nothing to lose | zuko x oc

30

they neared the north pole after a two day's flight.

koa was fast, vada knew that, but she had never really flown that far with him at that pace before and she knew he was both hungry and exhausted.

the sun shone upon the snow in a blinding manner as zuko and vada sat beside each other on a small island of ice, shielded by an ice cave while koa went to hunt.

it was late afternoon, and vada thought the best time to go to the city was at sunset, so they'd be shielded by semi-darkness.

Zuko sat in between vada's legs, his back laid against her chest as they waited for sunset. she played with some of his long hair, enjoying the tranquility before the expected chaos that would happen later.

the cool air tinted her cheeks and nose red, and puffs of vapour came from her mouth as she took calm, easy breaths.

"are you okay, fire boy?" she asked, earning a lazy hum from the warm individual who was wrapped in her arms. she smiled and leaned down, pressing a kiss to his cheek.

"thank you for coming with me." she said, "even if it's dangerous."

Zuko looked up at her with a small smile, "I'll do anything to protect you, my love."

my love.

"i know," she smiled, looking out over the horison as the sun sank lower and lower.

"we should get going." she said, standing up, offering a hand to zuko. he took it and allowed her to pull him up out of the snow.

she whistled for koa to come and the Eagle-wolf flew over with suspicious red liquid around his mouth, as he had just eaten. "stay here, buddy, okay? we'll be back in a few hours." she told the animal, who seemed to understand.

"aren't we flying into the city?" zuko questioned, watching her approach the water near the ledge of their little floating island.

"no," she replied, lifting her arms and bending up an ice canoo. "I can't risk koa getting hurt, and he can't swim if his wings get injured."

Zuko hummed and watched her get into the canoe, using the ice to fasten her feet. she held out her hand and helped him in, bending up a handle for him to hold on to.

"might want to hold on. I don't sail slow." she warned and zuko immediately grasped the handlebar, watching her shoulders tense with nerves and anticipation.

once she was sure he was secure, she threw her hands out behind her and they bagan propelling forward at an immense speed.

she pulled her hood up once they neared the city wall, and zuko did the same. once they were just at the bottom, she had zuko stand up and hold onto her.

she wrapped one arm around his torso and used her free arm to bend them up unto the wall.

"hault!" a young warrior said, pointing his spear at the two of them. "reveal your identities!"

more soldiers appeared and vada quickly froze them against the wall, leaving the young warrior free.

"let me through, tolak." she said, glaring at him from beneath her hood.

he didn't let up, so she simply kicked the spear from his grasp and pulled off her hood.

her white hair blew from her face in the crisp breeze."princess yue?" he questioned, frowning.

vada shook her head, and his face fell, eyes growing wide, "vada," he breathed, starstruck.

she bent up some water and encased him in ice, leaving his head free.