Light (Zuko x OC) ATLA Fanfic

Chapter 11 - Float Away

Hikari POV

I woke up about a day ago, I've been asleep for about 3 weeks. Waking up to a calm breeze a warm bed was nice until Zuko came in and almost squeezed me to death. None the less I was happy he missed me but I have little memory after seeing Zhao kill the moon spirit. 

As of now, I lean against the cherry blossom tree next to Zuko. Ro snacking on some meat in my sleeve as Iroh gets a massage some feet away from us.

"Who knew it could make one so tense?"

Zuko stays quiet, understandable as it's the anniversary of Zuko's banishment. 

"Three years ago today, I was banished. I lost it all. I want it back. I want the Avatar. I want my honor, my throne. I want my father not to think I'm worthless."

I hold Zuko's hand as he says this, glad he didn't push it away. 

Iroh smiles at him, "I'm sure he doesn't. Why would he banish you if he didn't care?"

With that Zuko gets up and walks away, Iroh looks at me. "Uh, that came out wrong, didn't it?" I nod my head. Walking over to him I hold his hand, picking up a flower I smile. "You know there was once a girl who wished for the sun. Feeling as though it was taken from her. She spent day and night finding a way to capture the sun and take it as her own. Taking a break and looking around she saw the world in a new light. The orange hue of the sun shining down on her as the flowers bloomed and the animals danced. Then she came to realize that she doesn't need the sun for her own. She needs to protect it, so it may shine its light on not only her but others. After that day she grew to appreciate the world around her. Admiring how it turned and pulled, grew, and died. She grew appreciative of her past being behind her to share a new light."

He looks at me, "Why did you tell me this story."

I smile at him, placing my hand on his cheek, "I told you this story so you can understand that you must not let the past bind you down. I know deep down, that you will regain your honor, you will sit on that throne and you will have the Avatar."

I know, he will have the Avatar but not as a foe but friend.

Smiling at me he places his forehead on mine, making my heart skip a beat. We stay close until we stand side-by-side, hand in hand down the calm path. When we return, I head to my room while Zuko visits Iroh.

Laying down next to Ro, after a while I visit Zuko and Iroh at nightfall. Entering Zuko tells me the good news, "We're going home!"

Having a bad feeling about this especially since I've seen how his sister could be, I grow nervous.

Iron speaks up, "It is unbelievable. I have never known my brother to regret anything."

He looks at him, "Did you listen to Azula? Father's realized how important family is to him. He cares about me."

Saying those words I stand up to face him, "Do you know who else cares about you? Iroh and I, we care about you. And if your father wants you back, then it may not be for the reasons you think."

He turns around, "You don't know how my father feels about me. You don't know anything."

I sigh, "Zuko, that's not true. I may not have been by your side physically but I have been protecting you spiritually. I've seen first hand what your father did to you, even with this I know it's not my place to say this but we just care about your well being."

Iroh jumps in, "Zuko I only mean that in our family things aren't always what they seem."

He snaps back at him, "I think you are exactly what you seem! A lazy, mistrustful, shallow old man who's always been jealous of his brother."

"Zuko!"

He walks away, looking at Iroh he looks down in sadness. I give him a warm hug, "Let me talk to him, he didn't mean it."

He looks up at me, giving me a sad smile before walking away as well.

Following Zuko, I quickly stand in front of him, "I know your angry, frustrated, happy, and hopeful but you must see that we are not your enemies. Every word you spout is far from the truth. You know Iroh has been by your side through thick and thin and that the one thing that matters to him most is your safety and well-being. It was clear when we sneaked into the Northern Water Tribe and so many times before."

He looks away from me, fuming. Taking a breath I hold his hand, making him look at me. "Iroh and I care about you so much, that you know deep down that we'll respect the decision you make and stand by your side no matter what. So don't push us away, don't push your frustration on us because all we want to do is help."

He looks down at me, "I'm sorry."

I smile and shake my head, "I'm not the person you should be saying that to."

With that, I leave returning to my room after a long night. The next morning I walk with Zuko down the path to the docks. Seeing as he's conflicted, I doubt that he saw Iroh last night. 

"Wait! Don't leave without me!"

I turn to see Iroh rushing down the stair, I smile at him, "Be careful!"

"Uncle, You've changed your mind!"

He smiles at him, "Family sticks together, right?"

They smile at each other, "Uncle, I'm so-"

"You don't have to say it, I've already accepted your apology."

We look out at the ship below, "We're finally going home."

Feeling nervous about that statement, I stare at the boat with Iroh in suspicion. Finally making it down we walk down the pathway. A row of soldiers on each side, on the top of the ship I see Azula, Zuko's sister. 

Keeping my guard up I keep my face static, "Brother, Uncle, and who might you be?"

I give her a warm smile, "My name is Hikari, I have been traveling with Prince Zuko and General Iroh. It's nice to meet you, Princess Azula."

I bow slightly as she gives me a small yet calculating smile, "The pleasures all mine, Welcome. I'm so glad you decided to come."

The leading Captin walks up in front of us, "Are we ready to depart, your highness?"

"Set our course for home, Captian."

"You heard the princess. Raise the Anchors! We're taking the prisoners home."

We freeze as Azula's calm face turns angered.

"Your Highness, I..."

With that Iroh and I attack the guards behind us. Taking them out, and throwing them into the rocky ocean as quickly as possible. As Zuko chases after Azula, Iroh and I worry about the guards. 

I yell, "Zuko! Let's go!"

Falling on deaths ear, we continue taking the guards down. After we're done we rush up to see Zuko on the ground while Azula tries to strike him with blue lightning, while Iroh redirects it, tossing her toss the boat, I quickly grab Zuko and pull him to the exit. 

As we run, the grip on my bag tightens as I look around for any enemies nearby. Running along the riverbank, we stop to catch our breaths. 

"I think we're safe here."

Zuko pulls out a knife, cutting his ponytail iron does the same tossing them in the river to float away.