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

Chapter 38

Chapter 38

Izara was packing a bag after receiving a note that she was going on a trip for a few days. The message from Zuko concerned her since she wasn't sure where they were going. Since he now knew what she was capable of, Zara's most profound fear that she'd be relegated to doing the same work she thought she'd left behind came bubbling to the surface. Knowing the Fire Lord, that wasn't the case, and he'd never ask her to do such things, but the hint of fear still appeared within her. That fear was merely instinctual, as it was ingrained into her after such a long time.

She was in full armour and held her pack in her hand, unable to put it over her shoulder because it was still sore. The note said he would come and get her but didn't say where to meet him, so she just waited outside her door. He appeared from around the corner, walking calmly over to her.

"Izara..." Fire Lord Zuko spoke, but his voice trailed off, appearing confused as he looked at her up and down. "You're in full armour."

"Of course. What do you need of me?" She responded evenly, slightly concerned about why he seemed so relaxed.

"Oh. Oohhh." He put his hands on his face, his fingers against his temples as if he must have realised something.

"Have I done something wrong?" Izara felt embarrassed but wasn't sure what was going on.

"No, no. It's my fault. My note was too vague. I'm sorry. I wanted it to be a surprise." He winced apologetically as he walked over to her.

Zuko began ushering her in the door to her temporary quarters. She did as she was bid, shuffling through the door after him and blinking slowly.

"You won't need your armour or weapons. We're taking a brief respite somewhere just outside the city." He informed her casually, and she noted that he was in comfortable clothing.

Realising that she'd overreacted by misinterpreting his note, she nodded in confirmation. Izara removed her armour, and the visible weapons, and the one's that were hidden inside clothing. She disappeared into the ensuite bathroom to change into black pants, a black shirt, and a loose, red haori. After glancing at her pack, she decided to change out some items. She wouldn't need the extra weapons she had packed since they weren't going on a mission. Zuko chuckled after seeing the knife set and steel fan she had pulled from her pack, and she rolled her eyes in response to his amusement. After removing them, she put in an extra change of casual clothes, a book and toiletries. Hoping she'd got the right things with her, she looked at him questioningly. He nodded in approval, smiling back at her.

The Fire Lord tilted his head towards the door with a 'Let's go' gesture but tugged her bag from her grip and slung it over his shoulder instead. She started walking behind him absent-mindedly, but he slowed his pace, and then so did she, glancing up at him with a puzzled expression. He laughed softly and stretched his arm out to reach over her shoulder. Nudging her forward to walk beside him, she took the hint and matched his pace. As a matter of habit, she'd reverted to her usual guard position of following behind him, always staying about three steps behind.

Appa awaited them with his saddle as they headed outside, ready to go. She smiled, excited about riding on the sky bison for the first time. Appa greeted the Fire Lord with an affectionate nuzzle that would have sent him flying if there was any strength behind it. Izara walked over to him carefully and allowed him to sniff her before she put her hand out to greet him. She laughed happily when Appa grunted to say hello and nudged his giant nose into her hand. It was incredible to see such a beautiful animal up close; he was also so adorable.

"Have you ever flown on a sky bison before?" Zuko asked with a charming drawl.

"I have not." She responded eagerly.