𝐒𝐏𝐈𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐒 // zuko

Dual Swords

dual swords

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"This is the best tea in the city!"

The aroma of brewing leaves danced in the air around the quaint tea shop as Iroh and Zuko worked their shifts, catering to the customers. Saria was nestled by the front window, cradling a small cup of tea, a subtle smile rested on her lips. Her gaze followed the banished prince affectionately as he navigated around the store.

He had changed a lot in the span of time that they were separated. Saria could see that his shoulders bore the weight of experience, which was evident in the quiet strength that radiated from him. Saria didn't know what they went through before they arrived at Ba Sing Se, but she was sure that the boy was much more resilient than he used to be.

Zuko's heart, once guarded and distant, now held a newfound sense of gratitude towards Saria and his uncle. It felt warm, as if the burdens that once weighed him down seemed to have lifted for now, and his true, kind nature was able to shine through.

However, beneath the surface of her pride, Saria still held doubts. She couldn't shake the feeling that it was all just temporary.

While it appeared that Zuko had shifted his focus away from the Avatar and reclaiming his position as heir of the throne of the Fire Nation, Saria had no doubt that everything could change if the Avatar were to appear before them.

And if that happened, Saria would be left alone.

With so many unresolved questions about her identity, Saria knew that she would not be able to return to the Fire Nation. She was part of the earth now, and she needed to figure out what that meant for her future. In learning more about Avatar Kyoshi in the Earth Kingdom, Saria's connection to her spirit would grow, and the girl hoped that would help her learn more about her role as holder of the Earth Spirit.

"The secret is love!" Iroh waved his hand through the steam of a teapot before walking towards the back of the shop, with Zuko giving him a disgusted look.

"I think you're due for a raise." The owner responded, pleasing Iroh.

A flicker of movement outside caught Saria's eye, and she shifted her gaze to the bustling street. Her heart quickened as she recognised a figure shrouded in anger, his face a canvas of raw emotion and purpose.

"Jet?-"

The door swung open forcefully, and Jet barged into the shop, immediately directing an accusatory finger at Iroh and Zuko, his presence laced with confrontation.

"I'm tired of waiting! These two men are firebenders!"

Saria stood up quickly, staring wide-eyed at her former friend as he unsheathed his hook swords and prepared to fight.

"Jet! What are you doing?"

Jet shifted his gaze towards Saria. Once he caught her eye, his expression softened into a blend of surprise and delight upon seeing her. Zuko noticed this soft change in Jet's emotions, a subtle twinge of jealousy pulling at his heart. 

"You know this guy, Saria?"

"I travelled with him through the Earth Kingdom. Jet, what are you doing?"

The young man, his brown hair tousled, approached Saria with blades gripped firmly in his hands and a strong desire to protect the girl standing before him.

"Saria, you're in danger. I know they're firebenders, I saw the old man heating his tea!"

"Jet... He works in a tea shop." Snickers from other customers surfaced, irritating Jet further.