Unbroken Spirit II (Zuko x OC) (Book 2)

Chapter 7

Nakota:

I've been avoiding Zuko ever since our kiss from last night. The tension now is just so awkward between us, I think even Iroh noticed it. We left the abandoned house and were now on Frankie, traveling to who knows where. I was leading in front while Zuko was behind me and Iroh was last on the saddle. I felt nervous with Zuko's hands wrapped around me, like it wasn't normal anymore. More like...different, though I didn't know if it was a good different.

"Maybe we should make camp." Zuko suggested after we heard Iroh gagging.

"No please, don't stop just for me." Iroh continued to moan and groan as if he was in pain. I furrowed my eyebrows at the weird man's actions, what was hurting him?

I pulled on the reigns, making us stop as Zuko and Iroh climbed down. Iroh made his way to a rock and sat down rubbing his arm. I was having a little trouble getting off until Zuko grabbed my waist and gently placed me down.

"Oh. Thank you." I said, turning away from him to avoid his stare.

Frankie then made a warning noise which made Zuko and I prepared for what was coming. "What now?" Iroh groaned.

Just then, we saw four guys dressed in Fire Nation attire surround us. Zuko and I raised our hands, ready to defend ourselves until Iroh placed his hands on both of our shoulders. "Colonel Mongke, what a pleasant surprise."

The colonel spoke with a harsh glare. "If you're surprised we're here, then the Dragon of the West has lost a few steps."

Zuko stepped in front of me, shielding me as the men were readying their weapons. To be honest, they did look a little terrifying. "You know these guys?" Zuko asked Iroh who still remained with a smile plastered on his face.

"Sure, Colonel Mongke and the Rough Rhinos are legendary." Iroh informed us. "Each one is a different kind of weapon specialist. They are also a very capable singing group."

I looked to Iroh quizzical. "Wait, these boneheads can sing?" I observed them for a moment and nodded. "Actually, I can believe it."

"We're not here to give a concert!" Colonel Mongke yelled. "We're here to apprehend fugitives."

Zuko and I stayed in our stances. "Would you like some tea first?" Iroh asked with a hint of mischief in his tone. "I'd love some. How 'bout you, Kachi?" He looked towards the beard-braided man. "I make you as a Jasmine man, am I right?"

"Enough stalling. Round 'em up!" Colonel Mongke ordered.

The braided ponytail guy threw his first hit with his chain toward Iroh who kicked it away with ease. The chain then wrapped around one of the guys rhinos and took off after Iroh motioned for it to go. The archer shot one of his arrows at Zuko and I, which made me react quickly. I took out my water and whipped it to him which made him fall back. Colonel Mongke blasted fire at us which caused Iroh to guard and defend us from the blasts. Zuko then jumped on Mongke's rhino and kicked him off, making him fly far away from us.

Iroh rushed toward Frankie and helped me up quickly. We motioned for Frankie to run forward which made Zuko jump on him next. He held onto my waist tightly while I held on to Iroh's shoulders for dear life. A fire bomb dropped in front of us but luckily did no damage. Finally, we escaped from them without a single scratch or bruise, making me sigh in relief.

"It's nice to see old friends." Iroh mused, looking back.

"Too bad you don't have any old friends that don't want to attack you." Zuko stated staring at Iroh with anger.

Iroh thought about this for a while. "Hmm...old friends that don't want to attack me?"

"Yeah, you think we could find one of those?" I asked while he still dwelled on Zuko's comment.