Spark [Prince Zuko - Book One]

❃Chapter Twenty Four❃

After traversing through the frozen tundra, Asake and Zuko finally found an oasis where they could rest. It had taken a lot to get here. They had to swim through the freezing water; they nearly drowned in said water; she almost froze to death once they got out of the water. Zuko had to spend five minutes heating Asake up with a small fire before they could start traveling again, and he yelled at her for getting too cold.

She was glad that they had found this oasis full of deep green grass, warm perfumed air, and tranquil silence. She rested against a wooden beam, leaning her head back. Her legs and feet were sore, and her fingertips tingled where life was trying to come back to them. Zuko stalked back and forth next to her, muttering to himself.

"I saw his little Water Tribe friend," he said loud enough for her to hear. "She and another girl were trying to comfort the Avatar and told him of a place where he could meditate. They have to be coming here."

Asake blew out a sigh, the warmth making her dizzy. She had to admit that this place was perfect for meditation and to give thanks to the Spirits. She turned her head toward the small pool where a white and black fish swam round and round, a bitter taste in her mouth. The Spirits didn't need thanks; they needed to back off and leave her alone.

"Patience is a virtue, Zuko," Asake said, looking back at him. Anger shone on his face. "No one else works on your time, so give it a few minutes."

"I could do without your comments."

"Yeah?" she asked, cocking her head to the side. "Are you going to yell at me for it, just like when you yelled about me being too cold? It's not my fault I'm smaller than you and more susceptible to the elements." Asake angrily stood up and marched over to Zuko, poking him in the chest. "What will you do if I comment again?"

Zuko's eyes flared, but he didn't say anything. Instead, he grabbed Asake by the arm and yanked her into the bushes. She yelped in surprise, but he shushed her while pointing at the small door across the bridge. The Water Tribe girl, a white haired girl, and the Avatar walked in. Asake watched as the Water Tribe girl grinned as she threw her parka off, saying something to the other two.

Asake didn't know how long it took for the Avatar to meditate and do whatever he needed to do. It didn't seem like anything was working, and the white haired girl realized that. She leaned in close to the Water Tribe girl and said, " Is there any way we can help?"

"What are we doing?" Asake asked Zuko quietly, ignoring what the other girl said. She made sure that her voice didn't echo around them. "Why are we waiting?"

"We have to wait for the perfect time to strike. Otherwise, we won't get the Avatar."

A shout from the Avatar startled Asake, and she nearly fell out of the bush she was crouching in. Zuko grabbed onto her arm, tugging her back to him. The bush rustled, but hopefully it wasn't loud enough to alert the Avatar and his friends that they were there.

"What are you doing?" Zuko hissed in her ear.

Asake shook her head angrily. "I'm sorry that I got scared." He scoffed.

The same blue glow that they saw way back in the Southern Water Tribe slowly made its way back to Asake and Zuko as the Avatar finally crossed into the Spirit World. She hoped that he would tell those Spirits off, but she knew he wouldn't do that.

"He's in the Avatar state," Zuko whispered, shifting on his feet. "You stay here."

She shook her head and jolted after him. He threw himself in front of the Water Tribe girl that had been traveling with the Avatar. "Well, aren't you a big girl now?" Zuko asked with a sneer when he saw her. Asake trailed behind him as the Water Tribe girl faced Zuko. Her face showed disbelief that he had found her. Zuko crossed the footbridge toward the Avatar and his friends, saying, "Yes! Hand him over, and I won't have to hurt you."