Finding Each Other Again (Zuko x OC) [DISCONTINUED]

Chapter Four: Waterbender

The next morning, Master Piandao sent for us to meet him in the foyer with the large windows. Zuko and I stood behind him; Piandao's back to us. A light breeze swept through the open window, ruffling the hair I couldn't pull into a low bun. I brushed the hair behind my ears. Piandao turned to face us. We bowed.

Piandao spoke. "When you both came to train under me, I was unsure if either of you were worthy of training. But as I taught and spoke with you, I discovered more than I expected. In Zuko, I found a fire; a fire of heart and spirit. I found determination and strength. In Himari, I found an ocean; intelligence, precision, and adaptability. But the most important things I found in both of you. I found humility and a desire to grow, to be better." He turned around. "I will train both of you."

Zuko jumped, punching the air. "Yes!"

I nudged his arm with my elbow.

"Oh, uh, I mean, thank you Master," Zuko stuttered, regaining his composure and bowing.

I stifled a laugh. "Thank you, Master," I echoed, bowing.

Master Piandao smiled, ever so slightly. "I will teach Zuko to master dual broadswords, and Himari will learn the way of the jian; the straight sword."

The jian, like Master Piandao.

"I will now speak with you individually about your schedules," Piandao announced. "Zuko, you will speak with me first."

After Zuko finished speaking with Piandao, it was my turn.

I walked into the room and sat down. As soon as the door shut, Piandao began speaking.

"I know you're a waterbender," he deadpanned.

I felt the blood drain from my face. "What?" was all I could force myself to say. My palms dampened and my heart began beating faster and faster.

"I saw the frost on the wooden sword," he answered. "Of course, when you arrived, I immediately knew your ancestry was not pure Fire Nation."

My thoughts swirled around inside my brain. My cover is blown. He's going to turn me in to Fire Nation soldiers and I'll be locked up forever. I'll never see my father again. I'll never see Zuko again. I already disappointed my father-

"I have decided to train you in waterbending, in secret," Piandao announced, interrupting my thoughts. "Unfortunately, I'm not a bender myself, so I will have to find resources for both of us to learn from."

Master Piandao is going to teach me waterbending?! All I could do was stare in astonishment. I was definitely not expecting that.

"Zuko needs to practice his firebending, so I have arranged for him to visit a firebending teacher every day. While he is away, I will teach you waterbending in secret," he explained.

"Why are you doing this?" I wondered aloud, my voice soft. I wiped my sweaty hands on my pants and took a deep breath to steady my heart. "You aren't going to turn me in?"

Piandao sighed and his eyes clouded over. An invisible weight dragged his shoulders down. "The Fire Nation has hurt the waterbenders of this world, especially those from the Southern Water Tribe. The Fire Nation has yet to attack the Northern Water Tribe, but when they do, who knows what will happen to their waterbenders. I am doing my part to stop the Fire Nation from hurting any more. Even if it is something as small as trying to train one waterbender." He looked into my eyes. "From the moment I found out you were a waterbender, I knew I had to train you. As you moved throughout your lessons, I knew that I could help you become a great warrior that will one day help end the terrorism of the Fire Nation."

Me? A great warrior?  End the terrorism of the Fire Nation?

"That brings us to another thing," Piandao continued. "I also must teach you the true history of the past 100 years. Everything you have learned about this nation is mostly propaganda. I will have to teach this to you in secret as well."

I stared at him. "But I'm so close to the royal family; what if they find out?"

"They won't," he said. "I will make sure of it."