Okay guys hope you are all ready for the next chapter! Enjoy!

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Normal pov

It had been several weeks since they left Ba Sing Se, met Akoda and the others, and stole a Fire Nation ship to lay low. The salty sea breeze carried the sound of waves gently lapping against the hull of the ship as Sakura adjusted her grip on her twin daggers. Across from her, Zuko stood poised with his double-bladed sword, his golden eyes locked on her, a mix of focus and determination. The sparring ring they had carved out on the deck was marked by makeshift lines drawn in chalk, and the rest of the group had gathered to watch, turning their practice into a spectacle.

“Remember, no bending, don’t want you accidentally lighting up the deck when you lose.”

"Yeah I know."

Zuko quirked his lips into a confident smirk as he spinned his swords with ease as he stood into a stance as his blades were pointed at Sakura's direction. Sakura twirled her daggers flourishly, her stance was anything but casual, stepping lightly from foot to foot, her daggers gleaming in the sun. From the sidelines, Sokka’s voice rang out, muffled slightly by the food he was chewing, as well as Toph who were chilling next to Sokka.

“Ten silver pieces on Sakura!”

"Well I am betting on Sparky ten silver pieces as well!"

Katara, seated nearby with a comb in hand as she worked through Appa’s fur, rolled her eyes. Even though she was a bit worried that Sakura and Zuko might get injured, she was still amused how everyone better who was going to win.

“Do we really have to turn everything into a competition?”

“It’s not a competition, it’s entertainment!”

Sokka had declared, gesturing grandly with a strip of dried meat, and Toph only snickered, though her unseeing eyes remained fixed in their direction, clearly enjoying herself. Sakura chuckled softly, meeting Zuko’s gaze, listening to everything as they betted who will win.

“Let's not disappoint our audience. Ready to give them a show?”

Zuko didn’t respond verbally, but the way he shifted his stance and raised his sword was answer enough. Without another word, the match began, and Zuko was the first one to move, and he fast. The moment the sparring started, he darted forward with a powerful strike, his blades cutting through the air with precision. Sakura sidestepped, her movements fluid and practiced, and countered with a quick thrust of her daggers. He blocked her attack with ease, the sound of clashing metal ringing out across the deck. Zuko twisted his body, using the momentum to swing at her again, but she ducked low, her daggers slicing upward in a feint that forced him to step back. The exchange was fast-paced, a dance of steel and movement, Zuko’s strikes were deliberate and strong, while Sakura’s agility kept her one step ahead. Their banter continued, though it was interspersed with the sound of their weapons clashing and the occasional cheer from the sidelines.

“Come on, Zuko! Don't get your ass kicked by a woman!"

“Go Sakura go! Show him who’s boss!”

Sakura smirked at the commentary but kept her focus on Zuko, he feinted left, then pivoted on her heel to aim a strike at his side. He blocked her attack just in time, their weapons locking for a moment as their eyes met. Everyone cheered at their skills and quick agility, even Akoda and Bato was cheering, heck even Momo had jumped and down while he made his gibberish lemur noises. Akoda had sat next to Sokka while Bato sat next to Toph, both enjoying the fight between the couples.

"Never in my life have I ever witness a earth bender fighting so skilfully without the use of earth bending."

"Right? She sure is a special case to not only relay on her bending."

"That's because my sister awesome! She is the best in the world!"

The match continued for several minutes, neither of them willing to concede. The tension was palpable, and the group’s cheers grew louder as the sparring reached its peak. But then a sudden voice cut through the air, startling them both.

“Aang, you’re awake!”

The shout came from Katara, her voice a mix of relief and disbelief, causing Zuko and Sakura froze mid-movement, their weapons still locked together. Both turned toward the source of the commotion, their eyes widening as they saw Aang standing at the edge of the deck, his expression one of confusion and fear. This made Sakura and Zuko put their weapons away, their heart pounding.

“Aang?”

No one waited fo an answer from Aang, and in a blur, they ran to him, their concern overriding everything else. Aang looked disoriented as he was hugged, his gaze darting around as if he didn’t recognize his surroundings. But he immediately relaxed when he saw his friends, though it was quickly overshadowed by unease.

“Where are we? What’s going on? Why are on a Fire Nation Ship?”

"Why don't you go sit down and let us explain."

They went to a place to go sit, but before anyone could answer, Akoda appeared and introduced himself, but Katara dismissed him quickly before shooing him away. This caused Sakura to glare at her, a look that said "That was unnecessary and very rude", which caused Katara to tense a bit, but she said nothing. Sokka coughed to get everyone's attention, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly.

“Long story short, the Earth King decided to take a road trip with his bear, Jet went back to rescue his Freedom Fighters, and this ship was the best way to stay off the Fire Nation’s radar.”

Aang’s gaze shifted, landing on Zuko, who had approached quietly alongside Sakura. He did remember Zuko had chose to fight alongside them, turning his back on the Fire Nation, but he couldn't help it but feel a tiny bit wary. Sakura felt the tension in Zuko’s body beside her, and she placed a reassuring hand on his arm. Aang sighed as he spoke.

"So, how long was I out?"

As his friends began to explain how long he was out, and then when Sokka said the "good news" of the world think he was dead, Aang went ballistic over this. Sakura knew what he was going through, and so did Zuko since he knows what's it's like to lose honor. This was Katara's que to take Aang back to his room as he allowed himself to be led back. Sakura glanced at Zuko, his expression was unreadable, but there was a subtle tension in his jaw, and she could tell he was bracing himself for the challenges ahead.

"... He's not really taking this well... Maybe we should wait of dropping the bomb on him that I will be his firebending teacher... I admit it will be awkward."

"One step at the time, let's not rush things, he still needs to heal, he had been through a lot. Let's give him time."

Zuko nodded his head in understanding, his eyes meeting hers briefly before they both turned their attention back to the group. For now, they were together, and together, they would face whatever came next. But just then Sakura met Zuko's eyes and smirked.

"By the way, we should still finish up our sparring~"

".... You are one strange woman Sakura... but that's what makes me love you so much."

Sakura smiled before she kissed him on the cheeks, showing him how moved and grateful she was at his words. They went back to the ring and drew their weapons, and gave each other a confiden smirk. The crowd gathered again and waited for them to continue their battle, back to cheering and betting. Sakura and Zuko both rushed towards each other before they raised their weapons and brought it down, clashing the two daggers and double swords as sparks flew. They gave each other one last look, and continued their sparring.

...

And I am done, I hope you all enjoyed it!