The Banished Commander (ATLA fanfiction)

Fifteen

Zara's P.O.V.

I look at the flames as they start to circle around me, blocking the few of everyone that I love.

"Katara!" I yell "Sokka!"

"Zara?! What's going on?!" Katara yells

I watch as the flames start to turn blue, racing towards something.

"Are you going to be able to save them?" A voice rings out "Or are you going to let them down just like you've let my son down?"

"Zuko!" I realize

I turn around in a circle as I listen to people to struggle. I watch as the fire splits to show Aang, then Sokka, then Katara, Suki, a black-haired girl, Jet, then finally Zuko.

"No!" I yell running towards Zuko before the flames quickly close

I jump back, blocking my face.

"Ozai, just let them go!" I yell "They have nothing to do with me and you!"

"Zara, just get out of here! It's all a trick!" Zuko yells

I look to see his hair in his eyes as he pushes himself away from whatever he's fighting.

I watch the flames rise higher before they fully engulf me.

-~-

I wake up on a cold sweat as I look around the beach to see Sokka looking at me worriedly.

"You okay?" He asks

"Yeah?" I question "Why are you awake?"

"You woke me up when you yelped." He says "Also when you called out my name then Zuko's."

I look at him before I pull my knees into my chest, setting my chin on top.

"I'm sorry that I woke you." I whisper

"Zee, you're my best friend. You can wake me up whenever you need. You always did that after dad left." Sokka says

I look at him before looking back at the ground.

-~-

"Dad!" I hear Sokka yell

I look over at Katara's cot to see her still asleep by Gran-Gran's cot as well.

"Sokka?" I ask

"Zara? Did I wake you?" He asks as I sit up

"Yeah, it's fine." I say

I look over at the sky before I start to get up and get ready.

"I have to go out anyway. It's my turn for morning watch." I say

I grab my jacket before I hear him start to rustle around.

"Shh!" I hiss "We don't want to wake the others."

"Wait, you're not going to argue about me coming with you?" He asks

"If your nightmares are as bad as mine are I know the fresh air can help." I say

"Don't you use your bending to cope?" He asks

"Used to until it got too bad." I explain

He looks at me before we walk out of the hut before we walk over to the watchtowers.

"Thank you for being willing to stay awake with me on the bad nights." He whispers

-~-

I look towards the mountain as we are walking towards Omashu.

"It's the one place that we can be safe." Sokka says "Oh no..."