The Trouble with Fire

Ch.24: Sozin's Comet

Zuko X OC

disclaimer: I don't own Avatar the Last Airbender. I own my OC

Only once every hundred years could a Firebender experience this kind of power. Sozin's comet was here and it glowed with such brilliance the Fang had to squint her eyes from the bright light. They had landed in the Firenation. Now they had to find Azula... wherever she had taken to hiding to.

They rushed through the palace as they landed, leaping off of Appa's back. They rushed to the entrance gates. With how self-important Azula was...she would be doing her coronation early. Zuko reached the gates quicker than the three others and wrenched it open. There the fire sages stared at them in awe. One of the fire sages was even holding the crown above her head, ready to give her the title.

"What are you doing here?", Azula asked, her words were so harsh it sounded as if she was speaking in pure poison. Fang frowned as she looked at her sister in law. She was completely off. Her face wasn't the same piercing eyes as before and she had cut her hair in all sorts of angles. Her bangs were choppy and disheveled. Fang stared at her more. Her eyes, for the first time, actually looked like Azula was scared.

"Sorry Azula, you're not going to be crowned today.", Zuko said, taking a step toward her. "Fine, you want the crown so bad? There's only one way to settle this.. a duel.", she said, a wicked smile streaked across her face. "If you really think you're fit to be Firelord then fight me. However, we both know who's going to win. I am stronger than you could ever be.", she taunted Zuko.

Fang's heart skipped a beat as Azula's wobbly eyes looked over to Fang. "And you... you disgusting creature. I will never allow you to be Queen of my nation!", Azula yelled at her as she kicked up dirt in Fang's direction. Fang stayed staring at her and smiled softly.

"No, it's not because you think I am lesser than you. You have always not liked me... even when we were kids. You never could control me with fear, Azula... and THAT is why you have always hated me.", Fang said, meeting Azula's harsh gaze. This set Azula off as she hurled a fireball in Fang's direction. Fang quickly dodged and created a wall of fire between herself and Azula.

Blue fire and orange fire collided in a large explosion as Fang ran along the edge of the large courtyard. This was mostly Zuko's fight, she was just here to help. Her eyes turned to Zuko who nodded at her and shot a fireball towards Azula.

Azula leaped forward and delivered a fury of kicks towards Zuko, blue fire dancing around him as he blocked each strike. The sound of crashing lightning hurt Fang's ears as with each strike Azula delivered a more powerful blow.

Fang rolled behind Azula and raised her hand to strike her shoulder. Azula quickly turned and blocked Fang, glaring at her with evil eyes. Fang acted just as fast, kicking Azula in the back of the knees. A small gasp of pain came out of Azula but she was not one to go down so easily. With one roll forward, she kicked a band of blue electricity at Fang.

Zuko still continued to shoot fireballs at Azula as Fang back flipped away from Azula, barely missing the lighting band from hitting her. Even if Azula was unstable.. she was still putting up an amazing fight. Azula was truly a firebending prodigy and she had the fighting skills to show for it.. however, destiny was on their side and that was what was going to make the outcome come out in their favor.

Fire coated part of the palace as the brother and sister fought for the throne. They both hadn't even stopped to realize that their beloved palace was on fire. Fang concentrated on watching Azula who was now propelling herself through the courtyard using strong bursts of fire. She danced circles around Zuko who tried to strike her with different fireball shots.

After many tries, one finally hit her, causing her to lose balance and tumble on to the ground. She skidded a little and landed with a thud. A groan escaped her lips as she panted hard and glared at her brother. "No lightening for me today? What a matter? Afraid I'll redirect it?", Zuko taunted as he held his arms out to either side of him.

"I'll show you lightening!", Azula yelled back, as she gathered lightening between both of her arms, coaxing it between her right arm and left arm in a dance as she attempted to control it's immense power. Fang watched as Azula's eyes were fixed on Zuko until the last moment. Her eyes turned to Katara. Fang's mouth dropped open.

"No.", she whispered as she took off toward Katara. She had to block the attack before the lightening hit her. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see her husband had the same thought. He had abandoned his stance and was running in front of Katara to shield her from the lightening.

Fang let out a scream as the lightening made contact with Zuko and flung him backward. His bodied gave spasms with the electrical energy pulsing uncontrolled through his body. Fang raced over to Zuko and placed her hand on him delivering an aftershock to her.

Fang gazed at his face, his eyes were closed in terrible pain. Fang didn't know how long he would last. Taking a deep breath to calm herself, Fang slowly stood up still looking down at her husband. He was alive but barely... there was only one thing for her left to do. She had to get rid of Azula. Azula's laughter filled the arena as she looked at her brother curled up in pain.

Fang turned to look at her as Azula charged at her. Enough was enough. Fang never wanted to see this woman's face again. Sister or no sister, she was as good as dead to Fang. Fang quickly charged at Azula and shot a fireball toward her.

Fang quickly followed it up with a band of fire that moved toward Azula from the side. Azula continued to laugh manically as she dodged each of Fang's attacked. Fang had expected her to dodge them, with each strike she was drawing closer and closer to Azula, shortening the gap between the two woman.

"I'll help, Fang!", Katara yelled, pulling water from her pouch and forming it between her fingers. Fang nodded in response as she had gotten closer to Azula, she was within arms reach, something that Fang was going to take advantage of. Azula was about to shoot Fang with a fireball but stopped as she realized how close Fang had gotten.

That split second hesitation was all Fang needed, she quickly reached and grabbed Azula's hair, pulling it hard. A pained whine escaped Azula's lips as Fang reached with her other hand and slapped Azula as hard as she could, making the girl stumble back a little

Her eyes glowed a dangerous orange as she glared at Fang. Moving to her side, Fang watched Azula took her focus off of her and ran after Katara. The unstable firebender leaped up and charged towards Katara. "Your battle is with me Azula!", Fang yelled at her.

"Why when I can take you both on!", Azula yelled, continuing her course. Katara seemed to be unfazed as she watched Katara look down at the reservoir that the palace used to water their gardens. Katara glanced at Fang and gave her a small smiled, letting Fang know everything was okay. Fang followed after Azula but kept her eyes on Katara who had grabbed a chain and was holding it behind her back.

She was staying perfectly still as she could. Azula got into her lightening stance and prepared to shoot Katara with one hard strike. Just before the lightening was about to leave Azula's fingers, Katara raised her arms. Freezing the water around Azula and Katara. Fang watched and smiled as Katara only bended the ice around her, making her able to move in the ice as if it was water.

She held the chain out for Fang to help. Together they pulled Azula's arms down and made her kneel on the hard grate, chaining her wrists to the ground. Only after they had made sure that her arms were secure did Katara let the water fall. The three woman gasped for air as oxygen filled their lungs again.

Azula began to cough and struggle to get out of her chains. She screamed hysterically and met Fang's gaze. Fang stared down at her but said nothing, turning away from her making Azula scream more in anger. Now that Azula was taken care of.. they needed to attend to Zuko. Katara rushed forward to Zuko with Fang trailing not far behind. She pulled more water from her pouch and placed it around her fingers like a glove. The water glowed as Katara placed her hands over the wound on Zuko's chest.

He groaned in pain as the burnt skin started to heal. Fang ran her fingers through his hair and massaged his head to try to sooth the pain. Fang smiled as Zuko opened his eyes a little. "Thank you, Katara.", he whispered before closing his eyes again. Fang placed a hand on Katara's shoulder and smiled at her in a silent "Thank You".

Fang softly pushed on Zuko's shoulders to make him sit up as Katara pulled his arms forward. Azula started to wail as Zuko stood making Fang look at her once again, this time out of pity. The woman was completely out of control. She breathed out fire and threw herself on the ground, still struggling against her chains as screams turned into uncontrollable sobs.

She never wanted this fate for Azula, she would have loved if the two of them could have gotten along but alas, Azula wanted everything her way and now this is what her wants and desires had led her to have. No friends, no family, and no one to trust. Azula's turned her head down to the ground as her sobs slowly died down.

"Just leave her for right now.", Zuko said, turning his gaze away from his sister. Even though he hated her... Fang was sure that he still felt some pain in his heart for her. Fang walked slowly off toward the palace as Sozin's comet disappeared into the sunset. She only hoped Aang had been able to defeat the Firelord. This war had gone on for so long that she felt a sense of relief. In her heart, she knew that Aang had won and her husband was now Firelord.

Fang smiled and watched as Zuko struggled with the putting on his robe. "Here, let me help you.", she said as she took the red and gold silk robe into her hands. She knew how hard it would be for him to put it on with his injury. The wound that Azula had inflicted on him would take awhile to heal. She herself was wearing something similar, a red and gold robe that had a train in the back. The robe differed from Zuko's a little.

While the collar of his was close to his neck. Hers was open and the neckline dipped down farther to reveal her collar and shoulders. She gently placed it on his shoulders and helped him string his arms through the sleeves. "Thanks. This wound is deep.", he said, as he grunted a little in pain. "Even with Katara's healing water it will still take some time.", Fang answered. She wrapped the sash around his waist and tied it in front of him in a neat knot.

She smiled up at him as he placed a gentle kiss on her lips as he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close as he looked out the palace window. His eyes scanned the mosaic tiled courtyard as people started to gather there.

Prisoners of war were being released today as Zuko's first act as Firelord. Members from the Water Tribe and Earth Kingdom continued to gather and look for their friends and family that had been captured during the Day of Black Sun. They watched as family members rushed to one another, hugging each other and crying together. Fang's eyes turned away from the reuniting families and to her husband. She couldn't believe her Prince was actually the Firelord now. It had been such a long journey with many trials along the way but she was so grateful Zuko had found his way. He had figured out his destiny.

She placed a kiss on his cheek as he continued to gaze out the window. "We should go see Aang.", Fang suggested as she walked a few steps from him. Zuko nodded and wrapped his arm around his wife as they walked through a set of palace doors to one of the audience chambers.

Fang smiled at Aang when they met eyes. He was wearing a gold robe with a brown beaded airbender necklace. He seemed tired and yet very relieved. She couldn't believe that a twelve year old boy had been able to save the world... but he did it.

Zuko smiled a little as he approached the young boy. "I can't believe that a year ago, my purpose in life was hunting you down and now...", Zuko said. The young Avatar smiled at him. "And now we're friends.", he answered.

"I can't believe that a year ago... I was frozen in a block of ice. The world is so different now.", Aang said, shaking his head. "And it's going to be even more different. We'll rebuild it together.", Zuko said, placing his hand on Aang's shoulder.

Fang smiled as she let the two men hug, something that she thought she would never see. The young Avatar then turned to her and leaned up to give her a hug as well. She squeezed his small body in her arms. She was very proud of the young boy as well, defeating the Firelord was no small task and he had done it. "Are you ready?", she asked, looking at both of them. Zuko nodded and walked through a open doorway to the entrance of the courtyard.

It was time for their Coronation as King and Queen. Fang bit her lip, she was nervous to say the least. Zuko walked out first, followed by Fang and then Aang. The cool air blew Fang's hair as some of the guards hit small drums and gongs to announce the starting of the ceremony.

The crowd cheered as Zuko stepped forward, his hand squeezing Fang's hand out of nervousness too. Zuko raised his other hand up to silence the crowd. "Please... the real hero is the Avatar.", Zuko said, motioning behind him to Aang. Aang walked out slowly, his small frame approaching the crowd.

Fang smiled and placed her hand on his shoulder as the crowd cheered. "Today, this war is finally over! I promised my uncle that I would restore the honor of the Firenation and I will. The road ahead of us is challenging. A hundred years of fighting has left the world scared and divided.. but with the Avatar and my wife to help guide me... we can get the world back on the right path and begin a new era of love and peace.", Zuko announced, as he knelt down.

Fire sages stepped forward and held the golden flame over Zuko's head. "All hail Firelord Zuko!", he yelled, placing the crown on his head. Fang felt her heart skip a beat. She never thought she would hear those two words together. The crowd cheered as he stood. He reached out his hand toward Fang, she smiled and took it, squeezing it softly. He pulled her close and kissed her as the crowd cheering got louder.

Fang pulled away and smiled at her husband and then turned to Aang. She held out her hand for the young Avatar to take. The three of them walked hand in hand toward the crowd, greeting the world together for the first time. It had been such a long journey. They stayed and greeted people for awhile until the sun started to set and they went inside. They didn't get very far until a guard called out to Fang.

"A letter for you, Lady Fang.", he said, handing her the letter. Fang opened it quickly and smiled. "It's from your uncle.", she said, looking at her husband. "Once Zuko and you are settled, I know you two are going to be busy, but coming visit an old man and his tea shop. I'll always be glad to serve you some tea. Iroh.", she said, reading out loud. Fang smiled brightly at him.

"Let's go now. We can take Appa.", she said, not being able to contain her excitement. "I suppose since Coronation is over... we could.", Zuko said, looking to Fang for approval. "I'm always ready for an adventure!", Aang yelled as he zoomed out of the palace, airbending the air around him to make him go faster, Zuko's and Fang's robe blowing up from the strong wind. Fang giggled and ran after him, with Zuko following close behind.

She hadn't seen Iroh since the day she fought Azula. She had heard the crazy stories of the White Lotus' taking back Ba Sing Se. Zuko helped her back up onto Appa, just like old times. "I haven't seen Uncle in so long", Zuko said, as he looked out into the sunset. The distance to Ba Sing Se wasn't a long one, just about an hours ride over the ocean.

As they landed, they were greeted by the sound of the familiar Tsungi horn being played. The sound took her back to the night that Iroh had played it on the ship. She couldn't get over how they had come such a long way. They stepped into the tea house and called out to Iroh, who was sitting in one of the nearby chairs.

"Fang, Zuko! I did not expect you two so soon. We have a full party it seems.", Iroh said as he pointed to Toph and Sokka sitting on some of the nearby chairs. Sokka seemed to be painting on the table. "Hey guys!", he called out as Suki placed her arm on his shoulder.

"I'm doing a painting... so we can remember the good times together.", he explained. Fang pulled up a chair next to him. "That's very thoughtful of you.", she said, smiling at him. Iroh placed tea on the table next to Fang who eagerly took the cup and sipped the tea.

It was just as good and wonderful as she remembered it, better than any palace chef's could make. As the night winded down, her eyes started to become more tired. Zuko smiled as his wife rested her head against his shoulder. His yellow eyes met her tired red ones. "Do you want to go home?", he whispered to her. She smiled and nodded. "We have a big day tomorrow.", he said. Fang made a confused look at him. The fire sages hadn't told her that they would be visiting any towns or making speeches.

What was he talking about? "I don't remember any-", she was cut off by Zuko's hand in her hair and his lips on hers. He pulled away slowly and smiled at her, holding her hands in his large ones. Fang eyes widened at the words that came out of his mouth. She was overfilled with joy that he probably couldn't have even imagined.

"We have a family to start.".

End

I hope everyone that read this story enjoyed it. It was a lot of fun to wright Fang's character and her personal growth throughout the story. I'm working on rewriting "Black Rose" - (FFVII Fanfiction) however it won't be out for some time as I like to get a lot of the main story and story plot written before I post anything. Until then, thank you as always for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate the time everyone has put in to review! :)

~xamandaluvsyax