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

A Stray Tear

A/N: Warning- this chapter maybe triggering to some. Liena's attacked in a more PG-13 manner(as compared to the show). When you see the "***" in this chapter, know that's where it shifts.

"So, does this mean we're friends now?" I ask Zuko.

I had my feet kicked up on the table that Zuko was using for the map. It might've annoyed him, but he hadn't said anything and I wanted to soak in the accomplishment.

"N-no way! Absolutely not, are you s-stupid?" He quickly turned his face away.

Raising an eyebrow at him as I cross my arms, "I feel like you had to really force yourself to say that."

The prince looks down in embarrassment and I could feel his annoyance beginning to boil. "Well, I guess I could go. Sorry to bother you, your princeliness." I bow and make my way towards the door but his cough stopped me.

"Where are you going? You can't just leave.." he looks at me for a second before realizing what he'd said, "I mean you can, but you should at least wait until we're docked."

"Don't worry, I'm not leaving leaving. Just heading onto deck."

"Oh," leaning against the table with his eyes cast downwards and a hint of a smile on his seemingly soft lips before the annoyance came back, "not that I care! Do what you want. Just get out of my sight."

"Right, sounds good Prince Zuko." I salute him before slipping out the door.

***
That night, I found myself looking across the starlit ocean and towards the line connecting the sky and sea. The waves crashed into the side of the ship, pushing and pulling. I let out a long sigh.

Unfortunately, that contentment couldn't last.

I felt a strong kick to the back of my knee and a rough push on my back, making me slam my head on the railing.

"Who are you?" I barely manage to get out, as I blink repeatedly in an attempt to clear the dots from my vision. I try to pull myself up with any strength I may still have—but no use, as I was pushed back to the ground again.

"Are you telling us you don't remember? Leave it to a lowly wench to be so stupid." The voice nearly made my heart drop.

"Boss, maybe it's time we show her what she's good for."

"I'd rather you not." Oh spirits, the room is spinning. Please help me get through this.

Shaking my head, trying to ignore the agony, I shakily get to my feet. I glance at my hand that had been covering my head—blood. It's ok. It's as you said... head injuries just bleed a lot. I take a deep breath and grab my fans from my sides.

"She is a fiery one, ain't she, fellas?" The beady eyed man licks his lips.

They began to advance towards me and I clumsily hit them. Of course, they started laughing at my feeble attempts.

Come on, Liena.

Shooting air their way, one of the men is thrown at the metal door and went unconscious. I felt my own vision continue to darken, so I quickly brought up my fans and blindly lash out with my bending. Suddenly I was kicked in the chest and sent flying back towards the railing once more.

Rubbing my head, I glare at the men in front of me. There was no way for me to win this one.. but I had to.

"Nice try, but you aren't getting away so easily." The beady eyed man signals to the other guy who pulls my fans from me and ties my hands behind my back.

"What do you even want from me?" Stay proud.

"You really are naive. Well, we'll just have to change that." The beady eyed man pulls my head back by my blonde bloodied hair, and his finger runs from my jawline to my collarbone. "Don't worry, you can go running to your prince later."

My heart beat faster and faster in my chest and I couldn't help the fear that seized my heart. Please, spirits, save me.

Just as I thought I was a goner, a bright orange fire pushed the man off me. I hug my knees to my chest and let my head fall into them—my sight still dangerously clouded.

"Liena, are you alright?" The raspy voice asks, kneeling next to me. I peek at the prince, whose worry shown clear as day. He brought his hand up to my face, but I couldn't help but flinch at the touch and he quickly receded. It's okay, he wants to help.

Taking a breath I envelop him in a hug. "I didn't think anyone would help me.." He slowly places a hand on the small of my back.

"It's okay. You're okay. They won't hurt you." He whispers in my ear, making goosebumps raise on my body.

We hug for awhile longer before he gently lifts my chin. Zuko takes hold of my face and uses his thumb to wipe away a stray tear that had somehow escaped my eye without me realizing. Leaning into his hand, I stare into his amber eyes and he slowly moves closer. Then I start to move closer. My eyes close and feeling his warm breath, the hummingflies dance in my stomach.

Then he pulls away. Opening my eyes, I glance at him in confusion.

Zuko was staring at his hand that had been holding my head and I realized I never said anything about my injury.

"Zuko.. it's okay." His eyes never met mine.

The prince jumps up quickly and storms over to the three men on the floor; who were becoming conscious.

"You're going to wish you were Azula's prisoners."

Fire and screams pierced the air and their cries for forgiveness fell on the prince's ears, but he ignored them.

Slowly getting to my feet, I make my way towards the furious Zuko—who launched fireball after fireball. His back facing me, I hug him again in hopes he'd stop the cruelty.

His back tenses through his night shirt and he glances at me, with the hauntingly dangerous look in his eyes.

"Please, Zuko, stop this. I'm okay. Thanks to you."

His gaze softens and he lowers his arms. Releasing my hold on him, I allow myself to sink back down.

The men lay unconscious on the floor, each one wearing fresh burns. Luckily, each of them were still breathing.

"We have to get the medic." I turn to Zuko and I see his eyes flash. "Please, they need to be looked at."

"Come with me." He stands up, reaching out his hand and I take it—before crumpling back down again from the pain of my head. Right as I was about to hit the floor, he sweeps me up and carries me through the corridors towards the medic.

After that, the men got the help they needed before being placed in the holding cell below deck.

What an interesting night.

*************************************************
A/N: hi guys!! This chapter took a darker turn than I wanted and I'm sorry about that. I knew I had to incorporate those nasty shipmates again at some point and I figured it would be better sooner than later.

Also, Liena keeps getting hurt lol. I kind of based her off me in that way, we're both really unlucky. Buttttt at least she heals rather quickly and at least she's tough!

I really hope you guys liked the chapter. Again, let me know if I should provide a clearer warning at the beginning or perhaps a warning right before the gross men show up. Also let me know what you think of Zuko and Liena! Feel free to provide constructive criticism:)

See you later, my friends.

Xoxo,
Miranda

Published: 2/28/22