𝐒𝐏𝐈𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐒 // zuko

Destiny

a/n i've republished this chapter due to a lot of changes that I made! if you read the original chapter, please reread this one! thank you <3

destiny

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As the first light of dawn filtered through the curtains of their humble dwelling, Saria woke beside Zuko, her heart swelling with affection as she watched him sleep peacefully. Since the night they shared their kiss at the fountain, their bond had deepened, with each moment spent together strengthening their connection.

In the quiet of the morning, Saria couldn't help but appreciate the warmth of their shared moments. But, amidst the comfort of their embrace, a shadow of uncertainty lingered in her mind. The world outside was changing, and with it, the delicate balance of their intertwined destinies felt increasingly unpredictable.

With each rise and fall of Zuko's stomach as he breathed peacefully, Saria felt a pang of worry tighten in her chest. For days, she had been so caught up in worrying about her own destiny that she had completely neglected any thoughts on Zuko's path. Similar to her own worries, Zuko's destiny was fraught with uncertainty, with his past allegiance to the Fire Nation and his quest for redemption pulling him in different directions.

Saria cherished the peace between her, Zuko and Iroh since retreating to Ba Sing Se, however, she couldn't shake the feeling that it was only temporary. The feelings from before the Northern Water Tribe resurfaced in Saria, and it unsettled her. She couldn't bare being away from him for that long again.

Though it had seemed like the banished prince had momentarily set aside his quest for the Avatar and his aspirations for the throne, she couldn't help but wonder what would happen if the Avatar were to appear before them. Would Zuko reform his allegiance to the Fire Nation and his father, or would he consider how much their lives had changed since arriving at the earth city?

As she lay beside Zuko, lost in thought, Saria realised that she needed guidance, someone to help her navigate the uncertain road ahead. And in that moment of clarity, she knew exactly where to turn—Iroh.

The girl got out of bed, careful not to disturb the sleeping boy next to her. Quietly, she entered the room of the kitchen, where Iroh was already awake, sipping tea in the quiet of the morning. He looked up as she entered, a warm smile gracing his features.

"Good morning, Saria," he greeted, setting his cup aside. "What brings you up so early?"

Saria hesitated for a moment, grappling with the weight of her thoughts, before finding the courage to speak. "I've been thinking a lot lately, Iroh," she began, her voice soft but resolute. "About Zuko, about our future, about everything."

Iroh nodded, his expression gentle as he listened intently. "Go on, child. What's been troubling you?"

"It's just... Zuko," Saria continued, her words tumbling out in a rush. She sat in a seat opposite Iroh. "Since we arrived in Ba Sing Se, it feels like he's changed, like he's finally found some kind of peace, away from all the chaos of the Fire Nation. But I can't shake the feeling that his past is still haunting him."

Iroh regarded her thoughtfully, his eyes filled with understanding. "We both know that Zuko has faced many challenges in his life, Saria," he said, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness. "His journey has been long and vigorous, filled with trials and hardships that have shaped him into the man he is today. But I believe that there is still hope for him, that he can find redemption and forge a new path for himself."

Saria nodded, her heart heavy with uncertainty. "I want to believe that, Iroh. I really do, but what if the Avatar appeared in Ba Sing Se? I can't watch him destroy himself trying to capture Aang again. Things finally feel okay."