Lotus Flower: Book One|ZukoxOC(Avatar the Last Airbender Fanfic)

Obtained the Loot

After what seemed like hours of searching for the prince's boat, I couldn't help the anxiety that seemed to creep through me.

"This has been an utter waste of time. Prince Zuko is probably on the boat by now—I wouldn't be surprised if he's left without us." Lowering my binoculars I send a curious look to the soldier behind me, who was already glaring my way; like he was daring me to speak.

"Why are you so sure he's already left?" I ask, making him roll his eyes.

"He's the prince, and we're only mere soldiers. To him, we're disposable."

"I doubt he thinks that. You're people like he is, he wouldn't take your loyalty and hard work for granted." The frown on my face lingers as the soldiers shoot each other looks of disbelief. "Let's keep moving. If you want, I can take one of the paddles."

"We've got it, Ms. Liena." Another crew-mate says, sending me a kind smile.

We made our way down the river, scouring the shores for any sign of Iroh and the prince—but no luck at all.

"We could get out and look for a trail?" Someone suggests and I only nod. There doesn't seem to be much else to see.

As one of them tied off the boat, the rest of us walked around aimlessly looking for clues. There weren't any tracks, boats, or signs that anyone had been in the area. We have to keep trying.

Weaving in between trees, shrubs and the shore, I found myself growing more worried by the second. I wandered a ways from the group, trying my best to pick up on something.

Crossing my arms, I sigh and kick my foot in the sand. I hope they're okay.

"Liena?"

Turning on my heel, I see a disheveled Iroh and Zuko standing near the shoreline.

"You're alright!" I exclaim, smiling as I jogged towards the pair.

"Hardly! Those stupid pirates stole my boat, then went over the side of a waterfall with it!" Zuko huffed, making my heart drop.

"Are they okay?"

"I don't know, I'm sure they have thick enough skulls." He waved off.

We made our way to the boat, before I stopped in my tracks, dumbfounded.

"Wait a second—did you say pirates?"

"Did you seriously not realize.." The prince pinched the bridge of his nose as Iroh chuckled.

"Hey, I've only heard about them in stories and song. It's not my fault!"

"You're ridiculous." Zuko mutters, making me smile slightly.

"I think you're more ridiculous."

"What? Why?" His eyes widen.

"No reason." I respond casually, putting my hands behind my back and continuing our walk towards the boat.

"Seriously, what do you mean?"

I cover my laugh behind my hand. It's way too easy to get him worked up.

As we begin climbing into our source of transportation, Iroh turns to his nephew. "Didn't you have something for Ms.Liena?"

"Oh, right," Zuko turns to me, "I've managed to obtain the loot."

"Excuse me?" I burst into uncontrollable laughter. "Nobody says that!"

"Well I did, get over it," he said as his face turns pink, and he crosses his arms over his muscular chest. "You don't get to know what I've looted."

"I'm sorry... it's just such a funny word." I take a deep breath, "see, I'm calm now. You can tell me."

The prince eyes me suspiciously before continuing, "I looted-" he cuts himself off, as I tried my best to contain my laughter. "You've got to be kidding, it's not that funny."

"It's kind of funny." Niko pipes up from behind us.

"Whatever. I looted-" Zuko presses his hand against my mouth as I began to laugh again, "here's your stuff." His words came out quickly and his forehead beaded in sweat.

"Wait, really? That's so amazing!" I exclaim, my eyes widening in excitement.

Zuko hands me my bag and I open it quickly. My journal, Kyoshi outfit, money and other things were still in there!

Out of sheer happiness, I couldn't help myself from throwing myself at Zuko. I envelop the hothead in a hug, "thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"

"Uh-Let go- ugh-Unhand me at once!" He sputters, his neck turning pink immediately.

"How else am I supposed to show my gratitude?"

"Don't worry, you can hug me." Niko offered, wiggling his eyebrows at me.

Letting out a laugh, I couldn't help the warmth that spread on my face.

"No, she's fine where she's at." Zuko said, tensing.

"I am?"

"For now, anyways." He mutters.
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A/N: Heyy! I'm sorry for the short chapter but schools still kicking my butt. This is all I can do right now.

I hope you enjoyed! It's not as good as I wanted it to be but I'm exhausted, so I'm going to try my best to be kind to myself.

Have a great rest of your week!

Xoxo,
Mir

Published: 1/27/22