Light (Zuko x OC) ATLA Fanfic

Chapter 20 - Underneath the Surface

Hikari POV

Returning to our apartment, I couldn't help but worry about Zuko. He holds his head, "I don't feel right." Groaning he faints, "Zuko!"

I rush over to him, touching his forehead I gasp, "He has a fever, help me carry him!"

Getting him to his room, I place the cold cloth on his head as groans. Giving him some water, I tell him to stay under the blanket and sweat this out. He ends up takes the whole bucket down before going back to sleep. 

No POV

In Zuko's dreams, he sits on the throne as a blue and red dragon speaks in his ear. The blue, representing seduction and evil, voiced by his own sister and her sinister schemes. The red, representing honor and goodness, voice by his uncle and his kind heart. 

As the world grows dark he stands alone, the blue dragon comes in to strike, his mother calling for help. When all seemed lost, a white light appears. Running towards it only to reveal a large white dragon with calming red eyes. 

It speaks, with the voice of an angel, the voice of Hikari.

"Zuko, it's ok. There's always another way."

As he starts to fall again, the white dragon catches him, as he sits on her head they ride into the light into a better place and time. 

In reality, Hikari holds Zuko's hand, humming a tune as she strokes his hair. She watches as his tense face slowly grows calm as his breath evens out. With Iroh taking over he takes the girl to her room so she can rest. 

Being up all night and day has taken a toll on her. As Iroh feeds him tea, he explains how this sickness is caused by his own turmoil. Now he's at war with his own mind and body, going back to sleep. Iroh leaves the room, sometime later Zuko shoots awake calling out for Hikari, she does so as well calling his name in confusion. 

Leaving her room, she and Ro return to Zuko, laying down next to him. As soon as Zuko saw her he went back to sleep continuing his peaceful dream with the white dragon. Within his dreams, the white dragon shows Zuko her home. The green grass, the vibrant trees, sharing her wisdom. 

"It never wise to see things in black and white, red and blue. Sometimes words, desires, and dreams have more than one meaning. You must understand Zuko, that while you wish, for one thing, your heart and spirit desire the same thing but different. Landing on a green meadow the white dragon smiles at him, "It's time to wake up Zuko."

Opening his eyes, Zuko sits up to see Ro laying on his lap. Getting off, he flys out of the room. Getting dressed Zuko walks out to see a Hikari sipping some tea, seeing Zuko she smiles.

"Good morning."

He nods, "Morning, what's that smell?"

Iroh turns to him, "It's Jook. I'm sure you wouldn't like it."

Looking over it, he sniffs it a bit, "It looks a bit odd, but I'll try it."

This makes Iroh and Hikari look at him, due to his frown and sarcasm none existent in his statement. Grabbing two bowls he holds them out to him, Iroh looks at him suspiciously. "Now that your fever is gone, you seem different somehow."

Pouring some in both bowls he places one in front of Hikari, planting a kiss on her forehead. "To be honest I don't know how I feel. I'm still figuring things out, but all I can do is wait and think. Speaking of which, your new tea shop is opening."

Sipping the Jook, he smiles at his Uncle and lover. Ro moves over to Zuko, licking his cheek before going back over to Hikari. 

Later on, they work peacefully in the shop, Iroh overjoyed at his dream coming true and happy to have Zuko and Hikari by his side to see it. As the tea shop grows busier, Hikari help Iroh brew more tea for our growing customers.