Burning Desires || Zuko x Reader x Sokka

|| Chapter IV ||

 Throughout the week, who I now know as Iroh was able to talk to his nephew, Zuko, about allowing me more freedom around the ship to which Zuko agreed to. I was able to freely walk around the ship and wear trendy fire nation dresses. The only time I spoke with Zuko was morning, afternoon, and night, for him to just say "Foods here." However, Iroh quickly became my friend as he helped make life here more bearable. Every evening, some of the staff and us would meet and have a get together we like to call "Sing for Tea!" When I asked Iroh why Zuko never joined he replied with "He needs his time." At last, we finally hit land.

"Finally!" Zuko said, stretching his back as he headed to the boat gate. There stood two armed guards opening the gate which led downhill to a never ending bridge. At the bottom stood Azula.

"Hey, ZuZu." She smirked.

"Azula."

"It's been a while since father and I have seen you." I could tell her voice stabbed like a dagger through his pained expression.

"Yes, it has been."

"Well, hurry up! Father is just dying to see you." She flipped her hair as her escorts swiftly followed behind her. Zuko clenched his fists as teeny tiny flames were produced from his knuckles.

"Zuko..." I say, putting a hand on his shoulders.

"You heard her!" Zuko clicked his heels as he faced the guards. "Lead the way."

We soon made our way to the grand palace as the guards escorted us. Once we arrived, two old ladies - practically identical - led me towards a room.

"Enjoy your stay!" The two ladies said in exact unison. With one small push, the huge door made way to an elegant, red room. Right in front laid a plush bed with drapes coming from 7 foot poles in each corner. On the right side opened another door which led way to a balcony viewing over the entire fire nation. I could see everything from school kids running around to an old man trying to sell cabbages. The balcony had to be at least 200 feet off the ground.

"It's beautiful!" I leaned over the balcony fencing as the air gusted through my hair.

"I'm glad to hear you like it." A husky voice appeared at my side. I looked right to see Zuko looking over the balcony.

"I never knew the fire nation could be so beautiful."

"There's a lot you don't know..." He looked straight ahead as his hair swayed through the wind. I could sense some sort of nostalgic vibe. There was silence while we both stood there admiring the view. However, that silence was soon broken by Azula.

"I thought I would find you here." She leaned against the balcony doorway as Zuko and I turned our faces towards her.

"What do you want, Azula?" Zuko asked.

"I just wanted to talk with my future sister in law." Azula pouted as she stood upright. "Am I not allowed to talk with her." Zuko glared at Azula as he walked away knowing she was up to something.

"I thought I recognized you." Azula stood where Zuko had previously been standing right next to me. "You're with the Avatar, aren't you?"

"What's that to you?" I quickly stood up, turning to face Azula.

"Don't be foolish!" She chuckled, a smirk appearing across her face. "I just thought maybe I could learn more about you." She turned, slowly taking a step towards me. I stepped back.

"Tell me, do you really think the Avatar will return to save you?" She stepped towards me again, forcing me to step back. I was now pressed against the fencing as she towered over me, a grim look painted across her face.

"Let's see if the Avatar will save you now!" She summoned a blue flame from her hand as she stepped towards me. My hand slipped as I leaned backwards over the fence. Suddenly, she shot the flame at me causing me to fall backwards. This was it, I thought, This is the end. Then everything went black.