The Tale of Fire and Sun | Zuko x OC

Chapter 7

Zuko was practically throwing daggers with his eyes. I tried to avoid his gaze but I could feel that he was still glaring at me.

"I guess, you owe me an apology." He said grimly, his hands crossed against his chest.

"What... no! You said I can come back to the deck once everything was over!" I retorted, making my point.

"I clearly asked you to wait until I come to get you!" He suddenly started to yell.

"Can't you even listen to one thing I say?! What's with that little stunt you pulled off? You could've easily lost balance and I wouldn't have had the slightest clue that you were even there in the first place!" He frowned, and I just couldn't look at him.

"And do you even know what happened back there? Your father was the Commander that run the blockade! And he just let me pass. So he's clearly planning to follow me and capture the Avatar... and me. I'm trying my best to protect you, Yara. But with you being like this, I just don't know what to do..." he shook his head.

I stood there, guilt and fear swallowing me. Zuko cared for me so much but I just risked it for the both of us. And with my father hot on our trail, all I could think of was, fear...

"I'm sorry, Zuko. I truly am. I just did it since I didn't want you to do this alone. You said you'd protect me and I'd do the same for you. I know you're mad at me. I-I'm sorry again." I apologised sincerely.

Zuko looked at me, still with that grim expression. I just nodded at him and walked to the railing.

A moment later, Zuko walked to the railing and stood beside me. I gave him a side glance and turned back.

"I-uh... I didn't mean to yell at you." He muttered.

"I deserved that..." I mumbled back.

"It's just that, I would never forgive myself if something happens to you..." He confessed.

I felt all my emotion well up at his statement. I turned and pulled him into a hug. In a moment, his strong arms circled around my waist and his head rested on mine. I closed my eyes and felt his steady heartbeat as he gently stroked my hair.

"I'll be fine, Zuko. Don't worry." I whispered as he pulled me even closer, his body heat radiating to mine. Zuko then pulled me back at arm's length, his face sincere and... serious...

"I need you to stay by my side at the temple. No exceptions! Got it?"

"Yes, Prince Zuko."

The Crescent Island...

It seemed a lot different than I had imagined. The whole island was an active volcano. I could feel its heat even miles away from the island.

"There it is!" Zuko pointed out the Fire Temple. "We'll reach the shore in a few minutes."

"The Avatar knows the entire Fire Nation is after him. Then why just waltz into one of our territories?" Zuko questioned.

"Maybe he wants to know something about his past life and well, this temple is dedicated to Avatar Roku." I guessed.

"Hmm..." He responded.

"You know, Avatar Roku and Fire Lord Sozin were best friends, maybe-"

"I can see where this is going, so shut up." Zuko cut me off quite firmly.

"Alright, alright..." I held my hands up in surrender.

The walk to the Fire Temple was real fast since Zuko was practically running. We entered the temple but there was no one in there.