Avatar the Last Airbender: The Admiral's Daughter Zuko and OC

Crescent Island Failure

As soon as Zuko made sure Azari was alright he hurried into action. He instructed the other sages to help him open the doors. Unfortunately it was too late.

Zuko and the fire sages threw blasts of fire at the doors. To Zuko's dismay it did not work. Azari watched Zuko, she felt bad for him but she knew that there was no getting in through those doors.

"Why isn't it working? It's sealed shut!" Zuko shouted in anger.

The fire sages looked nervous at his outburst but the head sage still stepped forward. "It must have been the light. Avatar Roku doesn't want us inside," he said.

Azari didn't realize there had been a burst of light because she fell down a staircase. Azari did think that the great fire sage had to be right. And the power of a dead avatar was probably too hard for Zuko to handle.

Zuko took his anger out on a fire sage who helped the avatar. "Why did you help the avatar?" Zuko demanded an answer.

"Because it was once the sages' duty. It is still our duty," the sage said. Azari realized it was not an answer that Zuko would like. It was an answer that even Azari found pointless. Azari didn't think standing up to the fire nation had any point. Because eventually the whole world would be taken over so what was the point of standing up and fighting back? Then again Azari did realize she was biased because of Zuko.

Suddenly Azari heard something behind her. It was the sound of clapping. It was eerie and Azari went into a cold sweat almost instantly. Her breathing became heavy and her eyes searched the room frantically.

"What a moving and heartfelt performance," Zhao said. "I'm certain the firelord will understand when he hears why you betrayed him."

Every bone in Azari's body had gone stiff. Azari wanted to run and hide and make that man disappear from existence all at once.

The head sage bowed his head to Zhao, "Commander Zhao." he said.

"And Prince Zuko. It was a noble effort but your little smokescreen didn't work," Zhao said to Zuko. Azari watched as two firebenders seized Zuko's arms. Another firebender came up to Azari and grabbed one of her arms. "Two traitors in one day, the firelord will be pleased."

Zuko strained against the guards but to no avail. "You're too late Zhao! The avatar's inside and the doors are sealed."

"No matter," Zhao grinned confidently. "Sooner or later he has to come out."

The two waterbenders near Azari stared at each other worriedly.

"When those doors open," Zhao commanded. "Unleash your firepower!"

Suddenly the door began to glow again. Smoke came out from under the door and it began to open.

"Ready?" Zhao shouted. But it was no use. Two glowing eyes appeared in front of them. Azari was shocked when she realized it was the avatar.

The waterbender girl, Katara, or at least that's what Azari thought her name was, shouted to the avatar, Aang, to stop. Azari wasn't sure why, with any luck they'd be out of there easily.

"Fire!" Zhao shouted.

Avatar Roku was then noticed by everyone. In some weird way the current avatar and the past avatar had become the same.

Azari watched as cracks began to appear everywhere. She realized that Roku was going to destroy the temple. Azari watched as Zhao's men ran out of the temple as fast as they could. Azari searched frantically for Zuko but soon found him right in front of her.

"Zuko!" Azari shouted. "How are we going to get out of here?" Azari gestured to her ankle and Zuko dismissed it.

Zuko carefully picked Azari up in his arms and began to carry her down the many flights of stairs.

Azari was surprised at Zuko but she didn't have time to contemplate Zuko holding her when she was probably going to die any second.

But she didn't. Soon they were out of the temple and back on solid ground. As much as magma ground could be solid ground.

Azari made Zuko put her down, she could tell how tired he was.

"Just put your arm around me for support," Azari instructed. "I can still walk on one foot."

Zuko nodded and the two of them slowly made their way to their small boat and then to the ship.

When they got onto the ship Iroh didn't say anything to them. Iroh knew they didn't want to talk about it. The fear in Azari's eyes, the disappointment and self loathing in Zuko's. Iroh didn't need to ask.

"I had tea brought to your room," Iroh said, he smiled at them neither smiled back but Azari thanked him.

"She needs a doctor," Zuko said, gesturing at Azari.

Iroh nodded, "I can help."

The three of them went to Iroh's room where Iroh examined Azari's ankle. Iroh declared it was sprained and that Azari shouldn't walk on it. Azari shrugged but Iroh gave her a crutch to help her walk.

Soon Zuko and Azari were alone in Zuko's room. Zuko had just finished changing and Azari was making her way to the curtain that they took turns changing behind.

Azari was exhausted and as she changed she tried not to relive the events of that day. Azari wished Zhao didn't scare her so much but he did. Azari hated him for that. She didn't like to be scared.

Azari finished changing and sat down on the edge of the bed. Zuko, who was looking at maps, turned away from his maps to sit next to her. The two met eyes. Azari had so much she wanted to say but nothing came out. Zuko had nothing to say and yet something came out.

"I love you," Zuko said.

Azari stared at Zuko, he looked almost as surprised as she did. But Azari nodded, "I love you too." Azari looked at Zuko for another moment and then she watched breathlessly as he leaned forward.

8/5/24 Hi everyone! Thank you again for so many views! I love knowing so many people read this! I honestly don't like this chapter very much. I don't know why. Also I got a new cat! What should I name her? Azari??? Thank you again and the next chapter will be released on August 19!