The Fire Within - an atla fanfic (Zuko x OC)

Body's Aching All The Time

We now were riding through a very desolate location, still on the run. Uncle was still recovering from when Azula shot him with fire a few days ago. Uncle and I rode on the ostrich-horse, while Zuko walked beside us. Zuko and I took turns on the ostrich-horse so it wouldn't get tired as easily. As we had been travelling that day; however, Uncle had quietly complaining the whole time, groaning every few minutes. After a while of this, I could tell Zuko was trying to hide his frustration.

"Maybe we should make camp." Zuko suggested.

"Yes, I think that's a good idea, Uncle." I added.

"No, please, don't stop for me!" Iroh said in a pained voice. He let out more pained groans.

I looked at Zuko quizzically, and after a shared look, I pulled on the reins to stop the ostrich-horse. I got off and Zuko helped Iroh down so he could rest on a large flat rock. I watched our animal's ears jerk up, alert. I turned to where the commotion seemed to be coming from as Zuko took a defensive position.

"What now?" Iroh said, annoyed.

Several men on rhinos suddenly streaked around us. The rhinos stomped on the ground forcefully, breaking the surface of the ground. I tried my best to mirror Zuko's defensive position as they all circled us.

"Colonel Mongke! What a pleasant surprise!" Iroh said, placing a hand on Zuko's shoulder.

"If you're surprised we're here then the Dragon of the West has lost a few steps." One of guys responded sternly. The other men got out their weapons, making me very intimidated.

"You know these guys?" Zuko asked Uncle.

"Sure. Colonel Mongke and the Rough Riders are legendary. Each one is a different kind of weapons specialist. They are also a very capable singing group." Uncle explained.

"We're not here to give a concert. We're here to apprehend fugitives!" Colonel Mongke snapped at Uncle.

"Would you like some tea first? I'd love some. How about you, Kachi? I make you as a jasmine man. Am I right?" Uncle continued calmly.

"Enough stalling! Round 'em up!" Colonel Mongke instructed the others.

Before a split second could pass, the men all began fighting us. Zuko started fighting one of them, and I watched as the archer dude began shooting a lit arrow towards Zuko, who was facing away. I lunged forward and slapped it down before it could reach Zuko. I squared up to the archer and shot a burst of fire at him before he could nock his next arrow. My fire burned straight through his string, making his weapon useless.

I stood there mockingly, until Uncle grabbed my arm. "Ashley, we must go now." He told me. We both ran over to the ostrich-horse, and I got on behind Uncle.

"Where's Zuko?" I asked quickly. I looked behind us as we started riding away and saw Zuko riding towards us on a rhino. He caught up to us and jumped on behind me.

I shielded my face as one of the bad guys threw a grenade at us, the smoke suddenly usurping us. We made it through all the smoke, and kept going.

"It's nice to see old friends." Iroh said after a few moments.

"Too bad you don't have any old friends that don't want to attack you." Zuko replied.

"Hmm... Old friends that don't want to attack me..." Iroh thought aloud.

I scoffed. "We are going to die out here."

Iroh changed the subject. "Ashley, I see you have gained more skill in firebending."

"I mean, I guess." I replied. "I just tried to remember what Zuko looked like while he sparred on the ship and I usually get the gist of it."

"Why did you watch me spar?" Zuko asked, with what I could imagine was a smirk.