𝐒𝐏𝐈𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐒 // zuko

Tui and La

tui and la

_______________

Today was finally the day.

Admiral Zhao walked with a skip in his step. After today, he and his team would have successfully infiltrated the Northern Water Tribe and claimed victory in capturing the Avatar. Nothing was in his way, or so he believed. 

General Iroh, Zhao and his two children were standing on a balcony, staring directly towards the tribe. Zhao smirked evilly, watching as the black ash fell onto everything around them. He was ready for his success.

"This will truly be one for the history books. Just think: centuries from now, people will study the great Admiral Zhao, who destroyed the last of the Water Tribe civilisation. You all are lucky you're here to see it."

Saria privately rolled her eyes at her proud father, his words not impressing her at all. 

"Be careful what you wish for, Admiral. History is not always kind to its subjects."

"I suppose you speak from experience. But rest assured, this will be nothing like your legendary failure at Ba Sing Se." Zhao grew slightly irritated at the General, who seemed to have doubted his skills.

As Zhao walked up to the railing and stared out to sea, Saria gave Iroh an apologetic glance. He hadn't spoken much about his failed attempt to conquer the capital of the Earth Kingdom. Since it pained him too greatly to recall, Saria decided it was best to never ask. 

"I hope not, for your sake." Iroh answered, his face falling slightly. 

"Tell the captains to prepare for first strike."

The older man turned with a withering look on his face. Without looking at Saria, he walked off  into the ship to comply to Zhao's command.

"Tomorrow, we are going to return home as heroes. And I'm so glad that I can have my children by my side in this victory."

The man put his arms around his children, forcing Saria's body to fall stiff. He gripped her shoulder intimidatingly, as if reminding her where her loyalties should lie. A sudden memory flashed through Saria's mind.

"My plans are dangerous, and I cannot achieve them alone. I need you to promise me that you will do whatever it takes to ensure that you will assist me, and if that means taking a life of a human or... spirit... then you will do it."

"Yes, Father. I promise."

"Woah, Ri, are you okay?" Aiko ran to Saria's side before she tripped, her light-headedness causing her to feel sick.

"I'm... fine..." 

Her father had ordered her to do the unthinkable, and something was telling her that this battle would force her to comply.

Perhaps that was her destiny.

After a few minutes had gone by of Saria feeling unwell, she walked away from the balcony, where a fireball was being shot through the ashes towards the North. She winced as she heard the rock strike the ice, inevitably shattering the outer walls of the tribe. 

As her memory ran through her mind, she travelled further into the ship in search of a knowing old man, whom she found roaming through the halls ahead of her suspiciously. Instead of calling out to him, she followed him to a small room on the far side of the ship. 

"I think of you as my own." 

Saria opened the door cautiously to reveal Iroh and Zuko standing next to a small boat, Zuko preparing to depart. Their heads jerked towards her, fear smearing over their faces, until they recognised the girl. Zuko turned away from her.