>>5996229But if you succeeded where Zuko failed, then the pragmatic faction at the court would be bolstered even further. Your father may not have any choice but to name you as heir to please them, and maintain Zuko’s exile forever.
The headache starts coming on again, you take a hand to your head.
“Princess? Are you well?”
“Only sick of listening to you, upstart.” You reply. “I will take my leave.”
“Of course.” And Zhao bows again as you leave the tent.
You’re returning to the boats to rest until evening comes, sundown was the traditional time for Agni Kai. As you walk back, you notice your brother with his back to a post and his arms crossed, waiting for you, most likely.
“Had a nice chat with the commander?”
“I simply warned him not to mess with you any further.” You reply, slipping a lie. “You always get too heated up, Zuzu.” The headache recedes ever so slightly.
Zuko looks at you, doubtful of your words, then looks down and closes his eyes. He opens them again, but does not look at you, out of shame, maybe? “Uncle told me I got in over my head with this Agni Kai. Zhao is a master. If I lose, I fear losing so much that I won’t be able to capture the Avatar.”
Zhao would never kill Zuko, even if he won against him in an Agni Kai, but he may go on and scar his other eye, and Zuko doesn’t need more roadbumps if he is to do anything right.
He finally finds the bravery to look at you directly again. “Please, could you help me with training the rest of the day? I want to be ready for him.”
You feel a strange emotion again. A sort of sisterly need to care for your brother. The headache seems to be growing weaker.
>”Of course I’ll help you, Zuzu.”>”I have other things to do, Zuzu. You got into this mess, you get out of it.”>Write-in 