The Tale of Fire and Sun | Zuko x OC

Chapter 3

Yara's POV:

The sound of waves crashing against the ship made me awake from the most peaceful sleep I've had in years. I sighed, recollecting yesterday's events. I was here. I was finally here! I would finally get to help Zuko on his quest and restore his honor.

As of now, the Fire Nation was really in bad hands. With Ozai ruling a few more years, the Nation would be doomed. Zuko was the Fire Nation's last hope. He would definitely be a fair leader and would restore peace and harmony that was lost decades ago. I took a deep breath and got out of bed. Big day ahead!

I took the quickest bath in history and wore a war attire that I brought with me. I heard a knock on the door while doing the last of my strings.

"Yara... it's me." Zuko called out. "Come in." I replied.

Zuko opened the door, closed it behind him and walked straight to my bed. He had a pair of clothes in his hands, probably for me.

He placed the clothes on the bed as he spoke. "I thought you'd need some Fire Nation clothes since you were on- Oh wow..."

He stared at me amazed, his eyes and mouth wide open but quickly regained his composure.

"Looks like you've come prepared after all!" He smirked. "So, how do I look?" I asked as I placed my hands on my hip.

"It suits you! You look amazing..." He cleared his throat, and I noticed his cheeks blush a little. "I mean you look like a great warrior... which you actually are..."

He let out a low chuckle at my pose. "And I see you've grown your hair." He said, his arms crossed against his chest. "You looked hilarious with those pigtails back then..."

My cheeks flushed in embarrassment. "Hey! I was a kid and my mother used to do my hair." I retorted.

Zuko let out a laugh but something caught his eyes and he stopped still. His eyes roamed over my attire, like he was analysing it.

"They..." He started, searching for the right words. "They upgraded the Army's uniform?"

Oh... He noticed. Being away and having no contact with home, Zuko would've had no idea what was happening back there. His face fell as I spoke.

"Yes... They upgraded about a year ago. More resistant to any kind of attack by Earthbenders. Not fully functional like the engineers and designers predicted though, but yeah..."

"I see..." His voice was barely a whisper and the sadness was clearly visible in his eyes for a moment.

Before I could speak, he cleared his throat and all the sadness was hidden behind a straight expression of his. Since when did Zuko became so good in masking his feelings?

"Alright so, I have some important announcements to make for the crew and I need you by my side. Be there in the War Room in five minutes"

"Okay, I'll be there..." He nodded and turned to leave.

"Zuko..." I called him.

"Hmm...?" He faced me.

"Thank you... for all this." I smiled gratefully.

"It is I who have to thank you but well... your welcome!" He smiled, his amber eyes glistening in the candle light. It was genuine.

"Five minutes... War Room." He said and left the room. I smiled to myself and got ready for the meeting.

The War Room was filled with people when I got there. I walked past to meet Zuko and Uncle Iroh, greeting people on the way. They looked confused as I was new but greeted me back. Zuko nodded at me as I stood beside him.