was small, and easy to
dodge, and the boy nearly scoffed. “Do not hold back on me,” He seethed, between panted
breaths.

“Prince Zuko!” Iroh yelled now, nose bridge pinched between his thumb and forefinger.
“Come sit, rest. Now.” General Iroh did not often demand things of anyone, let alone his
nephew- he cared so deeply for the boy, he could not bring himself to be harsh after
everything he had been through.

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵︵‿︵‿︵‿︵︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

Prince Zuko pulled his hood over his head as he stepped down the narrow corridor toward the
brig of the ship. He was careful of his footsteps as his weight shifted across the creaking
metal below him. He dragged his hand against the wall, fingertips running along the gap
between the steel sheets. He counted his paces, turning sharply when he hit his desired
corner, and quickening his pace until he blew through the solid door in front of him.

Cool air whipped against his face, a stark contrast from the almost suffocating heat that
stirred below deck, and the familiar smell of salt spread through his nose. As putrid as it had
become to him, he relished in the fresh air that engulfed him. He devoured it, letting it
enclose him in cool sheets as he envisioned it wrapping its way through his lungs like vines.

He had felt so trapped, nearly doomed in that ship. When everyone made their ways off to the
port, or to the main bow for music night, Zuko saw his opportunity to finally get some space-
just for a moment. He craved some semblance of freedom so desperately, and he would be
back before anyone noticed. It would be fine.

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵︵‿︵‿︵‿︵︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

Fine had been a complete understatement.

“Uncle!” The prince called, voice bellowing from a distance, cutting through the tranquil
sounds that played from around the fire. “Uncle, I know where we need to go!” Zuko panted,
chest heaving as his hood fell from his head, metal clanging under his feet loudly as he ran.

“What-” Iroh rose quickly, scanning the boy. “Why are you so hurried?”

“Zhao. He's heading to the north pole.” The prince breathed, a determined fire filling his eyes
as he began undoing his cloak, his uncle following him as he made his way below deck and
through the maze of hallways, toward his room.

“So?”

“So, he is clearly after the avatar,” Zuko was firm in his words, truly believing what he said.
Iroh simply sighed, cupping his hands together and joining his sleeves.

“You cannot know that, Nephew.”

“There is no other explanation,” He shouted, a sudden burst of rage spilling over, venom
lacing his maw like a rabid serpent beast. This happened often. The prince had never had
good control over his emotions, even less so now.

Iroh shook his head, before raising his chin slightly. His eyes closed in thought, and
frustration with his nephews supposed certainty over something so vague.

“No other explanation, or no other explanation you are willing to accept?”

 Ruin
Chapter Notes

RAHHHH OKAY so obvious warning for brief descriptions of the attack- though i
intended to make them feel more realistic, and more mature, so there are unspecific
mentions of blood and stuff. no gore, and no real VIOLENCE thats not in the show,
most of this is canon typical dw!!

also sorry for the long wait pookies

See the end of the chapter for more notes

Yue’s hair hit against her back as she ran, feet pounding against the slush below her. The air
around her was hot and sticky, it made it hard to breathe- so hard to breathe. She felt
suffocated, and like everything around her had stopped.

Hours of fighting, hours of bloodshed and hurt finally caught up to her. It all hit her so
quickly, a vast difference from the slow motion feeling she had been stuck in. She keeled
over, dropping to her knees, a spew of vomit and blood falling from her lips. Her hair stuck to
her face, a mixture of sweat and tears coating it, the gray-soot stained mess tangling around
her fingers as she tried to push it away.

Yue took a breath, her throat burning with the stain of bile and stomach acid. She needed to
keep moving, she knew that. She needed to keep going.

Her body shook as she pushed herself up, fingers digging into the dirt and snow below her.
She took another moment as she came to stand, her legs locking as she tried to steady herself.
And she saw it, at the top of the village, beside the palace, a fire nation soldier, standing
amongst ruin, like a bad omen.

She watched as he turned, and made a b-line for the palace.

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵︵‿︵‿︵‿︵︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

Zuko held a finger to his lips as he and his uncle locked eyes. The heavy clang of footsteps
against the ships metal floors echoed around them, beating in their ears like a war drum. ‘Just
one’, Iroh signed to him, and the prince grinned.

They waited for the guard to pass by their stack of crates, just barely, before Zuko crept
toward him, knocking him unconscious with little effort.
The pair worked together to pull the man’s lax body behind their small hiding area, and
quickly began to strip him of his armor and wool padding. They dressed the banished prince
in it as they went, making sure each piece was in place.

‘Go’, Iroh motioned him once they had finished, two fingers pointing in the direction he
would need to head. They would be docking at the pole in a matter of hours, and Zuko would
need to take his place for when the time came. He needed to be able to blend in seamlessly, to
arise as little suspicion as possible.

The teenager nodded, before holding out his palm flat to the man. Iroh was quick to place his
against it, closing his eyes for a second, before they pulled apart.

As Zuko took his place walking down the hall, confident and rigid- just as he knew to be,
Iroh began fastening ropes around the guard. He needed to buy time in case he awoke before
they had arrived.

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵︵‿︵‿︵‿︵︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

Katara hadn’t stopped, not once, for a single moment. Her hands raised up as she blocked an
oncoming firebender with a wall of ice. They were caught in it in one swift motion, their
limbs shaking as they struggled to breathe, chest stuck in the wall and encased in pressure.

The girl didn’t stop, she trudged forward, sending a large wave of water toward a small group
to her left, the water from a pile of snow and slush beside her. The fire nation guards didn’t
get up right away, struggling in the cold. Another water bender was quick to freeze the water
where they sat, rendering them imobile completely as their hands and legs stuck to the
ground.

They water tribe warriors were doing their best to render as many fire nation guards useless
in non-lethal ways, it was very clear- but it seemed the latter group couldn’t care less who’s
lives they took. Blood stained the snow, a stark contrast to the white and gray.

It was sickening, But Katara didn’t stop. She watched as chaos unfolded around her, as more
blood was shed. She knew it was not just warriors, it couldn’t have been.

She stared ahead, straight down at her boots, her mind reeling as her chest heaved for air.

She had stopped. Even if it was just a minute, she had stopped, and everything hit her in an
instant. She was wracked with grief and anger and physical pain- and it all came out at once,
a horrific wail flying from her throat as she began to cry.

It was an ugly sight, not poetic or soft. It was painful to witness, and painful to feel. Her face
contorted as her emotions began to flood her. Salt poured down her cheeks, catching on her
cupid's bow and her jaw.
She did her best to move forward as she sobbed, shoulders shaking and knees fighting to give
out as she took each step.

Most of the fighting had moved further into the city, and it seemed like there was no one
around her- at least, no one that wasn’t on her side. She would’ve been fine to sit down, to let
herself cry and feel, but she didn't want to. And she knew that she shouldn’t. There was so
much left to be done, surely, and she should keep helping.

She wiped at her face, her soft blue sleeves soaking the water that pooled against her skin, as
she raised her eyes.

She was quick to catch those of a soldier- no, an admiral.

The man stood on a now empty street, smoke and rubble surrounding him- he overlooked a
cliff that slopped down to her, like a hawk staring down its prey. He was on the cliff where
the palace resided. He turned, stiffly, and marched away.

Katara’s throat tightened as she watched him stalk away, proud strides against pavement,
each step thundering against her skull despite their distance. This was bad.

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵︵‿︵‿︵‿︵︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

Zuko held his breath as he marched forward, perfectly in tune with the soldiers surrounding
him. Everything they did was perfectly calculated, precise and distinct. The sound of metal
meeting the souls of their boots was replaced with the squelch of snow, and eventually hard
stone roads.

The prince stayed as far from the fighting as he could, his eyes scanning the chaos for Zhao.
He tucked himself away behind alleys and between buildings- he had no interest in hurting
the people around him, no interest in fighting, it would be a waste of time now. He simply
wanted to capture one person, an old man, nearly a hundred years of age by now. That
shouldn’t be too hard, especially if he wasn’t a fully realized avatar.

Finding himself tucked between two buildings, Zuko took a moment to scan his
surroundings. There were barrels, and crates stacked at half the building's heights on each
side, and there seemed to be two turn offs- a fork between the alleyway. He had been
mapping in his head from the moment he began, and he couldn’t decide on a good direction
to go, so he did the best thing he could think to do.

With a grunt, he stepped onto a barrel, wobbling back and forth before climbing on top of a
pair of large crates that were to his right. He needed to gain some height, to find some
advantage, and what better way to do that than to get as high as possible.

Once he was sure he was steady, he unsheathed his sword, and stuck it into the wall above his
head- the blade slotting between stone bricks perfectly. He adjusted his grip, wiggling his
palms against the handle to insure he wouldn’t slip, before he swung his body to the side.

He threw his hips above the sword, reangling his chest to face the sky instead of the ground.
His feet left the wood in one swift motion, and his legs came to hook over the edge of the flat
roof.

Barely straining, he pulled himself up to a sit with his core, his helmet falling off and
clattering to the ground below with a clang in the process. He reached over the ledge
carefully once he’d found his footing, braced himself against the stone and grabbed the hilt of
his sword, swiftly untucking it from the crack in the wall before sheathing it again.

Amber eyes scanned his surroundings, following the curves of the scenery in front of him.
Chaos unfolded below, firebenders slaughtering anyone that wore the unfamiliar shades of
blue and brown, warrior or not. Smoke pooled against the clouds, homes and businesses alike
set ablaze by both firebenders and their large cannonballs. Screaming echoed in the distance,
battle cries and fearful pleas bouncing around the vast city.

Zuko’s stomach churned, the sight and sound of it all making him feel queasy. He needed to
put a stop to this- he needed to capture the avatar so all of this could end. He would be
firelord one day, and he would make sure that nothing like this happened again.

He shut his eyes for a moment, blocking what he could out, before searching again. He
scanned the countless heads in the crowd before he found what he needed.

Above it all, beside the palace, was a large man sporting a gray top-knot and admiral armor.
His gaze was preoccupied, thrown in the opposite direction, and his back was turned away,
but Zuko knew it was him. Which meant that is where the avatar was.

Without a second thought, the boy turned to his left and leapt forward, his knees and ankles
both burning as his feet hit a new roof.

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵︵‿︵‿︵‿︵︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

Yue sighed in relief once she spotted Katara, relief flooding her mind as the girl ran toward
her, their bodies colliding in a mangle. “There's,” The brunette paused, her breathing ragged,
“A man- The palace,” The princess nodded, squeezing Katara’s shoulders.

Wordlessly, the pair nodded to each other, a mutual understanding between them. Yue linked
their hands, palms gripping one and other tightly.

They did their best not to slip as they ran, the sludge-covered black ice that had formed from
the melted snow making it difficult to do anything short of sliding around.

As they reached the cliff where the man had been seen, they pulled apart, and Yue began
making the first move to climb, her fingers digging into the frozen dirt as she started to pull
 herself up. She slammed the toe of her boots forward, doing her best to find purchase as she
went.

She looked back, just briefly, to see Katara following suit.

Chapter End Notes

OKAY SO IF YOU COULDNT TELL, zuko is very much meant to be diluded still, i
wanted to write him almost naive when it comes to his father and his honor.

n e ways thats ittt

Please drop by the Archive and comment to let the creator know if you enjoyed their work!