Five years later…
Zuko was now an elementary school student. No longer having the baby fat he had when he was younger, he was a little taller than his peers and more athletic compared to regular children.
His physical abilities were not the only thing developed, but his brain worked fast as well. He showed an amazing talent for logic and memory at a young age. He followed his academic prodigy of an aunt's study plan strictly as well, growing to be an acknowledged academic overachiever in school too.
He was the pride of Cordelia and Zephyr and the future hope of the Hamertons.
Furthermore, he was admired by his younger Zuko, Toph Hamerton, like an idol.
Yeap, that was right… A younger Zuko.
Five years ago, Zuko thought that he would have a younger sister. But when the adults at home hurried to the hospital one day, leaving him and Helen at home, he saw her tinkering with a deck of tarot cards mysteriously and smiling cryptically as she told him, "Looks like your father will be disappointed this time."
Back then, Zuko was naive and did not know what was going on. He later saw his father bring back a soft and tender little baby with a complicated expression on his face.
Helen, who had once said that the couple needed to have seven sons before having a daughter quickly, hid in the kitchen to cook.
The little baby broke into a loud wail when Zuko leaned over to take a look.
…
"Zuko!"
As soon as Zuko stepped out of the door, a crisp shout came from behind, followed by a soccer ball thrown his way.
"Not today!" Zuko put on his big brother act and said seriously, "I have to go to tutoring class!"
"Zuko!" Toph was only a little over four years old and was in his playful and hyperactive phase. He usually clung to Zuko. When he saw Zuko at home, he would throw aside any picture books or toys and look at his big brother with eyes full of admiration.
"Zuko, let's play soccer together! I don't have class in preschool today. Why do you still have to go to class?"
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