Light (Zuko x OC) ATLA Fanfic

Chapter 13 - My Own Way

Hikari POV

While Zuko and Iroh find ways to get some more money, I do a little searching to see if I can find more survival information. My goal is to head to a library or meet someone who knows much about the topic. With this, we won't have to rely on money and risking getting caught either.

Seeing a small bookstand, I look through the books. Seeing a few on hunting, weapon, and plants. Looking at the bookseller, he seemed to be about my age, giving me a goofy smile, he says, "And what does a pretty lady such as yourself from my collection."

I pick up the three books, "I would like these, please."

Looking at the books, he comments on my selection, "And why would you need these."

"Well, I am a traveler; it wouldn't hurt to learn something new."

He nods, "A nice head on your shoulders, how about I give you a discount, and a date with me."

I give him a small smile, "I'm sorry, but I will be leaving very soon. I won't be able to stay long enough for a date."

Sighing in defeat the teen gives me a sad smile, "I get it, I'll still give you that discount for letting me down gently. One copper piece."

Digging in my bag, I pull out one piece and hand it to him, "Thank you, may your kind heart lead you great fortune and love."

With that, I walk away, placing the small books in my bag. As I look around for Iroh and Zuko, I find them in front of fruit stand, leaning behind our carrying animals. Seeing Zuko keep to himself, I stand in front of them and smile.

"Well, that's one way to get some money."

Iroh smiles at me, "So how was the walk?"

I sit down in front of him, pulling out three books. "This should help us if we're in a pinch, three books about basic survival. And I got it all for one copper peice."

"Really?"

I nod, "Yeah, though I didn't think he would give me a discount after I turned him down, but he was nice. Here!"

I hand him a book on herbs, "This should tell you which ones are poisonous and which ones are not, so you'll be able to make tea as we travel."

He looks through the book and smiles, "Thank you, what about the other two?"

I show him, "This one is about crafting weapons, and this one is about hunting."

I look at Zuko, "Wanna see?"

He looks at me for a moment then looks away, I look at Iroh, and he gives me a worried smile.

Ever since then, Zuko would run off while Iroh scavenges for herbs, and I craft weapons from parts in the woods. As I tie up the end of the make-shift knife, I created, sitting next to Iroh as he drinks some tea, Zuko walks in, tossing two baskets full of food in front of us.

Iroh and I look down at it, Iroh asks, "Where did you get these?"

Zuko starts to walk away, "What does it matter where they came from?"

Iroh looks at him suspiciously as he eats one of the pastries. Heading to the local bath, I leave Ro with Iroh. Going through the necessary shine up, and receiving small free products like soup and lotion I wash up thoroughly.

Once I'm done, I soak in the hot springs, having some time for myself I smile but I don't stay long as the sun goes down. Getting dressed, I make my way to the forest as it grows dark. Feeling someone watching me, I hear quiet steps behind me. Quick, I kick the person with a great force.

Punching them in the throat the stranger behind chokes, I watch as they fall. Taking a deep breath I look down, only to see the boy from the book stand before. I frown, looking down at my hands. Ever since I woke up I've been on edge. I need to calm down, taking a deep breath I pull the boy near a wall. Letting him lean on a couple of barrels.

Feeling bad I mumble a small sorry, rushing off back to the forest, as I make my way to the cave. I smile at Zuko but he leaves looking conflicted. I frown at the sight before continuing my journey to the cave, gasping at the sight of exotic foods and golden trinkets. I sigh, "He stole these, didn't he?"

Iroh looks at me and nods, "He's spiraling into darkness, he just needs hope."

I lean against the cave entrance, waiting for him to come back. Seeing his silhouette in the distance he looks at me for a minute before entering the cave. "Uncle, I thought a lot about what you said."

"You did? Good, good."

"It's helped me realize something. We no longer having anything to gain by traveling together. I need to find my own way."

He takes his bag, "Wait! Zuko!"

I watch as he walks away, I hear a soft yet strong voice, "Hikari, go with him. Make sure he stays safe."

"But-"

"Go, please."

He turns to me, holding out my bag with Ro and some supplies in it. Handing me a carrier be gives me the rope. Giving him a warm hug I whisper to him, "Until next time."

Letting him go he smiles and nods, running after Zuko I call out to him. "Wait!"

He turns around, to see me, "Do you mind if I join you? I won't get in your way, I promise."

He looks at me then at his Uncle, "Sure."

Getting on we ride off into the forest, down the dirt path.