Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Son, is this really necessary?”

“Shh quiet! Painted Lady will be here any minute. And I told you, it’s Fire Prince!”

“Why don’t you ask her? I’m sure she’ll understand.”

“You know why. Now go prepare for Phase Two! Hurry!”

Fire Prince grumbled to himself and reviewed his notes as Iroh left. Tonight had to go perfectly. Phoenix King was due to return any week and he still had to complete all of the tasks. The alarms blared signaling one of his many traps were triggered.

She’s here.

Fire Prince put on his red and black dragon helmet then took the platform lift to the lower deck. As expected, a figure decked in a flowing bright red hanfu was tied to a pillar. She lifted her head letting the thick veils that hung from her bamboo hat to part. Her deep blue eyes lined by decorative face paint sparkled with amusement.

“Sunshine.” She said in a sing song voice. “There’s has to be an easier way to get a girl’s attention.”

“What’s the fun in that, my dear lady?” Fire Prince smirked.

“Please. You’re too stiff and humorless to have fun.”

“I am not!”

“Sure.” Painted Lady giggled. “So, what’s on the agenda today? Laser beams? Mutated mongoose-lizards? Oh! An army of giant robot turtleducks?!”

“All excellent ideas.” Fire Prince circled the pillar in slow careful steps. “But I decided to go old school.”

“Well, don’t keep me in suspense.”

“I’ve planted four interconnected bombs in four secret locations spread throughout Republic City that will go off in exactly-“

“Four hours?”

“Let me finish!” Fire Prince hissed.

Painted Lady laughed. “Okay okay. I’m listening.”

Fire Prince cleared his throat to compose himself. Where was he? Oh yes.

“That will go off in exactly FOUR HOURS, coating Republic City in a classified substance and I alone know the kill code. Which I will gladly share with you,” Fire Prince leaned closer to her face. “For a price.”

Painted Lady raised her brows expectedly. “Oh?”

“One evening together. No bending. No battle. No tricks. If you refuse, I’ll-“

“Deal.”

Fire Prince did a double take. “W-What?”

“How does dinner at Beifongs sound? I hear their komodo chicken entrée is incredible. And I’ve been dying to see that new Omashu movie.”

“Wait, wait-“ Fire Prince shook his head and took a step back. “I didn’t even tell you the consequences yet!”

“Don’t worry, Sunshine. I can put two and two together.” Painted Lady casually freed herself from the trap then reapplied her lipstick. “Honestly, it’s about time. Meet me on the Avatar Aang statue at 6?”

Fire Prince managed a nod.

“Great! See you then!” Painted Lady winked at him.

She summoned a wave and rode it through the sunroof, leaving a dumbfounded Fire Prince behind.

Iroh came in carrying a tsungi horn with a whole robotic orchestra following behind. He casted Fire Prince a knowing smirk.

“I take it we won’t need Phase Two?”

“No.” Fire Prince continued to look up at the sunroof. “That won’t be necessary.”

~*~

He shifted from foot to foot as he fidgeted with the bouquet of fire lilies. The sun was starting to set, sending colorful streaks of light across the sky. It was already 6.

Where was she? Was this a diversion? Did she only say yes to get him to leave his lair? He suddenly felt very foolish for thinking she’d actually agree to spend the evening with him.

A faint noise snapped Fire Prince out of his spiraling thoughts. He whipped around with a fist already lit. Behind him stood a woman wearing a red headscarf, sunglasses, and matching coat.

“Easy Sunshine. It’s just me.” The woman pulled down her sunglasses revealing her deep blue eyes.

“Painted Lady!” Fire Prince straighten up. “I apologize. I… what are you wearing?”

“Did you think I’d show up in my superhero suit?” She flicked his pointed shoulder pad. “No battle, tricks, or bending, remember?”

Fire Prince swore under his breath. Iroh suggested as much but he didn’t listen, opting to wear his finest battle armor and cape. The one without the burn marks and stains on it.

“I thought Earth customs depict formal-“ Fire Prince shook his head. “I’ll go change into something more appropriate. Give me 5 minutes.”

Painted Lady grabbed his arm.

“Wait, no need for that.”

Painted Lady flicked her wrist. A warm light blanketed her before fading into a fancy version of her superhero suit.

“Can’t have you being the only pretty one here, now can we?”

Fire Prince cleared his throat and glanced away to hid the growing flush.

“You look beautiful. I didn’t intend to insult your previous outfit. You looked beautiful in that too. You always do. Uh, I mean… here.“ Fire Prince handed her the lightly toasted bouquet. “Earth customs state dead plants are to be given on such occasions.”

“You really did your research huh?” Painted Lady took a deep sniff. “Mmm these are lovely. Fire lilies are my favorite. Thank you.”

Fire Prince let out a relived sigh.

“You’re welcome.” He extended his arm. “Shall we, my dear lady?”

Painted Lady looped her arm around his and smiled.

“We shall.”

~*~

No one batted an eye at the hero and villain attending the theater together. Though several tried to take pictures with them. Perhaps to be used on a News segment later or personal internet blogs. Despite living on Earth for years now, Fire Prince could never fully understand the humans’ ways.

Painted Lady handled it all with graceful class but after the fifth impromptu photo section, he could tell she was starting to get tired. Fire Prince dropped a not-so-subtle hint for them to stop and soon the entire theater cleared out.

“Hence the disguises.” Painted said as they settled down in their seats.

Fire Prince grunted.

“We’ll do something more low-key next time. My treat.”

He looked at her surprised. “Next time? You actually want to-“

The lights dimmed and Painted Lady placed a finger against his lips. “Shh. The movie’s starting.”

Fire Prince slowly relaxed as the movie went on. It was surprisingly good. Two lovers from warring countries overcoming all odds to be together. Fire Prince stole a glance at Painted Lady. Could something like that really happen? His questions were answered when Oma held the dying Shu in her arms as the final battle raged in the background. Fire Prince harden.

Of course. It was a universal truth after all. But then, something unexpected happened. Oma brought Shu back to life! The confused Fire Prince tearfully watched the happy reunion. Soon the lights came back on and Painted Lady applauded.

“Spirits, that was beautiful!”

“How was that possible? Only phoenixes can come back to life and that’s only every hundred years.”

Painted Lady placed a hand over his. “There’s no greater force than true love. It can overcome anything.”

Fire Prince swallowed. “Anything?”

“Anything.”

He suddenly had the urge to tell her everything.

No. There was still some time. Things are going well now. Don’t ruin it.

“Shall we retire to Beifongs’ for dinner?” He removed a popcorn kernel clinging to her veil. “Assuming you haven’t had your fill on buttery snacks.”

“It’s an Earth custom to eat your weight in popcorn whenever attending the movies.”

“Really? I’ll make note of that.”

Painted Lady laughed.

“C’mon Sunshine. The night is still young.”

~*~

Beifongs’ was less crowded than the movies. Mainly because Fire Prince sent his robotic soldiers ahead to ward off any curious onlookers. Painted Lady shot him a glare when she saw them patrolling the restaurant.

“They’re set on stun.”

Painted Lady’s frown deepened.

“Fine.” He sighed before ordering his robots away. “Happy?”

“What a gentleman.”

Fire Prince rolled his eyes but smiled regardless.

The waitress nervously showed them to the table he reserved for them earlier.

“Um… Mr. Fire Prince, sir… all men’s hats are to b-be removed once inside.”

“This isn’t a ‘hat’. It’s my dragon helmet modeled after the Great Phoenix King himself!”

“C-Could you please r-remove it?”

“You dare suggest such a thing?!”

The waitress squeaked and used the menu to shield herself.

“Fire Prince. That’s enough.” Painted Lady said firmly.

He sighed. “Very well.”

Fire Prince removed his helmet and placed it on the table with a loud thud. He glared at the waitress causing her to flinch again.

“Don’t try anything foolish.”

The waitress gave a quick nod before handing out the menus and practically running away.

“She was just doing her job. There was no need to snap at her like that.”

Fire Prince huffed but deep down, he knew Painted Lady was right. “I’ll apologize when she returns.”

He tucked his loose hair behind his ear and buried himself behind the menu. Not that he needed to read it, having already picked out his meal when he ran a thorough background check on the restaurant hours earlier.

“I’m getting the spicy noodles. You said you wanted the komodo-chicken entrée, right? It says here that comes with a basket of garlic bread. Do you want to split it?”

He looked up with a concerned expression when she didn’t answer. Painted Lady stared at him with her mouth slightly ajar.

“What?”

She snapped out of her trance. “Sorry I just… never seen you without your helmet on. Your hair is beautiful.”

Fire Prince felt his cheeks warm as he ran a hand through his long black hair suddenly feeling a bit self-conscious. Much to his embarrassment, the ends got caught on his pointed shoulder pads. Painted Lady laughed slightly at the expression he made.

“Here, allow me.”

She leaned over and detangled it for him. Fire Prince’s flush deepened.

“I have an extra hair tie if you want it out of your face.”

“…You want to do my hair? Is this another Earth custom?”

“No, I just like doing hair. If you’re uncomfortable then I don’t-”

“No!” he said a little too quickly. Fire Prince scooted closer to her. “Please. By all means.”

Painted Lady flashed him a soft smile before setting to work combing and parting his hair. Her fingers moved quickly and expertly. Fire Prince had never felt more relaxed. His cheeks hurt from smiling so much.

The waitress returned to take their order. She was thoroughly confused by the sight and even more so when Fire Prince apologized.

“There. All done.” Painted Lady announced.

Fire Prince ran his hand along the neat braid tied together with a blue ribbon. He recognized the style. During their earlier days, Painted Lady had mentioned she was Southern Water Tribe so Fire Prince researched the area, trying to discover her true identity. Never in a million years did he imagine how deeply touched he’d be that his mortal enemy gave him a piece of her culture.

“Thank you.” He said sincerely.

Painted Lady held his gaze, smiling softly as well and sending flutters into his stomach. Time slowed as they leaned closer, lips almost touching. Out of the corner of his eye, Fire Prince saw the dragon helmet resting on the table. A sharp contrast to the soft atmosphere, glaring, screaming at him to stop.

Fire Prince pulled back.

“I can’t.” his voice was barely above a whisper.

Painted Lady’s hurt expression made him feel even worse.

“Sunshine-“

“4. 25. 28. 17. 55. 51.4”

“What?”

“The kill code for the bombs. They’re each under the city’s four clocktowers. ” Fire Prince grabbed his helmet and gave her a respectful bow. “My end of the bargain is now complete. Thank you for the evening. Goodnight.”

He rushed out the restaurant, ignoring her pleads to talk things out.

“Sunshine wait! Don’t you dare walk out on me like that!” Painted Lady followed him outside, fuming. “You are not a coward, so stop acting like one!”

Fire Prince stared back at her, shocked.

“Do you know why I agreed to go on this date?”

The question took him off guard. She spoke again before he could answer.

“Because there’s good in you. I know it.”

Fire Prince raised a brow. “What? Just because I don’t kill anyone doesn’t mean-“

“But it’s not only that. Remember the huge snowstorm a few years back. You kept the entire power grid running with your firebending.”

He glanced away. “That doesn’t count.”

“You were only one who believed me about Freedom Fighter.”

Fire Prince tsked, remembering how cruelly the wannabe hero treated her when the cameras were off. “That guy was a jerk.”

“And what about our team up to blow up that giant meteor?”

Conflicting emotions flooded him. It was the first time starting to trust each other somewhat. After that mission, something changed in both of them.

“There’s good in you.” She repeated. “You had plenty of moments to kill me but you haven’t.”

Fire Prince stared at his helmet as conflicted emotions flooded him. “There’s another reason. But if I told you, it’ll change everything.”

Painted Lady closed the gap between them. “I’m ready.”

He swallowed thickly. She deserved to know the truth before it was too late.

“I was sent to Earth to-“

A dark shadow fell over them, blocking out the moon. In its place stood a massive ship hovering over the entire city. Crowds of people gather outside to gawk. Fire Prince blanched.

He’s early.

Chapter Text

Painted Lady nervously glanced between him and the craft.

“Sunshine, what’s going on?”

A platform from the ship lowered, revealing a staggeringly tall being as large as the buildings and decked in burning gold armor. He regarded the city and people with an air of arrogance and disgust.

“How underwhelming.”

Fire Prince fell to his knees and kowtowed lowly.

“G-Great Phoenix King, I-”

“I don’t recall giving you permission to speak.” He spat. “Has dwelling on this primitive planet eroded your conduct? Or are you merely too unintelligent to carry out a simple task?"

A collective gasp drew from the frightened crowd. With burning cheeks, Fire Prince hunched his shoulders and bowed his head. Painted Lady bristled. This prick was the king Fire Prince went on and on about?

“Don’t talk to him like that!” She demanded and stood protectively in front of Fire Prince. Painted Lady formed ice spears and pointed them at the intruder. “As Protector of Republic City, I order you to leave! Now!”

Phoenix King sneered. “You? Order me?”

Painted Lady subconsciously took a step back as her resolve weakened. Sensing her hesitation, Phoenix King swooped down and yanked her off the ground. Huge burning fingers wrapped around her body, quickly draining her energy.

“Painted Lady!” Fire Prince shot to his feet.

Chaos swiftly broke out as Painted Lady let out a pained cry and people fled in terror.

"Fire Prince help!"

He couldn't move; only stare up in shock.

"Sunshine!"

“Such power in such a small body. " Phoenix King rumbled while rising to full height. "You have done well luring her to me."

"W-What?" Painted Lady croaked.

'No! It wasn't like that,' Fire Prince wanted to scream. Maybe at the very beginning but certainly not now!

“It seems you are fit to be my Herald after all." Phoenix King returned to his ship with thundering steps. "Come, there is still much work to be done.”

He remained there frozen.

“Fire Prince.”

The familiar voice snapped him out of his spiraling thoughts. Fire Prince looked behind him and saw Iroh amongst the remaining crowd. The former mafia boss’s brow was creased with worry.

“Son. Don’t do this.”

He swallowed the lump in his throat. There was no other choice. With a heavy heart, he turned his back on the man who raised him and slipped on the dragon helmet.

“It’s Herald.”

He joined Phoenix King on the platform without looking back.

~*~

The ship was just as terrifying as he remembered.

Fire Prince fought the urge to panic as he used his fire jets to hastily followed Phoenix King. The giant being made no effort to ensure Fire Prince could keep up as he sped walked through corridor after corridor. His heart sank whenever he caught a glimpse of Painted Lady weakly struggling against his master’s hand.

They arrived to the top of the space craft where a large transparent sphere sat with wires sticking out every which way. Phoenix King opened the top and causally tossed Painted Lady inside. Fire Prince winced at her hard landing.

“Don’t try anything foolish.” Phoenix King warned.

He was looking at Painted Lady, but he knew the warning was for him as well. Fire Prince bit his trembling lip and bowed as Phoenix King left. Once he was gone, Fire Prince rushed to the side and pressed his hands against the sphere.

“Painted Lady! Are you alright?!”

Up close, he could see the burns on her suit and exposed skin where Phoenix King’s fingers gripped her. Painted Lady hugged herself and turned her head.

“You can drop the act now.” She said bitterly.

“My lady-“

“I said stop! You betrayed me! I can’t believe I actually….” Tears streamed down her face. “Just go away.”

Fire Prince sunk to his knees. “I never wanted to hurt you, I swear. Please believe me!”

“I said go away!”

She brushed her face to gather the teardrops and form a weapon when the sphere began to vibrate and hum loudly. Sparks danced around it as it glowed brightly. Painted Lady let out an agonizing scream as the wires came to life and attached to the ground far below.

“PAINTED LADY!!!”

He formed fire fists and banged against the sphere with all his might. Nothing made a dent.

“Herald, what do you think you’re doing?!” Phoenix King demanded.

“Shut it off! It’ll kill her!!!”

“A mere side effect of energy harvesting.” He rested a hand on the sphere and let out a satisfied groan as he soaked up the power. “Now calm yourself and get to the command deck. I have another solar system I want you to scout.”

“This wasn’t the plan!” Fire Prince yelled. “You said if I’d conquered a planet's ruling land and seize the heart of the protector then you’ll restore Caldera! You didn’t say anything about stealing peoples’ energy!”

“It’s… not… just… mine…” Painted Lady said faintly.

Fire Prince placed a hand against the sphere as confusion crossed his face.

“Did you really think one life form or even a handful could sustain me?”

Phoenix King gestured towards the wires that had stretched all the way to the ground and covered nearly every part of the city.

“No.” Fire Prince’s legs gave out. “No. No. No.”

Phoenix King grunted. “Stop being so dramatic. Another planet will take its place and thus the cycle continues.”

“Planet?” Fire Prince croaked. The realization poured over him like ice water. He glared at Phoenix King with pure hatred. “You killed Caldera! You sucked the energy out of the core, didn’t you?!”

“The suns actually. I wanted a light snack before my slumber.” He dismissed while crossing the platform to work on the machinery. “Now return to your duties and leave me to mine.”

Fire Prince saw red.

“NO!” He angrily threw off the dragon helmet. “Earth is my home and I’m not going to let you destroy it!!!”

“Our deal still stands. Find me a planet with even richer life forms, and I’ll leave this one alone.”

Fire Prince gritted his teeth. “Like ash I’m trusting you again! And I’m not letting you drain any more planets!”

“I need to eat, Herald.” Phoenix King said lowly as he took a threatening step closer. “Life comes and go but the hunger never ceases.”

“There has to be another way! Billions of people will die!!!”

“And what if there wasn't? Would you doom me to perish? Your own king over these lesser lifeforms?!”

Fire Prince glanced at Painted Lady writhing on the floor. The decision was clear.

“Yes!”

He formed twin jets and launched himself towards the celestial being with a mighty battle cry. Phoenix King grabbed him mid-air.

“Foolish child! You are nothing but worthless mortal from a dying world! I sought you out. I gave you powers. I. Made. You.” He snarled. “And I can just as easily undo it. Zuko of Caldera, you are hereby stripped of the title of Phoenix King’s Herald. Permanently.”

Fire Prince screamed as his powers were violently ripped out, leaving him weak and defenseless in Phoenix King’s hand.

“Sunshine!” Painted Lady cried.

“For your blatant disrespect, you will be branded with the mark of a coward.” Phoenix King raised a single burning digit. “Pain will be your teacher, suffering your reminder.”

“NO-“

He tried in vain to shield his face. The fire was hot, melting his flesh instantly. It was unlike a pain he’d ever experience before. There was the sensation of falling. In the distance, he heard a familiar scream before blacking out.

Chapter Text

Shaking fingers stumbled with the spark rocks. After a long while, a tiny fire bloomed only to be snuffed out by the harsh wind. Frustrated, the boy threw the stones and collapsed in the snow. He pulled his worn parka tighter around him and brought his knees to his chest.

There was no point anymore. His family, friends, and loved ones were gone. Even the twin suns themselves. Nothing remained but the bitter cold and never ending night.

”P-Please… Agni.” he whispered as his tears froze. “I-I’ll do... a-anything… Just f-fix this…. Please…”

His prayers were answered by a dark shadow blanketing the already bleak sky. For a moment, the boy thought it was death finally coming to claim his soul. A light bright as the noonday suns came from inside as the frozen ground trembled. Through squinted eyes, he could just make out a massive figure emerged from inside. They were the definition of regal, dressed in scared flames and molted gold with heat radiating from their presence.

”Great S-Spirit Agni!” The boy gasped. He kowtowed lowly, basking in warmth he hadn’t felt in nearly a year. “You came! Oh t-thank you! I-It’s truly an honor!”

”I am much more than your pagan deity, mortal.” The being rumbled like the distance thunder of ice storms. He glared at the boy, clearly offended for being mistaken for a lesser entity. “I am the Phoenix King! You will do well to remember that.”

”Oh…I’m s-sorry.” The boy whimpered. “I-I didn’t know-“

“What is this planet called?”

”C-Caldera. Um, and I’m Z-Zuko.” He gave a clumsy bow. “G-Greeting.”

Phoenix King gave a dismissive grunt as he broke off a chunk of glacier and watched it rapidly melt in his hand with barely veiled disgust.

“It w-wasn’t always like this.” Zuko spoke up though he knew he should hold his tongue. It’s just been so long since he had someone to talk to. “B-Before the ice s-storms, Caldera was so b-beautiful and w-warm. Mother said t-the suns-“

“This world will perish soon without a heat source.”

The boy bowed his head in defeat. He knew it was true but never admitted it out loud, foolishly believing the skies would clear and all would be right once again.

“Unless,” Phoenix King said carefully. “I reactivate the core.”

”R-Really?!” Hope stirred for the first time in a long while. He gazed up at his spirit-sent savoir with watery eyes and a grateful smile. “You’ll h-help us?”

The celestial being took a step closer and loomed over the boy. The once comforting heat was now sweltering. Zuko felt his smile falter.

”For a price.”

~*~

Why was he remembering that now?

It was so long ago…

A low moan escaped Zuko’s lips. He felt sore all over and his head ached. Zuko reached up to cradle it but flinched. Half of his face was bandaged and tender to the touch. He could only open his right eye. Previous events came rushing back in full force. He shot up, sending a new wave of pain through his worn body.

The invasion.

Painted Lady’s screams.

Phoenix King’s real intentions.

That bastard! This whole time he was the one who…

Zuko looked at his trembling sparkless hands. Phoenix King was the one to blame for Caldera’s destruction, but he was the one who led him to Earth. He picked out the planet. He did the preparations. He got Painted Lady killed.

It was all his fault.

“Son!” Warm arms wrapped around him.

“I-Iroh?”

Zuko finally noticed he was back in his sleeping quarters in the lair. His heart plummeted when he caught sight of the blue mask resting on the wall; one of the few personal items he managed to save from Caldera.

“Oh, thank the spirits. I was so worried that I sent the drones to follow you. They caught you just in time.” Iroh shook his head. “Herald-“

“Don’t.” He said quickly while pulling away. “I’m not his herald anymore. Or a fire prince.” He looked at Iroh’s aged face for the first time. It had become more withered since last they spoke. He bowed his head in shame. “Agni, how can you even stand to look at me?! After everything I’ve done?!”

“I know we’re not blood-related or even the same species, but ever since you crash landed in my pool all those years ago, I’ve always thought of you as my own, Zuko.” he said warmly.

A lump grew in Zuko's throat. He barely remembered his own father from Caldera and Phoenix King certainly wasn't an option. That much the celestial being made very clear during the early days of traveling on his ship. Zuko’s eyes burned with angry tears. For so long he wanted impress his savior from the stars but now he saw him for the real monster he was.

“I thought he was going to save my planet but… I should have known. The signs were there I just... It’s all my fault.”

“Son, listen to me. He lied and used you. He is the one to blame, not you.”

“Either way, Earth is doomed and Painted Lady is…” Zuko shook his head, unable to finish the sentence. “It’s hopeless.”

“No Zuko. The moment we lose hope is the moment we truly lost.” Iroh said firmly. “The Earth is weakening yes, but we’re still here which means Painted Lady is still alive. There’s still time.”

“To do what?! Sit and wait for death?! I couldn’t take on Phoenix King even with my powers and now I don’t even have that!!!”

“There’s still a way-”

“No.” Zuko buried his head in his hands. “You don’t know him like I do. It’s over.”

Iroh was silent for a moment. “You’re right. I don’t know Phoenix King like you do.” He placed a hand on his shoulder. “But I do know you. And you never give up without a fight.”

Zuko buried his face deeper. His braid drooped over his shoulder into his eye line.

You’re not a coward so stop acting like one!

What was he doing?

Painted Lady, his home, everyone was in danger and he was sitting around feeling sorry for himself! Zuko tightened his fists. He already stood by and watched one world die. By Koh he wasn’t going do the same with another one.

~*~

He was getting bigger.

The revelation chilled Painted Lady to the bone. She hazily watched Phoenix King control the impossibly complicated machine that drained her dry. He was humming softly without a care for the billions of lives he was stealing. It enraged her to no end.

“Y-You’re…not…getting…a…way…”

“Shhh.” Phoenix King patted the sphere’s top. “Save your strength, dear. Can’t have you burning out too quickly."

Painted Lady gritted her teeth. “I… get… you… need… food… but…”

“There has to be an alternative? As if I haven’t heard that before.” He tsked. “Have you ever been passed your own solar system, mortal?”

Painted Lady grunted.

“Figures. I wasn’t always like this. Not until I left my own world for exploration eons ago and passed through a collapsing star. It transformed me. Made me divine. Glorious. Powerful.” He drew energy from the sphere and let the glow consume him. “Reborn as a god!”

He clutched his growling stomach begging for more.

“Alas, such power needs a source. But I refuse to transform back into a mere mortal. The sacrifices are worth it.”

“How… could… you? All… those… lives… F-Fire Prince… You... You.. lied...”

“Heralds are as replaceable as planets.” Phoenix King said dismissively. “The universe is overpopulated anyway. I’m doing it a service.”

“M-Monster…”

Phoenix King rolled his eyes. It was always the same thing. “Since you’re suddenly so talkative, I take it as a sign to move to the second phase.”

He turned a knob forcing the machine to work harder. Painted Lady curled in on herself and screamed even louder. Phoenix King smiled as the energy surged into him, quelling his never-ending hunger for the moment. At this rate, the small planet will be drained in no time. Then he’ll have enough energy to consume his true prize; this solar system’s sun.

Music blared from every direction. Painted Lady cracked her eyes open. She knew that song.

“What is this nonsense?” the celestial being hissed.

“PHOENIX KING!!!”

A horde of flying drones rose from the clouds with Fire Prince standing on top decked in full battle armor and fists flaming.

“You’re reign of terror has come to an end!”

Chapter Text

In his many eons of life, Phoenix King thought he had seen it all. Never, ever has he even consider one of his heralds keeping their cosmic powers after stripping them.

“How is this possible?!”

“Maybe you’re not as powerful as you think you are.” Fire Prince smirked. “Guess old age is finally catching up to you.”

Phoenix King snarled. “I’LL SHOW YOU TRUE POWER!!!”

He launched a wide wave of fire, destroying most of the drones and robotic soldiers. Fire Prince jetted out of the way at the last second and led Phoenix King away. It was no easy task. He barely stayed ahead of the celestial being’s quick reflexes and fiery attacks. Painted Lady’s mouth fell open. Fire Prince was alive! But not for long without help! She tried to push herself up but her limbs were too weak.

“Come…on…” Painted Lady growled.

Movement caught the corner of her eye. Painted Lady’s breath hitched; thinking Phoenix King had returned with Fire Prince’s corpse in tow. Instead, she saw someone scale the one of the wires attached to the sphere. After an agonizing moment, the lid popped open and she was gathered up in strong arms. She heard screams through gritted teeth as the machine sucked out the stranger’s energy as well. It finally dawned on her.

The dramatic entrance music. The familiar grunts. Despite the all black suit and blue mask, she knew.

“S-Sunshine…”

“Hold on.” He rasped. Zuko summoned some of the drones to his side. They hoisted them out of the torture chamber. “This will jump start your powers but it might hurt some.”

He injected liquid helium into her bloodstream while praying it would work. Painted Lady gasped sharply as her veins turned bright blue. She let out a frosty breath then immediately started to feel her strength return.

“My lady, are-“

He was cut off by Painted Lady throwing her arms around his shoulders while crying out of relief.

“I knew there was good in you.”

Zuko’s eyes watered as he hugged her back. “I’m relieved you’re still alive. If I had known what Phoenix King was planning, I never would have helped him.”

“I know.”

Zuko smiled softly. The sphere’s whining down brought him back to reality. “No doubt Phoenix King has already sensed your absence. We have to get out of here before-”

No sooner as the words left his mouth, Phoenix King returned gripping the melting robotic Fire Prince in hand. Zuko and Painted Lady froze at the sight. Phoenix King face twisted in anger as fire sprouted up, burning the remains of the robot clone.

“ZUKO!!!” he roared.

He leapt off the drone, narrowly avoiding the huge wave of fire breath. They fell a terrifying moment before landing on Zuko’s hovercycle.

“And you said the cycle was impractical.” Zuko said smugly.

“No, I said it was tacky. There’s a difference.” Painted Lady held him tighter as Zuko weaved through the huge fire balls. “What’s the plan?!”

“Mainly involves not dying!”

“I like that plan!”

“Me too!”

They both screamed when a large fire ball grazed them and crashed into a building. Zuko swore. He had to lead Phoenix King out of the city before more people got hurt! He steered towards the ocean. If they could make it there, Painted Lady could fully recover then they’ll have somewhat of a fighting chance. A shadow fell over them.

“Building!!!” Painted Lady scream.

Zuko risked a glance behind and saw a half of a flaming building hurling straight towards them. He gunned the hovercycle but it wasn’t fast enough to outrun the debris. Below, Zuko spotted one of the saltwater fountains the city set up for Painted Lady. Her tossed her into a fountain before jumping off himself. Zuko crashed through several balconies before landing hard on a cabbage vender cart.

“My cabbages!” the owner cried.

“Why are you still here?!” Zuko hissed. “Run!!!”

The owner gathered as many cabbages as he could before taking off. Zuko painstakingly pushed himself up; certain that he broke something. A terrible earthquake knocked him back down, shattering windows and cracking pavement all across Republic City. Phoenix King slowly approached; making his footsteps as loud as possible. He smiled smugly with both hands lit.

“How does it feel failing to save a second world?”

Zuko gritted his teeth, tasting a mixture of blood and dirt.

“Better than being your slave!” he spat.

Phoenix King narrowed his eyes as he doused his lit palm. A pest like him was unworthy of a fiery death.

“Well then, since you’re so insistent on defending these insects,” He hovered a foot over Zuko. “You can die like one!”

Zuko stared up in pure horror; unable to look away. This was it.

“HEY!”

A large icicle hit Phoenix King on the back of the neck. He turned and glared at the perpetrator. Painted Lady, refreshed from the fountain water, balanced on top of a water sprout and glared back.

“Why don’t you pick on someone your own size?!”

She she summoned a whirl pool and launched a barrage of icicles.

“That’s adorable.” Phoenix King laughed mockingly as he easily deflected the attack. “Who possibly has a chance against me, little girl? I am the most powerful being in the universe!!!”

He swiped at Painted Lady’s water sprout, breaking her root. She called the water back and created octopus tenacles to stop her fall and launched a counterattack.

Zuko watched the battle in a mixture of horror and awe. Painted Lady bravely stood her ground but she was still overwhelmed. He had to help! But how?! Most of his robots were toasted and his swords did nothing against the celestial being.

“All will kneel before me! The one true king!!!”

Phoenix King roared fire out of his mouth and fists. As Zuko shielded his eyes, he caught a glimpse of the space craft still hanging in the sky. An idea struck him. Zuko signaled his remaining drones and raced to the craft. The sphere was as he left it with the top still opened. The drones returned with his clocktower bombs. Zuko dumped them inside the machine then shoved the lid in place. He had very little knowledge on the alien technology Phoenix King used but some rules were universal. Energy can never be created only contained. Zuko activated the bombs. The machine soaked up the energy the explosion caused but immediately started to whine as the foamy white substance bubbled up inside. The wires glowed bright again, this time shooting energy in the opposite direction towards the ground.

Zuko swore in disbelief.

It actually worked!

Lights grew dim as the ship began to fall out of the sky. Ash! The sphere was connected to the main power source. Zuko hopped onto his drone and sped to the command center, careful to avoid falling debris and loose wires. He had only seen Phoenix King pilot the ship a couple of times. Thankfully, there was a manual failsafe for whenever he didn’t have the energy to command it with his psychic link. Zuko threw his body weight against the giant lever as the drone helped. The ship picked up speed as it hurled towards the ground. Zuko let out a spew of colorful words. The ocean came into view.

Come on! Almost there!!!

Zuko was knocked off the controls as the ship rocked violently. Water spilled in mixing with the wires. Zuko swore again.

He had to get out of there!

~*~

How embarrassing.

Phoenix King almost felt bad for the tiny creature squirming in his hand. He'd admit that she put up a decent fight and probably would have faired much better if she wasn't so distracted by protecting the much weaker mortals who kept getting in the way. No matter. Despite her might and skills, in the end it wasn't nearly enough to best a superior being like him.

“Did you really think you could defeat a god?” Phoenix King smirked.

“You’re no god!” Painted Lady hissed. “Just an overgrown bully with an even bigger ego!”

Phoenix King chuckled. “You would have made a fine herald. Perhaps we can strike a deal, mortal.”

“Eat ash!!!”

“Your choice.” He squeezed tightly; reveling in her pained screams. “I will make you watch me savor every drop of your planet’s life force. Then lock you in my ship as an onboard snack!”

"NO!" she cried.

Phoenix King laughed cruelly as started to drain her once again, just enough to sedate her, when he felt it. A sudden rush of energy leaking out, making him weaker.

“What?!” He tried to summon fire but it was not as full as usual. Phoenix King turned his full fury towards an equally confused Painted Lady. "What did you do?!"

Much to his horror, he was answered by the wires returning the life force shortly before his own ship crashed into the ocean.

"NO!"

Phoenix King frustratedly threw Painted Lady to the ground and tried desperately to mentally reconnect with his ship. Painted Lady was scarcely able to create a snow bank before crashing hard. As some brave citizens helped her up, Phoenix King raged through the city's remains.

“YOU CAN’T DO THIS TO ME! I AM THE PHOENIX KING!!!”

He roared fire and knocked down buildings. The energy continued to leak out, decreasing his godly size. Only his crown remained the same, landing beside him with a loud ground shaking thud. Phoenix King sank to his hands and knees, utterly defeated. His worse fear had come true.

“Excuse me, your majesty.”

Phoenix King raised his head at the voice. He was met with a hard punch to the face; knocking him out for good. Painted Lady shook off the ice enclosed around her fist and smirked as the crowd cheered.

“Consider yourself, dethroned.”

“Look!” the cabbage merchant pointed. “It’s the masked hero!!!”

Painted Lady looked up at the figure descending on the lone drone. He was just as battered as her but alive and standing tall. She smiled brightly and extended her hand. When he accepted, she pulled him forward and took off his mask. Gasps filled the crowd.

“Fire Prince?!”

Zuko cringed, expecting boos and thrown trash. Afterall, he was the one who terrorized them all for years. Instead, the people rushed him while screaming. Zuko instantly pulled out his swords.

“Stay back you savages!!!”

Painted Lady jumped between them with her hands up. “Sorry! He’s not used to positive reinforcement.”

Zuko blinked hard. “I-Is this another Earth custom?”

“Oh Sunshine.” Painted Lady smiled.

He relaxed some when she lovingly caressed his scar. He caught Iroh’s eyes in the crowd, beaming proudly.

“Well done, son.”

Zuko let out a soft smile. Finally, things were okay. The hair on the back on his neck suddenly stood. Seconds later, people screamed and scattered as Phoenix King rose to his feet. Despite being severely depowered, he was still towering over the average human and very intimating looking.

“Yes, well done Zuko.” He sneered.

With one hand clutching his crown, he soaked up the lingering power then shot lightening not at him but something much much dearer.

Zuko leapt in front of Painted Lady, taking the full force. His body burned alive as electricity shot through his nervous system. The world dulled to a low buzz and muffled chaos. Someone cradled his head.

“Stay with me…can’t lose another…”

Zuko bobbed in and out of consciousness. Where was he?

“D-Dad…?”

“I’m here. I’m here.”

“Thank you…For everything.”

The ground was warm, lulling him to sleep. He loved napping on Caldera’s shores. It was the perfect day and he was so tired.

“…Sunshine.”

That voice. It all came flooding back to him. Zuko tried to move but his limbs were lead.

“I’m so sorry…”

“It’s not your fault.”

Sounds became muffled and far off.

“R-Remember when we first met?”

“Please, saved your strength.”

“You called me Sunshine. I had no idea you meant the opposite.” Zuko smiled weakly. “In Caldera’s last days, the sunshine was so rare. S-So treasured…”

Painted Lady gazed at him with misty eyes.

“Y-You made me so happy… every time… you called me… that…”

She cupped his face. “Sunshine…”

“My dear lady…” Zuko rested a hand over hers and gave one last smile. “Thank you.”

~*~

It was said there was no greater force than love.

Zuko wasn’t entirely sure what happened that day. How the impossible happened. How he returned from the dead. He only knew, she was the reason.

He woke up with a start, heart drumming heavily in his chest and something warm glowing inside. As his vision cleared, he saw Iroh supporting Painted Lady. She looked completely worn out, skin covered in burns and sweat, blood trailing from her nose, and eyes dazed. They lit up when she saw him.

Iroh was the first to move. He engulfed Zuko in a firm hug while crying heavy tears of joy.

“Are you alright? Are you hurt?” he fussed the moment he let go.

“I’m fine, Dad.” Zuko smiled. “Better than fine.”

He placed a hand against his bare chest. The suit was burned off, leaving star-shaped scar in its place. But something else was there deep inside. A sharp difference to the angry flame he’d carried for so long. This was steady and warm like a second heartbeat. He looked up at Painted Lady with tears flowing down his face.

“Thank you.”

“I should be the one thanking you.” She threw her arms around him. “You scared me, Sunshine.”

“I’m sorry.” Zuko tilted her chin up. “Truly.”

“Prove it.”

He kissed her lips tenderly as the crowds of people celebrated.

~*~

The flames were colorful now.

Like rich sunsets. Like the swirling tea Iroh made and fire liles and Painted Lady’s deep blue eyes. Like everything he grew to love on Earth, his home.

A faint noise sent him spinning around, braced for an attack. He relaxed immediately.

“It’s just me, Sunshine.”

“My dear lady.” He smiled as he lifted his mask to kiss her cheek.

“The Blue Spirit. Everyone knows it’s you, especially after the awards ceremony.” She flicked the wooden blue mask. “So why keep it?”

“You of all people should know the importance of a secret identity. Even if it’s an open secret.”

Painted Lady rolled her eyes as she settled down beside him. Together, they watched the city lights from the top of the slightly burned Avatar Aang statue.

“He’s still out there.” Zuko said grimly. “And without his ship, he’s not leaving anytime soon.”

Painted Lady rested her hand on his and squeezed. “We’ll stop him.”

“Together.” He leaned over and kissed her again.

After all, love can conquer anything.