𝑭𝑳𝑨𝑴𝑬𝑺 || 𝑨𝒂𝒏𝒈 (𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 3)

The Old Masters

Here's a quick recap; we're less than two days away from Sozin's Comet, and our heroes have no idea where Aang is. Originally, Jade was set on trusting Zuko and whatever insane idea he had. But when they got to their destination in the Earth Kingdom, she had absolutely no idea what he was thinking.

How could he possibly think that they would find Aang across the sea in an Earth Kingdom pub?

Reluctantly, they hopped down from Appa to follow Zuko inside. At Jade's side, Katara glanced up at Zuko with a frown. "And the reason you brought us to a seedy Earth Kingdom tavern is what now?"

Zuko pointed ahead. "June."

In the middle of the room, a beautiful dark-haired woman was sitting by herself. Everyone else in the tavern was gathered around the sidelines, watching a brawl between some thugs. One of these thugs started toward June, who didn't even turn away from her drink as she knocked him down with just a kick to the neck.

"Oh, yeah," Sokka blinked. "That weird bounty hunter with the giant mole."

June was still holding her drink as she stood up to take on the second thug. Suki furrowed her brows. "Mole? Her skin is flawless."

"No, she has this giant mole creature she rides around on."

"A shirshu." They glanced away from the one-sided brawl to look at Zuko again. "It's the only animal that can track Aang's scent anywhere in the world." He met Jade's gaze. "It's the one shot we have of finding him."

That was enough for Jade. She returned her attention to June, who tossed her steaming drink in the air to finally fight back. After launching the brute into a table in the corner, she caught her drink to down it.

Toph grinned. "I don't know who this June lady is, but I like her!"

June returned to her seat like nothing happened. Sokka's brows furrowed in recognition. "Hey, I remember her. She helped you attack us!"

"Yup," Zuko sighed wistfully. "Back in the good old days."

They followed him to June's table. Despite spotting them from the corner of her eye, June didn't look away from the tea she was pouring into her cup.

"Oh, great, it's Prince Pouty. Where's your creepy grandpa?"

Zuko glared. "He's my uncle." He dropped his gaze. "And he's not here."

Jade set her hand on his back. June glanced at them. "I see you found yourself a new girlfriend."

This time, both of the glared at her. "No, he didn't!"

"She's not my girlfriend!"

"Good. This one's too cute for you." She sipped her tea. "So what do you want?"

"We need your help finding the Avatar." Zuko told her.

June hummed. "Doesn't sound too fun."

Clenching his fists, Zuko glared at her. "Does the end of the world sound like more fun?!"

~

Back outside, they found Appa and the shirshu growling at each other. Hovering over their heads, Miko seemed like she was trying -- and failing -- to be a mediator. But when she noticed everyone's return, she didn't hesitate to fly over and take her place on Jade's head.

Jade couldn't blame her; putting herself in the middle of a feud between a bison and a shirshu did not seem fun. Or smart. Or safe.

Appa licked the shirshu's face, which then seemed to quiet both of them down. Approaching them, June waved a slab of meat while singing her partner's name.