Daughter of the Moon - Book Two: Earth

Chapter 7.4: A Brief Reunion

- Elara -

By some miracle, Katara and I had somehow managed to lug Sokka into Appa's saddle before taking off to find Aang. Just as I had predicted, Sokka quickly regained feeling in his limbs and returned to the same old (exhausted) teen that I had known. Unfortunately, Sokka had also made several faulty attempts to get me alone (at least, as much as you could in the saddle of a flying bison) in an attempt to hold a private conversation with me about something important. I knew—without a doubt—what that something was, and I was not ready to open that can of worms. So, I discreetly stayed real close to Katara so that I could avoid any awkward confrontation.

After what felt like an eternity of flying (either due to the effort of avoiding Sokka or the sluggish speed at which Appa seemed to be flying), we finally arrived at a small desert town. At least, whatever was left of one. The village was run down and crumbling, having been abandoned many years ago by the looks of it. And, surely enough, the few buildings that had remained were now smoldering as fresh flames ate away at the sun-dried wood. The blue streaks that kissed the sky gave me a good idea as to where the fire had come from, but I also couldn't help but worry when I didn't see the familiar flash of orange to accompany them.

Appa landed just as Aang jumped on top of a tall building, the structure crumbling as Azula sliced an entire chunk of wall off with her blue fire, causing the roof to cave in on itself (which was quite impressive, in my opinion). Although the concern I held for my airbender friend was legitimate at the time, I was too preoccupied with the fear that gripped me by Zuko's apparent tardiness. I knew that he wouldn't have chickened out, or anything, but I also knew that he should've arrived at the town long before I did. He should have been in there fighting.

"Sokka! Katara! Go help Aang!" I ordered as I leaped from Appa's saddle to the ground. "I'm going to find Zuko!"

"Geez, what is it with you and Zuko?" Sokka spit as he tumbled down Appa's tail to follow me.

I didn't pay too much attention to his question, electing to run as quickly as I could so that I could get away from Sokka faster and find Zuko sooner. "There's no time for trivial questions," I called back. "Aang needs you!"

I glanced over my shoulder just in time to see him hesitate—the reality of his internal struggle flashing across his face in a brilliant expression of confusion and disgusted understanding—but he eventually gave in and followed after Katara to come to the young airbender's rescue. And I couldn't be more grateful.

I hurried through the town, tracing the destruction of the commencing battle to the middle of a small alleyway. There, lying in the middle of the road surrounded by rubble, was my idiot of a prince (thank goodness). I ran to his side to help him, and Zuko groaned as he sat up, rubbing the side of his head as he comprehended what was going on.

"Elara?" he moaned as he watched me approach.

"I'm gone for ten minutes and you've already gotten yourself beat up," I teased as I helped Zuko to his feet (his scowl burning holes through the back of my head). "Come on, you big oaf. Let's get you up and outta here."

Zuko didn't waste a moment to argue, willingly following me as I turned on my heel to leave. However, we quickly discovered that our exit was blocked off by a short, stalky figure.

"Would you like the assistance of an old friend?" the newcomer asked.

"Iroh!" I cheered as I ran to the old man and pulled him into a bear hug. "I can't believe you're here!"

"How did you find us?" Zuko asked as he stood back to watch.

Iroh smirked as he looked between the two of us, the familiar, knowing look shining through his eyes as if he were revealing some kind of mischievous plot. "Let's just say I was never too far away," he said. "Now let's go. I think you're friends need our help!"