Where There Is Smoke, There Is Fire [Avatar: The Last Airbender Fanfic]

Chapter 35

Chapter 35

Finally, the Capital City came into sight, and she walked through the streets with as much purpose in her step as she could muster, exhausted as she was. Her left arm was clenched tightly to her side to keep her wound from moving as much as possible. Her right eye was so swollen that she could barely see. Most of her injuries had stopped bleeding, but the one on her calf dripped, and her pants had soaked through. The Palace was in sight, and she pushed forward, keeping one thought in her head. It was why she had fought so hard to get out of there and get back. She got blank, horrified stares as she walked through the city, nearing the Palace with every step. Her clothes were torn and bloody, and she knew she looked horrible, but no one stopped her. A guard offered her help, but she waved him away, and he reluctantly returned to his post. He referred to her by name, so word must have spread about her by now.

Zuko.

She needed to get back, back to him.

He would be worried sick, and she needed him to know that she was okay, to tell him about the plans she had heard. She was too shy to admit it to him directly, but she had come to care for him so much over the last few months. As Fire Lord, she greatly respected him, as he worked tirelessly to ensure the happiness and prosperity of his people and country. As a man, he was kind, compassionate, and genuine. Judging by his reaction when she was taken and the kiss they shared, he cared about her. Thankfully, it was what she wanted since it meant she would be captured instead of killed, but a small part of her was bashfully overjoyed about it. Even though her heart had sung for him, and her thoughts of him had kept her going, she was still anxious about their growing closeness. She didn't deserve someone like him. With all the blood on her hands from her past, she didn't deserve to have someone care for her like he did, let alone love her. She'd done too many irredeemable things in her life to allow herself such selfishness of being with him.

As she reached the Palace, the guards outside nodded their respects on their way in and just watched her with wide eyes after she declined their assistance. They didn't stop her, knowing she would head straight to the Fire Lord's office. It seemed that everyone knew what had happened by now. Once she reached the right hallway, her hair covered most of her face. It had fallen out of its usual braid long ago.

She turned to head down the hallway that held the Fire Lord's chambers, swaying slightly. The guards went to stop her from entering, but she pushed her hair out of her face, and they stepped back in horror to let her enter after recognising her. Luan was one of them and muttered her name softly. Wen was at her desk, and her eyes were as wide as saucers when she saw her. She stood up and walked over to her but didn't say anything. Her hands hovered near, just in case Izara lost her footing, but she didn't touch her. Wen wasn't the cautious type, but she seemed worried that Izara might break if she touched her. Standing in front of the doors, Izara took a breath to steel herself, and she pushed the large door open with her good arm, her other clutched to her side so she didn't re-open her shoulder wound. She shook with the pain, and forcing the door open even with her other arm made it sting sharply.

Zuko was leaning against his desk, and Aang sat in the seat in front of him. Zuko stood up when he laid eyes on her, and Aang turned around in his chair to see who it was when he saw Zuko's face. She walked in, the door closed behind her, and Izara fell to her knees, placed her hands on the floor, and bowed.

"My Lord, I apologise for taking so long to return. I bring information on their forces, weaponry, and plans." Her voice was raspy from lack of use and exhaustion. She reached into the satchel and pulled out the plans, notes, and everything else she'd stolen.

"K-Katara." Zuko stuttered, his tone full of quiet urgency. It was also a request that Aang give them some privacy.

The Avatar grinned happily and whispered to Izara that he was glad she was back. He knew she couldn't move yet as she was trying to beg forgiveness, but he didn't want to leave without letting her know. It had been hell dealing with Zuko over the last few days, and the look in his eyes seeing that she was okay was the most adorable thing he had ever seen. He definitely wouldn't tell Zuko that, though.