Within Shadows (Zuko x Reader)

Chapter 15

"I think we should split up if we're going to find Appa." You spoke as you adjusted the way your swords sat on your back and the way the one sleeve shirt covered your burnt arm.

"Are you sure you want to go out there on your own?" Aang asked you. He was truly thankful you were so keen on helping the him find Appa but ultimately worried that you'd be caught.

"Yeah what if the Dai Lee agents catch you out there?" Sokka asked in a whisper. You pulled on your fingerless gloves and adjusted your boots.

"That's why I'm dressing myself like this and using this mask to conceal myself. Besides..." You trailed and put your mask on. It wasn't anything like Zuko's but it did hold some uniqueness to it. "I spent several years sneaking around. This isn't anything new. Besides I managed to break into a heavily guarded palace." You assured. You approached Aang and places a hand on his shoulder. "I will make sure to bring Appa back." You assured and made way out the back of the house.

~~~

Appa unfortunately seemed unsettled the moment you entered the room. "Whoa... Appa it's okay. Look it's just-" but before you could move your mask to reveal your face. You turned around and held a blade to a figures throat while theirs was pointed towards your own. Your eyes widened behind the mask you wore when you saw the familiar blue mask. "Zuko..." You breathed out and put your swords away and moved your mask to show your face. He removed his sword from your neck and removed his own mask.

"(Y/n)? Then the Avatar really must be here." He replied. Appa still agitated behind you. You turned to the fluffy guy who calmed a little at your presence but was still defensive over Zukos.

"Shhh... It's okay Appa. I'm here. I'm going to get you out." You cooed softly as you pat his nose lovingly. He calmed down more but was still on edge. "And to answer your observation. Yes... The whole gaang is here and is looking for Appa. But let me ask you this, Zuko. What are you going to do with Appa?" You asked him as you turned to face him and keeping guard of the fuzzy beast behind you. The door opened behind Zuko and he quickly put his mask back on and readied his swords towards the figure but calmed at the sight of Iroh.

"What are you planning on doing Prince Zuko?" Iroh questioned. Zuko sighed and pulled off the mask.

"What are you doing here?" He asked his uncle. Completely ignoring the question.

"I was just about to ask you the same thing. What do you plan to do now after you've found the Avatars bison and gotten past (Y/n)? Keep it locked in our new apartment? Should I go put on a pot of tea for him?!" Iroh raised his voice a little.

"First I need to get past (Y/n) then get it out of here." Zuko replied. Turning to look at you and Appa.

"And then what?! You never think these things through! This is exactly what happened when you captured the Avatar at the North Pole! You had him and then you had no where to go!" Iroh scolded.

"I would have figured something out!" Zuko shot back.

"No! You wouldn't! You had no ship to return to, no home to go back to Zuko and you damn well know that!" This time you spoke up.

"And if (Y/n) wasn't there, you would have frozen to death!" Iroh added.

"I know my own destiny!" Zuko replied.

"Is it your own destiny? Or is it someone else's destiny that someone else has tried to push on you?" Iroh shot back.

"Stop it uncle! I have to do this!" Zuko turned to you and Appa and you drew your swords ready to fight him.