The Unpredictable Fire Adventurers [General Iroh II x Reader] [Legend of Korra]

『a canyon to conquer [1]

When the next day arrives, you wake up with a few kinks in your shoulders. Your adventure might have just begun, but you're already feeling the wear and tear of its burdens. With an aggravated sigh, you press your fingers hard into your back muscles and tend to your aches.

The only thing you can do now is endure these pains and hope that you get accustomed to this sort of lifestyle. Glancing over at your partner, you feel a sense of relief—at least the trip isn't lacking in the muscle department.

"So, which way?" Iroh breaks your thoughts.

You take out a piece of crumpled parchment from your pocket and analyze the landscape of the four nations. "We can go north and that'll take us to the Northern Water Tribe, or we can travel east and journey around the Earth Kingdom."

Iroh nods, placing a hand on his chin as he has an internal debate. "What... would you prefer?"

"Water tribe!" you exclaim without hesitation. "They're our exact opposites, and we can experience so much more there. Especially since the Northern Water Tribe is known for all its festivals and interesting resources."

"Aha, you know quite a lot," he comments, though he doesn't seem all that surprised.

Emitting a nervous chuckle, you try to reel in your excitement. "Oh uh yeah. It's just casual reading... I'm more than happy going to the Earth Kingdom's capital if you want."

He shakes his head, "I'm quite neutral on the two destinations. Let's do what you want first."

Gasping, a bright smile lights up your features. "You're the best!"

[_]

Upon seeing a canyon-like path in front of you, you both take a big gulp. You did anticipate a mountain to block your path, but you were never sure on how to approach it due to your limited resources.

"An earth bender would be ideal," you mutter to yourself.

"How so?" Iroh's voice is strained as he stretches his arms. He then looks back at you with a curious stare.

"Earth benders are perfect for making paths and clearing them for safer and faster travel."

He nods in wonder, "I can try to do that."

"You can't create--"

"I can clear them." He returns his gaze to the path before him. "The creatures here shouldn't be able to withstand my fire either."

You purse your lips. You're dubious to go ahead with a makeshift plan like that, but wasting time twiddling your thumbs isn't helpful either.

"Okay, let's do that," you relent. "I'll take note of our path so we don't get lost."

A devious smirk plays at his lips, "Yeah, getting lost in the mountains will definitely sour the trip."

Getting lost would be a serious consequence should you fail; however, he doesn't appear to doubt you with his life. To be depended upon and thought of this highly has your heart pumping with excitement.

"I'll make the trip sweet then," you quip, though your joke sounds more sexual than intended.

Iroh's eyes widen at the terrible joke. "I... wasn't expecting you to flirt with me so soon."

Your cheeks drown in pigments of red as you slap his arm hard. "G-Get real! I didn't mean it like that! A-And what do you mean so soon?"

His serious facade breaks, and he chuckles at your reaction. "Don't worry, I know what you meant... but for someone so intelligent, I didn't expect such poor execution of a joke."

"Quiet," you grumble, "or I'll lead you straight to the bottom of the mountain."

'To the gods above, make this trip bearable!'