Truth | Avatar The Last Airbender

𝐼𝑉.

Akira's eyes drooped with fatigue as she leaned against the railing, staring up at the moon.

It had been two days since Zuko was arrested. They were back on the ship, setting sail for the Southern Water Tribe.

She had avoided Zuko as best as she could, scared by his sudden kindness. It wasn't a good sign. It couldn't be.

The stars dotted the night sky, twinkling happily as if conversing with one another. The moon wasn't full like it was two days ago, yet Akira still felt her strength.

Her gaze tore away from the comfort of the sky as she felt a presence beside her.

Zuko leaned against the railing, his eyes studying the ocean. Akira peered at him in curiosity. "Is everything alright, your highness?"

Zuko's eyes locked with hers as he nodded. "I just wanted to thank you. I didn't think you were coming to save me this time."

Akira shook her head, allowing a small smile to paint across her face. "I'll always come to save you, Zuko. It's my job."

He bit his lip, looking away. "I know, but I haven't treated you very well. I thought you'd take this as an opportunity to run. To escape."

Akira's eyes locked on the floor, suddenly feeling a pang of guilt. Why was she feeling guilty? Come on, Akira, snap out of it. Don't go soft on Zuko.

She shrugged, "My moral compass, I guess. It's technically my fault you got arrested. I left you."

He scowled, then exhaled, letting his frown drop. "It's fine. I shouldn't have lost my temper."

"Why do you?" Akira asked, her eyes rising to meet with his. "Lose your temper, I mean."

His lip pressed into a straight line, "I don't know. I have my reasons, I suppose. But we all have our reasons. Like you. There's water all around us. Why do you still stay when you can so easily leave?"

"Because I know you'll come back for me."

Zuko avoided her gaze, his cheeks going pink. Akira brushed his weird reaction off, maybe she was just putting him on the spot.

"You were raised and trained in the Fire Nation. Your waterbending could actually help us against other nations. My father would kill me if I lost a valuable soldier like you," he explained, still avoiding her gaze.

She felt another pang. This time, it wasn't guilt. She didn't know what it was. "I see," she nodded. "Well, this valuable soldier hasn't slept in days. I'm off to bed, goodnight Zuko."

"Goodnight, Akira."

----

Akira stared up at the ceiling, her mind wandering to Katara and Sokka.

She remembered how naturally caring Katara was. Always acting like a mother to the younger kids in the village. Always helping the women take care of their kids.

Katara was younger than her by a year, yet she'd still have that motherly attitude with her.

Akira had fallen, once, and hurt her leg pretty badly. Even now, it still aches when she trains too hard or runs too much.

Katara sat by her bed for days. Giving her food, changing her bandages and keeping her company.

Sokka never left her side, either. He'd hold her hand and make up stories about the other nations. Akira used to think they were real. He fully convinced her that firebenders could talk to dragons. That was debunked of course, when she asked one of her firebending masters.

She loved Katara, but Sokka was her closest friend and by far her favourite.

They'd sneak out at night, sit beside the cold, bitter ocean and watch the moon.

His head would rest against her shoulder, fingers intertwined. They'd talk about their dreams, and how they wished to travel the world.

But with great age comes faded memories. As Akira got older, her memories of the Southern Water Tribe faded. She couldn't remember the appearance of her friends anymore, just their eyes. Their dark, comforting, blue eyes.

A knock on her door pulled her out of her memories. She stood up and walked over to the door, opening it.

Zuko stared down at her, "the captain miscalculated. We should get to the Southern Water Tribe by tomorrow."

Akira's eyebrows perked up in joy, "really?"

"Yes, but don't look too happy," Zuko grumbled. "You won't be with us when we search the village. I can't let you leave. You'll have no choice but to stay in your room."

Akira felt her smile drop. Her hands shook as she looked up at Zuko, her gaze hardening.

"No," she mumbled, clenching her fists. "You can't do that. Not after all these years."

Her first lifted in an attempt to punch Zuko. He caught her first mid-attempt, bringing it down. The same tingling sensation erupted through her hand as her stomach churned nauseously. She cursed her body for feeling so weird around Zuko. What was this feeling?

His eyes softened, "I can't lose you, Akira. My father will kill me. If the people of the Southern Water Tribe see you, they'll recognise you. I can't have that risk."

Akira felt tears prickle at her eyes, a lump formed in her throat. She scowled, refusing to let the tears fall. "Fuck you," she hissed, tearing her hand away from Zuko's reach. "I'll find a way out. You know I will. And when I do, I'll end you."

Zuko avoided Akira's gaze, his eyes darting to the floor. Then, he scowled, "no. I'm your prince and you'll do as I say. You're not leaving this room until we're far away from the Southern Water Tribe."

Akira's eyes widened. Where has his kindness gone? She should have known he was faking it. She stepped back, glaring at Zuko, "go fuck yourself."

---------------------------------------------------