A Search within the Force and Flame

VII

After a sleepless night in the cave, Azula and Logan had an awkward breakfast of salvaged ration packs before gathering what little they had and setting off into the forest to find the others. Neither spoke about the events of the night before. Aside from the occasional glance or grunt while climbing over fallen trees or cutting through foliage, silence lingered between them.

They trekked for what felt like hours before emerging into a small clearing. The sun hung high in the clear sky.

"What time is it, Jedi?" Azula asked.

Logan looked up, a distinct look of concentration on his face, carefully choosing his words. "Best guess? Midday, your highness," he said.

Azula's face wrinkled slightly in annoyance. She planted her feet firmly, placing her hands on her hips. "I'm not going any further until you tell me the plan, Jedi!" she declared defiantly.

Logan ran a hand over his face in irritation, inhaling deeply before releasing a slow breath. He turned to face her.

"Your highness," he said calmly, "rule of thumb says that if there's a stream or a body of water nearby, follow it downstream—that's where civilization is... usually."

Azula arched an eyebrow. "Usually?" she repeated, unconvinced. "You mean to tell me you're guessing?"

"There is no guessing when it comes to the Force, your highness," Logan said. "I simply follow where it guides me, and it's telling me that our way back to the others is that way." He motioned down the forest path.

Azula studied him for a moment. She didn't fully understand the Force, but she had seen him and others like him use it. Before she could respond, Logan spoke again.

"If you don't like the way we're going, you're welcome to take charge. After all, you're the diplomat, and I'm just the Jedi protector who offered his services on this wonderful excursion," he said, voice laced with sarcasm.

Azula let out a reluctant sigh, lowering her stance. "Fine. Lead the way."

They pushed forward until they reached the edge of a large clearing.

"Once we get to the clearing, I should be able to get a better gauge of where we are," Logan said confidently.

Azula crossed her arms and rolled her eyes.

"Your vote of confidence is oh so appreciated, your highness," Logan quipped sarcastically.

"Don't start, Jedi. We're in the thick of it as is," Azula retorted.

"Gee, I wonder why," Logan muttered under his breath.

Azula's gaze snapped to him. "If you have something to say, say it!"

Logan tensed, his patience fraying. He turned to face her, his expression sharp.

"That depends, your worshipfulness," he said, voice biting. "Are you going to attack me for speaking the truth because it hurts your feelings?" He paused. "Or, and hear me out, are you actually going to listen?"

Azula narrowed her eyes. "That depends," she said, stepping closer until she stood directly in front of him, looking up. "How does the saying go where you're from?" She smirked. "I believe it's 'how much you piss me off.'"

Logan's lips twitched slightly. "Is that right?"

Before he could reply, he suddenly turned, head tilting slightly.

Azula's smirk widened. "What, no comeback?"

Logan didn't respond. His focus had shifted entirely.

"There's someone coming," he said.