#didn't kno I needed this zuko in my life

[shesthelastjedi]

Finding The Fire Within: The Avatar Returns

Hi!

Here is Chapter 2! I hope you enjoyed chapter one. Let me know what you guys think.

My story is posted on FF, ao3, and Tumblr. Thank you to those who took a chance to read this.

Forever and Always,

Ari.

Disclaimer: I only own my OC's and the parts of the plot you do not recognize from the Avatar The Last Airbender.

Chapter 2: The Avatar Returns

Adara spread out the old map reading the notes cursing at the terrible penmanship, "It's the Southern Water Tribe, this is the only village. From what I saw from the other maps it's nothing like the sister tribe." She gestured to the Northern Tribe, ignoring the chill that ran up her spine. "From what our other sources have written, there are no men at the village. This is an outdated source, I'm not sure how accurate it is. So, my suggestion is to read lightly." Adara watched the men, tightening Zuko's armor.

From his look of victory and malice, she knew that he wasn't going to tread lightly. Sometimes she didn't know why she even bothered. It wasn't like he was going to heed her warning. "I'm so close to the Avatar, we will be making our way back home as soon as he is in chains." Adara shifted her light armor wishing that it wasn't uncomfortable. She focused on rolling up the map, so she didn't shift her armor again. "Stay on the ship with uncle." She avoided his eyes, hating the look in them.

Adara focused on the tip of her shoe, so she didn't roll her eyes at his words. She kept quiet when the other men started packing up, waiting patiently for them to leave, so she could have some words with him. Once the door shut, she met his gaze with a heated glare. "Why couldn't you have said something before I put my armor on?" Adara readjusted her armor for the fifth time, knowing that there was no way he was going to sideline her when she already studied the map. Whether he wanted to admit it or not, he needed her. "It's too late, I'm going and deep down you know that I have to go too."

Adara held his heated gaze, waiting for Zuko to relent. That was the thing about him, all she had to do was wait out his glare. "Stay out of my way then," He hissed, brushing past her, knocking her shoulder lightly.

"Your wish is my command, my prince," Adara lowered her head, smirking when she heard his scoff. Adara laughed to herself knowing her light tease affected him, she picked up his forgotten helmet, following him to the hatch. She stopped to his right, offering it to him as they waited for the door to open. Zuko sighed quietly, taking it from her, pulling it on. Sometimes she wondered where his head would be if it wasn't attached to his body. Adara eyed the guards behind her, wondering if Takumi was coming with them. She would feel loads better if he came with her. Adara tensed when the hatch lowered, hoping that there weren't any waterbenders to confront them. The last thing she wanted was to dual a Waterbender in a never-ending water supply.

Once it was opened, Adara surveyed the small village, following after Zuko slowly as he stalked forward. She saw the small ice houses packed close together and not much else. It was smaller than the other villages they had stumbled across. It was a small shock when she realized the villagers must have had to hunt to get simple things like clothing and food. It was something she never had to do and she couldn't help but slightly admire their way of life. She wasn't fond of the waterbenders, but the water nation people were enduring and strong for living in this freezing environment.

Her gaze was drawn to the snow gathered where the platform had opened, before a small skrill cry had her staring at the people wearily. The only people who were scattered around were women and small children, and from what she could see there were no warriors among the women. She skimmed over the faces of the people seeing only fear and horror at their presence. Everywhere they went, it was always the same expression on the faces of those who despised and feared the Fire Nation. The children hid behind their mothers, as they advanced towards the people. She eyed the boy who seemed around her age, proudly standing in front of his people. He had white and dark blue paint all over his face matching his clothing and clutched in his hand was a spear. From what it seemed he was the only warrior left behind to protect the small village. Adara stopped on the metal, a few steps behind Zuko already seeing that the boy wasn't much of a threat, so there wasn't a need for her to try and intervene.

Adara raised her eyebrows when a wail came from the boy, running forward as if he were going to take down Zuko. Briefly, she wondered if Zuko was going to give him a fight or kick him down with ease. Knowing the mood he was in today, she guessed the latter. She kept her face blank when Zuko hit the spear out of his hand, kicking him out of the way with ease. The boy landed in the loose snow beside her. With slight amusement she watched him kick his legs up as he tried to get out of the snow. With their small warrior taken down, the rest of the people all stepped back fearfully.

Adara stepped forward when Zuko moved towards the villagers. She knew he would be upset if she was any closer to him. The children disappeared behind their mothers' skirts when Zuko neared them. Adara frowned internally wondering how he could ignore the fear. She hated seeing it when she shopped at the vendors with Iroh. She hated being feared for being a citizen of the Fire Nation. Not all their people were hotheaded or cruel. Her thoughts trailed to the older woman who sold colorful stones in the plaza, and how she always had a smile on her face. Or the man who brought her new books from other lands. Their people were kind and warm, they didn't deserve this contempt.

"Where are you hiding him," Zuko yelled, his irritation beginning to reach the surface. Adara fought against the urge to fidget when there was no answer from the villagers. She couldn't intervene without causing a scene, so she watched helplessly as Zuko grabbed an elderly lady with hair as white as the snow. "He'd be about this age? Master of all elements?" When the villagers didn't answer, Zuko shoved the elder into the arms of a young girl. Adara closed her eyes, hoping that he wouldn't let his anger get the best of him, but he proved her wrong yet again. She kept her face carefully blank when he sent out a blast of fire over the villagers' head. She wished that Iroh had come down with them, so he could chastise him for being so mean. The villagers cowered, screaming out in fear, " I know, you're hiding him!"

Adara turned quickly when she heard the wail come from behind her. She stepped towards him ready to take him on when a warm calloused hand set itself on her arm. "Let him handle it," Takumi whispered lowly, pulling her to the side. She nodded slightly, glancing at Zuko to handle the boy.

With ease, Zuko evaded the boy, using the boy's momentum to flip him over his head. He delivered a blast of fire, growling when the boy dodged, yanking the boomerang from his back. The boy threw the weapon and Zuko was forced to step back. One of the little village boys tossed a huge spear at the warrior, "Show no fear!"

The boy smirked, catching the spear, running towards Zuko. Zuko threw his wrists up, breaking the flimsy spear piece by piece. He caught what was left of the spear, hitting the boy on the head multiple times before knocking him down. He hovered over the boy, and she could see him even more agitated than he was earlier. Adara shrugged Takumi's hand off, rushing towards Zuko when she saw a flash of silver coming towards him. Just before she reached him, the boomerang smashed into Zuko's helmet causing him to lose his footing. She steadied him, glaring down at the boy. Zuko shrugged her off with a glare and she quickly stepped to the side, eyeing the fire radiating from his clenched fists. She glanced up seeing snow flying up in the air, heading towards Zuko. Adara moved forward again, shoving Zuko out of the way trying to take the hit from the orange blur. Her pride could take the hit of being knocked down, Zuko couldn't. He grabbed her arm and when the orange force hit her, it caused them both to fly up in the air. She landed on her back gasping for air, seeing the clear blue sky. Slowly she sat up, only to see Zuko with his face stuck in the snow and his helmet on his backside. Adara winced knowing she messed up as she shuffled towards him, helping to his feet, ignoring the cheering from the children. Zuko sent her a furious look and once they were back on the ship she knew that he was going to yell at her. He held out his arms so the rest of the guards surrounded the child in orange. Adara ignored Zuko's silent command, swallowing harshly that the orange blur was a kid. A kid who was dressed in air nomad clothing. She was expecting an old man, not a child. She stood beside Zuko, trying her hardest to push the thought that he was only a kid. Adara got into her stance, hoping this wouldn't come down to a fight. She prepared herself to fight an adult, not a kid, and she wasn't sure if she could一. No. Adara stopped her thoughts, he's the enemy. He's our way home.

The boy sent snow onto her and the guards, laughing quietly to himself at his trick. She stood firm, feeling the snowmelt as it tried to press her down. Fury coursed through her melting the snow. She faltered again when she realized that he was about the same age… focus. Adara tried her best to refocus. Zuko was counting on her. "Looking for me?" Her heart pounded in her chest and the familiarity of his voice.

For the first time in a while, Adara could hear the shock weaving in Zuko's voice, "You're the Airbender? You're the Avatar?" Adara watched the younger girl who caught the elder, looked at the boy, shock covering her face. From her reaction, she could tell that they didn't know. It was one thing if they were hiding him, but it was a different story if the people didn't know. "I've spent years preparing for this encounter. Training. Meditating. You're just a child!" Adara straightened her back, dropping her stance.

"Well, you're just a teenager." Adara hid her smirk at the boys counter. She took a small step back when the boy and Zuko started circling each other. She watched the young Airbender curiously as he ducked and dodged Zuko's fire. His stance was entirely defensive and something she was not expecting from the Avatar. Her stomach clenched tightly when one of Zuko's blasts of fire managed to go over the villagers' heads. They cried out in fear, causing the boy to falter in his evading. The young boy glanced at the villagers apologetically, "If I go with you, will you promise to leave everyone alone?"

Zuko straightened from his firebending stance, watching the boy, to see if it was a ruse. Once he seemed satisfied with what he saw he nodded once. The guards raced forward taking hold of the kid before he could change his mind. Zuko walked in front of the men with his head held high. Adara couldn't bring herself to walk after him, instead, she stayed planted next to Takumi. The men passed her with their ticket back home, holding onto him tightly so he couldn't disappear from their grasp.

"No, Aang! Don't do this," A girl's voice cried out as she tried to dart towards them. Adara blocked her path just in case she tried something. She watched the young blue-eyed girl being held back by the warrior and the elder.

"Lady Adara," Takumi woke her out of her trance. With one last look at the people, she turned on her heel, walking behind the guards.

She trailed behind the guards hating that she had her back turned. "Don't worry Katara, it'll be okay." Adara peered in between the guards seeing Aang's cheerful face as he tried to reassure his friend. The two men who watched him, shoved him forward, seeming not to care that he was trying to say goodbye. "Take care of Appa for me until I get back." Adara turned seeing Takumi blocking her from the villagers. Regardless, she peered over him, seeing Katara's pleading gaze. Adara glanced away, knowing there was nothing she could do even if she wanted too. Aang was their mission, and she wanted to go home. She knew Zuko wanted his life back, his status, his honor and she couldn't be caught in the way of his right.

"Adara!" Zuko's angry voice caused her to retreat from her thoughts. She climbed the walkway, clipping past the guards and the young Airbender. She took her place to his right, not daring to look at him. "Head a course to the Fire Nation. I'm going home."

She kept quiet, daring to take a glance behind her at the boy. He was surveying the ship, seemingly at ease with what he was going through. No matter how much she tried, she couldn't push away the fact that he was a child, a few years younger than herself. Adara broke away from Zuko when they reached the deck. She stood next to Iroh, feeling comforted in his presence. At least he was more rational than Zuko.

Zuko reached for the staff one of the men held, holding it proudly, "This staff will make an excellent gift for my father." He looked at the boy, his voice sounding condescending, "I suppose you wouldn't know of fathers, being raised by monks. Take the Avatar to the prison hold." Zuko shoved the staff into Iroh's hand. "Take this to my quarters." She tried to sneak away with Iroh so she didn't have to endure a screaming match with Zuko. "Adara," She froze hearing the underlying anger in his tone. "Can I have a word with you?" Without meaning too, she caught Aang's playful grey eyes and he sent her a small smile. Adara blinked at him in shock, realizing that he didn't have a fearful expression like the people back at the village. It was strange and she sent him a small unsure smile back, "Adara!"

She jerked her gaze away from Aang, staring at Zuko. She straightened her back, "Yes, Prince Zuko." She didn't dare look Aang being escorted away.

He turned on his heel, and she followed after him. He stopped in the middle of the vacant hallway, turning to face her. His face was twisted in anger, "You made me look like a fool."

"You're the one that grabbed onto me," Adara said, not allowing him to place the full blame on her. "You should've let me take the hit. I tried to shove you out of the way." Adara pushed past him, her amour was starting to dig into her. "Don't try and pin this all on me. Now, if you'll excuse me," She ignored the glare on her back as she headed to her quarters to take the amour off.

Adara reached her room, slamming the door behind her as she peeled off the amour. She tossed it on the floor changing into her regular clothes so she could meditate on the deck. Adara slowly picked up her amour, placing it on the bed neatly. She would put it up later, slowly she opened her door hoping that she wouldn't run into Zuko. She needed some time before they tried to talk again. Adara breathed in the cold air once she reached the deck. Slowly she sat down, closing her eyes letting her mind try to calm. Adara bit her lip when she couldn't focus, her mind kept drifting to the Airbender currently in the prison hold. Adara opened her eyes hearing yelling behind her. Just as she was about to turn around, a blast of air hit her back sending her forward. She caught herself on her hands, wincing at the sharp pain stemming from her wrists. "Sorry!"

Adara forced herself up, rubbing her wrists, seeing Zuko and the boy facing off in front of her. A shadow passed over her and she looked up seeing a huge flying animal carrying two people. "Aang! No!" Adara ran towards Zuko when she saw Aang in the middle of a swirling column of water. His eyes and arrows glowing bright blue.

She reached Zuko and he pushed her behind him when Aang set himself on the desk, bending the water and sending it towards them. Adara screamed out when she felt the ice-cold water shove her overboard. If it weren't for Zuko holding onto her waist she would've been sent into the water below. Adara twisted out of his hold, swinging herself below him grabbing onto the chain. He glanced down at her hesitating, "Go!"

She concentrated on pulling herself up, having no time to focus on the predicament she was in. Her hands hurt from the cold metal digging into her skin. She looked up when Zuko yelled as he fell towards the water. Adara reached out, clasping his wrist in her grip swinging him below her. She grunted through the new pain on her wrist, as she peered down at him. He nodded at her and she started pulling herself up.

"Ha! That's from the Water Tribe!" Adara glared up at the wannabe warrior, stopping her ascension to send a blast of fire towards him.

"That's from the Fire Nation," The boy yelped leaning away from the side. She glanced down at Zuko, wanting to ask him if he was alright. He stared up at her, his eyes telling her to keep going. She climbed again, grasping the ledge pulling herself up, only to see the Water Tribe girl freeze the guards before returning to the creature.

She froze, letting out a shaky breath. "Adara!" She shook herself from her fear, pulling herself so that she wasn't close to the ledge. Adara turned, hating that she had her back towards the young girl, to pull Zuko up. Warm hands nudged her to the side and she allowed Iroh to pull Zuko up. Once he was on his feet her started shouting his demands, "Shoot them down!"

Adara took a moment to settle her fear, letting Zuko and Iroh handle them. Slowly she stood up, focusing on the frozen guards. She heated up her palms, producing a small flame hovering it over the ice to defrost the men. Takumi came to stand next to her as he helped her with the non-bender. She crashed into Takumi when the ship came to a sudden stop. He settled her, a small frown overtaking his face when he looked down at her. "You don't have to-"

"I do," Adara cut him off going back to the men. She was angry that she froze at the sight of a water bender. One that didn't have any sort of training. "Get them out of this ice," Adara gritted her teeth, recreating her small flame. Her wrist was hurting her, but she needed to get them out.

"Good news for the Fire Lord. The nation's greatest threat is just a little kid," Iroh sounded joyful at the small fact. She sent the elder man a skeptical look, that kid was a huge threat and they didn't know anything about him. Her eyes trailed to the snow blocking the ship from moving and it was going to be a pain to get rid of.

"That kid, Uncle, just did this. I won't underestimate him again. Dig this ship out and follow them," Zuko yelled, finally looking at the people gathered around him. Adara frowned at him before she continued back to her work. "As soon as you're done with that," He sighed, turning back to look at the animal flying away.

Adara glanced at one of the free guards. "Get warm towels," She ordered grabbing the man when his legs gave out. Carefully, she set him down focusing on the ice that held his feet captured. "Hold on a little longer," She whispered, seeing his body shiver. "We can get you some warm tea or food so it will help warm you."

"Lady-" Adara turned quickly not caring how rude she seemed as she, yanked one of the towels out of the guards' hand, draping it around the shivering man.

"Quickly give the rest the towels to the others and tell the cook to make some warm tea and food for the men," Adara melted the rest of the ice. "Gather your strength for a moment, then go inside and change. Make sure you drink warm tea and get something to eat." The man nodded gratefully and she stood, seeing the rest of the men being taken care of. Adara eyed the snow, breathing in deeply as she walked towards it. She passed Zuko, standing in front of the snow starting to melt it slowly.

-.-

Adara swayed on her feet as she made her way to her room. Her body hurt and she had almost no energy left. She had left the rest of the work to the others, going to check on the men who Katara froze. She opened her door, seeing the armor still on her bed. The last thing she wanted was to trek it back down to the weapons room. Adara whimpered setting her armor to the side, lowering herself to the bed. Her shoulders sagged as she cradled her injured wrist. Both of her wrists were hurting, but her right one was swollen more than her left one. Adara rubbed her eyes gently, laying back on the part of her bed that she had cleared. A soft knock on the door had her sighing in displeasure. She heaved her tired body up with another sigh, walking slowly, opening the door expecting a guard. Instead, she saw Zuko standing before her with a guard next to him. "Is everything alright?"

He looked at the door expectantly and she opened it wider so he could enter. The guard walked in behind her, setting the tray of food and tea on her table. He glanced at her bed, beginning to collect her armor. Before she could stop him, Zuko shook his head. Once her armor was collected the guard left, closing the door behind him. "Uncle said to bring you something to eat. I brought some of your favorite tea." Adara smiled slightly as she sagged beside the table, hiding her wrist behind her back.

"Thank you," She said, taking the cup of berry tea he offered her. "Will you have a cup with me?" She knew he wouldn't refuse a cup of the tea he refused to admit he liked. She watched him pretend to be annoyed as he poured his own cup. She felt bad since she couldn't even pour him one.

"Thank you… for earlier," He mumbled out before she could say anything. She took a small sip, setting her tea down picking at her food. He frowned at her when she kept dropping the komodo sausage, wondering why she was using her left hand. "That was a pretty good blast you sent to the Water Tribe boy." Zuko glanced at her hand, seeing it shaking lightly.

Adara sent him a small smile as she set her chopsticks down. "You don't have to thank me." She picked up her tea again, pondering for a moment. "It was a pretty good blast of fire. One day I'll surpass you Sparky."

Zuko rolled his eyes at the nickname. "The water bender…"

"I don't think she's very experienced. What she did to the men seemed like pure luck," Adara cut him off, setting her cup down harshly. She didn't want to think about the Avatar having a water bender with him. She was going to have to face her fears of being around one, now that Zuko found the Avatar.

Adara could feel his eyes on her, and she didn't want to talk about it. "We will be docking tomorrow, the ship still needs to be repaired," Zuko announced setting his empty cup down.

She toyed with her cup, looking at her food longingly. It smelt so divine and she couldn't eat it without showing her injury. "Are we keeping the Avatar a secret?"

"Yes, we can't have every Firebender after him," Zuko stood up pacing. She watched him, pulling her sleeve over her hand when she saw the purple mark. "Why aren't you eating?"

Adara froze sitting up straighter, wondering if he would know if she was lying. "I can tell the crew if you want," Adara changed the subject, pushing down a yawn.

Zuko's P.O.V

"I'll take care of it, Dara." Zuko watched his tired friend fight against the yawn threatening to overtake her. He had given the orders to the men to take care of and she had taken it upon herself to help them. He heard the men's murmurs of gratitude when she finally left. "You didn't answer me."

She swallowed hard, picking her chopsticks with her left hand, shakily bringing food to her mouth. Zuko sat beside her, picking the pieces of rice that fell on her robes. "I'm eating," She looked away, setting the chopsticks down again.

He eyed her right hand behind her back. Reaching over her, he took it gently ignoring her protests. "What happened to your arm?"

"Nothing," She tried to pull her arm away. He held it lightly, pulling her sleeve back seeing her swollen purple wrist. "It's my wrist, not my arm," Zuko growled at her, setting her arm down. He stood up, heading towards the door throwing it open.

"You," He hissed at the man walking by. "Bring me ice and bandages." The man nodded scurrying down the hall. Zuko turned back to her, sitting beside her. "Why didn't you say anything?" She sent him a small bashful grin. He picked up the chopsticks, hold a piece of komodo sausage out to her. Adara shrugged, quirking her eyebrow at him.

"You don't have to help me eat," Adara frowned, trying to take it from him. "I can do it, it doesn't hurt."

"You helped me when I was hurt, just eat," He batted her hands away. She groaned, leaning forward to take the piece of komodo sausage. She chewed slowly, not daring to look at him. He got another piece, staring at her. "The men appreciated your help." Adara nodded, still refusing to meet his eyes. He fed her the rest quietly, knowing that she felt like a burden. "Why… Why did you help them?"

"Why wouldn't I," Adara asked softly, finally meeting his gaze. "I didn't mean for you to fall." She said suddenly as she shifted away, pulling her hair down. "I was trying to help you and I thought it would be better for me to take the hit."

Zuko sighed, wanting to be angry at her but he couldn't find it in himself to yell at her. When she tried to protect him, he tried to protect her. "I know you didn't. Just don't do it again." Adara nodded setting her wrist back on her lap. "C'mon," Zuko leaned down helping her up. Her legs gave out from underneath her and he caught her. "You shouldn't have helped. You pushed yourself too hard."

"I had to help," She chuckled, resting her head on his shoulder. "We have to get the Avatar to go home." Zuko set her down on her bed gently. "Don't worry about me, you need to rest. It's been a long eventful day, I'll wait for the guard." She patted his hand gently, sending him a reassuring smile.

"Nice try," He said, reaching to rest her wrist on one of her pillows. "I know you and your heat for cold things. You won't ice your wrist." Adara blinked up at him tiredly, shrugging her shoulders. A small knock sounded through the quiet room. "Come in." The man from earlier entered, moving noisily as he set the tray down. He glanced at Adara, sending her a small smile when she looked at him. "You're dismissed." Zuko took the tray, starting to wrap her wrist gently. The door closed and he could tell she was struggling to keep her eyes open. "Almost done," He murmured, setting her hand back on the pillow helping her lay down comfortably. He set the ice on top of the bandage, ignoring her hiss at the cold.

"Thanks, Zuko," Adara held her eyes open, sending him a smile. Another yawn escaped her mouth and he knew she would fall asleep soon.

"Don't worry about it," Zuko said, glancing around her room seeing new paintings. Her room was slightly smaller than his and she had managed to make it feel like home. From her paintings, he could tell that she missed it as much as he did. Every time he came into her room, there were always a dozen more drawings and scrolls scattered around the room. He picked up the nearest scroll, grimacing when he realized how boring it was. He couldn't understand why she cared about poisonous and non-poisonous plants and berries. He took the melted bag of ice, rolling his eyes when he realized she melted it on purpose. "You're a pain."

"Sleep well Zuko," Adara closed her eyes, a small smile on her face. Zuko reached forward to brush the loose strands of dark hair away before he stopped himself.

"You too," Zuko stood, grabbing the tray closing the door behind him. He carried it until he spotted the nearest guard, shoving the tray in his hands. He stalked to the deck, feeling the ship start to move. Once he was satisfied they were on the move, he made his way back to his room.

"Prince Zuko," His uncle stopped him before he could enter. He faced his uncle not in the mood for a lecture or his words of wisdom. "Remember tomorrow is a hard day for Adara." He frowned wondering what the relevance of tomorrow was. Zuko nodded entering his room as he thought about it more in-depth. He felt ashamed when he remembered why tomorrow was going to be a hard day for Adara.

He sat down on his bed, slowly pulling off his armor as he thought about the past. He remembered when her eldest brother left for the war, he hired a nursemaid to watch out for Adara and her little brother Shao. His mother always invited Adara to the palace, since she was the only one he managed to get along with. A day that they came to visit, there had been an attack on his father's life. Her younger brother and nursemaid were killed during the attack. Zuko knew that she carried the guilt of their death still. He shoved his armor to the floor, laying back looking at the ceiling. He needed to focus on the Avatar if he were to sway from his task, they couldn't return home and he would lose everything.