The Waterbender and The Firebender

Chapter One

Firenation Navy Ship:

Travelling on the seas was tiring. It had been almost 3 years since Ash stepped foot on Fire Nation soil. But, it was worth it; her boyfriend, Zuko, the Prince of the great nation, was with her through it all.  

"Assume your positions!" General Iroh, Zuko's uncle, yelled. Zuko and Ash both prepared for a friendly Agni Kai. Nothing to gain except for bragging rights after you claim victory. 

It was a beautiful day for sailing; a cool breeze from the ocean blows Ash's hair and Zuko's ponytail. Neither firebenders had time to admire the beauty of the early afternoon, as Ash sent blast of fire at Zuko's face before he moved out of the way. To Ash's delight, Zuko had fell to the ground. In his position, he was at a disadvantage, which both of them knew. There were few ways that he could turn the table. With a growl, Zuko did the only thing he could do; he sent a blast at Ash's feet and she jumped to dodge. Unfortunately, that was enough time for Zuko to stand up and tackle Ash to the ground.  Ash groaned. She had lost her advantage against her boyfriend. She was about to accept her defeat when she had an plan. Looking smug, Ash reached her head up and kissed Zuko lightly on the cheek, making his grip loosen enough for her to  flip Zuko onto his back and claim her rightful victory.

Looking away from Ash's face, Zuko growled, "You win," and the match was called. 

"Prince Zuko surrendered.Congratulations, Ash. You are the winner of the Agni Kai!" Iroh called out at the end of the fight. Ash climbed off of Zuko and helped him up. 

"Cheater." Zuko whispered into Ash's ear.

"Oh! Was there a rule against affection? I don't believe there is one, Zuko." Ash responded with a smirk. She knew Zuko would let it go quickly. He knew that she could leave at any point, and Ash was sure that he would want her to stay for as long as possible. She was one of the last people that stood by his side after his banishment.

Both benders were caught in an intense staring contest, and Ash was the first to break it. She wanted to take a break from wearing the heavy Fire Nation uniform and wear something that allowed more movement.  She waved to the crew and called out,"Well, I'll be in my chambers. I need to change out of this gear. Let me know when we reach land." Zuko was about to protest but  she went under the deck before he could say a word. 

Ash sat alone in her chambers. She had changed out of her required bulky armor into a pair of black pants with a red halter top. Her hair went from the traditional Fire Nation bun into a messy french braid going down her back. Not too long after, Zuko came into her quarters uninvited. Ash didn't mind it though; it was nice to be in his company. However, when he walked in, Ash could tell something was bothering him. 

"Hey hon! What's on your mind?" Ash asked sweetly, directing Zuko to sit next to her. He took her up on the offer.

"Nothing really. Just more thoughts about the Avatar." He replied. A normal person would've left it at that but Ash knew that wasn't the only thing going through his brain.

"Ah, the young Airbender and Two watertribe members whom two skilled firebenders can't even catch up to." Zuko glared at her. That wasn't what he wanted to hear. Although he was clearly angry, she laughed it off, "Aw Zu, you know I'm only joking. You'll get him eventually and then we can return home." Ash smiled brightly at her boyfriend but dropped it almost immediately when she saw more pain grow on Zuko's face. She stroked his arm lovingly before he grabbed her hands and made Ash look directly into his eyes.

"What the- Zuko, what are you-!" She began, but was cut off.

"Why?" He questioned.

"Why, what? Zuko, what's going on?"

"Why... do you stay with me? Why DID you stay with me. You were not banished and sent to hunt down the Avatar. You're free to go when you want. You have power in the Fire Nation. Me compared to that, I'm... nothing."

Ash thought for a moment. "Am I being held against my will here?" He shook his head, "Is your uncle?" He shook his head once again, "We both can leave when we want but we don't. We're both here by choice, Zuko. I'm here because I love you and I want you to be happy back in the Fire Nation knowing that you've completed your goal."

"Oh, well, I just thought..." he paused.

"What's actually going through your head? It's clearly not just the Avatar."

"Before you left to come down here, I began to think. Even when you don't use affection to your advantage," Zuko stopped to look at her before continuing, "you always bested me at Agni Kais. You are talented, Ash, and you have potential but you're wasting it here, with me."

Both Ash and Zuko stared at the ground in silence. Ash never thought about returning home after she went along with Zuko and his uncle, why would she now? She took a deep breath and planted a loving kiss on Zuko's cheek. He looked up to meet her eyes before Ash said sweetly to him, "Honey, I love you and you know that. I will admit, I do miss my family, my friends, everyone that we left behind. But you are forgetting an important member of my family; you. As long as you're here, as long as you're alive, I will always be by you."

Ash smiled and pulled Zuko into a hug. He happily returned it and the young couple sat for a while in the quiet room, enjoying each other's love and warmth.

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Hey! This is Ash of AshandBel and we both wanted to thank you for reading the first chapter of The Waterbender and The Firebender. 

Make sure to check out our main accounts as well:

Ash: Unicorncupcake0405

Bel: HPFAN_101

Word count: 1000