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thelastspeecher · 4 years

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Spirit Touched - Chapter 6: Refugee

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 AO3

Uhhh I actually updated on AO3 like two weeks ago, I just procrastinated putting it up here on Tumblr for some reason. But here it is. Angst, Zuko doing serious soul searching, and Toph continuing to just be the best Toph she can be. Enjoy.

Again, this fic is inspired by @muffinlance‘s fic Salvage and fanart that @agent-jaselin did of it.

——————————————————————————————

Water sloshed over the rim of the bucket Zuko was carrying. The tribesman Zuko was following stopped to look back at him.

“Nuktuk, if this is too difficult for you, you can go back to your tent and play,” the tribesman said. Zuko scowled. The troops at Chameleon Bay had accepted him with open arms, though they didn’t know his proper age, and as such, tended to talk down to him and refuse to let him help with chores.

“No, I’ve got it,” he insisted. The tribesman shrugged.

“All right, if you say so.” There was a commotion off in the distance. “Huh. I wonder what’s-” Tuluk came running over. “Tuluk, is something going on?”

“Yes. The Chief is handling it, but Nuktuk needs to go back to his tent for now,” Tuluk said.

“What’s happening?” Zuko asked.

“We have a visitor,” Tuluk replied. Zuko frowned.

“What kind of visitor?”

“You’ll find out once things calm down.”

“But-”

“No buts.” Tuluk handed Zuko’s bucket of water to the tribesman, then took Zuko’s hand and led him away. Zuko looked over his shoulder. He couldn’t see much in the chaos, but caught a glimpse of red.

-----

Zuko didn’t find out what had happened until much later, when Toklo came to his tent to bring him to dinner.

“Something happened earlier. What?” Zuko asked immediately.

“It was crazy, little bro. A Fire Nation soldier walked into camp and asked to join our side.”

“Who?”

“That’s the craziest part! General Iroh! The Dragon of the West!” Toklo shook his head. “Can you believe it?”

“Yes. Uncle said he would meet up with me again,” Zuko said matter-of-factly. Toklo facepalmed.

“That’s right! He’s your uncle! Okay, it’s a bit less crazy now. But how did he know where we were?” He paused. “What do you mean, he said he would meet up with you?”

“When Hakoda and Kustaa took me to see a healer, Uncle spotted us. He asked to come aboard the Akhlut. The Chief turned him down, but at told Uncle where we were headed, so that he could meet us,” Zuko rattled off.

“Why didn’t you tell me before?” Toklo demanded.

“I was sick.”

“Fair enough.” Toklo took Zuko’s hand. “Time for dinner!”

“No, I want to see Uncle first,” Zuko said, yanking his hand free of Toklo’s hold.

“I don’t think-” Toklo started. Before he could finish the sentence, Zuko bolted out of the tent. “Hey!”

Zuko made a beeline for the largest tent, which served as a command center. Uncle might not be there, but Hakoda or Bato should be, and they would take him to Uncle. Right? The moment he ducked inside the tent, Zuko’s eyes landed on Uncle.

“Uncle!” Zuko shrieked happily. He ran over to the retired general. Uncle scooped him into a tight embrace.

“Nephew, it is so good to see you again.” Uncle held Zuko at arm’s distance. “You look much healthier now.” Zuko beamed. Uncle set him back on the ground. “This was not the best move to make, however.”

“What?”

“Chief Hakoda informed me before of your cover as a Water Tribe war child. The way you just behaved, while very heartwarming, was not in character for Nuktuk.”

“I don’t care.”

“You should, nephew. Keeping up appearances is very important, particularly in your situation,” Uncle said patiently.

“Luckily, I’m the only other person in the tent,” Hakoda spoke up. Zuko looked over, realizing he was there for the first time.

“Where is Uncle going to stay?” Zuko asked.

“Eventually, with you,” Uncle replied. “Chief Hakoda and I were just discussing our plans.”

“The story we’ll be telling is that General Iroh, devastated by the loss of his nephew, had his eyes opened to the reality of the war. As such, he has arrived at the camp to switch sides and offer his help.”

“Like the best of lies, it contains some truth,” Uncle said, nodding. “I won’t be allowed to be around you until Chief Hakoda’s men trust me. So I am very glad you sought me out on your own.”

“Toklo told me you were here.”

“Toklo would be…?”

“My friend.”

“Ah.” Uncle’s face creased with a broad, warm smile. “What a wonderful thing you hear you say. You should go find this friend of yours and have dinner with him.”

“But-” Zuko started.

“Don’t worry,” Hakoda said. “General Iroh will be here for a while.”

-----

“You’re very articulate for your age, Nuktuk,” gushed one of the Southern tribesmen that Zuko had yet to know by name. Zuko smiled politely. He bowed.

“Thank you,” he said. The tribesman chuckled and ruffled his hair.

“Keep up your firebending practice, kiddo. Who knows, maybe you’ll be the first Water Tribe firebending Master.” Zuko’s smile became more forced. He didn’t mean to be caught firebending, but Uncle had begun to teach him firebending again, and someone had witnessed one of the lessons. Since then, tribesmen approached him near constantly, curious about the firebending Water Tribe toddler.

“You should probably get back to work, Kenai,” Panuk said. Ah, the man’s name was Kenai. “Otherwise, you’ll get your ass beat for slacking.”

“Watch your language around the kid!” Kenai said in shock. Panuk laughed. He gave Zuko an affectionate noogie.

“The kid spent months on a ship. He knows just about every swear under the sun,” Panuk said. Kenai shook his head disapprovingly.

“Geez. Well, see you later, Nuktuk. And you too, Panuk.” Kenai walked away, whistling. Zuko smirked at Panuk.

“You’re an afterthought,” he teased. Panuk laughed.

“Only because Kenai’s a big brother. He can’t resist cute little kids.”

“That explains why he felt the need to talk to me,” Zuko said thoughtfully. “I thought word had spread about me.”

“Oh, it definitely has. There’s no one who doesn’t know who you are.” Panuk poked Zuko playfully. Zuko slapped the hand away, laughing. “Wait…you guys have a kid here?” a voice said. The hairs on the back of Zuko’s neck rose. That voice… He turned his head ever so slightly. His eyes widened. It was him.

“Huh, I guess someone doesn’t know who you are,” Panuk remarked, looking as well. He frowned. “He must be new.”

“Sokka,” Zuko ground out. Panuk’s head whipped around to stare at Zuko.

“That’s the Chief’s son?” he asked. Zuko nodded, his jaw clenched. “I see it now. They look pretty similar.”

“Why is he here?” Zuko snarled.

“Probably because, like I said, he’s the Chief’s son,” Panuk drawled. “I wonder if the Avatar’s with him.”

“That’s Nuktuk,” Hakoda informed Sokka. They were far enough away that there was no chance Sokka could recognize Zuko, but Zuko’s heart still pounded in his chest. His fingers twitched. He couldn’t decide whether he wanted to run at Sokka or away from him. “We found him in a destroyed village on our way out of the South Pole. He’s been with us ever since.”

“Really? He’s just a kid! How old is he, two?”

“Four,” Hakoda said calmly. Panuk reached for Zuko’s hand.

“I think it’s time to take you somewhere else, little warrior.” The moment his hand touched Zuko’s, he let out a soft yelp of pain. “What was that about?” Zuko looked up at Panuk.

“What?”

“You burned me, squirt.”

“Oh. Whoops.” Zuko resumed glaring at Sokka, who was still arguing with Hakoda.

“Wh- you’d take a four-year-old on your ship, but not your own son? Who, I’ll remind you, was a lot older than four when you left?”

“Sokka…” Hakoda’s voice was weary. “You don’t want to be in that kid’s boots. He’s seen things no child should ever see.”

“Oh, you think I haven’t? I traveled with the Avatar!” Sokka’s shouts were beginning to attract attention. Zuko could feel the control he’d worked so hard to cultivate slipping; droplets of flame fell off his fingers, lighting the grass on fire.

-----

Iroh, while relaxing in the tent he shared with Zuko, heard bickering outside. Curious, he exited the tent. He took in the scene. Panuk and Zuko stood nearby, Zuko staring at something and Panuk stomping on smoking grass. Small flames were dancing around Zuko’s fingers, his good eye squinting in a glare to match his bad one. It didn’t take a genius to figure out the cause of Zuko’s irritation. Some distance away, but growing closer, were the people he had heard bickering: Chief Hakoda and Sokka, the Water Tribe boy that had accompanied the Avatar.

The Water Tribe boy who, in his first encounter with Zuko, had hit him in the head with a boomerang.

“It’s wonderful to see a familiar face,” Iroh said warmly, walking over to Sokka and Hakoda. Behind him, he could hear Panuk finally ushering Zuko away, out of sight of the chief’s son. Sokka stared at him.

“Hang on, you’re that one guy!” he said, eloquently. Iroh smiled.

“Yes, I am.”

“What are you doing at a Water Tribe camp?”

“After what happened at the North Pole, I could no longer stand by and allow my nation’s war to continue,” Iroh said simply. Sokka crossed his arms.

“Really,” he said flatly. “After everything the Fire Nation’s done, killing a fish was what made you realize they were evil?” Something in his voice quivered a bit, like he didn’t believe the loss of the Moon Spirit was as minimal as he was trying to make it sound. Iroh bowed his head slightly.

“Yes. I spent some time traveling the Earth Kingdom and eventually came to join this encampment, with the blessing of none other than your father,” Iroh said. His words were technically true, but left out important details. The kind of lying Iroh preferred to do.

“You trusted him, Dad?” Sokka asked. Chief Hakoda nodded. “Why?”

“People I trust spoke for him,” Chief Hakoda said simply.

“Like who?”

“Master Pakku of the Northern Water Tribe, for one.”

“Wait.” Sokka stared at Iroh. “You know Master Sourpuss?” Iroh chuckled. Sourpuss was certainly an apt description for his old friend.

“Yes. I have for some time.”

“How?”

“That’s a rather long story, and not important,” Iroh said smoothly. “Let me guess, you, your friends, and the Avatar have arrived at Ba Sing Se?”

“Yeah…”

“Would you be so kind as to allow me to walk with you? I would like to hear the wonderful stories of your adventures.” Sokka looked uncertain, but after a moment, nodded.

“Sure. But you better not be sending information back to the Fire Lord!” Sokka snapped. Hakoda rolled his eyes. Iroh merely smiled and nodded.

“Of course.”

-----

Bato found Zuko wandering around the camp, peering into tents with a confused expression.

“Are you looking for something, little warrior?” he asked. Zuko looked up at him, brow furrowed.

“Where’s Uncle?”

“He went with Sokka and Aang to Ba Sing Se,” Bato replied. Zuko crossed his arms.

“Stupid Avatar. He’s my uncle,” Zuko muttered. Bato covered his mouth, poorly smothering a snicker at the firebender’s immature behavior. Zuko stomped his foot. “Don’t laugh!”

“Relax. Come on, it’s time for your nap, anyways.” Bato took Zuko’s hand and led him back to the tent Zuko shared with Iroh. Toklo was already there, looking for Zuko.

“Where’d you run off to, little brother?” Toklo teased.

“I was looking for Uncle,” Zuko mumbled. He let out a small yawn.

“When Iroh gets back, I’ll send him your way,” Bato promised. Zuko nodded. Toklo led him into the tent for his nap.

Zuko was still napping when chaos erupted at the encampment. Bato and Hakoda were in the midst of going over battle plans, only for Katara to burst in the head tent. The excitement Hakoda felt at seeing his daughter was quickly subdued when Sokka came in close behind, carrying the unnervingly still body of the Avatar.

“What…happened?” Hakoda croaked, staring at Aang.

“Lightning,” huffed a short girl, who, judging by her milky eyes, was blind. Katara laid Aang on the ground and held glowing water over his body. Her forehead was drenched in sweat, her hands shaking. Sokka didn’t seem to be doing much better. “The Fire Princess struck Aang with lightning.” A man in extravagant, expensive clothes poked his head into the tent curiously.

“What should I do?” he asked. The short girl huffed again.

“Could someone entertain the Earth King?” she asked, turning her sightless eyes in the direction of Hakoda and Bato.

“…Earth King?” Hakoda and Bato said simultaneously.

“Kids, what happened?” Hakoda repeated.

“I told you, lightning.”

“I need more information than that.”

“After I’ve stabilized Aang, we can talk, Dad, but right now, I need to focus,” Katara snapped. Hakoda bit back an instinct to scold her for her tone. She was under an immense amount of stress; it was more than understandable she’d be on edge. Sokka got up from where he was crouching at Aang’s side.

“I can explain. It’s better if we leave the tent while Katara heals Aang. Toph, stay here.” The blind girl, apparently named Toph, nodded. Sokka, Hakoda, and Bato left the tent.

“What in the world is that thing?” Bato asked, staring at the strange creature before them.

“It’s a bear,” Sokka answered.

“Platypus-bear?”

“No, just a bear. Weird, I know.” Sokka sighed. “He’s the Earth King’s best friend or something like that, so the bear came with us when Ba Sing Se fell.”

“Ba Sing Se fell?” Hakoda asked in an undertone. Sokka’s head drooped.

“Yeah. Princess Azula staged a coup. We got out with the Earth King and his bear, but during the fight, Aang was struck by lightning.”

“What about Iroh?” Bato pried. Sokka slumped further.

“He was taken prisoner. We had the one good firebender in the world on our side, and we let him get caught.”

“I’m sure Iroh isn’t the only good firebender,” Hakoda said, resting a hand on Sokka’s shoulder. His gaze fell on Zuko and Iroh’s tent, where the toddler was, presumably, still fast asleep.

“I don’t know, Dad. It really seems like he is.” Sokka rubbed his eyes, drawing Hakoda’s attention to just how tired his son seemed. Hakoda yearned to just tell Sokka to go to bed. But if Ba Sing Se had truly fallen, they had no time to waste. They needed to abandon the encampment and set sail immediately. Hakoda squeezed Sokka’s shoulder.

“Stay here with your sister. Bato, spread the word that we need to leave now. I’ll take care of Nuktuk.” Bato’s eyes widened.

“The kid is not going to be happy.”

“That’s why I’ll be breaking the news to him.” Hakoda squeezed Sokka’s shoulder one more time and set off for Zuko and Iroh’s tent.

-----

The tent didn’t burn down. But only barely. Zuko’s initial, destructive meltdown upon hearing what had happened to Iroh exhausted him so much that he passed out soon after. It was easy enough to smuggle the sleeping toddler aboard the Akhlut without Hakoda’s children or his children’s friends noticing. Keeping up the secrecy was far more difficult.

“Why won’t you let them see you?” Hakoda asked. Weary from stress, his voice came out harsher than he intended. Zuko flinched slightly. “I’m sorry, Zuko, I didn’t mean to say it that way. But you know they won’t recognize you, right?”

“They might,” Zuko mumbled. “I can’t risk it. I’ll be humiliated.”

“…Fine. But you’ll have to ask Toklo or Panuk to help you move around the ship without being seen. I’m busy.” The Akhlut, though beloved, would need to be abandoned. There were too many Fire Navy ships now. As such, they had plans to take a Fire Nation ship themselves. Hakoda had been working on those very plans when Zuko entered his cabin, wanting attention.

Of course he wants attention, his life has been upheaved and he’s lost his uncle again. Hakoda pinched the bridge of his nose and took a calming breath. He could hear Kya’s voice, scolding him for not explaining why he was saying “no” to a toddler. Young children will cooperate more if they have an explanation. Zuko is no exception. Explain things to him.

“Once we’ve captured a new ship, I might be able to spend some more time with you. At the very least, you won’t have to hide. I imagine we can find you your own room.” Hakoda forced a smile. “Would you like that?”

“Maybe,” Zuko mumbled. He cocked his head curiously. “We’re capturing a ship?”

“You aren’t. But the rest of us are. The Fire Nation is sending their Navy to Ba Sing Se, to prevent any early uprisings. The Akhlut stands out. It’s best if we blend in.” Zuko nodded slowly. “I understand if you feel uncomfortable with this, but it’s our only option.” Zuko nodded again.

“Can I…stay in here?” he asked. Hakoda stifled a sigh.

He’s a lonely child. He’s always been. Hakoda nodded.

“If you stay quiet, yes.” Zuko beamed. He walked over to Hakoda and climbed onto the chief’s lap. As Hakoda worked on the plans, Zuko occasionally piped up with a comment about Fire Navy ships. The intermittent inputs became further and further apart. When it had been some time since Zuko last spoke, Hakoda looked down at his lap.

The former Fire Nation Prince had fallen asleep, lulled by the late hour, gentle swaying of the boat, and Hakoda’s body heat.

-----

They were having another awkwardly silent meal when Toph finally said something she’d had on her mind the minute they all boarded a metal ship, allowing her to “see” again.

“What’s the deal with the kid?” she asked. Hakoda casually set his chopsticks down. To someone who could see, no doubt he appeared untroubled. But to someone who could see, he was nervous. The chief’s heartrate had sped up immediately.

“There are a lot of children on board,” Hakoda said calmly. “Namely, the three of you and Aang.”

“No, there’s someone here even younger than us,” Toph said. “They’re running around on the deck right now.” Katara rose from her seat, presumably to glance out the window that opened onto the deck.

“Toph’s right,” Katara said.

“No need to sound so surprised,” Toph grumbled, pretending to be offended.

“I wasn’t-” Katara huffed. She sat back down. “That looked like a little boy, younger than some of the kids were when we left the village.” Hakoda sighed.

“I was hoping to keep him hidden from you.”

“Why?” Katara asked.

“You shouldn’t be distracted from your current mission.”

Lie.

“Not to mention, he’s rather shy.”

Truth.

“What’s his name?” Toph asked.

“Nuktuk.”

Lie.

“We found him in a mostly destroyed village as we were leaving the South Pole.”

Lie.

“Wait, that’s the kid that I saw in camp that one day,” Sokka said suddenly.

“Yes.”

Truth.

“How old is he?” Katara asked.

“Four,” Hakoda replied. Toph’s eyes widened slightly. That hadn’t felt like a full lie nor a full truth. She settled her expression to be neutral again. “Please don’t seek him out. I know you might want to spend time with him, particularly you, Katara, but like I said, he’s shy. And he’s going through some things.”

“Like what?” Toph asked. She picked up her chopsticks.

“Well, he lost his uncle during the fall of Ba Sing Se. He’s been very upset about it.”

“Poor thing,” Katara murmured. Toph picked at her food idly.

Truth.

-----

The ocean was boring for a blind earthbender. Toph didn’t spend any time on deck if she could avoid it. Not when sudden gusts of wind might try to blow her away. Their only airbender was out of commission, so it wouldn’t be easy to bring her back.

At the casual reminder of Aang’s state, Toph felt a twinge of sadness. She shook it off, refocusing on her mission. There was a toddler on this ship using a fake name and a fake backstory. Sure, it wasn’t as fun to investigate as the mysteries of Ba Sing Se, but it was better than staring at water she couldn’t see.

Toph made her way belowdeck, past the mess hall and infirmary, finally coming to a stop outside of a small cabin. Inside the room, sitting cross-legged on the floor, was “Nuktuk”. She opened the door. The boy sprang to his feet instantly. A wave of heat washed over Toph. She cocked her head curiously, recognizing the sensation as that of fire.

“That’s why the chief doesn’t want anyone to know about you,” she said calmly. “You’re a firebender.” The boy’s heartrate doubled.

“How- you- but you’re blind!” he finally squeaked. Toph entered the room and closed the door behind her.

“Yeah, but I can still probably see better than you, Sparky.” The boy let out another squeak of protest at the nickname. “Who are you, really?”

“I’m- I’m Nuktuk.”

Lie.

“Who are you?” the boy asked. Toph sat on the floor, her feet flush against the metal so she could keep track of the kid’s heartbeat.

“You know what? I’ll tell you the truth if you tell me the truth,” she said. “That seems like a fair trade to me.” The boy wavered. After a moment, he sat across from her. The heat faded, presumably because he had put out whatever flames he’d created.

“How’d you know I lied?” he asked quietly.

“That’s for me to know, not you.”

“Hmph.”

“What’s your real name?” Toph asked again.

“…I can’t tell you.”

“Can’t or don’t want to?”

“The- the second one.”

Truth.

“I’ll tell you the truth now. I’m Toph. Why don’t you want to tell me your real name?”

“Then you’ll know who I am. And that’s embarrassing. Also…you wouldn’t like me.”

Truth.

“All right. Since you told the truth again, here’s another from me. I knew you lied because I’m an earthbender.” The boy huffed quietly, like he didn’t believe her. “Why wouldn’t I like you if I knew who you were? I already figured out that you were a firebender, and I’m not exactly trying to attack you or anything.” The boy stayed silent, but fidgeted slightly. The temperature in the room rose.

All right, touchy subject. Moving on.

“The Chief said you lost your uncle when Ba Sing Se fell.”

“…Yeah.”

“Was he in the city or something? How’d you know you lost him?”

“People- people saw it happen. And they told other people. And the other people told me.”

“Who? The only people that I know of who were able to escape to the camp were the people on Appa. Appa is-”

“I know who Appa is,” the boy groused.

Truth.

“Well, like I said, only the people on Appa made it to the camp. And none of us would have known some random firebender’s uncle.” Something clicked into place. “Unless…” The boy’s heartrate, which had slowed somewhat, picked up again. “Was your uncle Iroh?”

“No!” the boy blurted out immediately.

Lie.

“Iroh said he had a nephew,” Toph said, thinking out loud. The boy’s heart sped even faster. “I never met his nephew, but Katara and Sokka and Aang did. Apparently, he chased them around the world for a long time, before he disappeared without a trace. The only problem is, they said he was sixteen. How old are you?”

“Four.”

Again, that weird “not a full lie, not a full truth” thing. But the boy seemed to think it was more of a lie than the Chief did. Not to mention, Toph hadn’t met a lot of children, but she felt like someone who was actually four wouldn’t be more eloquent than Sokka.

“…Zuko?” Toph asked quietly. The boy sprung to his feet, his heart beating so fast, Toph was surprised he didn’t keel over then and there.

“How- you-” he spluttered.

“So you are Zuko,” Toph said. The boy – Zuko – stayed standing. “Spirits, what happened to you, if you’re-” Toph made a vague gesture in Zuko’s direction. “-this?”

“You answered it,” Zuko said. He sat down again. “Spirits.” A scowl shone through his irritated tone.

“Spirits turned you into a little kid?”

“Yes.”

“Huh. That stinks,” Toph said casually. Zuko let out a soft snort.

“It does.” He fidgeted. “You- you can’t tell anyone about it, okay? I’ll die if that Water Tribe boy finds out what I’ve been reduced to.”

Truth. Man, he is really embarrassed by this.

“Why are you so embarrassed?” Toph asked. “I mean, you didn’t do it. The spirits did it.”

“It’s still- it’s-” Zuko was spluttering again. “You’re what, ten?”

“Twelve.”

“Does the Water Tribe boy treat you like a kid, even though you’re younger than him?”

“No.” Toph grinned viciously. “He knows I’d kick his ass.”

“I don’t have that luxury. He might be a non-bender, but I’m…” Zuko cleared his throat. “I don’t have access to my full abilities currently, and I’m much smaller than usual. Both the Water Tribe children would harass me for it, but the boy would never let me live it down.”

“I getcha.” Toph got up. “No worries, Sparky, your secret’s safe with me.”

“…Really?” Zuko asked. Toph nodded.

“I get it. I’ve been treated like shit for things I can’t control. I’m not about doing that to others.”

“I’ve heard you teasing your teammates,” Zuko said doubtfully.

“Yeah, over things they can control, like their terrible jokes. You can’t control what the spirits did to you. You don’t deserve to be messed with for it. Especially since you seem like a nice enough kid.”

Zuko spluttered again.

Toph grinned.

“Good luck turning back into a teenager.” Toph headed for the door. Just as she opened it, Zuko mumbled something, quiet enough that she barely heard.

“Thanks.”

-----

Running footsteps sounded in the hall. Curious, Zuko cracked open the door to his room and peered out. His eyes widened.

The Avatar was awake.

And judging by his clumsiness, either disoriented from how long he spent asleep or drunk. After the Avatar had stumbled out of Zuko’s view, he closed the door again.

-----

The door to Zuko’s room slowly creaked open. Zuko jumped to his feet, abandoning the Pai Sho board he was practicing with. The intruder blinked at Zuko owlishly.

“…This isn’t my room.”

“No. It’s mine,” Zuko said firmly. The intruder stepped inside. A shiver ran down Zuko’s spine. It was the Avatar. The Avatar approached Zuko and crouched down, smiling warmly at him.

“I didn’t know there was a kid on this ship.”

“I’m not a kid,” Zuko retorted. The Avatar chuckled. The serious, uncertain demeanor he’d had when entering seemed to have lessened.

Good. It’s weird if he’s not annoyingly upbeat.

“I’m Aang. What’s your name?”

“…Nuktuk.”

“Nuktuk. That’s a really tough name! I bet you’ll be a great Water Tribe warrior someday!” the Avatar said cheerfully. “Why are you on the ship?”

“I…” Zuko looked away. The Avatar let out a soft gasp. Zuko bit back a curse. The shadows in the room must have obscured his scar, only for it to become obvious when he’d turned his head. Surely, the Avatar would figure out who he was.

“Nuktuk, how did you get that scar?” the Avatar asked gently. Zuko looked at him, surprised.

He…doesn’t recognize me?

“A…” Zuko fumbled for a response, then remembered his cover story. “A bad man.”

“A bad man,” the Avatar repeated. Zuko nodded. “Is the bad man why you’re on the ship?” Zuko nodded again. “Is your family on the ship?”

“No. The bad man hurt them.” Zuko shrugged. “I’m alone.” The Avatar sat back, horror etched on his face. Zuko worked furiously to control his own facial expression. But rather than horrified, he felt indignant.

Really? The Avatar’s own people were killed. Is he actually still moved by the tragedies of war, even after witnessing so many? Despite his best attempts to doubt the Avatar’s sincerity, Zuko knew the answer to that question.

The Avatar was deeply affected by every reminder of what war wrought.

“Nuktuk, I��m sorry,” the Avatar said softly. Zuko blinked, startled. “It’s- it’s my fault the bad man hurt you and your family, leaving you all alone. I’m the Avatar. My responsibility is to prevent innocent people from being hurt, especially innocent little kids like you.” The Avatar got to his feet, determination shining in his weary gray eyes. “Don’t worry, I’m going to bring that bad man, and all the other bad men, to justice.”

“Y-you are?” Zuko squeaked.

Is a literal twelve-year-old going to confront my father? The Avatar nodded.

“I am.” The Avatar managed a small smile. “And just so you know…” The Avatar trailed off. He cleared his throat. “I was the only one left, too. We’ve got that in common. And if we’ve got something in common, then we aren’t really alone.” He ruffled Zuko’s hair. “Good night, Nuktuk.” The Avatar left, closing the door gently behind him.

When Panuk checked on Zuko later, to make sure he’d actually gone to bed, the former prince was still staring silently at the door.

-----

The Avatar’s allies were saying their goodbyes to the crew during the night. It was the best way to avoid detection.

For some reason, Zuko had been brought on deck for the farewell, though he had to be woken up. He stood next to Bato, still bleary from sleep, hiding the scarred side of his face behind the crewman’s leg. Even if they saw his scar, it wasn’t likely he’d be recognized, but he didn’t want to risk it.

Toph punched Toklo and Panuk’s shoulders; she had gotten along well with them. The only other thing she did before boarding the Avatar’s sky bison was look in Zuko’s direction. She nodded silently. Zuko returned the gesture, then held himself still as the Water Tribe girl – Katara – walked over to him. She crouched down to his eye-height and gently stroked his hair.

“It was nice to finally meet you, Nuktuk,” she said sweetly. Zuko looked away, part of him reeling with how tender her voice could be.

Of course, the only other times she’s spoken with me, we weren’t exactly on good terms.

“Don’t worry, we’re going to get the Avatar and help him take down the Fire Lord. You’ll be reunited with your uncle before you know it.”

“…Thanks,” Zuko mumbled into Bato’s leg. Katara’s eyes softened further.

“Katara, come on, stop fussing over the baby,” Sokka shouted from the Avatar’s sky bison. He had made his goodbyes first. Katara stood to her full height and embraced her father.

“Be careful, sweetie,” Hakoda said.

“I’ll do my best.” Katara broke off the hug. “We’ll see you on the Day of Black Sun.” Zuko’s eyes widened.

The solar eclipse? They know about that?

“Yes. Remember what I told you.”

“Take care of each other,” Katara intoned solemnly. Hakoda smiled and stroked Katara’s cheek.

“That’s right.”

-----

Zuko watched the sky bison fly away, an uncomfortable churning in his gut. Without the constant fear of being discovered by the Water Tribe children in the back of his mind, the enormity of his situation came crashing down upon him.

Things had improved for a while, but now? Now, he was back to square one. No, even worse than square one. Uncle wasn’t captured before. There was at least one holdout in the entire Earth Kingdom before. Zuko could pretend the Avatar was continuing his streak of avoiding real harm before.

None of those were true now.

Zuko slowly sat down on the deck, staring at the metal silently.

“Are you all right?” Hakoda asked. Zuko shrugged. “It’s a yes or no answer.” The boy remained silent. Hakoda sighed. “Well, in that case, why don’t you-”

“We know about the solar eclipse,” Zuko blurted out. The crew, which had begun to resume regular duties after the bison’s departure, froze. Hakoda crouched next to Zuko.

“By ‘we’, you mean…”

“The Fire Nation.” Someone swore softly. “Of course the Fire Nation knows about the solar eclipse! Firebenders have a vested interest in their ability to firebend!”

“Zuko.” Zuko looked up at Hakoda. “Thank you for telling me this.”

“You’re welcome,” Zuko mumbled. Hakoda got to his feet.

“We’ll need to send a bird immediately to our allies. If the Fire Nation knows about the eclipse, they’ll have prepared for it.” Hakoda looked at Zuko. “Right?” Zuko nodded.

“This is going to mess up our plans,” Bato said. Hakoda grinned.

“No, it’s going to make them better.”

“We don’t know what the Fire Nation’s preparations will be like,” Tuluk argued.

“We don’t.” Hakoda looked at Zuko again. “But we’ve got someone on board who does.”

“I don’t know if the kid’s willing to turn against his people,” Aake rumbled. Zuko crossed his arms.

“The kid is right here,” he snapped. Aake raised an eyebrow.

“Are you willing to turn against your people?” he asked. The churning in Zuko’s stomach amplified.

My people. Yue had told him not to turn his back on his people. But if he told the crew how the Fire Nation prepared for the eclipse, he would be doing just that. Although…would I? His people weren’t just the Fire Nation anymore. He’d been helped by all the nations. Even the Avatar had promised to bring justice to those who had hurt him.

Zuko touched his scar.

He thought of the 41st Division, the soldiers sent to their deaths as canon fodder. Surely, ending the war wouldn’t help just the Water Tribes and Earth Kingdom. The people of the Fire Nation were suffering, too.

Zuko’s hand fell from his face. The churning in his stomach quieted. He looked up at Hakoda, his eyes meeting the Chief’s squarely.

“I’m not turning against my people,” he said. “I’m doing my part to end a war that has hurt us all. I’ll tell you everything I know.” A proud smile slowly spread across Hakoda’s face.

“Thank you, son.”

…Son?

“You can tell me in the morning. For now, you should go back to sleep,” Hakoda said. Zuko nodded as tiredness abruptly hit him over the head. He allowed Kustaa to lead him to the infirmary, where his furs were waiting.

The full moon shining down brightened. Just a bit.

#Zuko #Uncle Iroh #Hakoda #Bato #Toph #Sokka #Katara #Aang #ATLA #Spirit Touched #btw no fucking clue when the final chapter goes up. it's been slow going for writing #.....sigh. the curse of the fic writer.#I haven't been as inspired as I was for the previous chapters #(also I've been feeling guilty about my GF WIPs and that's been making my writing slower too)#my writing #my stuff #fanfiction #speecher speaks

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purrincesskittens · 3 years

Text

More atla dragon au headcanon ideas

Somewhat takes place in @muffinlance 's Salvage universe. Kinda Scaled Salvage and Scaled Over. Also contains their character Panuk from Salvage.

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Like with most animals you do not get between a mama dragon and her babies no matter the age of said babies.

No it does not matter what form she is in she will get angry if she thinks your a threat.

The best thing you can do is lay down your weapons and get down on the ground or back away slowly hands on your head away from her young.

Male dragons can also be defensive of young dragons especially if there is no mama around.

Sometimes if a young dragon has been orphaned and a older male finds them the male will take care of the young dragon watching out for them if not outright adopting them. The younger the dragon the more likely the chance of the adult dragon adopting the young one. Females are more likely to adopt young dragons no matter the age but not all do. Instinct tells an adult dragon to adopt a young dragon that's on their own. It's not something that's easy to fight.

In the case of Bato and Zuko. Bato hasn't necessarily adopted teenage Zuko but does look out for him. He is an Uncle figure or older mentor figure or mature dragon figure. Dragon Bato with actual baby dragon Zuko though you bet he has adopted this hatchling. He is his now and Ozai is not getting him back.

Young adult dragons often form groups after venturing out on their own. It's for their own protection. Safety in numbers. Panuk falls into this category with Zuko. Him and Zuko have formed a group with their non dragon friend Toklo. Azula is the same with Mai and Ty Lee. Males usually form a group together while females form a separate group together. Sometimes you will find a larger group of dragons that's mixed.

While male dragons usually have only two horns and females have four you will find that it can mean absolutely nothing when it comes to gender. They are still human. A dragon with two horns could still be female or not have a gender at all, same with a dragon with four horns.

There are some dragons even with no horns at all or three horns or more. Horns can break off or in some cases be shed or grow more horns. It depends on the dragon.

If you find a young dragon alone carefully look for a parent or older dragon if there is non nearby keep an eye on the young dragon but keep your distance unless they are hurt or sick. A young dragon alone could have just wandered off gotten lost or they could have been left somewhere the parent felt was safe. If no parent or older dragon is around and they don't come back after a while approach with caution and try to get the dragon to change to human form if possible to communicate more efficiently.

Just because a child is a dragon does not mean the parent is also a dragon. There could be a dragon blood parent and a human parent or two human parents or two dragon blood parents. Genetics are funny like that.

In certain cases a young dragon will imprint on or adopt an older dragon or adult figure as their parent. Case in point Azula. Bato has been foricibly claimed as her dragon parent.

Bato is a water dragon, Zuko is a fire dragon, Azula is a lightning dragon and Panuk in his own words is a dragon.

Zuko calls him an Artic dragon while Toklo calls him a Tundra dragon. Both are correct. Panuk is an Artic Tundra dragon made for chasing down prey across the artic tundra able to fly or rather glid across the flat planes of the tundra. He doesn't have a breath attack but he does have rows of sharp teeth that can grow back if lost like those of a shark. His roar is one of the loudest amongest dragons and is meant to spook prey into running so he can chase them down. Some similar dragons are stalk and ambush predators Panuk is not one of those dragons he instead runs his prey to ground.

Prepubescent dragons are called Hatchlings and are usually under 3-4 feet in length. After puberty up to the age of 20 they go through growth spurts frequently causing them to molt and shed scales as their bodies change they are called Dragonlings during this period. Dragonlings usually begin to venture further away from their parents still within their own territory though. Some more adventurous Dragonlings leave home early and join or form a group of dragons close to their own age.

Zuko and Azula are Dragonlings. Panuk has aged out of being a Dragonling and is just considered a young adult dragon now.

Hakoda has alot of questions on raising Zuko because while he grew up along side Bato a fire dragon is completely different.

Lava dragons are a thing and yes they are classified under fire dragons not earth dragons but are believed to have originated as a earth/fire cross hybird. There are also types of fire dragons that are more liquid fire then flame. Lightning dragons are classified under fire dragons but are much rarer and usually have dark colored scales. Fire dragons can be all kinds of colors but are predominantly red.

Water dragons come in various shapes and forms like Fire dragons do. Ice dragons fall under water dragons category. Ice dragons are the equivalent of a dragon water bender they produce their own ice unlike most water dragons who swallow water and heat it up inside their bodies before breathing it out.

Dragons that swallow water for their breath attack can also store small amounts of water inside their bodies to use incase they are on land somewhere where their is little to no water available. It can be used for hydration or for attacking.

There are such things as furred dragons. Dragons with fur instead of scales or larger areas of fur then most. These dragons are usually cold climate dragons or mountain dwelling dragons. Some live along coastlines and are a type of water dragon cross hybrid.

Earth dragons are usually various shades of brown and grey ranging into black but can be other colors especially if they are of mixed ancestry. They tend to have more spikes and tougher scales. They also love the dirt. Young Earth Dragons especially hatchlings will roll in any amount of dirt they can find no matter the form they are in. Usually once they out grow the hatchling phase they don't do it as much.

Feathered dragons were a thing. You can still see some feathered dragon bloods but feathered dragons 'officially' died out with the Air Nomads. Any feathered dragon that shifts for the first time usually quickly disappears either hidden away or sent out to the front lines to be disposed of. Some manage to hide in plain sight if they happen to have feathers and scales they just pluck their feathers. No one wants to be a feathered dragon.

If there has ever been a dragon Avatar it hasn't been recorded in history. All well known Avatars weren't even dragon bloods just human. Some people think it was the spirits way of keeping the Avatar from being all powerful. Others believe that there were dragon or dragon blood Avatars in the past but they weren't well known or just not recorded in history as being such.

A white opalescent dragon is a moon dragon. These are legendary and so incredibly rare. Usually only someone blessed by the moon or who has dedicated their life to worshiping the moon will be a moon dragon. (If Yue were a dragon she would be one)

Dragons with opalescent hues to their scales are rare and highly sought after for their scales. They can come in a wide range of colors some much more rarer then others.

A deep blue opalescent dragon is usually a Ocean Dragon a Moon Dragons counterpart much like Tui and La. While a Gold Dragon is a Sun Dragon. A true golden dragon hasn't been seen since before Sozins reign began. Most 'gold' dragons are actually yellow.

Black dragons aren't that uncommon but a true black dragon will actually have matte black scales not glossy black. While their scales can be painted with a gloss coating or polished and shined their natural scales don't have the glossy look to them. This actually helps them blend into the dark better.

Zuko has matte black scales with a dark charcoal grey under belly and a stripe of deep blue almost black fur along his back and making up his tail tuft. He was always told his scales were ugly and grew to somewhat resent his matte black scales before realizing he could blend into the dark better and no one would see him. If someone shown a light past him it would take them longer to react compared to Azula's glossier scales. Azula's scales are also black but aren't matte black instead her scales are a semigloss black she usually buffs or shines her scales depending on the situation. Her under belly is more of a dark graphite shade of grey and her tail tuff and fur stripe is a deep dark shade of red almost black.

Not all dragon bloods are born with dragon features in fact most aren't and their features appear shortly after sometimes it takes up to a year before their features appear. Many children born in the Northern Water Tribe die shortly after birth or within a year of their lives because of this. The Northern Tribe sees dragon bloods as demons or signs of the enemy. It doesn't matter to them if dragon bloods have existed prior to the war or that there are water dragons or moon dragons. If a dragon blood child survives their first few years in the North without displaying any dragon features but end up displaying them in private some family's hide their children away or take them to the healers to have that part blocked by disrupting their child's chi. This hurts the child but is considered better then being dead or a dragon. There are no Dragons in the Northern Water Tribe.

Bato is not welcome in the Northern Tribe something that angers Hakoda. Between the Northern Tribes view on women and women bending and their view on dragons and dragon bloods Hakoda wants nothing to do with them anymore after being turned away and shunned by their sister Tribe so many times. He will never bring Zuko even close to the North Pole out of fear of what they might do to a fire dragon even just a young one.

#atla fanfic #atla dragons #atla hakoda #atla zuko #atla dragon au #dragon au #dragon au theroies #dragon!zuko #dragon!azula #dragon!bato #hakoda loves his dragons #even when they exhuast him #Bato will not parent teen Zuko thats Hakoda’s job #baby zuko though he will fight Hakoda for #dragon baby is Bato's now #panuk scaring his prey into running #zuko thinks that stalking and ambushing the prey would be easier #panuk replies with yes but its more fun my way

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muffinlance · 4 years

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I propose a triple crossover: little scaled salvage. zuko is at approximate "can still be worn as a scarf for cuddles" size, his horn nubs are just barely starting to come in. akhlut crew wary until they find that dragon zuko is much less fighty (if just as reckless) than human zuko. winter rolls around and theyre a lil alarmed to find out that all the firebender talk about "agni gives us life" is more literal than they thought, as their scrawny lil dragon son basically starts hibernating

Oh my gosh little dragon Zuko--

He initially tries to escape by flying but can't make it far enough, because he is smol. (Ranalok and Aake just trail him in a boat until he has to land. Aake suggests wing-breaking as a future deterrent, kid doesn't even need those in human form. Ranalok says that's the Chief's call and spends the rest of the trip back with a tired shaky noodle hiding inside his coat. Later, Human Zuko insists he was just COLD, okay, that's ALL.)

Laundry involves their water heater occasionally being IN the tub, sporadic bubbles rising from the wiggly heating coil at the bottom, how long can dragons hold their breath because Panuk and Toklo are starting to discover the relevance of that question-- (Warm baths help with molting, of COURSE he has to get his head wet too, put him back--)

Apologies after burning Bato include a clearly ceremonial handing over of his last molt. Bato is now holding the shed skin of a child and this is just one more thing he Does Not Know What To Do With, in the rather long list he's acquired since returning to the ship.

Human Zuko walks around with a dog in his arms and/or clinging ridiculously to his shoulder. Dragon Zuko rides Seal Jerky around the deck like an epic mount, scaly nose raised high, scruffy little mane blowing majestically in the wind. Human Zuko DOES NOT WANT TO TALK ABOUT THIS. (Seal Jerky is a happy pupper either way.)

On cold nights, Human Zuko steals blankets to his growing nest, and glares at anyone to dare mention it. The first time it was extra cold and he was a dragon, they thought they lost him again. Then Kustaa got into his own hammock--Wake me up if he's hypothermic when you catch him--and just kind of... paused. Dragon nephew had been waiting hours for his warm cuddles. (Toklo hereafter took to piling extra blankets on his own hammock as a dragon-lure. It has not to date been effective, because Toklo is a small inefficient radiator. Acceptable heaters include, but are not limited to: Kustaa, Hakoda, Ranalok, and Aake. Bato is too boney. Aake consistently scruffs the prince and sets him on the floor. This does not stop him waking up to a warm wiggle-snake against his back. Human Zuko insists it's Aake's fault for being so warm and huge and warm.)

Dragon Zuko is trying to teach the albatross-gulls how to land properly via demonstration. Effective communication has yet to be established. (Under the roosting birbs is also an acceptable place to take warm!naps. The crew would like to know how he squeezed through their cage mesh, do dragons not have bones?)

One of Ozai's letters includes a line about his son's skin. Hakoda originally takes this as a metaphor. This is not a metaphor. (Later, Zuko reads the letter, and does not explain to the Chief the difference between 'skin' and 'molt' that Hakoda can't be expected to know but Ozai definitely does. Little Zuko gets to the crying-hugs part of this conversation more quickly than older Zuko did.)

General Fong's letters contained occasional mentions of skin, as well. Fong has always wanted a piece of wall art to match that in the Earth King's palace, and if Ozai won't pay ransom... (NO WE ARE NOT SELLING YOU TO THE EARTH KINGDOM, says Hakoda, when he finally gets it.)

The crew was deeply unsettled to find that the Fire Lord's line were literally inhuman monsters. By the time they reach their first port, nobody had better say anything about their tiny inhuman monster, he is a BLAMELESS NOODLE.

(Aake submits to being a dragon-scarf-perch. Nobody had better say anything about that, either.)

#Toklo's efforts to lure the tiny prince over for scarf-snuggles or bedtime blanket heating continue #Panuk's smirking also continues #when making burn salve Kustaa curls dragon nephew up like a heating coil and puts the pot on top #indignant sulking is the perfect temperature #Scaled Salvage

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muffinlance · 4 years

Note

Dragon zuko belly rubs. That is all.

IT'S A TRAP

#Panuk falls for it once #Toklo falls for it Every Time #Scaled Salvage #Toklo: but he's so cute #Panuk: *is making a million if-you-want-to-lose-a-finger-to-the-Fire-Nation jokes in his head but it is Too Soon*#Baby Dragon: *cutely curls paws to chest and purr-chirps away at Toklo's crumbling resolve*

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purrincesskittens · 3 years

Text

Small gift fic for @muffinlance featuring young dragon zuko winding up on the Akhult three years early. And as a dragon.

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"What is that?" Hakoda asks with a sigh staring up at the main mast where a black scaly creature was wrapped around it. "I believe it's a dragon." Panuk offers shading his eyes to look up, with his dragon eye sight he would have a better look at it.

Them.

Whatever.

"Okay what is a dragon doing here? In the middle of the ocean?" No answer. Everyone on deck looked around at the open expanse of water. Yeah that wasn't something they could answer.

Bato looked up changing just his eyes something he could do as a older more experienced dragon compared to Panuk. "Looks young judging by their size. While they look long in length they are maybe three to four feet? Hard to tell from this distance. If their horns are anything like mine and Panuk's I would say they are male. Maybe early adolescent could be younger."

Groans came from the crew. That's just what they needed a young adolescent dragon probably either shifted for the first time in a fight or flight response and picked flight or one that got too cocky and over estimated their flying abilities. "He's hurt." Panuk announced still looking up. "That red spot on his head isn't a patch of different colored scales it looks like he was burned. I can also smell the infection from here."

Bato inhaled deeply and grimaced. "Definitely infected and it is a burn I can smell the burned flesh. He also stinks of fear and exhaustion. I'm impressed he is still holding on up there." Kustaa hurrumphed gazing sternly up at the dragon child on their mast. "You won't be impressed for long if he falls from that height I doubt he has the strength to catch himself and he is liable to faint if that wound isn't treated soon."

"Bato do you think you can reach him if you shift?" Hakoda turns to his friend and second. They needed to get the dragon down not just because he was hurt but because he could be one that had the legendary fire breath with their luck and their boat was rather flammable especially the sails.

"Maybe? If I stretch and stand on my hind legs. It will be a reach and tricky I don't want to break the mast. He could fall or climb higher or try to fly. I doubt he is very coherent other then knowing he ran into something solid and is now clinging to it." Bato unbuckled his sword handing it to Hakoda. Clothes were one thing but weapons were another and tended to get in the way while shifting.

The crew backed up clearing space for the much larger dragon as Bato shifted turning into a rather large dragon with scales that ranged in shades of blue with a whitish gray under belly. His wings were more like large fins on his back. He was made for swimming and could withstand colder temperatures then most people or dragons.

The small black dragon made a noise from the mast. What ever it was Bato made a much deeper noise back before rearing up on his hind quarters and stretching his long neck up bracing one fore paw on the mast as he reach up towards the young dragon.

The smaller dragon hissed and tried to scurry further up the mast but was too weak to secure a good grip. A few minutes seemed to go by filled with the growls and hissing of the small dragon before he exhausted himself enough for Bato to secure his jaws around the dragons middle disengaging him from the mast and dropping down onto all fours back onto the deck.

The dragon was so small that only his head and tail tip stuck out of either side of Bato's narrow muzzle. He let out a defeated puff of smoke looking miserable. Toklo cooed at how cute he looked even with the nasty burn over half his face disrupting the muted black scales.

Kustaa approach while the young dragon was detained and held captive in Bato's jaws making it so he couldn't run away or fight back. "Definitely young maybe early teens I would say 14 at the oldest. Hard to tell for sure unless I get a good close look at his teeth. No younger then 12 though. Too young to be out on his own. Most definitely male. The horns are in the same place as Bato's and Panuk's. A female dragon has smaller sharper and more of them. Usually they have a set of two spaced further apart then males."

Hakoda nodded while they didn't have many dragons in the Southern Tribes they did have several female dragon bloods and there was the young girl child dragon blood that went missing in a storm several years ago. The search party found her body later shifted into a small dragon curled up in a tight ball looking like she was asleep. They suspected she might have been a storm dragon but was too young and it was to big of a storm for her to have survived on her own. The dangers of living on the tundra sadly.

"Who ever burned him did it from close range and held the fire to his face while they did it. I need my supplies brought up if I'm to treat him properly. Bato keep a hold of him will you we don’t need him taking off on us I’ll be right back with what I need to treat him.” Kustaa had barely turned when the small dragon drew in a long deep breath.

Panuk slide in-between their Healer and the dragon wrapping a scaled covered arm around the dragons snout keeping his jaws closed. Blue dragon eyes gazed calmly into gold as a growling whine escaped the black dragons throat. “Sorry but we can’t have you crispy frying our healer.”

Unlike Bato a much more mature dragon Panuk could not shift just parts of his body instead he could either shift fully into a dragon or just shift so his dragon blood characteristics are visible. Right now he was displaying full dragon blood features. He wasn’t fire proof but his scales would protect him somewhat.

Aake was happy to provide a belt to tie around the dragons muzzle. “Gold eyes.” He noted scowling at the dragon who huffed smoke out of his nostrils since he couldn’t do it out his mouth anymore. “We sure he’s not a fire bender?”

Hakoda sighed. “ We don’t have enough details the gold eye just could be because he is a fire dragon. That doesn’t mean he is a fire bender or from the Fire Nation. We need to treat his wounds first then we get him human to ask questions.”

Kustaa came back with supplies simply raising a brow at the makeshift muzzle. The young dragon tried to fight the whole time he was being treated but was too tired to accomplish anything. Finally by the time a bandage was tied around his head he was limp in Bato’s jaws making whimpering noises through the muzzle.

When Bato released the dragon he curled into a ball scratching weakly at the muzzle before flopping down exhausted. Bato changed back in order to carry him down into the ships infirmary at Kustaa’s orders. “So…. Now what?” Toklo wonders watching the droopy eyed limp dragon disappear below deck.

Now what indeed.

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purrincesskittens · 3 years

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Just had a funny thought for my dragon atla au for @muffinlance that I may expand on and write out later but dragon Azula getting jealous that Zuko has a new dad that loves him and gives him affection no matter what form he is in. No she is not jealous how dare you imply that. Her father is a much better dad then Zuko's new water tribe dad. Even if Zuko's water tribe dad let's him coil around him and climb him and strokes his scales and scratches behind his horns all things Ozai has never done before not even with her his perfect golden child. No she isn't jealous at all she doesn't need those things she isn't a hatchling.

Zuko smirks at her and gives a hiss rubbing his cheek against HIS dad. How dare he claim a non dragon blood as hoard as family in front of her!! Hoards weaken you everyone knows that. Ozai beat it into them both when they first shifted. Mai and Ty Lee are not her hoard thank you very much they are her subordinates not her friends. Hoards make you weak and she isn't weak. How dare Zuko look down on her just because he is coiled around his new father who is taller then her no matter what form she takes. She is superior he should know this by now. She finds her own perch a even better one then Zuko's. Hers is taller and a dragon!

Bato did not agree to being a climbing post for a small lightning dragon especially one who doesn't seem to care if her claws HURT. He tries to unsuccessfully pry her off. She just bites her new perch. Most of the crew find it hilarious that their chief and chief's second have young dragons coiled around them that are hissing and glaring at each other. The other two dragons on board the Akhult can't understand what the two are saying but they don't really need to in order to know they are having a petty argument over fathers and human shaped perches.

Panuk cheerfully roots Zuko on instead of helping his fellow dragon disentangle the fiesty young dragon who has claimed him as a perch. There are plenty of sparks flying between the two dragon siblings literally and figuratively. Bato finally gives up and shifts forcing Azula to uncoil herself from him as he is much bigger as a dragon then she anticipated not that it will stop her from using him to tower over her brother. Bato did not agree to adopt a fire nation teenager one is enough as a unoffical honorary nephew.

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muffinlance · 4 years

Note

What if zuko in danger noodle form likes to be handled the way ferrets do, being gently flopped around and dangled

"Why does he let you do that?" Toklo said, pointing an accusing finger at Panuk.

Panuk pointed back, by means of pointing a dragon head at him. Said dragon hung like a particularly playful rope between his hands, occasionally working up a burst of energy to twine circles around his wrists and kick lightly at his fingers.

"Jealous?" Panuk asked, swinging the dragon-rope.

"Yes."

"How many days of solo sewing is it worth to you?"

Toklo grimaced. "...One."

"Seven."

"Two."

"Nine."

"That's not how negotiating works!"

"I'm sorry," said Panuk, draping a dragon belly-up around his shoulders, "I thought you wanted to know."

"...Three."

"Eleven."

"Stop that!"

The dragon fell-roll-skidded down Panuk's arm, and began play-mauling his fingers.

"Five," Toklo shouted, because his heart could not take more of this.

"Twenty-three."

"Why are you like this."

(The secret was to help Kustaa clean up the tin of jasmine the dragon had knocked over earlier, getting tea-leaf-dust liberally coated on one's hands.)

#Zuko upon regaining human form: WE ARE NEVER SPEAKING OF THIS AGAIN #Kustaa upon the same occasion: you sound like you could use some calming tea nephew #I'M NOT YOUR--#(tea is also an effective noise canceller)#Scaled Salvage

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purrincesskittens · 3 years

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my theory for dragons in the Atla universe as dragon!zuko is a popular theme that I'm in love with. Can't remember who its by but there was a incomplete fic out there on ao3 with a dragon!Bato that I remember seeing when I explored the dragon!Zuko tag on ao3. I also mention a character from @muffinlance 's Slavage, Panuk, in this theory because I have seen them in a few dragon!Zuko stories before and I thought him being a dragon himself would be interesting especially with his background.

Dragons are rare outside the fire nation. In the fire nation they are more uncommon then anything as having dragon blood is usually found in nobles or old blood lines actual original pure dragons were hunted to what was thought as extinction and no more pure dragon bloods were born as some dragons could take on human shapes gifted by Agni which resulted in the first dragon bloods . Zuko is a dragon same with Azula and their mother was of dragon blood and showed characteristics of a dragon from being descended from Roku. Uncle Iroh also has dragon characteristics while Ozai has very faint dragon characteristics. Sozin and Roku were known as some of the last known pure blooded dragon bloods. Most of those who are dragons now are not pure bloods not even Sozins line despite attempts to keep the blood line as pure as possible hence why Azulon arranged the marriage between someone of Roku's line and Sozin's line to try and bring more dragon blood back into their line which was a success and generated two actual dragons. Zuko has less control over his instincts then Azula and takes longer to shift then Azula and shifted later then her. His fire was always considered weaker then hers in either form. Azula was just better at hiding her dragon instincts as she got older then Zuko and has taught herself how to behave in a certain expected manner when she is in her dragon form. Azula is more of a lightning dragon then a fire dragon like Zuko and is the best flyer and can withstand hotter temperatures but Zuko is is more flexible and the better climber and swimmer and can hold his breath longer overall he has the most stamina as a dragon built up over time thanks to training with Uncle. Dragon blood lines try to marry strictly within other dragon blood lines in attempts to keep their blood pure and breed stronger dragon blood in the next generation.

Outside the fire nation in the earth kingdom dragon bloods are rare and growing rarer as those found to have dragon blood are recruited/forced/coerced into the army and used on the front lines for their increased fire resistance compared to normal earth kingdom soldiers which usually results in their early deaths as they still are not fully fire proof no dragon blooded has been since before Sozin and Roku even and even then there were limits no dragon known could survive an volcanic eruption or if enough fire was held directly against them.

The air nomads had dragons among them but they were wiped out along side their brethren. Aang is not a dragon nor of dragon blood but he knew several air nomads who were of dragon blood such as his mentor Monk Gyatso who was of dragon blood and had faint dragon characteristics.

In the Water Tribes only the south has dragons. The northern tribe eliminates all dragons to purify their people of the believed filth that is dragon blood. The southern tribe had more dragons before the raids began but now after the raids there are two known dragons left. Part of it is baby dragons or dragon bloods don't survive the winters with no sun. They end up falling into a coma like sleep and never waking up before eventually passing before spring can come. Those with faint dragon blood try to ensure any pregnancies are timed so that the children are born during the early spring so they are older and stronger by the time winter comes having the midnight sun of summer to grow strong during. Bato is from a surpisingly rather strong line of dragon blood despite no attempts having been made to keep it that way and was the only dragon blooded child of his generation to survive despite being born during the winter. He is more of a water dragon though and can't fly his wings are more fin like but is a strong swimmer and can breath boiling hot water. He will swallow water and heat it within his body before spraying it now boiling hot back out at his enemies. He is weaker against fire due to this compared to say Zuko but can withstand more drastic water temperatures and the cold compared to Zuko who can't handle the cold as well since he is a fire dragon. Panuk is the second dragon belonging to the Southern Water Tribes. He is more like a wyvern though with his front limbs being his wings with claws on them and he has long back legs that can run much faster over larger distances compared to Zuko or Bato. He can't fly either really his wings aren't big enough. He has glided low over the ground after getting a strong running start before but can't fly like Zuko can. He also can't breath fire or water but he does have the loudest roar and strongest bite force. Zuko is a decent enough flyer and fighter in his dragon shape and can climb much better then most dragons as well as swim better considering he is a fire dragon Azula can swim just not nearly as well as Zuko.

When Zuko meets Bato and Panuk he tries to teach them both to fly. This goes as well as one would think it does. Bato would prefer to stick to the water he's to old to learn to fly thank you very much. Panuk can't get enough leverage to get high enough to do more then glide he really isn't built for flying or swimming. Each has their specialty. Bato as the oldest is of course the biggest dragon at over 40 feet in length around the size of a giant squid while Panuk is next around 20 to 25 feet followed by Zuko who is only around 6 to 8 feet long and seems to be constantly molting as he is in a growth spurt period. Dragons can continue grow almost all their lives the older they get the larger they are. Bato prefers soaking in water to remove his molts or has Hakoda help while Panuk just likes to roll around and rub against stuff to remove his unless he can get someone to help. Zuko usually needs human help to get his molts off as his shed skin still sticks to much to the new scales underneath but otherwise he likes nearly boiling hot water or rolling in hot coals it softens his new scales and helps separatethe skin from them. Dragons also shed scales on occasion if some are damaged they shed them as new ones grow in and some shed them like animals with fur coats do during the spring and fall to get summer and winter scales in.

Dragons do hoard things even just those with dragon blood do. It's not that unusual for dragons and dragon bloods to hoard the people they are closest with. Zuko likes to hoard people. What few people he likes he is over protective of. His crew on the Wani are part of his hoard and now the Akhult crew. Azula is a part of his hoard along with his mother. He still loves them both even if Azula and him have a complicated relationship and his mother hasn't been around for years. Object wise he likes swords and theater scrolls and occasionally tea sets usually those he gives to his uncle who hoards them. He also has a hoard of turtleducks back at the fire nation palace that he started by accident and grew over time and refused to let anyone remove them. They are still there and the flock has grown too big to remove. Almost all courtyards with ponds now have smaller groups of turtleducks that originated from the flock Zuko started as a child. Zuko only has a few hoard items he cherishes enough to keep with him when he has to travel most of which he can keep on his immediate person. Bato hoards bones. He carves them for ceremonial use and for weapons. His tent back in the tribe was filled with his carvings some he shared with Hakoda because Hakoda and his family are part of his hoard. Sokka and Katara loved climbing on him in his dragon form as young kids and Katara loved trying to copy his water breath attack with her bending. Panuk hoards jewelry and beads as well as metal objects. He has few hoard items most he wears on him or are his weapons. Zuko and Panuk are similar in that aspect with keeping their hoards on them and keeping them small but Zuko hoards more people then Panuk does.

Hakoda is used to his best friends dragon form and they have their own way of communicating while Bato is a dragon. This method does not work with Zuko who had his own method of communication with Uncle Iroh who understood him enough and enough dragon behavior to form a method of communication with him. Panuk has a more simpler method that matchs his human body language more. Dragons don't always understand each other in dragon forms if they haven't been raised together or have a set method for communication between them already. Zuko is very nippy as a dragon compared to Panuk who is more vocal while Bato is calmer and steadier when Bato was younger him and Hakoda got into so many wrestling matches even when he was in his dragon form but those became less and less the bigger he got especially after he accidentally hurt Hakoda during one. They still happen on occasion to this day between them but Bato has learned to be more careful especially if Sokka and Katara are around. It's just easier and safer to wrestle as humans then human and dragon.

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