The Tale of Fire and Sun | Zuko x OC

Book 2 - Earth Chapter 1

Yara's POV:

"Psst... Yara... Yara!"

I jolted up from my bed from the creepy sound that echoed in my ears.

"Who's there?!" I shouted in panic when something caught my eye by the window of my chamber.

The familiar sight of a ponytail and sheepish grin made my body relax. Zuko stood by the window, waving enthusiastically.

"What do you want?!" I muttered in a hushed tone, quite angrily, "My father's here!"

He snorted at my statement. "The entire Fire Nation Army officials are with the Fire Lord for an important War meeting. You think I'm an idiot to come at this time?!"

I was up from bed, walking towards him as I drawled. "Well you actually are..."

"Ha ha... Very funny," he rolled those amber eyes, but his lips had the signature smile. "Now, I wanna show you something. Come on!"

"Now?"

"Now!"

"Zuko, it's already late! Can't this wait until tomorrow?"

"Oh Yara... I didn't take you as the coward type," he teased, his tone dipped in sarcasm.

I didn't give him the chance to laugh as I punched his arm, hard. He grunted in response which was soon replaced by a grin. "Yara, you're wasting time. Just shut up and come!"

I groaned in annoyance, knowing there was no way out of this. I soon changed to my daily outfit and hopped out of the window, following Zuko.

"So, care to tell me where we are going?" I asked as he dragged me through hallway after hallway.

"You know where," he replied and it was evident that he was grinning the whole time.

I soon recognised the path where he was taking me...

"The Turtleduck Pond!"

I exclaimed and Zuko's pace quickened, his hand never leaving mine. Soon enough, we reached the pond and it was as quiet as ever.

"Now, watch me!" Zuko said, his tone filled with confidence.

I stared at him intently as he took a deep breath and straightened his posture. His hands were pressed together, only his ring and little fingers were closed. He closed his eyes as he took another deep breath.

In an instant, his eyes shot open and I took a step back. Zuko started to shoot fire with the fingers he kept open at random places. It was then I realised he lighted the lamps surrounding the pond. I just stood there, overwhelmed with amazement.

Zuko performed the move quite flawlessly and with ease. I had the slightest idea that he'd been practising and he didn't even brag about it.

"This is amazing! How did you get to learn it?! You better make it up by teaching me since you didn't even tell me about this..." words poured out of my mouth as I could barely contain my excitement.

"I practiced it... for you."

"What?! How- why did you-" I asked in a shocked tone but stopped short when my eyes fell on a basket nearby.

I inched closer to examine the contents and let out a squeal. Sizzle-crisps and Jasmine Tea! My favorites...

"Happy Birthday Yara!"