The Banished Commander (ATLA fanfiction)

Twelve

Zuko's P.O.V.

I walk into the secret garden to see Zara sitting there with the princess, looking down at her wrist.

"I've always been told to hide the mark, this is one mark that can actually get me killed," Zara says 

"Yeah, I understand that." The princess says 

Zara sighs as I watch her trace her wrist, biting her bottom lip. 

"What made you stop hiding it?" The princess asks 

"We got caught in a fight somewhere in the woods, my bracelets got caught in the tree. I tried to get free without breaking the bracelets but a solider sent fire towards Katara while she was unaware." She starts "Not even caring about the bracelets, I ripped my arm forward to attempt to stop the fire." 

"Bracelets couldn't be fixed?" The princess asks 

"Exactly." Zara says "I'm done hiding this thing. This mark has brought so much pain into my life. I need to face it head-on." 

I watch as the princess looks at her before they stand up. 

"Thank you for coming with me here to speak with me. I know to be with the spirits always helps me calm down before big things." The princess says 

"It definitely did help to calm the nerves. Thank you Princess Yue." Zara whispers 

I watch Zara look at the princess before they start to walk toward the door. 

Zara's P.O.V. 

I look over to see Aang and Katara with Master Pakku as I walk towards the princess's home. I stick my hands in my pockets. 

"Do you think I could stop by Appa?" I ask 

"Yeah. Just make sure that nobody gives you trouble." The princess says 

I look at the mark before nodding, heading towards Appa and Momo. I smile before laughing as I watch Momo start to chase some of the little kids around. 

"Momo, are you playing fair?" I laugh 

He looks at me before chattering and flying back towards Appa. 

I smile before Appa leans down to help me up before I pull my bag over. I reach into the big pocket before pulling out my necklace. I move my parents' charm out of the way when I look at the newer one, running my fingers across the lettering.

I love you... 

I look at the necklace before shaking my head, shoving it into my pocket, my fingers starting to tremble. 

I can't go back to him, he isn't the same person... 

I hear some of the children laughing before they start to gasp. I turn my head to see Princess Yue's father walking towards Appa. 

I pat Appa to let him know I'm climbing down. 

"Chief?" I start 

"We need your help." He says "I know my people don't trust you die to your bending. But we need your help if we are to be prepared for a fight with the fire nation." 

"Of course. Anything that I can do to help." I say 

The chief looks at me before he motions for me to follow him towards the capital. 

"For being afraid of the water, you sure are doing really well staying here." He starts 

"Living in the Southern water tribe helped with my fear of water." I say "It's just a bit softer here than back there were we dealt with a lot more open water."