not from around here | Zuko X OC

| chapter twenty nine |

After a few days, and a lot of Saki convincing Zuko that she was fine, the trio started their travels on the ostrich horses again, Saki and Zuko on one, uncle Iroh on the other.

Saki was still in pain, but her regular healing sessions were really paying off, and her side was almost completely healed.
Saki's leg however, was not so healed. She had tried her best, but she knew it was going to scar. But, that wasn't so bad. She thought it looked kind of cool, if she was being honest.

Saki was sat behind Zuko on the ostrich horse, sweating in the heat. Uncle Iroh was suffering too and looked like he wanted to stop.

"Maybe we should make camp." Suggested Zuko, wary of the two slightly less agile and healthy people he was travelling with.
"No please, don't stop just for me!" Iroh exclaimed.

He let out several more groans before Saki said, "Uncle, stop being so dramatic, we'll stop now. I don't know how much longer I can go in this heat and your complaining anyway."

Zuko had gotten used to her calling Iroh uncle now. It had actually taken a little while for him to figure out. Saki had to tell him to see if he was being really unobservant or was just ignoring it. He said he didn't even notice at first, and that he thought she'd always called him uncle.

Uncle had told Zuko that Saki called him uncle because of how close he and Saki were, but Zuko didn't seem sure that was the whole reason.

They stopped the ostrich horses and Saki was about to jump off when she heard a noise. The ostrich had heard it too and seemed to be alarmed.

Saki slid off and assumed a fighting stance with the other two, only to have Zuko step in front of her protectively.

"Move!" Saki said, shoving him out of the way with her hip and elbow.

"I was just trying to help." He snapped.

"I can look after myself, remember?" Saki asked sassily, still trying to push him.

"Yeah but you're hurt already." He said, trying to push her back behind him.

"I'm still going to fight." Saki growled, trying to get him off and step to his side.

"No you won't." He snapped, letting go of her arm he had a grip on and glaring at her. "You'll stay out of harms way!" He snapped through gritted teeth.

"Make me." Saki growled, also through gritted teeth.

"I will in a minu-" Zuko was cut off by a gang of rhino's appearing from the bushes.

The main rhino leader stopped in front of them and, to Saki's surprise, uncle smiled and placed a hand on hers and Zuko's shoulders.

"Colonel Mongke! What a pleasant surprise!" Uncle exclaimed.

"If you're surprised we're here, then the Dragon of the West has lost a few steps." The one who looked like the leader of the gang spoke up.

"You know these guys?" Saki and Zuko asked at the same time, looking up at Iroh.

"Sure. Colonel Mongke and the Rough Rhinos are legendary. Each one is a different kind of weapon specialist." Saki glanced at each of the members as Iroh talked, intrigued by this strange group.
"They are also a very capable singing group." Iroh added.

"We're not here to give a concert. We're here to apprehend fugitives!" The leader spoke up again.

"Would you like some tea first? I'd love some. How about you, Kahchi? I make you as a jasmine man. Am I right?" Iroh asked, nodding at one of the men.