The Half of Me | Zuko

Chapter Twenty Five: Return to Omashu [P2]

Ryoko could feel the wind against her cheeks as Aang guided her through Omashu on the roofs. It was an unfamiliar feeling, racing against the breeze to find Aang's old friend. As Aang wanted to help his old friend, Ryoko wanted to protect Aang from her own old friend. Seeing the four of them was an intriguing sight, Ryoko just hoped it wasn't enough to keep her attention. Ryoko had no doubts that Mai was close by with her family and that it wouldn't be an easy task to find Bumi alone, not by a large amount of soldiers. She didn't want to ask him if he thought they would find Bumi, wherever he could be. If Ryoko was honest, she didn't know what to tell him, if there were any right words. 

Aang stayed silent as well through their quest, Ryoko was unable to determine exactly how he felt now. Even through their strange connection, Ryoko couldn't help him so much in a time of need. The best she could do was be there for him and try to protect him when the moment calls for it, when others from her nation would come after him, even if they're an old friend. 

Aang lands on top of a stone roof, Ryoko following his movements and landing on her feet. Her heart beat fast as she tried to calm it down. Jumping was better than flying, she would admit. She strays forward over the edge and sees a large creature pushing a wheel, round and round without end. He wasn't as big as Appa, but still some would consider the beast to look dangerous. Ryoko just felt pity upon seeing the chains. 

Yet, Aang was the one who had shown the most excitement since they arrived to Omashu. He picks Ryoko up easily while Ryoko lets out a gasp and the two land down on the lower level where the animal was. "Flopsy!" Aang yells out with glee. Ryoko furrows her brows as she stares in between the two. 

"Is that Flopsy?" Ryoko questioned out loud through her many questions inside. The name did not match the intimidating look to him. 

"He's Bumi's pet!" Aang holds out his arms while Ryoko smiles kindly at Flopsy. Flopsy rushes forward but is stopped short from the chains around his neck. Ryoko moves closer, peering at the chains that held him by the wheel. 

"Do you want to do it?" 

Aang jumps up without answering her, landing on the wheel. His arms move elegantly and with ease, pulling water to the side out of its bucket and freezing it on the lock that held Flopsy there. He swings his staff and Aang breaks the lock with a crash. Flopsy envelopes Aang in a tight hug. 

"Flopsy, this is Ryoko!" He chuckles as Flopsy licks his face. "Come on, Flopsy. You gotta help us find Bumi!" He climbs onto Flopsy's back, holding out his hand for Ryoko. She places her hand onto his and grips tightly while she swings forward and lands behind Aang on Flopsy's back. "Yip, yip!" After the moment of silence from the three Aang realizes. "Oh, I guess that doesn't work with you. Let's go!" 

Without another word or sound, Flopsy takes off running through the city. Ryoko holds onto Aang while the two look around attempting to find sight of Bumi or any hints. But the king was nowhere to be found. The city wasn't familiar to Ryoko, as the firebender's eyes scrimmaged for a clue to finding Bumi. There was no use. They had to be keeping him somewhere secure, deep in the city with competent guards. 

"Maybe we should turn back, get back to the group," Ryoko suggests in a sympathetic tone, bringing a deep frown to Aang's face. He only nods as he grabs Flopsy's attention to get out of the city.

By the time they were able to make it out of the city and on their way to the rebellion's spot, the sun had set and Aang's disappointment grew. Ryoko sighs as she looks back at the great city now occupied by the fire nation. A part of her wondered where Mai was now, what she was doing while her family stayed in Omashu. She hadn't mentioned anything to Aang about seeing her childhood friend and hoped she wouldn't have to say it. Seeing the sullen look on his face because of his own friend being missing made Ryoko question whether to tell him. It would be better, she thought, to keep it to herself.