A Fighter's Heart (An Avatar Fic)

Ready?

He ducked behind a tree as yet another squad marched its way down the path. It was the third one that Zuko had hidden from, and when he realized where they were going, he had begun to panic.

Once the squad was out of sight he jumped from behind the tree and began running toward the place that they’d agreed to meet, leaving the path and jumping over logs and ducking under branches as he went. He could only hope that Katara and Toph had already left the house and had made their way to the designated meeting point. As he drew closer, he realized that if Katara hadn’t left yet, that it would be because of him. If she hadn’t left to meet with the others, it would be because she was waiting for him.

He saw the signs of false dawn in the sky. If she was there, she was going to kill him for being late.

He ducked behind another tree when he saw shadows up ahead. He eased his panting so that he could hear what was being said.

“An execution?!” The harsh whisper of a guard reached him on the gentle breeze.

“Hush up! He won’t kill his own son, he’s too important for the future of the city. But the girl is no more important then you or me. He means to make an example of her,” the other one answered.

Zuko felt a horrific anger growing as a pit in his stomach as he understood what they were talking about. He had half a mind to roast both of them where they stood, but he knew he couldn’t risk compromising his position for the sake of the others.

“He’s going to kill his own daughter? And you’re ok with that?!” Zuko dared to pick around the edges of the bark to see the guard speaking grab the collar of the other one, “How many times has that girl saved your life? How many?! And you’re willing to march her to the gallows?!”

“Stand down soldier! It’s not our place to question orders, now go meet up with the rest of the troops at the house or face a hanging yourself!” The first guard slowly let his superior go and begrudgingly trudged down the path.

After the higher authority left in the opposite direction, Zuko emerged from his hiding place and continued in the direction of the meeting place. He released his rage as steam, seeping from his mouth and nose like a dragon.

But that’s who he was, wasn’t he? A man, a creature from legend, a man set apart to restore the world to what it should have been, the savior of all four nations.

The second he found out who he was, he knew that it was his destiny to restore balance. But now he knew what would happen, who he would lose, he was less convinced that when it came to it, he would have the will to fight.

He pushed aside those thoughts and focused on what was going on right then. The roof of the wooden building came into view and Zuko jogged up the pathway to the front steps. It had been less than three weeks since he had first walked into that building and officially met Katara, but it seemed to be ages ago. He walked slowly around the back and smiled with relief when he heard her voice.

“Where is he?! He should have been here by now!”

He smirked as they came into view, her back facing him, and he leaned casually against the back of the building.

“Uh, Katar-”

“-What if something happened? What if he was intercepted on his way here?”

“Kata-”

“-What on earth could be taking him this long?! I swear, if he’s okay I’m going to make him wish he wasn’t and-”

“Katara!”

“What?!”

“I think you might want to turn around!” Toph shouted, crossing her arms in victory.