Searching (Zuko x OC)

Chapter 29

Sora's POV:

The rest of the week, Uncle continued to take care of me as I grew out of my cold. Zuko ans I continued to argue and piss each other off as much as possible when I was awake. I had never felt to angry at him. After I had cried myself to sleep that night, I had decided that I wasn't going to make the first amends. If he wanted to fix things, and some small part of me sincerely hoped he did, then he would have to make the first move.

It was the day before we arrived when I was finally feeling better and I was allowed to resume my fake role as Uncle's servant. I stood by his side in the morning and poured him some tea before placing the cup next to his plate. He smiled at me in thanks and I took my place standing behind him. Zhao was also here, staring at me shamelessly as I answered any of Uncle's requests. It made me sick to think that he was watching me so intently and I didn't want to know what he was imagining.

"I was sorry to hear that you were sick," Zhao commented as I fidgeted with my sleeve.

"O-oh, thank you so much for your concern, Admiral Zhao. I assure you I'm doing much better now," I said, bowing to show him my respect.

I could have thrown up had it not been for Uncle's reassuring hand squeezing my shoulder discretely. I wanted nothing more than for this breakfast meeting to be done so I could be sent on a meaningless and time consuming task that would really just be me going back to the room.

"Perhaps you'd like to join us tomorrow for our invasion. I'd like to have a pretty woman by my side when I conquer the Northern Water Tribe," he offered, the sinister smile on his face implying that it was less of an offer and more of an order.

"I-I would uh....I.....," I began, trying to think of what I could possibly say to that.

"It seems my servant is at a loss for words at your generous. Unfortunately, I will need her to be doing other things tomorrow. I always love to have some victory tea and nobody can brew it quite like her," Uncle interjected for me.

I was so relived to see that Zhao simply nodded in acceptance and went back to his food.

"That's a shame. But, I do look forward to your delicious tea after we slaughter the tribe," he sneered.

My blood ran cold. They were going to slaughter everyone? How could they even do that? Was he actually being serious?

"Sora, why don't you go start on your daily chores. I will continue this meeting with Zhao in private. We have important matters to discuss about the invasion," Uncle said, ushering me out of the room with a wave.

I bowed to both men before rushing out of the room. My head was spinning and I just wanted to get back to my room. Even though I had no connection to the Northern Water Tribe, we were both waterbenders. Somehow, we had something in common. They were my people. If they were all wiped out, I would be one of the only waterbenders left on the planet. They would become like the air nomads had 100 years ago: extinct.

As I was making my way down the hall, I saw a soldier walking down the hall towards me. I gave a weak bow of respect and continued walking, but I felt them grab my arm and I was yanked into a side room. I gasped in surprise and turned to face them, preparing to grab my hidden throwing knives at any move to hurt me.

"Relax, it's me," the man said, crossing his arms as if I should know who it is.

"Zuko?" I asked, relaxing slightly.

The man reached up to his helmet and slid his face plate out from it, revealing someone I thought I wouldn't see again for a while. I gasped in shock but didn't hesitate to throw my arms around him in a huge hug.