Fighting Fire with Fire ~ ☼ ZUKO X OC ☼

Chapter 2

"My name is Virra." I blurt, looking past Sokka to Aang, studying the blue arrow as it continues over his bald head.

They all stare, waiting for me to continue, Katara's hand hovering above her satchel of water.

"I- I want to help you." I mutter my eyes focusing back on Aang, "I realise you probably don't need my help, it seems you have enough members in this team of yours but-" I trail off not knowing how to express my genuineness.

"I'm not a bender, but I'm quick and know how to use a bow and arrow, well. I'm trained in many types of martial arts. I know how to hold my own and I don't want to slow you guys down." I blurt again looking at each of them as they study me but never making eye contact. "I just want to do good and- I've never had the chance before and I know it's not up to you to 'make my dreams come true' or whatever but- Please just let me prove myself. I-"

"Hey! Hey! It's okay, Virra? That's what you said your name was right?" Sokka asks, putting his hands out gesturing for me to lower my voice.

I look up to his hair and nod my head, "Yeah that's my name." I mutter, cautiously swallowing the lump in my thought wary of my burns. He looks back to Katara as she stands beside him, looking at me with a small smile.

"It's okay Virra, we know what it's like to be a bit lost." She chuckles reassuringly.

"Speak for yourself." The small earth kingdom girl scoffs, crossing her arms, "As long as I have these two feet on the ground, I'll always know exactly where I am."

"Not helping, Toph." Katara grunts, glaring at the girl.

"So, you want to do good?" Aang states, stepping forward, his Air Nomad clothes hanging off him like a proud trophy.

I nod eagerly trying to meet his eyes. "Yes that is correct" I mutter, my internal monologue confused by my suddenly timidness.

"Okay! You can join us." He smiles without a care in the world. I am shocked by his easy going and trusting nature. When I look at the others I find I'm not the only one with this reaction.

"Aang!" Katara scoffs, glaring at him. "Don't you think we should talk about this." She mutters, hinting at her uncertainty with my sudden appearance. An unimpressed frown sits on Aang's lips as he turns to Katara.

"No, if Virra wants to help us I'm not going to say no. You can never refuse someone the opportunity to do good Katara, that's not how the Monks taught us to be." Aang explains. Katara looks back to me, her foot tapping on the floor as she weighs up her options between arguing with Aang about this in front of me or discussing it later.

I take quick notice of the familiar sensation of tension hanging in the air as we all stand in an uncomfortable silence.

"So-" I begin as they all snap their heads to look at me. "What are you guys doing in the outer wall anyway?"

Sokka and Aang grin in unison while Katara and Toph frown.

"Why do you say that as if we are not supposed to be here?" Toph grumbles, crossing her arms defensively.

"Well, it's not that you're not supposed to be here, but- aren't you living in the inner wall? That's what I heard at least." I mutter looking at my feet.

"No you're right," Aang sighs, "We are looking for Appa."

"What's an Appa?" I ask confused, making Sokka laugh.

"Ha! Good one." He shakes his head, patting my arm, making me jump as the others stare at him. "What?" He frowns looking at them.

"I think she is genuinely asking Sokka." The other girl states in a monotone, sending a chill down my spine. Her presence reminds me of my sister.