Under the Cherry Blossom ↠ Zuko x OC ✔️

10 | The Nothern Water Tribe

After a week, Zuko's ship has safely docked in a port town near the Northern Water Tribe. It is music night once again on the ship.

Lieutenant Jee plays a simple staccato tune on a stringed instrument. The tune is accompanied by drums. The crew sits around a campfire. Arlington is with them. Iroh begins to sing, slightly out of tune though, but it adds affect to the music.

"Winter, spring, summer and fall. Winter and spring, summer and fall. Four seasons, four loves. Four seasons, four loves." During the song, two crewmen dance in front of the fire.

"Can I play?" Arlington wants to sing a lullaby. The retired General nods and hands her the string instrument. Arlington takes a seat; getting comfortable. The crew members sit on the opposite side of the fire from her. Arlington softly strums the instrument. Arlington's angelic voice fills the nighttime sky.

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(A/N) Play music in the media bar at the beginning of this chapter.

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I remember tears streaming down your face
When I said, "I'll never let you go"
When all those shadows almost killed your light
I remember you said, "Don't leave me here alone"
But all that's dead and gone and passed tonight"

"Just close your eyes
The sun is going down
You'll be alright
No one can hurt you now
Come morning light
You and I'll be safe and sound"

Zuko has come out on the upper deck to get some fresh air. He hear Arlington singing and he's instantly mesmerized. 'She has a beautiful voice.' Zuko looks down at the campfire. The fire glows off of Arlington's face, making her look radiant. The Prince watches and listens to her.

"Don't you dare look out your window darling
Everything's on fire
The war outside our door keeps raging on
Hold onto this lullaby
Even when the music's gone
Gone"

"Just close your eyes
The sun is going down
You'll be alright
No one can hurt you now
Come morning light
You and I'll be safe and sound"

"Oooh, Oooh, Oooh, Oooh
La La
La La
Oooh, Oooh, Oooh, Oooh
La La"

"Just close your eyes
You'll be alright
Come morning light,
You and I'll be safe and sound..."

"Oooh, oooh, oooh, oooh oh oh"

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Arlington receives a round of applause. Then a group of masked Fire Nation soldiers board the ship including Admiral Zhao. Arlington, Iroh and the others turn to look at the newcomers.

"You have a stunning voice, my dear Arlington." Zhao compliments. Bile rises in Arlington's throat. Admiral Side Burns slides his arm around Arlington's waist. She struggles against him, but he just tightens his grasp.

"I believe we have some business to attend to with Prince Zuko." Zhao states. Iroh shoots a protective fatherly look at the Admiral and leads him and Arlington to his nephew's chamber.

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Iroh gently knocks and leans in.
"For the last time, I'm not playing the tsungi horn." Zuko angrily denies.
"No, it's about our plans. There's a bit of a problem."
Zhao enters the room behind Iroh; his arm still around Arlington.
"I'm taking your crew."