𝐆𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 [ᴢᴜᴋᴏ]

Chapter 10

Episode 7, Winter Solstice: The Spirit World

I got on deck and looked around the forest in hope to see Iroh coming our way. It was getting dark and he still wasn't back making me worried.

Zuko came on deck looking angry and worried at the same time as he made his way off the ship. I quickly followed him, determined to find Iroh safe and sound. Zuko only glanced at me but ignored me, so I took that as a yes that I can follow him.

A few guards were following us and we made our way to Iroh's last place. "Uncle! Where are you?" Zuko shouted as he went through the bushes to the stony area where Iroh's pool was.

It was empty and there were spikes coming out of the pool. It looked like he was attacked by earth benders. "Sir, maybe he thought you left without him." One guard suggested and I scoffed at that. As if.

"Something's not right here," Zuko looked around for some evidence. I rolled my eyes at their stupidity, "There, these spikes of rock," I spoke up for the first time and pointed at the pool. Their heads turned to me and Zuko looked like he wanted to shout at me but the guard interrupted us, "It looks like there's been a landslide, sir."

"Yeah, because these rocks certainly moved by themselves. Uphill." I commented while rolling my eyes. "My uncle's been captured by earth benders!" Zuko said looking at us.

"Ready my Rhino, I am going to find my uncle," Zuko yelled as we hurried back to the ship. "I am coming with you," I told Ponytail as he waited in front of the ship for his Rhino. "No, you're not," he spat. I am so close to punch his handsome face right now. Handsome? No no no, I need to stop thinking that, he kidnapped me. My kidnapper can't be handsome.

I shook my head slightly to dismiss this thought. "Fine, you're coming with me. These idiots of guards are too stupid to watch after you anyways." His sentence snapped me back to reality. "Did you just agree?" I asked dumbfounded.

"Yes, now come on before I change my mind." He said and started walking beside his Rhino. I was still shocked that he simply agreed and jogged after him. When we were in the forest he got onto his Rhino and looked at me as if he was waiting for something.

"Could you please stop staring at me like that, it's creepy." I told him shifting my weight on my other foot looking away. "I am not staring at you," Zuko suddenly shouted making me jump.

"Hop onto the Rhino," he ordered. My jaw dropped as soon as realization hit me. "No, I'm not getting on that thing," I exclaimed pointing at the Rhino. It was so big and scary and besides I don't want to be so close to Ponytail, "I'll walk," I stated and started walking.

Zuko mumbled something under his breath and the Rhino started walking. I gasped when two strong arms grabbed my waist and put me onto the Rhino. "Hey!" I exclaimed now sitting in front of Zuko. My back is pressed to his warm chest. I knew that fire benders had a warm body temperature but he was so warm, almost hot like a radiator.

"Oh my Elements, he's so hot," I mumbled under my breath shifting in my seat a bit. "Did you just call me hot?!" Zuko suddenly asked. "You heard that?!" I replied blushing and turned my head to look at him with wide eyes. Oh no, that is so embarrassing.

"Do you have a fever?" I blurted out. I really have to make situations even more awkward than they already are. "No," he stated looking confused. I didn't know what to say, I only wanted to disappear into thin air in that moment. "Good," I replied nodding slowly, "Then let's find your uncle, shall we." As soon as I turned away from him I released a quiet breath of relief.

We were looking for the whole night and the sun was already rising when we found a shoe on our way. Zuko stopped the Rhino and got off. I followed his lead in need of moving around a bit because of sitting so long. I came to a halt beside him and looked at the sandal.