The Tale of Fire and Sun | Zuko x OC

Chapter 16

Yara's POV:

I was waiting by the turtleduck pond but Zuko hasn't come yet. He said he'd be attending a war meeting and be back soon. He was all excited about it and I can't wait to know what happened there.

Time passed and something didn't feel right. I then saw Azula, Zuko's younger sister, running across the hallway.

"Azula!" I called out and she turned to face me. "Do you know where Zuko is?" I asked.

Slowly, a smirk crept on her lips. "Oh! You don't know about it, do you?"

"Don't know what?"

"Zuzu's got himself into an Agni Kai..." With that, she ran off.

Did she just say 'Agni Kai'?! I felt panic take over me and ran to the throne room. There, I saw Uncle Iroh and rushed up to him.

"Uncle! What happened?" I asked, panting for breath. "I clearly told him not to speak during the meeting." He shook his head and I could see the fear in his eyes. This couldn't be good...

I then turned to see Zuko. He was in half kneeling position, his fist in contact with the floor, ready for the duel.

My eyes fell on his opponent and I let out a loud gasp. Fire Lord Ozai... Zuko's father! Zuko had to duel his father...

Zuko seemed to be in shock as well. So, he never knew he was about to fight his father! I felt my hands and legs shake in fear as Zuko refused to duel his father.

He fell on his knees and bowed in front of the Fire Lord. "Please, father. I only had the Fire Nation's best interest at heart! I'm sorry I spoke out of turn!"

"You will fight for your honor." Ozai's cold voice sent chills down my spine. I prayed for Zuko hoping nothing bad would happen to him.

"I meant you no disrespect. I am your loyal son." Tears streamed down from Zuko's face. I couldn't help but let tears fall off my eyes seeing Zuko... my best friend in a situation like this.

"Rise and fight, Prince Zuko!" Ozai's voice boomed across the whole throne room. "I won't fight you." Zuko said curtly. He refused to duel his father out of his respect towards him.

Ozai stood in front of Zuko, his eyes burning with rage. "You will learn respect and suffering will be your teacher..."

With that, he grabbed Zuko's face with a hand. The other hand was engulfed in fire and without hesitation, he pressed it on Zuko's... his own son's left side of the face!

I felt all the blood drain from my body and couldn't stop weeping. I felt my legs give in and I held uncle's hand to steady myself. He immediately held mine, his grip almost painful. He turned away as he couldn't stand watching it. I let the other hand to cover my mouth, trying to control the sobs.

Ozai released his grip on Zuko, who fell on the ground, screaming in pain. "You are hereby, stripped from your title and honor. You can restore them, only when you capture the Avatar. Until then, you are banished from the Fire Nation." He announced and left the room without even looking back.

Uncle released my hand and ran to Zuko. I was about to follow him when a hand caught my shoulder, the grip so painful that I had to grit my teeth to stop myself from screaming.