Don't Leave Me (Zuko x OC)

Chapter 7

It was a wonderfully warm and sunny day so I was out on the deck, soaking in the sun. 

Iroh took a big sniff of the air, "There is a storm coming. A big one."

"You're out of your mind, Uncle." Zuko scolded, approaching the old man, The weather's perfect, not a cloud in sight!"

"A storm is approaching from the North." Iroh said assuredly. "I suggest we alter our course and head South-West."

Zuko turned around, "We know that Avatar is travelling North. So we will do the same."

"Prince Zuko! Consider the safety of the crew!"

"The safety of the crew doesn't matter!" Zuko yelled back just as a soldier emerged from below deck who gave him a frown, "Finding the Avatar is far more important than any individual's safety."

After Zuko left I hurried over to the soldier, "He doesn't mean that Dai-Lang, he's just a bit worked up is all."

*****

It wasn't long until we sailed into dense storm clouds, Zuko and I emerging from his quarters to check it out. At the sight of him, Dai-Lang sneered and crossed his arms. 

"Well, looks like your Uncle was right about the storm after all."

Iroh appeared behind us, "Lucky guess."

Zuko snapped around in anger, "Lieutenant, you better learn some respect. Or I will teach it to you."

I grabbed Zuko's arm, "My Prince, please stop. It won't do any good to start fights with the crew."

The Prince pulled himself out his grasp and stormed off as Dai-Lang said after him, "What do you know about respect? The way you talking to everyone around here from your hardworking crew to your esteemed uncle, even your fiance that adores you, shows you know nothing about respect!"

Iroh slapped a hand to his forehead over the soldier's words. 

"You don't care about anyone other than yourself!"

I jumped forward, "That's not true, Dai-Lang."

He ignored me, "Then again what else should I expect from a spoiled prince."

As expected, Zuko turned to a fighting stance, ready to fight as Dai-Lang did the same. 

"Easy now." Iroh warned. 

But the two went right ahead and threw their armoured forearms together, creating sparks. Iroh had to physically get in between the two to stop them. 

"Enough! We're all a bit tired from being at sea so long. I'm sure after a bowl of noodles, everyone will feel much better."

The two death staring each other tore apart and all the soldiers returned inside. 

"I don't need your help keeping order on my ship." Zuko spat.

Iroh stepped forward to place a hand on his nephew's shoulder but he harshly shoved it off, making Iroh frown.  

*****

I tentatively opened the door and crept in, shutting it behind me as quietly as possible. Zuko was meditating at his desk, the glow of the candle light the only way I could see. I tiptoed over, kneeling down behind him , wrapping my arms around his midriff and resting my head on his back. He stiffened a bit but soon relaxed, going back to meditating. 

"Muri." He asked softly, I hummed in response, "Why did you come with me? You gave up everything just to sail around following the Avatar for 3 years."

"You are my everything. I have no home in the Fire Nation without you. With Hiroshi and Ezume gone, my home is with you." I replied, nuzzling into his back. 

He placed a hand on my own around his waist, "What if your brother returns and you aren't there?"

"I sent him a letter when we first left, explaining everything. I have not received a reply, understandably because our location keeps changing."

It was quiet for a bit, the sound of Zuko's breathing almost lulling me to sleep. 

"Thank you."

Our peace is broken by the sound of lightening hitting the ship, rocking it dangerously. I yelped at the sound. We raced to our feet and ran out the door and up to deck. It was coming down hard, the rain beating at my cheeks. 

"Where were we hit?" Zuko asks, having to yell to be heard above the rain. 

"I don't know!" Iroh pointed up, "Look!"

"The helmsman!"

He was dangling from broken railing, having been knocked off by the storm. Zuko and Dai-Lang started climbing the ladder up to help him. A large crack made me panic and I saw lightening come down straight on us. But then something amazing. Iroh seemed to catch the lightening with his outstretched arm, sending it through his body and out the other so it hit the sea instead. Although he looked a little frazzled by the end of. The ship was rocking violently side to side as it navigated the stormy seas and I was struggling to keep my balance. 

The helmsman fell, no longer able to keep his grip but was thankfully caught by Zuko who threw him down to Dai-Lang. They smiled at each other. Once they safely made their way back down, we saw something flying overhead. 

"The Avatar!"

Dai-Lang stood at attention, "What do you wanna do, sir?"

Zuko was quiet for a moment, "Let him go. We need to get this ship to safety."

"Then we must head directly into the eye of the storm."

Oh goody. 

We did just that though. It was difficult the closer we got and one big wave sent us all down to the floor. But once we through, it was as peaceful as anything. 

"Uncle, I'm sorry." Zuko admitted. 

"Your apology is accepted."

Everyone went back inside while I waited for Zuko. The Avatar's flying bison flew up from the water and Zuko and Aang made eye contact. But the prince made no move to chase him. Instead he turns to me, a little taken aback at how soaked through I am. 

"I'm cold." I state simply, sneezing. 

Zuko chuckles, wrapping his arms around me and steering me inside. 

"Let's get you dried up."