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

『a timely rescue [3]

"So, I was thinking... Why exactly am I being targetted?"

Although your tone holds not a modicum of fear, the situation oozes of danger. Your chains once again pull you to your demise, this time to a different spot with different people. You recognize one of them from the shady interaction at the Northern Water Tribe. His chiseled face and staunch nose are prime attributes in identifying him.

His partner, however, is new to you. She's a tall woman, probably mid-20's, who carries a pattern on her forehead. Her eyes carry little compassion and she's the perpetrator for the majority of your pain, pulling at your chains as if you were some dog.

"No one is going to answer me?" you mumble.

"Prisoners shouldn't speak," the woman states plainly.

"Okay, but I was kidnapped from my kidnappers, and now I'm seriously confused... Hey, you can't treat your prisoner that way--"

"Can we put a sock in her mouth?" the woman sighs.

The man chuckles at her suggestion and continues tugging you along. You're sure you've spent an hour already treading the sands as they direct you to the vacant woods; okay, so your guesstimate of time is probably an exaggeration, but every second feels like you're closer to death.

Once you make it into the forest, they pull you into a clearing where a familiar man awaits you. "You're the guy from that town..." you whisper.

His ears pick up your words, and a smirk graces his lips. Your two capturers kneel before him, and he acknowledges them with the nod of his head. "I am Xai Bau, and you will be joining the Red Lotus."

You gulp, his voice sounding eerily zen to be speaking that way.

[____]

"We have been investigating this group for quite some time," Aang says while flying on Appa. He statement is met with silence, causing him to glance over his shoulder to inspect his companions. Zuko sits there with little to no expression, while the other three boys marvel at the flying bison.

"I NEVER THOUGHT I'D EXPERIENCE THIS!!!!" Haku shrieks from his prostrated form.

"This fur... It's dense enough to block out the cold, but also bristle enough to fall during the summer. How sturdy..." Tonraq whispers to himself. 

"Gramps... Am I now part of Team Avatar?!" Iroh gasps while shaking the elderly man.

Watching them all fall apart has Aang laughing melodically. He returns his attention ahead and continues to guide Appa until they land on the entrance of a forest. The team hops off the bison's back and they return their focus to the situation.

"The Dai Li said they lost her at the entrance of the prison and that they last saw them disappearing around here," Zuko recites as he analyzes his surroundings.

"You think they went into the forest?" Iroh tentatively asks. 

"Most probably. We do have information of their hideout being in these parts of the wood, but it's underground," Aang responds as he strokes his beard. "If we had Toph, it would have been easy to find your friend."

"How is she by the way?" Zuko asks.

"She's good, I think. Haven't seen her since her disappearance in the swamp."

"...Is that going to be [Name]?" Haku swallows thickly as fear invades his system.

"N-No," Aang forces out a laugh. "We'll find her--"

"I SAID NO! I'M NOT JOINING!!!" a familiar voice reverberates across the woods. All four men tense up at the sound and look at each other.

In stealthy motions, they all speed through the forest terrain. Iroh moves quicker than the rest, his desperation to find you burning strong. It isn't until he reaches a clearing does he see your weakened body on the floor.

A middle-aged man stands before you, fire engulfing his left hand and ready to strike. A swell of anger bubbles in Iroh's chest and he flings himself at the scene. Words of protest die on Zuko's lips as he watches his grandson rush in to save the girl he loves. 

And he's never been prouder.

"GET AWAY FROM HER!"