Giggling softly, a lighthearted smile graced my face as I directed my attention skyward, pointing at a fluffy white cloud.
"Look at that cloud up there!" I said excitedly. "It looks like a turtle duck!"
I chuckled, a playful scoff escaping my lips, as Zuko posed a question. "Do you even remember what a turtle duck looks like?"
Before I could respond, he intertwined our fingers and then planted a soft kiss on the back of my hand. A giggle escaped my lips as I smiled at him.
I let out a soft giggle as I recalled the memory. "Of course, I remember them. They were always biting you."
The thought amused me, causing a groan to escape my lips, which quickly gave way to laughter. I rested my head against my bicep, facing him, the laughter continuing to escape me.
A warm smile spread across my face as he whispered, "You're beautiful."
I stood up, prompting him to follow suit. I joked, "You look like you could use some sleep."
In response, he chuckled softly before catching my wrist and pulling me closer. He leaned in and planted a quick, gentle kiss on my lips.
I felt a slight tug on my pant leg and looked down to find Yuki, her gaze filled with a mixture of worry and concern.
I looked at Yuki, a puzzled expression on my face, and inquired, "What's the matter, girl?"
In response, she tugged persistently at my pants, her claws leaving behind a series of small scratches. I scooped her up into my arms, her small frame snuggled against me.
"You're surrounded! There's no where to hide!"
The tension filled the air as the voices of the masked people echoed around us.
"You're surrounded! There's no where to hide!" Their harsh words pierced the silence, sending a surge of adrenaline coursing through my veins.
Bounty hunters.
Instinctively, Zuko and I assumed defensive positions, standing back-to-back, our gazes locked on the encircling bounty hunters.
"Get behind me," Zuko commanded, his voice low and resolute. His golden eyes flared with intensity as he prepared his stance, his fists igniting in a blazing inferno. But instead of obeying, I stood strong beside him, my feet planted firmly on the ground. "We fight together," I declared fiercely, my own fingers crackling with dancing flames.
The bounty hunter's smirk widened as he took in the sight of us.
"The traitor and the Avatar?" he sneered, his gaze lingering on me with a hint of satisfaction. "Well, well, what luck I've stumbled upon."
Before we could react, a metal cage ensnared me, the cold touch of the bars against my skin sending a chill down my spine.
I clenched my fists and pounded against the metal bars of the cage, my voice rising in anger.
"Hey! Let me out!" I yelled, frustration coursing through me as I continued to bang futilely against the unyielding structure.
With my eyes tightly shut, I directed my thoughts towards Yuki, hoping she would somehow receive the message.
"Yuki, go get Aang."I silently repeated, repeating the command in my mind, praying that the silent plea would reach her somehow.
The fire nation soldier's voice rang out urgently, his words carrying a sense of panic.
"Sir, the panda!" his voice echoed, the sound of commotion following shortly after.
My heart skipped a beat as I paused, a wave of dread washing over me.
