The Banished Commander (ATLA fanfiction)

Nine

A/N: Hey lovelies, it's me again. I just thought I would let you know that I thought it would be fun to show you how Zuko and Zara got close and such. So I think the next few chapters are going to be about their past. Thought I'd clarify now so you guys aren't confused. 

Zuko's P.O.V. 

I look around the school for the second time that day when I still haven't seen Zara there. 

"Where is she?" I whisper

"Oh, is poor Zuko looking for his hero?" I hear Chang says as he walks over to me 

I roll my eyes as I just turn around and walk towards the gates to see if her and Ling are walking towards the school. 

"It wouldn't shock me that she isn't coming." He says 

"Why's that?" I snap as I turn around 

"You haven't heard? Her mother's sick." He says 

I look at him as I run out of the gates and run towards the direction that I always see her coming from. I stop at the corner and look around when I see Ling walking towards the corner. I shake my head as I sprint over to him, stopping just a few feet away from him. 

"Zuko?" He asks 

"Where's Zara?" I ask, trying to catch my breath 

"Let's get you back to school so you don't get into more trouble." He says as he sets his hand on my shoulder 

"I heard a thing about your mom, is it true?" I ask 

"Sadly it is. They don't know what's wrong with her. But since my dad has to leave for the war soon, he can't do anything about it. Which leaves me and Zara to take care of her." He says 

"You just lost your best friend. Can the spirits not give you a break?" I ask 

"Sadly it isn't our choice." He says with defeat in his voice 

"Ling, I'm sorry." I say "But shouldn't Zara be here as well?" 

"She's taking it harder than all of us." He explains "She's about to lose another mom." 

"But this one isn't by her choice," I argue 

"We know this. But she's still scarred by her biological mother." He says 

I look at the ground and start to nod as we reach the school again. He looks down at me as he sighs in defeat. 

"Our fathers have already spoken with one another, your dad is okay if you come to our house after school so you can be there for Zara. But he wants you back at the palace before sunset." He says 

"Alright, thanks, Ling." I say "Should I just meet you here after school?" 

"Yeah. That works if that is what you want to do." He says, studying me 

I nod as I look around the courtyard before I head off towards my classroom and look around as students start to fill in their desks. All except for one. 

Zara's P.O.V. 

I walk outside towards the grove of trees in my backyard as I look towards the palace. 

"Why can't the spirits just give me a break?" I whisper 

I hear the door open and footsteps come in. I turn around slightly and see my dad come walking in, tiredness in his eyes. He walks over to the doorway and meets my eyes as he looks at me sadly. 

"How are you holding up?" I ask 

"I've been better if that's what you want to know." He replies "How are you holding up? I know this is bringing back memories." 

I sigh as I sit on the grass as I fall onto my back, looking up at the sky. 

"I'm angry." I start "As soon as life is going pretty good, the spirits have to come and ruin everything." 

I listen to my dad's footsteps as he comes and sits next to my head. He starts to play with my hair as he watches me fiddle with my fingers. 

"You know that you can always go on a walk to clear your head." He starts "I know that you are probably a jumbled mess at this very moment." 

"I can't get myself to leave her side. Even though I know I would be in a better spot and a lot more help if I would just go and walk." I say 

"Well I'm home now if you want, you can go and not have to worry about her anymore." He says 

"But you have to worry about going out soon. You leave in two days." I say 

"Let me have some time with your mother. We all know she isn't going to be here when I come back like she wants to." He says 

I look at him as I slowly sit up and start to nod my head. He smiles sadly as he gets up, pulling me up with him as we walk towards the front door. 

"If you aren't back before Ling and Zuko get here, I'll send Ling out to get you." He says 

I slowly nod as I walk towards the center of our village. I look at all the houses as I see the families as they are getting ready to have family time or just about ready to start making final meals for those who are leaving tomorrow. 

"What you guys don't have to deal with," I whisper as I hurry past all of the houses 

Zuko's P.O.V. 

I follow Ling towards the house when I see a figure come walking back towards the house. I grab Ling's arm and point towards the figure and that's when I see the sad smile on his face. 

"I would go meet her if I were you." He says 

"But I haven't even known her that long. She wouldn't want me to be the first person she sees." I start 

"Zuko, you going to her will show her that you care." He explains 

I give him one uneasy look before slowly starting to walk towards Zara as she starts to get closer to the house. I watch her as she finally looks up and makes eye contact with her dark amber eyes as she freezes. 

"Zara?" I ask 

She shakes her head as she sees me as I catch up with her before she just falls into my arms, crying. 

"Zara, you're okay. I promise." I whisper "I know that I haven't really proved myself yet, but I will always be here for you."