𝔸𝕖𝕪𝕖𝕟𝕟𝕒 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕊𝕚𝕝𝕖𝕟𝕥 𝔸𝕤𝕤𝕒𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕟: ℤ𝕦𝕜𝕠 𝕩 𝕆𝕔

ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝟚𝟚- ℕ𝕠, 𝕊𝕙𝕖'𝕤 ℂ𝕣𝕒𝕫𝕪, 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕊𝕙𝕖 ℕ𝕖𝕖𝕕𝕤 𝕥𝕠 𝔾𝕠 𝔻𝕠𝕨𝕟

The sun set below the horizon, casting long shadows across the deserted landscape, Aeyenna and Zuko pressed on. The sound of Iroh's labored breaths urged them to move faster.

Aeyenna glanced over at Zuko, his eyes reflecting the fading light of the setting sun. "We need to find somewhere to rest Iroh," she murmured gently, her voice barely above a whisper.

Zuko nodded, his jaw clenched with determination. "Agreed. But it has to be somewhere safe, away from prying eyes."

Their search led them deeper into the wilderness, away from main roads and towns. Eventually, they stumbled upon an abandoned house surrounded by overgrown foliage, its windows boarded up and its roof sagging from neglect.

"This might have to do..." Aeyenna remarked, her gaze sweeping over the rundown structure.

Zuko hesitated, his gaze lingering on the worn-out walls. "It's not much, but it's better than nothing."

Together, they carefully guided Iroh through the creaking door into the dimly lit interior, Aeyenna struggled under his weight. Her arms trembled, and sweat formed on her brow as she fought to keep him steady.

Zuko's brows furrowed in concern as he watched Aeyenna's struggle. "Careful!" he snapped, his voice tinged with frustration. "You're going to drop him!"

Aeyenna gritted her teeth, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "I'm trying, okay? He's way heavier than he looks!"

"Are you calling my uncle fat?!" Zuko's eyes narrowed, his frustration boiling over. "Well, try harder! We can't afford any mistakes right now."

Aeyenna's jaw clenched as she fought to suppress her rising anger. "I know that!" she shot back, her voice sharp with irritation.

As they settled Iroh onto a makeshift bed of blankets, Zuko turned to Aeyenna, his expression softened with gratitude. "Thanks,"

Aeyenna's confusion deepened as Zuko thanked her, considering his recent outburst. She couldn't help but feel a pang of frustration at the inconsistency in his behavior.

"Thanking me now, mhm?" she muttered under her breath, though clear enough for Zuko to hear.

Zuko glanced at her, sensing her skepticism, and sighed. "Look, I know I got angry earlier, but I appreciate your help. I was just worried about uncle, and seeing you struggle to lift him... it got to me."

Aeyenna raised an eyebrow, still skeptical. "So you yelled at me because I couldn't lift him?"

Zuko shook his head, his gaze dropping to the floor. "No, I yelled because... because I was scared. I didn't know if uncle was going to make it, and I took it out on you."

Aeyenna softened slightly, "It's okay, Zuko. I get it."

Aeyenna carefully knelt beside Iroh, her hands trembling slightly as she focused her energy on him. She closed her eyes, letting the healing power flow through her, her movements gentle and deliberate. Zuko watched in silence, his eyes fixed on Aeyenna's hands as they hovered over Iroh's injured body.

After a few moments, Aeyenna opened her eyes, her expression a mixture of concentration and determination. She continued to channel her healing energy, her movements becoming more fluid as she worked to ease Iroh's pain and hasten his recovery.

Zuko observed her with a sense of awe, amazed by her ability to heal and the care she showed for his uncle.

As Aeyenna's healing session came to an end, she exhaled deeply, her energy spent but her resolve unwavering. She glanced up at Zuko, meeting his gaze with a small smile of reassurance.