Light (Zuko x OC) ATLA Fanfic

Chapter 10 - I'm Tired

Hikari POV

Keeping my bag close, with Ro hidden in my sleeve I help Zuko with the small boat. Iroh comes in, "If you fishing for a small octopus, you need a tightly woven net, or he will squeeze through the tiniest hole and escape."

I smile at Iroh's concern but Zuko continues to look forward, "I don't need your wisdom right  now, Uncle."

"I'm sorry, I just nag you because... well, ever since I lost my son..."

"Uncle, you don't have to say it."

"I think of you as my own."

My heart swells at his confession, Zuko looks back at him. "I know, Uncle. We'll meet, again after I have the Avatar.

He rushes in to give him a hug, then gives me one, "Please watch over him."

I nod, "I will."

Getting on the small boat Iroh gives us one last message, "Remember your breath of fire, it could save your life out there."

"We will."

"And put your hood up and keep it up, keep your ears warm, both of you.

"We'll be fine."

Ridding on the small boat we keep our heads low rowing the boat we blend in with Ice as we land. Seeing seals enter a large hole of water I hear Zuko ask, "Where are they going, there coming up for air, somewhere."

I nod and whisper, "Ro, it's going to get cold, go in my bag, and stay under my dress to keep warm and dry."

Feeling Ro get into my bag we hold our breaths, diving into the hole. After some time we finally come up for air, finding ourselves in a small cave. As Zuko catches his breath I draw white flames in my hand. Allowing Ro, Zuko, and I to heat up a bit before we continue our journey. 

Walking through the cave we find a small hole pushing out water. We climb in it, going against the current, finally hitting air, Zuko, Ro and I catch our breaths. Going back underwater we find a new opening, we swim once again. Finding the light it seems to be blocked by ice, I waste no time in melting it with my hand. Finally getting air, we take a break, make another flame I heat us up. 

Finding a warm area Zuko looks over at me, "Stay here, I don't want you involved." 

Nodding I give him a worried look, "Don't worry, I'll be fine."

He goes through the wooden door, following after him I hide under a bride.

As he makes himself known he engages in a battle with the water bending girl. Seeing Aang, I frown a bit, he's in the spirit world. 'I'll make sure Zuko doesn't hurt him.' As the sun rises and the water bender is out cold, I quickly grab Aang from him.

Zuko looks at me, "I'll hold him, he's valuable so if something happens it won't end well."

He nods before we leave the warm sanctuary. Although Zuko wants him, I know he won't hurt him too badly, he needs him alive. As we walk through the snowy blizzard I heat up my body, making Ro slip back into my sleeve. Keeping Aang close, I feel his body warm-up as well. 

Hitting a soft spot in the snow we hear the sound of cracking. As we run we jump barely making it in time, sitting up I see a cave up ahead. "Shelter."

We rush over to it, leaning Aang carefully against the cave. As Zuko ties him up I set up a fire going, after I'm done I sit next to Zuko. Staying close to keep him warm. He looks up at Aang, "I finally have you, but I can't get you home because of this blizzard. There's always something, not that you would understand. You're like my sister, everything always came easy to her. She's a Firebending Prodigy and everyone adores her. My Father says she was born lucky, he says I was lucky to be born. I don't need luck, though, I don't want it. I've always had to struggle and fight. And that's made me strong... It's made me who I am."