𝐙𝐮𝐤𝐨

The sea was screaming.

Your small boat was no longer a boat, just a splinter of wood surrendering to waves that had decided to claim lives tonight. Aang dragged air into his lungs, bending with everything he had to keep you afloat. Sokka fought the water with clenched teeth and stubborn strength.

But you— Fever burned through you like wildfire beneath ice. Your vision fractured, voices stretched into echoes,and when your body finally sank into the ocean’s embrace,even the shock of cold couldn’t pull you back.

That was when—

The iron warship of the Fire Nation emerged from the fog like a beast.

Zuko stood on the deck. The old scar on his face caught the firelight, sharp and unforgiving. His eyes were tired, angry, searching— then they froze.

Three figures, barely visible between the waves.

“Uncle,” he said quietly.

Iroh stepped beside him, hands folded behind his back, eyes narrowing with calm understanding.

Zuko didn’t hesitate. “Pull them up. Now.”

Hooks and ropes flew down. Aang first—alive,shaking, breathing. Sokka next—soaked, furious, but standing.

And then— You.

When your body hit the deck Your skin was burning. Your breathing uneven, fragile, as if each breath had to be negotiated.

Zuko stepped forward without realizing it. Too close.

His eyes locked onto your face—wet hair clinging to your cheeks, fever shining on your skin.

“She’s not well,” Iroh said softly.

Zuko didn’t move. “If she dies…?”

The words escaped before he could stop them.

Iroh looked at him, long and steady. “Then this ship will carry one more ghost.”

They took you below deck. Warmth replaced the cruelty of the sea—firelight, iron walls.

Aang watched from the doorway, fear written all over his face. Sokka’s hands were clenched,ready for a fight that hadn’t started yet.

But Zuko— Zuko stayed.

He sat beside your bed. He didn’t know why.

His hand hovered near yours, then stopped. He didn’t touch you.