AtLA Rewritten: Edition 1

Chapter 42

The next day--a few hours later, really--the sun was shining bright in the sky. As Zuko had ordered a rest day, the Team slept in. Nevertheless, the Fire Lord and Lady had duties. They were both a bit more relaxed after a passionate night, but Athlea's eyes still showed her pain.

Once they were all fully rested--except for the hungover Sokka--they gathered in the dining room for breakfast.

Aang turned to Zuko as they ate. "What's the plan today?" he asked.

"Relax," Toph said.

"Zuko and I agreed to take a full day to rest after last night's events," Athlea told Aang.

Zuko nodded. "We need a relaxation day, and then Althie is going to stay here for the rest of the week." He nodded at her.

Athlea blinked. "I'm going to stay back and heal," she explained with a soft smile, eating gracefully. Zuko nodded approvingly, glancing at her warmly.

"If that's what was decided, then alright." Aang shrugged and returned to eating. The Fire Lord nodded.

"You know... I like that idea," Sokka added.

Athlea raised an eyebrow. "What happened to you?"

"Your alcohol. It's so spicy, and yet, so good and strong," Sokka explained, one hand on his head while he tried to eat with the other.

Dai finished eating and smacked Sokka on the shoulder. "Come on, we're going horseback riding." She frowned. "Best way to clear a hangover!" She dragged his chair back and grabbed his wrist, dragging him away.

Katara laughed. "Bye then!"

Aang chuckled. "Have fun, Sokka!" he called, shaking his head with amusement.

Sokka's eyes widened as Dai dragged him away by the wrist. "W-wait! No! I didn't even manage to eeeeat!" His voice echoed in the room moments after the pair had left.

"Idiot," Toph muttered.

"What are you guys going to do today?" Aang suddenly asked, looking at the two Royals.

Athlea blinked a few times, "I need to visit one of the schools in the Fire Nation," she said calmly. "Look into new guards, that kinda stuff. Simple," she admitted.

Zuko was quiet for a moment before answering. "I have to check on the guards in the prison. I think I'll take Eld scouting the island to see if I can find what made us pass out. If Eld notices anything, he'll let me know."

Athlea frowned. "You're not going," she stated calmly, worried plastered all over her face.

Zuko sighed. "I won't be getting off of Eld. I won't even set foot on the island. There's nothing to worry about."

"Take Aang or Toph with you. I don't know--you shouldn't go alone."

Aang blinked, turning to Zuko with a smile. "Zuko, I can come with. Just in case. We'll have each other's backs." He looked at Katara nodding. "Athlea, you can hang out with Katara. You both need it."

Zuko rolled his eyes at Aang. "Fine. We leave now."

Minutes later, they were prepared to leave together. Athlea approached Zuko, her hand reaching over and holding his, a small smile on her face. "Please be careful," she said, looking into his eyes, her own heavy with worry and concern. "Just like you're worried about me, I'm worried about you," she said, leaning in and kissing his cheek.

Zuko hugged her, his eyes reassuring. "Not a single step on the island," he promised again. He saddled up, waiting for Aang before flying away.

***

A/N if I get one comment about Dai being a horse girl it's fucking over for y'all