Under the Cherry Blossom ↠ Zuko x OC ✔️

01 | Azula

Very few words were exchanged between Arlington and Zuko. After three long weeks on the raft, they have finally landed on shore. Iroh leads them to a nice bathhouse over a wide river with cherry blossom trees. Arlington admires the stunning scenery.

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"Aaahhh... this is what I've been missing. Who knew floating on a piece of driftwood for three weeks with no food or water and sea vultures waiting to pluck out your liver could make one so tense?" Iroh lets out as two attendants massage his back.

"Preach it, Iroh." Arlington relaxes as the knots in her back are worked out. Zuko grumbles to himself.

Iroh gets up and walks to Zuko.
"I see. It's the anniversary, isn't it?"
'Anniversary of what?' Arlington asks herself.
"Three years ago today I was banished. I lost it all. I want it back. I want the Avatar, I want my honor, I want my throne. I want my father not to think I'm worthless." Zuko says.
"I'm sure he doesn't! Why would he banish you if he didn't care?" Iroh optimistically says.

Zuko abruptly walks away. Arlington facepalms. "Erg... that came out wrong, didn't it?"
"You think?" Arlington questions.

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"Should I go talk to Zuko?" Arlington asks. She and Iroh have been collecting shells on the sand beach. Peanut has been playing in the waves.
"I appreciate you wanting to help my nephew, but this is a sensitive topic and it's best if we let him be for now." Arlington nods and picks up a pretty pastel blue sea shell.

After about an hour, they head back to the bathhouse. Iroh is carrying a bag full of shells. Once inside, Iroh empties the bag and inspects them.
"Oh this one is pretty!" Arlington picks up a soft lavender shell.
"Look at these magnificent shells! I'll enjoy these keepsakes for years to come." Iroh smiles brightly.
"We don't need anymore useless things. Did you forget we have to carry everything ourselves now?" Zuko's in his angry mood once again. "Zuko's right. Maybe you should only keep one or two shells to carry with you." Arlington offers Iroh.

"Hello, brother. Uncle." A soft, yet menacing voice says. A girl wearing Fire Nation armor appears. She looks at Arlington. "I believe we haven't met."

"Azula! What are you doing here?" Zuko shouts at his sister. She is unfazed and plays with Iroh's new collected shells. 'Azula? Like azul? The color blue in Spanish?'
"In my country, we exchange a pleasant 'hello' before asking questions. Have you become uncivilized so soon, Zuzu? Obviously, because you seem to have forgotten about Mai."
'Zuzu? Ha! That's hilarious! Mai? Is that Zuko's girlfriend?'

"Don't call me that!"
"To what do we owe this honor?" Iroh asks politely.
"Hmm... must be a family trait. Both of you so quick to get to the point." She shatters one of Iroh's shells. "I've come with a message from home. Father's changed his mind. Family is suddenly very important to him. He's heard rumors of plans to overthrow him—treacherous plots. Family are the only ones you can really trust. Father regrets your banishment. He wants you home."

Arlington then realizes. 'She's Zuko's sister.' Zuko doesn't say anything back to his sister.
"Did you hear me? You should be happy. Excited. Grateful. I just gave you great news."
"I'm sure your brother just needs a moment to—" The Fire Nation Princess cuts her uncle off.
"Don't interrupt, Uncle! I still haven't heard my thank you. I am not a messenger. I didn't have to come all this way."
"Father regrets? He... wants me back?" It breaks Arlington's heart to see Zuko so desperate to go home.
"I can see you need time to take this in. I'll come to call on you tomorrow. Good evening." Azula walks out of the bathhouse.

"Who's Azula?" Arlington asks Iroh. He leads them to a room to speak in private.

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Night has fallen on the world. Iroh spent a few bourse explaining Azula; her motives, her past, and her personality. Now Arlington doesn't see Zuko's sister in the best way.

"We're going home. After three long years. It's unbelievable." The Prince happily walks around packing his things.
"It is unbelievable. I have never known my brother to regret anything." Iroh seems skeptical. 'I would too. Based on what he told me about Azula, she seems like the person to lie and deceive others.'

"Did you listen to Azula? Father's realized how important family is to him. He cares about me."
"I care about you. And Iroh cares about you, Prince Zuko." Zuko angrily snaps his head toward Arlington.
"And if Ozai wants you back... well, I think it may not be for the reasons you imagine." Iroh states.
Zuko becomes defensive. "You don't know how my father feels about me! You don't know anything!"

"Zuko! You and I both know that's not true. Iroh is very wise. Think about all the times he has help guide you." Arlington defends Iroh.
"Zuko, I only meant that in our family things are not always what they seem."
Zuko whips his head around and speaks to Iroh in a nasty tone.
"I think you are exactly what you seem: a lazy, mistrustful, shallow old man who has always been jealous of his brother." Arlington's eyes widen. "How could you say that to your uncle!?"
"And YOU! You're just a filthy, worthless peasant." Zuko shout at Arlington before storming off. Arlington sighs.

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It's morning and Zuko has already started walking down to Azula's ship. "Are you coming Arlington?" Iroh asks before following Zuko.
"No. I don't belong here. Much less in the Fire Nation palace."
Iroh sadly smiles at her. "I understand. Please take care, my sweet Arlington." He hugs her tightly and Arlington hugs back. They pull apart. Iroh smiles one last time before walking out the door.

"I guess it's just you and me now, Peanut."

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"Uncle! You've changed your mind!" Prince Zuko is happy his uncle is coming with him.
"Family sticks together, right?"
Zuko nods, but soon realizes something. "Is Arlington not coming with us?"
Iroh sadly smiles. "I'm afraid not." Once said, Zuko runs back up to the bathhouse.

"Arlington!?" He calls out for her. She walks out from her room, with a backpack and Peanut by her side. Zuko quickly embraces Arlington. "I guess this is goodbye." She hesitantly wraps her arms around Zuko's waist.
"Yeah. Stay safe." Zuko whispers to her, pulling Arlington closer. She's shocked by Zuko's sudden change of heart towards her. Just yesterday he was calling Arlington worthless and now he's hugging her?

"I'll try, but we both know how I tend to get into trouble." Arlington tries to lighten the mood. Zuko pulls back; his serious golden eyes lock with Arlington's.
"Then come with Uncle and I."
"I can't. I'm not a firebender. I'm not royalty. I'm just an average peasant." Arlington says. Zuko recalls all the times he called her a peasant. 'But you're not. At least not to me.'
"Then promise me you'll be careful."
"I promise." Arlington responds.

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Arlington and Peanut casually walk along a dirt path, not knowing where to go. After a while, Arlington hears people running towards them. She turns to see Zuko and Iroh. Arlington immediately smiles. Zuko grabs Arlington's wrist and pulls her behind him. They soon stop sprinting.
"What's going on?"
"Azula. She lied." Zuko pants.
"I think we're safe." Iroh says.

Zuko brings out a knife with some writing on the blade. 'Oh here we go again. More Chinese I can't read. Dang it! My six years of Spanish haven't paid off.' Zuko stares at it for a moment. Iroh nods solemnly and turns to Zuko. Zuko takes the knife and brings it behind his head and... cuts off his pony tail. He passes the knife to Iroh, who does the same. They both let their hair fall into the river and let float down stream.