Under the Cherry Blossom ↠ Zuko x OC ✔️

11 | The Siege of the North

Zuko leads Arlington into a narrow corridor where they plan to meet Uncle Iroh. They are dressed in Fire Nation soldier uniforms. Although, Arlington's uniform is baggy on her. Iroh steps into the corridor.

"Our plan is working perfectly. Zhao doesn't suspect a thing."
Zuko removes his guard mask. "You didn't have to do this."
"No nephew of mine and daughter are going to stow away on a ship without some backup!" The fact that Iroh claims Arlington has is daughter makes her feel warm and fuzzy inside.

"Thank you, Uncle." Zuko says.
"Do you really mean that, Iroh? That you consider me as your daughter?" Arlington asks.
Iroh hugs Arlington. "Of course. I see you both as my own. We'll be landing soon. Do you have a plan?"

"I'm working on it, Uncle." Zuko replies. Arlington pushes the Prince aside,
"Yeah, no. He means I'm working on it."
"You said I get credit for it!" Zuko whisper shouts.
"Not all the credit!"

Iroh smiles at the two bickering like children.
A door shutting sounds.
"Someone's coming! Stay hidden until we get to the North Pole and the Avatar will be yours! Good luck!" Iroh quickly leaves the corridor.

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"You okay, Prince Zuko?" Arlington and Zuko sit in one of the guard's rooms. He's been awfully quiet.
"Just mentally preparing myself for what's to come."

"Once you capture the Avatar, are we done? Will we go our separate ways?" Arlington asks. Zuko looks up at her. His expression is serious.
"I hope not. It's nice to be around you." He smiles, red faintly paints his cheeks. Arlington smiles back at him. She grabs Zuko's hand.
"C'mon, it's time." And leads him to their departure point.

↠ ↠ ↠ ↠ ↠ ↠ ↠

Arlington braids her hair in two French Braids while Zuko prepares a canoe. They're dressed in all white clothing that have been dirtied to the point where they look grey.

Behind them, a door opens to reveal Iroh entering with Peanut behind him. Arlington engulfs her little dog in a huge hug. "I missed you so much, buddy." She whispers to him.

"If you're fishing for an octopus, my nephew, you need a tightly woven net or he will squeeze through the tiniest hole and escape." Uncle Iroh advises.
"I don't need your wisdom right now, Uncle." Zuko remains focused on the canoe.
"I'm sorry, I just nag you because, well, ever since I lost my son..."

What Iroh says shocks Arlington. She had no idea Iroh has a deceased son. Arlington places a comforting hand on his shoulder.

Iroh looks away, pain evident on his face.
"Uncle, you don't have to say it."
"I think of you as my own."
Iroh's words make Arlington's heart swell. Zuko turns to him, a genuine look of concern and understanding on his face.

"I know, Uncle. We'll meet again..." Zuko bows. Immediately, Iroh rushes forward and gives his nephew a bear hug.
"...after I have the Avatar." Zuko finishes and begins to settle into the canoe.

Arlington stands next to Iroh. She whispers to him. "I'll make sure he stays safe. Nothing will happen to him. You can count on me."
"Thank you, Arlington." Iroh gives her a hug.

Once Arlington has sat down in the canoe, Zuko begins to lower it into the icy water. Iroh decides to give some last second advice.

"Remember your Breathe of Fire! It could save your life out there!"
"I will." Zuko replies.
"And put your hood up, keep your ears warm! Prince Zuko, be sure Arlington is warm too."
"We'll be fine!" The duo says in unison.